2012 will come to an end. Another year passed by. We are all nearer to the grave. Who knows what lies ahead in 2013?
People always make a remark that.. how time flies..
Time does not fly, only us are being deceived by time. Time is the same be it in 2012 or 1912. Most people fail to reflect on their lives as they are always "busy" on doing things..
I took 11 days leave to reflect of what I have achieved in 2012. When I review back, there was a lot that I achieved in 2012. My "IngatAllah" always reminded me of my 4 objectives. Hafazan (Surah2 lazim), Jawi, Asmaul Husna & Bahasa Arab.
My constant conciousness of the existence of ALLAH is always being checked. Next 27th Ramadan 1434, I will celebrate my 50th birthday in Islamic Lunar calender.
"Ya Allah, give to me strength, so that I can be your slave in true sense like Prophet Muhammad SAW. Please do not test me with something that I cannot handle. Protect me & my family from the fire of hell. Give me the knowledge to eleviate myself higher. Give me sincerity in doing ibdah to you" Amiiiin ya Allah
Thursday, December 27, 2012
MILO & how I grew with it..
I was thinking about my past that I came across something that I must write.
It is about MILO. A NESTLE product chocolate drink that has been around for nearly 50 years.
When I was small, I drank 5 mugs of MILO everyday. The MILO was mixed with condensed milk (susu pekat) & was very sweet.
This nourishing drink was my favourite drink since I was 4 years old back in 1969. I remember drinking it until 1977 when I was in Standard 6 in SRK Alam Shah (1), Petaling Jaya. I obtained 5As in my so called UPSR examination.
When I entered Malay College Kuala Kangsar in 1978-82, MILO will be my order every weekend to KK town. Again, the MILO was served with condensed milk & I love the sweet & chocolate taste of it. On average, I took 2 mugs every week.
When I first went to England to take my "A" levels & OND in 1983, I finally managed to stop drinking MILO on a regular basis. Nonetheless, I used to pack 2.5kg of MILO to bring back to England whenever I came back to Malaysia for my summer break. But that 2.5kg MILO will only last me for 1 month in the UK (1983-88). I could not find MILO in the UK. When I finally found a shop selling MILO in Woolwich, South East London in 1987, the taste is not the same as Malaysian produced MILO. So, I did not buy it.
When I came back to Malaysia in August 1988 to work, I started to drink MILO again on a regular basis. This time I took 2 mugs a day without fail, still with condensed milk (1 during breakfast and 1 after dinner).
When I got engaged in December 1992, one of my "hantaran" to the bride was a tin of MILO. That was to show the importance of the drink in my life. When I got married in 1993, I still drink MILO once a day (during breakfast). This habit went on until 2002, when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure.
I started taking MILO "kosong" (no more condensed milk). This habit went on until October 2010 when I have a blocked artery. I finally stop drinking MILO on a regular basis. There will be the odd ocassion that I drink MILO, but I am no more a regular MILO drinker... only air kosong
MILO will be a part of my life... That Green tin/wrapper will forever be in my memory from the age of 4 until...now
It is about MILO. A NESTLE product chocolate drink that has been around for nearly 50 years.
When I was small, I drank 5 mugs of MILO everyday. The MILO was mixed with condensed milk (susu pekat) & was very sweet.
This nourishing drink was my favourite drink since I was 4 years old back in 1969. I remember drinking it until 1977 when I was in Standard 6 in SRK Alam Shah (1), Petaling Jaya. I obtained 5As in my so called UPSR examination.
When I entered Malay College Kuala Kangsar in 1978-82, MILO will be my order every weekend to KK town. Again, the MILO was served with condensed milk & I love the sweet & chocolate taste of it. On average, I took 2 mugs every week.
When I first went to England to take my "A" levels & OND in 1983, I finally managed to stop drinking MILO on a regular basis. Nonetheless, I used to pack 2.5kg of MILO to bring back to England whenever I came back to Malaysia for my summer break. But that 2.5kg MILO will only last me for 1 month in the UK (1983-88). I could not find MILO in the UK. When I finally found a shop selling MILO in Woolwich, South East London in 1987, the taste is not the same as Malaysian produced MILO. So, I did not buy it.
When I came back to Malaysia in August 1988 to work, I started to drink MILO again on a regular basis. This time I took 2 mugs a day without fail, still with condensed milk (1 during breakfast and 1 after dinner).
When I got engaged in December 1992, one of my "hantaran" to the bride was a tin of MILO. That was to show the importance of the drink in my life. When I got married in 1993, I still drink MILO once a day (during breakfast). This habit went on until 2002, when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure.
I started taking MILO "kosong" (no more condensed milk). This habit went on until October 2010 when I have a blocked artery. I finally stop drinking MILO on a regular basis. There will be the odd ocassion that I drink MILO, but I am no more a regular MILO drinker... only air kosong
Outing with family and the story of mosquitoes..
On Christmas Day 2012, me & my family (wife, 4 daughters, 1 niece) 7 of us, we went excursion to Kuala Selangor Nature Park, near Bukit Malawati,Kuala Selangor.
It was a very nice outing. Driving thro 2 new expressways (Guthrie & Latta), we reached Kuala Selangor from Petaling Jaya in 50 munites. We took off from PJ at 11.15am. Took lunch, perform Zuhor prayers at nearby surau & commence our walk thro the Mangrove swamp area beside the Malawati Hill.
There were many floura & fauna, but what really strike us were the amount of mosquitoes that bite us. Literally, hundreds of them. Maybe it is the rainy season that made this situation. We were the only 7 people in the Nature Park. Kind of imagine that the whole area belongs to us..
My youngest daughter (Anis) again asked me, why did Allah make mosquitoes? Well, I did tell her once that whatever Allah create in this world, there is a use to it... Now how shall I answer this question.. I asked her to walk along, as I buy some time for me to find the perfect answer..
This was my answer
In Surah AlBaqarah:26 Allah did mention about mosquito. In fact that is the only surah that mentioned about mosquito in the whole of Quran. It says that "Allah tidak segan untuk membuat perumpamaan berupa NYAMUK". Allah made mosquitoes to make a comparison that this WORLD and whatever contains in it is like a mosquito to Allah, something that is NOT WORTH and make your life miserable.
Allah also made mosquitoes so that human being must keep their compound clean & make sure that there is no contained water that can breed mosquitoes. He made mosquitoes so that humans take good care of their houses and compounds.
So there you go Anis, Allah made mosquitoes for a purpose.
1. To compare that this WORLD means almost like mosquitoes (almost worthless)
2. To make humans to take care of their surroundings to be clean with no contained water that can breed mosquitoes..
It was a very nice outing. Driving thro 2 new expressways (Guthrie & Latta), we reached Kuala Selangor from Petaling Jaya in 50 munites. We took off from PJ at 11.15am. Took lunch, perform Zuhor prayers at nearby surau & commence our walk thro the Mangrove swamp area beside the Malawati Hill.
There were many floura & fauna, but what really strike us were the amount of mosquitoes that bite us. Literally, hundreds of them. Maybe it is the rainy season that made this situation. We were the only 7 people in the Nature Park. Kind of imagine that the whole area belongs to us..
My youngest daughter (Anis) again asked me, why did Allah make mosquitoes? Well, I did tell her once that whatever Allah create in this world, there is a use to it... Now how shall I answer this question.. I asked her to walk along, as I buy some time for me to find the perfect answer..
This was my answer
In Surah AlBaqarah:26 Allah did mention about mosquito. In fact that is the only surah that mentioned about mosquito in the whole of Quran. It says that "Allah tidak segan untuk membuat perumpamaan berupa NYAMUK". Allah made mosquitoes to make a comparison that this WORLD and whatever contains in it is like a mosquito to Allah, something that is NOT WORTH and make your life miserable.
Allah also made mosquitoes so that human being must keep their compound clean & make sure that there is no contained water that can breed mosquitoes. He made mosquitoes so that humans take good care of their houses and compounds.
So there you go Anis, Allah made mosquitoes for a purpose.
1. To compare that this WORLD means almost like mosquitoes (almost worthless)
2. To make humans to take care of their surroundings to be clean with no contained water that can breed mosquitoes..
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Where do we want to go...
We always hear in many occasions these questions from corporate Consultants:-
"Where do you want to go" & "How do you want to get to where you want to go" in many corporate strategic planning seminars.
My own observation is that NOT MANY corporations really know where do they want to go... Profit seems to be the No.1 place where corporations want to be heading to....
When you really THINK deep... the really place that ALL of us (no exceptions) are heading is to the GRAVE.
There is no SINGLE person that is not heading to his/her death. Even the famous Harry Houdini or Alexander the Great is not spared from going there.
So, we really have to make the most of what we have in our lives in order to make this world a better place. How to achieve this.. Simply follow the Quran & Sunnah of prophet Muhammad SAW.
There is a saying.. "Too many good things is NOT GOOD". Too many sugar or too much eating is not good. Likewise, too many exercise or too much diet is also not good.
So, just take whatever is necessary in order to feel good & share the rest with other people. The pleasure of GIVING.
So in simple words, the answer to
"Where do you want to go?" - To DIE and meet our Creator
"How do you want to get to where you want to go" - By following the Quran & Sunnah of prophet Muhammad SAW & only taking whatever is necessary & share the rest with others.
What a wonderful world for ALL of us before we eventually DIE...
Allah hu Akbar
"Where do you want to go" & "How do you want to get to where you want to go" in many corporate strategic planning seminars.
My own observation is that NOT MANY corporations really know where do they want to go... Profit seems to be the No.1 place where corporations want to be heading to....
When you really THINK deep... the really place that ALL of us (no exceptions) are heading is to the GRAVE.
There is no SINGLE person that is not heading to his/her death. Even the famous Harry Houdini or Alexander the Great is not spared from going there.
So, we really have to make the most of what we have in our lives in order to make this world a better place. How to achieve this.. Simply follow the Quran & Sunnah of prophet Muhammad SAW.
There is a saying.. "Too many good things is NOT GOOD". Too many sugar or too much eating is not good. Likewise, too many exercise or too much diet is also not good.
So, just take whatever is necessary in order to feel good & share the rest with other people. The pleasure of GIVING.
So in simple words, the answer to
"Where do you want to go?" - To DIE and meet our Creator
"How do you want to get to where you want to go" - By following the Quran & Sunnah of prophet Muhammad SAW & only taking whatever is necessary & share the rest with others.
What a wonderful world for ALL of us before we eventually DIE...
Allah hu Akbar
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
30 POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE
Below are 30 points to improve your life. They are divided into 3 main categories. Your own self, your relationship with others and your relation with ALLAH
Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
3. Don't over do things; keep to your limits
4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
6. Dream more while you are awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. Don't ever let other people upset you. Take full charge of yourself
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Other people:
15. Call your family often
16. Each day give something good to others
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
19. Try to make at least one person smile each day
20. What other people think of you is none of your business
21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch with yr family & close friends
Allah:
22. Put Allah first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
23. Allah heals everything
24. Do the right things
25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
27. The best is yet to come
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank & praise Allah for it
30. If you know Allah you will always be happy. So, be happy.
Life is full of JOY!!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
London Underground
When I used the London Underground (famously known as the TUBE) every morning & evening during my business trip to London recently, I observed that almost ALL of the passengers are like in a hurry. Their facial expression showed they are not happy. The TUBE is very packed during rush hours (7-9am). That is why they are in a hurry, it is Rush Hour..
I asked myself, are these people happy? Here I am in arguably the most modern & fashionable City in the world asking this question.
I found out that the majority are not. They are like a bunch of bees, flying around to find food for the day. It this the way of life? No doubt, most of them dress in a fashionable manner, carrying smartphones, reading newspapers and listening to Ipods. But, they looked that there is still something that is missing from their lives.
Then I realised that only in the rememberence of Allah will you find peace and happiness. I smiled to an elderly lady in the Tube, and she smiled back. That made my day.. and hers too! At least I know.. one person is happy!
Remembering Allah in a sincere manner makes you happy wherever you are in the world.. whether in the remote areas of Bawean, Indonesia or in Leceister Square, London, UK...
I asked myself, are these people happy? Here I am in arguably the most modern & fashionable City in the world asking this question.
I found out that the majority are not. They are like a bunch of bees, flying around to find food for the day. It this the way of life? No doubt, most of them dress in a fashionable manner, carrying smartphones, reading newspapers and listening to Ipods. But, they looked that there is still something that is missing from their lives.
Then I realised that only in the rememberence of Allah will you find peace and happiness. I smiled to an elderly lady in the Tube, and she smiled back. That made my day.. and hers too! At least I know.. one person is happy!
Remembering Allah in a sincere manner makes you happy wherever you are in the world.. whether in the remote areas of Bawean, Indonesia or in Leceister Square, London, UK...
Business trip to London...
My business trip to London started on 26 Nov 2012. Arrived at London Heathrow on Monday morning 26th Nov. Brings back memories during my student days way back in summer of 1988 (24 years ago).
I have been back to London on 3 occassions, all on business trips in 1995, 2002 and 2005. If the pattern continues, the next business trip to London will be in 2015 (years ending with 5!)
Anyway, this time, I came to represent the company on Asset Management Annual Conference and Dinner. The venue is at Queen Elizabeth II Convention Centre in Wesminster. I can clearly see the Parliment House, Big Ben, Eye of London & Wesminster Abbey from the Convention Centre. The trip includes business trip to 3 companies in Isle of Man, Warwick and North London (Potters Bar). Visited the new Malaysia Hall near Bayswater.
Weather since I arrived was rainy, with Northern part of UK being flooded. Temperature in daytime was around 0-5 Celcius, with night temperature below freezing. That is COLD for a typical November standards!
I got to know that I was selected to go to this conference on 23 Nov 2012! It was just 48 hours before the flight departure. Anyway, this is what they call FATE. Allah arranged this trip for me and I used this opportunity to have the time to ponder upon His greatness & continuing Blessings. Constantly reminding myself to always be concious of Allah at ALL times...
Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahuakbar.. Laila haillallah
I have been back to London on 3 occassions, all on business trips in 1995, 2002 and 2005. If the pattern continues, the next business trip to London will be in 2015 (years ending with 5!)
Anyway, this time, I came to represent the company on Asset Management Annual Conference and Dinner. The venue is at Queen Elizabeth II Convention Centre in Wesminster. I can clearly see the Parliment House, Big Ben, Eye of London & Wesminster Abbey from the Convention Centre. The trip includes business trip to 3 companies in Isle of Man, Warwick and North London (Potters Bar). Visited the new Malaysia Hall near Bayswater.
Weather since I arrived was rainy, with Northern part of UK being flooded. Temperature in daytime was around 0-5 Celcius, with night temperature below freezing. That is COLD for a typical November standards!
I got to know that I was selected to go to this conference on 23 Nov 2012! It was just 48 hours before the flight departure. Anyway, this is what they call FATE. Allah arranged this trip for me and I used this opportunity to have the time to ponder upon His greatness & continuing Blessings. Constantly reminding myself to always be concious of Allah at ALL times...
Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahuakbar.. Laila haillallah
Seperated between continents within 3 days
Never imagined that within three(3) days my family is being seperated in 4 different continents.
My sister is starting her Chemoteraphy session, I asked my eldest daughter to help her in Auckland, New Zealand. My better half is acompanying and helping my aunt on a long trip to Vancouver, Canada. My aunt is 70 years old, and needs help in the long haul flight, as her knees are relatively weak.
I got to know that I have to go to London to attend an Annual International Conference on Asset Management. While the other three(3) daughters are staying in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
My daughter's flight to Auckland was on 23th Nov, my wife's on 24th Nov and mine on 25th Nov.
By the 26th of Nov 2012, my family members were divided into 4 continents; Asia, Oceania, North
America and Europe.
Wow! What a story to tell...
My sister is starting her Chemoteraphy session, I asked my eldest daughter to help her in Auckland, New Zealand. My better half is acompanying and helping my aunt on a long trip to Vancouver, Canada. My aunt is 70 years old, and needs help in the long haul flight, as her knees are relatively weak.
I got to know that I have to go to London to attend an Annual International Conference on Asset Management. While the other three(3) daughters are staying in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
My daughter's flight to Auckland was on 23th Nov, my wife's on 24th Nov and mine on 25th Nov.
By the 26th of Nov 2012, my family members were divided into 4 continents; Asia, Oceania, North
America and Europe.
Wow! What a story to tell...
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