Annual General Meeting 2012

The term has ended for our leaders of NPMSS of 2012

Alhamdulilah, It was a very fruitful journey for them. After all the hard work, sweat and tears done solely for NPMSS, the benefits, subbhannallah... :)  

May Allah accept all their hard work and bless them in this life and the hereafter insya'Allah. 

For Allah s.w.t 

Stay tune for our new leaders of NPMSS for 2013 in our next post..

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NPMSS Columnist | Intentions

Everything that we do has to have one vital component, intention. A simple sentence that will actually prevent a great number of unnecessary and meaningless actions. A simple sentence of an intention will actually bring you far to reach your desired goal. When a person locks that intention in his/her heart, the desire to perform something out of the context in getting to the intended goal will never be done.

Innamal a’maalu biniyyaat…

“Verily, actions are judged by intentions”.

This very popular and well-known hadith by Imam Nawawi, narrated by Bukhari & Muslim, serves as the basis for all actions that we do as a believer, submitter, and as Muslims in our daily lives. Why do we say so, because, it’s these words of intentions that turns whatever actions we do into either a form of ibadah (good deed) o into something meaningless . Because one needs to know that the reason we live here is all about returning back to Allah. And we really want to return back to Allah with a smile on our faces don’t we? So whatever that we do in this life has to be for the pleasure of Allah, to make Allah happy, to make your life, which Allah has rewarded you, worthwhile.

From a simple intention. That’s all we need.

And from a sincere and pure intention, you will find that your actions will always circulate, rotate, revolves around that intention. You won’t go astray form it. And did we say if intentions are placed for the sake of Allah, it becomes an act of worship? See how merciful Allah is…

So take this opportunity to plant a sincere intention for Allah into every action that you do, be it from a simple form of eating to reciting the Holy Qur’an. Every action, is of course decreed by Allah, what we have control over is only our intentions, we determine what the fate of our actions will become. Either it is for the good, or for something else.

However be mindful…we as humans, we tend to have this desire to become better than others, to amaze others and to impress others. We tend to boast. One question for all of us to ponder upon, “Do we really think Allah loves those who boast about their deeds?” As much as we love doing deeds for Allah’s sake, we tend to forget that sometimes our actions may turn into a form of boasting. Without realizing we are actually making an impression for others instead of impressing Allah. Now this happens when we realize that people around us start to praise us for our works. Its dangerous, really. This is what we call Riya’.

One has to know that Allah really dislikes those who boasts, and those who does good deeds other than the for sake of Allah. Allah s.w.t will never accept those deeds.

Al-Nasa`i reported that a man asked the Prophet (saw), “What is your opinion of one who fights [in the way of Allah] seeking fame [in the profane world] and reward [from Allah]?”

The Prophet (saw) replied, “He receives nothing by way of reward from Allah.”

The Prophet (saw) repeated this three times and then said, “Allah accepts no deeds other than those that are performed solely for His sake and by which His face is sought.”

So dear seekers of faith, constantly check ourselves, our actions and deeds, are they for Allah? or are they to impress a particular person or a group. May all our deeds that we do while we are still living is for Allah and Allah alone. The one who you need to impress is Him. No one else is worthy to be impressed. And never, never, never stop to re-new our intentions every time we feel that we are starting to go astray.

Wallahua’alam.

CZ

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The Cookie Thief

A woman was waiting at an airport one night,

with several long hours before her flight.

She hunted for a book in the airport shops,

bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was so engrossed in her book but happened to see,

that the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be,

grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between,

which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies and watched the clock,

as the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock.

She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,

thinking, “If I wasn’t so nice, I would blacken his eye.”

With each cookie she took, he took one too,

when only one was left, she wondered what he would do.

With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh,

he took the last cookie and broke it in half.

He offered her half, as he ate the other,

she snatched it from him and thought… oh, brother.

This guy has some nerve and he’s also rude,

why he didn’t even show any gratitude!

She had never known when she had been so galled,

and sighed with relief when her flight was called.

She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,

refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate.

She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat,

then she sought her book, which was almost complete.

As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise,

there was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned in despair,

the others were his, and he tried to share.

Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,

that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

By Valerie Cox in “A Matter of Perspective”

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The story of the jar.

A professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. 

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. 

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. 

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. 

He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. 

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. 

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. 

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' 

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 

'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.' 

The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. 

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. 

The sand is everything else - the small stuff. 

If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. 

The same goes for life. 

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

 So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. 

Play with your children. 

Take time to get medical checkups. 

Take your partner out to dinner. 

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. 

Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. 

Set your priorities. 

The rest is just, sand.' 

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. 

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. 

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

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NPMSS 2012 Video

Here we present to you our own newest NPMSS 2012 Introductory video!

Wanna know who we are and what we do in this CCA?

Have a look at this video and feel our experiences,

It will show everything about us,

Oh, wait, not everything though!

Unless you join us in the journey! ^.^

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NPMSS Columnist | Life: An enduring run.

At times I find myself preoccupied with school work and life I find myself stuck in the rut. I feel like giving up with every moment passing by. The stress that piles up on my shoulders seem to burden me and I feel hopeless. Despite the challenges in life, I've been advised, encouraged by people around me not to give up - on life. Furthermore, my love for running gives me the edge to turn the tides of life. Just a single hobby and you can derive a thousand and one lessons from it. Alhamdulillah. 

I don't know about the rest of you but  I see life as a repetition. We're given 24 hours a day, everyday. We wake up to the same daily routine: fajr, school, home. Of course this is succinct but I'm sure if elaborated our schedule would be more complex.

"How then, life is a repetition?" One might ask.

As Muslims, we've been told to worship the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, to obey to his commands and avoid whatever He has forbidden. Some muster the courage to overcome these challenges and succeed. Others, though they try their best, fail at certain tasks/challenges. It is normal to fail in life. Some take it as a lesson while others fail to learn from their failure. If they could widen their minds and look at life at a different angle, perhaps it could change everything.

Repetition. Everything that needs perfection requires repetition. Practice makes perfect they say, but how perfect is the practice if there isn't proper focus and will towards the repetition done? Often we see top runners achieve excellence through repetition of focus and determination. What made them achieve what they wanted? One can say preparation and a clear definite goal set in their mind pave the way towards success for them. It is true. We often overlook certain aspects of life without much introspection. I for one, enjoy running and I recall once when I had won first in a marathon. I remember how  the time and effort put in the competition was set; I made early preparation for it and I had a clear goal set in mind. Thus, the focus and determination came in naturally. The reward was satisfying, as I felt every drop of sweat produced was worth the sacrifice.

I see life the way I see running itself. I've learnt a lot from engrossing myself with sports, especially running. I thank Allah for the opportunity given, to see life from a different point of view - for a clearer view. Life is a repetition that we need to excel each and every day. We should know our purpose and objective in life; a clear and definite purpose and make an early preparation for the betterment of our souls. Time and health: This is perhaps the greatest gift we've been given from Allah. In this day and age, we are bound to be careless towards our time and health. Pause for a moment and ask yourself: Have I been doing everything for the pleasure of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He)? Utilizing these two benefits provide productivity for one's soul and in turn create happiness.

I know, every individual has their own set of problems to solve every single day, but if we keep reminding ourselves of our true goal and stay focus, we can be motivated to achieve perfection. "You are what you do repetitively" is an adage we can put in our hearts, because if we do good regularly, we receive good! As for the other, it can be said the same.

Early planning --> Early preparation --> Clear goal in mind --> Practice (Repetition with focus and determination) --> GOAL

We are still in our youth, let's make the best of everything to plan and prepare for the real purpose in life. We're not perfect but we can strive for perfection.

Life is an enduring run everyone is facing. Look up and keep running towards the Goal, for winners never quit and quitters never win! (Jannah for the winners and Jahannam for the quitters!)

May Allah bless each and every one who reads this and May Allah grant us the Strength to implement what we have learnt in life. Ameen.

And with the new Islamic year and new Islamic month, Awal Muharram coming our way, let's rectify and purify our intentions and renew the engine of our hearts. Let's try to achieve greater heights in life Insya'Allah! Start with Bismillah, end with Alhamdulillah! :)

- The Yellow Glass

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Lounging with Kimball Gallagher

A thousand pictures worth a song
An altruist's journey. Come along!
Hear from voices that say then do
And show you ways which you can too.

Words and pictures and friends to make, 
A journey you would want to take, 
One thing remains before adieu
An invitation especially for you:

Please join us this day 
on November 15th. Mark it!
ISTAC is your way
From 3 to 5pm. Make it!

+

Find out more on Kimball Gallagher here:
http://www.kimballgallagher.com/

Thursday 15th November 2012
3pm to 5pm
@ ISTAC, off Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur http://goo.gl/maps/DEPBQ

** Entry By Donation ( Minimum RM 10)**

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Motivation 101

Salam everyone!

By the grace of Allah we are able to bring you an event this coming week!

In this session, Sheikh Zahir Mahmood discusses the true meaning of success and the habits possessed by truly successful people – those who, through revelation, were promised Paradise. Habits of Truly Successful People is not only an inspiring and soul energizing program, but a strong reminder and a road map to Islamic excellence.

 As Allah, The Most High said “Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow, then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the life of this world, but a deceptive enjoyment?”

 ** Entry By Donation ( Minimum RM 10)**

Sheikh ZAHIR MAHMOOD biodata (according to http://www.kalamullah.com/zahir-mahmood.html)
This erudite scholar was born in England and has gained licenses to teach (ijaazas) in many Islamic sciences including Qur'an, Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Traditions (Hadith) of The Prophet (SAW) from various Shyukh. Following the completion of his secular studies at the age of 16, he enrolled at Dar al-Uloom al-Arabiyya al-Islamiyya, Bury (a satellite college to al- Azhar University), where he initiated his studies of the Alimiya course. Thereafter, he studied 3 years in the presitigious seat of learning al-Jamia al- Islamiyya Karachi, Pakistan.

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Roses of Peace 2012

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you. The purpose of this event is to spread the universal message of peace and love to all while raising awareness about the true teachings of Islam and our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We aim to spread the message and change the misconceptions that many people have about Islam & our Prophet (PBUH) through several measures: 1) the distribution of 3000 roses with cards attached bearing quotes about peace and love to the general public in Singapore; and 2) the post-event dissemination of information, photographs and videos world-wide via social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. We need passionate volunteers who believe in the same cause and wants to do their part in spreading our message. If YOU are interested, please 'JOIN' our event and fill in the form below: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE9ON0ttaU9zMUpiN2RUQkFjMVQ3cVE6MQ The dates to take note are: 1) Pre-event volunteer briefing (Compulsory): - Date: 2 November 2012, Friday - Time: 7.30pm-10.00pm - Venue: Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Seminar Room 2.3 (SMU) 2) Pre-event flower packing (Optional): - Date: 9 November 2012, Friday - Time: 10.00am-8.00pm (Own time own target) - Packing and Storage Venue: [TBC] 3) Actual event: - Date: 10 November 2012, Saturday - Time: 2.00-4.30pm - Venues: Island-wide (East, West, North, Central) The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “Those who are merciful will be given mercy by the Merciful; be merciful to those on the earth and the One above the heavens will have mercy on you.” [Sunan Abu Dawud, Book of Manners, Number 4941, Hasan]

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Why do women cry so easily?

A little boy asked his mother, 

"Why are you crying?" 

"Because I need to" she said. 

"I don't understand," he said. 

His Mom just hugged him and said, 

"And you never will." 

Later the little boy asked his father, 

"Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?" 

"All women cry for no reason," his dad answered carelessly.

The little boy, still wondering why women cry, finally asked the old wise Shaykh (his Islamic Teacher).

"He surely knows the answer", he thought. 

"Ya Shaykh! Why do women cry so easily?" 

The wise teacher replied, 

"When Allah made the woman she had to be made so special. 

He made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, 

yet gentle enough to give comfort. 

He gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that comes from her children.

He gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up,

and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining. 

He gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances,

even when her child hurts her very badly. 

He gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. 

He gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, 

but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And lastly, He gave her a tear. 

This is hers and only hers exclusively to use when ever she needs it. 

She needs no reason, no explanation, 

it ’s hers.

You see my son, the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, 

the beauty of her face, or the way she combs her hair. 

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes,

because that is the door way to her heart - 

the place where love resides."

The little boy found the answer and never asked the same question again.

-Leicesterdawah

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NPMSS Usrah: Sparks of Faith | Chapter 1: Sacrifices

Time: 7-830pm*
Venue: Darulssalam Mini Auditorium, level 2
Topic: Sacrifices by Ustadz Nuzhan

Assalamualaikum brothers and sisters! For the first time, NPMSS is holding a monthly USRAH!

What is an Usrah?
It is a discussion open for ALL who desire to increase the understanding of Islam.

For this special month of Zulhijjah, we will be exploring deeper into sacrifices:
How is the Qurban performed?
And what is the story behind it?
Who was the first man ever to perform Qurban?
If you want to know the answers to these questions, then come and join us!(NON-NP STUDENTS WELCOMED)

*The event starts with solat maghrib at 6.51pm, followed by refreshments at 7-720pm at level 2 before the talk by Ustadz Nuzhan commences. Be sure to come and insyaAllah we’ll all benefit from it!

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NPMSS Muslimah Camp: T.G.I.F

Assalamualaikum to all the NPMSS ladies out there!

Ngee Ann Polytechnic Muslim Students' Society is organizing a 2D1N Ladies camp called T.G.I.F

This is open to ALL NP students, ladies of course ;)

Be it the year 1's, 2's, 3's all of you are invited and your presence will be much valued!

We bet you must be thinking, what could T.G.I.F mean? Stay tuned for the trailers to find out!

This camp aims to provide a balance of activities that will benefit you physically, mentally and of course spiritually.

-> Empower yourselves with stories of Khadija, Aisha and more!
-> Go through activities that highlight the teachings and messages of the Al-Quran
-> Experience a segment on the final moments of our Prophet s.a.w

So don't miss out this opportunity to bond and connect with not only yourself but your fellow sisters as well!

Details are as follows:
Date/Day: 23rd - 24th Nov 2012 (Fri to Sat)
Time: 5.30PM
Venue: Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Reporting venue: LT79
Registration fee: $5

To register for this camp, simply sign up via the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dEoxbmJOMTktODg0eUJYOXZBcGQtZnc6MQ

Places are LIMITED. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email, including the details of how and when you can make the payment as well as the camp kit list. Please note that the registration DEADLINE is on 2ND NOV 2012, at 8PM.

We are looking forward to your presence insyaAllah! :)

For any enquiries, contact Sister Hanisah (83392413) or Sister Hasanah (83105428). You can also email us at npmuslims@gmail.com

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NPMSS Muslimin Camp: Brotherhood | Prophet's Legacy

Waddup Brothers!

I mean.. As'salam mualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh :D

We would like to warmly invite you to Our ALL GUYS ONLY Camp

called "Brotherhood | Prophet's Legacy" this coming November.

We will be covering topics about our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw)'s lifestyle & also The Quran.

So, do invite your friends along to this camp as it will definitely benefit you Physically, Mentally & not forgetting Spritually.

This is a Good Opportunity for all The Brothers in Ngee Ann Polytechnic Muslim Students Society
to come together & really bond amongst ourselves.

~ Details can be found bellow ~

Reporting venue: TBC
Reporting time: 6PM
Date: 23rd - 24th November
Age: NO BIG DEAL
Fee: $7 each, worth every single penny

Here is the registration form: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEx2REVQekxjZjN1bHVGWnk0eVQtYkE6MQ

More updates will be given via this Event Page, so keep updated aite! ^^

Sincerely from The BPL Camp Organizing Committee,
We hope to see you there! InshaAllah :)

Peace out ☮

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Sacrifices

Sacrifice

“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik, La Shareek Laka, Labbaik. Innal Hamdah, Wan Nematah, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareek Laka Labbaik”

Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners, here I am.

Assalamua’laikum dear readers.

Today is the 11^th Zulhijjah and it marks the end of E’iduladha which is a festive celebration for the Muslim community. In local land, the Muslims did a sacrificial act on the sheep.  Whereas in Mecca; the Muslims did Hajj (pilgrimage) to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.

We often relate the days of E’iduladha with the famous story of Prophet Abraham where he got his commandments from Allah to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ishmael. Prophet Abraham had a choice and he made a choice. He loved his son. However, the love for Allah was more than the love for his son that he willing to sacrifice. It was not a sacrifice of his son but a sacrifice of Prophet Abraham’s attachment to anything that could compete with his love for Allah. Even Prophet Ishmael understood and willing to give his own life to fulfil Allah’s commandment.

Before I elaborate more on sacrifice, let’s go to what is definition of sacrifice is. The definition of sacrifice in this context can be defined as to make a sacrifice or offering of. However, does Allah really need an offering? Allah being the Almighty does not lose or gain its power when someone decided not to prostrate to him.

However, another question that pop into our mind is that why Allah asked us to sacrifice our wealth, money and everything for the sake of Allah?

“Say, “If your fathers and your sons and your brothers and your spouses and your clan and the wealth you have earned and the trade you apprehend will recede and the homes you like are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and Jihad in His way, then, wait until Allah comes with His command. Allah does not lead the sinning people to the right path.””  (At-Tawbah:24)

By sacrificing our wealth, money, personal attachment that we have towards this world, Allah wants to see who is willing to sacrifice for His cause. Remember that when Allah brought down his commandments, it was not meant for His own goods but for individual and the community own goods. It is a win-win situation. The one who gives will usually feel at ease and satisfaction because the things that he did is for Allah and for the one who receives will feel grateful to Allah. Subhanallah, it is really a wonderful cycle if each individual plays a part.

Sometimes we tend to forget that whatever we have in this world is actually temporary. Our wealth, family, house and even ourselves are all just loans from Allah and He can take it all back anytime and anywhere.  We always assume that whatever we have is ours and it is hard for us sometimes to let go of our wealth. This is because of our attachment to this world which has been beautifully manipulated to our naked eyes.

“The worldly life is but play and pastime. If you believe and be God-fearing, He will give you your rewards, and will not ask you your riches.” (Muhammad: 36)

The previous verse has taught us that Allah is not asking for our wealth to be given to Him but instead, the wealth that we give will be rewarded by Allah the Almighty.

The question is now, are we willing to sacrifice our wealth for the Allah’s sake?

Sometimes it is easier said then done but insya’Allah with the right intention, Allah will definitely help us in taking the stepping stone. There is a Malay saying goes “Mengalah bukan erti kalah.” which means giving in does not mean you lose. This is a reminder including myself just in case we forgotten. Wallahua’lam.

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