Koranic Law Does not Impose the Headscarf

by Khaled Fouad Allam (appearing in January 22nd 2004 edition of 'La Repubblica' in Italy)

Historically speaking, the “hijab” (or Islamic headscarf) has never represented any form of Islamic dogma, legal obligation or religious symbol, even if today the impression is such.

Jurists during the classical period of Islam – who when Muslim law was first formulated for the four great legal schools of Islam – never presented any theories on the headscarf. The celebrated jurist and founder of the Theological University of Fez in Morocco, Qayrawin (died in 996), spoke about the headscarf only in reference to prayer rituals, when women enter mosques to pray on Fridays. And the word he used was “khimar”, a veil covering women from head to toe. He never used the term “hijab”. It is the same with other authors of the period.

There is indeed an explanation for all this. Classical Islam jurists warned of the need to formulate legal theory concerning the headscarf or veil, simply because a woman’s medieval world was that of a cloister, where she didn’t leave home, leading her life within the borders of private property. And when she did venture out, which was rare, she had to do so with the authorization of a male figure – whether it be her father, husband or brother –and only under exceptional circumstances, as for some formal ceremony or pilgrimage.

The hijab is an invention of the 14th century, and it has no real basis in the Koran. In the Koran, “hijab” comes from the root “hjb”, which refers not to an object, but an action: wearing a headscarf, pulling down a curtain or screen or reducing light so as to prevent others from prying or looking in.

The change to the word “hijab”, from signifying an action to meaning an object, comes in the 14th century. The jurist, Ibn Taymiyya, was the first to use the word “hijab” to mean “headscarf”. It was a headscarf that distinguished Muslim from non-Muslim women. It came to distinguish a woman’s identity and religious association.

Ibn Taymiyya stated that a free woman has the obligation to cover herself with a headscarf, while a slave is not obliged as such. He justified this based on a maximalist interpretation (cf. Koran, verse 31, sura 24), transforming the words of a generic statement into a principle, by giving it a binding or legal sense. Yet all this – and we do well to point it out – was still an interpretation, an interpretation which gave rise to a rule.

This change in language and social interpretation is a sign of crisis within the 14th century Muslim world: the end of the great Islamic empires and the invasion of Baghdad by a foreign power – the Mongols of Genghis Khan. The “ummah” (the community of believers) had to therefore face and struggle with what nowadays we call the principle of “otherness”. This posed the same problem then as it does nowadays: today’s Muslims now must cope with how to be themselves in a society dominated by non-Muslims. The headscarf is a sign of the Muslim community’s defensive reactions and focuses on legal norms not to create leeway for freedom of expression, but rather to establish a form of control – on Islam itself.

Therefore it is no coincidence that Ibn Taymiyya (died 1328) is a daily point of reference in neo-fundamentalist language.

However the decisive change for the “hijab” in terms of meaning and law occurs in the 20th century, especially in its last fifty years. In Muslim countries, following the period of decolonization, the processes of modernization created great difficulties for traditional societal structures and institutions. Two unprecedented phenomena occured: literacy of the masses and women going to school, work and out from their homes. The outside world was added to their main world of reference.

In the face of such social changes, many exegetes in Islam have reacted in neo-conservative ways, creating a legal system legitimizing and prescribing the use of the hijab. The headscarf thus becomes a distinct symbol of Islamic identity and separation between sexes. The headscarf’s introduction and use into public areas indeed favors the creation of a gender barrier, which today is not limited to the headscarf itself, but in some other countries has given rise to an actual division of space, even in public transport vehicles (e.g. some neo-fundamentalist-minded architects have drawn up ideas for separate elevators for men and women). Thus public space, instead of sanctioning a principle of equality, focuses on sexual discrimination.

However, all these changes in the headscarf’s use and practice is joined to that which is a constant in the customs and norms of Muslim society: the dichotomy between the pure and impure, and prohibition as a basis for Islamic law.

The frequent emphasis in sacred texts – that women mustn’t do anything to look at other men and draw attention to themselves, hence covering up their figures – has indeed led the collective Muslim unconscious to associate femininity with lust. In this way women have become synonymous with the chaos and disorder attributed to vice. Hence with women there is always the imminent risk of committing acts of impurity. Due to their reproductive role, women are invested with a certain sacred nature. Therefore, breaking the rule – that is to say, showing themselves off – means contaminating their original purity.

This taboo spells for a puritan society and articulates a legal system of control. Muslim societies are obsessed by issues of impurity; and the headscarf tends to symbolically preserve the bounds between the pure and impure.

Today the headscarf takes on the meaning of an identity crisis. In addition to expressing the widespread malaise found in Islamic society, the headscarf conceals its changes and exacerbates people’s fears. Whoever wears it, especially in the West, does so because they are coerced or conditioned to do so or are claiming their rights and asserting free choices. There are many opinions, but they all defer to a series of unsolved conflicts: between Islam and the West, with Islam itself and between law and culture.

A Strange Brush With Life

I felt a calling to write these little episodes while watching a nature programme about the hinterland of the state of Kelantan in the Nenggiri area.

It was in the 1950s, more so around 1956-58 when the family was staying in Kota Bahru, Kelantan. One weekend, we made a trip to Gua Musang deep down south. It seemed to me like in the middle of nowhere. The road was quite desolate. The greenery, lush. They were renting a place in the heart of a kampong.

Folklore abound regarding Gua Musang (Civet Cave)....like the hunter and the six companions who disappeared. From the more recent pictures Gua Musang has grown to much importance over the years. It is now a gateway to the Taman Negara/National Park, one of the oldest rainforest in the world. There is now a highway - a far cry from what it was back then.

My parents had such family ties that apparently, they had received an "SOS" call from my mum's cousin, auntie Azizah  whose family was living there. Her husband, uncle Othman, was a Detective Sargent with the Police Department (called "Mata Gelap" by the Malays or locals meaning "dark eyes") there and had suddenly taken "ill" in a strange way. That was as far as I knew then. There being no other family in Kelantan, it was only natural that they contacted my parents it times of need. Amongst other things auntie Azizah, mum's cousin, said that uncle would sometimes not return home when he should. Today, looking in retrospect, I must say I might understand why a man does not return home.......

Through dad's help, uncle Othman did get a transfer to Kota Bahru. I am not sure if the transfer did solve the problem with uncle Othman. In 1958, we were putting up the night at the old black painted KB Rest House on dad's transfer to Ipoh. In the early morning, we were awakened by a call from my second cousin Amir, saying his dad had not returned since the day before. Dad got ready and went out with young Amir to make a police report and assist in any way possible. Later, when dad returned, we were told that Uncle Othman had been found by the Kelantan river not far from home.

Those days Kelantan was often beheld as a place steep in mysticism and black magic. Those from other states were expected to go and work there "prepared" least they be "tested". If they fail, they'd surely fail miserably.

According to mum, uncle Othman was never the same since then but the family trudged along. We met them again when they moved to Kuala Kangsar where we had another memorable incident in their kitchen. There was a blackout and we girls were about to fry some preserved fish, the very traditional ikan pekasam. Little did we realise that we were "frying" them in water instead of oil! No wonder, there was no sound of crakling oil! The lesson learned was never place water and oil near each other! Strange things can happen in the dark!

I had another strange brush with the supernatural when my parents were living in Sabah.............Ah, that is something I had always wanted to forget. Perhaps I shall find the courage to write it someday......

Muslim Women In Sport - A Minority Within A Minority

Introduction
Surveys have shown that Muslim women have lower rates of participation in sport than other groups. Why are they under-represented? What challenges do they face? What does their religion say about participation? These questions have been at the forefront of attempts to understand and increase participation in sport by Muslim women.

Islam, Muslim Women and Sport
There are a number of misconceptions regarding Muslim women participating in sport. In fact, Islam promotes good health and fitness for both men and women. However, there are guidelines in relation to personal conduct and modesty within which sports can be practised. For example, modesty is an important principle in Islam, which has implications for the notion of what types of activities and what sort of dress is appropriate for Muslim women participating in sport. But it is important to recognise that the perceptions of what is modest and appropriate for women to engage in varies between groups of Muslim women and men, as well as between individuals.

In effect, this means that while some Muslim women might engage in mixed sport events, others will not see this as appropriate. Some Muslim women will observe dress codes that consist of covering the hair and wearing modest clothing which covers the arms and legs, but others will not. The important issue is to ensure that all groups and individuals are catered for as far as possible and that they are consulted and respected in their choices.

Islam encourages building up an integrated personality. Islam stresses sports such as swimming, archery and horse-riding, encouraging both men and women to engage in physical activity in order to maintain healthy lifestyles.

In the UK, different national, cultural and ethnic traditions create considerable variety in the way Islam is practiced and interpreted. Due to religious misunderstanding and/or a lack of awareness in our society of how to cater for this varied group, many Muslim women have been prevented from participating in sport.

These issues contribute to the comparatively low participation rate of Muslim women. Other factors that contribute to this are the lack of single-sex provision, which can put women off sport and physical activity. This may also include early negative experiences of PE at school. The negative perceptions about physical activity can last into adulthood, making it more difficult for these women to engage in sport. Thus, environmental and cultural boundaries seem to be a determining factor in the attitude of young Muslim women towards sport in this society.

Participation and Health
There are no statistics that show physical activity participation by different religious groups, for instance Muslim men and women. With respect to Muslim participation rates, participation by ethnicity is the closest monitor that exists, as over 90% of people from Pakistan and Bangladesh are Muslims.

However, this data has to be interpreted with caution as many people from other ethnic groups also follow Islam, and cultural traditions influence participation in sport.

Among ethnic minority communities, participation is below the national average. Only those within the ‘Mixed Race’ category take part more frequently than the ‘White’ group. The ‘Asian’ group has the lowest participation rates.

Ethnic minorities’ low levels of participation have negative health implications. Participation rates fall to as low as 18% for the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. Pakistani and Bangladeshi men and women reported worse general health than the general population.This group was more than five times as likely as the general population to have diabetes.

Muslim males and females in Great Britain have the highest rates of reported ill health. 13% of Muslim males and 16% of Muslim females were in states of ‘not good’ health.

Muslim Women’s Attitudes Towards Sport and Physical Activity
Research into Muslim women’s attitudes towards sport and physical education in Muslim countries has provided some interesting findings. A study in Jordan found that young Muslim female students hold positive attitudes towards participation in PE. Furthermore, they considered PE as having great significance and value in increasing leadership proficiency.

However, with regard to parental influence, it appeared that parents were less encouraging of their children taking up the option of PE in further education, with girls getting fewer opportunities due to social constraints.

This is interesting when compared to the views of young Muslim women in the UK, who seem to have negative views regarding PE in schools. Duvall, Sampson and Boote indicated that for young Muslim girls, PE in school evoked negative feelings about physical activity and led to a decrease in participation at post-school age. Thus, environmental and cultural boundaries seem to be a determining factor in young Muslim women’s attitudes towards sport and physical activity.

Barriers Facing Muslim Women’s Participation in Sport
Asian women who participated in research carried out by the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF) said:

“If I did get the chance to go to the gym, I wouldn’t take that chance. I would rather use that free time to spend with my kids.” Bangladeshi, younger than 25.

“When you’ve done a swimming session you come out and you’re tired but it’s a nice tired. But with the kids at the end of the day you’re just so tired you don’t want to move – it’s completely different.” Bangladeshi, older than 25.

Culture – Many Muslim women are constrained by their ethnic backgrounds from participating in sport. For example, research conducted by the WSFF on Bangladeshi women found that they led sedentary lives with little priority given to exercise and physical activity, as it conflicted with their role as a mother and homemaker. Asian Cultural ideologies do not always promote exercise and physical activity for women, although many of the women in the research understood its significance for health.

A study in Norway showed that Muslim women who identified themselves in terms of their ethnicity were not interested in participating in sport as it challenged the boundaries of femininity and cultural identity. Those who regarded religion as a source of identification, viewed physical activity positively as it was in line with Islam’s stance on health.

Religion – Islam is often cited as the reason why women cannot participate in sport. This is primarily due to a lack of understanding and awareness of the religion. In fact, ensuring good health and fitness for men and women is given paramount importance in Islam. Islam strongly
promotes sport and physical activity within certain guidelines, as these are essential tools for sustaining healthy lives.

Mixed groups – This poses major problems for many Muslim women as gyms, swimming pools and sport facilities are not segregated by gender. For some Muslim women this is a violation of modesty; mixed venues, in effect, bar them from participating.

Dress code – The question of dress code has been an issue, as some schools have not catered for this essential need.In order to participate, Muslims might need to follow certain requirements in terms of attire.

Lack of positive role models – The low participation rates among Muslim women are influencing the lack of Muslim female role models. The lack of aspiration and guidance makes it difficult for young Muslim women to engage in sport.

Providing for Muslim Women
Some young Muslim women have had negative experiences of PE in schools and this has deterred them from any form of exercise altogether. These situations may occur when schools are reluctant to respond positively to the dress requirements and other faith obligations for Muslim girls. Thus, it is important that schools and other sporting facilities are aware of the needs of this group of women and offer appropriate arrangements so they can practice their faith and participate in sport, without having to compromise on either.

It is important to ensure good practice in gyms and sports facilities, as negative experiences may lead to Muslim girls becoming disengaged from physical activity in the long run. If they repeatedly experience situations where physical activity is incompatible with their religious values, they may come to believe that such activity is inaccessible to them. This will then have significant implications for the women of this community.

A key and simple solution is allowing Muslim women to wear clothes that they feel comfortable in. For example, for swimming, they may wish to cover more than a conventional swimming costume would.

This does not need to compromise safety guidelines, as many producers of swimwear cater for Muslim women. In addition, sports facilities need to ensure that single-sex facilities are made available. This is crucial for Muslim women, as it is a requirement of their faith to not
participate in mixed sports or events. It is important that Muslim women can participate in sport without concerns about male participants or coaches attending.

This is not an issue solely for Muslim women, as research shows that many non-Muslim women prefer to engage in sport and physical activity when these are conducted in female-only classes. To enable Muslim women to increase participation in sport and physical activity, it is vital to
ensure that single-sex classes, women instructors and flexible dress requirements are in practice.

Resources for Identifying Good Practice
Sisters Games – This initiative aims to make adequate provisions for Muslim women who want to participate in sport and physical activity but have found it difficult to do so. Sisters Games were launched in Birmingham in June 2006 to cater specifically for Muslim women. The website, www.sistersgames.com, has been set up to help organise and advertise sporting and social events for Muslim women in and around Birmingham. Particular attention is given to events that meet the needs of Muslim women, especially with respect to single-sex provision and other Islamic values.

Female Participation: Minority Ethnic Communities – A study by sportscotland examines social inclusion in sport for minority ethnic groups in Scotland and provides a list of key indicators of good practice and future research considerations.

Loughborough University – The University offers coaching courses exclusively for Muslim women. The programme is designed to develop skills as sport coaches and leaders and ensure a representative sample of women in coaching positions. This is an excellent opportunity for
Muslim women to act as role models and encourage Muslim women to take up sport by highlighting the mental, physical and personal benefits that they can achieve.

By :Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation

Winter of Discontentment

The winter of discontentment seems to descend upon the human race again. While the winter of 78/79 saw strikes brought about by the British government's pay freeze policy to curtail inflation, the very, very cold winter brought misery to many. Looking back now, a 5% pay raise was also very normal where I worked back then. Why couldn't the orang putih get by with that too? Looking back too workers have been used to such inflationary pay rises up to 18% to 25% and even 40%, I would have been very rich then by that standard! Were we in the former colony, managing our economy better?

Austerity measures purportedly took their toll again recently flaring up in anti-establishment demonstrations, riots, lootings, arsons and even murders. Death of a 29 year old while in the custody of the police was duped as the straw that broke the camel's back. Deprivation and prospects of further deprivations seems to drive people into conflagrations. Senseless as it may seem, that seems to be a popular reasoning by many. But then many of those involved were youths not likely to have been so affected by the rule of the day. Could the economic link then be simply spurious?

According to work on US race riots by the economist Ed Glaeser, for example, ethnic heterogeneity in a neighbourhood increases the probability of unrest. So does unemployment. Poverty, on the other hand, seems to play a smaller role. All in all social unrests have many divergent causes some of which can be deeply rooted feelings bottled up since time in memorial.

Could it also be the miscarriage of a basic tenant of democracy itself?

"Everyone has the right to assemble and to protest government actions. However, citizens have an obligation to exercise these rights peacefully, with respect for the law and for the rights of others."

My question is does the assembly and protest have to be on the streets? If I need to go down that street why should I be devoid of that right just because some people have jammed up the place recording their protest?

I recall the day before Manchester United came to the borough to play Leyton Orient FC. in 1974. Yes, MU did play second division football back then! Here is an image of the Brisbane Road stadium in Leyton.

Dropping by at my local Asian butcher I noticed the guy getting ready to man his "fort". He gave me an idea of what could be expected. I just shrugged it off but at the back of my mind I was much aware of the reputation of MU fans. As the evening fell more MU fans arrived and they layed their sleeping bags on the pavement.

As I passed the street next morning to watch the game, I saw dustbins and their contents in disarray. One shoe shop had been looted and there were shoes on the pavement. Heck, I thought! Well, I did get tickets but they were for standing room only. My friends and I watched the game for a while.....

My point is, bad behaviour in society has always been there. Call it herd or mob mentality that drives people in a group to behave in similar manner. Herd mentality implies a fear-based reaction to peer pressure which makes individuals act in order to avoid feeling “left behind” from the group. Most of all they believe they may hide behind the numbers and remain anonymous.

What sparked the recent unrest was the shooting of a 29-year-old man, Mark Duggan, in Tottenham by the Metropolitan Police's Operation Trident team. The police's handling of the aftermath of that incident looks to have been poor. Mr Duggan's family apparently had to wait 36 hours to see his body. And when members of the community staged a vigil outside Tottenham police station to demand answers about the circumstances of the shooting, officers seem to have failed to communicate with them. There appears to be a context of mistrust of the authority (police) here.
People can be easily worked up by such stuff and the mob may be instantly reborn. Shops of high end products were understandably the main targets. Still, I cannot help thinking there were simply thugs just waiting for the clarion call.

Oh Saturday

Saturdays usually start rather languidly for the family. On Saturday 9th July, 2011, I cooked up a simple breakfast of fried egg, toast and nescafe and plonked myself in front of the TV to catch anything interesting.

After bypassing channels with ads on, I landed at NTV7. Three to five minutes on I still couldn't understand what in the world the commentator was rambling about. I could only get the gist that he was talking about a resort and some animals around somewhere (?) He seemed to blitz through his script with no proper pauses that his commentary was punctuated only with breathlessness. This was not the first time I had a concern over the channel's own productions. At other times, I was baffled at how certain words could have missed the censorship, if ever there was one. So, goodbye NTV7.......My hubby told me that this channel is meant for youngsters. That made my case even stronger!

(BTW, I have sent NTV7 a little note this morning. Let's see how they respond)

Turning on to CNN next it was rather calming to listen to the interview. Though the conversation was quite swift, it was comprehensible as the punctuations, phrasings and accents were all in the right places.

Ah, soon after I had to accompany the hubby to the office to clear some urgent work before 3.00 p.m. when some maintenance work on the electrical system of the building would start. We completed our work by 2.00 p. m and took a drive to Klang for lunch. Somehow, both of us did not have such a good appitite and soon after a quick lunch , we settled for ais kacang and cendol dessert next door.

On our return home, Najib and his friend greeted us. They were busy following the goings on in KL over the internet. I know some people would have been glued to the media or PC since morning to follow the progress of the Bersih Rally in downtown KL. The Rally was to bring to the fore of a demand for a clean election which was supposed to culminate in the handing of a Memoramdum to the King. In the end, I gather there was no Memo.........! Make your own conclussion then.

I do not normally bother about street processions or demos as I find them a waste of time and resources and at the same time they are open to possible abuses evoking confusions, tensions and disorders. Parties must be able to sit at a round table to discuss matters. My, even Genghiz Khan had better sense. Any kind of street display is a reflection of the process of democracy gone awry, an act of dire hopelessness. I was greatly relieved that it ended without much destruction or loss of lives. Only those who had to close their business premises and those caught in the traffic could tell you how it had affected them. Perhaps they too could voice out that demos be done outside KL, next time round.

What better thing is there than to have my Saturday culminating with homemade fried mee for dinner.....quite a real treat, really.

Have a good weekend!

Walking The Thin Line

A friend whom I came to know in Facebook is fighting for his life in ICU. Reading another friend's post on Facebook gave me this idea to put in writing my own experience of walking the thin line.

You know, life can be everything and anything our imagination may care to dwell upon. It may seem a chore or a burden if we think it a retribution for some trespasses of our forbears. It may also be a golden opportunity, no matter how fleeting the timeline is, and hence to be used in the best possible ways. Life may be orderly in the way Almighty created pairs of it - one to complement the other - nature's way to balance out the inequalities and hence ensuring equilibrium. That may be the formula to a life worth living. Yet, life may also seem strange in the way the past haunts and history repeats itself. Whilst the old renews, old ways are still resistant. Inertia seeps.

Life is a process of continuous decision making, dichotomous at least. It is that skill which seems illusive in many if not most. To some this task becomes gender centric. Some generations take the easy and obvious road. Some falter, some are unsure of their wants and needs such as in the choice of career, relationship, life style and so on. I have been fortunate to be able to make my own decisions even when they seem to be questionable or not completely sound to others especially my parents. Not that they had not tried to exert some influence but persistency wins the day. Hear me, once a decision is made you live with it

What is basic to my needs has always been to be myself in whatever circumstances. When you always endeavour to do your utmost, there is no need to impress. I need to be accepted for what I am, lock, stock and barrel.

I was so happy when our daughter's conception was confirmed such that only those who have been through the experience might understand. I swear that the waiting was more than what I had bargained for! Immediately my 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. was never the same. I would be laying on the doctor's couch in the Medical Dept. Queuing up for my banking or withdrawing my dad's monthly pension at the Post Office became more of a concern. Once the Post Master had to attend to me at my car. As for the bank patrons, they were good enough to let me sit until it was my turn. There was no number system then! Marketing was another concern. The smell of fresh coffee and fish sent my head into a spin before the cold sweat seeped out . Indeed the olfactory was working overtime such that even the sleeping arrangement had to be reviewed! Looking back I recall when I was carrying my son, I couldn't even bear the smell of boiling rice! No wonder folks romance with pride over motherhood. At this stage it wasn't even half the story yet!

Then I saw Mr Yeoh (Elaine Yeoh's hubby)as my gynae (he wasn't even my real gynae!)getting ready for a c-section on the big day. Suddenly, I saw people walking into the room with a wooden crate. "Gosh, it was my .........God, is this it", I thought. "No, no, I am not ready yet. My family needs me. My baby needs me. Please, I beg of you dear God". I talked and prayed so hard ......Was that a premonition?

Soon after, I took note that my brother who had gone to Penang for some work on the proposed Penang Bridge, had made a dash back upon news of the delivery of my daughter. "How odd", I thought. It wasn't like I was gravely ill... It was many years later that my mum broke her silence on the premonition that my brother had. I now understand why they both had taken special concern over me. My parents who were then staying in JB returned to stay in the PJ house and were on hand till we moved to our own house in Subang Jaya three years later.

On this Mother's Day, to both my children, know this that you are both loved, precious and are everything to me. Mama would implore the Almighty all over again. Love and take care of your children as I have mine. Allahu akbar...

CATTLEYA IN BLOOM

It is that time when Cattleyas are in bloom............All week my purple Cattleya has been it it's glorious perch. Not that I knew it was coming. I was about to leave for work last Monday when I noticed the three lovely blooms in full glory.

I had bought three different Cattleya pseudobulbs at an International Orchid Show in Shah Alam some years back. These days they organise them in Putra Jaya. The three I bought were of yellow, purple and white Cattleya and each pseudobulb cost a mere RM10 back then. In buying a whole pot the number of pseodobublbs would be counted and costed accordingly!

The yellow and purple ones have given me many happy moments. Unfortunately, the white Cattleya never made it............

Cattleya gets it's name from William Cattley. It is known for it's large showy blooms which are sometimes fragrant. As I have a perpetual sinus, I have never ever been able to detact the fragrance though. When in bloom, water needs to be reduced to avoid rotting the flowers. Because of their ease of growth and sheer beauty, cattleyas are the most hybridized of all orchids. There are thousands upon thousands of registered hybrids. So, if they are not tagged when you get them be extremely careful in giving them an ID.

VOTE FOR MAZNI EZURA

Ever heard of FAREEDA? It is one of two well known manufacturer of the “tudung” or scarf for Muslim women in Malaysia. It is currently running a cover model search via the Facebook.

My friend Mazni Ezura, is in the running to qualify for the grand final. As what friends are all about, I am doing my bit to spread the news and garner support for her pursuit. I must say she makes a lovely picture!

So here is how we can assist her…..

Step 1 : Go to this link :http://www.facebook.com/pages/FAREEDANyata-Jelita/279846494413

Step 2 : Click “Like” on FAREEDA ..Nyata Jelita ‘s wall

Step 3 : Go to this link :http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150138458069414&set...=a.10150138457124......414.328376.279846494413

Step 4 : Scroll down a little and click “like” to register your vote.

Please vote by 7th March, 2011. She really need all your kind support.

Thank you so very much……………..

RUBBER REPLANTING PROJECT

We embarked on a replanting project a few years ago to make good some parcels of land belonging to the family. When grandma was alive much of it was left unattended because of her failing health. Hence, the first responsibility was to find the boundary markers or the border stones. It was a rather daunting task as the land had become overgrown, much like a secondary jungle!

Here is our man Lukman, with one of the markers at Pondoi, near Tampin.

A small river cuts through the further end of this lot and it provides a rather picturesque scene. Here are Din with my SIL Halijah, enjoying a breather.

As part of the deal with RISDA that provides assistance to small holders of rubber land, we had to clear and till the land before any aid could be disbursed. As the land was an ex-rubber land, there was lesser concern over the state of the soil.

Here are my brother and my SIL trudging over the cleared land.

A second lot was also cleared and we brought in a tractor to till the land and to get rid of any old trunks or roots. That was quite an undertaking and it cost quite a pile! Apparently this was the evidence RISDA needed to see if smallholders were serious!

The Augur was used to dig the holes for the seedlings. Here is a demo for Lukman. He found it very useful.....it made the job much easier.

Din couldn't resist from getting his hands to it too!

It made a nice clean hole , alright!

We made a few trips back to check on the progress. It has been like 5 years now and the trees are lovingly manage by our man, Lukman. He takes on the job of clearing the land, fertilizing the plants and ensuring the security of the place from unwelcome livestock such as stray cows and goats from the neighbourhood. We have had a bad experience at another place where even people used the land as a short cut and destroyed the fencing. As for stray livestock ...they were simply about....

All for one and one for all!

First Days

Amongst the many first days we step into in the course of our lives, one that must invoke many memories later on is our first day in school. 3rd January, 2011 was indeed an important day for many Malaysian kids especially for my grand-daughter, Anyssa Farhana and her younger brother, Amyr Faiq. Spirits have been on a high note since November, 2010 with each collection of new school uniforms, white canvas shoes, bags and other items pupils need, were put together.

When the big day came their parents were most busy. Fortunately the kids are attending different sessions, Amyr attends the morning session at a nearby kindergarten while Anyssa, the afternoon session at a primary school. I understand they settled down very well in no time. Anyssa even met a friend from her former kindergarten and they both knocked off very well. Soon she was going round the class, chatting! Make no mistake...she had been known as a chatterbox in the kindergarten! I'd like to take it as we always encourage he to speak up!

Amyr seemed enthusiastic about being in school. Here he is doing his first homework! Finally he was learning something new even if it was the letter "A".

Here is Anyssa on her first day to kingerten two years ago and now in primary school. How time flies!

I reminise over my own time with my own children on their first day of school and indeed all their school lives. I remember my daughter, Azreen, would now and then turn her head to the kinderten class window to check if I was still around. When she was 6 years old, the family accompanied Papa Din, to the USA for his training in Menlo Park, California. We stayed in Mountain View and Azreen attended the Monta Loma Junior School. Yes, US kids start junior school at the age of 6. There was no school uniform and security of the kids were tight. The teacher sent the kids to their school buses while I waited for Azreen at her stop point near our apartment. One day, she fell asleep in the bus and forgot to pick up her new double-sided jacket before getting down. I only realised it on the next day!

I do not remember much about my own first day in school though. There was no kindergarten those days. When my elder brother went to school, dad thought it would be a good idea to put me in school too. So I was indeed put to "sit in" Standard 1 at the age of 5 years under the eyes of a relative, Cikgu Zaharah, who was also the class teacher. I understand, the idea caught on with her when she too had her son "sit in" in her class later after I had left.

I don't recall much of the Alor Gajah Malay Sshool but I did find out much, much later that I did have a report book that reflected that I did not do too badly, considering!I recall sitting for an exam or test with a tummy ache. A senior student, a relative, took care of me while in school and attended to my needs in the tuckshop and washroom. BTW, the tuckshop was really a simple stall built of wood and attap while the lone washroom was an enclosed well area.

There would be a number of first days as I went to different schools later on. Dad was a government servant who got transferred to various towns quite often. I had been in schools in Malacca, Kota Bahru, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban. It was nice to know and have friends in various parts of the country!