Ferguson’s faith fulfilled in former Red turned Red Devil - K. Anand

SEPT 24 — Back in July, Manchester United fans faced the stark reality that the £80 million (RM540 million) the club received for Cristiano Ronaldo was not going to be used to bring in some big-name players the fans were craving for.

Karim Benzema found Real Madrid irresistible, Franck Ribery was happy to give Bayern Munich another season, Samuel Eto’o was involved in a strange striker-swap between Barcelona and Inter Milan, and even Emmanuel Adebayor found the money more appealing at the blue half of Manchester than the higher potential for success at Old Trafford.

Alex Ferguson only had Antonio Valencia to show amidst all the hype about potential players coming in to replace Ronaldo.

But unbeknownst to these fans, the wheels were actually set in motion for one of the most astonishing transfer stories of last summer.

One Michael Owen, a former Liverpool legend according to some reports (but not anymore, say Reds supporters), signed on the dotted line at Old Trafford on July 3 and immediately questions were raised by the fans, media and critics.

The questions mostly focused on Owen’s history on the treatment table. He had been out injured far too many times over the last couple of years or so most people thought.

When interviewed by club website manutd.com, Owen hit back with a simple statement: “I’m 29, I’ve played 500-plus games at the highest level. For me to play that many games, I think everyone would agree you can’t be on the treatment table all the time.” Good point.

To be fair to Owen the facts are on his side — if people even bother to look at the facts these days, that is. Sadly, most don’t and only rely on hearsay and innuendos. This is not unlike what some local mainstream media are prone to do of course when publishing local “news”. But that’s for another story on another day.

Getting back to Owen, he is constantly mocked about his record at Newcastle when he actually played 58 games and scored a decent 26 goals. This in a struggling team and in unfamiliar territory at times, having to play in midfield.

MU got him on a free transfer and the deal was supposedly incentive-based where his salary was concerned. It was obvious that Owen was desperate to: a) get out of Newcastle, and b) revive his international career.

I believe he was wise in not going for the assured high weekly salary that other clubs were offering in favour of the conditional package from MU. He doesn’t really need the money anyway.

Five games into the season, there were still more questions asked of Owen than answers. Then came game number six.

Trust Ferguson to get it right in terms of timing by giving Owen his ultimate moment of glory in the red of Manchester United, putting him on for the last 17 minutes of a pulsating derby match at Old Trafford last Sunday. All his previous minutes for MU in the Community Shield, Premier League and Champions League this season did not matter anymore.

Owen’s inspired last-gasp winner against city rivals Manchester City might only ease the pressure on him, for now at least, but it also means he has delivered on Ferguson’s key reason for signing him — to give an added edge in the box for MU.

This was something Fergie probably felt Carlos Tevez lacked and so was willing to let him go. For all of Tevez’s appearances last season, he scored only five league goals for MU.

I am willing to wager with anyone that Owen will at least double that tally this season. At £25 million cheaper and £50k a week less wages, that’s brilliant business by any standards.
Sure, there won’t be any of the energetic chases that Tevez puts in (one of which resulted in City’s first goal on Sunday), but MU have Park Ji-sung, Darren Fletcher and Anderson to do that. What the club needs is a fox-in-the-box-type striker and in Owen they have the right man for that specific task. Anything else he delivers is simply a bonus.

I also feel that Owen’s contribution in the match finally put an end to the debate over Tevez’s acrimonious departure from MU.

On Sunday, Tevez showed the Old Trafford faithful just why Ferguson was not too downhearted to see him leave. The Argentine looked distraught throughout the match and perhaps the only good thing he did was pressure Ben Foster into making an error that led to Gareth Barry's goal.
While City arguably have a talented enough squad to challenge for honours this season, they do not have the mentality. I say this after seeing them play 45 minutes of football where they barely made an attempt to get out of their own half.

You may say MU pegged them back but in reality they never wanted to push on and try to win the game. Even Shay Given delayed picking up the ball just to waste time at 2-2 after only 52 minutes played.

Would any of the big four have settled for a draw this early against a rival, be it playing home or away? I doubt it (though Liverpool’s tactics against Arsenal in recent seasons do come to mind). City clearly are still in the mindset that they are inferior and must try to hang on in games where they should be looking for more.

They were fortunate to have scored the way they did against Arsenal the previous week, with the Gunners going all guns blazing looking for a winner, instead of sitting back at 1-1. Yes, Arsenal lost, but it’s a risk one has to take if you are a club with a must-win mentality.
The records speak for itself with the same four clubs always at the pinnacle of English football year-in year-out for the past four seasons.

Speaking of records, I am not sure if Ferguson knew about a particularly unique achievement by Owen, but if he did, that might have helped him decide in bringing on Owen in the 78th minute, with the score still at 2-2.

Owen has now achieved the unique record of having scored in four major derby matches while playing for different clubs in the top-tier of league football in England and Spain. These are the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, “El Clásico” in which he scored for Real Madrid against Barcelona, the Tyne-Wear derby where Newcastle United take on Sunderland, and now the Manchester derby.

Actually, we can make that five “derbies” if we include his past achievement for England. Owen scored a hattrick against England’s greatest rivals, Germany, in a World Cup 2002 qualifier played in Munich on Sept 1, 2001.

Now, this latest derby goal may just have given him the right platform to work his way back into the national side in preparation for World Cup 2010.

From HERE

No curvy mannequins in Iran shop windows

TEHRAN, Sept 23 — Iranian police warned shopkeepers yesterday not to use mannequins without headscarves or which exposed body curves, official news agency IRNA reported.
"Using unusual mannequins exposing the body curves and with the heads without hijabs (Muslim veil) are prohibited to be used in the shops," Iran's moral security police in charge of Islamic dress codes said in a statement carried by IRNA.

Iranian police have stepped up a crackdown on both women and men, boutiques and small companies which fail to enforce strict religious dress codes since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to office in 2005.

The measures are the latest in a country-wide campaign against Western cultural influences in the Islamic Republic, where strict dress codes are enforced.

"Both showing necktie and bowtie behind the windows ... and (the) selling (of) women's underwear by men are prohibited," said the police statement.

In the past, crackdowns tended to be launched at the start of Iran's hot summers and petered out soon after. But last year they extended into winter and included a drive against tight women's trousers and even men with spiky "Western" hairstyles.

Those who violate dress codes are usually cautioned on a first offence, sometimes after a brief visit to a police station. But they can be detained for longer, taken to court and required to have "guidance classes" after repeat offences.

Dress codes are most often flouted in wealthier, urban areas. Conservative dress is the norm in poorer, rural areas. — Reuters

From HERE

PAS embraces women at work

KOTA BHARU, Sept 23 — Malaysia’s main Islamist party may not like Muslim women doing yoga, drinking beer or wearing trousers, yet in one of the country’s poorest states, going out to work is something they encourage.

Recent headlines over the caning of a woman who drank beer and other religious edicts or fatwas restricting the behaviour of Muslims have triggered concerns that this traditionally moderate Muslim country was becoming more intolerant.

In Kelantan, however, things are a little different. Women are a vital part of the economy in the state, which has been ruled by the country’s opposition Islamist party for almost 20 years.

“We are better than our men at business. Thankfully, the ulama (Muslim clerics) see that we make a big contribution,” said businesswoman Fatimah Mahmud, tending her stall at the Siti Khadijah market named after Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, who was a successful businesswoman.

In the market, about 300 women set up stalls just after dawn prayers and close shop in the evening after collecting up to RM1,000 a day. All were decked out in gold chains and bangles, symbols of their wealth, and of course headscarves.

The women’s incomes exceed Kelantan’s current GDP per capita of RM8,700, which is 45 percent lower than the national average, according to official data. Many of the women do not always declare their earnings, economists say.

Initially shy of encouraging mothers to work, PAS which is Malaysia’s fastest-growing political party, now actively encourages it.

“Islam liberates women and with supporting this culture of strong businesswomen, we are legitimising them,” said Husam Musa, a PAS official who is part of the state executive council running Kelantan.

“Most of the receipients of state’s business development funds are women,” Husam said, although he did not specify the size of the fund.

PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan chief minister Nik Aziz Nik Mat had said earlier that mothers should stay at home as long periods of separation could affect the children.

Analysts say the move to support Kelantanese women might be a way to soften the image of a party that has said women wearing lipstick and sexy clothes would attract rapists and that hiring beautiful women would be a distraction to men in the workplace.

“PAS is trying to show it can encourage women and business. Perhaps it is shaping itself up for the next general elections in 2013,” said Osman Bakar, deputy chief executive of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia.

PAS, part of a three party opposition alliance, could be part of Malaysia’s next government in elections if it succeeds in breaking the grip of the National Front government that has ruled this country for 52 years.

PAS, however, maintains some strict laws for women in Kelantan as supermarkets must have separate checkout counters for women and men and concerts are a no-go for females as well.
Billboards across Kota Bharu, known as “The City of Islam”, show how women should wear all-covering headscarves and clothes.

“Women have to cover up because they are like gold. They are important to the family,” Nik Aziz said at his weekly sermons last Friday, popular with both men and women who sit in different tents.

The women at the Siti Khadijah agree.

“These laws are a part of Islam and its our duty to follow. But strong women businesswomen are also a part of Islam and that is good enough for us,” said Norisah Che Wan who sold vegetables. — Reuters

From HERE

Facebook: Antara Pro dan Kontra

September 14th, 2009 by Abu Saif (http://saifulislam.com/)

“Ustaz, do you have any networking account?” tanya Saeb kepada saya.

“You mean, like Friendster and Myspace?” saya meminta kepastian.

“Yes. But in the States we don’t use Friendster. We’re more into Facebook,” jelas Saeb kepada saya.

Beliau adalah anak kepada pensyarah saya, seorang warga Amerika Syarikat.

“Oh yeah. I have registered an account but completely forgot about it because there’s no one there,” saya memberitahu.

“Great. Probably Malaysians are still hanging around Friendster. But anyway you’ll find us there. I’m trying to bring Dad into Facebook, too!” gurau beliau.

PENYERTAAN AWAL KE FACEBOOK
Saya mendaftarkan akaun Facebook pada awal 2007 tetapi hanya mengaktifkan penggunaannya semula kira-kira enam bulan selepas itu bagi menguruskan jaringan sosial antara kami, AJK IYEP dengan peserta yang datang dari seluruh dunia.

Ketika itu, amat kecil bilangan pengguna Malaysia yang berada di dalam jaringan Facebook. Namun, saya berasa selesa menggunakannya berbanding dengan Friendster kerana suasana di dalam Facebook lebih teratur, kemas dan ‘tidak kebudak-budakan’. Di kala itu, memang sudah menjadi buah mulut orang menganggap pembabitan anak muda di dalam Friendster di negara kita amat mengundang mudarat. Perkongsian gambar-gambar tidak senonoh hingga membabitkan beberapa artis ketika itu, menyebabkan saya langsung tidak terfikir untuk mempertimbangkan soal menyertai Friendster, biar pun untuk tujuan dakwah khususnya pada mendekati golongan remaja.

Berbeza dengan Facebook, rakan-rakan yang lebih ’sekepala’ dan ’seusia’ bertambah dari semasa ke semasa melalui Facebook dan ia sangat berkesan dalam usaha ‘menjejak kasih’ teman-teman lama dari seluruh dunia.

Keadaan ini sedikit demi sedikit berubah apabila semakin ramai pengguna internet Malaysia menyertai Facebook.

Saya tidak pasti apakah yang patut ditunding kesalahan. Apakah kerana kelompok yang membanjiri Facebook kebelakangan ini adalah remaja bermentaliti kebudak-budakan, atau mereka bekas pengguna Friendster, atau mereka mewakili suatu ngomelan tentang budaya kurang sihat di Malaysia yang disebut sebagai ‘First Class Facility with the Third Class Mentality’. Facebook mula comot dengan pelbagai aplikasi seperti kuiz, permainan dan pelbagai fungsi yang menghilangkan hemah Facebook selama ini.

Keadaan menjadi lebih merunsingkan apabila kita memiliki 5000 orang ‘rakan’ di dalam senarai jaringan kita. Apabila beberapa ratus daripada 5000 itu menyebarkan sampah sarap, ia sudah cukup untuk merosakkan fungsi asal Facebook yang menjadi asas tujuan kita memilih jaringan sosial ini.

Baca selanjutnya di SINI

Dare To Forget About Alzheimer's Disease?

By Ummi Nadiah Rosli - In conjunction with World Alzheimer's Day 2009 on 21st Sept

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan, English author Iris Murdoch, American boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, and Malay film legend Ahmad Mahmud, they were among the exceptional personalities that we remember for their legacy.

But they had struggled to remember theirs.

Of differing ethnic origin, gender and social background, these icons shared an unfortunate relationship in the form of an unforgiving health disorder - Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease or AD is a brain illness which results in the progressive loss of brain nerve cells, leading to a gradual decline of mental functions and is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for over 60 per cent of all dementia cases.

(Dementia is deterioration of intellectual faculties, such as memory, concentration, and judgment, resulting from an organic disease or a disorder of the brain.And unlike most diseases, there is no prevention or cure yet for AD.

ONE NEW CASE EVERY SECOND
According to a report from Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), 4.6 million new cases of dementia are reported worldwide annually, which translates to one new case every second.It is estimated that there are currently about 18 million people with AD worldwide, with one in ten individuals over the age of 65 years suffering from the condition.

The number of new cases of AD in the Asia Pacific region is projected to increase from 4.3 million per year in 2005 to 19.7 million new cases by 2050.

In Malaysia, approximately 20,000 Malaysians are currently diagnosed with the illness.

However the illness affects a significant number of people, estimated at 60,000 remain undetected as the disease is not generally known or is wrongly attributed as part of the aging process.

ADI highlighted that in 2005, the prevalence of AD in Malaysia is 63 per 1,000 people, and the incidence rate at 20.1.

This number is expected to double by 2020, and reach a staggering prevalence of 453.9 and 138.8 incidence per 1,000 people by 2050.

AD DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE
Met at a press conference organised by the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM), in collaboration with Novartis Corporation Malaysia recently, Head of Geriatric Unit, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Dr Lee Fatt Soon said that AD was a result of deposits of 'plaques' and 'tangles' which begin to form in the structure of the brain, leading to the death of brain cells.

Patients with AD also have a shortage of important chemicals that are involved with the transmission of messages within the brain.

"We cannot single out a specific factor as the cause of AD, which means it could happen to anyone. However, the risk factors that have been identified among others is age, in which the incidence of AD doubles every five years after turning 60. Presence of mild cognitive impairment, as well as specific genetic variants increase the chance of getting AD too".

"Other risk factors include diabetes, family history of dementia, high systolic blood pressure, smoking, stroke, and traumatic brain injury," Lee said.

Those with AD will most commonly show signs beginning with loss of short-term memory, in which they could remember an old school experience but forget what they ate for breakfast that morning.

A patient will also forget how to get to a familiar place or misplace common objects and even forget simple things like familiar people's names, commonly used phone numbers, or what month it is.

Other symptoms, he said, are that AD sufferers will repeat things often and feel more suspicious, cautious or anxious and lose interest in things and people that used to be enjoyable.

Dr Lee added that since AD displays similar behavioural and personality changes to other illnesses, such as lack of empathy, and agitation, these symptoms should not be mistaken for depression or stroke.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS ESSENTIAL
AD comes in stages, whereby it can progress slowly or rapidly, usually over three to 10 years.

Over time, AD impairs cognitive and behavioral functions such as the ability to perform even the most basic tasks like putting on clothes, brushing teeth and bathing.

This year's World Alzheimer's Day, themed 'Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner' is an urgent call for early diagnosis."AD cannot be cured currently, and the earlier it is diagnosed will enable proper management of patients and to plan for the future of the patient and his/her family.

"The need for early diagnosis is also pivotal for the caregivers to identify sources of support. We should not forget about the impact of AD on caregivers. It's a physically, financially, and emotionally straining experience to take care for an AD patient," said Dr Lee.

Saying that there was no straightforward test for AD or for any other cause of dementia, Dr Lee described a usual diagnosis made as excluding other physical or psychological causes which present similar symptoms.

Diagnosis can go through various specialists such as psychiatrists, physicians, or neurologists to rule out other possible causes of AD symptoms.

Along with full physical examinations, assessments will also be carried out for changes in memory, intellectual functioning, functional abilities and behavior determine what stage of the AD the patient is in.

"Since there is no cure for AD, the drug treatment that are available aims to slow down the symptoms and disease progression. There are also non-drug therapy provided."

TO FURTHER EDUCATE THE PUBLIC
At the similar event to mark World Alzheimer's Day 2009, ADFM patron Puan Sri Wendy Ong said the public still needs to learn more about the disease.

"We need to instill awareness that AD is a serious health issue as many still dismiss it as a 'disease for the elderly,'" she said.

To commemorate the special day, she stated that ADFM will carry out a series of events nationwide such as having public forums in Penang, Johor and Melaka, a 'Memory Walk' in Ipoh as well as pre-diagnostic screenings.

"In addition, we are marking the occasion on the 21st by embarking on a nationwide signature drive for the Global AD Charter. The World Health Organisation has not recognised AD as a critical illness, and this charter aims to make AD and other Dementias a global health priority," she said.

Further information on Alzheimer's Disease and World Alzheimer's Day 2009 can be found on http://www.adfm.org.my/

-- BERNAMA

From HERE

Salam Eid Mubarak from Dubai, UAE

Salam Eid Mubarak & Maaf Zahir Batin

for all our family and friends....and whoever is reading this....

May Allah's Love and Blessings be upon us on this Holy Day

-------------------------------

To the Holy Ramadhan... see you again next year, InsyaAllah...

From:

Haza, Ziela, Lina, Ain & Afiq

Dubai, UAE

Hari Malaysia (16hb September)

Selamat Menyambut Hari Malaysia

untuk semua rakyat Malaysia

tak kira agama, bangsa, budaya atau warna kulit

Hari Raya Bukan Hari Sedih

Disiarkan pada Sep 13, 2009 dalam kategori Dakwah

oleh: Dr. Mohd Asri bin Zainul Abidin

Masyarakat melayu kita sering mengaitkan hariraya dengan hari kesedihan. Perkara ini diransang tambah oleh media kita. Apabila tiba hariraya, takbir raya ala melayu berirama sedih, alunan melodinya mendayu dan mengundang airmata, drama dan cerita dalam media akan dikaitkan dengan kisah-kisah sedih dan pilu, puisi dan lagu juga begitu. Apakah hariraya dalam Islam hari sedih, atau hari kemenangan dan kegembiraan?

Terlebih dahulu kita hendaklah tahu bahawa hari raya dalam Islam bukan sekadar tradisi atau cetusan idea mana-mana pihak, ia adalah syariat yang diturunkan oleh Allah dan ada hukum-hakamnya yang tersendiri. Di samping ia adalah hari yang Allah peruntukkan untuk kaum muslimin membesarkan Allah, kemenangan dan kegembiraan.

Baca selanjutnya di SINI

My Iftaar

I have been fasting for the past 30 years of my life..... I can say that I have had some wonderful experience with my iftaar.

I have had my iftaar just by the road-side, gulping on a bottle of water.
I have had my iftaar just with glass of tap water.
I have had my iftaar at the airport terminal....eating the food that the airlines supplied.
I have had my iftaar 35000 feet above sea level.
I have had my iftaar barely a few minutes before the plane touched down.
I have had my iftaar 20 minutes before the locals had their iftaar.
I have had my iftaar at the airport lounge.
I have had my iftaar in the car, driving home.
I have had my iftaar at the entrance of super-market
I have had my iftaar at a multi-star hotel's restaurant

But, one think I never forgot was this du'a:

Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance

I will always be thankful to The Almighty Allah, because no matter where I have had my iftaar, it will always with His sustenance.

Al-Hadith:

From Abu Huraira (R.A.), the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, "Allah said: The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from Hell) and there are two pleasures for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah's Sight than the smell of musk."
– Hadith from Al-Imam Bukhari (Shahih Bukhari: Hadith No. 128, Vol. 3)

Dubai Metro launches tonight (09/09/09)

The number 9 is always a favourite number of mine. Being a resident in this small desert city called Dubai, I am proud that another milestone has been achieved.... Dubai Metro.

It will be another "must-experience" thing in Dubai.....

At 7:45pm tonight, Syeikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will officiate the opening of this new pride of the people of Dubai.....
----------------------------

Hugh Naylor
Last Updated: September 09. 2009 3:08PM UAE / September 9. 2009 11:08AM GMT

Trains undergo last-minute testing outside the Nakheel Metro station in the run-up to today's launch. Randi Sokoloff / The National

After suffering through four years of disruption and dislocation caused by rail construction, Dubai’s residents today finally get to welcome the Metro, which many hope will make the city far more user-friendly.Launch formalities begin at 7.45 tonight, when VIPs gather in the Galleria of the Mall of the Emirates before boarding the first train and the Metro’s Red Line is declared open by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

More news HERE
----------------------------

From The Gulf News Aug 30, 2009:

"His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will officially launch the Metro on September 9. The stations to be opened include: Al Rashidiya, Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, Deira City Centre, Al Rigga, Union Square, Khalid Bin Al Waleed (BurJuman), Al Jafiliya, Financial Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Nakheel Harbour and Tower. "Launching of the Dubai Metro on September 9 is a true manifestation of the vision of Shaikh Mohammad to uplift the infrastructure of the emirate of Dubai," Al Tayer said. He said the RTA vision, which is based on Dubai's Strategic Plan 2015 is now being realised"........

Respect for other faiths in Islamic Jerusalem

I received these excerpts in the email from one of my YahooGroups. They're about how the Commander of the Faithful, Sayidina Umar ibnul Khattab (R.A.), one of the great leaders in the post-Prophet era, deal the people he conquered and the religious minorities. It's a sign of a true leader.... a leader for all the people. It makes you think about what had happened recently in the country.

We call ourselves Muslims..... the followers of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).... but some of us can't even follow the footsteps of his Companions, let alone the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) himself.... in this case, in terms of religious and racial tolerance.

Read on....

------------------------

When Caliph Umar, one of Muhammad's successors, conquered the Jerusalem of the Christian Byzantines in 638, he insisted that the three faiths of Abraham coexist. He refused to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher when he was escorted around the city by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch. Had he done so, he explained, the Muslims would have wanted to build a mosque there to commemorate the first Islamic prayer in Jerusalem.

The Jews found their new Muslim rulers far more congenial than the Byzantines. The Christians had never allowed the Jews to reside permanently in the city, whereas Umar invited 70 Jewish families back. The Byzantines had left the Jewish Temple in ruins and had even begun to use the Temple Mount as a garbage dump.

Umar, according to a variety of accounts, was horrified to see this desecration. He helped clear it with his own hands, reconsecrated the platform and built a simple wooden mosque on the southern end, site of al-Aqsa Mosque today.

Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock, built by Caliph Abd al-Malik in 691, was the first great building to be constructed in the Islamic world. It symbolizes the ascent that all Muslims must make to God, whose perfection and eternity are represented by the circle of the great golden dome. Other Islamic shrines on the Temple Mount, which Muslims call al-Haram al-Sharif, the Most Noble Sanctuary, were devoted to David, Solomon and Jesus.

Karen Armstrong is the author of Islam: A Short History and, more recently, Buddha

Time Magazine, 16 April 2001

-------------------------
Omar in Jerusalem
The Caliph left Ali in Medina as his deputy and himself left for Jerusalem. He had only one attendant with him and only one camel to ride. Omar and the attendant rode the camel by turns. It happened to be the servant's turn to ride on the day when they were to reach Jerusalem. "Commander of the Faithful," said the attendant, "I give up my turn. It will look awkward, in the eyes of the people, if I ride and you lead the camel."
"Oh no," replied Omar, "I am not going to be unjust. The honour of Islam is enough for us all."
Abu Obaid, Khalid, Yazid and other officers of the army went some distance to receive the Caliph. All of them were wearing silk cloaks. This made Omar angry. He took some pebbles and threw them at his generals, saying, "Have you changed so much in just two years? What dress is this? Even if you had done this two hundred years from now, I would have dismissed you."
The officers replied, "Commander of the Faithful, we are in a land where the quality of clothes worn tells the rank of a man. If we wear ordinary clothes, we will command little respect among the people. However, we are wearing our arms underneath the silken robes."
This answer cooled down the anger of the Caliph.
Next the Caliph signed the treaty of peace. It ran as follows:
"From the servant of Allah and the Commander of the Faithful, Omar:
The inhabitants of Jerusalem are granted security of life and property. Their churches and crosses shall be secure. This treaty applies to all people of the city. Their places of worship shall remain intact. These shall neither be taken over nor pulled down. People shall be quite free to follow their religion. They shall not be put to any trouble..."
The gates of the city were now opened. Omar went straight to the Temple of David (Masjid-i-Aqsa). Here he said his prayer under David's Arch.
Next he visited the biggest Christian church of the city. He was in the church when the time for the afternoon prayer came.
"You may say your prayers in the church," said the Bishop.
"No," replied Omar, "if I do so, the Muslims may one day make this an excuse for taking over the church from you."
So he said his prayers on the steps of the church. Even then, he gave the Bishop a promise in writing. It said that the steps were never to be used for congregational prayers nor was the Adhan [call to prayer] to be said there.

By Prof. Fazl Ahmad who has written many books on Islam, the Prophet Muhammad and the Caliphs

Car Prices

Living in Dubai for the past 1 year, there's one big different that I notice between Malaysia and Dubai.... CAR PRICES.....

They said if one wants to know how much it would cost them (at a very basic level) to buy a particular brand of car in Malaysia, then one can time the price of the car in Dubai by 3.....

So, let's say a car in Dubai costs about Aed90,000.... then in Malaysia, it would cost us RM270,000.

Why? I think the article written by Syed Akbar Ali below would shed some light on the issue.....

----------------------------

Car Prices in Malaysia - by Syed Akbar Ali

Digest this article, after that, you may need to vomit. What is the Malaysian Govt doing all these while. Ripping off our Rakyat for the last 30 yrs with APs designed to benefit a few well connected Bumis, the UxxO/Bx have robbed millions of citizens in this fiasco, under the pretext of protecting our local industry. The Govt have forgotten we Malays are the largest customers in the country. What is the NEP policy doing ?? Ripping off the Malays (which forms 65% of the consumer base) to benefit a few UxxO politicians !!!

”We cannot choose the things that will happen to us. But we can choose the attitude we will take toward anything that happens.. Success or failure depends on OUR attitude” Malaysia Boleh…Buy Malaysian Products….Long Live Malaysia.. Malaysia Ku Cemerlang…!

BMW 535i sells for RM178,000 in the USA.
In the United States of America (a developed country which we are also aspiring to become by the year 2020) a 2009 model BMW 535i Sedan is selling for about USD50,367.00. This is only RM178,000 - about the price of a Toyota Camry 2.4L here in Malaysia . The same BMW sells in Malaysia for about RM450,000.

BMW 328i sells for RM155,000 in the USA.
The 2009 model BMW 328i 2 door Convertible sells for USD44,014 or RM155,369.00 in the US . In Malaysia the same car sells for over RM460,000. This is an untenable situation.
Audi A4 2..0T Cabriolet Convertible sells for RM142,000 in the US.

The 2009 model Audi A4 2 Door 2.0T Cabriolet Convertible sells in the US for USD40,328.00 or RM142,357. In Malaysia the same car would sell for about RM265,000. VW GTI 2.0T sells for RM85,000 in the US. In the US the 2009 model Volkswagen GTI 2.0T sells for USD 24,039 or RM85,000 only. In China the same car will cost around RM60,000. Over here the same VW car sells for about RM200,000.

And the 2010 model Toyota Camry 2.4L sells in the US for USD 19,659..00 or RM69,396 In Malaysia the 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4L sells for RM170,000. Toyota Camry 2.4L, 2010 model. RM69,000 in the US [cL: it's RM70k in Au]

Car prices in Malaysia are about three times higher than the prices in the United States. We are a developing nation. Our land and labour costs are so much cheaper than the US . Why are our cars so expensive? It does not make any sense. Tak masuk akal.

Then here are some car prices from our neighbour Indonesia . The Toyota Altis sells in Indonesia for about RM46,000. The same car sells here for around RM 112,000. Again we are three times more expensive than Indonesia.

The Honda Jazz sells here for RM108,000.. In Indonesia the Jazz sells for RM 36,000. Three times more expensive.

We are paying ridiculously high prices (and actually impoverishing the Malays - who are the largest buyers of cars in Malaysia) to support an out of date, out of touch with reality motor car policy.

We are paying the highest car prices in the world to support the Proton and other locally made cars as well as support a mind boggling AP policy which only benefits a relatively few rich Malays. A disproportionately large number of Malays and other Malaysians are being impoverished to subsidise the wealth of a few inefficient rich.

26 million Malaysians have to pay three times more for their cars just to support Proton and 120,000 people who are directly and indirectly involved in the motor sector in Malaysia and the AP holders. That is a ratio of 216:1.

This ratio of 216:1 is too skewed. 26.0 million happier people can contribute many more votes than 120,000 members of an inefficient motor industry. 26 million unhappy people can change a Government. (The maths is not really difficult here). And this outdated policy is impoverishing the Malays more than anyone else.

Here is some news from our DPM Tan Sri Muhyudin Yassin about our car policy. This is truncated:
Muhyiddin assures govt support for automotive parts and component sector
1. KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 - The deputy prime minister said special focus will be given to “facilitate and encourage” the development of the automotive parts and component sector despite the current global and regional economic downturn.

2. “Under the CEPT and Asean Trade in Goods Agreements, Malaysia has agreed to eliminate import duties on all products in the Normal Track on January 1, 2010. This includes motor vehicles, auto parts and components,” he said.

3. He pointed out that . .. . the motor vehicle sub sector in Malaysia will not be directly impacted because of its heavy dependence on the domestic market.

4. “The Malaysian government recognises the contribution of the domestic automotive industry towards the development of the country.”

Para 2 sounds promising but then Para 3 and 4 basically says that the Malaysian motor car industry will continue to be protected. This means we will continue paying the highest car prices in the world for automobiles.

Cuba kita kira : kalau kereta Honda Jazz di jual dengan harga yang sebenarnya (lebih kurang RM36,000 saja) dan bukan pada harga sekarang (RM108,000) maksudnya bayaran bulanan pembeli kereta akan jadi kurang, mungkin sepertiga sahaja daripada bayaran bulanan sekarang.

Jika sekarang orang bayar RM1,500 sebulan untuk beli Honda Jazz, kalau harga kereta lebih menepati harga pasaran dunia, orang kita perlu bayar sekitar RM500 saja sebulan.
Maksudnya tanpa Kerajaan perlu membuat apa pun (merangsang ekonomi, belanja berpuluh billion Ringgit duit rakyat untuk stimulus dan sebagainya) setiap rakyat Malaysia yang membeli kereta yang seharga dengan Honda Jazz akan dapat menjimatkan sehingga RM1,000 sebulan daripada kos sara hidup bulanannya.

This is like giving the car buyer an RM1000 pay rise without incurring any extra costs for the taxpayer, the Government or the economy. It will greatly reduce the cost of living in Malaysia and spur greater economic growth too.

Tapi sekarang, yang menjadi mangsa dulu dan yang menjadi miskin dulu orang Melayu juga. Orang Melayu yang paling ramai sekali menjadi pembeli kereta dalam negara kita. Orang Melayu kebanyakannya makan gaji - tiap bulan dapat gaji tetap. Bila harga kereta naik gila, yang menjadi miskin di saf depan sekali adalah orang Melayu juga.

In absolute numbers, the Malays are suffering the most because they are the most in number among the fixed income people who also buy cars.

Some folks said the other day that Proton has 150 major component suppliers, dealers, distributors and about 500 other parts suppliers too.. Of the 150 major component suppliers, about 15 of them are listed companies. In total they employ about 120,000 people. The Proton supply chain is a mix of bumiputras and non bumiputras. But here is a sadfact : none of them are operating at their level best efficiency.

Our motor car policy is forcing Malaysians to subsidise Proton so that Proton can sustain major inefficiencies in the Malaysian economy. This is not a good thing at all.

We have to unwind this situation. Set a target of 18 months from now to unwind all protection for our motor industry. Remove the impoverishing AP policy also in 18 months. Let Malaysian car prices reflect world market prices for the same makes of cars.

If a BMW 535 sells for RM178,000 in America , it should sell for a little less here in Malaysia (our rentals and salaries are cheaper).

Fw: Car Prices In Malaysia
The Ministers continue making pronouncements about the car industry as though nothing has happened. I hope everyone will please wake up. The Government has a real chance of getting thrown out of office in about three years. The people will not accept inept answers anymore. The ridiculous car prices in Malaysia is an issue that is just beginning to get more attention and publicity. It is going to become a really big issue in the near future. Be forewarned.

From: http://308gt.blogspot.com/2009/08/car-prices-in-malaysia-by-syed-akbar.html

Geng Bas Sekolah (GBS)

Geng Bas Sekolah

The Kids started their new school year on today.... with the addition of another member of their GBS..... Apit.

Today is the real acid test for Apit.....his full day at school (Ramadhan timing for the school is 830am to 1030am for KGs an 830am to 130pm for the other grades).

It's quite a labour waking him up in the morning for the early morning shower....(now I know how Mak felt then.... about 30 years ago). I had to practically carry him down from the bed....stood him up.... took off his night clothes and ushered him into the bathroom. I brushed his teeth.... bathed him.... helped him put his school uniform on.... and combed his hair..... By then.... his engine was already warmed up....

The above photo was taken right before we sent them down to the waiting school bus.... see the huge grin on Apit face? That means his ready to take on the day.

GBS... about to get on the bus

Deep in my heart, there was still some doubts that Apit would "survive" the day.... considering that he has never been away from us... his family... with total strangers.

Apit and Along in the bus

So, after they got on the bus, we followed them in the car. We arrived at the school much earlier than the bus. We watch from afar.... one by one, the children got off the bus.... then, we say Apit... still grinning.... Ms Eileen, the Phillipino helper, took his hand and took him to the class. She's also Apit's class helper.
In the class, he seemed lost... and actually, so were all the KG kids inside.... Then, we saw that he was given something to do....such as coloring, educational toys etc.
We left Apit to check on the girls....his sisters. They didn't seem to have any problem because almost all the kids in their classes were their friends from last year. They are big girls now....and they can take care of themselves.
We left the school to buy some groceries.....
At 1030am we went back to fetch Apit. He was still grinning...hehehe.... We guess he had enjoyed his first day at school....
He told of his teacher Ms Meneka, telling them a story about a mouse/rat with a strawberry... hehehe.... Well, we weren't in the class...so we didn't know whether it's true or not.... and how Apit understood his teacher...(he doesn't understand English very well.... at 4 1/2 years old, what do you expect?). But we assume that what he told us was true.... because he was enjoying it.
Before we went back... Apit got his wishes.... to play at the KG playground. We let him play for a few minutes....but just as he's beginning to enter into his "Pushka-pushka" mode, we called him in and drove back.
We told him that tomorrow (and onwards), he will have to stay back a little longer as Ayah and Ibu won't be fetching him at school at 1030am... "Ayah nak pegi Egypt".... So he has to go back with his sisters at 130pm.
I hope... We hope... and pray that Apit will do OK.....
Just enjoy your days at school, learn new things, make new friends.... Ayah, Ibu, Along and Ain will always be there for you.

Cuti-cuti Malaysia (Julai 09)

Alahai....rasanya hari tu dah janji nak tulis pasal Cuti-cuti Malaysia masa balik Home Leave bulan Julai hari tu.....

Hmm.... malas lak rasanya..... Buat ringkasan je lah....

Minggu Pertama:
-Sampai KLIA hari Jumaat 3hb Julai
-Balik Kota and Teluk Kemang lepas tu balik Bangi balik
-Sempat rasa Cendol Madu Rembau dan Mee Sup Kendung.... masakan Mak jangan cakap lah
-Hujung minggu lepak rumah Angah (ipar) di Melaka

Minggu Kedua:
- Pergi Selatan....rumah Pak Ngah (Skudai) dan tidur rumah Andak (BBUda)
- Farid and Nore (cousins) jadi hosts...Andak dan Pak Andak kat SA jaga cucu
- Masuk Kota Singa dua hari.... malam balik tidur rumah Andak.
- Pergi Zoo, Arab Street dan Merlion Park (Day 1)
- Pergi Sentosa (Day 2)
- Hujung minggu melayan kunjungan Manchester United (gambar-gambar di SINI)

Minggu Ketiga:
- Ulang alik ke PD....Abah (mentua) masuk wad
- Hujung minggu pergi melawat Bandar Melaka

Minggu Keempat:
- Plannya nak duduk Bangi je....
- Pergi ke tempat kerja "lama" sebab jumpa Boss and ada beberapa urusan rasmi
- 2-3 hari sebelum balik, pergi KLCC (Dome) jumpa kawan-kawan lama dari zaman SAS dulu
- 31hb Julai... berlepas balik ke Dubai......

Sebahagian dari gambar-gambar boleh dilihat di SINI

Pulang Merantau - Lagu Rakyat Negeri Sembilan

Di pautan ini: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6s2xplTlhs

To put Malaysia first, put Malaysian second – Paul Si

I got this article by Paul Si in the Malaysian Insider.....quite an interesting piece of writing.....

------------------------

It’s all in the grammar. Specifically, in adjectives and nouns. I realise that language skills have declined significantly over the years, and that decline has something to do with people not wanting to learn, and the authorities shifting the goalposts to suit the people’s wishes.

But I hope you will bear with me on this because it is important, because it is the root of the problems Malaysia is beset with.

Back to basics. A noun is a thing, an object. It could be a tangible thing or an intangible thing. “House”, for example, is a noun. “Idea” is also a noun, albeit an intangible thing.
An adjective is a modifier or enhancer of that thing. “Big”, for example, is an adjective.
So, you have a house. What kind of house? A big house. The house is the thing, and big tells us more about your thing. See, it’s not that hard.

Ah, but there are words that are nouns, that are also used as adjectives. An example is a mountain bike. A bike is certainly a thing, but so is a mountain. Used in this context, though, the mountain is an adjective that describes the bike. So, the bike is still the thing and the mountain tells us what kind of bike, or thing, it is. As opposed to, say, a road bike, or an exercise bike.
And so to the problem with Malaysia, where the population thinks of itself in terms of Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians and, well, just Malays.

Gramatically speaking, Malaysian is a noun, and so are Chinese, Indian, Malay, Iban and Kadazan, and all can also be nouns functioning as adjectives. So the phrase Malaysian Chinese is grammatically correct, as is Chinese Malaysian. But they mean different things.

In a nicely written article headlined “Proud to be a Malay Singaporean” published in The Malaysian Insider today, Khartini Khalid tells us why she is proud to be a Singaporean. A Malay Singaporean.

Likewise, we now hear a lot about Native Americans, African Americans, Chinese Americans, and so on. Not, mind you, American Chinese, or American African.

The thing about English is that the noun, the really important thing, comes after the adjective or descriptor. So, you know that a person is a Singaporean or an American, or Indonesian, or Australian, and he/she is of African or Chinese descent. He/she could also be a tall American, or fat American or ugly American, but still an American.

We, meanwhile, are Chinese, or Indians, or Others, who happen to hold Malaysian citizenship. We have the Malaysian Indian Congress and the Malaysian Chinese Associations. These are groups of people who are Indians and Chinese, respectively, who happen to live in Malaysia.
If they were Malaysians who happened to trace their roots to India and China, respectively, then the bodies would the Congress of Indian Malaysians and Association of Chinese Malaysians, again respectively.

Of course, the relative placement of noun and adjective is reversed in Bahasa, as well French, Spanish and many other languages. So, we have “rumah besar” instead of “big house”. Could this explain why these groups are so named?

Ah, but Persatuan Cina Malaysia and Kongres India Se-Malaysia tell us that this naming convention is not a simple transliteration that gives rise to confusion. No, it is deliberate and intentional.

So, there you have it. 1 Malaysia is a nice idea, even a noble goal to aim for. But day-to-day reality, conscious or sub-conscious, is very different, and it is all because we put “Malaysian” ahead of our ethnic or cultural background.

For that nice idea to become the new reality, we have to be Malaysians first, which means we put Malaysian second, after Chinese/Indian/Dayak. Are you confused yet? I know I am.

From HERE

14 Amalan Yang Keliru Di Bulan Ramadhan

***Dapat maklumat ni melalui emel dari seorang sahabat....dari segi bahasanya mungkin datang dari negara jiran... Tapi rasanya ada maklumat ni yang relevan dengan amalan-amalan kita di Malaysia... Bukannya apa, cuma kadang-kadang amalan-amalan tersebut hanya mengikut tradisi sahaja dan bukan berdasarkan dari dalil-dalil yang sahih... Kesimpulannya, jika Rasulullah dan para Sahabat tak buat, maka eloklah kita renung-renungkan.... Kenapa kita buat?***

_________________________________

Berikut adalah beberapa kesalahan yang dilakukan di bulan Ramadhan yang tersebar luas di tengah-tengah kaum muslimin.

1. Mengkhususkan Ziarah Kubur Menjelang Ramadhan
Tidaklah tepat keyakinan bahwa menjelang bulan Ramadhan adalah waktu utama untuk menziarahi kubur orang tua atau kerabat (yang dikenal dengan “nyadran”). Kita boleh setiap saat melakukan ziarah kubur agar hati kita semakin lembut karena mengingat kematian. Namun masalahnya adalah jika seseorang mengkhususkan ziarah kubur pada waktu tertentu dan meyakini bahwa menjelang Ramadhan adalah waktu utama untuk nyadran atau nyekar. Ini sungguh suatu kekeliruan karena tidak ada dasar dari ajaran Islam yang menuntunkan hal ini.

2. Padusan, Mandi Besar, atau Keramasan Menyambut Ramadhan
Tidaklah tepat amalan sebagian orang yang menyambut bulan Ramadhan dengan mandi besar atau keramasan terlebih dahulu. Amalan seperti ini juga tidak ada tuntunannya sama sekali dari Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam . Lebih parahnya lagi mandi semacam ini (yang dikenal dengan “padusan”) ada juga yang melakukannya campur baur laki-laki dan perempuan dalam satu tempat pemandian. Ini sungguh merupakan kesalahan yang besar karena tidak mengindahkan aturan Islam. Bagaimana mungkin Ramadhan disambut dengan perbuatan yang bisa mendatangkan murka Allah?!

3. Menetapkan Awal Ramadhan dengan Hisab
Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda, إِنَّا أُمَّةٌ أُمِّيَّةٌ ، لاَ نَكْتُبُ وَلاَ نَحْسِبُ ,الشَّهْرُ هَكَذَا وَهَكَذَا “Sesungguhnya kami adalah umat yang buta huruf. Kami tidak memakai kitabah (tulis-menulis) dan tidak pula memakai hisab (dalam penetapan bulan). Bulan itu seperti ini (beliau berisyarat dengan bilangan 29) dan seperti ini (beliau berisyarat dengan bilangan 30).” (HR. Bukhari dan Muslim) Ibnu Bazizah mengatakan,”Madzhab ini (yang menetapkan awal ramadhan dengan hisab) adalah madzhab bathil dan syari’at ini telah melarang mendalami ilmu nujum (hisab) karena ilmu ini hanya sekedar perkiraan (dzon) dan bukanlah ilmu yang pasti ( qoth’i ) atau persangkaan kuat. Maka seandainya suatu perkara (misalnya penentuan awal ramadhan, pen) hanya dikaitkan dengan ilmu hisab ini maka agama ini akan menjadi sempit karena tidak ada yang menguasai ilmu hisab ini kecuali sedikit sekali.” ( Fathul Baari , 6/156)

4. Mendahului Ramadhan dengan Berpuasa Satu atau Dua Hari Sebelumnya
Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda, لاَ يَتَقَدَّمَنَّ أَحَدٌ الشَّهْرَ بِيَوْمٍ وَلاَ يَوْمَيْنِ إِلاَّ أَحَدٌ كَانَ يَصُومُ صِيَامًا قَبْلَهُ فَلْيَصُمْهُ “Janganlah kalian mendahului Ramadhan dengan berpuasa satu atau dua hari sebelumnya, kecuali bagi seseorang yang terbiasa mengerjakan puasa pada hari tersebut maka puasalah.” (HR. Tirmidzi dan dishahihkan oleh Al Albani dalam Shahih wa Dho’if Sunan Nasa’i ) Pada hari tersebut juga dilarang untuk berpuasa karena hari tersebut adalah hari yang meragukan. Dan Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda, مَنْ صَامَ الْيَوْمَ الَّذِي يُشَكُّ فِيهِ فَقَدْ عَصَى أَبَا الْقَاسِمِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ “Barangsiapa berpuasa pada hari yang diragukan maka dia telah mendurhakai Abul Qasim (yaitu Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, pen).” (HR. Abu Daud dan Tirmidzi, dikatakan shahih oleh Syaikh Al Albani dalam Shahih wa Dho’if Sunan Tirmidzi )

5. Melafazhkan Niat “Nawaitu Shouma Ghodin…”
Sebenarnya tidak ada tuntunan sama sekali untuk melafazhkan niat semacam ini karena tidak adanya dasar dari perintah atau perbuatan Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam , begitu pula dari para sahabat. Letak niat sebenarnya adalah dalam hati dan bukan di lisan. An Nawawi rahimahullah –ulama besar dalam Madzhab Syafi’i- mengatakan, لَا يَصِحُّ الصَّوْمَ إِلَّا بِالنِّيَّةِ وَمَحَلُّهَا القَلْبُ وَلَا يُشْتَرَطُ النُّطْقُ بِلاَ خِلَافٍ “Tidaklah sah puasa seseorang kecuali dengan niat. Letak niat adalah dalam hati, tidak disyaratkan untuk diucapkan dan pendapat ini tidak terdapat perselisihan di antara para ulama.” ( Rowdhotuth Tholibin , I/268, Mawqi’ul Waroq -Maktabah Syamilah)

6. Membangunkan “Sahur … Sahur”
Sebenarnya Islam sudah memiliki tatacara sendiri untuk menunjukkan waktu bolehnya makan dan minum yaitu dengan adzan pertama sebelum adzan shubuh. Sedangkan adzan kedua ketika adzan shubuh adalah untuk menunjukkan diharamkannya makan dan minum. Inilah cara untuk memberitahu kaum muslimin bahwa masih diperbolehkan makan dan minum dan memberitahukan berakhirnya waktu sahur. Sehingga tidak tepat jika membangunkan kaum muslimin dengan meneriakkan “sahur … sahur ….” baik melalui speaker atau pun datang ke rumah-rumah seperti mengetuk pintu. Cara membangunkan seperti ini sungguh tidak ada tuntunannya sama sekali dari Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam juga tidak pernah dilakukan oleh generasi terbaik dari ummat ini. Jadi, hendaklah yang dilakukan adalah melaksanakan dua kali adzan. Adzan pertama untuk menunjukkan masih dibolehkannya makan dan minum. Adzan kedua untuk menunjukkan diharamkannya makan dan minum. Ibnu Mas’ud radhiyallahu ‘anhu memiliki nasehat yang indah, “Ikutilah (petunjuk Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, pen), janganlah membuat bid’ah. Karena (sunnah) itu sudah cukup bagi kalian.” (Lihat pembahasan at Tashiir di Al Bida’ Al Hawliyah , hal. 334-336)

7. Pensyariatan Waktu Imsak (Berhenti makan 10 atau 15 menit sebelum waktu shubuh) Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda, كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلاَ يَهِيدَنَّكُمُ السَّاطِعُ الْمُصْعِدُ فَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّى يَعْتَرِضَ لَكُمُ الأَحْمَرُ “Makan dan minumlah. Janganlah kalian menjadi takut oleh pancaran sinar (putih) yang menjulang. Makan dan minumlah sehingga tampak bagi kalian warna merah yang melintang.” (HR. Tirmidzi, Abu Daud, Ibnu Khuzaimah. Dalam Shohih wa Dho’if Sunan Abu Daud , Syaikh Al Albani mengatakan hadits ini hasan shahih). Maka hadits ini menjadi dalil bahwa waktu imsak (menahan diri dari makan dan minum) adalah sejak terbit fajar shodiq –yaitu ketika adzan shubuh dikumandangkan- dan bukanlah 10 menit sebelum adzan shubuh. Inilah yang sesuai dengan petunjuk Allah dan Rasul-Nya.
Dalam hadits Anas dari Zaid bin Tsabit bahwasanya beliau pernah makan sahur bersama Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam , kemudian beliau shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam berdiri untuk menunaikan shalat. Kemudian Anas berkata, “Berapa lama jarak antara iqomah dan sahur kalian?” Kemudian Zaid berkata, “Sekitar 50 ayat.” (HR. Bukhari dan Muslim). Lihatlah berapa lama jarak antara sahur dan iqomah? Apakah satu jam?! Jawabnya: Tidak terlalu lama, bahkan sangat dekat dengan waktu adzan shubuh yaitu sekitar membaca 50 ayat Al Qur’an (sekitar 10 atau 15 menit)

8. Do’a Ketika Berbuka “Allahumma Laka Shumtu wa Bika Aamantu…”
Ada beberapa riwayat yang membicarakan do’a ketika berbuka semacam ini. Di antaranya adalah dalam Sunan Abu Daud no. 2357, Ibnus Sunni dalam ‘Amalul Yaum wal Lailah no. 481 dan no. 482. Namun hadits-hadits yang membicarakan amalan ini adalah hadits-hadits yang lemah. Di antara hadits tersebut ada yang mursal yang dinilai lemah oleh para ulama pakar hadits. Juga ada perowi yang meriwayatkan hadits tersebut yang dinilai lemah dan pendusta (Lihat Dho’if Abu Daud no. 2011 dan catatan kaki Al Adzkar yang ditakhrij oleh ‘Ishomuddin Ash Shobaabtiy).
Adapun do’a yang dianjurkan ketika berbuka adalah, ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ “Dzahabazh zhoma-u wabtallatil ‘uruqu wa tsabatal ajru insya Allah (artinya: Rasa haus telah hilang dan urat-urat telah basah, dan pahala telah ditetapkan insya Allah)” (HR. Abu Daud. Dikatakan hasan oleh Syaikh Al Albani dalam Shohih wa Dho’if Sunan Abi Daud )

9. Dzikir Jama’ah Dengan Dikomandoi dalam Shalat Tarawih dan Shalat Lima Waktu
Syaikh Abdul ‘Aziz bin Baz rahimahullah tatkala menjelaskan mengenai dzikir setelah shalat, “Tidak diperbolehkan para jama’ah membaca dizkir secara berjama’ah. Akan tetapi yang tepat adalah setiap orang membaca dzikir sendiri-sendiri tanpa dikomandai oleh yang lain. Karena dzikir secara berjama’ah (bersama-sama) adalah sesuatu yang tidak ada tuntunannya dalam syari’at Islam yang suci ini.” ( Majmu’ Fatawa Ibnu Baz , 11/189)

10. “Ash Sholaatul Jaami’ah…” untuk menyeru Jama’ah dalam Shalat Tarawih
Ulama-ulama Hambali berpendapat bahwa tidak ada ucapan untuk memanggil jama’ah dengan ucapan “Ash Sholaatul Jaami’ah…” Menurut mereka, ini termasuk perkara yang diada-adakan (baca: bid’ah). (Lihat Al Mawsu’ah Al Fiqhiyyah Al Kuwaitiyyah , 2/9634, Asy Syamilah)

11. Bubar Terlebih Dahulu Sebelum Imam Selesai Shalat Malam
Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda, إِنَّهُ مَنْ قَامَ مَعَ الإِمَامِ حَتَّى يَنْصَرِفَ كُتِبَ لَهُ قِيَامُ لَيْلَةً “Siapa yang shalat bersama imam sampai ia selesai, maka ditulis untuknya pahala qiyam satu malam penuh.” (HR. Ahmad dan Tirmidzi. Syaikh Al Albani dalam Al Irwa’ 447 mengatakan bahwa hadits ini shahih). Jika imam melaksanakan shalat tarawih ditambah shalat witir, makmum pun seharusnya ikut menyelesaikan bersama imam. Itulah yang lebih tepat.

12. Perayaan Nuzulul Qur’an
Perayaan Nuzulul Qur’an sama sekali tidak pernah dicontohkan oleh Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam , juga tidak pernah dicontohkan oleh para sahabat. Para ulama Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah mengatakan, لَوْ كَانَ خَيرْاً لَسَبَقُوْنَا إِلَيْهِ “Seandainya amalan tersebut baik, tentu mereka (para sahabat) sudah mendahului kita untuk melakukannya.” Inilah perkataan para ulama pada setiap amalan atau perbuatan yang tidak pernah dilakukan oleh para sahabat. Mereka menggolongkan perbuatan semacam ini sebagai bid’ah. Karena para sahabat tidaklah melihat suatu kebaikan kecuali mereka akan segera melakukannya. (Lihat Tafsir Al Qur’an Al ‘Azhim , pada tafsir surat Al Ahqof ayat 11)

13. Membayar Zakat Fithri dengan Uang
Syaikh Abdul ‘Aziz bin ‘Abdillah bin Baz mengatakan, “Seandainya mata uang dianggap sah dalam membayar zakat fithri, tentu Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam akan menjelaskan hal ini. Alasannya, karena tidak boleh bagi beliau shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam mengakhirkan penjelasan padahal sedang dibutuhkan. Seandainya beliau shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam membayar zakat fithri dengan uang, tentu para sahabat – radhiyallahu ‘anhum - akan menukil berita tersebut. Kami juga tidak mengetahui ada seorang sahabat Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam yang membayar zakat fithri dengan uang. Padahal para sahabat adalah manusia yang paling mengetahui sunnah (ajaran) Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam dan orang yang paling bersemangat dalam menjalankan sunnahnya. Seandainya ada di antara mereka yang membayar zakat fithri dengan uang, tentu hal ini akan dinukil sebagaimana perkataan dan perbuatan mereka yang berkaitan dengan syari’at lainnya dinukil (sampai pada kita).” ( Majmu’ Fatawa Ibnu Baz , 14/208-211)

14. Tidak Mau Mengembalikan Keputusan Penetapan Hari Raya kepada Pemerintah Al Lajnah Ad Da’imah
Komisi Fatwa di Saudi Arabia mengatakan, “Jika di negeri tersebut terjadi perselisihan pendapat (tentang penetapan 1 Syawal), maka hendaklah dikembalikan pada keputusan penguasa muslim di negeri tersebut. Jika penguasa tersebut memilih suatu pendapat, hilanglah perselisihan yang ada dan setiap muslim di negeri tersebut wajib mengikuti pendapatnya.” ( Fatawa no. 388)

Demikian beberapa kesalahan atau kekeliruan di bulan Ramadhan yang mesti kita tinggalkan dan mesti kita menasehati saudara kita yang lain untuk meninggalkannya. Tentu saja nasehat ini dengan lemah lembut dan penuh hikmah.

Semoga Allah memberi kita petunjuk, ketakwaan, sifat ‘afaf (menjauhkan diri dari hal yang tidak diperbolehkan) dan memberikan kita kecukupan. Semoga Allah memperbaiki keadaan setiap orang yang membaca risalah ini.

Wa shallallahu wa salaamu ‘ala Nabiyyina Muhammad wa ‘ala alihi wa shohbihi ajma’in. Walhamdulillahi rabbil ‘alamin.

Apit at the school (1st Sept, 2009)

Today is Apit's orientation day at Raffles IS..... We have all been waiting for this day..... Another big step for my little boy.....I woke him up early....bathed him.... and put on the KG uniform on him..... He looked really sharp...smiling all the way down to the car.

We registered.... they took Apit's photo for the ID Card. Then we took Apit to his class....met Ms Meneka, his KG class teacher and Ms Eileen the class assistant.

We left him in the class.... he was busy coloring.... We went to the Uniform and Book stores to buy uniform and books for the new year. His ibu fetched Apit at the class.... seemed like he was enjoying himself the first day.... alhamdulillah.

Well, the true test will be next week..... the first few days of school.... Here's hoping that he will do all right....

To Apit, Ayah, Ibu, Along and Ain hope you will do well in school....and you will always have our supports.... You can count on us....