Tuesday 31 July 2012

Happiness is a choice - part 2

Happiness is a choice.

Mufti Ismail Menk
"Happiness is an action and a decision that each person makes for themselves.

People who choose to see their cups as half full,who are able to roll with the punches,who are flexible and are able to make the best of situations,are all consciously choosing to be happy.

This is a personal decision.

Happiness is not so much about what happens in your heart as much as it is about what happens in your head.

So though you may not be able to change the circumstances you find yourself in, you can certainly change your perception of and attitude towards them.

So please go ahead and choose to be happy!"



Thursday 26 July 2012

Life is like that

There is always one like that sometime in our life. Someone who rubs us the wrong way. I don't know about you. I used to have one or two of that in my life time. Anything that he or she did always seemed to irritate me for some reasons or another.

Of course, now that I am older and wiser, it happens less and less. There are occasions when I do get irritated but I am more tolerant nowadays.

Having said that though I can't help noticing that there are some people who are just mean. They would say or do hurtful things to others and sometimes to specific people whom they seem to have a personal vengence at. Is there one in your office?

I believe that these kind of people who are malicious and unkind are not so much because they are jealous or envious but more because they are not happy with themselves. I mean, if we are happy with ourselves, why does it matter that someone else has a better looking husband/boyfriend (hik), or bigger car, or wear a nicer dress or whatever. So, there is no need to be spiteful, is there?

Yes. Yes. I know. This only happen among the ladies. It's just one of those things. Sigh....

My advice to those being 'attacked', just ignore them. Don't 'attack' back otherwise you will putting yourself on the same level. You are better than them. Feel for them instead and pray ('doa') that they would change for the better and find happiness. You will find that you sleep better at night ......

*grin*

Have a wonderful week end and a splendid iftar!

Ulang kaji: Makna dalam Solat

Allahu AkbarAllah Maha Besar

Doa Iftitah
Allah Maha Besar dan segala puji bagi Allah dengan banyaknya. Maha suci Allah sepanjang pagi dan petang. Aku hadapkan wajahku bagi Tuhan yang mencipta langit dan bumi, dengan suasana lurus dan berserah diri dan aku bukan dari golongan orang musyrik. Sesungguhnya solatku, Ibadatku, hidupku, matiku adalah untuk Allah Tuhan sekelian alam. Tidak ada sekutu bagiNya dan kepadaku diperintahkan untuk tidak menyekutukan bagiNya dan aku dari golongan orang Islam.

Al-Fatihah

Dengan nama Allah yang maha Pemurah lagi maha Mengasihani. Segala puji bagi Allah, Tuhan semesta alam. Yang maha pemurah lagi maha mengasihani. Yang menguasai hari pembalasan. Hanya Engkaulah yang kami sembah dan hanya kepada Engkau kami mohon pertolongan. Tunjukilah kami jalan yang lurus. Iaitu jalan orang-orang yang Engkau kurniakan nikmat kepada mereka, bukan jalan mereka yang Engkau murkai dan bukan jalan mereka yang sesat.

Bacaan Ketika Rukuk

Maha Suci TuhanKu Yang Maha Mulia dan dengan segala puji-pujiannya.

Bacaan ketika bangun dari rukuk

Allah mendengar pujian orang yang memujinya.

Bacaan ketika iktidal

Wahai Tuhan kami, bagi Engkaulah segala pujian.

Bacaan ketika sujud

Maha suci TuhanKu yang Maha Tinggi dan dengan segala puji-pujiannya.

Bacaan ketika duduk di antara dua sujud

Ya Allah, ampunilah daku, Rahmatilah daku, kayakan daku, angkatlah darjatku, rezekikan daku, berilah aku hidayah, sihatkanlah daku dan maafkanlah akan daku.

Bacaan ketika Tahiyat Awal

Segala penghormatan yang berkat solat yang baik adalah untuk Allah.

Sejahtera atas engkau wahai Nabi dan rahmat Allah serta keberkatannya.

Sejahtera ke atas kami dan atas hamba-hamba Allah yang soleh. Aku naik saksi bahawa tiada Tuhan melainkan Allah dan aku naik saksi bahawasanya Muhammad itu adalah pesuruh Allah. Ya Tuhan kami, selawatkanlah ke atas Nabi Muhammad.

Bacaan ketika Tahiyat Akhir

Segala penghormatan yang berkat solat yang baik adalah untuk Allah. Sejahtera atas engkau wahai Nabi dan rahmat Allah serta keberkatannya. Sejahtera ke atas kami dan atas hamba-hamba Allah yang soleh. Aku naik saksi bahawa tiada Tuhan melainkan Allah dan aku naik saksi bahawasanya Muhammad itu adalah pesuruh Allah. Ya Tuhan kami, selawatkanlah ke atas Nabi Muhammad dan ke atas keluarganya. Sebagaimana Engkau selawatkan ke atas Ibrahim dan atas keluarga Ibrahim. Berkatilah ke atas Muhammad dan atas keluarganya sebagaimana Engkau berkati ke atas Ibrahim dan atas keluarga Ibrahim di dalam alam ini. Sesungguhnya Engkau Maha Terpuji lagi Maha Agung.


Tuesday 24 July 2012

Ramadhan and The Quran

"The month of ramadhan is the one in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that shows the right way and the wrong. So those of you who witness the month must fast in it....."
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185

The surah above was quoted by the guest Imam during tazkirah after last night's tarawikh. He reminded us all that the Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan and therefore reading it during this month is very much a thing we should do.

I think this is not new to everyone. What is new to me was the fact that even by just looking at the quran we will be rewarded!

Of course we get more rewards by listening to the recital or better still if we read it ourself. Imagine if we can understand the meaning behind the verses. That will be multiple rewards ('pahala'). Isn't that wonderful!

And reading it during ramadhan will give us even more rewards. And according to the Imam, it doesn't matter of you are not fluent in reading, you will be rewarded regardless.

So there you go. Grab the opportunity while you can!



Monday 23 July 2012

If there is a will there is a way

Istaqamah

I had the opportunity to stay back after tarawikh last night and listened to the tazkirah by the guest Imam.

And here is some of the highlights:
There are a few things that are difficult for some people to do/practice and among them are as follows:
1) Istaqamah
2) Ikhlas
3) Redha

He then went on to say that to be consistent or istaqamah, we need to plan and not leave it by chance. For example tarawikh prayer or the tahajud prayer or quran recital. We have to plan or schedule and stick to the plan/schedule (this one call for discipline of course. Do look up an earlier post on this topic).

If we leave it by chance, chances is, it may or may not happen. And I totally agree with him.

Usually, when we want something badly, we would actually work towards getting it. And this is how it should be. We should work hard towards getting it done as like I said before, it's an opportunity not to be missed. Now it's the only time to earn that extra credit points for the hereafter.

So, let's make a plan.
1) be home for iftar or choose a restaurant with a mosque or surau nearby
2)wake up 15 mins earlier before sahur to do the tahajud
3) read minimum of 4 pages of the quran after every prayers


Selamat berbuka everyone!

Sunday 22 July 2012

Ramadhan Al Kareem

Alhamdulillah.

First day of Ramadhan went without a hitch. Tarawikh. Checked. Quran reading. Checked. Iftar. Checked.

Err... That's it. Thus far. Yes. I know. Many more boxes yet to be ticked.

Something cross my mind though. While Canada started fasting on Saturday like us, England started their fasting on Friday.

Ok. In case you are wondering why I picked Canada and England, it's because so happen I had a chat with a friend in Canada and a niece in England the night before Ramadhan.

So back to my wondering.

Since we started on a different day, it will mean that the odd and even number of days are different right? And the lalilatulqadar night is thought to be on the odd night sometime at the end of the month, right?

So how does that work? Hee.....

Actually we don't have to worry our head about such matters. God has his ways of doing things. God works in mysterious ways.

All we need to do is be steadfast in what we do, if possible do more than what we have been doing before and remember others especially the less unfortunate ones.

Most people do pretty well on the fasting and tarawikh. Some have started on the quran reading. But unfortunate a few would actually 'slowed down' during the last 10 days whereas those are the beautiful days for us to do even more. So grab it while you can. They are the magical days that shouldn't be missed. And it happens only once a year.

So let's us pray for our good health that would enable us to do our fasting and amal with ease.

Insya Allah.

P.S. For those who just love the ramadhan bazaar, do bring your own tupperware or food containers. Go green this ramadhan. And the food will look as good as new when they are served on the table too, not crushed and out of shape!

Selamat berpuasa and beramal ibadat!


Thursday 19 July 2012

Syukur

Check List Ramadhan

Wishing all my friends a good ramadhan month and may all of us be given good health to practice our rukun Islam with ease.

And may this year be a better year than ever before.

InsyaAllah.


Sunday 15 July 2012

I will Survive!

Found this mini poster (below) on my FB.

The way I see it, a quiet man is thinking of goodness what. But a quiet woman is not mad but is actually grieving. Grieving over the turn of event that she has absolutely no control with and yet having to carry on the responsibility as if nothing has happened.

Sad, I know.

I know a friend who tried over time to make her relationship work. How she tried to make the day to day as normal as possible for the sake of her children even though she was suffering inside. Trying to hide the situation from family and friends. But in the end she has to admit defeat and called it quit.

While I know another who took the quick and bold step by making a stand right away. An ultimatum. And she had no regrets what so ever. She is happier being alone than suffer in silence.

Both are strong women in their own right.

My guess is, It's just a matter of priority and how we see the perpective of the matter. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the matter of the heart. And it's very much on case to case basis. No two relationship are the same as there are far too many variables.

Yes, either way it's sad but life has to go on. What I do know is that women are natural survivors.

What doesn't kill you make you stronger!

Funny how some men reacts when they fall sick. They can be such a baby, seeking sympathy and attention. Hee.....

And I am not talking about my hubby ok. He is still the macho man.

My guess is most women are used to bear the pain in silent as life has to go on without complaint. The household chores needs to be done. Dinner needs to be cooked. The kids has to be sent to school. Or work in the office is waiting.

But maybe this is also the reason that most women would see the doctors more often than the men. Maybe this is one way that women channel out their stress and gain some sympathy or receive some kind of assurance.

On the other hand most men will only seek the opinion of a doctor when it's absolutely necessary. Like when they can't breath or can't get out of bed.

And for sure they just feel so helpless when they are down and out. Since it's usually over something major.

But one thing I do know women also have their defence system. We have a good cry when no one is looking.

That actually make us stronger!

Keep your chin up ladies!



Nothing is impossible


Do you know.....?


Wednesday 11 July 2012

Keep your balance

Are you happy?

Sometimes I feel tired just listening to the same complaints from some people who are not happy with this and that. It's like listening to a broken record. To me it's very simple. Do something about it or get out of the situation.

Even in a relationship. Contrary to many, relationship needs a lot of work. So if a relationship is not going the way you want it, something got to give.

The office is the usual place where one hears grouses every day and almost every where. To me there are 3 options. Make the change, accept it or opt out.

Maybe there are time or occasions where it's beyond us to make any change as it's a matter of policy or whatever. Or you don't get along with your Boss for example. Then you just have to grin and bear it. Accept it with grace and just don't stress yourself anymore about the matter. Don't waste your energy by bringing it up again and again. But if you just cannot accept and make it as part of your life then I certainly suggest that you take the next step and take a hike!.

Otherwise, it's not just draining your energy but also those around you. So you will not just do yourself a favour but also the people around you. And who knows you will be so much happier in a new environment.

So, make that change!

And Good luck!



Monday 9 July 2012

The little things do count

Sometimes we may not realise it. The little things do count. We don't have to wait to afford the big things in order to make a difference. Doing it a little at a time but with determination and preserverence can achieve result too.

Giving away RM1 each day to the needy equals to RM365 a year.
A nod and a smile of encouragement from friends gives a tremendous boost of courage.
A pat in the back from the boss brings out greater committment.
A hug from Mother to daughter or son gives such a feeling of love and care.

The list goes on and on.

So, why wait. Go ahead and do it!


I believe

Thursday 5 July 2012

Salam malam Jumaat

Are you one of those who has difficulty to sleep on a strange bed? Sigh... I am one of them. Whenever I am away, more often than not, I would have trouble sleeping on the first night. Especially on a business trip when there was a heavy discussion the whole day (and the whole night too at times) which left the mind still active even though physically the body is ready to call it a night.

Well, tonight is one of those night. I ended up watching TV and guess what was on? Desperate Housewive! Hee....

Don't laugh but it used to be one of my favourite series. But after a couple of seasons I got tired with the sensation and spite of the people in the community. But since there was nothing else interesting at this late hour, I thought it would bore me to sleep.

Funnily enough, this particular episode caught my attention. So many has changed since God-knows whatever season ago. I am not about to tell you who is still married to who and who is doing what and where. The thing that attracted my attention was the fact that two good friends made up after a big quarrel (which happened on a regular basis actually!) after each understood the underlying reasons behind the action made by the other which caused the quarrel in the first place. Does that sound confusing?

Anyway, it got me thinking of the reality of the situation. Come to think of it if we stop putting ourselves a tad too much and think of the others a little bit more we may become a more tolerant person and do the others a bit more favour. After all, do we have to 'win' all the time? Doesn't it feel good for us to let others 'win' now and then? Better still help them 'win'?

Think about it. The feeling when we have done someone a favour is priceless. Especially when it's done with the utmost sincerity and absolutely no expectation of the favour being return.

Warm fuzzy feelings.......

(Warning: By the way, if you have done something like that just please don't brag about it to half the world or remind the person over and over again. That would just take the sincerity away).

I better try to get some sleep otherwise I will be a zombie tomorrow.

Salam and good nite!

Tuesday 3 July 2012

Believe in Yourself

What makes one person different from one another apart from how they look physically?

Well to me, it's their self confidence and attitude. A pair of twin can look alike physically but put them side by side and you will find that they will appear different if they have different attitude and self confidence.

And what contributes to the two charactristics is indeed what they believe in.

At least that's what I believe. Think about it. If one person feels that he can do anything, the way he approach life will be different. He will have a positive attitide and he would dare to try anything new with confidence.

So, believe in yourself. Don't let anyone tell you that you are not capable of doing anything that you believe you can do until you have tried.

Walk tall and be proud of yourself!