Introduction Alloying is the art of mixing metals to create a material with specific desired properties. Mixed in the precisely right proportions, the resulting material can be of better quality than the sum of the individual components. An example from the field of aeronautical engineering: nickel-based aluminium superalloys, used to make super-efficient jet engines in … Read more
There was once I met with a minor but freak accident on an escalator in Bedok. As a result, the big toe on my right foot received 5 stitches and I went to work for the next 7 days in sandals. As it turned out, the incident and the entire process of recovery was a … Read more
For some years now, running 5 km regularly has been a milestone that has eluded me. I have theorised on the many reasons: my regular once-a-fortnight running route is usually only 4.4 km, my brain is not yet geared to prime my body to run for 30 minutes, my children’s voice pops into my head … Read more
As a beginning activist, or one who is ‘re-beginning’, one might ask questions such as, “How do I find my place in da’wah and islah work?”, “How do I find my ikigai (a Japanese concept that means your ‘reason for being) in da’wah and islah?”, or “How do I sustain myself doing da’wah and islah … Read more
Prelude We have seen in the past 8 weeks via news channels and social media how 20 000 Palestinians have been killed, and 1.7 million of them have been displaced and lost nearly everything that they had. We saw heart-wrenching images: a 9-year-old brother reading syahada to his dying 5-year-old brother; the targeted killing of … Read more
A moment with AllahSends surges of passionate emotionsThe feeling of great repentanceFrom the deeds known and unknownFrom the past and present moment. A moment with AllahBrings the spirit up highYearning to meet HIMLonging for HIS greatest love and empathyStriving to be the intended good self HE wants us to be. A moment with AllahCreates overabundance … Read more
O Allah!Only You Who UnderstandThe tugging of emotion we feelAs Muslim women and mothers O Allah!Only You Who KnowThe tingling sense of guilt we bearIn leaving our childrenTo be tended by others and their care O Allah!It is therefore to You Who understandThat we seek great supportTo give us the continued sense of istiqamahIn our … Read more
Going up the life uphillTakes lots of pain and willEvery step liftedSeems to be resistedBy the force that lies within It is only in SalahYou will realise one thingIf you have the LOVE of AllahThat transcends all love for beingIt makes the second loveMore pure and more forgiving Because you know thatIt is Allah’s LOVE … Read more
~ From the lens of an organiser’s family member Since our parents were part of the coordinating team in charge of the ins and outs of the Family Rehlah, we, the children of the S.M.A.R.T.S* family, experienced a rather ‘behind-the-scenes’ perspective of the whole event. Part of this experience was the opportunity to not only … Read more
Introduction Imam Hasan al-Basri (RH) said: ‘Allah initiated the year with a sacred month (Muharram) and ended it with a sacred month (Zul Hijjah). There is no month after the month of Ramadan greater to Allah than Muharram.’ As Muslims, we celebrate success and blessings by attributing them to Allah SWT, by expressing our gratitude … Read more