nusaibah binti hamizan

Passport to Canada

When I was informed that I was selected to join the trip to the Canada, I was pretty excited because I had always wanted to go overseas especially with IIUM students. But I didnt expect to be selected for this trip because of the expenses to go there was pretty much expensive. Alhamdulillah, I managed to solve the financial problem. Besides that, I didnt know anybody in the trip even though we are studying in the same university (only met a couple of times at the office to settle some administration matters) so I felt quiet insecure. However, after the final meeting, I can feel that this trip was going to be so much fun and interesting.

Based on my daily observations, I noticed that Canada is a very clean city whereby rubbish is hardly to be found. It is either the system used to be very good or Canadians just focus on cleanliness in their daily life. Besides that, what I am so impress with Canadians that when we were crossing the road, the driver will stop and let us cross the road. It really contrast with the Malaysians where we as the pedestrians have to use the power of hand to let us crossing the road. Moreover, public transport in Canada is very convenient and efficient. That is why most of the citizen choose to use public transport as their main transportation. This is good as it reduces traffic. I also noticed that the drivers in Canada are being tolerant and patient thus is makes the city looks calm and less busy.

I also noticed that the teenagers do not hang around street pointlessly. It is good thing to showing that they do not waste their time on unnecessary things. I found that this trip is a good way for the students to increase their knowledge and open up their mind by learning from other people from different part of the world. Usually, students are busy with their studies and programmes in university without having time to observe what is happening around them. So, by having this trip it gives me the chance to explore the world and see the world in different perspectives and dimensionds. The trip is quiet relax and based on the beautiful places that we have visited, there are something to be ponder and make us realizes that there is Allah, The Great Creator behind those great creations. There are lots of things that we can learn from the nature. Besides, the trip reminds us to always be grateful to Allah.

In addition, Canadians are very punctual. They value their time very much in daily life. They will do everything on time. Malaysians should apply this in their daily life and stop delaying thing so that everyone will benefit from it and lead to the success of the nation as a whole. Besides that, I also found that Canadians even though they live as minority in their country but they have the ability and capability to make the Islam alive and it makes me feel overwhelmed with the beauty of Islam. Furthermore, Canadian Muslims underlined the importannce of prayer when the time comes. Thus, it is clear that it is not an excuse for us to delay the performance of our prayer no matter where we are.

I also found that Canadians really tolerate and respect others beliefs. When we were at the Museum of Civilization, Ottawa, we wanted to pray, and the stuff permitted us to use the conference room for us to perform our prayer.

To conclude, Alhamdulillah all praises to Allah for giving me the opportunity to join this trip. It was such an eye opener for me. I had an amazing experience in Canada, with the beautiful places, great food and new friends. This trip will definitely be one of the most memorable things in my life. I hope that such programme will continue in future to give chance to the others to gain the same experience as I had.

Till then we meet again. InshAllah :)