Friday 03 Jan 2014
6.04 am, I am awaken by Azan nearby
mosque… Usually surrounding very silent during "Subuh" prayer however today I am accompanied by the rain and the sounds just so soothing
while performing my prayers... as always..."I LOVE RAIN"…
6.15am and I am done with prayer...quickly walk to the window to
peeps at the rain and was amazed with the beautiful raindrops… I do not want to
missed this moment because I know this rain will stop very soon therefore quickly took
my laptop - turn on
"Where Do My Baby Go-John Legend" and sit by the window
while continue writing my journey which I have stop last ended with dinner and that
night was truly memorable and fun…After the dinner we went home happily
Next day morning was a beautiful sunny Sunday.. I am again awaken because I heard my name being
mentioned many times…I walk out from the room saw my cousin & her husband are
choosing few new names for me.. "Janna Firah" "Marissa Maryam" and many more....To be frank I was puzzled and not sure whether I
am ready to change to a new name, my moment of fear suddenly arise and questioning on how my life would be and how society accept me as an individual and also my friend will react towards my decision... all that been running through my mine...
"you guys must be thinking on why I am suddenly behave in such??"
Actually I want to take thing at one step so that I can have my own
space to learn and treasure to fully accept with my own heart which not influence
by anyone. I guess this is normal for everyone who accepted new change in their
life… I am so lucky and blessed because my family were so supportive and agreed
with my opinions.
Time passes so fast and it actually took me 1 year to finally
confirmed that Islam is my way of living… Within that 1 year, AL-Jazeera non-stop playing mualaf revert stories, attended Islamic classes and alhamdulillah been given
an opportunity travelling to Egypt & China for more exposure on
how Islam being practice in different country. I was amaze and feel so blessed
chosen this religion.
From very general point of view, people label Egypt as dirty,
boring and country only with sand and some said nothing interesting also the peoples are rude… For me yes busy city, people drives crazy but perfect, talk
very loud, many poor citizen however I actually felt opposite because I have
the best hospitality, get to know best people, learning different culture, treasure
their way of living and yes no doubt its sandy & rubbish in few areas
however it was surprise to me not noticing the dirty side of the country.. For
more I am blessed to have my niece and her housemates guiding me through my journey as Muslimah.
She was 16 years old in year 2011, studying at Al-Azhar School. Alone
surviving at such a big challenging country changed her as a grown up girl… I
never experience living abroad and probably looking at them being independent
making me so proud.
They teach me on how to pray, recite Al-Quran, sharing knowledge
about Islamic history also storytelling of Prophets. Aside from this, they show me a lots of places mentioned in Prophet's stories to experience the truth
and differences in Muslim living. Not to forget also visited many old mosques which
still exist.. Most amazing experience whereby "Azhan" performed very loud
and clear everywhere 5 times in a day and people stop all tasks and pray
even by the road side..We greet people "Assalamualaikum" openly whenever we are.
"I tried that too praying by the road side and was an amazing
experience - people don’t disturb or walk pass front you at all while you performing prayers - best of all they greet and hug each and other after completed their pray (means girls
only with girls and vice versa) J… then after continue with own agenda
"
2 weeks at Egypt teaches me to be even strong in emotional wise, know who I am, my path as a Muslim...It was an eye opener to look at life in a very different
perspective. Importantly gained so much on Islamic... I am still continuing the culture at home and also at mosque..
"Insha'Allah when there is a will there is always a way"...
Ohhhhhh!!!!!… its already 7.30 am and I need to get ready to work
and so much I want to continue about experience in China but time doesn't allow
me to do so…
Last but not least, thank you so much for your support and
spending time reading my blog stories… I promised Insha'Allah to write my China
Trip experience soonest… Ahhhhhh…… 7.50 am now….. Rushhhh…… Rushhhh……!!!!
Assalamualaikum…see you in my next blog……
Love,
Marissa Maryam Leong
