Hey, everyone! I hope you are doing great.
 

This time, I want to share some information about my ethnic group, Java. For you who don’t know Java, it’s an ethnic group in Central Java (a province in Indonesia). You might associate Java with Borobudur Temple or Yogyakarta. Yes, both of them are parts of Java, where the Javanese live, although Yogyakarta is a different province. 

 

Java is quiet well-known. You can find much information about it. Their hospitality, batik motif, traditional dance, traditional music, and any other kinds of art have been exposed widely. I’m sure some of you are familiar with those. However, those are not what I want to write about. Let me give you little information about superstitions in Java.

I don’t know why I’ve been interested in Javanese superstitions. As a Javanese, I’ve already known plenty of superstitions exist around me, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. Only lately, I’ve been thinking about those superstitions. Now that I think of them, it seems to me that Javanese elders liked making up superstitions. Well, we know that superstitions sound funny, ridiculous, or eerie sometimes. I mean, they will make you frown or laugh once you hear them, regardless of whether you believe them or not.

Now, let me introduce some Javanese superstitions to you.

1. Girls shouldn’t eat in the doorway, or else it will be difficult to find their couple.
Hm, how should I say about this? It’s clear that eating in the doorway is a big no. It’s not a proper place to eat, and will only block the way. Certainly, it’s impolite and annoying. As for the consequence, well, they seem to be unrelated. However, it makes sense, since men wouldn’t be pleased to see such impolite girls. Only, I’m clueless why this superstition is only for girls.

2. Children are not allowed to eat brutu (chicken’s butt), so that they won’t be forgetful.
Chicken’s butt is full of fat, but it’s delicious. Maybe, the elders made this myth for good in order to prevent children from consuming excessive fat. It’s true that fat in excessive amount will be bad for our health. But hey, could it be because the parents liked the delicious brutu and didn’t want to share? We can only guess.

3. Leave no leftover when you eat, or else your chicken will die.
This one teaches to be grateful and responsible. We’d better eat all our meals up, to avoid throwing away the foods. There are many people who can’t eat like us out there, so it’s somewhat ironic to throw away foods. Just... how come our chicken die because of this? Plus, not everyone has chicken.

4. Don’t wake up late, if you do, your livelihood will be pecked by chicken.
It encourages us not to be lazy. I have no idea how and why chicken will peck someone’s livelihood, but I think, it simply means that we have to be industrious to get more living. You know, waking up late might cause trouble to your day; late for work, for instance. So, wake up early, sleepyhead!

5. Don’t sit on a pillow, or else you will get boil. Iew, this one is a bit gross. Still, it teaches us about politeness. Pillow is meant for heads, so it’s improper to place your butt on a pillow. It doesn’t make sense that you will get a boil after sitting on a pillow. But, as all those superstitions, this consequence was probably made up to make people obey the advice.

6. Don’t pretend to cry, or else your mother will die.
This superstition made me cry for real when I was a kid. I heard it first from my friend, and it was frightening for me. I was anxious and afraid that my mom would die. Maybe it’s aimed for telling children not to lie. Pretend to cry means deceiving. For the consequence, yeah, it’s true that everyone will eventually die. So, actually this superstition is right. Only, we don’t know when someone will die. In addition, this superstition will be no longer applied on one whose mother has gone.

7. Children shouldn’t be out when the sun sets, or else they will be kidnapped by ghosts.
Other version says that it’s not only for children, but also for everybody, and the consequence might vary (other bad occurences will happen). This one teaches us to be descipline, in my opinion. By issuing this one, children will stay in the house and do good deeds; praying, or studying, other than wandering around without clear reason. Interestingly, there is a hadith in Islam that states prohibition for children to come out at dusk. So, among all those superstitions above, this one is the most believable, since a hadith supports it. This superstition's called Candik Ala. I have a video project on this, just watch here if you’re curious.

Those are just some examples of Javanese superstitions. There are many out there, but I can’t write them all. Those seven are the ones that I heard often, and are still believed until now, although nowadays they're rarely said. Those are usually said by parents to their children, as advices. Can I say that Javanese parents are creative in giving advice? You might believe them or not, but it's one of the forms of culture that should be reserved.

Procrastinating is a common ‘disease’ among us. I do it a lot, unfortunately. Is it your habit too? Do you think you never procrastinate? Just look back for a while, see how you did your assignments, homework, or other duties. Does it ring a bell? If you are not a procrastinator, then congratulations, you are a special person! As I said, procrastinating has been very common. It means, you are one of a kind if you are not a procrastinator. Of course, it’s a good thing. While if you are, like myself, let’s try not to be anymore.

We often do something in the last minute. We might not mean to do that way, but it happens. Some of us might think that is fine as long as our duties done on time. However, have you ever thought that it’s actually a disturbance in our life? Does a second guess like: it’s actually the devils’ whisper, come across your mind? I’ve been thinking about it, and I think, yes, the devils (syaithan) are involved in our procrastinating.

The relax time in advance offered by procrastinating is very tempting, isn’t it? We enjoy our relax time, so we are reluctant to do something. We always say something like, “I’ll do it later, no need to rush. The deadline is still tomorrow anyway” on and on. You might end up doing nothing. Even if you do it eventually, you’ll be in hurry, and things will be messed up. I procrastinate almost every time. Shame on me. However, I do it in a measured and well-managed time. I usually work on my assignment close to the due date, but not really in the last minute. As a result, I do procrastinate, but I’m still able to do my works carefully, and without any pressure. It works, and I’m fine. Yet, it’s still not good. I have to change to be better.

With this, I invite you to quit being a procrastinator from now on. Let’s try together. Remember, everything needs process. We might move as slow as a snail, but we will surely hit the goal eventually. Slowly but sure, let’s stop procrastinating. To think about procrastinating, there’s no good in it. On the contrary, leaving it behind will give us many advantages.

Don’t do what the devils told you to do! We are the best creature, so we shouldn’t be the devils’ slaves who do whatever they order you. Just picture the devils around you laugh at you for their success in making you do what they say, whenever you’re lazy. Hey, don’t let them trick you! Don’t let them laugh at you! Devils’ whisper might sound tempting, but it will only lead us to destruction. The true happiness waits in the eternity, guys, be patient. Let’s remind each other not to be a procrastinator!

Do you feel intact with your life so far? I’m glad for you if you do. Wait, you don’t? Well, it’s humane to feel unsatisfied of anything. When you are not happy about something, do you grumble? Grumbling is also humane, it’s one of human nature. Allah has stated in Surah Al Ma’arij (70:19-21): Indeed, mankind was created anxious: when evil touches him, impatient, and when good touches him, withholding [of it]. Therefore, you’re normal for complaining things. However, you have to know that it’s kind of ‘disease’ of your heart, and disease is, of course, not good for us.

Grumbling is something we don’t realize sometimes. We might feel as though we don’t complain, but we actually do out of it. For instance, you walk from your dorm to campus under the fierce sunlight, and you say,”Oh, I’m tired.” Isn’t that called grumbling? Think of other circumstances you might have done. You’ve done plenty, haven’t you? Then, beg forgiveness to Allah now. Astaghfirullah. This is as the mirror for me too, as a means to see my reflection. I mean, I do grumble too, so what I’m writing here is also addressed to myself. I’m trying to invite you to be better people together.

Pals, let’s be careful in saying things from now on. If you frequently grumble about little things unconsciously, you’ll need to definitely bear this in mind. Let’s try to sort out our words. Better be quiet than saying wrong. Nevertheless, don’t grumble in your mind instead. Keeping grumbling in your mind is still grumbling. The difference is only that it’s not said orally. I know it’s difficult. For now, when you realize you’ve thought about complaint or other bad things, quickly say astaghfirullahal’adzim. Next, you have to try to be satisfied in everything Allah has given to you.

Now, how to feel intact of everything Allah has given to us, so that we don’t grumble?
The key is always to be grateful. You got good things then thank Allah. Do it too when you got calamities. As you know, everything happens in this world is only by Allah’s willing. Nothing happens without Allah’s permission. Therefore, there must be something great behind the calamities. We just need to find it out, then we can be grateful even in the darkest time.

Let’s say you are a good-looking person, but one day Allah tested you by giving pimples on your face. Any method you’ve done, but they kept embellishing your face for years. Your confidence dropped, and your effort is about to run out. There, you might start wondering what sins you have done, and you beg forgiveness. However, your face is still as mess. You would have been so down by then. Hey, don’t be so down, be positive. Allah has given you such a test to protect you from a big sin related to romantic interest. What could’ve happened if you weren’t acne prone? Only God knows. Then, if you got someone who loved or even proposed you, that person must love you for you, for what’s inside of you, not just because of your cover. You’d be very grateful to realize it. So, try to see the positive beyond the calamities.

The point is, let’s stop grumbling, and always be thankful. Remember that God’s test is another name of God’s blessing. Calamities do happen to anyone.
Do the people think that they will be left to say,”We believe” and they will not be tried? But we have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars. [Surah Al Ankaboot 29:2-3]

Hope this is helpful! :)

There have been terrible crimes occurring around my living place lately. Theft, deception, and even gashing were uttered to be incessant. Maybe to say it's incessant is overrated, but it describes how common these things are nowadays around me. I've been kind of insecure since then. Such terrible crimes had never happened this often before. At least in my hometown, and in this city where I'm staying now, which is only an hour riding from my hometown.

It's even more dreadful when I heard that two friends of mine had lost their bags along with money, gadgets, and important letters. Ironically, it happened when my friends were praying in a masjid. Masjid is supposed to be a sacred place, where ones beg for God's forgiveness on everything they've done wrong. I know, criminals are criminals regardless of where they commit crimes, but stealing in a masjid is just too ironic. They've completely gone round the bend and seem to be ready for hell.

I felt sorry for my friends and for the thief. My friends suffered loss, moreover with the missing of their SKHUN (a letter states student's national final exam score, given at graduation. It's usually needed as an attachment in registering to higher school, educational programs, and seeking job). I also pitied the criminal, as they had gone wrong (moreover, in a sacred place). There must be a reason why they stole, either they was forced to fulfill their needs or something else. However, stealing is never considered right. Ever.

Another crime happened to my friends is deception. My friend almost became one of the victims. One day, she got a text message from someone claimed to be a senior who asked her to send her classmates' phone number. Without any suspicion, she did it. Just then, her classmates got a strange text message claimed to be another classmate of theirs. Luckily, some of them spotted the oddity of the message, so they crosschecked with the real classmate whose name was claimed by the criminal. Eventually, they all knew they had been tricked and they were pulled away from being victims. Once they believed the sender, they would be asked to send some amount of communication charge (usually hundred thousand to million rupiah in amount).

The most inhumane crime occurred is gashing. Can you imagine, you are riding back home from campus at night, and suddenly get gashed by unknown people who then rob you? The robbery might not be something new, but gashing first? The gang has been haunting everyone in this city. Sometimes, the gang just gashed someone without taking anything from him or her. It seemed like they enjoyed gashing people. Sounds like psychopath. Or maybe they are actually GTA maniacs who want to bring the game to life? Ridiculous. It's not San Andreas, it's a peaceful city in Indonesia.

There's no safe place in this world, is there? All those occurring remind me to be even closer to the God almighty, Allah SWT. Indeed, there's no safe place, but I have Allah who is always there for me. As long as I'm under His shade, Insha’Allah, I'll be all right. Whatever happens to you, let you come to Allah as the first to ask for help.

Who's exited for FOUR album, and Where We Are concert film? I am! I'm trying to save my money in order to get the album. Yeah, as a directioner, of course we have to support the lads. Therefore, purchasing their legal album is the right thing to do. Uhm, maybe there are some people who prefer downloading the illegal than buying the legal. They may think, "Why spend much money when you can get it for free? Isn't it considered as wasting money?"

 Remember that we have to set the right intention before doing something. Buying official album might be considered as spending money, since it's not a primary need. But, we have to think further. If we don't buy the official album, we'll download the illegal one, which will inflict a financial loss for the artists. It means we'll harm them. In this case, buying their album is necessary, to avoid illegal copies. As long as we intend to support the artists, buying official album is a good deed.

Now, about the concert film. I've watched the Take Me Home concert film, and I just can't get enough of it. It was well-made. This #1DWWAFILM must be better than Take Me Home, so I can't wait to watch. Unfortunately, it will be for two days only. And worse, it won't be in the cinema near my residence. What should I do? I really want to watch it, but seems like I won't have a chance. Well, maybe I have to be patient and watch the DVD version.

Here I give the film cover, more to entertain myself :(

Don't forget to purchase the legal album! ;)

I'm pleased that many muslimah (Muslim girls) have worn hijab (veil/scarf) nowadays. It seems like the number of veiled Muslim girls is increasing. However, some of us are still unsteady in wearing hijab. So, it's kind of ironic. While I'm pleased to the fact that veiled girls increasing, this other fact makes me concerned. Why won't we persist on wearing hijab?

Well, I'm not a perfect Muslim. I'm trying to be, but I know I'm still far from one. I share my thoughts here not to be imperative or patronizing, but to embrace you girls to learn together. I'm just very sad to know some of our sisters take off their hijab, and put it on again sometimes. Or worse, they wear immodest clothes instead. As a sister of those Muslim girls, I feel embarrassed for them and sad at once.

Hey beautiful ladies, don't you see that you're too precious to show your body to those who aren't eligible for you? Let's read again what Muhammad Ali said to his daughters about this (also read: Just Tryna Be Better).

Girls, have you got the point? I hope you get the light, and find the better way. If you haven't worn hijab, start now. If you're veiled already, be persistent. If you've been persistently wearing hijab, make sure you dressed appropriately as Allah ordered. If you've been doing so, keep doing, and always improve yourself.

Let's cover our beautiful body! Remember, we are far more precious than gemstones! :)

Hi, guys! I've been updating this blog lately since I have leisure time after attending lectures, and I've got inspirations thereafter. Okay, this time, let me share what I got today in religion class. Of course this class is different with the one in high school. Yes, it's religion class in college.

I wanna persuade you to be an ideal Muslim. Well, I'm not an ideal Muslim, not yet. But I'm trying to be. Nobody said it was easy. You and I are the same at this point; we're learning how to be an ideal Muslim. So, HOW to be an ideal Muslim? A good question. One thing we have to do is understand Al Qur'an and Hadith. Reading the translation on our own won't be enough. We have to learn with the experts. Because the Quran needs interpretation, we won't get the point just by reading the translation. But of course understanding isn't enough. The most important thing is we have to practice what we got from Quran and Hadith.

Next, how do we know if we're practicing correctly? Another good question. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is our role model, for sure. But, my lecturer said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is beyond the ordinary people, so let's see at how the ordinary people practiced Quran and Hadith. Let the sahabah (companions) be your reference. Sahabah are also ordinary people like we are, but they were able to be the best Muslims. Try to read articles or books about the companions, and figure out their good deeds regarding to Quran and Hadith. Try to imitate those good deeds in your daily life.

After knowing the truth, and modelling the right people, the next thing to do is dakwah and tabligh (persuade and deliver) the truth we've known. Those prior two points are for our own selves, while this one is for others. Muslims are all family, one big family. We need to remind each other about Islam, so we'll be happy together in heaven. That way, we are showing our love and care toward them.

For example, we eat using the right hand while sitting, not blowing our meal even though it's hot, eat all up without any leftover, and so on. There are simple things considered as sunnah, which sometimes are ignored. From now on, let's get used to these good little things.

One more thing, to be an ideal Muslim, we need a process. We may move like a snail; slowly but making progress. No one expects us to be an ideal Muslim in a blink of eyes.

How can I do those things?

Well, start from YOURSELF. Start by doing LITTLE THINGS (this makes me remember about One Direction's song, Little Things, one of my favourites. Ouch, sorry this is out of topic. Ignore this distraction :p)

When should I start?

NOW!

So, what are you waiting for?