5th Ramadan | Delight our hearts

Bismillah.

O Allah, delight our hearts,
clothe our innermost beings with robes of honor
and set our minds on what is between us and You
beyond the understanding of creatures
and our own understanding.
Ameen.

***

On a lighter note, I am delighted I managed to juggle teraweh, reading the Quran, and shopping LOL. Yes, Alhamdulillah, got new clothes for Eid, Raya cookies, Raya decor items etc; and paid zakat already, I'm all set should the Syawal Crescent decide to appear : D 

Maybe not yet...cos gotta fix some DIY stuff. Just hope the tool functions. DIY Queen is gonna get cranky if it doesn't LOL.

Oh...would be nice for my guests if I could get a new plush carpet and a console table...etcetera.

Never mind me, I'm just being real cos being real requires no effort. 

Anyway, let's fastabiqul khairat - compete on reading the Quran, and all other good deeds. Ramadan delights the hearts, no doubt. Thank You Allah for Ramadan!

4th Ramadan 1438 H | Lord seeker

Bismillah.

Seek neither this world nor the Hereafter.

Seek the Lord of the Worlds and the Hereafter.

The world is a bridge. There's no need to over-decorate a bridge because we will cross to the end and leave it behind anyway. The Hereafter is like candy to those who seek a handful of rewards.

The shaykh says, in other words, [in my own silly interpretation] be close to the candy-maker. I think it makes sense. If we are close to a candy-maker, he could spin up a cotton candy anytime. But cotton candy is like a shell, we are supposed to be near to the kernel - the sugar - the Source.

The Shaykh also say: we must give attention and interest to those who love us for our sake and not for their sake.

In any case, this Ramadan, let's spend more time to speak to the Lord, than speak to the mortals.

3rd Ramadan 1438 H | Be useful to yourself

Bismillah.

Remind myself I will, to speak less, read more. Read beneficial materials. Read the Quran. Master on the major instead of the minor.

Be useful to yourself first and then others.
: )

Salam Sahur from KL.

Quran Marathon

Bismillah.

Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah, at the time of writing (Saturday 11pm), most Malaysians have just completed the teraweeh prayers.

I have a confession to make, the moment I reached home from the mosque, this is what I hunted for - my post-teraweeh snacks. LOL. We all have our own favorite food for iftar, late night snacks and sahur, I'm sure. 

Meat floss in Spring Roll wrappers
- a friend made these yummies.
Excuse me the photo has nothing to do with the posting subject 😂

But I don't feel guilty snacking cos today I did pretty well with the Quran marathon ; )

Yes, Alhamdulillah, this posting is a special shout out to my Quran teacher. He has trained me pretty well since Nov last year, so I am now capable of reading one juzuk/chapter in one sitting which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes on average. One sitting in the morning and one before iftar, so 2 chapters a day went by like a song - thanks to him!

May Allah grant him His secret knowledge and gnosis and fulfill his dream to complete a second degree in Islamic Studies. Just imagine someone with a BSc. from a uni abroad can be so talented in teaching the Quran that he has received teaching certs from several state authorities. That shows we must stay true to our own personal interests regardless of our academic qualifications.

I have also noticed that it's good to read one chapter of the Quran ahead of time so that when you go for teraweeh you will become familiar with what the imam recites. For example, on day two of teraweeh we should read Chapter Two during the day because that's what the imam would usually recite on the second night. Let's try. We won't know our real capabilities unless we keep trying. May Allah give us plenty of stamina to run the Quran Marathon until the finish line. Ameen.

OK good night folks.

Ramadan Kareem!

Sahur & Subuh in KL | 1st Ramadan 1438 Hijri

Bismillah.




Assalamualaikum warahmatullah,

May Allah grant us good health and the tawfiq to wake up for Fajar, Sahur and Subuh prayers every day of this year's Ramadan. 

Oh Allah, just as You have peeled off the night and present a new day, enable us to remove the blemished skins of yesterday's deeds. Rejuvenate for us the appearance of our iman, tawakkul, yaqin and sabr on this brand new day. Let our tongues speak the truth. Let us be the receptacle of the most precious bounties which You have reserved for those who fast truthfully zahir and batin, on each day of the blessed Ramadan.

Ameen.

Pre-dawn in KL - 1st Ramadan 1438 H

The KL Tower lights up at the call of Subuh azan on this first day of Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem | Ramadan Reflections

Bismillah.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullah to all the "soul soldiers of the same rank", friends who have sent good wishes in conjunction with the arrival of the sacred Ramadan. You know who you are : )

Alhamdulillah...some of you live in countries where Ramadan will make its appearance in a couple of hours (at the time of this posting).  

Praise be to Allah, the Most Generous and Most Compassionate for the tawfiq that this sinful faqir was able to be present at His House for the first teraweeh. What would become of us, had He not granted us good health and facilitate it for us to be among the congregation? Glory be to Him for letting us welcome the holy month yet again no matter how dented our previous Ramadans had been. Praise be to Him for granting us the awareness and consciousness of our own weaknesses thus we try again and again at purifying our hearts and deeds.

Glory be to Him, who sees and hears all. We seek refuge in Allah from the lack of strength to defend our iman from being poked, torn or robbed by the affiliates of shayatin in the form of men, anytime anywhere. May He replace our weaknesses and shortcomings with a mighty strength and defense. May He fortify our fort of faith, so no evil eyes and hands can do harm to us. 

May the Generous Lord of the Worlds create for us, tranquility and felicity in each moment. May Allah the Most Subtle and Gentle, soften our hearts that it bows nimble towards Him and Him alone. That we remain in this protected state always inside and outside of Ramadan.

Ameen Allahumma Ameen.        

Ramadan eve in KL.
Gotta praise Allah that this city is peaceful.
We are not forgetful of our brothers and sisters who have been displaced,
who have had to leave their countries due to conflicts.
 May Allah shower His mercy on them and grant them a better abode.
Ameen. 

Time to reflect

Bismillah.

Says Saleem Kidwai OBE

Counting down to Ramadan : )

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullah.

Manisnya munajat | Call upon the Lord

Bismillah.

I wish to write in the Malay language of a state I have been experiencing. It's about the sweetness of being alone and calling upon the Lord.

***

Manisnya munajat
Indahnya bersendirian
berkata-kata dari sanubari yang paling dalam
kepada Tuhanku yang sentiasa menunggu

Tenangnya rasa kala memutuskan diri
daripada hingar bingar dunia
dan tingkah manusia melelahkan jiwa
Tiada penghujung drama menidakkan kebenaran
degil ego bergelumang rakus kemahuan
Sungguh bahagialah jiwa yang meninggalkan segala yang sirna tidak bermakna

Ya Allah, terima kasih atas undangan ini
Saat-saat sunyi menjadi saksi segala yang terbuku di hati
dan semua rasa yang dizahirkan suara
Syukur Ya Allah Tuhan yang menggerakkan lidah
menadah perhatian dan kurnia Ilahi
akan segenap keperluan diri
memohon kepada Tuhan yang Maha Kaya
boleh saja menciptakan sekali lagi
bumi dan langit
jika itu pilihanNya
maka Engkau ciptakan buat ku rahsia antara kita

Syukur Ya Rabb Ya Wali
atas keyakinan dan harapan baharu
hanya Engkau yang mampu memberi

Terima kasih Tuhan
atas kemanisan munajat
dan bahagia yang mengiring diri
di kala aku duduk sendiri
hanya Engkau menjadi saksi

: )

Invest in Ramadan

Bismillah.

Ahhh...I am prepping myself mentally for the coming sacred month. I am sure you are too.

Yes, we all know the Return of Investment (ROI) which Allah has promised us as far as Ramadan is concerned. Unlike other kinds of investments, the returns from Allah is 100% guaranteed.

I am pleased that I should be able to khatam (complete) Quran recitation together with my guide in Ramadan bi-iznillah.

It feels good knowing that one's recitation is being corrected and verified and as they say in Malay we don't shok sendiri that is having a misleading self-confidence that something is already good but in actual fact, it's not good.

Best wishes to all!

Success is with Allah.

Wama tawfiqi illa billah.

Last leg of Shaaban | Dreaming Ramadan

Bismillah.

Alhamdulillah...we must thank Allah that we have come to the last leg of Shaaban.

May Allah continue to bless us in this last week of Shaaban and may we live to welcome and embrace Ramadan - a time for spiritual revival bi-iznillah.

Here is one positive pill for today:

And Ramadan is a month to stay awake as much time as possible - physically, mentally and spiritually.

Let's now chill with Maher Zain's latest song : )

Eid mood already

Bismillah.

I mingled with a bunch of elderlies, again LOL.
I think senior citizens like me : D

This time I was with a group of veteran singers from Singapore. One of them is a superstar as far as Malay Eid songs are concerned. Her name is Sanisah Huri. She was one of the top songstress in the 60s. I wasn't born yet but like the majority of Malaysians and Singaporeans, I recognized her voice in classic Eid songs which are still popular to this day. Eid al-Fitri or Raya as we call it in Malaysia, would be dull and incomplete without these classic songs.

It's kinda surreal to be at the gathering (mini-show) because it was almost a year ago that I sat next to a lyricist who wrote a handful of popular Eid songs. It was in Ramadan. And this year, it's almost Ramadan, I was invited by the lyricist to attend a private function where veteran artists performed their evergreen songs! It was a treat I thoroughly enjoyed.

I know many of you foreign readers would not be appreciative of this Eid song which I recorded at the event, but the lyrics are simple yet meaningful indeed. It's about people being joyful during Eid and calls for us to forget our past/pain, and to start fresh so that our hearts will not hold any grudges or sorrow.

Enjoy!



p/s
I have got another clip, but let's save it for Raya : )

Bless all octogenarians

Bismillah.

"If a young man honors an old person on account of his age, Allah appoints someone to show reverence to him in his old age."

- Prophet Muhammad salallah alaihi wasalam

Alhamdulillah, I feel blessed to associate myself with a couple of octogenarians and those who are in their 70s. These men/women are not only respected for their age, but also for their vast knowledge, specialized skills, and good manners.

Yesterday, I had one special octogenarian visiting my humble crib. He left us with amazing words of encouragement and inspiration. He quoted the late all-rounder legendary artist Tan Sri P. Ramlee: "What you are doing is noble and it's a valuable art, do it with much honesty, as said P. Ramlee: Art is one of Allah's craft, carry it out truthfully."

About 30+ years from now, bi-iznillah, I hope I'll still get to mingle with the youngsters to benefit from their knowledge, motivation, and zest for life; that I would still be relevant to them.

I pray we will all live up to 80, too, and be given plenty of sustenance, wisdom, freedom, mobility, and good health. That the youngsters would be sensitive towards our feelings and honor us as we honor the elderlies when we are young. Ameen.

Allahummaj 'al au sa'a rizqika
 'alaiya 'inda kibari sinni wan qitho'i umuri
  

p/s

We should also pray so that Allah grant us the consciousness to behave according to our age. I hope I will not be like some of those women pushing 60 with "waffled" drooping eyelids yet are not shy about putting on eyeshadow. May we remain sensible in our appearance befitting our age.

   

Fighting spirit

Bismillah.

No, not giving up.

I am grateful for Thursday and every day of the week.

A good sparring buddy went to Venice and bought me an "Evil Eye" Murano bangle as if she knew what I was wishing for.

"Souls are troops collected together and those who familiarized with each other in the Heaven would have an affinity with one another in the world and those amongst them who opposed each other (in the Heaven) would also be divergent in the world."

- Prophet Muhammad salallah alaihi wasalam

Yeah...those who are not in the same squadron as me, please stand back, better not mess with me.

Armed with an  "Evil Eye" talisman
my fighting spirit is up.
I mean business! 

17 May - Happy World Telecommunication Day

Bismillah.

Yes, 17 May is a big day for those who work in the telecommunications industry. It's a day that is officially known as World Telecommunication & Information Society Day (WTISD). 

Of course, we all have something to do with today, cos we all cling to our mobile phones and breathe on internet connection 24/7. LOL. Phones and Internet connectivities are like our life and love lines.

According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the purpose of WTISD is "to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide."

I remembered the year when mobile phone became available in Malaysia circa 1989/1990, I talked on the phone with a friend who was studying in USA for hours and the bill came up to RM15K! LOL. But I'd like to think that my late father had forgiven me for my silliness and that I have redeemed myself. LOL.

So the next time you use a mobile phone to speak with your loved ones or when you use the internet for whatever reasons, think of me as one of the millions staff of the telecoms industry worldwide who devote our energy and time so that you stay connected and informed : )

Ah...but I might be leaving this industry soon bi-iznillah.

Says: Dan Oswald
[Hope you like my custom posters.
Yes, I try my best to craft fresh posters/contents every day.
It's fun.]

Happy Teachers' Day

Bismillah.

Exactly a week ago, my Quran teacher texted me saying he could not teach cos he got drenched in the heavy rain. MashaAllah!

The challenges our teachers have to go through, to impart knowledge to us.

I hate to imagine the feeling.

Imagine having to ride a bike some 20 km and then it starts to rain, then you stop to put on a raincoat and continue your journey in the rain and when you arrive at the destination, you feel glad you are on time as always, but then you realize you can't have class anyway as you are all soaked. Feeling cold, you wait for a while before making your way home, another 20 km and the wind makes you colder.

Perhaps in his mind, he thought, "Hmm...my student missed the opportunity of reading 15 pages of Quran, else she would have moved on to Surah Al Furqan."
    

For the sacrifices that our teachers have to make, we pray Allah increase them in knowledge and wisdom even more. That they enjoy good health, long fruitful and prosperous life and that their children will receive the best education one could get. Ameen.

Only teachers who are passionate about teaching can make students truly passionate about learning.

Don't you dare | Red

Bismillah.

Ahh... I can't get enough of positive affirmations, especially in the world that we live in today, there are people who like to cap our potentials, our dreams, and the prospect of our happiness, so we need a daily dose of positive motivations and affirmations to kick all negativities in the butt.

  

And I can't get enough of the color red as it symbolizes power, energy and great outcomes.

Here's one to start the week by Tim Fargo:

"Don't you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of the greatness that you are."

Should anyone tell you otherwise, lift your feet and give them a flying kick. I am good at it just so you know. LOL. 

Red is not just a color
it's a state of mind

Eternal garden bliss | Exert for one's love

Bismillah.

Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah for my mother. Alhamdulillah for the opportunity to do something special for my mother, yet again.

The last time my mother was delighted big time was when I had a custom design blinds made for her alfresco garden kitchen. That was like a month ago I reckon.

This weekend I labored hard putting together a DIY garden all for her sake. May Allah keep us together in this dunya for the longest time and may we remain together in a more beautiful abode in the akhirah, Ameen.

So I have been busy driving back and forth to the plants' nursery. It's unbelievable the amount of tawfiq/strength Allah could give on account of the love we have for someone special. I still can't comprehend how I managed to handle 49 bags of 28-liter soil. [I checked the conversion table and that equals to 1,372 kg!] Yes, and planted about 40 new plants. In hindsight, it looks like a ridiculous kinda task, but I managed it all for the Queen of my heart, Alhamdulillah I am pleased with the results indeed. It's 90% complete. There's only one 8-feet planter box undone cos I could not source for the right kind of Jasmine.   

Yes, this is a special occasion that deserves a posting, so that it's documented and I could someday look back and know how old the plants are. Photos of three other planter-boxes (bread flowers, piper betel and one unidentified species) are not here though, let's wait for them to mature a wee bit more InshaAllah.

This could be Red Star.
Too tired to remember all their names.  Or this might be Coleus.

Portulacaria

Multi-colored Vinca, Petunia
and "Maroon shrub" [God knows what its scientific name is LOL] 

Ahh...this fern is extra special because it's my mother's favorite
when she was in her 30s.
There is a photo of 3 years old me standing next to a row of this fern which she planted.

    

This is a 'before depotting' photo.
before they were planted onto the intended planter box.
Looks/sounds easy but NAY, no way, it was tough handling 49 bags of 28-liter soil and dozens of potted plants.
My nails are all broken and blackish. No, didn't use glove somehow.
But it's all worth it : )

OK folks, my body is aching like crazzzzyyyy, I have to take some muscle relaxants now LOL. 

I hope my nieces and nephews who read this posting will learn a little something, that we must always be willing to exert ourselves and dirty our hands gladly for the sake of our mother.

May Allah grant my mother good health and a long blessed prosperous life. I hope she will consider this small gesture of mine to be equivalent to 100 bouquets of flowers that will never fade but that which will grow even more beautiful over the years.

Ameen.

: )

Grow in silence | Move in silence

Bismillah.

This blogger is busy beautifying her home garden, hoping her mother would be pleased.

Says Mother Teresa

Yes, silence is good. Silence is cool.

There's a Malay saying: diam-diam ubi berisi, that we should be quiet like potatoes, meaning one should be quietly growing/nurturing/loading oneself with worthy credible stuff.

Yeah...I loathe loud people, chatterbox and such.

Silence is elegant : )

Super Bright Friday

Bismillah.

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a popular song by Deep Blue Something, some of you might know.

Breakfast at a hidden cafe
Penang

I love sharing happy photos as much as I enjoy and appreciate the good life Allah has given me. Alhamdulillah! To be honest, I kinda like it, to know that there are spies who are always waiting to scrutinize my photos and they do it over and over like they can't get enough of me LOL. But I doubt the ill-hearted spies have anything good to comment, so I wanna thank them for giving up their good deeds for my sake. [Thank you TTDI folks! You know who you are. But you shouldn't demand stuff from your spouse just to keep up with others : P]

We all love being real and speaking our minds, don't we? I especially love speaking up against people who try to bully other people. In yesterday's blog post we learned relevant prose in the Nisfu Shaaban du'a, that we ask Allah to "make us rise against those who oppress us, that Allah help us against those who show animosity towards us."

I like this saying by Ryan Holiday as it keeps me grounded in my own business and goals.

"In your control: the effort, the energy, the aim.

Not in your control: the results, the response, the rewards."

It's good to keep focusing on things that are within our control: to keep putting in the effort; keep the energy level up, and to stick to our aims, regardless of the circumstances.

The results, the response, and the rewards will be good for as long as we keep believing that good things are on their way. 

Let the haasid envy and backbite etc. that is not in our control, but that surely is an indirect reward for us ; )

"Just to live is a blessing.

Just to be is holy."

-  A.J. Heschel

Wish y'all a super bright Friday.

***

"Always say what you mean and mean what you say. Express what you feel and don't ever apologize for being real."
-  @InspowerMinds

Mid-Shaaban Prayers

Bismillah.

Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah.

That Allah has granted us life and provision up until the middle of Shaaban.

That He has prevented illness from us so we could fast properly and do good deeds in good health.

That He makes us rise above the rituals so that we move from majoring in the minor and not lose sight of that which is more significant and meaningful.

That we are given maturity on matters of spirituality.

That He guides our tongues to plead for the unique gifts which He intends to give.

Glory be to Him, the Most Generous and Compassionate Lord who creates time and hides within it extraordinary bounties on auspicious occasions and choose amongst the lucky ones as worthy recipients of His Treasures.

May we belong among the select fortunate souls honored with Divine gifts, on this special day and every day of our lives.

Ameen.

***
"Oh Allah grant us a part of Your fear,
that acts as a barrier between us and disobedience
that helps us achieve Your pleasure
the certainty that makes the miseries of the world insignificant."

"Oh Allah, make us enjoy our hearing,
our sight, our strength,
as long as You keep us alive."

"Make us rise against those who oppress us,
and help us against those who show animosity towards us.
Place not miseries in our religion
and let not this world be our biggest concern
nor the extent of our knowledge.
And do not appoint over us
one who has no mercy on us,
by Your Mercy,
Oh Most Merciful of the Merciful."

Happy Holidays | Inclusive

Bismillah.

It's Wesak day today, for our Buddhist friends. It's a Public holiday in Malaysia and another long holiday for me. Alhamdulillah.

I guess the photo below says it all. LOL.

Yes, when in Penang, eat like the Penangites do. Upon arrival at the Penang toll exit plaza, you gotta make a pit stop at the Hameediyah before getting on the Penang Bridge. Ask Mr. Waze for directions. Well, that's my balik kampung "ritual" anyway, as they say, do what comes naturally ; )

I have been reading quite a bit about Habib Nuh Al-Habshi (1788-1866), the grand saint of Singapore. I think we have a lot to learn from him with regards to being open-minded and tolerant towards non-Muslims. Habib Nuh was a sociable person. He mingled with children and kept company with friends from other faiths too. It's little wonder that his tomb is visited by the Chinese and Indians too, up until today. According to a booklet of information about his life by Ustaz Ghouse of the Al Firdaus Mosque Committee in Singapore, Habib Nuh loved watching the Chinese Opera. He would sit on the front row. He understood the moral of the stories despite not knowing the language.

Habib Nuh was a highly spiritual man who migrated from Penang to Singapore in 1819 to spread the tariqa, as recommended by his guru. He was blessed with clairvoyance. He could teleport to Mekah every Friday. The British put him in jail for petty crimes yet he could miraculously leave the prison. He could walk on water. He was obviously way super-talented than any Sufi or scholar there is out there today, yet he was not apologetic about watching the Chinese opera or going around dressed as an ordinary person (shirtless sometimes!). I may be wrong, but I don't think any of the celebrity scholars would want to be seen in public watching Chinese opera, topless. LOL.

Habib Nuh Al-Habshi is unique and extraordinary. One hundred and fifty years have passed, yet hundreds of people from all faiths visit his tomb on a daily basis. Even in his death, he teaches us about being inclusive. That Islam and Muslims should remain friendly to all, that we are broad in orientation and scope, we are not exclusive. Prophet Muhammad was sent as a mercy to the worlds, not just the Muslim world. Yet, many of us Muslims are still secretly racist. Yes? No?

Yesterday a Chinese friend brought me and colleagues one delicacy I so love (and missed cos they are hard to find these days). I remembered every time I went for a picnic at Batu Ferringhi, it's a must to buy it from one Chinese vendor. It's basically a "fried sandwich" made of a slice of sweet potato and a slice of yam with a slice of Kuih Bakul (Nian Gao) in the middle. Nian Gao is a traditional 'Chinese New Year' cake made of glutinous rice and brown sugar. I felt kinda proud being able to explain the delicacy to my Muslim friends who had it for the first time. But I am sure many of them were quietly wondering if it's halal. LOL.

"We are shaped by our thoughts. We become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." 

- Buddha

Beauty is spirit | Canvas to our imagination

Bismillah.

Why do we all love beautiful objects? I guess it's because of the bright spirit they emit.

Feeling grateful and delighted to have four pieces of beautiful calligraphy followed me to Penang. I felt like I was just a lucky dispatcher of the art, a slave for the chosen eyes who are destined to fall on them - eyes that belong to selected souls who would rejoice at seeing the manifestation of Allah's Jamal attributes - souls who are meant to witness Him and His beautiful divine creations.

Never mind me being overly philosophical, I am just so damn happy LOL.

The calligraphies I chose are crafted by a Malaysian, a Japanese Muslim, a Chinese Muslim  (the famous Haji Noor Deen calligrapher from Shangdong China) and one by an Iranian lady. Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah indeed.

Yes, this world is but a canvas to our imagination. I agree. Therefore, let's imagine beautiful things and beautiful things will appear, bi-iznillah.

This one is by a Malaysian artist.
Allahumma baarik feehi 

   

Will InshaAllah share photos of the other three when they end up on the space meant for them.

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things,
but their inward significance."
- Aristotle

I think that's why Islamic calligraphy depicting Asmaul Husna, Quranic verses and religious/spiritual symbols are simply stunning.

Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.

O Allah, be in favor of us!

Bismillah.

YaHuuuu...another du'a to memorize. It's a lil bit tongue twisting I must say, it's not going to be easy, but let's try. I know some of you might have memorized this already and it might be easy peasy for those of you who are good in the Arabic language. But I am just happy being excited each time I come across a beautiful du'a which I am yet to learn by heart. [Yes, some people think I get excited very easily. LOL]

Yeah...but there's a saying: 

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

; )

Allahumma zidna

wala tan qusna wa akrimna

wala tuhinna wa aq tina

wala tah rimna wa asirna

wala tuksir alaina

wa ar dhina wa ardho anna

Credit to Zamzam Academy.

  

May Allah be in favor of us, every day of our lives.

Ameen.

The starting place | Guinness World Records - Record Holder

Bismillah.

They say: home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams.

Yes, I don't mind driving for four hours to go back to my starting place. Who cares about having smudged eyeliners after a long drive home?! I don't. LOL.

Alhamdulillah thank Allah we must for keeping us safe in our journeys.

To be honest, I was feeling exhausted from my trip to Kuching, Sarawak,  I had missed my daily postings for a couple of days. As I try to catch up on back-dated postings, I realize the more I try to impart some positive vibes here, the faster I heal from the mental and physical lethargy.

That's why they say, the more you give, the more you get.
: )

Wish y'all a productive week. Go break some world records!

This record holder is a lil tired but it's all worth it.

Next target: Big fat grants in US Dollars, bi-iznillah, why not?
All we have to do is just believe that good things are on their way!

Guinness World Records
- Record Holder I am : )
Look at that face, not easy to be a world record holder LOL

Damn the evil eyes - the haasid and the 'aain

Bismillah.

I have to admit, I am an introvert and I don't like aimless "networking" but it's inevitable. On occasions, we find ourselves being in a crowd we are uncomfortable with. I know it's considered rude to not look at a person in the eyes when talking. But wallahi, I have never met a person, a man, who looked at me sharp and straight in the eyes like he was trying to cast a spell on me.       

So I thought, let's remind myself of the danger of evil eyes. I found this information shared by Sister Khawlah bint Yahya very useful. She is from the "Understand the Quran Academy". May you benefit from it too.

"Everyone who puts the evil eye on another is envious, but not every envier puts the evil eye on another. The word haasid (envier) is more general in meaning than the word 'aain (one who puts the evil eye on another), so seeking refuge with Allah from the one who envies includes seeking refuge from Him from the one who puts the evil eye on another. The evil eye is like an arrow which comes from the soul of the one who is envied and on whom the evil eye is put; sometimes it hits him and sometimes it misses. If the target is exposed and unprotected, it will affect him, but if the target is cautious and armed, the arrow will have no effect and may even come back on the one who launched it." [Ibn al Qayyim, Zaad al-Ma'aad]   

Read on here:
http://understandquran.com/protect-ourself-evil-eye.html

I must thank my late father for teaching me one of the things to do as advised by Sister Khawlah, that is to recite A'uzubika lima tillah hitamma min shar rima kholak.

 أعوذ بكلمات الله التامات من شر ما خلق

I seek refuge in the complete words of Allah from the evil in what He has created.
And...

Ameen.

p/s
Watch out ya makcik & pakcik.
Beware of the evil arrow that returns to you! 

Satok Market in living color

Bismillah.

Satok Market is arguably one the world's prettiest markets, methinks. Visit Malaysia, Visit Sarawak and visit Kuching y'all. When I saw curry leaves carefully arranged and packed like that (pic below)...WOW!

I'll let you enjoy these pretty sights. I think if a market could give you the urge to rush home and cook (especially those who only cook four times a year max) then it should be on the Top 20 World's Best Markets!

Curry leaves
excite Penang women the most, I bet. [Maybe the men too. LOL]
Freshness A+, Presentation A+, Price = freaking cheap!

Pretty pumpkins simply pump up one's excitement at Satok Market 

Stacked up with love

French beans on a matching table mat!
Prettier than Parisian girls. LOL.

And they've got this superior quality salted fish.

Those who are keen on cooking would surely get goosebumps
just looking at this

And look at these pretty tasty ketupat rockets.

And then just across the road is a newly opened cake shop. For the benefit of our foreign visitors, I must mention here that Sarawak layer cakes are a must-buy item. It's like God has diverted all cake baking knowledge from all other states in Malaysia and send it to Sarawak. LOL.

  

The best part is: you get to taste free samples (plenty of them) before you purchase.

Exquisite layer cakes at Mira Cake House.
Layered with love

OK this much I could share while I am still here in Kuching, Sarawak.

Remember to always layer your day with lots of love and laughter.

This is how Sarawakians express their love:

Kamek sayang kitak.

Pempuan Kuching ya kacak gilak aie
 [Kuching girls are damn pretty]
: D

p/s
I am a Penang girl : )

Meow from MuEzza in Kuching Sarawak

Bismillah.

LOL.

Managed to put together this custom do-it-myself cat costume, despite the hectic schedule the past few days - the paws, the vest, the shoes, the tail (not seen in this pic though). All except the pretty hair band.

And you thought, I was square. LOL.

There's a cat in all of us 🐱

It's sunnah to adore and care for cats, we all know that! And according to a popular folktale, Muezza was Prophet Muhammad's favorite cat.

Meeeowwwww....

"If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace,
I would surely vote for the purr."
- B.L. Diamond

p/s

It's official I was one of 400+ "cats" who made Kuching city clinched the Guinness World Records for the largest number of people gathered in cat costumes. Big meowwwww indeed!

Focus on the good

Bismillah.

Look for the good in every moment.

When we focus on the moment to look for the good in it, we will surely find a good shot of it.

WaSalamualaikum warahmatullah.

Nomadic worker | Let us begin

Bismillah.

I hate to pop in here just to tell you I have been busy but that's what it is.

But not a day passes that I have nothing to be thankful for. Or nothing positive to say.

Because surely, every day is a gift. And it's a gift to be able to recognize His simplest of blessings.

We are all nomadic workers. This life is nothing but a temporary station. Yet every day we are hopeful as we have positive expectations without worrying too much about the uncertainties of anything.

Mother Theresa says:
Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow has not yet come.
We have only today.
Let us begin.
: )

Office away from Office
"It was character that got us out of bed,
commitment that moved us into action
and discipline that enabled us to follow through."
- Zig Ziglar 

Let us begin.

And we begin with Bismillah so we attach ourselves with the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

May "May" be merry

Bismillah.

I have always loved this day - the 1st of May. 

Everyone who considers himself/herself a hardworking worker/labor/executive/manager/Boss etc. all, everyone loves the 1st of May cos we get the day off for being who we are - labors. [Except maybe nurses/doctors/security personnel/O&M guys/the sales people at the malls and all others who are on duty.]

We have this unique sense of achievement. It's a special feeling that those lazy bums can only imagine until they go out and face the working world which is full of challenges. It goes without saying that at work, we have to deal with all kinds of people and not everyone is supportive, sweet and pleasant. Sometimes you have to tolerate with the not-so-well mannered men who love throwing dirty jokes or the f-word at least twice a week. Some of them even physically harass their "chosen" women. They like to make fun about women having menses, about women being a not-so-capable typical lady boss. On some days like one day last week, I was glad I was confident enough to "throw it back" at these type of men at work. I told them, when they were complaining about Mr. X's irrational behavior, I said, "Perhaps Mr X is having PMS!" LOL.  

I also get upset when some men [who devote their time to doing zikir and seclusion most of the time/if not full time, on the pretext of doing a service to the religion] ask for money from us working women. I mean if I have got the choice, I would go into seclusion full time too, so I might get an express VIP ticket to the Heavens, but I can't.

I think working women should be given two days off - on the first and the second of May. Or maybe three days, because we are three times a lady. So please never mind us when we reward ourselves with cool, pretty stuffs. 

May the month of May be merry for you and me : )

May the Most Generous Almighty be extra generous in this month of May.

Ameen.