Revamp has played a core part in my life as it made me realize that Singapore is indeed a safer and a better place to live in. It also taught me to balance between friends, family and work despite the busy schedule. I learnt the value of humanity and the need to keep close ties with one another regardless of race or religion, how to always benefit one another by always being ready to offer aid to our fellow Singaporeans.

Revamp has definitely guided me to being a better person. I truly enjoy the sessions at Revamp and I sometimes feel like specific topics that were chosen was directly meant for me. I am much more aware of my weaknesses and strive to be better for myself and others around me. I’ve learned to never judge people based on how they look, or what they wear, and that struggle truly begins with myself.

After attending sessions weekly, I felt thirstier to seek more knowledge, and to understand the importance of how we live our lives. Initially, I felt like I think I know this, and I know that, when in actuality, I know nothing. We are actually empty glasses that need to be filled up with knowledge. I learnt about brotherhood, helping each other out, and about serving each other.

“Revamp is very dear to me. It has made me a better version of myself and to the people around me in so many ways. I started attending their sessions more than a year ago. I've learnt a lot of essential knowledge and real life experiences through Revamp. And ever since then, I hardly want to miss any sessions with this family I've found. Knowledge and real friends should increase our Love for Our Creator and vice versa and that is the real definition of family to me.”

“In 2012, I left my job in the entertainment industry and was jobless. I was resolute of not returning to the same line of industry and was hanging out with a friend who was then volunteering in Sarang Cafe. I was recommended and was paid to work first as a dishwasher and later as a waitress in the cafe.

Mashaallah. I held a managerial post in my past employments but honestly, being a dishwasher at Sarang Cafe has benefited me the most. I learnt and saw the moral values and etiquette of my fellow workers, especially from (the owner) Abang Aydarus and his wife, Sis Jahan. Never once did I feel judged despite my bad habits (smoking etc) and my way of dressing. Everything in Sarang was simple and is as taught and shared in Revamp, l could see, feel and experience adab (high moral values and good etiquette) in Sarang as displayed by the owners and my co-workers and that motivated me to try to change. Never once was l forced to change. Everything came from the sharing sessions held at Revamp (then above Sarang cafe), the constant reminders by co-workers and the owners, and their exemplary character and attitude towards one another. I discovered Sarang and Revamp at a strange time in my life. And I have benefited greatly from being in Sarang and Revamp. The friends that I have made here are definitely for keeps. I am forever thankful for Revamp and Sarang cafe.

“A chance meeting with Bro Aydarus when he was still operating the cafe at Bussorah Street in late 2013, brings back fond memories. I discovered then that the cafe was just a "ruse" for him to befriend others with intention of becoming a positive role model, apart from offering employment to some of the "unemployable". This was a rather refreshing approach to doing social work, I felt. Impressed by his humility and non-judgmental persona, my wife and I immediately felt at ease with him. It did not take very long for us to establish a closer relationship with Bro Aydarus, and soon, even got our children to benefit from his sharing sessions. They warmed up to him very quickly, perhaps not so surprising given his warm and easy nature. It is not an exaggeration to say that it has been a huge blessing that our paths have crossed, and that my family has directly benefited from our interactions with this wonderful soul called Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi.”

“The major change was the part of making parents the priority and that they have every right over us. I now tend to respect them even more. And are grateful for their upbringing. The other is through Revamp, I learnt not to judge others quickly and to always have good thoughts on anyone. Through that change alone, I have been able to live my daily life without negative thoughts. Firstly, the intention placing was one of the key lessons or value that the Mentor instilled into me during my initial sessions. Because without setting the proper intention, our deeds might be wasted or of no blessing. Secondly, it's our tongue. His sound advice to us on keeping check the vulgarities, unnecessary speech and hurtful words that we use so often in our daily vocabulary and that if we don't remove this dirty habit, it could very well the last word(s) we utter when the Angel of Death visits us. Thirdly, is the migration from bad company/habits. If a group of friends are preventing you from change, then we should take a step back and seek good company. Which he frequently mentions, "you are your friends’ religion".

Prior to this, I have never thought of serving others as a privilege; until Revamp totally "revamped" that thought. Through serving others, I have learnt valuable lessons like keeping the ego in check, making others happy and putting others before self.

I like the idea that the Revamp sessions were made open to all. Saturday talks constantly makes me do soul searching. Revamp opened up my interest to be a good person. The simple yet important lessons I learnt were to …

Revamp is a safe haven where people genuinely care about one another and pay attention to one another’s needs. It is a social platform that builds well-mannered individuals with good character and moral values. Revamp helped me to be a better person. I have learnt to be tolerant and accepting of others, and the differences in others. My family relationship is better and we do not fight anymore. There is genuine love, compassion and purity in the environment at Revamp. People with no blood relations can get along so well and push through difficult situations together, supporting each other. I feel safe in Revamp as there is no distortion in moral values …

I love and appreciate everything about what you are doing seriously! It is not intimidating and the relaxed and inviting atmosphere makes me look forward to attending every session!

Seeing my brothers and sisters of Islam struggling at the beginning of the course and witnessing their growth as they work hard to learn what is being taught and being inspired by their progress at the end of the course. Seeing how Brother Aydarus and his team tirelessly carrying on with the lessons and seeing everyone there with the common purpose of serving Allah is what is most impactful to me.