Conclusion

Allahumakhtim lana bi husnilkhatimah wa la takhtim 'alaina bi su'ilkhatimah...

This is a frequent du'a that I ask to Allah these days.. Ya Allah, please give a good ending and not a bad ending.. And I'm sure, most of us like happy ending compare to sad ending in the story, but happiness is something that is subjective. Crying at the end does not mean it is a sad ending story, and laughing in the end does not mean it is happy story..

Currently, I am now in almost final stage. As said before in my facebook status: "Frankly, writing conclusion is much more difficult than introduction, and finalizing thesis is facing different challenge from the way to begin the writing." It is true, but some might said that conclusion is easier because the researcher knew everything he or she want, and just conclude it in a simple way..

Win or loose does matter, but the effort is much more matter..

You wanna know why I feel that conclusion is difficult? Because the conclusion will be the result of our research. Yes you may do anything, but you will never forget what makes you reach the end. All the efforts and hardship will be ended.. Of course, after this I will miss all the books doing for research, all the time spending in the library, all the papers scattered in my car, all the bad mood while finding the ideas, all the corrections made by my proofreader, all the meetings with my supervisor, and many more... And it will make me sadder to end all of these things...

As promised earlier with my supervisor, I will submit the first draft thesis at the end of January. InsyaAllah, this monday will be the day..

I'm nervous, but happy..
After this, wanna spending my holiday to Pekan Baru, Indonesia with my family, and a very special present to myself..

Saadah Khair

The Fastest way to be RICH

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Forgiving..

Today, I shared a story with my students. In fact, last week I gave a task for them to search any story to be shared in today's class. As a lecturer, I have to do the same task too. Fortunately, I have a lot of books to share with them. Last class I shared the story of The Alchemist written by Paulo Coehlo, and this week I just picked a simple story from Zabrina Bakar's book, Life is an Open Secret.

In short, some of my students shared their stories in which most of them are based on their true stories. I'm happy because they participated in my class. But what I wanna share with them is a story to be RICH.

I'm not a businessman, I'm just an ordinary person who thinks that RICH is something that so great. But the question is HOW I can be rich in the fastest way. Sis Zabrina said by mentioning some Quranic verses and hadith that CHARITY is the fastest way to be RICH. Yeah, spending in the right way will make you earn something in different ways.

Picture was taken from HERE

The Prophet (PBUH) said, 'The Upper Hand is better than the Lower Hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that takes".

The Qur'an highlighted that the reward of Charity is not one, but will be multiplied. Allah SWT said in the Holy Book, 'The likeness of those who spend their money for Allah's sake, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn), it grows seven ears, every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward) for whom He wills, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures needs, All Knower'' (2: 261). And He SWT said again, "Whoever works righteousness, whether a male or a female, while he (or she) is a true believer, verily to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.'' (16: 97)

Ok, one of the Companions asked the Prophet: O Allah's Messenger! What kind of charity is the BEST? The Prophet answered: "To give in charity when you are healthy and greedy hoping to be wealthy and afraid of becoming poor." [Sahih al-Bukhari] See, he even guided how to do charity.

There were many verses mentioned in the Qur'an about charity, the Prophet also encouraged to do charity and always telling the rewards of charity. But what is the meaning of RICH?

The Prophet said: لَيْسَ الْغِنَى عَنْ كَثْرَةِ الْعَرَضِ وَلَكِنَّ الْغِنَى غِنَى النَّفْسِ
"Richness does not mean having a great amount of property, but richness is self-contentment."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8: #453]

Yeah, it's so true. I'm fall in love with this hadith. Your money or property will not determine your richness. The richness is so subjective. You can be rich in knowledge, well-behaviour, smile, happiness, and something else. However, this narration makes neither richness nor poverty a worthy pursuit. If we live in poverty, we ought to strive toward rectifying the conditions in light of God's practical divine guidance. If we are wealthy, we should be careful about what we have acquired and how, and furthermore, whether those possessions are helping us to seek pleasure or displeasure of God. If God has blessed us with resources, we do not have to be ashamed, but we should be conscious of our responsibilities and try to seek contentment. We should not also despise ourselves if we are poor. Instead, we should make honest effort in His path to improve our situation. God wants us to seek bounty from Him, but in His way. [HERE]

So, now everyone can be RICH, but please do not forget to give charity to yourself too. You cannot spending without earning. You unable to give without having an effort.

Let's be rich in the sight of Allah...

Saadah Khair
IIUM Library,
9.15pm, 21 January 2011

**Ya Allah, need your help to end this month little bit late... Yassir wa La Tu'assir..

Plagiarism

Yesterday, 15 January 2011, I attended a workshop on Plagiarism at Al-Ghazali, INSTED IIUM. Alhamdulillah there were so many participants especially from Postgraduate Students. The speaker was Prof. Dr. Ratnahwati, her name similar to my mother's name, but my mom is a Home Professor only..hehe

What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is well known term to academic research. It can be defined as the act of presenting the words, ideas, images, sounds or the creative expression of others as your own. It also can be considered as cheating and deception. Read more HERE

Plagiarism can be done intentionally or unintentionally. Intentional plagiarism is when the researcher is stealing other's work, and it can be understood because it's only done with a specific intention. On the other hand, unintentional plagiarism is when the researcher is careless, quoting excessively or he doesn't have his own voice (expression, idea or point of view).

Types of Plagiarism?

• Uncited Sources: The ghost writer (unknown), The Photocopy (without acknowledgment), The Potluck Paper (combine from difference sources), The Poor disguise, Labor of Laziness, The self-stealer.
• Cited Sources: The forgotten footnote, Misinformed, Too-perfect paraphrase, Resourceful citer, Perfect crime.

When you not need to cite?

• If the researcher use his own experience, observation or reaction.
• If he compiling the results of original research.

Guideline to Cite and Quote without Plagiarism.

• Use your own words and ideas
• Give credit for copied, adapted, or paraphrased materials
• Avoid using other's work with 'cosmetic' changes
• Beware of 'common knowledge'

3 Strategies to avoid Plagiarism

• Quoting, in order to support or to disagree or to highlight or to compare & contrast.
  
• Paraphrasing, in order to express with own sentence but other's idea.
  
• Summarizing, in order to explain in a short discussion of important points.

Prof Ratnah suggests a website that explain more on example of Plagiarism. Click HERE.

NO ONE is able to plagiarize the work and creation of Allah..

Although writing is not an easy task, we should know our own voice and the most important thing is THINK~! Appreciate your own expression and be creative..

**Now finalizing all chapters. Allahumma yassir wa La Tu'assir wa Tammim bilKhair..

Chocolate

Malaysian Chocolate Fair was held at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre on 7th-9th January 2011. I had a chance to go there with my special friend. It's not really havoc exhibition because it is only for chocolate lovers, and I am one of them.hehehe...

The one who taught me the lovely taste of chocolate is my father. He loves chocolate as I am, or maybe more than myself. I still remember each time he went to perform Hajj or Umrah, he will bring back chocolates for me and my younger brother. As a return when I'm growing up, each time I'm going back home, I will bring chocolate as a present for my father. I will not forget that..

There is something special about chocolate in its taste and smell. I don't know how to describe it, but those who love chocolate, you will know it. My elder brother reminded me that we should not forget the one who plant a cocoa tree and all the labour who working hard before the making process of chocolate. Thank you to all of them..

10 reason why you should eat chocolate

1. All along, chocolates are known to many people as an aphrodisiac. Chocolates make people feel good. The reason behind this is due to one of the chemicals it contained, which is called Phenylethylamine. Phenylethylamine stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers and in one way or the other, helps the consumer to reach peak levels during orgasm.
2. Lack of magnesium in a person’s diet may be the main cause of many diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and even pre-menstrual syndrome. So if you pique of having to go through those monthly pains, getting the healthier chocolate into your dietary system might help to reduce it.
3. Chocolate is also a great source of antioxidant. As some of you might know, antioxidant is entirely good for skin’s health since it provides protection from free radicals; the main cause of aging and a string of other skin problems.
4. Chocolate helps to promote serotonin, which is found in Prozac, an anti-depressant. Rather than having to get prescription for medicine as such (which will be hard to get because it involves legal matters anyway), is it not easier to just grab a bar of dark chocolate for comfort?
5. It contains a whole lot of other nutrients such as essential traces of iron, calcium, potassium and a few types of vitamins (A,C,D,E and B1)
6. Chocolate is one kind of comfort food. Mix a hot chocolate with some sugar and you will get a good source of energy, low dose of caffeine (same as in a decaf coffee) and calmness that can make you doze off much easily. Moreover, it is said that chocolate can cure fatigue due to a long day work and provides you with quality sleep.
7. Not scientific research has any strong proof that chocolate is contributive to acne production. Acne production is more likely caused by unhealthy diet habits rather than chocolates. Therefore, there is no more worries for you to consume chocolate as you like.
8. Chocolates (dark chocolates especially) helps in lowering blood pressure, the incidents of getting cancer and heart diseases
9. Fats in chocolates are not entirely bad – some more good news and the more reasons you can enjoy chocolate without worrying much. Chocolates contain three types of fats: 1/3 oleic acid (healthy monounsaturated fat similar to the one found in olive oil), 1/3 stearic acid (a type of saturated fat but has neutral effect on cholesterol) and another 1/3 palmitic acid (saturated fat that has effect on cholesterol). Therefore, meaning that only 1/3 of chocolate’s fats are entirely bad for you.
10. Chocolate is also a symbol of love and persuasion. Are you having that fight with your love ones? Try giving him/her a gift of a whole box of delicious chocolates. Starts bonding with the goodness of chocolates!

INFO was taken from HERE.

**Sadly speaking, I have to forget my plan to join WISE starting 8th Jan 2011, due to time constraint. InsyaAllah there will be another chance for me to seek knowledge again... BTW, Thanks chocolate for making my days sweeter..

Sibuk bukan Penyibuk

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim..

Sudah seminggu pertama berlalu di Tahun Baru ini.. Masa bergerak begitu pantas sekali, dan rasanya seperti sudah lama tidak mencoret sesuatu di sini. Kali ini dengan berbahasa Melayu kerana saya fikir 'vocabulary' Bahasa Melayu saya semakin berkurangan samada ketika berbicara atau menulis. Jadi saya tidak mahu melupakan bahasa ini..

Tujuh hari pertama 2011 ini saya memang sibuk. Saya harus mengejar dan memotong sebelum dikejar dan dipotong. Tapi saya berusaha mengelakkan diri untuk menjadi seorang yang penyibuk atau 'jaga tepi kain orang' kerana banyak kain saya yang harus dijaga terlebih dahulu. Rasanya pernah berulang kali di entri yang lepas sudah dinyatakan saya senang untuk menjadi sibuk, kerana dengan sibuk, saya boleh mengurus masa dengan baik.

Semalam saya berdiskusi dengan seorang teman seperjuangan, di mana orang yang berkerja memang sangat sibuk, tapi orang yang berkerja sambil belajar jauh lebih sibuk, apatah lagi dia yang sudah berkeluarga. Jika bekerja tempohnya bermula jam 8pagi hingga 5 petang, mereka yang berkerja sambil belajar harus menambah masa di waktu malam untuk menelaah buku dan pelajaran. Andai dilakukan dengan ikhlas dan minat, tentunya tidak menjadi masalah... Itulah rutin seharian saya. Menjadi pengajar di siang hari, dan meneruskan belajar di malam hari. Istilah belajar bagi saya adalah sesuatu yang tidak akan pernah habis..

Ada apa dengan penyibuk? Kebiasaan mereka yang penyibuk adalah mereka yang tidak sibuk atau buat-buat sibuk. Niat saya di sini adalah bukan untuk memburuk-burukkan mereka. Tapi menyedarkan bahawa sifat penyibuk itu lebih banyak negatifnya berbanding positif. Kadang-kadang sifat penyibuk ini disertai dengan sifat ambil tahu yang berlebihan samada kepada orang yang dibenci atau disayangi. Tidak salah menjadi penyibuk yang mahu mengubah seusatu kejahatan kepada kebaikan, tapi biarlah dengan cara yang berhikmah. Oh Tuhan, jauhkanlah diriku dari menjadi penyibuk yang kurang baik..


Buku ini saya milikinya lebih dari 3 tahun. Isinya masih ada berbaki yang belum habis dibaca. Tajuknya menarik. Isinya mantap. Bagus untuk mereka yang mahu belajar menguruskan masa dengan baik. Isi kandungan buku tersebut boleh dilihat di SINI.

Mahu tahu apa yang sedang saya sibukkan? Saya sedang sibuk mengakhiri tulisan tesis yang hampir tamat. Alhamdulillah saya bersyukur kerana sudah berjaya sampai ke tahap ini. Kata seorang teman, dia mahu menangis puas-puas pabila siapnya menulis tesis.. Saya geli hati, tapi itu luahan dia kerana dalam proses menulis ini, terlalu banyak cabaran yang harus ditempuhi. Ada satu perkara yang saya akan lakukan terlebih dahulu setelah tamatnya tesis, iaitu mengucapkan TERIMA KASIH YA ALLAH... Semoga Allah tidak mensia-siakan usaha saya selama ini, dan mengharapkan agar usaha ini dilindungi keredhaanNYa. Hanya Tuhan yang mengerti apa yang saya lalui selama ini... Dan tentunya saya ada banyak perancangan yang mahu saya lakukan setelah tamat segalanya dengan baik...

Tuhan, permudahkanlah....

Saadah Khair
8 Januari 2011

Memorable 2010 & 2011 Resolution

2011 is coming. This is the first entry of the new year 2011, actually I wanna write an entry as the last entry of 2010, but I have a lot of more important things to do, so, here we are the beginning of 2011...

Happy New Year 2010.
All people over the world celebrated new year with a great, colourful and sparkling celebration. It's like a culture that all countries have their own my to celebrate new year. If compare to the celebration of new year of Hijrah, the difference is like of heaven and earth.

Now, I just staying at home alone. Listening to the sound of firework from my house. Watching news that there were colourful fireworks. But in the evening, I accompanied my special friend to go entertain ourself in somewhere of place. Thanks for treating me for today as the last day of 2010, and when I reached home, all my housemates are gone, celebrating new years with their boyfriends.

Today, I bought a book as a present to myself to begin new year of 2011 with new resolution..
Islam in Malaysia: Perceptions & Fact, by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

Honestly speaking, 2010 was such of blessing. I learned a lot of things and gained many new experiences. It was memorable year that will be unforgettable. I just wanna share here some of memorable 2010 as below:

Books: Alhamdulillah read more than 50 books for 2010. Among the books are written by Andrea Hirata, Faisal Tehrani, Jim Stovall, Farish A. Noor, James Petterson, Paulo Coehlo, Spahic Omer, Anas Zubedy, Hamka, Yusuf al-Qaradawi and many more.

Places: I love to travel and see the beautiful creatures of Allah. Thailand was among the amazing places I have been in April 2010. Then, went to local places such as Langkawi, Petrosains, Bukit Tinggi, Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, Genting Highland and many more.

Aboriginal Villages: This is one of da'wah activity that I will not leave it ever. For 2010, I have been to Pulau Carey, Pos Bersih, Kg Jedip, Pos Brooke, and Kg Pelantok. It was less that last year 2009 because I am little bit busy in 2010.

Conferences & Talk: To be a future academician, I have to attend a lot of seminars to improve my knowledge and gain presentation skills from other speakers. The best conference was with Dr. Naquib al-Attas, other than that, I also attended some conferences and talk in IIUM, USIM, IAIS, and IKIM. Besides, it was unforgettable memory to be one of the paper presenters in KIRK Postgraduate Semesterly Conference.

Writing: I am new in this field. As an amateur, I tried to find any opportunity to submit my writing to magazine, newspaper or journal. In 2010, some of my short writing was published in magazine Aquilla Asia and Tunas Cipta. I hope I can publish my writing in any journal in the future before publish my own book. However, I wrote a lot in my own blog.

Career: Alhamdulillah, I was appointed a part-time lecturer in International Islamic College in the beginning of July 2010. Although, it was part-time contract, I've learned a lot and it will be my great experience before being a real lecturer after this.

Responsibilities: In 2010, I learned many things to understand what is the meaning of responsibility especially in protecting JJU 2545 and Apartment Seri Tioman 2. Alhamdulillah Ya Allah..

This is just a sharing and reminder to myself to be better and better. Although it seems everything was sweet, there were also bitter memories in 2010. And I don't want to mention it here for not repeating those things again..hmmm

Anyway, praise be to Allah for everything for His Love and Mercy. The main resolution in 2011 is to finish my M.A and will think to end my single life..hehe..

Let's go towards the best..

1.45am
01.01.2011
Saadah Khair
Rumah Awangan