Purple Persona

The Reality of Taqwa, its Scope and 10 of its Causes by Suhaib Webb al-Azhari

2011-05-15T16:57:00.000+08:00

By Suhaib Webb

It's Definition
Taqwa means to abandon religious prohibitions and observe religious injunctions. It is defined by Shari'ah as, "A person's protection from what will harm him in the Hereafter."

Its Scope
Abandoning the prohibitions and observing the injunctions implies an inner and outer reality. Thus, its application falls under four types:

1. Abandoning the outer prohibitions (like leaving prayers or smoking weed)
2. Abandoning the inner Prohibitions (like envy or despairing His mercy)
3. Observing the outer injunctions (like prayer and being good to one's neighbors)
4. Observing the inner injunctions (like the love of God and fearing Him)

Gaining Balance
Based on the four parts of taqwa mentioned above, should strive to make sure they are all healthy. If not, the risk losing balance in their taqwa.

The great scholar, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jawzi, gave an awesome example of this: "A person who wears his clothing above his ankles, looking at others with arrogance because they don't." He noted that they have blotted out the good deed with the evil ink of arrogance and spite. Thus, while the outer is together, the inner is not. Activists must be careful, and students of knowledge as well, that their outward religiousity is not spoiled by a sick soul.

It is also possible that a person's heart is fine towards others, but his outer worship is not. For example, he attends rally after rally, meeting after meeting and class after class, but fails to observe the dawn prayer regularly or learn what is obligatory upon him. This disease, and it is common, is a sign of an imbalance in a person's taqwa. Or a person may be active, but flirts with the opposite gender, leads them on and treats them badly. The same could also apply to a person who observes the ritual acts of worship, but fails to take part in his share of community work. Ponder this, because its possibilities are mind boggling.

The Causes of Taqwa are 10

1. Fear of worldly punishment
2. Fear of punishment in the Hereafter
3. Hope for rewards in this life
4. Hope for rewards in the Hereafter
5. Fear of being audited in the Hereafter
6. Realization that God sees you
7. Being thankful for His blessings with obedience
8. Knowledge
9. Extolling His magnificence
10. Sincerely loving Him

We ask Allah to make us from the people of taqwa,

Suhaib Webb al-Azhari

The Reality of Taqwa, its Scope and 10 of its Causes by Suhaib Webb al-Azhari

2011-05-15T16:49:00.000+08:00

Don't be sad

2011-05-15T06:26:00.000+08:00

Don’t be Sad
by Azim Kidwai

Life can be tough these days. It genuinely seems like we are stuck in a rat race – work is boring, family is difficult, you just can’t find the social network and warm feeling of brother/sisterhood, and of course, you’re still single. And then on top of all this, mum is not well and dad has passed away. This may resonate with a lot of you or parts of this may, and the consequences of all this are that many of us circumnavigate life through bouts of depression. We feel a sadness that sometimes we do not know quite how to overcome. We feel an anxiety that we have no idea what it stems from. Ultimately what we find is that despite all the pleasures of the world, we are still fighting a sadness, anxiety and a feeling of sorrow, which manifest in different ways.
So why is this?
Unquestionably the reality of this situation is the gulf between our lifestyle and the prophetic example. When we find ourselves facing any problems, we see those to be the biggest issues in the world. Our whole outlook can change, our whole commitment levels can change and fundamentally we find our faith can shake. And here is the proof that we are so devoid of prophetic guidance that the affairs of our own life become the center of the universe. He (sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said what means, “O people! If any believer is afflicted by a disaster, let him remember the disaster of my death, so that this may give him ease, as nobody will be afflicted with a disaster which is greater than that of my death.” (Ibn Maajah).
The most amazing thing about this also is, that when you just take a moment to consider his death (Peace and blessings be upon him), the most bizarre sadness will overcome you. Your heart will sink, your soul will quiver and you will be able to see the reality of whatever you are dealing with at the time. Lets take that journey now, and prepare to truly comprehend the words of our Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: “When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) died, Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) was not around. ‘Umar, (may Allaah be pleased with him) stood up and addressed the people saying: ‘I swear by Allaah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has not died and that Allaah will send him back to cut off the hands and legs of those who claim that he has died.’ Then, Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) arrived to where the Prophet was lying, uncovered his face, kissed him and said: ‘I would sacrifice my father and mother for your sake. You are just as fragrant after your death as you were during your life. I swear by the one in whose hand my soul is, Allaah will never let you die twice.’
Then he went out face the people and said ‘O you who is swearing (by Allaah) (meaning ‘Umar) calm down!’ When ‘Umar, (may Allaah be pleased with him) heard Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, talking, he kept silent and sat down, so Abu Bakr, praised and thanked Allaah and then said: ‘Whoever was worshipping Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), then Muhammad (peace be upon him) is dead, but whoever was worshipping Allaah, then Allaah is alive and will never die.’ Then he recited (that which translates as): ”Indeed, you [i.e, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) are to die, and indeed, they are to die].” (Az-Zumar: 30) And that “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allaah at all; but Allaah will reward the grateful.” (3: 144) (Related by Bukhari)
Allah Al Musta’an, how sad is this scene. How does it make you feel? How does it feel when you visualize that scene? Does it not just leave you speechless? Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “When the Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) died, the Muslims were in a state of shock and confusion; some of them were bewildered, others were shocked and started to get things mixed up, others dropped to their knees and were unable to stand, others could not talk and others still refused completely to believe the news of his death.”
Brothers and sisters, the purpose of mentioning this advice of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is so we can contextualize the sadness we may feel we have in our lives. Without question, as human beings we are moved by our personal circumstances, which may cause us pain and distress, however the key is how we deal with these challenges. If we ponder on them with the context of the advice of the Messenger (peace be upon him)and his departure from this world, it makes every pain easier to bear.
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) said what means: ”Allah does not burden a soul more than it can bear]…” (7:42)
Let us not be held back by sad thoughts but rather move forward and become more Productive Muslims inshaAllah.
A short up-lifting lecture on this topic if you’re facing hardship can be listened to here

About the Author:
Azim Kidwai is the General Manager of Mercy Mission UK

--
Strive to learn your Islam from the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of your Prophet.
Do not say, So-and-so said, for you cannot learn the truth only from men. Learn the truth and then measure people against it.
This should be enough for the one who controls his whims and submits himself to his Lord.
Rizly.

Youth: On Culture, Religion, and Generation Gap

2010-09-28T18:54:00.001+08:00

By Khalid Baig
Posted: 27 Safar 1424, 17 April 2004

If the life of this world is an illusion, the period of greatest illusion occurs during youth. It is a period of high energy and great enthusiasm, coupled with an air of invincibility and perpetuity. Like the driver of a fast car, one may also develop a disdain for the slower cars on the highway of life. It is difficult to imagine that the car will run out of fuel and that one day the engine will wear out.

For the moment though the car is fast and it can go places!

For this reason there are special warnings for the youth and glad tidings for the person who uses this energy wisely. A famous hadith tells us that on the Day of Judgment no man will be able to move from his place until he answers five questions. "How did he spend his life? How did he utilize his youth? How did he earn his wealth? How did he spend it? And, how did he practice what he learnt?" [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]. While the first question asks generally about one's life pattern, the second especially focuses on the period of youth.

On the other hand, the person who devoted his youth to the worship of Allah will be among the selected seven kinds of people: "There are seven people for whom Allah Ta’aala will provide His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His shade: 1. A just ruler. 2. A youth who grew up in the worship of Allah. 3. A man whose heart is attached to the mosque. 4. Two men who love each other for Allah's sake; they meet for the sake of Allah and part company for His sake. 5. A man who is invited by a woman of beauty and position , but he refuses saying: 'I fear Allah.' 6. A man who gives in charity secretly such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives. 7. A man whose eyes shed tears as he remembers Allah in private." [Bukhari, Muslim].

Hence the profound advice in another famous hadith to value five things: "Youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before preoccupation, and life before death."

A fast car is dangerous if it does not have strong controls. And that is where Shaitan targets the vulnerable --- by loosening the controls. It has been his time-tested trick to work through temptations and make desires look irresistible. The path of deviation looks good. It is cool. It is fun. It is endlessly entertaining. The only problem is, it leads to assured disaster. This is the path of MTV and pop culture; of music and hip-hop; of rebellion and generation gap.

'Generation gap' is a clever term that aims at giving scientific respectability to rudeness and rebellion. The idea is to create a wedge between generations and make it look acceptable for a young person to be indifferent to any wise counsel from one's close and well-wishing elders. Which reminds us of the special challenge faced by the youth today. While temptations have always been strong in young age, today the problem is magnified by mega efforts targeting the youth, especially the Muslim youth in the Western world, at all levels including intellectual and philosophical.

A favorite theme of these campaigns is to separate Islam from its culture. When in France, follow the French culture not the Muslim Algerian one, so the argument goes. This argument needs to be carefully deconstructed. Like all clever arguments this one also begins with a bit of truth. It is true that Islam is a universal religion and not restricted to a particular region. It is also true that many Muslim lands, during their period of decline, developed or adopted some cultural practices that were not based in Islam and need to be pruned. Certainly, not everything that has become accepted social practice in every Muslim country is Islamic. But it is a very long jump from there to conclude that everything being done in the Muslim world is un-Islamic and must be jettisoned. And it is even more bizarre to suggest that the replacement of all that with the pop-culture is just fine.

When Islam reached the lands that today form the Muslim world, it influenced the life style and cultural practices there without forcing a monoculture. For example the wedding practices vary as you move from region to region in the Muslim world. (The picture is complicated by the introduction of many non-Islamic practices there as well.) Yet they also retain common features traceable to Islamic teachings. These include: 1. Marriage is a sacred act and an important religious obligation and not just a means of fulfilling physical needs. 2. While the ultimate decision to marry each other remains with the bride and groom, parental help, guidance, and support in arranging it is a blessing for them.

The propaganda machine presents this common core of Islamic culture as a great burden, but one only needs to look at the unfortunate millions who are left on their own in the name of freedom, to ascertain the truth. Is it not true that if one were to draw a family-and-home-life-disaster map of the world, it will coincide with a map of the Western world? The distinctly safe area will be the Muslim world, with a gray area within it coinciding with the areas of Westernization. The safeguards and the disaster are built into the underlying cultural values and one cannot do a wholesale exchange of cultural practices without buying into the underlying values and facing the consequences.

Does it mean that all Muslims can aim at is to make mini Pakistans in England or mini Algerias in France? Not at all. Islam allows for growth and adaptation and early Muslims have left great examples of it. Theirs was an example of a natural adjustment that was fully informed by Islamic teachings; it did not damage the underlying values. And it tremendously enriched the new societies. The same healthy adaptation can happen today, with benefits for everyone.

The great task of Muslim youth will be to bring the life-giving message of Islam to wherever they live. With love, dedication, wisdom, and insight. But if you give up all you have, how can you give anything to anyone?

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Siswazah Perlu Selami, Fahami Hal Kemanusiaan

2010-09-28T12:01:00.000+08:00

Salam,

Sewaktu mengemas inbox dalam FB, terjumpa saya dengan article yang dikirim rakan FB dari yayasan Salam, berikut adalah artikel yang amat berguna untuk menilai sumbangan dan aktiviti alumni UTeM..boleh juga dijadikan "guideline"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Oleh : Tan Sri Razali bin Ismail

Graduan bertanggungjawab zahir masa depan lebih sejahtera

PADA 2000, kira-kira 10 tahun lalu, Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) mengeluarkan satu deklarasi yang dipersetujui 147 ketua negara untuk melaksanakan ‘Deklarasi Millennium’ bagi menzahirkan kerjasama global pada abad ke-21 melalui ‘Matlamat Pembangunan Alaf (MDG)’ yang berusaha untuk mengatasi masalah bersama.

Antaranya mengurangkan kemiskinan tegar dan kebuluran, menyediakan pendidikan asas kepada kanak-kanak di seluruh dunia, meningkatkan kesamaan gender dan pengukuhan golongan wanita dalam pelbagai bidang, memerangi penularan wabak HIV/Aids dan penyakit berbahaya, pembangunan lestari dan lain-lain. MDG disasarkan pencapaiannya pada 2015, iaitu kira-kira lima tahun daripada sekarang. Kenyataannya, ia masih jauh daripada jangkauan. Laporan terkini yang dikeluarkan PBB, menunjukkan kebimbangan yang amat sangat untuk MDG dicapai sepenuhnya dalam tempoh ditetapkan.

Malah inilah sepatutnya kebimbangan semua, yang sebenarnya boleh dilihat pada depan mata kita hari ini, di negara kita sendiri pun. Dunia juga berdepan pelbagai bencana alam dan konflik dengan laporan terkini menyatakan bahawa sejak 2000, dunia menyaksikan lebih 35 konflik dan lebih 2,500 bencana alam di seluruh dunia.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) misalnya, sudah memainkan peranannya dengan menggembleng kepakaran menerusi Unit Kajian Bencana, Pusat Kajian Kelestarian Global, Unit Penyelidikan Pendidikan untuk Perdamaian, Pusat Penyelidikan Pembangunan Wanita dan lain-lain lagi yang mampu secara langsung menyumbang kepada kesejahteraan yang kita harapkan.

Kejayaan membawa lebih 30 orang pemimpin universiti dari Mindanao baru-baru ini untuk membantu penyelesaian konflik di Selatan Filipina adalah antara contoh terkini. Namun apa pula peranan kita sebagai individu yang berilmu untuk menyokong usaha seperti ini.
Adakah sekadar berbangga dengan kejayaan dan pencapaian hebat membina bangunan tinggi, kereta dan rumah mewah yang kita diami sehingga kita lupa nasib orang lain di sekeliling. Kita bercakap mengenai kemiskinan dan kebuluran dan simpati mereka yang tiada makanan dan perlindungan.

Namun pada masa sama, meja makan kita mewah dengan pelbagai juadah yang sisanya dibuang ke tong sampah dan merungut hanya kerana makanan tidak sedap mengikut ukuran selera kita.

Kadang-kala kita bangga dengan pakaian berjenama mahal yang harga sehelai mampu menyara kehidupan sebuah keluarga di kampung pedalaman atau beg tangan dengan harga yang mampu menitiskan air mata seorang ayah yang berusaha menyara persekolahan anaknya.

Siswazah bukan hasil produk sebuah kilang seperti robot yang diprogramkan. Universiti harus mendidik dan mengajar cara berfikir dengan kekuatan akal dan hati budi untuk faedah manusia dan alam pada hari ini, malah pada masa depan dengan memanfaatkan ilmu pengetahuan dalam melakukan perubahan di mana saja di seluruh pelosok dunia.

Cuba bayangkan dengan hati nurani, redup mata anak malang yang berpakaian compang-camping tidur di kaki lima bangunan dan lorong penuh sampah. Bayangkan anak muda yang terjebak dalam dadah dan hidup di jalanan. Lihat wajah warga tua yang kesunyian. Lihatlah dengan mata hati, nasib bayi yang dibuang mati dikerumuni serangga di longkang atau hadapan rumah kita semata-mata kerana ibunya takut menghadapi musibah tekanan keluarga dan masyarakat.

Dengarkan laungan suara anak kecil yang disepak terajang, didera dan disakiti tanpa belas kasihan dan renungi nasib serta derita mangsa HIV/Aids yang menunggu masa pemergiannya di lorong gelap sambil merenung masa depan anak yang akan ditinggalkan.

Apakah perasaan kita, jika mereka yang kita bayangkan itu sebenarnya pernah hidup, makan, tidur dan bermain sebumbung dengan kita dulunya. Sayangi mereka yang ada bersama kita pada masa ini sebelum mereka pergi meninggalkan kita dan belajarlah berterima kasih kepada semua kerana itulah petanda orang yang bijaksana.

Siswazah hari ini perlu fikirkan peranan masing-masing untuk zahirkan dunia dan masa depan yang lebih sejahtera.

Tan Sri Razali Ismail adalah Pro Canselor USM yang juga bekas diplomat dan Presiden Persidangan PBB (Teks disesuaikan daripada ucapan pada majlis Konvokesyen Ke-41 USM Sabtu lalu)

PERUTUSAN AIDILFITRI 1431H PRESIDEN PERSATUAN ALUMNI UTeM (AUTeM)

2010-09-22T18:34:00.000+08:00

PERUTUSAN AIDILFITRI 1431H PRESIDEN PERSATUAN ALUMNI UTeM (AUTeM)

Merdeka edisi 2010

2010-09-01T00:22:00.000+08:00

Salam,

Penulis merasa terpanggil untuk menulis sempena keraian Hari Kemerdekaan 2010.
Walaupun tidak disambut seperti mana yang ditunjukkan di tv dengan menghadiri perarakan atau majlis-majlis anjuran mana-mana pihak, cuti yang diwartakan digunakan sepenuhnya.

Setiap tahun, kemerdekaan disambut serba sederhana, dengan menghayati erti kemerdekaan yang dilontarkan oleh individu yang berkongsi tidak kira yang penulis melihat sendiri melalui kaca tv atau yang tidak berat mulut mengutarakan pendapat dalam perbualan seharian.

Bagi tahun 2010, penulis tergerak untuk berkongsi apa yang difahami dengan kemerdekaan bagi diri penulis. Merasa merdekalah menjadikan penulis dpt berkongsi melalui penulisan ini.

Ekonomi yang merdeka dimanifestasikan dengan peluang mencari rezki pendapatan buat menampung perbelanjaan penulis seharian. Tidak seperti zaman sekolah dan University, yang sumber kewangan bergantung kepada pemberian dari keluarga dan pinjaman PTPTN. Kini, keperluan yang bertambah dengan penggunaan kereta untuk mobiliti menjalankan aktiviti pekerjaan, perniagaan, jalinan silaturrahim, dan riadah.Moga ianya diterima sebagai ibadah di sisi Pencipta.

Spiritual yang merdeka dirasakan dengan peluang merasakan keinginan untuk menelusuri ilmu-ilmu yang bukan saja baru untuk diri penulis, tetapi yang lama pun perlukan pencerahan apabila ianya diulang dan diamal. Sudah tentu yang diamal sekali tidak sama dengan penghayatab apabila dilakukan berulang2. Banyak peluang-peluang menuntut ilmu terhidang tambahan pula bulan Ramadhan, bulan ilmu.Ceramah dan tazkirah ada di setiap media. Boleh dikatakan, kemerdekaan memilih media yang mana untuk dijadikan santapan rohani buat bekalan.Berlapang dada dengan ilmu yang dipelajari dan menghormati perbezaan yang wujud dengan pengamalan yang pelbagai bila kita bermasyarakat.

Kemerdekaan menjalankan tanggungjawab professional penulis huraikan dengan cabaran di dalam dunia kerjaya yang menuntut penulis untuk menjalankan tugas secara "multi task". Peluang memikul tanggungjawab tidak penulis lepaskan memandangkan tugasan yang diberi sesuatu yang baru buat diri penulis tetapi "skill set" yang pelbagai amat diperlukan supaya penulis memahami selok-belok memberikan perkhidmatan dan prestasi yang baik kepada semua yang berurusan dengan penulis di dalam kerjaya yang diceburi. Berpuasa di bulan Ramadhan bukan alasan untuk tidak produktif, malah kita dituntut untuk merebut peluang memerdekakan diri dari kebiasaan beralasankan keletihan di bulan mulia ini.

Kemerdekaan juga menguji kita dengan kemampuan memilih antara manfaat dan mudharat. Apa yang penulis dapat coretkan tentang ini berdasarkan keputusan sehari-hari yang dibuat yang mempengaruhi kehidupan penulis tidak kira jangka panjang atau jangka pendek.Moga Allah selalu memandu pilihan kita kepada yang terbaik untuk diri kita semua. Merdeka tahun ini bukanlah tentang sambutan 31 Ogos yang diraikan sehari ini saja, tetapi pengertian dalam memaknakan merdeka dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.

My Introduction to Ramadhan

2010-08-30T05:06:00.000+08:00

May peace be unto you,

This writings is inspired by Kak Emma who mentioned to me on how is she going to introduce Ramadhan to her two heroes,Nabil and Nasar.I'm sure by the time they are ready to take in what Ramadhan,kak Emma would have figured out a way best for her two beautiful kids. As we were finishing our KIAM Hari Raya dedication for 2010, I reminisced back how Ibu and Ayah had introduce Ramadhan to me.

I don't remember the exact day I fast but I do remember the feeling of having to wake up(or being waken) by my parents for Sahur(the early morning meal).Ayah and Ibu offered RM1 per day as a reward for fasting the whole day.I was told that to complete 30 days of fasting will get me an extra RM30 on top of the "duit raya" given my aunties and uncles.Being offered that,it kept me motivated although being a 4 year old, money was not of great importance,but I think the notion of not eating and drinking and being rewarded for that is some kinf of achievement.

As I grow older,my other siblings(at the time there were 3 of us,Me,Salleh,Othman) started trying to fast too with the same offer,I got, but additional benefit where half a day fasting willget them 50 cent. For me this rule does not apply because,"Ina dah besar" as my Ayah and Ibu always say. Its a way to make me bahave and show good example.

Fasting has been easier in primary school where most of my school mates fasts.The RM30 at the end of Ramadhan still awaits me and on top of that Atuk Aji(my father's dad) would topup the reward with another RM30 making it RM60. We would usually spend a few it at the nearby sundry shop owned by "Uncle", as we would called the old uncle.
Ramadhan this time would usually be spent sleeping,and if I get a bit "rajin" I would flip through my "Qiraati" (equivalent to Muqaddam),May Allah take it as an effort to be better in Reading the Quran.

In high school,fasting in Ramadhan is no longer about the RM30 at the end of month. Ustazah in school would be reminding us on Fiqh of Saum(Fasting Guidelines) as we were pretty much good in refraining from eating and drinking in the day. The same goes during the university days but is added with how to increase good deeds during the holy month. At times I would fine myself giving excuses of not doing Tadarus (Quran recitation) with the busy schedule as a student.

Well,this time around,it has to be different from the past years. Not just "menjaga perkara membatalkan puasa" but also "menjaga perkara membetalkan PAHALA puasa".The first criteria Alhamdulillah most of us can say as easy to fulfill but the second part is actually the real test. It determines whether as I come out of Ramadhan, am I still the quick-tempered person as I was before or have I act upon the "akhlak" of a Muslim as thought by The Prophet (peace be upon him).

Most importantly is to feel sad when Ramadhan is closing upon you, and you might never know if you will meet the next Ramadhan or not. It is very much important if we can enrich the different segments of our lives be it emotionally, physically and spiritually. Feel the upgrade within you as you mature in the month of Ramadhan insyaAllah.

I would wonder how I would introduce Ramadhan to my kids (in future,May Allah grant me the understanding) but it would be another gradual process of learning too. InsyaAllah, may we find peace within ourselves and strive for greater achievements.This is my reflection on my introduction to Ramadhan some 22 years ago. Still more to learn and more to pass on insyaAllah. Happy Ramadhan al-Mubarak.

Jemputan walimah abg Long kami=)

2010-08-25T22:57:00.000+08:00

Salam,

Jemputan ke walimah y diterima 2 hari lepas drpd abg Long kami sangat menggembirakan hati.
Akhirnye abg Long akan menamatkan zaman bujangnye yg pada masa itu beliau kami(rakan2 mantan MPP. UTeM) panggil dgn gelaran "Abg Bujang". Beliau merupakan y paling senior menurut tingkatan umur jadi molek benar kami panggil "Abg Long".

Abg Long y ku kenal amat "supportive".Boleh dikatakan keterlibatan beliau amat aktif dan kalau tak jadi orang2 kuat (AJK) dalam satu-satu program,beliau tetap hadir bagi kami sokongan dan nasihat.

Daripada beliau juga aku belajar utk tetap murah senyuman walaupun memikul tanggungjawab sbg student dan wakil pelajar. Boleh dikatakan beliau xkenal erti penat,ada shj yang nak diusahakan supaya satu-satu inisiatif y diputuskan membawa kejayaan.

sempena memasuki fasa kehidupan berumahtangga,aku doakan abg Long dan kak Long nnt hidup aman damai dan bijaksana dalam melayari bahtera kehidupan di samping dihiasi dengan cahaya mata penyejuk hati yang soleh dan solehah.begitu juga buat sahabat2 di dalam kabinet MPP y pernh bekerja bersama2 tidak kira yang sudah berkahwin (Zack,Zu) yang bertunang,yang berkeluarga, semoga dalam perlindungan Allah selalu.Mgkn tidak sempat aku kirimkan sms bertny khabar,boleh jadi sms ku terkandas di tgh jalan,tapi ku harap kalian selalu bahagia,dengan doa dari jauh ini..

Amiin..

Sebak..Zakat Fitrah 2010

2010-08-23T23:18:00.000+08:00

Salam,

Tahun ketiga melunaskan zakat fitrah,kali ni, terasa sebak..entah kenapa (tak dapat dikenalpasti ketika kejadian).

Bila cuba dilihat kembali,mungkin ada beberapa sebab:
1)Angka satu gantang bersamaan 2.75kg bersamaan rm7 itu tidak signifikan bagi diri yang mampu menghabiskan jumlah yang sama hanya dgn sekali makan hidangan tengahari.

2)Doa yang Amil zakat baca, menusuk ke hati,mengingatkan tentang usaha kebajikan yang dirancang bersama2 rakan harus strategik supaya aliran bantuan tidak putus,dan saudara2 ku tidak putus bantuan.

3) Terasa sungguh bila meletakkan diri mengharap belas ihsan orang lain,di mana kadangkala, terasa diri seolah "lupa" untuk merendah diri..hmm..nak menangis pula..

Tapi tahan la air mata dari jatuh, mungkin segan dgn Amil,(tambahan pula,tiada bekalan tisu yang dibawa)..

Insaf, bila kita kenang pada saudara kita y memerlukan..mekanisma zakat dalam Islam dipercayai turun temurun mengisi kelompongan pada jurang ekonomi kini..Allah lebih tahu apa yang terbaik untuk hambaNya..May Allah grant us the understanding and obedience to follow His syariah..Amiin

Transformasi Ramadhan by Ustaz Hasrizal Abdul Jamil

2010-08-21T13:19:00.000+08:00

Salam,

We were very fortunate to have Ustaz Hasrizal Abdul Jamil for Kulia Zohor KIAM at Menara Mesiniaga yesterday, he also brought along his new book entitled "Transformasi Ramadhan".

It did not stop me from scavenging the pages,presented with fresh ideas and perspective without leaving the basics from traditional sources of the Quran.

A must read to upgrade Ramadhan this 2010.

Empati

2010-08-21T06:37:00.000+08:00

EMPATI merupakan kemampuan dan keinginan untuk merasakan apa yang orang lain rasakan. Berempati memungkinkan sikap kita sebagai manusia bermanfaat buat yang lainnya.

Bukankah orang yang paling mulia itu adalah orang yang paling bermanfaat buat yang lainnya? Sungguh tiada berguna orang yang justru merugikan orang lainnya. Keberuntungan kita bukanlah diukur dari apa yang kita dapatkan, melainkan dari nilai manfaat yang ada dari kehadiran kita.

Dari sinilah bermula rasa suka dan sayang orang terhadap diri kita karena kehadiran kita bisa menyejukkan, menolong, dan memberikan solusi-solusi yang berguna. Munculnya kesejukkan, sifat menolong, dan kejernihan pikiran mencari solusi karena kita bisa merasakan apa yang orang lain rasakan.

Jika kita merasa dihina dan dimaki itu bisa menyebabkan hancurnya hati, sebaiknya kita pun tidak menghina dan memaki orang lain. Jika kita merasa senyum itu indah dan membuat hati kita senang melihatnya, berikanlah senyum kepada orang lain. Jika kita merasakan sakit perut dan tersiksa karena kurang makan, berikanlah makanan kepada orang-orang yang lapar.

Insya Allah kita menjadi orang yang peka hati dan perasaannya sehingga menjadi harapan bagi banyak orang.

K I n S => Keep Istiqamah n Smile ^_^

Salam Santun
~Imam~

Celebrating 3 years of Ramadhan in corporate world

2010-08-20T23:03:00.000+08:00

Salam,

This time around Ramadhan is very much awaited.Why? It has always been the time where
Me and my friends team up in concerted effort to welcome Ramadhan with
Its many meanings to different individuals.

Ramadhan:The Month to spur knowledge
I was exposed to the concept of attending Kuliah Zohor
When I first celebrate Ramadhan as a Software Engineer(the title I carry on
my name card). Being who I was back then in University,I thought Ramadhan
Challenging as a student,as we were far away from family.They say that
distance is not the issue now since I am back in Subang jaya but that is not the case
either.

Ramadhan:Testing the "anger" thermostat
It is very easy to blame it on Syaitan whenever I sense my patience wearing off
throughout my daily encounters with different individual.As much as I try to put into
practise to zerorize my thoughts to not make way for my ego,experience,and qualification
to take over the good intentions that will follow..sometime I do fail.
When the same thing happen exactly in the beginning of Ramadhan,honestly it really
put me off to celebrate Ramadhan on a clean bill where we were suppose to forgive
ourself and seek others for forgiveness.
I told quietly to myself,if I'm going to drag this attitude throughout the whole
Ramadhan, I would lose it all..and don't blame it on Syaitan laknatullah,because
he is not here.
I am glad I did the right thing the next morning,which made my journey into Ramadhan
back to its smooth nature, more excited,more looking forward since the offers for ibadah
is huge!!

Entering the 2nd third of Ramadhan must be more challenging as expectations are raised
to another level..am excited to undergo it so I can meet the final third of Ramadhan
InsyaAllah.

Towards a healthy and Blissful Marriage

2010-05-06T14:40:00.001+08:00

Greetings friends,

I would like to share this website with you regarding the topic "Towards a healthy and Blissful Marriage"...It would be very beneficial to those who are already married, going to embark into, and also educationally informative...Hoping that you would gain more knowledge by subscribing to the website as you will receive more emails regarding to the topic..Happy reading =)

http://www.likeagarment.com/

Have a great day =)

best regards,
Nur Arina

Fw: The Power Of Failure

2009-12-23T11:07:00.000+08:00

The Power Of Failure

Success doesnt mean avoiding failure. All of us fail. As we travel, we all hit potholes, take wrong
turns, or forget to check the radiator. The only person who avoids failure altogether is the person
who never leaves her driveway. So the real issue is not whether you're going to fail. It's whether
you're going to fail successfully (profiting from your failure). As Nelson Boswell observed, "The
difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views mistakes." If you want
to continue on the success journey, you need to learn to fail forward.

Unsuccessful people are often so afraid of failure and rejection that they spend their whole lives
avoiding risks or decisions that could lead to failure. They don't realize that success is based on
their ability to fail and continue trying. When you have the right attitude, failure is neither
fatal nor final. In fact, it can be a springboard to success. Leadership expert Warren Bennie
interviewed seventy of the nation's top performers in various fields and found that none of them
viewed their mistakes as failures. When talking about them, they referred to their "learning
experiences", "tuition paid", "detours", and "opportunities for growth."

Successful people dont let failure go to their heads. Instead of dwelling on the negative
consequences of failure, thinking of what might have been and how things haven't worked out, they
focus on the rewards of success: learning from their mistakes and thinking about how whey can
improve themselves and their situations.

.................. Your Road Map For Success (John C Maxwell)

Disclaimer:
This e-mail (including any attachments) may contain confidential information. If you are not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, distribution, printing, copying or use
of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the
sender or Mesiniaga immediately and delete the original message. Opinions, conclusions and other
information in this e-mail that do not relate to the official business of Mesiniaga and/or its group
of companies shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by Mesiniaga and Mesiniaga accepts no
responsibility for the same. All liability arising from or in connection with computer viruses
and/or corrupted e-mails is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The Obstacle in Your Path

2009-12-19T23:25:00.000+08:00

=======================================================================================
The Obstacle In Your Path
Long ago, in a land not so far away, a King had a large boulder placed upon a roadway. He then hid
himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge stone.

To his surprise, many of the King's wealthiest merchants came along and simply chose to walk around
it... Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but no one even attempted to move
this massive hindrance out of the way.

By and by, a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Approaching the boulder, the peasant
laid down his burden, and tried to move the stone to one side of the road. After much toil, pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded.

As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying on the road where he had
displaced the immense rock... The purse contained many gold coins, along with a note from the King
indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.

That day the peasant learned what many will never understand—that every obstacle presents an
opportunity to improve one's condition. Indeed, it could be argued that all of us have something in
our way... And, too, all of us have the same choice—accept things as they are, or make a change. Now
that you have been introduced to our business, that choice belongs to you....

==================================================================================
emailed by Carmen Yoong Peet Foong

When Failure Gets You By Heart

2009-12-19T23:10:00.000+08:00

====================================================================================

Let's face it. Failure can be very painful - sometimes physically and more often emotionally. Seeing
part of your vision fall flat really hurts. And if people heap ridicule on top of your hurt
feelings,you feel even worse. The first important step in weathering failure is learning to not
personalize it - making sure you know that your failure does not make you a failure. But there's
more to it than that. For many people the pain of failure leads to fear of failure. And they become
like the person who says "I'm too old to cry, but it hurts too much to laugh." That's when many
people get stuck in the fear cycle. And if fear overcomes you, it's almost impossible to fail
forward.

Playwright George Bernard Shaw asserted, "A life spent in making mistakes is not only more honorable
but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." To overcome fear and break the cycle, you have to
be willing to recognize that you will spend much of your life making mistakes. The bad news is that
if you have been inactive for a long time, getting started is hard to do. The good news is that as
soon as you start moving, it gets easier.

If you can take action and keep making mistakes, you gain experience. That's why President Theodore
Roosevelt said, "He who makes no mistakes makes no progress. That experience eventually brings
competence, and you make fewer mistakes. As a result, your fear becomes less paralyzing. But the
whole cycle-breaking process starts with action. You must act your way into feeling, not wait for
positive emotions to carry you forward.

- Failing Forward (John C Maxwell)

Remember the above whenever you fear "rejections" ..

=====================================================================================

sent by my dearest mentor..Ms Lu Yong Yong

Majlis Kak Diana Abdul Samat

2009-12-07T00:05:00.000+08:00

Success with actions

2009-12-04T10:33:00.000+08:00

Success with actions

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving.
They make mistakes, but they don't quit.- Conrad Hilton

You'll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind
- Irish proverb

Feelings...Il Divo

2009-11-24T22:59:00.000+08:00

Feelings translation to English

Lyrics to Feelings :
Prima c’eri ora no
Prima amavi ogni mio respiro
Spiegami di come i brividi ora sono
Le spine di un amore alla fine
Mi baciavi ora no
Mi parlavi fino a tarda notte
Tra di noi c’era tutto ora niente
Feelings sto parlando di feelings
Dove si va se non c’e
Feelings
Come si fa per tenerlo con se
Dimmi se dimmi che forse credere si puo
Oh feelings dove si va se non c’e
Eun dolore che oramai
Tu lo sai e per noi una lama gelida
Sorridevo ora piango
Oh feelings sto parlando di feelings
Dove si va se non c’e
Feelings
Come si fa per tenerlo con se
Persi nella scia
Di una storia che va via
Dietro si va se non c’e
Feelings
Come si fa per tenero con se
Dimmi se dimmi che forse credere si puo
Oh feelings dove si va se non c’e
Come si fa per tenerlo con se
Dimmi se dimmi che forse credere si puo
Oh feelings dove si va se non c’e
Dove si va se non c’e
[ Feelings Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Feelings Il Divo translation
Artist: Il Divo
Album: Il Divo
Title: Feelings
Translated Title: Feelings

Once you were here
once you loved each breath of mine
tell me, what about your shivers right now?
the thorns of a love towards the end
once you kissed me, now not
once you talked with me late at night
there was everything between us
now there is nothing
feelings, I am talking about feelings
where do we go if there ain't feelings?
how can we take them with us?
tell me if we can believe it
oh feelings, we won't find them
it's a pain that by now is a cold blame
once I used to smile, now I cry
feelings, I am talking about feelings
where do we go if there ain't feelings?
how can we take them with us?
lost in the trail of a story that is over
feelings, how can we take them with us?
tell me if we can believe it
feelings, where do we go if there ain't feelings?
how can we take them with us?
tell me if we can believe it
feelings, where do we go if there ain't feelings?
where do we go if there ain't feelings?

Il Divo Lyrics

Aku bersujud...

2009-11-24T22:23:00.000+08:00

Acha n Irwansyah - Aku Bersujud

Aku malu berharap engkau mengerti lagi
Atas kesalahan yang pernah aku perbuat
Hati dan perasaan ku mulai teruji
Selembut doa dalam hati kau mengetahui

Kala panggilan mu
Aku mohon ampunilah aku

Aku bersujud
Aku berdoa
Hanyalah padamu
Ya tuhanku

Aku memohon
Keringanan hati
Menentukan pilihan
Menuju rahmatmu

Ya Tuhanku

Tinie's Wedding =

2009-11-14T12:22:00.000+08:00

I made the video using Picasa 3 Software..my first attempt...

Click on this link..

You Came To Me

2009-09-17T23:21:00.000+08:00

by Sami Yusuf

http://www.samiyusufofficial.com

You came to me in that hour of need

When I was so lost, so lonely

You came to me took my breath away

Showed me the right way, the way to lead

You filled my heart with love

Showed me the light above

Now all I want Is to be with you

You are my One True love

Taught me to never judge

Now all I want Is to be with you

You came to me in a time of despair

I called on you, you were there

Without You what would my life mean?

To not know the unseen, the worlds between

For you I’d sacrifice

For you I’d give my life

Anything, just to be with you

I feel so lost at times

By all the hurt and lies

Now all I want Is to be with you

Showed right from wrong

Taught me to be strong

Need you more than ever

Ya Rasul ALLAH

You came to me

In that hour of need

Need you more than ever

Ya Rasul ALLAH

You filled my heart with love

Showed me the light above

Now all I want is to be with you

You are my One True love

Taught me to never judge

Now all I want Is to be with you

Born To Try

2009-09-15T21:42:00.000+08:00

"Born To Try"

by Delta Goodrem

Doing everything that I believe in

Going by the rules that I've been taught

More understanding of what's around me

And protected from the walls of love

All that you see is me

And all I truly believe

That I was born to try

I've learned to love

Be understanding

And believe in life

But you've got to make choices

Be wrong or right

Sometimes you've got to sacrifice the things you like

But I was born to try

No point in talking what you should have been

And regretting the things that went on

Life's full of mistakes, destinies and fate

Remove the clouds look at the bigger picture

And all that you see is me

And all I truly believe

That I was born to try

I've learned to love

Be understanding

And believe in life

But you've got to make choices

Be wrong or right

Sometimes you've got to sacrifice the things you like

But I was born to try

All that you see is me

All I truly believe

All that you see is me

And all I truly believe

That I was born to try

I've learned to love

Be understanding

And believe in life

But you've got to make choices

Be wrong or right

Sometimes you've got to sacrifice the things you like

But I was born to try

But you've got to make choices

Be wrong or right

Sometimes you've got to sacrifice the things you like

But I was born to try

Doa TemanKu

2009-08-20T19:38:00.000+08:00

Mengapa dicari secantik Balqis, andai diri tidak sehebat Sulaiman..
Mengapa mengharap teman setampan Yusof jika kasih tidak setulus Zulaikha..
Mengapa mengharap teman seteguh Ibrahim andai diri tidak sehebat Siti Hajar..
Mengapa didambakan teman sehidup yang sempurna Muhammad jika ada keburukan pada diri..
Bimbinglah dirinya dan terimalah kekurangan itu sebagai keunikan..
Carilah kebaikan itu pada dirinya.
Bersyukurlah kerana dipertemukan dengannya dan berdoalah dia milikmu

Cholesterol: The Truth

2009-08-20T00:22:00.000+08:00

Written by Anand V

Wednesday, 19 August 2009 01:31

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat soluble substance that is manufactured by the liver, and is also derived from one’s diet.
Plant based foods contain no cholesterol at all. It is only found in animal products. Despite its reputation, cholesterol is essential for health; it is needed for healthy cell membranes and is a precursor to the natural steroid hormones, including testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.

Cholesterol is transported via the bloodstream from the liver to the cells by lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), carry cholesterol to the cells.
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs), carry the cholesterol from the cells back to the liver so that it can be eliminated or reused.

The reason why LDLs are called bad cholesterol and HDLs are called good cholesterol is because if there is too much LDL or not enough HDL, cholesterol can build up in the body and be deposited on the artery walls. This can then contribute to many diseases of the cardio-vascular system. There might not be any symptoms of high cholesterol but related disorders include, obesity, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and gallstones.

When cholesterol levels are tested, results are normally given for total cholesterol as well as LDL, HDL and triglycerides (blood fats). Total cholesterol levels should not be more than 5mmol/l.LDL cholesterol levels should be no more than 3mmol/l while HDL cholesterol should be above 1mmol/l.

Causes

The cholesterol we get from food accounts for only about 20% of our total cholesterol. The remainder is made in the liver. For vegans, 100% of their cholesterol will be made by the liver. So, while it is advisable not to eat too many high-cholesterol foods, it is more important to avoid foods that will
increase the liver’s production of cholesterol.

These are saturated fats, mainly from red meat and dairy products, sugar, alcohol and refined carbohydrates, i.e. white rice, white bread, white flour (pizza, pasta, cakes, biscuits, etc).

What to Do

The aim is to normalize the balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol and reduce the oxidation of cholesterol. If you are being treated with any medication, consult your GP. There is no reason why they should stop you from going on a healthier diet, especially if it benefits you. The majority of people who follow the suggested dietary changes do not need their medication at all, as their cholesterol levels will have normalized.

Eat / Drink
 Fibre: is needed to remove excess cholesterol from the body. Good sources include whole
grains, fruit, vegetables, black-eye peas and pulses (chickpeas, lentils, etc)
 Apples: contain pectin, a fibre that can help to lower cholesterol. The old adage is true in the
case of cholesterol, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
 Olive oil, garlic, onions, apples, fish, artichokes, beetroot, carrots, oats and lentils, all have
proven cholesterol-lowering properties.
 Walnuts and, or almonds, have excellent sources of cholesterol-lowering nutrients. Soak
almonds overnight for easy digestion.
 Fresh fruit and vegetables. These contain antioxidants needed to repair artery and blood-vessel
walls. Aim to eat a spectrum of colours as this will give you wide-ranging protection.
 Complex carbohydrates found in broewn rice, millet, buckwheat, oats, quinoa and barley.
 Pecans can help to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and are high in antioxidants.
 Essential fats found in oily fish (tuna, salmon, sardines, etc), raw nuts, seeds and cold-pressed
oils are all needed for healthy circulation.
Mono-saturated fats found in olive oil, olives, avocados, have been shown to lower blood cholesterol
levels.
 Whole soya beans which contain plant sterols have been shown to inhibit absorption of dietary
cholesterol. Go for organic, non-GM soy.

Avoid
 Margarines, heated fats, junk food, processed food, palm oil and fried food. These can all
increase the total cholesterol and negatively affect cardio-vascular health.
 Refined carbohydrates. Sugar, white, flour, white bread, white rice and white pasta, sodium
chloride (white table salt).
 Fatty meats (foie gras in one of the worst), processed meats (sausages, deli meats, corned
beef, bacon), dairy products.
 Alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks.
Herbs & Supplements
 Drink fenugreek seed tea as this can reduce cholesterol levels and aid fat metabolism.
 Sprinkle lecithin granules on your food as it also aids in fat metabolism and is a source of
essential fats.
 Include turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper in your diet. Turmeric aids liver function and
ginger and cayenne pepper are good for the circulation.
 B vitamin supplements are important for controlling cholesterol levels and fat metabolism.
Look for those with choline and inositol (both also part of B vitamin family).
 Vitamin C with bioflavinoids can help to lower cholesterol and repair damaged artery walls.
 Fish oils contain fats that are important for blood circulation and heart health. Do not take if
you are on blood-thinning medication.
 Vitamin E, taken daily, can help to repair damaged artery wall and prevent oxidation of
cholesterol. Do not take if you are on blood-thinning medication likeWarfarin.
 Supplements with probiotics, like acidophilus are important for the metabolism of cholesterol
in the bowel and can help to lower cholesterol.

Extra tips
 Daily moderate exercise can improve heart function, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and
reduce weight. Start with a brisk 20-minute walk everyday and build up gradually.
 Learn to relax. Stress is a major cause of high cholesterol and heart disease generally. Try and
review your daily life to eliminate and avoid causes of stress in your life or try and alter how you
respond to them. Stop worrying about the past and future and just live in the present, that is all
you can influence. Take some time out each day to relax, even a 10-minute nap each day, does
wonders.
 Meditation, yoga, tai-chi and breathing exercises are all tried and tested methods of relaxation.
Just having a warm bath with lavender oil in the evening, is a good way to wind down.

Something to share

My father had high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels from eating too much saturated fat and
drinking too much alcohol over the years.
I made some suggestions on changing his diet rather than relying on prescribed medication
indefinitely and this is what he did.

He had organic porridge oats made with filtered water (you can also use oat milk) and top with fresh
strawberries, bananas, raspberries or even frozen unsweetened fruit. Add a heaped teaspoon of
ground flaxseed (whole flaxseed does not digest).

He increased his intake of EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids) from oily fish and avocado. He also took a very
high dose of Omega Oils 3000mg-5000mg daily

He also had huge, fresh green salads with mung (green) beans, lentils or chickpeas and alfalfa or
broccoli and radish sprouts and his cholesterol has dropped drastically and he is able to live his life
without prescription medication. The drop in cholesterol does not happen overnight and will take
some time, give yourself 6 months to a year to see improvement unless you are very determined and
eat well for every meal, everyday. Some people have a noticeable drop in these levels after 2 months
Drink one 8oz glass of fresh celery juice twice a week, as this also has a positive effect on high blood
pressure and cholesterol. Cut out all table salt (sodium chloride). Celery already has natural sodium
and you won’t need more.

Not me, Not I by Delta Goodrem

2009-08-04T01:35:00.000+08:00

"Not Me, Not I"

You mixed me up for someone
Who'd fall apart without you
Yeah you broke my heart for the first time
But I'll get over that too
It's hard to find the reasons
Who can see the rhyme?
I guess we were seasons out of time
I guess you didn't know me

[Chorus:]
If you think love is blind?
That I wouldn't see the flaws between the lines
Surprise, and I caught you out
On every single time that you lied
Did you think that every time I see you I would cry
No not me, not I, not I, no not me, not I

The story goes on without you
And there's got to be another ending
But yeah you broke my heart it won't be the last time
But I'll get over them too
As a new door opens we close the ones behind
And if you search your soul I know you'll find
You never really knew me

[Chorus]

All you said to me
All you promised me
All the mystery never did believe
No I never cry no I never not me not I

If you think love is blind
That I wouldn't see the flaws between the lines
Surprise, and I caught you out
On every single time that you lied
Did you think that every time I see you I would cry
No not I, I won't cry
No not me, not I, not I,
Not I
No not me, not I

Mission

2009-07-29T10:26:00.001+08:00

“ Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is Ma'rouf (right)
and forbidding what is Munkar (wrong). And it is they who are the successful. "
(Surah Ali Imran:104)

From my dear Madihah....

2009-07-28T09:33:00.000+08:00

TAKE A CHANCE
Always take a CHANCE.

The end result may not always be what you hoped for but that's fine... At least, you will never go through life wondering "What if... and "If only...."
Source Unknown

Agree to disagree =)

2009-07-16T00:30:00.000+08:00

Today I had a discussion with my colleagues during lunch and our conversation landed on one issue.."MPP buat programme syok sendiri".. It did strike something inside me.

I was one of the members of Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar back then when I was in university. Being part of the MPP family was one of the fondest moments in my life as I have seen how people grow their inner strength which started from limiting belief of "I can't do it".

The good old days where as MPP we would feel defensive when some comments we get are not "constructive" - leading to internally damaging to the confidents of the team. How we glued ourselves to face the challenges was tremendous and only those who dared to be part of this so called "orang tengah antara pelajar dan universiti" have built something out of the experience.

As I recalled our YDP (Yang Di-Pertua) always reminded us that we can never satisfy everyone's request, we should not be in our comfort zone doing what ordinary people would do - take it all as fate imposed unto you.

I became what I am today from growing myself from strength to strength and always believing that we are all subject to CHANGE. We may like it or NOT, but it will surely hit us now and then.
As I look around the people and issues happening around me, none fail to help in reflecting of the PRESENT moment..as it is not a given right but a GIFT =)

The Mayonnaise Jar

2009-05-13T13:38:00.000+08:00

The Mayonnaise Jar
by Mary Lynn Plaisance

When things in your life seem, Almost too much to handle,When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class And had some items in front of him.When the class began, wordlessly, He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students, If the jar was full. They agreed that it was.The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked The students again If the jar was full.. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand And poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With an unanimous 'yes.'The professor then produced Two cups of coffee from under the table And poured the entire contents Into the jar, effectively Filling the Empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, As the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that This jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions - Things that if everything else was lost And only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, and car.The sand is everything else --The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,'there is no room for The pebbles or the golf balls.The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time And energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for The things that are Important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things That are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time To clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --The things that really matter.Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand And inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for A couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Thank you. Mary Lynn Plaisance

Homecoming Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka 2009

2009-04-05T14:46:00.001+08:00

These pictures were taken at Restoran Merbawi, Jasin. Our friend, Azim's father opened this restaurant and the family is running it as a family business. The food was cooked by Azim himself and it is home cooked and tasty. I personally requested that he share his recipe=)

Our Campus Tour..

Life is about choices

2008-12-15T22:29:00.000+08:00

GRATEFULNESS is the word that is lingering in my mind. I am grateful for the life I have now, to be able to work towards a better life that will benefit others. This feeling has a lot to do with the choice I made to embark in a business few would raise their eye-brow on..yes.. Multi-Level Marketing or direct selling they call it. Thank you Kak Liza for sharing with me about this opportunity which I will cherish the rest of my life..Thank you Allah for granting me the wisdom to choose this path which I can compound on who I will become as a human being and to work with the most professional leaders in the industry. Thank you Yong Yong for the continuous guidance when time seems impossible. My sincere gratitude to Mdm Lee Poh Eng for being the inspiration that life is to be lived and to be lived well and also about giving to others. Thank you Ibu, Ayah, Salleh, Othman, Syarif and Amani for the belief you had though in the early days all of you were the source of challenge but now all of you are the spark that makes me believe even more that our lives will be even better along this journey. My thanks also goes to friends who are constantly supportive and encouraging too many to name but you all are always in my heart..

The reason why I chose to write this as my first blog to publish is because of the recent events where I encounter friends old and new expressing fear and frustration about life and what they foresee happening in the future.
Some are planning to quit their job due to management pressure even to the extend they accept the fact they would be jobless after that.

I cannot be selfish by not sharing what I have in hand=) Accepting my offer or not is another matter which I would in future rattle on. I will continue sharing and sharpen my skills in conducting my biz and offering according to needs. I am grateful again because I have a choice..either I make it happen or make it happen..true or true=P