.: 自由自在 :.

Does it exist?

Sitting at home, sorting out my work pile. Hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I made the decision to leave the average 9 to 5 working hours for a more flexible working arrangement.

The transition has not been easy. Yet, underneath it all, it is still well worth it. For starters, Alhamdulillah more time can be spent on the people, ideas and areas that truly matter.

Do I regret the choice that I chose to make? 

Not likely. Though I have to admit there were times when I miss the chaotic mess office work can have, impromptu lunch dates with colleagues and even the occasional office politics. 

One thing is for certain, the very change we embark on, the non-conformity that we chose to tread upon, certainly prepares us for the things to come. Things that are far beyond our expectations.

And when it comes, it comes like the waves. Crashing in on you to the point you begin to doubt your own credibility, and sometimes, your own self-worth.

Under intense pressure, diamonds are formed.

Have faith.

8.12am, Malaysian Time

.: Little droplets :.

Streaming down.

Each of us have some kind of difficulty, that we are made to carry on our own. More often that not, it is not something that can be shared with others. It is meant to be kept hidden away, to be made unknown, for what seem like all eternity. 

Until it slips out, without us realising it. 

By something that is beyond our control. 

Tears.

Neither a sign of weakness, defeat nor surrender, tears give the outside world a glimpse of the bearer's vulnerable self, of having to endure so much, for ever so long. 

An innate strength. 

Only the bearer would know the significance of a single teardrop as well as the array of emotions that a single stream of teardrops hold.

For just this once, let it all out.

8.27pm, Malaysian Time

.: Masjid Putra :.

Seeking jannah.

Noticed that it has been a long time since I posted any entries on mosques. Not that I haven't been to one in so many years, just that I chose to take pleasure in the solitary state, being alone and lost in my thoughts, than to go around snapping intricate details of the mosque.

So I dug through my image files and stumbled upon this photo of Masjid Putra. The masjid was one of the mosques that I first went to when I came to Kuala Lumpur. At that time it was newly built and Putrajaya wasn't fully developed yet. I can't remember much about the mosque other than I was in awe of the reddish hue and the spacious courtyard.

Years later, I came to the mosque again because I had some work in Putrajaya. Despite haven't been there in such a long time, the mosque still had that awe-effect on me. There was just something about its' reddish hue.  

For those who would like to know more about the mosque, you may visit: Portal Masjid Putra.

The mosque is open to the general public though there may be certain restrictions in terms of the visiting hours and dress code.

Holiday in JB!

2.52pm, Malaysian Time 

.: The move :.

Southern home.

For someone who regularly uses the public transport to get around places, it was quite vexing to do so in Johor Bahru. I suppose I was too comfortable with the LRTs in KL as well as the transportation system in Singapore.

Less of a rant, more of a heartfelt confession, it would be nice if the local authorities can come up with some sort of system whereby we can check the estimated time of arrival for each bus - either online or get it posted at the bus stops. Honestly, I pity the children, the elderly and those carrying heavy items for having to wait so long, especially when we are experiencing terrible heat right now. Knowing the time could help them plan more efficiently.

Sure, one can argue if you want comfort use your car or take the taxi. To the naysayers, the bus is not meant for comfort. The bus serves as a basic necessity. Sometimes, when you are too used to driving or sitting comfortably in the taxi, you tend to lose touch with the average citizen. Try to get out of your comfort zone every now and then and experience how it is like to be them.

As viceroys on earth, particularly those who are in power, we are to safeguard and take care of every single living being. With great power comes great responsibility, it is an amanah, and it is our obligation. Ask ourselves, are we really ready to be made accountable in the hereafter, in front of the One who created us? 

Think about it.

Do something about it.

9.44am, Malaysian Time

.: Down the aisle :.

Minus the church bells.

The moment finally came whereby my knight in shining armour hailing all the way from the Middle Kingdom came over to formally claim me, his damsel in distress, as his lifelong partner - in this dunya and insha'Allah in jannahtul firdaus as well, ameen. 

On that very day, Alhamdulillah, we became husband and wife.

Like any other blushing new bride, I have that nagging feeling of wanting to write more about the wedding, the marriage and loads of other stuff. Even so, I am still very much overwhelmed with all of it. All I know is that with each passing day, I can only speak of gratefulness to this very blessing that the AlMighty has graciously bestowed upon us. 

On this very day, I ask:

May Allah SWT bless my husband, I and our loved ones with everlasting mawaddah, wa rahmah, wa sakinah,

May Allah SWT bless those who are still waiting for their eternal companion with beautiful patience,

May Allah accept all the good that we do and guide us to remain steadfast on His path,

Allahumma ameen thumma ameen.

The journey, has only just begun. 

9.21am, Malaysian Time

.: 团圆饭聚会 :.

Reunion gathering.

Annually, the Multiracial Reverted Muslims (MRM) will organise their reunion gathering in conjunction with Chinese New Year. As much as I want to be there, to catch-up with old friends and probably get to know some fresh faces, I have to give this a miss due to other commitments.  

For those who may be interested to partake in this festive gathering, particularly if you are keen on fostering greater relationships between Muslims and Not-Yet-Muslim Chinese brothers and sisters, you are invited to register at: 

admin@askislam.my OR 03 4144 3315 

The gathering is jointly organised on 31 January 2016 from 11am until 2pm by Mohd Chan restaurant, Multiracial Reverted Muslims (MRM) and He-Ping Chinese Muslim Society at: 

Mohd Chan restaurant (Taman Melawati branch) 

60, Jalan Negara, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur

Seats are limited. 

11.49am, Malaysian Time

.: The interview :.

Down under.

A few years ago a friend asked some questions about hijab. Being a non-Muslim, she wanted some insight as she was writing the article for her magazine. I had sort of forgotten about it until I stumbled some of my answers while clearing my email. 

Do you practice hijab? Why? What does it mean to you? 

To tell you the truth, I am still trying to practice it. As to what does it mean to me, I believe it represents my conviction to the Islamic faith.

Do you think hijab empower or disempower women? More freedom or less? 

Honestly, the first few years of adorning it made me feel rather restricted. Over the years, however, I came to the realisation that it has empowered me to become a better person. Because the hijab, isn't just a piece of material we place on our head, or use to cover our body. The hijab, in my opinion, helps us to remember that we have to strive to be in the best of character and conduct at all times. 

Spring cleaning.

2.48pm, Malaysian Time