Provisions Keys (مفاتيح الرزق)

It's Friday Oct 7, 2011. I was invited by BCMA Richmond Chapter to deliver the Friday sermon at Richmond Masjid. I accepted the invitation. What topic to choose for the sermon? Then I decided to speak about a topic that concerns me and everyone; Seeking Provisions from Allah! We all have this concern! Life necessities! Sustenance! Money! We all needed it to sustain our lives and pay our bills! To send on causes that are pleasing to Allah! To get married! To get babies and spend on them! Money is a life necessity! and hardly earned!

Heading to Richmond to deliver the sermon, I took a wrong exit to find myself heading back to Surrey! Obss! I am late for 20 minutes! But Alhamdullillah, I made right on time! but frankly I was panting! my heart was beating fast! The Richmond Branch President thankfully was waiting me at the gate of the mosque. Greeted me with a brotherly smile. I stepped inside the praying hall; offered two rakah .. shortly I rose on the minbar to deliver the sermon! Initially right before rising the minbar, I was a bit anxious to deliver the sermon for the first time at this masjid; a new experience! All praise due to Allah, the minute I started my sermon I was feeling well as all my energy and thoughts were focused on the message I wanted to share with the congregation and the people attending! Alhamdullilah, the experience was good. I was relaxed and content.

Alhadullilah, many people approached me after the prayer as I was leaving to shake hands and share their appreciation. "This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!"

My Trip to Malaysia (Sept 22 - 29, 2011) - 2

In may way to Malaysia, I took with me a book my son, Anas, recommended to me. Its title is "You're Speaking but are you connecting." I had the book since January 2011 but I didn't read it. So, I decided to take it with me. Crossing the Pacific Ocean all the way to Taipei was a 13-hr flight. I found it an opportunity to read the book. Initially I did a quick tour throughout the book then I realized it is worth reading; I started from the beginning. Indeed, the book is enlightening and informative. I kept reading the book till its end! Then I slept for a few hours before we landed in Taipei. The connecting time was short. So, barely I made it to my connecting flight. The trip from Taipei to Kuala Lumpur was slightly above 4 hrs.

Kuala Lumpur from the plane was so exciting! Green everywhere! Interestingly, all signs at the airport have three languages; English, Malaya, and Arabic! It's been a while since I have seen Arabic signs! Apparently, many Arabs from Saudi Arabia and its neighboring countries frequent visit Malaysia. The airport seems civilized like the ones you experience in Canada. The customs officer was nice and fast.

a representative from the training company that hired me was waiting for me at the airport with a big smile and a rose! Nice! Interestingly, all the other four trainers on the program arrived almost at the same time. We met at the airport and together we headed to the hotel. Upon arriving to the hotel, surprisingly most of the participants at the course seemed to have arrived at the same time. The receptionists were overwhelmed and even stressed! You can see it in their faces especially when dealing with a large number of clients who do not speak English at the same time who are hasty and demanding. Understandably, all of them seemed tired from the long 9 hr trip coming from Saudi Arabia. I found it an opportunity to connect by offering help as I speak both English and Arabic. I facilitated the communication between the hotel receptionists and the Saudi clients who were mine as well (those were the same clients coming for the training I were about to participate in delivering)

Interestingly, the receptionists were almost stuck as if their processors were slowing down with the overwhelming load. Apparently, their way of life is to do things slowly with no rush. Arabs are on the other extent f the spectrum; hasty and high-tempered! Therefore, one of the receptionists was almost to have a clash with one of the clients. Partly, I was helping each side to understand the counter party. It was fun! Throughout the week I made a connection with the hotel management because of this role I played and continued to play through my stay.

As for me, although I had a longer trip coming all the way from Vancouver, I was feeling good as I got some sleep (actually a lot of sleep) and I was enjoying to help. In three hrs or so I got my room and without any further delay I slept! I am good at sleeping! I love it!

The following morning, I woke up energized longing to meet my fellow trainees ... what happened next; ... to be continued!

My Trip to Malaysia (Sept 22 - 29, 2011) - 1

When Allah wills something, it happens. He is the Provider

After Saad had dismissed me, I was concerned about what are my options to earn my living. I came to Canada on a job. I was given the assurances that my job is secured for two years as I was making a big move! Subhana Allah, He Controls everything! After two months, I was unjustly dismissed! So, what to do now! Living in Canada is expensive! I have fairly a big family to look after! But let's always remember that Allah is the Provider! Let's always have faith in Him and seek His Support and His Sustenance!

One day, I received an email from a training company I dealt with some while ago. Apparently, the email was supposed to go to another Ayman who is happen to be employed by the company. My name is Ayman so mistakenly I received the email! I realized that it is about a training program scheduled in Malaysia. I sent a reply to the company offering them my service if they need it! To make the story short, they offered me the job to be among the other 3 trainers hired on the project. The manager was so cooperative beyond one's expectation! He phoned a couple of times to check on few issues to ensure that everything will be sorted out. I have known this manager for years! Actually for all of my life! He is an outstanding achiever! A role model for success! Well-organized and full of energy! So, in less than two hours from the initial email I sent him, I received a confirmation and an eticket as well! Here you are! I am aboard! In a week, I flew to Malaysia.

This was my first time visiting Kuala Lumpur! I was looking forward to this experience ...

I shall tell you more about it in the following post .. stay tuned in!

"Enjoy your Life"

Today, I went out to print out my training kit on "Negotiation Skills" and arrange for participants' handouts for my coming training experience on Saturday August 7th. While waiting, I notices a book on a shelve. I grabbed it and started reading it. I found it so exciting from the first few lines. I kept reading in it till my printing job was finished. I asked of my friend to permit me to take the book to read it and return it. He nodded his head in agreement. The book title is "Enjoy Your Life" by the wonderful scholar; Dr. Mohammed Al-Arifi. The book is the compilation of his 20 years life experience. Therefore, it is a book to read!

New Learning Experience - Office Management Training

Today I completed a 2-day training program at the National Guard Health Affairs of King Abdulaziz Medical City at Riyadh, SA. The subject was "office management and secretarial skills." I spent ample to prepare for this training program. The session went so well (Alhamdullah) ... the participants were so energetic and hungry for learning that truly made the experience special and meaningful. 20 administrative professionals from various department from King Abdulaziz Medical City attended this program. Interestingly, all of the attendees were ladies. I was impressed with the quality of thinking and active participation of them. Indeed, they were a distinctive learning group!

I passed the CPLP credential Exam

With all praise due to Almighty Allah. I passed the CPLP Credential Exam (i.e. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance) that is offered by ASTD (i.e. American Society of Training and Development). What is really interesting is the learning I benefited by while preparing for the exam. I read the 10 volumes of the ASTD Learning System in preparation for the exam. This learning process was enlightening and informative to me. I have submitted the work product for final evaluation. I look forward to receiving the final decision of ASTD on my case.

CPLP Exam

Do you know what CPLP stand for? It is new to me as well. It stands for "Certified Professional in Learning and Performance" which is a designation issued by ASTD i.e. the American Soceity of Training and Developlement. I have been studying for the CPLP credential exam for two months. Tomorrow i.e. Tuesday May 25, 2010 I will have my exam! Wish me success :)