Turkey 2014 - Day 6

Waking up to a bright, sunny morning we made our way to the main restaurant for breakfast where we were surprised to see many soldiers in uniform from many countries across the globe. Having an opportunity to speak to some of them who were actually very friendly, I was told that they were in Izmir on a mission which is of course confidential. They were all to gather at the Nato base located on the outskirts of Izmir approximately a twenty minute drive.  After breakfast we loaded all our belongings and headed for Kusadasi. Along the way we visited a few historical sites. Driving towards Selcuk, the first site we visited was the house of the virgin Mary. She resided in this house towards the end of her life.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside the home out of respect but what I did notice was a separate room where both nuns and Muslim women prayed side by side. Mary or Mariam has an important significance in both the Christian as well as the Islamic faith. Whilst observing my surroundings I was fascinated with the rock wall that had thousands of wishes stuck to it. The wishes were written on white Kleenex or on white paper. According to locals, you should write your wish on a piece of paper and tie it on the wall. If the wish comes through you need to return and remove the paper. Nearby the wall there is a spring of flowing water emanating from the rocks. Whilst we were told not to drink the water for health safety reasons many of the tourists deemed this water as holy water and drank it in abundance.

After paying our respects at the home of Mother Mary we then moved on to the ancient city of Ephesus, the largest Roman ruin in the world and one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. We explored with great fascination the Odeon, Curetes street, Trajan fountain, the splendid facade of the library of celcius and the amphitheatre which is still being used for concerts. After exploring the site for a good couple of hours in the scorching sun, we enjoyed a delicious home cooked Turkish meal prepared especially for us by a local family. Turkish people love freshly cooked organic food. Turkish women are extremely hardworking overseeing all the home chores whilst the lazy men enjoy a game of Backgammon with a delicious cup of Turkish tea.  I was quite amazed at the fact that many of the shop owners were women and women also took care of the fields and gardens operating lawnmowers and tractors with much ease. After lunch we visited the Basilica of St. John. We were quite surprised to see a bride and groom at the historical site taking out wedding pictures on a week day. After exploring the site under really hot conditions it was quite refreshing to arrive at the Sea Light resort in Kusadasi , just in time for a quick afternoon swim just before sunset. Dinner at the hotel was absolutely delicious. The baked salmon with mash potatoes coupled with an assortment of freshly baked breads made us all indulge in a second helping. After dinner, we took a walk around the resort and discovered a live show for all the guests at the hotel. The show was hilarious where guests were randomly selected to sing or dance or do something funny.  It was loads of fun. We had the opportunity of interacting with people from Russia and Germany who were also on tour. After enjoying a night with lots of laughter, we retired to bed in the early hours of the morning.

Allahu Yarhamuhu Ya Abu Meteb

With the news of King Abdulla's demise, there has been many negative comments coming through about him being a bad person supporting a Zionist movement etc. Whilst Muslims from other parts of the world may say good riddance, he was undoubtedly a peoples king. The Saudi people loved their King especially the women. During his reign he did a lot for women's rights and female education in the Kingdom. He was in support of women driving in the Kingdom considering that his own daughters knew how to drive. He wanted to bring about more reform but there is a fine line between liberalism and a culture of tribal rule. My fondest memories of him was watching him being wheeled into the hospital when he got ill a few years ago. I will never forget that night. My colleague and good friend was the night manager on duty. He got a call from the Royal clinic stating that the King is on his way to the hospital. My colleague rushed down to the pharmacy basement asking me to assist him with looking for the Kings bed which was stashed away in a store room. We searched for the bed from one store room to the other eventually finding it just in time for the Kings arrival. When he arrived at the hospital, he greeted the staff with a smile on his face. He was a grandfatherly figure to everyone around him. The Saudi staff waited in line to greet him. Whilst his face never really gave away his age, he was old and I am sure that he would have loved to do more for his people but age was of course against him. To the Saudi people he was regarded as their father. He was given that respect and status by his people and whilst he may have made bad decisions with regards to supporting a zionist regime at the end of it all we are no one to judge him as a person. I recall a story that a colleague of mine related to me. He told me that many years ago the King had a maid from Eritrea and her duty was only to make him a morning cup of tea. She worked at the palace for many years until one day she informed King Abdulla that she needed to leave as her mom was very ill and required medical attention. He gave her two bags of money. When she stepped out of the palace the guards on duty were under the impression that she had stolen the money. After liaising with the King she was allowed to leave. In Eritrea, the maid put her mom in a private medical facility and also managed to buy out a small hotel whereby she could earn a decent living and provide for her family.
I got a call in the early hours of this morning from his nephew who told me that there is sadness within the Kingdom. He stated that whilst some people out there may have been unhappy with his uncles views concerning foreign policies , his uncle passed away on a Friday as a Muslim. May Allah grant him the highest stages of Jannah.

I find it shocking that there are Muslims out there who are posting ridiculous comments on other forums with regards to Abu Meteb's death,
" He does not deserve to get a Friday."
" He does not deserve to be buried in Mecca..Astaghfirullah."
" How come he got a Friday for his wrongdoings."

How can we judge another human being. He might have been a bad person to the world but in Allah's eyes he may have been a good human being. I can not handle the shallow way of thinking of some of our narrow minded South African Muslims. We enjoy division rather than unity. We enjoy judging others yet we fail to ponder over our own wrongdoings. As a Muslim and a fellow human being, I say Allahu yar7amuhu Abu Meteb... May Allah grant you the highest stages of jannah and sabr jameel to your family.......

Turkey 2014- Day 5

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Kolin hotel, we checked out and made our way to a few historical sites enroute to Izmir. Our first stop was Homer’s Troy where we seen the ruins of nine cities built on top of each other and an enormous reconstruction of the famous wooden horse. It was an incredible site to see as the history I learnt at school finally came to light. For those of you who are not familiar with the tale of the Trojan Horse, “it is a story from the Trojan War about the subterfuge that the Greeks used to enter the city of Troy and win the war. In the canonical version, after a fruitless 10-year siege, the Greeks constructed a huge wooden horse, and hid a select force of men inside. The Greeks pretended to sail away, and the Trojans pulled the horse into their city as a victory trophy. That night the Greek force crept out of the horse and opened the gates for the rest of the Greek army, which had sailed back under cover of night. The Greeks entered and destroyed the city of Troy, decisively ending the war. The main ancient source for the story is the Aeneid of Virgil, a Latin epic poem from the time of Augustus. The event is referred to in Homer's Odyssey. In the Greek tradition, the horse is called the "Wooden Horse". “

After marvelling at the huge reconstructed wooden horse, we headed for Pergamon. Enroute we enjoyed a light lunch at one of the quaint road side restaurants.  At Pergamon we observed the charming view of the acropolis of ancient Pergamon way up on a mountain top. We visited the Asclepion and the ancient centre of healing said to be the world’s first hospital. I was quite fascinated to hear that in ancient times all patients with mental illnesses were placed in the basement for treatment.  “Founded by a man named Archias, the Asclepion of Pergamon became famous under Galen (131-210 AD), a local physician who pursued his medical studies in Greece and Alexandria (Egypt) before settling as doctor to Pergamon's gladiators.

From the parking lot and entrance (TL15), where there are shops and snack-and-drink stands, we walked along a monumental marble street bordered by columns. This was once an active market street, with shops lining both sides of the street. The acropolis of Pergamum is clearly visible on its hilltop to the east.

Coming into the main precinct of the Asclepion, we noticed the large marble column fragment bearing the Asclepion's symbol: two snakes facing each other across a wheel. As snakes shed their skins are "reborn," so patients at the Asclepion were to shed their illnesses and regain health.

We first noticed the large theater of the Asclepion, in front of which are several stone-framed sacred pools, filled with water (and frogs) in spring, though perhaps dry in summer and autumn.”

After touring the site for over an hour in the blistering heat we made our way to Izmir. We checked into the opulent Hilton Izmir Hotel in the middle of town a few streets away from the beach. After enjoying a really sumptuous meal we took a walk on the beach front. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly taking a ride back to the hotel in a horse and cart.

For more pictures, simply click on this link: 

https://www.facebook.com/sumayya.mehtar/media_set?set=a.10153510394752782.1073741872.739292781&type=3

Beware of the Muslim swingers club in your area

                                                      Picture: www.inyourpocket.com

A few days ago there was an article published with regards to the swingers club in Lenasia. On another facebook page people were arguing that the write up just can not be true.Well folks it is true. I heard the story from the horses mouth. The house where these illicit activities are occurring is located in extension 5.. rainbow valley. Apparently it is an area in Lenasia where rich Indian families reside. The club comprises of rich Muslim,Hindu and Tamil businessmen.The lady who related her ordeal to the newspaper divorced her husband within a week after he took her to the club and expected her to engage in sexual activities with his friend. She had no idea that her husband belonged to the club. He informed her that he was invited at a friends house for dinner. Arriving at the home, she noticed many of the women dressed erotically. Her husband dropped his car keys in a bowl which she found odd. After indulging in some finger foods, she noticed some of the couples dancing. She also noticed a man picking up their car keys from a bowl. Her husband then instructed her to go upstairs with the gentleman who also happened to be a close friend of his. She was totally confused and asked her husband why should she go upstairs with the man. Her husband then revealed the truth to her that he is a part of the swingers club and he wants her to participate as well to improve their sex life. Naturally she was shocked. She slapped him, took the car keys and drove off to her mothers home.  The lady has been married to her husband for almost 20 years. They have grown up married kids..There is apparently a Muslim swingers club in Houghton, Laudium and Sandton as well.Shocking is n't it...Some of these men who belong to swingers clubs feel that it is better to engage in these type of sexual activities with their wives instead of marrying other women or having affairs. There is also a group of Muslim businessmen who frequent elite escort agencies in Sandton. These businessmen believe that they are unable to marry other women, as their wives will not accept the presence of a second or third wife. Many of these businessmen fear divorce as their wives are fifty percent share holders in the business and hence if their infidelity is caught they will pay a heavy price. Many of these businessmen believe that their wives are old and can not satisfy them sexually any more and hence have opted to frequent elite escort agencies in Sandton where their activities and identities are kept totally secret.

Yesterday afternoon the police informed us that there is a Muslim owned home in Fietas that has become a brothel.Drugs and alcohol is sold at this house. Young Indian, white, coloured and Malay girls are recruited to satisfy customers needs. Muslim businessmen, Imaams and moulanas frequent this house for sexual gratification. Many of these young women are on drugs so they have sex with different men in exchange for drugs and alcohol. I felt so embarrassed when the policeman said that most of the drug busts in this country involve rich Muslim businessmen.These same men walk with their heads high, showing off about their properties,cars and houses yet it is all earned in a haraam way. In their quest to achieve name and fame they have destroyed the lives of innocent young men and women.Well all i can say is that these people can show off about their materialistic possessions in this world but when they go six feet deep they will have to answer to their Creator....

When I posted this info on facebook last night, it seems to have received lots of interest with many people messaging me wanting to know where are the houses located etc etc. I will not divulge any more information. The issue I have though is that the Ulema in our community know that this is happening so why are they not addressing this issue in a Juma khutbah. Every week they talk about the same old crap but fail to address pertinent issues within our community. With regards to the home in Fietas, I hope that the police arrest members of this family soon and take legal action against them. People like that need to rot in jail with the keys thrown away.......

Kitchro - A delicious Indian soup

Mom's Kitchro recipe has always been a huge hit especially during the winter months. Mom would cook a big pot of soup and distribute it within the community especially among the poor and elderly folk. I should have posted this recipe a long time ago but what can I do... time is a factor......

                                           1. In a big pot add 1 1/2 tablespoon chana dhaal

                                           2. Add 1 1/2 tablespoon oil dhaal

                                           3. Add 1/2 a cup rice
                                         

                                          4.Add 3/4 cup crushed wheat

                                          5. 1 1/2 tablespoon barley
                                       

                                               6. Rinse out all the ingredients in the pot as depicted above

                                          7. Add water and 1 teaspoon salt to the lentils and cook until soft

                                          8. In another pot chop up one onion. Add jeera ( cumin)

                                          9. Add 1 tablespoon ghee and a 1/4 cup oil to the onions

                                          10. Cook onions until brown in colour

                                          11. Wash and clean 1 kg of bony leg mutton. Add 2 tsp green chillies

                                          12. Add 2 teaspoon salt

                                          13.Add a few pieces of taj, lavang and elachi
                                          (cardamon, cinnamon sticks, clove and whole pepper)

                                         14. Add 2 teaspoons of aradh (turmeric)

                                          15. Add 2 teaspoons of ginger garlic masala. Marinate the
                                           meat in the above ingredients.

                                          16. Add the marinated meat to the onions.

                                          17. Add water and cook until soft

                                      18. Once the lentils are cooked soft remove from stove

                                          19. Now liquidize the water and lentil mixture

                                          20. Add the liquidized mixture to the cooked meat

                                         21. In a small frying pan. Chop up one onion. Add some jeera

                                          22. Add 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) and 1 whole
                                                green chilli (optional). Cook until light brown.
                                     

                                          23. Add the light browned onion and ghee mixture to the soup.

                                         24. Add 2 teaspoons of garam masala on top. Stir soup.
                                              Garnish with greens, fresh coriander and spring onions.
                                          You can also add a little bit of lemon juice. If the soup is too
                                          thick you can thin it down by adding some water. If it is not strong
                                         enough, you can add a little more green chillies to the soup and stir.

You can enjoy this soup with Rey's delicious home made naan

Thinking of those I left behind

I wrote this article a few months ago but I simply forgot to post it.

The best part about having your own business is of course flexibility and being able to report to work at whatever time suits you. Alhamdulilla, thanks to God Almighty my family and I experienced one of the best, most relaxing fasting month's ever. Our home is functioning on Saudi mode at present as I had become so accustomed to life in the Kingdom. We usually break our fast with zamzam and tamoor and of course a few savouries in line with South African Indian tradition. Dad then drops me off at the pharmacy before heading off for taraweeh prayers at the masjid close by. After taraweeh we head back home and then have a full dinner. Almost every night we have guests over for dinner making it a fun and jovial experience. A few nights ago at the dinner table dad decided to call a friend of mine residing in Riyadh. In fact he is more of a fatherly figure rather a friend. He hails from a middle class family in Pakistan and spent half his life in the Kingdom working as a messenger in a hospital. To earn extra money he would also stitch clothing. Through hard work and determination he put all his kids through university making them well respected members of society. What amazed me about this middle aged gentleman was undoubtedly his kind demeanour. Whenever mom would visit the Kingdom, he would take us out for dinner and every year at Eid he would surprise me with a whole carrier bag full of new clothes. Whilst chatting to him though I was saddened at some of the news he relayed to me.

 A colleague of mine that I worked with passed away in an accident a few months ago and a Syrian doctor who was a mutual friend was missing after making his way to Syria. I was deeply saddened and aggrieved. These were people I knew, living beings that I laughed and joked with. I knew their friends and their family. Naturally I was unable to sleep that night. The next morning Allah put a thought in my mind. I called a mutual friend in Syria and I then received news that the Syrian doctor and his family had major issues when they returned to their country of birth. Their homes and properties had been destroyed. Thank Allah though that they managed to escape without getting hurt. They moved away to Sweden. I got a hold of the mobile number and wasn't I elated and filled with jubilation at hearing their voices on the phone. Whilst they lost their land and their property they were still living and breathing. Whilst they had to give up their life of luxury and move into a small apartment at least there is hope of a better future for their kids. Under Swedish law they are unable to practice as medical professionals without first mastering the Swedish language. They need to study Swedish and then write an exam in order for them to be fully integrated into society. Not many of us will be able to do this. I admire their strength and determination.

I was then informed about my Palestinian friend who resides in Jeddah. His parents along with immediate family reside in Ramallah. Hence they are safe from the Israeli aggression. However, when I spoke to him I could hear the pain and anguish in his voice when he describes the atrocities that have been inflicted against his extended family residing in the Gaza strip. Doctor Hani witnessed the wickedness of the Israelis at the tender age of five years old. He was walking to the masjid with his maternal grandfather when Israelis soldiers kidnapped his grand dad. His grandfather screamed at him to run and hide. He ran down the alleyway into the masjid and remained in the basement for two days without food. Naturally his own parents were under the impression that he was kidnapped as well. After two days he returned home to the surprise and happiness of his family. His grand dad was however tortured and then murdered at the hands of the Zionist Jews. His body was chopped up into pieces and thrown at their door. Whilst South African kids are brought up in a lap of luxury sheltered and protected by our families, the young children of Palestine are denied a normal childhood. Tears rolled down my cheeks listening to Hani's childhood stories. He mentioned to me that whilst life was tough, he wanted to break free. He wanted to acquire an education. He felt that he needed to empower himself. There was no money though and yet he knew he had to leave the land of his ancestors in order to make a better life for himself and his family. One day by chance he came into contact with foreigners visiting Jerusalem. They were from Latin America. Through the grace of God Almighty they took a liking to young Hani and he returned with them to their country. They gave him an education and he learnt fluent Spanish. Hani told me that every step of the way he felt as though Allah was with him helping him through all of his trials and tribulations. When he completed his schooling he wanted to acquire a tertiary education but he didn't wish to burden the family he was staying with. He applied for a bursary and even though there were thousands of applicants, he was accepted. A few other families in the neighbourhood he was residing in subsidized his other expenses like textbooks and of course transport money to and from university. Today Doctor Hani is well respected in his field of medicine. But despite his success as a doctor, he mentioned to me that he will never feel complete happiness until he returns to his homeland. He works in Saudi to support his own family as well as his extended family. Every year he seeks admission for one family member at a university abroad. In his opinion, knowledge and intellect is what the Palestinian people need in order to one day grow as a successful nation. Whilst I felt saddened listening to his story, all he said was," Dear Sumayya, peace and war comes from Allah. Be happy and grateful in every situation that you are faced with. Alhamdulillahi 3ala kulli haal."