Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 141
January 18, 2016
Menang-menang dalam persaingan sihat
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Orang-orang yang meninggal dunia di antara kamu dengan meninggalkan isteri-isteri (hendaklah para isteri itu) menangguhkan dirinya (beredah) empat bulan 10 hari." (Maksud ayat 234 Surah Al-Baqarah)
KETIKA tambang komuter, LRT dan monorel naik mencanak, sesetengah pengusaha bas ekspres seperti perjalanan Kuala Lumpur-Melaka dan sebaliknya bersaing menawarkan tambang termurah bagi menarik penumpang.
Ketika ke Kuala Lumpur (TBS) dari Melaka Sentral baru-baru ini, saya dapati ada syarikat menawarkan tambang semurah RM10 manakala yang termahal adalah lebih RM15. Laluan perjalanan bas-bas ini adalah sama, jadi penumpang berpeluang untuk memilih perkhidmatan bas yang difikirkan sesuai dengan keperluan dan kemampuan masing-masing.
Saya berpendapat perkara ini berlaku kerana berlaku persaingan yang hebat dan mungkin sihat sesama syarikat-syarikat bas ekspres untuk mendapatkan penumpang. Sepengetahuan saya ada lebih lima syarikat bas ekspres menjalankan perkhidmatan Melaka-Kuala Lumpur dan sebaliknya.
Banyak daripada syarikat bas ini melakukan perjalanan dengan kekerapan sejam sekali, malah ada setengah jam sekali; jadi mereka perlu menyediakan 'perkhidmatan terbaik dengan harga termurah' untuk memikat penumpang. Namun ada yang menyediakan 'perkhidmatan first-class' dengan ciri-ciri seperti jumlah kerusi terhad (tempat duduk selesa dan besar) tetapi mengenakan tambang tinggi seperti yang lebih RM15 itu.
Berdasarkan pengalaman saya yang berulang alik Melaka-Kuala Lumpur ketika bekerja di ibu kota dulu, saya dapati bas ekspres hanya penuh pada masa hujung minggu, cuti umum dan cuti sekolah; selain daripada waktu itu kebanyakan bas membuat perjalanan dengan sejumlah kecil penumpang.
Jadi bagi mendapatkan penumpang, pengusaha bas bersaing hebat; dulu ada yang menawarkan tambang promosi pada harga RM9. Sekarang ini sekalipun, diuar-uarkan tambang bas akan dinaikkan, pengusaha bas perlu berfikir panjang untuk membuat demikian kerana sudah wujud persaingan sesama mereka untuk menawarkan tambang terendah.
Saya pernah bertanyakan seorang pemandu bas, mengapa tambang bas berbeza-beza antara syarikat bas. Dia menjawab syarikat bas kini bersaing untuk mendapatkan penumpang; jika penumpang tersangat kurang ia akan menjejaskan syarikat bas sekali gus periuk nasi pekerjanya seperti si pemandu sendiri.
Apabila saya bertanya sama ada syarikatnya membuat keuntungan besar; dia menggelengkan kepalanya sambil berkata: "Jika pemilik syarikat ini menumpukan sepenuh perhatian kepada operasi bas ekspres, sudah lama bisnesnya 'bungkus' tetapi syukurlah syarikat ini ada terbabit dalam bisnes lain."
Namun saya percaya syarikat bas ada membuat keuntungan (kalau tak buat apa mereka teruskan operasi) walaupun tidak besar, tetapi setidak-tidaknya ia menggalakkan perkembangan ekonomi sekali gus membantu pembangunan dan kemajuan negara.
Ertinya syarikat bas mendapat keuntungan dan jika berlaku persaingan hebat (seperti laluan Melaka-Kuala Lumpur) mereka akan menawarkan perkhidmatan terbaik dan termurah untuk menarik penumpang. Apabila situasi ini belaku kedua-dua pihak; pengusaha bas dan penumpang akan mendapat manfaat. Ertinya situasi menang-menang akan berlaku dan ini amat menguntungkan negara.
Berlainan dengan pengendalian bas ekspres yang mewujudkan persaingan sihat; perkhidmatan bas domestik di Melaka adalah berbentuk monopoli; pemiliknya adalah kerajaan negeri yang menggunakan bas Panorama untuk semua laluan di negeri ini.
Dulunya ada sejumlah syarikat seperti Town Bus, MOS, Tuah Bas Thye Lye dan Batang Bus yang menjalankan perkhidmatan di laluan domestik tetapi semuanya sudah dibeli kerajaan negeri.
Sekarang ini ramai pengguna merungut tentang pelbagai kelemahan perkhidmatan bas Panorama. Antaranya kekerapan bas terlalu lama, penumpang terpaksa menunggu berjam-jam di tepi jalan.
Seorang penumpang dari pinggir bandar mengadu, dia keluar dari rumahnya jam 9.00 pagi dan dapat menaiki bas jam 11.00 pagi untuk ke Melaka Sentral, kemudian dia ke Hospital Besar dan apabila balik sampai ke rumah jam 4.00 petang. Alangkah banyaknya masa dihabiskan untuk menaiki bas!
Beberapa hari lalu ketika 'meronda-ronda' di Melaka Sentral, saya 'tersempak' bas dua tingkat Panorama tersadai di petak bas stesen itu. Ketika 'meneliti' bas usang dengan 'tayar mereng' yang kini ditutup dengan kain kanvas itu, sedarlah saya itu adalah 'Bas London' yang menjadi 'ikon pelancongan' Melaka beberapa tahun lalu!
'Bas usang London' yang dibeli dengan harga beratus-ratus ribu ringgit itu tetapi kini tersadai (kalau manusia sudah nazak) di Melaka Sentral membayangkan 'betapa sakitnya hati' penumpang yang terpaksa menunggu bas yang bagaikan tak kunjung tiba dalam panas dan hujan di tepi jalan!
January 15, 2016
'Not just any Tijah, Bedah...'
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
DURING my visit to Turkey recently, one story that touched my heart was regarding the long and tedious preparation of a 'traditional' Turkish girl before she get married - she had to learn and mastered the art of making carpets or kilims.
During the process she readied her own 'special' (dowry) carpet which perhaps she took years to complete it. In Turkey, dowry' carpets that brides-to-be have woven for their betrothed, is a woven symbol of the bride and groom's lifelong connection.
The most valuable carpets in the Turk homes were always dowry pieces and considered to be more favorable than gold as a secured asset. This treasured possession is kept in a safe place, and used only on special family occasions.
Yes, carpet weaving is one of the most ancient crafts in Turkey, and for centuries, women have played a pivotal role in their creation.
Historically, the Turks were among the earliest carpet weavers. According to a guide book, the earliest known carpet utilizing the double knotted Gordes style dates between the 4th and 1st centuries BC. It is believed that the Seljuks introduced carpet weaving techniques into Anatolia in the 12th century.
Marco Polo notes in his travel diaries that Konya, the Seljuk capital, was the center of carpet production in the 13th century. Carpets and kilims, rugs without a knotted pile, have been used by nomadic tribes as floor coverings in their tents. They provided comfort, warmth as well as decor.
Village women have woven carpets for family use. A daughter had a greater chance of marrying if she was a skilled weaver and would offer carpets as part of her dowry to her future husband. She would take great care in the dyeing and hand-spinning of wool and in the selection of designs and motifs, some of which were related to her daily life and tribal culture.
Since the 19th century, there has been a tremendous demand for Turkish carpets and kilims. This development was responsible for the proliferation of carpet companies. Today, about 95% of women employed in this industry work for these firms. Some work in their homes while others labor in company workshops.
A few days after coming back to Malaysia from Turkey, I related this 'Turkish story and experience' to my mother who seemed so anxious and excited. The Turkish story ignited her to tell her own version of story - well it was my turn to listen to her 'granny stories' about brides-to-be.
She said during her younger days, Malays girls too 'had to prove their worth' before they could get married. For example girls were required to be skillful in making 'baju kurung' and 'baju Melayu' with various types of 'sembat' (knotting) and 'jahitan halus' (fine sewing) like 'jahitan tulang belut' for 'leher' (neck) of 'baju Melayu Johor' which has no collar.
They too had to be skillful in some other cottage craft; at times for their own household uses such as weaving mats from 'daun mengkuang' (screw pine leaves). At times these mats (new ones) were spread open for guests to sit on and when the mats had become old, they were used to be spread on the floor at night to sleep on as just like mattress.
My mother said, of course girls too had to 'pandai masak' (good at cooking) - even there was a 'teasing phrase' - 'tanak nasi pun tak pandai, sudah mahu kahwin?' (you could not even cook rice yet you want to get married?). At that time there was no such thing as a rice cooker (you just put rice and water in it and click on the switch) but rice had to be cooked in a 'periuk' (pot) on the 'dapur kayu' (wood stove). When cooking rice using 'dapur kayu' you had to be good in your timing and use 'your common sense', for example when to close the pot, put off the fire but leave the 'bara' (ember) alone.
Other than 'skills of their hands', what were other qualities required from girls or would-be brides during those good days, asked my mother. Would-be parents in law would also wanted to know the religious knowledge of the girl especially regarding her Qur'an reading...have she had 'khatam' (complete) reading the whole Qur'an.
Thus, during those days, during her 'hari berlangsung" (wedding day), her parents too would arrange for her 'majlis khatam al-Quran' as well where the girl would recite some short verses of the Qur'an in front of special guests such as the 'imam' (prayers leader) of the kampung.
Subhanallah, girls during 'the good old days' had to ready themselves with knowledge and skills before people came to their houses for 'majlis merisik' (pre-engagement ceremony) because would-be parents in law would not take any Tijah or Bedah as their daughter in law!
But what have we now...almost all these good values we treasured in the past had been trodden by the new generation. "How come you could pick up a girl you had encounter at the roadside or at the bus station as your would-be wife without checking on their background?" asked my mother; even though her words were not fired at me but it too made my face red...well I have children to be married off in the future.
"How come you could pick up a girl who was shy to spend time in the kitchen? Please make sure the girl knows how to cook perhaps a simple meal as we do not want her husband (future) had to 'makan di kedai' (eat at the stalls and restaurants) almost all the time. Nowadays many wives are good at 'pointing fingers' (buying) dishes and brought them back; they seemed no time to cook food for their families," lectured my mother.
To readers who are in stage to seeking life partners; please choose your would be wife or husband carefully; regarding the ideal Muslim wife, the Prophet s.a.w. in his 'hadith' said; "A woman may be married for four things; for her wealth, for her noble descent, for her beauty or for her religion. Choose the one who is religious, may your hands be rubbed with dust! (Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Yes, to young men out there please go for a religious wife, but this does not mean that you should ignore preferences regarding physical beauty or as in our above discussion, girls with skillful hands such as in weaving carpets (Turkish girl) and sewing fine 'baju kurung' or 'baju Melayu' as in the case of 'gadis Melayu' (Malay girl)!
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
DURING my visit to Turkey recently, one story that touched my heart was regarding the long and tedious preparation of a 'traditional' Turkish girl before she get married - she had to learn and mastered the art of making carpets or kilims.
During the process she readied her own 'special' (dowry) carpet which perhaps she took years to complete it. In Turkey, dowry' carpets that brides-to-be have woven for their betrothed, is a woven symbol of the bride and groom's lifelong connection.
The most valuable carpets in the Turk homes were always dowry pieces and considered to be more favorable than gold as a secured asset. This treasured possession is kept in a safe place, and used only on special family occasions.
Yes, carpet weaving is one of the most ancient crafts in Turkey, and for centuries, women have played a pivotal role in their creation.
Historically, the Turks were among the earliest carpet weavers. According to a guide book, the earliest known carpet utilizing the double knotted Gordes style dates between the 4th and 1st centuries BC. It is believed that the Seljuks introduced carpet weaving techniques into Anatolia in the 12th century.
Marco Polo notes in his travel diaries that Konya, the Seljuk capital, was the center of carpet production in the 13th century. Carpets and kilims, rugs without a knotted pile, have been used by nomadic tribes as floor coverings in their tents. They provided comfort, warmth as well as decor.
Village women have woven carpets for family use. A daughter had a greater chance of marrying if she was a skilled weaver and would offer carpets as part of her dowry to her future husband. She would take great care in the dyeing and hand-spinning of wool and in the selection of designs and motifs, some of which were related to her daily life and tribal culture.
Since the 19th century, there has been a tremendous demand for Turkish carpets and kilims. This development was responsible for the proliferation of carpet companies. Today, about 95% of women employed in this industry work for these firms. Some work in their homes while others labor in company workshops.
A few days after coming back to Malaysia from Turkey, I related this 'Turkish story and experience' to my mother who seemed so anxious and excited. The Turkish story ignited her to tell her own version of story - well it was my turn to listen to her 'granny stories' about brides-to-be.
She said during her younger days, Malays girls too 'had to prove their worth' before they could get married. For example girls were required to be skillful in making 'baju kurung' and 'baju Melayu' with various types of 'sembat' (knotting) and 'jahitan halus' (fine sewing) like 'jahitan tulang belut' for 'leher' (neck) of 'baju Melayu Johor' which has no collar.
They too had to be skillful in some other cottage craft; at times for their own household uses such as weaving mats from 'daun mengkuang' (screw pine leaves). At times these mats (new ones) were spread open for guests to sit on and when the mats had become old, they were used to be spread on the floor at night to sleep on as just like mattress.
My mother said, of course girls too had to 'pandai masak' (good at cooking) - even there was a 'teasing phrase' - 'tanak nasi pun tak pandai, sudah mahu kahwin?' (you could not even cook rice yet you want to get married?). At that time there was no such thing as a rice cooker (you just put rice and water in it and click on the switch) but rice had to be cooked in a 'periuk' (pot) on the 'dapur kayu' (wood stove). When cooking rice using 'dapur kayu' you had to be good in your timing and use 'your common sense', for example when to close the pot, put off the fire but leave the 'bara' (ember) alone.
Other than 'skills of their hands', what were other qualities required from girls or would-be brides during those good days, asked my mother. Would-be parents in law would also wanted to know the religious knowledge of the girl especially regarding her Qur'an reading...have she had 'khatam' (complete) reading the whole Qur'an.
Thus, during those days, during her 'hari berlangsung" (wedding day), her parents too would arrange for her 'majlis khatam al-Quran' as well where the girl would recite some short verses of the Qur'an in front of special guests such as the 'imam' (prayers leader) of the kampung.
Subhanallah, girls during 'the good old days' had to ready themselves with knowledge and skills before people came to their houses for 'majlis merisik' (pre-engagement ceremony) because would-be parents in law would not take any Tijah or Bedah as their daughter in law!
But what have we now...almost all these good values we treasured in the past had been trodden by the new generation. "How come you could pick up a girl you had encounter at the roadside or at the bus station as your would-be wife without checking on their background?" asked my mother; even though her words were not fired at me but it too made my face red...well I have children to be married off in the future.
"How come you could pick up a girl who was shy to spend time in the kitchen? Please make sure the girl knows how to cook perhaps a simple meal as we do not want her husband (future) had to 'makan di kedai' (eat at the stalls and restaurants) almost all the time. Nowadays many wives are good at 'pointing fingers' (buying) dishes and brought them back; they seemed no time to cook food for their families," lectured my mother.
To readers who are in stage to seeking life partners; please choose your would be wife or husband carefully; regarding the ideal Muslim wife, the Prophet s.a.w. in his 'hadith' said; "A woman may be married for four things; for her wealth, for her noble descent, for her beauty or for her religion. Choose the one who is religious, may your hands be rubbed with dust! (Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Yes, to young men out there please go for a religious wife, but this does not mean that you should ignore preferences regarding physical beauty or as in our above discussion, girls with skillful hands such as in weaving carpets (Turkish girl) and sewing fine 'baju kurung' or 'baju Melayu' as in the case of 'gadis Melayu' (Malay girl)!
January 13, 2016
Bebas tol: Bapa boleh buat, harap-harap anak lagi boleh!
****************************** DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ***************************** Renungan ****************************** "Kalau sekiranya perempuan ahli syurga (termasuk bidadari) datang kepada penduduk bumi, nescaya akan disinarinya dunia antara langit dan bumi dan terpenuhinya dengan bau harum semerbak. Sesungguhnya tutup kepalanya lebih baik daripada dunia dan isinya." (HR. Bukhari)
HUJUNG minggu lalu saya menghadiri satu majlis perkahwinan di Kelana Jaya. Saya dapati selain Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan, jalan raya di Kuala Lumpur dan kawasan sekitarnya banyak dipasang pondok tol. Sekejap-sekejap bayar tol. "Berapa banyak mahu bayar tol dah..." bisik hati saya.
Apabila kerap membayar tol teringat saya coretan seorang pembaca kolum ini. Beliau mengulas artikel saya yang lalu. Antara lain beliau menulis: "Membaca makalah LanH (Harakah 18-20 Disember 2015, 5-8 Rabiulawal 1437) dalam kolum ini bertajuk 'Turki boleh, Malaysia lagi boleh' membuatkan saya senyum simpul."
Dalam tulisan saya 'Turki boleh, Malaysia lagi boleh' saya catatkan bahawa di Turki lebuh rayanya hampir semua bebas tol. Jika pemerintah Turki boleh mengadakan lebuh raya bebas tol, Malaysia lagi boleh...bukankah Malaysia sebuah negara kaya raya, bahkan akan jadi negara maju pada 2020!
Dalam coretannya, pembaca veteran itu menulis: "Sebelum Merdeka (1957), untuk menyeberang Sungai Batu Pahat dan Muar, kita kena naik feri. Setelah merdeka, kerajaan buat jambatan, kita kena tol 50 sen.
"Setelah hutang buat jambatan daripada Bank Dunia selesai, tol dimansuhkan. Demikianlah sangat elok sikap dan tindakan pemimpin dulu. Jika pemimpin dulu (bapa PM sekarang) boleh mansuhkan tol, pemimpin sekarang (si anak) lebih-lebih lagilah boleh. Kita harap si anak ikutlah jejak mulia si bapa.
"Namun tol sekarang bukan dimansuh atau diturunkan. Makin lama makin naik. Bertuah kalau dihapuskan. Sepanjang lebuh raya dipasang 'lukah' di tempat genting.
"KL lagi teruk. Bukan pasang 'lukah' tetapi 'bubu' atau 'belat'. Dari Bukit Jalil saya ke rumah anak untuk tengok cucu, entah berapa banyak tol. Kalau satu tol RM1.90, 10 tol sudah berapa? Itu pergi saja...takkan tak balik. Kasihan orang KL, hidup mereka macam mana?
"Turki boleh demi denyut nadi rakyat. Malaysia macam tak boleh sebab tol sumber rezeki 'si Algojo' agaknya."
Mengenai kehidupannya sekarang, pembaca veteran itu menulis: "Saya tinggal di rumah berdua dengan isteri, maklumlah anak-anak semua sudah berkahwin dan membina kehidupan mereka sendiri.
"Sebelum ini, bayaran bil air saya belasan ringgit saja tiap-tiap bulan. Pada Oktober 2015, meter air rumah saya ditukar. Pada November 2015 saya kena bayar bil RM117.89, pada Disember 2015 bilnya RM87.98. Adakah dosa saya?
"Cukai tanah naik daripada RM45 kepada RM90 - sekali ganda. Cukai pintu setengah tahun naik daripada RM68.40 kepada RM157 - lebih sekali ganda. Duduk rumah sendiri pun macam tinggal di rumah sewa - kena keluar banyak duit!"
Demikianlah wahai pembaca, kehidupan sekarang ini sangat mencabar. Beberapa hari sebelum sesi sekolah bermula pada 4 Januari, saya ke Kuala Lumpur dan sempat berjalan-jalan menyusuri kaki lima Jalan Raja Laut dan Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Saya dapati suasananya lengang, orang tidak berduyun-duyun membeli belah seperti tahun-tahun sebelum ini.
Di kedai yang ada kain pemidang ditulis perkataan besar 'Back To School' (Kembali Ke Sekolah), hampir tiada pengunjung. Di sebuah kedai saya lihat hanya satu keluarga saja sedang memilih-milih baju sekolah. Suasana lengang juga dilihat di pasar raya - beg-beg sekolah yang bergantungan tidak 'dihiraukan' orang ramai.
Sekarang ini saya dapat melihat pertambahan jumlah pemungut barangan terpakai seperti kotak, besi buruk dan bekas tin aluminium minuman. Malah ada yang beroperasi dengan menggunakan 'tricycle' (basikal yang diubah suai). Ada yang sanggup 'membongkar' tong sampah untuk mencari bahan terpakai. Mungkinkah ini 'kerja ke-2' mereka seperti disyorkan seorang timbalan menteri?
Ramai rakyat sudah terdesak, tetapi syukurlah mereka 'masih boleh bertahan'. Bersabar dan bersabarlah, di samping bersolat, berdoa, berusaha keraslah termasuk menggantikan pemimpin zalim, insya-Allah selepas kesusahan, akan datang kesenangan!
HUJUNG minggu lalu saya menghadiri satu majlis perkahwinan di Kelana Jaya. Saya dapati selain Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan, jalan raya di Kuala Lumpur dan kawasan sekitarnya banyak dipasang pondok tol. Sekejap-sekejap bayar tol. "Berapa banyak mahu bayar tol dah..." bisik hati saya.
Apabila kerap membayar tol teringat saya coretan seorang pembaca kolum ini. Beliau mengulas artikel saya yang lalu. Antara lain beliau menulis: "Membaca makalah LanH (Harakah 18-20 Disember 2015, 5-8 Rabiulawal 1437) dalam kolum ini bertajuk 'Turki boleh, Malaysia lagi boleh' membuatkan saya senyum simpul."
Dalam tulisan saya 'Turki boleh, Malaysia lagi boleh' saya catatkan bahawa di Turki lebuh rayanya hampir semua bebas tol. Jika pemerintah Turki boleh mengadakan lebuh raya bebas tol, Malaysia lagi boleh...bukankah Malaysia sebuah negara kaya raya, bahkan akan jadi negara maju pada 2020!
Dalam coretannya, pembaca veteran itu menulis: "Sebelum Merdeka (1957), untuk menyeberang Sungai Batu Pahat dan Muar, kita kena naik feri. Setelah merdeka, kerajaan buat jambatan, kita kena tol 50 sen.
"Setelah hutang buat jambatan daripada Bank Dunia selesai, tol dimansuhkan. Demikianlah sangat elok sikap dan tindakan pemimpin dulu. Jika pemimpin dulu (bapa PM sekarang) boleh mansuhkan tol, pemimpin sekarang (si anak) lebih-lebih lagilah boleh. Kita harap si anak ikutlah jejak mulia si bapa.
"Namun tol sekarang bukan dimansuh atau diturunkan. Makin lama makin naik. Bertuah kalau dihapuskan. Sepanjang lebuh raya dipasang 'lukah' di tempat genting.
"KL lagi teruk. Bukan pasang 'lukah' tetapi 'bubu' atau 'belat'. Dari Bukit Jalil saya ke rumah anak untuk tengok cucu, entah berapa banyak tol. Kalau satu tol RM1.90, 10 tol sudah berapa? Itu pergi saja...takkan tak balik. Kasihan orang KL, hidup mereka macam mana?
"Turki boleh demi denyut nadi rakyat. Malaysia macam tak boleh sebab tol sumber rezeki 'si Algojo' agaknya."
Mengenai kehidupannya sekarang, pembaca veteran itu menulis: "Saya tinggal di rumah berdua dengan isteri, maklumlah anak-anak semua sudah berkahwin dan membina kehidupan mereka sendiri.
"Sebelum ini, bayaran bil air saya belasan ringgit saja tiap-tiap bulan. Pada Oktober 2015, meter air rumah saya ditukar. Pada November 2015 saya kena bayar bil RM117.89, pada Disember 2015 bilnya RM87.98. Adakah dosa saya?
"Cukai tanah naik daripada RM45 kepada RM90 - sekali ganda. Cukai pintu setengah tahun naik daripada RM68.40 kepada RM157 - lebih sekali ganda. Duduk rumah sendiri pun macam tinggal di rumah sewa - kena keluar banyak duit!"
Demikianlah wahai pembaca, kehidupan sekarang ini sangat mencabar. Beberapa hari sebelum sesi sekolah bermula pada 4 Januari, saya ke Kuala Lumpur dan sempat berjalan-jalan menyusuri kaki lima Jalan Raja Laut dan Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Saya dapati suasananya lengang, orang tidak berduyun-duyun membeli belah seperti tahun-tahun sebelum ini.
Di kedai yang ada kain pemidang ditulis perkataan besar 'Back To School' (Kembali Ke Sekolah), hampir tiada pengunjung. Di sebuah kedai saya lihat hanya satu keluarga saja sedang memilih-milih baju sekolah. Suasana lengang juga dilihat di pasar raya - beg-beg sekolah yang bergantungan tidak 'dihiraukan' orang ramai.
Sekarang ini saya dapat melihat pertambahan jumlah pemungut barangan terpakai seperti kotak, besi buruk dan bekas tin aluminium minuman. Malah ada yang beroperasi dengan menggunakan 'tricycle' (basikal yang diubah suai). Ada yang sanggup 'membongkar' tong sampah untuk mencari bahan terpakai. Mungkinkah ini 'kerja ke-2' mereka seperti disyorkan seorang timbalan menteri?
Ramai rakyat sudah terdesak, tetapi syukurlah mereka 'masih boleh bertahan'. Bersabar dan bersabarlah, di samping bersolat, berdoa, berusaha keraslah termasuk menggantikan pemimpin zalim, insya-Allah selepas kesusahan, akan datang kesenangan!
January 11, 2016
Pengantin kongsi majlis tangani kos tingg
********************* Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. *********************** Renungan **************************** "Patutkah aku menyembah beberapa tuhan yang lain daripada Allah? (Sudah tentu tidak patut, kerana) jika Allah Yang Maha Pemurah hendak menimpakan daku dengan sesuatu bahaya, mereka tidak dapat memberikan sebarang syafaat kepadaku dan mereka juga tidak dapat menyelamatkan daku." (Surah Yaasin, ayat 23) **************************
TAHUN baharu 2016 saya menerima sejumlah kad undangan majlis perkahwinan. Pada tiga hujung minggu (Ahad) bulan Januari di kalendar saya sudah bertanda - ada majlis di Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur dan Banting.
Apa yang menarik perhatian saya; dua daripada tiga majlis perkahwinan ini membabitkan perkongsian majlis. Yang pertama membabitkan perkongsian majlis keluarga pengantin perempuan dan pengantin lelaki manakala yang kedua sebuah keluarga mengahwinkan dua anak mereka serentak.
Tentu ada sebab keluarga pengantin berkongsi majlis atau mengahwinkan beberapa anak serentak. Saya mencari jawapannya dengan bertanya bapa pengantin lelaki yang mengadakan majlis secara berkongsi itu. Beliau kawan baik saya, dia tidak berkecil hati malah bersedia berkongsi rasa dan hati pada saya.
Katanya, kos majlis perkahwinan sekarang tersangat tinggi - sebuah keluarga memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya RM25,000 untuk mengahwinkan seorang anak mereka. Bagi pengantin lelaki hantaran 'sederhana' sudah RM12,000 bakinya adalah untuk makanan jamuan majlis; persoalannya bagaimana perbelanjaan lain seperti sewaan dewan, pengangkutan, pakaian pengantin dan majlis-majlis pra-perkahwinan seperti merisik dan bertunang?
Aduhai, nampaknya ramai pengantin lelaki hanya mampu menyediakan wang hantaran; yang lain diserahkan kepada kaum keluarga. Ada keluarga tak mampu pula, jadi mereka serahkan kepada keluarga pengantin perempuan untuk membuat majlis (keluarga pengantin lelaki tiada majlis, mungkin mereka membuat kenduri kecil dengan bacaan doa selamat saja) dan ada yang berpakat untuk berkongsi majlis.
Demikianlah anak muda pada zaman 'harga barang dan segala keperluan naik' sekarang ini terlalu tertekan apabila mereka mahu kahwin. Katakan seorang graduan sarjana muda mula bekerja pada usia 23 tahun, gajinya mungkin RM1,800 sebulan, jika dia menyimpan RM200 sebulan untuk kahwin, dia hanya boleh 'melunaskan' wang hantaran (RM12,000) selepas lima tahun iaitu ketika umurnya 28 tahun. Persoalannya mana 'mau dicekau' wang lain seperti bayan jamuan makanan dan pakaian pengantin?
Kos makanan bagi majlis sekarang ini pun tinggi - RM10 sekepala mungkin sesuatu yang sederhana. Jika jemputan 1,000 orang, pesanan makanan diperlukan mungkin 1,500 (dengan andaian jemputan membawa pasangan dan anak mereka) kos diperlukan adalah RM15,000! Persoalannya, bagi graduan yang baru bekerja, siapa mahu membiayai kos ini?
Graduan yang baru bekerja, banyak urusan kewangan yang perlu mereka bereskan. Bayaran makan minum, sewa rumah, pengangkutan dan membantu mak bapak ada soal biasa, tetapi wang mereka juga perlu untuk membereskan pelbagai pinjaman yang dibuat ketika menuntut dulu.
Ada yang membuat dua pinjaman (kerajaan negeri) dan PTPTN, sewajarnya mereka 'tidak lupa' membuat bayaran bulanan (janganlah 'segan' bayar kerana akibatnya baki wang gaji anda nanti tinggal RM19 saja). Selepas ditolak ini, wang baki mereka 'tinggal ciput' saja, jadi macam mana mereka mahu kahwin?
Kos kehidupan yang tinggi sekarang ini menyebabkan ramai anak muda yang mahu kahwin 'merana' hidup mereka. Biasanya kebanyakan anak muda, pada usia 25-30 tahun, mereka sudah 'gatal' untuk kahwin. Tetapi ada 'segolongan manusia' gila glamour (orang kaya, berpangkat tinggi dan duit berguni 'tak apalah), meminta wang hantaran tinggi seperti RM20,000, RM33,333, RM44,444 atau mahu membuat majlis perkahwinan ala 'Raja-Donan' yang berlangsung 7 hari 7 malam. Cuba bayangkan bagaimana anak muda kita hendak 'cekau' duit sebegitu banyak bagi membolehkan mereka kahwin?
Bukankah ini akan menimbulkan masalah besar dalam masyarakat. Bukankah akan berlaku fitnah paling hebat dalam masyarakat? Anak-anak muda yang kemaruk untuk kahwin tetapi tidak dapat kahwin akan menerbitkan rangkaian masalah yang bukan saja menjejaskan masyarakat tetapi juga negara, bangsa dan agama.
Ya, berkahwinlah (bernikah) wahai anak muda, itu sunnah Nabi; jika perlu berkongsi majlis atau berkahwin beramai-ramai teruskanlah; semoga dengan hidup bekeluarga Allah SWT akan menambah kebarakahan kita semua pada zaman yang serba sukar dan mencabar sekarang ini.
TAHUN baharu 2016 saya menerima sejumlah kad undangan majlis perkahwinan. Pada tiga hujung minggu (Ahad) bulan Januari di kalendar saya sudah bertanda - ada majlis di Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur dan Banting.
Apa yang menarik perhatian saya; dua daripada tiga majlis perkahwinan ini membabitkan perkongsian majlis. Yang pertama membabitkan perkongsian majlis keluarga pengantin perempuan dan pengantin lelaki manakala yang kedua sebuah keluarga mengahwinkan dua anak mereka serentak.
Tentu ada sebab keluarga pengantin berkongsi majlis atau mengahwinkan beberapa anak serentak. Saya mencari jawapannya dengan bertanya bapa pengantin lelaki yang mengadakan majlis secara berkongsi itu. Beliau kawan baik saya, dia tidak berkecil hati malah bersedia berkongsi rasa dan hati pada saya.
Katanya, kos majlis perkahwinan sekarang tersangat tinggi - sebuah keluarga memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya RM25,000 untuk mengahwinkan seorang anak mereka. Bagi pengantin lelaki hantaran 'sederhana' sudah RM12,000 bakinya adalah untuk makanan jamuan majlis; persoalannya bagaimana perbelanjaan lain seperti sewaan dewan, pengangkutan, pakaian pengantin dan majlis-majlis pra-perkahwinan seperti merisik dan bertunang?
Aduhai, nampaknya ramai pengantin lelaki hanya mampu menyediakan wang hantaran; yang lain diserahkan kepada kaum keluarga. Ada keluarga tak mampu pula, jadi mereka serahkan kepada keluarga pengantin perempuan untuk membuat majlis (keluarga pengantin lelaki tiada majlis, mungkin mereka membuat kenduri kecil dengan bacaan doa selamat saja) dan ada yang berpakat untuk berkongsi majlis.
Demikianlah anak muda pada zaman 'harga barang dan segala keperluan naik' sekarang ini terlalu tertekan apabila mereka mahu kahwin. Katakan seorang graduan sarjana muda mula bekerja pada usia 23 tahun, gajinya mungkin RM1,800 sebulan, jika dia menyimpan RM200 sebulan untuk kahwin, dia hanya boleh 'melunaskan' wang hantaran (RM12,000) selepas lima tahun iaitu ketika umurnya 28 tahun. Persoalannya mana 'mau dicekau' wang lain seperti bayan jamuan makanan dan pakaian pengantin?
Kos makanan bagi majlis sekarang ini pun tinggi - RM10 sekepala mungkin sesuatu yang sederhana. Jika jemputan 1,000 orang, pesanan makanan diperlukan mungkin 1,500 (dengan andaian jemputan membawa pasangan dan anak mereka) kos diperlukan adalah RM15,000! Persoalannya, bagi graduan yang baru bekerja, siapa mahu membiayai kos ini?
Graduan yang baru bekerja, banyak urusan kewangan yang perlu mereka bereskan. Bayaran makan minum, sewa rumah, pengangkutan dan membantu mak bapak ada soal biasa, tetapi wang mereka juga perlu untuk membereskan pelbagai pinjaman yang dibuat ketika menuntut dulu.
Ada yang membuat dua pinjaman (kerajaan negeri) dan PTPTN, sewajarnya mereka 'tidak lupa' membuat bayaran bulanan (janganlah 'segan' bayar kerana akibatnya baki wang gaji anda nanti tinggal RM19 saja). Selepas ditolak ini, wang baki mereka 'tinggal ciput' saja, jadi macam mana mereka mahu kahwin?
Kos kehidupan yang tinggi sekarang ini menyebabkan ramai anak muda yang mahu kahwin 'merana' hidup mereka. Biasanya kebanyakan anak muda, pada usia 25-30 tahun, mereka sudah 'gatal' untuk kahwin. Tetapi ada 'segolongan manusia' gila glamour (orang kaya, berpangkat tinggi dan duit berguni 'tak apalah), meminta wang hantaran tinggi seperti RM20,000, RM33,333, RM44,444 atau mahu membuat majlis perkahwinan ala 'Raja-Donan' yang berlangsung 7 hari 7 malam. Cuba bayangkan bagaimana anak muda kita hendak 'cekau' duit sebegitu banyak bagi membolehkan mereka kahwin?
Bukankah ini akan menimbulkan masalah besar dalam masyarakat. Bukankah akan berlaku fitnah paling hebat dalam masyarakat? Anak-anak muda yang kemaruk untuk kahwin tetapi tidak dapat kahwin akan menerbitkan rangkaian masalah yang bukan saja menjejaskan masyarakat tetapi juga negara, bangsa dan agama.
Ya, berkahwinlah (bernikah) wahai anak muda, itu sunnah Nabi; jika perlu berkongsi majlis atau berkahwin beramai-ramai teruskanlah; semoga dengan hidup bekeluarga Allah SWT akan menambah kebarakahan kita semua pada zaman yang serba sukar dan mencabar sekarang ini.
January 8, 2016
Conquering 'more' Constantinople..
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
CONSTANTINOPLE, the much sought capital city of East Roman Empire (Byzantium) was finally conquered in 1453 by the 'Uthmaniyah' (Ottoman) Turks led by their devout king, Sultan Muhammad II or Fatih Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror.
To conquer Constantinople which was said to be founded by King Byzas and made a capital city by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 340 AD, it 'needed' hundred years of 'sabur' (patience) and sacrifice from the Muslims and on their sides they had great leaders like Abu Ayub Al-Ansari and Sultan Muhammad II.
Abu Ayub was a 'sahabah' (companion) of the Prophet s.a.w. (571-632 AD) who took part in one of the great mission of the Arab-Muslims to invade the city during the earlier era of the Muslims civilization.
The campaign failed and not long after that Abu Ayub died; before he passed away he told his companions he longed to be buried in the city. Only nearly a thousand years later, the 'dreams' of Abu Ayub was fulfilled - Constantinople finally felt into the hands of the Muslims and he was reburied in the city.
A few days ago while in 'Constantinople' I visited the mausoleum and 'masjid' of Abu Ayub Al-Ansari which in its public burial ground, the body of a young Malaysian student, Ahmad Ammar Azam, 20, was laid to rest there after he died in a road accident. The student was given a touching farewell by hundreds of local Turks.
Reflecting the lives of Abu Ayub Al-Ansari, Sultan Muhammad II and even Ammar, I felt so small in my live as a Muslim. Subhanallah what have I done for the benefits of the Muslims; perhaps for own self too I failed miserably what to talk about the trust put upon me as a husband, father or even a son.
I too did an excursion along 'Constantinople' famous straits, the Bosphorus not only to appreciate the unique city skyline and coast, but also the history of this city of 20 millions inhabitants.
About 500 years ago Constantinople was conquered and renamed Stimbol, Estanbul, Istambol and then the name 'Istanbul' is attested. Istanbul was the seat of the Ottoman Empire until 1923.
On the Bosphorus cruise, the well-preserved Walls of Constantinople come into view as does the the architecture of landmarks such as Masjid Ortakoy, a signature sight with the Bosphorus Bridge in the the background. And it's one way to be right in the bustle of the waters of the Golden Horn Inlet, the imposing Masjid Sulaiman rising in the distance.
Discussing the subject on 'Constantinople' during this era of 'fitna' (hardship) put upon to Muslims by certain quarters especially by Western 'big shots' - the latest one was Donald Trump who call to ban Muslims from entering the United States - I thought it was great to share the 'lovely things' done by the Conqueror of Constantinople, Sultan Muhammad II.
In the book 'All Istanbul - City of Civilizations' authored by Erdem Yucel, he noted: "Mehmet (Muhammad) II, the Conqueror is well known for his religious tolerance and the Orthodox Church was taken under the protection of the Ottomans.
"Restoration and reconstruction works stated in Istanbul after the conquest of the city were intensified at the surrounding of the Sultanahmet Square. Arrangements of the residential areas and structures were given priority. City walls were restored, mosques, 'kulliyes' (complex of buildings), inns, 'hammams' were constructed next to the places and the churches.
"The population of Istanbul, which was around 40,000 - 50,000 before the conquest was decreased during the siege. So in order to increase the population, people from Anatolia and Rumelia were brought to the city.
"Turks were settled in Eyup and Uskudar, Greeks were settled in between Balat abd Cibali and in Galata. Jews were settled between Haskoy and Balat and the Amenians were settled in Kumkapi and Samatya."
Sultan Muhammad II had done 'great things' to non-Muslims especially to the Orthodox Christians and Jews. Today the Jews are one of the successful people in Istanbul especially in the field of business...well, what have the Western world talk about 'the good Sultan'?
I had read books that dictated the life of Sultan Muhammad II. He was a very devout person - it was said he never missed his five times compulsory prayers (jemaah or in congregation) and the after mid-night 'tahajjud' (recommended) prayers.
Perhaps Muhammad Al-Fatih suited the person mentioned in a 'hadith' - “Constantinople would fall into the hands of Islam. Leaders who conquer it, is the best of leaders and the troops under his command is the best of troops.” (Narrated by Ahmad bin Hanbal)
Who was this conqueror? Muhammad Al Fatih (1431 – 1481 AD), the son of Sultan Murad II was the sultan who ruled the Ottoman Empire since the year 1451 AD.
As a boy he had very good teachers such as Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ismail al-Kurani and Sheikh Aag Syamsudin. From them, Muhammad Al Fatih studied religion, language, skills, physical geography, astronomy, and history.
Muhammad Al Fatih grew into someone who was an expert at war and was smart at riding, an expert in the field of science and mathematics, and master of six languages since the age of 21. Muhammad Al-Fatih was a intelligent young man who had the willpower to reach his goal, especially for conquering Constantinople as the words of the Prophet Muhammad which he knew since he was 12 years old.
A writer noted that the success of Muhammad Al Fatih in conquering Constantinople was not coincidence. Muhammad Al Fatih was strengthening Ottoman military power by choosing and selecting troops ever since they were small. A special team was ordered to spread throughout Turkey and the surrounding area to search for the children of the most intelligent, the most diligent of worship, and the most powerful physique.
Then the parents are given the offer that their children can be guided in the early age. Once agreed, the chosen children were given coaching of religion, science, and military, as their daily needs borne by the state. So, it made sense why no single soldier had ever left prayers since 'baligh' (come to age), even half of them had never left the tahajjud prayer since 'baligh'.
Muhammad Al Fatih himself was mentioned never leaving tahajud and rawatib prayers since baligh until his death. Narrated in the first prayer that will be held after the conquest, Muhammad Al Fatih said: “Those who feel never 'masbuq' (late comers) in prayer please be our prayer leader.” After a long wait, there was no one going forward. Then steadily Muhammad Al Fatih led his men.
Maybe that’s the secret of success of Muhammad Al Fatih in realizing its goals and ideals of Islam, not physical strength, but the closeness to Allah SWT. The secret that he distributed to troops by keeping the obligatory prayers, tahajjud prayers and 'rawatib' prayers. At the age of 22, Muhammad Al Fatih conquered the city which the Prophet promised eight centuries earlier. Once captured, the city of Constantinople was replaced with the name Islambul (city of Islam).
Comrades even opponents admired the leadership of Muhammad Al Fatih and his strategies of wars. He played a major role in the expansion of Islamic territory, setting the lands, making improvements in the economic, educational, and very concerned about the welfare of its people. In his leadership, the center of government Islambul was being very beautiful, advanced, and economically successful.
Muhammad Al Fatih, the person who had tremendous energy and became a noble. So what about us? What achievements that we are already obtained in our growing age, asked the writer.
As for me (this writer), if Muhammad Al-Fatih was given a full 100 marks for all his efforts, perhaps I could not even get 1...so to Muslims all over the world, to conquer ''more Constantinople' we all needed to produce perhaps a thousand or a million 'Muhammad Al-Fatih'...'insya-Allah' (God willing)...in this way we would be able to bring back the glory of Islam and of course to shut the big and foul mouth of the likes of Donald Trump would be like 'kacang putih' (means nothing to us)! -
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
CONSTANTINOPLE, the much sought capital city of East Roman Empire (Byzantium) was finally conquered in 1453 by the 'Uthmaniyah' (Ottoman) Turks led by their devout king, Sultan Muhammad II or Fatih Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror.
To conquer Constantinople which was said to be founded by King Byzas and made a capital city by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 340 AD, it 'needed' hundred years of 'sabur' (patience) and sacrifice from the Muslims and on their sides they had great leaders like Abu Ayub Al-Ansari and Sultan Muhammad II.
Abu Ayub was a 'sahabah' (companion) of the Prophet s.a.w. (571-632 AD) who took part in one of the great mission of the Arab-Muslims to invade the city during the earlier era of the Muslims civilization.
The campaign failed and not long after that Abu Ayub died; before he passed away he told his companions he longed to be buried in the city. Only nearly a thousand years later, the 'dreams' of Abu Ayub was fulfilled - Constantinople finally felt into the hands of the Muslims and he was reburied in the city.
A few days ago while in 'Constantinople' I visited the mausoleum and 'masjid' of Abu Ayub Al-Ansari which in its public burial ground, the body of a young Malaysian student, Ahmad Ammar Azam, 20, was laid to rest there after he died in a road accident. The student was given a touching farewell by hundreds of local Turks.
Reflecting the lives of Abu Ayub Al-Ansari, Sultan Muhammad II and even Ammar, I felt so small in my live as a Muslim. Subhanallah what have I done for the benefits of the Muslims; perhaps for own self too I failed miserably what to talk about the trust put upon me as a husband, father or even a son.
I too did an excursion along 'Constantinople' famous straits, the Bosphorus not only to appreciate the unique city skyline and coast, but also the history of this city of 20 millions inhabitants.
About 500 years ago Constantinople was conquered and renamed Stimbol, Estanbul, Istambol and then the name 'Istanbul' is attested. Istanbul was the seat of the Ottoman Empire until 1923.
On the Bosphorus cruise, the well-preserved Walls of Constantinople come into view as does the the architecture of landmarks such as Masjid Ortakoy, a signature sight with the Bosphorus Bridge in the the background. And it's one way to be right in the bustle of the waters of the Golden Horn Inlet, the imposing Masjid Sulaiman rising in the distance.
Discussing the subject on 'Constantinople' during this era of 'fitna' (hardship) put upon to Muslims by certain quarters especially by Western 'big shots' - the latest one was Donald Trump who call to ban Muslims from entering the United States - I thought it was great to share the 'lovely things' done by the Conqueror of Constantinople, Sultan Muhammad II.
In the book 'All Istanbul - City of Civilizations' authored by Erdem Yucel, he noted: "Mehmet (Muhammad) II, the Conqueror is well known for his religious tolerance and the Orthodox Church was taken under the protection of the Ottomans.
"Restoration and reconstruction works stated in Istanbul after the conquest of the city were intensified at the surrounding of the Sultanahmet Square. Arrangements of the residential areas and structures were given priority. City walls were restored, mosques, 'kulliyes' (complex of buildings), inns, 'hammams' were constructed next to the places and the churches.
"The population of Istanbul, which was around 40,000 - 50,000 before the conquest was decreased during the siege. So in order to increase the population, people from Anatolia and Rumelia were brought to the city.
"Turks were settled in Eyup and Uskudar, Greeks were settled in between Balat abd Cibali and in Galata. Jews were settled between Haskoy and Balat and the Amenians were settled in Kumkapi and Samatya."
Sultan Muhammad II had done 'great things' to non-Muslims especially to the Orthodox Christians and Jews. Today the Jews are one of the successful people in Istanbul especially in the field of business...well, what have the Western world talk about 'the good Sultan'?
I had read books that dictated the life of Sultan Muhammad II. He was a very devout person - it was said he never missed his five times compulsory prayers (jemaah or in congregation) and the after mid-night 'tahajjud' (recommended) prayers.
Perhaps Muhammad Al-Fatih suited the person mentioned in a 'hadith' - “Constantinople would fall into the hands of Islam. Leaders who conquer it, is the best of leaders and the troops under his command is the best of troops.” (Narrated by Ahmad bin Hanbal)
Who was this conqueror? Muhammad Al Fatih (1431 – 1481 AD), the son of Sultan Murad II was the sultan who ruled the Ottoman Empire since the year 1451 AD.
As a boy he had very good teachers such as Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ismail al-Kurani and Sheikh Aag Syamsudin. From them, Muhammad Al Fatih studied religion, language, skills, physical geography, astronomy, and history.
Muhammad Al Fatih grew into someone who was an expert at war and was smart at riding, an expert in the field of science and mathematics, and master of six languages since the age of 21. Muhammad Al-Fatih was a intelligent young man who had the willpower to reach his goal, especially for conquering Constantinople as the words of the Prophet Muhammad which he knew since he was 12 years old.
A writer noted that the success of Muhammad Al Fatih in conquering Constantinople was not coincidence. Muhammad Al Fatih was strengthening Ottoman military power by choosing and selecting troops ever since they were small. A special team was ordered to spread throughout Turkey and the surrounding area to search for the children of the most intelligent, the most diligent of worship, and the most powerful physique.
Then the parents are given the offer that their children can be guided in the early age. Once agreed, the chosen children were given coaching of religion, science, and military, as their daily needs borne by the state. So, it made sense why no single soldier had ever left prayers since 'baligh' (come to age), even half of them had never left the tahajjud prayer since 'baligh'.
Muhammad Al Fatih himself was mentioned never leaving tahajud and rawatib prayers since baligh until his death. Narrated in the first prayer that will be held after the conquest, Muhammad Al Fatih said: “Those who feel never 'masbuq' (late comers) in prayer please be our prayer leader.” After a long wait, there was no one going forward. Then steadily Muhammad Al Fatih led his men.
Maybe that’s the secret of success of Muhammad Al Fatih in realizing its goals and ideals of Islam, not physical strength, but the closeness to Allah SWT. The secret that he distributed to troops by keeping the obligatory prayers, tahajjud prayers and 'rawatib' prayers. At the age of 22, Muhammad Al Fatih conquered the city which the Prophet promised eight centuries earlier. Once captured, the city of Constantinople was replaced with the name Islambul (city of Islam).
Comrades even opponents admired the leadership of Muhammad Al Fatih and his strategies of wars. He played a major role in the expansion of Islamic territory, setting the lands, making improvements in the economic, educational, and very concerned about the welfare of its people. In his leadership, the center of government Islambul was being very beautiful, advanced, and economically successful.
Muhammad Al Fatih, the person who had tremendous energy and became a noble. So what about us? What achievements that we are already obtained in our growing age, asked the writer.
As for me (this writer), if Muhammad Al-Fatih was given a full 100 marks for all his efforts, perhaps I could not even get 1...so to Muslims all over the world, to conquer ''more Constantinople' we all needed to produce perhaps a thousand or a million 'Muhammad Al-Fatih'...'insya-Allah' (God willing)...in this way we would be able to bring back the glory of Islam and of course to shut the big and foul mouth of the likes of Donald Trump would be like 'kacang putih' (means nothing to us)! -
January 5, 2016
Perihal Malaysia dan solidariti wartawan Turki...
********************* Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. *********************** Renungan **************************** "Patutkah aku menyembah beberapa tuhan yang lain daripada Allah? (Sudah tentu tidak patut, kerana) jika Allah Yang Maha Pemurah hendak menimpakan daku dengan sesuatu bahaya, mereka tidak dapat memberikan sebarang syafaat kepadaku dan mereka juga tidak dapat menyelamatkan daku." (Surah Yaasin, ayat 23) **************************
TERSENYUM saya sendirian tatkala membaca tulisan notis di 'kamar kecil' sebuah hotel di Hierapolis (Pamukkale), Turki ketika saya berkunjung ke sana baru-baru ini - Let's get out of the water of life, that would mean for us; contribute to the protection of nature will find best together; reduce pollution caused by the consumption of cleaning agents and water; if you want to be washed into the tub with towels and bathroom leave; put this card on top of you want to change linen; thank you for your vigilance.
Demikianlah di Turki, selain di Istanbul dan ibu kota Ankara, 'percubaan' saya untuk berbual-bual dengan orang kebanyakan Turki tidak berhasil, mereka tidak tahu berbahasa Inggeris sedangkan sudah pastinya saya tidak boleh berbahasa Turki.
Akibatnya saya gagal 'menyelami sedikit sebanyak kehidupan rakyat' yang bagi saya adalah penting bagi seseorang wartawan dalam tugasnya membuat sesuatu pelaporan. Dalam banyak kes, perbualan adalah 'macam ayam itik saja layaknya' - saya senyum, mereka senyum dan cuba berbual tetapi apa diperkatakan saya tak faham.
Akhbar dalam bahasa Inggeris pun tidak ada di bandar-bandar 'pedalaman' Turki; namun ketika di Istanbul sempat saya membeli akhbar Today's Zaman terbitan Rabu, 9 Disember 2015. Terdapat dua paparan berkaitan Malaysia - satu mengenai PM Najib Razak dan satu lagi reaksi Timbalan Menteri Luar, Nur Jazlan Mohamed mengenai seruan terbuka pesaing calon Presiden Amerika Syarikat daripada Republikan, Donald Trump yang mahukan orang Islam disekat daripada memasuki Amerika.
Mengenai Najib disiarkan intro berita besar beserta gambar PM itu dengan tajuk Malaysia's Najib says 'conscience clear' yang ditulis: "Malaysian PM Najib Razak said he had done nothing wrong in receiving hundreds of millions of dollars into his personal bank accounts, as a senior party rival called on him to step aside over a festering funding scandal. Najib has so far weathered calls for him to quit over allegations of graft at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and his receipt of 2.6 bln ringgit ($610.8 mln). 'Dateline' laporan adalah Kuala Lumpur manakala agensi pelapor Reuters.
Nur Jazlan pula dilaporkan sebagai menarik perhatian betapa paradoksnya kenyataan Trump dengan berhujah bahawa syor beliau itu tidak sejajar dengan imej Amerika sebagai sebagai sebuah negara bertoleransi dan demokratik.
Beliau mengingatkan sikap sebegitu akan menyediakan peluang keemasan kepada pengganas Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) dengan tindakan pengasingan orang Islam yang sudah berada di Amerika.
Mengenai 'kisah wartawan' pula, wartawan-wartawan Turki ketika ini bersolidariti dengan nasib dua wartawan kanan iaitu ketua pengarang akhbar harian Cumhuriyet, Can Dundar and wakil akhbar itu di Ankara, Erdem Gul yang disumbat di Penjara Silivri sejak 26 November.
Mereka dituduh 'melakukan pengintipan', 'mendedahkan dokumen rahsia' dan 'menjadi anggota sebuah pertubuhan pengganas' melalui penerbitan sebuah laporan mengenai pemindahan haram senjata dari Syria ke Turki.
Pemimpin parti pembangkang utama, Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu mendakwa media Turki kini dalam tekanan sama seperti yang berlaku dalam regim authoritarian (kuku besi). "Mustahil untuk bercakap mengenai kebebasan media dalam demokrasi separuh seperti di negara ini. Media kini dalam kepungan sama seperti yang terdapat di kalangan negara diktator," dakwanya.
Semakin ramai wartawan bersolidariti terhadap nasib Dundar dan Gul; mereka rela 'duduk bantah' dalam cuaca sejuk di depan penjara, menuntut pembebasan rakan seperjuangan. Mereka mendakwa padangan kritikal Dundar dan Gul adalah tidak berlawanan dengan undang-undang negara.
Amerika Syarikat menunjukkan sokongan kepada wartawan Turki dengan dutanya ke negara itu, John Bass baru-baru ini melakukan lawatan ke bilik berita akhbar Cumhuriyet.
Bass berkata Amerika memandang berat kes wartawan ditahan itu dan pihaknya sudah menyampaikan kebimbangan terhadap nasib wartawan kepada pihak berkuasa Turki.
Wartawan dan cendekiawan Turki juga lantang dalam mengkritik tindakan keras tentera Turki yang menembak jatuh sebuah jet pejuang Russia yang kini mengakibatkan pelbagai masalah dalam negara seperti menjunamnya pelaburan asing iaitu yang terburuk dalam masa dua setengah tahun yang dialami oleh Borsa Istanbul.
Ketegangan Turki-Russia semakin memuncak dengan Turki sendiri memberi amaran akan mengenakan sekatan ke atas Moscow namum PM Ahmet Davutoglu berkata Ankara bersedia berunding dengan Moscow bagi menyelesaikan krisis itu.
TERSENYUM saya sendirian tatkala membaca tulisan notis di 'kamar kecil' sebuah hotel di Hierapolis (Pamukkale), Turki ketika saya berkunjung ke sana baru-baru ini - Let's get out of the water of life, that would mean for us; contribute to the protection of nature will find best together; reduce pollution caused by the consumption of cleaning agents and water; if you want to be washed into the tub with towels and bathroom leave; put this card on top of you want to change linen; thank you for your vigilance.
Demikianlah di Turki, selain di Istanbul dan ibu kota Ankara, 'percubaan' saya untuk berbual-bual dengan orang kebanyakan Turki tidak berhasil, mereka tidak tahu berbahasa Inggeris sedangkan sudah pastinya saya tidak boleh berbahasa Turki.
Akibatnya saya gagal 'menyelami sedikit sebanyak kehidupan rakyat' yang bagi saya adalah penting bagi seseorang wartawan dalam tugasnya membuat sesuatu pelaporan. Dalam banyak kes, perbualan adalah 'macam ayam itik saja layaknya' - saya senyum, mereka senyum dan cuba berbual tetapi apa diperkatakan saya tak faham.
Akhbar dalam bahasa Inggeris pun tidak ada di bandar-bandar 'pedalaman' Turki; namun ketika di Istanbul sempat saya membeli akhbar Today's Zaman terbitan Rabu, 9 Disember 2015. Terdapat dua paparan berkaitan Malaysia - satu mengenai PM Najib Razak dan satu lagi reaksi Timbalan Menteri Luar, Nur Jazlan Mohamed mengenai seruan terbuka pesaing calon Presiden Amerika Syarikat daripada Republikan, Donald Trump yang mahukan orang Islam disekat daripada memasuki Amerika.
Mengenai Najib disiarkan intro berita besar beserta gambar PM itu dengan tajuk Malaysia's Najib says 'conscience clear' yang ditulis: "Malaysian PM Najib Razak said he had done nothing wrong in receiving hundreds of millions of dollars into his personal bank accounts, as a senior party rival called on him to step aside over a festering funding scandal. Najib has so far weathered calls for him to quit over allegations of graft at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and his receipt of 2.6 bln ringgit ($610.8 mln). 'Dateline' laporan adalah Kuala Lumpur manakala agensi pelapor Reuters.
Nur Jazlan pula dilaporkan sebagai menarik perhatian betapa paradoksnya kenyataan Trump dengan berhujah bahawa syor beliau itu tidak sejajar dengan imej Amerika sebagai sebagai sebuah negara bertoleransi dan demokratik.
Beliau mengingatkan sikap sebegitu akan menyediakan peluang keemasan kepada pengganas Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) dengan tindakan pengasingan orang Islam yang sudah berada di Amerika.
Mengenai 'kisah wartawan' pula, wartawan-wartawan Turki ketika ini bersolidariti dengan nasib dua wartawan kanan iaitu ketua pengarang akhbar harian Cumhuriyet, Can Dundar and wakil akhbar itu di Ankara, Erdem Gul yang disumbat di Penjara Silivri sejak 26 November.
Mereka dituduh 'melakukan pengintipan', 'mendedahkan dokumen rahsia' dan 'menjadi anggota sebuah pertubuhan pengganas' melalui penerbitan sebuah laporan mengenai pemindahan haram senjata dari Syria ke Turki.
Pemimpin parti pembangkang utama, Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu mendakwa media Turki kini dalam tekanan sama seperti yang berlaku dalam regim authoritarian (kuku besi). "Mustahil untuk bercakap mengenai kebebasan media dalam demokrasi separuh seperti di negara ini. Media kini dalam kepungan sama seperti yang terdapat di kalangan negara diktator," dakwanya.
Semakin ramai wartawan bersolidariti terhadap nasib Dundar dan Gul; mereka rela 'duduk bantah' dalam cuaca sejuk di depan penjara, menuntut pembebasan rakan seperjuangan. Mereka mendakwa padangan kritikal Dundar dan Gul adalah tidak berlawanan dengan undang-undang negara.
Amerika Syarikat menunjukkan sokongan kepada wartawan Turki dengan dutanya ke negara itu, John Bass baru-baru ini melakukan lawatan ke bilik berita akhbar Cumhuriyet.
Bass berkata Amerika memandang berat kes wartawan ditahan itu dan pihaknya sudah menyampaikan kebimbangan terhadap nasib wartawan kepada pihak berkuasa Turki.
Wartawan dan cendekiawan Turki juga lantang dalam mengkritik tindakan keras tentera Turki yang menembak jatuh sebuah jet pejuang Russia yang kini mengakibatkan pelbagai masalah dalam negara seperti menjunamnya pelaburan asing iaitu yang terburuk dalam masa dua setengah tahun yang dialami oleh Borsa Istanbul.
Ketegangan Turki-Russia semakin memuncak dengan Turki sendiri memberi amaran akan mengenakan sekatan ke atas Moscow namum PM Ahmet Davutoglu berkata Ankara bersedia berunding dengan Moscow bagi menyelesaikan krisis itu.
January 3, 2016
'Transferring' people's money into our pockets, accounts...
***
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
MANY, many years ago a motivator cum business manager told me: "There's a lot of money around us - they are inside people's pockets, in their wallets, in the banks, in the drawers of shopkeepers and even under the beds of some people - the 'problem' is how are we going to 'transfer' them into our own pockets, wallets or bank accounts!
He said there are two ways to do it - one is the 'haram' (forbidden) way and the second is the 'halal' (permissible) way. Simple examples of the 'haram' ways are like robbing or cheating people of their money and examples of 'halal' ways are like coxing them into buying our 'trustworthy products' or rendering them our services or work for them.
By doing 'those work', - money from their pockets would eventually 'be moved' into our pockets! But it is up to you; to do it the 'halal' or 'haram' ways! Generally the harder you work or win their hearts, more money would be transferred from their pockets into your pockets.
I felt interested and started thinking how 'nice' it would be if I have 'the power' to 'withdraw' money from other people's pocket and made them mine. The motivator then coaxed me into joining his multi-level business, selling a product.
It was a direct selling job; one has to be a member of the said company. I became a member of that company after paying RM10 for registration. Then after a simple briefing and paying another RM50 for the company’s products that were multipurpose detergent in plastic containers, I was on my journey ‘to become a rich and famous businessman one day’.
Yes, I was naive in the thinking that it was easy to make people pull out their money from their pockets to buy my 'wares'. For six consecutive days I sold nothing during my rounds and on day 7; I went to the business manager's office, returned the wares and got my money back.
From that day, I realized that business was not my line of work. I was no good in coaxing people in giving up their money. That experience gave a great impact on me; the pain of failure in business scared me and I realized that it was not that easy to made people searched for money inside their pockets and 'surrendered' them to me!
After that, I tried to do a few more business ventures such as selling books and opening a tuition centre but they all failed, I was convinced that my hands did not suit businesses; perhaps they are good at other fields such as writing. I admitted I did not had 'the skill' or bold enough to pull people's money by doing business.
If I fail badly in making people 'surrendering' their money to me, I was amazed at certain people who could coaxed me into giving my money to them.
For example years ago, a team of young women came to my mother's house and after examining some kitchen wares, told my mother that her cooking utensils such as frying pans and pots were too old and needed to be change. They unveiled some new and shinning cooking utensils which they claimed all were priced at RM1,000 but they would gladly sell them at half the price, RM500.
My mother agreed, but as she did not have enough money, she turned to me who was busily attending to other chores at that time. Without checking the items, I 'surrendered' RM500 to the ladies. Later on that evening only I realized that I had been conned...the items they sold to my mother could not be more than RM200!
After working for about 25 years in the media industry, I opted to retire at the age of 50. I started gardening in a small plot of land owned by my wife. I planted 'easy to grow' plants such as 'serai' (lemon grass), 'ubi kayu' (tapioca) and 'tebu' (sugarcane).
About five years ago, I had planted some 'rambutan' trees - only two 'survived' on the 'hard and barren land'. A few years back, they started 'producing' fruits by the 'abundance'. 'Syukur' alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah), He had given me the opportunity 'to make money' with the 'new ventures' but sadly, I was no good in doing business - I failed in marketing 'my products'. Yes, once again I must admitted that I was no good in making people 'surrendering' their money to me.
When the rambutans were ripe and 'abundance' in the trees, I placed I notice board on a side of the tree which read: "These rambutans are for 'sadaqah', please pluck them yourself."
I read a 'hadith' with the meaning: "If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him." - Imam Bukhari
In Sahih Muslim, it was reported: "Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Never does a Muslim a plants a tree, but that he earns the reward of charity because what is eaten from it; and likewise what is stolen from it, what the wild beasts eat out of it, what the birds eat out of it, and what people take from it is charity for him.”
Well, only now at 'old age' I realized that 'money is not everything'; perhaps during my younger years, I was greedy for money and wealth but it seemed that Allah did not wish 'fast and huge' amount of money 'to fell into my hands'.
About greediness, I was not alone because men are men, they are greedy for material wealth; in a hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik, the Prophet s.a.w. said: "If Adam's son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to him." (Bukhary)
For some of us having a lot of money would spoiled us for one of the most wisest person in the world, Sayidina Ali bin Abi Talib said: "Learned men live after death; ignorant men are dead although alive." He also said that you need to guard your property and wealth but if you have knowledge it would protect you.
Subhanallah, why think a lot about money and properties, why not have a thought on what's the purpose we are sent into this world? In 'ayah' 56 Surah of Surah l-dhāriyāt (The Wind that Scatter) Allah SWT says: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."
Our journey in this world is to please Allah SWT before 'we met' Him in the Hereafter; therefore should we burdened ourselves with having a lot of money (at old age our needs such as food is so little) especially which is not ours. What's the point of having billions and billions of ringgit transferred into our accounts if it involved 'haram' transaction!
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
MANY, many years ago a motivator cum business manager told me: "There's a lot of money around us - they are inside people's pockets, in their wallets, in the banks, in the drawers of shopkeepers and even under the beds of some people - the 'problem' is how are we going to 'transfer' them into our own pockets, wallets or bank accounts!
He said there are two ways to do it - one is the 'haram' (forbidden) way and the second is the 'halal' (permissible) way. Simple examples of the 'haram' ways are like robbing or cheating people of their money and examples of 'halal' ways are like coxing them into buying our 'trustworthy products' or rendering them our services or work for them.
By doing 'those work', - money from their pockets would eventually 'be moved' into our pockets! But it is up to you; to do it the 'halal' or 'haram' ways! Generally the harder you work or win their hearts, more money would be transferred from their pockets into your pockets.
I felt interested and started thinking how 'nice' it would be if I have 'the power' to 'withdraw' money from other people's pocket and made them mine. The motivator then coaxed me into joining his multi-level business, selling a product.
It was a direct selling job; one has to be a member of the said company. I became a member of that company after paying RM10 for registration. Then after a simple briefing and paying another RM50 for the company’s products that were multipurpose detergent in plastic containers, I was on my journey ‘to become a rich and famous businessman one day’.
Yes, I was naive in the thinking that it was easy to make people pull out their money from their pockets to buy my 'wares'. For six consecutive days I sold nothing during my rounds and on day 7; I went to the business manager's office, returned the wares and got my money back.
From that day, I realized that business was not my line of work. I was no good in coaxing people in giving up their money. That experience gave a great impact on me; the pain of failure in business scared me and I realized that it was not that easy to made people searched for money inside their pockets and 'surrendered' them to me!
After that, I tried to do a few more business ventures such as selling books and opening a tuition centre but they all failed, I was convinced that my hands did not suit businesses; perhaps they are good at other fields such as writing. I admitted I did not had 'the skill' or bold enough to pull people's money by doing business.
If I fail badly in making people 'surrendering' their money to me, I was amazed at certain people who could coaxed me into giving my money to them.
For example years ago, a team of young women came to my mother's house and after examining some kitchen wares, told my mother that her cooking utensils such as frying pans and pots were too old and needed to be change. They unveiled some new and shinning cooking utensils which they claimed all were priced at RM1,000 but they would gladly sell them at half the price, RM500.
My mother agreed, but as she did not have enough money, she turned to me who was busily attending to other chores at that time. Without checking the items, I 'surrendered' RM500 to the ladies. Later on that evening only I realized that I had been conned...the items they sold to my mother could not be more than RM200!
After working for about 25 years in the media industry, I opted to retire at the age of 50. I started gardening in a small plot of land owned by my wife. I planted 'easy to grow' plants such as 'serai' (lemon grass), 'ubi kayu' (tapioca) and 'tebu' (sugarcane).
About five years ago, I had planted some 'rambutan' trees - only two 'survived' on the 'hard and barren land'. A few years back, they started 'producing' fruits by the 'abundance'. 'Syukur' alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah), He had given me the opportunity 'to make money' with the 'new ventures' but sadly, I was no good in doing business - I failed in marketing 'my products'. Yes, once again I must admitted that I was no good in making people 'surrendering' their money to me.
When the rambutans were ripe and 'abundance' in the trees, I placed I notice board on a side of the tree which read: "These rambutans are for 'sadaqah', please pluck them yourself."
I read a 'hadith' with the meaning: "If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him." - Imam Bukhari
In Sahih Muslim, it was reported: "Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Never does a Muslim a plants a tree, but that he earns the reward of charity because what is eaten from it; and likewise what is stolen from it, what the wild beasts eat out of it, what the birds eat out of it, and what people take from it is charity for him.”
Well, only now at 'old age' I realized that 'money is not everything'; perhaps during my younger years, I was greedy for money and wealth but it seemed that Allah did not wish 'fast and huge' amount of money 'to fell into my hands'.
About greediness, I was not alone because men are men, they are greedy for material wealth; in a hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik, the Prophet s.a.w. said: "If Adam's son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to him." (Bukhary)
For some of us having a lot of money would spoiled us for one of the most wisest person in the world, Sayidina Ali bin Abi Talib said: "Learned men live after death; ignorant men are dead although alive." He also said that you need to guard your property and wealth but if you have knowledge it would protect you.
Subhanallah, why think a lot about money and properties, why not have a thought on what's the purpose we are sent into this world? In 'ayah' 56 Surah of Surah l-dhāriyāt (The Wind that Scatter) Allah SWT says: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."
Our journey in this world is to please Allah SWT before 'we met' Him in the Hereafter; therefore should we burdened ourselves with having a lot of money (at old age our needs such as food is so little) especially which is not ours. What's the point of having billions and billions of ringgit transferred into our accounts if it involved 'haram' transaction!
January 1, 2016
Aziz Desa dan misteri 'pemuafakatan pergi tidur'...
********************* Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. *********************** Renungan **************************** "Patutkah aku menyembah beberapa tuhan yang lain daripada Allah? (Sudah tentu tidak patut, kerana) jika Allah Yang Maha Pemurah hendak menimpakan daku dengan sesuatu bahaya, mereka tidak dapat memberikan sebarang syafaat kepadaku dan mereka juga tidak dapat menyelamatkan daku." (Surah Yaasin, ayat 23) **************************
RAKAN saya, Saudara Aziz Desa, 50, meninggal dunia pagi Ahad (27 Disember) lalu. Marilah kita bersama-sama berdoa agar rohnya di tempatkan di kalangan insan pilihan Allah SWT. Semoga Allah SWT mereda dan menerima amalan baik dan mengampuni dosa-dosanya, amin. Al-Fatihah.
Kali terakhir saya bertemu Aziz yang sakit Ogos lalu. Saya sedih dan terharu melihat kawan saya cengkung, kurus dan tidak bermaya di atas kerusi roda di rumahnya di sebuah taman perumahan berhampiran Masjid Hana di Kuah, Langkawi. Itu ketentuan Illahi, kita sebagai makhluk-Nya perlu reda dan banyak bersabar, demikan antara kata-kata semangat saya luahkan kepada Aziz. Kini Saudara Aziz sudah pergi, kita pun akan mengikuti jejaknya...
Allahyarham Aziz Desa, saya dan sejumlah lagi wartawan pelatih (saya terlupa jumlah sebenar, mungkin 10 orang) mula bekerja serentak di sebuah akhbar harian nasional pada penghujung tahun 1986. Sebelum tahun itu berakhir, kumpulan kami dihantar mengikuti kursus bina semangat (team building) di Mimaland, Gombak. Hari ini resort yang masyhur pada 1970-an dan 1980-an (termasuk lokasi membikin filem) ini hanya tinggal kenangan; ia sudah mati!
Pada suatu malam ketika kursus, kami dikehendaki membincang dan membahaskan sesama kami satu topik dan cabarannya adalah kami (semua peserta) perlu menyetujuinya (mencapai kata sepakat) yang kemudian akan diserahkan kepada fasilitator untuk dinilai.
'Bermodalkan' semangat pekerja baru (belum dapat gaji pertama pun) dan kami muda-muda belaka, kami pun mula berbincang dan berbahas secara baik tetapi lama kelamaan bukan persetujuan pendapat yang kami capai tetapi perbalahan yang semakin lama semakin besar jurangnya. Malam kian larut tetapi perbahasan makin panas. Ia berlanjutan melepasi jam 12.00 tengah malam.
Peserta 'gian berbahas' terus bercakap dengan hebatnya, tetapi sesetengahnya seperti saya sudah naik bosan. Saya berkali-kali mengguap. Aku nak tidur, aku nak ZZZZZZ, bisik hati saya. Apalah kau orang ni, nak berbahas tunggulah esok. Bila agaknya aku dapat tidur sedangkan pada siang hari tadi pelbagai aktiviti memenatkan dijalankan sedangkan esok harinya jam 6.00 pagi perlu bangun untuk solat subuh dan membuat tugasan lain pula.
Jam sudah pukul 2.00 pagi; saya naik meradang, apabila ada kesempatan, saya bangun seterusnya berkata (perkataan sebenar saya tak ingat): "Bukankah fasilitator mahu kita mencapai kata sepakat sesama kita. Sekarang sudah pukul berada dah? Kalau macam ini, tak capai kata sepakatlah. Tak tidurlah malam ni. Apa kata kita semua bersepakat bahawa kita mahu menamatkan perbahasan ini dan PERGI TIDUR. Ya kita semuanya bersepakat untuk pergi tidur!"
Semua peserta terpinga-pinga.Mereka sudah berbahas berjam-jam lamanya tetapi tiada kata sepakat; sekarang terbuka peluang untuk berbuat demikian. Namun hal ini pun tidak disepakati, berlaku lagi pergaduhan - ada yang mahu pergi tidur dan ada pula berkata orang yang mahu pergi tidur itu tidak mengenang budi - syarikat sudah buat banyak membuat kebajikan termasuk menyediakan kami penginapan dan makan minum tetapi kita pula ambil mudah apabila mahu pergi tidur!
Macam mana ni, berlaku perbalahan hangat lagi..akhirnya jam 3.00 pagi kami membuat undian. Keputusannya kami sepakat untuk menamatkan perbincangan dan pergi tidur. Bagi diri Allahyarham Aziz Desa, saya tidak ingat dia sokong kumpulan mana. Kami sampaikan keputusan kesepakatan (pergi tidur) kepada fasilitator; mereka tak kata apa-apa namun mereka membiarkan saja kami pergi tidur.
Sehingga hari ini, saya tidak tahu sama 'kesepakatan' kami itu betul atau tidak. Ia masih menjadi misteri. Namun menurut perkiraan (pandangan) saya langkah kami itu betul, kerana fasilitator sengaja membiarkan kami berdebat berjam-jam lamanya. Ya mereka sedang menguji kami kerana maklumlah manusia memang susah mencapai kata sepakat, asyik nak bergaduh saja...dalam al-Quran ada dinyatakan jika berlaku perselisihan, kembalilah kepada Allah dan Rasul-Nya (al-Quran dan hadis) sebagai kata pemutus!
Sekali lagi, pembaca sekian marilah kita sedekahkanlah bacaan al-Fatihah buat Allahyarham Aziz Desa.
RAKAN saya, Saudara Aziz Desa, 50, meninggal dunia pagi Ahad (27 Disember) lalu. Marilah kita bersama-sama berdoa agar rohnya di tempatkan di kalangan insan pilihan Allah SWT. Semoga Allah SWT mereda dan menerima amalan baik dan mengampuni dosa-dosanya, amin. Al-Fatihah.
Kali terakhir saya bertemu Aziz yang sakit Ogos lalu. Saya sedih dan terharu melihat kawan saya cengkung, kurus dan tidak bermaya di atas kerusi roda di rumahnya di sebuah taman perumahan berhampiran Masjid Hana di Kuah, Langkawi. Itu ketentuan Illahi, kita sebagai makhluk-Nya perlu reda dan banyak bersabar, demikan antara kata-kata semangat saya luahkan kepada Aziz. Kini Saudara Aziz sudah pergi, kita pun akan mengikuti jejaknya...
Allahyarham Aziz Desa, saya dan sejumlah lagi wartawan pelatih (saya terlupa jumlah sebenar, mungkin 10 orang) mula bekerja serentak di sebuah akhbar harian nasional pada penghujung tahun 1986. Sebelum tahun itu berakhir, kumpulan kami dihantar mengikuti kursus bina semangat (team building) di Mimaland, Gombak. Hari ini resort yang masyhur pada 1970-an dan 1980-an (termasuk lokasi membikin filem) ini hanya tinggal kenangan; ia sudah mati!
Pada suatu malam ketika kursus, kami dikehendaki membincang dan membahaskan sesama kami satu topik dan cabarannya adalah kami (semua peserta) perlu menyetujuinya (mencapai kata sepakat) yang kemudian akan diserahkan kepada fasilitator untuk dinilai.
'Bermodalkan' semangat pekerja baru (belum dapat gaji pertama pun) dan kami muda-muda belaka, kami pun mula berbincang dan berbahas secara baik tetapi lama kelamaan bukan persetujuan pendapat yang kami capai tetapi perbalahan yang semakin lama semakin besar jurangnya. Malam kian larut tetapi perbahasan makin panas. Ia berlanjutan melepasi jam 12.00 tengah malam.
Peserta 'gian berbahas' terus bercakap dengan hebatnya, tetapi sesetengahnya seperti saya sudah naik bosan. Saya berkali-kali mengguap. Aku nak tidur, aku nak ZZZZZZ, bisik hati saya. Apalah kau orang ni, nak berbahas tunggulah esok. Bila agaknya aku dapat tidur sedangkan pada siang hari tadi pelbagai aktiviti memenatkan dijalankan sedangkan esok harinya jam 6.00 pagi perlu bangun untuk solat subuh dan membuat tugasan lain pula.
Jam sudah pukul 2.00 pagi; saya naik meradang, apabila ada kesempatan, saya bangun seterusnya berkata (perkataan sebenar saya tak ingat): "Bukankah fasilitator mahu kita mencapai kata sepakat sesama kita. Sekarang sudah pukul berada dah? Kalau macam ini, tak capai kata sepakatlah. Tak tidurlah malam ni. Apa kata kita semua bersepakat bahawa kita mahu menamatkan perbahasan ini dan PERGI TIDUR. Ya kita semuanya bersepakat untuk pergi tidur!"
Semua peserta terpinga-pinga.Mereka sudah berbahas berjam-jam lamanya tetapi tiada kata sepakat; sekarang terbuka peluang untuk berbuat demikian. Namun hal ini pun tidak disepakati, berlaku lagi pergaduhan - ada yang mahu pergi tidur dan ada pula berkata orang yang mahu pergi tidur itu tidak mengenang budi - syarikat sudah buat banyak membuat kebajikan termasuk menyediakan kami penginapan dan makan minum tetapi kita pula ambil mudah apabila mahu pergi tidur!
Macam mana ni, berlaku perbalahan hangat lagi..akhirnya jam 3.00 pagi kami membuat undian. Keputusannya kami sepakat untuk menamatkan perbincangan dan pergi tidur. Bagi diri Allahyarham Aziz Desa, saya tidak ingat dia sokong kumpulan mana. Kami sampaikan keputusan kesepakatan (pergi tidur) kepada fasilitator; mereka tak kata apa-apa namun mereka membiarkan saja kami pergi tidur.
Sehingga hari ini, saya tidak tahu sama 'kesepakatan' kami itu betul atau tidak. Ia masih menjadi misteri. Namun menurut perkiraan (pandangan) saya langkah kami itu betul, kerana fasilitator sengaja membiarkan kami berdebat berjam-jam lamanya. Ya mereka sedang menguji kami kerana maklumlah manusia memang susah mencapai kata sepakat, asyik nak bergaduh saja...dalam al-Quran ada dinyatakan jika berlaku perselisihan, kembalilah kepada Allah dan Rasul-Nya (al-Quran dan hadis) sebagai kata pemutus!
Sekali lagi, pembaca sekian marilah kita sedekahkanlah bacaan al-Fatihah buat Allahyarham Aziz Desa.
December 30, 2015
The empty nest syndrome...
***
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
IN a family's life, 'insya-Allah' (God Willing) our grown-up children would finally left home; one after another. Some went to boarding schools normally at the age of 13, then to colleges at 18, to universities at 20, lived in a rented room once they started working, and after getting married they settled down in their own homes; some migrated to another states or even foreign countries.
Finally only mum and dad were left at home - our abode even if it was as large and magnificent as a palace - would be in the state of silence and some veteran couples would felt the loneliness and emptiness of life. If a partner, say the husband died, his widow feelings would be more melancholy.
Among the Malays, I had witnessed several widows and widowers spending much time looking out of the windows of their homes especially a few days before 'Hari Raya'; perhaps they were thinking about their own children or grandchildren - would they be back for the 'big day'? During a 'tazkirah' (Islamic lesson) which I attended not long time ago, the 'ustaz' (religious teacher) involved tickled his audience, saying: "perhaps the old folks that had that longing feeling are here among us..." He kept on teasing his audience by singing a verse from a P Ramlee's song..."di Hari Raya terkenang daku akan si dia" (during Hari Raya I remembered my love, my special one...)
But the 'ustaz' was quick to end 'this sad story' by saying: "Dear 'bapak-bapak' ('daddy) and 'ibu-ibu' (mummy), please don't waste our precious time entertaining to that melancholic feeling; it is okay to to mediate but the correct way is to do 'tafakkur' (doing reflection) especially when one is at old age. This is because 'tafakkur' is an act of 'ibadah' (act of good deeds to Allah SWT) which would be rewarded richly by Him.
'Tafakkur' is in line with the purpose of man’s life that is to ‘service to Allah’ and nothing else. This life is a preparation of what Allah has in store for us. The life of the Hereafter is eternal, and it is that which the believer should strive for. He said every Muslim should make use of his/her time to the maximum...thus why not do the 'tafakkur' than to be involved in day-dreaming.
The 'ustaz' reminded his audience saying that the 'materials' to 'tafakkur' are already available; we are only required to pick it up and do our reflection. "For example, we have the Qur'an. Read a sentence or sentences from the Qur'an, search for the meaning and then do the 'tafakkur'.
"For example in Surah LV (Rahman, The Beneficent), Allah had many, many times asked us; "Which is it, of the favours of your Lord, that ye deny?" Next, do the thinking...it was a guided one; thus it is unnecessary for us to think about improper things or things of our fancies."
The 'ustaz' said we too could 'tafakkur' over our sins, creation, ourselves and to take lessons from the things Allah SWT has created. When the good people are praised in the Qur'an, it is declared that "they always remember Allah while they are standing, sitting, lying on their sides, and they meditate over the creation of the heavens and earth. They say, “O our Lord! You did not create them in vain. You are far from it [from creating useless, meaningless things. Protect us from the torment of Hell." (Surah Ali ‘Imrân, 191)
The 'ustaz' said there are many hadiths that mentioned about the importance of 'tafakkur'. Among others, "A momentary meditation on Allahu Taala's Grandeur, Paradise, and Hell is better than spending a night in worship" and "meditating for a while is more valuable than one year’s (supererogatory) worship."
Regarding 'tafakkur', Imam Shafie said it sharpens one' intelligence while Wahb bin Munabbih said it makes a person knowledgeable and a knowledgeable person, in turn, does good deeds. Bishr-i-Hafi noted that a human being who contemplates Allahu Taala's grandeur cannot be disobedient to Him.
Scholars said 'tafakkur' can be done in four ways that are pondering about the beautiful arts and benefits which manifest on Allahu Taala's creatures causes one to believe in Him and love Him; pondering about the rewards promised by Him for the worships causes one to perform those worships; pondering about the punishments informed by Him causes one to fear Him and thereby inhibits one from committing sins and wronging others; and pondering about one’s having enslaved oneself to one’s nafs and committing sins and living in a state of heedlessness regardless of all the blessings bestowed by Him causes one to have shame towards Allah Taala.
The 'ustaz' said Islam as a complete way of life provides us with guidance in everything we do (so that we would be in His straight path) including what we should think or reflect about (tafakkur).
If Islam suggests many good things to do including 'tafakkur' to beat our emptiness and loneliness feelings especially among 'veteran couples' when their children had 'gone for their own new lives', Western scholars too had suggestions to what they termed as empty nest syndrome...
Wikipedia noted that empty nest syndrome is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents or guardians may feel when their children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university but it is not a clinical condition.
Since young adults' moving out from their families house is generally a normal and healthy event, the symptoms of empty nest syndrome often go unrecognized. This can result in depression and a loss of purpose for parents, since the departure of their children from 'the nest' leads to adjustments in parents' lives. Empty nest syndrome is especially common in full-time mothers.
Mayo Clinic explained that empty nest syndrome is a phenomenon in which parents experience feelings of sadness and loss when the last child leaves home. Although you might actively encourage your children to become independent, the experience of letting go can be painful. You might find it difficult to suddenly have no children at home who need your care. You might miss being a part of your children's daily lives — as well as the constant companionship.
You might also worry intensely about your children's safety and whether they'll be able to take care of themselves on their own. You might struggle with the transition if your last child leaves the nest a little earlier or later than you expected. If you have only one child or strongly identify with your role as parent, you might have a particularly difficult time adjusting to an empty nest.
In the past, research suggested that parents dealing with empty nest syndrome experienced a profound sense of loss that might make them vulnerable to depression, alcoholism, identity crisis and marital conflicts.
However, recent studies suggest that an empty nest might reduce work and family conflicts, and can provide parents with many other benefits. When the last child leaves home, parents have a new opportunity to reconnect with each other, improve the quality of their marriage and rekindle interests for which they previously might not have had time. And for the 'veteran Muslims couple' why not spend our 'little time left' to the 'masjid' including to seek knowledge!
Talking about our needs and wishes that keep on changing over the years (for example as a boy we wish to grow up fast so that we could have some worldly needs such as cars, houses and so on but as we grew older those worldly treasures were not our priority but it was love among family members and then it shifted to our health situation and when we laid on our death bed the most important thing that crossed our mind is to ask Allah SWT not to take our lives at that moment), another 'ustaz' warned that when we in our graves and the Hereafter, we would begged to Allah SWT so that we would be sent back to earth even for a moment to even say 'La ilaha illallah' but it would be a fruitless effort!
So to everyone of us including those who are experiencing the empty nest syndrome (feeling sad and emptiness) please do not 'kowtow' to our 'nafs' but do our best to please Allah SWT (please do (summit to) everything He commands us and refrain from what He prohibits us) because once we were 'pushed inside our graves' (die), we would not have 'any more chance at all' to go back to earth - only to two places we would go; either to His al-Jannah' (heaven) or His 'an-Naar' (hell)!
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
***
IN a family's life, 'insya-Allah' (God Willing) our grown-up children would finally left home; one after another. Some went to boarding schools normally at the age of 13, then to colleges at 18, to universities at 20, lived in a rented room once they started working, and after getting married they settled down in their own homes; some migrated to another states or even foreign countries.
Finally only mum and dad were left at home - our abode even if it was as large and magnificent as a palace - would be in the state of silence and some veteran couples would felt the loneliness and emptiness of life. If a partner, say the husband died, his widow feelings would be more melancholy.
Among the Malays, I had witnessed several widows and widowers spending much time looking out of the windows of their homes especially a few days before 'Hari Raya'; perhaps they were thinking about their own children or grandchildren - would they be back for the 'big day'? During a 'tazkirah' (Islamic lesson) which I attended not long time ago, the 'ustaz' (religious teacher) involved tickled his audience, saying: "perhaps the old folks that had that longing feeling are here among us..." He kept on teasing his audience by singing a verse from a P Ramlee's song..."di Hari Raya terkenang daku akan si dia" (during Hari Raya I remembered my love, my special one...)
But the 'ustaz' was quick to end 'this sad story' by saying: "Dear 'bapak-bapak' ('daddy) and 'ibu-ibu' (mummy), please don't waste our precious time entertaining to that melancholic feeling; it is okay to to mediate but the correct way is to do 'tafakkur' (doing reflection) especially when one is at old age. This is because 'tafakkur' is an act of 'ibadah' (act of good deeds to Allah SWT) which would be rewarded richly by Him.
'Tafakkur' is in line with the purpose of man’s life that is to ‘service to Allah’ and nothing else. This life is a preparation of what Allah has in store for us. The life of the Hereafter is eternal, and it is that which the believer should strive for. He said every Muslim should make use of his/her time to the maximum...thus why not do the 'tafakkur' than to be involved in day-dreaming.
The 'ustaz' reminded his audience saying that the 'materials' to 'tafakkur' are already available; we are only required to pick it up and do our reflection. "For example, we have the Qur'an. Read a sentence or sentences from the Qur'an, search for the meaning and then do the 'tafakkur'.
"For example in Surah LV (Rahman, The Beneficent), Allah had many, many times asked us; "Which is it, of the favours of your Lord, that ye deny?" Next, do the thinking...it was a guided one; thus it is unnecessary for us to think about improper things or things of our fancies."
The 'ustaz' said we too could 'tafakkur' over our sins, creation, ourselves and to take lessons from the things Allah SWT has created. When the good people are praised in the Qur'an, it is declared that "they always remember Allah while they are standing, sitting, lying on their sides, and they meditate over the creation of the heavens and earth. They say, “O our Lord! You did not create them in vain. You are far from it [from creating useless, meaningless things. Protect us from the torment of Hell." (Surah Ali ‘Imrân, 191)
The 'ustaz' said there are many hadiths that mentioned about the importance of 'tafakkur'. Among others, "A momentary meditation on Allahu Taala's Grandeur, Paradise, and Hell is better than spending a night in worship" and "meditating for a while is more valuable than one year’s (supererogatory) worship."
Regarding 'tafakkur', Imam Shafie said it sharpens one' intelligence while Wahb bin Munabbih said it makes a person knowledgeable and a knowledgeable person, in turn, does good deeds. Bishr-i-Hafi noted that a human being who contemplates Allahu Taala's grandeur cannot be disobedient to Him.
Scholars said 'tafakkur' can be done in four ways that are pondering about the beautiful arts and benefits which manifest on Allahu Taala's creatures causes one to believe in Him and love Him; pondering about the rewards promised by Him for the worships causes one to perform those worships; pondering about the punishments informed by Him causes one to fear Him and thereby inhibits one from committing sins and wronging others; and pondering about one’s having enslaved oneself to one’s nafs and committing sins and living in a state of heedlessness regardless of all the blessings bestowed by Him causes one to have shame towards Allah Taala.
The 'ustaz' said Islam as a complete way of life provides us with guidance in everything we do (so that we would be in His straight path) including what we should think or reflect about (tafakkur).
If Islam suggests many good things to do including 'tafakkur' to beat our emptiness and loneliness feelings especially among 'veteran couples' when their children had 'gone for their own new lives', Western scholars too had suggestions to what they termed as empty nest syndrome...
Wikipedia noted that empty nest syndrome is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents or guardians may feel when their children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university but it is not a clinical condition.
Since young adults' moving out from their families house is generally a normal and healthy event, the symptoms of empty nest syndrome often go unrecognized. This can result in depression and a loss of purpose for parents, since the departure of their children from 'the nest' leads to adjustments in parents' lives. Empty nest syndrome is especially common in full-time mothers.
Mayo Clinic explained that empty nest syndrome is a phenomenon in which parents experience feelings of sadness and loss when the last child leaves home. Although you might actively encourage your children to become independent, the experience of letting go can be painful. You might find it difficult to suddenly have no children at home who need your care. You might miss being a part of your children's daily lives — as well as the constant companionship.
You might also worry intensely about your children's safety and whether they'll be able to take care of themselves on their own. You might struggle with the transition if your last child leaves the nest a little earlier or later than you expected. If you have only one child or strongly identify with your role as parent, you might have a particularly difficult time adjusting to an empty nest.
In the past, research suggested that parents dealing with empty nest syndrome experienced a profound sense of loss that might make them vulnerable to depression, alcoholism, identity crisis and marital conflicts.
However, recent studies suggest that an empty nest might reduce work and family conflicts, and can provide parents with many other benefits. When the last child leaves home, parents have a new opportunity to reconnect with each other, improve the quality of their marriage and rekindle interests for which they previously might not have had time. And for the 'veteran Muslims couple' why not spend our 'little time left' to the 'masjid' including to seek knowledge!
Talking about our needs and wishes that keep on changing over the years (for example as a boy we wish to grow up fast so that we could have some worldly needs such as cars, houses and so on but as we grew older those worldly treasures were not our priority but it was love among family members and then it shifted to our health situation and when we laid on our death bed the most important thing that crossed our mind is to ask Allah SWT not to take our lives at that moment), another 'ustaz' warned that when we in our graves and the Hereafter, we would begged to Allah SWT so that we would be sent back to earth even for a moment to even say 'La ilaha illallah' but it would be a fruitless effort!
So to everyone of us including those who are experiencing the empty nest syndrome (feeling sad and emptiness) please do not 'kowtow' to our 'nafs' but do our best to please Allah SWT (please do (summit to) everything He commands us and refrain from what He prohibits us) because once we were 'pushed inside our graves' (die), we would not have 'any more chance at all' to go back to earth - only to two places we would go; either to His al-Jannah' (heaven) or His 'an-Naar' (hell)!
December 29, 2015
Muda bau minyak wangi, tua minyak angin...
*********** Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ************* Renungan ************ "Dialah (Allah) yang menciptakan bagi kamu pasangan-pasangan (jodoh) daripada makhluk (jenis) kamu sendiri agar kamu condong kepadanya dan berasa tenteram dengannya. Kemudian Allah menciptakan kasih dan sayang antara kamu." (Surah Ar Rum: 21) ************************
ADA satu lawak mengenai pasangan kekasih atau suami isteri di kalangan rakan-rakan - ketika muda terutama yang sedang 'hangat bercintan', pasangan kita sentiasa berbau wangi tetapi 'dah tua-tua ni', bau minyak wangi sudah diganti minyak angin!
Bagi pengantin baru mungkin ada deretan minyak wangi di meja mekap kamar mereka tetapi bagi 'pengantin veteran', mungkin ada deretan minyak angin di tepi-tepi dinding. Mana tidak banyak minyak angin, badan 'pengantin tua' kerap sakit - sakit lututlah, sengal sana dan sengal sinilah - semuanya perlu diurut dengan minyak angin, takkan dengan minyak wangi!
Jika dulu apabila 'si abang' masuk kamar suami isteri, haruman semerbak menusuk hidung, sekarang terbau pula tengik minyak angin. Apa nak dikata, itulah perubahan dunia - yang muda bertukar tua dan yang tua masuk kubur! Maaf terkasar tulis pula, tetapi inilah realiti.
Baru-baru ini saya dan isteri ke Turki, percaya atau tidak, antara barangan yang banyak dibeli adalah pelbagai minyak zaitun - daripada minyak untuk urut sakit lutut, minyak urut kepala, minyak penyembuh luka, minyak menghaluskan kulitlah dan yang paling mahal adalah cebisan bunga saffron atau za'faran.
Perubahan kecenderungan daripada minyak wangi kepada minyak angin menepati pandangan cendekiawan yang mengingatkan bahawa kebanyakan manusia pada muda mereka gila untuk mengumpul harta tetapi selepas berkeluarga dan ada harta sedikit sebanyak mereka beransur tua di mana kesihatan mereka merosot dan ketika itulah kesihatan menjadi keutamaan.
Salah satu cara untuk melegakan kesakitan (lenguh-lenguh) pada tubuh adalah dengan mengurut anggota itu dengan minyak angin. Yalah macam diri saya ini, kesempatan berada di Turki digunakan untuk membeli pelbagai minyak (zaitun) - daripada minyak untuk diurut tubuh kepada untuk dimasukkan dalam makanan.
Zaitun mempunyai pelbagai keistimewaan kerana di dalam al-Quran, Allah SWT ada bersumpah dengan zaitun, demikian juga buah tiin. Demikian juga keistimewaan madu lebah diceritakan dalam al-Quran; sungguh menakjubkan di Turki, madu dihidangkan bersama dengan sarang-sarangnya sekali.
Daripada keutamaan atau 'kegilaan' pada harta pada masa muda, kemudian bertukar kepada kesihatan, akan datang ketikanya kasih sayang sesama anggota keluarga menjadi buruan. Tak percaya, rasakanlah pada waktu tua, ramai orang veteran pada musim-musim tertentu seperti hari raya akan termenung di muka pintu menanti anak cucu balik. Suami isteri veteran yang kembali hidup berdua kerana anak-anak sudah meninggalkan mereka kerana sudah bekerjaya dan berkeluarga, kerap benar terindu anak cucu dan menantu.
Pada penghujung hayat timbul pula kesedaran bahawa kehidupanlah yang amat kita perlukan sedangkan tempoh hayat kita hampir habis. Barulah kita sedar bahawa kita telah melakukan banyak pembaziran terutama dalam meraih kebajikan dan keredaan Allah, malangnya masanya sudah tamat (time is up) - kita sudah berada di ambang kubur!
Apabila balik dari Turki dan menyelongkar setor terjumpa saya barang-barang lama yang telah saya beli semasa berkesempatan ke luar negara pada masa 'muda' dulu. Antaranya replika unta hiasan yang saya beli di Emiriyah Arab Bersatu (UAE) pada 1992. Ada juga pinggan tembaga berukir hiasan yang dibeli di Uzbekistan. Ada pelbagai batu yang dibeli di Afrika Selatan pada 1994. Ada sejumlah lagi barangan hiasan yang dibeli di negara-negara lain.
Saya mengatur barangan itu berderet-deret dan kemudian memandangnya puas-puas. Melakukan tafakkur. Terdetik di hati saya...alangkah bodohnya kau LanH, kau susah payah membeli barangan ini buat apa? Kau susah payah menghabiskan wang, kemudian mengangkut barang itu untuk dinaikkan dalam kapal terbang, kemudian melepasi pemeriksaan kastam, tidakkah ini semua ini kerja bodoh; apa manfaat benda-benda ini. Semuanya sudah tercampak dalam setor, tak dihiraukan orang lagi.
Sedarlah saya masa muda kita dilalaikan (dilekakan) dengan membuat perkara lara termasuk membeli barang-barang yang tak perlu (tak banyak kegunaannya). Barang hiasan akan menjadi lama, fesyen (kegilaan orang) juga berubah, cita rasa orang sekarang tak sama seperti orang dulu. Ertinya kita banyak menghabiskan masa membuat perkara sia-sia.
Banyak duit, tenaga dan masa habis - apakah benda-benda ini dapat membawa keuntungan (memberi manfaat) kepada kita di akhirat nanti? Kepada pembaca, terutama yang masih muda-muda yang biasanya tergila-gila kepada harta dunia, waspadalah, gunakan segala kesempatan yang ada untuk menempa sesuatu yang bernilai di sisi-Nya! Ya, jangan jadi 'bodoh' macam saya!
ADA satu lawak mengenai pasangan kekasih atau suami isteri di kalangan rakan-rakan - ketika muda terutama yang sedang 'hangat bercintan', pasangan kita sentiasa berbau wangi tetapi 'dah tua-tua ni', bau minyak wangi sudah diganti minyak angin!
Bagi pengantin baru mungkin ada deretan minyak wangi di meja mekap kamar mereka tetapi bagi 'pengantin veteran', mungkin ada deretan minyak angin di tepi-tepi dinding. Mana tidak banyak minyak angin, badan 'pengantin tua' kerap sakit - sakit lututlah, sengal sana dan sengal sinilah - semuanya perlu diurut dengan minyak angin, takkan dengan minyak wangi!
Jika dulu apabila 'si abang' masuk kamar suami isteri, haruman semerbak menusuk hidung, sekarang terbau pula tengik minyak angin. Apa nak dikata, itulah perubahan dunia - yang muda bertukar tua dan yang tua masuk kubur! Maaf terkasar tulis pula, tetapi inilah realiti.
Baru-baru ini saya dan isteri ke Turki, percaya atau tidak, antara barangan yang banyak dibeli adalah pelbagai minyak zaitun - daripada minyak untuk urut sakit lutut, minyak urut kepala, minyak penyembuh luka, minyak menghaluskan kulitlah dan yang paling mahal adalah cebisan bunga saffron atau za'faran.
Perubahan kecenderungan daripada minyak wangi kepada minyak angin menepati pandangan cendekiawan yang mengingatkan bahawa kebanyakan manusia pada muda mereka gila untuk mengumpul harta tetapi selepas berkeluarga dan ada harta sedikit sebanyak mereka beransur tua di mana kesihatan mereka merosot dan ketika itulah kesihatan menjadi keutamaan.
Salah satu cara untuk melegakan kesakitan (lenguh-lenguh) pada tubuh adalah dengan mengurut anggota itu dengan minyak angin. Yalah macam diri saya ini, kesempatan berada di Turki digunakan untuk membeli pelbagai minyak (zaitun) - daripada minyak untuk diurut tubuh kepada untuk dimasukkan dalam makanan.
Zaitun mempunyai pelbagai keistimewaan kerana di dalam al-Quran, Allah SWT ada bersumpah dengan zaitun, demikian juga buah tiin. Demikian juga keistimewaan madu lebah diceritakan dalam al-Quran; sungguh menakjubkan di Turki, madu dihidangkan bersama dengan sarang-sarangnya sekali.
Daripada keutamaan atau 'kegilaan' pada harta pada masa muda, kemudian bertukar kepada kesihatan, akan datang ketikanya kasih sayang sesama anggota keluarga menjadi buruan. Tak percaya, rasakanlah pada waktu tua, ramai orang veteran pada musim-musim tertentu seperti hari raya akan termenung di muka pintu menanti anak cucu balik. Suami isteri veteran yang kembali hidup berdua kerana anak-anak sudah meninggalkan mereka kerana sudah bekerjaya dan berkeluarga, kerap benar terindu anak cucu dan menantu.
Pada penghujung hayat timbul pula kesedaran bahawa kehidupanlah yang amat kita perlukan sedangkan tempoh hayat kita hampir habis. Barulah kita sedar bahawa kita telah melakukan banyak pembaziran terutama dalam meraih kebajikan dan keredaan Allah, malangnya masanya sudah tamat (time is up) - kita sudah berada di ambang kubur!
Apabila balik dari Turki dan menyelongkar setor terjumpa saya barang-barang lama yang telah saya beli semasa berkesempatan ke luar negara pada masa 'muda' dulu. Antaranya replika unta hiasan yang saya beli di Emiriyah Arab Bersatu (UAE) pada 1992. Ada juga pinggan tembaga berukir hiasan yang dibeli di Uzbekistan. Ada pelbagai batu yang dibeli di Afrika Selatan pada 1994. Ada sejumlah lagi barangan hiasan yang dibeli di negara-negara lain.
Saya mengatur barangan itu berderet-deret dan kemudian memandangnya puas-puas. Melakukan tafakkur. Terdetik di hati saya...alangkah bodohnya kau LanH, kau susah payah membeli barangan ini buat apa? Kau susah payah menghabiskan wang, kemudian mengangkut barang itu untuk dinaikkan dalam kapal terbang, kemudian melepasi pemeriksaan kastam, tidakkah ini semua ini kerja bodoh; apa manfaat benda-benda ini. Semuanya sudah tercampak dalam setor, tak dihiraukan orang lagi.
Sedarlah saya masa muda kita dilalaikan (dilekakan) dengan membuat perkara lara termasuk membeli barang-barang yang tak perlu (tak banyak kegunaannya). Barang hiasan akan menjadi lama, fesyen (kegilaan orang) juga berubah, cita rasa orang sekarang tak sama seperti orang dulu. Ertinya kita banyak menghabiskan masa membuat perkara sia-sia.
Banyak duit, tenaga dan masa habis - apakah benda-benda ini dapat membawa keuntungan (memberi manfaat) kepada kita di akhirat nanti? Kepada pembaca, terutama yang masih muda-muda yang biasanya tergila-gila kepada harta dunia, waspadalah, gunakan segala kesempatan yang ada untuk menempa sesuatu yang bernilai di sisi-Nya! Ya, jangan jadi 'bodoh' macam saya!
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