17 Okt. 2009 - I would like to start by congratulating PPIMI on three appreciative grounds.

Firstly on their advance invitation to me and putting all the ingredient together to have this event organized, secondly, their initiative to strengthen the institution of usrah, and practical characteristics and appearance of its moderators, Naqib or Nuqaba’ to say it in plural. Thirdly, the most difficult one I would say is, open its door for their usrah management and organization to be fruited by public. Most of the cases, it is rather limited or has certain restrictions to non members or outsiders.

Usrah should be delivered and organized in more practical zone, away from the stereotypes of its moderators and syllabuses, bridging the gap between Islamic organizations, ditching all prejudices among each other, and in terms of participation and its receivers, it should exceed the terms ‘for members only’, ‘close ended discussion’ and one way communication. During the whole day session at Malaysia Hall Dublin, I’ve put many suggestions on the discussion table, and perhaps it can be digested by the audience. One of it is, Naqib should listen more than talk, should be able to dedicate their hearing to others, as this will develop their soft skills in dealing with matters. Nuqaba’ as the usrah facilitators and moderators must positively challenge themselves to face those who are really in the need, and not overestimate their efforts by facing and only delivering talks and thoughts to those who are already understand and can follow good things easily. Go for a bit of out reach here and there, crossing the red tapes set by any Islamic societies, organizations and movements. Islam is not for member only, it’s for all.

By the way, malaysia Hall Dublin has nearly completed its renovatrion period and I’ve been informed by my colleague, Mr. Kamarolzaman, who is now our Education Attache based in Dublin, that the Malaysia Hall Dublin is ready to reveal its new face and image later on next week. Earlier, I took the first morning flight to Dublin, and limit my duty here in Dublin as a day trip. I delivered two talk sessions and a discussion circle, and left for the airport at 5.15 pm.

Thanks to Afiq Izzuddin, the PPIMI president and his committees for the session. Hope we can meet again sometimes in the nearer future. I arrived home at 9.15 pm, and my wife patiently waiting for me to have dinner with kids. Few chat on this and that, I continue the unfinished tour of duty, heading up to Nottingham on the same night.