Graduation 2015

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

All praise to Him, the Ruler of the world, and Salawah upon His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

After 3 years abroad, I finally get to see the end of my study. Hardship, sweat, knowledge, battling with software, reference-hunting, library visiting, lack of sleep, chasing the lecturers, comprehending something new, ran away from someone disturbing and annoying, cursing and crying, shouting and many more. These years had given me a lot of bitter sweet experience which I trade nothing for it. It just priceless.

Alhamdulillah for giving me the chance.

Within this time frame as well I learnt a lot of things. Be kind to everyone, trust a few, appreciate moments and those willing to spend time with you, friendship, laughter, be forgiving, seeking good in people, smile a lot, giving positive vibe, seeing the world in whole new perspectives, connect with far away family and friends, finding true meaning of life and many more. I wish I can share the list but it is way too long. 

Alhamdulillah for giving me the chance to study abroad.

I had my family who always behind my back. My few circles and flatmates willing to share few chats and coffee. I always appreciate companion of others, I don't ask money or materials, just sitting time together and talk and laugh.

I got to travel with many great people. We explored various places and made our way to destinations. Sometimes, I went by myself and met a lot of other travellers. I enjoyed meeting new people and having known different things from various places. This is what I treasured the most.

Alhamdulilah for the great companions.

And here is my graduation pictures. Thank you to everyone who has accompanied me along the tough way. And I have farewell video I made as a memoir of my 3 years abroad. Have a watch, thank you. :)

This is a goodbye to my great years in UK. I felt a bit lonely and sad. And now is the time for job-hunting. Wish me the best guys. :)

"Oo Allah, thank you for all the moments You had me living. Alhamdulillah. I'm very grateful for all You've bestowed upon and I pray to You for the best in my future endeavor. Please take care of the people I've met along this life and I am humbly request You to let me see them again."

Illaliqa'. Wassalam.

Autumn 2014: Amsterdam

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

All praise to Him, the Ruler of the World, and Salawah upon the Last Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

I went to Amsterdam. The bus from London leave at night and expected to arrive early morning at Amsterdam Bus Station.

In the bus, I met this Muslim Nigerian guy, Jamal was his name. He works in London but used to live in Netherlands. He wanted to go home due to an unsolved matter.

Jamal talked about Netherlands, the hardship he faced while being in the country and a lot of things. When he heard I was travelling alone, he became very worried.

He treated me sandwiches on the ferry while waiting to cross the English Channel. He gave me a lot of advises and tips to travel in Amsterdam, though I've researched enough.

While the bus continuing the journey in Belgium, there was drunken men on the bus, fighting, swearing and shouting. I never expected the night journey will be disturbed and most of the exhausted passengers can't slept that night.

Upon arriving at the bus station, Jamal wanted to lend me his travel card because he is afraid I'm gonna lost. I refused the offer and convinced him. He is very kind to help a stranger on the middle of nowhere.

How is he nowadays? I hope he is doing fine. And may Allah bestowed the best sustenance to him.

"O Allah, I wish every person I met during my life to be given the best benefits in their life. Please protect them whenever they are and please let us meet again in future. For You are the Most Giving and Most Acceptance."

Illaliqa'. Wassalam.

Easter 2015: French Riviera

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

All praise to Him, the God of this world, and salawah upon the Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

I went to Nice, French Riviera. It was hot and nice place. I met a Korean girl, who was very nice showing me around Monaco. She is a traveller too and I am glad I joined her for the day.

What I found in Nice was there were a lot of Muslim community over there. Halal food wasn't that hard to find. Alhamdulillah.

While I was in Cannes, I received the news that my flight home was cancelled due to air-traffic controller strike. A lot of flights were affected and mine was the worst case of all.

I remained calm and tried to get hold of internet for the next bound to London. As I went to the train station to take the first train back to Nice, there was and incident where bomb threat, caused many trains to cancelled.

Incident happened one after another. It was really bad evening. Alhamdulillah everything gone well in the end. I asked myself, if this is a fate of God, to let me spend more days in Nice, there must something behind it. I started to wonder around the city for clues and hopeful insight.

What I found was, despite the great life in the city, I saw poverty behind it. A lot of people were begging for money, to keep their stomach fill. A small boy approached me, asking for money, as if he was trained to do so, every single day.

I was a bit sad to see such situations. The poors were ignored, less treated as a human being. I can't blame every person who ignored them by the street. Once, I walked pass an old lady by the market, I had a mixed feeling. I returned, I emptied the last coins in my pocket, in hope it can help her buy some food.

Sometimes we see the bright of a place that we went. But we failed to see the dark sight, not until we truly explore around. I always asked myself when I set for an adventure, whether I want to be a tourist, who capture beautiful pictures, taste different food, or be a traveller, who try to engage with the local culture and comprehend them.

I choose both. The time on this world is limited, I want to fully used the chance that Allah gave to me to its fullest. I want to learn about the country, its culture(people and food), the history and say my prayer every time I amazed.

I rarely buy any new stuff like my friends used to do, not until I really need it. I cooked almost everyday, not because I cheepskate, but I want to save for travelling. I tracked down every single penny I spent since years ago, so that I can make a budget and eliminate whats not needed.

I'm sure many people can go travelling, if they have their own ways to save.

"O Allah, thanks for every moments You bestowed upon me. I am really grateful to You to give me a lot lf chances to go out, to see Your beautiful world. I believed You have a good plan for me ahead, please direct me towards a better Muslim and don't let me walk astray from Your righteous path."

Illaliqa'. Wassalam. :)

Salzburg 2013

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

All praise to Allah, the Supreme Ruler of the world, and salawah upon Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

It was more than a year ago. I went to Salzburg, in Austria. It was a place where Mozart was born. I still remember, my friend and I, we walked across the town, to get to Fortress Hohensalzburg, to get a good view of the city.

And it was indeed, a very beautiful view I've ever seen.

But the most thing I remember, the owner of a kebab shop, near the train station. It was a bit hard to find halal food over there, or I didn't search enough. We were grateful as it was weekend, most of the shops were closed.

Another blessing.

And as were wondering where to pray our zuhur and asar on the move, we asked the owner whether he can show us where to pray. As we were the only customer on that time, he allowed us to use the first floor restaurant's lounge to pray and even offered us sajadah. We were so grateful to the owner of the kebab shop.

How is he nowadays? I don't know. I hope he is in good health and I pray that he is in everlasting blessing. Thank you Mr.

May Allah bless you. :)

Illaliqa'. Wassalam.

Thank you for reading.

Assalamualaikum, dengan nama Allah yang Maha Pemurah Maha Penyayang,

Segala puji bagi Allah, Tuhan Sekalian Alam, dan selawat buat junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad SAW.

Gaza diserang lagi. Berita yang cukup sedih di bulan ramadhan ini.

Nyawa demi nyawa terkorban. Dek bedilan bom peluru serangan Israel.

Sangat sedih melihat mayat2 palestinian yang jatuh gugur tidak kira kecil ataupun dewasa.

Yang cukup menyedihkan, perhatian kita dialihkan dengan perlawanan bola.

Tak terkecuali aku juga, alpa dengan pergolakan yang berlaku.

Sayu hati ini pabila terbaca berita demi berita. Perihal pengorbanan rakyat yang tidak berdosa.

Apakah mereka yang menggugurkan serangan itu tiada sifat perikemanusian. 

Menyerang mereka yang tidak dapat membalas, menyiat2 mereka seperti binatang.

Bukan itu saja, kanak2 ditangkap dan dipukul tanpa sebab.

Akhirnya sama ada mati diseksa atau dicampak ke dalam penjara.

Allahu,

Aku keliru, aku menangis, siapa yang mahu membela nasib mereka ini?

Dimanakah pemimpin2 negara Islam, yang mengelilingi dua negara kecil ini?

Diam, diam seribu bahasa, adakah kerana alasan ramadhan?

Aku buntu, apakah yang mahu kujawab di hadapan Yang Maha Kuasa?

Adakah hanya menaip di papan komputer dengan kipas dingin di dalam bilik dengan selesa?

Aku doakan semoga pejuang2 di sana beroleh kemenangan yang dicari.

Aku doakan semoga yang terkorban itu ditempatkan di syurga harum para mujahid.

Aku yakin Allah itu Maha Mengetahui, tahu apa yang tidak aku tahu.

Aku yakin Allah itu bersamamu, bersama kemenangan yang dijanjikan.

Aku sentiasa bersamamu Palestin.

Teruskan perjuanganmu.

#Pray4Gaza #Pray4Palestine

Illaliqa'. Wassalam.

Ramadhan Throwback.

Assalamualaikum, dengan nama Allah, yang Maha Pemurah lagi Maha Penyayang,

Segala Puji bagi Allah, Tuhan Sekalian Alam, dan Salawat ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad SAW.

The month of Ramadhan is the month in which Quran was revealed: a guide for people, the most authoritative of all guidance and a criteria to discern right from wrong. (2:185)

Aku masih ingat, terawikh ku di alor setar. Hari minggu, 8 rakaat sudah siap dilaksanakan. Di surau yang kecil itu. Pertama kali solat di situ. Aku menantikan solat witir daripada imam. Atau mereka yang mahu berundur daripada barisan solat 20 rakaat.

Mata aku berat. Aku mahu pulang ke kamar.

Tiada siapa berganjak daripada saf. Semua sedia berbaris untuk lagi 12 rakaat. Aku terkesima, betapa pak cik cecahan umur lebih separuh abad, tegar seperti tiada apa2, tetap dalam saf. Aku lihat beberapa orang budak2, lingkungan 5-7 tahun, juga meneruskan perjuangan 20 rakaat.

Mereka tegas berdiri seperti askar yang siap sedia berjuang. Tiada apa yang bakal merobohkan niat untuk beribadah malam itu. Nanges. Malu.

Aku malu. Kerna aku yang usia muda, terhuyung-hayang meneruskan ibadah. Lagi sikit jatuh tertidur. Diikutkan badan, mahu saja cabut, tetapi aku gagahkan jua. Tak mahu kalah kepada adik2 tadika. Sangat malu kepada Sang Pencipta.

Peristiwa ini berulang 2 malam.

Begitulah pengalaman terawikh ku di Alor Setar. Alhamdulillah. :)

Semoga kita mendapat baraqah dalam ramadhan kali ini. Ceyy.. :D

Illaliqa. Wassalam.

Keep calm and continue breathing.

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah, the Most Precious, the Most Merciful,

All praise to Him, the Supreme Ruler of the world, and Salawah upon Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

I still remember, the day I went to my school, a week before I came here. I met my former teachers, who gave me a lot advices and enthusiastic words. And before I left, this one teacher advised me not to change the current me. Which i think she asked me to retain the originality of what a muslim should be. And guess what I replied to her:

"I will be someone better. Insya-Allah."

After about 4 months, I still don't really sure, am I becoming better or less? I totally confused, to what extend have I improved after months and days being in foreign country. There was a blog post of mine, where I pledged to myself, to promote a better perception of Islam to the western civilization. Yet, I am consumed in my disability to project myself towards my goal. I know that whoever help this religion, will be helped. In His will.

I hope I'll have better opportunity in future. Illaliqa. Wassalam.

Keep calm and take a moment to reminisce the moment He bless you with life. 

wait, is it 4 months already? time was running so fast maaa.

Bring out the Hero in You...

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
All praise to Allah, the Supreme Ruler of the World, and Salawah upon Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

I'm very sure we had been through hard times. Either in terms of financial disaster, supressed workload, lonely accumulate and stuff, we had been there. It's a lie, if we never been there even at once. Suprisingly, we managed to survive the wall, or stronghold of disaster, which kept emerging from nowhere, just to take us down, to degrade us to earth. Let's walk back our memory lane for a moment, that hard time, we wished we never even done this and that, and some of us even wished we never born to this so-called unfair and cruel world.

"Verily, We have created man into toil and struggle. Thinks he, that none has power over him? He may say (boastfully): 'Wealth have I squandered in abundance!' Thinks he that none beholds him?"

But this ayat doesn't end here,

"Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? And a tongue, and a pair of lips? And shown him the two highways? But he has made no haste on the path that is steep. And what will explain to you the path that is steep?"

(90:4-12)

Eventhough you are at your lowest, there are always people who much more unfortunate than you are. Orphans, homeless, dying patients, and the list goes on. We will be unsatisfied for what we have, because we are humans. That's because we usually look up for those who are wealthy. Let's take this moment, to shift your head, to look upon those who below you, those less fortunate people than you are. That way, we will be more grateful. Watch this video. It will take a while, but the message are outstanding.

saw this one from my friend's post. people nowadays can be so mean. T_T

I always met those beggars, who doesn't has enough money to eat much less place to stay. I did what I capable of, to my strength extends. We sometimes can be a hero, be it giving food for homeless, donate the unfortunate poor kids for education, research for cancer cause and many more. Though our effort is small, but we do work for a change, hope for the best and changed their future.

Let us be an unsung hero, rather than doing nothing and just watch. Our effort is seen by Allah, and count for later on.

"O Allah, for everything I did, make me humble, and bring my small effort a big change, as I hope to create a better future."

I hope want to be a hero without any costume. :)

Illaliqa'. Wassalam.

Sometimes the sweetest apple is at the top of the tree.

Assalamualaikum, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

All praise to Him, the Supreme Ruler of this world, and salawah upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

"Being a Muslim is not only showing others a good example, but also SMILE during the hard time."

I met so many people, from various background and characters. I know few muslims over here, who do not take their religious into their life. It was quite a let down when you are a friend, and yet you can't help them find the meaning of Islam. I tried my best to show the true Islam I brought with my limited knowledge. So far, I'm yet far from my goal which is to help them move closer to the Creator. I argued but I lose to my lack of convincing skill.

I was very depressed. Mixture of sad and anger blend within me.

I went to a performance just now. It was a violin and cello musicians group name Maggini Quartet. The performance was splendid and awesome. During the break between two plays, I met an old man, who told me about Malala Yousafzai. She is a girl who fight for the education for girls in Pakistan. She should get a medal of her bravery and enthusiasm. Being a young girl and fighting for her nation is two different things which hardly find nowadays.

She was shot for her fights and being hospitalized in Birmingham ever since. Let's pray for her recovery.

I've been asking myself, if this is how the Muslim themselves treat their religion, how can the world see Islam as the true religion? Why even the Muslims didn't practice their so-called true way of life? Why did the Muslims shot the girls because her act was against the government policy? How can this religion proven the best for the mankind? How can the west accept Islam as the peace and serenity?

They might have confused and grasped the wrong views and perspectives of Islam if these kind of issues prolong.

For my anguish, I believed I've done the best. The results will always be from Allah. We just need to istiqamah in our effort. Every effort is taken and rewarded. It's upon us, who is willing to take the challenge either to gain credits for His bless and hereafter, or just slip it away. For now, I will continue to enlighten people to the righteous and be awesome. Even Rasulullah (PBUH) smiled during hard times when his preach was rejected thousand years ago. He even prayed for hidayah to be bless upon the non-believers.

Depressed not. He is always watching over you.

I know that I'm not a very pious person myself. But I want to become better, and working my best to increase my iman. I know that I need to practise like the Prophet (PBUH) did to devote himself to Allah. I know it's easier said than done, but again, it's efforts that counts. He will reward you, if not now, in the Jannah later. Insya-Allah. :)

True indeed.

"Believers, if you help God, He will help you and make you steadfast (in your faith)." (47:7)

Sometimes the sweetest apple is at the top of the tree. Not giving up the climb after few obstacles, you will get it. A reward for yourself.

If you know what I mean. :)

Don't give up on your faith

Love comes to those who believe it

That's the way it is

-Celine Dion-

still need to learn more about these new world.

Illaliqa'. wassalam.