Understanding the Divine Plan

A little over a year ago, I applied to my all-time dream company, McKinsey. I got through a few rounds before getting the boot. The news broke me. McKinsey is one of the firms I dreamed of working for, just like Shell. A few days ago, I was having lunch with a consultant whom I had made friends with in my new office. She confided that she has an interview with Shell. She was surprised at all the good things I had to say about Shell, and how I encouraged her in her interview. Then she told me why she didn't like the consulting world; the world I initially sought. Being consultants, you need to ensure you get the next project. This allows you to choose the projects and managers you work with. However, in order to do that, you need to attend "parties". In most consulting firms, these parties are at venues which I do not go to. McKinsey could be different, but knowing that helped me understand the wisdom behind being disappointed. Allah did it because He loved me and thought there was something better. In hindsight, Allah spared me from many things in my life. I have a lot to be grateful for. Alhamdulillah.

Rihlah Ilmiah Book Purchase

For those who are interested to purchase the Rihlah Ilmiah book by Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud or if you want more information on the author, you can go to his website: www.wanmohdnorwandaud@blogspot.com

Poetry Photobook - The Little Things

The Little Things is Naz Abas Ng’s second book, a haunting collection of reflective poetry and black and white photographs. Printed on acid free paper with 20% post consumer recycled content and manufactured with Green-e certified wind power

The Little Things, Naz Abas Ng brings to life her poems by coupling them with her carefully selected black and white photographs. Her poems are reflective in nature, touching on themes of letting go, brokenness, courage, and faith. There is an underlying story subtly weaved in the arrangement of the poems, of the triumph of courage and faith over despair. The absence of colourful distractions in the photographs is helpful here, enabling the mood and scene captured in the photographs to have a meaningful resonance with the poems. Get your copy TODAY! E-mail nazabasng@gmail.com

My 2 Cents: There is a poem to describe almost every situation or feeling that we have experienced. The author has a beautiful way of engaging the reader and allowing the reader to understand her thoughts, and the pictures assist in the visualization. The best part has to be how the author brings the reader back to Faith, to Him. It's also a great introduction for new readers to appreciate poetry. (I do not know why what is wrong with blogger's formatting today!)

Visiting Amish Country

I've always been under the impression that the Amish lived in isolation far away from the modern community. Even after reading up on the them before travelling to Amish Country (this is the actual name: Amish Country, Ohio), I had an image that I would need to travel far from the town, and I would find an exclusive Amish-only town.

Was I wrong!

What I came to learn was something truly remarkable. The Amish in Amish Country, Ohio at least, lived among the 21st century folks.

You can see a young Amish teenager cycling down a hill in traditional garb complete with a bonnet wearing sunglasses.

We saw an Amish lady getting into a van.

We saw an Amish man working his field with his horses, while another was doing carpentry with a modern male.

We saw on two separate occasions an Amish man and woman riding their buggies to town!

There are a variety of Amish groups which have different beliefs or lifestyles. Some Amish groups are strict in not allowing the use of technology, which they feel will allow disunity in family values. They believe that if one does the work manually and in a team, it fosters community spirit. It is typically the opposite of the "Individualist" Western American culture. Some groups adopt technology like phones and electricity. Some believe you can use technology but not own them.

The Amish need not adhere to all American laws with the exception of paying taxes, & providing "Amish" education until the 8th grade.

Take a look at some of the pictures I took from Google (I was too busy being mesmerized to remember to take pictures)

I have a lot of respect for the Amish who proceed with their life and beliefs, and to not be afraid of public opinion.

There are many articles and blogs on the Amish that you can read about, so go and explore!

Rihlah Islamiah: Wan Mohd Nor b Wan Daud

Rihlah Ilmiah Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud:
Dari Neomodernisme ke Islamisasi Ilmu Kontemporer
Jakarta: INSISTS dan CASIS, 2012

Kandungan:
... Pengenalan oleh Dr Adian Husaini: "Satria Digdaya dari Kelantan".

Mengandungi 19 bab yang menceritakan pengalaman dan renungan beliau hidup dan belajar di Kelantan, Pakistan, dan AS. Menceritakan kisahnya sebagai president kebangsaan Malaysian Islamic Study Group, dan Muslim Students' Association of US and Canada, sebagai mahasiswa di Northern Illniois University dan University of Chicago; interaksi beliau dengan pelbagai sarjana ternama seperti Fazlur Rahman, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, Ismail Raji al-Faruqi, Seyyed Hosein Nasr, Alparsalan Acikgenc, Nurcholisch Madjid, Amein Rais, Syafii Maarif, Imadudin Ab Rahim, dan ramai lagi; pengembangan International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), pengembaraan ilmiah di negara-negara Afrika, Arab Saudi, Oman, Bahrain, Iran, Pakistan, Jepun, Turki, Rusia dan Indonesia. Juga mengandungi 3 puisi baru dan menarik tentang ilmu dan pendidikan. Juga terdapat hampir 50 photo berwarna.

Hard cover, 472 muka surat.

Harga di Malaysia RM100.

Jika berminat, boleh hubungi saya di sini:
E-mel: asma.wanmohdnor@gmail.com/ashie.wan@gmail.com
Tel: 012-2363767

Channel Your Doodle Addiction

If you notice your child has artistic abilities and want to develop it further, or you just want them to legitimately "design" on their bedroom walls, then I suggest you send them to I am May; a wonderful doodlist (is there even such a term?).

If only I had a thread of artistic talent in me, I would like to go for doodling classes, too. Unfortunately, I can't even draw straight lines even with the help of a ruler *sigh*

Great if you want to give someone a unique birthday or personal/company farewell present, or even special occasions.

Check the artist out here: http://adoodleaddict.tumblr.com/

Introducing a Young Budding Artist: Naz Abas Ng

I Will Leave You Here Tonight
I will leave you here tonight
Walk my way while the light is bright
For you I’ve mended mistakes in my head
Perhaps now I’ll but only smile instead
For once the truth will not subside
Perhaps now this is right
So I count to three
Then let it be
Let it reach
The deepest heart of me

-Naz.Abas.Ng

The artist writes stories, poetry, photographs & draws.
You can check her out at : http://nazabasng.tumblr.com/

How PARAH gave me HOPE

I caught the stage play Parah, at KLPac on Sunday for the 3pm show.

The story of 4 best friends of different races in Malaysia, who shared their pain of being a race as well as struggling to be a collected nation.

The storyline was humorous, thought provoking & emotional, while the acting was captivating. They received 3 standing ovations. I teared-up. Sobs in the theatre was very audible. Nevertheless, the play ended leaving the audience feeling hope instead of despair.

They discussed the issues faced by Malaysians, the sensitivities, fear and misunderstanding that we have for one another. Even simple words which may not seem derogatory to a particular race, could be translated as racist to the intended race.

For example: pariah, keling, and etc.

Essentially, fear arises from our uncertainties. Uncertainties will then allow confusion and misunderstanding.

PARAH spelled backwards is HARAP.
*Parah means “Wounded” (to explain the wounds of a society), and Harap means “Hope”.

They plan to bring the play to schools to foster unity. Hopefully the Govt will allow it. The only challenge is how the subject is taught or addressed to young minds.

Well done.

The characters being high school students reminded me of the time when Malaysians were close to other races: in elementary and high school. When we go to universities and work, we tend to stick to one race for some reason. Very few still maintain their old friends.

Like the time when I travelled to Turkey with Vimales, Ang Eu Swan and Farrah. We were the 1Malaysia poster in Turkey to every Turkish's amazement.

I wonder if any political organization or policy maker saw the play. They should.

Ta'leef Documentary by Mustafa Davis: Sincerity & Brotherhood

It's about meeting people where they are.

http://vimeo.com/7733898

This video is the epitome of sincerity and brotherhood.

Watch it.

Live it.

The Critical Importance of Imam a-Ghazali by Hamza Yusuf Hanson

Learn more about Imam al-Ghazali & what he stood for by watching this inspiring speech by Hamza Yusuf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJezFjbn-6M

A very short summary from the video:

Al-Ghazali was a son of a weaver whose father respected scholars and wished his children would become learned. Al-Ghazali grew up to become a genius where he would win every argument to the point that people found him intolerable. He worked too hard and produced too much until he exhausted himself. After reaching the intellectual stature (comparing to our modern day definition) the Head of Harvard, one day he became melancholic, and began on a journey which took him 12 years. He left his position and started writing.

On this journey, he started writing the art of knowing Allah via a purification. This means understanding the reason for our religious rituals & traditions. He produced many books on purification, and the most important is the Purification of the Heart.

What I love:

• The purpose is: Taking what I've (al-Ghazali) written and writing your own story with your life.



• Your blessings are to serve the people in tribulation



• All roads lead to death, only 1 road leads to a good death



• Be a beautifier

Hope you benefit from this as much as I did from learning about Imam al-Ghazali