Mention Kuala Selangor and most people instantly think of fireflies or the Sky Mirror. But what if you don’t have the time (or energy) for boats and tidal schedules? Can you still enjoy a simple, land-based day trip with the family? Absolutely.
Road Trip Diaries: An Unplanned Jaunt to Jugra
A spontaneous road trip to Morib took an unexpected turn when the beach was closed — leading instead to serene Pantai Kelanang, the historic Muzium Insitu Jugra, and a breezy hilltop view at Bukit Jugra. The unplanned detour ended perfectly with good coffee and quiet charm at Rose Coffeehaus in Banting.
Road Trip Diaries (Sort Of): A Day in Cambridge
During our UK trip in February 2023, we spent a day in Cambridge — exploring historic colleges, enjoying brunch at Zi’s Piri Piri, browsing quaint bookstores, and finishing with a magical private punting ride on the River Cam. Truly a day to remember!
SHORT TAKES: What Have We Learned Lately?
Over the past decade (or, for the younger folks, since you graduated and figured out how to pay bills), what new skills have you picked up? Or which existing ones have you actually sharpened? It’s a question I ask myself more and more these days.
“Speaking London” – 3 Tips To Do It Better
I get asked VERY often how I learnt to speak like I do. And this question doesn’t just come from Malaysians - you might be surprised to know it comes from native English speakers too. My secret revolves around three E’s…
SHORT TAKES: The Day It Went ‘Boom’
One fine afternoon at the old main campus of the International Islamic University Malaysia in Petaling Jaya where I read law, a loud booming sound rippled across the campus. The buildings literally shook for a good few seconds, and everyone was in panic mode.
SHORT TAKES: My Journey Of Self-Actualisation – The Initial Fear To Conquer
M. Zulkifli shares a part of his journey of self-actualisation and learning various Islamic knowledge, formally and informally.
SHORT TAKES: Ask Questions!
Albert Einstein says: “The most important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Ask the question, and the answer will find you.
Catatan Pencinta Kopi: Sikap Obsesi Membeli
Hakikatnya, wanita itu tidak memerlukan 15 telekung, 10 sejadah, 5 sejadah mini, 7 beg masjid, 5 tasbih segala!! Akhirnya dua tiga favorite sahaja yang diguna. Bertasbih guna jari juga lagi dituntut kerana jari-jemari berpeluang ibadah bersama.
SHORT TAKES: The Teacher Who Made Me Want To Write
The things we do in life might have a lasting impact on someone and we might not even know it.
CATATAN PENCINTA KOPI – Monotoni Menuju Ilahi
Pernahkah anda menonton filem Groundhog Day yang dibintangi Bill Murray? Di dalam filem ini, watak utamanya, Phil Connors, terperangkap di dalam gelung masa dan perlu melakukan perkara yang sama, setiap hari selama bertahun-tahun lamanya sehingga beliau melakukan perkara yang betul. Kehidupan seorang mukmin itu sebenarnya persis Groundhog Day.
Catatan Pencinta Kopi – Aku Berhenti Kerja
Tidak mudah untuk aku melepaskan, gusarnya hanya Allah SWT sahaja yang tahu. Namun, natijah daripada keputusan itu membuatkan keyakinan aku kepada Allah, Al-Khaliq, mengukuh dan menebal.
SHORT TAKES: There Is Never Room For Racism
Racism is straight out of the Iblis playbook, and my heart breaks at the blatantness of it all in this beloved country of ours…
SHORT TAKES: When My Father Really Made My Day
I was probably 6 or 7 years old then and my favourite TV show was "The Six Million Dollar Man" starring Lee Majors. So, when I saw that they had made its figurine with bionic eyes and everything, it became my obsession.
SHORT TAKES: A Story On Ice Cream And Manners
My late mother was always strict about having good manners. So, saying "please" and "thank you" was a must for everyone in the family at all times. And here’s a story from more than four decades ago to illustrate this point.
CATATAN PENCINTA KOPI – Tiada Apa Yang Berlaku ‘By Chance’
Ketika di Phillip Island, Australia, kami bersekempatan untuk menyaksikan pulangnya beribu-ribu burung penguin ke sarang. Segerombolan Little Penguin ini akan berlabuh di pantai daripada laut ketika matahari terbenam. Mereka akan tiba tepat pada masa yang dijanjikan setiap hari sehingga membolehkan pengusaha pelancong menjual tiket-tiket kepada pengunjung dari seluruh dunia!
CATATAN PENCINTA KOPI – Ramadan itu Masa Berpuasa atau Bersuka-Ria?
Menghirup kopi di pagi hari ini sambil menatal media sosial di skrin telefon pintar, terlihat beberapa iklan bufet Ramadan yang telah pun diaktifkan. Sebenarnya, andai kita mahu jujur dengan diri sendiri, ramai daripada kita yang telah tersasar daripada objektif hadirnya Ramadan. Terdetik di hati ini, Ramadan itu masa berpuasa atau bersuka-ria?Jadi mengapa kita mengikut nafsu yang membuak untuk berlebihan dan bermewah tatkala berbuka?
Muslims’ Influence in English Literature
A 73-year old man once gave me an interesting conversation. Our conversation revolved around the Muslims’ contribution to the world. One segment of that range truly fascinated me – the Muslims’ contribution to English literature.
CATATAN PENCINTA KOPI – Menghitung Berkat Allah SWT
Mentaliti mangsa atau victim mentality semakin menyerlah di zaman ini apabila apa sahaja yang berlaku di dalam kehidupan, mangsanya itu adalah diri kita. Apabila kehidupan dilanda halangan, serta-merta kita melihat diri sebagai mangsa, pantas berkongsi duka lara di media sosial supaya ramai insan yang sudi untuk memujuk dan berpihak kepada diri kita, sedangkan sebagai seorang mukmin itu kita perlu menghitung berkat dan rahmat Allah SWT yang tidak kunjung putus dalam kehidupan kita berbanding derita.
Now I Appreciate Not Being A First-Timer Umrah Visitor to Masjidil Haram Makkah
MAKKAH, particularly Masjidil Haram and the Kaabah are overwhelming sights for Muslims who travel to see them with their own eyes, especially first timers. The sad thing is, from now on, whoever goes to Mecca will face difficulty to see the Kaabah clearly, or pray near the Kaabah because you can only tawaf around it or pray fardhu prayers in front of the Kaabah if you wear the ihram.