Drifted away from reality

It has been a while since I read the Quran. I can’t remember when was the last time I flipped thru those pages and applying the words of wisdom to my daily lives. I’ve always put the Quran on top of my bookshelf, a sign of respect to the book sent by the Creator. But now it’s covered with dust and becoming more like an ornament to my bookshelf and as an indirect aide memoire to my guests that this house belongs to a Muslim.

Next to my bookshelf is my TV. I spend most of my time at home watching pointless TV programmes. But today, while I was watching my TV, I accidently had a glimpse of the Quran which was standing next to it. As usual, I ignored.

Then, before I got myself to bed, I prayed my Isya’ around midnight which took me less than 3 minutes. My prayer was emotionless. Switched off the lights and was ready to have a good sleep.

But not tonight. A slight feeling of shame blocked me from continuing my sleep. So I woke up. The feelings changed to a feeling of longing and yearning. As if I was missing my long lost friend. But just that this time, it is not a normal friend...Shame on me, it has always been there..waiting for me.

The book didn’t leave me. It’s still there on my bookshelf. I read the cover page – Al Quran “The Recitation”. Simple. Next page, Al- Fatihah “the Opening” , the mother of all surah (scriptures). A short surah but it’s the most recited surah by all Muslim. It reads

“In the name of Allah (“God”), the Most Affectionate and Most Merciful”

“All praise unto Allah, the Lords of all the Worlds”

“The Most Affectionate, The Merciful”

“Master of the Day of Requital (in Hereafter, the Day of Judgment)”

“We Worship You alone, and beg You alone for help”

“Guide us in the straight path”

“The path of those whom You have favoured. Not those who have earned Your anger and nor of those who have gone astray”

The short surah moved me. I’ve been reading the same surah everyday during my daily prayers. But I never had the same sensation. I feel much better now. I thanked Him for waking me up now and send me back to this surah, the same surah he conveyed to all of us through Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him).

It’s so clear that there should be no one that we should beg to except God and the right path is so clear and simple. We, human being are making things look complicated. Do the good things and stop all the bad things. That’s all what He ask for.

The Surah alone is enough to show His kindness and love to all of us. I remember my ustaz (religious teacher) told me when I was a kid. Allah is very merciful and He loves all of us. More than love of a mother to her child. I remember he said more than 40 times of mother’s love. But I’m sure it can be more. He has been kind enough to give me a good life, parents, wife, home, friends and other good thing in life and He never asked for anything in return except for prayers and to practise all His simple commandments.

I’ve been away from Him for quite a while. I’ve sinned and may sin again in the future. I pray that God will give His mercy to all of us. I hope I can see clearly the right path and to stick to it.

I wish to recommend all the readers to flip thru the Quran and read the translation if you can’t understand Arabic. Keep it near to you. All of us should read the whole set of Quran at least once in our lifetime. Allah has been kind enough to provide us with his own words.

For non-Muslim, please read any of your own holy scriptures, bible etc and please understand and appreciate the teachings. For me, any good things come from God, no matter what kind of God we believe in. Plus, it makes us a better person.

I took out the Quran out of the shelf and put it next to my bed. This book will be my bedtime storybook from now on. From the bestseller author of all times, the God himself.

Paul Potts...An outstanding star in the making..

I was browsing Britain's got talent video in youtube just now..i came across this performance from Paul Potts..

He is your 'average Joe' type of guy that works as a mobile phone salesman during day time but has a dream to do what he love most..singing opera..

He has a heavenly voice..i really hope he'll be very successful one day..he won the 2007 Brit's got talent and he just recently released his own album..

BTW, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Maaf Zahir Batin to all my dear friends and family..

Enjoy....