“Every religion has a distinct call. For Islam it is Haya’.” [Ibn Majah].

Haya’ (Shyness) is a quality that we today have lost. It is not only for women but also for men.

Narrated by Abu Huraira (ra): The Prophet said, “Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith.” (Bukhari)

We often find that shyness, humility and bashfulness is frowned upon by our society as a weakness or a lack of confidence when, In fact these are quality of a dignified upright human being, who is conscious of their actions and their responsibilities in life.

Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “Indeed haya (modesty) and Iman are Companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well.” (Baihaqi)

Long before human neither knew how to fly nor learnt how to communicate with others around the world. But as times goes by, humans learn to do all sorts of advance stuffs, but worryingly we have lost the essential part of being human. This narration is not just about the patience of Moses nor it is highlighting about the kindness of Moses and the weakness of women. It is also not merely about the preparation that Moses has to go through to become a future prophet then. What is it about then?

23. And when he arrived at the water of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: “What is the matter with you?” They said: “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man.”

24. So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: “My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!”

25. Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: “Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.” So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: “Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, disbelievers, and wrong-doers).”

(Al-Qasas 23-25)

Within these short verses there lies a deep meaning (ibrah) for us to learn. This happened hundred of years ago. Allah has highlighted about the interaction of men and women though the shyness of the women mentioned. This is what we have lacked today. The elusive shyness within ourselves.

We don’t feel shy anymore when committing sins, nor do we feel shy when we have betrayed someone. We need to find that shyness again. Because being shy is not a weakness. But rather it is a strong point that keeps us from going astray.

These are the few points that I want to highlight.

1) Precious Shyness

Lets look back at these rightful women, said to be the daughters of the prophet of Allah, Syu’aib a.s. mentioned in the verses of the Quran. (It is not narrated in any hadiths nor from any verse of the Quran, but there is a strong opinion from many of the Mufassirin/scholars that the old man mentioned was Prophet Syu’aib.) Even though they had urgent and pressing matters on their hand that is to give their flocks water, they avoided being in close contact with the men that are tussling over the water. Instead of barging in or asked the men to move aside, they patiently waited for the men to leave even though their flocks were in dire need of the water then. It is not the case of being weak nor women aren’t strong enough to fight for the water, but instead it is the case of preserving their akhlak by not mingling with the men.

Today, men and women tussle and hustle over everything, even when boarding the buses or trains. Touching, pushing and pestering with each other. Where has the shyness gone to?

So the daughters of the prophet Syu’aib waited. This is of course a loss for them and may lead to the effect in the growth and well-being of their flocks. But why did they chose that choice? This is what made them even more precious.

2) Doesn’t prolong the conversation (asked to converse)

Moses, who was so exhausted and tired and barely could walk from the long travels that he had endured from the events in Egypt, looked on. Baffled at first at the sight of the events unravel in front of him. Because of the personality of Moses who would not let any mistakes pass by, he wanted to see why these two women were not taking the water. What’s certain is that, they weren’t waiting for their husbands nor their fathers because they brought along their own flocks.

Concerned by the events, Moses stood up and asked,

“What is the matter with you?” They said: “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man.”

Look closely at the answer given to Moses. Short, but yet full. In short, their answer was straight to the point. Closing all areas of further questioning with the remark at the end.

Therefore, Moses did not press on with the matter nor asked further questions. Furthermore, he had no more reasons to ask because all the answer he needed was threaded within those short and precise answer. The words “And our father is a very old man” had answered to further potential questions such as, “Where is your father?” or “Do you not have a brother as your companion with you?”  and so on.

So righteous they were in preserving their modesty. Not interested in pursuing the conversation with a man that has no relation to her, and also note to how Moses conducted himself, not looking nor thinking of how to prolong the conversation but instead helped them straight away. Bearing in mind that Moses was so exhausted and tired in the first place, he still managed to help those women.  After finished helping, he made a doa to Allah asking for help.

So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: “My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!”

Before he had finished his doa, Allah has already sent down the help in the direction of Moses.

3) Doesn’t prolong the conversation (starting a conversation)

And after Syu’aib saw that both of his daughters returned home earlier than normally, he was curious and asked them. So, Syu’aib ordered one of his daughters to ask Moses to come to their house. It is described in the verse that she was walking with shyness.

Look at how she handled herself. Even though she was then alone, no family members to accompany her, she didn’t misuse the chance to get-to-know the man who helped her.

Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: “Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.”

She didn’t beat around the bush, nor she asked anything else except to that what she was ordered to do by her father. She didn’t even know his name but it didn’t matter, because with that, she had told him all he needed to know. Full stop and no more reason to further the conversation, be it from her nor Moses.  She did what her father told her to do without any other intentions or misuse of the opportunity that may have arose from the situation.

How are we today?

Looking back at the way of the prophet and the daughters of Prophet Syu’aib, we should ask and question ourselves. How are we today?

When giving help, when receiving help, when discussing in a meeting be it in for a good cause, when having a study group discussion, when in Facebook, when chatting, and the list goes on and on. How do we conduct ourselves? Is it in line with the teachings of Islam?

There is a special reason, for why Allah has shown to us this story. Moses representing how a man should behave and the daughters of Syu’aib of how a woman should conduct herself. It shows of their situation, their interactions, their akhlak and their personality.

Most of us, mistaken this story about love. But instead, it is all about how we should interact and conduct with each other, especially towards the opposite sex. Shyness is the key.

Abu Mas’ud ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amr al-Ansari al-Badri, radiyallahu ‘anhu, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said:

“Among the things that people have found from the words of the previous prophets was: ‘If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.’”

To conclude, we must understand that Hayaa is important for both men and women. Men are to control themselves by getting married as young as possible or if they cannot afford that they should fast.

Women are told to conceal themselves so that the men will not be over taken by the whispers of shaitaan and will not disrespect or take advantage of the women. There are many verses in the Qur’aan that have clearly explained how we have to behave and Allah is All-Knowing therefore He knew that we would face these problems living in this society, and that is no excuse to change Islaam and only practice what we feel is right. Allah has told men how to guide their modesty and has told women how to guide their modesty.

“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allaah is well acquainted with all that they do.

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty…”

(an-Noor (24):30-31)

A thought gathered pace inside me. This was the same spot that I sat to meet up with friends at the mosque. It’s been 11 years I think. I don’t know why but we usually tend to meet up at this very same spot without even discussing about it beforehand. Memories were carved here.

I pondered, Ramadhans had always been dear to me. Trials and tribulations followed by success and happiness. And it always had a major impact on me as person and how I see life. But the early memories always stick the most.

Year after year pass by and we seldom notice nor care about how it had pass us by. We treat is as routine time and again. There are many things associated with Ramadan. Grown-ups treat it differently with that of a kid. As a kid, fasting was something that is considered an achievement that would make you be in the league of grown-ups. Did we know why were fasting then? No. Did we understand the significance of the month? The Tarawih prayers? No. But fasting was something you want to do as a child. It was thrilling to say the least. Childhood memories. We all had them. Yours might be the same as mine or may be totally different, but here are some to share.

Getting up for Sahur : This was the toughest part of fasting. I still cant understand how the parents could be so cheery and wide awake for the meal in the middle-of-the-night. All the ‘I already ate a lot last night’ and ‘I can fast without eating’ would not work as an excuse not be waken up for Sahur. And because of not wanting to lose sleep, we would keep our eyes shut all the while eating. Oh, what a scene at the table.

School : It was always going to hard not eating at school. I would rather sleep than waste my precious energy on learning. Learning was hard you know! And what’s with the empty canteens? And I always wondered back then, why some girls brought water bottles with them? Weren’t they fasting as well? And we boys sometimes would keep spitting as afraid to keep to the belief, as nothing is to enter the mouth. That was then though.

After School : The countdown began. This is the most taxing moment. Its time to have a shower once again! Sometimes during the shower, a sip of water happened to just fly by into the mouth. And aaahhhhh. That’s better. Ops.

Iftaar preparations : Everyone had to help. And whoever enters the kitchen first would get the easiest job. Sometimes just bringing out the plates or setting up the table. The latecomer (my little brother usually) had to help mum prepare some of the dishes. Cut veggies or salads. That’s a no for me.

Iftaar : This is the time that I have been waiting for the whole day. Lots of food. The eyes widen and with dates in the hand. Everyone waited for the sound of the wonderful Azan. And then, as soon as the 1^st sound of Azan is heard, we all would tuck in to the foods withouth being invited. Sometimes, our parents would make us stop because we forgot to recite the dua. After eating a lot, the drowsiness started to creep in and would be in no mood to go the mosque after that.

Tarawih Prayes : Remembering all the fun and friends at the Mosque, I would be all pumped up. For Isya’ prayers, I would behave and pray by my dads side. But when Tarawih comes, the time had come. I would be free to play. We would throw our songkoks and would play handballs. And would jump, run and slide all around the UKM Mosque. And when the prayers are on the last rakaat, we would run back and pray at the back all sweating. Oh the time. And not to mention the firecrackers. That would really annoy the Imam.

There are many other Ramadhan memories carved along the way. Perhaps we would, one day, relate them to the next generation and also be able to observe the new memories they will create. The memories that will colour our lives and theirs.

Abu Hurairah RA, he said: Rasulullah SAW said: “Islam was strange when it began and will one day be strange again; Blessed are the ghuraba’ (those strange people)”. [H.R.Muslim]

Who are the strangers in our time? We are the strangers insyaAllah.

And when the prophet (saw) who was well known to his people. They knew he was Muhammad ibnu Abdullah, they knew he was Al Amin, the truthful. But when Allah sent him as a prophet and as a Messenger, and commissioned him of the Quran and ordered them to follow Him to listen to his words and to give up the idols and to obey and worship Allah alone, they thought he was saying something strange? And He said to them, by their names,

“ Oh Quraisy, you know me, If I told you there was an army behind this mountain coming here to destroy you, would you believe me? They said ”Yes, we would believe you”. Then I’m telling you I’m the messenger of Allah and you have the obligation to obey me.

Their response was that still he was saying something strange. Very strange indeed.

And so, the prophet (saw) who was respected, trusted and who was loved, who was known by his people, even to his uncle, that day he became a stranger. Umar Ibn Khattab, the patriot among the Arabs, among the Quraisy, the man who was willing to kill the prophet (saw) just because his feeling of Taumiyah, he was willing but on that day that he intended to kill the prophet, he too became a stranger. That very day.

We work Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, double shifts, we work anytime, but if its time for prayers, its Allah’s time. When we get a beard, when we practice Islam, when we pray in public, people start to ask, what happened to you? You’re starting to look like this terrorist guy, that Osama Bin Laden guy? Are you intending to go to war?Whats going on with you? You’ve become extremist? No, this is not extremist. This is the sunnah and the way Islam has taught us.  And if you don’t like it I don’t care. We must be willing to become strangers, and when we become strangers, its going to effect our livelihood. It will cause people to misunderstand you, it will make you sometimes even doubt yourself. Why did I lose my friends? How come they treat me differently? They keep telling me, because I’m different from them.

Or in the case of the sisters, she doesn’t cover herself, shes wearing lipsticks in the streets, shes putting perfume on, shes working among the kuffar, and her husband is like her. And one day she wakes up. And she puts on hijab, and she puts her full clothes on. No more lipsticks, no more perfumes, she doesn’t talk with men just to be friends nor mix freely with them anymore, because she understands it is important to keep her Haya’ (modesty/shyness). She stays home to take care of her husband, her family where it really matters the most. Then people ask what happened to you? She says, I read an ayat in the Quran, and the hadith of the prophet (saw) and it made me cry to think about my religion. And I’m not doing it anymore. And they say, you have become extreme. She had now become a stranger. We ask Allah to bring strangers together. Because strangers belong with strangers.

Muslim brothers and sisters, we should want to be strangers. We should want to be a part of the return of the strangers. And we should realize no matter what the non-Muslims do, no matter what they try to do and extinguish the light of Allah by blowing with their mouths, their televisions, their cinemas, newspapers, books, radios whatever they do against Islam, the lies, the distortion the misconception, whatever they do to try to wipe out Islam, they will never wipe Islam out. Because Allah, “Yutimmu nurihi wa lau karihal kafirun.” Allah will perfect His light. And he will perfect it through the strangers.

We ask Allah that He make you and I among the strangers. We ask that he gives our son and daughters love for the strangers.  We ask Allah that whoever that has gone astray will come back to become strangers. We ask Allah, whoever that comes to the Masjid will return again to the Masjid so that they can pray with the strangers. Because when the Muslims in Palestine, in Afghanistan, in Somalia, in Yemen, In Malaysia and when the Muslims wherever they are, they come out, began to pray in the Masjid as strangers, then Allah will give the earth back to them, their Quwwah, the strength back to them. Then Islam will be back.

But you should not ask for the rewards of the strangers if you’re not acting like the strangers.

No matter where we come from, what languages we speak or what color our skin is, we are all unique in special ways. We all share the same desire and hunger to succeed and most importantly to love and to be loved. Many have argued that love is only a feeling and cannot bring wealth or success but deep inside, we all know that love is the greatest motivation that a person can have. But where or what is the true meaning of love?

The electronic board on the platform shone amidst the darkness indicating that it was time for the train to depart. Squeezing through a sea of people, I breathe a sigh of relief. Relieved to be on my way at last. A journey that’s going to take me hours and hours to reach the final destination. This year, I am very excited to join a program that is being held in Yamanashi-Ken. Before that it was Nara-Ken, Toyama-Ken and so on. All are very far away land from where I’m studying to say the least. As I stood there my mind started to wander off, thinking of the questions posed to me by a Japanese friend earlier on the day.

It was first said in a joking tone but as I started to think about it, it made more and more sense for me to find what was the answer behind it. He asked me, “Why is it that you are willing to spend so much money and time going there for more lectures on religion? Aren’t the lectures during classes not enough? You can easily search for it on the Internet cant you? Furthermore, we as teenagers should have fun and enjoy while we are still young.” It didn’t bother me much then to answer his question then. But throughout the day, I can’t seem to ignore those questions anymore.

My heart was racing and my mind was buzzing searching for the elusive answer. I started to trace back memories that I had had during those programs in the past. I must admit the answer was there all along in front of my eyes yet I struggle to realize it at first. What was the main purpose of these programs? It is to instill a sense of love not just purely for oneself but also towards God, our prophet and also as important towards our brother and sisters in Islam. Though it is seldom discussed and many would scratch their heads in finding the connection between love and Islam. But through these programs I personally have experienced the wonders of these connections with one another. Most of the times, we would meet as strangers and would go our own ways two or three days later as great friends to say the least. It is hard to describe but, love as brothers and sisters are etched in our hearts forever.

“No two men love one another, but the better of them is the one whose love for his brother is greater.” [Reported by Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad]

When Muslims regardless if you know the other person or not, they all greet with a special greeting. A greeting of “Assalamu`alaikum” which ‘means peace be upon you’. And they repeat these gestures when departing also. These gestures are in reminiscence of the love for the sake of God. Loving your family, your jobs or your artworks is different compared to loving it for the sake of God. The deep feeling is constant regardless of anything else. So, when we meet for the sake of God, that is what makes the bond last forever.

Japan, a land filled with new technologies and is advance in so many different fields is truly a great country. But for me, the nourishment of the soul is also important along with the exterior advancement. Muslims countries are filled with the call of prayer (Azan) reminding all Muslims to convey their love towards God in performing the prayers. In Japan, these Azans are not common among the Muslim societies here due to the different culture and religion. Thus, it is easy for Muslims to falter and lose their way.

There are many Islamic Organization in Japan to provide guidance for those who seek and want to learn about Islam. Malaysian Islamic Society of Japan (IPIJ) being one of the more prominent organizations is dedicated in providing motivational and spiritual nourishments largely for the Malaysian students studying in Japan. IPIJ annually holds two general programs for the students. These programs discusses about the points and way of living as thought in Islam. With these reminders and lectures being used as tools to instill the sense of lovingness towards one another.

Even though my journey is still far, but my heart and mind were at ease. I have found my answer. Why I make take this long and winding road to learn deeper about Islam. For the sake of Gods love, many others like me will make this journey no matter how far or how long it is going to take us, but in the end we will find true peace and love within each other’s arms.

For the Japanese version please click here.

p/s: This article was written originally for the AL-Ummah newspaper on behalf of Malaysian Islamic Society in Japan (IPIJ)

Winter in Japan, especially in Hokkaido, comes at a time when we are nearing the end of the semester. It means a lot of exams, research presentations and planning for the coming new semester and of course for those final year students it meant Graduation. How I miss the hot climate of Malaysia. Every night the temperature would drop sometimes to the deep length of -15 degrees. And every morning there is so much difficulty to just get up and dress up for school.

But with difficulty there is always the fun side to it. To say that winter is the time of year that I resent the most would be a lie. Even though exams are lurking around the corner, I still enjoy the snowboard trips, the Snowball fights (Yuki Gaisen) and the occasional skating trips. As the snow continue to puke without a hint of stopping, what else we can do but to take it all in the stride. As my friend Matsui had explained time and again, Hokkaido is all about Yuki (Snow). To embrace the winter is to accept the beauty of Hokkaido.

From the northern tip of Hokkaido, the Okhotsk region that is almost entirely covered with sea ice some consisting of drift ice and rafted ice to the centre of Hokkaido, Sapporo which holds the annual Snow Festival where participants from all around the world take part in creating marvelous sculptures to be admired. And not forgetting the mountains that have the world-renowned ski resorts. Snowboard is the new sport that I have come to love and enjoy.

As the treacherous condition continue to pile up, the roads turns to ice and walking is made almost impossible without falling. My mind wandered back to the early days where I learnt to play snowboard. It is not as easy as it seems. It was not fun as I had hoped at first. I would fall, bumped, and goes crashing down to the cold icy snow after a brief summersault in midair!  The first day, the seniors took me and 3 other colleagues the tip of the Suginohara Mountain. Cant remember how high it was but it was around 1400 to 1500 meters I think. The upper reaches of the slopes have a different feel to the snow. It was more powdery than the icy hard snows at the bottom. It was near mission impossible for us to snowboard the total distance of 8.5 kilometers from top to bottom. By hook or by crook we had to do it.  The only way was DOWN.

Even the thought of it frightened us. I could barely snowboard properly yet they took us to that very hard course. As I was zigzagging through the soft powdery snow, I felt that I could do it. But then, there was the steep narrow slope that we had to pass without making a mistake. If we made one, the gaping endless cliffs are there waiting to greet to uninvited visitors. I was getting the hang of it, rather proud with myself. But then come the dreaded moment. I lost balance, I swayed to the left then to the right. I could not control it anymore. It was beyond my reach. The air stiffens, the image becomes blurry, and I could feel time as if freezing right before my eyes. I was heading towards the end of the cliffs. Was this the end of an adventure?For dear life, I flung out my arms, and reached for a branch. Luckily I got hold of one of them. It saved me from falling. My seniors then rescued me. This time I got lucky I guess. Praise be to God.

The one thing I learned was that, this is LIFE. The path of life. Sometimes when you think you are able to handle life problems and go on smoothly then suddenly it strikes. Without warning nor us realizing it. No matter how hard it may be, how bleak it may seem, we have to hold on and hope for the best. This is the lesson I learned. Spring is around the corner. Sakura blossoming seasons is coming. Spring bring hope for every hardship suffered. Hope is the difference between succeeding and faltering.

Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. ( The Quran 94:6 )

Float softly on the quickening breeze,

Tiny ribbons of scarlet and gold drift slowly down,

Rustling plaintive song of farewell.

As the stubborn limbs of the trees,

Reach for the last precious moments of warmth,

From summers fading light,

Cool tendrils and woodsmoke and mist enfold the woods…

In autumn heart we rest.

In Japan, each of the 4 seasons is distinct from one another. From the fresh green buds of spring that gives way to the lush heat of the summer. And in autumn, the forest turns red and yellow. Soon the white snow will blanket these vibrant colours as if preserving the forest for the seasons to come.

When you look at Japans autumn scenery, you cannot help but notice the astonishing huge variety of colored leaves. This has to do with Japan wide variety of vegetation. Most parts of the country belong to the Temperate Zone and there are a large number of broad leaves trees. Some of them, including camphor trees and oaks are evergreen. Others are deciduous, meaning they change colors in autumn. This includes the maples, which turn red, and gingko trees that turn yellow.

Most mountainous areas in Japan have a nice balance of evergreen and deciduous trees. It is this that creates the beautiful multi-colored autumn scenery. Since ancient times, the Japanese have come to deeply appreciate the beauty of autumn leaves. The autumn is mentioned many times in the tale of Genji in the 11^th century for instance.

Back then, when the autumn rolls around, the Emperor and court aristocrats would gather in gardens to admire the maple leaves. And they would sometimes make trips to the mountains to admire the leaves. A custom known as “Momiji-Gari” (紅葉狩り) literally meaning `maple hunting` .By the 16^th century , momiji-gari had spread to the common people.

It’s not just the colored leaves the Japanese enjoy but they also find beauty in the leaves fluttering down on the ground and the carpet of fallen leaves. The image of the fallen leaves has been used as motif in countless works of arts, paintings and even children songs. The monk Ryokan once wrote in a famous Haiku (Japanese poem) saying that,

Both the front and back of a maple leaf become visible as its flutters down,

And so it is when people die, everything is then revealed,

When the time comes for me to die,

I have nothing more to hide…..

Seeing the fallen leaves many Japanese are reminded of the transience of life and feel a sense of wistfulness. That’s why they have always found a special meaning, even in the fallen leaves. Beauty it may seem but the leaves is a reminder for us of our precious life. What will we be remembered when are no more? Will we be trodden upon and thus forgotten all together? Or will we be seen as a thing to remember by?

p/s: Famous sites for Momiji in Japan : Nikko (Tochigi-Ken), Kawaguchi Lake facing Mount Fuji

-yeh-

I sat there, for how long it doesn’t seem to matter. There I was, staring at the blank pages before me. An old laptop where I usually find to be more than a companion. Wondering how to speak these unspoken words, how to express these unwritten thoughts? But most importantly where to start this deep memory that stretches far beyond than the eyes can meet. As I rubbed my eyes to shake the drowsiness away, the eyes peeked through the dirty window, only to see dark gloomy clouds gathering high above the sky. Drops of rain tapped right across the dirty window. Showering those little plants in the courtyard in the process. There I saw, those little kittens playing before quickly rushed to their mother in their haste to avoid those harmless raindrops. They seek comfort and safety in rainy, troubled days in their parent. That was it! I was seeking somewhere far away, but it was right there all along. Right in front of my eyes.

Parents are such an important force in our lives. Whether they are near or far, whether you hate or love them, you are who you are today because of them. As I look through the old pictures stored in a box filled with memories, a sort of longing unearthed. Some may see it as sentimental values but the way I see it, it is a treasure to hold for. A picture of the loved ones. How I wish to be there with them now. Laughing and talking through difficult times. A picture speaks a thousand words. Why is it that as we grow up, it is more and more difficult for a family gathering like the times when we were younger? Has time changed or have we changed?

I still remember, the day we started school in England. My sister, little brother and I can barely speak English then. All we knew were “Yes, No and Yes”. Well, I and my brother learnt something a bit more complex. And he used it to great effect. The first day of school, (he was in Reception which is a preschool class for 5 years old) he made my father wait for him outside class for the whole day! He regularly checked on my father by asking the teacher, “Can I go to the toilet, please?” which he memorized the night before. He would go every five minutes until the teacher got suspicious, and promptly asked my father to return home. And of course when my little brother found out, he cried and keeps crying until he can see my father. My father didn’t leave but waited in a different place. So, what made him wait that day? Of course he had some other important things to do, but the love for his child was more important to him then.

No matter what we do, can we match the efforts put in by our parents in raising us up? Do you still remember when our napkins were wet and we started to cry? No words could be said but just high-pitched crying to tell them that the napkins needed changing. How did they know? Do you still remember when there wasn’t enough food in the house for second helpings? We said that we were still hungry and our parents just give their portion to us without second thoughts? Weren’t they hungry too then? Do you still remember when we wanted to buy new clothes and new books and they couldn’t afford to buy all those things? But, in the end, they still bought those stuffs for us. How did they do it?

Times flies past, and another just came without us realizing it. As the whizzing cycle of life continues to spin, rarely do we stop to reflect on the sacrifices made in creating for what we have become today. As we grow more matured, they are caught up with age. An age in need for us to repay them back. Why is it so hard for us to care for them like they did for us? As the papers today have proven time and time again, 5 children aren’t capable of taking care of even just one parent! But how did they manage to take care of all those children then? Are they superhumans that can do all the jobs all in one where we are just hapless being?

For what its worth, cherish them, and tell them, I LOVE AND CARE FOR YOU! May our loved ones feel the love that is inside us. Do whatever you may to please them. If they like flowers, surprise them with plant pot, or if they like reading books, offer them with a book from their favourite author. Or just spend time listening and talking to them. They don’t ask us for much. Showing love to them is what they seek.

p/s: Also watch this video. (Click here)

p/p/s: Hapy Mother and Fathers day everyday

The sound of waves crashing, and thunders roaring in the distance startled me. As the cruise ship splits through the edges of the sea, it swayed violently to the rhythm of the waves. The restless sea, under the dark stormy clouds reflects the sad heart. A heart filled with uncertainties of the future and plagued with memories of the past. As I lay in the dark bunk listening to the songs on the iPod, the mind wandered somewhere else. Somewhere far away, swarming into the chartered past, reliving each memories shared. As the words in the songs played as a distant background, the images from the past were shown through vivid movies. Memories flashed before me. Years of memories zoomed within seconds.

Cold air swept across the body where the expected sweat is replaced by cold shivers. After hours of delayed packing, finally it was time. Time to leave this place of mine. How can I? How could I?My heart is too attached with this place. This is the only place I called home in this foreign land. Where friends were made, and memories were carved. When we part, will I still be remembered across the deep blue water, across the green lush mountains,across the distant land? Hopefully the bonds will remain tightly knotted through the times to come.

Freshie in Nagaoka 2006

As usual I arrived just in the nick of time. A senior’s house was made a meeting place. A place for last goodbyes. Nothing grand I thought. As I opened the door in exasperation, I shrugged the snow that had made their way onto my jacket and made my hair white. Still trying to catch some air, I didn’t realize that eyes were watching my every move. The many eyes that were watching bewildered me. I wasn’t expecting this. The two rooms were crammed with people. Almost 20 peoples I guess.I was speechless. Words cannot be uttered. Friends gathered for a sending off that I wasn’t going to forget. They had planned all this. I am awestruck but forever grateful.

Summer2006

Nagaoka Team 2006

Niigata, an hour away from Nagaoka, seems to be so short of a journey in that moment. I didn’t want to go yet. I am not yet ready I thought. A snow fleet decided to accompany us as well. All the way, it was snowing fervently. As the 4 cars continued to race above 120km/h, my heart was also racing. Memories filled those spaces. As we laugh through our conversations, a tingle of sadness contravene. I just can’t help it. I have seen so many goodbyes but this was hard. Adeli was the one who was like a big brother to me which I never had before. He showed me the ropes in life here. My Kosen mates with whom, I couldn’t be here today without them standing by me all these years. My football teammates who proved to be more than mates on the field but also friends off it. Thanks for all those moments where we stuck together when all seems bleak. There were times when I was a pain, or when I was down, but I’m glad you guys stood up for me. Here, friends are not just for times of happiness, but also as important for the times of need. When sometimes words cannot help, where sometimes intentions misunderstood, and sometimes actions aren’t just enough. We stood tall and be counted. Oh,how I longed for those memories…

Nagaoka Team 2007

As the night grew darker, the distant stars started to pop out. Amidst the misty night, we stopped by an Indian Briyani restaurant. This was the place where we celebrated days of glory and nights of enjoyment. Dishes filled the long tables filled with hungry faces that yearn for a feeling of ‘hominess’ in this yet forever foreign land. I werent attracted to the delicious spicy foods, which was unusual for me, who have such an appetite for briyanis. As we talked away those precious times, with every face that I saw, flashes of memories filled me. I can see them again from time to time, but it just won’t be the same. Will it? As we grow up, chances like this grew harder with each passing day. The smiles on their faces and the truth in their eyes tell me what we all meant to each other. And the touch of your hand tells me that you’ll be there to catch me wherever I fall.

Nagaoka Team 2008

I knew it then, that it was time for me to part. As they formed a circle, I hugged each and everyone of them. While some would just hold tightly, concealing the sadness, others would whisper words of encouragement in my ear, which I will always remember for a long time. As I crossed the the departure gate, an escalator escorted me.Far away from my friends that I have got used to as a family member of mine. I waved fervently to them trying hard not to weep, and rather opted to be a big boy who can face whatever that lies in store for him. For better or for worse, this is the road that I have to take. I held more tightly to the bags that will be my ‘friend’ through the 19hour journey to the new place in Hokkaido.The cruise gates closed all of a sudden. The ship was ready to depart but my heart wasn’t. It was still clinging on to the memories of the past. Will I make it in the new world? Will I be alright?

Map of Journey

Nagaoka Kosen

The seasons in the sun, and the seasons in the cold, all the highs and lows, those moments really are memoirs to savoir. Friendships are something hard to define. Is it true that, once we have lost the ones we really care about, only then can we learn to appreciate them? Why is it hard to express the feelings bulked inside? When we come to realize the importance of our loved ones, it is more often than not, it’ll be too late. Hold on to the memories of the past, while creating a new one for the future. As we look back, hopefully with the loved ones in the future, we will have a reason to smile for.

-yeh-

A bright gaze, as blank and menacing as the Sun but yet gracefully shone right across the dark, damp earth. Forcefully it shrinks the whitish snow only to reveal the green flowers that lay patiently beneath. The blue sky, accompanied by scattered white clouds paints the perfect picture. The mild wind brushes along the skin and kisses the leaves to grow. The air is fragrant filled with the smell of beautiful young flowers growing. Spring is in the air! Winters difficulties are quickly forgotten by the renewed hope that spring can offer. Spring brings new hope and also brings warmer weather, beautiful flowers, leaves on the trees, fresh air and the sounds of children playing outside. March brings April flowers.

Yellow Daffodils

While bright yellow daffodils greet the English and tulip’s sparkling colors with the Dutch, it is the legendary Sakura that play the roles in the Far East. The Sakura is adored and revered to be the most beautiful of its kind. Japanese especially would flock in their masses to watch the tree blossom. It is a sign of the coming of spring. It is the symbol of a new life, a new hope perhaps. A quiet park would turn into a singing ground in their eagerness to welcome the coming of Sakuras. Everywhere we turn to, beautiful pale of pink flowers dresses up the streets. A sense of joy could be felt all around.

A scene from the Yukyuzan Park

Japan, the motherland of Sakura, acknowledges the importance of it in all ways of life. The school and working calendar all starts in the beginning of April which coincides with the blossoming of the Sakura tree. I can still relive the moments of when I first came here to Japan. It was the first of many activities held for the foreign students studying here. We were taken to see the cherry blossom in the Yukyuzan Park which was really famous here. It would be like a mass celebration with people coming busses after busses to see the beauty of the flower. They all wanted to see just one tree, which was the Sakura tree. It is true because there weren’t any other flowers in that park!

Sakura at Night

But why was Sakura so important to the Japanese people? They even use the Sakura to make tea during this season! Call it Sakura’s special tea if you like. Haven’t you ever wandered why? They were celebrating like Muslims would celebrate Eid and Christians would with Christmas.

Recently my Uncle asked me,

Yeh, Why is the Sakura so special for the Japanese?

And I said, its because its very beautiful and can only last for about 2-3 weeks at most. If you ever have seen it I’m sure you would agree with me about the beauty of it.

He replied,  Yes, its true but what is the meaning behind the Sakura? And I started to think but didn’t realize it at that time….

Sakura is not just any other flower to the Japanese. It is of the utmost importance to them. Seniors would greet juniors under the Sakura tree, Managers would treat workers under it. So it must have an importance doesn’t it? The Sakura brought a new whole different perspective to how I see it. The Sakura is elegant and beautiful and yet, its life is regrettably short. The way I see it, the Sakura is telling us, that our lives are so short too, but we have to live a good and satisfying life. Even though the Sakura’s life is short, but thousands if not millions of people worldwide flock to see the beauty of it, its short life is truly to be endeavored for. On the contrary, a weed for instance, it lives a long life, but people just walk pass it as if it weren’t there. What is the point if we live the life that’s hollow inside? With each ticking time that passes by, lets make it purposeful. Why is it that Julius Cesar conquered the world? Why is it Einstein created those genius formulas? Why is it all those Islamic khalifahs strived to be the best in their respective fields? And what about Hang Tuah, the Malay hero as it is touted to be! What do they even have in common?

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. Qur’an (103:1-3)

They all made do with short lives and be the best at what theyre good at! Only then, will people appreciate for who we really are in this world. If youre lucky enough, generations after generations will study your feat that was achieved. Textbooks everywhere will have your name on it. That would be a real icing on the cake wouldn’t it?

Narrated Abdullah Bin Mas`ud Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said:         “A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, whence he acquired it, and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had.”

Life is too short to hesitate, make do what we have and go for the best. Time is of the essence.We deserve to be better. We also can be like the Sakura.

-yeh-

p/s: For further info on hanami you can click here.

Solar Eclipse

Inspiration is all I seek.

My mind wandered off, far away, faster than the travelling train. As blurred images passes by, a clear thought came to mind. As the snow shrinks with every mile traveled, the purpose grew each time. As the Sun penetrates the deep mist, a new hope emerges. Some seek deep in a sacred hiding spot, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, while others huddle up with each other for comfort, while most of us, just stare into the distance hoping rather than seeking to be inspired.

Inspiration of Hope

It is that time of year, students busy with the examinations, workers compelled with their burdens and parents working their socks off for the well being of their loved ones. With each new leaf turned, with each New Year that passes by, the cycle continues.  Yet, with the difficulties that we face, why is it that we are able to go on and strive to be better?

Inspiration is all I seek. But sometimes the reality of the truth is what we fear the most. But fears can be looked at as a way out. Fear for weakness and failure only will spur us on to be better. Why is it when some of us when left in darkness will seek out the light? Why is it when we are stored in an empty space, we would rather group together than stand alone? How do we explain this behavior? Random segment of code? Or is it something more? When does a difference engine become a search for truth? When does a personality struggle become the inner mode of a soul?

No matter who we are, or where we come from, we all seek to be inspired. Whether it is from the memory of the past or for the hope of a better future, the truth is without hard work and a will to strive forward, inspiration will be elusive as it will ever be.What or from whom do we find in? From where is the source of inspiration?

If you want to succeed in this life, if you wish to achieve something,

If you seek inspiration, just listen to your heart,

And if it has no answers,

Close your eyes and think about your parents,(source of inspiration)

Then you will be ready to face any obstacles that lie ahead,

Success will be yours, yours only.

-Shah Rukh Khan in Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham.

Pure Inspirational (Performed by Gaijin Invasion in Tokyo)

An Iraqi football team found inspiration from their hardships to win the Asian Cup in 2007. An artist found inspiration to kick-start a career in the streets of Tokyo. (Refer to the video).Where will yours come from?Inspiration is all around us!All we have to do is seek! It is up to us to believe in oneself and take that first step towards success. Dare to dream for a better tomorrow, and with that inspiration will come! May we all be inspired.

Shiken Ganbatte ne!

-yeh-

p/s: Goodluck for the coming exams. Ganbarimasyou! \(^-^)/