Dancing Buttacupp

I have a collegue cum friend who recently embraced Islam. I must say, initially I am guilty of having the standard preconceived thoughts and was slightly prejudiced. I assumed she embraced Islam for the standard reasons as the majority in my company.

After speaking to her did I realize my transgression and folly. I am ashamed. Quickly I felt remorse, alhamdulillah Allah gives me the ability to repent and correct my ways.

It was then that I felt called to start learning more on the plight of my new sister.  She told me she does not have a problem leaving the drink and even consuming pork. She tried fasting. Naturally it was a struggle. I think after her first month she’s getting the hang of it.

She told me she may have difficulty with prayer; having to recite in Arabic. She wants to learn. I began Googling ”How to perform salat” and looked for pictures and transliteration so she can read the surahs and dua (supplication) using roman letters instead of arabic (transliteration). I found a great link:

http://muslim-canada.org/salaat.html

Will look for more on this. I realize I can gain more knowledge on Islam, even minor details when I am helping others.

May Allah accept our deeds.

My two good friends want to be married in 2010. Alhamdulillah.

Somehow, last minute change of plans has caused there to be 2 akad nikahs, and 2 receptions on 5th and 6th June.

My birthday is on 5th of June.

I’m REQUIRED to be at both functions…and so are they.

How are we to achieve a win-win situation?

I have a feeling I have to pull off a 27 Dresses act:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMY9z_QmM7I

I was in Padang on 31st July to 4th Aug 09. Padang is beautiful; rich in culture, friendly and caring community, majestic sceneries, and excellent food. A few weeks after we returned Padang suffered from a small scale earth quake, only injuring a few people.

On 30th Sept Padang was dealt with another blow i.e. an earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale. The hotel I stayed in on my last night is now a pile of debris.

My friend Nani and I were discussing on how previously our efforts to help others ie Philippines, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Palestine were through monetary contributions & consummables. Now, we feel like doing more. We want to offer our small selves to help send aid via Mercy Malaysia or any NGO. We want to be there among the action.

The plan is to go on the Deepavali weekend.

The obstacle: Getting my parents’ permission.

We have to go on bare necessities, bringing a lot of bottled water and food for ourselves and those we intend to help. We have to sleep in crowded mosques if there are any. No more sun shades, no more buying batik, no more bargaining.

It’s a small step for rebuilding a shattered nation, but hopefully a considerable difference for humanity. It’s character building for me too.

Efforts shouldn’t stop there for me. I want to discuss with Nani on proposals to ensure a sustainable effort is maintained. Indonesia suffers from a lot of natural catastrophes. Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, etc. There must be a way to pre-empt or provide processes for fast relief. Have to brainstorm. Have to. I have a lot of good friends from Indonesia. Have to.

Everything that is good comes from Allah, and everything that is bad is my own shortcomings.

Wish me all the best!!!

This year my family had a different Eid ul Fitr concept. Divide and conquer. My maternal grandmother’s stroke in May 09, and my paternal grandfather’s passing in Aug 09, have made it absolutely necessary to spend time with both sides. My elder sister, husband and nephew stayed on in Bangi-Subang, while my sister Murni and I went back to Kelantan. My parents celebrated in Russia ‘cos of work commitments.

In Kelantan I optimize my time with my uncles and aunts. Being the eldest grandkids on both sides, and my dad having 12 siblings, 13 including himself, means I have 42 cousins from Kelantan. Every year there will be 2-3 new addition to the cousin group. We grew up being closer to our uncles & aunts, and only now when some of our cousins are grown up, do I spend more time getting to know them better.

During my bonding session with my uncle Dzul, he told me of his contribution to society. A little intro, my uncle is an engineer by training, and studied in the UK. He came back to Malaysia and started his construction company from scratch, ingenuity, hard work, perseverance, and constant prayer. Soon after many years, he reached multi-millionaire status. Yet all of my years growing up, I was oblivious of his financial position. He is such a simple man. He wears cheap clothes, travels economy class, drives a beat-up car, and is the one of most humble and generous person I know.

 He has gone through many cycles of recession from 80s, 90s and the worst we’ve seen, and yet his business is still strong. He says it is strong fundamentals. His businessmen friends are mainly of Chinese race, and his businesses were not the result of being in any political party (i.e. being favored for being in UMNO/PAS/etc). It’s not that he chooses his friends, but he admits that most though not all of his Malay counterparts, rely heavily on political networks and not on their own capabilities. Initially I did tease him, and say that it is very rare for you to advance yourself in any country even the big and supposedly powerful USA if you are not politically connected. He told me that I was right, but it is not impossible to still make it without connections. Wow. My uncle is very forthright; the type that just says what he feels so there is no reason for him to hide his connections should he have any.

The reason why I am called to continue writing, is eventhough he is super-wealthy, he loves giving back to society. He does so in the form of educating people on how to empower themselves. A taxi driver has turned into a businessman, teachers have turned into property gurus, and an ex-addict is now making his money grow in leaps and bounds.

Instead of growing his own wealth and reaping more profits, he allows other people the stake in the profits. I mean, I’m not sure if I myself or anyone would forego the chance to make more money, then give that big piece of pie to someone…that may even squander it. For example. If he build houses in a residential area, he sells it off to the economically challenge at cost (hence he only breaks-even). Then they sell it off at market price to gain a considerable profit. Even low-cost houses for the urban poor are not sold at cost.  Government subsidises the houses and pays the developer. 

To me, that is amazing. I’m sure other people also do really amazing things, but maybe I’m just JAKUN
What he did is give the under-priviledged capital, and taught them property investment. He actively looks for people whom he can help.

He says he won’t help me ‘cos I’m doing ok. What? Fine…

I hope I can be like him, emulating his philantrophic ways

I dedicate this song to you, my favorite, covered by Pixie Lott: Use Somebody (Kings of Leon cover)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5o8L-Or0O4&feature=related

I only do it part-time, but I wanno do more community service work !!!

In an effort to protest the current Palestinian cleansing in Gaza, myself and many concerned individuals comprising Malaysians and non-Malaysian friends came in droves to Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam.

Anti-war and anti- terrorism chants chorused through out the 2.5 hour peaceful gathering, organized by Aman Palestin.

”Who is the REAL terrorist?”

”Israel!”

”Israel must OBEY TODAY!”

3 mannequins of Bush and Zionist-policy supporters were erected for the public to throw shoes at. That was very entertaining and satisfying to watch!

The stadium was 80% filled, which had maybe 5k to 10k attendance. I brought my sisters Sofiya and Murni for an experience, an they invited their friends. Also met up with Mariah and Shafiq (comrades in everything with risks and rage!).

Highlights of the event:

Meeting up with Mariah, Maya, Maya & Falah’s mother, Shafiq and Murni’s friends

A stranger reprimanding Alia on her poster, stating that the Nazi’s are not our enemies because they too hate the Jews. Alia, being young and unprepared for the brutal bigotry that occupies the general public, was naturally dumbfounder. First and foremost, we do not hate Jewish people, but strongly oppose Zionists. Secondly, we strongly oppose all inhumane acts i.e. killing and torture to every living being which also includes the killing of the Jewish people during the holocaust. Hence, we do not support Zionists nor Nazis. Islam is against it. It is against our way of life. Isn’t Alia’s very presence enough to show her support for Palestinians?

2 strangers walking up to Mariah and I asking whether we are Malaysians, and then told us off politely to speak Malay. Mariah and I were speechless (how could that be?!). In the interest of spontaneity, we quickly tracked the dudes down and spoke loudly in English.

”Asma, do we care if we speak English?”

”Nope, because we support the Palestinians, and that’s what counts!”

Male guy, ”I can speak English too but I choose not to. I choose to speak Malay.”

”We don’t care!” says Mariah.

”It doesn’t matter what language we speak. We’re here for the same reasons as you.” I hollered.

”We don’t care,” Mariah reiterates.

That got the crowd staring at us.

It’s funny how people forget that an issue such as war should bring people together, and not pit people against one another.

Another person thinks that boycotting Zionist products won’t help. Instead we should boycott Muslim countries for not doing anything. My 2 cents is that what purpose will we serve by boycotting Muslim countries even if they are cowardly? At least our money doesn’t go directly into Zionist pockets which will then be used to kill our brothers and sisters. That way we’d be funding the Zionist’s killing spree!

If you missed the event, here are some pictures:

You wonder why a state; having the backing of the biggest super-power, and many other nations is so afraid of a few plots of land and its inhabitants?

The fact that they have all the artillery, technology, and human capacity to just annihilate Gaza and the West Bank…but are so fearful or stone-throwing teenagers, and dare-I-say human bombers?

This nation which illegally occupies West Bank and Gaza, can defend itself in any manner it sees fit, but other nations cannot. If say, Iran wanted to defend itself in the same manner Israel is, it surely will receive economic embargoes. That happened to Iraq.

What can we do as a by-stander?

Yes, we denounce the actions by Israel, and cry foul for all their criminal activities.

Is that enough?

Currently, we can opt to:

• promote local industries i.e. buy & consume local products and services
• do businesses with ASEAN, OIC countries, etc and reduce dependence on the US, and Zion-sponsored companies/organizations
• assist the Palestinians by providing education assistance (to study outside of Palestine)
• educate and communicate to the masses
• donate to Aman Palestine or any Palestine-relief funds

Link to find out more about products and services that support Zionist causes: http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-israel.html

Go to this link to learn how you can help: Talk to Barack Obama

http://change.gov/

or visit the American website for Muslim Democrats:

http://muslimdemocrats.net/

In my student days, I had to change my lifestyle. I actually refrained from eating McD for 3 months. I think I can do better now that they are alternative burger outlets like Ramli, Burger King, Carl’s Jr and Wendy’s.

I don’t support Starbucks, but am a usual teh-tarik person or kopitiam person.

 Hey, it’s not much to you. At least you’re not helping to pay for the armory that goes into killing our brothers and sisters in Palestine. Imagine the Rm12 for that mocha-latte-whatever, contributes to how many brutal deaths of Palestinian lives?

Even if you do not have the money to donate to the Aman Palestine or any Palestine-fund, at least your spending won’t kill any.

The death toll as at 5th Jan 09: 512 Palestinians vs 5 Israelis

We can do this.

What else can I do other than solat hajat? I am brainstorming, but for now…

Observe wiser spending habits

Let’s put our words into actions.

Let’s start saving whatever life left in Palestine, and help to rebuild a more peaceful and certain future.

I have started.

You can too.

Today is ayah’s birthday. As I was preparing to call him and wish him, I received a text message from him.

It read: ”Sam, please ask Allah swt for even the smallest needs. He likes His Servants to approach Him for all things. He promises to answer all prayers, and He doesn’t break His promise. -Dad”

At the time, I was in the middle of the most busy period of the year, and out of nowhere, beyond my own comprehension, tears began to trickle down. For all I knew, my colleague Wani could’ve peered through and seen the…mess.  My silent response to the sms, ” I do, dad. I do.”

After our usual congregation Maghrib prayers at home, ayah always says, ”Sam, I always make dua for you”. Of course, I make dua for me, my family, friends and other things.

But this is the first time…

On ayah’s birthday he made a wish…for me.

Maybe ayah knows that things are not always easy for me, but I give my best anyway.

All We Are by Matt Nathanson

”Happiness is only real when shared”.

See You Soon

This week I bore witness to an event that may have happened to many of us. The moment where we consider taking a giant step, with the objective of bridging the gap in a relationship.

Telling your friend that you have feelings for them and wanting more than a platonic relationship.

Wow.

How does one muster the courage especially if she is a girl?

I respect those who speak up, and take a chance. I guess if I felt so strongly about a person I’d rather know than wonder ‘What If’, I’d rather be vulnerable than hold on to my pride.

Of course, if I do take the leap, I would have put on my Dr Phil or Oprah hat, and tell myself that regardless whether the response is positive or negative, I have my answer. I can move on.

Will I be able to be friends with the guy if rejected?

Of course. Why not?  

Funny part is my friends and I even had a forum on this.

Would you take the step?

I dedicate the following song to you.

Coldplay—> ” See You Soon”

So you lost your trust,
And you never should have, you never should have,
But don’t break your back,
If you ever see this,
Don’t answer that.
In a bullet proof vest,
With the windows all closed,
I’ll be doing my best,
I’ll see you soon,
In a telescope lens,
And when all you want is friends,
I’ll see you soon.
So they came for you,
They came snapping at your heels,
They come snapping at you heels,
But don’t break your back,
If you ever see this,
Don’t answer that.
In a bullet proof vest,
With the windows all closed,
I’ll be doing my best,
I’ll see you soon,
In a telescope lens,
And when all you want is friends,
I’ll see you soon,
I’ll see you soon.
I know you lost your trust,
I know you lost your trust,
Don’t lose your trust,
I know you lost your trust.

chris-daughtry-what-about-now

”True friends should not doubt, but Hope”—> Mr Knightly to Emma (Emma, Jane Austen)

This month I have been blessed to learn of good tidings from of my friends, and unfortunate news of my family.

Not-So-Good

• My paternal grandmother from Tanah Merah, Kelantan fainted because she hasn’t been taking her medication consistently. She is a diabetic. Due to her lapse in judgement, nenek has to be given 3 doses of insulin shots daily. Just like Nyai (maternal grandmother)
• My paternal and remaining grandfather also from Kelantan discovered that he has an 8 cm growth in his chest i.e. a tumor. The best Doctors in Kelantan cannot remove the growth because it is too large. Hence, he has to be transferred to IJN. We hope IJN will operate on him soon and pray the operation is a success. My family cancelled their trip to Jakarta to be by his side when the operation takes place. We will take turns visiting and caring for Tuk We (Wan).
• Baby Emir Helic may have to be hospitalized for having a lung infection. Poor baby!

Moral (for me):

1. Bershukur dengan kesihatan yang ada. Cara terbaik untuk bershukur ialah utk menjaga kesihatan mulai sekarang dan jangan mudah alpa! (Be grateful for your current healthy state. The manifestation of your gratefulness is by taking care of your health beginning NOW)
2. Grab the opportunity while it is in front of you –> CARPE DIEM (Seize the day). It may not be there tomorrow!
3. Live your life as if it is your Last.
4. Know No fear, no regrets.

Good Tidings

• My supper with Wina Risman & family revealed that her baby sister Silmi Kamilah Risman(which is also my friend) will be acting in an Indonesian movie entitled ‘Ketika Cinta Bertasbih’ (KCB). Based on a book written by the author who wrote ‘Ayat-ayat Cinta’,  KCB has the same Islamic elements as well. The only difference btw the 2 movies is the actors. Ayat2 Cinta had a few household names, while KCB sought to look for individuals who practised the Islamic faith wholeheartedly as a way of life. They had a national search in the top cities in search of individuals who can read the Quran, know the meaning, read and speak Arabic fluently, have the acting chops and is a practising Muslim. Apparently Silmi won the leading female role of Husna but because Husna has to be physically compatible to the leading male character, they created a new character for Silmi, a daughter of a Malaysian embassador in Cairo. Well, Allah works in mysterious ways.

Silmi’s performances have won her legions of fans eventhough she doesn’t have the title role.

I anticipate the release of the movie and would love to watch in the theatres or buy the original VCD.

Doors have opened for her in ways we cannot understand. Challenges were also thrown her way repeatedly.

Check out a link: http://www.tabloidnova.com/article.php?name=/gaya-belanja-silmi-wan-aina-kcb&channel=selebriti%2Faktual

• Learning that some of my dear friends are to wed in 2008 and 2009. Good news for them, and I have told them that they cannot refuse my visits just because they are married :p It’s just me and Mariah now I guess (eyeing Mariah)
• Coming home to find baby Emir Helic has learned to walk and walk he has around the house. He even dances! Hehe ni kena kurangkan…
• My friend’s suitor who later became my friend has realized his true feelings for my girl friend. He asked me, ‘How do you define Like and Love’? Hmm…Not the expert in this field, I gave my 2 sen. ”For me, Like is when you have simple affection for a person. Love, is a stronger sense of empowerment that enables you to be the person whom you are meant to be”. For example, if you love Allah (as oppose to fearing Him), you will do whatever it takes to please him. That means being the best at everything you do. That means becoming the person you are meant to be. Apa2 pun, saya tumpang gembira. Tahniah utk kamu berdua kerana sedar akan perasaan masing2 and making the right effort in the right direction :)
• Charlie may get a promotion for his hard and well-earned efforts instead of the usual politicking. He deserves it for his dedication and excellent delivery. I will include you in my du’a
• Twilight the movie is coming to Malaysian theatres soon! Can’t wait. It’s about time somebody made a movie resembling L.J. Smith’s books (one of my favorite children fantasy authors before I graduated to classics and contemporary literature).
• I Let Go of some of the burdens that have been haunting me. Though I believed I have moved on months ago, but a discussion with Mariah proved that perhaps I haven’t completely moved on i.e. there may be 10% left. I’m glad I did.
• I decided what I will be wearing to Kelab Sukan KL (KSKL) DInner and Dance. I will be going with good friends from IT to Supply and FInance.

Moral:

1. Good things come slowly and in the form we may not expect nor understand. To those who have yet to find love nor the success that we hoped for, have faith and patience. Surely your time will arrive
2. Take things one step at a time.
3. While moving towards your destination, enjoy the journey. Just don’t vandalize or do illegal activities on the way ok?
4. We will all find our Mr Knightley’s and our Emma’s

Always happy to share these experiences with you.  What do you think?

What do you do when you realize that your time on earth is limited?

Would you continue with your life, or improve your life, behavior, relationships, etc?

A loved one has diabetes which is the cause of both of her kidneys to fail. This is acute kidney failure, hence she would need dialisis for the rest of her life.

Nyai (nenek in Javanese) is 73 years old.

Already with her 3 times a day insulin shots, she seems a bit uncooperative to go for regular dialisis.

Ibu says that Nyai may not live long with her condition. Tambah pula Nyai kecewa kerana dikhianati oleh orang gaji yg berkhidmat selama 12 tahun.

So in addition to the bi-monthly visits, I try to make Nyai happy. When I came back from Cherating, I bought Nyai ’satar’ (local Terengganu grilled fresh fish dumpling-ish yummy snack!). She was so excited. Nice to see someone smile, you know? Especially good, decent people.

As cliche as it sounds, I guess if I were to know anyone was going to pass away, I want them to leave this physical place with warm and happy thoughts.

Likewise if my time is near, I would settle all of my debts, apologize to those whom I have hurt, and tell people how I feel abt them.

Let’s make this life meaningful!

To all my friends, 1 2 3 I love you….

‘1 way 2 say those 3 words…that’s what I’ll do…I love you’

Check this song out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ5LGi8U770

Asma wan signing off