.: Antiquities :.

Scents of time.

"Why do people take great pains, to paint or to take photographs?"  

"Why do they try to capture or hold on to a particular memory?"   

"Perhaps that helps them to remember, how it is like, to feel..."

"It's not about capturing or holding on to a memory, but more of, wanting to remember, how it is like, to feel..."

Faded memories.

2.40pm, Malaysian Time

.: Cup of chai :.

Hits the spot.

Happy Deepavali to those who are celebrating it and happy holidays to everyone else! 

Hope all of you will have a wonderful time!

Gosh, I miss eating all the Indian muruku and sweets.

Off to pack her bags.

11.09am, Malaysian Time

.: Perchance to dream :.

To be or not to be.

"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." - William Shakespeare

Doing something relatively new can be nerve-wrecking. There is that nasty feeling of insecurity, that prickly sensation of not knowing what to expect. There is also that nagging side of you that keeps on saying, maybe, just maybe, things will not work out. Better flee beforehand than to be stuck in a dead end. 

Yet a small part of you whispers, maybe, just maybe, this is what you are destined to do. And by going along with it, by braving through the storms, this path could lead to greatness. Greatness for you, greatness for those around you.

Let your dreams be stronger than your fears.

8.08pm, Malaysian Time

.: Bayyinah in JB :.

The email.

Received this in my inbox:

Assalamu Alaykum,  

Often times we forget the infinite wisdom in the trials we face. The Prophet (saw) faced many trials, but one of the most painful moments of his life was when his beloved wife Aisha (RA) was Accused.

Join Ustadh Nouman as he shows us how we can cope with the struggles that we face. Come see how the story of Aisha (RA) is still very relevant today.  

WHEN?  

Sunday October 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 6:00PM  

WHERE?  

Berjaya Waterfront Hotel  

88, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Laut,  

80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia.  

Register and get your tickets now!  

Bayyinah Institute

And I thought my day couldn't get any better. :)

1.42pm, Malaysian Time

.: Islamic Centre Canteen :.

Throwback.

Landed safely in Hong Kong and took the public transport to reach my crib at Causeway Bay. The great thing about Hong Kong is that it is fairly easy to get around. English signage are ample and I didn't even have to ask for directions. 

The only issue I had then was I came during the Umbrella Movement. Some roads were blocked and some buses had to avoid the routes. Even though I had to navigate my way occasionally by foot, the journey made it possible for me to be in closer proximity to the protesters. Something which I can never experience in Malaysia and Singapore. 

Eventually reached my crib and texted my friend. She decided we meet up at Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, located at Wanchai District. Rather convenient for her to pick the place as it is about 10 minutes away from where I was. 

I thought we were going to attend a class. I really did. 

Little did I realise my friend wanted us to have dinner there. 

Dinner? In an Islamic centre? 

Soon enough I was greeted by the sweet succulent smell of insatiable food. Halal food. And I was smitten by it. Totally smitten that I couldn't even care to edit this only photo of the food which my friend ordered. Before I knew it, I had gobbled down everything.  

Muslims traveling to Hong Kong should definitely come by here especially if you are looking for halal Chinese food. 

Islamic Centre Canteen, 
5/F., Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 
40 Oi Kwan Rd., Wanchai, Hong Kong, China

Did I mention you can get halal dimsum there?

12.06noon, Malaysian Time

.: The FTs :.

Equality.

Being around foreigners makes you realise some of the issues they face while they are in their host countries. One of which is the difficulty one may face in applying for a new job. Due to policies and restrictions mostly from the government sectors, certain foreigners despite having relevant experiences and expertise are finding it difficult to land a suitable job. 

Some, had to take on a new industry or settle for something far lesser.

Do they complain? Yes. But they still choose to stay on, hoping that one day things could change. Because for some, they regard their host country as their home country. And they set aspirations to settle in the country for good. 

Now then, should the full blame be placed on the government? 

Probably no. They are probably doing this to protect the locals.

Thinking out loud, are they really protecting the locals in the long run?

The world out there is based on survival of the fittest. If we do not have the expertise, the experience, why are we not opening opportunities to those who could render their support, their assistance, to teach the locals? How can we expect the locals to compete globally if they are unable to do so on local grounds?

It is not much on competition or foreigners grabbing our job opportunities if one can look at is as knowledge transfer, knowledge exchange.

Humble yourself, learn from others and work your way up. 

Totally random.

1.12pm, Malaysian Time

.: Daun sireh :.

Liners?

Rather odd for me to suddenly post on women's liners. But I suppose today is just one of those days when I have a little too much time on my hands. Just like the time I had a little too much time that I went on the Kotex website to request for some free samples.

About two weeks down the road, I received a pack of their Kotex Fresh Liners Longer and Wider Daun Sireh. Now that is a mouthful. There were 7 liners, a discount coupon and an information leaflet, and all of it came in a little cute box. I chose not to post the pictures as I had ripped the box to pieces and used up all the liners. 

I never liked sireh. I had tried eating it once or twice and I remember hating it. Can't say the same for the liners. Surprisingly it is quite comfortable and the smell isn't overpowering. 

Now this post would get weirder if I continue to describe my experience. So let's just skip that.

I'm not sure whether they are still giving away free samples. If anyone would like to request it, head over to the Kotex website and click on "Get a Sample". 

Or you can just click here: Get a Sample

I should really find more things to do.

12.28noon, Malaysian Time

.: Workplace flexibility :.

Working from home.

Recently read an article on LinkedIn: "How Work-From-Home Can Work For The Best". 

Extracts

Para 2: In an interesting survey on workplace flexibility1 conducted by Randstad, 53% of respondents said they preferred telecommuting or working from home. Of this number, the gender split was almost equal - meaning that an equal number of men and women preferred telecommuting to working from an office.

Para 6, Line 3: For these women, flexibility and telecommuting play a big role in helping them to balance their personal and professional lives. This sort of flexibility empowers women to be the best that they can be, by giving them an enabling environment to contribute and be productive on their own terms.

1 year and 8 months have passed since I started working from home. Although the nature of my work is on a freelance basis, it comes with a fixed income and certain perks. Needless to say, I have no intention of turning back the clock just yet to re-enter the 9 to 5 job market. 

At my age I suppose we tend to value things differently. Top priority now is on establishing a healthy balance, between family, personal and working life. No longer do I have the adrenaline rush to make the next million or climb the corporate ladder. Emphasis is on nurturing relationships, discovering beautiful memories and working on self-development, the few yet crucial things that I lacked of when I was a part of the rat race.

Being productive on our own terms. That is the kind of life I am living now. If you ever wonder whether you should make the leap of faith into the flexible working lifestyle, just ask yourself what are your priorities. Your priorities will determine your commitments, your next course of action. Will it be difficult? Like any path, the difficulty level depends on your ability to manage and adapt to the situation. Only you can make it work. 

Of course it helps a lot if you have a supportive environment. 

One fine example is my current working arrangement does not limit me. I am not bounded by a contract that says I cannot be commissioned by others. As long as I deliver accordingly, I am given the mobility to spread my wings far and wide, enabling me to further develop and acquire new skills, experiences and working relationships. 

While it may be a tad bit early for a new year's resolution, come 2017 I hope I can continue to make some kind of contribution to the society and the industries. Without having to trade-off my priorities.

Fingers crossed.

10.36am, Malaysian Time

.: Steel Mosque :.

Not the man of steel.

The Steel Mosque or "Masjid Besi" is also known as Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. On my recent trip to Putrajaya, Alhamdulillah I was able to bring my husband and big sis to visit it. Elated, it was a first time for the both of them. 

Like any other tourist, both of them spent a good amount of time snapping pictures. Mr Husband is particularly fond of mosques. I suppose the ones we have here are quite different from the ones in his hometown. On the other hand, big sis had a ball of a time wearing the purple-coloured mosque garment. Sort of made her feel like Harry Potter. 

As for me, I like how spacious and airy the mosque is. Not much has changed since my last visit there and I am glad that the mosque is well taken care of. I adore the courtyard and the fact that the changing rooms are not too far from the prayer hall. For someone who does not use the telekung to pray, I still appreciate the changing rooms as it beats going all the way to the ladies just to check whether my scarf is in place. 

Looking at how things are turning out, there is a high possibility that we will go to the mosque again end of this year. 

All's well that ends well.

9.48am, Malaysian Time

.: Daily grind :.

Top of the hour.

Taking a break from the usual routine. Today's impromptu sharing is on a reminder shared by another friend on her Facebook wall.

The SHORTEST but POWERFUL dua?

Do you know it? 

Al-'Abbās, the uncle of the Prophet , came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: “Ya Rasūlullāh, teach me a du'ā'.” 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “O my uncle, say: Allāhumma inni asaluka al-'āfiyah (O Allāh, I ask you for 'āfiyah).” 

What is 'āfiyah? 

'Āfiyah means “to save me from any afflictions.  

To be healthy, you are in 'āfiyah. To have enough money to live, you are in 'āfiyah. To have your children protected, you are in 'āfiyah. And if you are forgiven and not punished, you are in 'āfiyah". 'Āfiyah means: “O Allāh, protect me from any pain and suffering.” This includes dunya and ākhirah. 

Al-'Abbās thought about this for a while, and then he came back after a few days and said (paraphrased): “Ya Rasūlullāh, this du'ā' seems a little short. I want something big.” 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “My dear uncle, ask Allāh for 'āfiyah for wallāhi, you cannot be given anything better than 'āfiyah.” It is a simple du'ā'. Sincerely mean what you say. “O Allāh, I ask You to be saved from any distress, grief, hardship, harm. Don't test me.” All of this is included in “Allāhumma inni asaluka al-'āfiyah.”

Riyadh As Saliheen, Sunan At-Tirmidhi

May Allah save all of us from any afflictions, ameen.

Back to the daily grind.

10.48am, Malaysian Time

.: Bee Cheng Hiang :.

Bak kwa.

To commemorate Malaysia's 59th National Day, Wednesday's family breakfast was halal chicken bak kwa slapped between sloppily folded pieces of white bread. Simple yet satisfying to the tummy. 

Munching on those pieces is akin to recalling my childhood. Back in the day, I would often ogle at the thin wafer-like pieces of sweet meat often sold in Chinese shops. The only comfort I had then was taking in unlimited free smells. Made usually out of pork, beef or chicken, rarely does one come across the halal variation.  

All those years, there is but one bak kwa brand that I remember selling this delicate delicacy and still exists until now. That brand is...

BEE CHENG HIANG

Specifically, the outlets in Singapore because those were the ones I grew up with. 

When I moved to Malaysia, I thought that was the end of it. No longer can I enjoy the free smells. There goes my excitement of ever seeing the succulent glistening sweet meat.

I was wrong.

The brand followed me to Malaysia.

And so did the dreary feeling of wanting something so badly, wanting something that is terribly out of reach. 

The meats are still non-halal. 

But that was not the end of it.

About a couple of months ago a Chinese revert friend of mine posted on his Facebook wall that he will be selling halal chicken bak kwa.

The news struck me like how sweet treats can mend a broken heart. 

And this is how the story ends. Friend posted the frozen halal chicken bak kwa to my house, I got my beautiful pack and stashed it in the fridge, waited for an opportune time, took it out of the fridge, slapped it on the grill and savoured every single bite.

Took me more than 2 decades of patience to have this bite.

Good things certainly come to those who wait. 

---

Ikhwan Ng's Frozen Halal Chicken Bak Kwa

500grams: 6-7 slices, 6 x 6 inches

1kg : 14-15 slices, 6 x 6 inches

Phone No: 012-3979998

Website: http://halaldelight.blogspot.my/

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/ikhwanhalal/?hc_location=ufi

PS: He sells other halal products.

---

This is not a paid review for my friend or Bee Cheng Hiang and honestly, I am allergic to chicken. Chickens, unless organic or reared without any of those nasty stuff make me itch. I am risking my allergic reactions for my childhood fantasy.

Things just got real.

10.44am, Malaysian Time

.: Sowing seeds :.

Miles away.

All this while, I feel blessed that we have a small plot of land right here in our Southern home. At this very spot, dad planted a handful of fruits and vegetables trees. Occasionally, the trees sprouted by itself and we found ourselves wondering who had planted the seeds. As no one admitted to doing it, I suppose we have the birds and other critters to thank for that. 

Fast forward, now that I am married, I feel all the more blessed to know that my husband has an actual yard at his home in Northwestern China. A huge plot or rather small plots of land where they are able to grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables. Most of which are the kind that we can never grow in ours.

Intrigued with nature, my husband and I will often have conversations on growing our own fruits and vegetables. Although our current arrangements do not allow us to do that just yet, we have our dreams, our aspirations and the drive to work on materialising it.

Why you may ask?

Because this is the kind of life we want our children to be brought up in. A life where they can play, bond and develop a sense of gratitude and respect for nature and other living creatures. 

Cultivating the seeds of life from its very roots.

12.11noon, Malaysian Time

.: Blissful union :.

Not a book review.

Received news that my nephew had recently gotten engaged. At that very instant, my thoughts went to this book, "The Kindness Miracle", written by Auntie Jamilah Samian along with my memories of walking down the aisle a few months ago.

When it comes to marriage, there are numerous sources one can go to for advise and references. Some would go to the closest married family member or friends, while others may go to online lectures, books or articles. Not forgetting marriage workshops, classes and seminars that are organised every now and then. The few, would probably choose to confide in marriage counselors. 

At the end of it, there is no single channel that can ultimately contain all the answers that one desires.

So how does one achieve everlasting marital bliss?

One doesn't. 

Situations change. People change. Feelings change. When everything has the possibility of changing, how could things remain the same? 

The only thing we can do to achieve the so called everlasting marital bliss is to tweak with our expectations. Choose to be kinder, choose to be the better half. Both parties, ideally, have to play their roles. When one doesn't, remember that it is normal for us humans to fall short on certain days. We all have our bad days, our bad points. Compromise. Nurture and cherish the good, discard the negativity. 

At any given time, each and every time, always choose love.

Reminding myself ahead of others. 

11.59am, Malaysian Time

.: Marriage visa :.

Getting there.

Alhamdulillah, managed to get the forms and documents needed to apply the visa. All that is left is to head to Putrajaya, complete the forms and submit our application. Hoping and praying that everything will go well. 

Once we have completed the entire process and obtained our visa, I intend to post a blog entry on it as a guide for those married to foreigners from China.

For now, it is time to catch the Olympics badminton finals! Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) versus Chen Long (China)! 

马来西亚加油！

8.25pm, Malaysian Time

.: Thiirty8 :.

Hijab styles.

In conjunction with Singapore's 51st National Day celebration, my enterprising niece is selling her adult and children hijabs at discounted prices. For those interested in making some purchases, her label Thiirty8 can be found at:

Esplanade Waterfront / The Edge, Esplanade 

8 Aug 2016: 3pm – 10pm 

7 & 9 Aug 2016: 12pm – 10pm

Online purchases can be made via her Facebook and Instagram accounts. All prices stated are in Singapore dollars (SGD) and not inclusive of delivery charges. 

Off to shop!

7.57pm, Malaysian Time

.: Focused connection :.

Extending reach.

Of late, I have been keeping myself occupied by compiling social media accounts of:

1) Charitable and Volunteer Organisations or Groups (Malaysia)
2) Charitable and Volunteer Organisations or Groups (Singapore)
3) Chinese Muslim businesses (Malaysia)
4) Chinese Muslim businesses (Singapore)
5) Reverts businesses (Malaysia)

The main reason behind doing all this is mostly for my own reference. However it occurred to me that perhaps the directories can be of benefit to others as well. Aside from finding suitable organisations to channel charity, one could offer to be a volunteer, support the businesses of others or use these directories as a networking platform, just to name a few benefits. 

All these directories will be made available under "The Lists" tab. For now I have uploaded Charitable and Volunteer Organisations or Groups (Malaysia). All directories will insha'Allah be kept updated. As the directories can be quite extensive, I would appreciate if readers could notify me if there are any broken or updated links as well as other links that could be included. 

As mentioned before, this is purely done out of my own accord therefore there are no charges involved. Kindly help to spread "The Lists" page for the benefit of others.

I thank you in advance.

12.33noon, Malaysian Time

.: Sexual predators :.

Catch me if you can. 

Taken from Syed Azmi's Facebook Page: 

Where to go for help or advice.

If you’re an adult who has experienced sexual abuse as a child, know that you are not alone. No matter what, the abuse was not your fault. It’s never too late to start healing from this experience. Regardless, if you are male or female, and, would like to know where to go for help, we have compiled a list of organisations that will be able to provide advice and/or counselling.

JABATAN KEBAJIKAN MASYARAKAT 

http://www.jkm.gov.my/jkm/index.php 

For nearest support JKM office click onto HUBUNGI KAMI/CONTACT US and Select: PEJABAT JKM NEGERI/JKM STATE OFFICES 

PDRM MALAYSIA

http://www.rmp.gov.my/direktori/direktori-pdrm/bukit-aman 

Locate nearest police station with D11 unit to seek advice on where to file a report. 

CHILDLINE MALAYSIA or Talian Nur 

15999 

http://www.mctf.org.my/childline/contact-us.htm  

Report online crimes against children in Malaysia to CYBER999  

ALL WOMEN’S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM) 

AWAM Centre 85, Jalan 21/1, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 

http://www.awam.org.my 

Counselling & Legal Information (Telenita) 

Tel: 03 7877 0224 

Email: telenita@awam.org.my 

Our Helpline and Service Centre are available Mondays to Fridays, 10 am to 4.30 pm. We also provide counselling services on Saturdays, by appointment.  

WOMEN’S AID ORGANISATION (WAO) 

WAO Helpline : 03 7956 3488 

WAO office hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Tel: 03 7957 5636 | 7957 0636 Fax: 03 7956 3237 

E-mail: womensaidorg@gmail.com 

P.O.Box 493, Jalan Sultan 46760 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia 

Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) 

241 Jalan Burma, 10350 Penang 

Tel: 04-228 0342

Email: wcc@wccpenang.org 

WCC Office hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm wccpenang.org 

PROTECT & SAVE THE CHILDREN 

Protect And Save The Children Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (Reg. No. 7), 

No. 5, Jalan 7/14, Section 7, 46050, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. 

Tel: 603) 7957 4344 / 7956 4355 

Fax: (603) 7957 4322 

Email: protect@psthechildren.org.my 

http://www.psthechildren.org.my

Other things you can do to advocate.

1. Support the call to criminalise cyber sexual grooming in Malaysia with a pledge at rage.com.my/predator (scroll all the way down) 
2. Report child pornography through the INHOPE Internet reportinghotlines.inhope.org/gns/report-here 
3. Join the ‪#‎ReplyForAll‬ conversation on social media and share online safety tips.  
4. Become a U-Reporter and participate in polls on the issue. Register at malaysia.ureport.in 

Do your part, spread the word, end the madness. 

8.15pm, Malaysian Time

.: Golden years :.

Growing pains.

Sometimes I wonder why there are no express lanes for:

1. Senior citizens
2. Young children
3. Pregnant women
4. Disabled

Yes, we do have designated seats for them in the bus and on the subway. We also have designated parking bays for the disabled. 

However, I would like to point out that it would be awfully nice to provide express lanes for them at these places:

1. Government offices
2. Immigration points
3. Hospitals
4. Airports
5. Postal Offices
6. Banks

Having express lanes for these people without a doubt would certainly give them a more pleasant experience. For starters, they do not have to spend hours waiting or queuing-up for their turns. 

Not too long ago I saw an elderly man almost passing out for having to stand and wait too long for his queue number. On other occasions, I have observed some having to pass their turn and head elsewhere as they had grown weary of waiting. While my observations may represent a meager percentage of the population, I do believe this is something worth implementing.

We may have progressed economically, in terms of our financial standings, towering infrastructures, and sophisticated machinery. It is high time we spare a thought on improving the living standards of those around us, the ones that truly require our assistance. 

Thinking out loud.

8.43pm, Malaysian Time

.: Hunger games :.

Northwestern China.

Being married to a foreigner comes with a fair share of foodie perks. For example, one gets to learn the recipes, cooking techniques and savour succulent food commonly served in that particular country. In my case, the said country is China. 

While some may argue that food from China is similar to the Chinese food we have over here in Malaysia, there are varieties that cannot be found here at all. In fact, when one talks about dumplings, there are countless varieties available in China. The dumplings differ from its cooking method to type of fillings, textures, shapes and sizes. And I am only talking about dumplings. I have not started on the noodles, congee, sweets and other delicacies. It is kind of hilarious when I make certain Chinese food and my husband tells me he has never eaten it before. China is that vast!

Coming back closer to home, those staying in Kuala Lumpur would be familiar with some of the Chinese Muslim food served in Chinese Muslim restaurants run by China nationals. Some of these food include Lanzhou hand-pulled beef noodles or "Mee Tarik" as well as the Xinjiang skewed meat or "Satay".

Soon insha'Allah I will be back in our Southern home, good 'ole Johor Bahru. Anticipating the moment I can whip up some Northwestern China cuisine in the lab.

Pure joy!

3.22pm, Malaysian Time

.: 开斋节 :.

多多快乐!

Taking this opportunity to wish everyone a blessed Eid! Hope you had a great time with your loved ones! Do forgive me if I had erred on my part or if I had hurt you in any way.

On a personal note, this Eid has been a mixture of joy and sadness. Joy, because this is my first Eid as a wife. Sadness, due to the passing of my uncle. Even so, I hope and pray may Allah continue to bless us and keep us under His mercy and guidance at all times. May He accept my uncle's good deeds and place him among the righteous as well, ameen.

With the passing of a soul,
Marks not the ending of the journey,
Of a lifetime.

For those who truly lived,
Their legacy remains,
For all eternity. 

May one day we shall all be reunited,
In the eternal abode,
Living side by side.

Till then,
Until that very union,
Life goes on. 

Kuala Lumpur.

10.18am, Malaysian Time

.: Night of Power :.

From Deeds in 60 Seconds.

Just a few more days and we shall soon enter the last 10 nights of Ramadhan. In seeking the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr, a night better than a thousand nights, hopefully we can include some of these duas in our daily worship even after Ramadhan has ended. 

1. Ya Allah grant me Ultimate Success - safety from the Fire and entry into Jannatul Firdous 

2. Ya Allah make me and my family of those companions of the Right. Who receive the book of deeds in our right hands. 

3. Ya Allah, Grant me a blessed death. Let me utter the shahada before I die. Grant me the intercession of Prophet Mohammed ﷺ 

4. Ya Allah grant me the companionship of Prophet Mohammed ﷺ his family and the Sahaba's in Jannatul Firdous. 

5. Ya Allah save my non-Muslim friends from the Fire. Guide them to Islam. 

6. Ya Allah, reunite me in Jannathul Firdous with those whom I love for Your sake alone. 

7. Ya Rabb, perfect my Deen and my Worship.  

8. Ya Allah accept my good deeds and increase me in reward and Your Mercy. Wipe away my sins and pardon me completely. Shower your Mercy upon me and save me from disgrace on the Day of Reckoning.  

9. Ya Allah, when I die, let my soul and my record of Deeds be with the Illiyeen.  

10. Ya Allah grant me, my parents, family and children guidance, steadfastness and increased Imaan.  

11. Ya Allah, make me of the few You love, You Pardon and You shade on a Day when there is no shade but from Your Majestic Arsh (Throne).  

12. Oh my Lord, increase me in Yakeen and Tawakkul in you. Let there be no doubt in my belief in Your Oneness, Your Majesty and Power. 

13. Ya Allah increase me in my love for You and Your Prophet Mohammed ﷺ 

14. Ya Allah forgive me and increase me in Your Blessings and Provisions.  

15. Ya Allah lead me to more opportunities to do good and seeking Your Pleasure.  

16. Ya Rabb, Purify my intentions for Your Sake alone and let me not show off or take false pride. Save me from arrogance, pride, showing off and reminding of favors.  

17. Oh my Creator and Sustainer, do not leave me alone. Bless me with a righteous spouse and children who will be the coolness of my eyes.  

18. Oh my Lord, make me of those who are patient and obedient to You and my parents.  

19. Save me from the Fitnah of Dajjal.  

20. Save me from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Hell Fire.  

21. Ya Allah, increase me in Sadakatul Jariya work.  

22. Ya Allah, bless me with good health, so I can make sajdah with ease till my dying day.  

23. Ya Allah, protect me and the Muslim Ummah against wicked oppressors. Save us from Fitnah and give us ease in our times of trial.  

24. My Lord, bless me with the best in this world, the best in the Hereafter and save me from the fire. I am indeed in need of the good You have in store for me.  

25. Ya Allah increase me in gratitude towards You alone.  

26. Oh my Rabb, save me from hypocrisy.  

27. Ya Allah, let me and my spouse be among the pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2016.  

28. Ya Allah protect me against Evil Jinns and Spirits. Safeguard me from their evil incitements and plots.  

29. Ya Allah forgive and have Mercy upon my parents, as they looked after me when I was young.  

30. Ya Allah, I pray and beg of you for the guidance of the Muslim Youth and Ummah. Save us all from Kufr, Despair, Misdeeds and Shirk. 

31. Ya Allah grant me the strength to battle laziness and sleep, so I may wake up for ‪#‎Tahajjud‬ and ‪#‎Fajr‬ everyday. 

Ameen ya Rabb.

6.05am, Malaysian Time

.: Ramadhan bits :.

Halfway through.

Keep others in mind.

11.57am, Malaysian Time

.: Unfathomable betrayal :.

By the ones you trust.

Often at Islamic lectures, the speaker would remind us:

"Would you want someone to do that to your mother? Would you allow someone to do that to your sister? Would you, yourself, do that to your daughter?

If your answer is no, then do not do it to someone else. That someone could be someone's mother, sister, daughter."

For the past one week I have been reading numerous confessions on sexual accounts, or if i can put it bluntly, sexual assaults. Sexual assaults committed by none other than the people who these girls trust the most. The ones who are supposed to protect them. The ones who are given the honorable titles such as "Father", "Brother", "Uncle", "Grandfather". 

Yet these honorable titles went on a path worse than beasts by choosing to submit to their devilish desires. They chose to become the predators who destroyed the lives of these innocent girls, their very own flesh and blood. 

To think that this monstrosity takes place in Malaysia, and could possible take place in our very own backyard is repulsive.  

To think that some of these monsters also prey on other innocent victims, without the slightest feeling of guilt or disgust is repulsive. 

To think that there are many more victims who chose to remain silent, who had to relive the nightmares till the day they die, the ones who never got out alive is repulsive.

To think that Muslims, yes Muslims are committing these acts gleefully is repulsive.

The very thought of having to write this post is repulsive.

On this day, a rainy Friday, in Ramadhan and minutes before the Maghrib adhan, I pray may Allah heal the victims, may Allah protect all girls and women from these beasts, and may Allah punish these beastly perpetrators severely should they choose to not repent and fear Allah, Allahumma ameen, thumma ameen.

Beasts living among us.

7.03pm, Malaysian Time