Salaam,

Feel free to visit the new domain at http://didiediaries02.blogspot.com .. See you there!

*Sound of footsteps; Diy slowly enters*

Assalamu 'alaina wa 'ala 'ibadillahi as-soliheen! Waduh.. dah berbulan-bulan terbiar benor tempat ni. Hmm. Shifting back to writing mode just feels a lil bit different. Well, perhaps this might just take time getting used to it again yeah Diy? Gets rusty here somewhere from the lack of use.. :P

Though being busy (very busy at that) is yet the most common reason one could simply use not to blog, somehow it's hard not to deny that leaving this space for a while did bring some relief to the mounting priorities. But still, alhamdulillah, life's a bliss & a constant strive at the moment. Am grateful that now I could finally allow myself some time to update after finishing a 7000-word final year project report. Thank You Allah! ^_^

For a start, I guess a splash of colors and pictures would do good to liven up the mood here abit. What with graduation looming really near ahead in just about 2 months, here goes a couple of snapshots since Ramadhan till Syawal with my RP Malay Cultural Group friends.. One thing similar – all went traditional in Baju Kurong whee~ :D In chronological order: MCG Iftar, Exco Photoshoot for RP Open House, MCG Hari Raya Celebration and lastly the 'Eid Visiting itself with my exco dearies.. Ooh these would surely bring fond memories in the future.

*Tag replies: To one and all, many many thanks for coming over! tersenyum ana dibuatnya bila baca balik kesemua 32 mesej. Maaf ye klw ana tak dpt membalas, cuma jazakumullahu khairan, mudah2an Tuhan yang akan menitipkan barakah & bahagia buat semua sebagai penggantinya.. :))

"Akak akak! A mother-to-be over there!" Can't help myself but to nudge2 my sister Nadiah when we passed by a pregnant lady on our way. And the same thing happens when it comes to seeing babies with pinchable cheeks! Eyes fixed in delight for a few seconds watching them. Hehe… Guess most ladies do share such similar sentiments. Come to think of it, little girls have always been given baby dolls for their playtime too.. a nurturing instinct that comes naturally since young? I believe so.. ((:

And just as I was waiting at the bus-stop the other day, a Muslimah came with a baby stroller and another hand holding her toddler securely. And as usual, liking to secretly observe how young mothers care for their children, I then started to notice something quite different. The mother seemed to be communicating with both her 4 year-old daughter and infant mostly with facial expressions and soft hand gestures, but of course never lacking in showing her tenderness and affection. And as we board the same bus, later did I realize that she was actually hearing-impaired and wasn't able to speak. masyaAllah… my heart really quivered at that point of time.. am definitely struck amazed with her strength of motherhood! Heart was touched deeply indeed.. ^_^




The incident did set me thinking on how the mother teaches and guides her children.. sure would be inspiring to be able to know them. (: 'Cos I do recognize how challenging the task is even for normal parents. Imagine the power of our very actions to greatly influence the little ones' upbringing! Definitely a big responsibility that comes with the bundle of happiness. Ya Allah.. I could never thank You enough for blessing me with my two wonderful parents. Raising three daughters with abundance of care and protection, helping us to grow in a much supportive Islamic setting and understanding.. It's beyond my imagination how they manage to do it for all these years. And seeing the video below till the end moved me strongly to tears.. and strengthen my love for them even more.. :') Dear Allah.. Do guide me to follow well in their footsteps..




P/S: Suddenly thought of some names like Zayd Hamzah & Faiz Husni, Farah Murshidah & Sarah Sakeenah for twin baby boys and girls.. Wheee~ Heheh =D 

If the word "creativity" is ever mentioned, I must say that one of the first things which pop up in my head would be to associate it with designers and businessmen. Although of course, others who are not in this line no doubt possess such a powerful trait too! But seeing the works of the two professions above could leave me gaping in awe. "How did they do that??" Wow… I wonder what inventive ideas are brewing inside them.

I once found a book sitting nicely at the library's bookshelf, of which the title Social Entrepreneurship and Changemakers did grab my attention there. Sigh. Too bad my account's already full then so didn't manage to borrow a copy. But the keywords did make me go on a speedy google search with loads of references to look into. Hmmm. Very Interesting~ Wikipedia reads, "A social entrepreneur is someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change." Simply said, a pioneer of innovation benefiting humanity! Really quite a big leap of effort to undertake yeh? But reading up on extraordinary figures who succeeded in making a large-scale positive impact on people, it just leaves me all the more inspired by the second. (:




Suddenly recalled a speech by Bro Helmy Isa from FMSA during an Exco Leadership Camp here at RP.. Reminding on the responsibility that lies on our shoulders to help the society. Very moving masyaAllah! Really hope I could attend more of his talks if there's any. Best! ^_^ And a publication by the local Muslim Trust Fund Association from June 2006 also notes of the increasingly high number of those who require our assistance and thoughtful actions..

Jumlah pemohon yang datang untuk mendapatkan bantuan kewangan semakin bertambah setiap hari. Jika biasanya mereka yang dibantu itu ialah golongan fakir dan miskin, orang-orang tua yang uzur, cacat anggota dan sebagainya tetapi apa yang dihadapi MTFA hari ini ialah ibu-ibu muda dan ibu-ibu tunggal yang bermasalah. Kebanyakan masalah yang dihadapi oleh ibu-ibu tersebut itu ialah masalah menyara hidup seharian akibat perceraian atau suami mereka yang masih muda dan tidak mempunyai pekerjaan tetap.

 


Wondering what the 8 icons above signify? Those are actually the Millennium Development Goals put together during a United Nations Millennium Summit back in 2000, of a pledge to work together to make a better world for all by 2015. Clicking on the individual icons on its webpage do give a good highlight on some of the worrying issues there are now. Like for example, Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger...

How truly lucky we are not to be under such situations. But this calls for our much needed service in lending a hand too yeh? Nevermind if the action begins small; 'cos it still is a valuable deed in the eyes of Allah. =) Joining hands with others who have the same passion does magnify the strength too! As one of the youth organisations here focusing on humanitarian efforts, Nur Ikhwan certainly is a noteworthy team that you may want to consider joining for a start ;)

And how amazing it really felt seeing the huge number of sisters and brothers from different youth groups and student societies across Singapore, coming together in a single event to assist in volunteering for Saff Perdaus' Ramadhan Rocks last year. Knowing that the hearts are fixed on a sole mission, prayers built on longing and working hard for Allah's mercy together on those days of Ramadhan, it was definitely a memorable experience that still remains intact with me.. :))








Big plans, big hopes, may Allah guide us through..

"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women,
for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women
who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast,
for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise,
for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward."

~ Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 35

It puzzles me sometimes when people tried to guess my age. 'Cos the response which I get varied greatly. Most said I look 20-ish, an uncle thought I was 23, and by far one of the most shocking was when an Insurance Agent suddenly stopped me in my tracks while walking at Jurong East Interchange, asking how many children have I already had. Adoii. First question pulak tuh. -____- "Hmm.. U sure you're 19 Diy?" "Oh yes I am!"

Hehe. Okay never mind all that. Guess still being a child-at-heart doesn't go in line with how I may portray myself outside. =P Anyways, last Thursday Ibu brought us three sisters and dear younger cousin Faiqah to IMM for a few rounds of window-shopping and the actual spree for stocking kitchen foodstuff at Giant superstore. And my oh my… It's been a long time since I last get a plushie for free! And a super adorable one at that! Thank you so much Ibu… <3 ^_^ Didn't usually buy soft toys on a regular basis, perhaps once in a while only those which really catch my eye like these palm-sized Superman and Spiderman Mashi Maro. Ahh.. uber cute. How nice if I could one day transform them into a Pendekar in Silat attire / apple green baju kurong / or an Arabian warrior complete with a white & gold suit and turban. =P







On a different note, the thought of orphans sprung to mind when my friend 'Arafah mentioned about this in her blog. Recently came across an Islamic Relief website too on the subject of sponsoring one (there's a total of 20,000 orphans in 21 countries worldwide currently under the program) [Click Here]. And browsing through Darul Ihsan's and Darul Ma'wa's homepage instantly made me wonder of how the growing up years may be for them.. Going through different experiences, seeing life through the eyes of a child.. masyaAllah. Truly a humbling account in teaching one's heart to be more compassionate and grateful. Pondered for a while on how we could possibly render our help for them.. with continuous support to look after their emotional and spiritual needs being part of it, a twice a month visit at least for a start? wAllahu'alam. Definitely in need of a better plan. Hope the precious young souls are safe in Allah's care right now.. ameen ya Rahman.

But one thing for sure, I do applaud the initiatives run by the local organizations here in taking care of the children's welfare. Darul Ihsan for example, operates two separate orphanages for housing boys and girls, while having an educational financial aid scheme where orphans not staying at the orphanage receive monthly financial assistance. Alhamdulillah.. May Allah places the generous souls among those who receive His Forgiveness and Mercy in this world and the hereafter.. Let's try to do our part too ye? InsyaAllah. =))

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said:

"I and the person who looks after an orphan will be in Paradise together like this..." - then he raised his forefinger and middle finger together. (Hadith Bukhari)

Sedang mendengar: Kupinang engkau dengan Al-Quran - Gradasi

"Kuakui ada satu nama yang membuatku selalu bergetar bila mendengarnya, namun tak lebih dari itu. Aku tidak pernah berusaha merindukannya. Dan tak akan pernah kuizinkan diriku merindukannya. Karena aku merasa itu sia-sia. Aku tak mau melakukan hal yang sia-sia dan membuang tenaga. Aku lebih memilih mencurah seluruh rindu dendam, haru biru rindu dan deru cintaku untuk belajar dan mendekati Al-Qur'an..." ~ Fahri bin Abdullah Shiddiq

MasyaAllah. Tiap kali novel Habiburrahman El-Shirazy dapat ana capai dan nikmati dengan penuh debar, pasti kesan yang ditinggalkan ialah rasa yang cukup membahagiakan sekali! Kisahnya selalu aja membuat pembaca ingin terus perbaiki diri lagi. Tambahan pula dengan hero dan heroine-nya mukmin yang soleh dan solehah.. aduh. Andai hati ini bisa cair, pasti laju ia mengalir~ hehe

Pudarnya Pesona Cleopatra (PPC) ada mengandungi 2 mini novel - PPC dan Setitis Embun Cinta Niyala. Dua2 tak kurang hebatnya! Dan kalau dahulunya dalam buku Ayat-Ayat Cinta ada watak utama Fahri, yang ini ditampilkan pula Muhammad Faiq bin Saiful Anam dalam cerita yang kedua. Dan persamaan yang dapat ana lihat di dalam hero2 Pak Habiburrahman ialah, hati mereka sungguh dekat dengan al-Quran.. Mengagumkan! =)

Terngiang-ngiang ungkapan dari PPC di fikiran ana.. "Di zaman moden seperti ini, mencari gadis solehah lebih susah daripada mencari perempuan cantik." Allahu Akbar. Sisters tersayang, sama2 kita usahakan untuk terus men"solehah"kan diri ye? Bukan sekadar untuk memiliki pasangan yang soleh, namun yang terpenting untuk mendapatkan cinta Tuhan selamanya.. ameen insyaAllah.





"Jam loceng di kamarnya berdering kuat. Lalu mati. Dia mendengar suara derit pintu. Lalu kecipak air. Ia menatap jam dinding. Pukul tiga. Tidak lama kemudian, dia mendengar suara alunan ayat-ayat suci al-Quran. Suara itu begitu jernih, fasih, tartil dan indah. Menyentuh hati siapa yang mendengarnya. Setelah empat tahun abangnya berada di Mesir, semakin indah bacaan al-Qurannya. Ah, abang Faiq, dalam keadaan letih dari perjalanan yang jauh, masih juga bangun tengah malam. Alangkah bahagianya siapa yang menjadi isterimu. Setiap malam boleh solat tahajjud bersama. Menangis bersama di hadapan Allah. Lalu anak-anakmu sesekali diajak ikut serta. Rumahmu penuh cahaya Qurani. Baunya harum wangi kasturi. Alangkah indahnya..." ~ Setitis Embun Cinta Niyala

Ya Allah.. hati ini ku cuba 'tuk menutup dengan rapat, agar ia tidak terpaut pada sesiapa dengan mudahnya.. namun kurniakanlah rasa sayang di dalamnya hanya tika waktu dan pilihan yang Engkau tetapkan, ialah yang terbaik buatku suatu saat nanti..

"Astarghfirullah.. pls not againn.." Was quite terrified when the same thing happened for its 2nd time. Adek Ezzah who was with me the other day in the mrt, and now seeing it once more turned to me in shock. "Kak Diy! That's the same guy kan?" *Nods2* Who wouldn't be stunned if a middle-aged man suddenly threw a crumpled paper right at you when he's about to leave the train? And with the heart still boiling, you opened it only to discover there were his name Jeff and mobile number written! Argh tak sukanyeee! Kenapalah ana pulak jadi target? Takde sebab langsung.. =( K sabar diy sabar.. Just pray that such a person won't be disturbing in the future.. ameeen.. >_<

This thing just made me wonder of how sometimes people may tend to not realize how upsetting their actions could be to the other party. Haiz.. pity those sisters who are bothered by all those wolf whistles and mischievous teases that could get on the nerves. But rightful treatment is certainly deserved by both genders of course. Aren't good manners a part of what's essential and loved by Allah? Strange as it seemed, I was quite taken aback seeing a group of girls openly teasing a young man sitting nearby, in an effort to attract his attention. Aduh, tables turned now? All I can say, shyness is a much precious shield in safeguarding one's behavior. (:





Beyond what's mentioned above, guess I still do ponder on the fact that even though a person may think his way of dealing with people is fine, yet his deliberate act could cause hurtful agony upon the other. Ya Allah, how deep words could really pierce.. For a person like me who's never encountered a dear friend that suddenly collapsed weak in the arms in tears, having to experience just that and keeping a firm grasp of my companion who was dreadfully shaken from the remarks thrown wrongly by some at her, it was by far one of those moments which really affected me deeply..

.. and made me see the impact of social relations which extend beyond giving greetings and sharing fun/happy moments together, that it comes with being responsible to treat others kindly and not injuring hearts just as how we won't want it to personally happen to us in return. And I really do like Ustaz Hasrizal's article "Demi Sebuah Bahagia" [Click Here] in which he highlights the need to not incite and bring up the good deeds that we may have done for others, and forgive those who might have hurt us before. Jangan diungkit-ungkit, jangan disebut-sebut. Apatah lagi dengan tujuan mahu menyakiti. "Hmm, kalau tidak kerana aku, tak berkubah masjid ini!"





Hehe. Cute cartoon! =P But perhaps the thing here is not to force oneself to smile when he is hurt, 'cos pain is still pain – It stings deep. Tapi tenanglah walaupun dirimu disakiti. Keeping calm although you're bruised inside. May well be a hard one to do definitely. But I was also reminded of the 43rd verse from Surah Ash-Shura, "But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs." SubhanAllah. Forgiveness – A better option that sets us free. =)

Dear Allah.. may we realize that hatred is never the answer; for hope is still reachable to resolve whatever conflicts there are. Dwelling on the past and keeping grudges result to nothing but a long burning resentment that brings to nowhere. ya Allah.. moga dengan kami memaafkan mereka dengan hati yang terbuka, Kau ampunilah kesilapan kami yang sebelumnya jua.. for as humans we all have our weaknesses, and that sometimes we might not realize that we have hurt others unintentionally along the way.. dear friends, do forgive me too ye.. sayang semua.

"Wipe away your tears, think well of your Lord, and chase away your worries by remembering the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you..

Do not think that this world is ever perfect for anyone. There is no one on the face of the earth who gets all that he wants or is free from all kinds of distress..

Extinguish the flames of hatred from your heart, by forgiving everyone who has ever hurt you..




Daisies just look real sweeet~ ^_^

With your beauty, you are better than the sun; with your morals you are more sublime than musk; with your modesty you are nobler than the full moon; with your compassion you are more beneficial than rain. So, preserve your beauty with faith, your tranquility with contentment, your chastity with hijab.

Remember that your adornment is not gold, silver or diamonds, rather, it is your prayers, going thirsty when you fast for Allah, concealed charity which no one knows except Him, hot tears that wash away sin, a lengthy prostration born of utter submission to Allah, shyness before Allah when the inclination to do evil overwhelms you. Clothe yourself with the garments of taqwa (piety) for you are the most beautiful woman in the world even if your clothes are shabby.. "

~ Dr. 'Aidh bin Abdullah al-Qarni

Listening to: This I Promise You - Richard Marx

"Saya selalu merasa bahwa saya hanya sendiri padahal saya punya begitu banyak sahabat terbaik. Saya sering tersadar dan menemukan bahwa saya sedang sendiri. Dimana pun itu. Sejujurnya saya nggak mau seperti ini, tapi itulah yang terjadi. Kemana-mana saya pergi sendiri. Akhirnya, saya berusaha menikmati kesendirian itu. Terkadang saya menatap awan saat berjalan. Saya nikmati keindahannya. Seolah-olah ia berjalan bersamaku."

How poignant it is when what we come across suddenly seem so familiar.. so familiar that we could somehow identify it with ourselves. And reading the above from a stranger's writings, gave that very effect in me.. feeling hmm I'm just the same. But then again, perhaps it's just a passing thought.

Although I may be walking on RP grounds on my own, realising I'm alone going back home everyday or simply managing my school life independently, hey there's still my sweethearts out there right here with me. Albeit sometimes eating lunch together when there's time, or meeting my cca group dearies from MCG, Pentas Karyawan and others once in a while, point is, I should realise I have friends and those whom I dearly love with me, in RP or otherwise. Best of all, Allah is always, always keeping me company, safe and sound. There's so much to be grateful for.. alhamdulillah..




Oh how I've always loved Aisyah Hamid's designs..
and her caption "24 Ma'arif grads living our dreams" ((:

"God knew that everyone needs
Companionship and cheer.
He knew that people need someone
Whose thoughts are always near.

He knew they need someone kind
To lend a helping hand.
Someone to gladly take the time
To care and understand.

God knew that we all need someone
To share each happy day.
To be a source of courage
When troubles come our way.

Someone to be true to us
Whether near or far apart.
Someone whose love we'll always
Hold and treasure in our hearts.

That's why God gave us friends!" <3