Few video shoots of Aiman and I demonstrating our novice sand-boarding skills on of the dunes at the Sea of the Sand, Siwa Oasis. It was fun and exhausted though, but really, a lifetime experience for all of us.
Dinner at TGIF: The Wifes' Conference
TGIF Corniche Cairo. Probably the first and the last visit. The food was not that bad but the service was poor. Anyway, thanks Allah for the wealth and health that He gives us, thus, we are able to walk and watch the globe.Management Guidance
Built to Last, a book written by Jim Collins and Jerry I.Porras on October 26, 1994. The book outlines the results of a six-year research project into what makes enduring great companies. Two primary objectives for the authors’ research were: “to identify underlying characteristics are common to highly visionary companies” and “to effectively communicate findings so they can influence management.” The research conducted by Collins and Porras and articulated in Built to Last is presented with examples based on stories and validated by research data. Collins and Porras listed eighteen companies they identified as ‘visionary.’ They defined a visionary company as one that is a premier institution in its industry, is widely admired by knowledgeable businesspeople, made an imprint on the world, had multiple generations of Chief executive officers (CEOs), had multiple product/service life cycles, and was founded before 1950. The list of visionary companies was determined based on the results of a survey of 1,000 CEOs. The authors ensured representation across all industries and various sized organizations by sampling from Fortune 500 industrial companies, Fortune 500 service companies, Inc. 500 private companies and Inc. 100 public companies. The survey yielded a 23% response rate with 3.2 companies listed per response. An important caveat the authors express is the fact that through their research, they can claim a correlation, not a causal link between their findings and the success of companies.The Leadership Challenge is about how leaders mobilize others to want to get extraordinary things done. It's about the practices leaders use to transform values into actions, visions into realities, obstacles into innovations, separateness into solidarity, and risks into rewards. It is about a climate in which people turn challenging opportunities into remarkable successes.
In today's world, there are countless opportunities to make a difference. In addition, more than ever there is a need for people of all ages, from all backgrounds, with all types of life experience to seize those opportunities that lead to greatness. More than ever, there is a need for leaders to inspire us to dream, to participate, and to persevere. The Leadership Challenge offers everyone the chance to do just that – to take the initiative and make a difference.
In today's world, there are countless opportunities to make a difference. In addition, more than ever there is a need for people of all ages, from all backgrounds, with all types of life experience to seize those opportunities that lead to greatness. More than ever, there is a need for leaders to inspire us to dream, to participate, and to persevere. The Leadership Challenge offers everyone the chance to do just that – to take the initiative and make a difference.
The Leadership Challenge has its origins in a research project Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner began in 1983. They wanted to know what people did when they were at their "personal best" in leading others. They started with the assumption, however, that they did not have to interview and survey star performers in excellent companies to discover best practices. They assumed that by asking ordinary people to describe extraordinary experiences, they would find patterns of success. They were right.
After some preliminary research, Kouzes and Posner devised a personal-best leadership survey consisting of thirty-eight open-ended questions such as these:
Who initiated the project?
How were you prepared for this experience?
What special techniques and strategies did you use to get other people involved in the project?
What did you learn about leadership from this experience?
Good To Great, challenges you with this fundamental question - Why Some Companies Make the leap… and others do not? This carefully researched and well-written book disproves of the current management type makes a good reference for the CEO or Senior Management of any organizations. The author, Jim Collin and his research team have been tackling one of the biggest questions business has to offer.After some preliminary research, Kouzes and Posner devised a personal-best leadership survey consisting of thirty-eight open-ended questions such as these:
Who initiated the project?
How were you prepared for this experience?
What special techniques and strategies did you use to get other people involved in the project?
What did you learn about leadership from this experience?
It describes how companies transition from being average companies to great companies and how companies can fail to make the transition. "Greatness" is defined as financial performance several multiples had better than the market average over a sustained period. Collins finds the main factor for achieving the transition to be a narrow focusing of the company’s resources on their field of competence.
Proud of Them - Sarawakian from Jordan
Alhamdullillah, hari nie beberapa pelajar Sarawak yang belajar di Jordan dan Mesir meluangkan masa cuti mereka menziarahi kami sekeluarga di Kafr Abdou, Iskandriah. Sebagai umat Islam kita dianjurkan ziarah menziarahi diantara satu sama lain bukan hanya pada Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Selain daripada itu, kita perlu berbakti, bantu-membantu untuk membina ummah Rasullullah saw yang pada pandangan saya telah jauh menyimpang dari landasan yang telah dianjurkan oleh kekasih Allah Rabul Jalil 1427 tahun yang lalu. Rezeki yang Allah Azza Wajala perlu di usaha, di guna dan dikongsikan bersama di jalan Allah swt. Kami doakan semoga mereka berjaya dengan cemerlang, murah rezeki serta mendapat keredhaan dari Allah swt. Our Only Little Princes
She was born two weeks earlier than the due date set by our doctor, before fajar prayer. A blessing in disguised, I was offered by the Tabung Haji to perform Hajj the same day and subsequently, I got my promotion appointment. Alhamdullillah, thanks to Almighty Allah swt, PETRONAS, my In-Laws, my kids and definitely my beloved adorable wife - Nana. Afiqah literally means, one who give forgiveness, is our only princess. Now she is 7 years old. And, at her age, she has her own facebook, blog, email, chat-group or in short a computer savvy and literate. She is very smart, obedient and creative. Sometimes, his brother Muhammad Aiman will francise his homework to her and reciprocating the favor, he will cook her the instant noodle, one of her favourite meals.Doctor is her aim and really, she is very passionate with it. I remember during her brother Muhammad Asri under went his circumcise, she stood beside him observing the steps from start till the end.
On the other side of her, she is a shy type lady. But, she can be your entertainer once she has warmed up with her dancing, singing and acting skill. All the best to you Afiqah. From Yayasan Yusuf fraternity
Dinner at Fusion: The Kids' Convention
It was fun and fulled. While enjoying the delicious and temptous Japanese cuisine we were entertained by the 'Samurai' Chef. The young Egytion 'Samurai' prepared us all the Japanese stuf - Shushis; fried rice; big Shrimp; sweet squid; etc. with his skillful act of Samurai master.On our Anniversary: Our Greatest Assets: Inspire Others Everywhere for Allah Azza Wa Jala
17 years ago, Friday the 27th,at Majlis Islam Sarawak, Miri @about 9:30 am, witnessed by Ustaz Najib, Fauzi & Abdul Khalek, we were solemnized by Sheikhul Hussein as Husband and Wife with RM80 dowry. This is the happiest day in my life, after went through many episodes of love stories with my secret lover adorable Nana. It was quite a mixed feeling, though, casting another 'achievement' in the milestone without my beloved parents witnessing the 'lafaz nikah' with one blast. I am pretty sure, it will be very different if they were around. I remember, 6 months before the D-day, when Nana was with Bank Islam in Kuala Lumpur, I dared myself to release my intention with Nana's mom on Saturday in their house and said "...I would like to marry Nana...and, once we get married, I wanted her to resign from the Bank". Just like the legendary Hang Tuah, braving himself against the Sultan of Malacca's traitor, with his 'kris' at the frontline of the battle, then I was with my words, guts and RM 4000. Now, after 17 years had past and 17 years had been together, manuvering our journey through bumby road; beautiful scenaries; confronted with hurricane; crossed successfully various obstacles; breathing fresh memories and Alhamdullillah, praise only be upon the Al-Mighty Allah swt, for giving us 'Afi: Muhammad Afiq: Muhammad Asri: Muhammad Aiman & our only daughter Afiqah - our greatest assets. To them, this is our message:
Ready or not, someday it will come to an end. There will be no sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So, to your hopes, ambitions, plan and to-do list will expire
The win and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.It won’t matter where you come from, or on what side of tracks you lived, at the end.It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliantEven your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave
What will matter is not your success, but your significance
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught
What matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example
What will matter is not your competence, but your character
What will matter are not how many people that you knew, but how many feel a lasting loss when you’re gone
What will matter are not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for whatLiving a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Sacrification - the Preparation for life thereafter
Eidul Adha or Hari Raya Korban or Hari Raya Haji is celebrated by all Muslims around the globe on the 10th of Dzulhijjah Hijr of the Muslim calendar or a day before Wukuf – literally means stand still – the day of resurrection of any individual Muslim performing Hajj in the Holy land of Arafah; the starting point of the Hajj and the climax of Muslims’ life in this temporary world. During these 3 days of Tashrik, Muslims were encouraged to make sacrifice as what had been asked to Prophet Ibrahim as by Allah swt more than 2000 years ago. This story was recorded in the Al-Quran for us to read, ponder and to most extend, practice.
We celebrated this year Eidul Adha at Rumah Sarawak, El-Haiyu El Ashar, Cairo with all the Sarawakian and other ElAzhar students. Alhamdullillah, we sacrificed two Egyptian Khibashs; Rumah Sarawak’s neighbor received 2 camels from the Sultan of Pahang and Rumah Kedah was the grand with 3 local cows and 4 Egyptian Khibashs. Sincere efforts and team spirit rendered and demonstrated by all the students and the officials had made all the sacrifices smooth and successful. By 12:30 pm we had our lunch of Kedah cuisine prepared mainly by the Rumah Kedah team.
To cut the long story short, the lessons that we learnt from the Eidul Adha are, there is no short cut in life. We have to work hard to achieve our dream - to make it come through for Allah swt.
The Journey of The Lifetime
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The Hajj - a pilgrimage to Makkah – the journey of the lifetime, is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, an obligation that must be fullfilled at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who is financially strong, healthy and safe. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. 
In summary, the Hajj is associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Makkah is considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim alaihisalam (as) . Pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of people, who simultaneously converge on Makkah for the week of the Hajj, and perform a series of rituals. Tawaf, each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaabah; kisses the Hajr el- Aswad in the corner of the Kaabah. Subsequently, they perform Sa’i, which is runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah; drinks from the Zamzam Well; goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil. They layer move to Mina via Mudzalifah and throws stones in a ritual stoning of the Devil at the three jamraats. The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three-day global festival of Eid al-Adha.
In summary, the Hajj is associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Makkah is considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim alaihisalam (as) . Pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of people, who simultaneously converge on Makkah for the week of the Hajj, and perform a series of rituals. Tawaf, each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaabah; kisses the Hajr el- Aswad in the corner of the Kaabah. Subsequently, they perform Sa’i, which is runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah; drinks from the Zamzam Well; goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil. They layer move to Mina via Mudzalifah and throws stones in a ritual stoning of the Devil at the three jamraats. The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three-day global festival of Eid al-Adha.The above steps were demonstrated by the last but greatest Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 632AD. He led his followers from Madinah to Makkah, which was the first Hajj performed by Muslims alone, and the only Hajj ever performed by Rasullullah Sallallahu alahai hi Wassalam. He cleansed the Kaabah, removed all of the idols, and re-ordained the building as the house of the almighty Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (swt). It was from this point that the Hajj became one of the Five Pillars of Islam. 
On the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims leave for Wukuf at Arafat, where they stand in contemplative vigil, near a hill from which Prophet Muhammad saw gave his last sermon Khutbah Wida’. The Wukuf is the highlight or the climax of the lifetime journey - Hajj. Pilgrims must spend the afternoon within a defined area on the plain of Arafat until after sunset. Otherwise, their pilgrimage is invalid. No specific rituals or prayers are required during the stay at Arafat, although many pilgrims spend time praying, and thinking about the course of their lives. 
As soon as the sunsets, the pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah, an area between Arafat and Mina, where they gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the Devil (Shaitan). Many pilgrims spend the night sleeping on the ground or back in their tents at Muzdalifah before returning to Mina. It is now the 10th of the month, the day of Eid ul-Adha.
At Mina the pilgrims perform Ramy al-Jamarat, throwing stones to signify their defiance of the Devil. This symbolizes the trials experienced by Prophet Ibraham a.s. while he decided whether to sacrifice his son as demanded by Allah. The Devil challenged him three times, which he refused. Each pillar marks the location of one of these refusals. On the first occasion when Ramy al-Jamarat is performed, pilgrims stone the largest pillar known as Jamrat'al-Aqabah.On the second occasion, the other pillars Jamraat Ula and Jamraat Wusta are stoned..The stoning consists of throwing seven pebbles
On the afternoon of the 11th and again the following day the pilgrims must again throw seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat in Mina. Pilgrims must spent at least 6 hours at Mina for at least two days. They could leave Mina for Makkah before sunset on the 12th. However, it is better for them to stay on and perform the stoning ritual on the 13th before returning to Makkah.
After the Stoning of the Devil; the pilgrims shave their hair (for men) or at least three pieces of hairs; perform animal sacrifices to symbolize the almighty Allah swt having mercy on Prophet Ibraham a.s. and replacing his son with a ram, which Prophet Ibraham a.s. then sacrificed. Traditionally the pilgrims slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering.
Subsequently, the pilgrims travel back to Makkah, which is just five kilometers away, re-visit the Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, which symbolises being in a hurry to respond to the almighty Allah swt and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. However, they could perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah after the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah. The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.
Finally, before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a farewell Tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wada. They are encourage to make supplication before the almighty Allah swt at Multazam, expecially on another opportunities to return back to the holiest place on earth - the Masjid el-Haram. 
On the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims leave for Wukuf at Arafat, where they stand in contemplative vigil, near a hill from which Prophet Muhammad saw gave his last sermon Khutbah Wida’. The Wukuf is the highlight or the climax of the lifetime journey - Hajj. Pilgrims must spend the afternoon within a defined area on the plain of Arafat until after sunset. Otherwise, their pilgrimage is invalid. No specific rituals or prayers are required during the stay at Arafat, although many pilgrims spend time praying, and thinking about the course of their lives. 
As soon as the sunsets, the pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah, an area between Arafat and Mina, where they gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the Devil (Shaitan). Many pilgrims spend the night sleeping on the ground or back in their tents at Muzdalifah before returning to Mina. It is now the 10th of the month, the day of Eid ul-Adha.At Mina the pilgrims perform Ramy al-Jamarat, throwing stones to signify their defiance of the Devil. This symbolizes the trials experienced by Prophet Ibraham a.s. while he decided whether to sacrifice his son as demanded by Allah. The Devil challenged him three times, which he refused. Each pillar marks the location of one of these refusals. On the first occasion when Ramy al-Jamarat is performed, pilgrims stone the largest pillar known as Jamrat'al-Aqabah.On the second occasion, the other pillars Jamraat Ula and Jamraat Wusta are stoned..The stoning consists of throwing seven pebbles
On the afternoon of the 11th and again the following day the pilgrims must again throw seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat in Mina. Pilgrims must spent at least 6 hours at Mina for at least two days. They could leave Mina for Makkah before sunset on the 12th. However, it is better for them to stay on and perform the stoning ritual on the 13th before returning to Makkah.
After the Stoning of the Devil; the pilgrims shave their hair (for men) or at least three pieces of hairs; perform animal sacrifices to symbolize the almighty Allah swt having mercy on Prophet Ibraham a.s. and replacing his son with a ram, which Prophet Ibraham a.s. then sacrificed. Traditionally the pilgrims slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering.
Subsequently, the pilgrims travel back to Makkah, which is just five kilometers away, re-visit the Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, which symbolises being in a hurry to respond to the almighty Allah swt and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. However, they could perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah after the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah. The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.
Finally, before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a farewell Tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wada. They are encourage to make supplication before the almighty Allah swt at Multazam, expecially on another opportunities to return back to the holiest place on earth - the Masjid el-Haram. 
11th December - A Pit Stop of My Journey
Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday: It is in the past and the past never change: Only I can change by choosing to do so: Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow: Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the best of it: But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today: Beginning today I will see in the mirror and I will see the person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending with and someone I would like to get to know better: Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life: I value the gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others:Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysterious that I encounter. I will face challenges with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers there maybe which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.
Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at time: Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love: Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness: Regardless of what has gone before. I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future: Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences: I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: Perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to human foibles: Beginning today I will learn something new: I will try something different: I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer: I will change what I can and the rest I will let go: I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be. Alhamdullillah, without you the AL-Mighty Allah Rabbul Jalil, who am I today. Thanks for Your Blessing and Everythings. Lat Collection
Datuk Mohamed Nor Khalid a.k.a Lat was born in a village called Kota Baharu in Perak, not to be confused with Kota Bharu the capital of Kelantan. He had a wonderful talent for drawing as a child and drew excellent comics. At the age of 9, his gifted talent began to yield his family income. His first real book was Tiga Sekawan, a story about three friends who banded together to catch robbers. The book was published in his sixth year at Jalan Pasir Puteh Primary School in Ipoh. His publisher paid him 25 Ringgit for his service. By 1968, Lat was earning 100 Ringgit a month from his work.He later moved to Kuala Lumpur to become a cartoonist. Lat later joined the New Straits Times as a crime reporter but later on became a cartoonist. His first book Kampung Boy, an autobiography of his life was published in 1979 and sold thousands of copies within three months. Kampung Boy was published in France by a French publisher. An American edition of Kampung Boy was published by First Second Books in August 2006. This was the first of his books to be published in the United States. His second American release, Town Boy, is scheduled for release in October 2007. His cartoons reflect his view about Malaysian life and the world.
The main theme of Lat's oeuvre is life in multi-racial Malaysia, ranging from deeply personal memories ("Kampung Boy"), political satire (often lampooning the heated debates between the two major political parties, UMNO and PAS, as well as taking a satirical swipe at every major government policy as they are announced, living life abroad from the Malaysian point of view and the ever-changing relationships between the different ethnic groups. He often mixes his social commentaries with humorous passages and slapstick.
Paint
Paint is the essential guide to the most popular painting mediums; watercolor, acrylic, oil, colored pencil and pastel. Edited by Amy Jeynes, Paint is fifteen step-by-step demonstrations that you work along with top artists from blank paper or canvas to finished painting. It is full of quality photos and illustrations as guidance for you to move from the basic skills to the master essential intermediate skills. It is for intermediate artists looking challenge themselves with new mediums.I bought Paint from Kinokuniya, KLCC, KL for ‘Afi and all. Art is one of 'Afi favourites apart from his innovative & creative talent in computering, skatebording, etc.
Naguib Mahfouzs' Collections
These are Nana's collection. She is really obsessed with the late Naguib Mahfouz, novelist and great Egyptian writer. She had finished the Harafish and planned to buy the 2005 collection called The Seventh Heaven.
Born into a lower middle-class Muslim family in the Gamaleyya quarter of Cairo on 11 December 1911, Naguib Mahfouz was named after Professor Naguib Pasha Mahfouz , the renowned Coptic physician who delivered him. He was an Egyptian novelist who won the 1988 Nobel Prize for Literature and regarded as one of the first contemporary writers of Arabic literature, along with Tawfiq el-Hakim, to explore themes of existentialism. Mahfouz was the seventh and the youngest child in a family that had five boys and two girls. The family lived in two popular districts of the town, in el-Gamaleyya, from where they moved in 1924 to el-Abbaseyya, then a new Cairo suburb; both provided the backdrop for many of Mahfouz's writings. His father, whom Mahfouz described as having been "old-fashioned", was a civil servant, and Mahfouz eventually followed in his footsteps. In his childhood Mahfouz read extensively. His mother often took him to museums and Egyptian history later became a major theme in many of his books.The Mahfouz family were devout Muslims and Mahfouz had a strictly Islamic upbringing. In a future interview, he painfully elaborated on the stern religious climate at home during his childhood years. He stated that "You would never have thought that an artist would emerge from that family".
Born into a lower middle-class Muslim family in the Gamaleyya quarter of Cairo on 11 December 1911, Naguib Mahfouz was named after Professor Naguib Pasha Mahfouz , the renowned Coptic physician who delivered him. He was an Egyptian novelist who won the 1988 Nobel Prize for Literature and regarded as one of the first contemporary writers of Arabic literature, along with Tawfiq el-Hakim, to explore themes of existentialism. Mahfouz was the seventh and the youngest child in a family that had five boys and two girls. The family lived in two popular districts of the town, in el-Gamaleyya, from where they moved in 1924 to el-Abbaseyya, then a new Cairo suburb; both provided the backdrop for many of Mahfouz's writings. His father, whom Mahfouz described as having been "old-fashioned", was a civil servant, and Mahfouz eventually followed in his footsteps. In his childhood Mahfouz read extensively. His mother often took him to museums and Egyptian history later became a major theme in many of his books.The Mahfouz family were devout Muslims and Mahfouz had a strictly Islamic upbringing. In a future interview, he painfully elaborated on the stern religious climate at home during his childhood years. He stated that "You would never have thought that an artist would emerge from that family".Before he departed this transitory world, in July 2006, Mahfouz sustained head injury as a result of a fall. He remained ill until his death on August 30, 2006 in a Cairo hospital.
In his old age Mahfouz became nearly blind, and though he continued to write, he had difficulties in holding a pen or a pencil. He also had to abandon his daily habit of meeting his friends at coffeehouses. Prior to his death, he suffered from a bleeding ulcer, kidney problems, and cardiac failure.
Mahfouz was accorded a state funeral with full military honors on August 31, 2006 in Cairo. His funeral took place in the el-Rashdan Mosque in Nasr City on the outskirts of Cairo.
Mahfouz once dreamed that all the social classes of Egypt, including the very poor, would join his funeral procession. However, attendance was tightly restricted by the Egyptian government amid protest by mourners.
In his old age Mahfouz became nearly blind, and though he continued to write, he had difficulties in holding a pen or a pencil. He also had to abandon his daily habit of meeting his friends at coffeehouses. Prior to his death, he suffered from a bleeding ulcer, kidney problems, and cardiac failure.
Mahfouz was accorded a state funeral with full military honors on August 31, 2006 in Cairo. His funeral took place in the el-Rashdan Mosque in Nasr City on the outskirts of Cairo.
Mahfouz once dreamed that all the social classes of Egypt, including the very poor, would join his funeral procession. However, attendance was tightly restricted by the Egyptian government amid protest by mourners.
Open House Eidul Fitri 2007
"Di Situ Bumi Di Pijak Di Situlah Langit di Junjung" itulah ungkapan yang kami sentiasa pegang dimana kami berada. Eidul Fitri 2007, alhamdullillah, kami sekeluarga sempat membuat 'rumah terbuka' untuk pelajar-pelajar Malaysia yang belajar dalam jurusan kedoktoran di Universiti Perubatan Iskandariah atau "Alexandria Medical University". Aton, Zainal, Ifa, Zul, Zana, Muaz, Din, Amirah, Saadah, Pie menjadi tetamu istimewa kami. Kehadiran mereka pastinya menjadi penghibur, mengubat rindu kami pada keluarga yang jauh dimata, tapi dekat di hati. Inilah dikatakan pengorbanan! Pengorbanan dari segi saikologi apabila tidak dapat bersama saudara-mara, rakan taulan dan keluarga tercinta. Hakikatnya, kita tidak akan mampu atau memiliki segala-galanya. Allah swt hanya menyediakan 1% nikmat untuk kita menjalankan kehidupan kita yang fana ini. 99% lagi akan kita nikmati di akhirat yang kekal abadi. Atas maksud itulah, kita perlu membuat persediaan yang rapi dengan bekerja keras melaksanakan tanggungjawab kita sebagai umat Nabi Muhammad saw dan hamba kepada Allah Azza Wa Jala. Samada kita bergelar pelajar, tukang masak, pegawai, jurutera, akauntan, pilot, doktor, penyapu sampah, pegawai kerajaan dan sebagainya, kita wajib menjalankan tugasan kita dengan sebaik yang mungkin dengan jujur dan amanah. Ini juga merupakan ibadah selain daripada melaksanakan ibadah-ibadah khusus seperti solat, puasa dan lain-lain kerana Allah swt.
Selain daripada dia orang, ada beberapa pelajar Malaysia yang belajar di universiti Islam yang tertua di dunia, Universiti Al Azhar, Mesir, kami jemput untuk menyerikan suasana Eid 2007. Merekalah adik, merekalah saudara, merekalah kawan, merekalah keluarga di bumi para anbiya' ini.
VVIP Visit to Building 46 Kafr Abdou
We were very grateful and touched by the VVIP visit – YB Dato’ Wan Abdul Wahab B Wan Sanusi, state assemblymen of Sadong Jaya, Samarahan , Sarawak and his entourage from the State Government of Sarawak to our humble apartment at Kafr Abdou. They were escorted by the Senior Sarawakian El-Azhar students Aminuddin; Adi and Idris. We shared some concerns and opinions about the Muslim community in Sarawak and their subscription to the Islamic principles and practices. Concerted efforts need to be exerted to enhance and promote the Islamic principles to the community.Islam came to Sarawak in the late 50s’, however, the real sense of the understanding and better subscription of the true religion was only observed in the late 80s’. There were few Sheikh or religious teacher tried to spread the Islamic knowledge to the Muslims which was about 20% of the whole 1 million Sarawak populations in the early 70s’. But, the activity was confined to certain cluster due to skepticism; custom and communication. It was later in the late 70s’ where the Chief Minister then, Tun Abdul Rahman formed the first religious association named Angkatan Nahdatul Islam Bersatu abbreviated as BINA. The main objective was to promote the Islamic values to Muslim teenagers through various programs like martial art, visits, etc. Later, other Islamic association like ABIM came to Sarawak with the same intent.The entourage spent about 4 hours with us coincidently during the month of Ramadhan. Thank you Dato's.
Iftar at the King Farouk Palace, Montazah
Amidst the conditioned weather by the Mediterranean breeze, under the open crystal clear sky brighten up by the glittering stars and witnessed by the nostalgic Palace of the last king of Egypt – King Farouk, alhamdullillah, we had our iftar served by the friendly crew of Helnan Montazah with the local but exclusive Egyptian cuisine.Iftar or breaking fast is one of the most awaited moments during Ramadhan especially for those who are fasting and it is said to be a gift given by Allah swt. It is advisable and sunnah (action verbally or physical or mentally following the one by the khatamal Nabiin Rasullullah saw) to start the iftar with dates – balaah or rotab or tamar and/or something sweet.
In Malaysia, we perform our Maghrib prayer together, than we continue with slightly heavy dinner. However, here in ELNG, the Iftar was a little bit elaborated with children games, cultural performances, clowns show and lucky draws. Honestly, sad to mention, the true spirit of Iftar which is considered an Ibadah and the holy month of Ramadhan in general had been diluted and smeared by these kinds of program.
This was our 2nd Ramadhan in Egypt - the land of the Anbiya'. Alhamdullillah, we, all seven of us managed to overcome this so called big examination of all Muslims with less hustles. We hope and prayed may Allah Rabbul Alamin accept our humble deeds and give us His Blessings.In Our Opinion : The Road To Lailatul Qadar
Kita kebiasaannya bercakap, bercerita dan mendengar cerita tentang ‘lailatul Qadar’ atau malam el Qadar pada bulan Ramadhan, malah pertengahan Ramadhan. Pada ruangan ini saya bukannya nak bercerita pasal apa dia malam el Qadar. Lagipun, saya sendiri tidak mempunyai ilmu yang mendalam dan tidak ada ‘tauliah’ untuk memperjelaskan Agama Islam yang murni ini dengan lebih terperinci. Tidak ada ‘tauliah’ – satu persoalan untuk kita fikir-fikirkan? Adakah kita perlu ‘tauliah’ untuk bercakap mengenai keindahan agama Islam yang kita anuti? Rasullullah saw pernah bersabda semasa baginda wukuf di Arafah ketika menunaikan Hajjatul Wida’: “ sampaikanlah walau pun sepotong ayat”. Pada pandangan saya, ini adalah ‘tauliah’ malah amanah atau sunnah yang perlu kita pikul dan amalkan.
Anda semua sudah sedia maklum tentang kelebihan dan kemuliaan malam AlQadar ini. Apa yang hendak saya kupaskan ialah bagaimana sikap dan perhatian kita terhadap malam yang lebih baik dari sebulan tersebut. Bagi saya, malam tersebut merupakan bonus yang dihadiahkan oleh Allah Rabbul Jalil kepada sesiapa yang layak.Adakah kita termasuk dari golongan orang-orang yang layak? Kalau tidak, kenapa? Tidakkah kita mempunyai cita2 atau niat untuk menikmati malam tersebut? Kalau Ya, sudah kah kita mempersiapkan diri kita atau membuat persedian yang lengkap ikhlas semata-mata kerana Allah Azza Wajala?
Sebutir intan yang bermutu tinggi dan mempunyai nilai yang tidak terhingga akan dikawal ketat dan disimpan didalam bekas yang kukuh jauh daripada pengetahuan manusia lain, tidak akan diperolehi dengan tidak berusaha bersungguh-sungguh dari semua aspek, iaitu fizikal, mental dan spiritual. Begitu juga dengan kereta mewah, villa, pangkat-darjat, makanan, baju-seluar dan lain-lain. Semua kebendaan di dunia yang fana tidak akan datang melutut dan dengan sekelip mata tanpa usaha yang gigih, konsisten dan komitmen yang tinggi. Malah, sesuap nasi, tidak akan diperolehi tanpa usaha petani, penjual dan tukang masak!Dari segi sukan misalannya, iaitu sukan yang bertaraf antarabangsa seperti Olimpik diadakan 4 tahun sekali dengan tujuan untuk memberi peluang kepada setiap perserta membuat persediaan rapi untuk layak ke peringkat akhir. Bayangkan, seorang pelari pecut 100 meter terpaksa bekerja keras untuk membina mental, fizikal dan sikap selama 4 tahun hanya untuk berlari selama 10 saat bagi mencapai sebutir pingat emas yang hanya bernilai RM 1000?
Kita sedia maklum, Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhari seorang peniaga yang berjaya terpaksa mengharungi hidup yang sukar, menjaga kambing lembu, dll, sebelum digelar Billionaire.
Sahabat-sahabat Nabi Muhammad saw, hidup dalam kesengseraan dari semua sudut, berkorban pagi petang dengan harta, maruah dan masa sebelum mendapat gelaran Radiuallah Hu ‘An – iaitu Allah redha dengan mereka.Junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad saw, habibullah – kekasih Allah swt – hidup dengan penuh derita; di baling dengan batu dan najis; berlapar; dihina dan diboikot; dihalau dan jelik semata-mata untuk membawa manusia kerah kebenaran dan mencapai tahap keimanan yang tinggi sebagai bekalan di hari Akhirat.
Malam Al-Qadar perlu di cari semasa 10 terakhir Ramadhan. Untuk itu, kita perlu mempunyai fizikal, mental dan spiritual yang tinggi semata-mata kerana Allah swt. Dan, semua ini perlu di usahakan paling kurang setahun sebelum Ramadhan atau sebelum 10 malam terakhir Ramadhan.Secara ringkasnya, untuk melayakkan diri kita dalam senarai Muslimin yang dianugerahkan ‘bonus’ malam Al Qadar, kita perlu memiliki Iman yang hakiki iaitu dengan kerja-kerja agama, memperbanyakkan ibadah-ibadah khusus secara istiqamah, berkasih-sayang sesama Muslim yang lain dan berdoa serta mengharap hanya kepada Allah Rabbul Jalil. Kejayaan hakiki umat Islam bergantung sejauh mana kita taat kepada perintah Allah swt secara bagind Rasullullah saw, iaitu Iman yang tinggi.
Kita juga perlu memperdalamkan Ilmu agama kita dengan ikhlas dan istiqamah. Orang yang berilmu jauh lebih tinggi dari orang yang beramal tanpa ilmu yang hakiki.
Selain daripada itu, kita perlu menjaga sunnah-sunnah Rasullullah saw dalam kehidupan seharian dimana juga kita berada. Untuk stamina berjaga malam sambil beribadah, kita juga digalakkan menjaga fizikal – kesihatan kita dengan beriadah dan menjaga makanan sebagai sumber tenaga. Allah Hu 'Alam
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