Sixty Four (64).

On my sixty three (63) birthday, I wrote this.

No candles to blow,
I hope and pray my life glow
Be nice to all,
Hope, there will be sixty four.
Insyaalah.

Alhamdulilah (thank Allah) I came to sixty four. I am now on one year subsidy for the Holy Prophet (pbuh) left us at sixty three (63).

17 December 2009, my birthday anniversary was very significant; it fell on the eve of Maal Hijrah. On this day, 1430 years ago by the Muslim calendar, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was one day away by camels from Quba Medina on his miraculous escape from Mekah. I would imagine the hardships and the endurance the Holy Prophet (pbuh) encountered on making this journey.

Six decades and four years ago in the middle of the British Malaya Administration era, a boy was born in a small kampong by the rail line between Sungkai and Bidor. Today he stays very close to the rail line or komuter line between Klang and Port Klang. From a steam locomotive that he used to admire during his kid days to now a modern Electric Operated Shuttle Train.

In the evening at 1800 hrs there was a live telecast from Vientiane Laos where Malaysia faced Vietnam in the Soccer final. I watched the first half and it was scoreless. I immediately adjourned to the Mosque in time for the year end doa. After Maghreb and the New Year doa, I left the Mosque to watch the end part of the game. I must eat my word for Malaysia triumphed with 1 – 0. Malaysia got the gold. I did not give Malaysia a chance to win and indeed it was a pleasant birthday present.

After Isyakh, Sabirin, Wan Zainal, Murad and Pak Long Mustaffa got together at the Warong for drinks and simple snack. Pak Long who just arrived from Perlis took the tab, in return for the classified object that I got for him. At 64 my standard is only Warong unlike those days when I was high and mighty, nothing short of a five star Hotel celebrations. Those were the days.

Things have surely changed as I become older. Only Allah knows whether I am able to reach the 65 or otherwise.