Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), 

and do not make it hard for them and give them good 

tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam).

Hadith Bukhari

This is a huge step, I know. With you bring me to see part of your family, I can never be thankful enough. With opening arms and that warm fuzzy feelings, this is going to be beautiful. 

Like Christina Perri says, one step closer.

Yes, to new beginnings. Inshallah, Amin.

Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There’s going to be stress in life, but it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not.
Valerie Bertinelli

Where: Duo Tower

How to get there: From Bugis DTL, exit F. Take 2 floors escalator up and you will see the pillar with Surau signage. Follow the signage that leads to the Musollah for Muslimin & Muslimah. It’s near to the toilet, so yay! Ablution is inside, equipped with sejadah and telekong. Quite spacious and extremely taken care of, Alhamdulillah double yay! There’s a huge full length mirror in the Muslimah’s, pretty awesome for us to wear back our Hijab. Alhamdulillah.

Prophet  Muhammad (saw) was not trying in any way to prove himself to be brave or courageous; rather, he was out only to raise the Word of Allah and render His religion the highest, and that is why he would always be in the frontline of battle no matter how fierce or hot it is.

During the Battle of Hunayn, despite the initial confusion and disorder of the Muslim army, he lost none of his resolve and determination and leapt towards the enemy lines. By so doing, he raised the spirits and courage of his Companions, until they were able to claim victory with Allah’s Help and Assistance. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said, as narrated by Abu Hurairah:

Allah guaranteed anyone going out (for Jihad) in the cause of Allah [the following]:

‘If he goes out with no motive other than faith in Me and belief in My Messengers, I will return him with whatever he acquired of reward or booty, or I will admit him to Paradise [in case of his death]’

Had I not found it difficult for my followers, then I would not remain behind any sariyah (military unit or detachment) going for Jihad.

Indeed, I wish I could be martyred in Allah’s Cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His Cause. (Al-Bukhari Vol. I, Hadith 35)

Yes, that was the wish of Prophet Muhammad (saw), to join the fighting forces and be martyred and be revived again to fight once more and be martyred again and again . All this only to raise the banner of Islam as high as Allah loves and to weaken or destroy the grip of the tyrants who forbid their peoples from listening to or even hearing the Word of Allah brought to humanity at the hands of Prophet Muhammad (saw) to enable these people to exercise their right to choose for themselves and not to be just blind followers of their despotic kings and rulers.

This is the very essence of war and jihad in Islam which abhors terror, fighting and warring but only uses force to restore the oppressed peoples their free will and ability to choice.

Another important point that should be highlighted here is that the bravery of Prophet Muhammad (saw) was not in any way a form of rashness or lightheadedness; rather, it was rational, reasonable and wise.

Let us take a look at the seizure he made to the Ta’if fortress which lasted for more than forty days during which Prophet Muahammad (saw) knew that the provisions and supplies inside the fortress would suffice those inhabiting it for at least one full year, if not more.

Thereupon, he, the brave leader, compared the advantages and disadvantages of the seizure – something like doing a SWOT Analysis –and found out that continuing the seizure would harm the Muslim State as the Muslim army is not just an army;rather, it is indeed the whole Muslim Ummahat large.

In addition, only a few men were left behind in Madinah to protect and guard the women, children and properties; hence, it is vulnerable to attacks from the polytheists and the Jews. Therefore, he made up his mind to abort the seizure, stop the operation and return to Madinah.

His bravery was also mixed with mercy and compassion so that he never used his courage but in battles for hoisting the banner of Allah high. Therefore, there is not a single incident throughout history in which the Prophet avenged himself on anything and he never used the force but for raising the Word of Allah.

`A’ishah reported that,

“Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) never beat anyone with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant, but only, in the case when he had been fighting in the cause of Allah and he never took revenge for anything unless the things made inviolable by Allah were  violated; he then took revenge for Allah, the Exalted and Glorious.” (Muslim, 5756)

This is how the Prophet’s bravery was based on certainty, resolution, principles and ethics; and this is how it became an example to be emulated by those who follow until the Day of Judgment… what a courage!

Reference:
http://aboutislam.net/shariah/prophet-muhammad/manners/glimpses-prophets-courage/

I remembered I met her during one of the Safinah's talk. It's like we were predestined to meet. Allahu'akbar. Mashallah, Allah is great. 

She sat next to me, and soon after the event, I took a photo with her and exchange numbers. And next thing we knew, we meet for a few talks and here I am, in Kuala Lumpur with a stranger. Mashallah. That trust. 

She's in her 50s. Never married. Have lots of nephew and nieces whom she love. Her courage and her beautiful character open up my mind. Her strengths, her struggles and most importantly her faith. I admire her. Her akhlak is far fetch beautiful and her flaws are beautifully imperfect. 

Widen your circles and network, Siti Sarah. 

Because it enriches your mind.

Syukur Alhamdulillah,

for placing me people in my life to appreciate the beauty of Islam.

When we love someone, our actions and speeches can be seen.

But are we able to do that for our Rasulullah?

Faisal Abdul Latiff

Imaam Maalik bin Anas 179 AH (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

السنة مثل سفينة نوح من ركبها نجا و من تخلف عنها هلك

“The Sunnah is like the Ark of Nuh. Whoever embarks upon it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned.”

Quoted by Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah in Majmoo’ ul-fataawaa (4/57)

There is no progress 

or accomplishment 

without sacrifice.
Idowu Koyenikan

It's really amazing to once step into a war zone and comes to an end with a beautiful ending. I really appreciate going to construction site and am so proud of all the people involved constructing it. All those hard work, Mashallah.

This touches deep within my soul. 

I can't help but to just smile.

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Time is witness that, surely, mankind suffers loss,
except for those of faith,
Who do good, and become a model of truthful living,
and together practice patience and constancy.

(Surah Al Asr: 1-3)

Allah has praised Prophet Idris, describing him as being a Prophet and truthful:

"Mention in the Book (Qur'an) Idris (Enoch). Verily! He was a man of truth (and) a Prophet. We raised him to a high station." (19:56-57)

Prophet Idris was born and raised in Babylon following the teachings and religion of Prophet Adam 'alayhis-salam and his son Seth 'alayhis-salam. Idris was the 5th generation of the Prophet Adam. He called the people back to his forefathers religion, but only a few listened to him, while the majority turned away.

Prophet Idris and his followers left Babylon for Egypt. There, he carried on his mission, calling people to what is just and fair, teaching them certain prayers and instructing them to fast on certain days and to give a portion of their wealth to the poor.

He was the first of the Children of Adam to be given prophethood after Adam and Seth (peace upon them). It is reported that he was the 1st to invent the basic form of writing. Some of his wise sayings are:

"Happy is he who looks at his own deeds and appoints them as pleaders to his Lord."

"None can show better gratitude for Allah's Favors than he who shares them with others."

"Do not envy people for what they have as they will only enjoy it for a short while."

"He who indulges in excess will not benefit from it."

"The real joy of life is to have wisdom."

(Translation by Muhammad Gemeiah)

Reference: http://sunnahonline.com/library/stories-of-the-prophets/289-story-of-idris-the

It is important to look to the lives of the honorable and honored wives of the Prophet (PBUH) to understand that they too were human beings who lived, ate, laughed and struggled to please Allah (SWT). After the Prophet, can there be a better example for us than the mothers of the believers who were all promised paradise?

Continuing in our journey to find out if our mothers were funny, sensitive, outgoing, Introspective, self-doubting, or fearless, we take a look at Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wife, Hafsah bin Uma. She was known for being studious, trustworthy, tough, and very devout.

She is studious:
In a time when most men and women were illiterate, Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) could read and write. Hafsa devoted herself to learning the literary arts when it was not a necessity of life and was very rare indeed especially for women to have this knowledge.

But her studious habits went further than reading and writing. When she migrated from Mecca to Medina, Hafsa made special arrangements to memorize the verses of the Qur’an as they were revealed. After memorizing each verse, she would think deeply about them, paying special attention to its meaning, implications, and interpretations.

Hafsa’s  devotion to knowledge went above and beyond what was required of her. She worked tirelessly to acquire knowledge and to preserve that knowledge for future generations.

She is inquisitive:
Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) never shied away from questioning. She was often discussing the finer points of Islamic law or asking the Prophet (PBUH) for clarification. Once, Hafsa, another female companion, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were sitting and chatting together.

During this chat, the Prophet (PBUH) told his wife and this companion that everyone who had given the pledge of loyalty at Hudaybiyah would enter Paradise. She asked how that was possible. Hafsa could see that The Prophet became piqued, but she did not give up her line of questioning. She quoted a verse from Surah Maryam, “There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell)” (19:71), as her reason why she was curious about his statement.

In response, the Prophet (PBUH) quoted the very next verse from Surah Maryam as clarification to her question, “Then We shall save those who use to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him. And We shall leave the wrongdoers therein to their knees (in Hell)” (19:72)

She was never at a loss for words, and was not afraid to contend with the Prophet (PBUH). But she never questioned the Prophet out of defiance. Hafsa just needed to know. Whether or not it was aggravating, she just truly felt a strong urge to satisfy her inquisitive nature.

She is trustworthy:
After her arrangement in Medina to memorize each verse as it came down, Hafsa naturally became hafiz of the Qur’an (someone who has memorized the Quran in its entirety). Because she was literate, hafiz, and a part of the Prophet’s household, she was entrusted with the palm branches, slates, and other materials upon which the revealed Qur’an had been written.

Hafsa protected the documentation of the revelation of the Quran during the Prophet’s life “until the time of ‘Uthmaan when he (may Allah be pleased with him) decided to compile the Qur’an into a single book form”.

The Qur’an is the most important and treasured thing the world could ever contain. And Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) was entrusted with its verbal and written forms. She was considered the custodian of the Quran and the primary source in both verbal and textual forms. If she had not been of the utmost trustworthiness, the Prophet (PBUH) and the Companions would not have given her this momentous task of safekeeping the Qur’an.

She is tough:
Hafsa’s personality reflected her father’s, who was renowned for his toughness, and her namesake. Hafsa, meaning “young lioness” in Arabic, meaning strong and tough.

One day, while speaking to Hafsa’s mother, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I think I shall so and so”. Whereupon his wife replied, “But it would be better if you did such and such”.  “Are you arguing with me, woman?” said Umar. “Why not?” she answered. “Your daughter keeps arguing with the Messenger of Allah until she upsets him for the whole day.”

Umar immediately put on his cloak and went directly to his daughter’s house. “Is it true that you argue with the Messenger of Allah?” he asked. “Indeed I do,” She replied.

Umar was just about to chastise her for what he considered were bad manners, when the Prophet (PBUH) came into the room and would not allow him to touch her.

So Umar went around to visit Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her), […] in order to try and influence Hafsa’s behavior through her. “I wonder at you, Ibn Khattab [Umar],” she [Umm Salama] said, after she had listened to him. “You have interfered in everything. Will you now interfere between the Messenger of Allah and his wives?”.

Umar, when relating this incident, continued, “And she kept after me until she made me give up much of what I thought proper.”

Hafsa stood her ground when it came to her right to discuss issues with her husband and even argue with him. She was brave and tough even in the face of her father’s anger. But she didn’t back down and maintained that not everything her father thought proper should or could happen in her own marriage.

She is devout:
Angel Gabriel described her to the Prophet (PBUH) as frequently performing (voluntary) fasting and night prayers, and that she was to be one of his wives in Paradise.

Hafsa had her flaws, but she was also a strong woman, who knew her own mind, and would not allow anyone to convince her of something without evidence. She was a true slave of Allah and follower of the messenger of Allah (PBUH). She stands out in history as a truly great and dynamic woman.

Reference:
http://aboutislam.net/family-society/husbands-wives/discovering-the-personality-of-hafsa-bint-umar/

I don't know why I'm all ease when I'm with you. I think I need you. Well, in my life. It's like my life is always in a mess, weirdly distracted most times, pretty much clumsy and berserk at times! When I'm with you, it's like it falls into place. It's like I have time to stop and take a deep breathe and smell the air. I like that.

I really like that.

And I know, I do need someone like you.

Sometimes, being there is just enough.

I know that feels.

I've always wanted a cat. 

I don't have a cat.

It's not mine.

But I am glad to be babysitting Muffin.

She's like the cutest fluffiest thing that annoys me.

Much.

I love you, Muffin.

Good friends, for keeps.

Alhamdulillah. =)

Venue:
Brio

1 Jurong West Central 2, Jurong Point, Singapore 648886

The fire rating board is consist of non-combustible core, composed primarily of gypsum  or cement and surfacing on a paper as a face. The construction of system of the fire rating board is called drywall and some time they name it as plasterboard or cement board. The framing system is normally form with aluminium channel, steel hollow section and in-fill ( or sandwich)  with rockwool in order to archive the required fire rating hour.

The surface which is finished with a paper can be easily painted in any time of paint.

The different product and system is required to follow strictly on the manufacturer detail as tested on the type of framing being used, spacing of the stud, thickness of the board in order to meet the requirement and certify by the Engineers.

All the fire rated safety products and materials are regulated in Singapore by the Singapore Civil Defence Force ( SCDF). Only approved material and system by the SCDF can be used before obtained the certification.

Reference: http://fireproofingsys.com/fire-rated-board-system/

The struggles. Every time.

Alhamdullilah. I am blessed to still be able to perform my duty as a Muslim.

I stopped explaining myself when I realised 

people understand only, from their own perspective.

Coming together is a beginning;

keeping together is progress;

working together is success.

Henry Ford

Love is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the very best in each other, and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better together.

Barbara Cage

My baby girl has grown up.

Beautiful, intelligent and wise. I can never be proud of her growth. And it's her second time travelling and how excited and thrilled for her. The efforts she took to prepare for this journey to embark and a new set of adventures. She's grown too much and I can only look back on yesterdays, reminiscing the moments when we were once young. The future does scares me at times, to when if we were to grow apart but still close at heart. 

And, she will always be my sister. 

You must make a choice

to take a chance

or your life will

never change.

The 3C's.

Where: Raffles City/ Swissotel, The Stamford Singapore

How to get there: From 2nd floor of Raffles City near Dorothy Perkins and Warehouse, walk towards Swisshotel. Right infront, you can see the Musollah. Muslimin and Muslimah is separated respectively. If you are entering from the Hotel lobby itself, from entrance take the escalator up on the right and you can directly see the Musollah. Equipped with telekong and sejadah. Cozy, fits for 2-3 person. Ablution is to be taken at nearest toilets. 

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “For any adversity a Muslim suffers, Allah erases some of his sins, even though it may be no more than a thorn pricking him.”

(Hadith Al-Bukhari)

The first time I saw you, I was never fond of you. I had no intentions even though I know I said your name. I just leave it to God. But tonight, meeting your sister for the first time in my life was a pleasure. And how much I wanted to be part of you guys. 

Something pulls me back,

and I am scared to feel what I am feeling inside.

Losing someone has force me to learn.

Especially the one you love and the one you thought that will never go away. The one who will never leave. Once that person vanish and never comes back, it thought you one thing. 

To let go.

And letting go is never that easy. Never. It takes time. It may take years. Or it may never even heals. But I do know one thing. Is to appreciate what is left. Left behind. Cherish it, because someday, may be the last day to let you feel what you should feel. And maybe someday, we'll meet again. But right now, all I hope for is to have someone who knows exactly how it is to lost someone that might never come back.

Happy 31st Birthday, Saren. 

I miss you, terribly. 

Al-Fateha.

I could never be more thankful to have such lovely friends like you guys. I can never describe and feel so blessed to have you both in my life. We may not call or text each other often but I do know how to appreciate your sincere friendship towards me. You both have been there for me. Through good times and bad, you both been the wises and the most rationale. And that's the beauty of having this friendship. You both may not understand how appreciative I am towards you, but the least I know is hope and pray that you will be blessed and rewarded, always.

It's nice to have someone who reminds you, 

shows mercy on you,

being there for you.

Alhamdulillah.

Today was the most beautiful day. It was well, unexpected. I ended my site inspection early and so I had my early lunch. After having my favourite fried fish soup, I head to the ladies to clear my teeth. Upon reaching the ladies, I saw a woman whose struggling to push the wheelchair into the handicap toilet. I offered my help by opening the toilet doors and carry their stuffs. The woman was so grateful and she kept saying her many thanks. The elderly woman whose on the wheelchair kept on saying thanks too. 

And the most beautiful thing was that, the woman suddenly grab me and hug me real tight! Mashallah. A stranger just hugged me. A stranger! I found the hug comforting and I felt at ease. My heart felt like it stopped beating. The noise surrounds me seems to vanish. It's like I terribly needed a hug so bad that I felt so touched that a stranger actually hugged me, instead of someone I knew. 

The woman told me, it's nice to have people to help her because our society is lacking of that. I replied saying that kindness is all around and Alhamdulillah that I am able to help them. I just remember what my dad thought me, if rewards could be seen, everybody would want to do good things. It's just that life cannot be seen with the rewards He gave, but it was bountiful that we didn't sees it. The reward of me helping them today, is never expecting anything in return. In fact, that is my reward. For having Ihshan, that is my reward. Alhamdulillah.