What I learn from 'Sabarlah.... I love you so...'

As I listened to the song, trying to figure out the lyrics.. the soothing saxophone tunes made me relaxed while feeding the twins on my lap. I remembered my brothers and sisters who attended the forum, 'Sabarlah Hati..' in UMT last week. This should be the perfect 'theme song' for the event... 'I love you so'.

"I Love You So"

I pray to God
With my heart, Soul, and body
Every single day of my life
With every breath I solemnly promise
To try to live my life for you
O Allah, You did revive my soul
And shone Your light into my heart
So pleasing You is now my only goal
Oh I love You so

[Chorus:]
Now I know how it’s like
To have You precious love in my life
Now I know how it feels
To finally be at peace inside
I wish that everybody knew
How amazing it feels to love You
I wish that everyone could see
How Your love has set me free
Set me free and made me strong
O Allah, I’m forever grateful to You
Whatever I say could never be enough
You gave me strength to overcome my uncertainties
And stand firm against all the odds
You are who did revive my soul
You shone Your light into my heart
So pleasing You is now my only goal
Oh I love You so
I love You so

[Chorus]

My love, my life, my days, my nights, my wealth, my prayers – all for You [x2]
And I swear that I will never put anyone
Or anything before You
My love, my life, my days, my nights, my wealth, my prayers – all for You

[Chorus]

Kudos to Maher Zain and his production team for another extraordinary work in making meaningful and upbeat Islamic melodies. May many will learn from your tunes. 

Ya Allah.. please guide me all the way..
Ya Kareem... please be pleased with us..
Ya Raheem.. please don't let us go astray.. we need You.
Ya Fattah.. please let us amongst the chosen ones that You love...
Aamin ya Rabbal 'Aalaamin.


 

What I learn from 'bitter sweet symphony of June'

I was indulged in an emotional and physical roller coaster for the past few weeks.

Symphony 1
We were surprised with another pregnancy news, since we were not planning to have one this soon. Alhamdulillah for Allah's gift(s).

Symphony 2
However, with that, came a huge sacrifice that I had to make as a servant of Allah. Subhanallah, it was not an easy task for me to climb the stairs of the Tabung Haji building in KT to decline the hajj offer. We were looking forward for this great event in our lives and has been preparing for it for some time. But Allah knows best. I believe in His design of my life's journey.

Symphony 3
I willingly told my husband to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year without me, though many of my family members disagree. However, I believe that it was not easy to get a grand invitation from Allah to perform one of the essential pillars of Islam, so why must we decline it without a valid reason. It's me who will be 8 months pregnant during Hajj period, not him. So, alhamdulillah, we stand firm with our decision for my husband to go first, and insha Allah, my turn will come next, maybe as a PhD gift from Him, wallahu'alam.

Symphony 4
From the beginning of the pregnancy till now, I experienced three events of bleeding. It was scary. It effected my supervision meetings with my supervisor since I wasn't able to commute regularly from KT to Nottingham, Semenyih. Another huge alhamdulillah, for my supervisor was very understanding and instructed me to do my work at home and submitting my reports through emails. He advised me to bed rest and took the break I needed since health is an essential tool for me to complete my PhD process. Oh, alhamdulillah.

Symphony 5
When I was spotting for the third time, I went to the usual clinic and another HUGE news came to us. I AM still pregnant but not with one fetus, but TWO! There you go! TWINkle, TWINkle little star(s)!

Symphony 6
I've got serious coughing issues in this pregnancy and I wheeze at night which makez it very hard for me to sleep or rest during night time. Hence, I needed afternoon naps, which made me lag behind my work as promised to myself and my supervisor. I have promised myself to complete at least 100% of my chapters 1 and 3 and at least 90% of chapter 2 before my EDD (which is mid December, 2011 - yes, this year). I need to work on my pilot study report so that I have a clear idea on what to expect during my data collection this September (pre-test) and December (post-test).


Symphony 7
Yes, you read right. I need to collect post-test data in December, the exact same time I'm due with the twins. And another round of huge alhamdulillah for I have super wonderful colleagues in at my workplace, who willingly volunteered to do it for me. I'm indebted to you, Shayda and Husna, as well as the gurus, Kak Sham and Kak Ti, for willingly helping to ensure my research data collection journey sails smoothly, insha Allah.


The Symphony

A song aptly titled Allah Knows by Zain Bhika and Dawud Wharnsby is the anthem to my bitter sweet symphony this June. The simple words, so simple, so frank, so direct, yet so true;

When you feel all alone in this world
And there’s nobody to count your tears
Just remember, no matter where you are
Allah knows
Allah knows

When you carrying a monster load
And you wonder how far you can go
With every step on that road that you take
Allah knows
Allah knows

CHORUS
No matter what, inside or out
There’s one thing of which there’s no doubt
Allah knows
Allah knows
And whatever lies in the heavens and the earth
Every star in this whole universe
Allah knows
Allah knows

When you find that special someone
Feel your whole life has barely begun
You can walk on the moon, shout it to everyone
Allah knows
Allah knows

When you gaze with love in your eyes
Catch a glimpse of paradise
And you see your child take the first breath of life
Allah knows
Allah knows

CHORUS

When you lose someone close to your heart
See your whole world fall apart
And you try to go on but it seems so hard
Allah knows
Allah knows

You see we all have a path to choose
Through the valleys and hills we go
With the ups and the downs, never fret never frown
Allah knows
Allah knows

CHORUS (x2)

Every grain of sand,
In every desert land, He knows.
Every shade of palm,
Every closed hand, He knows.
Every sparkling tear,
On every eyelash, He knows.
Every thought I have,
And every word I share, He knows.
Allah knows.

And I believe, Allah's Knows!

What I learn from 'Maher Zain'.

Taqwa vs Wealth

I was one of 'the chosen one' who had the opportunity to watch and listen to brother Maher Zain's mini-story of his life and journey in Nasi Lemak Kopi O @ TV9. Before this, we are just one of the millions who extremely enjoy his voice and songs from his new (original) album Thank You Allah, but now, after listening to some history of this 28 year old Lebanese born artiste, my respect for him and his songs moves up another level.

Having a choice to live in a high-profile life, earning million dollars annually versus an unknown journey to reach the hearts of millions of Muslims (and Muslims-to-be insha Allah); which path might you choose? For someone who have tasted the glamorous life of LA, brother Maher Zain bravely chose the second option. Why? To be nearer to Allah.

Believe in Allah's Promises

Brother Maher Zain's journey of being a better Muslim has opened my eyes to be a better and stronger believer. As an outsider, I must admit that I think that brother Maher Zain has passed Allah's test of 'taqwa vs wealth', therefore Allah grants both to him now. He chose to be closer to Allah, to pray in the mosque back in Sweden, left the fab life that he might have in LA for the sake of Allah; be happy and contented with continuing his journey in an unknown region.

But look deeper, for choosing the right option in life, Allah has granted him more. He grants him with sharp ideas to make brilliant songs and lyrics. Allah grants him health and wealth to travel all over the world to spread the truth using his intoxicating voice. Allah grants him with a style with suit him and his ways in doing his 'dakwah'. Allah grants him good family and friends who support him and not turn back to him. Allah grants him with good communications skills to communicate with media and fans, on and off stage. The list may go on and on.

The lesson I learn is choose the right path, Allah's path. Allah may test us with wealth, happiness and highly recognised and acknowledged by others, but it may be against His paths. So choose wisely.

Thanks brother Maher Zain for the lesson learned. Jazakallahukhairan kathira.

What I want to share for my Al Fateh's birthday..

Slowly slow my child - Zain Bhika.

Slowly slow my child

The world waits for you

And your window of time

Will come shining through

Slowly slow, don't rush you know

It'll all come easy

There's some things you can't take back

No regrets for what you wanna get

Needs some thinking down the line

Slowly slow my darling

I'm here for you

And every stumble, every fall

Breaks my heart in two

I only want the best for you

And every step makes up the mile

Even though it takes a while

And God will always smile on you my child

So have faith, have faith

Just like the bird who feels the sun

And sings before the dawn has come

Have faith, have faith

Slowly slow my boy

I see you're strong

And everybody wants to find

A place where they belong

But don't you find yourself someday

In a cold and dark and lonely place

And you wonder how you got there

I know it gets clouded in your mind

And you wanna move faster

It seems that you're running out of time

But I love you

Together we'll get through

Don't you know

Slowly slow

Slowly slow my son

You wanna be a man

And I guess those days are gone

When I used hold your hand

Cause this is the age of winks and smiles

And butterflies deep inside

But you'll always be the coolness of my eyes

Slowly slow my child

The world waits for you

And your window of time

Will come shining through

Slowly slow, don't rush you know

It'll all come easy

Our love, smooches, hugs, and most of all, our du'as;

Abi & Ummi.

What I learn from 'Tashiru'.

Tashiru is a new found R&B Nasyeed boy band that my husband discovered and he recommended them to me since he knew the genre I enjoyed listening to. And, Masha Allah, I do!

The faces of Tashiru.

What I learn from Tashiru is the need to improve and be innovative in our professions. What I see today, in the classrooms, some of the teaching styles are not tailored to match the evolving students' profiles. It is sad to see bored faces in the classroom since the students cannot engage with their teachers or lecturers. They'll come out of the lecture theaters not learning anything.

A song from Tashiru Maaf 'tuk Berpisah (I'm sorry to leave you for the sake of Allah) is an example of their 'teaching methods' that they use to educate young (and old) Muslims in regards to keeping a relationship pure and untainted. Sadly, it's not a common practice in Malaysia for the teens or young adults to get to know each other according to the Prophet's ways. 

I'm grateful to Allah that I was protected from this 'phenomena', because I know that some of my friends and relatives do feel 'trapped' in it and it's hard to 'let go'. But, trust me, if your love is for the sake of Allah, and you can't perform your akad soon for whatever reasons, just keep your distance (physically and emotionally). Please don't make the devils happy. Please don't stain our parents 'books' just because you love him/her. Discuss and communicate to one another to meet again on your akad nikah event. 

It's not impossible. We've done it, so can you!

Another point that I learn from Tashiru is that, as a parent, I have to cater the needs of my lil' munchkins as children of nowadays, not olden days. I have to be updated with all the technologies of teaching and finding interesting materials to make learning a fab experience for them. 'Chalk and talk' method is  not useful for young learners who have short attention span and a preference for learning that involves exploration and discovery (Verzat, Byrne and Fayolle, 2009). We need and are responsible to seek ways to make learning a 'cool' thing. 

And I think Tashiru is 'cool!

Tashiru has a big similarity with my research. Both are finding better ways to connect and engage with our audiences. We are searching for tools to improve our ways to impart knowledge. The difference is, Tashiru has already found their ways to capture their audiences - they have their findings and solutions, I haven't and still (re)searching. With that, May Allah eases my PhD journey and yours, too, aamin.

What I learn from Zain Bhika and Dawud Wharnsby.

I learn from these two fantastic servants of Allah that, however difficult and excruciatingly hard a time of my life can be, ALLAH KNOWS. Hence, turn to Allah, he's never far away.


ALLAH KNOWS <-- click title to listen.
Zain Bhika & Dawud Wharnsby

When you feel all alone in this world
And there's nobody to count your tears
Just remember, no matter where you are
Allah knows
Allah knows

When you carrying a monster load
And you wonder how far you can go
With every step on that road that you take
Allah knows
Allah knows

CHORUS
No matter what, inside or out
There's one thing of which there's no doubt
Allah knows
Allah knows
And whatever lies in the heavens and the earth
Every star in this whole universe
Allah knows
Allah knows

When you find that special someone
Feel your whole life has barely begun
You can walk on the moon, shout it to everyone
Allah knows
Allah knows

When you gaze with love in your eyes
Catch a glimpse of paradise
And you see your child take the first breath of life
Allah knows
Allah knows

CHORUS

When you lose someone close to your heart
See your whole world fall apart
And you try to go on but it seems so hard
Allah knows
Allah knows

You see we all have a path to choose
Through the valleys and hills we go
With the ups and the downs, never fret never frown
Allah knows
Allah knows

CHORUS (x2)


BRIDGE:
Every grain of sand,
In every desert land, He knows.
Every shade of palm,
Every closed hand, He knows.
Every sparkling tear,
On every eyelash, He knows.
Every thought I have,
And every word I share, He knows.
Allah knows


** This post is created to celebrate our achievement of the 5th night alone without Abi (who's working offshore!). Though the storm and thunder did scare the children, the soothing tunes of Allah Knows, helped them to doze back off (in total darkness and heat!). How I dislike blackouts! Allah Knows....

What I learn from 'Forgive me if I whine'.

I came across this nasyid by Zain Bhika during a research I made for my family's usrah last week. I wanted to find something on whining since the two older kids are now starting a habit of whining that I really loathe. Subhanallah, all praises to Him, this nasyid is simple yet very meaningful for a 3 and 5 years old munchkins (including the 31-years-old, too!)

What I learn from the nasyid and the usrah session was that I didn't say enough thanks to Him for all His gifts to me. Alhamdulillah. Alwani touches my heart to the core when she said shyly at the end of the session (when we asked around the circle on why must you say Alhamdulillah to Allah), "for giving me the best reward, Ummi who knows how to brush my hair the way I like!'

Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah for the wonderful gifts of family and love!

FORGIVE ME IF I WHINE
Today, upon a bus I saw a girl with golden hair,
And in my heart I wished that I was just as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch..
But as she passed, a smile.
Oh Allah, Oh Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 legs to walk upon and the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy;
Met a boy who had such charm.
We talked, he seemed so happy, if I were late, it do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, 'Thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you. You see,' he said, 'I'm blind.'
Oh Allah, Oh Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 eyes to see the world and the world is mine.

Later that day on my way, I saw a boy with eyes of blue.
He watched the other children play; he did not know what to do.
I stopped to watch him, then I said,
'Why don't you join the others, dear?'
He kept on looking straight ahead and then I knew he could not hear.
Oh Allah, Oh Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 ears to hear the world and world is mine.

With legs to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know,
Oh the world is mine.

I stopped for a moment, just look how much I have..
Everywhere, in all our lives, these are His signs...

Oh Allah, Oh Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs to walk upon, and the world in mine.
Oh Allah, Oh Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears to hear the world, and the world in mine..

Click here/title to listen to the song.

p/s: Al Fateh and Alwani now remind each other about the boy with blue eyes who couldn't hear when one whines. The message of the usrah was sent across, successfully! Alhamdulillah.