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.