Sing me a lullaby...

Assalamu'alaikum !

It's been quite a long time since I last sing a lullaby to someone. And I didn't expect I'll ever have to sing the lullaby again. But today, I nonchalantly granted a request from someone close. As I try to reminisce the wordings again, I just couldn't break a heart. Who knows...this might be my last lullaby for you! It's just a short number called "Go To Sleep". So, here goes...

Go to sleep my darling, close your little eyes.
Angels are above us, peeping through the skies.
God is in his heaven, and he watch doth keep.
Time for little children to go to sleep.

Go to sleep, will you! Or is my lullaby keeping you awake?

Keep vigil on that flu...

AsSaLaMu'AlAiKuM

Just a few days ago, the shocking news of swine flu outbreak hit Canada, US, Mexico, UK, Israel, Australia, to mention a few. This has resulted in quite a number of fatal cases too. Health sources say that the symptoms and transmission of the swine flu from human to human is much like seasonal flu. So, many of us might be thinking that it's just natural and common.

The other day, I warned my students of the current epidemic, after a sudden rise in casualties of fever, sore throat, runny nose and the like. Not to say that the real thing has happened here but just to keep on the lookout for possible danger that might be lurking on our doorsteps.

I was also informed that other symptoms include nausea, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. It is believed to be spread between human through coughing or sneezing of infected people and touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. Symptoms in children can persist for up to ten days.

So, please take extra precaution, see a doctor if you have one of these signs for there might just be something more than just a common cold.

Destructive wealth

AsSaLaMuAlAiKuM !

Here's the rest of the answers to the question posted yesterday. Happy reading.

6. Knowledge is better because unlike wealth, it cannot be stolen.

7. Knowledge is better because the wealthy person has to give an account of his wealth on the Day of Judgement.

8. Knowledge is better because it does not deteriorate on account of time, while wealth does.

9. Knowledge is better because the mind is illuminated by it, wheres wealth tarnishes it.

10. Knowledge is better than wealth because the Pharaohs and the non-believers claimed divinity (God) on account of wealth.

May this invaluable exposition help to educate us better and make us wiser Muslims.

Knowledge better than wealth...

AsSaLaMu'AlAiKuM !

Once ten wise men came to Sayyidina Ali (RA) and posed this question: 'Why is knowledge better than wealth?' Each of these men demanded a seperate answer in turn. Sayyidina Ali (RA) gave the following answers:-

1. Knowledge is better than wealth because you guard wealth, whereas knowledge guards you.
2. Knowledge is better than wealth because the wealthy have enemies and the learned have many friends.
3. Knowledge is better than wealth because the former is a legacy of the Prophets, and the latter is a heritage of the Pharaohs.(Firaun)
4. Knowledge is better because it increases with distribution whereas wealth decreases.
5. Knowledge is better because a wealthy person generally becomes a miser.

The five remaining answers will be posted tomorrow, InsyaAllah. SaLaM.

Sorrow......and joy

“I walked a mile with Sorrow and never a word said she; But oh, the things I learned from her, when Sorrow walked with me."

"... joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed."

~The busy bee has no time for sorrow~

Palace summons...

AsSalAmUaLaIkUm !
Unexpectedly, got a call from the palace tonight. Just couldn't figure out what urgent matter it might be. It's from the princess herself...sobbing! I had to console her not to cry. Even handing her a virtual hanky to wipe off the tears. She'd lost some very important papers the day before. It's for tomorrow's very important engagement. Coincidentally, the copies are with me. Right away, she summoned me to the palace. In trying to find her hidden castle, I almost lost my way in the darkness. Finally, she got her papers and I found my way home. If not, I would have to sleep over at the palace for the night... SaLaM !

Stay connected, please...

AsSaLaMuAlAiKuM !
Having started blogging just a few days ago, I checked on some of my students, family and circle of friends. Just to know what they're up to and if anything new is happening somewhere. I learned that they too have started blogging or will be starting to blog soon. That's good news. See...blogging is one way of staying connected with your family, friends and loved ones. I remember reading something about having regular social contacts with friends and loved ones as being the key to avoiding depression, which can lead to premature death. This is something that's particularly common among the elderly. Some psychologists even think that one of the biggest benefits elderly folks get from the strong social interactions that come from walking with a buddy or taking a group exercise class. Having a daily connection with a close friend or family member gives older folks (and younger ones too) the added benefit of having someone watch their back. They'll tell you if they think your memory is going or if you seem more withdrawn, and they might push you to see a doctor before you recognize that you need to see one yourself. SaLaM.

Preety and gutsy...

Assalamualaikum !
Many were asking whether the green-haired guy I posted yesterday was the animated representation of Misterduncan. I suppose you could say so. But, it could also represent anyone too eager and wanting so much to learn English that that's the way he finally appears. Anyway, interpret it anyway you like... It's no big matter. View the videos. That's what matters most.
Today, someone volunteered to pose for my photo shootout. What a relief after quite a disappointing week. I thought all my subjects are uncooperative and reluctant. I thought I've had it. Its like I've hit the wall this time. Well, this fella isn't one of them. Thanks a lot, pal. You really make up my day today. You're one in a million to me !
'Fannul Atfal' is just round the corner...this coming Saturday the 25th. I was assigned to coach one of the pupils in the English Speech competition. We had been working at it since last week. No easy task, though. There's still lots of polishing to be done and we only have three days left. Hope everything turns out right for us on that day. We shall be hoping for nothing less than the first prize. Finally, let me introduce you our pretty and gutsy speaker. Here she is...

Lessons from Misterduncan...

Assalamualaikum !
How are you today? Are you OK? I hope so. Are you happy? I hope so. Those are the familiar introductory lines from the video series 'Learning English' with Misterduncan (MD) in England, which you can view on my blog, starting today. In his very first lesson in this video, MD points out the importance of learning English. He tells about the world becoming smaller, more and more people are using English to communicate with one another and that it has become unavoidable not to.

He explains, "Learning anything is difficult. English is no exception. It takes time and patience. It cannot be rushed. To start off, the most important thing you need at the beginning is a good vocabulary. Without words, you have nothing to work with. We must start with a strong foundation or base and slowly built on it day by day. It must become a part of our everyday life. Daily practice is very important. Don't worry about making mistakes. In fact, the more mistakes you make, the more you will learn from them. Your attitude to English and the way you view it will decide how well you progress. Like they say, 'No pain, no gain".

The two most important words to remember when learning English are 'practice' and 'confidence'. Practice English everyday and be confident. The more you use English, the better your English will become. And the more confident you become, the more you will want to use it. Try telling yourself, 'I CAN DO IIIIT' !!!" he says, ending his lesson.

Among others, I'm also dedicating this blog to the learning and practice of English for everyone, especially students of English like me. I hope everyone will have a fun experience learning English via this blog. May Allah guide us to the right path and reward us for our efforts. Aamiiiin. Salam.

Updating and completing...

Assalamualaikum!
Today I snapped some pictures with my Canon digital camera. Need to have personalised photos of friends, students and those around me. They are the ones who make up part of my world. Got some good pictures and some lousy ones too. Can't blame anyone but myself. First, I'm no pro photographer and secondly my subjects just aren't being cooperative. Like the one you see here. Well, she's one of the shy ones... Cheerio !

My world...

Assalamu'alaikum !
I'm still struggling to edit my blog for the third day running. Firstly because of the time constrain and next is the skill which I'm still lacking. Everything seems to be done on a trial and error basis. And that consumes much of my time already. Nevertheless, I'm adamant to try and create my blog to the best of my ability. It will mainly feature 'the world' as its theme with lots of pictures as illustrations. I hope everything will turn out to be fine in the end, where everybody can share this world with me...

A small world it is...

Assalamualaikum !
It's a small world, they say... and it really is. Nevertheless, you still tend to miss out on quite a number of things, opportunities, chances and the like...Sometimes, you never know what you have been missing. Whereas, it's right there beside you. Within that small space that surrounds you, there is bound to be lots and lots of things the world has to offer. Just go seek them out and appreciate them while you still have the conscience to distinguish them. Salam

Haaa..., my own blog at last !

Assalamu'alaikum wr.wb !
Greetings to all...
Today, Friday, the 17th. of April, I finally accomplish what I have dreamt of doing these past few months-to own and to write in my own blog. Alhamdulillah for the strength and patience He gave me.
Through this blog, I hope others can join in and share their thoughts, ideas, experiences, pictures or just about anything that can be shared.
Of course, it does not have to be in English. Join in and share as you please. May we all undergo memorable and everlasting experience through this social exchange. And may Allah be with you and Bless you always...