Bow Down during Quran Recitation

The 1st Translation that I completed reading from start to end

An entry especially a Muslim Malay

Many of us, born and raise as a Malay Muslim, were taught to read the Al-Quran in Arabic without understanding the whole meaning. What is important to understand, are the meaning of the recited verses in our 5 times daily prayer. Important to note that, all muslim’s are obligated to read Quran in our own language as the Quran itself says that any divine message should be presented in a people’s own tongue “We have not sent any messenger unless he was to explain to them in his folk’s own tongue” (Abraham 14:4). 

I used to witnessed, my late father prostrated whenever we both reached the related "bow down" verses, while we had our reading routine together, 35 years ago. When I posed him a big kid question “WHY”, he only smile to me and said, "that is the instructions". As obligated, I discovered recently that there are 15 places in the Quran require its reader to bow down (sujud) whenever we finish reading the related verse. These verses are all related to our faith in Tawhid (in my views), solemnly undertakes that Allah is One, He is the Creator and the most Mercy Giving. Let us see below, where are all those said 15 places:

1. 7:206 - Surely, those who are with your Lord (angels) are never too proud to perform acts of worship to Him, but they glorify His Praise and prostrate (bow down) before Him;
2. 13:15 - Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate (bow down) themselves to Allah (Acknowledging subjection),- with good-will or in spite of themselves: so do their shadows in the morning and evenings;
3. 16:48 - Do they not look at Allah’s creation, (even) among (inanimate) things,- How their (very) shadows turn round, from the right and the left, prostrating (bow down) themselves to Allah, and that in the humblest manner?;
4. 17:107 - Say: "Whether ye believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration;
5. 19:58 - Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of ((Allah)) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears;
6. 22:18 - Seest thou not that to Allah bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on earth,- the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number among mankind? But a great number are (also) such as are fit for Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace,- None can raise to honour: for Allah carries out all that He wills;
7. 22:77 - O ye who believe! bow down, prostrate yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; that ye may prosper;
8. 25:60 - When it is said to them, "Adore (bow down)  ye ((Allah)) Most Gracious!", they say, "And what is ((Allah)) Most Gracious? Shall we adore that which thou commandest us?" And it increases their flight (from the Truth);
9. 27: 25-26 - "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal. "(Allah)!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!";
10. 32:15 - Only those believe in Our Signs, who, when they are recited to them, fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.;
11. 38:24 - (David) said: "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy (single) ewe to be added to his (flock of) ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?"...and David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to Allah in repentance);
12. 41:37-Among His Sings are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore (bow down) Allah, Who created them, if it is Him ye wish to serve;
13. 53:62 But fall ye down in prostration to Allah, and adore (Him);
14. 84:21- And when the Qur'an is read to them, they fall not prostrate; and
15. 96:19-Nay, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer to Allah.!

Reference: The Quran, translation by T.B Irving and by Yusuf Ali, as shared in Harun Yahya’s website

The Quran & The Zabur (Psalm)

The following verse crafted in Humayun' tomb, it’s a word of Allah resound like a poet close within my heart, so soft, so touching, so bliss!

An-Nur, 24:35 (the verse from Allah to Prophet Muhammad)

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth;

The Lamp enclosed in Glass;

The glass as it was a brilliant star;

Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh (approaching) luminous, though fire scarce touched it;

Light upon Light! Allah doth (does) guide whom He will to His Light;

Allah doth set forth Parables for men;

and Allah doth know all things...

Prakasam Bridge, Vijayawada

There were 5 books of Psalm and along own personal research from the translation of KJV, I fall in love with a great prayer by Prophet David and his musician in bringing loves and compassions closer to the monotheist heart

Zabur @ Psalm 4 (a prayer to Allah by Prophet Daud):

Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness;

Give me relief from my distress;

Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer;

You sons of men, how long shall Allah glory be turned into dishonor?

Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood?

Selah (take moments to istikharah)

But know that Allah has set apart for himself him who is godly;

Allah will hear when I call to him;

Stand in awe, and don’t sin;

Search your own heart on your bed, and be still;

Selah

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness;

Put your trust in Allah;

Many say, “Who will show us any good?”

Allah, let the light of your face shine on us;

You have put gladness in my heart,

more than when their grain and their new wine are increased;

In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep,

for you, Allah alone, make me live in safety

Remarks:

• according to Thesaurus dictionary, verse is a poetry @ rhyme
• wine, during Prophet Muhammad’s time, he prohibit muslims from any forms of drinks/food that will made man loose his mind.. and the flowing river (which relates to bridges photo in this note) is when Allah describe Heavan in the Holy Book.

The House - recommence now :)

Alhamdulillah, blessing the month of Ramadhan, hubby has re-initiated our house construction few days after we started fasting. He had 2 additional workers coming to him looking for job after searching high and low for them. These workers are God-sent. He started off our neigbour's house construction, a few plot from ours since we made a difficult decision to stop ours due to financing issue. It was in November last year. With the first source of financing in hand, we went to look for Tiles end of last month and all that we ordered has been delivered a week ago. Unfortunately that the tiler gang is equally busy to commence their installation works. Hubby then arranged for the external works, mainly sewerage connection works and electrical works to proceed in the mean time. After 7 months, I have faith that this would be the last time our family are fasting and celebrating eid in the house that we presently occupied since the last 22 years. May Allah bless our family and all the people that is looking out for Him with sincere heart. Those who does, found true happiness, a peace of mind clear from bad thought that allow us to rest at peace at night. Amen!

How we left it in December 2014

2 days working on with backhoe who did the excavation and backfilling

Provisions for outlet piping

From the guest room

Where the carpet grass and green gardens will be. I'm going to bare walk here from my Laundry room

The sewer pipe was laid under the car porch area

Where my roses and vegetables garden will be planted in the planter boxes

Crawler plant to fill-up our RC wall just behind our master bedroom, a place where I'm going to spend my time with

Snapped from from "cousins room". The authority contractor will continue the sewer connection from the last manhole 

Wiring is all up now. It's time to fix the ceiling.. Thank you Allah, I'm indeed very grateful

STOCKSUND Two-seat sofa - Ljungen light red, light brown - IKEA

STOCKSUND Two-seat sofa - Ljungen light red, light brown - IKEA: IKEA - STOCKSUND, Two-seat sofa, Nolhaga light beige, light brown, , You get extra soft comfort and support because the thick cushion has a core of pocket springs and a top of cut foam and polyester fibres.The wider seat angle makes the sofa feel deeper and you sit more comfortably.The core of pocket springs is durable and keeps its form and soft comfort for a longer time.The cover is easy to keep clean as it is removable and can be machine washed.Tailored cover in a hardwearing yarn-dyed cotton and polyester blend with fine details such as two-tone effect, piping and pleats.10 year guarantee. Read about the terms in the guarantee brochure.

I wanted this my new office as it suited the company's track record project photo that I've been planning to hang onto the reception area. Should I or should I not?? Argh... unsure!

Rosette Cafe, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highland

My apology to my readers as I do not have much time lately to update my blog. I actually wanted to start writing about the Cameron Highlands, a must visit destination when in Malaysia but let's get started with sharing the food entry first. We saw Rossette Cafe while passing by to the hotel at Tanah Rata. The signboard clearly shown that they have a steamboat menu. In a cold night weather of Cameron, I was thinking to give it a try. Besides, the restaurant was decorated quite cosy and beautifully, visible from far distance. You may read more of their client's review from the Tripadvisor website, of which I'm sharing for your conveniences.

This restaurant is being operated by a family minded business, offering both oriental and western food. We were so undecided what to choose for dinner as everything in the menu are looking so attractive as attractive as their interior decoration. Nasrul opted for western meal, whilst Syahirah was trying a Japanese Noodle. Nazhif is, most of the time a bit more understanding than others. He was willing to share the steamboat with his mother who was looking anxiously at the menu. He knew that I could not finished the big portion only for myself. In the end, I was clearing all the vegetables and he the meat. It was for a mutual benefit.

Despite of positive and negative comments about the waitresses, I would definitely visit the cafe again as they are a clean, cosy ambience and reasonably affordable meal is charged at this place. We were fortunate as they are still operating the cafe when they were supposed to be home enjoying a family Chinese New Year's dinner. It was a CNY's eve the night of our dinner. I really have nothing to complaint. Our group of 4 were really enjoying our night out at Tanah Rata before adjourning to the night market. Please, by all mean, visit their cafe using a Google Map direction.

Absolute Thai is now in Atria Damansara Jaya

It's a day to celebrate. We hit our own target shifting to a new renovated office in Damansara Jaya of I hope shall be my retirement work place. Nothing was carried out (I mean the renovation work) when I reported to work in Gamuda Headquarters on 20th April 2015. Hence, during the first meeting, we set 1st June as a day to shift, a date for the main operating office to be ready. With all due respect, we delivered our promises on time as we managed to find a good renovation contractor who did a good fast track record in Southgate offices. Besides, what need to be done and approved for was efficiently supported and approved by the Headquarters. After taking over the office key and while the cleaning team is getting a dust free environment yesterday, 3 of us headed for early lunch at Atria Damansara.

Co-incidentally that the new Atria Shopping Gallery had their soft launch opening on Thursday, 28th May 2015. I was there on the launching date myself feeling blessed to have the shopping mall right infront of my nose. The shopping gallery sit just across a few steps away from our new office. We only had KFC that day as the whole gallery are crowded with special invited guesses plus an instant visitor. Ismail and I were admiring a Thai Restaurant "Absolute Thai" located in the 1st Floor not only because of their menu but it's also because of their restaurant decoration. 

A platter of Thai starter for sharing

Atria Shopping Gallery is newly open to be like a well-loved jewelry that has been with the owner, a family business through generations (after closing business for quite some time allowing the major refurbishment which was added with a new building plan/construction on top of the old Atria). Gamudians and neighborhood area may agree that Atria remains as the iconic neighborhood where fond memories, stories and bonds were made. The place has existed since 35 years ago, in 1982. I was working in the same neighborhood on my early days in the first Joint Ventures, i.e. in 2002. This place at present has substantially change it's features and face value to suit the modernisation of Petaling Jaya as one of the main city in Selangor State, beside Shah Alam.

Fresh orchid on the drinks counter

A helicopter at the Cashier

What excited me most about this place are the huge groceries shop, Village Grocer. Besides, there are various type of bistro, cafes and restaurants beside fast food outlet such as KFC, Wendy's and Sushi, other snacks and confectionery shops. Coffee cafe's such as The Coffee Bean, Starbucks and Milano's are also in the house. I have less worry in the future should I run out of anything at home, I can always buy them during lunch or after works. In addition, we have more parking lots at the shopping mall basement as a solution to car parking problems in the area. All turns out to be a great joy, shifting, I mean.

A unique Art next to the counter machine

Let me present a new girl in my life, Aflah, HR Officer, fresh graduate

About "Absolute Thai" restaurant, you may read further at the shared link, absolutethai.com.my. It has more details about the restaurants locator, the menu and their story. They apparently had more than 10 outlets in the KL city alone. For those who wishes to experience the Thai delicacies with an exciting, unique interiors and a range of feelings from casual, family to fine dining may visit any of their outlets available from their website. You will be surprised as I was discovering every angle of the restaurant. By all mean, take a look at the photo's sharing in this entry to feel how delightful I was capturing each corner of their unique restaurant.

Thai iced coffee

A simple lunch

Ismail and Aflah chosen what I chose for lunch, Beef Noodle Soup, best eaten with cut red chillies (small size). We also ordered a platter of starter. Do not worry about the price, as they charged quite reasonable, not overpriced.

Thai Beef Noodle

That's how you eat Thai noodle, added with more chillies