Wednesday 29 August 2012

Muslimah Today 2012 ..... Speakers




Shamshad Baker Ahmed is a life coach and corporate trainer.  She is a Cambridge-certified English language practitioner who has presented various training programmes across Africa.  She has been involved in various projects including developing a communication skills training course for security personnel and a programme for miners aimed at equipping them with tools to deal with retrenchment or retirement responsibly.
Radia Bawa Hendricks completed the memorisation of the Qur’an at the age of nine.  She has studied various aspects of Qur’anic recitation under well-known teachers like Qari Isma’il Londt.  She has also studied Arabic and other branches of Islamic Studies in Cape Town and holds a degree in media and communication science from UNISA.
Quraysha Ismail Sooliman holds an honours degree in Political Science.  She studied various aspects of Islam at a Darul ‘Uloom in Pretoria, and presents ‘Finding me,’ a programme focussing on Muslim women and the issue of identity on ITV.  She is also a member of the Caring Women’s Forum, and an assistant lecturer in Political Science at the University of Pretoria.
Shubnum Khan has a postgraduate degree in both, English as well as Media Studies.  She contributes to various publications and is the author of ‘Onion Tears’ (Penguin 2011).  She is also a lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Mrs Zuleikha Mayat is a founding member of the Women’s Cultural Group.  She is a trustee of various organisations including the Islamic Educational Trust in Keal Road, and the Darul Yatama Wal Masakeen orphanage.  She has also authored various publications, including the world-renowned ‘Indian Delights’.  Now 86-years-old, Mrs Mayat was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Sociology by the University of KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year.
Munira Motala studied Fine Arts.  She specialises in Islamic calligraphy and runs ‘Studio Al-Ain’, a contemporary Islamic art gallery in Durban.
Khadija Patel is a journalist with ‘The Daily Maverick’.  She holds a post graduate degree in socio- linguistics and is well known for the active role she plays as a journalist within the social media sphere.  She often commentates on issues pertaining to the Middle East, and has done so on national television.
Khatija Rasool is a Durban-based  occupational therapist.   She is a human rights activist and has worked as a volunteer in Palestine.  She is the director of  ‘Zaytoun SA’ which is aimed at supporting and empowering Palestinian farming communities through the promotion of their produce.
Aisha Shange converted to Islam, and is passionate about spreading its message to her community in Umbumbulu, south of Durban, where she founded and runs an afternoon madrasah for underprivileged children.
Lubna Nadvi is an academic based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.  She lectures, researches and publishes in the area of Political Science, Gender Studies, Civil Society and Social Movements. She is also a community activist and a frequent commentator on current affairs.
Safiyyah Surtee is a graduate of Arabic and Islamic Studies with an MA, from the University of Johannesburg, where she teaches Islam and Gender Justice. She is an activist, promoting the participation of women at all levels of religious life and a student of sacred knowledge.

What does the future hold for Palestine, Syria & Bahrain?






Maryam Al-Khawaja
Maryam Al-Khawaja is a Bahraini human rights activist and current acting president of the Bahraini Centre for Human Rights. She is the daughter of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, a prominent human rights activist who has been imprisoned for his role in the 2011 Bahraini uprising. She has been participating in activities concerning human rights since her late teens and was a member of the 2006 Bahraini delegation that handed a over letter to UN secretary General Kofi Annan's assistant calling for the resignation of the Bahraini Prime Minister on human rights grounds. After the start of the uprising she attended numerous conferences and seminars around the world in an attempt to publicise the revolution; her command of English being seen as an important tool to give a voice to ordinary Bahrainis. This has subsequently resulted in her receiving death threats and being the victim of smear campaigns. Al-Khawaja holds a BA in English and American Studies from the University of Bahrain, and in 2010 attended Brown University on a Fulbright scholarship.



Fawaz Tello
Fawaz Tello is a former member of the Syrian National Council (the main body established post the Syrian uprising to unite opposition from outside of Syria). He was previously a member of the Damascus Spring Movement (2000-2001); a founding member of the National Dialog Forum (2000-2001), a liberal grouping which he led (2000-2001); and assisted in establishing the National Council of the Damascus Declaration, a movement set up to advocate gradual reform of the Syrian political system (2006-2008). His political activities resulted him being imprisoned by the Assad regime from 2001 to 2006. Mr Tello holds a diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Civil Engineering from Damascus University.



Mohsen Saleh
Dr Mohsen Saleh is the General Manager of Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations. He is editor-in-chief of the influential annual Palestinian Strategic Report, former head of the Department of History and Civilization at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and former executive manager of the Middle East Studies Centre in Amman. He was awarded the Bait al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) award for Young Muslim Scholars in 1997 and the Excellent Teaching Award (College level) from IIUM in 2002. Dr Saleh is the author of numerous books, including Al-Qadiyyah al-Filastiniyyah: Khalfiyyatuha al-Tarikhiyyah wa Tatawwuratuha al-Mu‘asirah (Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations, 2012) and The Lost Course of the Palestinian Statehood (AlJazeera Centre for Studies, 2010). He has contributed chapters to several books, has edited or co-edited fifteen books and has published many articles in scholarly journals and magazines.


Phyllis Bennis
Fellow Phyllis Bennis directs the New Internationalism Project at IPS. She is also a fellow of the Transnational Institute in Amsterdam. She has been a writer, analyst, and activist on Middle East and UN issues for many years. In 2001 she helped found and remains on the steering committee of the U.S. Campaign to End Israeli Occupation. She works closely with the United for Peace and Justice anti-war coalition, co-chairs the UN-based International Coordinating Network on Palestine, and since 2002 has played an active role in the growing global peace movement. She continues to serve as an adviser to several top UN officials on Middle East and UN democratization issues.

Phyllis Bennis is the author of eight books:
From Stones to Statehood: The Palestinian Uprising (1990); Calling the Shots: How Washington Dominates Today's UN (2000); Before & After: US Foreign Policy and the September 11th Crisis (2003) [US Policy and the War on Terrorism, 2nd ed.]; Challenging Empire: How People, Governments, and the UN Defy US Power (2006); Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Primer (2009); Ending the Iraq War: A Primer (2009); Understanding the US-Iran Crisis: A Primer (2009); Ending the US War in Afghanistan: A Primer (2010).
She is also co-editor of Beyond the Storm: A Gulf Crisis Reader (1991) and Altered States: A Reader in the New World Order (1993).




Monday 27 August 2012

Muslimah Today 2012


After months of planning, ILM for Women, a branch of ILM-SA is pleased to inform you that registration for Muslimah Today, a two and a half day conference for women, about women, by women, is now open. 

The conference is aimed at encouraging women to view Islam as a holistic way of life.   It also showcases the talents, achievements and contributions of various South African Muslim women, conveying an understanding of how they have maintained and promoted their Islamic identity in various spheres of society e.g. activism, social responsibility, media and publishing, etc. 

Muslimah Today is brought to you by ILM for Women, a branch of ILM-SA, and is supported by ITV Networks, Cape Town Muslim Events (www.ctme.co.za), The Life, Style and Fashion Magazine (thelifestyleandfashionmag.blogspot.com) and Iqraa Trust (www.iqraatrust.org)

Speakers: Shamshad Baker Ahmed (life coach), Radia Bawa Hendricks (haafidhah and qaari'ah), Quraysha Ismail Sooliman ('aalimah),  Shubnum Khan (author), Mrs Zuleikha Mayat (community worker), Munira Motala (artist), Khadija Patel (journalist), Khatija Rasool (activist), Aisha Shange (community worker), Lubna Nadvi (academic and activist) and Safiyyah Surtee (activist and student of Islamic knowledge)

Topics:  Topics are vast and are presented in the form of dynamic and interactive sessions. They includes discussions about women and social responsibility, spirituality, activism, the media and many more. 

Dates: 22nd to 24th September @ University of KZN Senate Chamber. Cost: R300 incl lunch on Day 1 and 2, and refreshments on all 3 days (R300 in TOTAL, NOT per day). 

To find out how to register, call 083 271 4500, BB 2729054A, email info@ilmsa.co.za or visit http://www.muslimahtoday2012.wordpress.com/muslimah-today-2012 - 200 places only and registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Please circulate widely.

Thursday 23 August 2012

The Life, Style & fashion Mag.....eve of Issue 2

The Life, Style & Fashion Mag launched its first edition with a Ramadaan / Eid Theme in July 2012.


The mag covers Islamic life, style and fashion for the entire family with write-ups on: Food, Fashion & Style for both men & women, Spirituality & Inspiration, Kids Corner, Health & Beauty, Sports, Events Diary, Book reviews, poetry, Travel diary, A section for new mothers, Crafts, Codemaster's latest on Gadgets and Gizmos, Book Reviews & much more.


Contributors include a host of personaities from around the world: Ammarah (Radio Islam), Safia Kazi (Butterfly Beauty), Salma Kazi (Radio Al Ansaar), Faradh Patel (Radio Al Ansaar), Ferhad Sookhlal, Zohra Soomar (The Beauty Studio), Dr Feroza Mansoor (Gauteng), Dr Mashuda Ally (Dbn), Pharmicist - Razeena Cassim, Motivational speaker & Writer - Hitesh Surujbally, Raeesa Hoosen (Riyadh) , Naseema Mall (Breeze Publishing), Azra Bhayat (Orient Islamic School) Leadership Guru & Writer - Mirza Yawar Baig (India), Tahira Naidu, Occupational Therapist - Nazeemah Soomar (Art by Naz), Orator / Author & Educator - Ismail Kamdar, Amina Jamal (Feminine Forever / Radio Al Ansaar), Badr-riya (Bridemode), Scarf- Styling Specialist, Nazma Rasool (Gauteng), Mohammed Dockrat (Galileo), Maddy Angel (China), & many more……


+/- 5000 copies printed, mags are given away at various events and sold across SA at all major city centres (30 stockists and growing) .


The magazine is profiled on ITV’s lifestyle programs as well as via the Durban Muslima blog (www.durbanmuslima.blogspot.com), and The Life, Style & Fashion Mag blog (www.thelifestyleandfashionmag.blogspot) and social networks eg. Facebook, twitter, etc. as well as posters at the shops stocking the magazine .


The Second Edition has a "Bridal" theme and will be on sale in September.


The third Edition has a theme “All Around the World” and will be on sale in November.


For ad enquiries either contact Rookaya Vawda - 083 623 1154 / rookayavawda@mweb.co.za or alternatively make an appointment with our Ad Rep / Designer – Talha Motala on 084 973 1968.


We look forward to hearing from you and building a mutually beneficial relationship in making the Life, Style & Fashion Mag into a must-have in every home. If you already have an advert, email it through with the attached forms.


Many thanks
Shireen Mansoor
Editor
THE LIFE, STYLE & FASHION MAG
Cell: 083 597 8602
BB pin: 2961fced

The Mavrix launch "Pura Vida" CD




Following up on the release of their music video, “The New Black” to international critical acclaim in March 2012, South African band, The Mavrix, are to release their new music cd, “Pura Vida” in Sept 2012.


Comprising of vocalists Ayub Mayet and Ravi Naidoo, guitarist Jeremy Karodia, violinists Shahzaadee Karodia and Corvin Brady and tabla player Pravesh Vallabh, the band has been in studio for the last two years composing and writing 14 tracks for the new album.


True to the sound of their first cd, “Guantanamo Bay”, released in 2004/2005, the new album reflects the band's diverse brand of fusing African, Indian classical and Western musical styles in the “folk/rock” genre. The songs are just as diverse in lyrical content with themes that are socio/political, spiritual, anti-war, romantic and satirical.


The album features an array of talented and versatile local and international musicians who accompanied the band to create an album embellished by multiple instruments and musical arrangements. Johannesburg based Denny Lalouette and Gregs Moonsammy on bass, Pahlad Singh on accordion, Kreasan Moodley on harmonium, a string trio featuring Ruby Ngoasheng on viola, Kagiso Molete on violin and Sizekello Shuba on cello, Wian Joubert on percussion, Durban based santoor player, Ashwin Morar and Palestinian Oud player, Mohamed Omar helped create a unique style that The Mavrix have become known for.


“Pura Vida” in Spanish means pure life and after 28 years of performing, composing and writing music based on struggle, the album title reflects the band's commitment towards global justice and world peace.


Launch of Pura Vida Album by the Mavrix



We are hosting the official launch of the Pura Vida album by THE MAVRIX    
                                                
VENUE:      MANSFIELD HALL, DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
                   STEVE BIKO ROAD (formerly Mansfield Road)
DATE:         FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
TIME:          6.30 pm for a prompt 7.00 pm start

Safe and secure parking is available on the Ritson campus.  Entrance is via Winterton Walk (opposite Sastri College)

Entry to the show is FREE, however, because limited seating is available, “tickets” will be issued
on a first come first served only after an RSVP has been received to cater for the correct numbers.

For bookings/RSVP contact:

EMAIL:     womensculturalgroup@gmail.com  
TEL:         031 2086203 Safoura or Zeenath (between 8.30am and 3.30pm only)
FAX:         086 511 0299

Nasheed Artist: Waleed Bata


Waleed Bata is a 17 year old wonder. 

After being inspired by other nasheed artists, he decided to use his talent in a better way. 
He has just lauched his album entitled A Light Upon The Earth
An inspirational compilation of nasheeds performed in English, Arabic and Urdu. 
His style is contemporary and for a new comer he is making great steps. 
Waleed is currently completing Hifz. 
His future hopes are to take his voice and songs around the world in an attempt to inspire as many as he can, especially the youth.

Waleed is from Lenasia in Johannesburg South Africa.

Support Local, 'cos Local is Lekker!



To purchase a copy of the CD for R70 incl postage....email durbanmuslima@gmail.com

Reach Out to Our Youth

Date: 13th October 2012
Times: 1pm to 5pm
Venue: Merebank High Hall

The workshops are for all youth.
Free Entry
Free Snacks, Teas and Coffees

For more info, contact: Ashwin Singh
                                   Email: ashwin778@gmail.com
                                   Cell: 079 745 6474

Sunday 12 August 2012

Passion fruit Mousse


                      

1. Dissolve 1 pkt granadilla jelly in 1cup boiling water.
Set aside to cool down.
2. Whip 1 can ideal milk till nice and bubbly.
Add 1 and 2 together and beat well.
3. Add 500ml passion fruit/granadilla yogurt to above mixture and beat well again.
4. Beat 250ml fresh cream well and add to granadilla mixture.
Beat again well till all combined.
5. Lastly add half of a quarter cup castor sugar to mixture and beat again.
Pour into dish and refridgerate.
Decorate with granadilla pulp and fresh cream once set.

My Eid / Ramadaan Experience in Canada


My parents emigrated to Canada from South Africa when I was 11 months old.   My father found it difficult to open a business under the apartheid government, so when Pierre Elliot Trudeau altered the Immigration Act, opening up immigration for people of non-European descent, my father seized the opportunity with his dream of entrepreneurship.

We first lived in an area in Toronto called Thorncliffe, which had a growing population of new immigrants, but when I was 6 years old, my family moved to North York.  There were not many people of colour in the area, let alone Muslims.   My parents, at that time, did not understand how different it was for me to grow up in that environment, compared to them growing up in a community of Muslims.

At school we were only taught about Christmas and Hanukkah. I learned all the Christmas carols, but didn't understand why Santa never brought me a gift.  I had a "strange" name and although I'm quite fair, I was still on occasion called Paki (derogatory term for brown people).  Ramadan was quite challenging, as no one could understand why we would "starve" ourselves for 30 days.  There was no curriculum to educate that mine was not a torturous religion, but one of mercy.  There was a lack of communication between the teachers and parents so assumptions were formed about how cruel parents were to force their children to participate in something that was unhealthy for their kids. 

Some parents, being new immigrants, felt it necessary to impose stricter rules on their new Canadian children.  They needed to prove that their kids could be just as Muslim as the children back home.

I was first expected to fast at the age of 7.  It was summer so the sun would rise at approximately 5:30am and set at about 9:00pm.  As the only child fasting among my peers and with the long hours and the heat, it was very difficult. 

On Eid day, my father insisted I go for Eid Gah.  Under protest, I was dressed and taken to a massive hall with thousands of people and placed alone with my musallah in the women's section.  I remember the women being predominantly of Pakistani and Middle Eastern descent. At the end of salaat, I would make my way through the crowd to the front of the hall, trying to find my father or uncle or brother.  From the Eid Gah we would make our way to the cemetery to pray for the deceased.  This was the routine for many years.  I was thrilled when my younger cousin was old enough to attend Eid Gah with me.  I was not alone any more. 

We owned a business.  My mother and aunty would open the shop in the morning while the men went to Eid Gah.  After salaat, the men would go to the store and the women would go home.  In the evening we would get together with the rest of the family we had there, for supper.  Eid and Ramadan were the only times that my mother and aunty would prepare samoosas and pies.  On Eid day our spread was relatively small, with only one plate of samoosas, one plate of pies and maybe a few biscuits.  Women in Canada do not have the luxury of a domestic worker or the family and community support that is found here.  Most of them work as well, so a bare minimum with no excess or waste is what is prepared. 

The weekend after Eid, we would attend an Eid Function held for the South African community.  The grownups would reminisce about back home.  The children would develop lifelong friendships with each other.

This is my personal experience in the 70's/80's.  Things have changed a lot since then. The Muslim community is quite large.  Ramadan and Eid are now part of the curriculum in schools.   Children are excused from lunch room in Ramadan and can go to the library instead.  Provisions are made in some schools for Jumah salaat. 
Life is quite hectic there, so my family rarely sees each other.  Eid is a time we look forward to, as it is one of the times we know we will meet our family, not only for a meal, but at the Eid Gah as well.  South African women, who would refuse to go when they first immigrated, are now attending Eid salaat.  It is a family event.   My cousins are grown.  We play board games and have fun together.  We visit the more extended family and friends.  The children growing up there now have it much easier than the children of the newly immigrant families of yesteryear.


Contributed by Razeena Khan
.  

Radio Al-Ansaar - permanent licence granted - and buzzy line-up for Breakfast!



Radio Al Ansaar is delighted to announce that Icasa has granted Al-Ansaar its permanent license so, for the first time, it will continue to be on air after the Ramadaan broadcast.

“We live in such a multicultural society that it is helpful to be aware of what is happening in our extended community and beyond,” explains Faradh Patel, Radio Al Ansaar’s Morning Drive show anchor.

Radio Al-Ansaar is KZN’s only Islamic Community Radio Station which can be tuned into permanently on 90.4fm. Radio Al-Ansaar is well into its Ramadaan season of projects and programmes intended to enlighten and uplift the Muslim community. Radio Al-Ansaar’s Ramadaan broadcast focuses on the significance of auspicious days and nights during this important tenement of the Islamic faith. Listeners, irrespective of their religion and beliefs are encouraged to tune into

Seasoned broadcaster Faradh Patel is on the airwaves with his Morning Drive Show, a live interactive current affairs show with local, national and international contributors. News and interviews are interspersed with traffic and weather updates and Nasheeds (Arabic word for song). He is joined by dynamic presenter, Nichal Sarawan.

The Best of the Morning Drive Show two CD has been compiled and will be available from Thurs 9 Aug. 800 Cd's are going to be given to eight schools for resale and the proceeds will go to assist impoverished scholars with school fees or school funds.

With his infectious laughter, quirky world-view and high energy levels, Faradh Patel is making waves this season with the rebranding of the Morning Drive Show- Aspirational, Inspirational, Motivational.

Pietermaritzburg-born Patel attended Woodlands Secondary School, matriculating in the mid-1990’s. While still at school he auditioned for a position on Lotus fm, joined Lotus fm whilst reading for a BA at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

“Lotus was excellent grounding as there is such an excellent balance between commercial ethos and community involvement, and it gave me a taste of the world of media.”

Patel then moved to Gauteng, where he pursued his dream of becoming an actor, appearing in the M-Net soap Egoli, as the character Naveen Moodley. He also appeared in various ads on TV, radio and in print as well as in a Russian television series, before joining the marketing team at Sun International. In an illustrious career within the marketing and communications and media sphere, Patel has worked on high profile events such as the launch of Saffron TV, the Sunday Times Food Show and the Sunday Times Literary Awards.

He has compered various events, including various beauty pageants, Miss India for some years, Face of India, Mr India SA and regional Miss SA contests.
Well-travelled Patel balances his media life against of television, radio compering against the challenging task of steering his own media and marketing company.
He also has columns in various print media – including Dubai News.

Dynamic presenter, Nichal Sarawan joins Radio Al Ansaar’s Morning Drive show team. Sarawan started his career at Radio Phoenix, moving on to Radio Hindvani when Radio Phoenix’s doors closed and subsequently Lotus FM until two years ago.

He has spent the last two years pursuing business interests and trying his hand at running a DJ academy for young, budding enthusiasts wanting to enter the field, but he is now looking forward to being back on air with Radio Al Ansaar’s Breakfast show presenter Faradh Patel.
Nichal met Faradh while working at Radio Phoenix and joins him between 06h30 and 09h00 reading News, Traffic and Economic Indicators.

Sarawan’s accolades include being the first radio presenter ever to be aired on Radio Hindvani, being the first Indian Radio presenter with three nominations for the SATMA awards and whilst with Lotus FM, actively promoting the South African Music Industry.

The Morning Drive Show is anchored and produced exclusively for Radio Al-Ansaar, by Faradh and has had various well known celebs & kwasi-celebs who have featured as seasonal co-presenters and contributors. From Faizal Suleman, to Fareed Docrat, Aasra Bramdeo to Romi Titus, Feyaza Khan to Fakir Hassan, the show has the dynamic element of keeping listeners locked on.
“This season the show has grown, and with our sponsor, Jealousy, the aim is to leave no listener untouched.”
The popular Jealousy Fact or Fiction segment, with daily and weekly playoffs and prizes will see one lucky listener competing for the spectacular prize of an Umrah ticket in a Live in studio final.
“Daily give-aways, breaking news, and our avid and ever-growing listeners are part of the norm ,and a dynamic technical team  , sponsors and the unfailing support of the Al-Ansaar board add to the show’s success.  A heartfelt Shukran,” says Faradh

Catch the Morning Drive Show Team every Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 9:00am on 90.4fm. With audio-streaming on course, Radio Al-Ansaar may be enjoyed by listeners all over the world through the Al-Ansaar website www.alansaar.co.za.
Morningdriveshow@gmail.com / Twitter: @FaradhPatel

For more information, call Faradh Patel on 072 711 8338.




Eid with A Difference....your special invite!


A Very Special Eid Invitation
------------------------
Bismillah
As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh

Before we even get down to inviting you to a very special event, we'd like to ask you to watch this short video:

If that doesn't work, visit this link:
ilmsatemp.wordpress.com

You have just viewed footage/stills from our  2011 Eid with a Difference programme. 

We'd now like to invite you to be part of this year's programme.

Each year on Eid day we transport 150 to 200 underprivileged children from four madrasahs which we support in rural KwaZulu-Natal, together with their teachers, to Essenwood Park, where we pray Eid Salaah in congregation with them, after which we have a fun-filled, colourful party in the park.

We send the children new clothes in advance, cover the cost of their transport, and feed them on the day as well as provide treats, gifts and entertainment.

It's truly an inspiring experience and we'd like to invite all men, women and children to join us.  The details are as follows:

Date:  Eid Day
Venue:  Essenwood Park
Time:    7am - English Lecture (Maulana Khalid Yacob)
             7.20am - 7.30am Takbeer
             7.30am Eid Salaah and Khutbah  (Maulana Khalid Yacob)
             Thereafter badaam milk, dates and samoosas for everyone, followed by a party in the park which goes on till about 11.30am!

Please make wudhu at home! And please feel free to bring treats like sweets, chocolates and chips along with you which you personally distribute to the kids if you like!  And lastly please note, you can stay for as long or as short a while as you want.

For more information, call Fatima on 083 271 4500.

JazakAllahu khayran
wassalaam
ILM-SA

Friday 10 August 2012

Ilm SA'a Under-Priviledged Kids Eid Party



Bismillah
As salaamu alaikum
We pray you are gaining maximum benefit from the last third of this month.

As you know, each year, ILM-SA hosts a party for about 150 underprivileged children at Essenwood Park on Eid Day.  The children are sent new clothes, and are treated to a party in the park, after praying Eid Salaah.  This includes meals, treats, entertainment as well as a giant Eid cake.  You are invited to be part of this moving occasion too, but we will send you info about that shortly.

For now, we'd like to request your assistance in ensuring we throw the kids as memorable a party as possible.

This is what we currently require:

1)  Eid gifts (toys not clothing):  9 gifts for 11 year old boys, 8 gifts for 12 year old boys, 1 gift for a 16 year old boy, 1 gift for a 17 year old boy and 1 gift for   an 18 year old boy.  To contribute a gift, please call Azra Hassim on 083 6786 444 before Wednesday next week.
Alhamdulillah, Azra has managed to secure gifts from generous donors for the other children, the above is what is outstanding.

2)  Alhamdulillah our Zakaah needs for the day have been taken care of, but we still require Lillah.
Lillah is required for:  entertainment (R680), a cake (R800), cartage (R900), furniture and ground cover (R1600), sound for the salaah (R2800), mobile toilets (R300) and food for NON UNDERPRIVILEGED PEOPLE who attend, like park workers, volunteers, members of the public (R2000). 
This amounts to R9080.  We have raised R4200 of this amount, and therefore require R4800.
To donate cash call Azra on 083 6786 444, or to make a deposit, please use the following details:

Name of Account holder:  Institute for Learning and Motivation - South Africa
Bank:  FNB
Branch Code:  222826
Account number: 62143281905
Reference: EID2012

Please note excess funds raised will be used towards our activities all of which are linked to Islamic education and socio-economic help.


Fathima Asmal
ILM SA

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Poetry: My beard


My beard,
A replica of my Nabi(Prophet),
How else am i to be proud of my deen?

I stood with pride ,
I had nothing to hide,
My beard,
My maturity,
My manliness,
Was all i showed.

Offended,you mocked at me,
Abused my integrity,
A free country?
Is this what you call freedom?

Harrassed and abused,
Until my soul left me,
But now I'м above
With my Lord,
My creator.

My brothers will fight for me,
For the cause of which i left this world,
Just for my beard,
The sunnah of my Nabi.

As you live ,
You will toil,
In guilt,knowing you killed a man bcos of his beard,
As i enjoy the rewards of paradise in bliss.

A beard, the beauty of a man,
Just as A lion is never seen without its mane.... 

Written by Amatullah

What happens to our bodies in Ramadaan


What happens to your body when you fast


   

We are familiar with the rules of the Ramadan fast, but what actually happens to our body when we abstain from food and drink?  Answer: Our body gets busy…

Detoxification

Taking a complete break from food means that your body goes into self-cleansing mode. The energy normally used in digestion can get to work elsewhere: removing built up toxins, healing old wounds and building new cells.

The body is forced to feed upon its own stored energy in the form of glycogen. As more stored fat is broken down, the chemicals and toxins absorbed from the food we eat and the environment we live in are released and eliminated from the body.  The detoxification that occurs normally in the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands and skin also goes into overdrive while we are fasting.

Digestive aid

As your body is not receiving a constant energy source, it depends on the reservoir of glycogen in your liver. This causes your blood sugar levels to drop, which can cause feelings of lethargy or weakness.

Meanwhile, your digestive tract is busy cleaning itself, allowing for more efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients. The lining of the stomach and intestines also work to restore glands and muscle and remove waste matter.
In the first few days of fasting, your kidneys will release more salt and water in a process known as diuresis, so you may notice an increase in urine production. This, in turn, will reduce your blood pressure.  Other processes that sustain the infrastructure of the body increase - including the release of anti-ageing growth hormones.
Side effects

As the body cleans itself, you many notice certain side effects. These include bad breath, body odour, headaches and a general sluggishness. The first week of Ramadan can be especially tough but, by week two, your system’s purge of all things bad will bring some relief.
Other changes in the body during a fast include a slight decrease in core body temperature, due to a decline in your metabolic rate and general bodily functions.


Contributed by, Zamik Zubair.




Sunday 5 August 2012

Beauty Tips for Sisters


Beauty tips 4 Sisters.

Dear sisters in Islam, As salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakatuhu,

Please take a look at this advice, so that you can stay attractive and beautiful for the rest of your life.

1- To beautify your eyes, lower your gaze towards strange men, this will make your eyes pure and shiny.

2- To beautify your face and make it shiny, keep doing wudhoo minimum five times a day.

3- To have attractive lips, always mention Allah and remember to speak the truth.

4- As for blush and rouge, "Modesty" (Haya') is one of the best brands and it can be found in any of the Islamic centers.

5- To remove impurities from your face and body, use a soap called "Istighfaar". (seeking forgiveness of Allah) this soap will remove any bad deeds.

6- Now about your hair, if any of you has a problem of hair split ends, then "Islamic Hijab" which will protect your hair from damage.

7- As! for jewelry, beautify your hands with humbleness and let your hands be generous and give charity to the poor

8- To avoid heart disease, forgive people who hurt your feelings.

9- Your necklace should be a sign to pardon your fellow brothers and sisters.

If you follow these advices given to you by the Creator, you will have a beautiful and attractive inner and outer appearance. In sha Allaah.


Written By a Muslim Sister

Friday 3 August 2012

The Reality of Love



How many of us envisaged a disney romance with the horse-drawn carriage, rose petals and singing mice? I know i have & I'm sure that if you delve deep into your forgotten memories you'll see that you have too. All it takes is one love, one relationship, or one heartbreak to show us how wrong we are.

Realistically speaking we couldn't handle those "prince charming" types: A guy watching you sleep is creepy, if he hears violins every time he sees you then he needs to check his mental state & if he says you're his reason for breathing ask him to choose between you & oxygen & notice how quickly that changes.

I know i sound a bit dramatic and like I'm "anti-love" (I'm actually one of the most romantic people that you'll ever meet) - but I'm just tired of wishing for a clichéd love that didn't, doesn't & will not exist.

I want something real, something with substance. From the morning breath to the silly fights over who's doing the dishes. I'd rather have a guy who falls asleep before me instead of watching me sleep [yeah i don't get the twilight 'love' (o_O)].

Love isn't all walks on the beach and candle light dinners. It takes a lot of patience and understanding (and effort to stop yourself from wanting to smack him over the head with the frying pan). It's sometimes having to stop yourself from saying something to avoid a fight and apologizing even when you're right. It's certainly not easy - but nothing worthwhile ever is.

We need to stop trying to recreate these foolish "love stories" & start creating our own. It won't be perfect (white doves won't fly by every time he sees you) but at least it will be Real, True, and hopefully Everlasting. 

-Arlia Alli-