Gâteaux et des Fleurs (Not Yet Finished)

Travel To Baguio City (Part 4)

Life Lately

I'm writing as of now, at the library. It's raining outside and I have nobody to talk to so here I am, I'd just take some time to write on my diary. Some thoughts occupy my mind every now and then, things such as life, future plans and goals, faith and sometimes, perspective changing particularly on seeing things and situations based on the Islamic point of view. So in other words, I could say I'm currently on a transition phase, trying to adapt myself to the changes that life brings, and what Allah (swt) has in store for me. And although most of the time, I fall in despair and a sense of loneliness, I reflect on Islamic teachings and never cease praying to Allah (swt), to console me in my sadness, and then amid the heaviness of my heart and tears, I still believe that everything that's happening right now has a greater wisdom and a better purpose, and just like any other event that had happened way back when I was younger, I can only look back at them now and realize that they happened because of good reasons.

Though we may plan, Allah (swt) is still the best of planners. We are all given free will to choose and freedom to execute our actions, and those things are themselves blessings and an entrusted responsibility from Allah (swt). Because this life is a test, not an aim or a pursuit of personal desires. It is within this life that God tests us to see how we can perform or utilize our freedom, whether it is to obey Him and accomplish His purpose for us (which is to worship Him alone), or whether we choose to rebel and pursue our whims and desires. When I was a bit younger I'd look at this matter with questioning, and so I tried to study many fields and endeavors, like literature, psychology, science, and art. But in the end, they weren't able to satisfy what I was questioning or looking for, so eventually, I turned back to my faith and re-read again its pure and basic teachings, this time, with an open heart. At this point,  I realize how absurd it was to neglect my faith for things which are only invented or endeavored by human beings who were created by God just like me. I would like to turn the focus of my heart to where it truly belongs, and that is Allah (swt), the Creator of my heart, my mind, the universe, and all that exists.

A few days ago, I turned a year older and sad to say, I didn't feel any sense of joy or excitement. What reminded me is that I am getting older and therefore, coming nearer and nearer to the inevitable fate of life. When my parents told me that it's my birthday, I told them that I am getting closer and closer to death. This awareness is what is now driving me to turn back to Allah (swt), my Creator. I am spending a lot of time researching about Islam, about the real purpose of my existence, about why I am here, about what God had given me, all these blessings, all these material comforts, and status in life. I am getting anxious about what He has prepared for me, and how one day He will question me as to how I used these entrusted blessings, if I used it to accomplish the purpose and mission in life that He had given me.

So as of now, I am pondering on a future goal which in its sense very challenging at this particular point in my life. I am planning to write a book about Islam, with a subject matter which is of utmost importance. I know that my writing skills are way very unsuitable for this endeavor, but hopefully, if Allah wills, He will grant me sufficient ability to embark on this task.

On another note, to somehow ease down things a bit, I'm glad to write that I bought my Canon DSLR. It's a Canon Eos Rebel T3, and it's now right here strapped around my neck, as of writing. I had always been ranting that I really need the camera for the last three years and finally, here it is, Alhamdulillah. Some of my previous blog entries had been about me wanting to have a DSLR, such as these, 

* For September

* Pretty In Pink

* Thursday Evening

* For Me

* Trip To Marshes: A Breezy Afternoon

* Lomography Cameras Revisited

* Not Feeling Well

* At Floridablanca, Pampanga

I keep true to my word and I don't want to deceive myself by saying things which I am not going to do, so I decided to have it, and I'm so glad that I have it now. :) Hopefully, Insha'Allah, I'll post some of the photos I took with it. I named it as 'Hannah' while the little Canon Powershot-A1200 is named as 'Hannika'.

That's it for now. It's such a random writing. But to spend time here is like charging my inner batteries. It's my little place of quiet and reflection, and of somehow looking at things with a refreshing perspective.

بِسْــــــــــــــــــمِ اﷲِالرَّحْمَنِ اارَّحِيم

Allah. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever-Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

Ayatul Kursi (The Verse of the Throne)
Translated from the Noble Qur'an (2:255)

بِسْــــــــــــــــــمِ اﷲِالرَّحْمَنِ اارَّحِيم

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West.

But it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day,

And the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers;

To spend of your substance, out of love for Him,

For your kin, for orphans, for the needy,

for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves;

To be steadfast in prayer

And give in charity;

To fulfill the contracts which you have made;

And to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity
And throughout all periods of panic.
Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.

- Translated from the Noble Qur'an (2:177)

Some Places and Food

One of my most favorite time of the week is when our family get to travel and visit places, mostly not so far from our city. While traveling, I love to observe the change of scenery and details of the places that we pass by. We go to urban and rural areas and I think both places have their own unique and respective charms. Although my little camera wouldn't capture shots that will give justice to the beauty of these places, I'm still very grateful to have the opportunity to document our travels. Aside from visiting places, we also eat at fastfoods or restaurants and have picnicks. We all prepare food together prior to traveling.

Flowers at Home

I had been noticing that this little blog is becoming an abode for flowers, and well, I guess that flowers are becoming one of my current preoccupations. :) I can't help but withdraw when too many distractions and noise are taking up my attention, so just being alone or simply observing these blossoms and the colors of nature can bring a sense of calm.

Prayer Against Shirk (associating partners with worship of Allah)

اللّهُـمَّ إِنّـي أَعـوذُبِكَ أَنْ أُشْـرِكَ بِكَ وَأَنا أَعْـلَمْ، وَأَسْتَـغْفِرُكَ لِما لا أَعْـلَم.

 

O Allah, I seek refuge in You lest I associate anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I know not.

Reflections

There were many times everyday when I open the Noble Qur'an— when I often I find tears flowing from my eyes. It is only through this way that I find peace and contentment in my heart. All trivial pursuits, self-centeredness, and vanity become insignificant. I have learned that when a person dedicates all his efforts and purpose to what God had created Him for— then and only can he achieve true happiness. It is written in the Qur'an that, 

" And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (alone)." 
- Translated from the Qur'an 51:56

Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), I am leaving behind the misery of being confined and imprisoned to the pain and frustrations of life. All my questions and doubts are clarified in exactly definite answers. My dreams as a child a long time ago to live and leave behind a life of purpose and to make a difference continues. I didn't achieve it in terms of selfish glory. Rather, I am now living it by seeking the help of Allah (swt) to become a better person who is striving to fulfill the purpose of creation— to worship Him alone. Rebellion, questioning, and doubts are not going to lead anywhere except in misery and destruction. My choice in life is to hold on fast to what is right and condemn what is wrong. Doubting in between is only a result of lack of conviction and proper guidance.

When I look around me, everything that I see is becoming more and more manifest to the Greatness of Allah (swt) Who created everything. The flowers, the sky, the animals, the diversity of all creation— who else created them? Can modern science, mathematics or the latest man-made ideology can explain as to who created all of Creation? No. It is only Allah (swt) who created everything. He explains to us in detail the wisdom of everything that we see and experience through His final revelation to us, the Noble Qur'an and the excellent example of His final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Sunnah. So now, Who else deserves gratitude and obedience? It is Allah (swt) alone. But many of us have hearts which are sealed and refuse to obey and believe in Him. But their refusal to listen will not diminish the Power of God, for everything will come back to Him.

"Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish. And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will remain forever."

- Translated from the Qur'an 55:27-28

The heart will never be completely happy unless it is focused on worshiping Allah (swt) and submitting to His Will. Because in the end, everything that we loved aside from Allah (swt) will perish. It is Allah (swt) alone Who will remain, and we will all return to Him because He created us. There is no nobler and worthier purpose in life except to recognize and worship the Only One Who created us, and that is Allah (swt).

"Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah: verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah), and work righteousness, all kinds of happiness is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return."

- Translated from the Qur'an 13:28-29

 

There Is Beauty In The Mountains

A Visit to the Sea

For September

All of Creation Bear Witness to the Greatness of the Creator (God)

When we see a state-of-the-art building, often we get amazed by the intelligence of its architect or engineer. When we see a painting, we admire the talent of the artist. But when we see the sun when it rises and sets, the universe and its galaxies, the beautiful flowers and nature, do we see the Greatness of God, Who created them?

All of creation bear witness to the Greatness of the Creator.

Bouquet

How To Deal With Bitter Criticism

Those who are ignorant have uttered curses at Allah, so what treatment should we, who are full of faults, expect from people. You will always have to face criticism. As long as you shine, give, produce and have an effect upon others, then disapproval and condemnation will be your lot in life. Until you escape from people by finding tunnel in the ground, they will not desist from censuring you, from finding fault in your character.

So remain firm and patient when facing their insults and criticism. If you are wounded by their words and let them have an influence over you, you will have realized their hopes for them. Instead, Forgive them by showing them the most beautiful of manners. Turn away from them and do not feel distressed by their schemes. Their disapproval of you only increases you in worth and merit.

Verily, you will not be able to silence them, but you will be able to bury their criticism by turning away from them and dismissing what they have to say.

Say: ‘ Perish in your rage’ 

[ Qur'an 3:119 ]  

‘The true servants of the Most Merciful are those who behave gently and with humility on earth,whenever the foolish quarrel with them, they reply with [words of] peace.’ 

[ Qur'an 25: 63 ]

In fact, you will be able to increase them in rage by increasing your merits and developing your talents.

If you desire to be accepted by all and loved by all, you desire the unattainable.

[Source: Don't be Sad by Dr. Aidh Al Qarni]

My Life Lately

What I’m currently focused on nowadays:

1. Studying in order to have a clear concept of God and unity in His worship

2. Trust in the Will of God

3. A firm belief in faith and religion

4. Striving to live a life of principles and virtues

5. Believing once again in the inherent kindness, compassion, goodness, and sincerity in people

6. Not compromising my religion and my identity

7. Acceptance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with past troubles

8. Ignoring trivial and worldly things which are of no benefit to the Hereafter

What I’d like to develop more in myself:

1. Volunteerism and assumption of responsibility

2. Sacrifice and patience

3. Charitable acts for those in need

4. Less attachment to worldly matters and material things

5. Compassion

6. Optimism and heartwarming disposition in life

7. Humility

8. Empathy and understanding

9. Discipline and maturity

10. Firm conviction and strong faith

Books I'm reading:

1. The Noble Qur'an
2. Slavery by Ibn Taymiyyah
3. Ibn Taymiyyah Expounds on Islam: Selected Writings of Shaykh al-Islam Taqi-ad-Din Ibn Taymiyyah on Islamic Faith, Life, and Society
4. Islamic Creed Series Vol. 1: Belief in Allah In the Light of Qur'an and Sunnah by Dr. Umar S. Al Ashqar
5. Muslim's Character by M. Alghazali

Mosque

Conclusions

There's an ending. There's a beginning.

I miss updating here on a daily basis. Changes are happening lately. I'm dealing with all the uncertainty, and hoping to get used with it.