Cambodia:End Note

by Nik Munirah Nik Mohd Nasir

End notes
(original title : The Journey Back)

This last notes will accompany the closing chapter of my journey to Cambodia, a journey which started with much difficulty and uncertainty.

Our mission would not have materialized without, first and foremost by the Will of Allah. I remember when we found out that there is a possibility that we might not have any doctor accompanying us from Malaysia and we still could not get in touch with the doctor in Cambodia, the team with such conviction assured me, if Allah had meant for us to go to Cambodia, He will surely make us the way. If not, then that is the best for us and we will accept it.

Yes, we could try to do all sorts of things to achieve our dreams and ambitions. We could sweat blood and cry until we go blind, but if Allah had willed for it not to happen, it won’t, so deal with it. ‘“Be!” –and it is!’ (36:82) But you don’t have to take it negatively, because at the end of the day, everything that happened, happened for the best. Sure, maybe we don’t see the silver lining of it yet but believe you me, its there.

Another important part of the parcel is team work. This mission couldn’t have materialized without the coming together of all these brilliant people, each with their own specialty and skills. Juniors, seniors, whatever. That is not important. Man can never go far on his own. Which is why, in Islam, togetherness is such a big deal. Yes, praying alone is good, but praying in a congregation is 27 times better!

Today, we Muslims are at loss because we are not using this strength that we could only derived from togetherness. After the collapse of the khilafah, our Muslim lands were cut into pieces, only to be devoured by our enemies. We then fight with each other. The faith that used to be the only visa that we need to travel from one place to another was replaced by a cheap stamp that costs more than the ink itself. And we ask where is the strength of the ummah today?

Of all the lessons that had hit me right on the face, I would take to heart one lesson. A lesson which is sometimes lost to us, after years of brainwash, mind games and blindfolded by our enemies.

The lesson and value of brotherhood.

Which transcends all the difference in terms of race, colour, background, language, the food we eat, the clothes we wear...united as one under the love for the One and Only Creator.

Which drove to feats unimaginable, like arranging your schedule for the sake of a group of people, who you've never met before, only to find out they've changed their schedule without informing you. but yet, did not deter you from sacrificing the time you had left after a whole day shift at the hospital to come and offer help.

Or sacrificing a few days from your work, not for a holiday, but trying to cater the needs of a group of strangers, again, never having met before, arranging and negotiating the best price to ensure the success of their project. without any pay...

Or dedicating your entire life to serve the community, at the expense of your own economic stability and luxury...

With this i end my notes on our journey to Cambodia.

May this country finds the strength to rise up again, from the ashes of its both glorious and dark history.

and may the Muslim Ummah wake up again and unite. we have been blindfolded for way too long...