We could only plan...............................

April is a transition period between study phase and examination phase of many students be in the secondary or university’s level all over the over. As for me the last two weeks of April was very hectic and exhaustive physically and mentally. Besides the essentials meetings – MTM, HRC, CEO, and the HSE, I faced by two serious disciplinary cases on defamatory issue and falsification of document. One case had been terminated and the other is still on the second part of story line. Other story that had disrupted us mental strength psychologically was the sad news transmitted to from Malaysia; one of the Yayasan Yusuf’s houses in Miri was intruded, clean swept by some unknown freak. I cannot blame them though, because the house itself was unattended and not properly managed. Good lessons learnt for all of us. Before that, we were shocked when we were informed that one of my brothers-in-law might have contracted blood cancer or leukemia! Alhamdulllillah, it was just some kind of rheumatoid syndrome. Towards the end of April, the whole world was alerted by the swine flu pandemic, which started in Mexico and spread dramatically within few weeks crossing the continent to New Zealand. The outbreak disrupted tourism sectors, transportation, consultants, etc. On the other hand, it developed some kind or awareness to many people on hygiene matters, diet, networking, etc. As for me, I will have to cancel my Valencia, Spain trip. There was one fatality case in Valencia itself reported 3 days ago. Alhamdullillah, I have recovered from my ‘spring’ flu, which I had contracted since almost two weeks ago, which had wrecked havoc my mental strength and forced me to visit the el-Salamah Hospital, Alexandria.
These whole things are something shown by the Almighty Allah swt, for us to ponder, think, and subsequently enhance our faith and devotion before Him. It reminds me about this very famous Malay proverb, it says; we could only plan, the Almighty Allah swt decides. Yes, our jurisdiction as a humble non-perfect human being is planning and putting the best efforts to execute it, and leave the results to the Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil. For instance, as a student, he is expected to focus on his study, work hard before any examinations, and insert the best attitude during the examination. How many ‘A’s he will achieve after all the efforts he made, is not really. But, what does matter is, he did it in the course of Allah swt and for Allah swt. At the end of the day, our success in this worldly world and life thereafter, is not depend on how many ‘A’s that one achieved but rather on how pious we are in obeying and complying to Allah swt’s ‘Rules’ as shown and demonstrated by His great Messenger, the prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon on him)

Reminiscing Cairo’s luxury in the 16th Century

Upon entering the outer wall of the Ahmed Ibn Toulon Mosque, on the left, one could see the northern wall of al-Kiridli (originally from Crete) family’s medieval house in 1834. It was actually two medieval houses joined together, restored, and furnished by Major Gayer-Anderson, an Englishman who lived in them from 1935 to 1942.The house on the east, built in 1631 AD with an Ottoman portal has two grilled windows on its southwest corner, which mark a sabil, or free water dispensary belonged to ‘Abd al-Qadar al Haddad. The one on the west, built in 1540 AD with a Mamluk portal and two benches belonged to Amna Binti Salim al-Gazzar.
After spending around one and half hour exploring the mind & soul of Ahmad Ibn Toulon Mosque, we decided to pay the visit to this medieval house – Bayt al-Kritliya aka Gayer Anderson Museum. Just out of curiosity though, we went through the scanning door, located in the narrow alley, under the air-bridge, which linked the two houses. As the buildings now are under the Islamic section of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, it cost us EGP 170 to explore the house.
The tour begins in the house on the east, the seventeenth-century haramlik. Immediately after the qa’a or ‘reception’ room, we entered the courtyard, a mini-museum in itself. It contains a good explanation of a working fountain, as well as a nice salsabil, the inclined slab marble over which the water ran.

From the courtyard, we went to the maq’ad or the open summer sitting room, indoors into the winter reception room. The furniture, antiques, collections, photos, certificates, old instruments, etc., which are well preserved in its original form could be easily appreciated in the various small rooms up to the roof terrace, where in different sections the men and women could take the air.

Mohamed, the very helpful and informative guide, informed us that the museum has 22 numbers of rooms. And, it is in this room, one could see an 8 meters well, which I think is still supplying water. A little bit skeptical about the quality of the water though!

M Aiman and Aiqah curiously looking inside the well. This is the first room after the qa'a, the summer room perhaps.

The winter room, located at the first floor. One could see, a solid marble tray and table, some solid wood tables and shelves. And, on the right of the photo, a fire extinguisher, a safety precaution, which is not definitely belong to Gayer Anderson.

Some of Gayer Anderson's collections. I saw two sets of these wall hanger for their 'weapons'.

We were amazed by the ceilings' designs and finishing. It was manually done 300 years ago by very skillfull and determined craftsman.

A balcony facing the qa'a at the second floor. Normally used during summer.

Again, the magnificent ceiling and collections of lamps, still in its original form. Splendid!

One of the room at the third floor with the full original set of collections of the Ottoman portal. Gayer Anderson named most of the rooms by his great collections of artifacts and furniture from all over the world, like; Persian, Byzantine, Chinese, Pharaonic, Turkey, so on and so forth. The most complete one is the Damascus room; its ceiling and walls are covered in intricate low-relief patterns of lacquer and gold.

On the roof terrace, one could see collections of the Ottoman marble sinks and carved backs, shadowed by the masharabiya screens come with variety of motifs and designs.After about 10 minutes breathing stop on the roof terrace, we walked towards the house on the west, the sixteenth- century salamlik, through the ‘air-bridge’.

Amid the cool and charming ambience, an uninvited guest, perched on the masharabiya screen entertained us with her cutie-pitchy song.

The staircase form the 'air-bridge' to the second floor of the salamlik.

The Mamluk influence. The ceiling is made of solid wood. The window protrude out the wall, thus makes it like hanging from outside.

According to Mohamed, this room was used to accomodate the newly-wed couple during their wedding ceremony or farah.

In this house, the highlight is the large qa’a on the ground floor, which is perhaps the most magnificent sixteenth-century example of such a room in Cairo. With its marvelous polychrome central fountain, richly decorated ceiling beams, kilim-covered pillows, and alcoves, as well as the bank of masharabiya windows in the upper gallery from which women looked down on the entertainments below.

Upon entering the qa’a, on your right, there is a small room according to Mohamed, was used by Gayer Anderson as a labor room. He has a unique chair-like facilities for a pregnant women to deliver her baby. And, It comes in various sizes and designs.

After the qa'a, we passed the large exit of the salamlik, prior to the narrow alley of the two houses. phew...what an amzing one hour adventure. What did we learn?

These historic houses, with their amazing architecture, occupy a special place among the artistic and aesthetic monuments of Cairo.

Summer '09 Introduction: JW Marriot Experience

I am not promoting JW Marriot, however, their excellent services, the magnificent facilities, and the superb hospitality of the PEOPLE are commendable, which have attracted me to choose this hotel is one of my favorites hotels. There are two branches of JW Marriot in Cairo, but the one that I like most is the Mirage City. It has varieties of facilities for the kids and adults alike.
The state of the art reception and lobby foyer cools you off after your hectic trip or business meeting.

The concourse level provides you with varieties of activities – from shopping, dining, and entertaining your mind by the local duets with beautiful evergreen songs as well as latest numbers.

During the two weeks Easter break, while the Egyptians in general preparing themselves for the Sham el-Nessim, we indulged and rejuvenated ourselves at JW Marriot Mirage City, el-Qattamaya, Cairo. The kids deserved it though, as part of their preparation for the coming examinations months – May and June.

The Beach – comprises of three types of pools – the normal, the wave, and the splash. One must be properly attired and to observe all the rules – especially the safety rules while enjoying the facilities.

After splashing time, Afi, Muhammad Afiq and Muhammad Asri tried their skill with the ping-pong game next to the wave pool. The weather was just nice -alhamdullillah - and, the premises were not crowded, then. Just nice...the more is not really the merrier.

One could just wandering or brisk-walking along the pave way that linked the three pools with other facilities – pool side restaurants, the rooms, the stage for any performers, and the gardens. For ‘Afi, he just simply challenged it with his hand-made skateboard.

The kids chased by the wave. Bet you, it is just like you were on the beach line of Agamy. Don't worry dude, the Lifeguards are behind you.

The wave pool is what they liked most, especially when there are less people for you to enjoy and experience the wave challenge.

Besides the rejuvenation, the kids had really enjoyed the fun and the day. See you next Spring 2010, InsyaAllah. Allow me to share you on Sham el-Nessim, which I have mentioned earlier, before I close this chapter.

In the next few days, on the 20 April, Egyptians will celebrate Sham el Nessim, which may have been celebrated 4,500 years ago. Sham el Nessim, literally means ‘sniffing the breeze’, falls immediately on the first Monday following the Coptic Easter. It was related to agriculture in ancient Egypt, which contained fertility rites that were later attached to Christianity and the celebration of Easter.

Islamic sources do not encourage Muslims to participate in the holiday, which is seen as related more to Christianity and is not considered a religious holiday of that faith.

Hence, even today, many Muslims take the holiday as an excuse to celebrate and break the routine of the week. “We all know that it is not a Muslim feast, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take my children out to celebrate and see other people celebrating and having fun. I would be cruel to my children if everyone they know is celebrating while they are at home upset,” said Momtaz.The festival differs according to the area. In Alexandria people go to Montazah Palace which opens its gardens to the public. They go there to celebrate the display and scent of almost 20 thousand types of plants, including some hundred rare ones. The day also includes folkloric shows by dancing troupes and military music parades.

The Mind & Soul of Ahmed Ibn Tulun

The Ibn Tulun Mosque was completed in 879 AD on Mount Yashkur in a settlement named al-Qata'i by the founder of Egypt's Tulunid Dynasty (868-905 AD), Ahmad ibn Tulun. He was born in Baghdad, the son of a Turkish slave of Mongol origin owned by the Caliph, al-Ma'mun. He would later rise to became governor of Egypt after his stepfather, who died in 870, was awarded that position.

We went almost two hours admiring the aesthetic and the magnificent details of the workmanship and architecture. There were no entrance fees, but one need make sadaqah or donation in return of someone who is safeguarding your shoes or slippers, waited about 2 meters after the Mosque entrance.

The mosque that he had built over a period of three years of mudbrick became the focal point of the Tulunid capital that lasted only 26 years. It was the third congregational mosque to be built in what is now greater Cairo, and at approximately 26,318 square meters in size, is the third largest mosque in the world. It is the oldest mosque in Egypt that has survived in a fairly original form.

The mosque is surrounded by an enclosure that measures 118 x 138 meters (387 x 453 feet). Surrounding the mosque on three sides (all but the qibla side) are narrow enclosed wings called ziyadas, and the mosque's famous minaret with its external spiral ramp is located within the northern ziyada. These small outer courtyards were an extension to insure privacy and separate the sanctified space from the public space of the outside world. They measure about 19 meters in width, and bring the mosque as a whole almost to an exact square shape.

When the city center moved to what would become Cairo proper, away from al-Qata'i, the mosque fell into disuse. It was damaged when used as a shelter for pilgrims from North Africa to the Hijaz in the 12th c., but restored and refounded with madrasa-type functions by 'Alam al-Din Sanjar al-Dawadar at the behest of Mamluk Sultan Lajin in 1296. (Lajin had been one of the accomplices in the assassination of Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil ibn Qalawun, and while hiding in the deserted mosque, he vowed to restore it should he escape). It was also restored in later periods, and is in fact being restored again today. This mosque is one of Egypt's oldest, as well as a popular tourist attraction.
Both the enclosure walls and the walls of the ziyada are surmounted by a unique crenellation, a fortified parapet with alternate solid parts and openings, that is probably also of Samarra influence. However, the walls lack the heavy external buttresses and so were probably built strictly as a decorative motif. Rather, the single row of large windows with circular openings on the upper registers of the walls, the frieze of simple square frames and the decorative crenellation seem almost delicate.
The fountain (sahn), which was a later addition built by Sultan Ladjin, is surrounded by double arcades on three sides.

the fawwara which was in the middle of the sahn had windows on all sides, and over it was a gilt dome on ten marble columns, and round it were sixteen marble columns with a marble pavement. And under the dome was a great basin of marble, 4 cubits in diameter with a jet of water in the centre...and on the roof was a sun-dial. The roof had a railing round it of teakwood.

Five traditional transverse aisles on the qibla side of the courtyard, which are separated by the heavy piers of the arcades. There are 13 arches on each side of the courtyard. Though the columns are of brick, decorative capitals and bases were modeled from wet plaster. The arches themselves are mostly not completely round, but rather pointed at their peak, and high up in the spandrels of the arches are small windows which both allow for circulation within the mosque, and help light the arcades.

The prayer hall had a flat wooden roof and within, the mihrab bay, apparently restored during the Mamluk period, was accented by a wooden dome. On either side of the mihrab were two columns with perforated capitals. The inner column on each side is in the form of a basket, while the outer capital is decorated with vine leaves and branches of grapes detached from the background. The mihrab on a pier overlooking the courtyard is attributed to the Fatimid vizier, Al-Afdal.

The mosque's original decorations, presenting in both stucco and wood the most valuable and best preserved examples of the Samarra style, are of considerable importance from the standpoint of Islamic art/history.

The inner arcades present a frieze of floral decoration that runs around the arches, and above the arches Kufic inscriptions of the Qur'an are said to run some two kilometers ( 6,600 feet).

Future Architect, 'Afi was trying his skill sketching the mihrab. On his right, a platform or attic for the muezzin to perform his adzan or prayer calls.

The stucco decorations are found both inside and outside the mosque, and the soffits of the arches were decorated with bands of stucco ornamentation, although they have been extensively restored. However, a number of them have survived in their original state, revealing a geometric band with floral filling.

One of the inner enclosure doors made from solid wood, which is still in a very excellent condition.

This minaret, with its only remaining original element being the square base, communicates with the mosque by way of a passage. Its second story is cylindrical which is in tern surmounted by later Mumluk restorations in stone. The original minaret was built of brick. This is Cairo's only minaret with a spiraling external staircase and the overall structure is unique in Egypt.

The mosque was once used as a military hospital by Ibrahim Pasha during the 19th century and was later used as a salt warehouse and beggar's prison prior to its restoration in 1918.

One of detail splendid structures of the mosque. This is the main entrance of the spiral minaret. Turn right, you will find the door to the minaret.

As a final note, recent restoration work on the Ibn Tulun mosque is probably some of the most analyzed and debated. Some object to any restoration of this 1,100 year old monument, while others believe that the work is being rushed, and not properly supervised. Some of this criticism has apparently led to some refinements in the process, so we will simply have to wait and see how the final effort evolves.

The well-maintained mosque indulges you with sakinah or peacefulness. This reminds me on what the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) said: the Mosque is what the Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil like most and dislike Market. While wandering inside the mosque, one could feel the mind and soul of Ahmad Ibn Tulun.