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| They have left the shore the home of whores they have lifted anchor and not turning back not for you nor for her. Riding the waves of life on an ocean of hope do they have a choice? when their compass points only to the horizon of death. Breeze in their face freedom at last to think and to do only for self, and self alone free from all expectation. Seagulls above and stars too day and night, alternate dawn and dusk surely make them realize no one is really free because to live is to be ready for death. They glance back to the shore and they are relieved that they have finally left. 17.03.2012 Al Lith |
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Left the shore
Friday, March 16, 2012
Gold or Real Estate?
I have been investing in Real Estate for a few years now. There have been ups and downs but overall I have made a few bucks, and happy.
Two days ago someone suggested that I diversify my portfolio by investing in gold. A couple of reasons were given:
> Gold investment is more liquid.
I can dispose and realize my profit (or loss) faster compared to real estate transaction.
To this I fully agree. In real estate, from the time a Sales and Purchase is signed, it can take as long as 6 to 8 months before full settlement is made.
> Gold price trend has shown that a 10 to 30% appreciation per year has been achieved from 2002 to 2011.
This paragraph ...I quote
This has happened right in front of my eyes when in 2008 the stock market crashed and I burnt my fingers - and at the same time the Gold price soared. I was advised a few days before the crash by a banker to exit the stock market and to invest in Gold, but I didn't heed the advise.
According to Bloomberg, Gold slid and the dollar gained after Fed policy makers raised their assessment of the economy March 13. The Fed is unlikely to start new quantitative easing and may raise interest rates as early as mid-2013, according to UBS AG. Bullion doubled since debt buying began in December 2008 and rates fell to near zero. The combined market capitalization of global stocks jumped $5.5 trillion this year on mounting confidence about growth, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The price has taken a dip these past few days erasing half of the gain recorded this year. Read more HERE.
Read also HERE .
The retreat in Gold price may look like an opportune time for a beginner like me to make an entry.
However, I am not about to join the Gold Rush just yet. My mind is working overtime trying to control my heart and my mind is saying, pause and reflect a little more.
+ In real estate investment, I need to put up only 30% capital and use bank's money to finance the balance 70%! That to me is a good business sense.
+ In real estate, my asset is earning rental income, and at the same time appreciating with time. In Gold, my asset is cold and passive, waiting and hoping that one day someone else will pay for it at a higher price.
Warren Buffet has this to say, "So there are two types of assets to buy. One is where the asset itself delivers a return to you, such as, you know, rental properties, stocks, a farm. And then there are assets that you buy where you hope somebody else pays you more later on, but the asset itself doesn’t produce anything. And those are two different games. I regard the second game as speculation."
I have one son who is working in Kelantan, and he has prompted me to read an article about the DINAR EMAS Kelantan. Perhaps, this is the simplest form of Gold Investment, and for which I salute the Administration of the Kelantan State.
An article in Bahasa Malaysia can be found HERE.
As of today therefore, I am not yet convinced that I want to invest in Gold as in buying Gold Bullions. I may start as a beginner should, by first of all open up a Gold Investment account with Maybank as can be read HERE, or perhaps start buying the Kelantan Dinar.
Two days ago someone suggested that I diversify my portfolio by investing in gold. A couple of reasons were given:> Gold investment is more liquid.
I can dispose and realize my profit (or loss) faster compared to real estate transaction.
To this I fully agree. In real estate, from the time a Sales and Purchase is signed, it can take as long as 6 to 8 months before full settlement is made.
> Gold price trend has shown that a 10 to 30% appreciation per year has been achieved from 2002 to 2011.
This paragraph ...I quote
"For the past decade, the gold price increases tremendously from merely USD270 (RM1,026) per ounce (oz) in early 2002 to USD1,560 (RM4,956) per ounce (oz) at the end of 2011. That was 480% increase inUS Dollar or 383% in Malaysian Ringgit. However, the current all-time high was recorded at USD1,913 (RM5,685) per ounce (oz) on 23rd August 2011.
The most important factor on why gold price accelerates so fast is due to gold is perceived as a safe haven during uncertainties or economic crises, and it is also used as a hedge against inflation and fluctuations in the US dollars. Another important reason is due to limited supply of gold." -- Unquote. From HERE
This has happened right in front of my eyes when in 2008 the stock market crashed and I burnt my fingers - and at the same time the Gold price soared. I was advised a few days before the crash by a banker to exit the stock market and to invest in Gold, but I didn't heed the advise.
According to Bloomberg, Gold slid and the dollar gained after Fed policy makers raised their assessment of the economy March 13. The Fed is unlikely to start new quantitative easing and may raise interest rates as early as mid-2013, according to UBS AG. Bullion doubled since debt buying began in December 2008 and rates fell to near zero. The combined market capitalization of global stocks jumped $5.5 trillion this year on mounting confidence about growth, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The price has taken a dip these past few days erasing half of the gain recorded this year. Read more HERE.
Read also HERE .
The retreat in Gold price may look like an opportune time for a beginner like me to make an entry.
However, I am not about to join the Gold Rush just yet. My mind is working overtime trying to control my heart and my mind is saying, pause and reflect a little more.
+ In real estate investment, I need to put up only 30% capital and use bank's money to finance the balance 70%! That to me is a good business sense.
+ In real estate, my asset is earning rental income, and at the same time appreciating with time. In Gold, my asset is cold and passive, waiting and hoping that one day someone else will pay for it at a higher price.
Warren Buffet has this to say, "So there are two types of assets to buy. One is where the asset itself delivers a return to you, such as, you know, rental properties, stocks, a farm. And then there are assets that you buy where you hope somebody else pays you more later on, but the asset itself doesn’t produce anything. And those are two different games. I regard the second game as speculation."
I have one son who is working in Kelantan, and he has prompted me to read an article about the DINAR EMAS Kelantan. Perhaps, this is the simplest form of Gold Investment, and for which I salute the Administration of the Kelantan State.
An article in Bahasa Malaysia can be found HERE.
As of today therefore, I am not yet convinced that I want to invest in Gold as in buying Gold Bullions. I may start as a beginner should, by first of all open up a Gold Investment account with Maybank as can be read HERE, or perhaps start buying the Kelantan Dinar.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Pre and Post Umrah...
Almost everyone who make a trip to Mekah for Umrah wish and pray for his or her ibadah of Umrah to be accepted by God. However, only a few make real effort to achieve what they wish for.
I have observed that for some people (I am included), their preparation to apply and get accepted at a job interview surpass their preparation to get God's acceptance. Preparation is more than knowing what to do..and what to say...Preparation is also about doing a self-reflection, of regretting past mistakes and sins, and of feeling in every nerve end and every pore, a feeling of hope for God's blessings and feeling fearful of His wrath.
Umrah is spiritual. Although the rituals of Tawaf, Saei and Tahalul are physical in nature, each ritual should be done with complete awareness and total engagement of the soul. Umrah is about soul cleansing and spiritual rejuvenation. It is about practicing life after life, placing worldly things on hold and letting mind, body and soul be close to Allah, thinking, uttering, breathing and behaving as close as possible in the ways of the Prophet.
Umrah is NOT the same as making a trip to a touristic place, snapping photos for the albums, and accumulating stories to tell. It is not about collecting memorabilia to be displayed on shelves or walls at home or at work.
Amongst signs that an Umrah or Hajj has been accepted by Allah is a distinct difference in the personality and behavior of the person pre and post the Umrah or Hajj. If he behaves the same way, then this is sure signs that he has been nothing more than a tourist to Mekah.
What are some of the tell tale signs...?
I googled, and I found the following passage
It is possible for there to be signs for the one whose Hajj, fasting, charity or prayer has been accepted by Allaah and they are: the opening of the heart (to good), happiness of the heart and a lighted face. Certainly, for worshipping (Allaah) there are signs that appear on the body, signs that are visible and signs that are hidden. Some of the Pious Predecessors have mentioned that from the signs that a good (act) has been accepted (by Allaah) is that he will be granted the towfeeq to do (yet) another good (act). Certainly the towfeeq of Allaah for him to do more good (acts) after it, is evidence that Allaah ('Azza wa Jall) has accepted his previous good (acts). He has made it easy for him to do another good act and is happy with him for it.
The key word is 'Allah make it easy for those whose amal and ibadah have been accepted, to do more good deeds!'
Pause and ponder. What good thoughts have been occupying your mind since your Umrah and Hajj? What good deeds have you done and keep doing? Or, has the reversed happened?
When he hears Azan, does he immediately solat?
Does he take advantage of all opportunities to accumulate 'Jannah' as if he is collecting worldly wealth?
Does he keep away from sinful acts?
To Him I turn for forgiveness.
Astaghfirrullah...
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
3 things I observe people do during Umrah...
I go to Mekah often. Alhamdullillah, I am lucky in that sense. After all, from the door of my house to the King Abdul Aziz Gate of Mesjidil Haram only takes about one and half hour. Sometimes I go hoping to bump into familiar faces at the DSaji restaurant, the popular meeting place amongst Malaysians.
Let me share with you some of my observations of human behavior in Mekah...
1. Happy to tell the world.
The phone rings. The person smiles gleefully, happy. Then this conversation or something similar takes place. Normally accompanied by a broad proudsmile grin, "Hellooo hellooo...I am doing tawaf....in Mecca, yes, Mecca...doing Umrah...yes, tawaf...you know going round the Kaabah...yes I am in Mecca...no not Madras, Mecca...!"
The above behavior seldom happens amongst Malaysians.
I would say, it is ok if you wish to inform your relatives and friends that you are in Mekah if by doing so you can motivate them to follow suit, or to let them know that you are trying to be a better Muslim and hopefully they will stop inviting you to places or events which are not in line with your renewed faith.
Definitely must avoid doing so if it will make you 'Riak' or 'Proud' for this put your sincerity in question.And definitely must avoid taking or making phone calls during tawaf or saei - those acts are rukun in ibadah and must be respected as such.
2. Posing for the FB.
As far as I can remember phones with camera are allowed into Mesjidil Haram only about two years ago. Since then Mesjidil Haram and in particular the Kaabah has been making daily appearances on FB walls of somebody you or I know. Equally popular are the 'Payung' found at the courtyard of the Mesjid Nabawi in Medina.
Sometimes we can see someone's picture with the Kaabah in the background even before the person completes his or her Umrah, Such is the speed of technology. Equally, such is the enthusiasm of present day Ummah to spread the good news.
Sometimes I reflect and would like to relate the recent phenomena of increasing number of pilgrims coming for Umrah as somehow related to the explosion of self-publicity of one's moments offame repentance fame in front or inside the holy Mosques.
3. Bargain hunting!
Uniquely Malaysian. Even the shopkeepers in Mekah and Medinah have decoded the trick. Malaysians when bargaining for merchandise in shops in Mekah and Medinah would stretch and test the limit by pretending to walk away.
The shopkeepers upon seeing a Malaysian prospect will automatically increase the price in anticipation of a huge bargaining or haggling. They almost predict that the Malaysian will pretend to walk away, and that will be the moment the shopkeeper will call him or her back, "Sister, come...ok, Seratus riyal is ok for you sister, special discount"
And, invariably, the Malaysian would make a U-turn and walked right back into the shop to pay, happily. She is happy for the ten riyal which she manages to save, and she is even happier because she knows her room mates have paid ten riyal more for a similar piece of Arbaya.
We used to hear shopkeepers in Mekah or Medinah saying, "Malaysia Bagus!" That has changed to "Malaysia bakhil!"
One Jemaah complained to me that one shopkeeper outrightly refused to sell anything to him. That happened when he was bargaining for a white Jubah, and must have offended the shopkeeper by asking for a ridiculous price. The Arab (Whom he thought most likely to be an Egyptian), simply grabbed the Jubah from him and said, "No sale for you!"
My advise is not to be too obsessed with saving 5 or 10 riyals. If you like the merchandise and it feels right, be happy to pay for it. Going in and out of fifty shops bargain hunting for an arbaya isn't worth the time nor the effort. That time is better spent resting or doing what you come to Mekah for, that is to do ibadah.
...more in future postings.
Let me share with you some of my observations of human behavior in Mekah...
1. Happy to tell the world.
The phone rings. The person smiles gleefully, happy. Then this conversation or something similar takes place. Normally accompanied by a broad proud
The above behavior seldom happens amongst Malaysians.
I would say, it is ok if you wish to inform your relatives and friends that you are in Mekah if by doing so you can motivate them to follow suit, or to let them know that you are trying to be a better Muslim and hopefully they will stop inviting you to places or events which are not in line with your renewed faith.
Definitely must avoid doing so if it will make you 'Riak' or 'Proud' for this put your sincerity in question.And definitely must avoid taking or making phone calls during tawaf or saei - those acts are rukun in ibadah and must be respected as such.
2. Posing for the FB.
Sometimes we can see someone's picture with the Kaabah in the background even before the person completes his or her Umrah, Such is the speed of technology. Equally, such is the enthusiasm of present day Ummah to spread the good news.
Sometimes I reflect and would like to relate the recent phenomena of increasing number of pilgrims coming for Umrah as somehow related to the explosion of self-publicity of one's moments of
3. Bargain hunting!
The shopkeepers upon seeing a Malaysian prospect will automatically increase the price in anticipation of a huge bargaining or haggling. They almost predict that the Malaysian will pretend to walk away, and that will be the moment the shopkeeper will call him or her back, "Sister, come...ok, Seratus riyal is ok for you sister, special discount"
And, invariably, the Malaysian would make a U-turn and walked right back into the shop to pay, happily. She is happy for the ten riyal which she manages to save, and she is even happier because she knows her room mates have paid ten riyal more for a similar piece of Arbaya.
We used to hear shopkeepers in Mekah or Medinah saying, "Malaysia Bagus!" That has changed to "Malaysia bakhil!"
One Jemaah complained to me that one shopkeeper outrightly refused to sell anything to him. That happened when he was bargaining for a white Jubah, and must have offended the shopkeeper by asking for a ridiculous price. The Arab (Whom he thought most likely to be an Egyptian), simply grabbed the Jubah from him and said, "No sale for you!"
My advise is not to be too obsessed with saving 5 or 10 riyals. If you like the merchandise and it feels right, be happy to pay for it. Going in and out of fifty shops bargain hunting for an arbaya isn't worth the time nor the effort. That time is better spent resting or doing what you come to Mekah for, that is to do ibadah.
...more in future postings.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
The curse of 'Hello'
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I said hello and expected an echo of the same. What I heard instead was an echo of silence and words you didn't say. words in rhythm poetry in motion each defines what it means the same word 'hello' a friendship or a cupid's arrow only a beholder can tell the difference between heaven and hell. so, i take my leave and sojourn between two mountains in a canyon so dark and deep i asphyxiate ceasing to exist. 'Hello' a word I shouldn't have said so easily. (Pp - Jeddah - 10.03.2012) |
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