Have you ever thought about after-life?
Al-Quran states that this worldly life is a preparation for the eternal life after death. The belief in life after death not only guarantees success in the Hereafter but also makes this world full of peace and happiness by making individuals most responsible and dutiful in their activities.
Surah Al-Imran (Verse 185-186):
[185] Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): for the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.
[186] Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil, then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.
The world is the stage and we are the puppets. As Muslims, each and every one of our actions should be guided by The Book (Al-Quran), and the Prophet's (p.b.u.h) Sunnahs.
The eternal life that we will have, depends on how we score on the Day of Judgement. Our score on the Day of Judgement, depends on how we fare in our graves while waiting for the Day of Resurrection. How we fare in our graves depends on how we exit our lives (peacefully or painfully). And how we exit depends on our actions, on what we do on earth. There is a direct relation between conduct on earth and our lives beyond. Faith in life after death urges us to do right and to stay away from sin. In this life we sometimes see the pious suffer and the impious enjoy. All shall be judged one day and justice will be served.
And so we are responsible for ourselves. We pray that we would have a good life here on earth, as well as eternally.
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar"
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 201)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Life is...
Haven't been blogging for almost 3 days now. I was quite busy..heh..heh.. ;)
Nope..I don't spend all my time smooching my hubby, well..a bit laa..haha..we were away in Malacca for 2 days. My mom-in-law and grandma-in-law reached Johor Bahru on Monday morning. I had just served them breakfast when we got a phone call from my brother-in-law in Malacca. Seemed that my sister-in-law was having a fight with her husband, and was on her way to the Kadhi's Office. My brother-in-law who was witnessing the fight didn't had any idea how to handle the situation.
So..we rushed there. Poor sis-in-law was crying her heart out. After lots of questions and answers session..sok..sek..sok..sek..okk..the problem was....infidelity!!! ARGHHHHH...againnnnn...I'm so sick of this issue. Man...can you guys please stick to one woman???
Life is so full of colors. Here I am..feeling ecstatic that dear hubby is home, while my poor sis-in-law feels like killing her hubby. Haihhhh..
*****
Well..on a happier note, I have a few feedbacks from a few friends about my blog. I'm glad that some of them have enjoyed reading my short articles on Surah Yassin, The Night Journey, and Anxiety Disorder.
When I first started the blog, that was my 'nawaitu'. I don't want to fill my blog with only my life's stories. I also want to share some of the knowledge that I have, be it those that I have read, or those that I had experienced. Vice-versa..u readers are welcome to share your opinions and comments.
Another thing, I hope you readers won't mind me writing in English. My English is a bit rusty now, having no chance to practise, except for baby English with Hannah, and pre-school English with Harith. LOL! So, I hope this blog will serve as a place for me to practise. Be patient with my grammar yeah.
Nope..I don't spend all my time smooching my hubby, well..a bit laa..haha..we were away in Malacca for 2 days. My mom-in-law and grandma-in-law reached Johor Bahru on Monday morning. I had just served them breakfast when we got a phone call from my brother-in-law in Malacca. Seemed that my sister-in-law was having a fight with her husband, and was on her way to the Kadhi's Office. My brother-in-law who was witnessing the fight didn't had any idea how to handle the situation.
So..we rushed there. Poor sis-in-law was crying her heart out. After lots of questions and answers session..sok..sek..sok..sek..okk..the problem was....infidelity!!! ARGHHHHH...againnnnn...I'm so sick of this issue. Man...can you guys please stick to one woman???
Life is so full of colors. Here I am..feeling ecstatic that dear hubby is home, while my poor sis-in-law feels like killing her hubby. Haihhhh..
*****
Well..on a happier note, I have a few feedbacks from a few friends about my blog. I'm glad that some of them have enjoyed reading my short articles on Surah Yassin, The Night Journey, and Anxiety Disorder.
When I first started the blog, that was my 'nawaitu'. I don't want to fill my blog with only my life's stories. I also want to share some of the knowledge that I have, be it those that I have read, or those that I had experienced. Vice-versa..u readers are welcome to share your opinions and comments.
Another thing, I hope you readers won't mind me writing in English. My English is a bit rusty now, having no chance to practise, except for baby English with Hannah, and pre-school English with Harith. LOL! So, I hope this blog will serve as a place for me to practise. Be patient with my grammar yeah.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Alhamdulillah
Dear hubby is coming home today. (*^.^*)
Me and the kids are excited. It has been almost two months since he left for LA. Since our marriage 8 years ago, this is the first time that we have been separated for this long. Usually it was only a few days trip, or three weeks at the most. Zul's job with Rapiscan has taken him all around the world. Although I'm proud of him and his achievements, I can't help feeling sad and lonely everytime he's away. And his constant travelling keeps me feeling anxious all the time, waiting for his phone calls to know that he has arrive at his destination (wherever it is) safe and sound.
Will be going to Senai to pick him up.
Me and the kids are excited. It has been almost two months since he left for LA. Since our marriage 8 years ago, this is the first time that we have been separated for this long. Usually it was only a few days trip, or three weeks at the most. Zul's job with Rapiscan has taken him all around the world. Although I'm proud of him and his achievements, I can't help feeling sad and lonely everytime he's away. And his constant travelling keeps me feeling anxious all the time, waiting for his phone calls to know that he has arrive at his destination (wherever it is) safe and sound.
Will be going to Senai to pick him up.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Eternal Love
For the past few days, I've been busy scanning and touching up some of my Dad's old photos. Mom has been asking me to do this for ages. She wants to have them re-print. But I have been coming up with lots of excuses. Hehe.. But since I'm leaving for LA in about two weeks, I've decided to oblige. There's a reason why I've been avoiding her request. Ever since Dad passed away, I've been trying to block that fateful day from my mind. Coz everytime I think about it, I will feel the same feelings washing me all over again. The shock, the sadness, that lost and longing feelings. :((
True enough..as I was scannng the photos, the memories came back. Tears fell down without me realizing it. Most of all, I realized that somehow I've forgotten his distinct features. Yeah, sure I remember how he looked like..but those details..the sweet smile that started from his eyes..I've been avoiding those details. Then I realized that I've forgotten how he smelled and how he sounded like!!! I feel terrible, as if my forgetting all the details means that I don't love him anymore when in fact I still do! God..I still talk to him, especially when I'm all alone, driving in my car. Sounds crazy eh?
But my feelings can't compare to Mom's. She and Dad are truly soul-mates. They have been together ever since they first laid their eyes on each other about 45 years ago. 29th July 2008 was supposed to be their 43 years wedding anniversary. Dad's death came as big shock to all of us. He was in perfect health when he left the house. Nobody would have expected that he would come home in a hearse. For the first few months, everybody was living in a state of denial.
Mom is practically living in the past. She spends her time looking at Dad's old pictures, reading their old love letters. She even listens to the "Klasik' radio station constantly because that channel always air the songs during her and Dad's younger days. Mind you, ever since Dad died, Mom has been reciting Surah Yasin for him every single day. And she has completed reading Al-Quran for about 4 or 5 times and dedicate the barakah to Dad.
Mom and Dad during their 1st year wedding anniversary
Mom and Dad were meant for each other
When Zul and I first got married, I asked him what kind of a wife did he expect of me. He simply answered, "I want you to be just like Mom." I understood then that Mom is anything that a husband wants. She's beautiful, she loves Dad whole-heartedly, respects and obeys him, and she never raises her voice to Dad...as far as I can remember, not even once. She's very loyal to Dad. She's a great cook and Dad and the children are all that matters to her.
Life has never been the same for Mom ever since Dad passed away. She has lost a lover, a partner, a companion and a friend. Yesterday, it has been exactly four years in Muslim calendar. I still see the tears welling in her eyes everytime somebody talks about Dad. And she still cries hard everytime we go back to Dad's hometown. It's harder for her because my uncle (Dad's younger brother) is looking more and more like Dad! I myself feel like hugging and kissing him. Hehe...
Nowadays, a lot of people are taking love and marriage for granted. We hear about divorces, infidelities...almost all the time. But I'm glad to have the best example in front of me. Sure..life is not always a bed of roses...lots of ups and downs. But Mom and Dad has shown to me and Zul that eternal love is not a fairy tale. It does exist, and it is up to us to make it a reality.
True enough..as I was scannng the photos, the memories came back. Tears fell down without me realizing it. Most of all, I realized that somehow I've forgotten his distinct features. Yeah, sure I remember how he looked like..but those details..the sweet smile that started from his eyes..I've been avoiding those details. Then I realized that I've forgotten how he smelled and how he sounded like!!! I feel terrible, as if my forgetting all the details means that I don't love him anymore when in fact I still do! God..I still talk to him, especially when I'm all alone, driving in my car. Sounds crazy eh?
But my feelings can't compare to Mom's. She and Dad are truly soul-mates. They have been together ever since they first laid their eyes on each other about 45 years ago. 29th July 2008 was supposed to be their 43 years wedding anniversary. Dad's death came as big shock to all of us. He was in perfect health when he left the house. Nobody would have expected that he would come home in a hearse. For the first few months, everybody was living in a state of denial.
Mom is practically living in the past. She spends her time looking at Dad's old pictures, reading their old love letters. She even listens to the "Klasik' radio station constantly because that channel always air the songs during her and Dad's younger days. Mind you, ever since Dad died, Mom has been reciting Surah Yasin for him every single day. And she has completed reading Al-Quran for about 4 or 5 times and dedicate the barakah to Dad.
Mom and Dad during their 1st year wedding anniversary
Mom and Dad were meant for each other
When Zul and I first got married, I asked him what kind of a wife did he expect of me. He simply answered, "I want you to be just like Mom." I understood then that Mom is anything that a husband wants. She's beautiful, she loves Dad whole-heartedly, respects and obeys him, and she never raises her voice to Dad...as far as I can remember, not even once. She's very loyal to Dad. She's a great cook and Dad and the children are all that matters to her.
Life has never been the same for Mom ever since Dad passed away. She has lost a lover, a partner, a companion and a friend. Yesterday, it has been exactly four years in Muslim calendar. I still see the tears welling in her eyes everytime somebody talks about Dad. And she still cries hard everytime we go back to Dad's hometown. It's harder for her because my uncle (Dad's younger brother) is looking more and more like Dad! I myself feel like hugging and kissing him. Hehe...
Nowadays, a lot of people are taking love and marriage for granted. We hear about divorces, infidelities...almost all the time. But I'm glad to have the best example in front of me. Sure..life is not always a bed of roses...lots of ups and downs. But Mom and Dad has shown to me and Zul that eternal love is not a fairy tale. It does exist, and it is up to us to make it a reality.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Surah Yasin - The Heart of The Quran
Today is Friday. Meaning last night I did my usual Surah Yasin recital, after my Maghrib prayer. Usually I start my reading with a 'Doa' when I pray to Allah the Almighty to forgive all my sins, my hubby's as well as my parents'. I pray that Allah will bless my Dad's soul and He will protect my Dad from any bad treatments in his grave. And I pray that Allah will protect me and my family from any bad souls, be it Satan or bad people with bad intentions. Aminnn... Sometimes I read Surah Yasin on other nights too, but I try my best not to skip the Thursday night's routine. I have read somewhere that if we read Yasin and dedicate barakah to our beloved dead soul, early Friday morning the dead one will receive our gift in term of bright lights shining around them. Although my Dad has passed away for quite some times, I would like very much to make him happy. And by reading Surah Yasin, I know he will be happy tremendously for he will know that I still remember and love him very much...Insya-Allah.
Surah Yasin is probably the most frequently read chapter of the Quran, in our country. Numerous benefits are associated with its reading, especially in the mornings or whenever there is any difficult situation; or if someone is critically ill; or just for barakah.
Rarely does anyone pause tothink that Surah Yasin like the rest of the Quran has a message in it for our guidance. If we read this Surah, just once but with proper understanding and apply its wisdom in our lives, it can truly relieve us of our misery of uncertainty and save us from the agony of going round and round in a senseless pursuit of worldly interests. Not only this but it can also help us throw away the burden of accumulated negligence regarding the hereafter, making us feel bright and optimistic about attaining the rewards of paradise.
We all want permanent and everlasting success and happiness, but unfortunately we try to find it in this world, where it was not meant to be. The life in this world is only a test and instead of running after its illusions, the only thing that we need to pursue in this world is the straight path that will lead us to the fulfilment
of our desires, in the hereafter, which is when our actual life will begin. That is why Allah has taught us the doa “Ihdinassirat almustaqeem” (guide us to the Straight Way) which we read in each and every unit of our five daily prayers. But only praying for guidance is not enough; we need to have a role model to follow in whom we can trust. Therefore Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) as a perfect example for us to follow till the end of time. The Quran is the guide book and the life and personality of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is the practical application of this guidance.
Here are some of the benefits and virtues of learning and reading this beautiful Surah:
1. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Surely everything has a heart, and the heart of the Quran is Yasin. I would love that it be in the heart of every one of my people."
2. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever recites Yasin once, Allah will record the reward of reciting Quran ten times."
3. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever recites Yasin in the night seeking Allah's pleasure, Allah would forgive him."
4. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "There is a Surah in the Quran that intercedes for its reciter and forgive its listener. Know! It is Surah Yasin. It is called 'Mu'amma' in the Torah." It was enquired, what is Mu'amma? And the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said "It embraces the person with the goodness of the world and remove the dismays of the Hereafter."
Surah Yasin is probably the most frequently read chapter of the Quran, in our country. Numerous benefits are associated with its reading, especially in the mornings or whenever there is any difficult situation; or if someone is critically ill; or just for barakah.
Rarely does anyone pause tothink that Surah Yasin like the rest of the Quran has a message in it for our guidance. If we read this Surah, just once but with proper understanding and apply its wisdom in our lives, it can truly relieve us of our misery of uncertainty and save us from the agony of going round and round in a senseless pursuit of worldly interests. Not only this but it can also help us throw away the burden of accumulated negligence regarding the hereafter, making us feel bright and optimistic about attaining the rewards of paradise.
We all want permanent and everlasting success and happiness, but unfortunately we try to find it in this world, where it was not meant to be. The life in this world is only a test and instead of running after its illusions, the only thing that we need to pursue in this world is the straight path that will lead us to the fulfilment
of our desires, in the hereafter, which is when our actual life will begin. That is why Allah has taught us the doa “Ihdinassirat almustaqeem” (guide us to the Straight Way) which we read in each and every unit of our five daily prayers. But only praying for guidance is not enough; we need to have a role model to follow in whom we can trust. Therefore Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) as a perfect example for us to follow till the end of time. The Quran is the guide book and the life and personality of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is the practical application of this guidance.
Here are some of the benefits and virtues of learning and reading this beautiful Surah:
1. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Surely everything has a heart, and the heart of the Quran is Yasin. I would love that it be in the heart of every one of my people."
2. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever recites Yasin once, Allah will record the reward of reciting Quran ten times."
3. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever recites Yasin in the night seeking Allah's pleasure, Allah would forgive him."
4. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "There is a Surah in the Quran that intercedes for its reciter and forgive its listener. Know! It is Surah Yasin. It is called 'Mu'amma' in the Torah." It was enquired, what is Mu'amma? And the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said "It embraces the person with the goodness of the world and remove the dismays of the Hereafter."
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