That's my latest blog, dedicated to random thoughts on issues of interest. Comments on research findings and editorial journals will be kept, hoping one day i can develop those thoughts. Definitely not a place for my common ramblings of petty petty little events happening in my little life.
Make it Personal.....
A title inspired by the sharing session with the Master Trainer (MT) Ustaz Haniff.
His sharing started by inviting us to look backward... asking ourselves how was our school life experience like? How was the attitudes towards practicing the religion like during those days?
Then, he asked the 'here and now' question, making us reflect what are the changes and advancements our current youths enjoy today that we couldnt when we were in their age.
Comparison for me is peeeaanuts job.
I talked about how my younger sister is sooo lucky to be given the OPPORTUNITY to interact with students from different schools and religion. Exchange programmes between madrasahs and other secondary schools and junior colleges are welcomed by students from both institutions. During my time... it was unheard of.
I talked about how my sister is luckier to be given the OPPORTUNITY to learn more things because more suitable individuals come forward to contribute their expertise by teaching in madrasahs. During my time... i should be feeling lucky that madrasahs were even allowed to continue operating as public donations were enough to sustain its operational expenses in that particular year! We (esp in Alsagoff Arab School), were constantly threatened by the possibility of the school being closed down. At least, that was the message I received annually during Muharram (the time of the year when Alsagoff students are forced to practive their PR skills in 'fundraising').
The difference between the past and now is OPPORTUNITY.
It was more limited when i put on the school uniform some years ago.
But now.... Madrasah students are almost on par with the other students in the national stream. Standards are getting higher. Teachers are more dedicated. Students are more motivated. Opportunities are CONSCIOUSLY created to ensure holistic development; both academically, as well as socially.
How did this happen?
E.F.F.O.R.T
From the very people who believe OPPORTUNITY must be given to the girls and boys in the religious schools.
I record my thanks to them.
Their EFFORTS are admirable.
Ladies and gentlemen.... do not stop at admiration and grattitude.
Ask further what kind of future do you want YOUR children to experience?
The same as my sister? Worst? Better?
You know the answer. I do.
And our E.F.F.O.R.T has to start now.
The STAKE of our children's privileges and challenges depend on our E.F.F.O.R.T.
I dont want MY children to feel the hardship MY sister is experiencing.
I want my daughter to receive the best education there is... and at the same time adhering to covering aurah.
I want my children to feel certain of her identity... to feel comfortable enough to interact with others and not feel insecure about her religiousity.
I want my children to not feel the pain and difficulties in finding future spouses who are able to compliment them and guide them to the right path.
All these start from our EFFORT in moulding the very children we want our children to be...the very friends our children will socialise with... the very institutions in which our children will be educated in.... NOW.
Sound selfish? Its ALTRUISM baby.
Social Psychologists argue that being altruistic IS ABOUT being selfish.
It hurts so much for you to see the other person suffer that you HAVE to do something to alleviate his/her sufferings so that YOU dont feel hurt.
Who says being selfish is all wrong.
It is afterall human to think of oneself first.
So... think of your/my future. It hurts to see the possibility of YOUR/MY future generation experiencing the same harships as WE are in.
Do Something to alleviate that...NOW
Make our da'wah stakes personal.
Humaira
When motivation comes from the self known as SELF
Humaira, age 1.
Enjoying all the attention of being the only one in cast =D
Some pain is good though. It develops character they say.
I say... it creates the constructivist in me *wink* (check out the blue clothing for my cast)
Some will say it develops resilience.
What say you?
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