the life,style & fashion mag

THE

& FASHION MAGAZINEJULY/AUG RAMADAAN & EID ISSUE 1

R 20,00 incl.

LIFE,STYLE

THE LIFE,STYLE &FASHION

MAGAZINE JULY/AUG RAMADAAN & EID

Features08 The Auspicious month

of Ramadaan

10 Mirza Yawar Baig

11 Mother’s Intuition

12 Habit Change

14 Ramadaan & Eid through

the eyes of a new Muslim

16 Ramadan in Cairo

32 Travelling with Salma

40 You are a miracle

41 Give the gift of sight

42 Black Hat

48 Events list

Food17 Healthy diet for Ramadaan

18 In The Kitchen

19 Minnie’s Recipe page

Beauty21 Beauty Focus

22 Heritage on the palm

of your hand

Fashion24 Scarf Styling

26 Faradh on Fashion

29 Fashion & Style

Kids34 Kids World

Health36 Iron deficiency anaemia

38 Hypertension,the silent

killer

Books & Poetry43 Book Focus

44 Simply Poetry

Sport46 Sports Focus

CONTENTS

04THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG

05 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG

MESSAGE FROMTHE EDITOR

salaamwa’alaialaikum

With the popularity of the Durban Muslima blog (www.durbanmuslima.blogspot.com), Rookaya Vawda, and I, Shireen Mansoor looked into the idea of advancing into a bigger project with also wide-spread appeal. This led us to the idea of a Muslim fam-ily magazine. For both of us, the excitement of working on a publication was more

overwhelming than the fear of entering completely alien territory. Undaunted we forged forward, devouring whatever information we could get our hands on in our quest to broaden our new horizon. Through discussions, surveys, late-nights and lots of input from the people that grew into back-bone of the publication, the seeds of The Life, Style & Fashion Mag germinated and bloomed into what you are now reading.

Time to introduce the family behind The Life, Style & Fashion Mag:Mirza Yawar Baig (India), Salma Kazi, Safia Kazi, Ammarah, Zohra Soomar, Hitesh Suru-jbally, Razeena Cassim, Dr Feroza Mansoor, Dr Mashuda Ally, Faradh Patel, Ferhad Sookhlal, Tahira Naidu, Ummaira Khan, Sumaiyya Karrim, Raeesa Hoosen, Rehana Rawat, Thrusha Maharaj,Saadiya Dockrat, Azra Bhayat, Naseema Mall, MahmoodVawda, Yusuf Ganie, Uzair Abdulla,Suhayl Ahmed Hoosen. Some in our team are journalists, writers, specialists in various fields and some are novices that we have roped in to add a fresh new view to our magazine.

Our heart and soul is in every page of the magazine and we take you on a journey through Ra-madaan, Eid, Fashion, Food, Sports, Beauty, Poetry, Relationships, Books, Children with Special Needs, New mothers and New muslims,a special kids section and much more.Future editions we are looking to include: features on people and their career choices, finances, legalities, study guides, coverage of events and much more.

With this edition hot off the press, we are already busy working on our second edition (August / September), that has a Bridal theme. It will also include a Bridal service directory as well as bride-to-be checklists, easy to make wedding décor and trinkets, marriage contracts and much more. So be

Shireen Mansoor. Rookaya Vawda.

“Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection.Advance and do not fear the thorn in the path,

For theydraw only corrupt blood.”~ Kahlil Gibran

A

3 x Hajj Odyssey – Meditation

cd’s, by Rookaya Vawda to be

given away

Sms your name, no. email, bb

pin and the theme of our next

edition to 078 601 9180


On 18 June 2012 iTV launched across on our TV screens on DSTV. It is the first Islamic channel that focuses on local South African content. Viewers in the Southern African region are spoilt for choice as iTV brings us a variety of Islamic and lifestyle programmes. One such programme is Let’s Talk. It’s a unique lifestyle programme that is focused predominantly on the Muslim woman. It is produced and presented by Gulafsha Sayed. A well known TV personality, she holds a honours degree in Film and Media from the University of the Witwa-tersrand.

She lectures at the University of Pretoria and the Market Lab, at the Market theatre in Johannesburg. Let’s Talk is a unique issue driven talk show that focuses on the modern muslimah of today. A muslimah plays so many diverse roles during her lifetime, shes a daughter, a wife, a mother and a career woman all in one! She maintains a home and balances many social and financial responsibilities all at the same time successfully. It is this multi tasking, dynamic, and inspirational woman that

Let’s Talk will bring us discussions by experts on various issues ranging from health, nutrition, fitness, Islamic fashion and lifestyle. It will also focus on some issues that affect the muslim community as a whole such as drug abuse, women and child abuse, domestic violence just to name a few. Each episode will feature an inspirational female guest that will chat to viewers about themselves, and tell us their inspiring true life stories.

There is also a medical consultant that will highlight common medical conditions and also answer to any viewers medical questions. The beauty and fashion consultants will bring viewers the latest in makeup, styling, accessories, and clothing fashion that is rel-evant to the muslim woman. Gulafsha is very excited about the huge array of topics and the various epi-sodes that are to come to our screens. As she herself says – she can’t wait, so “Let’s Talk”.

Let’s Talk will broadcast on itv channel 347 on DSTV on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am. Like the page on: Let’s Talk on iTV/ http://www.facebook.com/Let-sTalkOnItv

rAMADAAN“The month of Ramadaan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance

for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between

right and wrong).”

Ramadaan is a month filled with blessings, a month that gives us an opportunity to draw nearer to our Creator and to our Deen. It was in this month that the Holy Qur’an was revealed. Ramadaan is a month of fasting from dawn to dusk, a time for additional prayers, charity, caring and sharing. Muslims regard it as an ideal time for spiritual rejuvenation. Ramadaan is a time when Muslims concentrate on inner, spiritual devel-opment and spend less time on the mundane and material aspects of life. It is a time of worship and contemplation. The performance of Taraweeh Salaah is Sunnat Al Muakkadah for both men and women.

However, the times we are living in, is such that it is filled with the temptations and pleasures of this world, thus mak-ing us oblivious of our real goal & purpose in life. The entire year goes by and it is sad to say that most of us have not even completed a recitation of the Qur’an in this time. We should however make an extra effort in Ramadaan to recite Qur’an with the intention of completing an entire recital. The true beauty and spirit of Ramadaan has most certainly been lost. Ramadaan, for most of us, is a month of feasting!

When Ramadaan draws close, we become anxious about the food and savoury preparations that have to be completed.This preparation is also beneficial as the rewards for feeding a fasting person are great & it would be excellent if the object would be to ensure that we have enough free time during Ramadaan for our Ibaadah.

What about our spiritual preparation? Have we set any targets for ourselves as far as our Ibaadah is concerned? Ramadaan is not ONLY about fasting during the day. The Prophet (sallal-laahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has stated that some people fast in the month of Ramadaan and gain nothing but hunger from it. The reason for this is that they may have indulged in backbit-ing, evil and sin while fasting and thus receive no reward for it.Great opportunities in life do not present themselves as often as we would like them to.So when an opportunity does arrive it is only sensible and intelligent to embrace the opportunity fully and reap its ben-efits. Ramadaan is a month full of barakah and blessings and it is up to us to attain these benefits.The first part of the month brings Allah’s Mercy, the middle brings His Forgiveness & the

~Surah Baqarah, verse 185

BY AALIMAH, RAEESA HOOSEN (DUBAI - UAE)

OF

ThE AuSpiCiOuS MONTh


last part brings emancipation from the fire of Jahannam.The Night of Qadr appears but once a year with the oppor-tunity to earn forgiveness and a phenomenal reward of more than 80 years of dedicated worship to one’s Creator. Such an opportunity can only be regarded as a special bounty from a Most Loving and Generous Creator to His unworthy subjects. Allah Ta’ala gives without measure and is willing to forgive and bestow His choicest favours upon those who seek them.This big opportunity presents itself in the last ten nights of Ramadaan and it is for all believers regardless of who they are and where they may be. Regardless of the number of sins and wrong doings committed, there is no obstacle on this night. Allah Ta’ala is prepared to forgive all and further elevate a person towards His proximity. It should not be that we are engaged in frivolities, debates, arguments, hanging out or any other forms of un-mindfulness that will deprive us of this tremendous opportunity. These are nights when we can free our souls from the grips of vice, and bring about a total change and reformation in our hearts. We can release ourselves from the misery of sin, free our hearts of hatred, malice, jealousy, pride, love for the world and all other contaminants that dirty the heart. Missing out on the favours of this great night will be an immeasurable loss and a sign of ungratefulness to the mercy and favours of a most Kind Allah. For a few nights in our life let us change the pattern, and focus our attention to what could be a most rewarding and life-changing experience. After all, trends that are set in Ramadaan are generally the trends that will remain with us after the month has past. The ball is surely and firmly in our court and we will have none to blame but ourselves if we deprive our souls of the opportunity. If one obtains the blessings of the Night of Qadr and is freed and emancipated from sin and the fire, then indeed life after Ramadaan will follow the same trend and one will have gained the courage and strength to live life on the path of guidance and obedience to Allah Ta’ala.

Allah says, “Verily we have revealed the message in the night of power, and what will explain to you what the night of power is, the night of power is greater than a thousand months, in it descend the angels and the spirit ( Jibrail) with the permission of their Lord with all decrees, peace it is till the rising of the dawn.” (Surah Qadr)The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “Whoever prays during the Night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari)

After being absorbed in a month long exercise of vigorous worship and spiritual enrichment comes the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The day of Eid is one to express sincere gratitude to Almighty Allah for His favours – gratitude for the opportunity to fast through the day, stand in prayer at night, give charity, and recite the Quran abundantly. It is a day of celebration for the believers who have executed their duties honourably.

Eid is the culmination of this spiritual empowerment and a festival marking the accomplishment of all Muslims. However, it does not signal the end of the mission. The good discipline developed in Ramadaan must remain and be sustained. A true reflection of our efforts in Ramadaan being accepted is continuity with good actions post Ramadaan.Whilst the day of Eid is a joyous occasion the night should be one of contemplation and worship. It was the practice of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that he would not sleep in the night preceding the day of Eid-ul-fitr. This night has been titled in a Hadith as the Night of Reward (Laylatul Jaiza).

The Prophet (S.A.W) is reported to have said: “Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die.” (Ibn Majah).

Surely for those who repented profusely in Ramadaan and used the auspicious month in the best possible way to gain proximity to their Creator, the day of Eid is one of true joy and celebration. They know well that they have seized the opportunities that availed in Ramadaan, and have firm hope in the reward and pleasure of their Creator. On the other hand those who squandered the opportunities, procrastinated in their repentance, and did not seize the blessed moments, will be left to regret their failure. Eid is a sweet sour occasion for such people, as they eat, meet, and greet with a regretful heart and look back at what could have been a life changing experience.

May Allah make us of those who derive maximum benefit from this month & make it a means of guidance & reward for us, our families & the entire Muslim Ummah! Ameen!


North Beach Events was pleased to host author Mirza Yawar Baig on Friday, 4 May at the Pavilion Hotel. Host Rookaya Vawda had initially expected a turnout of 50 people but 160 people turned up. MC Musaid Dawood introduced Sheikh Yawar Baig, who proceeded to enlighten the listeners on how to build a successful marriage and the best way to raise Muslim children.

Author of several books, the event had on sale four of Sheikh Yawar’s books: A Journey of Faith (2nd edition), Bringing up a Muslim Child, Mar-riage –Making It and Living It and his latest book 20.10.2010-55, which is 55 life lessons espoused by the author.

Sheikh Yawar Baig is a frequent visitor to South Africa. Besides motivating Muslims on how to practice the deen conscientiously, he also con-ducts business seminars and is specialized in the field of family businesses. His books are available at the Al Ansaar bookstore. North Beach Events is an initiative that was started by Rookaya Vawda.

To cater for the large number of Muslims living at the beachfront, she conducts exciting events on a monthly basis. Her next event will be aimed and children and teenagers. For more information contact Rookaya on 0836231154.

Mirza Yawar Baig inspires Muslims to be

better & parents spouses


Quite a choice of career for a 23year old hey! Well after the birth of my daughter I had remained completely flabbergasted by the entire delivery process. The inde-scribable feeling of becoming a mum, coupled with my awesome personal experience in the delivery room has motivated me to engage in the rendering of doula serv-ices. After scouting around for a reputable institution to study at, Alhamdulillah I found Sacred Space, a doula training institution in Johannesburg whose course is recognised internationally and who is affiliated to The Doulas of Southern Africa. I am also certified by the South African Water Fitness Association where I trained to instruct Aquacise as well as Aquanatal (aqua aerobics for expect-ant moms). In my capacity as an individual, my greatest strength is the ability to effectively contribute to the wellbeing of others and as a doula, this strength of mine is undoubt-edly brightly highlighted. After completing the theory aspect of my doula course, it became quite apparent to me as to how many women are making choices regard-ing their pregnancies without adequate knowledge. My goal Insha-Allah is to educate women into make informed choices.There is no greater feeling than to assist and care for a mum that’s about to bring a baby into the world and ofcourse it only gets better after the delivery, I get to have both baby and mum in my care May Allah accept my ef-forts Insha-Allah.

Assalmamu alaikum warahma tullahi wah barakatu.

Alhamdulillah, a new magazine has been launched, how awe-some is that. New magazine, new concepts, new......everything. Just like a pregnancy being a new beginning. Wow I just found myself wallowing away in the excitement of being able to include an insert in the first addition of this fabu-lous magazine that I didn’t realise that I had omitted to introduce myself!My apologies, I am Sumaiyya Mahomed aka Doula Sumaiyya Mahomed, the proud owner and initiator of Mothers Intuition Doula services...between love and care lies natural comfort. I can already see eyebrows raise to the name ‘doula’. Well let me explain to you, exactly what a doula is and what a doula does.The word doula is derived from a Greek word meaning a woman care giver. A doula a trained labour support person. She pro-vides physical as well as emotional and psychological support to the mum and dad before, during and after the birth. A doula also provides the following: ~Assists with pre and postnatal advice and care.~Helps you to prepare your birth plan, in order for you to get the birth you want.~She assists during your birth with your breathing and pain coping.~Educates you about different birth positions, to ensure that you do not tear and to help speed along your birth.~Is not a medical professional, but is trained in many non-medi-cal pain relief meth ods and understands the physiology of birth.~She also assists with lactation advice and helps latch baby on etc. Research has shown the following staggering statistics in a doula supported birth:- 50% reduction in caesarean sections.- Average labours that are 25% shorter as the body works faster when supported.- 60% reduction in epidurals requested. The natural pain techniques really work.- 40% reduction in assisted deliveries. Mums are pushing out their babies more easily in a supportive birth environment.- Increased rate of breastfeeding.

MOTHERS INTUITION

for more info contact: Sumaiyya

0767623306

[email protected]


hAbiTchange

Time for a...

PSYCHOLOGISTS TELL US THAT HABIT CHANGE TAKES 21 DAYS. IF SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING CONTINUOUSLY FOR 21 DAYS IT WILL BECOME A HABIT. WE ARE ABOUT TO COME TO THE ANNUAL HABIT CHANGE WORKSHOP THAT ALLAHY SENDS AS HIS MERCY EVERY YEAR TO HELP US TO CULTIVATE HABITS OF THE JANNAH.

BY: Mirza Yawar Baig (India)

Baqara 2:3. Who believe in the Ghaib and estab-

lish As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend out of what we have provided

for them.

1. ObedienceThe first habit to be cultivated and ingrained is unquestion-ing obedience to the orders of AllahY. That is where it all begins. Without obedience; with a rebellious Nafs there is no hope of ever becoming a Muttaqi. AllahY praised the obedience of the Sahaba and said:Baqara 2:285. - and they say, “We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Rabb, and to You is the return (of all). The Muslim is one who submits and without submission there is no Islam or Muslim. There’s no such thing as a non-practicing Muslim. 2. Attention to Imaan, Salah & to Spending in the path of AllahYWhen AllahY mentioned that Al Hidaya is for the Mut-taqoon, He mentioned their top three qualities: Belief in the Unseen, establishing Salah and spending from what He gave us. He said:

AllahY said about the blessed month of Ramadan:Baqara 2:183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (people of Taqwa)The first and most critical condition of being a Jannati, of being from among the people of Jannah is to be a Muttaqi – a person of Taqwa. It is good to remind ourselves that all the promises of AllahY’s Mercy and Reward are for the Mu’minoon and Muttaqoon.AllahY promised Al Hidaya only to those who have Taqwa. He said:Baqara 2:2. This is the Book (the Qur’an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-MuttaqunIt is to help us to become Muttaqoon that AllahY sends us His Mercy annually, called Ramadan.So let us see what the habits of the Muttaqoon, the People of Jannah are.


AllahY accepts the dua only of His obedient slaves. Those who think that they can live their lives in disobedience and unconsciousness then turn to AllahY only in times of dif-ficulty are suffering from one of the most common forms of self-induced dementia and delusion.

5. Attention to personal conduct & Huqooq-ul-IbaadRamadan is a month where we focus on improving our personal conduct. We try to control our anger, protect our tongues from Gheeba, cursing, useless talk and other debili-tating diseases. We protect our eyes and ears from looking at and listening to whatever AllahY prohibited. Let us make the intention to use the month to make these good habits permanent. Gheeba, cursing and useless talk don’t become Halaal after Ramadan.AllahY said:Hujuraat 49: 10. The Believers are nothing but brothers (in Islam). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy. 11. O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one’s brother after having Faith [cursing, swear words.]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (oppressors). 12. O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.Major matters concerning the rights of people are self-evident so I won’t mention them here. But what about our social lives? We know backbiting is Haraam yet we don’t stay away from it. Remember that this results in your good deeds going into the account of someone you hate. Now how intelligent is that? 6. Attention to reflection and self-correctionFinally Ramadan is an opportunity to take stock of our lives, to reflect on what we have been doing and what we should have been doing. In Ramadan we take time out for extra worship. Most people at least pray Taraweeh. In Ramadan also we have that greatest of benefits, Itikaaf. This is a Sun-nah of Rasoolullahr and is a means for us to get close to AllahY and to have our duas accepted. Let us use Itikaaf in its true sense as a time to spend in solitude, silence, contem-plation, studying the Qur’an and Sunnah and in worship. Let Ramadan be a means for us to re-engineer ourselves so that we become the inheritors of Jannah. As I said, it takes 21 days to change a habit and establish a new one. AllahY gave us 30. Let us make the best use of those days so that when we stand before AllahY we would be able to stand with honor as His favorite slaves – as His Awliya.

3. Attention to seeking knowledge and Tilawatil Qur’anRamadan is the month of the Qur’an. We listen to it, we read it and we try to implement it in our lives. This is the third habit to ingrain.AllahY said:Baqara 2: 185. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).Make the reading of the Qur’an the first thing you do every day. Let the Qur’an be the first thing you see every day, the first thing you read, the first thing that has your attention. 4. Attention to dua: thanking AllahY and seeking His For-givenessAllahY mentioned dua in one of the most beautiful Ayaat of the Qur’an which He placed in the middle of the Ayaat about Ramadan.Baqara 2:186. And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then I am indeed near. I respond to their dua when he calls on Me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. Make dua a habit. In-culcate it in your children. Teach them to ask only AllahY for everything that they need. This is the essence of Tawheed ur Ruboobiya. That is why Rasoolullahr called dua ‘Al Mukhkhul ibaada (the essence – brain – of worship). This is the greatest resource that a Mu’min has. It is the greatest legacy that you can give your children if you teach them how to invoke the power of AllahYand to take from the treasures of AllahY, to give to the world.Finally remember that AllahY put conditions about those whose dua He accepts.He said: Baqara 2:186. So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. Remember that there is no acceptance of dua without acceptance of the Uboodiyat of AllahY.

MIrZA YAWAr BAIg AT HIS BooK LAUNCH,MAY 2012,DURBAN

ORGANISED BY NORTH BEACH


“WHEN I TURNED 18, MY LOVE FOR ISLAM TURNED INTO A PASSION”

rAMADAAN & EiD through the eyes of a New Muslim

BY : Tahira Naidu

As-Salaamu Alaykum

I am Tahira. I am a 21 year old 3rd year B.Com Marketing student and I am what you may call a “new Muslim”, more com-monly known as a “revert”. It has been a magical journey accepting the pureness and beauty that we hold close to our hearts and call perfection and that is Islam.

I give thanks to the Almighty for being allowed the opportunity to return to where I truly belong. I have arrived home. Being a non-Muslim prior, Islam was always close to my heart. I was always surrounded by Muslim friends, Islamic literature, stories, teachings of our Honorable Prophet (SAW) and inspiring Hadith that brought me to tears with the simplest words but with the utmost beauty.

Freedom of conscience is laid down in the Qur’an: “There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And God is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.” (Qur’an 2:256)


When I turned 18, my love for Islam turned into a passion. It was then that Islam turned into something that I could consid-er being a part of, something to make me whole and some-where I could find peace. My families are from a mix of beliefs and I found neither answers nor peace from them, just the occasional “You must pray!” and “You need to start believing in something!” and of course “Just follow as we do, it’s what the elders do, don’t question it” and “They can’t be wrong, can they?” That did not sit well with me at all. I needed to believe, I needed to love and most of all I needed to trust.

I learnt a bit of Islam on my own, I had an English Qur’an and I signed up to e-newsletters. My family of Muslim friends, now brothers and sisters, supported me every single step of the way with my constant questioning, for that I am forever grateful.On a special Thursday night, I was especially restless. I could not talk to anyone; I was stressed and anxious – all for no apparent reason. I locked myself in my room and the tears just streamed down my face in buckets. I cannot explain the feel-ing nor can I explain the state of mind I was in, there were no complicated questions going around me. I became silent, and then my mind whispered “Islam” and my heart said “Allah”.

On our blessed day of Jummah on the 16th of January I said my Shahada for the very first time. Being a new Muslim and entering this deen is the best decision that I have made in my life and believe me, NOTHING can compare to not under-standing a word of Arabic and repeating each and every word of the Shahada with a full heart, full of understanding, full of acceptance, teary eyes, instant contentment and love which is the pureness of Islam. It felt as if I was living in black and white and Islam welcomed me to a kaleidoscope of colour, love and appreciation of everything that our Allah has created.

I love my deen and I put that first in my life but I am still yet to tell my family of what I believe in, my fear is rejection With being a Muslim, fasting in Ramadaan is just one of the most beautiful things us Muslims do with so much reward to reap from our Allah (SWT). Since my family does not know of my beliefs just yet, it is a bit of a difficult month for me but the Almighty always grants ease with hardship. I have to be a very tactful during sehri, this means no warmed food or scrambling about the house, it’s dead silent.For my first Ramadaan I was super excited, fasting! Something new, everyone’s up early and the home is abuzz! The lights are on, people are eating and praying and listening to Al Ansaar with hot pastries, teas and coffees! I thought I could have that too! What joy! I learned very quickly that would not be the case for me.

The first day was fine. I awoke early, lit some lobaan - let my house smell nice, had a hot shower and fed myself, prayed and went to bed. It was beautiful, my first day, peaceful, I did not feel hungry, lots of prayer and had a magnificent Iftaar even though I was bugged to eat during the course of the day. No

questions asked otherwise. The next day however was an issue, and the next and the next and the next till around the time of Eid. Why are you waking up so early? Are you a Muslim now? Let so and so hear about this! I hope you didn’t go and do anything! How traumatic and hurtful I felt. I ended up filling myself up on water and dates and other fruit (less noise) whilst having family members come in and literally check on me at sehri time to see if I am awake, what I’m doing and more im-portantly, why. The Musjid is near my home so when the most beautiful call comes from our Azaan they know it’s time to break the fast. This is when I have to act like I am not hungry, break my fast and push eating till they either go to bed or are not on my case anymore.

The magnificence of our Beloved month which is Ramadaan ends with the biggest Jewel: Eid Ul Fitr What joy! What celebrations!I only yearned to be a part of the buzz. Shopping for goodies to eat and share, spending it with like-minded individuals, just to have that company on such a joyous day!Remembering and thanking our Allah (SWT) for the oppor-tunity to be blessed with the Ramadaan that has passed and to ask that we see the Ramadaan of next year is what Eid is about. It is about family and sharing and being thankful that we are Muslim.

Lately after getting used to being alone on Eid l always remem-ber this heartwarming quote by Rumi: “Whenever you are alone, remind yourself that Allah has sent everybody else away so that there is only you and Him” – Rumi.Complaining to people is not acceptable, for being alone isn’t their problem, you can complain and cry on your musallah, that is where you can be helped. I therefore also see what a shame it is for many, many Muslims that complain about Eid. It is a time to make shukar!So much to shop for, my house isn’t clean enough, the visitors are late, too many dishes to wash, my outfit isn’t as pretty as hers or I didn’t get enough Eidy, are just some of the complaints I have come across. Is this what Eid is about?

We need to stop pleasing others and start pleasing Allah (SWT) because He alone provides for us. He uses other peo-ple as channels to get His work done and we seem to forget that. After Ramadaan all that we have done religiously seems to go straight out of our head and we only seem to remember what to do when we see Ramadaan again – that again, we are never sure of !

Eid is (for now) a painful matter in my heart that only Allah (SWT) knows of, only he hears my duaa’s and feels my pain. I will only truly appreciate Eid when I have a family of my own In Sha Allah. There will be no complaining allowed that is for sure. Just giving of the love Allah has blessed me with and making shukar, shukar, shukar … I wish all readers a blessed Ramadaan Mubarak, May Allah (SWT) grant all our duaa’s...


Ramadan in CairoIncomparable to any place, and perhaps only surpassed by Umrah, is the atmosphere of Ram-adan in Cairo. Preparations begin well before its commencement and part of the thrill is lighting the streets and homes with lanterns, known as fun-noos. A uniquely Egyptian tradition that apparently dates back to over a 1000 thousand years, the beautiful lanterns decorate street poles and many a home. A pervasive serenity descends in Ramadan and a swift change of attitude, from excitable to sedate, among Egyptians.

The spirit of Ramadan is enhanced by the abun-dant iftar meals provided by the wealthy to the less fortunate. The youth in particular enjoy getting involved in preparing hampers for the poor and tables are laid out in the streets to make sure the less fortunate are fed a decent iftar.

At the time of Taraweeh people gather at the mosques in droves and the congregation usually spills out into the open. Adhans from the mosques puncture the air as the congregants align to fulfill the spiritual embodiment of Ramadan. Personally, I preferred performing Taraweeh in the open, under the night sky. The serenity and the unity are magi-cal. The recitation of the Qur’an sublime.

The month reaches its climax when the day of Eid is announced.Cairo is notoriously noisy but come Eid morning and it’s transformed into a city of silence, except for the Eid takbeer that summons its citizens to the masjid. As commanded by the Prophet (peace be upon him) men, women and children make their way to the Eid salaah.

Traditionally sweets are handed to the children after the Eid salaah and congregants make their way

back home. The rest of the day is spent with family and friends. Although there isn’t a traditional lunch, families get together for supper where normally fish is served.

Most people travel out of Cairo for Eid, which means that at least for a week the streets are un-characteristically quiet.

Ramdan in Egypt has a peculiar past meets present nuance. In the vicinity of ancient masajid one can almost sense the scholars and citizens of old spending their time in worship within those ancient walls. Paradoxically, the massive crowds enhance the spirit of contemplation and worship. Knowing that millions of people are embraced by the tran-quility that descends in this month, one can’t help but feel truly blessed.


Ramadan in Cairo

The glorious month of Ramadan is upon us once again. A time of spiritual fulfillment, a time to detox our souls and an opportunity to detox our bodies.

We start the month off with lots of energy and as the month wears on, with the lack of sleep and decrease of food consump-tion, that energy starts to wane. Our immune systems are also strained, leaving us susceptible to illness. With less food, our metabolisms slow down, making us prone to weight gain.

However, if we follow a well balanced eating plan, choosing foods low in sugar, salt and fat and high in complex and fibrous carbo-hydrates, as well as protein, it is possible to maintain our energy levels, keep our immune systems strong and even lose weight.

Don’t skip SahurSahur is equivalent to breakfast. Eating breakfast helps to re-charge the brain and body, making us more efficient in what we do. Choose low-GI foods, which are slowly digested and absorbed gradually increasing blood sugar and insulin levels. These foods help control appetite, delay hunger and sustain the body’s energy levels for longer.

Low GI Foods Medium GI Foods High GI FoodsAll Bran Cereal Special K Cereal Weetbix Cereal

Oat Bran/Rolled Oats

Croissant Cornflakes Cereal

Whole grain/Whole wheat Bread

Burger Bun Rice Krispies Cereal

Apples/Oranges/Grapefruit

Pineapple Cheerios Ce-real

Skim Milk Raisins White Bread

Yoghurt Bananas Watermelon/Dates

Keep hydratedIn Ramadan, we tend drink less. We have less time in which to consume the fluids, we want to urinate less so we can keep our wudhu longer and we don’t want to feel too full, so we can eat more. In winter the air becomes drier, accelerating dehydration.

However, when we are not adequately hydrated, our metabo-lisms work slower, we have decreased energy and we sometime get headaches. Try drinking 2 glasses of water at iftaar, 2 after Taraweeh salat and 2 at sahur. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as these tend to act as diuretics, causing the body to eliminate water. If you do drink tea or coffee, drink more water to compensate.

Limit fat intakeBake, broil, grill, boil or air fry food when preparing it. Use only a tablespoon of Olive or Canola oil and low heat when frying onions. Use a non-stick pan and non-stick spray to cook foods. Bake or air-fry samoosas, chips, spring rolls, etc. Replace inkomaaz and yoghurt with fat-free yoghurt when marinating and cooking. Sub-stitute smooth, fat-free cottage cheese for butter and margarine as spread. Allow soups to cool and skim the fat off the top. Trim fat off meats and cook only skinless chicken. Use skim or fat free milk to make falooda and desserts.

Cut back on sugar and saltToo much of salt causes the body to retain water and increases blood pressure. Excess sugar causes the body to store fat, leaves us feeling tired, contributes to anxiety and suppresses the immune system. Traditionally dates are used to break our fast. Limit the amount of dates that you eat, as they are high in sugar. Eat fresh fruit, if you are craving something sweet. Avoid fruit juice and dried fruit as these are sources of concentrated sugar. Replace sugar with sweetener in tea and coffee as well as cooking and baking. Replace cool drinks with the sugar-free variety. If you must partake in eating something sweet, limit the portion size. Try to not eat sugary foods every day. Eliminate add-ing salt to food at the table.

SupplementIn Ramadan it is difficult to consume the amount of foods we require to provide our bodies with sufficient nutrients, therefore take a multi-vitamin, multi-mineral. You can also take an immune booster to prevent colds and flues. Taking a meal replacement at Sahur, is also a great way to ensure that your body is receiving adequate nutrition.

If you don’t like to eat vegetables, you can prepare soup with a variety of vegetables. If you are suffering from a chronic condition such as Diabe-tes, it is always advisable to seek your doctor’s advice about whether you should fast or not. If you are taking medication which requires a 3 or 4 times a day dose, take to your doctor about possible dose adjustments.

Try to use Ramadan as a way to not only develop good spiritual habits, but good eating habits as well.

On Eid day, enjoy, even binge a little, but go back to healthy eating the next day.

Healthy Diet forRamadaan

By Pharmacist, Razeena Khan (Durban)

017 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | FOOD

In the KitchenBy Ammarah (Gauteng)(Radio Islam Presenter Natural Health, Women’s Weekly& Household Express)

SPICY CHICKEN BITES for your Iftaar table3 large chicken fillets cubed¼ cup milk¼ cup sour cream1 teaspoon fine salt1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon ground red chillies1 tablespoon Dijon mustard [optional]1 cup gram/chana flour

Combine first seven ingredients together. Refrigerate overnight or a few hours. Before frying, mix in gram flour. Take little batches between your fingers and place in hot oil. Cook on both sides until golden. Serve hot with lemon halves.

BURFEE DESSERT – an Eid treat1 litre milk1 cup klim milk powder½ tsp elachi powder2 dessert spoons custard powder1 tsp rose water½ to ¾ tin condense milk – depends on how sweet you like things3 tsp sugar1 small tin Nestle cream1 – 2 tsp china grass/ghas powder

Mix klim, china grass, sugar and custard powder in 1 cup milk and make a paste.Bring rest of milk to almost boiling point, and then add paste mixture. Stir till milk mixture thickens to custard like appearance. Remove from heat, add elachi powder condensed milk and Nestle cream and rose water. Stir well. Pour into bowl or mould and refrigerate.

Minnies will be giving away 9bottles to lucky

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TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR GREENS FRESH

Greens are a staple in any health-con-scious household. But keeping them fresh might not seem like an easy task. Contrary to popular opinion, keeping greens fresh for more than a week does not require fancy equipment, just a refrigerator, a plastic bag and a few simple storing tips.First, when pur-chasing greens, look for those that are full of life and extremely crisp. Greens can vary from bright to deep shades of color, but if you begin with limp greens, chances are their lifespan will be minimal regardless of your storing techniques. Once purchased, trim the ends as you would with fresh flowers, place the cut ends in water and refrig-erate. You can also wrap the cut ends in a damp paper towel, place them inside an open plastic bag to maintain oxygen and then refrigerate. Cool temperatures of between 36 degrees and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (but no warmer) will further help to avoid any wilting. If stored properly, greens can last anywhere from one to three weeks after purchase.

Next, roll up the towel and greens like you would roll a jell-roll. Be gentle, don’t roll them tightly. Place the roll in a plastic bag and suck or squeeze out the excess air and tie it closed. Place in the veggie bin of your refrigerator.This works well because the paper towel will absorb the moisture off of the outside of the leaves but will remain damp, providing just the right amount of humidity to the greens without making them too wet.To keep curry leaves and coriander leaves fresh for a long time in the fridge, wrap it in a wet paper towel or muslin cloth and keep it in an air tight box. It lasts for over a month

DHANIA – CORIANDER

Firstly do not wash the bunch before putting it in the fridge. If there is any excess sprayed on mist on the coriander, pat it dry on a napkin or towel leaving just a little; a little mist is needed to keep it fresh and fine. Place it in the plastic bag and wring the plastic bag tight leaving enough space in the bag around the coriander bunch so minimal part of the bag touches it, looking like a coriander bunch in a plastic sphere.Wash the required amount before each use and after use, restore the remain-ing bunch the same way in the fridge and I can bet it won’t spoil for at least 2 weeks. Clean, wash and chop dhania or mint leaves finely. Fill each cube in an ice cube tray with the finely chopped dha-nia or mint leaves. Top each cube with cold water and freeze. The dhania or mint cubes can be dropped into curries etc. on an as needed basis.Wash the greens in cold water. Spin away excess water (a salad spinner is an indispensible kitchen tool). Lay a pa-per towel flat on the counter and place a layer of damp greens, not wet greens, on the towel. Place another paper towel on top of that and repeat the process till you have no more than three or four layers of greens between paper towels.

In the Kitchen

019 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | FOOD

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The Beauty Studio

Is it about being fair or dark skinned? Is it about facial features – dark eyes, oval face, perfect nose (if there is such a thing as a perfect nose)? Is it about having a good figure or being tall or short? Beauty is perceived, it is intangible and very subjec-tive. One person’s idea of beauty will differ from another’s. The expression “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” is so true. We are God’s creations. Everything in nature is beautiful.

Women have been obsessed with beautify-ing themselves for centuries gone by. Recall Cleopatra who had milk baths to keep her skin fair, soft and silky. Her eyes were heavily outlined with kohl to attract attention.

Today it is not only women who beautify and groom themselves. Men have also introduced a beauty regime into their grooming routine. The market for male grooming is slowly grow-ing as they themselves are trimmed, waxed, threaded and exfoliated.Teenagers are also fast becoming a target market as their beauty consciousness becomes aroused by observing their parents and by be-ing exposed to the media. Health & Wellness Spas and Beauty Studios abound. All profess to be professional offering

first class service. How then does one choose the right salon or spa? Here are a few guidelines:-•The Salon must immediately be welcoming and should create a good first impression.•Cubicles must be neat and clean.•Linen must be clean.•Therapists must be trained and professional in their approach.•They must be well informed on treatments offered and products sold.•Procedures must be confidently and ef-ficiently performed.•Products used for facials, massages and waxing must be of a high standard. No recy-cled wax should be used.•Beauty instruments must be sterilized and electrical equipment must all be in good working order.•Therapists should be able to handle queries confidently.

I hope this information helps you in choos-ing the right salon!In the issues to follow I will be discussing various aspects of beauty:

• Skin care and product choice• Hair removal• Body care• Hand and foot care• Slimming• Make-up and Style Management

WHAT IS BEAUTY?

bEAuTyFOCUS

BY ZoHrA SOOMARThe Beauty Studio ,Durban

Zohra / Yadsha

tel: 0313033 726 | 082 786 0332190 Florida Rd,Morningside

stockists of Guinot Beauty products & Kryolan make-up

“WOMAN HAVE BEEN OBSESSED WITH BEAU-TIFYING THEM-SELVES “

021 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | BEAUTY

handHeritage & tradition

On ThE PaLM OF YOUR

By Educator, Rehana Rawat (Durban)

Mendhi application is a tradition in-herited from the Indian subcontinent, encouraged by Islam as a Sunnah, and a big part of pre Eid, Diwali and wedding festivities in many Indian homes!

Gone are the days when nani ma use to grind freshly broken henna leaves in her stone kundi, seep it in tea and mix it into a paste. To the pungent green ‘chutney’ looking concoction she would add colour enhancing oils and keep it overnight.It is from fond memories that I recall the fun that soon fol-lowed. The young girls would gather around the aunts to get a share of the thick paste slapped and smeared onto their hands. The offending hands where the source of much teasing from the boy cousins who usually wrinkled their noses in disgust! Undoubtedly put off by the strong rich scent. Once all the lit-tle hands where carefully wrapped into brown paper bags, the excited girls trooped of to bed, each praying that the colour will ‘catch’ and dreaming that their hands would be the dark-est, tomorrow.

022THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | BEAUTY

After cleaning up the mess the ladies would then use fingers, match sticks and toothpicks to cover their finger and toe nails with the remaining mendhi, once tightly ‘celotaped’, they too, will retire for the night. The older ones amongst them, inevitably, complaining about the ‘cold’ and ‘pulling’ pains the mendhi will cause.That would have just left the last brave kala, who would scrap the rest of the mendhi from the bowl to streak her hair while giggling to herself about how shocked everybody would be when they see her flaming red hair the next day (these where the days before salon highlights, after all).

The next morning would be a rush of activity and excitement, as the young girls peeled off their protective bags and washed off the hardened mendhi. Crinkled and cramped hands were compared and those with the ‘blackest spots’ proudly claimed victory. Vicks and oils would then be massaged in by nani ma as she admired each hand and overheard the ladies com-plain about the cold pulling pain their mendhi had caused, knowing full well that many would want a second coat for their nails that night again. Then kala would make her grand appearance to show off her ‘redder’ hair to the chuckles and teasing of everyone.

Today, mendhi has come a long way from the full smeared palms of the past. Mendhi application has since evolved into an art, and mendhi designs have gained popularity in recent years. Fast becoming a global trend, traditional fresh mendhi has given way to the ready mixed, store bought , cone variety which guarantees even colour.

While each mendhi artist is reputed to apply designs with his or her own flair, many carry a distinct signature, true to time and place. From the floral patterns of Arabia to the glove like intricacy of Indian designs; from the quick and thick variety of Pakistan, to the modern trends of splash, twirls and tattoos.

Mendhi has also become a South African familiarity crossing ethnic lines. While many countries and nations fight for the claim to be the origin of mendhi, South Africans can proudly claim to have taken this ancient tradition to new heights. Mendhi is part of our cultural melting pot. The emerging South African variety is trendy, modern and pleasing to the eye.

From the street markets to Eid fairs, eastern conventions and bridal mendhi specialist, mendhi is admired and appreciated across South Africa and carries a beautiful sense of heritage and tradition in the palm of the hand.

pictures courtesy of mendhi 4 u0786019180

023 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | BEAUTY

Scarf Styling with Saadiyah Dockrat

25 Scarves to be given away, cour-tesy of Scarves UnlimitedSms your name, no. email add, bb pin & the words “Scarf styling” to 078 601 9180

Model: La’eeqa Mosam

Scarf Stylist : Saadiyah Dockrat

Make-up artist: Zohra Soomar

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024THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | FASHION

Scarf Styling

082 8577 277

Now whilst I personally am no slave to fashion, and I do appreciate style in different forms, I must say that your personal style should be cultivated to re-flect your personality, your choice of threads should reflect the person you really are. As the fashion pages grow I plan to include many local designers, focus our own cross cultural South African style, our Indian, Pakistani, African and Arab influences, and our emerging fashion trends. I hope to chat to our very own Zalebs on their style and unearth their personal fashion tips, but the ultimate of course would be our very own Best Dressed List 2012.

As we launch the Faradh on fashion spread, we will give three lucky readers the chance to win a ‘Faradh on Fashion’ Pamper pack valued at R500-00 each. Just email your details to [email protected] have been labelled ‘trendy’, stylish, ‘metro’ both in the media and in my social sphere, so I thought I should address an important issue with which , AIhamdulillah, I have been blessed with some moderate level of expertise, namely, a Muslim man’s fashion sense.My motivation is based on observing many men coming to the Musjid dressed quite inappropriately, improperly, or wearing things that might be embar-rassing to any self respecting Muslim man. We live in a society where our appearance is often the first-impression left on people, and with the Mus-lim image as it is, we should do everything in our power to improve that image.

It is related in Sunan al-Nasae that a man came to the holy Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wearing a poor-quality garment. Allah’s Messenger asked him, “Do you have any wealth?” He replied, “Allah has given me all kinds of wealth.” So Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Allah has given you wealth, let us see on you the effects of Allah’s blessings and generosity.”My understanding, from the Sunnah is that having nice clothing is allowed (and perhaps in some cases encour-aged) assuming that it does not reach the level of extrava-gance. However, I also understand from the Sahabah that many preferred simple clothing out of humbleness. We have examples of some of our pious predecessors who owned only 1 or 2 garments, and we have examples of some Imams (like Abu Hanifah) who were very fashionable.

AFashion column for the South African muslim man? Well,this is possibly a first, a dedicated fashion spread. I never quite believed this-would come to pass.If you’re the ultimate trendsetter,a wannabe fashionista,your fam-ily’s style critic or on the Fashion Police’s Most Wanted Hit List then this spread is definitely for you.

a SMaLL ‘STYLE’ KnOWLEdGE-BaSE ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood (Radiyallaahu ‘anhu) reported that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “No one will enter Paradise who has an atom’s weight of pride in his heart.” A man asked, “What if a man likes his clothes to look good and his shoes to look good?” The holy Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) responded, “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Pride means denying the truth and look-ing down on people.” (Muslim)O Children of Adam, wear your beautiful adornment when you go to the mosque. Those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor stingy, but maintain a medium way.

Faradh on FaShIOn


I have always maintained that if we make the effort to ‘dress up’ when going out to the malls or attend-ing social events then, should we not make an extra effort when we pray before our Creator, priding our-selves on looking our very best? It is very easy to take a sampling of Muslim men and how they dress, especially when they come to the Musjid.

For the Jummu’ah salaah, more often than not, most men are in their work attire, or in their patriotic branded sporting gear, and then there are those who make the effort to don their full Muslim regalia. Many are in their prim and proper formal pants with dress shirts. And you cannot miss the students, IT boffins, and ‘Casual Friday’ followers in their ever popular Soviet or Levi casual jeans and Polo or Lacoste shirts. Yet during Maghrib or Isha times the scene changes. You start seeing people in strange and bizarre combinations of clothing. Puma and Adidas track pants with a Brooks Brothers or D66 button down shirts or creased, worn-out T-shirts that expose their undergarments when they make su-jood. Kurtas with mismatching pyjama bottoms (this is especially popular at Fajr time). The ever popular Arab Jilbab or thobe worn on top of Western clothes for the ‘ Muslim on the go’. And don’t forget, the very creased and well stained shalwar kurta, very evident of both the spectacular lunch and siesta!

We need to ensure that proper respect is paid to Al-lah, to our salaah and to the Musjid we attend. Now I’m not saying that going for salaah should become a fashion extravaganza, but at least make sure your clothes are clean, matching, and would not embar-rass you or the Muslims around you. In fact you should be able head to the mall or meet the presi-dent in that outfit.Being well dressed wouldn’t hurt us in the least so make sure that you have some nice clean clothes for going to the Musjid, or even for work. People do no-tice these things. It doesn’t mean you have to go to the Soviet or Armani store, but do take a bit of pride in how you look and know that people are going to judge you based on your appearance one way or another, so you may as well make it a good one.

How muslim men really dress

ROLLInG OR FOLdInGAnother thing that really irks me is the etiquette of rolling or folding your pants or jeans. You will see the guy in his shirt and track pants rolling up the pants during salaah, up half the leg on one leg, and haphazardly rolling it up 1/4 of the other leg. Would you ever go out in public look-ing like that? Take care of rolling your clothes properly so they look presentable. A good tip, when trying on pants at a store, is to roll them up to see how they look. You can be very “sty-lin and profilin” while following the Sunnah, if you put in a little bit of effort. However, some pants are just not made to be rolled or folded. In this case, try to plan ahead and tailor your clothes accordingly. Another part of the Sunnah is ensuring that your ‘awrah is covered. Naturally, your style and physique play an important part and you may have to go a bit ‘hip-hop’ as the shirts are usually larger and will cover more of your derriere and other places. The jeans are also a bit baggier.Yet this may not work for the smart trendy businessman or successful professional especially if your office has a business but casual dress code (as most do), then it’s nice pants and shirts, but not necessarily tucking them in. This is fashionably accept-able these days, and you can still look very suave doing it.


Ramadaan 2012 will be quite different as the trends for kurta’s, thobes, jilbabs ,shalwar kurtas will definitely be dictated by the winter season and the fabrics will be thicker and warmer. Whilst white is ever popular, other emerging colours this season are deep rich tones like burgundy, deep blue-blacks and various shades of grey.The variety of styles on offer are an absolute personal choice, from collars to round necks ,cuffs to cuff-less, Arab or Emirati style , Pakistani or Indian, zips, embroidery or but-tons, all of which add the embellishment to allow you to make your mark.This season will also see the return of the Kuffiyah or scarf, from the traditional red and white, to black and white, made famous by the late Yasser Arafat, to colours that will complement your choice of kur-ta. Finally, as we prepare for Ramadaan and Eid ul Fitr, let us remember that our choice of attire should be reflective of our intentions and our ibadat, and there’s a lot to be said regarding this issue.

I do hope that this column will at least make the modern Muslim man a bit more conscientious about how we look. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) is most deserving of us looking our very best when we pray and when we go to the Musjid. As Muslims we also have an image problem, especially in the modern world. Reforming that image is going to take a whole package of reform. This may seem like an extremely minor part of it, and it is, but it is also the first thing that others notice about you.Until the next time, may your fashion melt-downs be a thing of the past and may your personal fashion rise to the fore and may you hit the fashion bulls-eye.

Yours in fashion,

Faradh.

Styling this Ramadaan

“our choice of attire should be reflective of our intentions and our ibadat”


Eid is a time synonymous with food, fashion and flair with the stress of choosing the correct outfit start-ing long before Ramadaan. This year is going to be different! Now, thanks to your Life, Style & Fash-ion Mag, you have a professional fashion stylist to provide the advice you need to ensure you are most stylishly dressed this Eid.

Colour: winter is a dreary season, so lift the mood by adding rich colours to your wardrobe. Black, brown and navy are normally colours associated with winter, but trends have changed, and people are moving away from blacks, browns and navy. Colours of choice are the vibrant red and other deep colours. Deep purple and plum have also joined the winter colours. These hues flatter your skin tone in the cold winter months and present you as warm, not cold and miserable. This year electric blue is also very much in vogue and is a must for every winter wardrobe.

Body Type: dressing for your body type is most important if you want to be stylish. All too often we, men and women alike, take our cues from younger and/or taller and/or differently built bodies to ours. And stand out as being strangely dressed (to put it mildly). By following these few simple guidelines you will be well on your way to ensuring that you are not one of them.

Assessing your Vertical Body Type: Start by assessing your vertical body propor-tions. This is the proportion of the bottom half of your body compared to your top half.Vertical shape is important for identifying best garment lengths (tops and bottoms) and determine whether you should wear the top tucked into the lower garment or left un-tucked.There are two vertical body types and these are applicable to both males and females – a) longer torso than legs and b) longer legs than torso.

The most accurate way to determine your vertical shape is to measure your full height and the height to your hip-line to find where your hip-line comes in relation to your height (in the lower or upper half of your height. (Your hip-line is the circumfer-ence around your hips where your bottom is fullest.)

fashionSTYLE

with Safia Kazi

&Pictures courtesy of Essence Collection - (031) 2077160


Alternatively, use these rough assessment guide-lines:

a) if your legs are short compared to your upper body, then your hip-line height is less than half your height; if you have a low waist, then your waist will be lower than your bent elbow and you will have a long torso. You may also be short - although tall people can also be short-legged.

Your main style aims are to create the illusion of longer legs and a shorter torso.

Jewellery, scarves and garment designs that draw the observer’s eye up towards your shoulders and face;Short to medium-length tops;Layered tops;Medium or light tops and dark pants or skirts;Medium to wide belts;Straight skirts;Straight or boot-leg pants;Pants, socks and shoe colors the same;Medium to high heels;Pant hems to the ground.

Long tops (if you are short);Pants or skirts with a dropped waistband;Tight or tapered skirts;Tight or tapered pants;Cropped pants.

This body type would look good in a Chunidar-style Punjabi, as this balances the body by giving the illu-sion of longer legs. A top that flairs from under the bust area shortens the body and is very effective in camouflaging generous hips, bottoms and tummies.b) if your legs are longer than your upper body, then you have a long-legged vertical body type with a hip-line height that is longer than half your full height. You could also have a high waist making your waist higher than your bent elbow. You have a proportionally short torso and your bottom will typically be round and high. You may also be tall - although short people can also be long-legged.

Your main style aims are to create the illusion of a longer torso and shorter legs.

Do wear...

Do wear...

Don’t wear...

“A top that flairs from under the bust area shortens the body and is very effective in camou-flaging generous hips, bottoms and tummies.”

Design details that draw the eye down, such as bor-der prints on skirts and pants (unless you are short);Medium to long accessories (unless you are short);Skirts and pants in the lighter colors than tops;Medium to long tops (if you are short, no longer than knuckle length);Un-tucked tops;Tops and dresses that flow through the waist;Skirts and pants with narrow or no waistband;Straight and flared skirts;Low-rise or hipster pants;Straight and flared pants.


Focal points that draw the eye upwards;Pin stripes;Short tops;Empire line tops and dresses;Wide belts;Pants or skirts with a high waistband;Tapered pants and skirts.

This body type would look best in a Patiala-style Shalwar Kameez. This traditional style outfit is gaining in popularity. The longer straighter jacket like top draws the eye down, lengthening the body. The baggy harem or genie pants shorten the legs, are ever so comfy and so in vogue at the moment.

Save the best for last! ABAYAS

What is Eid without the graceful Abaya? Abayas have grown from conservative-traditional wear and evolved into haute couture that have graced catwalks around the world.

So spectacular has this transformation been that the West has followed suit with maxi-dresses, which are making fashion statements far and wide.

The Abaya is suitable for all body types and covers many lumps and bumps. The bigger, draped, Gulf-inspired Abayas offer a reasonable range to choose from.

My Eid tip for you would be to have your own Abaya sewn. Tap into your creativity and add your own special touch with braiding, Swarovski crystals or even ribbons to create your own work of art to dazzle friends and family on Eid day.

eid Mubaarak!

Don’t wear...

TRAVELLING WITH SALMA

BHAGDAD Baghdad, Iraq (Part 1) BY: S-Factor Salma Kazi

’m no professional at travelling and neither am I an expert on the world we live in, but when it came to Islam around the globe, I discovered a new found passion. Many peo-ple expressed confusion, or concern about my plans to visit Iraq, some even sending

me messages till the very last minute that I should re-consider, as the situation there was not safe. Call it coincidence, but in the week of my departure, bombs and attacks made headlines on international media, with family members beginning to question our decision. It took hours of debates, and reassurance, for a final consensus to be reached that my mother and I will continue on this adventure, as planned. After bidding farewell to our loved ones, and joining the group of South Africans who were heading to Baghdad, we enjoyed a relaxing 8 hour flight to Dubai. After about an hour we got seated on the final leg of our journey, on a 3 hour flight to Baghdad International Airport. We were welcomed by stiff expressions and strict rules, this was Iraq, no time for jokes. It’s at this point that I got my first rude awakening as to where I was, when I decided to pull out my camera and capture some moments while we waited for passport checks. I was called upon by one of the security officials, my camera abruptly taken from my hands, and

checked for photos taken in the airport building, and those that were found, were immediately deleted. Those that were familiar with the procedures immediately realised they

had some explaining to do, there were serious guidelines that we had to adhere to, and precautions we had to take. The wait for our passport checks was a nerve wrecking two hours, after which we were allowed to pass through the gates, get scanned, have our pictures taken by security, and

then proceed straight to baggage and out the doors without further delay. Along the way we passed several Iraqi soldiers, some watching from security towers, some positioned in tankers, while others hanged around specific check points every kilometre or so, with detectors at hand to pick up any electronic bombs or weapons. The view on the other hand, was spectacular, and not in the sense of high buildings, or architecture, it was simplicity at its best. Untouched by modern civilisation, the homes were basic, and the land-scape was like artwork of someone’s imaginary depiction of

032THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | TRAVEL

“THIS LUMI-NARY LIGHTS UP BAGHDAD,CREATES A SENSE OF PEACE”

an Arab town, rich with palm trees and large bricked homes with large roof tops and small windows. We didn’t spot that many locals, but the signs of this being a unique experience looked promising. Being on a bus journey can be draining, but knowing that Baghdad was just outside my window, kept my eyes open for the two hours it took to reach our destination. You’re probably wondering, what was the pur-pose of our visit- was it to tour Baghdad, was it on a charity expedition, what would the reason be to spend two weeks in this part of the world? I’ll have you know, that as the time drew closer, my heart started racing, eyes were being

The soul of Baghdad, the core of love, the draw card for spiritual enthusiasts, the energiser battery of this still and dusty city, this group of beggars, lovers, mourners, servants, or seekers, have arrived. This is it, the moment we have all waited for, the sight that we have longed to see, this is no longer about religion for us, this is about being a believer, a seeker of the straight path, the path of those who have been favoured. This luminary lights up Baghdad, creates a sense of peace and joy amidst the poverty and harsh military uni-form. We have reached the doorsteps of one of the greatest beings in History, a direct descendent of Sayyiduna Rasu-lallah (SAW), a legend to Muslims all over the world; his name is Abdul Qadir Jailani, referred to as Ghausul Aazam, or Peer Muhyudeen (ra). This illustrious personality lived a life of exemplary stature, and to date, has masses drowning within his precincts, in love and awe of our deen.

To me, this was no less than Hajj, or a haram. It was breath taking, and the best feeling came about when we made the decision to stay within the Musjid itself, in special rooms des-ignated to foreigners. At this point we got to know the place, locations of bathroom and toilet facilities, washing lines for clothes, dining areas, etc. This was no child’s play, and I would strongly advise a person to think carefully when considering children coping with the living arrangements, we chose to leave our comforts and luxuries behind, with our only desire being to attain maximum spiritual benefit from this trip. After getting acquainted with our beds, our bags tucked underneath, it was time to head to the Sultaan of the Awliya Allah, the King of all Mashaaikh, of all spiritual orders and chains. It may be simple living, but walking out of your room and standing before this glori-ous blue dome made it all worth it. You are right there, and although many wouldn’t feel the same passion for such a place, the emotions I expected to feel, and the change within me after this experience, were two totally different things. In the next issue insha’Allah, I will go into more detail about the daily routine at this grand Musjid, for those of us that stayed there. I will also take you through the ziyarats we made, including the University and Musjid of Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ghazali, Nabi Yunus(as), Karbala, Kufa, Imam Ali(ra), and many other unforgettable sites. This is just the first of many more pieces on this particular trip, because it was the most life changing and enthralling time of my life.

Travelling with Salma isn’t going to be about geographical details or packing tips, it’s an insight into my personal experi-ences, and witnessing a profound reality of Muslims all over the world, acknowledging an understanding of our religion, we are yet to adopt. In future issues, we will cover the evolu-tion of Dubai culture, the mysteries and depths of India, the simplicity of the Mauritians, determination of the Scottish Muslims, the confidence of the British, the young seekers of knowledge from the United States, and many other worldwide experiences.

Email thoughts to [email protected] or find S-factor Salma Kazi on Face Book.

033 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | TRAVEL

The month of Ramadaan

•Ramadaan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. •During this month the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) •During this month muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. •We must also read an extra prayer called taraweeh.

What should we do during the month of Ramadan?

•We should keep all our fast during this month. •We should read all our salaah, including taraweeh salaah. •We should read as much quraan as possible. •We should do a lot of zikr. •We should not trouble or make our parents angry. •We must not watch tv or listen to any music. •We must give lots of charity. •We should begin and end our fast with dates and water.

by Azra Bhayat

KIDS WORLD

COLOUR IN THE PICTURE !

STORY BOOKS BY AU-THOR NAHIDA ESMAILTO BE GIVEN AWAY TO 6 LUCKY CHILDREN,COURTESY OF NAHIDA ESMAIL.

TO PARTICIPATE,EMAIL PICTURES OF COLOURINGTO: [email protected],WITH THEIRNAMES &,PARENTS NAMES & CONTACT DETAILS

034

~ Ramadan Story ~ Once upon a time there lived a girl named Amira. During the month of Ramadan Amira loved to fast because she

loved Allah a lot. One day when Amira was having Sehri, she did not like what her mother had prepared for her to eat so

she only had a date and a glass of water. During the day she felt very hungry and she told her best friend, Saleha what had happened.Saleha offered Amira a samoosa as

by Azra Bhayat

~ MORAL ~We should not break our fast for a little reason like hunger since it

is a sin to break your fast like this.We should not lie.

Saleha was not fasting because she was ill. Saleha told Amira that her mother would not know and she would not be hungry any more. Amira happily ate the samoosa but Saleha’s mum found out that Amira

had broken her fastand she told Amira’s mum who was very angry. When it was time for Iftaar, Amira’s mumr asked her how was her fast and Amira told her it was

lovely. Amira’s mum told Amira that she knew she had broken her fast and that she was very angry. Amira said that she was very sorry and she promised not to ever

break her fast again and be dis-honest. Her mother forgave her.

We should not be fussy about what we have to eat since some people do not have anything to eat.

~ Quiz ~tick the correct answer

1. Which month of the lunar calendar is Ramadaan?

1st 9th

12th5th

2. What is Iftar? Eating before sunrise Eating after Taraweeh Prayers Eating after sunset to break the fast Not eating anything

3. When do Muslims fast during

Ramadan?From dawn to sunsetFrom sunset to dawn

From 6am to 9pm

4. Lailat-ul-Qadr is better than 1 thousand days 1 thousand months 1 thousand years 1 thousand hours

5. Which month comes after Ramadan? Shabaan Muharram Shawwal Rajab

3. Which significant events took place in

Ramadan? The revelation of the Quraan The prophet’s birth The battle of Badr All the above

Answer to the quiz: 1. 9th, 2. Eating before sunrise, 3. From sunset to dawn, 4. 1 thousand months, 5. Shawwal, 6. The revelation of the Quraan.

035 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | KIDS

iron deficiency

BY: Dr Masuda Ally (Durban)

Anaemia is a state in which there is a lower than normal number of

red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is a protein, within

the red blood cell, which contains iron, and is the ‘Oxygen Carrier’ to all body tissue. There are several different types of anaemia with a variety of causes.Iron deficiency is by far the commonest cause worldwide, and may be the result of: Poor Nutrition: the body’s normal iron requirements are not met due to insufficient dietary intake e.g. lacking in meat, fish, eggs, green leafy vegetables.Increased Need: there are certain phases in life when the body’s iron re-quirements are higher e.g. pregnancy, infancy and adolescent related growth spurts.Ongoing Blood loss: from any cause – stom-ach ulcers, gastritis, piles, polyps, colon cancer, heavy menstruation, fibroids etc.Poor absorption: dietary intake is adequate

but absorption from the gut is impaired secondary to e.g. mal-absorption syn-dromes, chronic diarrhoea, lack of stomach acid, partial or total gastrectomy (surgical removal of the stomach).

Who is at Risk of Developing Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

-Infants, children and adolescents - during periods of growth spurts-Women of childbearing age - due to men-strual losses-Pregnant and breastfeeding woman-Vegetarians-Those who develop any cause of blood loss-The elderly and poverty stricken communities due to poor diet

anaemia.

036THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | HEALTH

“IRON DEFICIENCY IS BY FAR THE COMMON-EST CAUSE WORLD-WIDE “

What are the Symptoms:Iron deficiency anaemia can be asymptomatic initially. As iron levels drop the body tries to compensate by increasing absorp-tion and also drawing from its iron stores. It is only when these stores are depleted that the formation of red blood cells is impaired. At this point anaemia develops, red blood cells become fewer, smaller and paler, and iron deficiency affects all body tissues resulting in symptoms.The commonest symptom of Anaemia is fatigue, due to de-creased oxygenation of body tissue.Other symptoms include: • Weakness• Shortness of breath• Palpitations• Dizziness• Headache• Cold hands and feet• Poor concentration• Children may have decreased appetite and poor growth.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency include:• Brittle nails• Hair Loss• A smooth sore tongue• Cracking of the corners of the mouth

Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Management must address the symptoms and any under-lying cause.A healthy diet comprising iron-rich foods is essential.Oral supplements work well for mild to moderate defi-ciency but must be taken for a few months. They are best taken on an empty stomach. Common side effects include nausea, constipation and black stools. Patients with severe anaemia may require blood transfu-sion, which provides immediate symptom relief. However, this may be only a temporary measure until the underlying cause is found and treated. Some patients with severe iron deficiency may also benefit from parenteral iron therapy.Both these treatment measures are done in hospital under close supervision by a medical practitioner.Finally, any underlying cause must be appropriately man-aged. Surgical intervention may be necessary for gastroin-testinal pathology.

ConclusionThere are several causes of anaemia, though iron defi-ciency is the commonest. It can be easily diagnosed and treated, and in certain instances, preventable.

Some patients may experience unpleasant sensations in the legs similar to restless leg syndrome.Some patients may present with symptoms of the underly-ing cause e.g. bleeding.What to Expect at Your Doctor’s ConsultationYour doctor will diagnose anaemia based on your symp-toms, clinical examination and certain test results. As part of your workup, your doctor will order a full blood count, to assess haemoglobin and red blood cell levels; Iron and Ferri-tin levels. A peripheral smear will provide more information as to the nature and appearance of red blood cells.If your doctor is concerned about the underlying cause he or she may then order, amongst other tests, an endoscopy and or colonoscopy, to exclude gastrointestinal pathology, and ultrasonography especially in females to exclude e.g. fibroids.

037 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | HEALTH

HYPERTENSION “THE SILENT” KILLER By Dr Feroza Mansoor

Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. That’s why it’s called “the silent killer.” These people’s blood pressure numbers are often their only warning. High blood pressure is also called hyperten-sion. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases a person’s risk of heart-related problems, including heart attack and stroke, because of the strain on the heart and arteries.

CAUSES GOAL OR COMMENT • Salt in the diet •Your daily intake of salt should not be more than 2,300 mil-

ligrams (mg), or about 1 teaspoon.• Being overweight or obese •People who are overweight are more likely to

have high blood pressure than those who are at a normal weight.

• Lack of physical activity •At least 30 minutes of light to heavy physical activity on most days.

• Drinking too much of alcohol •If you drink alcohol, don’t drink too much. For men that means 2 drinks a day at most, and for women, 1 drink a day at most.

• Race •Blacks develop high blood pressure more often than whites, and it tends to happen at an earlier age and be more severe.

• Age •In general, the older you get, the greater your chance of de-veloping high blood pressure. It occurs most often in people over age 35.

• Gender •Men seem to develop high blood pressure most often between age 35 and 55. Women are more likely to develop it after menopause. After age 55, high blood pressure is much more common in women than in men.

• Smoking •Smoking damages the blood vessels and may lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries.

• Diabetes and kidney disease •People who have these diseases tend to have a higher rate of high blood pressure than those who don’t have them.

• Family history •If your parents or other close relatives have high blood pres-sure, you are more likely to develop it.

How is High Blood Pressure Detected?

Blood pressure is measured as part of a regular physical exam when you visit the clinic or a doctor. If your blood pressure is high, your doctor will ask additional questions. For example, whether high blood pressure runs in

your family and what your eating habits are including salt intake. Blood pressure measurement is quick and painless and doesn’t require any blood to be taken. We measure blood pressure with an instrument called a blood pressure monitor. It typically has three parts: the cuff, a pump attached to the cuff by a

tube, and a dial or screen that is also attached to the cuff by a tube.

038THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | HEALTH

First Number Second Number

Results

Less than 120 Less than 80 Good for you!Less than 140 Less than 90 Make some changes: eat

less salt, lose weight, do more physical activity, drink less alcohol

140–159 90–99 You have high blood pressure. See your doctor/ nurse if you are not al-ready being treated. If you are, take your medicine as advised and make lifestyle changes (see above).

More than 159 More than 99 Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if your blood pressure is often at this level when you check it.

What do the Numbers mean?

What Problems can I get with High Blood Pressure?

Even though Hypertension is a “silent killer”, sometimes you get the following problems (especially if your pressure is very high for a while): • Tiredness. • Confusion. • Nausea or upset stomach. • Vision problems or trouble seeing. • Nosebleeds. • More than normal sweating. • Skin that is flushed or red, or skin that is pale or white. • Anxiety or nervousness. • Palpitations (strong, fast, or obviously irregular heart beat). • Ringing or buzzing in ears. • Impotence. • Headache. • Dizziness.

Why Is High Blood Pressure Harmful? High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder than it normally would to pump enough blood and oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. High blood pressure increases the chance of heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, eye damage, heart failure, and hardening of arteriesA heart muscle, that is forced to work harder than normal for a long time, tends to get bigger or flabby and become weak. A slightly big heart may work just fine, but one that’s very big has a hard time doing its job as a pump.The good news is that high blood pressure can be

prevented and controlled. You can do many things in your daily life (called Lifestyle Changes) to makes less your chances of having high blood pressure and developing these problems. Treating high blood pressure can save your life. It can make less your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, and heart failure.

How do I Prevent High Blood Pressure?You can take the following steps to prevent high blood pressure or to control or lower your blood pressure if it is too high.

Step 1: Make sure you eat and cook with less saltStep 2: Be active every dayStep 3: Aim for a healthy weightStep 4: Eat more vegetables and fruitStep 5:Cut back or stop taking alcohol or cigarettesStep 6: Make sure you have less stress in your life or find ways to manage the stress

What Should I Know About the Medication:

• Many people with high blood pressure may take more than one medicine tokeep their blood pressure under control. Take all medi-cines even if you feel fine. • Some medicines can cause side effects( some problems), or reactions, suchas dizziness, which may bother you. If you have a bad reac-tion, tell the doctor. • Be sure to take all medicines as directed. Ask the doctor if you do notunderstand how much medicine to take, when to take it, or how often to take it. • Always tell your doctor if you think you are preg-nant. • Always tell your doctor about other medicines you are taking. • Check with your doctor before taking any other medicines, vitamins, or herbs. What is the Link with Salt and High Blood Pres-sure?Sodium makes up a part of salt. It is used in mixtures to flavor and preserve (mixture in which we keep food for a long time) many foods we buy in the grocery store. Sodium is important because it brings the right amount of water to our cells. But when we eat foods with too much sodium, extra water collects in our blood. This is almost like a sponge in your blood absorbing the water.The kidneys usually get rid of extra water from the body, but if the kidneys can’t handle all the fluid, it stays in the blood. A bigger amount of blood often makes the pressure in the blood vessels rise. The lower your salt intake is, the lower your blood pressure will be.

039 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | HEALTH

BY: Hitesh Surajbally (Durban)

MAGINE, IT’S A RAINY COLD DAY. YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS ARE ALL TOGETHER, ALL ARE WEEPING. “WHY DID HE HAVE TO GO?” THEY EACH PAY THEIR LAST RESPECTS TO THE DECEASED.WHO IS THIS PERSON THAT THEY MOURN FOR? IT’S YOU! yOu ARE A

MIRACLEYesterday you passed away in hospital due to an illness. However, it does not matter how you died. It matters that you are dead. So, that is it then. It’s all over. Your days on earth are no more. Something tells me that you are not too happy. You are not ready to go right? I mean, there is so much you have not done. What about that fight you just had with your best friend? You didn’t have a chance to apologize after storming off and not talking to her? What about your dreams? You just need one more year to make it all one. Perhaps just one more day to make amends for all the wrong you did. Alas, It is too late my dear friend. I will see you in heaven one day.Now, stop imagining. WAKE UP. The power that be, has given you a second and last chance. You are reborn! CON-GRATULATIONS!

How great do you feel knowing you are alive again? I keep saying again and again, that most people are afraid of dy-ing; I think that you should be more afraid of not living.

Do you know that you are a miracle? The greatest mira-cle that ever walked upon this earth is you. The power to achieve greatness and the strength and determination to live beyond fantasy and turn dreams into reality is yours.

Every moment brings with it a chance to make a deci-sion to choose. At any given moment there are an infinite number of choices to make. However, most of the time, we narrow them down to just 2. It is either, do it, or don’t do it. Eat or don’t eat. Be happy or choose to be sad. You see, you have complete control over your emotions and your thoughts. Right now you have the power to be happy. How can one pursue happiness when that happiness is already available to you? Happiness is a state of mind not a journey.

So I ask you now, every minute of every day, you think about the choices you have and choose the ones that make you feel good.

Choose to love rather than hate.Choose to laugh rather than cry.Choose to create rather than destroy.Choose to persevere rather than quit.Choose to praise rather than gossip.Choose to heal rather than hurt.Choose to pray rather than curse.

My dear friend, know that you are capable of great wonders. Your potential is unlimited. You are not a human being, but a human becoming. Who else among the creatures that walked the earth created fire? Who else, among the creatures con-quered gravity? Has pierced the heavens and has conquered disease? Only human beings have.

Are you any different from Albert Einstein? Benjamin Fran-klin? Gandhi? Mandela? No. You are but the same flesh and blood with the same emotions and intellectual capabilities. The only differences between them and you are the choices they made - choices that have led to success or stress.

Remember when you were younger you would say, “When I grow up I want to…”? Well, guess what? THAT TIME HAS COME. But nothing has happened. However, we like to pro-long things, and now say, “When I get married then I will…” or “When I retire I will have the….”. Then the years go by and before you know it, life is no more. Nothing gets done. So, make the choice to be great now and act upon it.

You cannot change the past by worrying about it, but you can spoil your present by worrying about the future.You have performed the greatest miracle in the world today. You got up and decided to live. You have returned from a liv-ing death. You will feel self-pity no more and each day will be a challenge and a joy.You have been born again, and just as be-fore you can choose failure and despair, success and happiness

Remember then the four laws of happiness and success:-Count your blessings.Proclaim your rarity.Go another mile.Use wisely your power of choice

And one more to fulfill the other four, Do all things with love, love for others and love for yourself. YOU ARE THE GREATEST MIRACLE IN THE WORLD!


I came into this world very early at 24 weeks and weighing a mere 750grams. I was placed in an incubator for almost 3 months because my body was not fully developed and I was not really ready for this world! Mom always said that there were so many tubes that covered my body that you could hardly see me! I had an oxygen box placed over my head so that I could breathe as even my lungs were not fully developed including my heart. I had a condition called ASD which is a hole in the center which was causing the clean blood and the dirty blood to mix. I was so small that I could fit in the palms of my dad’s hand. My mom was with me through all these steps including an entire blood transfusion, as my dad was liv-ing in Johannesburg at the time.

When I was about a year old I had to have an eye operation as I had lazy eye syndrome. When I was 5yrs old I had to go for cardiac surgery to patch up the hole, and that was a success! There were many challenges I faced as a visually impaired child, but it didn’t stop me from playing with my “normal” friends outside. I tried main stream school and found it diffi-cult. Doctors realized that I was completely blind in my right eye and I had only 5% sight in my left eye. I was then sent to Arthur Blaxuall School for the blind.

Life was getting tougher because now my retina started to detach and needed surgery, so I went back under the surgeon’s blade. Life was just getting back to normal and wham!, my macular started to degenerate and I had to go back to theatre for reconstructive eye surgery because I was losing the little sight I had. Surgery helped save my sight thanks to Profes-sor Peters and her team. It’s amazing how you grow stronger through all these trials in life.As a family we had a very hard and rough road to travel as we had lost everything but we (my brother, Sameer and sister, Nadia) were there for each other.

I took part in an essay competition for woman’s day where I competed with 200 main stream students and I won 6th place. For me that was wow!! I almost fainted when they announced my name. I had won a computer. I finished matric winning the math award.After matric, I was not prepared to sit at home so I applied for a bursary to study a bachelor of so-cial science in psychology. I’m in my final year now and after graduating, I see myself serving my community. My pending eye surgery will be the cherry on top because this operation means that I would have up to 50% more sight and a whole new world will await me. People with visual impairments do not easily find jobs, but with the operation I would be in a po-sition to empower myself and others around me. I would also be able to finally lead a “normal” life and not be a burden to anyone for support. I would be able to reach and teach many other disabled people like myself on attaining a better life. But this is only possible with the help of the community in raising the funds to make this dream a reality for me.

My expectations will have a tremendous impact on my life and that is what I strive for every day despite falling and breaking my leg, being mocked for my disability, being treated like I’m not an equal. I attend a main stream university and the challenges I face every day can make a “normal” person be-come a depressive maniac! I’m not perfect and don’t claim to be I also go through depression from time to time, so I will go for this surgery and with the help and mercy of the commu-nity the Almighty, my life will be worth every bit of fight I put into it all these years.My mom has always been my role model because she has always taught us to “be your possibilities and not your circumstances” and that is at helped me by using my disability and making it my ability. I have also helped my mom in her foundations. She has two the MISA FOUNDA-TION and THE MEN WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S CRISIS CENTRE which has been running since 2001 and she had taught us what compassion is all about. Watching her take care of abused victims and children in our family home and it made us realize that we were in a far better off situation.

I’m usually a very reserved person who hesitates sharing per-sonal information, but this is important, so I sincerely hope that sharing my story helps disabled people to be more able than disabled and to empower themselves so that they can have dignity by being independent as they deal with the trials and pain that comes with the word disabled!!!Thank you and God bless

To make a contribution for Ummaira’s surgery or for more information, please contact Sumaya Khan on 083-519-1866 / 033-8189253 or go to www.durbanmuslima.blogspot.com.

SIGhTgive the gift of

By Ummaira Khan (Pmb)


ReligiousShe says her dad was not an overtly religious man, but he was, it seems, dedicated to his reli-gion in his heart.Mansoor says she also found a little Quran in his pocket.“He kept these two items with him all the time, and yet he never gave this away outwardly,” she says.She says her dad was very private about this part of his life.

The beads, which are referred to as tasbeeh, can be used if one wants to repeat salutations to the Almighty.Mansoor has kept them with her since her father died and carries them in her bag eve-ryday.The very old hat, of course, is not as easy to carry around as the rosary beads.The black velvet Stetson with a silk band was worn by her father all the time and was his trademark.“Dad was this big man with this big belly and everyone was terrified of him,” she says laughing.Mansoor’s father was a science teacher. His students loved him because although he was strict, he also enjoyed a good laugh.“He would fool around with his students some

times. He would hold a pen in his hand, and then break it with the same hand to show his strength,” she says.Mansoor says he was passionate about education for everyone.“He had a vision and the reasons for ensuring both his daughters got an education. I see now that my sister and I are where we are be-cause of this.”Mansoor says her mother, Yasmin, also played a pivotal role in the education of her children.“She was the solid home force and the strength behind dad.”

EducationMansoor shares her father’s passion for educating people, as education means achieving a sense of power.“He was proud to have seen his children qualify in their fields, as he felt that education meant empowerment.”Mansoor has fond memories of her dad dedicat-ing much of his time to transporting her sister and her to classes when they were pupils. But the memory of him wearing his hat stands out the most. In every photograph she has of her dad he sports his hat. He only ever took it off when he was at home.“I think he bought his Stetson hats from a shop in Grey Street,” she says.Her father had other hats, some of which Mansoor crocheted for him herself.But his black Stetson was his favourite and when people referred to him, they would say, “Oh, the fat guy with the hat, or, the teacher with the hat.”

The hat provides wonderful memories of a man who was a gentle giant. With a big heart.“These things keep me attached to him. It is the only physical semblance of his being with me,” says Mansoor, who feels that, in spirit, her dad will always be there.

They just don’t make them like they used to – Stetson hats, that is.So says Dr Feroza Mansoor, an Independent Health Consultant, who has an old Stetson “of rather fine quality”, which one rarely sees these days.The hat belonged to her father, Ahmed Ebrahim Mansoor, who died about 17 yrs ago.Mansoor also has a set of rosary beads which belonged to her father.These items were kept by her when the family sorted out her father’s belongings. “I found the beads in one of his coat pockets and it came as quite a surprise,” Mansoor says.

BLaCKhaT.ThE MaRK OF

ThE ManBY JOURNALIST: THRUSHA MAHARAJ


In his latest book Mirza Yawar Baig reflects upon his life and expounds 55 life lessons that he learnt throughout his life. The unusual title reflects his 55th birthday in 2010. Having lived in Guyana, America, Saudi Arabia and his home country India, Sheikh Yawar reflects on the numerous people he met in his journeys and how they influenced his life. Fifty-five invaluable lessons are illustrated with immense importance placed on gratitude, intentions, the value of people and friendships, and contribution rather than entitlement. The book encapsulates some of the most important les-sons we should learn. About friendship he writes:

“A good friend is someone who tells you what you need to hear; not only what you want to hear. A good friend is someone who reminds you about doing something for your life after death, for the day when you will stand before Allah. A good friend is someone whose silence you find interesting and relaxing and whose conversation is enlightening. A good friend is someone who is inter-ested in you, not in himself. A good friend is someone who you can look up to and hold as a role model. A good friend is someone who will be there for you when you need him. Now hold on a minute before you start judging your friends - which you must do of course – ask yourself, “Am I a ‘good friend’ to my friends?”This short but powerful book is an earnest guide to living a more fulfilling life by focusing on self-development and eliminating self-indulgence.

Book Focus

20.10.2010 – 55

By Naseema Mall(Breeze Publishing)

3 of Yawar Baig’s books ( Marriage Making it and living it: 20.10.2010; The Business of Family Business)to be given away courtesy of Breeze Publishing

Sms your name, no, email add, bb pin and the name of the author whose books are being given away to078 601 9180

043 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | BOOKS

PREJUDICE! by Zohra Moosa(Deaf poet & educator of South Africa)

Happiness in my mind In your world I am not one of your kind Rainbow in my sight In your world I am not bright Love in my heart In your world I am not allowed to impart Sweetness in my lips In your world I am not offered any friendships In your world I am prejudiced because of my inability to hearBut I am a soldierTo striveTo survive!

THESE GRAVESby Yusuf Ganie

These graves.Row upon trimmed row.Beneath,some blissfully asleep,Awaiting the great day,the proud meeting.Others,torment upon wretched torment.Warnings given & ignored.

Oh my father,I stand over your grave.Fortieth year.Still these memories wash over me,like warm,bittersweet holy water.

I return to the place of my childhood,wherein you,& these memories,lay buried.

I stand in these busy streets, parks & fields,& you are EVERYWHERE Dad.

The sounds of laughter,& grief,are clearer than ever.

Walking my daughter through the past,I point each one out.Her young eyes see only the bricks & glass,While mine see you walking in & out each one.

Today i aged another year,& in my make believe world i imagined your birth-day greeting,Always coupled with a reassuring hug.The kind that lingers on a child even as decades pass.

044THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | POETRY

SPORTS FOCUSBY : Ferhad Sookhlal

Asalamu’alaikum “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up”…I come off my high of winning the cup final for Manchester United, when I have to return to reality –A twenty three year old student studying toward a chartered accounting qualification. If any of you know anything about this degree, know it involves A LOT of studying with greater study breaks, ones which I tend to spend engrossed in the sports pages. Ever since I was old enough to remember, I have always taken a keen interest in all sports and, as a result, I have developed a wealth of knowledge over the more popular sporting codes.. What I have appreciated the most is that it has the unique ability to bring people and families closer together creating a brotherhood or sisterhood amongst teammates alike. We have seen nations unite for tournaments just as the entire country rallied around the national team for the 2010 World Cup. I will play almost any sport but have a passion for football. Therefore I was really grateful to be given the opportunity to write for this column and share my opinions of the current affairs of the sporting world.

}Pitso was getting R800 000 a month to coach Bafana Bafana? Only Leonardo Da Vinci was paid more to draw! Kicking off the column with something that has been very much in the news of late is the Bafana Bafana coaching position. In swift response to the team’s poor showing against Ethiopia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, the South African Football As-sociation (SAFA) has sacked Coach Pitso Mosi-mane.The recent poor results has put our ability to qualify for the World Cup in 2014 in jeopardy and prompted SAFA to act with Mosimane being shown the door. He is now in line to pocket close to five million rand as his four-year contract was terminated premature-ly. A hefty pay -out for a coach whose record reads played sixteen won only six drew seven and lost three and who hasn’t even won a game in his last seven matches . It is an insane amount considering his failure at qualifying us for the African Cup of Na-tions earlier this year and the embarrassment that came along with it. Only time will tell though how SAFA choose to act but certainly do need to make the next appointment count or risk missing out on qualifying for the biggest stage in world football Which for a soccer hungry country like ours-would be a tragedy.

Many of the football would have be sad to see the close of the 2011/12 season how-ever the good news is that we will not be starved of football action for too long with the Euro 2012 keeping us enter-tained through the month of June. Many of Europe’s most talented players will be on show. Spain are favourites to defend the title they won four years ago but as Chelsea’s has proven in the Champions league, anything is possi-ble in knock out football so expect a few upsets.

046THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | SPORT

Moving over to cricket news, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has explained its very un-popular decision to replace the Boxing Day test with a T20 International for the 2012/13 season.The Boxing Day test match has always been some-thing of a tradition as many South African families travel down to Durban dur-ing the December holiday period and have always had the opportunity to spend the day on the sun glazed grassy banks of Kingsmead enjoying the cricketing ac-tion while cheering on the team.CSA has explained that the test was not replaced or cancelled as the Proteas are only scheduled to play two test matches against New Zealand as per the tour schedule dictated by the International Cricket Council (ICC). We do hope that the Boxing Day test does return next year as Durban

Petrol heads in South Africa would have be able to check out the TOP GEAR festival that took place on the weekend of the 16th and 17th of June 2012 in Durban.The Aston Martin Virage, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren MP4, Dodge Viper and the Mercedes Petronas were just some of the cars on show at the festival that included a live show, a street circuit and various exhibitions by car manufactures The exhibition was crammed with some of the most stylish, rare & expensive cars ever made as well as the latest gadgets, luxury goods, car accessories & motoring technology.On top of all that the famous Stig (who some say…drinks petrol for breakfast and pours motor oil on his pancakes) was in at-tendance and doing his thing behind the wheel so the festival was definitely a real playground for any car fanatic.

TOP GEaR FESTIVaL WaS hELd aT ThE MOSES

MaBIda STadIUM

s this is the Ramadan issue one must wonder just how our muslim athletes manage the fast while still having to physically perform at their maximum. This year the London 2012 Olym-pic Games coincide with the fasting month and a 2011 study reported in the Journal of Sports Science and medicine asked sixty five muslim athletes just how they coped with it. Having training sessions at night, having lighter sessions with less intensity, eating several times after they broke fast and drinking water every hour throughout the evening were just some of the responses that was common across the athletes.About 3000 muslim athletes are expected to compete at this year’s Summer Olympics with some choosing to postpone their fast until the games end. Mo Sbihi, the first muslim to row for England told the London Evening Standard newspaper last month that it would be a massive risk to fast and to compete and since this was a once in a lifetime opportunity he did not want to ruin it for his teammates. He went on to say that he expects criticism but believed he was not compromising his faith. Then others deciding to keep the fast have said that they believe the intense focus they experience during Ramadan will give them the added edge. No doubt, there will be serious criticism for those postponing their fast. May Allah (SWT) grant these athletes the ability to make the choice that is best for them, both for this world and the hereafter.Well that’s it for this month for the next issue I will be looking at some of the other sporting codes as rugby and tennis. Also look out for information on some of the more famous muslim sports stars It’s important we all find some form of exercise in our lives. Our beloved Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) encouraged physical exercise. He used to walk at a fast pace, helped his wives with the housework and was often seen racing with his wife, Ayesha Bint Abu Bakr (R.A). According to a narration, Muhammed (SAW) has said:“Any action without the remembrance of God is either a diver-sion or heedlessness excepting four acts: Walking from target to target [during archery practice], training a horse, playing with one’s family, and learning to swim.” (Al Bukhari)Fulfilling the obligations of three of the five pillars of Islam requires that Muslims be of sound health and fitness. The daily performance of five prayers is in itself a form of exercise, its prescribed movements involve all the muscles and joints of the body, and concentration in prayer relieves mental stress. obesity or an inadequate diet, and laziness are all afflictions for which we will be called to account. Even though preventing illness or injury is often out of our control, there are many condi-tions brought on or made worse by our own lack of attention to diet and fitness. May Allah (SWT) grant us understanding and the ability to take care of ourselves as we should.

A

047 THE LIFE,STYLE & FASHION MAG | SPORT

EvENTS juLY/Aug 2012

JULY 6th – 8th

Pre-Ramadaan Jo’burg SoukOrganised by: The Fordsburg Community Newspaper

VENUE: 142 Industrial Road, AmalgamMORE INFORMATION: Shakira Tayob – (011) 4829786

JULY 8th

Life & Style Ab-haya Fashion Show & Mag LaunchORGANISED BY: North Beach Events

A pre-ramadaan extrava-ganza for ladies only with fashion, talks, hi-tea and glitz and glamour.

VENUE: Balmoral Hotel, 125 Marine Parade, North Beach, Durban TIME: 2:30pm to 5:30pmMORE INFORMATION: North Beach Events – 083 623 1154 / 031-3329724 / [email protected] / bb pin 23a5b8ba

JULY 12th – 15th

Eid Shopping FestivalOrganised by: Shenaz Ghood

VENUE: The Coca Cola Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg MORE INFORMATION: Shenaz Ghood - 082 410 1372 [email protected]

JULY 13th – 15th

Pre-Ramadaan Family Fair Organised by: Shamima

VENUE: DLI Hall, Durban MORE INFORMATION: Shamima 078 670 0786

EID SHOPPING FESTIVALThe Eid Shopping Festival is a platform for diverse cultures to interact & celebrate Eid. Through this celebration everyone in South Africa will be introduced to the core values of Eid that incorporates giving & sharing, tolerance & caring for others as well as highlight the “Joburg” tradition of celebrating this occasion.

By Shireen Mansoor

The 2nd Eid Shopping Festival will open its door to visitors from 12 July 2012. Packed with cultural activities and entertainment, the four day event promises to offer the attendees the best in Fash-ion, Art & literature, profes-sional seminars & workshops, Entertainment as well as activities for the young. It is for these reasons that this major cultural event not only continues to enjoy popularity with the local community, but also, increasingly, it is becom-ing a “must-attend” event for international exhibitors as they capitalise on the emerg-ing African markets.

JULY 14th

Fundraising Tea Garden for Ummaira KhanOrganised by: Durban Mus-lima

Tea garden / Pampering / Shopping

VENUE: Enchanted Day Spa, 313 Cowey Road, MorningsideMORE INFORMATION: Durban Muslima – 078 601 9180 / bb pin 2961fced

JULY 14th

Pre-Ramadaan Hi-Tea & Market DayOrganised by: Al Waagah Islamic Institute

Tea garden / Family/ Shopping

VENUE: Ottery Islamic Centre – Cape TownMORE INFORMATION: Al Waagah Islamic Institute – (012) 6383368

JULY 14th

Al Ansaar Cancer Support Group Pamper DayOrganised by: Al Ansaar Can-cer Support Group For Car-egivers and Cancer Patients

VENUE: Al Ansaar Hall, 189 West Road, Overport,DurbanTIME: 1:30pm – 4pm

MORE INFORMATION: Al Ansaar Cancer Support group 031-2076368 / 082 652 6368

JULY 27th -29th

Ramadaan FairOrganised by: Al Ansaar

VENUE: Al Ansaar Hall, 189 West Road, Overport,DurbanMORE INFORMATION: Al Ansaar – 031-2081601

JULY 28th -29th

Mega HomeIndustry ExpoOrganised by: Mask Events

Tea garden / Family/ Shop-ping

VENUE: Baitun Noor HallMORE INFORMATION: Al Waagah Islamic Institute – (012) 6383368

AUGUST 9th – 12th

Eid MeelanOrganised by: Al Ansaar

Family/ Shopping

VENUE: Al Ansaar Hall, 189 West Road, Overport,DurbanMORE INFORMATION: Al Ansaar – 031-2081601

August 2012

AUGUST 17th & 18th Organised by: Durban Muslima

CHAANDH rAATH EID BAZAArDurban Muslima brings you, its 4th Eid Bazaar, with resident Eid specialists: Mendhi 4 U,Rose Valley delights with their sweetmeats,biscuits, cakes,Enchanted Day Spa doing treatments & pampering,Cazabella,Bling!,Make-up,Faisals Islamic cd’s & much more! Come celebrate Chaandh Raath with us!

VENUE: Mariam Bee Sultan Hall, 222 Keniworth Road, Overport,DBN

TIMES: 17th- 7pm to 9pm; 18th – 10am to 9pm MORE INFO: Durban Muslima – 078 601 9180 / bb pin 2961fced

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EvENTS juLY/Aug 2012

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