Across Islam ,Style and Culture.

By Jahirah Binti Jalal Abidin

Let’s take a look at a situation.A family of Non-Muslim decided to attend a Malay Wedding or as they say as a kenduri at their neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the family which happened to be the host of the event had specified official attire for that event. The host organizer requires a songkok as the essential part of the dressing code. Hence, the family felt as if they were being made to don the garments of Islam despite their not being Muslims. Due to that, this was merely a misunderstanding about clothing and culture.

Therefore, what is a ‘songkok’? Is it considered as a part of Islamic clothing and symbol of piety?  The Prophet (pbuh) and his companions’ never worn them.According to Dr Mohd Asri (2010) the songkok is a part of the culture of those on India and later the Malay Archipelago. This is indeed a misunderstanding. To add in on his views, some of the well-known religious scholar suggested that Muslims must not be allowed to wear “Cheong Sam” or “Sari”. This have brought into massive astonishment by how narrow of this opinion was. Imagine, if such were the discussion of Islam, what would happen to the Muslims in China and India? The prohibition of dressing is unjust to some individuals in Malaysia. However, these forms of clothing were unknown in the time of the Prophet (pbuh).Before Malaya, Islam has reached China and India. People forget that, one of the factors that helped Islam spread was that, it did not overthrow cultures and traditions of a particular people or nation as long it doesn’t contradict the principles of Islam or cause misunderstanding about it.

Islam and the “Manual of Life” which is the Quraan contain millions of knowledge. Islam acknowledges the attire, language and arts as long the message are not clash with the Quraan and Sunnah.In contrast, those traditions revealed nowadays can be lead to polytheism or “Syirik”. For instance, in the Malay community, they are using the act of “tepung tawar” as to bless the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony.This can be effect to a list of confusion on the true nature meaning of Islam. A Prophet Hadith quoted by Anas bin Malik: “When the Prophet intended to write a letter to the people of Rome, he was told that they would not read it unless it was properly sealed. The Prophet pbuh made a silver of seal and see the gleam in his hand and carved the words ‘Muhammad the Messenger of Allah”. The hadith clearly shows that the Prophet pbuh understand the customs of the community as long it does not clash with the teaching in Islam. He is indeed a wise man for not rejecting any of the customs or even unheeded them. His position as the Messenger of Allah was superior; and yet the he remains a warmly good relationship with all the people in different colour of skin, culture, religion and status.

Another example of Prophet pbuh Hadith that related to clothing, quoted by Imam Ibn Qayyim. He said “The teaching of the Prophet pbuh in matters of clothing is to wear whatever that is beneficial to the body, the lightest and which is easy to don and remove. Women today love to travel and spend their quality time with their family and friends.But, they need to consider on their clothing that is prior to the praying time as well. Unfortunately, they are some women refuse to pray as they did not have the “telekung’ just because they think it is 100% compulsory.  By injecting the hadith before, this is in need for the woman to wear clothes that will ease us to perform solah. Malaysians called it as telekung that contains 2 pieces of garment and a long skirt, almost the same as what is popular in Jordan or Syria. The Syrian or Jordanian prayer garments are much plain and basic with only a long length hijabs and a long dress. However, it is never been doubt that about a beautiful and comfortable prayer garment which helps to sooth and set your mind at ease while it gives you a focus as long it doesn’t affect the akidah or the principles.

 Next,the matter of clothing and culture is unrestricted as long it doesn’t’ against the principles of Islam or represents part of a ritual of another religion such as the nuns, monks and the priest. In another Prophet Hadith reported by Abu Daud “ He who copies any of the people is one of them”. This is can be seen on today’s society where some individuals who ever “kill for fashion “just to get the publicity. They may want to design something different but at the end the fashion does imitates such groups listed above.

Another practices refined by Islam is concerning our daily lives activity as a Muslims. Unfortunately, there are still some Muslims have not yet accustoms themselves on reciting the “Bismillahirohmanirohim” before eating, using the right hand and eating with a group of people instead of enjoying the food by yourself . An example of hadith reported by Al- Bukhari and Muslim, ‘O boy’ Say The Name of Allah and eat with your right hand, and eat of the dish that is nearer to you. The most barakah you get is, by employing the sunnah and the lifestyle of the prophet as it to show an appreciation or syukur to Allah for the greatest gift you received in front of you. Nevertheless, Islam itself doesn’t forbids us from using cutleries or chopsticks eventhough it is been used by other race or culture. In this sense, it is permissible for us to use it as long we are not using the left hand to scoop and feed us. In a nutshell, Islam is no like a  rocket science” in pertaining to the practice of any ethnic groups as long. It is still can be follow as long it doesn’t reverse the practices of Islam.

                                                                                 Jahirah Binti Jalal Abidin

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MHSC ( Communication)

 Theme : Islam and Current Social Problems

Productivity in Muslim enhances the credit for Jannah

 Salam.  Hello, Im glad and proud that I am a muslim. Why? because Islam brought me a thousands of peace and recreating the sense of barakah . InsyAAllah. My words for today  is actually about how I achieve my checklist for being a productive Muslim. I am glad that Allah SWT gave me the time and energy to follow up with the particular course called as "PRODUCTIVE MUSLIM" which has been established by Brother Muhammad Faris. He is the one who implemented a website for the muslim as to encourage them to be a productive and wellness muslims for the goal of duniya and akhirah. You see, Islam is just not about 5 times prayer n being a good person, its all about your daily activities and the barakah that you could gain when you are actually attach all those activities along with the name of Allah and our beloved prophet Muhammad SAW. Nevertheles , people  been doing a lot procrastination in their daily routines and that makes them to forgot and feel tired at the end when it comes to prayer or reading the AL-Quraan. YES, along , you should also need to alert of your diet or your eating styles. In a plate , you should have a balance meal but at the same time to get the barakah, a recite bismmillah as well reminiscing on where is the razakh came from.Orite, let's start with my experience.....

 I did apply this productive tips from the seminar a few months ago, and I can feel the changes on myself. Not just on the outside but also inside ( physical and spirtitual). For example, I used to procrastinate or delaying my daily prayers when I was burning my mind out for my workload at the office and it gives me up a stressful feeling at the end. Therefore, I decided to make a schedule or  a checklist regarding on how It could improve me. If i ever got the time, i try to perform the duha prayer at the office by right at 8-10 am every morning and MAsyAAllah I think , It is a miracle I actually done all the work on time that particular day. As once said that , Allah will help you or give a room for you if you have the time to allocate for HIM ( InSYAAllah). Our daily routines must attach by the goal to dunia and akhirah as well.. AS for that , you will become a healthy, happy and productive well being muslims.. LAter for PART 2.. Jazakallah

Dude?? I'm a Teacher...so? =P

Over the past several years, I have learned various activities, learning theories, teaching styles and strategies that can be used in language classrooms to be an effective teacher. However, in my humble opinion, a good teacher is someone who can engage with her students, rivet their attention and fire their interest and enthusiasm into the lesson. Teaching is a work of heart. Being a teacher is not being up on a pedestal and simply disseminating information to the students. It is an adventure where a teacher presents the opportunity for pupils to learn and grow. In my perspective, the teacher is the most powerful person in the classroom in order to motivate the language learners. The teachers must organize, provide security, motivate, instruct, model, guide, inform, give feedback, encourage and evaluate the language learners. The solution to the problem is that the teachers understand and apply the concepts of classroom techniques and be able to make the learners feel motivated and interested in learning English by using scaffolding strategies and establishing a student-centred classroom.

My philosophy on teaching centres on an active approach as I engage my students in discussions, activities, and higher order thinking skills. I believe all students are capable of learning, thus, I always have high expectations on them. Students’ active and fun roles as learners in my class help them enjoy learning and get excited about English. I believe learning takes place in a positive and safe environment filled with laughter. I believe students will be motivated to learn if teachers employ engaging and fun activities. I hope I can always engage my students by introducing fresh and interesting ideas, by creating opportunities where they take active role in the class activities, and by maximizing each student’s participation and contribution.

I also feel that an effective teacher should be aware that students in a classroom has multiple intelligences and do not learn in the same way. I am not surprised that more often than not, teachers choose just one style of teaching since it saves a lot of their preparation time. However, my goal is to conduct my lessons using a few styles, for example, direct instruction, collaborative learning and inquiry learning. Obviously, a teacher cannot reach every student on the same level during one lesson, but implementing a variety of learning styles and teaching aids throughout the lesson allows all the students to have the chance to learn in at least one way that matches their learning style.

According to the Constructivist Learning Theory, learning is an active process of creating meaning from different experiences. In other words, students will learn best by trying to make sense of something on their own with the teacher as a guide to help them along the way. This means that a teacher cannot “pour” information into a pupil’s brain and always expect them to process it and apply it correctly later. It is in fact important to encourage students’ critical thinking and inquiry by asking them thoughtful, open-ended questions, and even get them to ask questions to each other. I believe that teachers who advocate the Constructivist Learning Theory in their teaching are designers of students’ abilities.

In terms of classroom management, I establish appropriate steps to enhance positive behaviour in the classroom. In actual fact, a classroom is a mini-community and this community cannot function well without a set of rules to guide it. To some, all this may seem trivial and they have the tendency to neglect the rule-setting right from the beginning. Rules can be classified around three main types: class-running rules, lesson-running rules and interaction rules (Leinhardt, Weidman & Hammond, 1987). In my classroom, I take the initiative to design a set of rules and routines for students’ good conduct in the classroom. The class control is good even without imposing rigid and inflexible rules.

I believe that education is a lifelong process. To educate is to be better educated; it is a circular process that improves with time. I know that there is no learning better than through personal experience, and I do expect to learn a lot from the classes I have taken and am yet to take. In short, I could say that my goal in the teaching field is to give my students all I can in the classroom and become their inspiration to learn English.

Describe YOUR Favourite TEacher in school

Example of descriptive essay

My Favourite teacher in school.

School is our next home in receiving the endless and valuable knowledge that you can ever get. In school, we not only teach on the academics but also to reveal about our self perseverance in achieving your ambition. Before I graduated from high school, there’s always an individual who influenced me in school, which is my own Oscar Winning teacher Pn Mozita Azura.

She is one the person who influences me in the positive way to become an English educator one day. She was not only my favourite teacher but also my motivator. There are many reasons why she was well-liked by me. First, she is always kind, thoughtful and generous. She continuously listens to what were our expectations as a student. At the end of each lesson, she always took the time to listen to our ideas, thoughts and suggestions.

Second, she made learning English so much fun. It does not matter whether we were in a portable classroom, where space was limited, or in an actual classroom, she always had many ideas to get us moving and enjoying the lesson. It can be in a lesson in writing or grammar or even speaking. Besides fun, her lessons were very informative. She pointed out our mistakes and encouraged me to do better next time. Her open mindedness and opposition to any act of injustice features should be admired by teachers and students as well. Her popularity was never lowered in the estimation of the public .

Thirdly, her dealings were excellent. Her knowledge in English was impressive since she is well-read and she has a vast knowledge. She had a parental care and affection for all of us and she saw that we were proper in our behaviour and ; progressing in our studies. She used to give out several very interesting materials by citing examples from day to day happenings and from books outside our courses. She even stimulated us to make our activities greater. She was always a loving and affectionate woman and never a tyrant or a hard hearted one even my classmates used to dislikes her in some point.

Fourth, I never doubt that she is sincere in teaching and hardworking. She did not allowed us to be lazy. She made a simple living but her thinking is great. She influences our young minds with her motherly care. She did not encouraged the students to flee the time carelessly in idle chat and idle thought rather she encouraged us to state that time is gold.I always participated in her class eventhough she called me the “Talking Machine”. For example, I would ever volunteer to be in any classroom play and performance.

In short, Mozita Azura is an excellent and fabulous teacher. She had made an impact on my life by doing so. I hope I can pass down the same qualities to the young Malaysians that I will be teaching.Oh yes, I decided to be a teacher just like her. Thank you, Pn Mozita Azura, for the impact and the inspiration you have had on my life.

- Ms Jahirah Jalal Abidin-

- For 5G- SBM 2012

Form 5 Sample of Essay.. Enjoy guys and do my homework ..Puhleaz ya! =D

Descriptive Essay Homework- Describe the famous person in your school.

When we were in high school, my friend Sookie and I made a map of the school lunch tables according to popularity. This was easy to do, because students only ate lunch with others of about the same popularity. We graded them from A to E level. There was a table that full with football players and cheerleaders, science nerd, math geek and so on. Every part of the table has their own prep talk and endless topic to talk about. This is where the grading of social status takes place. I was never been acknowledge or notice by anyone accept for my teachers. Suddenly, a tall boy with “langsat’ skin came and approached me to talk about debate. Who is he? What is his purpose talking to someone like me?

An investigation was been made by myself to ensure whether his intention was in a proper behaviour. I would like to name him as Mr Darcy the character that I’ve been admired since I am a fan of Jane Austen novels. First, Mr Darcy was a president of the debate and public speaking club He is very good in delivering a speech and class presentation. He got the will and the requirement to become an astounding orator one day. He can even sell a piece of paper and make everyone to buy it for RM10. His words were affectionate and had influenced all students in school to set him as an asset of inspiration to be a great leader. For instance, he could help any club to build up their promotion in developing more interesting ideas in order to welcome new members.

Second, My Darcy was not just genuinely in public speaking and debate,he was also an amateur chef. He won The Young Chef Competition at Istana hotel during the hot season of Masterchef Malaysia season 4. Here shows that , he is a good cook and can managed well in handling kitchen works. His performance in food presentation was a splendid recital. In addition,he is very particular in practical work and cleanliness and that makes him been admired by all the girls who is in favour in food , deserts and beverages. Nevertheless, he even persuades other students in school to buy his own home-made fresh brownies. I’ve tasted his brownies and it is absolutely melted to my alveolar-ridge.

Third, apart from his marvelous performance in living skills, he is also well known by manners and courtesies in communicating with the teachers and his friends. Moreover, Mr Darcy wont ever argued if he doesn’t have the right claim from both parties to make a clear judgment about a situation. It really shows that he is well –read and understand the concept of equality in receiving several statements to make simple analysis. This was been evaluated by his teachers during “Minggu Sopan Santun’ in school. Hence, he won the Abu Bakar As-Sidiq Award during that particular event through his best behaviour .

In my own view, a famous person in school doesn’t have to be a person who posses a dangerously handsome looks, hitch a luxurious car to school , hangout with the coolest people and grab the “prom king’ title every year. He should have a special criteria that makes an' A list' to be a best friend to all of the students so that he or she could help each individual to be the best they could be.As time goes by, Mr Darcy is the person who is sitting next to me everyday and serve him a cup of tea before heading to his workplace and yes he is that special person in my life. =)