Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Khuf 2

Bila dicari, banyak khuf yg dibuat sebagai stokin/but kulit tanpa tapak, nampak sama mcm yg saya beli di Makkah dulu. Ada kemungkinan sama tak selesanya.

Bila difikir2, mungkin yg lebih baik dipertimbangkan ialah stokin fabrik telap air. Ia dbuat utk dipakai dalam kasut. Jadi tentu selesa. Lagi satu kalau fabriknya baik, tidaklah kaki berpeluh. Kalau kulit ada kemungkinan kaki berpeluh.

Jadi bila google "waterproof socks", inilah hasil yg diperoleh

Jenama2 waterpoof socks
- Sealskinz from UK - note they really have the "wudhu socks"!
- Dexshell - an international brand from China
- Rocky Gore-Tex - A US brand. to be worn with socks liner

Store selling 3 brands of waterproof socks - http://www.rei.com/category/4501322
- Sealskinz
- Gore-Tex
- Seirus

Store selling many socks and socks liner - http://www.botachtactical.com/socks.html

Review orang
- Sealskinz vs Gore tex
- Sealskinz vs Gore Tex 2
Gore Tex
- Gore-Tex socks vs Sealskinz socks vs boot with membranes

Anything sold in Malaysia?
- Sealskinz is sold in Lelong/Superbuy for RM200-RM300+
- Gore-Tex - could not find any website selling it in Msia

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Khuf

Mana nak cari khuf ya?

"Stokin Korea" yg dijual di Msia (tak pasti senang tak nak jumpa masa di Korea nanti) tu boleh jadi khuf ke? Selesa ke dipakai di dalam kasut? (Dgrnya, org Korea sendiri cuma pakai stokin ni indoor. Kalau keluar, mereka bawa dlm handbag utk dipakai bila memasuki rumah)

Ini link org msia yg jual stokin korea.
http://kelengkapanhajidanumrah.blogspot.com/search/label/KASUT%20STOKING%20KOREA
http://www.amidakorea2u.com/?p=productsList&iCategory=20&sName=Stokin-Korea

Update Feb '13: Namdaemun market di Seoul banyak menjual "stokin Korea" dan but bulu kait spt gambar di bawah. Tapi maaf, saya lupa check harganya :-(

Ada juga jumpa org yg iklankan khuf iaitu but kulit tanpa tapak kasut tapi kalau yg itu sama dgn khuf yg dibeli di Makkah buatan pakistan tu, mmg tak selesa. Yg nampak selesa yg dari web2 UK.

Selain tu ada juga jumpa ttg waterproof socks, antaranya berjenama Sealskinz. Ada juga org yg pakai stokin ni sebagai khuf. Tapi tak jumpa penjualnya di Msia. Malaslah nak beli dari org UK/US.

Wool socks biasa pula? Boleh ke jadi khuf ya? Nak beli jugakla nanti, sebagai stokin. Kalau dpt yg mcm gambar ni taktaula boleh jadi khuf ke tidak. Perbincangan oleh ustaz dlm ni menyebutkan beberapa dalil bahawa sebarang stokin yg menutup buku lali boleh menjadi khuf.
http://fikrahhalaqah.com/hukum-sapuan-ke-atas-stokin-ketika-berwuduk-adakah-dibenarkan/

Tapi sstgh org meletakkan stokin biasa yg mudah basah ni dlm grey area. Manakala bagi situasi musim sejuk pula di mana memakai stokin baah mungkin memudaratkan, maka eloklah memakai sesuatu yg telap air sbg khuf. (Sealskinz nampak perfect utk tujuan ni)


Akhir sekali, nnt sy nak check beberapa perkara penting yg dicheclist di sini. http://ignorantbrat.blogspot.com/2010/10/checklist-barang-apa-yang-perlu-dibawa.html

Praying in Incheon

Update 14 Feb 2013:
I wrote a story about my experience finding prayer rooms in ICN. It's published by Crescentrating here http://www.crescentrating.com/en/explore-southkorea-for-muslim-halal-travelers/item/3143-praying-made-easy-in-incheon-international-airport.html.
Pictures are here https://picasaweb.google.com/112239297730106550862/Korea08_ICNandFlight?authkey=Gv1sRgCIvMhu33s4TyBA

According to our flight schedule, we'll arrive at Incheon airport (ICN) at 1610 after departing from LCCT at 0850. As it's winter in Korea, maghrib will be around 1745. That means we'll have only about 1 hour to do jama' ta'khir of Zuhur and Asar if we cannot make a complete prayer inside the flight.

So I tried to find out info about praying in ICN as well as masjids in Incheon. There are 5 options to think about praying Zuhur and Asar on the day we leave for Seoul.

Option 1: Praying in the plane

This tool helps to prepare for praying inside the aircraft http://www.crescentrating.com/en/air-travel-prayer-time-calculator.html. Here's the result for my particular travel




KUL-ICN on flight at time 0850-1610

ICN-KUL on flight at time 1730-2300

Option 2: Praying in the airport upon arrival

Then I'm glad to know that there are 3 prayer rooms in ICN airport! Only that they are multireligion prayer rooms. Here's taken from http://www.crescentrating.com/en/south-korea-airports-guide-for-muslims/1666-incheon-international.html.

"The airport has three prayer rooms in the Duty free zone. All three are on the fourth floor; two on the west side and one is on the east side. They are all open 24 hours and are intended for all religions."

Update: here's the page about the prayer room in the airport's website. Thanks Crescentrating for giving me this link! http://www.airport.kr/iiacms/pageWork.iia?_scode=C2603030900

the sign reads 기도실 (gidosil, but sounds like kidosyiei)


Option 3: Praying in Masjids / Islamic centre in Incheon 

Look like they are not very close to the airport.
http://wikimapia.org/3269673/Bupyeong-Masjid
https://sites.google.com/site/mosquealhuda/contactus

Option 4: Praying in Seoul Grand Masjid, Itaewon

The masjid is located in downtown Seoul. It may take about 1 hour to reach from the airport. The AREX express train from the airport will take 43 minutes to arrive Seoul station. In order to reach Itaewon, need to take subway. I didn't study the route yet, so I don't know how long is the entire journey. But it can possibly give us a panic attack as there's a big possibility that we can only reach the masjid very near to maghrib time, or even after maghrib. So better don't plan to pray Zuhur/Asar there on that day. If for maghrib/isya, then it's ok.

Option 5: Praying in our guesthouse. 

As our guesthouse is near to Seoul Station, catching Zuhur/Asar prayer in our guesthouse may be possible. But it's less than 30mins to maghrib. So better not to make it as our 1st choice.

Conclusion

I think the best option is praying in the multireligion prayer room in ICN. If we cannot find the prayer room, we'll just pray anywhere suitable in the airport. I'll consider praying inside the aircraft if the flight is delayed that we won't have enough time to do Zohor and Asar in either LCCT or ICN.

Whatever my choice, I need to have wudhu' before departure and try to stay in wudhu' as long as possible. Another thing to think of is to wear khuf so that there's no need to wash the feet during wudhu'. The question is, where can I find khuf?

Preparation for a Muslim Traveler

http://www.crescentrating.com/en/muslim-guides/travel-tips-etiquettes/item/1859-safeguard-salaath-prayers-while-traveling.html

http://www.crescentrating.com/en/airline-airport-blog/item/2988-8-tips-to-safeguard-your-salaath-while-travelling-by-air.html

http://www.myhalalkitchen.com/travel-eating-out/

Here are copy-pasted from the above.


12+1 Tips to Safeguard your Salaat while Traveling

Knowing the rules related to Salaath and Wudhu, and having a few things in the travel bag, will go a long way for a traveler to ensure that they do not miss Salaath while traveling.
Know the rules: There are number of concessions for travelers when it comes to Wudhu and Salaath. Knowing those rules will greatly ease the performance of Salaath on time while traveling. There are minor differences of opinion among the scholars on some of these rules; as such, it is best that you consult a trusted scholar to get a full understanding. The most important of the rules that a traveler needs to know are the following:
1. Conditions pertaining to shortening and combining of prayers. This is probably the most important knowledge to have as a traveler.
2. Rules regarding the requirement to face the Qiblah direction while on a moving train, plane, etc. This is very important, especially if you are traveling by plane and need to perform your Salaath while on board.
3. Rules regarding the performance of Qiyam (standing position), while "seated" for obligatory Salaath. Same Rules for non-obligatory prayers such as Witr.
4. Dispensations regarding Wudhu for travelers. Especially the conditions for Al Masah (wiping over leather socks/shoes) and how to perform it.
5. Rules of wiping over the Turban or Hijab during Wudhu.
6. Conditions that allow for praying with your shoes on.
7. Conditions for performing dry ablution (Tayammum) and how to perform it. Although the chances of one doing this is low, it is good to know.
    Travel Kit: The following few things will not take much space in a travel bag, but will go a long way to ease the performance of Salaath outside of your home.
    8. A travel prayer mat. Now you can get them in sizes that allow you to carry them inside your trouser pockets or handbags. Having one will come in very handy.
      9. Prayer timetable. You can download a prayer time calculator on most mobile phones, smart phones, tablets and on notebooks/PCs. Downloading one of them in all your digital devices is a good idea.
      10. Qiblah compass. You can either carry a physical compass or download a digital one (if your digital device has the functionality). However, the accuracy of both the digital and the physical compasses in closed environments, like hotel rooms, cannot be fully relied on. If you have internet access, then you can check the Qiblah direction and the prayer times using our tool through your notebook or tablet device. We will also make it available on mobile phones, Insha Allah, in the future.
      11. Wear footwear which will allow you to perform Wudhu without much hassle.
      12. For Prayer times and Qiblah direction for your flights, use our "Air Travel Prayer Times Calculator" and get a print out and/or email the prayer times and Qiblah dierctions before boarding the plane.
      Balancing skills:
      +1. Where there are no proper Wudhu facilities, you need to have some balancing skills to wash your legs! Practicing some gymnastic skills will help!Smile
      Knowing the above rules and having the minimum in your Salaath travel kit will make it easier to perform Salaath no matter where you are. As for the rules itself, since there are minor differences among scholars regarding the application of some of those rules, it is best to learn the rulings from a scholar that you prefer/trust/have access to. We will at some point in time try and cover the rulings, taking into account all the different opinions Insha Allah.
      May Allah Tha'ala make it easier for us to perform our Salaath under all conditions! Share your thoughts on Salaath while traveling with us!

      8 tips to safeguard your Salaath while travelling by Air

      Performing Salaath while on an Aircraft is still not that easy, as most Airlines still do not provide adequate facilities to perform properly. The following tips will help you perform as best as possible Insha Allah:
      1.  It is extremely important to ensure you know all the rules and dispensations pertaining to Wudhu and Salaath as a traveller. You can find here a list of areas that one should ensure they have the knowledge of.
      2. Since it is not easy to perform Wudhu and Salaath on an Airplane, if there is a choice, it is better to choose flight timings which allow one to perform Salaath before or after arrival. You can check the Salaath timings for any flight here.
      3. If you are on a long haul flight and need to transit through an Airport, if there is a choice, it is better to choose to transit through an Airport which has comfortable prayer and Wudhu facilities as well as Halal food. Here are brief overviews of Airport facilities and Airline facilities.
      4. If after considering all of the above, your flight timing is such that you have to perform Salaath while on air, then it is about managing the four key element for Salaath efficiently; time, wudhu, space, and direction
      5. Time: First thing is to know the correct prayer times for the flight. Now you can get the prayer time for any flight by using Crescentrating Air Travel prayer times calculator. It is available on our website now and Insha Allah will be available as a mobile application soon.
      6. Wudhu: It is better to take Wudhu before boarding the plane. Especially if the next Salaath time comes soon after take-off. If you have to take Wudhu onboard, it is very important to make sure that proper care is taken in using the aircraft toilets, so as not to inconvenience other passengers or staff. Understanding the rules of “masah” (wiping over socks) will help ease the performance of Wudhu.
      7. Space: Finding a place to pray is the next issue. If you are flying first or business class, finding a place to spread your prayer mat and pray properly is not generally an issue. However if you are on economy, due to space constraints, it a bit more challenging. In this case, the best is to approach the airline staff and see if they are OK for you to perform Salaath near the kitchen or the door area, assuming it is not a busy time near the kitchen. If for whatever reason this is not possible, then one can perform Salaath while seated. However, there are rules regarding the necessity to repeat such Salaath done under certain circumstances. Consult your scholar to know the exact ruling regarding this.
      8. Qiblah direction: If you are able to find space to pray properly, then you can find the approximate Qiblah direction by looking at the flight path on Airline’s TV screen. Our Air Travel prayer times calculator also gives the Qiblah direction along the flight path. If you are praying seated, then facing the Qiblah direction will not be always possible. As mentioned before, if you pray seated, then you need to know the rules regarding repeating such Salaath from a scholar.

      Most airlines unfortunately still do not allow some space for Salaath. We hope more and more airlines will start looking at how to make this space available. May Allah Tha'ala make it easier for us to perform our Salaath under all conditions! Share your thoughts on Salaath while traveling with us! 

      Tuesday, January 8, 2013

      For muslims who plan to visit South Korea

      I would like to recommend these services as they are tailored for muslims

      1. My travel planner is doing her job very well. I will recommend her for anybody who's visiting Seoul and a few other places in Korea without using tourist guide. Alas she has to be very patient with me :( Here's her website
      http://www.muslimbackpackerseoul.com/

      2. Check out some tourist guides here. They are Malaysian muslims who can help you throughout your travel. For example, with one of the tourist guides here, the package includes accomodation, meals and transportation, and it's not expensive!
      https://www.facebook.com/seoulredcat and
      http://budgettravel2korea.blogspot.com/p/tourist-guide.html

      3. If we go by ourselves, we may want to stay in these guesthouses that give special care for muslim guests. They provide special service for muslims like qiblah marking and prayer mat. One of them take halal food order. Another can arrange for muslim tour guide.
      http://malaysianguesthouseinseoul.blogspot.kr/
      http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294197-d2625971-Reviews-Go_Korea_Guesthouse-Seoul.html and its fb page https://www.facebook.com/gokrgh

      4. Read up (and save) some guides by muslim students in Korea, esp regarding dry food we may want to buy in convenient stores (bread, chocolates, instant noodles, drink, snacks,..). Other than that, be inspired with these guys as they are very creative in their da'wah..
      http://amirkorea.org

      5. Of course, do include Seoul Central Masjid in Itaewon which host Korea Islamic Centre in your visit list maybe upon your arrival if you are not using muslim tourist guides services. There is muslim info centre here and around this area are muslim businesses like travel agents, halal restaurants and halal grocery.

      6. These are info related to muslim societies, Islamic centres and masajids throughout Korea (not limited to Seoul)
      http://alfan-farizki.blogspot.com/2011/01/information-related-to-moslem-society.html
      https://sites.google.com/site/islamdikorea/


      Anything else? Please add in your comment

      Friday, January 4, 2013

      Bookmarks for my Korea travel

      The reason I'm saving all the bookmarks here is because I want to close all these tabs! Wanna do work! Wanna trust my travel planners plan.

      Seoul Maps
      http://www.smrt.co.kr/program/cyberStation/main2.jsp?lang=e&sname2=Seoul+Station&stcd2=0150&sname3=Gangbyeon&stcd3=0214&x=142&y=19
      http://maps.visitseoul.net/index.jsp?lang=eng&Rq=searchPoi&centerX=126.97729003036784&centerY=37.56586603492867&mapLevel=1

      Korea map
      http://www.muslimbackpackerseoul.com/2012/06/korea-tourism-organization-maps.html
      http://emap.visitkorea.or.kr/Scripts/EngMap.aspx#

      Transportation
      koreatransportation.info
      http://www.muslimbackpackerseoul.com/2012/05/taking-subway-in-seoul.html
      http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/eng/

      Airport transportation

      http://www.muslimbackpackerseoul.com/2012/06/travelling-from-incheon-airport-to.html

      Transport schedule + tambang
      http://ga82.com/index.php?from=Seoul&to=Pyeongchang-gun&date=2013-01-27&hour=20&minute=00&time_anchor=a&method_ktx=on&method_train=on&method_airport_train=on&method_bus_express=on&method_bus_intercity=on&method_bus_limousine=on&max_transfers=1&min_transfer_time_mins=0&max_transfer_time_mins=59&last_form=front


      Communication
      http://www.muslimbackpackerseoul.com/2012/06/staying-connected-in-seoul.html
      http://expatblog.kt.com/193
      http://first.wifi.olleh.com/en/index_new.html

      Sample itenerary
      http://budgettravel2korea.blogspot.com/2010/07/7-days-itinerary-in-korea.html
      http://budgettravel2korea.blogspot.com/2011/06/7-days-itinerary-in-korea-part-2.html

      Itenerary with budget
      http://budgettravel2korea.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-budget-for-7-days-in-korea.html
      http://budgettravel2korea.blogspot.com/2011/10/7-days-in-seoul-budget-verified.html
      http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=262106
      http://sarahinsouthkorea.blogspot.kr/2011/07/seoul-12-things-to-do-in-24-hours.html

      Winter sonata itenerary
      http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309520

      Thursday, January 3, 2013

      What and how for the 7 days?

      After getting my conference schedule, it left me with more days for jalan2 (yeay!)

      Anybody wants to guide or make plan for me?

      Here's what I have:
      27/1/13: Phoenix Park. Tutorial session starts at 4pm.
      28/1/13: Phoenix Park. Full day conferencing.
      29/1/13: should I check out or stay another night?
      30/1/13: no plan yet
      31/1/13: no plan yet
      1/2/13: Morning: maybe enjoying Seoul and take flight back at 530pm at ICN.

      For those who have experienced Phoenix Park or any ski resort in South Korea, do u think we should stay longer in Phoenix Park or go away and spend more time enjoying another place?

      And with 2 full days and 2 half days after Phoenix Park, anybody wants to suggest a must-go place?

      Please contact me khadijahwmg - at - gmail - dot - com if you want to offer making customized travel plan for me or being my tourist guide.