November has been the most hectic month for me, as well as it is for almost everybody. It feels like November just passed us by only five minutes and we're already in the last month of 2013.
We had our annual grand meeting, on the 30th November 2013. Compared to last year, it was pretty fascinating since I also actively took part in campaigning. After a long and tiring day inside the hall, I reflected back some of the things I've learnt on that day.
This year, I was nominated for PPMK's Secretary for 2013/2014. I never imagined myself as a secretary, mostly because I always avoided that post, mainly because my handwriting is horrible. But this time, when someone nominated me, and I was shocked when I found out who it was, I gave it a long thought. Why shouldn't I? If someone trusts me enough to nominate me, and then tell me why he/she did it, then shouldn't I take it as an opportunity to prove that I am worthy of that trust?
Unfortunately (fortunately) I lost the election. It would be a lie to say that I wasn't disappointed. But somehow, I realized that I was relieved to not have to carry such a heavy responsibility. One of my seniors who I admire and respect said to me, "Win or lose, it doesn't matter. You have taken this challenge for the sake of Allah. If you win, then Allah knows that you can handle the workload, if you lose, then you should be thankful, you won't have to be accountable for that position in the Akhirah."
"Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity..." (Al-Baqarah : 286)
When I was in high school, I didn't understand this. When I was nominated for a big position, and I got minimal votes, I was disappointed beyond words. I felt like people didn't believe I could do it, when I knew I could. I was in it for the glamour, the fame, the feeling to be wanted, when actually none of that matters.
This time, I truly understood. How people can lose, and still smile. It's so liberating to be able to accept loss, and think of Allah positively. I have tons of work, and lots of positions to fill in, and had I won the election and became the secretary, will I be able to step up and give 100% commitment? I'm still unstable, and I believe Allah wanted me to be stable first, and then take the big positions later, when I'm more matured, when I have grown. I have 2 or 3 years left. No rush.
Oh, how if you knew how truly wonderful it feels to be open minded, to accept with open arms about your loss, about things you want but you cannot get, and to truly understand the benefits behind the negative side that you see. You plan for yourself, and you think your plan is the best, but Allah Plans, and His plans are the best.
Still, I didn't walk away empty handed. I was elected for Biro Perhubungan dan Tugas Khas 1 (I have no idea what it is in English) and everyone decided that it was the best for me, and I agreed with them. Start out small, and pick up experiences on the way to really be prepared for the big stuff. Truly I am thankful for that.
The next thing I learned was accountability.
"When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest, and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance." (Surah An-Nasr : 1-3)
I remembered Nouman Ali Khan's video on this surah. During when the muslims won and the gates of Makkah was opened, there was a lot of people who reverted to muslims. Usually, when people win or conquer something or someone or some nation, they will give credit to themselves or their nation. But the first thing they did when they gained victory was praise Allah.
Usually when you win something, it is inevitable to feel even just a teeny bit of pride. Like Nouman said, victory is the time of great arrogance. We always say 'we did it, we accomplished it' and then we give credit to ourselves. But we have to remember, that everything that's happened, was because Allah willed it to happen. So when one wins an election, one should istighfar. To purify the heart from arrogance.
The other thing also about being elected, for anything, carrying a responsibility is no joke. One should fear that the position they are holding, they will be accountable for it in the Dunya and Akhirah. Just seeing the treasurer being questioned, seeing the president being questioned, sent chills up my spine. That's only our friends that are questioning us, what will happen when Allah asks the same thing? How do we answer then?
Suddenly I felt very scared to hold such a position, which is why when we receive a responsibility like that, we should Istighfar. So much can go wrong, so much that we can harm other people, we should ask for Allah's forgiveness straight away. And some, when we are not held accountable for that responsibility, then we should say Alhamdulillah, because we wouldn't have to worry about being questioned.
That does not mean that it is acceptable to run away from our responsibilities, or the responsibilities and trust that people have given to us. That means we should do our work with integrity, so much that no one can question our quality of work.
There are so many things that I've learnt just from this year's Annual Grand Meeting. There's always people who won't be happy with your work, but that shouldn't be your goal; to satisfy people's expectation of you. Do your best, because some people don't know the grit, sweat, blood and tears that you have put into your work. Be happy with what you have done, and take other people's advice. Because you can't satisfy everyone, and you can't be perfect. There is always room for improvement.
Talking in a calm and collected manner is louder than talking loud and emotionally. It's so much easier for you and everyone else when you talk and discuss in a professional manner. Things get done quickly, no drama, no mess. Clean and simple. That's what we want.
Be professional. Do not mix personal problems with the workload that you have. Do not give excuses. No matter how much things you have, try to balance them. It's human to have problems and to break down, but don't let people know. Don't let people question your credibility and capability.
Everyone has equal say, and just because you didn't win or get elected, that doesn't mean people hate you, or think you are incapable. Some seniors came up to me and said "You'll be a great secretary, but not now. Start from the bottom, learn stuff along the way, people don't hate you, infact, people don't want you to carry responsibilities more than you can handle. Take it as a sign of concern, you'll be grateful for it." I had the opportunity to start from zero and jump all the way to the first bureau. When you become the second bureau, and then you become the first, you'll know more than the person who went from zero to first bureau.
Take advices! All of them! Even though you think you are right, most probably you aren't. Most probably that you can be better because of that advice! Don't be arrogant nor egoistic. Everyone is a teacher and everyone is a student. There is no one that you can't learn anything from.
Congratulations to the new PPMK Committee 2013/2014! Let's work together and be better for the sake of ourselves.
Congratulations and good job to the former PPMK Committee 2012/2013! It was a pleasure working with you and a pleasure to help where I'm needed. You guys did a tremendous job! Maybe people don't say it enough, but you are truly appreciated for the hard work and commitment that you have given.
Lastly, thank you to all who supported me, even if they didn't vote for me. I was humbled, and moved by the enormous amount of support I got, especially the trust that seniors gave me, the support that my batchmates gave me, truly, I have never experienced that sort of support from friends until now.
Good job everyone!
Wallahualam.
Assalamualaikum and babai~!
tahniah. moga amanah
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