Sahur@PapaRoti

I love the buns ... Truly Fresh & Fluffy!

   Midnight Sahur@PapaRoti in MGM :-D 

It was almost midnight and we were thinking of having our sahur away from home. My better half was contemplating to have some roti canai and a glass full of teh tarik @CafeMalaysiaOman. 

On the other hand, I was thinking of simple breads and any hot drinks from BreadTalk. But, we ended @PapaRoti in MGM! Yeah, We had buns and mugs of hot drinks. Although the sahur foodies were light but they truly filled our bellies for the entire fasting day :D

The franchise PapRoti Outlet in MGM. CosyTime 4 LoveBirds @Midnight!

When we were ordering for our foodies, the clock just struck 12 (@^@) midnight! But, we were not alone. With many customers in the cafe, other people in their white dish dasha and black abaya walking in the mall, some with prams, while many others were seen busy browsing and a lot more were buying their things for the incoming Eid Celebration, it seemed like the evening had just begun! 

Wallah, we are in the City of Muscat and we are enjoying our midnight supper or Sahur@PapaRoti! I truly like it :) TQ Mr Right ...

Blessings in Disguise (Part 1)

I strongly believe with the wordings in the Quran at Surah Al Inshirah 94:6 "in every difficulty, there is ease ..."

As human beings we are bound to be tested. It depends on the individual how he or she succumbs to the test. One may take it as fate by Allah SWT but others may take it differently. I, for one was tested yesterday evening. After Iftar, I had the Maghrib prayer and made some doa for my late Abah and also to my Mom, brothers  and sisters in my hometown and in particular to my children who are all by themselves in a land far away from me ...

While waiting for Isyak and Taraweeh prayers, both my better half and I went to Sabco. We need to buy Gary's food - the Royal Canine. Also, I personally felt it's time to take Gary for his nightsightseeing. Normally, it is his weekly night out, but since we are in the month of Ramadan, we less went out for some cool breeze at night! Hence, last night was his day out and I knew that he certainly liked the outing ;)

We reached home just before 9pm. Gary seemed very happy when we entered our home. He wagged his tail and catwalked towards his sanctuary for an early sleep :D Soon after, I was about to take my ablutions before I performed the prayers when I noticed that my better half was inside the bathroom. Then I sat on a white leather sofa when I heard a message sound coming from my BB. It was from my daughter El who wrote: "Ma Pl call me. Pls" It was as if she was in pain and begging me and when I looked at the time, it was past midnight meaning at her end - it's already 1am. 

Straight away my heart beat drummed faster and I was a little panicky. Worst still, my BB cannot make any phone call, but only to send and receive messages from overseas. I tried the house phone and it didn't work. Something wrong with the wiring I think. I also tried to call her using my better half's Samsung, and still to no avail (in actual fact, I don't know how to use his mobile :-D!)

And, worst still I could not seek help from my better half since he was still in the bathroom! Ho Ho Ho and the clock was ticking and I knew that my daughter was in need of me desperately. Then, I send her a single line message "Pl wait, Ma will call you" and continued to 'repair' the home phone. Alhamdulilah, after a while of adjusting the wires and connections and with lots of prayers in my lips, the phone worked and immediately I called my daughter. 

Through the line, I heard she was crying as if in pain. But, when I asked her why, she answered that she missed me very much and that's why she wanted me to call her! Then she also assured me that she just came back with her brother and sister in law from Iftar. Also joking that they had chicken rice when I told her that I cooked chicken rice for our Iftar (meaning her Dad and me). 

Then we talked about her job, her health, Eid, etc etc and also she asked me when can we meet? So, I told her that perhaps I'll be able to see her the earliest will ne in September just after Eid Fitri. Or in December where we will meet each other to celebrate New Year 2014!  Then, she cried again and I asked her why? Still she responded that she was okay and her sister in law was downstairs and she was in her room. 

But, my heart still sensed that something was not right at her end. There's something she wanted to tell me but at the same time she doesn't want to tell me. But, on my part I played the motherly role and said it's ok then, since it was way past midnight, so she'd better go to sleep and to get the Multivitamin tablets the next morning from the pharmacy. 

But, I still heard her crying and my heart went to her. I just don't know what was wrong at the other end. I fear for her and  I wanted to find out what has happened to her that made her cry non stopped. My fear was she's sick or she met with a mishap. But, I must find out from her brother ....

And, immediately I called my son. I told him that I called her sister after receiving her message to call her, but she was non stopped   crying. Then her brother revealed what most mothers fear - my daughter had met with an accident! My heart almost dropped but Alhamdulilah with faith to Allah SWT, I became calm and just gave my ears to my son when he explained to me what actually had happened to her.

He was at the Police Station to make the police report after he sent off his sister and his wife who were now at home. They went to the Specialist Hospital @Section 20 and said my daughter was okay except with bruises. He assured me that his sister was okay and his wife was with my daughter at our home since my daughter did not want to stay in the hospital. At that moment he was also waiting for the friend of my daughter whom she wanted to meet after Iftar when the mishap happened ...

After calling my son, I called my daughter in law and from her, I received a clearer picture of how the mishap happened. My daughter was on her way to PJ to meet her friend when she lost control of her car infront of a mosque near Three Stone and she rammed at the divider which later flown onto the other side of the lane and landed on the second divider. Luckily there was no incoming car.  Both car air bags inflated which showed the impact was very strong or hard! But Alhamdulilah according to the Doctor who checked on my daughter based on the X-Ray, there's no broken bones and etc, but she has to wait for two weeks before the next check up especially to her lung area. They were told that the hospital needed sometime to see the development of the impact :(

My daughter in law also related to me that my daughter is traumatic with what had happened to her and she began to feel scared of driving. I truly hoped and prayed that it won't happened to her! She needs to continue driving because she has to go to work! Indeed, I am very worried for her but for now I can only pray to Allah SWT that my daughter will be fine. Insyallah. For I believe it is only to Allah SWT that we seek help and protection. And deep inside me, my heart said that Allah will answer my prayer ...

After that phone call with my daughter in law, I had my Isyak and Taraweeh prayers and prayed to Allah SWT for the safety and health of my children especially for my daughyer's situation who was traumatic with the  incident. In fact, 'accident' had been my fear each time I think of my children. And, indeed the worst fear had happened. At the same time when I ponder at what had happened, truly believe that Allah SWT is testing me, my patience and my faith. I said istigfar to him Astaghfirullahalazim many times that made my heart sank and accepted His Almighty's trials and tribulations. 

It also makes me more determined to seek solace in Him for only He knows best what we the immortals do not know. I prayed to Him, to make me a more patience person and uttered alhamdulilah that my daughter is alive! She is safe and now at our home. But, still I did not know how bad the trauma she was experiencing! I can only leave the matter to Allah SWT and that scary experience and fearful feelings also made me treasure life more and only to Him that I seek all my faith and doa. 

I silently uttered to myselfs "Perhaps there is a blessing in disguise out of this mishap which I know nought." Hence, my faith to Him must not shattered instead to be more stronger and accept the fate which He is trying upon me as to make me a much better person! It also strengthens my faith that we are only living in a borrowed world. It is not permanent for the permanent place for all His Creations is the Hereafter which He had reminded me many times when I read the Blessed Book Al Quranul Kareem. 

So, I assured my children that I will be home pretty soon to be with them once I could get a flight and thus, I went home to meet my daughter yesterday. She was waiting for me at the airport with her brother and sister in law. She didn't want to stay at home and looked forward to my arrival. Truly my heart went to her especially when I saw the bruises on her face, neck and on top of her right breast. I was really sad to see her condition but I thanked Allah SWT that she is Alive! Alhamdulillah. But I didn't show my emotions except to continue smiling and give her my encouragement that she will be okay very soon and needs to have lots of patience during the healing period. I told her that I will look after her as much as I could throughout my stay there and Insyallah, I wil be able to pray Taraweeh with her as I had wished ...

However, when I looked closedly at her physical condition I am not satisfied with the first hospital report where she received her treatment and desperately wanted to have a second opinion when she complained her neck was stiff and in pain. So, I took her to DEMC Hospital in SA. We met Dr Adam and he did another x ray to her neck and later told her to do some physiotherapy treatment which made her feel better and more relaxed :) And she was made to wear a soft collar for a week to her neck so to keep it still and less movement because pressure from lots of movements will be detrimental for the soft tissues in her neck! In actual fact, the first hospital that she went should advice her to use a soft collar to support her neck ;( The rigid neck collar will allow stability and healing. 

Anyway, I stayed with my daughter for ten days ... And, during that short time  I truly experienced the blessings in disguise and most importantly the love and grace from The Almighty Allah SWT. Indeed, it is only to Him alone and none other than Him that we should seek protection and solace. As stated in Surah Al Fatihah verse 5, "It is You alone (O Allah) we worship and to You alone we look for help."Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! 

Also the power of doa and the verses in the Holy Book of Al Quranul Kareem. We have to keep on praying and never  stopped believing in Allah SWT. Not forgetting that it happened also within the Nite of Destiny during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan where all our sincere  supplications or doa to Allah SWT, Insyallah with His Blessings and Grace will be answered. 

Alhamdulilah, I received a very strong support from all my in-laws and in particular from my son RM and my ever understanding daughter in law FM who is always there for us during that trying times. She is also the most patient 'supir' to and fro the hospital since both Mom and El 'patah kaki' :D  Other family members were there for me with not only encouraging loving words and comfort but with great deeds and ready full spread of Iftar foodies while I took care of my daughter. To these loving people with beautiful hearts and caring souls, my heartiest Thank You, and which I also believe only Allah SWT could repay all their kindness and understanding with His Love and Grace. Amin.

Me with Allah best gifts - d'forever sweet loving daughters EL & FM @SAMosque :)

(Note: To be continued in Part 2)

Food4Soul!

For my children. While Mom's abroad. Truly worth watching!!!

Three hours of viewing The Life of Prophet Mohamad SAW via BBC TV narrated by Rageh Ommar while waiting for 18th day Iftar @home-sweet-home. :)

    Copyright BBC TV ...

Watching the show was a refresher for me as my mind soared to my late Abah who used to narrate stories about prophets including our Prophet Mohamad SWT, especially about his early life when I was a little girl while sitting on his lap listening to all the stories in a balcony of our home in Happy Village. 

At one time Prophet Mohamad SAW was asked by his opponents what was the miracle bestowed from Allah SWT to him like other messengers before him - the walking stick to Prophet Musa AS which turned into a python and swallowed the snakes of the magicians as well as the miracle and ability to speak when he was a baby in a cradle to Prophet Isa AS. 

On this, in Surah Yunus of the Al Quran stated "Then say (Oh Mohamad): Allah alone has knowledge of what is hidden." (QS10:20).  Indeed, the miracle to Prophet Mohamad SAW is the Al Quran. It is the words of Allah SWT through revealations to His last Messenger Prophet Mohamad SWT.

 

To this day, for the believers reading and reciting the Al Quran provide foods for our souls. It provides guidance to us and there is no one so powerful or almighty except Allah SWT our Creator. There are many stories for lessons to be learnt inside the Blessed book for the readers to know, find out, understand, emulate, also what to do and what not to do! It also tells the readers the importance to follow the right path and beware of whispers by the satans who will do their best to sway humans to do evils and destructions.

Al Quran also "cannot be composed by any but Allah SWT" as clearly stated in Surah Yunus, Ayat 37 (QS10:7). It contains "sublime wisdom, exposition of divine laws and social regulations and information concerning the past and the future ..." (Tafsir Ar Rahman n.322,p.355)

Alhamdulilah, the three hours spent to watch the meaningful documentary while waiting for Iftar in this blessed month of Ramadan was truly worth it! I appreciated the part when with Allah SWT will and grace Malaikat Jibrail came to our Prophet Mohamad SAW and asked him to "Read!" as clearly stated in Ayat 1 of Surah Iqra' of the Al Quran. At Ayat 5 of   the same Surah further explained "Allah SWT taught men which he knew not!"

That was the first revelation ever to Prophet Mohamad SAW and since  then it had kept coming to him and lasted through his 23 years as Allah SWT last Messenger. Indeed, one of the lessons learnt here is that to enquire knowledge one must Read! Read! and Read! Never stop reading. It is undoubtedly the window to knowledge!

Another part of the documentary which touched my heart was our Prophet Mohamad SAW last sermon in Mecca on 9 Dzulhijah 10AH. The words were incredible and meaningful for all souls. Among others, "Remember, one day you will appear  before Allah SWT and answer your deeds. So beware, and do not stray from the path of righteous after I am gone ... I leave behind me two things,  the Quran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these, you will never go astray." These are parts of his legacy for his Ummah irrrespective of colours and races. And, to all his words, "Allah SWT was his witness."

     My true companion:Food4MySoul

NasiAyamMadu4IFTAR

It's weekend! I cooked something special for Mr Right's 18th day Iftar :))

The colourful condiments on the table! And, Mr Right commented "sedapppp" :D Thanks to Mrs Right :-)

Yesterday, Mr Right had prepared a simple prawn noodle dish for us to break our fast. So, in return for his home cooked foodie, I decided to cook something special away from the normal white rice with chicken curry or beef korma. In my mind, I wanted to surprise him with chicken rice and ayam madu for him. For someone who doesn't cook and most of all who doesn't  know much about cooking, it means a real challenge to me. Hi Hi Hi!

At 4.30pm I was already in the kitchen with my helper P. She had helped me to thaw the chicken which was separated into two parts. All the breasts are to be marinated with ginger, garlic, lemon grass, soya sauce and honey with a pinch of salt. Once they were marinated, I left it for an hour before deep fried them. Wow! Just looking at the marinated chicken in the bowl, I instantly knew that it'll taste good and delicious :D

The other chicken parts, I will boil them and make into chicken stock for the chicken rice as well as the main ingredient for the side dish chicken soup. I informed P to scoop three cups of Jasmine Rice. Then in a big pot, I added a little vegetable oil and quickly sautéed some onions, garlic, ginger, lemongrass for a little while before I added the chicken wings, chicken thighs, and drum sticks as part of the chicken stocks. I added a pot full of water and boiled them over a small fire for about 40 minutes until the stock was properly cooked. Indeed, I liked the light yellowish colour and the smell of the stock! Woo ... Nice :)

Once, the chicken stock was cooked I poured them into the rice pot of the rice cooker. I added some fenugreek seeds and a pinch of salt to be cooked together as an added taste and aroma to the chicken rice. I only needed to wait until it gave a sound 'click' which meant it's cooked! Wallah, the main dish which was an integral part was done! Yeah :D

Now, the chicken soup. Using the remaining chicken stock, I made the soup. But, I added in some rempah sup Mak Siti and a pinch of salt and boiled for a little white. The rempah sup gave not only more tasty taste but also added natural colour to the chicken soup. Soon, I garnished them with fried shallots and sprinkled with chopped spring onions. 

Once the soup was done, I made the chili sauce from pounded fresh red chillies with garlic. In a small pot I boiled the chili paste with garlic and added some water, rice wine and Thai sweet chili sauce. This sauce must be boiled well over a small fire. Then, I made the kicap using soya sauce with pounded ginger. I also added a small cup of water to less thicken the sauce. Over a small fire I boiled the kicap sauce for a few minutes. Then I served them all in small bowls. Well, all the sauces were ready. Yeah! And, I just need to cut some cucumber and tomato as part of the nasi ayam condiments. That was easy, so I sought help from P to do the slicing for me. Thanks P :)

Last but not the least, I deep fried the marinated chicken. I also stir fried some kangkong because Mr Right always wanted vegetables to be eaten with rice. The results were as follows: A table full of Chicken Rice Dish and the AyamMadu which was done through deep fried method and wallah, the aroma was in the air fulfilling the whole kitchen of Qurum29!

Well Done Mrs Right! Indeed, I knew my Mr Right will be thrilled with my cooking and his home cooked 18th Iftar will be one of the best foodies he ever had this Ramadan. Insyallah ...

The result ... Aromatic Chicken Rice with the AyamMadu and Chicken Soup for Mr Right. Selamat Berbuka - The 18th Iftar!

Thoughtful Neighbour!

Living abroad as a DS, I am truly blessed with thoughtful neighbours. More so during the holy month of Ramadan. 

Look what have I got today! Two plates of light Iftar foodies, the Samosas & Doughnuts from a Thoughtful Neighbour. Alhamdulilah ;)

         Wow! They looked Yummy ;))

In fact, Mr Right told me not to cook for Iftar today because he would like to take me for an Operation Dinner Out somewhere. The place, he wanted it to be a Surprise! :D  

Anyway, at about noon I suggested to  him that since we're having our Iftar out, I'll just make chocodok pisang and some hot drinks as light Iftar. After our Maghrib prayer, then we'll go for the Big Meal. He totally agreed with my suggestion. I was so happy that I quickly   requested my helper P to prepare the ingredients, so that I could deep fry them at 6.30pm since I want it to be served hot!

However, at about 5.30pm we heard the bell rang and Mr Right said, there must be someone sending us some Iftar foodies. "Good Wish!" I replied. Indeed, true enough when I opened the gate, there were two ladies who worked for my neighbours. 

Happily they handed two plates of foodies to me and said that their Madam conveyed her Salam Ramadan to us and hoped that we liked her foodies. ;) Alhamdulilah, that's what we called rezeki rolling down from the sky!

So, I stalled my intention to make chocodok for today's light Iftar. Insyallah, I will do it tomorrow. Perhaps, I shall also cook Bubur Lambuk and distribute to my neighbours. May tomorrow come and May my wish to return the favour come true! Insyallah. 

Alhamdulilah, after the calling of the Azan by the muazzin from the nearby mosque, both Mr Right and I had our light Iftar the Yummy Doughnuts and the Tasty Samosas!!! We had them with hot milo drinks. Big TQ to our Thoughtful Neighbours ;))  Although they were light foodies, yet they filled our tummy well before we went for Maghrib prayer. Once done, we left our home for our Big Meal. 

This time, my Mr Right took me to Al Maida Restaurant @Qurum Garden. The place was quite crowded with people having their Iftar meal. It was a buffet dinner with a range of more then twenty dishes where we had among others the lentil soup, Mandi rice, tandoori chicken, roast lamb, dhall curry, many kinds of salads and lots and lots of rukhal bread and tasty hummus. There were potato fries and some sambusac. The deserts were plenty comprising of Um Ali, baklava, layered jelly and custards. Wow! Indeed, we truly had a heavy and luxurious Iftar meals. TQ Mr Right :))

However, after the Big Meal  I still craved for some  ice cream. So, Mr Right took me to Gelato @MGM and I had the Gelato Dates Ice Cream which was a special treat during the month of Ramadan! That was really cool and I loved the honey like dates' taste. Sweet and mouthwatering dessert ...

    Gelato Ice Cream / Dates' Flavour!!!

After having all the sumptuous foodies, we drove back to home sweet home. The half an hour slow drive made me a little sleepy. Yet, instead of shutting my eyes and dozing off,  I wrote these words into my notebook about my wonderful thoughtful neighbour:

Oh! Thee and me are neighbours

We've been friends for two years

Different nationality different races

But same faith with similar cultures

Once you took us to the interior

To visit the farms of your ancestor 

Full of dates that made us fattier

Also our stay more fruitful and merrier

Oh! my dear thoughtful neighbour

TQ for the foodies for us to savour

They're yummy your fruits of labour

May you've more rezeki and life prosper!

Once again, to my thoughtful neighbour, I thank you for all the good foods and great deeds! Only Allah SWT could repay your kindness :) Amin. 

Iftar@Sabra

Today, I received an invitation for Iftar from an Omani friend Mrs H @PDOC. I truly look forward to meeting her and her family. We have been friends for sometime since I arrived in this beautiful city. And she has stayed in my country for five years following her husband's tour of duty in Bandar MS. 

While on the way to Mrs H's house, I thought of her and remembered the first time we met. She is a very sweet lady. I loved to hear her stories about her arrival to Bandar MS when she was full of tears to adjust her new  life in a land faraway from home. One of the bitter sweet memories of that little town that she vividly remembered was her experience in the local wet markets. She had difficulty to communicate with the locals. They thought that she was one of them not knowing that she wasn't! 

The locals there were not able to understand her language and whenever she spoke in English, they said that she was snobbish. The locals were unaware that she can't speak the local lingo. Of course she can't because she is an Arabian lady! So, she truly had a challenging time to adjust herself there.  Day by day she learned and adjusted to the local environment and of course she survived triumphly :) Nowadays, she can understand and speak some of the new found Bahasa :D

But, the interesting part was that she cried more and with heavy heart when she and her family were about to leave the little town after her husband had completed his tour of duty. LOL! She had fallen in love to that small town which had taught her the true meaning of life in a faraway land away from home. She understood the true meaning of friendship! Yeah, She truly missed her friends in Bandar MS and till today, without fail she still visits her friends annually! In fact, to some extent they are like her extended family :D

Anyway, after 20 minutes drive, I finally arrived at her beautiful villa  just before Iftar and were greeted by her and her friendly better half. Also by their sweet charming and well mannered children at the entrance hall. Indeed, I liked her children and while I shook hands with them, my heart soared to my own home in a faraway land. Her children reminds me of my own ;( Oh! I miss them all!

When I walked into the hall, I saw familiar faces. We hugged and I was truly happy to meet them all :) We were invited to have our break fast after the hearing of the Azan. There were wide spread of foods specially prepared by Mrs H. We started with dates, samosa and pakora with a wide range of both hot and cold drinks. I loved the pakora most and asked Mrs H for the recipe. Ever willingly she shared the ingredients with us which include chopped spinach with chick peas flour and several spices with a pinch of salt! Wow! That's sound easy, so I decided to try it one of these days for Mr Right! Hi Hi Hi :)) Insyallah my good intention will be fruitful. After a light iftar, we proceeded with our Maghrib prayer. 

Then, came the Big Iftar foodies on the tables waiting for us to eat them all! They were all home cooked cuisines prepared by Mrs H. Even Mr H was jokingly said to me that Mrs H kept feeding him so that he'd be seen as a fat guy and hence no one will ever put her eyes on him :D And all of us broke into laughter! Aren't they cute couple? Indeed, they're truly a loving couple with beautiful and blessed children. Alhamdulilah! 

Well, while putting the foodies into my plate, I managed to inquire Mrs H about the vast menu. There were harrisa porridge which looked like our Bubur Lambuk. Others were vegetable briyani rice with roast chicken. I liked the chicken which tasted like our rendang ayam where she added coconut milk to the dish! That was awesome. Then I had some lamb curry with lots of salads both French and Arabian fusion. 

Undoubtedly, Mrs H was a creative chef. And soon after, it was made known to me that she had conducted some cooking classes to her closed friends. Wow! I would love to learn cooking from her :)) Then, I joked with her that she had to be very very patient with me because if I were to learn cooking from her, it has to start from zero knowledge. Ha ha ha. But, the good intention is there, Insyallah! 

After the isyak prayer, we were served with a wide range of desserts ...

The ice cream khufti ... Rich & Yummy!!!

Not only they were delicious for our taste buds but they were beautifully presented for the eyes! I liked the khufti or ice cream where she added condensed milk in it. It was delicious and yummy. In my dessert plate were a variety of Mixed Sweets ranging from Zanzibari, Omani, Malaysian and Western desserts. Lots of bananas, jack fruits, strawberries and pistachios were used as part of the ingredients. Also condensed milk, coconut milk and sago. 

And among others desserts which I also liked was the apam like dessert which in this region it was known as mandazi. When I ate this dessert my mind and heart flown to my dear Mom @Mrs HRHR who used to make this dessert for her children when we were young. It was a simple dessert which was made of flour, yeast and sugar. Once ready, they looked like pancakes and when we ate them, they were not only yummy but truly filled our bellies. We usually ate them with hot black coffee. Oh! Mom, I really miss you and your foods ;(

My heartiest Big TQ to the  ever lovely couple >Mr & Mrs H for the lovely Iftar at your cosy and welcoming home-sweet-home. I not only enjoyed all the delicious meals, but most of all I cherished the beautiful bond we had together and the charming ukhwah between us and your family. May our lovely friendship grow strong day by day and May all of us receive His Almighty Allah SWT protection and blessing always. Amin. 

Adorable GARY!

Gary celebrates his FirstBirthday with Mom and Dad @Qurum 29 on June 30, 2013.

It has been nine months since we took Gary home  from Sabco. Dad, Mom and Lisa scouted for a feline for Lisa who wanted a buddy @home each time she came back from her internship. So, we went to Al Araimy and saw a few. First, Lisa wanted a Bob Cat, but we could not fine one. Then, she quite liked a snow white girly! However,  I wasn't quite   interested and told her that we'll scout for few options. If there is none that I am berkenan or interested, then we'll get the Snow White!

Very quickly, we crossed the street and went to Sabco. We were shown the cat clinic  by the veterinarian and saw few felines there. All are cute with fluffy hairs which made us rambang mata or had difficulty to choose :D A number of grays and other colors. But no snow whites or Bob Cat! Many were hanging around or lazying in their cages. But, one active grayish feline caught my eyes! I don't know how and why, but I fell in love to him on first sight! LOL :D

Yeah! I immediately told Lisa, "I want that active gray baby" to which she quickly responded, "I thought it is supposed to be my choice, Mom?" Then, I patted her shoulder and said, "You'll be going home soon, but the baby will stay with us. So, I want someone soothes to my eyes." With rolled eyes she gave way to me and agreed with my new found babe! 

I wanted to name him Earl Gray but Dad and Lisa preferred Gary. So, based on majority votes we named him Gary and straightaway we made a passport and medical card for him. Wow! We were feeling very excited and bought all the necessities for him - His grayish carrier box, his gray litter box, his cooled and comfy bed, his lime green hair brush, his shampoo, his cheeky 'mouse' play mates, his cat bowls for food and water, his baby food and of course his personalized lime green cat collar with an engraved GARY and my contact number on it! That was truly awesome. The feeling was as if I am having a new born GrandSon!!!! 

He was then three months old and pretty soon became my daughter's buddy and favourite ... He has his own corner in between our rooms with his food, water and litter pan. He even slept on Lisa's pillow when she stayed with us throughout summer to winter ;)

 Baby Gary ... What's in your mind babe?

His features and antics I truly admired and loved. He has long shabby gray hair and very sharp eyes. He wasn't the manja type and doesn't like to be held ;( He prefers a carefree life. He rather comes to us and slowly squeezes himself to our sides than sits on our laps LOL!

He was potty trained by Lisa. Big TQ Gurly! In his early days, he loves his Royal Canine food for Baby Cat below one year old. But, after a few months when he was growing and getting stronger, I supplement him with plain boiled   chicken breasts for lunch and dinner. I did not give him milk yet, except plain mineral water. Occasionally, some treats of mango juices and ice cream when the weather was hot! 

But, when Lisa left for home sweet sweet Gary became our sunny Son :) Each morning, he'll come to our room, sniffing and purring. Indeed, that was truly soothing voice to our ears. He loves our bed. With his furry paws on my cheek and big 'cat eyes' he would look straight into my eyes as if saying, "Mom, I love U ..." Wow! That was awesome isn't it. And, my heart went to him. He loves to sit quietly on our pillow while waited for us to play with him. But, one thing about him was that he shows no facial emotion. He had stern looking face and Dad always said, "Gary is a Rimau (Tiger)!"

Then, I'll take him into my arms and together we'll wake his Daddy, "Dad, wake up, it's time to work." Only then, he will weave through his Dad's blanket for his feet! He loves Dad's feet :D but I have no idea why? Then, he will wait and just look at his Dad while he sleeps until Dad opens his eyes. Soon, Dad will kiss him and play with him for a few minutes before he took his bath and ready for work. 

After breakfast, both Gary and Mom will send Dad at the door. We will stay at the balcony and waved Dad till his car was out of sight. (@^@) That was our routine every week day. And, when Dad comes home from work at 3.30pm Gary will patiently wait and greet him at the whitish spiral marble staircase. He will wait for Dad and later sniffed his feet. Then he gallantly cat walked and followed Dad to his room. He waited till Dad changed to his home attire. Then cat walked and followed him again to the dining room for our routine lunch time!

Now that Gary has grown and passed his FirstBirthday, I gave Gary new food for Big Boy :D HiHiHi The Royal Canine for Cats' 1Year++ He also loves the Dutch Lady Milk which I started to give him three times a day apart from mineral water with ice on them. He truly loves ice and sweet liquids. He certainly has sweet tooth LOL! Indeed, He is now grown very well and weighed heavier, too ;) 

But, his antics and behaviors still haven't changed. He still patiently waits for Dad to come home from work at late noons. He still sniffs Dad's feet and running after Dad who walks to his room and stays near to Dad while he was resting. Oh Boy! You're such a charming creature :)

A One Year Old Big 'Boy' Gary (:@^@:) ...

To my Adorable Gary, I pray you'll grow well with us. I am Thankful to Allah SWT for introducing you to us and brought Happiness and Laughter to our Home! Oh Boy! You're already One Year and How time flies :) We're truly blissful to have you as part of our big family. Happy FirstBirthday, Gary! We Love You very much and we will always be there for You, Our Adorable Gary ... 

Gary waits for Mom while she sleeps ... :)

Bon Voyage •TM•

Dear TM,

I'll miss your monthly presence 

I'll miss your every ready files

I'll treasure your classy presents

I'll remember your sweet smiles!

    Bon Voyage •TM•

I vividly remembered  the first time we sat eyes on each other. It was Summer 2011@MIA VIP Lounge. You came with BSJ and waited for me together with my other colleagues from our neighboring nations. 

After making sure that we're all settled in the grand yet cosy suites, we were invited to a welcoming dinner at your home sweet home in Shatti Qurum. We were served with your home cooked foodies. Since that first taste, I noted that you're a good cook which was an asset for our HBS community. Then, you became my right hand whom all of us could rely upon in our active PM organization. We worked together hand-in-hand, and soon our membership doubled and flourished from 19 to 45 members! We are big, strong and united.

We had our first event, the PM coffee morning activity together with a theme "Polka Dot" @d'residence. We not only get to know each other better, but at the same time I foresee a good DS in the making! You have talent and you carried yourself very well. And, that beautiful morning was the start of our journey together to bring our PM to a greater heights. With more helping hands and never ending assistance from R and many fun willing members, our first event was truly successful. It was euphoric!

I noticed all members who came and joined the event were joyful not only for the fun time they had, but more so the strengthening of new born camaraderie and sister-ship. In fact, we ended up the session with PoCoPoCo, which was led by you! It was truly awesome :D And, when we had the Best Dressed, it was supposed to be you who was stunningly attired in Red&Black Polka but you gave way for others, which was very thoughtful of you. Indeed, that was another star spirit of a DS! 

There were many more events and happenings you shared and did across the two years we were together. Forget Me Not the delicious foodies which you cooked and shared - the laksa, the mee rebus, the asam pedas, the nasi dagang, the rendang, the bee hoon, the satay and of course the multicoloured cup cakes. All were yummy and Big TQ for sharing with us! 

As per our duty with our organization, as a Committee we took a stand and decided on a project to introduce our own PM uniform which truly showed we're united as a group. We proudly wore our batik attire to commemorate our group anniversary, to welcome our Former Premier and @ALC Event! Certainly, the key to our PM success was the true feeling of esprit de corp. The uniform was the symbol of our feeling of "togetherness" that bound us. 

The bond of sister-ship evaporates within us and our hearts bloom for the beloved nation which we represent. When we put the attire on, it enhances our strength and for that you'll always be in our minds  for being part of that integral project. TQ TM.

    The PM Ladies in Red! It symbolizes our sistership, camaraderie and strength!

Now that you're leaving ...

There are mixed feelings inside me. Sad to see you go but at the same time proud to note that you'll be the key person to support your magnificient other in pursuing his dreams. There is no better place for a wife than to be with her better half :)) He truly needs all the support from you both physically and soul-ly! Also the Fantastic Four, they need their superb mother to juggle from one vocation to another. They (4Plus1) always expect their one and only (@•@) to Know All :D

So my Dear TM,

The day to leave is drawing nigh

It's time for us to say goodbye

Never drop a tear or utter a sigh

Hope to cross path with lots of Hi 

Our prayer to You and Your Family 

May Allah SWT Protect your Journey 

Not All Roads are paved with Honey

But Pebbles in between make it Sturdy

*Once Again Bon Voyage & Safe Journey!

BuburDurian 4IFTAR

Before: It's Full ;)

After ... It's Empty :D

Do you want to know who eat a bowl full of BuburDurian 4IFTAR? Jeng! Jeng! It's none other than my Little Gary (: @•@ :)

Talking about BuburDurian, I must first of all Thanked E & K who made it happened! Two days ago, I received a packet of fresh durian from them and I quickly frozen it in the freezer. I told myself that I'll make desserts using the durian sometime during the weekend. So, this evening I did it! Yeah. 

First, I scoop two small cups of dried mung beans and placed them in a big pot. I put water and soaked the beans for 5 hours. Once it was soft, I put it to boil for half an hour. Next, I added the frozen durian and cooked for fifteen minutes before I added in palm sugar or jaggery plus 2 stalk of pandan leaves for the aroma. I stirred the mixture well over a small fire on stove. 

Soon, I added in a small slice of fresh ginger for purposes of 'buang again' or wind riddance :D  It was a tip from my ever knowledgeable Mrs HRHR. Big TQ Mom! Once the aroma had filled up the kitchen,  I finally added in a cup full of fresh coconut milk. With a wooden spoon stirred the mixture well till the BuburDurian is well cooked. Wallah! I love the smell. 

Since, I was fasting while cooking it, I prayed hard that the BuburDurian will turn out good. May be not as good as my Mom's cooking, but for Mussy's standard, I think she'll get an A*** (wishful thinking, but I think Gary had judged it well by finishing a bowl full of my BuburDurian!)

And since we are still in the month of Ramadan, my Mr Right asked me what shall we have for Iftar today? I quickly told him that we're having BuburDurian for dessert. Yet, I am still contemplating what to cook for the main dishes. Then, suddenly I looked at him and sort of like pleading and said, "Darling, I sort of craving chicken tandoori like the one you cooked when we were courting?" He looked at me with full of surprised look and replied, "That was almost three decades ago!" 

Then, I assured him that it was okay since we have all the ingredients in the kitchen. Hihihi, fortunately he was in a happy Ramadan mood and it's weekend, too. Hence, he doesn't mind to 'dirty' his fingers with the spices :) Alhamdulilah, I had the dish which I craved for. Thank You very much Mr Right. As for the recipe, I can't share it here because it is Mr Right's specialty and I have not tried my hands on it. Well, may be one day but  I'd prefer for now, just to savour the delicious chicken tandoori as how Mr Right cooked and served me ;))

So, for Iftar today, we had a complete menu where for starters we simply took three pieces of Omani dates. It was followed by the main menu which comprised of white Jasmine rice. The dishes were Mr Right's signature dish the chicken tandoori and Mrs Right's daging masak lemak cili padi which I learned from my MIL and also mixed vegetables. We also had some pieces of ikan kurau salty fish as appetizer :-D  Wow! That was truly delicious and yummy Iftar. 

Alhamdulilah, all praise to Allah SWT for His continuous Blessings and also the abundance   Rezeki 'foodies' which were  well laid on the table for our 11th Day Iftar in this Arabian Land. More so, we had the mouthwatering BuburDurian as our dessert.  It truly completes our menu. Amin.

The full set menu - Rice with chicken tandoori and daging masak lemak cili padi with mixed vegetables waiting for US to have them!!! Yeah :D

Carefree Life

Every one of us has led a childhood life. The time frame could be from the day we were born till about puberty or before we reached adolescent. This also made me reflected to the life of Prophet Yusuf in Surah Yusuf when I read and recited the meaningful Surah 12 of the Quranul Kareem the other day. 

While absorbing his childhood story,  it brought my mind and heart to trail down my own childhood life which is far different from him as far as siblings are concerned   where instead of being surrounded by some jealous brothers, mine was with full of love and protection from my brothers and sisters. Being the youngest they poured all their love to me. In almost every thing which I had shared with them, I always received the best and preference over them. 

In fact, I vividly remembered whenever our parents bought some mangos from the town, my sisters and brothers had to wait till I came back from school before Mom peeled them and all of us will eat together. Mom always said, "We'll wait for Little Sister." 

Similarly, at the end of the month after our late Dad (Abah) received his monthly salary, we always had makan besar meaning our foods on the dining table would be extra special than normal days. Abah would come home with fresh chicken where Mom will cook ayam ungkep, a special style cooking which used lots of herbs, spices and very thick fresh coconut milk which is one of my favorite foods. It was also my Mom signature dish :))

And the best part was all the two drum sticks will be mine because then, I will only eat drum sticks and not other parts of the chicken! Mom will also deep fried for me the hati ayam berempah. Yummy! Ironically, I did not feel bad then, but now when the flash back rolled once again I felt truly selfish and remorseful  ;(

My life then was so carefree :)) I have no worries or any responsibilities to shoulder :D  My daily routine apart from finishing my school work then was only to spread the mat or colouful tikar mengkuang which was hand woven by my Mom in the main hall for mengaji Quranic reading session. About fifteen to twenty children learned Quranic reading lessons from my Abah. I used to see them holding wet hand towels to wipe their faces if they felt sleepy. LOL

Every night after the maghrib prayer except on Friday night my Abah will teach Quranic reading to my siblings and our neighbours' children. Perhaps being the youngest in the family, Abah was never stern with me in reading or reciting the Quran which I wished he had. It is because all my siblings are hafiz and hafizah, whereas I am no where near compared to them. They, especially my Big Bro Man and Sister Sofie even went to represent their schools and districts in Quranic Reading Competitions. I always felt envious of them :D. 

Also my siblings were very good at reading Berzanzi and excellent at singing Nasyids or religious choir. They always came up first place or second places for both competitions whenever the competitions were held in their schools or in the district levels. I truly like if they entered the Nasyids Competition. It always came as a group choir where either my brother or sister will lead them. But, I never joined them because I have a lousy voice. Hu Hu Hu;(. My late Abah would console me by saying, "Little sister, don't be sad, you'll take the prizes home." :D

But I always loved the time when they practiced the Nasyids, just before the Competition Day.  About fifteen friends of my siblings will throng our home to practice the singing or choir! Sometimes, if the competitions were held at weekends they normally slept at our home with my sisters and brothers. My late Abah would conduct the singing practices and their sweet enchanting vioces would hail the night. 

Now, flashed back to all those lovely days and nights gave me nostalgic feeling. Oh! I truly missed that beautiful moments spent together with my Abah and siblings in Happy Village. But, I know nothing could bring me back to those moments again except heart rending memories ...

    Memories of Carefree Life ...

B4iC The World

It's only 5.30am and the sun has already seeped through my window ...

Where am I?

Oh, I realized that I am in a foreign land. It is summer season now. The day is much longer than the night! I went to sleep at 12midnight. Then, I woke up @3.30am for imsak. Waited till 4.30am for Subuh Prayer. I went back to sleep again and now it is 5.30am. And I can't sleep anymore!

My mind soars to Happy Village ...

I vividly saw Mrs HRHR was having her Imsak with Sister Sofia. They were eating white rice with chicken soup and omelette. Also fried long beans. Wow! That was nice ;) as compared to me just a bowl of cornflakes with fresh milk. They had hot milo. And this made me smiled since I, too had hot milo to keep my tummy warm. 

Then, I heard taharim coming from the loudspeaker from the mosque in front of Mrs HRHR's home. I loved the sound. It was followed by soothing Azan by the Bilal calling for Subuh Prayrer. The Imam was leading the prayer. I could hear the citations. When I was young about more then four decades ago, it used to be the voice which I am truly familiar and well verse with. The voice of my late Abah who led the prayer. 

While my ears were all out following the voices, my Chinese eyes saw Mrs HRHR and Sister Sofia took their ablutions and they later prayed together in the hall. It was a calm moment. After the prayer they made their Doa. And, from Mrs HRHR's mouth I saw she was making the Doa for the well being of her children. That shows the Mother's eternal love. Oh! How I wished I could join them. For the time being only my mind and heart vividly saw the events :(. 

ALL these happenings B4iC The World ...

There was a family of ten people who lived in that house @Happy Village. Mom & Dad. Also Nyai (paternal GrandMa). Seven siblings comprising of three boys and four girls. And I was the youngest among the girls. My late Abah used to nickname me as his 'Seventh Princess' LOL. By the time I was six years old, only four siblings left because the other three were already married and had life of their own.

By then, the other three siblings above me had gone to secondary school. I went to primary school @ESK, which was six miles from my home. I went to school with some of my friends in a mini school bas driven by the late Pak JO. My friends in the bas were Noli, Maria, Hendon, Kemala Dewi and Sabar. There were other girls, but I could not remember their names. Oops :(  There were boys, too. But, I could only recall two. They were LanZai and NadHam. These were my school friends from the same village.

But, at home I have childhood friends who were my immediate neighbors. They were Mini and Saloma. These two were my buddies. The boys were Salleh, Amat, Omar and Mail.  Since they were my sister's age, so we never played together except my late Dad told Omar and Mail  to look after me at school and to take turn to carry my school bag when I was in Primary One! LOL. So no chance whatsoever for them to kenen me, the so called AnakPakImam :D

So what did I do apart from the normal duty to go to the school, both the primary in the morning and the religious school at noon? I am not a sports girl nor am I a girly girly home type. I can't have an active life because I am quite a sickly kid :(  Also, I am not a domestic type who liked home chores. In particular, both Mom and Dad manja me so, I am not used to doing house works. Most of these chores rested on the shoulders of my two elder sisters :D

But, I did like reading very much! Hence, I used to pass my time just read and read and read any material be it books, magazines or cartoons which I could grasp on! And, my late Dad was my reading companion. Most evenings just after Asar prayers we used to sit at the anjung and late Dad will narrate stories to me about prophets, about his young life and about how he met Mrs HRHR. 

During these time, in front of my house was full of people mostly my sisters' friends. They were playing sepit udang or baling getah gelang atas tin dengan slipper. They also ran round and round playing rounders. Sometimes, I joined them if the games were less strained like ting ting or capteh. But of all the games, I always enjoyed the batu seremban. My elder brother Man will look for beautiful rounded pebbles from the river. But, my Mom taught us to use bags of sands. We sewed small bags and insert the sand in them. They looked like squared 'pebbles' that made it easier for our hands to hold while playing the game. This game also good for eyes because it made us alert as well as taught us accounting!

When I was already in primary school, our games had changed to more of indoors. We played the snake and ladder,  also quizzes or teka teki. By this time many friends from the religious school like Norma, Maznah and few others came to my home after school. I used to read to them story books which I borrowed from my school library. I also shared with them shair or poems. And we used to act as students and teachers where we swapped roles. We also used to imitate our religious teachers' teaching styles from Ms Trustworthy to Cikgu Burn and Cikgu Ali :D

That was truly fun and while I wrote about these memories, my mind went to my  childhood   days in my village, to my late Dad, my Mom, my siblings, and to all  my friends. Indeed, I missed them all and the innocent fun life we have had together. Some of them even have left this world for alam barzakh especially my late Dad and also some of my childhood friends. My prayer and Al Fatihah to  ALL of you.  Amin.  

Operation D.O :)

It's weekend here and I was lazying with my iPad watching Ip Man 3.

Then out of the blue, I was asked this question by my Mr Right:

"Mrs Right, where would you like to have your 10th Iftar?"

I looked up at him and smiled. Soon after I replied, "You want an honest answer?"

He just stared at me and later nodded his head. 

Then, I started to narrate all the places from Al Maida in Qurum Garden to Uber in Bareeq to Gelato in Jawarat Shatti. I could see he was quite shocked with my revelation but he kept cooled. Then he asked me again. "Okay, now tell me what you want to eat?"

Very quickly I answered, "Any rice Mandi or Saffron, also I want kebabs or grilled chicken and meat. There must be Arabian salads and also I want ice cream as dessert."

Then I turned to him and continued, "Will you take me to a place where I can have all that tonight?"

He smiled and later he uttered, "Okay Mrs Right, just be ready after Maghrib prayer. We'll go for an Operation D.O after you make for me an appetizer the Cucur Ikan Bilis with Sweet Chili Sauce and Cooled Water Melon Juice!"

I was tongue-tied but later I nodded as a sign of an agreement :D 

The result was as seen below ... Humm, not bad ;)

My part of the deal - CucurIkanBilis with SweetChiliSauce & WaterMelonJuice :D

And the Operation D.O aka Dinner Out by Mr Right for his Mrs Right was at Irani House Mersin. Yeah! And the result was as seen below ... Yummy!!!

Saffron Rice with Chelo Kebabs, Arabian Salads and Cucumber Raita. Delicious!!!

Also the mouthwatering vanilla ice cream with chocolate and crunchy cornflakes :))

On our way home from Mersin, I thanked Mr Right for all the foodies for which I had craved before Iftar. He took my hands and said, "For some people who are fasting, before Iftar they crave many things, lots of foods to eat, bla bla bla, but when Iftar time comes, they're too full to eat what they craved just after a glass of water!" Indeed he struck the bull's eyes! Hi Hi Hi ...

Anyway, TQ, once again Mr Right for the meaningful Operation Dinner Out ;)) 

"Putri Ayu" Cake

The Menu:

Last night, Mr Right and I were invited to Dinner@Wisma Indonesia to bid farewell to our colleague Celi who will be leaving to USA at the end of this month. 

What touched my heart at the Dinner was the consideration which the host & hostess had  planned for me. My dearest friend Ibu NLS had prepared two favorite dishes for me, namely the Grilled Salmon and Puteri Ayu cake. She knew I liked these dishes, and since it coincided with the month of Ramadan, so she did something which really pleased her friend. :) Ibu, Big TQ for the thought! I truly love and appreciate them.

We started with Tekwan Fish Soup and Tahu Timbal as appetizers which were indeed mouthwatering. After that we had Steamed Mushroom and Chicken in Bell Pepper. Then came my favorite dish the grilled salmon. I love it!!!  

Alhamdulilah, Thank You very much Ibu for the sumptuous and delicious dinner! And, of course it was followed by my favourite dessert Putri Ayu which can be translated as 'Sweet or Pretty Princess' an airy steamed sponge cake made of rice flour and fresh dessicated coconut :) I like this dessert but I don't know how to  make them, but Ibu NLS was ever willing to share the recipe and will show me how to do them. Yeah! Insyallah, after Eid, perhaps as part of our ALC activities.

Wow!!! That was really Yummy and I also liked the Es Gembira dessert, which was truly cool and suitable for this summer time. Alhamdulilah, all praise to Allah SWT for the good foodies and May He granted good life to my friend and her family, too. 

However, before we left for the dinner, Mr Right and I had a light Iftar at our home where I prepared some miso soup, deep fried tofu with sambal kicap and a simple Chinese fried rice with fried chicken as 'alas perut' :D

    A simple foodies for 'alas perut' ...

But the sumptuous Dinner@Wisma Indonesia also was not only filling but made my belly full and my eyes almost shut. Hi Hi Hi ...

All the way home, the feeling of gratitude and happiness made me sang and lullaby in my heart while my hands were held lovingly by my Mr Right. 

     TQ Ibu for making a friend happy

     TQ Ibu for making my belly heavy

     TQ Ibu for the making my life merry

     TQ Ibu for the friendship You & Me!

    The delicious Putri Ayu by Ibu NLS :)

Surah 4 Children (3)

I am longing for my children ...

I've just received an email from my daughter Lisa. Quite long ;) where she narrated what happened at Iftar with her superior and the client @workplace. All that she feared - the less confidence to face client for the first time and what nought had been overcome! Indeed, she enjoyed the Iftar and was able to execute her job well. And, when I called her after I received the email, she sounds very cheerful and we chatted for a little while 'mother-daughter' talk with all the laughing and giggling :D

Indeed, I am thankful that she as a new and very young  executive has received a proper guidance from her superior - also a lady but awesomely someone who is very caring and wants Lisa to move to a greater height in the workplace  :)) Alhamdulilah. And all praise to Allah SWT that His Al Mighty will assist her and make all the work easy for her as well as to remove impediment from her speech when she meets and talks to people or clients, so that they will understand what she is about to say or relay to them. Amin. 

So much so about my daughter who I am pretty sure that she will send me more messages for further assistance and opinions in the future. But that's what parents or mothers are for, aren't they? I always look forward to hear from her especially the good news like when she called me in the middle of the night just to surprise me that she received Dean's List. Then, she called again also at odd hours just to share her happiness that she had received her first pay check!!! :D

Well, while I was reminiscing about her and wished that she is here with me to have Iftar together, my mind also was 'soaring' to her brothers who are now married. Alhamdulilah, I love all my children equally for they are the trust or amanah from Allah SWT  to my better half and me. 

Talking about  her brothers, also reminds me to my late Abah again. He said to me once when I was in primary school and still learning to read and recite the Quran, "Adik, if you're married one day and expecting a baby boy, don't forget to read Surah Yusuf." I looked at him and asked "Why, Abah?" He smiled and replied, "You'll get a handsome boy!" LOL. 

But, I totally had forgotten about it until years later, after I got married and was expecting a baby boy. And, my late Abah's words were coming back to remind me of the importance to read Surah Yusuf in the Al Quranul Kareem which has 111 versus when I was pregnant. 

Not only I want to have a 'handsome' son but most of all I hope to have someone who has all the good characteristics like Prophet Mohamad SAW and also Prophet Yusuf AS who was known for his special 'beauty' which most women desire and fall for. Yet, at the same time, Prophet Yusuf AS had successfully   brushed the seduction and instead he endured the agony and always believed that with every hardship is ease. I would like my son to emulate this good conduct and behavior. Insyallah.

And now, when I flipped through the Tafsir Ar Rahman I realized what my late Abah had told me were all true. The entire verse 4-101 tells me the Story of Prophet Yusuf AS. Indeed, he was a very good looking young man that many women desire him based on Ayat 31 of Surah Yusuf that states, "So when she (Zulaikha) heard of their intrigues, she sent and prepared for them a banquet, and give each one of them a knife. And she said (to Yusuf): Come out before them. Then when they saw him, they were amazed at his beauty and they unconsciously cut their hands, and said: Allah forbid! This is no mortal, but a gracious angel!"

 Ayat 31-35 of Surah Yusuf ... (From Tafsir Ar Rahman)

Alhamdulilah, all my praise to Allah SWT who protects His servant. And, Prophet Yusuf AS did not fall for Zulaikha, the wife of Al-Aziz an influential man in Egypt. Instead, he chooses to be thrown into prison due to the accusations. 

However, after an investigation it was proven that all the accusations were all false and indeed Prophet Yusuf AS was an honest, unsullied and innocent young man. As stated in Ayat 51 of the Surah, "(After the women were summoned) the King asked them. What made you seek to entice Yusof? They answered: Allah forbid! We know no evil of him. Then the wife of Al Aziz said. Now the truth (which was hidden all the time) must come to light. It was I who sought to seduce him (but he refused). He is surely of the truthful."

So, from Surah Yusuf, it could be summerised that "it explains the Truth of the Quran" from its very first verse. And, Allah SWT has narrated to our Prophet Mohammad SAW about the life of Prophet Yusuf AS who "has experienced all kinds of hardships and went through many tests but was, in the end successful due to his fortitude, honesty and strong faith." (Tafsir Ar Rahman). 

Thus, for me I shall take note of this important Surah and will read and share the lessons learned to my sons. Insyallah, my prayer that they too will grow well as fine young men and have absolute faith and dutiful to Allah SWT as well as respectful to their parents. Amin. 

Surah 4 Children (2)

I am longing for my children ...

Surah Maryam (Q.S19:1-98)

    First page of Surah Maryam ...

Another Surah which my late Abah advised and recommended me to read if I conceived a baby girl was Surah Mariam. Among others he jokingly said, "Adik, not only will you get a girl who is dutiful to you, but pretty, too." Oh Abah, how I wish you are here ... But, sadly, my late Abah was not able to meet my daughter. He was called by Allah SWT to alam barzakh for HE loves my late Abah more. 

But I have the feeling that my late Abah could still see my daughter who has now grown up to be a young lady from above :)) Well, 'pretty' I am not sure Abah, (beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder) but insyallah she is so far dutiful and sweet looking through my eyes and I love her very much!!!

Back to Surah Maryam, after I received the text messages from my daughter that she wanted me to call her for some opinions related to work, but we were not abled to continue because her superior had called her for Iftar, I quickly opened the Tafsir Al Rahman and looked for Surah Mariam. 

While flipping through the Quranic pages my heart sank for I vividly remembered my late Abah. But, I am truly happy instead of feeling sad because my late Abah had taught me the way to read the beautiful verses. One by one I read the verses and the translations. My heart soars to my daughter who always looks up to me for some opinions if she faces something be it study or work related, also sometimes on her personal matters. Indeed, I am very blessed to give birth to such a sweet  young Lisa. Yes, I always pray that she be dutiful to the Al Mighty Allah SWT and also her parents. Insyallah.

On this, I found the verse that my late Abah used to instill in me to read if I am pregnant with a baby girl. Alhamdulilah. It was Ayat 32 from Surah Mariam which among others it said, "And (Allah SWT made me) dutiful to my mother and not insolent, or bereft of grace." 

As a DS in this foreign land, I am surrounded by many friends. And, quite a number of them are mothers' of so and so. Also the duties and responsibilities of us being mothers never end, just like what I have written earlier on in Superb Jugglers! 

Anyway, as far as Surah Mariam is concerned, as was told my late Abah, the Surah was revealed to our Prophet Mohammad SAW in Makkah. It is about the Stories of Maryam Binti Imran, the virgin mother of our Prophet Isa AS who was given the scripture Injil. And, when I flipped through and read the Tafsir Ar Rahman, the verses related to Maryam, her early life and motherhood  were described in Ayat 16-34. 

Indeed, it was truly blissful to read the beautiful and meaningful verses in this Holy month of Ramadan. It not only gives me the most serenity but nostalgic feelings. It made me feel truly blessed for the opportunity to become a mother. Also at the same time I feel insaf because I went through the process of becoming motherhood in a much simpler way through marriage. 

But Maryam Binti Imran, a chaste virgin  was the chosen one! Where in Ayat 16 of the Surah said, "And recount (Oh Mohammad) in the Quran the story of Maryam: how she left her people and betook herself to a solitary place to the east." Which means she had to leave her parents and her people as instructed by Allah SWT through Angel Jibrail to retreat to the east of Baitul-Maqqdis in order to perform her devotion. 

At first, she was scared as shown in Ayat 20, "Maryam asked (with fear): How shall I bear a child when I am not touched by a man, and never have I been a lose woman?" But Angel Jibrail who was sent by Allah SWT told her not to be afraid.  Indeed, Hers was truly "a miraculous event which is a sign of the Might of Allah SWT, who creates everyone in the manner HE Wills." 

And Allah SWT protected her and commanded her to remain silent if anyone talks to her so as to avoid being questioned by gossipers as clearly stated  in Ayat 26. Also whatever questions posted to her will be answered by her baby (Prophet Isa AS) in the cradle through the supreme power of Allah SWT as shown in Ayat 29-33 of the beautiful Surah. 

As an ordinary woman and mother, the role and preserverence shown by Maryam Binti Imran for the love of her son really touch my heart and something for me to emulate. Insyallah. And all praise to Allah SWT for all the blessings He gives me and most of all for being blessed with the experience of motherhood. It also reminds me to always be blissful and dutiful to my elderly Mom Mrs HRHR who is living in Happy Village. I am blessed to have a very caring Mom such as her. Although we seldom meet because of the distance, Mom in the Far East and I am in the Middle East, yet I always hear her sweet voice and motherly advice through the 'life line' magical iPhone! Alhamdulilah :))

*Note: To be continued ...

Surah 4 Children (1)

I am longing for my children ...

Especially when Lisa texted to me to call her since she felt less confidence to face her client for the first time at her workplace. However, we were just starting the conversation when her superior called and she told me, "I have to go now Ma ... (for Iftar)." I replied "OK" and put the receiver down.

But, my heart went to her and I prayed to Allah SWT that she'll be fine. I hoped she still remembers the Doa which I taught her before she went for any examination, viva voce or faced an interviewer or a group of panel members during an interview. I prayed hard she did. 

The Doa:

Robbis rohli sodri wa yas sirli amri

Wah lul uq dho tam mil lisani

Yaf qau hu qau li

Among others it means:

"Oh My Lord, Open my heart, make my work easy for me and remove the impediment from my speech so that they may understand my speech."

Or in my language, more or less it tells us, "Ya Allah, lapangkan lah dadaku, mudahkan lah urusanku, dan hilangkan lah kekeluan lidahku semoga mereka yang mendengar dapat memahaminya."

Anyway, while remembering my daughter, my mind also vividly recalled what my late Abah told me about children. He said, "Adik, if one day you got married and have children, please read or amal the three Surah from the Quran - Surah Luqman, Surah Maryam and Surah Yusuf." Indeed, I read them before, for all of them. And, now when I recalled his advice, I quickly opened my Al Quranul Kareem and began to recite them. I also looked into the translation for better understanding of the Surah. 

First, I read the Surah Luqman (Q.S31:1-34) and slowly recalled the teachings from my late Abah. Among others  this Surah told me about stories on Luqman, a very pious servant of Allah SWT who was bestowed knowledge and wisdom. He told his son the obligation to pray, pay alms-tax and firmly believe of the hereafter as sanction by Allah SWT.

It is highly recommended to read this Surah according to my late Abah when we are conceiving or having children because the Surah stressed that Allah SWT is the only One who knows what is in the mother's womb and Allah SWT commands all men and women to be kind and do good to their parents whose deeds and favors can never be repaid adequately, in particular their mothers :)) 

So, Insyallah, when we have children, hopefully they'll remember us and they'll be kind to us, too.

While reciting this Surah, I particularly like  Ayat 14 which among others said: "And we enjoined man to show kindness to his parents. His mother bore him by bearing strain upon strain ... And his weaning is two years. Therefore, give Thanks to Allah SWT and to your parents ...and Remember to Allah SWT is the final return." 

In actual fact, I was smiling when I read the translation and my heart went to my daughter. Alhamdulilah, I was able to breast feed her for three years. During that time I felt so blessed to Allah SWT for the beautiful bond between me and her. The breastfeeding experience can never be described by words but can be seen when she was fully fed and went to sleep soundly :D

Then, I continued to do my Isyak prayer and followed by the Taraweeh prayers and Doa that my Lisa is able to dispense her job well today. Insyallah :))

          First page of Surah Luqman 

*Note: To be continued ...