Blessings in Ramadhan

By far, this Ramadhan has seen many challenges. With every challenge, I've learned to push myself, my strength and weakness, and seen the light at the end of the tunnel.

• My dear maternal grandmother passed away. This will be a separate entry all together


• My staff had to go for an emergency brain surgery to remove her tumor, and is on medical leave for 1.5 months


• My sister Sofiya left for Madison, Wisconsin.

The blessings I have received:

• A dear friend has requested my assistance in her effort to convert to Islam.


• Organizing iftar (buka puasa) for initially 150 orphans in Bintulu within 2 weeks.


• A friend also confided her intention to don the hijab and requested guidance.


• I managed to solve the mystery of the holy grail even when I think it was too overwhelming

This entry is dedicated to blessings. I remember being asked to organize iftar for the elementary school orphans, and my friends and all volunteered knowing that we had only 2 weeks to organize this. We brainstormed, all 9 Peninsular-ians on how to maximize our time and efforts. We divided tasks and conquered.

At the same time, all of us sought funds from our friends. This year, my company was not going to take part by funding iftar since we wanted to avoid racial sensitivities. So, for the first time, it was solely an effort from our organization i.e. BISMI. I was delighted when my friends, family and colleagues managed to amass RM 15k + in funds in such short notice. I managed to get 150 bond cars for the children as well from Retail KL. They were most helpful. The most touching aspect is the biggest contributor was a non-Muslim among our peers, donating RM 5k. May Allah reward her.

In our hugely pact schedule, we focused on how we wanted to help the orphans. Then, our team leader had a brilliant idea of joining forces with the local mosque. At this juncture, since we accumulated RM 15k+, we decided to increase the number of orphans to 310 inclusive of 40 hard core poor.

The best feeling was that usually we group together for fun things, but it was the first time all of my friends were doing charity together. The feeling was magical. One friend was a little sad that at the mosque, the imams were announcing all these corporate bodies funding this, that, this and that. Nobody mentioned the small number of young shell staff doing charity on their own. We just had to remind each other that we are not seeking publicity, but Allah's blessing, and hoping to inspire the children to excel in everything that they do. Yes, our deeds went unnoticed, but hopefully still leaves an impact on the children.

In between I was working weekends and on Independence Day, and I rushed to help a friend don the hijab. I noted how beautiful she looked. She's such a good person. I can't help but be biased when it involves family and friends. Then, she told me her intention to wear the hijab. I supported her 100%. Plus, I had this silly smile on my face. I was delighted.

Alhamdulillah, the event went on smoothly. We were so happy that we managed to contribute, even if it was small. Yes, we still remember our friends in Pakistan and Palestine, and we contributed to them as well. I like the fact that Mercy Malaysia and Aman Palestine has that recurring donation where you get to get the bank to deduct monthly from your account. However, we do understand that our brothers and sisters in Bintulu require our assitance as well.

Tomorrow, all of us will be celebrating together i.e team iftar. It will be potluck, so everyone will be bringing their signature dishes. Can't wait!