[RYC'09] Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Masjid An-Nahdhah. Masjid Muhajirin. Masjid Al-Falah. Masjid Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah. Masjid Mujahidin. Masjid Sultan.

Salam!

Okay. Ini sebenarnya kisah zaman gilang-gemilang (?!?!) masa Ramadhan. Sekarang dah masuk hari ketiga Syawal pun. But you see, I love typing about eventful occasions. Then dah type-type, kalau tak share macam wasted, kan?

The purpose of this note is simple. Between now and the next Ramadhan - given that we live long enough to get there InsyaAllah, each and every single one of us will undoubtedly face many challenges. A year is always filled with changes and obstacles of all kinds, some of which require much work to overcome.

I hope this note will stay with you throughout these hurdles as a reminder on how significant you are, especially during the preparation of the recent Ramadhan Youth Challenge Camp. Yeah, I'm expressive like that...

But you deserve to know how special you are all the same.

This was actually written a few weeks back. Since I'm on holiday and clearly have a lot of time to spare, here goes. For Ramadhan Youth Challenge 2009 - Central Cluster.

Abu Hurairah has quoted a Prophetic saying, "Hoping for good is also an act of worship of Allah." [Tirmidhi and Hakim]

… And so, RYC camp is over. ):

There was never a day that passed without snippets of Ramadhan Youth Challenge crossing my mind. Ever since the camp came to an end, the only thing I’ve been secretly hoping for is a chance for everyone to work as a team again.

Rasulullah S.A.W. says: "A mukmin to another mukmin is like a building, one strengthens the other." [Bukhari and Muslim]

It’s funny how I initially could hardly wait for everything to end, but can’t seem to let go now that it really has. The level of commitment expected really isn’t much compared to all the good we get in return.

So, I question. Dear Sustainer, just how do I express my gratitude? Am I, the mortal with innumerable faults, even capable of doing so? You have blessed me with beautiful gifts in the form of protective brothers and loving sisters this Ramadhan, and I am beyond thankful for them.

"... Men must not ridicule other men for it could be that the ridiculed are better than the mockers, nor must the women ridicule other women for the ridiculed women may be better than the mockers; and do not insult one another, nor assign evil nicknames..." - [Al-Hujurat, 11]

These are the people who made it possible for me to learn more life skills over a short period than I could in any academic year. The strangers-turned-family. The stressed / sleepless nights / frustrated / crying partners. The professional team that made everything memorable with their ability to separate fun and work. They, who more than anything, created inside jokes and laughed with me.

Knowing I’m working with people who act at an attempt to please Allah feels nothing short of good. The last time I felt so satisfyingly complete was… Well, probably Ramadhan last year. The only difference is, this time round, I get to share the joy with a group of indescribably wonderful people.

Hidden amongst the cluster of many unique individuals are my lovely powerhouses, the four people I admittedly cannot pull through without.

"So patiently persevere: for the promise of Allah is, indeed true: nor let those shake your firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith." [Ar-Rum, 60]

Zaky: For being a strong amir, because I can only imagine half the responsibilities and workload you had to fulfill. For standing by us through everything. For tolerating my blurness. For using the best in you to lead. We appreciate all that you have done and I sincerely hope you will eventually stop being critical, and see yourself through our eyes.

Syafiq and Aini: My two pillars of strength, without whom I would totally crumble and die. I’m not even kidding. You are the reason for my sanity throughout the entire camp. Thank you for running around every random place with me. For tolerating me at my stress-est and most annoying forms. For never failing to make me laugh. Both of you mean the world to me, and I could never ask for better program coordinators to work with.

"And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your resolve weaken; and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who patiently persevere." [Al-Anfal, 46]

Amirah(!): For calling and being helpful even when you could not physically attend a meeting. For being the best female emcee any team could ever ask for. For spreading happy vibes to everyone around you. For being the person I know I can run to for anything, anytime. For always being special. You know I love you. <3

"Do not abuse anyone, do not look down upon any good work, and when you speak to your brother, show him a cheerful face." [Abu-Dawud]

To YDOs - the overwhelmingly patient men we cannot survive without, and other fellow programmers and departments that hold everything together (i.e. logistics, administration, facilitators)… Thank you for taking up such important roles. You guys are exceptionally awesome, and I’m truly honoured to have been given the chance to work with you. I love you guys beyond words. I really do. (:

Needless to say, Night of Power (and CPR) was downright remarkable! MasyaAllah. At this particular juncture, I can only pray that Allah bless these committees with the rewards they rightfully deserve. (:

See y'all at Liqa' Eid-ul-Fitr, InsyaAllah! :D