Rindu Bau Pohon Tin

Author: Hasrizal Abdul Jamil @ Abu Saif (http://www.saifulislam.com/)





This book is a memoir of the author's student days in Jordan. It begins with a discourse between the young Hasrizal and his teacher on verse 122 from Surah al-Taubah:


"Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish the people when they return to them― that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)."

The teacher explains to Hasrizal that studying in the way of Allah is similar to going to war:

1. War is difficult.
2. War requires planning.
3. War requires skills.
4. In war you must know your friends and foes.
5. War promises 'Ghanimah' (spoils of war).

Equipped with these words of wisdom, the author travels as one of the first group of students under the 'Rancangan Bersama JPA-Petronas' to Jordan, where he is greeted by the sight of deserts and camels. Throughout the book, he recalls the various lecturers, friends, neighbours and his observations of students and student life in general.

He notes sadly that the wholesome image of Malaysian students deteriprated somewhat with the influx in 1995, as some of them were sent not with pure intentions to study religion, but as a last resort by their parents to 'return to the straight path'. There's an interesting anecdote where he compares the attitude of Malaysian students with those from other countries. A Chinese student, in his efforts to learn the Arabic language, would write an Arabic word on the back of his hand. When asked why not use a notebook instead, the Chinese student replied, "If I write in my book, I may note remember. If I write on my hand, I will be forced to memorize it before performing ablution (wudhu') for Zuhur prayers."

There are many little gems in the book, and its easy style makes reading it a pleasure. Each chapter is a little story or anecdote of its own, so you can always pick it up and read it at your leisure - although I managed to finish it in one go. There are too many wonderful phrases and to quote, but one sentence in relation to preparing for war/studies that I'll post here:

"Kucar-kacir dalam kebenaran, mustahil ada upaya mengalahkan kebatilan yang sistematik."