Snapshots of August and September

I was on duty as a liaison officer that day. I’m not someone who usually takes photos, especially of famous people. But when I saw Anwar Ibrahim, I took one quick picture. I just thought, if I live long enough, at least I’ll have this photo of the day and the work I used to do.
Prefer a bit of privacy. Sometimes, a talk over a meal is what some of us need to feel a little lighter.
Went to Kampung Baru that day just to get kuih keria. A short trip for kuih turned into a small moment of peace.
Everywhere we go, we notice cats always seem to have their favourite spots.
Kadang-kadang, we pick up books just because the cover nampak menarik, colourful, or catches our eyes.

The Weight of Words

My heart has been heavy for days. On the inside, a familiar weight has been settling in my chest, a constant reminder of conversations that veered into a territory I know too well. They often start so innocently, so justifiably.

“I have to vent about how frustrating that interaction was,” I reason.

“They need to understand the situation with so-and-so,” I justify.

In explaining, venting, and justifying, I cross a line. Out of frustration and carelessness, I’ve spoken unnecessarily about others. How do I vent my frustration without poisoning my own heart and the hearts of others against a creation of Allah?

Ya Allah Ya ‘Afuw, forgive me for the times my tongue ran ahead of my iman. Forgive me for the nonsense I have uttered in front of everyone. Guide my mind to be more alert before I speak and to repair what I have done.

Syaddad bin Aus

Pada satu malam, ustaz mengajarkan kami akan satu hadis ringkas. Pengisian hadis tersebut mencerminkan kelemahanku sama ada yang sengaja atau tidak disengajakan.

Periwayat hadis itu ialah Syaddad bin Aus. Siapakah dia? Apakah sifat mahmudah yang ada pada dirinya? Mengapakah dia mempesona?

Syaddad bin Aus ialah seorang yang ilmunya begitu luas. Dia tidak pernah marah. Apabila dia bercakap, dia fasih.

Ibadahnya kuat dan dirinya seorang zuhud. Kualitinya ialah seseorang yang dipercayai. Sikapnya santun dan dipuji oleh masyarakat Ansar Madinah.

Semenjak menjadi seorang Islam, tidaklah dia gemar untuk bergurau. Gurauan, padanya, sesuatu yang melalaikan.

Pada malam hari, dia tidak selesa berada di perbaringan lantaran memikirkan kepanasan api neraka. Dek hal ini, masyarakat mengumpakannya sebagai kacang yang dibakar.

Sesungguhnya, pada malam itu, aku dan rakan-rakan sekelas yang lain diajak untuk menginsafi peribadi mulia seorang Syaddad bin Aus. Semoga kita ‘sebaik’ dan ‘seindah’ Syaddad.