Well it’s that time of the year again; yes the end of a year and the beginning of another. It sounds like a bit of a cliché. I know we get to this point every year, if we are fortunate enough that is to live through one year and see the start to another. It’s a good time to reflect on the past, and look forward with renewed hope.
A lot has happened this year but many people will probably say that. But for me personally it has been yet again another rollercoaster ride of a year and some of the highlights of this year I write about here briefly.
One of my main highlights has to be hitting 30 in May. I dreaded this point in my life and well before the big birthday; months before, even years before it, I recall saying I would hibernate before it and after it, in the hope that it would pass without anyone noticing that I had turned 30, but mostly without me realising it. I even threatened to leave home if I wasn’t married before I turned 30 and had all the minute details of my departure planned in my head. But in fact in a turn that I never expected I found myself embracing my 30th birthday. I really looked forward to it and despite this lingering thought of marriage, I realised that I had come to a stage in my life ready to say to all the busy bodies who were taking such a keen interest in my private life to quite frankly ‘butt out’. Believe me to get to this level of confidence for me is something. Don’t get me wrong; I do want to get married and have children but with the right person when Allah wills and because I want to, not because the narrow minded busy bodies of our communities and some so called friends and families think I should. But most significantly, I had achieved far more than I had even anticipated in almost all elements of life and that was worth reaching 30 for!
Anyway in other highlights, in a remarkable way we managed to see through the end of a close friend’s battle with cancer and she came away from it a stronger person with a healthier and firmer mindset and outlook on life and as a result I became a better person and I thank the Lord that I got to experience such a critical time at such a tender age.
My brother got married and despite all the chaos surrounding it, we managed to get to the other side of the world and have a fantastic wedding. Thanks to his wedding, I got to see and travel through Australia sooner than I had anticipated and the awesomeness of this trip was totally spectacular and shall linger with me for longer than I can ever explain or imagine.
We had a fantastic family holiday in Morocco and an even better trip as a family to Canada. Just to reconnect with all the family back in Canada bought us back to our roots and in a sense where family mattered, proved that family do matter in the right context and in the right time. Finally the much desired Far East tour kicked in this year in October and plans are underway already to continue this tour over the years God Willing.
With years of toil and constant and undivided commitment to their children, I finally saw my parents off away on vacation just the two of them on two separate occasions. This was something I had always desired for them and to see an end result evokes a sense of accomplishment and reward.
I plucked up the courage to get on the property ladder and since I’m still single, this was a tough decision in itself. At a time when recession hits everyone in difficult times, I feel I am making a good decision on my part and the greatest element in this is my assurance and self-reliance continues to take a constant upward direction and I have Allah to thank for giving me the strength and my parents to thank for encouraging me and supporting me endlessly.
In other great achievements, I have begun swimming classes. It’s not so much learning to swim, of course I want to conquer that aspect but it is more about overcoming this great fear that I have deep inside me. It is this fear of not being in control generally that has always affected me and for some strange reason being deep in the water I feel myself losing control, losing strength, losing a sense of direction and this is stopping me from fulfilling an achievement to be able to swim. But I am a great believer in conquering; anything is possible and though I have a long road ahead before I can strongly swim entire lengths I shall preserve into the New Year and who knows for I may succeed sooner than I trust myself too.
I walked my first Race for Life in the summer this year and that was a remarkable feeling, for it is a cause I am deeply connected to now. This year I owned my first car after sharing one for the last 13 years of driving, for me this was liberation from my personal uncertainties and again an addition to my independence.
But it wasn’t all singing and dancing; there was some gloom. One significant event procured the entire latter part of this year, and dominated life in the most peculair of ways, and though no resolve was ever achieved, the people close, to be affected by this, and including myself remain in limbo. This, my friends is a feeling no person should ever have to endure. I learnt that no matter how much you desire something, and even going to the lengths of shifting the earth could not make something that is not meant to be. On other lows, I had a moment of reconnection to my past. Though in retrospect that was nice, the overall feeling was of sadness and maybe a hint of bitterness for when you really trust and know a person, they let you down very badly. It comes to an even better understanding that people are not what they seem to be, even those who are closest to you.
So while one issue looms over our heads as we embark in to 2010, only Allah knows what the rest of next year shall entail; what joys and miseries are to befall us? What I do know is that if I have survived this year, I can take on almost anything that shall face me in the next.
I wish you all a very happy and peaceful New Year. I pray it brings you mountains of strength to face those unfortunate difficulties that God forbid may cross your path and most importantly may the year burst with fountains of hope, happiness, peace, love and joy! :)
Aisha
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Festive celebrations..
Up until my trip to the Far East a couple of months back, I had not realised how ignorant people in my country are to the festive occasions of people from other creeds and religions. I am serious on this issue. The lack of understanding and respect is non-existent amongst many more people in this country than I had imagined.
When I went out to Malaysia in October, Eid celebrations had just come to an end and preparations were underway for Diwali. You talked to various people and one could never assume by looking at the person, their preferences when it came to festive celebrations. It was broadly and pleasantly acceptable that people were free to celebrate whichever celebrations they desired to and the color of your skin or any other element did not matter. If you so desired, you could celebrate them all and most of all every single person happily greeted each other and knew exactly when these celebratory days were. No one was clueless. In fact they were all clued up well on the details of various festive occasions The shopping malls were all true to the spirit of Diwali at the time, having just taken down their decor from Eid. This was the true spirit of genuine people who lived side by side accepting all faith and all festive occasions.
Most people in my country are ignorant. They can't even bring themselves to wish you well on Eid or ask if you had a good Eid. But turn the coin, and the minority are almost backed into some shitty corner to utter well wishes on Christmas, and should you make a mistake to not, my Goodness, it's almost like a crime that you should be hung, drawn and quartered for. Not so literally I suppose but it the attitude posed to you that sucks.
It doesn't bother me, I know enough about the Christian faith, the reason behind Christmas. Sadly those who supposedly celebrate it don't. They are so vain and uninteresting unless it has a materialistic approach to it. The true moral and spiritual significance to the faith and celebrations are completely lost. I find people submerged in spending hundreds and even thousands of pounds on gifts, decorations and food. There is no covetous from me as I think about this, just simple sadness to be amongst people who are so grasping and I dread to think that people of my faith would ever turn in this approach. For when we celebrate, the spiritual significance is still there, it's beautiful and its genuine, it's for a cause encompassing every possible element in life.
I do the cards, and the gifts to a degree, mostly because it's a good time to keep in touch with people you don't get to see often, to share with them a little of what you would desire for oneself. I wish well and I enjoy Christmas to an extent openly and happily. But I’d love to see a day when the majority would be as courteous to the minority when it comes to festivities!
One can only hope for change..:)
Aisha
When I went out to Malaysia in October, Eid celebrations had just come to an end and preparations were underway for Diwali. You talked to various people and one could never assume by looking at the person, their preferences when it came to festive celebrations. It was broadly and pleasantly acceptable that people were free to celebrate whichever celebrations they desired to and the color of your skin or any other element did not matter. If you so desired, you could celebrate them all and most of all every single person happily greeted each other and knew exactly when these celebratory days were. No one was clueless. In fact they were all clued up well on the details of various festive occasions The shopping malls were all true to the spirit of Diwali at the time, having just taken down their decor from Eid. This was the true spirit of genuine people who lived side by side accepting all faith and all festive occasions.
Most people in my country are ignorant. They can't even bring themselves to wish you well on Eid or ask if you had a good Eid. But turn the coin, and the minority are almost backed into some shitty corner to utter well wishes on Christmas, and should you make a mistake to not, my Goodness, it's almost like a crime that you should be hung, drawn and quartered for. Not so literally I suppose but it the attitude posed to you that sucks.
It doesn't bother me, I know enough about the Christian faith, the reason behind Christmas. Sadly those who supposedly celebrate it don't. They are so vain and uninteresting unless it has a materialistic approach to it. The true moral and spiritual significance to the faith and celebrations are completely lost. I find people submerged in spending hundreds and even thousands of pounds on gifts, decorations and food. There is no covetous from me as I think about this, just simple sadness to be amongst people who are so grasping and I dread to think that people of my faith would ever turn in this approach. For when we celebrate, the spiritual significance is still there, it's beautiful and its genuine, it's for a cause encompassing every possible element in life.
I do the cards, and the gifts to a degree, mostly because it's a good time to keep in touch with people you don't get to see often, to share with them a little of what you would desire for oneself. I wish well and I enjoy Christmas to an extent openly and happily. But I’d love to see a day when the majority would be as courteous to the minority when it comes to festivities!
One can only hope for change..:)
Aisha
What.....??
...So what is the hardest thing to unreservedly achieve in this world.....??
.....Peace I say!?!
...What do you think?
Aisha
.....Peace I say!?!
...What do you think?
Aisha
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Childhood memories...
Childhood memories of the winter season have profoundly been relived this year with the most amazing snowfall in ages! I haven't stopped talking about snow. Everything I do, say or think is attached to snow at the moment. Seasonal changes don't generally affect me so much but on the contrary the Brits do resolve to much talk geared around the weather.
It's not often that childhood memories are evoked unless I force myself to relive it. Isn't it strange that certain things and events usually out of the blue remind you of the past? So quite strangely the snowfall this time around has reminded me nothing but years that have gone by.
In those years left behind us, every winter it snowed as it has done in the past few days. It was part of your life. You walked to school in your wellies trudging in the snow. It wasn’t toilsome. Nobody moaned and whined about the snow. You put your wooly hat on your head, wrapped your scarf around, put you mittens on, and off you went. We even had leg warmers and ear muffs. They were awesomely cute. It was the most normal way of coping with the snow, yet unique in its way.
That's how I want to handle it this time around, except I find myself surrounded by people who are just moaning, a country who cannot cope, a country that cannot use snow in a positive way at all. It's pathetic and sadly a dismal state of the spirit of this country's people, most of whom moan over every seasonal change!
One night last week after the second heavy snowfall, a lot of the kids and teenagers, all sizes were out playing in the snow until late. Watching the scene bought warmth to my heart for this is what it's all about. We would be out, making snowballs and throwing them at each other with hopeless aims. Rolling the snow and making the biggest snowman one could. Those were memories that would reemain within the heart and mind but not evoked often, in fact not in a very long time, until that night. I decided after work that day, that's exactly what we would do, go out into the garden and play in the snow. To remain young at heart you have to free yourself and live a like a child sometimes. There may be memories long gone by but they need not stop, for a collection of memories can never burst to the brim :)
Aisha
It's not often that childhood memories are evoked unless I force myself to relive it. Isn't it strange that certain things and events usually out of the blue remind you of the past? So quite strangely the snowfall this time around has reminded me nothing but years that have gone by.
In those years left behind us, every winter it snowed as it has done in the past few days. It was part of your life. You walked to school in your wellies trudging in the snow. It wasn’t toilsome. Nobody moaned and whined about the snow. You put your wooly hat on your head, wrapped your scarf around, put you mittens on, and off you went. We even had leg warmers and ear muffs. They were awesomely cute. It was the most normal way of coping with the snow, yet unique in its way.
That's how I want to handle it this time around, except I find myself surrounded by people who are just moaning, a country who cannot cope, a country that cannot use snow in a positive way at all. It's pathetic and sadly a dismal state of the spirit of this country's people, most of whom moan over every seasonal change!
One night last week after the second heavy snowfall, a lot of the kids and teenagers, all sizes were out playing in the snow until late. Watching the scene bought warmth to my heart for this is what it's all about. We would be out, making snowballs and throwing them at each other with hopeless aims. Rolling the snow and making the biggest snowman one could. Those were memories that would reemain within the heart and mind but not evoked often, in fact not in a very long time, until that night. I decided after work that day, that's exactly what we would do, go out into the garden and play in the snow. To remain young at heart you have to free yourself and live a like a child sometimes. There may be memories long gone by but they need not stop, for a collection of memories can never burst to the brim :)
Aisha
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
I did it!
Yup...I did it :)
Strange as it may seem I managed to drive to work yesterday morning with no sign of trouble at all. Thank God.
Mum and Dad left for the airport at the early hours of the morning. They looked a little vulnerable but I think it’s me being extremely overprotective. Sometimes I think it's my fault for doing as much as I can for them and really being at their side, kind of like on standby incase anything should go wrong or if they would need me. When the time comes for them to manage for themselves there is a tiny part of me thinks they will struggle and will not cope but that is just ridiculous, of course they will cope for goodness sake, for they bought me into the world, not the other way round!
It felt a tad bit odd, though they've gone away before, each time it doesn't get easier, I’ve spent that much time with them, more than my siblings, I am sure I am somehow more attached to them. I had a restless night thinking of them going away and then knowing their flight was going to get delayed. Then there were the thoughts of having to clear that snow weighing on my mind.
I felt like I was in Alaska when I got outside in the morning bound for work. I decided not to use the warm water approach and brushed the snow off my car. Having not shifted it since the start of the snow fall on Thursday, there was a thick heavy layer of snow covering my entire car, and as I brushed it away it flicked in all direction! I looked like an Eskimo finding her way round North Pole! But I absolutely enjoyed every second of it and slow was the drive to work, careful I was, but I did it...see mum, you panic for nothing!
Mum and dad were delayed at Manchester as expected and their estimated departure is later on in the evening. I am so pleased that between them they have endured this obstacle in the most profound way ever and it shows that one should never underestimate the courage and strength of another and certainly one's own parents but on the contrary mother now knows that even she has to have faith in me when it comes to handling treacherous driving conditions!
I was cold at work yestrerday, the heating was yet again switched off in some parts of the building or temperatures had been lowered to save on costs. I could barely feel my fingers, the harsh cold had penetrated straight through the bones and wrapping my hands round warm mugs of tea just did not do the trick!
But despite it all...Alhamdulilah :)
Aisha
Strange as it may seem I managed to drive to work yesterday morning with no sign of trouble at all. Thank God.
Mum and Dad left for the airport at the early hours of the morning. They looked a little vulnerable but I think it’s me being extremely overprotective. Sometimes I think it's my fault for doing as much as I can for them and really being at their side, kind of like on standby incase anything should go wrong or if they would need me. When the time comes for them to manage for themselves there is a tiny part of me thinks they will struggle and will not cope but that is just ridiculous, of course they will cope for goodness sake, for they bought me into the world, not the other way round!
It felt a tad bit odd, though they've gone away before, each time it doesn't get easier, I’ve spent that much time with them, more than my siblings, I am sure I am somehow more attached to them. I had a restless night thinking of them going away and then knowing their flight was going to get delayed. Then there were the thoughts of having to clear that snow weighing on my mind.
I felt like I was in Alaska when I got outside in the morning bound for work. I decided not to use the warm water approach and brushed the snow off my car. Having not shifted it since the start of the snow fall on Thursday, there was a thick heavy layer of snow covering my entire car, and as I brushed it away it flicked in all direction! I looked like an Eskimo finding her way round North Pole! But I absolutely enjoyed every second of it and slow was the drive to work, careful I was, but I did it...see mum, you panic for nothing!
Mum and dad were delayed at Manchester as expected and their estimated departure is later on in the evening. I am so pleased that between them they have endured this obstacle in the most profound way ever and it shows that one should never underestimate the courage and strength of another and certainly one's own parents but on the contrary mother now knows that even she has to have faith in me when it comes to handling treacherous driving conditions!
I was cold at work yestrerday, the heating was yet again switched off in some parts of the building or temperatures had been lowered to save on costs. I could barely feel my fingers, the harsh cold had penetrated straight through the bones and wrapping my hands round warm mugs of tea just did not do the trick!
But despite it all...Alhamdulilah :)
Aisha
Sorry for calling..!
I had this most strange experience at the early hours of this morning. I don't dream often, in fact between each dream that much time lapses, I forget when they occur. But what I do remember are the contents of the dream. It's only because when I do have a dream, I am totally excited, like a child at Christmas opening a mountain of presents. Really, a dream is so significant to me and I often wonder why, when I do have a dream, it is of specific events or specific people.
I woke up this morning in a semi subconscious state, but aware that I had been in a dream. I often dream about events pertaining to me only and occasionally it may involve my parents or siblings but very rarely other people. So this morning this dream was strange, the events in it were odd and in no way reflected the relationship that I share with the person in the dream. In fact the relationship almost ended with animosity, any chance of reconciliation was near impossible, so the experience in this dream was in a bizarre way contrary to how things were left previously. In any case, in this semi subconscious state, I retrieved my cell phone from the bed-side and dialed a number, it must have rung because it was the ringing tone that finally clicked into by that point my conscious state and I realised what I was doing. Quickly and frantically I hung up, completely annoyed with myself.
I bolted upright and looked at the screen on the phone. It had rung for a minute, but the call hadn't been answered. By this point I am not sure what I was more annoyed over, the recognition that in an uncontrollable state I had dialed the number or the fact that it hadn't been answered?! I almost expected the phone to ring with a return call but it never did, even after sometime. I think that made me ever more irritated. But what's worse is that there was no ulterior motive, this was an event with no elements of it under my full control but I doubt others would share the same opinion.
I am glad I had this dream but I am sorry that I made the call after and I know that this is undoubtedly one of those moments going beyond human comprehension but maybe just maybe you understand why it happened?!
Aisha
I woke up this morning in a semi subconscious state, but aware that I had been in a dream. I often dream about events pertaining to me only and occasionally it may involve my parents or siblings but very rarely other people. So this morning this dream was strange, the events in it were odd and in no way reflected the relationship that I share with the person in the dream. In fact the relationship almost ended with animosity, any chance of reconciliation was near impossible, so the experience in this dream was in a bizarre way contrary to how things were left previously. In any case, in this semi subconscious state, I retrieved my cell phone from the bed-side and dialed a number, it must have rung because it was the ringing tone that finally clicked into by that point my conscious state and I realised what I was doing. Quickly and frantically I hung up, completely annoyed with myself.
I bolted upright and looked at the screen on the phone. It had rung for a minute, but the call hadn't been answered. By this point I am not sure what I was more annoyed over, the recognition that in an uncontrollable state I had dialed the number or the fact that it hadn't been answered?! I almost expected the phone to ring with a return call but it never did, even after sometime. I think that made me ever more irritated. But what's worse is that there was no ulterior motive, this was an event with no elements of it under my full control but I doubt others would share the same opinion.
I am glad I had this dream but I am sorry that I made the call after and I know that this is undoubtedly one of those moments going beyond human comprehension but maybe just maybe you understand why it happened?!
Aisha
Friday, 18 December 2009
Winter at last...
So yes, we saw the beginning of snowfall yesterday afternoon and it carried through the evening and bless the flakes, they were still making their mark this morning. I don't mind winter, as long as we are geared up for it, not just us in person but in general as a country. Take for example when we had all that snowfall early this year in January bearing in mind last December we had no snow at all. So when it descended in January, all hell let loose, there weren't enough gritters out on the road and even more so not enough grit. The country was totally unprepared and it let everyone down quite badly. Schools shut for the duration and life kind of stopped at least for some. But this winter, the snow has come early, at least according to previous record but I would like to say it's on time or a little late to be honest, but that's me with my natural instinct thinking seasonal changes should occur exactly when they should!
Anyway, this morning the roads were remarkably clear though the streets looked a tad dangerous since no gritters had been out and of course they have stopped leaving grit pits at certain points on the street, like they use to when we were kids. But in fairness the roads had been gritted for today and were completely easy to drive through. Whether they would be generous enough to grit on any further snowfall would be another matter...Time would tell! Anyway I didn't want to risk or rather mother insisted that I shouldn't drive to work, her over-protective side kicking in yet again. So dad drove me to work and we laughed about how I couldn't rely on him like this for there would come a day where I would have to drive out in the snow, in fact it may be sooner rather than later, I said to him 'you won't fancy coming all the way from Agadir on Monday just to drive me to work if the snow stays like this'? He laughed and retorted, 'we might not even get out there if the weather conditions are too bad!' I hope they do all the same, since, they sure deserve a break.
I'm glad it snowed, I love watching it fall, it’s therapeutic and it sure is picturesque when it's falling and when it’s rested. I have to admit, the snow is at its best when it’s first fallen; fresh and crisp. Once it gets trampled over and messy it's really isn’t all that fun! The murky slushy snow looks terrible and should temperatures fall, the darn stuff turns to treacherous ice.
On the contrary, for the moment I want to enjoy watching those snowflakes just falling down and as carelessly as they may seem to fall, I know they twirl from the sky, following a set direction, some touching my face and eventually settling on the ground. I love the winter for it is how I am habituated. I would like to think I could carry on embracing the winter but seeing mum and dad struggling to cope with it, I dread the very same changes as years go by. For now though, I will enjoy the feel of the harsh cold against my skin, how it seeps through me and sends a chill, and when it gets too much, I can always be indoors and huddle near the fire telling tales of far and beyond :)
Aisha
Anyway, this morning the roads were remarkably clear though the streets looked a tad dangerous since no gritters had been out and of course they have stopped leaving grit pits at certain points on the street, like they use to when we were kids. But in fairness the roads had been gritted for today and were completely easy to drive through. Whether they would be generous enough to grit on any further snowfall would be another matter...Time would tell! Anyway I didn't want to risk or rather mother insisted that I shouldn't drive to work, her over-protective side kicking in yet again. So dad drove me to work and we laughed about how I couldn't rely on him like this for there would come a day where I would have to drive out in the snow, in fact it may be sooner rather than later, I said to him 'you won't fancy coming all the way from Agadir on Monday just to drive me to work if the snow stays like this'? He laughed and retorted, 'we might not even get out there if the weather conditions are too bad!' I hope they do all the same, since, they sure deserve a break.
I'm glad it snowed, I love watching it fall, it’s therapeutic and it sure is picturesque when it's falling and when it’s rested. I have to admit, the snow is at its best when it’s first fallen; fresh and crisp. Once it gets trampled over and messy it's really isn’t all that fun! The murky slushy snow looks terrible and should temperatures fall, the darn stuff turns to treacherous ice.
On the contrary, for the moment I want to enjoy watching those snowflakes just falling down and as carelessly as they may seem to fall, I know they twirl from the sky, following a set direction, some touching my face and eventually settling on the ground. I love the winter for it is how I am habituated. I would like to think I could carry on embracing the winter but seeing mum and dad struggling to cope with it, I dread the very same changes as years go by. For now though, I will enjoy the feel of the harsh cold against my skin, how it seeps through me and sends a chill, and when it gets too much, I can always be indoors and huddle near the fire telling tales of far and beyond :)
Aisha
Thursday, 17 December 2009
First snowfall..
Not much, but its fresh, its crisp..just lovely :)
..and there is such a chill in the air!
Aisha
Monday, 14 December 2009
Soreen
You wonder why I'm going on about Soreen?! Soreen is my 'take a break' food. Yeh I know some may prefer the Kit Kat or Mars Bar, I do too, but the calories in those chocolate bars just rest on my hips taking its place forever a bit like a cat that lands on your doorstep, you give it some milk and the darn thing never goes. That's how I view chocolate, you feed your system with it, just for the reason of 'having a break' and it's a slippery slope. So when I have chocolate, it's because of a special occasion, treat or just out of the blue I fancy it, that way I have a firm grip on it.
Anyway back to the Soreen. Not sure, if any of you have ever tried it but I kinda love the stuff. Well at least I do until I get sick of eating it all week! I'm a bit like that, I can't eat the same stuff for more than a few times in a row, then I need a change. I guess a lot of my life is a bit like that. I like variation, same monotonous crap kinda makes you a tad suicidal.
Well, I eat my Soreen, sliced and buttered. A bit like eating a fruit cake, excpet it's malty and a lot less in the calorie department unless you decide to be a bit heavy handed with the butter, then I guess it's a different matter. I've always bought Soreen loaf and often wondered if they 'Soreen' had any other products on the market and lone behold, I found out they do a cereal bar! A 95% fat-free cereal bar with 143 calories, can you believe it?.. one packed with raisins, rice, malt, oats and wheat. Just the kind of energy boost you need on a mid-morning break. Now I sure am excited, though I 'm pretty sure my supermarket is not shelving the product, so my quest is to locate a supermarket that does and then maybe, convince my local supermarket to add a new product to their cereal bar line...well 'if you don't ask you don't get', that what mother always taught me!
To a healthy and happy break of Soreen..! :)
Aisha
Anyway back to the Soreen. Not sure, if any of you have ever tried it but I kinda love the stuff. Well at least I do until I get sick of eating it all week! I'm a bit like that, I can't eat the same stuff for more than a few times in a row, then I need a change. I guess a lot of my life is a bit like that. I like variation, same monotonous crap kinda makes you a tad suicidal.
Well, I eat my Soreen, sliced and buttered. A bit like eating a fruit cake, excpet it's malty and a lot less in the calorie department unless you decide to be a bit heavy handed with the butter, then I guess it's a different matter. I've always bought Soreen loaf and often wondered if they 'Soreen' had any other products on the market and lone behold, I found out they do a cereal bar! A 95% fat-free cereal bar with 143 calories, can you believe it?.. one packed with raisins, rice, malt, oats and wheat. Just the kind of energy boost you need on a mid-morning break. Now I sure am excited, though I 'm pretty sure my supermarket is not shelving the product, so my quest is to locate a supermarket that does and then maybe, convince my local supermarket to add a new product to their cereal bar line...well 'if you don't ask you don't get', that what mother always taught me!
To a healthy and happy break of Soreen..! :)
Aisha
Friday, 11 December 2009
Looking forward to the weekend..
This morning was a cold and freezing start, bit of a shock to the system. As I let myself out of the house and let the door lock behind me, I realised how blooming cold it was and the car windows had freezing ice over them. It was too late to go back inside and get some warm water. I was already running late having set my alarm completely wrong, I really couldn't deal with shifting ice off my screen. I frantically sprayed de-icer and set off with visibility as poor as a blind bat! This is why dad always checks the forecast the night before!
I drove to the petrol station, since I had no fuel at all and it beeped all the way to the there. Speaking of which the flipping fuel prices have gone up yet again, I can't believe that fuel is close to £1.06p per litre. We must be one of the very few countries to be extortionately charged for our fuel but hey I needed to get to work so sod the prices!
Anyway, I had to dash home at lunchtime. I finished my paper late last night and shoved it into the envelope. I had shut the computer down and I couldn't be bothered to log back on to get my tutor details and decided I would do it at work this morning. Only when I tried that, for data protection issues the university after God knows how long has suddenly decided that the addresses are no longer on the student home page. Damn it!
I arrived home to lovely culinary smells coming from the kitchen, where mother was stood at the stove stirring away at something bubbling in the pot that looked scrummy. I daren't even walk into the kitchen, aware that I had to go back to work, and the last thing I wanted was to walk back into the office smelling like, in my brother's word 'a curry-smelling-paki'. When I first heard this remark, I thought he was being utterly derogatory. But now I kind of smirk every time I think of this statement.
My niece came running to me with an excited little face wondering what on earth I was doing home at this time of a day. We sat on the floor as I got my books and papers out, and she watched me as I quickly sketched the gate-control theory diagram. The book shut and she opened it up looking for the picture that I was sketching 'Is this the one?' she asked. Without looking up I went 'yes sweetie, that's it!' Later when I looked up I realised she'd done a pretty good job trying to find almost the exact picture of what I had sketched, though not quite the same one, her perception was outstanding.
She proceeded to tell me Khadija didn’t talk to her in nursery today and looked rather despondent. I looked at her and thought how some children don't really realise how they can hurt each other, whereas other children would go out of the way to make sure they don't hurt each other. My niece was definitely in the latter group.
I studied her little face and she looked ever so cute in her little summer dress which she said she put on because it was quite sunny this morning, even though her mother insisted to not but then in her words 'when I got outside it was really cold' Bless her, they are so innocent are kids, if only they could remain in such a state forever.
Trying to reassure her I said, well ‘maybe Khadija was having a bad day or maybe Khadija really liked your dress because sweetie you do have the ‘bestest’ dress in the world on today haven't you?' She nodded, she loves being complimented, but then who doesn't?!
She packed my things back into my folder sensing already that I was in a hurry, as I put my coat on kissed her and said goodbye to mum before I hurried back out.
Since I don't have children of my own, what you don't have, you miss the most but I completely adore my two nieces. Children bring you alive, they make you forget all the little and big worries. They make you feel wanted and special, especially when others don't and most of all; children genuinely, so innocently and undividedly need you and generally expect little or nothing in return.
I have had a really hectic week and almost every hour God has sent, I have been working flat out with very little time for recuperation. There is another huge project on the horizon which I am facing alone but I have faith in God to succeed.
Despite it all, I'm certainly looking forward to the weekend and to some 'me' time :)
Aisha
I drove to the petrol station, since I had no fuel at all and it beeped all the way to the there. Speaking of which the flipping fuel prices have gone up yet again, I can't believe that fuel is close to £1.06p per litre. We must be one of the very few countries to be extortionately charged for our fuel but hey I needed to get to work so sod the prices!
Anyway, I had to dash home at lunchtime. I finished my paper late last night and shoved it into the envelope. I had shut the computer down and I couldn't be bothered to log back on to get my tutor details and decided I would do it at work this morning. Only when I tried that, for data protection issues the university after God knows how long has suddenly decided that the addresses are no longer on the student home page. Damn it!
I arrived home to lovely culinary smells coming from the kitchen, where mother was stood at the stove stirring away at something bubbling in the pot that looked scrummy. I daren't even walk into the kitchen, aware that I had to go back to work, and the last thing I wanted was to walk back into the office smelling like, in my brother's word 'a curry-smelling-paki'. When I first heard this remark, I thought he was being utterly derogatory. But now I kind of smirk every time I think of this statement.
My niece came running to me with an excited little face wondering what on earth I was doing home at this time of a day. We sat on the floor as I got my books and papers out, and she watched me as I quickly sketched the gate-control theory diagram. The book shut and she opened it up looking for the picture that I was sketching 'Is this the one?' she asked. Without looking up I went 'yes sweetie, that's it!' Later when I looked up I realised she'd done a pretty good job trying to find almost the exact picture of what I had sketched, though not quite the same one, her perception was outstanding.
She proceeded to tell me Khadija didn’t talk to her in nursery today and looked rather despondent. I looked at her and thought how some children don't really realise how they can hurt each other, whereas other children would go out of the way to make sure they don't hurt each other. My niece was definitely in the latter group.
I studied her little face and she looked ever so cute in her little summer dress which she said she put on because it was quite sunny this morning, even though her mother insisted to not but then in her words 'when I got outside it was really cold' Bless her, they are so innocent are kids, if only they could remain in such a state forever.
Trying to reassure her I said, well ‘maybe Khadija was having a bad day or maybe Khadija really liked your dress because sweetie you do have the ‘bestest’ dress in the world on today haven't you?' She nodded, she loves being complimented, but then who doesn't?!
She packed my things back into my folder sensing already that I was in a hurry, as I put my coat on kissed her and said goodbye to mum before I hurried back out.
Since I don't have children of my own, what you don't have, you miss the most but I completely adore my two nieces. Children bring you alive, they make you forget all the little and big worries. They make you feel wanted and special, especially when others don't and most of all; children genuinely, so innocently and undividedly need you and generally expect little or nothing in return.
I have had a really hectic week and almost every hour God has sent, I have been working flat out with very little time for recuperation. There is another huge project on the horizon which I am facing alone but I have faith in God to succeed.
Despite it all, I'm certainly looking forward to the weekend and to some 'me' time :)
Aisha
Wash it away...
thank you to Naeema for this :)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When a Muslim or a believer washes his face (in the course of Wudu'), every sin he has committed with his eyes is washed away from his face along with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought is erased from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet walked is washed away with water, or with the last drop of water, with the result that he comes out cleansed of all sins". [Muslim]. The Prophet (PBUH) said "Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse "
On this Jumuah, My Dua' is that May you be Blessed with Health, Contentment, Barakat, Noor, Steadfast Imaan, Courage, Patience, Wisdom, Understanding, Kindness Protection and Prosperity
Jummah Mubarak :)
Aisha
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
I am doing this paper for University on Pain Management and have spent the last few days collating my research, perusing books and journals just to piece the paper together. I am that tired from late nights, in fact I am utterly exhausted. I cannnot wait, for when I can have an early night and not have to wake up at the crack of dawn (though crack of dawn in the winter here is like 8am so in essence I am getting up when the world is still resting)!
Anyway, back to my pain management paper. When I first started with this work, I thought the entire subject was so complex I wouldn't be able to grasp it. Just trying to think about all the different factors in pain management as one big process, made it as clear as mud. But as with anything in science, you've got to break it down. So with a breakdown of all the chemical processes and the gate-way theories and what not, I started to understand pain management a little better. So much so that when I got to the section on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I was truly fascinated. When I had to support a friend through cancer sometime back, I could have done with understanding CBT.
I was quick to discuss my findings with her. CBT uses the idea that cognition and behaviour affect pain experience, emphasising that patients can control pain. The notion is that CBT attempts to help patients cope with pain using various strategies. Patients can be trained to use distraction techniques such as thinking of pleasant images, challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ideas. They are also encouraged to reattribute pain, use relaxation techniques and adopt stress management. These techniques apparently help respond better to pain experience.
So talking to her, to put such a technique into practice, we eventually agreed that it would be possible. Distracting away from the pain, does take your mind of it. But that distraction has to come completely from the mind. It's not a case of saying, I'll play scrabble and forget I have back pain, when your mind is still buzzing with the words I'm in pain!
As complex as the body systems are it is a case of working and forcing the 'mind over matter' :)
Aisha
Anyway, back to my pain management paper. When I first started with this work, I thought the entire subject was so complex I wouldn't be able to grasp it. Just trying to think about all the different factors in pain management as one big process, made it as clear as mud. But as with anything in science, you've got to break it down. So with a breakdown of all the chemical processes and the gate-way theories and what not, I started to understand pain management a little better. So much so that when I got to the section on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I was truly fascinated. When I had to support a friend through cancer sometime back, I could have done with understanding CBT.
I was quick to discuss my findings with her. CBT uses the idea that cognition and behaviour affect pain experience, emphasising that patients can control pain. The notion is that CBT attempts to help patients cope with pain using various strategies. Patients can be trained to use distraction techniques such as thinking of pleasant images, challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ideas. They are also encouraged to reattribute pain, use relaxation techniques and adopt stress management. These techniques apparently help respond better to pain experience.
So talking to her, to put such a technique into practice, we eventually agreed that it would be possible. Distracting away from the pain, does take your mind of it. But that distraction has to come completely from the mind. It's not a case of saying, I'll play scrabble and forget I have back pain, when your mind is still buzzing with the words I'm in pain!
As complex as the body systems are it is a case of working and forcing the 'mind over matter' :)
Aisha
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Sunset in Agadir
The view from the newly structured promenade.
This place is like my second home! Well, actually it is, since i'm in Agadir every few months!
I love the Moroccan culture, the food is divine, the weather is pleasant all year round and the people are just great :)
Aisha
Sky-Bridge..worth the toil!
One of the things we completely intended to do during our trip to KL was to go up the towers and walk on the sky-bridge suspended between the two towers. My brother had said we should get in early! There was me thinking if I’m getting out bed at the crack of dawn, it had better be worth it!
We decided to make this trip on the last Friday before we left KL to go back home. Despite things getting rather hectic as the trip was almost coming to an end we stuck to the intended plan. Mum and dad didn't want to come but I was told I could get extra tickets so I had a small cunning plan. Having woken up at the crack of dawn, my head ached from the previous night! It's was a struggle getting the other two out of bed and finally left the hotel lobby at around 7.30, convinced we were behind schedule.
We got the mono-rail from Chow Kit and proceeded to head towards KL Sentral armed with my guide just in case. Once we got to Bukit Nanas stop, it suddenly occurred to me we were completely off track. In a panic we carried on to the next station and got off at Hang Tuah. We'd been near this station before I think or so I thought. Later I realised this was where China Town was. Had I known it then, we wouldn't have got off this station.
The place was like miles out of route for where we needed to be, and time was moving way too fast; the best approach was to hail a taxi. The other two looked at me with perplexed faces! I'm like OK, I know I’m your guide but I am trying my best here.
Hailing a taxi driver, who would use a meter in Hang Tuah, is like drawing blood from a stone and the bloody Chinese in KL are so arrogant and intimidating. I swear, nothing usually intimidates me but these drivers were awful. One guy got all funny and I could feel myself losing my temper, as I walked away spluttering every obscenity I could think of! He retorted back, which made me even angrier. In hindsight now I look back at the moment and think I was brave confronting this guy and cussing him, since he looked rather menacing!
We carried on a little further along the main road, trying my luck with some other drivers and eventually this guy stopped or so I thought it was a guy until I got up to the car and realised it was a woman! At first she was so blooming awkward, I could have clocked her one but eventually she backed down on the taxi fare and we agreed she would get us quickly outside the Tower entrance.
She turned out to be a somewhat decent driver. We chatted away about our trip and I still managed to go on about how unhappy I was about drivers not using meters, especially the Chinese, but credit to her she hurried us through shortcuts avoiding the morning traffic and got us right outside the entrance bang on before 8.30am.
We queued up a good hour, though it seemed like ages we finally got our tickets, I got a couple extra and we decided to go for the 9.30 view and I'd come back later that afternoon with mum and dad. Going up the lift was exhilarating and as we stepped out of the lift and walked onto the bridge, the view was magnificent. We could see far beyond and pointing out various landmarks that we had visited throughout our stay in KL. I’m not posting pictures unless I find one suitable, since most of them on looking back do not do any justice to what the view was like up there in veracity. I don't care what anyone says but seeing stuff from the top is awesome! When I took mum and dad back later that afternoon, the look on their faces was undeniably out of this world, they were both so awestruck with the whole experience including the exhibition and the presentation before the visit and I was so glad I had convinced them to experience it!
The Petronas Towers are superb work of architect and up until some years back, were the tallest towers in the World. But the distinction on it being the tallest building is beyond the real essence of the towers which as a tourist I could see and be part of. The towers have been maintained as an excellent link with the past and the future for the culture, heritage, technology and knowledge framework for the people of Malaysia :)
Aisha
We decided to make this trip on the last Friday before we left KL to go back home. Despite things getting rather hectic as the trip was almost coming to an end we stuck to the intended plan. Mum and dad didn't want to come but I was told I could get extra tickets so I had a small cunning plan. Having woken up at the crack of dawn, my head ached from the previous night! It's was a struggle getting the other two out of bed and finally left the hotel lobby at around 7.30, convinced we were behind schedule.
We got the mono-rail from Chow Kit and proceeded to head towards KL Sentral armed with my guide just in case. Once we got to Bukit Nanas stop, it suddenly occurred to me we were completely off track. In a panic we carried on to the next station and got off at Hang Tuah. We'd been near this station before I think or so I thought. Later I realised this was where China Town was. Had I known it then, we wouldn't have got off this station.
The place was like miles out of route for where we needed to be, and time was moving way too fast; the best approach was to hail a taxi. The other two looked at me with perplexed faces! I'm like OK, I know I’m your guide but I am trying my best here.
Hailing a taxi driver, who would use a meter in Hang Tuah, is like drawing blood from a stone and the bloody Chinese in KL are so arrogant and intimidating. I swear, nothing usually intimidates me but these drivers were awful. One guy got all funny and I could feel myself losing my temper, as I walked away spluttering every obscenity I could think of! He retorted back, which made me even angrier. In hindsight now I look back at the moment and think I was brave confronting this guy and cussing him, since he looked rather menacing!
We carried on a little further along the main road, trying my luck with some other drivers and eventually this guy stopped or so I thought it was a guy until I got up to the car and realised it was a woman! At first she was so blooming awkward, I could have clocked her one but eventually she backed down on the taxi fare and we agreed she would get us quickly outside the Tower entrance.
She turned out to be a somewhat decent driver. We chatted away about our trip and I still managed to go on about how unhappy I was about drivers not using meters, especially the Chinese, but credit to her she hurried us through shortcuts avoiding the morning traffic and got us right outside the entrance bang on before 8.30am.
We queued up a good hour, though it seemed like ages we finally got our tickets, I got a couple extra and we decided to go for the 9.30 view and I'd come back later that afternoon with mum and dad. Going up the lift was exhilarating and as we stepped out of the lift and walked onto the bridge, the view was magnificent. We could see far beyond and pointing out various landmarks that we had visited throughout our stay in KL. I’m not posting pictures unless I find one suitable, since most of them on looking back do not do any justice to what the view was like up there in veracity. I don't care what anyone says but seeing stuff from the top is awesome! When I took mum and dad back later that afternoon, the look on their faces was undeniably out of this world, they were both so awestruck with the whole experience including the exhibition and the presentation before the visit and I was so glad I had convinced them to experience it!
The Petronas Towers are superb work of architect and up until some years back, were the tallest towers in the World. But the distinction on it being the tallest building is beyond the real essence of the towers which as a tourist I could see and be part of. The towers have been maintained as an excellent link with the past and the future for the culture, heritage, technology and knowledge framework for the people of Malaysia :)
Aisha
Petronas Twin Towers KL
I haven't elaborated on my Far East trip I know and I said I would in good time, but I was going through some pictures and came across this one. I remember taking it as we sat in the gardens surrounding the Suria KLCC Shopping Plaza. The shopping mall sits directly underneath and in between the Petronas Towers, hence the good angle of the picture.
The park and its landscape at the heart of the KLCC quarter have a magnificent and unique concept with some outstanding water features. It's the perfect sanctuary and Lake Symphony, located at the esplande outside Suria has the most attractive and enchanting water fountains. We had seen the towers by day on several occasions but on this evening, the sun was just setting, it was surprisingly tranquil, the whole place was beautifully lit, and against the back drop of the evening blue sky, the scene was tremendously remarkable.
We were all feeling rather melancholy that evening. We met up earlier that afternoon with my brother and sister-in-law, who had flown in from Perth, especially to see us. We had spent the afternoon meandering through all the exquisite shops in the Suria Plaza, and stopping to chat over cups of coffee! When your brother is so far away, you value deeply the short time you have. So having said our goodbyes that evening before they left back for Perth, this picture definitely reflected the mood and emotions at that moment, though I didn't realise how much up until now...truly amazing!
Aisha
--
Sent from my mobile device
Monday, 7 December 2009
Sacrifices...
I started writing various bits of this piece some time back and never really got round to post it. Each time I came back to it, I thought of little bits to add to it and before long, the whole piece was a jumble of thoughts and ideas. Then last week with Eid, the subject of sacrifice came up yet again and I thought of this writing again. Anyway I've had to almost re-write this to make some sense of it but in essence the original bits are still there in all the right places. Some bits I discarded since I couldn’t even remember why I had made notes on. But don't you just love it when things seem totally incoherent and you have a bit of a shake-up and voila it all fits in. I had that with my bedroom a few weeks ago, everything was just all over the place and I got sick of trying to sort stuff out. I was moving one thing from one place and putting in on to another. In the end I just thought, pull it apart and start all over again!
Anyway back to this topic of sacrifice. What does it mean, to sacrifice? ....Does it mean one thing for one person and something completely different to another person? Commonly sacrifice is associated in the giving of something, food and object or such. This takes me to the one important topic on sacrifice and associated directly with Eid that has just passed.
In our house we have offered the sacrifice at Eid Al Adha for as long as I can remember. My parents have always been good to show us Eid Al Adha in its true spirit. Aside from the beauty and spiritual benefits attained from it as adults, it is also a learning phase for our children, for they need to understand Islam and the best way to this is to practice the religion. There needs to be signs. Its little point in saying well you do this, this and that if you are Muslim. They need actions and they do say that actions speak louder than words. That's right folks actions speak louder than words. Thankfully my nieces are absolutely full of questions, they are the most inquisitive of children, that's what I love about children, they are just truly amazing, you can sit with them for hours and have a mountain of patience talking to them, knowing that every answer will be followed by yet another question and never getting fed-up. Children are my favorite of people!
Anyway the sacrifice of Eid, Qurbani to some, to others Udhiya, is an act performed for the sake of Allah and a truly amazing form of worship. What better way to attain the reward from Allah and have the pleasure of eating from a sacrificed animal? Salah is the greatest form of worship but for the worship concerning wealth, sacrificial act on Eid Al Adha holds great reverence as the original will for the sacrifice was for a soul, the soul of Ismail peace be upon him, at the commandment of God to Ibrahim peace be upon him. Imagine having to sacrifice your son, your beloved son. Ibrahim was ready to do this without a glimmer of doubt. Can we ever reach to the level of faith and fortitude as of Ibrahim? Allah tested Ibrahim's faith and he, Ibrahim never waivered, willing to carry out the sacrifice of his son, but once his submission had been tested, the body of Ismail was replaced with an animal which Ibrahim sacrificed. Even Ismail was happy for his father to carry out this commandment from Allah; he too was firm and resolute. From then onwards all able Muslims were to perform this act. The sacrifice is an act of total submission to God, that you obedient to Allah and his commands, and that we are slaves of Allah, should we not then surrender to Him? Ibrahim never questioned why he must sacrifice his son. That is a true philosophy of sacrifice, to give without question.
This takes me to my more general idea on sacrifice in our worldly lives. How many of us have made sacrifices, little sacrifices to even bigger ones. How many of us make true sacrifices, give up for the sake of others? Many of the times I find something hurts deeply to give up, but you still do for the sake of others around you. These are worldly matters and they bear resemblance on you character depending on how you handle things. We sacrifice, time, wealth and even love.
There are times when we want to achieve something, the most difficult of decisions need to be made, and usually at those times we have to make sacrifices. Sadly many people don't make sacrifices. They want everything, no matter what or who get's hurt in the process. But life is about others, not just about one or two people you chose.
Did you sacrifice for another or did you give up in a self-seeking way? Whatever the answer to this question, just remember someone, somewhere may have gotten hurt in the process and that is something no one should have to live with.
If you make a sacrifice, make it genuinely and most of all don't tread over things or people that you pass in getting where you need to get to :)
Aisha
Anyway back to this topic of sacrifice. What does it mean, to sacrifice? ....Does it mean one thing for one person and something completely different to another person? Commonly sacrifice is associated in the giving of something, food and object or such. This takes me to the one important topic on sacrifice and associated directly with Eid that has just passed.
In our house we have offered the sacrifice at Eid Al Adha for as long as I can remember. My parents have always been good to show us Eid Al Adha in its true spirit. Aside from the beauty and spiritual benefits attained from it as adults, it is also a learning phase for our children, for they need to understand Islam and the best way to this is to practice the religion. There needs to be signs. Its little point in saying well you do this, this and that if you are Muslim. They need actions and they do say that actions speak louder than words. That's right folks actions speak louder than words. Thankfully my nieces are absolutely full of questions, they are the most inquisitive of children, that's what I love about children, they are just truly amazing, you can sit with them for hours and have a mountain of patience talking to them, knowing that every answer will be followed by yet another question and never getting fed-up. Children are my favorite of people!
Anyway the sacrifice of Eid, Qurbani to some, to others Udhiya, is an act performed for the sake of Allah and a truly amazing form of worship. What better way to attain the reward from Allah and have the pleasure of eating from a sacrificed animal? Salah is the greatest form of worship but for the worship concerning wealth, sacrificial act on Eid Al Adha holds great reverence as the original will for the sacrifice was for a soul, the soul of Ismail peace be upon him, at the commandment of God to Ibrahim peace be upon him. Imagine having to sacrifice your son, your beloved son. Ibrahim was ready to do this without a glimmer of doubt. Can we ever reach to the level of faith and fortitude as of Ibrahim? Allah tested Ibrahim's faith and he, Ibrahim never waivered, willing to carry out the sacrifice of his son, but once his submission had been tested, the body of Ismail was replaced with an animal which Ibrahim sacrificed. Even Ismail was happy for his father to carry out this commandment from Allah; he too was firm and resolute. From then onwards all able Muslims were to perform this act. The sacrifice is an act of total submission to God, that you obedient to Allah and his commands, and that we are slaves of Allah, should we not then surrender to Him? Ibrahim never questioned why he must sacrifice his son. That is a true philosophy of sacrifice, to give without question.
This takes me to my more general idea on sacrifice in our worldly lives. How many of us have made sacrifices, little sacrifices to even bigger ones. How many of us make true sacrifices, give up for the sake of others? Many of the times I find something hurts deeply to give up, but you still do for the sake of others around you. These are worldly matters and they bear resemblance on you character depending on how you handle things. We sacrifice, time, wealth and even love.
There are times when we want to achieve something, the most difficult of decisions need to be made, and usually at those times we have to make sacrifices. Sadly many people don't make sacrifices. They want everything, no matter what or who get's hurt in the process. But life is about others, not just about one or two people you chose.
Did you sacrifice for another or did you give up in a self-seeking way? Whatever the answer to this question, just remember someone, somewhere may have gotten hurt in the process and that is something no one should have to live with.
If you make a sacrifice, make it genuinely and most of all don't tread over things or people that you pass in getting where you need to get to :)
Aisha
What about Now...
I have this track on loop, since I just totally love listening to it. It's actually an original by Chris Daughtry, I don't recall listetning to it much then, though I do remember the video sent a powerful message. Anyway it's the Westlife version that I am kind of addicted to, not that I'm a Westlife fan but all the same, this song is beautiful, Daughtry or Westlife, love it!
Shadows fill an empty heart
As love is fading,
From all the things that we are
But are not saying.
Can we see beyond the scars
And make it to the dawn?
Change the colors of the sky.
And open up to
The ways you made me feel alive,
The ways I loved you.
For all the things that never died,
To make it through the night,
Love will find you.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?
The sun is breaking in your eyes
To start a new day.
This broken heart can still survive
With a touch of your grace.
Shadows fade into the light.
I am by your side,
Where love will find you.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love had never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?
Now that we're here,
Now that we've come this far,
Just hold on.
There is nothing to fear,
For I am right beside you.
For all my life,
I am yours.
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love had never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?
What if our love had never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?
Baby, before it's too late,
Baby, before it's too late,
Baby, before it's too late,
What about now?
Eid..Hajj..Arafah..
Having not reflected on the blog for almost six weeks, there is a mountain of thoughts and emotions churning away in my head. Speaking of churning, some dippy oldish lady I work with thought churning wasn't a word. I was like Churn as in butter; she thought I'd made it up. Really she's great, just a bit dippy. But yes when I say churn, I think of butter, especially since I am sure supermarkets shelve the Churn brand of butter, still she wasn't convinced!
So yes, I was saying I have all these unfinished pieces of writing that I keep meaning to update and post up on here and just haven't gotten round to it, so beware people you may see an influx of posting up here sometime soon.
Ok, onto Eid. The Day of Arafah is always the most tranquil of moments, I don't have to be there, out in the plains of Arafat to feel and experience this. Once you have been there, the electric feeling remains with you forever. You can be as far away detached from Hajj, but the minute someone mentions Yaum Al Arafah it all comes flooding back and if I see even a glimpse of the scene on television, the emotions evoked are even more compelling. You have to have had experience Hajj to feel this. I am sure of it. Never in my life has such an event impacted me as did Hajj. It was the most beautiful and memorable experience ever gifted to me and will remain the best gift I ever have throughout my existence.
So yes, I was talking about Arafah in particular here. There was a huge buzz of activity when we arrived to the tents that day all those years ago, and while some were wondering around like lost souls, some determined to explore the place and some ascended to the Mount. Each unto their own intention. I was determined to get settled in to a tent, shabby as it may have looked especially for some in our camp, it was enough for me just to be in the shade, I still wanted to see out in to the plains of Arafah and the sky beyond the Mount but I knew I needed to be in the shade if I was to survive through this day. I have never felt so special and connected to Allah than I did on this day. This was the very day that Allah had perfected His religion for His slaves, without a doubt I felt special. I am sure I wasn't the only one, but nevertheless what I felt was so significant, a set of emotions, a magnificent experience I could take with me wherever I proceeded with my life from that point onwards.
Just an hour or so before sunset, I remember leaving the tent, and being out in the complete open, the entire ground as far beyond as I could see was dotted with all these bodies clothed in white, such a pure vision, such a united vision, nothing could ever compare to this vision. As the sunset, I just didn't want to let this day go, if only I could remain in it forever but I realised that this day, where I felt most safe, most pure was about to end and I had to go back out in the to this big and sadly not so nice world and its people within it, and prayed so hard that I would face it with complete determination of success and with absolute faith and strength; no matter what life was to throw at me from this point onwards, I would take in my stride, deal with it to the best of my ability and If I was to err, it would never be knowingly and I would seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness forever onwards. I know all this sound kind of soppy but really, how can a true servant of God not feel this way after they have experienced Hajj, after experiencing Yaum Al Arafah.
One other thought that remained with me through this day is the day of Yaum Al Hashr, the day of reckoning when we would all gather on this very ground, yes we are all to return on this very soil to be reckoned for our action and nothing could escape this. The complete reality of Judgement does not hit a person until you actually step foot on that soil. On that very soil will be the final gathering of the people for reckoning. It's enough alone to shake and put into check a person's life!
That day for me ended though emotional, most beautifully, nothing would ever compare to it. Every Eid Al Adha it stirs up many memories more profoundly than any other time throughout the year. It allows for a striking significance to Eid along with some other relevant points pertaining to this festival.
We had a fantastic feast at our house and the sacrifice signified Eid perfectly. Mum got her huge pots out and made the most delicious food. The roast we had on Saturday was divine. I devoured over the food throughout the few days. I'd made some quick sweetmeats earlier in the week and they finished the meals off nicely. Alhamdulillah. Happy times they were indeed, for it is with happiness in our hearts that we must seek pleasure and ultimately attain reward.
I sincerely hope my friends that you had a joyous occasion with your loved ones and importantly ate your feasts to your desires :)
Aisha
So yes, I was saying I have all these unfinished pieces of writing that I keep meaning to update and post up on here and just haven't gotten round to it, so beware people you may see an influx of posting up here sometime soon.
Ok, onto Eid. The Day of Arafah is always the most tranquil of moments, I don't have to be there, out in the plains of Arafat to feel and experience this. Once you have been there, the electric feeling remains with you forever. You can be as far away detached from Hajj, but the minute someone mentions Yaum Al Arafah it all comes flooding back and if I see even a glimpse of the scene on television, the emotions evoked are even more compelling. You have to have had experience Hajj to feel this. I am sure of it. Never in my life has such an event impacted me as did Hajj. It was the most beautiful and memorable experience ever gifted to me and will remain the best gift I ever have throughout my existence.
So yes, I was talking about Arafah in particular here. There was a huge buzz of activity when we arrived to the tents that day all those years ago, and while some were wondering around like lost souls, some determined to explore the place and some ascended to the Mount. Each unto their own intention. I was determined to get settled in to a tent, shabby as it may have looked especially for some in our camp, it was enough for me just to be in the shade, I still wanted to see out in to the plains of Arafah and the sky beyond the Mount but I knew I needed to be in the shade if I was to survive through this day. I have never felt so special and connected to Allah than I did on this day. This was the very day that Allah had perfected His religion for His slaves, without a doubt I felt special. I am sure I wasn't the only one, but nevertheless what I felt was so significant, a set of emotions, a magnificent experience I could take with me wherever I proceeded with my life from that point onwards.
Just an hour or so before sunset, I remember leaving the tent, and being out in the complete open, the entire ground as far beyond as I could see was dotted with all these bodies clothed in white, such a pure vision, such a united vision, nothing could ever compare to this vision. As the sunset, I just didn't want to let this day go, if only I could remain in it forever but I realised that this day, where I felt most safe, most pure was about to end and I had to go back out in the to this big and sadly not so nice world and its people within it, and prayed so hard that I would face it with complete determination of success and with absolute faith and strength; no matter what life was to throw at me from this point onwards, I would take in my stride, deal with it to the best of my ability and If I was to err, it would never be knowingly and I would seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness forever onwards. I know all this sound kind of soppy but really, how can a true servant of God not feel this way after they have experienced Hajj, after experiencing Yaum Al Arafah.
One other thought that remained with me through this day is the day of Yaum Al Hashr, the day of reckoning when we would all gather on this very ground, yes we are all to return on this very soil to be reckoned for our action and nothing could escape this. The complete reality of Judgement does not hit a person until you actually step foot on that soil. On that very soil will be the final gathering of the people for reckoning. It's enough alone to shake and put into check a person's life!
That day for me ended though emotional, most beautifully, nothing would ever compare to it. Every Eid Al Adha it stirs up many memories more profoundly than any other time throughout the year. It allows for a striking significance to Eid along with some other relevant points pertaining to this festival.
We had a fantastic feast at our house and the sacrifice signified Eid perfectly. Mum got her huge pots out and made the most delicious food. The roast we had on Saturday was divine. I devoured over the food throughout the few days. I'd made some quick sweetmeats earlier in the week and they finished the meals off nicely. Alhamdulillah. Happy times they were indeed, for it is with happiness in our hearts that we must seek pleasure and ultimately attain reward.
I sincerely hope my friends that you had a joyous occasion with your loved ones and importantly ate your feasts to your desires :)
Aisha
Friday, 30 October 2009
Reflecting on October
Seriously though where did it go?!
Part of it was the long awaited trip to the Far East, which I am yet to elaborate on and knowing anything about the pace I work at, this may not come out for months or even years. I have people telling me I still haven't raved on about the Down Under trip earlier this year. But quite frankly, I myself still have not had a chance to gather my thoughts about that trip, let alone feel ready to talk about it. The other evening only I was telling my sister how it still feels like only yesterday that we were rushing around shopping for the wedding outfits and remembering the spare room with cases flung open and just absolutely everything you can think of strewn all over. At the time I thought. 'how will we ever get a whole bunch of wedding stuff to the other side of the world' and 'was it all ever going to fall into place', the stress I was under was tremendous, I am surprised I managed to get there and come back without losing the plot!
Anyway back to October.. so yes most of the month was taken up with this great trip to the Far East, though might I remind myself the Far East is a huge sphere in itself and a zillion trips to that side would still not cover seeing it all! The week preceding the trip and the week after (that's this week :p) has failed to even touch the reality of the other things happening around us. In fact I could do with a bit more time for October. But with only tomorrow remaining, which is the great Halloween night, I doubt much good can happen. Chances remain rather slim. Especially since I am not one for the spooks and frolics of Halloween!
So reflection on October is dominated with lovely time's away and oh a neat golden tan to just remind me of how good things were away! Exactly...good things away from here...if only they could remain beyond that..!
So here's looking towards November and God Almighty only knows what it will bring, so we pray for goodness in all facets of life and surely nothing can ever truly dampen the spirits of a believer.
Jummah Mubarak
Aisha
Part of it was the long awaited trip to the Far East, which I am yet to elaborate on and knowing anything about the pace I work at, this may not come out for months or even years. I have people telling me I still haven't raved on about the Down Under trip earlier this year. But quite frankly, I myself still have not had a chance to gather my thoughts about that trip, let alone feel ready to talk about it. The other evening only I was telling my sister how it still feels like only yesterday that we were rushing around shopping for the wedding outfits and remembering the spare room with cases flung open and just absolutely everything you can think of strewn all over. At the time I thought. 'how will we ever get a whole bunch of wedding stuff to the other side of the world' and 'was it all ever going to fall into place', the stress I was under was tremendous, I am surprised I managed to get there and come back without losing the plot!
Anyway back to October.. so yes most of the month was taken up with this great trip to the Far East, though might I remind myself the Far East is a huge sphere in itself and a zillion trips to that side would still not cover seeing it all! The week preceding the trip and the week after (that's this week :p) has failed to even touch the reality of the other things happening around us. In fact I could do with a bit more time for October. But with only tomorrow remaining, which is the great Halloween night, I doubt much good can happen. Chances remain rather slim. Especially since I am not one for the spooks and frolics of Halloween!
So reflection on October is dominated with lovely time's away and oh a neat golden tan to just remind me of how good things were away! Exactly...good things away from here...if only they could remain beyond that..!
So here's looking towards November and God Almighty only knows what it will bring, so we pray for goodness in all facets of life and surely nothing can ever truly dampen the spirits of a believer.
Jummah Mubarak
Aisha
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Misguided..
She thinks she's got it all right and it's all worked out just the way it needs to be. Yes?!
No matter...to trample over others. Right?!
Well, more fool.. you!!!
No matter...to trample over others. Right?!
Well, more fool.. you!!!
Piece of Cake..!!
I probably haven't mentioned already but these last eighteen months at work have been swaps and changes, almost difficult to keep up with. Having had the same manager for longer than I could remember the change last year kind of made me and many others feel like it was almost too much too handle. But within months an unsupportive manager (at least from my part) was replaced with yet another manager, though this time around a male boss. I mean I've never worked for a male boss...how were things to fair..?!
Everyone in the department had speculated and word had wound its way back to the office that our new boss in no way hesitated in demeaning his staff. Well that's a good start me thinks! But then my level headed personality lets me think that sod what others say! Until I meet the man, I shall make no judgement, credit the man some justice, so to speak.
THE meeting was today...the kind where you introduce and what not. It went well, despite the niggling thoughts that others had planted into my head, and feeling rather emotional (hormones of course) I went in hoping it wouldn't take the better of me. So armed with as much of an open mind I could get and some faith I presented myself to the new boss.
Quite frankly it was painless. I don't care much for personalities of people I work with outside of work. Personally work is work and I don't like to mix it with pleasure or any other facets of life. Mixing one with another can get tricky and complicated. Work need not be any complicated than it already is. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind socialising with this lot here, I mean one has to stay in the picture to an extent, so official work do's are manageable (just about, though witnessing colleagues behave like complete goons ain't so pleasant....trust me!).
Anyway back to the boss, his principles are more or less on the spot. I can see why some felt..well.. threatened by him...sure he can sort of talk down at you, but if you are shirker, then you have cause to worry.
But if you work damn hard then his principles have no need to even affect you as a person. He certainly didn't scare me, he was doing his job as I was mine! goes to show don't always pay attention to what others have to say, see it for yourself! There were other issues we decided should be addressed but that would be for another meeting. All in all it was a piece of cake...Alhamdulilah :)
Aisha
Everyone in the department had speculated and word had wound its way back to the office that our new boss in no way hesitated in demeaning his staff. Well that's a good start me thinks! But then my level headed personality lets me think that sod what others say! Until I meet the man, I shall make no judgement, credit the man some justice, so to speak.
THE meeting was today...the kind where you introduce and what not. It went well, despite the niggling thoughts that others had planted into my head, and feeling rather emotional (hormones of course) I went in hoping it wouldn't take the better of me. So armed with as much of an open mind I could get and some faith I presented myself to the new boss.
Quite frankly it was painless. I don't care much for personalities of people I work with outside of work. Personally work is work and I don't like to mix it with pleasure or any other facets of life. Mixing one with another can get tricky and complicated. Work need not be any complicated than it already is. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind socialising with this lot here, I mean one has to stay in the picture to an extent, so official work do's are manageable (just about, though witnessing colleagues behave like complete goons ain't so pleasant....trust me!).
Anyway back to the boss, his principles are more or less on the spot. I can see why some felt..well.. threatened by him...sure he can sort of talk down at you, but if you are shirker, then you have cause to worry.
But if you work damn hard then his principles have no need to even affect you as a person. He certainly didn't scare me, he was doing his job as I was mine! goes to show don't always pay attention to what others have to say, see it for yourself! There were other issues we decided should be addressed but that would be for another meeting. All in all it was a piece of cake...Alhamdulilah :)
Aisha
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Changing the unchangeable..!
Ever tried so damn hard to get things right?....Ever hoped that things would turn out well?
But sometimes, don't you find that no matter how hard you try, and no matter how much you hope, some things are just not meant to be?!
Some are selfish, obscure in their ways, and their acts fail to epitomise everything you ever see and believe in. Such characters can come from within you, and as you step back and observe, one can think...where did it all go wrong? One can blame oneself! Say that enough wasn't done, or could it have been done differently..so on and so forth...
But frankly, there are some that cannot be saved. Acceptance of this is probably the hardest, as it is in human nature to keep plucking at something with hope, but that hope is so fruitless that it's energy eats away at you leaving you with nothing. There is a point which needs to be recognised, one where you stop and leave it to their devices.
Some remain unaware of the difficulty they are causing others by their actions and behaviour and furthermore are completely uncaring about their own detestable condition. But mostly, some fail to recognise the duty they have upon others including and most importantly to parents / elders and so on.
May Allah Glory and Greatness be to Him) grant us the Divine success that we may come be regarded amongst those who have been good towards their parents. "O' Allah! Make us such that we may be grateful for the efforts of our parents." "O' Allah! Make us successful in bringing forth a generation of pure-hearted, believing, grateful and righteous individuals." Ameen
Aisha
But sometimes, don't you find that no matter how hard you try, and no matter how much you hope, some things are just not meant to be?!
Some are selfish, obscure in their ways, and their acts fail to epitomise everything you ever see and believe in. Such characters can come from within you, and as you step back and observe, one can think...where did it all go wrong? One can blame oneself! Say that enough wasn't done, or could it have been done differently..so on and so forth...
But frankly, there are some that cannot be saved. Acceptance of this is probably the hardest, as it is in human nature to keep plucking at something with hope, but that hope is so fruitless that it's energy eats away at you leaving you with nothing. There is a point which needs to be recognised, one where you stop and leave it to their devices.
Some remain unaware of the difficulty they are causing others by their actions and behaviour and furthermore are completely uncaring about their own detestable condition. But mostly, some fail to recognise the duty they have upon others including and most importantly to parents / elders and so on.
May Allah Glory and Greatness be to Him) grant us the Divine success that we may come be regarded amongst those who have been good towards their parents. "O' Allah! Make us such that we may be grateful for the efforts of our parents." "O' Allah! Make us successful in bringing forth a generation of pure-hearted, believing, grateful and righteous individuals." Ameen
Aisha
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
It was a very good year...
Who else but Frank Sinatra!!!
Seriously I am hooked on Frank Sinatra's music, I caught a piece of his music on the radio a couple of days ago and now I am finding myself going through his music collection..I like this one the best so far.. (and no I am not losing the plot :p, it's good to deviate a bit..:D)
Seriously I am hooked on Frank Sinatra's music, I caught a piece of his music on the radio a couple of days ago and now I am finding myself going through his music collection..I like this one the best so far.. (and no I am not losing the plot :p, it's good to deviate a bit..:D)
When I was seventeen
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights
Wed hide from the lights
On the village green
When I was seventeen
When I was twenty-one
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair
And it came undone
When I was twenty-one
When I was thirty-five
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means
Wed ride in limousines
Their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days grow short
Im in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
>from fine old kegs
>from the brim to the dregs
And it poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year
It was a mess of good years
So' Long O' Ramadhan
The wrapping up of Ramadhan was a little chaotic. Nevertheless, the whole idea of a one day Itikaaf was with success, even if I realised how difficult it is to completely switch off from the world, seriously people it's not as easy as the switching 'on and off' of a light! I vowed that I would take more time out for ‘meditation’ and such things throughout the year and not just in Ramadhan. Towards the end of the day though as it came to a close and just as I had gotten into the flow of things, I wished I had set my task for a longer period, but on the contrary all the time I was conscious that I also had to fulfil my obligation to the family who weren’t so far away...downstairs!
Ramadhan went peacefully, though one dark thought continued to prey on our minds, more so for mum, dad and myself. The eventful days previous to Ramadhan chose to linger through the course of Ramadhan and though we chose a course of action we knew it may not have been the best but considering the phase we were in, the focus was on experiencing the spiritual month to the best of our ability, not one focused on issues that were caused through ignorance and self infliction.
Finally as the last day of Ramadhan came to almost a close, I attempted to resolve the issue that had waited long enough! I realised how stubborn the actual situation was! Between us we felt like our attempts were falling on deaf ears, so to speak and as Eid morning dawned on us, any chances of reconciliation looked slim.
I was pretty sure that the one particular prayer I made throughout the month of Ramadhan, Allah will surely fulfil in good time. Things took as unexpected turn on Eid day which I’ll write about soon but with it bought the hope that we were all wanting so sincerely.
May Allaah accept our worship and keep us steadfast beyond Ramadhan.
So' long O’Dear Ramadhan and may we be your guests again soon.
Aisha
Ramadhan went peacefully, though one dark thought continued to prey on our minds, more so for mum, dad and myself. The eventful days previous to Ramadhan chose to linger through the course of Ramadhan and though we chose a course of action we knew it may not have been the best but considering the phase we were in, the focus was on experiencing the spiritual month to the best of our ability, not one focused on issues that were caused through ignorance and self infliction.
Finally as the last day of Ramadhan came to almost a close, I attempted to resolve the issue that had waited long enough! I realised how stubborn the actual situation was! Between us we felt like our attempts were falling on deaf ears, so to speak and as Eid morning dawned on us, any chances of reconciliation looked slim.
I was pretty sure that the one particular prayer I made throughout the month of Ramadhan, Allah will surely fulfil in good time. Things took as unexpected turn on Eid day which I’ll write about soon but with it bought the hope that we were all wanting so sincerely.
May Allaah accept our worship and keep us steadfast beyond Ramadhan.
So' long O’Dear Ramadhan and may we be your guests again soon.
Aisha
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
I'm still here..
Ramadhan came and went...
Eid got celebrated in speed and passed...
and finally flew out to Canada and came back before I could take any of it in...!
Yup so much so quick!!
Want to write about it all soon. I see the next month or two being rather hectic, just how life needs to be right now.
Autumn is approaching, feel the chill in the air...changes everywhere.
Keep well people -:)
Aisha
Eid got celebrated in speed and passed...
and finally flew out to Canada and came back before I could take any of it in...!
Yup so much so quick!!
Want to write about it all soon. I see the next month or two being rather hectic, just how life needs to be right now.
Autumn is approaching, feel the chill in the air...changes everywhere.
Keep well people -:)
Aisha
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Amazing Art
I got this in an email from Naeema -:)
Some amazing art done by a Saudi man (his age more than 90 years) and is fond of writing on..guess what...Eggs?! Yup I find it truly remarkable and such wonderful art, that I had to share it -:)
Some amazing art done by a Saudi man (his age more than 90 years) and is fond of writing on..guess what...Eggs?! Yup I find it truly remarkable and such wonderful art, that I had to share it -:)
Monday, 14 September 2009
Fasting..an alternative perspective
I am always reluctant to copy and paste on this blog as I want this place to be mostly a collection of my personal thoughts, ideas, writing etc. But of course recently I have been receiving some outstanding emails from Naeema and they are far too good, to not share.
Often when people ask you why you are fasting, aside from saying that it is what is ordained by God, some find it difficult to explain Ramadhan beyond this commandment from God. Certainly it is a commandment from God to adhere to as a Muslim but I always like to think that aside from performing an act because we have been asked to or because it emulates someone or something, I would like to say that I can think deep within me and beyond to realise and understand the benefits of an act, and in this case the benefits and consequences of Ramadhan bring about in you a lot of feelings and emotions that you would ordinarily ignore. Subhan'Allaah and to put that into words to say Non-Muslims can sometimes be rather difficult especially if they start of with the idea that you are just starving yourself because some God asks you to do so (na'ouozo'bi'Allaah)
Going back to the reason behind this post, I share with you the persepective of a Non-Muslim whom without a doubt took a great challenge to partake in a days fasting to appreciate and understand the deeper concept behind Ramadhan.
Aisha
---
I am not a Muslim, but I wanted to experience Ramadan -- a month of fasting from dawn to dusk -- out of curiosity.
Yes, curiosity. Why would anyone punish themselves this way?
What does it feel like? It really did not seem to be that daunting of a task at first.
I did not realize what it means to go without food or water during daylight hours.
I was soon to learn that the days are much longer than we imagine.
I learned is that each day is a gift; to appreciate each minute that goes by.
I learned how often unkind words would slip from my mouth.
I learned what my body feels like when I do not eat or drink for hours on end.
How difficult it is to do the simplest things like speak when your tongue will not move because your mouth is so dry.
I learned how my mind functions when it is deprived of essentials.
I learned that loving a child and having that love returned is pure love.
But mostly what I learned is to be grateful for what we do have, for each other and for this world that we live in.
Any of us could fast for a day.
Mothers, look at your children and imagine what you would feel if you knew they were slowly starving to death and that, just because the sun is setting, you have no way of providing food or clean water for them.
Regardless of our religion or our history, we are mothers and a mother's pain is no different regardless of how we honour God.
To me, Ramadan is an opportunity to look within myself, to cleanse, to purify my thoughts.
I realized just how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things.
My issues became shallow and I was able to better understand my purpose on this earth.
I became acutely aware of how often and easily we think and speak less of others and feel justified in our thoughts.
Judgment of others is unkind and cruel. Is it cruel that God expects this of Muslims?
No, it is a gift that he bestows upon them, a chance for deep reflection.
During this month I would ask that we all look at our Muslim friends, neighbours and co-workers and honour them for their commitment to God.
Often when people ask you why you are fasting, aside from saying that it is what is ordained by God, some find it difficult to explain Ramadhan beyond this commandment from God. Certainly it is a commandment from God to adhere to as a Muslim but I always like to think that aside from performing an act because we have been asked to or because it emulates someone or something, I would like to say that I can think deep within me and beyond to realise and understand the benefits of an act, and in this case the benefits and consequences of Ramadhan bring about in you a lot of feelings and emotions that you would ordinarily ignore. Subhan'Allaah and to put that into words to say Non-Muslims can sometimes be rather difficult especially if they start of with the idea that you are just starving yourself because some God asks you to do so (na'ouozo'bi'Allaah)
Going back to the reason behind this post, I share with you the persepective of a Non-Muslim whom without a doubt took a great challenge to partake in a days fasting to appreciate and understand the deeper concept behind Ramadhan.
Aisha
---
I am not a Muslim, but I wanted to experience Ramadan -- a month of fasting from dawn to dusk -- out of curiosity.
Yes, curiosity. Why would anyone punish themselves this way?
What does it feel like? It really did not seem to be that daunting of a task at first.
I did not realize what it means to go without food or water during daylight hours.
I was soon to learn that the days are much longer than we imagine.
I learned is that each day is a gift; to appreciate each minute that goes by.
I learned how often unkind words would slip from my mouth.
I learned what my body feels like when I do not eat or drink for hours on end.
How difficult it is to do the simplest things like speak when your tongue will not move because your mouth is so dry.
I learned how my mind functions when it is deprived of essentials.
I learned that loving a child and having that love returned is pure love.
But mostly what I learned is to be grateful for what we do have, for each other and for this world that we live in.
Any of us could fast for a day.
Mothers, look at your children and imagine what you would feel if you knew they were slowly starving to death and that, just because the sun is setting, you have no way of providing food or clean water for them.
Regardless of our religion or our history, we are mothers and a mother's pain is no different regardless of how we honour God.
To me, Ramadan is an opportunity to look within myself, to cleanse, to purify my thoughts.
I realized just how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things.
My issues became shallow and I was able to better understand my purpose on this earth.
I became acutely aware of how often and easily we think and speak less of others and feel justified in our thoughts.
Judgment of others is unkind and cruel. Is it cruel that God expects this of Muslims?
No, it is a gift that he bestows upon them, a chance for deep reflection.
During this month I would ask that we all look at our Muslim friends, neighbours and co-workers and honour them for their commitment to God.
Friday, 11 September 2009
Seize the opportunity...I'tikaaf
As we enter into the last third phase of Ramadhan, attention draws on dedicating ourselves even more exclusively to prayer and devotion in order to create a deep God-consciousness. It is this superb awareness and magnificent realization of Allaah that is the spring of the Muslim's thought, belief and actions. For me I'tikaaf (seclusion) is in fact the next step up from fasting, in spiritual reformation and purification of the soul.
During the days of I'tikaaf, the mu'takif (the one in seclusion) would attempt to detach themselves from worldly happenings and attach themselves to prayer and supplication.
I view I’tikaaf as a fantastic opportunity for a retreat. We all know of the various retreats such as those associated with holistic, aromatherapy, detox, yoga and other self help getaway places but I deem this retreat is ever more elevated, as it is for the betterment of the soul and the mind. It allows for the mind to close the door on the world and the heart to engage in God consciousness, fully occupying with Allaah alone, applying our full concentration to Him the Most High. This retreat allows one to feel contented with Allaah and be at peace.
I'tikaaf is a recognized Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed sallalahu alaihi wasalam and even before the time of the first revelation the Prophet of Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) would take himself to the cave of Hira for days contemplating and indeed it was here in the cave of Hira where the first revelation was sent down through Jibreel (Gabriel) alayhis 'salaam.
Isolating one's self from the world may not seem like a fun thing to do at first! Is it not because we are so attached to the worldly affairs that the mere thought of not being part of it for a short time feels extremely difficult and challenging? Indeed it is challenging, but the challenge is with positive results for it is a healthy act; an act that allows one the time to worship Allaah and to think beyond the materialistic world that we are so accustomed to and this should empower the individual to become more self-disciplined. It certainly teaches us the real meaning of our being and existence and directs us to the right track. Surely it allows us dust the sins off our souls and give it an all new glow, augment and deepen our spiritual significance and polish our vision.
We all like to take a vacation, often at great costs just to achieve some pleasure. How about taking a retreat in a spiritual sense to achieve happiness, feel refreshed and tranquilized, refine and stabilize the mind and soul and best of it all is that it needn't cost you anything.
Finally the last third of Ramadhan is also a time to look for Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) and is described in the Qur'an as a night better than a thousand months, Subhan'Allah! Worshipping through this one night is equal to the worship of a thousand months, how many of us live to the age of 80 some years to achieve something like this and in just one night we can achieve it. Truly, Glory belongs to Allaah alone. Truly we are blessed as the Ummah of Rasul'Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim) and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
and so for the next ten days as we increase our worship, let us also include recitation of the following dua (supplication) in abundance:
Say: "O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"(Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi)
Let us all seize the opportunity.
Jummah Mubarak -:)
Aisha
During the days of I'tikaaf, the mu'takif (the one in seclusion) would attempt to detach themselves from worldly happenings and attach themselves to prayer and supplication.
I view I’tikaaf as a fantastic opportunity for a retreat. We all know of the various retreats such as those associated with holistic, aromatherapy, detox, yoga and other self help getaway places but I deem this retreat is ever more elevated, as it is for the betterment of the soul and the mind. It allows for the mind to close the door on the world and the heart to engage in God consciousness, fully occupying with Allaah alone, applying our full concentration to Him the Most High. This retreat allows one to feel contented with Allaah and be at peace.
I'tikaaf is a recognized Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed sallalahu alaihi wasalam and even before the time of the first revelation the Prophet of Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) would take himself to the cave of Hira for days contemplating and indeed it was here in the cave of Hira where the first revelation was sent down through Jibreel (Gabriel) alayhis 'salaam.
Isolating one's self from the world may not seem like a fun thing to do at first! Is it not because we are so attached to the worldly affairs that the mere thought of not being part of it for a short time feels extremely difficult and challenging? Indeed it is challenging, but the challenge is with positive results for it is a healthy act; an act that allows one the time to worship Allaah and to think beyond the materialistic world that we are so accustomed to and this should empower the individual to become more self-disciplined. It certainly teaches us the real meaning of our being and existence and directs us to the right track. Surely it allows us dust the sins off our souls and give it an all new glow, augment and deepen our spiritual significance and polish our vision.
We all like to take a vacation, often at great costs just to achieve some pleasure. How about taking a retreat in a spiritual sense to achieve happiness, feel refreshed and tranquilized, refine and stabilize the mind and soul and best of it all is that it needn't cost you anything.
Finally the last third of Ramadhan is also a time to look for Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) and is described in the Qur'an as a night better than a thousand months, Subhan'Allah! Worshipping through this one night is equal to the worship of a thousand months, how many of us live to the age of 80 some years to achieve something like this and in just one night we can achieve it. Truly, Glory belongs to Allaah alone. Truly we are blessed as the Ummah of Rasul'Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim) and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
and so for the next ten days as we increase our worship, let us also include recitation of the following dua (supplication) in abundance:
Say: "O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"(Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi)
Let us all seize the opportunity.
Jummah Mubarak -:)
Aisha
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Why it's so beautiful...
There is no word as beautiful as Allah.
No example as beautiful as Rasulallah(SAW).
No lesson as beautiful as Islam
No song as melodious as Azan.
No charity as meaningful as Zakat.
No encyclopaedia as perfect as Al-Quran.
No prayer as perfect as Namaz.
No diet as perfect as fasting.
No journey as perfect as Hajj.
Let us realize that Islam is forever beautiful and perfect
*yet again thank you Naimah
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Frustrations...(traffic and all that)
The traffic is driving me bonkers! I mean it, it really is so frustrating and we are only into the third day of the choatic road and traffic situation that is upon us, out here on this side of the patch.
The beauty of school holidays is peak hour traffic is no more, totally unheard of; it's heaven just to be able to drive through so casually without all the hecticness of traffic.
So once school and all the other traffic that goes with it descended upon us again this Monday, I let out a huge sigh mostly of irritation. Being Ramadhan it meant even more holding back (on the speech that is).
So imagine my frustrations which are already on a high, when I find out there are major roadworks on one of the routes to work. It's fine, really I can just use another route right.. Of course..except, all the others millions of people that have to use that route have to divert and use my other route! So you can imagine the traffic..I am serious it is horrendous, crawling like a tortoise!
To make matters worse, there are more roadworks! I mean why do these people wait all blooming summer and then decide to mend our roads and bridges and whatever else it is that our road tax pays them to do?! And why is it that they work so slow, I mean real slow. Seriously hasn't anyone told these guys that to work this slow is a like a crime or something? It is in my place of work, I'd get the freaking sack if I worked that slow!
So all in all this is going to be a heck of a long and frustrating 40 weeks (yes that is how long this bridge strengthening project is to last for), that's like the whole year!
A whole year of inconveniences, remembering to allow myself more time for my journey to work (how many times shall I arrive late and get that glared look, it's like these people manage to get to work on time and for me the traffic brings hell on?). Allowing time for anywhere else that I decide to take a trip to, and last but not least, uttering some lovely pleasantries in order to vent the frustration :p Ramadhan is really curtailing it for now but it sure wont last..!
Really...it is Happy Driving -:)
Aisha
The beauty of school holidays is peak hour traffic is no more, totally unheard of; it's heaven just to be able to drive through so casually without all the hecticness of traffic.
So once school and all the other traffic that goes with it descended upon us again this Monday, I let out a huge sigh mostly of irritation. Being Ramadhan it meant even more holding back (on the speech that is).
So imagine my frustrations which are already on a high, when I find out there are major roadworks on one of the routes to work. It's fine, really I can just use another route right.. Of course..except, all the others millions of people that have to use that route have to divert and use my other route! So you can imagine the traffic..I am serious it is horrendous, crawling like a tortoise!
To make matters worse, there are more roadworks! I mean why do these people wait all blooming summer and then decide to mend our roads and bridges and whatever else it is that our road tax pays them to do?! And why is it that they work so slow, I mean real slow. Seriously hasn't anyone told these guys that to work this slow is a like a crime or something? It is in my place of work, I'd get the freaking sack if I worked that slow!
So all in all this is going to be a heck of a long and frustrating 40 weeks (yes that is how long this bridge strengthening project is to last for), that's like the whole year!
A whole year of inconveniences, remembering to allow myself more time for my journey to work (how many times shall I arrive late and get that glared look, it's like these people manage to get to work on time and for me the traffic brings hell on?). Allowing time for anywhere else that I decide to take a trip to, and last but not least, uttering some lovely pleasantries in order to vent the frustration :p Ramadhan is really curtailing it for now but it sure wont last..!
Really...it is Happy Driving -:)
Aisha
Monday, 7 September 2009
Dip..My Debut Novel
I got this tag from another blog...pretty cool..
2. Go to “Random Word Generator” or click http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.
3. Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.phpType your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.
5. Post it to your blog along with this text.
Create your own debut novel cover:
1. Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/ The name that appears is your author name.
2. Go to “Random Word Generator” or click http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.
3. Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.phpType your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.
4. Use Photoshop, Picnik or something similar (I used good ol MS Paint) to put it all together. Be sure to crop and or zoom in.
5. Post it to your blog along with this text.
Tag anyone who would like to join..it's all good fun -:)
Aisha
Aisha
Friday, 4 September 2009
The coming of the Ship...
How often have you sailed in
my dreams. And now you come in my awakening, which is my deeper
dream.
Ready am I to go, and my
eagerness with sails full set awaits the wind.
Only another breath will I
breathe in this still air, only another loving look cast
backward,
Then I shall stand among
you, a seafarer among seafarers.
And you, vast sea,
sleepless mother,
Who alone are peace and
freedom to the river and the stream,
Only another winding will
this stream make, only another murmur in this glade,
And then shall I come to
you, a boundless drop to a boundless ocean.
Last Oration..
I recently had the pleasure of reading this again. Despite having read it over and over again, the message within it remains as powerful as it was that day. It encompasses everything about us as a believer and really is one of the most beautiful pieces of reading in history.
---
Prophet Muhammad's Last Sermon
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul al Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat.
After praising, and thanking God, he said:
"O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital , however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. God has judged that there shall be no riba and that all the riba due to `Abbas ibn `Abd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.
Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.
O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of the devil, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste...
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God (The One Creator of the Universe), perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation (zakah) of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I am leaving you with the Book of God (the Quraan) and my Sunnah (the life style and the behavioral mode of the Prophet), if you follow them you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.
And as magnificently the sermon was delivered, Allaah sent down the following revelation
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [5:3]
and indeed “Nothing succeeds perfection but imperfection.” in Umar's (RA) words
Jummah Mubarak
---
Prophet Muhammad's Last Sermon
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul al Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat.
After praising, and thanking God, he said:
"O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital , however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. God has judged that there shall be no riba and that all the riba due to `Abbas ibn `Abd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.
Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.
O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of the devil, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste...
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God (The One Creator of the Universe), perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation (zakah) of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I am leaving you with the Book of God (the Quraan) and my Sunnah (the life style and the behavioral mode of the Prophet), if you follow them you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.
And as magnificently the sermon was delivered, Allaah sent down the following revelation
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [5:3]
and indeed “Nothing succeeds perfection but imperfection.” in Umar's (RA) words
Jummah Mubarak
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