Ten years. 25.8.2000

Bismilla Hirrahma Nirrahim

Alhamdulillah, Praise to Allah, Whom have granted us with health, wealth, patience and wisdom, that my wife (R) and I have today come to a milestone in our lives, celebrating our 10 years wedding anniversary.

We've come a long way. My wife and I were classmates in From 3 to From 5 (1988-90), we then went on to study at the Sixth Form College (1991-92), upon which we went separate ways - she went straight to work with Brunei Shell and I got a scholarship to UK.

I have been attracted to her since in Form 3, but never had the guts to pursue further. Even in Form 6. It goes without saying that we were good friends, we helped each other with studies but I never had the guts to express my feelings for her.

But Allah is Al-'Alim (The All Knowing), I met her again during my final year in the UK when she was sent by the company to further her studies.  Thanks also to my best friend Aji Emran and a box of Indomie.

And then as they say, it's history.  R and I tied the knot 3 years later, and we have since been blessed with a boy, Muhammad and two girls Iman and 'Aaeeshah. Alhamdulillah.

I continuously pray that Allah grants us patience and wisdom to see us through to eternity, till death do us part.

Wassalam,
Mr G

Vindicated and Perseverance

The words of the week for me, and hoping for a closure to a challenging year (or two). I believe there will be light at the end of the tunnel and I know somebody tried his best to light it up for me. Thanks E.

InsyaAllah.

Wassalam
G

Al-Quran - How lucky we are, Alhamdulillah

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah

Alhamdulillah, Allah have blessed me with another Ramadhan, the holy month which strangely enough, over the years I have been able to complete recitation of our holy book Al-Quran, which I couldn't even do in the other 11 months. For the last 11 months, I have only read less than 3 out of 30 Juz' of Al-Quran.

Anyway, after Subuh prayers at our local masjid this morning, I took one of the wakaf (donated) Al-Quran and sat with my back to one of the masjid pillars (my usual spot for the past 10 years!).

Getting ready to read, I had a look at the cover and saw a price tag of $8.90.  I immediately thought: How lucky we are, at this day and age, 1400 years after the revelation of Al-Quran that we are able to read Al-Quran, for a measly effort - each household would have at least a copy (I really hope so), every masjid has one or you can get it easily at the muslim bookstores. Just pick it up, Bismallah and you can read it.

Suddenly my mind travelled back to the infancy days of Islam, shortly after the passing of our beloved Rasul Muhammad Salallahu 'Alaihiwassalam. 70 Al-Hafiz (Al-Quran memorisers) died as martyrs in the Battle of Yamamah, between Muslim followers of Khalifah Abu Bakar against the Murtads (those who left the Islamic faith).

This loss was seriously felt by the Sahabah (companions of Muhammad Salallahu 'Alaihiwassalam.) who were concerned that more of the Al-Hafiz will fall in battles, that they should put the Al-Quran together otherwise it'll be gone just like that.

It was not until the third Khalifah, 'Uthman bin Affan that the Al-Quran became systematically organised into the 30 Juza - of which more details can be read from here.

Bismilla Hirrahmaa Nirrahim. Alhamdulilla Hirabbil 'Aalamin.

Wasalam
G

Salam Ramadhan

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah

Here's wishing all my families and friends a happy and blessed Ramadhan, may Allah grant us the strength to overcome the challenges of completing our fast, not just from thirst and hunger, but from all other elements.

I hope the 'Highway Code' below can guide us.

Wassalam, 

Mr G