Hadhrat ‘Uqbah ibn Aamir Radhiyallaho anhu (ra) has said:”Rasullullah sallallahu alaihi wassallam (saw) came to us while we were sitting on the suffah and asked if any one of us would like to go to the market of But-haan and Aqeeq and fetch from there two she-
camels of the finest breed without committing any sin or severing a tie of kinship. We replied that everyone of us would love to do so. Rasullullah saw (pbuh) then said that going to the masjid and reciting or teaching two ayaat of the Qur’an is more precious than three she-camels, and that similarly reciting or teaching of four ayaat is better than four she-camels and n equal number of camels.”
‘suffah’ is the name of a particular raised platform in the Masjid of the Prophet Muhammd saw (pbuh) in Madinah. It used to be occupied by the poor Muslim Muhajirin (emigrants-plural of muhajir-emigrant from Makkah to Madinah) who is known as “Ashab-us-Suffah” (men of Suffah). The number of these men varied from time to time: ‘Alllamah Suyuti Rahmatullah alaih has listed one hundres and one names and also written an independent booklet about their names.
But-haan and Aqeeq were the two market-places for camels near Madinah. The camel, more particularly a she-camel having a fat hump, was a favorite of the Arabs.
The expression ‘without sin’ is significant. A thing can be acquired without labor either by extortion, through illegal inheritance (by forcefully taking over the property of some relative) or by theft. Rasullullah saw (pbuh) thus ruled out all such acquisitions. Acquiring a thing without any sin is certainly preferred by all, but much more valuable is the learning of a few ayaat.
It is clear fact that let alone one or two camels, even if one acquires the kingdom of all the seven continents one will be forced to leave it, if not today surely tomorrow (at the time of death), but the reward of one ayat will be everlasting. We see even in this life that a man feels happier when he is given only one RM (without the condition of returning it), rather than if he is given one thousand RM for keeping in his safe custody for a while only. In the letter case, he is merely burdened with a trust without getting any benefit out of it. In fact, this hadith implies and admonition not to compare something temporary with something eternal. Whether in action or a rest, a man should consider if his efforts are being wasted on acquiring the temporary gains of this world, or, are directed towards achieving the everlasting ones. Woe be to the waste of effort for which we earn eternal misery. The last phrase of the hadith “superior to an equal number of camels” contains three meanings. First, up to the number four, the reward has been mentioned in detail. Beyond this, it is briefly mentioned that the more ayaat a person acquires, the greater will be their superiority over the number of camels. In this case, the word “camels” at the end refers to the species - either he-camels or she-camels - and the number implied is more than four because, up to the number four, the reward has been mentioned in detail. The second meaning is that numbers mentioned are the same as referred to earlier, the significance being that inclinations are always different; some are fond of she-camels, others preferred he-camel. Therefore, Rasullullah saw (pbuh) has used this expression to signify that every ayat is superior to a she-camel, and if one prefers a he-camel, an ayat is also superior to a he-camel. The third meaning is that the numbers mentioned are the same as referred to before and not more than four. According to the second meaning, the explanation that an ayat is superior to a she-camel or he-camel does not hold good, but it implies a collection, i.e. one ayat is superior to a he-camel and a she-camel considered together, and likewise every ayat is superior to the combination of an equal number of he-camels or she-camels. Thus a single ayat has been compared to a pair or couple (of camels). My late father (May Allah bless his grave with Divine light) has preferred the later interpretation because it points to a superior virtue. This however, does not mean that the reward of an ayat can be equaled to a camel or two camels. All this is for inducement and illustration. It has been clearly written before that an ayat whose reward is permanent and enduring is superior and preferable even to a kingdom over the seven continents, which is bound to disintegrate.
Mulla ‘Ali Qari has written an account of a pious Sheikh who went to Makkah for Hajj on the 9th day of Dhulhijjah – the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. When he landed at Jeddah, some of his friends in business requested him to prolong his stay in Jeddah, so that they could earn more profit for their merchandise y virtue of his blessed presence. In fact they wanted that some of the servants of the Sheikh be benfited by the profits of their business. At first the Sheikh expressed his inability to prolong his stay, but when they insisted, the Sheikh asked them as to maximum profit they would earn for their goods. They explained that the profit was not the same in all cases; but the maximum that they could expect was hundred per cent. The Sheikh said, “you have taken all this trouble for such a petty gain; for such an insignificant gain. I cannot miss the solat in the respected Haram (the most Sacred Masjid), where the reward of solat gets multiplied one hundred thousand times.” In fact, we Muslims should consider how, for petty worldly gains, we sometimes sacrifice great spiritual benefits.
The unique birthday cake from TwinzBites, her beloved systers' Bakery and Cafe. Especially and custom made for her 42nd birthday, the cake depicts her favorite 'hobby' - on-line via her iPhone.
Hadhrat ‘Uqbah ibn Aamir Radhiyallaho anhu (ra) has said:”Rasullullah sallallahu alaihi wassallam (saw) came to us while we were sitting on the suffah and asked if any one of us would like to go to the market of But-haan and Aqeeq and fetch from there two she-
The first time I came here was in February 2011. It took almost 45 minutes for us to order few burgers, drinks, etc.!well... being the first ever a drive-thru fast food restaurant in Miri and just few months in operation, what do you expect? That was then. Yesterday, we spent almost 15 minutes just to order a burger???
Happy Birthday Darwish and be a good obedient boy. May Allah swt always be with you and bless you with good health, wealth and faith. Amiin.
Darwishs' beloved mom and dad - Wie and Fauzi. Congratulations to both of you as well.
His 1.5' X 2.0' birthday cake prepared by TwinzBites Sdn Bhd, his Granny's own Bakery and Cafe.
These are their 'house' cum playground, fully imported from the Pet Shop, Ikano, Damansara last April. They, we called them Brownie and Blackie - the cutie little hamsters were imported from J&J Pet Lover, Miri.
In the photo above, is Brownie. It has short white and brown colour fur, less active but very sneakie.
And, this is Blackie. It has black and white fairly long fur. Very active and nottie.
This was our second time we went to one of its kind in Malaysia - the Petrosains. The first was around 7 - 8 years ago.
The first of its kind in Bintulu - Masjid Assyakirin Family Carnival 2011 was held at the Masjid compund itself on 14th and 15th of May 2011.
Despite heavy downpour, the organised program had successfully attracted thousands people from all walks of life.
They are not "Pegawai Agama" or Religious Officer, but some of the Street Soccer supporter who were enthusiastically watching the game under the drizzling rain.
Apart from the Street Soccer, there were numbers of entrepeneurs selling their products, from Nasi Beriyani, Rojak Buah, Books, Clothing, Filters, etc.
Nana and M Asri showing their support. We went there at around 10:05 am after sending Erwin at Bus Terminal Bintulu.
Another round of PLKN series. The objective is to enhance the spirit of patriotism among the young Malaysian; fostering national unity and integration; develop positive character/behavior/attitude through moral values; promote spirit of volunteerism and produce more vigorous young, intelligent and committed.
Laga’s eldest son Erwin Syarmizie was with us arriving from Brisbane, Australia, for the Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) or literally translates National Service Program 2011. He is a very pleasant, polite, decent, humble, friendly and sensible young man.
After the past one week experiencing the El Niño effect, Alhamdullillah, praise only to Allah swt, that morning was showered by heavy cool rain. We took our breakfast at Refah Café – one of our favorites eating place in Bintulu. Participants are required to be at Bintulu Bus Terminal, Medan Jaya by 09:30 hours, hence after a brief breakfast, we arrived at the Terminal around 09:21 hours. To our surprise, despite the blessed shower; parents, relatives and friends supportively jam-packed the Terminal area ushering the One Malaysian participants departing for the PLKN’s Lanang Sibu Camp.
The registration process was very smooth, well managed and organised. Another thing that I must say; the crew, I mean the officers were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Below, some of the faces - hundreds participants in one out of 10 buses (I think) showing their enthusiasm and commitment, though will be away from their families and comfort zones for about three months.
To Erwin and all the participants, we wish you all the best and enjoy your program.
“Hadhrat Huzaifah Radhiyallahu anhu (ra) says that, whenever the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alaihi wasallam (saw) – peace be upon him (pbuh) happened to face any difficulty, he would at once resort to solat.”
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman or Tuanku Abdul Rahman Road (TAR) is one of the popular places (especially amongst the Malay) in Kuala Lumpur. It has a lot of things to offer and one of its popular items is textiles products. Last time we visited this was week before Raya 2010 days after we landed our feet in KL from our stint in Egypt.
On the way back, we spent sometime exploring the back lane. Very interesting.
Last week, we spent almost the whole morning looking or shopping for Raya 2011 - The earlier the better. And, definitely not during Ramadhan where we are supposed to focus on cleansing our spiritual portion; earning as much as possible all the offering by Allah swt; and self reflex our deeds.
Zailan's machine that had cost him RM 40,000. Named after one of the most top Italian cyclist - De Rosa. Using Compagnolo crank and carbon fiber body, the weight is about not more than 8 kg! Well, with that cost, one could buy a brand new Manual MyVy.!
This one - Cannondale had cost him RM 35,000 and weigh about 7 kg. The lightest mountain bike that I'd ever experience.
Zailan is one of the founder of the Le Tua cycling team that had helped and produced top Malaysian cyclist. One of them is Anuar Manan.
After spending almost hours at Petrosains, KLCC, we quenched our thirst and filled our hungry stomach at one of our favorite’s restaurants, none other than Little Penang Café. Why our favorites? The service is superb; the hospitality of the staff is commendable; the price is reasonable (for KLCC) and above all, their products - foods/drinks are excellent.
Nana, M Asri, Afi, M Aiman, Chote, Afiqah, Siti Asmah, Farah, M Afiq and me (not in the picture because I took the photo?!)
To know TwinzBites is to visit them at 1st Floor between the old and new extension of Bintang Plaza from 09:30 until 22:00 hours daily. Adjacent to ESPRIT boutique, the kiosk is strategically located in front of the Body Shop at 20 meters away from Mc Donald's. 
Thanks to AirAsia....for connecting and bridging me and my family in Bintulu when I was on two months special assignment at KLCC. Flown by AirAsia AK 5141 & AK5140, I spent almost every weekends with my family in Bintulu. Otherwise, I'll have to fly less frequent and with tonnes of money. I must say, the service is very reliable and commendable.
LAST weekend, I've finally made up my mind; we bought two units mid range bicycle - Mountain Bike TREK brand and a road bike of SCOTT for M Aiman and me respectively. The whole intention is for us to rejuvenate our health and fitness level, which is unsatisfactorily alarming. Friends and even my boss suggested me to invest in thread mills and some other typical fitness gadgets, but I was a little bit sceptical with the idea. Cycling is always my favorite activity and due to lack of discipline, I'd stopped the activity since in Terengganu 6 years ago.
'Electric Lime' drink; Fresh Water Melon juice; Special Three Layered Tea or 'Teh-C spesial' and 'Teh-O Ais limau Kosong' or Ice Lemon Tea with no sugar by Sajian Warisan...anyone?
It has been reported by Ibn Mas’ood Raghiyallaho anhu (ra) that the Holy Prophet Sallallaho alaihi wassalam (saw) peace be upon him (PBUH) said: “The decline and fall of Bani Israil started thus: when the pious among them saw certain sins being committed by the transgressors, they forbade them from doing the same; but when the sinners did not repent, the pious because of their relationship and friendship continued to mix with them. So, when this state of affairs began to prevail, Allah swt caused their hearts to be accursed in the same manner.” (i.e. the hearts were also affected with the disobedience of the transgressors). Then is support of this, the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (PBUH) recited a verse of the Holy Qu’ran, which says: ‘The disobedient and the transgressors among the Bani Israil were accursed by Allah swt.’ On this, the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (PBUH) 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 every tyrant from tyranny and invite him towards truth and justice.”Another hadith says that the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (PBUH) was reclining comfortably when suddenly overcome with emotion, he sat up and said: “I swear by Allah swt that you people cannot attain salvation, unless you prevent the tyrants from tyranny.”
