In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Ah, my beautiful young lady Julia. You are still so young, and you have your whole life and love ahead of you. InsyaAllah, I am done with the past, but I am old. I have done more than you, whether good or bad, and I have to react to motions set long ago. It's not karma my love, but simple cause and effect. Like my foot injury, from working many years in the food business, it will take many years for it to work itself out, perhaps I will die first before I walk without pain. I shouldn't have been there to begin with, but I made the choice to stay. Thus, we do things to ourselves.
Outside my house is the stench of dead animal that I and my Mom can smell, but I can't find the carcass. Perhaps it is hiding in the thicket by the ditch next door, but I don't see it, so I guess I will have to put up with the smell until the scavengers remove the carcass. It is probably the body of one member of the gang of cats that belong to my brother. There are 2 males, Scruffy and Scrawny, and 2 females, Frick and Frack, and Scrawny has been AWOL lately. He has been getting picked on by another male cat that I probably have told you about, a well-groomed and muscular striped cat who swings his balls around like a supermodel swings her ass. Scrawny had big balls, so I think that's why the other cat harassed him all the time, to the point where Scrawny got killed, All this violence over some cat food and the right to park outside my Mom's kitchen door. Well, I'll be feeding those cats from now, so I suppose they'll be parking outside my front door.
Please remember to maintain your prayers, my dearest Julia. And please know that it is righteous to defend yourself against oppression, and not just lie back and take abuse. I love you, my sweet Julia.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Letter to Julia 20120827
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello Julia, my love, my darling. How are you feeling today? Please don't overwork yourself. Just take it easy, just take your time, my lady. I'm just here doing my daily routine, waiting for when Allah allows us to be happily married. I don't go anywhere new, I don't do any thing new. I wake up, I take a shower, I post a letter to my sweetie, I eat lunch, I drink coffee, I voice train, I do yard work, I take a shower, I eat dinner, I produce music, I watch TV, then I sleep, all done with prayers in between. There are no more loves for me, now that I've found you. Just the routine, and the waiting.
I told my Dad the other day that I don't care if I never leave the kampung ever again for the rest of my life, except to do my Hajj. Yes my love, that is how I feel. I've had enough travel, or I'm too lazy, whatever. If you wish to go somewhere, then I must accompany you. Also, I made a promise to the mysterious piano player. But otherwise for me, no more travel. Sure, it's a step down from the "honors" and hotels of touring, but I am trying to build something here. A tourist attraction. Julia's house.
InsyaAllah.
Hello Julia, my love, my darling. How are you feeling today? Please don't overwork yourself. Just take it easy, just take your time, my lady. I'm just here doing my daily routine, waiting for when Allah allows us to be happily married. I don't go anywhere new, I don't do any thing new. I wake up, I take a shower, I post a letter to my sweetie, I eat lunch, I drink coffee, I voice train, I do yard work, I take a shower, I eat dinner, I produce music, I watch TV, then I sleep, all done with prayers in between. There are no more loves for me, now that I've found you. Just the routine, and the waiting.
I told my Dad the other day that I don't care if I never leave the kampung ever again for the rest of my life, except to do my Hajj. Yes my love, that is how I feel. I've had enough travel, or I'm too lazy, whatever. If you wish to go somewhere, then I must accompany you. Also, I made a promise to the mysterious piano player. But otherwise for me, no more travel. Sure, it's a step down from the "honors" and hotels of touring, but I am trying to build something here. A tourist attraction. Julia's house.
InsyaAllah.
Qur'an 20120827
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
20. To any that desires the harvest of the Hereafter, We give increase in his harvest, and to any that desires the harvest of this world, We grant somewhat thereof, but he has no share or lot in the Hereafter.
21. What! Have they partners who have established for them some religion without the permission of Allah? Had it not been for the Decree of Judgement, the matter would have been decided between them. But verily the wrongdoers will have a grievous Penalty.
22. You will see the wrongdoers in fear on account of what they have earned, and that must fall on them. But those who believe, and work righteous deeds will be in the luxurious meads of the Garden. They shall have from their Lord, all that they wish for. That will indeed be the magnificent bounty.
23. That is whereof Allah gives Glad Tidings to God's servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, "No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin." And if anyone earns any good, We shall give him an increase in good thereof, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Ready to Appreciate.
24. What! Do they say, "He has forged a falsehood against Allah?" But if Allah willed, God could seal up your heart, and Allah blots out vanity, and proves the Truth by God's Words, for God knows well the secrets of all hearts.
25. God is the One who accepts repentance from God's servants, and forgives sins, and God knows all that you do.
Consultation 42:20-25
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No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin.
20. To any that desires the harvest of the Hereafter, We give increase in his harvest, and to any that desires the harvest of this world, We grant somewhat thereof, but he has no share or lot in the Hereafter.
21. What! Have they partners who have established for them some religion without the permission of Allah? Had it not been for the Decree of Judgement, the matter would have been decided between them. But verily the wrongdoers will have a grievous Penalty.
22. You will see the wrongdoers in fear on account of what they have earned, and that must fall on them. But those who believe, and work righteous deeds will be in the luxurious meads of the Garden. They shall have from their Lord, all that they wish for. That will indeed be the magnificent bounty.
23. That is whereof Allah gives Glad Tidings to God's servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, "No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin." And if anyone earns any good, We shall give him an increase in good thereof, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Ready to Appreciate.
24. What! Do they say, "He has forged a falsehood against Allah?" But if Allah willed, God could seal up your heart, and Allah blots out vanity, and proves the Truth by God's Words, for God knows well the secrets of all hearts.
25. God is the One who accepts repentance from God's servants, and forgives sins, and God knows all that you do.
Consultation 42:20-25
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No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Letter to Julia 20120825
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?
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?
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
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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
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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?
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