Almost 6 years ago, I walked through the courtyard of SIM's HQ at Clementi Road to deliver lectures/tutorials and summer school on Management, Systems and Change for UK Open Uni's programme. Today, I was back at SIM on the invitation of the Malay Cultural and Muslim Society for a brown bag session with the newly admitted students. This would be my third meeting following the first meeting with Sis Nadiah at An-Naeem Mosque and subsequently with her EXCO members at Starbucks@FullertonOne.
My session was prefaced by a presentation by APEX or Ace PSLE Exams. Led by a group of NUS and other tertiary students, these 30+ mentors provided small group clinics/tutorials to prepare madrasah students for the PSLE. They did not limit their contributions to academic enrichment, but extend it to include motivation camps and goal setting. Their video clip and powerpoint slides moved many to embrace their cause - to empower individuals by becoming role models and providing academic help. The Pri 6 Madrasah Irsyad students featured in their video truly had benefited from APEX's programme, judging from their playful antics yet decisive on their career aspirations. How could we not respond to APEX's invitation to contribute as tutors or role models, I asked MCMS members to break ice before the talk proper.
APEX is a student-led initiative that in my view, have proved critics wrong - that apathy or indifference, and our educated young are synonymous. I applaud their effort and contributions. Initiatives such as APEX offered optimism and hope for the future. I sincerely hope that more students will come forward to give back to society even while they are still in campus.
I tried to expound the notion of success and attempted to answer the question given, as the title of the talk: Am I a successful Muslim?
Success is simply defined as an achievement of a given target or goal, and is the opposite of failure. But success today is no guarantee for success tomorrow. And as Muslims our definition of success is a subset of a wider definition of the Quranic term "Falah". Our ethics for success include actions that do not compromise prohibitions, such as at the expense of others; ends justify means and other Machiavellian tactics. As Muslims, we have responsibilities and its fulfillment is a measure of our conviction. We must be proud of our Muslim identity, but it must not led us to shy away from others or worse, create enclaves to "protect ourselves" and not contributing together with, and for the wider society.
A successful Muslim student, must meet the stringent criteria of the President's Scholarship, I argued. Perhaps a Muslim students' category to make it appropriate in this case. Through an interactive round, participants offered the following attributes and qualities: a) attain excellent results consistently, b) possess leadership qualities, c) made significant contributions to society, d) optimistic and passionate with a cause, e) manifest a pioneering spirit, and last but not least, f) have a good knowledge of Islam. That was our answer to the extended question - Am I a successful Muslim student?
We prayed Zuhr and Asr together, before and after the talk - a significant and important aspect of any programme, to connect and bind our souls as we stood in rows, shoulder to shoulder before Him. The physical, emotional and spiritual significance of praying together in a jamaah may not be obvious and understood by many. It is the building block for collective action and cements everyone together particularly in difficult times.
From the side talks and positive vibes, I gathered that we have managed to energise and motivate the students who stayed on. They need to keep their flame alive, and hopefully maintain the fire in their belly.
Self motivation is the best motivation.
They have what it takes.
I saw several first class honours and first class iman in the making.
May Allah assist them in their endeavours and grant them success in this world and the hereafter.
Ameen.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Early Hours
The taxi driver remembered the old Alkaff Kampong Melayu Mosque at the top of Kaki Bukit when I mentioned that I wished to be taxi-ed to the mosque at Bedok Reservoir. He even remembered the old clinic housed in a building made of wood, nearby the old mosque and the surrounding Malay village. It was just before 4am and the conversation brought back childhood memories. I hoped it had broke the monotony of the quiet morning and the deserted road for him, as he searched for the next passenger after we exchanged thanks and goodbyes.
When I reset the alarm on my handphone to wake me up for this journey, it was just over 3 hours left to fulfil its function. I almost shrieked at the amount of time left for sleep. But it was indeed a good sleep despite how brief it was. Perhaps a hypothesis may be apt here: The quality of sleep and the ease to wake from sleep depend on the significance attached to the task or activity to be done after waking-up. Or put it another way: The task and its significance determine the quality of sleep that precedes it.
The early hours are precious but often neglected time during the night. This is the time during which Allah is closest and most receptive to His servants. Rasulullah (saw) said: Our Lord descends each night to the nearest Heaven when only the last third of night remains, and says: "Is anyone praying that I may answer him? Is anyone seeking forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is anyone asking, that I may give him?" and this continues until dawn (Tirmidhi).
The later part of each night is the most conducive period for reflection and self-development. It is the occasion with the most potential for the heart to be present, alert and free of worldly concerns as the Quran declares: Lo! The vigil of the night [a time] when impression is more keen and speech more certain [al-Muzzammil 73:6].
The beautiful recitation of Al-Baqarah for the Tahajjud prayer nourished the soul and energised the mind. It was opportunity to check what I had memorised in the past. Beyond the exercise of the mind, the prayer - its recital and supplication was a Mi'raj for me. I wanted to ascend to Him, to seek forgiveness and mercy.
The 1.5 hours Tahajjud and Witr prayers were completed without noticing time and as though time did not matter. How different it was compared to other prayers in the day when worldly affairs dictate the time to spend for prayers - and even during prayer, these affairs occupied the mind. It was pointed out by Ustaz Zainal Abidin during kuliah subuh (the Talk after Fajr Prayer) that we never think of Allah when we go shopping, but we think of shopping even during our prayer, when we are supposed to be praying in a state of khusyu' (full concentration) in Allah's presence. I am no exception. Only Allah knows how I wish my heart trembles and my faith increases when His revelations are recited [al-Anfal:2].
Yet it was not just another ordinary morning. There was the eclipse of the moon, something that rarely takes place. It is another sign of Allah's Greatness. We performed the Prayer of the Eclipse (Salatul Kasuf) and it was my first.
A bountiful morning, indeed. Tahajjud, Witr, Kasuf and its sermon, followed by Fajr and a talk. Accompanied by the beautiful recital of the Quran, believers who came and prayed together to seek His forgiveness, and angels who witnessed the beautiful gathering.
What better way to spend the early hours?
Alhamdulillah.
When I reset the alarm on my handphone to wake me up for this journey, it was just over 3 hours left to fulfil its function. I almost shrieked at the amount of time left for sleep. But it was indeed a good sleep despite how brief it was. Perhaps a hypothesis may be apt here: The quality of sleep and the ease to wake from sleep depend on the significance attached to the task or activity to be done after waking-up. Or put it another way: The task and its significance determine the quality of sleep that precedes it.
The early hours are precious but often neglected time during the night. This is the time during which Allah is closest and most receptive to His servants. Rasulullah (saw) said: Our Lord descends each night to the nearest Heaven when only the last third of night remains, and says: "Is anyone praying that I may answer him? Is anyone seeking forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is anyone asking, that I may give him?" and this continues until dawn (Tirmidhi).
The later part of each night is the most conducive period for reflection and self-development. It is the occasion with the most potential for the heart to be present, alert and free of worldly concerns as the Quran declares: Lo! The vigil of the night [a time] when impression is more keen and speech more certain [al-Muzzammil 73:6].
The beautiful recitation of Al-Baqarah for the Tahajjud prayer nourished the soul and energised the mind. It was opportunity to check what I had memorised in the past. Beyond the exercise of the mind, the prayer - its recital and supplication was a Mi'raj for me. I wanted to ascend to Him, to seek forgiveness and mercy.
The 1.5 hours Tahajjud and Witr prayers were completed without noticing time and as though time did not matter. How different it was compared to other prayers in the day when worldly affairs dictate the time to spend for prayers - and even during prayer, these affairs occupied the mind. It was pointed out by Ustaz Zainal Abidin during kuliah subuh (the Talk after Fajr Prayer) that we never think of Allah when we go shopping, but we think of shopping even during our prayer, when we are supposed to be praying in a state of khusyu' (full concentration) in Allah's presence. I am no exception. Only Allah knows how I wish my heart trembles and my faith increases when His revelations are recited [al-Anfal:2].
Yet it was not just another ordinary morning. There was the eclipse of the moon, something that rarely takes place. It is another sign of Allah's Greatness. We performed the Prayer of the Eclipse (Salatul Kasuf) and it was my first.
A bountiful morning, indeed. Tahajjud, Witr, Kasuf and its sermon, followed by Fajr and a talk. Accompanied by the beautiful recital of the Quran, believers who came and prayed together to seek His forgiveness, and angels who witnessed the beautiful gathering.
What better way to spend the early hours?
Alhamdulillah.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Best Friends Forever
It was difficult to explain the silence or disappearance, since the last entry some two weeks ago. Many thoughts, issues and ideas nested in my tired mind as neurons fired and competed with each in my overworked brain.
The entry on UMMA Community Clinic generated several interesting responses, including comments from friends who I thought had given up on me. I had prompted whether we should focus our energy, resources and attention to build an institution akin to, and taking inspiration from UMMA. From a "leadership training institute" to "it should be about championing a cause than an institution - a cause galvanises people, not an institution", the responses were passionate and assertive. I particularly favoured the call and claim that we share a common cause - to create leaders. Comments were also made and appended to the entry, which I am most thankful for.
There were many other happenings worthy of sharing.
A discussion on forgiveness after the reading of a hadith on the subject and The Forgiver (Al-Ghaffar) surfaced many instances when we felt hurt and angry, yet recognised the need to forgive. Easy said than done. To err is human and to forgive, divine. At work, we were reminded to "clear (or clean) the account" between colleagues so as to strengthen our relationship and soul. Put simply, we must settle any issues or disagreements before it gets worse, before bad blood rears its ugly head and be manipulated by Satan. Surah Al-Hujurat offers useful pointers and lessons to maintain a healthy interpersonal account.
To celebrate ND observance at Madrasah Aljunied, I wore a pink shirt (sorry: I don't have a red shirt, and didn't have time to get one at Mustafa Centre) for the first time in my life! For many years I wore my usual grey and black (for a formal and distinguished look) but it looked like I am dressed for a funeral when everyone else is dressed to party. And the pink shirt worked. I blended with the colours, songs and atmosphere, and even cheered the Madrasah student who read a poetry in Malay to salute our nation. Zainul, our Corp Comm maestro and one of many best friends at work, remarked that I have gone mad that morning, at the madrasah. It was a joyful event - thanks to Musliha's SRC team and Madrasah Aljunied.
The Famous Five met as agreed and we renewed friendship that spanned over decades. Interestingly our conversation meandered into the "No Permanent Friends, Only Permanent Interests" question. Against the backdrop of our effort to strengthen social cohesion and harmony, to develop good relationship with neighbours and friends - NPFOPI appears to be a paradox if not an irony. We agreed to continue our conversation and I was tearful when they decided to rename Famous Five to Usrah Pak Mat in the honour of my father.
Friends like family are the oxygen to our life. Like oxygen, we take them for granted and in so doing do not accord its rightful place and value.
What is life without friends and friendship?
Let's be BFF to someone else and many others.
The entry on UMMA Community Clinic generated several interesting responses, including comments from friends who I thought had given up on me. I had prompted whether we should focus our energy, resources and attention to build an institution akin to, and taking inspiration from UMMA. From a "leadership training institute" to "it should be about championing a cause than an institution - a cause galvanises people, not an institution", the responses were passionate and assertive. I particularly favoured the call and claim that we share a common cause - to create leaders. Comments were also made and appended to the entry, which I am most thankful for.
There were many other happenings worthy of sharing.
A discussion on forgiveness after the reading of a hadith on the subject and The Forgiver (Al-Ghaffar) surfaced many instances when we felt hurt and angry, yet recognised the need to forgive. Easy said than done. To err is human and to forgive, divine. At work, we were reminded to "clear (or clean) the account" between colleagues so as to strengthen our relationship and soul. Put simply, we must settle any issues or disagreements before it gets worse, before bad blood rears its ugly head and be manipulated by Satan. Surah Al-Hujurat offers useful pointers and lessons to maintain a healthy interpersonal account.
To celebrate ND observance at Madrasah Aljunied, I wore a pink shirt (sorry: I don't have a red shirt, and didn't have time to get one at Mustafa Centre) for the first time in my life! For many years I wore my usual grey and black (for a formal and distinguished look) but it looked like I am dressed for a funeral when everyone else is dressed to party. And the pink shirt worked. I blended with the colours, songs and atmosphere, and even cheered the Madrasah student who read a poetry in Malay to salute our nation. Zainul, our Corp Comm maestro and one of many best friends at work, remarked that I have gone mad that morning, at the madrasah. It was a joyful event - thanks to Musliha's SRC team and Madrasah Aljunied.
The Famous Five met as agreed and we renewed friendship that spanned over decades. Interestingly our conversation meandered into the "No Permanent Friends, Only Permanent Interests" question. Against the backdrop of our effort to strengthen social cohesion and harmony, to develop good relationship with neighbours and friends - NPFOPI appears to be a paradox if not an irony. We agreed to continue our conversation and I was tearful when they decided to rename Famous Five to Usrah Pak Mat in the honour of my father.
Friends like family are the oxygen to our life. Like oxygen, we take them for granted and in so doing do not accord its rightful place and value.
What is life without friends and friendship?
Let's be BFF to someone else and many others.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Faith In Action
One of the institutions I visited on my IVP Program on Community and Religion was a community clinic in Los Angeles. Established by a group of young medical graduates to serve the community and the neighbourhood, the UMMA Community Clinic is the first free standing Muslim Free Clinic in America. The mission is to promote the well-being of the underserved by providing access to high quality healthcare for all regardless of ability to pay.
The University Muslim Medical Association (UMMA) was started in 1990 by UCLA graduate and medical students in collaboration with Charles R. Drew University. From the start, the goal of the organization was to establish a free clinic in medically underserved South Central Los Angeles. With the administrative and logistical support of UCLA, Drew School of Medicine and L.A. City Councilperson, the UMMA secured $1,383,000 in grants to make its vision into a reality.
When my team and I entered the clinic (then), we were welcomed by the many patients waiting to see the doctors. The basic fittings and fixtures in the clinic complemented the hopeful and dignified smiles of the patients, doctors and staff alike. I was deeply impressed by the effort and salute the founders and volunteers for their remarkable achievement. Since then, I have shared the UMMA Community Clinic story with students and youth, whenever I am invited to be in their company.
Today, Ust Hannan e-mailed me a videoclip to go "beyond ourselves". I thought it was a brilliant clip to demonstrate the selfless efforts of young professionals who articulated Islam by deeds.
Actions speak louder than words.
They give without asking anything back.
Truly inspirational!
Anything we can do, together?
The University Muslim Medical Association (UMMA) was started in 1990 by UCLA graduate and medical students in collaboration with Charles R. Drew University. From the start, the goal of the organization was to establish a free clinic in medically underserved South Central Los Angeles. With the administrative and logistical support of UCLA, Drew School of Medicine and L.A. City Councilperson, the UMMA secured $1,383,000 in grants to make its vision into a reality.
When my team and I entered the clinic (then), we were welcomed by the many patients waiting to see the doctors. The basic fittings and fixtures in the clinic complemented the hopeful and dignified smiles of the patients, doctors and staff alike. I was deeply impressed by the effort and salute the founders and volunteers for their remarkable achievement. Since then, I have shared the UMMA Community Clinic story with students and youth, whenever I am invited to be in their company.
Today, Ust Hannan e-mailed me a videoclip to go "beyond ourselves". I thought it was a brilliant clip to demonstrate the selfless efforts of young professionals who articulated Islam by deeds.
Actions speak louder than words.
They give without asking anything back.
Truly inspirational!
Anything we can do, together?
Monday, August 4, 2008
In Need of Him
It suddenly felt as if I was losing control of time. My days went without any reflection and much rest. I went from one meeting to another, often back-to-back without any interval in between. From MClub to REA, to Aloha Loyang for Perkemas to Darul Arqam to Taman Warisan, my weekly class with Daniel and weddings among several others, I hardly had time to read the daily papers, let alone blog. The baking heat on Saturday afternoon and lack of rest had its effect on me. I nearly went "black-out" at Sultan Mosque, if not for the zuhur prayer and the attendant supplications that occupied my mind and heart, and kept me conscious.
It may not get any better, I feared. To break the cycle (or perhaps compound the problem) I added 3 books to my collection - The Southeast Asia Diversity Dilemma by Sree Kumar and Sharon Siddique, Presence by Peter Senge, et al, and The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein. What have I achieved?, I asked myself. Well, I have delivered my commitment to facilitate a strategic retreat for Perkemas to develop their action plan. We also launched the REA website and through it opened invitation for applications and nominations for the award, after some months of gestation.
On the outset, I need not feel any guilt since I have earned and deserved my keep, without a doubt. To be busy is better than lazing around passing time. Only if the busy is worth being busy for. But how do we measure or assess it? Am I trapped in busyness but of no significance or impact for the greater good? Should I not consider doing one, or two, or even perhaps three things that I am good at, and with it comes greater and more meaningful contribution to society. Should I focus to do less for more? And hopefully I will have a little bit more time for my prayers and to feel His presence.
Amidst the list of things to do, which gets longer each day, I cannot help but wonder whether all this running around is doing good for my soul.
I need to keep trying to find myself in need of Him,
to connect the state of my heart and the nature of my act,
"as if one sees Him" to inspire my being and doing.
It may not get any better, I feared. To break the cycle (or perhaps compound the problem) I added 3 books to my collection - The Southeast Asia Diversity Dilemma by Sree Kumar and Sharon Siddique, Presence by Peter Senge, et al, and The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein. What have I achieved?, I asked myself. Well, I have delivered my commitment to facilitate a strategic retreat for Perkemas to develop their action plan. We also launched the REA website and through it opened invitation for applications and nominations for the award, after some months of gestation.
On the outset, I need not feel any guilt since I have earned and deserved my keep, without a doubt. To be busy is better than lazing around passing time. Only if the busy is worth being busy for. But how do we measure or assess it? Am I trapped in busyness but of no significance or impact for the greater good? Should I not consider doing one, or two, or even perhaps three things that I am good at, and with it comes greater and more meaningful contribution to society. Should I focus to do less for more? And hopefully I will have a little bit more time for my prayers and to feel His presence.
Amidst the list of things to do, which gets longer each day, I cannot help but wonder whether all this running around is doing good for my soul.
I need to keep trying to find myself in need of Him,
to connect the state of my heart and the nature of my act,
"as if one sees Him" to inspire my being and doing.
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