Apart from the normal mischief demonstrated by kids, hostel life was peaceful and good in general. By this time, when we were in second form, everyone understood the rights and wrongs, the haram and the wajib (the sinful and compulsory).

Soon, usrah (religious gatherings) was organised on every weekend. It was what we called 'usrah umum', and the holy brothers tried to make sure that everyone attended the occasion which commenced after Isyak and went right up until late at night.

Speakers were normally about five to six from the top echelon of the much respected holy brothers, among others:

Abang D - the most senior and quite a mellow chap

Abang N - a born again Muslim; decent person

Abang R - a great speaker who peppered his speech with Quranic verses and hadith

Abang M soft spoken yet rendered the most beautiful and melodious style of Azan I have ever heard to this very day

Abang Z the greatest orator of all. With his finger jabbing and neo-Rusila style of delivery, he normally occupied the last slot, to keep us all up in high spirits.