Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the need for balance in my life. I’ve spent so much caught up in work and my responsibilities that I’ve neglected my physical and mental well-being. Yesterday, I took a break to attend a gathering. I enjoyed being present in the moment.

Today. I received a message from a symposium committee saying they couldn’t accept my submission anymore. While I do take responsibility for not submitting it on time, I also realised that it’s okay. I’m exhausted – and that’s perfectly fine.

I want to focus more on taking care of myself, relaxing, getting rest, and prioritising my physical health. Small steps are enough. As long as I’m moving forward, even slowly, I’m okay with it.

Dear Zafira,

In life, we deserve to feel safe, supported, and valued. Walking away from ‘certain’ situations is not just an act of self-preservation; it’s a declaration that you value yourself enough to seek the harmony you deserve. Remember Zafira, you have the right to cultivate a life that nurtures your well-being.

Dear Zafira,

It’s easy to talk about other people. To laugh at their choices, their struggles, and the way they live their lives. We all do it, even if we don’t admit it. Maybe it’s in a passing comment with friends, or quick judgment when we see someone we think is ‘doing it wrong’. It feels harmless, even satisfying, to put someone else down. But, what happens, when the tables turn?

The thing is, life is unpredictable. People change. The quiet, awkward person you made fun of might succeed in ways you never saw coming. The ‘failure’ you judged might find their breakthrough when you least expect it. And when that happens, you’re left with the uncomfortable truth: we don’t know anyone’s full story. And we don’t know what’s around the corner for us either.

Dear Zafira,

Stay genuine. Don’t waste your energy making others feel small to boost yourself. Life has a way of humbling you, and when it does, you’ll wish you spent less time judging and more time focusing on your path. The table always turns – sometimes faster than you think.

So, instead of tearing others down, stay kind. Stay humble. You never know when you’ll need a hand or a second chance yourself. And when the dust settles, you’ll realise that being true to yourself is always more important than being right.

The table will turn. And when it does, you’ll be glad you stayed real.

Alhamdulillah, yesterday I turned **.

It’s a milestone in life’s journey – a reminder of how far I’ve come and still have to go. In many ways, the past years have been full of growth, challenges, and change. I’ve experienced the highs and lows, learned from my successes and mistakes, and come to terms with where I am today. I wish for the future: the strength to keep going, the wisdom to embrace each moment, and the courage to take the leaps that lead me forward. I’m excited for what’s to come.

Happy birthday to me – here’s to the future.

Lately, I’ve come to a difficult realization… (Sigh…)

I’m at a point where it feels like I’m constantly running on empty, with no real destination in sight. The energy I used to have, the drive and optimism – I feel like they’ve all been drained by a never-ending cycle of tasks, deadlines, and expectations that only seem to grow heavier.

It’s tough to admit defeat, but it’s even tougher to keep pretending I’m okay when I’m not. I’m writing this not just to vent, but to acknowledge that sometimes, it’s okay to feel like we’ve had enough. It’s okay to step back and admit that we can’t do everything, that we’re only human.

Alhamdulillah, I had the pleasure of visiting my former senior staff yesterday. She cooked up kuetiau for me and also treated me to some kuih. It felt good to reconnect and see how everyone is doing.

Hopefully, we can meet again for the next get-together.

After that moment, my outlook on the ‘place’ shifted dramatically. Every interaction felt strained, every conversation tinged with skepticism. What once felt like a collaborative environment, became a breeding ground for distrust.

May Allah protect me and guide me to a ‘place’ where I can thrive.

Melalui sebuah lebuh raya yang menghubungkan Kuala Lumpur dengan Klang, saya dapati terdapat beberapa lubang besar yang agak dalam dan sangat berbahaya kepada pengguna jalan raya terutama penunggang motosikal. Saya sangat terkejut melihat betapa berisikonya mereka jika mereka melalui kawasan tersebut. Kedalaman lubang itu memungkinkan situasi yang menyebabkan maut.

Adakala, saya yakin bahawa saya bukan satu-satunya rakyat yang kecewa dengan mutu jalan raya di Malaysia. Jalan tidak diturap dengan baik, keadaan persekitaran jalan tidak selamat, dan sebarang isu seumpama yang lain, sering meletakkan kita dalam situasi mempersoalkan tindakan yang diambil oleh pihak berkuasa.

Keadaan jalan raya yang berdekatan dengan kawasan pembinaan juga sangat menyedihkan. Pemaju bersikap tamak dan tidak bertanggungjawab dengan kerosakan yang mereka lakukan menerusi jentera-jentera berat mereka. Saya sering berfikir sendirian jika penguatkuasaan yang lebih tegas boleh dilaksanakan sebaiknya.

Semasa dalam perjalanan pulang ke Kuala Lumpur pula, terdapat lubang di jalan raya yang kedalamannya mmenggusarkan penunggang motosikal. Saya hanya mampu berdoa agar semua yang menggunakan jalan ini selamat. Tidak lama kemudian, hujan turun dengan sangat lebat. Bayangkan dalam situasi demikian, seorang penunggang motosikal harus melalui situasi berbahaya ini?

Ya Allah, sesungguhnya kami ialah hamba-Mu, anak kepada hamba lelaki-Mu, anak kepada hamba perempuan-Mu, ubun-ubun kami di tangan-Mu, telah berlalunya keputusan-Mu, Engkau telah berlaku adil ke atas kami dalam keputusan-Mu. Kami memohon kepada-Mu dengan setiap nama yang Engkau berikan pada diri-Mu, atau yang telah Engkau ajarkan kepada antara makhluk ciptaan-Mu, atau yang telah Engkau turunkan dalam kitab-Mu, atau yang telah Engkau rahsiakan dalam ilmu ghaib-Mu, untuk menjadikan al-Quran sebagai penyejuk hati kami, cahaya di dada kami, penghilang kesedihan kami, dan penghapus kesusahan kami.

Rujukan: Sunnah.com dan Maktabah Al-Bakri.

Surah al-Kahf sebenarnya ialah surah yang panjang, menurut pandangan saya.

Jika kita mula belajar dan berusaha untuk mengamalkan bacaan Surah al-Kahf pada hari Jumaat dalam keadaan kita sibuk bekerja, kita boleh memperuntukkan sedikit masa pada waktu pagi dan tengah hari. Dalam erti kata lain, bacaan surah dilakukan secara separuh-separuh.

Namun demikian, bacaan yang dituntut dan bacaan yang beroleh ganjaran yang dikhususkan, ialah bacaan sekali gus. Bacaan sekali gus ini pula dianjurkan dibaca pada pagi Jumaat, sebagai tanda kita bersegera melakukan kebaikan.

Ilmu berkenaan bacaan Surah Al-Kahf ini saya perolehi daripada Ustaz Muhammad Fahmi Rusli dan Ustaz Muzuza. Antara rujukan yang dikongsikan oleh mereka ialah Hasyiyah al-Bujayrimi (2/210) dan I’anah al-Talibin (2/103).

Semoga Allah mengurniakan pahala kepada ilmuan yang menyampaikan pengetahuan kepada kita. Semoga Allah juga memudahkan urusan kita dalam mencari ilmu yang bermanfaat selain melindungi diri kita daripada dajjal.