KNOCK! KNOCK!

5:30 am. There was a knock on the door. It's half an hour to Suboh and it's pounding hard. “It's time for tahajjud!”, it seems to say. Are you still sleeping when Allah promises at this hour that He will be there waiting for your prayers, awaiting you to beg Him….. and yet, you are still sleeping? Don’t you have enough sleep already? How many hours do you need? 8? You're such a baby… Coochy Coochy!! Up baby Up!!

Sleeping time is over! Don’t you know that Umar Abd Aziz, a pious leader of Islam spent his nights crying and praying to Allah in the middle of the night, – fear that he had not done enough within his power for the people under his leadership? In fact, he spent 200 rakaat everyday for solat nafil – just for the supplementary solat. Wasn’t that great? Shouldn’t we not fear of our commitments – that we have not given enough? We are still lazy to stand for prayers. And our prayers are full of thoughts, all the worldly affairs. With this, how can we stand tall in front of Him and his beloved prophet? Have we taste the sweetness of Iman that solat is the best time of the day and that we are always looking forward to talk to God?

Can we ever stand tall? What should we say… what can be our excuses? That the world is not like before! All these sophisticated technology – it is not suitable to apply Islamic values or sunnah! Our parents have not taught enough! Schools did not provide good Islamic education! Leaders were selfish and corrupted – blame them! We were busy with our responsibilities at work – they couldn’t do without us! Our boss gave us too much tasks that not only we had to spend so much time in the office, we had to bring them home! That the traffic was too much…by the time we reach home, prayer time was over! Can we not list 100 more excuses? Want me to go on? Oh my... can I not use these excuses?

So what is our stand? Are we ready for tahajjud? Are we not scared that we will be in these dark rooms underneath when none can help – not even our Mercedes, not our big screen LCD TV, not our fully decorated house, not our newly renovated kitchen, not our collectibles handbags, shoes .. or whatever baggage we have with us. None can help except our good deeds that we left – those good deeds that we thought was good for nothing… the food to the needy that kept them sleeping at night because their stomach aren’t empty like before, the help to a friend that took ages of our precious time but kept him smiling all day, those money donated to the orphans that worry us because the savings were lessen, the unneeded clothes to the earth-quake victims the kept them warm when they have lost their shelter and help tidy up our wardrobe…. and yet, you thought they were unrewarded! So all these can help lighten up our dark rooms – they won’t be dark anymore but in fact, they can be “gardens of delights”.

When I read the last poem by Imam Al-Ghazali, it motivates me – gives me hope that death can be beautiful, that we would be able to converse with the saints, that we would be able to rest from all these worldly affairs that tire us, a sleep prolonged…that death is life that surpasses all that we can dream of here. We should not be frightened when we think of Allah’s mercy and love because the ultimate happiness of our being is when we get to meet Him, our Lord, face to face. Subhanalllah!

Tahajjud is important for our souls – it is a must for those who want to have close relation with Allah. This is the time to converse with Him… softly. This is the time to beg Him, plead with him. Do you know that if you do it often enough, if one day you overslept, the angles will wake you up because he misses you?
 So what are you waiting for???

Knock! Knock! Is that the angle?

Allah Ta'ala says, addressing the prophet (pbuh), "O you wrapped in a cloth, Stand (in prayer) by night except a portion, half of it or a little less, or a little more, and recite the Quraan in measured tones. Soon shall we send down to you a weighty message. Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing the soul, and most effective in speech [of praises and prayer]. [73:1-6]

Congratulations, DOCTOR!

Dec 26, 1983 - You were born when it was snowing. I had a female doctor, Dr. Mayder and the delivery process went smooth (Epidural Block). The next day, we took you home and it was very cold and snowing still – you were in your pink outfit, wrapped in a blanket – we still kept it with us. Being very young at that time, it was a whole new experience to us, a whole new horizon to explore.

While others were busy hanging out with friends, going shopping or do what youngsters that age like to do, there we were, busy with our new schedule as young parents to a newly born baby. Of course, it was not easy. I remember at night, I hold you on my shoulder, hugging you and missing my own parents. I want them to see how beautiful you were, we did it all – changing diapers, cleaning you up, dressing you – adhering to your needs. You looked so fragile but we were brave. We did everything we could for you, using God given parenting-instinct, I guess.

We watched you closely as you grow. Your first word (‘baba’), your first smile, your first laughter, your first steps…. remember how easy your dad made you laugh – and we made you repeatedly giggled and we recorded your laughter. You took your first few steps at the age of 10 months. We took you everywhere – there are times when we took you in the baby cradle to the computer lab so that I can do my assignment, we took you to the library, we took you shopping for groceries (usually around 2 or 3 am), laundry… almost everywhere except to our classes. We had to arrange our schedule so that one of us can sit with you. Well, we sometimes, got help from our friends…Alhamdulillah.

When we ride in the car, you used to sit at the back in the middle of the back seat on the armrest. That was your favourite spot. You were so easy to handle – sorry, I made you sound like a tool – but really, you were never difficult. When you were a bit older, in the morning, you used to wake me up and asked me for breakfast using your own sign language (Being a young mother and a student too, I need my sleep ;) ). So I would take the milk and breakfast cereal out from the fridge and you ate on your own. I still can picture you eating your breakfast in the hall… you did it all on your own. At times, you took the cereal by yourself and you were very independent. How amazing! I also used to shop for your clothes a lot. The dresses for girls your age were very cheap back then – usually at K-Mart, they have the occasional ‘blue-light’ sale especially end of summer.... I bought your dresses for only $1 or 50 cent each.. so I bought lots of them. I remember you used to wear new and beautiful outfit each day. Oh.. how we pamper you so much!

By the time we had to go back to Malaysia, you were already 2 ½ year old. You enjoyed the plane ride. We still have a picture of you looking over the airplane window in amazement. You wore the pink dress, pink overcoat, and a pink hat. We still have the outfit kept too… You did not like Malaysia, at first. I can tell. For the first few weeks, you can’t put on your shirt because it was too warm. Somehow, at that age, you can’t talk … but my dad was wonderful.. every morning, at the breakfast table, he would teach you to pronounce just about everything… so he made you repeat after him and one of the first words he taught you were ‘air’ (water)… you can’t say it at first. You said - a-yo. He made you repeat the same thing everyday and we saw the rapid progress. You started with one word and then you start building up sentences.. and before we know it, you were talking in less than 6 months.

It was funny when early in the morning, you would take your lunch box, put on your favourite blue gown with ‘smoking’ design and waited for the bus to pick you up. You saw my youngest sister and the neighbour’s children were picked up by the school bus and you thought they would also pick you up. You sat there in front of the house on your blue lunch box and waited there until there were no school busses passing by. Then you cried because they did not pick you up. How long ago that was… my youngest sister is already married with 4 children!

We travelled a lot… especially during the festivals or holidays. You and your sister once travelled with my friend and at that time, both of you were 8 and 6 years old. But already you both knew how to do jama’ and qasar . They were amazed. Yes, you were bright and very well-mannered. You set good examples to others. Knowing these qualities in you, I recommended you to be a ‘prefect’ at school. I wrote a letter to your teacher – I don’t think if you knew that. But these are the things parents do for their children, assisting them to become leaders. You did well at school – straight ‘A’s and we were proud. Allah is Most Kind, Most Merciful.

Those days were long gone. You went to University and learn Medicine. It was tough. I remember when you were doing your International Bachelorette program, you were all stressed out. We could see your struggle and Alhamdulillah, you passed and we were relieved. We were quite anxious but we were sure, Allah knows what is best for you. After your 2nd year in University, you came home to us in Swansea. You were upset. You blamed me for pushing you to Medical School. I don’t think I did. I guess it was an obvious choice for an 'A' student like yourself. So you wanted to change and do something else. But it was too late – with the contract, I don’t think we can afford to pay back. Your years in college were like sailing in the open sea. Sometimes, the sea is calm whilst most of the time, there are waves, at different scales. Despite all that, Alhamdulillah… many fishermen survive the waves and so did you. I believe the ocean helps us to grow and become stronger…. learn to be patient as the waves come and go, thanking Allah for His mercy in good and bad times, helping others to stay on-board together, and the most important thing is that the ocean helps us to realize that we are nothing but Allah’s creation… however good we are, we still need Allah’s blessings and grace to stay alive.


So there you are…. graduated and we are happy and proud (Baba, Yana and Amir too). I know you are going to have a tough life despite all the struggle that you had gone through. I thought all mothers would be happy if their child’s a doctor. My good friend in Swansea, Sunny said that she doesn’t want her daughter to do medicine or any tough courses because she wants her to have an easy life…. I felt terrible. What have I done? Her words make sense – but it is not wrong to be ambitious, of course! My mom and dad – they must be so proud of you. My dad used to talk to my neighbour’s daughter (she was around 6 yrs old at that time) about what she wants to become. She told him that she wanted to be a doctor. They talked about her future… how it would be like to be a doctor. He used to praise her and was proud of that little girl. And indeed, she is now, a doctor.

Why I wrote this? I wanted you to know of your childhood. Of what we think of you and that we are so proud. Having you is a bless to any parents. Tomorrow will be your first day at the hospital as a DOCTOR and I want you to know that even at difficult times, Allah is there helping you out.

I remember there was one time when I was so sad (it was during my PhD – don’t know if I told you this) and I cried so much. I locked myself in Liyana’s room – there were papers around me. I took those papers and start rearranging them. Suddenly, I saw this phrase written on a paper like it was sent to me there and then…it says, “why are you so sad? Don’t you know that Allah is with you all the time?” Subhanallah… I can’t believe my eyes! I believe Allah send messages to us only that we sometimes are too busy to notice. So do not forget to make dua that you will be able to pass through the days with a smile on your face. I don’t know what your days gonna be like but however difficult it was, you shouldn’t feel sad. Remember for every muslim, there is no grieve nor fear. And Allah promised - with every difficulty, there is easy. Indeed, with every difficulty, there is ease. For us who have faith in Him, we keep our spirit high and hope for the best. May Allah help you to step forward with bravery with a new motivation to help others who needs you. I know there are many of them! So.. be brave, kak long. We are supporting you all the way….. CONGRATULATIONS, DOCTOR! I love you all the same.


CHAYYOOOOOKK!!
mama

“Whoever submits his whole self to God, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the most trustworthy handhold; and with God rests the End and Decision of all affairs (Luqman: 22)

A new experience - The ESQ way

Alhamdulillah... all praise be to Allah, Lord of the universe.

I thank Allah for selecting me to the ESQ training. I know that nothing can be perfect but alhamdulillah, the ESQ trainers had tried their very best to make people realise how great GOD is and we must perform our duties as his KHALIQ. They are noble people whose mission is not only to have good for themselves but spreading good for others. I hope their message goes to everyone. Those big screen projectors are really multiplying the impact of those image projected - how beautiful and magnificient the planet and the universe, the beautiful landscape of this earth, the wonderful feeling of freedom when you fly with an eagle across the Grand Canyon and up in the sky, the simulated journey of a soul leaving a body .... and many more. I can just say that these are brilliant work of brilliant individuals... may Allah reward them with goodness for their pure intentions!

Perhaps after the training, when we read the Quran, we can feel the attachment and the impact of Allah's words. To many who attended ESQ, these verses must be familiar:



Demi matahari dan sinarnya di pagi hari
Demi bulan apabila ia mengiringi
Demi siang hari bila menampakkan dirinya
Demi malam apabila ia menutupi

Demi langit beserta seluruh binaannya
Demi bumi serta yang ada di hamparannya
Demi jiwa dan seluruh penyempurnaannya

Allah, Subhanallah! Allah, Subhanallah
Allah, Subhanallah! Allah, Subahanallah

Allah mengilhamkan sukma kefasikan dan ketaqwaan
Beruntung bagi yang mensucikan-Nya
Merugi bagi yang mengotori-Nya ... Subhanallah



In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

By the Sun and his (glorious) splendour,
By the Moon as she follows him;
By the Day as it shows up (the Sun's) glory;
By the Night as it conceals it;
By the Firmament and its (wonderful) structure;
By the Earth and its (wide) expanse;
By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it;
And its enlightenment, as to its wrong and its right;
Truly he succeeds, that purifies it;
And he fails, that corrupts it;
As-syams(91:1-10)

I believe we will read the Quran like never before.... insya'Allah.

"Indeed, the Quran talks directly to our hearts without asking us to abadon our logical thinking. It in fact relies heavily on our unfailing use of the faculty of reasoning, throughout the session, as the Almighty urges us to reflect - do you not see..... , do they not consider...., and on and on. FAITH is to be a product of understanding, not lack of it. "Do they not consider the Quran (with care)? Had it been from other than God, they would surely have found therein much discepancy" (Quran 4:82) asks the Quran. Further, it declares: "Nay, here are Signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: and none but the unjust reject Our Signs." (Quran 29:49)." The Holy Quran Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

I remember a very powerful verse on the Big Bang when Allah reveals to our beloved prophet, Muhammad p.b.u.h. 1400 years ago when Big Bang or any theory of the universe had never been heard before.... Allah says:

"the heavens and the earth were joined together as one unit, before We clove them asunder" (21:30). Following this big explosion, Allah "turned to the sky, and it had been (as) smoke. He said to it and to the earth: 'Come together, willingly or unwillingly.' They said: 'We come (together) in willing obedience'" (41:11). Thus the elements and what was to become the planets and stars began to cool, come together, and form into shape, following the natural laws that Allah established in the universe.

He whom Allah guides, he is the rightly-guided; but he whom He sends astray, for him you will find no Wali (guiding friend) to lead him (to the right path)) (18:17)

Whomsoever Allah sends astray, none can guide him; and He lets them wander blindly in their transgression) (7:186)

Let's pray that we are among those whom Allah guides and among those whom Allah loves...AMEEN.

BACK IN UK

I've abandon my blog for awhile...as usual, there are too many things to do and yet, too little time. but I managed to get away from the hussle and bussle of that small town. It is good to have a break when all of the sudden, you feel free like a bird. Well, not really...but I try to use my time to think less of work and more of myself. Good to be back where there are many familiar faces around - and updating news of friends around here - people got married, having children, moved.. so many things have changed and I've only been away for a year or so.

It is very cold in Swansea these past few days. The smell of colored leaves on the ground really brings back the memory of winter and life as a graduate student. It surely was stressful but when someone mentioned that given even 1 million, no one would want to do PhD for the second time, I said I would do it. I don't know. It is good to live without any specific schedule. At work, you need to deal with too many things - sometimes you think that they must be crazy assigning you with lots of tasks all at the same time. Do they think that you are a robot? I hate being in those group of people who live for their work. I work to live - I have alot of other important things in life that are of higher priority like family. Surely, going back to UK is all about family.... and today, is another successful day for the family. God is most merciful and kind.

It was drizzling and cold early this morning. I was waiting for a bus -not a common thing for me.. I've been driving around before and now, i am less mobile. Those ladies and gentlemen who waited at the bus stop were surely friendly. That lady told me of a famous phrase among these 'bus waiters' - watched kettle never boils! In Swansea, most of the users of their transportation system are elderly people (and of course, university students)... the lady who talked to me stopped driving and become a regular bus rider. They all seem kind and friendly.

Back at the university mosque, things are much as it was.. people are kind and although there are many new faces, it still feels like home. Sheikh Mohsen is clever as ever with his words. his children's english is so much better than before. They have quran class yesterday, charity activities last week.. still tafseer class every Monday but yesterday, the class was cancelled and so many other activities on the board showing their motivation and enthusiasm in working with the student/community. Someone took shahadah a few days back and it was funny yesterday, when she told us that she was playing with a wet dog before she came to the mosque and we were like dumbstruck but still all smiling! Not that it is prohibited but we try to avoid dogs when they are wet. she said the dog was so cute and she simply forgot.. so the dog was all over her ;)

Amir met most of his schoolmates.. he must be very happy! i know he missed them so much.

many things happened today.... and i feel like tired now but I had to walk or take a bus home. So I better pack up my things now. It has been a long day but certainly, it feels good to be back in UK!!!

Oh.. We might have a small celebration party later today ;;;)

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I MISS YOU?

When I am writing this article, you are already on the plane back to Leeds. Time flies so fast, I couldn’t believe the two months of your stay has passed. When you were here, I look at you sleeping in your room and I feel like you have always been there. It feels good to have you at home – having children at home is simply NICE.

It is amazing that Allah send children to parents with their own characters – perhaps there are many factors that contribute to the forming of characters (I won’t go into that!). Imagine my parents having to deal with 9 different characters. Of course, there are some similarities but one kid from another is different in many ways. Kak Long is the obedient and tolerant one - perhaps because she is the eldest. You, on the other hand, are charming with people with strong determination, very tidy and sometimes can be very fussy too. Amir is still playful, witty, clever at words and of course, like you, he can be naughty also. How lovely the three of you, all praise be to Allah, the Merciful.

I watch you grow… from a tiny baby in my arms to a poise medical student. You are so determined in whatever you do. I remember how proud I was when you were in Bishop Gore. The teachers told me that if all students are like you, they won’t have any problem. You were simply excellent. I believe the environment suits you and you continue to excel. I never have thought that you would also go into medical school like Kak Long (you have never talked about it before), but you did. I know it was a tough decision for us – the financial implication was too much but we are grateful to Allah for making this decision. Look at you now… I am happy that you are doing well and I pray to Allah that you will continue your hard work. Life is always a struggle, you have seen mine too, right? When people look at my two lovely girls, they wonder how I did it, How I brought you up? What was my secret? Well, we don't have secrets, only giving you the best opportunities one can have - good school, good circle of friends and of course, good Islamic environment. It is all Allah's work and your effort, Alhamdulillah! And I pray Amir will turn out well too, Ameen.

Although you spent a lot of time outside, doing community/dakwah work, I am happy to know that you have spent your holiday well – not counting the shopping that you did ;) in between your hectic schedule. I envy your determination.. just look at all the books you took with you on the plane!!!

Looking at you leaving last night, breaks my heart. But I know that you can take good care of yourself. This is one of your strength – a good network of friends around you so I do not need to worry. I pray to Allah that He will continue giving you strength, and help you in your struggle towards success. Although I am sad whenever I pass your empty bedroom, I am certain that you will find happiness wherever you go, insya’Allah. Before you go, I asked you, “What should I do when I miss you”, you answered, “Read the Quran”, and I will do just that.


Take care, princess. We love you so much!

A new beginning

It is not easy to manage a wedding. For a person who is constantly occupied with many different tasks at work, when my daughter expressed her intention of getting married, I was worried...not only worried about her future, whether or not she has chosen the so-called "Mr Right", but it was also about my time - whether or not I have enough time to plan everything. As we are all trying our best to follow the sunnah, I realise that it was my obligation to materialize it... soonest possible... so that it won't consume too much time and energy - trying to simplify things and if possible, exclude whichever procedures that are not relevant with islamic values. As marrige is a new beginning for a couple, it is best to make sure we follow all the islamic rules so that the marriage will be blessed. Of course, it takes alot of thinking and effort ... things are not that straight forward in life..



It started with a simple idea... but endup very nicely - quite proper and well managed. The nikah ceremony was very good where we followed the "keluarga sakinah" module- the newly wed couple, the mother and father had to read a prepared text - small advice to each other which was very benefitial. I was in tears reading my text...I just couldn't help it. Of course, kak long had to control her feelings.... (if not, the 1 hour make-up will be ruined!)



I am very grateful to Allah for everything.. the weather was good- it was not sunny at all - morning started with quite heavy rain...as if Allah wanted to take away the heat and cool down the temperature for the whole day. Despite the preparation for convocation at my university, many staff turned up- fulfilling their community obligations and of course, keeping the friendship alive. Friends and relatives came from as far as Penang and Kedah to be here...I enjoyed having everyone. Allah is great... in our hearts, he sent love for us to feel significant... I was touched. Deep in my heart, I feel that I have gathered many good friends, the best circle of friends one can wish for!



Today, we had a small reception at Katerina... small speech from Wan, your dad, myself, your auntie, uncle, kak Long and abang Long(Faizul). I saw on everyone's face happiness and love. That is what I wished for... how much I miss my dad on memorable occasions like this one.



To Kak Long my beloved daughter I want to say, I wish you all the best. There are things in life that a mother cannot give to her daughter... perfection. I can only do what Allah allows within my capacity.. I was married at a young age but I know, I have tried to be your best friend. If I have not done anything that I should have, not say/provide anything that I should have, I want to say "I am sorry, dear". I want to set the best example for you...I want to be the best mom, the best friend, the best advisor... but I am also learning still....be sure that I have tried my very best. Be a good wife... before you do anything, think wisely and seek for Allah's pleasure at all time so you will be rightfully guided. To my son-in-law, welcome to the family... I hope Allah will put our hearts together and together, we will all seek for Allah's pleasure, the ultimate happiness.



O Allah, the Most Kind, Most Merciful, help us to seek Your pleasure at all time, bestow upon us wisdom in choosing our path, help us to grow love and compassion for each other, help us to keep our hearts near, help us to be strong, to submit to you especially during the night hours, prostrating and standing, fearing the hereafter and hoping for Your mercy.

Oh Allah, Guide us with those whom You have guided, and strengthen us with those whom You have given strength, and take us to Your care with those whom You have taken to Your care, and Bless us in what You have given us.

To kak long and abang long,
Take all these prayers and motivation to start build your own family. I hope by now you are ready for a new beginning.....All the best, my love!

mama

Are we doing ok? Can we be victorious?

I've not written for sometime. Usually at time like this, my readers(not too many) will ask me to write something. Tonight, after rushing for many different tasks day after day, I am a bit relax at home - I've just hand in an assignment at a very last minute. Everything now is done at the last minute. At the very last minute, your ideas come rushing because you know that you just can't afford to wait anymore - so you strive hard and put more effort than you used to. Alhamdulillah.. so far, it works. But it is never good to procrastinate. I am reminding myself now over and over again. But usually you don't have any choice - there are too many things to do but too little time (?). Who's fault is that?

Talking about time... it makes me think about the time I am spending each day. Have I benefited what God has given me - time, health and wealth (don't think that Allah will ask about wealth only to millionaires.. we all have our own share of wealth). These 3 things are the most precious bounties in life that if you use them well, it can take you to your true destination of life - ALLAH. Have you ever feel pain and say to yourself... "Oh, hopefully it is not today... please, not now. I haven't done much" as if death will wait until you are ready. When I told this to a friend, he said "common, man! you are not a prophet!" (The death angles ask permission from prophets before their soul are taken). So the question is ARE WE DOING OK? I don't want to answer that question here - the question that I ask myself everyday now...

Friends - how do our friends feel about us. This is about relation with human beings. Do they think that you are kind? Or are you generous? Are you helpful? Are you respectful? Are you friendly to your customers/students/employers/colleagues.... Don't you feel like sometimes or most of the time you can't fit in. Like there are no more friends like it used to be. Where are all those friends that you enjoy to be with? Do you really need them or you can always find new circles of friends. Believe me.. the older you get..the more difficult it is to find kindred spirits... at least, I think so. You kinda think like... oh, he/she's not like.... you want people to be like those people you used to like. You kinda collect many preferences as you grow older - like collectible items they are - so precious, you don't want to let go. Am I getting philosophical?

Oh.. I come across this sentense - a letter written by a friend of Liyana. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had (funny but nice).

How about our relation with Allah, the Creator? Have we learnt his words in the Holy book? I believe we all have to learn the language of the heaven. I guess we can never know what we are missing until we understand the arabic language and study His words. How unfortunate for us not knowing what He has commanded us, the glad tidings, the warnings, the stories... if we can eat the best food on earth and not just hear from someone describing how delicious the food is - big difference, eh? Allah said, "Those who listen to the word and follow, the best in it: those are the ones whom God has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding". I believe every each one of us has to put an effort in studying the Arabic language. Allah won't mind that in the process of learning, death took you by surprise... then it probably is ok, wallahu a'lam.

To be able to say that we are ok... then we have to be in the process of learning at least. So why not we all put an effort to do something about this.... yes, why not???


Victory and Help go with calmness of mind,
Faith, fidelity, zeal and earnestness
not with greed, lukewarmness, or timidity,
Discipline and obedience are essential
for service. The rewards for service are not
to be measured by immediate results,
But accrue to countless hidden ways
For Patience and Restraint. Be strong
Against Evil, but kind and gentle amongst
Yourselves: the seed will grow and become
Strong, to your wonder and delight.

(From Quran Translation by Yusof Ali)

I believe we all can be victorious. Allah is indeed fair to everyone. That is why when we talk about happiness.. it doesn't take wealth to make someone happy. If wealth is the measure of happiness, wouldn't it be unfair? But happiness is truely from your inner self - which everyone is capable of achieving. It takes time but the seed will indeed grow at its own pace with our own effort and Allah's will, of course.

We don't have to take a big step... a continuous step one at a time is better than a big one or two leap that tires you. We should be realistic and practical. Any good that we do, Allah will multiplies. So let's take that step, without waiting for the perfect time ... so that when we have that pain tomorrow or any day at all, we can say "Oh Allah, here I am... eager to meet You".

"Learn, ye, therefore, Humility, and approach God's throne in repentance and Earnest Endeavour".

Wallahu'alam.