On the second day of the recent Hari Raya Eidul Fitri, a 60-year old man came to my mother's house to celebrate the Eid Mubarak. I know him since I was small. He used to come and visit my late father who passed away in Dec., 1980. He told us that he is 'anak murid'( a student) of my father.By the way, my father was a religous teacher since late 40's for three decades.
The words 'anak murid' means more than just a pupil or a student. There is a special relationship or bonding between them. It is more like father and son.Some students revered their teachers and love them more than their own natural fathers.One is proud of one another.
After having some 'kueh raya'( cakes etc), he reminisced of his time with my late father.Suddenly, he stopped and broke into tears. I knew the feeling when I also have similar experience with my late teacher.After his burst, he did not stay long.After we shook hands to say good-bye, he embraced and kissed me. I knew that kiss was not for me , but for my late father.That is how much he loved his guru.
I hold back my tears while we exchanged our salam greetings afterwards.It also reminded me of my late father,especially during the festival of Eid Mubarak.
By the way, if you still have teachers whom you love and respect, it is better to pay a visit while they are still around.
pak adib! its good to be back in kl. i have few teachers i think of every now and then. the one i respect most was my tok mengaji. he passed away ten years ago..
Posted by: jL | Friday, November 19, 2004 at 12:17 PM
Abedib:
My beloved teacher passed away 14 years ago. A Patani one, Babo Zik also left the world in early 90s. Another one passed away 2 yrs ago when I was here. I have yet to find a new one since I left Msia in 2001.You are 100% right by saying "Some students revered their teachers and love them more than their own natural fathers."
p.s: I did finally find 'Dont Be Sad' here. I bought one copy at Londol Central Mosque bookstore after solah eidul-fitri. Someone told me, there are 7 round of solah eidulfitri at that mosque alone. I am so happy to find it there!. Btw, they only sell the soft cover here for 10GBP each.
SK
Posted by: SK | Saturday, November 20, 2004 at 08:03 AM
SK,
I am glad you finally got thr book-Don't Be Sad.
All of us need a spiritual teacher who could assist and facilitate us to get ourselves closer to our Rabb.
Posted by: Adib | Saturday, November 20, 2004 at 10:09 AM
I visited my Guru during Ramadhan. Very refreshing indeed!
Posted by: Honeytar | Saturday, November 20, 2004 at 10:40 AM
My teacher is younger than me so perhaps he won t die before I do.
When I see his face in a picture I cry, just like I cried when I read about the man crying when he kissed your hand.
It is not the person , but the essence of the Haq that we feel comes through the teacher.
My teacher is 12,000 miles away , the last time I met him, I talked to him for about 15 minutes , I had to make an appointment.
I feel that teachers are always with us though they are not with us. When you think of your teacher, you will feel their presence
Posted by: Suriya | Friday, November 26, 2004 at 02:14 PM
Thank you,Dr Suriya for visiting my humble blog.Thanks for your feedback.InsyaAllah, I will visit your homepage and read your essays.
Posted by: Adib | Friday, November 26, 2004 at 03:24 PM