I've always love my Multi-Racial ladies. We may not be close whereby most friends would meet up every week or so, call each other on the cell often. But these ladies, we are always close at heart. Each of us have our own commitments and responsibilities, but knowing when one needed help, Inshallah and Alhamdullilah we will be there. These ladies makes me happy and seeing them happy is like an achievement that makes me feel like I've accomplish my goals. Alhamdullilah. These picture perfect will always makes me smile because this, this is love. 

The noblest art is that 

of making others happy.

P.T Barnum

I could never imagine my life without you.

And may Allah ease your pains.

"For every disease there is a medicine, and if that medicine is applied to the disease, he will recover by Allah’s Leave.” And he (s.a.w.) said: “Allah has not sent down any disease but He has also sent down the cure; the one who knows it, knows it and the one who does not know it, does not know it.” 

(Hadith Shaheeh)

Sit with those who have sinned

and repented for they have 

the softest of hearts.

(Umar Ibn al'Khattab)

Today a friend asked me for advise. Regarding his life and how he should get closer to Allah. He wanted to but it is hard for him. Mashallah. I then remembered my own struggles.

Alhamdullilah, to where I am now. It wasn't easy. Not many know my struggles and people always assume that I had it easy. I am too, whose Imaan is weak. Really weak. But with Allah's guidance, Alhamdullilah. I told my friend to take baby steps. Because life is always a test and it's always a struggle. So long that our intentions is sincere and of course your efforts plays a part. It has to be consistent. And that consistency is the hardest part of all. 

My intentions was pure. I wanted to be married and donned the Hijab before I was married. Sadly, marriage doesn't happen for me because I choose not to. And I kept blaming myself for years over what happened, only to realised that Allah put me here because of reason(s). I may not know the reasons but I do know that Allah knows the best. With baby steps, I learnt to trust in Allah deeper and deeper. Alhamdullilah. 

I told myself, before I donned the Hijab I should strengthen my faith. My Solat. I wouldn't want to be perceived as a Malay girl with Hijab but not practicing our 5 Rukun Islam which one of it is Solat. It was really a struggle. I started first by praying Isyak prayers every night then slowly with Maghrib since I'm normally home after 7.30pm. It has to be consistent and Alhamdullilah it is. And I tried to Solat without closing the bedroom door and no, it's not about showing off or what. It's just that when I was a teenager, when my father used to tell us to Solat; I, ashamedly saying this, Astaghfirullah. I would say yes I will pray and close the bedroom door without really praying. I know, Astaghfirullah. This is one of the mistakes I've made and really am ashamed and still asking Allah to forgive me for that. May Allah forgives us all. Amin. Then slowly, I tried to Qadak my Zohor and Asar prayers for a day. 4 prayers each day when I'm back home from work. It took me 6 to 9 months to finally wake up for Fajr. Mashallah, that was the hardest waktu Solat ever. Ya Allah, He test us greatly. Mashallah.

So when it was consistent that I woke up for Fajr and Qadak my other 4 prayers, I began to test myself to sneak out during lunch time to pray for my Zohor while at work. Mashallah the struggles. Alhamdullilah Allah really ease everything for me. As I work in a male dominated environment and with my dirty and dusty working environment, Alhamdullilah I managed to perform my Zohor prayers. Alhamdullilah I can never ever be thankful for this ease that Allah blessed me with. I remembered that was when I was an RTO in Surbana, I started praying and things tend to brighten up slowly. Allah shows me the people who cares for me and He shows me true colors of the people around me. And with the ever most patience, I finally got the job that I always wanted and surely Allah test you with good and nothing is ever bad. It was all blessings from Allah.

Slowly but surely, when I finally found my Solat has strengthen enough, I decided to donned the Hijab. That was when the first few weeks of starting my part time studies. Mashallah. The struggles too. My Hijab and my Solat. I had to sneak during class to perform my Solat for Maghrib and yes, that struggles to opening my Hijab during ablution. Alhamdullilah Allah always make it easier for me. Especially when I'm in construction sites, Allahu'akbar. The environment and not forgetting the dirty water. Allah knows best and Alhamdullilah. I really thank Allah for making it easier for me to perform my Solat and I really appreciate the moments to when I think of Him and gave my thanks to Him and asking for forgiveness. Alhamdullilah, I am never so thankful for His blessings.

Then slowly my heart opened up and I make my decisions to perform my Umrah. Alhamdullilah. It was really a long way, that struggles that most think that I had it easy. It was never easy. And how people at times perceived me to be better than them. Wal'Allahi. I was never trying to be better and show it off. May Allah covers my aib. I was only trying to be better for me and towards Allah. That intentions that you must have in you and I began to not care what people says. And all I ever ask to Allah, is to forever covers my aib.

To my friend who asked me for advise with the struggles for he feels empty inside, I reminded him too, that I struggle the fate as him back then. Feeling emptiness inside is a dangerous thing and therefore comes religion to fill this void. With the remembrance of Allah, it is never enough. Practicing to be an Ummah of Rasulullah is the greatest achievement you'll ever achieve. It is, trust me. And how it is important to take baby steps and be consistent. Your effort matters and purify your intentions. It's easy to say then to get it done. And I know it's easy for me to advise and not knowing one's feeling and struggles. All I can say is, thank you Allah for sending someone down for me, that question me this and to ponder myself. Thank you letting me help people around me and help myself to be even better. Alhamdullilah. Thank you Allah for always reminding me. And thank you Allah for giving me a chance to say a little prayers for others and also to myself. Alhamdullilah.

رَبِّ اغْفِرْلِيْ وَارْحَمْنِيْ وَاجْبُرْنِيْ وَارْفَعْنِيْ
 وَارْزُقْنِيْ وَاهْدِنِيْ وَعَافِنِيْ وَاعْفُ عَنِّيْ 

ROBBIGHFIRLII WARHAMNII WAJBURNII 
WARFA'NII WARZUQNII WAHGDINII WA'AAFINII WA'FU 'ANNII

"Ya Allah,ampunilah dosaku,belas kasihinilah aku dan cukuplah segala kekuranganku da angkatlah derajatku dan berilah rezeki kepadaku,dan berilah aku petunjuk dan berilah kesehatan padaku dan berilah ampunan kepadaku."

Hilang hari ini bukan hilang ke mana, ia hanya kembali kepada letak asalnya.

Pujuk lah hati, pujuk ia berkali-kali. Pujuk untuk hati menjadi dewasa menjalani hari. Ingat! Jika rindu, simpan doa dalam hati. Mohon kesejahteraanNya, di tempat asal yang menanti. Let it Go by Reyna Ibrahim (page 43)

أسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَ أتُوبُ إلَيْهِ

Astaghfirullaha wa atūūbu ilaihi

I seek the Forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him.
Hadith Sahih al Bukhari, Muslim 4:2075

I really love today's conference. It is the best of the best which I've attended so far. I really learn a lot and Alhamdullilah will keep growing to learn more. This conference was pretty much personal for me. It's regarding to know more about Allah and the purpose for being a true Muslim. No doubt, I'm always searching for the answers to what's happening in life, but this, Mashallah. I found what I really need to know. To know more about Allah. It's deeper. We always says that we love Allah, but do we really love Allah? And do we really know Him? And how people always told you to Sabr, but Sabr is more deeper than that. Mashallah. These Duniya is meant to always break us. Therefore Salah is important as it teaches us that everytime we rise, we fall. And when we fall, we rise again. Mashallah. I really love both of the speakers, this conference really has been an eye opener for me. Alhamdullilah. I am glad that I attend it and this allows me to share with my closest families and companions. Alhamdullilah. =,)

"You’re not only tested during the hardship, 

but also when there’s ease."

Dr Halima Boukerracha

Gotton On grey inner long sleeves, Feminu floral cardigan, white palazzo pants, 

Kate Spade beige clutch, pink shawl, red pumps

Rasulullah (saw) says:

"He who wishes to enter paradise at the best gate,

must please his father and mother.

Hadith Bukhari & Muslim

Where: HDB Hub, Nexus, Level 4 
How to get there: From bus interchange, take lift near Berth A11 to level 4. Go to the escape staircase and take the stairs up. Sejadah and telekong all provided. Even slippers. User friendly for HDB staffs. Salah area is open to public but for ablution can be a bit difficult for non-staffs. Public can ring the door bell of the HDB Learning Centre to go to the toilet.

I need to learn to slow things down. At times, I let things catch up with me and I got so caught up that I can't hardly breathe. No doubt, I like to keep myself busy, productive so that I can care less how I feel. I suppress my feelings and today Allah thought me that I really need to slow things down. Mashallah.

I got a lot on my plate, and here I am. I lost 2 of my ATM cards. So I spent my afternoon getting them replaced. In a way, He shows me to slow down. And yes, sometimes bad thing can actually be a good thing. Therefore, nothing is ever bad. Allah has never given me anything bad. Alhamdullilah.

Know that victory comes with patience,

relief with affliction,

and ease with hardship.

Prophet Muhammad

(Hadith Tirmidhi)

Running is alone time that lets my brain unspool the 

tangles that build up over days.

Rob Haneisen

There are two types of piles which are commonly used in construction.

Replacement piles: These are piles which are put into holes dug or augured out of the earth. The concrete, or steel, simply replaces the earth which has been excavated. 

Displacement piles: These are precast or pre-formed piles which are driven into the ground by a huge piling hammer. These displace the earth they are driven through.

Reference: http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/piling.htm

حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ

Hasbunallahu wa ni`mal Wakil’

"Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs (for us)."

 Surah Al ‘Imran: ayah 173

Khawlah bint al-Azwar was born sometime in the 7th century, and she and her family were among the first followers of Islam. It is said that Khawlah initially joined Muslim armies as a nurse, providing care to wounded soldiers fighting in present-day Syria, Jordan and Israel/Palestine. She was the daughter of one of the chiefs of Bani Assad tribe, and her family embraced Islam in its first days. Her father's name is either Malik or Tareq Bin Awse. Al Azwar was his nickname. 

Her brother, Derar, was the knight and poet of his tribe, and was well known as well for his wisdom. His love for his sister and confidence in her capabilities were legendary. In fact, the brother and sister were so attached to each other that she was his companion wherever he went. He trained her in all arts of swordsmanship and she also became a knight. Besides that, Khawla was a poet who mastered that noble art. She was a brunette, tall, slim and of great beauty. 

After her brother Dirar was captured, Khawlah donned men’s armour, including a face mask, and charged into action. Other soldiers assumed that the brave young fighter single-handedly taking on scores of Roman soldiers was the general Khalid ibn Walid, until he himself appeared.

Rather than being angry with Khawlah for taking a man’s place in battle, her fellow soldiers recognised her tremendous prowess, and had her lead them into battle. She was a remarkable fighter, but the real proof of her bravery was to come when she and other women were captured by enemy forces. The women were taken to the tents of Roman soldiers to be kept in sexual slavery, with Khawlah to be kept as a Roman general’s personal sex slave. Rather than submit to sexual assault and enslavement, she got the women to join her in fighting their captors. It is said that Khawlah had the women form a circle, and using the poles from the camp’s tents, they successfully defeated their captors.

It is time for Muslim women to reclaim the female warrior, and Khawlah bint al-Azwar’s legacy. This is not a call to arms, but a call to remember, honour and live the spirit of a woman who refused to be enslaved and refused to allow her sisters to be enslaved. She became a legend during her life and remains a legend to this day. Khawla set an example to men and women alike that one should fight for what he or she believes in, and never accept defeat.

Taken from: https://www.aquila-style.com/focus-points/mightymuslimah/woman-warrior-khawlah-bint-al-azwar/76659/

http://www.siddiqi.org/khawla/khawla_bint_alazwar.htm

Where: Plaza Singapore

How to get there: Exit door of level 5 staircase landing. Near Seahorse shop. Ablution can be taken in the nearest toilets. Sejadah and telekong is in the service ducts. 

Mothers, knows best.

I was craving for BBQ pau and I was practically singing in Chinese the day before. "Cha Sau Pau...". And here I am, for breakfast with my favourites. Strawberries. My mother is the kindest person who is thoughtful. She is the best mother that anyone could have. She cares and love deeply whom we should honour fiercely. She's a role model, a lead example for us to follow. Her faith in the religion and her submission to Allah, her responsibilities as a wife, a mother, a sister and an aunt. She is as amazing as this Cha Sau Pau. Hehe. 

I love my mother. A lot.

Poplook black polka dot long dress, Uniqlo red cardigan, pink shawl, 

Rubi maroon flats, Kate Spade Call Me Chase bag

Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him. If he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him.

(Hadith Muslim 2999)

Our bodies communicate to us clearly

and specifically, if we are willing

to listen to it.

- Shakti Gawain

With love in our hearts,

we find even the most mundane things sacred and beautiful.

With love in our hearts,

we become kinder and gentler even to complete strangers.

————————————————————————

Be the kind of person who can put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand something not just from your own perspective but from theirs as well.

—————————————————————————

People who easily ignore others do so 
because they are afraid of being ignored.

—————————————————————————

It is not always a good thing to get what you want.

If everything happens the way you want, 

it is easy to become lazy and arrogant.

You may also lose the ability to empathize with people having difficulties.

Perhaps any hardship you may experience is an important life lesson.

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down

by Haemin Sumin

(page 21, 87, 135, 226)

Soil cells are vertical webs at the corners of each individual cells which minimise girdling of roots along the interior cell walls by directing them downward. It's advantages is that it can support  the heavy load of vehicular such as fire engine access way, as well as preventing soil erosion. It does not hinder the root growth, minimise uneven surfaces and easily installed and replaced. This is part of the Green Building Certification and promotes Green Building.

Reference: http://www.bex-asia.com/__novadocuments/35099?v=635127361767670000

Our Imaan has always been tested. It goes up and down, rise and fall. It was never consistent. And all we can do is break down for a moment and get back up again. Just let all your tears fall, just let it all out and tell yourself that it will be okay. Brush it off once you've let it all out.

As I look back to this place while walking to the MRT station today, I can't help but to weep. My heart breaks, shattered that I have a hard time picking up the broken pieces. Trust in Allah, that's what everybody says. No doubt we have to trust in Allah and He will always save you. I just need time to heal my broken heart and it's so hard when I have to pretend that everything is fine when it's not actually fine. There's just so many noise, so many concerns to healing my own self. But I know anger has been subside and I've learnt to forgive because I need peace. I know things happened because it is meant for me. And I know Allah is there, to always guide me. 

=,)

The Messenger of Allah said, "Help your brother whether he is a wrong-doer or is wrong. A man enquired, "Oh Messenger of Allah, I may help him when he is wrong, but how can I help him when he is a wrong-doer?". The Prophet then said, "You can prevent him from wrong-doing, that will be your help to him."

(Hadith Bukhari and Muslim)

A Strong Woman vs A Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything,
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear of Allah.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her,
but a woman of strength gives the best of her own to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future,
but a woman of strength realises life's mistakes can also be Allah's blessings and capitalizies on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly,
but a woman of strength knows Allah will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face,
but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey,
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Taken from: http://thebeautyof-islam.blogspot.sg/2008/07/strong-woman-vs-woman-of-strength.html

A man asked permission of the Prophet (to take part) in a jihad (a battle against oppressors). 

The Prophet asked, “Are your parents still living?.” 

He replied, “Yes.” 

Then the Prophet said, “Go to them and do jihad (by taking care of them).”

(Hadith from Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi and Abu Daud)

الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ

Alakhillao yawmaithin baAAduhum libaAAdin AAaduwwun illa almuttaqeena

"Close friends on that Day will be foes to one another, except for the righteous."

(Surah Az-Zukhruf, 67)

The greatest test of faith is when you do not get what you want but still you are able to say 'Alhamdullilah' sincerely for everything.

- Dr Bilal Philips

Me migrant

Live overseas

Thousand thousand miles away

Me migrant

Beyond borders

Mislaying smiles

Dawn to dusk then dawn again

Bearing sighs and a cry

Inner heart

Love, compassion, kindness

Lose their meaning

Be careful: no one here

And nobody

To see and know such pain

Me migrant

Live outdoors 

Outside from you

Me Migrant

by Md Mukul Hossine

(page 16)

A little act of kindness goes a long way, that’s what they said.

It’s true. I used to think why goodness doesn’t comes to me even when I do multiple and random act of kindness. I’ve stopped feeling that way for a long time, but some times it triggers. Yes it does, and I’m not denying that feeling. Everyone of us somehow feel that way for a moment but we shrug it off, we have to brush it off. It’s unhealthy to expect something in return after the kindness we’ve done. We can’t expect things in return, we can’t, because it can disappoint you and hurt you.

What I know, by doing these little act of kindness, it makes others happy and therefore I am happy. I don’t expect to receive in return because I know Allah’s rewards is much more greater for me, in Akhirat (Hereafter). And not forgetting the little things that I’m blessed that Allah has given me such as the opportunity and ability to perform my prayers each time. Alhamdullilah. That, is already sufficient for me. Really, Alhamdulillah and that I know is the returns Allah has given me.

And each time I asked friends for their units, I will never fail to end with a Dua for Allah to bless this house, marriage and family. May Allah grant them happiness, strength and love. Amin. Maybe this is my destiny and path of life that Allah has given me, to keep on praying till I'm the one who's being prayed for.

Have you ever wondered why your stranded hair that falls suddenly clump to one corner of your room? It's like they have a secret meeting, trying to get to me or something. I know it's static and such, but this happens frequently. It's like they gang up on me, trying to defeat me or something. I'm being a paranoid but rest assured, when they combined together as one full force, they'll get you.

Nah, chill. Have a laugh please.

I may not have what I want in this life,

but Allah sure knows what I need,

to make others happy.

Therefore, I am happy.

Cotton On beige linen shirt, BRANDS outlet khaki pants, brown shawl, 

Longchamp messenger bag, Timberland boat shoes.

Detachment is not that we do not own things, 

but that things do not own us.

- Yasmin Mogahed

A test is given to you not to destroy you.
But to let you learnt your weaknesses and develop you,

and to let you recognise your strength.

It may be painful, humiliating but that doesn't mean 

Allah dislike or punishing you. 

He is doing some adjustments so that your 

next journey will be the best of you.

- Ustaz Mizi Wahid

Rahmatul lil-Alamin
(Mercy to the Worlds)

The Quran proclaims that Allah sent down the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as mercy to all people of the worlds (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107). His kindness and mercy even towards his enemies, who were after his blood, bears out the truth of the above Quranic assertion. Throughout his life he did not hit anyone, what to say of killing. It is on record that when the Makkan unbelievers persecution turned almost intolerable, someone suggested to the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he may curse them. To this He replied that his advent constituted mercy for the worlds. It did not, therefore, befit him to curse even die-hard unbelievers.

His mercy was reflected at its sharpest in his improving the plight of women, widows, orphans and the poor. His overflowing love for children also stemmed from his mercy.

This role model should set us on the path of love and kindness for our fellow human beings.

Blessed Names and Characteristic of Prophet Muhammad
By Abdur Raheem Kidwai
(Page 82-83)

22/11

Dry wall construction can actually fasten the process of constructing walls. It's easy to install and have better finishes than our normal walls. It's cost savvy and have a high acoustic performance. It's also part of sustainable construction materials that BCA adopt.

Reference: https://www.bca.gov.sg/SustainableConstruction/others/dry_wall_flyer.pdf

Where: Tanjong Katong Complex, Level 3

How to get there: Go up to level 3. From lift lobby, turn right. Musollah is located next to the carpet store. Musollah has The Orange Ballroom sticker. Ablution can be taken from the neighbouring toilets. Musollah is equip with sejadah and telekong. Alhamdullilah.

Maybe it’s not about fixing something broken.

Maybe it’s about starting over and creating something better.

Where: DuitSg, 301 Cranberra Road, S759774

How to get there: There’s a signage on the door that leads to the prayer room and the wash area. It’s located at the back near the exit. You may ask the counter for the directions, if unsure. Ablution area is an open concept, advisable for ladies to take their ablution in the toilet provided. It has a spray jet near the basin area which is user friendly for elderly. Prayer room is equip with sejadah and telekung. Alhamdulillah. Thumbs up DuitSg!

Sometimes we plan things and get excited over it.

It can work the other way round, unexpectedly.

I won't know why it happen. 

To this very day, I still haven't figure it out why it happen.

But Allah knows, only He knows why.

So therefore, trust in Allah.

For He is the ever merciful, the best protector, 

all-loving and All-Knowing.

Trust in Him, because He loves you more, 

than you ever love someone.

Allahu'Akbar.

Where: Jurong Point

How to get there: Go down from the escalator in front of Japan Home at B1. 

Reach B2 carpark, turn left. Nearby there's a small alley, Taadah!

Knowledge is of no value

unless you put it into

practice.

- Anton Chekhov

It's like I have a disease, most of the time!
Haha.