Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts

05 November 2016

I'm Right and You're Wrong : Sedikit pemahaman tentang bagaimana orang Indonesia berpikir tentang topik keagamaan

Sebelum kumulai tulisan ini, aku ingin Anda (sebagai pembaca) untuk memahami betul bahwa tulisan ini hanyalah tulisan hasil pemikiran individu seorang wanita Muslim berkewarganegaraan Indonesia yang masih belajar banyak hal dan melihat bagaimana isu di Indonesia berkembang di ranah sosial media. Jika, ada salah kata ataupun pemikiran, mohon maaf. Wanita ini bukan orang yang sempurna dan memiliki pemikiran yang mutlak benar. Karena benar buruknya yang menentukan hanya Allah.

Saya mulai tulisan ini dengan menanyakan ke diriku sendiri... "Kenapa aku ingin menulis sesuatu yang sudah panas? Kenapa aku ingin menuliskan tentang pemikiranku disini yang mungkin akan dicerca banyak orang yang tidak sepamahaman denganku?"

Jawabannya cukup mudah... karena aku suka menulis dan aku ingin membagikan buah pikiranku ke orang lain yang mungkin bisa bermanfaat.

Pertanyaan selanjutnya... "Kenapa topik agama? Bukannya masih ada topik lainnya?"

Karena ini mengganggu pikiranku dan merasa bahwa dibutuhkan adanya suatu tulisan yang mungkin bisa membuat orang lain mengerti bahwa "do not just trust media" and "understand that you're the one who should think out of the box" and "be a true Muslim"

"Lalu, apakah dengan ini orang lain bisa mengerti apa yang akan kuceritakan dan mungkin berubah?"

Let's hope that will come true. haha I'm just no body. Aku hanya seorang wanita Muslim berkewarganegaraan Indonesia yang sedang belajar di luar negeri dan berusaha untuk menyelesaikan kuliah, tapi sedih melihat kondisi negara ku dan saudara-saudara ku.

"Ok then... show the readers what you thought."

Sudah tidak perlu ku ungkit terlalu banyak tentang kasus penistaan agama yang menyerang Gubernur DKI Jakarta. Semua orang sudah tahu bahwa itu yang sedang terjadi saat ini karena masalah Pak Ahok yang mengatakan kepada masyarakat Pulau Seribu untuk "jangan mau dibohongi oleh Q.S. Al-Maidah:51"

Yang menjadi poin utama ku disini adalah bagaimana masyarakat Indonesia menyikapi hal ini, dilihat dari sudut pandang seorang wanita yang sedang duduk di balik layar komputer dan sering tidak produktif karena terlalu sering membuka Facebook dan Line. hahaha

Seperti yang sudah biasa terjadi, terutama di periode pemilu, yang namanya isu sering sekali disetir sedimikian hingga membuat suatu berita, terlepas dari benar tidaknya, menjadi luar biasa. Pelakunya? tentu saja media mainstream. Hebatnya, berita ini sangat cepat beredar di internet. Aku tidak heran sih. Karena menurut data statistik, pengguna sosial media di Indonesia adalah salah satu yang terbesar di dunia.

Bahkan aku pernah membaca di salah satu jurnal internasional, lupa judulnya dan pengarangnya, karena pada saat itu jurnal tidak jadi kumasukkan ke jurnal yang sedang kutulis, bahwa "sosial media adalah media paling efektif dalam sarana penyebaran informasi, terutama di era pemilu." Kalau tidak salah ini yang menulis adalah orang Amerika dan dia melakukan riset tentang proses pemilu presiden tahun 2008-2009.

Kenapa bisa begitu? Karena "the power of peers" itu sangat terasa.

Saat ini aku sedang melakukan riset yang berhubungan dengan "the power of peers". Ketika suatu faktor di dalam teknologi digabungkan dengan pengaruh teman, maka pengaruh ini akan sangat berbeda ketika tidak ada teman di dalamnya. Contoh, kepercayaan terhadap sebuah teknologi, akan dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor, salah satunya adalah kualitas informasi yang diberikan oleh teman. It's proven to be significantly influence.

Jadi, ketika ada berita yang "lumayan hot", masyarakat Indonesia akan dengan mudah mengakses sosial media, menyebarkannya ke teman-temannya atau publik, dan disebarkan ulang oleh teman-teman mereka. Terlepas dari benar atau tidaknya sebuah informasi.

Hal yang cukup unik terjadi ketika sebagian besar, bukan semua, menganggap bahwa apa yang mereka sebarkan ke ranah publik adalah sesuatu yang benar, padahal informasi tersebut belum tentu benar. Kenapa aku bisa tahu? Karena setiap kali ada yang menyebarkan sebuah informasi di sosial media, mereka akan menambahkan buah pikiran mereka dalam bentuk tulisan. Sebagian besar dari orang-orang ini akan menuliskan tulisan yang menjurus ke arah "this is right and the other is wrong", which is refer too... "I'm right and you're wrong"

Terlebih ketika yang dibahas adalah sesuatu yang berhubungan dengan agama, dalam hal ini agama Islam.

Sebagai seorang Muslim, tentunya kita sudah tahu betul bahwa tidak baik untuk mengucapkan atau bahkan berpikir bahwa kita adalah satu-satunya yang paling benar dan orang lain tidak benar. Karena benar tidaknya sesuatu hanya pada Allah. Kita sebagai manusia, hanya bisa berdoa dan rendah diri terhadap apapun.

Di sisi lain, ketika ada sebuah informasi, haruslah kita untuk ber-tabayyun terlebih dahulu.


يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَنْ تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ
Wahai orang- orang yang beriman, jika ada seorang faasiq datang kepada kalian dengan membawa suatu berita penting, maka tabayyunlah (telitilah dulu), agar jangan sampai kalian menimpakan suatu bahaya pada suatu kaum atas dasar kebodohan, kemudian akhirnya kalian menjadi menyesal atas perlakuan kalian.
[al-Hujurât/49:6].




Nah, sebagian besar dari masyarakat Indonesia tidak melakukan tabayyun. Mereka cenderung langsung menentukan bahwa berita tersebut benar adanya.

Memang susah untuk ber-tabayyun kepada orang yang disebutkan di dalam berita tersebut. Tapi, itu lah challenge nya. Apakah bisa melakukan filter terhadap sumber berita mana yang bisa dipercaya maupun tidak? Bagaimana jika tidak bisa?

Alangkah baiknya jika lebih baik diam.


أَلاَ أُخْبِرُكَ بِمَلاَكِ ذَلِكَ كُلِّهِ. قُلْتُ بَلَى يَا نَبِىَّ اللَّهِ قَالَ فَأَخَذَ بِلِسَانِهِ قَالَ  كُفَّ عَلَيْكَ هَذَا. فَقُلْتُ يَا نَبِىَّ اللَّهِ وَإِنَّا لَمُؤَاخَذُونَ بِمَا نَتَكَلَّمُ بِهِ فَقَالَ  ثَكِلَتْكَ أُمُّكَ يَا مُعَاذُ وَهَلْ يَكُبُّ النَّاسَ فِى النَّارِ عَلَى وُجُوهِهِمْ أَوْ عَلَى مَنَاخِرِهِمْ إِلاَّ حَصَائِدُ أَلْسِنَتِهِمْ.
“Maukah kuberitahukan kepadamu tentang kunci semua perkara itu?” Jawabku: “Iya, wahai Rasulullah.” Maka beliau memegang lidahnya dan bersabda, “Jagalah ini”. Aku bertanya, “Wahai Rasulullah, apakah kami dituntut (disiksa) karena apa yang kami katakan?” Maka beliau bersabda, “Celaka engkau. Adakah yang menjadikan orang menyungkurkan mukanya (atau ada yang meriwayatkan batang hidungnya) di dalam neraka selain ucapan lisan mereka?” 
(HR. Tirmidzi no. 2616. Tirmidzi mengatakan hadits ini hasan shohih)

Mungkin ada yang bepikir..."hei itu tulisan, bukan ucapan" ... sama saja bukan? apa yang dituliskan adalah apa yang diucapkan.

Hal ini juga tidak dilakukan oleh sebagian besar masyarakat Indonesia, terutama yang Muslim. Karena mereka cenderung dengan secara terbuka memberikan opini yang semestinya tidak diperlukan untuk orang lain tau.

Di sisi lain, banyak oknum, yang mungkin memanfaatkan kondisi untuk mendapatkan apa yang mereka inginkan. Aku tidak akan membahas tentang rencana politik maupun ekonomi suatu oknum tertentu. Namun, hal ini sudah banyak diketahui bahwa ketika ada sebuah isu, maka di balik layar, terdapat beberapa orang yang pasti akan memanfaatkan kondisi, apapun tujuannya.

Apakah kita mau membantu tujuan oknum yang tidak baik dengan menyebarkan berita yang belum jelas benar atau tidaknya? Bagaimana jika tujuan itu tidak ada baik-baiknya, hanya buruknya saja?

Banyak yang mungkin beranggapan bahwa "aku tidak tahu ada tujuan itu, yang penting kuanggap benar maka akan ku share"

Inilah yang kurang baik menurutku dan menjadi bumbu ataupun minyak bagi yang sudah panas menjadi lebih panas lagi.

Masyarakat kurang mengerti bahwa jika tidak tahu lebih baik diam, tabayyun, dan tunjukkan dengan yang apa yang dipercaya di dalam konteks yang lebih baik. Misalnya, tidak memilih calon yang dianggap tidak baik. Bukan dengan semakin menyebarkan fitnah ataupun kalimat yang tidak baik.

Dikarenakan cepatnya informasi yang tersebar, membuat orang-orang sepertiku yang notabene "lebih baik diam" menjadi risih. Isi sosial media 80% terkait isu yang sedang panas dan terjadi perdebatan sana sini, yang intinya adalah "I'm right and you're wrong". Lingkungan seperti ini sepertinya tidak baik untuk kesehatan mental saya. haha

The most important thing that we have to put on our mind are ... PATIENT, FORGIVE, and LEARN.

Masih ingatkah apa yang dilakukan Rasulullah ketika bangsanya sendiri membenci Islam, meludahi, dan mencelakai Beliau? Bersabar, memaafkan, dan belajar.

Tulisanku ini mungkin menjadi cambuk untuk diriku sendiri untuk lebih berhati-hati ketika menyebarkan sebuah informasi. Semoga kita menjadi orang yang lebih baik lagi.

Amiinnn...



18 July 2015

[Ramadhan Series] Lebaran Bersama Keluarga... di Taiwan ?

Pertama kalinya merasakan lebaran di Taiwan adalah tahun ini. Tahun dimana aku dan suami merayakan bersama, berdua. Tanpa orang tua, adik adik, dan keluarga besar. Apa daya namanya juga merantau di negeri orang, dimana lebaran tidak masuk katagori libur nasional. Agama apapun tak ada libur nya di Taiwan. Ingin sekali rasanya pulang ke Indonesia dan menikmati mudik ke rumah nenek bersama ibu bapak dan adik adik.

Sejak sebelum lebaran, kami sudah memberitahukan ke orang tua kami bahwa kami tak bisa pulang karena mas harus bekerja selepas shalat Idul Fitri. Iya benar sekali, hari Jumat lalu, kami shalat Idul Fitri di lapangan basket NCTU Hsinchu City Taiwan, dan pukul 8.30 suamiku berangkat ke kantor. Sedih sih ditinggal ke kantor tapi apa daya. Aku hanya bisa berharap dan merajuk supaya dia meminta ijin kepada bos nya untuk cuti setengah hari dan tidak kembali ke kantor pasca shalat jumat.

Awalnya orang tua ku baik baik saja kukabari kalau kami tidak bisa mudik. Bapak bahkan mengatakan kepadaku untuk bersabar karena masih berjuang di negeri orang. Tidak pulang tidak apa-apa. Toh saat Chinese New Year bisa pulang walaupun tahun depan. Tapi, saat hari H mudik lebaran tiba, ibuku menangis saar aku telepon dari Taiwan dan melihat wajahku via video call ke hape adikku. Bahkan ibu tidak mau melihatku saat itu. Hanya mau telepon biasa tanpa video. Sedih bukan main melihat orang tua ku menangis. Tapi, bisa dibilang wajar karena ini pertama kalinya aku tidak lebaran bersama ibu bapak dan adik adik, serta tidak ikut mudik sekeluarga ke Malang dan Solo, rumah nenek-nenek ku.


Sedih tidak bisa mudik ke Indonesia bukan berarti kami tidak bisa bersilaturahim ke keluarga. Bisa dibilang kami punya keluarga di Taiwan. Istilahnya sih mahasiswa kadaluwarsa hahaha Cukup banyak mahasiswa ataupun pekerja profesional seperti suami ku yang tidak pulang ke Indonesia saat lebaran begini dan kami merasakan hal yang sama. Seusai shalat Idul Fitri, ditinggal suami ngantor atau ngelab karena bos atauun prof mereka tidak tahu kalau hari Jumat lalu kami merayakan Hari Raya Idul Fitri. Jadi, ada dua orang teman yang usai shalat Idul Fitri main ke rumahku. Niat awalnya sih cuma sekadar berkunjung untuk melihat kamar yang aku dan suami ku sewa selama setahun ini karena salah seorang temanku (Mbak Miftah) sedang hamil dan ingin pindah apartemen bersama suaminya (Mas Hakim) yang saat itu sedang ngelab dan tidak bisa ikut. Dan seorang kawan lainnya (Mbak Eka) sudah memiliki 2 orang anak (Aqila dan Fayat) dan suami nya (Mas Prima) bekerja di perusahaan yang lokasinya persis di sebelah kantor suamiku, juga ikut datang. Memang dari dulu ingin main ke tempatku tapi selalu saja tidak sempat. Dan ini adalah waktu yang tepat. Suaminya diajak karena kebetulan bisa cuti.

Yang biasanya kamar sepi, suara cuma dari TV, ataupun kalau aku dan suami ngobrol saja, sekarang jadi ramai. haha Kamar berantakan langsung dibersihkan karena awalnya tidak ada niatan sama sekali mau berkunjung ke rumahku. Tapi, Alhamdulillah Mbak Miftah bilang kalau kamarnya rapi. ^__^

Ngobrol santai sampai sana sini mulai dari perkara rumah, hidup di Taiwan, sampai kapan pulang ke Indonesia jadi topik yang nyaman. Lebih Alhamdulillah lagi suamiku dapat ijin cuti setengah hari sehingga bisa pulang ke rumah pasca jumatan. Aqila dan fayat pun senang bermain di rumahku sampai akhirnya ketiduran karena capek bermain, Ibunya ikut-ikut tidur saat para suami jumatan. haha

Sekitar pukul 5 sore, semuanya pulang karena malamnya kami akan bergantian ke rumah Mbak Eka dan Mas Prima. Mereka bilang ada es buah. Lumayan juga nih. Sarapan opor pasca shalat idul fitri di kampus, siangnya ada ayam dibawain pasca jumatan, malamnya es buah di rumah teman. Luar biasa Alhamdulillah nikmat Allah mana yang kmu dustakan, intan? ^^

Walaupun keluarga jauh di sana di Indonesia dan nangis-nangis sampe mewek ga bisa pulang, tapi Alhamdulillah kami punya keluarga di Taiwan yang bisa membantu kami sedikit melupakan kesedihan.

Lebaran bukan untuk bersedih tapi untuk berbahagia karena Allah sudah memberikan rahmat yang luar biasa besar untuk kami sehingga kami masih bisa bertemu Idul Fitri tahun ini, dan bersilaturahmi dengan saudara seperantauan di Taiwan.

Tidak hanya saudara dari Indonesia, tapi juga dari negara lain. Karena di hari Minggu, ada acara Halal Bihalal di Restoran Taj India milik seorang Muslim Pakistan. Mereka membuat acara perkenalan tentang Islam ke pelanggan dan meminta mahasiswa muslim di Taipei (NTUST khususnya) untuk membantu jadi panitia.

Alhamdulillah acara lancar. Dimulai dari teman baik kami, Chung Yen (Alif) menjadi MC hari itu, lalu Fauzan membaca Al-Qur'an, Rara yang menjelaskan tentang pakaian yang dipakai Muslim di seluruh dunia termasuk hijab, dan juga ketupat. Plus workshop cara memakai jilbab dan membuat ketupat dari pita tentu saja. Lalu diakhiri dengan senandung Shalawat Nabi dari teman-teman cowok dan lagu Bang Toyib (candaan di lingkungan kami bagi yang tidak pulang lebaran, tapi orang Taiwan tidak tau maknanya haha)


Lebaran ini berkesan. Pertama kali nya lebaran bersama suami, tapi tidak di rumah bersama orang tua. Lebaran bersama teman-teman di Taiwan dan membantu menjelaskan tentang Islam ke pelanggan restoran India di Taipei.

Subhanallah Maha Suci Allah Sang Pemberi Nikmat dan Karunia

Minal Aidzin Wal Faidzin kami (Intan dan Putu) ucapkan kepada seluruh keluarga dan sahabat dimanapun berada.
Mohon maaf lahir batin atas salah kata dan perbuatan yang disengaja maupun tidak sengaja.
Semoga ibadah kita semua selama Ramadhan diijabah oleh Allah dan diberi kesempatan untuk menjadi pribadi lebih baik serta siap menjalani kehidupan pasca Ramadhan.
Semoga kita semua diberikan kesempatan lahir dan batin untuk bertemu Ramadhan tahun depan.
Amiinnn...

Jazakallahu Khairan k\Katsiran.

25 June 2015

[Ramadhan Series] Day 8 : Your God is not in Taiwan

That sentence came out from one of my Taiwanese friend. I was shocked. Totally shocked. I was speechless that she said something like that. Not once, not twice, but three times in a day on different occasions.

Me and my friends had a beautiful summer day and we had a lot of things happened. One of our friends was having her birthday and we will try Hijab. But before we celebrate her birthday, my Taiwanese friends were having a BBQ outside school. I was not invited. I understand because they knew I'm fasting this month. But even if I'm not fasting, I will not going to be invited as well because they had pork for BBQ. So, after they finished, they went to school and we got ready to celebrate our friend's birthday.

In the birthday celebration, they brought the pork and beef BBQ for one of our friends who didn't come along with them. Me and Riza (my junior in ITS, also form Indonesia and Muslim) don't eat pork and not eat anything that afternoon because we're fasting. But, suddenly one of my friend (the naughtiest one) told me something like this...
"Hei Intan..Riza.. you have to eat this pork! It's delicious. You know, your God is not in Taiwan. Your God is in Indonesia. He will not know you eat this!"
I was totally shocked... I didn't give any explanation. I was just speechless... and Riza, he also speechless. He just laughed.

I knew she was just kidding. But, I did really shocked of what she told me.

Then, my other friend asked me about Islam. Why we did fasting, how we pray, and why we had to pray to Mecca (she said Arab, not Mecca). After I explained all of those things... my naughtiest friend said it's incredible for Muslims to do fasting in Ramadhan from before sunrise to sunset. Then, she said again...
"You know... you don't have to do fasting in Taiwan. You can eat this cheese cake from her birthday. Your God is not here, Intan."
My second attack. I was totally shocked again. I couldn't believe she said something like that again.

and... I just didn't respond what she said.

So, after that... we were heading to lab because some of us want to try Hijab like me. I was very happy about it so I brought all of my beautiful Hijabs to school days before.

Funny things happen in my lab and my naughtiest friend ever said to me that I have no hair and that's why I covered it up with my Hijab, haha I always said to her that I have hair and she didn't believe it/ Some people also. That's why this day I showed to them my hair ( no boys there). They were just shocked to see my hair. hahahaha

But when my naughtiest friend saw my hair...she said..
"Intan...it's so beautiful. I want hair like you. You don't need to use Hijab. You are beautiful without Hijab. Your God is not here."
And this time...I counter-attacked.

I said to her that
"My God is everywhere. He can see everything I did wherever and whenever the situation is. I will always use this Hijab and do fasting and not eating pork. "
 She just laugh and said "Okay...okay..."

I knew all of these things are actually jokes. She didn't believe in God, that's why she said something like that. If she believe in particular religion, she will know that God is everywhere, no matter what religion she believe. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

She din't believe in God and any kind of religions, just like many Taiwanese. They went to temple, but not believe in particular religion. I don't know how to explain that.

Within this experience, I realized that they don't have any understanding about God. It is proven in another day when my friend asked me about Satan or Shaitaan.

Of course it seems weird for us who live and grown up in the religious environment, where believe in God is necessary, and meet people who didn't believe that God is exist. So, what we need to do if we got this kind of experience?

I can say... try the best to explain about Allah and Islam to them, a little by little. Don't try to give them all information in one occasion. It will make them "can't believe it". Try to explain based on their curiosity in one occasion to another. But, don't push to hard.

Da'wah is not only about in front of many people all at once. But, in front of one of your non-muslim friends is also a da'wah, isn't it?

Wish what we did is what Allah stated in Al-Qur'an.
Allah knows the best.
Allah knows every little intention in human's heart.

Jazakallahu Khairan Katsiran.


22 June 2015

[Ramadhan Series] Day 6 : Longest Day Time in Taiwan during Ramadhan is a Good Day

Today I got information from my Taiwanese friends that today is gonna be the longest day time on summer. And... it's on Ramadhan. I'm not sure how many minutes longer than usual but it feels like I'm going to have a hot summer day today. hahaha

But even it's not longest day time in Taiwan, I would definitely get one. Because today is the last day of one of my class and I had to present my final project in front the class. It's not like an usual presentation, it's different. I had a hard time to do it so I'm really nervous and afraid that I couldn't do it better.

Instead of making myself funny in front of the class, fortunately I can make it through. Alhamdulillah... what I've been think of all this time not realized. hehe I'm afraid Prof will ask us about the network but he just asked us about how we make the network because we used a huge amount of data, not like others in the class. Another miracle of Ramadhan for me from Allah.

What I've been realized all day after I reviewed today activities are... I did something hopefully useful for my friends on lab. InshaAllah.

When first I came at school, I met with my lab mates on lab and we talked for a bit about our friend's engagement surprise. And it came out to a topic of Ramadhan because one of them asked me to go for lunch together. I told her that I was fasting and can't eat during the day until sunset. She already knew about Ramadhan because she is familiar with Islam things, she said. haha But another friend of mine at that time, he didn't know anything about Ramadhan. So, I decided to explain to him about it.

He asked me why do you have to fast for 1 month? 

I answered to him that this month is the month of blessings and Allah stated that we have to fast in this month. There are many benefits for our body and mind actually.

We need fasting for our body to rest after a year eat many kinds of food and need to heal themselves from any kind of disease.

We need fasting for our mind and mental state because we have to be patient, cannot angry, and discipline throughout the day.

So, what time do you have to do fasting?

Start from before Fajr prayer ( I have to explain to him that we have to pray 5 times a day) around 3.30 AM until sunset around 6.45 PM.

Is it have to be that time?

No. it depends on the sun. Sometimes we will eat iftar at 7 PM if the day time is longer than before. And of course summer time is longest time to fast rather than in winter time.

Is Ramadhan always in June / July ?

No. Because Ramadhan is in Islamic Calendar which is similar with Chinese calendar, that depends on the moon. And every year, usually Ramadhan will be move 1 month earlier. Like for example in this year Ramadhan is in June and July, and next year will be in May - June.

After he got all of that information and understand...he said "Waow...It's so special."

I'm happy to hear that I can explain to him about Ramadhan, so that he will understand more about Islam and Muslims.

Another thing that interest me the most was when one of my friend (after class) joking around to my Indonesian labmates that she will make him angry because he is still fasting and I said to her that if she did that she will go to hell. haha it's just joking, but another friend of mine ask me about Hell.

She thought that Hell is always an American joke, like "go to hell" or something like that. And she also didn't believe anything about heaven and hell. SO, I decided to give her an explanation about this.

I asked her whether she knew Adam and Eve, and she didn't know. So, I started with... what happened when human is not yet known.

Allah created Shaitaan (I used term Satan to her because it's more familiar) and put them in Heaven. Then, Allah created human which are Adam and Eve, and He told shaitaan to worship them. But shaitaan said to Allah that they didn't want to because they think that they are better than human. So, shaitaan told Adam and Eve to eat a forbidden apple in heaven. That apple caused them banned from heaven by Allah, because they already told by Allah to not eat that apple, but they still ate that due to shaitaan's whisper. Allah then put shaitaan into Hell and Adam and Eve to earth. Shaitaan didn't like it and even they already successfully make Adam and Eve out of heaven, they still said to Allah that they will make Adam, Eve, and their descendants (which is us, human) to not pray to Allah and drag them to hell until the end of the day (doomsday) to be their friends on hell.

After I explained to her, she became sooo excited. She said to me that she never heard that story before. I felt a little bit shocked because it's a story that any religion had. Like christian, catholics, and jews...they had that story in their book. But, how come she didn't even know that story?

I just realized that it might because she doesn't have any religion. And...most of Taiwanese are like that. So, it makes sense that she and some others of my friends didn't know that story.

I'm happy that I can explain to my friends a little bit about Islam, from time to time. Not a whole in a day but a little bit a time. Because I know that they have to know Islam as general first, and if they want to know more, I will explain more. It's important for them to understand what Islam and how Islam in Muslims' life so that they can respect Muslims and doesn't have any misunderstanding about Islam because of wrong-sided media.

Wish that I can do more on this Ramadhan and do da'wah even more to my friends in Taiwan. InshaAllah.


21 June 2015

[Ramadhan Series] Day 5 : Learn How to be Productive at Work / School on Ramadhan

So, today I got a chance to join a webinar by ProductiveMuslim.com entitled Work Productive on Ramadhan. When I got an email from them that I can join this webinar for free, I got very excited because this is what I need the most.

Of course everybody know that we have to fasting in Ramadhan and some (or most) people thought that it will decrease our energy level and can't be productive, so then it's okay to be lazy around and not doing something productive. Unfortunately, non-muslims tend to relate Ramadhan with the laziness of muslims. we don't want to be related with lazy, right?

So, I want to give the summary of the webinar into this article and hope it can help you guys a lot in your daily basis on Ramadhan and get the most out of it.

There are three kinds of Muslims on Ramadhan :



1. The Career Focus

Muslims who focus on their career or school activity on Ramadhan, just like on other months. And not make the most out of Ramadhan. So, their ibadah is less than their work.

2. Ramadhan Focused

Muslims who focus on Ramadhan only. They focus on gaining relationship with Allah SWT. They didn't do their job like usual or go to school. Only ibadah on this month.

3. The Survivors
Muslims who can balancing between The Career Focus and Ramadhan Focus. So, they tend to do both in balancing time. But, mostly, not related with each other.

Which one do you think is you?

So, there is another term that ProductiveMuslim.com have, which is The Productive Muslim Workforce

In Islamic point of view, Work is inside Spirituality. Why?

Work is a means to our sustenance to help us fulfill our obligations and live a dignified life. As an example, Prophet Daud a.s. who was the richest man, he works then became rich, Rasulullah Muhammad SAW also an entrepreneur who works to fulfill his duty as the man in the family and live a dignified life.

Work is a testing ground for our Islamic manners and ethics.  We already knew how to be a great Muslims not only from Qur'an but also Hadist. But, we can't only 'know' that but we have to implement all of those manners and ethics. That's what one of the purpose of work. How we develop relationship with others, be discipline, etc.

Work is where we add value to humanity. We work to do something for the company, instead of building a product or managing something. All of that is because company want to make something that can be sold to people. That product is of course might be useful for others. So, working is one way to be useful to others.

The next question is... your work is a Job, Career, or Calling

Imam Al-Ghazali ever mentioned three types of people :
1. Distracted by the Dunya
2. Distracted by the Akhira
3. Dunya supports Akhira and Akhira supports Dunya

Indeed, I believe many people is one who distracted by the Dunya ( only works and live the life on eart and never think about life in akhira) or distracted by the Akhira (only ibadah and forget to work and be the man of the family). And I also believe that all Muslims in the world want to be in the 3rd category. But how Dunya supports Akhira and Akhira supports Dunya?

We have to know the meaning of Ibadah. Ibadah is not only Pray 5 times a day and sunnah prayer, recite Qur'an, become Hafidz / Hafidzah, help others in need, Hajj, always in mosque, etc. But working is also ibadah. Go to school is also ibadah. Provide foods and money for family is also ibadah. Be discipline at work is also ibadah.

So, with that state of mind... we can start to balance ibadah for Akhira and ibadah for Dunya.

There is a question that might be helped you understand... How is your work part of your spiritual development? think about this for a moment.

So, How Ramadhan boost your work productivity?

Basically you have to understand first that Ramadhan is the month of Barakah. The month of blessings that Allah gave to us. So, why don't we ask Allah to give blessings in our work or our opportunity or our business or anything ?

Ramadhan is actually can help us to learn to be focus on what we did. Maybe some people might not agree because they might think that because they didn't eat they will loose focus. But, that's not what Ramadhan meant. Before Ramadhan, we tend to do things that unnecessary in life like watch movies, listening to music, and eating. But during Ramadhan, we decrease all of that. Allah gives us more time to focus on our ibadah in our work and Ramadhan is the month to learn focus.

Discipline is another key. Being discipline is part of Islamic manners and ethics. Ramadhan also taught us to be discipline during our fasting. For example when we are fasting, we have to fast not only for our stomach but also heart. How to maintain our heart is part of the discipline. So, when you want to boost your productivity during ramadhan, being discipline is a key. Discipline to time management.

And how to make it as a routine... How to Build a Productivity Work / Life Routine During Ramadhan?

There are three keys to make productivity lifestyle as a routine, so that it's not only work on Ramadhan but also after Ramadhan.

1. Understand your Roles

We have roles in our life. For example for me, as a wife, daughter, sister, teacher, friend, muslimah, business woman, student, and worker. Too much? maybe not. Because everybody have their own roles in their life. So, what's yours? Understand your roles and how many time you spend for each of your roles, help you manage your daily productivity.

I will make myself as an example in this case.

So, we have to make priority based on roles but doesn't mean the first priority is closing other priority. Roles as a Muslimah is number one because it represents our relationship with Allah SWT. Then, because I already married, the second roles is as a wife, how I spend my time with my husband and my responsibility to him. Third role is as a daughter to my parents, am I already spent enough time with them, am I call them enough, or are they already happy with what I did. Fourth role is a sister, on how my relationship with my sisters and brother, is it need more time to be spent together with and we can be stronger as ever. Next role is as a friend, did I already have a good relationship with my friends, or do I have to have an iftar party for them in our house. Because I'm a student, I have to think about my research and how I spend my time for my research, is it already balanced with other roles. Become a business woman is a challenged because I didn't spent my full time on it, so I have to think again about the meaning in this business. And I also a worker, even it's just a part-time job I have to think about my discipline, did I already good at work or need improvement, is my boss ok with my job or not, and something like that.

So, you get what I meant in here? maybe you can start think first on your roles before you continue reading.

2. Set your Goals

After you understand your roles, you can start to set your goals for each roles. For example, as a Muslimah I want to set goals in this Ramadhan that I want to finish reading Qur'an and understand the meaning of Surah Al-Kahf. As a wife, I want to prepare iftar and sahoor everyday for my husband. As a student, I want to finish my research model this month.

Or you also can set goals based on three things, which are Spiritual Goals, Social Goals, and Physical Goals. These goals can help you stay focus and discipline throughout the month and get ready to continue set another goals when Ramadhan end.

3. Build a Routine

If you try to get your goals on daily basis, it means you build it as a routine. Don't be lazy because it will not going to help you come across your goals.

4. Review Daily

At the end of the day you should review daily on what you already did that day. Is there anything special? How's your life going on Ramadhan? Are you already follow on your routine?

With reviewing, you can see what improvement you already did and what need to be done tomorrow.

I understand that make goals as routine is not easy. I also ever experienced it and I need tools to help me with that. I've ever mentioned in many articles about how to be productive using planners. If you need that, you can download it for free in this link.

Or you also can use several apps for your phone if you don't like papers. Like for example Todoist, Evernote, etc. 

For your Ramadhan, I suggest you to use app called Ramadhan Legacy. It can help you track your daily ibadah routine on Ramadhan.

Okay... so... hope this summary of the webinar on ProductiveMuslim.com help you guys on your work productivity during Ramadhan. InshaAllah.

Wish we can get the most out of Ramadhan and Allah blesses us with Barakah on this month and after.

Jazakallahu Khairan Katsiran.


20 June 2015

[Ramadhan Series] Day 3 : Nap Dreams Became Real

Dreams... everyone has dreams when they're sleeping, aren't they? I also have dreams... good dreams or even nightmares. But, this day I got a very unrealistic but real dreams...


If you read my previous article about my first day of ramadhan, I mentioned that I have a final project that everybody in our groups have trouble in interpreting the results. How come it's not a problem when we have pictures of networks and confuse what's this networks all about. Even we already met at that day and discussed, and something came up to lighter our thinking...but we still need more.

Then, I am the one who has responsibility in making the power point presentation for next Monday, which in Sunday night we have to send it through email to our teacher. It became a huge problem for me because I have to make sure everybody in our group understand the results and can present it well.

This day I have to think how to make a good presentation. But it came at that point where I was stuck. I couldn't think about anything that can resolved our problem. I asked several people, including my husband, but no answer. So, after Dhuhr prayer, I decided to take a nap.

It's not only because I was tired to do my assignments since morning, but I also felt hungry. hahaha Yes of course because I have to do fasting. And I wanted to forget about those hunger feeling, so.. that's why I took a nap for a while.

What makes me felt unreal is that when I awake... I remember I had dreams... about doing my power point presentation in the part where I felt difficulty the most. But, I couldn't remember what's that all about. I just remember I did that and put some circles in slides and make some notes.

So, I decided to try it out. After Ashr prayer, I sat down in front of my laptop and started to work.

And... it's done!!

I didn't know how to do it but I felt like more energize and more focus than ever!

I even forget my hunger... because I started being into my work.

Miraculously... I can finish the most difficult part in the presentation. Subhanallah...

It's the miracle of take a nap in Ramadhan. Alhamdulillah...

I knew it's kinda bizarre experience from some people... but it's real and it's happened to me. Maybe there are some scientific reason behind it, like for example...

I took a nap in the right time and moment, where I was sleepy, tired, and loose my focus. But at the same time I knew there's something need to be done but I didn't know how to do it. So, those feeling came across my deep mind without I realized, and straight to my brain when I was sleeping. It turns out to be a dream. But it can be a good dream or nightmares, right? Maybe I even can have nightmare about my assignments. Alhamdulillah that's not what happened... I believe Allah took a part in here where He gave me an insight about what I supposed to do after awake. Allah helped me with that... Alhamdulillah...

You know... I remember when I was learning about Sleep in Ramadhan through Productive Muslim Community. I kept thinking about how can I prove the theory where sleeping actualy can help people to be productive, especially in Ramadhan.

And now... I can prove it. ^__^

19 June 2015

[Ramadhan Series] Day 2 : Shocking Hijab Trying from Non-Muslim Friends


My lab is the place where everyone happy, just like our Prof always said to us when we have meeting. It's common when someone mocking others, and no emotions involved.

Without I realized, because I'm not at campus at that day, one of my friend (the craziest one) has an idea to try using hijab by herself with her shawl. She tried to make it as similar as possible with my daily hijab model.  And... it shocked me a lot when I knew it. It's not a bad shock. But, a very good shock. 

I'm very impressed on how she managed to wear it like I used to wear using her shawl. Even her intention at first is to mock me and joke about me that I have no hair and I want to cover it up with my hijab. hahaha

I knew about this from other friends who shown me her photos. And I just kept laugh because she's so cute and beautiful with shawl on her head.

But, the most shocking me was ... when some of my friends who shown me the photo (3 of them), they asked me to have Hijab Day in the lab. They want to try wearing it.

It's... UNBELIEVABLE.

On every year, in campus, Muslim students have an annual activity called International Muslim Culture Exhibition where everyone including non-muslim can try to use Hijab. But as far as I remember, when we had that activity last year, my lab mates didn't come because have classes.

And it's unbelievable for me because that idea is not coming for me. The idea of wearing hijab, is come from them!

Subhanallah... another magic of Ramadhan.

I asked them... why they want to try to use hijab? (still with shocking face)

They said to me that... They want to feel it. Is it hot to wear hijab? will they look more beautiful? is it weird? and the most important thing... they want to know others' perspective when see them using hijab.

And definitely...I said YES OF COURSE.

So, we set a date, on next week... so that everybody (girls) will come to lab and try hijab, I'm the one who will help them wear it. I'm soooo happpyyy... ^__^

When I told my Muslim friends about this... they agree to help me video taping the event. ^^

I hope it can turn out well and another way to do da'wah in Taiwan, even it's only in my lab.

Please pray for us in this activity for next week. I will post the video in this blog as soon as possible, to let the worlds know... 

18 June 2015

[Ramadhan Series] Day 1 : Hard Day for Working... but Worthed

Usually, The first day of Ramadhan, I already at home in Indonesia and lazy around. I usually have thought that "Oh this is Ramadhan, it's fasting day and I need to be lazy around first to make sure I can do fasting without complaining until the end of the month"
But, this Ramadhan, change my perspective, especially it came out in my First Day of Ramadhan this year (18/6/2015)

After sahoor and shubuh prayer, I usually fallen asleep until near Dhuhr prayer. I know it's not a good thing to do, but usually I have excuse to fall asleep because I'm awake in the middle of the night to eat. But, this time, I had to awake at 6 AM and get ready to work.

Yes, this year I'm starting to have my part-time job in Taipei (not in Hsinchu where I live), because I want to give another day for my lab time in campus (which is in Taipei). Usually I just go to school when I have class, but I realized it's not enough, because my life in campus is not only classes but also research and group meeting. So, when this part-time job opportunity arrived, I definitely said yes, so that I can have more reason to go to school after my job. But unfortunately, my job is starting at 9 AM and I have to go to Taipei from Hsinchu at around 6.30 AM.

I know it will be a rough day, because it's the first day of Ramadhan, and it's summer. Night before, I slept late, and awake at 2.30 AM, and slept again after shubuh around 4 AM until 6 AM. Get ready until 6.30 AM, and go to bus station around 6.45 AM. Sometimes, the bus will go around 7 AM and arrived in Taipei around 8 AM.

Because in Taipei I have to commute using public transportation like MRT, Bus, and YouBike, of course I have to walk and need some time to go to one place to another. At 8.30 AM I already arrived at work where the office is near a mosque and before I start my day I went there to pray dhuha.

Alhamdulillah...this day was not as hot as before. Maybe because of the first day of Ramadhan and every creation of Allah in this earth is praying and help Muslims to fasting easily.

I felt terribly exhausted in the office. I felt sleepy all the time, and rarely speaking to my co-worker. I was tired after walk and riding YouBike to office. I also can't focus with everything.

Then, I realized that I have work to do. I have to focus because it's a work that need good communication skill with people who has trouble. I have to not show my tiredness in front of them. At the same time, I have test and need study between my work time.

So, I just tried to focus on everything in front of my eyes and started to work. In my heart, I believe Allah will help me go through this day and something good will happen to me, because it's the month of Barakah, the month of Blessings on everything we ask for.

With Bismillahirrahmanirrahim... I started to work... and I can focus on everything! Alhamdulillah...

After Dhuhr prayer, I finished my work and go to school by bus, followed by YouBike again. Need almost 30 minutes to arrive at school from office. And it's 2 PM. Very hot at that time. The thought of drinking ice is making me crazy... -__-"

I had an appointment with a group study of one of my classes in the afternoon. There are several problems ahead and I couldn't solve it before. I asked my friends about problems in our term project, but they seemed didn't understand at all about how to do it. But, I believe Allah will help me. This is Ramadhan and barakah will always come to people who try hard and patient (Sabr), right?

It's unbelievable when we met at that afternoon, I could focus on my task. I could think clearly about what supposed to do and not. Even at that time, I almost fainted due to lack of sleep and tiredness. But I kept my head straight and do the job. I also couldn't believe in myself when I started to give explanations about what the projects really are to my friends, because the day before I couldn't think that way.

Subhanallah... Allah is beside me all the time...and this Ramadhan is truly Barakah for me.

Fasting is not an excuse for someone to be lazy around and not doing their work. It's a misunderstanding if related Ramadhan fasting with unproductive, but instead during Ramadhan people will be more productive than ever.

I already proven that theory, because in a day I finished my job, I studied for exams, I made presentations for projects, and I could think clearly and focus. 

Those experience in a day, make me realize that whatever happens... if Allah always be in our heart and we always seek His help, Allah will help us and give us His Blessings throughout the day.

My suggestion to you guys... don't be worry to loose your focus on your work or school activities, because Ramadhan is the month of Productivity and the month of Blessings from Allah... Trust Allah, The One who can make your life easier and help you on everything...



Jazakallahu Khairan Katsiran...

Wish we can get the most out of Ramadhan and always get Barakah from Allah...  

17 June 2015

[Ramadhan Series] D-1 First Tarawih with Husband

Ramadhan is coming!! The Holly Month is in front of us now... ^^

The beautiful thing I will always remember is.. this is the first Ramadhan that I spend with him, my husband. The feeling is amazing. I don't know how to describe it, truthfully. Because many things going on in the day before Ramadhan that can make us even closer than ever.

The day before Ramadhan is Today (17/6/2015) and tonight we did Tarawih Prayer together. At first, we want to do prayer in NCTU musholla with our brothers and sisters there, but because of his work (his boss doesn't know anything about ramadhan) he had to stay late. --" He just got back home around 8.30 PM, too late to go to musholla even the prayer was started in 8 PM. 

So, after we went out for dinner (find a special dinner before ramsdhan start and made our stomach full haha), we bought our Sahoor menu outside, which is KFC. Some people might say "Hey, this is your first Sahoor together... why don't you cook??" and I can say that "We forgot to shop for groceries and nothing can be cooked from our refrigerator." haha that's the truth.

Tarawih prayer that we did is ... kinda can't be described with words. He is the imam and I am the makmum. What I felt at that time is peacefulness. Being beside and a little bit at his back make me wonder "Oh this is the feeling" Butterfly in my stomach. :')

Some people asked me whether we will going back to Indonesia for Eid or not, but unfortunately, we can't. It's not only because we already went to Indonesia twice in the beginning of this year, but also my husband didn't any holiday in Eid Day. =.=" Any big days of any religions in Taiwan didn't get any holiday. So, maybe after Eid Prayer, my husband will go to work like usual. 

At the same time, I wanna go home so badly. My grandma is sick now and I just can listen to her voice via phone call and it's not really comforting, because her voice was trembling. :'(

I wish that this Ramadhan can be the best Ramadhan ever for my husband and me, my family and friends in Indoensia and Taiwan, and for all of us.

Align the intention with the intention to get Barakah from Allah SWT and try to do the best of Ramadhan ever.

I want to apologize to everyone about all of my mistakes to you guys. My mistakes and my family's mistakes.

Happy Ramadhan, everyone! Happy Fasting! ^^




24 March 2015

[#2Days1Book][BookReview] - Aisyah : Wanita yang Hadir dalam Mimpi Rasulullah


Buku karya Sibel Eraslan lain yang kubaca adalah "Aisyah" yang masuk ke dalam serial The Greatest Woman. Aku pikir awalnya buku ini masuk ke dalam serial 4 Wanita Penghuni Surga, tapi ternyata aku salah membaca. hehe Judul yang masuk ke dalam seri itu adalah "Asiyah" istri Fir'aun. Semoga bulan depan ketika pulang ke Indonesia aku bisa menemukan buku ini dan juga "Fatimah" yang aku cari sejak berbulan-bulan lalu.

Bunda Aisyah, istri Rasulullah Muhammad SAW, yang merupakan bunda umat muslim pasca Khadijah wafat. Seorang putri dari orang dewasa kedua yang masuk Islam, yakni Abu Bakar Ash-Shidiq. Memiliki dua kakak yang begitu sayang padanya, salah satu nya adalah Asma yang menikah dengan sahabat Rasulullah pula.

Masa kecil Aisyah termasuk masa kecil yang indah. Selayaknya anak kecil yang suka bermain bersama kwan-kawan nya, mendengarkan cerita dongeng dari para pedagang yang datang ke Mekkah dan juga dari kakeknya sendiri, serta menghafalkan puisi-puisi indah karya orang ternama. Mainan nya pun banyak mulai dari boneka hingga kuda bersayap yang saat dia remaja pernah dipegang oleh Rasulullah dan mengatakan bahwa Nabi Sulaiman a.s. juga mempunyai kuda bersayap yang sama. Mungkin kita menyebutnya pegasus. hehe

Aisyah merupakan salah satu orang yang mengalami betul masa-masa sulit yang dihadapi umat muslim sejak dia masih kecil bersama Sang Ayah dan juga Rasulullah. Dia melihat bagaimana ayahnya yang begitu berani membela Rasulullah apapun yang terjadi dan siap ketika akan dibunuh. Ayahnya pula yang menjadi teman Rasulullah ketika berdiam di Gua Hira. Itu lah hari-hari paling sedih bagi Aisyah yang baru menikah dengan Rasulullah dan ditinggal pergi ke Gua Hira tanpa boleh memberitahukan ke siapapun tentang itu kecuali dua kakak nya yang saat itu juga mendengarkan permintaan Rasulullah kepada Abu Bakar untuk menemaninya. Setelah itu, tak satu hari pun Aisyah lewatkan tanpa kehadiran kekasihnya.

Masa-masa paling menyedihkan selanjutnya adalah ketika Rasulullah meninggal di pangkuannya. Tak pelak hati halus bunda pun menangis. Badannya remuk redam. Walaupun usia mereka berdua terpaut jauh, hati keduanya menyatu.

Setelah itu, ujian demi ujian datang satu per satu ketika kaum Musyrik merasa bahwa ketika Rasulullah tiada adalah saat yang tepat untuk menghancurkan umat muslim. Salah satunya adalah dengan melakukan fitnah keji terhadap ibunda Aisyah.

Cobaan demi cobaan ini dijalani dengan teguh bersama ayahanda nya, Abu Bakar, yang sepeninggal Rasulullah menjadi Khalifah pertama dan juga sahabat Rasulullah lainnya. Dzikir kepada Allah terus dilantunkan dan percaya bahwa Allah berada di setiap langkahnya.

Shalawat serta salam tetap tercurahkan kepada Rasulullah SAW, ibunda Aisyah, keluarganya, sahabatnya, dan keturunannya.
Semoga kita semua diberikan kesempatan oleh Allah bertemu dengan mereka di surga-Nya kelak.
Amiinn..

Seperti novel lainnya, Sibel Eraslan menggambarkan situasi dan kondisi umat muslim sedemikian cantiknya sehingga membuat kita yang ada di dunia modern saat ini seperti berada di masa-masa itu. Apalagi ketika penulis menambahkan bumbu yang indah pada tulisan tentang apa yang dirasakan tokoh Aisyah dalam senang maupun sedih.


20 March 2015

[2Days1Book][Book Review] - Maryam : Bunda Suci Sang Nabi

Akibat diberi hadiah oleh sahabat ku Nila buku berjudul "Khadijah" yang merupakan serial 4 wanita Penghuni Surga karya Sibel Eraslan, aku jadi semakin tertarik untuk membaca seri lainnya. Alhamdulillah aku mendapatkan seri "Maryam" dan "Asiyah". Namun kali ini aku akan membahas lebih dalam mengenai "Maryam", Bunda Suci Sang Nabi.

Maryam, namanya diingat sepanjang zaman, oleh hampir semua pemeluk agama terbesar di dunia. Islam, Kristen, Katolik, dan Yahudi. Orang Islam menyebutnya Maryam. Pemeluk agama lain menyebutnya Bunda Maria. Ya, ibunda Nabi Isa a.s. , seorang Nabi suci sebelum Rasulullah Muhammad SAW dan memberikan pengaruh yang luar biasa besar bagi kehidupan bangsa nya, mungkin hingga sampai saat ini. Kebesaran seorang Nabi Isa a.s. tak luput dari kebesaran ibundanya tentu saja.

Seorang Maryam yang belum lahir sudah kehilangan ayahnya, Imran, keturunan Nabi Daud a.s. dan ketika lahir tak sempat mengenal ibunya, Hanna, yang saudara perempuannya Al-Isya adalah istri dari Nabi Zakaria a.s.. Menjadi yatim piatu sejak lahir menjadi cobaan pertama baginya. Kekuatan ketabahan dan ketegaran dari kehidupan masa kecil yang tak memiliki ayah ibu lah yang nantinya membuatnya bisa bertahan dari cobaan semasa dewasa. Nabi Zakaria a.s dan Al-Isya menjadi wali nya serta menjadi guru nya, sehingga tentu saja mereka sudah seperti orang tua nya sendiri.

Umur 6 tahun adalah masa dimana seorang anak yang "dikurbankan" kepada Allah oleh Hanna, ibunya, yang telah menunggu memiliki anak selama puluhan tahun, akan diajarkan berbagai ilmu agama di dalam Baitul Maqdis dan tidak diijinkan untuk pulang ke rumah sampai masa dewasa. Disinilah Nabi Zakaria a.s. membangun mihrab yang khusus bagi Maryam karena saat itu semua santri adalah laki-laki dan situasi politik yang ada membuat Maryam dibenci oleh semua orang. Tak hanya karena orang tua nya yang merupakan keturunan suci, pamannya yang merupakan Nabi dan dibenci banyak orang, situasi Romawi yang memanas, dan para Rahib yang mementingkan kepentingan duniawi, namun juga kecerdasan, perilaku, dan perkataan Maryam yang selayaknya orang dewasa dan dapat mendengarkan malaikat berbicara lah yang membuat para Rahib Baitul Maqdis murka dan ingin membunuh Maryam.

Dalam mihrab siang dan malam Maryam belajar ilmu agama dari Nabi Zakaria a.s dan juga para malaikat. Waktunya dihabiskan untuk bermunajad kepada Allah dan membantu fakir miskin dan yatim piatu. 

Ketika Allah membuatnya hamil tanpa seorang suami, beratlah hati seorang Maryam. Wanita mana yang mau hamil tanpa suami dan dicap sebagai wanita yang berzina, padahal ia tak melakukan suatu apapun. Cobaan paling berat bagi seorang wanita ini ia jalani sampai waktunya ia melahirkan. Sendirian tanpa siapapun Maryam melahirkan di padang pasir entah dimana, di bawah sebuah pohon kurma yang telah mati. Nabi Isa a.s. lahir ke dunia.

Fitnah sudah menyebar bahwa Maryam adalah wanita laknat. Namun Allah mengatakan pada Maryam untuk diam dan membawa bayi Isa ke dalam kota. Ketika penduduk mulai melempari mereka dan juga Nabi Zakaria serta istri nya yang membawa bayi Yahya (kelak menjadi Nabi), bayi Isa berbicara dan sontak membuat kaget kota Al-Quds (saat ini Palestina). Fitnah itupun sirna ketika seorang bayi dapat berbicara dengan lancar dan mengatakan bahwa ibunda nya suci dan ia adalah Nabi utusan Allah SWT.

Namun, cobaan tak hanya sampai di situ. Orang yang hati nya tertutup mulai menyebarkan fitnah bahwa Nabi Zakaria a.s yang telah menodai Maryam sehingga ia dikerja dan dibunuh oleh bangsanya sendiri. Nabi Yahya yang saat itu masih bayi digendong oleh ibunya pergi berseberangan dengan perginya Maryam bersama bayi Isa. Mesir adalah tujuan Maryam.

Hidup merantau sejak Nabi Isa a.s lahir beliau lakoni dengan sabar, teguh, dan kuat. Serta dengan senyum yang tulus dan cantik rupawan. Perjuangan seorang ibu membesarkan Isa bin Maryam seorang diri, tanpa suami, adalah suatu hal yang menjadi pelajaran berharga bagi seluruh wanita di bumi.

Maryam adalah seorang yang suci, yang memberikan waktu, tenaga, pikiran, dan harta nya untuk kebaikan di jalan Allah. Mengajak semua orang untuk mengikuti ajaran yang dibawa oleh Nabi Isa a.s. Tangannya terbuka bagi semua orang yang membutuhkan.

Semoga ketika waktunya tiba, kita semua diberikan kesempatan oleh Allah bertemu Maryam ibunda Sang Nabi di Surga kelak. Amin Ya Rabbal Alamin....

06 February 2015

Nature Loving Wonderland : The Biggest Budha Maitreya Statue in the World

Source : naturelovingwonderland.org

You didn't see it wrong. It's a very big budha maitreya statue. When I asked the guide, he said its height is equal with 40 floors building and made of bronze.

What I've been thinking is "How they make it? O.o"

This article is about my experience as a Muslim inside the world center of budha maitreya studies.

Me and my husband were looking a place to travel around Hsinchu, Taiwan when my husband discovered there's a place in the middle of mountain that has a very big Budha statue, because one of his friend ever went to this place and post his photo in facebook.

At first, we didn't know anything about this place. We didn't know that this is a place to study about budha maitreya. We only want to travel around and find something different. We think this place is some kind of a place for family recreation. Because it's in the middle of mountain and surrounded by lake. This statue is in the middle of little island in the Golden Lake (I think it's the name refer to the board near the entrance). The pictures he found in google also beautiful because it's surrounded by beautiful scenery.

When we arrived, we already prepared to find "NO English information" and not many people will come around due to the fact that not many cars and scooters passed the road to go there.

But, I was wrong.

We're really shocked when we found out there're a lot of people in the entrance, which are help people to cross the street like police man. But they're not police. I know they're volunteer from the vest they wear. But, how come? It's in the middle of mountain. No public transportation there. No housing, even.

And then... they have Indonesian translator!!!

Really...make me shocked.

At first, someone in the entrance asked me "Are you speaking english?" and we said yes, so that he asked someone who can be our translator. Then, one of the grandpa who also visitor like us asked me "where are you come from?" in chinese of course, and my husband said that we are from Indonesia. And the man in the entrance asked another person, who is Indonesian, named Ferry, to help us.

Ferry came to us and told us about the "rule" that need to be followed inside. Several rules that I remember are:
  • No high heels (they have a very expensive wooden floor and carpet)
  • Shoes need to be covered by somekind of socks (we're given the socks before go to the main hall)
  • No eating and drinking inside the main hall
  • No photos inside
  • etc. (I forgot what other things hehe
He told us about why he came to this place. We didn't know anything about this place until he said to us that this place actually a place to study about Budha Maitreya religion. He said it's not a religion but it's like a .... I don't know what to say. Sect? Not like that also... but something like that. They believe in Universal Family. Whatever your religion, race, culture... we're family. That's what he said to us.

There're many people not only Taiwanese, but also Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, India, and even Americans...came to this place as volunteers to study about this religion. And they live in the dorm inside the main building.

We're very worried at that time because we're Muslim. But then, because we didn't want to make him sad if we didn't go inside, so we just went inside. Because he said to us that in this place they didn't give us explanation about specific religion, but culture. We're trying to keep open mind when he gave us many information but not too open. 

Ok let me give you what we found inside this place.

Source : naturelovingwonderland.com

First, after Ferry gave us explanation what Dos and Don'ts inside this place, we went to a Gate. The picture is in above. You see there are three doors and each of them has its own meaning which is written above each doors. The first word means Joyfulness, Good Fortune, and Cheerfulness. Ferry told us that sometimes people will go through not only 1 door but 3 of them and make S turn in this gate. So they will get 3 of those positive things in life. But, because we're Muslim, we didn't believe that Gate will give us those 3 things. But, Allah will give us that. So, we decided to go only 1 door, not because we want to get that specific word written in that door but because we want to go inside. haha But Ferry asked us to go through 3 doors because he wants to give explanation. Ok then, because that's the reason, we went through those 3 doors without expect anything.


Second, we saw a very big clock. But the interesting thing is that they change the hour number using 12 positive words. Like for example they change number 1 with Joyful. So, when we feel sad in 1 AM or PM, and then we see the clock, we will remember about Joyful that happened in our life. This clock helps us to always be Grateful and Happy whatever situation happened in our life. I like this clock because it helps me to always Thanks to Allah who gave me such a beautiful life. Time cannot be repeat and has to be filled with beautiful things, right? Great culture and we can accept that theory. Because that's also what Islam taught us.

Third, we entered a main building which has many specific rooms to learn.  Before went inside, we were given a socks, but it's not for feet but for shoes. Yes of course we were using our shoes, but we also used this specially made socks' shoes. So, if you want to go here, don't forget to not use high heels. Better use sport shoes or sandals. In the entrance of the main building, there's a big budha maitreya statue and a small one. They are very heavy, the guide said. Almost 4 tons or something and made of ... i forgot.. something like gold or somekind of that things. Above those statues, there is a dome and the guide (not Ferry, but a woman, who is Indonesian also) said that the dome's shape is the combination of the shape of mosque, church, and temple architecture. It means whatever the religion, human are from one source. As a Muslim, I believe that we're from one source, Allah. But I can't accept the fact that they believe whatever the religion human are one. I know it's logic because if no religion, no hate between religion. But, I believe what Allah said in Al-Qur'an that :

قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُ‌ونَ ﴿١﴾ لَا أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ ﴿٢﴾ وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ ﴿٣﴾ وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ ﴿٤﴾ وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ ﴿٥﴾ لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ ﴿ ٦
Say, "O disbelievers. I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion." (Al Kafirun: 1-6)
And also not because we have different religion than we can't respect each other right? (just my opinion, no offense)

Ok so... another thing about this place, they provide information about good culture. Respect each other as society, self introspection, love humanity, no hates, etc. I agree about what they told us. Because that what Islam told us also. About peace, love, respect, good to people. humanity, and many other good things.

But you know... what I don't like the most in this place is that when we went to some place like a shrine, they told us to "pray" to their god, which is budha maitreya. And I really don't like it. Politely I told them "I'm sorry, we're Muslim and we're not going to do that". Even I'm little bit pissed, because they knew I'm Muslim from my hijab, but they still told me to "pray" to their god, I have to be still polite to them without making them uneasy or even mad at us. Alhamdulillah it worked out. They okay with my faith.

I stand in my believe that "For you is your religion, and for me is my religion"

Go to this place is good for people who want to learn something from other people's religion and want to open their mind. If you are Muslim, before go here, pray to Allah to protect you from all information they gave to you. Because maybe shaitaan will go inside your brain and make your faith shaken. So, better to filter all of those information, ok?

This place is good for culture learning and make you think more about your own faith, Islam.

Back to Al-Qur'an... every information about good behavior and culture they mentioned, are mentioned in Al-Qur'an.

After we went to this place, we kept thinking about what we have learnt in Al Qur'an and Hadist and what information we got from this place.

It makes us realize that the more I think about it, the more I fall in love my religion, Islam.

If you read this blog, I remind you that this article is about my experience as a Muslim in a non-Muslim country and have a lot of information about other religion. So, there are many things I have to share about my opinion about what I've experienced to my brothers and sisters in Islam.

If you're non-Muslim reading this article, I'm sorry if this article is not the same with your opinion.

What I've learnt during my visit to this place are...

Be open minded with other religion's culture and information. Because it can help you learn to respect other people and know their opinion about something. Accept the positive culture which are related with Islam's taught us in Qur'an and Hadist. But, don't follow what other religion's do which are not in Qur'an and Hadist. Stand on your faith with respect to others. 

20 January 2015

Sunnah Fasting 2015

Kemarin aku dapat kalender puasa sunnah di tahun 2015 dari sahabatku. Setelah aku lihat, ternyata banyak sekali puasa sunnah di tiap tahun, aku nya saja yang malas dan tahunya hanya puasa Senin Kamis dan puasa Ramadhan. -___-"

Aku salut sama yang bikin kalender. Niatnya bagus banget karena mau membantu orang lain untuk ingat puasa sunnah. :) Semoga diberikan pahala yang luar biasa oleh Allah...

Oke, so karena penasaran dengan segala penanggalan di kalender ini, aku mencari sumbernya dan dapat di website ini : http://www.pustakasekolah.com/jadwal-puasa-sunnah-2012.html

Jadi...inti yang aku dapat adalah ada banyak jenis puasa. Diantaranya..



Puasa Senin Kamis
Mungkin hampir semua Muslim tahu tentang puasa sunnah yang paling sering dilakukan adalah puasa senin kamis. 

Puasa Ayyamul Bidh
Tiap pertengahan bulan Hijriyah di-sunnah-kan untuk melakukan puasa. Biasanya dilakukan selama 3 hari yaitu pada tanggal 13,14,15. Jika bertepatan dengan hari Tasyrik atau bulan Ramadhan, maka diperkenankan untuk tidak berpuasa.

Puasa Ramadhan
Kalau yang ini sudah tahu semua dan jelas bahwa kita sebagai umat Muslim diwajibkan untuk berpuasa sebulan penuh selama bulan Ramadhan.

Puasa Arafah
Dilakukan pada bulan Dzulhijjah, tepatnya pada tanggal 9 Dzulhijjah.
Setelah tanggal ini, akan ada Hari Tasyrik atau hari yang diharamkan untuk berpuasa yaitu pada tanggal 10,11,12 Dzulhijjah

Puasa Asyura dan Puasa Tasu'a
Dilaksanakan pada bulan Muharram tepatnya tanggal 9 dan 10 Muharram. Bisa juga tanggal 10 dan 11 Muharram. Pilih salah satu. Tidak boleh hanya tanggal 10 Muharram saja.

Puasa sebagian di bulan Syaban
Puasanya sebagian saja, tidak perlu penuh.

Puasa 6 hari berturut di Bulan Syawal
Di bulan ini di-sunnah-kan untuk melakukan puasa 6 hari berturut-turut. Tanggal nya boleh terserah tergantung kemampuan.

Puasa Daud
Mungkin ini puasa yang paling jarang dilakukan. Puasanya adalah berselang-seling kecuali hari yang diharamkan berpuasa dan diwajibkan berpuasa. Sehari puasa Sehari tidak puasa.

Puasa 1/3 Bulan Dzulhijjah
Hanya di bulan Dzulhijjah saja kita di-sunnah-kan untuk berpuasa sepertga bulan. Jadi kalo sebulan 30 hari, dibagi 3 jadi cuma 10 hari puasanya.

Itu dia banyak jenis puasa yang bisa kita lakukan sebagai umat Muslim.
Semoga bermanfaat dan puasanya tawadu'

Jazakallahu Khairan Katsiran

19 January 2015

How to be Still Productive when there's Too Much Distraction

Productive means discipline to do everything needs to do in everyday life. But, sometimes distractions can make people "lazy" to do the "list". That's what happened with me these days.

I got too many things to do, and I aware of that. Research paper, final paper for classes, presentation, organizations things (I have two now), household, my start-up business with my friends, travel planning, blogs, reading challenge with my best friend, etc.

But then I have one single thing that become Major Distraction.

My Gadget.

It's one single thing that cause many little things.

Social medias, emails, games, etc.

When I start to touch my gadget which is tablet (more powerful than my phone and it's like my laptop.. I can even do my works on this thing), I can't stop.

Even when I was going to check my email, I will open my facebook, instagram, line, or anykind of it and spend many more times there. Suddenly, my works not done. =.="

My reading challenge... the thing that I love, reading, sometimes get distracted too...

So, in here I wanna give a tips on how to make distraction (especially gadgets) cannot distract you to o your todo list.

1. Say Ta'awudz and Basmalah
As a Muslim, it's better for us to pray first before to do many things, including works. When we say ta'awudz, it means that we seek help from Allah to prevent any wrong distractions from shaitan. And when we say basmalah, it can help us to stay focus on what we did. Maybe in some case, we can be distracted in the middle of our works, but then say ta'awudz and basmalah again. InsyaAllah we can focus again on our works till done for that day.

2. Silent your gadget
In my experience, when my gadget or phone start to make a sound, I will directly put my hands on it. The next time I knew, I will open my facebook again. -__-" So, I decided to do my husband's advice, to  change the sound in my gadget to silent, or if you want to make your phone still ring, you can make your gadgets idle when the screen is lock. It's very useful and sometimes I forgot where my gadget is. hahaha

3. Install your chat apps in PC
I know that most people need to be in front of their laptop to do their works. So, if you don't want any distraction in your gadget, just install your chat apps in your PC or laptop, like Line or Google Talk or maybe Facebook Messenger.

4. Put your gadgets away from you
Maybe you can ask your family member to bring your gadget somewhere you can't find if needed. It works for me when I need to really really focus on my works.

5. Stay focus
It's kinda classic but you need focus. Focus on what're you goals for today. Tried to make your brain always say "I have works to do and do it now!!"

6. Write your to do lists
It can help you focus. If you are a "not-writing" type person, you can use many apps that you can find for PC. I use Todoist by the way. It is a website app that can sync with your gadget. You can make list of your todos or projects that need to be done everyday. I also use my planner because if I goes offline I still can notice what I'm suppose to do for today.

Okay that's my tips and suggestions for you.
Hope these can help us to stay focus and can't be distracted from any internet things.
If you have any suggestions, don't forget to comment.

Jazakallahu Khairan Katsiran.

15 January 2015

[#2Days1Book][Book Review] - Khadijah


Khadijah, nama itu selalu ada di benakku sejak aku mempelajari sejarah Islam di bangku SD. Istri pertama Rasulullah yang memiliki jarak umur yang berbeda. Khadijah lebih tua dari umur Rasulullah Muhammad serta janda pula.

Pertanyaanku kala itu, pertanyaan anak kecil yang sampai beranjak dewasa tak pernah menemukan jawabannya, hingga novel karya Sibel Eraslan ini kubaca.

"Kenapa Allah memberikan seorang wanita yang lebih tua umurnya daripada Rasulullah? Padahal Rasulullah Muhammad kan seorang Rasul terakhir yang seharusnya istrinya cantik dan muda seperti nabi lain."

Mungkin karena aku tinggal di Indonesia, lebih tepatnya Pulau Jawa dimana budaya itu sangat mengikat serta pikiran "pasangan wanita lebih tua" itu adalah suatu hal yang tabu sehingga membuatku bertanya-tanya. Bahkan bisa jadi guru agama ku tak bisa menjawabnya.

Buku ini mengisahkan tentang kehidupan Bunda Khadijah, salah seorang wanita penghuni surga. Istri Rasulullah yang cantik, baik hati, dan kuat. Rasulullah adalah kekasih Allah yag tidak mungkin dititipkan kepada seorang wanita yang salah. Wanita itu harus berjiwa kuat, lemah lembut, baik hati dan tutur katanya, serta semua hal yang dibutuhkan oleh Rasulullah Muhammad. Wanita ini dididik oleh Allah melalui keluarga dan semua ujian yang ada. Sehingga membuatnya mampu ketika menjadi selimut Rasulullah.

Khadijah menjadikan ku yakin bahwa seorang istri adalah seorang yang harus selalu menghormati dan mempercayai suami apapun yang terjadi.

Khadijah adalah wanita pertama yang masuk Islam. Beliau tanpa mempertanyakan langsung segera mempercayai Rasulullah dan bersedia masuk Islam serta mendukung apapun yang terjadi pada Rasulullah.

Khadijah seorang wanita saudagar kaya raya yang bersedia menginfaqkan seluruh harta nya demi orang yang membutuhkan, baik sesudah maupun sebelum masuk Islam. Setelah Islam ada, hartanya dihabiskan untuk berdakwah di jalan Allah dan mendukung dakwah Rasulullah.

Khadijah melahirkan putra putri hebat. Didikannya sebagai ibu yang tangguh lagi baik hatinya serta didikan langsung Rasulullah menjadikan putra putri nya baik kandung maupun angkat sebagai pemimpin di masanya.

Buku ini menjelaskan tentang sejarah namun bukan buku sejarah. Menjelaskan secara apik dalam bentuk novel siapakah Bunda Khadijah dan orang di balik seorang Rasulullah Muhammad SAW.

Banyak hal yang bisa didapatkan, dipahami, direnungi, dan diteladani dari apa yang menjadi sifat Bunda Khadijah. Salah satu wanita penghuni surga.

12 January 2015

[#2Days1Book][Book Review] - Rambut Annisa


Annisa... seorang model iklan sampo dengan bayaran milyaran rupiah karena rambut indahnya pergi dari riuh nya dunia infotainmen Indonesia ke sebuah negeri yang bahkan ia tak pernah memimpikannya. Mimpinya adalah Prancis, untuk kuliah permodelan. Karena kesalahan yang ia lakukan sendiri, terjerumus ke dalam pergaulan bebas dan tertangkap basah di dalam sebuah kamar hotel bersama sekumpulan temannya yang pecandu, ia ditawari pergi oleh produsernya, Raj Singh, ke Istanbul, Turki.

Seorang artis ibu kota dengan bayaran mlyaran rupiah ini hilang dari dunia infotainmen Indonesia setahun lamanya demi menempuh sekolah bahasa Turki sebelum melanjutkan ke jenjang perkuliahan yang sesungguhnya. Namun, apa yang dia pikirkan tentang Turki berbeda dengan kenyataan.

Dibantu dengan sahabat- sahabat barunya, Ameesha yang merupakan cucu Raj Singh dan seorang India tulen yang bersekolah Teknik Informatika di Turki layaknya orang India lain yang terkenal akan kelihaiannya dalam "dunia" komputer, dan Nuray yang merupakan sahabat Raj, istri seorang diplomat terkenal Turki, dan designer baju muslimah, Annisa berjalan mengarungi hidup barunya di negeri orang.

Video wasiat peninggalan Sang Ibu sebelum berangkat ke Turki membuat hidupnya semakin tak menentu, ditambah dengan segala mimpi yang sama dan berulang terus menerus dalam waktu yang lama membuatnya semakin khawatir dan tertekan. "Kesalahan yang sama" dan "Kapan kamu berjilbab, Sayang?", dua kata yang disebutkan dalam video wasiat Sang Ibu mnghantui dirinya selama di Turki.

Kesalahan apa? Mengapa jilbab?

Beruntung Nuray mengajaknya ikut serta dalam berbagai peragaan busana muslim dan mempertemukannya dengan Anne, seorang wanita tua kurator museum Haghia Sophia yang terkenal itu dna juga ibu mertua Nuray. Tanpa kalimat menggurui, Anne mengutarakan berbagai hal tentang sejarah jilbab.

Jilbab adalah sebuah penutup kepala bagi perempuan yang telah ada bahkan sebelum Islam datang. Cleopatra menggunakan penutup kepala yang disebut headress pada masanya, dalam kitab Taurat disebutkan bahwa perempuan Yahudi juga diperkenankan menggunakan penutup kepala, dan bahkan Bunda Maria atau Siti Maryam atau ibunda Yesus Kristus atau Nabi Isa a.s menggunakan tutup kepala yang sampai saat ini masih digunakan dan diaplikasian oleh para biarawati di seluruh gereja di dunia. Tidak hanya penutup kepala namun mereka juga menggunakan busana yang longgar.

Sebelum Islam datang, perempuan yang menggunakan penutup kepala adalah perempuan yang memiliki derajat sosial tinggi dibandingkan perempuan lain di seluruh negeri, dimana sebelum Islam datang perempuan banyak yang dijadikan pemuas hawa nafsu laki-laki maupun budak dan mereka tidak menutup kepala serta anggota tubuh mereka.

Setelah Islam datang, jilbab merupakan penyempurnaan dari apa yang telah dilakukan pada masa sebelumnya. Semua wanita derajatnya adalah sama sehingga mereka pantas menggunakan jilbab. Perbudakan juga dilarang sehingga wanita pada masa Islam, peninggian derajat adalah suatu hal yang penting dengan cara menggunakan jilbab.

Namun, apa yang terjadi pada zaman sekarang sungguh terbalik. Banyak negara terutama yang menggunakan sistem sekulerisme memiliki undang-undang yang melarang seorang wanita menggunakan penutup kepala, terutama niqab dan burka. Contohnya adalah Prancis, Jerman, dan bahkan Turki, sebuah negara sekuler dengan mayoritas penduduk nya muslim namun melarang penggunaan jilbab di seluruh instansi pemerintah bahkan sekolah.

Jilbab dipandang sebagai pembatas ruang gerak bagi para wanita dan melanggar hak asasi manusia. Padahal menggunakan jilbab adalah suatu hal yang tidak hanya kewajiban bagi para muslimah namun juga pilihan hidup, hak seorang muslimah dalam melakukan apa yang dia inginkan. Bukankah jika undang-undang itu melihat bahwa jilbab melanggar hak asasi manusia adalah suatu hal yang salah alamat?

Memang tidak bisa dipungkiri bahwa penggunaan niqab atau burka banyak pro dan kontra, dikarenakan banyak orang yang memanfaatkan tertutupnya anggota tubuh ini sebagai "kedok" dalam melakukan berbagai tindak kejahatan. Sehingga banyak undang-undang di berbagai negara yang mewajibkan semua wanita untuk memperlihatkan wajah nya.

Jilbab adalah pelindung bagi kaum perempuan seperti yang telah dijanjikan Allah SWT. Tak heran, tingkat kejahatan pada kaum wanita di berbagai negara yang mayoritas penduduknya muslim dan tidak ada batasan maupun larangan dalam menggunakan jilbab sangatlah rendah, berbanding terbalik dengan negara-negara yang menerapkan undang-undang tersebut.

Annisa menyadari betul dengan tidak berjilbab di Turki, keselamatannya di ujung tanduk ketika dia pulang dan pergi sendirian di malam hari tanpa teman. Walaupun dia berusaha menutup tubuhnya dengan pakaian, jeans ketat dan kaos. Tetap, laki-laki akan mengganggu seorang wanita yang tidak memiliki perlindungan. Jilbab adalah perlindungan utama.

Namun menggunakan jilbab adalah sebuah hal yang tidak main-main. Diperlukan sebuah kekuatan lahir dan batin untuk tidak akan melepas jilbab nya apapun yang terjadi.

Bagaimana dengan rambutnya yang mahal itu? Bagaimana kontrak kerjanya dengan produk sampo remaja itu? Bagaimana dengan kehidupannya sebagai artis? Bagaimana dengan ayah dan adiknya dalam menerima perubahan dalam hidupnya?

Buku ini menggambarkan dengan baik konflik batin seorang Annisa. Seorang perempuan yang memiliki rambut mahal namun tertekan oleh wasiat sang ibu yang menyuruhnya berjilbab, kontrak kerja, dan kehidupannya sebagai artis.

Hal yang sangat kuingat dan membekas adalah ketika Anne berkata ke Annisa...

"Jilbab bukan sekadar busana bagimu, ia adalah simbol kesantunan sekaligus rasa aman bagi kaum perempuan"

Rasanya kalimat ini sungguh menohok diriku yang teringat ketika masih masa "ababil" nya remaja, aku telah berjilbab namun hanya ketika sekolah. Ketika di luar aku akan melepas jilbab ku. Hal ini berlangsung hingga bangku kuliah semester 5.

Masih ingat rasanya ketika aku melepas jilbab ku, setan merenggut diriku. Aku terjerumus dalam pergaulan yang "kurang" benar, walaupun aku tidak pernah punya teman yang memakai narkoba atau miras. Namun, tetap saja, di kota sekecil Gresik dan kota yang agak lebih besar Surabaya, apa yang aku lakukan mungkin tidak bisa diterima.

Keluar hingga larut malam, walaupun hanya jalan-jalan ke mall ataupun nongkrong di kafe dan minum kopi, kebut-kebutan motor, ke luar kota tidak ijin orang tua, dan lain sebagainya... Hidup "mewah" dan "hedonisme" itu mengurungku... Tak hanya itu, pandangan dan godaan para laki-laki iseng serasa duri tajam yang menusuk.

Namun, jika aku menggunakan jilbab ku saat di sekolah... aku masih ingat rasa aman itu. Rasa aman yang membuatku menolak diajak nongkrong malam-malam bersama kawan-kawan ku. Serta tak pernah ada pandangan menggoda laki-laki nakal lagi kepadaku.

Beruntunglah diriku, Alhamdullah... masa-masa "ingin tahu" ala remaja itu sudah usai. Orang tua yang begitu pengertian dengan memberiku nasihat yang luar biasa membuatku sadar apa yang aku lakukan salah. Bahkan ayahku sempat berkata sesuatu sehingga membuatku menangis dan bertobat untuk tidak akan pernah melepas jilbab ku lagi...

"Pakai jilbab aja masih sering buka copot... lepas aja sekalian...hatinya dulu dikerudungi...baru kepalanya..."

Mungkin benar, hati yang dikerudungi terlebih dulu. Namun, kapan aku akan merasa bahwa hatiku sudah berkerudung? Mengeruungi hati butuh proses. Bahkan ibuku berkata bahwa mengerudungi hati itu dilakukan seumur hidup.

Kalimat ayahku adalah sindiran paling tajam dalam hidupku dan akan kukenang selamanya...

Jadi, jika kau seorang muslimah, Kapan kau berjilbab, Saudariku?