Because Of You

 64 years of Nakbah. It’s not a matter of being too idealistic. it’s a matter of having faith and hope because you believe

Did You Know?

Globalization and The Information Age. A research originally made by Karl Fisch. Something to ponder upon and to revise upon >D

Aku Kau Mereka

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.

I’ve been trying to study Economics for the past 2 hours. Guess i need to try harder. teehee. Just a continuation of my previous post, (i realized that i tend to post more that one posts per day/night just for the sake of separating the theme/topics) i have the urge to type about what i’ve been studying :3 hew hew. When you’ve been indoctrinated (ok. that might sounds a bit pejorative), educated about the how the world works in the light of the western, at some point, you will be wondering what I should think about this and that? It is undeniable that we are always being so critical about the economic system now, but yet we are going with the flow. A capitalist system where desires and infinite wants are being fulfilled and perhaps this define economic growth. To define economic growth itself is rather complex, because it, nevertheless, depends on  how one understands it. Yes, there are certain indicators that are being suggested ; GDP, GNI, GNP, HDI to actually measure the degree of economic growth. Yet, the accuracy is still questionable. But, I’m here not to question philosophically the fundamental definition of economic growth but to shine a light (prolly not significant, but hey, it’s the effort that matters:)) on the reality today (or even the future)

I’ve been inspired (eceh) to write about this once i saw an economic student from Jordan posted about how zakat and sadaqah can potentially trigger economic growth. So it’s all about ‘Passing it Forward’. Yes peeps, i did quote from a movie and simultaneously speaking literally. Currently, there is a condition where there is inequality in distribution of income. It is widely occurs throughout the world or even within a country (or even under your rooftop).

So how does this works? One may assume that if you actually give charity, zakat, sadaqah, gifts in terms of money, the economy will somehow shrink because the money is getting less. Now, pause there. We have to think what actually drives the economy. It works with supply and demand – at some point, supply will try to fulfill demand. The king of the economy, shall i say, is the aggregate demand. If we implement, or practive zakat/charity and giving it to the rightful – those who actually need it, without imposing any rates of interest, the ones who previously couldn’t afford to consume, will eventually consume. So if you think about it, the percentage or simply put, the amount of consumers will increase – thus increasing the consumption. Just a quick note, consumption takes 60% of the aggregate demand (whereas the rest comes from govt spending, investment, net value of trade). This implies that high consumption will eventually boost aggregate demand – hence will trigger economic growth. See the causation line?

Yes, the act of zakat and charity indeed requires morality and knowledge.

آمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَأَنفِقُوا مِمَّا جَعَلَكُم مُّسْتَخْلَفِينَ فِيهِ فَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَأَنفَقُوا لَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ

“Berimanlah kamu kepada Allah dan Rasul-Nya dan nafkahkanlah sebagian dari hartamu yang Allah telah menjadikan kamu menguasainya.Maka orang-orang yang beriman di antara kamu dan menafkahkan (sebagian) dari hartanya memperoleh pahala yang besar”

oh cool. at least i revised while blogging. later peeps!

In the name

of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.

Whether to choose austerity or short term growth. Perhaps that’s the question? or perhaps it lies way above that. Some people portray what the public want.

Anyway, I’ve received another 2 amazing gifts from my friends here. A few Indonesian poetry books ; a few of Chairil Anwar’s, Helvy Tiana Rosa’s and Radhar Panca Dahana. Very mucho thank you to my awesome, (a lil bit craizehh) crime partner – Hisan. The same day i received a gift from my flat-mate, Aisha, a book by Tariq Ramadan – The Messenger ; The Meaning of the Life of Muhammad. A long awaited book. *womanly tears here* (eh dah woman lah) *blush*blush*

It’s a test indeed. I’m facing my final exam, and tonnes of books kept knocking on my front door begging me to entertain them (and myself as well). waduh waduh. I have to control myself. So, my current bed time reading ; Tariq Ramadan’s.

Here is a little sneak peak of what I just started to read :

“The first years of Muhammad’s life undoubtedly fashioned his outlook, preparing him to understand the signs in the universe. The spiritual teaching that can be drawn from them is essential, both for the Prophet’s education and for our own education throughout history: being close to nature, respecting what it is, and observing and meditating on what it shows us, offers us, or takes (back) from us requirements of a faith that, in its quest, attempts to feed, deepen, and renew itself. Nature is the primary guide and the intimate companion of faith.”

Allahhh. final exam TT..TT  I have 6 papers. hmmm. Allahurabbi.

“So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.”

Jauhkanlah sifat malas ini ya Rabb.

Menangislah

“Andai Islam seperti sebuah bangunan usang yang hampir rebah, maka akan ku berjalan ke seluruh dunia mencari jiwa-jiwa muda. Aku tak ingin mengutip dengan ramai bilangan mereka, tapi aku inginkan hati-hati yang ikhlas untuk membantuku dan bersama membina kembali bangunan usang itu menjadi sebuah bangunan tersergam indah”   -ISHAB

 

You’re My First Love

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.

“Mari pecahkan kitaran kebodohan”. A profound quote of the day. *Istighfar istighfar* It’s amazing how people/geniuses can be so motivated that they do extraordinary/mind-boggling things. You’re not getting younger me love.

Going to London tomolo to pick up 50mm after maths class :3 50mm, here i come bebeh.

You Are.

and when i can’t sleep.

There’s no such thing as free lunch.

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.

it’s 4.07am – am not asleep yet but already had my breakfast. my sleeping pattern is officially distorted because how early i try to sleep, i will pass out around 3/4ish. Instead of letting my eyeballs wandering wildly around the ceiling thinking of ways to get myself to sleep, i decided to do the opposite. went to the kitchen-made a cup of coffee-open my laptop and tadaah! yes, here i am. to be frank, I couldn’t study for the past 2 hours. My brain (or tummy) just couldn’t  digest the impacts of the increased regulation on economic efficiency and the complexity of UK banking industry (heh).

Anyhow, if i’m not mistaken, there are currently hundreds/thousands of Malaysians gathering for Bersih 3.0 rally despite the red light given by the authority. I realize we tend to ask the wrong question regarding cases like this. Most mentality easily compartmentalize rigidly between what’s right and wrong. Whether going to the rally is the right/wrong thing to do or if you go, you’re on-the-opposition-side and if you criticize the rally, you’re-the-pro-govt people. The fundamental question that we should seek for answers is, to what extent do we care and understand the objective of the rally. Freedom of speech and freedom of presenting your views/ideas should be embraced and should not be constrained. The people stand for the ‘Power of the People’ to amplify their voice in order to be heard. The effectiveness/impact of this event of course depends on the ethical values that the people brought out to the streets. Let’s see what will happen. May the outcome be well. Moga semangat yang menyertai bukan sekadar emosi semata-mata tetapi dengan pemahaman.

I hope it’s not too late to talk about the PTPTN thingy. (it’s never too late.ohoi) But as far as I can see, there seems to be a flaw(s) in the demand for the abolishment of PTPTN. I was having brunch with my friend, Nargiz last Monday and I just asked an impromptu question about the education system in Kazakhstan-whether they receive free higher education system. Turn out that they do not receive free higher education system-similar to Malaysia where the govt give out loans etc.

I started to question the credibility of Malaysian economic system to give out free education to all the citizens. The main problem/issue about this is the opportunity cost. There is no such thing as free lunch. You have to pay the price if you want it. I am not in position at all to argue against the fundamental rights for education but as far as I am concern, Malaysians are given the basic rights to education-primary education. Going back to the opportunity cost. If let’s say the government implements free higher education,  there is a big question on which sector of the economy the govt should ‘sacrifice’ in order to compensate and sustain the education system. Then we have to face the music-the quality of the education itself.  A friend from Morocco shared her view on this issue. Moroccon students are given the privilege of free HE. But they also have to face the quality and the standard of free HE. So whether we amplify the quality or the quantity of graduates, the answer is in your hands (eceh).

Nevertheless, I’m not saying that it’s impossible for us to give out free education. Perhaps the answer lies on the corruption level-the implementation of PTPTN itself. Malaysian have been idealistic with the vast arrays of economic policies etc but perhaps what stagnated the growth/collective happiness are the values that we put within ourselves. Mungkin itu sebabnya korupsi terlalu banyak dan produktiviti orang kita tidak begitu memberansangkan. Plus, PTPTN is voluntarily and not compulsory. Those who wants it, can receive the loan but those who think they don’t want to be bound by debts, simply can opt out of it.

We should fight for transparency if we want the education system to improve and who knows we can perhaps reach Finland’s level of education system. hew hew. These are just views of mine. Mencari pemahaman itu satu langkah kematangan.

p/s : it’s quite funny to see how most Malaysians/politicians/friends passionately tweeting about the current situation on Bersih 3.0 and suddenly saw a tweet about the PM dengan rileknya merasmikan buku nota di Kuching sambil mengenakan t-shirt oren. oh pemimpinku.

I say

 You say that only a fool believes that everyone has some good in their heart.
You say that only a fool makes music in their mind.
You say that only a fool loves hate back.
You say that only a fool leans against the wind.
You say that only a fool takes on a planet.
You say that only a fool holds out hope.
You say that only a fool tries to fly.
You say that only a fool fights the sea.
Very well.
I am that fool. And I will die fighting. 

                                                                                  iwrotethisforyou.

 

White Lips, Pale Face

Last time we went swimming 

the sea stood up and hugged you

as though you were responsible 

for keeping it blue 

Bianca Stewart

i received a parcel

tried capturing a few shots to reveal what’s inside :3

 There are at least 3 drafts of posts that i haven’t published yet. Didn’t got the chance to finish ‘em. yet. but i decided to post something that I’m excited about.(not that i say the others are less motivating)  or can i say, something easy to post. hee. So these are the few shots i tried to capture what i got (hew hew. eksaitednye) I got excited because i got ze flowers *smug*smug* I am not good at shooting plants/flora/fauna. I remembered the last time i took pictures of plants was with Kak Amrina at Floria (can’t even bothered to remember what year was it ._.) but it was fun shooting with Kak Amr. i almost lost my phone. (excited sangat tangkap gambar). anyhow, when i received this a few days ago (precisely 2 weeks ago) i grabbed Blaise immediately. the weather was unpredictable (as always) so I have to wait for a few minutes praying that there’ll be sunshine. i literally wait at the window just so you know. And i was trying to achieve the typical spring-ish/summer-ish effect with with curtains(with the langsir yg jarang jarang pe kebenda ntah name materialnye) but i’m out of budget. so i used white plastic (the trash plastic) instead. the outcome was quite surprising tho.

ok enough with the technical process. what  i want to say is thank you to my love one who gave me this. you made my day because i was stressing out with mock exams and after i walked out from the exam hall, i received a call informing that i have a box of flowers waiting for me.

sometimes it’s hard to be physically alone. you can fall easily. get absorbed, influenced easily. but that’s because i tend to forget things. My theory is; my life (or your life) revolves on the purpose of life itself. If I’m sitting for PQS/Aqidah exam in my previous high schools, i will most likely to state that my purpose of life is to submit to Him. I’m not saying that it’s wrong but sometimes we misunderstood the whole concept. I started questioning my identity when i was asked “Siapakah Engkau?” by one of my murabbi. Typical thoughts/ideas would be : “I’m a servant”, “I’m a sister”,”a brother”, “a student”, “A daie’” etc. But I like to simplify things. Persoalan “Siapakah Aku” itu perlu untuk kita menentukan ritma dan irama hidup. We tend to go off track because we forgot what our  song is. As I’m not living in the bi’ah that I expected, I tend to go off track.

Tetapi, keseorangan itu juga merupakan satu bentuk tarbiah. Bagaimana kekasih Allah dapat menanggung apa yang dilaluinya?

i found an answer as i opened a book that was written by one of my favourite author :

“Cintalah itu sebabnya. Ia mencintai semua manusia. Ia mau melakukan apa pun untuk menghadirkan damai, selamat dan bahagia bagi manusia. Cintalah yang membuatnya mampu menampung segala keluh dalam hatinya. Di hatinya yang lapang kau boleh menumpahkan semua keluh dan harapmu. Makin lama kau di sisinya, makin dalam cintamu padanya. Waktulah yang membuka tabir keagungannya satu-satu padamu. Mungkin bukan itu benar yang membuatnya jadi teramat agung. Ada yang lebih agung dari sekedar itu. Dia bukan hanya hebat. Bukan hanya pahlawan. Dia juga melahirkan banyak pahlawan. Dia tidak hanya menjadi sesuatu. Dia juga menjadikan orang lain di sekitarnya sesuatu. Orang lain hanya jadi pahlawan. Orang-orang di sekelilingnya hanya mencatat kepahlawanannya. Mereka tidak jadi apa-apa.”

Find your reason/ground/motive once you went off track. my ground is my Love.