Previous parts: Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3| Part 4 The first 24 hours in Madinah made a huge impression on me and helped me realise why people love the place so much: it felt like the Prophet s.a.w.’s masjid was a piece of Jannah. Of course, quite literally, there … More Hajj Chronicles Part 5: A little piece of Heaven
With just three months left until Ramadan, if you’ve participated in this series so far, your journey towards improvement should be well underway – even if it’s going very slowly (and that’s OK!). We began with salaah in part 1, then moved on to dua in part 2. While those are both very spiritual topics, … More Ramadan 2012: The Early Bird Challenge 3
“And Pharaoh send heralds until all cities, [bidding them to call out his troops and to proclaim:] “Behold, these [children of Israel] are but a contemptible band*; but they are indeed filled with hatred of us seeing that we are, verily, a nation united, fully prepared against danger…” (Quran; Chapter 26 – “The Poets”, verse … More Timeless Lessons for Humanity
The MSA of the Cape has teamed up with several organisations to bring “The Strangers Tour” to South Africa. This internationally-renowned variety show boasts the talents of Muslim comedian Baba Ali (USA), award-winning poet Boonaa Mohammed (Canada), and popular scholar Navaid Aziz (Canada). The event – which takes a refreshing look at Muslim life and … More Strangers arriving in South Africa
One day, Chairman Pooh decided to take the council members out for a ride. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, the council had only one vehicle. But since this is South Africa, the spirit of South Africa’s urban taxi industry kicked in, and everyone got a seat – as pictured below: For previous … More The Playtime Council: It’s a little crowded
Previous parts: Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 First impressions Mention the name ‘Madinah’, and the first descriptions many Muslims will use involve words like ‘peaceful’, ‘calm’, ‘tranquil’, etc. Our arrival there was anything but that – but such is to be expected when we had to deal with the chaos … More Hajj Chronicles Part 4: Welcome to Madinah
Following up from part 1, we now continue our journey to prepare early for Ramadan 2012. At this point, we have – insha-Allah – about four months left until the whole (Muslim) world begins this most auspicious month. But if you’re taking up this Early Bird Challenge, you’re eager to get a head start on … More Ramadan 2012: The Early Bird Challenge part 2
Undoubtedly, Hajj is one of the greatest events in the life of a Muslim – and one filled with many lessons. From the struggles of raising the funds and getting the opportunity, to the patience that’s needed to endure the hardships of travel, and then to the incomparable spirituality felt during the five days of … More For the rest of your days
As part of the South African leg of the 2012 Israeli Apartheid Week, the film “Roadmap to Apartheid” is currently being screened in different parts of the country. The film explores, in detail, the apartheid comparison as it is used in the enduring Israel-Palestine conflict. As much a historical document of the rise and … More Apartheid Lives!
Once upon a time, for what felt like ages, marriage was the most important issue in my life. For years, I searched for that elusive partner – the mythical ‘soulmate’ who would ‘complete’ me, help me to grow personally, and provide for me the emotional bond I so desperately craved. And in those years, a … More Marriage and you (Yes, YOU)
slip-sliding away..... 