Assorted Reflections...

First stab at midnight updates, which should be the norm for the day's reflections, insights, takeaways and learnings.

Plenty of areas of concern, and lots to chew for food for thought.

1. Ust Halim's organisational reputation is under attack

While I could not pick up the blame for the postponement, but the selection was mine. And for that I'd need him to demonstrate the reasons for following him. The umrah needs to deliver a changed and reinforced Islamic akhlak and attitude, a changed perspective on courage and fearless stand on rightfulness and truth, and a rectified and fortified soul at peace with itself. All these are the essence of a good tarbiyyah, tazkiyyah, ibadah and tazkirah. TYhe rest are details.

The organisational challenge though needs help. And that's where I, we incl Azman needs to come in where required. We'd need to subtly pressure his team to deliver basic requirements.

2. My, our own, organisational capabilities should be top-notch

And, again, with Mak Ayah in tow, my wife, talkative, bubbly and active kids who wants to go the Blessed Land, I'd need to be on top of things. I'm guessing a daily check of next day's itinerary is the bare minimum.

3. Leadership is exercised continually

I believe trigger event strategic planning, BCG terms it as 100-day plan, driven by shareholders is no magic bullet.

Leadership is exercised when faced with everyday situations, when asked or not asked for responses by your talkative teenager, when faced with demands from an angry mother, when a screaming infant wants a pick-me-up, when 15 office colleagues is planning to insitute a class action boycott of superior, when an NGO asks for support against deportation of innocently held prisoners, when funds need to be raised for worthwhile causes in Gaza, private Muslim schools... and so on.

The only recourse is your heart, your value system, and your constant reminder of the greatness of Allah for giving the Quran and the beautiful Sunnah of the Rasul for guidance.

 The thing is, how much of that is being studied and truly being put forth.Again, there can be no question that the context of this umrah trip - a pilgrimage - is for the rejoinder of where priorities lie, not in the daily grind of finding more money for an endless pit of insatiable nafs, but more

4. NNet is an excellent platform for tazkirah

Brilliant in engaging and allowing for opportunities to contribute to dakwah, to remind of where I've deviated and strayed off-course, as a model for articulate, intelligent discourse and for beautiful display of ukhuwwah. although I do get the feeling of 'syok sendiri syndrome' at times...  :-)

5. Kids are growing up, and are looking for role models

I guess the theme tonight is delivering as the head of family.