Life In A Maze

When I was attending english tuition class during standard 3, I couldn't pay attention to the class and just did whatever I could to memorize vocabulary, follow teacher's instructions to do homework. I couldn't be the same like those who speak English as mother tongue, they seems relax to deal with school exam.

Until one day the tuition teacher Mrs. Lee gave everyone of us a piece of paper. It's a maze game.. Unlike ordinary maze, this maze is seems so complicated that trigger my interest. While others were frown their forehead to solve the maze, I managed to finish it in few minutes and shouted out happily, "I'm the winner! I have solved the maze!!"

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Ramai kawan yang selalu bertanya kenapa saya giat jual Greentea? Jawapannya saya bukannya jual Greentea jenis uncang, tetapi jenis "Loose-Leaf" yang import dari ladang teh Yunnan, China.

Harus faham perbezaan ketara di antara uncang dan Loose-Leaf.

Semasa pemprosesan daun Greentea, daun teh yang sempurna dan berkualiti akan dipilih dan packing sebagai Loose-Leaf. Untuk sisa-sisa daun teh lain pula, akan packing dalam uncang sebab telah hancur daun asal ataupun tiada kualiti yang ditetapkan dalam packing Loose-leaf. Sehingga uncang dinama sebagai "Tea dust" (Habuk teh).

Sumber :
http://www.teadiscussion.com/various/bagged-loose-leaf-comparison.php

Umm Zakiyyah : PRACTICING ISLAM IN LONG, LONG PRAYER GARMENTS

I just came across an article Practicing Islam in Short Shorts written by Thanaa El-Naggar.

The scenario I'm about to describe has happened to me more times than I can count, in more cities than I can remember, mostly in Western cities here in the U.S. and Europe.

I walk into a store. There's a woman shopping in the store that I can clearly identify as Muslim. In some scenarios she's standing behind the cash register tallying up totals and returning change to customers. She's wearing a headscarf. It's tightly fastened under her face where her head meets her neck. Arms covered to the wrists. Ankles modestly hidden behind loose fitting pants or a long, flowy dress. She's Muslim. I know it. Everyone around her knows it. I stare at her briefly and think to myself, "She can't tell if I'm staring at her because I think she is a spectacle or because I recognize something we share."

I realize this must make her uncomfortable, so I look away. I want to say something, something that indicates I'm not staring because I'm not familiar with how she chooses to cover herself. Something that indicates that my mother dresses like her. That I grew up in an Arab state touching the Persian Gulf where the majority dresses like her. That I also face East and recite Quran when I pray.

"Should I greet her with A'salamu alaikum?" I ask myself. Then I look at what I picked out to wear on this day. A pair of distressed denim short shorts, a button-down Oxford shirt, and sandals. My hair is a big, curly entity on top of my head; still air-drying after my morning shower. Then I remember my two nose rings, one hugging my right nostril, the other snugly hanging around my septum. The rings have become a part of my face. I don't notice them until I have to blow my nose or until I meet someone not accustomed to face piercings.

I decide not to say anything to her. I pretend that we have nothing in common and that I don't understand her native tongue or the language in which she prays. The reason I don't connect with her is that I'm not prepared for a possibly judgmental glance up and down my body. I don't want to read her mind as she hesitantly responds, "Wa'alaikum a'salam."

Please read the rest of the story in here : http://truestories.gawker.com/practicing-islam-in-short-shorts-1683991294

It's a story pretty much about Cultural Muslim,  as a Reverted Muslim myself who had been living 100% Non Muslim life before embraced Islam, I don't think Islam should become a religion that's "mix and match" based on our desire as it's a complete morality system set by Creator, a way of life.

However the response from Umm Zakiyyah is truly brilliant, in her article : PRACTICING ISLAM IN LONG, LONG PRAYER GARMENTS . As attached the original article, please enjoy reading it :

The Untold Story: My Journey Of Faith

I would like to talk about my 'Born Buddhism' background. A story that remains untold to the public. As it might be sensitive and provoking to our non believer's feelings.

Disbeliever

I remember that someone messaged me yesterday but I can't find it in facebook and smartphone. May be I was reading text message in my dream.. Never mind, the question goes like this:

"What is the different of Non Muslim and Not Yet Muslim? Why are there people who arguing that 'Not Yet Muslim' clearly an offense to them as they will never embrace Islam. So what is the most appropriate title in calling those who aren't Muslim?"

Islam, Racism And Hate Speech

Widespread of racism video via social media in today's era

I still remember that Cikgu Ariffin (Cikgu means teacher in Malay language) said this to me few years ago:"Whenever you go to the Masjid and listen to khutbah (Public preaching), just ignore the hate speech and racism that comes from the mouth of Ustaz. Sometimes they just mixed up the politic with Islam teachings, like there were controversial case like two imam in solat Jemaah, party A condemn party B.. You
don't have to listen that kind of hate speech, just learn the positive and good things from them."

There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is a messenger of Allah

The Chinese Muslim who was wearing white Jubah beside me is Muhammad Zheng, From Hans tribe of mainland China（汉族穆斯林）。The photo was taken during last year Ramadhan month, we were shooting a documentary about Chinese Muslim in TV3.

He is a very special friend of mine, I knew him during visits Masjid Muhammadiah Tasek Jaya Ipoh (Masjid Cina ) last year (half year before the shooting of documentary). He came to David and me then asked:"Are you both Chinese Muslim? Alhamdulillah.. Finally I have found a few Chinese friends in the mosque."

“Traitor”, They Said.

My book collections from China

 
Today my mother calls me and says: "Are you still writing stories in internet? Now most of the people may see you're Muslim in handphone.

People will be laughing at you because you are 'traitor 叛徒‘. Make our family ashamed. So you're telling public that malays religion 马来教 is so great right? "

Nope, it's not the most worst criticism I have ever heard in my life. I'm fine with it. I don't mind if there're old friends knew that I'm a Muslim now. Just go ahead do whatever they want, telling my family, criticize, making fun of.. I'm still here to tell my very own story.

Why You Should Consider Not Eating Pork

Last few days I have found an article  : "Why You Should Consider Not Eating Pork" - Collective Evolution

Whenever media have published news about Islam to Chinese community, the first question would be, "Why Islam forbidden followers to consume pork?" In a matter of fact, this was the question I always asking myself during teenage time. Let's be frank about this issue, eating pork is a daily basis in most Chinese community. We (Chinese) live with pork dishes served in our house, we may find various kind of lunch served with pork in restaurant. It's so normal that become one of the Chinese lifestyle in eating.

Wakaf Buku "Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah"

Berita : http://mustread.com.my/v1/index.php?route=information/news/news&news_id=83

Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah merungkaikan peristiwa yang lazim berlaku kepada muallaf bagi membuka mata masyarakat untuk mengenali siapa mereka serta memberi jalan penyelesaian kepada rakan yang masih mencari kebenaran.

Ia lebih kepada pengelaman penulis buku itu sendiri, Ikhwan Ng yang memeluk Islam dan melalui pengalaman yang mencabar jiwa yang baru ingin mengenal Tuhan. Ketika melihat stor yang digunakan rakan Muslim untuk solat, penulis tertanya di manakah Tuhan yang disembah oleh orang Islam.

Buku yang dutulis oleh Ikhwan Ng ini berasal dari Perak dan memeluk Islam pada Ramadan 2008 itu boleh dijadikan pengajaran kepada pembaca. Untuk memberi manfaat yang sejagat, tuan puan yang mahu melebarkan dakwah buku ini, boleh menyertai projek Wakaf Buku Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah.

Ini keratan akhbar Berita Harian, bertarikh 31 Julai 2013.

Projek Wakaf Buku Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah

"Semua buku yang diwakafkan akan diberikan kepada Non Muslim, juga kepada NGO yang melakukan aktiviti Dakwah. Saya amat terharu dan ingin mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih kepada semua yang memberikan wakaf buku. Semoga mesej Islam terus disebarkan dengan penuh hikmah dan ilmiah. Semoga Allah membuka pintu hati pembaca Non Muslim untuk menerima Islam, Syukran." Ikhwan Ng.

Bagaimana mahu menyumbang?

Mohon menghubungi Ikhwan Ng (012-3979998)

Mereka bekerjasama untuk melaksanakan projek wakaf itu untuk memastikan setiap Non Muslim dapat membaca buku itu dan aktiviti dakwah kepada Muallaf terus dilaksanakan. Ia penting supaya iman mereka terus diberi cahaya Islam yang suci.

"Season Pass" Into Muslim Interracial Marriage

While I'm reading my book's reader (Ita Si Merah Jambu) comment about interracial marriage, which is briefly about a chinese man who leaving Islam after he getting divorced with his Muslim wife.. Is there lots of people who embraced Islam just solely for the sake of marriage?

This comment reminds me one of my friend, Jenny (not her real name) who had conversations with me in email before. She told me that how she went through lots of challenges and trials in learning Islam, being discriminated by family upon her will. But her boyfriend left her eventually.. Since then Jenny became so disappointed with her boyfriend's decision since she had sacrificed a lot for the relationships. Although she was being criticized, she didn't mind at all until the one she trust the most was leaving her behind, although she might be even embrace an unfamiliar religion for the sake of this interracial relationship.

Who Let The Dogs Out?

Chinese Newspaper explains how to perforn "Sertu"

Yesterday I have read Chinese Newspaper about Muslim not that anti-dog like shooting them with an arrow, throwing stones... Because There are certain Muslim who trying to declare the real teachings of Islam and "Sertu".

Sertu is a purification from heavy najis. The method is to pour one mixture of water and earth, and 6 pourings of water on the affected area. One can begin with any pouring, either water or the mixture. The earth used must not be contaminated with najis substances.

Today, my fb wall and local newspaper flooded with this question: "Who let the dogs out?"

How it started:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-want-to-touch-a-dog-event-a-big-hit-with-muslims

How it ends:
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/10/21/Touch-a-dog-event-draws-flak-from-authorities-Islamic-scholars-question-the-need-for-campaign-and-i/

http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/10/20/syed-azmi-gets-support-amidst-mounting-criticism-dog-event/

‘I want to touch a dog’ event a big hit with Muslims - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/i-want-to-touch-a-dog-event-a-big-hit-with-muslims#sthash.1TE6XyIo.dpuf

I would like to take this as an opportunity to invite Muslim and Non-Muslim revise what is the myth between Islam and Dog. I don't agree or deny with "I Want To Touch A Dog" campaign (which cause lots of controversy in Malaysia recently) but let the truth be spoken. As quoted in this article by veterinary surgeon:

Dogs in Islam
http://www.islamicconcern.com/dogs.asp

Animal Abuse and Welfare in Islam
by Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker (BVMCh),
veterinary surgeon

Animal abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect form part of the many social ills plaguing the Muslim community.

Last Ramadaan, I wrote an article highlighting the phenomenon whereby misinformed Muslims took their dogs (and/or cats) to the animal hospitals or mobile clinics during Ramadaan, to have them put to death by lethal injection. The reason given by the majority of these Muslims was that Islam forbids them to keep a dog. Also encountered was when an animal that had been ill for a prolonged time and the disease had progressed to an almost terminal state was it only then brought in for veterinary attention. When asked why they waited so long, the Muslim owner would use Islam as a reason, stating that it is not permissible to touch a dog. This still happens.

Covert Racism - An Edible Poison

With Mr. Shi Wei'an ( 史未安; a reverted Dai'e from Jiangsu, China ) 4th from left,
MACMA staffs, and brothers of Islam in Malaysia

This article is written by Farish Chong, please visit his blog at  http://zhangfarish.blogspot.com/
 

Covert racism is a form of racial discrimination that is disguised and subtle, rather than public or obvious. Concealed in the fabric of society, covert racism discriminates against individuals through often unnoticeable or seemingly passive methods. Covert, racially-biased decisions are often hidden or rationalized with an explanation that society is more willing to accept. These racial biases cause a variety of problems that work to empower the suppressors while diminishing the rights and powers of the oppressed. Covert racism often works subliminally, and often much of the discrimination is being done subconsciously.

Refer : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covert_racism

No doubt, we had enough of racism, especially these petty but controversial ones in Malaysia. However, there is another kind of racism that is infecting anyone subconsciously. Let’s be frank but fair. No doubt, we are all sick of hearing these racism matters floating across the media. Yet, there is another aspect of racism that needs to be heard and understood urgently, so that we can teach our future generations and not repeat this same mistake in future.

Draf Bedah Buku "Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah"

Semalam saya tengah mengemas documents dalam computer, terjumpa teks ucapan yang saya sediakan untuk taklimat bedah buku "Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah" pada tahun lepas. Saya rasa ramai orang tidak tahu apakah yang saya telah berucap mengenai buku ini, maka lebih baik saya share draf bedah buku ini kepada semua.

Draf Bedah Buku DL2KS : Disember 2013
Pengenalan diri

Muhammad Ikhwan Ng bin Abdullah
Berasal dari Ipoh Perak. Memeluk Islam pada 2008 bulan ramadhan

Saya melibat diri dalam penulisan blog mengenai kisah kehidupan sebagai muslim sejak 2010, juga menghuraikan masalah yang dihadapi oleh kebanyak muallaf.

BUKU DL2KS merupakan buku pertama saya.

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Left: crunched leafs and coloring. Right: Original loose leaf with no artificial coloring.

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Why should we choose loose leaf Yunnan Green Tea?
Loose leaf tea have higher quality and no artificial coloring compared to tea bags.

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Green tea doesn’t just sing to the soul, either— its health benefits are noteworthy as well. Due in part to minimal processing during production, greenteas offer the most antioxidant polyphenols of all teas. Catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), abundantly found in the green tea leaf, is considered to be the catalyst for the tea’s antioxidant and anticancer effects. As we know, antioxidants naturally stabilize the pro-oxidative free radicals in our systems before they attack our bodies’ cells.  When we are excessively exposed to pollutants, alcohol, and medications, for example,  antioxidants found in nutrients like Vitamin E and C can help to balance our oxidative metabolism.

Thus, with a cup full of antioxidants, green tea drinkers reduce their risk for a wide range of diseases and reap the benefits of a balanced system. Aside from from helping to prevent cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, and depression (to name a few), green tea is also linked to clearer, smoother skin and weight loss. Not too shabby for hot water and some tea leaves!

A few tips for consumption:

- When possible, use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags for higher quality.
- Let your tea leaves steep for three to five minutes before straining them out.
- If you’re pouring tea for guests too, try “cycle pouring”– the first cup poured is weaker than the last, so rotating pours to each cup will equally distribute the tea strength.
- Drink your green tea without sugar or milk. The raw robust taste may take some getting used to, but it is acquired (and delicious)!
- Citrus juices complement green tea’s antioxidants and make them easier for your body to absorb. A slice of lemon is a great additive.
As with anything, moderation is key. Green tea is naturally and deceptively caffeinated; for those who are sensitive to caffeine, one cup should be enough.

Happy sipping.

source : http://zibbleinc.com/superfood-saturday-green-tea/