|| Starting Again? ||

Assalamualaikum..

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, most Merciful

Whew... haven't blogged in so long... Four months for that matter. Not that I've nothing to write, but just no sufficient motivation to finish writing. Plus so many hectic days.. But now I'd like to post again, for I love this blog, and I like exploring my own writings, sharing my thoughts.  I hope you will bear with my not-so-frequent updates.  I'll try and post at least once a week after this, insyaAllah. May Allah help me write something which might benefit not only myself, but also all of you as well.

For today, I'd just like to share my recent artwork.  Not that good, but I love the quote. A reminder to myself, especially.  Feel free to download or share them, but don't erase my name. ^_^

tarbiyah is never an easy path. struggles, blood, sweat n tears involved. to change ourselves and sculpt our life to what Allah love, ain't easy, for sure. But even gold n diamond are tough to create. more so the strife towards processing our heart to bow down to the Sustainer and Creator. InsyaAllah, the struggle will be worth it!

~ source of quote: http://www.yasminmogahed.com/2011/10/19/reflections/

Well... that's all for now. Food for thought, for you and me.

May Allah bless us, and guide us on the straight path.

_HumayraSolehah_

~School's Out: What to Do After SPM? Jom JDK! ~

Assalamualaikum..

Well... a lot of things had been going on these past few weeks. Time waits for no man, hence we really do need to utilize time wisely.

For those of you who are finishing SPM, or have kids who had just finished them, or are teachers of fifth formers, here is an activity to fill up some of those free time wisely. A programme designed to upgrade life skills, and to gain many new experiences. Kursus Jati Diri dan Kesukarelawanan (JDK).

Well... without ranting too much, I'll share the poster:

So... a bit of a background.. JDK had been held since 2009, and had now expanded to include four places, namely Johor, Selangor, Perak and Terengganu.  The poster above is the poster for JDK in Johor, but the programme will be held at the same time in all four states, insyaAllah, that is from 24th December to 14th January.

The location for all the states are as written below:

1) Batu Ampar Resort, Kampung Paya Lintah, Perak

2) Kem Bumi Jati, Shah Alam, Selangor

3) Savannah Hill, Ulu Tiram, Johor

4) ILIM, Besut, Terengganu

For sharing of past experiences with JDK, here are some:
1. http://jdk2011.haluan.org.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36:perkongsianjdk-2010-halawatuliman05&catid=20&Itemid=169
2. http://jdk2011.haluan.org.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:memori-indah-jdk-zon-timur-brohamzah&catid=20&Itemid=169

It's a worthwhile experience, and value for money, indeed.
Hope to meet all of you there! :)

Be The Best That You Can Ever Be….

>> this is a lovely poem my mum shared when I was in lower secondary school… found it again online, and decide to share it with you. Disclaimer: I do not write this, nor do I know who did. But you sure write a great poem!

The good you find in others, is in you too.
The faults you find in others, are your faults as well.
After all, to recognize something you must know it.

The possibilities you see in others, are possible for you as well.
The beauty you see around you, is your beauty.

The world around you is a reflection, a mirror showing you the person you are.
To change your world, you must change yourself.
To blame and complain will only make matters worse.

Whatever you care about, is your responsibility.
What you see in others, shows you yourself.
See the best in others, and you will be your best.

Give to others, and you give to yourself.
Appreciate beauty, and you will be beautiful.
Admire creativity, and you will be creative.

Love, and you will be loved.
Seek to understand, and you will be understood.
Listen, and your voice will be heard.

Teach, and you will learn.
Show your best face to the mirror, and you'll be happy with
the face looking back at you.

“Different”: A Label of Hidden Blessings

Have you ever been labelled 'different' in any way? Do you have any abnormality or deficiency which makes you stand out from the ordinary?


As an eye care practitioner, I occasionally met some people who are different compared to the normal human population. Some of the abnormality acquired as they grow older, while others have been different, ever since they are born. Some of these deficiencies are obvious, while others are only known to themselves. Some of the conditions are diagnosed by my colleague, lecturers (while in university), doctors, or me (depending on the severity of the condition). Not that I was oblivious to how the patients feel about the conditions they're dealing with, but somehow or other, one occasionally forgets how it feels to be in their shoes.


Yet one question came up recently, asked by a friend: "What are the advantages of being colour blind?" The random inquiry got me thinking... yes, being colour blind (a more accurate term which is colour vision deficiency-CVD) may be a disadvantage, if observed from one angle: that you are 'different', and you are unable to work in certain jobs or distinguish certain colours. Yet looking at it from another perspective, there are hidden blessings waiting to be discovered amidst the difficulties. Let's see what some of them are...

~Rainbows: what some colour vision deficiency people see~

source:http://forquestions.com/how-are-color-blindness-see-the-rainbow/298 

Ever since I was small, I was used to people around me being a bit different from myself, and different from the crowd. My brother, a close friend now, and a good rival when we're younger, is one of them. Another is my best friend during secondary school. However, in spite of their disadvantage in terms of appearance, both of them grew very strong and healthy personalities. Sure, they're both teased and laughed at occasionally. But they learn to find true friends, voice out their thoughts, and strengthen their self esteem with the help of great teachers, friends and family. Both are now one of the most confident people I know. 


In a sense, Allah made them different, but He moulds their character like no one else can, giving them great people to befriend and love them. In colour vision deficiency context, you do have slight difficulty in identifying some colours from each other, yet you have discovered friends who don't mind helping you out in distinguishing them apart, and not laugh at you if you confuse them. As it is, most of the time, should you lack one thing, you are given an edge elsewhere by The Most High, Most Merciful.


There are certain limitations to having colour vision defect; for certain wavelength of colours may seem similar to others. Certain day-to-day activities such as identifying traffic light colours, certain electrical components, and jobs such as train operators and electrician may be restricted for them. Yet, one should be thankful. For in this world, there are people who have so much less than what we do. Vision-wise, some people are blind ever since they are born. Others find that their vision is reducing day by day. Some people have very limited vision that not even the best of spectacles can help them see as we do. Other people have a lack of pigments on their eyes, and thus have very high sensitivity to light. These are just some of the many other types of eye conditions which some people suffer. Yet all in all, no matter what our condition is, be it a simple case of short-sightedness, a reversible case of cataract, CVD, or even blindness, remember that Allah made us all in the best possible way. We are chosen to be special in that sense. 


The conditions, deficiencies, and disabilities... those are part and parcel of who we are. A reminder for us, that we are indeed very fragile, but Allah loves us all the same. Be thankful for them, and be thankful for the abilities which each one of us has, as well. Allow them to make us more humble as HIS servants. But make sure, that we don't look at them as something which hampers us from going forward. Instead, look at them as obstacles, stepping stones for us to move forward and be better person in serving Allah, and benefiting the society.

Finally... to answer my friend's question in a scientific perspective.... colour blind is a deficiency, which causes limitation in colour perception. This is mostly due to cone photoreceptors (which allows colours to be distinguished) in the retina which lacks one (or more) photosensitive pigments, which causes as inability to recognize one of the three primary colours of light, either red, green, or blue. Hence the impact on activities which requires colour identification might be quite a lot. Recent research shows that Deutans (the most common form of colour vision defect) are more accurate in identifying camouflaged colours then those with normal colour vision. It is thought that this is beneficial during the time when most men are hunters, as they could sense hidden animals easier. As for its benefits for present times, that remains a mystery. But one thing for sure, you may happily solve coloured rubic cube puzzles which baffles us, as your colour perspective is different. 

~Pencil colours: what some colour vision deficiency people see~

source:http://forquestions.com/how-are-color-blindness-see-the-rainbow/298 

All in all, be it someone with perfect vision, colour blind, squinting eyes, dyslexia, handicapped, blind... Let us not be blinded by how great we are, or how bad our condition is. For the reality of this world, which so many people turn a blind eye to, is that this world is but a transient stop to the next life. Whatever our condition is, it is but a temporary test presented to us in this world that will be lifted once we are in Jannah, insyaAllah. Allah does not mind if we are 'different'. No. All He minds is how we face life's tests and undergo our journey in this world, how close we are to The Creator, and how much we try to benefit others, in spite of our limitations. 

"O mankind! We have created you from male and female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most honoured among you in the sight of Allah is the one who is the most righteous." (al-Hujurat: 13)


>> A reminder for me to remember, thoughts for you to ponder and reflect. J

[Alert!!] Somalia

Somalia is calling.. show that we care!
Take time this Ramadhan to do your part in helping those in need.

A touching entry regarding the famine HERE

For a New Chapter of Life!

Assalamualaikum...

First of all.. it's been eons since this blog's updated.  So I owe all of you a huge apology.  Sorry guys, for making you wait this long.  So much has been going on the past few months with school, and life in general.  

Well... a lot have happened, and I've ended one big chapter of my life.  My life as a university student.  Alhamdulillah.. I'll be graduating this year, with all of my classmates.  Yup.  No more university classes and clinics.  But welcome, to the school of life.  I'll be starting my first carrier as a professional soon, insyaAllah.  Undoubtedly, my heart's been racing with nervous anticipation of what's in store.  My boss seems nice, but very strict, at the same time.  Hope I'll have a good time working, and no trouble adjusting to the working world.

Some of you might have just graduated too, and maybe start working already.  Or have been working part time somewhere in this long university holidays.  Well... here are a few reminders.  Written to remind me when I work later.  Hope they will be useful to you too.  

While so many people work for money...

Chasing large cars, big houses

Be sure you are different

Make money. No problem

But work solely for your Lord

For all things in life may come and go

(yes, even those mountains of money you invest!)

Yet faith in Allah

Work, for HIS sake

Will take you forward

Most importantly

Will bring you fountains of happiness

Here, and in the hereafter

Work may tire you

They may stress you out

But remember,

Difficulties that doesn't kill you will only make you stronger

and repeat this favorite verse

"Verily after hardship, comes relief!"

InsyaAllah, Allah will never let you down

Hard work and patience is the ingredient that brings you far

Persevere and strive forward

For Rome is not built in one day

Nor can an optometrist become an expert in a blink of an eye

You may earn thousands of Ringgit

Yet, my dear self,

Never let money fool you

Never let money change who you are

Don't let greed overshadow your principles

Don't allow them from preventing you to do what's right

Happiness does not come from money

For it is only but a tool

Always remember, 

What you give to others

Are the only things that really belongs to you

For those are yours to bring you to Jannah

Also, please do remember this verse:

"And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allâh) 

are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness,

and when the foolish address them (with bad words)

 they reply back with mild words of gentleness."

(Al-Furqan: 63)

No matter how high you go

No matter how much money and power you possess

Walk down the streets with humility

Treat everyone with respect 

For we are all the same in Allah's eyes

Only piety makes one special to Him.

Last but not least...

Remember your dreams

Go for your goals

Fulfill your responsibilities

To Allah, to your parents, your family, 

your friends, your customers, and the ummah

And strive on to become beneficial

For Allah's sake

No matter what you do.

"And which you give in gift (to others),

in order that it may increase (your wealth by expecting to get a better one in return)

from other people's property, has no increase with Allah.  

But that which you give in charity

seeking Allah's Countenance then those, 

They shall have manifold increase"

(ar-Rum: 39)

~ whew... a long rant indeed.  Perhaps due to the prolonged silence from any rants previously?  Hmm.. may be.  Anyway.. that's all for this time.  Please remind me when I forget these things... May Allah bless you and me.

p/s:  please pray for me, I've a driving test on Wednesday, and I'm very nervous...  

An Inspirational Story ~ Honesty

Picture source:  http://www.asktonythegardener.com/

Once there was an emperor in the Far East who was growing old and knew it was coming time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or one of his own children, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, “It has come time for me to step down and to choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you.” The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. “I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One seed. It is a very special seed. I want you to go home, plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring to me, and the one I choose will be the next emperor of the kingdom!”

There was one boy named Ling who was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the whole story. She helped him get a pot and some planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept going home and checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by. Still nothing.

By now others were talking about their plants but Ling didn’t have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling’s pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn’t say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn’t going to take an empty pot. But she encouraged him to go, and to take his pot, and to be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.

When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by all the other youths. They were beautiful, in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, “Hey nice try.”

When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. “My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown,” said the emperor. “Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!”

All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. “The emperor knows I’m a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!”

When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. “My name is Ling,” he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, “Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!” Ling couldn’t believe it. Ling couldn’t even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?

Then the emperor said, “One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grown, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!”

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Source: http://xeniagreekmuslimah.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/an-inspirational-story-honesty/