.: 你不知道的事 :.

The things you don't know.

你不知道我為什麼離開你
You don't know why I left you

我堅持不能說放任你哭泣
I insist on not telling you and let your tears run

你的淚滴像 傾盆大雨
Your teardrops seem like a heavy downpour

王力宏; Wang Leehom

Yesterday my family got word that my uncle passed away, thus we made plans to return to my Southern home today. It was a solemn moment for everyone, as everybody silently carries a tearful heart mourning the loss of a brother, uncle, father and grandfather.

... ~ ...

On another note; please lend your support to a dear sister of mine in her noble attempt to solicit financial aids for the people of Pakistan. You may find more info here: Wings of Humanity.

A blue Monday.

5.59am Malaysian Time

.: Provincial lapse :.

Differential treatment.

Last month I attended a lecture at PERKIM. Alhamdulillah, the overall experience was extremely beneficial and uplifting. There were many sisters and everyone was very pleasant. As a fresh face I had a couple of regular sisters who graciously extended their friendship. Simply said, the feeling of having random people coming up to you, smile and say salam truly comforts the heart and soul.

... ~ ...

Earlier I told a brother *the same brother as the one in this post* that I wanted to attend their classes and lectures.

Why? You already know most of these things. These classes are for beginners. You are beyond that.

I beg to differ really. In school I regarded religious subjects as just another subject. It's not like I've forgotten what I've learned, however I believe I wasn't really paying attention to any of it and I feel that I may have missed out on a handful of things. As of now, I haven't gone to any of the classes yet since my cousin wanted to join me. Will embark on the spiritual enrichment journey after Eid Insha'Allah.

Building blocks.

9.54pm Malaysian Time

.: Dawn and dusk :.

When stars fall.

Every act of goodness is charity

PETALING JAYA, 19 August 2010 - In response to the deadly floods in Pakistan, which has resulted in the significant loss of lives and homes, Malaysia's Media Prima Berhad (Media Prima), the New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad (NSTP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today initiated a joint appeal to raise funds for humanitarian aid. more...

For the third year running, SimplyIslam is organising the annual Ramadan Charity Basket program. SimplyIslam hopes to raise SGD10,000 to provide food provisions and financial assistance to some of Muslim Kidney Action Association (MKAC) and Ang Mo Kio FSC (AMK-FSC) most needy welfare recipients. more ...

Sometimes I feel that by extending our hands to help the less fortunate, we are really extending our hearts to reach theirs. How else can one explain the warmth one feels each time an act of kindness and charity is done towards others? By giving a piece of our heart out, we don't end up losing it. It dwells in the hearts of the ones it has touched, and continues to be filled and brimmed with warmth.

Be creative.

9.34am Malaysian Time

.: Mutiara minda :.

Membaca sambil beramal.

From August 1 to October 31, MPH Bookstores is selling the "Mutiara Minda" card. All proceeds from the selling of the card will be distributed to 10 selected orphanages.

:: Translation Notes ::

• Mutiara Minda; pearl intellect; precious intellect.
• Membaca sambil beramal; reading while doing charity.

For someone who seldom reads Malay books, I eventually settled with these Islamic reference material. The first two books discuss about prayers, while the last touches about supplications. I also bought a set of Arabic alphabets flashcards. Thought it'd be a good gift for anyone who's learning it.

Moving along, I'll post the Eid cards by Monday Insha'Allah. Although today is the due date, I will still accept requests provided you don't mind receiving it after Eid. Our postal service can become super chaotic during this time; no kidding.

Happy Friday everyone. :)

9.57pm Malaysian Time

.: Bazaar Ramadhan :.

Kuala Lumpur.

From left to right :: Chocodate, Halal certification, dim sum, ayam madu, random lady, otak-otak.

From left to right :: Ikan bakar, dim sum, roti boom pandan.

Photos were taken at the Ramadhan bazaars held in Wangsa Maju and Danau Kota. I was elated to find ... CHOCODATE!!! Alas the seller was away for Asar prayers so I didn't get to purchase any. Then I found these guys selling halal dim sum, and they even displayed the halal certification! As usual I obtained their permission before I snapped their photos. *the first guy was very shy ... =.=*

Brief descriptions ::

• Ayam (Chicken) Madu (Honey) - BBQ chicken wings smothered in honey, spices etc.
  
• Otak-otak (literal translation 'Brains') - A combination of fish paste, spices and etc. wrapped in banana leaf; may be grilled or steamed.
  
• Ikan (Fish) Bakar (Grilled) - Grilled fish with air asam (sour dip).
  
• Roti (Bread) Boom (I have no idea how to translate this) Pandan (Screw-pine leaf) - Resembles roti prata (Singapore) or roti canai (Malaysia); just smaller and circular in shape. The seller diversified the original recipe by using pandan extract.
  

Out of the long stretch of stalls, I only bought ikan bakar and dim sum to complement the dishes we have at home. One must keep in mind that this isn't the time to indulge in unnecessary spending, let alone finding means to waste any excess food.

Note: For some background, please refer to my Arabian Delights post regarding my once upon a time fixation over Chocodate; the heavenly yet sinful confectionery. :)

Another rainy day!

10.03pm Malaysian Time

.: Veiled tresses :.

Forbidden locks.

After spending hours of drowning myself in countless articles, it eventually felt as if my entire life essence was sucked into the computer screen. In the brink of losing into that lifeless stage, I blasted some high-energy teen boppy pop songs to get the rhythm back into my system. A short interim to the washroom and a few sips of plain water, I switched to Qur'an recitals and resumed my work. *bubble gum songs can do wicked things to a person of my age. coughs*

... ~ ...

Sis :: The family thought you're going to become some ultra-pious person after we returned from Hajj.
Me :: Just because I dumped my biographies and comics?
Sis :: That and a few other things, but they're alright now.

I can't deny that certain changes had taken place since then, and honestly speaking, the transitional changes are still going on, Alhamdulillah. Furthermore, I am not so gung-ho as to take the deep plunge instantly. Doing things one step at a time, towards the betterment of oneself Insha'Allah.

One clear example is before Hajj I succumbed to the "need-to-fit-in" excuse. Although my non-Muslim friends never treated me any different, I didn't like being the odd one out with the hijab. So whenever we went for holidays together, my hijab went on a holiday too. After Hajj, I still led that kind of life thus I positioned myself as a give and take 355/365 days hijabi; approximately 10 days self-imposed holiday.

The turning point happened several days after I came home from China, when a friend IM-ed me;

Friend :: I don't understand how you are able to find the strength to deal and accept things. The only conclusion I have is it must be your faith towards your religion.
Me :: If my faith is that strong, why am I insecure with my hijab?

Since then, I made it a point to wear my hijab regardless of how "out of place" I felt. I also try hard to stop folding and rolling up my sleeves *bad habit*, observing my behavior and constantly reminding myself that I am working with men. *on most days, I'm often the only female species around* Even if I don't see them as men *to make things easier at work*, they are still men; to be all the more specific non-mahram men.

Reaching the first 365/365.

12.18noon Malaysian Time

.: رمضان كريم :.

Ramadhan Kareem.


With the arrival of our beloved Ramadhan I'm organizing my 2nd Eid greeting cards event!!! Please click here for last year's post ~ Season' s Greetings.

Apart from sharing the many joys and generosity of Ramadhan/Eid, and this newfound passion of mine, it's also my way of expressing my gratitude to everyone for taking the time to loiter around my little space. *like how often do you receive mail from some unknown stranger?*

Quick recap;


I'll post you an Eid greeting card, irregardless of your location, age, religion, race etc. Even if you don't celebrate Eid, celebrating it in hiding, or have never even heard of it, I will still send you one if and ONLY if ...

You provide your name, home and email address by August 20th 2010; either by sending it to hajar.alwi@gmail.com or leaving it in the comments section. *it won't get published*

Otherwise, if you don't have enough faith in me *maybe you think I might miraculously poof in front of your doorstep or distribute your address to a bunch of loan sharks* but you still have that gripping desire to receive an Eid greeting card card, I can send a virtual greeting. Whichever works for you.

Disclosure :: Any info you provide shall be well guarded with extreme caution. Images are courtesy of Memory Lane (M) Sdn. Bhd. Will send these out, Insha'Allah.

Stocking cards. :)

6.56pm Malaysian Time

.: Collected memories :.

Revealed.

A short time ago I had this conversation with someone who is very dear to me. Our little tiff didn't last long, and we're back on good terms Alhamdulillah. She was just watching out for me, fearful of my movements. The purpose of writing this down is not to provoke or badmouth her, but it's more of sharing the kind of reaction I get every now and then from others, particularly the ones who insinuate religion is linked to a certain race/culture. Call me daft if you may, but I don't give a hoot about a person's race when it comes to acquiring religious knowledge or anything else for that matter.

Person :: Of all people, why can't you learn about Islam from someone else?
Me :: What's the problem?
Person :: He's Chinese. How much does he know about Islam? How far back is his generations that embraced Islam? I'm talking about lineage, bloodline. Can you understand this?
Me :: In other words you are indicating how "Islamic" is his family background.
Person :: Yes. You should find someone whose family has been in Islam for generations. Their belief are more deep-rooted and knowledge are more reliable.
Me :: If you are concerned about that then where do you place the reverts? Are you indicating they are less "Islamic" just because they don't have generations of "Islamic" lineage?
Person :: Not exactly but Malays have been living the Muslim way of life.
Me :: So have the Chinese Muslims.
Person :: But the culture is different.
Me :: I am learning about Islam, not the culture. Do you honestly have issues with this person's "Islamic" know-how or is it really his race?

Monday blues.

10.24am Malaysian Time