At this time of year, we take out our heaters, blankets, thermals. We prepare ourselves for months of cold, wet and difficult conditions.
But while we do this, and while we may suffer from the cold, we must remember that there are many out there who suffer a lot worse than we do in these cold days and nights. There are those who live in run down homes, shacks and informal dwellings. Worse still, some are homeless. … More Chill
The birds’ default position is not flight. It’s to actually be grounded. So when we see them flapping their wings and flying, it’s a departure from their default. And it’s their Creator that is ACTIVELY keeping them up in the air as they fly… … More A burst of gratitude
Picture courtesy of Saaleha The days of Hajj are almost upon us, and since the moon wasn’t sighted in South Africa this past Saturday, it means that Dhul Hijjah officially started here on Monday. This contrasts with Makkah, where the month started a day earlier – on Sunday. Every other month of the year, this … More The great Eid debate
Here’s a quick question for all that read this blog: do you participate in online discussions? I’m not talking about specialised forums, but general portals – like news sites that allow you to comment on stories (for example, South Africa’s News24). And if so, what’s your experience been like – particularly when you comment on … More A question for you, the reader
The following is a true story: I pigged out last night – and I’m ashamed. After supper, I had a piece of Cadbury Fudge chocolate. The taste wasn’t what I was craving, so I had a marshmallow. That should have been enough – but it wasn’t. The baby was being put to sleep, and there … More Indulgence impulse
It was supposed to be spectacular. A football feast that drew the best in the world. One month of awesome talent on display – and all on the African continent, despite the reservations of many; and the phantom terrorist threats that others so boldly claimed. I speak, of course, of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, … More Cup of disappointment
As many of you will know, there’s currently a furore around South African cartoonist Zapiro’s depiction of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The South African Muslim leadership has united in condemning the incident; as well as strongly discouraging the community from reacting violently – because we cannot defend our Prophet by acting in … More Cartoons and Freedom of Expression
Or has the month of March dragged on and on and on….?
Most – probably all of us – have seen them. Hanging out at the traffic lights; waiting near the shops; collapsed in despair in some shoddy, makeshift home of cardboard and paper. They ask you for small change – a few cents, sometimes a bigger amount. Sometimes they want food. Sometimes a job. And many … More The Beg Issue
Warning: This article may take a while to read, so if you don’t have time, skip to the end: Act 6. Act 1: The bar that wasn’t The other day, I received an email about an alleged bar – being built in New York – which should offend Muslims. The building resembles the Holy Ka’bah … More (Don’t) Forward this to as many people as you can!
slip-sliding away..... 