HAPPY MOTHER DAY

Today is Mother day in Indonesia. We are remember our Mum and Nana who pass away.
We want to say " Thanks for all being wonderful and for all the things you do, to make the world a better place. Just for being You. We will always love you and miss you. "

EID MUBARAK

Taqabalallohu mina wa minkun wa shiamana wa shiamakum.

Eid Mubarak.
May Allah bless you and your family on this holiest of times.
Please accept our apologies for any wrongs we have done.
Best wishes for a peaceful and Happy Eid.

With our love,
Betty & Amir

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAAJI'UN

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAAJI'UN

Our Nana PAULINE BROOKS passed away today in Winchester Hospital. Could you please make do`a for her.

LEYLA-AL QADR

Today is 25 th September 2008 the last five days of Ramadan. Muslims seek and observe the Night of Power (Leyla al-Qadr). The Qur'an describes this night in a chapter named for it: Surah (Chapter) 97. Al-Qadr (The Night of Power)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

We have indeed revealed this message in the Night of Power.
And what will explain what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the spirit, by Allah's permission, on every errand.
Peace! Until the rising of the morning!

Tradition holds that the Night of Power is the night that the first revelation of the Qur'an was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims are instructed to "seek" the Night of Power during the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights (ie. the 23rd, 25th and 27th). It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah's promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Muslims worldwide spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in solid devotion, retreating to the mosque to read Qur'an (i'tikaf), reciting special supplications (du'a), and reflecting on the meaning of Allah's message to us. It is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when the believers are surrounded by Angels, the gates of heaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy are abundant.

The whole month of Ramadan is a time of renewal and reflection. As the month winds to a close, we pray that the spirit of Ramadan, and the lessons learned during it, last for all of us throughout the year.

The Leyla Al-Qadr Poem.

Dikala menanti malam seribu bulan
Kulantunkan Ayat-ayat-Mu
Kudendangkan Dzikir-Mu
Kutundukkan kepalaku untuk bersujud kepada-Mu
Berhasrat mendapat malam mulia-Mu
Berharap mendapat malam pengampunan-Mu
Malam sejuta kemuliaan
Malam Lailatul Qadar...

TO OUR PARENTS.

For as long as we can remember
they were always by our side
to give us support
to give us encourage
to give us confidence
to give us help

For as long as we can remember
they were the person
We looked up to
so strong
so sensitive
so pretty
so handsome

For as long as we can remember
and still today
they are everything
a parents would be

For as long as we can remember
they always provided stability
full of laughter
full of tears
full of love

Whatever we become
is because of you both
and we thank you
forever for our relationship

Both you are for ever friends.
Thank you dad and mum for making us happy and wise.

DO'A UNTUK ORANG TUA

Oleh : K.H. Abdullah Gymnastiar

Ya Allah,
Rendahkanlah suaraku bagi mereka,
perindahlah ucapanku di depan mereka.
Lunakkanlah watakku terhadap mereka dan
lembutkanlah hatiku untuk mereka.

Ya Allah,
Berilah mereka balasan yang sebaik-baiknya
atas didikan mereka padaku dan pahala yang besar
atas kesayangan yang mereka limpahkan padaku.
Peliharalah mereka sebagaimana mereka memeliharaku.

Ya Allah,
Apa saja gangguan yang telah mereka rasakan,
atau kesusahan yang mereka derita karena aku,
atau hilangnya sesuatu hak mereka karena perbuatanku,
jadikanlah itu semua penyebab rontoknya dosa-dosa mereka,
meningginya kedudukan mereka dan
bertambahnya pahala kebaikan mereka dengan perkenan-Mu, ya Allah
sebab hanya Engkaulah yang berhak membalas kejahatan
dengan kebaikan berlipat ganda.

Ya Allah,
Bila magfirah-Mu telah mencapai mereka sebelumku,
izinkanlah mereka memberi syafa'at untukku.
Tetapi jika magfirah-Mu lebih dahulu mencapai diriku,
maka izinkahlah aku memberi syafa'at untuk mereka,
sehingga kami semua berkumpul
bersama dengan santunan-Mu
di tempat kediaman yang dinaungi kemulian-Mu, ampunan-Mu serta
rahmat-Mu.

Sesungguhnya Engkaulah
yang memiliki Karunia Maha Agung,
serta anugerah yang tak berakhir dan
Engkaulah yang Maha Pengasih Diantara semua pengasih.

Mari kita kenang dosa kepada orang tua kita.
Siapa tahu hidup kita dirundung nestapa karena kedurhakaan kita.
Karena kita sudah menghisap darahnya, tenaganya, airmatanya, keringatnya.

Istighfar, istighfarlah
Barangsiapa yang matanya pernah sinis melihat orangtuanya.
Atau kata-katanya sering mengiris melukai hatinya,
atau yang jarang memperdulikan dan mendoakannya.
Percayalah bahwa anak yang durhaka siksanya didahulukan didunia ini.

Istighfar yang pernah mendholimi ibu bapaknya.

Astaghfirullahal Adhiim
Astaghfirullahal Adhiim

THE THREE GIRLS FROM CHANDRALELLA VILLA.

My parents have three sons and three daughters; the daughters are Betty S, Dini Sriyunilawati and Ferra Srifariyati.

Betty is the eldest daughter. Her parents were so happy to have Betty because she was their first daughter. She was their favourite daughter – everything she wanted, she could have. Her parents dropped her off and pick her from her activities or her job. She grew up in a loving and caring family.

She is always active in organizations. She didn’t have many girl friends while she was studying. She grew up to be tomboy. She was an adventurer. Her hobbies made her mum worried. However, she has supported and encouraged by her parents.

She had a face and character just like her mum, which is why people called her the duplicate Mrs Soebarnas. She was like a star in her school, and was very popular in her community. She was an idol for her friends, and a lot of men wanted to marry her. She was a workaholic, getting just four hours sleep a day. She chose her career first before getting married. She had s dream to be a famous politician and researcher. This is why she married after her sister Dini and her brother Chandra.

She went to the UK to study, and she fell in love with a British man. Who was this lucky man? He is Amir Brooks from Gloucester. They were married on 4th August 1997 in Cardiff. They don't have any children yet. Insya Allah soon they have children . Please make doa for them. Amin Ya Robal Alamin.

Dini is the second daughter. Her character is the opposite of her sister Betty. She is like a princess. She is prettier than Betty and Ferra. She never went out with men. She has only had a relationship with her husband, Viva Sudiono Putra from Purworejo. They married on the 5th May 1996. They have one son, R. Adhyasa Radigta Cahaya Putra.

She never made my mum worried because she never made trouble with her hobbies or her activities. My parents were proud of her because she is good girl. She likes to stay in the house.

Ferra is the youngest daughter. Her character follows her mum and Betty. All the family call her the second duplicate of her mum, because Betty is the first duplicate! She has a lot of friends. She was like a star in her school, and was very popular in her community. She was an idol for her friends, and a lot of men wanted to marry her.

She follows Betty, and doesn't want to get married soon. She has chosen to stay single for the moment. Insya Allah, one day she'll find the husband of her dreams.

She likes travelling and shopping, which means she's always away from the home. This makes my parents worried.

The three girls from Chandralella Villa have different characters and attitudes.
Our parents gave different educations and care to each of them. We grew up following our parent plans.

That's us, the three girls from Chandralella villa.

We are making trouble, spending money our parents' money and making them worried… but we make our parents proud.

Insya Allah we will follow your steps. We will stay happily married and successful with our careers. We like to be Sakinah family and follow Islamic law for all our lives.

Thank you so much Mum and Dad for making us happy and showing us how to follow the right way. Without Ridha Allah and your love, care and teaching, we are nothing.

Please forgive us for anything wrong we did to you when we were kids. Without forgiveness from both Allah and you, we cannot have the power to do right things. Insya Allah we follow Allah and you for a pure life. Amin Ya Robal Alamin.

MY PARENTS HOUSE

My parents lived in Tasikmalaya before moving to Bogor. In Tasikmalaya, they had two children; Asep and Betty, My parents wanted to be more independent, so they moved to Bogor.

We live in Jakarta Street, in the centre of Bogor. Chandra, Dini and Ery were born in this house. Our house is near the wife of Indonesia's first president, Hartini Soekarno. We were happy to live in this house because it's in a nice area and the neighbours come from many different countries. We learned some of their cultures and languages.

In the back of our house, there is a park and racecourse, where horse races are held every Saturday and Sunday. In August, they have a funfair or night market; in Indonesian, this is called Pasar Malam. We often came to see horse races and visit the funfair.

The street we lived in is in a posh area, and it's a very important street because it used to be the main road to Jakarta. When President Soekarno visited his wife or when our neighbour passed away, our street would be closed to the public.

Our neighbour was Chinese; we called her Aunty Ie Loan, and she was very rich. Her husband owned a lot of factories. When her husband died, our street was closed to the public for 40 days, and it was busy with Chinese activities. We were so happy and had fun living in this house. We never forgot our childhood.

One day, my parents bought another house in Abesin, not so far away from we live before. My parents called this house 'Chandalella Villa'. Ferra was born in this house, which is why my parent gave it to Ferra, so she can remember the place where she was born and where she grew up. Our house is near an army barracks, the botanical garden, and the University of Ibnu Khaldun. We grew up and had a happy life in this house.

MY DAD

My dad's name is Soebarnas. Soe is derived from the Sudanese word for 'very good'. Bar comes from 'sabar' meaning calm and tawaqal, and 'nas' from 'naas', meaning bad time. Therefore, Soebarnas means, if you have an accident, stay calm and always have a good attitude.

For his parents, his name Soebarnas was a true meaning. My dad is so calm and is never angry. I never saw him get angry to my mum or his children. He has always been a good daddy for us. He is our hero. He is a good teacher. Every time his children need him, he is always ready. Lucky us!
My dad comes from the Sudanese royal family. He uses his title R, which stands for Raden. His father was a politician and lecturer. His parents were very popular in Tasikmalaya.

My Dad was very popular in the school. He is kind and clever. My dad quickly fell in love with my mum; he was 20 years old when they married.

He showed my mum true love and taught her a lot about life, and they were very happy together.

My dad had a career as a consultant and lecturer because my dad is a physiologist. My mum was lecturer too. They had three daughters and three sons.

My parent taught us to be very disciplined, so we would grow up to be independent and fair children. That gave us what we need to lead a successful life in the future. Asep is an accountant, Betty is an economist, analyst, chemist and geologist, Chandra is an economist, Dini is analyst and chemist, Ery is a lawyer, and Ferra is a biologist.

My Dad was so happy to be married with Mum. We should follow him if we want to have a happy family of our own and successfully teach our generation. We should be proud of him. He is a good father and husband. He has supported my mum and us until now.

We are so lucky to have you dad! We hope you are always healthy and happy. Thank you dad for making us happy and wise.

MY MUM

My mum's name is Onok Roemnasih. Onok is derived from the Sudanese word 'Denok', meaning Sexy; Roem is derived from the Sundane word 'harum', meaning fragrant and popular; and Asih means love in Sundanese. Therefore, Onok Roemnasih means sexy, popular and love.

Her parents made doa for her daughter to be sexy, popular and well-loved, and their dreams came true. My mum was very popular in her city while she was alive.

My mum comes from the Sundanese royal family, but she never used her royal titles. Her parents were popular and rich, and they were very strong Muslims. They owned a mosque and Madrasah (Islamic School), and were very generous to people in need. They gave a lot of land to the local community for public use. They were regarded as heroes in their home city. Her granddad and her dad were awarded medallions from Queen Wilhelmina of Holland.

The community never forgot what her parents and her family did for the people, and they named a street after her. The former Dutch colonialists, the Indonesian government and the public often remembered them. Even now, a lot of streets in Tasikmalaya use my mother's family name.

Her parents were so happy to have my mum – she was their favourite daughter. Everything she wanted, she could have. My Mum grew up in a loving and caring family.

Luckily she had a very good personality. She was like a star in her school, and was very popular in her community. She was an idol for her friends, and a lot of men wanted to marry her.

Who was this lucky man? He was my dad, Soebarnas.

They are married at a young age; my mum was just 17 years old. They have three daughters and three sons.

She learned a lot of life lessons from my dad. Without my dad's teaching, she wouldn't have known anything.

Her servants would do anything for her. After she was married with my dad, she liked to work in the home as a housewife. She learned a lot from my dad.

She had a career as a lecturer. She followed her parent's example in being kind to people. She was the chairman of some charities and Islamic societies.

After she married my dad, she was more popular than before. She was very happily married with my dad until she passed away on 4th January 2007.

We're glad that everything she did in her life makes us proud. Insya Allah, we want to follow her example too. She was good mum and wife. From her hands, we grew up. From her hands, she fed us. She showed us everything we needed to know about life. She opened our eyes to a complicated world. She taught us Islamic law and how we should follow Islam.

She had a dream that she would have one son-in-law who would be an imam in her mosque. She always prayed for her dream to come true. She hoped to have good grandchildren. She was worried that nobody would take my dad's place to be the imam in her father's mosque. Before, my dad was the imam in her father's mosque.

My mum wanted to hear Amir do the Azan every day, just as my dad did before.

I have been married with Amir since 1997, after he reverted to Islam. My mum was very happy to hear the news about my husband reverting to Islam. She hoped so much that Amir's dreams would come true. She loved my husband Amir, which is why she gave us land to build a mosque and house - she knew Amir wanted to have a house near a mosque. We hope her dreams come true.

We should be proud to follow her dream. Insya Allah we will make her dreams come true. Amin Ya Robal Alamin.

MY LOVELY MUM.

I dedicate this poem to my dear Mum (R Onok Roemnasih). She passed away on 4 January 2007.

UNTUK MAMIHKU TERCINTA

Mamih.

Setelah mamih meninggalkan kami
Kerinduan kami tak terhingga
Dalam setiap derap langkah hidup kami
Terngiang pesan dan nasehatmu pada kami

Mamih..
Mungkin engkau tidak tau kalau hari ini adalah hari sedihku
Bagimu hari-hari sudah tak berarti dan tidak ada bedanya
Setiap hari dan setiap saat adalah masa perjuangan
Kasih sayangmu tidak terbatas tempat dan waktu

Mamih..
Kasih sayangmu membuat kami berarti
Cinta kasihmu membuat kami peduli
Perjuanganmu membuat kami mandiri
Dan Ketulusanmu membuat kami mengerti

Mamih...
Maafkan anakmu yang belum dapat berbakti padamu
Bahkan untuk mengingatmupun sering kami lupa
Urusan dunia itu demikian menyita waktu, pikiran dan tenaga
Hingga lupa bahwa tugas 'birrul walidain' baru dijalankan tak seberapa

Mamih..
Kami tau, Segala kebaikan kami padamu tidak sebanding dengan cinta kasihmu pada kami
Kasih sayang dan Cinta kasihmu tidak akan tergantikan
Perjuangan Ketulusanmu tidak mungkin terbalaskan
Pengorbananmu sungguh tak terkirakan
Pengertian dan ketauladanmu tak dapat kami lupakan

Mamih..
Sampai akhir hayatmu mamih selalu membina diri dan keluarga
Senja ini mamih, ijinkan kami kembali meminta
Restui perjuangan anak perempuanmu dalam menggapai gita,cita dan cinta
Membina diri dan keluarga dalam Iman dan Islam
Demi cinta dan ridho-Nya

Mamih..
Ijinkan anak perempuanmu berucap
"Kami mencintaimu Mamih ...
"Kami menyayangimu Mamih...
"Kami sangat rindu kepada Mamih..
Semoga kasih sayang Allah terlimpah atasmu
dan ampunan atas segala kesalahan-kesalahanmu"
Amin ...Ya ..Robal ..Alamin.

4 January 2007.

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAAJI'UN

Sesungguhnya kami adalah milik Allah dan kepadaNyalah kami kembali.

Telah berpulang kepangkuan haribaan Allah SWT, ibundaku tercinta Onok Roemnasih pada hari kamis tanggal 4 Januari 2007, pukul 8.45 pagi WTB dan telah dikembumikan di Bogor pada pukul 4 sore WTB.

Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pengasih lagi Maha Penyayang.

Ya Allah, Ya Tuhan kami.
Apabila Almahumah kembali menghadap kehadiratMu dengan membawa amal Shaleh.
Mohon kiranya Engkau terima sebagai amal ibadahnya dan apabila almahumah kembali menghadap Engkau dengan membawa kekurangan mohon kiranya Engkau anugerahi dia Ampunan.
Amin Ya Robal Alamin.

Ya Allah, Ampunilah dosanya. Limpahkanlah rahmat kepadanya. Hapuskanlah segala kekhilapannya. Sesungguhnya kami adalah milik Allah dan kembali kepadaNYalah kami akan kembali.

Ya Allah, jadikanlah dan sampaikanlah seumpama pahala yang kubaca kepada ruh Ibunda tercinta Onok Rumnasih, Ya Allah ! Ampunilah dosanya dan maafkanlah kesalahannya, muliakanlah kedatangannya, lapangkanlah kuburnya, terimalah kebaikannya, ampunilah kesalahannya, dengan rahmat Engkau wahai Allah yang amat Pengasih.

Hai jiwa yang tenang. Kembalilah kepada TuhanMU dengan hati yang puas lagi diridhaiNya. (Al-Fajr, 27-28).

SOEBARNAS & ROEMNASIH GENERATION.

My father's name is R. Subarnas and my mother's name is R. Onok Roemnasih. They were married on 28 February 1954.

They have three daughters and three sons.
The daughters' names are R. Betty S, R. Dini Srijunilawati and R. Ferra Srifariyati.
The sons' names are R. Asep Bambang Setiawan, R. Chandra Bambang Semiadji and R. Bambang Eriyadi.

Five of these children are married - only the youngest daughter is not married yet. Insya Allah ,one day she will be married too.
Asep is married with Susan. Betty is married with Amir Brooks. Chandra is married with Lucy. Dini is married with Viva and Ery is married with Muti.

They have seven grandchildren; three grand-daughters and four grandsons.
The name of the three grand-daughters are Aprilia, Chandralela and Amelia, and the name of the four grandsons are Aji, Bayu, Adi and Rizki.

I dedicate this blog to my mother. She passed away on 4 January 2007.
She was a very lovely person. I could never be a successful woman if my parent never gave enough education to me. I'm so glad to be her daughter. I hope my mother rests in peace because she did her job very well.

Thank you so much for giving us happiness and love until the end.

xxx