TRULY AMY

2020-10-24T00:33:00.006+08:00

Alhamdulillah.

Finally, after the long delay, now my first book is out!

TRULY AMY BOOKS GALLERY SOLUTIONS would like to present:

'MENYULUH SABITAH DI ANDALUSIA' by AMIZIAN AZLINA

Dua tiga kucing berlari,

Mana nak sama si kucing belang,

Dua tiga naskah silalah beli,

Ada inspirasi sejarah terbilang.

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019 9878163

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Humanity – Out Of The Corner Of My Eye

2016-01-08T11:38:00.001+08:00

2015 had a lot to say about humanity and human rights. The year of dreadful depressing, with economic implication, political turmoil, racial conflicts, flows of migrants who perished while simply attempting to improve their lives, and terrorist attacks on the most sacred symbols of civilization - for both Muslim and Western world.

We dwell in a world teetered between technology and human regress. We progress forward through our institutions, but not through our empathetic of each other, feeding the world where thousands of children died of famine everyday, and providing proper education to millions of people.

We get ourselves involved in farce movements against the religions that we don’t understand. We close our minds from reading and seeing more. Hence, we stigmatize them for being different. We waste too much time on too many senseless issues. People can be totally ignorant of our laws and how it works. The world gave us the right to be open and to learn from one another, not to tear us apart.

Then, as technology and democracy have given us the ability to move forward, it has also corrupted us.

We yield ourselves to be governed by those that supposedly hold the power to improve our lives, but they make it inconsequential, thinking they know the best and forgetting that the nation’s collective power would choose what is best.

These days through one law or another, our freedom to articulate what we feel about anything is being curtailed.

My deep stance on racial issues, corruptions and human rights in Malaysia at present was strongly argued by an Editor. How can divulge the good thought about another race can be so intimidating? How can upholding what’s crucial to be ironed out in the name of equality and democracy is being called a traitor?

The fears seem to be overstated!

Considerably, some believe that the way to shun from trouble is to simply shut up. But then, we let our freedom that is ensured by our constitution being curtailed. But then again, nowadays, is our constitution unwavering? It is, however, another affair.

Gradually, we are missing some of the matters that we have always enjoyed due to our own laxity for taking things for granted. We don’t seem to ascertain how we are losing our freedom and rights.

Lamentably, our disagreements are generally not fought over values or ideas, but more exactly focus on differences.

More sadly, mass media and social media obviously are the instruments for mass deception and misguiding. Gone are the days of credible news.

In my homeland and most places that I have been, people only believe that the human right is only the freedom of speech, and disregard the other very basic rights that every human being is entitled – dignity, religion, education, work, our attire, nationality, right to live, a way of life, including the choice and opportunity, for example.

That is why knowledge plays an extremely significant role in our lives, and never underestimate the power of human rights.

The suppression of ideas and thought is a major sin. In every faith, there is tolerance, principles, morality and openness. In Islam, our Holy Quran stands for knowledge and thought. These verses do not call for sitting idly, unthinking, or to go through life blindly. It has never been, at any time, against seeking of knowledge.

Let’s care for humanity by understanding the human rights that apply to everyone that has the rights of the fundamental equality of justice and judgment - everywhere. They teach us what is substantial and what is the right thing to fight for in our lives.

When there’s a bond between people and knowledge, we can tear down the barricades, some try to build in the name of moving forward.

Because the horizon has no limits, a vision cannot have any boundaries.

Batam, Indonesia – Menjejak ‘Tak Melayu Hilang Di Dunia’

2014-03-08T10:05:00.000+08:00

“Batam? Riau? Iskhhh … Boring! What do they have there?!”

I said, “Frankly, I don’t know, but why not? Haih! How alien can I be at a place like Batam huh.”

“Volcano eh?”

I said again, “Eh, come on, true! I have never been to Batam but mana ada volcano in Batam-lah!”

Some may find this place deserted, monotonous and laid back. Ya. You may be right. But then again, let us just be curious rather than critical. There must be something worthy of note coming out of this place. No matter how insignificant … there must be!

Understanding our perseverance in our life is truly our obligation that calls for us to always seek to grow, to learn. As usual, our complex life cannot be only compressed in a tiny bubble. Really, we have no choice but to nurture. Moreover, a life built on a human values platform is really one boundless discovery.

Batam, the largest of 329 islands in the Riau Archipelago (Kepulauan Riau) is located between the Straits of Malacca (Selat Melaka) and Straits of Singapore (Selat Singapura). There is no mention how did Batam get its name. There is not much reference on Batam, as well. Observably whatever stories unwritten had been passed on from generation to generation.

The moment the aircraft touched the runway at Batam airport what caught my eyes was nah! – Hang Nadim Airport.

It took us about 45 minutes from the airport to Harris Hotel. And our trip discovering what Riau Archipelago can offer us started the next day …

“Selamat Pagi, Bu! Hari ini mahu shopping dimana ya? Nagoya? Pasar Jodoh?”

Eddie, (our airport taxi driver cum tourist guide) asked.

“Shopping? Mungkin itu kemudian saja ya, Eddie. Sekarang kita pergi minum ya. Saya mahu tahu apa yang kamu bisa bantu.” Yup! That’s me! No story, no shopping! He-he …

Shopping. Ha ah! As part of the free trade zone and Sijori Growth Triangle, (economic agreement between Singapore, Johor and Riau Island) Batam is actually famous for its shopping paradise (surprisingly huh!). After all, Johor and Singapore are only approximately 20 – 25km away. Batam can be reached by ferry or by plane.

‘Nagoya’ is a town and got its name during the Japanese occupation (before it was ruled by Dutch, English and Malacca).

And yes ... this is the famous Nagoya Shopping Mall

'Pasar Jodoh' is actually an arcade or bazaar

This uncle said, "Hah! dipasar inilah ramai ketemuin
jodohnya dulu ha-ha"

At this 'Pasar Jodoh' many found their companion during its glory era once upon a time.

Trying to surmise, I asked Eddie, “Eddie, siapa itu Hang Nadim?”

Eddie said, "Oh! Itu Pahlawan 'Kepri' (KEPulauan RIau)
yang terbilang, Bu! Banyak sekali berjasa.
Punya kaitannya sama Hang Jebat"

“Jebat! Ceritalah! Ada Jebat ada Tuah. Ada Tuah ada sejarah!” Yup! That’s me again.

“Jaman persekolahan dulu, saya gagal semua subjek kecuali sejarah saya cemerlang, Bu. Saya bisa ceritakan semuanya tentang sejarah Kepri. Tapi skiranya ibu ingin tahu lebih detailnya, biar saya telefon teman saya ini dimana kita bisa buat rujukan.”

And, lucky me! To have been acquainted to this place

... where history ...

... continues to be present

The acknowledgement of dignity
in Kepri

This brought me back to the last two years when my fellow compatriots pondered and debated who was actually Hang Tuah. Did he really exist? Is this a fiction? Is the story of Hang Tuah and friends genuine? Aihhh … Why now question? But, it’s okay. Curiosity never chooses when is the best time to be curious, right?

There were stories to be written that would wrangle for social change and there were also stories that might confront the status quo. Nevertheless, this is the story I truly relish.

Every Malaysian (well, at least my generation) should know this historical figure. I would rather refer to as a historical character (humble, loyal, resplendent with love and the man who held all human nations as his one big family).

Indeed, at least there are more than fifteen versions of stories of this distinguished Admiral (Laksamana) and I have read six of them and watched three movies (acted by M. Amin, Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Dato M. Nasir). For my part, after I have found what has been narrated by Tun Kasturi to Tun Sri Lanang, it has ‘altered’ my insight from something I used to know to one thing I comprehend and appreciate.

Hang Tuah was born in Bintan Island, Riau Archipelago (located east Batam Island), from ‘orang laut’ (sea people) tribe before his parents (Hang Mahmud and Dang Merdu Wati) migrated to Sungai Duyong, Melaka when he was a toddler.

The indigenous of Batam inhabitants are Malay origin.

Still to this very day, most of the people live in
Coastal village, where they fish for a living

Remarkably, tourists have come to Batam just for the fresh seafood. Delightful and cheap!

Okay, back to history. To me, almost all versions of how Tuah and his buddies entailed into the palace and how Tuah been accused of treachery were practically comparable. The apparent diverse was how Jebat was killed by Tuah. Some said they brawled for seven days, seven nights. Some said Jebat was slain immediately.

And, Tun Kasturi narrated that it was after Friday prayer until the next afternoon when Tuah came rushing out, threw his Taming Sari and left the palace. In between their fight Jebat allowed Tuah to pray, but Jebat did not pray as he told Tuah his sins were too enormous and countless to be pardoned by God. (Oh! Jebat … utterly, reading to this point my heart shrunk, my eyes blurred!).

When Kasturi, Lekir and Lekiu went inside the palace, the sight of Jebat was too much for them to bear. Jebat was a strong man. Jabot was still alive, but his stomach was awfully injured. Shattered. Jebat still managed to walk to Tuah’s house where Tuah brought him into one room and they (five of them) broke into tears when Jebat managed to ask forgiveness from them. And when he himself undone his wounded stomach wrapping, blood gushed … that was the instant Jebat died … in the arms of Tuah, at the age of thirty-seven, the oldest among those five famous brothers.

Tun Kasturi continued, the death of Jebat really transformed Tuah. The truth - Jebat was greatly needed by Tuah in his life. Tuah could not bear such misery. He travelled to Turkey to learn more about Islam. He travelled to China and India to learn their culture. (This is only quarter of the complete story narrated by Tun Kasturi that I can summarize here. Reading every episode of the whole narration is truly inspiring, peeps!).

Now, exploring some of the Malay tradition and culture of the Riau Archipelago, in general and Batam in particular, there is not much different at all from what I have seen here and back home. As much as I respect tradition, pardon me that I do not believe and do not appreciate some animism, polytheism or superstition obsessions that hold mythical elements. Why? It is not taught by my religion, Islam.

Riau Archipelago and Malaysia also virtually share the same tradition and culture, particularly in dress (baju kurung), dance (zapin, mak yong and ronggeng) and of course, language and music. Have you ever come across the famous interesting story of ‘Putri Siput Gondang’? Ahh.. This one is not found in Malaysia’s folklore. Want to know? He-he… This article is too lengthy already!

On the last day of our trip to Batam, Indonesia I came across Hang Nadim Airport again (of course!). We were quite early though, and at the departure hall, I had plenty of time on my own and this came across my mind …

Ya ... this is Batam

Clearly, it is true Batam does not offer much fun. Life is rustic and simple, far removed from the fast pace of modern life, but it offers truly the history of who we are and where we were from, possibly. I do believe our legendary warriors existed and they were from Riau Archipelago. Maybe the way people hype Hang Tuah was way too much until he was portrayed as mystical, too transcendent and that eventually became deceptive or misleading. Tricky, isn’t it? Sadly, we lost the real quintessence of his character and accomplishments.

And me, my Bugis ancestor (am proud!) derived from this archipelago, I believe. I am very certain in every lesson, from every single history. More travelling. More exploration. Discovering a gem that you will cherish, in your search for knowledge is truly (truly!) a wonderful feeling.

Jebat would have been a greater hero. But rashness and angered brought him down. And what was the most wretched part was affection killed him. Look at what actually had happened to Tuah and Jebat. Did Tuah live happily ever after? Tuah may be disappearing at the end, but his pledge ‘Tak Melayu Hilang Di Dunia’ (Malay will never be wiped out from this world) never been gone. But then again, do we value this pledge from our forefather … these days?

As this world continues to develop and we as we grow, our understanding of the world around us must continue to grow too. And, I cannot help but find that there is this intertwined link between development and tragedy. What a great message that would be for us and the generations to come.

So, how do we ‘read’ history? ‘Tepuk dada tanyalah selera’ (the choice is yours).

Baik-baik mengail tenggiri

Takut terkena si ikan parang

Baik-baik merendah diri

Jangan menjadi hamba orang

I guess we have to determine who we are and make the world acknowledge us, not with what it ‘thinks’ of us. I do hope that knowledge that I have gained will continue to remind and make me one compassionate humble being. I want to do good and spread the love. InshaaAllah (God willing).

So … Batam? Riau? Boring heh? Think againâ€¦ Bless are those who appreciate the splendor in humble places where other people see nothing … after all, life is all about existence, isn’t it?

"He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn" - His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President UAE (1918 - 2004).

Monte Carlo, Monaco – Splash To The Finish Line!

2013-12-01T01:04:00.000+08:00

It took me quite a while to write about Monte Carlo and to ‘digest’ about Monaco other than the rich and famous, the bold and the beautiful and the swanky, glitzy society.

After Vatican City, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. It owns only 490 acres of land with three mile coastline. But! Monaco has the most number of tycoons, superstars, billionaires and their presence and chattels kept here somehow ‘endorsed’ to its status as an interesting tiny prosperous country. It is very apparent that Monaco has the legendary names in showbiz and sports.

Monte Carlo, Monaco can be reached by car, yacht, cruise ships, helicopter or by bodyguards! And we chose by train … obviously, no bodyguards ha-ha! Didn’t even need a map, and this is the only place we didn’t get lost!

Monte Carlo, besieged by the Mediterranean peaks

'Monaco' gets its name from 'Monoikos'
(In Greek means 'living apart')

And I guess Monaco really lives up to its name - living apart. Living apart from the rest of the world as Monaco lives in its own glamorous life. The residents of this tiny, wealthy country came from all over the world.

Monaco Grand Prix is a legendary race and every F1 driver aspiration is to win on this circuit, although it is the toughest of all circuits in the F1 World Championship. But it is the slowest, though!

The famous 'hair pin'

With the stretch of the 3340 km circuit, 261 km race distance and 78 laps, winning in Monaco have to be highly merited. The slightest error means fatal. Wohh!

The mixture of culture has made Monaco
a very multicultural high society

People come to Monte Carlo every year to watch the Monaco Yacht Show, the largest show of super yachts here at Port Hercule.

The size of yachts for sale or charter is from 60 feet to 500 feet long.

Now… we cannot have the world’s most luxurious yacht shows without the world’s best cars, right?

Nah! Make your choice ...

Okay … we have F1. We have yachts. We have cars, luxury I mean and now let’s check out the casino! This Europe's oldest casino was built in 1863.

Made famous by the lavish ornamented marble,
featuring 'Never Say Never Again' and 'Golden Eye',
familiar?

The Royal home.
Monaco is entirely under France fortification

In half a day, we already covered Monte Carlo, Monaco including visiting Prince Albert's royal home (he-he!)

Frankly, to me Monaco is not on my top list as a destination for a vacation. May be because this is the country that everything is too good to be true. Or maybe, it could be highlighted as a place to visit but nothing new to be explored. Anyway, glad been there, seen that ...

This is the place that a nickel ain't worth a dime anymore! It's all about the money!

Now, who said that, "Life is a game. Money is how we keep score?" .... Brilliant!

Nice, France – Wherever The Story Takes Us

2013-09-28T14:45:00.001+08:00

When there is uncertainty about the places I come across, I confront myself to keep on questioning. It will be great if there is no simple answer. If I had already known the answer, I am clearly on the road that someone has already been to or thinking what someone has already thought of! Isn’t it? It could be …

Our story in Nice began when we chose to just take a walk (with one luggage and one hand carry bag each of us) to Grand Hotel Le Florence, 3, Paul Deroulede Street, Nice City Center from Gare Nice Ville Train Station, which was actually only four blocks away and naturally, there should be a simple route. But by some means, we ended up a long way to reach our hotel. We were lost. Great! We see nothing if we are not lost, right? Because again … this time we see the other part of Nice that little information we know - the part of Nice that was the beginnings of Islam.

Nice, one of the largest ....

.... and the most visited cities in France

Through our experience – as in Marseille, France - A Far Cry From A Typical Side Of French Culture!, Nice too holds a kind and friendly approach towards travelers. Nice, France was founded in 350BC and its history bred over times.

This ain't Paris!

Again, we cannot expect too much of a 'cutting-edge' French culture in Nice. In any case, at least that was our perception before arriving into the heart of this city. Albeit the diversity in culture and way of life that could visibly be noticed between the locals and immigrants, I experienced that everyone was respectful, pleasant and accommodating. As compared to other big cities, the inhabitants of Nice seemed to be more relaxed and contented. I guess Nice is a happy place to be.

Promenade des Anglais area is the heart of Nice where
cafes, restaurants are lined.
Day and night

This is what Nice is famous for -
Legendary street food

You don't really need a car - public transportation
is superb

Summer time is lively and lovely time

Under the sun. Under the moon.
Nice is bustling with many actions for everyone

Sometimes it takes the locals who break the ice. Sometimes it has to be you. So, in Nice, we understand that Islam is the second religion after Catholicism in France. As an observer of Islam in France I would like to paint a picture of harmony and broad-mindedness. And surprisingly, that was the picture existed here (minus media hype, certainly!)

Halal slaughter is not a problem in general and in
Nice in particular

Muslims came to France centuries ago, thriving with the occupation of Spain (exceptionally Andalusia) Granada, Andalusia – Through The Pages Of History and Al Hambra, Granada – If Only We Can Hold Time Still … by the Moors in the eighth century. Anyway, only half of five million Muslims in France are of Arab origin. The remainders are from West Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Turkey, Lebanon, India and including Asia.

And of course, halal food is everywhere!

We also understand that Muslims in France survived through employment, family reunification from immigrants, mixed marriage and the growing of the Muslim population in this country itself. However, understanding something does not mean justifying it. True? The percentage of growth of this community has been the focus of political manipulating and theory. Theory?

Ya, many can come up with many theories. But in reality, we are more likely to generalize the regretful than the virtuous. We assume that the worst is more ‘compelling’ and ‘infectious’. Not only in France, my friends, in any part of this world, in our societies today, rejection of absolute values has often led to a rejection of all values. How sad! What's more, we are intimidated more by moral uproars them by dictatorship, more by corruption than by radicalism. That’s the power of generalization, peeps! People generalize that French are arrogant. People generalize that immigrants are troublemakers. We have no idea what kind of life people have gone through. Well, know them, then you judge. Each of us has a good side, aren't we? In my eyes, it clearly showed that only idiots generalize!

It is amazing that just on how by knowing people make us wiser and obviously letting us understand what good value others have, what they excel better than us and guess what … it really makes me realize how petty we are at times in our tiny world whilst the rest of the world has no time for that!

The French insight of Muslims has transformed considerably over the period of time and this change has been basically a result of social and political measures linked to the Muslim society and its connection to the French civilization.

Travel is all about learning from others. We just love to explore the wisdom on how people ‘living their lived experience’, the experience that shape the root of character evolving of ‘French Muslim’. We learned that by meeting people of diverse faiths, cultures, judgments and philosophies truly make this world wonderful. Without prejudice, I absolutely enjoy Nice and like the people.

Nice is happening.
But whatever activities you are gripped ... he-he
Take note that Nice is an obedient city.
By midnight everyone is heading home ...

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharal Nehru

Perhaps - it's time to seriously move from what can I get to what can I give …

Marseille, France – A Far Cry From A Typical Side Of French Culture!

2013-09-01T17:22:00.000+08:00

Every time when we set our journey, we want to leave each country with a different edge (I mean not the stereotype) of mind and impression in our head. And, we are eager to see what's next ...

Our previous journey in France (Paris, Toulouse, St Biarritz) was awe-inspiring. We learned the linguistic, appreciate the culture, marvel at the beauty of the geography and of course understanding the gastronomy. So, what and where else can France offer us as an adventurous country to visit?

Marseille! Yes! We forgot that Marseille is merely the place in France that could evolve in a heartbeat! We forgot that Marseille is the oldest city in France. So, since it is old definitely it has loads to divulge, so much to offer. Albeit as a commercial port city and has always had a poor and ‘mischievous’ image, Marseille’s ethnic diversity is truly an inspiration.

Indeed! Marseille stands nowhere as elegant, as chic, as swanky as Paris, St Tropez or Cannes, but this place takes pleasure in being different and always perceives itself as some time apart from the rest of France. If you are considering Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Dior, yes! You are in a wrong city, my friend. Oh come on!

So! What to expect?

Of course I was expecting to bump into Zinadine Zidane while strolling at the marina, dude! Ha-ha! But, seriously, I imagined nothing as I did not know much yet and what to anticipate from this bubbly city.

And as we experience Marseille, so will you … Now, let’s hit the excursion!

From Nice, France the train journey took us to
Antibes, Cannes, Toulon with the beach and countryside
view before we finally reached Gare de Marseille, St Charles station.

In history, the economy of Marseille was controlled by it
position as a port ...

... and now oodles of restaurants, offices and hotels
array the waterfront ...

... and the highlight is of course this private marina.

Vieux Port (Old Port) is the main harbor and marina of the city.
One of the significant arrival place for millions since.
Marseille is ranked 86th in the world for business tourism.

Marseille is the capital of Provence-Alps Cote d'Azur region, one of the most visited cities in France. And, as the largest commercial port and the largest city on the Mediterranean Coast, it is understandable that sailing is one of a major sports here, other than football (also remember Eric Cantona, Samir Nasri? ..:)). This year, 2013, the city has been designated as the European Capital of Culture.

Fascinated! We come to concur that the huge immigrant population is actually a strong support or backbone for Marseille! They are from Italy, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia. Both of us have come to appreciate the traits of Arab culture in this southeast coast of France. Marseille is France’s second largest city and the population is about one quarter Muslims. Nonetheless, there are sections that are entirely Muslims.

For most tourists, not only could they enjoy the pulsating Mediterranean French civilization, concurrently they could as well comprehend the Arab culture.

'Marche des Capucins' or 'Marche des Noailles' (Market at Noaillies)
located in the narrow street displays intrigue and lively food market.

Arab food ...

The best paella that we have ever tasted!
Ahhh! Regret sharing! He-he! Oh well, it's
a huge portion, though!

... herbs and spices ...

... Quran recitation, lifestyle, music and existence of Arabs are
extremely 'alive' here.

And of course ...

A lively daily 'Marche aux poissons' (Fish Market),
located at Quai des Belges of Vieux Port
remains to be essential in Marseille.

Marseille has also been the birthplace of many
French writers, poets and this city have been valuable in its arts.

On top of that ...

Marseille can be proud of its stunning sights and scenes ....

... that has its own interpretations of history since 600 BC.

Marseille always has a tradition in welcoming and respecting foreigners from different nationalities. I guess that makes this city a regional center for culture and attraction. Social problems? Of course, it has in every big city on this planet, peeps! Just do not let the politicians and (again) media fabricate on whatever transpired, especially on religions or ethnic sentiments. Well, that does not only happen in Marseille, right?

I cherished this place as I believed:

Marseille is a port that lives in history.

Marseille has too much to tell when you empathize the city.

Marseille is a city that has its own unique culture and is honored for its diversity.

The truth is:

Marseille edifies its inhabitants to come to realize and settle whether to be contented or hopeless in life. Then to see what is there to appreciate ...

... because in Marseille ...
inspiration is wonderful when it happens.

Wonderfully, today we have seen the other part of France. The other part of life that as immigrants, even though there is a thin line between hopes and dreams - even if you have to lose, you have to have the commitment on how to fight! Then the life will be tremendously fulfilling and of course, its worth the living....

Marseille never sleeps. Marseille is full of life.

Tout le meilleur, Marseille. Merci!

All the best, Marseille. Thank you!

Dubai – Are You Thinking What I Am Thinking?

2012-02-16T14:55:00.004+08:00

So here we are! Dubai! Honestly, what really crosses your mind when I mentioned Dubai? What do you expect from this one of the most urbanized cities on earth? How do you ‘recognize’ Dubai? Ah-ha! I knew it! Shopping! Wahoo! You are absolutely right. Yes! This is the haven for Shopaholics! But you are absolutely wrong if you think that I am going to enlighten you on how or what to shop here, dude! Anyway, I never have any doubt that Dubai can seriously offer ‘damage’ to your wallet (but it's worth it, though!) ha-ha!

Nah! A glimpse of Dubai in the morning!

A view of Dubai at night ... :))

Whenever I am in Dubai, I never stop being astonished. Who might think that from the plateaus of the desert, Dubai has changed to be overwhelmed by ‘cloud-capped’ buildings? Who might think that from dry land, Dubai can be proud of its world’s tallest water slide? Aaaannnd ... check this out – who might think that from camel riding, driving has been a serious challenge in Dubai today? And it ‘transformed’ in just less than 40 years! Dubai has become the world’s most popular tourist and tax-free working destination.

Located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula,
covered by sand 5,000 years ago, in one of the seven sheikdoms
in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai started as a humble fishing
Village and was also very well known for its pearl export until
1930s, where it was damaged by the World War I

Today, the main revenues of Dubai are from tourism, property and financial services, although its economy was originally built on the oil industry.

Take note that one of the very proverbial names in Dubai is Al Maktoum. In 1833, the Bani Yas tribal family moved into Dubai led by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Butti, who became the founder of the Al Maktoum family. Generation after generation, Al Maktoum still rules the Emirate of Dubai to this very day.

Clad in beige color kandura (the one looking at me - AHAKS!),
probably the most famous of all the Al Maktoum family is
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum,
currently the Vice President and Prime Minister of the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai

Dubai covers about 4,100 sq kms and it has plenty to be figured out! Thus, let’s start with the Dubai Creek.

This is Dubai Creek.
Visiting Dubai Creek, I must say, is a must!
This is the dock where you tend to appreciate 'the before'
and 'the after' of Dubai (errmm ... at least for me)

Dubai's history has been founded on its pearls diving and fishing
mainly due to this strategic location ...

... between Mediterranean Sea
and the Indian Ocean (that connects between the Middle East, Africa
and Far East)

Dubai Creek splits the districts of Diera and Bur Dubai
near the entrance to the Gulf

Let’s ‘get acquainted’ with the experience! Certainly, the best way to admire all the striking buildings that have ‘emerged’ along this creek today is from the waterway itself!

So, I chose this traditional dhow,
where from the top deck the view is spectacular!
This is an example of a dhow used to traverse the spice route

One of the most familiar sights of Arabic culture are these traditional dhows.
Traditional dhows are made for working, racing as well as pleasure.
And this really keeps the old tradition alive!

The view that I definitely appreciate...

The window to luxury

The Dubai Creek is where the famous ‘souks (markets) are established.

The Spice Souk - where gingers, chilies, cardamom, frankincense
are everywhere ... and the Gold Souk - or else how do
you think Dubai is referred to as 'The City Of Gold'? heh!

At this instant, before you think what I think you might be thinking, I think I would like to share my two cents about this Emirate. Why the world keeps on scrutinizing Dubai for its debts? Was it because of the anxiousness to stand tall next to New York, London or Tokyo? Was Dubai being modernized overnight?

Nevertheless, even if it was a painful reality, there has been an over-reaction over Dubai’s debts of the world (especially towards the fourth quarter of 2009). Oh come on! May be if Dubai is not in the Middle East, this will not be a big question mark at all! Not that I fully agreed with this overnight success so called, but the fact is today the Dubai government is in full control of all its commercial debts and has fully met its obligations. If the ‘minority’ projects still do not work out at present, does that mean the entire Dubai falls short? At least, I have not come across that Dubai has to go through an austerity measure. Yeaww! Correct me if I am wrong!

I had little chats with few Emiratis and was amazed when being told that even throughout the harsh times, the government still treats the needs of its nation as its super main concern. Kudos!

Dubai continues its dynamic development, albeit at a slower
rate than before the recent worldwide recession

Even with the drastic growth of Dubai, Emiratis are very proud of their heritage and culture. I guess the real quintessence or rather spirit of Dubai can definitely be found somewhere in between the people, the culture and the way of life, even in the laws and regulations enforced by the government.

The late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE once said, “He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn” and “I have said a lot, and I have wished a lot. God Willing, God helps people of the Emirates. What I hope for each of them much of what has happened and more”. And I supposed that ‘characterize’ the United Arab Emirates at present.

Well, I say ... being the one of the most happening cities around the globe, it is easy to ‘overlook’ that Dubai is a very young city, but there always seems to be a buzz about this place, and it will be interesting to picture what Dubai will look like in say ... ten to 15 years time!

To be continued …

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – The Milestone Inspired By A Caliphate

2012-02-05T20:28:00.152+08:00

By the side of Abu Dhabi, you will never miss the spectacle of this majestic landmark, the largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the six largest in the world and one of the most beautiful structures that I have ever imagined – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

This national highlight is run by Sunni, completed its construction in 2007, initiated and named after the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the First President and the ‘father of the UAE’. This is also the buried place of the late his highness.

The construction of this mosque involved approximately 3,000 employees from 38 well known companies from Italy, Morocco, Germany, Turkey, China, India, Iran, Greece and of course, the UAE.

Allow me to take you all the way through the fine points of this mosque, my friend...

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- one of the most beautiful in the world!

To illustrate the essence of Islam and the tolerance
The attitude of the founder, this mosque is open to all
nationalities and religions for educational tours

The site is 22,400 square meters

The exterior of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has 1,000 columns.
That is visibly of traditional Turkish design.

These are made of red agate, amethyst ...

... abalone shells, mother of pearls ...

... colored floral marbles and mosaics decorated with white
marbles ...

... and ceramic to maintain their 'enduring' qualities!

The ablution area.
Marbles, marbles, marbles!

The main prayer hall, people!
This hall can easily accommodate 8,000 worshippers

Marking the world's largest chandelier hanging
under the main dome. Made of gold (wohoo! Real gold, peeps!),
thousands of Swarovski and glass work. 10 meters diameter,
15 meters high and nine tonnes, this beauty cost AED30 million and
I counted that this main prayer hall has seven similar but slightly
smaller chandeliers!

The world's largest one piece hand-knotted carpet!
Designed by Ali Khaliqi, hand-knotted by 1,200 artisans.
Made in Mashhadin, a popular village in Iran for fine carpets
and costs another AED30 million! Yeaw!

This is the Qibla Wall.
Featuring the 99 great names of Allah

The Mihrab

There are 98 white with a floral design of marble columns
in this main prayer hall

The main door, heavy as 2.2 tonnes,
seven meters wide and 12.2 meters high

And ... this is the courtyard where you can appreciate
four minarets standing beautifully at four corners of this mosque

By 8,000 worshippers in the main prayer hall, 2,500 at the corridors, 1,500 in the female prayer hall, 25,000 at the courtyard and 3,000 at the entrance hall, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can accommodate approximately 40,000 worshippers.

I sat at the courtyard and found one word to describe this ... stunning ... !

Abu Dhabi – From Tribal Society To The Standing In The Eyes Of The World!

2012-01-23T17:04:00.004+08:00

Abu Dhabi (means ‘Father of the Gazelle’) was found when a gazelle showed the way to a rambling tribe to fresh water on an island. Yup! Abu Dhabi is actually an island. Abu Dhabi is enclosed by 300 islands that are spread out all over the main island. Nevertheless, most of the islands are unpopulated; however, it has its own natural history – flat and sandy.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Located approximately 400km from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

By plane, it took us about one hour,
by road it took us about five hours (including two check points
at the border; and if it is not crowded during festive seasons!)
to reach Abu Dhabi

With villages around, the more fertile oases, this place WAS based on pearl diving, fishing and date palm cultivations for its economy. Abu Dhabi WAS an empty desert inhabited by Bedouin tribes, once upon a time …

The discovery of oil in 1958 has unquestionably brought a
'radical transforms' to this country and its nation

Clearly, oil and gas revenue was judiciously invested to make possible a complete turnaround of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi’s wealth was wisely administered under the strong and wise leadership of their farsighted leaders exceptionally the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, one of the highly regarded leaders of the world.

You may find this piece of writing is ‘as dry as dust’ but the truth is, for every country that I visited, the politicians and the administration scenario ought to be my first glimpse. Now, let us have a glimpse of the surface of the administration of this country. Sequentially, the UAE consists of seven emirates (‘sheikhdom’) - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.

Each emirate plays its own important role to ensure the success of this federation. From day one, Abu Dhabi had taken the responsibility of supervising all political issues (including foreign issues), Dubai succeed in all forms of business activities, Sharjah on the cultural fields, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are responsible for this country’s strategic port.

The federation or alliance, if you like, was formed in 1971 and every emirate is ruled by its own Sheikh (relatively, this system is ‘quite similar’ to my country, Malaysia, gained independence in 1957, formed 'Hari Malaysia' in 1963 and has its own Sultan or Chief Minister for every state). Anyway, one thing has to be cleared here – the UAE did not gain independence in 1971. The emirates never lost their independence. There were treaty relations with Britain, but they retained sovereignty. So, the importance of federation to the Emiratis was that it brought the emirates together in a more organized structure.

Now, let’s move on - Abu Dhabi is the largest of seven emirates that covers almost 80% of its desert islands. Across the UAE, Abu Dhabi has the largest population that makes up 1.6 million citizens.

This country can be depicted as the Arab world's most successful unity system
that had demonstrated to be the right leaders in the right place at the right time!
Well, at least that was what I have been thinking, peeps!

Abu Dhabi has sub-tropical, dry climate all year round and the most pleasant time to visit this country is during winter (November to March) when temperatures are around 24 degree Celsius during the day and 13 degree Celsius during the night.

Arabic is, of course, the official national language.
Take note that, although English is widely spoken, Arabic is
still the official business language

Abu Dhabi’s culture is still definitely deep-rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Islam is obviously more than just a religion; it is a way of life or law that rules every single issue or matter in this country.

Regardless of how progressive can this country be, Emiratis still preserves its rich cultural heritage and traditions, particularly in falconry, camel racing, traditional dhow sailing, Arabic poetry, dances, songs, traditional arts and wedding. Indeed these are very interesting traditions that will be narrated in my upcoming posts … :)

Emirati men, mostly still wear their traditional dress called ‘kandura’ (a white full length shirt dress) worn with a ‘gutra’ (white or red checkered headdress). Gutra is secured with a black cord called ‘agal’. For any important ceremonies, they may also wear a thin black or gold robe called ‘bisht’, over their kandura.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
The President of the United Arab Emirates,
(in his kandura, gutra, agal and bisht)

Emirati women wear black ‘abaya’ – a long, loose black robe with intricate embroidery and beads plus a headscarf called ‘sheyla’ . By and large, older women wear ‘burkha’ – a sheer fabric that covers up the nose, brow and cheekbones. (Please refer to my previous post on 'Abaya - From Mythology To The World Of Fashion' for further understanding).

When the British withdrew its presence in mid 1968 from the region, the new political entity has been formed; leaders of the UAE joined hands to build a common future and I believed that it was not a straightforward process, though. I considered the UAE as a ‘young’ country. Nevertheless, it took only less than 40 years for the UAE to become the world’s 19th biggest trading economy (source : the latest World Trade Organization - WTO data); and the 30th most developed country (source: the UN’s Human Development Report released in November 2011).

Home to more than 100 different nationalities of expatriates,
definitely the UAE has 'engraved' a position for itself
in the eyes of the world

Forty years is, actually, a short period in any country’s history to achieve what the UAE has achieved. Most nations spend their precious time debating growth paths, segregation of power, mismanagement and confronting conflicts after conflicts, the people of the UAE have been very lucky, I supposed.

The world has been scrutinizing the development of this country; be it for the good or not so good, especially referring to the financial crisis, happened a few years back. But today, this country bounced back and it also took me almost three years to understand that perhaps the key elements accountable for the economic achievements of the UAE are 1) strong governance, definitely 2) open and willing to learn new things on trade development, and 3) the unity, the relationship among the seven emirates is just like – ‘a friend in need, is a friend indeed’. These are my two cents, merely!

With the growth of wealth in Abu Dhabi in particular, and in the United Arab Emirates as a whole, the UAE nationals are one of the world’s wealthiest people. The late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan made it clear as soon as he became the ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 that the wealth of Abu Dhabi would be used to help the other emirates.

The late His Highness Sheikh Zayed used to say this several times, “Wealth is of no value unless it is used for the service of the people”.

Therefore, in 1971, it was fully understood by all the emirates that money from Abu Dhabi oil was going to be used to benefit everybody. A noble leader, wasn’t he? Tell me.

Many people may not realize now how much the UAE has developed in such a short span of time. It WAS all just ... sand. I have heard many success stories, but the UAE is one of its kind and something that its nation can be proud of … above all, when it comes to UNITY!

Madinah Al Munawwarah – Antara Kisah Yang Dikasihi Mengasihi

2012-01-11T20:05:00.003+08:00

Sabda Rasulullah SAW,

"Sesungguhnya Madinah bagaikan ubupan tukang besi yang dapat melenyapkan orang-orang yang buruk, sebagaimana tiupan tukang besi melenyapkan kotoran besi"

Inilah Madinah Al Munawarrah atau Madinat Al Nabi, kota dagangan,
kota damai yang dianugerahkan berbagai keistimewaan

Madinah adalah tempat yang diutamakan sebutannya didalam Kitab Suci Al Quran dan Allah SWT menjadikannya tanah haram (suci). Syaitan putus asa untuk disembah disini dan para malaikat menjaga kota ini sehingga ke hari kiamat.

Diharamkan melakukan pemburuan. Diharamkan memotong, mencabut pohon atau ranting mahupun mengutip barang-barang yang keciciran. Diharamkan bersengketa atau berperang didalamnya. Diharamkan mengungkapkan bid'ah kata-kata dusta dan syirik. Diharamkan semua jenis wabak penyakit kerana ia dipindahkan ke Juhfah.

Diharamkan Dajjal memasukki Madinah. Tanah Madinah sebagai penyembuh dan sesiapa sahaja yang bersabar atas segala dugaan dan cabaran akan mendapat syafaat. Terdapat juga berbagai larangan dan diantaranya larangan membunuh ular sebelum diberi peringatan tiga hari. Ini adalah kerana para jin di Madinah banyak yang beragama Islam dan mereka suka berubah bentuk menjadi binatang antaranya ular.

Kota ini menjanjikan pelbagai kisah suka dan duka.
Madinah menjanjikan banyak tempat bersejarah untuk direnung bersama.
Dan kota ini juga menjanjikan pedoman yang boleh
dijadikan bekalan dalam kehidupan seharian

Aku juga yakin semua dari kita pasti telah mengetahui tempat-tempat bersejarah yang harus dilawati ketika berada di Madinah seperti:

Jabal Uhud bermaksud 'bukit yang satu'.
Bukit ini adalah sekelompok bukit dan tertinggi yang terdapat di Madinah

Bukit ini tidak bersambung dengan bukit-bukit yang lain (pada umumnya bukit-bukit di Madinah ini sambung menyambung). Jabal Uhud adalah salah satu dari bukit-bukit di syurga.

Pada 15 Syawal Tahun Tiga Hijrah, disinilah Perang Uhud tercetus kerana tuntutan bela puak Quraisy diatas kekalahan Perang Badar. Tentera Quraisy datang dari Mekah seramai 3000 orang dan tentera yang diketuai Rasulullah SAW dari Madinah hanyalah 700 orang setelah 300 orang belot dipertengahan jalan yang diketuai oleh Abdullah bin Ubai (dari puak Khazraj).

Disinilah Rasulullah SAW mengarahkan 50 tentera berpanah bertahan
dan tidak meninggalkan kubu pertahanan sehingga diperintah.
Namun mereka menyangka puak Quraisy telah tewas,
terus meninggalkan kubu, memungut harta rampasan
dan akhirnya telah diserang dari arah belakang bukit

Dalam serangan inilah Rasulullah SAW terjatuh ke dalam lubang yang digali oleh Abu Amr Ar-Rahab sehingga kedua belah lututnya dan pipinya tercedera, giginya patah, pitam dan terkurung didalamnya sehinggalah datangnya Fatimah dan Ali bin Abi Talib.

Sedih. Seramai 70 tentera Islam dan 23 tentera Quraisy terkorban. Antara kisah perang di zaman Rasulullah SAW yang menyayat hati adalah kisah dimana gugurnya 'Asadullah' (bermaksud ‘Singa Allah’) Saidina Hamzah, bapa saudara Baginda Rasul yang dibunuh dengan kejam oleh Wasyi atas arahan Hindun binti Utbah kerana membalas dendam atas kematian suaminya, Abu Suffian ditangan Saidina Hamzah. Diriwayatkan dada Saidina Hamzah dibelah dan hatinya dikunyah Hindun. Rasulluah SAW juga memberi gelaran 'Saiyidus Syuhada' kepada Saidina Hamzah yang membawa maksud 'Penghulu orang yang mati syahid'.

Rasulullah SAW memerintahkan kesemua mereka dikembumikan bersama pakaian mereka. Rasulullah SAW sembahyangkan seorang demi seorang tentera Islam yang gugur syahid. Hanya pada Saidina Hamzah, Rasulullah SAW sembahyangkan sebanyak 70 kali dan dikebumikan bersama Abdullah bin Jahsy.

Diriwayatkan juga, pada tahun 46 Hijrah, di zaman pemerintahan Bani Muawiyyah terjadi banjir besar di Uhud dan menyebabkan banyak tanah terhakis termasuk makam Saidina Hamzah dan Abdullah bin Jahsy sehingga jasad mereka terkeluar. Maha Suci Allah … jasad mereka masih segar seperti baru terkorban dan darah basah masih mengalir walaupun ketika itu selepas 43 tahun Perang Uhud berlaku.

Jasad-jasad mereka dipindahkan dan disemadikan di
kawasan berpagar ini bersama para syuhadah yang lain

"Salam Sejahtera keatas kamu wahai tempat tinggal orang-orang yang beriman, diberikan kepadamu apa yang dijanjikan, esok akan tiba hari yang dijanjikan. Sesungguhnya kami akan mengikuti kamu. Ya Allah, ampunilah penghuni perkuburan ini... Amin"

Terdapat banyak lagi tempat-tempat bersejarah di kota mulia ini … antaranya ...

Masjid Qiblatain bermaksud ‘Masjid Dua Kiblat’ – yang mempunyai dua kubah, dua menara dan disinilah terjadinya perpindahan kiblat dari Baitulmaqdis ke Baitullah. Sebelum ini dikenali sebagai Masjid Bani Salamah kerana didirikan diatas rumah Bani Salamah.

Masjid Sab’ah bermaksud ‘Masjid Tujuh’ – dimana parit digali untuk menghalang puak Quraisy dari menyerang Madinah. Ketika itu masjid ini tidak dibina lagi. Masjid ini dibina oleh Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Aziz di tempat Baginda Rasul solat dan berdoa untuk mengalahkan tentera Ahzab.

Masjid Jum’ah bermaksud ‘Masjid Solat Jummat’- dimana Rasulullah SAW mengerjakan solat Jummat dalam perjalanan ke Madinah Al Munawwarah dari Mekah Al Mukarramah.

Masjid Gamamah bermaksud ‘Masjid Awan’ – dimana Baginda Rasul mengerjakan solat Hari Raya dan beristiqa meminta hujan diturunkan.

Masjid Fath juga dikenali sebagai Masjid Hasir atau Ramad – dimana Rasulullah SAW dirawat lukanya selepas Perang Uhud dan bersolat Zohor. Sayang sekali, masjid ini sudah tidak dijaga rapi lagi.

Masjid Quba – masjid ini menjadi saksi kisah yang menyentuh hatiku dan juga mungkin seluruh umat Islam. Pertama, inilah masjid pertama yang didirikan oleh Rasulullah SAW. Kedua, disinilah kampung pertama dimasukki Baginda Rasul sebelum berhijrah ke Yathrib.

Yang terindah ... Allah SWT memilih kota ini untuk Rasulalluh SAW berhijrah dimana ia bermandikan cahaya di hari kedatangannya. Dihari ketibaan Rasulullah SAW ke Yathirb (nama sebelum Madinah) dari Quba, Baginda Rasul disambut dengan syair dan penuh sanjungan.

Ketika Rasulullah SAW mendengar syair dengan rebana yang meriah, Baginda Rasul lalu bertanya,

“Apakah kamu begitu cinta dan kasih kepadaku?”

Jawab mereka serentak, “Betul. Demi Allah kami cinta kepada engkau yang mulia wahai Rasulullah”

Lantas Nabi Muhammad SAW berkata lagi,

“Aku pun demi Allah amat mencintai kamu”

(dan diulanginya sebanyak tiga kali).

Sungguh indah menjadi umatmu, Wahai Rasulku ...

Diriwayatkan juga Rasulullah SAW sering menangis di waktu malam sambil berkali-kali berdoa dalam Solat Tahajjudnya:

"Jika Engkau siksa mereka maka sesungguhnya mereka itu adalah hamba-hambaMu, dan sekiranya Engkau ampunkan mereka maka sesungguhnya Engkaulah Yang Maha Kuasa dan Bijaksana"

Sungguh aku bersyukur menjadi umat yang dikasihimu, Ya Rasulullah ...

... Dan Allah SWT juga memilih Madinah sebagai tempat
bersemadinya jasad Junjungan Besar Penghulu
kita, Nabi Muhammad SAW

Hari terakhir aku bersamamu di kotamu telah tiba. Berat hatiku melangkah pergi setelah dapat aku rasakan kehadiranmu mengimamkan solatku, mengaminkan doaku, kehadiranmu menenangkan jiwaku, kehadiranmu memberi cahaya ilmu buatku, kehadiran yang mengajar aku bersyukur dengan segala yang dianugerahkan dan kehadiran yang mengajar aku erti kesabaran.

“Selamat Tinggal Ya Rasulullah. Berpisahlah kita Wahai Nabi Allah. Amanlah dikau wahai kekasih Allah. Semoga Allah tidak menjadikan pertemuan kita ini sebagai yang terakhir denganmu untuk menziarahmu ataupun berada disisimu. Kecuali Allah SWT mengurniakan kebajikan sihat dan afiat serta selamat, jika ada umur panjang, Insha Allah aku akan datang menziarahmu lagi. Tapi sekiranya aku mati dulu, maka sekarang aku tinggalkan disampingmu ikrar sumpah setiaku dari hari ini hinggalah ke hari kiamat iaitu pengakuan aku yang bersungguh-sungguh bahawa tiada Tuhan yang lain disembah dengan sebenar-benarnya kecuali Allah Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, tidak ada sekutu bagiNya dan aku bersaksi dengan sesungguhnya bahawa Nabi Muhammad adalah hamba dan pesuruhNya. Maha Suci Tuhanmu, yang mempunyai kemuliaan dari segala yang mereka sifatkan. Salam sejahtera keatas para Rasul. Segala puji untuk Allah, Tuhan yang mentadbir seluruh alam ... Amin”

Akhirnya, iman akan kembali ke Madinah dan keberkatan kota ini akan terus dilipatgandakan...

(Setinggi penghargaan kepada Kiai KH Ahmad Djamhuri atas ilmu dan bimbingan yang dihulurkan sepanjang kami berada di Kota Mekah Al Mukarramah dan Madinah Al Munawwarah)

Madinah Al Munawwarah – Penghayatan Terindah

2012-01-02T17:25:00.007+08:00

Assalamualaikum ... Wahai Rasulullah SAW …

Kami datang ke kotamu, kota yang bercahaya, Madinah Al Munawwarah, tempat termulia dengan sebaik-baik kedatangan. Madinat Al Nabi, gedung iman dan disinilah iman mampu bertahan hingga ke akhir zaman, tempat terakhir didunia yang akan diruntuhkan.

Semoga Allah SWT menerima kebaikan amalan kami ...

“Dengan nama Allah dan di atas agama Rasulullah. Ya Tuhanku, masukkanlah aku ke dalam pintu kebenaran dan keluarkanlah aku ke pintu kebenaran. Ya Allah, selawat dan rahmat ke atas Junjungan Nabi Muhammad dan ke atas keluarga Nabi Muhammad. Dan ampunilah dosa-dosaku dan bukakanlah pintu-pintu rahmat Engkau padaku dan masukkanlah aku ke dalamnya, wahai Tuhan Yang Maha Pengasih Lagi Maha Penyayang”

Coretanku ini dimulai dengan selawat dan salam ke atas Penghulu sekelian alam.

Ketika Rasulullah SAW tiba di Yathrib (nama sebelum ditukarkan ke Madinah), Baginda Rasul menerima banyak undangan untuk tinggal di rumah penduduk disini. Namun Baginda Rasul berkata dimana unta tunggangannya berhenti, maka disitulah tempat pilihannya. Akhirnya unta Baginda Rasul berhenti di tempat penjemuran kurma milik anak yatim bersaudara Sahl dan Suhail bin ‘Amr. Dengan perasaan yang amat berbesar hati mereka ingin menghadiahkan tanah ini kepada Rasulullah SAW. Hanya setelah dibeli oleh Rasulullah SAW barulah ia dijadikan tempat tinggal dan masjid.

Masjid Nabawi terletak ditengah-tengah Kota Madinah,
yang kedua dibina oleh Rasulullah SAW selepas Masjid Quba
yang didirikan ketika dalam perjalanan dari Mekah ke Madinah

Awal Masjid Nabawi dibina dengan tangannya sendiri. Rasulullah SAW mengangkat bata, Rasulullah SAW menggali tanah, Rasulullah SAW jugalah yang membeli barang makanan dan lain-lain dipasar dan Rasulullah SAW mengangkat sendiri barang-barangnya dan tidak berkenan orang lain mengangkatnya. Baginda Rasul pernah berkata, “Yang empunya barang lebih utama mengangkatnya”.

Awalnya juga tiang masjid ini adalah daripada batang kurma, dindingnya daripada lumpur dan tanah, atapnya daripada daun kurma dan sebahagiannya dibiarkan terbuka. Ketika Rasulullah SAW mendirikan masjid ini, solat dilakukan menghadap ke utara iaitu Masjid Al Aqsa. Masjid ini hanya mempunyai 3 bab (pintu) iaitu di bahagian selatan, barat dan timur.

Bab (Pintu) Timur - diberi berbagai-bagai nama termasuk Bab Uthman dan Bab Rasulallah (kerana Rasulullah SAW selalu menggunakan Bab Timur) dan ia masih wujud sekarang dan dikenali sebagai Bab Jibril.

Bab Barat - pintu ini dikenali sebagai Bab Al Umar terletak dibahagian timur diantara mihrab Rasulullah SAW dan makam. Pintu ini ditutup ketika pertukaran arah kiblat.

Bab Utara - pintu ini dibuka oleh Rasulullah SAW sebagai pintu selatan yang ditutup bersabit pertukaran arah kiblat.

Ketika pemerintahan Khalifah Abbasaid, masjid ini telah
diperbesarkan lagi dengan tambahan 20 pintu - lapan
disebelah timur, lapan disebelah barat dan empat diutara

Bab Saud ini digunakan untuk ke tingkat atas/bumbung

Hari ini terdapat 'Bab Al Salam' (yang selalu dicari oleh para
jemaah lelaki) yang sebenarnya nama asalnya adalah 'Bab Marwan' (kerana
ia berdekatan dengan rumah Marwan bin Hakam)

Pintu ini (Bab Al Salam) tidak termasuk dalam masjid yang dibina oleh Rasulullah SAW sebaliknya ia termasuk dalam binaan tambahan yang dibuat oleh Saidina Umar Al Khattab dan seterusnya tambahan Saidina Usman dan Al Walid hinggalah kekal ke hari ini...

Saidina Umar Al Khattab adalah orang yang pertama mengubah masjid ini iaitu pada tahun 17H, kemudian Saidina Usman 30H, Al Walid Al Malik pada 88H dan seterusnya terdapat banyak perubahan dari satu abad ke satu abad. Sekarang Masjid Nabawi adalah masjid kedua besar didunia selepas Masjidil Haram.

Kini terdapat 6000 tempat mengambil wuduk, 2500 bilik-bilik kecil
dan lebih 500 tempat minum air zamzam

Ukuran asal masjid ini hanyalah 30 meter x 35 meter.
Tujuh tahun kemudian diperbesarkan dua kali ganda, kemudian
84 meter x 100 meter hinggalah sekarang 98,000 meter persegi
dan memuatkan 800,000 orang jemaah

Pada sembilan tahun pertama, masjid ini tiada penerangan cahaya di waktu malam. Hanya di waktu Isya', jerami terpaksa dibakar untuk mendapatkan cahaya...

Setiap dari kita telah sedia maklum bahawa menziarah Masjid Nabawi di Madinah Al Munawwarah adalah sunnah dan tidak termasuk didalam Haji. Namun adalah sangat-sangat dituntut menziarahnya. Sabda Rasulullah SAW,

"Sesiapa yang datang menunaikan haji, tidak menziarahiku, maka dia sesungguhnya telah membenciku. Sesiapa yang menziarahku setelah kematianku adalah serupa dengan menziarahku semasa hidupku. Sesiapa yang menziarah kuburku, pasti ia akan memperoleh syafaat".

Masjid ini dipanggil ‘Masjid Nabi’ kerana Rasulullah SAW selalu memanggilnya 'Masjidku' tatkala menceritakan tentang masjid ini. Nabi Muhammad SAW juga pernah bersabda,

"Solat di masjidku ini, lebih utama seribu kali solat dibandingkan solat di masjid lain melainkan Masjidil Haram" dan "Barangsiapa melakukan solat di masjidku sebanyak 40 rakaat tanpa luput satu kali solat pun juga, maka akan dicatat kebebasannya dari neraka, kebebasan dari siksa dan terhindarlah ia dari kemunafikan".

Sedari dulu hingga kini pembinaan, perluasan, satu demi satu dipermudahkan bagi para jemaah. Perubahan yang terkini yang dialami oleh Masjid Nabawi adalah terbinanya payung-payung mekanik yang terdapat di kawasan perkarangan.

27 payung-payung mekanik seberat lapan tan setiap satu ini boleh
dibuka dan ditutup mengikut keadaan cuaca

Selepas solat Isya' atau solat terakhir, masjid ini ditutup untuk kerja-kerja pembersihan dan dibuka semula sebelum solat Subuh.

Junjungan Besar Nabi kita wafat dan dimakamkan di tempat
dahulunya bilik Ummul Mukminin Aisyah ra, isteri Rasulullah SAW.
Dibawah kubah hijau inilah terletaknya makam Baginda Rasul

Kemudian berturut-turut dua sahabat terdekatnya iaitu Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq dan Saidina Umar Al-Khattab yang juga dikebumikan sini.

Meskipun masjid ini mengalami perubahan demi perubahan, Kubah Hijau yang dibina pada kurun ke 12, tidak sedikit pun berubah.

Ar Raudhah an-Nabawiyah, jantung Masjid Nabawi terletak di kawasan panjangnya 22 meter dan lebarnya 15 meter. Sabda Rasulullah SAW,

"Raudhah adalah tempat yang terletak diantara rumahku dengan mimbarku merupakan suatu taman diantara taman-taman syurga, sedang mimbarku terletak diatas kolamku"

Diriwayatkan oleh Yazeed ibn Abi 'Ubayad, beliau selalu ke masjid ini bersama Salaman ibn Al Akwa' dan beliau selalu solat di tiang Mushaf Raudhah. Apabila ditanya kenapa beliau amat suka solat di tiang tersebut, jawabnya beliau selalu melihat Rasulullah SAW solat disini.

Ketika berkesempatan mendirikan solat sunat dan berdoa ketika berada di Ar Raudhah yang dikelilingi tiang-tiang berwarna putih, hatiku menjadi semakin sayu … Saat itu terasa hampirnya dengan Rasulullah SAW. Rasulullah SAW yang tidak pernah putus mengasihi umatnya, yang turut berdoa kepada Allah SWT.

Aku terkasima. Aku kehilangan kata-kata tatkala berpeluang merenung mimbar Rasulullah SAW. Aku bersyukur dan berkesempatan memohon, “Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pengasih Lagi Penyayang. Segala puji-pujian tertentu bagi Allah, Tuhan yang menguasai sekelian alam, puji-pujian yang menepati segala nikmatNya, yang sejajar dengan segala kelebihanNya. Wahai Tuhan kami, kepada Engkaulah puji-pujian yang selayak dengan keagungan dan kebesaran serta kekuasaanMu. Selawat dan salam ke atas Nabi Muhammad SAW, keluarga serta sahabat-sahabatnya. Ya Allah, ampunilah dosa-dosaku, kedua ibubapaku, datuk nenekku dan semua kaum kerabatku, saudara maraku, orang-orang yang telah mencurahkan ilmu kepadaku seterusnya sekelian mukminin dan mukminat, juga muslimin dan muslimat, samada yang hidup atau yang telah mati, dengan limpah rahmatMu, wahai Tuhan Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang”.

Kubah-kubah dan dinding-dinding masjid dihiasi dengan 70 gaya kaligrafi
seni Islam, bunga-bunga dan ayat-ayat qhasidah penyajak Arab terkenal
dari kurun ke 13 bernama Busiri

Disebalik pagar ini, bertemankan keindahan matahari terbit, terletak di bahagian
barat dan masih lagi diperkarangan Masjid Nabawi ini terdapat
'Jannatul Baqi' Al Gharqad', tempat perkuburan hampir seramai
10,000 para sahabat dan kaum keluarga Rasulullah SAW

Baqi' bermaksud ‘tanah lembut yang tidak mempunyai batu’. Tanah jenis ini dijanjikan untuk dijadikan kubur.

Biasanya Rasulullah SAW keluar menziarah perkuburan ini diwaktu malam dan ketika Baginda Rasul menziarah tempat ini, Baginda Rasul selalu berdoa:

"Salam Sejahtera keatas kamu wahai penghuni tempat tinggal orang-orang yang beriman dan orang-orang Islam. Semoga Allah mengasihi orang-orang yang terdahulu dan orang-orang yang terkemudian”.

Wahai Rasulku, betapa sukarnya dayamu menerangi cahaya Islam
dan kini aku datang ketika semuanya telah indah dan mudah.
Apakah masih belum cukup aku bersyukur?
Bimbinglah aku agar sentiasa mengenang kasih sayangmu ....

Dan di kesempatan ini, aku juga berdoa, "Ya Allah, sekiranya aku diberikan keizinan dan hikmah, matikanlah aku ditanah suciMu" ... Amin Ya Rabb ...

(Penghargaan kepada Kiai KH. Ahmad Djamhuri, yang telah bermastautin di Mekah Al Mukarramah, yang membimbing dan menceritakan kisah-kisah sejarah sepanjang kami di Mekah Al Mukarramah dan Madinah Al Munawarrah)

Mekah Al Mukarramah - Meniti Jejak Seorang Kekasih

2011-12-24T16:13:00.004+08:00

Disebalik hitam dan putih warna yang mewarnai Kota Mekah, perjalanan umrah kami dirungkaikan dengan selakan sejarah penuh pedoman di persekitaran Masjidil Al Haram ...

Kota yang menjanjikan kedamaian, ketabahan,
kekuatan hati juga sebuah gedung ilmu pengetahuan

Kiai KH Ahmad Djamhuri, "Insha Allah kita akan menuju dalam perjalanan
ini yang bersejarah ada lapan tempat. Selain dari itu, susah kita cari oleh
kerana kabur hilang dalam masa pembangunan, seperti rumah isteri Nabi,
ibunda Siti Khadijah r.a, juga yang lainnya... "

Kata Kiai terdapat lapan tempat bersejarah di persekitaran Masjidil Al Haram, namun setelah selesai perjalanan ini, yang aku kira adalah sepuluh semuanya ... Maka sebaiknya disampaikan sahaja disini kesepuluh tempat bersejarah itu ...

1. Maulidun Nabi – Rumah kelahiran Nabi Muhammad SAW

Rasulullah SAW dilahirkan di Kota Mekah pada Isnin, 12 Rabiul Awal
bersamaan 20hb Ogos 570M, tahun gajah, dirumah datuknya Abu Mutalib,
dirumah yang hanya berukuran 10 meter x 18 meter

Ayahnya Abdullah Bin Abu Mutalib dan ibunya Aminah Binti Wahab. Baginda Rasul adalah kira-kira dalam 40 keturunan Nabi Ismail as.

Ketika Rasulullah SAW berhijrah ke Madinah, rumah ini didiami oleh Aqil bin Abi Talib dan keturunannya. Kemudian dibeli dan dijadikan masjid oleh Al Khaizuran, ibu Khalifah Harun Al Rashid dan dijadikan pula khutubkhanah (perpustakaan) oleh Sheikh Abbas Qattham pada 1370H/1950M.

Terletak di arah timur Masjidil Haram, di kawasan yang dikenali sebagai Suq-Al Lail atau Syib Ali. Kini, didepan rumah ini tertulis ‘Maktabah Makkal Al Mukarramah’. Di dalamnya terdapat buku-buku ilmiah dan kitab-kitab agama Islam.

Kerajaan Arab Saudi membiarkan rumah ini usang dan menjadi perpustakaan yang selalu terkunci. Ini adalah kerana mengikut penjaga rumah ini jika dibina rapi, ia akan menjadi tempat syirik kerana dindingnya, tiangnya dan apa saja yang ada didalamnya dijadikan tempat berdoa dan kebanyakan buku-buku simpanannya telahpun rosak.

Sedih melihat betapa rumah ini dijadikan tempat memohon hajat – tertulis perkataan-perkataan di dinding-dinding dan di pintu masuk rumah. Rumah ini juga kini dijadikan pusat pengeluaran air zam zam.

2. Tapak rumah Rasulullah SAW & Sayyidah Khadijah ra

Yang tinggal - hanyalah tapak ...

Kita sedia maklum, Baginda Rasul berumahtangga dengan Sayyidah Khadijah Binti Khuwaylid ketika berusia 25 tahun dan Sayyidah berusia 40 tahun. Ketika itu Baginda Rasul bekerja dengan rombongan dagangan yang dimilikki Sayyidah Khadijah hingga ke Syam (Syria).

Di tapak inilah lahirnya putera puteri Baginda Rasul seramai tujuh orang. Tiga lelaki (Qasim, Abdullah dan Ibrahim) yang meninggal dunia di ketika usia muda dan 4 perempuan (Ruqqayah, Zainab, Ummu Kalsum dan puteri kesayangan Fatimah az-Zahra).

Sayyidah Khadijah adalah satu-satunya isteri Baginda Rasul selama hidupnya melayari bahtera rumahtangga sehingga Sayyidah meninggal dunia. Ini telah menyebabkan Rasulullah SAW merasa amat sedih atas kehilangan seorang teman di saat suka dan duka …

Kini rumah Rasulullah SAW dan Sayyidah Khadijah tiada lagi dan hanya tapak ini yang kini dijadikan tempat umat Islam mengerjakan solat di perkarangan Masjidil Haram.

3. Lorong yang selalu dilalui Rasulullah SAW

Lorong ini adalah lorong yang dilalui Rasulullah SAW
untuk sampai ke rumahnya.

Namun kini, lorong ini sudah diperkemaskan untuk kemudahan pejalan kaki menuju ke Baitullah. Di bahagian kiri dan kanan lorong ini terdapat tempat mengambil wuduk.

Suatu ketika dahulu, setiap kali melalui lorong inilah Rasulullah SAW diludah oleh seorang wanita tua dari atas rumahnya sehingga Baginda Rasul terpaksa menggunakan kain untuk melindunginya.

Namun pada suatu hari, ketika melalui lorong ini, wanita itu tidak kelihatan lalu Baginda Rasul bertanya kemanakah perginya wanita tersebut. Apabila dikhabarkan beliau sakit, Baginda Rasul terus menziarahi dan mengubatinya sehinggalah wanita tersebut merasa amat malu dan kesal akan perbuatannya sebelum ini. Baginda Rasul adalah lah satu-satunya orang yang menziarahnya. Sarat dengan sifat penyabar dan pemaaf yang penuh keikhlasan - adakah kita mewarisi sifat terpuji Rasulullah SAW ini?

4. Bekas Tapak Darul Al Arqam

Disinilah bekas tapak yang kini telah menjadi sebahagian
daripada Masjidil Haram

Rasulullah SAW menggunakan rumah Arqam Bin Abi Al-Arqam sebagai tempat pertemuan dan pengajaran Islam secara rahsia selama tiga tahun. Disinilah Rasulullah SAW membimbing kaum Muslimin untuk menghafal dan menghayati ayat-ayat Al Quran untuk kekuatan iman.

Di pusat pendidikan Islam yang pertama inilah bapa saudara Rasulullah SAW Saidina Hamzah Abu Mutalib ra dan Saidina Umar Al Khatab yang garang dan gagah memeluk Islam. Hanya selepas pengislaman Saidina Umar Al Khattab, dakwah Islam keluar dari Darul Al Arqam dan di sebarkan secara terang-terangan.

5. Tapak perkampungan Bani Hashim dan Bani Mutalib

Inilah tapak dimana Rasulullah SAW dan pengikutnya dipulaukan selama
tiga tahun oleh kaum Quraisy, diketuai oleh Abu Lahab, yang
ingin menyekat penyebaran Islam

Notis pengumuman memulau Bani Hashim dan Bani Mutalib ini ditulis oleh Manshur bin Akramah dan digantung di pintu Ka’abah.

Apabila bapa saudara Rasulullah SAW, Abu Talib melihat anak saudaranya dipulaukan lalu dia pun mengumpul suku kaum Mutalib, suku kaum Abdul Manaf dan suku kaum Hashim dan bertanya adakah mereka sanggup melihat Rasulullah SAW dipulaukan dan mereka terus tidak setuju.

Lalu Abu Talib berkata kepada anak saudaranya, “Janganlah kamu risau, wahai Muhammad, kalau mereka menyisih dan memulau kamu, kami akan tetap bersama-sama dengan kamu dan membantu kamu”.

Dan apabila kaum Quraisy mengetahui hal ini, mereka pun memulaukan kesemua kaum keluarga dan sesiapa saja yang beriman dengan Rasulullah SAW dan Islam dengan mengenakan perkara-perkara seperti tiada sebarang urusan jual beli, tidak boleh menjamu makan kepada mereka, tiada ikatan perkahwinan dan tidak dibenarkan membeli makanan dan mendapatkan apa jua bentuk bantuan dari luar Mekah.

Akhirnya habislah bekalan dan mereka hanya memakan sebiji kurma sehari. Hanya setengah biji terpaksa dibahagi-bahagi dan juga menjadikan rumput-rumput kering sebagai makanan. Sehinggalah kulit unta dicuci bersih, dibakar, diracik-racik menjadi potongan kecil dan direndam dalam air dan dijadikan bekalan makan hingga tiga hari.

Namun begitu, terdapat juga kaum Quraisy yang bersimpati seperti anak saudara Siti Khadijah, Hakim Bin Hizam dan rakan-rakannya yang sentiasa berusaha menyeludup masuk bekalan dengan mengikat bekalan makanan seperti gandum dan buah kurma diatas beberapa ekor unta dan dilepaskan ke arah perkampungan ini dengan harapan akan sampai ke tangan pengikut-pengikut Rasulullah SAW. Ada juga yang dirampas oleh pihak Abu Lahab dan tercetuslah pula pergaduhan antara kaum Quraisy.

Sepanjang tiga tahun, pengikut-pengikut hanya keluar dari perkampungan ini di bulan-bulan haram untuk mengerjakan haji dan tawaf di Ka’abah. Ketika itulah Rasulullah SAW keluar menyeru agama Islam dengan sentiasa diekori oleh Abu Lahab yang cuba menyekatnya.

Pemulauan ini berakhir dengan sendirinya apabila notis pengumuman reput dimakan anai-anai dan juga tentangan dari kaum Quraisy sendiri yang diketuai oleh Hisham Bin Amru yang dihatinya masih ada bibit-bibit simpati.

6. Tapak Jabal Abi Qubis

Ini adalah tapak yang dulunya dikenali sebagai Jabal Al Amin
(Bukit Kepercayaan), terletak dimuka pintu Babusalam Masjidil Haram.

Kini hilang berganti bangunan Istana Raja Saudi yang tinggi dan megah untuk memudahkan para pemimpin dan tetamu Negara beribadah di Masjidil Haram.

Jabal Abi Qubis inilah jabal pertama dijadikan oleh Allah SWT diatas muka bumi ini dan sekiranya ianya tidak diruntuhkan, pasti kita akan masih dapat berada dipuncaknya.

Tapak-tapak seperti rumah Rasulullah SAW dan Jabal Abi Qubis ini diruntuhkan kerana menurut Kerajaan Arab Saudi ini untuk menampung keselesaan 120,000 jemaah mengerjakan solat.

Banyak peristiwa terjadi di atas Jabal Abi Qubis ini. Antaranya, Allah SWT telah menyelamatkan batu Hajarul Aswad ke atas bukit ini ketika ribut petir yang dahsyat di zaman Nabi Noh a.s.

Di Jabal Abi Qubis ini jugalah Nabi Muhammad SAW memperlihatkan mukjizat dari Allah SWT kepada kaum Musyrikin Mekah dengan membelah bulan menjadi dua bahagian, satu diatas Jabal Abi Qubis dan satu lagi di Jabal Qiiza.

Diatas Jabal Abi Qubis inilah Nabi Ibrahim a.s berdoa,

“Wahai manusia! Bahawasanya Allah telah memerintahkan kamu untuk menunaikan Haji ke Baitullah ini, untuk diganjari kamu dengan haji tersebut akan syurga dan diselamatkan kamu daripada azab neraka, maka berhajilah kamu”

Dan berkesempatan disini juga aku memohon, “Ya Allah, Ya Tuhanku, seperti mana telah Engkau mudahkan bagi aku sampai ke sini, maka mudahkanlah pula bagi ahli keluarga dan sahabat-sahabatku datang ke tempat yang penuh berkat ini dan ke Masjid Nabawi untuk mengucapkan Selawat dan Salam keatas Rasulallah SAW. Amin”.

7. Masjid Rayah (Masjid Bendera)

Pada tahun ke 8 Hijrah, ketika Rasulullah SAW kembali untuk membebaskan Kota Mekah dari genggaman kaum Quraisy bersama-sama 10,000 pejuang Islam, Rasulullah SAW dan para sahabatnya memilih untuk berhenti seketika disini. Apabila Abu Suffiyan yang merasa musykil melihat api di luar Masjidil Haram beliau terus menghampiri masjid ini dan ditangkap. Akhirnya Abu Suffiyan juga memeluk Islam.

Kemudian, Rasulullah SAW memasukki Kota Mekah dengan penuh tawaddu' dan tanpa pertumpahan darah. 360 patung-patung dihapuskan. Sejurus selepas itu, Kota Mekah menjadi terlalu hening dan ketika itulah kedengaran Azan dilaungkan buat pertama kalinya …

Dan di masjid inilah dipacakkan bendera kemenangan yang kini dikenali sebagai Masjid Rayah.

8. Masjid Syajarah (Masjid Pohon)

Disinilah terdapat pohon dimana Rasulullah SAW memanggilnya lalu pohon tersebut tercabut dari bumi dan bergerak ke hadapan Rasulullah SAW. Pohon itu kembali ke tempat asalnya apabila disuruh kembali.

Inilah salah satu mukjizat Rasulullah SAW yang ketika itu berada di Masjid Jin dimana para jin meminta bukti tentang kenabian dan apabila menyaksikan peristiwa ini akhirnya mereka pun memeluk Islam.

9. Masjid Al Haras (Masjid Jin)

Terletak di sebelah kiri jalan ke Perkuburan Ma’ala.

Di masjid inilah Rasulullah SAW menulis sepucuk surat kepada Ibnu Mas’ud. Ketika itu Rasulullah SAW sedang menerima serombongan jin yang ingin memeluk Islam. Setelah memeluk Islam para jin ini meminta Rasulullah SAW memperdengarkan Al Quran kepada mereka.

10. Al Maqbaratul Ma'ala (Perkuburan Ma’ala)

Ini adalah sebahagian dari jalan masuk ke perkarangan Ma'ala

Disinilah para syuhadah Islam dikebumikan termasuklah isteri kesayangan Rasulullah SAW, Sayyidah Khadijah Binti Khuwaylid dan datuknya Abdul Mutalib.

“Kesejahteraan ke atas wahai tempat tinggal orang-orang yang beriman, sesungguhnya kami akan mengikuti kamu, kamu telah mendahului kami dan kami akan mengikutimu.

Mudah-mudahan Allah akan mengampunkan kami dan kamu dan mengasihi mereka yang terdahulu dan mereka yang terkemudian.

Ya Allah, janganlah Engkau kecewakan kami daripada mendapat pahala amalan mereka dan janganlah Engkau fitnahkan kami selepas mereka. Ampunilah dosa kami dan dosa mereka serta ampunilah dosa-dosa ahli Ma’ala … Amin”.

____________________________

Seterusnya inilah sejarah terpenting yang terpahat rapi di luar persekitaran Masjidil Al Haram, masih di Mekah Al Mukarramah ...

Jabal Nur (Bukit Cahaya)

Di jabal inilah terdapat Gua Al Hira', gua yang kedudukannya lurus
menghadap Baitullah. Perjalanan mendaki bukit ini adalah lebih kurang
satu jam. Waktu yang paling indah ke sini adalah sebelum azan
Subuh dan menunaikan solat Subuh di pertengahan jabal ini

Setiap dari kita pasti telah mengabdikan sejarah bahawa wahyu pertama diturunkan kepada Rasulullah SAW adalah ketika dia sedang mengasingkan diri di jabal ini. Jabal ini telah menjadi saksi lima ayat pertama dari Surah Al Alaq diturunkan oleh Jibrail kepada Rasulullah SAW.

Peristiwa ini terjadi pada malam 17 Ramadan (6 Ogos 610) ketika Rasulullah SAW berusia 40 tahun. Bagi Rasulullah SAW pengalaman menerima wahyu adalah pengalaman yang sangat berat, tidak tertanggung dengan pancaindera biasa dan membuatkan Baginda Rasul bermandikan peluh walaupun dalam udara amat dingin. Setiap kali menerima wahyu, Rasulullah SAW akan menghafalnya dengan diawasi oleh Jibrail.

Hari terakhir turunnya Al Quran ialah hari Jumaat, 9 Zulhijjah, ketika Rasulullah SAW wukuf di Padang Arafah. Beberapa bulan selepas ayat terakhir diturunkan, Rasulullah SAW wafat pada 8 Jun 632.

Jabal Rahmah (Bukit Rahmah)

Kisah yang juga kita telah sedia maklum. Tempat pertemuan Nabi Adam a.s dan Hawa setelah terpisah selama 400 tahun. Dipertemukan kembali setelah diturunkan ke bumi setelah memakan buah larangan di syurga atas pujuk rayu yang berulang-ulang oleh iblis.

Hati mereka tenteram kembali setelah segala taubat diterima dan Allah SWT berfirman,

“Turunlah kamu ke bumi sebahagian daripada kamu menjadi musuh bagi sebahagian yang lain kamu dapat tinggal tetap dan hidup disana sampai waktu yang telah ditentukan”.

Adam, (bermaksud tanah) manusia diciptakan dari segumpal tanah liat, kering dan lumpur hitam, berbentuk sempurna dan ditiupkan roh.

Hawa diciptakan dari salah satu tulang rusuk kiri Nabi Adam a.s yang dikeluarkan oleh Jibrail ketika Nabi Adam a.s sedang nyenyak tidur. Kejadian ini terjadi ketika Nabi Adam a.s berusia 130 tahun. Nabi Adam a.s hidup selama 930 tahun.

Anak-anak Nabi Adam a.s dan Hawa dilahirkan secara berkembar sepasang seramai 40 orang dan dinikahkan dengan dengan pasangan yang tidak sekembar. Adam dan Hawa – itulah orang tua dari semua manusia yang hidup didunia ini ...

Jabal Tsur (Bukit Tsur)

Di jabal ini terdapat Gua Tsur diatasnya. Masa mendaki untuk tiba
ke sini adalah dua jam. Di Gua Tsur inilah Rasulullah SAW dan
Saidina Abu Bakar menyembunyikan diri dari kaum Quraisy
selama tiga malam

"Jikalau kamu tidak menolongnya (Muhammad) maka sesungguhnya Allah telah menolongnya iaitu ketika orang-orang kafir mengusirnya berdua dengan sahabatnya. Ketika didalam gua, dia berkata kepada sahabatnya, 'Janganlah berdukacita, sesungguhnya Allah bersama kita'. Maka Allah menurunkan ketenangan pada Muhammad dan membantunya dengan tentera yang tidak dapat melihatnya dan Allah menjadikan semua orang-orang kafir itulah yang rendah. Dan kalimat Allah itulah yang tinggi. Allah Maha Perkasa Lagi Maha Bijaksana" - Surah At Taubah Ayat 40 -

Selama menyembunyikan diri di gua bukit ini, bekalan dihantar oleh anak Saidina Abu Bakar sendiri iaitu Asma. Selepas itu Rasulullah SAW dan Saidina Abu Bakar r.a meneruskan perjalanan ke Yahtrib dan kemudian disertai oleh dua orang lagi sahabat iaitu Amir bin Fuhairah dan Abdullah bin Uraiqith. Mereka berjalan merentasi gunung-ganang, padang pasir, merempuh ribut pasir demi meneruskan usaha menyebarkan Islam kepada penduduk Yathrib (Madinah).

Betapa beratnya hati Rasulullah SAW meninggalkan Mekah, tanah kelahirannya untuk berhijrah ke Madinah. Dalam perjalanan sehingga tiba di satu bukit, Rasulullah SAW berhenti sambil memerhatikan Mekah dan dengan linangan airmata meluahkan,

“Demi Allah, aku tidak akan meninggalkanmu (Mekah) kerana sesungguhnya aku tahu bahawa engkau merupakan bumi Allah yang paling aku cintai dan yang paling mulia disisiNya. Seandainya kaumku tidak mengusirku, maka aku tidak akan keluar”.

Ungkapan itu telah membuatkan seluruh penghuni alam menangis dan bukit tempat Rasulullah SAW berdiri bersama sahabat-sahabatnya turut menangis ... Subhanallah … betapa makhluk seperti bukit pun terlalu sayangkan Rasulullah … Dan aku? Apakah cintaku cukup sekadar mengatakan aku rindu padanya?

Di Kota Mekah Al Mukarramah ini aku tersedar dan kesedaran ini telah mengajar aku menjadi seorang yang amat bersyukur di atas segala yang diberi Allah SWT. Sesungguhnya Dia Maha Mengetahui apa yang terbaik untukku. Aku redha …

"Ya Allah, janganlah jadikan masaku ini masa terakhir bagiku dengan rumahMu. Jika sekiranya Engkau jadikan masa ini terakhir bagiku, maka gantikanlah syurga untukku dengan rahmatMu Wahai Tuhan Yang Maha Pengasih lebih daripada segenap yang pengasih. Terimalah doa kami, wahai Tuhan sekalian alam. Amin"

Mekah Al Mukarramah – Atas Undangan Penuh Debaran

2011-12-22T14:32:00.008+08:00

Wahai Mekah … telah berjuta umat Islam mengunjungimu, telah berjuta kisah akanmu, telah juga berjuta iktibar darimu … namun inilah kisahku tersendiri dan ku ulang kembali dalam suara yang bisu - rindu kah itu …

Perjalanan umrah kami yang pertama adalah 639 hari yang lalu. Belum sedetik rindu ku pudar, belum sesaat jiwaku hilang, belum sewaktu hatiku lupa dari mengenang keindahan dan ketenangan di ketika diri menerima undangan yang penuh debaran ini …

Pertama kali kaki ini menjejak Tanah Haram adalah pada waktu yang menjanjikan kedinginan dan kedamaian – waktu malam. Dan pertama kali mata ini menatap Baitullah adalah waktu yang menjanjikan – kesyukuran dalam kekerdilan diri.

Tiada panggilan yang lebih menggetarkan hatiku dan meruntunkan perasaanku selain dari panggilanMu Yang Maha Esa.

“Ya Allah, Mekah adalah negeriMu, Baitullah adalah rumahMu. Aku datang ke sini untuk mencari rahmatMu, mentaatiMu, mengikut perintahMu kerana redha terhadap ketentuanMu dan menunaikan perintahMu. Aku meminta kepadaMu sebagai permintaan seorang yang berhajat kepadaMu dan takut pada azabMu, dengan itu Engkau terimalah ibadatku, ampunilah dosaku dengan rahmatMu dan masukkanlah aku kedalam syurgaMu”

“Allahu Akhbar. Allahu Akhbar. Allahu Akhbar”

“Ya Allah, Engkau yang bersifat sejahtera dan daripadaMu datangnya kesejahteraan, maka hidupkanlah kami wahai Tuhan kami dengan kesejahteraan dan masukkanlah kami ke dalam syurga Dar al-Salam.

Ya Allah, tambahkanlah rumahMu ini dengan kemuliaan, kebesaran, keagungan, anugerah, ketinggian darjat dan kebaikan. Dan tambahkanlah orang-orang yang mengerjakan haji dan umrah dengan kemuliaan, kebesaran, keagungan, anugerah, ketinggian darjat dan kebaikan kerana mereka memuliakan dan mengagungkannya"

Inilah ‘Baitullah’ (bermaksud Rumah Allah), sejarah tidak ternilai bagi setiap umat Islam dimana ia dibangunkan buat pertama kalinya oleh para Malaikat, atas perintah Allah SWT. Baitullah ini dibina ditempat 'buih' dimana bumi ini mula dijadikan.

Inilah rumah pertama yang didalamnya manusia pertama turun ke bumi, Nabi Adam a.s menyembah Allah Azza Wa Jalla. "Sesungguhnya Nabi Adam melakukan tawaf (atau tafa’ bermaksud keliling) disekelilingnya seperti para malaikat yang tawaf di sekitar Arash Allah SWT”.

Namun setelah kewafatan Nabi Adam a.s, berlalulah abad demi abad sehinggalah rumah ini hilang dan tersembunyi....

Di perkarangan pintu utama Masjidil Al Haram - Pintu King Abdul Aziz I
(Sesudah Solat Isha')

Kisah bermula kembali apabila Nabi Ibrahim a.s meninggalkan Nabi Ismail a.s dan ibunya, Saidatina Siti Hajar di lembah yang kontang ini berbekalkan sebungkus kurma dan sebekas air. Maka, terjadilah kisah Saidatina berlari-lari antara Safa dan Marwa, juga hentakkan kaki Nabi Ismail a.s dan mencetuskan Telaga Zam Zam.

Sepanjang peninggalan yang mempunyai hikmah yang amat bermakna itu, hanya pada kali ketiga-lah Allah SWT memerintahkan Nabi Ibrahim a.s membina Ka'abah ditempat asalnya, diatas bukit kecil yang batunya kemerahan berhampiran Telaga Zam Zam.

Nabi Ismail a.s yang telah meningkat dewasa ketika itu, adalah satu-satunya manusia yang bergandingan dengan ayahnya membina rumah suci ini, dibantu oleh Jibrail. Nabi Ibrahim a.s menggali tanah asas binaan hingga sampai ke tapak asal peninggalan Nabi Adam a.s. dengan hanya menggunakan tulang empat keratnya.

Batu-batu yang digunakan untuk mendirikan Baitullah ini didatangkan dari Bukit Abi Qubis, Bukit Tursina, Bukit Al Qudua, Bukit Warifan (terletak antara Mekah & Madinah), Bukit Ridwan (antara Madinah & Yanbu') dan Bukit Uhud.

Rumah suci ini telah dibina sesungguhnya dari ketenteraman hati Nabi Adam a.s, kedamaian hati Nabi Ibrahim a.s bersulamkan perasaan cinta, ketulusan dan kesabaran Nabi Ismail a.s. Justeru itu, ketika aku menjejakkan kaki memasukki Masjidil al-Haram ini, yang dirasai hanyalah satu gelombang kedamaian yang amat sangat dan bagiku inilah hikmah dan kasih sayang yang diresapkan oleh Nabi Adam a.s, Nabi Ibrahim a.s dan Nabi Ismail a.s hasil dari pembinaan Baitullah ini.

Dan apabila siap terbina Ka’abah ini, Nabi Ibrahim a.s dan Nabi Ismail a.s terus berdoa,

“Ya Tuhan kami, jadikanlah kami berdua orang yang tunduk patuh kepada Engkau dan jadikanlah di antara cucu kami umat yang tunduk patuh kepada Engkau. Ya Tuhan kami, utuslah untuk mereka seorang Rasul dari kalangan mereka, yang akan membacakan kepada mereka ayat-ayat Engkau dan mengajarkan mereka akan Al Kitab (Al Quran) dan Al Hikmah (as Sunnah) serta menyucikan mereka. Sesungguhnya Engkaulah Maha Perkasa Lagi Maha Bijaksana” – Surah Al Baqarah Ayat 128 -

Selepas itu Baitullah ini dibaiki dan dicantikkan dengan mengalami 12 peringkat binaan sehinggalah yang terakhir oleh Sultan Murad Khan (1040H/1630M).

Apabila selesai pembinaan ‘Ka’abah’ (bermaksud 'empat segi'), Nabi Ibrahim a.s inginkan batu yang istimewa dijadikan tanda khusus untuk permulaan tawaf di sekitar Ka’abah. Datanglah Jibrail membawa sebiji batu yang teramat putih berkilauan dan diserahkan kepada Nabi Ibrahim a.s. Jibrail kemudian meletakkannya di bahagian barat Ka’abah, kini disebut penjuru ‘Hajarul Aswad’ (bermaksud ‘batu hitam’). Lantas Nabi Ibrahim a.s berdiri dan berdoa agar Allah SWT menjadikan hati manusia cenderung pada tempat ini dan dialah orang pertama menamakan kita sebagai orang-orang Muslim. Firman Allah SWT,

“Dan Dia sekali-kali tidak menjadikan untuk kamu dalam agama suatu kesempitan. Ikutilah agama orang tuamu, Ibrahim. Dia telah menamai kamu sekalian orang–orang Muslim dan dahulu” - Surah Al Hajj Ayat 78

Rasulallah SAW pernah bersabda,

“Hajarul Aswad diturunkan dari syurga dan berwarna putih dari susu. Namun kini, dosa-dosa anak-anak Adam telah menyebabkannya menjadi hitam”

Berhampiran Ka’abah terdapat tembok yang melengkung separuh bulatan dipanggil ‘Hijir Ismail’. Asalnya ini adalah tempat berteduh dan kandang kambing peliharaan Nabi Ismail a.s sepanjang pembinaan Ka'abah. Tetapi selepas pembinaan semula Arab Quraisy, tempat ini dikecilkan menjadi enam hasta satu jengkal sahaja.

Dalam pembinaan Ka’abah ini, Nabi Ibrahim a.s menyusun naik batu-batu dan Nabi Ismail a.s pula mengutip batu besar. Apabila binaan sudah tinggi, Nabi Ismail a.s menghulurkan batu besar untuk meninggikan ayahnya dan dengan kehendak Allah SWT, sebaik Nabi Ibrahim a.s meletakkan kakinya di atas batu tersebut maka terlekatlah tapak kakinya dan kini dikenali sebagai ‘Maqam Ibrahim’. Namun ia bukanlah maqam sebenar Nabi Ibrahim a.s. Hari ini, ia merupakan batu yang ditutup dengan kaca yang berbentuk tirus.

Ka’abah, hanyalah setinggi 13.1 meter dan lebarnya 11.03 meter x 12.8 meter. Asalnya rumah suci yang dibina oleh Nabi Ibrahim a.s dan Nabi Ismail a.s mempunyai dua pintu iaitu Pintu Timur dan Pintu Barat yang dibina rapat ke tanah. Tetapi kini Ka’abah mempunyai satu pintu sahaja iaitu di arah timur laut yang tingginya dua meter dari lantai, diperbuat daripada emas tulen seberat 280gram (bernilai 13 juta Riyal) dan hanya boleh dicapai menggunakan tangga beroda yang disimpan rapi.

Ketika dibina, Ka’abah tidak mempunyai bumbung. Namun puak Quraish telah membina atap demi menjaga bahagian dalamannya. Hari ini, Ka’abah mempunyai dua lapisan bumbung yang diperbuat daripada marmar putih dan dikelilingi tembok kecil yang mencantumkan dinding Ka’abah. Dan, tembok inilah yang menjadi cangkuk kepada tali-tali kiswah di bahagian atas Ka’abah. Manakala tali di bahagian bawah diikatkan ke syazarwan.

‘Syazarwan’ adalah tembok di bahagian bawah dinding Ka’abah setinggi tiga meter dari lantai dan selebar 45 sm yang terdapat cangkuk-cangkuk mengikat tali kiswah. Bertambah menarik lagi, di bahagian bumbung juga terdapat sebuah pintu berukuran 1.27 meter x 1.04 meter yang ditutupi dengan pintu yang diperbuat daripada besi baja.

‘Kiswah’ pula adalah kain yang digunakan untuk menutupi bangunan Ka’abah. Kiswah juga mempunyai sejarah tersendiri dimana ia pernah mengalami kebakaran berkali-kali.

Aku bersyukur berpeluang berdoa di Hijir Ismail dengan penuh kelapangan dan ketika berkesempatan mengusap dan menatap kiswah yang telah ditampal dan dijahit, tidak tertahan sebak didada atas kesedaran yang amat mendalam menyentuh hati bahawa bumi ini sudah terlalu tua ... terlalu tua ... :(' ... Namun keharuman kiswah tetap amat mengasyikkan ...

Sesudah mengerjakan tawaf, kami meneruskan ibadah umrah kami dengan mengerjakan ‘Sa’ie’ (bermaksud berlari-lari anak). Allah SWT berfirman,

“Sesungguhnya Bukit Al Safa and Al Marwa itu adalah syiar-syiar Allah. Oleh itu, sesiapa yang mengerjakan Haji atau Umrah, maka tiada apa-apa kesalahan baginya untuk berkeliling pada keduanya dan sesiapa yang mengerjakan dengan sukarela amalan yang baik, maka sesungguhnya Allah amat berterima kasih dan Maha Mengetahui” - Surah Al Baqarah Ayat 158 -

Kisah terulung kota Mekah ini dipanjangkan lagi dengan kisah Telaga Zam Zam yang sebenarnya terletak disisi Baitullah. Apabila bekalan telah kehabisan, Nabi Ismail a.s mula menangis dan Saidatina Siti Hajar terus gelisah dan berlari-lari anak mencari air diantara bukit ‘Al Safa’ (bermaksd batu yang keras) dan bukit ‘Al Marwa’ (bermaksud batu yang lembut). Maka terjadilah sa’ie seperti yang kita kerjakan hari ini …

Air Zam Zam tidak pernah putus menghilangkan kehausan jutaan umat
dari seluruh dunia. Air Zam Zam juga mempunyai 1001 zat
yang tidak tertanding

Dalam suasana kelam kabut, Nabi Ismail a.s telah menghentak-hentak kakinya diatas tanah dan dengan izin Allah swt, terpancut air dari tanah. Masih dalam keadaan kelam kabut Saidatina Siti Hajar cuba menakung air yang berhamburan keluar dan berteriak, “Zomk! Zomk!” (bermaksud berhenti mengalir). Maka hari ini, pusat pengeluaran air zam zam ini dikenali sebagai Telaga Zam Zam (bermaksud kepongan air). Telaga Zam Zam ini sedalam 30 meter sahaja dan kedalaman air hanyalah 3.32 meter. Namun begitu, terdapat beberapa punca air dibawah paras 13 meter.

Selesai bertawaf tujuh pusingan, bersa’ie tujuh pusingan, kami ber'Tahallul’ (bergunting atau bercukur) …

“Allah Maha Besar, Allah Maha Besar, Allah Maha Besar.

Ya Allah, inilah hujung rambutku di tanganMu, maka jadikanlah tiap-tiap helai rambut itu cahaya bagiku pada hari kiamat dan ampunkanlah dosaku, wahai Tuhan Yang Amat Luas Pengampunan.

Segala puji-pujian tertentu bagi Allah yang telah menyempurnakan ibadah-ibadahku, kurniakanlah satu kebajikan dengan setiap sehelai rambutku. Hapuskanlah dengannya satu kejahatan, angkatkanlah darjatku dengannya, ampunilah aku serta orang yang bercukur, bergunting dan sekalian orang-orang Islam.

Ya Allah, Ya Tuhanku, tambahkanlah kepadaku iman dan keyakinan, berilah taufik dan pertolongan kepadaku dan ampunilah kami serta ibu bapa kami dan keluarga kami. Selawat dan salam ke atas penghulu kami Nabi Muhammad, keluarga dan sahabat-sahabatnya sekalian. Amin"

Alhamdulillah ... maka selesailah ibadah umrah pertama kami …..

Masjid tertua. Masjid terindah.
Terletak di Baitullah yang mulia, kiblat sekelian umat Islam

Dimana satu solat bersamaan dengan 100,000 solat

Perjalanan umrah kami diteruskan dengan menghayati sejarah terulung di persekitaran Masjidil Al Haram … Terima Kasih kepada Kiai KH. Ahmad Djamhuri (yang telah bermastautin di Mekah Al Mukarramah) yang membimbing dan menceritakan kisah-kisah sejarah sepanjang kami di kota suci ini dan di Madinah Al Munawarrah …

Il Momento Dolce In Milano!

2011-12-11T21:13:00.006+08:00

Ciao! Bonjorno!

Rome is one of the places that I have a desire to visit perhaps, one day, but Milan is the ‘introduction’ city of Italy that I always have a high expectation at all times! I can bounce on Rome given that I can be in Milan.

Milan, the capital of Lombardy region is the second largest city in Italy. With two million inhabitants, this city is the training ground for the two reputable football teams, AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano. Familiar?

Piazza Duomo.
Piazza means 'square' and Duomo means 'cathedral'.
This is the most important symbol of Milan!

Piazza Duomo has a huge square and this is
the center of all activities during weekends.
This is where you can come across with people doing
what they feel like doing ... Like this ..

... or this ...

The history of Milan is bursting with performing arts and it started from 222 BC. Until today, Milan is still the heart of the opera and musical theatre of the world. The art panorama in Milan is remarkable and it has a variety of quality galleries and museums excessively.

Konon! We joined the crowd - trying to appreciate modern art
organized by the Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna

'Milano Ai Bersaglieri' (means Milan Riflemen)
Oh boy! I don't really understand arts but ...
I can tell you this is the ugliest work of art
I have seen in Milan!

Cadorna Station, the famous train station, also one of the landmarks.
I understand that this place is well known for its
arts - but is 'vandalism' part of it? I am a little curious here!

Milan is an easy city to get around. This city is compact, convenient and actually within walking distance from one district to another!

The bus and tram networks are excellent, though!
But taxi can be a 'damaging' way to travel ... :)
From Malpensa Airport to Starhotel Ritz that took us about
one hour costs us €100 per way!

Certainly, English is widely spoken here and the Italian word pronunciations are exactly as written. Therefore, if you refer to the little Lonely Planet phrase-book, there should not be any misunderstanding... :)

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
The most luxurious, well-designed and stunning gallery in Milan.
Built in 1870, this gallery is also known as 'Salatto DI Milano'
(means The Milan's Lounge)

Also known as 'Street Under The Glass'

And ... also known as 'The Living Room In Milan'.
It houses approximately 30 exclusive branded stores

Piazza della Scala.
This is the location of the famous Theatre La Scala,
a 'sanctuary' to opera music. Built in 1700s

Castello Sforzesco.
This castle tower reminds me of 'Rapunzel' - Geeeez! Europe
really made me slip back to fairy tales time and again!

While strolling Milan, we accidentally discovered
Giardino della Guastella,
city's oldest Italian style garden maintained for 500 years ago

Being the city of performing arts, Milan is where world most popular artists and designers were born. I am sure some of you must have grown up being familiar with names like Leonardo DA Vinci, Toscani and Mozart. Today, most major Italian fashion brands such as Valentino Garavani, Donatela & Gianni Versace, Miuccia Prada and two of our favorite designers – Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana are certainly from this place ... Hoyea!

What aspired us to visit Milan, actually? Frankly, there are two things that had brought us to this place of warm and friendly people: FASHION and FOOD!

Amazingly, these two things (fashion and food) are in fact ethnically ‘characterized’ or defined by Italian customs and their unconditionally ‘asset’ in their everyday life.

Milan has always been my ‘definitive’ city to keep an eye on fashion and style. Personally, I think Milan is not really an incredible place as a tourist city, as opposed to other fashion cities that I had the opportunities to visit – New York City, London and Paris where the famous boutiques are prominent and easy to locate. Milan is proud of its local brands. I find it more exclusive though, as its local boutiques will only make few stunning limited designs for their customers!

As a result, Milan is no doubt the most influential city
of fashion and design because of its people!

Fashion, Style & Arts

Italians are known as stylish people who take huge self-
respects and responsibilities in their looks!

Their philosophy - 'Fashion means more than just stylish clothes, fashion means attitude, fashion is the significance of appearances'. Italians may judge you pessimistically if you do not 'pay enough attention' on your appearance. That's how they adore fashion, dude!

Here are few common 'no-no' about styles in Milan .....

This is how Italians park their vehicles ... anywhere and anyhow they are pleased!

Worthy of note ... I was told that there are 'almost' no rules on the roads, but it has very strict rules in fashion and food!

So, when you are here ........ he he!

1. Unless you jog, sneakers are not to be worn to restaurants!

2. Do not wear very short skirts as Italians find it not
'classy' or elegant. Furthermore, this may send
wrong message to men!
3. Shorts are not for adults. Not even for a casual wear!
Shorts are meant for sports!

Well, well ... it does make sense that fashion and style are not something that can be totally 'ignored', isn't it?

Milan is divided into two districts:

Via Alessandro Manzoni.
One of the main chic fashion streets.

Where you can find everything Armani ... warrgh!

Still in the upscale fashion district …

This is Pinacoteca di Brera,
distinguished as the 'Luxury Bohemian'
This place really took me back to Paris with its artists
and open-air restaurants

This is Navigli Grande.
Built in 1100, the most charming place in Milan with the old
typical houses and antique shops!

I had noticed a row of exquisite ancient buildings,
a rarity these days ....
It's like an open-air architectural museum!

Okay, now let's move to an important district in Milan...

This is the 'Corso Buenos Aires'
(Nope! Not in Argentina hehe!)

This 1.2km long street is used to be called 'Corso Loreto'
has over 350 shopping outlets. It's a shopping paradise, peeps!

Corso Buenos Aires is the location of the most important
shopping street in Milan.
The architecture of this area is from the 18th century.

This area used to sell traditional Milanese products, but today, it had been ‘transformed’ into modern fashion outlets.

Indeed, this is – I repeat – this is the place that you will shop till you drop!! Therefore, I would say that you wouldn’t want weeks, a few days are just nice. 'Prevention' is definitely better than cure ... ha-ha!

Food, Cuisine & Etiquette

Culturally, Italians have a very high regard and value of family ties. It is customary for everyone in the family, including the extended family who do not stay together to make an effort to have dinner together for every single day!

By observing the way they served their meals, I realized that Italians do not need any particular reason to set a 'well-dressed' table. Even the dining tables are in style! To make it more intriguing, Italians are very specific on which food and drinks are appropriate for which times of the day! Another common rule in Milan!

During lunch or dinner, never ask for soda - only mineral water ... or wine unless you are having pizza. No butter should be served to spread on your bread, huh! And the most important no-no is bread should not be eaten with pasta!

Latte and cappuccino are for breakfast only. If you need coffee after dinner or lunch ask for an espresso, okay! More! Italian salad dressing is the only oil and vinegar - no such thing as ranch or Thousand Islands! The additional vital rule is never used as a knife when eating pasta and lasagna - as though the pasta or lasagne is hard until you have to use a knife ... :)

Anyway, those rules are not mandatory for tourists to follow. It's not that you cannot be who you are ... Go ahead ... and ask for what you wish ... but they will serve with a big beam! Bam!

A must try! Grom ice cream parlor is everywhere!
This is an ancient Italian frozen dessert made of milk, cream and sugar.
History has it that this ice cream was originated from ancient Rome.
It was made from ice and snow that was brought
down from the mountains and preserved below ground!
How fascinating!

Woooih! Come on ... two more slices to go ...
With only cheese and tomato sauce, Uncle Sabbatini
made 'probably the best pizza in Milan' - he he!
My better half said, "This is the most 'honest' pizza I have ever had!"

Italians show respect for one another’s pride by holding on to their way of life and as a traveler, I never find it hard to put up with them. In fact, I find it really gratifying that we learn the culture and traditions of others. That's the beauty of wisdom. That’s makes life dazzles with values and indeed exhilarating … I truly believe!

Toulouse – A Fairy Land Does Exist After All!

2011-12-03T14:56:00.006+08:00

There are some out of ordinary places that people talked about on the other side of the world, a place that people divulge to each other with wonderful affection, a place that people uncover the charm of its town, villages and cherish its olden times. Yes! This is Toulouse. Toulouse is located on the brink of Pyrennes mountain range in Southern France. With three million inhabitants, Pyrennes is the largest region (which made up of eight counties) in France and the home of 30 ski resorts and 30 golf courses. Toulouse is about 600kms from the capital, Paris.

Approaching Toulouse... and I had a strong feeling
that I am going to love this place!

Just like every ocean that has its own color and personality, every mountain range has its tale too! And the tale of Pyrennes goes like: once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl named Pyrennes. Pyrennes fell madly in love with Herakles. When she found out that she was pregnant and to hide from her father’s fury she ran away to the mountain range. Alas, was killed by a bear. Herakles went and searched for her, but it was too late. Herakles then laid her to rest in the depth of the mountain range and pronounced, “For your memory to live forever, gentle Pyrennes, these mountains where you sleep will henceforth be called Pyrennes”. Aishh! Another bedtime story huh … :) Anyway, I have no doubt that Pyrennes mountain range still keeps many more of its mysteries that yet to be revealed.

Pyrennes reminds me of 'Snow White And The Seven Dwafts'!

Pyrennes reminds me of 'Alice In Wonderland' ...

Pyrennes reminds me of 'The Little Red Riding Hood' ...

We came around a little town called 'Ariege Pyrennes' at the
foothill of Pyrennes for some souvenirs.
And! that was where for the first time I came across
the truly French accent 'character' being spoken!
It was so captivating! Hence! I must say that now I
realized from where and how the word 'charming' started off ... :))

The capital of Pyrennes, Toulouse, is popularly known as a ‘sleeping beauty’ city. This city of heritage is welcoming, easy to get on with and has a trail of strong ethics of beauty and genuine. People are polite, friendly and respectful. I had a great time strolling the town center with everywhere I saw was big smiles even though language was the barrier. English is spoken here, but not extensively and hey, it is absolutely okay with me when they smile always put me at ease!

Toulouse is the second largest multinational city in France. Toulouse has a blend of old and new amazing achievement through decades and centuries. Toulouse can be proud of its historic culture, stunning countryside and at the same time with its important technology future…

Welcome to Toulouse City Center.
"Bonjour, Madame!" - Truly ... truly music to my ears!

Toulouse is also known as 'Ville Rose' or 'Pink City'
because of the pink buildings all over

Just go along with your 'desire' to enjoy Toulouse. By tram ...

... or by bicycle. But the best is on foot!
I hate exercise (even brisk walk) but walking here ...
hari hari pun tak per! ha-ha!

This is 'Le Capitole de Toulouse'. Built in the 17th century
and has been the center of the city council and theatre

Interesting ceiling, along Le Capitole passageway

Le Capitole area is a huge rectangular, square enveloped by
cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
This center runs on market day every Wednesday.
Here you can come across people of all cultures
- selling of books too...

... to these vintage cars!

I enjoyed the personality and charisma of the many historic
buildings within the old quarter

The one thing that I like most while 'roaming' the city was the
smell of the sweet aroma of freshly baked croissants and
breads I breathe in along the pathways!

Now you tell me - how can I not keep on falling in love with this place?

- The other side of the ‘love is in the air’

Under the ‘sleeping beauty facade’ however, I am startled with the ‘joie de vivre’ (enthusiasm) and energy revealed by this place. France is very proud of Toulouse. Really? Really! Merit to its outstanding science, technology, Toulouse has become a city of intelligent, research center of innovation and the hub of aeronautics and space industry! Today, Toulouse University is one of the best 50 universities in the world that can put up 90,000 students and 10,000 researchers under the exchange policy.

Our trip to Toulouse became more fruitful when a surprise was arranged to visit the Airbus headquarters at Blagnac! Blagnac, the world aeronautics center and plane manufacturer is actually about 15 minutes from where we were staying. Since it was ‘born’ in 1917, this site has designed, improved and produced ‘generation after generation’ of planes such as Airbus and local aircrafts.

Sorry (lah eh)! No camera allowed. But what can be described on this visit - it was exactly like watching the Discovery Channel. Serious! The assembly lines of an Airbus from the bolts and nuts to fixing the wings, the seats, from zero right to how this ‘giant of the air’ turned out to be was really awesome! The only thing I missed was the delivery part.

People say that if you socialized with a ‘bunch’ of intellectuals, you will be one of them. Owh! In my case, I am not sure about me being an intellectual, but the skills and knowledge they shared made me ‘feeling’ smart at least! He-he… Merci! Merci beaucoup!

Toulouse is also where France world class rugby team was 'produced'.
The 'verification' of their victories can be seen everywhere at the
place we stayed. Geez! I didn't get a chance to have a glimpse of
the hunks, though! Ahaks!

p/s ... I love our room where ... I can just sit here by doing n-o-t-h-i-n-g and
Feeling the f-u-l-f-i-l-l-i-n-g end of the day!

I like to say that Toulouse is a place that deeply clings to passionate sensation. I am glad that I can still appreciate the excitement when I was there, I am glad that I can still appreciate the abundance of its beautiful landscapes, I am glad that I can still appreciate the riches of history, French architectural style and the accent. Most of all …

... in this harsh reality, I am truly glad that there are still people believe that love is the greatest ‘tonic’ in life … and that makes me want to believe that life is indeed cotton candy clouds and deep blue skies … What I am saying is... Let's not put prices on things that are pricelessâ€¦..

Biarritz – Where Archaic And Contemporary Come Across

2011-11-16T14:22:00.011+08:00

Biarritz is known as the ‘Pearl of the Basque’. Biarritz is to be found in the Bay of Biscay, a famous town in the Pyrenees Atlantic Coast in southern France. Biarritz is uniquely located at the border of Bayonne (in France) and Anglet (in Spain).

Welcome to Biarritz, Southern France

A place where if you are lucky, you may bump into
Royal families, celebrities, the bold and the beautiful!
Everyone wants to be seen here!

Biarritz has been just a small town popularly known for its whaling industry before Empress Eugenie the wife of Napoleon III was devoted to the beach in the middle of the 20th century. It was because of her, Napoleon III built an enormous house on the beach and named it ‘Eugenie Village’. But today, this huge house has turned into the Hotel du Palais, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world! And, a tribute to Empress Eugenie, this little town has become the apex and chic summer resort in France. Since then, Alfonso XIII, Queen Victoria, Edward VII and the British Royal families have made it a tradition to be in Biarritz for their summer holidays - until to this very day.

The beach that had 'charmed' Empress Eugenie ... and me
and maybe you ...!

Biarritz is very popular for its breathtaking coast and the rocks in the sea. It has a long sandy beach and this is where the major surf resorts can be found. You might be wondering what are the things to do when you are in Biarritz. Well, just to name a few for instance learning the Latino dance, visiting many historical monuments and museums, golf! (Biarritz 'houses' 12 world-class golf courses!) and the most significantly - surfing!

Now, let us 'surf' Biarritz ...

The best place for surfers!

‘Biarritz Surf Festival’ takes place in July every year. I was told that during this season, Biarritz will be super jam-packed with more than 100,000 surfing fans and most of the best surfers of the world.

Biarritz has established more than ten surfing schools for beginners and
'seasoned' surfers to improve and perfect their skills

One of the dramatic spots that I like in Biarritz!

This is Eglise St Martin - the oldest building in Biarritz built in 1100s.

You shall never miss these iconic buildings when you are in Biarritz!
- 'La Phare' - a lighthouse built by British residents in 1888.
The entrance fee is €2

... and the Russian Orthodox Church - built by the
Russian 'upper crust' in 1917

This is a small and secluded beach area of the
Esplanade du Porte Vieux - the place for swimming
when the surfer's beach is closed for 'Biarrtiz Surf Festival'
or due to bad weather.

As I strolled around town, I came across the fascinating
yet inquisitive history of Biarritz ...

...that has its own charming character ...

.. And it holds a mix of styles and brings these ancient...

... and contemporary structures together!

This is the facade of one of the many interesting hotels ...

As I walked further, I stumbled upon this doorway
- an instance of an old testament

The archetypical entryway of houses in Biarritz
and most European cities.

A nice place to hang out... And I have been wondering...
"Errr.. Don't these people work?"... It seemed that
life has been so cushy!

Biarritz is also famous for ... shopping, people!
Especially shoes!!
I am so glad that I am not 'allergic' to
shopping and shopping malls! ha! ha!
If not ... 'he! he! mana mau lari hah?!'

I would rather spend my moment in time ..... here!
(These are the rocks that formed a bridge in the sea)

... with mother nature ...

This is where I stood during the sunset on the Virgin Mary Bridge
in the middle of the sea ... thinking and become realized that ...
God's gifts are freely being given and if I have missed one of them,
I should not despair. Maybe God has spared me from
certain misfortunes! Subhanallah!
(p/s if you go straight forward from here - you may reach New York!)

And ... where do we go from here, my Captain? ... :))

Biarritz is a wonderful place, many great activities and this city never sleep with ever joyful people. I really hope that in years to come Biarritz is still one of the best holiday destinations, as when archaic and contemporary come across, they created a miraculous place to be ..... to unwind .......................

Hola! Andorra – A Whole World In A Petite Gem

2011-11-11T19:46:00.013+08:00

In just 468km², this tiny country is the sixth smallest mountainous country in Europe! Andorra, bordered by France and Spain.

It does not need any introduction to 11 million Shopaholics to visit this petite country yearly. It has an excellent standing with the ‘resort tax free’ status, so as to that, it is not surprising at all that this country has become one of the most popular holiday destinations on this planet.

At the foothill of Pyrennes mountain

Andorra is located on top of the Pyrennes mountain and at the highest peak (more than 2743 meters), it makes the capital, Andorra La Velle, the highest city in Europe. Awesome! We were on top of Europe!

From Toulouse, France to Andorra - Beautiful journey!

It took three and a half hours drive from Barcelona, Spain and three hours drive from Toulouse, France (where we started our journey) to get to Andorra.

This is Ariege, Pyrenees town - turning right - to Andorra

The official language is obviously Catalan, other than Spanish, French and Portugese. Rest assured, English is widely spoken in all shopping outlets. Nevertheless, a few words of Spanish for instance ‘Hola’ (hello), ‘Gracias’ (thank you), ‘Como se’ (how are you?), ‘La cantidad de’ (how much?), ‘Hermosa’ (beautiful), ‘Porfavor’ (where?) and of course ‘Banao’ (restroom!!!) will really help and believe me, you will get ‘admirable’ attention even if, you do not buy anything! They are very pleased with our effort to communicate in their language or 'mother tongue' (well, I think everybody should be) and of course that is the ‘ice breaking’ to get to know more about their culture, styles and great tips on what's worth to and not to buy!

On the way up to Andorra ...

Okay now, this is the unique part about this country. Before we reached the capital, Andorra La Velle, we have to pass by Pasca De La Casa. Stop here!

This is the place that you will enjoy the snow and the activities,
(not at the higher capital!).

Enjoy the one of the best place for snowboarding and check this out -
this is the very cheap winter sport destination!

Within the town, it has plenty of shops, restaurants, leisure facilities,
bars, clubs at the duty free price!

Andorra is a peaceful country, I must say.
Andorra does not require visas for any nationalities.
Andorra has no police station.
Andorra uses the euro as the currency.

Snow in Andorra often lasts until the first week of May

During winter, Andorra is a home to more than 200 km of ski slopes and ...

... it also offers a great place for hiking and trekking during summer!

But for hiking here, do not assume that you can carry it out easily! A hiking team guide is a must.

This is part of Andorra La Vella, the capital of Andorra

This is the home for the best brands at the best prices on fashion, shoes, perfumes, leather goods, watches, electronics and telecommunication gadgets! Second time rest assured, Andorra offers only products of the highest quality. Maria, the Sales Assistant at one of the boutiques told me that the prices here in Andorra (at any time) is easily 60% cheaper than in any boutiques that sell the same brand in the entire Europe! – Auww! How about that, huh? And I can confirm you that she is absolutely, right!

Food. Since Andorra has a very strong connection with Spanish culture, pintxos (tapas) is popular here. There are two types of pintxos: cold and hot. The cold ones are displayed on the bar and hot ones must be ordered from the barman. Pizza is also a favorite food here (I guess that goes without saying) other than vegetarian, Asian, Mexican and seafood. Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds can easily be found too. There are also many shops specialized in local Andorran cheese made from goat’s milk.

Although it is a tiny place, you can easily get lost in Andorra
because the streets have no signboards!
Shopping can get you carried away eh ... ha! ha!
But then, in any case, since the town is situated in a valley,
you will definitely get some thoughts where is your where about
by looking at the hills surrounding.

Or make a point to meet up here if you ever get lost!

Even though, Pasca De La Casa and Andorra La Velle offer duty free prices and can vary a significant amount compare to other parts of the world, I noticed that certain things like watches and camera gadgets are cheaper in Pasca De La Casa than in Andorra La Velle!

Unless you put up a night in Andorra, make a list in advance of what to buy. Otherwise, you can find yourself with not enough time as shops start their business at 10:00am and close at 6:00pm.

Anyway, it is not advisable for you travel after dark as the winding road could be slippery and be super extra careful of the ‘black ice’.

Parking space and the heavy traffic could put you intense, especially during the peak hours. You will never find a taxi service here, but travel from one place to another by bus is easy!

The panoramic view, the snow, the trekking, the hiking, the shopping, the quality, the value – Gosh! This tiny place has so much to offer ... isn't it?

Go on – explore Andorra!

You never know, you might find what you have been looking for … here …. :))

Messenger Of Peace - Article Contribution

2011-09-19T15:00:00.003+08:00

This is my article contribution to the Sultan Qaboos Center For Islamic Studies, Diwan Of Royal Court, Oman in conjunction of Maulidur Rasul 2011.

MOHAMMED (pbuh) – MESSENGER OF PEACE

Historical personalities for any moment in time, always fade. Power that we boast will fade. Beauty in any condition will fade. Even the love, lacking of tender care will eventually fade. But today, after 1400 years, I still see a great innumerable interest of this great one. The greatest persona at all times, Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), the Messenger of Peace, who stands out utterly miraculously in regard to his character, manners and messages. Obviously, his character and behavior was a reflection and indication of the belief he held value to his heart. He came to all people with a heavenly message.

Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) used to say, “The best of you are those who are best in manners”.

Whether to believe it or not, the greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change the future by merely changing the attitude, behavior or manners. Through this, we will certainly indulge the peace; not merely for ourselves but also to this world; not by the power that we possess and not by the wealth that we are proud of. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) had shown us that by only this simple thing, life could be so meaningful. But then again, in our life can we abide by this simple yet quality of perfection?

Imagine. When we always meet people with smiling faces, speak with good manners, never react to evil with evil, rather forgiveness and mercy, be humble, be kind towards the weak, be kind towards children, kind to women, good to neighbors and treat everyone as equal in our eyes; what will happen to this world? A peaceful world to live isn’t it! Yes! This is only to name a few great qualities known about this great man.

An orphan at a young age and although he was brought up by his wealthy uncle, Abdul Muttalib, Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) never be dependent on him, to a certain extent, with the compassion bestowed to him, he made an effort to earn whatever little he could to alleviate his uncle’s responsibility. He believed the best of living is that which a man earns for himself through his own effort. This great man was a shepherd and today can you ever consider the wisdom gained? The humble understanding in shepherd sheep is to give an actual and a direct experience in looking after and managing the people. The company of sheep inspires and encourages in a man high degree of patience and tenderness towards his herd! This had trained him to be thankful and to abide by patience. Anyone wishing to follow him has to enhance himself with the same principles.

Our Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) never spoke unless he felt it would be positive, was never angry for himself, nor wanted to retaliate for himself. He wouldn’t be irate over a worldly matter. He would not criticize others, would not cite a fault, and would not go over anyone’s unknown issues. However, when Allah’s rights were disobeyed, his anger would not suppress until he retaliated.

It really gives me great pleasure and easy to put across my feelings to this exceptional person that the world has witnessed. A man who was a moral ideal, religious leader, a military chief, a political counselor, a leader who formed a nation and established a state with a dynamic society and still guide his people in an attitude of human deliberation, action and best manners. There is no human in history that can develop into humanity a great deal in such various positions, as the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). After thousands of years passed by, his teachings and instances still followed by billions in this world. Without a doubt, never in history a man influenced mankind, so profoundly and with determination as he had. He brought light and peace to countless hearts and lives.

Even after his death, we still can feel his unmitigated love that will continue to nurture until the end of time. The love that I will never ever be able to utter any words if he occurs to be here with me at this very moment. The love that will transform me into a little girl who will run and hug her grandfather and tell him all the sorrows and heartaches in her life if he is in front of me now; and I know his love always brings peace into my life. I wish I could hear his voice.

Given the opportunity to visit his home, Masjid Nabawi in Madinah Al Munawarrah, I could feel that he rejoined my salam to him. I could feel that he was the imam in every of my shalat and I could feel that he amin my du’a. This is the emotion that always offers the ingredients of happiness to me: peace, tranquility and joy. I was taught all the way through his teachings that among the greatest of blessings are to have calm, unwavering and happy heart. For in contentment the mind is free and this allows me to be a lively and creative human being. There is no substitute for this kind of peace and affection.

He is the symbol for those who sought for serenity and contentment. Blessed the people who had lived with our Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). They had witnessed his endurance spreading Islam, witnessed the affection towards his people and someone great to turn to for direction, help and leadership.

Day after day passed by and the world is now blocked up with loathing, greediness, crisis after crisis and not actually a wonderful place to live any longer. Along with that it always triggers me to envisage what will be our beloved Prophet (pbuh) advice and guidance to us if he is still alive today. And with that, I came across of what George Bernard Shaw, the Nobel Prize Winner in 1925 said, “If Mohammed were alive today, he would succeed in solving all those problems which threaten to destroy human civilization in our times”.

Despite of our high regard for him, Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) did not agree on it that he be praised and glorified in a way that would disparage other prophets and he used to say, “Don’t say I am the best of the Prophets. I am but a slave, so refer to me as, ‘Allah’s slave and His Messenger”. His philosophy can truly transform our lives, our faith, our deeds and the entire humankind for the better.

He is truly a Blessing for Mankind. May Allah shower His blessings of him!

Soul Purpose

2011-06-03T21:03:00.002+08:00

What has actually brought me to create this site? Well, it could be because I just want to get along with the trend. It could be because this is where I have the liberty to speak my mind. Or it could be ‘suka-suka ajelah’. But most of all, sincerely, I just feel like sharing what’s interesting about the places that I have been to and lovely people that I have met. General knowledge is really worth sharing after all (well, at least for me!). You 'give a little, you gain more' sort of feeling, don’t you think so?

Living in the land far away from my homeland, soaking in a different culture and different way of life (which I really appreciate it, anyway!) ~ I feel like I fall down in a rabbit hole and become ‘Alice in Wonderland’. I have so much to share!

Life is, certainly, a journey! And I understand that it can be very short or very long, depending on how we appreciate our lives; and each of us only gets to make this journey once. Let us not take any shortcut when we traveled, no matter how long and exhausted can life be. Let us experience the whole pursuit and I guarantee we are not alone in this journey, my friend. Have faith that the journey traveled without shortcut is a journey worth taking and there are no shortcuts to any place worth giving. I do not regret one moment of my life.

I have a passion in writing. I am a kind of person who just fond of putting pen to paper on anything that ‘traverse’ on my mind, my ears or my eyes, however, … I do not have the zeal in ‘filing’ my notes! My notes are all over and eventually, they are all ‘vanished’ together with my memories ~ sad! At least, now I could treat this site as my little journal, my soul purpose! ‘Syok sendiri pun tak apa-lah’… hopefully one fine day, I can beam, wonder or even weep when I call back what I have learned along the way. I believe that every single day people are given the opportunity to make the best preference about everything they do. Writing, to me, is expressing my inner feeling and it could be expressed in any language and style depending on my mood, place or episode.

I am often asked who I write for. I would say that I write to ‘communicate things’ but I don’t know whom I am addressing. It is like throwing things out into an empty space… but it's okay, I am contented with what I am hooked on now. I just want to carry on expressing what I think, feel and see. Truthfully, I have a dream to make short fabulous films at some point in my life! Insha Allah (God willing) ...

Photography always thrills me; and I still have so so so much more to learn! Photography has always been a kind of groundwork for my writing. Photography always helps me create a relationship with the place or moment. “Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments!” Oh yes, I believe photography can do marvels. Photography makes me understand that I cannot make every special moment stand still however, I can still ‘capture the moment’, at least!

So buddies, life can be cotton candy clouds and deep blue skies!

Worry not!

Now the journey continues …

Let’s hit the road and surf the sky ……