Eid Mubarak-- Kullu 3am wa antum bekhair wa si77a wa 3afiyya

It is with mixed emotions that we approach the end of Ramadhaan. I am extremely thankful and grateful to Allah Ta’ala for allowing us to benefit from the enormous spiritual benefits of Ramadhaan, the fasting, taraweeh salaah, charity, recitation of Qur’aan etc. At the same time I am sad that this Mubarak (auspicious) month has come to an end. For a true believer everyday of his or her life should be spent like how we generally spend our precious time in Ramadhaan, full of virtuous acts.

Let us formulate strategies and ways to uphold this spirit and actions.Remember true and eternal happiness, bliss and joy can only be achieved by leading our lives according to the Commandments of Allah Ta’ala and following the beautiful and noble lifestyle (sunnah) of His Beloved Messenger Muhammad (salallaho alaihe wassallam).

We should also remember that while we celebrate the joyous day of Eid-ul-Fitr there are millions of our brothers and sisters who are being oppressed and persecuted. Let us not forget about them. Let us enjoy this day of Eid in a manner pleasing to our Creator and Sustainer Allah Ta’ala.

Eid Mubarak to you and your family and May Allah Ta’ala bless and grant you barakah (blessings) in this world and the akhirah(hereafter) ...May Allah accept your fasting and duas. Let us remember the Ummah which is in pain and distress in many parts of the world and if possible let us contribute in whatever way possible whether it be financially or by way of your sincere duas. Make dua for those who have passed on....May ALLAH grant relief to those in need, May Allah ease the plight of so many that are downtrodden,& oppressed ...May Allah grant Shi'fa (cure) to those that are ill and may ALLAH grant us a death with Emaan (faith) and true success in both this world and the hereafter…Ameen

Seven Seas Signature Spa and Hair Salon

Visiting the Seven Seas Signature Spa and hair salon this morning has left me feeling relaxed and on top of the world. Ever since the spa opened a few months ago, I have been trying to make my way to it and finally today I decided to treat mom and pamper myself to a deep cleansing facial along with a full hair colour, highlights and a blow dry. The masterminds behind the spa is none other than the celebrity event planner, Mr. Aadil Saith and his brother Mr. Ismail Saith. Walking into the spa certainly brought out  the 'aaarrrrhhh' factor in me as I inhaled the beautiful aromas that welcomed me. I was greeted by warm and friendly staff that had a huge smile on their faces. Mom and I were asked to complete a questionnaire that is usually standard in all spas pertaining to our allergies, health conditions and of course medication usage.I was then ushered into a private room and asked to change. The ambience in the room was outstanding. The beautiful decor along with the scented candles in the room created an atmosphere of absolute peace and tranquility. It did not feel as though I was snap bang in the middle of town. I do want to take the opportunity in complimenting my therapist Eureka for her kind and friendly demeanour and personality. I must say that she has good hands. Whilst giving  me a shoulder and foot massage I was falling off to sleep as I was so relaxed. Visiting all the rooms in the spa, one can not help but notice the great pride that was taken on detail. The breathtaking decor comprising of varying shades of purple, grey, black, beige, browns, blues and silver themed with exquisite curtaining coupled with the equally gorgeous lounge suites and mosaic mirrors only reflects an owner that has style and an inner creativity. I was particularly impressed with the bridal suite that had all the amenities that a bride requires in order to make her big day even more special. She can be pampered to a variety of treatments, and then step out looking like a supermodel after having her hair and make up done as well. I am usually a very rigid type of a person  when it comes to my hair. I prefer visiting my usual hairdresser at scissors.com as I have been acquainted with her for many years now and she knows my hair in and out. This morning though, whilst I was skeptical at first when I seen such a young team working in the spa salon, I must say the hairstylist at the spa proved me wrong when I seen the end results. The hair colour and the highlights they chose were absolutely perfect. The spa is definitely of an international standard thereby offering a variety of signature treatments from around the globe such as Swedish massage, Moroccan scrubs, Hot lava shell, Shirodhara, Kizhi,  Andaman seashell body polish , and Ayurvedic intelligence to name a few. The spa also offers a variety of dessert treatments that will definitely make your partner wanna eat you up! Some of the treatments on offer include the Blueberry cheesecake, Espresso coffee clay body mask, Chocolate Fondue and Tiramisu treatment. The sheer opulence, elegance and grandiosity of the spa will definitely attract me and almost force me to visit again. 

The Seven Seas Signature Spa is located at No. 85c Mint Road Fordsburg inside the Image Lifestyle Wedding and Conference Venue

To make a treatment booking contact them at: 011 838- 9938

For any further info, kindly click on the link below:
http://m.sevenseasspa.co.za/

Through darkness, she conquered the world

There are thousands of students out there who are able bodied individuals capable of studying and becoming productive members of society, yet due to a lack of drive, perseverance and ambition they fail miserably when it comes to acquiring a tertiary education. Today's blog post celebrates a woman who has courage and ambition and has succeeded in all aspects of her life despite being visually impaired. Her perseverance and inner drive has allowed her to achieve a degree at a renowned South African University. Maymoona Chouglay is truly an inspiration not only to fellow South Africans, but she is undoubtedly an inspiration to the world.Read on to find out more in her own words.

1. Firstly Maymoona thank you so much for taking time out to answer these questions?So tell me who is Maymoona Choughlay? Where were you born? Basically provide my readers with a brief synopsis of your life from childhood up until your university years?

I Maymoona Chouglay was born in Kimberley. I was born premature and the oxygen in the incubator affected my eyes and thus I have a detached retina. I lived in Kimberley for 1 year and then later moved to Pakistan with my parents where my dad was completing his studies. We relocated to South Africa in the early 90’s and lived in Bakerton Springs. I started preschool in 1992 but had to repeat as I was not fluent in English. I then went to Rynsoord primary school where I completed my grade 1 and 2. much of which was very challenging, my mum was more at school with me then being a stay at home mom. She had to make my lines darker in the writing books and had to read a lot of the work to me. Both these years I went for tests at Prinshof School for the blind in Pretoria and finally after the 2nd test my parents had to make the decision as to let me go on in the mainstream school or put me in a special school. It was difficult for them but after much consideration and consultation in 1996 I started grade 3 at my new school. Not knowing anything about Braille the school suggested putting me 2 years back to grade 1. My mum refused and said that I will cope. IT WAS THROUGH THE ATTITUDE AND WILLINGNESS OF MY MUM WHO SAT WITH ME FOR HOURS ON END AND MADE ME DO DOUBLE THE WORK GIVEN ON A DAY, I COMPLETED MY GRADE AND WITHIN MONTHS THE SCHOOL THEN WANTED TO PROMOTE ME AND MOM STEPPED IN AGAIN.SHE ASKED THAT I BE LEFT IN THE GRADE CLASS WHERE I COULD PRACTICE AND MAKE MY BRAILLE READING AND WRITING FLUENT. The next 3 years I went on to grades 4, 5 and 6 respectively taking part in more activities then I would have if I was in a mainstream school. In 1999 I lost my mum to an illness called Lupus. Then my dad remarried and in August 2000 my twin brothers were born. My high school years were filled with activities emphasizing my leadership qualities. I learnt Arabic Braille in 2002. My last 3 years were dedicated to studying and leadership within and out of the school. After school I took on the journey to study social work at the University of Pretoria.4 year degree took me 6 years. Lots of difficulties but very rewarding at the end.

2. I am curious to know, were you visually impaired since birth or was it a disability that developed later on in life?

I was born premature and the oxygen in the incubator affected my eyes. I then had a detached retina. I was basically blind. Then after consulting with doctors and lots of Duas I regained my sight in my left eye equivalent to 20%. In 2000 my cornea cracked and I was basically blind again. I then went for Umrah with the view that what is meant to be will be. Many were concerned about me travelling especially the doctors but I explained that I am going to the house of Allah and what will be will be. I returned after 2 weeks with even better sight then what I had before my cornea cracked. And continued my life with just a scar. Doctors were amazed but to me it was all the work of Allah. In 2007 I started loosing my sight and started adjusting my life and the manner that I did daily tasks. In 2008 June I underwent an emergency operation which was not successful. In August after loads of searching I went for a second opinion by my original Doctor whom we had lost touch with when he went in to private practice. He decided that it is important to wheel me in to theatre as soon as possible and a week later I went in. an operation that had to take 2 hours took about 5 hours and it was on this day that the news was broken to my family that I would never be able to see again. Thus I am blind.

3. Having visited Madrassa an Noor for the blind in Pietermaritzburg, I noticed that the students at the institute were exposed to specialized programs to assist them in utilizing the computer. Have you also been exposed to such technology?

Yes I have. I am a user of Jaws on a daily bases.

4. How did your family react when you decided to pursue a degree at a tertiary institute?

They were very supportive. They encouraged me and stood by me as much as they possibly could.

5 . I am not really familiar with the education program for the visually impaired in South Africa, hence are text books used at a university level readily available in braille?

This question is a sensitive one for me. It was a very very big struggle for me. Textbooks are not available in Braille. To have them printed is a mission either it is printed by people who does not look at the quality and it is printed very bad or an electronic copy is hard to get hold of so the book would need to be bought scanned edited and then translated to be printed in Braille. This is in short.

6. I understand that you are also a married woman.The fact that you are visually impaired hasn't prevented you from leading a normal life. How did you meet your life partner and is he also visually impaired?

Yes I am married. We met at the Madrassa Al Noor for the blind. He is also visually impaired. We both lead a normal life as we and our families are concerned. This being said within our limits and capabilities.

7. What are your future plans and goals? Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I am not really sure as to the exact time frame given but I would like to further my studies in social work. Thinking of masters and also a post graduate certificate in education. I would also need to study further to stay in the field of probation where I am currently working.

8. What advise would you give to an individual who is visually impaired? Many of these individuals become depressed, despondent and lose hope.

I can only share my motto: “it is good to dream, but live your dreams and don’t dream your way to live”
Secondly don’t let your disability define you but you should define your disability. Do not sit back and let the world revolve around you but get up and travel the world.Have the right attitude, believe in yourself and the All mighty and make the right choices and changes when necessary.

9. Define success? What does success mean to you?

Success to me means achieving what you have set out for yourself. It is not about competitions but it is about doing something to better your life, your situation, your plans for the future and better everything on a whole to assist and better the lives of those around you, be it family and friends, related or not and lastly in working environment or in a personal capacity.

10. Who or what inspires you? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

The Almighty gives me the strength. My dad is my role model. My Late mum has taught me the values of life, my step mum taught me that there is no word such as “can’t” unless you have tried and even if you do it in a different way if the end result is the same then that is all that matters. Anybody that I can learn something from inspires me.

11. What are your favourite websites?

I do not really have a favourite. Where ever I can get relevant information as needed at the time I will visit. Most of the time it is academic related or disability related.

12. A few months ago I met a visually impaired man who is originally from the UK but now resides in South Africa due to his studies. He mentioned to me that he traveled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone two years ago to perform his Hajj. Have you traveled abroad?

I have lived in Pakistan, travelled to India and Mauritius with my family. Went to Kenya with my late mum, Umrah with my cousin and uncle and locally to Kimberley Durban and Cape Town by myself and family respectively. Still intend on travelling much more in future.

13. Are there organizations for the visually impaired in South Africa? If yes, are you a member of any of these organizations. Can you please provide the contact details of the organizations you mentioned.

Yes there are number of organisations for the blind in SA.
I am a member of Egoli blind which is a committee of blind SA.

14. As a university graduate myself, there were days when I use to become frustrated whilst studying. Were there times when you felt frustrated, were there times when you felt that you wanted to give up. How did you overcome these powerful feelings of negativity?

Yes more often then not. I overcame it by looking back and saying to myself. You have completed a certain amount of modules; you only have so many left you can do it. I took the support given and always said God would not have put me in this situation if I could not handle it. I am here to make a difference for myself, other disabled people and create awareness to able bodied people about different disabilities. I am here in a helping profession and I got to help myself so even if my studies takes me longer I will do it for my self and for others. It is also something that nobody can take away from me.

Thank you Maymoona for taking the time to answer these questions. Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours!!! This is definitely one of the most inspiring interviews that I have ever done. I am so honoured and proud to have interviewed you.Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

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THE ICC WOMEN'S T 20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER TOURNAMENT DUBLIN JULY-AUG 2013. Through the eyes of the tournament referee Part 1

International cricket match referee, Devdas Govindjee shares his current travel experience with all the blog readers. Dev is currently in Ireland for the ICC Women's T 20 world cup qualifier tournament.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.

The Women cricketers representing eight countries are gathering in Dublin Ireland to take part in the ICC's T20 World Cup Qualifier- only 3 of these teams will make it into the draw for the T20 World Cup event scheduled to be held in Bangladesh next year.

Hosts Ireland will have to compete against teams from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Netherlands,Japan, Thailand and Canada for a place at the prestigious World cup event so everything points to some exciting matches starting on Tuesday in Dublin.

As Tournament Referee to the event I left Port Elizabeth on Friday and it was a smooth uneventful journey via Johannesburg and London into Dublin on Saturday around midday.

The majestic Croke Park Stadium is pointed out by the driver when one approaches the hotel with the same name. He informs me that the 82 000 seater is home to popular Gaellic Rugby and the sport of Hurling.

Within walking distance of the hotel one immediately immerses into the Irish lifestyle- the streets have so many homes with the trademark colourful doors and the flowers clustered around lamp poles makes such a pretty sight.

Getting into the Temple Bar area brings the visitor into an entirely new environment - scores of locals and tourists come to this iconic part of the city where the river Liffey glides along and the area just cluttered with brightly painted pubs each with special names- these will provide patrons with good old fashioned Irish dishes or a menu to satisfy the tastes of any visitor. 

Musicians entertain crowds inside pubs and restaurants as street corners or pavements have groups or individuals all exhibiting their own unique entertainment.It creates a buzz in the area which is just so infectious and even a teetotaler like myself would end up sitting in a bar and taking in all that it has to offer.

One could also just find a quiet spot and spend time watching the different visitors from various parts of the world and absorb the sometimes risque dress codes of passers by. With camera in hand it does become a paradise for one with an eye for that "Kodak" moment.

With the sun only going down at around 10 pm there is certainly enough joviality around not to mention litres of Guiness that will get consumed.

With the serious business of a tournament in mind it is time to head back to the hotel and take in a good night's rest- ahead there are stadium inspections, umpire workshops, technical briefings with managers, coaches and captains of the respective teams and a welcome function on Monday evening before the first ball gets bowled at The hills and the YMCA grounds on Tuesday. The morning matches have hosts Ireland playing against Japan and Netherlands playing Zimbabwe with the afternoon matches pitting Sri Lanka against Canada and Pakistan against Thailand.

For update and live scores log into www.espncricinfo.com

The centrally situated Croke Park hotel with the massive Gaellic Football & Hurling stadium across from it. That shall require a special visit during my stay here.

A glimpse of the impressive Croke Park Stadium

After settling in and a rest, time to get familiar with the surrounds.

A quiet Saturday afternoon in this part of Dublin- not so once you hit the city centre and the Temple Bar area where it buzzes!

                                       Calm and tranquil scene- just to take a moment to savour it it all

Along the walk near the hotel had to identify future eating houses- knew there would be a Curry Den somewhere.

Early evening took a short cab drive to the Temple Bar region with ICC Tournament Director David Thorley and media representative Mary - selection of places to east is mind-boggling. We chose the "yellow" establishment.Waitress of Canadian origin did mention that that the burgers did not come with "buns!"

The world famous Temple Bar !Note the young lady in the foreground attracting customers to dine somewhere. People just flock to this area and the atmosphere is fantastic with live musicians on the streets and in the countless pubs.

This flautist and his group straight out of the Jethro Tull era!

The Liffey River is central to Dublin.

Day 1 comes to an end as the sun goes down around 10 pm! Time to call it a day and relax in a quiet cosy corner of The Library at the hotel.

Fresh Home Made Naan

Sister Shameela Sadek requested for Rey's naan recipe after I posted a picture of it on facebook. No soup, kitchro or haleem is complete without freshly baked home made naan. Simply follow the easy steps below and you are guaranteed bakery fresh naan that will leave your family and friends totally impressed.

                                1. Add 2 ounce of butter and 2 tablespoons sugar in a mixing bowl

                                2. Beat the butter and sugar together until it forms a creamy
                                    consistency. Then add one egg to the mixture and beat well

                                3. Now add 4 and a half cups of flour to the mixture.

                                5. Add 1 teaspoon salt

                                6. Add 1 teaspoon sawmf (fenel)

                                7. Add 1 packet of Anchor instant yeast

                                8. Add 600ml of a milk and water mixture (300ml water with
                                    300ml milk). Warm the milk water mixture in the microwave
                                    before adding to the flour.

                                9. Knead the dough into a soft smooth consistency as depicted
                                    above. Now cover the dough with a cloth and allow to rise.

                                10. Divide the contents of the dough into three portions. Pat each
                                       portion into a round tray as illustrated above.

                                11. Brush egg over the dough.

                                12. Now sprinkle sesame seeds (tal seeds) over the dough.Allow
                                      the dough to rise further before baking in the oven at 220 degrees
                                      until golden brown.

                                13. The end product.