Started the day by getting ready for a walimah in the west. I messaged a friend to adopt me as I didn’t plan with any other friend (all my close friends are still in Jordan *sobs* and the rest had bridesmaid duties). But naturally my sisters4lyf are such warm people, as if 6 years since graduation had no impact on us. I mean, conversations have revolved around who’s next, how’s your pregnancy and life updates basically, but yes, alhamdulillah for madrasah friends ❤
Quickly ate as I had to go meet sisters from Aceh. Sempat dessert which Iman knew I wanted and took extra for us. How thoughtful.
As I took my leave, I can’t help but to feel touched by the prayers each one said as I salam-ed and hugged them. One of them mentioned something which struck me.
“Whatever you do, do it for the community. They need you.”
wise sis
Unsure about the part where the community needs me. But what I know is that I want to contribute to them as long as I’m able to inshaAllah. Alhamdulillah, really what I needed to hear as I slowly contemplate my next steps in life. 🙂
Oh yesss. I saved $$$$ by walking to the community club and back! hehe. Not so guilty about the briyani as I burned it off. I think. I’m also not a pro at navigating with google maps, yet. But I’m glad I was able to direct a Pakcik on a motor who stopped me by the roadside just to ask where the place is and most importantly, guide myself there. #achievement :’)
Anyway, I was so excited to meet them that I crafted a schedule for my guests but we ended up going with the flow.
We ended up touring around SMU campus. Grabbed a quick drink at Food Republic and had Asar at Bencoolen Mosque. Then we walked to the National Library. I also had my virgin trip to Bugis Street which reminded me why I don’t fancy such places to begin with. It can get quite claustrophobic. But the items there are cheap! 4 bags for $10. What a steal!
We then had maghrib at Sultan Mosque and ended the day with dinner at Zamzam.
Being with these travelers from Aceh made me reflect on how everything they saw and experienced were wonderful blessings. The ease of transport, the facilities in school, the opportunity to be placed there (“dek Fatiha terpilih untuk belajar di sini…” katanya), the ease in gaining knowledge and reading books from the library (ada app lagi! sempat promote NLB app haha), the mosques, the community we live in….they kept praising Allah for the blessings that were given to us Singaporeans. I couldn’t help but to silently breakdown every time they mention how wonderful life is here.
Ya Allah. I know I must be grateful. But I’m merely human. I forget. Thank you for sending me these gems who reminded me that each blessing you bestowed upon us is in fact, an amanah. What have I done and will do with such possibilities and opportunities in SG?
Ya Rabb, Ya Wahhaab….All these favours, “So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” 😦
Ended the day with a sharing by Kak Nurul as we sat side by side in the bus. She reminded me of the 99 names of Allah.
Sentap.
I’ve been mentioning “oh my God” as of late. When in reality, Allah has 99 beautiful names that I should call upon. Islam encourages us to call upon the beautiful names of Allah when we make doa.
وَلِلَّهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا ۖ وَذَرُوا الَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِي أَسْمَائِهِ ۚ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
The Most Excellent Names belong to God: use them to call on Him, and keep away from those who abuse them- they will be requited for what they do.
– 7:180
Go beyond Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim. Delve into other names. For when we need protection, mention Al-Hafiiz. For when we seek His help, try As-Somad.
Grateful for today’s iman boosters ❤
Diarinsyirah 