If stupidity comes from the word stupid, then idiotic would definitely come from the word idiot.
So what's the problem then?
Nothing. Even the word stupid itself is okay simply because it only explains about a condition where people acting irrationally on something. as for me, i did all the stupid things i could get my hands off.
Although knowing how stupidly i will turn out to be in debate, i stupidly indulge myself into it. Knowing that i have endless talks and love to actually spit everything out non stop, i stupidly continue to do talk the stupid talk.
The best part of all, knowing stupidly that i can't bear with many things, still, i stupidly take in charge of the whole cohort. Stupid isn't it?
anyone, or whosoever willing to read my blog, do u think that i am stupid enough to actually be a leader?
sorry, i can't think of any stupid things anymore.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Man ana?
Who am I actually?
Looking through life, to and fro, not others life but my own. I wish I could say that I'm living a decent life right now. 'Decent' here mean that I have yet to acquire certain characteristics in which I should already have.
Comparing myself with others, although might say that i shouldn't compare, still, the comparison had enlightened me with numerous things.
While some struggle so much to obtained what they want, or give it the best while doing things they like the most, me? I stood staring blankly at them, envious, yet doing nothing to at least learn some lesson out of it.
Others, working so hard to make life easier but me? I don't think i even know how to actually appreciate things. Laptops, shoes, shirts, handphones, mp3, watches. In all my life i'm not quite sure why i'm not deeply attach to it. Some people had also receive things from others and yet they treasure it deeply. Why is it so hard for me?
Apart from that, why is it so hard for me to be independent, standing on my own? Molla, jal morumnida (i really don't know).
Then, after all of these, i'm still feeling envious with others seeing they're living happily. What am i actually?
Jinjja, na nappun namja ya. (Really, I'm truly a bad person)
i have nothing but TALKing a lotttttttttttttttttttttt.
Can't drive a bike, don't have the guts to drive the car, very poor public relationship, self-centered, what else do i actually have?
Looking through life, to and fro, not others life but my own. I wish I could say that I'm living a decent life right now. 'Decent' here mean that I have yet to acquire certain characteristics in which I should already have.
Comparing myself with others, although might say that i shouldn't compare, still, the comparison had enlightened me with numerous things.
While some struggle so much to obtained what they want, or give it the best while doing things they like the most, me? I stood staring blankly at them, envious, yet doing nothing to at least learn some lesson out of it.
Others, working so hard to make life easier but me? I don't think i even know how to actually appreciate things. Laptops, shoes, shirts, handphones, mp3, watches. In all my life i'm not quite sure why i'm not deeply attach to it. Some people had also receive things from others and yet they treasure it deeply. Why is it so hard for me?
Apart from that, why is it so hard for me to be independent, standing on my own? Molla, jal morumnida (i really don't know).
Then, after all of these, i'm still feeling envious with others seeing they're living happily. What am i actually?
Jinjja, na nappun namja ya. (Really, I'm truly a bad person)
i have nothing but TALKing a lotttttttttttttttttttttt.
Can't drive a bike, don't have the guts to drive the car, very poor public relationship, self-centered, what else do i actually have?
Friday, August 7, 2009
A moment to remember....
Salam....
How's life everyone? Good? Bad? Having a tough time surviving in this world?
I don't know. For me, i'm considering myself to be experiencing both of them. Because i see or should i say, God inspired me, that whatsoever happens in life, it is supposed to be treasured and not be ignored.
There's a verse from Al-Quran stating that, things we think it is good for us, might be actually bad for us, while, things in which we assume is bad for us, might be essential to us.
Come to think of it, isn't it true?
I've seen people or should i say watch some dramas and movies where some people most likely had to endure life in the utmost alien condition whereas they have to strive and suffer till the end of their last breath.
A very good example of it would be, the J-drama or Japanese Drama, Ichi Ritoru No Namida or One Litre of tears. It is a story about how a very young girl suffers from spinocerebellar antaxia (i don't know correct or not the spelling) in which she will be slowly losing control of her body simply because of some part of her brain is degenerating day by day.
It begins, when she realizes that she often stumbles when she walks, and that many weird things happen to her that other youngsters around her did not face.
One part of the story shows that, due to her condition, she had to trouble her friends and family and that she had always says "Gomenasai ('m sorry)" as she felt she is being troublesome to people around her. Then, one day, her mother encourages her that she must go on with life no matter what happens and always appreciate others. From asking for forgiveness, she then says to people, "Arigato (Thank You)".
One Korean Movie entitled , "A moment to remember" (what an irony), is a story about how a twenty seven years old woman, suffer from alzheimer. Her hsuband did everything not to loss her till the end. He even said, "Why should your soul be forgotten? I will remember things for you."
If you guys have the time to watch these two great entertainment, do watch. Seriously, do watch it. Both of them left great impacts towards me on my views towards life.
Not just that. I think what happens to those two characters, and also to many others around the world are a sign that God is giving us the chance to be closer to Him in a very sentimental manner. There is a saying that men would only treasure something only after they lose it. Losing things that is precious to us would help us to be more independent and also hopeful to God that He will guide us through all the hardships that we had to endure before the day of judgement comes. Usually, men would seek God if they are broke, so if those who had to undergone such experience, let us hope that their faith towards God is strong and that they did not lose their hope until the day they die.
How's life everyone? Good? Bad? Having a tough time surviving in this world?
I don't know. For me, i'm considering myself to be experiencing both of them. Because i see or should i say, God inspired me, that whatsoever happens in life, it is supposed to be treasured and not be ignored.
There's a verse from Al-Quran stating that, things we think it is good for us, might be actually bad for us, while, things in which we assume is bad for us, might be essential to us.
Come to think of it, isn't it true?
I've seen people or should i say watch some dramas and movies where some people most likely had to endure life in the utmost alien condition whereas they have to strive and suffer till the end of their last breath.
A very good example of it would be, the J-drama or Japanese Drama, Ichi Ritoru No Namida or One Litre of tears. It is a story about how a very young girl suffers from spinocerebellar antaxia (i don't know correct or not the spelling) in which she will be slowly losing control of her body simply because of some part of her brain is degenerating day by day.
It begins, when she realizes that she often stumbles when she walks, and that many weird things happen to her that other youngsters around her did not face.
One part of the story shows that, due to her condition, she had to trouble her friends and family and that she had always says "Gomenasai ('m sorry)" as she felt she is being troublesome to people around her. Then, one day, her mother encourages her that she must go on with life no matter what happens and always appreciate others. From asking for forgiveness, she then says to people, "Arigato (Thank You)".
One Korean Movie entitled , "A moment to remember" (what an irony), is a story about how a twenty seven years old woman, suffer from alzheimer. Her hsuband did everything not to loss her till the end. He even said, "Why should your soul be forgotten? I will remember things for you."
If you guys have the time to watch these two great entertainment, do watch. Seriously, do watch it. Both of them left great impacts towards me on my views towards life.
Not just that. I think what happens to those two characters, and also to many others around the world are a sign that God is giving us the chance to be closer to Him in a very sentimental manner. There is a saying that men would only treasure something only after they lose it. Losing things that is precious to us would help us to be more independent and also hopeful to God that He will guide us through all the hardships that we had to endure before the day of judgement comes. Usually, men would seek God if they are broke, so if those who had to undergone such experience, let us hope that their faith towards God is strong and that they did not lose their hope until the day they die.
"God didn't promise that life is going to be easy.
But He did promise that He will be accompanying us all the way through, if we want Him to"
p/s: Just clisk to the links and you will be directed to the page where you can watch the drama and movies online.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Life like this...
Annyong...
Chal chinae yo? (How are you guys doing?)
Me? Just doing fine, doing quite great actually, only a few coughs here and there, nothing much.
This time, i would like to share my views upon things that happened around me. It's funny that as you grow older and older you tend to take into serious consideration about changes that occur in your life. Among those changes i see one particular thing that i think it is good to be talked about, and have a say of it.
Have you guys ever wonder why certain catastrophe or bad things happens to you, and only you and not towards other person? To me, i had always believe that when such thing occur, it is best for me to not to pin point the faults or the reasons towards other people, but to reflect upon yourself what have you done either in the past or present.
I have experienced a few bumps in my life and i know it occur either because of my fault or that is just God wanted to put me into a test so that i could be a better person. When it comes to facing challenges, people often try their hardest to not blame or should i say refer to themselves first and would likely to point at others before themselves. Apart from that, many would love to act upon this word...... A. S. S. U. M. P. T . I . O . N.
They assume that they are actually the one who is being oppressed, bullied around, picked upon and many other terminologies that is related to it. But, if we look hard into ourselves, is it true that such things really occur, or is it just our "perceived disagreement"?
People say they are all fussed about when their requirements, desires, hopes and needs are not up to their standard. They demand things to go according to their own way. Well, people could thing as such if they want to, but do bear in mind that this life is not yours, it had never been, nor it never has, and definitely it never was. Your path had been planned out for you, and if you choose to take the wrong road, then go on. No one's stopping you.
Coming back on the "being fussy" issue, i would like to ask another sincere question, if you really want life as what you want it to be, tell me, if other ask of the same thing, did you or did you not meet up to their standards as well? If you do, thank goodness, if not, it is better for us to think who we actually are before demanding on certain things that sometimes it is not ours but we think it is ours.
For some, they would also demand other to 'change' according to what they 'assume' is supposed to be. For example, a person should not be demanding on certain things and should always consider other point of view when it comes to decision making. Or some would also say that, "You should treat people more politely, than what you are doing right now." or something like that.
This two examples brought up two inquiries that we should answer. the first one is, "If we want other to change, shouldn't we too do the changes to ourselves?". Secondly, "Should a person be as who he or she was, or should they change simply because we ask them to change?" The second question arises, as people had often use these phrase, "Be your self". So tell me, what does that phrase actually pin pointing out?
I would like to share one more point of view, but maybe perhaps later simply because, "learning is a process, and it is done rather in a step-by-step manner".
I do hope that we all can actually learn, if not everything at least something from this post of mine.
p/s: This post is only intended for us to do some 'check and balance' to me myself and for others as well. No intention on pulling down or mocking or bringing hurt or dissatisfaction towards people who read this post.
Chal chinae yo? (How are you guys doing?)
Me? Just doing fine, doing quite great actually, only a few coughs here and there, nothing much.
This time, i would like to share my views upon things that happened around me. It's funny that as you grow older and older you tend to take into serious consideration about changes that occur in your life. Among those changes i see one particular thing that i think it is good to be talked about, and have a say of it.
Have you guys ever wonder why certain catastrophe or bad things happens to you, and only you and not towards other person? To me, i had always believe that when such thing occur, it is best for me to not to pin point the faults or the reasons towards other people, but to reflect upon yourself what have you done either in the past or present.
I have experienced a few bumps in my life and i know it occur either because of my fault or that is just God wanted to put me into a test so that i could be a better person. When it comes to facing challenges, people often try their hardest to not blame or should i say refer to themselves first and would likely to point at others before themselves. Apart from that, many would love to act upon this word...... A. S. S. U. M. P. T . I . O . N.
They assume that they are actually the one who is being oppressed, bullied around, picked upon and many other terminologies that is related to it. But, if we look hard into ourselves, is it true that such things really occur, or is it just our "perceived disagreement"?
People say they are all fussed about when their requirements, desires, hopes and needs are not up to their standard. They demand things to go according to their own way. Well, people could thing as such if they want to, but do bear in mind that this life is not yours, it had never been, nor it never has, and definitely it never was. Your path had been planned out for you, and if you choose to take the wrong road, then go on. No one's stopping you.
Coming back on the "being fussy" issue, i would like to ask another sincere question, if you really want life as what you want it to be, tell me, if other ask of the same thing, did you or did you not meet up to their standards as well? If you do, thank goodness, if not, it is better for us to think who we actually are before demanding on certain things that sometimes it is not ours but we think it is ours.
For some, they would also demand other to 'change' according to what they 'assume' is supposed to be. For example, a person should not be demanding on certain things and should always consider other point of view when it comes to decision making. Or some would also say that, "You should treat people more politely, than what you are doing right now." or something like that.
This two examples brought up two inquiries that we should answer. the first one is, "If we want other to change, shouldn't we too do the changes to ourselves?". Secondly, "Should a person be as who he or she was, or should they change simply because we ask them to change?" The second question arises, as people had often use these phrase, "Be your self". So tell me, what does that phrase actually pin pointing out?
I would like to share one more point of view, but maybe perhaps later simply because, "learning is a process, and it is done rather in a step-by-step manner".
I do hope that we all can actually learn, if not everything at least something from this post of mine.
p/s: This post is only intended for us to do some 'check and balance' to me myself and for others as well. No intention on pulling down or mocking or bringing hurt or dissatisfaction towards people who read this post.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sarang Bakke Neun Molla
"I only know of love..."
Well, at least that is what the title means.
Well, at least that is what the title means.
Love. Sarang. Ai. Hubb. Cinta.
What does these words actually means?
Judging by the look of it, one could consider it as one of the most valuable feeling in life. The moments spent with the loved ones seems like an endless fantasy, like you are being fed with ecstasy, that know no boundaries, but only creating the sense of intimacy.
Have I fallen in love? or should i say, Can i fall in love?
Before answering such question, won't it be better that we understand what's the priciple that lies behind this sensational emotions that people all over the world would actually do anything just to taste the gist of it?
Some say, love is beautiful. Others, love is blind. Also, love is difficult, painful, obsolete, curios,
harmful, childish and many other definition that people gave either based on their experience or the knowledge that they acquire.
How did it happen? Some face it in a very romantic, face-to-face confrontation, kind of love. While, some might experience it in a very peculiar manner, such as accidentally bump towards each other at one place and instantly fall in love at the first sight or after being provoked with so many assumption, that previously nothing occur between the two of them, till it become something out of those two.
Me? Guess how my 'love story' works. Actually, i was wondering, do i actually have a 'love story'?
Many would consider me as a type of guy, who is rather sensitive, or to put in a much better word, 'sentimental', has at least taste the bite of love cake in life. Judging by certain way i react, they might even perceive me as someone who has a lot of experience regarding to love since i speak so much or seems to understand so much about it.
To tell you the truth, there's only been 'monkey love' in my life, where nothing much like a human 'true love life', as it was only temporary.There's two story behind it. I am actually rather resistant on continuing my effort on writing about my personal life, but i think i shold get certain things cleared out of my face and my life so that i could live a more peaceful life.
The first one, was rather a comparison between me and my friends of 'standard six'. At that time, i see many of my friends (not close friends though), had already got their couples and so forth (bad habit, can't resist of using these two words). So i thought, if others have their own partners, why should i be left alone? To make thing short, i found a girl in which i kind of like. Don't ask the description, not telling anyway, but it doesn't actually seems like a love story at all. Yeah, i was very immature at that time (just a quick announcement, i'm more matured now compared to then) but never had the chance to say it in front of her. But honestly, now when i think of it, it was rather stupid and i gain nothing from it. Since there was nothing to it, i mean NOTHING at all to it, and i have to transfer to Sabah, i'm happily leaving that life behind and ignore it for the rest of my life.
Then the second was when i was in Sabah. This time, it wasn't me, it was the surrounding. Have you heard that when a person, is oppressed or heavily influenced by his or her surrounding, the person will sooner or later go down wuth the influence. Well, basically, that's what happen. People start to 'join' us there and again and lastly, it just seem to happen. But still, honestly, don't think of anything else, or anything extravaganza, 13 years old is still way too immature for a love life. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, and it all ended when i was again, have to move, and this time, ito Terengganu. At least this time, i have a bit of the emotions that arise when people are in love. The experience give me an overview on why people say that love is beautiful.
That's it. Nothing out of the ordinary. And now, listen up, this is rather the most important part of this lengthy post (truly sorry if it is too lengthy). Now or in Korean, chigum, or in Arabic, al-aan, or in Malay, sekarang, i have learn such a valuable lesson about love. Actually, i learn this while i was in form four and form five (no love story during these period).
Love is a precious gift that God have given to you. Whether you want it or not, it will soon arrive at your doorstep even if you're not prepare for it. Well, at least for love between human being. What i have learnt is that, true love among human can only be obtained if and only if there's the element of 'faith' towards God in it.
Loving another person, you'd probably want to live together forever and ever. That's is why many would 'seek' love before they undergone the marital stage. They think, that in order to be fully prepared for a marriage, you need to have a 'test drive' of it first. The desire to went out dating, having romantic time together, i dunno expecting to see each other all the time (hey, i don't have such experience okay) would need to be done before marriage.
But, let me ask everyone, even myself, in that case, after marriage, after having done so many things together, what else should there to be done?
Let's have a checklist; you've went out dating at the shopping complex, watching movies in the cinema together, having dinner at KFC, or any restaurants, exchanging presents ad gifts now and then, sometimes for no reasons at all, spending credits of prepaid to at least call each other once a day and other stuff. Hey, i'm not stopping anyone right here. I haven't got the right to tell what people should or should not do. Everyone have already mind of their own right?
But, honestly, would you be able to continue doing these activities after both of you set foot on the doorstep of marriage, especially, after soon having children and bigger family in life? Yes, it depends on the individual isn't it? Everyone is different, and have their own means of doing things.
I'm not saying that i'm stopping the passion of love that is burning in the mind and soul of those who are already in love right now. Do what you think is right to you, but as the saying goes, do human actually knows what they actually want in life?
I think i should end it here. Before that, i would to make several announcement.
1. I LET MY FATE REGARDING LOVE TO GOD AND I WILL TRY ACCEPT WHOEVER IT IS, BUT DEFINITELY NOT AROUD THESE TIME.
2. THERE'S NO ONE AND I DON'T HAVE THE INTENTION TO LET ANYONE ENTER MY REALM OF REALITY (LIKE WHAT I SAID NOT NOW)
3. PLEASE STOP ASSUMING THAT I AM IGNITING THE PASSION OF THIS FEELING BECAUSE I AM NOT.
4. MY WORDS ARE JUST ANOTHER FORM OF INFORMATION THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE, AND NOT INTENDED TO HURT OTHERS, BUT TO ENLIGHTEN ONLY.
Rumi once said,
"If i love You, I love myself, If i love myself, I love You"
(note that this YOU, I referred it to GOD)
(note that this YOU, I referred it to GOD)
to be continued........
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Understanding Art: Drama
Bonjour
Dramas had been one of many type of entertainment that allow viewers to go through along with the story a bit more details compared to yonghwa (movies/film in Korean language). Still, the impact is just as similar as movies or films. Dramas usually ranges from romance, comedy, humanity, school, and it also usually combine two to three of these elements.
For this post, i would like to share three dramas, in which comes from the same origin, but had been interpreted as well as influenced by the production geographical factors, such as language, culture and etc.
Meteor Garden (Taiwan version), Hana Yori Dango (Japanese Version) and Boys Before Flower/Boys Over Flower (Korean Version) all share the same storyline where a group of spoiled youngsters form a group called 'F4' and they were the one that 'controls' their educational institute (most of them are still students, only on different levels) with their money and influence. Again this is just the introduction of on how should we understand dramas as part of art.
Here are some pictures of them,
Dramas had been one of many type of entertainment that allow viewers to go through along with the story a bit more details compared to yonghwa (movies/film in Korean language). Still, the impact is just as similar as movies or films. Dramas usually ranges from romance, comedy, humanity, school, and it also usually combine two to three of these elements.
For this post, i would like to share three dramas, in which comes from the same origin, but had been interpreted as well as influenced by the production geographical factors, such as language, culture and etc.
Meteor Garden (Taiwan version), Hana Yori Dango (Japanese Version) and Boys Before Flower/Boys Over Flower (Korean Version) all share the same storyline where a group of spoiled youngsters form a group called 'F4' and they were the one that 'controls' their educational institute (most of them are still students, only on different levels) with their money and influence. Again this is just the introduction of on how should we understand dramas as part of art.
Here are some pictures of them,
Meteor Garden
Hana Yori Dango
Boys Before/Over Flowers
p/s: Just a note, some individuals concluded that among these three, 'Meteor Garden', was the closest interpretation (the storyline) to the original manga, while 'Hana Yori Dango' have their characters' personality as close as the characters in the original manga and that 'Boys Before/Over Flowers' have the most good looking 'F4' compared to others.
p/s: Just a note, some individuals concluded that among these three, 'Meteor Garden', was the closest interpretation (the storyline) to the original manga, while 'Hana Yori Dango' have their characters' personality as close as the characters in the original manga and that 'Boys Before/Over Flowers' have the most good looking 'F4' compared to others.
I've changed (a bit)
Konnichiwa minna san
So how do you find my blog new face? i do hope it's not too childish. just want to get rid of that stiffness around me. let's hope for more changes in the future. maybe with pictures and others. I intend to do as such, but......... (feel free to guess why)
This is also one of my first step to change into a better person. Fate, Gambate kudasai!
By the way, after this it is going to be fate for me, so please call me with the name 'fate', no specific reason, just my cyber world nickname.
Ja, ittakimasu minna. Otsakurasama deshita (Job well done, I think that is what it meant)
So how do you find my blog new face? i do hope it's not too childish. just want to get rid of that stiffness around me. let's hope for more changes in the future. maybe with pictures and others. I intend to do as such, but......... (feel free to guess why)
This is also one of my first step to change into a better person. Fate, Gambate kudasai!
By the way, after this it is going to be fate for me, so please call me with the name 'fate', no specific reason, just my cyber world nickname.
Ja, ittakimasu minna. Otsakurasama deshita (Job well done, I think that is what it meant)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Too academic? Really?
ola everyone
this few days i heard people said my blog is a bit too academic. Well actually i am trying not to be that academic, but i don't know just can't resist the idea of discussing matters in an academic manners i.e with examples and relevant details to it. Good news everyone, i'll try a bit harder to be a bit more casual after this, like what i'm trying to on my personality.
Have it come across your mind, that at certain point in your life, you haven't undergone much changes be it in your mentality, or personality or even appearance. regarding to this issue, i think, there are two main opinions about it; one stated that you should just be your own self and the other would demand you to change. If you were given such question, which one would you think best suit yourself?
i'm still in the dilemma of such ambiguities. actually, i would like to have or to acquire a gentleman personality, which include, speaking rather politely with a lot of charming gestures here and there and that his articulation bring peace to others and not bringing a disturbing atmosphere. Maybe i was asking too much. i'm not saying that i'm not grateful for who i am, but it is just that i realise certain issues i need to clear out or to at least reaching the point where i have to behave accordingly to my age.
it is the fact about being grateful or not, it is the fact that i have yet to know myself thoroughly. in addition to that, i have this initial kind of thing where people around me are being (this is just my view) rather sceptical about me trying to change to a better person.
For example, well basically i know i'm the kind of person who usually make or try to make jokes in which is usually lousy so that others could laugh around. still, at certain time,i was being rather serious and i hope others will respond accordingly, but unfortunately, they didn't.
not expressing any depression just saying out loud what i'm thinking right now. evenhough stil in the dilemma, i do hope that i become a better person each day.
Do leave out your comments for this post. It would mean tremendously lot to me.
au revoir
this few days i heard people said my blog is a bit too academic. Well actually i am trying not to be that academic, but i don't know just can't resist the idea of discussing matters in an academic manners i.e with examples and relevant details to it. Good news everyone, i'll try a bit harder to be a bit more casual after this, like what i'm trying to on my personality.
Have it come across your mind, that at certain point in your life, you haven't undergone much changes be it in your mentality, or personality or even appearance. regarding to this issue, i think, there are two main opinions about it; one stated that you should just be your own self and the other would demand you to change. If you were given such question, which one would you think best suit yourself?
i'm still in the dilemma of such ambiguities. actually, i would like to have or to acquire a gentleman personality, which include, speaking rather politely with a lot of charming gestures here and there and that his articulation bring peace to others and not bringing a disturbing atmosphere. Maybe i was asking too much. i'm not saying that i'm not grateful for who i am, but it is just that i realise certain issues i need to clear out or to at least reaching the point where i have to behave accordingly to my age.
it is the fact about being grateful or not, it is the fact that i have yet to know myself thoroughly. in addition to that, i have this initial kind of thing where people around me are being (this is just my view) rather sceptical about me trying to change to a better person.
For example, well basically i know i'm the kind of person who usually make or try to make jokes in which is usually lousy so that others could laugh around. still, at certain time,i was being rather serious and i hope others will respond accordingly, but unfortunately, they didn't.
not expressing any depression just saying out loud what i'm thinking right now. evenhough stil in the dilemma, i do hope that i become a better person each day.
Do leave out your comments for this post. It would mean tremendously lot to me.
au revoir
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Understanding Art: Prologue
Marhaban bikum (that's hello in arabic, kind of)
Jiggling here and there, i found out that i was unable to think of anything to write for the time being. Sachilya ('actually' in Korean Language) i was thinking of sharing several tips on how to analyse a song. Still, such interesting topic needed a few things to be considered and myself is not that prepared to jot down lengthy words for the time being.
Maybe perhaps i should share something a bit more light, not to say that light, or light itself, maybe a prologue about how to analyse the song.
It is as if a nature kind of thing when human being listen to songs or music and get attracted to it. Yes, and i would agree on that very much. How the song enlighten your gloomy day, enhance your happiness, provoke negative emotions and other effects songs and music have to human is one of a few reason why certain aspects about these two should be taken into consideration. Perhaps not towards a very scrutinize consideration, but just enough with having a thought about it.
Okay today i would like to share an OST (Original Sound Track) of a famous drama series (Korean Drama) entitled Boys Before Flowers or some translated it Boys Over Flowers. Let's take a look at the lyrics, (for the prologue purpose, i include only an english version of this song, taken from youtube.com)
'Because I'm Stupid'
Because i'm so stupid and such a fool,
my eyes don't see nobody but you,
eventhough i know you love someone else,
You could never know the pain that i felt, ohh...
You probably never think of me at all,
and i know we have no memories,
but the one who really wants you is me,
in the end only my tears will fall
I stay, you walk away,
i stand back watching you day by day
you can't see that i'm so in love with you,
like the wind you just fly right through, ohh...
(chorus 1)
There are days when i just miss you so much
there are days when i just long for your touch
'i love you' somehow flies right off my lips and so,
once again, i'm left crying for you
once again, i'm left here missing you
baby, i love you, i'm waiting for you
You'll probably have never dream of me,
and i know i'm in love all alone
that's why we don't really have memories,
in the end, i'l make them on my own
love's like a river of tears,
that will flow whenever you're not here
eventhough your heart will never be mine,
it's enough just seeing you smile, ohh...
(chorus 2)
there are days when i see nothing but rain,
there are days when i feel so much pain,
'i miss you' somehow flies right off my lips and so,
once again, i'm left wishing for you,
once again, i'm left here missing you,
baby, i love you, i'm waiting for you
Bye, bye never say goodbye,
Eventhough its not me by your side,
i need you, i just can't say it but i want you,
i cannot stop wishing for you
there are days when i just miss you so much
there are days when i just long for your touch
i love you' somehow flies right off my lips and so,
once again i'm left crying for you
repeat chorus 2
just try to observe the lyrisc first. Later i'll share with you you guys my personal view about this song particularly and songs and music in general context. i wish to include the audio but some technical problem occur, but to those who know the tune, do enjoy yourself with it.
we've done 'goodbyes' in Hangu Go and Nihon, for today let's end it in French, Au revoire.
Jiggling here and there, i found out that i was unable to think of anything to write for the time being. Sachilya ('actually' in Korean Language) i was thinking of sharing several tips on how to analyse a song. Still, such interesting topic needed a few things to be considered and myself is not that prepared to jot down lengthy words for the time being.
Maybe perhaps i should share something a bit more light, not to say that light, or light itself, maybe a prologue about how to analyse the song.
It is as if a nature kind of thing when human being listen to songs or music and get attracted to it. Yes, and i would agree on that very much. How the song enlighten your gloomy day, enhance your happiness, provoke negative emotions and other effects songs and music have to human is one of a few reason why certain aspects about these two should be taken into consideration. Perhaps not towards a very scrutinize consideration, but just enough with having a thought about it.
Okay today i would like to share an OST (Original Sound Track) of a famous drama series (Korean Drama) entitled Boys Before Flowers or some translated it Boys Over Flowers. Let's take a look at the lyrics, (for the prologue purpose, i include only an english version of this song, taken from youtube.com)
'Because I'm Stupid'
Because i'm so stupid and such a fool,
my eyes don't see nobody but you,
eventhough i know you love someone else,
You could never know the pain that i felt, ohh...
You probably never think of me at all,
and i know we have no memories,
but the one who really wants you is me,
in the end only my tears will fall
I stay, you walk away,
i stand back watching you day by day
you can't see that i'm so in love with you,
like the wind you just fly right through, ohh...
(chorus 1)
There are days when i just miss you so much
there are days when i just long for your touch
'i love you' somehow flies right off my lips and so,
once again, i'm left crying for you
once again, i'm left here missing you
baby, i love you, i'm waiting for you
You'll probably have never dream of me,
and i know i'm in love all alone
that's why we don't really have memories,
in the end, i'l make them on my own
love's like a river of tears,
that will flow whenever you're not here
eventhough your heart will never be mine,
it's enough just seeing you smile, ohh...
(chorus 2)
there are days when i see nothing but rain,
there are days when i feel so much pain,
'i miss you' somehow flies right off my lips and so,
once again, i'm left wishing for you,
once again, i'm left here missing you,
baby, i love you, i'm waiting for you
Bye, bye never say goodbye,
Eventhough its not me by your side,
i need you, i just can't say it but i want you,
i cannot stop wishing for you
there are days when i just miss you so much
there are days when i just long for your touch
i love you' somehow flies right off my lips and so,
once again i'm left crying for you
repeat chorus 2
just try to observe the lyrisc first. Later i'll share with you you guys my personal view about this song particularly and songs and music in general context. i wish to include the audio but some technical problem occur, but to those who know the tune, do enjoy yourself with it.
we've done 'goodbyes' in Hangu Go and Nihon, for today let's end it in French, Au revoire.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Text of Obama's speech in Cairo
By The Associated Press The
Associated Press Thu Jun 4,
9:04 am ET
Text of President Barack Obama's
speech at Cairo University, as provided by CQ Transcriptions.
Good afternoon. I am honored to be
in the timeless city of Cairo and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions.
For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has had stood as a beacon of Islamic
learning. And for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's
advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and
progress.
I'm grateful for your hospitality
and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me
the good will of the American people and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities
in my country: Assalamu-alaikum.
(APPLAUSE)
We meet at a time of great tension
between the United States and Muslims around the world, tension rooted in
historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship
between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation
but also conflict and religious wars.
More recently, tension has been fed
by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims and a Cold
War in which Muslim majority countries were too often treated as proxies
without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought
by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to
the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited
these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of
September 11, 2001, and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in
violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably
hostile not only to America and western countries but also to human rights.
All this has bred more fear and more
mistrust. So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will
empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict
rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and
prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I've come here to Cairo to seek a
new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based
on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that
America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead,
they overlap and share common principles, principles of justice and progress,
tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change
cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of publicity about this
speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust nor can I answer
in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought
us to this point.
But I am convinced that in order to
move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts
and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained
effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one
another, and to seek common ground.
As the Holy Quran tells us, Be
conscious of God and speak always the truth.
(APPLAUSE)
That is what I will try to do today,
to speak the truth as best I can. Humbled by the task before us and firm in my
belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than
the forces that drive us apart.
Now, part of this conviction is
rooted in my own experience. I'm a Christian. But my father came from a Kenyan
family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in
Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall
of dusk.
As a young man, I worked in Chicago
communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. As a
student of history, I also know civilization' s debt to Islam. It was Islam at
places like Al-Azhar that carried the light of learning through so many
centuries, paving the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment. It was
innovation in Muslim communities. ..
(APPLAUSE)
It was innovation in Muslim
communities that developed the order of algebra, our magnetic compass and tools
of navigation, our mastery of pens and printing, our understanding of how
disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic
arches and soaring spires, timeless poetry and cherished music, elegant
calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam
has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious
tolerance and racial equality.
(APPLAUSE)
I also know that Islam has always
been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco.
In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second president, John Adams,
wrote,
The United States has in itself no
character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims. And
since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States.
They have fought in our wars. They
have served in our government. They have stood for civil rights. They have
started businesses. They have taught at our universities. They've excelled in
our sports arenas. They've won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building and lit
the Olympic torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to
Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same holy Quran
that one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, kept in his personal
library.
(APPLAUSE)
So I have known Islam on three continents
before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides
my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what
Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as
president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam
wherever they appear.
(APPLAUSE)
But that same principle must apply
to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as...
(APPLAUSE)
Just as Muslims do not fit a crude
stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.
The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the
world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire.
We were founded upon the ideal that
all are created equal. And we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to
give meaning to those words, within our borders and around the world.
We are shaped by every culture.
Drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept, E
pluribus unum: Out of many, one.
Now much has been made of the fact
that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected
president.
(APPLAUSE)
But my personal story is not so
unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone
in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores. And that
includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the
way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American
average.
Moreover, freedom in America is
indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a
mosque in every state in our union and over 1,200 mosques within our borders.
That's why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right
of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
So let there be no doubt...
(APPLAUSE)
... let there be no doubt, Islam is
a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that
regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common
aspirations: to live in peace and security, to get an education and to work
with dignity, to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things
we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common
humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs
of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years
ahead. And if we understand that the challenges we face are shared and our
failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent
experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is
hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When
one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all
nations.
When violent extremists operate in
one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents
in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience.
(APPLAUSE)
That is what it means to share this
world in the 21st Century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as
human beings. This is a difficult responsibility to embrace, for human history
has often been a record of nations and tribes, and, yes, religions subjugating
one another in pursuit of their own interests.
Yet in this new age, such attitudes
are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates
one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we
think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt
with through partnership, our progress must be shared.
(APPLAUSE)
Now, that does not mean we should
ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite. We must face these
tensions squarely. And so, in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as
plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally
confront together.
The first issue that we have to
confront is violent extremism in all its forms. In Ankara, I made clear that
America is not and never will be at war with Islam.
(APPLAUSE)
We will, however, relentlessly
confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security because we
reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject, the killing of innocent
men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as president to protect the American
people.
The situation in Afghanistan
demonstrates America's goals and our need to work together. Over seven years
ago, the United States pursued Al Qaida and the Taliban with broad
international support. We did not go by choice. We went because of necessity.
I'm aware that there's still some who would question or even justify the
offense of 9/11. But let us be clear. Al Qaida killed nearly 3,000 people on
that day.
The victims were innocent men,
women, and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to
harm anybody. And yet Al Qaida chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed
credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a
massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand
their reach.
These are not opinions to be
debated. These are facts to be dealt with. Make no mistake, we do not want to
keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military -- we seek no military bases
there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is
costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict.
We would gladly bring every single
one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent
extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans
as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
And that's why we're partnering with
a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs involved, America's
commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these
extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of
different faiths but, more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their
actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of
nations, and with Islam.
The Holy Quran teaches that whoever
kills an innocent is as -- it is as it if has killed all mankind.
(APPLAUSE)
And the Holy Quran also says whoever
saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind.
(APPLAUSE)
The enduring faith of over a billion
people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of
the problem in combating violent extremism; it is an important part of
promoting peace.
Now, we also know that military
power alone is not going solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's
why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to
partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses,
and hundreds of millions to help those who've been displaced.
That's why we are providing more
than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services
that people depend on.
Now, let me also address the issue
of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong
differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the
Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I
also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use
diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever
possible.
(APPLAUSE)
Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas
Jefferson, who said, I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power and teach
us that the less we use our power, the greater it will be. Today America has a
dual responsibility to help Iraq forge a better future and to leave Iraq to
Iraqis.
I have made it clear to the Iraqi
people...
(APPLAUSE)
I have made it clear to the Iraqi
people that we pursue no basis and no claim on their territory or resources.
Iraq's sovereignty is its own. And that's why I ordered the removal of our
combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with
Iraq's democratically- elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi
cities by July and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012.
(APPLAUSE)
We will help Iraq train its security
forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as
a partner and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can
never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our
principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that
it provoked was understandable. But in some cases, it led us to act contrary to
our traditions and our ideals.
We are taking concrete actions to
change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United
States. And I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next
year.
(APPLAUSE)
So America will defend itself,
respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so
in partnership with Muslim communities, which are also threatened. The sooner
the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we
will all be safer.
Now, the second major source of
tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians
and the Arab world. America's strong bonds with Israel are well-known. This
bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties and the
recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic
history that cannot be denied.
Around the world the Jewish people
were persecuted for centuries. And anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an
unprecedented holocaust. Tomorrow I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a
network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death
by the Third Reich.
Six million Jews were killed, more
than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is
baseless. It is ignorant, and it is hateful.
It's about preventing a nuclear arms
race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely
dangerous path.
Now, I understand those who protest
that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nations should
pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly
reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold
nuclear weapons.
(APPLAUSE)
And any nation, including Iran,
should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its
responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is
at the core of the treaty. And it must be kept for all who fully abide by it.
And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address
is democracy.
(APPLAUSE)
I know there has been controversy
about the promotion of democracy in recent years. And much of this controversy
is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear. No system of government
can or should be imposed by one nation by any other. That does not lessen my
commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people.
Each nation gives life to this
principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America
does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not
presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election.
But I do have an unyielding belief
that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and
have a say in how you are governed, confidence in the rule of law and the equal
administration of justice, government that is transparent and doesn't steal
from the people, the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American
ideas. They are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.
(APPLAUSE)
Now, there is no straight line to
realize this promise. But this much is clear. Governments that protect these
rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas
never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all
peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we
disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments,
provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because
there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power. Once
in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others.
(APPLAUSE)
So no matter where it takes hold,
government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who
would hold power. You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion.
You must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of
tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the
legitimate workings of the political process above your party.
Without these ingredients, elections
alone do not make true democracy.
(AUDIENCE MEMBER SHOUTS)
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
The fifth issue that we must address
together is religious freedom. Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see
it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it
firsthand as a child in Indonesia where devote Christians worshipped freely in
an overwhelmingly Muslim country.
That is the spirit we need today.
People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based
upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul.
This tolerance is essential for
religion to thrive. But it's being challenged in many different ways. Among
some Muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the
rejection of somebody else's faith.
The richness of religious diversity
must be upheld, whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.
(APPLAUSE)
And if we are being honest, fault
lines must be closed among Muslims as well as the divisions between Sunni and
Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to
the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in
which people protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on
charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious
obligation.
That's why I'm committed to work
with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat. Likewise, it is
important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from
practicing religion as they see fit, for instance, by dictating what clothes a
Muslim woman should wear.
We can't disguise hostility towards
any religion behind the pretense of liberalism. In fact, faith should bring us
together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring
together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
That's why we welcome efforts like Saudi
Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance
of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn
dialogue into interfaith service so bridges between peoples lead to action,
whether it is combating malaria in Africa or providing relief after a natural
disaster.
The sixth issue -- the sixth issue
that I want to address is women's rights.
(APPLAUSE)
I know...
(APPLAUSE)
I know, and you can tell from this
audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of
some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less
equal. But I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied
equality.
(APPLAUSE)
And it is no coincidence that
countries where women are well- educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear, issues of
women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to
lead.
Meanwhile, the struggle for women's
equality continues in many aspects of American life and in countries around the
world. I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society
as our sons.
(APPLAUSE)
Our common prosperity will be
advanced by allowing all humanity, men and women, to reach their full
potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in
order to be equal. And I respect those women who choose to live their lives in
traditional roles. But it should be their choice.
That is why the United States will
partner with any Muslim- majority country to support expanded literacy for
girls and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that
helps people live their dreams.
(APPLAUSE)
Finally, I want to discuss economic
development and opportunity. I know that for many, the face of globalization is
contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information
but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home.
Trade can bring new wealth and
opportunities but also huge disruptions and change in communities. In all
nations, including America, this change can bring fear; fear that, because of
modernity, we lose control over our economic choices, our politics, and most
importantly, our identities, those things we most cherish about our
communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress
cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions between development and
tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies enormously
while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing
progress within Muslim majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai.
In ancient times and in our times,
Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education. And
this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what
comes out of the ground nor can it be sustained while young people are out of
work.
Many Gulf States have enjoyed great
wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader
development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be
the currency of the 21st century. And in too...
(APPLAUSE)
And in too many Muslim communities,
there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investment
within my own country. And while America, in the past, has focused on oil and
gas when it comes to this part of the world, we new seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand change
programs and increase scholarships like the one that brought my father to
America.
(APPLAUSE)
At the same time, we will encourage
more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising
Muslim students are internships in America, invest in online learning for
teachers and children around the world and create a new, online network so a
young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.
On economic development, we will
create a new core of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim
majority countries. And I will host a summit on entrepreneurship this year to
identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations, and
social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the
world.
On science and technology, we will
launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim majority
country and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more
jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East,
and Southeast Asia and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs
that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean
water, grow new crops.
Today, I'm announcing a new global
effort with the organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And
we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal
health.
All these things must be done in
partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments,
community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim
communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described
will not be easy to address, but we have a responsibility to join together to
behalf of the world that we seek, a world where extremists no longer threaten
our people and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and
Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own and nuclear energy is used
for peaceful purposes, a world where governments serve their citizens and the
rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is
the world we seek.But we can only achieve it together. I know there are many,
Muslim and non-Muslim, who question whether we can forge this new beginning.
Some are eager to stoke the flames of division and to stand in the way of
progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort, that we are fated to
disagree and civilizations are doomed to clash.
Many more are simply skeptical that
real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust that has built
up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move
forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith in
every country. You more than anyone have the ability to reimagine the world,
the remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a
brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on
what pushes us apart or whether we commit ourselves to an effort, a sustained
effort to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children
and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It's easier to start wars than to
end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see
what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should
choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is one rule that lies at
the heart of every religion, that we do unto others as we would have them do
unto us.
(APPLAUSE)
This truth transcends nations and
peoples, a belief that isn't new, that isn't black or white or brown, that
isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of
civilization and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world.
It's a faith in other people. And it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world
we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in
mind what has been written. The Holy Quran tells us, Mankind, we have created
you male and a female. And we have made you into nations and tribes so that you
may know one another.
The Talmud tells us, The whole of
the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.
The Holy Bible tells us, Blessed are
the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
(APPLAUSE)
The people of the world can live
together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here
on Earth.
Thank you. And may God's peace be
upon you. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
END
Associated Press Thu Jun 4,
9:04 am ET
Text of President Barack Obama's
speech at Cairo University, as provided by CQ Transcriptions.
Good afternoon. I am honored to be
in the timeless city of Cairo and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions.
For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has had stood as a beacon of Islamic
learning. And for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's
advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and
progress.
I'm grateful for your hospitality
and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me
the good will of the American people and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities
in my country: Assalamu-alaikum.
(APPLAUSE)
We meet at a time of great tension
between the United States and Muslims around the world, tension rooted in
historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship
between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation
but also conflict and religious wars.
More recently, tension has been fed
by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims and a Cold
War in which Muslim majority countries were too often treated as proxies
without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought
by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to
the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited
these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of
September 11, 2001, and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in
violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably
hostile not only to America and western countries but also to human rights.
All this has bred more fear and more
mistrust. So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will
empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict
rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and
prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I've come here to Cairo to seek a
new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based
on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that
America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead,
they overlap and share common principles, principles of justice and progress,
tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change
cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of publicity about this
speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust nor can I answer
in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought
us to this point.
But I am convinced that in order to
move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts
and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained
effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one
another, and to seek common ground.
As the Holy Quran tells us, Be
conscious of God and speak always the truth.
(APPLAUSE)
That is what I will try to do today,
to speak the truth as best I can. Humbled by the task before us and firm in my
belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than
the forces that drive us apart.
Now, part of this conviction is
rooted in my own experience. I'm a Christian. But my father came from a Kenyan
family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in
Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall
of dusk.
As a young man, I worked in Chicago
communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. As a
student of history, I also know civilization' s debt to Islam. It was Islam at
places like Al-Azhar that carried the light of learning through so many
centuries, paving the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment. It was
innovation in Muslim communities. ..
(APPLAUSE)
It was innovation in Muslim
communities that developed the order of algebra, our magnetic compass and tools
of navigation, our mastery of pens and printing, our understanding of how
disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic
arches and soaring spires, timeless poetry and cherished music, elegant
calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam
has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious
tolerance and racial equality.
(APPLAUSE)
I also know that Islam has always
been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco.
In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second president, John Adams,
wrote,
The United States has in itself no
character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims. And
since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States.
They have fought in our wars. They
have served in our government. They have stood for civil rights. They have
started businesses. They have taught at our universities. They've excelled in
our sports arenas. They've won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building and lit
the Olympic torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to
Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same holy Quran
that one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, kept in his personal
library.
(APPLAUSE)
So I have known Islam on three continents
before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides
my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what
Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as
president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam
wherever they appear.
(APPLAUSE)
But that same principle must apply
to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as...
(APPLAUSE)
Just as Muslims do not fit a crude
stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.
The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the
world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire.
We were founded upon the ideal that
all are created equal. And we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to
give meaning to those words, within our borders and around the world.
We are shaped by every culture.
Drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept, E
pluribus unum: Out of many, one.
Now much has been made of the fact
that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected
president.
(APPLAUSE)
But my personal story is not so
unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone
in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores. And that
includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the
way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American
average.
Moreover, freedom in America is
indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a
mosque in every state in our union and over 1,200 mosques within our borders.
That's why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right
of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
So let there be no doubt...
(APPLAUSE)
... let there be no doubt, Islam is
a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that
regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common
aspirations: to live in peace and security, to get an education and to work
with dignity, to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things
we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common
humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs
of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years
ahead. And if we understand that the challenges we face are shared and our
failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent
experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is
hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When
one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all
nations.
When violent extremists operate in
one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents
in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience.
(APPLAUSE)
That is what it means to share this
world in the 21st Century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as
human beings. This is a difficult responsibility to embrace, for human history
has often been a record of nations and tribes, and, yes, religions subjugating
one another in pursuit of their own interests.
Yet in this new age, such attitudes
are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates
one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we
think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt
with through partnership, our progress must be shared.
(APPLAUSE)
Now, that does not mean we should
ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite. We must face these
tensions squarely. And so, in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as
plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally
confront together.
The first issue that we have to
confront is violent extremism in all its forms. In Ankara, I made clear that
America is not and never will be at war with Islam.
(APPLAUSE)
We will, however, relentlessly
confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security because we
reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject, the killing of innocent
men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as president to protect the American
people.
The situation in Afghanistan
demonstrates America's goals and our need to work together. Over seven years
ago, the United States pursued Al Qaida and the Taliban with broad
international support. We did not go by choice. We went because of necessity.
I'm aware that there's still some who would question or even justify the
offense of 9/11. But let us be clear. Al Qaida killed nearly 3,000 people on
that day.
The victims were innocent men,
women, and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to
harm anybody. And yet Al Qaida chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed
credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a
massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand
their reach.
These are not opinions to be
debated. These are facts to be dealt with. Make no mistake, we do not want to
keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military -- we seek no military bases
there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is
costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict.
We would gladly bring every single
one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent
extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans
as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
And that's why we're partnering with
a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs involved, America's
commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these
extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of
different faiths but, more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their
actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of
nations, and with Islam.
The Holy Quran teaches that whoever
kills an innocent is as -- it is as it if has killed all mankind.
(APPLAUSE)
And the Holy Quran also says whoever
saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind.
(APPLAUSE)
The enduring faith of over a billion
people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of
the problem in combating violent extremism; it is an important part of
promoting peace.
Now, we also know that military
power alone is not going solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's
why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to
partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses,
and hundreds of millions to help those who've been displaced.
That's why we are providing more
than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services
that people depend on.
Now, let me also address the issue
of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong
differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the
Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I
also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use
diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever
possible.
(APPLAUSE)
Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas
Jefferson, who said, I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power and teach
us that the less we use our power, the greater it will be. Today America has a
dual responsibility to help Iraq forge a better future and to leave Iraq to
Iraqis.
I have made it clear to the Iraqi
people...
(APPLAUSE)
I have made it clear to the Iraqi
people that we pursue no basis and no claim on their territory or resources.
Iraq's sovereignty is its own. And that's why I ordered the removal of our
combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with
Iraq's democratically- elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi
cities by July and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012.
(APPLAUSE)
We will help Iraq train its security
forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as
a partner and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can
never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our
principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that
it provoked was understandable. But in some cases, it led us to act contrary to
our traditions and our ideals.
We are taking concrete actions to
change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United
States. And I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next
year.
(APPLAUSE)
So America will defend itself,
respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so
in partnership with Muslim communities, which are also threatened. The sooner
the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we
will all be safer.
Now, the second major source of
tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians
and the Arab world. America's strong bonds with Israel are well-known. This
bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties and the
recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic
history that cannot be denied.
Around the world the Jewish people
were persecuted for centuries. And anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an
unprecedented holocaust. Tomorrow I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a
network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death
by the Third Reich.
Six million Jews were killed, more
than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is
baseless. It is ignorant, and it is hateful.
It's about preventing a nuclear arms
race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely
dangerous path.
Now, I understand those who protest
that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nations should
pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly
reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold
nuclear weapons.
(APPLAUSE)
And any nation, including Iran,
should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its
responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is
at the core of the treaty. And it must be kept for all who fully abide by it.
And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address
is democracy.
(APPLAUSE)
I know there has been controversy
about the promotion of democracy in recent years. And much of this controversy
is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear. No system of government
can or should be imposed by one nation by any other. That does not lessen my
commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people.
Each nation gives life to this
principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America
does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not
presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election.
But I do have an unyielding belief
that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and
have a say in how you are governed, confidence in the rule of law and the equal
administration of justice, government that is transparent and doesn't steal
from the people, the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American
ideas. They are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.
(APPLAUSE)
Now, there is no straight line to
realize this promise. But this much is clear. Governments that protect these
rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas
never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all
peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we
disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments,
provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because
there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power. Once
in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others.
(APPLAUSE)
So no matter where it takes hold,
government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who
would hold power. You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion.
You must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of
tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the
legitimate workings of the political process above your party.
Without these ingredients, elections
alone do not make true democracy.
(AUDIENCE MEMBER SHOUTS)
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
The fifth issue that we must address
together is religious freedom. Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see
it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it
firsthand as a child in Indonesia where devote Christians worshipped freely in
an overwhelmingly Muslim country.
That is the spirit we need today.
People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based
upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul.
This tolerance is essential for
religion to thrive. But it's being challenged in many different ways. Among
some Muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the
rejection of somebody else's faith.
The richness of religious diversity
must be upheld, whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.
(APPLAUSE)
And if we are being honest, fault
lines must be closed among Muslims as well as the divisions between Sunni and
Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to
the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in
which people protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on
charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious
obligation.
That's why I'm committed to work
with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat. Likewise, it is
important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from
practicing religion as they see fit, for instance, by dictating what clothes a
Muslim woman should wear.
We can't disguise hostility towards
any religion behind the pretense of liberalism. In fact, faith should bring us
together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring
together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
That's why we welcome efforts like Saudi
Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance
of Civilizations.
Around the world, we can turn
dialogue into interfaith service so bridges between peoples lead to action,
whether it is combating malaria in Africa or providing relief after a natural
disaster.
The sixth issue -- the sixth issue
that I want to address is women's rights.
(APPLAUSE)
I know...
(APPLAUSE)
I know, and you can tell from this
audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of
some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less
equal. But I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied
equality.
(APPLAUSE)
And it is no coincidence that
countries where women are well- educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear, issues of
women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to
lead.
Meanwhile, the struggle for women's
equality continues in many aspects of American life and in countries around the
world. I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society
as our sons.
(APPLAUSE)
Our common prosperity will be
advanced by allowing all humanity, men and women, to reach their full
potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in
order to be equal. And I respect those women who choose to live their lives in
traditional roles. But it should be their choice.
That is why the United States will
partner with any Muslim- majority country to support expanded literacy for
girls and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that
helps people live their dreams.
(APPLAUSE)
Finally, I want to discuss economic
development and opportunity. I know that for many, the face of globalization is
contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information
but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home.
Trade can bring new wealth and
opportunities but also huge disruptions and change in communities. In all
nations, including America, this change can bring fear; fear that, because of
modernity, we lose control over our economic choices, our politics, and most
importantly, our identities, those things we most cherish about our
communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress
cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions between development and
tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies enormously
while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing
progress within Muslim majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai.
In ancient times and in our times,
Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education. And
this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what
comes out of the ground nor can it be sustained while young people are out of
work.
Many Gulf States have enjoyed great
wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader
development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be
the currency of the 21st century. And in too...
(APPLAUSE)
And in too many Muslim communities,
there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investment
within my own country. And while America, in the past, has focused on oil and
gas when it comes to this part of the world, we new seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand change
programs and increase scholarships like the one that brought my father to
America.
(APPLAUSE)
At the same time, we will encourage
more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising
Muslim students are internships in America, invest in online learning for
teachers and children around the world and create a new, online network so a
young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.
On economic development, we will
create a new core of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim
majority countries. And I will host a summit on entrepreneurship this year to
identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations, and
social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the
world.
On science and technology, we will
launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim majority
country and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more
jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East,
and Southeast Asia and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs
that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean
water, grow new crops.
Today, I'm announcing a new global
effort with the organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And
we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal
health.
All these things must be done in
partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments,
community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim
communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described
will not be easy to address, but we have a responsibility to join together to
behalf of the world that we seek, a world where extremists no longer threaten
our people and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and
Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own and nuclear energy is used
for peaceful purposes, a world where governments serve their citizens and the
rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is
the world we seek.But we can only achieve it together. I know there are many,
Muslim and non-Muslim, who question whether we can forge this new beginning.
Some are eager to stoke the flames of division and to stand in the way of
progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort, that we are fated to
disagree and civilizations are doomed to clash.
Many more are simply skeptical that
real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust that has built
up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move
forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith in
every country. You more than anyone have the ability to reimagine the world,
the remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a
brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on
what pushes us apart or whether we commit ourselves to an effort, a sustained
effort to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children
and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It's easier to start wars than to
end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see
what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should
choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is one rule that lies at
the heart of every religion, that we do unto others as we would have them do
unto us.
(APPLAUSE)
This truth transcends nations and
peoples, a belief that isn't new, that isn't black or white or brown, that
isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of
civilization and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world.
It's a faith in other people. And it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world
we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in
mind what has been written. The Holy Quran tells us, Mankind, we have created
you male and a female. And we have made you into nations and tribes so that you
may know one another.
The Talmud tells us, The whole of
the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.
The Holy Bible tells us, Blessed are
the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
(APPLAUSE)
The people of the world can live
together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here
on Earth.
Thank you. And may God's peace be
upon you. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
END
Monday, June 1, 2009
With or Without: A Mustache & Goatee story
To most modern men, their appearance have become one of the most important aspects in their life. The saying, 'from top to toe' is even observed from a masculine point of view. Once, it is thought that men should not be too observant on their appearance. A bit of tidy hair style, smart clothes and other 'neccesary' aspects should only be stressed upon, the question of how you portray yourself through your looks are something considered 'unimportant'.
Speaking of that, nowadays there are numerous talks and discussions focusing on how men should boldly describe themselves through their looks, not to just please any sore eyes, but to also increase confidence and later productivity of whatsoever fields in life. One of the talks is about how well should you keep your facial hair.
Facial hair includes all kinds of hair a man usually have after sometime be it goatee, beard, mustache, 'side-burn' and others (if exist). Determining whether one should or should not have those hair is rather complex and complicated as it doesn't usually goes along with the saying '....those hair must fit your face.' Blimey, today's perspective about facial hair have diversely altered that no such cliche theory could be taken as a whole. Trends and mood happens to be one of the provoking factor that leads towards a man's choice on his facial hairstyle. For me personally, i would consider having beard and mustache as a good thing (considering most of the time i have them) simply because 'they' functions as a good presenter to not make my face looks a bit to chubby (although it is true). Still, to most actors, singers and models, and not to forget, the youngster, many of them would say no to mustache and beard. School youngster are excluded in Malaysia as the rules of a normal secondary school in Malaysia refrain the students from having any facial hair, though they still accept the idea that 'mustache and beard makes you look older before your age'.
During this three week holiday, i planned to improvise my looks on trying something rather different. I have tried for so many countless time on improving my appearance but usually the results are unpredictable. Maybe i just need to focus on other things if i am really that 'nerdy' kind of guy.
I wish i could share the before and after photos of the mustache and goatee story, but what can i do, there are no means of picturizing those photos for me.
Anyhow, if you guys see the difference, do tell me, because it seems that i need to 'see' myself from the other people's mirror for the sake of improvision and a better me.
Previously i've used Hangu go or Korean Language as an ending, now lets say good bye in Nihon or Japanese Language, Sayonara.
Speaking of that, nowadays there are numerous talks and discussions focusing on how men should boldly describe themselves through their looks, not to just please any sore eyes, but to also increase confidence and later productivity of whatsoever fields in life. One of the talks is about how well should you keep your facial hair.
Facial hair includes all kinds of hair a man usually have after sometime be it goatee, beard, mustache, 'side-burn' and others (if exist). Determining whether one should or should not have those hair is rather complex and complicated as it doesn't usually goes along with the saying '....those hair must fit your face.' Blimey, today's perspective about facial hair have diversely altered that no such cliche theory could be taken as a whole. Trends and mood happens to be one of the provoking factor that leads towards a man's choice on his facial hairstyle. For me personally, i would consider having beard and mustache as a good thing (considering most of the time i have them) simply because 'they' functions as a good presenter to not make my face looks a bit to chubby (although it is true). Still, to most actors, singers and models, and not to forget, the youngster, many of them would say no to mustache and beard. School youngster are excluded in Malaysia as the rules of a normal secondary school in Malaysia refrain the students from having any facial hair, though they still accept the idea that 'mustache and beard makes you look older before your age'.
During this three week holiday, i planned to improvise my looks on trying something rather different. I have tried for so many countless time on improving my appearance but usually the results are unpredictable. Maybe i just need to focus on other things if i am really that 'nerdy' kind of guy.
I wish i could share the before and after photos of the mustache and goatee story, but what can i do, there are no means of picturizing those photos for me.
Anyhow, if you guys see the difference, do tell me, because it seems that i need to 'see' myself from the other people's mirror for the sake of improvision and a better me.
Previously i've used Hangu go or Korean Language as an ending, now lets say good bye in Nihon or Japanese Language, Sayonara.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Significance of 'Ahmad Alif'
Some people says that name portray the personality of the bearer. For me name are one of the important aspects in our life which does not only stood on the identification card, or on birth certificate, or on top of a business cards, it also covers the personality, hopes and dreams and also it will always remain intact to the bearer even after he or she died. Sounds sophisticated isn't it? Well, i am not trying to give a serious speech about names, just to share what i personally think about name.
Some may also wonder, why the name "Ahmad Alif" is evident through out this blog and other interactions connected to it. Such particular name is actually the "missing part" of an acronym formed through the letters, A,M,I,N which will soon form the word AAMIIN or AMIN. The word AAMIIN or AMIN reflects certain ideas. First of all, it reflects how the bond between a father and his son (Ahmad Alif or Alif is actually the names I figured out for future son, if God willing) is visible and hopefully the bond is strong as two names (Ahmad Alif or Alif and Mohammad Izzul Iqbal Norzamani) are placed side by side with each other. Then, it will also, hopefully, reflects the idea of the son becoming Amin as in Al-Amin or the one who is responsible in whatsoever means in life. Also its is hopeful that, the formation brings the idea of Amiin (a word recited in Islam after doa or prayer to seek for acceptance from Allah that the doa or wishes are granted).
One question might popped out, how about if it's a girl? Definitely, Ahmad Alif is not suitable (The usage of Ahmad or Mohammad or Abdul is usually used for boys only and that a girl is usually given the name with the addition of the suffix 'ah' as in Sakinah or Arifah or Afifah adn etc. Still, certain cases also occur when the suffix 'ah' is used in boys name such as Huzaifah, Hanifah and others. For boys after the name such as Ahmad a second name is usually immediately constucted without the suffix 'ah' as in Ahmad Alif, without the 'ah' suffix).
Basically if it is a girl, i would like fo her to be named Afifah. The reason is of the same as the above with addition that Afifah simply means "a light hearted girl" or "a soft and tender girl".
This "giving names" agenda might be perceived as "a bit too early" but to me, if marriage is considered to be very important in life, so, many preparations need to be done isn't it?
Below are several names and its meaning that I had figured out. Some might be correct in their own context and some might be wrong. Corrections are highly appreciated.
Ahmad/Mohammad/Muhammad = The noble one
Alif = the tame one
Izzul = the noble one
iqbal = the prosperous one
ihsan = the kind one
Faiz = the succesful one
Ainuddin = the eye of the 'din' (religion/islam)
Firdaus = the name of the jannah or heaven
Syahirah = the renown one
farahin = the delightful one
atiqah = the unique one
aqilah = the intelligent
fatanah = the intelligent one
jemimah = the dove
ch'ng = the noble one
Siwon (as in Choi Si Won) = the cool one
sakura = the name of a flower
and many others.....(sorry if i couldn't give much of example, if you guys have any, please do share)
Well, that's the time (and mood) i have for today. The campaign "One Journal, One Day" should be observed and i intend to do so. Wish me luck.
ok, bye for now or Hang guk saram (korean people) would say, anneyong hi gaseyo.
Some may also wonder, why the name "Ahmad Alif" is evident through out this blog and other interactions connected to it. Such particular name is actually the "missing part" of an acronym formed through the letters, A,M,I,N which will soon form the word AAMIIN or AMIN. The word AAMIIN or AMIN reflects certain ideas. First of all, it reflects how the bond between a father and his son (Ahmad Alif or Alif is actually the names I figured out for future son, if God willing) is visible and hopefully the bond is strong as two names (Ahmad Alif or Alif and Mohammad Izzul Iqbal Norzamani) are placed side by side with each other. Then, it will also, hopefully, reflects the idea of the son becoming Amin as in Al-Amin or the one who is responsible in whatsoever means in life. Also its is hopeful that, the formation brings the idea of Amiin (a word recited in Islam after doa or prayer to seek for acceptance from Allah that the doa or wishes are granted).
One question might popped out, how about if it's a girl? Definitely, Ahmad Alif is not suitable (The usage of Ahmad or Mohammad or Abdul is usually used for boys only and that a girl is usually given the name with the addition of the suffix 'ah' as in Sakinah or Arifah or Afifah adn etc. Still, certain cases also occur when the suffix 'ah' is used in boys name such as Huzaifah, Hanifah and others. For boys after the name such as Ahmad a second name is usually immediately constucted without the suffix 'ah' as in Ahmad Alif, without the 'ah' suffix).
Basically if it is a girl, i would like fo her to be named Afifah. The reason is of the same as the above with addition that Afifah simply means "a light hearted girl" or "a soft and tender girl".
This "giving names" agenda might be perceived as "a bit too early" but to me, if marriage is considered to be very important in life, so, many preparations need to be done isn't it?
Below are several names and its meaning that I had figured out. Some might be correct in their own context and some might be wrong. Corrections are highly appreciated.
Ahmad/Mohammad/Muhammad = The noble one
Alif = the tame one
Izzul = the noble one
iqbal = the prosperous one
ihsan = the kind one
Faiz = the succesful one
Ainuddin = the eye of the 'din' (religion/islam)
Firdaus = the name of the jannah or heaven
Syahirah = the renown one
farahin = the delightful one
atiqah = the unique one
aqilah = the intelligent
fatanah = the intelligent one
jemimah = the dove
ch'ng = the noble one
Siwon (as in Choi Si Won) = the cool one
sakura = the name of a flower
and many others.....(sorry if i couldn't give much of example, if you guys have any, please do share)
Well, that's the time (and mood) i have for today. The campaign "One Journal, One Day" should be observed and i intend to do so. Wish me luck.
ok, bye for now or Hang guk saram (korean people) would say, anneyong hi gaseyo.
blogwarming gestures
Assalamualaikum to all,
Oseo oseyo (means welcome in korean language) to my new blog. I hope this blog is able to introduce new perspective in life be it in whatsoever school of thought and of diverse aspects in life. Do key in some inspiring comments so that in the future, the "perceptions are well progressed". Thank you, and have a good time viewing this blog.
Oseo oseyo (means welcome in korean language) to my new blog. I hope this blog is able to introduce new perspective in life be it in whatsoever school of thought and of diverse aspects in life. Do key in some inspiring comments so that in the future, the "perceptions are well progressed". Thank you, and have a good time viewing this blog.
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