selamat hari lahir untukmu ...

Nota buat Marwan Syaheed di hari lahirmu yg pertama

(18 Jan 2006)

nota ini buat anakanda,
meski 23 tahun bersenggang usia
taqdirNya ...
tarikh ini kita kongsi bersama

Marwan mungkin tak mengenali,
malah wajahmu tak sempat khalah tatapi,
kerna saat dunia mendengar tangisanmu,
khalah dalam debar rindu,
menanti kelahiran adikmu ...

nota ini sayang,
khalah tuliskan penuh kerinduan,
yg telah lama khalah sematkan,
utk yg sepertimu ...
sinar harapan ummah di masa hadapan!

Marwan nanti ingatkan mamamu,
walau dunia berubah dan
waktu berganti waktu,
khalah di sini senantiasa mengharapkan,
kalian dalam khair,
rahmat dan redha arRahman,
dan tak pernah khalah lupakan,
manis ukhuwwah,
kasih berlandaskan iman,
yg sama kami tautkan,
yg sama kami suburkan,
'aqad perjuangan ini ...
jangan pernah meninggalkan,
dan kerana Allah,
usah sekali-kali biar ditinggalkan!

seindah dan segagah namamu Marwan,
moga syahid jadi impian dan perjuangan,
ingatilah selalu,
hari-hari ibu dan ayahmu,
mencambah benih iman,
biar tumbuh pohon taqwa,
meneduhmu dari terik dunia,
biar berbuah 'ilmu dan adab,
memberi manfaat,
pada jiwa-jiwa nan lapar dan lahap ...

buatmu Marwan Syaheed,
cita-cita kami,
warisan generasi ke generasi,
perjuangan yg sudah terpikul,
dan du'a yg diharapkan kabul,
moga cita-cita ini,
beroleh redha dan pertolonganNya,
dan moga melaluinya,
tiba kita ke firdaus al-a'la,
untuk bertemu lagi,
dalam pertemuan yg dirindukan lagi abadi!

khalahmu,
khaleel el-wafy: January 2006/Dzulhijjah 1426H, rumah furze.

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p/s: juga buat yg segenerasi dan xdpt dikenali/diingati semuanya ....
'Umair Raqib + 'Azzam + Nurin Mazaya + Siti Aisyah + Siti Humairah, Hurun 'Ain, Amaani Syaheeda, Hannani Batrisyia, Iman Kamil, Nafeesatul Wafa' dll.
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khalah : makcik sebelah ibu
khair : kebaikan
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abah warded, pls make du'a for him and all of us. Jazakumullah khairal jazaa'

'eid mubarak!

assalamu'alaikum frens,

wishing 'eid mubarak to all - late though!

its already 12 Dzulhijjah :D ... alhamdulillah, we had a modest-but-nice 'Eidul Adha here ... having Uncle Ij around, a nice 'Eid-gift-package arrived one day before the big day *jazakumullah khairal jazaa' to the Sevenlords* plus a nice nasi lemak breakfast with 4 lovely guests on 'Eid morning (and managed to cook rendang 'apa dah jadi?' :D) >> 'Eidul Adha had its own sunshine on me! :)

Handzalah has been coughing (and his nose running badly) for the past few days ... mama would have said, "poor little fella" if she sees him now ... he had a hard time on bed, can't really sleep ... pusing sana sini, mata tak boleh buka tapi nak tidur pun dada tak habis-habis bekerja ... BUT he enjoyed the 'attention' given to him, asking everyone to play with him and pick him up whenever he needs a lift! wah wah ... tak sihat pun kemain aktif lagi anak ummi :) especially now he knows how to climb up the sofas and beds and how to safely get down to the floor again .. erm but 'safely' doesn't mean he could be left without 'adult supervision' - that's TOO DANGEROUS!

this little fella is indeed one of the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me! he's sick yet he plays, smiles and laughs whenever he can (though he cries a lot more than he does usually) ... he still 'dance' - moving his body from left to right and forward - whenever he listens to the rhythm of a song or dzikr ... he babbles around and only consume his favourite dish - which happens to be pasta ;) ... sometimes he's weak and tired, yet he's sooo positive whenever there's energy in his body ...

thinking of how wonderful a little baby could be - due to his innocence to life - expresses his feelings of happiness and frustration freely ... sigh a little less and appreciate every minute of his life exploring, learning and yearning for love, attention and every single thing that he perceives in a positive view and rarely the opposite ...

and i wonder how much we, in our 'living diaries', portrayed negativity and hypocrisy and not to forget ungratefulness for everything we have and need ... how much we sigh and hide ... and how much we pay great attention for things we've lost, things we couldn't get, people we couldn't love and vice versa and so many other little things ... YET FAILED to see, observe and appreciate the greatness of the ni'mah He gives in every single breath we breathe, every single word we utter, everyone we love and loved us, everything we consume, everything gained and everything everything everything ...

how i wonder!

Excellence of the Day of `Arafah

so what do you want and seek?

don't forget to fast and pray ... He's never far away ... ALlahHaafiz!

---

By Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq


Jabir reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days in the sight of Allah.” A man asked, “Are these days better than an equivalent number of days that are spent fighting for the cause of Allah?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) answered, “They are better than an equivalent number of days spent fighting in the cause of Allah. And there is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of `Arafah. On this day Allah, the Almighty and the Exalted One, descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth and says to those in heaven, ‘Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair disheveled and faces covered with dust, to seek My mercy, even though they have not seen My chastisement. Far more people are freed from the Hellfire on the Day of `Arafah than on any other day. ’”

Ibn Al-Mubarak reported from Sufyan Ath-Thawri, from Az-Zubayr ibn `Ali, from Anas ibn Malik that he said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spent the day at `Arafah until almost sunset. Then he said, “O Bilal, ask the people to be quiet and listen to me.” Bilal stood up and asked the people to be quiet and listen to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). When the people were quiet, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O people, a little while ago Gabriel (peace and blessings be upon him) came to me. Gave me salutations from Allah and informed me that Allah has forgiven those who spend the Day at `Arafah and those who stop at Al-Mash`ar Al-Haram, and that He has guaranteed their debts.”

At this `Umar ibn Al-Khattab stood up and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger, is this for us only?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “This is for you and for all those who will come after you until the Day of Judgment.” `Umar exclaimed, “How plentiful and blissful Allah’s bounties are!”

Muslim and others have reported from `A’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah frees far more people from Hellfire on the Day of `Arafah than on any other day, and Allah comes closer this day and proudly says to the angels, ‘What do these people want and seek?’”

Abu Ad-Darda reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “On no other day does the Satan feel so belittled, humiliated, and angry as he does on the Day of `Arafah.” The reason for this is the mercy of Allah that descends (this day) and the forgiveness that He grants to people for major sins, except the day of the Battle of Badr, which witnessed a far greater mercy of Allah descending upon people, which caused great sadness to Satan.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked, “O Prophet of Allah, what did Satan see on the day of the Battle of Badr?” “He saw Gabriel leading the troops of angels,” he replied (Reported by Malik and Al-Hakim).

source: islam-online

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(excerpts from First 10 Days of Dzulhijjah :What To DO?)

Fasting: It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah. Hunaydah Ibn Khalid quoted some of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: "The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, on the day of `Ashurah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month." (Reported by An-Nisa'i, 4/205)

talk-about-babies [part 3]

when your 'baby' goes to school ...

reading: "Bicara Kalbu: Baca doa pada ubun-ubun anak nyatakan harapan"


notes:
1) TALK to your children (that includes LISTENING and great patience eh? :)) - know their likes, dislikes, fears etc. - comfort them by talking to them not only when problems occur - create a free and healthy environment for communication in your family

2) 'Pujuk'/ Consoling skills - don't leave them in the 'dark' (negative feelings )

3) don't break their TRUST - when you leave them at school (or anywhere), makesure you'll be back to pick them up on time. our children trust us, don't waste it by undermining their little hopeful yet very observant hearts

4) DO NOT persuade them to do things (all the time) by buying them sweets or expensive toys - rewarding them for good deeds is encouragement but do not over-reward them >> they might end up misundertanding our intentions and being materialistic - try to make them understand why

5) be firm and consistent on rules and decisions, not only to them BUT TO YOURSELF FIRST - when they cry the minute you leave them at school (which will break your heart for the first few moments), remind yourself that it is for their own good and they'll get used to it. let them (and ourselves?) cry now rather than later >> when they're too old to be taught about being independent!

6) give them time to learn and adjust - they need it as much or more than us, and as every child is unique some might need more time than others

7) PRAY FOR THEIR SUCCESS - you're a MOM, and as Allah has blessed you with one of the greatest role in the world and your prayers are indeed special!

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Handzalah took his first few steps last night! He put up a show for his beloved guests :):). Guess he might stand and walk on his own at the same time as he has been attempting to do so these few days ... go anak ummi go! We'll walk to the park together, 'soon' inshaALlah :)

*thanks aKo for the article

wajahmu dalam lena ...

satu kedamaian
sebuah ketenangan
suatu kelegaan
usai sudah satu hari lagi
meniti cinta dan rindu
yang seringkali diuji
moga hati ini
tetap berpaut padaMu ...
ALLAHU RABBI!

khaleel el wafy
1034am.5jan06

the nice little things ...

in life that we've always forgotten ...

(cerita hari itu...)

had a fast walk to the shop this morning (top up time!), i walked so fast because we only had 6p left! - the modem, heater and other electrical goods are no longer working ... i walked with nothing much in mind not even thinking of whatever is available to my sight and other senses (nak cepatlah katakan :D) ... on the way back i came across a nice old lady with her family ... she walked pass me, smiled and said: "isn't it a nice peaceful day?" ...

:) subhanallah ... it is! it is a nice sunny morning despite the cold winter breeze - and it feels great! i should have appreciate it when i walk pass through the university as there were very few people around ... it was so quiet and peaceful ...

it is a simple saying, a simple comment on another lovely morning (perhaps), yet from a meaningful observation - it made me smile and slowed down my pace, opened my eyes and hearing to the beauty of Allah's grace ... subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wa laa ilaaha illallah, wallahuakbar!

its another day to live
the lovely sky
the soothing sunshine
and the calming breeze ...
yet i couldn't see it sometimes
being unthankful nor appreciative
the blessings are everywhere
yet often ignored rather than perceived
had the extreme weather left my heart to freeze?

(cerita hari ini ...)

the ayah: "Fa bi ayyi aalaa-i rabbikuma tukadzibaan" [Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?] was mentioned 31 times in surah ar-Rahman, in which He tells us about the ni'mahs we've been blessed everyday, everywhere with, the Day of judgment, paradise and hell ...

its like a question asked for 31 times and still we fail to keep it in mind ...

an-nas (men) wan nisyan (forgetfulness), will we ever get over it?!!

astaghfirullahal 'adzim, astaghfirullahal 'adzim, astaghfirullahal 'adzim ...

allahummakhtimlana bihusnil khatimah wa la takhtim 'alaina bisu-il khatimah ...

Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour [55:78]

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

(article from islam-online.net)

By Muhammad Fathi**
Jan. 3, 2006

Have you missed some of the precious time of the previous Ramadan? Do you feel you could have done more in that blessed month? Are you disappointed with your performance during the last ten days of Ramadan and feel an overwhelming yearning for the spirituality of Laylat Al-Qadr?

Well, you have another chance!

It is out of Allah's mercy that He bestows upon us blessed times in which rewards are multiplied. These seasons of goodness recur time after time, so that we can recharge our spiritual batteries and keep our hearts alive. Nowadays, we are witnessing one of them — the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.

You certainly must have read or heard about the greatness of these days and the indescribable amount of forgiveness and mercy that Allah bestows upon people during them. Now that these days have already started, it is time for deeds, not words. The intelligent person is one who takes full advantage of every minute and every second, and this is not so difficult. There are many ways to achieve goodness, and with little effort you can get much reward.

Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam

The first and foremost act of worship in these days is Hajj. If you are going to observe it this year, then try your best to gain as much reward as possible. This is your real chance to become wholly absolved of your sins and have your record wiped clean. So spare no effort in perfecting your rituals, and keep away from anything that may blemish your Hajj. During the journey, make use of your time through constant supplication, remembrance of Allah, and recitation of the Qur'an. Who knows, this may be your last journey to the Sacred House.

Reward of Hajj in Your Homeland

You may be unable to do Hajj this year, and you may feel sad because you are deprived of the great reward of Hajj. But you can also achieve this reward in your country of residence. Just reflect on the following hadith:

Whoever prays Fajr Prayer in congregation, and then sits and remembers Allah until the sun rises, then (after a while) prays two rak`ahs, he will gain a reward equal to that of making perfect Hajj and `Umrah. [The Prophet repeated the word "perfect" thrice.] (At-Tirmidhi)

It's so easy, isn't it?

Back to the Qur'an

It is time also to dust off your copy of the Qur'an and return to its refuge. Make these 10 days the beginning of a systematic and strong relationship with it. It's important to know that reading one letter of the Qur'an earns you 10 rewards. In this way, reading Surat Al-Fatihah — which doesn't take more than two minutes — will give you more than one thousand rewards. This is on ordinary days, so what about these great days! Certainly the reward will be far greater.

Furthermore, there are some surahs that have special merits. Reading Surat Al-Ikhlas (surah 112), for example, is equal to reading one third of the Qur'an (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Regular recitation of Surat Al-Mulk (surah 67) intercedes for its reader (Abu Dawud), and reading Ayat Al-Kursi (Al-Baqarah 2:255) when going to sleep protects you from Satan for the whole night (Al-Bukhari).

Fasting: Evoking the Spirit of Ramadan

It is a good idea to evoke the spirituality of Ramadan by fasting during these blessed days. Remember that observing the voluntary fast for day keeps you away from Hell. In a hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This is during ordinary days. Of course there is even more reward during these blessed days.

Day of `Arafah

On the day of `Arafah, Allah showers His mercy on the pilgrims and forgives all their sins. If you are not a pilgrim, you still can have a share of this forgiveness. All you have to do is to fast on the Day of `Arafah, and by doing that, Allah will forgive your sins for two whole years — the past year and the coming one.

Night Vigil Prayer

You always hear about the virtues of spending night in prayer, and you have actually tasted its sweetness in Ramadan nights. Why not revive this beautiful act of worship during these nights. You can add two or four extra rak`ahs after finishing `Isha' Prayer and before Witr Prayer.

In addition to that, there is another easy way to gain the reward of the night vigil prayer. It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said

He who attends `Isha' Prayer in congregation is as if he has performed salah for half of the night; and he who attends `Isha' and Fajr prayers in congregation, is as if he has performed salah for the whole night. (At-Tirmidhi)

The Golden Words

This is one of the easiest ways to gain treasures of reward. You can make dhikr wherever you are, at all times. You can make dhikr at your home, school, or workplace, and you can make it while you are driving, walking, traveling, and commuting. In addition, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave us guidance for reciting certain formulas of dhikr that have special reward. For example, Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said

He who recites after every prayer: Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) thirty-three times; Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; (Allah is Greatest) thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: Allahu AkbarLa ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shai'in qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea. (Muslim)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said

He who says Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise) one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the sea. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said

He who utters ten times La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahulmulku wa lahulhamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli sha'in qadir (There is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), he will have a reward equal to that for freeing four slaves from the progeny of Prophet Isma`il. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

To read more about these golden words, click here.


The Precious hours

In a wonderful hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that on the last third of every night, Allah Almighty calls to His servants:

Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him? (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Why do we miss this golden opportunity? Now is the right time to expose yourself to His divine generosity and mercy. If you are going to fast during these days, you are most likely to wake up a little bit earlier than usual to have your sahur. So, seize the opportunity and pray two rak`ahs, and ask Allah to forgive your sins and to grant you happiness in this world and in the hereafter. Do not forget your brothers and sisters who suffer in Palestine, Iraq, Pakistan, and other countries.

The doors of goodness are numerous and wide open. There are many ways to Paradise, and the more time and effort you give, the more reward and blessings you will get.

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p/s: don't wait, lets just grab it! allahumma ...


** Muhammad Fathi is a Shari`ah assistant editor at IslamOnline. He graduated from Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Languages and Translation, Islamic Studies in English, and is pursuing post-graduate studies. You can reach him at mohammad.fathi@iolteam.com.