Trials of Life

Sami Yusuf's latest album: Wherever You Are is out! I love all the songs, but Trials of Life really captivated me. I'm planning on a detailed review of this album insya Allah. Till then, feel free to check out its melodies and beautiful lyrics.

My life is not the same
When I’m too concerned by what they say
Why should I? When I have you
To doubt you would be the worst mistake

Deep inside I know
That amidst all the darkness
And everything, which makes no sense
I know that you exist
You are the light
That guides me through my darkest nights
That shows me right from wrong in life
In a world that often lies

Cause I don’t need anyone
Nor anything in life
But You
No I don’t need anyone
To show me my way
No I don’t need anyone
But You

Trials of life upon me
Are more precious than diamonds and gold
Tested with fire I may be
But I know I’ll come out stronger in this world

Deep inside I know
That amidst all the darkness
And everything, which makes no sense
I know that you exist
You are the light
That guides me through my darkest nights
That shows me right from wrong in life
In a world that often lies

Cause I don’t need anyone
Nor anything in life
But You
No I don’t need anyone
To show me my way
No I don’t need anyone
But You

I only want the things
You know is best for me
I’d gladly sacrifice
If that’s what you decree
I would break and
Mourn in eternity
Perish into the sea
If that’s what you want for me

Words: Sami Yusuf
Music: Sami Yusuf
Produced by Sami Yusuf

Hanya CintaMu

Yang Maha Memakbulkan

Aku mohon

Pautkan hatiku pada kasihMu

Dekatkan kalbuku pada redhaMu

Jadikan aku damba cintaMu

Yang Maha Pengampun

Aku mohon

Hatiku renggang dari nafsu

Kalbuku jauh dari angan-angan fana

Cetuskan cinta pada yang mencintaiMu

Bukan dasarnya roman wajah yang jernih

Atau godaan senyuman memukau

Kaburkan pandanganku pada keindahan sementara

Hindarkan hati mengimpi yang terlarang

Tuntun firasatku pada rohani yang ayu

Yang aku pinta

Cinta syurgawi

Hanya cintaMu

Norwegian?

To be honest, I am not the 'cuddly' type with any pet. Once, in high school I thought I loved rabbits, but it does not prevail. Simply put, I am neutral when it comes to animal pets such as cats, rabbits, hamsters etc. Feeding or giving them nice shelter is ok with me, but no cuddling ok. The only type of cats which I like is the ones which do not react when I stroke or caress them.

Thus, when I tried this quiz suggested by my good friend Zakiah, I am not that surprised when I got the following result:
The Norwegian Forest Cat is strong and independent. She is reserved with newcomers but blossoms in the company of old friends. Confidently defending what is hers, she does not like strangers in her territory. Her luxurious coat is a lot to handle, and necessity dictates regular upkeep. An amazing athlete, the Norwegian Forest Cat thrives on physical activity, and no leap is too great or prey too quick for her to tackle. This huntress is clearly queen of her domain!

Most of the descriptions are true, but strong and independent? Hmm, not that strong I presume, though I am trying to be strong. Anyway, I think this Norwegian is so cute, hope she will let me stroking her fur without reacting :D

Gerangan Gurita

Sang Gurita Paul terpinga-pinga

Apa gerangan semua peduli pada dirinya

Paul hanya mau bermain-main ria

Bergayut-gayut di kotak penuh ceria

Sang Gurita Paul hairan sekali

Sorak sorai bergema pabila dirinya berhenti

Melekap kemas pada kotak berisi

Sedang dirinya tidak ketahuan apa yang dicari

Sang Gurita Paul akhirnya maklum

Meski dirinya tampak tidak mafhum

Rupanya Paul jadi bahan penentu taruhan

Beristighfar panjang Paul mengenangkan balasan

Apa mereka tidak takutkan Tuhan?

Syirik itu bukan mainan

Usah sesekali terhumban

cetusan rasa:

-ida_zy-

Sendiri

Sendiri ... seharusnya rasa sepi
Sendiri ... seharusnya rasa gundah
Sendiri ... seharusnya rasa resah
Sendiri ... seharusnya rasa lemah
Sendiri ... seharusnya rasa sukar

Aneh sekali

Sendiri... kini jadi ria
Sendiri... kini jadi ceria
Sendiri... kini jadi damai
Sendiri... kini jadi teguh
Sendiri... kini jadi tenang

Wajarkah?

Monolog hati:
-ida_zy-

Awakened

Awakened. That's the best word to describe my feeling after hearing the sad news of a good friend's husband's death. All the death-related quranic verses and ahadeeth came into mind all of a sudden. He was not even 40 years of age yet. I shuddered when realizing our age difference: only 9 years. Should I die within 9 years, I could not guarantee the initial 31 years could compensate for the lack of good deeds 9 years ahead. That, if I should die at the age of 40, what if the time comes earlier?

Being overwhelmed with work and family responsibility is fine as long as you do it with the intention of serving the ummah, thus automatically seeking Allah's pleasure. However, establishing the intention of doing everything for the sake of Allah is not an easy task. As a khalifah, we have to keep striving for purifying our intention in order to avoid being blinded with the worldly matters.

I came across this wonderful song by Maher Zain, another respectable artist under the same label as Sami Yusuf. As the song title suggests, you would be awakened by its lyrics. It is almost like a ceramah (talk), only with catchy melodies. Please ponder the attached lyrics as well

We were given so many prizes
We changed the desert into oasis
We built buildings of different lengths and sizes
And we felt so very satisfied
We bought and bought
We couldn't stop buying
We gave charity to the poor 'cause
We couldn't stand their crying
We thought we paid our dues
But in fact
To ourselves we're just lying

Oh...I'm walking with my head lowered in shame from my place
I'm walking with my head lowered from my race
Yes it's easy to blame everything on the west
When in fact all focus should be on ourselves

We were told what to buy and we'd bought
We went to London, Paris and
We made show we were seen in the most exlusive shops
Yes we felt so very satisfied

We felt our money gave us infinite power
We forgot to teach our children about history and honor
We didn't have any time to lose
When we were.. (were)
So busy feeling so satisfied

I'm walking with my head lowered in shame from my place
I'm walking with my head lowered from my race
Yes it's easy to blame everything on the west
When in fact all focus should be on ourselves

We became the visuals without a soul
despite the heat
Our homes felt so empty and cold
To fill the emptiness
We bought and bought
Maybe all the fancy cars
And bling will make us feel satisfied

My dear brother and sister
It's time to change inside
Open your eyes
Don't throw away what's right aside
Before the day comes
When there's nowhere to run and hide
Now ask yourself 'cause Allah's watching you

Is He satisfied?
Is Allah satisfied?
Is Allah satisfied?
Is Allah satisfied?

Oh..I'm walking with my head lowered in shame from my place
I'm walking with my head lowered from my race
Yes it's easy to blame everything on the west
When in fact all focus should be on ourselves