selamat hari raya aidiladha.
eid mubarak.
kul sana wa entum tayyib.
عيد مبارك
With His Tribulation
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Merciful.
And for he who is patient and forgives, then that is an indication of strength.
(Al-Quran 42:43)
And for he who is patient and forgives, then that is an indication of strength.
(Al-Quran 42:43)
Simplicity of Life
“All true happiness, pure joy, sweet bounties, and unclouded pleasure are contained within the knowledge and love of God.” (Said Nursi)
TheEnd
In the name of God, most Forgiving, most Beneficent.
Your soul is trapped and unease.
Doubting the path that was paved is
doubting the faith that was secured.
Your feeling is mindless and lost.
This is the end of life as you know it...
My brotha.
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Merciful
feet would be aching from dreams i was chasing,
shame i was having when i kept on falling,
the tears flowing,
prostrating,
praying to Him,
to give me the courage to keep on chasing,
the dream that keeps me going.
Keep your head up and keep on being a dreamer xx
Ayah
In the name of God, most Merciful, most Beneficent.
Ayah always say, "Most people learn, some will gain knowledge. But too few have wisdom."
Oh my Lord, we pray to You.
Grant us the opportunities to learn.
Grant us knowledge.
And, grant us wisdom.
To keep away from what is sinful.
Do what is virtuous.
For Real
** Indiana Dunes, summer 2009 **
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Forgiving.Things are not perfect right now.But her feelings and love for him will always be perfect.
Starting Point
last night, i went to where it all began.
stepping off the elevator, i felt my heart trembling.
books stacked high,
stress and frustration was eased by your presence,
but last night, i was alone where the books stacked high and the stress and frustration surrounded me.
The Perfect Rose
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Loving.
Between the pages of their story, love rained on her...
I took you to the valley of the roses
and they bowed to your beauty
For it was not the roses that gave you
your scent, but you the roses.
It was then that I knew of my love for you.
Your innocence and wisdom transformed each rose.
As it did me. We held hands and ran to
the top of the valley. The sun rose for
us and its light surrounded our bodies.
I put my arms around you and kissed you.
It was then that I knew you were worth the wait...
-NN
wondering mind
Wondering what it is that's keeping you away.
But mostly, wondering if you ever think about me anymore...
You were her first... be her last and only.
"You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect - you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there."
— Bob marley
kisah cinta
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Loving.
differences conquered, fear overtook.
the hearts no longer beats with the wave that trembles the ocean.
her heart is closed, waiting for his to open.
open to the struggles, the love she has to offer.
the mind is stuck on why
the wind no longer blows his presence,
it gives her chills down her body,
each time the wind blows,
only to blow him away from her.
one stranger loves
another stranger fear to love.
...i wish you could hear my prayers, hear my heart cries your name. i wish you can hear and feel these invisible, unexpressed words.
It's almost time to raya :)
In the name of God, most Merciful, most Gracious.
ching ching ching!!!! yay!!! got a package from Malaysia today... guess what it is??!?!?!!!
my baju kurung for rayaaaaaaaaaaaa :) thank you aunty n!!
she shipped one for my mum, murshidah, and me. it took us all by surprise.
so excited. best nyeeeee.
now time to search for all that kuih2 raya recipe!
wasalaam.
Serenity Prayer
In His name, most Merciful, most Loving and most Forgiving.
During times of hardships and a test on my patient as well as my strength, I surrender myself to God. No matter how hard things get, I know that He will never place obstacles in my life that I cannot bear. This is His mercy and love.
"Who have believed and whose heart have Rest in the remembrance of God. Verify in the remembrance of God, do hearts find rest." (Al-Quran 13:28)
I came across this prayer that was written by Reinhold Niebuhr, a theologian. This prayer was written on July 1, 1943. During the early period of WWII, this prayer was printed on cards and distributed to troops.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all the things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
-- Reinhold Niebuhr
During times of hardships and a test on my patient as well as my strength, I surrender myself to God. No matter how hard things get, I know that He will never place obstacles in my life that I cannot bear. This is His mercy and love.
"Who have believed and whose heart have Rest in the remembrance of God. Verify in the remembrance of God, do hearts find rest." (Al-Quran 13:28)
I came across this prayer that was written by Reinhold Niebuhr, a theologian. This prayer was written on July 1, 1943. During the early period of WWII, this prayer was printed on cards and distributed to troops.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all the things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
-- Reinhold Niebuhr
Summer2009 Picture Diary
In the name of God, most Merciful, most Beneficent.
There is a certain beauty to me about capturing the little things in life that may not matter to at the moment, even a messy bedroom or a study table. It is these pictures that will one day become MY completed magical storybook.
I do hope that those who follows my blog enjoy looking at the pictures just as much as I enjoyed capturing them. xxx
My baby brothers' graduation lunch with the family. Yummmmyyyliciousss.
I am a 19-year old who absolutely still loooove going to the zoo :)
By far one of the best family camping trip (Mammoth Cave was the other one).
One day I will go back there. It is SUCH a beautiful place - peaceful and serene.
If it didn't cost $120 one-way trip for the six of us, we would have hopped on the train for the Chicago's 4th of July firework.
Instead, we decided to go up Mount Baldy and spent the rest of the day barefooted on the soft sand.
Minus the big, ugly factory, it was an ABSOLUTELY beautiful scene. The wind was so calming and smelled to pure... I have never felt soat peace. Clearly, I am not a city girl.
This is a result a little something called "procrastination" which resulted into studying for seven straight hours for my A215: Basic Human Anatomy summer class. The seven straight hours paid of, alhamdulilah.
A combination of straight up boredom, tired of studying histology, and not liking the feeling of distant.
Ahlan wa sahlan ya Ramadan :)
My baby brothers' graduation lunch with the family. Yummmmyyyliciousss.
I am a 19-year old who absolutely still loooove going to the zoo :)
By far one of the best family camping trip (Mammoth Cave was the other one).
One day I will go back there. It is SUCH a beautiful place - peaceful and serene.
If it didn't cost $120 one-way trip for the six of us, we would have hopped on the train for the Chicago's 4th of July firework.
Instead, we decided to go up Mount Baldy and spent the rest of the day barefooted on the soft sand.
Minus the big, ugly factory, it was an ABSOLUTELY beautiful scene. The wind was so calming and smelled to pure... I have never felt soat peace. Clearly, I am not a city girl.
This is a result a little something called "procrastination" which resulted into studying for seven straight hours for my A215: Basic Human Anatomy summer class. The seven straight hours paid of, alhamdulilah.
A combination of straight up boredom, tired of studying histology, and not liking the feeling of distant.
Ahlan wa sahlan ya Ramadan :)
awe-inspiring summer days
In the name of God, most Merciful, most Beneficent.
Summer of 2009 was one of the liveliest summer on this beautiful, small campus -- filled with little future basketball players, honorary boy scouts, international business scholars, and students with big aspirations.
Summer of 2009 was one filled of road trips and mission trips for many with the hope of exploring and spreading love.
Summer of 2009 was not like any other summer days in Bloomington, Indiana.
It was a summer filled with adventures and learning. I have big aspirations -- to travel the world, to capture people's life through my lens, to show my gratefulness of my life by paying it forward, and to fall in love.
Despite taking two summer classes (both of which I thoroughly enjoyed) ,
--> I got to travel the world...
But through the eyes of other people and their pictures.
--> I got to capture people's life through my lens...
The memories that will one day become a part of a magical storybook.
--> I got to pay it forward...
Here in my very own town.
--> I fell in love...
With everything that life has granted me because no matter how hard you try to plan for your life, something, someone will change everything.
Summer of 2009 was one of the liveliest summer on this beautiful, small campus -- filled with little future basketball players, honorary boy scouts, international business scholars, and students with big aspirations.
Summer of 2009 was one filled of road trips and mission trips for many with the hope of exploring and spreading love.
Summer of 2009 was not like any other summer days in Bloomington, Indiana.
It was a summer filled with adventures and learning. I have big aspirations -- to travel the world, to capture people's life through my lens, to show my gratefulness of my life by paying it forward, and to fall in love.
Despite taking two summer classes (both of which I thoroughly enjoyed) ,
--> I got to travel the world...
But through the eyes of other people and their pictures.
--> I got to capture people's life through my lens...
The memories that will one day become a part of a magical storybook.
--> I got to pay it forward...
Here in my very own town.
--> I fell in love...
With everything that life has granted me because no matter how hard you try to plan for your life, something, someone will change everything.
distance
bulan puasa sudah dekat.
air mata sudah menitik.
dan hati ini bertambah kerinduan.
hanya tuhan sahaja paham.
air mata sudah menitik.
dan hati ini bertambah kerinduan.
hanya tuhan sahaja paham.
Growth in Faith.
In the name of God, most Beneficent, most Merciful.
All these posts on religion is my personal attempt of, insha'allah, heightening my iman (faith). I have subscribe to the Shadah by my father when I was born, I subscribe to the Shadah when I pray, but what does this all mean when it is simply said by the mouth and not the heart.
As I learn more, I feel that it is my responsibilities to share what it is that I have learn in the hope that we will all make the attempt of learning more of what we subscribe to daily and not allowing ourselves to think of what we believe as superior, rather search for the truth within the other believes. And of course, allowing ourselves to the possibilities of miracle happening.
When we believe, miracles indeed do happen.
With love wasalam.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the New Testament:
Al-Qur'an Chapter 61 Verse 6:
"And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!' "
All the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Muhammad (pbuh) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians.
1. John chapter 14 verse 16:
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever."
2. Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26:
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me."
3. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7:
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not
come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you".
"Ahmed" or "Muhammad" meaning "the one who praises" or "the praised one" is almost the translation of the
Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word 'Comforter' is used in the English translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter.
Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (pbuh) actually prophesised Ahmed by name. Even the
Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (pbuh) who is a mercy for all creatures.
Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Sprit. They fail to realise
that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (pbuh) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the
Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (pbuh), in the womb of Elizabeth, and again when Jesus (pbuh) was being baptised, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh).
4. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14:
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is
come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".
The Sprit of Truth, spoken about in this prophecy referes to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
NOTE: All quotations of the Bible are taken from the King James Version.
SOURCE: http://www.islam101.com/religions/christianity/mBible.htm
All these posts on religion is my personal attempt of, insha'allah, heightening my iman (faith). I have subscribe to the Shadah by my father when I was born, I subscribe to the Shadah when I pray, but what does this all mean when it is simply said by the mouth and not the heart.
As I learn more, I feel that it is my responsibilities to share what it is that I have learn in the hope that we will all make the attempt of learning more of what we subscribe to daily and not allowing ourselves to think of what we believe as superior, rather search for the truth within the other believes. And of course, allowing ourselves to the possibilities of miracle happening.
When we believe, miracles indeed do happen.
With love wasalam.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the New Testament:
Al-Qur'an Chapter 61 Verse 6:
"And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!' "
All the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Muhammad (pbuh) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians.
1. John chapter 14 verse 16:
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever."
2. Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26:
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me."
3. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7:
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not
come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you".
"Ahmed" or "Muhammad" meaning "the one who praises" or "the praised one" is almost the translation of the
Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word 'Comforter' is used in the English translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter.
Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (pbuh) actually prophesised Ahmed by name. Even the
Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (pbuh) who is a mercy for all creatures.
Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Sprit. They fail to realise
that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (pbuh) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the
Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (pbuh), in the womb of Elizabeth, and again when Jesus (pbuh) was being baptised, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh).
4. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14:
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is
come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".
The Sprit of Truth, spoken about in this prophecy referes to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
NOTE: All quotations of the Bible are taken from the King James Version.
SOURCE: http://www.islam101.com/religions/christianity/mBible.htm
Forgiveness
In His name, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Recently, I have been reading a work by Mark Siljander entitled A Deadly Misunderstanding. His work dealt with the misunderstandings about the teaching of Islam. Siljander puts a lot of his efforts in establishing a common ground between Islam and Christianity mainly through the teaching of Jesus (pbuh).
This is book is, masha'Allah, a great reminder for me of the lost understanding of one of the fundamentals of Islam-- that is Islam about spiritual fulfillment, about morals, and about trying to purify ones soul.
Among the many ways to fulfill this fundamental is loving people through asking for Allah's forgiveness and blessings upon them. There is a common saying that we all are very well aware of, love not only thy neighbors, but love also thy enemies.
But what does this mean? After all it is easy for us to love our neighbors, but loving our enemies can probably be one of the toughest thing because of the negative associations that word evoke. As I was reading the Al-Quran after Maghrib prayer tonight, I came across this verse. Insha'allah, this will be a reminder to us all of His mercies and His power.
"It is (in part) by the mercy of Allah that you dealt gently with them. If you were severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: So overlook (their faults by pardoning them), and ask for (Allah's) Forgiveness for them; And consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Al-Quran 3:159)
With that said, I've challenge myself to do as been said with the best intention at heart. No time is better than now for such a reminder, especially with the nearing month of Ramadan.
Allah tests us not what we cannot bear in life.
Indeed Allah is most Forgiving, most Merciful.
Subhana'allah
The Seas Not Mingling With One Another
One of the properties of seas that has only recently been discovered is related in a verse of the Quran as follows:
He has let loose the two seas, converging together, with a barrier between them they do not break through. (Quran, 55:19-20)
This property of the seas, that is, that they meet and yet do not intermix, has only very recently been discovered by oceanographers. Because of the physical force called "surface tension," the waters of neighboring seas do not mix. Caused by the difference in the density of their waters, surface tension prevents them from mingling with one another, just as if a thin wall were between them. (1)
A satellite photograph of the Strait of Gibraltar.
It is interesting that, during a period when there was little knowledge of physics, and of surface tension, or oceanography, this truth was revealed in the Quran.
There are large waves, strong currents, and tides in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Mediterranean Sea water enters the Atlantic by Gibraltar. But their temperature, salinity, and densities do not change, because of the barrier that separates them.
1. Richard A. Davis, Principles of Oceanography (Don Mills, Ontario: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company), 92-93.
(untitled)
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Today, you seem closer than ever.
The wind blows your presence.
Birds chirping your songs.
Waves crashes the earth as her heart beat faster.
Driving through the crowded road,
The wind blows your presence even closer.
Rewind and replay those sweet memories.
Walking toward you,
The love that once came spontaneously,
Again made its presence,
Followed by her side.
Lord, she asked.
Do I love him?
And there you stood, right in front of her eyes.
Embracing your presence,
Your absence was nonexistent.
The sun breaks away the clouds,
For the earth now knows,
She loves you.
His Mercy
"And hold fasts, all of you together by the Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and do not be divided among yourselves (being Muslims); And remember with thanks Allah's favor on you; For you were enemies and He joined your hearts together in love, so that by His Grace you became brethren; And you were on the brink to the Pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided."
(Al-Quran 3.103)
Atas Nama Cinta -- Rossa
Tuhan maafkan diri ini,
Yang tak pernah bisa menjauh dari angan tentangnya.
Namun apalah daya ini,
Bila ternyata sesungguhnya aku terlalu cinta dia...
Class of 2013
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Days fly by,
Boys matures to men,
Education morphs to knowledge,
This week we celebrated two men walking the walk,
Shaking the hands of their educators,
Receiving an honor of knowledge.
Proud smiles of their parents in the audience,
Late nights and early mornings prayers answered,
That brings joy and warmth to their parents heart.
That brings joy and warmth to their parents heart.
Congratulations to both my little brothers :) May Allah continue to bless you with all the knowledge in this World and in the HereAfter, as well as happiness.
A little note from the older sister ---
I was sitting in the audience, tears came to my eyes... And little did I realize that this day has come. I have watched and have grown with both of this boys. Both have gone through a lot and trust me, have matured a lot. Alhamdulilah. The smiles and laughter that filled both days was something I am never ever going to forget. The happiness in them, in my parents, in the crowd, and in me made me tear up. Yes, silly, I know... but what can I do? It's an older sister thing... Though at times, my love is a little tough, I guess it's part of being not only the eldest, but the older sister.
I pray that both of them will continue to always remember Allah, who without His help, this day would have never come, and Ibu and Ayah, who without their prayers and love, this day would not have been filled with happiness.
I love you both forever and ever. Now go and rock the world like you know how to!
A gift of the mind
In the name of God, most Forgiving, most Merciful.
My friend posted this on her Facebook note and when I read it, I got this weird feeling inside my stomach filled butterflies. Just read it...
--------------------------------------------------------
An old Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa, I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book.What good does reading the Qur'an do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house.
The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.
The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.
Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out.
My friend posted this on her Facebook note and when I read it, I got this weird feeling inside my stomach filled butterflies. Just read it...
--------------------------------------------------------
An old Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa, I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book.What good does reading the Qur'an do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house.
The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.
The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.
Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out.
What is a Poet?
"A poet is somebody who feels, and who expresses his feelings through words. This may sound easy. It isn't. A lot of people think or believe or know they feel -- but that's thinking or believing or knowing; not feeling. And poetry is feeling -- not knowing or believing or thinking. Almost anybody can learn to think or believe or know, but not a single human being can be taught to feel. Why? Because whenever you think or believe you know, you're a lot of other people: but the moment you feel, you're nobody-but-yourself.
To be nobody-but-yourself -- in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else -- means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. As for expressing nobody-but-yourself in words, that means working just a little harder than anybody who isn't a poet can possibly imagine. Why? Because nothing is quite as easy as using words like somebody else. We all of us do exactly this nearly all of the time -- and whenever we do it, we're not poets.
If at the end of your first ten or fifteen years of fighting and working and feeling, you find you've written one line of one poem, you'll be very lucky indeed. And so my advice to all young people who wish to become poets is: do something easy, like learning how to blow up the world -- unless you're not only willing, but glad, to feel and work and fight till you die. Does this sound dismal? It isn't. It's the most wonderful life on earth. Or so I feel."
--Edward Estlin Cummings (1894-1962)
If at the end of your first ten or fifteen years of fighting and working and feeling, you find you've written one line of one poem, you'll be very lucky indeed. And so my advice to all young people who wish to become poets is: do something easy, like learning how to blow up the world -- unless you're not only willing, but glad, to feel and work and fight till you die. Does this sound dismal? It isn't. It's the most wonderful life on earth. Or so I feel."
--Edward Estlin Cummings (1894-1962)
Never Forget
Bismillah-Ir-Rahman-Ir-Rahim.
Life is full of obstacles. Some ends in happiness full of laughters, others will end in river flow of sadness and tears.
But whatever it is, we have to never forget God. For God is the reason why we feel the happiness and sadness. No matter the obstacles that life brings at you, remember that God has promised us that ease will come for as long as you remember Him.
Ma'Salaama.
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"If God helps you, then there is none who can overcome you. If He forsakes you, then who else is there other than Him who can help you? Therefore, in God let the believers put their trust."
(The Noble Quran, 3:160)
18years & counting
In the name of God, most Merciful, most Beneficent.
This blog post is especially dedicated to my parents, Ibu and Ayah.
Ibu and Ayah sudah banyak berkorban untuk ku. I do not think that I could ever, ever repay and thank them. My love and my respect for them is who I am. They taught me so much about life, love, and most importantly, God. Who they are reflects their love for each other and for God. I pray each and every night that one day I too will be able to love someone so much and strengthen my love for God.
Why do I chose to write about this today? Lately, dugaan-dugaan Allah has been even more apparent in my life. I am a college student, living with my parents. Yes, I LOVE it. The support, the love, the screaming, the reminders... these are the things that motivates me to be and do better. Just before my meeting today, my parents told me to make sure that I do not come home so late at night. While I do realize their concerns for me, as long as I am praying, I think that they should not worry about anything. I have pretty much found myself -- don't drink, pray, humble, respectful, selfless. I may be gullible, but I am not stupid. I am a strong person. Insha'allah I will continue to be the person I am describing and if I am not, I pray that I will be.
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Dearest Ibu. Dearest Ayah.
I have walked. I have said my first word. I have rode my first two-wheeled bike. I have gone to school by myself. I have reached puberty. I have graduated from high school. I have finished my one year of college. Alhamdulilah.
Soon, I will be driving. I will be traveling. I will find a job. I will find a guy and fall in love. I will graduate from college. I will be living on my own. Insha'allah.
So don't be scared. For I know who I am. I know who I seek for help and refuge from. I know who I pray to. Let me drive, let me travel, let me work, let me fall in love, let me graduate, let me live on my own. Because without you both and your support, I can not do all this.
I will forever love you both. I will forever pray for Allah to have mercy on you both. And to bless you with all the happiness in this world and in the HereAfter.
Amin.
Your Doubt
In the name of God, most Merciful, most Beneficent.
Some things happen unknowingly. This is the beauty of life. We try to predict, we try to guide our life... but eventually, we run into a road blocker. In the end, the road blocker is a part of our life... is what shapes the rest of our life. I believe that we should not have doubts because when we start doubting, we start questioning the power of God. Whether it is easy or hard, stick to it because nothing bad can come out of it. You may even surprise yourself by learning something new about yourself. What doesn't break us will make us stronger. && I realize this recently.
Adios.
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don't baby...
don't baby don't doubt love...
because doubting love is,
doubting that the sun will rise...
doubting that the birds will chirp of love...
baby don't...
don't doubt in our love...
doubting love, you doubt that God brought us...
because doubting love is,
whispering goodbye.
doubting love baby,
is doubting in God...
doubting His miracles...
the miracles that showed us the path...
the path that not once I doubted...
because baby doubting love is,
whispering goodbye.
Qada' and Qadar
In the name of God.
Dugaan-dugaan Allah (God's tests) are the most challenging and most of the time difficult to comprehend and understand. Yet all we can and should do is accept it with full of love for and faith in God.
"So verily, with hardship comes ease. Verily, with hardship comes ease." - Surah Al-Sharh: 5-4
If I Had A Million Dollar...
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate.
The camera I have been using for the past four years, Canon 20D, is finally coming to an end. The shutter can no longer function at high speeds... Ayah (my dad) said that my years as a sport photographers contribute to it. I must say however, through it all, I've learn that I have fallen in love with capturing people and their emotions. In many ways, a portion of me is in every pictures -- it documents what I am actually seeing and how I feel. It is an extension of my eyes and my heart. Photography is a passion...
Disposable cameras were out of the question after being able to take pictures using digital cameras. It is impossible to (and I do not want to) forget the first time I picked up a digital camera and attempted to capture the way Ayah did. At that time Ayah was working very hard on his qualifying exam and I remember bothering him about teaching me how to take pictures using Aperture and Shutter setting. I can not imagine how annoying I was -- for that Ayah, I thank you forever for your patience.
Below is my first few pictures I took using Aperture setting using our first digital camera, Canon Powershot G3.
I have been blessed with parents who supports me in pursuing my passion. Since then, I have taken hundreds of pictures. A dream of mine is to be able to not only capture what is around me, but of what surrounds other people -- their cultures, their lives. I have been inspired by Tengku Bahar (Ayah's ex-student) and my very own Ayah to keep on photographing. As the days pass, I realize the deeper my passion of traveling to photograph becomes.
Each and everyday, I pray that somewhere in the future, my parents, adik2, and myself will be given the chance to do our Hajj and that I will be given the opportunity to travel everywhere and anywhere.
Salaam.
Dearest mother, dearest father
HYPERTENSION IN MALAYSIA
The Minister of Health opened the 7th Asian Pacific Congress in Hypertension yesterday in KL. In his opening address, he quoted the National Morbidity and Mortality Health Survey 2006, which found the incidence of hypertension among Malaysians 30 years and above to be about 43%, a 10% increase from 1995. He was also quoted as saying that of those on treatment, 26% achieved control, a figure I find had to believe. It may have been a miss quote. In an almost identical UK Health Survey 2006, the incidence of hypertension is about 60%, and about 21-22% are controlled. For those detected, about 40% are on treatment and for those on treatment, about half are controlled. I still have not seen the Malaysian National Morbidity and Mortality Health Survey data in Medical literature, so I do not know if the honorable Minister had been misquoted.
Be that as it may, the important message that I would like to highlight is the Hypertension is a silent and often serious problem. It can be prevented with diet ( less or no salt ), greens and fruits, and control of weight with a BMI of 24 and a waistline of 34inches for males. Exercises also helps. Early detection is vital. All above 40yrs should go for a medical check-up to ascertain your health status. That I think would be reasonable.
Yesterday, today, tomorrow
In the name of God.
Waking up to the summer breeze, the birds chirping of love, the squirrels munching on their winter stocks, and the sky as blue as his eyes. These beautiful creations He has given to us, I wonder what beautiful moments He has planned for me today.
With that said, I am going to end here and do whatever it is that today has planned for me, walking where ever my feet takes me.
Au Revoir.
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I miss you yesterday,
I miss you today,
I miss you right now,
I will miss you tonight,
I will miss you tomorrow,
I will miss you until the day of your return. (c)atiqahk
Menunggu
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate.
This was written at 2:30 am on a Friday night. I found the urge to write and as the Malay people say, "melayan fikiran".
Just a heads up-- To me, the beauty of writing is the imperfection that comes with it. So, kindly pardon any grammatical and sentence structure mistakes that you may come across. I title this post "Menunggu" meaning "waiting". I like the way the Malay word sounds. Hehehe.
Fi-amanillah.
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Reminiscing the smile that strike her eyes.
That night of the full moon.
Patiently, she awaits for his return.
And in pursuit of happiness, she prays.
Kneeling on the prayer mat,
Raising her hand,
She recites to You.
"I seek refuge in you to shelter his safety.
Return to me an answer.
A sign.
That his return is nearby."
Where does she go from here.
During this night of silence.
Enclose in this loneliness.
She compiles together the words of her heart.
Late tonight.
Hoping to ignore how much she yearns for his touch.
Pondering into the night.
As her eyes slowly blinks.
On the verge of dreaming.
She wonders,
Will she still feel his touch when the night falls.
When the moon sets and dawn breaks,
Will she still remember.
The smile that once strike her eyes.
That night of the full moon. (c)atiqahk
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