Just before the holidays, a colleague caught me off-guard when she remarked:
'Tudung ni macam tudung orang Malaysia!'
(This tudung is like those worn by Malaysians!)
She then went on and on comparing Malaysian tudungs with Singaporean tudungs, with things like Singaporeans like the embroidery on their tudungs to be understated, matching the colour of the tudung, whereas Malaysians preferred loud, bold embroidery on their tudungs.
It was the confidence in her voice, and was it a sort of 'disdain' when she said 'Malaysian' that made the colours go up to my cheeks?
Honestly, I was stumped. Flabbergasted. Gulped - any word that is equivalent to 'shocked' would fit in.
And I don't know why - I felt embarrassed.
Smiling, I managed a lame - 'Yelah..suamipun memang orang Malaysia...'
On retrospect - Why was I embarrased?
Did I feel insulted? Hmm...yes, in a way.
Question is - why should I feel this way? Is there a ranking of style in terms of nationality, and that one nationality is more 'superior' than the other?
I then remembered my students who would confidently describe how they can even recognise students from different madrasahs from the way they wore their tudungs!
They even swore they can differentiate between a Singaporean and Malaysian by the way the ladies wore their tudungs.
Again, its not this skill in differentiating that disturbed me - its the tone that goes with this comparison.
We are in danger of becoming egocentric.
Its okay to appreciate differences and embrace that as part of Allah's creations - for did He not say that He created people of different nations so that we can get to know one another?
Its not okay if this comparison brings on a feeling of superiority over the other. :)
Hassan Al Bana once said that nationalism - the feeling of love and pride for one's birthplace is encouraged - it is a most ingrained, natural feeling that one have and need not be suppressed. He cited examples of how Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and his companions pined to go back to Mecca when they were in Madinah, although in Madinah, they were treated very well. Bilal would shed tears, reciting poems of yearning for Mecca.
However, to him, there is no nationality in Islam - for Islam knows no territorial boundaries. All Muslims are brothers to one another, right?
Nationalism and nationality.
Food for thought.
As for me, if asked, my answer remains the same - "I am a blue-blooded Singaporean!"
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Hadi-san
Hadi came back from Japan looking thinner, but leaner. Halal food was difficult to find there. McDonald's sold McPork, so he dared not even buy the fries. McPork! One would think the Mcs have more creativity than to name their burger that.... What I find endearing was the quiet confidence he wore - it's difficult to put a finger to it, but just like Halim, who went to Medan for a week, Hadi too had a confidence in his gait, in his looks and the way he speaks. Yes, being away from home does have good effects on you, I guess. And of course, he misses local food much. Everything local!
And yes, I found out again how difficult to let go. Started missing him on the third day, so much so that everything I touched reminded me of him. Part of the reason why I wanted to attend the SL Camp was to keep myself occupied. Yes, lame, isn't it? :)
All said and done, alhamdulillah he and friends and teachers arrived safely back home.
Welcome back, son....
And yes, I found out again how difficult to let go. Started missing him on the third day, so much so that everything I touched reminded me of him. Part of the reason why I wanted to attend the SL Camp was to keep myself occupied. Yes, lame, isn't it? :)
All said and done, alhamdulillah he and friends and teachers arrived safely back home.
Welcome back, son....
Thursday, December 17, 2009
SL Camp 2009 - iLead Camp
I nearly did not make it for the camp.
I did not receive any notification nor reminders and I was asking myself - 'Nak buat bodoh, atau nak buat pandai?' (To plead ignorance or take the initiative?)
Commonsense overtook me and there I was, smsing to Yanis, confirmed, and there was I, reaching school at after 8.00 a.m. that beautiful Monday, 15th and being hurriedly onto the bus for Sembawang's High Elements.
And what a camp it was!!! :)
My main aim was to help my sisters, Yanis and Faezah and alhamdulillah, not only was I able to help (for the Lifeskills Coaching, I was the only teacher around, the rest were at Sembawang) I felt I learnt a little more about them...bonded a little more with them too :) I really do miss you gals...
Also, I wanted to play the role of the Observer, so there I was, notebook in hand, and busily jotting down notes about what I saw and felt...
Here goes...
1. Sembawang High Elements
Those I thought were timid, turned out to be brave, and those I thought were brave, turned out to be braver, for they conquered their fear and came up on top, literally, of things.
Nabmo is an outstanding example. A confident, bubbly girl, I never knew she had this thing about heights and wow! Only Allah knows how she conquered those jitters and completed the Jacob's Ladder, which I was told, was the most difficult of the stations there. In fact, two of our primary girls fell through the rungs and had abrasions on their hands. At one point, Nabmo was counting the rungs she had to step on in order to complete the course!
And the Thinker! :) I don't think he quite heard all the encouragements he was getting from below, so focused was he, and so determined to complete the course! At one point, I just wanted to shout to him 'Don't think! Just do it!' Arif, arif...
We all heard Maryam's 'victory' scream...
Harith completed his station in good time..looked pretty confident from down here..
Fathullah, frail-looking that he was, actually was all-hands when it came to relaying the rope and he almost looked like running as he completed the log-like station - Amazing, truly! I remember thinking he must have done this many times before.
Zubair was surely the surprise of the day for me. The nondescript, laidback Exco member surprised me with his gunghoism and he was the first student to go up the Champions Pole after Mr Izzad! Imagine!
Abu, for all his 'giler-ness' (hei, I did not say he was, that was what his friends called him...!), actually looked pretty nervous before he climbed up the Champion's Pole. I was actually worried for him, what with Shah shouting dares at him - challenging him to do pull-ups all the way up there. And yes, he did all fives of those pull-ups! :)
And Sis Faezah! Wow! She really conquered that fear to let go at the end of the course and just, well, let go! Salute to you sis, SALUTE!
Me?? Managed to skip the temptation and encouragement from the kids and did not do the elements. Why? Because the sky is high... ha!ha! I AM afraid of heights...
2. Lifeskills Coaching
I like the 'storm' session best. Noisy, bingit, but best to the max! I must say the Aljunied's Student Counselors were confident, know their stuff well and managed to prod the very shy Irsyadians to participate and open up a little. I identified two who had outstanding leadership qualities, not knowing that these two were actually the Head Student Counselor and Vice Student Counselor. May we have more future collaborations with them...
3. Campfire, turned candlelight, turned Spotlight session
Kudos to the Exco for making this happen. They managed to invite ex-SLs and from the feedback sessions, you can sense that the kids have learnt a lot from the sharing.
Other Observations:
I did not receive any notification nor reminders and I was asking myself - 'Nak buat bodoh, atau nak buat pandai?' (To plead ignorance or take the initiative?)
Commonsense overtook me and there I was, smsing to Yanis, confirmed, and there was I, reaching school at after 8.00 a.m. that beautiful Monday, 15th and being hurriedly onto the bus for Sembawang's High Elements.
And what a camp it was!!! :)
My main aim was to help my sisters, Yanis and Faezah and alhamdulillah, not only was I able to help (for the Lifeskills Coaching, I was the only teacher around, the rest were at Sembawang) I felt I learnt a little more about them...bonded a little more with them too :) I really do miss you gals...
Also, I wanted to play the role of the Observer, so there I was, notebook in hand, and busily jotting down notes about what I saw and felt...
Here goes...
1. Sembawang High Elements
Those I thought were timid, turned out to be brave, and those I thought were brave, turned out to be braver, for they conquered their fear and came up on top, literally, of things.
Nabmo is an outstanding example. A confident, bubbly girl, I never knew she had this thing about heights and wow! Only Allah knows how she conquered those jitters and completed the Jacob's Ladder, which I was told, was the most difficult of the stations there. In fact, two of our primary girls fell through the rungs and had abrasions on their hands. At one point, Nabmo was counting the rungs she had to step on in order to complete the course!
And the Thinker! :) I don't think he quite heard all the encouragements he was getting from below, so focused was he, and so determined to complete the course! At one point, I just wanted to shout to him 'Don't think! Just do it!' Arif, arif...
We all heard Maryam's 'victory' scream...
Harith completed his station in good time..looked pretty confident from down here..
Fathullah, frail-looking that he was, actually was all-hands when it came to relaying the rope and he almost looked like running as he completed the log-like station - Amazing, truly! I remember thinking he must have done this many times before.
Zubair was surely the surprise of the day for me. The nondescript, laidback Exco member surprised me with his gunghoism and he was the first student to go up the Champions Pole after Mr Izzad! Imagine!
Abu, for all his 'giler-ness' (hei, I did not say he was, that was what his friends called him...!), actually looked pretty nervous before he climbed up the Champion's Pole. I was actually worried for him, what with Shah shouting dares at him - challenging him to do pull-ups all the way up there. And yes, he did all fives of those pull-ups! :)
And Sis Faezah! Wow! She really conquered that fear to let go at the end of the course and just, well, let go! Salute to you sis, SALUTE!
Me?? Managed to skip the temptation and encouragement from the kids and did not do the elements. Why? Because the sky is high... ha!ha! I AM afraid of heights...
2. Lifeskills Coaching
I like the 'storm' session best. Noisy, bingit, but best to the max! I must say the Aljunied's Student Counselors were confident, know their stuff well and managed to prod the very shy Irsyadians to participate and open up a little. I identified two who had outstanding leadership qualities, not knowing that these two were actually the Head Student Counselor and Vice Student Counselor. May we have more future collaborations with them...
3. Campfire, turned candlelight, turned Spotlight session
Kudos to the Exco for making this happen. They managed to invite ex-SLs and from the feedback sessions, you can sense that the kids have learnt a lot from the sharing.
Other Observations:
- I like the 'Twister'- like game during Amazing Race - funnn!!!
- I heard different versions of the Night Walk, and since I did not go, I guess I'll have to abstain from any opinions here... :) Just an observation though - I came back on the second day of the camp at about before 8.00 a.m., expecting activity at MPR, but it was so deathly quiet...I was wondering where everybody went when Zaimah pointed out to the Canteen benches and then I saw...-hic- people still sleeping...i hope they don't fall off those benches...
- I like the acting-presentation for the Problem-solving session. Our SLs are a talented lot, no doubt...
- Zulzuwaid was the silent leader - very in control, but very democratic in his leadership style. :)
- Hidayat could hold the audience attention...Good.
- Now I know why Farid would not smile, he did not want to break any hearts, for when he did, the smile really lit up his face! Break more hearts,Farid! :)
- Most hardworking: Hafizz
- Dhania, Hijannah, Hurun, Syairah - Tis okay, you'll be more confident in the next event, insyaAllah -
- Forget about that technical glitch - To the present SL Exco - you people have the makings of a GREAT TEAM! Work on!
Had to leave the photography session because of something back home. I was pretty much worked up that time...very.
All in all, I appreciate all the ground work and recky and thought that has gone into, during and after the camp. Syukran for making it all happened! It was surely an unforgettable experience!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Duck and The Devil
Sharing something I received from a colleague:
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.
As he was walking back he saw Grandma’s pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching!
Fatima had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch the next day Grandma said, ‘Fatima, let’s wash the dishes.’ But Fatima said, ‘Grandma, Ahmed told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.’ Then she whispered to him, ‘Remember the duck?’ So Ahmed did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, ‘I’m sorry but I need Fatima to help make supper.’
Fatima just smiled and said, ‘Well, that’s all right because Ahmed told me he wanted to help.’ She whispered again, ‘Remember the duck?’ So Fatima went fishing and Ahmed stayed to help.
After several days of Ahmed doing both his chores and Fatima’s, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, ‘Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Fatima make a slave of you.’
Thought for the day and every day thereafter?
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done… and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)…whatever it is…You need to know that Allah was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.
He’s just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about Allah is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by Allah’s grace and mercy that we are saved.
Always remember: Allah is at the window!
Well, its never too late to change.
We're the ones on the losing end if we don't make that change - don't make that effort, don't keep on trying. No matter how hard it is, no matter if no one else believes in us, no one else to support us.
For Allah is always there - always.
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.
As he was walking back he saw Grandma’s pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching!
Fatima had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch the next day Grandma said, ‘Fatima, let’s wash the dishes.’ But Fatima said, ‘Grandma, Ahmed told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.’ Then she whispered to him, ‘Remember the duck?’ So Ahmed did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, ‘I’m sorry but I need Fatima to help make supper.’
Fatima just smiled and said, ‘Well, that’s all right because Ahmed told me he wanted to help.’ She whispered again, ‘Remember the duck?’ So Fatima went fishing and Ahmed stayed to help.
After several days of Ahmed doing both his chores and Fatima’s, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, ‘Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Fatima make a slave of you.’
Thought for the day and every day thereafter?
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done… and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)…whatever it is…You need to know that Allah was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.
He’s just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about Allah is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by Allah’s grace and mercy that we are saved.
Always remember: Allah is at the window!
Well, its never too late to change.
We're the ones on the losing end if we don't make that change - don't make that effort, don't keep on trying. No matter how hard it is, no matter if no one else believes in us, no one else to support us.
For Allah is always there - always.
Si Peminta
Mengemis masa
Menadah kasih
Berlapar bicara
Dahaga rasa
pemahaman
Satu pengertian
sebuah pengorbanan
Satu keredhaan
sebuah ketentuan
Menadah kasih
Berlapar bicara
Dahaga rasa
pemahaman
Satu pengertian
sebuah pengorbanan
Satu keredhaan
sebuah ketentuan
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cerita Cinta II
Let's talk about friendship.
Good friends are difficult to come by now. And I meant 'good' friends whom you can not only have 'good' times together, but more importantly, 'good' friends who enjoined you to do good and be good - amr' makruf, nahi mungkar.
Alhamdulillah, I had VERY good friends at a time when I needed that guidance most.
When I was in college, and that was a LONG time ago, the wearing of hijab was not only uncommon here, it was looked upon as a step back to some uncultured, barbaric practice. Those who put on hijab have to put up with names like 'kuno' (ancient) and for those who still remember, 'hantu kum kum' (a pun on the salam these people normally give to fellow Muslims).
But my friends were steadfast.
In college, they dared to be different.
Three of them put on the head-cap (serkup), lengthened their skirts and wore long-sleeved blouses to college. Imagine!
When they got into trouble with the college's management, they appealed their case all the way up to the Mufti Office and to the MP.
Suffice to say that, alhamdulillah, the college tolerated them and by Allah's help, they covered their aurah until they completed their college education.
Another friend, who was a Student Counselor, would go to college covering her aurah, put on the school's uniform during school hours, and would change back into her Islamic attire before stepping out of the college's compound.
Such were the friends I had. Alhamdulillah.
We had regular usrahs at the janitor's quarters - a smiling lady who welcomed the company of these giggly girls.
I was, and am still proud, of being a Malay. I was very much into Malay culture then- dikir barat, tarian, in awe with the concept of Malay Sultanate, in 'love' with Hang Jebat, hikayats (legends) - you name it. The regular Malay schoolgirl.
Until one of my usrah friend gently pulled me aside and said I should stop 'tarian'.
I remember feeling angry, saying something like Malay tarian wasn't as provocative as disco dancing.
I remember her smiling, still in a gentle tone, asking me only this:
'Sis, which is more attractive to boys- the unruly steps of the Solid Gold dancers, or the gentle movements of the Malay dance?'
I was stumped. Logically, she was right. That was my last performance.
I was 17 when I wore the hijab for the first time. Though I am very close to my mother, she won't speak to me for the whole day. I don't blame her. She didn't understand. Not like now. :)
My friends hugged me. They were my strength.
What if the strength they have given me was something that could lead to self-destruction? Or to me becoming a nuisance to society?
Bottomline is, stick with friends who remind us to be good. They are brave enough to criticise our wrongdoings and sensitive enough to notice that their friend needed help on the spiritual side. Friends like these are difficult to come by. They are like pearls (lu'luah) hidden, precious... stay with them when you do find them, or when they found you - don't ever let them go!
I am most happy when my sons want to meet up with their madrasah friends - over lunch or for a simple soccer match. Thank you to all their friends who have been the guides in my children's lives...you and I know who you are! Jazakumullahu khairan kathiran...
You might say that some madrasah people are worst than others you know.
Tsk, tsk...
There is a a sufi saying that when a wise man goes astray, await for his return.
Better still, remind him to return - remind him patiently, tactfully and with perseverence. :)
Pak Hamka once said that the person without knowledge will be a better person with knowledge, and the person with knowledge would have been worst without the knowledge.
Knowledge can never be wrong. It is how you use, or don't use it that matters.
Bottomline is, nobody can deny that at those teenage, young adult age, your friends really matters to you. Later, when you reach adulthood, marry and have children, your parents would then become your significant others again. The law of nature, or karma, or 'hukum alam', call it whatever you like - that is how things normally go. ;)
So, have good, lifelong friends.
Friends whom we love and who love us because of Allah.
Friends that would lead us all to Allah's blessings, insyaAllah.
Good friends are difficult to come by now. And I meant 'good' friends whom you can not only have 'good' times together, but more importantly, 'good' friends who enjoined you to do good and be good - amr' makruf, nahi mungkar.
Alhamdulillah, I had VERY good friends at a time when I needed that guidance most.
When I was in college, and that was a LONG time ago, the wearing of hijab was not only uncommon here, it was looked upon as a step back to some uncultured, barbaric practice. Those who put on hijab have to put up with names like 'kuno' (ancient) and for those who still remember, 'hantu kum kum' (a pun on the salam these people normally give to fellow Muslims).
But my friends were steadfast.
In college, they dared to be different.
Three of them put on the head-cap (serkup), lengthened their skirts and wore long-sleeved blouses to college. Imagine!
When they got into trouble with the college's management, they appealed their case all the way up to the Mufti Office and to the MP.
Suffice to say that, alhamdulillah, the college tolerated them and by Allah's help, they covered their aurah until they completed their college education.
Another friend, who was a Student Counselor, would go to college covering her aurah, put on the school's uniform during school hours, and would change back into her Islamic attire before stepping out of the college's compound.
Such were the friends I had. Alhamdulillah.
We had regular usrahs at the janitor's quarters - a smiling lady who welcomed the company of these giggly girls.
I was, and am still proud, of being a Malay. I was very much into Malay culture then- dikir barat, tarian, in awe with the concept of Malay Sultanate, in 'love' with Hang Jebat, hikayats (legends) - you name it. The regular Malay schoolgirl.
Until one of my usrah friend gently pulled me aside and said I should stop 'tarian'.
I remember feeling angry, saying something like Malay tarian wasn't as provocative as disco dancing.
I remember her smiling, still in a gentle tone, asking me only this:
'Sis, which is more attractive to boys- the unruly steps of the Solid Gold dancers, or the gentle movements of the Malay dance?'
I was stumped. Logically, she was right. That was my last performance.
I was 17 when I wore the hijab for the first time. Though I am very close to my mother, she won't speak to me for the whole day. I don't blame her. She didn't understand. Not like now. :)
My friends hugged me. They were my strength.
What if the strength they have given me was something that could lead to self-destruction? Or to me becoming a nuisance to society?
Bottomline is, stick with friends who remind us to be good. They are brave enough to criticise our wrongdoings and sensitive enough to notice that their friend needed help on the spiritual side. Friends like these are difficult to come by. They are like pearls (lu'luah) hidden, precious... stay with them when you do find them, or when they found you - don't ever let them go!
I am most happy when my sons want to meet up with their madrasah friends - over lunch or for a simple soccer match. Thank you to all their friends who have been the guides in my children's lives...you and I know who you are! Jazakumullahu khairan kathiran...
You might say that some madrasah people are worst than others you know.
Tsk, tsk...
There is a a sufi saying that when a wise man goes astray, await for his return.
Better still, remind him to return - remind him patiently, tactfully and with perseverence. :)
Pak Hamka once said that the person without knowledge will be a better person with knowledge, and the person with knowledge would have been worst without the knowledge.
Knowledge can never be wrong. It is how you use, or don't use it that matters.
Bottomline is, nobody can deny that at those teenage, young adult age, your friends really matters to you. Later, when you reach adulthood, marry and have children, your parents would then become your significant others again. The law of nature, or karma, or 'hukum alam', call it whatever you like - that is how things normally go. ;)
So, have good, lifelong friends.
Friends whom we love and who love us because of Allah.
Friends that would lead us all to Allah's blessings, insyaAllah.
Tua dan muda
Anak muda
Biarkan mereka terbang bebas
Di iringi doa langit meluas
Di iringi restu laut mendalam
Dunia ini milik mereka
Hati ini - milik kita
Orang tua
Matanya penuh kenangan
Hatinya penuh harapan
Senyumnya penuh makna
Kerinduan
Biarkan mereka terbang bebas
Di iringi doa langit meluas
Di iringi restu laut mendalam
Dunia ini milik mereka
Hati ini - milik kita
Orang tua
Matanya penuh kenangan
Hatinya penuh harapan
Senyumnya penuh makna
Kerinduan
Friday, December 11, 2009
Everything they do is sadaqah...
Been very busy lately.
Nothing much. Just doing household chores.
And household chores.
And more household chores.
They never end - these chores.
And very demanding too - you must do the routine, the exact way, everytime, or risk not completing the job properly.
Wish somebody has a formula on how to complete these chores in a jiffy.
Problem is, there is no shortcut to doing household chores.
Asam pedas must be cooked in the exact manner in order for it to taste just so hot and soury, one would have to wash the laundry, hang them to dry, then neatly folded and arranged in the wardrobe - everything has its own regiment that must be followed.
It is almost military-like and most regimental in its manner of execution these chores.
And really, a housewife duties is never done until she closes her eyes to sleep...
(there will always be -'Mom, can make me some Milo? Dear, can cook some Maggie for me?)
And the next morning, when she wakes up, the whole thing is repeated again.
Which is why my upmost admiration and salute goes to all full-time housewives in this world...
Your job is the most mundane, but the most important of all -
You put food on the table so that your family can enjoy that dinner get-together -
You dusted and swept the house so that your family come back to a clean, comfortable den to sleep, play and study in..
You washed, folded, ironed and arranged the clothes so that your family will always have that new, nicely smelt clothes to put on the next day..
MasyaAllah!
No wonder Allah has promised all wives that whatever they do and give to their husband, out of sincerity, is considered sadaqah, whereas the bread put by the husband on the table is their responsibility!
Without leaving her house, without having to take up arms, a wife is blessed by Allah when she gives service to her family.. :)
I am not a full-time housewife..
I am all fingers when it comes to household chores.
Honestly, I am happier holding a pen than a ladle... :)
I still hoped and prayed though, that Allah would place me among all those wonderful women (my mum being one of them) as one who has given service to her family...in some other ways other than doing household chores.
Amin. :)
Nothing much. Just doing household chores.
And household chores.
And more household chores.
They never end - these chores.
And very demanding too - you must do the routine, the exact way, everytime, or risk not completing the job properly.
Wish somebody has a formula on how to complete these chores in a jiffy.
Problem is, there is no shortcut to doing household chores.
Asam pedas must be cooked in the exact manner in order for it to taste just so hot and soury, one would have to wash the laundry, hang them to dry, then neatly folded and arranged in the wardrobe - everything has its own regiment that must be followed.
It is almost military-like and most regimental in its manner of execution these chores.
And really, a housewife duties is never done until she closes her eyes to sleep...
(there will always be -'Mom, can make me some Milo? Dear, can cook some Maggie for me?)
And the next morning, when she wakes up, the whole thing is repeated again.
Which is why my upmost admiration and salute goes to all full-time housewives in this world...
Your job is the most mundane, but the most important of all -
You put food on the table so that your family can enjoy that dinner get-together -
You dusted and swept the house so that your family come back to a clean, comfortable den to sleep, play and study in..
You washed, folded, ironed and arranged the clothes so that your family will always have that new, nicely smelt clothes to put on the next day..
MasyaAllah!
No wonder Allah has promised all wives that whatever they do and give to their husband, out of sincerity, is considered sadaqah, whereas the bread put by the husband on the table is their responsibility!
Without leaving her house, without having to take up arms, a wife is blessed by Allah when she gives service to her family.. :)
I am not a full-time housewife..
I am all fingers when it comes to household chores.
Honestly, I am happier holding a pen than a ladle... :)
I still hoped and prayed though, that Allah would place me among all those wonderful women (my mum being one of them) as one who has given service to her family...in some other ways other than doing household chores.
Amin. :)
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