The way to Jannah.

It so happen that we were talking over nothing and then suddenly the topic somehow got shifted to something more serious. The question was, what is our little bit of contribution in this life to the world. Be it the environment or the people.

So it got me to thinking. I have written about the purpose of life, right? The reason why we are born in this world? All these are very much related. At least that's how I see it.

The way I see it, life is all about relationship. Relationship with our Creator and all that He created. I honestly believe that it will help us to get to where we want to go to. And we not only have to develop and maintain a "good relationship" with Our Maker but also everything that the eyes can see. Almost. But people, animals and environment are the major ones. Yup. The living things.

When we touch on the subject of people, guess who is the most important person in the world? Yes! That's right. Your mother. The hadith clearly stated how importants Mothers are. In my opinion, the acid test of how well mannered a person is can be based on his/ her relationship with his/her Mother.

Other than that, the tell tale sign can be seen from the way he/she keeps up with the rest of siblings and family, or the neighbours and friends as well as colleagues and subordinates. Or even strangers for that matter. For example, a good deed to a total stranger goes a long way especially when you don't expect to ever see that person again. That's the ultimate sincere act as any.

I can go on and on about this subject, but do not forget about the other two relationship that we need to have with.... animals and environment. And ..... also the non-living things.

But let's just leave that to another day, shall we....?

Have a marvelous long week end to those with off days on Monday!

Doing things Differently

Thats our motto this year in the office. If we are looking for different result we definitely need to review how we do thinks currently and change where applicable.

I am thinking that it applies in our daily life too..... I mean, at home.

Sometimes it's difficult to make changes. To do something else or different from our normal routine. From our comfort zone.

Just give it some thoughts.......

Life and Marriage

So much in my mind yet all my thoughts seem to be reluctant to be transfered onto the 'paper'. Maybe they are all too jumbled up or got entangled with one another.

Anyways, one of my nieces has gotten engaged last week end. A sweet young girl in her early twenties. She has been 'proposed' before but two years ago her parents felt that she was still too young. But this time around, a couple of years later, the parents probably feels that she is ready to be a wife.

Question that came to my mind is, when is it the right time or age to get hitched?

Somehow, it still amazes me when couples get married young, ie in their early twenties. Or even earlier! (Yes, you guessed right. I am not one of them). I mean, have they really, really thought it through before making that life-long committment? Some may decide to skip college life and go straight in the working life. And some time, they find their life long partner along the way. By the time they are 20 years old, they may have a baby of their own. I mean, I have a 20 year old daughter and she is still a baby to me! *big smile*

When I pondered over it, there are some advantages for marrying at an earlier age. For example:
1. More babies! At least 3 or even 5 or more for those who dares! I have friends who have 7 and more! I come from a family of 9 and I love it! Alas, I only have two of my own but I am forever grateful for their presence it my life. Two is good enough for me!
2. More family time when the children are younger. The older we are the more likely that we hold a higher position which means more often than not, we are required to spend more time in the office. Therefore, less family time.... Sad, I know. But that's the price we have to pay when we move up the corporate world.
3. And of course, religious wise, it's better to be married earlier if it means keeping the vice at bay. I guess, I don't have to elaborate further on this subject.

On the other hand, getting married a bit later means that the couple would be more matured to handle family matters or family crisis and also would be more financially stable.

What ever it is, there is a malay proverb that says : "Ajal dan jodoh di tangan Tuhan" (Death and Marriage are in the hand of God). Meaning it's really not up to us when and who we get married to anyway. But it doesn't mean that we should leave it to fate to find our Mr or Mrs Right. Usaha tu kena ada lah juga! (we have to work to get what we want!). Hee....

Anyway, to my lovely niece, here's wishing that the engagement will lead to a happy marriage and a life long of happiness, forever and ever!

Ameen. In sya Allah.....

New Year Resolution

It's the first day of 2013. At this time of the year we sometimes get questions from friends about our new year resolution. Do you have one?

Well, I don't. Never had any in the last few years. I take one day at time most of the time.

Even when I was in school I am not much of a person with big ambition. Never really put much thought of what I wanted to be. There was no particular career that I was passionate about.

And when I started working I stayed in one single company instead of job hopping to seek new venture and career advancement. I just go with the flow. Nevertheless, I am happy and grateful for the achievement gained thus far. All from honest and hard work, with plenty of respect and care for others. I always believe that if we are passionate and sincere in whatever we do, we will succeed one way or another.

Back to this new year resolution, have you ever wonder why we are born in this world? What is the real reason we are here on earth? What is the purpose of life?

I do believe that if we find that answer, that purpose will be our long term goal and the short and middle term goal will be the ways to achieve just that.

Want to hear what I think?

Here is what I think........

You know that the first human was created in Heaven but was ousted out to earth due to the influence of the Devil. Right? So! The reason why we are born is to learn and find ways to fight against the devil to return back to Heaven. So, the purpose of our life on earth is to find our way back to where we came from. *Pause* Just think about it.

And its by no mean an easy feat. For if we don't have enough Iman and Faith, it will not be a straight path. It's like a lifetime of the Amazing Race. A larger than life Amazing Race. But we have the Quran to guide us. And the prophet Mohammad (SWT) is the role model, the prototype, the bench mark. And while we go to school or go to work, raise family, doing our everyday stuff and all that, everything that we do must be in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah so that we will continue towards achieving the ultimate goal. Btw, it helps to be with people who are in the same path. It will certainly make the journey a lot easier.

So! What do you think?

Anyway, I leave you to ponder further with the following ayat from Surah At-Tin 95:4-6.

May the year 2013 brings you closer in achieving your lifetime goal and may we gain happiness in this life and the hereafter.

Ameen.