As salaamualaikum everyone. I hope you all had a good Eid, a blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, and a spiritually uplifting few weeks around Hajj time. As you may know, if you’ve read the last few posts, I was away on Hajj, and returned a few days ago. And while there, I was able … More Hajj Chronicles: Introduction
Having been in Makkah for over a week now, I’d like to use this post to extract a few lessons from my time here so far. From this, I’m hoping to gain reminders that will benefit both myself and the readers. 1. Change demands change The difference in physical environment – between Makkah and Madinah … More Lessons from Makkah
I like rooftops because they are freedom. As I write this, I’m seated on one. No ordinary one, mind you; but one in a city of immense peace; on top of a building so blessed that only one other is greater than it. Generally, people aren’t aware of rooftops. They live their lives down below, … More A most blessed rooftop
I know I’d planned to not post anything while I’m away, but the opportunity came up, so I’d like to share some of the experience so far. We’ve been in Madinah for about 24 hours now, and just this first day has made me feel like this is a piece of Jannah. Of course, quite … More A little piece of heaven
As mentioned in my last post, I’ll be going for Hajj very soon insha-Allah. And that means that I won’t be posting until at least late November. So until then, I wanted to leave you with something that I hope would be of benefit. Many of you may not be fortunate enough to go on … More Until November…
Nearly a year ago, I wrote this piece –which crystallised the dream that so strongly made its way into my heart and mind at the time. For those who are familiar with the process of going for Hajj, you’ll know that many across the world – including here in South Africa – need to go … More The incredible journey
For many around the world, Eid has already come. But here in South Africa, we’re waiting until tomorrow – Wednesday 31st August. I’d like to take this opportunity to with everyone and their families a blessed Eid mubarak. May your day be filled with joy and happiness, and (halaal) celebration. For males and females, please … More An Eid like no other
It’s Saturday night, and the people have gathered. The lights go out. A hush descends as the crowd becomes quiet. The screen begins displaying its image. A man appears. He speaks. He tells of a group of people who will have lived their lives for a period, enjoying life – doing as they pleased. These … More Future memories
Many of us take this month for granted – the fact that we can fast (as we’ve been commanded to do), perform taraweeh, and do all the other, communal things that come packaged with this ‘month of the ummah’. But while we have it easy – while we have this freedom – our brothers and … More Appreciating Ramadan
I hope everyone’s having an awesome Ramadan so far. Ramadan in South Africa usually means that our esteemed guest, Mufti Ismail Menk (from Zimbabwe) performs taraweeh in one of our cities – each night following the salaah with a talk based on some aspect of the Quran. This year, he’s in Cape Town – at … More Ramadan 2011 with Mufti Ismail Menk
slip-sliding away..... 