You never know

I was at the money changer earlier this afternoon to buy some Pound Sterling for my UK trip. I had to wait a while as the money changer had to get the Pound Sterling from one of his nearby branches. While his assistant was sent to the other branch, I sat patiently while chatting with the owner.

He asked, "Your voice sounds familiar."

I replied somewhat surprised, "Really? Where have you heard my voice before?"

He said, "I am quite sure I have heard your voice in the radio. Have you been on air on Radio IKIM?"

I froze for a second. All this while, I never thought that it is possible for a person to actually recognise a voice he hears on radio. Hesitantly I answered, "Yes, I do have a programme on Radio IKIM".

He later went on to say how much he loves the programmes on Radio IKIM. He gave very positive comments on the radio, which I think is a very good indication for the Islamic radio.

While waiting, we talked about a host of other things. Around this time, I glanced at a notice on the wall that says, "Exchange rates are negotiable."

I am not a person who likes to bargain for things. Most times I buy things according to the price indicated. Similarly when it comes to this, I was not really in the mood of bargaining. The exchange rate for Pound Sterling for today was RM5.60 to a Pound. Without asking, he suddenly said to me, "Tell you what, sir. I can give you the best rate for exchange. For you, I will give RM5.50 for a Pound Sterling."

I nodded in agreement. For me, it is better than the actual rate that was initially offered. Deep in my heart, I find this episode rather amusing in a good way. The money changer recognised my voice from radio. He said that he likes and benefits from the programme that I have been doing all these years. It is indeed a motivation for me to hear this from a listener in person. But what surprised me was that he was willing to offer me a rather good rate for currency exchange without my actually doing any bargaining.

I guess you never can tell how we influence or impact other people. I never imagined that the programme that I contributed to on radio has such an impact on people. It is indeed a compliment, but you never know what people are willing to do to assist you once you know that you're the person they hear on radio.

Aside from the good rate, the money changer even offered to come to the office should I ever need his services again. Talk about personalised service. I guess there are some perks to appearing on air.

You never know.

Joy and sorrow

I was back in Kedah over the weekend. My parents organised a kenduri kesyukuran as they will be going to Makkah for their Haj in about two weeks time. Many relatives and friends came over to wish them a safe journey. It was quite a touching scene actually to so many people coming over and praying for my parents' safe sojourn for their pilgrimage.

On the same day of the kenduri, two friends namely Szakif and Sholihin were at the International Islamic University Malaysia for their convocation ceremony. My heartfelt congratulations to the both of them on their academic achievement, and I pray that they will continue to achieve success in their respective careers.

Later that same evening, I received a text message from the son of someone I have known for many years. His mother Puan Adawiyah Yassin, affectionately known as "Kak Ada", had suffered a stroke and is now unable to speak. Kak Ada was my producer back when I was a contributor to the Voice of Islam, a radio channel aired by RTM. According to the message, Kak Ada has been discharged from hospital and is now in Seremban. The news took me by surprise. I pray that her health will improve and that she and her family be strong in this trying times.

Around the same time I received the text message regarding Kak Ada, I received another text message from my colleague Encik Mazilan who informed me that our executive chairman at Yayasan Ilmuwan, Dr Khairul 'Azmi Mohamad, had just underwent a surgery in Johor Bahru. He is recovering well from the surgery. I pray for his speedy recovery.

Quite an eventful and emotional weekend indeed.

A poem: "A Man's Trail"

I found the following poem from an online source some years back, and read this as one of the capsules for Radio IKIM. To my mind, this is one of the most touching Islamic poems that I have ever come across. The poem was quite popular back then, and I am putting it up again as a reminder for us all. After all, we need to be reminded from time to time so as to not stray from the right path. (A special thanks to Alawiyah Ahmad for reminding me about this poem after all these years).

Note that the author of this poem goes by the name of Dee77. I believe the author is a Singaporean. If anyone has details about the author, do let me know. Thank you.

A MAN'S TRAIL

This is the story of an average human

From his story there is so much to learn

"I work through life working day and night

Let me tell you of my miserable plight

Before that, let me thank Allah Most Merciful too

That's why I'm sharing my story with you

From young I was told I had to be the best

I must learn to score for my exams and tests

I studied hard to be the top in class

So that my friends will respect me with all the fuss

In my youth days, I was actually insecure

So much temptations and many are impure

I prayed sparingly but it didn't help me

Why couldn't I feel that Allah was watching me?

I wanted to be the cream of the cake

I didn't allow myself to make a single mistake

I wanted more friends and also be praised

When I didn't get complimented, I felt so dazed

I began to doubt myself again and again

Was I not good enough or was I insane?

I was feeling inadequate for my lack of looks

Was I too fat, short, or did my smile give the spooks?

I learnt to dress up in trendy clothes bought from stores

I wanted people to look at me and say 'wow' in awe

I wanted to be adored, praised and be popular

Success to me is to be top scholar

I wanted to shower myself in fame

I also hoped to earn a big name

I studied hard and topped my school high

I believe that to make friends, success is a tool

Whenever I was with friends and my date was just beside

I felt the pressure to display my witty side

I'm afraid my friends would leave me if I'm not nice enough

So I bought them gifts and other good stuff

Branded clothes, car, intelligence and friends indeed

You may think I have all that I need

But I'm still unhappy inside and I don't even know why

Was I not good enough, too ugly or too shy?

At work, I pleased my boss to show him I was the best

I treated my colleagues lunch and sacrificed all my rest

I was afraid that my boss disliked me if I lazed about

In front of him, I did my best and tried to stand out

Then I climbed the corporate ladder and be my own boss

Finally, I was successful but I was still in a loss

I was cheerful outside but scared inside

I was not even sure what I'm doing is right

I looked around to see all my best friends

I wonder if they still like me if my wealth ends?

I cannot bear to face rejection or even fail

If I become poor and old, will my friendships be stale?

I work hard, but who am I trying to impress?

The fear of losing my reputation is causing me stress

I want friends to respect me forever and ever

I could imagine my friendship to sever

But alas! My business failed me terribly

I was down with illness and suffered painfully

All the people whom I thought were faithful friends

Left me because my status has no stands

I'm left alone and wonder whether it is true?

To make good friends, wealth matters too?

I looked at the side of my bed and saw the Qur'an

Guilt enveloped me because the Qur'an I have read none

Since I was alone and feeling so bored

I explored the Qur'an to know about Allah the Lord

True Muslims friends start to befriend me

It doesn't matter whoever I'll be

They accept me and love me despite my flaws

I don't have to make them like me by using force

I don't have to impress Allah with my witty charm

I already know Allah loves us and protects us from harm

With Allah's help, we can attain peace in self

So let's put doubt back in Satan's shelf

If there are problems with work and with men

Please remember that it's part of Allah's plan

Ask from Allah because He listens to us always

Allah will help us with His Kindness and Grace

I met a man who is unfortunately blind

He then advised me with words so kind

He said, 'Love yourself and be grateful for what you are

You owe it to Allah for coming this far

Allah loves us and makes us Muslims

But many people don't appreciate it, it seems

It doesn't matter if we're poor or earn less

Allah loves who we are and He cares

Don't do good deeds if you do it for show

Or else your spiritual status will sink below

If you're humble, do good deeds and pray to Allah Most Wise

You can earn yourself a place in Paradise

Good Muslims overcome worries and insecurity

They are unfazed even if they are treated with hostility

Why be a slave to affluence and glamour?

Why worry if we are not witty with humour?

Always be yourself, dear brother, have no pretence

Allah will still love you, even if you don't have any fans

Why be afraid, dear brother, when friends shun away

When Allah is there for you it's always that way.'

After the blind man left, my mind started working

I was still surprised and truth starts coming

It seems that I may be a boss or lying here poor

but good Muslims greet me with salaam, a smile and no fear

I kept wondering, what is success to me?

Is it about having friends, or earning a good degree?

I had all these and yet I was not satisfied

Could it be because that Allah was not on my side?

Then I realize that I have been foolish

My INSECURITY is the one that was my leash

Why was I ungrateful to Allah Most Great?

Allah's helping us all the way as Fate

Oh! I'm ashamed for being so proud

When my success was actually a passing cloud!

Now I realize my great big mistake

So I do more good deeds now with sincerity and no fake

Let's learn from this life and tread the virtuous road

Remember that this world is only a temporary abode

Now I live through my life devoted to the Islamic cause

And repent, so Allah will love me despite my flaws."

Remember true success is not about having lots of friends

In fact, it is about passing Allah's tests

Happiness is not about showing off your generous part

In fact, it's about the ATTITUDE of your heart

Say: 'I like who I am and I'm glad to be me

I love being a Muslim and Allah sets my heart free!

I can feel in my mind and in my little heart bone

I confess - with Allah around, I know I'm never alone'.

-Written by Dee77

Feverish panellist

I was a panellist for the recording of "Forum Bicara Addeen" at the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, University Malaya. The topic discussed was "Berdakwah dengan Sains dan Teknologi". My ex-colleague, Encik Abu Bakar Yang, was my co-panellist, while Ustaz Mahathir Shaharuddin moderated the forum. The forum will be aired on Radio IKIMfm on Saturday, 21st March at 9.00 p.m.

I wasn't too well during the recording yesterday. My body temperature was quite high. Nonetheless, I gave it my best and hopefully the recording comes out good.

Engagements

I have a number of talking engagements (which require a lot of reading and thinking) lined up which will keep me busy for the next couple of months or so.

On 10th March, I'll be giving a motivational talk at MRSM Batu Pahat to some 500 students there in conjunction with the college's seventh anniversary.

On 17th March, I'll be one of the panel members in a forum recorded for Radio IKIM's Forum Bicara Addeen. The recording will be at the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, Universiti Malaya. The discussion revolves around utilising science and technology for daawah in conjunction with Bulan Dakwah Kebangsaan. The programme will be aired on 21st March at 9.00 p.m. over at Radio IKIM.

On 25th March, I'll be talking on organ donation from the Islamic perspective in conjunction with World Kidney Day at Pusat Perubatan UKM (formerly Hospital UKM) in Cheras.

On 26th March, I'll be presenting a paper entitled "Dakwah Menggunakan Sains dan Teknologi" at Universiti Malaya during a seminar organised in conjunction with Bulan Dakwah Kebangsaan.

On 2nd April, I'll be involved as a panelist in a forum to be organised at Akademi Pengajian Islam, Universiti Malaya. The topic will revolve around current issues of science and technology from the Islamic perspective.

On 27th May, I'll be presenting a paper entitled "Anak-anak dan Perkembangan Terkini Teknologi Maklumat: Panduan Berguna untuk Ibu Bapa" at the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM).

There are a few other engagements which have yet to be finalised. Aside from being kept busy with books, I will also be running around delivering lectures and talks.

This used to be a normal routine for me when I was working at IKIM. When I left in December 2005, things slowed down quite a wee bit. However, with the economic slowdown that we are experiencing, I'll be very much occupied with the things I used to do some years ago. Apparently, the more things change, the more things remain the same.

It looks like I'm back in business, and it's business as usual.

A day in my life

Today has been very hectic, for lack of a better way to describe it. The morning began with the ritual checking the e-mail. Then I rushed to Universiti Malaya for a meeting to discuss a seminar on Islam and science that we are organising next month. This was followed by a press conference, which I knew nothing about, to talk about the said seminar among other things. Frankly, the reporter was more interested on other matters.

As soon as that was over, I rushed to the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia for a discussion on the possibility of organising a radio forum, also next month. As it was already near lunch time, I suggested to the senior producer that we have a lunch meeting instead. That way, I could save my time by not having to go for lunch after the meeting.

Then, I rushed back to the office for another meeting regarding a book due out, guess what, next month. After the meeting, there were two discussions at the office, after which I rushed back home to change for the weekly badminton session.

I got home about 8.30 p.m., and managed to play with my sons for a few hours before they went to sleep.

By the end of the evening, I was virtually too exhausted to do anything else.

In case anyone is wondering, this is a typical day in my life. And for no reason whatsoever, I just thought I'd like to share this song by The Beatles entitled "A Day in the Life".

Friday is here again

Some people may look forward to Friday being the last day of work for the week. Me? I don't know, the days are just the same to me.

Time sure flies when you have a lot to do. Taking stock at what I need to do, I feel overwhelmed, but strangely this is what keeps me going. I have an academic book to edit (all 23 chapters of them), a working paper to write, a PhD proposal to update, a novel to finish, a few books to read, a number of radio scripts to prepare and some office-related matters to take care off.

My problem is that I do my writing, reading and editing at night. This is my most productive time actually. The day at the office is usually spent by taking care of office matters which are administrative in nature. These things are usually simple but ironically, the time and energy needed to resolve these are just unbelievable. Talk about bureaucracy.

Oh, well. The weekend is here. Probably I'll catch up on my rest... though the chances of that happening is near to nil.

Have a nice weekend, anyway!

Forget-me-not

I can't believe that I totally forgot to read the news today. I'll make a quick dash on the Internet afterwards to find out what happened in the last 24 hours or so.

Actually, this was not the only thing I forgot today. This morning at about 7.30 a.m., I received a text message from my radio producer reminding me that I have a slot to fill this morning over at IKIM.fm. I rushed to the office, prepared some material and then dashed off to IKIM at Jalan Duta for the programme which is aired live at 10.30 a.m.

It has been a long but productive day today. I left the office relatively early today at 9.30 p.m. But when I got down from the office, I forgot where I parked my car!

It almost became an unsolved mystery. Talk about a bad case of forgetfulness.

Workaholism

I can't believe how hectic this week has been so far. Even my wife is going through a hectic week at her school to the extent that she exclaimed that this week is the busiest of the year so far.

Monday for me began with a 5-hour drive from Kulim to KL. We arrived around 3.30 p.m. and it was raining. I barely got any rest when we went out about 2 hours later to see our insurance and investment agent in Ampang. I had to renew my car's road tax and insurance. I don't have much time, so I asked my agent to do it for me. We also talked about a few other things mainly involving some trust fund investment. Got back around Maghrib, and I couldn't really sleep early that night. Instead, I find myself sitting in front of my laptop doing some work till around 1 a.m.

Tuesday wasn't any better. I had an early start. At 6.30 a.m., I sent my wife to her school before proceeding to IKIM to appear on Radio IKIM. I was there until around 11 a.m., seeing a few people discussing some projects they are helping me out with. From there, I rushed to Petronas' headquarters at KLCC to pick up 2 books I need for a research project. From there, I rushed to my wife's school to pick her up, and we went to the bank for some business that needed to be taken care of. Then I sent her home before returning to the office. There was a stack of papers on my desk that needed my attention. Also there were a number of people I needed to call. [This is where an assistant would come in handy - boss, you're reading this? Hehehe]. I got home at about 6.30 p.m. and after Maghrib, I left for Ampang again to meet up with my insurance agent to pick up my new road tax sticker. I reached home about 9.30 p.m. and after Isyak, immediately sat in front of my laptop again to finish off some articles I'm writing (or trying to write). I think I slept around 1 a.m.

Wednesday started of with a lot of phone calls. This was followed with a string of discussions on various matters pertaining to work with my boss. I missed my lunch (duh!). Basically, this day I was busy preparing some things needed to publish a series of books for my workplace. I also managed to steal some time to prepare for Thursday's recording for a new television programme produced by Habsah Hassan called "Say It, Malaysia." I'll be doing 2 episodes, and they'll be aired on RTM2. Also, I managed to squeeze in editing the first proof for the book Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Biosafety: An Islamic Perspective. The night is typical in that I sat in front of my trusted laptop to do some writing, and needless to say blogging. I also managed to update my presentation on organ donation that I'll be giving in Kuching early next month. I also received an invitation to write 3 articles for VISI which is IKIM's monthly magazine, and an invitation from the Integrity Institute of Malaysia (IIM) to be one of the juries for their debating competition for university students next week.

Sometimes I wonder how I manage myself with the various commitments that I have. From the look of things, I foresee next week will be equally hectic, not that I'm complaining. A friend called me a workaholic. I don't know about that, but I do get restless when there's nothing to do.

Radio ga ga

No... not the Queen song.

This is a promotional info that this coming Tuesday 20 June 2006 at 10.30 a.m., Izza and I will be on air in the programme IKIM.com aired on IKIM.fm talking about "E-Novel."

Frequencies for the radio station:

Kuala Lumpur / Lembah Klang: 91.5
Perak / Negeri Sembilan: 102.7
Kedah / Pulau Pinang / Perlis: 89.0
Melaka: 89.5
Johor: 106.2
Kelantan: 89.8
Pahang: 89.6
Terengganu: 100.2
Sarawak: 93.6
Sabah: 93.9

So, remember Tuesday at 10.30 a.m.