Sand Art

I went to bed late last night when I could no longer read or think any more, wishing I would wake up at noon. But to my disappointment I woke up just after four hours of sleep.  So I was searching for something soothing and found Ilana Yahav’s famous sand art animation videos.

According to her website “Watching “Sand Fantasy” come to life in real time has an extraordinary effect on the audience. A video camera is positioned over the glass table upon which Ilana creates her sand magic. The image is instantaneously projected onto a big screen for the audience to see. Specially chosen music, enhancing the mood, accompanies the entire process!”

I wish to get a chance to see her work in real time one day. It’s so mesmerizing, emotional and soothing!

 

 

Let’s Recycle!

Long ago, a friend used to tell me about the effort she puts into recycling, by washing every bottle, carton and containers and taking it all to a recycle center. According to her, she even make compost from the fruits and vegetables peels and  used it on her garden plants. She boasted that it helped her give more flowers and the plants looked more healthy since  she began the new habit.

Back then, I thought I would never be able to do that, ever! At that time it sounded really impossible to change the normal behaviour of throwing things. It was easier to make excuses and say it cannot be done as there are no separate bins for recycling.

However, my perception changed after my last vacation in February, this year. I met people who needs what we throw for their survival. I saw that there are creative people who could change it to usable items and there is a market for it. I began to realise that I should be more responsible about the way I live.

Now it’s not a problem for me to wash every bottle, carton and container and take it to the closest recycle centre five kilometres away. Still, there are no separate bins in this neighbourhood for recycling items. So the only option left is to carry it to Tesco Ampang Recycle Centre, which is the closest.

Few months back, on my first visit there, I noticed that those who are receiving the items have some physical disability. From the two young man, one limps and the other one has a bad hand. The old Chinese woman obviously has a spinal problem. But she always seems very enthusiastic in directing people and weighing the loads people bring in. On several occasions I’ve seen her ‘paying’ a small amount of money to those who bring in loads of stuff and people smiling and denying the reward.  Due to language barrier, I could not really understand what was going on until recently.  It seems there is a policy of ‘buying’ materials, if it exceeds a certain weight,  to encourage more people into the habit of recycling. The other thing I realised was that, we are not only contributing for a greener world, but we are helping the disabled people here, with job opportunities and helping to raise funds for projects that would benefit them.

Besides encouraging people to recycle, the Selangor government introduced the “No plastic bag campaign” earlier this year. Since then, most hypermarkets and grocery stores stopped providing plastic bags on Saturdays. Customers are encourage to take “green bags” if not, an additional twenty cent is charge for the bag, on every Saturday.  One may say twenty cent is not much to pay and they would rather pay the extra money and still get the plastic bag. Others would see it an opportunity to change our behaviour and be more conscious of our actions and its impact on our environment.

I decided I would carry my own “green bags” not only on Saturday’s but every day, when I shop. I have some of those reusable bags from the Maldives, yes, the yellow ones that says “Maldives, the sunny side of Life.” On two occasions I was ask, if I’m from the Maldives and is it truly going to sink one day. My answer was “I hope not!”

It’s ironic that our nation is one of the countries that are more vulnerable to global warming and we advocate for a greener world in many international forums, yet we failed to practice, and facilitate the people the very simple means to begin and to make a difference. It’s good to try to be a carbon neutral country, but would it help if we throw things that would harm our seas and the beaches? Shouldn’t we be starting at the very simple, basic level and move forward to harder tasks?

Over the years we had many more seasonal campaigns about environmental issues, but is there a changed in our attitude that shows any consistent progress? People still use iron rods to catch octopus and reef fish and breaks the coral formation in our reefs. We still throw plastic packets, bags and whatever else to the ocean, when we travelled by Dhoni. Most people in the islands still cut all their trees and build their houses just like in the capital island Male’, without leaving any space for greenery or better ventilation or even natural light to filter in their homes.

To do something it’s the people’s attitude that needs to change first. We would change our attitude when we are educated, conscious and understand the importance of doing something. If we really know that what we cannot use  is useful to someone else and by giving away such things instead of throwing, we  are actually helping someone else to earn an income, to help a cause, I guess no one would hesitate to be a part of it.

This Month.

It’s the blessed month Ramadan for Muslims around the world. Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual activities during the day. We believe that we fast to purify our soul, to feel the sufferings of the poor, to learn self-control and to refocus on spiritual things. It is also a time for inner reflection, forgiveness and to make peace with family and friends.

In reality most Muslim communities around the world go out of control on buying, preparing and wasting food during the month of Ramadan. In my Maldivian community it is a time for most men  to be lazy, tired and bad-tempered. They need to sleep more during the day and are usually more tired compared to women in most households. Women either enjoy or are forced into spending more time in their kitchen every day, preparing and experimenting new recipes until sunset. It is one of the rare seasons that women get praised and acknowledged as able beings because of their hard work in the kitchen.

Almost two weeks into Ramadan all I have heard from my fellow people is the talk about food and recipes, television shows, lack of sleep, fatigue and so on and so forth. Are we aware or do we care about other people’s sufferings in our nation and beyond? Is one’s spirituality is only about dealing all things related to what you believe in terms of religion and God?

Our religious teachers and the preachers always try to paint an image that Muslims are the best of humans in the world. They are supposedly the best example among people. Yet, again and again life experiences prove it otherwise.

It indeed is a surprise to me when an American woman, a believer of Christianity, who currently lives here, decided to fast on the first day of this Ramadan, in support and respect for her Muslim friends.

On the third day of this month, another surprising event took place when the initiative and the leadership came from non-Muslims among our group to raise funds for flood victims in Pakistan and to send the money to Red Crescent Pakistan Relief Fund.

Another friend is running to raise funds for child education in Nepal. He is also going to Nepal in October to teach children and to distribute stationary and books in support of the “Future Village” project. The trip is hundred percent self sponsored by him and with the support of his family and friends.

Five of my friends are volunteering in Autism centres twice a week to teach and rehabilitate children. Another two is helping to take orphans out for day trips once every weekend.

How these people perceive life and their role in this world is incredible when they don’t have a blessed month to feel the sufferings of others.

But for us it is a month of humility, patience and to learn, to reflect and do good deeds. Yet we’re showing our impatience on the road, at market, at home and elsewhere. Reckless and ill-tempered drivers on the roads and highways are a major problem here and it is known to increase during Ramadan. One should be careful in changing lane and overtaking a car whose driver is fasting or else expect to be harassed all the way to Toll Plaza. If the person also has a Smart Tag he could be just behind you, when passing toll plaza and follow you until you reach your destination. To identify such vehicles would be easy, as there would be many things hanging and pasted in the vehicle for one to figure that out.

During breaking fast with other Maldivians one should refrain from saying things that would offend them about the amount and variety of food they have made. There is no point in explaining the need to drink as much water before bedtime but be forced in to eating at least  several dishes. After all it’s Ramadan and we would not be eating during the day!

Our irrational behaviour, anger and frustrations are also blamed on Ramadan. Our extravagant and unhealthy lifestyles are also blamed on fasting. In Ramadan, we must consume certain foods no matter how expensive it is. A gift or food should be offered only to people of our class, our family and friends. Those who really need some of it are out there, but why bother and find them eh?

Right Food, Right Time

Have the right food, at the right time, to prevent malnutrition among children.

The New Religious Unity Regulations

It is indeed a paradox that one of the most secular political parties in the Maldives, MDP, which is now in the Government, is going to the extent of supporting very extreme positions of Adalath Party for political survival.

The new Religious Unity Regulations, which has been getting a lot of attention especially amongst some very concerned citizens of the Maldives, who also happens to be Muslims, is like a joke to many. Trying to preserve religious unity through a law or a regulation???

The President or the Adalath Party should not be under the illusion that religious unity could be maintained through force; we, the Maldivians, have been Muslims for centuries and religion was never a question of contention in the good old days. There were no laws or regulations relating to the preservation of Islam or religious unity. Those were the days when the deep rooted customs and values prevailed. Those were the days we allow our people to learn, to explore and to decide for themselves. We were then tolerant, supportive and not judgemental of others unlike now. We were strong in our beliefs. No one had to dictate and control what we read, what we watch and what we listen to.

However, now I am of the belief that, at this modern age and time, people, especially those who claimed to be experts in Islam and those who claimed to be wise politicians, are more ignorant of the realities and current circumstances. To simplify the matter, I am more inclined to believe that the cause for such a regulation by the Adaalath party is because they strongly believe that the Maldivians should practice the Islam that they are propagating. May be that these few people believe that they are the defenders and protectors of Islam while all the others are obliged, under a regulation, to be submissive to their version of Islam.

Religious unity cannot be achieved through the enforcement of a law or a regulation. It is a faith and it is within oneself. It is a way of life and is practiced in your daily life like respecting people and their opinion. Faith or a belief cannot be forced onto someone. And it is about time that we let the politicians know it is so.

An Anniversary

Every relationship guru would advise you to express yourself and be honest and truthful in your relationships. They suggest things that you can do to improve your lives and be happy. Some of us follow what they say. Others have enough sense in them to do what they feel is right. The important thing is to make an effort and work hard to improve yourself. The guru’s or the observers would not have a clue about what the outcome is. Only we would know if the effort and hard work was a success or a failure or even worth the effort.

No one would deny that open and honest communication between each other is very important to establish a close, meaningful relationships between parents and children, couples, friends or even with strangers. To have that connection we rely on different mediums of communication to interact with each other, whether we are near or far. Sometimes it is verbal, face to face communication. Other times it’s via Emails or telephone conversations. The most popular and fastest way of communicating with each other now is using instant text messages and using computers. Either way or mode is used; it’s all about interaction, communication and connecting with people. It’s about expressing yourself and letting others know how you feel. If we can express our interests, regrets, fears and doubts openly and honestly it is a blessing in disguise. If we can refrain from thinking that what is exchanged between is not a personal attack but a simple wish, an idea, a simple need, life would be so much more beautiful.

I have always believed no misunderstanding would occur if we express ourselves clearly and honestly. But today I cannot say I have that same belief. Today I feel that sometimes bluntness can backfire. Exactly a year ago I expressed how I feel, what I wish and reasoned that it is about setting priorities and giving importance to what one think is important in life. It was just a wish, a suggestion. No demands or threats made. A single cent would not have cost to do it. Still it became an issue, it is viewed as a personal attack. It was a good enough reason to become stubborn once again and break the little connection that existed. Why? Is it because to avoid any future repetition of such a ‘demand?’ Is it because one is too busy to deal with real issues in life? The issues that may sound complicated and perhaps may be threatening to future is easier to listen to and accept than the most simple issues? I wonder how much patience, tolerance and understanding one  requires to ‘ignore’ little things but important things for our survival. One year on and it’s time to celebrate, after all it’s an anniversary.

From the book “Don’t be Sad.”

I was reading awhile ago and found an interesting piece under the title “How to deal with bitter criticism” which I would like to share with you here, as it is relevant to what is happening in the Maldives blogo-sphere right now.

Quote. ‘You will always have to face criticism, which in its onslaught is like an interminable war: it shows no sign of ending. As long as you shine, give, produce and have an effect upon others, then disapproval and condemnation will be your lot in life. Until you escape from people by finding a tunnel in the ground or a ladder leading to the sky, they will not desist from censuring you, from finding fault in your character. For that reason, as long as you are from the denizens of earth, expect to be hurt, to be insulted and to be criticised.

And here is something you should contemplate: a person who is sitting on the ground does not fall, and people do not kick a dead dog. Therefore their anger toward you can be attributed to you. Surpassing them in righteousness, knowledge, manners or wealth. In their eyes you are a transgressor whose wrongs cannot be atoned for – unless you abandon your talents and strip yourself of all praiseworthy qualities, so that you become stupid, worthless and to them, innocuous. This result is exactly what they want for you.

So remain firm and patient when facing their insults and criticism. If you are wounded by their words and let them have an influence over you, you will have realised their hopes for them. Instead, forgive them by showing them most beautiful of manners. Turn away from them and do not feel distressed by their schemes. Their disapproval of you only increases you in worth and merit.

Verily, you will not be able to silence them, but you will be able to bury their criticism by turning away from them and dismissing what they have to say.

“Perish in your rage.” (Quran 3:19)

In fact, you will be able to increase them in their rage by increasing your merits and developing your talents.

If you desire to be accepted by all and loved by all, you desire the unattainable.’ Unquote.

The author of this book and the arguments made about several issues were based on Quran and Sunnah. In the Publisher’s Note it was written “Shaykh ‘Aaidh does something in this book that some Muslims might object to: At times he quotes Western and Eastern philosophers. Some might say that relying on their saying is contrary to what an Islamic author should do. However, Shaykh ‘Aaidh quotes Non-Muslims only when what they say is relevant to the subject matter and is in agreement with the truth.”

It sure would be hard to digest to many Muslims in our society today. I wonder if this Sheykh was referring to the same Quran and Sunnah some of our Sheikh’s refer too. If only our ‘Sheikh’s’ learned to write and preach in this manner, we would not be seeing this day, in this century.

Book
Al-Qarni, Aaidh. “Don’t be Sad.”
Translated by, Faisal ibn Muhammed Shafeeq. 2nd ed. Riaydh, 2003.

Better get your facts straight

I’m convinced that some people who read Maldives blogosphere are psychotics and obsessed with Hialth Rasheed.  Otherwise they would not think that I’m Hilath and leave hateful comments directed to him in MY blog.

This is a comment that I received but did not approve as it was irrelevant to what I wrote in my earlier post “Dr. Zakir Naik and His Band.” A person who wishes to be known as ‘Issu’ bearing the IP: 124.195.201.229 wrote:  “Hilath you are a roanuedhuru .ok. Go fuck yourself with your gay partners.” Another disgusting comment was also made within seconds, perhaps may be the above comment failed to solace him at all. When he made his final comment he must be cooling down but apparently still very frustrated about what people write in their own personal blogs. The comment that I approved said; “if u don’t know how and what to write then keep silent and do not write all nonsense.”

Now, It is my turn to tell you something just in case you are following this blog secretly or if you still wish to come and harass me with your disgusting comments assuming I am a man named Hialth Rasheed.  So let me tell you it is my own personal blog, I would write my personal opinions and thoughts here and I would react to issues that worry me. If you have a problem with what I write, how I write, you better stay away from it. If you think you need to express yourself, do it in your own space in ways that you can do best.  All that frustration and hatred bottled up inside you is unhealthy and it may harm you one day. If you want your voice to be heard, try to express it in a positive way and deal with it.

People like you have made me realise that Hilath Rasheed is the most powerful person in the Maldives now. If not, none of you would be so threatened about what he writes and would not have to pester him and any other person who you think is in ‘disguise’.

As for Hilath, his independent work as a  journalist has earned him a place in our society that may not have happened if it was otherwise. Hialth, keep up the good work. You’re truly an inspiration.

To the anonymous fake commentators, all I’ve to say is I’m not Hilath and I’m not a man disguised as a woman so stop harassing me over the Net.

Dr. Zakir Naik and his band

Zealous orators are always powerful in playing with people’s hearts and minds. There is no wonder most influential religious preachers have exceptional oratory skills. It is their talent that makes one a popular preacher. The substance of what is preached and the manner in which it is communicated would go unnoticed, if the orator has mastered in his skills. A skilful preacher can mesmerize the audience, influence their minds and evoke emotions.

I would not say Dr. Zakir Naik is a better orator than some of the Maldivian preachers we see today. He is just another foreign “scholar” like Dr Bilal Philips, a substitute to advocate certain issues. For some Maldivians, it is more believable when it comes from a foreign source.

I am not surprised to see some people I previously thought as “educated and modern” justify and believe what Dr Bilal Philip has preached about young girls, who has reached puberty is ready for marriage. It would be more convincing for such people to hear what this doctor has to say about what should and should not be practiced in view of “medical and scientific evidence.”

He is not only a medical doctor by profession but a rich business man too. He is the owner and the host of Peace TV and  the founder and the chairman of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Mumbai, India.  Under IRF, Dr Zakir has established the “United Islamic Aid” a ‘charity’ organisation, encouraging Muslims around the world to pay their ‘zakat’ money to them. I do not understand why it is necessaryto contribute to his organisatons when every society has their own people who needs help.

Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, declares that his “United Islamic Aid” is “a unique well-organized central treasury, a ‘Baitul Maal’, under my personal supervision, we can change the lives of so many unfortunate Muslims for the better… in a more dynamic and organized way.”

It seems one should not worry and ask any question about where the money goes since it is under his “personal supervision.” I personally believe, it is not a good enough reason for us to be  contributing to his organisation. Why should we trust him and believe him, when he fails to provide information about how and where it is used?

There is no data about previously held events organised by the “United Islamic Aid” or IRF to help the needy Muslims around the world. Their website says  “we do not ask for huge amounts or all of the Zakaat that you should give, but just a commitment of a minimum sum of only US Dollars 250/- or Indian Rupees 10,000/- or Saudi Riyals 1000/- or an equivalent amount PER YEAR to become a supporting member of the “United Islamic Aid.”

Now, this leads me to several questions. Is Maldives a “supporting member” of this organisation? Has the Islamic Ministry of Maldives ever contributed to this “charity” from the Zakat we pay to the Ministry?  Did Dr. Zakir Naik ever extend a helping hand to the Tsunami victims or the less privileged Maldivians?

Why do the Maldivian government feel that he should be invited to preach in the Maldives, spending from our own national budget?  If he is just a humble man, a servant of Allah, who ONLY WANTS to spread the “true” teachings of Islam across the globe, why would he hesitate to spend for his trip?

As the planning and promotion of his visit is in progress, the rivalry between Akon fans and the Zakir fans has reached new heights in Male’. In the midst of all this, it reminded me that much criticism about women has been the subject of the most recent talks by the so called scholars.

I am apprehensive about the topics, “the family of preachers” would talk when they visit. Since the disturbing news about the practice of female genital mutilation, I hoped to hear more about the rulings on such practices. I wished there were talks to create awareness about such issues.

I wonder if the visiting “scholars” would speak about this issue. I wished to hear its practice is not part of the Sunnah of the Prophet but a tradition in some cultures. If not, I fear the practice may be supported and encouraged. I certainly do not wish to see such a day where there is a demand to circumcise our daughters in the name of following Sunnah so the ignorant, selfish men get to enjoy virgins for their life time .

Smile,laugh and feel good

“Smiling is contagious. You can catch it like the flu. When you walk down the streets and people smile at you and you smile back.” Very true indeed! However, a few months back in Male’, I smiled to total strangers in various places and the response was astounding. People were baffle and unsure about how to react. Majority of them could not smile back. I assumed they may have enough things to worry in their lives than smile to total strangers.

Smiling is one of the best medicines around and it is free. Smile and laughter triggers healthy changes in our body physically and mentally. It is believe to have various health benefits. It strengthens your immune system, reduce the risks of heart diseases, and boost your energy and releases stress. Laughter helps us to relax and recharge and dissolve distressing emotions. It also helps us to let go of our defensiveness and helps us to express our true feelings.

Regardless of what life experiences we go through, there are few individuals who can smile and be genuinely happy about simple things in life. I believe they are able to smile and laugh because they are content within despite the circumstances at a particular time. Such people are like rare gems.

I was able to interact with such a gem, a man, who was my father’s age at  IGMH last year. It was remarkable that he was able to smile, laugh and crack jokes in spite of what he was going through at that time. I still remember him even though my interaction with him was only for four days in the gloomy waiting area of ICU .

One of my girlfriends is also blessed with such personality too. If we meet or talk she would lift my spirit instantly and leave me in a good happy mood for the rest of the day. I discovered a third gem quite recently. Every time I speak to him I feel that happy feeling because he is always warm, happy and smiling. I always end up grinning ear to ear, flashing my teeth and laughing all through the conversation. It is sad to realise there are few such people around us during most of our lifetime.