CONGRATULATIONS, IT'S A BOY!!!

Congratulations to Zubeida and Nazeem (my "sister" and "brother") on the birth of their new bundle of joy, little Issa. Both mother and baby are doing just fine and Issa's two elder brothers, Nabeel and Muhammed are quite excited to have a new addition to the family. Zubeida gave birth at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre as her husband works at the institute. Zubeida use to work for the hospital as well but put her career on hold to be a full time mom to her kids. She received excellent care in the maternity ward.As I mentioned in my previous article, all patients in a Saudi hospital are privileged to be given their own private room. Zubeida mentioned to me that she was given excellent care during her entire delivery process. When I visited her room, her wall was decorated with pictures and paintings that her other two sons drew and head nurse Irene, affectionately known as grand ma made sure that she was comfortable throughout her stay in hospital. Zubeida was fortunate to deliver her baby at this state of the art hospital as this privilege is only afforded to staff members who are grade 9 and above. Of course, in Saudi Arabia there are many sophisticated private hospitals where you can have your baby delivered but it does come at a price of course.Dr. Sulaiman habib hospital is quite a well recognized hospital here in the Kingdom and whilst browsing through their website I was quite amazed at the various maternity packages that they offer to their patients. The patient has a choice of being admitted to a private en-suite delivery room. Semi royal and royal bedrooms are also available.Take a look at the room pictures by visiting their website(http://www.drsulaimanalhabib.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=242).
The rooms are all elegantly and opulently furnished resembling a hotel room rather than a hospital room.In addition to taking care of the pregnant woman and the child, the hospital also offers prenatal and postnatal dermatology packages.Prenatal treatments include skin care sessions, body moisturizing sessions,monthly skin assessment to maintain skin freshness, body sessions to flatten the stomach with safe natural materials and hair treatment sessions.Postnatal treatments include, laser hair removal sessions for the body,mesotherapy sessions to improve hair nutrition, body lifting for the abdomen,thighs and buttocks as well as breast firming sessions. Somehow I get the impression that Saudi women are expected to look like beauty queens after giving birth. Most women would even opt for a vaginoplasty procedure directly after giving birth so that their husbands do not take on another wife due to a lack of sexual satisfaction. Breast feeding is also not very much encouraged amongst Saudi women as it can cause weight gain due to the hormone prolactin which stimulates appetite as well as prompts milk production. Quite frankly, I find this discouragement to be ironical as there are numerous sayings of the Prophet Muhammed (saw) as well as verses in the Quraan that explains the significance of a mother breastfeeding her child.In terms of nutrition, there are numerous benefits that breastfeeding has on the new born baby. God Almighty also rewards the mother and showers His mercy upon her. There is also a strong bond created between mother and child.Whilst there are many people out there who can not afford a basic hospital facility to deliver their babies or are unable to gain access to a primary health care facility, there are infants in this part of the world who are treated like vip's at birth. On that note, I would like to take the opportunity in wishing Zubeida and her little one all the best and I hope and pray that he will always be the coolness to her eyes. Ameen.

Further Reading:
http://suckledsunnah.wordpress.com/category/quran-hadith/

International cricket match referee, Devdas Govindjee shares his Namibian travel experience with all the blog readers. Dev was recently in Namibia for two one day international cricket matches. I was joking with Dev, that he has in fact become a travel correspondent for this blog.I am so blessed to be acquainted with such a wonderful human being who loves to impart and share his knowledge and experiences with the rest of the world.

WINDHOEK - Namibia

When the call of the captain comes over the intercom system that passengers on flight SA74 from Johannesburg should prepare for landing then my first thoughts were to wonder about where exactly he was hoping to land because all I could see outside was endless tracks of land with not much else in sight except for shrubs which seemed to be enveloped in a bluish haze and dotted over the landscape were also bright green trees contrasting against the meandering sandy pathways where water once presumably flowed.

Out of this nothingness there then appears the runway and the not too attractive buildings of the Hosea Kutako International airport which is situated 42 kms outside the city.

The drive from the airport to the city is the first sign that this is a place ideal for a holiday- hardly any traffic on the road and this is the same upon getting into Windhoek itself- hugging the west coast of Southern Africa - hence the former name of South West Africa(SWA), Namibia is so very "un-African" in many ways.

It soon becomes clear that Windhoek has to be one of the cleanest and most secure capitals on the African continent - visitors will get to enjoy the diversity of it's inhabitants and the sheer spaciousness of the country.

Close historical ties with neighbouring South Africa are still very evident in the fact that Afrikaans is a language very much in use by the citizens . With the period of German colonial rule also to be factored in (when the country was called German West Africa) there are many tangible links with it's European past and this makes the country and Windhoek in particular a very cosmopolitan city by any standards.This is a place where many cultures meet and where fine historical buildings contrast quite comfortably with the modern city skyline.

Windhoek is set in central Namibia and has some captivating rolling hills all around it. Boasting a first world infrastructure visitors can enjoy a varied experience offering excellent restaurants which serve African or European cuisine, arts and crafts to satisfy anyone looking out for gifts to take back home, bars, nightclubs, casinos, as well as city and township tours which will give the visitor a taste of this African gem.

Windhoek itself has a quiet efficient aura about all it's activities. From free flowing traffic to friendly locals there is a safe welcoming presence about every facet of life here. From the city centre one merely has to walk to visit places such as the stunnning Christus Kirche (Church) which was officially consecrated in 1910 and is the oldest Evangelical Lutheran church in Namibia.

The fascinating Gibeon meteorites which are estimated to be 600 million years old are extra terrestrial and are mounted on steel columns near a shopping mall. They were collected by a geologist between 1911 and 1913.

The state museum is now housed in the Alta Feste which is one of the oldest buildings in Windhoek with it's corner stone laid in 1890.

Windhoek and Namibia offers much to the tourist - a visit to the coast is on the agenda as places such as Walvis Bay and Swakopmund have there own unique attractions.

With 300 days of sunshine Windhoek will give you an opportunity of a wonderful getaway and traditional African crafts not to mention the lure of gems and diamonds will bring you back again to explore more of this expansive country.

So if Africa is on your agenda then make sure Namibia features somewhere at the top of your bucket list.

Traditional art and crafts as well as gem stones and diamonds always associated with the lovely capital city of Windhoek. — in Windhoek, Namibia.

Tourists could never leave Namibia without taking with them some or other item made or crafted by the indigenous population. 

Because of it's colonial past and links with the Germans- there will be a constant flow of tourists from that country still coming to Namibia and restaurants such as Gathemann cater for there tastes.

This clock tower is a good meeting point in town but note also the SWA ( South West Africa) links in the sign. That was a former name during South African period of care-taker rule with Gernman West Africa also used during the colonial period.

Quiet organised trading characterises Windhoek as tourists seek to buy "local". There are no haggling sellers such as to be found in many other countries.

Not sure why they give out such big Steak Knives when all I ordered was a lovely Veg Pizza? Andy's a lovely little pub and grub in the mall. 

Not that far from the Kalahari desert but when Spring is in the air out come all the beauty of nature and the Jacaranda lilac dominates this scene in the centre of town.

The 9th and top floor of the Hilton is popular and a must in the hot weather- the Business lounge, the narrow long pool, the Skylight Bar, the Breeze Health Studio and the Gym to be found here. 

From the pool area of the Hilton one can see some of the attractions of Windhoek- the Christus Kirche, the Courts and also the Independence Monument with it's architecture not in keeping with the rest of the city! Suppose that's what happens when a foreign eastern power offers you something for nothing!

Fascinating- the Gibeon Meteorites- 600 million years old they are mounted on steel columns in Post Street near the Mall. 37 of these fragments were collected from 1911-1913 by a geologist- they are extraterrestrial and the weight ranged from 195-506 kgs.

The lovely Hilton Hotel as seen at night- situated right in the hear of the city. 

FAKE BABES OF BEIRUT

Some time back I was having an online conversation with my brothers friend that I had not spoken to in years. He informed me that he had just returned from his short vacation trip to Lebanon. He was quick to point out that he will definitely be visiting the country again for the hot, drop dead gorgeous looking women. According to his observations,Lebanese women are the most beautiful women in the world. Naturally, I disagreed with him as I believe that in every culture and society, you will find women that are beautiful and those that are simply average looking. Now, before you get your knickers in a twist, I have nothing against Lebanese people or Lebanese women in general. However, most of the Lebanese women I have interacted with are "fake made up porcelain dolls." According to a recent article published in the Huffington Post, Lebanon has become the plastic surgery capital of the world, taking over LA and Miami, where 1 in every 3 women have undergone some sought of procedure ranging from boob jobs, tummy tucks, botox, cheek implants, rhinoplasty and the list just goes on. The demand for plastic surgery in the country has escalated to such high levels that banks are even offering loans for procedures to be carried out. There is also a sudden burst of foreigners frequenting Lebanon to get their cosmetic surgery procedures done at one of the many cosmetic clinics available within the country.According to Dr. Roland Tohme, a plastic surgeon at the Beirut Beauty clinic, the biggest draw for cosmetic tourism in Lebanon is the price. Many procedures can be done in Lebanon for half the price or less. A nose job that would cost between $5000 and $7000 in the United States or Europe costs about $2000 in Lebanon. According to a UNDP report, the ratio between 30-34 year old single males and 25-29 year old single females is seven to ten. Hence, this might explain why plastic surgery is coming to the point where it is as common as visiting the gym to get fit. Marriage is a Lebanese woman's number one priority in life, a particularly challenging endeavour given the lopsided sex ratio. Whilst doing a Google search on this subject matter, I came across a really hilarious article,"La Wlooo!!!…How to Look Like a Lebanese Bimbo". The article is written by a Lebanese woman, Rita D and is in the form of a satire. She compares these "fake porcelain dolls" to cheap street women.....Here are a few excerpts from the article but do make sure that you read the full article by simply clicking on the link.

"If you’re ugly like me, you’ll need to start looking like a ho asap so you can find a gentleman who will appreciate your personality and want to marry you and have your babies one day."

"Step 1: Admit the Truth
The first step towards self-improvement is admitting to yourself that you’re jealous of all hoes. Declare that since you were a little girl, you’ve always dreamed of growing up to be a sl**. Why would you want to be a lawyer, journalist, doctor, architect or anything boring like that when you can be a ho? It’s never too late to follow your dream. Be a ho so you can be appreciated for what truly counts: your brains!Stop making fun of hoes and admit that you’re a hater, because real beauty is looking like a $2 h**ker. These hoes aren’t bad people. All they want is to find a man of “quality” to spend on them (a.k.a. a husband), so they dress the part."

"Step 2: Dress to Impress
There’s no point in wearing underwear if you’re not going to show it, so make sure 85% of your cleavage is out and that only 15% of your bum is covered.
When attending a classy event, make sure to wear a dress that reveals your legs, back, chest, stomach, arms and maybe your v*gina. Make sure that your dress is so tight that your lungs would collapse after one hour, which is more than enough time to meet your future husband – granted that you’re wearing a pair of elegant h**ker heels. "

"Step 3: Draw on a New Face
The key here is to make sure none of your facial skin shows by the time you’re done. You have three looks to aim for: a mime, a clown or backstage makeup (think: Black Swan sans feathers).Make sure you start by painting a very light foundation all over your face. You’ll know you’ve got the right shade when your face and neck are two completely different colors. Your face should be a whitish-pink or something similar to your kitchen wall. Continue by coloring big black circles around your eyes. Don’t stop until you look like you’ve been kneed in the face twice. After you’re done applying the elegant eye shadow, glue on some super long fake lashes. Make sure they’re long enough to poke your future husband’s eye out. Move on to painting on your eyebrows."

"Step 4: Intensify your Mannerisms
Buy a year’s supply of bubblegum. Chew it all the time with an open mouth, even when you’re sleeping. Make sure to blow big bubbles and laugh as high as possible (think: Nanny Fran) for the perfect results. Suck on your finger whenever needed. For example, if someone asks you for directions, wink and suck on your finger. If someone asks you how much you charge per hour, suck the finger while giving him a piece of your mind!"

"Step 5: Talk Like you’re Trapping Poo
Now that you’ve gotten steps 1 through 4 under your belt, you must carry the right attitude with you. It’s not enough to look, smell, dance and think like a ho, you must talk like one too. Make sure to extend every vowel so that it sounds like you’re having a constipated orgasm. It’s not annoying, it’s sexy. Make a lot of “aaaahhhhh” sounds because they are like a mating call for potential husbands. No, men will not think you’re a vulgar nymphomaniac who’s slept with half the planet. They’ll see you as the mother of their unborn babies."

Whilst this author is clearly against cosmetic surgery and other fake beauty enhancing procedures, I was informed by a few Lebanese women I know that there is fierce competition amongst women to look good in Lebanon in order to find a husband.Many women from middle class or poor socio-economic homes aspire to become wives of rich Arab men from the neighbouring Gulf countries like Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Some women aspire and dream of marrying into royalty and hence would make concerted efforts to frequent night clubs and hotels that cater for the rich, upper class members of society.
Whilst a whopping 20 percent of Lebanese live under $2500 annually where most people are struggling to pay for their daily basic needs,I find it shocking that parents would take out loans from a bank to pay for their teenage daughter's cosmetic surgery procedure. Most parents aspire for their daughters to look like models on the cover of a magazine. The reality though is that most of the flawless images we see on a magazine cover is due to highly specialized air bushing and other computer generated techniques. Gravity defying boobs just does not exist in reality.Whilst women all around the globe spend thousands of dollars on various cosmetic procedures and techniques, I will forever adhere to the age old saying "Beauty is only skin deep."

SOURCE:
http://nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=346606

http://www.undp.org.lb/programme/governance/advocacy/nhdr/nhdr98/chptr8.pdf

Prophet's purported cup returned to Chechnya

The video below depicts the ceremony that was held in Chechnya almost a year ago to unveil the cup that supposedly belonged to the Prophet Muhammed (saw) and was passed down to Ali ibn Abu Talib. The Chechen leader quite visibly broke down in tears as he unveiled the cup to his people. This video was sent to me earlier this week by a facebook friend. The cup had apparently been flown into the Chechen capital Grozny from London where it was kept by unnamed descendants of the Prophet Muhammed (saw)'s cousin, Ali ibn Abu Talib.

According to newspaper reports, the Chechen government confirmed that anyone from the public will be allowed to drink water from the cup on the birthday of the Prophet Muhammed (saw).
I personally have a few issues with this whole story. Firstly, I tried obtaining information about the cup itself. There is no legitimate proof that acknowledges the authenticity of the cup.Whilst doing a Google search on the utensils the Prophet Muhammed (saw) utilized, I came across these two ahaadith.
Asim ibn Al-Ahwal, who belonged to the Tabieen generation that followed the Prophet’s companions, says: “I saw the Prophet’s cup at Anas ibn Malik’s house. It had a crack and Anas pulled it together with a chain of silver. It was a good, wide cup made of fine, thin wood. Anas said to us: ‘I gave the Prophet to drink out of this cup so many times.’ Ibn Seereen says: ‘The cup had a ring of iron and Anas wanted to replace it with one made of gold or silver, but Abu Talhah, (Anas’ stepfather), told him not to change anything the Prophet had or did. Therefore, Anas left it as it was.’” (Related by Ahmad and Al-Bukhari.)
Ibn Abbas reports: “The governor of Alexandria sent a cup made of glass to the Prophet and he used it to drink.” (Related by Ibn Saad and Abu al-Shaykh.) This was part of the gift the ruler of Egypt sent to the Prophet (saw) in reply to his message calling on him to believe in Islam. The Egyptian ruler recognized the Prophet (saw) but decided to remain Christian.He however still wished to maintain a good relationship with the Prophet Muhammed (saw). Therefore, he sent him a gift to demonstrate his good will.

The cup shown in the video looks very similar to a jade like ornamental stone cup..Whilst I am pleased that there were thousands of people who took to the streets to show their love for the Prophet Muhammed (saw), I firmly believe that this whole fiasco was simply a political ploy on the part of the government. There has been reports of the Chechen leader trying to revive an Islamic way of life in the region. However, putting up a show of this magnitude without any proof or evidence to support his theory that the cup had indeed belonged to the Prophet (saw) is just outright ludicrous and bizarre in my opinion. I firmly believe that he is not reviving Islam in the region but rather leading people astray. It is a complete act of bidah or an innovation to allow the public to drink out of the cup. There is no religious significance or reward that is attained by drinking water out of this cup. Another important point to make mention here is that the Prophet (saw) never ever celebrated his birthday.In fact celebrating the Prophet's birthday is also a huge bid3a and an innovation in itself. There is no evidence in the Quraan or the hadith that points to the fact that the Prophet Muhammed (saw) celebrated his birthday. This grave innovation was initiated after the death of the Prophet Muhammed (saw) by King al-Muzaffar Abû Sa’îd Kawkabûri, the King of Irbil, at the end of the sixth century or the beginning of the seventh century AH, as was mentioned by the historians such as Ibn Khalikân and others. Abû Shâmah said: the first person to do that in Mosul was Shaykh ‘Umar ibn Muhammad al-Malâ, one of the well-known righteous people. Then the ruler of Irbil and others followed his example.

Al-Hâfidh Ibn Kathîr said in al-Bidâyah wa’l-Nihâyah (13/137), in his biography of Abû Sa’îd Kawkabûri:“He used to observe the Mawlid in Rabî’ al-Awwal and hold a huge celebration on that occasion … some of those who were present at the feast of al-Muzaffar on some occasions of the Mawlid said that he used to offer in the feast five thousand grilled heads of sheep, ten thousand chickens and one hundred thousand large dishes, and thirty trays of sweets … he would let the Sûfîs sing from Dhuhr until Fajr, and he himself would dance with them.”

Ibn Khalikân said in Wafiyât al-A’yân (3/274):“When it is the first of Safar they decorate those domes with various kinds of fancy adornments, and in every dome there sits a group of singers and a group of puppeteers and players of musical instruments, and they do not leave any one of those domes without setting up a group (of performers) there.The people give up work during this period, and they do no work except going around and watching the entertainment. When there are two days to go until the Mawlid, they bring out a large number of camels, cows and sheep, more than can be described, and they accompany them with all the drums, songs and musical instruments that they have, until they bring them to the square… On the night of the Mawlid there are performances of nashîds after Maghrib in the citadel.”

Our world leaders today should all be taking gold medals in acting. Breaking down in tears, getting all emotional and swaying the sentiments and emotions of the masses is what they use in order to stay in power. Whilst there has been several reports of the good work that Ramzan Kadyrov has undertaken and fulfilled in terms of building Masaajids and trying to revive the spirit of Islam in the region, using artifacts that have no authenticity to stir up the emotions of the public is just downright nonsensical and foolish in my opinion. If he really wishes to seek the admiration of his people he needs to follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammed (saw). He needs to emulate the lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammed (saw). This is what will gain him ultimate love and respect from his people.What are your thoughts on this one?

Source:

http://www.arabnews.com/node/298802

http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/prophet-s-purported-relic-brought-to-chechnya-2011-09-22-1.420094

http://www.rferl.org/content/kadyrov-curator-prophet-muhammad-relics/24671614.html