The Fresh look of Mustafa Kamal Masjid Kafr Abdou
The photos were taken recently, when Aiman and I were late performing our ‘Asar prayer. It is not good to procrastinate things, what more to say, our five daily obligation prayers. May Allah swt grant us the inner spiritual strength and faith for us to practice His Rules as shown by His beloved Messenger Prophet Muhammad saw.
Hijrah - To The Path of Allah
Yes, success comes with sacrifices and sacrifice comes in many forms – time, efforts, wealth and health. While ‘efforts’ are not necessarily physical, wealth is not necessary the monetarily aspect but also the ‘quality’ of both aspects. Well, what is more important though is for us to promote and to practice what we know.It took me two nights to put all these materials together, few months to come up with the idea and months to collect all the materials. Alhamdullillah, here I am with the ‘Hijrah’ - dedicated to my family and those who are on the ‘Path of Allah swt, sacrificing their life propagating good deeds and bringing people to the right path for better tomorrow – the life thereafter.
Ta'lim : Part XV
Hadhrat Abu Zar ra related that Rasullullah saw had said to him, “I advise you to fear Allah swt, as this is the root of all virtues; remain engaged in the recitation of Holy Qur’an and in zikr of Almighty Allah swt, which will earn you an appreciation in the heavens and serve you as a light in this world: keep silent for most of the time, so that you speak nothing but good, as this will keep the devil away from you and make it easy for you to perform your religious duties. Abstain from too much laughing, for laughing weakens the heart and deprives the face of its spiritual glow (luminosity), always take part in jihaad as this is the sigh of piety for ummah; like the poor and keep their company; compare your lot with persons lower than you, and never look up to those higher than you, otherwise you will forget the bounties of Almighty Allah swt and become ungrateful to Him; try to retain ties with your relatives though they may try to break them; do not hesitate to speak out the truth, though is may be bitter for others; always obey Almighty Allah swt in spite of adverse criticism – find fault with your own self, and never with others; do not criticize others for the shortcomings that you suffer from. O! Abu Zar ra there is no wisdom better than farsightedness, abstinence from the unlawful is the best act of piety, and good manners constitute true nobility.”
The word ‘sakeenah’ according o various scholars means tranquility and peace, as well as Allah swt’s special mercy. Imam Nawawi Rahmatullah alaih states that ‘sakeenah’ is a special favor consisiting of tranquility, mercy, etc. and is brought down from the heaven by the angels.
This appreciation, in the presence of the Angels, by Almighty Allah swt for those who engaged in zikr is for two reasons:
First, it is because the Angels had submitted at the time of the creation of Prophet Adam Alaihis salam, that man would commit mischief in the world. Secondly, it is because the Angels are ever engaged in prayers, submission, and obedience to Almighty Allah swt, and are devoid of the very instinct for sin, whereas man has the instinct of obedience as well as of sin. He is surrounded by things that lead him to negligence and disobedience, and has desires and lust ingrained in him. Therefore, prayers, submission and abstinence from sin, despite all the handicaps, are more praiseworthy and creditable on his part.
In one hadith, it is stated that, when Allah swt cretaed the heaven, he told Jibrail Alaihis salam to visit it. On his return, he reported, “O Lord! By your Greatness, whoever comes to know of it, will do his best to enter it”, that is to say, its pleasures, comforts, enjoyments, and blessings are so intense that there will be nobody who, after knowing and believing these, will not strive his utmost for admission into it.
Allah swt then surrounded heaven with hardships and made it compulsory to offer prayers, observe fasting, take part in jihaad, go for Haj, etc., for admission into it. Allah swt then sent Jibrail Alaihis salam to visit it again. He saw it and then said, “O Allah! I fear that hardly anybody will be able to enter it.”
Scrumptious Lunch by M Fikri's Family
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.
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
The Birth Date of the Beloved Prophet of Allah swt
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
Good Job
BIRYANIs @ Yahalla Alexandria
Zillion of Thanks....
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.
Adorable Datin Mahyun Mohd Amin
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….”
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.
An Experiential Learning Approach: the BSA Way
Creativity: 'Afi and Muhammad Afiq Perception
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”.
Ta'lim : Part XIV
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.
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