Muslims stick together to uphold justice..
When the land of a Muslim brother is under siege, Muslim brothers are supposed to come and fend off the enemy..
When the land of a Muslim brother is invaded, Muslim brothers are supposed to converge and fight side by side to drive them out..
When a holy land of Muslims is invaded, it is the responsibility of every single Muslim fight, be it with a gun, a sword, a word, a thought..
Now, it is not a case of "when", because it is happening..
Our brothers and sisters are being killed, their land plundered, their rights trampled. It is not an offense against the people of Palestine, it is an offense against the people of Allah!
O Brothers and Sisters! Rally under the banner of God! Let us pray for those who are defending the land under fire.. May they send the invaders straight to their fiery grave!!! We may not be able to pick up a gun and join our brothers, but we are more than able to lift our hands to the sky and pray to God.. That is our deadliest weapon.. Jihad is not only on the battlefield..
Allah hu Akbar!!!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2009
2009, a new year, a new beginning, a new story to tell.. But at the same time, a lot of the old stories drag on into this new chapter.
Malaysian politics is still a whirl of who-knows-what..
Muslims brothers and sisters in Gaza are still under fire, and, last I heard, suffering from an invasion.. something new? you tell me..
It is sad to see all this going on, and it gives me some doubts in celebrating and ushering the new year. What exactly am I ushering? Is 2009 going to be a year full of success and happiness? Or more suffering and oppression?
People wonder why there is suffering in this world. "If God is real, why is He letting people suffer?" Thats not something uncommon to hear..
But have we actually given it a thought? Look at this world.. More than 6billion people, and trillions upon trillions of other creatures, all under the watchful guidance of God.
He is all Powerful, that is true, but does that compel Him to make sure that every single person is happy, unconditionally?
Have you heard of the story of the barber? This man went to a barber, and the barber was telling him how he thinks God doesn't exist. Why? Because there are so many people suffering in the world. If God exists, those people wouldnt be suffering. So the man left the barber, wondering. Just as he walked out of the shop, he saw a man with long, unkept hair and beard. He went back inside and told the barber, "I don't believe in barbers, they don't exist."
"What?! I'm right here, I am a barber."
"But there are so many people who don't have their hair cut."
"Well, that's not my problem. They don't come to me, how am I supposed to help them?"
"That is exactly the case with God. People don't go to Him, how can he, why should he, help them?"
Yes this world is full of suffereing, but this world is also full of people who deny the existence of God. I will not attempt to justify His existence, because that will take ages, and if you don't already believe in God, look deep in your heart, look around you, and you will hear Him.
I realize now, it IS a new year I am ushering in, but I am also ushering in new hope. When people start returning to God, He will come back, insyaAllah..
Ya Allah, bestow Your help onto our brothers and sisters in the Land of Palestine, protect them, and grant them guidance, wisdom and strength. A new year has arrived, may Your Wisdom guide us through this year to overcome all challenges and obstacles, may our brothers and sisters unite under Your banner, to uphold the name of Islam, to keep our Iman strong, our Faith uncompromisable, and our Honour intact. With You, Allah, in our hearts, minds, and all around, we are strong and one. Amin.
Malaysian politics is still a whirl of who-knows-what..
Muslims brothers and sisters in Gaza are still under fire, and, last I heard, suffering from an invasion.. something new? you tell me..
It is sad to see all this going on, and it gives me some doubts in celebrating and ushering the new year. What exactly am I ushering? Is 2009 going to be a year full of success and happiness? Or more suffering and oppression?
People wonder why there is suffering in this world. "If God is real, why is He letting people suffer?" Thats not something uncommon to hear..
But have we actually given it a thought? Look at this world.. More than 6billion people, and trillions upon trillions of other creatures, all under the watchful guidance of God.
He is all Powerful, that is true, but does that compel Him to make sure that every single person is happy, unconditionally?
Have you heard of the story of the barber? This man went to a barber, and the barber was telling him how he thinks God doesn't exist. Why? Because there are so many people suffering in the world. If God exists, those people wouldnt be suffering. So the man left the barber, wondering. Just as he walked out of the shop, he saw a man with long, unkept hair and beard. He went back inside and told the barber, "I don't believe in barbers, they don't exist."
"What?! I'm right here, I am a barber."
"But there are so many people who don't have their hair cut."
"Well, that's not my problem. They don't come to me, how am I supposed to help them?"
"That is exactly the case with God. People don't go to Him, how can he, why should he, help them?"
Yes this world is full of suffereing, but this world is also full of people who deny the existence of God. I will not attempt to justify His existence, because that will take ages, and if you don't already believe in God, look deep in your heart, look around you, and you will hear Him.
I realize now, it IS a new year I am ushering in, but I am also ushering in new hope. When people start returning to God, He will come back, insyaAllah..
Ya Allah, bestow Your help onto our brothers and sisters in the Land of Palestine, protect them, and grant them guidance, wisdom and strength. A new year has arrived, may Your Wisdom guide us through this year to overcome all challenges and obstacles, may our brothers and sisters unite under Your banner, to uphold the name of Islam, to keep our Iman strong, our Faith uncompromisable, and our Honour intact. With You, Allah, in our hearts, minds, and all around, we are strong and one. Amin.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Malaysia for Malaysians
It's been quite some time since my last post. Appologies to those who continue to wait, but this has been a really busy term, what with assessments and applications and deadlines etc. Quite a lot happened to be honest. Too much, in fact, that it makes writing this post a bit difficult.
But wait, something caught my eye before I started writing this paragraph, and looks quite interesting and relevant to the present day of Malaysian politics. I'm sure everyone knows about Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Pulau Pinang from the opposition.
When the opposition wrestled a significant number of seats and states from the BN-led government, one thing worried a portion of the Malays - that if the government wins, the Chinese, or non-Malays, would gain control of Malaysia. True, Anwar might be the Prime Minister, but the parliament would be filled with as much Chinese, Indians, and non-Malays as the Malays. But I don't see why this is a problem.
Why is it such a big issue to the Malays that the leaders of the country must be Malays? In my opinion, leaders should be chosen based on merit, not race. Have we ever wondered why Malaysia, having reached 51 years of age, is still a developing nation, and Singapore, some 45 years old, is one of the most developed countries in the world? Yes we have, but we say Singapore is small, so we can't compare the 2. But Germany is a new country, it is barely 20 years old, and already among the most advanced.
But look within Malaysia, at the differences that lie within our own leaders. Tomorrow, when Muslims are flying to the Holy Land for Hajj, Dato' Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the Chief Minister of Melaka, from UMNO, is hosting Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, or should I say Dato' Shah Rukh Khan. Festivities are going on, concerts and such. He's a Malay, and he's a Muslim (at least by name), so technically and presumably he should know better. What is he doing to guide the people of Melaka, to raise the status of local artists, to respect those doing their ibadah?
In fact, he's even practically trying to bring Pulau Pinang down. When the state is facing troubles with their World Heritage status, all he did was to warn PP not to risk the status of it's World Heritage site, simply because it is linked with that of Melaka. And he knows full well that PP is facing bankrupcy otherwise. Kudos for advancing as one country!
Lim Guan Eng, a Chinese, on the other hand, has taken us all by surprise. Pulau Pinang is ruled based on the Islamic concept of "amal ma'ruf nahi mungkar", a phrase I haven't heard uttered by a single Malay (and technically Muslim) politician from UMNO in history. He declared that Pulau Pinang will be ruled like the government of Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz. He forbade government officials to spend lavishly by using business class flights, 5 star hotels, parties and such. And just today, he announced that al-Quran is important as the primary source of the country's law! He aims for "satu keluarga Islam satu hafiz" (One Muslim family one hafiz)! His understanding of Islam, as far as I am concerned, far exceeds any leader from UMNO!
If you ask me, I would readily accept him as Prime Minister of Malaysia in place of any Malay from UMNO. Under his leadership, Muslim values and Malay values are guarded. So I don't understand why Malays feel that we need Malay leaders. We don't. What we need is leaders who are capable of leading us, of guiding us, and of ensuring our progress and advancement.
I am a Malay. But truth be told, the UNITED MALAYS National Organisation is neither united nor a representation of the Malays. Malaysia for Malaysians. That, my fellow countrymates, is what our nation is all about.
But wait, something caught my eye before I started writing this paragraph, and looks quite interesting and relevant to the present day of Malaysian politics. I'm sure everyone knows about Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Pulau Pinang from the opposition.
When the opposition wrestled a significant number of seats and states from the BN-led government, one thing worried a portion of the Malays - that if the government wins, the Chinese, or non-Malays, would gain control of Malaysia. True, Anwar might be the Prime Minister, but the parliament would be filled with as much Chinese, Indians, and non-Malays as the Malays. But I don't see why this is a problem.
Why is it such a big issue to the Malays that the leaders of the country must be Malays? In my opinion, leaders should be chosen based on merit, not race. Have we ever wondered why Malaysia, having reached 51 years of age, is still a developing nation, and Singapore, some 45 years old, is one of the most developed countries in the world? Yes we have, but we say Singapore is small, so we can't compare the 2. But Germany is a new country, it is barely 20 years old, and already among the most advanced.
But look within Malaysia, at the differences that lie within our own leaders. Tomorrow, when Muslims are flying to the Holy Land for Hajj, Dato' Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the Chief Minister of Melaka, from UMNO, is hosting Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, or should I say Dato' Shah Rukh Khan. Festivities are going on, concerts and such. He's a Malay, and he's a Muslim (at least by name), so technically and presumably he should know better. What is he doing to guide the people of Melaka, to raise the status of local artists, to respect those doing their ibadah?
In fact, he's even practically trying to bring Pulau Pinang down. When the state is facing troubles with their World Heritage status, all he did was to warn PP not to risk the status of it's World Heritage site, simply because it is linked with that of Melaka. And he knows full well that PP is facing bankrupcy otherwise. Kudos for advancing as one country!
Lim Guan Eng, a Chinese, on the other hand, has taken us all by surprise. Pulau Pinang is ruled based on the Islamic concept of "amal ma'ruf nahi mungkar", a phrase I haven't heard uttered by a single Malay (and technically Muslim) politician from UMNO in history. He declared that Pulau Pinang will be ruled like the government of Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz. He forbade government officials to spend lavishly by using business class flights, 5 star hotels, parties and such. And just today, he announced that al-Quran is important as the primary source of the country's law! He aims for "satu keluarga Islam satu hafiz" (One Muslim family one hafiz)! His understanding of Islam, as far as I am concerned, far exceeds any leader from UMNO!
If you ask me, I would readily accept him as Prime Minister of Malaysia in place of any Malay from UMNO. Under his leadership, Muslim values and Malay values are guarded. So I don't understand why Malays feel that we need Malay leaders. We don't. What we need is leaders who are capable of leading us, of guiding us, and of ensuring our progress and advancement.
I am a Malay. But truth be told, the UNITED MALAYS National Organisation is neither united nor a representation of the Malays. Malaysia for Malaysians. That, my fellow countrymates, is what our nation is all about.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
I am a Sarawakian..
I used to be so proud of the Sarawakian Government, for being able to maintain peace and unity in the state. But somehow, now, among more and more increasingly unprecedented and absurb happenings, frustration is mounting up as political parties around the nation are speaking up, but the Sarawakian parties are holding their silence.
The nation is in turmoil as the Opposition claims to have the backing of Sarawakians. Sarawak is the centre of attention, but all its politicians can say is "lies!". For God's sake!
The Government is so obviously tearing the country apart. Foreign countries have been criticising the ISA, but our Government maintained the need for it, supported it, backed it, justified it. But today, that same Government has proved to everyone that the ISA is just an instrument to instil fear in the hearts of Malaysians. When they feel safe and secure in office, the ISA lies dormant. But when they feel threatened, the ISA is conjured up. We have become a nation where everyone lives in fear, for whatever they say, do, or even think.
And still Sarawakian politicians remain silent!
Journalists have been detained under the ISA, and for what? For inciting religious and racial hatred? As far as I know, and I may not know very much, since I'm a Malaysian and the Malaysian Government obviously thinks that Malaysians are dumb enough to buy whatever they say, journalists merely reports, they don't say anything. It's either they report the truth, or lies.
I've mentioned this before in one of my posts, but I shall do so again. Here, I can call a black man black, I can call a Chinese a Chinese, I can call a white man white, and still be friends with them. We recognise and acknowledge our differences, and we embrace it. But perhaps this is not what the Malaysian Government or the Kamus DBP defines as racial unity. Perhaps the correct definition of "racial unity" is "not allowing the realisation that not everyone is Malay (or Muslim) seep into the minds of people", and the definition of "Malay" is "the superior race that should be given extra rights and privelages".
I am a Malay, I do not deny it. But the other 80+% of Sarawakians are not! Does this make me any more superior to all my other friends(and I say friends) ? I wouldn't think so, but, hey, who am I to say that the Government is wrong?
But still, I do not want to lose faith in those (I won't say government) whom my statesmen (sarakians) have elected. I hope they have something up their sleeves, and I hope they uphold and fight for what the people really want.
I am a Sarawakian, I was proud to be one, I am proud to be one, and I hope that I will always be proud to be one.
The nation is in turmoil as the Opposition claims to have the backing of Sarawakians. Sarawak is the centre of attention, but all its politicians can say is "lies!". For God's sake!
The Government is so obviously tearing the country apart. Foreign countries have been criticising the ISA, but our Government maintained the need for it, supported it, backed it, justified it. But today, that same Government has proved to everyone that the ISA is just an instrument to instil fear in the hearts of Malaysians. When they feel safe and secure in office, the ISA lies dormant. But when they feel threatened, the ISA is conjured up. We have become a nation where everyone lives in fear, for whatever they say, do, or even think.
And still Sarawakian politicians remain silent!
Journalists have been detained under the ISA, and for what? For inciting religious and racial hatred? As far as I know, and I may not know very much, since I'm a Malaysian and the Malaysian Government obviously thinks that Malaysians are dumb enough to buy whatever they say, journalists merely reports, they don't say anything. It's either they report the truth, or lies.
I've mentioned this before in one of my posts, but I shall do so again. Here, I can call a black man black, I can call a Chinese a Chinese, I can call a white man white, and still be friends with them. We recognise and acknowledge our differences, and we embrace it. But perhaps this is not what the Malaysian Government or the Kamus DBP defines as racial unity. Perhaps the correct definition of "racial unity" is "not allowing the realisation that not everyone is Malay (or Muslim) seep into the minds of people", and the definition of "Malay" is "the superior race that should be given extra rights and privelages".
I am a Malay, I do not deny it. But the other 80+% of Sarawakians are not! Does this make me any more superior to all my other friends(and I say friends) ? I wouldn't think so, but, hey, who am I to say that the Government is wrong?
But still, I do not want to lose faith in those (I won't say government) whom my statesmen (sarakians) have elected. I hope they have something up their sleeves, and I hope they uphold and fight for what the people really want.
I am a Sarawakian, I was proud to be one, I am proud to be one, and I hope that I will always be proud to be one.
Friday, September 12, 2008
What is happening to my Malaysia?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
First they blocked websites deemed a "threat to national security", then the ministry ordered them to be deblocked. A good move, but why the need to block it in the first place?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
After unblocking the websites, a prominent blogger/writer was detained under the ISA. What are they trying to do? Flex their power and threaten those who shed light on current happenings?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
Three newspapers were given a show cause letter, demanding an explanation on why they published the truth. Are they implying that only facts (and mostly lies) that sing praises for the government are allowed to be published?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
The Prime Minister refuses to step down even if the people demand it.
What is happening to my Malaysia?
The army is starting to intervene - another first in our history. Is this learning from our neighbours, signalling a military coup?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
The Government sends its MPs to another country (in an attempt to thwart a take-over, perhaps?) under the guise of a study-trip, and the Opposition sends its own MPs after them, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek.
What is happening to my Malaysia?
Racial tensions are on the high. Malays are deemed racists, Chinese are deemed squatters, Indians are deemed oppressed.
What is happening to my Malaysia?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
Or perhaps, it is no longer my Malaysia. Perhaps it is no longer our Malaysia. Perhaps, it is now the Malaysia of the few who refuse to see truth.
I wonder, how will the country be like when I come back. Will it still be the same? Or will it be another? Will I be going back home? Or will I be arriving somewhere new?
But no, I refuse to believe that the Malaysia I love is dying. The Malaysia I love has been there, is there, and will always be there, because the Malaysia I love is immortal. My Malaysia is in the hearts of every Malaysian, and nowhere else. The only problem now is, this nation is led by people who are not Malaysians.
Malaysians, it is up to us to reclaim what is ours. InsyaAllah, all will be well in the end. But for now, my heart weeps...
First they blocked websites deemed a "threat to national security", then the ministry ordered them to be deblocked. A good move, but why the need to block it in the first place?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
After unblocking the websites, a prominent blogger/writer was detained under the ISA. What are they trying to do? Flex their power and threaten those who shed light on current happenings?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
Three newspapers were given a show cause letter, demanding an explanation on why they published the truth. Are they implying that only facts (and mostly lies) that sing praises for the government are allowed to be published?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
The Prime Minister refuses to step down even if the people demand it.
What is happening to my Malaysia?
The army is starting to intervene - another first in our history. Is this learning from our neighbours, signalling a military coup?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
The Government sends its MPs to another country (in an attempt to thwart a take-over, perhaps?) under the guise of a study-trip, and the Opposition sends its own MPs after them, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek.
What is happening to my Malaysia?
Racial tensions are on the high. Malays are deemed racists, Chinese are deemed squatters, Indians are deemed oppressed.
What is happening to my Malaysia?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
What is happening to my Malaysia?
Or perhaps, it is no longer my Malaysia. Perhaps it is no longer our Malaysia. Perhaps, it is now the Malaysia of the few who refuse to see truth.
I wonder, how will the country be like when I come back. Will it still be the same? Or will it be another? Will I be going back home? Or will I be arriving somewhere new?
But no, I refuse to believe that the Malaysia I love is dying. The Malaysia I love has been there, is there, and will always be there, because the Malaysia I love is immortal. My Malaysia is in the hearts of every Malaysian, and nowhere else. The only problem now is, this nation is led by people who are not Malaysians.
Malaysians, it is up to us to reclaim what is ours. InsyaAllah, all will be well in the end. But for now, my heart weeps...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Study trip?
It's been a while since I last posted something. But oh well, I wanted to post up some pictures, but I havent got up to uploading the pictures yet.. hehe.
Anyways, the first years are coming today, and the whole campus is up and about, being all excited about the new addition to the AC family. Powys was up all night last night, finishing the year poster and making the house ready. Everyone is out with signboards saying "p-p-p-Powys!" or "ka-powys!" or other similar to welcome the first years. The first bus is arriving at about 2, so I'm gonna go out with the Malaysian flag. ;)
Which reminds me about the trip to Taiwan. I don't know if it's just me or what, but, is it really necessary to bring 50 MPs to a study trip abroad? I mean, taulah, no parliament sitting, but, come on. Wouldn't it be better to go on a study-trip in Malaysia? Go around the country, look at how our agriculture is really doing, so that they would know it first hand, instead of just reading it off a piece of paper. Then send one or 2 representative to somewhere and study from them (if they really want to send people on "study trips"). I mean, our neighbours are doing really well, yet we go somewhere further? Banyak sangat ke duit, sampai they're that desperate to waste money? If that's the case, increase subsidies lah.
And is there something fishy going on? I just heard that they're planning the trip, and a week later, all 50 are in Taiwan. Maybe things have changed in Malaysia over the past month since I was last there. Maybe the Malaysian government has managed to make a U-turn and become extremely efficient. If that's the case, which I hope to God is, alhamdulillah, we've waited for this moment a tad too long. Enough said.
A lot of things are going on in this country that I love so much. And not all of them are good. But, all I can say is, now that we can no longer rely on our leaders, it is up to us, Malaysians, the heart and blood of the country, to keep us going. We have survived a lot of things, and we can surely survive this one. We are a quiet people, but we are a people who can get things done, insyaAllah. So the only hope for Malaysia now are the Malaysians ourselves, and let's pray that God is on our side.
Ya Allah, selesaikanlah masalah negara ini secepat mungkin. Hamba-hamba-Mu memerlukan pertolongan-Mu, tunjukkanlah kami jalan, berikanlah kami kesabaran, kurniakanlah kami penyelesaian. Kembalikanlah kemegahan dan kebanggaan kami, demi agama, bangsa dan negara. Amin.
Anyways, the first years are coming today, and the whole campus is up and about, being all excited about the new addition to the AC family. Powys was up all night last night, finishing the year poster and making the house ready. Everyone is out with signboards saying "p-p-p-Powys!" or "ka-powys!" or other similar to welcome the first years. The first bus is arriving at about 2, so I'm gonna go out with the Malaysian flag. ;)
Which reminds me about the trip to Taiwan. I don't know if it's just me or what, but, is it really necessary to bring 50 MPs to a study trip abroad? I mean, taulah, no parliament sitting, but, come on. Wouldn't it be better to go on a study-trip in Malaysia? Go around the country, look at how our agriculture is really doing, so that they would know it first hand, instead of just reading it off a piece of paper. Then send one or 2 representative to somewhere and study from them (if they really want to send people on "study trips"). I mean, our neighbours are doing really well, yet we go somewhere further? Banyak sangat ke duit, sampai they're that desperate to waste money? If that's the case, increase subsidies lah.
And is there something fishy going on? I just heard that they're planning the trip, and a week later, all 50 are in Taiwan. Maybe things have changed in Malaysia over the past month since I was last there. Maybe the Malaysian government has managed to make a U-turn and become extremely efficient. If that's the case, which I hope to God is, alhamdulillah, we've waited for this moment a tad too long. Enough said.
A lot of things are going on in this country that I love so much. And not all of them are good. But, all I can say is, now that we can no longer rely on our leaders, it is up to us, Malaysians, the heart and blood of the country, to keep us going. We have survived a lot of things, and we can surely survive this one. We are a quiet people, but we are a people who can get things done, insyaAllah. So the only hope for Malaysia now are the Malaysians ourselves, and let's pray that God is on our side.
Ya Allah, selesaikanlah masalah negara ini secepat mungkin. Hamba-hamba-Mu memerlukan pertolongan-Mu, tunjukkanlah kami jalan, berikanlah kami kesabaran, kurniakanlah kami penyelesaian. Kembalikanlah kemegahan dan kebanggaan kami, demi agama, bangsa dan negara. Amin.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Takziah..
Hari Jumaat hari yang mulia.. Bulan Ramadhan bulan yang mulia.. Bersyukurlah..
Hari ini, salah seorang ahli keluarga tercinta kembali ke Rahmatullah..
Hari ini, salah seorang ahli keluarga tercinta kembali ke pangkuan Illahi, insyaAllah..
Hari ini, ahli-ahli keluarga tercinta berkabung..
*Al-Fatihah*
Semoga beliau ditempatkan di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman..
Semoga dimakbulkan doa-doa ahli keluarga untuk beliau..
Selamat tinggal, Nek Man, Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Sahari..
We will all miss you..
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