The Travelling Engineer

Azhar Idrus & Malam Tahun Baru

2012-01-04T10:59:00.004+08:00

Pertama - tama sekali saya ucapkan tahniah kepada para penganjur program Sambutan Tahun Baru di Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam baru - baru ini, terutama sekali sahabat - sahabat saya yang turut berada di antara baris - baris terhadapan.

Saya tergerak untuk menulis di sini kerana saya agak 'kecewa' sedikit dengan beberapa komen yang saya jumpa merata - rata di internet yang lebih mempersoalkan lebih tentang hal - hal teknikal berbanding dengan outcome program tersebut.

Antara yang saya terbaca adalah persoalan meraikan selebriti - selebriti seperti Zizan Raja Lawak sedangkan dahulunya bukan main menghentam rancangan - rancangan realiti di televisyen yang mana lahirnya watak Zizan.

Dan yang lagi satu yang membuat saya cukup geram adalah persoalan ustaz Azhar Idrus bermain gitar, dan dari situ ada yang lebih lanjutnya melabelkan ustaz sebagai agen iblis, dakyah haram dsb..

Persoalan hadirnya Zizan Raja Lawak sebagai tetamu undangan; tergerak saya nak perhalusi situasi ini. Maharaja Lawak...atau entah apa lagi nama rancangan loyar buruk kat TV tu, secara jelas adalah lagha dan tidak ada unsur - unsur yang boleh membawa penontonnya mendekati dan ingat kepada Allah S.W.T..

Adakah apabila Zizan muncul di Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam beliau membawa sekali panji Maharaja Lawak? Kali terakhir saya lihat, tak ada pun nama Maharaja Lawak Roadshow. Yang terpapar hanyalah Countdown 2012 yang mana majoriti tetamu undangan adalah para ustaz.

Apakah di dalam sesuatu majlis yang mana majoriti tetamunya adalah para ulamak maka kesannya terhadap penonton dan pengunjung adalah sama seperti rancangan - rancangan televisyen yang lagha belaka itu? Sudah tentu tidak. Sebab apa? Sebab ada orang yang mengingatkan di dalam majlis itu. Macam mana gayanya manusia sekalipun, apabila berdepan face-to-face dengan para ustaz tetap akan merendah diri tanpa disedari.

Lagipun, saya kenal benar sahabat - sahabat saya yang terlibat dalam program ini; cerdik - cerdik belaka, tahu pemikiran dan mentaliti orang awam, tahu bagaimana nak mendekati orang, dan ada kesedaran untuk tidak melalaikan orang.

Seterusnya...

Saya bukanlah pengikut tegar ustaz Azhar Idrus. Jujurnya, saya pengikut tegar ustaz Shahrir Long dan Ismail Kamus. Namun saya masih mendengar kuliah ustaz Azhar Idrus dari masa ke semasa, bahkan nama beliau saya sudah biasa dengar seawal tahun 2005.

Dalam setahun dua ini saya telah melihat bagaimana beliau menjadi terkenal sedikit demi sedikit hingga mencapai tahap yang kita lihat pada saat dan ketika ini. Dan apa yang menarik perhatian saya, yang mengikuti kuliah - kuliah beliau terdiri dari pelbagai lapisan masyarakat dengan pelbagai ragam.

Bermakna beliau ada pengaruh untuk menarik macam - macam jenis orang...tak terhad kepada geng - geng yang bawa kitab kuning dan buku haraki kulu kelior. Mengingatkan saya kepada ustaz Akhil Hayy sekitar 2003 - 2005 dahulukala.

Soal beliau bermain gitar saya tak nak berdalil oleh kerana saya kurang kekuatan ilmu berkenaan syarah hadith berkaitan hiburan. Cuma apa yang boleh saya katakan selama ini saya berpegang dengan pandangan Dr. Yusuf Qardhawi yang mengatakan bahawa alatan muzik itu halal selama mana ianya tidak membawa kepada kelalaian.

Apa yang ingin saya tekankan, yang sepatutnya dibincangkan dalam isu ini bukannya mengenai dalil ustaz Azhar bermain gitar because seriously...tak ada manfaatnya berhujah ala maqam tinggi sedangkan yang baca dan cuba faham pangkal hulunya adalah orang biasa.

Yang sepatutnya diutarakan adalah konsep program itu sendiri; objektif dan hasilnya. Kita melihat sendiri 70,000 orang berkumpul untuk menyambut tahun baru dan dihidangkan dengan pengisian agama, hiburan yang tidak melalaikan. Tidakkah ini lebih baik daripada melalak bersuka ria di Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur, atau melompat - lompat atas kereta orang di Gurney Drive Pulau Pinang?

Berdakwah itu perlu di dalam kehidupan manusia, bahkan ianya wajib ke atas setiap Muslim (Al-Quran, 3:110). Tapi wujud juga persoalan BAGAIMANA untuk berdakwah. Lain orang lain cara berdakwah, dan lain masyarakat lain pendekatan berdakwah.

Ramai dari kalangan kita apabila sebut dakwah, yang terlintas dalam fikiran; pakai jubah, pakai serban, bawa kitab kuning merata - rata. Not necessarily. Sesiapa pun boleh berdakwah jika dia ada ilmu dan kaedah penyampaian yang boleh diterima.

Ambil kursus kejuruteraan sekalipun, jika reti bab - bab ugama, lebih - labih lagi kalau boleh mengaitkan ilmu - ilmu kejuruteraan dengan taqwa, maka berdakwah lah.

Kalau kita imbas sirah para anbiya':

Kaum Nabi Nuh a.s. terkenal dengan binaan - binaan mereka yang mencakar langit. Maka dakwah Nuh disertai dengan mukjizat yang setanding dengan kehebatan mereka iaitu sebuah bahtera.

Kaum Nabi Musa a.s. terkenal dengan sihir. Maka dakwah Musa disertai dengan mukjizat yang setanding dengan mereka iaitu tongkat yang bertukar menjadi ular, tangan yang bersinar, pembelahan Laut Merah, dan juga siri malapetaka yang dikenali di dunia Barat sebagai The 10 Biblical Plagues.

Kaum Quraisy Makkah terkenal dengan lirik - lirik syair yang menawan hati. Maka dakwah Rasulullah S.A.W. disertai dengan ayat - ayat Al-Quran yang manasusunan bahasanya tidak dapat ditandingi sehingga ke hari ini.

Sebelum saya datang ke Australia dulu, saya aktif dengan aktiviti - aktiviti dakwah di dalam kampus. Kami diberi objektif untuk dilaksanakan. Namun kami juga berdepan dengan mahasiswa yang suka kepada hiburan, dan bersantai di warung.

Dan selama itu saya perhatikan; menganjur kuliah agama di Pusat Islam tidak dapat menarik golongan - golongan ini. Namun bila dianjurkan program - program yang ada hiburan di dalamnya, atau menggunakan nama yang dahsyat - dahsyat, mereka antara yang terawal sampai.

Ajarannya di sini, nak berdakwah kat orang kena pertimbangkan kaedah pendekatan. Orang yang siang malamnya berdamping dengan hiburan, import maulana hebat dari luar negara pun belum tentu dapat mengalih perhatiannya.

Ajaran yang saya dapat selama saya berada di kalangan orang - orang Australia (di universiti saya ada secubit je orang Melayu, dan saya satu - satunya pelajar Malaysia mengambil jurusan Kejuruteraan Elektrik), saya tidak boleh dilihat terlalu Islamik pada peringkat awal berkawan dengan mereka (takde la sampai ke tahap lupa harga diri).

Namun saya mendedahkan keIslaman saya secara berperingkat. Dan Alhamdulillah, pada saat dan ketika ini mereka iktiraf yang saya ini adalah seorang Muslim yang berpegang pada ajaran agama. Kalau kami keluar berjalan bersama - sama, mereka akan pastikan kami pergi makan di tempat yang ada sijil Halal, tidak meminum arak/bir depan saya, dan memastikan waktu - waktu solat saya.

Mudah kan? Lambat iktiraf tetapi dalam keadaan redha lebih baik daripada iktiraf dalam keadaan paksa.

Maka, berdakwahlah secara berperingkat kepada orang - orang yang kurang mengetahui. kenalpasti dulu apa kemahuan mereka, lalu cuba wujudkan satu suasana yang kondusif dan diterima oleh mereka dan juga Islam. Setelah mereka berada di dalam zon selesa dan sedia menerima, maka berilah pengisian yang lebih mendalam sedikit demi sedikit.

Dan janganlah hal - hal teknikal didebatkan menjadi isu ummah. Ada isu ummah yang lebih penting dan utama untuk difikirkan bersama.

That is the nature of da'wah; slow and steady. Muhammad S.A.W. spent 23 years spreading the teachings of Islam, and he is the beloved of Allah. What are we, mere mortals compared to him?

'Eiduladha Sermon 2011: The Sacrifices of Life

2011-11-11T20:57:00.007+08:00

On this day, I was asked again by the Sri Lankan Muslim Association to lead the eid prayer and give a sermon. Given the examination period, the sermon was not as intense as the 'Eidulfitr sermon. Nevertheless, the main thing was to convey the lessons learnt from 'Eiduladha.

The sermon took place at a community hall in Oakleigh.

FIRST SERMON

Praise is to Allah who hath guided us to this; and we would not have been guided if Allah had not guided us. We praise Him, we seek His help, and we ask for His forgiveness. Whomever Allah guides, no one can lead him astray, and whoever is led astray by the will of Allah, no one can bring him back.
We bear witness that there is but one Allah, and Muhammad S.A.W. as his messenger, and the last messenger appointed by Allah.

O servants of Allah! Fear Allah! Fear Allah the way He deserves to be feared. And do not die as Muslims in full state of submission to Allah.

My dear brothers and sisters,

Today we celebrate the day of ‘Eidul-adha, in conjunction with two important things in Islam;
1. The ritual of hajj, which makes one of the five pillars of Islam
2. The ritual of sacrifice, to enliven the symbol that was performed by the prophet Ibrahim a.s.

With the conjunction of hajj which has been made compulsory by Allah to those who can afford so; they answer the call of Allah to perform hajj.

“…and pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, (upon) everyone who is able to undertake the journey to it; and whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient, above any need of the worlds.”
[Aali-‘Imran, 3:97]

Ever since the month of Shawwal, people have been on pilgrims to gather at the holy city of Makkah to answer the call of Allah, they answer with hearts of faith, performing what has been appealed by prophet Ibrahim a.s.; performing the hajj, worshipping the one Lord, facing in the one direction, following the path of prophet Muhammad S.A.W., and becoming an ummah that has been united under Islam, as how Allah S.W.T. has commanded:

“The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.”
[Al-Hujuraat, 49:10]

The prophet Muhammad S.A.W. is the last prophet appointed by Allah as the messenger to mankind, which comprises of different nations and descendants, of different backgrounds, rank, wealth, and knowledge. They have been called upon to unite in the name of Islam, as how Allah has advised in the Quran:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”
[Al-Hujuraat, 49:13]

From a distance everyone looks the same; they wear the same garments, each of them not revealing their racial background, be they Arabs, Africans, Europeans, or Asians. No one knows who is a president, who is a cleaner, who is a minister, who is a civil servant.

The ritual of hajj witnesses the mass gathering of Muslims from the far corners of the world, glorifying the oneness of Allah upon wearing their ihram clothings by chanting the talbiyah,

“Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners."

They gathered despite their differences in nationality and language, not being able to understand each other’s conversations, with different ways of life, with different cultures and situations; some being too rough, some being too soft, and some being mediocre.

And in those situations, they have been commanded to perform hajj with the spirit of brotherhood, which becomes a test for them.

“For Hajj are the months well known. If anyone undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.”
[Al-Baqarah, 2:197]

My dear brothers and sisters,

Today we are reminded again of the life of Ibrahim a.s., the prophet chosen by Allah, who became an example and role model to all of mankind. Allah said,

“And who would be averse to the religion of Abraham except one who makes a fool of himself. And We had chosen him in this world, and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, "Submit", he said "I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” And Abraham instructed his sons [to do the same] and [so did] Jacob, [saying], "O my sons, indeed Allah has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims."

[Al-Baqarah, 2:130 – 132]

Ibrahim’s state of Islam was shown with full submission to Allah, willingly prepared to face Namrud, king of Babylon, the strongest empire of his time. Ibrahim did not submit to Namrud and his government, nor did he submit to his father who supported Namrud to an extent where he was sentenced to death by fire, ousted from his homeland by Namrud and his father.

He was then ordered to send his family; his wife Hajar and son Ismail a.s. to a dry valley where there were no foliage, no living soul, no water, and no fire. Ibrahim fulfilled the obligation with total obedience.

When he left his wife and son, he was asked by his wife,

“Did Allah command you to do this?”

“Yes.”

“Then Allah will not abandon us.”

Hajar too submitted to Allah, willingly left alone with her son in the valley without anyone to accompany them. Yet under such circumstances, she managed to hold steadfast while tending to the young Ismail. And when the situation reached its climax, Allah bestowed upon them the well of Zam Zam.

This goes to show that it is Allah who bestows upon us all that we have; wealth, health, scholarships, ease of life; not kings, nor governments, nor people with high ranks. They are but trust holders to all that belongs to Allah. It also shows that Allah’s bounty exists even in unthinkable places.

When Ismail reached an age where he could walk, and where he could help his father with his works, Ibrahim was tested with a command from Allah that he sacrifice his son.

“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."”
[As-Soffaat, 37:102]

Ismail who was still young believed in his father’s prophecy, believed in Allah’ commands. And because it was Allah’s command, it must be fulfilled. We belong to Allah. It is He who has created us, who has given us the blessing of life, who has given us all the faculties that we have. All of it belongs to Allah.

Ibrahim knows that he belongs to Allah, and whatever Allah asks, he must fulfil, even though it meant sacrificing his beloved son.

When the command was about to be fulfilled, Allah commanded Jibril to nullify the command, stating that it was merely a test of faith. That is the meaning of Islam, the meaning of submitting to Allah; willing to sacrifice even the priceless of possessions for His cause.

Let us evaluate ourselves. Are we really Muslims who wholeheartedly submit to Allah; believing and accepting all the laws that relate to his Oneness even though we have never seen Him, the laws that relate to His angels, rewards and sins, and the hereafter even though we have never seen them?

The laws that relate to ourselves; Allah’s command that we cover ourselves, that we take only what is Halal and leave all those that are prohibited, that we marry and not commit adultery, and all the laws that define what is good and what is evil?

A true Muslim submits himself to all of His commands. Whatever He commands is beneficial for us, and whatever he prohibits is nothing but disadvantages for us in this life and the hereafter.

A true Muslim never doubts ever for a minute all the laws that Allah has prescribed even but a single letter.

Sadly though, there are many Muslims today who object to these laws, insisting that the teachings of Islam are not conducive in this time and age, insisting that the laws are discriminatory when they know and admit that all the laws found in the Quran and sunnah are authentic. For these people, Allah has questioned them in the Quran,

'Say, "Would you acquaint Allah with your religion while Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and Allah is Knowing of all things?"'
[Al-Hujuraat, 49:16]

In this verse, Allah is asking them, “Are you trying to teach Me about how life should be led when you know very well that I know best of all the things I have created?”

We are all the creation of Allah, thus only He knows what is best for us.

My dear brothers and sisters,

Never even for once in your life think that just because we were born as Muslims, having inherited the religion of Islam from our ancestors that we have already a first-class ticket to enter Paradise. Just because we are readily Muslims does not give us the authority to live life as if there were no rules.

Even though we have been chosen by Allah to be in the right path, there are chances that somewhere along the way we will be led astray. An opportunity given to a student to enter university does not guarantee his leaving with a certificate. There are chances that he may drop out.

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.”
[Al-Baqarah, 2:214]

This life is filled with challenges. Whatever we wish to achieve, we must work for it. There are times when Allah grants us of what we seek, and there are times when Allah does not grant it to us, or postpones it to a later time. That is why we must always be in full state of submission to Allah, for He knows what is best for us, and what is not.

This day of Adha reminds us that we must struggle to achieve our goals in life, that life is full of obstacles, and that we must face it while not losing faith in Allah. Sacrifices will have to be made along the way. Remember what Allah has reminded us,

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves…”
[Ar-Ra'd, 13:11]

Ibrahim faced the threats of being burnt alive and ousted from his homeland. Hajar willingly resided in the valley with his son. Ismail willingly let himself be sacrificed. All the trouble they went through, just to fulfil Allah’s commands and to gain His pleasure. Despite the harshness and complications they had to endure, they went through it, believing that Allah will never abandon them. They were the chosen ones, and the beloved of Allah. We ourselves are but ordinary people, thus we have to remind ourselves that we have no provision of being trouble-free.

Only Allah and He alone has the power of determining our fate, our wealth, and our tranquillity. No man, no king, no president, and no government have such power over us. Bear that in mind. Work for it, and submit to Allah that He may grant you of what you desire.

“Let them worship the Lord of this House, who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).”
[Quraysh, 106:3-4]

SECOND SERMON

My dear brothers and sisters,

If a person loves someone he will do everything in his power to please the latter and hopefully achieve something in return. But if he hates the latter, he will do all that he can to fuel that sense of hatred.

If we love Allah, then we should submit wholeheartedly to him, and do everything in our capacity to gain His pleasure, and to abide by all his commands.

“Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
[Aali-‘Imran, 3:31]

Let us on this day feel the greatness of the reward of Islam and Iman bestowed upon us by Allah. In fact, we should feel very proud of it. Only death while in faith and Islam will be acknowledged by Allah.

“O you who believe! Fear Allah the way he deserves to be feared. And do not die except as Muslims in full state of submission to Allah.”
[Aali-‘Imran, 3:102]

Remember that on this day Muslims from all walks of life have gathered in the holy city of Makkah. Let this be living proof that despite coming from different backgrounds, we are but brothers; we submit to one Allah jalla jalaluh, we acknowledge that the prophet Muhammad S.A.W. is His messenger and our role model, we make the Quran and sunnah as our guide in life, and we prostrate the same direction.

Once we are Muslims, there is nothing that segregates us in any way, with the exception of our level of taqwa.

We ask Allah to keep us in the right path and avoid us from being led astray.

Favouritisme & Zalim Pintu Belakang

2011-10-11T17:38:00.004+08:00

"Have you ever considered applying for work at Petronas? You said here your father works at Petronas. Surely he can get you straight to HR Department..."

"I did consider trying to apply to Petronas. But then, the fact that my father is inside Petronas made me justify otherwise. If I was able to secure something just because I know someone inside, because I have some kind of godfather (read = lobbyist) in the organisation, then there's no challenge to that. I will not be assessed based on my capacities..."

Pagi tadi saya pergi interview kerja di Swanston Street. Alhamdulillah, Allah memberi ruang. Ini interview pertama permohonan kerja dalam bidang kejuruteraan. Soal jawab di atas tu merupakan sebahagian daripada temubual pagi tadi. Sebenarnya, soalan ini tak dijangka, tapi Alhamdulillah jawab juga.

Saya nak ajak merenung dengan lebih mendalam soal jawab di atas tu. Secara umum memang ada ethical reasons kenapa saya tak suka masuk ikut pintu belakang. Tapi ada sebab lain juga...KEBARANGKALIAN BERLAKU ZALIM.

Macam mana tu?

Setiap organisasi menetapkan piawai - piawai tertentu yang perlu ada pada pemohon - pemohon yang ingin menyertai mereka. Tiba - tiba orang yang diberi tawaran langsung tidak ada piawai - piawai yang diperlukan, tetapi kerana ada 'orang dalam', sekaligus membelakangkan orang yang sudah sedia ada menepati ciri - ciri yang diperlukan?

Tidakkah itu zalim namanya, apabila orang yang lebih berhak diketepikan dan diberi ruang kepada orang yang tak sepatutnya kerana ada pengaruh dalaman semata - mata?

Zalim = Tidak memberikan sesuatu itu haknya yang sebenar.

Situasi - situasi seperti ini banyak berlaku dalam masyarakat hari ini apabila favouritism mengatasi meritokrasi.

Bayangkanlah, jika sesebuah institusi menyenarai pendekkan 100 orang daripada beribu - ribu pemohon untuk diserap, tiba - tiba kita minta kenalan di institusi itu untuk memasukkan nama kita dalam senarai 100 orang itu. Secara logiknya, untuk memasukkan nama, kenalah buang salah seorang daripada senarai itu.

Tak pernahkah kita terfikir bahawa kita tetap kena tanggung kerugian yang dialami oleh hamba Allah tu selama mana kita masih hidup?

Tak pernahkah kita terfikir dalam kita memperoleh sesuatu dengan cara yang tidak sepatutnya bahawa Allah akan menguji kita? Bahawa kita terdedah kepada fitnah dan aib sebagai hukuman atas perbuatan kita?

Fikir - fikirkan lah...

"Dan jagalah diri kamu daripada (berlakunya) dosa (yang membawa bala bencana) yang bukan sahaja akan menimpa orang-orang yang zalim di antara kamu secara khusus (tetapi akan menimpa kamu secara umum). Dan ketahuilah bahawa Allah Maha berat azab seksaNya."
[Al-Anfaal, 8:25]

Mimpi Di Kala Malam

2011-10-05T18:04:00.006+08:00

Semenjak beberapa minggu ni aku sering bermimpi perkara yang sama. Mula - mula mimpi tengah dukung dua budak kembar yang dah nak tidur. Kemudian mimpi tengah kejar seorang budak sambil dukung seorang lagi budak. Dan begitulah corak mimpinya.

Budak - budak yang aku dok dukung itu tidak lain tidak bukan Idris, Hasan, dan Husin bin Haznizul; anak - anak Maulana (Ustaz) Zul dan Kak Filah.

Akhir Ramadhan baru - baru ini mereka sekeluarga pulang ke Malaysia setelah Kak Filah tamat pengajian PhD.

Bukan satu perkara yang menghairankan bagi aku dok mimpi pasal tiga orang budak tu. Walaupun Hasan dan Husin aku tak lama sangat dok bermain - main dengan mereka, tetapi Idris aku dah dok jaga, kejar sepanjang 2 tahun aku berada kat Melbourne. Satu - satunya budak kecik kat Melbourne yang aku tak teragak - agak nak sambar kalau nampak dari jauh. Anak orang lain aku segan sikit.

Anyhow, I've had a good time tending to Idris for the past two years and the twins during the last weeks of their stay in Melbourne

A Sermon (Khutbah) in Melbourne

2011-09-11T20:24:00.008+08:00

On the 31st of August 2011, I was asked to give a sermon in Clarinda, a suburban district south-east of Melbourne. The members of audience were mostly Sri Lankan Muslims. The Eid mass was under the coordination of the ASLAMA (Association of Sri Lankan Muslims in Australia).

The contents for the sermon were considered based on the situation of Muslims in Australia:

1. Where there is a need for Muslims to acknowledge other fellow Muslims regardless of ethnicity.

2. Whereby it is essential for Muslims in Australia to spread and preserve the message and good impression of Islam.

3. Whereby Muslims must be reminded of the history which led to the deterioration of Islamic knowledge physically and mentally.

The actual sermon differs from the text as dependence on this text was not permanent, and figure of speech and spontaneous examples have innovated the main structure of the sermon.

FIRST KHUTBAH

Praise is to Allah who hath guided us to this; and we would not have been guided if Allah had not guided us. We praise Him, we seek His help, and we ask for His forgiveness. Whomever Allah guides, no one can lead him astray, and whoever is led astray by the will of Allah, no one can bring him back.

We bear witness that there is but one Allah, and Muhammad S.A.W. as his messenger, and the last messenger appointed by Allah.

O servants of Allah! Fear Allah! Fear Allah the way he deserves to be feared. And do not die as Muslims in full state of submission to Allah.

My Brothers and sisters,
We give thanks to Allah for having given us the opportunity to accomplish the month of Ramadhan and all of its fulfilment, so that we may fulfil what has been prescribed by Allah;

"…so that you are able to complete the period (of fasting) and to glorify Allah for that which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
(Al-Baqarah: 185)

To be grateful, because of Allah’s reward in His guidance of making us as Muslims. Thus it has become our responsibility to fill our Islamism with perfect faith and good deeds.

My brothers and sisters,
We have just completed a big act of worship in Islam; that is to fast throughout the holy month of Ramadhan. We have been invited to be the guest of Allah during Ramadhan, to be served with the act of fasting, in which the reward of performing so is at least ten times that of a common good deed.

Allah has prescribed upon us,

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as how it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may become righteous.”
(Al-Baqarah: 183)

The reason is so that we become righteous to Allah; who fulfil His commands, and leave all that He has prohibited while we live on this earth, in our relationship with Him, in our relationship amongst ourselves, in our relationship with our wealth, and in our relationship with all living creatures that are around us. All these relationship must comply with all that Allah has commanded and prohibited.

This means that only with the characteristic of righteousness…or taqwa, that we are able to fulfill these relationships.

My brothers and sisters,
On this great day, I wish to share with you a verse from the Holy Quran, from the book of Al-Ma’idah, verse number 8 which goes,

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of other (nations) make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to taqwa, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.”
(Al-Ma’idah: 8)

First of all; Allah is reminding us so that we become a servant of Allah to establish truth all the time. It is a commandment from Allah that we establish truth irrespective of wherever we are.

As far as the duty is concerned, we must establish truth all the time wherever we are, at whatever era we are in.

Secondly, all of us are witnesses of what we do; witnesses of what other people do. So of that respect, Allah commands us to be a just witness.

Thirdly, Allah commands us not to allow our feeling of hatred towards another race, another nation, another creed make us become unjust. And Allah commands us to be just (I’diluu), for that is very close with taqwa. And in that respect, we must fear Allah, for He is well acquainted, well informed, no matter how large, how small, how public, or how discreet of the things that we do in this life.

Many of us who are here today originated from a land of mixed races. Even here in Australia we live amongst people of multiple races. To some, this is not something new as it has already been experienced in their native countries. To others, it is of a new experience if they were from a country of single nation, or grew up knowing little about those who exist outside of their respected tribes.

Brothers and sisters,
Most Muslim nations throughout the world would have once been living under colonial rule for many, many years. Most nations with majority Muslim population in one part of history have been colonialized, to an extent that they have forgotten the regimes which were set up by these colonial powers had been regimes that were subservient to their masters.

The governments that have been established and legitimised by the colonial powers were those that were of total obedience towards their masters. Henceforth our predecessors have been living under those conditions for many years. It could be 20 years, 50 years, or 100 years; depending on how long these territories were colonialized.

The trouble with many of these Muslim nations now is that we are suffering from a syndrome of trying to defend our race and blithering other races. As a result of that, nation states were created; splitting us apart, disintegrating us from what we used to be; a united force, a unified force at one point.

And today, we remain disintegrated. Because; I am a Malaysian, I am a Sri Lankan, I’m an Indonesian, I’m a Lebanese, I’m a Pakistani, I’m a Turk, I’m an Indian, I’m an Australian. These are the lifestyles that we have been caught into.

Many of us do not realise that when we hate other nations on the fact that we are predominant, that is a cause of zalim. The exact opposite of justice is injustice or zalim. Allah reminds us in this verse that if we are just, then we are close to taqwa. But if you are unjust, definitely you will suffer the opposite.

This verse tells us that one of the major causes of injustice is the hatred towards another nation, another race, another tribe, or another creed. The reason why Allah declared war on the Jews…the children of Israel was because of their arrogance in claiming that they were the chosen ones, the noblest of all tribes. No other tribes supersede them. Their hatred towards others can be seen today; how they try to obliterate our brothers in Palestine, how they try to destroy the minds of Muslims worldwide with countless hedonism.

Their act is positively against the verse I mentioned. Their hatred towards those other than their own kind has caused them to become vicious and unjust. And they will never rest until they are submitted to.

“Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you until you follow their form of religion.”
(Al-Baqarah: 120)

Yes, they are happy that we are living their way of life; eating, sleeping, and dressing as how they do. But as long as we remain as Muslims, their struggle will not stop.

Brothers and sisters,
Have we learnt anything from the worship of fasting throughout Ramadhan? During Ramadhan, we have observed hunger and thirst. And by observing these, we are reminded of the people in other parts of the world who are also fasting; not because of the obligation during the month of Ramadhan, but because that is how they live.

They do not have enough to eat, they live in poverty. And we can see that a majority portion of these people are but our brothers in faith. There’s not much that we can do to assist them. Why? Because we are not united as Muslims. After years of colonisation, we still uphold the ideology of nationalism. And with this ideology, we tend to be ignorant of other people who are not of our kith and kin.

We are defenceless in protecting ourselves, our brothers, and this religion. We lack the knowledge of defending the teachings of Islam, to an extent that we submit to the ideology of other people who are clueless of the teachings of Islam.

We have observed from history; when a Muslim territory faced invasion by a common enemy, Muslims would travel across the land to join their brothers in fighting off the enemy. They would put aside their geographical factors in favour of defending a Muslim territory.

In today’s world; when Afghanistan was attacked, when Iraq was attacked, when Palestine was constantly bombarded by the enemies of Allah, the government of neighbouring Muslim countries would act as if nothing happened. Even if there were people who went to help defend these countries, upon return to their respected countries they would be charged for treason or supportive of terrorism. The act of total unjust and hatred was bred by a single cause of hatred towards others.

Brothers and sisters,
We are among the people chosen by Allah to travel to this country, be it for the purpose of education, or to permanently reside here. For some of us, we have more breathing space to practice Islam as a whole compared to our native country.

Take this opportunity to increase your knowledge of Islam and at the same time your righteousness…or taqwa to Allah, because as I have mentioned earlier only with taqwa that we are able to accomplish our relationship with all that is around us. And only with taqwa we can be united as Muslims.

But always be aware that while we are in a free country, there is no limit to anything. And because of this we are liable to be led astray from the right path.

And while we are at it, we are being placed amongst people of different backgrounds. Learn from each other, and spread the true knowledge of Islam as wide as possible, according to your respected strengths.

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”
(Al-Hujuraat: 13)

The verse I mentioned tells us that this life is a life of ta’aarafuu or acquaintance. Everything we do in life begins with acquaintance. To understand Islam, we must first be acquainted with Allah. Awwaluddin ma’rifatullah.

To be united as Muslims, we must be acquainted with fellow Muslims. When we get to know our brothers we generate brotherhood. A combination of brotherhood and taqwa will eventually lead to unity for the sake of Allah. There is a Malay proverb which goes,

“Tak kenal maka tak cinta.”

If you do not know, then you will not love.

With that I conclude the first sermon.

SECOND KHUTBAH

Brothers and sisters,
A former Malaysian Member of Parliament, the late Fadzil Noor once said,

“You must be in a congregation, and do not let a day pass without thinking about Islam.”

His reference of congregation…or jama’ah does not mean this particular congregation where we gather under one roof to pray. His reference of congregation refers to Muslims who team up together for the sake of Allah to uphold this religion…teamwork if you like.

And when he said “thinking about Islam”, it means to think about contributing to Islam. Anything we do in life, we cannot accomplish it alone. We need the help of others. That’s where the concept of ta’arafuu comes in. Different people have different knowledge. And the knowledge we require may lie with them, and the knowledge they require may lie within us.

The prophet Muhammad S.A.W. said,

“You must be in a congregation for indeed being in a congregation is a grace, and disunity is a torture.”

We as Muslims have a responsibility to uphold this religion. Give contribution to Islam in any way that suits you most. If you have the knowledge of Islam, how fundamental it may be, then spread it to others. To spread Islam does not necessarily mean you need to have a background in Islamic Studies. Your knowledge and practice of what you know about Islam without doubt is sufficient.

I myself am not of Islamic Studies background. At this moment in time, I am an Electrical Engineering student. I spend my time studying the science of electricity. With the little knowledge of Islam that I bear within me, I share it with you today. And what I have shared with you, you must share with others. The prophet said,

“Pass on from me even though it is but a sentence.”

For many years, a vast majority of Muslims faced obstacles in the effort to gain Islamic knowledge, especially those who reside in countries governed by Muslims. Even if there were provisions for Islamic studies, it would be such that a Muslim only understands Islam as being the salaat, the zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage.

This trend dates all the way back to the days of colonisation. The colonies; the Spanish, Portugese, Dutch, and British alike were at war with the Muslim world even before colonisation. So it is not something surprising that when they invaded our countries, they condemned Islamic movements, and appointed people who were subservient to them to limit Islamic practice up to only the basic worships which are salaat and fasting.

The concept of da’wah at that time was only to tell people to do good deeds. But nothing on forbidding all that is evil.

Because they knew; they have learnt from the crusade against Jerusalem that Muslims cannot be brought down by force. Muslims are united in mind and strength. So they instead decided to bring down the Muslims through manipulation of the mind.

Now we are witnessing the chain reaction of that manipulation. Our lack of understanding about Islam as a whole has caused us to be disunited among ourselves. We lack the knowledge of Islam to an extent where we are subjected to abuse by the orientalists without having the strength to retaliate.

Because of that, we do not understand why we exist as different individuals. We do not understand our role on this earth.

That is why, I appeal to all of you, to enrich your Islamic knowledge, and to live by the Quran and the Sunnah. The prophet said:

“I leave behind me two things that if you abide by them, you will never go astray; the Quran and my Sunnah.”

It is never too late to gain knowledge. The prophet said,

“Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”

This world contains unlimited amount of knowledge. The knowledge we possess is but a single drop of water on the tip of our fingers, compared to Allah’s knowledge which is as wide as the waters on this earth. All the knowledge on this earth; politics, science, medicine, mathematics, and engineering is related to Islam. There is no segregation or secularism between worldly matters and knowledge, and that of Islam.

May the knowledge that you possess lead you towards taqwa, and may our taqwa unite us into becoming a single Muslim congregation worldwide.

Pencarian Yang Tak Tercari

2011-05-22T17:51:00.003+08:00

“Man, this subject sucks. I don’t know what the purpose of this subject has got to do with Engineering.”

“Buat apa enta pergi sana? Bukannya ada apa – apa pun. Boring tempat tu…”

Kedua – dua ayat di atas merupakan potongan daripada perbualan – perbualan saya dalam tempoh sebulan dua yang lalu.

Ayat yang pertama merupakan perbincangan saya dengan seorang rakan sekursus universiti. Kami sedang berbincang mengenai subjek Professional Practice 4A yang diwajibkan untuk pelajar tahun akhir kursus Kejuruteraan Elektrik. Subjek ini tidak fokus kepada ilmu – ilmu teknikal kejuruteraan, malah lebih kepada case study dunia kejuruteraan; politik kejuruteraan, etika kejuruteraan dsb.

Ayat kedua merupakan perbualan saya dengan seorang sahabat sewaktu itu saya pergi berjaulah ke Echuca; sebuah perbandaran yang terletak di sempadan utara negeri Victoria, 3 jam perjalanan dari Melbourne. Echuca terkenal dengan sejarah penambang kapal kargo stim (Port of Echuca).

Terus terang saya cakap, saya tak bersetuju sedikitpun dengan kedua – dua ayat di atas.

Merujuk kepada ayat pertama; walaupun latar belakang disiplin saya adalah kejuruteraan, namun hakikatnya jurutera berurusan dengan orang – orang yang tidak ada latar belakang kejuruteraan. Maka, perlulah bagi jurutera untuk mewujudkan satu platform bagi berunding dengan pihak ini, dan perundingan perlunya kepada ilmu.

Mahir di dalam Newton-Raphson Law sekalipun, pakar dalam co-generation, tri-generation, Control Theory, Engineering Protocols, tapi kalau tak reti nak berkomunikasi dengan orang bidang lain, parah jugak.

Sewaktu saya berpraktikal di Ipoh awal tahun ini, saya dapati bahawa yang benar – benar diperlukan di dalam kerja seharian adalah kemahiran berkomunikasi, kerjasama, dan kepimpinan. Ilmu kejuruteraan sahaja tidak cukup untuk untuk memenuhi kriteria ini. Pengalaman luar diperlukan.

Sepuluh tahun saya menjadi pemimpin di dalam pelbagai pertubuhan yang berbeza latar belakang, memimpin pada marhalah – marhalah yang berbeza. Setiap pertubuhan mempunyai jenis – jenis ahli yang berbeza. Memimpin setiap pertubuhan memerlukan ilmu yang lebih kurang sama, tetapi teknik dan pendekatan yang berbeza. Memimpin Lembaga Pustakawan dan Sekretariat Persatuan Mahasiswa Hadhari merupakan dua pengalaman yang berbeza.

Kalau dua pertubuhan pelajar sahaja sudah berbeza ilmu kepimpinannya, apatah lagi apabila berada di dalam alam industri kelak. Sebab itu saya merasa perlunya pelajar Kejuruteraan untuk mengetahui dan memahami kerenah dunia. Perlu kepada pemahaman sosiologi. Kalau seorang jurutera membuat kereta, maka kereta itu bukannya untuk kegunaan jurutera sahaja. Orang politik, cikgu, usahawan, beliawan, tok wan semuanya pakai kereta.

Merujuk kepada ayat kedua; Port of Echuca sepertimana yang saya jelaskan tadi terkenal dengan kapal stim. Di mana ada kapal stim, di situ ada machineries. Dan selaku seorang pelajar kejuruteraan, sememangnya benda – benda itu menjadi obsession saya.

Ramai yang mengenali saya sedia maklum yang saya ini memang ‘kaki rewang’. Asal ada masa terluang, asal ada wang, saya akan menghilangkan diri. Etimologi ‘merewang’ saya bermakna pergi melihat ciptaan Allah dan peradaban manusia. Etimologi ini boleh diguna pakai di mana – mana sahaja; di bandaraya, di perkampungan, di perhutanan, di mana sahaja ada sejarah peradaban manusia. Andai kata membeli – belah menjadi etimologi ‘merewang’, maka hanya terhad kepada bandaraya – bandaraya dan kawasan – kawasan uptown.

Andai etimologi saya dan etimologi orang lain tak sama, maka tak mungkin mereka memahami objektif saya. Mereka akan kata saya gila, namun saya takkan mengatakan mereka gila, kerana skop etimologi saya merangkumi skop mereka, sedang skop mereka tidak merangkumi skop saya (faham ke tak ni?).

Kalau nak cari ikan, cari di sungai atau laut, bukan di dalam reban ayam. Kalau mencari sesuatu, biar kena sumbernya, biar ada matlamat, dan fahamilah skop ilmu yang diperlukan. Setiap perkara wujud dengan objektifnya yang tersendiri. Kalau selamanya kita menafikan kewujudannya, sampai bila – bila kita tidak akan memahami apa – apa.

Kebanyakan dari kita mempunyai matlamat yang sama, tetapi kepakaran yang berbeza. Sepertimana lebuhraya dan landasan keretapi; sama destinasi. Ada masanya mereka berada sebelah – menyebelah, dan ada masanya mereka perlu mengharungi laluan masing – masing.

“Maka barangsiapa yang berhijrah kepada Allah dan RasulNya, maka hijrahnya itu adalah kepada Allah dan RasulNya. Dan barangsiapa yang berhijrah kerana dunia yang ingin ia memperolehinya atau kerana seorang perempuan yang ingin ia menikahinya, maka hijrahnya itu adalah atas apa yang ia berhijrah kerananya.”
[Hadith 40]

Of Migration & Freedom

2011-05-18T19:13:00.006+08:00

Mother once mentioned to me that music from eastern America are more smooth and easy-going, whilst those from western America are more lively. From that on, I took interest in the expansion of civilisation.

The early settlements of America were on the east coast. Later, people migrated further westwards seeking new life, and we can tell from cowboy movies that the people in the west were more lively and free, if you like.

In the modern day, migrations are more inclined towards Australia. Professionals, refugees, and asylum seekers would head for Australia or other developed countries in search of better jobs, liberation, and quality of life.

They would leave their countries that were in turmoil, dictated, or economically devastated, not to mention the legislation and constitution.

Among those who migrate are the Muslims. Many who migrate seek better space to practice their faith, whilst some too try to be free of it.

No matter where we are, we can never be seperated from the teachings of Islam. Even though some countries regard religion as a mere hobby, does not mean that we too can treat Islam as a hobby. Islam is not just a religion, it's the way of life.

Being in a non-Muslim country, our responsibility is to uphold its teaching and showing to others what Islam is all about. But because appealing Muslims disregard their religion, and took to the life of no limits, Islam is thus considered by others as nothing but a plain ideology.

A few days ago, I was watching the news. News on crimes, hoodlums, and vandalism are common. But what shocked me is that the name of the perperators were not Nigel, Bruce, or Harry. No sir, the names were Mohamed Yasin, Abou Nasser. These are names of Muslims. Muslims committing crime in a non-Muslim country.

No wonder Muslims, immigrants are being hated all around, even though they know very little about Islam, and many do not consider readin about Islam before making personal theories. Just because you live in a free country, doesn't mean that you can be stupid and act freely.

Remember this; you are a Muslim. You live by the Book and Sunnah which describes everything that you do in life. No matter where you go, they must never be segregated. You are in a deprived land, you live by it. If you are in a free country, you still live by it.

There's no use nor benefit trying to copy their ways of life, dressing, for Allah has already reminded us,

And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper.
[Al-Baqarah, 2:120]

Stick to your religion no matter where you are, and live by it. If you stick to the teachings of your religion, you will unite with your fellow Muslims, and with united Muslims, this religion shall be ridiculed no more. People will respect Islam and its worshippers.

Profesionalisme vs Personalisme: Di Antara Penilaian Matang & Penilaian Bernafsu

2011-02-08T19:07:00.008+08:00

Di dalam hal berbicara, ada macam - macam ragamnya. Ada yang berbicara dengan matang, profesional, berhikmah (tegas...bukan jadi pondan). Dan ada juga yang berbicara dengan penuh ego, menurut nafsu, dan menurut perasaan.

Kita sedia maklum, orang yang berbicara secara profesional sudah tentu tenang, jelas di dalam berkata - kata, serta menggunakan hujah - hujah yang relevan.

Dan kita sedia maklum, orang yang berbicara menurut perasaan sudah tentu kelam kabut, penuh emosi kata - katanya, serta menggunakan hujah - hujah yang tak masuk akal. bahkan jika penuh dengan ego, boleh jadi dia akan mencabar untuk berdebat, dengan memperjelaskan bahawa dia mempunyai tauliah yang diiktiraf.

Ini adalah ringkasan sifat - sifat seorang penyampai. Namun kita sebagai pendengar, bagaimanakah pula penilaian kita terhadap si penyampai?

Kalau ikut hukum alam, sudah tentu kalau si penyampai tenang, jelas, dan berhujah, dia profesional. Dan kalau si penyampai kelam kabut, menurut perasaan, beremosi, maka dia personal.

Namun, berlaku juga kes di mana kepala si pendengar ni dah masuk air, hatta penilaiannya terhadap si penyampai menjadi putar belit. Yang berhujah macam Barack Obama dia kata tak pandai berucap, bersifat personal. Yang kencing dalam seluar sewaktu di hadapan orang ramai dia kata profesional.

Macam mana tu? Apabila nafsu dan kepentingan politik melanda dirinya...

Kita tidak boleh nafikan bahawa di kalangan masyarakat kita, ada segelintir yang songsang penilaiannya.

Ini biasanya berlaku jika si pendengar mengenali si penyampai tersebut. Berhujah secara profesional macam mana sekalipun, namun jika si pendengar ego, mempunyai perasaan hasad dengki, benci terhadap si penyampai, maka sampai ke mati dia akan mengatakan bahawa si penyampa itu bersifat personal, populis, membawa agenda peribadi.

Namun, jika si pendengar 'kamcing' dengan si penyampai; biarlah pucat wajah, terkencing dalam seluar, menggunakan hujah - hujah tak masuk akal, si pendengar tetap akan mengatakan bahawa si penyampai itu berkaliber, profesional, dan ada ketokohan.

Situasi seperti ini wujud di mana - mana sahaja, dalam apa peringkat/marhalah sekalipun. Ianya wujud di kalangan seangkatan sahabat, di dalam organisasi, gerakan, persatuan, bahkan di dalam alam kerjaya.

Lebih - lebih lagi, perkara ini wujud pada mereka yang terletak dalam golongan B.O.D., barisan kepimpinan, serta mereka yang berpengaruh di dalam membuat keputusan. Penilaian sebegini adalah di antara sifat - sifat orang yang berat sebelah, dan tidak berlaku adil di dalam menghukum sesuatu.

Wahai ketua, wahai pemimpin, wahai amir amirah, wahai rais raisah, wahai CEO, wahai pengarah, wahai presiden, wahai pengerusi,

Tidakkah pada setiap Jumaat khatib memberi amaran kepada anda:

"Sesungguhnya Allah menyuruh berlaku adil, dan berbuat kebaikan, serta memberi bantuan kepada kaum kerabat; dan melarang daripada melakukan perbuatan-perbuatan yang keji dan mungkar serta kezaliman. Ia mengajar kamu (dengan suruhan dan laranganNya ini), supaya kamu mengambil peringatan mematuhiNya."

[An-Nahl, 16:90]

Maka, apa lagi hujah anda untuk berat sebelah terhadap orang yang berada di bawah amanah anda? Walaupun dia adalah insan kerdil, wujud atau tidak dirinya tiada maknanya bagimu, namun Allah tetap menyuruhmu berlaku adil pada setiap orang.

Kalau kamu cemburukan dia hanya dia mempunyai kelebihan mengatasi kamu, agamamu mengajar bahawa penyelesaiannya adalah untuk kamu berusaha mencapai 'maqamnya', bahkan lebih dari itu.

Ingatlah, kita semua adalah pemimpin pada marhalah yang tesendiri. Mungkin ada yang belum dinobat sebagai pemimpin, hanya sekadar pegikut, namun tidak ada satu pun hujah yang memberi kita lampu hijau untuk berlaku tidak adil terhadap orang lain.

Nabi S.A.W. bersabda,

"Setiap orang daripada kamu adalah penggembala dan setiap seorang dari kamu akan ditanya perihal penggembalaannya. Pemimpin adalah penggembala dan akan ditanya perihal penggembalaannya. Seorang lelaki adalah penggembala dalam keluarganya dan akan ditanya perihal penggembalaannya. Seorang wanita adalah penggembala dalam rumah suaminya dan akan ditanya perihal penggembalaannya. Buruh adalah penggembala dalam harta majikannya dan akan ditanya perihal penggembalaannya. Jadi setiap seorang dari engkau semua itu adalah penggembala dan tentu akan ditanya perihal penggembalaannya."

Hijrah: The Microscopic View Of A Man's Journey & The Life-Size View Of His Destination

2010-12-28T09:26:00.006+08:00

A couple of months back, I was asked to give a view on one of my companions' statement. The statement is regarding the challenges and mockery faced by an individual whenever he/she is determined to make a change. The term I'm using for this particular description is 'Hijrah', which despite it's pure Arabic interpretation, is also interpreted in religious terms as,

"The journey of transforming from bad to good".

Hijrah is mentioned in one of the compendium of the 40 Hadiths which goes:

"Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended. Thus he whose migration was for Allah and His messenger, his migration was for Allah and His messenger, and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his migration was for that for which he migrated."

However, I am not going to discuss about the contents within this particular hadith. What I’m trying to bring forward is the mentality of today’s people upon those who are intending to make a change, generally from bad to good.

For years, I have been presented with roughly the same type of question,

“Why is it that people mock me when I want to make a change?”

My answer would be,

“Because they have not seen the changes occur.”

“But, I am making changes.”

“I know you are, but do they know? No sir, their focus is on the change.”

That is the fact today; people judge others by means of what they produce, not on their effort to produce. Such a fact takes place anywhere; in organisations, in politics, and even on an individual.

Hijrah itself requires a journey that has to be endured. When you want to go from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar, you have to endure the journey along the North-South Expressway. Everything in this life requires some sort of journey. Why, even the flicking of a switch has its own microscopic journey. How’s that?

From the view of a normal person, a switch has only two conditions; ON and OFF. However, in the knowledge of Power Electronics, switches have another condition, known as the TRANSIENT condition. This condition is where the journey from OFF to ON occurs and vice versa. This is only visible on a microscopic scale.

Viewing from a general distance, the ON-OFF transition is viewable from a scope, and is shown to be in the form of a square wave, where the change between the two conditions happens abruptly. But if the scope is zoomed in, as microscopic as possible, it will be shown that there are waves between the two conditions. These waves represent the ‘journey’ from one condition to the other.

In relation to the issue brought up, many would assume that when someone wants to make a change, the change would take place abruptly. And when no change occurs, the assumption would be that the person is a hypocrite, because the change was not seen.

What many failed to consider, were the steps/efforts taken to make the change. What many did was to judge from a distance, and not to the extent of a microscopic level.

Weren’t we all taught that Allah judges a man not by what he can produce, but by the effort he has made to produce? Why so? Because it is by His will, and His only that man can produce.

If Allah does not judge a man by what he produces, then who are we to judge a man by what he produces???

We know of a man who is on a journey from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar. By Allah’s will, he did not arrive because his car broke down somewhere in Changkat Jering.

Do we call him a hypocrite for not arriving in Padang Besar?

No.

Why?

Because we know that he has already executed his intention by noticing that he is headed for Padang Besar. So, what difference does it make compared to those who say they want to make a change, but their ‘journey’ is not visible to the naked eye?

So, never judge a man by what he produces. No one has the power to produce. It is only by the will of Allah that man can produce. Man can only work to produce, and pray that Allah will see fit for him to produce.

Perginya Seorang Mujahidah

2010-07-18T16:17:00.002+08:00

Dua hari yang lalu, sedang aku membaca status Facebook orang, aku terpaku pada satu status. Status itu menyatakan bahawa seorang sahabat aku yang aku kenal sewaktu belajar di Permatang Pauh berada di hospital di dalam keadaan kritikal, yang mana beliau hanya mempunyai 30% peluang untuk selamat. Beliau mengidap denggi berdarah.

Mula - mula ingatkan lain orang. Tapi bila terfikir balik, berapa banyak sangat orang dengan nama itu. Maka, aku bertanyakan sahabat - sahabat di Malaysia mengenai hal ini. Sah orangnya.

Hari ini, beliau telah menghembuskan nafas yang terakhir dan pergi menghadap Penciptanya. Aku hanya mampu duduk terdiam. Nak pergi ziarah, aku beribu batu jauhnya berjuang di negara orang. Beberapa jam selepas berita kematiannya, datang pula lagi satu berita mengatakan bahawa opah saudara aku juga telah kembali ke rahmatullah.

Hari ini, aku berada di dalam keadaan cukup tak tenang, resah.

Sahabat aku itu bernama Anis Amirah Ahmad Lutfi. Aku mengenalinya sewaktu tahun terakhir pengajian di Permatang Pauh. Secara umumnya, kami mengenali beliau sebagai seorang yang kecoh - kecoh.

Aku juga mengenali beliau sebagai seorang pencinta sastera. Tak kurang juga penulisannya yang aku biasa baca.

Kali terakhir aku jumpa beliau, sewaktu kenduri kecil - kecilan di rumah seorang sahabat berhampiran dengan kampus. Sewaktu itu, aku kembali ke Permatang Pauh untuk berjumpa dengan sahabat - sahabat aku buat kali terakhir, sebelum aku berangkat ke Melbourne untuk melanjutkn pengajian.

Siapa sangka, dalam aku kembali untuk berjumpa mereka, salah seorang daripada mereka aku takkan jumpa lagi buat selama - lamanya. Almarhumah berusia 22 tahun pada tahun ini. Melihatkan usianya sahaja boleh tahu dia peringkat adik. Selama ini aku sangka, adik - adik aku yang akan melihat aku pergi dulu.

Tapi Allah lebih mengetahui.

Selalu aku sebut, kehidupan mahasiswa di Pulau Pinang merupakan kenangan yang paling manis, yang takkan dapat dilupakan, baik alamiyyah mahupun ukhuwwah. Malam aku meninggalkan Pulau Pinang selepas tamat peperiksaan akhir merupakan malam yang sedih buat aku. Sepanjang pemanduan menghala ke selatan, aku mengenangkan kembali peristiwa - peristiwa yang berlaku sepanjang tahun.

Aku meninggalkan kampus Shah Alam tanpa sebarang kenangan manis. Kini di Melbourne, secara logiknya kehidupan di negara orang lebih manis kenangannya. Hakikatnya, aku masih tak lekang daripada mengingati Pulau Pinang serta sahabat - sahabat di sana. Melbourne masih tidak ada kenangan yang setanding, melainkan hanya kenangan alamiyyah.

Bila mereka dalam gembira, aku tumpang gembira. Bila mereka dalam duka, aku turut merasainya. Dan peristiwa kematian ini sememangnya menguji ketabahan diri. Sebak rasa bila mengetahui sahabat - sahabat lain menanti di luar wad hingga ke subuh.

Bahkan, di kalangan mereka juga menempuh perjalanan merentas negara di kala malam untuk berada bersama - sama dengan sahabat mereka yang sedang tenat.

Kami yang berada di luar negara hanya mampu menanti berita perkembangan melalui e-mel dan sms. Sepanjang penantian berita, ada yang berdiri tak tenang duduk tak puas, badan terketar - ketar, makan tak lalu, masak tak terdaya, merisaukan sahabat yang akhirnya telah pergi. Hanya doa dan kata - kata semangat yang mampu kami lakukan.

Semoga pemergian almarhumah pemergian husnul-khatimah, semoga ditempatkan di kalangan orang - orang beriman.

Selamat tinggal adik dan sahabatku, buat selama - lamanya.

Al-Fatihah.

Cry Freedom - A Tale of Struggle For Equality

2010-07-14T19:54:00.003+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I watched a film on Fox Classics channel. It was titled Cry Freedom. The first time I watched this film was about ten years ago back in Malaysia. The film describes the days of South Africa during the Apartheid period.

It focuses on two real-life characters; Donald Woods, a South African journalist cum anti-Apartheid activist who befriended Steve Biko, a black activist.

In general, the film depicts a scenario of segregation among the whites and the blacks by all means of medium (i.e. public amenities, essential rights), and oppression of the security police towards the black community.

Throughout the time frame of this film, Steve Biko has been placed under house arrest; not being able to communicate with more than one person at any given time, ad restricted to travel within a certain boundary.

He was arrested as he was travelling to Cape Town to address a black youth's gathering. Eventually, he died in prison. The government described his death as caused by hunger strike. In reality, his death was a result of beatings while in prison.

Woods, during a visit to the mortuary secretly managed to capture snapshots of Biko's body with the help of a fellow journalist. Having obtained these, he decided to expose it internationally, but was arrested at the airport and was placed under house arrest.

However, Woods and his family managed to escape South Africa and seek asylum in Britain through a series of hitch-hiking, rendezvous to Maseru in Lesotho and then flying to Botswana.

This film really captures the heart of its viewers, judging by what one has to face in his struggle for justice, equality, freedom. Along the way, he risks losing his possession, his ease of life, and to a certain extent, losing his life.

In everything we do in this life, the journey to obtaining it is not always plain sailing throughout the way. There will always be resistances. There is nothing in this world that we achieve without toil and sweat...with the exception of cheating.

Struggling to achieve our goal and purpose is difficult at times. But once we get what we struggled for, victory is at its sweetest. Furthermore, we will appreciate our victory judging by what we had to go through previously.

But always remember, it is Allah and only Allah who decides whether we will achieve victory or otherwise. We as His servants can only struggle and pray for guidance. There is no such thing as success through strategic planning. It is only by His will that we shall ever see victory.

Man could spend endless hours of strategic planning, recruiting geniuses, investing millions. But if Allah does not grant victory, then man will not achieve it. But that doesn't mean Allah will never grant victory. He will, in due time, when the situation is right. We can only struggle and ask Him for success.

It takes one who has such an experience to understand this fact.

The song below, Nkosi Sikeleli Africa was illegal during the Apartheid period, and was sung during political meetings and gatherings. the song used to be a symbol of hope and unity. Today, it is part of the South African national anthem.

Ukhuwwah: Setulen Manakah Ianya Pada Diri Kita?

2010-07-10T19:45:00.005+08:00

Setelah hampir setahun mental seolah - olah tersumbat, kini ianya bebas untuk merenung hakikat alamiyah...

Ukhuwwah; satu perkataan yang tak terasing dari kamus kehidupan kita. Sebut sahaja ukhuwwah, kita tahu ianya ada kena mengena dengan ikatan silaturahim sesama manusia.

Tahun 2005 - 2006 seingat saya dahulu merupakan tahun yang pekatnya dengan artikel - artikel dan ungkapan - ungkapan mengenai ukhuwwah. Siapa tak lupa pada ungkapan Ukhuwwah fillah abadan abada, ukhuwwah fillah membawa ke jannah. Siapa juga tak lupa pada artikel Cinta Anta Anti karangan Maszlee Malik.

Tahun 2005 - 2006, saya masih seorang mahasiswa di UiTM ketika itu. Dan pada usia muda ketika itu serta serba jahil dalam bab - bab ini, saya tak nafikan saya antara yang menyahut seruan - seruan ini dalam keadaan tak tahu ke mana halanya.

Saya tak mahu fokus pada definisi ukhuwwah, kerana semua sedia maklum akannya. Tapi, saya mahu fokus pada mentaliti terhadap hakikat ukhuwwah itu. Seringkali kita diingatkan oleh rakan - rakan, sahabat - sahabat kita untuk menguatkan, melahirkan, mengeratkan ukhuwwah sesama kita.

Hakikatnya benda itu tak menjadi pada ramai orang. Mengapa?

Antara sebabnya, ukhuwwah itu dijadikan satu bentuk material; satu kewajipan yang tercetak di atas rang undang - undang, perlembagaan. Ukhuwwah itu menjadi objektif utama wujudnya sesebuah aktiviti/program, sedangkan ukhuwwah itu letaknya di kalangan objektif sampingan.

Ukhuwwah itu satu bentuk fitrah yang wujud dalam diri setiap orang. Dan untuk menghasilkan ukhuwwah yang sebenar - benar ukhuwwah mestilah dengan kehendak diri, bukannya secara paksa rela atau birokrasi. Ukhuwwah yang lahir secara paksa rela ibarat enjin sejuk yang dibawa merentas lebuhraya; ketat dan tesengguk - sengguk.

Antara sebab lain ialah faktor kasta. Kerana perbezaan sejarah, latarbelakang, 'maqam', maka kita menjauhkan diri kita dari orang lain, dan hanya bergaul dengan mereka yang 'setaraf' dengan kita.

Apa yang istimewa sangat pasal diri kita hatta kita menyisihkan diri dari orang lain? Tidakkah manusia itu semuanya sama di hadapan Allah?

Ukhuwwah itu benda semulajadi, dan hanya boleh dijana secara semulajadi. Ukhuwwah yang wujud dalam diri kita, hanya kita sahaja yang boleh jana menjadi setulen - tulen ukhuwwah, bukannya melalui kertas kerja, bukannya melalui arahan berwajib, bukannya program - program mahabbah, perpaduan, ikatan kasih dsb.. Sepatutnya program - program seperti itu tempat kita membawa produk ukhuwwah yang dijana, bukannya tempat baru nak jana ukhuwwah.

In Response To Current Events....

2010-01-09T08:17:00.002+08:00

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَبِٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ (٨) يُخَـٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَمَا يَخۡدَعُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ (٩) فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ۬ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمُۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ (١٠) وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا نَحۡنُ مُصۡلِحُونَ (١١) أَلَآ إِنَّهُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدُونَ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ (١٢) وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ ءَامِنُواْ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلنَّاسُ قَالُوٓاْ أَنُؤۡمِنُ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ‌ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّهُمۡ هُمُ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَعۡلَمُونَ

[AL-BAQARAH, 2:7-13]

Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" but they do not (really) believe. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not! In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves). When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth", they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!" Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize not. When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe" they say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, buy they do not know.

Dan di antara manusia ada yang berkata: Kami telah beriman kepada Allah dan kepada hari akhirat; padahal mereka sebenarnya tidak beriman. Mereka hendak memperdayakan Allah dan orang-orang yang beriman, padahal mereka hanya memperdaya dirinya sendiri, sedang mereka tidak menyedarinya. Dalam hati mereka (golongan yang munafik itu) terdapat penyakit (syak dan hasad dengki), maka Allah tambahkan lagi penyakit itu kepada mereka dan mereka pula akan beroleh azab seksa yang tidak terperi sakitnya, dengan sebab mereka berdusta (dan mendustakan kebenaran). Dan apabila dikatakan kepada mereka: Janganlah kamu membuat bencana dan kerosakan di muka bumi, mereka menjawab: Sesungguhnya kami orang-orang yang hanya membuat kebaikan. Ketahuilah! Bahawa sesungguhnya mereka itulah orang-orang yang sebenar-benarnya membuat bencana dan kerosakan, tetapi mereka tidak menyedarinya. Dan apabila dikatakan kepada mereka: Berimanlah kamu sebagaimana orang-orang itu telah beriman. Mereka menjawab: Patutkah kami ini beriman sebagaimana berimannya orang-orang bodoh itu? Ketahuilah! Sesungguhnya merekalah orang-orang yang bodoh, tetapi mereka tidak mengetahui (hakikat yang sebenarnya).

Ye Olde Times

2010-01-03T18:19:00.004+08:00

I have been living alone for the last month as my housemates have returned to Malaysia. Furthermore, with Rashid leaving his car in my care, I've been spending certain days driving around Melbourne...usually on official matters rather than leisure.

Eversince I moved to the City, my expenditures were somewhat erratic. Luckily my tenancy was not a year-long tenancy, so I still have the option of moving back to the inner suburbs where the cost of living is low.

With the advantage of a car in possession, I decided to do my groceries in various locations, usually being either Brunswick or Footscray. But most of the time I'd go to Footscray as I could get Asian stuffs there. Besides, everything was within reach; fruits and vegetables at Footscray Market, Halal butcheries at either Droop Street or Nicholson Street, and the Turkish restaurant where I would buy their fresh arm-length Turkish bread.

For items available in supermarkets, I'd just pop over to Highpoint Shopping Centre where the Safeway supermarket is located.

Hey, Footscray and neighbouring Maribyrnong was my hometown, and still is, seeing that my campus is situated within it.

This morning, I decided to do my weekly shopping. On my way to Highpoint Shopping Centre, I drove along Droop Street via the tram terminus. Without realising, I was driving down memory lane.

While driving at 30km/h (because a tram was in front of me, stopping frequently), I passed by a couple of landmarks. The first was the Footscray Motor Inn, where I stayed overnight upon arrival in Melbourne. While along Gordon Street, I noticed the landmarks I used to observe and knew by heart during the time when I commuted via bus or tram from campus to the Student Village, which was close to the shopping centre.

Thus I suddenly recalled my early days in Melbourne...which was 6 months back. It was those days when I was still trying to get used to the suburb's environment, learning to use the public transport, and finding out the destination of each bus that enters Footscray town.

Furthermore, I had no contact within the area during those trying times, being all alone in that Student Village, with my family being thousands of miles away. Wherever I go, I go alone. But in a way, it was fun and relaxing, as I was not bounded by any curfew restrictions, or following people to wherever it is that I do not intend to go to.

Now, look at me; a 'never die' chap who knows his way around Melbourne and its suburbs without having to carry a Greater Melbourne Street Directory around with him. Wherever I go, I know which train, tram, bus to take, which lane to drive on and how to avoid rush-hour congestions.

Time has truly gone by...

Sin vs Da'wah

2009-11-06T20:13:00.004+08:00

Imam Hasan Al-Basri once said,

"O mankind, truly I am advising you, and that doesn't mean that I am the best amongst you, and doesn't mean too that I am the most pious amongst you. Even I have exceeded upon myself."

("Wahai manusia, sesungguhnya aku sedang menasihati kalian, dan bukan bererti aku orang yang terbaik di antara kalian, bukan pula org yang paling soleh di antara kalian. Sungguh, akupun telah banyak melampaui batas terhadap diriku.”)

On another occassion, he said,

"If a Muslim does not give advice to his brother except when he has become perfect, then there will be no one to advise others. There will be very little of those who will want to advise others, and none will perform da'wah in Allah's way..."

(” Andaikata seorang Muslim tidak memberi nasihat pada saudaranya kecuali setelah dirinya menjadi sempurna, nescaya tidak akan ada para pemberi nasihat. Akan menjadi sedikit jumlah orang yang mahu memberi peringatan & tidak akan ada orang yg berdakwah di jalan Allah….”)

(Mawa’izh lil Imam al Hassan Al-Basri, pg. 185-187)

The Journey Along The Great Ocean Road

2009-10-22T16:48:00.006+08:00

Saturday, 3rd October was the second last day of my midterm break. And after a whole week finishing my assignments, finalising my semester project, fulfilling commitments, I have pre-arranged for this day to be fully occupied by me, myself, and I.

A couple of weeks previously, I planned to day-travel to a destination outside of Melbourne. The destination itself was either to Ballarat, The Great Ocean Road, or Dandenong. To go to Ballarat, I can just take the V/Line train. To Dandenong, I can just take the metropolitan train, free of charge, as I hold a monthly travelcard, which allows me to venture into Zone 2 during weekends, where Dandy lies. I was spoilt for choice.

On the 30th of September, I calculated my monthly expenditures on the Excel. And, after calculating the remaining balance, plus balances from the previous months, I found out that I have managed to save up a wealthy sum of money, despite the fact that the University officials were delayed in returning my accommodation refund.

And so, I decided to rent a car and drive along the Ocean Road.

On Friday, after congregation at Newport Masjid, I went to Footscray town. There’s a Thrifty rental office there. I browsed the internet previously and found out that I could get a small car for $42 at the Footscray branch. However, when I enquired at the office, I found out that most cars were sold out. The only one available is either a Ford Mondeo or Toyota Camry which goes for about $130!

My next option is the Budget car rental which is about a couple of blocks away. Sadly, they too were sold out. I was devastated. I considered calling the trip off, when I suddenly remembered that there are rental centres throughout Franklin Street, which is next to the RMIT Swanston Street campus. So, I decided to take a last shot before calling it off.

My first stop was Budget. But there was a queue there. Next door is AVIS. No, AVIS is a bit expensive from what I recalled. Further down is Europcar...I’ll consider it as a last resort. Next to it was Hertz. I didn’t know why, all I knew was that I ended up at their front counter.

I enquired about the availabilities for the morrow. The clerk said that that there are cars available, and asked for details of the car I intended to rent. I simply mentioned that I want the smallest car available, manual or automatic. A friend once suggested that I go for the high-powered cars

He then said that the smallest available is a Class C Toyota Corolla sedan. He then asked if I am a student. I said yes, and he said that I am eligible for a student’s price, and that makes a total of $64.90, inclusive of admin charges, GST and Driver Under 25 Surcharge, which is roughly between $15 to $25.

Usually a Class C would cost around $65 - $70, excluding the external charges. Clearly there was a hidden wisdom when Budget was out of cars, and Thrifty had only Mondeo and Camry cars. I also requested for the fuel pre-purchase option of which they offered at a rate of $1.12/litre. The advantage of this is that I can return the car with the tank almost empty, without having to refill it. Furthermore, the price of petrol for that particular period was between $1.18 to $1.30 per litre, depending on outlet.

On my way back, I stopped by at Coles supermarket in Altona town to buy some snacks for tomorrow’s trip. I had some thought as to what food to bring. And then I recalled; back in England when we travelled to the countryside, or over a long distance; Nottingham, Loughborough, Bath, or the seaside, Abah would just buy crisps, sandwiches, and a bottle of Lucozade each. Sometimes, Mak would cook something from home.

That I could just do...minus the sandwiches, as sandwiches here are not as variable as those in UK. Furthermore, a packet costs $5.50! At that point in time, I can’t make sandwiches at home as I was out of stuffs to put on the bread. So, I just packed a few packets of plain crisps, a packet of nuts, freshly-baked cookies (gone stale the next morning... ), and a flask of water...yezzz... water is very important when I’m driving. I don’t know why, but whenever I drove over a long distance...beyond 2 hours, my throat seems to go dry.

The next day was the big day. But it was also a morning of disruption. On this day, the Werribee Line train service has been temporarily terminated due to construction works in Laverton. So, I had to take the replacement bus up to Newport, then take the train to Melbourne Central.

Having received the car I booked, my first destination was Geelong via the M1 (Princes Freeway). There, I was to pick up an old friend of mine, Nurul Alif As-Solihin (Alif Mastor). We’ve known each other since secondary school. Since I’ve never been to his house, I told him to wait in front of my sister’s house in Preston Street. My sister was away with her friends in Melbourne. He was the only one who was not doing anything on that Saturday, so I invited him to accompany me on this trip.

From Geelong, I took the B100 highway which would take me to Torquay; gateway to the Great Ocean Road. The travelling time on the initial portion of the Road was instantaneous, as the roads were wide and straight, contributing to a speed limit of 100km/h. But, as it goes further along the coast, the road goes up and down, and between hills, contributing to a speed limit of between 50km/h to 80km/h.

The first stop was the lighthouse on the coast of Aireys Inlet. Actually, I didn’t know that the place was called Aireys Inlet, not until I pondered over the road map. It was here that I had my first glimpse of what G.O.R. was all about.

Subhanallah! The beauty of it. The sound of waves, the crisp breeze, and the view of the cliffs along the coastline as far as the eye can see. It was a breathtaking moment. Having lived within the suburban for a couple of months, this turned out to be a good change for me.

Back in the car, I wondered where our journey would lead us to. No use asking Alif, as even he does not know where is where for the moment. My initial plan was to go as far as Lorne, and then back to Geelong via the country road. The clerk at the rental office suggested that I drive up to Warrnambool, one of the reason being that I’ve already pre-purchased a full tank of petrol, and that I should make the most of it seeing that it’s not refundable, regardless of fuel volume left in the tank.

Warrnambool is about 200+ kilometres down the Ocean Road, and about 3.5 hours drive judging by the road structure and signboard placed by the side of the road. I asked Alif about his plan for the day, he said nothing doing.

Seeing this, I decided to drive as far as I could manage. When I watched Discovery Channel a few years back, there was a saying in one of the advertisements,

“A true traveller has no destination, and is not keen on arriving.”

After a period of driving, we came to a town that I do not know the name of, probably missed the sign. Only after exiting the town, I caught a glimpse of one of the signboards and noticed the word “Lorne”. Only then I knew the name of the town. From the map, Lorne looked quite far away. Practically, it’s not that far. It’s true what the professor from Newcastle University said to me back in Malaysia,

“We Australians have a different opinion when it comes to distance. We have staffs working in the University in Newcastle, yet they live in Sydney. We also have people working in Sydney, but living in Newcastle. Like you mentioned, the travel time is roughly one to two hours. For you, that is one heck of a distance. But for us, it’s nothing. Australia is a big country, and two hours of travel is nothing to us...”

Judging by my current location, time, I decided to go further down the Road. Next primary destination is Apollo Bay, some 40 to 60 minutes away, if I’m not mistaken. The road between Lorne and Apollo Bay was long and winding, thus the average speed was only around 60 to 70km/h. Another reason for this was that the drivers ahead of me had this tendency of slowing down every once in a while to gaze at the scenery, or coastline.

It was at this time that Alif has started dozing off. Prior to reaching Apollo Bay town, there is a signboard which points to the direction of Geelong via the inner roads. The time was 2.00 pm, so I decided to drive further on. The next primary destination is Port Campbell, famed for the 12 Apostles. A large portion of the road between Apollo Bay and there was mainly inland, so there was less winding, twists, and turns, with the speed limit being 100km/h.

After about half an hour of driving, I started wondering as to where exactly I was currently situated. So, I stopped by the roadside and pored over the map. Clearly, I was somewhere between the two towns mentioned, but have no idea as to EXACTLY where I was situated. However, I was initially stunned when I found out the road which goes back to Geelong is in Warrnambool, roughly 2.5 hours away, but sighed in relief when I realised that I overlooked a minor road a few miles off Port Campbell which would lead me back to the main road back to Geelong and Melbourne.

And with that, I continued my journey. I can’t recall how long I’ve been driving since then. All I know is that I suddenly found myself arriving at the 12 Apostles National Park, about ten minutes prior to reaching Port Campbell.

I drove into the Park, parked my car, and went for a walk along the coastline (cliff) with Alif to gaze at the 12 Apostles...or what used to be 12 until a few of them collapsed recently. The walking and stretching was helpful, as I’ve been sitting for more than 2 hours. Not to mention being worn out. Well, what do you expect? I’ve not been driving for more than 2 months, I get the opportunity to drive, and went off half a thousand miles cross-country, in a land I’ve never driven before.

Having been fully stretched, we drove into Port Campbell town. I parked the car at the town square, and we walked around town. Having walked, the both of us felt hungry, and decided to find something to eat. I brought pizza slices, but Alif ate them all as he didn’t have any breakfast. Adjacent to where I parked my car was a Fish & Chips outlet. So, we bought a helping each, and ate on a bench by the sea. It was a wonderful feeling; eating whilst the salty sea air blowing into my face.

However, I was feeling a bit worried, as I usually avoided eating whilst on the wheel. But then again, compared to nasi campur in Tapah or Kuala Kangsar, fish and chips shouldn’t be too much of a digestion issue.

Having eaten, we got back into the car. We left Port Campbell behind us, and I drove a few miles up the Road before making a right turn into the C164; a country road which would take me across the countryside to the main road which goes back to Geelong. Based on the map, the route seemed long and winding. But then, winding as it may be, the road itself was wide, with a speed limit of 100km/h.

I drove for almost an hour before coming to the junction adjoining the A1 highway. From there, it was a swift drive back to Geelong, some 80 kilometres away. This particular road was wide and straight, with two lanes on occasions. Other than that, it’s just a normal country road (jalan lama as we call it). From where I was, I could see far up the road. It was a beautiful sight, with the sun and fields of daisies on either sides of the road.

We passed through several towns, the major one being Colac. The clock showed 5.30 pm. Maghrib was an hour away, and we have yet to pray Zuhr and Asar. At that time, I was just entering Winchelsea town. At the other end of town, I saw a public toilet sign, and decided to stop for a while, as I was getting a bit lightheaded.

I saw that next to the public toilet was a small grassy park facing a stream. So I took my sarong from the boot, and we prayed on the grass. Having prayed, I felt more refreshed (come to think of it, it always happens after each prayer) and we continued our journey. About half an hour up the road, we finally reached the outskirts of Geelong.

By the time we reached Alif’s apartment in Geelong CBD, it was 6.20 pm, a few minutes to spare before Maghrib. After having rested, and prayed, I left Geelong and headed back to Melbourne. I drove up the A1 northbound which would lead me to the M1 Princes Freeway. It has been quite some time since I drove at night.

As I reached Werribee, I decided to stop over at my house and drop off my things before heading to Melbourne. I took the Kororoit Creek Road exit and drove to Altona via Maidstone Street. I only stopped for about 10 minutes or so to unload my things, save my clothes, and headed back to the freeway.

At West Gate Bridge, there was a long crawl, as there were construction works throughout the bridge. After passing through the construction site, I started to look out for the Docklands exit which would take me into Melbourne CBD. Further than that, and I’ll have to pay the toll. There’s no toll booth. Everything’s electronic. They just simply detect the license plate number, and send an invoice. But I didn’t register my car with the concessionaire, and if I entered the toll road, I have 48 hours to register my car.

I entered Melbourne CBD via Flinders Street. There was a lot of traffic on that street that night. I wanted to enter Russell Street, which was along Flinders. The street entrance itself being next across the train station, and there were many pedestrians. Thus, I had to wait for pedestrians to cross before I can enter Russell Street.

From there, I drove all the way to Lygon Street and entered into Drummond Street, where Zaim resides. I spent the night there as I had to return the car by 9 the next morning.

When I returned the car the next morning, the invoice stated that I had travelled roughly 580 kilometres within one day. That is roughly similar to driving from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, and back again. Wow, never thought I could cover such a large portion of distance within a day!

It was an enjoyable day. But the most enjoyable of all is the driving itself. One thing I initially feared...which later turned into an obsession, was the traffic light pattern. Here, to make a right turn, you have to enter at your own will. Intersections with heavy traffic usually have guided traffic lights for right turns (like Malaysia). But others, you have to enter as if the traffic light had no electricity, in which you had to wait for traffic from the oncoming direction to clear before entering.

It’s just like entering UiTM on those days when there was an electrical failure. It was scary at first, but once I got hold of it...quite fun!

And then, there’s the Hook Turn, in which you take the right turn using the left lane. This one is a bit complicated to describe. You can read about it on this web address, ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_turn )

Cheerio!!!

Aidilfitri @ Melbourne (Minggu pertama Syawal)

2009-09-27T13:07:00.004+08:00

20 September 2009 merupakan hari di mana umat Islam di serata dunia menyambut hari kemenangan...kecuali beberapa lokasi yang menyambutnya sehari lebih awal, atau lebih lewat.

Tahun ini merupakan tahun pertama aku menyambut Aidilfitri bersendirian di perantauan, jauh dari tanahair. Pada awal pagi ini, memang wujud perasaan sayu. But then again...who doesn't on their first time, eh?

Solat Aidilfitri anjuran persatuan - persatuan pelajar Malaysia diadakan di St. Ambrose Hall di Brunswick. Solat dijangka bermula pada jam 9.30 pagi. ICV mula pada jam 7.00 pagi. Masjid di Newport, sejurus selepas subuh. Aku dan Syed Marwan berjalan dari rumahnya di Drummond Street sehingga ke Elizabeth Street, dan dari situ kami menaiki tram nombor 19 ke Sydney Road (Brunswick).

Selepas solat, serta khutbah Aidilfitri, maka ada jamuan di situ. Dalam keadaan orang lain sibuk mencari - cari, berpeluk - pelukan dengan rakan - rakan mereka, aku pulak tak tahu nak cari siapa. Yang kenal, dah peluk siap - siap dah. Maklumlah, baru 2 bulan turun kapal.

Dalam aku merewang sendirian di dalam dewan itu, maka terserempaklah aku dengan Ismail Amsyar. Ismail merupakan kenalan sewaktu di UiTM Shah Alam dahulu. Sewaktu minggu orientasi, kami di antara yang naik turun pentas; beliau sengan sesi tilawah Al-Quran, aku dengan sesi baca doa. Kali terakhir bersemuka dengan beliau adalah pada tahun 2007, sewaktu aku datang bercuti di Melbourne.

Namun, melihatkan beliau, aku menjadi terkejut beruk. Ismail yang aku kenal dahulu sihat dan tegap orangnya. Ismail yang aku lihat sekarang, very frail looking dan bertongkat. Aku bertanyakan pada beliau akan keadaannya. Ismail menyatakan bahawa dia dah 2 tahun mengidap Arthritis.

Aku pun menjadi seram sejuk, kerana mengenangkan diri yang baru sahaja pulih daripada gout. Namun sedih melihatkan si Mail, kerana Arthritis beliau satu badan. Setelah bersembang - sembang, maka pergilah aku mengadap hidangan...what's left of it.

Tengah - tengah makan, jumpa pula Lutfi Hakim, rakan lama sewaktu sekolah menengah, juga menuntut di Melbourne. Kali terakhir aku jumpa beliau ialah sewaktu aku mula - mula sampai di Melbourne.

Selesai jamuan, dan setelah seorang demi seorang mula beransur pulang, Ustaz Zul ajak ikut pergi beraya. Maka sepanjang hari ikut ustaz, isteri, serta 3 orang sahabat aku kulu kelior beraya.

Mula - mula, kami ke dewan komuniti dekat - dekat dengan kawasan Pascoe Vale (...???). Di situ ada majlis rumah terbuka anjuran komuniti Melayu Melbourne. Melihatkan gelagat mereka, aku membayangkan mereka adalah PR dan juga warga Singapura. Selesai, kami singgah di rumah ustaz Zul sebentar untuk berehat dan solat.

Selepas itu, kami pergi beraya di Bundoora, utara kawasan Melbourne. Tuan rumahnya merupakan PR, namun berasal dari Bukit Jambul, Pulau Pinang, dan berkahwin dengan bekas askar Australia.

Selesai, kami ke Clayton pula yang terletak di tenggara Melbourne, juga berpusatnya Monash University untuk beraya di rumah Abang Hanif. Di rumah inilah yang aku berasa selesa sikit dan kurang malu (bukan tak tahu malu!!!) kerana dikelilingi orang - orang serta sahabat - sahabat yang aku kenal dan rapat. Sinonimya macam beraya di Parit; empat rumah opah saudara di sepanjang jalan, paling selesa beraya di rumah Opah We, sebab biasa sangat bertandang ke rumah tu. Kalau kata aku berlari - lari dalam rumah tu, orang tak hairan.

Sesampai di Clayton, dah hampir Maghrib. Maka kami melantak di laman, solat Maghrib di Monash Uni punya masjid yang terletak di hujung jalan, dan berangkat pulang ke pusat bandar Melbourne. Sesampai di Drummond Street, jam menunjukkan pukul 7.45 malam. Maka, aku naik ke rumah Zaim dan Syed Marwan, solat Isyak, kemas beg dan terus ke Melbourne Central lantas menaiki keretapi Werribee Line dan terus pulang ke Altona.

2 Syawal

Hari ini hari Isnin. VU tak bercuti. Minggu depan baru cuti. Maka ada kuliah. Pagi itu aku berasa agak pelik, kerana sudah lumrah aku akan beraya selama seminggu (mengikut tradisi Melayu). Tapi, raya kedua pergi kuliah.

Kuliah hari itu hanyalah dari jam 11 pagi sehinga ke jam 1 petang (paling lewat lah). Habis sahaja kuliah, aku ke pusat bandaraya. Sesampai sahaja, maka jihad pertama aku adalah mencari beg sandang baru. Beg yang sedia ada, dah terputus tali, dan aku dah naik rimas jalan berdengkot sebab bergantung pada satu tali sahaja. Beg itu aku beli di Korea dengan harga $10 kira - kira 2 tahun sebelum ini.

Niat aku nak cari di Victoria Market. Namun, sesampai sahaja aku di perhentian tram Vic Market, mulut ternganga 10 inci. Macam mana aku boleh lupa??? Hari ini hari Isnin, Market tutup!!!

Aku cari pula di kedai - kedai komputer. Paling murah, Aus$ 80. Tak nak! Akhir sekali, aku ke Big W di La Trobe Street, maka berjumpalah aku dengan satu beg yang harganya dalam lingkungan Aus$30. Besar pun besar, Kalis air. Sesuai nak bawak laptop kulu kelior.

Selesai itu, aku ke Drummond Street. Selepas Maghrib, aku ikut Syed Marwan ke majlis sambutan Aidilfitri di Monash Uni kampus Parkville, yang terletak di antara pusat bandaraya dan Brunswick. Majlis ini adalah anjuran Ikatan Mahasiswa Muslim Malaysia (ISMA). Setelah makan, bersembang - sembang, melihat persembahan silat, persembahan karaoke (>_<), aku bergegas pulang ke pusat bandar, dan menuju ke stesen keretapi Flinders Street lantas pulang semula ke Altona.

4 Syawal

Hari ini hari Khamis. Aku telah menjemput seorang rakan Muslim bernama Khalili datang ke rumah. Dia merupakan warga China. Sehingga ke hari ini aku menyesal tak memaklumkan padanya akan berakhirnya Ramadhan. Sungguhpun Muslim, aku dapati beliau kekeliruan tentang kewajipan agama, oleh kerana sudah terlalu lama tidak beramal dengan sebaik - baik amal.

Namun, setelah slow-talk dengan beliau, maka beliau bertekad untuk kembali mengamalkan kewajipan - kewajipan asas, dan aku akan membantunya dari amsa ke semasa. Pada hari itu, aku mengajar beliau kembali tentang bagaimana berwudhu'...alang - alang dah nak masuk waktu Maghrib. Aku berpesan padanya supaya datang balik hari Jumaat, supaya aku boleh bawa beliau pergi solat Jumaat di Newport.

6 Syawal

Hari ini hari Jumaat. Aku membawa Khalili ke Masjid Newport. Satu kekurangan buat beliau adalah bahawa masjid itu berkhutbah di dalam bahasa Arab, kecuali tazkirah ringkas dalam bahasa Inggeris sewaktu berhenti di antara dua khutbah; merumuskan kandungan khutbah kepada mereka yang tak fasih berbahasa Arab. HAmpirnya rumah aku dengan amsjid ini, memberi peluang untuk memahirkan semula bahasa Arab yang telah lama ditinggalkan.

Namun, bagi Khalili, ini adalah permulaan langkah - langkah awal untuk beliau kembali membiasakan diri dengan ibadah - ibadah khusus Islam. Cuma, dari masa ke semasa kena ikut perkembangan dia. Takut kalau, lepas macam tu je, dia balik ke keadaan asal.

Aidilfitri @ Melbourne (pinggiran Ramadhan)

2009-09-25T16:57:00.003+08:00

Jumaat malam, 18 September, aku bertolak dari stesen keretapi Westona menuju ke Pusat Bandaraya Melbourne. Dalam perjalanan, keretapi melewati loji penyulingan petroleum yang terletak di antara stesen Seaholme dan Newport. Di kala malam gelap, api yang marak menyala di salah satu menaranya menerangkan kawasan persekitaran.

Aku dah biasa dengan pemandangan ini memandangkan aku selalu menggunakan perkhidmatan keretapi ini untuk ke Universiti, dan juga ke masjid di Newport. Namun, pada malam ini, melihatkannya, aku teringat pula pada kilang simen di Bukit Berapit, yang terletak di tepi lebuhraya antara Changkat Jering dan Kuala Kangsar.

Maka teringat pula nostalgia Aidilfitri yang lalu. Tamat sahaja kuliah yang terakhir, malam itu juga terus bertolak dari Permatang Pauh balik ke rumah opah di Kuala, walaupun raya lagi 5 hari, dan tak ada isu kesesakan jalanraya bagi perjalanan menghala ke Kuala Lumpur. Salah satu sebabnya, dok kat Kuala Kangsar ini ada rasa ketenangan. Mungkin kekerapan balik kampung sejak kecil yang menyebatikan aku dengan bandar diraja ini. Sebab tambahan...saja cari alasan memandu di waktu malam. Memandu di waktu malam ini ada 'feeling' sikit. Sebab tu kebanyakan perjalanan jauh aku dilakukan pada waktu senja dan ke atas...walaupun mak abah tak berapa perkenan.

Balik kepada kisah asal...aku 'berkampung' di rumah sahabat di Drummond Street, berhampiran Melbourne Museum sempena raya. Sahabat - sahabat aku yang lain akan bercuti selama 2 minggu bermula 1 Syawal. Manakala aku yang menuntut di Victoria University, cutiku hanya akan bermula seminggu selepas raya.

Kalau ikut tradisinya, aku akan turun di stesen Melbourne Central, dan terus berjalan ke Drummond Street, atau naik tram kalau tak ada mood nak jalan. Namun kali ini, aku turun di Southern Cross terlebih dahulu, oleh kerana Zaim dan Syed Marwan berada di Islamic Centre Victoria untuk mengerjakan tarawih dan seterusnya berkampung di situ untuk berqiam, dan aku perlu mengambil kunci rumah dari Zaim.

Sesampai di rumah Zaim, aku menyiapkan kerja - kerja programming aku, qiam dan terus masuk tidur.

Tengahari esok, aku dan Zaim ke Glenroy (utara Melbourne) untuk membantu Ustaz Nushi menyediakan hidangan untuk esoknya. Ustaz Nushi kena sediakan juadah untuk 800 orang.

Sekitar pukul 4.30, datang pula Ustaz Hasnizul membawa kami ke Malaysia Hall di High Street untuk majlis berbuka dan takbir beramai - ramai.

Tepat jam 6.16, masuklah waktu Maghrib, dan berakhirlah Ramadhan bagi 1430 Hijriyyah.

Sedang bertakbir, tiba - tiba berlaku flashback. Depan aku muncul muka mak abah, muka arwah atok, Masjid Jamek Kampar yang diisi jemaah bertakbir. Entah kenapa. Mungkin Masjid Jamek tu yang menjadi tempat aku mengenali takbir raya. Pendek kata, tahun 1995 merupakan tahun pertama aku bertakbir. Adapun Aidilfitri di England pada tahun 1993, dan 1994, aku pun tak tahu wujudnya takbir, solat raya.

Biasanya kalau bertakbir, seolah - olah ada aura yang dilepaskan. Tapi entah kenapa, malam tu 'aura' tersebut seolah - olah tersekat, tak boleh nak dikeluarkan. Mungkin kerana aku berdepan dengan suasana yang lain daripada yang aku alami seumur hidupku.

Entahlah... (to be continued)

A Conversation...

2009-09-02T08:54:00.003+08:00

Usually at home, I'd have dinner together with my Chinese housemates. Though not being able to consume their meat dishes, yet their vegetable dishes were of no problem, and they are welcome to have a pinch of whatever I cooked, meat or no meat.

However, since early Ramadhan, I've succumbed to dining on my own. As Maghrib is around 5.40 pm (as of 1 Ramadhan)...heading towards 6 pm and beyond as the days head closer to spring season, I usually start cooking at 4, and start eating immediately when the time comes.

This is because I'm rushing against time. I have to catch the 6.37, or 6.57 train to Newport to join the Tarawih congregation, which begins after 'Isya prayers, currently timed at 7.15 pm.

My housemates usually have dinner between 7 to 8 pm.

Anyhow, yesterday as I was tending to my cooking, my housemate came up to me,

"Err...Karim, are you doing anything on Saturday? I think I want to go to the IKEA in East Melbourne."

"No. I don't think I'm doing anything on Saturday. Should be OK," I said.

"Owh, OK. Are you still using the oven?"

"Just another 10 minutes. I'm cooling it down. By the way, you realised of course that I did not eat with you and Jared these last few days. You know I'm fasting, so I have to eat early when the time comes."

"Err, ya I know. Maybe someday we can go and buy Halal meat and we can all cook and eat together."

"Hmm...sounds good."

I have to admit that I was touched for a moment. Here I am with an individual with no religion beliefs (refer to China's Cultural Revolution effects), yet he knows my religious obligations.

However, this chap is seeking religion knowledge. He knows a bit about Islam in terms of prayer, fasting, and Halal meat. He kept asking me about Islamic lectures programmes. So far, I know none that would suit him. Those at Newport Mosque are in Arabic...one heck of a problem if I were to translate it to him in real time.

I'll have to check with ICV for any Islamic programmes. In the meantime, I'm trying to find a Quran volume with Chinese translation for him to read. It's the best method for understanding Islam. He knows about the Quran, only that he doesn't know the name, and only refers to it as Islam's text book. Hahaha.

So far, I've found none. ICV only has translations in Albanian, Urdu. I'm not in the mood to get him an English translation volume, as he is himself having difficulties conversing smoothly in English. Furthermore, the English translation uses Shakesperian English. Very classic, I must say.

Maybe I should go to Sydney Road in Brunswick. There are Islamic bookshops there. I've been wanting to go to Sydney Road for weeks now. It's been 2 years since I last went there. Owh, how I missed the fresh arabian delicacies (baklawah) the sell at Balha's Patisserie shop down Sydney Road (this is not due to the fact that I'm fasting!). I used to buy a boxful of them for mum last time.

Hikmahnya aku ke Victoria University

2009-08-30T21:33:00.003+08:00

Sewaktu di Malaysia, aku sering ditanya akan Universiti yang akan kupergi kelak. Bila disebut Victoria University, maka naik pening sang bertanya. Kalau sebut RMIT University, UniMelbourne, Monash University, belum habis sebut dah tahu di mana. Tapi VicUni...???

Lantas terhumbanlah pelbagai persoalan,

"Kat mana Universiti tu?"

"Diiktiraf ke?"

"Cemana boleh ke sana pulak?"

Tak lupa juga kepada komen,

"Masa aku tanya Uni mana yang bagus - bagus, diorang rekemen X, Y, Z. Tapi takde la diorang sebut Victoria Uni pulak..."

Bila ditanya kepadanya akan jurusan yang ditanya, maka jelaslah bukan jurusan kejuruteraan. Nak aje aku lepuk kepala beliau.

Ya, saudara...memang tak ramai di Malaysia yang mengenali Universiti ini. Publisitinya di Malaysia pun tak seberapa. Namun, apabila aku bertanyakan Universiti yang sesuai untuk bidang kejuruteraan, Universiti ini salah satu daripada yang dicadangkan.

Ketahuilah, lain bidang, lain Universiti yang disyorkan. Adakah anda akan bertanyakan kursus perubatan di Institute of Art & Design? Sudah sekali tidak!

Maka, bagaimanakah boleh aku mendarat di Universiti ini? 10 tahun perancangan, 8 bulan menyelidik, dan 2 bulan menyaring yang telah membawa aku ke VicUni.

Selama 10 tahun, aku meletakkan matlamat untuk menyambung pengajian di luar negara. Dalam 10 tahun ini juga aku telah menyenarai pendekkan negara - negara yang sesuai berdasarkan geografi, demografi, serta kestabilan ekonomi dan politik.

Menjelang berakhirnya zaman aku di UiTM, aku mula membuat penyelidikan ke atas universiti - universiti di negara pilihan; UK, Kanada, Australia, dan New Zealand. Pada peringkat awalnya, Kanada dan New Zealand telah dibuang; Kanada kerana tidak ada MoU dengan mana - mana universiti di Malaysia dalam bidang kejuruteraan. New Zealand kerana IELTS diperlukan.

Maka tumpuanku adalah pada UK dan Australia sahaja. Kelebihan bagi kedua - dua negara ini adalah tidak perlunya kepada IELTS, memandangkan UiTM menggunakan bahasa Inggeris sebagai bahasa pengantara. Tambahan, pengalaman bersekolah di UK memudahkan urusan memohon ke sana. Setelah mendapatkan maklumat yang diperlukan, maka muncullah senarai berikut:

United Kingdom

University of Sheffield
Manchester Metropolitan University
University of Portsmouth

Australia

University of New South Wales
University of Newcastle
RMIT University
Victoria University
University of South Australia

Seterusnya, aku menilai setiap universiti darihal berikut:

Yuran
Kualiti pembelajaran
Kebajikan pelajar Islam

Setelah disaring, maka tinggallah University of Portsmouth, RMIT, VicUni, UniSA, dan Newcastle Uni. Namun pada saat - saat akhir, aku membuang RMIT daripada senarai ekoran isu musolla di kampus Swanston.

Aku ada cuba pertimbang semula RMIT. Namun, seolah - olah takdir Allah aku tidak dapat memohon ke RMIT. Ini kerana, setiap kali aku ke EduFair, ada sahaja yang akan mengganggu aku daripada ke kaunter RMIT, antaranya barisan yang panjang gila, ataupun tidak ada orang yang jaga kaunter sewaktu orang tak ramai.

Berbanding dengan yang lain, permohonan berlaku dengan pantas. Ada hikmah...

Dua minggu kemudian, keluarlah keputusan. Alhamdulillah, semua universiti menawarkan tempat. Cuma, memandangkan aku memohon proses pemindahan kredit, kena tunggu lagi sebulan. Langkah seterusnya adalah untuk ke ibupejabat JKR di Jalan Sultan Salahuddin untuk bertanyakan pengiktirafan kerajaan.

Didapati bahawa untuk UK, hanya Masters sahaja yang diiktiraf ekoran pertindihan silibus serta tempoh antara UK dan Malaysia baru - baru ini. Pihak JKR turut mencadangkan Australia kerana kualiti pembelajaran di dalam bidang kejuruteraan. Maka dengan hati yang pilu, terpaksalah aku lupakan UK.

Kemudian aku ditunjukkan rekod pengiktirafan universiti. UniSA dan Newcastle diiktiraf sekitar tahun 1990-an ke tahun 2000-an. Namun VicUni...sejak 1972???!!! MasyaAllah! Rupanya VicUni ada nama lama, dan terkenal kerana bidang kejuruteraannya.

Sebulan kemudian, keluarlah keputusan pindahan kredit; Newcastle menawarkan 3 tahun, UniSA 2.5 tahun, dan VicUni 2 tahun. Maka setelah berbincang dengan mak, abah, VicUni lah pilihan.

Ketahuilah, dalam setiap fasa perancangan serta tindakan, aku tak lupa berdoa dan bertawakkal kepada Allah memohon ditunjukkan jalan terbaik. Walaupun agak liat nak terima VicUni pada awalnya, namun disebabkan aku telah berdoa, maka aku terima ini sebagai jalan terbaik yang Allah berikan.

Antara hikmahnya aku ke VicUni, disebabkan ramai yang lebih rela ke RMIT, Monash, UniMelb jika memilih untuk belajar di Melbourne, maka tak ramai pelajar di sini...khususnya dalam bidang kejuruteraan. Palajar tahun ketiga dalam bidangku hanyalah sekitar 20+ orang.

Tambahan pula, Universiti ini adalah Muslim-friendly. Kebajikan pelajar Islam dijamin. Dewan solat disediakan di setiap kampus, sekali dengan solat Jumaat. Semua makanan di kafeteria mereka menggunakan hanya daging Halal.

Namun, setiap kebaikan sudah tentu ditemani dengan pengimbangnya. Kampus aku terletak di kawasan Footscray, 'perkampungan' Vietnam. Kawasan ini dikenali sebagai kawasan yang 'keras'; dengan gejalanya, samsengnya dll.. Boleh kata, sewaktu tiba di sini, aku didedahkan kepada Melbourne yang aku tak sangka wujud berbanding dengan ketika aku datang pada tahun 2007.

Namun, pendedahan ini telah membuat aku lebih berwaspada, tidak terlalu selesa, dan juga mengentalkan diri dalam menghadapi segala cabaran dan dugaan selama di sini. Walaupun pada peringkat awal agak melemahkan semangat. Namun, as time goes by, sedikit demi sedikit aku mula membiasakan diri dan memberanikan diri.

Alhamdulillah, kini aku tak berapa nak hairan sangat jika bertembung dengan puak - puak ini. Sungguhpun demikian hazar (berhati - hati) adalah satu kemestian.

SALAM RAMADHAN

2009-08-30T20:19:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum wrh. wbh..

Salam Ramadhan diucapkan kepada sanak saudara, rakan - rakan, teman - teman, serta sahabat - sahabat sekalian...walau di mana jua anda berada.

Semoga diberkati dan diterima segala amalan di dalam bulan mulia ini...

HAKMA AL-ARZUSSAUQ
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Ramadhan in Melbourne - How I Go About My Day

2009-08-25T11:44:00.007+08:00

My last Ramadhan spent outside of Malaysia was about 15 years ago, back in England. However, during those years being in England, I was still a child, knowing nothing about the obligations of fasting upon Muslims.

This Ramadhan, will actually be my second experience spending it outside of Malaysia...down Melbourne way, and the first time going through it with a matured understanding.

So far, there's not much difference than to that of fasting in Malaysia. Only that the southern hemisphere is experiencing winter for the moment, so the daytime is short.

On average, my day begins by waking up at 4am in the morning, and having my sahur in the kitchen. The mornings are cold and chilly, so it would usually take sometime if I was to heat my food on the stove.

At around 5.15 to 5.30, Subh would emerge, and I would perform my prayer. What happens after that would usually be various; either wash the dishes if I didn't have time to do it before praying, checking incoming e-mails on the internet, or sleep for another hour or so depending on last night's activities.

If my lecture starts at 9, I would catch the 7.59 from Westona Station, or the 9.59 if it was to start at 11. Classes usually end for the day at around 1pm. I would go and pray in the University musolla before walking back to Footscray Station...or taking the bus if it is within 5 minutes of waiting.

Upon reaching Footscray town, I would head straight into the station. If I have some groceries to do, I'd stop over at Footscray Market for vegetables and fruits, and one of the two Halal butchery for meat. If I have to buy other groceries, I would take the 411 or 412 bus to Altona Gate Shopping Centre on my way back home, which houses the Safeway supermarket. Usually, I'd prefer Safeway/Woolworths rather than Coles, eventhough Coles is available in Altona.

Once I've reached home, I'd pray 'Asr, and then start smoking the kitchen to prepare a meal for breaking fast later on.

After having broken fast, prayed etc., I would leave home and head for the station to catch the 6.37, or 6.57 train to Newport, some 10 minutes away.

There's a mosque adjacent to the Newport station where I would perform Tarawih prayers. This is an Arabian mosque, hence all forms of announcements are mostly being made in Arabic.

I'm not sure if their khutbah is in Arabic or English, because I've yet to perform Friday prayers there, as I usually perform so at Victoria University.

Here, Tarawih is only performed up to 8 rakaats. More than that, do it at home. After 4 rakaats, the congregation would pause from prayers, and give way to a brief tazkirah or short sermon...similar to what is practised at Masjid Batu in Permatang Pauh, Penang.

It's a beautiful experience; Muslims from all walks of life, from different races lining up under one roof to worship the One true God.

After that, I would return home, recite the Quran, prepare some meal for sahur, recap on any outstanding academic matters, and jump into bed.

Geelong

2009-08-24T13:58:00.007+08:00

Last Thursday, I received an SMS from my younger sister in Geelong, telling me that my package from Malaysia has arrived. Finally, after a month going about bookless, I finally have the books I needed for my studies.

I decided to go to Geelong on the following Saturday. Come Saturday, it was the first day of Ramadhan. To go to Geelong by train, I have to catch the V/Line train. This train stops at either Melbourne Southern Cross Station, Footscray Station, Newport Station, and Werribee Station. The closest from Westona Station was of course either Newport or Werribee.

I chose to go to Werribee because I won't have to double back on the same route just to switch trains. The only disadvantage was that Werribee lies on Zone 2, whereas my monthly travelcard covers only Zone 1. So, I bought a Zone 2 Daily Travelcard.

Furthermore, the fare from Werribee is half the price of the fare from Melbourne CBD, not to mention it's the weekend, so there's an off-peak price, half the normal price.

The average temperature was around 7 Celcius and very windy throughout that day, somewhat unusually cold. So, I brought my jumper along just in case the weather drops further. The problem with Melbourne, is that the weather tends to change every 10 - 30 minutes.

I caught the V/Line train from Werribee at 12.26 pm, and arrived safely at Geelong Station at around 1 pm. From there, my sister met and took me to her house in Preston Street. Atiqah was busy with her submissions, so I prayed Zuhr, and went out to venture Geelong CBD. Atiqah told me to be back in time for Iftar (breaking fast).

I first went to the waterfront. Masya-Allah, it's so beautiful. The blue sea stretching out as far as the eye can see. Then, as I was walking along the Deakin University building, I came across a museum; Ford Discovery Centre.

Hey, nonny nonny, a museum! In it I must go. I got a concession's price since I was an enrolling student...though I was hoping that I'd get free admission. The museum was filled with arrays of Ford vehicle models, beginning from the infamous Model T, up to Australia's renowned Falcon.

The exhibition on the upper level was my favourite; the processes of designing and manufacturing a certain model of a car. I was more attracted to the instrumentation equipments which were on display.

After that, I went for a walk around Geelong, until I realised that I've not prayed 'Asr, and that Maghrib was closing in. So, I rushed back to Preston Street just in time to pray, an wait another half-an-hour before we broke fast.

After having eaten and prayed, I rested in my sister's room while waiting for 'Isya at 7.15 pm. The V/Line runs every hour or so. I decided to catch the 8.26 back to Melbourne. After having prayed and passing goodbyes, I headed for the station.

Chill winds passed by me as I headed down the lamp-lit street towards the station. The last time I walked in the dark, cold night was about a month ago. On the train, I gazed out into the dark valley. Though there was nothing visible, it sure was a peaceful view as dark outlines of the hills emerged every now and then.

As I reached Werribee station, a Melbourne metropolitan train was waiting across the platform. One thing I liked about travelling public was that everything was on time and that they are properly synchronised to meet connecting services. By the time I reached home, it was 9.40 pm. I had a quick hot shower, prepared my sahur meal, and flunked right onto the bed.

Maribyrnong --> Altona

2009-08-20T19:02:00.010+08:00

Alhamdulillah, last Sunday I finally left the Student Village for good. Packing my stuff took about two days. Looks bizarre; I came to the Village with two luggage. Now I'm leaving with stacks of boxes and cases.

My new home is in Altona, southwest of the CBD, and about 15-20 minutes away from Footscray by train. The house that I'm renting with my two Chinese chums is a one-floor unit, isolated from the main road. So, it's peaceful and quiet...good for studying. There is also a patch of land surrounding the house.

Maybe I can take up gardening every now and then. It's been quite sometime since I did some gardening.

It is also 2 minutes from Westona Station. Not to mention, the beach is just 10 walking minutes away. I must say, the beach is very beautiful. The closest mosque is the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque, situated next to Newport Station, three stops away. Now I don't have to travel all the way to Victoria University for Jumaat prayers, and Tarawikh prayers.

Since it is close to the coastline, the weather tends to be very cold at night. I only hope that I won't have any troubles whilst residing in this neighbourhood.

I and my fellow housemates took a couple of days to spring-clean the house. The previous tenants was not very hygiene-conscious, so they left the house in a very, very horrible state. The rooms, kitchen, hallway, courtyard...na'uzubillah. Not to mention the toilet!!!

Anyhow, it's clean now...and hope it stays that way 'til we move out.

Curry

2009-08-10T17:51:00.002+08:00

InsyaAllah, come this weekend, I will move into my new home. The house is in Altona, a sub-urban areon the southern part of Melbourne, close to the bay. I will be sharing the house with two mainland Chinese; of of them of whom I've met at the airport previously.

I was a bit skeptical sharing a house with a non-Muslim due to dietary purposes. However, we came into an agreement regarding my diet, and that it shouldn't be a problem. However, I'm not sure about the other chap, as I've not seen him yet. I hope it won't be a problem for him too. May Allah show His guidance.

And so, after unpacking my luggage prior to arrival in Melbourne, it's time for me to pack again, plus all items I've bought here.

One other thing I had to do, was to finish up all my raw groceries. While some can be stored over a long period, the same can't be said towards the rest. Among those that I have to finish up are the chickens and vegetables.

This afternoon, after having ended my lectures for the day, I went into Footscray town. I was looking for matches. The one I had had gone all soggy due to my stupidity of having left it next to a wet sponge. However, while browsing around in a Vietnamese minimarket, I came across a wide variety of spices.

I suddenly remembered that I had bought a packet of Korma curry powder last week. And so, I had an idea of how to finish up those bunch of raw groceries back at the Village.

After Maghrib prayers, I went down to the communal kitchen to cook. I took out the chicken pieces, defrosted it in the microwave and gave them a good run under the tap. Previously, I marinated these chicken pieces with tumeric powder, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. The intention was to fry one at a time without having to defrost and refrost the pieces each time I wanted to cook.

Somehow, during the marinating process, I somehow spilt a large portion of tumeric powder. So, the pieces had a heavy tumeric taste. At one time, I became hysterical over the sight and smell of tumeric.

However, while I was cooking, heads popped out from behind the wall.

"Smells nice, mate..." they would say.

A Chinese girl came up to me. I thought she was wanting to share the stove as usual. I said to her,

"I'll be over in a few minutes..."

"No, no. It's OK." she said while peeking into my frypan,

"What're you cooking?"

"Curry," I said, while still debating whether or not to specify that it was Korma.

"Hmmm...smells nice..." she said.

I thought to myself, haven't these people seen curry before? Or is it due to the fact that the Village students do not cook curry? Or that they seldom go for Indian cuisine? Never mind. Concentrate on the cooking, else you'll be eating bananas tonight.

While eating, I remembered a conversation on Yahoo Messenger; I was asked whether I miss all the dishes back at home. Of all the dishes I missed, the one I missed most, was Gulai Tempoyak. I had thought about cooking it here, since most of the ingredients are available.

But then, when it comes to the tempoyak itself, I ain't gonna be easy looking for a durian fruit here. Maybe there have it up Chinatown way...because I remember Abah buying durian from Chinatown when we resided in London years ago.

Hmmm...I think I'll pay a visit to Chinatown on Little Bourke Street. Hope they sell it, or at least when the season comes.

You know, all those years smoking the kitchen back in Malaysia really helped me in maintaining my budget in this foreign land. Although sometimes, I would look silly spending my time in the kitchen, but hey! Who gives a damn.

Settling Down in Melbourne

2009-08-03T18:22:00.004+08:00

A day after arriving in Melbourne, I transferred to the Student Village residences in Maribyrnong, some 10-15 minutes journey by bus or tram to the Footscray Park campus. This was only meant to be a temporary residence, as I've yet to find a permanent one.

I need not mention about the fees shock that I received upon checking in. However, after settling the registration processes, I was brought to my unit; a room in a two-bedroom unit. The room was simple; one bed, one study desk and chair, one built-in wardrobe, one book shelf, and a sitting chair.

However, a display in the lounge adjoining both rooms with the toilet and exit somewhat shocked the hell out of me. I was a pyramid stack of beer cans and a few beer and gin bottles. It immediately struck me that my unit-mate was a heavy drinker!!!

However, I was relieved that my stay in this unit, particularly the Village was only temporary. Hence, I would have to live with the stench of frsh liquor every now and then.

The first couple of nights were a bit tough for me. There were no bedlinen and pillows provided, so I had to provide myself with a make-shift for the two; my sleeping bag that I bought from home became my linen cum blanket, and my thick winter jacket (of which I bought in Alexandria, Eypt in late 2002) became my pillow.

At the same time, the heater in my room was not functioning, so I had to cuddle up as warm as possible during the night, and had the windows tightly shut (usually I'd slacken it a little so as to let fresh air in).

The first week, I had no choice but to eat out. Eventhough there was a communal kitchen, I do not have the cooking materials; pan, knife, and the basic groceries (e.g. salt, pepper, onion, garlic etc.).

Usually I would buy either kebab, briyani, or fish & chips. Eventhough these come between $5.00 to $7.00 per serving, they are served in large portions, enough to make you last the whole day. Sometimes I would buy a 6-inch vegetarian sub at Subway for $3.00.

On occasions, I would just make my own sandwich; usually just with butter or chocolate spread. But, this week I can substitute it with salami and lettuce, as I have the necessary items to store food in the communal fridge.

Whenever buying processed food items at the supermarket or wet market, I have to inspect the ingredients. Eventhough they are but harmless crisps, sauces, breads or any whatnots, it is the substances that are being used, especially the gelatines and emulsifiers that is of concern. How do I detect this? These substances have a standard code (e.g. for non-halal substances; E471, E120, E491, 160A, 471). However, if it is mentioned that they are soy or plant-based, then it is OK.

Alhamdulillah, Victoria University gave me a Muslim Student Guide Book which contains a list of mosques, restaurants, and butcheries throughout Melbourne and its surrounding suburbans. Eventhough I am familiar with the outlets and mosques in the City, the book really helped a lot when I am in an unfamiliar suburban; one that I've never ventured when I came here in 2007.

Come to think of it, it is quite troublesome when it comes to having to inspect every food item prior to purchasing, or travel halfway across town jus to get Halal meat. But then, if we as Muslims do not face these kind of hardship, truly we will never appreciate life with the deepest of appreciation.

Hijrah ke Melbourne - Ketibaan

2009-07-27T19:42:00.006+08:00

Kalau dahulukala, perjalananku ke bumi orang dihuraikan sebagai KEMBARA. Kini perjalananku dihuraikan sebagai HIJRAH.

18 Julai 2009, jam 8.15 malam di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), setelah bersalaman dan berpelukan dengan mak, abah, nenek, opah serta saudara - mara lain, maka dengan lafaz Bismillah aku melepasi laluan penumpang menuju ke kaunter imigresen sebagai memulakan perjalananku menempuh kehidupan di bumi orang.

Setelah enam bulan aku 'bercuti', akhirnya aku bakal bergelar mahasiswa buat kali kedua. Dan kali ini, perjuanganku bertempat di Melbourne, Australia.

10 tahun lebih merancang, 8 bulan membuat saringan, 2 bulan menanti proses pendaftaran serta pengecualian kredit. Pada malam itu, Allah telah mengizinkan serta memakbulkan hajatku. Bermula dari kaunter imigresen sehingga ke Satellite Building, aku berdebar - debar. Setelah menempuh pelbagai cabaran serta dugaan selama di UiTM, tak ku sangka akan berjaya sampai ke tahap ini.

Namun, ini bukanlah penyudah perancanganku. Bahkan, perjalanan baru sahaja bermula.

Alhamdulillah, aku selamat sampai di Melbourne-Tullamarine International Airport pada jam 7.00 pagi (5.00 pagi waktu Malaysia). Setelah melepasi kaunter imigresen, kaunter tuntutan bagasi, serta kaunter deklarasi, aku muncul di Pintu Ketibaan lantas disambut oleh wakil universiti yang akan membawaku ke tempat penginapanku.

Aku telah menempah kediaman sementara di Student Village. Namun, kerana aku tiba pada hari Ahad, maka aku terpaksa bermalam di hotel selama satu malam. Sebelum berangkat ke Melbourne, aku telah uruskan hal ini. Maka, dari lapangan terbang, aku dibawa ke Footscray Motor Inn & Service Apartments yang terletak sekangkang kera dengan kampus Victoria University.

Setelah selesai memasuki bilik, mandi, dan menunaikan solat, aku bersiap untuk keluar mengambil angin. Hajatku ingin ke kota Melbourne. Namun, kerana masih kuat diselubungi jet-lag (satu fenomena di mana kita berada di negeri orang, sedangkan orientasi fizikal kita masih mengikuti waktu tanah air kita), aku memutuskan untuk hanya merayau di pekan Footscray.

Footscray merupakan salah satu sub-bandar Melbourne. Kawasan ini didominasi oleh orang - orang Vietnam. Kiri kanan, jelas terpampang kedai - kedai orang Vietnam. Di dalam pekan ini juga terdapat dua kedai daging Halal, serta beberapa restoran Halal. Aku mengambil peluang ini untuk makan tengahari, memandangkan sarapan pun belum disantap.

Pada malam itu, aku masuk tidur pada jam 7.15 malam. Oleh kerana sekarang musim sejuk, maka Maghrib menjelma pada jam 5.20 petang, disusuli dengan Isyak pada jam 6.50 petang. Boleh je nak tunggu sampai malam sikit baru tidur. Tapi kerana dilanda keletihan yang teramat sangat, aku terus terlelap.

Pagi esoknya, aku mendaftar keluar dari hotel, dan menaiki teksi menuju ke Student Village di Maribyrnong, di mana aku akan menetap sementara mencari kediaman kekal. Sewaktu di kaunter pendaftaran, aku amat terkejut bila mendapati bahawa kadar bukanlah $35.00 sebulan seperti yang disangka, tetapi $25.00 semalam!!!!!!!

Itu lebih kurang $750.00 untuk sepanjang tempoh 30 hari aku akan berada di situ. Adui, ceroi!

Setelah ditunjukkan unit kediaman, dan setelah berehat, bersiap, dan bersolat, aku keluar semula menuju ke Universiti untuk mengikuti sesi orientasi yang hanya berlangsung pada hari itu sahaja.

Hingga ke saat nukilan ini dikirim, masih belum jumpa kediaman. Adapun cadangan - cadangan daripada beberapa pelajar Malaysia yang sedang membuat Masters di sini, maka telah berlaku salah faham kerana sumber mereka mengenai aku lari sikit.

Disangka mereka bahawa aku adalah pelajar Masters yang datang ke Australia membawa sekali anak dan isteri, sdeangkan kedua - duanya aku masih tak miliki.

Mudah - mudahan Allah mempermudahkan bagiku....

The Day When My Family Members Leave To Venture

2009-07-11T00:11:00.003+08:00

About three weeks ago, my younger sister, Atiqah left home to further her studies. Next weekend, the 18th of July, it will be my turn to leave home for the same reason. But this time, it's not Shah Alam, nor is it Permatang Pauh, but far away in Melbourne, Australia where I'll be spending the next two years pursuing my degree studies.

For the last few weeks, I've been bloody busy getting my stuffs together, packing my clothes and necessary items, finalising my application, applying for a student visa, performing a medical checkup, booking a flight ticket, surveying Melbourne and its suburbans, and browsing for accommodation (one the Education Office has yet to settle).

Eventhough these few weeks were busy and stressful for me, I had to be cautious of my health. This is because I'm still on the verge of recovering from gout. The last thing I want to do, is to board my flight holding a walking stick, as how I did during my early stages of gout.

I still have two months of medication before I am due for another blood test to analyse the uric acid level in my blood. My local GP, Dr. Nasir has given me a 2-month supply of medication, plus emergency medications should I encounter acute arthritis.

Since this weekend will be the last for me and my family, I plan to spend it by taking my other younger sisters, Amanina and Sakinah for a stroll. Being the only male child in the family, and the eldest, it is not usual for me to perform so, as it was Atiqah who usually brought them for outings.

But then, since they won't have outings for quite sometime, I thought I'll just do it anyway. Besides, what've I got to bear? Besides sneering at credit card promoters at shopping malls who taught that I was a daddy bringing along his two 'daughters' for walkies. That's why I never go out much with my sisters. Besides, I don't usually go for outings unless necessary.

Hey, I lead but a simple life. I wake up every morning smiling; no debts to settle, no girlfriends that need pampering and feeding at posh restaurants, no fashions and trends to keep up with. The best entertainment for me, is to take my key and drive around kampungs, take a stroll on the wide paddy fields or by the seaside (when in Penang), or just to blog on the internet.

Maka Terturunnya Wasiat

2009-07-10T23:25:00.003+08:00

Minggu lepas, sedang aku buat kerja - kerja aku di komputer ribaku, adik bongsu aku menyerbu masuk bilik aku.

"Karim! Sekolah Kinah (Sakinah) buat persembahan nasyid minggu depan. Ustaz suruh kitorang cari lagu nasyid. Halaaaa....(rengek budak kecik) Karim ada lagu tak?"

Aku jawab,

"Tanya dulu Ustaz nak lagu apa, lagu macam mana. Kaset 'ngan CD dah simpan dalam kotak. Ada mp3 je."

"OK. Karim, Kinah kena main alat gendang. Karim ada tak?"

Aku terdiam bisu sekejap. Lalu, aku bergerak ke arah almari dan mencapai bahagian atasnya. Setelah membelek - belek secara membuta, maka tanganku tercapai suatu objek, lalu kubawanya turun. Ianya merupakan gendang bongo yang digunakan oleh kumpulan nasyid lamaku, Fi-Sabilillah kira - kira 6 tahun yang lalu. Dulu, aku turut mempunyai 2 biji kompang serta satu tamborine, kesemuanya milikku.

Kini, semuanya berada pada seorang bekas rakan sekumpulan yang meminjamnya bertahun - tahun dahulu, dan masih belum memulangkannya.

Lalu, gendang tadi aku serahkan kepada adikku. Setelah 6 tahun hidup di dalam persaraan, akhirnya perkhidmatannya diperlukan semula, kini oleh adikku.

Aaaahhh...the good old days....

Hidden Facts of The Azan

2009-06-22T23:07:00.004+08:00

In general, when it is time to perform prayer, one can hear the azan echoing in the air. No matter where you are; Makkah, Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, London, Chicago, when the time comes, a local mu'azzin will perform the azan.

Many assume that an azan can only be heard between two to eight hours, depending on the time, location, and season. But, what many do not know is, the azan actually echoes throughout the globe 24 hours non-stop!

If an astronaut is positioned stationarily facing the earth, if sound does exist in space, and if the echo of the azan is able to penetrate miles spacewards, the astronaut is then able to hear the azan non-stop, eventhough it is not recited by the same mu'azzins.

How is this possible? Well, just to remind ourselves, the earth rotates on its axis at a constant velocity of 1674 km/h.

Now, let us position ourselves at a reference location where Fajr/Subh (dawn) is about to emerge. Consider Eastern Java (Indonesia) being at that location. Consider the marginal error for the exact time of dawn is plus-minus 30 minutes, depending on the exact location.

The time is 5.30 a.m.. Dawn has emerged in Eastern Java, and thus the azan is recited. Dawn creeps westwards, and the time distance between the eastern and western tip of the island is approximately 90 minutes. By the time dawn reaches West Java, it is around 7 a.m., Indonesian time. In neighbouring Malaysia, where the time zone lags Indonesia's by one hour, the azan has been echoing in the skies for the last 15 minutes (5.45 a.m., Malaysian time).

From Malaysia, it creeps into Thailand, and Myanmar. From there, dawn creeps through the skies of Dhaka (Bangladesh), all the way to Calcutta (India). The time distance between Calcutta and Afghanistan is one hour. Within that hour, the azan is sequentially heard from the skies of Calcutta, followed by Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi and Islamabad in Pakistan, finally arriving in Kabul (Afghanistan).

As the azan is about to wrap up in Kabul, dawn creeps into neighbouring Iran, and the Iranian sky is echoed with the call to prayer. Before Tehran finishes its azan, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, and Manama (Bahrain) has already begun to initiate the azan, followed by Muscat (Oman), Riyadh, Sana'a (Yemen), and finally arriving at the Holy City of Makkah.

As the azan is heard within the vicinity and surroundings of the Great Mosque, dawn reaches Jeddah, and the mosques of Jeddah too initiate the azan. Dawn then creeps into, Cairo (Egypt), and continues westwards across Africa via Tripoli (Libya), Algiers (Algeria), Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh in Morocco, and finally into Western Sahara. From there, dawn travels further westwards.

However, prior to entering the Western Sahara territory, while the azan is still clearly heard throughout the skies of Morocco, back in Eastern Java, Zuhr has emerged, and it is time to recite the azan once again. The azan sequence then repeats itself westwards. By the time the Zuhr azan reaches Calcutta, it is time to recite the azan for 'Asr prayers back in Eastern Java, and by the time this azan reaches Calcutta, Maghrib (sunset) has emerged in Eastern Java, and it is time to recite the azan once again.

By the time Maghrib reaches Malaysia, it is time for 'Isya prayers in Eastern Java. And thus, it is time for this azan to travel westwards. As the azan for 'Isya nears Western Sahara, dawn is approaching in Eastern Java. And so, the azan begins a new journey on a new day, eventhough the azan from the previous day has yet to complete its journey across the globe.

Truly, the skies of the earth does not cease to transmit the echo of the azan, glorifying Allah, and calling upon the Muslims to gather and face into one direction worshipping Him.

Eventhough mosques are scattered throughout the land, some mosques have ceased or began ceasing to recite the azan. While mosques were constructed as a symbol of faith, and to withstand the number of worshippers, there are others that were merely built as monuments, tourist attractions, and as symbols of pride.

A small mosque at the edge of a village that is always full of worshippers is better than a monumental mosque by some lake but has an amount of pillars that exceed the amount of worshippers (very little people).

At long last...

2009-06-04T21:01:00.004+08:00

Alhamdulillah...

After a long wait,
It has come.

After a series of strives,
After a series of tests,
After a series of depressions,
It has finally come.

After being faced with periodic extensions,
After having witnessed my colleagues leaving before me,
After striving to have patience,
After striving to accept His will,
After striving to have faith,
ALLAH has finally willed this day to come,
The day when one bears the fruits of his toil and sweat.

May ALLAH bless what has been awarded to me,
And may I have the strength to keep on struggling,
As I prepare to further my studies,
InsyaALLAH...

Walimah

2009-05-31T10:41:00.005+08:00

Semalam, aku ke Chemor (luar Ipoh) untuk menghadiri walimah Kak Husna, seorang sahabat senior sewaktu menuntut di Permatang Pauh.

Asalnya, aku tidak bercadang hendak pergi, memandangkan kaki kanan aku kekejangan, dan pagi itu, aku bercadang hendak pergi membuat ujian darah bagi mengesahkan samada aku mengidap gout atau tidak. Namun, appointment dengan Dr. Nasir ringkas sahaja. Beliau mengambil tekanan darah, ambil sampel darah, sembang - sembang kejap.

Alhamdulillah, apabila mengambil tekanan darah, doktor tidak memberi reaksi negatif. Maknanya, OK lah tu. Selama aku kenal Dr. Nasir, kalau beliau melatah, tak bagus tandanya.

Namun, keputusan ujian darah hanya akan diketahui pada hari Selasa. Memandangkan jam baru menunjukkan pukul 9.15 pagi, maka aku mengambil keputusan untuk pergi ke Ipoh.

Sungguhpun kaki aku dah kebah sedikit berbanding 3 hari yang lepas, aku mengambil keputusan untuk membawa tongkat sekali. Manalah tau...

Walaupun berdepan dengan risiko kelihatan macam orang tua, akan tetapi kesihatan dan keselamatan diri lebih mustahak daripada persepsi umum.

Turut bersama aku, 3 lagi sahabat, dan dua buah kereta. Janji hendak berjumpa di R&R Rawang. Namun, oleh kerana salah seorang tersekat di MRR II, ditambah pula dengan kesesakan jalanraya, aku memutuskan untuk pergi dahulu dan menunggu di R&R Tanjong Malim.

Apakan nasib, seorang lagi terlepas R&R Tanjong Malim, lalu beliau mengambil keputusan untuk terus ke Ipoh bersendirian dan pandai - pandai cari jalan.

Dengan keadaan di jalanraya, dan menunggu sahabat lagi seorang di Tanjong Malim, kami tiba di tapak kejadian pada jam 3.15 petang. Waktu itu, ramai dah pulang. Alhamdulillah, sahabat - sahabat lain masih belum beransur. Sewaktu tiba, kaki kanan naik kejang. Nasib baik bawa tongkat.

Dan rezeki aku juga pada hari itu, dapat berjumpa dengan Husni (Boter) yang kemalangan kira - kira sebulan yang lalu, serentak dengan peristiwa demam kuat aku sewaktu naik ke Permatang Pauh.

Selesai makan, sembang - sembang, ambil gambar, maka kami pun pakat beransur. Sebelum berangkat pulang ke KL, aku membawa penumpang - penumpang aku (Abang Din, Mizan, Amirul) pergi bersolat di Masjid Kg. Sungai Rokam, alang - alang nak bawa tengok bandaraya Ipoh, dan juga nak beli limau bali di jalan Simpang Pulai.

Kami tiba di Klang, kira - kira jam 7.40 malam. Selepas solat Maghrib, dan bersembang - sembang dengan sahabat lain, aku berangkat pulang ke rumah. Alhamdulillah, tiada kesulitan di jalanraya....kecuali kes a/cond tak nak sejuk (bawak pergi kedai tadi, rupa - rupanya magnetic coil rosak).

Semoga Allah merahmati pernikahan Raja Nor Husna dengan Ahmad Safuan.

Dilema Di Klinik

2009-05-29T00:58:00.003+08:00

Sejak dua tiga hari yang lalu, kaki kanan asyik dok kejang memanjang, khususnya di bahagian ibu jari kanan. Nak bawa kereta pun, dekat - dekat sahaja, sebab sakit kaki kalau tekan brek kuat sangat (emergency braking). Kalau ikutkan, bahagian tu dah lama sengal.

Mula sakitnya sejak tahun lepas. Masa tu, tengah belajar kat Permatang Pauh; baru beli kasut baru, jadi ketat sikit lah. Jadi, kasut menekan sikit kat belah bucu, sampai bengkak kaki dibuatnya.

Maka, selepas solat Maghrib tadi, aku terus pergi ke klinik berhampiran dengan rumah. Biasanya tak payah bayar, sebab klinik panel tempat kerja mak. Namun, selepas mengisi borang, kerani memberitahu bahawa nama aku telah dihapuskan dari data kerana telah melepasi usia 21 tahun. Aku lupa pula, masa umur 21 tahun, tinggal di Shah Alam. Masa umur 22 tahun, pindah ke Permatang Pauh. Tak jejak langsung ke klinik ini.

Maka penyelesaiannya, kena bayar. Dan, kalau nak terus ditanggung, mak kena jumpa dengan HR minta lanjutkan tanggungan. Namun, dek kerana dah naik rimas dengan sakit kaki, aku terus bergegas balik rumah ambil duit.

Sewaktu membuat pemeriksaan, doktor menyatakan bahawa ada kemungkinan aku kena gout. Kalau tak gout, mungkin tulang. Namun, untuk mengesahkannya, aku perlu membuat ujian darah. Dan kalau nak buat ujian darah untuk gout, kena puasa setengah hari. Jadi buat masa ini, doktor bagi ubat tahan sakit dan ubat bengkak.

Bila aku dengar ubat tahan sakit, aku naik seram. Sebabnya, 4 tahun yang lalu apabila aku diserang hypertension, aku diberi ubat tahan sakit. Kuat punya. Hasilnya, pinggang naik 4 inci dalam masa sebulan. Aku masih terbayang wajah ketika berdiri di hadapan cermin dahulu.

Kemudian, doktor mengambil bacaan tekanan darah aku. Doktor kata aku ada slight hypertension. Aku berasa hairan. Kalau betul aku ada, macam mana aku tak rasa tanda - tanda macam 4 tahun yng lalu? Lalu aku bertanyakan bacaan tekanan, doktor kata 130/90.

Walaupun atas sedikit daripada paras umum, aku lega kerana bukannya 150/100 sepertimana dahulukala. Dan juga, bukan kerana faktor pemakanan. Namun, aku risau juga; hypertension...dalam usia sebegini. Termasuk pula kemungkinan ada gout.

Doktor mancadangkan aku membuat Blood Management melalui pakar.

Entahlah. Aku cuma harap, hal - hal kesihatan aku ini diatasi sebelum aku ke Australia kelak...jika selesai segala urusan di sebelah pihak Universiti.

Sewaktu di Permatang Pauh dahulu, aku ambil berat tentang kesihatan diri. Namun, apabila pulang semula ke Kuala Lumpur, aku seolah - olah kurang mengambil perhatian. Mungkin kerana terlalu selesa berada berhampiran dengan keluarga, serta pihak - pihak yang sedia maklum akan kemaslahatan diri ini.

Rabu depan konvokesyen aku. Janganlah sampai ke tahap kena bertongkat apabila naik pentas.

Semoga Allah mempermudahkan bagiku...

Generasi Tanpa Tenaga

2009-05-25T20:50:00.004+08:00

Sejak beberapa tahun yang lepas, terdapat banyak produk makanan/minuman yang berasaskan/bercampurkan tongkat ali, kacip fatimah, manjakani, ginseng, serta macam - macam lagi. Kemudian, disusuli pula dengan terserlahnya produk - produk penguat tenaga zahir dan batin.

Sewaktu menuntut di Pulau Pinang, saya selalu makan malam di simpang Kubang Semang. Kaunter bayarannya dimonopoli oleh ubat - ubat penguat tenaga. Bahkan ubat ma'ajun, jika dilihat dari jauh, rupanya mirip model mini peledak kapal selam.

Kalau pergi ke Jalan Masjid India di Kuala Lumpur, tak kurang hebatnya. Macam - macam jenama ada,

Cap Superman
Tupai Jantan
Tarzan Mengaum
Turbo
Sure-up
Awang Perkasa
Badang Mengamuk
Tok Su Gagah

Hal ini membawa kepada satu persoalan; mengapakah kebanyakan generasi hari ini menyeru kepada ubat - ubatan ini?

Apakah yang menyebabkan mereka senantiasa kekurangan tenaga? Kalau ikut cerita - cerita orang tua, generasi terdahulu tak pernah menghadapi situasi sebegini. Mereka dahulu sihat - sihat belaka. Bahkan, mereka meninggal dunia kerana sakit tua, dan bukannya disebabkan apa - apa penyakit kronik.

Datuk M. Nor Khalid (Lat) di dalam salah satu karya beliau menghuraikan ciri - ciri orang terdahulu (Living to be 100); bahawa mereka akan bangun pada awal pagi, mengerjakan tanah/sawah/ladang, minum kopi O tanpa sebarang ubat - ubatan, hanya herba, dan akhirnya masuk tidur awal.

Generasi hari ini telah menyimpang jauh daripada disiplin jadual kehidupan seharian yang diamalkan oleh golongan sebelum daripada mereka. Mana tidak, dunia sudah berubah, maka corak kehidupan turut berubah.

Corak kehidupan yang ketara dilihat di bumi Malaya ini, khususnya di kalangan golongan muda, mereka akan keluar beramai - ramai di kala malam, dan bergebang di tepi longkang sambil memetik gitar memainkan lagu Duhai Bangsaku.

Adapun golongan muda di kota, mereka akan bergebang di kedai - kedai mamak 24 jam, hisap rokok sekotak dua sambil menceritakan keanggunan markha masing - masing.

Bak kata Dato' Ismail Kamus,

"Kalau masuk waktu Maghrib, kambing pulang ke kandang. Kita pulak, keluar pergi pasar malam. Kambing pulak yang reti balik kandang. Manusia? Kalau nampak kat kambing, tak ke malu kita?"

Kemudian mereka akan pulang ke rumah apabila ayam sedang bersiap sedia untuk berkokok, lalu terbongkang di atas katil hatta matahari meninggi...silap hari hatta matahari tergelincir.

Maka, dengan corak tidur yang sebegini, yang sudah tentunya melawan hukum alam, tidak hairanlah mereka sering berasa kekurangan tenaga, kelesuan, rasa tak best.

Sewaktu menjadi mahasiswa di UiTM dahulu, saya sering memerhatikan ragam pelajar di waktu malam. Mereka suka tidur dengan lampu terbuka...bukan lampu meja atau lampu malam, tetapi lampu kalimantang. Tiba pagi, dalam pukul 8 - 9 pagi, mereka akan bangun, hisap rokok sebatang dua, kemudian basuh muka, tukar pakaian, dan terus pergi kuliah.

Tidur dengan lampu terbuka, sudah tentu tidur tak lena. Dan apabila bangun di waktu pagi, badan akan rasa lesu, kepala rasa berat. Tambahan pula, tidur dengan lampu terbuka sudah semestinya membantutkan penumbuhan sel - sel baru di dalam badan, serta menambah risiko kanser kulit. Mana tidaknya, sepanjang masa kulit terdedah kepada sumber cahaya, baik as-syams di langit, ataupun 'as-syams' yang tergantug di sana sini.

Dengan corak - corak kehidupan sebegini, maka tidak hairanlah generasi hari ini kurang stamina, tak lekang daripada pelbagai penyakit, dan terpaksa mencari sumber - sumber lain untuk meningkatkan stamina serta tenaga mereka.

Oleh itu rakan - rakan sekalian, jagalah kesihatan diri. Amalkanlah kehidupan yang sihat. Setiap diri kita ada peranan di atas muka bumi ini. Sayanglah jika kita terbantut sebelum sempat kita menabur bakti.

United Kingdom vs Australia vs Board of Engineers Malaysia

2009-05-25T00:47:00.003+08:00

While involved in a camping spree deep in the heart of Kedah, I received a call from Kuala Lumpur. It was the International Education Office, stating that they have received a letter under my name.

The letter stated that I had been unconditionally accepted to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Alhamdulillah to that. The only pending matter now, is the finalisation of the Advance Standing request. If it is approved, I will only be required to undertake the course for only half of the actual duration (2 years out of 4 years).

Last week, I received another offer letter. This time, it was from The University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. The offer was similar to that of the offer from Victoria University, only that upon my final year, if I were to meet expectations, I will be extended by another year to pursue a Master's degree.

The Portsmouth offer was tempting. Not only was I given the oppurtunity to return to England, I also stand a chance to upgrade to the Master's level.

However, to ensure whatever qualifications I am due to receive from any given institution does not cause problems in the near future, I decided to consult professional opinions.

And so, I went to the Board of Engineers's (BEM) office, which is located at the topmost floor of the JKR Headquarters in Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur. What I was told there gave me quite the shock.

It seems that for Engineering courses, BEM only recognises UK qualifications at the Master's level. Any level below than that, no way! But, for Australia, BEM recognises its qualifications at the first degree level.

And so, it was with a heavy heart that I had to abandon all hopes of ever going to England. But then again, Australia is not a problem for me, mate. It's just that, England held so many memories of my childhood.

Anyhow, I've prayed and asked Allah to bless me with the the chance to be able to study overseas, with the best options. He knows more of what best befalls upon me. May the path I take be beneficial for me in the long run. Ameen.

As of now, there are two more pending results; one from the University of Newcastle, the other, from the University of South Australia (UniSA).

The Black Pepper Era

2009-05-23T21:42:00.003+08:00

In the old days, black peppers are commonly referred to as a pinch of spice in any given food cooked on the stove. The humble peppercorns are merely garnishes then.

Nowadays, black peppers seem to be a booming trend, especially amongst youngsters. Black peppers are no longer pinches of spice, nor are they garnishes. But, they have become their own customized flavour.

BBQ sauces and marinades have been replaced with black pepper flavoured sauce and marinade.

Just go to any food outlets you commonly visited within the last five to ten years, and you'll see that they have added a new black pepper-based cuisine; Black Pepper Chicken Rice, Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Gravy, Black Pepper Sizzling Hot Plate Noodle...not to forget the humble tapioca chip (kerepek ubi), once lightly seasoned with salt, now dunked in black pepper prior to baking.

I commonly watch cooking shows on television. When they make roast chicken for instance, they only sprinkle pepper lightly onto the chicken. When I bought a roasted chicken at a local supermarket recently, the chicken looked as if it was dunked into pepper before being roasted. My, the appetite of people nowadays.

It so happened that when this trend was at its early booming stage, I was in final semester at the Shah Alam campus, roughly 6 months before migrating to the northern Bukit Mertajam campus.

On one occassion, I returned home late from night class. Before going up to my apartment, I had a dinner of chicken rice meat at the restaurant across the block. I was friends with the girl who tended the chicken rice section. She usually let me have the remaining chicken meats for half price.

Whilst having my dinner, a chap and his sweetheart came into the shop and sat at a table that was within hearing and visual distance. From the looks of the chap; a packet of cigarette in one hand, wrinkled jeans, uncombed hair, heavy regional dialect I could tell that he is a student of UiTM.

When he placed his order, he spoke in his heavy regional dialect. But then, when asked for the gravy flavour of his dish, the attendant had some difficulties catching the phrase "Black Pepper" that was pronounced in regional dialect.

It was then that it struck me; black pepper has become an elite product, one that is accessible to all levels of society. People would go to great lengths to uphold the glory of the black pepper, even to the extent of learning to pronounce it properly, despite the fact that most of them are known for their retaliation of using the English language.

Yesterday, bird's eye chilli/thai chilli (cili padi/cabai burung) replaced the common chilli. Today, black pepper replaced all common sauces. Tomorrow...who knows?

Ukhuwwah: Antara sesama kawan dan sesama keluarga

2009-05-21T21:29:00.005+08:00

Akhir - akhir ini, perkataan yang sering tak putus - putus disebut ialah ukhuwwah. Semua ukhuwwah belaka; cinta ukhuwwah, biskut ukhuwwah, pakej ukhuwwah, bahkan nasyid pun tak lekang daripada melafaz - lafaz kalimah ukhuwwah. Tak kisahlah apa ukhuwwahnya sekalipun. Ukhuwwah sesama member, sesama sahabat, sesama ayang dan aling.

Di dalam banyak - banyak penekanan ukhuwwah di antara dua atau lebih orang, tidak pula disebut - sebut, disyair - syairkan, dinyanyi - nyanyikan perihal ukhuwwah sesama ahli keluarga.

Tanyalah kepada sesiapapun akan perihal ahli keluarga, maka jawapannya adalah abang, kakak, adik, mak, ayah. Setakat itu sahaja. Ya, jawapan itu memang betul. Namun, adakah ahli keluarga setakat itu sahaja?

Bagaimana pula dengan tok, nenek, opah, tok wan, tok nek, mak tok? Adik - beradik mereka, ibubapa mereka, sepupu - sepapat mereka?

Bagaimana pula dengan sepupu, dua-pupu, tiga-pupu, empat-pupu, ibubapa mereka, tok nenek mereka?

Sungguhpun mereka jauh sedikit daripada kerabat terdekat kita, tidakkah mereka juga sebahagian daripada keluarga kita? Tidakkah mereka juga bercambah daripada nenek moyang yang sama?

Sewaktu kecil dahulu, saya selalu ikut ayah pergi melawat sanak saudara. Kebiasaannya di sebelah ayah; di kampung sendiri (Kuala Kangsar), Ipoh, Parit, dan Taiping. Sewaktu raya, kami juga melawat sanak saudara di sebelah emak di Teluk Intan, Bidor, Gopeng, dan Tambun.

Alhamdulillah, apabila usia meningkat, saya menghafal secara semulajadi siapa ialah siapa, bagaimana mereka bersangkut dengan kita. Kalau kata terserempak di tengah - tengah lautan manusia, insyaAllah boleh cam mereka.

Sungguhpun saya kenal, bahkan rapat dengan tok nenek saudara (adik beradik tok dan nenek), dengan anak - anak mereka, serta sebilangan dua-pupu, dan tiga-pupu, namun saya sangsi akan ketahanan hal ini. Adakah anak - anak saya kelak akan mengenali siapakah saudara - mara mereka?

Sesungguhnya generasi hari ini, ramai yang sudah tidak mengenali tok nenek saudara mereka, dua-pupu, tiga-pupu mereka, serta salasilah keluarga mereka. Lebih teruk, ada yang sudah mula tidak mengenali sepupu mereka sendiri.

Jikalau generasi hari ini sudah sampai ke tahap ini, bagaimana pula dengan generasi akan datang? Adakah mereka akan mengenali sepupu mereka sendiri? Adakah mereka akan mengenali adik beradik mereka sendiri? Atau, adakah mereka akan mengenali tok nenek mereka...ibubapa mereka???

Generasi - generasi terdahulu berusaha sekeras - kerasnya untuk memastikan hubungan sesama ahli keluarga mereka utuh dan tidak terputus begitu sahaja. Namun, pada hari ini, situasinya adalah jauh berbeza.

Oleh itu, sahabat - sahabat sekalian. Menjaga ukhuwwah sesama sahabat, rakan - rakan memang perlu. Tetapi, jangan sampai ke tahap kita mengabaikan ukhuwwah sesama ahli keluarga. Takkan mantap ukhuwwah sesama sahabat, jika ukhuwwah sesama keluarga (cerucuk segala ukhuwwah) tidak kukuh. Kalau tak sesama sanak saudara yang jauh pun, sesama ibubapa dan adik beradik pun, memadailah. Jangan kita membelakangkan mereka semata - mata nak menjaga ukhuwwah sahabat - sahabat mereka.

Dan jangan sekali - kali mengaku bahawa hubungan sesama sahabat adalah lebih akrab daripada hubungan sesama keluarga (mak, ayah, dan adik beradik).

Al-Fatihah...

2009-05-17T10:17:00.002+08:00

Sudah seminggu aku berada di Kedah. Di dalam tempoh itulah, aku mendapat berita bahawa sahabat akrab merangkap mentor aku, Yusfizal Mat Yusof telah kehilangan ayahandanya.

Aku mengenali Yus sebagai seorang yang ceria, namun bila aku ziarah beliau di rumahnya pagi tadi sekembalinya ke Pulau Pinang, beliau kelihatan agak muram, sungguhpun di sebalik keceriaan yang ditunjukkan.

Semoga roh ayahandanya dicucuri rahmat dan ditempatkan di kalangan orang - orang yang beriman...Ameen...

Al-Fatihah

Buat sahabat - sahabatku yang bakal tamat pengajian

2009-05-09T00:25:00.002+08:00

Statistik terkini menunjukkan bahawa sebilangan besar dari sahabat - sahabat seperjuanganku di UiTM, baik di Shah Alam, mahupun di Permatang Pauh, bakal menamatkan pengajian...

Sahabat - sahabat sekalian, ana ucapkan setinggi - tinngi tahniah kepada kalian kerana bakal menamatkan pengajian di dalam bidang masing - masing, insyaAllah. Semoga Allah mempermudahkan bagi kalian.

Maka buat kesekian kalinya, kalian berada di persimpangan jalan, yang mana di persimpangan inilah, kalian menentukan ke manakah hala tuju selepas daripada ini. Boleh jadi kalian telahpun merancang hala tuju kalian di sepanjang perjalanan, maka tidak perlu lagi hendak berhenti di persimpangan ini.

Sedar tak sedar, kalian kembali ke situasi kalian yang terdahulu, iaitu ketika mendapat keputusan SPM. Pada masa itulah, kalian meneliti ke arah manakah perjalanan kalian; adakah ke Universiti, adakah ke Matrikulasi, adakah memasuki Tingkatan 6, atau adakah setakat itu perjalanan kalian. Kemudian, disusuli pula dengan memilih salah satu daripada beratus - ratus bidang yang ditawarkan oleh institut - institut pengajian.

Maka, samalah situasi kalian pada ketika ini. Kalian berada di satu kedudukan yang mana kalian harus meneliti arah manakah yang hendak dituju. Boleh jadi, ada yang merancang hendak melanjutkan tahap pengajian (dari diploma ke ijazah, atau dari ijazah ke Masters/PhD), ada yang merancang hendak bekerja, ada yang merancang hendak memulakan fasa - fasa mendirikan rumahtangga, dan macam - macam lagi.

Apa - apa sahaja perancangan kalian sekalipun, ketahuilah bahawa kalian adalah sebaik - baik perancang di dalam menentukan perjalanan hidup kalian, kerana kalian lebih mengenali kekuatan diri berbanding orang lain. Namun, kalian harus ingat, bahawa ke mana sahaja hala tuju kalian, adalah sukar untuk kembali ke titik asal, kerana mana - mana arah perjalanan sekalipun yang dipilih, kalian tetap akan bertembung dengan lebih banyak persimpangan di sepanjangnya. Bak kata Robert Frost,

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

Ingat, sahabat - sahabat sekalian! Apa sahaja keputusan yang dibuat, keputusan itu MESTILAH di atas kehendak sendiri, dibuat di atas keikhlasan diri. Jangan harus sesuatu keputusan itu dibuat di atas desakan, paksaan pihak lain, meskipun mereka dari kalangan sahabat seperjuangan kalian. Namun, ambillah desakan mereka sebagai satu 'cadangan'. Kalau mak bapak hang, lain cerita la...gua tak masuk campur.... Sepertimana ana tegaskan tadi, kalian adalah sebaik - baik perancang.

Tersungkur

Ana yakin, ada dari kalangan sahabat - sahabat yang kerap tersungkur di sepanjang perjalanan kehidupan sebagai seorang mahasiswa/i. Tersungkur ini melibatkan gagal peperiksaan, dan melanjutkan tempoh pengajian.

Ketahuilah sahabat - sahabat sekalian, gagalnya kalian, dan/atau terlanjutnya tempoh pengajian bukannya kerana kalian bodoh, dungu, bengap, sepertimana yang dilabelkan oleh orang - orang tertentu, tetapi Allah telah menangguhkan kejayaan kalian higga ke suatu saat yang lebih sesuai...dengan syarat kalian telah berusaha, berdoa, dan bertawakkal kepada-Nya.

Ingat, hikmah Allah takkan lekang daripada setiap kejadian yang menimpa diri. Teliti setiap saat ketika kalian mengulangi pengajian, atau berada di dalam tempoh lanjutan. Ana yakin kalian akan jumpa kebaikan yang terselindung di sebaliknya.

Kalau kata mengulangi pengajian, mungkin kalian akan mendapati kalian lebih memahami apa yang diajar, dan memungkinkan kalian untuk memperoleh gred yang lebih baik berbanding dengan tahap kefahaman pada semester sebelumnya.

Kalau kata melanjutkan tempoh pengajian, mungkin kalian akan mendapati bahawa di dalam tempoh itu, kalian telah memperoleh pengalaman, atau bertembung dengan satu peristiwa yang manis kenangannya.

Secara psikologi, kegagalan yang datang sebelum kemenangan akan membuatkan kalian lebih menghargai kemenangan yang dikecapi, berbanding dengan kemenangan yang datang dengan begitu sahaja.

Kemanisan yang datang dari kepahitan, adalah lebih manis daripada kemanisan yang datang daripada kemanisan semata - mata...entah kau paham ke idak...

Ana mendoakan kesejahteraan kalian di dalam menempuh perjalanan hidup ini. Sungguhpun dahulu ana sering ketuk kepala - kepala kalian, namun ketahuilah; itu bukan suatu hobi, tetapi untuk memastikan kalian tidak leka dari perjalanan.

Kerana, setiap kali kita menghampiri matlamat kita, lebih cenderunglah kita untuk leka dan menyimpang darinya. Bak kata Paul Simon,

Slip slidin' away,
You know the nearer your destination,
The more you're slip slidin' away.

Selamat Maju Jaya!

Arrests at Malaysia opposition demo (Al-Jazeera)

2009-05-08T11:02:00.003+08:00

Article taken from Al-Jazeera English

UPDATED ON:
Thursday, May 07, 2009
11:01 Mecca time, 08:01 GMT

At least 12 people have been arrested in the northern Malaysian city of Ipoh during opposition-led protests over the government's takeover of a state assembly.

The arrests on Thursday come amid an increasingly tense showdown between the ruling National Front coalition and the opposition alliance over who rules the state of Perak.

Opposition leaders had called for protests outside the assembly which was due to meet on Thursday for the first time since the previous state government was ousted.

In response police, some wearing riot gear and backed by water cannon, surrounded the assembly building and set up a 500 metre exclusion zone.

Several people wearing black, the colour chosen by the opposition to protest against the takeover, were arrested.

Jenice Lee, an opposition state assemblywoman from the state of Selangor near the capital Kuala Lumpur was among those detained.

"I am an elected representative, I am not fighting you," she said as she was dragged away.

Lim Kit Siang, a senior member of the national parliament with the opposition Democratic Action Party, was also barred from entering the assembly building.

He said the government's move had turned the area around the assembly into a "war zone" and said the refusal to allow protests was "a national and international disgrace".

Stand-off

The protests are the latest stage in a stand-off between the ruling coalition and the opposition, which last year scored its best ever result in national elections, taking control of five state governments.

In February however, in a move led by Najib Razak, Malaysia's recently-installed prime minister, three opposition politicians in the Perak assembly were convinced to switch their allegiance to sit as independents.

That deprived the People's Alliance coalition of its majority in the state.

In the run-up to the protests in Ipoh, police arrested a further 19 people, including a politician from the country's Islamist opposition and a voting reform activist.

Mohamad Sabu, the vice president of the Pan Malaysian Islamic party (PAS), was arrested in Kuala Lumpur in a move that a police spokesman said was linked to the situation in Perak where he was due to lead prayers on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Wong Chin Huat a voting reform activist was arrested and charged with sedition after he urged Malaysians to wear black to protest the Perak takeover.

He faces up to three years in jail if convicted.

The spate of arrests have raised concerns among opposition leaders of a crackdown against critics of the government.

Najib, who took office on April 3, came to power promising to "uphold civil liberties" and demonstrate "regard for the fundamental rights of the people of Malaysia".

'Draconian'

But Anwar Ibrahim, the head of Malaysia's opposition, said that despite Najib's "rhetoric of tolerance" the arrests showed the prime minister was "bent on using tough, draconian measures".

"That the campaign for people to wear black can be deemed as seditious and a threat to national security, this is ridiculous," he told Reuters ahead of Thursday's protests.

Anwar, a former deputy prime minister is to stand trial in July for sodomy, charges he says are politically motivated.

The former deputy prime minister-turned opposition figurehead was imprisoned on corruption and sodomy charges in the late 1990s, although the sodomy conviction was later overturned.

Dozens held at Malaysian protest (BBC)

2009-05-08T10:39:00.002+08:00

Article tken from BBC

Page last updated at 16:03 GMT, Thursday, 7 May 2009 17:03 UK

Dozens of people in Malaysia have been arrested for taking part in opposition-led protests over who controls the parliament in the state of Perak.

Police were deployed outside the state legislature, while inside ministers scuffled and shouted at each other.

The state has become the focus of a power struggle between Malaysia's ruling party and the main opposition.

The opposition lost its majority when three legislators defected to become independents earlier this year.

The Sultan of Perak fired the alliance's administration and asked the National Front to govern, but there is still no real agreement over who is in charge.

The high court will decide on the legitimacy of the new state government next week.

Speaker surrounded

The wrangling in Malaysia's second largest state has been going on for months.

Perak was one of five states that voted for the opposition in the March 2008 elections, in which the ruling party lost its two-thirds majority for the first time since the country's independence from Britain in 1957.

But earlier this year, three state legislators defected to become independents, tipping the balance in favour of the governing National Front coalition.

Thursday's violence happened as the National Front was holding its first parliamentary session since ousting its rivals.

Activists broke through police lines, and the speaker of the assembly, who oversees proceedings, was surrounded and forced from the chamber by plain-clothes police officers.

He had refused to stand aside after a pro-government member was chosen to replace him.

According to the BBC's Robin Brant in Kuala Lumpur, this is the first time in Malaysia's history that police have intervened in parliamentary proceedings.

There were no violent clashes but dozens of protestors were arrested, including several opposition members.

The opposition is campaigning for fresh state elections.

Najib Razak - who became the head of the ruling party and Malaysia's prime minister last month - was seen as playing a prominent role in the power struggle.

Mat Rigid vs Mat Sempoi vs Mat Jiwang

2009-05-03T12:54:00.003+08:00

Seorang akhi (saudara lelaki) sedang terlantar di rumah kerana demam kuat. Badannya lemah hatta terpaksa memegang dinding ketika berjalan.

Syahadan, datanglah seorang ukhti (saudara perempuan) bertanya kepada beliau,

"Ya akhi, bagaimanakah keadaan anta? Adakah bertambah baik? Jangan lupa makan ubat. Mudah - mudahan anta sembuh..."

Apakah respon akhi tersebut? Mari kita lihat responnya jika beliau salah seorang daripada tiga jenis watak tersebut:

MAT RIGID

"Ana ok aje lah. Enti tak payah sibuk - sibuk nak ambil berat tentang keadaan ana. Biar sahabat - sahabat muslimin yang ambil tahu. Apa kata orang nanti kalau diorang tahu? Nanti diorang ingat wujud perasaan."

MAT SEMPOI

"Alhamdulillah, ana elok aje. Ana demam ni bukannya apa...saja buat lawak. Ana tak payah makan ubat dah. Ana yakin dah sihat...sebab ana tengok bila ana makan, boleh masuk 5 pinggan."

"Itu bukan sihat, akhi...itu nak mampos namanya..."

MAT JIWANG

"Alhamdulillah. Tak sangka enti ambil berat tentang diri ana. Ana bersyukur dapat sahabat macam enti. Syukran laki ya sayyidah. Ana akan berusaha untuk mengembalikan kesihatan ana, kerana ana tahu ada yang ambil berat tentang diri ana. Ianya memberi semangat kepada ana."

Chronology of University scouting

2009-05-01T19:50:00.005+08:00

Towards the end of my final semester ever, I started scouting around for information on international universities, preferably those in the UK, and in Australia. However, during those period, I was restricted in terms of mobility due to academic purposes, and the fact that the nearest counselling office was in Pulau Tikus.

Luckily, one of my sisters-in-faith had the convenience to seek information on the same matter, thus she volunteered to help me seek information. By the time I returned to Subang Jaya some months later, a package was awaiting for me; a compendium of prospectuses from various Australian universities.

Alhamdulillah, my examination results enabled me to proceed with my plans. Eventhough the result was a bit on-the-edge, nevertheless I had the confident to try and apply. That's what matters.

My first phase was to identify as many universities as possible from the two countries mentioned. This includes their accreditations, academics, maximum advanced standing (credit transfer), requirements, documentations required, tuition fees, annual cost of living, accommodation, facilities and environments. But, most of all, I had to ensure that their geographical location(s) have very little external influences (eg over-socialising)

From this, the list narrows down. My next step was to enquire via each university's Islamic body/association/society. This is to identify the facilities for Muslim conveniences such as prayer facilities within campus, local mosques, Muslim students' welfare, Halal butchery and F&B conveniences, and most importantly, the Muslim students' point of view.

Surprisingly, for a foreign, non-Muslim nation, the prayer facilities are at their optimum condtion. So, no trouble with that. However, one particular Australian university has issues regarding the allocation of a Muslim prayer facility. Eventhough the campus involved is not that of the one that facilitates the Engineering School, there is still a sense of syubhah. Therefore, I decided to remove the University from my list, or to at least postpone until the matter has been resolved.

The finalised list goes as follows:

UNITED KINGDOM

1. University of Portsmouth
2. University of Plymouth
3. Manchester Metropolitan University

AUSTRALIA
1. University of Newcastle
2. Victoria University
3. University of South Australia

My second phase, was to obtain all documents required for the application process. This involved going up and down the Academic Department, and commuting to the Penang campus. This phase was the painstaking part. While some documents were obtainable immediately, others took up to a week or more, not to mention certain documents that had to be re-processed due to typing errors.

Having settled that, I now have to duplicate all documents. This process was not much of a money-squeezer, if you know where to get the best price. But, the most painstaking document duplicating, was the 112-page syllabus outline. I tried an alternative method; burning the PDF document onto a CD. But then, the file was a mere 315kB, thus making it unreadable by CD readers.

Having done all that, I need to have it certified, especially the translated documents. For this, one has to seek the Public Notary, or Justice for Peace. But, in Malaysia, we refer to them as the Commissioner for Oaths. Luckily, however, my mother is at aposition whereby she has the authority to certify such documents. So, my pockets are still jingling, thanks to that.

My third and final phase, took place throughout this week, which consists of filling out university forms and submitting them. This was being done by two methods; one being to directly mail the forms plus documents to their respected universities. The second method, was to go the the education exhibition, and submit the documents to them, after a thorough process of assessments and briefings.

Alhamdulillah, I can now relax and have myself a good time...whatever that's left of it of course. Judging by the time line, I spent a period of almost 8 months going through all three phases. Though time consuming, the outcome (information and shortlisting process) was worth the effort I went through.

I only hope that my efforts bear fruit. I pray to Allah asking Him with His blessing to grant me what I have worked for all this while.

May Allah grant me what I seek...

The unexpected

2009-04-26T12:24:00.004+08:00

On Tuesday, 14th April, I left home and was bound for Penang. My intention was to obtain a reference letter from my former lecturer, En Mydin M. Abdul Kader. This reference letter was a requirement in order for me to apply for a place in a British university so as to further my tertiary studies.

Initially, I decided to drive, as in Penang, one is required to drive to reach point B from point A. But then, mother was quite worried about the unpredictable weather, so she told me to take the train instead.

And so, I took the night train which would arrive at Butterworth station a.k.a. The Jetty at around 4.30 in the morning. Upon arrival, my old companion, Yusfizal was there to greet me...well, half-an-hour later actually. He took me for breakfast at Bagan. It was raining heavily early that morning, and I was starting to develop coughs.

After breakfast, we went to Kg. Pertama, where i used to live, and performed Subuh prayers at Masjid Batu. After having prayed, we went to my old home at the Permatang Nibong Road. There, I met my fellow companions. I stayed there for about 40 minutes, and finally headed to my aunt's in Bandar Perda.

I slept throughout the morning, and part of the afternoon, to compensate for the sleepless night I had on the train. I started to cough badly. That evening, I went to Taman Arowana just outside Permatang Pauh town, to visit my companions who were residing at the Bahrul Ulum Religious School (private). Upon returning home, I started to develop a fever.

At 1 in the morning, I started to lose my senses as my body temperature increased sharply. I intended to go to the Seberang Perai Hospital for medical checkup, but everyone else has gone to sleep, and I cannot drive in a concious manner. So, I had to wait till morning.

The next morning, my head felt so heavy I can't get off my bed. Even if I did, I started to fall. I went to the doctor's in Padang Lallang. The doctor told me that my temperature was extremely high. I was given medication, and was in bed the whole day.

The next day, I felt a little better, though still ill and sweating. I decided to take this chance to settle my reference letter. Alhamdulillah, it was settled by 6 that day.

The next day (Saturday), I went to the Bukit Mertajam station to buy a ticket back home. I got myself a ticket for that night. After having bought the ticket, my cousin and I went to George Town to have lunch at Hameediyah's. During the journey, the car's a/cond system broke down. So, we had to lower all the windows. With myself not fully recovered from fever, my eyes started to go hot. That was nothing.

On the way back, there was a massive traffic congestion. At Sg. Pinang Road, the car's engine started to heat up. So, I told my cousin to pull over by the side whilst I have a look at the engine. Luckily, we were in my cousin's neighbourhood/hometown. So, there were relatives...and family mechanics nearby. So, I made some temporary adjustment, and headed for the workshop. With the afternoon heat, plus the heat from the engine, and the fact that the a/cond was out, I started to feel uncomfortable.

Upon reaching home, my body temperature shot up again. I called mother, and she told me to remain where I am until my fever has completely gone. It turned out that, considering my health condition and seating availability, I can only return on Thursday the following week. So, I took the oppurtunity to settle any outstanding matters in Penang, even took the time to visit the remaining brothers/sisters-in-faith.

Early Thursday morning, the 23rd, I left Bukit Mertajam, as I headed for home. Throughout my journey, I looked at the sceneries/villages throughout the journey to KL Sentral. I recalled having last witnessed the sceneries in broad daylight ten years ago. My, time has surely passed. Before you know it, you are already growing, and in the midst of entering manhood....

Malulah wahai Melayu

2009-04-20T12:39:00.003+08:00

Dalam beberapa tahun ini, kita melihat dari kalangan beberapa tokoh politik tanahair yang bukan beragama Islam membaca potongan ayat Al-Quran di khalayak ramai.

Bermula dengan YB N. Gobalakrishnan yang sering melafazkan wamakaruu wamakarallah, wallahu khairul maakiriin (Mereka merancang, dan Allah merancang. Dan Allah jualah sebaik - baik perancang).

Selepas PRU-12, muncul pula YAB Lim Guan Eng mengingatkan akan amar ma'ruf nahi munkar.

Baru - baru ini pula, sewaktu kempen pilihanraya kecil Parlimen Bukit Gantang, muncul pula YB Nga Kor Ming dengan melafazkan innallaha ya'muru bil'adli wal ihsan (Sesungguhnya Allah memerintahkan supaya berlaku adil dan ihsan).

Selaku yang beragama Islam, seharusnya perkara ini dibanggakan. Namun, apa yang berlaku adalah sebaliknya. Mereka dicerca pula. Siapa yang mencerca? Sekelompok Melayu dari golongan puak - puak haprak yang tak sedar diri.

Kadang - kadang, aku bertanya pada diri; mangkuk - mangkuk yang dok mencerca ni baca Quran ke pun? Pelihara isi kandungannya ke pun? Yang aku nampak, pertikaikan adalah. Kena pulak, yang memangkinkan (catalyzer) tak lain tak bukan golongan P.U.P. (Persatuan Ulama' Pengampu).

Aku terkejut apabila dapat tahu ada sekumpulan mala'un yang gatal pergi membuat laporan polis terhadap YB Nga kerana melafazkan ayat Al-Quran. Hina benor ke, Yeop?

Apabila Islam dimusuhi, maka dikata mereka jahil. Didekati, disuruh duduk jauh - jauh pula. Tak bangang punya kerja ke?

INGAT!!!

Jangan kita lupa akan iktibar - iktibar darihal yang silam, khusus lagi sejarah Islam. Jangan kita lupa kisah Umar Al-Khattab r.a.; tentang bagaimana beliau memasuki Islam.

Kerana terdengar adiknya membaca Al-Quran, beliau menjadi terpegun, dan terpikat setelah melihat dengan sendirinya akan isi kandungan kalamullah itu. Lantas beliau terus memeluk agama Islam.

Kelemahan orang Melayu, ialah apabila mereka gagal memahami dan mengambil iktibar daripada sejarah peristiwa silam.

Di Malaysia, kalau puak fanatik Melayu tidak memberi ruang kepada yang bukan beragama Islam untuk mengenali Islam, maka bagaimana pula hendaknya Islam itu berkembang??? Puak - puak ini sering mengutuk Yahudi, tetapi mereka 'mewarisi' tabiat Yahudi dengan melakukan perkara - perkara seperti ini.

Malulah sedikit wahai Melayu. Engkau menjauhkan diri dari agamamu, namun engkau dengki terhadap mereka yang cuba mendekatinya. Engkau meninggalkan ajaran Al-Quran dan sunnah yang sepatutnya menjadi panduanmu, lalu mengikut telunjuk duniawi. Namun, engkau menghina mereka yang cuba mempelajarinya, dan cuba menyamakan mereka dengan Yahudi yang melakukan perkara sama demi menyesatkan umat Islam.

Ingatlah wahai Melayu. Allah telah berkehendakkan negara ini mengambil Islam sebagai agama rasmi. Engkau yang telah mengabaikan ini, dan kerana itu, kesannya jelas kelihatan pada hari ini. Maka janganlah engkau gatal - gatal mengaitkan pihak lain. Engkau yang mengabaikan Islam pada awalnya, maka tanggunglah engkau akan akibatnya.

Jangan jadi jakun di negara sendiri.

Secebis dari sini, secebis dari sana

2009-04-13T18:25:00.003+08:00

Sedang saya menyusun semula emel-emel lama saya, saya terserempak dengan satu e-mel seorang sahabat lama, yang dikirim kira - kira setahun yang lalu. Ini nukilan beliau:

Adikku,

Jadilah dikau orang yang kuat amalnya seperti tabligh, tidak banyak berselisih, sentiasa bersangka baik, berakhlak mulia.

Adikku,

Jadilah dikau seperti orang PAS, semangatnya tinggi, tidak gentar dan berani berhadapan dengan musuh,

Adikku,

Jadilah dikau seperti orang UMNO, sayangkan negara, sayangkan bangsa, sentiasa ingin memajukan diri,

Adikku,

Jadilah dikau seperti orang JIM, bersikap professional di dalam tindak tanduknya, menarik minat golongan professional untuk mendekatimu,

Adikku,

Jadilah dikau seperti orang ABIM, gerak gerinya intelektual, penulisannya membuka minda..

Adikku,

Berani ku kata, jadilah seperti missionary kristian, rajin dan komited dalam menyebarkan ajaran yang diyakininya, janganlah di salah mereka kalau mereka berjaya, salahkan dirimu sendiri kalau gagal,

Adikku,

Jadilah dikau seperti Al-Arqam, ukhuwwahnya mantap, otaknya cekap mencari ruang ekonomi,

Adikku,

Kau mungkin boleh mencontohi Hizbut Tahrir, mereka melihat kepada panduan sejarah, mereka memandang jauh,

Adikku,

Jadilah kau seperti golongan salaf, berhati-hati dalam menerima ilmu, meneliti hujah dan kebenaran sebelum ianya dijadikan amalan,

Adikku,

Bentuklah kerohanianmu seperti orang tarekat, jiwanya sentiasa terisi, kental dan ampuh...

Adikku,

Bila kita menyertai mana-mana satu di atas, kita ada dua pilihan, kita boleh memilih untuk berselisih antara satu sama lain, atau kita boleh memilih untuk mengambil yang terbaik dari setiapnya dan membuang apa yang tidak elok atau mana yang berselisih dengan Al-Quran dan Hadith dari setiap darinya...

Bermusuh atau ambil yang terbaik berdasarkan Al-Quran dan hadith, yang mana kan kau pilih?

Mengapa susah nak sampaikan mesej Islam?

2009-04-11T00:14:00.004+08:00

Orang selalu kata, berdakwah ni susah. Memang susah pun. Dalam dunia ini tidak ada suatu perkara pun yang senang sebelum melalui kesusahan.

Demikian juga di dalam bab berdakwah. Kalau masih baru dengan perkara ini, memang susah. Ibarat enjin baru, harus melalui tempoh running-in.

Tiba suatu masa, berdakwah akan menjadi sesuatu yang tidak memeningkan. Bahkan, elemen - elemen dakwah akan terselit di dalam setiap perkara yang kita lakukan seharian, tanpa kita menyedarinya; bersembang, bekerja, pembentangan dll..

Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat juga kes apabila seseorang itu berpengalaman di dalam berdakwah, namun gagal memenuhi objektif;

KHUTBAH

Khutbah sepatutnya ringkas dan tidak terlalu memakan masa. Paling - paling pun 15 minit. Namun, apa yang berlaku, khutbah memakan masa yang lama. Adakalanya melangkau 30 minit. Itupun baru khutbah pertama. Tambahan pula, para jemaah hendak masuk semula ke pejabat pada jam 2.30 petang. Maka, mengenangkan hal ini, semua pakat naik resah, terus hilang tumpuan. Bahkan, ada yang menyumpah - nyumpah khatib sebab 'melalut' memanjang.

Adapun kes yang lain, apabila khatib mempunyai masalah berkomunikasi. Kerana terlalu bergantung kepada teks khutbah Jabatan Agama Islam, maka khatib akan bersyarah dengan nada yang monotonous, serta tidak menarik. Dan ini menimbulkan suasana bosan di kalangan jemaah. Bahkan, ada yang terlena. Betullah kata orang; kalau nak rawat masalah tidur, pergi dengar khutbah Jumaat.

Pada masa yang sama, tajuk - tajuk khutbah sama sekali tidak relavan. Sepatutnya, isu - isu yang disentuh adalah berkenaan dengan hal - hal semasa, peringatan Allah kepada umat Islam.

Namun, apa yang disentuh; buah - buahan tempatan, kewajipan memakai topi keledar, jimat air, kaedah membayar zakat, kepentingan cukai pintu. Kalau gian sangat nak cerita bab - bab ini, ceritalah sewaktu khutbah kedua. Khususkan khutbah pertama untuk memberi inzar kepada para jemaah. Bak kata Ustaz Shahrir Long,

"Tajuk - tajuk khutbah macam ini, hukumnya WAJIB TIDUR!"

PENDEKATAN UMUM

Pepatah Inggeris berbunyi,

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Untuk kita biasakan diri di kalangan sesuatu komuniti, kita harus bergaul dengan komuniti itu. Kalau kita mengambil inisistif untuk tidak bersama dengan mereka, maka kita akan ditinggalkan, bahkan disisihkan.

Acap kali saya melihat, apabila ada program - program dakwah, baik di kampus, mahupun di tempat - tempat umum, akan berlaku satu senario yang luar biasa. Program tersebut dianjurkan oleh golongan "pak syeikh". Yang diraikan, Mat Motor, Mat Blues, Mat Ecstasy, Mat Jiwang, dan Mat Rock.

Sungguhpun program berjalan lancar, tetapi Mat - Mat tersebut pulang dalam keadaan bingung, seolah - olah berada di suatu planet yang asing. Namun, "pak syeikh" pulang dengan ilmu baru di dada.

Apa yang telah berlaku; proses penyampaian mesej - mesej sepanjang program tersebut dilakukan dengan kaedah yang sesuai dan disenangi hanya oleh golongan "pak syeikh", sementara kaedah yang sama tidak selari dengan Mat - Mat yang diraikan. Bahkan, terasa tingginya maqam penyampaian, hinggakan tak tercapai oleh Abang Mat kita. Akhirnya, tak tersalur juga mesej - mesej dakwah.

Ditegur akan kaedah dakwah, maka dituduh hati tertutup...dunia oh dunia.

DISIPLIN DIRI

Adakalanya, dakwah dilakukan menggunakan kaedah one-to-one. Dalam kes ini, harus ada disiplin masa oleh sang pendakwah, yang mana dia harus senantiasa berhubung dengan mad'u-nya. Kalau lost-contact, maka akan ada risiko si mad'u akan melepaskan segala yang telah dia pelajari.

Satu senario yang biasa dilihat ialah pengislaman orang - orang asli. Pegawai - pegawai Agama Islam akan meredah jauh ke dalam belantara menuju ke perkampungan Orang Asli, dan mengislamkan mereka. Selepas daripada itu, para pegawai kembali semula ke kota, dan langsung hilang di kalangan jutaan manusia.

Sementara itu, orang - orang asli tadi berada di dalam status tergantung; tidak tahu ke mana pula hendak dituju. Akhirnya, mereka kembali kepada fahaman asal mereka. Buang karan aje masuk hutan. Adapun yang kembali semula ke perkampungan Orang Asli bukannya untuk mengajar tentang Islam, tetapi bertanyakan bila hendak bersunat. Ceroi punya kaki!

Di dalam kes yang lain, mesej Islam tidak kesampaian kerana gagalnya sang pendakwah dari segi dakwah halus. Contohnya:

Si pendakwah bercerita tentang kepentingan menepati serta menjaga masa. Namun, beliau sendiri yang tidak menghormati masa. Si pendakwah menegaskan haram menghisap rokok, namun mulut beliau bau tembakau. Apabila sudah terjadi hal ini, jangankan hal masa dan rokok, bahkan apa jua yang disyarahkan oleh pendakwah, tak ada seorang pun yang mahu mendengar, kerana bagi mereka,

"Cakap tak serupa bikin..."

Oleh itu ingatlah, dalam kita berdakwah, janganlah mengutamakan kaedah yang kita senangi. Tetapi, utamakan kaedah yang disenangi sasaran kita, selagi mana tidak melanggar syariat. Apabila dakwah tidak user-friendly, maka Islam sendiri takkan menjadi user-friendly. Pepatah Inggeris menyatakan,

"Put yourselves in their shoes."

Jenis - jenis batuk

2009-03-22T20:28:00.003+08:00

Apabila seseorang itu terbatuk - batuk, itu tandanya kesihatan mereka sedang terjejas. Dan apabila seseorang itu menyedari mereka terjejas dari sudut kesihatan, dia akan bertindakbalas mengikut keadaannya:

Batuk pelajar/mahasiswa
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

"Mintak - mintaklah bertahan sampai esok. Boleh aku ponteng sekolah/kuliah..."

Batuk orang miskin
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

"Harap - harap aku tak kena tahan kat wad. Tak mampu aku. Anak isteri aku..."

Batuk orang kaya
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

(Sambil melihat keluar tingkap)

"Hai...berkilat sungguh kereta aku. Sempat ke aku nak khatam buku panduan tu? Sempat ke aku nak explore kereta aku tu? Tak cukup 1000km lagi, tak boleh drift."

(Berjalan kembali ke meja sambil melihat kertas - kertas di atasnya)

"Hai, petang ni nak jumpa Tan Sri kat Golf Club. Malam esok nak ke New York bincang kontrak dengan Dato'. UHUK UHUK!!! Aiii...apasal lah sakit datang time - time nih? Tak boleh ke datang time Datin tengah membebel???"

Batuk orang beriman
"Uhuk uhuk uhuk!!!"

"Kifarah dosa - dosaku yang lalu...Ya Allah, janganlah matikanku melainkan dalam iman..."

Jenis mana satukah batuk anda?

Fikir - fikirkan...

First-time experience is like a new car...

2009-03-20T15:05:00.006+08:00

Every once in a while, I would have people coming to me asking how I managed to go about my day leisurely back in the days, when I was one of the leaders of a certain society.

And each time, I would answer the same story, but different versions. Following the Malaysian 12th General Election, I heard people questioning the ability of the new governments of Kedah, Perak, Penang, and Selangor. This is due to the fact that the respected governments had themselves a giddy headstart.

It was then I mentioned to them that a new government is like a new car. At the same time, I used this statement to answer the questions asked upon me. The engine represents the government. The driver represents the leader cum chief minister. The car itself represents the people under their responsibility cum nation.

When a new car is bought, the driver must not drive it at a high speed/rev. This is because the engine is still in breaking-down mode; meaning that friction between the piston and the cylinder is somewhat high.

Gradually, the friction decreases, and the gap between the piston and the cylinder loosens up. By the time it reaches 1000 kilometres, the engine is then able to gradually sustain higher speed. Over a certain period, the engine reveals its true power, and able to withstand a reasonable period.

If initially, the engine is forced up to maximum potential, it will then cause problems over the period to come. At the same time, it won't last as long as expected.

Same goes for a new government. The initial period is rough and slow. But, as time goes by, it will be able to administer smoothly.

In terms of society/organization/governmental leadership, consider the new engine as workforce/portfolio experience. Initially, it will be painstaking. But then, once you have been exposed to it frequently, you'll live life easily, and cruise leisurely down Route 66.

To sum up, everyone will face first-time in any sector. The experience in the sectors does not come overnight. It needs to be built and moulded overtime.

So, do not be afraid to face new challenges. Even those experienced in those challenges chickened out during their first day on the job.

World Without Borders

2009-03-20T08:59:00.008+08:00

This morning, as I sat browsing the internet, I came across an article regarding the Schengen Agreement. This treaty was signed by five of the EU countries in 1985. In this treaty, these countries have agreed to abolish border checkpoints at the borderlines of these respected countries.

Usually, when we travel by land to a neighbouring conutry, we will approach a checkpoint plaza (similar to a toll plaza) upon reaching the international border. At this plaza, we will then be requested to submit our passport for stamping purposes. If you travel by car to Singapore very often, you will understand this regulation.

However, when crossing borders between the countries under the Schengen Agreement, there will not be a border checkpoint. Instead, one can just cross over into the neighbouring country, just like driving from Selangor to Perak.

The picture above was taken at the Italy-Switzerland border. It shows motorists queueing up at the border checkpoint, waiting for their passport to be verified and stamped, before advancing into Italy. This is a normal procedure when one wants to go into a foreign country by land.

The picture above shows a visible border between Belgium and The Netherlands (Holland). X marks the line. The NL abbreviation represents the Holland side, whilst the B abbreviation represents the Belgium side. One can simply cross over without having to submit their passport.

The above picture is another example of a checkpointless border. The right-hand side of the road is The Netherlands, but the left-hand side of the road is actually Germany.

A few weeks back, my colleague, Tee Chin Kuen (Ken) offered me a ride to the LRT station. Whilst in the car, we talked about having been in England. And then, he said to me,

"Actually, we can travel anywhere around the world freely. There shouldn't be such things as passports. There shouldn't be borders."

This set me thinking. Initially, there were no visible boundaries. One can travel in and out of a territory freely. It was only after a series of wars and conquers, were then led to the existence of boundaries. And, as tense arose between two rivals, checkpoints came into existence. Invisible boundaries were becoming visible and concrete by the day.

As if that was not enough, travelling papers (passport) were introduced to filter out nationalists, extremists, and revolutionists of national threat. Once filtration was done, one country was booming, whilst the other was headed towards depression.

When a nation of a certain country faces depression, he seeks to travel to the land that booms. Once migration becomes tense, visas were introduced to limit migrations.

When one wants to enter a country, he will be asked,

"What is your purpose of entry? Have you been to this country before? How long will you be in this country? Do you have an accommodation?"

In the old days, the Arabian Peninsula was one single territory. There were no boundaries. It was only after World War I did the boundaries began to emerge. What were once districts/counties became independent nations; Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, U.A.E., Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority. Each of these countries compete and conflict with one another, eventhough they were once a singular nation.

I have a dream. I dream that one day the Muslim countries will unite, and the boundaries between these countries will open, and the nations within it can travel freely from one country to the another. Not only the Muslim countries, but to all places in this world.

Buah hatiku...

2009-03-15T07:19:00.002+08:00

Pagi semalam (Sabtu), aku pergi ke pejabat IDP di SS 15 untuk mendapatkan maklumat - maklumat pengajian peringkat ijazah di Australia.

Dalam perjalanan pulang, aku ternampak Addy (mekanik aku) tercagkung di luar kedainya sambil membaca Nanyang Siang Pau. Lalu aku teringat; buah hatiku (kereta aku...well...secara teknikalnya amanah abah) tidak sihat semenjak dua menjak ini. Alang - alang Addy tengah tak ada pelanggan, baik aku hantar kereta aku.

Tetapi, pada waktu itu, sku sedang membawa kereta lain. Maka, aku bergegas pulang ke rumah dan menukar kereta.

Aku memang tahu ada minyak menitik dari gearbox, tapi apabila diangkat kereta, aku ternampak benda lagi dahsyat. Rupanya buah hatiku mengalami kesakitan yang lebih mendalam.

Aku ternampak bahagian dalam tayar belah kanan ada kesan minyak terpercik. Apabila aku melihat drive joint, aku ternampak ada kesan hentakan, dan minyak gris meleleh - leleh.

Aku tunjuk kat Addy, dia tanya aku,

"You ada langgar barang ka?"

Aku jawab aku tak ada langgar apa - apa sejak kali terakhir aku servis drive shaft tu. Hasil kesan hentakan itu, drive joint itu pecah, dan tayar bergoyang - giyang. Maka, nak taknak, kena tukar langsung bendalah tu.

Aku bertanyakan 'kos rawatan' untuk menyembuhkan buah hatiku. Jumlah:

RM 420/=...itupun, sebab aku pelanggan setia (walaupun setahun aku di Permatang Pauh) dia caj workmanship sekali sahaja, serta tidak mengenakan harga untuk minyak gearbox.

Aduuii...koyak den. Malas aku nak buat muka tebal depan mak mintak duit servis. Pakai duit aku ajelah...

Stress...what about it, eh?

2009-03-09T16:24:00.005+08:00

Stress is a phenomenon that befalls everyone in this world. Stress does not know gender, age, position, nor time. Everyone must face stress sometime in their lifetime. It is something that cannot be evaded.

A young person will be stressed thinking about his maturing age, whilst an old person about his health.

A husband will be stressed thinking about supporting his wife and children, whilst a wife about home economics.

An employee will be stressed about company expectations, whilst an employer about keeping the company going.

A poor man will be stressed about searching for money, whilst a rich man about not satisfied with the riches blessed upon him.

Why stress?

Each individual has their own reasons for being stressed. It's either caused by personal or professional reasons.

In terms of personal, most people face almost the same stressors:

a) Family problems
b) Death of an immediate relative/loved ones
c) Unsettled debts

In terms of profession, stressors vary according to the field of profession. Let's take a few professions for example:

a) Teacher: A teacher probably faces the pressure to ensure that his/her students excel in their studies. Not to mention students who have trouble finding themselves, or have mental issues.

b) Customer service personnel: On average, a customer service personnel can handle up to 50 or 60 customers a day; each with their own personalities. Handling a good-natured customer is nothing. Imagine a customer from the depths of hell...

c) Nurse: A nurse tends to sick patients everyday. Not to mention the injections, bathing, clothing...nappy-change. Imagine facing a grumpy ol' pappy (grandad) who thinks he's in his 20s...

d) Students: Students are being given a benchmark to achieve; be it grades in school, or GPAs in university. Imagine trying to achieve those marks, at the same time thinking of the consequences if having failed to achieve so.

When I was in university, I participated in a society. I started off as head of my faculty. Eventhough I had a portfolio, I was often 'pushed around' in the early days, since I was not among the others' range of close companions. I was stressed. But, I worked my way upwards, and after having achieved a higher rank, I avoided myself from mistreating others.

The stresses I saw in societies were those of trying to uphold the society's good name, meet deadlines, try not to disappoint the high council and companions, and most of all, trying not to drop out on academics.

Usually, when one is stressed, one tends to behave unusually. One can go into tantrums, most of the time not knowing what he's doing, saying, or writing. Therefore, if a friend of yours starts behaving ankwardly, let it be known that he/she is not at peace of mind.

De-stress!!!

Every entrance has an exit. If one enters the world of stress, one can leave it. The question is...how?

Everyone is creative in their own way when it comes to destressing themselves. The common methods are:

a) Smoking
b) Get drunk...yezzz...very very drunk
c) Eat til' thou can't face food
d) Take a hot bath (in Malay culture, mandi ayor kolah)
e) Look at greeneries

What about Muslims?

Okay, seriously a Muslim can't get drunk...though some don't give a damn thing about it.

In Islam, stress is considered a part of test by Allah upon man. Man becomes stressed from fear of the unknown, future, and death. Allah has mentioned in the Quran:

وَلَنَبۡلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡخَوۡفِ وَٱلۡجُوعِ وَنَقۡصٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡوَٲلِ وَٱلۡأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ‌ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
"Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere"
[AL-BAQARAH; 2:155]

So, how does a Muslim destress himself? How does a Muslim find 'inner peace'? It is revealed in the Quran:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَتَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ أَلَا بِذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ
"Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction."

[AR-RA'D; 13:28]

It shows that by remembering Allah, one is at peace. There are various methods in remembering Allah. But, the common method applicable by all, is by performing the solah (prayer); be it the compulsory, or the supplement prayers.

Praying itself stretches, relaxes the muscles, and regulates blood flow throughout the inner system. Prolonged bowing causes blood to flow into the brain, especially to the part unreachable when standing upright.

Another method is by reading the Al-Quran, or listening to its recitations.

Even other people of different religions; when in distress, they would head to the church, temple, or synagogue to seek guidance.

In conclusion; practice any methods to de-stress yourselves. But, by the end of the day, it is the remembrance of God that makes one fully de-stressed. True, other methods may eliminate stress. But, somehow, somewhere, you will not feel satisfied.

Recently, I asked a colleague how he managed to consume packets of cigarettes within one day. He told me that he was feeling stressed most of the time.

He then added that, it was due to his habit of skipping prayers that led him to be stressed in whatever conditions. I persuaded and encouraged him to start praying as how a Muslim should.

Alhamdulillah, following that, his consumption of cigarettes dropped dramatically.

Stress can happen to anyone regardless of age, time, and condition. It is something that one cannot evade. At some point in life, man will face stress.

However, despite the fact that stress is unavoidable, it can be maneuvered, given the proper techniques.

It is essential that man seeks proper medication to reduce or eliminate stress at any given time, be it medically, or spiritually. Because, not only does stress affect a man’s ability, it too taxes the immunity system, resulting in the deterioration of health.

The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"Your most ardent enemy is your evil self which resides within your body. If this soul is not checked, it will lead to unusual stress"
[BUKHARI]

Malaysia police tear-gas protesters (Al-Jazeera English)

2009-03-08T22:31:00.003+08:00

(This article was taken from the website Al-Jazeera English - Asia Pacific)

Riot police have used tear gas against at least 2,000 ethnic Malays protesting in Kuala Lumpur against the use of English in local schools, witnesses have said.

The demonstrators were set to march to the royal palace in the Malaysian capital on Saturday to ask for the king's support in ensuring that all schools teach science and maths in Malay.

Police fired tear gas as the protesters began their rally from the National Mosque to the palace about three kilometres away, Hatta Ramli, one of the demonstrators, said.

"It was a peaceful march. They shot [tear gas] without any warning," he said.

Authorities in the former British colony started a programme in 2003 to resume teaching mathematics and science in English, believing that poor English-language skills were undermining Malaysian students.

But Malay teachers and linguists have said that the policy has come at the expense of modernising Malay in the scientific lexicon.

'Scores arrested'

Hadi Awang, president of Pan-Malaysia Islamic party (PAS), a conservative Islamic opposition party, was among those taking part in the rally, Hatta said.

At least 124 people were detained during the police operation against the protesters, the Star online news service reported.

Musa Hassan, inspector general of police, said the organisers had greed to only send representatives into the palace after afternoon prayers but PAS and Keadilan, another opposition party, turned it into a rally, he said.

"We had no choice but to use tear gas to disperse the crowd who refused to listen to police warnings," Musa was quoted as saying by the Star online news service.

About 60 per cent of Malaysia's 27 million-strong population is Malay, while 26 per cent is ethnic Chinese and eight per cent ethnic Indian.

Najib Razak, the deputy prime minister, said on Friday that English was important if Malaysia is to compete on the global stage.

But he said that the government would ensure that Malay was the official teaching language.

"Mastering foreign languages does not necessarily erode an individual's identity," he told Bernama news agency.

Police break up Malaysia protest (BBC World)

2009-03-08T22:24:00.002+08:00

(This article was taken from the website BBC WORLD)

Riot police in Malaysia have fired tear gas to disperse thousands of people in Kuala Lumpur, who protested against the use of English in local schools.

Some 124 people were reportedly held, as the demonstrators tried to march to the royal palace in the capital.

The ethnic Malay protesters demanded a return to Malay as the teaching language for maths and science.

Both subjects have been taught in English since 2003 to improve pupils' poor language skills, officials say.

Language - along with race and faith - remains a sensitive issue in the multi-ethnic Malaysia, correspondents say.

'No choice'

The demonstrators chanted "Long live the Malay language!" as they marched through Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

Protesters said police started firing tear gas when they tried to march from a mosque to the royal palace, several kilometres away.

"It was a peaceful march. They shot without any warning," protester Hatta Ramli was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

Police said they had no choice but to use tear gas, saying the organisers had agreed that there would be no gatherings or rallies in the capital.

Police added that the organisers had also agreed beforehand to send representatives into the palace to hand in a petition against the use of English in schools.

Furthering my studies

2009-03-05T20:07:00.006+08:00

Eversince January this year, despite going out to seek employment experiences, I've been making plans to further my studies. Currently, I'm an unofficial diploma graduate of Electrical Engineering (Instrumentation) [considered official once I've I received my scroll].

Recently, I've been enquiring on universities in Australia and United Kingdom. From what I've obtained, I paid special interests in these universities:

(United Kingdom)
1. University of Sheffield
2. University of Newcastle
3. University College London (formerly attended by father)
4. University of Portsmouth
5. University of Southampton
6. University of Reading (formerly attended by mother)

(Australia)
1. RMIT University
2. University of Melbourne
3. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
4. University of Newcastle (not to be confused with Newcastle-upon-Tyne of England)
5. University of Adelaide

When it comes to insisting on foreign studies, I faced two types of struggles that somehow paralysed me from holding on to my dreams;

The first struggle is that of 'busybodies'. These group of people had the nerve to ask me of my financial strength. Ask me anything, but NEVER ask me of family financials! It's personal.

It is something I am not willing to share, and something that I can not afford to answer.

The second struggle occurred a few months previously. I was told to forget all those 'nonsense', return to the Shah Alam campus and rejoin the religious society I previously participated as one of the administrators.

This statement struck me deep.

Who are you to tell me to forget all that I ever dreamt of and worked for??? Why must I leave what I've begun, and fulfill the 'lust' of someone else? There are hundreds more potential enough to take over and initiate where I left off. People come and go. Live with it. Let the younger generations take lead.

Why I never wanted to return to UiTM Shah Alam, you say? Well, I've lived there for 3 years, been briught up in that locality for 20+ years. Furthermore, having spent one year in Penang, I experienced the sweetness of student life, and ukhuwwah among brothers and sisters of faith. Therefore, I am hoping...should my plans fail, Penang will re-open its degree courses, and I can remain in Penang.

Anyhow, every dream hoping to be achieved is accompanied by struggles. And, it is these struggles that make success taste so sweet. You'll have to suffer bitterness before you encounter sweetness.

Pure sweetness is better than artificial sweetness...if you get what I mean :).

Besides, I've nothing to rush for. Furthermore, I'm not bethrothed to anyone, officially or unofficially. So, no need to rush. Live life slowly...until the right moment comes, and the right person approacheth. As Paul Simon said:

"Slow down. You're moving too fast. You've got to make the morning last..."

[SIMON & GARFUNKEL; The 59th Street Bridge Song]

Hopefully, I am able to fulfill my dreams...insyaAllah...

Scuffles at Malaysia parliament (Al-Jazeera English)

2009-03-04T08:17:00.003+08:00

(Article grabbed from Al-Jazeera English - Asia Pacific)

Scuffles have broken out outside a state parliament in northern Malaysia after riot police and supporters of Malaysia's ruling coalition blocked members of the country's opposition from entering the building.

The incident took place on Tuesday as about 100 members of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) tried to enter parliament in the town of Ipoh in the northern state of Perak.

A group of 28 opposition legislators accompanied by their supporters had been trying to hold an emergency session of the assembly but found their way blocked by a makeshift fence and dozens of riot police.

"Go back!" several government supporters shouted as pushing and shoving broke out between the rival groups.

Both the governing and opposition coalitions claim they have the right to rule Perak, which has been embroiled in a tense political and constitutional crisis since January.

The state has had no function government following the defections of several opposition legislators in January.

'Double standards'

Police did not intervene, but stepped in to push back the opposition supporters when they approached the makeshift fence.

"This is utter rubbish. Elected representatives are not allowed to go inside," A Sivanesan, an opposition legislator, told the Associated Press.

"It is not in accordance with the law. The police [are] practicing double standards."

The crisis in Perak highlights the growing uncertainty in Malaysian politics after the ruling party suffered its worst ever election loss last year.

In the March 8 national polls, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition lost control of four states including Perak, as well as its long-standing two-thirds majority in parliament, conceding a large number of seats to the opposition.

Unconstitutional

Last month opposition legislators protested after claiming the state sultan had acted unconstitutionally in appointing Zambry Abdul Kadir, a BN member, as chief minister without waiting for a vote of confidence in the state assembly.

Following the sultan's endorsement, V Sivakumar, the state parliament's speaker and a member of the opposition coalition, suspended the legislature.

He later called for opposition members to gather for an emergency session – a move seen as symbolic rather than having any real prospect of returning the opposition to power.

After being blocked from entering the state parliament the opposition legislators retreated to a side street where they held the emergency session in the open air.

The meeting unanimously passed a resolution of confidence in the ousted government led by Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

"We are the rightful government ... Now the state has two chief ministers, one that is legal, one that is absolutely illegal," he said.

"The crisis must be solved ... through the dissolution of the state assembly."

Sidang DUN Perak: "Jika di atas pokok pun ia sah" (HarakahDaily)

2009-03-04T07:43:00.002+08:00

Artikel dipetik dari laman web HarakahDaily

Abdul Aziz Mustafa
Wed Mar 04, 09 3:29:34 am MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Mac (Hrkh) Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Perak semalam tetap sah walaupun diadakan atas pokok, kata pensyarah Pusat Pengajian Sejarah, Politik dan Strategi Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof Madya Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff.

"Jika di atas pokok pun ia sah", Bernama memetik pandangan beliau ketika ditanya mengenai kesahihan "persidangan tergempar" itu yang diadakan di bawah pokok di luar bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan yang menempatkan Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak, di Ipoh pagi semalam.

Persidangan itu, yang dipanggil oleh Speaker DUN Perak V. Sivakumar, berlangsung selama kira-kira 30 minit bermula 10.20 pagi, dihadiri semua 27 ADUN PAS, DAP dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Mohammad Agus, yang juga seorang penganalisis poltik berpandangan bahawa tiga usul yang diluluskan itu juga sah dan tidak boleh dicabar di dalam mahkamah.

Usul-usul itu ialah menyatakan sokongan kepada Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin sebagai Menteri Besar; membubarkan Dewan bagi membolehkan pilihan raya negeri diadakan; dan mengesahkan keputusan Speaker Sivakumar melarang Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir dan enam anggota exco kerajaan negeri daripada menghadiri persidangan dewan.

"Sebelum ini Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak hanya ditangguhkan dan tidak dihentikan. Jika ditangguhkan, maka Speaker mempunyai kuasa untuk mengadakan persidangan tergempar itu tanpa mendapat perkenan Sultan," katanya.

Sementara itu, Presiden Majlis Peguam Malaysia Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan berkata perkara yang berlaku di Perak di luar dugaan dan membabitkan isu perundangan yang kompleks.

Sungguhpun ia tidak munasabah untuk satu pandangan konklusif mereka, sesetengah perkara itu hendaklah ditangani sebagai satu perkara prinsip, katanya dalam kenyataan.

Beliau menanyakan sama ada dibenarkan untuk mengadakan persidangan Dewan Undangan di luar Bangunan Sekretariat Negeri.

"Tentulah, Bangunan Sekretariat Negeri di mana Dewan Undangan Negeri patut diadakan.

"Bagaimanapun, Speaker dan Adun Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) dilarang daripada mengadakannya di satu tempat yang sesuai oleh polis dan ini membangkitkan isu serius mengenai kesahihan tindakan polis.

"Dengan itu Speaker tersebut tidak ada pilihan tetapi untuk bertindak dalam apa yang dilihat sebagai kuasa yang luas untuk mengadakan persidangan ini di tempat lain," kata beliau.

Beliau berkata ada pandangan berbeza, tetapi keadaan itu di luar dugaan dan Aturan Mesyuarat mungkin tidak meliputi sepenuhnya seperti keadaan yang tidak diingini, menyerahkan kepada Speaker dengan kuasa untuk bertindak mengikut keadaan kes itu.

Sreenevasan berkata keadaan itu tidak boleh dipertahankan daripada kritikan dan hanya mendesak untuk satu perkara iaitu pilihan raya negeri.

"Kini ada harapan untuk ini berlaku. Biarlah rakyat menentukan," tambah beliau._

Aku ketakutan...

2009-02-25T08:34:00.002+08:00

Semalam, genap sebulan aku mengikuti training di Petaling Jaya. Tinggal lagi sebulan sebelum aku 'khatam' dan insyaALLAH masuk kerja (sungguhpun mereka menjanjikan kerja, aku masih tak lekang daripada mencari kerja - kerja bidang kejuruteraan.

Dalam tempoh sebulan ini, walaupun aku kelihatan huha-huha, hakikatnya jauh di dalam diriku, aku ketakutan. Apa yang aku takutkan...?

"Mu'amalat" (Batasan pergaulan lelaki dan perempuan).

Ya...mu'amalat, yob. Teman takut benor tang situ. Asal ceritanya begini...

Selepas beberapa siri sesi pengenalan diri, maka aku telah diklasifikasikan sebagai 'alim' (entah mana datang idea tu...). Pada peringkat awalnya, aku ditakuti kerana klasifikasi itu. Namun, melihatkan aku bukan jenis menyepi, maka aku didekati.

Akan tetapi, sampai ke satu tahap, sebahagian daripada mereka seolah - olah tidak lagi menghormati aku dari segi batasan pergaulan.

Kadang - kadang aku naik seriau bila jadi hal ini. Seriau kerana, ada masa - masanya tatkala aku seolah - olah akan turut serta. Namun, Alhamdulillah, dalam aku leka, aku cepat sedar akan hakikat itu, dan mampu menarik diri.

Empat tahun aku duduk di dalam dunia UiTM, empat tahun aku berada di dalam pertubuhan agama, empat tahun aku berhampiran dengan orang - orang arif agama. Setelah meninggalkan semua itu, menempuh dunia ini berseorangan, aku telah lupa bagaimana keadaannya 'dunia luar'.

Aku telah lupa bagaimana suatu masa dahulu aku bijak berdepan dengan hal ini...atau adakah pada waktu itu aku masih mentah dan belum boleh membezakan antara baik dan buruk?

Entahlah. Mudah - mudahan Allah menunjukkan jalan bagiku.

PAS ada 'Baiah' elak lompat parti - Ustaz Hadi (HARAKAHDAILY)

2009-02-24T11:14:00.004+08:00

(Artikel diambil dari laman web HARAKAHDAILY)

KEPALA BATAS, 23 Feb (Hrkh) - "Baiah merupakan akuan bersumpah di hadapan Allah s.w.t dan kepimpinan dalam parti ketika dilantik menjadi calon dalam setiap pilihan raya sama ada umum atau kecil."

Presiden PAS, Dato' Seri Abdul Hadi Awang mendedahkan, PAS nyata mempunyai rahsia tersendiri untuk menyekat Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) daripada mengambil sikap melompat parti kerana tindakan itu bukan sahaja membelakangkan kehendak Allah s.w.t bahkan meninggalkan amanah manusia yang mahu seseorang Adun itu melaksanakan tugas dengan cemerlang.

Katanya rahsia tersebut ialah 'Baiah' yang merupakan akuan bersumpah di hadapan Allah s.w.t dan kepimpinan dalam parti berbanding parti lain ketika dilantik menjadi calon dalam setiap pilihanraya samada umum atau kecil.

"Perbezaan kekuatan Adun-adun PAS ialah 'Baiah' berjanji dengan Allah s.w.t sekiranya kami menipu, khianat, menyeleweng kami akan dilaknat oleh Allah.s.wt, oleh malaikat dan segala yang melaknat.

"Itulah yang tiada dalam parti lain kerana masing-masing mengambil agama suku, politik suku, " ujarnya ketika berceramah di pekarangan Markaz Tarbiyah PAS Pulau Pinang di Pongsu Seribu, Kepala Batas baru-baru ini.

Beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Marang, Terenganu memberitahu, walaupun ada Adun atau kepimpinan yang melompat keluar parti, semua pihak boleh melihat di mana 'kedudukan' mereka tika ini.

Sambungnya, golongan terbabit kehilangan maruah dan kehebatan bahkan jika berada dalam parti lain hanya sekadar melukut di tepi gantang bukan lagi diberikan kepercayaan sebagai kepimpinan sepertimana dalam PAS sebelum ini.

"Kita tengok mereka yang lari dari PAS apa yang mereka perolehi sebagai hukuman di dunia.

"Mereka hilang maruah, hilang kehebatan dan tidak ke mana walhal golongan terbabit mempunyai pengetahuan agama yang tinggi. Itulah perhitungan antara dosa dan pahala, " tegasnya.

Justeru itu, PAS tetap berusaha mengajak parti lain untuk bersama PAS memperjuangkan kedaulatan demi menjaga maruah yang tinggi tidak kerana pandangan manusia sebaliknya kerana Allah s.w.t.

PAS katanya, tidak memaksa parti lain terutamanya bukan Islam menerima Islam semata-mata menjatuhkan Kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN) yang sudah menyelewengan amanah rakyat dengan melakukan berbagai kekejaman dan kezaliman.

Menyentuh mengenai peralihan kuasa antara Perdana Menteri, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dengan timbalanya, Dato' Seri Najib Razak sepatutnya belum lagi waktunya kerana Perdana Menteri tidak lagi 'selesai' dengan amanahnya terhadap rakyat sebagaimana janjinya sewaktu mula memegang tampuk pemerintahan daripada mantan Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad beberapa tahun lalu.

Janji Abdullah katanya untuk menyelesaikan masalah kehakiman, rasuah, polis, SPR dan pekerti kalangan kepimpinan Umno masih jauh. "Beliau seharusnya berusaha untuk tanganinya sehingga selesai bukan memberi jalan berundur kepada orang lain yang pastinya mempunyai agenda lain dalam pentadbiran baru kelak.

"Penubuhan Suruhanjaya Kehakiman, Suruhanjaya Polis, Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah tidak setakat itu sahaja malahan kena bersama parti lain di luar BN kerana ia bukan masalah Umno. Ia masalah semua rakyat dan ia perlu dengan sistem demokrasi yang betul, " Kata Ahli Parlimen Marang itu.

Beliau berucap di dalam program anjuran Dewan Pemuda PAS Negeri Pulau Pinang itu lagi.Turut berceramah pada malam itu ialah Ketua Dewan Pemuda PAS Negeri, Ustaz Hafiz Nordin dan Naib Presiden PAS, Haji Mohamad Sabu yang turur dihadiri oleh Pesuruhjaya PAS Negeri, Ustaz Saleh Man. - azm_

Rally @ U.M.

2009-02-20T20:22:00.002+08:00

Today is Friday. As always, during lunch break I would walk to the Taman Jaya station 10 minutes away and take the LRT to Universiti Malaya for Friday prayers at Masjid Ar-Rahman.

Earlier, Gayathri said she will lend her car to me so that I can go to the masjid at Section 14, and be back in time for Kumaresan and Nadhir's birthday surprise which was to take place at Secret Recipe (which I missed), just across the road.

However, since she had other matters to attend to, I had no choice but go to U.M.. After prayers, as I was changing into my pants, I heard a chant of TAKBEER outside in the courtyard. I went out to see what it was.

It turned out that the students were holding a rally, stating that they have sent a memorandum to the Agong requesting him to act as the middle-man in the Perak case, and at the same time, chanting "Kuasa Rakyat", and promoting tonight's forum which will state the current Perak issue.

It was very exciting for me, as I've never experienced such an event back in UiTM. If there were any, it would be the infamous rally of August 2008, which I had to admit, internally exposed the 'stupidity' of some of its students.

I could not stay long, as I had to be back in PJ by 2.30; a 20-minute journey away.

When the smooth turns rough

2009-02-19T09:05:00.001+08:00

Since late January this year, I’ve been commuting from home to Petaling Jaya via the LRT system. Hence, I was introduced to the early rush-hour scenario. One thing that caught my attention was the way commuters waited for the train.

In the ‘old days’, commuters were scattered throughout the platform. Nowadays, they just line up obediently. It seems to remind me of Japan. But, how effective is it in terms of the commuters’ disciplines? Let’s take a look at the scenarios that occurred whilst I was waiting for the train:

A train was due in a couple of minutes. People were lining up at where the train door should be positioned. Pregnant ladies and old folks were ‘excused’ and went straight in front to the platform edge. OK, nothing wrong with that. An advantage to them for being so.

The train approaches the platform. People were being distracted from whatever it is that they were doing; reading, text-messaging, day-dreaming. OK, normal reaction.

The train stops. Here’s where things start to go nuts:
1. Commuters from within the train had barely disembarked, already had the commuters-to-be from outside began to ram the entrance.

2. Despite the fact that commuters on the platform were walking in a line towards the train, psycho-maniacs arrived on the scene, cutting the line and overtaking those who have been queuing heading for the train, causing a bottleneck at the entrance.

3. The train car is packed to the neck. But, there are still those insisting on embarking the train, suffocating those already inside.

Such a procedure could have made travelling on the train smoother. But, when egoism conquers all, everything goes haywire.

Even though Malaysia is well developed, a large number of its nations still live in the third-world scenario.

As long as Malaysians are still conquered by the third-world scenario, as long as they are still be conquered by egoism, nothing in this country can go smoothly. Not only commuting trains and buses, but as well as driving. Because once idiots take to the road, no one can drive in comfort and peace.

What Do You Fear?

2009-02-18T20:10:00.003+08:00

During one of my training sessions, we were asked of our fears. The general answers were hydrophobia, claustrophobia, and multiple phobias. Not to mention about God and death. My answer however was death... and fear itself.

However, it came to me recently that apart from the fears I mentioned, I found out about another fear, one that not many will tend to realise, even in full conciousness.

What fear is that? It is...

"To be successful beyond control"
("Mencapai kejayaan melampaui kawalan diri")

What does it mean?

It means that when you achieve a certain success, you come to a point where you start to lose control of yourself; you tend to forget those around you, lose humbleness, be arrogant, snobbish etc..

Alhamdulillah, Allah gifted me with the ability to master the English language; verbally and on-paper. This was acknowledged so by the trainers who made assessments on our presentations.

However, despite the fact that I was openly praised at certain times, I tend to be fearful every time I was complemented.

I feared that I would lose my identity, start acting high-and-mighty, and look down upon others who are less fortunate than me. To prevent this, I made use of Allah's 'gift', and used it to help and assist others.

Not only the abilities in the form of understanding, but even posts in societies can be a test on its successors.

I've heard of people of whom when they were told that they are next-in-line to hold certain posts, they start to daydream and wander off into Cloud 9. I do not deny the fact that I was possessed by this situation. But, when I came out of it, I felt so sick.

So, friends. Bear in mind that not only failure is a test from Allah, success can also act as a test, in which man will be tested whether he can remain humble, or go nuts.

Remember! No matter how hard you try to achieve something, by the end of the day, it is He who grants it to you. As how Allah rewards you with something, He has the power to repossess it from you.

And so, never be selfish with whatever it is that you bear. Be humble, and use it to benefit yourself and others.

Nizar perjelaskan sebab tidak melepaskan jawatan MB (Malaysiakini)

2009-02-05T21:03:00.000+08:00

Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin telah mengutus surat kepada Sultan Azlan Shah menjelaskan sebab-sebab mengapa beliau tidak akan meletakkan jawatan sebagai menteri besar Perak.

Surat tersebut adalah reaksi kepada titah baginda yang tidak memperkenankan pembubaran Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Perak serta Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin dan barisan exconya meletak jawatan berkuatkuasa serta merta.

Manakala Setiausaha kerajaan negeri Perak, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim telah mengarahkan Mohamad Nizar dan semua anggota exconya mengosongkan pejabat mereka dengan segera.

Berikut adalah kandungan penuh surat Mohammad Nizar kepada baginda Sultan:

5 Februari 2009

Mengadap Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Shah Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah Paduka Sultan Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan Yang bersemayam di atas takhta Kerajaan Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan dengan beberapa amat kebesaran dan kemuliaannya.

Assalamualaikum

Ampuan Tuanku,

Dengan hormat dan takzimnya patik merafa'kan sembah dan berdoa kehadrat Allah Suhanahu Wata'ala, mudah-mudahan Duli Yang Maha mulia Tuanku sentiasa berada dalam keadaan selamat dan kesejahteraan.

Ampuan Tuanku,

MERAFA' SEMBAH MEMAKLUMKAN PERKEMBANGAN TERKINI DEWAN UNDANGAN NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN

Warkah yang tidak sepertinya ini sebagai pengganti diri patik untuk menyembahkan kepada Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku mengenai isu kedudukan terkini Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan.

Patik merafa' sembah menjunjung kasih di atas perkenan Duli Yang Mah Mulia Tuanku pada pagi ini. Patik memohon izin untuk menyembahkan beberapa perkara:

1. Artikel XVl (6) Undang-undang Perlembagaan Negeri Perak menyatakan bahawa "If the Menteri Besar ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the Legislative Assembly, then, unless at his request His Royal Highness dissolves the Legislative Assembly, he shall tender the resignation of the Executive Council". Ini bermakna sokongan Menteri Besar itu perlu diputuskan oleh Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri.

2. Jumlah Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Pakatan Rakyat dan Barisan Nasional adalah sama iaitu 28 orang. Adalah kurang tepat andaian Barisan Nasional mempunyai majoriti. YB Yang Dipertua Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak telah memutuskan bahaw Adun bagi kawasan Behrang, Changkat Jering dan Jelapang bukan lagi Adun. YB Yang Dipertua Dewan Undangan

Negeri Perak dan Kerajaan Negeri Perak juga telah memfailkan satu permohonan untuk satu perisytiharan bahawa ketiga-tiga Adun berkenaan bukannya Adun untuk kawasan-kawasan tersebut, di Mahkamah Tinggi pada pagi ini. Sewajarnya kita menunggu keputusan mahkamah dalam kes tersebut.

Ampuan Tuanku,

Atas alasan di atas dan berdasarkan prinsip demnokrasi dan Raja Berperlembagaaan, Patik dengan ini merafa' sembah memohon agar Dewan Undangan Negeri dibubarkan bagi membolehkan rakyat memilih semula kerajaan yang dikehendaki mereka.

Ampuan Tuanku,

Patik dengan ini merafa' sembah bahawa pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat sebulat suara meminta patik untuk tidak meletak jawatan sehingga krisis perlembagaan ini diputuskan oleh Mahkamah atau Dewan Undangan Negeri Perak.

Ampuan Tuanku,

Patik akhiri warkah yang tidak sepertinya ini dengan sekalung penghargaan ke atas keprihatinan dan pertimbangan Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku, mudah-mudahan Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala melanjutkan usia Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku dan seluruh kerabab Tuanku dan semoga sentiasa berada di dalam kesejahteraan dan kebahagian yang berkekalan.

Amin Ya Rabbal 'Alamin

Ampun Tuanku,

Patik dengan segala hormat takzimnya; bagi pihak Ahli-ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Pakatan Rakyat

YAB Dato' Seri Ir Haji Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin
Menteri Besar Perak Darul Ridzuan

Perak people robbed, shortchanged (Malaysiakini)

2009-02-05T20:30:00.002+08:00

(This article was taken from Malaysiakini)

'It can be assured that there will be serious repercussions come the next general elections if the BN is allowed to govern Perak in this way.'

On Perak gov't collapses - BN claims power

Meng: If this is the beginning of Najib's politics, it bodes danger for the country and the rakyat. It is obvious that this is a man familiar only with cloak-and-dagger politics.

From his meeting with Saiful the sodomy accuser to Jamaluddin the Perak rep, everything smells of a rat.

This latest move by Najib is nothing more than a coup and not a proper transfer of power.

The people of Perak have been robbed and shortchanged and I can assure you that there will be serious repercussions come the next general elections if the BN is allowed to govern Perak in this way.

It is hoped that in this darkest hour, the Perak sultan in his wisdom will call for the dissolution of the Perak state assembly to make way for state elections.

If His Highness does not, then the rakyat will surely protest and will return with a vengeance at the next general elections.

Either way, the Barisan Nasional government is nearing its end. They are about to be checkmated.

Vivian Lim: After losing in two free and fair by-elections, Najib finally claims victory in Perak by undemocratic means. I was born and grew up in Perak.

The people of Perak gave victory to Pakatan Rakyat on March 8. Now Najib has, with one shake of his witch's broomstick (and God knows what else) taken away from Perak a government led mainly by people who serve the rakyat.

I appeal to Hee, the ex-DAP state assemblyperson. Please think. If you left DAP because of the ‘bad' guys there, do you honestly think Najib and his cronies are better?

Some things are more important than money or revenge. Rightly or wrongly, you will forever be remembered as someone who denied Perakians true democracy, and delivered them into the hands of their corrupt oppressor.

Do you honestly think you will get much joy out of being a part of BN? If it were not for DAP, you would not have risen from clerk to deputy speaker.

I also appeal to all Perakians and Malaysians to stand up in whatever way you can, defend what little democracy we have left before it is all taken away.

As I am writing this now, I do not yet have news of the Sultan of Perak's decision. I pray that His Highness will do what is wise, just and courageous.

I will not appeal to Najib. We all know there is no point in that.

Prema Subramaniam: As a resident of Perak, it is really a disgrace for Barisan Nasional to pinch the Pakatan Rakyat state representatives.

We pray that our Sultan will cede to Nizar's request and immediately dissolve the state assembly. All the BN representatives will lose their deposits if a snap elections were to be held.

The three state assembly persons who defected to BN are capable of doing anything for their personal gain.

For them, their self interests are above party interests. PR, please vet all your candidates before letting them stand for snap polls.

Perakian: To our benevolent Sultan Azlan Shah. I am a born-bred Perakian. Batu Gajah was my home for the first four years of my life before my family shifted to Ipoh where we still stay in.

Hence, I plead to you, my dear ruler, that you will exercise your excellent judgment and discernment to hear the hearts of Perakians, your people.

Yesterday was indeed a dark day for Perak when we saw a power struggle being conducted instead of nation-building. We have hopes of a better Perak, one that is growing economically and in stability.

And I believe Perakians have seen glimpses of development since Pakatan Rakyat governed the state.

Verily, the PR state government is far from perfect, far from ideal, but I believe this government ought to be given a more significant chance to serve the people of Perak.

I am not a lawyer, hence, I do not know how to speak the lingua franca of law and legalities. But, I do know that the Perakians have spoken on March 8, 2008 and we have chosen the PR government to represent us.

At least, let us decide once again on who we believe can govern this state well. Let us have the government we voted for, not one that barges in through crossovers.

The time has come for nation-building to be the country's and the state's highest priority.

This responsibility and privilege has become even more significant under such trying economic times, where the man-on-the-street is hard hit and the poor become even poorer.

Peter Ooi: It is rather sad that the Perak government under Pakatan Rakyat has to dissolve after hardly having served the state for less than a year.

It had to dissolve not because of its incapability to govern or administer efficiently but because of a few its elected representatives found it fit to desert their parties.

But whatever reasons these reps may have to leave, they are not acceptable to the public.

They were elected using the manisfestoes of their parties. It is the ideals and principles of the said manifestoes that the voters believed when they cast their votes.

Any rep leaving the party after having won is no better than a dishonest salesman who hoodwinks customers into buying products only to find that product's quality does not measure up to what was claimed.

Besides, it is common that large amounts of money be involved in trying to 'buy' reps from the opposite camp.

If the government is serious in combatting corruption, this is one area that it could completely eradicate corruption. Pass a law forbidding party hopping. When party hopping ends, corruption ends.

As long as party hopping is allowed, no government can rule effectively and efficiently. Every one is a suspect.

Thus, the powers-that-be would spend most of their time keeping track or spying on the ‘suspects' instead of concentrating on the day-to-day running of the country.

If Najib is serious in combatting corruption, make party-hopping against the law. Right now the rakyat in Perak are suffering due to uncertainties in the government.

Francis Rozario: The Perak sultan has the prerogative to dissolve the state assembly or to ask for a vote of confidence and if the current Perak MB does not receive such a vote of confidence, the ruler may then appoint another person who commands the majority of the assembly.

It is not necessary to dissolve the assembly at all but if there is a stalemate, then the sultan will have no alternative but to dissolve the state assembly.

Whilst this is a burden on the taxpayer, it is nonetheless necessary. It will help the rakyat to tell Najib that he is not PM material as this whole issue smells of his own personal involvement.

It is time the peole speak and if Perak goes for elections, the people must speak loud and clear.

Andrew Khoo: So much for the immorality of party-hopping and switching of allegiances.

Not that BN held the moral high ground before, but it certainly cannot claim it now and in the future.

G-man: All I can say is how disgusted I am by the conduct of the three defectors from PKR. This goes to show it was all about money and never about the people.

The reps for PKR were voted in for the parties they represented, not the individuals.

And it doesn't surprise me to see two corrupt politicians join the rest of these corrupted as they say birds of a feather, flock together.

The right thing to do is to call for a fresh mandate from the people and let them decide again.

23PSI: The wresting of control of Perak is a hollow victory - one without the support of the electorate.

BN may have succeeded in swinging the representatives over, but the electorate it has not. This only serves to make BN more repugnant than it already is.

Richard Teo: Its sickening. Once again the will of the people has been frustrated by the BN government which has used their power and money to lure the required number of reps to take over the Perak government.

It does not take a genius to know where the Pakatan Rakyat weakness was centred. The two reps who defected were involved in a corruption case which was scheduled for hearing on Feb 10.

What was offered to them is a matter of conjecture but their disappearance during the first few days of the Chinese New Year holidays indicated some kind of deal was struck and the two PKR member was going to hop over to BN in order to save their skin.

It would be interesting to see how the corruption case will now proceed. Most likely the powers-that-be behind the BN government will arrange for some kind of show trial which will eventually exonerate them of any guilt.

The only way for Perak to have a government of the people and for the people is to have a snap election which will finally decide which coalition should have the mandate to form the state government.

This can only happen if the Perak Sultan plays a pivotal role by being non-partisan in his decision to call for a snap election. For a democracy to survive and flourish, the sultan must pay heed to the wishes of its people.

The March 8 election which swept Pakatan Rakyat to power was no accident. If BN is allowed to frustrate the will of the people, then change will not happen because they have deemed it fit to cast aside the aspirations of the people.

This is a testing time for our democracy and the Perak Sultan's decision will no doubt indicate which direction our fledgling democracy will be heading.

Dian Abdullah: Twist and turn, here and there. Well, now it is up to the Sultan of Perak to do the right thing. That is to dissolve the state assembly and let the people decide again.

The arrogant manner Umno had continued with will not last long. In fact, if fresh elections are permitted, I am very sure the people of Perak will teach and even shame Najib and Umno beyond repair.

The Perak people have benefitted much during the short period under MB Mohd Nizar. Though many obstacles were put in front of him by Umno, he never once lost his cool.

Instead, he continued dutifully with his work. This is what the people have observed and I believe the royalty has noticed that too.

Like all Malaysians, I truly believe many more people have become sick and tired of the way money had been used to purchase power and position.

Umno stands to lose all rights and positions in Perak for a long, long time. The people of Perak will do their ‘kung fu kick' and seal their fate.

Aliran Executive Committee: Aliran is alarmed that the duly elected legitimate government in Perak is being toppled through immoral party-hopping thus frustrating the will of the people.

These party hoppers do not represent themselves but they are the representatives of the people. In the last election, these individuals were not elected solely on their individual merit.

Votes were mainly cast for the Pakatan Rakyat in rejecting the BN. If the people had chosen to cast their votes on the merit and qualification of candidates, many of them would not have been elected.

It is very clear the votes were meant for the party. These individuals have no right to now nullify the electoral process.

It would only be morally right that the state assembly be dissolved and fresh elections be held. Let the people decide again who should form government.

An alternative government should not be allowed to emerge through defections under such questionable and dubious circumstances without seeking a fresh mandate from the people in line with their aspirations.

Michael: Nizar is still the MB of Perak. The existing state assembly recognises him as the MB to date.

He will only lose his post via a vote of no-confidence against him in the state assembly and not outside the state assembly ,in concordance with the laws of Perak.

Until the next state assembly meeting is conducted to sack him, he is still the lawful MB. This is different from the absence of a valid state assembly (as normally happens immediately after a fresh election) when the party with the simple majority is allowed to form the government.

Therefore, His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Perak will not be wrong should he decide to dissolve the state assembly upon the request by the current MB.

Unless, of course, our beloved sultan thinks that BN will be able to form a more stable and united state government.

Jamaluddin oh Jamaluddin...

2009-02-05T19:58:00.003+08:00

Beberapa hari yang lalu, saya terbaca satu artikel di Harakahdaily, menyatakan bahawa Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, ADUN Behrang, di dalam tempohnya sebagai wakil rakyat KEADILAN ada menyebarkan khabar angin menyatakan bahawa Menteri Besar Perak, YAB Dato' Seri Haji Ir. Mohd. Nizar Jamaluddin adalah 'patung boneka' parti DAP.

Seingat saya, Jamaluddin bersama - sama dengan Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham serta YAB Menteri Besar adalah calon - calon Menteri Besar Perak yang baru ekoran kemenangan Pakatan Rakyat di dalam Pilihanraya Umum ke-12 tahun lalu.

Jamaluddin oh Jamaluddin...mengapa dengan dikau, wahai Ludin?

Adakah engkau di dalam kesedihan yang teramat kerana tidak dicalonkan? Sungguhpun engkau hanya sekangkang kera daripada menjadi orang teratas negeri Perak?

Jamaluddin oh Jamaluddin...

Tidakkah engkau sedar? Andaikata engkau yang menjadi Menteri Besar sekalipun, nescaya engkau juga akan turut dilabel 'patung boneka' DAP.

Entahlah, Ludin. Aku malas nak layan perangai engkau.

Da'wah & Presentation

2009-01-31T09:30:00.004+08:00

Yesterday was my third day of training under SCICOM (MSC). Our instructor was Ms. Salha, who was in charge of presentation. Since it was our first day with her, she asked each and everyone of us to perform a 5-minute presentation, talking about anything that crossed our minds.

Everyone was going to talk about their personal lives, favourite pets, favourite dishes.

"Nay, man! I can't perform the same range of topics. Nay, I'm a goin' to venture into other topics."

I suddenly recalled an advice I once gave to a few of my fellow companions back in Penang;

"Identify what you want to present. Identify and understand your spectators' background and mentality. Understand the situation."

In the same room with me were not only Malays (thank God to that...), but other races, and even other religions than that of Islam.

And then it struck me:

"Hey, nonny nonny!!! Why not talk about religion? It's worth a shot."

And so, I spent about 5 minutes elaborating a verse from Surah Al-Hujuraat:

"Truly We have created you from a pair of a male and a female. Then, We made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other (not that you may despise one another)."

[Al-Hujuraat 49:13]

I've often talked about this particular verse, but this was the first time ever I elaborated in English. Alhamdulillah, it went well. No grudges, especially from the non-Muslims. In fact, I spent the whole day chit-chatting with others. One of them requested a more detailed explanation on one of the topics I brought up, regarding the racial oppressions of post WW-II.

Anyhow, this session has proved to me that one can talk about Islam to others, given the appropriate techniques; one that would be accepted by the current spectators.

Many tend to perform da'wah on to others, be they Muslims or non-Muslims. Not many succeeded this, due to the fact that they preach as if they were preaching scholars (ulama'), Islamists, when those standing before them are but ordinary, everyday people.

Spreading the word of Islam is a must. The only question is, how?

Simple. Use a method that is suitable to others, AND NOT THAT OF WHAT IS SUITABLE TO YOU!!! Think of yourself, and you'll never accomplish, except to those who are of your level.

The Return of Metropolis Life

2009-01-28T20:20:00.003+08:00

Alhamdulillah, I was recently offered a two-month training course under MSC, plus allowances in the form of a scholarship, of which I was guaranteed employment upon completion.

The training took place at the Stamford College Jalan Persiaran Barat campus in Petaling Jaya, right next to PJ Hilton. And so, after a year of enjoying kampung life in Penang, I finally returned to the life in which I was brought up.

My day started by leaving home at around 6.50 am, and driving through the morning traffic of the Federal Highway towards the Kelana Jaya LRT station. Upon arrival, I would park and lock up my car, thus heading for the platform to await the arrival of the LRT train, which would then take me to Taman Jaya station about four stops away.

From the station, which is adjacent to the A&W Drive-In, I would walk along Jalan Persiaran Barat towards the campus building, which is roughly about 10 minutes away, arriving at about 7.40 am.

I then had a light breakfast, bought a newspaper (The Star...to hell with Berita Harian and their alliances!!!), and pore over it whilst awaiting for my training session to initiate, which takes place at 9.00 am.

By 5.00 pm, my training session is over for the day, and I would walk back to the station, board the LRT back to Kelana Jaya, and drove back home, arriving around 6.15 pm, depending on the traffic conditions.

Why I left early, you say?

Well, firstly, I wanted to avoid heavy congestion on the highway. Secondly, I fear that the parking spaces at the station would be filled up. And thirdly, I still hold to my habit of arriving early. Among my colleagues are those who are of non-Muslims. And I, being a Muslim myself, must set up a good example of time discipline.

It is the softest of methods when performing dakwah, in which you preach others by form of attitude.

Palestin...

2009-01-06T23:39:00.003+08:00

لا تَزَالُ طَائِفَةٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِي عَلَى الْحَقِّ ظَاهِرِينَ لِعَدُوِّهِمْ قَاهِرِينَ لا يَضُرُّهُمْ مَنْ خَالَفَهُمْ إِلَّا مَا أَصَابَهُمْ مِنْ لَأْوَاءَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَهُمْ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ وَهُمْ كَذَلِكَ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَأَيْنَ هُمْ قَالَ ‏ ‏بِبَيْتِ الْمَقْدِسِ ‏ ‏وَأَكْنَافِ ‏ ‏بَيْتِ الْمَقْدِسِ

"Akan sentiasa ada wujud sekumpulan dari umatku yang terus menegakkan kebenaran dan tegas mendepani musuh. Tidak memudaratkan perjuangan mereka walau dipinggirkan dan dirintangi kesusahan kecuali ujian (Ilahi) sehinggalah datang ketentuan Allah. Mereka akan tetap sedemikian."

Bertanya para sahabat, "Ya Rasulullah. Di mana mereka itu?"

Baginda S.A.W. menjawab, "Mereka berada di Baitul Maqdis dan di kawasan sekitarnya."

"There will always exist amongst my ummah, a group that will constantly uphold the truth and firmly face the enemy. Their struggle shall not be affected though reclused and resisted by hardship besides tests (from Allah) until Allah's will comes. They shall remain so in that way."

The companions ask, "Where are they, O Messenger of Allah?"

The Messenger (pbuh) replied, "(They are situated in) Baitul Maqdis and the areas that surround it."

SOURCE: THE MUSNAD OF IMAM AHMAD IBN HANBAL

Wanita & Durian

2009-01-05T21:41:00.004+08:00

(Kepada si sahabat yang tak suka baca artikel panjang - panjang/suka baca sekerat jalan, boleh skrol terus kepada artikel berwarna hijau... :p)

Pagi tadi, sebelum berangkat meninggalkan Kuala Kangsar pulang ke Subang Jaya, aku sembang kejap dengan Opah, memandangkan semalam aku tiba menjelang Maghrib, dan terus masuk tidur selepas makan malam kerana memaksa diri memandu dalam keadaan baru kebah demam.

"Awak ni, apa kehe cepat benor nak balik. Duduk le sehari dua lagi. Batuk awak pun tak hilang lagi." kata Opah.

Aku balas,

"Bukannye tak mau. Dah Abah dok tanya bila nak balik..."

"Kat Pulau Pinang tu ye ler, awak dok rumah orang. Dok rumah Opah lain ceritenyer. Bukannya rumah orang lain pun; rumah Abah awak jugak. Ada ler kawan Opah kat rumah ni ha." kata Opah.

"Ate, urusan dengan UiTM Pulau Pinang dah selesai, yang kat Shah Alam tu tak selesai lagi. Tu yang berkejor sikit."

"Hmm, yelah. Kot ye pun, balik le belah petang. Boleh Opah masak tengahari."

"Karim kena balik pagi, sebab nak singgah Behrang jenguk tanah Abah tu. Dah lama benor tak jenguk. Nak ambik bil ayor, api kat rumah nu ha. Lagipun, kena sampai rumah sebelum petang. Kalau idak, sesak jalan orang balik koje. Lain ler masa dok Pulau Pinang dulu; bila - bila boleh bertolak."

"Ada berbuah ke pokok - pokok kat Behrang tu? Pokok - pokok durian tu?" tanya Opah.

"Entah. Takde dikenangkan deme (penjaga tanah) pun. Durian, yang pokok liar tu aje ler yang rajin berbuah. Lepas kena petir kemarin, tak merasa durian pun. Yang tanam tu, kata arwah tok Ibrahim kemarin, ada berbuah sekali, tapi dikoje kera, melepaslah."

"Pokok yang tanam tu, Opah yang semai dulu. Tapi, kat rumah le; tanam dalam beg hitam tu. Abah awak balik Kuala, dibawaknye ke Behrang bagi 'cik Ibrahim tanamkan kat sana. Pokok durian ni, tak boleh mesin kelilingnya. Rosak akar, tak berbuah le. Tu yang orang tua kata, tebas pokok durian. Kena jaga elok - elok etc. ...."

Tengah Opah dok cerita pasal durian tu, yang aku terkenangkan pasal satu ungkapan yang aku buat berasaskan kepada kerenah pokok durian.

Biasanya, di dalam mana - mana buku atau majalah sekalipun, bila menyebut perihal wanita, wujudnya macam - macam jenis ungkapan:

"Wanita ibarat bunga"

"Wanita penyeri kehidupan"

"Tangisan wanita adalah mutiara"

...dan macam - macam lagi.

Namun, bagiku, sejauh mana benarnya ungkapan - ungkapan ini sekalipun, by the end of the day, ianya berbalik kepada satu ungkapan sahaja:

"WANITA IBARAT POKOK DURIAN"

Mengapa aku kata begitu? Mari kita menyelami hakikat pokok durian itu tersendiri...

Pokok durian, mengikut orang tua - tua, adalah amat sensitif. Bagi memastikan ianya berbuah dengan baik, ianya perlu dibelai dengan 'penuh kasih sayang'. Batang pokoknya tak boleh ditetak.

Demikian juga akarnya. Kalau hendak buang lalang di keliling pokok, mesti ditebas. Tak boleh dimesin. Takut terkena akar. Pun juga, tidak boleh menggunakan racun. Jahanam beliau.

Pada masa yang sama, tidak boleh dinyalakan api bersebelahan dengannya (dibaca: membuat unggun api).

Kalau dilanggar pantang larang di atas ini, maka 'merajuklah' pokok durian, lantas tidak berbuah.

Demikian juga halnya dengan wanita. Secara kasarnya, Kalau jaga, baiklah. Kalau buat hal dengan dia, haa siaplah hang!

Secara mendalam, ciptaan Allah yang bernama wanita ini adalah amat fragile (mudah pecah). Nak jadi baik senang, jadi yang sebaliknya pun senang. Maka, untuk mereka menjadi baik, haruslah dijaga dengan baik, dipelihara dengan baik, dididik dengan baik.

Maka, jadilah kalian dari kalangan wanita yang baik - baik. Allah jadikan kalian sebagai contoh sebaik - baik insan, bukannya sebagai pelesit yang menggoda hati manusia yang lalai.

Jangan marah naa...

Reading the Holy Quran

2008-12-31T20:08:00.003+08:00

I had to admit that in the past, I recited the Quran on occasions. However, as I grew up, I started reading the Quran more frequently, from once a week, to once every few days, and finally to at least once a day.

And upon completion of reciting, I felt lightheaded, calm, and on occasions, came up with a solution for whatever glitches that I was facing.

Eversince a couple of weeks ago, I was frequently away from home, with the first week within mastautin range, and the following week being a musafir (traveller) in another region.

During the first week, I returned home quite late, and the only thing on my mind was "up, up, and away!!!" (flop on the bed).

When I travelled to another region, I left my copy of the kitab at home, thus not reciting the Quran.

A few days ago, I noticed a change in my personality; I became less calm, nervous, lost, and can not control my senses. Why, this afternoon in Perai, I openly cursed a driver for being pigheaded (between you and me, looking at the chap himself, a concious person would have agreed that he's not worth being tolerated).

Seriously, as I am a chap that travels frequently, be it for leisure or official purposes, I need to get myself a small Quran that is suitable for mobility purposes.

It is true, that when a man recites the Quran, he is at peace...

A Middle Class Malay Perspective

2008-12-14T08:25:00.002+08:00

(Artikel ini diambil dari laman The Star Online edisi 14 Disember 2008)

IN the strident and unnecessarily unpleasant debate over the concept of ketuanan Melayu and the Malay community’s political future, the quiet voices of urban middle-class Malays have yet to make themselves heard.

As a partial corrective, I spoke to several members of a tribe that, while small in number, is intriguing from a social anthropology perspective.

The Malays of the anak Datuk class – the children of senior civil servants and technocrats whose parents’ careers in public service predated the Mahathir era – are interesting in that their values and ideas about Malaysia must have been formed at least in part by their families’ experiences of nation building.

As their parents made the country, it stands to reason that they would have a considerable emotional stake in how it develops in the future.

Even within this rarefied sub-caste of children of the Establishment who are not themselves involved in politics, however, their feelings about ketuanan Melayu show a marked diversity.

Fahmi Fadzil, 27, is a writer and performer. He is the son of Datuk Fadzil Yunus, the former director-general – and later general manager – of the Felda group of companies, and Datin Fauziah Ramly, a senior civil servant who was most recently a Commissioner with the Public Service Commission.

I asked him what he makes of the concept of ketuanan Melayu.

“I never grew up thinking about it very much. My parents never spoke to me about it. Even when I was in college the whole matter was never really present in how I saw things.

“I think because I live in KL – and especially because my parents came from that group of earlier middle class Malay civil servants – I don’t think I would subscribe to ideas of ketuanan Melayu.”

But does he subscribe in any way to the idea that the Malays are the natural leaders – or in some way the owners – of Malaysia?

“No. On my father’s side I’m the fourth generation born on this peninsula, on my mother’s side just the third generation, so I see myself as a pendatang too. I don’t subscribe to the idea of a natural leadership role for the Malays.

“More than that, as a Muslim, I don’t see the need for this. There is no such thing as one group being ethnically superior to another.

“The thing I remember most from school, from kelas agama, (is that) from the early days of Islam there was a clear message that you were all the same. Whether you were Arabs or not, you are all the same now.

“We should be talking about values and principles held by people rather than subscribing to simplistic ideas of certain ethnicities being the owners of the land. I don’t subscribe to that, and even if I did, I think the rightful owners would be the Orang Asal.”

Datuk Zahim Albakri, 45, the director and actor, is the son of Datuk Ikmal Hisham Albakri, the first Malay architect and the first President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia, who designed the National Library, Putra World Trade Centre, and the Bank Bumiputera headquarters in KL.

Zahim’s grandfather, Datuk Seri Mustafa Albakri, of the Malayan Civil Service, was the first Commissioner of the Election Commission and the first Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal.

For Zahim, coming to grips with the concept of ketuanan Melayu means dispelling ambiguity: “There seems to be a confusion between the bumiputera policy (the New Economic Policy) and the idea of ketuanan Melayu. The bumiputera policy was a reaction to the riots of 1969, whereas ketuanan Melayu, in the Constitution, I don’t think is particularly giving special privileges or rights to the Malays, it’s to ensure that the Malay Rulers have a certain place, to ensure that those institutions continue.

“I grew up in a family where we were brought up with the understanding that the Malay rulers are there, and this is our history, our culture.

“I grew up with my granddad being proudly Malay, and proudly Orang Perak. There was this sense of being proud of our culture. But never were we made to think that being Malay gave us a right to something beyond.

“I was brought up (to believe) that every citizen in Malaysia was equal. I was never brought up believing that Malays should have more than everyone else.”

How would he feel about a non-Malay Prime Minister?

“I have no problem with a non-Malay PM. It should be about their competence. It should be the best person for the job.”

The composer Datin Saidah Rastam comes from a family steeped in public life. Her maternal grandfather was Perak’s 14th Datuk Panglima Kinta, who held 56 public service posts at the time of his death. Her father is Datuk Rastam Hadi, the former managing director of Petronas and former deputy governor of Bank Negara. Her husband is the urbane lawyer-turned-banker Datuk Charon Mokhzani (who, with exquisite politeness, declined to be interviewed for this article).

Says Saidah, “I think the races should be treated equally and the biggest thing that makes me uneasy about the concept of ketuanan Melayu is that it’s increasingly being used in fascist ways.”

She believes that the NEP “was a necessary thing at the time, given the racial tensions, but that’s different from the concept of Malay supremacy”.

She points to the historical record: “Tun Razak said that that was only for that time, and this NEP thing would end at some point, so that’s different from the notion that there’s an inherent Malay supremacy that can’t be questioned, which I’m very uneasy with.

“I’m somebody who benefited from the policies which favoured Malays – at the outset I’m happy to admit that. But looking at things today, my personal view is that we should give everybody equal opportunities because the policies favouring Malays haven’t been used properly.

“And given that the people who are supposed to safeguard the correct implementation of the policies are the same ones who benefit from them, I’m not optimistic that those policies will be correctly implemented.”

Dain-Iskandar Said is a writer and film director. His father was Datuk Mohamed Said Zain, a diplomat and intelligence officer.

He sees the concept of ketuanan Melayu as “outmoded, out of step with the times we live in, when the world is becoming more and more global. The world over, people are bringing down barriers of race, yet we are trying to instill and install those outmoded values.”

In his eyes, there are many aspects to the problem. “First, what is a Malay? Most Malays I know are some kind of mix, so who defines being Malay? Who are the guardians of the definition?

“The definition of ketuanan Melayu seems to be Umno; it always seems to lead back to Umno’s agenda.

“I’m not saying that outside of it it’s not valid; it may be valid to a lot of people. I can understand that. The main problem is the way it’s implemented. The tone of it is fascistic.”

For him, the promotion of the tenets of ketuanan Melayu “exposes deep insecurity, because if you really believe you are leading this country, what are you so scared of? I don’t think any of the other races want to take that away from you. They can’t, because in the Constitution are enshrined certain precepts.”

Dain argues that our debate is impoverished. “While many of us middle class Malays can be liberal and open, there’s never been any kind of infrastructure that supports ideas or traditions of openness.

“So on the one hand you have people who are willing to be open and liberal, but on the other hand it is so easy to destroy it, because there is no critical, intellectual or educational infrastructure to support those ideas.

“When you attack something that has no support, it is so easy to play to the rural Malay masses, to instill that kind of fear, and make people feel extremely powerless.

“There’s no tradition of talking critically about race and identity politics. You’re almost suspended in a vacuum.”

This is a vacuum that we need to fill with the plurality and diversity of our opinions. It has always been the position of Wide Angle that Malaysia’s many problems and tensions should not be ignored; they need to be addressed by continued, forthright yet respectful debate by citizens, and the issue of ketuanan Melayu is no exception.

Ir. Nizar & Khutbah 'Eidul Fitr

2008-12-10T21:19:00.004+08:00

Tadi, aku pergi menunaikan solat Isya' di masjid berhampiran dengan rumah aku. Dah lama tak solat berjemaah di masjid. Tambahan, waktu malam tak ada kerja, nak keluar...keluar ke mana? Aku ni bukannya gemar sangat merayau di shopping complex yang bertimbun - timbun di sekitar Subang Jaya dan Petaling, melainkan kalau ada benda yang hendak dicari, atau kalau nafsu makan satu macam.

Anyhow, lepas solat Isya' tadi, bertakbirlah sekalian jemaah masjid. Dan sedang bertakbir inilah aku kenangkan kampung, dan di situ aku teringat satu peristiwa. Peristiwa yang mana aku menyaksikan khutbah 'Eidul Fitr yang tercantik setakat ini.

Ianya merupakan 'Eidul Fitr tahun 2006, juga raya terakhir buat almarhum Atok (meninggal 7 bulan kemudian). Tahun itu, giliran beraya di kampung Mak di Kampar, Perak. Sepertimana semenjak dahulukala, kami akan menunaikan solat di Masjid Jamek Kampar (beralih kepada Markaz PAS Kampar...tahun berapa, aku tak ingat, gara - gara tindakan majlis ugama islam Perak yang menarik balik status masjid, melarang kuliah - kuliah, serta tiada saluran kewangan).

Adapun Masjid An-Nur yang lebih dekat dengan Taman Melayu Jaya yang lebih baru (est. 1989), kami lebih rela ke Masjid Jamek, kerana kawasan sekitar itu tempat almarhum Atok dilahirkan membesar. Tambahan, Atok, aku, Abah dikenali oleh kariah masjid, sebahagiannya pernah menjadi anak murid Atok.

Khatib jemputan adalah seorang insan yang mana setahun setengah kemudian diberi gelaran Menteri Besar Perak. Ya, beliau adalah Ir Mohd. Nizar Jamaluddin, anak jati kampung di mana terletaknya masjid tersebut.

Pada waktu itu beliau, kalau menurut YDP PAS Kampar, masih merupakan jurutera di Pulau Pinang. Di dalam khutbah beliau, khutbah pertama menyentuh tentang hal ehwal semasa yang melibatkan umat Islam (IFC, SIS, Lina Joy, Amina Wadud, Astora Jabat dll.).

Khutbah kedua yang menarik perhatian aku, yang mana beliau menyatakan (lebih kuranglah...),

"...pada hari ini, takbir raya hanya dilaungkan oleh tekong - tekong muzik yang merdu suara mereka. Umat Islam sudah lupa asalnya takbir raya itu..."

Hakikatnya, memang itulah yang berlaku. Ramai yang sudah lupa sebab asalnya kita diseru bertakbir pada kedua - dua hari raya. Ada yang menganggapnya sebagai budaya Melayu, sepertimana tuntutan berpuasa itu. Kerana tidak tahu, tidak memahami, dan tidak menghayati asal - usul takbir itu, maka tidak menghairankan apabila bertakbir, semua pakat buat suara lesu, macam nak tak nak aje bertakbir. Semua pakat tidak bersemangat.

Takbir tak bersemangat, maka wujud keinginan nak balik cepat, terkenangkan lemang dan ketupat di rumah, nak bypass khutbah raya (walaupun aku tak nafikan sesetengah khutbah memang cukup memualkan). Kalau khutbah raya pun 'ponteng', sia - sia aje kau keluar rumah ke masjid menunaikan solat.

Maka, apabila kita bertakbir, janganlah kita bertakbir sepertimana orang baru bangun tidur. Takbir itu melambangkan kemenangan umat Islam. Kalau menang pilihanraya, arak bendera satu pekan. Semangat pulak. Apa kurangnya dengan mengenangkan kemenangan Islam?

Fikir - fikirkanlah sendiri...

Memandu: Sebelah kanan, atau kiri?

2008-12-09T21:53:00.007+08:00

Di dalam dunia ini, ada dua kaedah memandu kenderaan; memandu di sebelah kiri, atau di sebelah kanan. Negara - negara Komanwel dan beberapa negara lain memandu di sebelah kanan, manakala yang selebihnya memandu di sebelah kiri. Mengapa berlaku begini?

Al-kisah...kalau tak silap lah...

Pada zaman kerajaan Rom, apabila tenteranya berjalan, mereka berjalan di sebelah kiri jalanraya dan memakai pedang mereka di sebelah kanan. Ini supaya mereka lebih bersedia andaikata diserang di tengah - tengah perjalanan.

Sementara itu, kerajaan Perancis di era Napoleon Bonaparte melakukan perkara yang sama, tetapi berjalan di sebelah kanan, pedang di sebelah kiri. Ini menjadi asas kepada sebab sesetengah negara memandu di sebelah kiri, dan sesetengah lagi di sebelah kanan.

Sewaktu menetap di United Kingdom dahulu, kami sekeluarga kerap menyeberang Selat Inggeris ke negara - negara Eropah. Pada waktu itu, tidak ada masalah bertukar dari sebelah kiri ke sebelah kanan, kerana feri menjadi pengantara...tahu - tahu sudah berada di sebelah kanan jalanraya.

Secara umumnya tiada masalah memandu kereta Britain di Eropah, kecuali kalau memandu di jalan kampung, dan hendak memotong lori. But then again, potong - memotong jarang berlaku.

Di Malaysia, kita tidak berdepan dengan proses bertukar dari kiri ke kanan, kerana satu, melainkan ke Singapura dan selatan Thailand, rata - rata rakyat Malaysia jarang memandu memasuki negara jiran. Dua, negara - negara jiran yang berkongsi sempadan memandu di sebelah kiri sepertimana Malaysia.

Pagi tadi, aku ke Shah Alam untuk membayar bil air dan zakat harta abah. Selesai membayar bil, aku teringat...belum sarapan daa... Jadi aku singgah di Cold Storage untuk membeli air tin Green Tea, dan makanan untuk disantap di dalam perjalanan pulang ke Subang Jaya.

Namun, bila tiba bab makan, memang leceh, sebab aku berada di sebelah kanan, makanan di sebelah kiri. Maka berlakulah siri perpindahan makanan dari bungkusannya ke tangan kiri, dihulurkan ke tangan kanan, dan seterusnya ke dalam mulut. Nasib baik dari tangan kanan tak terlepas ke tangan jurutol...kalau jadi...tobat lain kali aku balik ikut Jalan Glenmarie.

Pada waktu itulah baru aku terfikir,

"Kalau aku memandu di sebelah kiri, banyak sunnah yang aku boleh accomplish dalam kereta..."

Contoh:
1. Makan/minum dengan tangan kanan
2. Masuk kereta dengan kaki kanan, keluar dengan kaki kiri

Aku teringat suatu ketika dahulu, ada seorang tabligh yang selalu solat di surau sekolah lama aku (masa cuti SPM, aku selalu lepak situ solat Maghrib dan Isya' bersama rakan - rakan alumni Badan Kebajikan Surau). Sungguhpun tempat duduk pemandu di sebelah kanan, beliau tetap akan melangkah masuk menggunakan kaki kanan.

Aku pernah cuba sekali, tobat tak nak buat dah! Tersimpul kaki aku.

Entahlah, yeop. Bak kata orang putih,

"Live life as it is."

"Live and let live."

The Hammer, Its Flexibility & Relationship With Da'wah

2008-12-03T21:01:00.006+08:00

After four months, I finally returned to my hometown in Subang Jaya, Selangor...this time driving, as I was coming home for good (hopefully, with Allah's blessings), the car itself being in Penang for almost a year, as I usually take the train or flight (one time only...) home during certain holidays, if not returning only as far as my granny's in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.

But, enough of that. Let's get to the real story...

Upon returning home, the first channel I watched was Channel 551 (Discovery Channel). I have a craze on television documentaries, usually physics, history, engineering, but excluding biological documentaries...not me line, mate!

By coincidence, the programme that was currently being aired is Mythbusters; a documentary where they test legendary myths using scientific, and most of the time...wacky methods. On that particular programme, they were conducting an experiment based on a myth stating that when two hammers collide, it emits a spark...an explosive spark.

They used two types of hammers; a modern hammer, and an old-fashioned hammer. The deviation between these hammers is that the old-fashioned hammer is very hard, as it is mixed with carbon compounds (not initially purified before being moulded), whilst the modern hammer consists of only pure steel, therefore being slightly soft.

I was not interested in the results obtained from the conducted experiments...it was the hammers that caught my attention.

The old-fashioned hammer, being physically hard...and brittle, had no flexibility characteristics, and therefore...according to the laws of physics...can not absorb any given impact towards it (impulse).

The modern hammer, on the other hand, has flexibility characteristics, though not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it is able to absorb any given impact towards it.

In the old days, blacksmiths were injured, usually by the old-fashioned hammer. How was it possible? Well, lacking the ability to absorb impacts, the impact energy "attacks" the molecular structure of the hammer, breaking the bond, creating metal chips and debris that bounce blindly into mid-air, ocassionally hitting the blacksmiths on the cheeks, forehead, anywhere possible.

Relationships with da'wah? Well, to be honest, it ain't the hammer, chum. It be ye olde flexibility characteristics and effects.

Basically, when referring to the term da'wah, it is the process of delivering knowledge, advice from one who knows, to another who knows not, from a preacher to a preached (mad'u).

Ocassionally, the da'wah is performed, but it does not reach the mad'u. Usually, one who is referred to as a preacher, forgets that he/she and the mad'u are different in many ways; they do not have the same level of understanding, they do not have the same method of understanding, they are not previously exposed to the same environment(s) which played a role in building their personalities.

When the preacher does not understand this fact, he/she tends to preach based on his/her level of understanding and methods, at most times not synchronized to that of the mad'u.

Therefore, it is important that a preacher be flexible when it comes to preaching, so that the preacher can regulate his/her method of preaching to suit the level of those who are around him/her, thus easing the flow of knowledge, advice into them. In some communities, unorthodox methods are required, provided they do not override the guidelines introduced by Islam. But hey, man was designated to be different from others in characteristics, so that they have the urge to learn from one another.

Remember the impact received by the hammers, and its effects? Well, consider the impact as the mad'u. If you are as flexible as the modern hammer, you are able to 'absorb' them. But, be the old-fashioned hammer, and not only do you not successfully pass on knowledge, you destruct yourself, as how the hammer chips itself.

True, many scholars remain constant wherever they preach. But then, unlike us, they are renowned nationwide. Everywhere they go, they are known to the public; streets, avenues, lanes, mews, alleys, towers, masjids, corporations. People are familiar with their methods of preaching, and have naturally adapted to it.

Therefore, be flexible in whatever you do, at any given time, as you must know and acknowledge that the people around you have almost no similar characteristics compared to yours, and therefore must understand their characteristics so that you can communicate effectively with them.