.: Lifelike distortion :.

Thousand words.

Sometimes, pictures bring back painful memories, memories that you never ever want to recall. Yet those very memories can at times remind us that for every feeling of pain that we had to endure, it has now remained in the past. The "us" now are the ones that overcame that difficult period, that survived, and had found better versions of ourselves. 

Pictures - a reminder of our past, a source of strength, courage and faith that things will eventually change for the better. 

Hope, holding onto hope.

2.06pm, Malaysian Time

.: Ornate whisper :.

Tippy toes.

In a blink of an eye, three months have passed since the very first correspondence. While the mind still tries to make compounded sense of the nitty gritties, the heart and soul, blends together in perfect unison, in perfect harmony, embracing this new found twist of fate. 

Piecing together the puzzle pieces, 
A piece at a time,
Revealing an uncertainty,
Intertwined with doses of tranquility. 

Coincidences are never meant to be mere coincidences. One just has to place absolute reliance on the Designer, the Master Planner, and move through life according to His plans. 

Another three months.

10.02am, Malaysian Time

.: 世上无难事 :.

只怕有心人. 

Broken away from the shackles of time, the wind has once more changed its course. 

Starting anew.

1.14pm Malaysian Time

.: Home bound :.

4 November 2015. 

I will be returning to the southern state, followed by day trips to Singapore during the first half of November, insha’Allah. On most occasions, I would rather lie low and do my own thing. 

This time around, there is a tendency to reconnect. 

For those who would like to catch-up on things, do let me know. We could probably meet over tea, insha’Allah. 

Winds are changing.

11.44am, Malaysian Time

.: Lapse of reality :.

Dream transitions. 

On some days, one cannot help but wonder, 

This dream, just how long will it stay as a dream? 

Yet the more daunting thought would be, 

What if one is forcibly awakened from the dream? 

Even so, 

Even so, 

Deep within, a silent whisper, echoes a hopeful thought, 

But what if, what if the dream eventually transitions into reality?

حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ 

Less than 3 weeks.

9.57am, Malaysian Time

.: Inspired 2015 :.

Shoot for the Moon.

By Mufti Menk. May Allah SWT reward the one who took down these notes and had been so kind enough to share it around, Allahumma ameen thumma ameen. 

1. Inspired? Then immediately take action! Within a few hours after listening to an inspirational talk, the motivation decreases. After 48 hours, it diminished completely!
2. When Allah SWT make you listen to 'the messages', take it seriously. It is NOT a coincidence. The messages are meant for you and is part of Allah's plan. 
3. Rasul'Allah SAW said: "Then HELP me to HELP you achieve this for you by devoting yourself often to prostration (Sahih Muslim) If you want jannah with me do something about it. If you want paradise you must work hard for it.
4. Analogy: Payment for paradise. Solat is part of our payment. Stay away from sin is part of our payment. 'Do' the compulsory then 'do' the voluntary is also part of our payment. If we missed the payments we might lose the house!
5. How many years are the balance of our life? The material world is taking over our life so badly and before we know it life comes to an abrupt end. Just imagine meeting with Allah SWT and be asked, "I've given you 60 years of your life and you have not put aside part of it to understand my word?". Purify our knowledge. Don' be tricked by syaitan. Syaitan is very focused and he will create reasons for you not to attempt and excel in understanding Allah's words. If we got tricked and then we die and then if we end up in hellfire and we are asked "Why didn't you understand the book of Allah to protect yourselves? Who give you these days? How can you didn't read my book, not even a page of translation per day?". Therefore do make it a priority, an aim to understand the words of Allah SWT so we will be able to answer "Yes, I didn't do it because You prohibit it", "Yes, I did it because You order me to do it'. (ie. we are following Allah's order and NOT following trend). 
6. Aim high but do not be impatient. Seeking knowledge involves 'struggle and effort' , 'sacrifice time, money and energy'. 
7. We must also work hard to get our provisions in this world. Rasul'Allah SAW wants us to work hard and with the best of quality. The hadith: A man from the Ansar came to the Prophet SAW and begged from him. The Prophet said, “Have you nothing in your house?” The man said, “Yes, a piece of cloth, a part of which we wear and a part of which we spread on the ground, and a wooden bowl from which we drink water.” The Prophet said, “Bring them to me.” The man brought these articles to him and the Prophet took them in his hands and he said, “Who will buy these?” Someone said, “I will buy them for one coin.” The Prophet said twice or thrice, “Who will offer more than one coin?” Someone said, “I will buy them for two coins.” He sold them for two coins and the Prophet said, “Buy food with one of them and give it to your family. Buy an axe and bring it to me.” The man brought it to him. The Prophet fixed a handle on it with his own hands and he said, “Go gather firewood and sell it, and do not let me see you for a fortnight.” The man went away and gathered firewood and sold it. When he had earned ten coins, he came and bought a garment and food. The Prophet said, “This is better for you than for begging to come as a spot on your face on the Day of Resurrection. Begging is correct only for three people: one in severe poverty, one in severe debt, and one who must pay a difficult compensation.” (Abu Dawud). Many of the companions of the Prophet were very very rich eg. Abdul Rahman bin Auf. He was very rich in Mekah and when he make hijrah to Madinah he had to leave ALL his wealth in Mekah. BUT then he started all over again and become very very rich again. 
8. We have to work hard. Don't be lazy. Most of our children nowadays are very lazy. They want to relax BUT they want to be rich. And the TV, electronic games, especially smart phone (without control) are great 'fitnah'. AND do not expect the children be good (to work hard, don't watch much TV, not playing games much and abusing their smart phones) if parents themselves are not good. 
9. When you 'aim high' you don't care much about 'PETTY things'. eg. Why am I not invited to the wedding, why this.., why that... 
10. Conclusion: If your aim is jannah, your boss is Allah. Aim high for both, this world and the hereafter. What do we aim to leave in this world? And more important is what do we aim to take with us when we go? Think and act.

Bliss.

11.16am, Malaysian Time

.: SG50 :.

Jubilee weekend.

How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home.

William Faulkner  

Cloudy skies.

4.05pm, Malaysian Time

.: Transient life :.

Share the khayr.

Recently I have taken on the initiative to share some of my past work via this blog. Most of the learning materials were developed for children and the materials were customised according to the theme of Islamic events, seminars and conferences conducted in Malaysia.

The main reason for sharing is to make the materials easily accessible to others, particularly mums, homeschoolers, educators or anyone who would like to learn Islam using a simple yet fun approach. 

Samples:

For now I have placed the materials under The Extras tab. 

The materials will insha'Allah be updated every now and then. Kindly take note that all materials can be downloaded and used freely as long as not for profit purposes. I hope and pray may this little effort be of benefit to the mass and I thank you in advance for helping to spread the word around. 

Jazakumullahu khairan kathiran, ameen.  

12.12 noon, Malaysian Time

.: Blue bird :.

Polly want a cracker? 

Breadcrumbs. There were breadcrumbs on the sidewalk. Before long, pigeons began to flock the area, scrambling for crumbs. 

A little girl peeked from behind a wall. She smiled. She had been feeding the pigeons with her breadcrumbs. She knew there were pigeons around. She felt generous and wanted to share. She believed that by doing so, she could probably score extra brownie points with God. 

She had been doing it for quite a while until another girl comes by. The girl too had the same intention. She wanted to feed the pigeons too. Together, they fed the pigeons. Their intentions were pure. They only wanted to share the little that they have. 

Along comes another girl. She had seen the pigeons. Unlike the two girls, this girl felt she had something far better to offer. She had crackers. She scattered some at the sidewalk and felt contented that the pigeons had something better as a meal. 

And the pigeons ate. The pigeons ate the crackers and the breadcrumbs. The pigeons did not differentiate the people who fed them and the food that they were given. 

In real life, the pigeons represent less privileged people, whereas the girls represent our society. Quite a number of places and people run soup kitchens. These people do it out of their consideration and goodwill towards others. It has never been about who could offer better or more food. In fact, these people try to work together. Because the goal is to provide food to the less privileged. 

The place where we live in would be a far better place if individuals could also have the same mentality when it comes to other areas besides charity. Whenever possible, be a catalyst for change to happen. Inspire others to pool resources and work together. But above all, remain focused on achieving the goal. 

After all, life has never been about getting recognition from others. What comes from the heart, goes straight to the heart. So give from your heart. Be sincere. Be genuine. Be real. 

And life will return the favour back to you.

3.22pm, Malaysian Time

.: Ramadhan 1436 :.

Far too soon. 

تَقَبَّلَ اللّهُ مِنَّ وَ مِنْكُمْ تَقَبَّلْ يَا كَرِيْمُ

Down to the last few hours of Ramadhan. I pray may Allah SWT accept the good that we and our loved ones have done throughout this lifetime and may He forgive all the sins that we and our loved ones have committed throughout this lifetime. 

May Allah SWT also bless us with the opportunity to experience Ramadhan once more and may He keep us and our loved ones consistent in the deen. Allahumma ameen, thumma ameen. 

Have a wonderful and blessed Eid!

1.52am, Malaysian Time

.: Racial integrity :.

Submissive pawns. 

The issue was between men. Yet, why, why did racial cards get into the picture? Why do certain quarters of the Malaysian society still subscribe to animosity and prejudice? Whatever happened to tolerance and turning the other cheek? Whatever happened to exhibiting noble character and attending to matters in a dignified and civilised manner? 

When emotions supersede rational thinking. 

When one completely loses control. 

One, can easily be led astray. 

The Prophet Muhammad said: 

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.” 

Have we forgotten this? 

9.25pm, Malaysian Time

.: Authentic self :.

Tomorrow?

Two months ago I blogged of my intention to attend this month's edition of Incitement Ipoh. Alas, my schedule doesn't permit me to do so. But hey, just because I have to give it a miss, doesn't necessarily mean others should too. 

Here's a quick teaser for those who may want to attend it:

Wicked looking banner eh? The good news is the artist happens to be one of the invited speakers. So if you'd like to see more of his work, catch him and other speakers this Saturday, 11 July at Sepaloh Art Centre, Ipoh. Registration begins at 7.30pm and the event ends around 10.00pm.

Since this is suppose to be a teaser, you can jolly well do the rest of your homework yourself. Go dig for more info at Incitement Ipoh's:

Facebook Page | Facebook Event Page | Eventbrite Page

Bring along your family and friends to have a good time there, alright?

While we're still on the subject of authentic self and Ipoh, allow me to share this mind-blowing piece written recently by Ipoh-born Brother Ikhwan Ng:

"Why choose Islam?" They say..

Because embrace Islam won't mean that I have converted into another race. I'm still who I am, the only difference is I obey to Allah SWT and witness prophet Muhammad saw as the last prophet.

I don't mind being label as "Malay", because Allah SWT never judge me upon my race and skin color. He loves those who devoted to His commandments. Chinese is my race while Islam is my Deen.

People say that Muslim and Islam is an "orthodox" religion. Nothing special in it and looks dull. I have read and research Islam and my conclusion is totally different. Islam is way ahead from Technology and humans knowledge, as al-Mighty Creator is All-Knowing.. He knows every creations more than anyone and to Him we belongs.

People say that being Muslim don't look "Cool". I don't admire western cultural much, calling me in any English name and speaking fluent English won't make me a Brad Pitt. I choose to be who I am, for I have chosen to be Ikhwan Ng.

Now that's what I call hardcore authentic self! :)

6.19am, Malaysian Time

.: المودة والرحمة :.

Love and mercy.

The word "love" in the Qur’an appears in over 90 places but interestingly it does not define the word love but speaks about the very first consequence of love - "committing". Islam talks about commitment. If you truly love, then commit. If you do not commit, then your claim of love is not real.

Sheikh Yassir Fazaga

Reflecting.

11.36pm, Malaysian Time

.: Being Me 2015 P2 :.

The compilation.

When one is on duty at conferences, one hardly has the opportunity to listen attentively to the lectures. Frankly, I only managed to scribble down a paltry selection of wisdom from Shaykhaa Wafaa's and Prof. Muhaya's lectures. Most points were highlighted in the previous post - Being Me 2015 P1.

As for my remaining notes, I have compiled it with a handful of Being Me GEMS that I came across recently via Twitter. Blessed the souls of the individuals who had been so kind to share it with the mass. May Allah SWT reward them well for their thoughtful gesture, ameen. 

Bear in mind that these points are carefully selected due to the impact it has on me. Should you want to seek other GEMS, kindly search for #LoveAisha or #BeingMe2015. Both hashtags work for Twitter and Facebook, insha'Allah.

1. What you manifest outside, is what you are feeling inside.
2. Make your secret life better than your public life. Your DVD will be uploaded on Judgement Day for all to see.
3. Being nice to others is an act of worship.
4. No matter how good your level of optimism is, you can always better that.
5. We spend so much time on social media, yet we do not use it to our own benefits.
6. The hijab is not to shape your face, it is to shape your heart. 
7. We forgot to be amazed over how beautiful the cloud is, so how can we be happy? The attitude of the believer is that he praises.
8. The biggest danger to our hayaa' these days is our conduct with non-mahram men.
9. When we find our passion, we do not have to push ourselves. We will be driven by it.
10. The reason we wear hijab first is to identify us - we are Muslims and we are proud of it.
11. True living is all about giving with a strong, clean and soft heart.
12. Hide your good deeds as much as you hide your evil doings.
13. Not that women cannot interact with non-mahram men, but adab must be followed in order to protect your self-respect.
14. Marry someone for their character. Marry someone who will be there for you whether you are 300 or 110 pounds.
15. Hayaa' and modesty will be taken first from this dunya.

Commencing Arabic.

11.58am, Malaysian Time

.: Waqf project :.

Crossing restrictions.

Brother Ikhwan Ng has recently embarked on a waqf project involving Chinese translations of the holy Qur'an. Being a convert to Islam with a Chinese background himself, he is fully aware of the need to read religious texts in a language one is proficient and comfortable with. This view is equally shared among other converts he has came to know through his blog - Another Chinese Muallaf. 

As of now, said texts are not readily available in Malaysia. Therefore, Ikhwan has taken the initiative to import these translations from China. Through this project, you may waqf a particular translation to gift a Chinese literate individual access to the holy Qur'an. You may also request or buy a waqf copy for yourself or your Chinese literate family or friends.

Version A

• RM100
• A4 size
• Qur'an text and Chinese translations
• Translated by Wang Zin Zai
• Detailed footnotes and written in layman terms

Version B

• RM70
• A5 size
• Qur'an text and Chinese translations
• Translated by Ma Jian
• Standard translation used in China

Version C

• RM30
• Pocket size
• Chinese translations
• Translated by Ma Jian
• Standard translation used in China

Orders and inquiries can be made via whassap to +6012 397 9998 or lifemualaf@gmail.com. All orders will be sent via Poslaju and take approximately 2 weeks to be delivered from China.

For information about this project in Bahasa Malaysia, kindly visit Ikhwan's blogpost.

This project is highlighted for others to get acquainted with the Qur'an. Wouldn't it be epic if there could be similar projects for other religious texts as well? 

Reading my Tao Te Ching. 

11.46am, Malaysian Time

.: Eeman charge :.

Ramadhan 2015.

A year had passed since the last Ramadhan, yet it felt as though time just went by. A reminder that the time lost, can never be regained. 

Let's take this opportunity to value the time we have left and those we hold dearly. Find it in our hearts to give and forgive, purely, sincerely, with no strings attached, and I hope and pray that your loved ones and many others will reciprocate with overflowing love, kindness and compassion. 

May Allah SWT permit us to fully utilise this blessed time to make significant and positive changes in our daily lives, spiritually and emotionally, for as long as we are on this dunya, and may this effort of ours lead to us committing ourselves to do even more meaningful things and having better relationships, ameen.

6 months.

10.51am, Malaysian Time

.: Being Me 2015 P1 :.

Love, Aisha.

The wonderful thing about attending knowledge gatherings is one can always count on each other to share the lessons learned. For this particular event, alhamdulillah, an old friend of mine had shared the following lessons:

GEMS from Shaykhaa Wafaa Hussain Yee 

1. Why is it more difficult to maintain your marriage with your husband than friendship with your sisters? Because shaytan always work on breaking a marriage. 
2. The nucleus family consists of the husband, wife and children. The nucleus family is the root of the society.  
3. When the root is problematic, then the tree (society) will be sick. So shaytan always work on destroying the roots. 
4. From the hadeeth, when shaytan reports to their leader that they made people kill each other, the leader said: "You did nothing". But when one shaytan said that it had caused a man and a woman to divorce, then the leader said: "This is shaytan's biggest success". 
5. If you behave like a queen to your husband, then your husband will behave like a king to you and your marriage will be difficult. Behave like a slave and he will also behave like a slave.
6. In the end, men look at your heart rather than your looks.
7. Men should not seek for a beautiful wife, rather seek beauty in your wife.
8. Know the rights of your spouse before yours.
9. The more you have expectations in your spouse, the more you will be disappointed. 
10. Say alhamdulillah even if things are hard.
11. "Please", "sorry", "thank you" - always say these three phrases. Don't be arrogant: Not saying "thank you" because you think it is your spouse's responsibility to do things for you. 
12. Your dua is never unheard.
13. End the circle of hate. Start goodness.
14. Relationships are tested at the time of hardships.
15. Listen attentively to your spouse, give them your time.
16. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
17. Don't be the typical woman, be a muslim woman.
18. The tongue can be a very destructive weapon so much that it can destroy life.
19. When you do a lot, but also complain a lot, then you will still be disliked. Grannies who don't do much but are always nice and say good things will be loved. So watch your words. 
20. When we get angry, our mind will blackout, so it is best to stay silent. Even if we want to say something good, the tone will be bad. So only speak after we have calmed down. 
21. Words that come from our mouth will go into someone's heart 
22. If you are bad at expressing your feelings by talking, then write a letter. You need to explain your feelings to your husband because men don't understand it. 
23. If your husband fears Allah SWT, then you have nothing to fear. You will trust him. 
24. As how you don't want to be compared, don't compare your man to others. 
25. Constantly check your intention. Purify it.

I will insha'Allah share my notes within the next couple of days. By all means, please feel free to share and extend the khayr for the benefit of others. 

May Allah SWT keep us sincere in our intentions and may He make it easy for all of us to implement the knowledge shared, in our daily lives, Allahumma ameen. 

Part one. 

12.31noon, Malaysian Time

.: Twisted perception :.

All that is glitter. 

The girl sits in a corner. She chews on her hair as she rocks herself to a soft lullaby. Gazing at the floor, her eyes sparkle like the stars illuminating the silvery night sky. Ironically, the same set of eyes reflect the depths of an empty soul. 

She had dreamed of being beautiful. She had read all the beauty magazines. She had idolized the celebrities and felt drawn towards their perfection. She believed in them when they said she could be beautiful too. She wanted to be just like them and become an inspiration to other girls. Girls like her.

Little did she knew that her dream would soon became a nightmare and she would remain imprisoned in the reality that she had so believed would be hers. A reality that for now has succeeded in controlling every single ounce of her life.  

The girl chuckles. 

Upon seeing an audience, she stands up, straightens the lines of her skirt and begins humming a little tune. She soon breaks into a song and dances around the room in sheer ecstasy. She is now lost in her world. A world where she is a figure of adoration.

Her singing eventually became louder and louder that her piercing screams penetrated through every nook and cranny of the room. And her screams finally revealed her silent cries of help. 

“I’m beautiful, aren’t I? They told me I’m beautiful. They said I’m a star!” 

They brought her back into her room. As she sits in her corner, chewing on her hair, and gently rocking herself to a soft lullaby, she scribbles these words on the wall: 

“I’m a star.”

And she chuckles.

Is not gold.

6.44pm, Malaysian Time

.: Chasing Jannah :.

Ahlan ya Ramadhan. 

One of the deeds often connected with the blessed month of Ramadhan is giving sadaqah or donations. Donations are often given in various forms, be it monetary, resources, time or even as simple as a smile. 

For those who would like to perform this good deed, you could do it as an individual or better still, gather your loved ones and do it as a collective effort. 

Whether you are a Muslim or a non-Muslim, and whether it is Ramadhan or any other months, I wholeheartedly believe we can all play a role in offering assistance to others. By helping others, we are developing ourselves to become better people. 

Places for you to channel your donations, insha’Allah: 

Mount Kinabalu Guides Association (Pemangkina) 

CIMB Bank Account No: 8005609923 

Community Recycle for Charity 

Islamic Relief Malaysia 

Rohingya . Syria . Yemen . Nepal . Palestine 

AlMaghrib Impact 

General . Malaysia . Singapore

If you may, please take this moment to utter a prayer for those who lost their lives during the recent earthquake in Sabah. Offer your prayers too to those who are undergoing difficulties in their lives.

May Allah SWT reward you for the good that you do and may He keep you under His guidance at all times, Allahumma ameen. 

Every life matter.

9.39pm, Malaysian Time

.: Shedding restrictions :.

Second guessing limitations.

Back from Incitement Ipoh. I reckon most would have written or shared about the contents, speakers, event flow, or possibly, the organisers. On my part, I prefer to highlight the little things that people often take for granted, but for some, these are the things that left indelible prints on them. Before anyone starts to hurl a tirade of conflicting statements, let me say that these are my personal thoughts. 

The adhan

As a Muslim, it felt really nice when the organisers kept silent throughout the adhan. Not many would do so. In fact, I have never been to an event in Malaysia, organised by non-Muslims, that actually does so. For that, I take my imaginary hat off them. 

Not saying that it is a must for non-Muslims to respect the adhan, but I personally felt it was a well-thought gesture. A week has passed and I still think it was nice of them. 

The volunteers

There is a warm feeling when you see young people volunteering their time for something they passionately believe could bring immense benefits to others. The fact that some travelled back to Ipoh just to help out is a commendable trait and I admire their spirit. 

Having spoken to a couple of them, I would say that in some ways their warmth and energy had played a significant role in making my trip all the more worthwhile. 

And as bonkers as this may sound, I would actually consider attending the next Incitement Ipoh event solely because of these two reasons. 

So for those in Ipoh or those thinking of taking a break away from chaotic KL, perhaps you can consider to pop by the event. One of their speakers is Dato’ Lat - the guy whose comics gave this city girl a glimpse of how a kampung and a simple life can be. 

Eventbrite :: Limitless by Incitement Ipoh

Facebook :: Limitless by Incitement Ipoh

At least challenge yourself to experience it once and if you like it, and if I can make it, we could probably catch-up at Incitement Ipoh's event in July, insha’Allah. I will be the introverted individual who camouflages in the background - the female version of the legendary gollum. 

Disclaimer: I am not a part of the Incitement team in Ipoh nor am I a part of the Incitement movement. I am just someone who happens to enjoy seeing enthusiastic young people doing worthwhile things. :)

Happy days.

3.08pm, Malaysian Time

.: Dwindling passages :.

Early hours.

After saying so much, it seems like all words only fall on deaf ears. Thus one chooses to remain silent, hoping that the silence will one day be understood, despite knowing how futile this stance may be. 

Before long, the silence will soon be forgotten, along with the care, and the feelings that came with it. Eroding the relationship further to scattered dust.

Tired soul.

6.25am, Malaysian Time

.: Incitement Ipoh :.

Limau  bali?

It has been a long while since I made myself available to attend any events out of KL. As I have more time to spare now a friend asked whether I would like to attend the one in Ipoh. 

The brutal truth is I have never explored Ipoh. To add more insult to the injury, I am absolutely clueless on what Ipoh has to offer, besides food, food and even more glorious food. But I thought maybe, just maybe, there is more to Ipoh than meets the eye. So my friend led me to the event's Eventbrite page: Incitement Ipoh

Nice looking banner. Concise information. And they even have a Facebook page! Neat!

My friend had attended the previous session. Needless to say, he was generous in sharing his experience. According to him, the upcoming event has speakers, and attendees can network, share and do a wicked exchange of experiences and ideas. 

Despite having attended events in KL with similar concepts, I am intrigued to see how the organisers in Ipoh run the show. Reckon it would be a breath of fresh air. I am certainly looking forward to acquiring new experiences and getting to know new people. 

So now that I have my trip all sorted out, I am all set to attend Incitement Ipoh! 

Even when it means I have to miss another event. :)

3.10pm, Malaysian Time 

.: Healing hands :.

Reaching out.

Out of desperation, a friend of mine and her children are forced to ask for donations to support their relocation expenses. 

You can read more about their situation through this site: http://www.gofundme.com/sakags

This friend is like a sister to me. It pains me knowing that I can only do so much. Add in the fact that she is in another country, and I can't physically be there for her, makes it all the more unbearable.

If you're able to offer any assistance, please by all means, do so. 

A little can really go a long way.

Thank you so much.

3.21pm, Malaysian Time

.: The dialogue :.

The mother's room.

"Being able to be here with our children means a lot to us. While we are focusing on the lecture, you have provided activities for our children to keep them occupied. Seeing that the children are able to absorb what we are learning as well is a greater blessing. We know that to accommodate to our needs, our children's needs, is not an easy task. May Allah reward all of you for your efforts."

Another 2 months. 

10.38am, Malaysian Time

.: Coincidental deluge :.

One after another.

Most would have heard of the saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder. 

But to some individuals, they harbour a certain belief that prolonged absence could potentially drift two souls apart. Memories and promises made would soon be forgotten. Feelings and sentiments would cease to exist. Relationships forged would eventually be buried under the sands of time. 

These individuals believe the two souls, once breathed the same air, looked up to the same sky, and shared similar hopes and dreams, at one point in time would make the decision to journey through the rest of their lives as complete strangers. 

As though nothing had happened between them.

As though they had never crossed paths. 

Complete strangers. 

The belief remains until there is an intervention from God.

When that happens, it is as though the absence never occurred. 

Rekindling familiarity.

5.58pm, Malaysian Time

.: Lantern festival :.

Spring.

One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Anticipating.

12.45pm, Malaysian Time

.: Marriage Conference P2 :.

A wedding. 

That was how the hall looked like from inside. Everything looked splendid, the lectures were great, the speakers were masha'Allah tabarak'Allah, passionate and full of energy. However, I felt something was amiss. And for some odd reason, I felt I had to be elsewhere. 

It was probably during the third lecture when I decided to leave the hall to grab a cup of coffee. Instead of heading back to the hall, I found myself in the Mother's Room. Surprisingly, I was at ease. I found peace and tranquility. And as insane as it may sound, I felt I belonged there. 

Yes. Of all places, I felt I belonged in the Mother's Room.

I suppose, after being involved with children in previous seminars, I may have gotten used to the chaotic ruckus normally associated with them. 

Queer conclusion. 

Moving along, I would like to share some of the input I got from the conference. May it benefit you in one way or another, ameen.

1. The Five As in a relationship: Affection, Attention, Acceptance, Affirmation, Acknowledgement
2. The way you see the world is how you are educated at home. You are the product of your life experiences. 
3. Find time to engage, to communicate, to celebrate the love. 
4. Men in superficial relationships: Thinking that the grass is greener at the other side, but once you are there, you will realise there's only sand. 
5. There is human capacity to forgive. Marriage is worth it. 
6. Love is about sacrifice. Have mercy. 
7. Prevent jealousy. Spend on useful parts of social media. Distance yourself. Redirect to Islamic context. 
8. Have a clear focus of life. Know what really matters and do not be swayed by the glitter of dunya. Focus the heart. Ask Allah to cure us and to put things back into perspective. 
9. Some people show a photoshopped version of their lives. Get real. Have a deep understanding of life and what it means to be human. 
10. How to control own displeasure and judging people: Be more emphatic. Mind your own weaknesses. Their perspective may be different. Be compassionate. 
11. Women feel insecure. You must always tell them you love them. Re-assure them. 
12. Languages used to express love: Man is more physical. Woman is more emotional and psychological. 
13. When you belittle another person, when you make others feel like you don't value them, you are breaking the person's heart. Never make someone feel worthless, or even fortunate to have you. Make them feel valuable, and you are fortunate to have them. 
14. We should be complete. If we sense annoyance, we should respond with compassion. 
15. Love is not extracting so much from the other person and giving back so little. 
16. At some point in life, you will be miserable. You will disappoint each other. Face the disappointments with something that is pleasing to God.

Being Me is next!

11.01pm, Malaysian Time