Dear Sketchbook

-- mama, plz pray for us

Today I lose a daughter

But today I gain a son

I welcome both of you

To our family

We lead a simple life

In our family there are no expensive clothes

In our family you can not see expensive furniture

We do not have lavish styles

Because simplicity is our policy

We can afford it

But lavishness is not our way of life.

Besides there are extended families to feed

And there is the whole Ummah to support

It is not going to be the same for both of you after today

A home is not made for you

But a home is one that both of you build together

In building a home

There are things you agree

There are things you disagree

For things you agree, cooperate

For things you disagree, compromise

Always start with a positive footing

Create understanding

Always communicate

Practice tolerance

Have trust in one another

Above all

Allah, Allah’s pleasures

And everything that Allah pleases

What strange miracles are there?

As to me, I know of nothing else but what I see;

Whether I walk through the streets of Beseri…

Or dart my sight over the roof-tops of the houses;

Or stand under the trees around Bukit Tunjung;

Or sit at a dinner talam with the rest…

Or by looking at strangers passing by the main gates;

Or birds flying in the evening sunset from the window;

Or the stars shining so quiet and bright under Dataran Aspuri...

These with the rest, one and all…

Are to me – miracles;

The whole thing each existence and in its place;

To me… every hour of the light and dark is a miracle;

Every tiny inch of space is a miracle;

Every square distance of earth's surface is a miracle…

Every cubic depth of the blue sea is a miracle;

But…have we ever wondered and explored

…The Miracle responsible of all these miracles?

In memory: Pantai Medeka, 1999

The man of my dreams

Is the man of Faith and Piety.

Who has the heart wrapped with Taqwa

Who has the soul that concern about Islam

Who is always thirsty to seek knowledge

Who is wholehearted to fulfil only Allah’s Pleasures.

The man of my dreams

Is the man of Responsibility.

Who is overcome by the Solah

Who never fear to control his Nafs

Who never avoid sharing God’s bounties

Who is always steadfast in Allah’s Path.

The man of my dreams

Is the one who preserve his speech.

Who is never afraid to speak the truth

Who never boast with the knowledge he gained

Who never brag with wealth he owns

Who always help others for he is Loving

The man of my dreams

Is always ready to be the Imam

Who lives within the twin foundations -

Al-Quran and As-Sunnah

Who take Rasulullah s.a.w as the role model

Who is willing to talk and is open to discussion

The man of my dreams

Is the man of Value and Love

Who respects his Mother

Who is dear to his parents, family and relatives

Who will guide his wife to understand and practice Islam

Who will educate his children with the teachings of Islam

The man of my dreams

Is the man of modesty

Who will follow the pillars of family hood

Who has many friends and no enemies

Who lives a moderate life and is always grateful

Because to him this world is his temporary home.

The man of my dreams

Is never wasting him Time

Every second of him life is utilized for Islam

His eyes will only tire of Reading

His voice only fades of Quranic recitation

His deep sleep is enlighten by Iman

He wakes up fully recharge

For tomorrow is another day of maturity.

The man of my dreams

Remembers that Death is around the corner

To him this life is the harvest field of Al-Akhirah

Where the fruits must be protected by Zikr

Where the plants must be fertilized with Amal

So that they blossom beautifully.

The man of my dreams

Is a man of confidence and principle

Who is not influenced by any worldly leisure

Who is aware that his journey is still long

Because Al-Akhirah and Jannah are his aims

Where his dream house is built

There; he will bring me – hand in hand.

He is the Man of My Dreams.