tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10418385279198781342024-03-14T00:56:33.164+08:00Family of Abu MukhtaarUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-75525667530256822832010-11-10T07:35:00.015+08:002010-11-10T11:35:09.213+08:00Cameron Highlands Trip 2010<strong>DAY 01</strong><br /><br />As what my wife has said to me, this trip is a budget trip. We have cut down our cost as much as possible for our transport and accomodation. We divert our money to the attractions in Cameron Highlands instead.<br /><br />We reach there after Subuh and have a grand breakfast at the Strawberry Park Hotel (SBH). The wide variety of food there tasted good and the scenery simply refreshing to our tired city souls. I only wish that we could have stayed here, but the cost is almost twice for the Chua Ghin rooms we have booked earlier. SBH still has not lost its charm, grandness and overall coolness. Our kids played at the Playground and I have a good time capturing the different views seen at the SBH.<br /><br />Image 1: A faraway bungalow seen from SBH<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156516621/" title="CH_2010_013 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5156516621_16e1458342.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_013" /></a><br /><br />Image 2: A not so common flower nearby the playground<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157192712/" title="CH_2010_029 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/5157192712_db1f19c615.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_029" /></a><br /><br />Image 3: My wife and Abdullah enjoying the breakfast by balcony ambience<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156511131/" title="CH_2010_006 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/5156511131_a38738010a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_006" /></a><br /><br />Image 4: Another bungalow on the top of a hill<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156512645/" title="CH_2010_008 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/5156512645_22ff96db91.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_008" /></a><br /><br />Image 5: Ahmad and Zainah playing on the swinging wheel<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157127388/" title="CH_2010_014 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5157127388_3d643d900a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_014" /></a><br /><br />After breakfast, we headed down to Chua Ghin Hotel located in <strong>Brinchang</strong> to check the availability of our rooms. The SBH Van transport charged us for RM40! Only later we find out that this is too much. We were told that our rooms will only be available at 1300. As there is still three hour to go, we decided to go <strong>Tanah Rata</strong> to book a guide from Kang Travels for the next day itenary. After much discussion we settled for the following itenary:<br /><br />1. Visit to the BOH tea Plantation<br />2. Climb to top of Brinchang Mountain<br />3. Simple Mountain Trekking by the side of Brinchang Mountain<br />4. Tea Plantation View Point<br />5. Raju's Strawberry Garden (A substitute to Orang Asli "Village")<br /><br />Image 6: An Indian Muslim Man doing the chicken at a Tanah Rata Restaurant<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156586881/" title="CH_2010_034 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5156586881_3f0a258a7e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_034" /></a><br /><br />The "Orang Asli" or natives has progressed a lot lately and hence their way of living has become modernized. There's hardly anything special to see - according to the Kang Travel people.<br /><br />We then make our way to the Tanah Rata Park, where our tired kids played the playground there. From here, I decided to trek our way to The Parit Falls. <br /><br />Image 7: The Tanah Rata Park and playgrounds. Located at the riverside of Sungei Bertam?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156588395/" title="CH_2010_038 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5156588395_494449f3a9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="CH_2010_038" /></a><br /><br /><br />The trek make us walk along a pathway by the side of the river. THe pathway is made up partially of slippery bricks, mud, low branches, scrubs and other stuff that could make it unsafe. People can just slip and fell into river far below. Ater much struggling we managed to get to the Parit Falls. I am pleased to see that the amount of litter have reduced significantly. However the water is still considered to be unsafe for drinking and swimming. The whole place showed signs of neglect. The bridges cannot be used and the playgrounds are rusted and broken. Despite all this Parit Falls remain a cool secluded good resting place.<br /><br />Image 8: The Parit Falls<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156590047/" title="CH_2010_040 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/5156590047_e1e44e5da5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_040" /></a><br /><br />Image 9: The pathway to the bridge suffered a landslide making it unsafe for the kids.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157220776/" title="CH_2010_045 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1439/5157220776_a5741e1bd8.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_045" /></a><br /><br />Image 10: The bridge over Parit Falls. Damaged and unsafe to cross.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156611363/" title="CH_2010_044 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1403/5156611363_18d1fb016e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_044" /></a><br /><br />The kids are plainly tired and worned out after reaching the Parit Falls. They easily slip and fell. Mukhtaar and Zainah had a traumatic experience with bees hovering over them. The bees are attracted to yellow and orange colours of their sweaters. We managed to get away from the bees and calm the kids down. A van from Kang travels picked us up and we returned back to Chua Ghin at a mere cost of RM15 only! We are lucky to have the rooms available before 1 pm!<br /><br />After lunch at a nearby food center, the kids are knocked out...<br /><br />Image 11: The Sleeping Whiny Princess<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156612521/" title="CH_2010_046 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/5156612521_5b3af084f5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_046" /></a><br /><br /><strong>DAY 02</strong><br /><br />The second day is the most eventful and memorable of the three days. The Kang guys picked us up at the Hotel's Lobby. This is the first time me and my family get a ride in a four-wheel drive Land Rover. Seeing the Landrover itself is already thrilling.<br /><br />Image 12: The kids and women get the back seat of the LandRover<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156614785/" title="CH_2010_050 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/5156614785_af2f4d6046.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_050" /></a><br /><br />By the way a typical heavily used Landrover would look like this:<br /><br />Image 13: Worned out but still useable<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156613931/" title="CH_2010_048 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1159/5156613931_e5b94d02dd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="CH_2010_048" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, our first stop is the Boh Tea Plantations. The view here is simply breathtaking. Very very good ambience and climate. I wish I can stay here!<br /><br />Image 14: Slopes of Green: Images of tranquility<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157249348/" title="CH_2010_060 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/5157249348_fae877d4ed.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_060" /></a><br /><br />Image 15: Ditto<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157705848/" title="CH_2010_109 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/5157705848_c1c93ced16.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_109" /></a><br /><br /><br />Image 16: Ditto<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5156642325/" title="CH_2010_063 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1366/5156642325_423c5982a8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_063" /></a><br /><br />We also visited the factory that processes the tea leaves immediately after the leaves are plucked from the fields. The guide speaks fast. Cant really catch what he says... In the old factory we see step by step how the tea is processed, graded and packed. Tea have grades. Lower grades are blended together into finer leaves found in tea bags. By the way, BOH stands for Best of Highlands and it is owned by a Scottish family. The one we visited is the Sungei Palas plantation.<br /><br />Image 17: Ye old Boh Factory<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157971002/" title="CH_2010_112 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5157971002_03400b3d85.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="CH_2010_112" /></a><br /><br />Image 18: Houses owned by the big boss?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157686848/" title="CH_2010_099 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/5157686848_4834121775.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CH_2010_099" /></a><br /><br />Image 19: Ye Old Smoke Shed by the factory<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157361583/" title="CH_2010_113 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/5157361583_0cbca19503.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_113" /></a><br /><br />After completing the factory visit we climbed the Brinchang Mountain nearby using the LandRover. We went all the way to the top. At the top there is an old watch tower that overlooks the surrounding Titiwangsa range. Camreron highlands is just a dot in the Titiwangsa mountain ranges. The view up the tower is just spectacular. As the tower stairs are steep and slippery the children and women folk stayed on the ground. According to the guide we are lucky to have clear weather, most of the time its too cold and misty to see.<br /><br />Image 20: The Watch Tower<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157972226/" title="CH_2010_120 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1113/5157972226_35a953af7b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_120" /></a><br /><br />Image 21: View from the top<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157973448/" title="CH_2010_128 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1201/5157973448_bbc5a03a69.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_128" /></a><br /><br />Image 22: Ditto<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157973602/" title="CH_2010_130 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5157973602_5c3f61ccc8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_130" /></a><br /><br />Image 23: Ditto<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157363981/" title="CH_2010_129 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/5157363981_3cf3b6a164.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_129" /></a><br /><br />Its a sad thing that my wife could not go up... But anyway we have a nice shot here...<br /><br />Image 24: Me Family at the top of Gunung Brinchang!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157367661/" title="CH_2010_155 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1062/5157367661_034aa24814.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_155" /></a><br /><br />Image 25: Abd Matin and Family<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157977032/" title="CH_2010_153 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/5157977032_94351b1cde.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_153" /></a><br /><br />From the Top of Gunung Brinchang we climbed back down the slopes using the landrover and stopped at a spot to go for a short muddy trekking into the Mossy Forest. The trekking is really muddy. Too muddy for the children and women folk which do not wear boots. However me, my daughter Zainah and Abd Matin managed to get in and experience the mossy forest trek.<br /><br />Image 26: The muddy trek<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157368041/" title="CH_2010_157 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/5157368041_a9a428f5f4.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_157" /></a><br /><br />Image 27: The pitcher plant (Periuk Kera)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157978458/" title="CH_2010_161 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/5157978458_ce2c5ea80b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_161" /></a><br /><br />Image 28: Zainah, the explorer, the youngest person to go up the muddy slopes!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157978372/" title="CH_2010_160 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/5157978372_ff333c2466.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_160" /></a><br /><br />Image 29: View from the borders of Pahang and Perak<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157368887/" title="CH_2010_162 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/5157368887_4430d0bc70.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_162" /></a><br /><br />Yep, I cross to and fro Pahang and Perak territories several times in a minute. Amazing!<br /><br />Image 30: Mosses are everywhere clinging to both dead and alive branches and stems.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157979566/" title="CH_2010_167 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1342/5157979566_d72e2185ec.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="CH_2010_167" /></a><br /><br />After going through the muddy misty mossy forest trek we went down to the Tea Plantation Viewpoint. While the guide, Muhd Fazli explains, I am busy good pictures of the plantation. We can walk up and down the plantation slopes. The tea plants can stay alive for 200 years! Even the older leaves can be made into tea. The tea seeds originates from Assam, India. Cameron tea is rarely exported out. As the Malaysian consumed everything and still they have to import the rest. Like what the guide say Malaysians shower themselves in tea....<br /><br /><br />Image 31: My wife and friends at the plantation viewpoint.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar/5157980124/" title="CH_2010_169 by Mahathir Abd Latiff, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5157980124_b79616c400.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CH_2010_169" /></a><br /><br />After the viewpoint we visited the Raju Strawberry Garden. No pictures there coz I busy munching down the strawberry float and the strawberry cheese cake.<br /><br /><strong>DAY 03</strong><br />The blog stops now. In day 03 we went back. I'm too tired of writing....hehehe<br /><br />Wassalam<br /><br />MahathirUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-78003251630178884592010-11-04T09:05:00.003+08:002010-11-04T15:25:49.162+08:00The upcoming family trip to Cameron HighlandsI am really looking forward to the trip to Cameron Highlands. The last time I've been there is five years ago. Mukhtaar, my first child is only nine months old at that time. This time around I'm taking all three of my children along including the little one, Abdullah. <br /><br />I hope the place is not much affected by the global climate change; i really enjoyed the cool temperature there. I expect the polluted rivers and waterfalls have gotten cleaned up this past five years. The government needs to take firm steps in ensuring the environment there gets preserved and not suffer further damages.<br /><br />Mankind, regardless of race and religion depends on its living environment for sustenance. The environment is a gift from Allah swt. Allah has all rights to withdraw the gifts if mankind abuse it. Allah swt Himself desires no Gifts from any of His creations. <br /><br />By right those who submit to Allah swt completely, will not abuse the gifts bestowed upon them. They will manage the Allah's gifts as best as they can to show thanks or shukur to Allah swt. If there is damage to the environment, for example cameron highlands, this can only show that that the people in charge are still lacking in their <br /><br />a. sincere dedication to Allah swt as His servant<br />b. responsibility to manage the Allah's Gift<br />c. knowledge to manage Allah's Gift<br />d. overall attitude in the relationship between mankind and the environment<br /><br />There is no separation between Allah's religion, the management of resources, governance and its overall effects to the environment.<br /><br />I can safely say the damages done to the environment anywhere is the result of mankind not doing what Allah wants them to do. Or perhaps the most powerful among humans are just doing what their Nafsu and Syaitan wants them to do. And hence destruction is inevitable.<br /><br />I am no geologist, climatologist or any big time environmentalist. But it is not hard to see all this happening.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Abdullah Ibni AbdellatiffUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-53563170729260665372010-10-19T09:04:00.002+08:002010-10-19T09:11:29.371+08:00Habib Umar Al-Hafidz lecture on bringing up children in current times.A'kum wr wb,<br /><br />Alhamdulillah, Allah has allowed me and my entire family to attend a lecture by the eminent Al-Allamah Habib Umar Al Hafidz at Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu. Due to family and work commitment I missed the Haul conducted at Shah Alam earlier last Saturday. Without further ado I will touch one the five main points that he emphasized. He gave plenty of examples that is quite hard for me to remember in detail. The five points are:<br /><br />1. Guard the sense of hearing<br />2. Guard the sense of seeing<br />3. Guard the child against bad company<br />4. Encourage the child to work hard in seeking knowledge<br />5. Get the child to be close / sitting down among the Ulama<br /><br />InsyaAllah, I will post the video later.<br /><br />WassalamUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-14444327428150265832010-09-21T09:50:00.002+08:002010-09-21T10:01:38.646+08:00Reminder for the remindersi was told many years ago that a good part of religion is reminders "naseha". and so i remind myself to accept reminders as sincerely and as openly as possible. i told myself that reminders can be very harsh at times. but it is the message and not the method of delivery is the utmost importance. i remind myself to remain humble while accepting reminders. i remind myself when reminders are given it came from a good intention of the reminder.<br /><br />a reminder can be only be beneficial if it is accepted. sometimes the reminder did not even be accepted to be useful. the reminder may activate a process of thoughts that gives alternative perspectives or solutions or deeper knowledge and understanding.<br /><br />a reminder may not necessary come from a higher ranking person / a more learned person to be useful and important. For Allah has many ways to enlighten a person.<br /><br />I remind myself to be patient. I remind myself to persevere in adverse conditions. I remind myself to be kind to others. and i remind myself that a good part of religion is reminders...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-39194550903620448062010-06-29T08:14:00.004+08:002010-06-29T08:37:09.026+08:00By Mid Year 2010I'm a father of 3 children.<br />Waliyullah Habib Ali Bin Habib Jaafa Al-Idrus has returned to Allah swt.<br />One of my favourite Aunties in Malaysia, Mak Dah has returned to Allah swt.<br />Abuya or Ustadz Ash'ari of the Al-Arqam movement returned to Allah swt.<br />I will try to delay for the next cupping/bekam session with Kiai Asmawi.<br />Visited Habib Ali's and Habib Ahmad Semaits graves/maqams at Batu Pahat.<br />Discovered Banafee Village in Johore and sampled the food there.<br />Discovered location of Masjid Wadi Hassan and Kampung Wadi Hassan.<br />Purchased the EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens that cost $2513.<br />Discovered many uncommon bird species in Pasir Ris Park.<br />Initiated a young photographer.<br />Won the NYP-MicroSoft Photo360 Competition, My Heartland! My Home! Category.<br />Decided to take up Birding seriously as a hobby.<br /><br />Signing out... WassalamUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-58258139348742977152010-06-06T17:51:00.006+08:002010-06-06T18:05:01.851+08:00Family UpdatesHmm I guess I can now update this blog twice a year from now onwards. I try my best to post whenever I can. No promises... There are many tasks at home even after my work is done. I'm now a father of THREE. My youngest child is named Abdullah. This name, to me is a great Doa, a great expectation and a lifelong mission to be fulfilled by not only my son but every Muslim. He is now roughly two months old. He is now very close to his Ummi more than anyone else in the world. I have to help my wife so that Abdullah gets what he needed most now, his mother's love and time.<br /><br />Mukhtaar and Zainah is slowly learning to be elder siblings. Zainah becomes more emo lately. I'm the last resort if everything else fails to calm her storms.<br /><br />This Sunday morning, we went to the Singapore Indoor Stadium to attend a first concert in the history our Family. Our children, Mukhtaar and Zainah enjoyed The Wiggles CDs tremendously. They sing, they dance and they laugh with the Wiggles. Hence, we let them see the show. If my guess is correct The Wiggles come to singapore once a year. Special thanks to Cik Tapa/Cik Hanim and family for letting us 'dump' little Abdullah for awhile so that we can spend more time for Mukhtaar and Zainah<br /><br />Mukhtaar and Zainah enjoyed the Concert/Show in a unique way. They observe everything rather than just joining in the fun by jumping around like other kids, Alhamdulillah. And after everything is done, they said they liked it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-71977498469557300922010-01-02T07:21:00.002+08:002010-01-02T07:25:45.977+08:00New year resolutions1. be organized<br />2. be motivated<br />3. be on task<br />4. be patient<br />5. be humble<br />6. be healthy<br />7. be happy<br />8. be pious<br />9. be fearful to Allah swt<br />10. be closer to Rasulullah saw<br />11. be loving<br />12. be humane<br />13. be kind<br />14. be thoughtful<br />15. be faithful<br /><br />May Allah give me the correct attributes and guide me and my family to everlasting happiness in Jannah, Ameen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-24495852835874285982009-12-25T07:55:00.005+08:002009-12-25T09:11:30.051+08:00Pesanan dari Habib Ali Bin Jaafar Al-aydrus (Batu Pahat)Isteri saya menggalakkan saya untuk menulis di lelaman blog ini tentang beberapa nasihat yang diberikan kepada saya, Abu Ahmad Zulfaruk dan yang lain2 oleh Habib Ali. Inilah yang dapat saya ingat dari pertemuan kelmarin.<br /><br />Nasihat pertama:<br /><br />Bacalah Al-Quran. Ikutilah Al-Quran. Al-Quran itu adalah karangan Pencipta kita. Hidup kita pasti selamat jika kita berpandukan Al-Quran.<br /><br />Nasihat kedua:<br /><br />Jangan bergaduh antara satu sama lain. Yakni antara adik beradik, ahli keluarga, sahabat2, saudara-mara dan sebagainya. Jika ada pergaduhan, cepat2lah berbaik2 antara satu sama lain.<br /><br />Nesihat ketiga:<br /><br />Bertaubatlah kamu sebelum pintu taubat tertutup untukmu. Di sini boleh bermakna ajal ataupun munculnya tanda2 besar Kiamat.<br /><br />Nasihat keempat:<br /><br />Allah swt itu adalah Khalik iaitu sang Pencipta. Manusia hanyalah Makhluk iaiatu yang dicipta. Maka manusia itu patut mematuhi apa sahaja perintah2 Pencipta bukan Pencipta mematuhi perintah manusia. Takutlah pada Allah swt dengan bertaqwa pada Allah swt. Jika manusia tidak taku pada Allah siapa yang dia takutkan? Akibat tidak takut pada Allah swt, banyak masalah telah ditimpa pada manusia itu sendiri. Turutilah semua perintah2 Allah swt dan juga Nabi Muhammad s.a.w yakni Rasul dan Nabi yang terakhir. Ingatlah tiada Nabi selepas Rasulullah solollah alahi wassalam.<br /><br />Nasihat kelima:<br /><br />Solat lima waktu mesti di laksanakan di mana jua, tanpa mengenal masa. Allah swt telah meringankan solat dari lima puluh waktu kepada hanya lima waktu sahaja maka itu jangan sekali2 tinggalkan Solat2 fardhu.<br /><br />Nasihat keenam:<br /><br />Anak2 kita mesti dilatih berpuasa apabila menjangkau usia 10 tahun selambat2nya.<br /><br />Buat masa ini, ini sahaja yang saya dapat ingat. Saya akan tambah apabila saya dapat ingat yang selebihnya.<br /><br />Wallahu'alam<br /><br />Wassalam.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-19227964997576906132009-12-25T07:45:00.001+08:002009-12-25T07:45:28.761+08:00Its been a long while...Its been a long while... Today I will start back updating this blog. If no one reads its perfectly fine. I just need to type out and record the happenings in my life. Censored and moderated by myself of course. May Allah swt prevent me from trangressing His boundaries, Ameen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-49010650844256382462009-07-27T07:39:00.002+08:002009-07-27T12:26:50.446+08:00What is Syukur?1. Syukur is recognizing everything that we have now is from Allah s.w.t<br />2. Syukur is saying thanks to Allah s.w.t for everything that we have now.<br />3. Syukur is making the correct use of everything that is given to us by Allah s.w.t<br />4. The opposite of Syukur is Kufur.<br />5. A muslim will Syukur when a gift is given by Allah s.w.t. And he will Sabar when the gifts are withheld by Allah s.w.t.<br />6. The higher standard i.e. held by Ahlul-bayt descendants of the Prophet s.a.w. should be : "to have shukur (being grateful) when gifts/bestowals are withheld from them by Allah; but when given gifts/bestowals by Allah, they place other people's interest regarding it before their own."<br />7. Remember for all the gifts that has been given by Allah will be accounted for in the day of Judgement.<br /><br />O Allah! Please make me, my family members and my friends among those who Syukur towards you. And make us among those who loves you for all the Nikmats that is given to us, Ameen.<br /><br />Thank you Ust Zul. May Allah reward you handsomely for your Naseehah.<br /><br />Wassalam.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-84144715364346279582009-06-03T08:54:00.006+08:002009-06-03T09:38:19.846+08:00Parenting - Breaking The Chain of WantingAssalamu'alaikum wr. wb.,<br /><br />This morning it came across my mind about our 'lil Ibn's behaviour (on Monday)at the place where I learn to recite the Quran. First of all, my intention of bringing him is to expose the atmosphere of Quran learning. Secondly, he is having his June school holidays. Thirdly, I want to carry out my role as a mother and less burdening my Dearie Hubby.<br /><br />About his behaviour on Monday - very persistent about wanting to bring home the pink Iqra' book belonging to Ustazah, despite telling him that I have one that is the same. I ignored and let him cry on the way home. After 2 days, he still can remember about the book the moment I told him that I am going for my Quran class the next day. Hmmm... Ibn has to learn that he cannot bring home anything from outside all the time we are out of the house.<br /><br />After further thinking about this matter, I manage to 'search' the root of the problem. At least one week once, Ibn goes to my parents place, which is just next door away from my Aunt's place. My aunt has 4 kids. Ibn will go there to play with my youngest cousin, Dina and Syahin, and at times Filza and Hakim when they come by. Each time he came back to my parents' place, there must be something he brings back especially a toy/toys. Not that I know of then that this has been a habit.<br /><br />At this point of time, it is to break the chain of this 'bad' habit. A project hubby and I need to carry out ASAP. Insya Allah.<br /><br />Ummu MukhtaarUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-15204504097813511132009-05-18T18:29:00.005+08:002009-05-18T18:40:58.397+08:00A morning at Bedok ReservoirOn a Sunday morning, my wife suggested going to Bedok Reservoir Park. Its a hot humid morning, and I began to feel dizzy and yawn incessantly. We have to rush back as there is an "emergency".<br /><br />1. My kids enjoyed a lot playing at the playground. Zainah seen here exploring in and out the tunnel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dPrR3cPHWjY/ShE5_mqRBcI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Q-ArnvZrMlc/s1600-h/bdr01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dPrR3cPHWjY/ShE5_mqRBcI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Q-ArnvZrMlc/s320/bdr01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337110798283113922" /></a><br /><br />2. Mukhtaar teachers Zainah how to slide properly. He then proceeded with his truck play, making tracks on the sand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dPrR3cPHWjY/ShE6YRjxTmI/AAAAAAAAAQM/MKddZ3m0yFM/s1600-h/bdr02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dPrR3cPHWjY/ShE6YRjxTmI/AAAAAAAAAQM/MKddZ3m0yFM/s320/bdr02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337111222115454562" /></a><br /><br />3. The white collared kingfisher perching from branch to branch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dPrR3cPHWjY/ShE6_kw7cdI/AAAAAAAAAQU/7iDdBQGPc9g/s1600-h/bdr03.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dPrR3cPHWjY/ShE6_kw7cdI/AAAAAAAAAQU/7iDdBQGPc9g/s320/bdr03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337111897285816786" /></a><br /><br />My camera died after only about 8 shots.. Oh well better luck next time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-43684498439540129012009-01-28T16:24:00.003+08:002009-01-28T18:04:33.371+08:00My 1000D and the dreaded Err99.As my close friends already know, I'm terribly sick with DSLR fever for over three months now. The photos I've taken with my own first DSLR (the Canon EOS 1000D) amounts to over 4500 shots. I'm mad about night and nature photography. And every photo tells a different unique story behind it.<br /><br />At the peak of my fever, my 1000D suffers from the dreaded the ERROR 99 or in short, Err99. When the Err99 message pops out at my LCD screen, the camera freezes and no photos can be taken. I've read about the Err99. Err99 happens when the camera don't know what went wrong and decided to 'hang' itself. The following might be the causes behind Err99.<br /><br />a. the lens refuse to communicate with the camera body.<br />b. the pins on the lens mount are damaged or dirty or rusted.<br />c. camera software corruption.<br />d. incompatible or damaged SDHC memory card.<br />e. damaged lenses (if this is true than all my four lenses are damaged).<br />f. the shutter has finally expired.<br />g. aperture blades are stucked and cannot get adjusted accordingly.<br />h. cable connecting sensors to cpu (DIGIC III processor) damaged.<br />i. Damaged circuitry in the mainboard of the camera.<br />j. Damaged mirror flipping mechanism<br />k. Damaged shutter release mechanism<br />l. And many others that I might not know of....<br /><br />There are many attempts to revive my camera on my own. They are...<br /><br />a. Resetting all the settings to default.<br />b. Reformatting the SDHC card.<br />c. Making sure the contacts (lens and body) are cleaned.<br />d. Using only original battery, LPE5 without the battery grip<br /><br />All the efforts have failed. Alas I have to drag myself to Canon service center at Harbour Front.<br /><br />After much reflection, I was thinking that all this happens because Allah swt is kind towards me. He wants me to get closer to Him even more rather than the camera. Subhanallah. I must redha and not complain...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-9761454270991451752009-01-28T14:37:00.001+08:002009-01-28T14:38:56.414+08:00Kenapa Yahudi bijak sekali?Mengapa Yahudi Bijak? (as received by a recent e-mail from a friend. Have an open mind and learn from the enemy)<br /><br /> <br />Setelah berada 3 tahun di Israel kerana menjalani housemanship dibeberapa hospital disana, ada beberapa perkara yang menarik dapat saya perhatikan untuk dijadikan tesis ini, iaitu “Mengapa Yahudi Bijak?”.<br />Memang tidak dapat dinafikan ramai cendikiawan berbangsa Yahudi, dari segala bidang, Engineering, musik, saintis dan yang paling hebat ialah bidang perniagaan, dimana ia memang paling tersohor. Hampir 70% perniagaan di dunia dikuasai oleh kaum Yahudi, dari kosmetik, pakaian, pemakanan, senjata, perhotelan, perfileman diHollywood dan sebagainya. <br /><br />Ketika tahun kedua, akhir bulan December 1980 dan sedang saya menghitung hari untuk pulang ke California saya terfikir apakah sebab nya kaum Yahudi begitu pintar? Kenapa tuhan memberi kelebihan kepada mereka? Apakah ini suatu kebetulan? Atau olah manusia sendiri? Adakah bijak boleh dijana? Seperti kilang pengeluaran?<br /><br />Maka saya pon tergerak membuat tesis untuk Phd saya, disamping kebaikan untuk umat sejagat dan dapat hidup secara harmoni. Untuk pengetahuan anda tesis yang saya lakukan ini mengambil masa hampir lapan tahun, ini kerana untuk mengumpulkan data-data yang setepat mungkin.<br /> <br />Antara data-data yang saya kumpulkan ialah pemakanan, adat resam, ugama, persiapan awal untuk melahirkan zuriat dan sebagainya dan data data tadi saya cuba bandingkan dengan bangsa dan kaum kaum lain.<br /><br />Marilah kita mulakan dengan persiapan awal melahirkan zuriat. Di Israel, setelah mengetahui yang sang ibu sedang mengandung, pertama kali saya perhatikan<br />ialah, sang ibu akan sering menyanyi dan bermain piano dan si ibu dan bapa akan membeli buku metamatik dan menyelesaikan masalah metamatik bersama suami, saya sungguh hairan kerana teman saya yang mengandung sering membawa buku<br />metamatik dan bertanya kepada saya beberapa soalan yang beliau tak dapat menyelesaikanya, oleh kerana saya memang minat tentang metamatik, tentu saja dengan senang saya bantu beliau. Saya bertanya kepada beliau, adakah ini untuk anak kamu? Beliau menjawab, “ia, ini untuk anak saya yang masih didalam kandungan, saya sedang melatih otak beliau, semuga ia menjadi genius apabila dewasa kelak” Perkara ini membuat saya tertarik untuk mengikut perkembangan beliau seterusnya.<br />Berbalik kepada metamatik tadi, tanpa merasa jenoh beliau membuat latihan metamatik sehingga beliau melahirkan anak. <br /><br />Seperkara lagi yang saya perhatikan ialah pemakanan beliau, sejak awal mengandung beliau gemar sekali memakan kacang badam dan korma bersama susu , dan untuk tengah hari makan utama beliau ialah roti dan ikan tanpa kepala bersama salad yang digaul dengan badam dan berbagai jenis kekacang, menurut beliau daging ikan sungguh baik untuk perkembangan otak dan kepala ikan mengandungi kimia yang tidak baik yang dapat merosakkan pengembangan dan penumbuhan otak anak didalam kandungan. menurut beliau ini adalah adat orang orang yahudi ketika mengandung dan ianya menjadi semacam kewajipan untuk ibu ibu yang sedang mengandung mengambil pil minyak ikan.<br /><br />Ketika saya diundang untuk makan malam bersama orang orang Yahudi, perkara pertama yang saya perhatikan ialah menu mereka. Setiap undangan yg saya perhatikan ialah mereka gemar sekali memakan ikan (hanya isi atau fillet) dan biasanya daging tidak akan ada bersama dimeja jika ada ikan, menurut mereka, campuran daging dan ikan tak elok dimakan bersama. Salad dan kacang adalah suatu kemestian, terutama badam.<br /><br />Seperkara yang pelik ialah mereka akan memakan buah buahan dahulu sebelum memakan hidangan utama. Jangan terperanjat jika anda diundang kerumah Yahudi anda akan dihidangkan buah buahan dahulu. Menurut mereka, dengan memakan hidangan kabohidrat (nasi atau roti) dahulu kemudian buah buahan, ini akan menyebabkan kita merasa ngantuk dan lemah dan payah untuk memahami pelajaran disekolah.<br /><br />Di Israel, merokok adalah taboo, apabila anda diundang makan dirumah Yahudi, jangan sekali kali merokok, dan tanpa malu mereka akan menyuruh anda keluar dari rumah mereka dam merokok diluar rumah mereka. Menurut saintis di Universiti Israel, siasatan menunjukkan nikotin dapat merosakkan sel utama pada otak manusia dan akan melekat pada genes, ini bermakna keturunan perokok bakal membawa generasi yg cacat otak ( bodoh atau lembab). Suatu penemuan yg dahsyat ditemui oleh saintis yg mendalami bidang genes dan DNA. Para perokok harap ambil perhatian. (Ironinya, pemilik pengeluar rokok terbesar adalah …… tekalah sendiri..!)<br /><br />Perhatian saya selanjutnya ialah melawati tadika mereka, Pemakanan anak anak tadi cukup dikawal, makanan awal ialah buah buahan bersama kacang badam, diikuti dengan menelan pil minyak ikan (code oil lever) Didalam pengamatan saya, kanak Yahudi sungguh bijak dan rata rata mereka memahami 3 bahasa iaitu Hebrew, Arab dan Inggeris dan sedari awal lagi mereka telah dilatih bermain piano dan violin, ini adalah suatu kewajipan.Menurut mereka bermain musik dan memahami nota notanya dapat meningkatkan lagi IQ kanak kanak dan sudah tentu bakal menjadikan budak itu bijak. <br /><br />Ini menurut saintis Yahudi, gegaran musik dapat stimulate (semacam senaman untuk otak) maka itu terdapat ramai sekali genius musik terdiri dari kaum Yahudi.<br /><br />Seterusnya ke darjah 1 hingga 6, anak anak Yahudi akan diajar metamatik berkonsepkan perniagaan dan pelajaran sains amatlah diberi keutamaan. Di dalam perhatian peribadi saya, perbandingan dengan anak anak di California, ianya jauh berbeza tentang IQ dan boleh saya katakan 6 tahun kebelakang!!!. Segala pelajaran akan dengan mudah di tangkap oleh anak Yahudi. Selain dari pelajaran tadi sukan juga menjadi kewajipan bagi mereka dan sukan yg diberi keutamaan ialah memanah, menembak dan berlari, menurut teman saya ini, memanah dan menembak dapat melatih otak mem fokus sesuatu perkara disamping mempermudahkan persiapan untuk perhidmatan negara.<br /><br />Selanjutnya pemerhatian saya menuju ke sekolah tinggi (menengah) disini murid murid ditekan dengan pelajaran mata sains dan mereka digalakkan mencipta produk,segala projek mereka walaupon kadangkala kelihatannya lucu dan mengarut, tetap diteliti dengan serius apatah lagi ianya berupa senjata, perubatan dan engineering, idea itu akan dibawa ke institute tinggi di Politeknik dan Universiti. <br />Satu lagi yg di beri keutamaan ialah fakulti perniagaan. Saya sungguh terperanjat melihat mereka begitu agresif dan seriusnya mereka tentang perniagaan. Diakhir tahun diuniversiti, para penuntut dibidang niaga dikehendaki melakukan projek dan memperaktik kanya dan anda hanya akan lulus jika kumpulan anda(10 pelajar setiap kumpulan) dapat keuntungan sebanyak $US1juta! Anda terperanjat? Itulah kenyataan, dengan rangkaian seluruh dunia dan ditaja sepenuhnya oleh syarikat milik Yahudi, maka tidak hairanlah mereka dapat menguasai ½ perniagaan didunia! Siapakah yg mencipta design Levis yg terkini? Ianya dicipta di Universiti Israel oleh fakulti bisnes dan fesyen.<br /><br />Pernahkah anda melihat cara orang Yahudi melakukan ibadah mereka? Salah satu caranya ialah dengan menggoyangkan kepala mereka, menurut mereka ini dapat mengaktifkan otak mereka dan menambahkan oksijan dikepala, banyak ugama lain di Timur Tengah, seperti Islam juga ada menyuruh umatnya menunduk atau menggoyangkan kepala, ini guna dapat mensimulasikan otak kita supaya bertambah aktif.<br />Lihat orang orang Jepun, mereka sering menunduk nundukkan kepala dan ianya sebagai adat. Ramai orang orang Jepun yg pandai? Adakah ianya sebagai kebetulan? Kegemaran mereka ialah sushi (ikan mentah). Adakah ini kebetulan?<br />Fikirkanlah!<br /><br />Berpusat di New York, Dewan perniagaan Yahudi bersedia membantu mereka yg berminat untuk melakukan bisnes (sudah tentu untuk Yahudi sahaja) jika mereka ada idea yg bernas, jawatan kuasa akan memberi pinjaman tanpa faedah dan pentadbir dari jawatan kuasa tadi akan bekerjasama dengan anda untuk memastikan yg perniagaan mereka menurut landasan yg betul. Maka itu lahirlah Starbuck, Dell comptr, Cocacola, DKNY, Oracle, Perfileman di Hollywood, Levis, Dunkin Donut dan ada beratus kedai ternama dibawah naungan dewan perniagaan Yahudi di New York. Graduan Yahudi dari fakulti perubatan New York akan disarankan untuk mendaftar dipersatuan ini dan digalakkan memulakan klinik mereka sendiri dengan bantuan wang tanpa faedah, barulah saya tahu mengapa hospital di New York dan California sentiasa kekurangan doktor pakar.<br /><br />Kesimpulanya, pada teori saya, melahirkan anak dan keturunan yg bijak boleh dilaksanakan dan tentunya bukan semalaman, ianya memerlukan masa,beberapa jenerasi mungkin? Persiapan awal adalah ketika sang ibu mengandung, galakkanlah siibu melakukan latihan metamatik yg mudah tetapi konsisten disamping mendengar musik klasik. Seterusnya ubahlah cara pemakanan, makanlah makanan yg elok dan berhasiat yg baik untuk otak, menghayati musik sejak kecil adalah baik sekali untuk penumbuhan otak kanak kanak, dengan bermain piano dan violin sudah tentu dapat melatih anak anak mencerdaskan otak mereka demikian juga sukan yg memerlukan konsetrasi yg tinggi, seperti memanah, bola keranjang, dart dan menembak. <br /><br />Merokok menjanjikan jenerasi yg moron (goblok) dan sudah tentu genes bodoh akan mengikut ke jenerasi siperokok. Lawatan saya ke Singapore pada tahun 2005 amat memeranjatkan sekali, disini perokok seperti dianak tirikan dan begitu susah sekali untuk perokok dan anda tahu berapa harga sekotak rokok? US$ 7 !!! ini bersamaan perbelanjaan sehari untuk makan anda!! Saya puji sekali sikap pemerintah Singapore dan menkjubkan sekali!!! dan seperti Israel ianya begitu taboo dan cara pentadbiran dan segi pembelajaran mereka hampir serupa dengan Israel, maka itu saya lihat banyak institusi pelajaran mereka bertaraf dunia walaupon hakikat nya negeri Singapore hanyalah sebuah pulau sebesar Manhattan!!<br /><br />Anda mungkin muskil, benarkah merokok dapat melahirkan jenerasi goblok, saya telah menemui beberapa bukti menyokong teori ini. Lihat saja Indonesia, jika anda ke Jakarta, dimana saja anda berada, dari restoran, teater, kebun bunga hingga kemusium hidung anda akan segera terbau asak rokok! Dan harga rokok? Cuma US$ .70cts !!! dan hasilnya? Dengan penduduknya berjumlah jutaan orang berapa banyak kah universiti terdapat disana?<br /><br />Hasil apakah yg dapat dibanggakan? Teknologi? Jauh sekali. Adakah mereka dapat berbahasa selain dari bahasa mereka sendiri? Mengapa mereka begitu sukar sekali menguasai bahasa Inggeris? Ditangga berapakah kedudukan mereka di pertandingan metamatik sedunia? Adakah ini bukan akibat merokok? Anda fikirlah sendiri.<br /><br />Di tesis saya ini, saya tidak akan menimbulkan soal ugama atau bangsa, adakah Yahudi itu zalim sehingga diusir dari semenjak zaman Paraoh hingga ke Hitler, bagi saya itu isu politik dan survival, yg ingin saya ketengahkan ialah, mampu kah kita dapat melahirkan jenerasi yg bijak seperti Yahudi? Jawabanya ialah mungkin dan tidak mustahil dan ianya memerlukan perubahan, dari segi pemakanan dan cara mendididik anak dan saya kira hanya memerlukan 3 jenerasi sahaja. Ini dapat saya lihat sendiri tentang cucu saya, ini setelah saya mengajar anak saya melalui program yg telah saya nyatakan diatas tadi, pada umur 9 tahun (cucu saya) dia dapat menulis esay sepanjang 5 mukasurat penuh. Esay nya hanyalah mengenai Mengapa saya gemarkan tomato! <br /><br />Selamat sejahtera dan semuga kita dapat melahirkan manusia yg bijak dan bersifat mulia untuk kebaikan manusia sejagat tanpa mengenal batasan bangsa.<br /><br />Dr. Stephen Carr LeonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-79519593365854785242008-12-25T08:15:00.005+08:002008-12-25T09:31:07.947+08:00Mutiara2 dari Majlis Alim di Baitul Aman 20-21 Disember 08Isteriku menggalakkan aku untuk menulis sedikit sebanyak tentang apa yang disampaikan oleh Ustaz2 yang mengajar pada malam Ahad dan malam Ithnin yang lalu di Baitul Aman. Majlis2 Ilmu ini hanya diadakan sebulan sekali untuk menghayati pengajaran2 serta nasihat2 yang penuh manfaat dari Al-Habib Abdullah Al-Haddad. Majlis2 ini adalah salah satu peninggalan Al-Marhum Ust Syed Ahmad Semait.<br /><br />Aku berasa sedih kerana telah lupa sebahagian ilmu yang disampaikan. Ini mungkin kesan dari kelalaian aku sendiri. Tetapi aku akan tetap cuba dan maafkanlah aku jika apa yang aku tulis kurang sempurna.<br /><br />Bahagian 1: Hari Sabtu, Malam Ahad, Kitab: Nasihat Agama dan Wasiat Iman<br /><br />Ustadz Syed Al-Jufri mengajar menggunakan kitab asal yang berbahasa Arab, manakala jemaah menggunakan kitab terjemahan oleh Al-Marhum Ust Syed Ahmad Semait. Inilah sedikit daripada apa yang dapat saya fahamkam.<br /><br />1. Allah s.w.t meninggikan darjat seorang manusia itu dengan Al-Quran yang ada tertanam didalam jiwanya. Bukan sahaja setakat hafalan sahaja tetapi juga kesan dari penghayatan terhadap Al-Quran itu sendiri.<br /><br /><br />2. Darjat orang yang memahami dan mengamalkan Al-Quran serta mengajarkannya adalah sangat mulia disisi Allah s.w.t.<br /><br />3. Celakalah orang2 yang zalim (yakni melakukan maksiat dan kemungkaran) tetapi ia tetap membaca Al-Quran serta memahaminya kandungannya pula. Al-Quran itu akan menjadi saksi atas orang yang zalim itu.<br /><br />4. Dilarang Ahli Al-Quran untuk mengajarkan kitab Al-Quran semata2 untuk mencari rezki. Kelak nanti di akhir zaman, orang yang mengajarkan Al-Quran meminta2 dari manusia dan bukannya dari Allah s.w.t.<br /><br />Bahagian 2: Hari Ahad, Malam Ithnin, Kitab: Dakwah yang sempurna, Peringatan yang Utama.<br /><br />Al-Ustadz mengajar menggunakan kitab yang telah diterjemahkan kepada bahasa melayu oleh Al-Marhum Ustadz Syed Ahmad Semait.<br /><br />1. Tauhid (Iman) yang lurus itu adalah nikmat yang paling besar yang telah dikuniakan oleh Allah s.w.t keatas manusia.<br /><br />2. Kepada mereka yang telah diberikan keimanan, ketahuilah yang Iman ini adakalanya tidak tetap. Kadangkala ia berkurangan dan kadangkala ia meningkat. Maksiat yang kita lakukan melemahkan keimanan dan ibadah yang kita lakukan menguatkannya.<br /><br />3. Ibadah yang dapat menguatkan keimanan adalah ibadah yang seratus peratus ikhlas hanya untuk Allah s.w.t. Ibadah yand dilakukan dengan riak, ujub atau takabbur tidak sesekali diterima oleh Allah s.w.t. dan akan merendahkan lagi Iman seseorang itu. <br /><br />4. Untuk memeriksa jika amalan itu ikhlas atau tidak, bandingkanlah amalan itu ketika kita lakukan di khalayak ramai dan ketika kita bersendirian. Jika kita lakukan ibadah itu lebih bersungguh2 dan bersemangat ketika dikhalayak ramai maka keikhlasan kita kurang atau tiada sama sekali.<br /><br />5. Iman yang kuat hasil dari pemeliharaan diri (dari dosa maksiat zahir dan batin) yang cukup rapi dan hati2 akan membuahkan Taat pada Allah s.w.t.<br /><br />Semoga Allah swt memberikan Para2 Guru yang mengajar kami kesihatan, kemurahan dan keberkatan rezki dan ditingkatkan lagi darjat mereka disisi Allah s.w.t. Ameen.<br /><br />Segala kekurangan and kesilapan tulisan saya ini, harap maaf. Sekian, wassalam.<br /><br />Abu MukhtaarUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-40815373168285521152008-12-06T14:10:00.002+08:002008-12-06T14:44:27.773+08:00Re-Opening of Masjid Al-Abdul RazakAt last after many months of waiting, the mosque has been reopened. I feel genuinely happy and satisfied with the changes that have taken place. For it's first of many Friday prayers (insyaAllah) many old friends turned up.<br /><br />Changes includes:<br /><br />1. A simpler and yet elegant Mihrab.<br />2. New soft green carpets.<br />3. Saff lines on new tiles.<br />4. More accessible Wudhu areas.<br />5. A more discreet Muslimah section.<br />6. Gone are the curtains, now there are collapsible panels.<br />7. No more windows at the front walls.<br />8. Air-conditioners are available at the main prayer hall.<br />9. New Admin office at the back of the mosque.<br />10. Well placed male/female toilets.<br />11. Prayer areas are significantly expanded.<br />12. Neater looking shelving units built into the wall.<br />13. A new overall colour scheme for the mosque exterior.<br />14. An attractive glass panel for the Tower.<br />15. New ceilings and roofings.<br />16. New gates and new walls.<br />17. A compact carpeted multi-purpose hall.<br /><br />Overall, the mosque has got all that is needed and even more. May Allah swt rewards those who have worked hard and make contributions - big or small to uplift this old mosque. Ameen.<br /><br />After so much time, money and effort is poured in to upgrade the mosque, lets not forget to...<br /><br />1. Try to be part of the Jemaah for the Fardhu Solat and not only on Fridays.<br />2. Do lots of Zikr in the mosque.<br />3. Feel free to iktikaf in it as long as it benefits you.<br />4. Try organize beneficial activities that make people get closer to Allah swt.<br />5. Continuously and generously donate to the mosque.<br />6. Seek Allah swt's pleasure in any permissible way while in the mosque.<br />7. Attend any one of the lectures that is conducted in the mosque.<br /><br />May Allah swt will continuously shower those who loves to be in the mosque. When the Jemaah of the mosque increases, I am sure, the Ulamas that were once attached to the mosque will smile in their resting places. InsyaAllah, Ameen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-74960548386569004112008-11-30T12:41:00.005+08:002008-11-30T13:22:41.150+08:00About YogaYoga<br /><br />I am amazed at the fierce discussion between those who are against it and those who are for it. Its in the papers, religious classes and not forgetting many blogs. Among those who defended Yoga, some of them defended it so passionately until it seems that it is Wajib for them to continue to practice Yoga. They live and swear by it. hehehe...<br /><br />Ok enough, this is my opinion.<br /><br />Yoga is ok IF...<br /><br />1. Your Aqidah (creed), Belief system, Value system is strong and unshakable.<br /> <br />2. If while practising Yoga, your Aurat is covered by loose garments that does not reveal the shape of your body to non-mahrams (ajnabi). And hopefully the participants don't get any funny ideas while staring at the instructor.<br /><br />3. No prayers or mantras are spoken that suggest things that clashes with Aqidah.<br /><br />4. The instructor is not a strong Hindu mystic.<br /><br />5. You Solat is done in the best way daily without any gaps, possibly not missing any Sunnah and Zikr.<br /><br />6. Spend your time to get close to Allah swt as much as you spend your time in Yoga. e.g your Zikr, reading Quran, seeking Ilmu.<br /><br />7. You can anytime desert Yoga for the sake of Islam and Iman...<br /><br />Personally, I don't want to practice Yoga. And I would discourage anyone that I care and love to practise it. Simply because it has roots in Hinduism. There are so many other ways to get fit. The classic way is to exercise... Even Rasul s.a.w jogs and even races with his own wife, Siti Aisyah r.a.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-6126317147056269382008-11-29T23:23:00.003+08:002008-11-29T23:31:24.510+08:00Reflections on the best GadgetsBest Camera and camera lens = eye<br />Best machine = arms and legs<br />Best filtration system = kidneys<br />Best pumping system = heart<br />Best storage system = liver<br />Best energy reactor / Engine = digestive system/respiratory system<br />Best transport system = The blood circulatory system<br />Best defence system = Human immune system<br />Best odour detector = nose<br />Best sound system = our vocal cords<br />Best CPU = Brain<br />Best structure = Bones<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />Best creation = Humans<br />Best Path = Islam<br />Best Prophet = Nabi Muhammad s.a.w<br /><br />Feel free to add on...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-5979812241963169742008-11-29T22:49:00.004+08:002008-11-29T23:22:08.936+08:00Reflection on the four weeks worth of Khutbahs at GhufranRecently our PM has said that the majority of our Malay-Muslim families that have problems is due to the Head of the family not functioning up to expectations. I don't want to confirm what he say neither do I want to deny it. Whatever I wrote will be useful if its true and it will be useful if its not true.<br /><br />One of the MUIS earliest initiatives to address the PM's concern is to have four weeks of Friday sermons hinting to the Muslim males that they have to shape themselves up. The Khatibs of Mjd Ghufran reminded me that to function as Head of the family I must have the following attributes.<br /><br />1. Amanah (trustworthy)<br />2. Benar (true)<br />3. Bijaksana (intelligent)<br />4. Menyampaikan (deliver)<br /><br />These attributes are the attributes of the Mursalin (the Prophets) and if a Muslim models himself with these, it is hoped that he will fulfill an effective role as the Head of the Family.<br /><br />The other night, I was reading a Kitab concerning Solat. This is what I further understood.<br /><br />1. Solat is a direct connection between the servant (human) and his Creator (Allah swt).<br /><br />2. Without Solat, there will be no help and guidance given to a person by Allah swt.<br /><br />3. A person that denies that Solat is Wajib can be considered a Murtad.<br /><br />Then it occured to me...<br /><br />1. How many Muslim males actually Solat five times a day without fail?<br /><br />2. How come despite help from various organizations, the malay-muslim family unit is still weak and full of problems?<br /><br />3. How many of our Muslim males today consider that Solat is optional and not compulsory?<br /><br />The answer became very clear then... In order for all problems facing our community to be solved, every single one of us must Solat. The community can only go forward with Allah swt help and guidance. And this can only be achieved if everyone submits to Allah.<br /><br />Instead of trying to ask the male Muslims to model the Prophets (of course which is not entirely wrong), the MUIS should embark a massive campaign to encourage people to go back to Allah by practising regular Solat. This campaign must be equally or more massive than the Zakat and Fast in Ramadhan campaign.<br /><br />However, I believe this not MUIS task alone. Everyone who prays 5 times a day must try to think of ways to reach out and encourage others to Solat, this maybe family members, friends, relatives or anyone on the street.<br /><br />This is of course a great difficult task. And it may look like I'm being idealistic. But if we all do this, then I'm sure Allah will be with our community and make us the best among all other Singaporeans, insyaAllah.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-32031839644936300762008-11-10T01:35:00.007+08:002008-11-11T07:30:11.459+08:00PARENTING TIP - WHAT HAPPEN DURING YOUR CHILD VOMIT STINTAssalamu'alaikum wr. wb.,<br /><br />With the recent vomitting and diarrhoea stint of our dear 2 kids, following are 7 tips to avoid from doing 'more' work:<br /><br />1. Any feeding, be it medicine or food/drink to be done strictly in the kitchen. Any emergency can be rushed to the toilet or sink.<br />2. For small kids feeding, I will recommend removing their clothes first, especially the top.<br />3. Get ready tissues, plastic bag and wet cloth in case your child vomits.<br />4. Place a canvas sheet under the bedsheet. So any affected area will be only the bedsheet. As for the canvas, give it a wipe with disinfectant.<br />5. Should any vomit takes place on fabric (clothes or cover sheets), remove the food stuffs or wipe it FIRST, before washing.<br />6. Prepare separate water bottles for your kids to drink from. Make sure they look about the same especially when there are siblings of 1-3 years apart.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">***7. TAG TEAM is the best source of moral support between husband and wife during this kind of situation. For example, one to clean the mess, the other care for the kids.</span><br /><br />I hope the above tips will be useful to readers.<br /><br />Wassalam.<br />Ummu MukhtaarUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-78127849308310515022008-10-30T08:02:00.006+08:002008-10-30T08:17:46.975+08:00Change in my Flickr Website AddressA'kum people.<br /><br />From now onwards my Flickr website Address is<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar">www.flickr.com/photos/abu_mukhtaar</a><br /></span><br /><br />Wassalam.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-15115040589115852532008-10-20T11:35:00.012+08:002008-10-22T07:21:09.734+08:00On Hari Raya Open House 2008The Family of Abu Mukhtaar, Alhamdullilah, once again held our humble open house yesterday. Estimated about over 60 people turn up. We invite only our close relatives, close friends (old and new) and neighbours yesterday. There's so many types of food that Allah gave us yesterday, subhanallah. <br /><br />I would like to congratulate my beloved Ummu Mukhtaar for on her wonderful job on preparing Spaghetti Tuna, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Coleslaw, Excellent Dam Briyani, excellent Dalca and excellent Chutney. I would like also to thank my mum-in-law for the Nasi Minyak, Rendang, Laksa and many more... And of course not forgetting my aunties in-law and Ummu Yasirr which bring to us many other types excellent food/desert/salad/ice.<br /><br />I would like to say thanks to the following people who came and contributed to our open house in one way or other... (not in any order) They are...<br /><br />1. Family of Hijaz<br />2. Nurul Maulidah<br />3. Family of Cik Didi<br />4. Family of Cik Mon<br />5. Family of Cik Husain (Yayah/Ibu)<br />6. Family of Ishairi (coming all the way from Woodlands)<br />7. Family of Cik Yamin<br />6. Family Mak Gayah<br />7. Mak Itah and Mak Ha<br />8. Family of Pak Sapri<br />9. Family of Pak Ngah Salih<br />10. Family of Cik Nazirin + Grandma of Ummu Mukhtaar<br />11. Family of Cik Peah<br />12. Family of Mak Peah<br />13. Family of Cikgu Shafiee<br />14. Family of Cik Tapa<br />15. Family of Cik Saerah<br />16. Family of Cik Ogy<br />17. Family of Cik Said<br />18. Family of Cik Kemat<br />19. Family of Aidil<br />20. Family of Fazrihan - came the next day ;) <br /><br />May Allah reward you for your kind attendance and contribution in any way...<br />May we see each other again next year...insyaAllah.<br />The pictures will be up loaded later in due time. Stay tuned...<br />Hari Raya photos are in flickr website:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30572889@N05/"><br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/30572889@N05/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-22272966606836411882008-10-16T06:24:00.002+08:002008-10-16T06:44:42.376+08:00On my first Reservist cycleAfter nine years of going through intensive belly enlargement after my NS, I was called by our beloved country to serve as a Reservist. These are the few things I have learnt and felt from the 'grueling' 2-days.<br /><br />1. SGT is a pretty big rank.<br />2. SGTs have to take charge of at least 11-15 men<br />3. 2 Officers per 100 men.<br />4. Encik elects which NCO to take charge of who.<br />5. I kena volunteered by the Encik to lead 59 men.<br />6. Some men (LCP, PTE) too cooperative...<br />7. No matter what just say YESSS!<br />8. Enthusiasm is contagious...<br />9. Learning comes naturally with full motivation....<br />10. Met the old company consisting of....<br /><br />a. Mats who like to 'kahwin' many times but not nikah. (this includes married Mats)<br />b. Some Ah Bengs who cannot fill in and read forms...<br />c. Horny men...<br />d. The XXX jokers....<br />e. The foul mouths (1 to 5 vulgarity(ies)/min)<br />f. Golden Chain Mats (Invest in Pure Gold)<br />g. Golden Hair Mats (half Caucasian perhaps)<br />h. Fit squad people (Gold and Silver IPPT medalists)<br />i. Condemned squad people (Drugsters, some former DB Alumni)<br />j. Medical Appointment people (I cannot take IPPT lah SGT!)<br />k. Tattoed Mats and Bengs (tigers, dragons, naked girls, chinese calligraphy... mickey mouse)<br />l. kind and polite people (They exist!!!)<br />m. Melayu...melayu.. and more .........Melayu for good and bad<br />n. amazing collapsing people (Soft-hearted people)<br /><br />Strangely I feel....<br /><br />a. Nice<br />b. Motivated<br />c. Important<br />d. Relaxed<br />e. Chill<br />f. Lucky<br />g. Relief<br />h. at home<br /><br />......and all this can classify me as a weirdo, crazy and lunatic to certain people.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-847031932438343982008-10-09T13:25:00.002+08:002008-10-09T13:40:40.016+08:00On this Hari Raya season...1. I come across people who openly declare they are tired of Hari Raya and prefer just to stay at home.<br /><br />2. My home is finally alight with the blinking lights (7 to 10pm only).<br /><br />3. My bedroom is free of dust mites, bed bugs and their waste products. For a terrible fee of course...<br /><br />4. I wish i can replace all my light bulbs in the house with candles. They are definirely cheaper.<br /><br />5. I still see some Malays wearing baju kurung with golden hair and tatooes on their skin.<br /><br />6. I hit a good record of 8 houses/day despite having two small kids.<br /><br />7. I ate a maximum of 10 meals/day.<br /><br />8. I miss getting monetary rewards. Though I still feel good giving them.<br /><br />9. My son Mukhtaar gets a bag full of die-cast metal cars (almost 2 kg worth).<br /><br />10. My wife got a blue chair. "Now its complete!"... she says.<br /><br />11. My wife didnt get what she dont need and what she dont want for her birthday.<br /><br />12. I crave for salad on the second day of Hari Raya.<br /><br />13. I enjoyed using a DSLR, even if its not mine...<br /><br />14. Zainah and Mukhtaar gets sick with runny nose and cough.<br /><br />15. I missed Ust Salleh and the late Ust Syed Ahmad Semait.<br /><br />16. I signed up a flickr account.<br /><br />17. I went to peoples houses with my portable hard disk containing digital hari raya pictures.<br /><br />18. I lost interest in Malaysian politics.<br /><br />19. I look for a Kaki to share my newly found photography passion.<br /><br />20. I wish I can bring air-con with me wherever i go...<br /><br />21. Enough! Go back to work!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1041838527919878134.post-86460846930570574062008-10-09T11:30:00.006+08:002008-10-09T11:47:34.604+08:00On my interests...As I go through my short passge of life on this old Earth, I was amazed at how my hobbies and interests changed all these years.<br /><br />As a child, I had no real hobbies except playing catching and Hantam Bola (literal translation: ball-beating).<br /><br />As a teenager in secondary school, I still have no real hobbies. I tried to like soccer and jamming just like my peers. However, all this could not stick with me. I want to go into photography. No encouragement, not enough funds - I was forced to abandon this after buying a lousy camera.<br /><br />As a poly student my hobby is listening to classic mystical rock, glam metal, thrash metal, grunge, Indie, alternative rock and many more... But upon entering NS all this slowly left me. My second hobby is computers - assembling, fixing, troubleshooting, hacking, exploring programs and of course gaming. This continues till the end of NS, when I have the urge to look for a wife...<br /><br />In NUS, I seeked God and His Prophet s.a.w. Many interesting paths I discovered but not all lead into the same destination. I've found my second father during this time. Only marriage can bring peace to my heart that is in pure turmoil.<br /><br />After working, getting married and having two children, I'm more settled no matter how harsh living can be. All my previous hobbies are replaced by the good time I spend with my family... Until I'm reunited with photography... It took me a total of four digital cameras to turn my photography passion into an obsession. Now I yearn for a DSLR.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0