It's Eidul-Adha!

Backtrack a bit... I was in tears from the last post. Said that I will be back, but I didn't. Not from the crying, more of terlupa! Suppose to post something about the ritual of sacrificing sheeps on this day.

Its an annual thing. On Eidul-Adha, I observe the big day, thinking of the Hajj pilgrims; their achievements, their challenges, etc. And there's also the slaughtering of sheeps, which I have the honour to observe yearly at Masjid Kassim, without fail. But... I always have this guilt, which I couldnt put away, until someone convince me that the whole process is fine, and that the sheeps are fine. My main concern was, if the sheeps felt pain. They shouldn't. Thats cruelty. I have my uncles and husband to enlighten me with some facts, and to assure me that these sheeps felt no pain and they are more than happy to be sacrificed, as Allah promised them jannah. About the sheep feeling pain... Basically, the Islamic method of slaught for, which Muslims believe is the ideal one, is carried out with utmost mercy on the part of the slaughterer , and minimum pain and suffering on the part of the animal. I Googled about this, and found:

Is Islamic Slaughtering Cruel to Animals? By Dr. Aisha El-Awady

After reading it, I'm convinced that the sheeps were fine. I'm convinced by the respects shown by the uncles and young men who did the slaughtering at Masjid Kassim. The kambings were held at a grassy shaded area, with food and water; while the slaughtering is done away from the herd. And when they took the kambing, one of the man will cover its eyes, so as not to let it see it's fellow gang's condition, so to speak.

About meeting the sheep at Titian Siratal Mustaqim... Not Confirmed. Again, I Googled about it, and found this. For now, it stops here. My next mission is to find out if the hadith is indeed authenticated. Join me OR share with me if you know about this. P.S: This one is also a good read - Eid al-Adha, the Festival Of Sacrifice in Islam

Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

The One With Hari Raya Haji

Today is Hari Raya Haji. It's raining heavily all over Singapore. Brought Rushda to see the sheeps at Masjid Kassim yesterday. Dear is working tonight. So we were at home. Going to Nenek's house later for the second part of the birthday celebration.

The One With Rushda's 1st Birthday

Subhanallah... it feels like it was just yesterday that I had gone through the cesarian surgery to "retrieve" Rushda and a souvenir growth commonly known as fibroid. The fact is, it was a year ago. Amazingly, I can recall minute details on that emotional Friday, Dec 31st. Julie did say, it's usual for gynae to 'tahan' you on your last visit. True enough, it happened to me. The scan and the cervix examination revealed that baby is big, and at the right size to come out. I was only about 38wks gestation. Dr Chandra warned that baby might grow bigger, and if I do get into labour, we may have faced 'retrieving' problem and so, solution is to cut me open that same evening. Whowww.... hold it right there. I asked to be induced. Dr Chandra smiled and shook his head. Calmly, he explained that due to no signs of cervix opening up, baby's head circumference is big and that my 'pain tolerance is low', it is highly recommended that we do it now (back then), or face a traumatizing labour. I clearly remembered that it was not an easy decision for Dear and me. This is something totally unexpected. Without delaying any further, Dr Chandra took out a form to book the surgery theatre tomorrow morning at 7am. No food and drink for me that New Year's eve. I remembered the terrible migraine and flu I had. Even so, I was craving for Nasi Briyani. Andak brought what I wanted. I was touched. Mummy cried over the phone when she was told about the surgery. I cried too.

So anyway....

Here is Rushda, one year old. She is a gorgeous babe, loved by everyone in the family. She got many toks and neneks ; uncles and aunts to dote on her. Dear loves her lots. And so do I. We decided to have a birthday picnic at Changi Beach, together with Eema's 6th birthday. Kak Erni and myself are the official organizing committee. We faired pretty okay for this first collaboration. We invaded a vacant hut, and realized later on that a family might just come over and we have to scram off. Remember- huts at the beach require booking.

Hi- Five to Kak Erni. The rain didnt deter us from shifting to Plan B. 90% of guests came, including Cousin Edleen and her 4 kids; and Intan and little Eman. Cooling day to have the kids playing at the beach, the uncles and aunts catching up times and joking around.

We got this 10-men tent at an outdoor-sports shop the night before. Good deal. Discounted price. It took a while for me and Dear to assemble it. While figuring it out, I imagined we are in The Amazing Race. First time pitching a huge tent like that. Pretty daunting.

Rushda decided to try out the whip-top of the cake. Ummi wasn't spared. Kena sabo. Hmmm, looking at this pic, Ummi still looks good.

The gifts from the guests. Look who's peeping?