What goes around come around. As Allah has willed it.
A few days ago, I gave someone some financial assistance even though at that time, I had very little on me. I asked my husband for his permission before I did that; he asked me to go ahead with my intention if I could afford it. If that were the only consideration, then I certainly needed the money. There were some commitments I had to meet and the money was meant for them.
However I did not feel 'nice' thinking about the matter. Yes, it was a small amount but a small amount was what I had, too. I could not stop thinking if I were in that person's shoes and no one came to assist, how would that make me feel. If that were any of my children, and similarly no one could help them out although they have the means to, then what?
So I gave the person most of what I had. As for my own commitments, well, I still have some time to work on that. And the rest, I left to Allah swt.
Two days ago, Allah swt gave me back what I gave that person. And more. Literally. MasyaAllah, I am still at feeling blessed.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
A disgruntled me...
Noticed that of recent years how non-Muslims, and some
Muslims too, seemed to be very vocal in expressing their opinions on Islam and
the general Muslim community in Malaysia?
Noticed that of recent years how non-Muslims, and some
Muslims too, are always questioning the practices and behaviours of Muslims and
Muslim scholars in Malaysia?
Noticed that of recent years how Malaysian Muslims who
claimed to be ‘practical’ and ‘modern’ practitioners of Islam are also very
vocal in always agreeing to the voices of those non-Muslims?
Noticed that of recent years how these Malaysian Muslims are
getting to be very vocal in quoting and interpreting verses of the Qur’an to
suit their needs and how they see fit to their situation?
I feel hurt and angry and resentful sometimes, when I read
comments and responses to current issues that matter, made by these non-Muslims,
and some Muslims too, condemning the practices and rightful behaviours of
Muslims.
It hurts even more because they are ignorant of the beauty
of Islam and the guidance provided for, for all and everything, in the Qur’an
and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Mohammad pbuh.
It is hurtful because they and the so-called practical and
modern Muslims belittle and openly look down on the interpretations of the Qur’an
in resolving any and all issues that befall.
Please accept and respect that matters pertaining to Islam
and Muslims, particularly in Malaysia, should be discussed by Muslims,
well-learned Muslim scholars and ulamas’. Not Christians, not Hindus, not
Sikhs...or followers of other faiths.
Muslims in Malaysia don’t discuss the practices and
behaviours of other faiths. Malaysian Muslims never openly question the
interpretations of the Bible and its’ many versions, nor the interpretation of
the Sikh’s holy books or the Buddhists’.
Why? Because doing that that is unbecoming and unacceptable
in Islam.
Malaysian Muslims as Muslims are however, permitted to
defend the sanctity of this beautiful religion when ‘attacked’ in such manners.
Yet sadly, the voices of these Muslims defending the
sanctity of Islam in Malaysia are being dowsed and muted in the name of ‘racial
harmony’.
If this is what it is to be IMalaysia, then I am adamant in staying a Muslim Malay Malaysian in that order.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Leave it to the Master Planner...
My Mastercard expired in July on this year. Usually, the bank that issued this card would sent the replacement card about 2 months prior to that. So when I did not get my new card closer to the expiry date, I called Customer Service to find out what had happened.
Their system reflected that a letter was sent to me, asking if I'd like to continue with the card or not. You see, this card is an upgraded card, from a basic to a platinum, and for a specific period only. During the free upgrade period, the bank had waived off the service fees and a few other charges that came with a Platinum card. Hence, any decision to extend the use of said card comes with the charges plonked back in and at my expenses.
The Customer Service staff asked if I'd like to extend usage of the card. If I agree, then she'd arrange to send another letter (formality) which I have to sign and return to them. After what I thought were careful considerations, I agreed to continue with the Platinum card and told the Service staff so.
Weeks passed, still no letter. I called them again. Another check in their system, Yes, a letter was initiated and mailed out to me soon after my last call. What is that, ma'am? You did not receive the letter? Now, here is where MY plan changed to become HIS plan.
My second enquiry came after the card expiry date, meaning if I still want the Platinum card, I will have to put in a fresh request. Means, I have to fill in the application form (available on their website) and provide the necessary documents all over again. The last time I did this was, oh about 20-odd years ago...:D
That did not bother me. What did was, with the new card means I would now have 3 creditcard accounts with the bank. Nope, ma'am, we cannot transfer your existing balance and whatever instructions you have on the 'old' card to the new one. Meaning I cannot use the 'old' Mastercard because it no longer exists but I still have to pay for any outstanding balances on that card. AND for any new charges to the new card.
And then it struck me. Hey, that Mastercard has a joint limit with my Visa which means that, effectively I don't really need 2 cards from the bank. I only need one. All I have to do is transfer my auto debit instructions to that one card. Well, as a representative of the bank, of course she'd want me to re-apply for a new card but she cannot say I was wrong, either. And so it was, I very proudly and confidently told her that nope, I will just stick to this card, never mind that it is a Classic card. It's the limit that matters and matters to me.
But what's more pertinent is, as she was telling me about my ending up with 3 accounts, my mind suddenly reminded me that this could be the opportunity for me to rationalise my expenses, and take that step closer to reducing my dependence on creditcards! Wasn't trying to free myself from debt one of the reasons I wanted to work from home...wasn't trying to dissociate myself from elements of interest and riba' one of the other reasons I left my former employers?
Allahuakhbar...as always, He continues to guide me along the path that He has planned for me. Alhamdulillah.
Their system reflected that a letter was sent to me, asking if I'd like to continue with the card or not. You see, this card is an upgraded card, from a basic to a platinum, and for a specific period only. During the free upgrade period, the bank had waived off the service fees and a few other charges that came with a Platinum card. Hence, any decision to extend the use of said card comes with the charges plonked back in and at my expenses.
The Customer Service staff asked if I'd like to extend usage of the card. If I agree, then she'd arrange to send another letter (formality) which I have to sign and return to them. After what I thought were careful considerations, I agreed to continue with the Platinum card and told the Service staff so.
Weeks passed, still no letter. I called them again. Another check in their system, Yes, a letter was initiated and mailed out to me soon after my last call. What is that, ma'am? You did not receive the letter? Now, here is where MY plan changed to become HIS plan.
My second enquiry came after the card expiry date, meaning if I still want the Platinum card, I will have to put in a fresh request. Means, I have to fill in the application form (available on their website) and provide the necessary documents all over again. The last time I did this was, oh about 20-odd years ago...:D
That did not bother me. What did was, with the new card means I would now have 3 creditcard accounts with the bank. Nope, ma'am, we cannot transfer your existing balance and whatever instructions you have on the 'old' card to the new one. Meaning I cannot use the 'old' Mastercard because it no longer exists but I still have to pay for any outstanding balances on that card. AND for any new charges to the new card.
And then it struck me. Hey, that Mastercard has a joint limit with my Visa which means that, effectively I don't really need 2 cards from the bank. I only need one. All I have to do is transfer my auto debit instructions to that one card. Well, as a representative of the bank, of course she'd want me to re-apply for a new card but she cannot say I was wrong, either. And so it was, I very proudly and confidently told her that nope, I will just stick to this card, never mind that it is a Classic card. It's the limit that matters and matters to me.
But what's more pertinent is, as she was telling me about my ending up with 3 accounts, my mind suddenly reminded me that this could be the opportunity for me to rationalise my expenses, and take that step closer to reducing my dependence on creditcards! Wasn't trying to free myself from debt one of the reasons I wanted to work from home...wasn't trying to dissociate myself from elements of interest and riba' one of the other reasons I left my former employers?
Allahuakhbar...as always, He continues to guide me along the path that He has planned for me. Alhamdulillah.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
He guides our mind, He guide our hearts, He guide our hand...
Allah will guide us and steer us towards the right way. MasyaAllah...
Day 1 of Ramadhan yesterday and already I am so blessed with awe-spiring incidences.
You know we often read of cases, real or created with good intentions, of how when one gives, one gets back in abundance? Of how it is not the amount that matters, its the intention...and often we hear of how when one gives almost all of the little that one has, the rewards from Allah swt are bountiful.
Yesterday, we made a trip to the bank for some withdrawal transaction; as we approached the bank, I saw a common sight outside the electronic banking area - a man with a large collection bin that has a sign attached. A contribution/donation drive by an orphanage.
Instantaneously, my heart told me to give, just as my mind flashed the image of what I have in my purse, only a RM50 note. Now, what would you do? Doesn't matter...what mattered was, what I thought and did then.
I thought to myself that I'd complete my transaction and withdraw an amount that would give me smaller than RM50 denomination so I could contribute well, not RM50. And that was what I did. After withdrawing the amount I needed, I made a second withdrawal request for an amount that should give me RM10 notes. The screen flashed a message that that transaction was unsuccessful - could not be performed as request did not meet specification. Huh???
Well, I tried again, this time pressing for an amount that hopefully would give me RM20 notes - some machines I used of late do comply to withdrawals in denomination of RM20. Again, the same message flashed on screen - transaction could not be performed as request did not meet specification. Hrmph...I had no alternative but to request for an amount in the denomination of RM50, and finally money came out of the ATM. I thought I would then ask the teller for smaller denominations so I walked towards the main banking hall. And then I happened to glance out and see the man from the orphanage...
Instantly my mind recalled the image of me flashing in my mind the only RM50 note I had when I saw that man. Just as I remembered how I had planned to not give out that amount as my contribution.
Allahuakhbar...a chill ran down my spine, goose bumps appeared on my arms. And so it was, instead of to the main hall, I walked out of the bank, walked towards the man and dropped the amount that Allah had already given me hints to contribute.
What happened next with the man from the orphanage is not important...what happened afters, much later when we got home is. We got a call from a school to run a program during this Ramadhan - on confirming the date, the teacher told us they have been given a bigger budget this year so they could reimburse us more than what they had given us last year. And they will also foot the bill for our accommodation.
Masya Allah...
Day 1 of Ramadhan yesterday and already I am so blessed with awe-spiring incidences.
You know we often read of cases, real or created with good intentions, of how when one gives, one gets back in abundance? Of how it is not the amount that matters, its the intention...and often we hear of how when one gives almost all of the little that one has, the rewards from Allah swt are bountiful.
Yesterday, we made a trip to the bank for some withdrawal transaction; as we approached the bank, I saw a common sight outside the electronic banking area - a man with a large collection bin that has a sign attached. A contribution/donation drive by an orphanage.
Instantaneously, my heart told me to give, just as my mind flashed the image of what I have in my purse, only a RM50 note. Now, what would you do? Doesn't matter...what mattered was, what I thought and did then.
I thought to myself that I'd complete my transaction and withdraw an amount that would give me smaller than RM50 denomination so I could contribute well, not RM50. And that was what I did. After withdrawing the amount I needed, I made a second withdrawal request for an amount that should give me RM10 notes. The screen flashed a message that that transaction was unsuccessful - could not be performed as request did not meet specification. Huh???
Well, I tried again, this time pressing for an amount that hopefully would give me RM20 notes - some machines I used of late do comply to withdrawals in denomination of RM20. Again, the same message flashed on screen - transaction could not be performed as request did not meet specification. Hrmph...I had no alternative but to request for an amount in the denomination of RM50, and finally money came out of the ATM. I thought I would then ask the teller for smaller denominations so I walked towards the main banking hall. And then I happened to glance out and see the man from the orphanage...
Instantly my mind recalled the image of me flashing in my mind the only RM50 note I had when I saw that man. Just as I remembered how I had planned to not give out that amount as my contribution.
Allahuakhbar...a chill ran down my spine, goose bumps appeared on my arms. And so it was, instead of to the main hall, I walked out of the bank, walked towards the man and dropped the amount that Allah had already given me hints to contribute.
What happened next with the man from the orphanage is not important...what happened afters, much later when we got home is. We got a call from a school to run a program during this Ramadhan - on confirming the date, the teacher told us they have been given a bigger budget this year so they could reimburse us more than what they had given us last year. And they will also foot the bill for our accommodation.
Masya Allah...
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Musings from me...
Some friends are still surprised. Not so much at the results of the recent GE, rather at knowing that I
did not vote for the ruling coalition.
Yes, I did not hide the fact that I ‘pangkah’
the full moon. No reason to hide. Is there? Should I be afraid? I mean, I hear open
conversations of people who support everything that the government do,
I hear loud discussions of their undying support for the government parties, and I hear them talk loudly of whom they will vote for and reminding like-minded friends to do the same, including me. Until they hear my choice. Well, I see no wrong in doing the same as they did.
Usually the first statement to
come out of their mouths is that they did not know I am a member of PAS. I don't look like a PAS supporter. (I'll get into that another time.) My
parents are after all very solid supporters of and are veterans of UMNO. As was
my aunty and late uncle. Many of my family members work for the government. My
brothers are businessmen who do work and projects for the government. And I too
have some programs that I do (did) for several government agencies.
First off, let me clarify that I
am NOT a member of any political parties in Malaysia or out of the country. (The
last statement because my husband was formerly a Singapore citizen). Not UMNO,
not PKR, not MIC, not MCA, not DAP...no, no, no and no. And not even PAS. Those
with so much time on their hands and nothing to do with their minds can check
this out.
I am also NOT a fence sitter. I
do take offense to people who say I am.
What I am, is simply a Muslimah Malay Malaysian wife, mother, daughter, sister and entrepreneur who uses what I read, hear, see and more important, experience in my decision making. The latter usually given the higher weight.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Of roomies and beddies...
They say that to know a person better, you have to sleep with them. Or was it, you don't know a person well until you spent the night with them. Or something like that. (Please don't ask who the 'they' are, for I seriously don't have a clue!).
Yesterday some of my TKC batch-mates met up for - mini-reunion since Pat is back from Perth, celebrate the late bloomer's 50th birthday i.e. AnaM, celebrate other January babes...well, do we really need a reason to meet?
It was at the Hotel Majestic, opposite the former railway station. Sigh, love the building. Both, the railway station and the Majestic. Both so majestic and grand.
To add grandeur to the event, being held at the Majestic means we must all be 'majesties'. Well, for that short moment in time. Hence, the 3 fisters who worked hard to arrange the whole shinnanigans presented each and all 14 of us with crowns! Gasp...owh-my-gucci...teary eyed... which we must all wear throughout the hi-tea. Oh, we had our do at their famous Tea Room.
We know us better, we have all lived together - eat, sleep, studied, took part in sports, fought in good spirit, sneaked around late nights etc., for all of 5 growing-up years of our lives and for some, more. We know when we are among us, we just care that WE are there. The married us made sure our spouses give us the space to be 'us' us when we are together. And we are so fortunate our spouses do give us that, Alhamdulillah.
So anyway, since I am also one of those 'celebrated' being a January babe and all, besides the tiara which my family insisted I wear again on my actual birthdate, and the little note book for us to pen our own stories in, I got a birthday present from darlings Tun and Laila!
This morning I opened the paper bag containing the present...and I tell you, I am living proof of the saying that I used to start this entry with!
Yesterday some of my TKC batch-mates met up for - mini-reunion since Pat is back from Perth, celebrate the late bloomer's 50th birthday i.e. AnaM, celebrate other January babes...well, do we really need a reason to meet?
It was at the Hotel Majestic, opposite the former railway station. Sigh, love the building. Both, the railway station and the Majestic. Both so majestic and grand.
To add grandeur to the event, being held at the Majestic means we must all be 'majesties'. Well, for that short moment in time. Hence, the 3 fisters who worked hard to arrange the whole shinnanigans presented each and all 14 of us with crowns! Gasp...owh-my-gucci...teary eyed... which we must all wear throughout the hi-tea. Oh, we had our do at their famous Tea Room.
We know us better, we have all lived together - eat, sleep, studied, took part in sports, fought in good spirit, sneaked around late nights etc., for all of 5 growing-up years of our lives and for some, more. We know when we are among us, we just care that WE are there. The married us made sure our spouses give us the space to be 'us' us when we are together. And we are so fortunate our spouses do give us that, Alhamdulillah.
So anyway, since I am also one of those 'celebrated' being a January babe and all, besides the tiara which my family insisted I wear again on my actual birthdate, and the little note book for us to pen our own stories in, I got a birthday present from darlings Tun and Laila!
This morning I opened the paper bag containing the present...and I tell you, I am living proof of the saying that I used to start this entry with!
Green is my favorite color, I was in green house all my school years primary & secondary; my family has since 2 weeks ago re-started fruit juicing and the fruits we juiced daily are carrot & oranges; and the day before yesterday I wrote on the last page of my 2nd little recipe note-book!
Would you believe that...to get what I needed at the time when I need them! Alhamdulillah...for roomies and beddies!
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