Reflection 5: Blog

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

Source: http://37.media.tumblr.com/d92d34dccdc74b636dd466e8755c00bb/tumblr_mnogxw4iWz1rk5x5go1_500.jpg

We wanted to stay true to ourselves as we curated Wisdom Waraqah. It seemed easy as it churned out of mouth, but to stay true to ourselves was the hardest thing we can do in life.

That is also the best part about this task: To tolerate your own goals for the love of your own readers.

The arduous task remained at the point where we had to bring out the best for our readers. The task of creating Wisdom Waraqah required us to look into various sides. No element should be underestimated nor overestimated. One element had to be treated just as well as the other. As often as not, we were preoccupied by the requirements of the course that we overlooked the need to present an interactive layout for our readers.

Source: http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltpqq7wC0P1r5unyfo1_1280.png

In fact we created this blog with the brand "Wisdom Waraqah" because we did not want to separate ourselves as the "persons" of this blog from our readers. We believe in the chemistry that we build with our readers.

For that, we believe in the fact that it would be impossible for us to manage Wisdom Waraqah without cooperating with each other. On that basis too we have to disagree with the common saying "too many hands spoil the broth" because we, after all, needed each other to fill up the loopholes and looked into some of the features that we had accidentally mistaken.

Apart from that we also come to apprehend that writing and providing information for our readers demand a great deal of responsibility. We did not want to provide our readers with what we believe to be attractive only, but the elements also had to be informative.

After all, writing Wisdom Waraqah has made ourselves to take the roles of murabbi-cum-daie. As much as how we wanted to educate our readers with the knowledge of Discourse Analysis in English, we also held the responsibility to preach and instil Islamic awareness among our readers. This task has been more than just about us being committed students but also committed Muslims.

From Surah al-Qiyamah, verse 14-15:

Rather, man, against himself, will be a witness,
Even if he presents his excuses.

This has been a great journey writing Wisdom Waraqah. This has also been an emotional journey for us looking back at how we got up from the many times we got knocked down. All four of us are coming closer to the end of our undergraduate journey, and nothing can teach us more about being stronger and more spiritually matured than this entire process. Allah knows, how much we have teared our eyes since.

Insya-Allah Wisdom Waraqah will remain here in the virtual world for as long as these knowledge can benefit our readers. InsyaAllah Wisdom Waraqah will also stay as the best record of our intellectual journey in IIUM.

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
   So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

We hope that this entry will not mark the end of Wisdom Waraqah. We look forward to sharing more information to our readers. Till then, salaam!

WW

Islamic Awareness: From a Station to the Sky.

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

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The curtain call is set and in few weeks time I will be leaving this university for good. Like a bird spreading its wings, flying from the tree it used to perch on for so long, I will be set free into the open sky. 

This has been an endeavour for a humble Muslim like me. This is in fact another station, another terminal from which I will have to leave. I have to migrate to embrace another phase of my life, for that is what a Muslim must do; to go on a pilgrimage, to travel and to go for hijrah.

Indeed Allah says in Surah al-Nahl, verse 100:

“And those who emigrated for [the cause of] Allah after they had been wronged – We will surely settle them in this world in a good place; but the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if only they could know.”

The question remains: What have I gained from this temporary three-year stay? 

It is doubtless true that I have learnt a lot ever since. I have learnt that Islam is more than just the prayers that you performed, and the hunger and thirst from your sawm. It is the love that you build as you knit your beautiful garment of Iman. It is the love that you colour from your drawing of Ihsan. It is the awareness of Islam that binds it all together. 

Studying in this university has brought about a new perspective to me. I have learnt that learning process is never easy. Knowledge is owned by Allah and who are we to compare ourselves to the depth of knowledge owned by Him? Too often too did we complain and whine over the struggle as we went on attaining this knowledge. We blamed our stupidity but we hardly blamed our lack of effort. We blamed our teachers and instructors but we never blamed our own egos. 

It got me thinking. Knowledge is after all from Allah. It must be hard to attain something so big and precious from Him. Jihad, by default, is mandatory. It can never be easy. 

I may not have highlighted the physical awareness that I have experienced thus far, but this is the single most glaring element that resonates in me. This is a reminder for me and for others too. We may be living in an Islamic environment but without our own effort to procure the lesson and wisdom behind every event and action, we can never attain the Islamic values.

One thing for sure, I have set myself to be in the journey of actualizing the Muslim in me. This is a never-ending journey but the experience here in IIUM has indeed paved the way to it. I will never forget the love of my lecturers, the camaraderie I have built with my friends and the belief I have instilled in myself. So, what’s next? Bon voyage!

With salaam, 
Shafiq

 

Islamic Awareness: Islam is Everywhere

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

I have always been interested in linguistics ever since I knew the meaning of the word. I was flipping through an English-Malay dictionary when I came across the word linguist; which was translated to ahli bahasa. Such a foreign, elegant word to put under ambition in your biodata. And I decided at that moment, that’s what I’m going to be. A linguist. Whatever that is.

I continued to grow up being interested in a lot more languages, and the first university I knew that offered linguistics was IIUM. I didn’t bother to look any further for other options at other universities. That’s where I’m going to be, I thought. And up to this day, I am grateful that I did not look for any other options.

Learning language in IIUM has been such an experience for me. I never thought you could relate Islam to anything; to literature and whatnot. Of course you could, but I never really thought much about the relation of it all. I never knew the art of it. Having to provide Islamic perspectives at the end of term papers and presentations have taught me a lot. You can learn anything, and never be astray; as long as you know what to do with the knowledge; as long as you know how to view the knowledge.

It has also been a great opportunity to learn the various Islamic studies subjects. Never in my mind would I imagine that if I were to study language, I would have to take up Islamic courses. Despite my choice of study, I was still given the chance to learn about the Quran and Hadith, the history of the Prophet, and so many other things. I even got to learn more on Arabic. A lot of students might whine and complain about these elective subjects, but what they don’t see is that this is what is special about IIUM, what they don’t see is that such things like these are not offered elsewhere, at least not paired up with any other English departments elsewhere, what they don’t see is that they are so lucky to be given such a chance.

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I have learnt to view many things in different, new perspectives. I have learnt that Islam is everywhere; that you can pursue whatever you want and you don’t have to leave it, and it won’t leave you, if only you knew.

Yours,
Hamidah

Islamic Awareness: Finding My Feet on a Solid Ground

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

I begin this account of my journey prior to being an IIUM student just to show you readers the epiphany of my life in the way I have never imagined it to happen to me. 

Let's face the fact! Being in a religious boarding school for five years is not a one-way ticket to becoming an Islamic, well-rounded person as it may suggest to some people. I was pretty certain of my coming-near-adolescent rebellion when my parents told me I was going to be sent to a religious boarding school. I isolated myself, feeling all unloved and the surge to confront my parents was entirely positive. I swear to God I had no ideas about the kind of living and atmosphere I was about to engage myself in and it brought about a huge loss of self-esteem to me especially when I knew many of my friends were sent to prestigious boarding schools, as far as I can remember. With all the scattered pieces left inside me, I had to follow through what my parents thought best for me.

After years of the so called turmoil and impoverishment I went through at the school, later it got me thinking of the famous lines by Robert Frost as follows:

 'I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference',

That was where I was fated to be and that was where I gained all the necessary gems (or should I say revelations) that have clearly transformed me into the kind of person I am at this point. I was taught and trained to be a praiseworthy Muslim through all-embracing approaches and disciplinary enforcement which were evidently effective and fruitful in building my characters as a person. My initial skepticism blew off right into the thin air. I was surrounded by a group of people who incessantly guided and reminded me at the time when I needed them the most and I can't think of how much I indebted to them. May Allah bless all their endeavours to success in the world as well as in the hereafter. Sharing some mementos, I think would be a great idea!

Look how close we were back in the boarding school! I really miss those moments

Later on I started my degree year in IIUM as someone who is so used to living in an environment where Islamic values and lifestyles are observed so in the beginning it was not totally alien for me to adjust myself in that respect. IIUM, I believe, has been a place I wish to dub as ' a heavenly-flowing waterfall of wholesomeness'. What I will gain throughout the course of my studies from this institution is not just a piece of certificate reflecting my expertise but a profound testament to the way I have advanced myself as a person, particularly as a Muslim. I tell you readers do not underestimate how this institution has benefited me in every way a man can taste the sweetness of such an Islamic-inspired ambiance. I hate to admit that one day I'll be graduating and I am going to miss all the ups and downs I have gone through, my sweet time with thoughtful lecturers, friends and acquaintances ,the warm environment and urghhh stop me from saying more can you?

  

As a wrap-up, I just want to share the quote by Imam Al-Ghazali.

“Never have I dealt with anything more difficult than my own soul, 

which sometimes helps me and sometimes opposes me.”

I wish you lovely readers all the best in whatever you do and remember this! Do not sacrifice even a moment of your life doing what you don't love. Spread your wings, fly through the sky and make it happen! 

Heartfelt Regards,
Alif Ishak    

  

Islamic Awareness: IIUM, A Gift

Assalaamualaykum and greetings dear readers,

Source: http://naimfadil.blogspot.com/2012/05/iium-mosque.html

If I were to go back to five years ago, I would not have believed who I have become and where I am today. Never had I imagined myself studying in this university; a place which brings me closer to Islam, where its ambiance enlightens the heart, and a place which allows me to breathe a different kind of air that tranquilises my body and soul. It must have been God’s Love for me that has brought me here and I am truly grateful for it. And for this blessing, I shall dedicate this:

IIUM has taught me that it does not matter who you were born as or who you used to be, what matters is who you want to become,

IIUM has taught me that God is One, God exists without a place, and God is nothing like His creations,

IIUM has taught me that it is not your success; it is God’s Will and His Mercy,

IIUM has taught me that love for the Prophet is not supposed to be peripheral because he’s the Most Beloved to God,

IIUM has taught me that God will send His angels to help and protect you if your intentions are sincere,

IIUM has taught me that the best Book in the entire world is the Quran,

IIUM has taught me that you can gobble up as much knowledge as possible if only you strive hard enough,

IIUM has taught me that what you see in others reflects what is in your heart,

IIUM has taught me that God’s Decree is above all of our plans, and it has brought me here,

IIUM has taught me that it only serves as a means gifted by God for me to learn all of the lessons above.

So, some people may have turning points in their lives and in mine, it is probably here in IIUM. Alhamdulillaah, Ya Rabb Al-‘Alamiin. BaarakAllaahufeekum, dear readers!

Warm wishes,

Nadia Jamaludin

Discourse Analysis: Important Links Updated!

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

Source: http://starlightbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/spoiler-alert.jpg

We are happy to announce that we have updated the links for you! You will find on the left side of the blog several links that should be helpful for you who (we strongly believe) are keen to know more about Discourse Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis (which is a branch very much related to Discourse Analysis) and Discourse Analysis in relation to Islam. We are also happy to tell you that some of these links are the links that we used to refer to when we took the course. You may want to use this for your reference as well! Look forward to more beneficial links from you readers, till then, salam!

Reflection 4: Mini Research Proposal

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

We hope this post reaches you in the best of health. As we all agree, in order to gain a deeper understanding on the purpose of life, we need to contemplate upon the deeds that we have done so we can move forward as better human beings.

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” ― Soren Kierkegaard

Reflecting upon our previous assignment, we find that it was tough and encouraging at the same time and this is probably because of the topic that we had chosen which involved Corpus Linguistics. With the time constriction, we managed to come up with a proposal which made us realise that we are gifted with the capability to accomplish many great things if we put our heart to it. It made us feel more grateful of the faculty of thinking and reason which Allah has endowed us with, alhamdulillah. The assignment made us more critical and creative as it required us to come up with an idea which is relatively new.

Source: https://www.etsy.com/market/human_mind

As the assignment was challenging for us, it might have been nearly impossible to get it done individually. This is because it involved new discoveries in the field and there were many dimensions which we had to take into consideration while completing it. From this, we learn the importance of cooperation as a team where everyone had contributed in every step towards finalising the proposal. We could feel that this also encourages dialogue and enhances our communication skills which is also another endowment given by Allah to mankind.

Apart from that, we could apprehend that everything is made easy with the invention of computers. This assignment may not have been completed within the given period of time if we were to do it manually. We came to realise that we have grown accustomed to the usage of computers and hence, making it a lot more important in the 21st century.Thus, we thank Allah for this great invention which will hopefully continue to serve us more in the future so we can accomplish greater things.

Source: http://quotepixel.com/author/elbert_hubbard

We would also like to point out the power of language which we realise to be a superbly great gift given to mankind. As language is the manifestation of the human mind, having the ability to master it (especially to us, English majors) is just fascinating and delighting. Again, we thank Allah for this and may we all be given hidayah to use all that Allah has given us for greater things which will benefit the ummah.

Source: http://www.quickstarthomeschool.com/2011/03/what-is-language-arts/

With warm regards,
WW.

Assignment 3: Mini Research Proposal

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

Now that we have entered the final phase of the semester, we can finally share with you our mini research proposal which is the final assessment for the course (apart from this blog itself). Basically, we proposed a research on the representation of Muslim women in selected American newspaper articles.

We are intrigued by the field of corpus linguistics and we would like to venture into this by proposing a research related to it. Although we may not be able to see how this research would turn out to be,  we strongly believe that this research would be an insightful one since it looks at real language use in the context of current issues.

You may find our mini research proposal in the following images:

Click here to access this documents.

We are totally grateful that we managed to finish this particular assignment but we believe that there are rooms of improvement for this assignment. In the next entry, we will share with you our reflection in going through the process of completing this assignment. Till then, salaam!

Reflection 3: CMC Assignment

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

"The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.”  Aristotle

Source: https://cosmicaudrey.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/contemplation__by_bunnis.jpg

Undoubtedly, doing the assignment on CMC has served us a host of benefits beyond what we initially expected upon receiving the task. We realise, throughout the course of completing the assignment, some of the vital changes in the way humanity has thrived against the backdrop of modernization and globalisation. In the world where human communication knows no borders and boundaries,  the means of communication in light of the mushrooming technological advancement has greatly transformed. Little did we come to such an awareness of how dependent human beings are when it comes to the usage of computer in their daily life not only for communicative purpose but also for some other aspects of development as well. The emergence of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. marks another great contribution to humanity on a general note. 

In this assignment, we were asked to review a literature that must be related to the topic of our assignment. Since our chosen subject for this blog is Discourse Analysis, we decided to produce an analysis of Twitter conversations with reference to Grice's maxims of conversation. The task of choosing a recently-published research article was somewhat difficult and demanding at first because we had to really be careful so as not to pick one that is irrelevant to our topic. After much scrutiny of the suggested journals and databases, we managed to find and review a research article that was suitable and relevant to what our analysis would lead us to. This, we believe, was a good preparation for us to undertake more daunting tasks of finding and sorting out literature to be reviewed in the future research endeavour. 

Our capacity as future researchers in linguistics was apparently tested through the completion of the analysis done on Twitter conversations with reference to Grice's maxims of conversation as mentioned above. As we were faced with quite a number of challenges, we must emphasise the necessity to be more persistent, determined and patient in an otherwise a seemingly stress-free assignment. The sweetness of the task lies in the unparalleled cooperation and commitment from the members of the team and together we experience the fruition of completing the task in the stipulated time. Having done the analysis and presented it in the class, we hope to disseminate new information and knowledge to the fellow classmates and we also benefited a lot from their excellent presentations. 

Source: http://www.freevector.com/site_media/preview_images/FreeVector-Twitter-Cartoons.jpg

In summary, we have learnt a great deal from the task assigned to us. We managed to derive some important values pertinent in the completion of the assignment. Not only did we finish the task successfully, our ukhuwwah and friendship have become stronger and we value each moment we spent together in finishing the task. We hope our lovely readers would find this beneficial. May Allah grant us His immeasurable boons and compassion alongside our good deeds. Blessed days ahead of you!!

WW 

Assignment 2: Computer Mediated Communication CMC

Assalamualaikum and greetings dear readers,

Source: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdsACMiIAAA6HFM.jpg:large

Now we would like to share with you our second assignment for this particular course (brace yourself, this is going to be a long one!). If the first assignment was all pertaining to Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in which we looked into how computer was used as important tool in teaching and learning process, the second phase of this course revolves around computer in relation to language use particularly as a means of communication or also known as Computer Mediated Communication (CMC).

In evaluating our understanding on CMC, we were assigned with two tasks. The first required us to provide a brief summary of a CMC-related research article while the second required us to conduct a mini research on the theme of our group which is Discourse Analaysis. You may find our assignments attached to this entry.

Part 1: Summary of a research article related to CMC.

This particular part was assigned to us so as to provide an overview of CMC. CMC is a very wide field and a researcher may want to embark on so many modes of communication; synchronous or asynchronous, or a combination of both. With the advent of a plethora of social network sites and computer applications, the possibility now is nonetheless limitless. In fact this part of the assignment acted as a trailblazer for the next part of the assignment that required our rigorous analytical scrutiny.

The article can be retrieved here: http://cscanada.net/index.php/sll/article/view/j.sll.1923156320120503.801

Herewith the documents of the assignment for your reference:

Part 2: Mini research related to CMC.

For this part we chose to conduct a mini research on Gricean Maxims of Conversation. Since this particular concept was highly regarded in our process of learning Discourse Analysis, we were interested to see how this could actually be translated in a virtual communication. We were curious to know how these maxims would be applied in a virtual communication that is indubitably different to that of face-to-face.

Herewith the documents of the assignment for your reference:

 

Click here to access the summary and here to the mini research proposal.

As a whole, we must admit that we have learnt a great deal from the experience of doing these two tasks. Note that we also found new insightful findings regarding discourse and language in the virtual realm. In the next post, we shall provide you with the reflection as we underwent the process of completing these tasks. We hope that you will find this entry beneficial though we humbly believe that there are many rooms for improvement. See you again, salam! 

WW

Reflection 2: CALL Lesson Plan

Assalaamualaykum dear readers!

Source: http://www.nation.com.pk/print_images/670/2013-01-14/pgjdc-establishes-gem-identification-labs-1358107088-5128.jpg

In this entry, Wisdom Waraqah would like to share some of the gems that we managed to pick up in our journey towards completing the lesson plan described in our previous post. 

Source: http://iamduzon.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/f.png

Among the things that we wish to highlight in this entry is our realisation of the role of an educator. In the process of constructing the lesson plan, we encountered a few circumstances, for example, the need to be precised especially in making sure that we meet the learning outcomes by the end of the lesson and also in making the right decision of choosing the best application to be used in class. Every step taken in doing the lesson plan was thought of thoroughly as to ensure that students will receive maximum benefit from the lesson. Based on this, it occurred to us that being an educator is a tough job and we strongly believe that every single educator out there including our fellow dedicated lecturers are struggling to do their best to ensure the efficiency of their lessons.

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pXuDXqpuI6edNgghTI-AxB_CGFb6VT8P7FdCyTNNBxWh89C4N5vw84uPpM0VAPivsr7TvyqD7FOuF_OQ4UMG8dc3fPLBlmcV5tvBuIm6Eik_y8ahin6pyb_Z8FLS0ae0612C2Bjo4aY/s1600/TeacherTexting.jpg

In the Islamic point of view, we believe than an educator does not only teach worldly lessons but also inspires students to attain the splendour of Jannah. This gives Muslim educators the title of murabbi as it is also their responsibility to lead students to the righteous Path. In fact Allah says in one Quranic ayah:

“Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in   prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only they will   remember [who are] people of understanding.”

                                                                                                                                    (Az-Zumar: 9)

 
Based on the Quranic verse above, it is crucial for a Muslim to gain as much knowledge as possible. A knowledgeable person is in contrast with an ignorant person. Plus, they are different in the eyes of Allah.

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Awaken by this fact, we as students feel that educators should be respected and appreciated well as they have poured out their utmost effort and hard work in teaching us. If, by the Will of Allah, we ourselves become educators in the future, we learn that it is important for us to be proactive and diligent in pursuing our career so that the nation will be able to produce the best leaders the world will ever possess. 

Warm regards;

WW