Friday, October 17, 2008

Eid Mubarak






Syawal… the month where Muslims are celebrating for their success of fasting and performing ‘ibadah’ during the Holy month of Ramadhan. But the phenomena in Malaysia is quite different relative to other countries (I suppose), where the celebration of Eid Mubarak will continue until the end of this month (30 days). Almost every weekend, people will busy attending or organizing open houses, visiting relatives and friends.

In a way, these practices are good in order to enhance the relationship among themselves. But the ceremony and activity should follow the ruling and teaching of Islam, including awareness on the Mu’amalat (communication) especially between opposite genders and avoid westage.

For myself, this year Syawal has it’s own special meaning and ‘mood’. Well, I’ve got to prepare for my 2nd posting exam: psychiatry. Therefore, I’m not really enjoying myself actually and preoccupied with the thought of exam BUT still, I can’t concentrate in studying while my other family members and relatives happily celebrate this month.

Hoewever, right after the exam, we managed to gather among our friends nearby and went to some of our houses for ‘raya’ visiting. It’s quite interesting, coz for almost 7 years we knew each other, this is the first time we’ve got together and went to each other houses; know each other more. This will be difficult in next year, with our tight schedule as junior housemanship.

My sister (a medical doctor) once told me that you will only know the true colors of your friend when you both will be in difficult situation. For example, friend A and B (medical doctors) were exhausted with long working hour everyday, and one day when friend A asked friend B to take over his on-call because of being sick, friend B might be refused to help and ignore his difficulties. This will up to extend of ignoring a friend who is in labor, waiting to deliver…huh, this will what happen when the friendship is not based on our strong belief to God, without strong bonding of ‘ukhuwwah’. People will only think of their own interest and ignore others.

I like to share a quotation from a very good lesson drama on drug addict in rehabilitation centre, showing their struggle to get back to the society and being functioning and humane as before:
Walaupun dugaan kita berbeza
Tapi kita dating dari arah yang sama….
((Though our challenges are different
But we are from the same direction…))

So in whatever calamities or difficulties we face in life, think back again our main purpose of life, where we come from and to where we all will return. Life is not only for the sake of living….