Friday, December 20, 2024

The Sun Is Feminine

In Arabic, nouns are either masculine or feminine. The word شمس (shams, "sun" in Arabic) is feminine, while قمر (qamar, "moon" in Arabic) is masculine. The sun burns itself to give light and life to everything around it, while the moon reflects this light. It has no brilliance of its own but radiates the sun's glory. Thus, when a man shines, it implies that he reflects the radiant light of the woman in his life. ☺ ☺ ☺
Interestingly, the Arabic word for man, رجل (rajul), has a plural form: رجال (rijaal). However, the word for woman, إمرأة (imra’ah), does not. This could symbolize women’s independence compared to men’s reliance on others. Perhaps this is why the term "single parent" is more often associated with women. ☺ ☺ ☺

The sun is the ultimate source of energy for life on Earth. Through sunlight, plants perform photosynthesis—a process crucial for their survival and growth. Without photosynthesis, most plants would perish, leading to less oxygen production and fewer resources for humans. Plants not only provide the air we breathe but also food and fibers for clothing. Without the sun’s energy, sustaining human life would be impossible.

The sun's gravitational force is equally vital. It holds the planets in their orbits, maintaining the balance of the solar system. Without it, chaos would ensue, and the solar system as we know it would collapse.

In a similar vein, women are indispensable in human life. Every human is born of a woman. While men’s presence can sometimes feel optional, women’s role is irreplaceable. Even the Prophet Isa (AS) was born without a father, yet he still had a mother.

Modern advancements like cloning have made it possible to create life without traditional fertilization. However, even cloning relies on the role of women—a cloned embryo must be implanted in a woman’s womb to develop into a fetus and eventually be born.

Just as the sun gives life energy, a woman nurtures and sustains her family. A good mother guides her children toward a bright future, a righteous wife supports her husband to reach the pinnacle of his career, and a virtuous daughter brings pride to her parents.

Conversely, if the sun were to stop shining, life would wither away. Similarly, the absence of a woman’s positive influence can lead to ruin. Many careers have faltered because of unresolved issues at home, parents have grieved over wayward daughters, and children’s lives have been disrupted by mothers who have lost their way.

History offers a stark reminder of the power women wield. The Trojan War, one of ancient Europe’s most devastating conflicts, was sparked by the love affair between Queen Helen of Sparta and the Trojan prince Paris—a testament to how a woman's influence can shape the fate of nations.

So, how can a woman shine like the sun? Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Salam said:
"Surely the world is an adornment, and the best of its adornments is a righteous woman (imraah shalihah)." (HR. Muslim no. 1467).

A righteous woman is not merely one who worships God dutifully but also one who knows her place, understands her responsibilities, and inspires others without seeking recognition. She is a role model for her children, a devoted daughter who honors her parents, and a loyal companion to her husband.

Such a companion brings joy in moments of sadness, turns tears into smiles, offers direction when her spouse is lost, and provides warmth in cold times. She is an honest confidant, balancing the ship of family life while being a source of comfort and inspiration.

Being a woman is a divine destiny, but being a righteous woman is a choice!


M.G Wahid

Pati, 01/21/2021

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Those Who Dream Of Success

Those who seek the moon, never hide from the night.

Those who desire pearls, never fear the wet.

Those who strive for victory, never flee from the fight.

Those who dream of success, never avoid the toil and sweat.


For happiness comes after patience and trust

With perseverance, we conquer seas that are vast.

In every challenge, an opportunity we must adjust,

And through struggle and faith, our dreams will be amassed.


So let us embrace the journey, both rough and steep,

With unwavering faith, our dreams we shall keep.

Like stars shining bright, our goals we shall reap,

For in perseverance and reliance, our joy runs deep.


Vocabularries
seek = mencariflee = melarikan diriamassed = dikumpulkan
hide = bersembunyiavoid = menghindariembrace = merangkul
pearl = mutiaratoil = bekerja kerasrough = berat
desire = inginsweat = keringatsteep = curam
wet = basahperseverance = kegigihanunwavering = kokoh
strive = berjuangconquer = menaklukkanreap = menuai
victory = kemenanganadjust = menyesuaikanreliance = kepercayaan

Saturday, February 15, 2014

A SWEET LULLABY

By: Abi Raad

I remember a sweet lullaby  
Mother used to sing to me.  
I don’t recall its rhymes,  
But I remember the means.
There’s a dream, a future,
A hope, a life,
A will, a fight.
We have to face them.
I remember a sweet lullaby  
Mother used to sing to me.  
I don’t recall its lyrics,  
But I remember what they meant.

Life is never easy;
Hardships will surely be.
But giving up must not be.
Struggles shouldn’t end—
We must strive as best we can.

Looking ahead must be kept alive,  
But turning back is needed too.  
We have to be aware. 

I remember a sweet lullaby  
Mother used to sing to me.  
I don’t recall its lyrics,  
But I remember what was within.

Finishing one isn’t done;
Another is waiting to be begun.
Stopping learning keeps us behind;
Stopping trying weakens the mind.
Life goes on,
The battle is never gone.

LEAVING FOR FUTURE


By: Abi Raad

You have to leave me.
You hate leaving me.
I never want to be left behind either.
It's a hard feel.
I feel it too.
You'd lived here
You'd felt at home
It was a wonderful life
And you've got a friend in me
So have I
You have to leave me
If only you never left me
But, isn't leave-taking to part for awhile?
Farewell, so long and goodbye are just words said
Those are as like as leaves fall in the fall.
They'll grow again in the spring
You always live in my heart
Haven't we filled our life with love?
And we know it keeps us alive
Don't we?
You have to leave me
I wish you didn't leave me
But you're leaving for next step
I hope you'll be lucky
You're leaving for future
I hope you'll be blest
You're leaving for getting your wishes
I hope you'll get them all
You're going to make what you want true
I hope you'll gain them all
You're leaving me
God bless you
You have to leave me
I have no word to say
Just remember me
Remember where you’d been from,
What had been taught
What had been advised
What you had learned
Now, you have to go
Go! And my heart will always be with you

Friday, January 31, 2014

Confession

Abu Nawas was born in 757 A.D in Ahwar, a small village nearby Iran and Iraq borders. His real name is Hasan bin Hani El-Hakami. But he is well known as Abu Nawas or Mr. Crest because he used to arrange his hair into a crest.

He lived during the Caliph Aaron El-Raced era. Abu Nawas was a genius poet. His works have given a big influent to Arabic literature. And his most famous poems is “Confession”.

الهي لست للفردوس أهلا - ولا أقوى على النار الجحيم

O!, My Lord, I Had No Right To Stay In Heaven.
But God, I’m Not Able To Taste Doom Of Fire.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

QUI ROGAT, NON ERRAT

In 2008 I had an opportunity to visit Obama’s country. During my stay there, a friend invited me to dinner at an Italian restaurant. She is the principal of a high school in Fayetteville-North Carolina. She came with two persons that I later found out they were the vice-principals, while three Indonesian friends accompanied me.