Sunday, December 30, 2007
An email from Brother Sokry
He would wake up in the early hours (even during our programme, according to the guys) every day to have some time to study, and he even worked during the night I think. Not to forget his involvement in the community services that would take some of his time off for his study.
It amazes me how he could have managed his really hectic life, and his compassion to serving the Muslims in Cambodia is just so inspiring.
Anyway, he was the one who taught me how to 'sunat' (or circumcise) so personally for me, it would be hard to forget him. hehe. He even said I was good at it ..at suturing etc (muke bangga ;p). Jadi next time saya akan lebih bersemangat utk menyunat org... err..apakah??
Anyway, here's an email that I have just received from him, to all our teammates. It's good to know that there are people who are striving for the welfare of the muslims in Cambodia, and yes, all of the CRM team members will always keep Cambodia and its people in our hearts, and will not forget them. We will not forget to offer our prayers (if that's the least that we can do) for the Cambodians, and we wish to continue doing
relief missions in the near future (although I may not be able to join sob sob).
Here's the email:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, This is brother Him Sokrey, medical student in Cambodia and the acting member of IMAC.
We sincerely praise ALLAH Almighty for His countless blessings and bounties. Let us begin by reminding ourselves to always be God fearing (Fear Allah) in all instances and conditions. Let us believe that only by being God conscious can we then attain success in this world and the hereafter. I you are all, my friends, in the best of health and Iman and always guide by Almighty Allah.
How is your study after back from Cambodia? How do you feel of Cambodians? I miss you all very much especially those who always keep contact with me by sms and email. ha ha Remember the time we worked together, talked and shared, etc... Zaff and Farharna! In the attachment you will see what you want us, IMAC, to help you for your assignments. And I am very sorry for late doing that. Cuz I was very busy my final exams and Qurban program to the provinces. Hope this still can help you friends. Please try your best for the development of our brothers and sisters in Islam.
I would like to extend my grateful thanks to your group (relief misssion 2007) by pray to Allah to grant us will and power to get maximum benefits out of our activities. Good health, Rahmat, Taofiq, successfully and blessing from Allah are for Muslim in the World, especially for you all. I pray to Almighty Allah to help us all to serve Islam and Muslim. He is the only one God who can help us.
Your brother in Islam,
HIM SOKREY (Shukry bin Amin Ibrahim)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Inspiration
From wikipedia..
Early life
Ibn Sīnā's life is known to us from authoritative sources. A biography, which is widely considered by foremost Arabicists to have been composed by a disciple and later redacted, covers his first thirty years, and the rest are documented by his disciple al-Juzjani, who was also his secretary and his friend.
He was born in Central Asia around 980 (370 AH) in Balkh present day Afghanistan. His father, a respected Ismaili[27] or Sunni[2] scholar of Balkh, an important town of the Persian state of Khorasan, was at the time of his son's birth the governor in one of the Samanid Nuh ibn Mansur's estates. He had his son very carefully educated at Bukhara. Ibn Sina himself may have been either a Hanafi Sunni[2][3] or Twelver Shia.[28] Ibn Sina's independent thought was served by an extraordinary intelligence and memory, which allowed him to overtake his teachers at the age of fourteen. As he said in his autobiography there wasn't anything which he hadn't learned when he reached eighteen.
Ibn Sīnā was put under the charge of a tutor, and his precocity soon made him the marvel of his neighbours; he displayed exceptional intellectual behaviour and was a child prodigy who had memorized the Qur'an by the age of 7 and a great deal of Persian poetry as well. He learned Indian arithmetic from an Indian greengrocer, and he began to learn more from a wandering scholar who gained a livelihood by curing the sick and teaching the young. He also studied Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) under the Hanafi scholar Ismail al-Zahid.[2][3]
He was greatly troubled by the Metaphysics of Aristotle, which he could not understand until he read al-Farabi's commentary on the work.[29] For the next year and a half, he studied philosophy, in which he encountered greater obstacles. In such moments of baffled inquiry, he would leave his books, perform the requisite ablutions (wudu), then go to the mosque, and continue in prayer (salah) till light broke on his difficulties. Deep into the night he would continue his studies, and even in his dreams problems would pursue him and work out their solution. Forty times, it is said, he read through the Metaphysics of Aristotle, till the words were imprinted on his memory; but their meaning was hopelessly obscure, until one day they found illumination, from the little commentary by Farabi, which he bought at a bookstall for the small sum of three dirhams. So great was his joy at the discovery, thus made by help of a work from which he had expected only mystery, that he hastened to return thanks to God, and bestowed alms upon the poor.
He turned to medicine at 16, and not only learned medical theory, but also by gratuitous attendance on the sick had, according to his own account, discovered new methods of treatment. The teenager achieved full status as a physician at age 18 and found that "Medicine is no hard and thorny science, like mathematics and metaphysics, so I soon made great progress; I became an excellent doctor and began to treat patients, using approved remedies." The youthful physician's fame spread quickly, and he treated many patients without asking for payment.
Hebatnya ilmuwan Islam dahulu. Jom jadi mcm Ibnu Sina... kita belajar medic betul2.... jadi mantap macam dia inshaAllah...okey!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Istanbul trip
Awesome Istanbul trip! Great tripmates! Lovely and breathtaking sceneries! Perfect for honeymoons (ha-ha).Srius rasa macam nak dtg lagi!
And most importantly, how wonderful it had felt to listen to azans yg dilaungkan masjid demi masjid... and there were so manyyy mosques, beautiful mosques in istanbul. Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Fatih Mosque, to name a few. Beautiful and historic AyaSofya. Wonderful Topkapi Palace.
Ferry ride on the Bosphorus Sea. Shopping at the Bazaars (tee-hee).
Turkish apple tea, turkish kelims, turkish delight... and the 'You're Welcome' guy. Hehe.
Lovely, just lovely.
Except that everyone was down with the flu or fever by the end of the trip. But that did not stop us from enjoying the trip to the last bit, and spending the Lira (Turkish money) to the titisan2 duit yg terakhir.. huhu..
will update soon insyaAllah.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Stress??
just an essay I wrote for an assignment,,ayat agak skema and more medical student-oriented..teehe..
just hoping it'll help those who are in the situation of stress to loosen up a bit... and see stress in a different perspective... boleee nggakk?? ;p
Health Psychology and Human Diversity Reflective Essay: ‘Stress’
Stress. A word that is at most times associated with negative conditions and feelings. The feeling of stress or being tensed is perhaps one of the things in life that seemed to be unavoidable most of the times, and it may be caused by so many different things. Panic, fear, or financial problems are just few of the many other things that can cause stress. It brings about a spectrum of effects, and health issue is one of them, that we, as future doctors may be most concerned of. I am glad through the module of Health Psychology and Human Diversity, students are brought to visit this topic and are allowed to discuss on the issues that revolve around it.
Furthermore, as a medical student, I personally think that the topic of stress is something that is really easy to relate to, giving rooms for myself to reflect back on some issues. Being an international medical student, living in a country thousands of miles away from home, and being in the minority group in a foreign country, can be some possible stress-causing sources for me. And let’s add to that the challenge of coping with academic studies and the coming examinations. If these are not managed correctly, it can bring about some stress responses which may not only affect myself, but also the people around me.
However, I believe that it is important to change the perspective of looking at stress itself. Stress does not necessarily mean something negative, and in fact sometimes, we can deal with it in a positive way. Take the stress of exams for example. Instead of worrying about the exams and having nervous breakdowns as the date of examination gets closer, the more pragmatic way of dealing with it is preparing myself in advance by having proper notes and having academic discussions with peers. In this way, the stress itself will help boost my academic performance, giving a positive result. The stress would somehow encourage me to be more prepared for the exams as it draws closer.
Thinking back from previous years, I remember of a time when I had trouble dealing with the stress of examination. As the exam date drew closer, I grew more tensed each day. I felt my heart racing every time anyone mentions the exams, I felt tired easily, and I lost focus most of the time. It was perhaps due to the lack of self-confidence, and my own mistake of keeping the worries all to myself. I couldn’t find a way of releasing the stress and didn’t take up sports, either. At the time, it seemed like I couldn’t find a way out of the situation.
However, at last, with the support of friends and family, I finally managed to find my way through. Talking things out to other people had definitely made a huge difference afterwards, as I felt that I found support and strength from those people who care. It is also helpful to get involved in activities that may help to forget the stress, for example doing physical exercise or even, retail therapy!
I am also well aware that there are more sources of stress that awaits me in this path of becoming a doctor. Even doctors too may face stress and be under pressure, but it is important to know how to deal with it. In my opinion, if a doctor is able to handle his stress in the most appropriate way, then it will be easier for his patients to follow his advice on matters concerning the same topic of stress. This is because doctors are like role models and are looked up to by patients.
Also, as a future doctor, it is also important to acknowledge the influence of stress in causing health problems or exacerbating disease in patients. I believe that I will be encountering patients with all sorts of disease for example migraine, hypertension, ulcers and others, with stress as the major cause. Looking at it the other way round, some patients may even feel stressed caused by the diseases that they have, and this is also one of the points that I need to be aware of and keep in mind as a future doctor.
In a nutshell, stress is a common problem, which may be encountered by any one and at any time. The sessions in this module had somehow helped me realize the importance of understanding stress, knowing its sources and managing it well, as I’ve come to see that these will all help us deal with stress in a better way. By acknowledging stress and its many influences, it may even help us to become better doctors in the future.
******************************************************************************
Just remember, if you feel stressed or feels like anything close to breaking down, talk to someone...And the best to tal to is, none other than our Creator Himself. He KNOWS what we're going through, and He's ALWAYS there to listen to us. So, turn to Allah because He CARES. He is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim...
And do check out the meaning of Surah Al-Insyirah :) InsyaAllah dapat menenangkan hati...
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
An-Nahl
16:4 He creates man out of a [mere] drop of sperm: and lo! this same being shows himself endowed with the power to think and to argue!
16:6 and you find beauty in them when you drive them home in the evenings and when you take them out to pasture in the mornings.
16:7 And they carry your loads to [many] a place which [otherwise] you would be unable to reach without great hardship to yourselves. Verily, your Sustainer is most compassionate, a dispenser of grace!
16:8 And (it is He who creates] horses and mules and asses for you to ride, as well as for [their] beauty: and He will yet create things of which [today] you have no knowledge.
16:9 And [because He is your Creator,] it rests with God alone to show you the right path: [7] yet there is [many a one] who swerves from it. However, had He so willed, He would have guided you all aright.
16:10 It is He who sends down water from the skies; you drink thereof, and thereof [drink] the plants upon which you pasture your beasts;
16:11 [and] by virtue thereof He causes crops to grow for you, and olive trees, and date palms, and grapes, and all [other] kinds of fruit: in this, behold, there is a message indeed for people who think!
16:12 And He has made the night and the day and the sun and the moon subservient [to His laws, so that they be of use] to you; [9] and all the stars are subservient to His command: in this, behold, there are messages indeed for people who use their reason!
16:13 And all the [beauty of] many hues-which He has created for you on earth: in this, behold, there is a message for people who (are willing to] take it to heart!
16:14 And He it is who has made the sea subservient [to His laws], so that you might eat fresh meat from it, and take from it gems which you may wear. And on that [very sea] one sees [10] ships ploughing through the waves, so that you might [be able to] go forth in quest of some of His bounty, and thus have cause to be grateful [to Him].
16:15 And he has placed firm mountains on earth, lest it sway with you, [11] and rivers and paths, so that you might find your way,
16:16 as well as [various other] means of orientation: for [it is] by the stars that men find their way.
16:17 IS, THEN, HE who creates comparable to any [being] that cannot create? Will you not, then, bethink yourselves?
16:18 For, should you try to count God's blessings, you could never compute them! Behold, God is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace;
16:19 and God knows all that you keep secret as well as all that you bring into the open.
[An Nahl- Holy Quran]
let's take some time off the hustle and bustle of our everyday life... to just think and reflect....may He guide us to the right path, inshaAllah.. -mai shahira-
Thursday, November 22, 2007
beautiful song
Reminding myself,
that in whatever situation I am,
if I'm sad
or if I'm glad,
I can always find solace in Him..in His Words..
Let's make dua
That He makes things easy for us,
That He gives His Barakah and shines His light,
Upon us wherever we are,
And whatever we do.
And with his beautiful names of Asmaul Husna,
Shall we begin our dua and prayers....
OK...semangat kembali...caiyok~
Monday, November 19, 2007
IMAM Conference:Special Guest Dr Jemilah..A review
Bismillahirrahmanir rahim
On the day itself, Alhamdulillah the number of people who turned up, was good, and was as expected, (around 50 ppl, if not a little bit more than that).We began with prayers, some morning tea and a welcoming speech by the MC (Zaffiruddin) . Dr Ang Swee Chai, a Malaysian currently working in Royal London Hospital, was our first speaker. Actively involved in humanitarian work herself, she gave us an insight on the roles of Malaysian in the international arena- missions in Palestine, Lebanon, Pakistan and others.
Next up, our very own IMAM presentation, comprising of 3 presentations- 1. Introduction on IMAM (by Faizal Zulkhifli), 2. Acheh Relief Mission (Yusuf Abu Shamsi) and 3. Cambodia Relief Mission (Firdaus Rahim). We introduced what IMAM is all about, shared our visions and dreams, and presented our past to recent activities to the audience. Alhamdulillah the message came across well. According to many of the audience, the three presenters have made a very good job in ‘promoting’ IMAM (habis-habisan) to all who were present yesterday. So well done!
The most anticipated talk by Dr Jemilah was up next. Some points that I myself pondered upon was when Dr Jemilah mentioned that to be involved in humanitarian work, passion alone is not enough. Sure, passion drives you to do good things to others, but at the same time, you must have the correct SYSTEM as well. In this context she outlined a few principles and framework that we can apply. For example, being ACCOUNTABLE to the actions we make during relief work.
Another key point Dr Jemilah mentioned was that humanitarian work is not a touch-and-go project. Instead, it is one that requires continuity and follow-ups. She also encouraged us to conduct researches from database obtained during relief work since these reports would make a very good ‘evidence-based medicine’ data which is important in making a difference to more people.
UKEC was the last to present their own share of charity work, as they recounted their experiences of being involved in projects such as the: Projek Kalsom, Projek Setinggan, and Projek Chow Kit.
IMAM UK Sc have set up our booth at the back of the hall, with posters to introduce IMAM and its activities, and made some collection for relief mission donation. And we also did a BMI counter (we prepared the weighing scale and meter tape for them to weigh and measure themselves!) . Also, we have managed to get some students to register as IMAM members as well.
The success of any event is not just a measure of whether it went smoothly not.. or how many turned up. But more than that, it’s whether we have achieved the main objective of organizing the event or not. As a reminder our main, stated objective, it is ‘To introduce IMAM UK Eire and its relief work to Mercy and to the community’. Alhamdulillah, we have managed to bridge the networking with Mercy through this program and they have even offer to organize a training course for IMAM members in the UK for humanitarian relief work in the near future (which I think is a really good start.)
May we extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all who have made the event possible..To Mercy (Dr Jemilah and Marissa), MSD, UKEC, IMAM UK Dr Chapter (Dr Burhanuddin, Dr Azlisham), other doctors who have offered their advice as well, to all who came yesterday, and of course to IMAM UK Sc members who have contributed in so many ways. May Allah reward everyone for this effort, insyaAllah….
Assalamualaikum wbt.
Mai Shahira Meor Hazizi
Secretary,
IMAM UK Sc 2007
-also visit our website on http://www.imamukir eland.com/ v1/news.php -
Friday, November 16, 2007
Dr Jemilah's Talk
Thursday, November 8, 2007
As-Syams~the sun~ cik matahari
So just let's share something, an input from our usrah/Islamic circle last week...
Mari kite tadabbur dan baca dengan mata hati ayat2 di dalam surah ni.. menarik sgt!! =)
or take a look at the Tafsir: Fi Zilal
-jiwa dan penciptaannya yang sempurna...Alhamdulillah!-
sehingga satu hari yang rajin lagi...
salam
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Salam Aidilfitri!!
Or is it too late already, and the spirit of Raya is thinning in everyone? Nah, don't think so..Raya kan sebulan!!
Sorry if I have not been replying messages, posting new blog posts etc....I still have not gotten the internet connection to our new home yet! Memang sangat terseksa tanpa internet..but insyaAllah it'll be available by the end of this week.
Just a quick message here to wish everyone a Happy Hari Raya again, and also maaf zahir batin jika ada salah silap selama ini ok? salaaaaaam
Monday, September 24, 2007
In Memory of NurinJazlin
Moga rohnya dicucuri rahmat.
In Memory of NurinJazlin
Here's one from the many articles on the case of Nurin:
Dad accepts DNA results
By LOONG MENG YEE
KUALA LUMPUR: Jazimin Abdul Jalil had twice denied his daughter at the mortuary. He had yearned for Nurin Jazlin to come home alive.
“How can I wish for my daughter to be dead? When I went to identify her twice, there was no DNA result given to me.
“My heart would not allow me to accept the girl lying there, battered to death, as my Nurin – not without proof,” said Jazimin at his sparse two-bedroom flat in Wangsa Maju yesterday evening after Nurin was laid to rest at the Taman Ibu Kota Muslim cemetery.
But in the face of overwhelming media reports that police had released the DNA result, Jazimin and several family members including eldest brother Jasni sought confirmation from the police about 10pm on Thursday.
At the Petaling Jaya district headquarter, the officers told Jazimin that the DNA test was 99.99% conclusive and the dental record that police obtained from Nurin’s school gave a convincing 95% match.
Even then, Jazimin called for a second DNA test.
Jasni who accompanied him to the police HQ related that Jazimin was silent during the drive home after midnight.
When they reached home, Jazimin who had always seemed strong throughout the period that his eight-year-old daughter had been missing, finally crumbled.
“Enough. Bring my daughter home. I do not want her to be cut up again,” Jazimin told the family.
For one whole month, the family – mother Norazian Bistamin, 35, and sisters Jazshira, nine, Jazrina, six and 18-month-old Jazlisa – had waited for “Kak Ngah” to turn up.
But not in the manner that she did on Monday – naked, tortured, and dead in a sports bag.
All she did was take a walk to the pasar malam near her home in Wangsa Maju on the night of Aug 20 to buy her favourite hair clips. Witnesses reported seeing a man dragging a screaming Nurin into a white van.
When Nurin was found on Monday morning in the bag left at a shoplot in PJS1/48, Petaling Utama, police called up Jazimin to view the body.
His conclusion then was a vehement “no”, that she wasn’t Nurin – a conviction he maintained on Thursday at the second viewing.
But the DNA result could not be denied, nor the reality that Nurin would not be coming home ever again.
“Nurin came to us perfect and she returned to Allah perfect.
“She looked cukup sempurna (perfect) today (Friday). Nurin has gone to heaven because she is innocent,” said Jazimin, 33, who drives a taxi for a living. The search for Nurin has ended, but there is no closure.
“We owe her justice. Find her killer and restore justice to my baby,” said Jazimin.
“These psychos who should be put away in jail. They should be thrown out of the country. They are uncivilised,” he said.
The family’s ordeal moved the nation, but there were some who only added to the family's pain.
Jasni said that hate mail was sent to the parents via SMS, blaming them for letting Nurin wander off to the night market on her own.
The 44-year-old company secretary explained that the family quarters in Wangsa Maju lacked space so that was why the children would venture outdoors.
“Please tell everyone, the family thank them for the tremendous support,” said Jasni.
“They lost Nurin, but painful as it is for them, they are comforted by the knowledge that others share their grief,” he said
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
10 more days...
It's more of a mixed feeling really; it sure is sad to leave Malaysia again and everything great about the country (namely food, family, friends, etc etc) but still, the excitement of entering second year of Medics life can hardly be contained!! Getting into a house for a change after a year living in the student hall is one amongst many things that I'm really hyped up about and can't really wait for :D . ALTHOUGH it is sad to leave the student hall(Opal Court) when I loved it so much for this 1 year previously and leaving some friends behind... uwaa!!
I can imagine the feelings of the juniors who will be flying to their respective universities this week or next week. Sure must be sad leaving your family so far and for such a long time (if 9 months is considered long!). Perhaps the feeling of homesickness is something that can't be avoided in the first few months being there, but believe me, you'll adapt soon enough. And not to worry, the seniors will try to help you in any way that we can. And as for the Leicesterians-to-be, I hope you'll enjoy and love Leicester like I love it.. heheh...
Take the opportunity to really learn as much as you can, not just in terms of academics, but more importantly to learn more about LIFE, about FRIENDSHIP, and of so much more...
And remember that everywhere we go, Allah is always there with us to take care of us and to provide us security. So don't worry so much ok?! :)
Salaam!!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Cambodia: Orphanage Home visit II
And next, some outdoor activites for the kids!!
While the boys started to play soccer with the older kids, we were left deciding on how to entertain the younger kids. Musical chair? Nah, can't find any chairs to begin with. Galah panjang? No to that too, it'll be a bit hard to explain the rules of the game etc etc. So what else then? We turned to Afa, asking her opinion. "I know, we can play Tadom's Lekcer"( OK I don't know how to spell it, but it sounded like that to me, at least!). she said to us. "Er, what is that?" we wondered. Well, it turned out to be a traditional game of the Cambodian people, and there's not much need to explain to the kids, since they're all experts on the game already.
And so we began. Afa as the 'host' and with 2 teams, 10 people on each side, we lined up. Each person on a side was numbered one to ten. And when Afa shouted one of the numbers, say 2, the person numbered 2 from each team will need to come fwd to the middle and grab a stick, then go back to their own team. The trick is that, once you get the stick, if the person from the other team 'pat' or 'touch' you, you're out of the game. So you need to have STRATEGY and you need to be FAST.
I was a number 7, or 'Prampi' in Cambodian. When Afa screamed 'Prampi' I dashed to the middle, only to be faced with this really cute-looking boy, aged perhaps only 8 or 9. But, oh boy, was he fast! And he took the stick without me realizing it, and when I tried to chase him, I failed (miserably). And the next time I grabbed the stick, he was fast enough to chase me, and I never really reached my team back successfully. Kuikuikui, but it was definitely fun, really. It's just great to see the smiles on the faces of the other kids who were watching the game, and to see them just so happy!!!
Next up: A match of the traditional game, this time it's between us, The Malaysian Medics versus the Cambodian Medics.This time, I decided not to participate but became the cameraman instead. Hehe and thank God i didn't play, so ganas la everyone played hehehh.. both team played with true team spirit...and it was really fun. And funny. :) And
it's just great to see the kids smiling and cheering for us, and just having a great time together.
Then there was the balloons-and-sweets-giving ceremony to the kids and we snapped some photos for the memories.
All sunburnt from the scorching heat of the afternoon, we came back from the field- with smiles plastered on each of our faces. I wasn't actually expecting them to prepare us lunch, but they did. The kids had their usual lunch of long bean and rice, but for us, they had a special treat which was a fried fish, long bean and rice for each of us. OK, I actually felt a little bit 'guilty' somehow that for us, they needed to prepare something else, but at the same time, it was really touching that they were such good hosts. And for that, I am very thankful.
(to be continued..)
Cambodia: Orphanage Home visit
We were all set up to visit the Orpahanage Home in Phnom Penh, and to our delight we were accompanied by a few Cambodian Medic Students from Islamic Medical Association of Cambodia (IMAC). So, it was a great opportunity definitely to meet up with them, share and exchange experiences, stories and so much more!
Afa is a 3rd year medic student (if I'm not mistaken!) of one of the Medical University in Phnom Penh. And guys, do you know, in Cambodia, they study Medicine for 8 years!! And it is in French! Along the 1 hour journey to the Orphanage Home, Afa shared a lot of stories of her families, of what was it like for her parents and grandparents during the Pol Pot regime and etc. Her family was actually one of the few important and professional Muslim in Cambodia, therefore this is a further threat to the family during that time. But Alhamdulillah, her family survived this dreadful era.
Upon reaching the Orphanage Home, we were so TOUCHED to be greeted by those lovely smiling kids, and their carers. There were about 150 of them, many of which, smiled shyly towards us. They're soooooo cute.. And it happened that they didn't carry out their classes for the morning because of our presence. *terharu*. The orphanage was a newly built place, and the kids have only arrived there about a week ago. They came from many various villages and provinces, even out of Phnom Penh, to be given proper education, love and care. The Home was sponsored mainly by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And the kids, were aged around 7 to 15.
Here, they're given basic education, on Arabic Language, and Islamic studies and other knowledge as well. We made our way to their hostels, and visited them, and ask basic questions to them. (Since the only Cambodian Language we knew was: 'What is your name?', and 'How old are you'!). And next, some outdoor activites for the kids!!
(to be continued..)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Ramadhan is here!!
It's so good to have Ramadhan at home, with both of my parents. (Yippee yeay!) .You don't get this chance too often nowadays. Take last year for instance. My first day of Ramadhan was the first day I stepped foot on UK! That first sahur was the delicacies from MAS ,as we were on the 12-hour journey to Heathrow Airport, London. But Alhamdulillah, it was a great new experience nonetheless.
I remember we needed to join the Medics Introweek on that first week we arrived in Leicester. I guess you can say we're lucky to be in Leicester, because there are so many of the first year students who are Muslims. Not only the British Pakistanis, but also from other nationalities as well: from Turkey, Nigeria, Philippines, Iran....the list goes on.[See? we're so much multicultural than any place I know] :) . so it's a great Muslim community, where you don't at all feel left-out or anything like that. In that particular Introweek, I remember we had this mlm kemuncak of that Introweek where the Medics throw a big dinner and they did had one special section for the Muslims...as we also were breaking fast at about the same time.
It is great indeed, to have many sisters (and brothers) of the same faith to be around us, who are are always warm with their smiles [and of salaam each time we meet], and they're also willing to share some thoughts and stories with us. In fact, that is the beauty of Islam, no matter what colour you are, or what nationalities, and no matter where you come from or look like, nothing comes in the way of a beautiful friendship. Because we are bonded by this very precious and beautiful faith we call Islam. Allahuakbar!!
Till then, wishing everyone a great Ramadhan ahead, dalam "30 Hari Mencari Cinta Ilahi". Happy Fasting!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Terima Kasih Tuhan
Caption ini terasa sangat2 menarik hati saya.
Mungkin nampak simple, tapi sebenarnya besar dan mendalam sungguh makna yang tersirat di sebaliknya.
Bahawa seteruk mana dosa kita, setinggi gunung mana kesilapan yang selalu kita buat,,, yang pasti...rahmat Tuhan itu lebih banyak dan tinggi lagi dari itu.
Sebab apa? Sebab dia Tuhan yang Maha Pengasih,,,lagi Maha Penyayang,,
The Most Beneficient. The Most Merciful.
Cuma kita saja terkadang lupa.
"Ya Allah, betapa banyaknya yang aku telah terleka dan terlalai (terutamanya pada masa-masa cuti ni... )
Ya Allah, jangan jadikan hati ini hati yang mati... Dan jangan Kau palingkan aku dari jalan kebenaran setelah Kau berikan ku nikmat yang sangat-sangat indah itu. Because I cannot live without all of that.."
Terima Kasih Tuhan
Terimakasih wahai Tuhanku
Yang sentiasa melimpahkan Rahmat-Nya
Membenarkan aku menghadap-Mu Tuhan
Yang Maha Pengasih dan Maha Penyayang
Untuk bercakap dengan-Mu Tuhan
Mengizinkan kuminta pada-Mu
Memuja-memuji sepenuh hatiku
Memohon munajat pada-Mu Ya Rabbi
Terimakasih wahai Tuhanku
Yang sentiasa melimpahkan Rohmat-Nya
Membenarkan aku menghadap-Mu Tuhan
Yang Maha Pengasih dan Maha Penyayang
Untuk bercakap dengan-Mu Tuhan
Mengizinkan kuminta pada-Mu
Memuja-memuji sepenuh hatiku
Memohon munajat pada-Mu Ya Rabbi
a a a a a....
Tapi aku khuatir ketika menghadap-Mu
Tidak pula pandai beradab dengan-Mu
Aku mula bimbang kalau aku derhaka
Dalam ketaatan bukan Rahmat dari-MU yang kudapat
Tapi ku kan dapat kemarahan-Mu
Ya Rabbal Alamin
Maafkanlah Aku
Ya Rabbal Alamin
Maafkanlah Aku
Saturday, September 8, 2007
worth sharing
Islam is not an exclusive religion- Do get that right people! Spread the message of Islam, without taking into account his/her background. Because they deserve to know! It is their right to know of Islam. And quit making this religion seem so difficult to follow..It only becomes difficult when people started putting so much karut-marut stuff in it, which is not right. Islam is a practical and easy religion to follow- No matter who you are, when you know the real teaching of Islam, your soul will definitely be touched by the beauty of it all.
Let's get back to Quran and Sunnah- study what is inside the Quran, yes reciting the Quran is definitely good but don't just stop there. But try to know the tafsir/terjemahan of the Quran. Just as an example, Surah Al-Insyirah: If you really know what it contains, it will motivate you so much in whatever things that you're doing, and you'll feel like it is a MUST to do the best in everything -cos that's what God asks from us..
This is an article from Dr Asri which I think worth sharing,, tell me what you think, agree or not eh?
Mudahkan Pendekatan Islam, Jangan Eksklusifkannya
Mudah-mudahkan agama dalam erti kata melaksanakannya dalam keadaan yang cuai dan tidak menepati kehendak nas-nas al-Quran dan hadis yang sahih adalah kesalahan dalam agama. Namun begitu, menjadikan agama begitu payah dan sukar hingga melampaui batasan yang diperuntukkan oleh nas-nas agama juga salah.
AMAT memeritkan perasaan apabila melihat sesetengah pihak menyebut: “Nak faham Islam ini susah, kami tidak cukup masa, ada macam-macam kena buat masa muda ini. Tunggulah kami dah tua.”
Ungkapan ini lahir dari salah tanggapan mereka bahawa Islam adalah agama yang sukar difahami dan sukar untuk diamalkan.
Ini berpunca dari cara pengajarannya yang susah dan isi yang dipayah-payahkan oleh sesetengah pihak. Dengan kita akur untuk menjadi pakar ilmu-ilmu Islam memanglah tidak mudah, bahkan menjadi pakar apa-apa ilmu pun tidak mudah. Namun memahami dan mengamalkan Islam secara umumnya adalah mudah dan mampu dicapai oleh setiap lapisan manusia. Jika tidak bagaimana mungkin Islam menjadi agama sejagat yang diutuskan untuk setiap insan tanpa mengira latar kehidupan dan pendidikan.
Memang, mudah-mudahkan agama dalam erti kata melaksanakannya dalam keadaan yang cuai dan tidak menepati kehendak nas-nas al-Quran dan hadis yang sahih adalah kesalahan dalam agama. Namun begitu, menjadikan agama begitu payah dan sukar hingga melampaui batasan yang diperuntukkan oleh nas-nas agama juga salah.
Firman Allah: (maksudnya): Mereka yang mengikut Rasulullah (Muhammad s.a.w) Nabi yang Ummi, yang mereka dapati tertulis (namanya dan sifat-sifatnya) di dalam Taurat dan Injil yang ada di sisi mereka. Dia menyuruh mereka dengan perkara-perkara yang baik, dan melarang mereka daripada melakukan perkara-perkara yang keji; dan dia menghalalkan bagi mereka segala benda yang baik, dan mengharamkan kepada mereka segala benda yang buruk; dan ia juga menghapuskan dari mereka beban-beban dan belenggu-belenggu yang ada pada pada mereka. (Surah al-‘Araf: 157)
Firman Allah lagi: (maksudnya) Allah menghendaki kamu beroleh kemudahan, dan Ia tidak menghendaki kamu menanggung kesukaran. (Surah al-Baqarah: 185).
Firman Allah juga: (maksudnya) Allah (sentiasa) hendak meringankan (beban hukumnya) daripada kamu, kerana manusia itu dijadikan berkeadaan lemah. (Surah al-Nisaa’: 28).
Saya tidak ingin membicarakan tentang golongan yang cuai terhadap agama yang telah banyak diperkatakan oleh ustaz-ustaz kita. Semoga Allah memberikan pahala untuk mereka. Saya bicarakan tentang sikap sesetengah pihak yang cuba menonjolkan Islam seakan ia agama yang begitu sukar untuk dihayati dan seakan tidak akan sampai ke dataran Islam ini melainkan beberapa kerat manusia sahaja. Maka hukum-hakam yang mereka ajar kelihatan begitu susah untuk difahami, apatah lagi untuk dihayati.
Lihat sahajalah, haji yang hanya beberapa hari untuk ditunaikan, tetapi kursus yang dibuat berbulan-bulan. Ia diajar dengan cara yang sukar disebabkan pelbagai faktor. Salah satunya; tokok tambah ajaran agama yang menyebabkan orang awam sentiasa keliru dan tidak mampu kerana terpaksa menghafal berbagai-bagai ayat dan peraturan yang sebahagian besarnya tidak pernah diajar pun oleh hadis-hadis Nabi s.a.w. yang sahih.
Ini seperti menetapkan pelbagai bacaan khas bagi setiap pusingan tawaf. Lalu mereka buat bisnes pula bagi yang tidak mampu menghafal dengan menjual buku atau alatan tertentu. Demikian juga kecenderungan sebahagian pengajar hukum-hakam syarak menjatuhkan hukuman haram dan batal amalan seperti terbatal akad nikah hanya kerana terputus nafas, terbatal solat kerana pergerakan lebih dari tiga kali, terbatal puasa kerana berenang dalam kolam dan seumpamanya. Sedangkan nas-nas al-Quran dan al-sunah tidak menyatakan demikian.
Kecenderungan
Di samping itu kecenderungan memperincikan perkara yang tidak perlu sehingga ramai yang keliru. Umpamanya syarat niat yang bukan-bukan sehingga ada buku menetapkan puluhan syarat niat. Bukannya menjadikan orang faham maksud niat, sebaliknya bertambah kabur.
Padahal setiap aktiviti insan secara sedar mempunyai niat. Maka dengan itu kita katakan ‘membunuh dengan niat’, sekalipun si pembunuh tidak melafazkannya secara lisan ketika hendak membunuh atau menghafal syarat niat. Malangnya, akibat salah ajaran, seseorang berulang kali bertakbir dalam solatnya, kononnya belum masuk niat.
Padahal, jika dia tidak berniat solat, bagaimana mungkin dia boleh berada di saf untuk solat? Demikian juga mendetilkan tentang jenis-jenis air dalam berwuduk berbulan perbahasannya sedangkan solat diperlukan lima kali sehari. Inilah yang menyebabkan ada yang baru masuk Islam tidak solat berbulan kerana bab wuduk belum habis dibincang.
Pendekatan ini menyebabkan Islam menjadi eksklusif seakan hanya untuk sekelompok manusia sahaja. Sementara selain mereka hanyalah manusia yang terpaksa bertaklid buta disebabkan kononnya tidak mampu untuk memahami apa sahaja hal ehwal agama ini kerana akal mereka tidak kesampaian. Sebenarnya, bukan tidak kesampaian, tetapi pendekatan pengajaran yang telah melanggar garis panduan Nabi s.a.w. lantas menyanggahi logik insan.
Hal ini berbeza dengan arahan baginda s.a.w. Sabda baginda: Agama itu mudah. Tiada seorang yang memberat-beratkannya melainkan dia menjadi susah. Maka bersederhanalah, dekatilah yang tepat dan gembirakanlah mereka. (Riwayat al-Bukhari).
Pendekatan Nabi s.a.w. adalah pendekatan mudah yang membolehkan sebanyak mungkin manusia merasai kebersamaan mereka dalam Islam ini. Antaranya baginda mengkritik imam yang memanjangkan solatnya, tanpa meraikan keadaan makmum yang pelbagai di belakangnya. Baginda bersabda: Wahai manusia! sesungguhnya di kalangan kamu ada yang menyebabkan orang lari. Sesiapa di kalangan kamu yang bersolat (menjadi imam) untuk orang ramai, maka ringkaskanlah, kerana di kalangan mereka ada yang tua, lemah dan yang mempunyai urusan. (Riwayat al-Bukhari dan Muslim).
Pendekatan yang menyukarkan ini berlarutan sehingga dalam pengajian akidah. Sesetengah perbincangan akidah dipengaruhi falsafah lama yang kadang-kala tidak membawa kekuatan kepada akidah, bahkan kepada kepenatan akal dan kecelaruan.
Ini seperti Allah ada lawannya tiada, dengar lawannya pekak, melihat lawannya buta, tidak berjisim, tidak berjirim dan seumpamanya. Kemudian diikuti falsafah-falsafah yang memeningkan. Keletihanlah anak-anak muda untuk memahaminya. Bahkan kadangkala guru yang mengajar pun tidak faham. Untuk mengelakkan dia dipersoalkan dia akan berkata: “Barang siapa banyak bertanya maka lemahlah imannya…”
Maka tidak hairanlah jika yang baru menganut Islam kehairanan bertanya: Mengapa Tuhan itu ada, selepas lawan maka Dia sudah tiada? Akidah sebenar hilang dalam kepincangan perbahasan falsafah.
Akidah Islam adalah yang bersih dan mudah difahami. Bacalah al-Quran dan al-sunah, lihatlah perbincangan akidah dalam kedua sumber agung itu, sangat jelas dan tidak berbelit. Dalam hanya beberapa ayat seperti isi al-Ikhlas, al-Quran menyerlah konsep akidahnya, tidak perlu menyukarkan.
Dalam ajaran Islam, persoalan tauhid dan akidah adalah perkara paling mudah dan senang untuk difahami. Ini kerana memahami akidah satu kemestian termasuk yang buta huruf, badawi di padang pasir sehinggalah kepada golongan terpelajar dan cerdik pandai. Maka tidak hairanlah pada zaman Nabi s.a.w., para perwakilan yang datang mengambil dari baginda dalam beberapa ketika sahaja, namun mampu mengislamkan keseluruhan kabilahnya. Sebab, konsep yang jelas dan mudah.
Kalaulah perbahasan akidah begitu sukar dan susah seperti yang difahami oleh golongan ahli kalam dan falsafah, bagaimana mungkin golongan awam yang buta huruf atau tidak memiliki kecerdasan akal yang tinggi untuk memahaminya?
Kata Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi: “Tambahan pula, perbahasan ilmu kalam, sekalipun mendalam dan kepenatan akal untuk memahami dan menguasainya, ia bukannya akidah… Lebih daripada itu perbahasan ilmu kalam telah terpengaruh dengan pemikiran Yunan dan cara Yunan dalam menyelesaikan masalah akidah. Justeru imam-imam salaf mengutuk ilmu kalam dan ahlinya serta berkeras terhadap mereka.” (Al-Qaradawi, Thaqafah al-Da’iyah, m.s. 92 Beirut: Muassasah al-Risalat (1991). Sebab itu – barangkali – dakwah kepada akidah Islam di tempat kita tidak subur. Sebaliknya cerita keluar Islam yang disuburkan.
Proses pemulihan akidah pun dalam banyak rekodnya adalah gagal. Ini kerana kita banyak berfalsafah dari membahaskan akidah berdasarkan al-Quran dan al-sunah. Maka bacalah buku-buku akidah yang jelas membimbang jiwa dan akal secara fitrah, bukan falsafah yang menyusahkan.
Ramai orang muda atau profesional yang menghadiri kelas-kelas pengajian saya. Saya katakan kepada mereka hadirlah dengan kebiasaan anda dan fahamilah apa yang hendak disampaikan. Anda tidak diwajibkan berkopiah, atau berjubah. Pakailah apa sahaja yang anda selesa. Bukan syarat masuk ke masjid mesti berketayap.
Memahami
Jangan kita letakkan syarat hendak memahami agama ini yang bukan-bukan. Nanti ramai yang tidak sampai maklumat Islam kepadanya. Atau akan menjadi peraturan yang dianggap agama, akhirnya diwajibkan secara tidak sedar. Lihat saja sebahagian wanita muslimah kita. Mereka sekalipun telah menutup aurat, namun jika tidak memakai telekung mereka rasa sukar untuk solat. Bahkan ada yang rasa tidak boleh bersolat tanpa telekung. Padahal telekung itu, hanyalah budaya Asia Tenggara. Solatlah dengan pakaian anda selagi menutup aurat.
Demikian sebahagian buku atau filem menggambarkan seorang soleh dalam rupa yang sempit. Digambarkan insan yang beramal dengan Islam itu terpaksa mengasingkan hidupnya dan beruniform berbeza dengan orang lain. Ini seperti apabila ditonjolkan watak orang soleh ialah lelaki yang berserban, tangan memegang tasbih sentiasa, tidak bergaul dengan manusia biasa, sebaliknya hanya berjalan sendirian. Itulah wali kononnya. Adakah Nabi s.a.w. dan para sahabatnya berwatak demikian sehingga kita jadikan itu ciri-ciri orang soleh? Tidakkah berjalan dengan sentiasa memegang tasbih lebih menampakkan ciri-ciri riak dalam amalan?
Sebab itu al-Imam Ibn Jauzi (meninggal 597H) mengkritik sebahagian dari sikap ini dengan menyatakan: “Di kalangan golongan zuhhad (golongan sufi) ada mereka yang memakai baju yang koyak tidak dijahit dan membiarkan serban dan janggutnya tidak berurus untuk menunjukkan dia tidak mementing dunia. Ini sebahagian dari riak (menunjuk-nunjuk).” (Ibn Jauzi, Talbis Iblis, m.s. 179-180, Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah).
Lebih buruk lagi, penonjolan watak yang seperti itu menjadikan Islam tidak praktikal untuk semua manusia, sebaliknya hanya untuk beberapa kerat manusia ajaib sahaja.
Demikian juga, kadangkala buku-buku kerohanian menggambarkan untuk mendekatkan diri kepada Allah begitu sukar sehingga seakan tidak akan dicapai oleh manusia biasa. Pengamal Islam itu seakan manusia maksum seperti malaikat. Bebas dari urusan dunia. Ini boleh mematahkan semangat orang awam dari menghayati Islam. Padahal Nabi s.a.w. dan para sahabat tidak demikian rupa kehidupan mereka.
Sehingga Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi mengkritik beberapa pandangan al-Imam al-Ghazali r.h dengan katanya: “Apa yang dapat difahami dari himpunan kitab-kitab sufi al-Ghazali yang mengandungi pengaruh kezuhudan yang kuat – sekalipun secara tidak langsung – bahawa insan contoh di sisi al- Ghazali dan golongan sufi secara amnya bukanlah insan yang dikenali oleh para sahabah r.a, yang difahami dari al-Quran, sunah dan sirah.
“Insan contoh yang difahami oleh para sahabah ialah insan yang menghimpunkan antara dunia dan akhirat, antara hak dirinya dan Tuhannya, antara meningkatkan roh dan berkhidmat kepada masyarakat, antara menikmati nikmat dunia dan bersyukur kepada Allah s.w.t, antara beribadat dan berjalan serta bertebaran atas muka bumi mencari kurniaan rezeki-Nya, yang bekerja untuk dunia seakan hidup selamanya dan beramal untuk akhirat seakan akan mati esoknya.” (Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi, al-Imam al-Ghazali: Baina Madihih wa Naqidih, m.s 164, Beirut: Muassasah al-Risalah).
Apabila ada wartawan bertanya tentang; adakah ubat tertentu haram kerana kononnya ada najis tertentu, saya jawab: “Begitulah kita berterusan, jika asyik mencari perkara untuk dihukum haram sedangkan dalam masa kita tidak berusaha menjadi pengeluar. Maka sempitlah umat ini dengan keputusan-keputusan haram dalam banyak perkara.
“Sebelum menjawab saya ingin kata: Kita semua hidup dalam keadaan haram kerana selalu bergantung kepada orang lain dan tidak menunaikan fardu kifayah memerdekakan umat. Sehingga akhirnya masyarakat dunia kata; kita hanyalah umat yang tahu mengharamkan, bukan menghasilkan produk untuk kebaikan manusia.”
Dalam usaha menarik semua lapisan mendekati Islam, marilah kita mempersembahkan kepada masyarakat, Islam yang mudah dan praktikal sepertimana wajahnya pada zaman teragungnya iaitu era Nabi s.a.w. dan para sahabah baginda.
Jika tidak, agama ini akan menjadi begitu eksklusif hanya untuk kelompok tertentu sahaja dan ditinggalkan lautan umat yang dalam kesesakan.
Monday, September 3, 2007
sesuatu untuk difikirkan,,,
"Tahniah
assalamualaikum
hari ni wajar kita ucapkan tahniah kepada diri kita selaku melayu muslim malaysia kerana hari ini 3/9/08 adalah hari terakhir anak2 kita menduduki peperiksaan besar ie UPSR dalam bahasa melayu.
Peperiksaan- peperiksaan besar yang lain PMR dan SPM sememangnya sudah diadakan dalam bahasa Inggeris.
Ya, akan ada orang membuat hujah ini demi kemajuan. tetapi bangsa mana yang maju hanya dengan mengubah perkara ini? France? Germany? Jepun?
Soalan yang patut kita fikir dan tanya mengapa seluruh parti politik cina, kumpulan pejuang pendidikan cina dan sekutu mereka berjaya memastikan anak2 mereka kekal mengambil peperiksaan peperiksaan ini dalam bahasa ibunda mereka.
Selamat tinggal Bahasa Melayu. selamat tinggal Zaa'ba, Usman Awang, Keris Mas, Pak Sako, seluruh pejuang2 kebangsaan, selamat jalan kepada seluruh pemimpin2 yang berusaha mendaulatkan Bahasa Melayu suatu masa dahulu.
Suatu masa dahulu hingga melayu muslim berjaya melahirkan golongan kelas menengah yang ramai seperti hari ini. Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa. Yahudi berjaya hidupkan bahasa Hebrew kembali selepas membina negara. Jepun teguh dengan bahasanya. Begitu juga Perancis, Jerman dan seterusnya.
Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa. sungguh ironi. mungkin sememangnya bangsa ini sudah mati akal dan jiwanya. Selamat Hari Kebangsaan."
Hilang bahasa, hilanglah identiti bangsa.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
home at last =)
It's good to be home.
It's good to be home!!
After a few weeks of being here and there, doing this and that, it's finally good to be at home at last. Waking up on my own bed and breakfasting with my my mama n papa, those are just a few things among others :) Heehee..
2 weeks as an employed person taught me much, especially about the real world out there. I have had a glimpse on what it feels like to work under pressure, on a tight deadline. I saw how people with dreams, work hard enough to pursue their dream, to make it happen. Their passion and the way they think. It all amazes me.
And of how people working in a team can have such big differences in personalities and characters, and to manage them all, you need the skills. The skills to work with these people, to share your knowledge, to deal with them in the most appropriate way. This was definitely some valuable experiences for me. And woah, there is still so much more to learn if you want to survive in this world!
Anyway, happy Merdeka people if it's not too late already! The highest syukur to Allah swt for everything that we have today, because everything we have in this world comes from Him :)
But let us rethink of what Merdeka actually means to us, is it just another day off or is it more than that? After 50 years of Merdeka, are we already on the right track? Can we proudly say we are true Malaysians and have we contribute enough to our country, our religion and our people?
till later..bye!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Animation: My real destiny?
But really, it is very interesting indeed working in the animation studio. Apart from the strained eyes after a day's job, there's really nothing to complaint about. My job is to paint the cartoon scanned on the PC, using a software similar like 'Paint'. Easy peasy. No university qualification on animation or any background experience/base needed. Just drag and paint. Drag and paint. Drag an paint. Again and again. But hehe at times, I can't deny it can be a bit irritating trying to paint all of those, which never seem to end! Endless!! But then, it's still allright I guess. People pay you for that, so really you can't complain, can you?
Actually back to my previous entries, on the Cambodia Mission, well, there's still so much to tell, so much to write about. We've not even come to the part where we all went to the kampongs and meet the villagers, and do the mobile clinic and sunathon thingy! I needed to write it down for myself actually just as a reminder of these things that I've been through, and hopefully it will remind me time and time again, that there are so many people in the world out there who are not as fortunate as us, and they are still there, waiting for some help, even after we've been back here safe and sound in our own country. So really, everything that we do, every job that we take, every money that we obtain should somehow be contributed to them, because they needed it. And hopefully with all these writings, some people out there would be inspired or something, and perhaps give a helping hand to those who needed it..well who knows right? Allright, signing off now..tata!
Salaam
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Day2
To get to the Mufti's house, we were able to view the 'night scene' of Phnom Penh.. Not very surprised really to see that many of the shops have already closed for the day, and it was a bit gloomy and dark all around. After all, the man at the embassy office yesterday did tell us about it: the shops had to close in the early evenings (at about 5 pm) because the supply of electricity is mostly provided only until that time. If not they needed to use their own generators for electrical supply 5 pm onwards.Hmm...
(and what about us in Malaysia?? Never really consider the 'nikmat' of electricity as something to be grateful for.Keep on wasting them ada laaa..)
Anyway, back to the Mufti. He was really fluent in Malay Language, and one thing we should know is that Malay Language is recognised as the one of the language for Islamic education here in Cambodia. I guess it's just similar as to what Arabic is in Malaysia innit.
Somehow it really amazed me to listen to him telling stories after stories of Islam and Malay Cham in Cambodia, and of the Pol Pot regime which he himself experienced. You know, like 'sumber pertama' Sejarah like we used to learn dulu2.hehe.. really cool
He told us that the Pol Pot regime has caused the death of 60% of Cambodian Muslims. Also about how the villagers were living in this time of Khmer Rouge. Husbands were separated from wives, and families were torn apart. And many of them were tortured in the most unthinkable ways. If a man tries to escape and he succeeded,well, he may be safe from the grasp of Pol Pot. But not his family. His whole family would then be put to face the consequences and face even worse torture.
But alhamdulillah, the Mufti was one of the few educated persons who survived (which was rare) which he put as "saya tak sempat mati".. Life and death is of course in Allah's hands, and undoubtedly, Allah has his own plans for him..And to think that after the whole thing ended, there was only 4 or 5 'guru agama' left to be teaching all the Muslims in Cambodia about Islam. The Muslims then needed to start building back what they have loss, but it was really a big challenge in itself. And even up until now, they are still trying to find that firm ground to step on.
So isn't it part of our duty as their Muslim sisters and brothers in Malaysia, to offer as much help as we can to them?
Another story that he shared with us was about the Malay Cham race in Cambodia. They actually migrated from the Java Islands long long time ago, and had once build their own empire of Champa.. very interesting indeed..
All in all, I think , he was very inspiring indeed. I am sure it's definitely not easy to rebuild a community after it has been so badly damaged and bruised. But, yes, he was strong and had enough of those will power to contribute to his fellow men, to strive in the name of Allah because he cared about Islam and the Muslims as a whole.. Kita, bagaimana? hmm..
Friday, August 10, 2007
continuation...
A single picture can tell a thousand words. So why don't we browse through these pics and let them do the talking? [ini kes malas nak menaip ni! uhuh]
Pic: We stopped at one of the mosque in Phnom Penh. The guys told us that the people there actually use Malay Language in delivering their tazkirah or etc. Coool!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Day 2:Phnom Penh
Day 2 : Phnom Penh City
Allright, so we woke up that day anticipating more excitement for the day. Jalan-jalan around Phnom Penh, eg the Royal Palace of something-something (can't remember its name, but that's where the royalties of Cambodia Kingdom reside), stopping by every few minutes to take photos with thousands of different poses (can't help it!! not only the girls but the guys as well! ). And let us welcome to the team, Kak Avy!!She's a Cambodian who just graduated from a university in Indonesia. She's been most helpful and kind to us along the journey, and she was always making us double up with laughter ..like..once every 2 minutes ..[owww I'm missing her already!!]
Anyways..Wouldn't you agree that to get to know a country more closely, you've got to know its history, of what has been revolving in the country and its people, previously so that we may learn a thing or two from it?
And so...ever heard of the Khmer Rouge? Of the Pol Pot regime? Of the sufferings and burden put onto the lives of millions of innocent Cambodians? Of the dark period of Cambodia and which had claimed the lives of millions of their people?
Well, if you haven't then, let me tell you myself.
From 1975-1979, the Cambodians were under the rulings of the Khmer Rouge which was a communist party led by Pol Pot. In its few years of ruling, it is estimated around 1.5 to 3 million people were killed, and some, in the most brutal and inhuman way. We were told that many of those who perished were of the professionals in their own field, doctors, professors, political leaders and what not.. Families were separated and even children are forced to work.
We were brought to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum /The Killing Fields to see with our own eyes the forms of torture that was put onto the victims of Khmer Rouge. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum used to be a school but during the Pol Pot era, it was turned into a prison, enclosed by iron sheets, all covered with dense, electrified barbed wire. Well, so that no one can escape obviously..
I'll just jot down the points that I have got on this brochure of the museum here/and some source from wikipedia:
" The prisoners were kept in small cells and shackled with chains fixed to the walls. Before the prisoners were placed in the cells they were photographed,...and they were stripped to their underwear.... "
"The prisoners had to defecate into small iron buckets and urinate into small plastic buckets..In each cell, the regulations were posted on small pieces of black board."
"Prisoners were tortured with electric shocks, searing hot metal instruments and hanging, as well as through the use of various other devices."
"At the extermination center, they were killed by being battered with iron bars, pickaxes, machetes and many other makeshift weapons."
Ugh, really. How can there be people who actually live to see other people suffer? How on earth could they actually enjoy looking at these innocent people get tortured to death? I mean, seriously, we're talking about people's lives here! It was a dark age I guess for the Cambodians especially and, I think it somehow cripple them and to some extent, perhaps destroy part of the nation as a whole. Look at what Cambodia has become today after many of its professionals died in this unbelievably cruel period of time!