Flashmob Surprise!

My project this month was to direct a flashmob in UiTM. Aqsa Syarif was offered a slot during the expo, and we managed to pool resources from other groups like ABIM dan Pembina to help us. Alhamdulillah, it was done smoothly.

The second one was to co-direct a flashmob at Padang Kota Lama, a state event organized by Aqsa Syarif Penang and IKRAM Penang. Jeritan Gaza, Laungan Syria - was an event organized to raise funds for Palestine and Syria. Alhamdulillah, we managed to raise RM97,000 on that day. With the support of bikers convoy from various 'daerah'. From Timur Laut, SPT(Seberang Perai Tengah), SPU, Balik Pulau and many more. The convoy was joined by ikhwah and bikers from Penang. Sedikit terkilan tak dapat join sebab kena manage flashmob.

Our storyline for the second flashmob was a bit different. We planned to involve audience. The original story went like this. The first scene showed a peaceful sight in Palestine. Kids playing football, women sitting together, mom and son walking around. Then the Zionists entered. Punching and hitting Palestinians(we did the punch and hit for real - with less force). After few moments of struggle, they froze. Then, a speaker among the Palestinians would melt and started the reflection session. The speaker would try his best to convince the audience to come forward and detain the Zionists. From this moment, the storyline would split into two. If 1) the audience managed to come forward and hold all the Zionists, we decided it would be a 'win' storyline. And it would end with a nasyid - and an invitation to keep supporting the cause. We wanted the audience to feel that they were also part of the issue. If 2) no one came forward or the Zionists outnumbered the audience who came forward, it would be a 'lose' storyline. Zionists then would melt and kill all the Palestinians. By this time, a leader from the Zionists will come forward and provoke the audience. The provocation was meant to make the audience realized that this flashmob was not meant for show only, but also an iniative or a kick-start to do something about the issue. Then the leader will freeze again and the speaker will take his mic, did a muhasabah session, stressing on 'Silence is Betrayal', and doing nothing was actually an immoral act. Then we ended it with a du'a. That's the basic storyline.

But, things went so differently. Although the flashmob went so smoothly, but the storyline deviated so far. I congratulate all the actors and volunteering audience for the 'sporting' reaction.

The actual story went like this. Me in this flashmob acted as a Zionist. The storyline went as usual until the speaker's first session. I wore a snow mask. When I saw the audience when we froze, I was like 'Oh No'. I saw ikhwah from convoy were there. Ikhwah was not meant to be part of the crowd. We did dispatch a crowd control, just in case the audience got fueled up and screwed up the storyline. And when the speaker started his session, to convince audience to step up, the first one to step up was an ikhwah, my roommate! His action somehow motivated others to join in. Pakciks, and even sisters volunteered to hold and stop the Zionists. One sister even used her umbrella to push a Zionist away. Still, our leader was not detained. So, the story was set to 'lose'. The crowd control managed to tell the audience they were outnumbered, and they must step out from the scene. The Palestinians were all killed. So far, things went as planned. When our leader started the provoking session, I saw two persons came to stop him. I said with my mask on to my friend next to me, "Ini tak ada dalam skrip ini. Jom, tahan derang jangan bagi depa kaco Zul". The two persons held Zul(the leader) so tight, my friend and I had to throw them away. I kicked his knee to lock him down, while my friend held another person tightly. It was harsh and hard. But it was expected. Because the scene started so real. With real throwing and hittings, so it was okay. After we held two of them, I felt a bit relieved. Macam tak ada lah lari skrip sangat. Zul then proceeded with his script. Suddenly, one of them said, "Ikhwah semua, masuk lah!! Takkan tengok je!". At that time I looked around, I said, "Oh no, ini konfem dah lari skrip dah ini". I screamed slowly to one of them "Woi, ini bukan skrip dia lah!". By this time, all the Zionists behind us were already fighting so they would not be detained. Of course they were resisting, this thing was not in the script and not meant to happen. My friend and I were the last, we fought as hard as we could to keep the story in line. I pushed here and there, struggled here and there. So did my friend. But, the audience were too many. Dah lah di padang, baru lepas hujan. My face ended up kissing the mud. The speaker really succeeded in touching the audience, I saw even pakcik, akak dan entah siapa entah pun datang tahan kami. They were holding us down for real.

The good thing was, the crowd took it for real. They thought it was the storyline. Even the audience who were pinning us down also took it for real. I thought, at least the audience did something. So the speaker continued his muhasabah session. He decided to opt for the 'lose' story line. Zul were also doing well dalam memangkah muhasabah speaker (Alif). Zionists dah lenguh di pin down. Even I too. Lama kot. Jadi masa Alif mula berdoa, that's the key word for us Zionists to get up and retreat. Bila Alif baru mula berdoa, Zul terus pangkah, "Jangan DOA!" and he said lots of things about adab Muslimin dalam berdoa, hidup seharian kita dan very good things mengenai hubungan mustajabnya doa dengan kehidupan seharian. Ini semua tiada dalam skrip. In a few moments later then Zul started screaming "Berundur!".

The doa was really touching. I saw crowds everywhere with tears.

So, it ended nicely, although I dare say that the flashmob happened not in the way we expected. It was better! Alhamdulillah.

After the flashmob ended, while resting, I was approached by a guy. He came to the event, and asked many things about boycott and what could he do as a student. You know where did he work? He worked at McD and amazingly he had the initiative to help and contribute. I explained him the rational behind boycott, relations between McD and Zionists and many more. My last advice before we parted, resign.

My classmate laughed actually behind the mask. "What? An umbrella? Come on."

Excellent flashmob team. Dari IKRAM Siswa UiTMPP dan USM, plus Alif dari UPM.

So here's my classmate. Dia sekarang dalam proses berhenti merokok. Seorang daripada my friend dah berhenti completely, sekarang tinggal dia dan lagi seorang. Dua-dua sekarang tengah hadkan sebatang sehari. Doakan mereka dipermudahkan. InsyaAllah, nak ajak join usrah lepas ni. :)

Subhanallah. Astaghfirullah.


That's all.

Salam.

Tangisan Gaza, Laungan Syria

Kredit to Fadhlan [Ikram Siswa UiTMPP]

JOM! Pergi dan meriahkan. Kita gembleng tenaga dan influence public opinion. Kalau tiap-tiap hari tengok berita dan jadi desensitization, kita sensitifkan balik isu ini. Ini isu kemanusiaan. Orang beriman tinggi sensitivitinya terhadap isu umat.

Jadi, sesiapa yang ada berdekatan dan di Penang, jom datang ramai-ramai!

Saya nak jadi Engineer yang berjaya!

Sekadar hiasan.

I am now on my way to becoming a power engineer. Even in my wildest imagination, I've never dreamed about it. But, here I am. In Penang. Studying one the hardest branches of engineering, electrical. Coming to Penang have made me revised almost everything about my whole life. About how I view the world, how I handle my emotion - this is so true since I am a very bad first-timer, and most importantly why all things that have happened to me happened. Almost every day, after Subh prayer, I would look outside my room asking  to Allah the hikmah and pondering the moments. My room faced a huge field where cows grazed. I lived at 6th floor, so you can imagine how beautiful it could be. I love doing that. The air was so fresh and cold.

Allah lets me start anew :) 

By of His grace, I would wake up every day, and never failed to utter my syukur. My early day prayer would sound somehow like this;

"Oh Allah... I am thankful for everything. For my heart that never fails me to put my faith in You. For my eyes in which I can see beautiful things. For my nose - I could breath the cold air every morning. For my ears that often took me away blissfully when hearing Al Quran and music. For my intellect and my ability to observe that always made me stunned and humbled in front of Your genius creation. For blessing me with such an amazing family. For the love you gave me to love. For my feelings of care towards others. For Iman, in which with it I would strive to seek to understand the wisdom of good and bad in my life. For letting me becoming a Huffaz and giving me the chance to preserve it. For letting me to become an Ummah of Prophet Muhammad SAW. For giving me the way to embrace Islam as my way of life. And most importantly, without it my life would not mean a thing, for letting You being my God, and for letting me to be your servant. Bless me and bless my life, and bless the people I love". [This prayer was inspired along the way when I read buku Kecerdasan Asma'ul Husna. The book was so thick, and I was so laaaaazzzyy to renew it at the library, I had to pay RM 6.00 fine in the end. -.-]

My plan

Dulu-dulu, my mind is set to becoming a physicist. Now, I've set my aim to become an engineer. So, let me tell you my plan and you will help me by praying for me. I will finish my study and I will work for big companies like TnB. After four to five years, I would appeal to my employer to continue my master part-time, and ask my employer to sponsor my PhD. I want to do my master or PhD overseas, and I will bring my wife there. After finishing my PhD, I would to take on the 'Ir' title. After that, I plan to open up my own consultation firm. From there, I will apply to be a part-time lecturer. By entering academics arena, I will be able to do networking in academics research. Just like UPM did with Islamic University of Gaza, thanks to Dr Hafidzi. So, I plan to collaborate with Palestinians. My experience as a personal escort and interpreter for two Imam Muda Gaza last Ramadan have made realized, how much they suffer not only in terms of medicine and food, they lacked almost everything. Job opportunities to electrical power. Almost everything. And I cannot stand to let things go that way. After collaborating, I want to open up orphanage and animal care centre. Our prophet loved orphans and animals. I want to place the orphanage near Al-Amin or any MUSLEH school. So that they can attend the very special school in my heart and go through tarbiyah. And at nights, they will also be loving wardens waiting for them. Not wardens with cane and strictness, but wardens with smiles, patience, and heart. If we read Prophet Muhammad's sirah, we will realize that Prophet Muhammad had never once laid its hand on any kids. When kids came to him, he would play with them. He would hug them and cherish them. He would praise them. Rindunya Nabi :'(

And animal centre. I got three cats when I was in primary school. Kitty, Kidtun, Kittan. Kitty and Kidtun are cats with spots black and white. When I berkhatan (traditional and painful like api), I used to hang kain pelekat on top of me. People yang berkhatan traditionally would know this. During this period, those two naughty cats would jump over the kain pelekat. Macam saja-saja. Sometimes they 'accidentally' jump on the kain pelekat and on the spot and I would scream so loudly and painfully. Many times. My dad once made the decision to throw them away. My dad brought them so far from our home at night. My brother and I cried heavily. You know what happened? In the morning, when I opened the door, Kitty and Kidtun jumped on me. I was so happy. My Kittan died in a car accident. It meowed so weirdly in front of my house one day, its belly was crushed. After those three passed away, I've never had any animals in my life. I loved them. And dogs! Although I cannot touch dogs, and I love dogs and I often watched 'The Dog Whisperer', I want to hire people so that they can care for stray cats and dogs. The problem with The Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan's method in handling dogs is that they don't work for cats(Of course, the method was meant for dogs =.='). When I meet cats, I often try the techniques I learned from him to those cats. But as always, I'll end up looking like a fool trying to shh shh the cat to sit and stay. And the cats will always end up looking at me with the expression "Pehal mamat ni. Buang tebiat apa?" and go away ignoring me. Haha.

I want to start 'dapur amal' as in the US too. Few things I learned last year. There are many homeless people in Malaysia. I once slept at a bus stop near Jalan Raja Laut (my old bad habit - I tend up to wander at nights if I don't feel good and stop somewhere to sleep), an old man approached me asking for just RM2. I asked what for. He said, he was hungry. I gave him some money. If you want to know, there are a few 'dapur amal' di Malaysia. 'Dapur amal' is a food centre where people who don't have enough money to eat or just homeless can come and eat. For free. People who have never been through poverty would never understand. But we can try and be considerate. I myself never feel that poverty. I feel so pity when I see many 'pengemis' at mosque and pasar. We know ada tempat yang ada sindiket. My principle - I will help for now. Beli nasi untuk mereka, beli air. Bagi kuih untuk anak-anak mereka. Entah. I don't know. Prophet Muhammad in one story, gave a man money for him to buy an axe and find some firewood to sell. That's how we should help. But, for now, how? I don't know.

These are my aims for now.

And for that to come true, I must work hard. I think if I keep the pace as I did this semester, insyaAllah I will be there.

It's a long way to go. And it is not easy, I know. But now, I am working with a power engineer who owns a power company and at the same time a part-time lecturer. He supervised the RnD robotic team I am in. So, it is not impossible. I know.

Apa yang constant?

Dreams may change. Although mine are still not. The most important thing is, you know your true place. Why do you want to chase your dreams and how? Always keep Allah as your priority. Always.

And along the way, it can only be achieved by tarbiyah.

I choose to be in IKRAM. Each has their choices. One of my anak usrah chose to be in ISMA. He once asked me what are the differences between jemaahs? Alhamdulillah. I was taught to highlight ONLY the good of others. Not weaknesses. Although in the midst of critical analysis, we tend to open up other weaknesses, but no. We are Muslims, we don't do that. We choose to do da'wah not because we want them to join our jemaah. No. We choose to do da'wah because it is our responsibility. And we do da'wah to invite others to ISLAM. And we chose what we choose because we believe that is the best choice for us to convey Islam.

The moment my anak usrah chose to be in ISMA, yes, it disappointed me a bit. But, I must accept it. And I accepted it. The good moment came when we agreed, one day maybe when our generation led the jemaah, we may at last come to an understanding and join again as one. InsyaAllah. Or maybe not. Still, he is good with me till today. Like nothing happened.

So, regardless of our jemaah, we share the same responsibility. Either you are in PAS, tabligh, ISMA, or Haluan. We invite others to Islam, and we Islah each other. Da'wah and Islah. We have differences and SIMILARITIES. Look at our own body. Some cells bring oxygen, some cells defend the body from bad agents, some cells connect and respond. Brain decides, hand feels, foot walks, eye sees, nose smells, ear listens. Our own body is a great example of harmony. Harmony - differences are dealt effectively, and similarities dimanfaatkan optimally. We share the same goal.

Islam itu rahmah. Seluruh 'alam. Muslims and non-Muslims will feel it. If we practice Islam, truly, it will be rahmah. From the individual level where Islam shapes good persons. Good persons make happy family. Happy family makes good neighbour. Good neighbours form an understanding community. Community where religious rights are respected, understanding governs, and values uphold. Noble community demands clean and efficient administration where the demands are rooted from caring concern towards future generation and their welfare. A government where 'good governance' is applied. Muslims and non-Muslims work together to strive for a better world. A world where sensitive issues are countered with akhlaq and effective intellectual response. Think what would happen if all of Muslims behave the way we should behave.

What I wish to be the constant in my life? Tarbiyah :)

So that others, you and I may leave this world in peace. I want when my soul returns, Allah greets me as in Surah al Fajr.

 (It will be said to the pious): "O (you) the one in (complete) rest and satisfaction![27] "Come back to your Lord, Well-pleased (yourself) and well-pleasing unto Him![28] "Enter you, then, among My honoured slaves,[29] "And enter you My Paradise!"[30]

The English translation is insufficient. The verses themselves are beautiful. The arabic words used are so deep. Deeeeep... Memuncak kerinduan rasa.

Allahumma amitna bi mauti syuhada'.

All in all

1. JOM! Strive for a better life and a better world. Turn your dream into actions. Don't just sit there.

2. Baru habis seminar. Nanti kalau successfully double duit I'll share. Sekarang tak boleh lagi. Dia suruh ada bukti baru bagi tahu orang. The main speaker, successfully turn USD 1000 to 2 million USD in a year.

3. Tadi buat majlis pecah botol Ayaz. Bukan pecah berkecai macam tu. Cuma, just nak rasmikan pada ayaz lepas ni tak guna botol dah. "No bottles are harmed". Selepas ni Ayaz tak minum susu guna botol dah. Abang-abang kat rumah semua menjerit "Yes! Zaman kegelapan dah berakhir! Kezaliman botol susu dah berakhir!". Although ada lagi sorang maharaja botol susu - yang paling kecik Saif. [Kelihatan Saif gelak jahat sorang-sorang di sudut ruang tamu].

4. Malam ini pergi ini pulak.

Conclusion

:)

Bersih 3.0 - Of understanding and promoter of good values

*I am not going to post my whole experience during BERSIH 3.0. As before. Just bits and bits of learning experience here and there and some points of view.


We often think that fight for ideals and virtues is simple and easy. It is not indeed. Along the way, there will be some tests. Some will be taken away by the restless agitation and blinded by the opium of anti-establishment, while some will be gripped by fear, some will be misguided by doubts - not the doubts of truth and skepticism, but rather doubt of action. Some will choose side of the oppressor, knowingly and unknowingly. Unknowingly by being neutral in times of injustice.

We've got a long way in Malaysia, for the citizens to grasp the maturity of support and disagreement. We always think, perhaps because the authorities have sit on the chair of power for a very long time, that government is equal to the winning component/party. And we are very good in generalizing. It doesn't mean when we agree to some policies of the authorities, we agree to the injustice they have induced. And it also doesn't mean when we fight the corruption and injustice in the government, we also in support to the invitation of the existing foreign powers meddling our affairs.

We must stop generalizing and being lazy. We must wake up, and be sensible. My reason for joining BERSIH is clear. I demand clean electoral reform at large. Those who are serious in knowing this issue, will surely know about the 'phantom voters'. There are so much corruption and injustice, and we just keep sucking up BN's deeds blindfolded. This issue is not an assumption, or a wild conspiracy theory made up by the opposition, it is real, and it is happening. Either Pro BN or anti BN, and those who aren't in both. If we are serious, we will find the truth.

When I was in a demonstration, be it BERSIH, or other demos for Syria/Palestine/Egypt, I will always pause from time to time, just to reassure myself why I was there. It is easy to lose yourself in the midst of irrational hatred and exciting confrontation. But, I was there, because I chose to be a promoter of good values, of godly values. And I am sure, there is a lot out there, like me. Who aren't interested in who's holding the power, but in the way the power holder benefits the power that is given to them, from us. The way the power is handled, defines the holder. I'm interested in John Dalberg Acton's saying about power.  He said "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely".

Complacent may be the suitable word, for us Malaysians. When we demand change, the other will always compare our condition with poorer countries. When we feel complacent, we are afraid to move on. To have a better life, with better condition. It is easy for us to speak, when we never experience money shortage - to the extend that our parents sold the jewelry, or even harta pusaka peninggalan nenek moyang just to support their family. We never experience poverty, when children just keep fasting to ease the burden of their parents. We never experience sufferings, when our rights are denied and declined just because we differ in financial status. We never feel any of them, so that's why we keep siding the ones with power. Because our gold pot is with them. Still, these people don't demand wealth, although they have the right to do so. They still pay the tax. They demand the system to be cleaned, it's fortunate that Malaysians still have faith for the system.

To take a closer look, the demands are to achieve clean election, along with the freedom of media. There will always be something wrong when you look at the demands with paranoid and fearful paradigm. Irrational assumptions will keep popping up. Try to look at it from a different angle.

These assemblies call for the reforms. Be it BN or PR on the top, in the next ten years, we will always call for reforms if the situation needs us. We should start taking side with values and principles. Our country's future is more than PR or BN. Malaysia is in need of its citizens, who calls for justice and equality, peace and transparency. Be it PR, be it BN, be it perhaps another large component in the future, let us make sure the ones in power stand with these values.

For people like me, it is not about the struggle to push PR to Putrajaya. Although I grew up knowing so many mischievous deeds performed by UMNOs, I learned that evil and corruption are with those who do not fear God. The one who wields power with God-fearing principles will do well, regardless of the parties and components. It is my utmost regret that I cannot share you the article I once read in a site about economics, I spend hours looking for it - where the article was written under the presumption that, corruption does take over in a place where people does not believe in God. It said that faith in God, is necessary to prevent corruption and misuse of power. Although the article in the end aimed to bash communism. My point is our country is in need of both religious and faithful people. 

I don't imagine a future where only one party or component rules the parliament, but rather a mixture of politicians of virtues and principles, who uphold values and honor. Let there be various parties and components. Differences are good. Conflicts are necessary to keep the dynamics flows and improvement flourishes. Let there be check and balance. And for this to come true, men of values and ideas are needed. Not men of dogmas and propaganda.

Malaysia is a blessed country. Alhamdulillah. Old-time warriors and 'ulama, leaders and its citizens made Malaysia as it is today. Let us be grateful - by striving for the best and sustain the values on which our ancestors have stood for. Tok Janggut, Mat Kilau and Rentap fought for their rights and justice, their people, and their identities. It is our responsibility then to sustain and maintain. We are calling the leaders to reform. We do not ask you to step down. We are asking you to take responsibilities for what you and your acquaintances have done - the list I am afraid is too long.

It is then my decision, to support good values and be an ardent promoter. I am a khalifah of Allah, and it is my responsibility. Peace.

Note 1 : I think young people have more resistance to the tear gas. I propose to young people, next time, if there is any demonstration, do stock up big bottles of water and salts - I got three big bottles and a pack of salt when I went to BERSIH 3 - so that we can help old folks and pakmakciks in the demonstration to keep up. Some knowledge of basic medics would be sufficient to help.

Note 2 : We must not think police as bad and evil. They have orders, and they must follow the orders. I know a senior ikhwah in TUDM, he supports Bersih, yet he is assigned in some kind of military unit to keep things in control if the police fails to do so.

Note 3 : During Bersih, I went with my naqib and two lawyers from IKRAM - who are specifically designated to protect the protesters legally. Although I read comprehensively about isu semasa, there are so many things I do not know. The lawyers shared so many things, issues like OccupyDataran and PTPTN, and new rule replacing ISA - another layer of information. Lepas ni ingat nak lepak dengan lawyer lah. Senang tahu cerita.

"A warning to the people
The good and the evil
This is war
To the soldier, the civillian
The martyr, the victim
This is war

It's the moment of truth and the moment to lie
The moment to live and the moment to die
The moment to fight, the moment to fight, to fight, to fight, to fight" - This is War, 30 Seconds to Mars

It is indeed, a war of values and principles.

Of Tolerance and Pluralism

Problem statement
Last year, I went to a program organized by United Religions Initiative. I am sure most who followed my blog read it.  It was a really good and effective program - their scheme along the program was to sit in group, to share, and to interact, sometimes multimedia presentation. Sharing opinions was really encouraged. Even some Muslimah colleagues of mine, who could barely speak in English before they attended, ended up being brave and courageous enough to speak to others in English. In the program, there were representatives from different countries[Australia, India, Thailand, Philippine, UK and others], cultures and religions[Islam, Christian, Buddha, Bahai, Hindu, Jungle Spirit]. I learned a lot from that program, and I made very good friends. There were some issues, and of course, as a normal person, some issues were meant to be resolved later owing to lack of capacities and means.

There, I was taught that 'tolerance' was a very bad word. The word implies your action is unwilling and forced. 'To put up with'. For example, you hate eating veges. But, you tolerate it, because it is good for your health. In a simple word, tolerance carries a negative luggage, or connotation. So, it is not good, to bring the concept of tolerance into a religious framework. It is like your tolerance is not based by good intention, because you TOLERATE. So we asked, what's the solution? The presenter said, we dissolve the barrier. Anything that stands between us and them, we dissolve. Any differences or any conflicts - are to be dismissed and carry on. The keyword is to ACCEPT others by heart. Even if our religious obligations were in the way. We are told, not to be too extremist. This was when I started to disagree. For other religion, it might be easy. But for Islam, this issue had been carefully fortified. As Syirk, to associate partner to Allah is the biggest sin in Islam. Na'uzubillahi min Zalik. Neither the framework nor technical means had been explained at that time.

My friends and I later continued to gather information. The program was around three to four days if I am not mistaken. We learned, that if anything comes between us and our objective, objective comes first. Their objectives for example are, to promote peace and understanding, to prevent religious-motivated violence, to advocate justice and equality etc. It was a big relief that we had been able to put it in an actual framework, crystal clarity. For example, I was told by a Muslim friend from overseas attending the program, to him, it's okay to touch hands with women, as long as your intention is to introduce them to Islam. And there he was, hugging and poking female colleagues. Another example, when our religious duties were the reason for religious-motivated violence, or not accepting others, our duties should be dismissed. Even if it means to sacrifice our aqidah. Another example, when we were brought to a Gurdwara (Sikh's temple), we saw our friends from other beliefs joined their prayer ritual. In the name of respect and acceptance, they joined together the ritual, as if they agreed to worship other gods than theirs'. Why in the name of respect and acceptance? Because these were the values portrayed in the program. Their concept of acceptance was not to accept differences and work around it, but rather dissolve any differences and pass through once was a closed perimeter; a religion and its principles in this case. In that kind of acceptance, acknowledgement does not exist.

The explanation to this situation is - in order to achieve goals, some things are to be sacrificed. In this context, things that are needed to be sacrificed sometimes are the very foundations of the religion itself. What makes us human? Consciousness, love, conscience, awareness, logic, feelings? The answer may differ, but if we are to shed the essence that makes us human in order to achieve our goals, can we be called human? As the answer to define human sometimes may fall into the category of subjectivity, my religion which is Islam is not like that. What makes Islam is definite, specified and absolute. It had been mentioned by our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon Him, that Islam is built on the 'fives' - Syahadah, Prayers, Zakat, Hajj, and Ramadhan fasting [From Umar Al Khattab, narrated by Muslim and Bukhari]. By definition, these pillars are what made me a Muslim. If I were to violate any one of those pillars, am I able to call myself a Muslim? I tried to understand their situation. It was understandable, their religions weren't like Islam. Islam is a religion - built upon a very solid foundation. The main sources of Islam which are the Quran and Hadith are authentic, abundant, and are studied comprehensively. The historical validity of these sources are proven firm and authentic. Therefore, Islam in terms of principles, technical and knowledge basis had already been clarified and completed by Prophet Muhammad. It's not their fault if they were not aware of my concern regarding this.

Searching for solutions
After the program ended, I still could not resolve it. I have a situation; I accepted the problem in this context - TOLERANCE. The concept behind this is the reason why any interfaith cooperation is short-lived, impulsive, sometimes dangerous, and often incite religious-motivated violence. That's the case of cooperation, what about people with different beliefs living next door? Around the globe, there are many cases regarding interfaith violence. People with self-centered attitude, imposing forced pressure in the name of religion, making hostile encounter with other beliefs. As far as I am concerned, Alhamdulillah, people around me, and those whom I know, they are friendly and open with people from other beliefs. And these cases of violence rarely happen in my locality. Still, I acknowledged the problem stated by the organizer. I will help and support to heal the world, be it religious, humanity, gender or animal issue.

However, I did not accept the solution they suggested. I disagreed with them. At that time, I believed there must be another way to solve this. I could not find the right solution, or may I say, a proper reasoning to reach the solution I had hoped for. ACCEPTANCE in their definition to me was oblivious, and works one way. And along the way, I searched and read for solutions. Some people will be okay with an end-of-means solution, but for me in this aspect, I am not satisfied with it until I find, know, and understand the accurate framework and reasoning of a solution.

The Quest for Meaning
Alhamdulillah, I found a way. I think it will provide a very good impetus for me to start constructing answers. I am now reading a book, The Quest For Meaning; Developing a Philosophy of Pluralism by Tariq Ramadan. In this book, he made a very good point of view - providing a vantage point for formulating practical solution(s) when dealing with issues of inter-faith and inter-sectarian. He said 'The point is not to integrate systems, values, and cultures with other systems, values and customs, but to determine - in human terms - spaces of intersection where we can meet on equal terms. The intersection of what we have in common, rather than the integration of differences'. This point is undoubtedly beautiful. Although, it requires us, to throw away some archetypes when it comes to rivalry and difference. For us to work together for the betterment of this world, we really need to cooperate at hand with our similarities and deal with differences. We have to digest the attitude 'agree to disagree' and move forward. It is only my opinion, but for us to benefit and function at our optimum level, this concept should be introduced. It's not only should be applied to inter-faith relations, but to Muslim, inter-jama'ah as well.

Say, "O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah ." But if they turn away, then say, "Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]."  [Ali Imraan : 64]

The concept has already been introduced in the Quran. In this verse, there is a direct command and, from my humble view, an indirect lesson. The direct command was for us to invite Ahlul Kitab to come and talk about our similarity - having Allah as our God. The indirect lesson was for us, to acknowledge, different people comes with different character. Our job is to find the right similarity or common space. We cannot come to an atheist and say to him, 'We are the same. We worship one God'. Instead, if he is a humanitarian activist, we might rather say, 'Hey, you and I. We love peace and justice. Why don't we work together and work it out from this common point?'. If he refuses, we will not force him to accept. But, we will continue to make allies and move on.

Hilful Fudhul
I love to share with you a story, from our Prophet's seerah. The chapter is called Hilful Fudhul. This event happened before Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) prophethood. Once, in Mecca, a Bedouin from Zabid [Zubaid] came to do business. He sold his merchandise to one of the Quraisy chieftains, al 'As ibn Wa'il. Al 'As purchased the whole caravan but paid nothing to the man. Upon this, the man met several leaders around the vicinity to ask for help, but none of them wanted to help. He later went to the crowd, calling out loud noble-hearted and fair-minded men to come to his rescue. Many of them later gathered at Abdullah bin Jud'an's house to form a pact. In the name of Allah, a pact called Hilful Fudhul - all the representatives present made an oath to restore justice, refrain from injustice and to assist the oppressed within Mecca. The members of the covenant later forced Al 'As to return all of the man's belongings. Prophet Muhammad was one of the members, and even after a long time in its prophethood, he still appreciated and satisfied with the pact. Prophet Muhammad even expressed his appreciation :

لقد شَهِدْتُ فى دار عبدالله بن جُدْعَانَ حَلفًا لو دُعِيتُ بهِ فى الإسلام لَأَجَبْتُ , تحَالفُوا أن يَرُدّوا الفُضُولَ على أهلها وأن لا يُعِزُّ الظالمُ مظلومًا

“I had a hand in making such an arrangement in the house of ‘Abdullah Ibn Jud’an to which if I were invited again to help even after the advent of Islam, I would have undoubtedly participated once more. They promised to restore all the rights of the oppressed to the owner so that wrongdoers can not do injustice to the weak. "” [Sirah ibn Hisyam]

Prophet Muhammad's love for good values should be the perfect example for us. In these days where people work together to oppress others, we should do the same. If only, we could put aside and acknowledge our differences, and work together to achieve our goals, this world will be a better place. Aside from working together, as a Muslim, of course it will provide us a better opportunity to present and share Islam to others. It's time for us not to confront others with hostile and cold attitude. We cannot expect people to accept our message of peace, if we are not men of peace ourselves. Islam is a religion in which its constituents are chained by proper logic and reasoning. So, if we want to relay the message of Islam, we should be civilized because the vantage of reasoning comes with the act of civilization and adab. 

Hope
Lately, activists [ikhwah & akhawat] have been too preoccupied arguing over petty issues - which jama'ah is the best, the most authentic, the most original, these and that have hidden agenda, racist, cooperate with kuffar and many more. These kind of issues have been already solved by 'Ulama with concrete answers and arguments. No need to cause another upheaval. There are many people out there who are in need of our insight, help, guidance, and company. Help them. 


Could You help me..
Before I end, I have in my mind two questions. If you are able to answer it, or help me to find the answer, do PM me in FB or drop a comment. I would be happy if you do so. 


1. Islam and prophet Muhammad were sent as rahmah lil 'alamin. Blessings. So, I want to ask, related to my post, what kind of rahmah does it mean? Is it rahmah as if in justice, equality and equity, good governance, no corruption, no poverty, no wars and confrontation - blessings that will be enjoyed when Islam at its peak? Or rahmah as in people revert into Islam?


2. In this aspect [ideology, philosophy], I view them as a set that can be divided. For example, liberalism. I view liberalism can be divided into smaller parts. And the way I deal it, is I think we can take good parts to be integrated into our life. I don't take generalization and throw away the whole thing. I think, that philosophy/theory/ideology is a product of human mind. Be it guided or unguided. And I think, there is any grain of truth everywhere anywhere that is waiting to be picked up, by us Muslims. All in all, I don't reject the whole idea until I really know what it is. I see something in socialism, in secularism, in liberalism, and in this post, something beautiful in pluralism. And I don't think it as replacing Islam, no, Islam can never be replaced, at all. But I think, we are in need of tools and somehow, these tools are hidden in those ideologies. So, I want to ask your opinion. Am I in the right way of thinking? 

Clarification - I hate Zionism and Zionists.
Lastly, I want to clarify. It might seem that I'm proposing open-mindedness in this post. Still, take note - there is a huge difference in khilaf between two opinions, and khilaf between opinion and BATIL[in Islam]. I mean, sometimes, it is necessary to confront. I bring one example, Israel is attacking Palestine. And McD is proven to contribute a huge portion of money to Israel. If someone is said, it is khilaf, I should accept it and go on. I will say no. I will respect his choice to eat McD, but I will say, what he does is a batil, a sin, a zulm, a support in the act of oppression. An inconsiderate and selfish action. It is as clear as day, and who cannot even see the reasoning behind it, should question your humanity.

As Che Guevara once said "If you tremble with indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine". Let us be the comrade of Godly values and let us promote peace.

Aiman Azlan's twitter

p/s - baru beli album Maher Zain. Lagu paling best, Paradise. Do listen to it, and talk to your wind. I have my angel beside me.
p/s - any statement regarding other faith, culture, and religion in this post does not mean disrespect. I am deeply sorry if any of those offended any. Do tell if there is any.

Selawat dan Cinta

Aku tak pernah tertanya, kenapa salah satu cara kita zahirkan cinta kita kepada Nabi tercinta kita ialah dengan berselawat. Tak pernah terdetik. Sampai pada satu hari, ada satu soalan dilontarkan oleh rakan aku di dalam group FB dari seorang rakan non-Muslimnya - kenapa Muslim mendoakan nabi Muhammad, dan meminta kesejahteraan ke atas nabi Muhammad, sedangkan nabi Muhammad itu dikatakan makhluq terbaik, tak perlu didoakan pun? Alhamdulillah, jawapan ada dari segi logik.

Satu perkara yang menarik mengenai Islam ialah aku akan (selalunyalah, peringkat orang awam) dapat ikut balik jawapan yang dibentangkan, disebabkan Islam itu diikuti dan dikukuhkan oleh hujah dan logik. Tapi jawapan dari segi peringkat akal sahaja lah, nak kata peringkat kefahaman dan penghayatan hati itu tak sampai lagi.

Kisah 1 - Dalam pengalaman di jalanraya, aku selalu terserempak dengan keindahan akhlaq manusia. Antaranya - pernah di satu traffic light, ada seorang buta yang ingin melintas. Pemandu kereta di hadapan kereta aku turun, untuk membantu orang buta tersebut melintas. Walaupun semasa melintas, lampu merah sudah bertukar hijau, namun kereta lain yang di belakang tetap bersabar. Tak ada riak-riak hon marah atau suruh cepat. Masing-masing bersabar dan menunggu. Sehingga orang buta itu selamat melintas baru kereta mula bergerak. Pada ketika itu, aku sangat bahagia dan gembira dengan mereka, sampai aku mengucapkan "Barakallahu fiikum" untuk pemandu budiman dan juga audience jalan raya yang bersabar. Hati aku benar-benar mengharapkan agar kebaikan dilimpahkan kepada mereka.

Kisah 2 - Ada juga pengalaman di atas motor, semasa hujan. Hujan tiba-tiba lebat (atau aku masuk kawasan hujan tengah lebat), aku tercari-cari tempat untuk berteduh. Selalunya, aku akan kira-kira jarak antara lecak di jalan raya dan juga kedudukan kereta mendatang di lane kiri atau kanan. Untuk elak terkena percikan bila kereta laju memecut melalui lecak itu. Tapi ada sekali itu, sebab lebat sangat, tak sempat nak estimate kelajuan motor, kedudukan lecak, dan juga kelajuan kereta dari lane sebelah kanan - lane laju. Masa itu memang pasrah dah, semestinya kena sembur. Tapi kereta itu tiba-tiba perlahankan sikit kelajuan dia supaya aku sempat lepas lecak itu sipi-sipi sahaja sebelum kena sembur. Aku tak tahu sama ada pemandu itu dengan sengaja memperlahankan kereta, ataupun atas sebab lain. Regardless, I manage to pray for him, "God Bless..".

Islam dan sumber
Dalam satu seminar perbandingan agama, pernah ditanya, apakah entiti/perkara paling penting dalam Islam, Kristian, Buddha?  Dijawab oleh ahli panel itu sendiri - dalam Islam, yang paling besar dan paling penting ialah Allah. Dalam Kristian, dosa. Dalam Buddha, penderitaan. Dalam akidah Islam juga, kita mempercayai tanpa ragu - Allah is the cause of everything. Dengan kuasa Allah, terjadi manfaat dan mudharat. Premis ini disokong oleh dua dalil dari Al Quran dan Hadith.

Al Quran [Al A'raf : 188]
Katakanlah: "Aku tidak berkuasa mendatangkan manfaat bagi diriku dan tidak dapat menolak mudarat kecuali apa yang dikehendaki Allah.

Hadith 40 Imam Nawawi
Daripada Abu al-'Abbas, Abdullah ibn Abbas, r.a. رضي الله عنهما beliau berkata:
Aku pernah duduk di belakang Nabi SAW pada suatu hari, lalu Baginda bersabda kepadaku: Wahai anak! Sesungguhnya aku mahu ajarkan engkau beberapa kalimah: Peliharalah Allah nescaya Allah akan memeliharamu. Peliharalah Allah nescaya engkau akan dapati Dia di hadapanmu. Apabila engkau meminta, maka pintalah dari Allah. Apabila engkau meminta pertolongan, maka mintalah pertolongan dengan Allah. Ketahuilah bahawa kalau umat ini berkumpul untuk memberikan sesuatu manfaat kepadamu, mereka tidak akan mampu memberikanmu manfaat kecuali dengan suatu perkara yang memang Allah telah tentukan untukmu. Sekiranya mereka berkumpul untuk memudharatkan kamu dengan suatu mudharat, nescaya mereka tidak mampu memudharatkan kamu kecuali dengan suatu perkara yang memang Allah telah tentukannya untukmu. Pena-pena telah diangkatkan dan lembaran-lembaran telah kering (dakwatnya).

Hadis riwayat al-lmam al-Tirmizi. Beliau berkata: la adalah Hadis Hasan Sohih.

Difahami daripada kedua sumber di atas, tiada 'cause' lain bagi manfaat dan mudharat dalam Islam kecuali Allah. Aqidah yang suci dan sejahtera. Daripada asas ini, umat Islam diajar untuk menzahirkan kecintaan kita pada nabi. Bukan kita diminta berselawat kerana Nabi dalam keadaan 'desperate' dan memerlukan cinta umatnya sebagaimana dalam halnya Zeus dan Hades. Namun, kerana kita meyakini - kebaikan itu tidak lain tidak bukan hanya datang dari Allah. Sebaik-baik kecintaan untuk kita ucapkan ialah mengharapkan kebaikan dan kebahagiaan dilimpahkan kepada beliau. Mana mungkin kita mahukan untuk orang yang kita cintai selain dari kebaikan dan manfaat. Dan pemilik segala kebaikan, rahmat, kegembiraan, dan ketenangan ialah Allah.

Betapa sucinya aqidah Islam, bila kita inginkan orang yang kita cintai itu memperolehi kebaikan, kita diajar untuk meminta pada Pemiliknya. Suci daripada syirik dan kemungkinan untuk menjadikan cinta kepada makhluq diangkat menjadi tuhan, dewa dan sembahan. Kita diajar untuk berdoa kepada Allah, supaya dilimpahkan kebaikan kepada si dia. Tiada jalan lain dalam Islam untuk memperolehi manfaat kecuali daripada Allah. Oleh itu, satu-satunya cara ialah memohon kepada Allah untuk dilimpahkan kebaikan padanya.

Pada fitrahnya, kita memerlukan Allah.

Wahai umat manusia, kamulah yang sentiasa berhajat kepada Allah (dalam Segala perkara), sedang Allah Dia lah sahaja Yang Maha Kaya, lagi Maha Terpuji ”. [Faatir: 15]

Dan aku tak tahu ucapan cinta mana lagi yang lebih indah dan cantik untuk nabi kita melainkan dengan selawat.

 "I try to follow your way, and do my best and live my life as you taught me. I pray to be close to you, on that DAY and see you smile when you see me" The Chosen One, Maher Zain.

Allahumma Solli 'ala Muhammad.

Askar Palestin Plastesin - [Global March to Jerusalem]

Salam.

Saya suka tunjuk pada adik-adik kecil saya, mengenai video-video Palestin, penindasan hak asasi manusia di seluruh dunia. Walaupun soalan yang ditanya ketika saya memasang video itu selalunya sukar untuk dijawab, contoh "Kereta kebal mana lagi kuat?, Askar ni baik ke jahat?, Kenapa orang Israel tembak budak?, Mana Allah tak tolong ke orang Palestin?, Pistol tu kalau kene tembak sakit ke?, Berdarah boleh mati ke?", tapi untuk kesedaran masa depan mereka, saya layan je. Ada satu hari, mereka beli Plastesin, saya tunjuk video-video Global March to Jerusalem, ini hasil karya saya dan mereka, Ayaz dan Saif. :D

Rumah orang Palestin

Adik-adik Palestin

Saja letak, nak tunjuk betapa keciknya model kami. Seni sungguh har har har..[poyo]

Adik-adik Palestin dengan pahlawan Palestin, dengan Bazuka dan roket mereka

Belakang tu macam mine, pijak meletup mati.

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Nak buat satu pengumuman. Ada event baru, nak anda semua sertai sama-sama. Samada di Malaysia, atau di luar negara. Yang lagi untung untuk mereka yang belajar di Timur Tengah.

Inisiatif baru dianjurkan, untuk mengajak semua citizen dunia yang mengambil berat terhadap hak asasi dan keadilan agar menyertai 'non-violent civil resistance' pada 30 Mac 2012 seluruh dunia. Event ini akan membawa mereka yang menyertai perarakan ini ke point terdekat tempat masing-masing dengan Jerusalem. Malah yang di Jordan, Syria, Mesir, point terdekat mereka ialah di gun-point Israeli soldiers. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.

Anda boleh baca mengenai Global March to Jerusalem di link di header blog saya di atas. Anda boleh baca About. Kalau anda ingin tahu mengenai objektifnya, anda boleh baca di Objectives. Kalau anda ingin tahu macam mana ia dilaksanakan, anda boleh klik Action Plan. Untuk website Gm2J Malaysia, anda boleh klik di sini.

Setakat ini sebanyak 23 NGO di Malaysia yang sudah mendaftar untuk terlibat bersama GM2J.

1. Al-Mustafa Foundation Malaysia
2. Aqsa Syarif Berhad
3. Dewan Pemuda Masjid Malaysia
4. Global Peace Mission
5. Islamic Relief Malaysia
6. Kelab Putera 1 Malaysia
7. Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia)
8. Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI)
9. Muslim Care Malaysia
10. Palestine Centre of Excellence (PACE)
11. Palestinian Cultural Organization Malaysia (PCOM) 
12. Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah (PBSM)
13. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)
14. Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
15. Pertubuhan Mawaddah Malaysia
16. Sekretariat ABIM Pusat
17. Sekretariat HALUAN Palestin
18. Sekretariat MAPIM
19. Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM)
20. Yayasan Amal Malaysia
21. Yayasan Keamanan Sedunia Perdana (PGPF)
22. Yayasan Salam Malaysia
23. Yayasan Wanita Islam (YATI)

Tidak dipastikan andai ada lagi NGO lain yang ingin menyertai. Segalanya tertakluk pada keputusan mesyuarat. Anda boleh baca lanjut di sini Senarai NGO.

Wallahu a'lam. Segala usaha kita cuba, hasilnya kita serah pada Allah.

Viva Syria!

Along the years, I've adopted and adapted a big range of tolerance and acceptance towards many things. From fiqh mu'amalah to interfaith affairs. But one thing remains stern in me, is I can't stand watching others get oppressed and tortured. And I can't stand watching others continuing to support the regime - while we can and have the power to at least slow them down. I cannot comprehend the fact how could someone buy something that directly contributes to the death of someone else? And in me, there's a strong reason for me to feel that way. I will never force others to feel what I feel, but this feeling - the reconciliation of understanding and acceptance for the action will never happen in me. To be good, it is a continuous process, a personal conviction. But to stand up in solidarity in the least to voice out our support and at the same time NOT TO SUPPORT the oppressor, it is a must be for a human being. One life counts.

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

Malaysians have launched a peaceful protest last Friday. Along with some Syrian people, we marched from Masjid Tabung Haji to the embassy. Led by Ust Ridhuan, we shouted slogans and we put up banners as signs of protest towards the oppression of the Syrians. The protest started straight away after Jum'ah prayer. Crowds gathered quickly upon being called by Ust Ridhuan. After an opening speech - explaining to curious crowds who wanted to know what this was all about, we began marching slowly accompanied by takbir and Khaibar calling. I met a few figures on my way, one of them was Syed Ibrahim. The exact same person who handed me appreciation awards in Al Amin's takrim few years back. I engaged him, and then raced back to the front line.

We passed by US Embassy. A year ago, this was the same spot we held a protest. A protest which ended up badly due to police's tear gas and skunk water. We walked a long way to the Syrian Embassy. While a few ustazs were riding a jeep, the front lines were dominated by Syrian people. One of them rode the jeep, and shouted in Arabic words of protests and prayers.

We later arrived at the vicinity of the embassy. We could not make our way in, as police barricades were blocking our way. And again, this time, I remembered a police, the same police guarding US Embassy last year during the protest. As usual, officers were equipped with complete riot-combating accessories. It makes sense. You can see, Syrian people have a very large body framework. The jeep stopped in front of the police line. A few ustazs made their way in to send written protest to the Syrian Embassy.

While waiting, a few figures rose to deliver their speech. Akram Ikrami GAMIS's current president, Rahimi from ABIM and Ust Idris Ahmad from PAS, and few others more. 

After the written protest was delivered, Ust Ridhuan gave a closing speech and we prayed to Allah, praying for the safety of Syrian people and all of the fighters around the world. We were dismissed then. Peacefully.

Leading the way

Two Syrians and a Palestinian

Foreingn friends

Palestinian guy giving speech

March Forward!

Early protester

Al-Jazeera's and Local's

Stopping point - in front of the embassy

Ust Idris Ahmad

Rabitah prayer

Akram Ikrami and a PKR lawyer

One of the banners

Crowd praying together

Peaceful ending

Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Moga Allah permudahkan perjuangan mereka di sana. Amin.

'Ansihni' - Nasihati aku

Selalu, datang masa-masa fatrah yang buatkan kita rasa macam nak futur. Rasa macam nak mula menyalahkan takdir, kenapa aku buat itu ini dulu, kalau lah aku buat itu dan ini, kalau kalau kalau. Cara terbaik, kalau tidak dapat menyendiri untuk bermuhasabah, carilah seorang yang kita percayai iman dan akhlaqnya, minta lah nasihat padanya.

Aku ingin berkongsi sedikit nasihat yang aku dapat daripada saudara Muhammad, junior aku dalam umur, senior dalam segenap aspek kehidupan. Nasihat ini aku dapat masa mereka sedang berkursus pengawas di Al Amin, dan aku ketua fasi ketika itu. Pada awalnya, aku tak berniat untuk berkongsi apa yang dinasihati, tapi aku merasakan kalau ia dapat memberi manfaat apa salahnya. Muwasofat yang ingin dibentuk pun salah satunya "Naafi'un lighairih". Walaupun nasihat yang aku minta spesifik, namun aku rasakan ia dapat memberi manfaat umum andai dikongsi.

"Muhammad, kalau ada kelapangan, ana nak jumpa nta sekejap, peribadi" pintaku ketika masa mereka menunggu waktu makan. Kami makan di kawasan surau, jadi aku bawa dia ke depan dan aku duduk bersila mengadap dia. Kami duduk bertentang. Ingin sahaja aku buat sebagaimana nabi dan Jibril, lutut bertemu lutut, tapi aku segan dengan dia.

"Muhammad, Ansihni, macam mana untuk ana menjadi hafiz yang baik, menjaga haq-haq al Quran, dan mengekalkan hati yang bersih? Iman ana semacam malap, dan ana memerlukan nasihat." aku bertanya dan meminta. Aku sangka mungkin dia akan menjadi sedikit kekok, bekas guru bahasa Inggeris merangkap seniornya meminta nasihat, tapi tidak. Dia memandang tepat pada mataku dan menunaikan haq aku untuk dinasihati.

Pesannya, aku harus ingat beberapa perkara untuk menjadi hafiz yang benar-benar menjaga. Yang pertama, mata yang aku pandang dunia mata yang sama itu juga lah aku akan gunakan untuk memandang Al Quran. Apabila aku keluar ke dunia yang tidak menjaga pandangan Allah, pada masa itulah aku harus beringat, yang mata aku yang dipinjam Allah ini perlu tekad menundukkan pandangan kerana mata inilah yang akan memandang Al Quran yang mulia itu.Yang kedua, telinga aku juga harus aku lakukan perkara yang sama. Jauhilah lagu-lagu yang liriknya tidak menambah iman, atau menambah kesyukuran untuk aku mensyukuri nikmat pendengaran itu. Jauhilah mendengar umpatan. Kerana dengan telinga itu lah aku akan mendengar bacaan Al Quran. Yang ketiga, mulut. Perhatikan setiap kata-kata yang keluar. Ingat sabda nabi, berkata baik atau diam. Tiga perkara yang disebut ini, tiga anggota inilah yang menjadi tempat jatuhnya baik atau buruk ke dalam hati. Kita jaga tiga ini, kita jaga hati. Hati kita terjaga, baiklah seluruh amalan kita. Bagaimana mungkin bercampurnya dosa dan pahala, maksiat dan ketaatan di tempat jatuhnya pandangan Allah, hati.

Untuk menjaga Al Quran, tiada cara lain. Mengulang dan mengulang dan mengulang. Aku selalu berprogram dengan adik Muhammad. Selalu, apabila kami fasi sudah bangun pukul 4.30 pagi untuk mengejutkan peserta, sering aku melihat dia sudah duduk di tiang surau mengulang Al Quran. Dia berkongsi, dia suka mengulang Quran sebelum Subuh. Kebiasaannya 5 juzu'. Dia berkongsi juga, untuk mereka yang sibuk, bila mana ada masa terluang, bacalah walaupun sedikit. Jangan tinggal. Kita jaga haq al Quran, kita juga akan terjaga. Akhlaq kita akan melambangkan akhlaq al Quran.

Terakhir, sentiasa ingat Allah dan merendah diri. Dalam hidup seharian, matlamatkan Nabi Muhammad sebagai model terbaik dalam hidup manusia.

Kemudian aku bertanya, "Ana pernah buat kesilapan masa silam ana. Yang mana sampai sekarang, ana masih menyesal, ana masih menghukum diri ana, dan ana masih merasakan Allah menghukum ana. Bukan ana tak pernah insaf dan taubat, ana dah buat, dan ana tak pernah berhenti sampai sekarang. Tapi, ana masih tak nampak jalan keluar dari permasalahan ana sekarang. Sedikit lagi nasihat? Boleh?"

"Nta kena terus yakin dengan apa yang nta sedang usahakan sekarang. Untuk orang yang bertaqwa, Allah akan bagi jalan keluar. Nta kena usaha dan yakin. Allah uji nta, nak dekatkan nta lagi dekat dengan Allah..........." dan panjang lagi, yang mana menjadi sedikit peribadi.

Alhamdulillah. Ini sedikit perkongsian, untuk aku dan juga kalian yang menginginkan sedikit 'kickstart' untuk terus memacu dalam jalan mencari redha Allah yang berat dan penuh ujian.

Walaupun mungkin simple, tapi itu yang ajaib. Kata-kata orang beriman, lain kesannya. Semacam tumpatnya ucapan Naib Mursyid Ikhwan, diselang-selang terjemahan, namun memberi kesan yang mendalam. Alangkah baiknya andai aku dikurniakan hati yang jernih untuk mengagumi sirah dan akhlaq nabi, dan juga setiap orang salih supaya aku tak tercicir mutiara walau sedikit.

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Inilah dia orang yang aku meminta nasihat daripadanya. Dia sekarang tingkatan lima, di Al Amin Gombak. Beradab dan humble orangnya. Walaupun hebat, very approachable.

Ini gambar adik Muhammad beberapa tahun lepas.

Ini gambar terkini dia semasa Kursus Pengawas di Al Amin Gombak 2012. Baru dua minggu lepas. Semasa slot 'Master Chef', mereka masak macam-macam, yang mana secara peribadi pandangan aku, ketua Fasi dan fasi-fasi lain, ternyata skil memasak kaum lelaki lebih hebat. :)

Kurus kan dia? Aku sekarang pun tengah follow diet plan dia. Tak makan nasi - dia memang tak makan nasi, masa program pun. Makan roti, cereal dan biskut. Memang menjaga betul. No wonder kami boleh menangis bermakmumkan dia semasa Qiam. Senior aku yang jadi fasi pun minta dia baca macam-macam masa Qiam, gaya bacaan Al Afasy lah, Saad lah, Mahir lah. Dia senyum je.

The Final Countdown - A tribute to the martyrs

Last year, I watched a series of interesting documentaries, Moon Machines at Discovery Channel. Although I was dissappointed Astro did not provide subtitle for the series, which made me watched the series with high volume plus extra 'noise' from my two little brothers, the series did provide valuable insights and information.

There was one episode that hooked me really deep with the scientific community at NASA and other space centres. In which I think, it was a sentiment shared worldwide. A sad and respectful remembrance from scientific communities and individuals, to the 7 martyrs that had lost their lives on 28 January 1986. I did tweet on that day, retweeting Obama's speech. But I did not have the time to finish my post, so I postponed it.

An episode that took my heart, and sent me speechless. It was my first time knowing that, and I was so sad by the fact. When I saw the craft exploded, I was like "Allah" covering my mouth with hand and another hand placed on my chest.

Space Shuttle Challenger's smoke plume after the in-flight breakup that killed all seven crew members [Wikipedia].

The disaster happened 73 seconds after the lift-off, when the spacecraft exploded leading to the deaths of its crews. You can read more here. Seven nice crews, some with families, died in the explosion.

STS-51-L crew: (front row) Michael J. Smith, Dick Scobee, Ronald McNair; (back row) Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnik.

Seven crews. Rest in Peace. Their sacrifices had made space exploration more meaningful than ever.

Although I am not a member of their community, nor I am an official scientist by title, I share the same spirit and sentiment with them. And of that, I raise my hand to my forehead -  a crisp salute to all of them.

Watch This, a journey from start to the end. A tribute for them. T_T