The Musalman (Muslim) of Pokhara, Nepal

In Pokhara, we asked the guide to locate any mosque nearby the Lake Side instead of conducting City Tour in Pokhara. After about 30 minutes going around and asking local folks, we finally met Jame Masjid Aqsa at Pokhara-13, Miyapatan. The local muslim claimed that they have been here for 500 years. Almost 20 years ago, this place was very famous by the name Kundahar, but Kundahar is bigger than Miyapatan. According to the history, “Miya” is respective title of local mountainous Muslim given by other communities and “Patan” means the ground. We can easily guest the historical fact that Miyapatan means the land used by Muslim.

We can’t explore the mosque as there was on going renovation being held, several section of the mosque are closed due to that.

Jame Masjid – E – AQSA, Pokhara-13, Miyapatan

It was at this mosque I met a Muazin & Mr Mohamed Shafie, 81.

Mohamed Shafie, 81, a descendant of a Sheikh.

The Muazin however politely denied to be taken photograph when I asked. There’s no activity at the mosque at that moment but he mentioned that there is a Madrasa nearby which he volunteered to guide us to the Madrasa.

Local Canteen outside the Jame Mosque

Abdul Rahim, 62, President of Anjuman Islahul Muslemin (Islamic Organization in Miyapatan)

 

 

Madarrsa Islamia, Pokhara-13, Miyapatan

Madarssa Islamia, Pokhara-13, Miyapatan

The Classroom

After few shots of the school and its environment, I suddenly became weak and I can’t continue shooting or do anything even just looking at the kids. Then, there was tears in my eyes, I put myself as a father of the kids where we don’t have other option to offer for the best education for our kids due to poor economic status. There were many out there where parent couldn’t afford their children to school. But you don’t have an option. As a father, I couldn’t accept this kind of failure.

The school conduct only 2 hours a day for religious teaching and the remaining time if for national education. There is about 200 student and only 3 teachers.

Madrasa Islamiya School, Kathmandu, Nepal

On our Day 2 of our trip in Nepal December 2014, after made a discussion with all members, we decided to go and find a mosque in Kathmandu. Alhamdullilah, we found 2 mosques (Nepali Masjid & Kashmiri Masjid) near Ghandahar, Kathmandu. We soon discover a boarding Islamic School in Nepali Masjid which added a bonus to this visit. Muslim in Nepal is only 4% of its total population. About 97% muslim living in Terai Region, while only 1% living in Kathmandu. According to the history, it was the Kashmiri traders who bring Islam into Kathmandu Valley in the 15th century during the regime of King Ratna Malla. Madrasa Islamiya School was established year 1996 B.S (1940 AD). Located just behind Nepali Masjid in Ghandahar, Kathmandu. The principal, Mr. Subhan Ali, 42, were very happy to bring us around the Madrasa. Unfortunately, there were no classes on Friday so we can’t experience the classrooms and the teachings.

Mr Subhan Ali, 42

We were introduced by a security guard to the principal of the Madrasa, Mr Subhan Ali, 42. He was very happy to bring us around the Madrasa.

Madrasa Islamilya School

Madrasa Islamiya School

As I explore the Madrasa, I found a kitchen where I met Mr Abdul Kadir preparing Dal Bhat for the student and teachers. I went inside the kitchen and spent some time to get to know them.

Nepali Jame Masjid’s Muazin, Mohamad Ilyas

The Cook of the School, Mr Abdul Kadir

Mr Abdul Kadir

Mr Abdul Kadir and Mr Mohamad Ilyas

It was a good experience to have this opportunity to visit a Madrasa in Kathmandu and surely will make another visit if I ever step in Nepal in future.

Tailor At Handicraft Market Kota Kinabalu

While conducting City Tour with our guest from Peninsular Malaysia last week, we made a shopping stop at Handicraft Market. It was our last stop of the day before returning to hotel. After giving a brief guideline to my guest, i let them explore the Handicraft Market. There were tailors just in front of the Handicraft Market, it always runs by men. While approaching our meeting point, i noticed there was a lady tailor are busy working on her customer request. This is unusual to see woman provides tailoring services here at Handicraft Market.

The only lady tailor at the moment

Strangers Portrait of Penang

I have been discussed with some of my friend about my photography project for this year, “Strangers Project”. The idea is very simple, to take portrait of people that we just met. Personally, i’m not the guy who talks a lot, but actually i have the interest to get to know people. So this is a good reason for me to get out from my comfort zone & explore. Never think about being rejected, it is worth trying than regret for not to do this 10 years from now. What if, today is my last day in my life? Thats how late Steve Job had his first date with his wife. Anyway, this are couple of portrait of people that i managed to break the bread and gained their trust over my 35mm lens.

Strangers Portrait of Penang | Abdul Salim

This Indian Muslim guy is very talkative & pretty much likes to talk about his family. He is now 52yo, awaiting for another 3 year before he will be able to withdrew his sum of money that reside in his KWSP account. For most of us that working throughout Malaysia. About 11% of our monthly salary being deducted every month & debited to KWSP account. “As soon as i withdrew the money, i’m going to ask my son to get married”. Nothing beats the happiness of a father to see his son to be with a person that he loved.

Strangers Portrait of Penang | Abdul Salim

Strangers Portrait of Penang | Maram (Abdul Halim’s partner in crime)

Strangers Portrait of Penang | Azman Rayuh (Chinese Muslim)

Azman Rayuh is very interesting person, I just found out his is a muslim when i’m about to leave after about a good 10-15 minutes conversation (in Mandarin)

My project consist of 5 series portrait of Pakistani, hopefully god will give me the strength to complete this by November 2013.

Eid-ul-Fitr | Child Photography | Available Light

© Mohd Shukur Jahar | Aidilfitri | Child Photography | Harith Irfan

© Mohd Shukur Jahar | Aidilfitri | Child Photography | Harith Irfan

© Mohd Shukur Jahar | Aidilfitri | Child Photography | Syafiq

© Mohd Shukur Jahar | Aidilfitri | Child Photography| Syami

© Mohd Shukur Jahar | Aidilfitri | Child Photography | Syami & Syafiq

“Dulang berkait sulaman tangan
Buang jerami berikat rotan
Samalah cantik samalah padan
Bertambah seri dengan senyuman”

– Warna Warni Di Aidilfitri