Prayer for Ummi.

Assalamualaikum,

Ummi went for CT Scan again. Insha Allah tomorrow she will go through the Lumbar Puncture procedure or in Malay we call it 'ambil air tulang belakang'.  The doctors said there are nothing much to worry about, but we are still anxious definitely. Anyways, we shall think positively insha Allah and we do see the doctors are trying their very best for her. For those who pray for my Mother, thank you so much, may Allah bless you. Wassalam.

"There is a cure for everything in the 'Opening of the Book' (Surah Al-Fatihah)"
Al-Baihaqi & Ad-Darimi 

XOXO,

Sue

Effortless Da'wah.

Assalamualaikum wbt,

Watching this video shared by my junior in MRSM KKB, Bro Azmir Azlan, made me feel I would like to share one of my status updates (trust me if you are a follower of my Facebook account, one just have to bear with me with super lengthy status updates. I always hang out with Ummi, my mother especially when she is always and out of the hospital and we have doctors' appointments almost everyday, so I release my stress on it just to communicate with other people) about da'wah and hidayah on women.

This video, enlightened me on the fact that if we keep having good intention among others, without trying to preach them but showing good examples, and especially pray for them, Allah will help us to spread da'wah effortlessly. This 5 minutes video also made me cried a bit, because in this vid, Aamir Khan pushed his mother's wheelchair among the millions of humans during Hajj season. Reminded me during Hajj 2008 when Ummi was sick as well, and I had my lunch but Ummi was too weak to follow me to the dining area. I got a plate of food for Ummi, but as usual, there were too many people waiting for their turn to get on the elevator. I gave up on waiting, and Allah knows where I had the might to climb up 20 flights of floor to reach our hotel room at the 10th floor. Just because I was worried Ummi was getting hungrier by the minute. We might think that it would be something for us to do for our parents, but no that kind of deed could never ever be compared to our parents' love and sacrifices for us.

You may see that right now I keep updating my blog more, even backdated posts because sometimes it gets too exhausting from managing my mother's illness, I just relax myself a bit by updating my blog. Where I feel like I am in my own zone. Although I intend to have my blog more like a Travel-Foody blog (not so lifestyle because I mainly focus on travelling and eateries reviews) but insha Allah if I have status updates which I might feel beneficial on us mankind generally and Muslims specifically, I will share just with the intention and hope that it will bring benefit to others no matter how small it may be.

This status update was well-received (almost 200 likes) so maybe, insha Allah, if others read it, ponder over it, might spread more benefit I hope. I have edited it to add some more points which I think explains more of it. So here goes :

"One reason I am never sarcastic or harsh about Muslimahs who do not observe their aurah (yet) because I always remember who I was before I observe my aurah. 

And I always remember my sister when she wore skirts & definitely no Jilbab yet, she was condemned & those who condemned her also condemned my mother & I for observing our aurah while my sister did not, were the ones who observe their aurah 

or as for the men, the so-called pious ones. And yes these 'pious' people hurt my feelings so bad till I cried wondering "What have I done to them? Did I ever hurt their feelings?" 

However when my Sister obtained hidayah to finally wears hijab, lillahi taala, after she read a Malay novel which had the sentence "What if when one wants to repent on the 12th hour, dies at the 11th hour?" Only when she confessed to me, that moment I confessed I wept when people condemned her for not wearing hijab yet, while I know she's a good daughter, protects her modesty and prays 5 times a day. And on 1st Ramadhan last year, she started to wear Hijab, I remember most of those who congratulated & supported her are the ones who don't observe their aurah, while those who condemned my family, and made me cried with such bitter words, the 'pious' ones, did not make a sound at all.

So yes those are the reasons that I don't judge people by their appearance. Some people I opine, are riya' and takabur with their piety. They look down upon those who are not as pious as them. I reckon that is wrong because I always remember Allah is Powerful, if He wants to make us all humans as Muslims or all of us Muslims as obedient Muslims, with all his Might & Power He can, only He chooses not to for His own reasons because He is the Wisest. I am also in the opinion, if, we are sarcastic to whom we may think not as pious as us, and we only mingle among those who may be on the same level as us, then how can we spread da'wah? 

I have experienced in my life a few ladies, whom wore skimpy clothes before but when I complimented them after their Hijrah, they told me "I wore them because I see that you are so beautiful in Hijab. And you are nice to me although I didn't wear like you before." So for me, da'wah can be spread with smiles, tender loving care, and especially good kind words & respect. One of these ladies I mentioned, she past away right after a few weeks she wore Hijab in Ramadhan, and past away in Shawal. Before that when I knew her, she would wear the skimpiest clothes even during Ramadhan, but when she started to wear Hijab, she started to be close to Al-Qur'an back, but Allah had better plans for her when she died in a car crash, the car was entirely burnt. It gave me goosebumps when I saw her photo in the news that she was wearing the Hijab that she bought from my booth (our Ramadhan booths were neighbours so our families became close). So I wonder, she past away when Hidayah came to her, so it was not impossible that she was purer than most of us at the time of her death. Wallahu'alam. I also recently encountered a 63 year old woman, sitting very high positions, but she humbly asked me "Can you teach me how you wear your Hijab? Your style is so pretty. I just recently wore Hijab." I just smiled to her and said "Alhamdulillah of course I can." So if a lady that is so much like my own Mother, can have great humility on the aspect of life which she feels she does not master, who are we to belittle others on the imaan?

I always pray for my Hidayah to be steadfast, but I don't like to judge, I will always remember who I was before. And who I am going to be tomorrow, I don't have the power to foresee my future. I may still be observing my aurah, or nauzubillah I may not. I may still be a Muslim, or nauzubillah I may not. However I always try my best to pray for myself & others, with the hopes others will pray for me too. However sarcasm on one's ibadah or 'amal is never my way of life. Allah is the Most Powerful to turn someone into a better or worse person. If we love our brothers & sisters just like the Rasulullah SAW loves us, I believe we should be kind to them, and pray for them insha Allah. And Allah will help us insha Allah. Wallahua'lam bissawab."

Just to recap, the lessons learnt from this very video are :

1) Allah can guide anyone he pleases, so never give up hope.

2) Do not pre-judge anyone, no matter your perception of them is.

3) Allah draws the creation to his friends and grants them honour.

4) Do dawah with wisdom and kindness, so as not to overburden and pressure people.


As usual, thanks for reading. =)

XOXO,

Sue

Day 3 - Jom Jalan! @ Masjid Kapitan Keling, Pulau Pinang.

Assalamualaikum,

After we had our historical escapade at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (Part I & Part II) and had our cooling Nyonya desserts, we roamed Georgetown some more before we grab our lunch. Saw this beautiful mosque, another historical architecture of Penang, the Kapitan Keling Mosque.

Kapitan Keling Mosque is an Islamic, Mughal & Moorish-style mosque built in the 19th century (1801) by Indian Muslim traders in Georgetown, Penang. It is situated in the corner of Lebuh Buckingham (Buckingham Street) and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (Pitt Street) and administered by the Penang Islamic Council.

Keling is a Malay term for people of Indian origin, nowadays considered offensive but not so considered at the time when the mosque was built. The 'Kapitan Keling' was a representative of the Indian community, like the 'Kapitan Cina' for the Chinese community. (source Wikipedia).

This is the oldest, infamous mosque in Penang which was collectively built by the Indian Muslim traders back in those days and named after a prominent Indian Muslim trader back then named Cauder Mydin. It was not only a place of worship but actively made as a community centre for the Indian Muslim community for more than 200 years.

A well at the mosque as the traditional source of water for wudhu' (ablution).

Flags of Malaysia, Pulau Pinang and probably the Penang Islamic Council or Indian Muslim community I assume.

Main entrance.

I find it interesting that  there's a huge poster-like old photo of the mosque compound erected at the compound. I think the old landscape was cool. =)

Historical info found at the mosque.

Here it mentions that it was first built by the East India Company's troops when they arrived at Penang towards the end of the 18th Century. As the population of Indian Muslim settlers grew, a larger and more permanent mosque was necessary. Cauder Mohuddeen (Kadir Mydin) their headman (Kling Kapitan) at that time, applied for a land grant for the new mosque. Eighteen acres was obtained in November 1801 and construction began immediately.

After Cauder Moheddeen's death in 1834, the land ceased to be recognised as a part of the original grant. Public roads and houses were built around the mosque, slowly reducing its area to only 8 acres in 1903. The present mosque was built in 1916 replacing the old building. The dome shaped minaret reflects Islamic architecture with Indian influence.

Alright, since we are speaking so much of Indian Muslims here, it's the perfect time to enjoy a scrumptious, typical Indian Muslim lunch. Later folks. =)

Thanks for reading. =)

XOXO,

Sue

Day 3 - Jom Jalan! @ Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Pulau Pinang. (PART II)

Assalamualaikum,

Now moving on upstairs where more treasures are waiting. I was so excited to be at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion since it is bigger than the Melaka Baba Nyonya Museum. At this point I was amazed with its elaborately decorated ceiling where epergne-like lamps are hung in between lanterns and backdropped by the intricate carving of the wood panels and Scottish-iron arches, it was just a breathtaking work of interior design and architecture for me.

The Main Staircase

The Main Staircase incorporates the use of both local and imported materials in its construction, its handrail with balusters of cast iron, from Glasgow, Scotland. A distinct feature of European influence includes the hollowed out design of fleur-de-lis on the decorative ironwork.

A huge framed embroidered fabric hanging on the wall.

Oh I love love love this cabinet. Just how much work & passion has been put into this piece or art? You of course can buy the likes at Jonker Walk, Melaka for most choices.

Overlooking the Courtyard at the Ground Floor.

I was attracted to one corner of the house.

Floral sink. Where can you find sinks like this anymore? =)

Gold thread embroidery.

I am still unsure what are these but I think they look pretty scary.

I think some of those are Tepak Sirehs. Eating betel leaf is originally an Indian culture but became popular among the Malays and has a significant importance in Malay wedding cultures.

A tall vase with dragon motives on it.


Below are a stunning collection of jewellery indicating the fortune of these Baba & Nyonya family.

Gold Necklaces & Bangles.

Silver & Emerald necklaces, bangles, wristlets and earrings.

They were used for fashion shows promoting the unique culture and heritage of Peranakan in Pulau Pinang.

Check out the unique design which are rare these days.

My favourite piece of gold and ruby brooch. Gorgeous to be worn on a Kebaya.

Check out this camera! The largest I have seen so far! =D And of course we know in the olden days, a camera belongs to a family definitely shows the luxury of the family.

Ummi & I were fascinated by the collection of Porcelain that they have. Nevertheless this Mansion welcomes additional pieces to add in their collection. Such exquisite taste coming from the people of the old.

China Blue Ware.

One of the rooms on the First Floor.

A Day Bed where the male members laze around smoking opium.  Yes when you are rich you just have to get high in the best way possible. Heh.

Two Chinese with a modest layout between them, one smoking and the other ready with the needle. This cross-legged pose is commonly seen in old photos of reclining opium smokers. The back of the photograph is labeles "Opium Smokers South China." Photographer unknown.

Epergnes. I love seeing the light illuminates from the soft colours of the epergnes. I still can't pronounce this word but I know the value of these English lamp pieces are high in value. I saw 1 piece of epergne was about RM 800 - 1000 at one antique store in Penang although it looked nothing near the beauty of these here.

Now we are entering the rooms of the female members of the Mansion.

Grandfather Clock.

Hand Wash Basin.

Very fine porcelain baby and cherub figurines.  Yes rich people don't buy necessities, they collect things which are unnecessary but later will produce more money for them in the future. =)

A cuppa tea anyone? =)

A TV! =)

A Radio and Golf Set.

Ooooohhhhh my most favourite! The Dressing Table! =)

Woods of Windsor Talcum & Face Powder.

Coty Cosmetics. A brand which only Ummi recognized.

Bedak Batu. =)

Pond's from way back. =)

Bridal Gowns. I feel they look pretty spooky though.

Expensive Lace I bet.

Portraits of Baba & Nyonya or the Emperor & Empress in China.

The man who founded Taiping. His name? Mr. Tai Ping. Yes believe it. =)

Another favourite room of mine. Kebaya Nyonya room.

1 piece may cost thousands of  Ringgit depending on the intricacy of the embroidery. I always feel Kebaya Nyonya looks decent and so feminine yet look so effortlessly sexy on the one wearing it.

Cupboard specifically for colourful beads meant to be sewn on Kebayas and Slippers.

My favourite pic. Eheh. =D

A typical Baba Nyonya Bed. Classic. =)

Another dressing table.

Ahah. A bed for Newlyweds. The detail and decorations are so elaborated I am not sure I could find my Groom if I were the Bride on it. =D

Penang Baba & Nyonya couple on their 3rd Day of Wedding in the 1930's. The Bride's Kim Suak Sah is matched with a red & gold Songket Sarong.  There it shows the Nyonya wears a fusion of Chinese & Malay costume while the Baba looks as Western as a Westerner can be. Such a handsome couple. =)

A Bridal Gift I think. Anyways it is just lovely. =)

A Bride's Wedding Crown.

Some other antiques put in one of the rooms.


*sigh* So yes that was the complete tour of booth floors. I am still mesmerized by the elegance of their lifestyle. Compliments to the State Government as well as the administration of this Mansion for their endless effort in preserving this unique heritage of Penang. It makes me proud to be a Malaysian knowing that they are still properly preserved for the enjoyment of the younger generation. So yes, do visit this Mansion when you visit Penang for you to be mesmerized yourself. =)

Before you leave of course you should drop by at the Gift Shop for good quality souvenirs related to Penang & the Peranakan ancestry.

 From T-Shirts, Bags, Books, Framed Photos, Magnets etc.

 Home ornaments.

 Just love this Flower Bouquet here.

Sweet memories at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. The historical escapade is highly appreciated. =)


Thank you for reading. =)

XOXO,
Sue