In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
YOOOOLIIIIIEEEE!!!!!
How are you feeling today, my beloved young princess Julia? I pray you're trying to slow down. I spent most of the evening watching the storm. I look ahead to our being married together, setting root and raising a family insyaAllah, and together we have the power to make our business come to us, as opposed to jetting around to a different country every day, and not knowing where we are when we wake up, and being under the whim of cruel masters that try to force us into prostitution. Our Boss is Allah, so come join me in Islam. Ya Allah, please have mercy on Julia and I, and grant us a happy and secure marriage.
I'm just too lazy to tour and travel, and I hate the city. So I'm perfectly satisfied with just staying in the kampung for the rest of my life. Well, I do have to do my Hajj, and it's best that I do that while I'm strong, so I don't get trampled on. But otherwise, I just want to be with you all the time, and we go and do things together always, and never be seen without each other. Hmm. In other countries, women attend Friday prayers, but in this country they don't. I wonder why. When I was in Tempe, the mosque was noisy with their chatter every Friday. Say, didn't the women attend Friday prayers back when prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) was the imam? Who changed that?
Well, what to eat today, Julia? What's in the cooler? Cheeseburgers? No... do you want to eat out? Not really? How about seafood? I don't really feel like going to the open market. Say, how about I mince up that burger meat, we mash up some potatoes, go get some vegetables at the supermarket, and bake a Shepherd's Pie? One with lots of gooey gravy in it, and Parmesan cheese on top. Strawberries? We're going to have to drive to Alor Setar to get strawberries, and they're probably sour. Oh well OK, we'll douse them in sugar. We might as well eat out if we're going to Alor Setar. No? Drive all the way there, then come back and cook? Can we just forget about the strawberries? How about ice cream instead? Wanna dress up for dinner? All my clothes are boring, but I want to see you in a minidress. No, you can't go out like that.
How about I sing you a soothing lullaby?
Friday, August 24, 2012
Qur'an 20120825
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
14. And they became divided only after knowledge had reached them, through selfish envy as between themselves. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord to a term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them. But truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious doubt concerning it.
15. Now then for that, call and stand steadfast as you are commanded, nor follow you their vain desires but say, "I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to God is Final Goal."
16. But those who dispute concerning Allah after God had been accepted, futile is their dispute in the sight of their Lord. On them is Wrath, and for them will be a Penalty Terrible.
17. It is Allah Who has sent down the Book in Truth, and the Balance: and what will make you realise that the Hour is close at hand?
18. Only those wish to hasten it who believe not in it. Those who believe hold it in awe, and know that it is the Truth. Behold, verily those that dispute concerning the Hour are far astray.
Consultation 42:14-18
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to God is Final Goal.
14. And they became divided only after knowledge had reached them, through selfish envy as between themselves. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord to a term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them. But truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious doubt concerning it.
15. Now then for that, call and stand steadfast as you are commanded, nor follow you their vain desires but say, "I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to God is Final Goal."
16. But those who dispute concerning Allah after God had been accepted, futile is their dispute in the sight of their Lord. On them is Wrath, and for them will be a Penalty Terrible.
17. It is Allah Who has sent down the Book in Truth, and the Balance: and what will make you realise that the Hour is close at hand?
18. Only those wish to hasten it who believe not in it. Those who believe hold it in awe, and know that it is the Truth. Behold, verily those that dispute concerning the Hour are far astray.
Consultation 42:14-18
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to God is Final Goal.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Letter to Julia 20120822
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
How are you feeling today, Julia? I love you, my beautiful young bride. I've been trying to slow down, after the hectic fasting month. There was a lot of food, but there's so much I can't eat now that I'm old. Well, I basically can't eat other people's cooking. Even the simple foods, cakes and sweets give me gastritis. Today's breakfast of ketupat (glutenous rice steamed in coconut leaves) and seronding (dried shredded beef) gave me problems until the next morning. I just don't have a local stomach. But I managed to quench the burn by slamming a whole wok full of fried rice.
Ah, fried rice! Truly the poor man's meal, since it tastes better with leftovers. The key to fried rice is the rice itself: it is best when the rice has cooled overnight in the cooler. I've seen on TV some people make fried rice out of freshly steamed rice. I guess you would have to be super skilled to make it come out unclumpy. But cooled down and slightly dried up rice is the best. Fried rice should taste light. Which means that all seasonings and grease must not overpower the sweetness of the rice. Meats should be precooked, and vegetables added at the end for a short time to maintain crispness. I start by making a fond, maybe onions, garlic and carrots with light soy sauce in minimal oil. When browned, part the center, and turn down the heat. Add a little more oil to the empty space, let it heat up, then crack an egg in there. Break the yolk, sprinkle some salt and pepper, then spread it around, and let it slightly harden. Add the rice, increase the heat, and mix everything in, adding light soy sauce constantly to flavor. Then add the precooked meats, and vegetables last. Why is fried rice so complicated? Because there are so many bad versions!
How are you feeling today, Julia? I love you, my beautiful young bride. I've been trying to slow down, after the hectic fasting month. There was a lot of food, but there's so much I can't eat now that I'm old. Well, I basically can't eat other people's cooking. Even the simple foods, cakes and sweets give me gastritis. Today's breakfast of ketupat (glutenous rice steamed in coconut leaves) and seronding (dried shredded beef) gave me problems until the next morning. I just don't have a local stomach. But I managed to quench the burn by slamming a whole wok full of fried rice.
Ah, fried rice! Truly the poor man's meal, since it tastes better with leftovers. The key to fried rice is the rice itself: it is best when the rice has cooled overnight in the cooler. I've seen on TV some people make fried rice out of freshly steamed rice. I guess you would have to be super skilled to make it come out unclumpy. But cooled down and slightly dried up rice is the best. Fried rice should taste light. Which means that all seasonings and grease must not overpower the sweetness of the rice. Meats should be precooked, and vegetables added at the end for a short time to maintain crispness. I start by making a fond, maybe onions, garlic and carrots with light soy sauce in minimal oil. When browned, part the center, and turn down the heat. Add a little more oil to the empty space, let it heat up, then crack an egg in there. Break the yolk, sprinkle some salt and pepper, then spread it around, and let it slightly harden. Add the rice, increase the heat, and mix everything in, adding light soy sauce constantly to flavor. Then add the precooked meats, and vegetables last. Why is fried rice so complicated? Because there are so many bad versions!
Qur'an 20120822
In the name of Allah, most Gracious,most Merciful.
52. Say, "See you, if this IS from Allah, and yet do you reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in a schism, far?"
53. Soon will We show them Our Signs in the regions, and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord is witness to all things?
54. Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is God that does encompass all things!
Expounded 41:52-54
---------------------------------------------------------------
See you, if this IS from Allah, and yet do you reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in a schism, far?
52. Say, "See you, if this IS from Allah, and yet do you reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in a schism, far?"
53. Soon will We show them Our Signs in the regions, and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord is witness to all things?
54. Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is God that does encompass all things!
Expounded 41:52-54
---------------------------------------------------------------
See you, if this IS from Allah, and yet do you reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in a schism, far?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Letter to Julia 20120820
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
How are you feeling, my beloved young Julia? I'm sorry I took so long to write, but it's been the Eid, and I had to pay more attention to the houses and yards. I think the Eid is overrated and commercialized, anyway. I find the fasting month of Ramadan much more rewarding, enjoyable and entertaining. But my parents take the Eid seriously, and we Muslims take care of our parents. But I am grateful that I get to eat during the day again. Plus, the hectic schedule and all that standing in prayer did a number on my feet and legs. Ouch.
Ah, I had the most delicious fried noodles the other night, made by one of my favorite chefs. It was a most authentic "mamak" style fried noodles. It was so accurate! Do you know what a "mamak" is? It is stereotypically a fat, male India cook. But these noodles had the highest quality beef in it. Oh Julia, it was so delicious! What an intelligent cook.
How are you feeling, my beloved young Julia? I'm sorry I took so long to write, but it's been the Eid, and I had to pay more attention to the houses and yards. I think the Eid is overrated and commercialized, anyway. I find the fasting month of Ramadan much more rewarding, enjoyable and entertaining. But my parents take the Eid seriously, and we Muslims take care of our parents. But I am grateful that I get to eat during the day again. Plus, the hectic schedule and all that standing in prayer did a number on my feet and legs. Ouch.
Ah, I had the most delicious fried noodles the other night, made by one of my favorite chefs. It was a most authentic "mamak" style fried noodles. It was so accurate! Do you know what a "mamak" is? It is stereotypically a fat, male India cook. But these noodles had the highest quality beef in it. Oh Julia, it was so delicious! What an intelligent cook.
Qur'an 20120820
In the name of Allah, most Gracious,most Merciful.
44. Had We sent this as a Qur'an other than Arabic, they would have said, "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What, not in Arabic? And an Arab?" Say, "It is a guide and a healing to those who believe, and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in theirs. They are being called from a place far distant!"
Expounded 41:44
---------------------------------------------------------------
It is a guide and a healing to those who believe, and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in theirs. They are being called from a place far distant!
44. Had We sent this as a Qur'an other than Arabic, they would have said, "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What, not in Arabic? And an Arab?" Say, "It is a guide and a healing to those who believe, and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in theirs. They are being called from a place far distant!"
Expounded 41:44
---------------------------------------------------------------
It is a guide and a healing to those who believe, and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in theirs. They are being called from a place far distant!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Letter to Julia 20120816
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Oh my precious Julia, I want and pray for us to be safe and happy. I believe war is inevitable, not because of stockpiling arms, spiraling debt and corruption, but because I believe in Judgement Day. This war exhilarates and excites some others, just like in World War 1. I do not crave war like others do. I am very exhausted with conflict. But life isn't perfect, so I must be ready InsyaAllah, to defend our peace and our love. We must stick together, all the time! Please pray with me for our peace, safety and happiness together.
Oh my precious Julia, I want and pray for us to be safe and happy. I believe war is inevitable, not because of stockpiling arms, spiraling debt and corruption, but because I believe in Judgement Day. This war exhilarates and excites some others, just like in World War 1. I do not crave war like others do. I am very exhausted with conflict. But life isn't perfect, so I must be ready InsyaAllah, to defend our peace and our love. We must stick together, all the time! Please pray with me for our peace, safety and happiness together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)