.: 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