Istiqamah

When I returned from Kuching to get involved in Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya mosque which is a door away from my house, I was roped in to be the Secretary of Program Bersedekah Secara Istiqamah of the women's section of the mosque. From experience, I worked very well with Datin Hasmah, the chairperson of the program. I have worked with her in the mosque's project of helping children at risk in Kuang. It has been a rewarding project with a number of kampung children completed secondary schools instead of being drop-outs. Unfortunately in 2001 I left for Unimas in Kuching and the project stopped with no follow-up. It was quite a costly project. At the moment with limited funds and limited committed volunteers, the project was buried.
However, a few women were still interested to help the unfortunate, thus the program Bersedekah Secara Istiqamah was introduced in 2006.
Frankly, I didn't have the faintest idea why the program is so named and what istiqamah is all about. But happily I joined in to contribute whatever I can. Slowly I began to understand the purpose which is very much into my heart. I Googled Istiqamah for the exact meaning. In short, it means steadfastness, that is, going straight to the right direction, acting rightly allowing no deviation. That sounds good and apt to what the program is doing.
Saydina Abu Bakr says istiqamah is 'that you do not associate partners with Allah.' Whereas Uthman ibn Affan explained, 'To have ikhlas to Allah only in doing actions.' and ibn Abbas said, 'It means to fulfill your duties to Allah.' What matters most are the sincerity and commitment to helping others with no ulterior motives.
Istiqamah also indicates how to remain steadfast, such as,
1. Keep in the company of good people.
2. Keep connected to Al Quran through recital, studying and implementation.
3. Reflect and question yourself daily, for example, are you heading on the right way, is your intention sincere?
4. Learn to take good advice from others.

I hope I will be able to do the best I can in helping the unfortunate with clear conscience and sincerity in my heart. Syukur alhamdullillah, up to now I have not wavered as I believed I could contribute so little to make a better world.
The Istiqamah program collects contribution in term of money as well as materials. On 29 May 2011 we had our jumble sale, selling used clothes and other things. We collected over RM1,000. Besides that we also accept monthly or yearly monetary contributions from kind individuals. From these collections, we distribute it to identified orphanages, old folk homes and poor individuals as well helping paying tuition fees for children who are in need. We also welcome individuals who would like to pay their zakat to deserving people in our list of contacts.

Program Istiqamah has a Used Clothes Shop situated at the lower ground level of the mosque. We received a lot of good branded clothes and anybody is welcome to donate. Unfortunately, the non-muslims steer clear of coming maybe due to fear of it's location in the mosque. We welcome anybody to the shop as it not in the mosque proper but at lower level where the sundry shop and other activities are carried out. At the moment opening of the shop is quite erratic because we don't have volunteers to man it but we aim to open it regularly at least every Friday. We need volunteers who can come regularly to open the shop at least for a few hours each day.

We still have a lot to do so that we can make the shop attractive and sale increases with committed volunteers to man it.



To readers of this blog, I think this is a good way for your istiqamah.