Crafty Muslimah

Sunday musings

2012-02-12T16:32:00.000+02:00

Sunday, 12th February 2012

This morning's breakfast [© Washi]

Assalaamu Alaykum,

This very random post is just a jumble of musings I had this morning while walking to the supermarket to do my weekly grocery shopping :)

What a relief, Alhamdulillah, that the weather here has cooled down to a very comfortable 23°C (73.4°F) with a slight breeze blowing, but I reckon there are still hot days ahead before winter sets in. Just amazing that while we've been sweltering here at the bottom of Africa, up there in the Siberian tundras, it is all iced up with metres of snowfall? SubhanaAllah! So many people have died across Europe this winter...I hope Hubby is not getting too cold there in Egypt...at least it's not too long now before he comes home :D

Even more amazing is how I stress about wearing matching clothing in the week, but on Sunday mornings I just cannot be bothered! Who cares that I've teamed up my favourite no-ironing-needed black shayla with this blue-and-cream patterned top and jeans...at least it matches my flip-flops...Bohemian chic...haha I'm so not a fashionista. And why do I worry about people anyway? Girl, you are so pathetic...

At least not so pathetic as someone...oh no! get that out of your mind...it is not for us to judge others...remember this is just a transitory world...so ashamed right now :(

Wish I were a better Muslimah...and daughter! Why didn't I notice before that Mommy was walking with more difficulty than usual? So wrapped up in myself...she's your MOTHER...at least she's gone to the doc and gotten meds for her rash on the leg...got to remember to call her when I get home and tell her to send someone to the chemist to buy probiotics...that will counter the anti-biotic...no wonder she's feeling poorly this morning...here I am. Oh goody! the shop's empty...hate crowded aisles...and they playing Lady A on the PA...love this song; reminds me of Hubz

♫ I love the way you were up for anything, Never worried 'bout what people say ♫

Our kind of love

Hello again!

2012-01-29T16:12:00.001+02:00

Sunday, 29th January 2012

Assalaamu Alaykum,

I can't believe I haven't blogged since last year! So what's been happening with me? Well not a whole lot actually :) The biggest story around here is that it is really very HOT!!! It's the middle of summer and we're boiling.

Spending quality time with "my kids" Kouthar, Aaliyah, Amirah, Taahir and Junaid at Oudekraal Beach, Cape Town, Jan 2012 [© Washi]

Hubby is still in Egypt on his extended visit with my in-laws...mainly he's not back yet as we need to sort out his documentation for the immigration services here in South Africa. The grief they've been giving us is a whole other post! Alhamdulillah we're almost there and I am just waiting for the day he comes home inshaAllah.

In a reflective mood at the office party, December 2011 [pic by Candice Bekker]

When I last posted, we were winding things down at work in preparation of our summer holidays over the festive season. So for a change I was busy at work and Alhamdulillah, its more of the same since I returned to work...hope it stays this way inshaAllah. Office morale is at an all time low with the company still going through it's re-structure, and people (in our Finance dept. especially) not knowing if they have a job or not when they come to work in the mornings. Makes my angst about my position seems like a storm-in-a-teacup. So since December till now - bar my 2-week break - I've been too tired and hot to do any blogging or much knitting :(

I have finished the pockets on my buttercup cardigan [© Washi]

All I've really been doing is catching up on my reading, watching murder-mystery DVDs and getting fat in the process! The latter is mainly due to me not cooking; and eating way too much take-out, ice-cream and toast...my excuse? It's way too hot to bother cooking for just me! Come Fridays, I rush out of the office to go to my Mom's for dinner...she hosts all the men-folk and grandkids in our family for a big after-jumu'ah-prayer-lunch...and lucky-ole-me gets to gobble up the left-overs! Saturdays I spend whole day over at her place too, and Sundays I do a spot of shopping and a whole lot of afternoon napping.

Checking in at the Bliss B&B, Knysna on Friday, 30th Dec 2011 after jumu'ah prayers at the George Masjid

So when my end of year holidays came up, I was really looking forward to doing all of the above plus of course, lots of crafting and blogging. Didn't work out that way as it was just too hot; and funnily enough, my holiday turned out quite busy despite my grass-widow status. On the 28th of December while I was doing a ~~lot~~ wee bit of shopping, my friend Sumayah called and invited me to go on a road trip with her along the Garden Route over the New Year's weekend. Of course this blogger didn't hesitate and within half a day, was packed and ready to go. I will end this post, with some pics of me on my trip...au revoir!

Overlooking South Africa's premier estuary, the Knysna Lagoon [© Washi]

"Hijabi swimming" in the lagoon in front of the Knysna Heads [© Washi]

Visiting the Knysna Elephant Park [© Washi]

Can you see them? One of Africa's Big 5 [© Washi]

I could easily retire to this seaside town on the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay [© Washi]

Visiting my country's oldest tourist attraction, the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn [© Washi]

I have Attitude!

2011-12-08T13:06:00.001+02:00

Thursday, 8th December 2011

PreTeena by Allison Barrows

Even on days when you can barely get out of bed and face the world, smile and exude positivity, confidence and happiness. Start by smiling at everyone you encounter. After all, it is a sunnah to smile...and most of the time, the recipient of your sunny smile will return it...

Abdullah ibn Amru ibn al-Aas narrated that the Nabi SAW said:

“Among the best of you are those who have the best attitude (towards others).” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Saturday Showcase #18

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000+02:00

Saturday, 3rd December 2011

Quick and fun project! [© Washi]

Assalaamu Alaykum,

While Hubby's visiting his folks in Egypt, my nieces have been coming for sleep-overs on the weekends. They are so sweet and I've been enjoying their company immensely.

The sweetest girl a.k.a. Kouthar [© Washi]

Last weekend, it was just 7-year old Kouthar and I, so it was the ideal bonding opportunity for us to make a morse-code necklace. We both enjoyed spending a pleasurable hour in the craft shop selecting beads, cord (for the neckpiece) plus circular knitting needles and stitch markers (for my buttercup cardigan).

Bronze morse-code necklace spelling out this blogger's name [© Washi]

We decided to use bronze balls, long beads and magnetic clasps with matching brown cord for our pieces. I took longer deciding what secret message I wanted on my necklace than it took to string the beads onto the cord and tie it to the clasp. It was that easy and voila! I had a designer necklace.

Kouthar modelling my necklace [© Washi]

Kouthar designed her own bracelet; so all in all, a very good ~~crafty~~ weekend indeed.

Kouthar's bracelet [© Washi]

Just a little

2011-12-01T13:25:00.001+02:00

Thursday, 1st December 2011

hubby: do you miss me?
me: just a little
hubby: oh?
me: just a little more each and every day
hubby: me too!
me: ❤

No secret at all

2011-11-30T10:00:00.001+02:00

Wednesday, 30th November 2011

Muslim Woman by Eleanor Marsh

Love has nothing to do with

the five senses and the six directions:

its goal is only to experience

the attraction exerted by the Beloved.

Afterwards, perhaps, permission

will come from God:

the secrets that ought to be told with be told

with an eloquence nearer to the understanding

that these subtle confusing allusions.

The secret is partner with none

but the knower of the secret:

in the skeptic's ear

the secret is no secret at all.

~ Rumi ~

I want one of these!

2011-11-24T14:04:00.001+02:00

Thursday, 24^th November 2011

If you love to travel like I do, even if it’s justthe daily commute on the metro, this little device would come in sooo handy!

No, it’s not the new iPod, it is so much better! It’sThe Knit Kit…and best of all, you can pack this nifty little darling into yourcarry-on bag on a plane…yay!! I prefer travelling with a day-pack only, so noworries there. How do I do that, you ask? Helps of course, that I’m not afashionista so don’t need to wear a different outfit for every meal or outing! But I can only read somuch; then I get fidgety which doesn’t happen if I can keep my hands busy.

pics courtesy of theknitkit.com

Buttercup Cardigan

2011-11-21T21:30:00.001+02:00

Monday, 21st November 2011

[image source: Coastal Knits]

It was while researching summer-weight cardigans on the net, that I came across the following image of the Wildflower Cardigan by Alana Dakos in Coastal Knits. This image led me to pre-order the book.

[image source: Coastal Knits]

My copy arrived in the post a couple of days before Eid-ul-Adha. So you can guess which project from there I’m knitting first :)

My copy of Coastal Knits [© Washi]

If I had the yarn, I would probably be half-way by now, but had to wait to get to my LYS (local yarn store). Their trading hours clash with my work hours and they are only open till midday on Saturdays. This past weekend was the first opportunity I had since Eid, as Hubby flew out to Egypt last Saturday morning.

Elle Pure Gold Yarn in Buttercup [© Washi]

True to form, I wished I had enough dosh to buy everything in the store, but had to settle for just the yarn I needed. I eventually selected a lovely shade/colourway called Buttercup in a 4-ply courtelle yarn. I prefer knitting with a man-made fibre since natural fibres such as pure wool, mohair and angora make my eczema flare up. Luckily, my sensitive skin is as thrifty as my pocket demands :D

For the first time in a very long time, I didn’t jump right in and start knitting. I actually knitted a gauge swatch first, for which I’m ever so grateful now. Discovered that I have to knit this garment with smaller needles and go down a size in order to obtain my size. I sincerely hope that it comes out ok inshaAllah...

Adapting

2011-11-18T08:47:00.001+02:00

Friday, 18th November 2011

Nownearly a week since Hubby’s departure for the land of the Pharaohs, I’ve calmeddown – a lot! The weather here inWashi-land is no longer wet and stormy, but mild with the odd shower or two perday.

Lonely woman on a beach near Durban, South Africa [image source]

Ican say, however, that the state of my marriage is very healthy. On Tuesdaynight we chatted on the phone to say goodnight, and the conversation quicklybecame a squabble. If we can bicker, then we’re ok *Alhamdulillah*

WhatI have realised, is that although I feel totally bereft and miss him terribly,I am not lonely. Just alone.

OnSunday morning, during the eye of the storm, when my ~~dearest~~ friend kindlyoffered to come spend the afternoon with me, I quickly invented a fictitiouslunch with my baby sister. I really didn’t have the energy for anything oranyone at that moment. Since then, various friends and colleagues – mostlylonely souls – have hinted that they want to come around to visit and “cheer”me up. The very thought horrifies me! I don’t need cheering up; I’m ok, thankyou. Just because my spouse is overseas, doesn’t mean I’m automatically goingto fulfil some empty place in their lives.Thankfully my family understand I like my privacy.

Iguess the reason Hubby and I get on so well, is that our lifestyles are verycompatible. We are both home-bodies who prefer to potter around in our nest, preferablywith each other, or by ourselves. We don’t need company or to socialise all thetime. I suppose us crafty folk are like that; we find solace in keeping ourhands busy.

Ihave also quickly adapted to my former everyday single-girl habits. I don’thave to make our bed 5 times a day or before going to sleep at night (Hubby’s idea of neat and tidy and mine arepoles apart). Yes, I now have to do all the cooking and laundry, butthere’s less cleaning up afterwards…and no wet bathroom floor to mop! My listof little irritations is lengthy (I’msure he has a secret list too, although he’s wise enough not to verbalise it),but I would swop all that to have him home – in a heartbeat εїз

Lost without you!

2011-11-16T15:01:00.001+02:00

Wednesday, 16th November 2011

Crying Woman by Reena Pal [art source]

So the honeymoon’s over, or “on pause” as Hubby puts it,while he’s visiting his folks in Egypt for a few weeks (and no, I couldn’t joinhim, maybe next time inshaAllah).

He left early Saturday morning and although I wasteary-eyed at the airport, I thought “I’m ok, I can cope. It’s only for a fewweeks and in any case I’m used to being alone”. But I felt a bit fragile sowent to my Mom’s from the airport, then later to the mall with my sister andher family. And all was fine till I went to buy some groceries. There in thedairy aisle, between the yoghurts, milk and juices, I had a total melt-down! Ithit me that he’ll be away for weeks – weeks– with a whole continent between us. My chest pulled tight and it was all Icould do to pull myself together and not let on to the shoppers, or my family,that I was freaking out. Luckily I mopped up quite ok when I joined the familyafter the grocery-shopping. Back to my Mom’s, and visited there for a whiletill I went home just before maghrib.

But as soon as I locked the door behind me in thatoh-so-empty flat, I felt totally LOST! I ~~pathetically~~ cried myself tosleep that night, woke up early hours Sunday morning, and bawled the whole daytill I cried myself to sleep again after lunch. And then after 34 hours, Hubbycalled late Sunday afternoon. He was safely back at home with his family. Icould hear how happy and excited they all were in the background, and felt likesuch a slug…

Fun post

2011-11-02T12:02:00.001+02:00

Wednesday, 2nd November 2011

This is just a quirky little post to celebrate my half-year (yes I am so soppy!) wedding anniversary yesterday :)

These charming wedding and anniversary gifts inspired me to post my take on the:

Recipe For A Happy Marriage

4 cups of Love

3 cups of Faith
2 cups of Loyalty
Dash of Kindness
4 cups of Understanding
1 cup of Friendship
5 spoonfuls of Hope
1 barrel of Laughter
Pinch of Forgiveness (no substitutions)
Dash of Thoughtfulness (not optional)

Take love and loyalty and mix thoroughly with faith.
Blend in kindness and understanding,

Add friendship and hope.
Sprinkle abundantly with laughter.

Garnish with forgiveness and thoughtfulness.
Bake with sunshine.
Serve daily with generous helpings.

[poetry source]

Half a year later..

2011-10-27T18:37:00.003+02:00

Thursday, 27th October 2011

Next week, it's six months since I tied the knot...and I am still so incredibly happy Alhamdulillah! And of course, I want to share this Happiness with you, my dear followers in a form of a poem about...

A Husband...

A husband should be
Loyal and honest
A husband should be
Strong and protective

A husband should be
Loving and romantic
A husband should be
Patient and understanding

A husband should know
When enough is enough
A husband should know
When to fight and when to cry

A husband should know
all your goals and dreams
A husband should know
your strengths and well as your weaknesses

A husband needs to be a true man
A husband needs to love you unconditionally
A husband needs to know your heart is forever his

by sarah holmes

[poetry source]

My advice, as a trainee wife, is: don't settle for anything less, as you deserve so much more! εїз

Pink Hijab Day 2011

2011-10-26T19:59:00.000+02:00

Wednesday, 26th October 2011

Washi [by instagr.am]

Like most people, I've lost relatives and close friends tocancer. Consequently, I've tried over the years to do my little bit by campaigning,doing street collections (back when I was young and pretty), supporting charityinitiatives and participating in events wherever I can. After all, charity isthe backbone of Islam. And today is Pink Hijab Day when we Muslimahs around theworld use our very visible symbol of our identity, to show support to all thoseaffected with this disease.

Supporting Bandana Day 2011 to raise funds for bone marrow transplants, 12 Oct 2011 [pic by A. Smit]

The PHD date this year is especially poignant for me as anold school chum lost the battle to cancer on this day last year. Lolla was oneof those effervescent personalities with spades full of charisma. I hadn’tspoken to, or heard from her for more than 25 years, when she contacted me viaFacebook last year. For a couple of months there, we chatted and texted eachother almost daily as she was going through a rough time with her illness. Shehad moved to our country’s capital, Pretoria for work, and I sensed that shedeeply regretted that move as she had overwhelming moments of homesickness forCape Town…and especially longed to be physically close to her family andfriends. At the end of her life, they were most important to her.

In the pink! [© Washi]

Today I’m thinking of my gal pals Lolla and Heidi…

Latest Penguin fashion!

2011-10-21T13:16:00.000+02:00

Friday, 21st October 2011

Bythe time I found out about the appeal by a New Zealand yarn store for penguinknitted sweaters, I read on craft forums and social media that they’ve been inundated which I can well believe!

Click on image to enlarge

Asa knitter and penguin-lover, I would certainly enjoy knitting one – how cuteare these?

Photo credit: Toby Zerna / Newspix via RexUSA file

I Love Yarn Day

2011-10-14T07:30:00.000+02:00

Friday, 14th October 2011

Today is I love YARN DAY so if like me you have a passion for knitting, crochet or anything yarn-related, then today is OUR day!!

Today I am wearing one of my signature crochet flowers to work and celebrating this fabulous day εїз

Crochet bag with flowers [crafted by © Washi]

Knitted 3-Leaf Clover [crafted by © Washi]

Saturday Showcase #17

2011-10-08T08:00:00.009+02:00

Saturday, 8th October 2011

Assalaamu Alaykum,
Yay! I actually have a FO to showcase. I finished the cowl / infinity scarf that I posted about, and am now so into cowls!!

For those of you who don't know what a cowl is:

cowlNoun/koul/

1. A large loose hood.
2. A draped neckline on a woman's garment.


[© Washi]

When I was searching for a lacy cowl/hoodie pattern a couple of months ago, I came across this lovely pattern for a LBY gray lace cowl that looked challenging enough to shake me from my crafting apathy. And it so did; I adjusted the length so I could wear it a bit longer than the pattern indicated...and knitting lace on circular needles was just what the knitting doctor ordered as I am now ~~itching~~ ready to knit up a storm :D


A close-up image of the pattern which knitted beautifully with my denim cotton yarn [© Washi]

The finished cowl was nearly twice as long as indicated in the pattern albeit the same width [© Washi]

This image clearly shows the beautiful blue denim yarn [© Washi]

Looks lovely with my new turquoise pendant [© Washi]

I wear it around my neck on these still chilly Spring mornings to keep me snug and warm... [© Washi]

...or I put it up as a hoodie to keep my ears nice and toasty... [© Washi]

...but on those really cold days, I wear it as a warm hijab [© Washi]

Now that summer is finally on the way to our shores, I want to buy some linen and sew a lightweight version of my beloved hoodie...found the perfect tutorial over at Purl Bee. Looks easy enough even for me which should hopefully lead to another Sat Showcase inshaAllah.

[image courtesy of PurlBee.com]

Coastal Knits

2011-10-07T10:26:00.001+02:00

Friday, 7^th October 2011

Assalaamu Alaykum,

[image courtesy of knitbot.com]

I am super-excited about the knitting book that Ipre-ordered which is due to be shipped fairly soon. This book, Coastal Knits by Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig was on my birthday wish list, and is a collaboration by theseAmerican knit designers, who live in California and Maine respectively. Together,they self-published this book (how awesome is that?), and I’ve been getting steadily more and moreexcited as they have been taking us, their devoted followers, on this collaborativejourney via their blogs!

Here is an example of their distinctive design styles below.

Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting:

This design shows off Alana's love for the natural elements around her [image: Coastal Knits]

Hannah Fettig from knitbot.com:

Hannah's designs are uber-stylish [image: Coastal Knits]

The best part of all, is that all knitters who pre-ordered, are also eligible to win this fabulous yarn basket!

[image courtesy of NeverNotKnitting.blogspot.com]

C’mon Mr Postman, come knock on my door! I want to getstarted on these:

[image courtesy of NeverNotKnitting.blogspot.com]

World Habitat Day 2011

2011-10-03T11:34:00.000+02:00

Monday, 3rd October 2011

Today is World Habitat Day 2011 and this year's theme is Cities and Climate Change.

Cape Town CBD with Table Mountain peeking out in the background [image source]

I don't have all the statistics, or know all the reasons for climatic change around the world, nor do I know if city dwelling has or hasn't an impact on climate, but what I do know, is that this past winter in the city of Cape Town, we had an unusually dry winter. Very little rainfall and really chilly temperatures. There were days when it truly felt like the South Pole was just on the other side of the "pond"!

Currently we are into the 2nd month of our Spring, and its still feels quite wintry...

Islamic Gems prize

2011-10-02T17:48:00.003+02:00

Sunday, 2nd October 2011

So a few weeks ago, I was the lucky recipient of the Islamic Gems giveaway on Miss Hijabi and I promised the designer that I would do a blog post. It's been a bit hectic my side but here it is!

[image source]

I am not going to do a review as MissHijabi.com did an excellent job of doing one already...read it here. I am, however, going to share some pics of me wearing my lovely prize :)


Getting ready for a morning shopping with Hubby a few Saturdays ago [© Washi]

I am totally in-love with this brooch! Good quality and beautifully made mA [© Washi]


I totally adored the packaging [© Washi]

I am definitely planning on placing an order with Islamic Gems soon...but what to pick?

My Cape Town

2011-09-27T10:12:00.009+02:00

Tuesday, 27th September 2011

Today is World Tourism Day and the theme this year is Linking Cultures - here is an excerpt from the UN's media report:

"World Tourism Day 2011 will be celebrated under the theme Tourism – Linking Cultures, an opportunity to highlight tourism’s role in bringing the cultures of the world together and promoting global understanding through travel (27 September 2011)"

This tickles me pink coz I don't think you can get more linked than Hubby and I ☺
Alhamdulillah, we are very happily linked - cultural differences and all - in my beautiful hometown, the Mother City of South Africa - Cape Town! If anyone out there is looking for new holiday destination, then look no further. To you I want to sing the Cape Town Song:

♫ Welcome to Cape Town, come join the party, put on your dancing shoes, Cape Town welcomes you ♫

Cape Town itself is a melting pot of cultures with a rich history, majestic mountains and beautiful beaches. I thought I would share some of my favourite places to hang out here:

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is just the place for a leisurely picnic [© Washi]

We have, in my opinion, the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world! Clifton's Fourth Beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Cape Peninsula [© Washi]

We also have forests at the foot of the mountains right here on the Peninsula. Cecilia Forest [© Washi]

Hout Bay on the False Bay coast (Indian Ocean side of the Peninsula) [© Washi]

Enjoy a stroll along the Sea Point promenade overlooking the cold Atlantic Ocean [© Washi]

Our iconic Table Mountain as seen from Table View beach, the best place in the world for kite-surfing! [© Washi]

My favourite thing to do, is to take a sunset stroll to St James Beach along the False Bay coast on a balmy night [© Washi]

Crafty Sonnet

2011-09-23T10:21:00.002+02:00

Friday, 23rd September 2011

[image source]

Muse in My Yarn

by Kathy Pearson

Full of color, yards of magic abound;
In baskets, boxes and trees all around.
Such a feeling I have never enough.
Do I imply that I could need more stuff?
Two or three more cones or skeins wouldn’t hurt,
Not like taking huge helpings of dessert.
Without touching its lingering fine thread
Wonder escapes me in this late, late hour;
My imagination a lifeless flower.
Like a Greek daughter presiding over art,
Morpheus releases my memory,
Spinning my threads like thunderbolts in parts.
But it is not the needles I seek out,
Only the yarn that I have dreamt about.

Birthday wish list

2011-09-21T13:07:00.016+02:00

Wednesday, 21st September 2011

My birthday is in a couple of weeks, and just for fun, I’ve put together a birthday wish list of the ten things I most lust after. Of course all good wish lists have to be OTT otherwise what’s the use? Right? Right!

1. Cruise on a luxury liner – Caribbean, Andaman or Mediterrean Sea please. This is my idea of the ultimate holiday – full board and decadent!

2. Second prize would be an air ticket – Barcelona, Kuala Lumpar, Jeddah or Hong Kong. Basically anywhere in Europe, Middle or Far East would do, thank you.

3. Gold butterfly, pearl and diamond pendant – Hubby’s pet name for me is “Farasha” (butterfly) plus I just love precious gems and gold εїз

[image source]

4. These Ferragamo espadrilles – a girl’s gotta have to-die-for-Ferragamo’s to wear on that cruise! I love espadrilles and wedge heels. Just bought the most comfy-yet-stylish black high wedge espadrilles (ok they’re no-name at a wholesale price - thus satisfying my thrifty side) coz let’s face it, a pair of Ferragamo’s are stuff dreams are made of ♥

[image source]

5. A classy, designer black abaya with hand-stitched embroidery – this one from Akhawat Abaya’s Purple range is fab!

[image source]

My last 5 items are more realistic, so loved ones, friends and Hubby please sit up and take notes please.

6. This felted crochet tote pattern – love the style and colour and I’m ready to go felting…

[image source]

7. This Berroco Suede yarn – any shade would do please. Also please don’t be stingy and purchase at least half a dozen balls, thanx!!

[image source]

8. A paid class or private tutoring to learn freeform crochet necklace making – failing that, just buying me this lovely piece would suffice; it would go nicely with the designer abaya and green tote :)

[image source]

9. A skein of each of this Alpaca yarn – yes I know I already have yarn on the list…but can a crafter ever have enough? The texture on these babies are sublime…

[image source]

10. …and lastly, because I know this girl can rely only on herself, I’ve pre-ordered this awesome book from the authors as my birthday gift to myself:

Coastal Knits by Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig

This is the moment to cast off laziness

2011-09-21T11:39:00.004+02:00

Wednesday, 21st September 2011

Statue of Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn-Ayub, Damascus, Syria [Creative Commons (CC)]

"We hope in Allah Most High, to whom be Praise. Who leads the hearts of Muslims to calm what torments them and ruins their prosperity. Where is the sense of honour of the Muslims? The pride of the Believers? The zeal of the Faithful? We shall never cease to be amazed at how the disbelievers for their part have shown trusts, and it is the Muslims who have been lacking in zeal. Not one of them has responded to the call. Not one intervenes to straighten what is distorted; but observe how far the Franks have gone. What unity they have achieved. What aims they pursue. What help they have given. What sums of money they have borrowed and spent. What wealth they have collected and distributed and divided amongst them. There is not a King left in their lands or islands, not a Lord or a rich man who has not competed with his neighbours to produce more support and rival his peers in strenuous military efforts. In defence of their religion they consider it a small thing to spend life and soul; and they have kept their infidel brothers supplied with arms and champions of War; and all they have done and all their generosity has been done purely out of zeal for him they worship in jealous defence of their Faith. The Muslims on the other hand are weakened and demoralised; they have become negligent and lazy, the victims of unproductive stupefaction and completely lacking in enthusiasm. If, Allah forbid, Islam should draw reign, obscure her splendour, blunt her sword there would be no one, East or West, far or near who would blaze the zeal for Allah's religion, or choose to come to the aid of Truth against Falsehood. This is the moment to cast off laziness, to summon from far and near all those men who have blood in their veins; but we are confident ; but we are confident thanks to Allah- Alhamdulillah- in the help that will come from Him and entrust ourselves to Him in sincerity of purpose and deepest devotion. Insha’Allah, Insha’Allah the disbelievers shall perish and the Faithful have a sure deliverance." ~ Salah ad-Din Ayubbi, 12^th century

For the Nancy Drew in me!

2011-09-20T10:13:00.005+02:00

Tuesday, 20th September 2011

It's official Washi has her creative mojo back - yay!!!!!!!!!!!

Silk corded necklace with gold beads spelling out Peace in morse-code [courtesy of Coattonline.com]

For the past couple of weeks, I've been knitting up a storm and lov-love-loving it!! My current WIP - a denim cotton lace cowl/infinity scarf is almost done Alhamdulillah. As soon as it is, I'll be taking some pics for a Saturday Showcase inshaAllah. That doesn't mean that I'm not full of ideas coz I'm brimming with em!

Today I want to share something that I really really want to try iA...a morse-code necklace! Yes, that's right a MORSE-CODE necklace. While other little girls were out playing with their friends, this blogger used to devour Nancy Drew mysteries, pretending to send morse-coded letters written in invisible ink to the Chief-of-Police-of-the-World and solve the mystery of the ~~last~~ century. So you can imagine how absolutely thrilled - nay in-love - I am with these morse-code necklaces I spied on Coattonline.com...they are adorable, fabulous, insert suitable adjective here.

...the possibilities are endless ∞ [courtesy of Coattonline.com]

These are absolutely easy-peasy to try at home folks! All you need are some cord - silk, suede, leather, twine, etc, ball and long beads - colours and sizes to your personal taste, a suitable clasp and viola! you too can own a designer necklace. Here is the international morse code to inspire you to come up with unique messages on your neckpiece. If this doesn't inspire you, then obviously you are not a geek like me :)

Precious moments...

2011-09-15T11:44:00.004+02:00

Thursday, 15th September 2011

[image source]

“…a man should say to his soul every morning, "God has given thee twenty-four treasures; take heed lest thou lose anyone of them, for thou wilt not be able to endure the regret that will follow such loss.”
~ Imam Al-Ghazali, The Alchemy of Happiness

Finally a crafty post...

2011-09-13T15:18:00.004+02:00

Tuesday, 13th September 2011

It’s that time of the year in Cape Town, when we are officially in Spring, but the wintry weather sends a whole other message. Since Eid, both Hubby and I have been at different stages of the dreaded flu…and right about now, I am soooooo over winter…suffice it to say, not my favourite season.

Fish Hoek Beach, Cape Town live webcam today

In order to take my mind off my ailments, I took out the denim blue Elle Cotton Fields yarn that I’ve had now a couple of years, my circular needles and started knitting a complicated lace cowl…and it works! Coz my brain is trying to make sense of the pattern, it doesn’t have time to tell me to feel sorry for myself…Alhamdulillah feeling much better and excited to finish my project now. Hopefully this one I will finish inshaAllah – this is the 5^th start I’ve made with the blue cotton! Hoping to post as a Saturday Showcase soon iA.

If the artist had drawn this hijabi with a round face, this could be me! She has my brows and specs :D [art source]

To get back to the current WIP, I adore lacy cowls, and can’t wait to start wearing my “hoodie” on these chilly days – should go better with my hijab, than my crocheted pink beanie which I normally wear over my scarf…what can I say? It’s darn cold here!!

More holier than righteous

2011-09-06T15:08:00.003+02:00

Tuesday, 6th September 2011

My cousin wife’s favourite saying for people with a bit of religious knowledge, but who insist on bashing everyone on the head with same knowledge is: “they are more-holier-than-righteous”. Normally she's saying this tongue in cheek, while referring to her sisters-in-law (my cousin is one of seven brothers) who take great delight in pointing out to her that she is less than human for not having gone for haj yet, and wearing full-time hijab. This viewpoint – the ~~snakes~~ sisters-in-law’s not the lone wife who is not so outwardly religious – really pains me. We all know the hadith where the Nabi SAW’s says: “None of you will truly believe, until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” [Al-Bukhari]

image credit

Now why can’t those sisters simply just live, and if compelled to speak, speak gently? There is yet another hadith where our Beloved Prophet SAW says: “Allah loves kindness when you deal with any matter” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. By doing so, my cousins wives, would inspire their sister to become like them instead of repelling her.

I have been reading a lot of forums and online message boards lately where Muslimahs delight *smh* in bashing their sisters, instead of teaching them when they have genuine concerns. This is especially true when new Muslimahs have questions. What is disturbing though, is the over-zealous replies that they receive from other reverts/converts. While it’s admirable that they practice their Deen in a better manner than us born Muslims, do they have to be so supercilious about it?

My advice to anyone out there with questions – and btw there are no stupid questions especially not when it comes to something as fundamental as our belief system – is to raise their questions with our ulema. If you feel uncomfortable approaching your local imam/leader, then do pay a visit to Imam Suhaib Webb’s site where you can post your question, and inshaAllah Imam or his staff will reply to you in gentle-yet-informative manner. This post was inspired by this week’s article called Being Religious Without Being a Jerk – a good reminder to us all…

Awards time!

2011-09-03T14:17:00.005+02:00

Saturday, 3rd September 2011

Thank you to beautiful fellow South African blogger, Zarina for this lovely award!

Please go ahead and nominate this award to all deserving ~~Muslimah~~ bloggers out there and don't forget to share 7 things about yourself in the process also.

Here are my 7 things:

Am so very grateful to have been born Muslim - nuff said!
Adores children - their innocence, gleeful laughter and delight in everyday things :)
Loves my sisters - real-life ones (I have four) and Muslimahs around the world as they get me and love me in spite of all my shortcomings.
Am happiest when I am travelling - I enjoy departing, journeying, arriving and especially going home (that's the best part of all trips!).
Get very grumpy when I'm hungry - I always have to snack first before I can go off and enjoy any activity or occasion otherwise I'm not a happy camper (funnily enough Ramadan I act very out of character...amazing what Faith does isn't it?...but come Eid-ul-Fitr, I have to snack first before visiting relatives or else I might as well stay at home :p)
I enjoy my own company - don't mind being alone at all.
Loves walking - whether it's on the beach with Hubby, in a mall doing window-shopping, sight-seeing, or hiking in the mountains, I do my best thinking while walking (of course it helps to have on comfortable shoes!)

Eid-ul-Fitr 2011

2011-09-02T13:25:00.005+02:00

Friday, 2nd September 2011

Alhamdulillah, as always, Eid was a very happy and blessed day! To bring a little bit of Egypt into our home for Hubby, I even managed to bake kahk (maamoul) pastries! Mine was sweet with a nutella and almond filling. And for his pre-Eid salat snack, there were cheese and chilli puffs...cheesy with a bite just like me :D

Here are some of my favourite images taken around the world this week:

Children playing on swings in Alexandria, Egypt, August 30, 2011. [REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih]

Ladies offering Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Don Bosco school grounds in the southern Indian city of Chennai August 31, 2011. [REUTERS/Babu]

Eid wishes at an Eid-gah, in Jammu, Kashmir, August 31, 2011 [REUTERS/Mukesh Gupta]

A Libyan girl prays during the first day of Eid al-Fitr near the courthouse in Benghazi August 31, 2011. [ REUTERS/Esam Al-Fetori]

Ramadan POTD: Day 30

2011-08-30T07:46:00.002+02:00

Tuesday, 30th August 2011

While most of our family and friends in the Middle East and other parts of the world are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr today, the moon was not sighted in South Africa, and we are fasting our 30th day today in Cape Town - Alhamdulillah!

Today's picture of the day shows the Lebanese shopping for Eid. My wish to them and all others is that they have a Gloriously, Blessed Day...we will have our turn tomorrow inshaAllah.

During Eid al-Fitr, it is tradition for people to present maamoul biscuits to visitors. (Photo By Mahmoud Kheir, The Daily Star)

Eid Mubarak!

2011-08-29T10:08:00.004+02:00

Monday, 29th August 2011

In Cape Town (and South Africa for that matter), we have moonsighters that go out every month to sight the moon and declare the new lunar month. Their numbers swell exponentially every Ramadan when all-and-sundry join them at Three Anchor Bay (on the Atlantic Ocean coast). Today is no different, as many Capetonians are planning on making their way over there from late afternoon.

Ramadan 2009, Cape Town [image courtesy of my cousin, Hisham (I'm sure he won't mind my using this pic)]

Regardless of the outcome, I want to take this opportunity to wish all a very joyous Eid inshaAllah!

image source

Ramadan POTD: Day 29

2011-08-29T08:08:00.002+02:00

Monday 29th August 2010

Last night was our last chance this Ramadan to possibly attain Layatul-Qadr. Today's picture of the day reminds me that I enjoyed seeing old friends in the masjid on Friday (27th) night Alhamdulillah.

Bosnian Muslim women pray at the Begova Mosque during the 27th night of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree), in downtown Sarajevo, Bosnia, late night on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Sulejman Omerbasic)

Ramadan POTD: Day 28

2011-08-28T08:40:00.000+02:00

Sunday, 28th August 2011

We have come a long road this Ramadan and it's sadly drawing to a close now...

An aerial view shows an Afghan man in a field with a wheelbarrow near the village of Pasab some 30 kilometers west of Kandahar. Afghanistan is a landlocked country in south and central Asia. [Image Credit: AFP]

Ramadan POTD: Day 27

2011-08-27T08:43:00.000+02:00

Saturday, 27th August 2011

This morning, I will be out shopping for our Eid lunch next week inshaAllah.

Palestinians shopping in Hebron last Sunday, 21st August 2011 [Image credit: AFP/Hazem Bader]

Ramadan POTD: Day 26

2011-08-26T08:36:00.000+02:00

Friday, 26th August 2011

MashaAllah, today's picture of the day is absoluting stunning!

Masjid on Jumeira Beach, Dubai, UAE [Image Credit: R. Rajan]

The Happiest Muslim Woman

2011-08-25T13:20:00.003+02:00

Thursday, 25th August 2011

The Happiest Muslim Woman

~ extracts from You Can Be The Happiest Woman In The World by Sheikh A’id al-Qarni

With your beauty, you are better than the sun; with your morals you are more sublime than musk; with your modesty you are nobler than the full moon; with your compassion you a more beneficial than rain. So, preserve your beauty with faith, your tranquility with contentment, your chastity with hijab.

Remember that your adornment is not gold, silver or diamond, rather, it is two rak'ahs at Fajr going thirsty when you fast for Allah, concealed charity which no one knows except Him, hot tears that wash away sin, a lengthy prostration born of utter submission to Allah, shyness before Allah when the inclination to do evil overwhelms you.

Clothe yourself with the garments of taqwa (piety) for you are the most beautiful woman in the world, even if your clothes are shabby. Clothe yourself with cloak of modesty, for you are the most beautiful woman in the world even if you are barefoot.

Beware of the life bewitching immoral disbelieving women, for they are the fuel of the fire of Hell.

O' sincere Muslim, O' believing woman who constantly turns to Allah, the Exalted, be like the palm tree and rise above evil and harm; if a stone is thrown at the palm tree, it lets its fruit drop (and does not retaliate). It remains green summer and winter, and gives many benefits. Do not lower yourself to the level of trivial matters, and rise above all. That may damage your modesty and honour.

A man had an argument with his wife and said, "I am going to make your life miserable." The wife calmly replied, "You cannot do that." He said, "Why not?" She said: "If happiness were to be found in money or jewellery, you could deprive me of it and take it away from me, but it is nothing over which you or any other person has control. I find happiness in my faith, and my faith is in my heart, and no one has power over it except my Lord."

Ramadan POTD: Day 25

2011-08-25T10:15:00.003+02:00

Thursday, 25th August 2011

Today's picture of the day is a testament of how full all the world's mosques are during Ramadan...hopefully this is not a yearly phenomenon but an everyday one inshaAllah.

Worshippers perform prayer during the Holy Ramadan at Al Ghurair Masjid in Deira, Dubai. [Image Credit: Javed Nawab/Gulf News]

Ramadan POTD: Day 24

2011-08-24T09:38:00.004+02:00

Wednesday, 24th August 2011

On Monday 22nd Ramadan 1432, Libya ousted their long-time leader. Allahu Akbar! Allah SWT truly does grant all duas of the fasting believers...

Libyans living in Turkey wave a flag of the Kingdom of Libya during a protest against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi outside the Libyan embassy in Ankara, August 22, 2011. [REUTERS/Umit Bektas]

Ramadan POTD: Day 23

2011-08-23T08:06:00.001+02:00

Tuesday, 23rd August 2011

Today's picture of the day came to me via a family member. She, along with her family and a group of mostly youths calling themselves "Team Madness", braved the wet and cold on Sunday morning to distribute food and food parcels in an underprivileged neighbourhood here in Cape Town.

Some members of Team Madness with the children that they helped feed this Ramadan [image credit: Thabiet/Team Madness]

Ramadan POTD: Day 22

2011-08-22T08:58:00.002+02:00

Monday, 22nd August 2011

Today's picture of the day really left me ashamed! This weekend, I was stressing about going shopping for this week's iftar meals, but the reality was I got chauffeured to the supermarket (by sis), pushed my trolley and chose my wares leisurely, then paid with my credit card at check-out. It's obviously not that easy for Muslims in other parts of the world :(

Afghans carrying donated food provisions for their iftar and suhur meals [image credit: AA]

Ramadan POTD: Day 21

2011-08-21T09:11:00.001+02:00

Sunday, 21st August 2011

I can certainly attest to the joy of iftar as mentioned in yesterday's post as there really is nothing quite like that feeling when we break our fast Alhamdulillah! I prefer to enjoy my iftar at home or in the homes of my close family members. However, when we had Ramadan during summer, our family took advantage of the warmer weather, and enjoyed iftar picnics along the beach like in today's picture of the day.

Enjoying iftar in the park in Istanbul, Turkey [image credit: AA]

Ramadan POTD: Day 20

2011-08-20T09:06:00.000+02:00

Saturday, 20th August 2011

Nabi Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) said: “The fasting person experiences two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets His Lord” (Muslim).

Iftar cartoon [Image Credit: Illustration: Nino Jose Heredia/©Gulf News]

Seek forgiveness

2011-08-19T08:59:00.003+02:00

Friday, 19th August 2011

Hadith Qudsi:

“Our Lord descends during the last third of each night to the lower heaven, and says: ‘Is there anyone who calls on Me that I may respond to him? Is there anyone who asks Me that I may give unto him? Is there anyone who requests My Forgiveness that I may forgive him?’” [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

A youth reads the Quran in a mosque after noon prayers in Amman, Jordan, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011. [AP / Mohammad Hannon]

Ramadan POTD: Day 19

2011-08-19T08:44:00.003+02:00

Friday, 19th August 2011

With the present troubles in Palestine, my dua is that the Palestinian people can safely attend jumu'ah prayers today ~ Ameen!

Our Beloved Nabi Mohammad (SAW) said: "Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays". [narrated by al-Bayhaqi & al-Hakim classified as status of Hasan by Ibn Hajar]

As the sun rises, a Palestinian man reads from the Qur'an during Fajr, or early morning prayers, at a mosque in the West Bank refugee camp of Jenin, Aug, 16, 2011. (Mohammed Ballas/AP Photo)

Stop fretting Mom!

2011-08-18T09:30:00.003+02:00

Thursday, 19th August 2011

A child plays with his mother's headscarf as she performs the night prayer at a mosque during the holy month of Ramadan in Cairo, August 8, 2011. [REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih]

I love seeing children of all ages in the masjid as it reminds me of my childhood attending masjid with my Mom, aunts or cousins. So I’ve enjoyed seeing young mothers and families with their babies and toddlers attending the Sunday afternoon lectures they have here in Cape Town before the Thuhr prayers during Ramadan.

My Mom didn’t frequent the masjid with us kids as she always worried that we would be a nuisance to others. And my sisters are the same. In the past, whenever we have holidays on a Friday, I would take my niece Kouthar (she’s 7 years old now), with me to masjid for jumu’ah prayers. Yes she’s fidgety, but to counter that I would take along a colour-in book and crayons to keep her occupied. My sister would fret from the time we left till our return that poor Kouthar had caused a disturbance. And she was normally very good and almost always fell asleep before the salat :)

I do notice that the old aunties get annoyed with the kiddies, especially the toddlers who run around boisterously or crying babies. But they are the ones who normally sit at the back gossiping very loudly – in a masjid might I add! – with their friends! C’mon you old biddies, you were kids once too, or can’t you remember that far back?

* Dislaimer: I am not a mother so I know I’m not qualified to write on this subject, but I can remember being a child :p

Ramadan POTD: Day 18

2011-08-18T09:18:00.004+02:00

Thursday, 19th August 2011

I love today's picture of the day of this group of ladies enjoying iftar together. It made me realise that I miss sitting down to buka (iftar) every night with my Mom, sisters and their families. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy that it's just Hubby and me. As very newly-weds, we are enjoying getting to know each other; especially now with Ramadan, which has brought a whole new, exciting dimension to our relationship Alhamdulillah.

Enjoying iftar together in China [Image credit: Cihan]

Ramadan POTD: Day 17

2011-08-17T09:19:00.004+02:00

Wednesday, 17th August 2011

Today's picture of the day came to me via email. SubhanaAllah, what an awesome sight!

In Surah Al-Imran, Allah, The Exalted says:

Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-'Alamin (the mankind and jinns). [Q 3:96]

First night of taraweeh prayers in Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah [source: unknown]

Faith

2011-08-16T11:03:00.003+02:00

Tuesday, 16th August 2011

In Surat Al-'Anfāl (The Spoils of War), Allah, The Exalted says:

The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely

[Q 8:2]

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman [Image Credit: Asghar Kahn/ANM]

Ramadan POTD: Day 16

2011-08-16T10:03:00.002+02:00

Tuesday, 16th August 2011

I realised last night at iftar, it doesn't matter what we eat, as long as I can have a couple of dates to break my fast. The date is an amazing fruit and so good for us - subhanAllah! Today's picture of the day is of a boy serving...dates of course :D

A boy carries dates to distribute to men breaking fast in a mosque in Baghdad August 10, 2011. (Reuters)

Ramadan POTD: Day 15

2011-08-15T09:33:00.002+02:00

Monday, 15th August 2011

Traditionally in Cape Town, the 15th night of Ramadan is known as bubur night! Cape Malay bubur is also my all time favourite Ramadan dish - yum! InshaAllah I hope to enjoy my bubur with Hubby in the comfort of my home; today's picture of the day reminds me that not everyone has that privilege at iftar / buka time!

A Kashmiri Muslim boat man prays on his boat after breaking his fast in Srinagar, India [AP / Mukhtar Khan]

Eid outfit

2011-08-15T09:05:00.002+02:00

Monday, 15th August 2011

Alhamdulillah, we are half-way through this glorious month. By now most of us start thinking about Eid outfits / Eid shopping. From as far as I can remember, I've never fancied clothing shopping at this time. This year, I will be wearing the abaya I got married in...hope to post pics inshaAllah.

But if I had to shop for an outfit, I would definitely go the online route and buy an abaya from one of the many stunning websites out there. I highly recommend The Hegab Rehab Store for many gorgeous designs. I read an interview with Sweety Abaya on Miss Hijabi earlier, and checked out their Ramadan collection. My Eid outfit from there would be the Truffles abaya:

Ramadan POTD: Day 14

2011-08-14T08:38:00.001+02:00

Sunday, 14th August 2011

Happy Sunday everybody! I hope you find some time during today to relax - we have now completed 2 weeks of fasting Alhamdulillah.

A street in Sharjah is illuminated with the Islamic design patterns on the occasion of Ramadan. [Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News]

Ramadan POTD: Day 13

2011-08-13T09:28:00.000+02:00

Saturday, 13th August 2011

In my new neighbourhood, we are surrounded by 3 mosques but can barely hear the athaan at waqt times. It seems that the area is zoned as both residential and commercial, and the call for prayer has to be at a certain volume so as not to disturb the ~~natives~~ residents. So at maghrib, we rely on my cell-phone's alarm. Today's picture of the day makes me wish that we had the kind of "freedom" whereby we could hear cannons go off to signal the end of the fasting day...

A cannon is fired to sound the end of the Ramadan fast before the Azaan (call for prayer) for Maghrib prayer at Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah. [Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News]

A greener Ramadan?

2011-08-12T13:06:00.003+02:00

Friday, 12th August

Allah, The Exalted says:

“It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.” (Q16:10)

SubhanAllah, Ramadan is a Blessing in so many ways! While most of us are feeling the economic pinch, doesn’t it just make sense to preserve and not waste that which Allah SWT in His Infinite Wisdom has bestowed on us? Now on day 12 of Ramadan, I am reflecting that while my tummy is full and/or I’m eating or preparing meals, I ~~selfishly~~ truly don’t think beyond my immediate little world. This started me thinking if my Ramadan was “green” or not? And I am pleased to say that I have been doing my little bit…baby steps but in the right direction Alhamdulillah.

No Waste: Yes, my freezer is stocked with iftar delicacies which I’ve pre-packaged into daily portions, but this way I get to use only enough for Hubby and I to consume each night…plus a little extra to send to our neighbours as a nightly treat (not only is this an act of charity and neighbourliness on my part, but a daily check that the elderly couple are well and ease their loneliness for a few minutes before iftar). I read that in the Emirates, food wastage during Ramadan is such a big problem, that in Dubai, they have now started a group called Make Iftar Modest to urge residents and restaurants to stop wasting food.

Reduce Carbon Footprint: My fridge only has enough food for the week as our diet consists of mostly fresh produce, so no spoilage. This forces me to buy from the local market near my home and thereby support the local sellers – so no buying imported goods which had to be flown in especially for my needs. At night Hubby and I walk over to the masjid to attend the taraweeh prayers, which is a good time for us to bond, and it keeps down our carbon footprint.

Save Water: When cooking, washing dishes and performing wudu, we use water sparingly. It is after all our most precious resource on Earth!

Save Electricity: We use energy-saving lamps in our home and only switch on lights in the rooms we’re using. Plus we switch on our water heater/geyser for only a few hours each day – this has halved our electricity bill!

For more tips on greening your Ramadan, follow the Ramadan Toolkit on the Green Muslims website.

Ramadan

2011-08-12T10:47:00.002+02:00

Friday, 12th August 2011

To us Muslims, fasting in Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food, drink and marital relations with our partners, but a chance to re-set our lives on the straight path, gain piety and above all for Allah SWT's sake...

Allah, The Almighty says:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (Q2:183-84)

Muslim men wait for the time to break their fast at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Monday, Aug. 8, 2011. [AP / Heri Juanda]

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Ramadan POTD: Day 12

2011-08-12T09:23:00.000+02:00

Friday, 12th August 2011

As it is Friday, a most auspicious day, today's picture of the day is of the very impressive, majestic Ottoman-era Suleymaniye Masjid.

Suleymaniye Masjid, Istanbul, Turkey during daytime prayers in Ramadan. [AFP]

Our body's reaction to fasting

2011-08-11T13:09:00.002+02:00

Thursday, 11th August 2011

I just read this very interesting article, The Science of Fasting on Gulf News website. Truly fascinating what happens to our bodies during the different stages of fasting. Here are the images:

After Suhur

Mid-Morning

Midday

Mid-Afternoon

Late Afternoon

Ramadan POTD: Day 11

2011-08-11T09:06:00.001+02:00

Thursday, 11th August 2011

For someone who was a total non-cook before marriage, I surprise myself by how forward-thinking I was in preparation for Ramadan! I got my Mom to prepare samoosas, spring-rolls, rotis and doughnuts for me last month, which I packed into small freezer bags ready for frying. So at night after I return home from taraweeh salat, I remove a bag, pop into the fridge, and then it's just a matter of frying ready for iftar when I get home from work. Similarly, I've been cooking weekly meals every Sunday afternoon between thuhr and asr, leaving me free to attend Sunday morning lectures at the masjid, plus time in-between for some qur'anic reading also. Guess you can teach this old dog new tricks :)

Today's picture of the day is simply mouth-watering:

Vendors sell food close to iftar / buka time in Jakarta. [ADEK BERRY/AFP/Getty Images]

Ramadan POTD: Day 10

2011-08-10T10:08:00.002+02:00

Wednesday, 10th August 2011

Can you believe we have almost completed the first third of the month already? Today's picture of the day was taken in Al-Khalilli (Hebron) in the West Bank, Palestine. On my visit there last year, we were invited to this soup kitchen for refreshments. The generosity of these people is truly amazing...may Allah SWT reward them abundantly for all their efforts...

Palestinian children wait to receive food, donated by the Islamic endowment authority Islamic waqf, at a soup kitchen in the West Bank city of Hebron. [Image Credit: Reuters]

Ramadan POTD: Day 9

2011-08-09T15:58:00.001+02:00

Tuesday, 9th August 2011

While you are reading this post, I am home from work today as we celebrate Women's Day here in South Africa. I want to take this opportunity to salute all my Muslim sisters - young and old - today. May all of you gain taqwa this month inshaAllah!

Two Palestinian girls sit in the door of their family''s home in the Jabaliya Refugee Camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, as they read in the Holy Qur'an while waiting for iftar on 06 August 2011.(EPA)

Ramadan POTD: Day 8

2011-08-08T13:18:00.002+02:00

Monday, 8th August 2011

I just have one word to describe today's picture of the day: Sweet!!

Anfal, 3, practises reading the Arabic alphabet in preparation for reading the Holy Qur'an inside the Bari Imam Sufi shrine in Islamabad on August 6, 2011. (Reuters)

Ramadan POTD: Day 7

2011-08-08T10:00:00.004+02:00

Monday, 8th August 2011

Alhamdulillah, we are already on the 8th day of Ramadan. I hope that you found time for your ibadat this week as I know how busy the days are...especially if you are working too. Yesterday's picture of the day inspires me to keep up with my qur'anic reading...inshaAllah!

A Malaysian boy reads from the Quran inside a mosque in Kuala Lampur [Mohd Rasfan/AFP]

Ramadan POTD: Day 5 and 6

2011-08-06T15:00:00.003+02:00

Saturday, 6th August 2011

Posting yesterday's picture of the day today as I was ill in bed with a cold! I still can't believe I was not in work on the first Friday of Ramadan and didn't attend jumu'ah prayers :(

Friday's pic brings back memories of attending jumu'ah prayers in the Haram al-Sharif with my Mom and Sis in May last year, Alhamdulillah. Unfortunately, it's not easy for Palestinians living in Al-Quds to attend prayers at Al-Aqsa Masjid but somehow 100,000 managed to do so - SubhanAllah - despite the Israeli forces.

POTD: Day 5

Palestinian women attending yesterday's jumu'ah prayers at the Dome of the Rock [Image credit: AP]

POTD: Day 6

Unfortunately our stay in Jerusalem was too short last year to fit in a visit to Jenin, but my heart is with all my sisters in that part of the world during this time...

A woman reads Quran in the West Bank city of Jenin. [Image Credit: AFP]

Transitory world

2011-08-04T15:40:00.006+02:00

Thursday, 4^th August 2011

The sun sets behind Al-hussein Mosque on the first day of Ramadan in Amman, Jordan Aug. 1 (Nader Daoud/Associated Press)

“Let the days do as they please.

And be optimistic when destiny decrees.

Do not despair due to the events of nights past.

For the events of this world were not meant to last.”

~ Imam Shafi’ee

Ramadan POTD: Day 4

2011-08-04T11:37:00.005+02:00

Thursday, 4^th August 2011

Alhamdulillah, leaving work a half-hour earlier is making a world of difference to my day! The last few days I’ve been enjoying iftar with Hubby; and then taking a walk with him over to the local masjid for taraweeh prayers. Today’s picture of the day is of children reading verses from the Qur’an at the Al-Amin Masjid mashaAllah. Schools of the The Islamic House of Orphans in Lebanon organized a trip to Al-Amin Masjid to teach children how to pray and to teach them about Islam.

Reading Qur’anic verses at the Al-Amin Masjid in downtown Beirut [Reuters]

Ramadan POTD: Day 3

2011-08-03T10:55:00.005+02:00

Wednesday, 3rd August 2011

In Cape Town, you know it's the festive season, when the city switches on the lights in Adderley Street in early December. Today's picture of the day reminds me of those festive lights. Abu Dhabi's corniche street is illuminated with coloured bulbs and Islamic designs on the occasion of Holy Month of Ramadan.

The corniche street in Abu Dhabi all lit up [Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News]

Ramadan POTD: Day 2

2011-08-02T11:48:00.003+02:00

Tuesday, 2nd August 2011

I wish I could say that at iftar last night, I was sitting in contemplation and supplication waiting to hear the Maghrib athaan. Instead of which, I was squashed like a sardine in tin can, in a packed train on my way home from work :(

Alhamdulillah, I'm happy to report that I've now made an arrangement with my manager to leave work earlier this month. Allahu Akbar!

Muslims listening to a sermon before breaking their fast on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan at the main Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta. (REUTERS/Enny Nuraheni)

Ramadan POTD: Day 1

2011-08-01T10:47:00.004+02:00

Monday, 1st August 2011

I love Ramadan...especially that feeling of unity and peace among the ummah mashaAllah! I will be posting my favourite Ramadan pic of the day to share each day inshaAllah. Image below brings back memories of my time in Al-Quds last year...

A Palestinian woman stands under decorations for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan near Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City July 31, 2011 [Reuters]

Haiku and chevon knitting

2011-07-29T15:10:00.005+02:00

Friday, 29th July 2011

As a sometime haiku poet and avid knitter, the title of Tanya Alpert’s book Haiku Knits immediately grabbed my attention. Even more so when I read this online review a few years ago.

Kudos to Ms Alpert, her designs pass my f-test – they are feminine, funky and fashionable. As a crafter, I’m especially intrigued that the garments are creative and look challenging enough not to bore me stiff by the time I’ve completed the ribbing. In fact, I see very few ribbings or cuffs which makes this a must-have addition to my craft book collection.

Flickering Flame

Long Night

Why not try out this pattern for the “Bird of Passage” before purchasing the book? Yes there’s some ribbing; but in garter stitch which is my favourite - so that’s ok!

Bird of Passage

Here is my favourite design:

Lantern Floating

I love the textures of the kimono on the cover:

While we are on the subject of craft books, do read my fave craft blogger, Purlbee’s book review on The Fine Line by Grace Anna Farrow. The author is a fibre artist who specialises in bias knitting and I just love the cover picture of the book.

Mostly I’m impressed by the lovely yarns utilised by both designers…now where’s my credit card? I need to do some online book shopping :)

knitting up a storm
from yarn to garment:
one loving stitch at a time
- a haiku by Washi

Ramadan Kareem!

2011-07-28T12:12:00.004+02:00

Thursday, 28th July 2011

Dear Blog Followers,

It is near! May you all have a Blessed Ramadan inshaAllah. I especially penned a haiku just for you ♥ (read online)

Salam, Washi

family and friends

the month of blessings is near

Ramadan Kareem!

~ a haiku by Washi

Advice to my younger self

2011-07-27T12:17:00.005+02:00

Wednesday, 27th July 2011

picture source

A few weeks ago I came across an old photo of me when I was in my twenties. I looked at that image and I was horrified! It showed a very scrawny young girl in tight jeans, a skimpy t-shirt and ~~garish~~ crimson lipstick…and I realised that I cannot relate to me back then. It got me thinking and wondering; “If I could advise my younger self with just 5 things, what would I say?”

This is what I came up with:

1. The whole purpose of your being, the reason you were created is to worship Allah SWT. As a Muslim, Monotheism was embedded into my very being from birth, but I honestly didn’t fully get the concept of my life’s purpose until just over a decade ago. Once I did, my whole life, attitude and outlook totally changed Alhamdulillah!

2. Read the Holy Qur’an daily. This is a miracle from Our Creator where Allah SWT speaks directly to us. Every time I read Allah t’Ala’s words, I am simultaneously terrified, happy, enlightened and at peace. Those days when I don’t get around to reading, I am comforted by knowing that I read qur’anic verses during my salat SubhanAllah!

3. Cherish your loved ones. When faced with the really big moments in my life, I only wanted to have my family with me. When my father died, when I was standing all alone in a sea of humanity on the Day of Arafat, and when I was about to be wheeled into the operating theatre before major surgery, things like friends, achievements and worldly things became meaningless!

4. Be Happy! By making a conscious decision every morning to be happy, happiness became a habit which can only come from me. Yes life throws me curve balls sometimes, but I know that I can choose how I want to respond to these challenges. I do grieve for lost opportunities, failed relationships and passing of loved ones, but Alhamdulillah I revert to happiness with my belief in Allah SWT (see #1) and following the sunnah of our Beloved Rasulullah SAW, and that restores my equilibrium and leaves me feeling much wiser for the experience. Allahu Aalam.

5. Stop waiting for things to happen, do it now. While you are waiting for that perfect job, husband or windfall to come along, life is passing you by. Live every moment as if it’s your last. Yes, this is only a transient life and the next life will be for always inshaAllah; but I can live fully while on this dunya, can’t I? So find your passion…and follow it…

Çılbır

2011-07-26T09:44:00.003+02:00

Tuesday, 26th July 2011

Çılbır pronounced chil-ber is a favourite Turkish suhur dish. Basically Çılbır are poached eggs on a 'bed' of garlic-infused yoghurt topped with paprika-butter. Hubby and I tested the recipe one Sunday morning and both of us found it very filling and totally yum!

It's also quick and easy to make - here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS
* 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (I used a dash of ready-made garlic paste)
* 1 ½ cups plain yogurt (I used double cream Greek yoghurt)
* 1 pinch salt
* 4 cups of water
* 1 tablespoon vinegar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 6 eggs
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 teaspoon paprika

DIRECTIONS
* In a small bowl, combine the garlic, yogurt and pinch of salt; mix well.

* Spoon yoghurt sauce into plates.

* In a large saucepan or stockpot, combine water, vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil over high heat. When the water is boiling hard, reduce the heat and gently break the eggs into the water, spacing them well apart. Cook until the whites have set over the yolks, immediately remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and place on top of yoghurt sauce.

* Melt butter in a small skillet or saucepan. Stir in paprika.

* Top up your eggs with paprika butter.

* Enjoy!!

Another food post...

2011-07-25T13:19:00.004+02:00

Monday, 25th July 2011

I have an incurable sweet tooth and prefer cupcakes to a decent plate of food. I have been known to eat dessert before dinner (read a bowl with quadruple scoops of mint-choc ice-cream before my usual Sunday roast chicken :D).

Lately I've taken to baking cup-cakes and muffins...ok the ready-made ones that come out of a box where you only need to add milk and viola! you have a fresh batch (Please don't judge me; I'm a working woman and brand-new wife!). So I've been on the look-out for some recipes where I can honestly say I baked something from scratch. Today I was delighted to receive an email from my ~~sister~~ friend Sumayah with the most decadent cup-cake recipes. Below is my favourite one which I hope to try out one weekend during Ramadan inshaAllah. For more Ramadan inspiration...and cup-cake recipes, do visit Ming's website...your mouth will literally water :)

click on the image for an exploded view

Enjoy!!

Ya Ramadan!

2011-07-25T12:58:00.006+02:00

Monday, 25th July 2010

Assalaamu Alaykum to all my blog followers especially the newbies...thank you for taking the time to visit. Big apologies for the lack of posts, but with most of my craft supplies over at my Mom's, I haven't been very creative lately. I don't know about you, but I am very excited about Ramadan this year!! It's my first as a married woman and on my own too...no Mommy preparing lovely iftar/buka goodies in the kitchen this year. There's only me and hubby of course...hope to post some pics of what we're up to inshaAllah. I leave you with this lovely poem...

art source

Ya Ramadan!,

~ by Noor Syed

In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind

A blessed month is casting its shadow upon us

A night of this month is better than a thousand months

Bear with patience for the sake of Ar-Rahman

It’s a continuous training to strengthen our Imaan.

Glory be to Allah who sent Ramadan as a mercy to mankind

Its a purification of our soul, our heart, and our mind

With the most sincere devotion and love we fast

To be cleansed and free from sins of the past

Glorified is He, who choseth this holy month,

To test our sabr and fill our hearts with warmth

Of his Divine Light, His blessings shall glow,

The Seer of the unseen, all He does know

Ya Allah! For thee, let my breath be more pleasant than musk

Ya Allah! For thee, let me be thankful when day turns to dusk

My thoughts and heart are purified, my eyes truly see…

This blessed month, the month of spiritual rhapsody!

Ya Allah! For thee, my life I shall live!

Ya Allah! For thee, my soul I shall give!

In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind,

Praise be to Allah, who sent Ramadan as a gift to mankind

Pay-off

2011-07-20T12:18:00.004+02:00

Wednesday, 20th July 2011image source

Diligence is the beginning of brilliance.

~ an Indonesian proverb

Train 'em early..

2011-07-18T15:12:00.002+02:00

Monday, 18th July 2011

image credit

The tree branch should be bent when it is young

~ a Turkish proverb

No place like it!

2011-07-18T13:30:00.004+02:00

Monday, 18th July 2011

image credit

Al-Masjid al-Haram is more than just Islam's most sacred or largest masjid, it evokes very strong feelings in all that has had the privilege of visiting...especially this blogger! Sitting inside The Holy Sanctuary, listening to the birds flying about, and then hearing the call for prayer for Maghrib...there's no word that explains that feeling!!

Ever since my haj in 2004, I long to return; hopefully this time with my loved ones. I was very fortunate to travel and be hosted by relatives. However, we are not close, and they did not understand me, which left me wishing I had someone special with me to share the wonder that is the Haram and Makkah on the whole. Having been fortunate enough to travel to Masjid al-Aqsa with my mother and sister last year, I now know how happy I felt to be with my own.

Since my return from haj, I can wax lyrical about the Haram, all the time! My siblings are quite sick and tired about my rambling on and-on-and-on about this subject. So you can imagine, when I finally met someone on the same wavelength as me, I married him :D

Hubby performed umrah during Ramadan 2005, and we both very much want to return there...preferably with each other inshaAllah.

Silence is golden

2011-07-12T13:58:00.004+02:00

Tuesday, 12th July 2011

Alhambra, Grenada, Andalusia, Spain

Repentance for silence is better than repentance for speaking

~ a Moorish proverb

Happy Fusion

2011-07-04T11:47:00.002+02:00

Monday, 4th July 2011

(April 13, 2009 - Photo by FlynetPictures.com)

I was just reading an article online about interracial marriages and realised I am in one! My late father wasn’t keen on them, and then struggled to accept it when my older sister married an Indian man. Lo-and-behold, her marriage ended in divorce after a few years. Not because of culture or religion, rather because he was not a good choice.

For me personally, I’m not worried about the cultural and language differences between us, as we are both Muslim. For me the religion is a deal-breaker – not because a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man, but because I couldn’t live with one!

However, we are different! The thing I was totally unprepared for was our different diets! I am totally western when it comes to food. Before marriage, my diet consisted of take-out and many happy eating-out occasions. In Cape Town, we are totally spoilt for choice when it comes to halal eateries. An evening out with my family sampling new cuisine in scenic spots around the peninsula is my idea of bliss. But not for hubby! Firstly he follows a Mediterranean diet. His idea of refreshment after a meal, is eating fresh fruit rather than drinking a carbonated soft drink. Secondly he’s a hygiene freak. He has no problem with the many halal restaurants we have here, but is very worried that most of those same establishments, have non-Muslim kitchen staff. “Do they wash their hands? Do they say Bismillah before handling the food?”

Consequently, I’ve been embracing my inner chef…and still so surprised that I’m loving it :D

I am honestly looking forward to my marital journey. I know there are language and cultural challenges, but we have a good Islamic foundation despite the fact that I am Cape Malay and he is Arab (read different schools of thought here).

My wedding

2011-06-17T14:34:00.007+02:00

Saturday, 18th June 2011

Cape Malay wedding party, circa 1960 [Image credit: Seymour Levy]

By all accounts, compared to the usual Cape Malay weddings, mine was very…very low-key :)

The norm here is to have a wedding day that lasts around 12 hours with the nikah at the masjid for men only, 3 receptions, 2 wedding dresses, elaborate head coverings, 2 bridal bouquets, 400-500 guests, 10 or more attendants, and in-between a photo session at the public gardens (either Claremont or Cape Town) or Rhodes Memorial on the mountain overlooking Cape Town.

Hijabi brides are thin on the ground here, though I’m pleased to see that in the last 40 years our community have become more circumspect in their bridal attire. Then again it depends on how pious the family is…for some reason the richer and more “posh” folks have very westernized un-Islamic weddings compared to the-not-so-rich!

I loved my wedding. It was intimate and fun (no stuffiness or stress anywhere to be seen) in comparison to the norm. The nikah was at 10 am on a sunny Sunday morning in May with me, hubby, my closest family and no strangers (his family were all in Egypt). Being the plain-and-simple person that I am, I wore a black abaya, my engagement gift from hubby, and my mother’s black shayla (mine were all packed away and not accessible). There were no attendants and only the two of us, my brother and nephews in the ante-room with the Imam when we signed the marriage certificate. Afterwards I sat about a metre away from the men while the nikah took place. My sisters, nieces and cousins were observing from the ladies section upstairs.

We then all went along to my Mom’s for breakfast where I changed into my wedding dress that my cousin designed and lovingly made for me. Just a simple cream satin and lace dress which I wore with a plain chiffon shayla and lace headband – told you I’m plain-and-simple. My sisters outdid themselves with the breakfast fare and décor in my Mom’s driveway (can’t get any more unfancy than that!). Photos were taken in my Mom’s living room and 2.5 hours later we all went home. No mess or fuss Alhamdulillah :D

Happiness is...

2011-06-09T14:34:00.002+02:00

Saturday, 18th June 2011

Happiness is....

...crafting at my desk lunchtimes :)

Hello!

2011-06-02T21:00:00.004+02:00

Friday, 3rd June 2011

Assalaamu Alaykum blogger world. For those of you that didn’t read it on Blue Pearl’s post, I just recently got married!

Still in shock! [pic by R. Samaai]

I cannot believe how my life has changed this past year. So now that the “cat’s out of the bag”, I will attempt to put into words what I didn’t feel comfortable sharing till now. Last year this time, I had just come back from my trip to the Middle East, chubby and really happy with my lot and then…it all changed.

I realized only yesterday, that Allah t’Ala shook me out of my complacency, and even though it pained me at the time, it’s the best thing that happened to me. Up till then, I was very focussed on my job (back when it was “my career” and I thought I was doing really ok). Work pressures meant that I even had very little time for my crafts…and that is never a good thing. It was the last day of Ramadan, when one of the company directors called me for “a little chat” that totally turned my world upside down. He told me that even though I was much respected and admired by all, and my department was the most successful in the group, the board felt that they wanted the company to go in another direction and was re-structuring. This essentially meant that although I retained my title and salary, I was effectively demoted…and a junior manager was employed above me! For weeks I walked around the office completely numb and so humiliated. When eventually it become public knowledge at work, and the changes came into effect a couple of months later, I burst into tears in the ladies washroom and had to remain there for a half hour to compose myself…this from someone who never ever cried at work…ever!

During that time I was very actively job hunting and it seemed that I was just not getting anywhere and I was very despondent. Simultaneously, a craft buddy from Cairo passed on my email address to “a really good, pious brother” who she felt was “made for me”. Honestly, I didn’t even respond to his first few emails and in an attempt to put a stop to my friend’s matchmaking, I eventually replied to tell him how sorry I was that she had wasted both our time, that I was going through a career crisis, and really couldn’t concentrate on anything else. He then asked what was wrong and I found myself telling him what I hadn’t even told my family till then. While we started our little online friendship, I went along with my sister to a weight-loss class to support her, and found myself signing up as well. For a few weeks after that, I was completely consumed with changing my lifestyle; watching my diet and becoming more active, that I didn’t even realise how much I was looking forward to chatting to this man every day. I still didn’t take him seriously and it was only when he asked me to marry him the first time (he asked a lot of times before I gave him a straight answer), that I realised that I really liked him.

I was grateful for the weight-loss challenge as it really took my mind off my ~~ruined career~~ job but looking back, “my career” had been too important to me…Allah SWT showed me that anything can be taken from us in this world…how important was it really in the big scheme of things? My light-bulb moment was realising that it wasn’t. The important things to me are my faith and my family. That realisation gave me the impetus I needed to give my Egyptian friend an answer which was “No - I can’t marry you and come live in Egypt”. I explained to him that I was sorry that I had wasted his time; that I respected his views, etc. but there was no future for us. I didn’t hear from him for a week so I thought “ok that is it”. I was happy that I hadn’t told anyone about him. I am a very private person and hate speaking about myself, and that was just not something I felt I could share. I was doing really well in the weight-loss challenge and won …I was the biggest loser in our group! Although I felt really good about that, I was also sad to let go of my friend who had become my confidant and biggest supporter. By this time, I had made peace with my lot at work, and without all the pressures and responsibilities, was ~~bored~~ enjoying the lighter work load…but it gave me way too much time to think…and of course I was regretting turning down the only marriage proposal I had ever gotten. And then he called me!

I nearly died from shock…he still wanted me and was prepared to give up his life and family to come live in Cape Town!!!! He proposed…again…so I prayed istikharah and till now Allah SWT haven’t put any obstacles in our way that we couldn’t work through. Don’t get me wrong, we have our challenges…daily…it’s not easy for foreigners here in South Africa, but our relationship is really good and I am very happy. Once I made up my mind to accept his proposal, things just progressed. There was my family to tell which was very nerve-wracking. My Mom, siblings and I even had a shura with our imam to discuss how everyone felt about my “impending marriage”…it turned out to be a very enlightening and positive experience Alhamdulillah.

However, on the opposite end of the continent, the Arab family was - and still is - not thrilled. They have accepted it – after all both of us are in our mid-40s and hadn’t married till then. We both had our fair share of disappointments, losses and responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean that our family’s opinions don’t matter as it does. We eventually got together…after months of planning, a revolution in Egypt, endless waiting for visas, etc. and got married on the 1st of May Alhamdulillah.

A year on, I am 11kg (24lbs) lighter, virtually stress-free at work, and enjoying my honeymoon…

Last summer day

2011-04-19T14:02:00.006+02:00

Tuesday, 19th April 2011

Today is an absolutely beautiful, sunshiny day here in Cape Town. It's the kind of day that makes me smile at the butterflies and pigeons flying around outside my bedroom window...and feel utterly content with my lot Alhamdulillah!

Table Bay showing from left to right: Devil's Peak, Signal Hill, Table Mountain, Lion's Head and the 12 Apostles - for the uninitiated, those are the names we have for the mountains visible from the sea when entering the Port of Cape Town [pic: Ismail Adams]

Capetonians believe that summer changes hands with winter at the Easter weekend, regardless of the date on the calender. Officially of course, it is now Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, but according to the weather report on last night's tv news bulletin, today is the last sunshiny day in Cape Town before the advent of Easter. By all accounts this coming weekend should be rain-free here, however, in this Capetonian's mind, today is the last day of summer...and best of all, I am on holiday and free to enjoy this glorious day!!

12 Apostles [pic: Ismail Adams]

Tomorrow brings rain, the start of the winter which is normally cold and wet. For me though, it feels as if it is the start of the rest of my life...

What kind are you?

2011-03-30T14:18:00.006+02:00

Wednesday, 30th March 2011

What kind of tourist are you? A culture vulture or compulsive shopper? Over the years I’ve realised that I am definitely a CV!

[picture source]

I have many friends who regularly travel – for work and pleasure – and there are two distinct camps. There are those who on their return can’t wait to tell, and show you, what they’ve bought. “You see these darling shoes that I bought in Barcelona? You won’t get them anywhere else Doll!” And then there are people like me...

While I enjoying shopping just like the next girl, when travelling, I just want to sponge up all the history, sights, sounds, and flavour. Not to mention interacting with the locals. I normally walk miles, take umpteen pics and marvel ~~open-mouthed~~ at every sight there is. And if I can get my hands on local cuisine that’s halal, then that’s a bonus!

[picture source]

After all Doll, that is what Duty Free is there for. Once this tourist has absorbed all there is to absorb, and made herself happily weary with sightseeing, she’s happy to spend her last dollars/euro/pounds on something she really wants...like gold jewellery at the duty free shop on her way home...no mass-produced souvenir costume bracelets for her, thank you :)

Reflections..

2011-03-28T13:41:00.006+02:00

Monday, 28th March 2011

My sister's mother-in-law died just 10 days ago - Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un 'Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return'.

When I received the call the Friday morning at work, my first thought was "what an auspicious day to die - on a Jumu'ah morning masha'Allah", and then I was assailed with guilt! Just the night before, I had said that I would visit her the following weekend as she had been ill, but I know I could have made more effort before then!

With our South African laws, it was not possible to arrange the funeral for jumu'ah time, so it was scheduled for late afternoon. I went straight from work, and was the only one from all the female mourners not clad in abaya and shayla. As I was sitting there after reading Surah Yaseen, it struck me that I was probably the only one there under sixty, who dresses suitably enough in everyday clothing, to go from work to a funeral without having to make a pitstop at home for appropriate attire. (A few days later, I'm in the train on my way home, and spy two young girls looking at me and whispering...I thought they looked familiar...then it struck me! They are my brother-in-law's nieces. I didn't recognise them without their black abayas. They were dressed like all young western university students in Cape Town, and if I had not recognised them, I might not have thought they were Muslim at all...I stood there shame-faced - because that was me at that age - despite all my Dad's lectures on hijab!)

The other thing I reflected on was a comment I once heard in my fiqh class a few years back...the imam joked "we all want to go to jannah, but none of us want to die to get there" :)

I have lost family members before and been incredibly sad at their loss...but it was only when my father died that I truly knew what it was to lose a loved one. No-one had told me that losing a parent would be that painful...or that that feeling would not go away...ever! Time has dulled the sense of loss, but it's always there - lurking in the background to be resurrected on Eid, during Ramadan, at weddings, family picnics, walking along the street, and a myriad other moments.

I was very sad watching my sister's in-laws grieving for their Mom, because I know what it's like to lose a parent but I don't know what it's like to lose a Mother...so I don't really know!

Footnote: while catching up on my reading of my fellow hijabi sisters' blogs, I noticed that I am not the only one reflecting on this issue this week! I highly recommend you read Umm Salihah's blog post as well.

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-28T10:12:00.008+02:00

Monday, 28th March 2011

Yes, I am still alive and kicking! And of course, I also did my bit for Earth Hour 2011 on Saturday night. However, I don't even have the excuse of having no electricity to blog this post then *sheepish*! I have no excuse for my lack of posts, just got a lot on my mind lately..

It's good to see that Earth Hour has become a feature around the world; especially, now that my Mom has become a bit of an eco warrior herself! She reminded me that it was Earth Hour instead of the other way around this year :)

Considering my track record with WIPs (unfinished cross-stich projects for the uninitiated), I think I should start from now already with this sampler...hopefully I will be done by the time Earth Hour 2012 comes around insha'Allah!

[pic source: earthtimes.org]

Even though it might seem like such a small thing to do, I believe that by blogging about initiatives such as Earth Hour and Save the Water Week, we can all do our bit...

International Pancake Day 2011

2011-03-08T13:22:00.002+02:00

Tuesday, 8th March 2011

Today is International Pancake Day which is a day I can celebrate every day of the year :)

This is what I call pancakes! Also known as crêpes in some parts of the world - yum! [pic source]

American pancakes [pic source]

I guess by now you've realised that this blogger loves pancakes! They are so versatile...you can have them for breakfast, as a starter or a decadent dessert. There are so many different fillings that can turn your humble pancake (crêpe) into a savoury or sweet dish. If like me, you are a ~~lazy~~ non-cook, there are lovely ready-made pancake mixes on your local supermarket shelf where you literally just need to add milk...and voilà you have pancakes...enjoy the day!!

Only so far..

2011-02-23T14:45:00.006+02:00

Wednesday, 23rd February 2011

Being a news junkie, 2011 has given me much to wonder at! There have been natural disasters, revolutions, protests and of course, this blogger has been glued to the news channels with no time for blogging or crafting...

I am still in so much awe of the ordinary folk in the Arab world who are taking back their power masha'Allah!

Mua’ad Ibn Jabal (RA) narrated that Rasulullah SAW said:

‘Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (SWT)’ [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

I wonder if the dictators are sleeping at night? Check out some more of Latuff's cartoons below..

Libya

Bahrain

Algeria

WWD 2011

2011-02-16T09:27:00.004+02:00

Wednesday, 16th March 2011

This year, the World Water Day is on the 22nd March 2011 and the theme this year is Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge.

Cape Town is proudly hosting the official UN event at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the city from 20th to 22nd March 2011.

Did you know that most of the world’s population live in cities? And that the city populations are increasing faster than city infrastructures can adapt to? If our city's water runs out, it will lead to Cholera, Malaria and Diarrhoea. Let's all do our bit to create awareness around the world by blogging about it, hosting events in our office or community, printing t-shirts, creating posters etc.

The WWD website offers downloadable content for us to use in this very noble quest.

Create the buzz!!

Evocative

2011-02-13T23:04:00.005+02:00

Sunday, 13th February 2011

picture source

Today I came across these very powerful, evocative works of Palestinian-American poet, Suheir Hammad and I want to share two poems which really moved me. The first one really "speaks" to me as I abhor wars and conflict when innocent people lose their lives; and the second one brought the Old City of Al Quds alive for me...

What I will   

I will not
 dance to your war
 drum. I will 
not lend my soul nor 
my bones to your war 
drum. I will 
not dance to your 
beating. I know that beat. 
It is lifeless. I know 
intimately that skin 
you are hitting. It 
was alive once 
hunted stolen 
stretched. I will
 not dance to your drummed
 up war. I will not pop
 spin beak for you. I 
will not hate for you or
 even hate you. I will 
not kill for you. Especially 
I will not die
 for you. I will not mourn 
the dead with murder nor 
suicide. I will not side 
with you nor dance to bombs
 because everyone else is  dancing.
Everyone can be 
wrong. Life is a right not 
collateral or casual. I 
will not forget where 
I come from. I 
will craft my own drum. Gather my beloved 
near and our chanting 
will be dancing. Our 
humming will be drumming. I 
will not be played. I 
will not lend my name 
nor my rhythm to your
 beat. I will dance 
and resist and dance and
 persist and dance. This heart
beat is louder than
 death. Your war drum ain't 
louder than this breath.

jerusalem sunday

 jeru salem
 sun day 
three muezzins call idan  
where one's allah begins another's
 akbar ends
inviting the last
 to witness mohammad's prophecies 
church bells ring the sky 
an ocean shade of blue above
 christ's tomb and the stones
 of this city witness man's weakness
 boys run by the torah 
strapped to their third eye 
ready to rock their prayers 
the roofs of this city busy
as the streets
 the gods of this city
crowded and proud
 two blind and graying
 arab men lead each other through 
the old city surer of step than sight 
tourists pick olives from the cracks
 in the faces of young and graying 
women selling mint onions and this 
year's oil slicking the ground 
this city is wind 
breathe it
 sharp 
this history is blood 
swallow it 
warm
 this sunday is holy 
be it 
god 

More of Suheir's poems can be found here..

New chapter

2011-02-12T23:54:00.004+02:00

Saturday, 12th February 2011

Planting Democracy in Tahrir Square, Cairo

I am still overwhelmed and totally awestruck by the Egyptian people for doing in 18 days what the big super powers of this world could not do in the last decade or so since Afghanistan and Iraq have been invaded!

cartoons by Carlos Latuff [picture source]

This new chapter for Egypt will come with it's own challenges but in the end, freedom and democracy is the sweetest revenge, Alhamdulillah.

Revolution in toons

2011-02-07T11:02:00.007+02:00

Monday, 7th February 2011

Sunrise over Tahrir Square in Cairo, the 'epicentre' of the revolution

Growing up, in our household, when my Dad came home from work with the daily newspaper, all of us would grab our favourite sections to read first...for some it was the back page to check out the latest sports news, for others the comic strip to get their daily dose of humour, my Mom used to pick out the classifieds first to read who had been born, married and died (the circle of life). But for me, it was the editorial page to check out the political cartoon. I was always awestruck by the succint manner in which current affairs could be condensed into a satirical artistic display which simply cut to the chase. Hence my love for cartoons, and of course, I have my favourite cartoonists both locally and abroad.

With the Egyptian people's revolution entering day 14, I have been avidly following Brazilian cartoonist Carlos Latuff's work on this issue...here are some of them:

International journos are being detained and muzzled...er questioned by the Military

The Egyptian President hiding behind his troops

The brave women of Egypt struggling against their viper aka leader

Call to support the Egyptian Revolution [Latuff in collaboration with Guebara]

People of all faiths are standing together in a true people's revolution

Initially all mobile phone connections were disconnected

On the eve of Angry Friday, 28th Jan 2011, the internet was cut off for almost a week

But the revolution started out on the internet...by the youth who can no longer tolerate being oppressed by a tyranical dictator!

Wave your flag for Freedom!

2011-02-03T13:40:00.003+02:00

Thursday, 3rd February 2011

But we struggling, fighting to eat

And we wondering, when we’ll be free

So we patiently wait, for that faithful day

It’s not far away, but for now we say
When I get older, I will be stronger

They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag

A protester holds an Egyptian flag as he dodges a blast from a water cannon during clashes in Cairo on Friday, Jan. 28, one of the most violent days of the street uprising so far. Tens of thousands took to the streets of Cairo. For much of the day, police and demonstrators fought running battles through the squares and back alleys of Egypt's capital. (Yannis Behrakis/Reuters)

As an outsider watching Egypt in the throes of their revolution, I am in total awe of the Egyptian people for rising up against a dictatorial government after 3 decades of oppression. It reminds me obviously of the apartheid struggle and our own liberation here in the early 1990s. If you had asked me prior to 1990 if I had thought we would ever have freedom, my answer would have been a resounding NO. But we did it, and if we can do it, then other nations can do it also...just like Tunisia only recently.

Last year during the Football World Cup, our football anthem during that time was a freedom song; and above I am sharing a verse from Waving Flag by K’naan because the one thing that has impressed me about the Egyptian revolution, is that the only flags flying in Tahrir Square and elsewhere in Egypt has been the Egyptian flag, not political party flags...because it is a people’s revolution!

May The Almighty free the Egyptians from their oppressors insha’Allah...

See more pics of Egypt’s historical week here.

Crafty poems

2011-01-22T23:42:00.003+02:00

Saturday, 22nd January 2011

Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I'm happiest when I'm crafting. Mostly what I love about being creative, is that it frees my mind! I do my best thinking when my hands are busy stitching...doesn't matter if I'm crocheting hats, knitting boleros or doing a few stitches on my many cross stitch wips. Funnily enough, when I'm card-making, quilling or crafting a new haiku poem, my mind is so focused on the task at hand, that I am totally immersed...and cannot think of anything else...now who says I'm just a "simple" crafter?

Today I want to share two lovely poems that I came across that really "speaks" to me..

If crafting is a petty crime
I will soon be doing time
If crafting is against the law
I'll do time forever more

I sit and craft from morn 'til night,
my family do despair,
but armed with heat gun, ink pads too,
I really just don't care

The more I see, the more I want,
I cannot see an end,
to sticky pads and funky foam,
I have to spend, spend, spend

I made a candle, just last week,
it turned out quite a mess,
I think I'll stick to making cards,
coz that's what I do best

Written by Karla
[poetry source]

A careful stitch by Emile Munier (1840-1895)

Tapestry by Ann Creer

In the needled clicking over mind

she knits with wool soft thoughts of yesterday

and weaves his wrinkled laughter

through her broken brow

slippered feet, rocker worn, retrace

remembered Sunday seams into the

sunstretched smooth of summers carpeted vows

she nods, replacing fraying fears

of loneliness with satin sounds of a

wedding gown and dream of his

Hand in quilted warmth upon her Heart

she purls the borders of their ribbed

separation, and gently kissing

casted lots upon the finished corners

Folds it over the Earth.

[poetry source]

Hey Hijabi!

2011-01-16T23:33:00.005+02:00

Sunday, 16th January 2011

[cartoon by gorgeous sister and fellow hijabi, Sana a.k.a. Ninjabi Sue]

This year, 2011, marks a decade since I started observing hijab. I was in my thirties and had started going for fiqh classes, when I had this strong compulsion to please Allah SWT by wearing hijab.

For me it was more than just donning a head scarf full time, but a whole new outlook on life, way of dress and behaviour. It was a good time to do so in the workplace as we were in our first decade of liberation from apartheid, and it was no longer frowned upon to express our individuality. Of course, initially, I did get those stupid comments from management and staff but eventually they realised that this is who and how I am. Later in that year, we had those heinous attacks on America in the 9/11 terror acts that catapulted the world in a whole new direction. I was never more proud than during this time to show that I am Muslim. My colleagues started coming up to me to discuss religion and politics with me as if I was some kind of expert on the subjects; and came away from speaking to me very surprised at my views. Many of them equated wearing hijab with oppression, ignorance and religious conservatism. Were they surprised to discover that this hijabi is a strong-willed woman with a few brain cells that I exercised! :D

But what I have discovered is that among hijabis there are those that are just a tad too judgemental about their fellow Muslim sisters. They view non-hijabis with a certain degree of superciliousness that is disconcerting in the least. But what niggles me most, is how critical they are of sisters who wear scarves, but are perhaps not fulfilling all conditions of hijab to the letter. As a Muslim woman who until ten years ago, used to wear jeans, t-shirts, sneakers and colourful, see-through chiffon scarves whenever I felt it appropriate to do so, this unsettles me. During that period of my life, I was practising my religion even if I was not wearing abayas and shaylas. And I certainly would have hated to think my fellow sisters in Islam were criticizing my dress when I was trying so hard to be the best Muslim I could be. I feel hurt on behalf of those sisters, who at least take the time to wear a head covering! To those hijabis, I say, teach your sisters how to observe hijab by example. And remember, none of us knows our condition with Allah t’Ala..

Photo Essay: My year in pics

2011-01-11T23:49:00.010+02:00

Tuesday, 11th January 2011

Iconic Cape Town Stadium at night during the FWC, July 2010

I realised today that I haven't done a post for 2011 yet! And that led me to reflect over the past year and what to me, was a very eventful year Alhamdulillah. So I am sharing some pics of this past year's most memorable events in my life..

Cape Town Stadium has become an iconic part of the landscape here in Cape Town. At the beginning of 2010, it dawned on me that I might not be successful in my bid to secure tickets to the Football World Cup in June, so when the opportunity arose to watch the very first match in the new stadium - albeit a rugby match - I jumped at the chance to attend and be one of the first to visit Cape Town's newest stadium.

Football Fridays became a craze all over South Africa as the countdown to the FWC began. All over the country, people started wearing their football jerseys on Fridays to show their support for the World Cup. Our office definitely had football fever by then, and was more than happy to let the party begin!

Our office getting into the swing of Football Fridays, April 2010 [pic by A. Smit]

We were not just content to wear the jerseys and arranged impromptu football matches between the staff, June 2010. [© Washi]

The biggest highlight of the year for me though was my trip to the Middle East in May with my Mom and sister. It was an unforgettable experience!

On our return to Cape Town, football fever had reached epic proportions with the World Cup only days away, and fans arriving from around the globe. Throughout the FWC, Capetonians went out in hordes to the stadium, fan parks and did the mile long fan walk in celebration of hosting the world's premier sporting event. This blogger enjoyed meeting up with family, friends and overseas visitors at the Cape Town Fan Park.

This past year every office event became one big party! I think we were just reluctant to let go of the party atmosphere that swept the country during the World Cup :)

Supporting Bandana Day to raise funds for cancer victims, September 2010 [pic by Monique]

Of course December/January in Cape Town is our summer holidays with everyone on holiday and a chance to relax and have fun in the sun with our families.

..and started 2011 by going to watch India play cricket against South Africa. Newlands, Cape Town, January 2011 [© Washi]