As Days Go By...written by Merlock@Merhuu

There comes a time in a person's life when he or she is fond of reflecting of things that have occured in the past. Most people would describe it as nostalgia, a throwback to a much simpler way of life. It is the same for me, as it is withi those kids of the 80's. Our parents, more often than not, are also fond of this particular perspective on life. As we grow older, the world seems more sinister and we become more agitated and bitter.

Growing up in KL during the 80's would not have been more carefree and safer than it was in the 60's, yet it was a much better time than it is in the new millenium. Even though the fashion sense back then would be something to frown upon, nevertheless it was still fun. We grew up without the luxuries that kids today are more likely to flaunt, such as fancy handphones, iPods and countless other gizmos. And yet, most of us in the late 20's and early 30's would never trade it in for these trivial pursuits.

A case in point would be the advent of video games. Unlike most kids and teenagers nowadays, i was not allowed to have VGs (as i would call it), not because that we couldn't afford it. Nope, the main reason was that these games would have a twofold effect: firstly, it would take us away from our studies and secondly, we were more likely to become anti-social and arrogant. At first, it was incomprehensible but in the long run, we have truly understood the logic behind our parents' objections to VGs. And it must be stressed that we are able to understand clearly the most important duty in parenthood: to provide a conducive environment for us in order to make us better and functional individuals.

Another sad and regrettable fact of life that is blatantly overglorified is the free mixing between men and women nowadays. Those who are in their early teens are much more daring and more likely to experiment in illicit relations, as a result of ignorance and the ever increasing depiction of a more hedonistic lifestyle. It is common to see girls in skimpy outfits, and guys with all the blings around their neck and fingers. It is regrettable to see our youth are more likely to spend their time clubbing and getting themselves drunk. what makes it even worse is that a large number of Malay youth are getting in the act.

It is important that we remind ourselves of the need to live our lives accroding to rule that allah has set for us, as it will guarantee a good life in this world and a blissful one in the next. We (myself included) must always reflect on how much we have lived our daily lives as Muslims and how much are we able to conribute to the deen and socirty. Only then would we be able to realy grasp the tru meaning of life, Insya Allah