Updates for Usrah Budi 3

For this time around, we had been informed that we need to conduct a programme that can give benefits to IIUM community. Several ideas had been proposed by me and my usrah-mates until we finally decided to settle down with a gotong-royong programme. Since we have a lot of people in one class, we decided to divide ourselves into 5 groups so that each of the group could operate in different places inside IIUM. I was grouped into the fourth group and alongside with 4 other members, we decided to do our gotong-royong at Surau Mahallah Asma', which is near to all of our mahallah. Surau Mahallah Asma' is frequently used by many sisters and we figured it'd be best to help to clean and organise the area to accommodate and provide comfort to everyone. 

On the 29th November, 10:30 a.m., we all went to the surau. When we first arrived, there was no one inside the surau which made it easier for us to start on our cleaning session. The surau was not in its best state because we could see that some things like prayer veils and hangers were laying around which made the surau looked messy and unmanageable. Luckily, some cleaning tools like broom and dust pan were nearby so we started the cleaning session right away. 

After one hour and a half later, we finally done with organizing and cleaning sessions. As we all know, our religion really puts forth the importance of cleanliness as being said by our beloved Prophet (SAW) said, "Cleanliness is half of your imaan" which indicated how being in the state of clean is really important. This is because we are deemed to do our ibadah only when our surrounding and us ourselves are clean to do so. When we finished our gotong-royong session, we were happy to see how the surau transformed into a managed place that looked absolutely pleasant for us. We were also happy at the thought of how other sisters will feel happy and comfort when they use the area. 

portfolio for usrah budi 2 (CCUB 2621)

Assalamualaikum and hi, everyone :)

Nothing much, really. Just dropping by at my blog because i need to finish my usrah budi 2 assessments, and it happened that I need to create another blog post, duh :) 

Before that, here's the most recent picture of me.

This pic was taken during my visit to ISTAC, IIUM. The place is really beautiful, I'd love to go again in future 

I was told that I need to introduce myself again, so here it is. My name is Maryam Shofia, and most people call me Maryam, or my internet friends would address me as 'Mars', though i am sometimes embarrassed by it lol. As far as I remembered, I didn't have any talents that deserve recognition or praise whatnot, but I know I have the ability to imitate the way Mr Bean's aunt laughs and I also could stay in bed all day long (with foods) hehe :P I don't have any specific or permanent hobbies as I am very much a flexible person and I don't usually stick to a routine. But there are things that I always do out of boredom, like watching some episodes of K-dramas, binge watching Harry Potter or Twillight series, or watching any videos related to my favourite Korean boyband, Seventeen. 

I also love to catch (chase) on the sunsets, as my room always offers me a majestic and wonderful view of sunset every evening due to its strategic position. You guys might be wondering why I couldn't appreciate sunrise as much as I do towards sunsets, please don't get me wrong. I'd love sunrise too if I am a morning person. But the thing is, I am not :P. Would rather snuggle in my blanket that waking up early in the morning to catch up with the sunrise huhu.

Impromptu photoshoot session during sunset

I swear this one isn't filtered, Subhanallah

Coming from religious based school, I was introduced to usrah ever since I was 13. I didn't complain when i knew i had to continue with this activity when I entered IIUM, as I know this activity will bring positive impact on myself, whether i realized it or not. There was one time during my CCUB 2621 class, my naqibah, Kak Sakeenah unfolded about the power of ikhlas by letting my usrahmates to join into the discussion. I learnt so many things regarding Ikhlas that day and promise myself to be a better person in future. From what I learnt, it is okay for us, a mere servant to hope for good things in return after we do some good deeds, but make sure to put hope and faith only to our God, the one and only Allah. This is because of the essence of a servant, who is always dependent to his God. Don't ever put too much hope, or trust towards human beings because they're just like us, prone to sins and mistakes every single day. Therefore, keep on doing the good deeds and believe that Allah will reward us according to our truest attention, and rewards don't always come by money/worldly properties, as good health, happy family, wonderful friends and teachers are also a part of reward from Allah, the most merciful and helpful towards His servants. Keep in mind that Allah always know best. 

Last but not least, I would also want to share about my group trip to Darul Eslah Rohingyian School on November last year. It was a volunteer work handled by IIUM student and we were so excited about it. We needed to teach the children some mathematics stuffs and also English :) 

When we arrived at the academy, we were greeted by numbers of children and a few of people that we assumed as their caretakers. At first, we were quite baffled by the very loud atmosphere and numbers of children that filled the room. During our visit, the building was on the renovation process therefore the children was placed in one room and it looked so crowded. The children later were divided into their own groups which was assigned to all of us. 

 From this community service that I’ve completed, it opened my eyes that not everyone is privileged to have formal education. Although the children were eager to learn and had fun with us, it saddens me that their country couldn’t offer them justice and provide them with all the privileges and opportunities most of us, the Malaysians experienced. We should consider ourselves lucky because we have a country to call home, and to be able to acquire knowledge in a conducive ambience. Considering the fact that education is the only tool for them to gain the dignity they lost, looking at the children, having a dedicated and an inspirational teacher is the way to encourage them to change their future. We went back to our mahallah with hearts full of contentment and warmth the children filled us with. 

I think that's all for today's post. Wishing nothing but the best and wonderful things for all of us, including you. Love, maryam 

Group picture! :D

A selfie with two cute Rohingyian kids :)