Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Every time the temperature rises with a ferocious heat wave looking to evaporate every drop of water thanks in part to global warming, faint memories of Abu Dhabi surface. It was a desert artificially transformed to impersonate an oasis with a fair degree of success. The coastal beaches bordering the Arabian Sea lay within a few kilometers to provide relief (though no one tried to ‘impersonate’ the dress codes of Californian beaches).
There was no escaping the blistering heat yet you grew to appreciate its beauty. The scorching sun made the windows so hot that boiling an egg would be possible. An hour out in the open would leave a person drenched in sweat. Yet just like the splendor of a snow-lit C
anadian evening with a cold mist permeating every part of the body, the sweltering heat was somehow finely balanced by miles of calm, blue ocean challenging the sun to a show of dominance and magnificence.
For some reason, it would seem as if life had come to a halt with the humid afternoons spent in the comforts of air-conditioned apartments, I often looking out the window from our 9th (10th?) floor apartment (while boiling eggs that is) at the masses going about their daily lives oblivious that someone can be watching them.
Children running back and forth, senseless and carefree, fast paced men in flowing white thobes scurrying towards unknown destinations, streams of cars traveling in directions that lead seemingly nowhere. It was a strange habit for someone so young and surely there is a psychological explanation for it (perhaps loss of sanity begins at an early age?).
Sometimes I wish I could just sit with my head tilted against the sun-baked window, staring into the abyss of worldly life slowing down with each passing minute without a thought in my head--storing images to recur years after being forgotten.
There was no escaping the blistering heat yet you grew to appreciate its beauty. The scorching sun made the windows so hot that boiling an egg would be possible. An hour out in the open would leave a person drenched in sweat. Yet just like the splendor of a snow-lit C
anadian evening with a cold mist permeating every part of the body, the sweltering heat was somehow finely balanced by miles of calm, blue ocean challenging the sun to a show of dominance and magnificence.For some reason, it would seem as if life had come to a halt with the humid afternoons spent in the comforts of air-conditioned apartments, I often looking out the window from our 9th (10th?) floor apartment (while boiling eggs that is) at the masses going about their daily lives oblivious that someone can be watching them.
Children running back and forth, senseless and carefree, fast paced men in flowing white thobes scurrying towards unknown destinations, streams of cars traveling in directions that lead seemingly nowhere. It was a strange habit for someone so young and surely there is a psychological explanation for it (perhaps loss of sanity begins at an early age?).
Sometimes I wish I could just sit with my head tilted against the sun-baked window, staring into the abyss of worldly life slowing down with each passing minute without a thought in my head--storing images to recur years after being forgotten.
Monday, May 29, 2006
It amazes me that just when I begin to think that life can suprise me no more, it manages to throw a curveball. Perhaps I expect too much from people.
Advice to everyone: don't go around saying you love someone for the sake of Allah if you don't mean it. Sure, it sounds all nice and makes you look pious but in the long haul, it will only come back to bite you.
I've stopped saying it because I realized it was just a fad. Everyone said it but barely one or two actually meant it; the rest were just following the crowd. Infact, I despise it when someone says it to me because I know it's hollow. I wish it wasn't but unless I see some action that backs up the claim, I have but no other conclusion.
If you truly love a friend, instead of saying it, give him a call to see how he's doing and not just because you need something from him. That shows you really care about the person, rather than this lip service of "I love you for the sake of Allah" because when the smoke clears, the other person is hurt and you'll have to answer for it on the Day of Judgement.
Advice to everyone: don't go around saying you love someone for the sake of Allah if you don't mean it. Sure, it sounds all nice and makes you look pious but in the long haul, it will only come back to bite you.
I've stopped saying it because I realized it was just a fad. Everyone said it but barely one or two actually meant it; the rest were just following the crowd. Infact, I despise it when someone says it to me because I know it's hollow. I wish it wasn't but unless I see some action that backs up the claim, I have but no other conclusion.
If you truly love a friend, instead of saying it, give him a call to see how he's doing and not just because you need something from him. That shows you really care about the person, rather than this lip service of "I love you for the sake of Allah" because when the smoke clears, the other person is hurt and you'll have to answer for it on the Day of Judgement.
Friday, May 26, 2006
An incident that occurred not too long ago has forced me to write this post. All the sisters out there married, engaged, engaged to be married, waiting to be engaged, or simply engaging in activities they shouldn’t be in, following is a list of tips to help you out with your significant other:
1. Don’t try and have a ‘deep, meaningful’ conversation with him when he’s watching a game – especially if it’s his favorite hockey team in the Stanley Cup finals!
2. Even if you are, don’t tell him you’re better at driving. This is analogous to the ‘Do I look fat in this dress?’ question which has ONLY one answer……..and then there’s the couch.
3. He’s not Sherlock Holmes (heck, he even has trouble playing the sidekick role of Dr. Watson) so if something is wrong, mention it instead of hoping he’ll figure it out because most of the times he likely won’t (playing detective is not usually part of the contract).
4. He’s not Superman either so don’t expect him to fix the computer and the car, turn the backyard into a rainforest, write poetry, quote Shakespeare, compete in the Olympics, save the whales, cure cancer, know how to do the salsa--all the while killing spiders with one hand tied behind his back.
5. He generally means well and tries his best to learn the subtleties. Try to work with him instead of using it as leverage at the most opportune moment that can inflict the maximum damage (this is not Halo where you power up and shoot one mega hit to kill the opponent). Keep in mind the objective is not to keep tally of who has screwed up the most.
NOTE: If you have a sudden urge to leave an ‘angry, attacking, and anonymous’ comment, please refer to the last point.
1. Don’t try and have a ‘deep, meaningful’ conversation with him when he’s watching a game – especially if it’s his favorite hockey team in the Stanley Cup finals!
2. Even if you are, don’t tell him you’re better at driving. This is analogous to the ‘Do I look fat in this dress?’ question which has ONLY one answer……..and then there’s the couch.
3. He’s not Sherlock Holmes (heck, he even has trouble playing the sidekick role of Dr. Watson) so if something is wrong, mention it instead of hoping he’ll figure it out because most of the times he likely won’t (playing detective is not usually part of the contract).
4. He’s not Superman either so don’t expect him to fix the computer and the car, turn the backyard into a rainforest, write poetry, quote Shakespeare, compete in the Olympics, save the whales, cure cancer, know how to do the salsa--all the while killing spiders with one hand tied behind his back.
5. He generally means well and tries his best to learn the subtleties. Try to work with him instead of using it as leverage at the most opportune moment that can inflict the maximum damage (this is not Halo where you power up and shoot one mega hit to kill the opponent). Keep in mind the objective is not to keep tally of who has screwed up the most.
NOTE: If you have a sudden urge to leave an ‘angry, attacking, and anonymous’ comment, please refer to the last point.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Top of the World
Twenty some yards from my office window, idly stands a large tower about 10 stories high. It was in use years ago only to be abandoned during times of lean profit. Now, it serves to block the sunlight from completely filling the office, certainly not a very profitable use for something that required millions for construction.
Surprisingly, it has been rented out to very unusual tenants. It's home to a family of peregrine falcons -- yes, the very same birds that are almost extinct in Alberta. So every once in a while, I stretch my neck out in an attempt to catch a glmpse of the
magnificent birds that reside but a few yards away.
The other day, I gazed upon something that looked too big and majestic to be a crow. It was circling at a steady pace, not flapping its wings but rather content at letting the wind draft keep it afloat. After a few laps in the clouds, it flew off into a remote corner of the vast blue sky not visible from the window.
I sat there marveling at its freedom, the non-chalance with which it lived and wondered what it feels like to be on top of the world......literally.
Surprisingly, it has been rented out to very unusual tenants. It's home to a family of peregrine falcons -- yes, the very same birds that are almost extinct in Alberta. So every once in a while, I stretch my neck out in an attempt to catch a glmpse of the
magnificent birds that reside but a few yards away.The other day, I gazed upon something that looked too big and majestic to be a crow. It was circling at a steady pace, not flapping its wings but rather content at letting the wind draft keep it afloat. After a few laps in the clouds, it flew off into a remote corner of the vast blue sky not visible from the window.
I sat there marveling at its freedom, the non-chalance with which it lived and wondered what it feels like to be on top of the world......literally.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Neend aati nahin saari saari raat
Koi tujsey kahey merey dil ki baat
Eik tu jo nahin aaj merey saath
Mujko veera lagay saari kainaat
Terey or merey raastey ho kabhi na judaa....na judaa
Jaaney mey zinda abhi tak hu kasay?
Meri jaan, yay zindagi to ho rahi hay veeran
Terey bin nahi hai jaan is badan mein
Jasey tanha panchi chaman mein
Mein to yehi chahoon,
Dooriyan na rahey dooriyan.
Aansoon bhari aankhon mey ghoomu
Din raat, mey baarishon meh bheegta tha
Terey baad, ab yadey hee rehgayee hey merey pass
Aur kuch nahi rehgya hey seewai aansoon key merey pass
English Translation:
I can't sleep at night
Only if someone can tell you the message of my heart
Now that you are no longer with me
The entire universe seems empty
May our paths never separate
For how can I stay alive?
This life becomes hollow by every passing moment
Without you, there is no life in this body
Just like a solitary bird in the vast sky
All I want,
Is for the distances to remain no more
I walk with a tear filled eye
All night, drenched in the heavy rain
After you, memories are all that remain
I have no possessions left except the tears in my eyes
Koi tujsey kahey merey dil ki baat
Eik tu jo nahin aaj merey saath
Mujko veera lagay saari kainaat
Terey or merey raastey ho kabhi na judaa....na judaa
Jaaney mey zinda abhi tak hu kasay?
Meri jaan, yay zindagi to ho rahi hay veeran
Terey bin nahi hai jaan is badan mein
Jasey tanha panchi chaman mein
Mein to yehi chahoon,
Dooriyan na rahey dooriyan.
Aansoon bhari aankhon mey ghoomu
Din raat, mey baarishon meh bheegta tha
Terey baad, ab yadey hee rehgayee hey merey pass
Aur kuch nahi rehgya hey seewai aansoon key merey pass
English Translation:
I can't sleep at night
Only if someone can tell you the message of my heart
Now that you are no longer with me
The entire universe seems empty
May our paths never separate
For how can I stay alive?
This life becomes hollow by every passing moment
Without you, there is no life in this body
Just like a solitary bird in the vast sky
All I want,
Is for the distances to remain no more
I walk with a tear filled eye
All night, drenched in the heavy rain
After you, memories are all that remain
I have no possessions left except the tears in my eyes
Edited Junoon song
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Sir, your pick is?
Which woman do you prefer ?
1. HARD-DISK Woman:
She remembers everything, FOREVER.
2. RAM Woman:
She forgets about you, the moment you turn her off.
3. WINDOWS Woman:
Everyone knows that she can't do a thing right, but no one can live without her.
4. SCREENSAVER Woman:
She is good for nothing but at least she is fun!
5. INTERNET Woman:
Difficult to access.
6. SERVER Woman:
Always busy when you need her.
7. MULTIMEDIA Woman:
She makes horrible things look beautiful.
8. CD-ROM Woman
She is always faster and faster.
9. E-MAIL Woman:
Of every ten things she says, eight are nonsense.
10. VIRUS Woman:
Also known as "WIFE"; when you are not expecting her, she comes installs herself and uses all your resources. If you try to uninstall her you will lose everything, if you don't try to uninstall her, you will be rendered useless ...
Either way, you LOSE!!
I have a feeling I'm going to be blacklisted becaus of this post :-(
1. HARD-DISK Woman:
She remembers everything, FOREVER.
2. RAM Woman:
She forgets about you, the moment you turn her off.
3. WINDOWS Woman:
Everyone knows that she can't do a thing right, but no one can live without her.
4. SCREENSAVER Woman:
She is good for nothing but at least she is fun!
5. INTERNET Woman:
Difficult to access.
6. SERVER Woman:
Always busy when you need her.
7. MULTIMEDIA Woman:
She makes horrible things look beautiful.
8. CD-ROM Woman
She is always faster and faster.
9. E-MAIL Woman:
Of every ten things she says, eight are nonsense.
10. VIRUS Woman:
Also known as "WIFE"; when you are not expecting her, she comes installs herself and uses all your resources. If you try to uninstall her you will lose everything, if you don't try to uninstall her, you will be rendered useless ...
Either way, you LOSE!!
I have a feeling I'm going to be blacklisted becaus of this post :-(
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Universal Laws
"In order to be a revolutionary, you have to be an outlaw. But, you still have to operate within the universal laws of justice and equality."There are three kinds of people in this world:Amir Suleiman
1) Those that want to maintain the status quo. They're satisfied with the world around and generally follow the principle of 'live and let live.' Majority fall in this category.
2) A second kind are so over-zealous, they want to force a change by whichever means necessary. Very few manage to while the rest become dis-illusioned by a lack of success on the grand scale and quit.
3) This group keeps plugging away on the 'smaller' scale while waiting for the right opportunity. The right moment might be in their lifetimes, perhaps in their childrens' or maybe even later. But that doesn't dishearten their efforts to keep bringing change in any way possible--but still within the boundaries of universal laws.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Us and Nationalism
I work with a Brazilian guy that recently moved to Canada with his family. A well built man in his mid 30s with a surprisingly fair skin, perhaps a descendant of the Portuguese that settled in Brazil centuries ago. Seems like a naturally polite person with an omnipresent smile reminiscent to a Columbian professor I had for a programming course which to this day I don’t understand.
Since he has spent most of his life in Brazil, naturally he has a strong affinity to the land in which he grew up always talking about the food, the people, the climate, soccer, the relatives left behind, and the broken memories. But what is most surprising is how proud he is of Brazilian heritage yet tries his best to learn the Canadian culture.
Compare that to the attitude of children of immigrants from Muslim countries. Why is it that we are either very ashamed or excessively proud? Some believe themselves to be the ‘chosen race’ and shun all evil (kafir) practices while others are embarrassed and wish they were born in a different culture. A few even try and justify their behavior through Islam. I’ve heard statements such as ‘I don’t care much about culture because there is no place for it in Islam’ or ‘I’m not nationalistic.’ Sorry to say but everyone is nationalistic, it’s just a matter of where the allegiance lies.
I realize that there is much confusion for children of immigrants but to completely abandon your heritage is a clear extreme. Even then, we might not be influenced by Pakistan/Indian/Arab culture, but by Canadian culture. Unless we live on a secluded island, there is no hiding from its effects.
Perhaps the best practice is to take the best from each that don’t go against Islamic teachings. Because if we claim to live without the influence of culture because of a shame for whom we are, we are fooling no one but ourselves.
Since he has spent most of his life in Brazil, naturally he has a strong affinity to the land in which he grew up always talking about the food, the people, the climate, soccer, the relatives left behind, and the broken memories. But what is most surprising is how proud he is of Brazilian heritage yet tries his best to learn the Canadian culture.
Compare that to the attitude of children of immigrants from Muslim countries. Why is it that we are either very ashamed or excessively proud? Some believe themselves to be the ‘chosen race’ and shun all evil (kafir) practices while others are embarrassed and wish they were born in a different culture. A few even try and justify their behavior through Islam. I’ve heard statements such as ‘I don’t care much about culture because there is no place for it in Islam’ or ‘I’m not nationalistic.’ Sorry to say but everyone is nationalistic, it’s just a matter of where the allegiance lies.
I realize that there is much confusion for children of immigrants but to completely abandon your heritage is a clear extreme. Even then, we might not be influenced by Pakistan/Indian/Arab culture, but by Canadian culture. Unless we live on a secluded island, there is no hiding from its effects.
Perhaps the best practice is to take the best from each that don’t go against Islamic teachings. Because if we claim to live without the influence of culture because of a shame for whom we are, we are fooling no one but ourselves.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Sometime I wish we didn't have to sleep. Or perhaps 'store' the sleep with no side effects. Imagine, not sleeping for four days straight and then snoozing for the 'x' number of hours to make it up. But Allah(swt) created this system for a reason, a benefit that perhaps we don't understand. Don't get me wrong, I love my beauty sleep but only if I didn't have to do it each night.
I really wish I had this summer off. Ever since high school ended, I've been either constantly working or studying which does tend to take its toll. Well, I do have plans for next summer insha Allah so lets see what cards life deals until then in its attempt to ruin things.
I just noticed this post is a list of thngs I wish for but are not. Oh well, what else are blogs for, right?
I really wish I had this summer off. Ever since high school ended, I've been either constantly working or studying which does tend to take its toll. Well, I do have plans for next summer insha Allah so lets see what cards life deals until then in its attempt to ruin things.
I just noticed this post is a list of thngs I wish for but are not. Oh well, what else are blogs for, right?
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Prayed the afternoon prayer in the front yard of a church the other day because time was running out. Me, in sujood, infront of the church with a huge cross on it. A picture would have been worthy of cover of Times magazine or perhaps some inter-faith publication.
Got scammed out of a $160 because apparently I trust people a little too much or they know a sucker when they see one. Either way, makes me wonder how long is the money going to last him? 3 days? 1 week? 1 month?
After it's all gone, I just want to ask him one question: Was it worth lowering yourself for?
Got scammed out of a $160 because apparently I trust people a little too much or they know a sucker when they see one. Either way, makes me wonder how long is the money going to last him? 3 days? 1 week? 1 month?
After it's all gone, I just want to ask him one question: Was it worth lowering yourself for?
Monday, May 08, 2006
All those who live to see hard times don't want it but that's not for us to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.A friend mentioned something nice the other day. He said, "Don't ask Allah to ease the burden but rather the strength to bear it."
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Had an interesting conversation on the need for organization and long term strategic planning with a friend today. Many muslim companies and even masjids are haphazardly run by people whom have the desire to do good but not necessary the skill set. Though I have noticed a change over the last little while but there is still a long way to go.
Scholars say that the act of prayer itself reflects how Muslims should behave. The standing of the believers in a straight line is a mandatory condition for the prayer to be accepted because they have to be organized and structured. One person well versed in the Quran is to lead the prayer. Everyone follows him unless he makes a mistake which makes his correction an obligation on the followers.
But sadly the very people who are so stringent on observing these rules during prayer can't even place their shoes on the rack upon entering the mosque. Visit any mosque or the university musallah and you'll find shoes scattered all over the floor while the rack is sitting bare.
Long term planning is an essential component of any successful company. But us Muslims have this mentality that we'll just put in some random effort and 'Allah will take care of the rest.' There needs to be a change from just looking towards this year to having a vision for atleast the 10 years. It doesn't have to be detailed, heck, it doesn't even have to be feasible but the fact that some thought process is being devoted to it is an excellent start.
Scholars say that the act of prayer itself reflects how Muslims should behave. The standing of the believers in a straight line is a mandatory condition for the prayer to be accepted because they have to be organized and structured. One person well versed in the Quran is to lead the prayer. Everyone follows him unless he makes a mistake which makes his correction an obligation on the followers.
But sadly the very people who are so stringent on observing these rules during prayer can't even place their shoes on the rack upon entering the mosque. Visit any mosque or the university musallah and you'll find shoes scattered all over the floor while the rack is sitting bare.
Long term planning is an essential component of any successful company. But us Muslims have this mentality that we'll just put in some random effort and 'Allah will take care of the rest.' There needs to be a change from just looking towards this year to having a vision for atleast the 10 years. It doesn't have to be detailed, heck, it doesn't even have to be feasible but the fact that some thought process is being devoted to it is an excellent start.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Started work at Sherritt International (not the hotel) this monday. The company is much much smaller than the previous one I worked for and well, it certainly shows. I guess that's the difference between a $5 million project versus a $5 billion one.
The hadith of taking advantage of your free time before life takes over is really starting to make a lot more sense now. I'm just happy that I don't graduate for another year and a half insha Allah. Not that I'm one of those people who plans on being in school for as long as I can but there are certain things that I want to accomplish which would become very hard if work started.
And by the way, GO OILERS!!
(and no, I didn't just jump on the bandwagon. I've been a huge fan for a long time)
The hadith of taking advantage of your free time before life takes over is really starting to make a lot more sense now. I'm just happy that I don't graduate for another year and a half insha Allah. Not that I'm one of those people who plans on being in school for as long as I can but there are certain things that I want to accomplish which would become very hard if work started.
And by the way, GO OILERS!!
(and no, I didn't just jump on the bandwagon. I've been a huge fan for a long time)