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.

NELSON MANDELA - A heart of gold with a lack of foresight

(Me in the background making my way from the canteen after meeting with the Mandela entourage)

Those of you out there who know me on a personal level will acknowledge that I am not a person who likes hanging out or partying in clubs or going to shopping centres unnecessarily. I prefer spending quality time with family and friends over a cup of coffee or a formal lunch or dinner. Yesterday I had a really fulfilling day visiting the ill at a hospital located close to my home. My family and I enjoyed ourselves being in the company of a 92 year old gentleman who has absolutely no real sickness with the exception of old age. It was the first time in his life that he was admitted to hospital for dehydration. It was fascinating listening to his childhood stories and stories of his youth. His eyes lit up as he related to us stories about his acquaintances with Nelson Mandela decades ago. His speech was filled with words of wisdom and advice. Someone once told me that you are definitely South African if you know someone or has a family member who was associated with the international iconic figure. Fifteen years ago Nelson Mandela was admitted at the hospital I worked for in Riyadh. He was a guest of the Saudi government. My colleague brother Ahmed who has been at the hospital for the last 25 years told me his experience when he met Mandela for the first time. He was walking alone in the hospital gardens with no security or anyone at his side. Brother Ahmed went up to him and greeted him. Mandela enquired about his roots and his occupation in the hospital. During their conversation a group of Saudi men came up to greet Mr. Mandela and told him that for a man of such stature it is not wise for him to walk alone without being accompanied by a security guard. Brother Ahmed said that he will never ever forget Mandela's facial expression as he replied to the gentlemen saying: "My name is Mandela. I am a man of peace. Only a man who has enemies will be afraid to walk alone." The Saudi gentleman were taken aback with his words of wisdom. Various other staff told me about Mandela's simplicity and humble nature. He instructed staff in the VIP ward to allow anyone to meet him. Expatriates from various African countries residing in the Kingdom made their way to the hospital to meet and spend some time with their hero. I was fortunate to have met Mandela myself on a few occasions during his medical check ups at Milpark hospital in Johannesburg. On many occasions he arrived at the hospital unannounced without any prior arrangements. The general public sitting in the foyer would be surprised and flabbergasted as he made his way through the main entrance. There were times when both adults and children would approach him to take pictures with them. Despite his ill health and old age he would never refuse but rather he would oblige with a smile.No doubt he has a heart of gold. I always thought of Mandela as being a man of vision and foresight and yet there are times when I feel that if a man loved his country immensely he would have protected the citizens of his country by keeping the death penalty and also implementing stricter border control measures when he became president. Perhaps if Madiba was released from prison earlier at a younger age, the South Africa we have today which is riddled with crime, murders, rape, hijackings, lawlessness, police brutality and corruption could have been a country he envisaged, a country of hope, freedom, peace and prosperity for one and all.

Why Savouries???

                                                           www.durban-north.co.za

A good facebook friend has left me in stitches of laughter after reading his inbox messages. He asked me when am I writing an article titled "From laban and khubz to samoosas and death bringing savories....the transition of fasting from makkah to Jozi" lol....He goes on to say," I miss laban and dates....the steamy combo yields such interesting effects.....have u ever wondered why many Arab women fill the Gynae clinic 9 months post Ramadaan?? Well its all thanks to the Badam (almonds) and dates acting up on Saudi men like a clinical trial of some sort lol".....Whilst chatting to my brother Aadil yesterday, both of us couldn't comprehend the big hype and fuss about savouries that most of the South African Indian women panic to prepare from months ahead. In our house mom makes savouries throughout the year so by the time Ramadhaan approaches the novelty and hype has actually worn out. Savouries in Ramadhaan is actually very unhealthy and fattening. In our house we generally prefer a normal cooked meal. Either a rice dish or a meal that will be accompanied with roti. Shourba addas (Lentil soup) and Tamar Hindi (Tamarind drink) are specially prepared during the month of Ramadhaan in the Middle East. Tamarind acts as a mild laxative and is also used to treat bile disorders in addition to promoting a healthy heart and lowering cholesterol levels. The Arabs in general eat all the right foods that assist their bodies with the detoxification process during the month of Ramadhaan. Laban cools the stomach down and of course dates and zamzam water replenishes the body with all the vital vitamins and minerals that the body requires.It is strange that when you in Makkah and Medina, there is so much of barkat in the food that a little bit of food goes such a long way. Remember that the fasting month is a month where we should be empathizing with those who are less fortunate than we are. Having lavish parties and do's along with fancy foods defeats the purpose and objective of the month. Rather stick to the basic simple foods and eat less. Whilst visiting a Saudi family in Medina last year, I loved the fact that their entire family ate together for the whole month of Ramadhaan and at every fatoor they would prepare one dish that the Prophet Muhammed (saw) loved eating.I wonder who came up with this silly concept that we need to eat savouries during the month of Ramadhaan.....If you do know, please let me know...:))))))...This person needs to be clobbered lololol....

A few safety tips for women

The facebook page Voice of Democracy shared this useful piece of information on my profile page. I thought I'd share this important info on my blog as well.

Share & Spread the Message Guys!

Girls Be Careful -
"Friends please share this info. with your
sisters..."
1) What should a woman do if she finds
herself alone in the company of
a strange male as she prepares to enter a lift
in a high-rise apartment late
at night?
Experts Say: Enter the lift. If you need to
reach the 13th floor, press all
the buttons up to your destination. No one
will dare attack you in a lift
that stops on every floor.
2) What to do if a stranger tries to attack you
when you are alone in your
house, run into the kitchen.
Experts Say: You alone know where the chili
powder and turmeric are
kept.And where the knives and plates are.
All these can be turned into
deadly weapons. If nothing else, start
throwing plates and utensils all
over.
Let them break. Scream. Remember that
noiseis the greatest enemy of a
molester. He does not want to be caught.
3} Taking an Auto or Taxi at Night.
Experts Say: Before getting into an auto at
night, note down its
registration number. Then use the mobile to
call your family or friend
and pass on the details to them in the
language the driver
understands .Even if no one answers your
call, pretend you are in a
conversation. The driver now knows
someone has his details and he will
be in serious trouble if anything goes
wrong. He is now bound to take
you home safe and sound. A potential
attacker is now your de facto
protector!
4}What if the driver turns into a street he is
not supposed to - and you
feel you are entering a danger zone?
Experts Say: Use the handle of your purse or
your stole (dupatta) to wrap
around his neck and pull him back. Within
seconds, he will feel choked
and helpless. In case you don’t have a
purse or stole just pull him back
by his collar. The top button of his shirt
would then do the same trick.
5} If you are stalked at night.
Expert Say: enter a shop or a house and
explain your predicament. If it is
night and shops are not open, go inside an
ATM box. ATM centers always
have security guards. They are also
monitored by close circuit television.
Fearing identification, no one will dare
attack you.
After all, being mentally alert is the greatest
weapon you can ever have.

Please spread it to all those women u care
for their safety.

Happy Birthday Luvv Israni

I wrote this especially for you, 
Its the least that I could possibly do,
I never knew you existed, with your name and fame I thought I'd be rejected,
With gods grace, your presence I did embrace
Through uncle Marks facebook, your profile I did hook..viewing all your pictures that became my bedroom fixtures..
Capturing ordinary dames, making them look smoking hot as flames, Handsome young men and exotic places too that many desire to retire.
I stare at your picture, your personality is of a mixture.
Dreamy piercing eyes and a broad infectious smile too, makes me realize that there's only one of you..
Kind, caring, gentle and sweet..I'd be honoured if next to you I had a seat.
With all your talent, skills and creativity I can't wait to make a face to face connectivity..makeup, stylists,lights camera, action.. I'm gonna gain their attention..

I'm proud of your success, may it always be in excess.
I'm proud to be your friend and may this friendship never end.
May your career path grow from strength to strength with the journey ahead never short in length.
The sky is not the limit..so I hope you make it a habit.
Hasten to reach far beyond the stars and the moon very soon. May God Almighty always keep you happy, but definitely not flabby lol. May He fulfill your every wish and ambition so that you gain more recognition and with this short note written on a boat, I just wanna say Happy birthday buddy!! Luvv you stax Mr. Luvv Israni....:))))

The Magical Month in the Islamic World

Ramadhaan is undoubtedly the magical month in the Islamic world. For Muslims around the globe it is a time of sharing and giving, a time where great efforts are made to be in the rememberance of God Almighty and to thank Him for all that He has given us. It is also said to be the 'spring season' in the Islamic calendar. However, there is no other country in the world except Saudi Arabia, the birth place of Islam where the Ramadhaan atmosphere is totally electrifying. As I sit here in my  office typing away, my mind wanders to the land of shifting sands, a land of culture and tradition, a land I called home. Whilst my body is here physically in South Africa, my heart will always remain in the magical Kingdom. Ramadhaan in the Middle East is welcomed with great cheer and festivities. I recall my patients coming to the hospital personally or calling me to wish me well over the fasting month. Arabs usually greet each other with the words' Kullu 3am wa antum bekhair" which means,
 " May you be well for the whole year". The streets are decorated with lights and and restaurants and hotels are all decorated with trimmings. Most hotels and restaurants would offer special fatoor (iftaar) buffets. My dear and best friends Abdullah and Faraz along with Brother Hassan and his family would always invite me to one of the hotels to break fast. During the month we would frequent different restaurants and buffets sampling a variety of cuisines from all over the world. In general we would arrive a few minutes earlier at the hotel or restaurant, break our fast, perform our Maghrib prayers and then indulge in a spread of fine cuisine including an assortment of desserts. Thereafter we would head off to the local masjid for the taraweeh prayers. Whilst I enjoyed having my meals in a posh hotel type setting I was also equally disappointed at the amount of wastage that does occur at many of these five star hotels. Most of the left over foods are simply thrown away in a dustbin instead of being distributed to the poor. When I enquired about this at one hotel, I was told that the food needed to be thrown away for health and hygiene purposes. Frankly speaking this did not make any sense to me. During the fasting month in the Kingdom, the night becomes day and the day becomes night. After the night prayers everyone hits down town to the various shopping malls where various activities are arranged especially for the kids.Naturally the traffic is horrendous. Men and women scamper down to the tailoring shops for custom made abayas and thobes to be worn during the fasting month and of course a special one is made for the day of Eid. Restaurants and fast food outlets are busy until the early hours of the morning. After the morning prayers the city becomes dead once again as everyone retires to bed. It is also during the month of Ramadhaan that the famous television program 'Tash Ma Tash' is aired. This program is well received by all Saudi citizens as satire and humour is used to ridicule and mock at some of the happenings within Saudi society. Controversial issues like polygamy is tackled in a fun and humorous manner. Whilst the entire Middle East is in complete celebration due to this magical month, for many of the western expats it is usually the worst month of the year. Many of them would complain about the fact that the shops are closed during the day or many would be livid about the fact that they are unable to eat in public. Well I say when you in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you can't respect and abide to the laws of the country, leave. It's that simple. 

Ramadhaan is also known as the "month of the Quraan". It is during this month that the divine verses of the holy Quraan was revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammed (saw). Hence it is for this reason that thousands of Muslims travel far and wide to the Holy cities of Makkah and Medina to perform umra, a mini pilgrimage that is given the same reward as one haj and of course to listen to the beautiful verses of the Quraan rendered by  the highly respected Imaams of the Haram. The first time I performed Umrah during the month of Ramadhaan was a few years ago and I could not comprehend or believe what I seen before me especially in both the cities of Makkah and Medina. Prior to breaking the fast thousands of people would gather in the haram area. Some are praying, some are watching the people go by whilst others are distributing dates, cakes, qahwa, laban, bagels and other goodies to those around them. No one leaves the haram area hungry or without food. Every one eats to their hearts content. It is the most amazing feeling in the whole world. It is interesting to note that in the Prophet's (saw) city, the inhabitants of Medina have taken it upon themselves to feed all the pilgrims at the time of fatoor. Many families have upheld this tradition for generations. Each family would come to the haram area an hour or two prior to the time of breaking the fast. They would lay rows and rows of tables on the floor and serve dates, zam zam water and a variety of other foods to the pilgrims present. Very often they would send their kids to pull the pilgrims passing by asking them to be a guest at their table. I have never seen such hospitality and generosity any where else in the world. There is such a powerful sense of sharing and caring that there are times when your tears would just automatically flow for no real reason. Perhaps it flows out of joy, contentment and happiness.

                                                           http://www.civilization.ca

A Ramadhaan in the holy city of Makkah would not be complete without hearing the sound of the cannon at the time of breaking fast. According to the Saudi Gazette, during the past 50 years, Makkah residents have been hearing the booming sound of the city’s Ramadan cannon. They have become so accustomed to hearing the sound of the cannon that many residents, young and old, do not break their fast until they hear the boom of the cannon, which was used in the past as a sign to break the fast at dusk or begin the fast at dawn. The cannon also heralds the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. This was before the appearance of loudspeakers during a time when mosques did not have electricity and the call to prayer was difficult to hear for people outside its immediate vicinity. The mountain on which the Ramadan cannon is located has been named by Makkah residents as Cannon Mountain (Jabal Al-Midfa). The cannon’s blank shots are prepared for the entire month beforehand. It fires one shot at the time for breaking the fast at dusk (Iftar time), one shot at the time for the last meal (Suhoor) and two shots when it is time to stop eating and drinking (Imsaak time). That brings the total number of shots fired in Ramadan to about 120. In its 50-year life span, the Ramadan cannon has fired about 6,000 shots.

The best fatoor experience I ever had was breaking fast on the beach in Jeddah last year with my family. Brother Mefarrah who resides in Makkatul Mukarramah drove us to Jeddah after the Asr prayers. He brought qahma, chaai sulaimani and an assortment of dates along with him. There were many Saudi families gathered on the beach front with their picnic baskets. It was such a wonderful sight to see. As we all watched the sun go down it was finally time to break fast. I noticed a few Arab men giving out water and dates to a line of people who had gathered outside the floating masjid. Naturally after breaking our fast we all headed off to the masjid for prayers. It was such a lovely experience. Here in South Africa I find the Ramadhaan to be boring and somber. I'm pretty sure breaking fast on the beach would be considered wrong and immoral in this part of the world and yet in the magical Kingdom I found that along with all the praying and fasting, families still had time to enjoy themselves and have fun. On that note, I would now like to take this opportunity in wishing all my friends and family across the globe a wonderful Ramadhaan Kareem!!!May the Almighty accept your fast and prayers during this blessed month and may it also be a time for reflecting on our inner selves.Let this month be a month where we can all achieve and attain high levels of spirituality. Let this be a month of sharing, giving and a start towards bettering ourselves in every way. Let us all try making a concerted effort towards doing good, helping others and staying away from all activities that goes against Gods will!!!

Shocking State Hospital

Yesterday afternoon I made my way to the Helen Joseph hospital down town Jozi to visit a patient. I was appalled with the state of this government hospital and at the manner in which patients were treated. I felt saddened and heart broken seeing ailing patients walking up a flight of stairs simply because the elevators were not working. Bathrooms were dirty with a horrible stench emanating from them. Taps were broken and some of the disabled bathrooms were out of order. How can patients get well when they are being treated in such unhygienic filthy conditions. I spoke to a few patients who mentioned to me that they waited 15 hours before a bed could be provided for them. Some of these patients were cancer patients whilst others required a bed due to pain associated with kidney or gallstones. One gentleman, an elderly white Afrikaans speaking man simply took his belongings and left. He said that he will die in the hospital. He is not being attended to adequately. I was also told that whilst these patients were dumped in a room awaiting a bed, they were cold with no blankets provided to them. The hot/cold air conditioning system was also out of order. Many families came to the hospital with their own blankets and bedding.One patient told me that she had to make her own bed as the nurse told her that it is not her responsibility to make a bed. The patient complained that her arms were sore and could not make the bed on her own. It was brought to my attention today that there is no hot water in the cancer ward. In 2013 a primitive system of heating water by a kettle or thermostat like gadget is used. The water is placed in a big dish and patients are told to take a face cloth and wipe themselves all over. Only a cold water shower is available. How can people still vote for a government and for leaders that are not worried about the interests of the people but rather worried about filling up their own pockets. Without being racist but simply stating a fact, under the White Afrikaans government this use to be one the best government hospitals in the Johannesburg region. Today the hospital looks dull and dreary and the atmosphere of the hospital is depressing where patients are bound to come across broken toilet doors and graffiti walls. I felt heart broken yesterday seeing the pain and suffering that many of the patients have to go through at our government hospitals and yet we have a moron president who spent R 200 million on his family home for his own luxury and pleasure. Our leaders and members of parliament should be admitted at government hospitals so that they can go through the same pain and suffering as the ordinary citizens of this country. To Mr. Zuma I would like to say that you can enjoy this world to the fullest. Steal more money from the taxpayers but remember that the day you die, you will rot in hell because God has entrusted you with a responsibility towards the citizens of this country. Clearly you have failed in all aspects of government. Shame on you Mr. President.