Scrumptious Lunch by M Fikri's Family

On their way to Saudi Arabia, before performing Umrah, M Fikri’s family (his two sisters, mom and dad) spent more than a week in Egypt. During their stay, they rented a fully furnished apartment in Camp Caesar Alexandria, indeed a wise decision. M Fikri is a second year MARA sponsored medical student studying in Alexandria Medical University. Akin to his parents, besides his brilliant brain, he is a polite and decent kid. Keep it up dude!
Last Friday, his parents – Abg Hj Abu Hassan and Kak Hjh Zainab invited us to their apartment for lunch. After the Friday prayer, around 13:20 hours, we (Nana, Aiman, Afiqah and I) went to Humairah’s apartment fetching her and arrived at their apartment around 13:47 hours. No specific time mentioned in the invitation though, but for Malaysian lunch…..we were late! Please accept our apologies Abg Haji.

We had a great awesome scrumptious lunch. They served us two main mouthwatering dishes; the catfish, one of our favorite’s fish, cooked with coconut milk and chili had glued us to the dining chairs; the smoked beef curry was one of its kinds and it was my first time trying the dish. I must say – superb! And, one of the side dish, smoked cow lung mixed with onion, chili and other herbal leaves boosted our appetite. Another thing, believed me, they had brought along all these with them from Malaysia, which is more than 7000 kilometers away from Egypt.
There were also other second and forth year students during the lunch. Thus, an opportunity for us expanding our networking and inspiring others.
Till we meet again....Zillion of thanks to Abg Haji and family for the delightful lunch. It was indeed nice meeting you all and may Allah swt grant you His Blessing especially for the Umrah that you will perform.

Moving Out from Kafr Abdou

Yesterday, my friend ASI started mobilizing their household items to their new rented apartment near San Stefano at Loran, about 6 kilometers away from our apartment at Kafr Abdou. Well, except for the nomadic Bedouins, nobody likes moving house especially when you have many things to be packed and unpacked. It will at least take one month to settle down.
Supervised by Kamarul, ‘Afi, Muhammad Afiq, Muhammad Asri, Hisham and Nasr lend their hands to reduce that unwanted burden and definitely morale support to ASI. Muhammad Aiman and I unfortunately came at the later phase to support. We were invited by M Fikirs’s family to their thanksgiving at Shatby.

Working or leaving in overseas is not always exciting as many of us thought. Challenges and disadvantages always come in many ways and forms. What ever you call yourselves is, be it an Expatriate, Advisor, or Company representatives, you are still foreigner and in many countries, irrespective of its economic and political situations, foreigner is perceived as a second-class citizen, thus less privilege in many aspects. In addition, sometime changes of the company’s policy may make it relatively less good. Nevertheless, as I always mentioned, we cannot grab and have everything in this temporary world. We heard many common phrases like, “there is nothing like home – whatever the shape and colors are”; “nobody is perfect”; “Money is not everything in life” and many more. Generically, we only have two options: to be good or to become bad; to love or to hate; …….. to stay On or to quit and do something else….the choice is yours. Allah swt has given us the information, the knowledge, the wisdom and the answers for each action that you do or the consequences that we must be aware.

I was informed by Kamarul that ASI spent almost a month looking for his suitable apartment and went to more than 40 apartments in many areas around Alexandria! To ASI and family, congratulations.....and may Allah swt give you His Blessing.

The Birth Date of the Beloved Prophet of Allah swt

Today, 12 Rabi’ul Awal, is one of the most significant date of the Muslim Hijjri calendar. It is the birth date of the great Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him), el khatamal nabiyin – the last prophet in Islam. The day is normally described as Maulidun Nabii or the birth of the Prophet a term used to refer to the observance of the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) birthday. Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) was a great man ever lived. His life was fully dedicated to religious work conveying messages from Allah swt to all human kinds, bringing and uniting people to one path, one goal and one God – the Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil. Islam is a way of life. Hence, the teaching of Islam shown by the Prophet Muhammad saw shall guide us for better life not only in this world but ultimately for life thereafter. Allah swt has assured, guaranteed and promised us ‘success’ if we manage and run our life following what had been taught and demonstrated by His beloved Messenger Prophet Muhammad saw. However, this has to be deciphered in a broader frame of mind. Thus, as a true Muslim, we must put our best-concerted efforts to subscribe, practice and promote his way of life until end of the time. I know it is not easy though, but what important is the journey itself and not the destination.

Adventuring Alexandria with Datin Mahyun

All the photos below are the courtesy of Tn Haji Abd Hamid – Adnan’s brother-in-law taken during their Alexandria visit mid this month.

The lovely Datin Mahyun was very energetic and supportive. Nana and Dorin spent almost the whole day accompanied her, Kak Faizah and Tn Hj Abd Hamid for Alexandria sight seeing. They went to the famous former King Farouk Palace at Montazah, the Quatbay Citadel, Abu El Abbas El Moursi Masjid, Manshayah, and some other places. Believed me, not a single complain and grumble from her. Salute you aunty.
In the above and below photos, spending their time around the Quiatbay castle and trying their bargaining skills with the local souvenirs vendors.
Below, group photo as remembrance, taken in front of the Abu El Abbas El Moursi Masjid. They also spent time visiting the tomb of this famous sufi from Andalusia, Spain.

The New Look

Today, PETRONAS announces its new website http://www.petronas.com. Awesome! My comment: the site is very informative that provides the brief but concise picture about the existence of PETRONAS and its significant responsibilities to the nation. The layout and the color scheme are gorgeous, pleasant and yet attractive, in my word - energetic. As for me, I had my blog’s background face-lifted two days ago. The concept and the philosophy however, remain as it is. Since continuous improvement is always in our mind frame, your feedback is most and always welcomed.

Good Job

After my fajr prayer this morning, I continued my sleep to kill off my mild migraine that attacked me since yesterday. Nana dozed off after she completed the first part of her morning routine chore. Muhammad Afiq and Muhammad Asri were jogging along the corniche enjoying the unusual but nice weather. ‘Afi was jogging virtually with his morning dream. I woke up around 09:20 hours and smelled something nice – the aromatic red onion and fried tuna from our kitchen. The Chefs-to-be Muhammad Aiman and Afiqah were preparing our favorites breakfast – fried noodles with chunk tuna, chicken egg and dressed with Yeo’s shrimp paste. Yummy…yummy.. I went down and saw the table was prepared; the fried noodle was nicely served in large bowl. I complemented the menu with salted Herring salad boosted our appetite. Minutes later, M Afiq and M Asri joint the breakfast and that is it! Nothing left for ‘Afi. Thanks to M Aiman and Afiqah for their proactive move and being sensible. Kudos to both of you for the job well done.

BIRYANIs @ Yahalla Alexandria

In Alex, there are two restaurants that I know serving Biryani, the Hadramaut Restaurant at Mandharah & Samouhah and our favorite one, the Ya Halla Restaurant near Abu Bakar As Siddiq Masjid at Khalid Ibn Walid district. For any Malaysian travelers who visit Alexandria and missed the Malaysian-Indian food – the Biryani Rice or Nasi Beriyani in malay or to have their customary break, I would recommend Ya Halla Restaurant. It serves varieties of Biryani (Biryani Lamb is commendable) and other types of Arabic cuisine with reasonable price. The two-storey restaurant is very pleasant and the services are remarkable. The only shortfall is most of their staff does not speak English. However, the menu pamphlet will provide you some help.
Biryani, or beriani is a set of rice-based foods made with spices, rice (usually basmati) and meat, fish or chicken. The name is derived from the Persian word beryā(n) which means "fried" or "roasted". A little bit history, based on my reading, it was brought to the Indian Subcontinent from Persia by Muslim travelers and merchants. The Indian then, customized it to various style and taste that suited the locals. Hence, get its names and popularity.
During the Datin Mahyun and her family visit to Alex 14 and 15 February 2010, Adnan, her son brought us to Ya Halla for a family dinner. That night I asked for Biryani Chicken and shared with Nana. Believe me people, if you are not hungry, you will not be able to finish that one plat of rice – it was an Arabic standard serving plate. Also with us was, Yusmadi, M Rosdi, Ahmad Zaidi, Kamarul, ASI and his wife Dorin, cheered up the day.

Zillion of Thanks....

Thank you very much to Hj Idris, Assistant Director of MARA at Egypt, accompanied by his family and Amirah’s mother, Dyg Rogayah popularly addressed as Kak Gayah joined by her sister Norizan and her beloved husband, Hasbullah with their elder kid – Syami for kindly spending their times visiting our humble old apartment. It was indeed an honor for us playing host of this gathering that I called a Winter Evening coffee break.
Also with us was my teammate, Ahmad Sharifuddin aka ASI and his wife Dorin, who was actually assisted Nana in the preparing of the dishes. Well, I must put in this record that the foods – Alex fired noodles, Beshamel, Chicken curry, Butter rice and Berry pie by Pumpkin were great. Superb efforts! What were most important though is the family ties and the relationship building.
In the above picture, from left; Hasbullah, Hj Idris, ASI, M Aiman, Farah, Dorin, Kak Sapiah, Syami (seating), Norizan, Kak Gayah, Nana, and Amirah. Till we will meet again.

Adorable Datin Mahyun Mohd Amin

I have known her youngest son Adnan since 1990 when we were working in Bintulu. Except his wife and his brother, I never had a single chance to meet and to get to know closer his parent. However, witnessed by our humble apartment at Kafr Abdou, we were honored when this respectful 79 years old woman Datin Mahyun Mohd Amin, accompanied by Adnan’s sister Faizah and brother-in-law Abd Hamid visited and had dinner with us on Sunday. She is adorable and sweet. Her cheerful face is always accompany by her charming smile, hence her lovely attractive facial appearance. Albeit her age, her Central Processing Unit is performing amazingly that she could easily share you all the stories and memories that she had stored since 60 years back. Her night vision is still sharp and accurate; her movement though is a bit wobbly but her physical endurance is still brawny, thus reduced a bit of her NGOs and other social activities back home. Her combustion biological engine remarkably functioning with no significant restrictions and could consume anything with no allergic interference.
Yes, she is not an angel though but her soft voice that produces words of wisdom inspires and glues anyone to their sits. Another thing that I must say here, she is fashionable and has high-end taste.

O People..., Lend your Hands

Last week, I was bit messed up. Many things in the office muddled my psychological stance and elaborating the story in this blog will make things worst. However, alhamdullillah, Allah swt gave me the strength to manage and talk with my inner self via the inner voice to take things positively and resolve issues amicably. Amid the chaotic frame of mind, came another test. Nana called me at 16:38 hours in which I missed, but instead I rang her back at around 17:15 hours. She informed me that there would be seven Sarawakian students from Al-Azhar University Cairo would like visiting us today and will arrive at 20:00 hours. Honestly, I wanted to have a good rest with the kids. The inner voice reminded me; “hey dude, if you are a true Muslim believing in one Almighty Allah swt and Prophet Muhammad saw is His Messenger. Than, you should not be selfish, La Tahzan – don’t feel said, the Companions had sacrificed more than you do and they had achieved the real success, …entertain and welcome them – they are your valuable and honorable guests, believe me….”

I was caught in my own trap! Our stock inventory was not on our side and I had to go back late. Well, we have to make do with whatever we have available at home and left everything to Allah’s Grace and Mercy.
After the ‘Isha Prayer, that was around 17:35 hours, I waited at home ensuring things are ok. Our wall clock sang it annoying song, indicated me 20:00 hours. No sign of them yet! To cut this boring intro short, Nana received a phone call from one of them around 21:15 hours informed us that they have just arrived at Alexandria and needed guideline to our district. After playing almost an hour ‘treasure hunting’ and wasted unnecessary phone calls, finally they arrived at our door step around 22:15 hours.
They looked tired and exhausted. Najib, being the senior of them all seek and begged us apologies for the delay, which was mainly due (according to them) to the broken drive shaft they experienced 40 kilometers before Rasheed. They were lucky that the incident happened next to a welding workshop, which was still in operation.
Except for Azman, the rest of the naïve students had been studying here in Egypt for at least 2 years ago. They stay in a flat called ‘Rumah Sarawak’ at a district called El Haiyu El Ashara or the Tenth District near Nasr City, Cairo. The ‘Rumah Sarawak’ is bought and owned by Yayasan Sarawak since 20 years ago, to accommodate or support Sarawakian students studying in Egypt. Students are required to pay a very nominal rent for a relatively fully furnished room.
The condition of the flat is deteriorating and threatening. Hence, need to be repaired at least for safety reason. They had made several attempts with the help of few sympathized individuals, seeking attention from the right authorities but to no avail, probably because their voices are not ‘loud’ enough to reach the authorities’ ears. Most of them come from families of less significant importance to those opportunistic selfish parties, who drive high-series BMWs. Lending their hands to alleviate their mere comfort, is the very last thing in their lowest priorities list, perhaps never in their agenda. Let us supplicate before the Almighty Allah swt for His Blessing, Grace and Mercy to grant them determination and patience to persevere all the hurdles in front of them.

An Experiential Learning Approach: the BSA Way

The Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolves stage show by British School of Alexandria. It was the first show by Afiqah and her Year 4 friends this year. She had been practicing and perfecting her vocal since January 2010 and the result was remarkable, as I was informed. This kind of learning concept is quite an efficient approach to uncover the kids’ potential and build their self-esteem, which is the foundation for their future success. And, to me ‘success’ is not equal to 10 or 20 ‘A’s.Unfortunately, I was not able to witness their astonishing performance. Bad me! My excuse was - I had to attend a business meeting 210 kilometers away in Cairo.
Afiqah and the cuty twins Dina and Donya. Her role during the show was an obedient owl. Dina was playing the handsome cow while Donya was a slimy lizard. Her good friend Malawian Rahila played another gorgeous cow. Rahila’s mom is good in preparing Malawian Beriyani Rice, which they used to share us.
Dina, Afiqah, Donya and Rahila in their costumes. Afiqah’s costume was sponsored and prepared by her teacher.

As usual, her lovely mom and her two elder brothers - ‘Afi and Muhammad Afiq were always there motivating and boosting her morale. That is what brothers and parents are for, aren’t they. What important, like I used to say, is teamwork. We should compliment each other to achieve success. As a matter of fact, we are not alone in this world, thus, we should not living in silo with our own self.

Creativity: 'Afi and Muhammad Afiq Perception

The photos were taken by them at Montazah and the last two below are the photos of one of their art pieces taken in their school art studio. Painting or art in general is their core thing, photography however is relatively new to them. Despite that handicap though, to some extend there are much better than me in using various photographic skills.
Muhammad Asri was very proud of the above "150" photo. Quite a good composition and it has some originality in the approach. The bluish color creates some kind of contrast to the '150' that makes it more alive and dramatic.
It is still under construction, but under the supervision of their good and friendly art teacher, Mr. Yeates, this piece, the reflection of their perception towards the environment is amazing.

Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohd Hassan Marican

He is one of the Malaysian philanthropy that I really adored and admired. His countless significant successful stories and biography had been mentioned a lot by many people of all levels all over the globe through all channels. His name and photo speaks by itself. He is not an angel though, but I must say he is a great man in many aspects.
I had few chances talking and meeting him personally. Well, nobody would aspect me meeting or talking with him everyday, would he? Who am I to have that privilege anyway? He is a Tan Sri of Fortune 100 company, which had contributed significantly to the nation and people building. Despite those facts and I am being thousands kilometers away from the Twin Towers of PETRONAS, his farewell had shed tears not only my eyes but also thousands others’.
This humble down to earth accountant hails from Sungai Petani Kedah, who has helmed Malaysia’s biggest and successful company was given a rousing send-off by thousands of Petronasians at the lobby and foyer of the Towers.
What I heard from my friends and read from the media, many (that’s includes me as well) were disappointed at him leaving PETRONAS. It was informed that many cried over a two-page farewell note that he posted in the PETRONAS Intranet yesterday. With a tinge of sadness and mixed feeling, my comment is, a great man such as Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican has surely left a great legacy to the future PETRONAS generation and thus, he has to go to build another realm for another great triumph for this lovely nation – Malaysia. Thank you Tan Sri.

Allow me to quote few phrases from his Thank You Note:
“This note is addressed to the entire PETRONAS family where ever they are – across the globe, on the platforms, sailing the oceans, in the deserts, in the snow and the service forecourts”.

“In my years in PETRONAS, I have made many decisions – some right, some wrong and some unpleasant. These decision were based on analysis and information available at that moment in time, and some a judgment call. There would have been occasions when some of the decisions may have hurts some of you. I have many shortcomings. I have endeavored to be fair, reasonable and consistent. I offer you my apologies and humbly seek your forgiveness. I am after all a mere mortal – lacking in many aspects”.

Choco Strawberry Trifle by Afiqah, Aiman & Mun

In pictures, the making of chocolate whipped cream strawberry trifle by Afiqah & Aiman supervised by Munirah also known by them Kak Mun. Well, this was part of the fun organised by them during Afiqah’s birthday anniversary on 29.1.2010. Well done dude…! Kudos to Munirah and the gang.

Ta'lim : Part XIV

Ibn Mas’ood Radiyallah hu anhu (ra) reported that the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) said: “The decline and fall of Bani Israel started when the pious among them saw certain sins being committed by the transgressors, they forbade them from doing the same; but when the sinner did not repent, the pious because of the relationship and friendship continued to mix with them. So, when this state of affairs began to prevail, Allah caused their hearts to be accursed in the same manner.” (i.e. the hearts were also affected with the disobedience of the transgressors). Then in support of this, the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) recited a verse of the Holy Qur’an, which says: ‘The disobedient and the transgressors among the Bani Israel were accursed by Allah swt.’ On this, Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) emphatically instructed his Companions:”(to avoid such decline) you people must enjoin upon others to do good deeds and prevent them from doing forbidden things; you should restrain ecery tyrant from tyranny and invite him towards truth and justice.”
Another hadith says Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) was reclining comfortably when, suddenly overcome with emotion, he sat and said: “I swear by Allah that you people cannot attain salvation, unless you prevent the tyrants from tyranny.” Nowadays it is considered a virtue to be at peace with all, and to please everyone on every occasion. They say it is a requirement of good manners with the evil doers.
Obviously, this is a wrong policy, because at most there may be some religious sanction for keeping quiet in extreme case, but never for falling in line with the tyrants and transgressors. At the very least, every one must instruct those people to do good whom he easily can influence, for instance: his subordinates, his servants, his wife, his children, and his relations. In such circumstances, to be absolutely silent about religious work is unpardonable before Allah swt.
Hadhrat Sufyaan ATThowri says: “Whoever is very popular with his relations and neighbors, we suspect him to be comprising in preaching the true teachings of religion.”
Numerous traditions say that when a sin is committed secretly, its harm is generally limited to the sinner only; but when sin is committed openly, and those possessing the capability do not prevent it, then it ultimately affects all the people around.