Life In A Maze

Play this Maze before reading

Link : 迷宫人生 Life In A Maze Translated Article
This article is also available in Chinese at Blog Esa Yap @ Mini Documenatary Magazine.

When I was a kid, I used to be attending tuition class. I started my first tuition class at standard 3, studied English and Bahasa Malaysia course. My native language is Chinese language, so it would be lousy to learn an unfamiliar language at childhood times. My attention and interest flew to nowhere while teacher was teaching us. Day dreaming and remain silent as always, as if there weren’t any serious tuition class I ever attend.

Mrs. Lee was my teacher, she has a long straight hair and oval shape face, and the spectacles make her eyelid looks heavier. Mrs. Lee always smiling at her students while teaching us, no matter how hard to make us memorize some simple vocabulary or English grammar, she putted every effort to make us squeeze out our brain cells.

DONATE NOW FOR GAZA VICTIMS !

The Long Forgotten Path

According to the Book "Malaysian Chinese : An Inclusive Society", author Rosey Wang Ma mentioned this in her article "The Chinese Muslims" :

The Chinese Muslims, though small in number, form a very distinct and unorthodox group in Malaysian society. In a country where ethnicity and religion are so entwined, these people are of the ethnicity of one community - the Chinese, while professing the religion of another - the Malays. For many, this situation has an implication on the social and political identity of the convert. The question often raised is: "By embracing Islam, or in more popular terms, by converting (read to Islam, in the whole context in this chapter), how much of Chineseness can one retain, and how much of Malayness should one adopt? 

Many people would think; should this even be an issue? However, in practical life, this does sometime create a dilemma. What does he/she write in the box asking for "bangsa" (Race) in all forms, official and unofficial? He will not write Malay, because he is not; but if he writes Chinese, he is assumed not to be Muslim. 

Crunching Tomatoes

From my previous article Chinese Calligraphy By Imam Haji Abdul Hakim , I mentioned about Mazlan and his friends who studying at Beijing. I know them through Mr. Red Hat who studied there. At the moment they were organizing Chinese Calligraphy shows, they were showing a short film named as "Tomato 1.0" on stage. I was standing quite far away from the projector screen so merely could see their short film.

One day I was try to search their video on youtube, alhamdulillah I found their video that sounds like computer software. Their videos are quite simple, but the message regarding being better Muslim and taking care of brotherhood are so strong that able to move audience's heart.

Today I just noticed they release a "Tomato 2.0" version, so I would like to share with everyone their effort in doing this short film. Unlike any other famous "Gangnam" parody, these videos are original script written along with Islamic values.
                                
Please support Malaysian Muslim productions.  : )
May Allah SWT bless their effort to spread the message of Islam.

Tomato 1.0 

Tomato 2.0

Share the beauty of Islam

Eid Mubarak & Brass Cresent Awards

Eid Mubarak to my readers.
All praise is due to Allah SWT, the result of BrassCrescent Awards was published last friday. Out of my expectation that my Blog become Winner for the Best Regional Blog category !

I would like to thank everyone for voted me and supports. I do appreciated a lot with this award since I'm not born-to-be Muslim and writer. Among cultural practices and religions indeed there are a lot of remarkable signs of towards Islam.

I received a Logo from http://brasscrescent.org
Islam isn't about blind belief but it's a journey of seeking His knowledge. Whereby the truth itself will shine and stay firm from the influence of wrongdoers. 


Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance.Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous, who taught by the pen, Taught man that which he knew not.

(Surat Al-`Alaq (The Clot) 96 : 1-5)

The Whispers of Kelantan Beach

Kelantan Seashore

Seashell Anyone?

"Come on, try read this phrase with me : "She.sell.sea.shell.at.sea.shore". This is what my tuition teacher taught yesterday." Linda is talking with my friend Ah Meng.

Ah Meng take deep breath and spill it out : "SHE SHHH SEA SHHEEE AT SEA SHORRR !!!"

My friends was laughing at his bravery and pronunciation back in school times. Every chinese students learn to be multilingual learner with Malaysia's environment, which is Mother tongue language, Chinese Language, Malay and English. The challenges to achieve the level of multilingual may twist our tongue and brain most of the time.

As time goes by, I realized that language is a bridge to connect with more people and community. Most importantly I found the trace and connection of Islam from different source within my recognize of languages. Among different cultural and language I have found a clear path towards Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted).


A straight path that breakthrough cultural diversity and race relations.

Being Published In Magazine Mingguan Wanita

Alhamdulillah, all the praises and thanks be to Allah. My reversion to Islam is being published at the Magazine Mingguan Wanita latest issue.

My journey towards Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) didn't went smooth at 2008. A lot of challenges and trials I went through. However it turn out to be experience which make me a stronger person. Life is full of test and trials. Just like what Yasmin Mogahed share at facebook :

"If experience is what taught you, feel honored. Your teacher was God."

I didn't born to be a blogger who writes about Islam. My journey of realizing Islam is a surprise, however my pursue towards Islam is full of tears and sweat. While in the midst of sorrow and depression along with family problems, I rely fully on Allah SWT and secondly, my wife who gives me support.

When time goes by, I was striving to learn Islam till now. It's a never ending journey toward Allah SWT. Even our beloved prophets also trained their patience by shephered over sheep. As stated in hadith :

‘Every prophet commissioned by God was a shepherd over a flock of sheep.’
His companions asked him: ‘Even you, O Messenger of God?’ He said: ‘Yes, I would take care of a flock of sheep for the people of Makkah.’

(Bukhari 2143)


May Allah SWT show us His guidance.

VOTE ME !! Ninth Annual Brass Crescent Awards

Alhamdulillah, all praises to Allah SWT. My Blog is running as finalist at http://www.brasscrescent.org/, in category "Best Regional Blog".

If you think this blog is good enough, please VOTE me... Just go to "Best Regional Blog" category, tick on my blog then you may go to the bottom part and insert your email address. Once you have submitted the vote, please check your email to confirm the vote again. (Otherwise the vote will be void)

Actually I feel very surprised that my blog link is selected, there are many more bloggers who experienced and professional, only me is Reverted Muslim + Malaysian I guess. It's doesn't matter that I will become winner or not, as long as what my little effort benefit readers, inshaAllah.


Jazakallah Khyran to the host of Ninth Annual Brass Crescent Awards and my sweet readers.

http://www.brasscrescent.org/

Scroll down to "Best Regional Blogger", you will be see my Blog title . Tick on the circle beside blog name ... and then scroll down to the bottom and you will be see the pic as below

Tick on the square box, insert email address... Then OPEN EMAIL to confirm your vote, otherwise it will be void

About Malaysia Reverted Muslim

Taking Wudu

MR. FUN

“Fun, what do you think about this software? It can put your photo as pendrive Icon. Looks cool right?”
“Hey, I told you many times “Fun” is my surname, why don’t you just call my proper name?”

“Alright, Fun.”

Mr. Fun was my best friend at Institute, we was the only Chinese among every IT students. We used to share the same hostel room, did all the stupid stuffs and nonsense for nothing. It was my relaxing moment to have him as my best friend while studying, eating Maggie, and hanging around. Just both of us most of the time.

“Fun, I’m just embraced Islam recently. By the way, I’m inviting you to my marriage ceremony.”
“Are you serious?” Mr. Fun looking at me with his eyeballs nearly popped out.

"Yeah, seriously."

Mr. Fun never thinks that’s a funny joke. Our conversation ended here at 2008. He deactivated Myspace.com account, disconnected me from Friendster.com. While I accidentally lost his handphone number.

He is my first best friend who knew about my embracement with Islam, also the last.

BUKU : Pasca Syahadah

Syukur alhamdulillah, Bro Faisal Abdurrahman telah menghasilkan buku karyanya yang ketiga : Pasca Syahadah. Berikut adalah serba sikit mengenai buku dan cara tempahannya, semoga bermanfaat kepada pembaca.

The Etiquettes Of Comparison Religion

Well... Actually I don't really understand this picture

{The Etiquettes Of Comparison Religion}

Comparison Religions often become popular issue among Muslim and Non-Muslim. There are a lot of similarities in teachings and prayers. One of the common criticize against Islam :"Jews and Christian who invented the religions, Islam is just extracted from them and being modified into a better system."

However, Islam do have one small difference that being so different with the whole world's religions. This small difference tells how unique and exclusive Islam is. The important keypoint that behold by Islam alone.

Signs For Those Of Understanding

Taiping Lake Raintrees, the beauty of Nature.

Preface

This article is started with Raintrees, the amazement from natures. You can click once on the photo above with a larger view of this scene. As you can see, those trees branches is so eager to taste the sweetness of lake.

When I was a kid, my family always brought me to Taiping Lake. The breeze of Taiping Lake, those trees branches which climbing over my head, those monkeys who grabs food a lot was my best childhood memories.

I'm not a Taiping citizen, in a matter of fact I was hijrah (migrates) from Ipoh to Taiping after embraced Islam few years ago. 

Interactive Dakwah Training

Brother Lim Jooi Soon and Firdaus Wong Wai Hung

(Pic from : http://phoenix-kehidupan.blogspot.com)

Jessica

One day, every muslim are feeling so excited with their chinese classmate, Jessica. She is just embraced Islam few days ago. Everyone go to greet her : "Alhamdulillah ... You have embrace the most beautiful religion on earth! You got the hidayah from God, we are feeling so happy with your reversion."

However, Jessica question back : "Where did you go when I was searching for God?"

Joss Stick, Funeral, Chinese Tradition

“Hold it and pray.” My father hand me over few joss sticks. “Now ask blessing from your grandfather that passed away.” There was a brown frame with a red paper written my grandfather chinese name. I could recognize that’s the representative of my grandfather’s title. I was holding joss stick and bow down few times, thinking of the entire request I asked in my heart.

“I want PS2, I want a brand new computer, I want a new Nintendo Gameboy …. !”

Facebook Status : Once Muallaf, Forever Muallaf

Facebook.com is one of my platform in getting connected with reverted muslim. At there I do know a lot of friends who admit the same faith, their comments also somehow encouraging and interesting to read with.

One day, I was updated my status as this :  Once muallaf, forever muallaf 

Their comments is more interesting than what my status written, so I screenshot it and share at my blog. If you would like to add me as friend at facebook, please browse this profile link :
www.facebook.com/ikhwanng

Street Dakwah At Universiti Utara Malaysia

First of all, I would like to say a BIG thanks to everyone who sponsored our "Projek Mega Buku Islam Untuk Semua" . With the donations collected, 100 books have been sent to UUM for their Street Dakwah and finished giving away in one day, and the rest is giving to more IPTA and IPTS currently, inshaAllah.

Chinese Calligraphy By Imam Haji Abdul Hakim @ Liu Jing Yi

The Beauty of Chinese Calligraphy

(If you are interested to buy Calligraphy, please email brother Mazlan via email : mazlanzaba@gmail.com )

I have seen this Chinese Calligraphy from internet before I embraced Islam.
I wasn't able to understand the meaning of Arab words, but somehow I can recognize this is drawn with traditional chinese writing brush. One of the most important and artistic calligraphy is chinese word itself. The meaning and structure of every swipe represent different meaning and expression.

Projek Mega Buku Islam Untuk Semua Kepada Perpustakaan IPTA Dan IPTS

Projek ini bertujuan untuk mengajak anda semua membeli sambil menderma buku
"ISLAM UNTUK SEMUA!"

Jika anda berminat dengan projek ini, anda boleh membeli buku ISLAM UNTUK SEMUA dan buku anda ini akan di dihadiahkan kepada :

• Perpustakaan di IPTA & IPTS (3 salinan untuk setiap perpustakaan)
• Non-Muslims
• Saudara Muslim (yang baru melafazkan Syahadah)

Dan juga Program Street Dakwah yang akan dijalankan pada ketetapan berikut : 

Tempat : Sekitar kampus, Universiti Utara Malaysia
Tarikh : 13-17 Mei 2012
Masa : 8 pagi - 6 petang
Sasaran Dakwah : 1,000 org Non-Muslim (majoriti besar kaum Cina)
Rujukan : Muhammad Nabil Fikri Suberi (014-9036338)

Harga setiap naskah buku ISLAM UNTUK SEMUA adalah RM20 sahaja (termasuk kos penghantaran). Jumlah buku yang diperlukan buat masa sekarang adalah 300 naskah.

Sesiapa yang berminat dengan projek dakwah ini, boleh hubungi;
· Faisal Abdurrahman (019 356 8602)
· Ikhwan Ng (014 3055 326) - Email :    lifemualaf@gmail.com
· Nazifah (019 2364823)

Please click "Like" and share at our Facebook Page : 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Projek-Mega-Buku-Islam-Untuk-Semua-Kepada-Perpustakaan-Ipta-Dan-Ipts/397473160286755

MR. Red Hat And Curiosity

Ah Hong with his Red Fez, also known as Tarboosh

Every hat has its own story to tell.
One day I was shopping with my family at Penang shop lot and I was just 8 years old. I was looking at various kind of hats hanging at the hawker’s stall and then I shouted to my mom: “Mom… I want that Green HAT!!”

My mother was laughed at me and quickly pulls me away. “Don’t be silly my son, there are no one going to wear “green hat”, others will be laugh at you.”

I was getting to know that “Green Hat” is a secret code in Chinese community after I raised up. “Putting someone with a Green Hat on” （戴绿帽）is mean someone husband’s wife having affairs with another guy secretly, and the honor of  “Green Hat” is given to the husband involved. Just like kind of humiliation indirectly.

You've Got Mail

When I was still primary school student, I used to write snail mail in expanding my relationship with others. It took one to two weeks to receive a handwritten letter. I was enjoying to share my thoughts and feeling with new friends, although how Media and adults warned how dangerous is it to talk with strangers.

MR & MRS NG

I have been very busy over the whole month of March, after my office audits done following by the exam at 2nd April. So I am barely have time to update any single article. There are so many things happening at once and my mind merely get ripped by them.

So I would like to post this article as a little survey with my sincere readers.
Kindly leave comment by picking any of the questions below :

• What do you feel about this blog?
• What kind of topic you are interested to know about?
• Which article in this blog captured the most of your attention?
• And anything else in your thought....

Oh well ... about the sport shirts at above?
My wife is being humor with our badminton sport shirts, makes me can't stop thinking about MR. and MRS. Smith movie. Isn't it kind of "Controversial" yet "Attractive" ?  

Do say hi to me if you see this shirt with someone from Taiping.

My Sincere Invitation To You

Idris Tawfiq

Forewords 

This is an invitation to a whole new perception of life, death and delight. You don't have to agree with what I have been write and share, and I don't even begging for any tiny benefit from you. I have no intention in humiliate what your religion behold, and also not interested to debate with you in excessive language and unacceptable statement.

All I ask is please spend your few minutes in reading my article, the rest is up to you.

Say NO To Chinese New Year ?

Alhamdulilah since I have been jumped into the blogger field, I met a lot of new friends who are struggling towards Allah SWT. There was a question asked from my facebook's friend about celebration of Chinese New Year.

"Celebrating Chinese New Year is not allowed for Muallaf if the meaning behind that is contrary to the teaching of Islam( that is to cast away the "Nian" monster),is this true? What if we're trying to convey a message of our cultural background as an intention?"

The most ridiculous thing is there are message forwarding widely about don't ever greet someone with "Happy Chinese New Year", it's syirik. So I decided to write this small article on behalf of chinese muslim. It's not a question about "Yes" or "No", but "Why" and "How".

Celebrating Family Reunion Lunch At Parent's House

本人恭祝大家新禧快乐，万事如意，年年有余。

I would like to greet all of my chinese readers and friends 

Happy Chinese New Year. 

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival and a public holiday in China. The Chinese New Year 2012 starts in January 22 (Chinese New Year' Eve). It is the year of dragon. The festival falls on the first day of the first Chinese month (usually in late January and early February), and ends with Lantern Festival which is on the 15th day.

- China Highlights.com   

Another Chinese Funeral

Trivia

"You masuk Islam sudah berapa lama?" My indian colleague asked me
"Tiga tahun." I smiled and answered.

"Ohh... You masuk itu Islam sebab kahwin sama perempuan melayu ke?"
I was hesitated in answer his question.

"Sekarang you tak boleh makan di kedai cina lagi lah?" He added