Can Or Not?

Reggie Lee is one of favourite cartoonists simply because its artwork and the cynical messages he tried to convey to the multi-racial population of Malaysia. I bought this Can Or Not edition from MPH KLCC, when we spent our vacation in Kuala Lumpur.

Nabi Daniel Mosque : Reminding Us Nabi Daniel & Luqman el-Hakim

Nabi Daniel is not really popular among the Muslims globally. However, there is one street within the Moharem Bek district in Alexandria, named after his name and popular with the second hand books & magazines of all aspects. Towards the south of this street, close to the intersection of the ancient Via Canopica and the R5 Street, one will find a mosque called Nabi Daniel Mosque or Masjid el-Nabi el-Danyal.

The present Mosque of Nabi Daniel was built at the end of the 18th century and restored in 1823 by Mohammed Ali. A smaller shrine, probably the mosque of Dzoul Karnein - the Sire with the two horns - preexisted on the site. Here in this Mosque, it is said to contain the remains of the scholar and venerated teacher Prophet Daniel and his companion Sidi Lokman el Hakim, a religious story-teller.
The Arab legend of the Prophet Daniel appeared during the 9th century and was told by two astronomers: Mohamed Ibn Kathir el Farghani and Abou Ma'shar . It is mentioned that "a young Jew, Daniel, was persecuted and chased from Syria by the idolaters whom he had tried to convert. An old man appeared in a dream urging him to go to war against the infidels and promising victory over all of Asia. Nabi Daniel acquired numerous followers in Egypt, where he had sought refuge, and built Alexandria. Obeying what the old man had ordered him in his dream, he made war against the infidels. After a successful expedition, he returned to Alexandria and died of old age. His body was placed in a golden sarcophagus inlaid with precious stones, but the Jews stole it to mint coins and replaced it with a stone sarcophagus".

Photo: The main entrance of Nabi Daniel Mosque, on the left is the ablution area

A Russian monk, Vassili Grigorovich Barskij , visited Alexandria in 1727 and 1730 and made a plan of the city. Near the Kom el Dick mound he drew a small Mohammedan shrine, among ruins, which could well be the predecessor of the Nabi Daniel Mosque. We cannot refer to his written description of the city, as Barskij's work is only partially translated and only fragments have been studied.
The Danish Captain Norden visited the town in 1737, but tried in vain to find the tomb of Alexander. Similarly, James Bruce 30 years later in 1768 looked for the tomb of the Great Macedonian, "asking the Arabs, the Jews, the Greeks and others, but none were able to show him the location". However, at the end of the 18th century, Sestrini was shown the sarcophagus in the Attarine mosque as having been Alexander's tomb.

Photo: view from inside - the entrance of the mosque

In 1803, a Russian prelate from Kiev, the archimandrite Konstantios, tried without success to locate Alexander's Mausoleum, noting that he… "looked in vain for… the tomb of Alexander the Great, the tomb of the man whose life's course was above the faith of common mortals...;" he continues, saying that "until the 15th century the location was known but now even the tradition of this tomb has been lost...", adding that "beyond any doubt the remains survived under the great masses of the city's ruins". It is interesting to note that, strangely enough Konstantios, in his writing, and Barskij in his plan do not mention either of the Mosques. Were they have shown one of the Mosques as being the location of Alexander's tomb, and was it because of bigotry or because of their superior knowledge of history that they do not even mention these humble Mohammedan shrines as possible remains of the famous Mausoleum?

Photo: view of the mihrab. The carpet is being replaced.

A new impulse was given to the legend of the tomb of Alexander the Great in the middle of the 19th century. In 1850 a certain Scilitzis of the known Greek family in Alexandria, dragoman-interpreter to the Russian consulate of the town, produced a fantastic story.
It happened that, while guiding some European travelers entrusted to his care, he entered the crypt of the Nabi Daniel Mosque. He "descended into a narrow and dark subterranean passage and came to a wooden worm-eaten door. Looking through the cracks of the planks he saw a body with the head slightly rose lying in a crystal coffin. On the head, there was a golden diadem. Around were scattered papyri, scrolls and books. He tried to remain longer in the vault but he was pulled away by one of the monks of the Mosque, and notwithstanding his repeated attempts to return, he was forbidden the area of the crypt. Scilitzis apparently made a written report to the Russian Consul and to the Greek Patriarch of Alexandria.
It is obvious that Scilitzis had read Dion Cassius and may have had access to the subterranean passage under the Mosque, but he is not telling the truth. How can we believe that in the humid climate of Alexandria, papyri and books could have survived for over two millennia?

Photo: The door to the crypts or the tombs which is about 10 meters right infront of the main entrance.

Unlike Ambroise Scilitzis's story, which may be described as an enormous hoax, we cannot dismiss as such the written report of Mahmoud Bey el Falaki. This learned Egyptian astronomer and engineer visited the crypts under the Nabi Daniel Mosque some ten years after Scilitzis while trying to carry our the difficult task of drawing a map of the ancient town as ordered in 1865 by the Khedive Ismail. In Mahmoud Bey's report, he says that: "During my visit to the vaults under that building I entered a large room with an arched roof built on the ground level of the town. From this paved room inclined corridors started out in four different directions. Because of their length and their bad state I could not survey them entirely. The rich quality of the stones used in the construction and numerous other indications confirmed my belief that these subterranean passages must have led to the tomb of Alexander the Great. I therefore, contemplated returning and resuming my investigations, but unfortunately this was forbidden to me by a superior order and all the entrance ways were walled up".

Photo: the staircase that will bring you down to the crypts area.

El Falaki was not an archaeologist, so we can be skeptical about his conclusions, but one would not question his sincerity and he must be considered as a reliable witness.
His description raises some questions: Who decided and why, to force El Falaki to suspend his survey of the subterranean passages? Falaki was working for a project sponsored by the reigning Khedive. Why did he not appeal to his powerful patron? Why did he drop his investigation?

Photo: the top view of the Nabi Daniel crypt.

But, before the end of the 19th century, the story must be taken with reservation though, there was allegation of a discovery made in 1879 by a chief mason and the Sheikh of the Nabi Daniel Mosque. The story was that while doing masonry work in the basement, they were supposedly to enter the vault and reach an inclined subterranean passage. They both walked for some distance and could discern some monuments made of granite ending with an angular summit. The mason wanted to proceed further but the Sheikh ordered him to return. The entrance was walled up and the mason was asked not to reveal that incident. About 6 meters down, finished with marble and granite, one could find at least two other chambers on the north and on the east side of the so called Nabi Daniel's crypt. Sidi Luqman el-Hakeem's crypt is on the right side of the Nabi Daniel's crypt attached to the marbled wall. Allah hu Alam

Imam Shafi-ee Masjid

Muhammad ibn Idris ibn al-`Abbas, al-Imam al-Shafi`i, Abu `Abd Allah al-Shafi`i al-Hijazi al-Qurashi al-Hashimi al-Muttalibi ,the offspring of the House of the Prophet, the peerless one of the great mujtahid imams and jurisprudent par excellence, the scrupulously pious ascetic and Friend of Allah, he laid down the foundations of fiqh in his Risala, which he said he revised and re-read four hundred times, then said: "Only Allah’s Book is perfect and free from error."

He is the cousin of the Prophet - Allah’s blessings and peace upon him - descending from al-Muttalib who is the brother of Hashim, `Abd al-Muttalib’s father. Someone praised the Banu Hashim in front of the Prophet, whereby he interlaced the fingers of his two hands and said: "We and they are but one and the same thing." Al-Nawawi listed three peculiar merits of al-Shafi`i: his sharing the Prophet’s lineage at the level of their common ancestor `Abd Manaf; his birth in the Holy Land of Palestine and upbringing in Mecca; and his education at the hands of superlative scholars together with his own superlative intelligence and knowledge of the Arabic language.

He was born in Ghazza or `Asqalan in 150, the year of Abu Hanifa’s death, and moved to Mecca at the age of two, following his father’s death, where he grew up. He was early a skillful archer, and then he took to learning language and poetry until he gave himself to fiqh, beginning with hadith. He memorized the Qur’an at age seven, then Malik’s Muwatta’ at age ten, at which time his teacher would deputize him to teach in his absence. At age thirteen he went to see Malik, who was impressed by his memory and intelligence.

At the age of twenty, he went to Madina and remained there as a student of Imam Malik till the later’s death in 796. He also came into contact with other learned men from whom he acquired knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and the Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. Imam Shafi-ee possessed a very sharp memory and knew the whole of Imam Malik's Muwatta by heart. In 804 he visited Syria and from there proceeded to Egypt where he settled down. As a pupil of Imam Malik he was received with great honor and respect by the Egyptians.

In 810 he went to Baghdad and there he was surrounded by a large number of students who were eager to acquire knowledge of the faith and practice of Islam from him. The Shafi-ee school of law emerged from these students who practiced and propagated the views and rulings of Imam Shafi-ee through their writings and preaching.

Imam Shafi-ee wrote several books, the most well-known of which is called Kitab-al-Umm, which is a collection of writings and lectures of the Imam. A number of his students have also collected his writings, lectures and rulings in the form of books, or quoted him in their books. Baghdad in Iraq and Cairo in Egypt were the chief centers of Imam Shafiee's activities. It is from these two cities that teachings of the Shafi-ee school spread in the 9th century of the Christian era.
During the time of Sultan Salahuddeen (Saladin), the Shafi-ee doctrine was the most prominent in Egypt, and to this day the Imam of the Al-Azhar Masjid is always a Shafi-ee and the Shafi-ee Madhhab is industriously studied along with that of the other three schools of the Sunnis.
During his life Imam Shafi-ee also suffered from political intrigues. For instance, after studying under Imam Malik in Madina he was sent to fill an office in Yemen, where he was accused of political involvement which resulted in his arrest. He was taken as prisoner to Harun al-Rasheed. The Khalifa however found him innocent and the Imam was honorably released.
Imam Shafi-ee died in the year 820 in Egypt. The above photos were taken inside the Imam Shafi'ee mosque in Fustat, Cairo where the tomb of the famous Imam Shafi-ee placed. Let us pray to Allah swt that His blessings will always be with him. Aameen.

15.7.2007 minus 15.7.1995

Born in 15th of July 1995, sandwiched between his eldest brothers and younger brother Muhammad Aiman & sister Afiqah, this genius, cute and extrovert little baby is the third member of our family. Jovial, talented and has entertaining feature, has made him -Muhammad Asri the center of attraction amongst his friends, relatives and Yayasan Yusuf clan.
He was born in Miri, grown up in Bintulu for 5.5 years and spent another 6 years in Terengganu before he moved to Egypt.
In sync with his name - Asri – literally means ‘with regards to time’, is very committed with his assignments; punctual; active in extra curricular activities like futsal, football, marathon, Tae Kwon Do, Athletics; Badminton, Ping Pong, Chess and mind you, he is potential orator. Perhaps a future Yayasan Yusuf’s lawyer!
He has won several medals, trophies, prizes and certificates during various competitions that he attended in schools as well as others. Recently he won Champion title during the 16 KM Montaza – Quatbay marathon organized by Rotary Club Alexandria chapter. Really, these achievements contradict his skinny feature!! Keep it up, son.
Like his brothers, he had went through a strenuous bumpy road; suffocated by the unhealthy climate and confronted with thorny obstacles. Again, I must mention this was due to my poor navigation skill in which alhamdullillah, the water is clam, the wind blow softly over the beautiful garden of one of the Yayasan Yusuf members. Despite all those bad experiences, he is very persistent, obedient, and diligent with the gifted positive proactive attitude as well as soft kind heart. He can easily shed his tears tough, even he missed his homework. In his school - the British School of Alexandrai http://www.bsalex.net/ he is one of the macho kids admired by the 'ladies'. Now, for his birthday present, we fix his teeth with Dr. Amr stainless steel braces. Go Asri...!

Can Or Not & Be Serious

I love Datuk Lats' collection very much. I have bought this Be Serious LAT at MPH KLCC during our summer vacation. Please browse further to read Lat's biography.

Amr Ibn Al-As's Mosque : The first Mosque in the African Continent

This is the first and oldest mosque ever built on the land of Egypt. Constructed in 642 AD (21 AH) by Amr Ibn el-As’s, the commander of the Muslim army sent by the Caliph Umar Ibn Khataab r.a. to spread the Islamic teaching ouside the Hijaz so as to bring people to the Ad-Deen, the path of Allah swt.
Alhamdullillah, we managed to pay our visit and perform as respect two raka’at sunnatul Masjid inside the first ever mosque built in the land of Africa. The Amr Ibn al-As’s Mosque is said to have been built on the site of Amr Ibn al-As's tent at Fustat, is the oldest existing mosque, which is also known as Taj al-Jawamie (Crown of Mosques, al-Jamie'al-Ateeq (the Ancient Mosque) and Masjid Ahl ar-Rayah (Mosque of Banner Holders). Located north of the Roman Fortress of Babylon, it is actually on the edge of Fustat, the temporary city founded by Amr, and was an Islamic learning center long before El-Azhar Mosque. It could hold up to 5,000 students. The mosque was originally built on an area of 1,500 square cubits, overlooking the Nile. The initial structure was quite simple; with walls bared of any plaster or decorations, but without niche (mihrab), minaret or ground cover. It had two doors on the north and two others facing Amr's house.
The area remained unchanged until 672 AD (53 AH), when Musallama al-Ansari, Egypt's ruler on behalf of Caliph Mu'awiya Ibn abi-Sufian undertook expansion and renovation works for the mosque. Walls and ceilings were decorated and four compartments for "muezzins" (callers for prayers) were added at the corners, together with a minaret, while the mosque ground was covered with straw mats.
In 698 AD (79 AH), the mosque was demolished and expanded by Abdul-Aziz Ibn Marwan, Egypt's ruler. Once again in 711 AD (93 AH), the mosque was demolished by Prince Qurrah Ibn Shuraik al-Absi, Egypt's ruler. Upon the orders of Caliph al-Waleed Ibn Abdul-Malek, the mosque area was enlarged, a niche, a wooden pulpit (mimbar) and a compartment and copings of four columns facing the niche were gold-coated. The mosque had then four doors to the east, four to the west and three to the north.
Under the Abbasid state, successive additions and repairs were introduced. In 827 AD (212 AH), Abdullah Ibn Taher, Egypt's ruler on behalf of Caliph al-Ma'moun ordered an equivalent area to the north to be added to the mosque, thus bringing its total area to its present level of 13,556,25 square meters. (112.3m x 120.5m). However, the Fatimid period was the gold era for the mosque, where gilded mosaics, marble works, a wooden compartment and a moving pulpit were introduced and part of the niche was silver-coated.
The last structural amendments in Amr Mosque were made during the rule of Murad Bey under the ottoman era, in 1797 AD (1212 AD). Because of the collapse of some columns, the interior of the mosque was demolished and rebuilt.

As a result, eastern arcades were repositioned so as to be perpendicular to the mihrab wall. Accordingly, arches were extended across windows and two minarets were built.
Amr Ibn el-As's Mosque was not merely a place of worship but also served as a court for settling religious and civil disputes. Moreover, teaching circles were organized either for general religious preaching or teaching lessons in Quranic sciences, jurisprudence and Prophet Muhammad's Tradition (Hadith) as well as letters.
The mosque incorporates elements of Greek and Roman buildings, and has 150 white marble columns and three minarets. Simple in design, its present plan consists of an open sahn (court) surrounded by four riwaqs, the largest being the Qiblah riwaq. There are a number of wooden plaques bearing Byzantine carvings of leaves, and a partially enclosed column is believed to have been miraculously transported from Mecca on the orders of Prophet Muhammed saw himself. There are many other ancient legions related to the Mosque

Abu Al Abbas Al Mursi Mosque

The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is the most historic and most beautiful mosque in Alexandria. It was built primarily in 1775 over the tomb of a Spanish scholar, Abu El Abbas El Mursi (1219-86), and stands on Mosque Square overlooking the eastern harbor. Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi was born to a wealthy family in the Andalusia region of Spain in 1219. In the wake of increasing Christian control of Spain, he and his family left for Tunisia in 1242. He later went on to Alexandria, a popular destination of many Muslim scholars at the time. Abu al-Abbas lived in Alexandria for 43 years as a scholar and teacher until his death in 1286. He was buried in a small building near the eastern harbor in Alexandria.In 1307, El Sheikh Zein El Din Ibn El Qattan, one of the richest traders of Alexandria, visited the tomb. He funded a mausoleum and dome for the tomb, along with a small mosque.
Rulers who built themselves tombs next to the saint periodically restored the mosque over the centuries. Most of the present structure dates from 1775, when the Algerian Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghreby built a much larger mosque on the site. It was fully renovated in 1863, and an annual festival was established to celebrate the birth of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi.
The mosque was again beautified in 1943 under King Farouq I (r.1937-1952), who built the Midan el Masaged, or "Mosque Square." The square covers some 43,200 square meters and includes five other mosques centered around the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque. The mosque was renovated in the Arabian style that was popular when the saint came to Alexandria in the 13th century, at a total cost of about 140,000 LE.

Jagalah Allah....

DR. 'AIDH ABDULLAH AL-QARNI, born in 1379H (1960M) at a place called al-Qarni, south of Saudi Arabia. Graduated from Islamic University of Imam Muhammed Ibn Su’ud, Riyad and el-Hafeez, made him a good writer and lecturer to thousands of people in many countries around the globe. He was once locked-up during the reign of Al-Saud, when he vocally voiced up his disagreement on the presence of the US army to the holy land of Saudi Arabia. La Tahzan or Don't Be Sad contains numerous tips to help you ward off depression, have a positive outlook of life, and provides new perspectives on happiness and many more topics for a person to lead a physically and mentally healthy life.

In this era, where psychosocial issues and the unstoppable lifestyle engage a human spirit in a confusing maze, it is very vital to keep the right perspectives and attitudes to lead a normal life. This is especially true not just for Muslim adults but also for Muslim teen-agers who are trying to make sense of the world around them and the Islamic values that they are trying to adhere to!

The author cites the example of certain great Islamic scholars who were not rich with the wealth of material world, yet they lived very peaceful lives. One the other hand, there were rulers in the same era who although lived in castles, but their lives were in turmoil and were filled with anxiety and in worry. The book reminds the reader that sadness enervates the soul's will to act and paralyzes the body into inactivity. Sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it.

The book “Jagalah Allah, Allah Menjagamu” means if you follow Allah, Allah will always be with you with His Blessings. He is the most Gracious and very most Merciful. The book explains why must we obey and love Allah swt; it describes the characteristic of successful people; it describes how to achieve our goal to become a successful Muslim, and explains the meaning of success from the Islamic perspective. It is packed and supported with the holy AlQuran and Al Hadeeth.

U R my Everythings

Today is your sweet birth day and U R in million. Let me record my pure love in my humble blog. I saw your face amongst the angels, you're so beautiful and purely beautiful. Your jovial character and friendliness attracts me. The beautifulness derives from your white clean heart and your positive mind, reflexes the true light of love and kindness. Luv, every time you are near I feel I like in heaven, feeling high, I don’t want to let you go luv: you are the one that I need tonight: I need to hold you tight: I don’t want to run away: I don’t want to be alone: if possible, I want to die in your arms: You are forever my love. You are my every thing.I will always love you. May Allah swt give His blessing to you and us always.

Dealova:Aku ingin menjadi mimpi indah dalam tidur mu:Aku ingin menjadi sesuatu yang mungkin kau rindu:Kerana langkah merapuh tanpa dirimu:Kerana hati telah letih:Aku ingin menjadi sesuatu yang selalu bisa kau sentuh:Aku ingin kau tahu bahawa ku selalu memuja mu: Tanpa mu sepi nya waktu merantai hati:Bayang mu seakan akan: Kau seperti nyanyian dalam hatiku yang memanggil rindu ku padamu:Seperti udara yang ku hela kau selalu ada:Hanya diri mu yang bisa membuat ku tenang:Tanpa dirimu aku merasa hilang: Dan sepi:Kau seperti nyanyian dalam hatiku yang memanggil rindu ku padamu:Seperti udara yang ku hela kau selalu ada:Sayang ku.
Dari Sinar mata:Keunggulan cinta dari sinar mata yang bergelora: Hati ditaman berbunga satu impian satu harapan, sudah pasti ada sebaliknya satu rahsia: Engkau dimata ku adalah cahaya perjalanan ku, terang menyuluh segala yang tersembunyi, lama ku cari, sudah pasti ada jawapan nya kemungkinan ini: Datang hampir senja sedang aku merangkak dan kehausan cinta itu, kau hulur tangan mu membawa ku ke atas semula, berdoalah aku kesyukuran tercantum cinta jadi satu, biar ku tempuh segalanya agar diteman cinta yang cuti kita. Cinta One Mile Grads '90.

Family Day 2007 at Porto Marina

Zillion of Thanks to PETRONAS, ultimately to the Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil.

The Balaah - Dates' Story

Dates have been a staple food of the Middle East for thousands of years. They are believed to have originated around the Persian Gulf, and have been cultivated since ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt, possibly as early as 4000 BCE. There is archaeological evidence of date cultivation in eastern Arabia in 6000 BCE (Alvarez-Mon 2006).In later times, Arabs spread dates around South & South East Asia, northern Africa, and Spain. Dates were introduced into Mexico and California by the Spaniards by 1765, around Mission San Ignacio
The fruit is a drupe known as a date. They are oval-cylindrical, 3–7 cm long, and 2–3 cm diameter, and when unripe, range from bright red to bright yellow in colour, depending on variety. Dates contain a single seed about 2–2.5 cm long and 6–8 mm thick. Three main cultivar groups of date exist; soft (e.g. 'Barhee', 'Halawy', 'Khadrawy', 'Medjool'), semi-dry (e.g. 'Dayri', 'Deglet Noor', 'Zahidi'), and dry (e.g. 'Thoory'). The type of fruit depends on the glucose, fructose and sucrose content.
The Date Palm is dioecious, having separate male and female plants. They can be easily grown from seed, but only 50% of seedlings will be female and hence fruit bearing, and dates from seedling plants are often smaller and of poorer quality. Most commercial plantations thus use cuttings of heavily cropping cultivars, mainly 'Medjool' as this cultivar produces particularly high yields of large, sweet fruit. Plants grown from cuttings will fruit 2–3 years earlier than seedling plants.
Dates are naturally wind pollinated but in both traditional oasis horticulture and in the modern commercial orchards they are entirely pollinated manually. Natural pollination occurs with about an equal number of male and female plants. However, with assistance, one male can pollenize up to 100 females. Since the males are of value only as pollenizers, this allows the growers to use their resources for many more fruit producing female plants. Some growers do not even maintain any male plants as male flowers become available at local markets at pollination time. Manual pollination is done by skilled labourers on ladders, or in some areas such as Iraq they climb the tree using a special climbing tool that wraps around the tree trunk and the climber's back to keep him attached to the trunk while climbing. Less often the pollen may be blown onto the female flowers by wind machine.

Parthenocarpic cultivars are available but the seedless fruit is smaller and of lower quality.Dates ripen in four stages, which are known throughout the world by their Arabic names kimri (unripe), khalal (full-size, crunchy), rutab (ripe, soft), tamr (ripe, sun-dried). A 100 gram portion of fresh dates is a premium source of vitamin C and supplies 230 kcal (960 kJ) of energy. Since dates contain relatively little water, they do not become much more concentrated upon drying, although the vitamin C is lost in the process.Dates are an important traditional crop in Iraq, Arabia, and north Africa west to Morocco and are mentioned in many places in the Quran. In Islamic countries, dates and yogurt or milk are a traditional first meal when the sun sets during Ramadan. Dates (especially Medjool and Deglet Noor) are also cultivated in southern California and Arizona in the United States.

Date palms can take 4 to 7 years after planting before they will bear fruit, and produce viable yields for commercial harvest between 7 to 10 years. Mature date palms can produce 80–120 kilograms (176–264 lbs) of dates per harvest season, although they do not all ripen at the same time so several harvests are required. In order to get fruit of marketable quality, the bunches of dates must be thinned and bagged or covered before ripening so that the remaining fruits grow larger and are protected from weather & pests such as birds.

Dates have a high tannin content and are used medicinally as a detersive (having cleansing power) and astringent in intestinal troubles.[citation needed] As an infusion, decoction, syrup, or paste, dates may be administered for sore throat, colds, bronchial catarrh, and taken to relieve fever and number of other complaints. One traditional belief is that it can counteract alcohol intoxication. The seed powder is also used in some traditional medicines.
A gum that exudes from the wounded trunk is employed in India for treating diarrhea and genito-urinary ailments.[citation needed] The roots are used against toothache. The pollen yields an estrogenic principle, estrone, and has a gonadotropic effect on young rats.

Rejuvenating under the Palm Tree of Abu Qir

Spring 2007 we spent rejuvenating our physical and spiritually at Abu Qir Date orchard which is 30 minutes away Kafr Abdou. There was a small humble restaurant serving the local delicacies and the famous Egyptian tea. The owner was so kind and we were kind of fortunate and honored when he invited us to witness the pollination process of the Dates’ flowers.
The photo: Under the Date Palm tress you will find Guava Trees and underneath the Guava Trees you could find the Tomato species or sometime melons. No small inches of land are wasted.

Pollination Process of Balaah - Dates

Mohamed explained and illustrated the manual process of cross-pollination the Dates’ buds. He was very expressive and passionate with his task.
Some tips of how he will climb the Dates Palm trees by using the locally made harness!
The Dates' buds and it only took him less than a minute to reach the top of the 20 meters Palm tree.

Mohammed flipped through the Dates Palm leaves to finish his task. Nothing is difficult if you used to it, of course through learning and experiencing it.

Khalas…..which took him about 10 minutes to complete about 10 Dates’ buds bundles. Job Well done.

For Mohamed, Sky is only the limit.

The Long and Winding road.........

This part of my life is called ACHIEVEMENT. Let e bring you back 34 years back to a small city called Kuching - literally means Cat, situated in the western tip of Sarawak. The story begins:

1974 – My respectful father Hj Joll Drahman passed away at the age of 56 when I was 9 years old.
1976 – About 2 years later my beloved mother Zaiton Sebol joined my late father, departed this transitory world at her age of 38 when I was in Primary 6, left me and my step brother alone. The day when I felt really distraught, was the worst horrible day in my entire life – I lost someone that I really love - someone who will never and cannot be replaced by anyone else. Cried the whole day long and asked from the Al-Mighty Allah swt who will take care of us?!. 7 Days later, my adopted family flown from Miri invited us staying with them.
1977 – New Life with adopted family. I really missed mom so much.
1978 – Not easy life though and started to worry about school, examination fees, etc.
1979 – Lower secondary. Among the top 3 Malays passed the Lower Certificate of Education (LCE) examination and subsequently, selected to Science stream in the same school.

1980 – Met new friends and teachers. It was my new world and enjoyed the class very much. Family life improved.
1981 – Proud for being top 10 (only 2 Malays) students passed Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE). I was offered by ITM, USM and UTM to pursue my studies in their universities. Despite my poverty and without any counseling & guidance, I pursued my Petroleum & Gas engineering at UTM.
1982 – Excited and felt more financially secured when successfully passed through Sarawak Shell Bhd. scholarship scheme.
1986 – Graduated from UTM. Mixed feeling – how I wished my parents were around during the auspicious occasion. I went to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh & Thailand enhancing my inner strength and faith. I hope and pray my sacrifice and effort will be accepted by Allah swt. Aamiin. After completed the rounds I returned back to Malaysia during the economic recession. Couldn’t find any jobs!1987 – Went to several interviews with PETRONAS, Shell, Schlumberger, etc. No Job! Hence, I turned to burgers & sweet-corn entrepreneur, street-freelance portrait artist, etc.

1987 – First working experience: Project Engineer with Samabakti Engineering. Learnt and gained priceless experience/knowledge from the CEO, En Norudin Tuah. I was an inexperience 22 years old fresh graduate being entrusted to lead about 19 experienced workforces was really a tough job. Made a lot of mistakes, wrestled with sub-contractors and get screwed by the client. Ultimately, I was bombarded by my Project Director. But, that was how I discovered my strength and potential as a team leader. Remember when one nice day, En Norudin brought me to his office and lectured me on what is business. Among others, he said; “to be successful in business you must have a good discipline, perseverance, endurance and know the game. And, to open a business, capital is secondary and what primary is networking and understanding others”. I will remember this line forever. Academically, En Norudin was just an average person, but his attitude toward success, discipline, honest and visionary-farsighted has made him a successful leader. However, I was only 6 months with the company.
1988 – Sarawak Shell called to join their Sabah team as a Junior Geologist. Interesting job but somehow I didn’t like the routine so much. Employed by Shell during the downturn was considered very lucky then. Experienced and learnt new different set of things: Information Technology; presentation; professionals & hard working group of people – working life within Shell environment was very tough; budget and all administrative matters
1989 – Received telegram from PETRONAS in February to report duty at ABF, Bintulu. Good offer and package! I was very indecisive though. Hence, I consulted family and friends for decision. Finally, albeit permanent package in Sarawak Shell and family pressure - pulling factor, decided to join PETRONAS – it is time to be more independent and adventures. With mixed feeling I resumed duty on the 14th of April at ABF. Excited – met old and new friends. My first assignment was to Urea plant Operations team. Learnt from ‘point zero’, independently without proper coach and guidance. Life was very interesting though.
1990 – Late December was a very memorable moment in my life: Saiful & Narimah was solemnized as husband & wife – ended my naughty single status title.
1991 – Mid October, our first baby joint our family poured us with joy. On the other hand, he brought us new responsibilities and challenges. Hence, the second son joint us right on the same Mid October 1992.
1994 – The first ever ABF QCC – the Q7 won the regional QCC convention organized by NPC. QCC was one of the main activities that ABF initiated as part of teambuilding strategy since they embarked with TQM. I was one of the facilitator entrusted and managed to bring up one of the Operations shift crew to be at par with other veterans then.
1995 – The pH7 marked another milestone when they won gold in the National QCC convention. The team really deserved the gold: they were very dedicated, creative, committed and cooperative-has high team spirit. In one way or another, the pH7 has made me realized my potential and leadership capabilities. Thank you pH7…!!
1996 – The pH7 was invited to present their project in the International QCC convention in Japan. On the same year, I was identified and selected to Supervisory Development Program organized by ABF in collaboration with NEBSM.1997 – Completed SDP and awarded Top Student & Best project. I made another move in my career path: appointed and promoted to Shift Superintendent after completing 6 months training at Ammonia and Utilities plants. Bigger roles and responsibilities which challenged my leadership capabilities - gained and learnt more experience and knowledge/skills. I took it as recognition! Another exciting aspect which has enhanced my leadership was when group of us graduated as facilitator of Teambuilding – certified to organize and facilitate teambuilding within ABF. Successfully conducted the first ever teambuilding series for all ABF staff.
1998 – A little bit disappointed when the Management decided to delimit Shift Superintendent Position and move 4 of us on rotational basis to HR, Logistic, so on and so forth. The GM, En Kamaruddin Zakaria and the HR Manager then, managed to convince us. I was transferred to HR – Personnel and Employee Relations Section. Again, have to start from scratch to pick-up all the HR subject. This was another round of my learning curve – thanks to the Management of ABF for giving me the opportunity. Indeed, the experience that I gained was an eye opener and really enhanced my paradigm. Somehow or rather, after a while, I felt in love with HR…… it was love at first sight! I had a good coach (I mean Manager), Tn Hj Shafiee and obviously the whole HR team who had given me full cooperation and guidance without any hesitant, etc. One of the challenged I took from him was the new approach and concept of ABF Family Day – first of its kind in Bintulu then. On the same year, I was selected as KL Commonwealth game 1998 volunteers by the Government of Malaysia and was appointed as a Supervisor to a small team of volunteers for the hockey stadium. Honestly, hockey was never my game though albeit my appeal to other areas likes athletics or gymnasium.
1999 – Early of the year, with the new Management, we were called back to the plant. As for me, the call was a very severe disappointment in my career path whilst in ABF. Our house was intruded and some jewelry was stolen. Introduced and initiated ABF Neighborhood Watch (ANW) blessed by the ABF Management and successfully brought back the culprit to the police custody a month after that.
1999 – 3rd quarter of the year, another ‘bull’s run’ phase when the Management offered me to fill up HR Planning section. It was another round of learning curve and though life – new subject and set of people. However, I was very passionate with the tasks and ultimately motivated.
2000 – Felt recognized when the Management entrusted me to cover HRM Manager’s position when the incumbent resigned. Despite my ‘handicap’, took it as a challenge and tried my very best.
Cycling is always my hobby: Bought new bike GT 3000. Formed ABF Cycling Club (ACC) and organized ‘a lifetime cycling experience’ to Miri – 230 km ride through 194 hills within 13:36 hours with 2 main stop. Exhausted, thrilled but cooled off when we were welcomed by VIPs in Miri.
2001 – The most delighted and happiest year of my personal life and working world!: 2 weeks after we welcomed our fifth child – a cute little baby girl (the only girl out of 5), Lembaga Tabung Hajji called and invited me to perform Hajj – a journey of a lifetime. Whilst in Mecca, received news that the Management had agreed and decided to promote and transfer to lead a Quality department at PETRONAS Ammonia SB (PASB). Alhamdullillah, Zillion of thanks to the Al-Mighty Allah swt. Once again, relearned and learning process. However, the game was entirely different: new young generation, different culture, new environment and new challenges. I must record my sincere appreciation and thanks to En Anuar Ismail who was the CEO and En Adnan Zainal Abidin, the GM then, who was eventually, took over the button from En Anuar Ismail. Both of them, a great coach, inspired us with a different dimension on business strategy and philosophy. Learnt a great deal from them on the art of negotiation.

2003 – Managed to convince the Management to participate in Prime Minister Quality Award (PMQA) and PASB was short listed as the top 10 finalist.
2004 – PASB participated for the second time in the PMQA but, we were very frustrated because PASB did not make it to the top. However, felt relieved when PASB was announced the winner for NPC Productivity Award.
2006 – At last, PASB made it to the top! However, the announcement was made when I was no more with the company. Very proud though.
2006 – Another positive spike! Living abroad and working in a join venture environment is ultimately not an easy life situation. Working abroad has always been my dream and with mainly two things in mind; new challenges and exposure to my family, I was very delighted and accepted the offer – leading A Quality team and looking after HR system at Egyptian LNG. The move was indeed a big jump of my leadership journey. Thank you to my family, PETRONAS and most of all to the Almighty Allah swt.