Salaam guys.

Alhamdulillah, SAJC MIQ team is in the finals. =D
I nearly died choking on stage but that’s another matter.

Admittedly, my busy schedule has led me to neglect things that used to mean so much to me. There just isn’t time to ponder about anything anymore. Everything is just about do, do, do. I’ve been made to be a machine that’s not supposed to have any feelings. I’m just supposed to do what is expected, what is instructed. It doesn’t matter whether or not I understand or even like what I’m doing. Nobody cares. Everybody is being forced into a mould to fit society. So much for breaking societal norms!

Once again, I am immensely grateful for MiQ. The quest for knowledge is wonderful. I enjoy studying for it. Of course, there are times when I just want to crush the papers, burn the books, off the laptop, and just go to sleep. My sleeping duration has decreased thanks to this cause, but I’m not complaining. Speaking in economic terms, the amount of utility I derive from this competition is humongous! It’s so even though the amount of sacrifices made is also comparable. not to mention the fragility of my relationship! yang gatal nak berboyfriend time skolah kenapa??

Btw, I scalded my left middle finger, which means I typed this whole entry with one hand! Waaaaah… hahahah. =D

**************

4 years back, I would have never imagined I would be having the lifestyle that I practice today. Just a few hours back, I attended the Umrah Preparation Course conducted by TM Fouzy at Darussalam Mosque in Clementi, together with my beloved Shafiqah, who is going off to the holy cities to conduct her umrah in June, insyallah.

Honestly, the main reason I went was for the zikir munajat session. Subhanallah, the first time I went for it, I nearly cried. The ustadz conducting it had such a beautiful voice, singing praises to Allah SWT, but that wasn’t it. It was the du’aa, the praises to Him, the realization that you are but His servant who was placed on earth with a reason. That you are someone so small, who’d conducted so much sins, but repented few. The realization that the world is something so momentary, that there’s something after this life, the Hereafter that many fail to prepare for. It was there when my past came rushing back, so vividly.

Who are we really? What right do we have to judge one another?
When was the last time you actually took the time to sit down before Him, and recite the zikr? When was the last time you actually did something wrong and immediately repent?
I am not here to judge.
Your faith is a matter between you and Allah swt only.
I know how it sucks when someone who have absolutely no knowledge about your life and who you are, randomly makes a comment about you, which of course, aims to make you feel horrible and rotten about yourself. Been there done that

I am here to remind, because, I know how it feels to be astray from Him, far from Him.

I spent much of my secondary school life being a wreck. Most of you know that by now. Those were the days when the whole world seemed to be against me, when life wasn’t worth living anymore, when the supposedly halcyon days were spent throwing my future down the drain.
The scars on my wrist serves to be a reminder of how stupid I was.
The constant blackouts and migraines are the consequences of years of delinquency.
Then, nothing seemed to matter. As long as I had my supply of cigarettes and alcohol, I was good to go. Astaghfirullah. This is not a show of pride, this is to show that no matter how hardcore you were, no matter how far you’ve strayed, there’s always a path back into the light. His love is never ending. It is really up to you to decide on your future path. He shall always be there to forgive you. Never forget that.

If I can change from being a suicidal teenage girl, to embracing Islam as THE faith, then so can you. Insyallah.

God Bless. =)

“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers and evil-doers) and there is forgiveness from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.” (Al-Hadeed 57:20)

WHAT MALAY/MUSLIM?

Salam guys. =D
Yes, i am still ALIVE

can you actually believe that i'm in the school's comp lab, which basically means that the only free time that i'm able to go online is IN SCHOOL?!?!
wtfish?
ironies of ironies.
so yes, i'm currently fucked-up drained and could possible resemble a dried tofu. no, not in size, i wish i'm still an XL. HAH!

my life is currently revolving around two places,
a)SCHOOL
B)HOME
which basically sums up the fact that my practically non-existent life is in a pathetic state right now. the only time i get to breathe fresh air, is on Sunday during PERGAS. whaaaat?!?!

oh and i HAVE got to mention this, MiQ is THE highlight!
thanks to the psycho members of SAJC MiQ team and the FMSA team, which makes the equation sums up to WHOLE loads of FUN.
WHO ACTUALLY TRANSLATES ST ANDREW'S JC TO MAKTAB RENDAH WALI ANDREWS???
classic, really.
so next time, instead of referring ourselves as saints, lets go for WALI-WALI instead alright? =D
inside joke: Wali-wali andrews mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada our brothers-in-islam, Brother Omar and Brother M.Daud Kilau-wannabe, kerana membantu kami dalam Kembara MiQ. May Allah bless their souls. =DDD

PS: SAJC MiQ team rocks lah! Kembara was unforgettable. Despite losing our champions title for the race, guess who had the most fun? =D

*******
on another note, did you see me on tv being interviewed?
woah, i did say some nasty nasty stuff, but AS USUAL, they actually cut that part out. How the hell are the YOUTHS supposed to voice out their opinions when its constantly being stamped down everytime its aired? *smirks* oh well, maybe i'm just being too critical on the state of what the MALAY/MUSLIM society has become.

MALAY/MUSLIM?!
so what happened to the chinese/muslim, indian/muslim etc societies? are they not muslims too?
have you ever heard of a case of an indian/muslim being TURNED DOWN when he seeked financial help from *insert name of muslim organisation* because he was NOT MALAY?
what @#!^##$^%$ sense does that make?!
and are they so naive to not realise that there are Malays who are Christians? Trust me, i have 3 MALAY friends who converted to that faith.

BE AN INCLUSIVE MUSLIM SOCIETY!

its high time that we change the mentality of ALL singaporeans. by constantly splashing out the term "MALAY/MUSLIM" everywhere, the wrong signals are being sent to the other communities in Singapore. Practically all my friends here in SA are confused and taken aback when they found out that two of their fellow Chinese friends are Muslim. Aren't Muslims malays?

The terms "race" and "religion" has been too intertwined with one another that the line dividing these two has been reduced to shreds. it's pathetic.

have you ever realised how our muslim brothers from bangalore are treated in mosques if you go there? i feel like slapping the officials, especially when there's events like the EidAdha celebration and the recent Maulid celebrations.
Why the fish are they treated like non-equals, like nobodies, like SHIT, when they are actually coming forward to do a good deed?
Why can't your voice be gentle when you talk to them?
Don't treat them like they're nuinsance and pests!
Nak harapkan orang Melayu kita datang masjid tolong, jangan haraplah... Yang datang pun makcik-makcik, pakcik-pakcik. ada youths pulak... kirim salam lah... treated like shit too.
What superiority do you have over them?!

This is also asserted in a tradition of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, which states; "0 Mankind, your lord is one and your father is one. You all descend from Adam, and Adam was created from earth. He is most honoured among you in the sight of God who is most upright. No Arab is superior to a non-Arab, no coloured person to a white person, or a white person to a coloured person except by taqwa. - Reported by Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhi on the authority of Abu' Nadhrah. The line of men in its narration were described by Al-Haithami as reliable.


In another tradition, the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, was asked : "Who among men is most favoured by God?" He replied : "A man who does the most good to people."[2] -Reported by Al-Tabarani and others on the authority of Ibn Umar

Embrace Islam.
Be Inclusive.
Alternate the languages used for khutbah, syarahan, classes.
Malays are not the only Muslims in Singapore.

Do your part.

STOP SPROUTING NONSENSE : WHAT MALAY/MUSLIM?!

As I Look into your eyes
I see all the reasons why
My life's worth a thousand skies
You're the simplest love I've known
and the purest one I'll own
no you'll never be alone

Salam guys.

I am such a sucker for love songs. and weddings.
Thank god the boyfriend is half-matjiwang. HAHA.
Lets see, how about combining my ultimate love song and HIS ultimate love song?
Marc Anthony's My Baby You AND Engelbert Humperdinck's A Man Without Love
WOAH.
mush overload!

yes, im actually supposed to be doing TWO things now, [blogging isnt exactly one of it]
a) Research for pidato's topic Pendidikan penentu Kejayaan [translation: Education determines success]
b) Find some ideas or concepts for introductory video for GEMILANG 2007. need something that has impact! HELP?

to be fair, i did spend the first hour or so doing such, but jeng jeng jeng.. Here i am now. i actually should be at mount faber with sufi for the filming but since both of us are lazyasses tired, him from mugging and myself from god-knows-what, we decided to cancel the whole game plan and film the thing in school instead. darn. that explains the fact why we need to get a BOOMBANGCRASH effect for the video! darn darn darn. i am so easily distracted! hahaha..

Thank god i only concentrate on ONE F! HAHA!

Since i've already touched on "F", i might as well continue right? =D

You see, i believe that your significant other shoudlnt only be THE OTHER, you know? i believe he should be MORE than that. and alhamdulillah, i found that in F.

He's my best friend, my confidante, my punching bag, and movie kaki, amongst others. in the short span that we've known each other, alhamdulillah, he knows me best, from my past history, my likes and dislikes, my love for food [hah!], my screwed childhood and whatnot. never have i met someone who i can talkandtalkandtalk with so comfortably and freely, without having the fear of being judged. and being the violent person that i am, he has received quite a fair bit of punches/pinches/etc from yourstruly. not to mention the fact that he'd already taken much of my nonsense, panic attacks, and mood swings in his stride. did i mention that we nearly broke up twice? and i caused him to cry? WTFish? No one has cried because of me okaaaaay!! and yes, both times he played the role of mediator and asked me to come back. HAHA. jahat siot. and alhamdulillah, we are on stable ground now.

seing a significant change in F is suprisingly, satisfying. you see, being a typical[read:generalised] 23 year old mat, he doesnt solat. it was already alhamdulillah for my part that he didnt indulge in drugs/alcohol, because if he did, i'd probably wont even cast him a second glance. i still remember that date, which according to F, was the one that tied him down to me [#@!^$@???]. it was after dikir practice, and we went to have dinner. after which, he was about to send me home, but as i looked at the watch, i knew it was impossible to reach home in time for maghrib, so i asked him to stop by the nearest mosque for solat. i even asked him "You kalau keluar dengan kawan tak solat ke?" [You dont pray when you go out with your friends?] i knew he was suprised, perhaps a tad bit uncomfortable too. but we did stop for maghrib before he drove me home. THAT was before we got together. Yesterday, he told me that day he could have actually just sat in the car and waited for me WITHOUT praying, but for some reason, he actually felt that he should, and that because of THAT incident, he pursued me. WOAH! but yes, now we do stop for prayers, and alhamdulillah, he's attempting to learn to read the Quran. =D

its good to know that someone loves you for who you are.
education gap doesnt matter. so what?
F's stable, he loves me.
It takes two hands to clap my friend.
We'll work together to make it work and have a good life.

=D

Salam guys.

Maal Hijrah is just around the corner. Its tomorrow in fact.

So how?

Fireworks anyone?

************

Entering the New Year
by Imâm al-Madîna al-Munawarrah 'Abdul Muhsin Ibn Muhammad al-Qâsim

All praise is due to Allâh, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings of Allâh be upon the Prophet, his family and companions.

Dear brother! Take an investigating look at your past days: what have you provided for your Hereafter in them? Examine yourself stringently for this. Maymûn bin Mihrân said, “The man cannot become pious until he holds himself accountable as he would his business partner.” The rightly guided person is therefore the one who examines and blames himself for his shortcomings and then mends his ways. Lack of self-examination is not a good thing for a Muslim. For the disbelievers caused perdition to themselves because they never thought that there was someone watching them. Allâh says,

“For truly, they used not to expect any reckoning.” (An-Naba’ 78:27)

Seeing one’s faults prevents one from going astray. And knowing that one’s end is the grave makes one become humble to Allâh and prevents ostentation. Abû Dardâ said:

“The Muslim cannot have proper understanding of Islâm until he criticizes people for the sake of Allâh and criticizes himself more.”

Dear brother! When you sit with people, admonish yourself. People watch your outward deeds but Allâh watches your inner deeds. Whoever reforms his inward traits through self-examination and sincerity, Allâh will adorn his outward deeds with success.

Constant remembrance of Allâh’s right upon man and His great blessings makes man bows his head for Allâh as it makes him recognise his weaknesses. It also let him know that there is no salvation except by obeying Allâh and that He should be obeyed and thanked. A scholar said,

“The first step in self-examination is to compare Allâh’s blessings to your sins. Then it will be clear to you that you can never escape from His punishment except by His mercy only.”

Mâlik bin Dînâr said,

“May Allâh bless a man who tells his soul: ‘Are you not the perpetrator of so and so sins?’ And he then reproaches his soul and forces it to abide by the Book of Allâh.”

The most harmful thing that a legally responsible Muslim can do to himself is to abandon self-examination and to indulge in lusts until he perishes. This is actually the situation with those who are deceived by the beauties of this world and depend on Allâh’s forgiveness without making any repentance or abandoning the sins. Allâh says,

“O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous?” (Al-Infitâr 82:6)

Al-Hasan Al-Basrî said,

“A believer should admonish himself and say: ‘What do I intend by the word I utter? What do I intend by the food I eat?’ As for a disbeliever, he does never admonish himself. But the Muslim should always be a watcher over himself.”

Allâh says,

“Verily, those who are the pious, when an evil thought comes to them from Satan, they remember (Allâh), and (indeed) they then see (aright).” (Al-A‘râf 7:201)

Whoever calls himself to account in this world will have easier reckoning on the Day of Resurrection and whoever does not call himself to account in this world will have a difficult reckoning in the Hereafter. Beware of falling into sins, for keeping away from sins is easier than seeking for forgiveness. Days of this world are few and you do not know when you will die. Ask yourself about what you have done in the previous year and ask yourself about what you have provided for the coming year. ‘Umar said: “Call yourselves to reckoning before you are called to reckoning.”

Make a resolution right from the beginning of this year that you will observe your five obligatory prayers in the mosques in congregation. Make a pledge to yourself that you will seek for useful knowledge and spread it. Endeavor to guard your tongue against lie, gossip and immoral talk. Fear Allâh in all that you eat and drink. Abstain from all forbidden things. Be kind to your parents and to your kith and kin. Do well to all people and free your heart from jealousy and hatred. Beware of bad thing about others. Promote good and forbid evil. Carry out your obligations towards your spouses and children in the best possible way and guard your eyes from looking at forbidden things. How beautiful it will be if this New Year is made a positive turning point in the lives of world communities where women properly cover themselves according to the injunctions of Allâh and in following the Sunnah of His Messenger.

Dear brother! Each day in which the sun sets reminds you that your lifespan is diminishing. The wise is the one who learns from his yesterday, struggles for his present day and provides for his morrow. Provide for your tomorrow. The best provision is piety. Allâh says,

“O you who believe! Fear Allâh and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.” (Al-Hashr 59:18)

Fellow Muslims! The first month in Islâmic year is Muharram. It is one of the greatest months. It has been a sacred month since time immemorial and it is one of the months that Allâh sanctified. It was in this month that Allâh gave Prophet Mûsâ victory over Pharaoh. Among its merits is that fasting is recommended in many of its days. The Messenger of Allâh said,

“The best month in which one can fast after Ramadân is the month of Muharram. And the best prayer after obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Muslim)

The best day in this month is the day of آshûrâ (the tenth day). Ibn ‘Abbâs said,

“The Prophet came to Al-Madînah and he found the Jews fasting on the day of آshûrâ. He asked them: ‘What is this day in which you fast?’ They said: ‘This is a great day in which Allâh saved Prophet Mûsâ and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Mûsâ used to fast that day to show gratitude to Allâh and we emulate him in doing so.’ The Prophet then said: ‘We have right to Mûsâ more than you.’ So he fast the day and he used to ask people to fast on it.” (Al-Bukhârî and Muslim)

The Messenger of Allâh was also asked of fasting on آshûrâ day and he replied:

“I have hope that Allâh will make it erase all the sins committed in the previous year.”

The Prophet also determined to fast a day before that day in disagreement with the people of the Scripture. He said in this regard:

“If I am remain alive till next year, I will certainly fast the ninth day.”

It is therefore recommended for the Muslims to fast the tenth day of Muharram to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet and in order to get the reward. It is also recommended that they should fast the ninth day so as to disagree with the Jews and in order to uphold the Sunnah. Doing this is an act of showing gratitude to Allâh, and by doing it we are commencing our new year with good deeds.

Salam guys.

Just thought i could provide you guys with an interesting read.
Note: This excerpt was extracted from a book written by a WESTERN author.

The Closed Circle
[Jonathan Coe]

“No, I find this unbelievable,” Munir insisted. “These women are sitting down in a public place, talking to each other about ways of giving oral pleasure to their men, as if they were discussing knitting patterns or recipe books. One of them – that one there – has openly admitted to having sex with 5 different partners in one week! What respect, what respect are these women meant to feel for themselves, for their own bodies? What is happening to society, when this kind of thing is allowed on our screens? What goes through the minds of the people who make it? Look at this, Benjamin!” He walked right up to the screen and pointed at it, as one of the characters gave a practical demonstration of her technique, using the neck of a wine bottle. “This is America today. A land of degenerates! Is it any wonder that the rest of the world today has started to despise them? What kind of... probity can we expect from a nation that conducts itself in such a way? This is a country that professes one thing and then does the opposite – but in full view of everyone! It preaches religion and morality but then its women behave like whores. It forces other countries to disarm but then spends all of its money building up the most terrifying arsenal of nuclear and conventional weapons on the planet. It spits in the face of the Muslim world and stampedes through the Middle East in its thirst for the oil to fill its petrol-guzzling cars and then professes astonishment that a man like Osama bin Laden can exist and believes what he believes. And this – this is where our Prime Minister tells us our allegiance lies. With a nation of cowboys and call-girls!”

Dwell, reflect on it. Do whatever you want.
But you cant as hell deny the truth behind this paragraph.

We claim to be the most advanced civilisation.
But have we not returned to the jahiliah ages?

The believers, men and women are helpers/supporters of one another, they order good and forbid evil and offer their prayers perfectly and pay zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. They are the ones Allah will have mercy on. Indeed, Allah is Most Powerful, Most Wise. Allah has promised the believers - men and women - gardens underneath which rivers flow, where they will dwell forever -and beautiful mansions in Gardens of Paradise. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme success." [Surah At-Tawba : 71-72]

Subhanallah.
Whoever said that being in a Christian school sways your imaan, there I shall not say you are wrong, for yes, the imaan is constantly being challenged, but it is up the individual himself to stand up for what he believes is true, and that is to Allah.
If only we Muslims stand up for our religion and spread it lovingly to anyone and everyone, without feeling condescended and/or ashamed. If only practicing the religion outside of the mosque is viewed upon in a better light. If only.

Its time for change people.
ITS. TIME.

SEXY SAV6RDO!

If you wanna see the best knights in town
Just say ARTS FAC and we'll turn around
Oh why do I feel this way?
Hey! Must be Saverdo!

3 full days of crazily fun orientation eats up your brain.
especially if your campus is at the other side of the world.
ok im kidding for that part.
SAJC is only at the OTHER SIDE OF SINGAPORE.

wonders of wonders.
for the first time in my life, i have to wake up at FIVE, leave the house at SIX , JUST. TO. GET. TO. SCHOOL.
darn.

Orientation was hyper. The councillors were dedicated. The place's bursting with high school spirit.
I lost my voice, so that should explain how crazy i went during the 3 days.
we were wet and dirty, we were running all over the place playing sadistic games, and we were cheering like mad hooligans.
ARTS FAC = FUN
but
the monster in me was unleashed. and i was scared
instead of campfire, we had disco nite.
which basically meant we had a free clubbing session where a band was invited to play.
and lets just say, it was a blast from the screwed past.
and i succumbed to the music. which is'nt healthy.

later that night, i cried in fear.
not because i was in a christian mission school where scriptures from the bible are read every morning after assembly.
not because i have to start from scratch again and will probably screw up in EQ department.
and not because i was STILL grooving to the music which included MANY christian songs.
i cried because during that 1.5 hours of dancing and going crazy,
i actually contemplated on feeling regret for changing to the person i am today.
i actually wanted to go back to that lifestyle.
to clubbing. drinking. going crazy without a care for the world.
and so i cried.

astaghfirullah.

i am not going back to square one.

yes i know i've digressed from orientation. but im not going to detail it through. you'll probably be bored to death.

all im saying is, it's one heck of a memorable event. thank you 29th student council for making it what it is. and thank you to my ogl - sharleen, for being such a sweetheart.

the showdown begins next week. and i only have an hour of lesson on Monday! wth?

The thing about 'Respect'
is that society doesnt recognise it anymore.

It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) slaughtered two horned rams, black and white in colour, and that he slaughtered them with his own hands. He mentioned the name of Allah Most High (saying Bismillaah), then said Takbir (Allahu-Akbar) and placed his foot on their sides (while slaughtering them). [Bukhari and Muslim. Bukhari English translation - Dr. Muhsin Khan, Vol.2, Pg. 447-448 #770 and 772, 1979]

Honestly, I've seen enough sheep to last me until next aidiladha.
And I've seen enough sacrifices to deter me from sinning.
I was on-duty over at Darul Makmur Mosque, and had to accompany the participants throughout the process, bringing them to the area where the sacrifice was done, meaning i saw more than 10 sacrifices being done. and of course, went home smelling like a goat.
What is qurban, or in the arabic sense, udhiyah?

Udhiyah: Its meaning and definition
Udhiyah refers to the animal (camel, cattle or sheep) that is sacrificed as an act of worship to Allâh, during the period from after the Eid prayer on the Day of Nahr (Eid al-Adha) until the last day of Tashrîq (the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah), with the intention of offering sacrifice.

Anyway, lets go back to the abovementioned topic.

You see, i caught the fireworks display over at marina bay LIVE!
-on tv-
CNA to be exact. Channel 5's countdown show was shit nonsense, what with taufiq and nurul maideen and the likes prancing about the stage, and possibly hundreds of malays (who's probably muslims) having the time of their lives, partying away. of course, not only at harbourfront, but all over singapore. even malaysia had the sense to respect EidAdha and forego the countdown this year.

It saddens and shames me, and perhaps you too, to have all this hoohaa of countdown celebration, where alcohol runs freely, bodies gyrate energetically and the participants consists of a large group of our fellow brothers and sisters in islam, during a period of time when There aren't any days greater, nor any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah Most High, than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah).

Astaghfirullah.

Respect.
It doesnt exist in these people.
Do they not have respect for EidAdha?
For Islam?
For THEMSELVES?

When most of the Muslim community are busy commemorating the sacrifice done by Nabi Allah Ibrahim, and of course, recite the Takbir to praise Him, as what is to be done,;they're busy downing the booze, losing themselves in the music.

Countdown setahun sekali apa? Pagi kan dah celebrate Hari Raya Haji, malam aku nak pergi countdown tak salah per. Aku nak mabuk ke, aku nak rosakkan anak dara orang ke, aku nyer pasal lah. Dosa aku yang tanggung apa.
That was told to me in the face, by a man who's about to get married.

The reason why i decided to forego going to marina bay with the girls was that they wanted to party. All i could do was advise them to respect Eid, and not get drunk. Its sad, when it involves the people you love.

My remedy?
The Takbir.

At-Takbir (saying: Allahu-Akbar) and adh-Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) in these (ten) days, because of the saying of Allah in Surah al-Hajj Ayah 28:
"...And mention the name of Allah on the appointed Days..."
This has been explained (by some) to mean the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah). The scholars consider it desirable to increase adh-Dhikr in these days because of the hadith of Ibn 'Umar (radhiAllaahu 'anhumaa) narrated by Ahmad, which says in it,
"...so increase in these days the Tahlil and Takbir and Tahmid".
Bukhari mentioned about Ibn 'Umar and Abu Hurairah (radhiAllaahu 'anhu) that,
"the two of them used to go out to the market place during the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) saying 'Allahu-Akbar', causing the people to say it also."
Ishaq narrated from the scholars of the Tabi'in that in these ten days they used to say:
Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar; Laailaaha illallaah; Wa Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar; wa lillaahil-hamd.
It is a beloved act to raise the voice when saying the Takbir in the markets, the houses, the streets, the masjids and other places, because of the saying of Allah Most High in Surah al-Hajj Ayah 37:
"... that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you.."

It eats you up, you know, seeing your screwed society at work.
And they say we're the most advanced civilisation?

I say we've gone back to the jahiliah era.

Lets see the response from our society, come 1 Muharram.

It looks as if we're heading towards another

Flood extravaganza.
i meant that not in a good way ok.

anyway, yes, the raining is continuing, after a day and a half dreary sunshine. not that im complaining really, since i dont really have to worry about floods at this part of the world and this high up in the building. i live on the 12th floor, you see. but, have you seen the destruction lately?







Subhanallah.

Who would have thought that such a great calamity could happen, in such a short period of time? there are places that you could only see the second storey of buildings! hundreds, possible thousands of families are displaced out of their own homes and are staying in schools, public places, together, as they helplessly see their items being caught in the flood and/or being looted. yes, humans are advantage-seekers. in times of crisis such as now, there are groups of people who are raiding empty homes and looting whatever that seems valuable in their eyes. wtfish? yes, that is human for you.

this episode could be looked upon as a disaster and also a reminder. a reminder of His existence, for so many of us have taken it so forgranted. we forget, we ignore. but now, the reason for ignorance has ceased. its time to sit up and really look. what have we done, or not done, that could have caused such a wrath? are we taking life for granted, as a whole? is it time for us to change? its for you to answer.

for we are blessed to not be presented with such a calamity, we should remember the unfortunate, or perhaps fortunate enough, to receive a reminder from Him, before its too late for them to turn back. we should take this opportunity too.

Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods and lives and the fruits(of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return." They are those on whom (descend) blessings from Allah, and mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. [Surah al-Baqarah: 155-157]

Screwed Society

Yes, as you may have noticed, i've developed a certain, angst towards the Malay/Muslim society.
No, its not because i feel that im-oh-so-good or anything, i just find certain things about US that is so $^%&#%*$^ revolting.
Like when it comes to money and POLYGAMY.

What's this hoohaa over Aa Gym getting a second wife? Why is everyone getting so worked-up and emotional about him. marrying. another. woman? firstly, he's ENTITLED to marry again. and secondly, HE CAN AFFORD IT. think about it, he has the means to marry again, not like the pakcik-pakcik gatal that marries again but cant even support one wife. he's RICH lah, and the person he marries is a janda, not a virgin anak dara or something. so yeah, she's pretty, and used to be a model, but she's not the exposing-gila-nak-mampos kind that attracts all the men that has their lust all the way up to their adam's apple.

why the hoohaa over him GETTING MARRIED, as in LEGALLY, but not so much of hoohaa when it comes to the ^!%@!^$ scandal that involves the Indonesian MP and the DANGDUT SINGER. tu lagi power siot, siap ada mini porn video lagi! tak pun kecoh sangat. *rolls eyes*

Aa Gym is a wealthy man, who preaches about Islam and wants to see a change in the Muslim society.
Even Time magazine, so damn pro-American, devoted an article for him. click here for it.

Remember when he came to Singapore and gave the seminar "ORANG ISLAM MESTI KAYA" [MUSLIMS MUST BE RICH]?
That is true because why? Because money REALLY matter in this world today.
Do you know because of MONEY, many muslims convert to other religions?
Do you know that MONEY is the most essential weapon for religion-conversion?

Well, it is. People will do many things for money, be it knowingly or otherwise. And im not taking this point blindly.

I know an elderly couple, who goes to church every Sunday (the makcik wears a tudung mind you!), after they were given aid by the church. You see, its easy to get financial aid from the church, no questions asked, all you need to do is ask for it. But what about Mendaki, Muis and all other freaking organisations here?
There's a 101 questions to be answered, and so many procedures to follow, that by the time the money is given (if it is given), its probably too late. and get this, a friend of my father's, was unable to get aid from [insert organisation] because he is NOT MALAY! WTF?!?!

Which comes to the point that i was stating. Muslims must be rich. WHY? so we can help the needy, the people faced with poverty all around the world, just like the Christians/Catholics. I am not being racist/religionist or whatever, but it is true fact. Look at what happened to the couple. and trust me, read MASTIKA NOV 2006 EDITION and the exact same thing is happening in Malaysia! Muslims are being offered financial aid by the Church, and in turn, they are given classes. and the thing is, it is NOT compulsory. but of course, the feeling that one's obliged to return the favour is there, and they attend the classes. slowly but surely, what do the end up as? Non-Muslims. SAD but TRUE.

It's about time we wake up. WE.NEED.TO.OPEN.UP.OUR.MINDS.AND.SEE.WHAT.IS.HAPPENING.IN.THIS.WORLD.

Where are all the rich Muslims? Doesnt matter whether they're Arab, Malay, Chinese, British. IT.DOESNT.MATTER.
they're probably somewhere else entertaining their lust and greed rather than help humanity.

Decorated for people are the desires of women, offspring, and of heaped up piles of gold and silver, of pedigree horses, cattle, and sown fields. These are the enjoyments of the worldly life, but with Allah is the best return. [Surah Ali-Imraan (3):14]

Flash of Faith
Before you think that this is another random mumblings of a teenage girl, do take the time to read this entry. May you find knowledge in what i'm about to share.

Did you know that it is haraam for us Muslims to actually wish "Merry Christmas" to our fellow Christian friends?

Well it is.

“Say: "O People of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the even Way." [Al-Maa’idah (5):77]

"Quite a number of Muslims today, especially those living in Christian dominated countries or those influenced to a large degree by western culture, have been led to consider that taking part in the Christmas celebrations of friends and relatives is, at very least, a harmless pastime if not a legitimate source of pleasure for children and adults alike.

In many instances, pressure to conform with the practices of society is too great for those of weak resolve to withstand. Parents are often tempted to give in to the pleading of children who have been invited to a party or who are unable to understand why they alone are being prevented from joining the festivities they observe all around them or why they cannot receive gifts on this occasion like the other children."

Excerpt from here
click the link for the whole article

Why the sudden disposition to actually discuss this topic?
Alhamdulillah, i just finished watching a VCD - a talk given by Hj Irene Handono.
Does the name ring a bell? Well, fret not if it doesnt, because I'm about to tell you who this wonderful woman is.



Hj Irene Handono was born into a rich and pious Christian family. She was educated in Christianity since young and eventually entered an elite convent school and became a Sister.
One day, she was taught to hate Islam. Her pastor told her to observe her homeland (she's Indonesian) and picked out that all the corruption and negativities that was happening there were mostly made by Muslims.
She, however, didnt take all of it in and started to question her faith. She observed other countries - Mexico, Phillipines, Italy etc, and witnessed the same mayhem - by Catholics and Christians.
She made a groundbreaking conclusion that will eventually lead her to Islam - one should never judge a religion by its followers.
She therefore started to study the holy Quran, and alhamdulillah, she began to realise many things in Christianity that seeks her to question, and eventually find her faith in Islam.
She went further, to detect the ways that the Church uses to manipulate the weak Muslims and eventually convert them to Christianity.
Ways so subtle, that you and i probably never could differentiate.
a)The Bible, translated to the Arabic language, and read in the same manner as tilawah Al Quran
b)Calligraphy of Bible Matius, so similar to the verse of Al-Quran, that an untrained eye would find impossible to differentiate
c)The Church urges its people to wish Slamat Idul-Fitri, such that Muslims will feel compelled to wish Merry Christmas - when it is haraam to do so.

Honestly, throughout watching the vcd, i felt scared and saddened at the same time. at the vulnerability of the Muslim nation.
It would be easy isnt it, to actually fool the Muslim population, if the estimated number of people who actually study and know the teachings of Al-Quran remain to be a mere 10%?
And what are we doing about it really? Are we just sitting around and hoping that the Muslim population will revamp itself and rise from the ashes? Or are we going to do our part, no matter how small, in actually recreating a new image of Islam. A clean one. Are we actually carrying out our responsilities as a Muslim?

Of course, by saying that, i dont mean jihaad. Subhanallah, no. I'm referring to the simple tasks of actually carrying out your daily prayers, of knowing whats right and wrong(and actually acting by it) and by not compromising your duties as a Muslim.

Have you ever wondered at how we know the dates for Christmas, Valentines Day, and the immense celebration that we partake every new year; but we fail to recite the Islamic months and/or actually take any notice when 1st Muharram comes around. (Its the Islamic new year if you dont know) Funny how liberal we've become.

What's going to happen to the future generations?
Are we going to continue to degrade ourselves, and in turn, Islam, further?
Or are we going to do something about it?

I am not saying that im oh-so-knowledgeable in Islam; I have my flaws, and I had my jahiliah moments.
All im hoping is to see some change, in this society that we live in, and of course, in myself.
InsyAllah, we'll be able to do it, and live in harmony.

Do not confound truth with falsehood, nor knowingly hide the truth while you know. [Al-Baqarah (2):42]

Love,

atikah.