Away from home

We are not at home. If you would like to reach me, call/email/FB me yah. Taking the kids for a short break, just nearby. Updates when we get back.

A little clue of where we are at the moment! Hmmm!

Nice, hope the weather will be on our side.

"The Festival of Sacrifice"

or better known as Eid al-Adha. Happy Eid al-Adha all.

Someone asked me while Q-ing for coffee, about what this celebration is all about, and I was stumped. Totally cannot remember a single thing. So I had to think back about it again but of course it is all about remembering Nabi Allah Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son.

A little bit more about Eid al-Adha...

What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:

 

"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

 

One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

 

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

 

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

 

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

 

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

 

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

 

What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

Source : http://islam.about.com/od/hajj/a/adha.htm

I have been busy, I have been sick, but I have not stop blogging.

So much to write about, too little time!!! I have not had the urged to write for almost a week now cause I have been having this terrible sore throat. Nothing much has been happening for the past week. Last Thursday, I got another delivery, this time in the form of lovely tiny chocolate (flavoured) chocolate chip muffins.Yumm! They weren't all for me unfortunately, they were for Zarif's class party the next day. I have been giving him popcorns for the past two parties, I thought I ought to give it a rest. This time I ordered these mini cuppies from my fellow blogger Mira at her cuppies site. They were small simple and not messy. Just nice for 5 years olds, I think!

Last Friday was a busy day. It was Nayli's prize giving ceremony at her Sekolah Agama. Guess who was at the porch to say goodbye in the morning before we left.

Zaim on a motorbike, my brother's friend's.

Having the time of his life, even in his PJs.

Nayli was 1st in class and year 2. We owe her big time this year for doing well. She has her eyes set on a bike (this was a carry forward gift that we have not fulfilled!) and a swatch flik flak watch.

After the prize giving ceremony, I had to rush Zaim to the paedetrician. It was nothing major, it's just that he has been having this screaming episodes. It happened twice the night before, so I really had to see someone to ensure that it was nothing. His usual Paed was on holiday, so I was referred to another one, who not only had a room with a view, but was super nice and friendly. I was reassured that nothing is wrong with Zaim. Thank goodness.

The waiting area was chaotic though because there are 2 doctors suite in here.

On Saturday, it was again another busy day. Started off with Zarif's report card day. Nayli was down with a slight temperature, so agreed to stay home and rest. We had breakfast at the nearby warongs while waiting for 9 o'clock.

Roti Canai - Telur

Zaim had boiled eggs.

In school, Zarif was the first to arrive, then followed by Lokman, who sadly is leaving for Penang. So Zarif won't be seeing him in school next year. All the best for Lokman and mummy in your new school and home.

Zarif and Teacher Eunice, who sang praises about Zarif. She also happened to be Nayli's class teacher when she was 5.

Then it was off to send off the I.Ls for Haj. We just said our goodbyes at home though, then we were off to Mutiara D for a spot of scarves shopping and lunch.

Horsey Stand Lamp - Spotted this horse outside a restaurant at Cineleisure. Interesting eh?

On Sunday, since Jack had to go to our Uncle's Kebun for a fruit picking trip, I stayed in and cooked. I cooked two dishes on Sunday, but just didn't remember to take any pictures. I made Spinach Lasagne for lunch and Kuay Teow Soup for dinner. In between, I had a girls only outing with Nayli since she felt much better and was left at home the day before. (My excuse really, to go out! He!he!)

Where do you think you'd end up for lunch when...

- you think you are dressed too well for the foodcourt's stink to get on your clothes.
- you are too lazy to go far from the office building.
- you don't have a car or colleagues with cars or colleagues with cars and want to drive out.
- you have a pregnant woman in your lunch groupie.
- you think you can spend like a mak datin /tai tai
- you are short of cash but someone volunteers to swipe their plastic money first
- your office building is adjacent to a Hotel with a reputable Chinese Restaurant that serves good Dim Sum for lunch

Well, I ended up exactly at THAT restaurant!!! and on top of that, I was in dire need of a soupy dish cause I had this really bad sore throat, so one of the best remedy when I have one is a hot soupy dish like a Kuey Teow Soup. Ignoring the fact that I would be able to get a reasonably priced yet tasty Kuey Teow Soup even MSG free at the foodcourt, I opted to agree to a Dim Sum Lunch suggestion with the intention of ordering additional dish for myself, oblivious of the price factor. Kuay Teow Soup it is then for me, specially ordered for 1 person, not even listed in the menu, hence no clue of the price at time of order and eating.

This is what they brought me, cannot even see the Kuay Teow! Look at the amount of seafood and veges they threw in, the scallops and mushrooms, and abalone I think, to justify charging me as much as they did!

I couldn't say no to the Dim Sum though.

Yam Ball, raddish cake and scallop filled chee cheong fun... divine. 

When the bill arrived, GULP!!! Who's idea was it in the first place???

Nayli's "Majlis Anugerah Cemerlang"

This morning was Nayli's school's prize giving  ceremony. Last year there wasn't any probably due to lack of funds, this year we were informed that the PTA had contributed for this occasion in order to encourage and motivate the pupils. Which I agree totally, I don't remember not having any prize giving day ever since I was in Standard 1. Since Nayli's school also has a pre-school class, there was a mini-convocation for the 6 year olds too. We dropped Nayli off much earlier and went off for a quick breakfast before coming back again about 5 minutes from the scheduled time.

Programme Book

Year 2 sheet - the number of times Nayli's name appeared! Brought tears to my eyes! I initially uploaded the Year sheet 2 as it is, but then a friend adviced me against that, so now I had it distorted a little bit.(Can you sense a gloating mother???) The list is as follows: 1st in class 2 Arif,1st in the whole of Year 2, Best in Bahasa Malaysia Penulisan Year 2, Best in English Language Year 2, Best in Mathematics Year 2.

.... my baby!

 It started off with the Kompang welcoming the prize recipients.

 I spotted Nayli walking in to take her seat.

 Wonder what's with the funny face.

 Then she spotted us in the seats across the aisle.

 The recital of the doa to begin the ceremony.

The school choir sang the Negaraku and the Wilayah Persekutuan Song (must be new, we never had this when I was in school, it was always Negaraku and Malaysia Berjaya, was it?)

A word or two from Pn Jemilah on behalf of the Head Master who had to attend a Kementerian function elsewhere.

A brief speech from Datuk Zamani Sulaiman the PTA president of the school.

 Hitting the Gong to officiate the ceremony.

A little souvenir for the PTA Datuk.

A little performance by the Year 5 and 6'ers.

The convocation for the 6 year old pre-schoolers.

There was even a monitor with a picture of each child on stage.

A Nasyid performance.

Moms, Dads and siblings in the audience.

Cikgu Nik Nurfatiyah - Nayli's class teacher.

Year 1's turn to receive the gifts and certificates.

Waiting patiently back in her seat, now that their turn is over.

Waiting for her turn to go up the stage.

My girl.

Receiving the certificate and gifts.

Woo quite a heavy load there.

 

Nayli and the proud Mama.

Papa's Girl.

Well done Nayli,  keep up the good work, hope there'll be a reason for a similar blog entry for years to come!!! Love always, Mama & Papa.