Bertemakan "Tingginya Insan Kerana Al-Quran, Pembimbing Ummah Asas Kebenaran", PUISI 2004 memang masyuk! Mabruk alaikum! (semua yang terlibat)
PUISI kali ini menggarap buku yang dikarang oleh Sheikh Jamal-al-Din M Zarabozo, "How To Approach & Understand The Quran". Beliau merupakan one of the prominent scholars di Barat (macam Nuh Keller, Hamza Yusuf, Zaid Shakir) yang direcognise sendiri oleh Al-Azhar. Tampak dari kulit, isinya cukup informatif. Sayangnya buku tersebut tidak sempat sampai dek An Post yang sakan bercuti Krismas.
Tetamu yang hadir - Dr Masitah dari JASA, Datuk Dr Adham b Baba dari Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi, dan seorang lagi (tak ingat, nama penuh di buku catatan).
Dalam masa 4 hari, banyak yang dapat ditimba dari penceramah-penceramah yang mantap-mantap belaka. Ustaz Irfan, Ustaz Ibrahim, Ustaz Rahim, dan Ustaz Akmal memang power-power belaka macam lawmower. Participants pun banyak memberikan respons. Takdelah macam one-way-street.
Oh ya, Aku Tak Pedulisme... Surti & Tejo... itu semuanya antara topik-topik bengkel yang masih tergiang dalam kepala otak sehingga sekarang. Aku Tak Pedulisme adalah layman's term untuk escapism. Maksudnya duduk mencokoh seorang diri sehingga ngap serigala. Bila dah kena baham, barulah terngadah.
Surti & Tejo pula pasangan contoh yang disebutkan sebagai contoh realistik dalam pembentangan oleh Najmi Germ (betul ke eja nih?) mengenai senario-senario budak-budak remaja belia kita sekarang yang asyik tenggelam... Hmmm... Enaknya bercouple ya? Sebenarnya tiada langsung istilah bercouple pun dalam Islam. Nikah ada lah. Jangan pula beralasan kami berjumpa kerana Allah. Ha... Carilah artikel yang menimbun-nimbun dalam internet mengenai bercouple nih. Takdenye yang membenarkan. Ulamak-ulamak yang muktabar, memang amat tidak bersetuju - tak boleh lah maksudnya. Carilah fatwa mana-mana pun, dari Sheikh Qaradawi ke, Tantawi ke, memang takde langsung... Aku yakin 101% pembentangan ini memang straight menusuk kalbu peserta sekalian, termasuklah juga aku.
Mengenai kuliah-kuliah yang disampaikan...
Generasi Al-Quran Yang Unik - Apa kata Sheikh Qutb? Ada apa dengan Generasi Al-Quran?
Approach Kita Terhadap Al-Quran - Kita tak baca, tak pun baca untuk barakah, tak pun baca untuk protect kita dari hantu & syaitan, tak pun main quote-quote saja. Kita duk tumpu tang tu saja. Tak begitu? Macam mana nak befriend dengan Al-Quran?
Tujuan-tujuan Diturunkan Al-Quran - Kenapa malaikat, jin, gunung, ikan, gorila dan makhluk Allah yang lain tak diamanahkan dengan Kalam Allah ini? Sejauh mana pelaksanaan tujuan-tujuan tersebut? (tauhid, purpose of life, petunjuk menghadapi cabaran musuh-musuh Islam)
Mentafsir (interpreting) Al-Quran Dengan Cara Yang Betul - Tafsir & Ta'wil. Persediaan mentafsir (Ibn Taimiyyah). Cara mentafsir. Contoh-contoh tafsir bil ma'thur dan bil ra' yi. Apa yang kami sebagai pelajar boleh contribute? Hmmm... part nih memang technical sedikit.
Musuh-musuh Islam - Polisi Islam (tiada permusuhan dalam Islam melainkan dengan musuh-musuh Islam...) maksudnya kami tak nak cari susah. Jika anda nak bermusuh, kami retaliate balik lah. Freemasons, Zionism, Kristianisasi, Pecah & Perintah, et al.
Sekarang tinggal nak dengan tak nak saja. Tegas Ustaz Ibrahim, buat apa yang kita mampu. Kuatkan kekuatan kita, dan jangan lupa upgrade kelemahan kita. Rugilah dah belajar penat-penat, pastu buang ke longkang saja, tak gitu? Baik tak yah datang. Buang masa.
Akhirul kalam, Insya Allah aku akan coretkan lagi isi-isi PUISI 2004 (maybe seperate blog), selepas balik Melrose dan Coventry nanti. Tak prepare sangat pun entry kali ini. Sooner or later, I'll have it written, untuk peringatan aku dan pembaca-pembaca yang happen to visit this blog.
Oh ya, screw you faithfreedom.org.
Wallahu'alam.
Longing For The Divine
Sekali terpandang kalendar 'Longing For The Divine' keluaran Islamic Relief tergantung di dinding, rupanya dah hampir di pengakhiran tahun Masihi. Bagi tahun Hijrah pula, tinggal 2 purnama lagi. Dah nak habis rupanya ya?
Begitulah juga peperiksaan penggal pertama. Yang terakhir, lusa.
And yet, the end will mark a beginning of post-exam 'fever'. In other words, a series of campaign to 'restructure' myself as a Muslim. There's more to life than what I've done so far. The best way to explain the whole conundrum is - I'm here on a mission.
Post-exam checklist :
-Genealogy project // mak & ayah, abang minta tolong ya?
-Habiskan (dan ambil ikhtibar) buku-buku yang tersusun rapi di almari
-PUISI 2004 - recharge station I // booklet + tolong Al Akhbar si Alif
-Ski Trip extended version @ Melrose - recharge station II // photos, photos & photos!
-PMS @ MRC, Coventry - recharge station III
Oh yes, last Friday I went for IAWM talk on Fallujah. A doctor all the way from Fallujah hosted the moving insights of that bloody disaster. Also, the appearance of a prominent journalist (I can't recall his name) is an absolute crowd-puller. The talk went on for nearly 2 hours, with both speakers delivered a superb, moving live experience commentary.
Hmmm... actually I decided to go there on the spur of moment. An email from a friend really boggled up my mind - to go, or not to go?
Nevertheless, it was a good evening. Really. IAWM did a good job, and they even have a plan for anti-discrimation campaign, which encompasses Anti-Islamophobia, and the Hijab as well. I wonder how they're going about that matter. Just pray hard that it will not lead to further misconceptions and widen the bleeding cut the we've already had.
That night I crashed in 322 for a sudden urge to excavate deeper on history from a historian (a friend). Hmmm... History is one the best enlightenment for those who went astray, isn't it? Until now, I am still in limbo, and deeply longing for the divine from Ilahi.
Wallahu'alam.
Begitulah juga peperiksaan penggal pertama. Yang terakhir, lusa.
And yet, the end will mark a beginning of post-exam 'fever'. In other words, a series of campaign to 'restructure' myself as a Muslim. There's more to life than what I've done so far. The best way to explain the whole conundrum is - I'm here on a mission.
Post-exam checklist :
-Genealogy project // mak & ayah, abang minta tolong ya?
-Habiskan (dan ambil ikhtibar) buku-buku yang tersusun rapi di almari
-PUISI 2004 - recharge station I // booklet + tolong Al Akhbar si Alif
-Ski Trip extended version @ Melrose - recharge station II // photos, photos & photos!
-PMS @ MRC, Coventry - recharge station III
Oh yes, last Friday I went for IAWM talk on Fallujah. A doctor all the way from Fallujah hosted the moving insights of that bloody disaster. Also, the appearance of a prominent journalist (I can't recall his name) is an absolute crowd-puller. The talk went on for nearly 2 hours, with both speakers delivered a superb, moving live experience commentary.
Hmmm... actually I decided to go there on the spur of moment. An email from a friend really boggled up my mind - to go, or not to go?
Nevertheless, it was a good evening. Really. IAWM did a good job, and they even have a plan for anti-discrimation campaign, which encompasses Anti-Islamophobia, and the Hijab as well. I wonder how they're going about that matter. Just pray hard that it will not lead to further misconceptions and widen the bleeding cut the we've already had.
That night I crashed in 322 for a sudden urge to excavate deeper on history from a historian (a friend). Hmmm... History is one the best enlightenment for those who went astray, isn't it? Until now, I am still in limbo, and deeply longing for the divine from Ilahi.
Wallahu'alam.
What Am I Like?
Atas desakan saudara Reazal Effendy bin Abu Samad, aku pun menduduki ujian personaliti diri ini - BBC 'What Am I Like?'
The result suggested that I am a counsellor. What the heck?
Have a peek at the explaination pertaining being a counsellor here.
//A counsellor is made up of these personality aspects as shown above...
Hmmm... since I did the test only once - the result may not reflects my true self.
The result suggested that I am a counsellor. What the heck?
Have a peek at the explaination pertaining being a counsellor here.
//A counsellor is made up of these personality aspects as shown above...
Hmmm... since I did the test only once - the result may not reflects my true self.
Syawal II
Eh rupanya dah 3 kali aku beraya tanpa keluarga di sisi. Yang pertama, ketika di Perth 2 tahun lepas. Aku membuat keputusan yang tidak masuk akal - balik lewat untuk merasa beraya di perantauan. Beraya bersama Halim. Cukup seronok sebab dapat pengalaman baru...
Raya kedua pula, di Dublin. Tiba di Malaysia Hall agak lambat, tapi dapat juga tempat untuk solat sunat Aidilfitri, itu pun setelah menyelit-nyelit antara saf-saf. Meriah juga, tetapi agak lain berbanding tahun lepas, mungkin tahun ini banyak rakan-rakan senasib.
Raya ketiga, paling lain sekali. Aku pun tidak tahu kenapa. Agaknya kerinduan terhadap keluarga sedikit sebanyak merencatkan sel-sel otak aku. Heh. Walaubagaimanapun, raya tahun ini pada pendapat aku, paling meriah sebab banyak menziarahi kenalan serta senior dan super senior yang boleh dianggap sebagai keluarga di sini.
Buat bonda & ayahanda sekeluarga, Salam Aidilfitri.
...
Hmmm... timbunan kerja semakin bertambah. Al maklumlah peperiksaan bakal kunjung tiba. Kadang-kadang rasa banyak lah pula yang ditelaah. Alahai...
Minggu lepas, bersua dengan rakan yang sedang menuntut di tahun 3. Tiba-tiba tersembul soalan dari dia : What does Islam says about violence? Aku menjawab : That's a very broad. How can I go about on that? Setelah beberapa detik dia memperincikan apa-apa yang hendak ditanya, aku cuba menjawab beberapa soalan dengan seberapa yang aku mampu. Ia berkenaaan jihad, terrorisma, dan beberapa isu semasa misalnya pembunuhan Margaret Hasan. Di akhir perbualan, dia rupanya hendak mengajak ke majlis perbincangannya Jumaat nanti. Ada perbincangan sihat katanya, bertajuk : Can violence be justified?
Begitulah suasana di sini. Memang banyak perbualan sebegitu. Harap tak disia-siakan begitu saja. Adakalanya benar-benar menguji kesabaran, kerana perbincangan hendak disertai dengan niat yang ikhlas. Tanpanya, tiada manfaat yang boleh digarap. Buang air liur saja dek masing-masing punya fiil. Beberapa kali juga terjumpa manusia semacam itu. Asyik nak undermine orang. Jadi bertikam lidah pula.
"Don't tell me that a crazy named Muhammad has come up with a so-called Holy Koran!"
"Please, do you think I'm buying it? These guys, are very much like him, beat their wife, chop hands and do all other crazy stuff..."
Itulah sampel-sampel dari bicara yang tidak ikhlas. Tiada saling hormat menghormati. Buang masa aku saja melayan orang sebegini.
Hmmm... aku pun bukannya banyak ilmu. Apa yang kita mampu buat, kita buat, tak begitu?
...
Oh yes, after the ISOC meeting, Alhamdulillah I feel much better now. It is good to see people working together for good cause, isn't it? More people means lesser headache. Why? Because I feel so relieved seeing many brothers and sisters showing their enthusiasism on doing the work. It is just sometimes when things are getting blurry, there are people that willing to shed some light to make things clear. Jazakallah to those people...
Hmmm... now the work has to commence from now : Palestine Appeal, Islamic Awareness Week, End The Occupation Conference.
Wallahu'alam.
Raya kedua pula, di Dublin. Tiba di Malaysia Hall agak lambat, tapi dapat juga tempat untuk solat sunat Aidilfitri, itu pun setelah menyelit-nyelit antara saf-saf. Meriah juga, tetapi agak lain berbanding tahun lepas, mungkin tahun ini banyak rakan-rakan senasib.
Raya ketiga, paling lain sekali. Aku pun tidak tahu kenapa. Agaknya kerinduan terhadap keluarga sedikit sebanyak merencatkan sel-sel otak aku. Heh. Walaubagaimanapun, raya tahun ini pada pendapat aku, paling meriah sebab banyak menziarahi kenalan serta senior dan super senior yang boleh dianggap sebagai keluarga di sini.
Buat bonda & ayahanda sekeluarga, Salam Aidilfitri.
...
Hmmm... timbunan kerja semakin bertambah. Al maklumlah peperiksaan bakal kunjung tiba. Kadang-kadang rasa banyak lah pula yang ditelaah. Alahai...
Minggu lepas, bersua dengan rakan yang sedang menuntut di tahun 3. Tiba-tiba tersembul soalan dari dia : What does Islam says about violence? Aku menjawab : That's a very broad. How can I go about on that? Setelah beberapa detik dia memperincikan apa-apa yang hendak ditanya, aku cuba menjawab beberapa soalan dengan seberapa yang aku mampu. Ia berkenaaan jihad, terrorisma, dan beberapa isu semasa misalnya pembunuhan Margaret Hasan. Di akhir perbualan, dia rupanya hendak mengajak ke majlis perbincangannya Jumaat nanti. Ada perbincangan sihat katanya, bertajuk : Can violence be justified?
Begitulah suasana di sini. Memang banyak perbualan sebegitu. Harap tak disia-siakan begitu saja. Adakalanya benar-benar menguji kesabaran, kerana perbincangan hendak disertai dengan niat yang ikhlas. Tanpanya, tiada manfaat yang boleh digarap. Buang air liur saja dek masing-masing punya fiil. Beberapa kali juga terjumpa manusia semacam itu. Asyik nak undermine orang. Jadi bertikam lidah pula.
"Don't tell me that a crazy named Muhammad has come up with a so-called Holy Koran!"
"Please, do you think I'm buying it? These guys, are very much like him, beat their wife, chop hands and do all other crazy stuff..."
Itulah sampel-sampel dari bicara yang tidak ikhlas. Tiada saling hormat menghormati. Buang masa aku saja melayan orang sebegini.
Hmmm... aku pun bukannya banyak ilmu. Apa yang kita mampu buat, kita buat, tak begitu?
...
Oh yes, after the ISOC meeting, Alhamdulillah I feel much better now. It is good to see people working together for good cause, isn't it? More people means lesser headache. Why? Because I feel so relieved seeing many brothers and sisters showing their enthusiasism on doing the work. It is just sometimes when things are getting blurry, there are people that willing to shed some light to make things clear. Jazakallah to those people...
Hmmm... now the work has to commence from now : Palestine Appeal, Islamic Awareness Week, End The Occupation Conference.
Wallahu'alam.
Syawal I
Syawal dah tiba... now what? Fikirkanlah ya?
Oh ya, mahu promosi sedikit :
Perhimpunan Ukhuwwah Islamiyyah Seluruh Ireland PUISI 2004 - http://www.gundala.com/puisi2004
Winter Retreat - http://www.winter-retreat.com
...
Raya tahun ini lebih meriah? Agakla. Mana takya, ratusan Dubliners bertakbir & bertahmid di Malaysia Hall Dublin pada pagi 1 Syawal. Sayu...
Setelah selesai khutbah Aidilfitri dan ucapan terakhir Mr Ambassador kita, Datuk Ali, Dubliners yang berketi laksa banyaknya 'menyerang' nasi impit, lodeh, rendang serta kuih-muih yang terhidang. Terima kasih Cikgu Sulaiman! Semoga jasamu Allah balas banyak-banyak.
Wallahualam.
Ramadan III
Saban hari kami keresahan menunggu keputusan bila jatuhnya 1 Syawal. Dalam pukul 5.30 petang Jumaat lepas, berderit-derit bunyi handphone dek pesanan teks yang lebih kurang bunyinya begini:
"Saya mewakili Imam Masjid Clonskeagh (atau Slongskis menurut sebutan Jinggo), mengisytiharkan, bahawa Hari Raya Aidilfitri jatuh pada Sabtu, 13 November 2004 (dengan nada Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-raja)."
Terus bersemangat nak bertakbir...
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar
La ilaha Illahu Wallahu Akbar
Allahu akbar Walillahil Hamd
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Maaf Zahir & Batin
"Saya mewakili Imam Masjid Clonskeagh (atau Slongskis menurut sebutan Jinggo), mengisytiharkan, bahawa Hari Raya Aidilfitri jatuh pada Sabtu, 13 November 2004 (dengan nada Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-raja)."
Terus bersemangat nak bertakbir...
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar
La ilaha Illahu Wallahu Akbar
Allahu akbar Walillahil Hamd
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Maaf Zahir & Batin
Ramadan Mubarak II
//Berwudhu di Howth - Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ tempat kita boleh solat...
Ramadan dah pun tiba ke 10 malam yang terakhir. Cepat sungguh masa berlalu...
Ooppss dah lambat untuk terawih nih. Beransur dulu ya!
Ramadan Mubarak
Tup tup, pejam celik, pejam celik, Ramadan menjelma kembali. Kenapa? Tak percaya?
Tahun ini rasa lain benar dari Ramadan sebelumnya. Tahun lepas lain. Tahun sebelumnya lain. Semasa di sekolah? Lain. Pada aku, lain tak lainnya Ramadan ini bergantung pada empunya diri.
Bulan Ramadan ini bolehlah dianalogikan sebagai suatu pondok di tepi jalan. Pondok ini sangat istimewa. Ada heater, air conditioner, dan segala kemudahan. Bahkan, ada lagi orang yang hidangkan makanan untuk sesiapa yang tumpang berteduh. Dengan kemudahan sebegitu, sudah tentu nak lepak di situ pun mudah. Tak kena hujan, tak kena panas. Nyaman sentiasa. Tenang dirasa.
Tapi, ada pula orang yang dalam perjalanan, dia rasa tak nak singgah pula. Ish. Gila apa? Pondok berteduh serba lengkap. Tak kena rugi namanya kalau tak nak menumpang sebentar. Internet pun ada. Jadi, nak check email dan surfing pun boleh. Ishh ishh rugi. Memang buta, tak pun dah mati saraf-sarafnya. Sanggup dia bersusah payah, berbasahan dek hujan, berpeluh keringat kepanasan, walaupun pondok berteduh itu depan matanya sahaja. Rugi rugi...
Ramadan oh Ramadan. Banyakkan pahala kurangkan dosa. Bukan bermaksud sebulan dalam keinsafan, selepas itu lain pula ceritanya. Bukankah hipokrit namanya itu?
...
I just miss the atmosphere I had when I break my fast at Dublin Mosque yesterday (and almost everyday!). Its so cosy to be with people from all walks of life. Sometimes I don't even know them, but they keep being friendly with me all the time. It is the chatter that does the magic. It really heals the stress, not to mention cuts & bruises I have after surviving from the hustle and bustle of the day. What a relieve!
During the breakfast, we sit cross-legged encircling a tray of rice and tandoori. The joy and the merry are there, and you couldn't get the chance to experience it elsewhere I presume. I wish I could be in the place like this forever!
After it's all over, I affirm that all these are truly the blessing of Ramadan. It is just the matter making the full use of it. And that includes filling up empty stomach eh? After all, It is for our own good isn't it?
...
Sudah 3 minggu di first med. Huh. Rasa penuh sentiasa kepala. Itu ini begitu begini. Life kene goes on. Tanggungjawab kena laksanakan. Amanah wajib digenggam erat. Tugas kenalah setelkan...
Selamat Memanfaatkan Ramadan.
Selamat Merindui Ramadan.
Selamat Tidak Terlalu Ghairah Untuk Aidilfitri.
Wallahu'alam.
Tahun ini rasa lain benar dari Ramadan sebelumnya. Tahun lepas lain. Tahun sebelumnya lain. Semasa di sekolah? Lain. Pada aku, lain tak lainnya Ramadan ini bergantung pada empunya diri.
Bulan Ramadan ini bolehlah dianalogikan sebagai suatu pondok di tepi jalan. Pondok ini sangat istimewa. Ada heater, air conditioner, dan segala kemudahan. Bahkan, ada lagi orang yang hidangkan makanan untuk sesiapa yang tumpang berteduh. Dengan kemudahan sebegitu, sudah tentu nak lepak di situ pun mudah. Tak kena hujan, tak kena panas. Nyaman sentiasa. Tenang dirasa.
Tapi, ada pula orang yang dalam perjalanan, dia rasa tak nak singgah pula. Ish. Gila apa? Pondok berteduh serba lengkap. Tak kena rugi namanya kalau tak nak menumpang sebentar. Internet pun ada. Jadi, nak check email dan surfing pun boleh. Ishh ishh rugi. Memang buta, tak pun dah mati saraf-sarafnya. Sanggup dia bersusah payah, berbasahan dek hujan, berpeluh keringat kepanasan, walaupun pondok berteduh itu depan matanya sahaja. Rugi rugi...
Ramadan oh Ramadan. Banyakkan pahala kurangkan dosa. Bukan bermaksud sebulan dalam keinsafan, selepas itu lain pula ceritanya. Bukankah hipokrit namanya itu?
...
I just miss the atmosphere I had when I break my fast at Dublin Mosque yesterday (and almost everyday!). Its so cosy to be with people from all walks of life. Sometimes I don't even know them, but they keep being friendly with me all the time. It is the chatter that does the magic. It really heals the stress, not to mention cuts & bruises I have after surviving from the hustle and bustle of the day. What a relieve!
During the breakfast, we sit cross-legged encircling a tray of rice and tandoori. The joy and the merry are there, and you couldn't get the chance to experience it elsewhere I presume. I wish I could be in the place like this forever!
After it's all over, I affirm that all these are truly the blessing of Ramadan. It is just the matter making the full use of it. And that includes filling up empty stomach eh? After all, It is for our own good isn't it?
...
Sudah 3 minggu di first med. Huh. Rasa penuh sentiasa kepala. Itu ini begitu begini. Life kene goes on. Tanggungjawab kena laksanakan. Amanah wajib digenggam erat. Tugas kenalah setelkan...
Selamat Memanfaatkan Ramadan.
Selamat Merindui Ramadan.
Selamat Tidak Terlalu Ghairah Untuk Aidilfitri.
Wallahu'alam.
Idealistic, Realistic?
Sometimes it's really to see the line between these two. That's why some people definitely will falter. But that's not the reason why we are so hesitant on making a progress, is it?
Just give it a go, and pray for the best. Should you bounce off the wall, let your mind ponder about doing it in again in different tactics. Maybe this time, you will deliver the result Insya Allah.
...
Ketibaan pelajar-pelajar baru semalam cukup melegakan hati. Alhamdulillah semuanya selamat, berkat doa semua. Sedang aku dikolej, aku teringat adanya taklimat anjuran pelajar-pelajar yang tua... hmmm.
Bagi pelajar baru di sini, aku rasa inilah saat bermulanya kehidupan. Tidak lupa diriku yang bakal menjadi penuntut tahun pertama di sini - satu lagi permulaan baru.
Al- Faatihah
[1:1]
Dengan nama Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani.
[1:2]
Segala puji tertentu bagi Allah, Tuhan yang Memelihara dan Mentadbirkan sekalian alam.
[1:3]
Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani.
[1:4]
Yang Menguasai pemerintahan hari Pembalasan (hari akhirat).
[1:5]
Engkaulah sahaja (Ya Allah) Yang Kami sembah dan kepada Engkaulah sahaja kami memohon pertolongan.
[1:6]
Tunjukilah kami jalan yang lurus.
[1:7]
Iaitu jalan orang-orang yang Engkau telah kurniakan nikmat kepada mereka, bukan (jalan) orang-orang yang Engkau telah murkai dan bukan pula (jalan) orang-orang yang sesat.
Keliru... engkau keliru... memilih warna hidupmu...
Keliru... engkau keliru... yang putih atau yang kelabu...
Tepuk dada tanya iman.
Waallahu'alam
More links:
Linotype Font Library
MABonline - read the latest Reflection newsletter here. Love their articles much!
Living by the River by Ayman Ahwal
postscriptum: life is getting more hectic soon. i'll try my best to focus on what i've aimed for. make du'a for me, will you?
Just give it a go, and pray for the best. Should you bounce off the wall, let your mind ponder about doing it in again in different tactics. Maybe this time, you will deliver the result Insya Allah.
...
Ketibaan pelajar-pelajar baru semalam cukup melegakan hati. Alhamdulillah semuanya selamat, berkat doa semua. Sedang aku dikolej, aku teringat adanya taklimat anjuran pelajar-pelajar yang tua... hmmm.
Bagi pelajar baru di sini, aku rasa inilah saat bermulanya kehidupan. Tidak lupa diriku yang bakal menjadi penuntut tahun pertama di sini - satu lagi permulaan baru.
Al- Faatihah
[1:1]
Dengan nama Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani.
[1:2]
Segala puji tertentu bagi Allah, Tuhan yang Memelihara dan Mentadbirkan sekalian alam.
[1:3]
Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani.
[1:4]
Yang Menguasai pemerintahan hari Pembalasan (hari akhirat).
[1:5]
Engkaulah sahaja (Ya Allah) Yang Kami sembah dan kepada Engkaulah sahaja kami memohon pertolongan.
[1:6]
Tunjukilah kami jalan yang lurus.
[1:7]
Iaitu jalan orang-orang yang Engkau telah kurniakan nikmat kepada mereka, bukan (jalan) orang-orang yang Engkau telah murkai dan bukan pula (jalan) orang-orang yang sesat.
Keliru... engkau keliru... memilih warna hidupmu...
Keliru... engkau keliru... yang putih atau yang kelabu...
Tepuk dada tanya iman.
Waallahu'alam
More links:
Linotype Font Library
MABonline - read the latest Reflection newsletter here. Love their articles much!
Living by the River by Ayman Ahwal
postscriptum: life is getting more hectic soon. i'll try my best to focus on what i've aimed for. make du'a for me, will you?
Dreaming of Morocco
Yesterday I dreamt about having a tour in Morocco. Although I could never recall the glimpse of what I saw in the dream, yet I could feel the urge of going there until now. Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria... hmmm...
Ibnuhazam, Insya Allah I'll pay you a visit while you're still there.
Visit The Journey to Qalbiyya By Daniel Abdal Hayy Moore @ Deenport.com. This is a tip of an iceberg! I reckon there is more out there unexplored!
Nothing Much For Today
Nothing much to babble about for today.
Oh yes, visit : http://www.medicine.com.my
Oh yes, visit : http://www.medicine.com.my
Alhamdulillah budak baru sampai!
Hmmm... 2, 3, 4 hari ini ada beberapa batch students yang datang. All of them are UCDs. Semalam, kelmarin dan hari sebelumnya pun ada makan-makan di sana dan di sini. Di Merville, di rumah Abang Ismail, rumah Dr Azli, dan ada lah lagi. Malam tadi di 218, anjuran PPIMI. Alhamdulillah, penuh dan meriah. Semuanya ceria melayan tetamu yang baru hadir...
//Suasana makan-makan I
//Suasana makan-makan II
//Antara senior-senior kita yang soleh musleh belaka - dari kiri : Izzuan, Zulfakar, Ghani
Hmmm... pagi ini orientation dan registration day di UCD Belfield. Life as a medical student (we're should be more than just students shouldn't we?) has just begins...
Foto-foto di atas adalah dari kamera digital Zulfakar
//Suasana makan-makan I
//Suasana makan-makan II
//Antara senior-senior kita yang soleh musleh belaka - dari kiri : Izzuan, Zulfakar, Ghani
Hmmm... pagi ini orientation dan registration day di UCD Belfield. Life as a medical student (we're should be more than just students shouldn't we?) has just begins...
Foto-foto di atas adalah dari kamera digital Zulfakar
We are so sorry for 9-11
We are so Sorry for 9-11
September 11, 2004
By Kamal Nawash
This September 11 marks the third unforgettable anniversary of the worst mass murder in American history.
After September 11, many in the Muslim world chose denial and hallucination rather than face up to the sad fact that Muslims perpetrated the 9-11 terrorist acts and that we have an enormous problem with extremism and support for terrorism. Many Muslims, including religious leaders, and ?intellectuals? blamed 9-11 on a Jewish conspiracy and went as far as fabricating a tale that 4000 Jews did not show up for work in the World Trade Center on 9-11. Yet others blamed 9-11 on an American right wing conspiracy or the U.S. Government which allegedly wanted an excuse to invade Iraq and ?steal? Iraqi oil.
After numerous admissions of guilt by Bin Laden and numerous corroborating admissions by captured top level Al-Qaida operatives, we wonder, does the Muslim leadership have the dignity and courage to apologize for 9-11? If not 9-11, will we apologize for the murder of school children in Russia? If not Russia, will we apologize for the train bombings in Madrid, Spain? If not Spain, will we apologize for suicide bombings in buses, restaurants and other public places? If not suicide bombings, will we apologize for the barbaric beheadings of human beings? If not beheadings, will we apologize for the rape and murder of thousands of innocent people in Darfour? If not Darfour, will we apologize for the blowing up of two Russian planes by Muslim women? What will we apologize for? What will it take for Muslims to realize that those who commit mass murder in the name of Islam are not just a few fringe elements? What will it take for Muslims to realize that we are facing a crisis that is more deadly than the Aids epidemic? What will it take for Muslims to realize that there is a large evil movement that is turning what was a peaceful religion into a cult?
Will Muslims wake up before it is too late? Or will we continue blaming the Jews and an imaginary Jewish conspiracy? The blaming of all Muslim problems on Jews is a cancer that is destroying Muslim society from within and it must stop.
Muslims must look inward and put a stop to many of our religious leaders who spend most of their sermons teaching hatred, intolerance and violent jihad. We should not be afraid to admit that as Muslims we have a problem with violent extremism. We should not be afraid to admit that so many of our religious leaders belong behind bars and not behind a pulpit. Only moderate Muslims can challenge and defeat extremist Muslims. We can no longer afford to be silent. If we remain silent to the extremism within our community then we should not expect anyone to listen to us when we complain of stereotyping and discrimination by non-Muslims; we should not be surprised when the world treats all of us as terrorists; we should not be surprised when we are profiled at airports. Simply put, not only do Muslims need to join the war against terror, we need to take the lead in this war.
As to apologizing, we will no longer wait for our religious leaders and ?intellectuals? to do the right thing. Instead, we will start by apologizing for 9-11.
We are so sorry that 3000 people were murdered in our name. We will never forget the sight of people jumping from two of the highest buildings in the world hoping against hope that if they moved their arms fast enough that they may fly and survive a certain death from burning.
We are sorry for blaming 9-11 on a Jewish or right wing conspiracy.
We are so sorry for the murder of more than three hundred school children and adults in Russia.
We are so sorry for the murder of train passengers in Spain. We are so sorry for all the victims of suicide bombings.
We are so sorry for the beheadings, abductions, rapes, violent Jihad and all the atrocities committed by Muslims around the world.
We are so sorry for a religious education that raised killers rather than train people to do good in the world.
We are sorry that we did not take the time to teach our children tolerance and respect for other people.
We are so sorry for not rising up against the dictators who have ruled the Muslim world for decades.
We are so sorry for allowing corruption to spread so fast and so deep in the Muslim world that many of our youth lost hope.
We are so sorry for allowing our religious leaders to relegate women to the status of forth class citizens at best and sub-humans at worse.
We are so sorry.
postscriptum: Few days beforehand, there was a movie (not a documentary) shown : The Hamburg Cell - a so-called behind-the-scene of September 11 tragedy. Hmmm... too much Hollywood I suppose.
September 11, 2004
By Kamal Nawash
This September 11 marks the third unforgettable anniversary of the worst mass murder in American history.
After September 11, many in the Muslim world chose denial and hallucination rather than face up to the sad fact that Muslims perpetrated the 9-11 terrorist acts and that we have an enormous problem with extremism and support for terrorism. Many Muslims, including religious leaders, and ?intellectuals? blamed 9-11 on a Jewish conspiracy and went as far as fabricating a tale that 4000 Jews did not show up for work in the World Trade Center on 9-11. Yet others blamed 9-11 on an American right wing conspiracy or the U.S. Government which allegedly wanted an excuse to invade Iraq and ?steal? Iraqi oil.
After numerous admissions of guilt by Bin Laden and numerous corroborating admissions by captured top level Al-Qaida operatives, we wonder, does the Muslim leadership have the dignity and courage to apologize for 9-11? If not 9-11, will we apologize for the murder of school children in Russia? If not Russia, will we apologize for the train bombings in Madrid, Spain? If not Spain, will we apologize for suicide bombings in buses, restaurants and other public places? If not suicide bombings, will we apologize for the barbaric beheadings of human beings? If not beheadings, will we apologize for the rape and murder of thousands of innocent people in Darfour? If not Darfour, will we apologize for the blowing up of two Russian planes by Muslim women? What will we apologize for? What will it take for Muslims to realize that those who commit mass murder in the name of Islam are not just a few fringe elements? What will it take for Muslims to realize that we are facing a crisis that is more deadly than the Aids epidemic? What will it take for Muslims to realize that there is a large evil movement that is turning what was a peaceful religion into a cult?
Will Muslims wake up before it is too late? Or will we continue blaming the Jews and an imaginary Jewish conspiracy? The blaming of all Muslim problems on Jews is a cancer that is destroying Muslim society from within and it must stop.
Muslims must look inward and put a stop to many of our religious leaders who spend most of their sermons teaching hatred, intolerance and violent jihad. We should not be afraid to admit that as Muslims we have a problem with violent extremism. We should not be afraid to admit that so many of our religious leaders belong behind bars and not behind a pulpit. Only moderate Muslims can challenge and defeat extremist Muslims. We can no longer afford to be silent. If we remain silent to the extremism within our community then we should not expect anyone to listen to us when we complain of stereotyping and discrimination by non-Muslims; we should not be surprised when the world treats all of us as terrorists; we should not be surprised when we are profiled at airports. Simply put, not only do Muslims need to join the war against terror, we need to take the lead in this war.
As to apologizing, we will no longer wait for our religious leaders and ?intellectuals? to do the right thing. Instead, we will start by apologizing for 9-11.
We are so sorry that 3000 people were murdered in our name. We will never forget the sight of people jumping from two of the highest buildings in the world hoping against hope that if they moved their arms fast enough that they may fly and survive a certain death from burning.
We are sorry for blaming 9-11 on a Jewish or right wing conspiracy.
We are so sorry for the murder of more than three hundred school children and adults in Russia.
We are so sorry for the murder of train passengers in Spain. We are so sorry for all the victims of suicide bombings.
We are so sorry for the beheadings, abductions, rapes, violent Jihad and all the atrocities committed by Muslims around the world.
We are so sorry for a religious education that raised killers rather than train people to do good in the world.
We are sorry that we did not take the time to teach our children tolerance and respect for other people.
We are so sorry for not rising up against the dictators who have ruled the Muslim world for decades.
We are so sorry for allowing corruption to spread so fast and so deep in the Muslim world that many of our youth lost hope.
We are so sorry for allowing our religious leaders to relegate women to the status of forth class citizens at best and sub-humans at worse.
We are so sorry.
postscriptum: Few days beforehand, there was a movie (not a documentary) shown : The Hamburg Cell - a so-called behind-the-scene of September 11 tragedy. Hmmm... too much Hollywood I suppose.
5 guys, 2 universities and 1 happy place : Dublin
Alhamdulillah, the first batch of the juniors are here now. There are 2 groups - one bound for NUI Galway, and the rest for UCD. Glad to meet Nuzul too, who was my boss (he's the top guy in co-op) in school. The best news is - Haikal, Syafiq, and Hafis will be flying off to Dublin as well! Man, it is small world after all isn't it? 5 people in Dublin, hmmm maybe that a new record I would say.
Finally I'm officially moved to my new home few minutes away from here. Phew!
Hmmm teringat ucapan org MSD Eire tadi. Kerajaan belanja juta-juta utk hantar pelajar ke sini. Oleh sebab nak hantar punya pasal, jalan kat kampung tak boleh tar, sekolah lambat siap, buku teks tak cukup, dll; sebab the goverment believes education is the essence of nation development. In our position, we know that we're merely pawns in this whole game, but bear in mind we're a part of a gargantuan jigsaw puzzle. I suppose I'm off the tangent now... my bad!
Okay... ade hal at 10.00 am pagi nanti. It is 20 minutes to 2 am...
Finally I'm officially moved to my new home few minutes away from here. Phew!
Hmmm teringat ucapan org MSD Eire tadi. Kerajaan belanja juta-juta utk hantar pelajar ke sini. Oleh sebab nak hantar punya pasal, jalan kat kampung tak boleh tar, sekolah lambat siap, buku teks tak cukup, dll; sebab the goverment believes education is the essence of nation development. In our position, we know that we're merely pawns in this whole game, but bear in mind we're a part of a gargantuan jigsaw puzzle. I suppose I'm off the tangent now... my bad!
Okay... ade hal at 10.00 am pagi nanti. It is 20 minutes to 2 am...
A Day Like Another
Hmmm... didn't feel good for the whole day. Maybe dehydration really takes a toll on me. Also disappointed for not able to attend an important event today too. Sigh. So I took couples of Panadol to relieve some headache. Hopefully I'll get better soon, by grace of Allah.
More and more Dubliners are back here: Ipin, Azli, Azlan, and today probably Izzuan and Zulfakar will be here by tomorrow noon. I reckon more juniors are flying here too this week. Can't wait to fetch those freshers out at the airport!
Being full time coach potato here, I spent some time reading Nil Mengalir Songsang in the morning. It is an excellent masterpiece of Zaid Akhtar indeed. Read it here.
More and more Dubliners are back here: Ipin, Azli, Azlan, and today probably Izzuan and Zulfakar will be here by tomorrow noon. I reckon more juniors are flying here too this week. Can't wait to fetch those freshers out at the airport!
Being full time coach potato here, I spent some time reading Nil Mengalir Songsang in the morning. It is an excellent masterpiece of Zaid Akhtar indeed. Read it here.
Merdeka
31st August 2004 - Hari itu begitu sahaja tanpa apa-apa menarik berlaku. Tiada bunga api atau laungan "Merdeka, merdeka, merdeka...". Hanyalah suatu hari biasa saja.
Sebenarnya, semuanya tengah menunggu 5 September nanti. Kedutaan Malaysia akan menganjurkan jamuan di Glendalough. Kenyanglah aku nanti. Oh ya, dikhabarkan rombongan pertama pelajar baru akan tiba Ahad ini juga. Fuh... bertambah meriahlah nanti.
Merdeka... merdeka... merdeka...
Aku rasa, kalaulah nak diceritakan tentang betapa ramainya cendekiawan kita, dan juga orang ramai yang melaungkan, menjerit, menyebut perkataan tersebut, mahupun memahami maksud kalimah merdeka pada hari tersebut, boleh masuk Malaysia Book of Records agaknya - Perkataan paling banyak disebut-sebut, direnungi dalam masa 24 jam. Kalah "weapon of mass destruction", "al-qaeda", dan lain-lain. Hmmm...
Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan ke 47.
Sebenarnya, semuanya tengah menunggu 5 September nanti. Kedutaan Malaysia akan menganjurkan jamuan di Glendalough. Kenyanglah aku nanti. Oh ya, dikhabarkan rombongan pertama pelajar baru akan tiba Ahad ini juga. Fuh... bertambah meriahlah nanti.
Merdeka... merdeka... merdeka...
Aku rasa, kalaulah nak diceritakan tentang betapa ramainya cendekiawan kita, dan juga orang ramai yang melaungkan, menjerit, menyebut perkataan tersebut, mahupun memahami maksud kalimah merdeka pada hari tersebut, boleh masuk Malaysia Book of Records agaknya - Perkataan paling banyak disebut-sebut, direnungi dalam masa 24 jam. Kalah "weapon of mass destruction", "al-qaeda", dan lain-lain. Hmmm...
Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan ke 47.
It is time to shed some tears
Download and listen:
ohmypalestine.zip
I got this song from a Turkish brother during FIMA Int'l Student Summer Camp last month. Although I don't know jack what it really means, thanks to my inadequate command of Arabic; its melancholic melody surely will do the crying part.
Courtesy of Celaluddin (pronounced as Jalaluddin)
//Map taken from Palestinecampaign.org
Postscriptum: Rajab, Syaaban, Ramadan... nearly a year has passed. Hmmm...
Updated - 3/9/2004 : This song was sung by Abu Mu'aad al-Kuwaiti, a mujahid during the Bosnian/Balkan aggression period.
ohmypalestine.zip
I got this song from a Turkish brother during FIMA Int'l Student Summer Camp last month. Although I don't know jack what it really means, thanks to my inadequate command of Arabic; its melancholic melody surely will do the crying part.
Courtesy of Celaluddin (pronounced as Jalaluddin)
//Map taken from Palestinecampaign.org
Postscriptum: Rajab, Syaaban, Ramadan... nearly a year has passed. Hmmm...
Updated - 3/9/2004 : This song was sung by Abu Mu'aad al-Kuwaiti, a mujahid during the Bosnian/Balkan aggression period.
Dari Dublin ke Manchester II
Rupa-rupanya memang bosan sungguh kalau jalan berseorangan. Nak buat macam mana, sahabat lain masih bekerja. Tak bolehlah mereka ikut sama. Aiseh, jawabnya duduk di bench sampai membaca suratkhabar sampai kedai buka. Such a bland morning to begin the day, isn't it?
Ditakdirkan Allah tergeraklah hati nak berjalan-jalan pula. Dipandang-pandang papan tanda, ada tanda arah ke Mosque (MYF - Muslim Youth Foundation). Jalan punya la jalan, tak jumpa-jumpa. Tanya orang kedai pun dia tak tau. Kureng. Rupa-rupanya dah dekat ngan Arndale. Masuk jela, kot-kot ada apa-apa yang boleh ditengok.
Maka jalanlah aku, dengan pandang kiri kanan melihat apa-apa yang boleh diredahi. Kedai kebab. Cafe kebab. Restoran kebab lagi. Ishh.. banyak rupanya kedai kebab kat Manchester nih. Dalam berjalan-jalan kena la marah. Asyik nak langgar orang. "Wakeup!", tegur makcik sorang nih. Adehh...
Begitulah hari-hariku di Manchester.
Sabtu, ke fruit-picking - Plum, Strawberry, Blueberry, Pear dan Epal. Kerana manisnya epal?
2 hari terakhir diluangkan bersama Fawaz, dan juga si Iskandar, senior postgrad. Kering air liur, penat mata berborak tak henti-henti. When the clock strucked 3 am, I was finished.
Aku rasa idiom of the day hari Ahad adalah - Don't judge a book by its cover. Instead, do scrutinise the book first, especially for the author and the publisher. You can't just confidently trust these people nowadays.
Buah cempedak di luar pagar
Ambil galah tolong tunjukkan
Saya budak baru belajar
Kalau salah tolong tunjukkan
Apahal tiba-tiba pantun pulak nih?
Oh ya, sempat kami singgah di carboot. Gila sehh... aku pun terkena demam carboot. Buku-buku murah sangat... 50p saja satu! Belilah aku Dilbert comic book, Life of a Pi, dan beberapa buku lain, tapi agak bengkerk tak jumpa To Kill a Mockingbird. Insya Allah, selagi mana ada duit, turun balik lah aku ke Manchester nak membeli-belah di carboot!
To Manchurians: Jazakallahukhairan!
Ditakdirkan Allah tergeraklah hati nak berjalan-jalan pula. Dipandang-pandang papan tanda, ada tanda arah ke Mosque (MYF - Muslim Youth Foundation). Jalan punya la jalan, tak jumpa-jumpa. Tanya orang kedai pun dia tak tau. Kureng. Rupa-rupanya dah dekat ngan Arndale. Masuk jela, kot-kot ada apa-apa yang boleh ditengok.
Maka jalanlah aku, dengan pandang kiri kanan melihat apa-apa yang boleh diredahi. Kedai kebab. Cafe kebab. Restoran kebab lagi. Ishh.. banyak rupanya kedai kebab kat Manchester nih. Dalam berjalan-jalan kena la marah. Asyik nak langgar orang. "Wakeup!", tegur makcik sorang nih. Adehh...
Begitulah hari-hariku di Manchester.
Sabtu, ke fruit-picking - Plum, Strawberry, Blueberry, Pear dan Epal. Kerana manisnya epal?
2 hari terakhir diluangkan bersama Fawaz, dan juga si Iskandar, senior postgrad. Kering air liur, penat mata berborak tak henti-henti. When the clock strucked 3 am, I was finished.
Aku rasa idiom of the day hari Ahad adalah - Don't judge a book by its cover. Instead, do scrutinise the book first, especially for the author and the publisher. You can't just confidently trust these people nowadays.
Buah cempedak di luar pagar
Ambil galah tolong tunjukkan
Saya budak baru belajar
Kalau salah tolong tunjukkan
Apahal tiba-tiba pantun pulak nih?
Oh ya, sempat kami singgah di carboot. Gila sehh... aku pun terkena demam carboot. Buku-buku murah sangat... 50p saja satu! Belilah aku Dilbert comic book, Life of a Pi, dan beberapa buku lain, tapi agak bengkerk tak jumpa To Kill a Mockingbird. Insya Allah, selagi mana ada duit, turun balik lah aku ke Manchester nak membeli-belah di carboot!
To Manchurians: Jazakallahukhairan!
Dari Dublin ke Manchester
Assalamu'alaikum
Kalaulah hendak dibandingkan hujan lebat di Dublin dengan Manchester, alamatnya kalahlah Dublin. Hujan lebat di sini betul-betul serupa di Kuala Lumpur. Cuma tiada kilat sabung-menyabung saja untuk menyerupai cuaca di Malaysia.
Eh, banyak pula komen aku pasal hujan.
Sebanarnya, aku di rumah Ariff di Old Trafford, Manchester atas lawatan tidak rasmi sambil merayap. Dalam erti kata lain, tetamu tak diundang. Turut ada di sini orang rumahnya - Abg Wan, Hanif dan Pak Tam. Di sinilah tempat aku berteduh dari hujan dan panas sepanjang lawatan aku di sini. Terima kasih tak terhingga ya! Hari-hari aku di sini setakat ini dihabiskan dengan ke Muzium Universiti Manchester untuk melihat pelbagai jenis binatang (menambah pengetahuan tentang binatang - otter, beaver, aadvark, lynx, cougar, dan banyak lagi), dan juga ke Rusholme untuk memburu buku.
Beberapa hari sebelumnya, aku berkhemah di Carrog Station, Wales. Perjalanan ke sana di atas ihsan Abg Eddy, dan khemah ditaja pula oleh Abg Mael. Terima kasih banyak-banyak! Adalah treasure-hunt, membuat kolaj 3 dimensi (ish macam sekolah rendah ya, tapi cukup menyeronokkan!), di samping aktiviti utama di perkhemahan - bertukar-tukar maklumat mengenai lokaliti masing-masing. Sempat juga bertemu Amar dan Shahrul dari Berlin. Dapatlah aku belajar sedikit bahasa Jerman. Wo is U-bahn? Danke shu...
Pada pandangan aku, benda yang betul-betul membuka mata semasa di perkhemahan tersebut adalah mengenai tolak ansur. Apa sebabnya? Aku dapat perhatikan tolak ansurnya seorang suami dengan isteri, dan sebaliknya. Mungkin aku masih mentah untuk menilai ini semua, tapi, itulah realitinya. Bertolak-ansur ini bukan saja dapat dilihat sini, bahkan di mana jua, selagi kita berhubung dan berkomunikasi dengan orang lain. Yakni dengan kawan, jiran sebelah rumah, hatta pakcik tuan punya kedai sekalipun. Ia perlu datang dengan kesabaran, tapi bukannya bermaksud kita cepat mengalah, cuma biarlah ia bertempat dan mempunyai rasional yang diterima akal.
Hmmm... Susah juga ya nak bertolak-ansur?
Selain itu, dapat juga senior-senior di perkhemahan menumpahkan sedikit kuah kari pengalaman mereka kepada generasi baru. Sebagai ikutan jika elok, dan sempadan jika ia suatu tragedi ngeri. Sejenak kuterfikir. Pelik ya, dulu-dulu, tidaklah secanggih sekarang, tapi cukup meriah. Ada itu dan ini, begitu dan begini, dan macam-macam lagi. Cemburu betul aku.
Eh, dah lewat malam. Aku beransur dulu ya?
Kalaulah hendak dibandingkan hujan lebat di Dublin dengan Manchester, alamatnya kalahlah Dublin. Hujan lebat di sini betul-betul serupa di Kuala Lumpur. Cuma tiada kilat sabung-menyabung saja untuk menyerupai cuaca di Malaysia.
Eh, banyak pula komen aku pasal hujan.
Sebanarnya, aku di rumah Ariff di Old Trafford, Manchester atas lawatan tidak rasmi sambil merayap. Dalam erti kata lain, tetamu tak diundang. Turut ada di sini orang rumahnya - Abg Wan, Hanif dan Pak Tam. Di sinilah tempat aku berteduh dari hujan dan panas sepanjang lawatan aku di sini. Terima kasih tak terhingga ya! Hari-hari aku di sini setakat ini dihabiskan dengan ke Muzium Universiti Manchester untuk melihat pelbagai jenis binatang (menambah pengetahuan tentang binatang - otter, beaver, aadvark, lynx, cougar, dan banyak lagi), dan juga ke Rusholme untuk memburu buku.
Beberapa hari sebelumnya, aku berkhemah di Carrog Station, Wales. Perjalanan ke sana di atas ihsan Abg Eddy, dan khemah ditaja pula oleh Abg Mael. Terima kasih banyak-banyak! Adalah treasure-hunt, membuat kolaj 3 dimensi (ish macam sekolah rendah ya, tapi cukup menyeronokkan!), di samping aktiviti utama di perkhemahan - bertukar-tukar maklumat mengenai lokaliti masing-masing. Sempat juga bertemu Amar dan Shahrul dari Berlin. Dapatlah aku belajar sedikit bahasa Jerman. Wo is U-bahn? Danke shu...
Pada pandangan aku, benda yang betul-betul membuka mata semasa di perkhemahan tersebut adalah mengenai tolak ansur. Apa sebabnya? Aku dapat perhatikan tolak ansurnya seorang suami dengan isteri, dan sebaliknya. Mungkin aku masih mentah untuk menilai ini semua, tapi, itulah realitinya. Bertolak-ansur ini bukan saja dapat dilihat sini, bahkan di mana jua, selagi kita berhubung dan berkomunikasi dengan orang lain. Yakni dengan kawan, jiran sebelah rumah, hatta pakcik tuan punya kedai sekalipun. Ia perlu datang dengan kesabaran, tapi bukannya bermaksud kita cepat mengalah, cuma biarlah ia bertempat dan mempunyai rasional yang diterima akal.
Hmmm... Susah juga ya nak bertolak-ansur?
Selain itu, dapat juga senior-senior di perkhemahan menumpahkan sedikit kuah kari pengalaman mereka kepada generasi baru. Sebagai ikutan jika elok, dan sempadan jika ia suatu tragedi ngeri. Sejenak kuterfikir. Pelik ya, dulu-dulu, tidaklah secanggih sekarang, tapi cukup meriah. Ada itu dan ini, begitu dan begini, dan macam-macam lagi. Cemburu betul aku.
Eh, dah lewat malam. Aku beransur dulu ya?
Longing For The Font
Finally, I found some good Islamic fonts to start with, for designing newsletters, handouts, and all sort of publications. I decided to zip it up, and upload the zip file to my hosting space for others to download.
Download the zip file here : essentialfontpack.zip
Contents of the zip file:
- Arabesque (nice array of Islamic geometrical symbols)
- Arabesque Desktop (same as Arabesque, with more variety)
- Adobe Garamond Pro (elegant, corporate-looking fonts if it is used properly)
- Jawi Pack comprises Jawi Biasa, Nasakh, Diwani, Thuluth, Kufi, Nastaliq, Farsi, Riqa, and Mamluki
Simply drag these fonts into Fonts folder in the Library if you're using Mac, but for Windows 98/2000/XP, go for Fonts folder under Windows directory. The fonts are compatible with popular applications ie. Microsoft Word, Lotus Amipro, Publisher, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash. You may need to restart the program in order to use these fonts.
//Examples of Arabesque and Arabesque Desktop font and ornaments. Truly in a standard of their own isn't it?
If you crave for more jaw-dropping, stunning fonts, maybe you can download Adobe Font Folio 9.0 off the net - Limewire, Kazaa, Bittorent et al. Thousands of fonts are there, surely you'd be speechless by staring at the choices on the screen.
Note: Use these fonts for personal, non-commercial purposes only. For business and commercial usage, go to http://www.fonts.com to obtain licensed fonts.
Download the zip file here : essentialfontpack.zip
Contents of the zip file:
- Arabesque (nice array of Islamic geometrical symbols)
- Arabesque Desktop (same as Arabesque, with more variety)
- Adobe Garamond Pro (elegant, corporate-looking fonts if it is used properly)
- Jawi Pack comprises Jawi Biasa, Nasakh, Diwani, Thuluth, Kufi, Nastaliq, Farsi, Riqa, and Mamluki
Simply drag these fonts into Fonts folder in the Library if you're using Mac, but for Windows 98/2000/XP, go for Fonts folder under Windows directory. The fonts are compatible with popular applications ie. Microsoft Word, Lotus Amipro, Publisher, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash. You may need to restart the program in order to use these fonts.
//Examples of Arabesque and Arabesque Desktop font and ornaments. Truly in a standard of their own isn't it?
If you crave for more jaw-dropping, stunning fonts, maybe you can download Adobe Font Folio 9.0 off the net - Limewire, Kazaa, Bittorent et al. Thousands of fonts are there, surely you'd be speechless by staring at the choices on the screen.
Note: Use these fonts for personal, non-commercial purposes only. For business and commercial usage, go to http://www.fonts.com to obtain licensed fonts.
Selamat Pengantin Baru!
Alhamdulillah, Mohsin dan Syikin selamat diijabkabulkan pada 7 Ogos 2004M, bersamaan 21 Jamadil Akhir 1424H.
Selamat Pengantin Baru!
Semoga dirahmati Allah sepanjang zaman...
//Kata orang-orang tua - "Macam pinang dibelah dua". Diambil dari Album Nik Nazmi tanpa kebenaran.
Lawatlah ke:
Album gambar Nik Nazmi
Raihan - Rakan Selawat (Maulid)
Masa pun menggamit usia
Hari dijanji telah tiba
Selawat pengikat kasih
Terjalin keluarga harmoni...
Selamat Pengantin Baru!
Semoga dirahmati Allah sepanjang zaman...
//Kata orang-orang tua - "Macam pinang dibelah dua". Diambil dari Album Nik Nazmi tanpa kebenaran.
Lawatlah ke:
Album gambar Nik Nazmi
Raihan - Rakan Selawat (Maulid)
Masa pun menggamit usia
Hari dijanji telah tiba
Selawat pengikat kasih
Terjalin keluarga harmoni...
Another Musafir On Tour
Taqiuddin Ibnu Taimiyyah - Sang Musafir
Middle East : On The Footsteps of The Prophets
URL - http://taimiyyah.blogspot.com
A friend of mine who wades way much further in the river of Islamic heritage amidst his journey in Middle East.
Happy surfing!
Middle East : On The Footsteps of The Prophets
URL - http://taimiyyah.blogspot.com
A friend of mine who wades way much further in the river of Islamic heritage amidst his journey in Middle East.
Happy surfing!
Irbid - Perhentian Utama
12, dan 13 Julai
Jordan University of Science & Technology, Health Campus; Mustashfa Islami, Amman
Tibanya kami di Amman, cuaca suam-suam dingin a la Eropah menyapa nyaman. Macam musim panas di Dublin pula. Beberapa jam seterusnya, kami di Irbid, 70km barat laut Amman, setelah berbas dari Stesen Bas Abdali selama hampir dua jam. Sesampainya di sana, suasana ramah mesra mendampingi kami, sebagai tetamu yang tidak diundang. Terima kasih tak terhingga kepada rakan-rakan di Irbid - Faiz, Amin, Bayam, Che Mi, Firdaus, Abg Man, Anhar, Sifoo, dan lain-lain yang membantu. Rindu pula rasanya makan nasi dalam talam, dan juga halawiyat (barma dan naimah).
Sepanjang di Jordan, Irbidlah yang menjadi perhentian utama aku, atas sebab banyaknya penuntut Malaysia di sini. Banyak sejarah negeri Jordan ini yang dikisahkan kepadaku, dari The Great Arab Revolt, hinggalah penubuhan negara Israel. Kecewa dan hampa Bani Hashim, yang dahulunya dijanjikan British tanah Palestin sebagai ganjaran memberontak dari Turki Uthmaniyyah. Israel pula yang ditubuhkan. Kini, di negara Jordan sajalah Bani Hashim berkuasa, berbeza sekali dengan perancangan awal mereka untuk menguasai Tanah Arab yang dipatahkan. Setiap ahli Bani Hashim yang dihantar ke Syria, Arab Saudi, dan lain-lain negara untuk menubuhkan kerajaan, masing-masing menemui kegagalan. Syria, naik dengan Parti Ba'athnya, begitu juga Lebanon. Manakala Arab Saudi, dengan Bani Sa'udnya.
Oh... patut lah: The Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Custodian of Two Holy Mosques
Lawatan kami di Irbid bermula di Jordan University Science & Technology (JUST) Health Campus bersama rakan-rakan di sana. Kami menyusup masuk kuliah mereka, kononnya dapatlah menyerap apa-apa yang disampaikan (tajuk kuliah: Immunology), akan tetapi aku juga yang tertidur akhirnya.
//With Irbidians after Immunology lecture. Amin, Sufaat, Che Mi, Rosman, Aslam (Mesir), Faiz, Sifoo.
Petangnya, kami di Islamic Hospital (Mustashfa Islami) untuk berurusan dengan Dr Firash dan Dr Aizuddin berkenaan lawatan ke tempat bersejarah di utara Jordan anjuran FIMA. The tribe has spoken : meet at 7.00 am sharp, at hospital entrance.
14 Julai
Ummu Qais, Golan Heights, Maqam Abu Ubaidah, Jerash
//Tasik Tabari - sumber utama air Jordan yang kini diduduki oleh tentera Israel
//Ummu Qais - Medan Perang Yarmouk... 240,000 tentera Heraclius menentang 50,000 pimpinan Khalid Al Walid & Abu Ubaidah.
//Maqam Abu Ubaidah r.a.
Gambar-gambar di atas adalah tajaan Rossman Hawari
Jordan University of Science & Technology, Health Campus; Mustashfa Islami, Amman
Tibanya kami di Amman, cuaca suam-suam dingin a la Eropah menyapa nyaman. Macam musim panas di Dublin pula. Beberapa jam seterusnya, kami di Irbid, 70km barat laut Amman, setelah berbas dari Stesen Bas Abdali selama hampir dua jam. Sesampainya di sana, suasana ramah mesra mendampingi kami, sebagai tetamu yang tidak diundang. Terima kasih tak terhingga kepada rakan-rakan di Irbid - Faiz, Amin, Bayam, Che Mi, Firdaus, Abg Man, Anhar, Sifoo, dan lain-lain yang membantu. Rindu pula rasanya makan nasi dalam talam, dan juga halawiyat (barma dan naimah).
Sepanjang di Jordan, Irbidlah yang menjadi perhentian utama aku, atas sebab banyaknya penuntut Malaysia di sini. Banyak sejarah negeri Jordan ini yang dikisahkan kepadaku, dari The Great Arab Revolt, hinggalah penubuhan negara Israel. Kecewa dan hampa Bani Hashim, yang dahulunya dijanjikan British tanah Palestin sebagai ganjaran memberontak dari Turki Uthmaniyyah. Israel pula yang ditubuhkan. Kini, di negara Jordan sajalah Bani Hashim berkuasa, berbeza sekali dengan perancangan awal mereka untuk menguasai Tanah Arab yang dipatahkan. Setiap ahli Bani Hashim yang dihantar ke Syria, Arab Saudi, dan lain-lain negara untuk menubuhkan kerajaan, masing-masing menemui kegagalan. Syria, naik dengan Parti Ba'athnya, begitu juga Lebanon. Manakala Arab Saudi, dengan Bani Sa'udnya.
Oh... patut lah: The Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Custodian of Two Holy Mosques
Lawatan kami di Irbid bermula di Jordan University Science & Technology (JUST) Health Campus bersama rakan-rakan di sana. Kami menyusup masuk kuliah mereka, kononnya dapatlah menyerap apa-apa yang disampaikan (tajuk kuliah: Immunology), akan tetapi aku juga yang tertidur akhirnya.
//With Irbidians after Immunology lecture. Amin, Sufaat, Che Mi, Rosman, Aslam (Mesir), Faiz, Sifoo.
Petangnya, kami di Islamic Hospital (Mustashfa Islami) untuk berurusan dengan Dr Firash dan Dr Aizuddin berkenaan lawatan ke tempat bersejarah di utara Jordan anjuran FIMA. The tribe has spoken : meet at 7.00 am sharp, at hospital entrance.
14 Julai
Ummu Qais, Golan Heights, Maqam Abu Ubaidah, Jerash
//Tasik Tabari - sumber utama air Jordan yang kini diduduki oleh tentera Israel
//Ummu Qais - Medan Perang Yarmouk... 240,000 tentera Heraclius menentang 50,000 pimpinan Khalid Al Walid & Abu Ubaidah.
//Maqam Abu Ubaidah r.a.
Gambar-gambar di atas adalah tajaan Rossman Hawari
Stress Busters
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule�or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
8. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects�over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
9. Take one day at a time.
10. Separate worries from concerns.� If a situation is a�concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go�of the anxiety.� If you can't do anything about a situation,�forget it.
11. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards and loans for ordinary�purchases.
12. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra�house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
13. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can�prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
14. Carry�Holy Quran�with translation with you to read while waiting in line.
15. Get enough exercise.
16. Eat right.
17. Get organized so everything has its place.
18. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your�quality of life.
19. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
20. Everyday, find time to be alone.
21. Having problems?� Talk to God on the spot.
22. Make friends with Godly people.
23. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures and articles on hand.
24. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope�is often a good "Thank you, Allah! You are so Kind to me."
25. Smile to yourself and to people.
26. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best�they can).
27. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
28. Sit on your ego.
29. Talk less; listen more.
30. Slow down.
31. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the�universe.
32. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful�for that you've never been grateful for before.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule�or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
8. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects�over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
9. Take one day at a time.
10. Separate worries from concerns.� If a situation is a�concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go�of the anxiety.� If you can't do anything about a situation,�forget it.
11. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards and loans for ordinary�purchases.
12. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra�house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
13. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can�prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
14. Carry�Holy Quran�with translation with you to read while waiting in line.
15. Get enough exercise.
16. Eat right.
17. Get organized so everything has its place.
18. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your�quality of life.
19. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
20. Everyday, find time to be alone.
21. Having problems?� Talk to God on the spot.
22. Make friends with Godly people.
23. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures and articles on hand.
24. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope�is often a good "Thank you, Allah! You are so Kind to me."
25. Smile to yourself and to people.
26. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best�they can).
27. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
28. Sit on your ego.
29. Talk less; listen more.
30. Slow down.
31. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the�universe.
32. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful�for that you've never been grateful for before.
Kembara ke Timur Tengah : Kelana Hidup?
Assalamu'alaikum semua. Alhamdulillah petang semalam, lebih kurang pukul 6.30 petang waktu tempatan aku tiba di pintu rumah 218. Penat rasanya mengembara ke Timur Tengah dengan Rosman, Buff, Fahmi, dan Syafiq, hampir sebulan lamanya. Akan tetapi penat dan azab hilang bagai kepulan asap jika mengenangkan mutiara-mutiara kehidupan yang banyak kukutip sepanjang perjalanan.
Perjalanan dimulai dengan umrah & ziarah di Mekah dan Madinah. Sudah lama aku impikannya, dan alhamdulillah aku berpeluang juga akhirnya untuk menjejakkan kaki di tanah haram, tanah perjuangan Rasulullah dan sahabat. Tenang rasanya bila tiba di tanah haram pada jam 2 pagi (mungkin sebab aku tertidur keletihan di dalam van!). Tatkala melihat Kaabah di dalam Masjidil Haram buat julung kalinya, rasa satu perasaan yang tak pernah aku rasa. Gembira bercampur syukur? Mungkin. Kaabah yang selama ini dibayangkan semasa solat akhirnya di depan mata. Memang lain. Semasa hendak meninggalkan tanah haram, rasa sedih menguasai diri. Sungguh, benak fikiran dihujani dengan persoalan... adakah aku akan kembali?
Semasa di tanah suci, sempat kuimbau sejarah silam kota suci Mekah ini. Bermula sebagai satu lembah yang tandus, sebelum rahmat Allah menyusul dengan hadirnya Nabi Ibrahim bersama isterinya Hajar dan anaknya Nabi Ismail. Kemudian dengan memancutnya air dari telaga Zamzam yang terus merubah Mekah menjadi tanah yang berpenghuni. Sejarah terus diukir kemas dengan pembinaan Kaabah, peristiwa Iblis dilontar batu oleh Nabi Ibrahim dan Ismail. Tidak lupa juga dengan serangan tentera bergajah Abrahah yang menjadi bukti Mekah tanah yang dilindungi oleh Allah. Masa silih berganti dengan lahirnya Khatimul Anbiya' junjungan kita, dan ukiran sejarah Islam dipergah lagi dengan tumbangnya empayar Rom dan Parsi sebelum dihiasi lagi dengan naiknya empayar Islam bermula dengan zaman Khulafah Ar Rasyidin hingga Uthmaniyyah. Kini, Islam akan menjadi new world order dengan syarat - pengislaman diri terlebih dahulu. Kalau tak, impian itu akan reput dihakis angin-angin keegoaan diri.
Kelana kami disusuli pula dengan menziarah Madinah, bandar Rasulullah. Ketibaan daku disambut dengan angin panas tanah Hijjaz yang panasnya macam angin yang keluar dari blower. Kebetulan Madinah ketika itu musim panas. Fuh! Setiap kali diri mengeluh, setiap itulah aku cuba fikirkan, bagaimana dahulu sahabat-sahabat berperang di tengah-tengah panas macam oven. Itu belum lagi di padang Masyar nanti. Walaubagaimana pun, panas-panas macam inilah yang diperlukan, supaya sentiasa sabar dan bersyukur, tak gitu?
Semasa kami berangkat ke Jeddah, terasa kesal tak dapat meluangkan masa lebih di sana. Banyak tempat-tempat aku kepingin untuk melawat, tapi atas sebab kesuntukan masa, dan hiccups yang tak dapat dielakkan, biar saja aku simpan buat masa akan datang, itu pun jika diizinkan untuk kembali ke sana.
Ini adalah foto yang ada. Aku punya belum cuci lagi.
//Masjidil Haram - King Fahd Gate. Photo: Rosman
//Membedal roti canai. Photo by: Rosman
Cukuplah rasanya untuk kali ini. Nanti aku tulis lagi tentang destinasi kami seterusnya : Bumi Syam
Perjalanan dimulai dengan umrah & ziarah di Mekah dan Madinah. Sudah lama aku impikannya, dan alhamdulillah aku berpeluang juga akhirnya untuk menjejakkan kaki di tanah haram, tanah perjuangan Rasulullah dan sahabat. Tenang rasanya bila tiba di tanah haram pada jam 2 pagi (mungkin sebab aku tertidur keletihan di dalam van!). Tatkala melihat Kaabah di dalam Masjidil Haram buat julung kalinya, rasa satu perasaan yang tak pernah aku rasa. Gembira bercampur syukur? Mungkin. Kaabah yang selama ini dibayangkan semasa solat akhirnya di depan mata. Memang lain. Semasa hendak meninggalkan tanah haram, rasa sedih menguasai diri. Sungguh, benak fikiran dihujani dengan persoalan... adakah aku akan kembali?
Semasa di tanah suci, sempat kuimbau sejarah silam kota suci Mekah ini. Bermula sebagai satu lembah yang tandus, sebelum rahmat Allah menyusul dengan hadirnya Nabi Ibrahim bersama isterinya Hajar dan anaknya Nabi Ismail. Kemudian dengan memancutnya air dari telaga Zamzam yang terus merubah Mekah menjadi tanah yang berpenghuni. Sejarah terus diukir kemas dengan pembinaan Kaabah, peristiwa Iblis dilontar batu oleh Nabi Ibrahim dan Ismail. Tidak lupa juga dengan serangan tentera bergajah Abrahah yang menjadi bukti Mekah tanah yang dilindungi oleh Allah. Masa silih berganti dengan lahirnya Khatimul Anbiya' junjungan kita, dan ukiran sejarah Islam dipergah lagi dengan tumbangnya empayar Rom dan Parsi sebelum dihiasi lagi dengan naiknya empayar Islam bermula dengan zaman Khulafah Ar Rasyidin hingga Uthmaniyyah. Kini, Islam akan menjadi new world order dengan syarat - pengislaman diri terlebih dahulu. Kalau tak, impian itu akan reput dihakis angin-angin keegoaan diri.
Kelana kami disusuli pula dengan menziarah Madinah, bandar Rasulullah. Ketibaan daku disambut dengan angin panas tanah Hijjaz yang panasnya macam angin yang keluar dari blower. Kebetulan Madinah ketika itu musim panas. Fuh! Setiap kali diri mengeluh, setiap itulah aku cuba fikirkan, bagaimana dahulu sahabat-sahabat berperang di tengah-tengah panas macam oven. Itu belum lagi di padang Masyar nanti. Walaubagaimana pun, panas-panas macam inilah yang diperlukan, supaya sentiasa sabar dan bersyukur, tak gitu?
Semasa kami berangkat ke Jeddah, terasa kesal tak dapat meluangkan masa lebih di sana. Banyak tempat-tempat aku kepingin untuk melawat, tapi atas sebab kesuntukan masa, dan hiccups yang tak dapat dielakkan, biar saja aku simpan buat masa akan datang, itu pun jika diizinkan untuk kembali ke sana.
Ini adalah foto yang ada. Aku punya belum cuci lagi.
//Masjidil Haram - King Fahd Gate. Photo: Rosman
//Membedal roti canai. Photo by: Rosman
Cukuplah rasanya untuk kali ini. Nanti aku tulis lagi tentang destinasi kami seterusnya : Bumi Syam
Travel Map
//Did it on the spur of the moment before breakfast. Hmmm... I wish that I could go home and smell the air of Kuala Lumpur now...
Note that, while you are commuting, there's ALOT of things you can do. Music? No. Sleeping? Not really. Reading? Yup!
Please don't leave them collecting dust on the bookshelf. Please. Why would we have it in the first place if we never use it most of the time?
There's a friend who has been casted a spell by someone out there in jealousy. Once he read it loud, along with the understanding of each and every sentence and verse, he got cured. And he said he feel way much better than before!
Its more than just a holy book. Really.
Passport, Visa, Flight Ticket & ...
Alhamdulillah passport ada di tangan. Tinggal nak mengemaskan diri dan barang-barang untuk ke sana. Tidak lupa benda-benda tertunggak...
Aku rasa mungkin ini entry terakhir sebelum aku berangkat. Jadi, di kesempatan ini, sepuluh jari kususun meminta maaf atas salah silap dan screw up. I will try my best to update any news concerning my travel...
First Med
If D-day marks the victory of the World War II, I'd say its more like the same as today. The results were out today. Alhamdulillah I got through, and I could proclaim myself as a first med! Don't ask how I fared, I know where exactly it went wrong. I'm just another lucky chap!
Man, first med is going to be a hell lot harder! I swear, I will pack my laziness and throw it away in the bin. Its such a cumbersome attitude to live with. No more laziness, now its time to feel the wind of change.
It is a fact that human breaks promises. Doesn't it sounds like being drowned in hypocrisy?
Alhamdulillah!
Man, first med is going to be a hell lot harder! I swear, I will pack my laziness and throw it away in the bin. Its such a cumbersome attitude to live with. No more laziness, now its time to feel the wind of change.
It is a fact that human breaks promises. Doesn't it sounds like being drowned in hypocrisy?
Alhamdulillah!
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehn goodbye...
Good news: More and more Dubliners will be flying off for home in this week.
Not-so-good news: I'm not one of them, but I bet I have something better to trade off.
So long farewell, auf wiedersehn goodbye...
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight... (yeah right)
So long farewell...
Funny duh... sometimes people just can't wait any longer even they're far from being ready for it. Hold on. Did I mention haste? Maybe blindness (or visual & mind agnosia in rocket sciences) coupled with bravery would suit the meaning perfectly.
Oh, I am just flabbergasted upon reading the new article featured in SCIAM May 2004 (I know its kinda old now) on the origin of universe. Entitled "The Time Before Time", it unfolds another hypothesis churned out by physicists concerning Big Bang. For years, they have striven hard to explain the origin of universe. That's how the Big Bang theory was conceived. Now, they're suggesting the Big Bang was not the start of all. It may simply the outcome of a preexisting universe. Now the intellectual pendulum swings again for another change in perspective towards how the Universe actually begins. Phew! I am still yet to understand all these mumbo-jumbo especially regarding String Theory. Any physicist around that can enlighten me up?
Speaking about Big Bang and the theory of universe, all these postulates were made based on what we perceive. What about things that are undetected by our senses? There is no doubt that we are still shrouded by the unknown. We're merely humans, aren't we?
More reads:
Harun Yahya
SCIAM
To those we are to go back soon, bon voyage!
Postscriptum: Exam results will be out soon (today). Now I can feel my sweat trickling down...
Additional info: The cover of SCIAM May 2004 was taken from SCIAM website. Buy the magazine... its truly worth every dollar you paid.
Not-so-good news: I'm not one of them, but I bet I have something better to trade off.
So long farewell, auf wiedersehn goodbye...
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight... (yeah right)
So long farewell...
Funny duh... sometimes people just can't wait any longer even they're far from being ready for it. Hold on. Did I mention haste? Maybe blindness (or visual & mind agnosia in rocket sciences) coupled with bravery would suit the meaning perfectly.
Oh, I am just flabbergasted upon reading the new article featured in SCIAM May 2004 (I know its kinda old now) on the origin of universe. Entitled "The Time Before Time", it unfolds another hypothesis churned out by physicists concerning Big Bang. For years, they have striven hard to explain the origin of universe. That's how the Big Bang theory was conceived. Now, they're suggesting the Big Bang was not the start of all. It may simply the outcome of a preexisting universe. Now the intellectual pendulum swings again for another change in perspective towards how the Universe actually begins. Phew! I am still yet to understand all these mumbo-jumbo especially regarding String Theory. Any physicist around that can enlighten me up? Speaking about Big Bang and the theory of universe, all these postulates were made based on what we perceive. What about things that are undetected by our senses? There is no doubt that we are still shrouded by the unknown. We're merely humans, aren't we?
More reads:
Harun Yahya
SCIAM
To those we are to go back soon, bon voyage!
Postscriptum: Exam results will be out soon (today). Now I can feel my sweat trickling down...
Additional info: The cover of SCIAM May 2004 was taken from SCIAM website. Buy the magazine... its truly worth every dollar you paid.
Today's ramble
I hereby declare that I am broke. Full stop.
Few days back:
We were wondering around while deciding which cafe we should go for the final lunch with Izham. Rakesh opted for Italian. Islah & Izham reckoned that Japanese cuisine is worthful to try. Me? No comment. If I'd say Rupyana (again), surely the laughter will be for hours!
"Yamamori!"
"No... South Street is waaaayy much better!"
"Errr... Yamamori? Why not?"
"C'mon dude! Decide! I'm dying!"
(Drum rolling)
Finally... the tribe has spoken! Yamamori, here we go!
The decision truly has jeopardised my financial equilibrium. ?10 dude! I can't believe I wasted that much. Not that I am so stingy, but since neither my dad or my mom is printing euro notes for a living, I would say it was a cutthroat of my own.
So my dear - next time, spend wisely. The rich man is rich because he got what he had spent, while poor man spend so much with nothing in return.
Today, the moving-out campaign has just begun. Pile of boxes already could be seen in my room, my friend's room, and even at the hostel entrance. Perhaps I was exagerrating too much. Hmmm... I'm yet to complete my packing-up spree, not to mention tasks that were due yesterday! Now it is so true that: Proscrastination x Over-confident = Screw-up. Wow. Another formula to be understood. Must be damn true, to be exact it is a pun to particular people who infected by this disease.
In the afternoon, I engaged myself with some important, not-to-be-disclosed discussion with Umar and Abdullah. Armed with little experience on the issue, I'd say the matter of bringing the agenda to the masses is totally a different basket. Maybe I was a bit pessimistic this time around, but I have to stress out that if not us, whoelse? The bottom line: I believe it could be done, although the gradient is a steep one.
As a reminder for myself, I'd like to quote a hadith narrated by.... argh! The content is more or less like this:
"If you face these two things, just becareful : abundance of ni'mat and your spare time."
Why? There's so many of us have fallen into this trap. *sigh*
Few days back:
We were wondering around while deciding which cafe we should go for the final lunch with Izham. Rakesh opted for Italian. Islah & Izham reckoned that Japanese cuisine is worthful to try. Me? No comment. If I'd say Rupyana (again), surely the laughter will be for hours!
"Yamamori!"
"No... South Street is waaaayy much better!"
"Errr... Yamamori? Why not?"
"C'mon dude! Decide! I'm dying!"
(Drum rolling)
Finally... the tribe has spoken! Yamamori, here we go!
The decision truly has jeopardised my financial equilibrium. ?10 dude! I can't believe I wasted that much. Not that I am so stingy, but since neither my dad or my mom is printing euro notes for a living, I would say it was a cutthroat of my own.
So my dear - next time, spend wisely. The rich man is rich because he got what he had spent, while poor man spend so much with nothing in return.
Today, the moving-out campaign has just begun. Pile of boxes already could be seen in my room, my friend's room, and even at the hostel entrance. Perhaps I was exagerrating too much. Hmmm... I'm yet to complete my packing-up spree, not to mention tasks that were due yesterday! Now it is so true that: Proscrastination x Over-confident = Screw-up. Wow. Another formula to be understood. Must be damn true, to be exact it is a pun to particular people who infected by this disease.
In the afternoon, I engaged myself with some important, not-to-be-disclosed discussion with Umar and Abdullah. Armed with little experience on the issue, I'd say the matter of bringing the agenda to the masses is totally a different basket. Maybe I was a bit pessimistic this time around, but I have to stress out that if not us, whoelse? The bottom line: I believe it could be done, although the gradient is a steep one.
As a reminder for myself, I'd like to quote a hadith narrated by.... argh! The content is more or less like this:
"If you face these two things, just becareful : abundance of ni'mat and your spare time."
Why? There's so many of us have fallen into this trap. *sigh*
The summer is here!
Glad the summer is here! But don't get overexcited too much, the weather is not always what we've expected.
Summer. Hot. Dry. Dehydration.
Which brings me to wonder: How hot it'll be? Dublin is merely nothing to shout about if you're under scorching hot sun in Middle East.
Just keep thinking... just keep wondering...
In the evening I cycled to Ranelagh to meet Abang Ismail. Hmmm... simple advice sometimes penetrates deeper in your heart. Hours of lecture will be a total time-waster if you don't even give a thought about it!
While sipping the coffee, I feel it is really funny - how time flies just like that. I can't really believe that I got back at 12.30 am! No wonder I could cycle safely without being honked at as there was no traffic at all. But surely my life was at stake: I forgot to ask Alif for the blinker when I rode away the stolen bicycle. Nevermind, wearing seasoned yellow jersey (6 years old) will do. Warning: Cycling at night is seriously dangerous!
Oh I've got a lead saying Fahmi is already in Mecca for Umra. Now I should be prepared for my turn. I just hope my journey will be the sound one.
Summer. Hot. Dry. Dehydration.
Which brings me to wonder: How hot it'll be? Dublin is merely nothing to shout about if you're under scorching hot sun in Middle East.
Just keep thinking... just keep wondering...
In the evening I cycled to Ranelagh to meet Abang Ismail. Hmmm... simple advice sometimes penetrates deeper in your heart. Hours of lecture will be a total time-waster if you don't even give a thought about it!
While sipping the coffee, I feel it is really funny - how time flies just like that. I can't really believe that I got back at 12.30 am! No wonder I could cycle safely without being honked at as there was no traffic at all. But surely my life was at stake: I forgot to ask Alif for the blinker when I rode away the stolen bicycle. Nevermind, wearing seasoned yellow jersey (6 years old) will do. Warning: Cycling at night is seriously dangerous!
Oh I've got a lead saying Fahmi is already in Mecca for Umra. Now I should be prepared for my turn. I just hope my journey will be the sound one.
Burrpp...
On Saturday I spent whole day in the kitchen with Abg Eddy, Dr Oteh, Abg Mail, Lan, Katun and banyak lagi (I can't recall names, so please excuse me). It was exciting tough. What a perfect Saturday perhaps?
Actually, the GPPM is having their family day I suppose - they all went for bowling tournament in the morning, before being adjourned for a big feast at the end. As of us, for hours, while we were doing the cooking, I stuffed myself with whatever that is edible - not to mention Lan effortlessly entertained us with silly jokes all day long. Still, the spirit of brotherhood plus muhibbah was there.
Menu of the day:
- Laksa Johor
- Popia Goreng
- Satay Ayam & Daging
- Cendol-like drink (I don't know the exact name: silly me!)
- Lepat Pisang
- Sirap Bandung
Man, if only I have four stomachs like cow... ish tak bersyukur betul haha
I had a good time today albeit I was tasked to be a kitchen assistant. But, urgh...
- photos of TCD & UCD prayer rooms
- loads of photos to scan for Alif
- tidying up my laptop files so that I could happily send the completed wallplanner ads
- packing up stuffs
- meet with Izzuan
Now I just uttered this : Why can't I just turn back the time? *sigh*
Human, always not being thankful for what you have right now, until its gone. Then, the ego slips in, and you will complain and or even worse, drowned in your own self-denial!
Note: I missed an important meeting on Sunday because I overslept. Argh!
Actually, the GPPM is having their family day I suppose - they all went for bowling tournament in the morning, before being adjourned for a big feast at the end. As of us, for hours, while we were doing the cooking, I stuffed myself with whatever that is edible - not to mention Lan effortlessly entertained us with silly jokes all day long. Still, the spirit of brotherhood plus muhibbah was there.
Menu of the day:
- Laksa Johor
- Popia Goreng
- Satay Ayam & Daging
- Cendol-like drink (I don't know the exact name: silly me!)
- Lepat Pisang
- Sirap Bandung
Man, if only I have four stomachs like cow... ish tak bersyukur betul haha
I had a good time today albeit I was tasked to be a kitchen assistant. But, urgh...
- photos of TCD & UCD prayer rooms
- loads of photos to scan for Alif
- tidying up my laptop files so that I could happily send the completed wallplanner ads
- packing up stuffs
- meet with Izzuan
Now I just uttered this : Why can't I just turn back the time? *sigh*
Human, always not being thankful for what you have right now, until its gone. Then, the ego slips in, and you will complain and or even worse, drowned in your own self-denial!
Note: I missed an important meeting on Sunday because I overslept. Argh!
Ingat lagi aku?
Tadi terjumpa dan sempat berborak dengan Elyas Nordin dari Case Wester Reserve Uni. Banyak rupanya kawan setaman di luar sana.
Yang masih aku ingat (not in any order):
//Taman Cempaka dan kawasan berdekatan:
Imran, Nora Aini & Nora Aida Ramly, Ehsan & Jimal Jaafar, Elyas Nordin, Fadley, Farid, Fuad, Muhaimin Mohammed, Adem Rono Sujak, Yusry, Wan Mohd Hafiz Wan Supian, Shahrul Adli Baharuddin, Munzir Badron, Fizman Noor Azmi, Malinny Kamal, Firdaus jamal, Khalil & Azlan Hashim, Izwan Mansor, Baizura, Naqib, Syed Hawarizmi, Bashir, Faisal, Shahmi, Saifuddin, Azlan Hamdan, Salleh, Amar, Aim, Nabil, Aimi Musfirah, Saiful, Alif, Husairi, Ihab Ismail, Farah Juliana Nasri Huang, Khairul Nizam Abdul Rahman, Diana Adman, Raja Salehuddin, Lim Song Feng, George, Siti Hajar Othman, Shamir, Farouk, Anisah, Nurhainani, Sharifah Nur Artini, Raja Ili Airina, Diana Zaidi, Raudhah, Aiman, Hartono Rashid, Azlan Shah, Radzif, Shafinas, Ummu Sulaim, Asiah Fasehah, Hazley, Yusri, Megat Noor Azrin, dan banyak lagi...
//Sekolah Agama Nurussaadah Taman Maluri:
Arif Anuar, Fahmi, Helmy Rosli, Arif Dahlan, Hadi, Khairil Anwar, Nurhasrina Hamzah, Putri Ibrizah, Nurhafizah Masram, Khalis Jamalina, Fadhil, Ustazah Faridah, Ustaz Feroz Mustakim... lain aku dah lupa.
Mula-mula sekolah ini menumpang dewan orang ramai, dan ketika itu memang uzur sungguh keadaannya. Tiada tingkap kaca sebagai penahan angin atau tempias hujan, hanya jaring besi semata-mata. Kalau hujan lebat, menitis air hujan di tengah-tengah kelas, kadang-kadang di atas meja guru, dek atap yang bocor. Aku ingat lagi, loceng tangan (loceng aiskrim) digunakan untuk menandakan waktu rehat dan waktu pulang. Kelas-kelas diasing-asingkan dengan partisyen papan, dan kami ketika itu boleh menyelinap masuk ke kelas orang lain dengan merangkak di bawahnya. Sekarang ia sudah pun mempunyai kompleks sendiri, bertempat di Masjid Imam Asy-Syafie, jauh lebih lengkap. Kebanyakan kawan yang aku masih ingat adalah sebab semuanya menaiki van sekolah yang sama bertahun-tahun... Aku cukup bersyukur aku disekolahkan oleh keluarga...
//Taski ABIM:
Fahmi Suhaimi, Syazwan, Cikgu Aini... ini memang banyak dah lupa. Berbelas tahun lepas, manalah ingat sangat.
Belajar mengaji, doa dan macam-macam. Origami pun ada!
Ke mana agaknya kalian semua?
Yang masih aku ingat (not in any order):
//Taman Cempaka dan kawasan berdekatan:
Imran, Nora Aini & Nora Aida Ramly, Ehsan & Jimal Jaafar, Elyas Nordin, Fadley, Farid, Fuad, Muhaimin Mohammed, Adem Rono Sujak, Yusry, Wan Mohd Hafiz Wan Supian, Shahrul Adli Baharuddin, Munzir Badron, Fizman Noor Azmi, Malinny Kamal, Firdaus jamal, Khalil & Azlan Hashim, Izwan Mansor, Baizura, Naqib, Syed Hawarizmi, Bashir, Faisal, Shahmi, Saifuddin, Azlan Hamdan, Salleh, Amar, Aim, Nabil, Aimi Musfirah, Saiful, Alif, Husairi, Ihab Ismail, Farah Juliana Nasri Huang, Khairul Nizam Abdul Rahman, Diana Adman, Raja Salehuddin, Lim Song Feng, George, Siti Hajar Othman, Shamir, Farouk, Anisah, Nurhainani, Sharifah Nur Artini, Raja Ili Airina, Diana Zaidi, Raudhah, Aiman, Hartono Rashid, Azlan Shah, Radzif, Shafinas, Ummu Sulaim, Asiah Fasehah, Hazley, Yusri, Megat Noor Azrin, dan banyak lagi...
//Sekolah Agama Nurussaadah Taman Maluri:
Arif Anuar, Fahmi, Helmy Rosli, Arif Dahlan, Hadi, Khairil Anwar, Nurhasrina Hamzah, Putri Ibrizah, Nurhafizah Masram, Khalis Jamalina, Fadhil, Ustazah Faridah, Ustaz Feroz Mustakim... lain aku dah lupa.
Mula-mula sekolah ini menumpang dewan orang ramai, dan ketika itu memang uzur sungguh keadaannya. Tiada tingkap kaca sebagai penahan angin atau tempias hujan, hanya jaring besi semata-mata. Kalau hujan lebat, menitis air hujan di tengah-tengah kelas, kadang-kadang di atas meja guru, dek atap yang bocor. Aku ingat lagi, loceng tangan (loceng aiskrim) digunakan untuk menandakan waktu rehat dan waktu pulang. Kelas-kelas diasing-asingkan dengan partisyen papan, dan kami ketika itu boleh menyelinap masuk ke kelas orang lain dengan merangkak di bawahnya. Sekarang ia sudah pun mempunyai kompleks sendiri, bertempat di Masjid Imam Asy-Syafie, jauh lebih lengkap. Kebanyakan kawan yang aku masih ingat adalah sebab semuanya menaiki van sekolah yang sama bertahun-tahun... Aku cukup bersyukur aku disekolahkan oleh keluarga...
//Taski ABIM:
Fahmi Suhaimi, Syazwan, Cikgu Aini... ini memang banyak dah lupa. Berbelas tahun lepas, manalah ingat sangat.
Belajar mengaji, doa dan macam-macam. Origami pun ada!
Ke mana agaknya kalian semua?
Book Review & Synopsis : Hunt For Red October by Tom Clancy
Truly said, I am not good in writing a review for a book. But why not I just give a shot?
Frankily speaking, I bought this book few years back after I watched the movie on tv. Suffice to say, I was blinded by the hype of US Navy dominance against the handicapped Soviet naval fleet, and at that time, I was engrossed in reading military magazine and playing computer games (something to do with shooting and killing) as well. What I did was on the spur of the moment. I just thought - why not I just buy the book, and compare what is written between what is filmed?
To begin with, Jack Ryan is a military analyst working for CIA. He was summoned by the Chief Admiral of US Navy to brief all the top gentlemen about a recent intel relayed from US spy in Kremlin, whereby a missile submarine Red October had just sailed and his commander left a mysterious letter to the Chief Admiral of Soviet Navy. Soon after that, a whole fleet - submarines, destroyers, frigates, you-name-it, were dispatched to hunt this submarine and if necessary, sink her. This of course raised alarm in US Navy intel, as why would they like to destroy their own submarine? The US, as a reaction, ordered all the fleet to fully alert and sink her as well if she is detected. Somehow Jack Ryan believes that the commander of this submarine is trying to defect by predicting that the letter is a solid proof stating he is seriously wants to defect. And nobody believes him except one, and he was given a chance to prove his theory. If not, they will hunt Red October down.
For your information, Red October is a Typhoon-class submarine, and the most technologically-advanced in its class. It is equipped by secretly developed ultra-quiet propulsion, chiefly addressed as 'caterpillar' in the book which works on basis of creating a jet of water as a mechanism to drive the submarine forward and in quietest manner possible. In submarines' world, being the most silent is the utmost priority - submarine is detected by 'listening'. In a nutshell, this submarine is really dangerous as it can sneak in any waters without being detected and delivery its nuclear payload in no time.
In the beginning, I was astonished by calmness of Captain Marko Ramius, the skipper of Soviet's most powerful missile boat, and also a legend in Soviet naval fleet especially for underwater warfare pertaining to tactics and doctrines of Soviet submarines. Or should I say - He is the hero. Now why he would like to defect to US by surrendering the whole submarine he is in, which is Red October?
Deep down in his heart, he was on rage of venegeance all the time. Years back, his beloved wife was purposedly put to death, simply due to irresponsible actions done by indisciplined doctor who is the son of one of the Politburo officers. To make it easier to be understood by readers, since that incident he has no faith in fulfilling the dream of Soviet's utopian nation under the helm of Communism. So he'd like to have a new life, by embracing the so-called democracy advocated by US.
Despite his detailed plan, several villains also came out to make sure his 'selfish' ambition is just merely a dream. His political officers happened to smell the rut, and in order to keep the plan in secrecy, Ramius murdered him, and made up an unbelievable incident (if there any chances you'll be dead if you slipped on your tea?) to cover it up. Adding salt to the wound, there was a sabotage. A spy disguised as a cook (much like Casey Ryback I think) sabotaged the ultra-silent propulsion system in attempt to foil Ramius' 'evil' plan. That's one. He also almost incinerated the whole submarine by triggering the nuclear missile's rocket motor. Now its two. Too bad, the hero got shot by Jack Ryan (the hero is this novel) and died in honor, leaving behind Ramius and the officers to continue on as planned.
In comparison with the movie shown on the tv, I noticed several cutbacks. In the movie, Red October was never hit by any torpedo, but in the book, it was hit once. And hey, in the opening credit it says Based on a book? Yeah right. Actually, there was an incident that took place in late 80s where a Soviet missile submarine sunk in the Atlantic after surfaced for a while. Then Tom Clancy imagined that it could be made up like this - a Soviet missile submarine surfaced, then the captain contacted the US Navy stating that he wants to defect to US, and the submarine plus the officers minus the crew will be given as a 'gift' from him. Wow! That would make a best-selling book!
What I get out of this book:
//Several Russian military jargons like:
Politburo - Political party (obviously a Communist party)
Zampolit - Political officer aboard a ship or submarine
and much much more...
//Some American military jargons as well:
Birds - missile (eg. Birds away! - Missiles away!)
and much much more...
//Communism from an American's point of view
Tom Clancy believes in his country's system. Surely he is proud until now, as the world saw the fall of Communism about a decade ago. Who knows the dream that they have paved for years turned out to be the biggest fiasco of all? Nonetheless, by simply being the winner does not mean you are flawless. In this book, it is potrayed that under Soviet empire, people are oppressed all the time, and the Soviets have dreams about freedom and happiness in America. Maybe that give rise to 'American Dream' phrase. Maybe. Apart from that, I truly appreciate the beauty of Islam more soon after I read this book - Communism bla bla bla do not sit right with me. Tak kene pada fitrah manusia!.
//Details regarding US Navy strength
Based on his credentials I've looked at and his photo with US Navy cap at the book cover, I reckon he must in the military sometime ago. So he knows his stuff well. That's why I could be military analyst if I continue on reading with passion, as so many information were given in the book. Despite that, sometimes I am getting bored reading the praises made by the author for the US Navy. Too much boasting I suppose. IMHO, all the navymen fight as hard as you were, maybe even more! I just feel uneasy when it is mentioned an American navyman is so intelligent and has sound judgment, as opposed to the Soviet's which more like an inefficient mindless drone with low morale. Nevertheless we cannot deny the waves of technology that already revolutionised the military equipment industry, has to do with the morale of a militaryman.
//I need to read more!
Yeah, reading from just one source is basically not enough to get all the ideas out there. Sorry Tom Clancy, I envy your thickness of your wallet so I will not buy any of your books again. Nonetheless, this book is certainly one of my favourite.
//Insights about being a skipper and the machinery of a submarine.
I wonder how a skipper could navigate a submarine. They could not see what's ahead and around them. They just rely on the accuracy of underwater chart for not hitting any of the cliffs and mountains. Its more like driving a car with windscreen and window painted on, and use map and stopwatch to guide you and make sure you do not hit anything. That's tough man!
Final say:
Go out and buy one! It is really worth the money if you are into military gadgets and stuff like that. If not, that I'd reckon this is not a good book to read. Seriously. And, if you like computer games, get yourself Fleet Command to feel how it's like to control a naval fleet.
Postscriptum: Hisham of Perth made a review about The Prize - The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power by Daniel Yergin. Hmmm... maybe I'll buy if money is not an issue :P. Waaaa... I'm broke!
Frankily speaking, I bought this book few years back after I watched the movie on tv. Suffice to say, I was blinded by the hype of US Navy dominance against the handicapped Soviet naval fleet, and at that time, I was engrossed in reading military magazine and playing computer games (something to do with shooting and killing) as well. What I did was on the spur of the moment. I just thought - why not I just buy the book, and compare what is written between what is filmed?
To begin with, Jack Ryan is a military analyst working for CIA. He was summoned by the Chief Admiral of US Navy to brief all the top gentlemen about a recent intel relayed from US spy in Kremlin, whereby a missile submarine Red October had just sailed and his commander left a mysterious letter to the Chief Admiral of Soviet Navy. Soon after that, a whole fleet - submarines, destroyers, frigates, you-name-it, were dispatched to hunt this submarine and if necessary, sink her. This of course raised alarm in US Navy intel, as why would they like to destroy their own submarine? The US, as a reaction, ordered all the fleet to fully alert and sink her as well if she is detected. Somehow Jack Ryan believes that the commander of this submarine is trying to defect by predicting that the letter is a solid proof stating he is seriously wants to defect. And nobody believes him except one, and he was given a chance to prove his theory. If not, they will hunt Red October down.
For your information, Red October is a Typhoon-class submarine, and the most technologically-advanced in its class. It is equipped by secretly developed ultra-quiet propulsion, chiefly addressed as 'caterpillar' in the book which works on basis of creating a jet of water as a mechanism to drive the submarine forward and in quietest manner possible. In submarines' world, being the most silent is the utmost priority - submarine is detected by 'listening'. In a nutshell, this submarine is really dangerous as it can sneak in any waters without being detected and delivery its nuclear payload in no time. In the beginning, I was astonished by calmness of Captain Marko Ramius, the skipper of Soviet's most powerful missile boat, and also a legend in Soviet naval fleet especially for underwater warfare pertaining to tactics and doctrines of Soviet submarines. Or should I say - He is the hero. Now why he would like to defect to US by surrendering the whole submarine he is in, which is Red October?
Deep down in his heart, he was on rage of venegeance all the time. Years back, his beloved wife was purposedly put to death, simply due to irresponsible actions done by indisciplined doctor who is the son of one of the Politburo officers. To make it easier to be understood by readers, since that incident he has no faith in fulfilling the dream of Soviet's utopian nation under the helm of Communism. So he'd like to have a new life, by embracing the so-called democracy advocated by US.
Despite his detailed plan, several villains also came out to make sure his 'selfish' ambition is just merely a dream. His political officers happened to smell the rut, and in order to keep the plan in secrecy, Ramius murdered him, and made up an unbelievable incident (if there any chances you'll be dead if you slipped on your tea?) to cover it up. Adding salt to the wound, there was a sabotage. A spy disguised as a cook (much like Casey Ryback I think) sabotaged the ultra-silent propulsion system in attempt to foil Ramius' 'evil' plan. That's one. He also almost incinerated the whole submarine by triggering the nuclear missile's rocket motor. Now its two. Too bad, the hero got shot by Jack Ryan (the hero is this novel) and died in honor, leaving behind Ramius and the officers to continue on as planned.
In comparison with the movie shown on the tv, I noticed several cutbacks. In the movie, Red October was never hit by any torpedo, but in the book, it was hit once. And hey, in the opening credit it says Based on a book? Yeah right. Actually, there was an incident that took place in late 80s where a Soviet missile submarine sunk in the Atlantic after surfaced for a while. Then Tom Clancy imagined that it could be made up like this - a Soviet missile submarine surfaced, then the captain contacted the US Navy stating that he wants to defect to US, and the submarine plus the officers minus the crew will be given as a 'gift' from him. Wow! That would make a best-selling book! What I get out of this book:
//Several Russian military jargons like:
Politburo - Political party (obviously a Communist party)
Zampolit - Political officer aboard a ship or submarine
and much much more...
//Some American military jargons as well:
Birds - missile (eg. Birds away! - Missiles away!)
and much much more...
//Communism from an American's point of view
Tom Clancy believes in his country's system. Surely he is proud until now, as the world saw the fall of Communism about a decade ago. Who knows the dream that they have paved for years turned out to be the biggest fiasco of all? Nonetheless, by simply being the winner does not mean you are flawless. In this book, it is potrayed that under Soviet empire, people are oppressed all the time, and the Soviets have dreams about freedom and happiness in America. Maybe that give rise to 'American Dream' phrase. Maybe. Apart from that, I truly appreciate the beauty of Islam more soon after I read this book - Communism bla bla bla do not sit right with me. Tak kene pada fitrah manusia!.
//Details regarding US Navy strength
Based on his credentials I've looked at and his photo with US Navy cap at the book cover, I reckon he must in the military sometime ago. So he knows his stuff well. That's why I could be military analyst if I continue on reading with passion, as so many information were given in the book. Despite that, sometimes I am getting bored reading the praises made by the author for the US Navy. Too much boasting I suppose. IMHO, all the navymen fight as hard as you were, maybe even more! I just feel uneasy when it is mentioned an American navyman is so intelligent and has sound judgment, as opposed to the Soviet's which more like an inefficient mindless drone with low morale. Nevertheless we cannot deny the waves of technology that already revolutionised the military equipment industry, has to do with the morale of a militaryman.
//I need to read more!
Yeah, reading from just one source is basically not enough to get all the ideas out there. Sorry Tom Clancy, I envy your thickness of your wallet so I will not buy any of your books again. Nonetheless, this book is certainly one of my favourite.
//Insights about being a skipper and the machinery of a submarine.
I wonder how a skipper could navigate a submarine. They could not see what's ahead and around them. They just rely on the accuracy of underwater chart for not hitting any of the cliffs and mountains. Its more like driving a car with windscreen and window painted on, and use map and stopwatch to guide you and make sure you do not hit anything. That's tough man!
Final say:
Go out and buy one! It is really worth the money if you are into military gadgets and stuff like that. If not, that I'd reckon this is not a good book to read. Seriously. And, if you like computer games, get yourself Fleet Command to feel how it's like to control a naval fleet.
Postscriptum: Hisham of Perth made a review about The Prize - The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power by Daniel Yergin. Hmmm... maybe I'll buy if money is not an issue :P. Waaaa... I'm broke!
We are travellers, aren't we?
Been crashing in for the past 3 days. What a good weekend I suppose :-)
Now I feel kinda touched after reading anecdotes (not really though - more like a daily digest for me) from my respected friend currently in Egypt. Read it here.
We travel to and fro to anywhere everyday, and we always forget to pick up leads given by those travelled before us. Let alone ponder about them - how they made it so far? How this and how that?
How many fellow-travellers have I known? I cannot count.
How many corners of the Earth? I cannot tell.
Now that my wanderings east and west are done,
There is but one last corner left: my grave.
Eleventh century travelling poet - guess who?
Its good to hear I am allowed to stay here until 23rd of June. So there's no need to rush to pack up my stuff. Phew.
I'm off to Lucan now.
Now I feel kinda touched after reading anecdotes (not really though - more like a daily digest for me) from my respected friend currently in Egypt. Read it here.
We travel to and fro to anywhere everyday, and we always forget to pick up leads given by those travelled before us. Let alone ponder about them - how they made it so far? How this and how that?
How many fellow-travellers have I known? I cannot count.
How many corners of the Earth? I cannot tell.
Now that my wanderings east and west are done,
There is but one last corner left: my grave.
Eleventh century travelling poet - guess who?
Its good to hear I am allowed to stay here until 23rd of June. So there's no need to rush to pack up my stuff. Phew.
I'm off to Lucan now.
Books Galore!
Yesterday I paid a visit to my friend's place. To my surprise, many of them are still here. Maybe rotting at home has been a good choice for them. Haha.
Seeing friends for a while is a wonderful pastime. Why? There's alot more of stories to be told, and more secrets to be unveiled as well. Haha again.
We talked about many things, it started with our daily happenings, but somehow we are drifted to discuss about books as time pass by. Books? Errr... honestly, I'm no bookworm. Why? Not many books I really know of. That is my weakness that I must overcome before its too late.
Online bookstores that I think its really worth a visit:
Dawama
- Dewan Bahasa Pustaka's online bookstore. Highly recommended. Downside - payment by credit card is not accepted yet.
Kinokuniya
- Japanese book readers surely go for this.
MPH
- Wide range of books.
Abebooks and Alibris
- find used, rare-to-find books here. Loads of them!
Amazon
- a zero turned into hero during the dotcom boom. Now it has reigned the God of online shopping title for years!
With regards to Pakdi's entry on Ultraman and Transformer, I can't agree more if you I ask me. We have little to be proud of - Anak-anak Sidek, Kampung Boy, Usop Sontorian, Putih, Kluang Man et cetera. Despite that, I truly hope the cartoon industry still holding its progressive effort - maybe more Lat's clones are to emerge perhaps?
The point is, we must try to create and sell our own product. Full stop.
Read:
Jepun ada Ultraman, kita ada apa?
Seeing friends for a while is a wonderful pastime. Why? There's alot more of stories to be told, and more secrets to be unveiled as well. Haha again.
We talked about many things, it started with our daily happenings, but somehow we are drifted to discuss about books as time pass by. Books? Errr... honestly, I'm no bookworm. Why? Not many books I really know of. That is my weakness that I must overcome before its too late.
Online bookstores that I think its really worth a visit:Dawama
- Dewan Bahasa Pustaka's online bookstore. Highly recommended. Downside - payment by credit card is not accepted yet.
Kinokuniya
- Japanese book readers surely go for this.
MPH
- Wide range of books.
Abebooks and Alibris
- find used, rare-to-find books here. Loads of them!
Amazon
- a zero turned into hero during the dotcom boom. Now it has reigned the God of online shopping title for years!
With regards to Pakdi's entry on Ultraman and Transformer, I can't agree more if you I ask me. We have little to be proud of - Anak-anak Sidek, Kampung Boy, Usop Sontorian, Putih, Kluang Man et cetera. Despite that, I truly hope the cartoon industry still holding its progressive effort - maybe more Lat's clones are to emerge perhaps?
The point is, we must try to create and sell our own product. Full stop.
Read:
Jepun ada Ultraman, kita ada apa?
What the???
It is totally unbelievable for such a reputable medical journal to publish this kind of article, at least for me. Argh! I wonder how many 'intelligent' doctors or namely anyone out there that has become advocates for this notion, and this clearly illustrates that being way advanced apparently has let more stupidity to emerge. Hmmm... what exactly they are believe in is beyond me. If they said this is some sort of evolution process which is natural, I beg to differ - what they are saying is merely a lorry-load of rubbish!
Oh what an inverted world I'm in...
Read:
Homosexuality is akin to organic farming - BMJ
- this article is kinda old (29th May). I didn't notice it was that old - blame the exam fever.
Oh, I received SMS from ayah today. Thanks ayah for your support - I hope it'll be okay soon. Hmmm... it's good to know that everyone is embracing the technology now. No more technophobes perhaps!
Since the exam is over, I am going to resume my physical and mental jog soon. Jangan hangat-hangat tahi ayam sudah!
Oh what an inverted world I'm in...
Read:
Homosexuality is akin to organic farming - BMJ
- this article is kinda old (29th May). I didn't notice it was that old - blame the exam fever.
Oh, I received SMS from ayah today. Thanks ayah for your support - I hope it'll be okay soon. Hmmm... it's good to know that everyone is embracing the technology now. No more technophobes perhaps!
Since the exam is over, I am going to resume my physical and mental jog soon. Jangan hangat-hangat tahi ayam sudah!
When it is over...
When it is over, one should not overjoy or shed tears in remorse. Instead, one should just stay put.
Today's pick
If you are a nasyid freak, go to:
ftp://sudin.no-ip.com
If you are not, too bad I do not have any links to share with. Use Kazaa or eMule - I'm sure there's hell loads of music files that are up for grab.
Now, I have lots of work that I need to get it done. Not to mention a pile of books to read. Hmmm...
Today's pick
If you are a nasyid freak, go to:
ftp://sudin.no-ip.com
If you are not, too bad I do not have any links to share with. Use Kazaa or eMule - I'm sure there's hell loads of music files that are up for grab.
Now, I have lots of work that I need to get it done. Not to mention a pile of books to read. Hmmm...
If the intention is sound, so is the action
Assalamualaikum. I am still in exam fever at the moment. Few days passed by with supplementary medication in handy just to keep myself energised all day long. Speaking about medications, it brings me to wonder about Phase II drug metabolism (oh that glucuronic acid conjugation, sulfonation and glycine conjugation...) that sometimes screws my mind up. Truly said, I just cannot wait for my last paper, which is on Wednesday, although I am damn nervous!
Anyway, I'd like to share this hadith with all viewers. It is taken from a book - Imam Nawawi's Forty Hadith. Scroll down, and have a look. It's full of wisdom!
From Umar Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:
I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), saying, "Actions are only by intentions, and every man has only that which he intended. Whoever's emigration is for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger. Whoever's emigration is for some worldly gain which he can acquire, or a woman he will marry then his emigration is for that for which he is emigrated.
In a nutshell, this hadith indicates that intention is the measure for rendering actions true, so that where intention is sound, action is sound; and where intention is corrupt, action is corrupt. Good intention = good action, nonsense intention = nonsense action. Add 'planning' and 'perseverance' to the equation, and voila! you will get the secret formula of living out our life!
In reality : If we are to do something good for the sake of Allah, Allah will make it easier to be accomplished. That's how merciful Allah is. So, make full use of this golden opporturnity. Even at times if it did not turn out as expected, you still gain necessary experiences that really aid us in future undertakings.
So, showing off, insincerity, and seeking a good report, and all such have no place to sit with us. Or should I say an absolute no-no. So try to avoid at all cost, as a simple flick of these can be much of a dent to the action! Eg. You donate �100, then you automatically broadcast it through your YM or MSN. Hmmm... little did you know that what you have done goes up in smoke!
Generally speaking, what we are aiming for is the intention. It is very much like missions and objectives in our daily life. Course outlines, project proposal whatsoever are the good example to look at. Remember : Aiming is one thing. Getting it done is another. We need both, and if we have only one, we are daydreaming!
All in all, it's easier to say rather than to do, which I am very much tangled to now. But as long we have the effort and we keep focusing, I bet it is doable.
"If there is will, there is a way"
postscriptum : Why I am writing this entry? For what purpose I am surfing the net? Ouch!
Anyway, I'd like to share this hadith with all viewers. It is taken from a book - Imam Nawawi's Forty Hadith. Scroll down, and have a look. It's full of wisdom!
From Umar Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:
I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), saying, "Actions are only by intentions, and every man has only that which he intended. Whoever's emigration is for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger. Whoever's emigration is for some worldly gain which he can acquire, or a woman he will marry then his emigration is for that for which he is emigrated.
In a nutshell, this hadith indicates that intention is the measure for rendering actions true, so that where intention is sound, action is sound; and where intention is corrupt, action is corrupt. Good intention = good action, nonsense intention = nonsense action. Add 'planning' and 'perseverance' to the equation, and voila! you will get the secret formula of living out our life!
In reality : If we are to do something good for the sake of Allah, Allah will make it easier to be accomplished. That's how merciful Allah is. So, make full use of this golden opporturnity. Even at times if it did not turn out as expected, you still gain necessary experiences that really aid us in future undertakings.
So, showing off, insincerity, and seeking a good report, and all such have no place to sit with us. Or should I say an absolute no-no. So try to avoid at all cost, as a simple flick of these can be much of a dent to the action! Eg. You donate �100, then you automatically broadcast it through your YM or MSN. Hmmm... little did you know that what you have done goes up in smoke!
Generally speaking, what we are aiming for is the intention. It is very much like missions and objectives in our daily life. Course outlines, project proposal whatsoever are the good example to look at. Remember : Aiming is one thing. Getting it done is another. We need both, and if we have only one, we are daydreaming!
All in all, it's easier to say rather than to do, which I am very much tangled to now. But as long we have the effort and we keep focusing, I bet it is doable.
"If there is will, there is a way"
postscriptum : Why I am writing this entry? For what purpose I am surfing the net? Ouch!
First step uphill
Alhamdulillah, thank God - I've completed Physics paper today. Glad that my nose didn't bleed at all :-) it could be a disastrous incident then. I truly hope it will never happened until everything is over.
Currently listening to:
//Blues Gang - Apo Nak Dikato / What can I say?
//Blues Gang - Mama Saya Mahu Kahwin / Oh Mom, I wanna get married please...
//Blues Gang - Mak Siti / Aunt Siti
I had Blues' Disease, and I can't figure out why. Too much hot chocolate perhaps, okay, try to imagine 500g of cocoa powder being emptied in just 5 days! That's a lot.
And here is the du'a/prayer of the day:
"Allahummaftah 'alaina futu'alarifin, warzuqna fahman nabiyin, wal Ilhamal malaaikatil muqarrabin, birahmatika ya arrahman rahimin"
- Ya Allah, bukakanlah pintu hatiku sebagaimana orang-orang yang arif. Kurniakanlah kepadaku kefahaman Nabi-nabi dan ilham para malaikat yang hampir denganMu, dengan rahmat-Mu wahai tuhan yang Maha Pemurah lagi Maha Penyayang.
- Oh Allah, confer me with the wisdom of as those who are wise; honour me the proficiency of your prophets, and the diligence of the angels, oh my Lord The Most Gracious The Most Merciful.
This is the closest translation I could get. My apology.
Okay mates, I'm off to my beloved revision now.
Currently listening to:
//Blues Gang - Apo Nak Dikato / What can I say?
//Blues Gang - Mama Saya Mahu Kahwin / Oh Mom, I wanna get married please...
//Blues Gang - Mak Siti / Aunt Siti
I had Blues' Disease, and I can't figure out why. Too much hot chocolate perhaps, okay, try to imagine 500g of cocoa powder being emptied in just 5 days! That's a lot.
And here is the du'a/prayer of the day:
"Allahummaftah 'alaina futu'alarifin, warzuqna fahman nabiyin, wal Ilhamal malaaikatil muqarrabin, birahmatika ya arrahman rahimin"
- Ya Allah, bukakanlah pintu hatiku sebagaimana orang-orang yang arif. Kurniakanlah kepadaku kefahaman Nabi-nabi dan ilham para malaikat yang hampir denganMu, dengan rahmat-Mu wahai tuhan yang Maha Pemurah lagi Maha Penyayang.
- Oh Allah, confer me with the wisdom of as those who are wise; honour me the proficiency of your prophets, and the diligence of the angels, oh my Lord The Most Gracious The Most Merciful.
This is the closest translation I could get. My apology.
Okay mates, I'm off to my beloved revision now.
All the best kawan
When I was typing for this entry, my A-Level fellows in Malaysia are getting up for their historic morning. All the best kawan. Show them what you're really made of.
//UPSR - Work hard, study hard & smile : this one goes to Munzir, my buddy in KMYS. InsyaAllah Imperial College would be yours. Amin.
//PMR - Study biar lepak, result biar gempak (Take it easy, yet must able to excel!) : what a sweet slogan first chanted by Hafiz Izham during 99's PMR...
//SPM - SMAPK is the best. The best is SMAPK : Don't shoot me for being extremist. Hmmm... another catchy tune that I can't get rid off my mind for the rest of my life!
//Now - ???
Let's put these slogans into a reality now, shall we?
Inilah barisan kita, yang ikhlas berjuang... Siap sedia berkorban untuk ibu pertiwi... da da da...
//UPSR - Work hard, study hard & smile : this one goes to Munzir, my buddy in KMYS. InsyaAllah Imperial College would be yours. Amin.
//PMR - Study biar lepak, result biar gempak (Take it easy, yet must able to excel!) : what a sweet slogan first chanted by Hafiz Izham during 99's PMR...
//SPM - SMAPK is the best. The best is SMAPK : Don't shoot me for being extremist. Hmmm... another catchy tune that I can't get rid off my mind for the rest of my life!
//Now - ???
Let's put these slogans into a reality now, shall we?
Inilah barisan kita, yang ikhlas berjuang... Siap sedia berkorban untuk ibu pertiwi... da da da...
Breakdown happens...
Breakdown happens. Hmmm.. ever heard of this law? If its possible, it will. Same goes with human brain. All you can do is, take a deep breath. Think why you are here for God's sake.
New song : Lovehunters - Blues Untuk Rakyat has been uploaded, so have it a go with this oldie will you?
Ya Allah, kurniakanlah yang terbaik untukku dalam peperiksaan nanti...
New song : Lovehunters - Blues Untuk Rakyat has been uploaded, so have it a go with this oldie will you?
Ya Allah, kurniakanlah yang terbaik untukku dalam peperiksaan nanti...
Perihal belangkas jadian
Selepas solat Jumaat di Dublin Mosque lepas, aku pun duduk bersandar. Ingat nak lelap sekejap sebab letih. Sekali ada 2 orang manusia memanggil-manggil supaya turut sama berborak. Kisahnya macam ini...
Seorang masih muda dan matang, tapi agak mentah (macam mana ya? matang tapi mentah), dan seorang lagi bolehlah dikatakan sebagai yang berpengalaman. Hmmm... dah namanya fitrah kalau tak tahu kena tanya. Maka segala jenis soalan ditanyakan. Aku pula mengisytiharkan diri sebagai pemerhati bebas. Heh nak gelak pun ada. Biarlah. Nak buat macam mana, kalau aku ditempat dia pun tentu aku pun macam dia.
Debat semakin hangat. Aku sekadar diam sahaja, itu pun kadang-kadang menokok tambah macam menambah ajinomoto dalam mi goreng. Al-maklumlah, masih belum cukup umur :-) Sekadar memeriahkan suasana - tolong gelak sahaja.
Hmmm... aku pun tak mahu komen panjang-panjang. Pada aku, kalau nak buat benda baik, orang lain kenalah tolong permudahkan. Yela, tapi nak buat benda baik kena juga berkorban. But its all boils down to the one who makes decision - the one in authority. Sabar. Walaupun the decision itself has inflicted a painful impact on ourselves, but you do not have any other choices, am I right? Sometimes we have to become yes-man, just for the sake of doing it once in your lifetime. Hmmm...
"Kau kena plan awal-awal, benda ini bukan boleh buat main-main..."
"Hmmm... dulu kau buat macam mana?"
"Mula-mula outline plan kau dulu. Macam karangan, ada pengenalan... ada isi... ada penutup. Short-term, medium-term and long-term."
"Payah juga yeh?"
"Mestilah! Tapi kena banyak doa, sebab, benda ini ikut orang juga. Yela, subjektif. Lain orang lain caranya.... sebab itu kena doa banyak-banyak..."
"Hah kau Abadi... apasal senyap?"
"Err... no comment."
Kemudian agenda tetap diteruskan, sampai pukul 2.30pm. Kesimpulannya : Pelan awal-awal. Banyakkan bersabar. Laksanakan strategi yang sudah dipelan. Berdoa hasilnya.
Fikiran aku: Ia lebih elok dari memutasikan diri menjadi belangkas jadian. Belangkas jadian kalau dibiarkan, akan membiak; kita juga yang susah. Hmmm... belangkas jadian ini sangat dahsyat. Nama pun belangkas jadian. Pada waktu-waktu tertentu, ia akan jadi sebaik-baik belangkas yang ada dalam genusnya, tapi di kala yang lain, menjadi manusia biasa. Dua dalam satu. Satu dalam dua. Hmmmm bunyi macam Wave-Particle Duality pulak.
Kesimpulan: Belangkas jadian amat berbahaya. Jangan jadi diri anda sebahagian dari statistik. Amaran kerajaan: Golongan yang berusia 16-28 tahun atau remaja paling terdedah kepada Sindrom Belangkas Jadian ini, disebabkan kementahan fikiran dalam membuat keputusan, mungkin akibat pertumbuhan cerebrum, cerebelum dan medula oblongata yang tidak seimbang.
"Berapa banyak aku tengok belangkas jadian yang telah terkorban..."
"Tak terkira banyaknya"
Tapi, sunnah ini juga dikejarkan, sunnah lain tak nak buat ke? Janganlah selektif tak bertempat. Yang rasa kita seronok buat, kita ambil; yang agak-agak tak kena dengan diri kita, kita abaikan. Pelikkan manusia ini? Oleh itu, sama-sama kita elakkan dari bermutasi menjadi belangkas jadian. Amin.
Selamat pengantin baru: Intan UIA (saudara aku) di Shah Alam, Sabtu 15 Mei 2004. Aku pun tak kenal sangat... aisehman. Saudara sendiri pun tak kenal? Masalah besar... :-(
Selamat hari guru: Tanpa guru, I'm nobody.
Seorang masih muda dan matang, tapi agak mentah (macam mana ya? matang tapi mentah), dan seorang lagi bolehlah dikatakan sebagai yang berpengalaman. Hmmm... dah namanya fitrah kalau tak tahu kena tanya. Maka segala jenis soalan ditanyakan. Aku pula mengisytiharkan diri sebagai pemerhati bebas. Heh nak gelak pun ada. Biarlah. Nak buat macam mana, kalau aku ditempat dia pun tentu aku pun macam dia.
Debat semakin hangat. Aku sekadar diam sahaja, itu pun kadang-kadang menokok tambah macam menambah ajinomoto dalam mi goreng. Al-maklumlah, masih belum cukup umur :-) Sekadar memeriahkan suasana - tolong gelak sahaja.
Hmmm... aku pun tak mahu komen panjang-panjang. Pada aku, kalau nak buat benda baik, orang lain kenalah tolong permudahkan. Yela, tapi nak buat benda baik kena juga berkorban. But its all boils down to the one who makes decision - the one in authority. Sabar. Walaupun the decision itself has inflicted a painful impact on ourselves, but you do not have any other choices, am I right? Sometimes we have to become yes-man, just for the sake of doing it once in your lifetime. Hmmm...
"Kau kena plan awal-awal, benda ini bukan boleh buat main-main..."
"Hmmm... dulu kau buat macam mana?"
"Mula-mula outline plan kau dulu. Macam karangan, ada pengenalan... ada isi... ada penutup. Short-term, medium-term and long-term."
"Payah juga yeh?"
"Mestilah! Tapi kena banyak doa, sebab, benda ini ikut orang juga. Yela, subjektif. Lain orang lain caranya.... sebab itu kena doa banyak-banyak..."
"Hah kau Abadi... apasal senyap?"
"Err... no comment."
Kemudian agenda tetap diteruskan, sampai pukul 2.30pm. Kesimpulannya : Pelan awal-awal. Banyakkan bersabar. Laksanakan strategi yang sudah dipelan. Berdoa hasilnya.
Fikiran aku: Ia lebih elok dari memutasikan diri menjadi belangkas jadian. Belangkas jadian kalau dibiarkan, akan membiak; kita juga yang susah. Hmmm... belangkas jadian ini sangat dahsyat. Nama pun belangkas jadian. Pada waktu-waktu tertentu, ia akan jadi sebaik-baik belangkas yang ada dalam genusnya, tapi di kala yang lain, menjadi manusia biasa. Dua dalam satu. Satu dalam dua. Hmmmm bunyi macam Wave-Particle Duality pulak.
Kesimpulan: Belangkas jadian amat berbahaya. Jangan jadi diri anda sebahagian dari statistik. Amaran kerajaan: Golongan yang berusia 16-28 tahun atau remaja paling terdedah kepada Sindrom Belangkas Jadian ini, disebabkan kementahan fikiran dalam membuat keputusan, mungkin akibat pertumbuhan cerebrum, cerebelum dan medula oblongata yang tidak seimbang.
"Berapa banyak aku tengok belangkas jadian yang telah terkorban..."
"Tak terkira banyaknya"
Tapi, sunnah ini juga dikejarkan, sunnah lain tak nak buat ke? Janganlah selektif tak bertempat. Yang rasa kita seronok buat, kita ambil; yang agak-agak tak kena dengan diri kita, kita abaikan. Pelikkan manusia ini? Oleh itu, sama-sama kita elakkan dari bermutasi menjadi belangkas jadian. Amin.
Selamat pengantin baru: Intan UIA (saudara aku) di Shah Alam, Sabtu 15 Mei 2004. Aku pun tak kenal sangat... aisehman. Saudara sendiri pun tak kenal? Masalah besar... :-(
Selamat hari guru: Tanpa guru, I'm nobody.
Less than 10 days and counting down
Jumaat
Hari ini rakan-rakan UCD - University College Dublin, terutamanya First Meds lega. They got it done today. Yang 2nd Meds Isnin lepas. Jadi yang tinggal hanyalah geng Trinity dan RCSI. First Meds mula berperang dengan Oral Exam isnin minggu depan, diikuti dengan Pre Meds - Practical Exam. Errmmm...
Today mark the day of the victory over final exams for first year students from UCD. Heck, now there's only two of us left. The Trinitians, and the Surgeons; in particular with Premeds and First Meds, of which the latter will have their Oral Exam on Monday, and Premeds follow on Wednesday with their Practical Exam. Urgh... what a pain!
Fi ha dzalyaum, eh dalam arabic aku lupa... uuuu my bad!
Exam. May 24 - June 2. Seram bercampur perasaan tak sabar nak merdeka. Hmmmm. Di kesempatan ini juga, I'd like to wish kesemua manusia yang aku kenal yang nak exam. A Level : Munzir dan rakan-rakan KMYS yang aku pernah jumpa, Mambo, Tuemak, Nizatul, Azmi, Nore, Jihad, Amiruddin Beng. IB : Haikal Mike, Nuzul, Hafis Shawn, dan juga Arif. Doakan kejayaan & kecemerlangan bersama. Semoga dipermudah jalan ke universiti insyaAllah.
Slogan dulu-dulu:
//UPSR - Work hard, study smart & smile!
//PMR - tak ingat.
//SPM - Diilhamkan oleh Hafiz Izham rasanya : Study biar lepak, result biar gempak!
Kalau sekolah punya: Cemerlang di dunia, gemilang di akhirat.
//UWAFY - tak ingat, tak ada rasanya... entah la. Self-motivate tanpa slogan...
//Premed Final - Hmmmm... apa ya? First class honor makes first class doctor? Entah lah labu...
Hmmm... exam oh exam...
Selamat maju jaya! All the best! Bittaufiq wannajah!
Hari ini rakan-rakan UCD - University College Dublin, terutamanya First Meds lega. They got it done today. Yang 2nd Meds Isnin lepas. Jadi yang tinggal hanyalah geng Trinity dan RCSI. First Meds mula berperang dengan Oral Exam isnin minggu depan, diikuti dengan Pre Meds - Practical Exam. Errmmm...
Today mark the day of the victory over final exams for first year students from UCD. Heck, now there's only two of us left. The Trinitians, and the Surgeons; in particular with Premeds and First Meds, of which the latter will have their Oral Exam on Monday, and Premeds follow on Wednesday with their Practical Exam. Urgh... what a pain!
Fi ha dzalyaum, eh dalam arabic aku lupa... uuuu my bad!
Exam. May 24 - June 2. Seram bercampur perasaan tak sabar nak merdeka. Hmmmm. Di kesempatan ini juga, I'd like to wish kesemua manusia yang aku kenal yang nak exam. A Level : Munzir dan rakan-rakan KMYS yang aku pernah jumpa, Mambo, Tuemak, Nizatul, Azmi, Nore, Jihad, Amiruddin Beng. IB : Haikal Mike, Nuzul, Hafis Shawn, dan juga Arif. Doakan kejayaan & kecemerlangan bersama. Semoga dipermudah jalan ke universiti insyaAllah.
Slogan dulu-dulu:
//UPSR - Work hard, study smart & smile!
//PMR - tak ingat.
//SPM - Diilhamkan oleh Hafiz Izham rasanya : Study biar lepak, result biar gempak!
Kalau sekolah punya: Cemerlang di dunia, gemilang di akhirat.
//UWAFY - tak ingat, tak ada rasanya... entah la. Self-motivate tanpa slogan...
//Premed Final - Hmmmm... apa ya? First class honor makes first class doctor? Entah lah labu...
Hmmm... exam oh exam...
Selamat maju jaya! All the best! Bittaufiq wannajah!
More Reads...
Visit:
Jeffooi - Screenshots = Thinking Aloud, Thinking Allowed
- Info tentang Malaysia... do I need to elaborate more? Hot debate everyday. Highly recommended to provoke your own views and stance. Used to be my daily visit, but since the exam is getting around, I can't afford to spend just an hour to view a single site.
Army Technology
- Dulu aku gila tentang benda-benda macam ini. Teman yang sama-sama gila dulu, Syukri (formerly known as Chol) belajar di USM sekarang. Dalam jurusan Aeronautical Engineering :-) Agaknya dia nak jadi military analyst, or perhaps rocket engineer agaknya.
Hmmm....
Apa agaknya yang dibuat oleh analyst hari-hari? Analyst - orang yang menganalisa/menyelidik. Kalau military analyst, agaknya hari-hari review weapons specification, dan cuba memahami doktrin ketenteraan sesebuah anggota angkatan bersenjata mengikut pembacaan sejarah dan juga pelaksanaan teknologi terkini dalam persenjataan. Contohnya: Bolehkah kereta kebal super-canggih M1 Abrams buatan Amerika yang beratnya 60 tan beroperasi di Malaysia? Ikut logik, tidak. Tenggelam dalam lumpur agaknya. Waima, di Malaysia sudah banyak pembangunan infrastruktur. Kawasan kampung semakin ditenggelami arus pembangunan. Jadi, kita kena lihat juga kebarangkalian kereta kebal ini digunakan dalam perang di kawasan bandar. Lain pula cerita. Macam mana nak counteract? Buka lagi cerita baru.... Selepas itu, mungkin membuat simulasi dan spekulasi mengikut apa-apa idea yang boleh diterima logik akal.Kemudian, mereka pun publish report and pandangan mereka. Agaknya la kot. I am just making a small talk here.
How about security analyst? Security? Bunyi macam sejenis dengan defense atau military, tapi lain benar pokoknya. Setahu aku, merekalah yang boleh 'meramal' jatuh naiknya saham sesebuah syarikat di bursa-bursa saham. Dulu si Nik Slepap pernah cerita, di Hang Seng, Wall Street, Nikkei, KLSE, dan di mana-mana bursa saham, penjual saham ini menggunakan rumours yang catchy untuk menarik pembeli saham. Bila ada demand, harga saham naik. Kayalah mereka. Contoh rumour mudah: "BMW to merge with Proton". Maka, tidak semena-mena saham Proton akan naik. Sebab pembeli saham nak beli, jadi ada permintaan; atas kepercayaan the merger will make both company berada dalam prosperity... ada masa depan yang cerah. Begitulah gamaknya. Jadi kerja security analyst ini, more or less menjadi fortune teller kepada headlines ini. Mereka memberikan pendapat mereka, dan terpulanglah kepada pembeli saham untuk menentukannya.
Sebab itu kalau dibuka majalah Personal Money atau yang sewaktu dengannya, ada satu column khas; namanya Market Watch. Atau yang lebih kurang sama maksudnya. Banyak komen si security analyst di sini. Aku pun tak berapa faham sangat apa yg diterangkan. Aku jadi clueless sangat bila memikirkan apa kaitannya Composite Index dengan ekonomi sesebuah negara. Al-maklumlah, aku bukan ahli dalam bab ini. Belum lagi disentuh Oligopoly, dan apa-apa jargons yang pelik-pelik.
Rasanya, sesiapa pun boleh jadi analyst. Analyst dalam bidangnya. Aku rasalah...
Jeffooi - Screenshots = Thinking Aloud, Thinking Allowed
- Info tentang Malaysia... do I need to elaborate more? Hot debate everyday. Highly recommended to provoke your own views and stance. Used to be my daily visit, but since the exam is getting around, I can't afford to spend just an hour to view a single site.
Army Technology
- Dulu aku gila tentang benda-benda macam ini. Teman yang sama-sama gila dulu, Syukri (formerly known as Chol) belajar di USM sekarang. Dalam jurusan Aeronautical Engineering :-) Agaknya dia nak jadi military analyst, or perhaps rocket engineer agaknya.
Hmmm....
Apa agaknya yang dibuat oleh analyst hari-hari? Analyst - orang yang menganalisa/menyelidik. Kalau military analyst, agaknya hari-hari review weapons specification, dan cuba memahami doktrin ketenteraan sesebuah anggota angkatan bersenjata mengikut pembacaan sejarah dan juga pelaksanaan teknologi terkini dalam persenjataan. Contohnya: Bolehkah kereta kebal super-canggih M1 Abrams buatan Amerika yang beratnya 60 tan beroperasi di Malaysia? Ikut logik, tidak. Tenggelam dalam lumpur agaknya. Waima, di Malaysia sudah banyak pembangunan infrastruktur. Kawasan kampung semakin ditenggelami arus pembangunan. Jadi, kita kena lihat juga kebarangkalian kereta kebal ini digunakan dalam perang di kawasan bandar. Lain pula cerita. Macam mana nak counteract? Buka lagi cerita baru.... Selepas itu, mungkin membuat simulasi dan spekulasi mengikut apa-apa idea yang boleh diterima logik akal.Kemudian, mereka pun publish report and pandangan mereka. Agaknya la kot. I am just making a small talk here.
How about security analyst? Security? Bunyi macam sejenis dengan defense atau military, tapi lain benar pokoknya. Setahu aku, merekalah yang boleh 'meramal' jatuh naiknya saham sesebuah syarikat di bursa-bursa saham. Dulu si Nik Slepap pernah cerita, di Hang Seng, Wall Street, Nikkei, KLSE, dan di mana-mana bursa saham, penjual saham ini menggunakan rumours yang catchy untuk menarik pembeli saham. Bila ada demand, harga saham naik. Kayalah mereka. Contoh rumour mudah: "BMW to merge with Proton". Maka, tidak semena-mena saham Proton akan naik. Sebab pembeli saham nak beli, jadi ada permintaan; atas kepercayaan the merger will make both company berada dalam prosperity... ada masa depan yang cerah. Begitulah gamaknya. Jadi kerja security analyst ini, more or less menjadi fortune teller kepada headlines ini. Mereka memberikan pendapat mereka, dan terpulanglah kepada pembeli saham untuk menentukannya.
Sebab itu kalau dibuka majalah Personal Money atau yang sewaktu dengannya, ada satu column khas; namanya Market Watch. Atau yang lebih kurang sama maksudnya. Banyak komen si security analyst di sini. Aku pun tak berapa faham sangat apa yg diterangkan. Aku jadi clueless sangat bila memikirkan apa kaitannya Composite Index dengan ekonomi sesebuah negara. Al-maklumlah, aku bukan ahli dalam bab ini. Belum lagi disentuh Oligopoly, dan apa-apa jargons yang pelik-pelik.
Rasanya, sesiapa pun boleh jadi analyst. Analyst dalam bidangnya. Aku rasalah...
Entry Pakdi...
Sedang membelek-belek buku yang dibeli secara online di Simplyislam. Delivery time - top notch! Aku pesan beberapa item Khamis lepas, dan ia sampai semalam pagi. Aku rekemen site ini kepada sesiapa yg di kawasan UK, Eire dan Europe - sebab syarikatnya UK-based, jadi lagi cepat kalau hendak dipos ke kawasan Eropah. Kalau di US, Islamic Bookstore. Wide range, and perhaps paling banyak pilihan dalam internet. Huih, bahana kad kredit. Bahaya-bahaya... nanti semua nak dibeli :-)
Lawat:
Simplyislam
Islamic Bookstore
Tapi, di Malaysia, paling banyak pilihan. Berlambak-lambak. Seronok gila! Argh aku nak balik!
Flashback:
Semalam, Tini yang akan pulang Jumaat nanti belanja makan tengahhari di Verona. Pergh.com! Sedap banget Garlic Mushroom dan Pizza Frut De Mara (betul ke...) - janji pizza seafood. Heh, macam reunion geng ex-Au di sini pula (memang pun... bertiga je). Trio yang tak belong to any particular college - PPP, KDU, Sunway, Taylor's, KMB, KMYS and the list goes on... Hmmm... akhirnya, Alhamdulillah, dapat juga apa yang diharapkan, sesuatu yang terjadi pasti ada hikmah - Allah tahu apa yang best, kita manalah tahu! Kita lah yang kena cari.
Entry pakdi hari ini pasti (insha Allah kalau hati belum keras lagi) membuat sesiapa pun terkedu. Berapa banyak yang telah kita buang selama ini? Adakah kita 'dump' dia untuk benda lain yang lebih menawan kalbu? Yang membuat kita meltdown...
Betullah kata orang : Novel tebal-tebal, Tom Clancy, Martin Corrick, Tim Mckintosh-Smith, to name a few, sekejap saja dikhatamkan. Al-Quran?
Dan aku tahu lah, ada orang kata, orang yang banyak baca Al-Quran pun, tak semestinya baik. Yup aku setuju. Apa kau ingat kau baca Al-Quran kau terus transform jadi malaikat macam dalam Transformer? Baca satu hal, nak fahamkan satu hal, dan dibuat lagi satu hal.
Betapa manusia ma - apa, nasia - yg dilupa; thanks muizz, I owe you one :-) itu mudah lupa. Manusia mudah lupa. Eh macam pernah dengar tapi di mana ya?
Al-Quran ini adalah cahaya. Cahaya membantu menerangkan hati. Bila hati terang, ilmu mudah masuk, maka apa-apa yang diajarkan oleh cikgu di depan, senang sahaja nak digarab.
Sebab itulah orang tua-tua selalu pesan kepada anak-anak :
Baca, hafal, dan fahamilah Al-Quran. Kenapa? Supaya mudah mengingati (lagi-lagi budak medic, anatomy, pharmacology, physio, pato, et cetera) matapelajaran yg kita belajar. Kenapa? Tak percaya kah? Kalau lirik lagu terbaru deras sahaja kita laungkan sewaktu kita beli-belah, berjalan kaki ke mana-mana, commuting, tunggu bas, kenapa tidak boleh pada Al-Quran?
Orang tua-tua banyak wisdomnya. Bukan saja orang yang dah lanjut, senior kita pun. Mereka hidup lagi lama dari kita. Sudah tentu lagi banyak asam & garam mereka pernah rasa. Aku ada seorang kawan di Kuala Lumpur, bila lepak berborak sampai bila tak habis. Dia bukanlah seorang yang power-mower macam lawnmower. Dia bukannya macam kebanyakan kita - punya pendidikan formal yang rapi - lepas SPM terbang sana-sini, ke IPTA dan IPTS. Tapi dia punya pengalaman - dia panjat tangga kehidupan, kena dengki orang, disantau, di'dump' kawan baik, banyak lagi. Alhamdulillah sekarang dia berada on the right track utk mencapai apa yang dicitakannya. Insha Allah berjayalah dia... Amin.
Bila aku berada dengannya, dia selalu ingatkan betapa bertuahnya aku. Memang betul pun. Selalunya kita membesar di dalam golongan kita sahaja. Golongan middle class dengan middle class sahaja. Yang upper class pun dengan upper class. Aku bukannya nak melabel kasta masyarakat, tapi kalau dalam sosiologi, itulah cara terbaik untuk lihat sesuatu lapisan masyarakat. Berbalik kita kepada pergaulan intra-lapisan. Mata kita takkan terbuka kalau kita tak berhubung dengan orang atas atau pun orang bawah kita. Bila macam itu, susah kita nak jadi orang yg betul-betul faham apa ceritanya dunia ini.
Sebab itulah, kita kena keluar. Befriend them. Jangan lupa, dalam kita menghirup Frapuccinno di Starbucks, ada yang sebaya dengan kita berjerih payah membaiki kereta di bengkel mana-mana. Hanya utk sesuap rezeki buat keluarga. Ada juga yang berkebun. Banyak lagi lah. Aku pun tak larat nak habiskan ceritanya.
Mula-mula dulu bergaul dengan kawan aku yang seorang ini, aku agak kekok. Mana tak nya, brain frequency lain-lain. Kita fikir game apa nak main lepas ini. Dia pula tengah brainstorm macam nak cari duit lagi. Lama-kelamaan, kita kenalah ikut rentaknya sekadar yang patut. Honestly speaking, kalau diletaknya aku di tempat dia, sah tak hidup. Aku pernah ditempelaknya dulu. Sampai sekarang berbekas. Tak kisah lah, janji ia cukup bermanfaat.
"Kalau kau nak tahu, yang bezakan aku dengan orang lain, adalah semangat dan akal. Aku tahu aku miskin, aku tahu aku kering, tapi tak bermakna aku bodoh... Kalau kau nak tahu, dalam dunia ini, aku dah jumpa banyak orang yang belajar tinggi-tinggi tapi tak tahu nak guna otak. Allah beri akal sama saja, kalau kau tak reti nak guna... nasib kau lah..."
Sebab itu kadang-kadang aku panas bila ada remarks macam ini:
"Orang kampung bodoh... sebab itu tak dapat masuk asrama.."
"Amboi... sedapnya kata.."
Orang "middle class" terutamanya di bandar - Dapat beli buku rujukan, buku latihan soalan tahun-tahun lepas, ditanggung untuk ke tuisyen. Suasana utk belajar ada. Selepas itu dapat A berjela-jela dalam peperiksaan.
Orang kampung - Dapat Skim Pinjaman Buku Teks. Tiada tuisyen. Jerih-payah mak ayah sedikit sebanyak mengganggu perhatian anaknya terhadap pelajaran. Kena juggle up between pelajaran dan tolong mak ayah. End up with lesser A's sometimes.
Hipotesis aku : Kemudahan dan suasana mungkin berkadaran dengan kecemerlangan akademik. In terms of memanusiakan manusia - semangat terus belajar etc, banyak lagi faktor lain. Senang cerita - Kesusahan membuatkan kita lebih menghargai peluang yang kita ada. Tanyalah mak ayah kita, yang dah bermati-matian untuk keluar dari lubuk kemiskinan. Betapa susahnya nak keluar, kita tak pernah rasa. Kita berada dalam 'comfort zone' all the time. Maka terhasillah generasi tak tahu bersyukur... Hmmm kalau dah senang lelang tapi tak sedar-sedar, bukankah kufur nikmat namanya?
Hmmm... barangkali sebab itulah ayah aku asyik cadangkan Indonesia sebagai destinasi untuk mengembara nanti. Seronok dengar cerita dia ke Jawa dulu, semasa itu dia masih muda remaja macam aku. Dia ke Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, dan banyak lagi. Pernah dia, setelah makanan tengah hari di sebuah gerai dan bila saja dia beredar, datang 2-3 kanak-kanak menghabiskan apa-apa makanan yang masih tertinggal. Syahdu kata ayah aku. Sekarang baru kufaham kenapa ayah beriya-iya sungguh mendesak aku ke Indonesia...
"Janganlah memalingkan pipi kamu daripada manusia, dan janganlah berjalan di bumi dengan sangat gembira; Allah tidak menyukai setiap orang yang sombong dan membanggakan diri."
Eh, dah melalut sangat aku. Maaf banyak-banyak okay?
Postscriptum: Saya baca, saya faham. Saya faham, saya buat. Saya buat salah, saya cuba lagi. Saya cuba lagi, akhirnya saya kaut hasil.
Lawat:
Simplyislam
Islamic Bookstore
Tapi, di Malaysia, paling banyak pilihan. Berlambak-lambak. Seronok gila! Argh aku nak balik!
Flashback:
Semalam, Tini yang akan pulang Jumaat nanti belanja makan tengahhari di Verona. Pergh.com! Sedap banget Garlic Mushroom dan Pizza Frut De Mara (betul ke...) - janji pizza seafood. Heh, macam reunion geng ex-Au di sini pula (memang pun... bertiga je). Trio yang tak belong to any particular college - PPP, KDU, Sunway, Taylor's, KMB, KMYS and the list goes on... Hmmm... akhirnya, Alhamdulillah, dapat juga apa yang diharapkan, sesuatu yang terjadi pasti ada hikmah - Allah tahu apa yang best, kita manalah tahu! Kita lah yang kena cari.
Entry pakdi hari ini pasti (insha Allah kalau hati belum keras lagi) membuat sesiapa pun terkedu. Berapa banyak yang telah kita buang selama ini? Adakah kita 'dump' dia untuk benda lain yang lebih menawan kalbu? Yang membuat kita meltdown...
Betullah kata orang : Novel tebal-tebal, Tom Clancy, Martin Corrick, Tim Mckintosh-Smith, to name a few, sekejap saja dikhatamkan. Al-Quran?
Dan aku tahu lah, ada orang kata, orang yang banyak baca Al-Quran pun, tak semestinya baik. Yup aku setuju. Apa kau ingat kau baca Al-Quran kau terus transform jadi malaikat macam dalam Transformer? Baca satu hal, nak fahamkan satu hal, dan dibuat lagi satu hal.
Betapa manusia ma - apa, nasia - yg dilupa; thanks muizz, I owe you one :-) itu mudah lupa. Manusia mudah lupa. Eh macam pernah dengar tapi di mana ya?
Al-Quran ini adalah cahaya. Cahaya membantu menerangkan hati. Bila hati terang, ilmu mudah masuk, maka apa-apa yang diajarkan oleh cikgu di depan, senang sahaja nak digarab.
Sebab itulah orang tua-tua selalu pesan kepada anak-anak :
Baca, hafal, dan fahamilah Al-Quran. Kenapa? Supaya mudah mengingati (lagi-lagi budak medic, anatomy, pharmacology, physio, pato, et cetera) matapelajaran yg kita belajar. Kenapa? Tak percaya kah? Kalau lirik lagu terbaru deras sahaja kita laungkan sewaktu kita beli-belah, berjalan kaki ke mana-mana, commuting, tunggu bas, kenapa tidak boleh pada Al-Quran?
Orang tua-tua banyak wisdomnya. Bukan saja orang yang dah lanjut, senior kita pun. Mereka hidup lagi lama dari kita. Sudah tentu lagi banyak asam & garam mereka pernah rasa. Aku ada seorang kawan di Kuala Lumpur, bila lepak berborak sampai bila tak habis. Dia bukanlah seorang yang power-mower macam lawnmower. Dia bukannya macam kebanyakan kita - punya pendidikan formal yang rapi - lepas SPM terbang sana-sini, ke IPTA dan IPTS. Tapi dia punya pengalaman - dia panjat tangga kehidupan, kena dengki orang, disantau, di'dump' kawan baik, banyak lagi. Alhamdulillah sekarang dia berada on the right track utk mencapai apa yang dicitakannya. Insha Allah berjayalah dia... Amin.
Bila aku berada dengannya, dia selalu ingatkan betapa bertuahnya aku. Memang betul pun. Selalunya kita membesar di dalam golongan kita sahaja. Golongan middle class dengan middle class sahaja. Yang upper class pun dengan upper class. Aku bukannya nak melabel kasta masyarakat, tapi kalau dalam sosiologi, itulah cara terbaik untuk lihat sesuatu lapisan masyarakat. Berbalik kita kepada pergaulan intra-lapisan. Mata kita takkan terbuka kalau kita tak berhubung dengan orang atas atau pun orang bawah kita. Bila macam itu, susah kita nak jadi orang yg betul-betul faham apa ceritanya dunia ini.
Sebab itulah, kita kena keluar. Befriend them. Jangan lupa, dalam kita menghirup Frapuccinno di Starbucks, ada yang sebaya dengan kita berjerih payah membaiki kereta di bengkel mana-mana. Hanya utk sesuap rezeki buat keluarga. Ada juga yang berkebun. Banyak lagi lah. Aku pun tak larat nak habiskan ceritanya.
Mula-mula dulu bergaul dengan kawan aku yang seorang ini, aku agak kekok. Mana tak nya, brain frequency lain-lain. Kita fikir game apa nak main lepas ini. Dia pula tengah brainstorm macam nak cari duit lagi. Lama-kelamaan, kita kenalah ikut rentaknya sekadar yang patut. Honestly speaking, kalau diletaknya aku di tempat dia, sah tak hidup. Aku pernah ditempelaknya dulu. Sampai sekarang berbekas. Tak kisah lah, janji ia cukup bermanfaat.
"Kalau kau nak tahu, yang bezakan aku dengan orang lain, adalah semangat dan akal. Aku tahu aku miskin, aku tahu aku kering, tapi tak bermakna aku bodoh... Kalau kau nak tahu, dalam dunia ini, aku dah jumpa banyak orang yang belajar tinggi-tinggi tapi tak tahu nak guna otak. Allah beri akal sama saja, kalau kau tak reti nak guna... nasib kau lah..."
Sebab itu kadang-kadang aku panas bila ada remarks macam ini:
"Orang kampung bodoh... sebab itu tak dapat masuk asrama.."
"Amboi... sedapnya kata.."
Orang "middle class" terutamanya di bandar - Dapat beli buku rujukan, buku latihan soalan tahun-tahun lepas, ditanggung untuk ke tuisyen. Suasana utk belajar ada. Selepas itu dapat A berjela-jela dalam peperiksaan.
Orang kampung - Dapat Skim Pinjaman Buku Teks. Tiada tuisyen. Jerih-payah mak ayah sedikit sebanyak mengganggu perhatian anaknya terhadap pelajaran. Kena juggle up between pelajaran dan tolong mak ayah. End up with lesser A's sometimes.
Hipotesis aku : Kemudahan dan suasana mungkin berkadaran dengan kecemerlangan akademik. In terms of memanusiakan manusia - semangat terus belajar etc, banyak lagi faktor lain. Senang cerita - Kesusahan membuatkan kita lebih menghargai peluang yang kita ada. Tanyalah mak ayah kita, yang dah bermati-matian untuk keluar dari lubuk kemiskinan. Betapa susahnya nak keluar, kita tak pernah rasa. Kita berada dalam 'comfort zone' all the time. Maka terhasillah generasi tak tahu bersyukur... Hmmm kalau dah senang lelang tapi tak sedar-sedar, bukankah kufur nikmat namanya?
Hmmm... barangkali sebab itulah ayah aku asyik cadangkan Indonesia sebagai destinasi untuk mengembara nanti. Seronok dengar cerita dia ke Jawa dulu, semasa itu dia masih muda remaja macam aku. Dia ke Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, dan banyak lagi. Pernah dia, setelah makanan tengah hari di sebuah gerai dan bila saja dia beredar, datang 2-3 kanak-kanak menghabiskan apa-apa makanan yang masih tertinggal. Syahdu kata ayah aku. Sekarang baru kufaham kenapa ayah beriya-iya sungguh mendesak aku ke Indonesia...
"Janganlah memalingkan pipi kamu daripada manusia, dan janganlah berjalan di bumi dengan sangat gembira; Allah tidak menyukai setiap orang yang sombong dan membanggakan diri."
Surah Luqman, ayat ke 18
Eh, dah melalut sangat aku. Maaf banyak-banyak okay?
Postscriptum: Saya baca, saya faham. Saya faham, saya buat. Saya buat salah, saya cuba lagi. Saya cuba lagi, akhirnya saya kaut hasil.
Untuk Bakal Ayah - Encik Mohsin (walaupun lambat lagi)
Quality? Time With Dad - Tips for Muslim fathers
It has been estimated that working fathers spend about 3 minutes a day with their children. Fathers who abandon their families, fathers who rarely see their children because of divorce, and fathers who are busy and have very little or nothing to do with the raising of their children are common.
Dad gets up early, takes the long drive to work, gets off late, takes the long drive home, and gets home very tired. He just wants to have supper, relax a little, and go to bed so that he can repeat the same routine the next day. Every now and then, he tells himself that he will spend more time with his children tomorrow.
But Muslims aren't like that, you say. Perhaps. How much time do you spend with your children in the day? Not just in the same house, but? together --- really together.
"Cats in the Cradle", by Harry Chapin tells the sad story of a boy who always tries to spend time with his father, but always finds him too busy. When the boy grows up and the father gets older, the father always wants to spend time with his son, but his son always has other things to do.
Quality time spent between a father and his children is essential for both the parent and the children. The children need to know that their father loves and cares for them, and the father needs to be careful that he doesn't lose his relationship with his children by neglect.
Tips to Improve Father-Child Relationship
There are several ways a father can spend quality time with his children and develop a relationship with them. Even if he is extremely busy, he can probably free up enough time to do some of these things.
1. Show your children in simple ways that you love them.
Some fathers try to appeal to their children by showering them with gifts rather than giving of themselves. This may cause more harm than good. The simple example of Prophet Muhammad(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is much better. When his daughter Fatima (May Allah be pleased with her) would come to him, the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to stand up, kiss her, take her hand, and give her his seat. Later in life, this personal type of affection will be much more memorable to children than receiving a gift that anyone could have given them.
2. Tell or read your children stories on some nights before? bed.
There are lots of excellent Islamic stories and books available that you can use, or you can make up your own. A twist on this idea is to ask your children to make up stories to tell you.
3. Teach your children to make wudu and pray with you
If at home, praying together as a family- Jamat(congregation) is better than? praying alone. Children love to call azan. Make the youngest one the salat manager at home, taking care of prayer rugs, timing, and inviting everyone to salat.
4. Take your children to the masjid with you
Once your child is old enough to know how to behave in the masjid, this is an excellent way for you to build a relationship with them as both a father and a Muslim.
5. Play with your children
You could play ball, colour pictures, build toy houses from blocks, or do whatever they like.
6. Let your children help you with simple tasks
Allow them to help you carry in the groceries, make dinner, or mow the yard. Children often get great joy from doing things that adults consider work.
7. Take the family to for a picnic
Spend time with your? children playing Frisbee, passing a ball, or pushing them in the swings. Your children will cherish this special time together as a family.
8. Help your children with their homework
Show them that you are truly interested in their education and life by asking them what they did in school and looking at their books, projects, and assignments with them.
9. Have regular meals as a family
It is very important that the family get together and have meals, so they may talk about each others days and issues.
10. Use driving time with your children
Don't just turn on the news and forget your children when they are in the car with you. Talk or joke with them, or sing Islamic songs together.
11. Give your small children a bath sometimes
Usually, mothers bathe the children, but bath time is an excellent opportunity for? fathers to be with their kids. Let them splash around and play a little more than mum does.
12. Be available for your children
Let them know that you are there for anything they want to discuss. If you are not available to talk to your children, somebody else probably will be, and it may be the wrong kind of person. A good way of getting to know your children better as individuals is to take them out one at a time for
eating, conversation, or some other event.
13. Practice talking with your child, not at him/her
Since the father often takes the main responsibility for disciplining the children, it is very easy for fathers to merely become order-givers rather than parents and companions of their children. Spend some time listening, rather than talking.
We only have one chance to be with our kids before they grow up. If we want them to love us and respect us when we are old, we have to build those relationships while they are young.
Fathers usually don't have the time to devote to their children that mothers do. But if we make the little time we have with our children quality time, we still might be able to build enduring relationships with them before it's too late.
By Ibrahim Bowers
Courtesy: http://www.everymuslim.com
Walaupun artikel ini agak advanced sangat bagi Encik Mohsin, tak apalah, janji kau ingat. Boleh bersedia dari awal :-)
Aku copy & paste sahaja dari email. Copy & paste... first time jumpa semasa Windows 3.1 dulu-dulu... berapa tahun dah agaknya?
It has been estimated that working fathers spend about 3 minutes a day with their children. Fathers who abandon their families, fathers who rarely see their children because of divorce, and fathers who are busy and have very little or nothing to do with the raising of their children are common.
Dad gets up early, takes the long drive to work, gets off late, takes the long drive home, and gets home very tired. He just wants to have supper, relax a little, and go to bed so that he can repeat the same routine the next day. Every now and then, he tells himself that he will spend more time with his children tomorrow.
But Muslims aren't like that, you say. Perhaps. How much time do you spend with your children in the day? Not just in the same house, but? together --- really together.
"Cats in the Cradle", by Harry Chapin tells the sad story of a boy who always tries to spend time with his father, but always finds him too busy. When the boy grows up and the father gets older, the father always wants to spend time with his son, but his son always has other things to do.
Quality time spent between a father and his children is essential for both the parent and the children. The children need to know that their father loves and cares for them, and the father needs to be careful that he doesn't lose his relationship with his children by neglect.
Tips to Improve Father-Child Relationship
There are several ways a father can spend quality time with his children and develop a relationship with them. Even if he is extremely busy, he can probably free up enough time to do some of these things.
1. Show your children in simple ways that you love them.
Some fathers try to appeal to their children by showering them with gifts rather than giving of themselves. This may cause more harm than good. The simple example of Prophet Muhammad(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is much better. When his daughter Fatima (May Allah be pleased with her) would come to him, the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to stand up, kiss her, take her hand, and give her his seat. Later in life, this personal type of affection will be much more memorable to children than receiving a gift that anyone could have given them.
2. Tell or read your children stories on some nights before? bed.
There are lots of excellent Islamic stories and books available that you can use, or you can make up your own. A twist on this idea is to ask your children to make up stories to tell you.
3. Teach your children to make wudu and pray with you
If at home, praying together as a family- Jamat(congregation) is better than? praying alone. Children love to call azan. Make the youngest one the salat manager at home, taking care of prayer rugs, timing, and inviting everyone to salat.
4. Take your children to the masjid with you
Once your child is old enough to know how to behave in the masjid, this is an excellent way for you to build a relationship with them as both a father and a Muslim.
5. Play with your children
You could play ball, colour pictures, build toy houses from blocks, or do whatever they like.
6. Let your children help you with simple tasks
Allow them to help you carry in the groceries, make dinner, or mow the yard. Children often get great joy from doing things that adults consider work.
7. Take the family to for a picnic
Spend time with your? children playing Frisbee, passing a ball, or pushing them in the swings. Your children will cherish this special time together as a family.
8. Help your children with their homework
Show them that you are truly interested in their education and life by asking them what they did in school and looking at their books, projects, and assignments with them.
9. Have regular meals as a family
It is very important that the family get together and have meals, so they may talk about each others days and issues.
10. Use driving time with your children
Don't just turn on the news and forget your children when they are in the car with you. Talk or joke with them, or sing Islamic songs together.
11. Give your small children a bath sometimes
Usually, mothers bathe the children, but bath time is an excellent opportunity for? fathers to be with their kids. Let them splash around and play a little more than mum does.
12. Be available for your children
Let them know that you are there for anything they want to discuss. If you are not available to talk to your children, somebody else probably will be, and it may be the wrong kind of person. A good way of getting to know your children better as individuals is to take them out one at a time for
eating, conversation, or some other event.
13. Practice talking with your child, not at him/her
Since the father often takes the main responsibility for disciplining the children, it is very easy for fathers to merely become order-givers rather than parents and companions of their children. Spend some time listening, rather than talking.
We only have one chance to be with our kids before they grow up. If we want them to love us and respect us when we are old, we have to build those relationships while they are young.
Fathers usually don't have the time to devote to their children that mothers do. But if we make the little time we have with our children quality time, we still might be able to build enduring relationships with them before it's too late.
By Ibrahim Bowers
Courtesy: http://www.everymuslim.com
Walaupun artikel ini agak advanced sangat bagi Encik Mohsin, tak apalah, janji kau ingat. Boleh bersedia dari awal :-)
Aku copy & paste sahaja dari email. Copy & paste... first time jumpa semasa Windows 3.1 dulu-dulu... berapa tahun dah agaknya?
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