Me = Cheapskate

Never would I have thought of paying anything for anyone. Ok, I do not give myself enough credit.

I paid my Zakat Fitrah (still do not know what it means or what it is for) at $3.50.

It felt good paying it. For the benefit of those who are not aware, I was paid $100 in total as a Mualaf. Not too bad huh? It then means that about 30 people have paid $3.50 to $4.50 each for me to enjoy my entitlement as a new convert. But I was in no mood to turn them down. After all, they did make me go through hell... Will have to pay my Zakat whatever next year though. Not too bad... tax deductible... so evens it out...

I only paid this on the 3rd last day of the fasting month. I've always thought that a new convert was exempted from paying any Zakats for the first year. Well... guess what... from that time, I felt what I've always thought I've been missing.

I felt the spirit of the season so strongly. I felt so so good and I was sadden by the fact that I only grasped it so late into the month. I've made so many good friends: Pak Ali, Osman, Joraimi, Rashid, Uncle Rahman... and so many whom I did not manage to remember their names. I am blessed. And the best part, they call on me from time to time.

One thing that really touched me was how many of the people I've met once managed to remember me. They are nice and friendly. They laugh at my jokes. They return my jokes with theirs. They are all much older than me. They are all wiser and definately patient with the language that I use. I am grateful. And I am making the concious effort to not use them.

Please please please pray for me that I'll not lose steam.. I want to be a better muslim and a better person. And those who stand in my way will face my... opps... pai seh. Fuck me. Forget what I just said..

jahwsl
1219
26 Oct 06'