Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by lalabeng

Teka appliances

lalabeng — Wed, 27 May 2020 01:36:11 +0800

Any feedback on Teka appliances? Like oven, fridge, washer, etc.

How is the performance of Teka appliances?

What about the support in Malaysia? Is it easy to get support and is the parts price ok?

Teka Appliances

lalabeng — Wed, 27 May 2020 01:35:21 +0800

Any feedback on Teka appliances? Like oven, fridge, washer, etc.

How is the performance of Teka appliances?

What about the support in Malaysia? Is it easy to get support and is the parts price ok?

Islamic name for new converts

lalabeng — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 23:47:28 +0800

Hi all

I know that nowadays, converting to Islam in Malaysia no longer required a Malay name or muslim name. There are suggestion to keep the whole original name, and add a muslim name in front, eg. Mohd Chan Fook Weng.

Would like to hear some suggestion for a muslim name, a single word, for both male and female name.

Example

Nadia/Nadiyyah Lim for female name.

Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai

lalabeng — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 00:59:23 +0800

Chinese Muslims hold strong to CNY traditions

The days preceding Chinese New Year always finds Lim Ah Hong busy in the kitchen at her home in Taman Rakyat, Taiping, Perak.

She can count on the help from her children and daughters-in-law, but only the 70-year-old knows how to prepare mee suah, a traditional Tionghua dish.

The salted Chinese noodles made from wheat flour are her specialty. It was a treat that her children have enjoyed since young, and they have always regarded the mee suah made by their mother the best and tastiest.

However, these days, Lim uses a special set of utensils and wok to prepare the noodle that is usually served with boiled eggs and chicken soup.

The meats served with the dish are also bought from Muslim suppliers at the wet market.

This extra effort from the loving mother is in respect to the dietary restrictions of her fifth child, who embraced Islam seven years ago.

"I have never doubted the food prepared by mother as she thoroughly understands the issue of halal and haram and the Muslim lifestyle. Furthermore, we have been neighbours with Malay families for over 34 years," said Lee Choon Kooi, popularly known as Adam Corrie Lee Abdullah.

FAMILY BOND

The mee suah, also known as "longevity noodles", is normally eaten on the morning of the Chinese New Year or during birthday celebrations.

It was the favourite dish of the 47-year-old actor, choreographer and professional stuntman.

Lim, who has 10 children, is well-acquainted with each of her children's taste buds and tries to cater for all of them during the auspicious celebration.

She believes the benefit in keeping her family close together despite their differences.

As the Chinese proverb goes, harmony makes both family and nation prosperous (jiā hé rìzi wàng; guó hé wàn shì xīng).

NOT A HINDRANCE

Her beliefs and values had made it easier for Adam to inform his mother of his decision to become Muslim in 2007.

"Embracing Islam does not stop me from celebrating the Chinese New Year with my family. Blood is thicker than water. Though we subscribe to different faiths, our family ties remain strong.

"I make it a point to go back to my hometown for the Chinese New Year celebrations every year," he said.

His wife Fazima Fuad, 37, whom he married in 2008, also enjoys a close relationship with his family.

In fact, his family looks forward to the couple's arrival for the reunion dinner on the eve of every Chinese New Year.

"What is important is the respect we have for each other. Isn't it wonderful how we can still get together although we are of different faiths?

"As a son, I often remind myself to not leave my mother by herself," said Adam, who has been featured in many local films such as KL Gangster 2 and Gerak Khas.

The trip back to his hometown was also a time for the family to get together for some spring-cleaning.

This year's celebration, however, is expected to be a simple affair as many of Adam's siblings are celebrating with their in-laws.

STILL CHINESE

Adam's family may be cognisant of what the Islamic lifestyle entails, but there are still those with the misconception that new Chinese Muslims can no longer practice Chinese culture and customs.

This was not true, said Sharin Low Abdullah, 68, who owns a chain of Chinese Muslim restaurants.

Islam has always celebrated the differences between the races and encouraged new Muslims to retain their racial identity, as long as its rituals did not clash with Islamic principles and values, he said.

The grandfather of eight, who embraced Islam 47 years ago, still practices Chinese rituals in his daily life.

His chain of 26 restaurants nationwide is recognisable from the red Chinese lanterns hung at the entrance.

Red is the favoured colour among the Chinese as it signifies happiness, prosperity and success.

"We maintain the Chinese elements as it is the identity of the restaurant. Only those who approach my restaurants would be able to identify it as a Muslim restaurant due to the presence of Islamic calligraphy and Quranic verses at the entrance," he said.

A "FATHER" TO MANY

Sharin, who embraced Islam when he was 21, understands the challenges faced by new Muslims and is actively providing assistance for new Chinese Muslims through the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA).

He provides temporary housing and jobs to those who received opposition from their families or who have been thrown out of their homes for accepting Islam.

"They have nowhere else to go. Together with Macma Selangor, I, as a "father" to over 200 Chinese Muslims, try my best to help them. Many of them have even been disowned by their families," said Sharin, who is also the chairman of Macma Selangor.

In light of the situation, Macma Selangor is hosting a grand Chinese New Year dinner for them, whom Sharin said was like his own family.

The dinner, to be held at his restaurant in Ampang, is an annual event that is entering its seventh year.

The event is also open to other new Muslims who would like to celebrate Chinese New Year with a halal Chinese meal. –

How do you commit to praying?

lalabeng — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 16:37:12 +0800

How do you commit yourself to praying?

For muslim, how do you commit yourself to pray 5 times a day? What do you do to train/ease yourself into doing this?

For the past ramadhan, I have tried fasting... don't see the difficulties in that.. have been doing it for sometimes back... so kinda ok.. so far can do..

Then I tried praying 5 times a day, well, since I can't pray in surau or anything (not yet a muslim), I try to read some Islamic materials during the 5 times a day, should be easy right? Damn... it was hard to commit your time on it!! I set my phone alarm, yet more often than not, the prayer time will conflict with my meetings and other schedules. Tried to excuse myself out from the meeting from time to time, but people are started to ask why aren't you there??

Damn...

Quran and Hadis

lalabeng — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 15:56:37 +0800

Can a muslim follows the Quran only?

Why must muslim follows the Hadis as well, when there are some hadis which have conflicting info with Quran?

When conflicted, does the quran overrule the hadis or otherwise?

What dictates which hadis to follow and which places second importance?

6 important book
Sahih al-Bukhari of Muhammad al-Bukhari

Sahih Muslim of Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj

Sunan al-Sughra of Al-Nasa'i

Sunan Abu Dawud of Abu Dawood

Jami' at-Tirmidhi of Al-Tirmidhi

Sunan Ibn Majah of Ibn Majah

Chinese Muslim Eid Celebration

lalabeng — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 17:52:21 +0800

To all chinese muslim, come share how you celebrate Hari Raya

When culture meets religion

Lontong, Johor laksa and pineapple tarts are the treats that Adam Lee Beng Chiew looks forward to during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“I will be busy entertaining and visiting family and friends for several weeks,” said the 69-year-old from Johor Baru.

During the fasting month, Adam and his family of three do minimal cooking at home.

They break fast at mosques or pack food from bazaars as they rather focus on the spiritual aspects during Ramadan such as reading and reciting the Quran.

Adam lives in an apartment in Setiawangsa with his wife Norazizah Ibrahim and son Adam Yashman Adam Lee.

He said he embraced Islam about 25 years ago after an unexplained illness left him bedridden for nine months.

“I sought help from several medical specialists and religious practitioners, but nobody was able to diagnose my illness or prescribe any medication.

“A close Muslim friend believed that I was going through a cleansing of the soul at that time and suggested that I embrace Islam,” said Adam, who has enjoyed good health since.

The retired civil servant said he was fortunate to have met someone by chance at a mosque who became his religious teacher for four years.

“I believe this person was God-sent as he gave me the right spiritual guidance.

“I needed a teacher to learn how to read, interpret and understand the Quran as well as perform Islamic rituals and practices.”

Adam said he personally finds all religions interesting and intriguing, thus he regularly reads up on other faiths to expand his knowledge and understanding.

“There are many Chinese Muslim restaurants now and it’s not difficult to get halal versions of my favourite dishes.

“When I converted, I taught my wife how to cook a few Chinese-style dishes such as steamed fish, and to prepare meals using ingredients such as sea cucumber and mushroom,” he said.

Adam added that he is fortunate to have good support from his six siblings who accommodate his religious requirements during family gatherings.

Deciding which hometown to return to is not a problem for Syafiq Raffiqin Liow For Sen as he gets to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with his in-laws and Chinese New Year with his parents.

“I often have dinner and spend weekends at my in-laws’ place in Section 30, Shah Alam.

“I return to my hometown in Balik Pulau, Penang, at least once every three months,” he said.

For Aidilfitri, Syafiq said his mother-in-law Siti Zaiton Saleh would prepare ketupat that would be exchanged with relatives who bring other varieties of the Raya staple.

“We will then enjoy the ketupat with chicken and beef rendang as well as kuah kacang cooked with beef.

“Besides visiting my wife’s relatives, this year we are planning to see her grandmother and my two adopted families who live in Perak,” said Syafiq, who has been married to Munirah Atirah Yusof for four years.

Syafiq prefers home-cooked meals, whether for buka puasa, sahur or festive occasions.

“I’m quite particular about my food and I still like the Chinese style of cooking, so I prefer cooking my own meals.

“Sometimes I cook a few dishes such as stir-fry or steamed dishes for buka puasa at my in-laws’ house.

“For sahur, I prefer something healthy yet filling, so I will have a soy protein drink with biscuits or dates.

“I also cook for my parents when I return to Penang, including fish, prawn and chicken dishes that are traditionally served during Chinese New Year,” he said, adding that his mother has set aside separate cooking utensils for him.

Syafiq uses halal ingredients to cook his favourite dishes such as spring rolls and yong tau foo and has discovered places that serve halal chicken rice and Penang hawker food.

The 41-year-old said he has rebuilt his relationship with his parents and is much closer to them after his conversion.

“In my 20s, I was inspired after watching a Muslim forum on TV and later decided to embrace Islam as I needed direction and spiritual guidance,” said Syafiq, who quit his job to focus on studying Islam full-time after converting in 2006.

He shared that after converting, he has become more disciplined, patient and his life has changed for the better.

In addition to his full-time job as a legal assistant, Syafiq is also a part-time TV host and is working on completing a degree in Islamic Studies at a local university.

She came from another country and cultural background, but Sarah Cui Abdullah has learnt to adapt to her new religion and adjusted to its practices here.

“The culture here during Hari Raya Aidilfitri is more relaxed as we would usually visit friends and family.

“Back in China, my family and relatives would be busy playing card games and mahjong during Chinese New Year,” said the 35-year-old from Zhengzhou, Henan.

Sarah looks forward to enjoying beef rendang and ayam masak merah at her grandmother-in-law’s house.

“Malay dishes are generally sweeter compared to the saltier flavours I am used to.

“I’ve grown to enjoy my grandmother and mother in-laws’ cooking,” said the USJ 25 resident who also cooks dishes such as Xinjiang lamb and egg tomato noodles for her family here.

Sarah and her family are often at her husband Syed Asad Syed Abdul Wahab Idid’s family home in Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya, for buka puasa or sahur.

She is thankful for the support from her husband and mother-in-law Saharah Abu Bakar in her journey to understanding Islam.

“They’ve taught me how to adapt to a different lifestyle and even created a business opportunity for me,” said Sarah, who sells pre-packed marinated lamb and dumpling dishes using herbs brought from Zhengzhou.

“While they were initially confused about my conversion, my parents realised that Islam has made me a better person,” said Sarah, adding that her parents have also converted and both families are very close.

Sarah, who was previously an agnostic, said she sought spiritual guidance when she came to Malaysia to pursue her undergraduate studies and was fascinated at how steadfast, dedicated and spiritually strong her Muslim friends were.

“I stayed in a mosque during my first year as a convert as I believed I had to surround myself with pious people if I wanted to be a good Muslim,” she said.

Sarah met Syed Asad a year after her conversion and married him the following year.

They have been blessed with two children – Sharifah Kaisya Cui Idid Syed Asad, nine, and Syed Yusuff Idid Syed Asad, seven.

The Mandarin teacher also shares her experience on how to adapt to Islam and face the challenges of embracing a new religion through the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association’s (Macma) website and religious classes.

Clean guys come in!

lalabeng — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 16:08:28 +0800

So our office has renovation recently and all the toilet urinal has been changed. Supposedly the water saving type.

Old type

New type

The old urinal has a separate pipe that dribbles some water down which makes it easy to collect water to wash the tip of the D after pee. Now this new one, the water come out smoothly flowing sticking at the urinal walls.

I am not going to put my hand into the urinal wall to collect the water..... eeww! Peeing in toilet stall also not doable, because the new toilet bowl comes with bidet spray pipe built in and no external water hose.

So any suggestion on how to clean your D?

I do face this type of urinal in malls/other places, but since I don't spend whole day there, I ignore the cleaning until the next pee or uses the toilet stall with pipe.

Different religion with your parents.

lalabeng — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 16:01:02 +0800

Anyone with different religion than their parents?

I.e. parents buddhist, you are Christian? Or parents taoist you are Islam? Or parent Christian you are Buddhist.

What happen? What is their opinion when you change your religion? How did them and you handle it?

Come share your story.

CNY for chinese muslim

lalabeng — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:05:00 +0800

Happy Chinese New Year to all!

Any chinese muslim (especially if couple, both are chinese) here can share their version of CNY celebrations?

Let me share what I have experienced this year.

Meet up with a chinese muslim friend, married with a Malay. No celebration at his house. He just went to his parent house with his Malay wife, and they spend the time there. We meet up and chit chat. Apparently he was advised by others not to really celebrate CNY at his house for fearing of stepping over into unislamic stuff. It was reasoned that some of the tradition was based on ancient believes, eg. firecrackers to chase the ghost/dragon away, wearing red, etc. Didn't want to argue with him on this as it was CNY. He join his family on reunion dinner using tapau food he brought over. Give ang pow as usual. Anyway his children is all super hype about CNY celebration.

So what's yours?

Chinese muslim

lalabeng — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 10:46:39 +0800

Ok reopen thread in Serious Kopitiam.

From what I have seen, most chinese muslims converted because of marriage to a muslim, typically malay. Hence they adopted Malay lifestyle.

Is there any Chinese muslim who lives a life like a typical chinese (except for the haram stuff)?

Is there any Chinese Muslim here in Malaysia can share their life as a chinese muslim?

Is there any chinese muslim couple here (where both are chinese)?