Islam is a complete way of life. Its wisdom is profound. What Islam prescribes and what it prohibits is always of tremendous benefit for humanity as a whole.
Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children in the Western world paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go door to door collecting treats. The adults often decorate their houses with ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create “Jack-O-Lanterns.” Unfortunately, among the millions of people indulging in this custom, some are also Muslims.
ORIGINS
Halloween originated as the Eve of Samhain, a celebration marking the beginning of winter and the first day of the New Year among ancient pagans of the British Isles. On this occasion, it was believed that supernatural forces gathered together, that the barriers between the supernatural and human worlds were broken. They believed that spirits from other worlds (such as the souls of the dead) were able to visit earth during this time and roam about. They also believed that on October 31st, the lord of the dead gathered all the souls of the people who had died that year. The souls upon death would dwell in the body of an animal, then on this day the lord would announce what form they were to take for the next year.
When Christianity came to the British Isles, the church tried to take attention away from these pagan rituals by placing a Christian holiday on the same day. The Christian festival, the Feast of All Saints, acknowledges the saints of the Christian faith in much the same way that Samhain had paid tribute to the pagan gods. The customs of Samhain survived anyway, and eventually became intertwined with the Christian holiday. Through social networking, mass media, television etc this custom has become popular internationally.
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
In Islam any practice which does not have its origins in Divine Scripture and The Sunnah is totally prohibited. This applies to many Pagan practices such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day etc.
Virtually all Halloween traditions are based either in ancient pagan culture, or in Christianity. From an Islamic point of view, they all are forms of idolatry (shirk). As Muslims, our celebrations should be ones that honour and uphold our faith and beliefs. How can we worship only Allah, the Creator, if we participate in activities that are based in pagan rituals, divination, and the spirit world? Many people participate in these celebrations without even understanding the history and the pagan connections, just because their friends are doing it, their parents did it ("it's a tradition!"), and because "it's fun!"
So what can we do, when our children see others dressed up, eating candy, and going to parties? While it may be tempting to join in, we must be careful to preserve our own traditions and not allow our children to be corrupted by this seemingly "innocent" fun. When tempted, remember the pagan origins of these traditions, and ask Allah to give you strength. Save the celebration, the fun and games, for our 'Eid festivals. Children can still have their fun, and most importantly, should learn that we only acknowledge holidays that have a religious significance to us as Muslims. Holidays are not just excuses to binge and be reckless. In Islam, our holidays retain their religious importance, while allowing proper time for rejoicing, fun and games.
Around two years ago I attended a Saudi wedding. It was of course a very lavish and posh affair as both the bride and the groom hailed from very well to do, elite families. I was invited from the Groom's side of the family and I recall whilst visiting his family home sitting in the company of the female members of the house, I suddenly heard this loud thud sound.I thought they were having a fire works display outside and I was all excited. Naturally I wanted to have a peek through the window as well. However, I was quite shocked to discover that it was not a fire works display but rather a couple of men firing gun shots in the air out of sheer happiness.It was a very strange sight for me to see. I was quite pleased to read in the newspaper that the "Minister of the Interior, Prince Ahmed stated on Saturday, that all Saudi Governorates are required to uphold the laws and regulations on banning public celebratory usage of live firearms in weddings and festivals.The Minister’s statement comes amid public concern over the phenomenal increase in the use of live firearms in weddings, which sometimes end in fatal accidents.Security Agencies including the Saudi Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution are ordered to pursue anyone involved in exercising public celebratory shooting of firearms. Violators of the Kingdom’s regulation laws on arms and ammunition are subject to a prison sentencing."
A side thought: My colleagues informed me that in Jordan and Yemen, the men also fire gunshots in the air during wedding celebrations or if someone in the community graduates from university.It is apparently a sign of tremendous happiness and jubilation.
The third day of hajj was on Friday the 26th of October 2012. After performing the fajr prayers in Muzdalifa, the pilgrims make their way to Mina for the stoning of the devil ritual (Ramy al Jamaraat). It is a symbolic event which is represented by three huge pillars. On the 3rd day of Hajj only the biggest pillar would be pelted at. After this stoning process, the pilgrims would then sacrifice an animal such as a lamb, goat or camel. Thereafter, the devotess would come out of the state of ihram by shaving off the hair in the case of men and clipping a small bit of hair in the case of females. The pilgrims would then proceed to Makkah to perform the tawaaf-e-ziyarah. Pilgrims would circumambulate the Kaabah in an anti- clockwise direction seven times. Thereafter they would perform two rakaats salaah behind the Maqaam -e -Ebrahim , drink water from the well of zam zam and then proceed to walk between the mountains of safa and marwa. The significance of walking between safa and marwa is to empathize with Hajra the wife of Prophet Ebrahim (as) and to feel her pain and suffering as she was searching for water in the desert for her son Ismail (as). She walked seven times between the mountains of Safa and marwa in distress until she finally seen the angel Gabriel digging the earth with his heels at the place of Zam zam and water began to flow.This act of running far and wide in search of water for her baby was loved by God Almighty that He made this act of running between safa and marwa compulsory for every man and woman who performs hajj.Allah mentions in the Quraan: “Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah” [Surah Baqara:158]
This is a perfect example of the status that is allocated to women in Islam.
The pilgrims then make their way to the tent city of Mina where they would spend the next two nights. On the 4th and 5th day of the Hajj process the devotees would systematically do the stoning of the three pillars that are a representation of Satan.They would first pelt the small pillar, followed by the medium one and then the biggest of them all. The act of stoning the devil (shaytan) commemorates the three attempts the devil made to prevent the Prophet Ibrahim (as) from sacrificing his son Ismail (as) . The Prophet rejected all three of the devil’s attempts, stoning him and driving him away. The three stone pillars mark the places where the failed temptations took place and the act of stoning signifies the Prophet Ibrahim’s constant obedience to God Almighty and the vanquishing of the devil.
On the fifth day of hajj which is the ultimate and final day, the pilgrims then make their way back to Makkah to perform the Tawaaf-e- Alwida or the farewell tawaaf. This final act of circumambulating around the house of Allah seven times marks the end of the Hajj process.
The second day of the Hajj ritual was on Thursday 25th of October 2012. The second day of hajj is known as Yown ul Arafat or the day of Arafat.On this day, the pilgrims leave Mina after dawn and make their way to the plains of Arafat for the culminating experience of the Hajj. Devotees would spend the entire day on the Plains of Arafat asking God Almighty for forgiveness and engaging in worship through the recitation of the Quraan and also through supplications. Muslims around the world would be in solitude with the Hujjaaj on this day by fasting for the entire day. After sunset, on the day of Arafat, pilgrims would make their way to Muzdalifa, situated halfway between the plains of Arafat and Mina. Here they would spend the entire night in the open under the star light engaging in prayer and worship and also collecting pebbles that would be used the following day. The video above was sent to me by Brother Madani Norzai and depicts a group of South African Hujjaaj on the plains of Arafat (Thursday 25th October 2012) begging God Almighty to accept all their prayers and to fulfill all their needs and desires.
Eid ul adha is usually a day that is spent in the company of family and friends. In our home everyone is usually awake at the time of fajr prayers. Mom starts preparing her breakfast meal whilst my brother and dad get ready for the morning Eid prayers that are usually held at the Eidgah. The eidgah is an open piece of land or in some countries it is an open mosque that is situated on the outskirts of the town or city. In our town the Eidgah is reserved specifically for the two eids only. This is of course weather permitting. After the morning Eid prayers, we usually have a few family members and friends over for a sumptuous breakfast. Mom usually prepares a wide variety of dishes ranging from a mixed platter of savouries for starters followed by the main meal which usually constitutes prawns, grilled whole fish, roast chicken with potatoes and salad. Of course the meal usually ends on a sweet note with an assortment of home made cakes and biscuits served with tea. After breakfast, the men usually set off to slaughter the sheep.This is known as udhiya or a blood sacrifice which is carried out solely for the pleasure of God Almighty.The sacrifice of an animal has always been a recognized form of worship in many religions, but in the ‘Shariah’ (Islamic sacred law) of our beloved Prophet (saw) the sacrifice of an animal has been recognized as a form of worship only during the three days of the month Zulhijjah, namely the 10th, 11th, and 12th . Allah Ta’ala says in the Noble Quran:
“Verily, We have granted you (O Muhammad ) Al- Kauthar (a river in paradise),So pray on to thy lord and sacrifice. For he who makes you angry will be cut off.”(Surah 10)
“And the camels! We have appointed them among the ceremonies of Allah, therein ye have good!”
Muslims across the globe perform the act of udhiya to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by Prophet Ebrahim (as). God almighty revealed to him a dream that he should sacrifice his son Ismail (as). Of course this was a test of submission from God Almighty. As the Prophet Ebrahim (as) was ready to sacrifice his son, God Almighty miraculously sent down a ram instead and hence saved Ismail (as) from his fate of slaughter. From that day onward it became obligatory for Muslims across the globe to sacrifice an animal. Of course there are many rules and regulations that apply to the whole slaughtering process. You can refer to this link for more info.(http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/2162_31-10-2011/some-important-fiqh-concerning-udhiya_qurbani-.html)
In our home, usually once the first sheep is sacrificed, it is cleaned immediately and the liver and legs are brought home to be prepared and cooked. Mom usually sautes the liver in ghee (clarified butter) after it is marinated with a few spices. The legs are usually prepared for dinner as it does take some time to cook. The rest of the meat is usually divided into three parts. One third we keep for ourselves, one third gets distributed amongst family and friends and the remaining one third is given to the poor within the community. The meat can be distributed amongst Muslims and Non Muslims. Once the slaughtering process is over, we usually head over to my maternal grandmother's house for lunch. The afternoon meal usually comprises of a sweet dish like Jardo (sweet rice) or sojee (cooked vermicilli) followed by a rice dish called Biryani. The meal is usually accompanied with a variety of salads and pickles. Four o clock tea is a 'must' in our family and so mom's sister usually bakes a variety of cakes and cookies for tea time. Home made ice creams and desserts are also prepared to cater for those guests who do not wish to have tea. After spending some time with mom's side of the family, we then make our way to visiting the paternal side of the family for dinner. Dad has a huge family made up of 7 brothers (including dad) and two sisters. Each brother takes a turn to host the entire family. The gathering is either held at home or sometimes a venue is booked for the function.Last year, my family played host for the annual Eid ul Adha family gathering. We had the function at the beautiful and tranquil Victorian Guest House situated a stones throw away from our family home. We had a barbeque for 150 guests that was arranged by Unusual Functions and also hired Mr. Herman the Magician to entertain our guests. Each family left the venue with a beautiful four piece Mug and stand set as a rememberance of the event.It was definitely a fun-filled, entertaining evening that my family and I will cherish forever.
Desert Moon would now like to take the opportunity in wishing all Muslims across the globe a very happy and blessed Eid ul Adha. May the coming year be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity. Ameen!
On the first day of the pilgrimage the millions of devotees that have traveled from far and wide would now make their way from Makkah to Mina, a small village located east of the city. Mina is an enormous tent city.The Saudi government spent billions of riyals in erecting fire proof tents after the hajj was marred by a fire a few years ago causing damage and loss of life. My dads sister was present that year during the hajj and she related to us that when the fire broke out people started running in all directions. During that time she had lost her husband in the crowd. The Hujjaj would spend the entire day and night at Mina engaging in the recitation of the Quraan, praying and basically taking rest before heading off to Arafat tomorrow.
I would like to thank my dear friend Madani Norzai for sharing these pictures with me. He is currently in Mina with a group of South African Hujjaj.....May Allah accept their Hajj and make the journey easy for them....Ameen!!
With the Hajj holidays well underway, all focus is now on Makkatul Makarrama where approximately 1.6 million pilgrims have gathered for the annual hajj rituals. A further 750 000 people are expected to enter Makkah by Wednesday from the neighbouring Gulf countries as well as locally from places throughout the Kingdom. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an act of worship that needs to be carried out at least once in a lifetime if an individual is of course healthy and has the financial means to do so. Every year the Saudi government spends billions of riyals to improve the Hajj facilities for pilgrims entering the country. Thousands of military personnel and paramedic staff are deployed along the hajj route. Despite the fact that there are numerous checkpoints along the route to Makkah, the biggest issue facing the Saudi government is unauthorized devotees joining the Hajj process each year. Many of these illegal pilgrims are from Asian and African countries.
According to newspaper reports hundreds of Nigerian female pilgrims were sent back to Nigeria from Jeddah airport a few days ago as they were not accompanied by a mahram. A mahram is a male guardian and could be a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son or brother. The Nigerian government however, believed that groups of women were allowed to perform the hajj together. A spokesperson from the Nigerian Hajj body mentioned that in the past, groups of females have performed the Hajj without objections raised from the Saudi authorities at Jeddah airport. Naturally, heated and fiery discussions ensued between the two governments.The issue has been resolved with the Nigerian government accepting that they will make sure that all female pilgrims will be accompanied by a male guardian in the future.
Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet Abraham and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka'bah in Makka.
Hajj allows us to become closer to our Creator, God Almighty and affords us with an opportunity for a spiritual rebirth. We are united through submission to the will and communal worship of our beloved Creator. Prophet Ibraheem (as) came to Makka to perform Hajj every year once the Ka'bah was built to completion. After his demise, his son Ismaeel (as) followed in his fathers footsteps and continued this practice. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. During that year, the Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique ( The first khalifa of Islam) to Makkaa to perform the Hajj.By the following year, 10th Hijra, the messenger of God Almighty announced that he would be performing Hajj in that year.This Hajj is known as Hajj al Widaa’ or Farewell Hajj because it was the last Hajj Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) performed.He led thousands of Muslims to Hajj and explained to them how to perform the rites.
A brief description of the hajj process
1. ARRIVAL AND CHANGE: The Purifying Rite of Ihram
"The first rites of the Hajj take place at one of the border stations on the edge of Mecca's sacred territory. A pilgrim arrives here as a person identified by a name, social position, race, nationality, and a daily way of life. Before crossing into Hajj territory, the pilgrim leaves all this behind, intentionally adopting the universal identity of a person dedicated to God. To mark this profound change of perspective, men and women exchange their distinguishing clothes for more uniform garments: Men put on two strips of unadorned white cloth, women adopt more modest forms of their usual dress. The clothes act as a leveler. They de-emphasize the differences that separate people—race, wealth, social position—and underscore the humanity all of us share as we stand before God."
2. THE HAJJ RITES IN MECCA: Circling the House of God, Walking between Hagar's Hills, Drinking from the Zamzam Well.
"MECCA: The Hajj rites continue in Mecca, a spiritual crossroads that has attracted pilgrims since pre-recorded times. Muslims believe that Abraham visited Mecca and helped his son Ishmael build a house of worship, the Kabah, here. Many centuries later Muhammad was born in Mecca. The first Muslim community emerged within its walls. Today, Mecca is a modern city of more than a million people. The Kabah still occupies the town center. The enormous open-air mosque that surrounds it is the focal point of the next stage of the Hajj.Inside the mosque walls, every pilgrim performs several simple rites. First, you circle the Kabah seven times in a counter clockwise direction. This rite, called Turning or Tawaf, is a form of prayer performed only in Mecca. Going around the shrine's draped walls, you literally place God's House at the center of your life.Pilgrims now cross the mosque to a long corridor on its southern side. The corridor, or Masa'a, runs between two foothills enclosed within the building. Here pilgrims walk back and forth seven times at a brisk pace in a rite called Sa'y or Running that imitates the steps of Hagar, Ishmael's mother in the Torah, who rushed between the hills in search of life-giving water for her infant son. The story and the rite express the effort required in a person's search for salvation. The sudden appearance of a well in this desert landscape is the core of a miracle that Muslims believe saved Hagar and saved a branch of Abraham's family in Mecca. Not accidentally, this rite places a mother's story at the heart of the Hajj.The Zamzam well that saved Hagar and Ishmael is within the mosque, too. Each pilgrim sips from its water as a reminder of the real results of spiritual effort and to be connected with the foundations of a religious tradition that emphasizes the worship of one God."
3. THE HAJJ RITES IN THE DESERT: Mina Valley, Plain of Arafat
"At this point, the Hajj becomes a moveable ritual, stopping four times along a circular fifteen-mile route through a desert landscape ringed with granite hills.
On the eighth day of the pilgrimage month, pilgrims all leave the city and troop five miles east, into Mina Valley. Here, a tent city of enormous proportions fills the valley for miles around. Pilgrims pass the night in Mina, leaving behind the comforts of civilization and further dissolving class and cultural distinctions, as everyone becomes a wayfarer.On the morning of the ninth day, the exodus pushes another five miles east, to the Plain of Arafat. Here the high point of the Hajj takes place in the form of a group vigil, called the Day of Standing Together (Yawm al-Wakuf). At Arafat, pilgrims are transported into a timeless frame of mind: Arafat is the location where, Muslims believe, Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. This is a place set aside for spiritual reunion, where pilgrims come to seek pardon, reclaim their faith, and re-collect their spirit. Muslims often refer to this portion of the Hajj as a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment."
4. THE HAJJ RITES IN THE DESERT: Muzdalifah
"At sundown, the Hajj population moves en masse to a nearby open plain, called Muzdalifa. Here, pilgrims participate in a meditative nightlong vigil. They rest, pray, read, eat, and share their experiences in a quiet period. Many also collect the pebbles they will throw at the "Jamarat" pillars in the morning. At dawn, the Hajj is on its way again."
5. RETURN TO MINA VALLEY AND CONCLUSION OF THE HAJJ
"On the 10th day, starting at dawn the pilgrims circulate back to Mina Valley.
Three pillars stand at the center of Mina Valley. In the next three days each pilgrim will pass by them three separate times, performing a rite called the Stoning, in which you cast small pebbles at a series of three pillars representing Satan. This athletic activity engages each pilgrim, physically and symbolically, in resisting temptation and warding off wrong.At Mina pilgrims are free to exchange the Hajj garments for their usual dress. Many mark this transition by having their hair cut.Now a three-day feast begins to celebrate the end of Hajj. Muslims around the world join in this celebration.During this period pilgrims may return again to Mecca. Before leaving the city for home, they perform the seven turns around the Kabah one last time. The formal Hajj is completed now. It is up to each pilgrim to carry its spirit back home."
For those of you out there who are performing hajj this year, may God Almighty make the journey easy for you and may the entire process be a spiritually uplifting one. For those of you who have already performed Haj, what was the experience like for you.?
Whilst many of us in South Africa complain about the exorbitant hajj prices each year, I was quite shocked to discover that local Saudis find it extremely expensive to perform Hajj as well due to the high costs involved despite residing within the Kingdom, a stones throw away from the Holy city of Makkah. An average hajj package within the Kingdom would cost around SR5000- 7000 per person for just five days. A VIP package would cost in the region of between SR10000-15000 and a VVIP hajj package would cost in the region of SR 20000 - 24000 per person. I am sure that the Prophet Muhammesd (saw) must be turning in his grave knowing that this is the plight of his ummah. The hajj which is an incumbent act of worship has lost its sacredness. It is all about making money. A huge money making scheme. I wonder if there were any VIP hajj packages at the time of the Prophet (saw). The whole purpose of the Hajj is to bring humanity at one level. When the ihram is adorned, immediately it brings everyone on par with each other. What's ironical though is that creating VIP and VVIP packages immediately defeats the purpose of ihram. I was told that individuals who purchase the VVIP packages are given special Hajj services like separate roads, transported with cars, special toilet and bathroom facilities and also top notch buffet meals are served throughout the day. Now, can anyone out there please tell me what kind of a Hajj is this? The entire hajj process has become commercialized. Everyone from the travel agent, to the hotel and all the other middle men in between are all out there to simply con the Hajji the best way they possibly can and for this folks they will be paying a huge price in this world as well as in the hereafter.Do you not find it strange that travelling to any other country in the world on a two to three week package always costs less than an Umra or Hajj trip to Saudi? If Muslims can stoop so low to crook other Muslims, it makes me wonder where this Ummah is heading for?
Whilst viewing my brothers facebook page in the early hours of the morning, I suddenly stumbled across the Ask Chaachi Ma Fans facebook page and whilst quickly scanning through the page I happened to come across a post that was obviously by an anonymous woman who has issues with her mother in law. Her mother in law had asked her on a few occasions to teach her kids man
ners and etiquette as they were apparently rude and out of hand. So on one such occasion whilst reprimanding the daughter in law, the grandson shouted at his grandmother saying " Do not shout at my mummy, she has three kids to look after, me, my brother and daddy, your son." The daughter in law apparently found this hilarious and at the back of her mind was quite happy at the little boys attitude towards his grand mom. In my opinion, this woman is quite a fool.If this little boy was my son, I would make sure that he gets punished for his 'big mouth' and of course he would have to apologize to his grandmother. It is quite unfortunate that in today's day and age young mothers find it offensive when someone senior in the family is only trying to inculcate good values and etiquette into the child. In our house discipline and respect for our elders was of utmost importance to the point that there was a pin drop silence when my grandfather entered into the room. Dad's father was a strict disciplinarian as he was the principle of a well known institute that provided education to thousands of students across the country. Whenever we visited his home, we would make sure that we were dressed appropriately. There was always a strict code of conduct that we adhered to and whilst it seemed rigid and awkward at that time, I have no regrets being brought up with moral values and etiquette that have only assisted me throughout my career path as well as my personal life. However, there is a wind of change that is blowing that would ultimately lead to a brewing storm;a storm that will cause destruction and damage without any chance of repair. As more Western values and ideologies creep into our societies to overtake cultural, traditional and religious values, we will find our youth losing respect towards our elders. Most Western societies do not teach their youth respect for their elders. Kids call their parents by their first name.Elderly parents have to fend for themselves at the time of sickness or during their old age. Muslim youth of today try to emulate their favourite movie stars and display behavioural straits from what they view on television.Muslim women of today find it appropriate to be dressed in tight jeans, short tops and swimming costumes in front of their in laws. Where has that sense of respect gone to? My grandfather use to be an authority in the home. He was always consulted at the time of major family decisions. Today young couples choose to make their own decisions without taking advise from someone senior who has already gone through all the stages of life. If you browse through the Ask Chaachi Ma fans facebook page all you ever see is posts from daughter in laws complaining about their mother in laws. Have these woman not realized that their own mothers will one day become mother in laws or are mother in laws already and hence someone else out there might be complaining about their mothers. Have they not realized that one day they will be mother in laws too? With society already regressing into moral decay, it is quite frightening to envisage what the future will be like for the youth of today. My way of thinking may be deemed as old fashion, old school or backward but as the saying goes "A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his elders, will not have true respect for anyone."
Saudi Arabia’s feared religious police warned men they could be arrested if they are caught in public with a weird hair style deemed against Islamic tenets.
The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice said it has plans to enter schools next academic year to warn teen age boys against styling their hair in a way that violate tradition in the conservative Gulf Kingdom.
The Commission’s chairman, Abdul Latif Al Sheikh, was reacting to reports about what newspapers described as a widespread phenomenon involving teen age Saudis wearing weird dresses and styling their hair in a bizarre way.
“Hair is a personal thing in which we should not intervene directly,” he said, quoted by the Saudi Arabic language daily Okaz.
“But if the young man wears strange clothes and his hair style violates Islamic tradition and tenets, then he will be stopped…if we find that this boy’s aim is to harass women and hurt the society in a way that will make us a subject of sarcasm among other societies, then we have to prevent and deter him.”
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.
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.
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."
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