Growing up, I had these in mind:
1. Study hard, must get all As in exams.
2. Get into a good, well-recognised, expensive yet flowing-with-coolness university.
3. Learn to drive, maintain that probation license and don't ran into accidents where you are the cause of it.
4. Get a good job, so that you can spend, spend and spend more!
5. If you're going to get boyfriends, he must be hot, cute, from a rich family, has a car or gutsy enough to drive his parents' car to bring you out on dates. (note the usage of plural there)
6. Latest handphones and gadgets are THE main accessories. Other accessories like bling bling are a must as well.
7. Learn to cook if you must, but keep all the delivery numbers close by.
8. Once I have a job, must get a car and a house.
9. Life's too short! Bikinis and beach, here I come!
10. Hair must always be fabulous, spending money in saloons are required.
Now, I realised it should have been all these.
Alhamdulillah, these are what I'm focusing at for the moment (and hopefully it gets better as I age):
1. To cover my aurah and wear modest clothes for the sake of my Creator and not for the fashion of it.
2. Achieving daily mission of completing 5-times prayers.
3. Reciting correctly and understanding the meaning of the Quran, especially surah Al-Fatihah.
4. To not fear death and accept it wholly as it's only a 'holiday' ticket for you before the Judgement Day.
5. Working hard to enter Jannah or the heaven/paradise because it is so cool, wonderful and amazing, you wonder why you didn't yearn to enter it before. All you could think of is Hell and what it will do to you, but even so you were ignorant back then.
6. To not be so obsessed with dunya and to think more of hereafter.
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Of covering aurah and medical check-ups
Obviously, I had no qualms about this before. Never even crossed my mind to be worry about such things.
But since my hijrah, I realised that I do think about it and take into consideration earlier. But somehow, I don't know, maybe due to the culture and surrounding (which is just a reason actually) that I find myself a bit slow to ensure that my aurah is covered during medical check-ups.
The other day when I had to do an X-ray scan, I completely forgot that I will need to be naked under the hospital's robe. Which is fine if the robe has long sleeves but that's not the case in Malaysia. The sleeves are short. Damn. What should I do? In the panic of making the radiographer guy wait (yes, which made me even more panicky) I quickly went out the changing room because I didn't want to make him wait. So stupid of me. I should have made sure that I was comfortable enough to step out, instead I thought of his feelings because I didn't want to delay his work. Sigh.
And that day I wore a chiffon shawl which it went around and around my head, not the usual sarung-and-go hijab. Since there can be no metal, I had to take off the shawl. Now, when I think about it, I could have just taken off the metal pins and put on the shawl. But nooooo, I didn't. I'm so mad at myself now :(
So, what did I finally wore? The short-sleeve hospital robe and my inner which only covered my hair but not neck. Ya Allah, forgive me. I should have been more aware and prepared.
Few days after that, I went back to do my MRI. I even brought along my long-sleeve inner to wear so that they may cover my arms. I felt like slapping my head, hard. I didn't wear it. I don't know why but I didn't. But I did wear a proper hijab, so that's covered. But my arms weren't :(
With my healthcare background (I used to work in the hospital) and previous current experience, let me share some tips (which is also pointing to myself as well) on what hijabis and muslimahs need to be extra cautious of when they're at the clinic/hospital:
It is true that in some circumstances especially in medical, women are allowed to expose their aurah in seeking treatment for their health. But I feel, let's not take this simply and easily. Let's try very hard to take care of our aurah, no matter what.
But since my hijrah, I realised that I do think about it and take into consideration earlier. But somehow, I don't know, maybe due to the culture and surrounding (which is just a reason actually) that I find myself a bit slow to ensure that my aurah is covered during medical check-ups.
The other day when I had to do an X-ray scan, I completely forgot that I will need to be naked under the hospital's robe. Which is fine if the robe has long sleeves but that's not the case in Malaysia. The sleeves are short. Damn. What should I do? In the panic of making the radiographer guy wait (yes, which made me even more panicky) I quickly went out the changing room because I didn't want to make him wait. So stupid of me. I should have made sure that I was comfortable enough to step out, instead I thought of his feelings because I didn't want to delay his work. Sigh.
And that day I wore a chiffon shawl which it went around and around my head, not the usual sarung-and-go hijab. Since there can be no metal, I had to take off the shawl. Now, when I think about it, I could have just taken off the metal pins and put on the shawl. But nooooo, I didn't. I'm so mad at myself now :(
So, what did I finally wore? The short-sleeve hospital robe and my inner which only covered my hair but not neck. Ya Allah, forgive me. I should have been more aware and prepared.
Few days after that, I went back to do my MRI. I even brought along my long-sleeve inner to wear so that they may cover my arms. I felt like slapping my head, hard. I didn't wear it. I don't know why but I didn't. But I did wear a proper hijab, so that's covered. But my arms weren't :(
With my healthcare background (I used to work in the hospital) and previous current experience, let me share some tips (which is also pointing to myself as well) on what hijabis and muslimahs need to be extra cautious of when they're at the clinic/hospital:
- It doesn't matter if you're wearing abaya or everyday clothes, you are required to don the hospital's robe during medical consultation/X-ray scan/MRI scan and other procedures. Bring a long sleeve top/inner that you can wear inside the robe. If you're doing a whole body procedure, then bring a loose pants, just in case.
- Don't forget your socks! Since there's no metal required there, there's no reason for you to not wear it. Unless, the procedure is at your feet or toes.
- Wear hijabs/tudungs that you can put on without the need to use pins. Bring also a small one that covers your hair and neck, just in case.
- Since we are not VIPs or dignitaries that can specifically request for everyone helping us to be females, there will be males who will be assisting you or present during the procedure. Make sure you are wary of this and just inform them if you are not comfortable with their presence and prefer to have a female nurse instead.
- Leave fancy schmancy inner wear such as bras and knickers with any metal details. Metals interrupt any scan process so save yourself the embarrassment and opt for comfy cotton ones.
It is true that in some circumstances especially in medical, women are allowed to expose their aurah in seeking treatment for their health. But I feel, let's not take this simply and easily. Let's try very hard to take care of our aurah, no matter what.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Empowering Muslimahs (Women are HIGHLY valued in the eyes of Allah) - Part 2
Me, being a human, was starting to feel sleep at this point of time. With the great lunch, great company and of course, the amazing feeling of attending the conference (which of course, I never would have imagine doing so 10 years ago), my eyes started to drop bit by bit. Work of shaiton, defnitely, jiggling their asses on my eyelids.
But I quickly woke up when the next speaker was introduced. Dr. Fadila Grine reminded me the jamaahs that I met during my umraa, she makes you feel you just wanna go up to her and hug her tightly. Some of her highlights were,
"What is our idea of change? We need to feel the fear."
"Negatively, fear the fear. Positively, fear Allah."
"Allah created us but we make ourselves."
"Responsible for ourselves first, only then to others."
"Hijab is not hiding you, hijab is meant to hide your aurah only."
"Change is real, it's not magical. Our nature is adventurous, just look at a 5-year old."
"The history of Islam during the 6th and 7th century should be referred to as our inspirations."
"Shaiton has a goal, to bring us away from our faith. So why don't WE have a goal as well?"
"If you have to change but you don't change, Allah will punish you."
"Nabi Muhammad SAW recite Astagfirullahalazim 100 times, to invite rahmat to come."
"Change to alleviate our relationship with Allah."
"Disbelieve to believe, decide on a clear goal."
"Two Arabic words to take note of; iradaa which means strong wind and azima which means strong desire."
"Take away bad habits like they are parasites."
At this point, my spirits were heightened. I grew determined to write out my goals and try to reach them. It doesn't need to be big and ambitious. Start with small ones, like to ensure to perform prayer within 30minutes after the azan. I think that can help us in not delaying our prayers, don't you think?
Next session was to me, the main highlight of the day. Even with my awe for Sis. Yasmin, nothing can topple the next speaker. Sis. Raya Shokatfard's video documentary brought tears to me. An Iranian, she migrated to the States at a young age and was quickly consumed with chasing worldly materials. She was very successful, she even got to drive Rolls Royce in her early 20s which at that time, is huge. But sadly, she looked to other religions to soothe her anxiety in heart. Hinduism, Buddhism, New Age and Christianity influenced her and took her away from Allah. But she never did convert. She just got lost and decided to really learn on the religions. What she was seeking for, only her and Allah has the answer. But imagine being lost for so long and when she found the Quran, it was like a child who had been lost and found his/her mother and the child refuses to let go, afraid of being lost again. That was who I felt when I rediscovered my true identity, as a Muslimah. I was already crying a bucket here. I will remember the feeling that strucked me when she said,
"We always tend to forget Allah, but Allah never forget or leaves us."
Masya-Allah. Such an overwhelming feeling.
Sheikh Tawfique stepped on the stage to talk on his current project and he mentioned this:
Finally, Sis. Yasmin took the stage again as the final speaker. I knew I was in for a comprehensive ending before the Maghrib break. And I was right. Some of her highlights were,
"There are 2 places that we can hold a gift; our hands and our heart."
"He pardons most."
"The one who mends, can mend it if you seek it."
"Things that we love more than God will kill us."
"Ask the following questions; What do you think about most? What makes you cry? What makes you most angry? What is the first thing you think in the morning? What is the last thing you think at night? What keeps you up at night? What do you think about in your prayers? Did you answer God? Or something else?"
"We forget that when we don't pray, we harm not our parents, friends or loved ones... We only harm ourselves."
"Ignoring the reality does not mean it will not happen."
"Nothing will stop Death."
"Nothing will delay The Day of Judgement."
"It is not good to love creations over Creator."
I didn't stay on until the end as the event will only finish at 10, that's a bit too late for me who stays 40minutes away. So I dropped off my girlfriend and headed back home to my cat, with a new burst of excitement in me. A light, a fire that cannot and will not be put off. I hope that by sharing what I learned at the conference will help all and myself included to be a better Muslim/Muslimah and even closer to Him, insyaAllah.
 |
| Me. Be Me. Geddit? Be ME! |
"What is our idea of change? We need to feel the fear."
"Negatively, fear the fear. Positively, fear Allah."
"Allah created us but we make ourselves."
"Responsible for ourselves first, only then to others."
"Hijab is not hiding you, hijab is meant to hide your aurah only."
"Change is real, it's not magical. Our nature is adventurous, just look at a 5-year old."
"The history of Islam during the 6th and 7th century should be referred to as our inspirations."
"Shaiton has a goal, to bring us away from our faith. So why don't WE have a goal as well?"
"If you have to change but you don't change, Allah will punish you."
"Nabi Muhammad SAW recite Astagfirullahalazim 100 times, to invite rahmat to come."
"Change to alleviate our relationship with Allah."
"Disbelieve to believe, decide on a clear goal."
"Two Arabic words to take note of; iradaa which means strong wind and azima which means strong desire."
"Take away bad habits like they are parasites."
At this point, my spirits were heightened. I grew determined to write out my goals and try to reach them. It doesn't need to be big and ambitious. Start with small ones, like to ensure to perform prayer within 30minutes after the azan. I think that can help us in not delaying our prayers, don't you think?
Next session was to me, the main highlight of the day. Even with my awe for Sis. Yasmin, nothing can topple the next speaker. Sis. Raya Shokatfard's video documentary brought tears to me. An Iranian, she migrated to the States at a young age and was quickly consumed with chasing worldly materials. She was very successful, she even got to drive Rolls Royce in her early 20s which at that time, is huge. But sadly, she looked to other religions to soothe her anxiety in heart. Hinduism, Buddhism, New Age and Christianity influenced her and took her away from Allah. But she never did convert. She just got lost and decided to really learn on the religions. What she was seeking for, only her and Allah has the answer. But imagine being lost for so long and when she found the Quran, it was like a child who had been lost and found his/her mother and the child refuses to let go, afraid of being lost again. That was who I felt when I rediscovered my true identity, as a Muslimah. I was already crying a bucket here. I will remember the feeling that strucked me when she said,
"We always tend to forget Allah, but Allah never forget or leaves us."
Masya-Allah. Such an overwhelming feeling.
Sheikh Tawfique stepped on the stage to talk on his current project and he mentioned this:
Those in Jannah keeps asking those in Jahanaam, "Why are you in hell?" They will reply, "We did not pray and we did not feed the poor."
Finally, Sis. Yasmin took the stage again as the final speaker. I knew I was in for a comprehensive ending before the Maghrib break. And I was right. Some of her highlights were,
"There are 2 places that we can hold a gift; our hands and our heart."
"He pardons most."
"The one who mends, can mend it if you seek it."
"Things that we love more than God will kill us."
"Ask the following questions; What do you think about most? What makes you cry? What makes you most angry? What is the first thing you think in the morning? What is the last thing you think at night? What keeps you up at night? What do you think about in your prayers? Did you answer God? Or something else?"
"We forget that when we don't pray, we harm not our parents, friends or loved ones... We only harm ourselves."
"Ignoring the reality does not mean it will not happen."
"Nothing will stop Death."
"Nothing will delay The Day of Judgement."
"It is not good to love creations over Creator."
I didn't stay on until the end as the event will only finish at 10, that's a bit too late for me who stays 40minutes away. So I dropped off my girlfriend and headed back home to my cat, with a new burst of excitement in me. A light, a fire that cannot and will not be put off. I hope that by sharing what I learned at the conference will help all and myself included to be a better Muslim/Muslimah and even closer to Him, insyaAllah.
 |
| Empowered! |
Empowering Muslimahs (Girls Rule in Islam!) - Part 1
I am so thankful that I decided to attend the Being ME Conference. I couldn't attend Twins of Faith earlier so when I heard about this conference, I rushed to be the early bird. With the line up of amazing speakers, especially Sis. Yasmin Mogahed, I counted the days to this event. It was my second religious event, the first one I attended quite some time ago organised by the Youth Muslim Project in Bangsar, the Sheikh gave a talk on the 'Beauty of Jannah'. From then, I was hooked. I knew I wanted and was so thirsty for more Islamic talks/events in English. I realized that I responsed well to it as it's in a language that is dear to me. I said, "That's it... I'm gonna attend more talks in English and try to find books on Islam that are in English as well".
Allah is Almighty. It turns out that most of us don't hate to attend religious events, they just hate hearing the speakers repeat YOU WILL ALL ENTER HELL. Of course, I do agree that when we do wrong, there are repercussions to it. But isn't it better for you to concentrate on the good things of Islam, only then it will be easier for you to practise it? Because you're not scared of it, but because you really want to? I see heads nodding in agreement. So if there's any news on religious events in English, I will definitely let you all know.
So back to the conference. As it was beautifully arranged with the amazing speakers and there's so much of points and highlights that I want to share, I will divide the post into Part 1 and Part 2.
Sheikh Tawfique Chowdury started off with his opening speech. His highlight was,
"Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 10 times, and Allah will build you a palace in Jannah."
*jawdrops*
Next (I was trying hard not to jump up and down on my seat), was Sis. Yasmin Mogahed's turn to speak. Words cannot express how amazing she is and how she plays with words to show how beautiful Islam is, from her point of view. Click here to visit her official website and read her articles, especially.
She talked on how the world has mould our perception to how a female should dress and how they are looked in the eyes of the public. Some of her highlights were,
"Muslim women have God as their standards."
"Completion comes from God, and how our relationship is to Him."
"Only God is our saviour, not our companion."
"You don't own an image."
"The story starts at the marriage; the building of sacrifice, love and your path back to Him."
"If you're chasing a feeling, you'll always be chasing."
"Love what He loves, and do not love what He doesn't love."
Just before we had our lunch break, Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim stepped on the stage for his session. He. Is. So. Funny. He pointed out that the Western countries were worried whether the wife of the newly-elected Egypt President Mursi will shake hands with President Obama. Of all the world crisis and people are dying every second, this was what they were worried about. Which is so true of this world. Appearance matters. Tsk tsk tsk.
Anyways, back to his highlights,
"We are comprised of 3; aqal, roh and physical."
"Soul is thirsty for Islam."
"Are we curious and interested to know the meaning of Quran?"
"Iman can be tarnished, make doa to Allah instantly to reignite your interest and iman."
"If your heart breaks not for Allah, then it's a shame."
"Believe in Allah is in your heart."
"Never will Allah allow someone to remain unchallenged for a long period of time."
"Your heart can be hurt by others, and it can be hurdled away from Allah."
"Always think of Allah and Prophet Muhammad PBUH truthfully and honestly, and your needs will be fulfilled, insyaAllah."
Wow. Felt like a huge wake-up call.
The best thing that this conference featured were booths outside the hall. Obviously, being women it is naturally for us to drop by the booths and shop. Man, I went crazy ok. One of the booth and they were also one of the sponsors, Dakwah Corner Bookstore and they had all these books on Islam and they were all in ENGLISH! Bought one for daddy, sis, myself and him as well.
*happy*happy*happy*
Me and my girls had a long lunch since there was a long queue and by the time we finished Dhuhr, the first afternoon session was ending. To hear the highlights of the next speaker, check out Part 2.
Allahu Akbar!
:)
 |
| Buzzing away |
 |
| TudungPeople's Najwaa in Cream and Limited Edition Azraa Collection, Kitschen's hot pink blazer, Thepoplook's Empire Maxi Combo dress in mustard and my beloved 'H' bag bought in Ipoh. |
Allah is Almighty. It turns out that most of us don't hate to attend religious events, they just hate hearing the speakers repeat YOU WILL ALL ENTER HELL. Of course, I do agree that when we do wrong, there are repercussions to it. But isn't it better for you to concentrate on the good things of Islam, only then it will be easier for you to practise it? Because you're not scared of it, but because you really want to? I see heads nodding in agreement. So if there's any news on religious events in English, I will definitely let you all know.
So back to the conference. As it was beautifully arranged with the amazing speakers and there's so much of points and highlights that I want to share, I will divide the post into Part 1 and Part 2.
Sheikh Tawfique Chowdury started off with his opening speech. His highlight was,
"Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 10 times, and Allah will build you a palace in Jannah."
*jawdrops*
Next (I was trying hard not to jump up and down on my seat), was Sis. Yasmin Mogahed's turn to speak. Words cannot express how amazing she is and how she plays with words to show how beautiful Islam is, from her point of view. Click here to visit her official website and read her articles, especially.
She talked on how the world has mould our perception to how a female should dress and how they are looked in the eyes of the public. Some of her highlights were,
"Muslim women have God as their standards."
"Completion comes from God, and how our relationship is to Him."
"Only God is our saviour, not our companion."
"You don't own an image."
"The story starts at the marriage; the building of sacrifice, love and your path back to Him."
"If you're chasing a feeling, you'll always be chasing."
"Love what He loves, and do not love what He doesn't love."
Just before we had our lunch break, Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim stepped on the stage for his session. He. Is. So. Funny. He pointed out that the Western countries were worried whether the wife of the newly-elected Egypt President Mursi will shake hands with President Obama. Of all the world crisis and people are dying every second, this was what they were worried about. Which is so true of this world. Appearance matters. Tsk tsk tsk.
Anyways, back to his highlights,
"We are comprised of 3; aqal, roh and physical."
"Soul is thirsty for Islam."
"Are we curious and interested to know the meaning of Quran?"
"Iman can be tarnished, make doa to Allah instantly to reignite your interest and iman."
"If your heart breaks not for Allah, then it's a shame."
"Believe in Allah is in your heart."
"Never will Allah allow someone to remain unchallenged for a long period of time."
"Your heart can be hurt by others, and it can be hurdled away from Allah."
"Always think of Allah and Prophet Muhammad PBUH truthfully and honestly, and your needs will be fulfilled, insyaAllah."
Wow. Felt like a huge wake-up call.
The best thing that this conference featured were booths outside the hall. Obviously, being women it is naturally for us to drop by the booths and shop. Man, I went crazy ok. One of the booth and they were also one of the sponsors, Dakwah Corner Bookstore and they had all these books on Islam and they were all in ENGLISH! Bought one for daddy, sis, myself and him as well.
*happy*happy*happy*
Me and my girls had a long lunch since there was a long queue and by the time we finished Dhuhr, the first afternoon session was ending. To hear the highlights of the next speaker, check out Part 2.
Allahu Akbar!
:)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Etching fear with words
"The un-ease feeling of having your socks wet in the sake of covering your aurah is better than having it buried in the no-words-can-describe blazing hot of torment in hellfire."
If you feel wearing socks dampen your sense of style, then find ways around it to make it work.
Yes, as Tim Gunn loves to say on Project Runway, MAKE IT WORK!
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