Oli's blog

more syajie - Mobile.m4v

2010-04-21T09:32:00.001+08:00

sebelum bersilat sembah mengadap,
silat syajie kalah hang jebat,
kucing dan anjing semua ku hendap,
lari semua sebelum ku hambat!!

syajiesilat solo

2010-03-31T14:26:00.001+08:00

Check out: syajiesilat.blogspot.com for more!!

Syajie's daring stunt at the pool.

2010-03-24T08:06:00.001+08:00

He's truly a water baby!

A Wistful Tale...

2010-02-12T12:35:00.000+08:00

A family member was remanded a few weeks ago in Gemenchih; accused of four gruesome murders of his own kith and kin... In a society contingent on love and affection, especially for your own family members, it is unfathomable that such a tragedy can proliferate in our country. The massacre wistfully reminded me of a similar piteous incident that befell a student in the incipient years of our academy in USA.

University City as we knew it and embraced it, was the abode for two esteemed universities, namely Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania. As silat was a relatively new art in this particular academic city, we were fortunate that Malaysian students from both universities facilitated the introduction of the art by forming a Silat Club thus enabling us to use varsity facilities to promote and teach the art.

Among the many students who vetted the classes and ultimately signed up for class, was a young boy who was about 15. I got to know his mom who was a relatively new Muslim and was vehemently trying to steer her children in the right direction. Philadelphia in the early nineties was home to over 40,000 muslims but from various denominations. So it didn't come as a surprise to me that this particular mom was a little flummoxed as to which denomination she was supposed to subscribe to. But in my husband and I she found comfort and solace and as her son became part of our silat family, she was only too glad that finally there was someone that she could lean on, not just for spiritual support but for friendship as well.

One evening, I sat beside her as usual but this night she was a little agitated and was a little upset when the class didn't end exactly at 9pm. I tried to assuage her anxiety and told her to give it another 10 minutes or so. And just as class was dismissed, she quickly whisked her children out of the studio. Later that night, as I was about to perform Solatul Isha, she called and asked to speak to my husband. As he was busy at that time, I told her to call back but she said that she wanted my husband to teach her the recital of Ayatul Kursi and asked if we could record it in a cassette for her. Of course! I told her and promised to get it done as soon as possible.

Two days later, quite early, as I recalled, her son had called us to say that he can't attend class in the evening. As it was still early, I told him not to worry about it and I would relay the message to my husband. Thinking that it was the end of the conversation, I gave my salams and was about to hang up when he added with the most apparent difficulty, "My mom was murdered last night." I was stupefied and trembling from head to foot. I could not believe what I was hearing, hoping that it was a ghastly joke... In baited breath, he told us that his mother was stabbed 21 times by her live-in-boyfriend!! He courageously went to her aid when he heard her screaming in the master bed room upstairs but was stabbed twice in the melee. When the police finally came, the boyfriend was still stabbing her and they had to shoot him twice before he succumbed to his bullet-wounds.

A grotesque picture formed itself with dreadful clarity as we arrived at the house within fifteen minutes after receiving that phone call. I remembered how weak my knees were as I steeled myself to enter the house. A sense of insufferable gloom pervaded as we made our way into the living room. My stomach clenched as I see four or five of his younger siblings sitting in the corner, most with their arms around their knees, rocking themselves back and forth, shell-shocked. Other family members sat in silent and solemn repose. I didn't know what to say to them. She was grievously violated in one of the most appalling ways imaginable and their calmness spooked me....If a member of my family was brutally murdered, the scene would certainly be a little more palpable!!

Their biological father was being summoned but no one knew when he would come for them. Meanwhile, we looked around the room and none of their relatives would take care of them as they had their hands full. My husband and I looked at each other and before we knew it we were assigning rooms for them in our own house! At that time we had rented a 7 bedroom three-story house and had more than enough rooms to accommodate them. We just wanted them out of their house even though it would be impossible to consign to oblivion the images that are now, without a doubt, already indelibly imprinted in their young, innocent minds. They are obviously too young to fully grasp the nature of the unspeakable brutality that just befell their mother.

In the following days, word of the gruesome murder hit the streets and the outpouring of sympathy was immense but not unexpected. The muslim community banded and ensured that the family was given whatever was needed to overcome this horrific tragedy. I learnt a few days later that the boyfriend was overtly possessive and abusive. That explained her anxiety each time the class was late in ending. I tried not to blame the murder on her being late coming home from class that particular night but I was told that the boyfriend would get physically abusive if he got home before she did...

And as for my student, he went on to be a respectable martial artist in the community and helped us take many kids off the pestilential streets of West Philly...

Syajie audition 101

2010-01-28T13:10:00.001+08:00

syajie's singing debut...

flying kidz

2010-01-12T15:21:00.004+08:00

Awesome!! Step aside Michelle Yeoh and Jet Li...you've now got these kids to reckon with!!

2010 resolutions...

2010-01-12T08:37:00.005+08:00

I only realized that it was 2010 when I was writing out receipts at the tuition center. I'd write 4/1/ ....and what the heck is the year now? It's 2010!! Where was I when everyone was ushering the new year? In bed, reeling from a you-name-it-I-had-it super fever that rendered me utterly useless for two whole weeks...

It started on the eve of Azril's wedding dinner at Dena's house. I knew I was in trouble when I could only look at the scrumptious offering of roast lamb and buttered prawns. My head felt like someone was hitting it with a big mallet, my throat was so constricted and swollen that made even the most mundane task of swallowing saliva an agonizing task... Then, inevitably came the dry hacking cough, runny nose and diarrhoea not to mention the body aches and muscle spasms thrown in for good measure...

So the following week was spent over-dosing myself on extra-strength everything from cough and cold medications, pill chi kit tek aun ~ the age-old remedy for diarrhoea, white panadol for muscle pains and pink panadol for PMS!! Half way into the first week of 2010 I was able to sober up and actually stand upright. Meanwhile poor Syajie had to fend for himself and fortunately he wasn't infected with the bug although he was throwing up all over me and hub for three whole days...Even then he was the tough one, fetching me water and popping pills into my mouth and making me open my mouth wide to make sure that I wasn't hiding those pills under my tongue...!

Nevertheless, one of my 2010 resolutions was to loose weight. Prior to Azril's wedding I was pumping myself up by watching The Biggest Loser...I was psyched..I'd dust off my elliptical machine and crank up my play list. Even had Am's kids who were here for the wedding excited as well, dangling a $50 carrot as to who could make me shed the jigglies... 7-10 kilometers every night for a whole week and dang! Didn't loose a single KG!! What was I doing wrong? Exasperation started setting in...Only consolation was for the wedding I was able to wriggle into the black kebaya which had been hanging in the closet for three years waiting for a moment like this...!

After the wedding, my appetite wavered...couldn't eat as much as I wanted to and all those medications had somehow either obliterated or singed my tastebuds. A few days ago I got on the scale and whadda you know...I've lost 3 kg's. Woohoo!! Guess being sick as a dog had a silver lining after all. If nothing else this is one resolution that managed to see itself through so early in the year and hoping that it'll be the precursor for the rest of my 2010 resolutions!! Happy New Year, everyone!!

rave reviews on the new book!!

2009-12-24T15:01:00.001+08:00

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Martial Arts Defined, December 21, 2009
By Jennifer S (Ball Ground, GA United States) - See all my reviews
"50 Martial Arts Myths" by Sulaiman Sharif will hold the interest of anyone interested in martial arts from the complete novice to someone with a large repertoire of knowledge. I have always been interested in martial arts but had never taken the time to learn much about it. I had seen the moves in movies, watched a friend's son compete and was aware of different color belts. That is where my knowledge stopped. I am so glad that I decided to read this book. Sharif has made me see so much more about martial arts. The author is enthusiastic and well informed and you can see how much he loves it in his writing. I found the meanings behind the different belt colors very interesting. I also enjoyed learning about the different types of martial arts. I had no idea that women were so involved in martial arts and were actually very likely to be good at it. I hadn't really heard many myths, but I can see how misinterpretation can occur. If you are thinking of becoming involved in any form of martial arts, this book is a must read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Martial Arts Facts, December 21, 2009
By Louise Kennedy "Internet shopper" (Lake Worth, Fl United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
"50 Martial Arts Myths" by Sulaiman Sharif is an informative book that will dispell the myths about martial arts and help you learn the facts. The book is well written and gives you history and background of martial arts. This book addresses men and women. It will explain the meaning of the belt colors and everything else you will need to know about the sport.

Although the only form of martial arts I was ever involved in was kickboxing, this book was interesting to read. If you have thought about taking up martial arts, this book will give you a background in the sport and may help you make up your mind. It will at least let you go into the sport with some knowledge. If you already participate in martial arts this will clear up any questions you may have about the sport.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars It's not just high kicks and quick chops., December 18, 2009
By M. Stanhope "Defining normal..." (Chesapeake, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
"Martial Arts" to me since I was child was fascinating to watch at the movies and on TV let's face it you always rooted for them. They kicked butt. Then you wanted to take the classes, for all the wrong reasons, and do the high kicks and quick chops. Not so easy, friends of mine have completed the courses and classes and I show them much respect.

You gain a new whole new outlook for the sport, while learning the history and concepts. It is not just passing and failing a test for the next belt color, it is the hisrtoy and level of respect you are earning from other members.

You are taught control, body maintenance, self esteem and respect of others. It is also mind challenging and mind stimulating. Sulaiman Sharif the author did well when he wrote this book. It will be one I would recommend to anyone with an interest or in the sport.

Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Martial Arts: More than just a sport...
"50 Martial Arts Myths" is a unique collection of information regarding this time honored "sport". Aimed at dispelling the rumors that have been shown as truths while educating... Read more
Published 7 days ago by G. Reba

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Although I have never had the patience to study the martial arts, I have always been fascinated by them. Read more
Published 7 days ago by www.bookshipper.blogspot.com/

5.0 out of 5 stars easy to read and well researched
I love martial arts but don't often read books about it. This book was easy to read, well-researched, and did not try to impose on me some bias of a specific martial arts style... Read more
Published 10 days ago by thehappyreader

50 MARTIAL ARTS MYTHS

2009-12-24T14:20:00.000+08:00

My 1st book on Martial Arts Myths is out on Amazon.com
Become a more informed martial arts enthusiast, teacher or student by discovering what really lies behind the legends of the world's different fighting systems. Comprehensively researched, carefully organized, and packed with fascinating details about the history, development and culture of martial arts, 50 Martial Arts Myths reveals the truth about martial arts and the stories they've generated.

* Discover where black belts come from and what they really mean!
* Learn why girls often make the best martial artists.
* Understand why soft martial arts can pack the hardest punches.
* You'll learn why practicing martial arts can actually reduce aggression
* the amazing truth behind top secret "dim mak" techniques

50 Martial Arts Myths is essential for anyone interested in martial arts-- whether experienced martial artist or a new student -- who wants to understand the real story behind the world's martial arts styles.
Go to: http://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Myths-Sulaiman-Sharif/dp/0967754623/

Book Back Cover Reviews

"As a student, fan, and now a professor of both martial arts as well as martial art movies, I'm pleased that Sulaiman Sharif has finally debunked the myths that many of my readers and students have long held dear. As I say to them: it's not win or lose, it's learn or not learn. Read this entertaining, fascinating book to truly win."

- Ric Meyers
Author, Editor, Professor
Martial Arts Movies book
Inside Kung Fu magazine
University of Bridgeport Martial Arts Degree Program

"Well Written, Informative and About Time"
- Sifu Guru Dan Donzella
Garuda Chuan-fa/Tjimande

"It's great to see a book that addresses so many martial arts myths. Hopefully, those thinking of getting involved in the martial arts will read this book so they will be able to discern what is real from what is not."
- Guru Sean Stark
Author of three martial arts books
Founder of Pencak Silat Pertempuran

"Thoughtful, Well Presented, and a Fun Read"

Sulaiman Sharif Exposes"50 Martial Arts Myths" in New Book for Martial Arts Teachers, Students and Enthusiasts

2009-12-24T10:18:00.002+08:00

Aimen's book on Martial Arts Myths is now on sale on Amazon....for more information please click the link below:

Sulaiman Sharif Exposes"50 Martial Arts Myths" in New Book for Martial Arts Teachers, Students and Enthusiasts

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Kipas Nandong

2009-07-27T15:20:00.004+08:00

If you missed the 'Hidden Obvious". Here's what Syahril did.
For more info on Gayong International Performing Arts Academy, go here: http://gayonginternationalusa.blogspot.com/

Junior Disciples of Gayong International

2009-07-27T09:54:00.004+08:00

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...

2009-07-23T15:49:00.004+08:00

Last weekend, my cousin, who's not quite so little anymore, got hitched in a simple but awfully sweet engagement ceremony. Welcome, dear new cousin to the family. We're SO SO looking forward to the BIG day in December (which begs the question ~ what to wear, what to wear?)

The event also reunited Tok with her 'besan', Tok Som, whom I haven't seen in a while. Surprised she still remembers me. Back in the day when Tok Yun was far away, she was the one who was near and dear...and welcomed me with open arms each time I tagged along Pak Ngah and Mak Ngah's visit to Kuala Pilah...

Rest of the week saw me munching off chocolates courtesy of Mak Teh!! Yeay...she and Pak Teh Awang Goneng stopped by yesterday and dropped off ample supply of chocolates from London...have hidden the Terry's chocolate orange in the deep recesses of my fridge to be consumed and savored when everyone in the household is fast asleep!! (he he)

Gayong Bukit Mahkota Rocks !!

2009-07-13T16:24:00.002+08:00

(12th July, 09)
The barefooted youngsters of The Bukit Mahkota Gayong Chapter nonchalantly shrug off the afternoon sun and put up an awesome and spirited performance. It was simply delightful to watch them execute their orchestrated moves. Congrats and thanks a gazillion to the instructors who prepared them for the show. So, prowlers who are bent on taking advantage of BM residents, BEWARE of these young warriors, they ROCK!!

Modern day 'Batu Belah, Batu Bertangkup?'

2009-07-13T07:29:00.001+08:00

Two nights ago, Syajie was relishing a tropicana ice-cream and when he was done with his, he asked for mine and without batting an eyelid, he devoured mine as well. When he was done, he looked at me with peering eyes and asked, "Mama punya mana?" "You ate mine, remember?" Just as soon as I said that, tears start welling up in his eyes and I could see guilt quelling up and his face tightens up with emotion. Then he turns appealingly to his daddy, lifts up his shirt, rubs his belly and said, "Daddy, open belly!" "Why?", asks his Dad. "Nak give ice-cream to Mama!!" We explained to him, that food, once devoured, has only one exit..."Ohhh, Syaril eat in mouth, then go to Syaril's neck, then Syaril's belly, then Stinky butt-butt!!" Well, at the very least he gets the idea...

May you rot in jail...

2009-07-07T10:02:00.003+08:00

Bapa dijel 120 tahun
Oleh Zaitie Satibi
am@hmetro.com.my

KUANTAN: “Pertuduhan terhadap kamu sangat serius kerana perbuatan (merogol) dilakukan itu tidak berperikemanusiaan dan lebih keji dari binatang.

“Malah, kamu juga melakukannya tidak kira masa dan tempat termasuk di kandang kambing dan ladang kelapa sawit,” kata Hakim Hassan Abdul Ghani, di Mahkamah Sesyen, di sini, semalam.

Hassan berkata demikian ketika menjatuhkan hukuman penjara 120 tahun dan 60 sebatan terhadap seorang peneroka Felda Chini Timur 3 di Pekan yang didapati bersalah merogol anak kandungnya, antara Ogos hingga 6 November lalu.

Beliau berkata, biarpun tertuduh mengaku salah, tetapi ia bukan faktor yang harus diberi pertimbangan memandangkan kesalahan terbabit amat serius.

Menurutnya, tertuduh berusia 52 tahun yang sepatutnya diharapkan dapat melindungi dan membela anaknya, namun mengambil kesempatan memuaskan nafsu serakahnya.

“Kamu seperti haruan yang makan anak sendiri. Bagaimana mahkamah hendak belas dan beri hukuman ringan sedangkan kamu sendiri tidak belas terhadap anak sendiri.

“Kamu juga curangi amanah Tuhan dan guna anak kandung untuk puaskan nafsu serakah. Mahkamah tidak dapat bayangkan trauma yang dilalui mangsa.

“Masyarakat akan bersimpati dengan nasib mangsa dan tiada siapa pun dapat memaafkan perbuatan kamu,” katanya.

Keputusan Hassan turut mengambil kira hujahan dikemukakan Timbalan Pendakwa Raya, Mahadi Abdul Jumat, yang mencadangkan supaya tertuduh dijatuhi hukuman berat kerana melakukan kesalahan serius.

Mengikut pertuduhan, tertuduh yang beristeri empat didakwa merogol anaknya yang ketika itu berusia 14 tahun lapan bulan pada kali pertama di rumah mereka di sebuah rumah di Chini, Pekan, pada jam 1 pagi, awal Ogos tahun lalu.

Dia turut didakwa mengulangi perbuatan itu di sebuah ladang kelapa sawit di Chini kira-kira jam 12 tengah hari pada pertengahan Ogos lalu dan dalam kandang kambing kira-kira jam 6 petang, akhir bulan itu.

Tertuduh kemudian didakwa mengulangi perbuatan sama terhadap mangsa pada pertengahan September kira-kira jam 10.30 pagi, penghujung September lalu, jam 9 pagi dan 6 November lalu, jam 6 petang, di rumah mereka.

Dia ditahan sehari selepas mangsa membuat laporan polis mengenai perbuatan kejinya itu pada 13 November 2008.

Bagi enam pertuduhan itu, tertuduh yang sentiasa kelihatan tenang di kandang tertuduh, didakwa mengikut Seksyen 376(3) Kanun Keseksaan (Pindaan 2006) kerana sumbang mahram yang memperuntukkan hukuman penjara sehingga 30 tahun dan 10 sebatan.

Begitupun, tertuduh yang turut berniaga bernasib baik kerana Hassan menetapkan hukuman bagi setiap pertuduhan berjalan serentak mulai semalam, tetapi selepas hukuman bagi setiap kes selesai.

This guy already has four wives!!! Don't think jail alone is good enough for this freak...He ought to be castrated!!

Welcome home, Tok...

2009-06-10T02:10:00.003+08:00

In a distance, Tok's house has certainly lost its sparkle. As we turned into Lorong Ayer Puteh, or 'White Water Lane', I craned my neck to see, what to me, was the most beautiful house on this particular lane, but alas, was greeted by its forlorn and lackluster appearance. Gone were the towering trees, colourful exotic orchids and irresistible allure of scented 'bunga melor' that beckons us. The now listless and moribund house, which has been home to at least five generations, appeared as though it is displeased, dismayed and perturbed that we've all left it unoccupied for such a long time...

But, I think subsequently, the house forgave us as it didn't take long for it to come alive again. Even though I see my aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces more often than I ought to in their respective houses in Bangi, seeing each other in Tok's house brought about a different kind of excitement. The craze and hullabaloo in the house must have pervaded through the sleepy town of Seberang Perak. Even the sweltering heat tried with all its might but couldn't deter us from reveling in the exuberance of stuffing our faces with sumptuous local delicacies and the joy of meeting relatives who came to pay Tok a visit. Although Tok wasn't able to sit up to enjoy the company of those who visited her, she looked extremely contented and was serenaded by the incessant shrieks and laughter of young and old alike.

If the house felt as though it was slighted, Tok's dining table on the other hand enjoyed unbridled attention as there was never a moment when it wasn't adorned with food of various kinds and surrounded by family members and relatives. The kitchen floor too wasn't spared in the revelry for it became a resting place for 'beached whales' of many different species nursing and rubbing their laden-bellies...

As dusk sets in, it was time to summon one and all to the customary photo-op on the steps of Tok's house. Although Tok wasn't in the picture, the magic of 13D, White Water Lane will never cease. As we pack our bags and leave the house to its own devices, we hope to return again to this magical place. Thank you everyone, Mak Su, especially, who worked tirelessly and everyone who pitched in to make this particular trip a memorable one...

Syahril's makeover...

2009-05-20T09:54:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, while I was in the kitchen and Aimen was in the shower, Syahril decided to go through my make-up bag and give himself a total makeover!!

Afterwards I had to sit him down and explain to him that boys don't put lipstick and eyeliner on...He twisted my words around and justified his action by saying.."Syahril girl, Daddy girl, Mama boy..!!

Happy First Birthday, Baby Ira!!

2009-05-11T00:32:00.003+08:00

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T01:20:00.004+08:00

Happy mother's day to my beloved mom,who has been there for me through good and bad times...Thank you for everything that you've done for me...If it wasn't for Syahril, I would probably never be able to appreciate the joys and frustrations of motherhood... The last two years with him has made me appreciate your love and sacrifices even more...Through you, I've learned that marriage is never ever a bed of roses but one that must stand any and all tests that come its way...May Allah bless you with good health and many many more joyous years ahead..

Happy mother's day also to my beloved grandma. I remember when we were little I would fight with Pak Ajie over her. I've always wanted her to be my mom!! I'm so glad that she's always surrounded by the ones she love and those who loves her back many, many times over!!

My wishes goes out also to my Mak Tam who has 'mothered' me while I had little courage to venture out in the big city. I remember once, she accompanied me to a MAS stewardess interview. We waited for hours under the scorching sun, only to be disqualified the minute they measured my height...I was half an inch toooooo short!! I was depressed for days but she spun me back and help me through the bleakest days of my life. Sadly, she has the big C but she's definitely a fighter and my prayers are with her always.

Happy mother's day also to my mom-in-law. She's been a dedicated teacher all her life and she has always impressed upon me the importance of this profession. Among others she'd remind me how teachers during her era won't get paid if the majority of the class failed their exams!

Not least, Happy mother's day to Mak Ngah and Mak Teh and Mak Su my beloved aunts who have loved me unconditionally despite my idiosyncrasies and shortcomings...I love all of you very,very much!!

To Nisa, Dena and Laili and to all above who have been stalwart mothers I pray that Allah will continue to give you the strength to weather all the trials and tribulations that come with motherhood...Happy Mother's Day, everyone!!

o my grandma has a farm...

2009-04-29T11:26:00.000+08:00

We will not go down

2009-04-23T13:54:00.004+08:00

WE WILL NOT GO DOWN (Song for Gaza)
(Composed by Michael Heart)
Copyright 2009

A blinding flash of white light
Lit up the sky over Gaza tonight
People running for cover
Not knowing whether they’re dead or alive

They came with their tanks and their planes
With ravaging fiery flames
And nothing remains
Just a voice rising up in the smoky haze

We will not go down
In the night, without a fight
You can burn up our mosques and our homes and our schools
But our spirit will never die
We will not go down
In Gaza tonight

Women and children alike
Murdered and massacred night after night
While the so-called leaders of countries afar
Debated on who’s wrong or right

But their powerless words were in vain
And the bombs fell down like acid rain
But through the tears and the blood and the pain
You can still hear that voice through the smoky haze

We will not go down
In the night, without a fight
You can burn up our mosques and our homes and our schools
But our spirit will never die
We will not go down
In Gaza tonight

All Music and Content Copyrighted. All rights reserved. © 2009

TGA's version of the Shaolin Temple...

2009-04-16T08:08:00.001+08:00

Taqwa Gayong Academy (TGA) was founded on three components that were crucial to aid the reformation of our wayward students.

First and foremost is Taqwa which is the Islamic concept of "God-consciousness" or higher consciousness. Having taqwa allows a person to be constantly aware of both God's all-encompassing knowledge and attributes and a reminder of their relationship and responsibility to God as his creation and servant. The scholars explain that the way to taqwa is through obedience of God, avoiding disobedience, and striving to stay away from doubtful matters. It is awareness of God as one moves through life.

When the students arrive at our doorstep, religion wasn't even in their vocabulary. Take Yusuf and Malik,(aged 6 and 8 respectively),for example, two brothers of Sudanese origin who were left to fend for themselves for two weeks in the thick of winter in front of a seven-eleven store. When they came to the school, the only thing Islamic about them were their names...

Then, there were also those who were fostered by Christian families, like Sharon and Amando, aged 5 and 7, who in return for their kindness, brought these unsuspecting foster families to the brink of nervous breakdowns. Sharon's mom and sister died of AIDS when he was 5 and although he wasn't infected at that time, the doctors didn't leave anything to chance and prescribed anything and everything under the sun to ensure that he wasn't infected with the disease. Dad, meanwhile was serving a 15 year sentence for rape...So, when Sharon came to us at 6, he brought with him his case file, which was about 6 inches thick and a whole x-large ziplock bag of pills to be taken everyday...By that time he was also taking Ritalin as he was diagnosed with ADHD. The first thing we did was send the bags of pills home with the foster mom and though it was difficult for him at first, as he had to quit, cold-turkey!! But he nevertheless persevered and was drug-free for the rest of the time he was with us.

Amando, meanwhile had been suspended from kindergarten 6 times!! The first thing we did for these kids was to make them Muslims. At this point their foster parents didn't care if they were Jews or Muslims..."Make them something!!" they pleaded with us. I remember one weekend Sharon's foster mom took him home and a few hours later, we received a frantic phone call from her, begging to send him back. "If you don't allow me to send him back, I'm gonna shoot him, Brother Sulaiman!!" she begged hysterically on the phone...

With cases like this, the first treatment was to inject them with high doses of taqwa. They were taught to purify themselves physically first by ablution and taught to perform solat. Each morning, I'd wake them up through the intercom and we'd perform Solatul-Fajr together and after that sit for an hour reciting the muamalat which is a compilation of Surahs from the Quran, salawat nabi (which was about 17 pages long...), Dua jamilah, Ganzal Arsh and Dua Akasah. After this session, they would recite Muqaddam and Quran, and learn Quranic Vocabulary for Juz Amma. In the evening, after Solatul Isha, we'd read them stories from "Irshad" or Tales of the Prophet. They loved these stories and could be heard re-telling them to newcomers.

Their accomplishment in this particular component was truly amazing. Some of the senior students were not only able to memorize the entire Juz Amma in a matter of three months but the meaning of each word in English as well. For their tests, I would mix words from all the surahs in Juz Amma and they were able to translate them word for word. And if one were to recite a long surah like Surah Balad, for example, another could be heard translating it in English...

By instilling Taqwa in these kids, I, myself found the beauty of Islam as I was able to witness their transformations through my teary eyes. When they first came, all we heard was "f this and f that" and rap songs which were riddled with profanities but three months into their stay, they were singing songs from Raihan and reciting Asma-ul-Husna. Unbelievable!!

The next element in the academy was of course the gayong component which was an extremely grueling and physical form of Silat. This was done after school. Class was over at 3 pm and at for three solid hours they'd be subjected to exercises, drills and warrior arts skills. The students really enjoy these sessions with Aimen and their spirit reverberated through the entire tiny town of Paulsboro. There were times the neighbours would call the cops on us because the students would sometimes train after Fajr (which in New Jersey could be as early as 4am in the morning!!) Amando was the most resilient of them all. He was only 6 at that time and could leap over 9 adults!!

Next came the third component which is academic. Since most of our students were expelled or suspended from public schools, we had to homeschool them. So even if technically they were, for example, supposed to be in 5th grade, we'd probably have to pull them two grades back so they could recover whatever they missed in school. With only the two of us as teachers, Aimen and I would split the kids into two groups and teach them everything ourselves from English to Social Studies. It is also worth noting that when Sharon left our school we pulled him back to third grade but because of his excellent scores, he was able to enter the fifth grade.

So, TGA became like a Shaolin Temple for these kids. They got to live with their teachers, eat with their teachers, pray with their teachers and train with their teachers. Prior to this, most of them would be roaming the streets till 2-3am in the morning and at times cops had to be summoned to round them up. At TGA however, they couldn't even make it past Isha for I remember one night, as soon as we gave salams at the end of the prayer, a few of them didn't even make it pass the first sujud as they were already sound asleep!!

At one point they got rather big-headed. We treated them to the greatest Shaolin show called "The Wheels of Life" that was held in Atlantic City and guess what they said after watching that show, "We can dust them anytime, Sister Liza!!"...

The Apple of my eye...

2009-04-12T01:00:00.002+08:00

In the mid 70's, following the departure of my grandfather, it seemed that life had dealt us a terrible blow. There was hardly any reason to smile or laugh and then, suddenly, all that sadness and sorrow came to a screeching halt on the 12th of April, about 10 days after my grandfather passed away...Dena was born!!! She was my first cousin, my doll, my baby, my everything!

When we first took her home to my aunt's house in Bangsar, we were so excited and thereafter, nothing could stop me from spending my weekends in Bangsar. Even on the weekends that my aunt had to balik kampung to Kuala Pilah, thick-skinned me would be part of the entourage... I remember, we would sit and wait outside the door while she slept, having been kicked out by Tok or Tok Nek. And we'd wait until they dozed off and stealthily creep in to shower the little bundle of joy with gazillion kisses, only to have the upside of our heads smacked with a cloth napkin and thrown out of the room by the uncompromising Tok Nek. Then, there were times when we'd kiss the baby on the lips, only to get our heads smacked yet again, for spreading germs to this precious little wonder. But did we learn our lesson? Oh noo, we couldn't get enough and when the weekend was over and it was time to go back to our house in Kampung Tengku, I'd kissed her until I was sure I could hold her scent for another week!!

In those years, the exam for primary school was held in Std 5. I fared miserably because all I could think of was being with my Dena on the weekends. The pix above shows Dena in Mak Teh's arms on my 11th birthday. She was my pride and my joy, the best birthday present, ever!

When my aunt announced that they were leaving for Kansas for a few years, I was so heart-broken. My brother, Am and I would huddle and plot different ways to make them leave Dena behind. Yeah, there wasn't a doubt in our hearts and minds that we could take care of her and her every need, but just don't take her away from us. When she left, gone were the days when I'd wait outside for hours, at the slightest hint that she might be visiting and of course, gone too were my weekend escapades for there was nothing else to look forward to after that.

On the night of her wedding, I cried myself to sleep in New Jersey and couldn't stand the thought of missing her wedding. And when news came that she was expecting her first baby, I felt really awful as I had wanted so much to be there to welcome my new nephew.

Well, the best consolation is now, I'm back in Malaysia and although this bundle of joy has now turned 34 and is a tad bit heavy to carry in my arms, I'd still shower her with a gazillion kisses because, Dena, you'll never, ever know just how much I love you and how much you mean to me!! You'll always remain the apple of my eye, albeit a plump and juicy one now...May Allah bless you always, and I certainly look forward to spending lots and lots more birthdays with you. Happy Birthday, sayang!! Pix above also shows the rest of cousins and anak menakans that came after you...Happy Birthday from all of us!!

Tribute to Wau on My Birthday...

2009-04-03T01:26:00.000+08:00

"Why were you absent for a week, Nurliza?" that question continues to haunt me until today. "My grandfather was sick, teacher", came the meek reply,as I stood up, horrified that she'd asked me this question in front of the whole class. "How is he now, is he better?" the teacher seemed relentless on embarrassing me, knowing full well that I'm not prepared to answer this question. "Yes, teacher," I nodded. With that, her attention turned to another kid, thank goodness. I don't know why I answered 'Yes' when in fact, my grandfather had actually passed away that week when I was absent from school. I was flabbergasted with myself. Is that considered a lie?

The truth was I didn't want to get into the long and short of it in front of the class. The clarification would undoubtedly leave me in tears as this is the first time in all my 10 years of living, someone I loved and adored had passed away, in front of me, and more so, on my birthday.

Yes, it was 34 years ago that we all sat around my maternal grandfather in his house in Lorong Ayer Puteh, Alor Star. My mother had whispered in my ears earlier that he was leaving us. I nodded, although I didn't really understand what that meant. I was overcome with sadness that was made worse by the overwhelming grief in the entire household. I remember holding his hand and telling him that it was my birthday. He closed his eyes and looked at me. For a moment there I prayed hard that revelation would somehow miraculously relieve him of his pain and things would be as it was before and there would be no reason for anyone to cry...

Alas, things took turn for the worse and he expired soon after. I couldn't believe that he was gone, right before my very eyes. My aunts were inconsolable and were crying hysterically. It all seemed so surreal and I wished that it wasn't true.

School holidays were never complete without a trip to my grandparent's home. We'd be excited because it would mean being with our little uncle, Ajie and most of all, be with Tok and Wau. I don't know how we got to calling him 'Wau' instead of 'Wan' but I remember that he hardly came out of his room although we would frequently be in his room, pestering him to administer 'zambark' on parts of our body bitten by mosquitoes. We'd also badger him for change to run to Mamak Karia's store or Ah Nui's store across the street to buy this and that. That is until Tok tells us to stay out of his room so he could rest.

On that day, 3rd April 1975, the grief that struck the entire household was insurmountable. Everyone was so sad and couldn't stop crying. As for my brother and me, we lost a grandfather we can call our own. The house was never the same again thereafter. Looking back, after Wau passed away, we hardly played on the second floor. One reason was because the house seemed rather gloomy without his presence and another was because of all the ghost stories we've heard from friends in the village that wandering or playing upstairs by ourselves was definitely not an option.

Join me in reciting Surah Yasin and Al Fatiha for my beloved grandfather who is kept alive by fond memories in the deep recesses of my heart.

Syajie my little elf

2009-04-02T10:04:00.002+08:00

Syajie has been really helpful of late. He helps me with chores around the house like mopping, dusting etc. He's really good at making himself useful. Recently, he has found his niche as a 'pencil sharpener' at the tuition center. He takes his job specs seriously by lining up his 'tools of the trade' ~ sharpeners of different shapes and colours. He stops students from sharpening their pencils dead in their tracks and assumes that it's his job to do so. He's actually good at sharpening pencils...Thank you, Allah, for this little elf...

A Smashing Splashing Sunday

2009-04-02T00:14:00.004+08:00

Last Sunday, took Syajie out to Central Park near KLCC and he certainly had a blast. He treated himself to my pocketful of change to three Barney Rides, later he patiently waited on a Thomas The Train carousel and was delighted at being treated to two free rides by a kind parent who allowed him to share the ride with her kids. On the way out, we bumped into Mama Dena and Nasar who were on a toy shopping spree and were on their way home.

It started to drizzle but the sun mustered its way out of the clouds just in time to send Syajie to giddying heights on the kiddy swing. After that, he frolicked and explored the playground and had loads of fun on the slides and getting lost in the maze.

On the way home, he found the next best thing to Mama Dena's pool...a kiddies wading pool. Shajie certainly had a whale of a time splashing around. The pool was for kids below 12 and was safe enough to allow him to be on his own.

To top off a perfect Sunday, Daddy treated us to Haagen Dazs' Berry Strawberry and some heavenly chocolaty brownie with sinful scoops of chocolate ice-cream. Yummmmy!! Abang Kamil works there, so I'm quite sure he pulled some strings to make the servings extra special. So we now have a good excuse to visit him and the park again soon. Thaaannnk Yooouuu, Daddy, for a stupendous Sunday!!

Happy Birthday, Pak Ajie!!

2009-03-30T19:19:00.007+08:00

Here's a resounding birthday wish for an Uncle who is arguably every one's favourite...No event is ever complete without his presence. He's always entertaining us with his antics and reenactments...

More remarkable is the fact that he's taking care of our beloved grandma...we all know that it's not an easy task. But being the filial son that he is, he has certainly persevered and that serves as a GLOWING example for the rest of the clan and TABIK SPRINNGGGGGGGGGG!!!

Pak Ajie, although according to the family tree you're supposed to be my uncle, you're only a year younger than me, so you''re more a sibling then an uncle...You can't really tell that by the tons of grey hair, (and stop asking Kak Di to pull it out!!)...Although...that, unfortunately, makes you appear 10 years older than me!!!

This group pix serves as a sombre reminder of how old you're getting... Pix shows most (excluding those in Geneva, London and India) of your anak menakan and cucu menakan!!! On behalf of all of your anak menakan(s) and cucu menakan(s), including those overseas, wish their favourite Pak Ajie @ Tok Chik a very, very HAPPY BIRTHDAY and we all love you very, very much!!!

Happy Birthday, Mak Teh!!!

2009-03-24T02:23:00.004+08:00

Dearest Mak Teh,

Aimen and I stayed up until wee hours of the morning editing this little clip for you. Happy Birthday and May Allah keep you in His Mercy always... Come Home SOON!! Enjoy the clip...luv, oli

A Rose Among The Many Thorns...

2009-03-19T13:09:00.012+08:00

Even before Steve embraced Islam and become Lateef in the late nineties, he was already an integral part of not only the Gayong America family but ours as well. So were the rest of the students, especially the non-Muslims. They camped out on our floors on weekends and holidays and spent their summers with us. So, while we missed our respective families at home, Aimen and I were always surrounded by students who are so trustworthy, caring and extremely diligent in their pursuit of learning silat. They lived, ate and drank silat and while they did that, inevitably they were also immersing themselves in Islamic lifestyles. But even with that, we were clueless when we got a call from Steve one day saying he is ready, we asked, "Ready for what, Steve?" "For Islam," came the answer...

So, with that, he pursued Islam with such furious vigor and vitality that puts most Muslims to shame. He embraced Islam not only in name but also adapted himself quickly to the demands and rigors of Islam. Before our teary and watchful eyes, he transformed and bloomed into a beautiful Muslim. I wish I had documented his inspirational journey for all to witness as he is certainly exemplary in this regard.

Whilst learning silat, the students were also immersing themselves into the Malay culture. They would kiss the hands of their elders upon entry and exit, eat with their hands, sit on the floor when their elders sat on chairs, wear kain pelikat, watch silat movies and eat Malay food. We'd spend hours and hours sitting and laughing at the dinner table over dunkin' donuts' coffee and bagels, talking about everything under the spectrum and at the same time share our experiences, religion and culture.

Lateef's penchant for all things Malaysian at that time included his intention of finding a Malaysian as his life companion. His best bet was the internet as the tiny one horsetown of Paulsboro had very little to offer by way of prospective brides...One weekend, he asked if he could bring someone...our eyes lit up and of course he was bombarded with questions after questions! Excitement permeated the household when it was time to meet this 'person'. I was exceptionally pleased at the prospect of having someone to share my kitchen with, as for the last 10 years or so, I was the only female in the silat household!!

Latifah was a Post Graduate student from Cornell, upstate New York. Originally from Pahang, she had been in the United States for a few years. At that time also Radzi, one of the malay students who was studying silat with us infected us with the 'Kuch-kuch hota hei' bug and got everyone, even the usually reserved Hussain, who was our oldest student and a highly regarded leader in his community humming and dancing to the tune. I was thrilled as, at last, there is someone to speak malay to and share 'girlie stories' with. She was not only a great companion in the kitchen but her delicious currypuffs and kuah kacang were definitely a refreshing change from my boring repertoire of dishes. Four months into the courtship accompanied by the virulent humming and group dancing of 'Kuch-kuch hota hei' by TGA boys and elder-lies alike, came the phone call again, "I'm ready, Cikgu," said Lateef sheepishly, and being clueless yet again, we asked, "Ready for what?" "For marriage..." came the answer.

So, with that, on Aimen's birthday in June, they wedded TGA style...we did everything ourselves, the pelamin, the bunga manggar, the wedding cake, cooked and performed silat for about 100 guests. In the words of the iconic Obama, "...it was a day of smiles and thanks, of decorum and pageantry...". We even flew my mom in to help with the decorations and cooking.

Tipah's presence certainly brought joy and bliss to the traditionally all-male 'fart'-inity...I loved and cherished the weekends the most as they'd spend theirs with us cooking outside, barbequing and babysitting the kids while we went out grocery shopping.

When Tipah graduated and it was time for them to head home to Malaysia, I desperately fought back the tears and swallowed the lumps in my throat when we bade them farewell at Newark Airport, not knowing when we'll see them again. I missed them dreadfully. It was the sort of drubbing that awakens you to the fact that life is not obliged to work out as you'd planned. The barbeques, the cook outs, the weekends were never the same again without them. Then came the dreadful 9-11 which devastated not only the lives of innocent Americans but also took with it the blood, sweat, tears that went into building TGA. It was certainly an incident that forever changed the landscape of TGA. Forced to 'cease and desist' as we were an Islamic establishment, we decided to return to our homeland, Malaysia. The only consolation in going home, of course, is reuniting with our families and friends and of course be closer to Lateef and Tipah in Malaysia. We chose Penang as our residence as we had about 8 of our students and thought that Penang would be idyllic as a setting for TGA Penang Chapter.

After spending six long years in Penang and establishing a tuition center, we decided to move to Lateef's neighbourhood and closer to my aunts and uncles in Bangi. Maryam, who is Lateef and Tipah's oldest daughter was the first to enrol into our new establishment in Bukit mahkota. Now, we live within five minutes of each other. It's amusing as it used to take them four to five hours to drive to Penang for lunch, now they're at the door before we can put the phone down!! I still can't get over the fact that we now have them as our neighbours! Allah SWT is certainly the best of planners and never in a million years would I imagine that we'd be playing the role as Maryam's care-giver, given the tumultuous years preceding 9-11 and the difficulty of re-setting up TGA and adjusting to Malaysian idiosyncrasies after being away for far too long.

Nevertheless, as I held Maryam's hand after picking her up from school on her first day of school, I was beaming with pride and overwhelmed with joy to see her growing into such a pretty little girl. Looking so smart in her pinafore, she took her responsibility as a first grader in stride, shrugged her shoulders and nonchalantly passed off the first day of school as 'no biggie'. Both Lateef and Tipah have definitely raised her wonderfully, making our job such a pleasure when we have a student like her.

Happy, happy birthday, dear neighbour Tipah. You've certainly been blessed with an exemplary husband and two beautiful children. May the light of Islam continue to illuminate your life and may all your dreams and wishes come true...

Happy Birthday, Nisa and Nasri!!

2009-03-16T02:06:00.001+08:00

The multi-birthday pool bash was slotted to begin at 3pm but torrents of rain reduced visibility and hence traffic was at a standstill, thus delaying many from getting there on time. Pak Lang and us managed to beat the rain and traffic to get there within the hour, only having to wait for others to turn up almost three hours later...Anyway, by maghrib, everyone gathered to sing the birthday song again and again and yet again, in the process reducing the candles to just the wicks by the time they get to the last member of the clan...

It was extremely cold but the tiny tots braved the chills, clamped their mouths shut to prevent their teeth from chattering wildly and managed to get an hour's worth of splash before the rain sent us all scurrying for the warmth of Mak Teh's generous order of 'profiteroles', secret recipe indulgence and my signature strawberry cheese cake and teh tarik...After trying for the umpteenth time, we managed to get Mak Teh on skype and were laughing so hard at the sight of Pak Teh in Ekin's tudung and yet again when Pak Su Wan adorned himself with a munawarah tudung...

The night's sleep was difficult as I learnt from the last pool bash that neither time nor day would stop Adam and Ummar from stealthily creeping behind you and throwing you into the pool. We had to make sure that our phones, cameras and car keys were safely tucked away whilst hanging on to railings and posts as a safety measure...While the men folk stayed up until wee hours of the morning discussing the current political situation, others slept hoping to burn off some of the night's sinful gorging by snoring loudly.

In the morning, after prayers, anticipating the onslaught, I quickly changed into my swimming gear. True enough. Mak Ngah decided to splash water on Adam who was sleeping soundly upstairs in a bid to rope him into carting Pak Ajie into the pool but her ploy backfired when instead, they bundled her up and carried her all the way from upstairs and wickedly dumped her into the pool. An unsuspecting Wani, who was still in her caftans was screaming her head off when they ganged up on her and turned her into a wet 'kelawar'. Nisa was next, followed by Kak Di who thought that by clinging onto Tok for dear life would spare her but they pried her off and sent her splashing into the pool.

It was certainly a memorable weekend which ended with Pak Ajie's hilarious yet entertaining Bollywood dance. Dina's beautiful house and landscape certainly provided the perfect setting not just for the mandatory dance around the palm trees but for a wonderful and unforgetable weekend. Thanks Dina for agreeing to the bash and of course allowing us to turn your house upside down. We'd certainly understand if the next invitations are fewer and far apart...Even the occupants of the zoo nearby were probably wondering what the heck was going on and were probably thankful to see us leave...

Happy Birthday Mak Ngah!!!

2009-03-14T11:19:00.000+08:00

Happy happy xxxxth birthday, Mak Ngah. Thank you for everything that you've done for me. May Allah continue to shower you with His blessings and keep you in His mercy always!!! Lots of love from Aimen, oli and Syajie.

Happy Birthday, Nona!!

2009-03-11T07:23:00.002+08:00

Many, many happy returns on this special day for someone who is gazillion miles away but nevertheless near and dear to our hearts. May Allah bless you abundantly and keep you in His care and mercy always!!

So far, this is the list of March babies:

Pak Su wan, Adam, Sofi, Nona, Mak Ngah, Nasri, Nisa, Mak Teh and Aji.

April babies:

Oli, Dena and baby Aira.

Pls update if we've inadvertantly left anyone out.

The Birth of Prophet Muhammad saw

2009-03-09T07:50:00.000+08:00

Muhammad, the Master of Prophets, was born in Bani Hashim lane in Makkah on Monday morning, the ninth of Rabi‘ Al-Awwal, the same year of the Elephant Event, and forty years of the reign of Kisra (Khosru Nushirwan), i.e. the twentieth or twenty-second of April, 571 A.D., according to the scholar Muhammad Sulaimân Al-Mansourpuri.

Ibn Sa‘d reported that Muhammad’s mother said: "When he was born, there was a light that issued out of my pudendum (genital organs) and lit the palaces of Syria." Ahmad reported on the authority of ‘Arbadh Ibn Sariya something similar to this.

It was but controversially reported that significant precursors accompanied his birth: fourteen galleries of Kisra’s palace cracked and rolled down, the Magians’ sacred fire died down and some churches on Lake Sawa sank down and collapsed.

His mother immediately sent someone to inform his grandfather ‘Abdul-Muttalib of the happy event. Happily he came to her, carried him to Al-Ka‘bah, prayed to Allaah and thanked Him. ‘Abdul-Muttalib called the baby Muhammad, a name not then common among the Arabs.

The first woman who suckled him after his mother was Thuyebah, the freed slave of Abu Lahab, with her son, Masrouh. She had suckled Hamzah Ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib before, and later Abu Salamah Ibn ‘Abd Al-Asad Al-Makhzumi.

Babyhood:

It was the general custom of the Arabs living in towns to send their children away to bedouin wet nurses so that they might grow up in the free and healthy surroundings of the desert whereby they would develop a robust frame and acquire the pure speech and manners of the bedouins, who were noted both for purity of their language and for being free from those vices which usually develop in sedentary societies.

The Prophet was later entrusted to Haleemah bint Abi Dhuaib from Bani Sa‘d Ibn Bakr. Her husband was Al-Harith Ibn ‘Abdul ‘Uzza called Abi Kabshah, from the same tribe.

Muhammad had several foster brothers and sisters, ‘Abdullah Ibn Al-Harith, Aneesah bint Al-Haarith, Hudhafah or Judhamah bint Al-Haarith (known as Ash-Shayma’), and she used to nurse the Prophet and Abu Sufyan Ibn Al-Haarith Ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet’s cousin. Hamzah Ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet’s uncle, was suckled by the same two wet nurses, Thuyeba and Haleemah As-Sa‘diyah, who suckled the Prophet .

Traditions relate how Haleemah and the whole of her household were favoured by successive strokes of good fortune while the baby Muhammad lived under her care. Ibn Ishaq states that Haleemah narrated that she, along with her husband and a suckling babe, set out from her village in the company of some women of her clan in quest of children to suckle. She said:

It was a year of drought and famine and we had nothing to eat. I rode on a brown she-ass. We also had with us an old she-camel. By Allaah we could not get even a drop of milk. We could not have a wink of sleep during the night for the child kept crying on account of hunger. There was not enough milk in my breast and even the she-camel had nothing to feed him. We used to constantly pray for rain and immediate relief. At length we reached Makkah looking for children to suckle. Not even a single woman amongst us accepted the Messenger of Allâh offered to her. As soon as they were told that he was an orphan, they refused him. We had fixed our eyes on the reward that we would get from the child’s father. An orphan! What are his grandfather and mother likely to do? So we spurned him because of that. Every woman who came with me got a suckling and when we were about to depart, I said to my husband: "By Allâh, I do not like to go back along with the other women without any baby. I should go to that orphan and I must take him." He said, "There is no harm in doing so and perhaps Allaah might bless us through him." So I went and took him because there was simply no other alternative left for me but to take him. When I lifted him in my arms and returned to my place I put him on my breast and to my great surprise, I found enough milk in it. He drank to his heart’s content, and so did his foster brother and then both of them went to sleep although my baby had not been able to sleep the previous night. My husband then went to the she-camel to milk it and, to his astonishment, he found plenty of milk in it. He milked it and we drank to our fill, and enjoyed a sound sleep during the night. The next morning, my husband said: "By Allaah Haleemah, you must understand that you have been able to get a blessed child." And I replied: "By the grace of Allaah, I hope so."

The tradition is explicit on the point that Haleemah’s return journey and her subsequent life, as long as the Prophet stayed with her, was encircled with a halo of good fortune. The donkey that she rode when she came to Makkah was lean and almost foundered; it recovered speed much to the amazement of Haleemah’s fellow travellers. By the time they reached the encampments in the country of the clan of Sa‘d, they found the scales of fortune turned in their favour. The barren land sprouted forth luxuriant grass and beasts came back to them satisfied and full of milk. Muhammad stayed with Haleemah for two years until he was weaned as Haleemah said:

We then took him back to his mother requesting her earnestly to have him stay with us and benefit by the good fortune and blessings he had brought us. We persisted in our request which we substantiated by our anxiety over the child catching a certain infection peculiar to Makkah. At last, we were granted our wish and the Prophet stayed with us until he was four or five years of age.

When, as related by Anas in Sahih Muslim, Gabriel came down and ripped his chest open and took out the heart. He then extracted a blood-clot out of it and said: "That was the part of Satan in thee." And then he washed it with the water of Zamzam in a gold basin. After that the heart was joined together and restored to its place. The boys and playmates came running to his mother, i.e. his nurse, and said: "Verily, Muhammad has been murdered." They all rushed towards him and found him all right only his face was white.

After this event, Haleemah was worried about the boy and returned him to his mother with whom he stayed until he was six.

Summarized from: The Sealed Nectar

Happy Birthday, Sofi

2009-03-07T23:42:00.000+08:00

Wishing you a very happy birthday!!! Sorry we couldn't spend it with you in Arau but we'll make it up when you come up here next month. All the best for your finals and May Allah grant all your wishes and keep you in His guidance always. With lots and lots of love and kisses from me and Syajie.

Speedy Recovery For Those Not In The Well...

2009-03-05T11:57:00.000+08:00

Read from Mak Teh's blog that she's little under the weather, and at the same time, Azlan Izham is being warded under dengue watch with high fever and rashes. Here's wishing the both of them a speedy recovery. Hopefully well wishes from your loved ones will shoo the bugs away...

Read also in today's Harian Metro that artist Azean Irdawati's sister Balkish passed away today from cancer. She was my schoolmate in Sri Aman PJ. It seems that her sister, Sherazad, also from the same school, two years my senior, has cancer. I've lost contact with them since I transferred out from Sri Aman to MGS Kuantan. If this blog somehow finds them, my condolences to her family and for Sherazad, my prayers are with you. Stay strong...

Happy Birthday, Adam !!

2009-03-05T10:01:00.000+08:00

March 5th

Dearest Adam,

Happy Birthday and may all your dreams come true. Look out football world, a star is in the making!! You are definitely the family's hunkydory! Keep working those abdominals for me also...Jom KFC - kak oli belanja!! What a treat, two birthdays on the same day!!

Happy Birthday, Pak Su Wan!!

2009-03-05T02:38:00.000+08:00

March 5th

Happy Birthday, Pak Su wan!! Hope all your wishes and dreams come true and may Allah continue to bless you with the best in this life and in the hereafter. From: Aimen, Oli & Syajie.

Caretaker of many, mother of none...

2009-03-02T15:31:00.000+08:00

This blog is in response to Anedra's (read her blog via my blog roll) naming me as mother of the year. Thanks, sweetie, I'm really flattered. It brought me back of course to the days in Paulsboro. At that time, almost 10 years of being childless, I would, without fail, routinely make doa after solat "Oh, Allah, grant me a progeny..." but, this one particular day, before I could 'Amin' my dua, Aimen came in with a big smirk on his face, saying, 'Allah has already answered your dua!' 'What?', I asked. 'Look out the window', he said, trying to muffle a laugh. 'OH NOOO!!, I shrieked, 'send them back, tell them nobody's home!!' Such was the case everytime I make doa for a child, Allah would send one or two at the door, sometimes with a trash bag in hand, carrying all they had...

Anyway, when I looked out the window, I see these overgrown men with bee-hive hair and gold medallions around their necks. 'But these are grown men', I gasped, 'They can't stay with us,' I pleaded. But of course, Aimen was already up to the challenge and before I could plead some more, he gave me their background. What looked like grown men were actually two brothers, aged 16 and 18, whose meal came from snacks or whatever they can steal from grocery stores.

Playing mom to these kids were not easy. Imagine a 16 year-old, bigger than my husband, complaining he has a wart on his 'thingy' and wanted me to put something on it!! Then there were those between 6-17 who still wet their beds. So, I was preoccupied with making sure they pee before going to bed, then around 3am, make sure they go again...Some of them were so traumatised that they literally had to bang their heads against the wall before falling asleep.

Needless to say that their hygiene left much to be desired...So once a week when we hose the 'Little Muslim Bus' we would round all of them up and hose them down as well...

Now, of course I enjoy playing mom to Syajie. He's so adorable and sweet. I thank Allah for allowing me to care for these children as it certainly justified my existence on this earth...

Now, these below are whom I believe should bag the Mom Of The Year award...

1. My Mak Ngah - Anedra's mom who supported me during my darkest, bleakest days...I remember when I was registering as a freshman in UKM, all the new students came with an entourage whilst I had to fend for myself. I sat down at the stairs and balked my eyes off and when I called her, she told me to stop crying, be strong and do what I had to do. Or during the times when I had 50 cents left to my name, she would make me a meal fit for a king with all my favourite dishes...

2. My mom - who has been through so much. She's truly a steel magnolia.

3. My grandma - who raised such wonderful aunts and uncles. Can't imagine life without them...

The Little Muslim Bus

2009-03-02T08:35:00.000+08:00

In America, school buses exceeding thirteen years of service are condemned and no longer allowed for public school use. But, as a private entity, we are allowed to use the bus but had to change the colour. A few minutes from where we lived in Paulsboro, was a yard where these condemned buses awaits prospective buyers. At that time, all we had was a seven seater van and about twenty students, so out of necessity, we went to the yard and before long were the proud owners of a mini school bus for a mere USD 500. Changing the colour of the bus proved to be a financial challenge at that time, so off to my favourite haunt "Walmart" to look for solutions. Armed with a spray paint nozzle, masks and cans of "army green" paint, Aimen went to work and single-handedly spray painted the entire bus. The kids loved the bus. Since it was green, they nicknamed it "The Little Muslim Bus".

The stalwart bus certainly did its part in reforming our kids. It bussed them to different masjids crossing numerous state lines for Friday prayers, it took them to faraway places like Connecticut, Catskill-upstate New York, Atlantic City, Virginia, Pennsylvania and fun places like Six Flags Theme Park and the beach. Apart from that, it also dutifully ferried them to silat demos to prestigious universities like John Hopkins and George Washington.

The bus hardly gave us any problems but one weekend, we came out of "Walmart" really late and the bus stalled and won't budge. Aqil, one of the kid's dad came in his little beady car to bail us out but ohhhhhhh, it would take him all night to ferry all 15 of us back and forth to Paulsboro. The kids were getting restless, so we did what we always do in times like that - zikir...a few kick starts later, the bus came alive, much to all our delight, and took us all the way home.

I missed that bus. It certainly outdid itself, given its age. Sadly, when we decided to go home for good, we had to sell it. I hope that the new owner would appreciate and take care our beloved little Muslim Bus...

Tok's new pearly whites...

2009-03-02T00:24:00.000+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Tok misplaced her set of teeth, so APB (all point bulletins) went out as far as London and Geneva in search for those precious things but alas, it was nowhere to be found. Mak Su searched everywhere...in the refrigerator, washer, dryer, drawer, freezer for the elusive pearlies. Hence, poor Tok had to have her food minced and cooked really soft for a couple of weeks. APB had these important message:

PERHATIAN anak-anak, cucu-cucu atau cicit-cicit Hajjah Yun yang terpakai, terpinjam, terguna gigi Nenda, sila pulangkan dengan kadar yang SEGERA!!

Nobody owned up so the 'teeth-smith' had to be summoned and now Tok has a brand new set of pearly whites!! Am said that Tok has more teeth than he does. She certainly looks dainty and sweet in those. Dear Tok, with or without them, you're still the BESTEST and SWEETEST grandma in this whole wide world!!

Batang Benar Follies

2009-02-28T19:05:00.000+08:00

Two weeks ago, we bade a tearful farewell to one of our relatives. While pursuing her studies in medicine, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Family, relatives and friends prayed vigilantly for her recovery, but alas, Allah swt loved her more... Her downward spiral was fast, furious and inevitable and she succumbed to the disease. Friends and members of her faculty came by car and bus loads to perform the solatul-jenazah and soon after we formed a convoy and headed towards the cemetery in a little town next to Nilai called Batang Benar. Imagine our disbelief when we found out that the jenazah convoy had to cross the train tracks to get to the cemetery. Apparently this is the only way one can access the cemetery. The complete disregard to the safety of the public who has to defy death to send a loved one off is really appalling. Moreover, the irony of it all is alongside her house lies a miniture toy train track, similar to the one at the cemetery...so although the lack of infrastructure irked us, Allah swt is certainly the best of planners as nobody is probably more at home with the rail tracks than her...May Allah have mercy on her soul and place her among the righteous.

If you've read the story of Billy Goat Gruff, then this bridge in Batang Benar bears resemblance to the one in the story. Every Friday, I have to cross this bridg to fetch one of my wards from school. The bridge in the picture overlooks the same railway tracks alongside the cemetery in Batang Benar but to cross the bridge, you'd have to be a troll or rather behave like one. It seems that whoever is more menacing gets to cross over leaving the poor soul on the other side (me for example....) backing up all the way to China to make way for the 8 and 16 wheelers which frequents the bridge and couldn't give a damn about who gets there first!!

Happy 72nd Birthday Pak!!

2009-02-27T12:06:00.001+08:00

Happy 72nd birthday!! Many happy returns to a man who is not only a wonderful dad to Am and I but who has also assumed fatherhood for the sake of my aunts and uncles since the departure of our beloved grandfather.

As Pak Ajie would often quip, consistent doses of his gases has severely affected Am, Ajie and my chances of becoming lawyers or doctors but nevertheless, we won't be where we are today without his love and guidance. And that certainly supersedes and neutralizes the effects of the many, many doses of harzadous gases...Thankfully, the third generation has been spared and in Wani (Insha Allah) we see the first doctor in the family, alongside many others who, with your help, are successful in their chosen careers.

No words can fully appreciate everything that you have done for us and perhaps the lyrics to Kenny Rogers "Through The Years" will help us wish you a very, very happy birthday and May Allah grant you the best that the rest of your life has to offer.

I can't remember when you weren't there
When I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is
Can't imagine anything we've missed
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do

Through the year, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad Ive stayed, right here with you
Through the years

I can't remember what I used to do
Who I trusted whom, I listened to before
I swear you've taught me everything I know
Can't imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad
I knew how much we had, I've always been so glad
To be with you ... through the years
It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, I'll stay with you
Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong
Together we were strong, I know that I belonged
Right here with you ... through the years
I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out
I've learned what loves about, by loving you
Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down
Youve turned my life around, the sweetest days Ive found
Ive found with you ... through the years
Its better everyday, youve kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, Ill stay with you
Through the years!

A Storm In A Tea Cup

2009-02-23T02:46:00.000+08:00

On our last visit to Genting Highlands, the young warriors of the clan couldn't wait to paint the town red and demonstrate their prowess.... With that in mind, they bulldozed and elbowed their way in line and since the teacup ride was not that crowded, they got on it and taught the little unsuspecting teacup a thing or two about swirling...Half an hour later, the clan heroes were seen cupping their heads and holding their stomachs, much to the chagrin of the rest of the elderly members of the clan who were definitely much wiser and opted to sit the ride outs. However, much later in the evening, elderly clan members decided it was high time to show who's boss--by riding on the choo-choo train around the theme park...Hmmph... Try beating that!

Rain Dance

2009-02-23T01:55:00.000+08:00

On his second birthday (10/12/08), Syajie decided to celebrate by singing and frolicking in the rain. He had the time of his life and neither shivers nor reprimands would dampen his spirits but alas, the next day when we headed to PD Tiara Resort with the clan, he had to sit it out and nurse a fever, poor baby...

Syaji-onnnnnnnnnn

2009-02-23T01:23:00.000+08:00

Last night, while engrossed watching Hindi film 'Vivah' starring Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao, little Syajie helped himself to a newly-opened bottle of talcum powder and went to town with half the bottle's contents!! For the uninitiated, this is a must-see movie, at any cost, even at the risk of your entire living-room looking like a talc-typhoon aftermath...!

Watched the movie half a dozen times but just when a fire puts the love between a well-educated young son of one of New Delhi's most prominent business families and an upper-middle class orphan on trial, I turned around and almost jumped out of my skin at the sight of him smothered in talcum powder. Don't know whether to laugh or get mad while I had to clean the mess up but nevertheless, this must be one of the most magical and romantic hindi movie ever...

The Sunshine of my Life

2009-02-20T10:25:00.000+08:00

After 18 long arduous years of waiting, plotting, planning, crying, sighing...Allah SWT finally answered my prayers and along came Syahril. Given only a week's notice to prepare for motherhood, with the internet and little else as my guide, I took a deep breath and dove head first. Made a lot of mistakes, some days are easier than others but nothing can take away the joy of having Syajie around!!! Photo taken in July of 2007

"Spiders"

2008-10-21T17:28:00.000+08:00

"Sister Liza's making spiders, Sister Liza's making spiders...", making himself loud and clear, Kamar appointed himself the bearer of good news and got everyone at TGA scurrying to the kitchen. "Out! Out!", I yelled, "They're not ready and besides, we're frying them outside!" With that, you can hear them stomping down the stairs and all thirty of my boys could be heard trampling over each other to get out into the yard. Such is the scene when frying "spiders" were the event of the day.

How can I forget? This morning when making the instant version of "spiders" out of my kitchen in Bukit Mahkota, I couldn't help recalling such vivid memories of making them from scratch for my boys in Paulsboro, New Jersey, some six years ago...

"Spiders" were what they call shrimp fritters. The way the sliced onions hang out after frying them in batter made them look like spider legs and hence, this was how it was known from the first time I introduced them at TGA.

As usual, with every new item on the menu, the usual respond would be "EEEEEEEEuuuuu, Sister Liza, what the heck are those?" When a few brave ones stepped up to the challenge and pronounce them not only edible but scrumptious as well, then the rest would shed their trepidations and with that, embrace this as a "must have" on weekends.

Weekends are so precious in Paulsboro as this is the time when I take them out in our little green school bus shopping with me. Most of the older boys would opt to watch TV as this is the only time they are allowed to watch them while those who were not picked up by relatives would opt to go grocery shopping with me.

Feeding 30 growing kids between the age of 6-17 is not easy. More so when I'm the only one cooking in the kitchen. But Allah SWT is Most Merciful for as ardous as it sounds, cooking 3 meals a day for 30 kids all by myself became a breeze and it was as though He sent a host of angels to help me because I could prepare most meals within the hour with little or no help from the kids.

My boys were predominantly African Americans who were sent to TGA either by their single parent, foster parent or relatives. Plagued by broken homes, unforseen and for some, tragic circumstances, they were seen as "problematic" and "hopeless" but with tons of perseverance and loads of prayers...they became more manageable.

RIP, Sarah

2008-04-16T00:46:00.001+08:00

About three years ago, we were custodian to a troubled child whose main affliction was affluence. In the land of Nasi Kandar, or also known as 'Penang', if you have parents who owned a nasi kandar establishment, no matter how miniscule, whether it is as big as 'Kayu' or a stall under the shady cherry tree, it is a big deal. So, naturally, Rahman, a third generation inheritor of Rahim Nasi Kandar, was born not only with a nasi kandar spoon in his mouth but a hand in the store till as well.

Being the eldest son in the family granted him free hold in many things and while his parents were toiling tirelessly at the store, Rahman was busy spending the family's earnings. What he couldn't get from the till, he stole from his mom and with that money at the tender age of 11 he had kids scurrying from every nook, cranny, fissure and corner of his neighbourhood wanting to be his friends. Who wouldn't want to be his friend? Spending money recklessly became obsessive and soon he was cutting school to hang out at a cyber cafe.

Needless to say, his education of course took a back seat and when we met him he was 11 years old, with not a single page of schoolwork done in all five years of schooling. Apart from that, he was giving his mother, Sarah a hard time at home, rebelling and revolting when he didn't get what he wanted. Each time she spoke of him tears would never cease to streak down her face. "Help me", she begged, as she knew she was losing quickly losing control of her child.

After a few counseling sessions we all agreed that in order for him to be reformed, he'd have to stay with us. At that time, we had about six American students who had been studying with us in America and were continuing their studies in Malaysia. In addition to that, we also had SS's kids, Sofi and Kamil staying with us.

Our solution for him was the same as with other troubled children we had at TGA Paulsboro, NJ. who were subjected to grueling regiments intended to detox disobedience and in its place instill consciousness of Allah SWT. At TGA we firmly believe that only when the peace of mind is induced then the individual could excel in whatever he undertakes.

T=taqwa. This regiment includes one hour of muamalats after Fajar, memorisation of Quranic Vocabulary Juz Amma and an hour of Islamic studies everyday which would include Tauhid, Fiqh and Islamic History.

G=gayong. This is an extremely physical Gayong America style regiment, intended to toughen up and strengthen stamina and dexterity followed by martial arts lessons taught by SS. This was done three hours a day, rain or shine in Malaysia (but in US it was rain, shine, snow or blizzard!!)

A=academic, this encompasses either American or when in Malaysia, Malaysian school syllabus

To facilitate his reformation, Rahman was yanked out of his school which was at that time a private Islamic school. Through an agreement with his Principal, (who handed him to us on a silver platter) he was allowed to keep his name enrolled in the school while being home-schooled by us. So, with that we managed to cram five years of primary school work into nine months to prepare him for the UPSR exam. No one believed his results when it came out. He got 3B's and 2C's. By then he was speaking English like a full-blown American teenager, thanks largely to his American housemates. Credit also goes out to Kamil who tutored him in Math and Science. Although he got C's in these subjects, it was indeed an achievement for a boy who's never done a day's worth of school work.

Throughout his stay with us, he still got in and out of trouble but for the most part he had mellowed down a lot, according his parents more respect and even though he conformed more out of fear it allowed him a different perspective in life. He now knows that he had to heed his parents and throughout that time, I kept reminding him to appreciate them and not take them for granted as we don't know how long Allah will allow us to have them or them to have us. I fervently reminded him, as I do with all my students, to occupy ourselves with remembrance of Allah for if we don't, He will retrieve His gifts or take a loved one away from us.

Four months ago, Rahim and Sarah were involved in an accident. They were on their motorcycle around midnight when a the driver of a car cut in front of them appearing to take a sudden left but instead went straight, speeding off into the night. Although the car didn't hit them, Rahim lost control of his bike and both of them were thrown off the bike. Sara was rendered unconscious as she took a nasty fall on the head, in spite of the helmet (but then again, knowing Sarah, not once have I seen her fastening the buckles of her helmet...). According to Rahman, it took three hours for the ambulance to transport her to GH. Rahim, meanwhile broke one of his leg.

When we received word of the accident, we rushed to the hospital but were not permitted to see Sarah who was warded in the ICU. Evidently she had a blood clot in her brains and being a diabetic it caused a lot of complications even after they've removed the clot. Rahim, on the other hand looked shaken but apart from the broken leg was in good spirits. Every one expected Sarah to snap out of the coma, as apart from the head injuries, nothing else was wrong with her - or so we thought...We kept telling ourselves that it wasn't even an accident, she was merely thrown off the bike and thought that she was just unconscious and would gain consciousness soon.

So it became a routine, that once or twice a week we'd stop by at the restaurant to get an update on her condition. "Same", replied Rahman. There were times we'd drive by expecting Sarah to be discharged from the hospital and jumping right back to work. One, two, three then four months passed and both SS and I were worried that she might not be getting the care she needed and volunteered to speak to the specialists on the family's behalf. Rahim was trying to get the doctor to talk to us when an inconsolable Rahman called on the night of 9th April, with the devastating news that his mom had passed away.

The next day, we were able to see her off at the masjid. We didn't visit her for the most part because we expected her to bounce back and be her joyful and cheerie self, serving us her delectable nasi kandar and updating us of Rahman's misdeeds. It's hard to believe that she's gone but for the driver of the car who probably has no clue that he's caused this tragic accident and unbearable losses to family, friends and customers, I hope that this was truly an accident for if you were aware that you've caused this accident and sped off then I hope to pin this on your conscience and hope that you do not rest in peace until you've paid retributions not necessarily in cash but in kind to this unfortunate family. On the other hand, perhaps this driver, just as we did, assumed that this was just a minor accident and shrugged it off, thinking that the motorcyclist and his pillion would brush off the dirt on their backs and be on their way.

We'll definitely continue looking out for Rahman and his siblings for Sarah. Rest in peace, Sarah and May Allah grant you a position among the righteous. We'll keep reminding your children to supplement you with Sura Yassin and Al-Fatiha. If nothing else, we pray that through the hands that've satiated us and other customers, Allah swt will spare you the torment of the grave and assign you to Jannah...

(This blog was actually resurrected from an old one. Written April 15th 2008)