Pohon yang Bergoyang-goyang

Pohon yang tinggi itu bergoyang-goyang ditiup angin, setelah bergoyang ke kiri-ke kanan, ia kembali tegak lagi, seperti semula.

Hadis riwayat Abu Hurairah ra., ia berkata: Rasulullah saw. bersabda: Perumpamaan orang mukmin itu seperti tanaman yang selalu digoyangkan oleh hembusan angin karena orang mukmin senantiasa ditimpa berbagai cobaan. Sedangkan perumpamaan orang munafik seperti pohon cemara yang tidak goyang dihembus angin kecuali setelah ditebang. (HR Bukhari-Muslim)

Hidup ini pada dasarnya ada ruang ujian, cobaan akan datang terus menerus silih berganti, sampai kita menghembuskan nafas terakhir di dunia ini.

Dan sungguh akan Kami berikan cobaan kepadamu, dengan sedikit ketakutan, kelaparan, kekurangan harta, jiwa dan buah-buahan. Dan berikanlah berita gembira kepada orang-orang yang sabar (QS. Al-Baqarah: 155)

Dan bukan hanya ujian keburukan yang membutuhkan kesabaran kita, namun juga ujian kebaikan, yang membutuhkan kesyukuran.

Kami akan menguji kamu dengan keburukan dan kebaikan sebagai cobaan (yang sebenar-benarnya). Dan hanya kepada Kami lah kamu dikembalikan. (QS. Al-Anbiyaa': 35)

Luar biasanya seorang muslim itu adalah bahwa dalam kondisi apapun ia berada, bisa menjadi sarana kebaikan bagi dirinya.

Dari Abu Yahya, yaitu Shuhaib bin Sinan RA, katanya: Rasulullah SAW bersabda: "Amat mengherankan sekali keadaan orang mu'min itu, sesungguhnya semua keadaannya itu adalah merupakan kebaikan baginya dan kebaikan yang sedemikian itu tidak akan ada lagi seseorangpun melainkan hanya untuk orang mu'min itu belaka, yaitu apabila ia mendapatkan kelapangan hidup, iapun bersyukur, maka hal itu adalah kebaikan baginya, sedang apabila ia ditimpa oleh kesukaran -yakni yang merupakan bencana- iapun bersabar dan hal inipun adalah merupakan kebaikan baginya." (HR Muslim)

Ibarat pohon yang lunak, ketika diuji dengan kesulitan-kesusahan-kepayahan, maka bersabarlah, angin menggoyang-goyangkan pohon ke kiri dan ke kanan, namun ia tidak dapat mematahkannya, sang pohon akan kembali tegak lagi, pada waktunya.

Sangatlah wajar jika kita sedikit bersedih-bingung-kalut sewaktu mendapat kesulitan, tapi ingatlah, kita memiliki Tuhan yang maha kuasa, maha lembut, maha bijaksana dan amat cinta terhadap hamba-hambaNya, Ia tidak akan pernah menzalimi hamba-hambaNya dengan memberikan cobaan melebihi batas kemampuannya, Ia pun pasti mendengar setiap lantunan doa, dan memudahkan setiap langkah usaha kita.

Miliki keyakinan, tetap bersabar dan “tegaklah kembali” seusai diterpa angin cobaan.



---000---

Samarinda, 31 Mei 2009
Syamsul Arifin

Cermin

Cermin adalah kaca bening yang salah satu mukanya dicat dengan air raksa atau yang lainnya sehingga dapat memperlihatkan bayangan benda-benda yang ditaruh di depannya, biasanya untuk melihat wajah ketika bersolek dsb.

Sebuah cermin yang standar memantulkan bayangan persis dengan bentuk benda aslinya, sehingga sering digunakan untuk mengoreksi, melihat diri sendiri, mengetahui kekurangan/berkaca tentang keadaan diri. Jika kurang cantik, maka akan dipolesnya diri itu, sehingga tampak indah menawan.

Seorang mukmin adalah cermin bagi mukmin lainnya. Apabila melihat aib padanya dia segera memperbaikinya. (HR. Bukhari)

Salah satu warisan Nabi adalah amar ma’ruf nahi munkar, saling nasehat menasihati dalam kebaikan dan melarang dalam keburukan.

Indahnya sistem masyarakat Islam adalah ketika mereka saling peduli antar sesama mereka, memperhatikan kondisinya, dan menjaga diri mereka satu sama lain. Meluruskannya jika berbelok, dan saling bersemangat dalam kebaikan.

Tidak ada seseorangpun yang sempurna, pasti ada cela maupun lupa, maka dari itu dibutuhkan saudara seimannya untuk menjaganya, mengingatkannya jika lalai dan mencukupinya jika berkekurangan.

Itu semua tentu dilandasi oleh rasa cinta karena Allah semata.

Nabi saw. bersabda: Salah satu di antara kalian tidak beriman sebelum ia mencintai saudaranya (atau beliau bersabda: tetangganya) seperti mencintai diri sendiri. (HR Muslim)

Dalam bentuk pengingatan yang santun, lembut, dan penuh rasa kasih-sayang.


---000---

Samarinda, 31 Mei 2009
Syamsul Arifin

Kumpulan Tulisan Melon (II) ipin4u ^_^

Sebagian dari kumpulan tulisan2 melonku... ^_^


Mencoba Belajar

Aku akui bahwa aku belajar banyak dari kamu. Aku belajar mencium aroma embun di pagi hari, aku belajar menghitung awan di langit sore, aku belajar memilah warna-warni pelangi sehabis hujan. Oh ya, aku juga belajar berlari di taman, belajar melanggar larangan untuk tidak menginjak rumput-rumput -mengisi kesenangan- dan menghindari pengawasan sang penjaga taman...

Aku belajar tertawa lepas dan tak memperdulikan orang!

Aku menyadari bahwa aku belajar banyak dari kedekatan kita. Aku belajar cara menikmati tiap tetesan tangis yang kita keluarkan, belajar cara menyimpan tiap tawa untuk kita kenang, dan belajar menanamkan keyakinan, bahwa suatu saat nanti, kita mungkin saja akan terpisahkan...

kota tepian, 28022009
-ipin4u-



Hujan

Malam ini hujan, aku berpura-pura tidak menyukai hujan sambil berjalan setengah berjinjit mencari canopi ruko yang bisa kujadikan tempat berteduh. Sambil lalu, aku memainkan handphone, menekan huruf-huruf yang tertulis di tombol-tombolnya. Air mengenai handphoneku, aku bersikap seolah-olah memiliki handphone yang tahan air, yah.., paling nanti layarnya akan pudar dan mati terkena air, semoga saja tidak sampai rusak!

Namamu yang tertulis di layar memang menjadi sedikit susah terbaca, butiran air membuatnya jadi berembun. Satu pesan singkat berhasil ku kirim, "dik, langit di kotaku hujan, bagaimana dengan langit malammu disana..?", terkirim.

Bajuku sudah mulai basah semua, air hujan masih saja terus berjatuhan. Aku suka hujan, karena hujan selalu bisa mengingatkanku pada dirimu, yang saat ini jauh...

01032009
-ipin4u-



Faith

It is written, that we are not meant for each other
The faith force us to run in a different side of track
Pursuing our happiness, with our own unconnected path
It’s seems that we shall never gonna meet at the same place
Never gonna walk side by side
Grapping each other hand, only live at our painful dreams…

12032009
-ipin4u-



Paket Rindu

Aku bungkus rinduku dengan kertas kado berwarna biru, warna kesukaanmu. Aku bersiap membawanya ke kantor pos, berharap agar bisa sampai ke tempatmu.

Sesampainya di sana, ternyata Pa pos tidak mau menerima paket rinduku! Katanya, jalanan ke rumahmu terjal dan sulit untuk ditempuh. Duh.., mesti berbuat apa lagi nih. Bingung dan gundah melanda hati. Aku keluar dari kantor pos berwarna orange itu, terduduk di deretan atas tangga masuknya, tak ambil pusing akan lalu-lalang orang-orang yang berseliweran, sambil menggenggam rinduku buat kamu. Paket rindu masih berdenyut pelan, kuharap tidak sampai mati.

Di sini aku terdiam, menggenggam erat rindu buat kamu, dan di sana kamu berada, tanpa pernah sedikitpun tahu, perihal rasa yang terus mengusik dan mengganggu diriku, sebuah rasa rindu...

26032009
-ipin4u-



Lupa

Mereka sebut aku pelupa, karena banyak melupakan hal-hal penting yang seharusnya tidak kulupakan dalam hidupku. Tapi.., kenapa aku tidak pernah bisa melupakan kamu dari dalam ingatanku..?

03042009
-ipin4u-



Penantian

Bilakah engkau kan jadi milikku..?
Apakah butuh waktu 1000 tahun lagi..?
Kuharap tidak selama itu

26052009
-ipin4u-

I Have No Option

I have no option except to succeed. Failure is not an option for me.

I need to have:

1. Great self determination (power of will, excitement of learning, courage to experiencing a new stuff)
2. Plan
3. Excellent performance (action)
3. God by my side.


Believe!!!

[puisi] Deklarasi Cinta (requested poetry)

Nge-buat puisi ini sebagai request dari seseorang yang diminta temannya yang akan menikah untuk nge-buat puisi romantis




Cahaya Cinta


Pagi hari ini, matahari cemburu pada kita
Karena cintanya pada rembulan, belum juga tertunaikan
Di hari ini, hanya akan ada kegembiraan tanpa ada kesusahan
Pernyataan-penyatuan cinta, dalam keridhoan

Handai taulan menjadi saksi kesungguhan
Ketika kita berkomitmen, untuk menapaki masa depan
Ketika kamu bersungguh-sungguh, untuk menaungiku
ketika aku bersedia, dipayungi bayangan dirimu

Kebahagiaan di atas kebahagiaan
Cahaya cinta di atas cinta yang sakral
Bersatunya keluarga besar
Berkahnya cinta yang halal

Mulai saat ini, janganlah ragu lagi menggenggam tanganku
Mendekap tubuhku, kala ia mulai melemah dan ragu
Membimbing langkahku, menapaki kebaikan
Mengecup pelan pipiku, setiap engkau pulang...




kota tepian, 24 Mei 2009
-ipin4u-

*percobaan pertama*persepsi dari pihak wanita*
*puisi pesanan buat orang walimahan : vulgar kagak ya nih
*nanti mikir lagi dah





=======================


Kebahagiaan yang Berkekalan


Kata orang, menikah adalah separuh dari agama
Kata diriku, menikahimu adalah segalanya
Saran mereka, pilihlah pasangan yang cantik
Tapi aku, memilih pasangan yang lebih dari hanya sekedar cantik

Aku tidak bisa menjanjikan kehidupan yang selalu bahagia
Jalan yang bertaburan bunga dan iringan musik yang selalu gembira
Bahkan tidak mungkin, jalan di depan akan terjal dan menyakitkan
Namun aku menjanjikan satu hal, bahwa aku akan selalu memperjuangkan kebahagiaan untuk kita

Hari ini adalah hari bahagia
Hari dimana aku dan kamu dipersatukan dalam ikatan cinta
Aku berdoa kepada Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala
Agar kita disatukan pula, di dalam taman-taman surga...


(amin)

kota tepian, 24052009
-ipin4u-

*puisi pesanan*

Sumber Kekuatan

"Maa syaa Allah, laa quwwata illaa billah (Sungguh atas kehendak Allah semua ini terwujud, tiada kekuatan kecuali dengan pertolongan Allah). (QS. Al-Kahfi: 39)

"Laa haula wa laa quwata illa billah" (Tiada daya upaya dan tiada kekuatan kecuali dengan pertolongan Allah)." (HR Bukhari-Muslim)


Jangan hanya mengandalkan kekuatan yang kau miliki, karena pada hakekatnya, kamu sebagai seorang manusia, tidak memiliki kekuatan sedikitpun juga.

Mintalah kepada Allah SWT, zat yang maha perkasa, pemilik kerajaan langit dan bumi, agar menjagamu, menunjukimu, mengarahkanmu, dan melimpahkanmu banyak kebaikan atas dirimu.


Godaan Syaitan

وَإِمَّا يَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

dan jika kamu ditimpa sesuatu godaan syaitan Maka berlindunglah kepada Allah* (QS. Al-A'raaf: 200)

Maksudnya: membaca A'udzubillahi minasy-syaithaanir-rajiim.

Syaitan selalu memiliki seribu satu cara untuk menggelincirkan manusia. Alih-alih susah payah melawan godaan mereka, minta perlindungan saja kepada Allah SWT.

Dikisahkan dari sebagian ulama salaf, ketika ia bertanya kepada muridnya mengenai apa yang akan ia lakukan jika digoda setan. Sang murid menjawab bahwa ia akan melawannya, demikian terus jawabannya kalau setan datang lagi menganggunya. Sang ulama memberikan perumpamaan, kalau kamu melewati sekumpulan domba dan anjing penjaganya mengonggong, apa yang akan kamu lakukan? Sang murid menjawab bahwa ia akan berhenti dan coba mengusir anjing tersebut. Akhirnya sang ulama memberitahu jawabannya, bahwa yang perlu ia lakukan, suatu cara yang mudah, hanyalah minta tolong kepada penggembala domba itu, agar memberikan jalan kepadanya.


Godaan Hawa Nafsu

maka Allah mengilhamkan kepada jiwa itu (jalan) kefasikan dan ketakwaannya, sesungguhnya beruntunglah orang yang menyucikan jiwa itu. (QS. Asy-Syams: 8-9)

Dan adapun orang-orang yang takut kepada kebesaran Tuhannya dan menahan diri dari keinginan hawa nafsunya, maka sesungguhnya surgalah tempat tinggal (nya). (QS. An-Naazi'aat: 40-41)

Dunia adalah arena pertarungan abadi antara dorongan kebaikan dan keburukan dalam diri kita. Satu sisi mengajak kepada keluhuran budi pekerti, sedang sisi yang lain selalu mendorong ke arah kerendahan sikap dan perilaku. Di satu sisi bisa melambungkan kita ke tingkat yang setara (atau bahkan mungkin lebih baik) dari malaikat, namun di sisi yang lain bahkan bisa menjeremuskan kita ke posisi yang bahkan lebih buruk daripada binatang ternak sekalipun.

Mintalah kepada Allah SWT limpahan hidayah, karena sesungguhnya barangsiapa yang telah ditunjukiNya, maka tidak akan ada yang dapat menyesatkannya, meskipun berkumpul seluruh jin dan manusia untuk menyesatkannnya.

Dan barang siapa yang diberi petunjuk oleh Allah, maka tidak seorang pun yang dapat menyesatkannya. (QS. Az-Zumar: 37)


Ya Rabbi, kami berlindung kepadamu dari godaan syaitan yang terkutuk, dan kami berlindung kepadamu dari keburukan amal perbuatan kami. (amin)



---000---

Samarinda, 23 Mei 2009
Syamsul Arifin

Kesabaran itu Cantik

As sobrun jamilun
Kesabaran itu cantik, indah, manis.

Bagi orang yang berpuasa ada dua kegembiraan yang dirasakannya. Yaitu, apabila berbuka, ia bergembira; dan apabila ia bertemu dengan Tuhannya, ia bergembira karena puasanya itu. (HR Bukhari)

Dalam konteks yang luas dan berbeda, hadits di atas bisa kita gunakan untuk memahami peran kesabaran dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.

Kesabaran memberikan penambahan nilai marginal pada tingkat kepuasan

Pada contoh kasus orang yang berpuasa, ketika ia telah berhasil menahan dirinya dari menikmati makanan-minuman dan hubungan suami-istri (bagi yang sudah menikah) selama periode berpuasa, dan berbuka pada saatnya, tentu akan ada kepuasan yang besar pada dirinya, karena berhasil menahan diri, membuktikan kekuatan keteguhan diri, membuktikan kemampuan untuk mencapai tujuan, dan memberikan kepuasan batin yang berbeda.

Makanan-minuman juga akan terasa jauh lebih nikmat ketika dimakan pada saat lapar.

Kesabaran memberikan kegembiraan pada saat bertemu Tuhan

Pada orang yang berpuasa, maka ia akan bergembira pada saat bertemu Tuhannya, karena mendapatkan ganjaran kebaikan yang banyak dari Allah SWT.

Begitu juga dengan orang-orang yang memiliki kemampuan bersabar di dunia ini.

Sebagaimana sudah umum diketahui, kesabaran itu bukan hanya ketika menerima musibah, tapi kesabaran itu terdiri dari tiga jenis:
1. Kesabaran ketika ditimpa musibah
2. Kesabaran agar bisa terus menjalankan kebaikan, dan
3. Kesabaran untuk bisa menghindari diri dari keburukan
Jadi, kesabaran itu bukan hanya sesuatu yang pasif, tapi juga dalam bentuk yang aktif.

Orang-orang yang bersabar harus mampu menjaga dirinya dari melakukan perbuatan yang dilarang, dan harus juga bisa mengarahkan dirinya agar bisa terus berada di koridor kebaikan sebagaimana telah diperintahkan.

Maka tidaklah mengherankan jika saya mengatakan bahwa kesabaran itu cantik, indah, dan manis. Mungkin kesabaran lebih manis daripada madu yang manis, dan lebih indah daripada pelangi di sore hari usai hujan yang mereda.


---000---

Samarinda, 23 Mei 2009
Syamsul Arifin

Penantang yang Nyata!

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

أَوَلَمْ يَرَ الإنْسَانُ أَنَّا خَلَقْنَاهُ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ فَإِذَا هُوَ خَصِيمٌ مُبِينٌ

dan Apakah manusia tidak memperhatikan bahwa Kami menciptakannya dari setitik air (mani), Maka tiba-tiba ia menjadi penantang yang nyata!

does not man see that we have created Him from Nutfah (mixed male and female discharge semen drops). yet behold! He (stands forth) as an open opponent.

(QS. Yassiin: 77)

Boneka Daruma

Alhamdulillah dapat hadiah oleh-oleh boneka Daruma dan uang 50 yen dari Ditagiri Prahasta Putra (http://ditagiri.blogspot.com) yang pulang dari Jepang ^_^ hehehe

 

Ditagiri adalah salah satu teman cyber, kenal dari forum blogfam.com, salah satu forum komunitas yang isinya adalah bloggers. Lumayan seru disana, karena pastinya pada suka nulis. Dan emang sudah banyak blogfamous (sebutan untuk user-user blogfam) yang udah punya buku, buku-buku keroyokan user-user blogfam juga dah sering saya liat mejeng di tobuk Gramedia. Makanya tertarik gabung juga, walaupun rada-rada sepi sih forumnya:D hehehe

 

Beberapa waktu sebelum dia berangkat, dia buat kontes yang mau oleh-oleh di blogsnya, suruh ngasih koment dan kasih alasan kenapa pengen oleh-oleh tersebut dari dia. Dan ada dua pemenang, ifonly345 (http://ifonlytrias.blogspot.com/) dan ipin4u (http://genkeis.multiply.com/).

 

Begini koment saya di blogs-nya Giri,

 

minta oleh2 bunga sakura ajah deh ^_^
*udah musimnya belum ya :D hehehe

alasannya adalah karena yang khas dari jepang ya bunga sakura ituh, klo mau minta mobil honda, kayaknya ga bakalan dikasih :D makannya minta yang ituh ajah deh ^_^ hehehehe

semoga perjalanannya aman dan menyenangkan ya di jepang sanah ^_^

 

 

Kalo baca info tentang boneka Daruma di wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daruma_doll), begini ditulis penjelasannya,

 

Daruma dolls (達磨, daruma?), also known as dharma dolls, are hollow and round Japanese wish dolls with no arms or legs, modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder and first patriarch of Zen.[1] Typical colors are red (most common), yellow, green, and white. The doll has a face with a mustache and beard, but its eyes only contain the color white. Using black ink, one fills in a single circular eye while thinking of a wish. Should the wish later come true, the second eye is filled in. It is traditional to fill in the right eye first; the left eye is left blank until the wish is fulfilled.

 

Many of the Daruma dolls are male but there is a female daruma doll. It is called hime daruma or "princess daruma."

 

Characteristics

 

Because of their low centers of gravity, some types of daruma doll are roly-poly toys: they return to the upright position after being tilted to one side. As such, the daruma has become symbolic for optimism, persistence, and strong determination. The dolls are based on an older kind of self-righting doll known as a "little roly-poly priest" (起き上がり小法師, okiagari koboshi?). A 17th-century children's song describes the self-righting daruma dolls of the time as being much like their modern equivalents:

 

Hi ni! fu ni!

Fundan Daruma ga

Akai zukin kaburi sunmaita!

 

Once! twice!

Ever the red-hooded Daruma

Heedlessly sits up again!

 

Some dolls have written characters on the cheeks explaining the kind of wish or desire the owner has in mind, such as protection of loved ones. The surname of the owner may be written on the chin. Until the wish has been granted, the daruma is displayed in a high location in one's home, typically close to other significant belongings such as a Butsudan (a Buddhist house altar). It is normal to own only a single daruma at a time.

 

Daruma dolls are typically purchased in or near Japanese Buddhist temples and can range in price from 500 yen for small dolls (~5cm in height) to 10,000 yen or more for the largest dolls (~60cm in height). If the daruma doll was purchased within a temple, the owner can return it for burning. Dolls purchased at a temple are often marked; most temples will refuse to burn dolls not exhibiting the temple's mark. Burning usually occurs at the year's end. This is done as a purification ritual to let kami know that the wisher did not give up on the wish, but is on another path to make it come true. One example of burning daruma dolls in the Daruma Memorial Service at Dairyū-ji in Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, that takes place at the beginning of each year.

 

 

Ya, mungkin terdengar kebanyakan mitosnya, tapi kita ambil sisi positifnya aja, tentang boneka Daruma yang tegar, akan bangkit kembali kalau “jatuh”, dan tentang optimisme dalam memandang harapan/impian. ^_^

 

Terima kasih banyak Ditagiri atas oleh-olehnya dan atas pesan motivasinya ;)

 

 

---000---

 

Kota Tepian, 21 Mei 2009

Syamsul "ipin4u" Arifin

Sistem Keselamatan Instalasi Produksi Migas Daratan

Industri minyak dan gas bumi (migas) memiliki daya tarik yang besar, terkait keuntungan yang ada di sana. Namun, berbanding lurus dengan keuntungannya, besarnya investasi dan resiko yang ada menjadi sebuah hal yang sangat perlu mendapat perhatian. Maka dari itu, organisasi-organisasi professional yang telah memiliki pengalaman dan pengetahuan di bidang migas telah menetapkan beberapa persyaratan keselamatan.

Di dalam dokumen rekomendasi API (American Petroleum Institute) 14 C (Analysis, Design, Instalation and Testing of Basic Surface Safety System for Offshore Production Platform),  dijelaskan beberapa hal petunjuk-petunjuk pelaksanaan kerja yang aman untuk instalasi migas di daratan, di antaranya adalah dengan mengenai sistem keselamatan permukaan.

Tujuan dari sebuah sistem keselamatan permukaan instalasi produksi adalah untuk melindungi para pekerja, lingkungan dan fasilitas produksi dari ancaman keselamatan yang diakibatkan oleh proses produksi.

Sedangkan tujuan dari analisa keselamatan adalah untuk mengidentifkasi kejadian yang tidak diinginkan (undesirable event) yang bisa mengancam keselamatan dan menentukan jenis perlindungan yang akan mencegah atau mengurangi efek jika kejadian tidak diinginkan tersebut terjadi.

Kejadian yang Tidak Diinginkan

Kejadian yang tidak diinginkan adalah kejadian yang merugikan pada komponen proses produksi yang bisa mengancam keselamatan. Kejadian tidak diinginkan dalam sebuah komponen proses produksi bisa mengarah kepada kasus yang parah seperti dapat mengakibatkan cedera pada manusia, polusi lingkungan dan kerusakan peralatan.

Kejadian tidak diinginkan bisa diindikasikan oleh satu atau beberapa variabel proses yang keluar dari rentang normal operasi. Kondisi tidak normal ini bisa dideteksi oleh sensor yang bisa memerintahkan peralatan untuk menutup (shut down).

Beberapa kondisi tidak normal atau keluar dari rentang operasinya adalah sebagai berikut:

1. Kelebihan tekanan (over pressure), tekanan dalam sebuah komponen proses yang melebihi tekanan maksimal (maximum allowable working pressure).

2. Kurang tekanan (under pressure), jika tekanan di dalam sebuah komponen proses kurang dari desain peralatan yang telah ditentukan.

3. Kebocoran (leak), keluarnya cairan (minyak/air/emulsi) dari sebuah komponen proses ke atmosfir atau lingkungan.

4. Cairan ikut mengalir (liquid overflow), jika cairan keluar dari sebuah komponen proses melalui pipa yang digunakan untuk gas.

5. Gas blowby, terjadi jika gas mengalir melalui jalur atau pipa yang dipergunakan untuk cairan.

6. Suhu berlebihan (excess temperature) untuk komponen yang mempergunakan api atau dipanaskan, terjadi jika temperatur melampaui desain kerja sebuah komponen proses.

7. Sumber api langsung (direct ignition source) untuk komponen yang mempergunakan api, adalah paparan pada permukaan, api, atau percikan yang terjadi pada suhu dan panas yang mencukupi sehingga bisa menyebabkan kebakaran.

8. Kelebihan gas pada ruang pembakaran (excess combustible vapors in the firing chamber) untuk komponen yang mempergunakan api, terjadi jika ada kelebihan gas bakar melebihi kebutuhan normal pada ruang bakar sebuah komponen proses.

 
Safety Flow Chart (Diagram Alir Keselamatan)

Diagram alir keselamatan digunakan untuk menggambarkan kejadian-kejadian tidak diinginkan yang bisa menyebabkan cedera pada pekerja, polusi, atau kerusakan fasilitas. Dengan adanya diagram alir tersebut, kita juga bisa mengetahui alat-alat keselamatan atau prosedur apa saja yang perlu dipersiapkan guna mencegah timbulnya kejadian yang tidak dinginkan.

Tugas utama sistem keselamatan instalasi adalah untuk mencegah pelepasan hidrokarbon dari proses dan meminimalisir efek jika terjadi pelepasan hidrokarbon.

Secara umum, tujuan dari sistem keselamatan instalasi adalah sebagai berikut:

1. Mencegah kejadian tidak diinginkan yang bisa mengakibatkan pelepasan hidrokarbon

2. Menutup keseluruhan proses produksi atau sebagian peralatan proses tertentu guna menghentikan kebocoran atau kelebihan aliran.

3. Mengumpulkan dan mengganti cairan hidrokarbon dan mendispersikan gas yang keluar dari proses produksi.

4. Mencegah kebakaran dari hidrokarbon yang terlepas.

5. Menutup keseluruhan proses produksi jika terjadi kebakaran.

6. Mencegah timbulnya kejadian tidak dinginkan terjadi pada peralatan lain akibat terjadi kejadian yang tidak diinginkan pada salah satu peralatan.

Kecelakaan yang terjadi di luar proses produksi tidak menyebar dengan sendirinya, terkecuali bisa mempengaruhi proses produksi atau menyebabkan kebakaran. Jika kecelakaan di luar proses mempengaruhi proses produksi, sistem keselamatan harus bisa mematikan keseluruhan proses atau bagian proses yang terpengaruh. Jika terjadi kebakaran di dalam instalasi proses produksi, sistem keselamatan harus bisa mematikan seluruh aktivitas instalasi kecuali peralatan yang digunakan untuk memadamkan kebakaran.

Contoh dari kecelakaan yang terjadi di luar proses yaitu: gangguan alam, kecelakaan kapal atau helikopter, kegagalan peralatan atau mesin, atau kesalahan yang diakibatkan oleh pekerja. Jenis-jenis kecelakaan seperti ini bisa diminalisir melalui desain aman sebuah peralatan atau mesin, prosedur kerja baku (Standard Operating Prosedur) untuk pekerja dan peralatan, dan pelatihan bagi para pekerja.


Cara Kerja Sistem Keselamatan Instalasi

Sebuah sistem keselamatan instalasi harus bekerja dengan cara sebagai berikut:

a. Memantau dan bekerja secara otomatis. Ada sensor yang bisa memantau kondisi tidak normal yang mengindikasikan kejadian tidak diinginkan.

b. Bekerja secara otomatis jika diaktifkan manual oleh pekerja yang melakukan pemantauan atau bisa mengaktifkan alarm.

c. Terus menerus melakukan perlindungan.

Sistem Emergency Shutdown (ESD) merupakan hal yang penting, dan pekerja juga harus bisa mengaktifkan sistem tersebut secara manual.


Dasar-Dasar Analisa dan Desain

Analisa dan desain dari sebuah sistem keselamatan instalasi haruslah mengikuti beberapa hal dasar berikut:

a. Fasilitas proses produksi haruslah didisain untuk bekerja dengan aman, mengikuti aturan-aturan teknis yang baik.

b. Sistem keselamatan harus terdiri dari perlindungan dua tingkat untuk mencegah jika terjadi kegagalan peralatan keselamatan. Kedua perlindungan tersebut haruslah saling berdiri sendiri dan ditambahkan pada peralatan yang digunakan pada operasi normal. Secara umum, dua tingkat perlindungan tersebut harus berupa alat yang berbeda untuk perlindungan dengan rentang yang lebih luas. Dua peralatan yang sama akan memiliki karakter yang sama dan bisa dipengaruhi oleh penyebab kegagalan yang serupa juga.

c. Dua tingkat perlindungan tersebut harus terdiri dari perlindungan utama dan cadangan. Dibutuhkan penilaian ahli untuk dapat menentukan perlindungan utama dan cadangan tersebut.

d. Teknis analisa sistem untuk sebuah proses produksi bisa menentukan persyaratan minimal sebuah peralatan proses.

e. Semua peralatan proses mulai dari sumur minyak/gas (wellhead) sampai titik discharge akhir, harus masuk kedalam sistem keselamatan.

f. Jika seluruh peralatan keselamatan dari tiap bagian proses, dikombinasikan ke dalam fasilitas produksi, maka tidak akan ada ancaman keselamatan baru, untuk itu, semua peralatan proses diintegrasikan secara logis (logical integrated) ke dalam sistem keselamatan, agar seluruh fasilitas terlindungi.

g. Prosedur analisa harus bisa menyediakan metode baku untuk membuat sistem keselamatan dan menyediakan dokumentasi pendukung.

Sistem keselamatan instalasi proses produksi migas daratan merupakan salah satu aspek teknis yang harus diterapkan dengan ketat agar bisa mencegah cedera pada pekerja, polusi pada lingkungan, dan kerusakan pada peralatan, dan tentunya, mengamankan dan memberikan keuntungan produksi pengelolaan migas.



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Referensi: API (American Petroleum Institute) 14 C, Recommended Practices for Analysis, Design, Installation, and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production Platforms


Syamsul Arifin, SKM

Field SHE Officer, PT. EMP Semberah (Semberani Persada Oil), a subsidiary of PT. Energi Mega Persada.
Alumni Dept K3 FKM UI angkatan 2001
Email: syamsul.arifin@yahoo.com

Thinking American and Muslim (Interview With Hadia Mubarak)

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/

Interview Thinking American and Muslim Interview With Hadia Mubarak

By  Muhammed Qassim IOL Correspondent

"Muslim youth felt like they were not being valued according to their own merit, but that they were being defined through the prism of terrorism," Muabrak said. When asked about Islam and gender, many would probably jump into the religious spectrum with either criticism or tribute; when it is political engagement of American Muslims, it is pointing fingers; and Muslim women are always oppressed and silenced… Yet, Hadia Mubarak gives it a second thought. The "On Faith" Muslim American panelist is regarding these issues differently. Her unique viewpoint of issues raised on almost daily basis in America makes her someone worth interviewing. Hadia Mubarak is a full-time doctoral student at Georgetown University's Islamic Studies department. Her research interests include the development of Islamic family law, Islamic reform, and gender issues in Islam. Mubarak previously worked as a Senior Researcher with the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, a researcher with the Gallup Organization's Center for Muslim Studies and a researcher with American University's Islam in the Age of Globalization project. As a field researcher for the project, Hadia accompanied Professor Akbar Ahmed throughout the Muslim world and conducted on-site surveys and interviews with a range of Muslim scholars, government officials, activists, students, and journalists in Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Pakistan, and India. The findings were published in Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization. In 2004, Mubarak was the first female to be elected as president of the Muslim Students Association National (MSA) since its establishment in 1963. MSA is an umbrella organization of approximately 500 chapters in the United States and Canada, which serves to promote religious awareness on college campuses and foster an atmosphere that accommodates the religious diversity of its student body. Mubarak received her Master's degree in Contemporary Arab Studies with a concentration on Women and Gender from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. She received her Bachelor's degree in International Affairs and English from Florida State University. Hadia's publications include "Young and Muslim in Post 9/11 America" (The Brandywine Review of Faith & International Affairs Vol. 3, No. 2); "Breaking the Interpretive Monopoly: A Re-examination of Verse 4:34" (Hawaa Vol. 2, Issue 3); The Politicization of Gender Reform: Islamists' discourse on repealing Article 340 of the Jordanian Penal Code (MA Thesis, Georgetown University, 2005); and "Blurring the Lines Between Faith and Culture" (America Now: Short Reading from Recent Periodicals. 5th ed.), among many others. Recently IslamOnline.net did an interview with Hadia Mubarak about rights of Muslim women, American Muslims, and the Muslim world. •Muslim American Women • Islamic Family Laws • Gender & Islam • Political Engagement for US Muslims • Propagandists & Attacks on US Muslims • 9/11 & Social Role • What the Muslim World Thinks • Responsibility in the Face of Injustice • Message to Muslim World Women   Muslim American Women IslamOnline.net (IOL): American Muslim woman as an example of a Muslim woman: oppressed, silenced, or rather active and vocal? Hadia Mubarak: As the recent Gallup report on Muslim Americans illustrates, Muslim American women's status and achievements defy every stereotype that exists out there about Muslim women. They are at least as likely as Muslim men to hold a college or postgraduate degree. Their greater level of education has translated into greater numbers in the work force, as Muslim women have a greater level of economic gender parity of any group Gallup studied. More importantly, these women are not secular or non-observant Muslims, but Muslims who take pride in their faith, attend mosque regularly, and take an active part in their communities. This trumps the common stereotype that only secular, non-religious women achieve high levels of education and have successful careers.  Islamic Family Laws The truth is that a number of factors influence one's conception of gender with religion often being just one of many factors. IOL: Your PhD research is on "The development of Islamic family law, Islamic reform, and gender issues in Islam", why this topic?   Mubarak: Family law, as currently applied in most Muslim states, is one of the areas most in need of legal reform. With the codification of Islamic law and the creation of modern nation-states, Islamic family law lost much of its flexibility and pluralism which had previously characterized Islamic judicial practice. Unfortunately, many of the existing family laws in Muslim states yield great injustices against Muslim women, especially when it comes to divorce, custody rights, alimony, etc. The state of women's rights in the Muslim world – for the most part – seems to defy in every way the spirit of justice and egalitarianism which the Quran and Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had established. Gender & Islam IOL: What difference do you see, in the Western (American) concept of "gender" and the "gender issue in Islam"? Mubarak: I think it is difficult to speak of a homogenous conception of gender whether it is in the West or in the Muslim world. The truth is that a number of factors influence one's conception of gender with religion often being just one of many factors. Hence, we can find people in both Western and Muslim societies (those societies with a majority Muslim population) who espouse patriarchal and sexist views towards women, just as we can find individuals in both societies who espouse egalitarian and progressive views towards women. However, when we examine the gender paradigm of Islam — as a religion — we find that it promotes equality, justice, and mutual respect between the two genders, with verse 9:71 being one of many such examples. Political Engagement for US Muslims People often look falsely at Muslim representation at the national level to gauge Muslim political involvement, that is because politics begins at the local level. IOL: Muslim American integration in political organizations: how far have they gone and what they need to improve? Mubarak: In recent years, Muslim Americans have made significant progress in their political participation on the local level, which is what matters most in my opinion. People often look at Muslim representation at the national level to gauge Muslim political involvement, but that is a false indicator in my opinion. That is because politics begins at the local level. With increasing numbers of Muslims getting involved in local political parties, city councils, state legislatures, etc., it will only be a matter of time — with sustained effort — before this involvement translates into great representation on the national level. There are two Muslims in the US House of Representatives, nine state legislators (two of them are women — Rashida Thlaib and Jamillah Nasheed) and a number of mayors, city council members, and county commissioners who are Muslim. Muslim Americans have begun to realize that unless they get involved and speak out on behalf of their own community, then others will fill the void and misrepresent Muslim issues and concerns, whether it be xenophobic radio hosts or bloggers who think that there is no place for Muslims in America or Muslim extremists who exploit Islam to pursue violent ends. Propagandists & Attacks on US Muslims These types of right-wing xenophobes pose the greatest threat to American democracy and liberties than anyone else, they realize that American principles would mean that Muslim Americans have an equal right as anyone else to become successful.  IOL: How would you evaluate the attacks on American Muslims including you and how popular are the propagandists against Muslims in America? Mubarak: I do not think they are relevant at all. In fact, these types of right-wing xenophobes pose the greatest threat to American democracy and liberties than anyone else. That is because they realize that American principles and values — as represented in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights — would mean that Muslim Americans have an equal right as anyone else to become successful, pursue their aspirations, lobby for their concerns, and lead Americans on the national level. Their fear and intolerance of Islam fuels them to incite hatred and fear of Muslims at all levels of society. Our struggle is not unlike the struggle of other minorities before us — be they Catholics, Jews, or African Americans — who had to overcome prejudice, hatred and xenophobia through courage, moral consistency, and integrity. There is no question in my mind that these people will ultimately lose their battle because America is larger than the hatred, exclusivity, and racism that they propagate.  9/11 & Social Role IOL: Looking back to American Muslims before 9/11 and now, how would you assess their role in the American society? Mubarak: 9/11 was a watershed moment for Americans at large, and specifically Muslim Americans. Personally, the pain I experienced in the days after 9/11 was multifold. There was the pain of the tragedy itself, the deep agony one feels towards those who never said goodbye to loved ones they would never see again. There was also the pain of seeing my religion, Islam, vilified as an inherently violent religion whose 1.2 billion followers, a fifth of the world's population, were suddenly seen as a threat to world security. I have to acknowledge that the most difficult pain I experienced in those days was the pain of realizing that people who shared my faith had committed such unspeakable horror … It was unfathomable, unimaginable, and unforgivable to see my religion, my source of refuge, hope and peace in the world, become a tool for violence in the hands of men who had no regard for the sanctity of human life, and who had the audacity to use religion and God as a pretext for their political motives. While Muslim Americans were coming to terms with what just happened, they also had the double burden of absolving Islam and Muslims from association with such violence. For the first time, Muslim Americans were confronted with a sense of perpetual displacement in the psyche of the American public. Although we were born and raised in this country and knew no other place to call home, I and other American Muslims came to realize for the first time that we were not in fact perceived as American in the eyes of a large swath of the general public. As our religious beliefs became a reason for our incrimination after 9/11, as our organizations and places of worship became the target of vandalism and hate crimes, and as we were perceived as potential threats to the security of our own nation, we felt that our very identity as Americans was subjected to scrutiny, challenge, and contestation. Muslim Americans realized that their ability to speak out and accurately represent Islam and Muslims had a direct bearing not only on their welfare and safety at home, but on US-Muslim relations abroad. As the war drums began to beat in the aftermath of 9/11, Muslim Americans were at the forefront of the anti-war movement. They underscored the fact that dropping bombs on innocent civilians and destroying a country's infrastructure would only exacerbate grievances against the United States and further jeopardize its security. We were not allowed to ask "Why did this [9/11] occur?" but only "Why do they hate us?" What exacerbated the national crisis in the aftermath of 9/11, in my humble opinion, is the failure of policymakers, academics, and political commentators to ask the right questions, to explore the historical, socio-political, and economic dynamics of the Muslim world and to ask the question "Why?" We were not allowed to ask "Why did this occur?" but only "Why do they hate us?" Thus, in the intellectual, political, and social landscape, the verdict had been pre-determined that the terrorists were driven by their deep-seated hatred and intolerance of Western values of democracy, liberty, and freedom. This final verdict allowed no room for intellectual debate or for the presentation of an alternative narrative, for what reasonable policy could one pursue towards people who hate you, who want to change your way of life, except for a policy of war and retribution? The most fundamental problem in US-Muslim world relations today is our inability to view current events through the prism of historical, socio-political-and-economic conditions in the region. When it comes to the Muslim world, there is a dogged insistence among policy makers and the American public alike to view Islam itself as the source of current tensions between the United States and the Muslim world. The most dangerous aspect of this illogical premise is that it paints a picture that is inaccurate and hopeless. Not only does this culture dependency theory reek of religious bigotry, but this faulty analysis leads us to ignore real grievances that fuel anger and resentment towards the United States. In fact, a recent poll by Gallup demonstrates that anti-Americanism in the Muslim world is not driven by hatred of US values, but hatred of US policies in the region, which can be addressed without compromising US interests. In fact, nothing would better serve US security interests in the Muslim world than to address and alleviate the widespread legitimate grievances of millions living in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, etc.  What the Muslim World Thinks The most fundamental problem in US-Muslim world relations today is our inability to view current events through the prism of historical, socio-political-and-economic conditions in the region. IOL: You accompanied Professor Akbar Ahmed throughout the Muslim world, what did you find? and how significant it was?   Mubarak: Here are five of our top findings based on surveys we conducted in eight Muslim countries in 2006: • US government and not Americans: Although anti-Americanism was clearly on the rise, nearly everyone with whom we spoke distinguished between the US government and the American people, making it clear to us that their frustrations, anger, and resentment were directed towards the US administration and not the American people. There was a genuine desire to improve relations and engage in a dialogue with the west. In fact the number one response on how to improve western-Muslim relations was to promote dialogue. Thus, although there was great anger in the Muslim world towards US policies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine, nonetheless, they were not at the point where that anger was threatening to translate into violence. There was still a great and deep desire to engage with the West. • Lack of authentic "representation": Youth in the Muslim world felt that they lacked authentic representation. When we asked them "who represents Islam?" many expressed frustration that those who currently represent Islam in the eyes of the West are doing a great disservice to Islam and the Muslim world. They argued that those who represent Islam in the eyes of the West are either terrorists, leaders who know nothing about Islam, or opportunistic leaders. Muslim youth felt like they were not being valued according to their own merit, but that they were being defined through the prism of terrorism. The frustration with lack of genuine representation became more pronounced when we asked the youth how we could improve Muslim-Western relations. One of the top responses to that question was to send genuine Muslim representation to the United States, meaning those who understood Islam properly and could accurately convey it. • Negative image of Islam in the West: In Turkey and in every Arab country we visited, the negative image of Islam in the West was considered the number one problem facing the Muslim world. For Pakistan, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this was considered one of the top three problems. Muslim youth felt they must bear the brunt of this negative image and its consequences. There was a sense that the West's persistent allegation — that Islam promotes terrorism — is one of the factors that has perpetuated a negative image of Islam and Muslims around the world. Many of the respondents feel like the media is partly to blame for the negative image of Muslims. Thus, for Muslim youth, this negative image is grounded less in reality and more in stereotypical depictions of Muslims. Although Western aggression, double standards, and influence were cited as problems, they were not as great of a problem as the West's ignorance of Islam or its incorrect association between Islam and terror. Thus, this response offers hope because ignorance can be overcome much more easily than hatred or aggression. This was evident by the respondents' claim that the second top solution to today's problems is to expose and educate the West about Islam. • Islamic revival and rejection of wholesale cultural osmosis: Our surveys reflected an increasing level of identification and commitment to Islam. In every single country we visited, without exception, one of the top three solutions to the problems facing the Muslim world is for Muslims to return to Islam or to increase their own knowledge of Islam. In contrast to a few decades ago, when nationalism dominated the discourse and public sentiment of the Muslim world, today Islam is the strongest force among the youth. Whether we were interviewing secular or religious schools, the contemporary role models of the students were all contemporary religious leaders such as Amr Khaled, Fethullah Gulen or Yusuf Qaradawi. Furthermore, many of the respondents acknowledged that one of the greatest changes in their societies was that their parents had a peripheral knowledge of Islam based on culture and family custom, but that today, the younger generation has a much greater grasp and authentic understanding of Islam. Due to greater technology and accessibility to information, youth told us they were no longer content with just relying on local imams for religious opinions, but would search for answers themselves through Islamic texts and religious websites.  Responsibility in the Face of Injustice Solution to today's problems is to expose and educate the West about Islam. IOL: In an interview, you said, "I realized that there is a lot of injustice, and by knowing about injustice, you have to do something about it", can you explain the "injustice"?   Mubarak: Individuals have a moral obligation to eliminate injustice when and where they seem occur. In the Islamic tradition, this moral obligation is captivated by a powerful prophetic hadith in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us: "Whoever among you sees an evil action, then let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith." [Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh] The correlation between one's response to injustice and one's faith, in my opinion, is that one's response to injustice is a direct reflection of the state of one's faith in God. When one has internalized the idea that he/she will be held accountable before God for the way he/she has lived one's life, then one becomes aware of his responsibility towards others — whether it be the homeless person down the street or displaced Palestinians or Somalis thousands of miles away. Message to Muslim World Women IOL: What message, being a Muslim-women activist, you want to give to the American as well as Muslim world women? Mubarak: There is a serious need to revive the egalitarianism and justice that Islam established as early as the seventh century. When Muslim women in the seventh century set off from Mecca to Medina on their own during the hijra, they were driven by the realization that they had a role to play in the creation a new political structure that was based on justice, equality, and divine truth. These women left behind everything they had, their families, their husbands, and their wealth. Many of them carried their children with them as they traveled through the hot desert on their own. Some were pregnant and actually gave birth to new life on their arduous journey, never giving up, never returning. When Khawla bint Tha'lab went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to seek redress for her husband's sexual abandonment and found none, and then said, "I will take my complaint to Allah Almighty," she did so out of absolute conviction in the justice of God, that even if mortal men could not alleviate her grievance, that God would bring justice to her cause. In fact, the first five verses of chapter 58 in the Quran were revealed in response to this woman's plea. It is this sense of God-consciousness that compelled women throughout the history of Islam to break through the shackles of cultural prejudices and constraints and set their own course into the future. These women eternalized their status as God's vicegerents on earth and understood the importance of the responsibility they carried. This is the legacy of the women who came before us and this is the legacy that we need to revive. It is a legacy that recognizes the mortality of our souls, and the equality of all human beings as servants of God. It is a legacy that compels us to re-evaluate our priorities in life, to probe our hearts and check the status of our iman (faith), to improve the lives of those around us, to contribute to society in a meaningful way, and to leave this world better than we found it.

Muhammad Qasim is IOL’s Washington DC correspondent. He holds a BA in political science and an MA in journalism. He has extensive journalism experience and has worked for Asia Tribune, Voice of America, AVT Khyber TV, Pakistan Press International as Bureau Chief and as a visiting lecturer at Allama Iqbal Open University.

Obama's Muslim Advisor (Exclusive)

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/

Obama's Muslim Advisor (Exclusive)
By  Muhammed Qasim, IOL Correspondent


WASHINGTON - Dalia Mogahed, a hijab-clad American Muslim, has made history being the first Muslim woman appointed to a position in President Barack Obama's administration.

She sets on a newly-formed interfaith advisory board the administration hopes will improve relations with Muslims in the US and across the globe.

The Egyptian-born American heads the Gallup American Center for Muslim Studies, a research center that produces studies on Muslim public opinion worldwide.

In an exclusive interview, IslamOnline.net discussed with Egyptian-born Mogahed her new role, the challenges facing Muslims, Islamophobia in the US and her own success story.

- How do you feel about being the first Muslim appointed to the Obama administration?

I am not actually the first Muslim. There have been other Muslims appointed to Obama's administration. I am also not the only Muslim on the White House advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I join Dr. Eboo Patel as the second Muslim on the council. I am, however, the first Muslim woman in this council. I feel very honored for the privilege to serve in this way, but also recognize the responsibility that I've agreed to take on. I see my role much more in terms of what needs to get done rather than a historical accomplishment. I believe the accomplishments are yet to be fulfilled.

- What is the role of the Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership?

I am a member of a 25-person advisory council to the White House focused on offering solutions for societal problems sourced in the wisdom of faith communities. More specifically, I am on the Inter-religious Dialogue and Cooperation Task Force, a group of only 5. We will work on recommendations for our area of focus and these will be reviewed by the larger council and then included in an annual report with recommendations from the council to the President.

- What is your role as an advisor on Islam?

I would not say I am an advisor on Islam. I would say that it is my role to convey the facts about what Muslims think and feel. I see my role as offering the voices of the silenced majority of Muslims in America and around the world to the council so that our deliberations are informed by their ideas and wisdom. I believe that I was chosen because the administration cares about what Muslims think and wants to listen.

- What kind of advise would you be giving Obama to improve relations with US Muslims and the Muslim world?

I would advise him to listen first and foremost. Many have claimed that terrorists have 'hijacked Islam'. I disagree. I think Islam is safe and thriving in the lives of Muslims around the world. What the terrorists have been allowed to take over are Muslim grievances. Muslim concerns over injustice have been largely dismissed by the previous administration leaving a vacuum exploited by extremists. This is a dangerous reality for all of us. Instead, the US must hear mainstream Muslim concerns even if America does not agree with their perceptions. These issues can no longer be ignored or left and the extremists to monopolize.

- What areas of domestic and foreign policies you think the administration should be introducing change in?

I would endorse the action plan outlined in the report "Changing Course" which recommends four areas of action: Respect, Reform (political and economic) and Resolution of conflict. When it comes to the US, I would recommend that a senior member of the administration go on a "listening tour" of the US and hear what Muslim Americans are concerned over. Like all Americans, they are worried about the economic crisis, their financial future and jobs. And like many other US citizens, Muslim Americans are also worried about racial profiling, discriminatory immigration policy and the erosion of civil liberties.

- What do you think of the rising Islamphobia in America?

Islamphobia in America is very real. Gallup finds that Muslims are among the most unfavorably viewed groups in the US and only a little over a third of Americans say they have no prejudice against Muslims. This presents a grave danger to America as a whole. The disease of racism, by definition, is a bias in judgment. This means that racism clouds sound judgment and leads people to make irrational decisions. It also divides a nation and prevents the full utilization of its intellectual and cultural resources. Racism is wasteful. Racism is a strategic disadvantage. I am very proud of the progress America has made in fighting this problem as it relates to the relationship between blacks and whites. In 1956 only 4% of Americans approved of a marriage between whites and blacks. The marriage that produced our president was illegal in Virginia when he was born. Today 80% of Americans approve of marriage between blacks and whites. Last year, Barack Obama became the first Democratic Presidential candidate in decades to carry Virginia. We are a stronger and smarter nation because of this growth. Our next growth spurt will be in ridding our society of anti-Muslim prejudice.

- What do you think US Muslims themselves need to do?

Muslim Americans lag behind other Americans in their political and civic participation according to our research (National Portrait). The best thing they can do to strengthen America is to become fully engaged in writing its next chapter by getting involved and feeling a strong sense of ownership for the future of their country.

- What are you hopes and aspirations for US Muslims?

I hope that they enrich America by becoming fully engaged in its growth and development, as well as its struggles.

- Tell us about your own journey of success as an American Muslim woman, with hijab. What challenges have you faced along the way?

I have been tremendously blessed, Alhamdulillah. I feel that mine is a uniquely American story. I grew up in an educated middle class home, but with no special connections or privilege. By excelling in school, I was able to attend a top university and helped pay my way by working during the summer as an engineering intern. My summer job was at a paper factory in a small Wisconsin town. I was only 19 years old. Managing technicians often reminded me that they've been working on the machine longer than I've been on Earth. Many also told me that I was the first Muslim they'd ever met. Very few women worked in the factory, so I was already a minority just as a female, but I was also the only hijab-wearing woman in the entire town and the only Muslim in the factory. All of this of course presented a challenge, but one that taught me a great deal. Once people got to know me I became a professional to them, not a woman in hijab. I took this experience with me to my permanent job after college and to my graduate work. These situations taught me that living according to your conscience was more important than comfortably conforming to your surroundings. I think this simple lesson of life is one that has helped me succeed and given me the courage to face the most difficult and daunting situations.

Kekuatan Cinta

Cinta memiliki kekuatan luar biasa yang tersembunyi di dalamnya. Kekuatannya tidak terlihat, namun di balik kelembutannya, tersimpan energi yang besar.

Kamu mungkin sering mendengar mengenai hal ini. Cerita roman sering menyinggung hal ini. Seperti kalimat yang berkata, “akan kulakukan apapun untukmu”; “akan kusebrangi lautan dan kudaki gunung untukmu”; dan hal-hal yang semacam itu. Mungkin terdengar klise, tapi hal itu tidaklah mustahil.

Motivasi Perubahan

Umumnya, mereka yang mencintai seseorang akan melakukan usaha yang semaksimal mungkin untuk mendekati/menyesuaikan diri dengan orang yang mereka cintai. Membaca buku-buku favoritnya, mendengar musik-musik yang mereka suka, meniru gaya berpakaian, dan membuat hobi/ketertarikan/minat orang yang mereka suka sebagai minat mereka sendiri.

Semakin besar rasa cintanya, maka mereka akan semakin patuh kepada yang dicintainya, akan melakukan apa yang dikatakan, akan bertingkah sesuai yang diinginkan, pendek kata, akan menjadi apa yang mereka inginkan.

Dan semua hal itu dilakukan secara suka rela, tanpa paksaan. Hanya ada satu keinginan/harapan, bahwa orang yang mereka cintai, berbahagia dengan apa yang telah mereka lakukan.

Sumber Kesabaran

Kamu mencintai dia lebih dari cintamu pada dirimu sendiri. Kamu rela menderita dan sengsara, untuk mereka.

Semua hal yang ada, tidaklah berarti, jika tanpa mereka (yang dicinta).

Bayangan di Kepala

Seakan-akan semua hal di hidupmu, terhubung dengan dirinya. Bayangan dirinya memenuhi kepala. Nama tersebut di lisanmu. Dirimu tidak dapat melepaskan diri dari dirinya, jauh maupun dekat.

 
Cinta Allah dan Rasulullah

Sebagai seorang muslim, kita harus mematok prioritas cinta tertinggi kita kepada Allah dan utusannya.

Pertanyaannya sekarang adalah, seberapa besar cinta kita kepada Allah dan Rasulullah..?

Sebesar apa usaha kita untuk menyesuaikan diri dengan titahNya..? Seberapa benci kita dengan hal-hal yang Mereka benci..? Seberapa cinta kita dengan hal-hal yang Mereka cintai..? Seberapa sering kita mengingat Mereka sehari-hari..? Dan apakah kita menjadi apa yang Mereka harapkan kita untuk menjadi..?

Jawablah sendiri! Dan jawabanmu mencerminkan tingkat kecintaanmu terhadap Allah SWT dan Rasulullah SAW.

 

---000---

Samarinda, 17 Mei 2009
Syamsul Arifin

Mempersiapkan Kematian Pasangan Hidup

Takkan selamanya, tanganku mendekapmu

Takkan selamanya, raga ini menjagamu

Seperti alunan detak jantungku

Tak bertahan melawan waktu

(Tak Ada yang Abadi, Peterpan)

 

Kami tidak menjadikan hidup abadi bagi seorang manusia pun sebelum kamu (Muhammad), maka jikalau kamu mati, apakah mereka akan kekal? Tiap-tiap yang berjiwa akan merasakan mati. Kami akan menguji kamu dengan keburukan dan kebaikan sebagai cobaan (yang sebenar-benarnya). Dan hanya kepada Kami lah kamu dikembalikan. (QS. Al-Anbiyaa': 34-35)

 

Setiap manusia pasti akan mati. Kalau ada hidup, pasti ada mati.

 

Kehilangan seseorang yang kita cinta (pasangan hidup,-red) tentu terasa berat. Kehilangan seseorang yang dengannya kita berbagi waktu-mengarungi hidup dalam suka-duka, dalam tawa-air mata, tentu akan terasa sangat berat sekali, mungkin bagaikan kehilangan separuh jiwa, karena kehilangan cinta-dukungan-teman berbagi.

 

Namun bagaimanapun juga, tiap insan pasti akan merasakan kematian. Dunia hanya sementara, bagai persinggahan sebentar saja. Kepada Allah-lah kita semua akan kembali.

Agar tidak terlalu merasa kehilangan, mungkin kita perlu sejak dini mempersiapkan hal ini. Bukan dengan menyangkal atau bahkan mengharap-harap mati terlebih dahulu.

 

Milik Iman

 

Entah siapapun diantara pasangan yang terlebih dahulu meninggal, janganlah terlalu bersedih, terlebih lagi jika memang pasangan kita meninggal dalam keadaan iman dan Islam.

 

Bukankah orang-orang mukmin (yang tidak mempersekutukanNya) akan masuk surga dan menerima kenikmatan di alam kubur selagi menanti hari berbangkit?

 

Karenanya, jika memang pasangan kita masih hidup, jagalah agar selama hidup, cahaya iman dan Islam terus bersinar dalam dadanya, sampai ia meninggal. Terangi keluarga dengan cahaya iman dan Islam.

 

Kalau ada salah satu pasangan yang telah terlebih dahulu meninggal, doakan dia, agar mendapat ampunan atas segala dosa-dosa, menerima rahmat selama di alam kubur sana.

 

Jaga pula keimanan anda, jangan futur alias berlemah diri setelah ditinggalkan. Agar kalian bisa kembali berkumpul di taman-taman surga kelak, Insya Allah.

 

When my breath reach to its end

I want you to be there, with me

Holding my hand, strongly

Hoping that we shall be meet again

At the garden of heaven

 

06052009

-ipin4u-

 

Bersabar

 

Kesabaran itu ada tiga macam, bersabar ketika ditimpa musibah, bersabar dalam konsistensi melakukan kebaikan, dan bersabar dalam menolak/melawan keburukan/kemaksiatan.

 

Tidak bolehkah kita bersedih ketika ditinggal pasangan hidup..?

 

Tentu boleh, toh kita manusia biasa, yang punya hati yang merasa. Bahkan akan terkesan sangat aneh kalau sampai tidak bersedih. Yang terpenting adalah tetap terjaga batasan-batasan dalam berduka citanya, tidak boleh meratapi, bahkan sampai berbuat yang melebihi batas seperti menampar-nampar pipi sendiri atau merobek-robek baju, karena tidak bisa menerima takdir ini.

 

Dan kesabaran itu letaknya pada awal hantaman.

 

Persiapan Finansial

 

Agar tidak terlalu terkejut, mungkin kita perlu memperhitungkan cadangan tabungan untuk keadaan darurat seperti ini. Bagi seorang istri (ibu rumah tangga penuh waktu) yang ditinggal suami, tentu akan terasa imbasnya, apalagi kalau tidak memiliki keterampilan yang bisa digunakan untuk menjadi keahlian guna menjadi penopang rumah tangga.

 

Memang setiap orang sudah ada rezekinya masing-masing, namun tidak ada salahnya kalau kita mempersiapkan untuk keadaan-keadaan khusus, terutama seperti ini.

 

Saling terbuka juga mengenai nilai/kondisi hutang-piutang agar bisa diselesaikan oleh pihak yang ditinggalkan, karena hutang itu tetap diperhitungkan, meski sampai mati, dan ahli waris yang menjadi penanggungnya.

 

Saatnya Melanjutkan Hidup..?

 

Ingin menikah lagi setelah ditinggal wafat pasangan hidup? Pertimbangannya ada pada diri masing-masing pasangan.

 

 

 

---000---

Kota

Tepian, 14 Mei 2009

Syamsul Arifin

*mohon maaf kalau coretannya terkesan sok tahu, karena memang belum tahu…*

The Power of Love

Love has a tremendous power, hidden within. It strength probably aren’t seen, but from the softness lies, there’s a big energy beneath.

 

You probably have read a lot of stuff about that. Romanticism stories often mention about this. Like a line stating “I’ll do anything just for you”; “I’ll cross the ocean, hill the mountain, if you want me to do”; and such a thing like that. It all heard cliché, but it aren’t heard impossible.

 

Motivation to Change

 

Normally, he/she who loves someone shall try their best effort to match with the person whom they love. Reading their fave books/magazine, listening to their fave music, imitating their clothes/wardrobe, making ‘the person whom they love’ interest as their interest.

 

As your love getting bigger, you’ll be more obey to the person whom you love, you’ll do what he/she said, you’ll act like they desire, you’ll become what they want them to be.

 

And you’re doing it willingly, without any forces, just a simple expectation, that your beloved person shall be happy with the things that you’ve done.

 

Source of Patiently

 

You love him/her more that you love your self. You’re willing to suffer and endure pain, for them.

 

All are meaningless, if without them.

 

The Images in Mind

 

Is seems that all the things in your live are connected to him/her. Their images appear frequently. Their names are called in many times. We just can not let go from them, far or near.

 

 

Love to Allah and Rasulullah SAW

 

As a Muslim, we must set the highest priority of love to Allah and His messenger.

 

The questions now are, how much do we love Allah and Rasulullah..?

 

Do we try our best effort to match His word..? Do we hate what They hate..? Do we love things that They love..? Do we remember them in our daily moment..? Do we become what they expect us to be..?

 

You answer it your self! Those answers reflect the level of your love to Allah and Rasulullah SAW.

 

 

 

---000---

 

Samarinda, May 13, 2009

Syamsul Arifin