We all need reminding all the time...
"And remind, for verily, the reminding profits the believers" (Adh-Dhariyat: 55)
I love watching the "In the Shade of Ramadan" videos on YouTube. The videos are made by MAS Youth, a division of the Muslim American Society for young people.
The short videos are actually made for Ramadan. There is a video for each of the 30 days of Ramadan - so they serve like daily reminders.
There are about 60 videos in all. 30 videos from Season 1 and another 30 from Season 2. I've watched until Day 13 of Season 1. All of the videos are great. The messages are conveyed in a simple, appealing fashion.
Among the topics they tackled are:
-Taqwa, Good Deeds and Character
-Different Types of Fasting
-Keeping the End in Mind (i.e. Jannah)
-The Value of Ramadan
-Purification of the Heart
-Victories of Ramadan
-The Flip-Flop Phenomenon
-Prayer (Salah)
-Du'a (Supplication)
So, although the series is called "In the Shade of Ramadan", it is still a relevant viewing post-Ramadan :)
These 2 videos are among my favourites: Patience (As-Sabr) Part I and Part II.
Both are by Dr Imad Bayoon.
Happy viewing :)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Gorgeous Photos
After my exam the other day, I went to the library to check out the photo exhibition that I've been meaning to see. The exhibition is titled: The Mosaic Middle East. It is located at the Macquarie University Library Exhibition Area (next to the borrowing counter). The exhibition is on from Nov 16 until Dec 14.
The photographs are taken by Alex Marlow, a recent graduate from Macquarie University in Political Science. He took the pictures in 2005 and 2007. The photos feature 5 countries: Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria & Egypt.
I really like the photos. They are absolutely beautiful!! Among my favourites are the photos of the separation wall in Palestine and the photos of Petra in Jordan.
The photos of the separation wall are moving. There is one which features a graffiti asking "W H Y ?". It was a simple image yet so powerful.
The ones of Petra are magnificent. I'm reminded of the story in Quran of the Thamud people who are skilled in carving out dwellings in the mountains.
So, even if you had no reason to go to the library now that the exam is over, do pop in for a while to check out the exhibition :)
Friday, November 16, 2007
1 month countdown
I turned 22 yesterday.
22-years-old.
dah tua tu.
old enough to ditch childish behaviours.
yet young enough to feel that my whole life lies right in front of me. (kalau panjang umur la)
In 1-month time, I'll be back in Malaysia (iA). Most of my friends don't want to come back. Actually, they do but they wish that it's only for a holiday and they'll get to come back to Australia again.
Me??
I guess I'm pretty neutral about it.
I'm excited to see my family again. I can just picture the exhilaration of seeing Mama, Papa, Kak Yom, Abewan + Kak Lin + Damia, Abafan & Kakak at the airport.
I especially long to give Damia a big hug since I had only seen her in pictures so far.
I'm excited to see my friends again, many of whom are graduating this year. I want to catch up and know what they're up to now.
And then?? Then...
I dunno...
I definitely want to spend more time with my family - my parents especially. During calls to home, I often get the feeling that our house feels "empty". With my siblings flying out of the nest, I guess it's my responsibility to keep my parents company and do the other stuffs like:
-prepare meals
-do the laundry
-go to the post office to settle the bills
-visit Nenek regularly
-accompany Mama & Papa on family gatherings
-feed the cats
-do the groceries
-ferry Kak Yom and Kakak to the LRT station
Basically, be an exemplary daughter that I've never really been ... heh
Looking at the above list, I realize that going back to Malaysia equals assuming back the responsibility I've temporarily been excused off.
R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
It's such a big, intimidating word isn't it?
oh well, I'm 22 now; life is no longer about me, me, me.
So I have to say goodbye to my carefree life here. I'm sOo going to miss:
-my own private room with an en suite bathroom
-life which is often spent chillin' with friends and housemates
-the opportunity to go travelling with like-minded friends - and with no chaperons in sight
Putting aside assignments, I can easily say how relaxed my life has been here.
May be I'm glossing over the bad parts.
Or may be I just have a short memory to remember them all.
Oh, there's definitely the not-so-nice things I've experienced here. A flick through my journal can attest to that.
But I can sincerely say that, overall, it has been a very positive experience.
It's a cliche but living overseas does make you a different person; a more wiser, mature and confident person.
You also learn to be more socially-engaged with world issues. And most importantly, you start to recognise what's culture and what's Islam.
So I guess the conclusion that I've come to after writing this is: I don't dread going back.
I love Macquarie Uni,
I love Sydney, and
I love Australia
I love going to Auburn & Lakemba
I love browsing at Macquarie Centre's BORDERS
I love eating Krispy Kreme's original glazed, chocolate glazed and iced chocolate with custard fill
I love drinking Easyway on a hot day
I love the cold autumn and winter weather
and I love that people are so much more environmentally-friendly here. Recycling things aren't a hassle at all. And you save water with the dual flushing system. (I'm getting off track here so I'll stop).
But despite all the fantastic things about Australia, Malaysia is still home.
Taman Sri Keramat is still home.
I have a family there and there's nothing that could compete with that.
I hope that I have made the best out of my stay here. My former classmate remarked recently that "I've changed the most". I didn't press for him to elaborate further but deep down I hope that the change had been for the better.
I'm 22 now.
"Ingatlah masa muda sebelum masa tua... hidup sebelum mati"
“Pada hari kiamat tidak seorangpun hamba diperkenankan meninggalkan posisinya kecuali ditanya lima perkara: Tentang penggunaan umurnya, masa mudanya, kekayaannya dari mana dia peroleh dan untuk apa digunakan dan apa yang dilakukan terhadap ilmunya.” (HR Tirmidzi :2416)
22-years-old.
dah tua tu.
old enough to ditch childish behaviours.
yet young enough to feel that my whole life lies right in front of me. (kalau panjang umur la)
In 1-month time, I'll be back in Malaysia (iA). Most of my friends don't want to come back. Actually, they do but they wish that it's only for a holiday and they'll get to come back to Australia again.
Me??
I guess I'm pretty neutral about it.
I'm excited to see my family again. I can just picture the exhilaration of seeing Mama, Papa, Kak Yom, Abewan + Kak Lin + Damia, Abafan & Kakak at the airport.
I especially long to give Damia a big hug since I had only seen her in pictures so far.
I'm excited to see my friends again, many of whom are graduating this year. I want to catch up and know what they're up to now.
And then?? Then...
I dunno...
I definitely want to spend more time with my family - my parents especially. During calls to home, I often get the feeling that our house feels "empty". With my siblings flying out of the nest, I guess it's my responsibility to keep my parents company and do the other stuffs like:
-prepare meals
-do the laundry
-go to the post office to settle the bills
-visit Nenek regularly
-accompany Mama & Papa on family gatherings
-feed the cats
-do the groceries
-ferry Kak Yom and Kakak to the LRT station
Basically, be an exemplary daughter that I've never really been ... heh
Looking at the above list, I realize that going back to Malaysia equals assuming back the responsibility I've temporarily been excused off.
R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
It's such a big, intimidating word isn't it?
oh well, I'm 22 now; life is no longer about me, me, me.
So I have to say goodbye to my carefree life here. I'm sOo going to miss:
-my own private room with an en suite bathroom
-life which is often spent chillin' with friends and housemates
-the opportunity to go travelling with like-minded friends - and with no chaperons in sight
Putting aside assignments, I can easily say how relaxed my life has been here.
May be I'm glossing over the bad parts.
Or may be I just have a short memory to remember them all.
Oh, there's definitely the not-so-nice things I've experienced here. A flick through my journal can attest to that.
But I can sincerely say that, overall, it has been a very positive experience.
It's a cliche but living overseas does make you a different person; a more wiser, mature and confident person.
You also learn to be more socially-engaged with world issues. And most importantly, you start to recognise what's culture and what's Islam.
So I guess the conclusion that I've come to after writing this is: I don't dread going back.
I love Macquarie Uni,
I love Sydney, and
I love Australia
I love going to Auburn & Lakemba
I love browsing at Macquarie Centre's BORDERS
I love eating Krispy Kreme's original glazed, chocolate glazed and iced chocolate with custard fill
I love drinking Easyway on a hot day
I love the cold autumn and winter weather
and I love that people are so much more environmentally-friendly here. Recycling things aren't a hassle at all. And you save water with the dual flushing system. (I'm getting off track here so I'll stop).
But despite all the fantastic things about Australia, Malaysia is still home.
Taman Sri Keramat is still home.
I have a family there and there's nothing that could compete with that.
I hope that I have made the best out of my stay here. My former classmate remarked recently that "I've changed the most". I didn't press for him to elaborate further but deep down I hope that the change had been for the better.
I'm 22 now.
"Ingatlah masa muda sebelum masa tua... hidup sebelum mati"
“Pada hari kiamat tidak seorangpun hamba diperkenankan meninggalkan posisinya kecuali ditanya lima perkara: Tentang penggunaan umurnya, masa mudanya, kekayaannya dari mana dia peroleh dan untuk apa digunakan dan apa yang dilakukan terhadap ilmunya.” (HR Tirmidzi :2416)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Why Democracy?
Last night, I watched the documentary "Taxi to the Dark Side". It's one of the most disturbing things I've seen :(
About the film:
Over one hundred prisoners have died in suspicious circumstances in U.S. custody during the "war on terror". Taxi to the Dark Side takes an in-depth look at one case: an Afghan taxi driver called Dilawar who was considered an honest and kind man by the people of his rustic village. So when he was detained by the U.S military one afternoon, after picking up three passengers, denizens wondered why this man was randomly chosen to be held in prison, and, especially, without trial? Five days after his arrest Dilawar died in his Bagram prison cell. His death came within a week of another death of a detainee at Bagram. The conclusion, with autopsy evidence, was that the former taxi driver and the detainee who passed away before him, had died due to sustained injuries inflicted at the prison by U.S. soldiers. The documentary, by award-winning producer Alex Gibney, carefully develops the last weeks of Dilawar’s life and shows how decisions taken at the pinnacle of power in the Bush Administration led directly to Dilawar’s brutal death. The film documents how Rumsfeld, together with the White House legal team, were able to convince Congress to approve the use of torture against prisoners of war. Taxi to the Dark Side is the definitive exploration of the introduction of torture as an interrogation technique in U.S. facilities, and the role played by key figures of the Bush Administration in the process.
The film is one out 10 one-hour films focused on contemporary democracy. The 10 films are broadcasting in October 2007 across all continents, with an estimated audience of 300 million viewers.
In Australia, SBS is the broadcaster for the series. The series kicked off on Oct 7. Several films have already been shown but there are still 5 more to catch:
About the film:
Over one hundred prisoners have died in suspicious circumstances in U.S. custody during the "war on terror". Taxi to the Dark Side takes an in-depth look at one case: an Afghan taxi driver called Dilawar who was considered an honest and kind man by the people of his rustic village. So when he was detained by the U.S military one afternoon, after picking up three passengers, denizens wondered why this man was randomly chosen to be held in prison, and, especially, without trial? Five days after his arrest Dilawar died in his Bagram prison cell. His death came within a week of another death of a detainee at Bagram. The conclusion, with autopsy evidence, was that the former taxi driver and the detainee who passed away before him, had died due to sustained injuries inflicted at the prison by U.S. soldiers. The documentary, by award-winning producer Alex Gibney, carefully develops the last weeks of Dilawar’s life and shows how decisions taken at the pinnacle of power in the Bush Administration led directly to Dilawar’s brutal death. The film documents how Rumsfeld, together with the White House legal team, were able to convince Congress to approve the use of torture against prisoners of war. Taxi to the Dark Side is the definitive exploration of the introduction of torture as an interrogation technique in U.S. facilities, and the role played by key figures of the Bush Administration in the process.
The film is one out 10 one-hour films focused on contemporary democracy. The 10 films are broadcasting in October 2007 across all continents, with an estimated audience of 300 million viewers.
In Australia, SBS is the broadcaster for the series. The series kicked off on Oct 7. Several films have already been shown but there are still 5 more to catch:
23-10-2007
20:30 - Egypt: We Are Watching You
22:00 - Dinner with the President
23:00 - In Search of Gandhi
30-10-2007
20:30 - Bloody Cartoons
22:00 - For God, Tsar and the Fatherland
More info can be found on the Why Democracy website: whydemocracy.net
To quote the review in Financial Times: The series is able to transform us "from couch potatoes to sofa philosophers"...
Happy viewing ~
20:30 - Egypt: We Are Watching You
22:00 - Dinner with the President
23:00 - In Search of Gandhi
30-10-2007
20:30 - Bloody Cartoons
22:00 - For God, Tsar and the Fatherland
More info can be found on the Why Democracy website: whydemocracy.net
To quote the review in Financial Times: The series is able to transform us "from couch potatoes to sofa philosophers"...
Happy viewing ~
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Raya Diaries
Eid Mubarak fell on Saturday. That Friday, the last day of Ramadan, I felt a bit out of sorts. I was not in the mood for Raya. The month of Ramadan went by so fast. I wasn't ready to let go. I haven't made the most out of the blessed month. Too many Ramadan resolutions are still unaccomplished.
Thankfully, I have my house mates with me. They were in full-swing Raya mood. They have made Raya cookies a week ago, put up 'lampu lip-lap' in our house, bought ingredients to cook the Raya delicacies, put Raya songs on full blast, etc... If it weren't for them, this Raya would have been very gloomy indeed.
Woke up at 3am that morning. Planned to go to Lakemba for the Eid Prayer with Farah and Rym. Took a taxi at 5.45am and reached Lakemba 25 minutes later. The taxi driver was also a Muslim. He's very friendly and talkative. When we were nearly there, we could see people in groups walking towards the Masjeed. It was a beautiful sight.
A long stretch of road (about 150 metres??) was closed for the Prayer. The traffic marshals were all wearing a white jubah with a skull cap. We entered the Masjeed. The women's section was packed but there was still room for us. Prayed tahiyatul masjeed and settled down. There was a big screen in front showing the imam leading the Takbir. Looked around and was thankful I had the chance to experience all this...
Finally, it was time for the prayer. The imam's recitation was beautiful. It was slow, steady and deliberate. After it was over, people started to embrace and wish each other 'Eid Mubarak'. We didn't stay for the khutbah since it was in Arabic.
At the back of the masjeed, there were sisters selling hijab. I impulsively bought one in cream :)
When we exited the masjeed, we saw just how large the gathering was. The closed road were filled with people. Subhanallah! the feeling was indescribable. Rym said it reminded her of the time she did her Hadj. (In the newspaper the next day, it was reported that the gathering was attended by 40,000 people).
We walked towards the train station. Most of the shops were closed. Only bakeries selling baklava seemed to be opened. Farah and Rym bought some. It was then that I realized I was hungry and that I haven't eaten much since morning.
Rym wanted to visit a family she knew that lives nearby but they couldn't be contacted. So, we sat on a bench, ate the baklava and chatted to while the time away. After some time, the family was still unavailable, so we decided to go home. But first, we wanted to go past the masjeed one last time.
We took a different route on the way to the train station. It was a quite an exercise. Finally we reached the train station. The train to Central just past us by. The next one is due in 23 minutes. I suggested that we take the train on the next platform.
Bad move. We ended up changing trains 4 times:
-From Lakemba to Bankstown
-From Bankstown to Lidcombe
-From Lidcombe to Strathfield
-And lastly, from Strathfield to Epping.
Fuh! We finally reached Epping at 11.30pm. I panicked a bit. My house is supposed to have its open house at 12pm! Reached home in time. Everything was ready. Felt bad for not helping my house mates. Prayed Zuhur and just then out first guest arrived: our lecturer: Pamela.
More people started to come and the atmosphere was lively. It was nice to see everyone in their best attire and with a big smile on their face. Everyone was greeted with the customary embrace and a "maaf-zahir-batin".
Everything ended around Asar. After that, we came over to Unit 38 (Fatin, Farah, Fariza, Wanee & Hannah). That night, the juniors came over. We played bunga api together. It was fun. I was so tired that I slept at 8.30 that night. Tomorrow should be less tiring, I thought.
Boy, was I wrong. The day started off with Unit 36+37's open house. I went back early because I remembered that I haven't properly talked to everyone back home. After talking to my mum, dad, Kak Yom & Abafan, I went downstairs.
People who didn't come yesterday came that day. There were probably more people who came that day. We were a bit frazzled - will there be enough food?? Nisa whipped up Pengat Pisang & Tom Yam in record time. Alhamdullilah, everything went well.
I was a lousy hostess though. I really didn't know how to entertain the guests, especially the ones that I'm not closed to. So, I shirked from my duty by busying myself in the kitchen, washing the dishes.
After Asar, we went to the juniors' house: 128 + 110. By the time we reached Amrien & Syikin's house, we were so full, we couldn't eat much. There was still one more house to go that night: 107.
So, after Maghrib, we stuffed ourselves again at the Lysa+Aini+Aimi+Ida+Ain's house. They really outdid themselves by cooking beryani, satay, serunding, etc...
That night, I slept around 8.30pm again.
The next day, I have a class test which I still haven't studied for.
I'm banking on my MCQ-literacy to get through the test (!)
A friend I haven't contacted for a long time wrote me a letter. It was a very intimate letter detailing what she's been up to and her personal thoughts and feelings.
I felt touched. We used to be so close. But we've grown far apart ever since we changed schools. I thought that we are far too different now that it's unlikely for us to be close again.
Then I received her heart-felt letter... *lump in throat*
Thankfully, I have my house mates with me. They were in full-swing Raya mood. They have made Raya cookies a week ago, put up 'lampu lip-lap' in our house, bought ingredients to cook the Raya delicacies, put Raya songs on full blast, etc... If it weren't for them, this Raya would have been very gloomy indeed.
X X X
Woke up at 3am that morning. Planned to go to Lakemba for the Eid Prayer with Farah and Rym. Took a taxi at 5.45am and reached Lakemba 25 minutes later. The taxi driver was also a Muslim. He's very friendly and talkative. When we were nearly there, we could see people in groups walking towards the Masjeed. It was a beautiful sight.
A long stretch of road (about 150 metres??) was closed for the Prayer. The traffic marshals were all wearing a white jubah with a skull cap. We entered the Masjeed. The women's section was packed but there was still room for us. Prayed tahiyatul masjeed and settled down. There was a big screen in front showing the imam leading the Takbir. Looked around and was thankful I had the chance to experience all this...
Finally, it was time for the prayer. The imam's recitation was beautiful. It was slow, steady and deliberate. After it was over, people started to embrace and wish each other 'Eid Mubarak'. We didn't stay for the khutbah since it was in Arabic.
At the back of the masjeed, there were sisters selling hijab. I impulsively bought one in cream :)
When we exited the masjeed, we saw just how large the gathering was. The closed road were filled with people. Subhanallah! the feeling was indescribable. Rym said it reminded her of the time she did her Hadj. (In the newspaper the next day, it was reported that the gathering was attended by 40,000 people).
We walked towards the train station. Most of the shops were closed. Only bakeries selling baklava seemed to be opened. Farah and Rym bought some. It was then that I realized I was hungry and that I haven't eaten much since morning.
Rym wanted to visit a family she knew that lives nearby but they couldn't be contacted. So, we sat on a bench, ate the baklava and chatted to while the time away. After some time, the family was still unavailable, so we decided to go home. But first, we wanted to go past the masjeed one last time.
We took a different route on the way to the train station. It was a quite an exercise. Finally we reached the train station. The train to Central just past us by. The next one is due in 23 minutes. I suggested that we take the train on the next platform.
Bad move. We ended up changing trains 4 times:
-From Lakemba to Bankstown
-From Bankstown to Lidcombe
-From Lidcombe to Strathfield
-And lastly, from Strathfield to Epping.
Fuh! We finally reached Epping at 11.30pm. I panicked a bit. My house is supposed to have its open house at 12pm! Reached home in time. Everything was ready. Felt bad for not helping my house mates. Prayed Zuhur and just then out first guest arrived: our lecturer: Pamela.
More people started to come and the atmosphere was lively. It was nice to see everyone in their best attire and with a big smile on their face. Everyone was greeted with the customary embrace and a "maaf-zahir-batin".
Everything ended around Asar. After that, we came over to Unit 38 (Fatin, Farah, Fariza, Wanee & Hannah). That night, the juniors came over. We played bunga api together. It was fun. I was so tired that I slept at 8.30 that night. Tomorrow should be less tiring, I thought.
Boy, was I wrong. The day started off with Unit 36+37's open house. I went back early because I remembered that I haven't properly talked to everyone back home. After talking to my mum, dad, Kak Yom & Abafan, I went downstairs.
People who didn't come yesterday came that day. There were probably more people who came that day. We were a bit frazzled - will there be enough food?? Nisa whipped up Pengat Pisang & Tom Yam in record time. Alhamdullilah, everything went well.
I was a lousy hostess though. I really didn't know how to entertain the guests, especially the ones that I'm not closed to. So, I shirked from my duty by busying myself in the kitchen, washing the dishes.
After Asar, we went to the juniors' house: 128 + 110. By the time we reached Amrien & Syikin's house, we were so full, we couldn't eat much. There was still one more house to go that night: 107.
So, after Maghrib, we stuffed ourselves again at the Lysa+Aini+Aimi+Ida+Ain's house. They really outdid themselves by cooking beryani, satay, serunding, etc...
That night, I slept around 8.30pm again.
The next day, I have a class test which I still haven't studied for.
I'm banking on my MCQ-literacy to get through the test (!)
X X X
A friend I haven't contacted for a long time wrote me a letter. It was a very intimate letter detailing what she's been up to and her personal thoughts and feelings.
I felt touched. We used to be so close. But we've grown far apart ever since we changed schools. I thought that we are far too different now that it's unlikely for us to be close again.
Then I received her heart-felt letter... *lump in throat*
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Art & Islam
In conjunction with Macquarie University's Islamic Awareness Week...
There will be a talk tomorrow on "Art and Islam". The speaker is Peter Gould, a Sydney-born designer. He is passionate about "contemporary graphic design, art, photography and the rich visual & spiritual traditions of the Middle East. His travels and studies throughout the region have inspired a unique cultural fusion that is reactive to a world of misunderstanding".
Do see his website which features beautiful samples of his works.
Date: 10th October 2007
Venue: W6B 325
Time: 1-2pm
The talk on "Terrorism Around the World" today was okay. But I still think that it is a rather ineffectual way to get the message across. You could say what you want in a lecture but people would not be so easily convinced. People are more influenced by the everyday actions of the Muslims around them no?
There will be a talk tomorrow on "Art and Islam". The speaker is Peter Gould, a Sydney-born designer. He is passionate about "contemporary graphic design, art, photography and the rich visual & spiritual traditions of the Middle East. His travels and studies throughout the region have inspired a unique cultural fusion that is reactive to a world of misunderstanding".
Do see his website which features beautiful samples of his works.
Date: 10th October 2007
Venue: W6B 325
Time: 1-2pm
X X X
The talk on "Terrorism Around the World" today was okay. But I still think that it is a rather ineffectual way to get the message across. You could say what you want in a lecture but people would not be so easily convinced. People are more influenced by the everyday actions of the Muslims around them no?
Friday, September 28, 2007
16 Ramadan dah
Last night, Unit 38 held iftar jamie. Thank you guys!! The food was delicious. The menu was:
-Kari Ayam
-Daging Masak Merah
-Murtabak
-Agar-agar
-Puding Roti
-Shepherd's Pie
-Sarawak Telur (I hope I got the name right...)
urm... tak berapa nak dapat praktikkan "Increase Faith, Not Weight" tu... *sheepish*
Tonight, it'll be our turn (unit 82) to host the terawikh and witr prayers. Durra cleaned the house inside out this morning. Jazakillah Durra! Sorry we weren't much of a help.
Today is already the 16th of Ramadan. Time does fly huh?
I've been feeling a bit under the weather this past few days. Have been troubled by the:
-yet-to-be completed assignments,
-feelings of homesickness, and
-the unaccomplished Ramadan Resolutions :(
14 more days to go. Hopefully, I'll get my act together in that space of time, iA...
On another note, while waiting to break fast the other day, we discussed about Raya preparations. We have set the menu as well as the Raya cookies we are going to make. We are to pool together some money to buy the things we'll need. Thus, Nisa volunteered to be the treasurer.
Then someone said (identiti dirahsiakan): "Mana boleh Nisa je yg ada jawatan. Kitaorang pun nak jawatan jugak".
So, after much lively debate, here are the full list of the committee:
Bendahari: Khairun Nisa
Setiausaha: Majidah
AJK Makanan & Tatarias: Syajaratuddurrah
AJK Logistik, Peralatan & Hiburan: Ana Shirin
AJK Teksi & Kebersihan: Rosyada
I don't mean to sound power-hungry... but AJK Teksi???
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a short snippet of life in Unit 82 :)
Apa-apapun, kita puasa dulu ek?
-Kari Ayam
-Daging Masak Merah
-Murtabak
-Agar-agar
-Puding Roti
-Shepherd's Pie
-Sarawak Telur (I hope I got the name right...)
urm... tak berapa nak dapat praktikkan "Increase Faith, Not Weight" tu... *sheepish*
Tonight, it'll be our turn (unit 82) to host the terawikh and witr prayers. Durra cleaned the house inside out this morning. Jazakillah Durra! Sorry we weren't much of a help.
Today is already the 16th of Ramadan. Time does fly huh?
I've been feeling a bit under the weather this past few days. Have been troubled by the:
-yet-to-be completed assignments,
-feelings of homesickness, and
-the unaccomplished Ramadan Resolutions :(
14 more days to go. Hopefully, I'll get my act together in that space of time, iA...
On another note, while waiting to break fast the other day, we discussed about Raya preparations. We have set the menu as well as the Raya cookies we are going to make. We are to pool together some money to buy the things we'll need. Thus, Nisa volunteered to be the treasurer.
Then someone said (identiti dirahsiakan): "Mana boleh Nisa je yg ada jawatan. Kitaorang pun nak jawatan jugak".
So, after much lively debate, here are the full list of the committee:
Bendahari: Khairun Nisa
Setiausaha: Majidah
AJK Makanan & Tatarias: Syajaratuddurrah
AJK Logistik, Peralatan & Hiburan: Ana Shirin
AJK Teksi & Kebersihan: Rosyada
I don't mean to sound power-hungry... but AJK Teksi???
X X X
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a short snippet of life in Unit 82 :)
Apa-apapun, kita puasa dulu ek?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Selamat Berpuasa
Ramadan is finally here :)
Semoga kita semua dapat memanfaatkan bulan ini dgn sebaik-baiknya. Amin...
Semoga kita semua dapat memanfaatkan bulan ini dgn sebaik-baiknya. Amin...
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Ayat-ayat Cinta
I received the book from my sister through post three days ago. I made up my mind to read it ONLY after I’ve finished my two assignments. Both assignments are due next week. But I succumbed to temptations and started reading it yesterday. And I’ve finished reading it today. I’ve done little else but read the book all day long.
Ayat-ayat Cinta.
The book that I first heard of last July. I saw my friend reading it. The title piqued my interest. The title sounds like a chick lit. A chick lit of the Malay kind of course :p
“Why is she reading this book?” I thought.
It’s just so uncharacteristic of her to read such books.
Turns out, Ayat-ayat Cinta is NOT a chick lit. It’s of a completely different genre. In its cover, the novel proclaims itself to be: “Sebuah Novel Pembangun Jiwa” (!)
The book was a phenomenal success in Indonesia. It was reprinted 11 times as of 2006. Malaysia soon caught on the hype. It was first released in Malaysia in 2006 and has since been reprinted three times.
With lots of excitement surrounding the book, I naturally had high expectations of it. The author, Habiburrahman El-Shirazy was even coined “HAMKA kecil”. I, being a huge fan of HAMKA’s classics, just had to read the book and judge for myself how true the comparison is.
My verdict? I personally think that HAMKA is still unsurpassed. His works evoked much stronger emotions in me. But this is not to say that Ayat-ayat Cinta is not good. It is - just not in the same mould as HAMKA.
In the introduction, Hadi Susanto posts a question: “Ayat-ayat Cinta: Novel Budaya, Novel Keagamaan, atau Novel Cinta?” I think that Habiburrahman El-Shirazy manages to make the book serve all three purposes.
It’s a Novel Budaya because it convincingly depicts Egypt - its climate, people, customs and mores. It also realistically depicts the lives of the Indonesians students there. Like what A. Samad Said commented: “Maka itu, tidak membacanya seperti sengaja melepaskan peluang untuk mencium bau, merasa iklim dan memahami gerak hidup insan Indonesia baru di luar dan di dalam negaranya”.
So true. There were times while reading the book when I wished I was a student studying in Egypt as well. That’s highly unlikely. So I fervently hope that one day, I would at least be able to set foot in Egypt.
It’s also a Novel Keagamaan. There are numerous references to Quranic verses, hadiths and Islamic teachings. But these references were inserted judiciously which prevented the book from being too ‘preachy’.
Lastly, it is also a Novel Cinta. The protagonist (Fahri) is in a quandary; he has to choose amongst four women. Yes: FOUR. A friend of mine has a problem with this. To quote her: “Mana ada lelaki yang semua perempuan suka kat dia”
She has a point but Fahri’s character is believable to me. So, I have no difficulty imagining four (or more) women vying for his affections.
My measure of how a good book is how long and deep I think and mull over it after I’ve finished reading it. And also how strongly my emotions were evoked while reading it - how drawn I was by the story.
My writing this review with such diligence should give you an idea of how good I think this book is.
What struck me the most is Fahri’s character. It’s truly exemplary how determined and devoted he is to his commitments. He would strive hard to achieve what he promised himself/others to do - even if it means toiling through an unbearably hot weather (40 degree Celsius) or even when his health does not permit him to do so. He’s also super organised. He actually carries out what he plans to do (unlike me... huhu). No procrastinations nor a lazy attitude.
He’s also ambitious and forward thinking. He has a 10-year plan of his life. I think I should have that too instead of going through the motions day by day and aimlessly go where the winds pushed me.
I think I also need to be more ambitious. Unlike most people that I know, I don't have a plan to do my Masters and Ph. D. I just think that I’m a lousy student. I love going to lectures and learn from my brilliant lecturers but I HATE doing my assignments. 2000-word essay pun susah nak buat… inikan pula 10,000-word dissertation???
But, I need to change that mentality.
Ayat-ayat Cinta.
The book that I first heard of last July. I saw my friend reading it. The title piqued my interest. The title sounds like a chick lit. A chick lit of the Malay kind of course :p
“Why is she reading this book?” I thought.
It’s just so uncharacteristic of her to read such books.
Turns out, Ayat-ayat Cinta is NOT a chick lit. It’s of a completely different genre. In its cover, the novel proclaims itself to be: “Sebuah Novel Pembangun Jiwa” (!)
The book was a phenomenal success in Indonesia. It was reprinted 11 times as of 2006. Malaysia soon caught on the hype. It was first released in Malaysia in 2006 and has since been reprinted three times.
With lots of excitement surrounding the book, I naturally had high expectations of it. The author, Habiburrahman El-Shirazy was even coined “HAMKA kecil”. I, being a huge fan of HAMKA’s classics, just had to read the book and judge for myself how true the comparison is.
My verdict? I personally think that HAMKA is still unsurpassed. His works evoked much stronger emotions in me. But this is not to say that Ayat-ayat Cinta is not good. It is - just not in the same mould as HAMKA.
In the introduction, Hadi Susanto posts a question: “Ayat-ayat Cinta: Novel Budaya, Novel Keagamaan, atau Novel Cinta?” I think that Habiburrahman El-Shirazy manages to make the book serve all three purposes.
It’s a Novel Budaya because it convincingly depicts Egypt - its climate, people, customs and mores. It also realistically depicts the lives of the Indonesians students there. Like what A. Samad Said commented: “Maka itu, tidak membacanya seperti sengaja melepaskan peluang untuk mencium bau, merasa iklim dan memahami gerak hidup insan Indonesia baru di luar dan di dalam negaranya”.
So true. There were times while reading the book when I wished I was a student studying in Egypt as well. That’s highly unlikely. So I fervently hope that one day, I would at least be able to set foot in Egypt.
It’s also a Novel Keagamaan. There are numerous references to Quranic verses, hadiths and Islamic teachings. But these references were inserted judiciously which prevented the book from being too ‘preachy’.
Lastly, it is also a Novel Cinta. The protagonist (Fahri) is in a quandary; he has to choose amongst four women. Yes: FOUR. A friend of mine has a problem with this. To quote her: “Mana ada lelaki yang semua perempuan suka kat dia”
She has a point but Fahri’s character is believable to me. So, I have no difficulty imagining four (or more) women vying for his affections.
My measure of how a good book is how long and deep I think and mull over it after I’ve finished reading it. And also how strongly my emotions were evoked while reading it - how drawn I was by the story.
My writing this review with such diligence should give you an idea of how good I think this book is.
What struck me the most is Fahri’s character. It’s truly exemplary how determined and devoted he is to his commitments. He would strive hard to achieve what he promised himself/others to do - even if it means toiling through an unbearably hot weather (40 degree Celsius) or even when his health does not permit him to do so. He’s also super organised. He actually carries out what he plans to do (unlike me... huhu). No procrastinations nor a lazy attitude.
He’s also ambitious and forward thinking. He has a 10-year plan of his life. I think I should have that too instead of going through the motions day by day and aimlessly go where the winds pushed me.
I think I also need to be more ambitious. Unlike most people that I know, I don't have a plan to do my Masters and Ph. D. I just think that I’m a lousy student. I love going to lectures and learn from my brilliant lecturers but I HATE doing my assignments. 2000-word essay pun susah nak buat… inikan pula 10,000-word dissertation???
But, I need to change that mentality.
Acquire knowledge because doing so is good
Seeking it is worship
Reviewing it is glorifying Allah
Researching it is Jihad
Teaching it to the ignorant is charity
Further, I cut out a picture from the SMH last Saturday. The picture is of the Palestinian students celebrating their graduation from the An-Najah National University in the West Bank City of Nablus. The picture is titled “Degrees of Pride”. It’s truly inspirational how these people managed to graduate even under extremely difficult and challenging circumstances. What's preventing me from achieving doing as well?
So, that’s what I got from Ayat-ayat Cinta.
Those who haven't read it are welcomed to borrow it. Tapi make sure assignments dah siap ye...
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