IT Brother

سيد الاستغفار

2009-05-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم

" سيد الاستغفار أن يقول اللهم أنت ربي لا إله إلا أنت خلقتني و أنا عبدك وأنا على عهدك ووعدك ما استطعت ، أعوذ بك من شر ما صنعت ، أبوء لك بنعمتك على و أبوء لك بذنبي فاغفر لي فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت " قال ومن قالها من النهار موقناً بها فمات من يومه قبل أن يُمسِ فهو من أهل الجنة ، ومن قالها من الليل وهو موقن بها فمات قبل أن يصبح فهو من أهل الجنة ".

رواه البخاري

Gaza, Jerussalem, Palestine, Indonesia, and Turkey will not go down

2009-01-23T23:13:00.000-08:00

We will not go down (GAZA)

A blinding flash of white light
Lit up the sky over Gaza tonight
People running for cover
Not knowing whether they're dead or alive

They came with their tanks and their planes
With ravaging fiery flames
And nothing remains
Just a voice rising up in the smoky haze

We will not go down
In the night, without a fight
You can burn up our mosques and our homes and our schools
But our spirit will never die
We will not go down
In Gaza tonight

Women and children alike
Murdered and massacred night after night
While the so-called leaders of countries afar
Debated on who's wrong or right

But their powerless words were in vain
And the bombs fell down like acid rain
But through the tears and the blood and the pain
You can still hear that voice through the smoky haze

We will not go down
In the night, without a fight
You can burn up our mosques and our homes and our schools
But our spirit will never die
We will not go down
In Gaza tonight

Reference:
http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/michael_heart/we_will_not_go_down.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQrJndpbzc

Istanbul, Oh Fatima.

2008-11-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

The way to Istanbul Int. Airport

The last day should be the best day. It's quite right. I found Muhammad Ali abi, Fatima, and having a breakfast with a Hafidz. He recited me some Qur'anic verses beautifully. Hasan took our picture together, together with najmuddin, a muazzin in the Aziz Mahmud Hudai Foundation.

From Left: Cumhur Abi, Najmuddin (the Muadzzin), Fahmi, and The Haffidz Lawyer

Then I met muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali was really a big man. He was the head of the Kuran School for the boys. We talked in Arabic language. He just went back from Mecca. He was a Hafidz and wanted to remake islam victory in Turkey on his good way. He gave me his poetry book as gift.

Muhammad Ali abi, Cumhur Abi, Ferit, Fahmi

Now Please imagine, who Fatima was! Fatima was Ali abi's daughter. She was my first girl in Turkiye. I felt guilty to her. She offered me three rings to wear. I rejected her, because I didn't understand her. She said to me, “takiyor!” Firstly I didn't understand. But Hasan told me the meaning. I was shaken. Then I invite her to come nearer. “Geliyor!” I said to her. I repeat what She has spoken to me. “Takiyor!” I said to her. Wonderful, She understood. She showed her fingers. I just unwear my ring given by Cumhur, and put it on her fingers. No fingers were matched. I said, “Yok, yok, yok, yok, yok” So I just put it in her hand. Then what she did surprised me. She woke up, and offered back the ring. She put it on my finger perfectly! How lovely. It was so pity, that she was only 3.5 years. I would marry her if she was older =).

Fatima and Fahmi

The last agenda was the best of all. I prayed dzuhur with Sufi Grand Master, Usman Nuri Hoca Evendi. He just came back from his tour around Turkmenistan Country. He said me good bye as a an adivice.. Qur'an and Sunnah. Thanks a lot master, I'm always your student from that time.

That's the final. Cumhur abi served me so much till he forget himself. Till the end, at the airport gate. You were still there, moving your hand to say Gule-gule for me. I have cost you so much. I am your brother, I can be happy if only you are happy too. Have always great days. Thank you, God Bless you, and May Allah Bless this Anatolian land and its people.

Oh Allah, You have known that our hearths collected for loving you, met for obeying you, united for praying to you, and committed to help your sharia. Oh Allah, please fasten the link in our hearths, make our love eternal, show us the right path, fill us with your uncovered light, fill our hearth with full of faith in you and well-entrusting to you, and live us with your wisdom and made us die on your beloved-witnessed way. Because you are our Lord and The Best Helper. Amiin. Oh Allah, please bestow your peace upon our prophet, his family, his companion, and those who follow him.

Istanbul, Finding crowns for princess

2008-11-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

This saturday morning, I woke up in Kurtakoy. We did the shubuh prayer in the Flat. We came back to sleep While Ibrahim abi was preparing our break fast him self. “I'm not a light man” He said. A Light man is a man that can't do kitchen-related tasks. What a respectfull behavior to guest! I like your turkish culture.

Having Breakfast in Kurtakoy

Kurtakoy, The Suburb of Istanbul

We were going to the Europe Continent again. Firstly, we went to other Cumhur Abi's Friend. He was an accountant. He was Oral Abi working in Bizim, Uskudar-Istanbul. We also went to other where Suleyman Hoca worked. We met him, did dhuha prayer there. I got his email there. We came also to other Kuran School in Istanbul that was only for the boys. We did Dzuhur prayer there together. We met Fatih Abi, he served us nice warm Lunch.

Form Left: Fatih Abi, Ferit, Cumhur Abi, Fahmi

The next agenda would be more exciting. We were going to find three real crowns for three real princess. They were honored for their achievement to be Hafidzah! We were at the long living old Commercial center in Istanbul, near to Yeni Mosque. It was really crowded there. Many-many people spent their money and time there. It was so hard, since Cumhur abi looked to be confused too. We were looking for Sedef Gokce Store. Finally. We found it. What surprised me was the type of the crown. It was for wedding! They would put it on their scarf! Ah, it made me just want to get married as soon as possible. I was thinking deeply there. Thanks Cumhur! Cumhur gave me a ring there as a gift. The ring symbolized the numbers of Lailaha Illa Allah character.

old Commercial center in Istanbul

The Uniqure Ring Symbolizing Kalimatutthoyyibah

At that day I met Luthfu abi's friend working as an Iron Factory Owner and Businessman. He was also a sufi. He sponsored many wakaf for Aziz Mahmud Hudai Foundation. We shared many things and talked about the third world wealthiest man, Laksmi Mittal! He was Laksmi's Competitor in Iron Business. It was my honour to meet him there! I hope we can meet soon

We spent our night in the Flat beside Aziz Mahmud Hudaye Mosque. It was the same flat in my first night in Turkey, seven days a go. We had dinner together and drank a traditional Turkish drink. We slept there for our rest night.

Karabuk 5th day, Hamza's Last Speech, Recep's Best Gift.

2008-11-20T00:51:00.000-08:00

First Journey in TurkeyThe fifth day in Safranbolu was the end there. For shubuh praying, I came with Cumhur Abi to another mosque in Safranbolu. Luthfu abi was there too. Afther shubuh we met a Hafidz inside the Mosque. He said to us that I gave a light to the mosque. My hearth told me what a sincere welcome was from him. I would cry, it was too overwhelming to welcome me like that. I always realize my self as a normal man. I just want to be like you big brother, a hafidz! It is you that made a light in this land, Safranbolu!

We continued to Luthfu Abi's Flats. We had breakfast together than. I found a tasted-like Indonesian food for my breakfast in Turkey. Thanks Luthfu Abi, I was having breakfast more than on previous days in turkey. I was surprised that a Turkish lady could cook the food. There were sambel, martabak, jam and also bread. I enjoyed those truly nice tasted-like Indonesian food.

Hamza abi took me for along the morning before praying Jumah. He and his family accompanied me to buy Jilbab (Hijab or Scarf). I met Ali, the shop owner. He and three woman that kept the shop helped us so much to find the Best Hijab. Thanks a lot. Hamza also brought us to the Modern Shop Center in Karabuk. There, I, ekrem, and Erdem played together. Ekrem was the winner of the game. May Allah Bless you. We also met a friend who worked as a lawyer in his office.

Law Office owned by one of Hamza Abi's Friend

Then we went to Luthfu Abi. His brother invited us to his new shop opening ceremony. The ceremony took place after Jumah praying. We did the Jum'ah prayer in a mosque around the place of the ceremony. Luthfu Abi told me that what the Imam delivered was about Happy Family. May Allah bless you luthfu Abi and your family. The ceremony was really full colors. Many people and institutions sent the congratulations symbolized by decorated Flowers! The Qur'an school did it too.

Shop Opening Ceremony in Karabuk

Hamza abi took me and saw me for the last time in Safranbolu. He packed me his gift so I could bring them easily. He needed to go to other cities about 500 Km from Karabuk to attend his brother's wedding. He brought me to Pump station where Cumhur abi washed his car. He was busy there. The last speech from Hamza was translated by Cumhur abi in to english in front of me. “ I'm very happy to see you here!” He said in turkish to him for me.

Cumhur took me to his flat for the last time. I got the best turkish gift from Recep Tayyib. It was a truly sincere gift from a little brother to his big brother. Recep tayyib is an always smile boy. I spent most of my nights in turkiye with him. I love you, May Allah bless you Recep Tayyib. What I could do right for you is doing doa for you. I'm always your big brother.

My Last effort to take the always smile boy's serious expression picture, Recep Tayyip.

Recep's first Masterpiece

The next agenda was Kurtakoy, the suburban area of Istanbul. Hasan Ferit was also with us. Before going there, Cumhur abi took me to pick his brother ahmad and his wife, to say good bye to his parents, and to see Sama Hanum and Her baby Toha for the last time in that week. Sama hanum recites me some dua. Thank you very much. Allah bless you. And May Allah bless your family!

A long the way to go to Kurtakoy, I was speechless, silent, and felt no hungry. I had only two days more in this full of love land. Cumhur abi might not know about what I felt at that night. He asked me to eat some nuts. But I can't fulfill what he asked. I just ate a little. I was sad to leave your islamic perfect turkish-sufi society. I was using my last time there to hear your beautiful turkish voice. Because I knew that I would miss it. Really.

By the time we arrived in Kurtakoy, Ali abi welcomed us. I met another Cumhur's family. I tasted turkish coffee there. I also met Machmud Abi. I was remembering my father when I hear and saw him. Even I called him baba. We slept in Ibrahim abi's Flat. He is another cumhur's family living in Kurtakoy.

With Mahmud Abi's Family

Karabuk 4th day, Great Teachers in Ankara

2008-11-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

First Journey in TurkeyThis morning, Luthfu Abi organized us to have milk together after Shubuh prayer. What a nice morning. I drank two glasses of milk. The milk was so nice and warm. I added it two blocks of sugar. It was really nice. In this Day, I, Cumhur Abi, and Hamza Abi were going to go to Ankara to meet some one special.

Morning Milk with Sufi Society in New Safranbolu

Firstly, we met Luthfu Abi first in his school. Luthfu abi taught iron modeling there. The moment I found there made me sure how lovely turkish people were. The students and teachers were welcoming me. Every students gave me their smile and hand. What an respectful welcome. Thank you all.

Inside Luthfu Abi's School

When the time Cumhur Abi and Hamza were ready with their car at the school, Cumhur abi picked me and went to the Hamza Abi's iron Factory. Hamza abi parked his car there. He came with us in one car to go to Ankara.

The way to go to Ankara showed me the beauty of Anatolian land in autumn. The color of the leaves come from green to yellow. For me it is very nice scenery, since I have never seen how autumn could be.

Ankara Scenery

Ankara, Taken from the Culture Center

Our first destination in Ankara was the Culture Center. It was a Mosque equipped by offices. The Mosque itself built by so many cultural materials such as woods from africa and decorative marbles from malaysia (it sould be from Indonesia I guess :) ). Inside the Culture Center, Cumhur met one of his friend. He brought us to two great teachers, Hoca Efendi in Ankara. The first Hoca was Ahmad. He was an army with a level of a general. He chose to stop his career there for doing Sholah better. What a good decision! And the second great teacher was Ethem Hoca. What I have heard from my conversation with him really made me never forget him!

Having Lunch in Ankara

Ahmet Hoca Efendi Office

We talked in arabic language in his flat. As Cumhur has talked me about him, I have understood why Ethem Hoca was said as a big man. Talking with him was an honored for me, also really touching my hearth as a normal single man.

At that moment, he said to me, “You have known that there are so many beautiful girl we have. We also often do help the young man to marry with them. You are a special young man. Would you like us to help you?

What a clear and attracting question from Ethem Hoca. By the first time I put my foot on anatolian land, every turkish people seemed talking marriage as a usual thing. It was started by Luthfu abi in his office in Kur'an school, Cumhur Abi in front of his appartment, and Hamza Abi in the top of Eski Safranbolu. Most of them have ever talked to me about marriage. What did they mean? Anyway....

Regarding the very clear invitation from Great Teacher Ethem, I just answered “Yes, they are so many. But I didn't get her. A sholihah wife”. At the moment, I just wondered if he was serious. I confirmed it to cumhur abi. He said to me, “He is serious if you are so!”

Then I continued to ask Ethem Hoca Evendi, “Can I be one of your family?” He just answered, “My daughter has got married, right now she is in USA with her husband”. One more question from me, “Is it possible the marriage between Indonesian and Turkish?” He said to me a very very good answer, “Yes it is, it is possible” What I felt at that time fulfilled my dream not to search the best woman on the free road! From that time, I will never be confused about woman, insya Allah. If Allah bless this, a Turkish woman selected by you, would be just enough for protecting my Life as a moslem.

A Defining Moment with Ethem Hoca Efendi

Ethem Hoca served us madinah dates and zamzam. May Allah help us to meet again, Ethem hoca. After meeting him, we went back to the culture centre to pray ashar. Our agenda in tha capital city of turkey was finished. We were heading back to karabuk.

The way we went back made another beautiful experience for me. I sang a Qoshidah, recite 2/3 Sura Maryam for Hamza Abi and Cumhur Abi. This full of love day was closed by a nice sleep in Recep's room in Safranbolu. The next day would be friday, I confirmed my self to wake up earlier so I can take shower before shubuh. I used my cellphone as an alarm. Alhamdulillah, It worked!

Karabuk 3rd day Tour de Eski Safranbolu and Nilüfer

2008-11-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

My Best Teacher of Eski Safranbolu, My Brothers: Hamza Abi and Cumhur Abi

Sleeping there, inside Hamza abi's home really made me freshen up. I got up early and could do tahajjud prayer with full of peace. Alhamdulillah. One good lesson there was that Hamza abi reminded me not to take ablution in the toilet. When the Fajar time came, We went to the mosque near to the flat. We met Lutfu abi, Mushtofa Abi, and Muhammad Abi. We were wondering where Cumhur abi was and why he was not with us at that time.

After praying, We just walked together back to hamza abi's flat. I slept for a while after praying. Hamza promised me to wake me up when the breakfast for me was ready for me. I slept again. Than, in very short time (in my mind) he wake me up again. We had breakfast together. While we were enjoying it, Cumhur abi phoned hamza abi to take me there. Cumhur abi would like to show me the details of Eski Safranbolu. I told Hamza abi not to hurry, cause I and he (of course) needed to have and enjoy the breakfast as in usual. I said to him, “Ajala etmek yok!”. It was Turkish language in broken structures which I meant to say not to hurry to hamza abi. Anyway....

The Valley of Old Safranbolu

Hamza abi brought me to Cumhur abi to walk together with him for more details in explaining the beauty of Eski Safranbolu. First destination was the scenery of Old Safranbolu in a different angle. I saw clearer scenery telling us the harmony among houses, no blocking. The next was one of Ottoman Endowed Old Building. When the Ottoman Stated ruled the anatolian land, This building was provided freely for the travellers. At the present time, the building was operated as a Commercial Hotel named as Cinci Han.

Cinci Han Interior

Fountain around with Drinkable Water

The third destination was one of Turkish original house. It showed us the respectfulness of family members, genders, guests, new family, and of course turkish architecture. It had three floor. The first floor was for garage, the second floor was for guest with two rooms for each genders, and the third floor was for family. The new couples had it owned room. There was a connecting hub that makes the connections between man and woman possible with out seeing each other. It was the rotating drawers! What an art work! Really brilliant!

The Entrance of the Original Turkish House

the rotating drawers

The time to discover the eski Safranbolu was finished. I needed to collect some souvenirs. Fortunately, Hamza abi has bought me the prototype of the house a day before. So Cumhur abi bought me other souvenirs representing Turkish culture, seven pockets designed by Turkish pattern. Thank you all.

Karabuk Universitesi

The next agenda was more exciting. It was meeting with his undergraduate Students in Karabuk Universitesi. What a happy moment! Cumhur would like me to be their pushing motivation to learn English well. I surprised with their respectfulness to me. I realized that my english was not so good. But I delivered the speech what I could and they responded me as their brother. Thank you very much. I was in two classes. What I talked just my recognizing for them. “From now on, I recognize you all as my brothers and sisters” I said to them. I felt fun, although it spent our afternoon completely. The class was finished after sunsets.

First Sharing Forum Class in Karabuk Universitesi

Nilufer's Classmates, The Second Sharing Forum Class

I really appreciate the students, but I really sorry that I could not remember their names. But One of them I could remembered clearly. She was Nilüfer, the girl student. My salam for them and her. Thank you all.

After doing maghrib prayer, we went to Cumhur's flats to bring the rest of cumhur's family to come to other Cumhur's brother. He would to meet with cumhur to say thanks because of his daughter's achievement becoming a Hafidzah helped by Cumhur's Wife, Sema Hanum. At that time, Luthfu abi was also inviting us to come to one of their other brothers. So we managed our time to use two cars, I and Cumhur in a car, and the other car used by Sema hanum. At the end of the visiting, I and Cumhur continued to fulfill Luthfu Abi's invitation while Sema hanum and her other sisters went home in parallel. Actually, Toha and Recep were also with us for the first one way trip to the first invitation, Toha was sleeping on my hand. What a great experience to make a baby sleeping! I took rest that night at Cumhur's Flat after two meaningful meeting in a night. Thank you all!

The smiles of Fahmi and Yusuf Thoa

Karabuk 2nd day, Ibrahim Abi with his Mosque, While Ayhan abi with His Karabuk Universitesi

2008-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

My 2nd in Karabuk was started with an outstanding Morning. It was Ibrahim Abi that made me honored. He invited me to talk in front of turkish people, to give a messages from Indonesia after doing shubuh prayer. I was really honored to deliver a speech in front of them, as I'm just an ordinary Indonesian man. I was introduced and invited to come in the front after doing dzikir. At that moment, I was not sure what I should speak in front of them.

Fortunately, Cumhur was coming after me. He stood beside me to translate what I spoke. At that defining moment, Allah helped and guided me to find what I should deliver. I talked about the long relationship between turkey and Indonesia. Long-long ago, the relationship was started between local kingdom as the part of the Ottoman Kingdom. And the latest proof for this strong relationship was the help from Turkish Red Crecent in Tsunami Disaster. “Thank you very very much!” I said in front of them. After delivering so the simple speech, Ibrahim abi gave me hug, very warm hug. He also invited me, cumhur abi, and also his other brothers to come to his Flat. We were going to have breakfast together.

Ibrahim Abi, Fahmi, Hamza Abi, Cumhur Abi

After finishing the breakfast, we were going back to the Cumhur abi's house preparing for the next agenda in Karabuk: Visitting the Karabuk Universitesi! I was so excited! After short preparation, we went to the Universitesi thrugh the Kur'an School. We met Luthfu Abi at the Kur'an Kursu and his Father. We did talk light things with them at the gate of the Kur'an School. I gave him also the gift prepared for him from indonesia. May you like it! Thanks very much.

With Luthfu Abi's Father at the Qur'an School Gate

After that, we continue to the unversity. The University was just opened a year a go. But I saw the spirits from its students and teachers completed by worth facilities. I met one of his friends there. He was Ayhan Abi, one of the Lecturers there. We did lunch and having tea together.

With Ayhan Abi in Karabuk Universitesi

While Cumhur abi needed to give lectures there, Ayhan abi took me around the Campus. What a great moment, He took me to the laboratories. He showed me his other students and lecturers. What a great acceptances! They just talked to me so friendly even asked me to be their professors too. It was my honored, Ayhan Abi. Thank you very much. When the time to do ashar prayer was coming, we went back to the ayhan's office to do the prayer.

Karabuk Universitesi Main Building

When I had ashar prayer in ayhan's office, Hamza had just arrived to the university. He wanted to show me the Old Safranbolu. We went there in that afternoon. Hamza abi took me directly to the place where all of safranbolu scenery can be seen completely. It was the top of Eksi Safranbolu, I met the protector of the place, Ahmat Abi. He gave me a nice pin about the latest Film Festival in Safranbolu.

With Hamza Abi and Ahmet Abi with his dog at the top of Safranbolu

What a beautiful city! Safranbolu is listed as one of world heritage by UNESCO for its unique building construction. It is preserved for its unique city appearance as one of the legacy of Ottoman achievement in city planning. I saw no building blocking each other and so so many other beautiful scenery. Let's see how beautiful this old long living historical city...

in Eski Safranbolu, The Jama'ah for Sunset Prayer

We did the maghrib prayer there, in Old Safranbolu (Eski Safranbolu). We just went back to the Hamza abi's flat to have dinner together with his family. Yeah, truly together with his family. I got very warm welcome from His wife Yeliz Hanum, his mother, and also his two children, ekrem and erdem. We did the dinner all together except Yeliz Hanum. She was busy preparing the dinner for us. Thank you very much Yeliz Hanum. But any way, I respect her for keeping this very fine Turkish culture!

Fahmi, Ekrem, Yeliz Hanum, Erdem, Hamza Abi, Anne

When the time for isya prayer was getting closer, we prepared to be go to a mosque to meet cumhur abi again. He would bring us to Luthfu Abi's father's house to join the Luthfu Abi's speech. I met Selman Abi at that night, so I could give him my gift. When the speech was delivered inside the home, I could not to keep my eyes opened. I was so sleepy. I apologize you Luthfu Abi sincerely, for this bad doing. After the speech, I took rest at Hamza's home. Thank you all.

First Day in Karabuk

2008-11-15T01:31:00.000-08:00

Safranbolu Town

Karabuk Town

Karabuk and Safranbolu are very near. Most of my time in turkey was spent in those two cities. Karabuk is a city designed for the economic attraction coming from Iron Mining Industry. Those cities are quite small but very very nice. Compared to any Indonesia Cities, They are very neat. Most of the people live in the apartment. What made me love these two cities is the welcome from the people. They are really warm-hearted.

First of All
After having break fast together with Hasan Ferit and Cumhur Abi, we three went to Ferit's school. Ferit was dropped there to do his academic activities on that day. I and Cumhur abi went to cumhur's school to visit his students and friends in one profession. When I entered the school, I saw the smiles from them. It made me in peace. I met several teachers too there and did some light talks with some english teachers. Then Cumhur invited me to visit his students. It would be just nice for me, since i love to meet new people. I didn't know and didn't care what they thought about me at that time. But I respected their welcome and smile to me. They were really nice. In my opinion, All of the students were handsome and pretty.

The next destination was the Religion Office in Karabuk. Although I was just an ordinary visitors, The Head of the Office would accept me. He gave me a tea welcome. Thanks for you all to accept me in that way. Cumhur did talked with the Head, Mustofa Abi. But, Since He talked in Turkish, I didn't understand what they were talking about. But alhamdulillah, I can take the their photograph.

In the Religion Office of Karabuk

We continued to go to the downtown. One unique thing to me was the way Cumhur abi drived his car. Cumhur is really an expert in driving the car. Even in a very small space, He could park his car there. As I saw him, He did it but in very really hard way.

Karabuk Down Town

The first hospital was for the baby, Yusuf Toha. The second one was the Raif Gunes's Hospital. Raif Gunes is one of Cumhur abi's friend, working as a doctor. He made his owned hospital and helped many teachers there to get free medical services. Near the downtown, we went to the one of Cumhur's family that just started a new business company. His name is Ayhan, and the company was Aslantepe. I respect them to do this business as their way to live life. We also met Musthofa abi, Cumhur abis's big brother. We met in a very special building there. We did dhuha prayer there. There was a big mosque in the downtown. Although the day was not friday, the dzuhur prayer attracted many people there. The mosque was full, great!

Musthafa Abi, Fahmi, and Cumhur Abi

Cumhur's Ayhan

Raif Abi's Hospital

Before going to the Camlik camie, We needed to go to the school for the second time. I met his friends, the teachers. Even for me, they are really warm hearted. They made me want to study there as their student! Then we went to the Cumhur's ex-flat. There was a very beatiful mosque equipped with a real beautiful garden. I enjoyed praying ashar there.

The Teachers, Friends of Cumhur

Camlik Mosque

After praying ashar, we were heading to the Cumhur abi's flat, to have lunch. We picked Recep Tayyib with us to go to Qur'an school. One great fact, Aziz Mahmud Hudai Foundation recognized this Quran School as the best one in turkey. Arriving there, We just went around. Realizing this boring thing, I and Recep started to play Football in the backyard. Thanks Brother Recep.

Cumhur Abi, Recep Kardesim, Fahmi, Hasan Kardesim

Fahmi and Recep in Qur'an School Yard

Then we entered the Quran School. In fact, the school is only for girls. But there is a corridor where men are allowed to get in to. We came in to the corridor and directly entered the room in the corner of the coridor. I saw luthfu abi sitting there. They tea-welcomed me again. It was too much tea-welcome in turkey. But then, Luthfu abi showed me on his computer, Osman Nuri websites. Luthfu Abi showed me about one of his speech on the web. Cumhur abi helped him to translate. The speech was about marrying. “we need to help young people who want to get married” Cumhur told me. Cumhur also told every body his experience in istanbul with me a day before. I saw him crying for the second time. He was remembering the amazing collections owned by the Topkapi palaces. I met with other two men there, Musthofa abi and Muhammad Abi. We did together the maghrib prayer there.

There was a very good culture in Turkey. They have a strucutred wirid after five times prayer. I tried to follow what they did. But I didn't make it serious. Till at that night in Kur'an school, Cumhur told me to do that a part of that culture, to recite the last three verses of Al-hashr. It was really a pity for me that I didn't make it well. But any way, I have tried what I could.

The Dream to be at Sultan Ahmet II Square

2008-11-15T00:37:00.000-08:00

Sultan Ahmet II Square

After Completely looking around the Suleymaniye Complex, We were heading to the Blue Mosque. First, we arrived at the Sultan Ahmet II square. The square showed me that Istanbul was really full of tourist. After taking some photographs, we three directly went to the Blue Mosque. We did Dhuha prayer there. What a full of art city. I was speechless. This mosque is really beautiful too. We just felt the peace inside this mosque.

Oh yes, I remembered that I needed to give some gifts to Musa Omur. Musa Omur is a friend introduced by Cemlattin Aydogan, a Turkish Person living in Indonesia. As Cemalattin adviced me, I brought for Musa Abi seven Indomies. I would like to contact him by my cellphone. But my cell phone credits was empty, I need a turkish cell phone. Thanks Allah, Cumhur allowed me to borrow Cumhur's cellphone to contact him. Thanks Allah, Musa Omur was at the square too. We agreed to meet at the Aya Sofia's entrance.

inside the Blue Mosque: Cumhur Abi and Fahmi

Finally, we met at the entrance gate of Aya Sofia. We talked light things in Indonesia and english. Really, it was very nice to speak indonesian freely there. Since at that time, Luthfu Abi, Cumhur abi, and I were directing to Aya Sofia, while musa abi were directing to somewhere else, I told him to meet again in the Sultan Ahmet II Mosque at Dzuhur prayer time. We were planning to pray dzuhur there.

Inside Aya Sofia

We continued to enter The Aya Sofia. In fact, it was a great mosque before. Right now, it is a Museum. The museum showed us how the Aya sofia used by East Roman Empire, Ottoman State, and by the turkish republic. It was really big old building. There was a construction structure under the dome of aya sofia. Cumhur told me that structure had already been there for a long time. It was really surprising me that many christian symbols were side by side with muslim's. I felt unease with that condition. Actually, the athan prayer was calling us. We just moved faster to see what important there and directly went to Blue Mosque. Unfortunately, We lost the Jama'ah for dzuhur prayer.

We directed to the Blue Mosque and did dzuhur prayer there. We were waiting for Musa Abi. But, Musa abi had already been on our side. We just talked light things directly after doing the prayer. I have brought the gift for him inside the mosque. Cumhur abi helped me to take the gift from the car.

When I have given him the indonesian noodles, he directly said to me. “Oh kamu sudah buat malu saya ya (Oh, you make me shy)” He said to me. I didn't get it why he said it to me. But any way, It did'nt have any bad meaning. I just guesed that he wanted to give me gifts too. It was quite right. He gave a free pass to enter the Topkapi palace, the palace of Ottoman Empire!

In Front Topkapi Gate: Luthfu Abi and Fahmi

Topkapi was just near from Sultan Ahmet Square. We had entered the ex-kitchen of the kingdom, the jewelery room, and then the sacred room. There were some amazing collections in the sacred room. Those amazing collections made my brother cumhur abi in tears. Really, He has a very soft hearth. He told me that all of those amazing collections are worthy to pay off any must-see things in Istanbul. Inside the room, Alqur'an is recited in 24 hours.

It was time for doing ashar prayer. So we ended up to see other things in the Palace. We headed to pray. Luthfu abi did it first, while I and Cumhur were doing ablution in the square. We met luthfu abi again in his car, than he brought us to a small beautiful mosque. Finally, We did ashar prayer there. The final agenda in Istanbul was visiting Sya'ban Abi, one of Luthfu's family. After visitting him, we four, together with Sya'ban abi were heading to Karabuk and Safranbolu. When we were on our way, we stopped one time to have dinner and to pray maghrib.

I was sleeping in the car. When we arrived in Karabuk, Cumhur wake me up and noticed me some landmarks. He showed me his Quran School and the Karabuk University. It was already late at night. I thought that every one in Karabuk-Safranbolu town had slept. Then Luthfu abi stopped his car, Cumhur abi told me that we arrived to his apartment. I took my luggage, gave him hug. I hoped I can see him soon.

It was very quite Inside the apartment. But, I heard some light laughs and talks from the upstairs. Were they cumhur's family? Oh it was right. They didn't get rest. What a warm welcome. I didn't know what to say. I just said bende memnun oldum and salam 'alaikum entering cumhur's flat. Cumhur might inform them before. Subhanallah. When the time to sleep came, I got rest in the same room with Recep Tayyib, Cumhur's Second son. Thanks very much!

Recep Tayyib's room

Waw! Sulaimaniye Complex

2008-11-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

Suleymaniye Mosque Exterior

From Eyub Al-anshori Mosque, We went to the Sulemayniye Mosque and its Complex. The Mosque is One of the best works of Mimar Sinan, the greatest turkish Arcithect. What surprised me first was The Cumhur's Question. “As you are an Engineer, in your opinion, How long was this Mosque built?” he asked to me. In Fact, I didn't know the history of the mosque at that time. I just answered him, “20 years”, as I knew that Taj Mahal was built in 22 years as well. Oh, I did a mistake. Mimar Sinan is much greater dan Shah Jehan from the moghul Kingdom in India. Cumhur told me that Sinan needed 6 years for the basic foundation of and only 2 months for the rest of all! Subhanallah, only two months for the rest. It was in 1550-1557.

Daruzziyafe, The Complex around, and Luthfu Abi :)

Suleymaniye Complex consists a big mosque, Daruzziyafe, shops, parks, graves, some student's rooms, and many other buildings. Each rooms has its owned dome. Not only human who gain the beneficiaries, but also the animals (birds, cats, and so on) around. Some small water surface-container are provided for them.

Small water surface-containers around

For more details about the magnificent of Sulaymaniye Complex, Check this link. We entered the Daruzziyafe, a place in Suleymaniye Complex used to serve foods for the poor at the time when Suleymaniye governed the kingdom. Right now, it is used as a restaurant. Ohhh, really! So many tourists came at that time, Moslems and nonmoslems.

Sulaymaniye Visitors

We were going to see the mausoleum of Sulaymaniye and his wife (at the left side of the photograph). When I was entering the mausoleum, I saw many people starring about the grave. There were so many symbols. Cumhur Abi helped me to distinguish two of them. The first symbol is a unique white thing above the Sulaymaniye's grave . It was the crown of the sulaymaniye. It was just the ihram (Kafan) used for clothing the dead man. So he was preparing himself ready to die wherever and whenever. What a big man! Than the full of spirit symbols of the Ottoman kingdom. Some weapons and old guns was put there, on the icon.

Luthfu Abi, Cumhur Abi, me inside the mausoleum of Sulaymaniye

After looking around, we headed to the inside of the mousque. Oh, The Mosque was under restoration. But no problem, Cumhur still explained me the uniqueness of this mosque. First, the Mihrab, the place where imam leads the prayers, there is a pair of pillars. These pillars will rotate when the earthquake happens. It is the earthquake-durable construction! Then, He told me that this mosque is completed with entrances and its owned unique pattern. What a masterpiece! It is an unmatched world class engineering and artwork achievement.

First Morning in Istanbul (A full of Love Journey 2)

2008-10-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Shubuh in Osman Mousque

First Night and Morning in Istanbul were really too cool for me. It was cloudy, Thankfully, the heater was working. After getting rest enough, we managed our time to pray tahajjud, witir and sunnah qobliyah shubuh in the flat, before going to the Osman Nuri Topbaş Mosque. Walhamdulillah, we could arrive there, and prayed together with Osman Hoca. He was about to go to other Turkmenistan countries this week. He would like to say good bye by praying shubuh there. Fi amanillah. One great advice for me came there from a Arabic-speaking-wise-man. After doing light arabic conversation, He told me to make my Arabic language better. “ فحسّن عربيتك!” He said to me. Insya Allah

In the Morning, Outside the Ebu Eyub Al Anshori Mosque

Ebu Eyub al Anshori Mosque

The Exterior of Ebu Eyub Al-anshori Mosque

After praying shubuh with Osman Nuri Hoca Efendi, we went to one of the greatest mosque in istanbul. Ebu Eyub Al-Anshori Mosque, one of the companion of Rasulullah Shollallahu 'alaihi Wa Sallam, has been burried there. Cumhur told me that this mosque was full in every shubuh prayers. It is one good news for me. In the middle of the mosque, A Big Old tree lives. It is said that the mosque is as old as the tree. Near to the tree, so many person kept standing up to pray for Ebu Eyub, Radiallhu anhu. When the gate for seeing the grave closer was opened, I came closer to the grave and read the 10^th verse of Surat Alhashr in Qur'an.

ربنا اغفر لنا و لاخواننا الذين سبقونا بالايمان و لا تجعل في قلوبنا غلا للذين آمنوا ربنا انك رءوف رحيم

"Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed. Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful."

In Front Of Ebu Eyub's Grave, near to the Big Tree in the middle of The Mosque

This mosque really amazed me. There were so many pigeons around. I saw the Turkish grave for my first time. While The exterior is beautifully built, Inside the mosque, The Interior is greatly designed, completed with some beautiful pattern on both, the wall and the roof. Subhanallah. Let us take a look below

Graves with Turkish Style around the Mosque

Some of the Roof's Pattern inside the Mosque

We three (from Left: Luthfullah, Cumhur, and me), inside the mosque, in front of mimbar

The Roof's Interior of The Mosque

Inside the Mosque, Luthfu abi was in front of the Mimbar

After praying and looking around the Mosque, we were going to have our breakfast. There were so many restaurants, but Luthfu Abi chose Öztürk. We had some fired potatos, boiled eggs, and of course jam, honey, and breads! I loved them.

Some Restaurants and Commercial Places around Ebu Eyub Mosque

Having Break Fast in the Öztürk

Luthfu Abi sat together with the Pigeons

Cumhur Abi with Ebu Eyub Al-Anshory Mosque

To be Continued.....

A full of love Journey (First Night)

2008-10-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

Karabuk Town from Karabuk Universitesi

Lastly, This October 2008 I could fulfill one of my brother's great invitation to come to Turkey. The invitation was made two years a go, explicitly in Mecca when I was in Haj. What I have experienced in the journey made me wanted to be one of the Sufi society, making more meaningful things, and spreading love around the globe. Insya Allah.

First Meeting First

Arriving in Turkey at 17.55, I directly sent an SMS to my beloved kardeş Cumhur, thankfully He directly replied the SMS and told me, that he was waiting for me at the exit gate. After getting my baggage and giving up to be in very long line for getting Turkish Currency on the Airport Money Changers, I went to the exit gate looking around for him without any Turkish currency in my pocket. I hoped I could meet him directly and didn't make him waiting for me too long. Unfortunately, so many people was there, and everyone was welcoming all the passengers. It was very crowded and impossible for me to notice him with them. I continued walking around. Oh Allah, I didn't see Cumhur. I thought what I should do.......

I was keeping looking around, then I found someone looked very similar. He looked like Luthfullah to me, although at the first time I was not sure who he was. But Because I could not wait to see him, I made my self sure to ask that person, with a simple Arabic language, as simple as the greeting I used to talk with the real Luthfullah in front of Kaaba two years ago. I asked him, “Hal Anta Luthfullah”. Oh Allah, It was quite right. He directly gave me smile and hug. Allah helped us again and again to meet, and again the first person to see was Luthfullah. He is always The first Turkish person that makes my eyes caught with the Anatolian people and their land. Luthfu Abi was doing dzikr to Allah there. He directly found Cumhur to be grouped together again. Oh Allah, Brother Cumhur did waited for me at the exit gate. Than We three were just going to Airport Mosque to do maghrib prayer.

Seeing Osman Nuri Topbaş and other amazing people

We did the maghrib prayer at the airport masjid. We directly move to Luthfullah's Car. Cumhur Abi was the driver. Truth to be told, Cumhur really drove the car very very fast to make us ready to pray together with a very special man in Sultan Tepe. Unfortunately, The day was Saturday, and Istanbul was very crowded. But I found the nice things, Luthfu Abi shows me the Galatasaray's Stadium and other important places and landmarks in Istanbul. Oh thank Allah, Cumhur did his best and made us arrived while the special man, Osman Nuri Topbaş was still there. Although we did the isya prayer alone, we still had chance to see and to shake our hand with him. And the most important thing, I can see his shining peaceful face owned only by extraordinary person. Allahumma Laka Alhamdu.

Seeing Osman brought us to another Hoca (Great Teacher), Suleiman Derin. He was the first person, welcoming us in the Osman Mosque's Doors. He is the Doctor in Theologists Faculty in Istanbul. The reason why he chose that faculty was Osman Hoca's Advice. Although He had already studied in English Faculty for two years, He followed Osman's advice to change to the faculty. He said to me that his decision was really right. He could finish the theologists faculty in three years and got scholarships for continuing his study in Britain. “Following his advice really gave me many positive things” He said. After finishing the prayer, I, Cumhur, Luthfullah, and Suleiman were going to the very special restaurant in Istanbul. The restaurant has a very ancient building owned by one of the general in Ottoman State. While we had dinner together, I became the slowest to finish the food. Turkish person really eats very fast. But any way I enjoyed my first Turkish food in Istanbul.

First Dinner in Turkey (Sultan Tepe, Istanbul)

After Finishing the food, we continued the journey to drop Suleiman near to his apartment. Although already late at night, we had one more person to visit before getting rest. He was Abdul Qadir, One of Luthfullah's friend in Istanbul. He is a notary. We did talked light things, and Abdul Qadir served us the second dinner. In fact, I had enough with my first dinner. But, I tried my best to finish the tea and some foods. I surprised with Cumhur Abi that could continue having dinner again. Even, Luthfu abi gave an example to finish the corn served. Really it was very lovely things. They really love to eat together. Visiting abdul Kadir was the final agenda for my first night in Istanbul and Turkey.

Dinner in Abdul Kadir's House

We continued to go to our flat owned by Aziz Machmud Hudai Foundation. We took our rest there, a very beautiful nice flat. Both, Luthfu Abi and Cumhur Abi, told me who Aziz Machmud Hudai, the name of the foundation, was. Oh Subhanallah, He was the teacher of the Sultan Ahmet II, who had The Blue Mosque built.

The Flat owned by Aziz Mahmud Hudaya Foundation in Istanbul

To be Continued.....

The Concept Of Information System Based Urban Solid Waste Management With Zero Waste Vision

2008-08-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

Here you are, my individual research of this semester. This Research, The Concept of Information System Based Urban Solid Waste Management With Zero Waste Vision, is discussing about modelling the information system that supports Urban Solid Waste Management. The Model is in Use Case UML Diagram. You can download the abstract of the research here. For more things related to the research, please contact me, fahmi.machda@gmail.com. I'll be very happy to be your partner to make the concept realized or in any other research activities related to my field of interest*. I'm awaiting your comments and critics. thanks.

*My field of interest: Management Information System, Urban Management, Environment Management.

One Great Aims of many great people

2008-07-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

I'm still interested with the profile of Muhammad Yunus (the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, 2006). Some of His statements captured my hearth. One of them was stated in Massachusset Institute Technology Commencement (June 6, 2008). He said, "I had no idea whether my life would someday be relevant to anyone else's. But in the mid-seventies, out of frustration with the terrible economic situation in Bangladesh I decided to see if I could make myself useful to one poor person a day". (more for his speech, click here. )

This statement has proven that a human will be great if he is useful to people. May Allah make this spirit of this statement be in each our hearth and convey us to ramadhan. Sya'ban Mubarak.

One Hope in The Three Months

2008-07-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

When the best of the best month is getting nearer and nearer, A Hope to be there is getting bigger and bigger. So, it is necessery to hope to our Lord, Allah SWT, to convey us there. Oh Allah, please bless us in Receb and Sya'ban, and Convey us to Ramadhan.

اللهم بارك لنا

في رجب و شعبان

و بلغنا رمضان

Salam Aleykum Kardeş

United Muslim Nations Organization

2008-06-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

An Organization is held for doing objectives that only can be achieved effectively by well-organized resources or the objectives that are mandated to a certain group. Talking the largest group or community in the world, Muslim Nations, The existence of the organization of this group is very urgent. Because this group has been mandated by Allah and his messenger Sholla Allahu Alaihi wa Alih some world-class objectives.

Syaikh Husein bin Muhammad bin Ali Jabir, MA (an Alumnus of Islamiyah University of Madinah) said in his book – The Way to Jama'atil Muslimin – that Muslim Nations Community at least has ten goals. The ten goals consist of six general goals and four particular goals. The general goals are Struggling till all of human beings pray and obey to Allah, running the amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar principles, delivering call for Islam to all man kinds, removing fitnah around the globe, conquering Rome, the capital city of Italy, and Pushing people to swear in the name of the right name.

The special goals are educating the Muslim's personality, running Islamic family, making Islamic society, and uniting all of Muslim Nations. We as Muslims, have a lot of potentials to be really united. By explicting and making important these kinds variables around us: One Aqidah, Right Ibadah, Islamic Norms and Behaviors, Muslims' History, Arabic Language, One Way of Life, Law, and Leadership.

It is Reflected that all of mandated-to-Muslims goals are not easy and need very excellent-long term-comprehensive strategies, so we can prove that we are the rahmatul lil'alamin (the Mercy for universe).

The history of our prophet has showed us that He Shollallahu Alaihi wa Alih also made an Organization. According to syaikh Al-Jabir, What he made is the first form of Muslim Nation Organization. It consists of Basis and Pillars, Ummat Islam as the Basis and Syura' and Imamah as the Pillars. Let's take a look deeper to those three things.

Ummat can be defined as a group that is united with or without force. Ummat Islam as the basis has these criteria, be free from syirik, have comprehensive aqidah, rabbani principle, perfect principles, moderate principles, be witness of human history.

Syura' as the first pillar is very strategic. Because its role is important in uniting Muslim Nations. Syura' is the one that choose the Muslim's leader, some might call it Kholifah. Syura' can be translated in English to 'a conference team'. Many well-considered opinions and decisions will be declared by them so the well things can be hoped and the bad things can be avoided. This team consists of uniquely characterized people. They must be fear to Allah, have Islamic morality, be free of any iniquities, Understand Al-Qur'an and Sunnah, be expert and well qualified in their own particular field, Smart and Mature, be Honest and responsible. It's possible if there are more than one Syura', Because they must be expert in their filed.

The Second pillar is Leadership. The Highest leader in Islam is Kholifah. It is the top of Muslim Nation Organization all over the world, Spiritually and Emotionally. The Leader is responsible for any ummah's conditions, and he must make it better and better. Kholifah is chosen by the Syura' by considering these criteria, Islamic Morality, Has Must-have Knowlede, Healthy enough, Wide insight of ummah's welfare, and dare enough not only to protect friends and brothers, but also to fight with enemies. Allah Knows More (Wallahu a'lam).

2007-12-26T08:36:00.000-08:00