My Religious Exposure

My Religious Exposure

I was born in Cochin in 1942 Feb. At that time no play school, LKG or UKG. I was admitted in a Madrasa at the age of 4. Alhamdulillah I completed Quran recitation at the age of 5 and then only admitted to school. My mother taught me how to pray and my father used to take me to masjid sometimes. My uncle who was deaf and dumb was very pious and when I stay there he makes us wake up by fajar take us all to masjid and after prayer he used to buy tea and vada for those who went for prayer. This gave an incentive to get up and go for fajar.

In Kayamkulum and Trivandrum we prayed some time but not regular due to studies. There was communal harmony and we could live peacefully. We had fear of God and did whatever was possible at that time. When I came to Quilon prayers and fasting became little regular until I came to Bombay for PhD. Alhamdulillah, Allah has provided good people to guide me there. Our registrar Azeem Bai, my relatives Azeezba and Jeejam Bai gave us necessary preaching. One Khan Sahib of Indore checked my recitation of Quran and taught me little bit Arabic language and gramer. I thank all and pray to Allah for forgiving their sins and bless them all with all the goodness.

After coming back to Quilon in 1980 I met with an accident and had to remain at home for 2 months. I got a malayalum translation of Quran by Muttanissery and started reading. It was a wonderful experience opening my way to Allah. I  became  regular in prayer, fasting and charity. This really helped me to trust fully in Allah during my bad times from 1981 to 1991.

When I took up the job in Muscat in 1991 all my financial problems were over, I could Alhamdulillah go for my first Hajj with wife in 1993 from there. I thoroughly read Quran translation by Amani Moulavi which released me from all superstitions and taught me the inner meaning of Quran with hadees.

I could go for Hajj from Trivandrum and from Quilon (When I was Principal of YCET) with wife in 1998 and 2006. I also went for an Umra with family in 2001 from Kuwait. In 2014 I went for an Umra alone as my wife was not well.  I am thankful to Allah for all the blessings He has showered on me. 

I am thankful to Sheikh Yawar Baig for his emphasis on the importance of Tahajjath to become closer to Allah and his lectures on how to live and be a leader in the Islamic perspective. I was with him in Feb 2012 for 5 days and in contact with him through mail. He is the Chairman of the Standard Bearers Academy in Hyderabad and a religious and management expert. He is a source of inspiration for all who meet him or hear his lectures. May Allah bless the Sheikh with health and long life to fulfill his dreams Aameen

Alhamdulillah all my ambitions are  satisfied, all my children are well off. I pray to Allah to make me die peacefully with Eeman. May Allah, the Almighty God bless all to live in the right path and to die with Eeman Aameen. May Allah forgive my parents and admit them in Jannath and direct myself, my wife, children, grand children and in laws and all the humanity in the right path Aameen

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

My TKM Experience

T.K.M.College of Engineering, Kollam

I joined TKM College of Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engg as lecturer in July 20  1965. The atmosphere of the college was very good with good and hardworking staff and nice cooperation. Principal was Hameed Sir a very efficient and eminent personality keeping high discipline in the college. I was sent for sequential summer school by the college during 1967,1968 and 1969 in IIT, Madras. As I obtained first rank in my group of Turbo Machines I was admitted directly to the second year M.Tech and I completed M.Tech from IIT, Madras in 1970 and promoted as Asst. Professor. I tried to work very sincerely and took classes with good preparations and confidence. I secured admission for PhD in IIT, Bombay under the Quality Improvement Scheme of the Government of India in 1974 and joined IIT, Bombay for three years. During that period I was given full salary from Kerala Govt and stipend from IIT. I finished my work on Prediction of the combustion characteristics of Cyclone furnace. For this I had to study Computer programming, Russian Language and Chemical kinetics in addition. By 1979 March PhD was awarded to me. Though I obtained job in Gulf, I could not go due to war in 1980. In 1981 I got a job in Soudi but I left it as the atmosphere was very bad.

 I worked hard handled subject like Cryogenics in PG level on the request of the HOD Albin Sir. I was one of the group of 5 staff who set up computer lab in TKM and handled few subjects on computer.

 I obtained a job in Muscat Technical Industrial College, Oman. I left TKM taking 5 years loss of pay leave in 1991. When I returned in 1996 there was a vacancy of Principal in TKM. Though I applied, I was not considered . I considered it as my fate and did not go after Management for the post. Eventually I retired in 1997 

I consider all what happened to me as my fate and so do not blame anyone. It will all be due to some mistakes I have done. May Allah bless all Aameen 

Dr.Mohamed Ali essa

My life and experiences in Oman

My  life in Oman

I came to Oman in April 1991 to join Muscat Technical Industrial College taking loss of pay leave for 5 years from TKM. The HOD Derrick Hewitt, Office Supt Waleed and my TKM Colleague Divakaran were there in the Airport to receive me. I liked the atmosphere of the college, the staff and students. I am allotted furnished flat but I stayed with Divakaran few days to get accustomed. Some of my relatives includin my brother in law Raheem, Rasheed(Babu), Shafi , Aktar, Zakir and Lukman were also there in Oman so weekends were wonderful. The climate in Oman is bearable and good with good rains and comfortable winter. No sand storm there as it is surrounded by hills. Khantaq beach is a marvelous sightseeing place . Our TKM student and a friend Jaffer Engg made the stay pleasant and fruitful. 

Unfortunately within 3 weeks of reaching there I lost my mother in Madras and I could not go as there was no direct flight to Madras then. Divakaran, my colleagues and my relatives there consoled me. One of the Omani staff Rashid Al Qassim and Karunan were very helpful throughout my stay there.

Students liked my classes. They were very poor in understanding, I took extra pain to develop new techniques to make things easier for them so they felt happy. I tried to clear their doubts and explained in simple English.

Derrick helped me to get visa for my wife daughter and youngest son. I came to Cochin by June mid and took my family to Oman. They also liked the flat in the campus and I admitted my son in the Indian School in the 8th std. My old student in TKM, Rajendra Prasad helped me to get a job for my son who was a Civil Engg and he arrived by Nov 1991. Then in 1992 Apr 1st we got the happy news of birth of a daughter for my son and named her Rukaiya which was my mothers name. We shifted to a larger house in Alkwair then. My son brought his family also by Dec 1992. My second son who was doing B.Com in Quilon also came for vaccation.

In 1993 Alhamdulillah I could go with my wife for first Hajj leaving my other children with eldest son and family. HOD Derrick left and an Omanee Nasser Kharusi became the HOD. Including him all staff were good to me especially Karunan. Rajendra Prasad used to take us for sight seeing. There are beautiful villages like Ibri, Rustak, Niswa, Kasab etc. We could not go to Salala as it was more than 1200 Km away. We could also conduct few deeni classes in our house with the help of Ummer Sahib who was a dedicated person. After I left it is continued in Jaffer Engg house

Alhamdulillah I could buy a flat near Lissy Hospital and could help my brothers and sisters for their daughters marriages and do some charity from Oman money in addition to performing Hajj with wife.

After a wonderful and satisfied life for 5 years myself and family except my Engg son Mansoor and fly returned to Trivandrum. The college wanted me to stay further but as my dream of a Hajj and a flat is full filled I decided to leave as I was not interested in making big money. I am thankful to Allah and all those who made our life in Oman very nice. I also liked the Sultan Qaboos whose sincere efforts bring the country on top of all Gulf Countries. Recently he passedaway. May his soul rest in peace. 

Karunan expired at Bangalore. May his soul rest in peace. I am sad that I am not able to contact the Omanee Rashid Al Qassim who was of great help to me in Oman. I wish him all the best. 

Dr.Mohamed Ali Essa

Foolish deeds

Foolish deeds

We some times do good deeds thinking that we will get rewards, but actually we get punishment as the method and mind set are wrong. Some of them are listed here

1.    Prayers done carelessly and to show off
2.    Fasting while telling lies and backbiting
3.    Charity to show off and troubling the person receiving
4.    Pilgrimage creating big noise, quarreling and contacting      opposite sex 
5.   Prayers of a wife disobeying and humiliating the husband     while he is providing shelter, food and cloths
6.   Troubling your wife unnecessarily
7.   Prayers of children while disobeying the parents
8.   Eating while neighbors are starving
9.   Ablution and bath wasting water
10.   Eating and drinking beyond a limit
11.   Making judgement without justice
12.   Making unwanted travels
13.   Killing people or animal without just reason
14.   People with knowledge not imparting it to others and not     living according to knowledge
15.   Breaking the trust and cheating
16.   Cheating in measurements and dealings
17.   Doing malpractice in the examination
18.   Enjoyments exceeding the limits
19.   Over spending and over sleeping
20.   Talking unnecessarily and humiliating others

Dr.Mohamed Ali essa

My Kuwait Life

My Kuwait Life

I came to Kuwait with family first in 2001 on the request of my son who was working there and doing his M.Tech in Kuwait University as a part time student. He wanted my help in completing his project thesis. That was in March and the climate was pleasant. We enjoyed the stay assisted for the completion of his thesis, did some translation, gave some talks in various occasions, did an Umra and returned after 3 months.

Then I went to Kuwait in 2003 and 2004 alone for short visit for personal purposes. In 2005 Nov we came again with family for a visit. It was very cool and getting cooler temperature approaching zero and becoming unbearable for our age. Then we decided not to be in Kuwait in extreme climates and left by Dec. As I took up Principal post in Yoonus College of Engineering, Kollam on 2006 Feb and my youngest son's marriage was also during this time, I did not go to Kuwait till 2009. When I left YCET in 2009 we went again to Kuwait. My second son was also there with family staying nearby. It was a nice stay but my wife started showing some signs of memory loss but we returned after 3 months.

In 2010 when we came the feeling was to take permanent visa as I will not be able to manage my wife alone. In the mean time my youngest son also came to Kuwait with family. I obtained permanent visa in 2011 we returned with middle son and eventually got visa of my wife and daughter also in 2013 Jan. The idea was to remain in Kuwait 3 months and India  3 months and so on. But the condition of my wife became very bad and we had to remain in Kuwait most of the time. I come alone for a month or so to India and return.I was trying always to have a fixed diet but as different types of good food and fruits available I also sometimes had to overeat against my principle. I am anyway trying to get some engagement to occupy myself so that I will be useful to some body

The most remarkable thing during that time is my association with Mr. Yawar Baig who is a management and religious expert. I was with him for 5 days and I am really happy and thankful to Allah and my eldest son for giving this opportunity. I realized the meaning of this life and learned many things. We are still keeping contact through mail. He emphasized the importance of taking care of my wife in-spite of bad weather and other hazards. Of course here I do not have any other activities now and I am missing marriages and deaths of important family members in India. But Alhamdulilah I am accepting the will of Allah and pray Him to give the reward in the hereafter. I request all to pray for us.

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

My Saudi Life

Saudi Life

I got Job in Saudi Arabia in 1981 as Chief Mechanical Engineer in Mohamed Al Zahid Establishment. Three sons and father were the owners of the Company. I was surprised that all the 4 are having different opinion and each one insists that only his opinion should be heard. Each one is telling that the other is mad and I should not hear them.

They wanted to computerize everything and I went for 2 weeks in Zahid Tractors to study their setup. I gave the report but as it involves big money, they asked me to wait. I was given accommodation and office in Alkobar and their workshop in old Dammam road. It was fasting time and one day one of them came and said people from Aramco will come to inspect our workshop to give some job to us. There was a Srilankan foreman, I asked him to be with me. They came and asked various machinery not available I kept quite as we do not have that. But the foreman said it is in some other site. They took him to that place and as those machinery were not there we lost that.

Next week one of the owners came to the workshop and asked me to watch what he does. When he saw a worker taking juice he cut one week salary for him and said that I should do same. I said it is too hot and taking juice will be required and improves his efficiency and I will not do such crime.

Then one day I was called and  informed that 3 of our workers died and I should give a certificate that they have not died during working time. I inquired and found that they were going for official work and died in an accident. I made a report showing the facts and said that compensation has to be given for the family. After seeing the report they were very angry. I said that there is one more paper below that which is my resignation. I said I will not work for them further, they can kill me, put me in jail or send me back. Though I said that I was afraid as they will do anything. They said if I remain they will send me for Hajj in their cost. I said I do not want to go for such Hajj and if Allah helps I will go for Hajj with pure money. After a weeks suspense they left me as I have gone through Govt of Kerala. I returned to Cochin within 2 months of my Soudi trip. Of course I was depressed as my family and colleagues were humiliating me as one who left highly paid job. I came to know that within 6 months the company is blacklisted and closed. I am thankful to Allah that I could also go for Hajj 3 times with Halal money after going to Muscat in 1993, 1998 and 2006.

So if you live with principles Allah will eventually help you, though there will be some setbacks in the beginning 

Dr.Mohamed Ali esa

Irony of fate

Irony of fate

PhD was awarded to me in 1979 by IIT, Bombay. By 1980 I secured 3 jobs one in University of Basara, Iraq another in University of Maidugiri, Nigeria and third in University of Darrusalam, Tanzania. I selected Iraq job as it has come through the Foreign Assignment Section of Govt of India and I can get deputation from Govt of Kerala. I became little proud. 

I was coming back from Trivandrum in a bus after getting the deputation order from Govt of Kerala. I thought for a moment that no one can block my going to Iraq now. Bus was going very fast and all were complaining about the speed except a pious person near my seat, who was meditating. Bus suddenly collided with a lorry injuring all except the pious. My left hand bone broken. I told him to somehow take me to Quilon and admit. He agreed and took a taxi and we came to Quilon. Sankars Hospital denied admission as it was an accident case. Finally he took me to Govt Hospital admitted there and he disappeared. I do not know who he was and never seen him afterwards. I still pray for his betterment. I could not take any job due to plaster in hand. It was a blessing in disguise as war started between Iraq and Iran.

In 1981 I got a job in a private company in Soudi Arabia and went. But the atmosphere of the company was so bad that I left it within 2 months !

It was in 1991 that I next got a foreign job in Muscat Technical Industrial College in Oman. I joined there. I really enjoyed the job and life there. I worked for 5 years happily with family. I could even get a reasonably good Civil Engg job for my elder son also there. I left Oman in 1996 and my son got a better job in Kuwait and he went there and still continuing. 

We actually do not realise the plans of God. We should believe that everything will be for the good and be thankful to him in all situations

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

Religion

Religion

Religion is meant to realise your Creator, understand ourselves and think about the blessings He has given to us and to the universe to cater us. God will not accept our prayers if we are not good to our parents. It is also to make us good to ourselves and to others. Helping the downtrodden by way of money, food and services are the requirements. If we are good to God, then we will have to be good to people.

There is no place in religion for Terrorism. It is actually indented for peace to ourselves, to all human beings and to the universe. It also ask us to preserve the God given environment.

It teaches to respect elders and to be kind to youngsters. We are even to be good to animals, birds and to all creations. We have to be punctual and manage the time properly for the benefit of all.

We are not supposed to kill ladies, old and kids. When you have to kill for just reasons we have to be just. We have to control our lust by fasting and charity. We are not to be greedy and should not trouble or cheat others, instead we should help each other. We are to preserve the universe and utilise the blessings provided for the betterment of all.

According to a hadees 

If we do not promote good deeds and do not object bad deeds then Allah's punishment will come and our duas will not be accepted

If we become cruel we will be below the grade of animals and God will put calamities to punish us and eventually world will be destroyed if cruelties exceed a limit. 

So religion is meant for the overall good of this world.

Dr.mohamed ali essa

Teaching

Teaching

Teaching is an Art. But you can surely improve your teaching by putting little more effort and dedication. Main requirement of teaching is the thorough knowledge of the subject by good preparation. If you are confident on your subject, you will have control over the class. You should also have good communication skill to express what you know. You should have a pleasing nature for the stuents to feel free. You should never go to the class in a hurry. Take a few  minutes rest, make a planning of the class and handle the class with confidence.

Make the class interesting by live examples and some jokes. Be patient and allow the students to ask questions. If you are not sure about the answer don't bluff and tell them that it will be cleared in next week. Refer books and consult with colleagues and clear the doubt of the students in the next class. Do not be very strict nor be very lenient and take a middle path.

You can thus become a good teacher loved and respected by students. Students will never forget their good teachers and respect you even years after the course. Good luck

Dr.Mohamed Ali Essa

Guides

Guides

When you undergo masters or research programme there will be a guide who coordinate and guide you in your work. The success of the work depends on this guide. you can either do wonderful work or you totally fail or dejected in your work.

When I did my M.Tech from IIT, Madras my guide was Dr. D.Prithviraj who was a source of inspiration and absolute support. He has just arrived after his P.hD from Liverpool University. Throughout the project he guided all the students. We used to come after dinner by 8 to the Lab and he also comes. We all remain till 12 doing design, fabrication or testing. My Project was to design, fabricate and test a radial Blower with different implellers and deduce the effect of blade angle on efficiency. I still wonder how I could do such a big work in 1969 with all the instrumentation. It is still there in the lab. It was possible due to continuous follow up by the great guide. I am still proud of the work done

But when I went to do my PhD in IIT, Bombay after discussion with the guide I fixed up a problem on Prediction of the flow characteristics of Cyclone Furnace. Then the guide said " The ball is in your hand, play it or throw it". I was stunned. Luckily for me I got a friend there who was extremely intelligent and willing to help, U.N.Gaitonde. It was still a surprise how I could finish the work in time. For the work I had to study Computer Programming, Russian language and Chemical Engg. My wife and family were with me. I did not move out of IIT for more than 2 years. My wife took the responsibility of house and children. I had to also go to Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in the last 6 months for computer work and had to work from 9 am to 12 pm.The then HOD  Dr. Sukatme gave me moral support. When I went for the defence in 1979 my guide has chicken pox and normally it has to postponed. I met HOD and convinced that I can do the defence without guide. He wanted to give a mock defence before all staff. As they all were satisfied the defence conducted in time and I was awarded PhD

Dr.Mohamed ali essa