How do you raise a child in a non-Muslim environment like mine? Of course the idea has crossed my mind because I do want to have children of my own someday, insha Allah. But there are many considerations in raising a family, and aside from the obvious daily needs, there are the religious aspects that I, as a Muslim, value immensely. I will certainly not allow my children to grow up as non-believers, but I cannot count on society to help me with their guidance.
For starters, there are not many Islamic books for children. I tried searching in bookstores to see what Islamic books I can give to a kid who just turned a year old and unfortunately, I ended up finding just one. It was the story of two girls, one was Christian, and the other was Muslim who became the best of friends even with differing religions. Other than that, there was nothing else to teach the young Muslims about Islam in its most basic form. Sad. So where do parents turn to for help? Schools yes, but how many Islamic schools are there in Manila that combines both Islamic studies and regular education?
I am a little worried, to say the least. I know that we are the best examples to a child for they do as we do, speak as we speak, and think as we think. Every action must be of exemplary quality so that the children may inherit excellence and strive to do good at all times. However, if the world around them is corrupt, how do you shield them from these vile conditions?
My Lola (grandmother) lives in this quaint property abundant with lush greenery. I enjoy coming here when I have time because it's a refreshing break from the urban jungle, and it's not so far away from where I live. We've had this property for as long as I can remember and my dad used to take us here when this was nothing but a wide expanse of vegetation.
A tree decor made out of drinking straw - my Lola's science project :)
This lot has greatly improved throughout the years, and deteriorated at the same time with my dad's passing. Some parts of it have been neglected, while others were kept intact such as this barn house right behind my Lola's house. I love that it's now painted in white,. It's very shabby-chic! Inside it's but a storage room.
Mumay (mom) leads the way
Further into the farm, you'll have to tread a walkway that takes you to a clearing where the main hall can be found. Back in the day, this path was hardly walkable with tall grass and tress coming out of nowhere.
Wish there was a tree house
There's really nothing grand about the houses inside our farm. My dad never saw the need for building a "mansion" inside because I think he wanted to keep the integrity of the natural environment. I totally agree with it, however, these houses are so "backward" that it doesn't provide a suitable living condition. Oh, and my mom has a new project that I'm officially calling "bamboo house." She found several piles of bamboo wood and thought of transforming it into a nice little daybed, that should look like this: Although the one now is looking far from it. LOL!
The inspiration
Mumay's Bamboo House in progress
Whom of these two do I look like? My Mumay or Lola? My aunt always says that I'm lucky because 35 years from now I don't have to guess how I'll look - all I have to do is look at my mom. And to see myself in old age, I don't have to go too far - my Lola will be my exact replica. Hahaha! What do you think?
My father's death came as a surprise. He was almost in tip-top shape before that unfortunate incident happened when he suffered a stroke that could not revive him back to life. The family was in deep despair, most especially my mother. It's been over 9 years since we lost our father but she tells it like it just happened yesterday. She never forgot my father in all those years.
You have not experienced pain until someone you love very dearly pass away. In the realm of death, an awakening shakes you up and makes you realize that life is brief and can end in an instant. You pilot your life and cruise in predictable fashion, only to find yourself at the end of the road and about to hit a hard, blank wall called death. SMASH!!! Your time is up.
In the Philippines, just as many Catholics are keen on celebrating Christmas, all Souls Day (Nov.1) is an occasion that is no less than a spectacle in this country. It is given of utmost importance that it is even declared a non-working holiday so that people may have time to visit their graves. The roads leading up to a cemetery is lined with vendors selling candles, flowers and food, turning the peaceful cemetery into one arena of frenzy.
As the only Muslim in my family, I refused being dragged to the cemetery, but upon my mother's request, I obliged. My views (and knowledge) about death has differed from when I was a Catholic. Islam gave me a crystal-clear picture of how life is really meant to be lived and the unforeseen events that happen after it. Below the graves, there were matters that only them and Allah could see, and this was a terrifying thought.
To say how Islam views death is to also say how it views life. To Muslims, the present life is a preparation for the next realm of existence. A great consciousness of life in the Hereafter is imposed upon every Muslim so that we use this life purposefully to please Allah and by aiming to do good deeds. The present life is a trial for what's to come in the next, which are just of two things: a blessed life in Paradise or a wretched life in the Fires of Hell.
The concept of Life after Death is an enigmatic one that many are in doubt of. The Quran very clearly tells the non-believers that there is no denying this matter:
And they say, “There is not but our worldly life; we die and live (i.e. some people die and others live, replacing them) and nothing destroys us except time.” And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming. And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, their argument is only that they say, “Bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful.” Say, “God causes you to live, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt,” but most of the people do not know. (Quran, 45:24-26)
For sure, Allah will bring us all back to life and gather His creations for the Day of Judgement, and that will mark the start of life for all eternity. But those who deny it give more importance to their worldly desires and only realize at the time of death the horror of this terrifying Day, as stated in the Quran:
[For such is the state of the disbelievers], until, when death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind (i.e. in that which I neglected).” No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected. So when the Horn is blown, no relationship will there be among them that Day, nor will they ask about one another. And those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] - it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally. The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles (i.e. their lips having been contracted by scorching until the teeth are exposed). (Quran, 23:99-104)
Just thinking about the Final Hour gives me tremors. It's hard to make amends for the mistakes of the past when death looks you straight in the eyes. That means that we only have Here and Now.
In a hadith, Imam Malik Ibn Anas saw the Death Angel in his sleep, and the Imam asked him: " How much left for me to live?". The Angel pointed to his five fingers. Then the Imam asked him: " Does that mean 5 years, or 5 months, or 5 days ?". Before the Imam had a chance to get an answer back, he woke up. The Imam went to someone who would interpret dreams. That man told him: " Imam Malik, when the Angel pointed to his five fingers he didn't mean 5 years or months or days, but the Angel meant that your question ' how much left for me to live' is among 5 matters that only Allah (SWT) knows about, and he recited a verse from the Quran:
"" Verily, with ALLAH alone is the knowledge of the Hour. And HE sends down the rain, and HE knows what is in the wombs. And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Surely, ALLAH is All-Knowing, All-Aware. "" 31:34
To Muslims who want to know the basic etiquette when visiting the graves, please read on:
During visit to graves, one cannot perform prayers (salat). Graveyards can never be used as masjids. It is makrooh (disliked or not recommended) to perform prayers facing a grave. It is not permissible to put candles and light them up on graves. One must avoid uttering nasty and nonsense words which are unrelated to grave visits, walking in an arrogant manner and one must be in a modest state. One must avoid relieving nature in graveyards. It is makrooh to cut down trees and plants in graveyards. It is makrooh to make sacrifice near a grave, even though it is performed for the sake of Allah. And it is definitely haram to make sacrifice in order to make the dead content and get help from them. There are some who said it is shirk (attributing partners to Allah); because, making sacrifice is a kind of worship and only Allah can be worshipped.
Death is the end of our physical existence but in the supernatural state, our lives carry on into the next dimension for all eternity. May Allah be pleased with us in this world and grant us a blessed life in the Hereafter. Ameen.
I'm going crazy over a newly discovered site called pinterest. It's an online pinboard that allows you to "pin" your personal favorites and share with the online community. You can pick your favorite photos from fashion, to home decorating, to photography, food, weddings, and so many others to collate in your pinboard.
It's been a regular thing for me to sit in the computer for hours and check out other people's pinboards. It's a good source of inspiration if you are looking for a visual guide to help you with maybe planning a party, decorating your house, or just some photography ideas. It's funny that I don't have an account so I don't exactly know how you go about "pinning." I mean, managing a blog is already time-consuming so I'll just settle for this one.
See for yourrself and maybe you'll get hooked like me.
I'm beginning to enjoy the hijab. I used to find it difficult to incorporate with my daily wear, but through the help of many Malaysian fashionista's blogs, I don't find it as hard anymore. These Malaysian girls are amazing when it comes to their fashion. They are never left out with the trends, and what's even great is that it is up to par with Islamic standards.
Here are some girls whose fashion sense I really love. They are so cuuuuute and so modest! These are taken from the blogs of shaelaiza and Hana Tajima of stylecovered.
I have been checking out their blogs for some time now, enough to conclude that Islamic fashion need not be boring or outdated. For these girls, the hijab is a must and rather than seeing it an an obstruction, they use it as the main focal point of their ensemble.
Seeing this, I did a little shopping of my own today. A Muslimah can never have too many hijabs, you know. There's an increasing number of them in my closet now, Alhamdulillah.
Yes, I just turned 1! Last October 3, 2010, I accepted Islam and declared my belief in the One True God, Allah SWT. I still have vivid memories of that very special day, and the events that led up to it. The internal struggle, the uncertainty, the fear, the denial, and most importantly, the acceptance of the truth - that no matter how I evade it, I still cannot deny that Islam is the Truth and this is the Right religion of mankind.
Islam was revealed to me in bits and pieces. Maybe Allah knew that I wouldn't able to absorb everything in one sitting. But as my knowledge of it grew, the more that my faith was tried. The more I knew, the more I pulled back, for fear of the unknown. Why Islam? What happens when I become a Muslim? What will people say when I become one? I was having an internal tug-of-war, and the push and pull was becoming hard to handle. As the days passed, my fear of being unwanted by society and family turned to fear of Allah. I was developing taqwa because I was strengthening my iman. If there's anything to be feared, it is Allah. If there is anybody to please, it is Allah. This urged me to proceed without uncertainty or fear.
For starters, I wanted a Muslim community to turn to. I wasn't going to do this alone and I know that I had to seek the guidance of other Muslims. So what started out with a single Muslim friend, I now have the most loving husband in the world plus a fine collection of brothers and sisters who are always pleased to teach me more about Islam. These are a good mix of born Muslims and reverts, or balik Islam as we call it. It's amazing how Allah put us all together to learn from each other and understand the ways of our deen.
Truly, and without a doubt, Allah is the best of planners...
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:26)
"Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient..."
Here are some memorable photos during my shahada last year:
All smiles
Another sister does her shahada using the same muqna I used on me
Life throws us many surprises, and whether we like it or not, we are not in total control of our lives. If we all realize this, then I know that every single one of us will be in submission to God and we will all be Muslims, insha Allah.
Manila is a hodgepodge of people from different cultures, backgrounds and social classes. Right smack in the heart of the city, remnants of the colonial past are still ever present in the city's buildings and architectural structures. While some are completely run down like those beautiful Spanish houses in Intramuros, others still serve its purpose like the Manila City Hall. However, rich as the city is in history and interesting sights, I was never fond of visiting Manila due to the traffic and some unnavigable roads. But recently, I've been frequenting Manila, more particularly the Muslim area of Quiapo, Manila.
The first time I was there was last year, few months after I became Muslim. I needed a wardrobe change and what better way than to start shopping in the streets of Quiapo. I was turned off at first because the area is not exactly a shopper's paradise in that it didn't have air-conditioning, clean walkways, or fitting rooms... disorganized fashion is what it is, because Alhamdullilah, despite all the clutter and untidiness, I was able to buy some lovely hijabs, tunics, malongs, and muqnas.
Now, this blog is looking more like a food blog because I am about to share a fantastic Halal restaurant that I discovered in that area. It's called Moud Halal Chicken, and they serve an array of Halal dishes, but the topper is the roast chicken served with Kabsa rice. Yum-oh! Had a superb lunch! This is by far, the best roast chicken I've tasted, with it's well-seasoned crust and juicy meat, and best of all, it's Halal! Alhamdulillah for great food like this :) It's very near the mosque by the way. Just ask for directions from the people around, in case you get lost or can't find it.
Moud Halal Chicken seasoned to perfection
for sidings, though it didn't go well with the main dish, was laing or gabi leaves with coconut milk
The Masjid Ad Dahab in Quiapo, Manila
So after lunch, didn't plan on going elsewhere, but because I made a wrong turn in Taft Avenue, we ended up in Chinatown. The weather was pretty bad and had been raining for days, but it didn't stop me and my husband from exploring Chinatown. We let spontaneity kick in and so we ended up walking the alleys of Chinatown, and took home some very interesting finds.
I love the look on Rashid's face when it lights up with excitement when he discovers new things, especially those related to food. So there he was, overtaken with joy when we got to Eng Bee Tin. It's a pioneer in the bakery scene in Chinatown and known for their unique take on Hopia. I remember this place as a kid, and they just keep adding more and more products throughout the years. Now they've got more than the usual Hopia Ube or Hopia Mongo. Here, you'll also find novel additions like Mochipia or Hopia with mochi, and Hopia with Salted egg. Oh, so many Hopias with so little time (and money). So we just left off with Hopia Mongo and Ube Mochi Balls, which is just heavenly, I swear!!!
Hopia-land
Hopia with Mochi - will come back for yah
heaven in a bite - soft, chewy and sweet
Mr. Ube. He's a person now?
some Chinese noodles
Not in Eng Bee Tin but bought it because Sate King wanted to taste this version of dried fish satay. Not my type.
I love days like this! Hope I can do this more often. We will plan out our next adventure, insha Allah, on a good sunny day. So, before I hit the sack, let me leave you with this video of the Ed and Moe tandem, about Ramadhan coz it's been cracking us up like crazy! This bunch is funny, but the Arab dude is funnier (and there's a close resemblance between him and Rashid... LOL) Goodnight evary-body (in Arab accent)...
I haven't updated this blog since my last post in August due to so many things going on. First, there's the experience of my first Ramdadhan and Eid-ul Fitr, then there's the indefinite closing down of our food stall, Baba Rashid's Sate-han, my recent work re-assignment to another department, and most importantly, me becoming a full time Hijabi. So many things happening in a month put blogging in my least priority.
But Alhamdulillah, everything comes to pass and so with this free time, I'd like to tell you about my Ramadhan experience and some new things I discovered about our deen (religion).
1) Prayer is an essential part of every Muslim's life, but during Ramadhan especially the last 10 days, prayers are more frequent and longer. The usual 10-minute prayer can go for several hours and this is a true test of patience, concentration, devotion and faith, especially for first-timers like me, and even long-time Muslims.
2) Iftar, or breaking of the fast, is observed by all Muslims at the same time (depends on your time zone). The masjid is bustling with so much activity this whole month. All these in a tiny nook in the Greenhills Shopping Area.
Donner/Shawarma seller
Pater, pansit and other Halal Iftar delights
Grilled items on show
A shy sister selling sweets
Little brother just can't wait 'til Maghrib
Maranao food at Southern Halal Deli
Noralyn and her Iftar meal of rice and squid cooked in its own ink
Cute Nadia ready to munch on Ikhlas dates from Saudi Arabia
the pre-Iftar frenzy
3) Whoever said that fasting during Ramadhan will make you lose weight is definitely wrong! I have never eaten so much in my life than this time. You could say that my appetite doubled and with so much food around, it's impossible to resist.
4) Eid ul Fitr is a grand celebration for all Muslims. It's a special time where we gather and remember the Holy Month. This year, my husband and I had our "little" friends over in the afternoon for a swimming party. Then in the evening, he whipped up a special Malay dinner for everybody.
Our Little friends - Noralyn, Jamila, Shariff, Nadia & Abdullah
we all look like kids, don't we?
Abdullah holding a keris (with adult supervision)
my sisters - Ana, Jannah, Asiah, Marwah, Mashel & Jam
My suami with bros Khalid and Yahya
Our Eid get-up - Baju melayu for Rashid and Baju Kebaya for moi
