All Souls Day

Last Sunday, Adam and i followed my mum and my siblings to visit my grandfather and my relatives graves.

Though last Sunday was All Saints Day, we still decided on going on that day as Monday is a working day. Anyway, the purpose for Adam and i to go to the cemetery is not because of All Souls Day, but as a sign of respect to visit my ancestors grave. Islam does not stop you from visiting the grave of your family members, even though they are not muslim themselves.

So we left the house at 9.30am, and headed straight to St John Church, coz mom and the siblings when there for morning mass. They had earlier purchase the flowers in Petaling Street, and based on what the sis told me, the flowers were almost sold out.

By the time we reached Cheras Cemetery it was almost 11am. It was jam as normal, but we manage to get a parking spot near the old chapel.

The first grave we visited, is my foster great grandmother, based on what mum said was that this foster grandmother of mine actually took care of nanny when nanny's biological mom past away during the Japanese War. Guess what she's a Japanese herself, but her name sounds like Mat Saleh - Jane Dewitt. Thankfully her grave was clean, and it was under the tree shade. Adam help to scrub her tombstone, while all of us cleaned the grave site. Mom and siblings offered some prayers, candles & flowers.

Next stop, was my great grandparents grave along with my grand uncle and grand aunty. This grave is more unique coz there is four body sharing the same grave site. My grand uncle & my grand aunt's body was actually cremated if i'm not wrong, due to lack of land. There is still two available slots on it. This time the cross look like it had a crack, so we didn't scrub it at all... just wipe. As per-normal mom and the siblings did what they do and we left for the next one.

The last one, is actually my grandfathers grave site. He past away days before my mom's PMR exam. I understand that both nanny and grandpa were actually in-laws. Grandpa originally married Nanny's sister, but her sister past away. At that period of time, Nanny's first husband who is a Chinese also passed away, and years later they got married.

So, anyways this time i made an effort to buy a small can of black paint, coz the words on the gravestone were fading. Brought a brush along too. But when we got there, the first thing we had to do was start a small fire, coz there were too many Kerangga going around. Anyway while the smoke was doing it's job, i was busy doing some minor renovation on grandpa's tombstone, while being suffocated with the tons of smoke. Thank Allah s.w.t for head scarf, i actually had to use it to cover my nose, through out the burning session.

Anyway, once the Kerangga has gone... i was still continuing my job, amanda was helping at the same time, by using a twig... which pretty mess up a little with the tomb stone, but never mind that, at least we got our job done. Mean while the lil brother stop the ice cream man, to get a few cones of ice cream for each one of us... yum... yum...

By the time we left the place it was almost 1pm... i wish i took some snap shots... but i feel that it was too inappropriate to do so, since my intentions to be there is not to blog, but to remind myself that this will be our abode when we die. It's more of a plane terminal to another realm which is the grave...

Life is to short for us to just take it for granted and ignore our real purpose in this 'dunia' (earth). As muslims, this 'Dunia' is just a place for the mukmins (believers) to go through trial and tribulations. The real world is when we are in Jannah (heaven). That is where everything is eternal and complete. Everything that we ever want will be there, prayers that were not answered while we're in this Dunia, will all be answered in Jannah and that's the beauty of it.

So let's remind ourselves to always worship Allah s.w.t , to remind ourselves that this Dunia is just temporary... and not to live this life, as though this is the place that we're destined to live. We're put in this Dunia by Allah s.w.t... so that we will strive to be in a better place later on after death, to fully commit ourselves to him... and to always remember that he is always there to watch our every single moves. Never ever take things for granted by saying i'll do this sin now, and i'll repent later.. coz we'll never know when Allah s.w.t will send the Angel Of Death to pull out our soul, it maybe tomorrow, or the next day or next week, next month, next year? or it could be just in mere seconds that we will just be gone from this Dunia.

I hope and pray that Allah s.w.t will guide each one of us while we're still in this Dunia, and i ask of Allah s.w.t to bless us all with the knowledge that this Dunia is not everything and Jannah is our eternal paradise and we should strive for it every single day... insyallah

Assallamualaikum
~@lisha Meliss@~

Mama's conversion to Islam

3 weeks back, Mama decided to say her 'syahadah', everyone of us in the family was so happy for her.

So we decided to bring her to JAWI, we left at about 10.30am from home. By the time we were there it was already 11am. So as usual the procedure is to write your name in the guest book, photocopy of your ic, and two passport size photo for filing purposes and not forgetting two muslim witnesses above the age of 18 years old.

We all followed mama into the room, she had to fill up some forms and all. Next the Ustaz explained what Islam is all about, the 5 pillars of Islam which is:-

1. Recite the Syahadah (Ashadu-ala ila ha ilallah, Wa ash-hadu-ana-muhammadar-rasullulah) - I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is his Messenger.

2. Solat - basically praying 5 times a day.

3. Fasting during the whole month of Ramadhan

4. Zakat - Fitrah & pendapatan. Fitrah is usually paid during the month of Ramadhan, and it's according to the state government. For e.g. this year's zakat Fitrah rate was RM7.

5. Haj (Pilgrimage) - This is only when you have the means to go. If you don't it's not compulsory.

Once everything was explained, Mama said her syahadah and the Ustaz recited a prayer. We were all so glad and happy for Mama. Next they had to take her picture to prepare her Muslim card (which is similar to IC, but more of a temporary card before you change your ic.) Than they gave her a gift, which basically consist of Sejadah (the prayer mat), Telekung (garment during prayer) & Fardhu Ain Books (basic books on Islam & the practice).

Currently, there's also another benefit that all new converts will get which is basically an amount of RM1500. This is given by the Pusat Zakat of KL, and it really helps especially for those who have loss their jobs, and those that are in need.

I do have to state that my purpose of stating the earlier paragraph is not to lure more people into Islam in a wrong way. But to inform those, who have thought of being a muslim, to understand that the muslim community is here to help you when you feel that you will loose everything.

Those that are really in need of guidance in Islam, my family is willing to spend our weekends to guide those who are out there (especially those that have just convert or who planned to convert). Those that are interested may leave their comment along with their contact.

~Assallamualaikum~

Don't Take Your Love Ones for Granted

It's been a week plus since Papa (my father-in-law) died... it came to a shock to us when we found out.

Through out Raya, Papa has been really working hard, putting in extra hours (he works as a security guard @ HP Tower), coz most of the guards were muslims and they took they're Raya leaves, so there were shortage of manpower.

You see, Papa has a hereditary disease of High Blood Pressure, i found out later that Ah Yan (Adam's grandmother) had the same health condition too and she passed away in her sleep. Papa on the other hand was aware of his medical condition, but he chooses to not take any medication, coz his brother said that it could give him side effects. Sigh, mama and the doctor has been doing their duties by advising him every single day, but it just goes to deaf ears.

Anyway, the incident started, when we got a call from Koko informing Adam that Papa needs them to fetch him from work. We were just on our way home from the clinic, coz i was down with 'Shingles' at the same time. Adam called Papa... and he didn't sound to well... we decided to stop over at Koko's house to get him.

Once they dropped me off, they quickly rushed over to HP towers. at that point the only thing we know was that Papa wasn't feeling well, he was having chest pain and difficulty breathing.

While we were waiting for updates, Mama was busy preparing dinner, while I on the other hand was trying my hand on this dessert that i found in the Her World Cook Magazine... @ 7.30pm i decided to call Adam and ask for updates... all he could tell me was

Adam: Get here as quickly as you can.
Me: How's Papa doing?
Adam: I can't tell you now, just come here as quickly as you can.

So i had a quick shower, did our Maghrib prayers and quickly break our fast. Than i had to pump petrol and drove the car to the General Hospital... One thing i didn't like, was that the parking lot for visitors was far away from the Emergency Unit... we walked for almost 5 minutes, reaching the entrance of the Emergency Unit. Both brothers look calm... brought us to this sofa, and than that was when Koko broke the news to Mama (note that the whole conversation was in Tamil... and Kak Lina aka the sister-in-law and i were basically clueless with what's going on)... both brothers including Mama started crying. We both thought that Papa was still inside along with the doctors... and we were hoping that everything will be ok.

Farhana aka the niece, started crying too.... I called my mum to inform her where we were and what was happening. Kak Lina and i than decided to bring Farhana out and get her something to pacify her... everything seemed to be ok after that... but mama was looking really depressed...

Kak Lina and i than decided to head to the ladies... when we got back... i was hearing Adam talking on the phone telling the other end that his father was dead... I was clueless at one moment. Once the conversation ended... i questioned him:

Me: What do you mean Papa is dead?
Adam: Papa is gone darling...
Me: What!.... i thought you said the doctor was trying to resuscitate him... you didn't tell Me that Papa has gone (started tearing)...
Adam: I'm sorry da, Papa actually past away before you all arrive...
Me: (Was to shock) Why didn't you tell me, when i called you earlier... you could have told me...
Adam: I couldn't tell you... coz you would eventually tell Mama.. and i didn't want you to rush your way here....all i wanted was for you to be here, coz i needed you by my side.

I just couldn't stop tearing.... i than decided to call Sharmila, to tell her the bad news... she than said that she was on her way to GH...

Few minutes later, the medical personnel told us to go to the mortuary... Since Papa had his attacked during his working hours, his body had to go through Post Mortem, as the medical doctor couldn't figure out the cause of his death.

By the time we got back home it was already 1am plus... Adam's uncles and aunties from Ipoh were on their way by bus and we had to fetch them from Pudu bus stationed. By the time we slept it was already 3am plus in the morning and my right eyes were swollen really bad.

The next morning, Adam, koko and Uncle Uma went to GH to settle Papa's body, his funeral, coffin, canopy and everything that was needed. The canopy was set up infront of the house at 3pm while the body arrived at our home in the coffin at 4pm.

I than followed Roha anne, Viji Atte & Pushpa Aunty to fetch Tholasi (Adam's cousin) from YWCA... order the flower rift from the florist in front of Batu Caves and went to the nearest photo shop to enlarge Papa's photo.

The funeral was set on Friday at 2pm in this Bahai cemetery located in Mambao, Negeri Sembilan. Due to the fact that Papa wasn't practicing Islam, the funeral rights had to be done the Bahai way.

We left the house at 12pm... mom and Amanda came along, and we drove all the way there. It was really sad to see Papa's body being lowered down to his graved, but we just had to be patient all the way. Mama has been in a depressed mode ever since... and all we could tell her is just to be strong and where ever we go, we made sure that we brought her along. She don't even have the mood to cook anymore, coz she says it reminds her of Papa.

All we asked now, is for Allah s.w.t to have mercy on Papa and lessened his punishment in the grave. May Allah s.w.t give him the mercy to understand Islam while he is in the grave and insyallah we will be able to meet him again come Judgement Day and there's no doubt about that. Till than R.I.P Papa.... for we all love you very much....

~@ssallamualaikum~

(P.S: He died due to blood pressure, whereby one of the artery exploded and his lungs was full with blood... and this made him had difficulty breathing as there were lack of oxygen)

Ramadhan & Fasting

As most of you all are aware, i've been embracing islam since December 2008, and things have changed this days.

The Ramadhan month is the month that all muslims anticipate, basically we fast from Subuh prayers, and we break fast once the azan for Maghrib is recited. It was tough for the first day, but than it later went on easily... though there are times where i felt hungry and thirsty, but i continued staying strong.

Through out this period, after we have finish our Isyak prayers... we will do Terawih prayers, basically people can go to the nearest mosque to their house and do the Terawih prayers in Jemaah (Congregation) or you have the option of doing it at home. Most of the time, Adam and i will do our Terawih prayers at home.

Anyway, since i quit my job in time for Ramadhan, i've been busy researching recipes for Raya cookies and cakes... i've also invested on a few cooking magazines and books.

Now, i'm able to bake Almond London Cookies, Peanut Butter & Jam Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Orange Cake & just yesterday i manage to bake a simple cheese cake.

Insyallah i'll be able to post up a blog on all the recipe's i tried along with some pictures.... never know i might create another new blog solely on selling my creations... hehehe... till than...

Assalamualaikum

Brief Update

Lots of things has been going on lately since the month of Ramadhan till this very day. From fasting, to baking cookies and cakes... on how i celebrated my Raya and lastly a lost of a loved one.

It's a mixture of feelings, and due to bad internet connection, i'm un-able to update anything in time. So all the upcoming post will be those that happen a month ago, so just bear with me alright... thanks

Creme Caramel Pudding & Recipe... ^_^

Mama and i have been searching for a Creme Caramel Pudding recipe for quite sometime.. and we couldn't find the right one.. and guess what Star Metro had the recipe publish yesterday... so Mama and i tried it.


The ingredients are basically:-

(1) 12 Grade A eggs
(2) 500gm sweetened milk aka condense milk
(3) 3 tablespoons of Custard powder
(4) 500ml of Water
(5) 8 tablespoons of sugar
(6) 1 tablespoon of Vanilla essence

Method:-
(1) Melt the sugar until it has syrup texture and pour it into a baking pan.
(2) Add Water to the custard powder before pouring in the sweetened milk and mix until even.
(3) Beat the eggs lightly in a bowl and add to the mixture.
(4) Add vanilla essence and mix well before pouring into the pan containing the sugar syrup.
(5) Place the pan in a steamer for about 20-30 minutes until it is done.
(6) Insert a cake tester into the pudding, if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.
(7) Allow the pudding to chill before serving.

And this is the end product.... hehehe... have fun trying ^_^


Assallamualaikum
~@lish@ Meliss@~

Orange Cake - including the Recipe ^_^

So after the dinner last Saturday, i manage to pass my attempted Chocolate pudding to my family and at the same time manage to get a copy of Popo's old recipe book which is more of a newer version since my Kuku aka Aunty, compiled and photocopy it.

Wat happen was, i brought the book back home and tried baking the Orange Cake last Monday and it turn out pretty well just that the bottom was pretty burn, due to the fact that the oven was still new, and mama and i wasn't sure whether we should really follow the book directly. We did, and that was the result.

Anyway, i tried it again today... and it turn out really well *clap for self*... hehehe... this time manage to take a picture of it.. I know it looks small that's b'coz i cut some for the family and some for Rafiq & his wife (Hubby's business Partner).


By the way, just in case some of you would like to try out the recipe.. this is how it is:-

Ingredients:-
(1) 4 ozs./125gm butter
(2) 4 ozs./125gm sugar
(3) 3 eggs.
(4) Grated rind of 1/2 orange (the orange skin)
(5) 6 ozs./168gm of Self Raising Flour or Ordinary Flour Sifted with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Baking Powder,
(6) Juice of 1/2 orange

Method:-
(1) Cream Butter and Sugar.
(2) Add egg yolks, one at a time, and beat well. Add grated rind.
(3) Add egg whites which have been beaten to a stiff froth. (make sure the bowl is free of oil)
(4) Add flour, folding it in, and when smooth,
(5) Add orange juice.
(6)Pour batter into two sandwhich tins, which have been greased and lined (but i just put it into one tin)
(7) Baked for about 1/2 hour in moderate oven (based on recipe book moderate means 175 degrees) - (but for me was just 140 degrees, b'coz my oven had the iron rod, both up and down).
(8) When done, remove cake from oven and cool on cake rack.

For Topping (as suggested by the recipe book)
Butter Icing and sprinkle over it coloured sugar drops, choped walnuts or grated chocolate.

So do give it a try... never know there's an aspiring Chef some where within u... ^_^

Assalamualaikum
~@lish@ Meliss@~