Leaving for Hajj soon? Download these tipsheets

Jun 30, 2019

With this year’s Hajj fast approaching, those who are going can find it hectic getting logistical stuff sorted out, making the social arrangements for departure (the greetings etc before leaving), and – most importantly – their own personal mental and spiritual preparation.

What follows is a compilation of tips and lessons extracted from my own Hajj experience – which I hope will be of benefit to those making the journey of a lifetime this year. … More Leaving for Hajj soon? Download these tipsheets

The birth of a book

Jun 13, 2019

For those who have been here a while, you’ll know that I’ve been working on my book for a number of years – an anthology of what I consider my most meaningful creative pieces (poetry and prose) since I started writing 15-odd years ago.

It’s been quite a journey so far, and after many, many revisions, a lost typographer along the way, and some delving into the world of cover design, I’ve finally completed what I hope will be the final document. … More The birth of a book

Love 2 Serve: for the love of humanity

Jun 1, 2019

The gurgling noises of the pouring rain hitting the pavement outside almost matches my inner tears of sorrow as I sympathise with the needy people of the world. Everywhere I turn, I see organisations appealing for donations. I see NGOs, leaning on the sturdy shoulders of Ramadaan’s great blessings, “cashing in” on this time of the year.  … More Love 2 Serve: for the love of humanity

Dear Ramadaan…

May 29, 2019

And in these final ten, we strive still more – to try to gain as much as we can from these fleeting, limited moments. Moments which will be gone a week from now. A day of celebration, of course, yet for those who understand the loss – a day of mourning, too. … More Dear Ramadaan…

An-Nur: the Light

Know your Lord (part 5): The Light

May 23, 2019

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.” [Qur’an, 24:35] … More Know your Lord (part 5): The Light