Congratulations

Congrats to Ashraf on the birth of his third child, a baby girl. Far way off from the chap who never wanted any children at all. Hope that all is well and that the new addition will bring lots of joy and I am sure sleepless nights.

All well in Joberg. Qasim moved into a house in our area...just down the road. Talk about the area going to the dogs.

The year is almost over and it is had to see where it went...

Salaams to all.

Asad

New Arrival

We would like to congratulate Ashraf & Khatija, the proud parents of a healthy masha'allah baby girl. Both mother & baby are well. May she grow up to be the coolness of their eyes, ameen. We wish we were there to share in their joy right now.

Suleman, Tasnim & Family

Hajj 2006

Assalaam mu alikum

This is to inform you all that Yumna and I will be undertaking the journey of Hajj, Inshallah, this year. We will depart on 3^rd December 2005 and return after 6 weeks on 14^th January 2006.

We would like to take this opportunity to ask Maaf from all of you. Please make us Maaf if we have said or done anything that may have upset or hurt you in anyway. Also, please make us Maaf if we DID NOT say or do anything which we were supposed to, and in turn upset you.

Make duaa that the trip goes as planned and that Allah Ta’aala takes us and returns us safely. Most importantly, make duaa that our HAJJ is accepted in the eyes of Allah.

Please forward us your “shopping lists” of duaas that you require, as we will have ample “money” in the form of time to remember all of you, Inshallah.

Farid

P.S If we have not had the opportunity to visit any of you before we depart, its not because we didn’t want to, its just that time was a factor. We hope to meet all of you when we return.

Back at work!

Salaams to all

I'm back at work after being on maternity leave for the last 6 months. I'm not sure whether to be depressed or to enjoy the fact that I don't have to change any nappies for the whole day!!!! Seriously though all you working mothers out there know how hard it is to leave your baby with strangers....please make dua that Aaliyah adjusts quickly. Both Qaylah and Aaliyah are fine, I just can't believe that they grow so quickly!! Qaylah is quite a madam with a mouth of an 18 year old! Riyaad says she gets it from her mother.....not sure if I agree!

I saw the episode of a word or 2 when Feroz made his TV debut - he was looking particularly handsome and I am sure he will gets lots of proposals! On the subject of proposals Naseem hasn't blogged for a while - must be because he is spending all his free time talking to his soon to be fiancé! Yep - for those that haven't heard Naseem is proposed and set to be married next year May. Congratulations and remember to post this engagements pics on this website.

Luv

Zaynab

Back from Pakistan

Salaams to all,

I arrived back from Pakistan on Thursday, the 20th of October, Alhamdulillah. The earthquake and it's nightmare will continue to impact on the people of Kashmir and it's surroundings for decades to come. It seems that the death toll will approach 250 000 while millions are homeless. Hundreds of thousands have been orphaned and disabled and the most affected are the poorest of the poor. What struck us outsiders the most, was the iman shown by these most unfortunate of people. Their hearts are pure gold, for while they posessed very little in material objects, they offered us everything. May Allah give them His blessings for they are indeed of the patient ones.

The experience has been incredible for me and I would not be able to do any justice in relating them. The child who was able to smile even though he was the only survivor from his entire school or village, the patience shown by the father who was told that his only daughter had passed away in hospital, the repeated words muttered by a woman "the mountain came down to us" before an operation to amputate her leg, the eyes of the brother who looked at his only surviving family, his sister while she battled to stay allive in ICU, the insistant taxi driver who refused to take money from us because we had come to help his people, the tired pakistani doctors who worked without sleep until they collapsed with exhaustion are only some of the images that will forever reamain with us. May Allah grant the deceased Jannat and make it easy for those that have survived.

All well back home and it is great to be back. the fasting is going alright. Ashraf seems to be missing the South African taraweeh. Hang in there. How is the new job?

Make dua and salaams to all.

Asad

Ramadhaan In Australia

Salaams to all,

Our first Ramadhaan in Perth is going very well so far. We have been blessed with good weather and now that I'm working, the day goes pretty fast. Tharawee salaah is a bit long though because the Hafez doesn't recite the Quran as fast as they do in SA. A local S.African Moulana and his brother-in-law from Lenasia (Moulana Shabeer Moosa) perform the tharawee salaah daily. Tharawee salaah takes place at other Musjids and Mussallahs (as the locals call a JK) but not all of them recite Quran. Some only read surah's. The Musjid in Thornlie (the one we go to) is usually full for esha and tharawee but most of the Arab and Turkish guys read only eight rakaats. All the Musjids have ladies accommodation as well...................so it's like a family outing sometimes but the Imams often ask parents to watch over their kids as the kids really cause a disturbance at times. Overall, the experience is good but we know we will miss home on Eid day. Suleman and Fam are leaving for SA this Thursday so we will have Eid with Ebrahim & fam..........might attend the South African get together later in the afternoon.

Khatija is well and missed three fasts so far. The kids are ok and can't wait for their brother or sister in December. Make duah all goes well. Farid, I've received one mail from you and replied as well.............I don't think the MTN IS guys accept mail from a Yahoo account because other MTN people don't receive my mail. I'll try again to mail you. Hope all goes well with your prep for Hajj. I'm sure Yunus will give you some advice. Next month it will be a year for us in Perth.............time is really flying. Still waiting to hear from Farhana and Naseem wrt their trip. Hope all went well with As'ad's trip and he arrives safely today. Make duah for Ismail Mota from Tongaat....heard he had a stroke last Monday, for Nali Kala Jeebhai who is not well and for all the muslims at large.

Assalaamu Alaikum,

Ashraf

Earthquake

Salaams to all,

The tragedy of the earthquake in Pakistan unfolds in this blessed month of Ramadaan and all our thoughts are with those millions of people affected by the disaster. Please remember these people in your duas and may the mercy of Allah descend on the them. May they be of the patient ones.

I will be accompanying, insha-allah, a rescue and medical team to Pakisatn today to try to be of assisstance to those who require medical treatment. Please make dua that the mission is of benefit to the most affected. We will return on Sunday, isha-allah.

All well by the grace and blessings of Allah.

As salaam u alaikum.

Asad

Hajj

Salaams again,

Inshallah, Yumna and I are going for Hajj this year. Mummy will be joining us as well. If everything comes through we will depart on December 3^rd and return on 14^th January. A whole 6 weeks away from work J

Make duaa that everything will be in order and that we do eventually go for 6 weeks, and not less.

As’ad, inshallah you will go and return safely as well. May Allah reward you for your efforts and may your family be rewarded just as much for allowing you to go on such short notice.

Ashraf, tried e-mailing you on your yahoo.com account but not sure if it ever went through.

Salaams to all at home.. 6 down J

Farid, Yumna and Farihah Asmal

Ramadaan Mubarak

Salaams to all. Ramadaan is now in full swing, very hot in Jhb. A real tragedy in Pakistan during this blessed month, remember them in all of our duas. As'ad will be joining the Gift of the Givers on their trip to Pakistan, Insha-Alaah leaving tomorrow night. May Allah grant all thosegoing to help the strength and ability to do their best.

Yusuf is almost 3 months now and becoming a handful... Life is so much better with him around! Cant imagine life without him. Is anyone planning on Hajj this year? Last year Yunus had quite an experience, even before he left for Saudi.

Ashraf, how was the Nando's while on your holiday? You didnt have it every day, DID YOU?

Salaams to all

Qasim and Family

2 Down....

Salaams and Ramadaan Mubarak to all,

Already 2 fasts have come and gone. This month is going to be over before we know it. Lets maximize our efforts and duaas.

Ramadaan in Witbank is always nice. Especially Friday and Saturday nights, when the braai stands are lit and the action cricket gets underway in the tennis courts. Usually lasts till Sehri if the weather is good.

Farihah is growing up too quick and will be 2 in November, how time flies.. Yumna is fine as well, Alhamdulillah.

Naseem and Farhana, cant wait to hear of the experience in Palestine, especially at Al-Aqsa.

Please remember us in your duaas.

Farid

Ramadaan Mubarak

Salaams to all,

Ramadaan is here and the first fast was tough. Insha-Allah the month is filled with blessing and duas.

All well in Joburg. Same old...same old. Nice to hear from Ashraf and Farid. How is Ramadaan over there, in such strange and foreign a place? Farid you answer first. Ashraf must be missing the Ramadaan life of Durban and Stanger and the family. And the braai after tarahwee, especially...

Sumaiya, Ibrahim and Issa are well. Issa, Yusuf and Alia are growing up so fast, I can't keep up. Not much else new.

Naseem and Farhana are back from their trip to the middle east and hopefully will blog soon on their experiences.

Salaams and remember us in your duas in this auspicious month.

Asad

Salaams from Witbank

Salaams to all,

Hope this mail works, as the rest never got published on the blog.

Always nice to hear from Ashraf about his Outback adventures. Seems like you enjoying it Down Under. Its true that Firoze was on “ A Word or Two “ but he never bothered informing us about his TV Debut. He didn’t even record the show… probably because he was beaten by an old lady J.

Still waiting for the mail to circulate re contact numbers and e-mail addresses. Aslam ???

Take care and give salaams to all.

Farid Asmal

Update From Perth

The blog has been quiet for a while now.  Not sure whether others have also been having difficulty posting their messages.  We are well and much more settled now.  If all goes well, Khatija should have the baby at the end of Dec.....I'm hoping for the 22nd.  Azhar and As'ad want a sister.  The last few months were pretty hectic for me.  I've been working underground at a Nickle mine in the outback flying back and forth from Perth frequently.  Enjoyed the experience though.  It was good to have Ebrahim and Suleman on the same project.  We leave for a holiday on the Gold Coast tomorrow and will give you guys more details when we are back. It's a 5hr flight from Perth...another 4hrs and we can be in JHB!!  I'm looking foward to having Nando's daily whilst I'm there.  I will be starting a permanent job on Oct 05th depending on whether the police clearance will be done in time.  I don't mind having a break in Ramadhaan before I start in the new job.  The company is called Air Services Australia and is based at the airport.  I will be maintaining the electrical, radio, radar and satellite equipment for air traffic control. 

 

Hope to read other messages from the rest of the family soon.

Ashraf. 

---

Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Quiet again...

How is everyone? Well insha allah. Just a reminder to use the blog...its a good way to send a message to a whole lot of people at once.

My mother phoned the other day to say that Feroz was on TV...on the gameshow "A word or 2". Unfortunately I was not near a TV but apparently he did quite well...what next? "The Weakest Link".

Alhumdulillah Muhammad is growing so nicely. He makes us smile all the time and also wish that we had a child sooner. I am sure that all of you with children know what I am talking about.

Ashraf, how do I get hold of the guy who sells the biltong maker. I was eating some biltong today and remembered your contraption. Have you converted the locals to biltong yet or is it only the ex-South Africans who bug you for biltong?

Salaams to all,
Aslam

Salaams

How is everyone? Once again quiet on the blog. Alhumdulillah we are all well. Drove up to Joburg 2 week-ends ago to see Zaynab and her new baby, Aliyah. She is so marsha allah. So small and fragile. When I look at my Muhammad it is hard to imagine he was like that as well. Zaynab has recovered well alhumdulillah.

Hope everyone is well.

Aslam

Tadpole? What tadpole?

Has anyone who has made any comments about the size of the trout that I caught ever caught a trout half that size? No further comments please unless you can show me a fish...

Aslam

Congrats

Salaams to all,

Well done, Ashraf...learning to cook and be domesticated. Wonders never cease...cutting the grass too. I must really consider moving to Australia. Congrats on the soon to be new arrival too, insha-allah.
Due in November which will be a year over there in Oz and already an addition. Must have lost the pills in all the moving, I am sure.
All well over here. Still a lot of the same, busy with all the flus and joys of winter in Joburg. Zaynab' little one is so cute. Settling in at home, both mom and daughter.
Sumaiya, Ibrahim and Issa are well.
Fly fishing for tadpoles...that's new.
Salaams
Asad

Congrats to all

Salaams to all,

Congrats to Ashraf & Katy on the news of the expectant Ozzie, and to Zaynab & Riyaad on the birth of their little one. May Allah grant her a long and pious life.

Ashraf seems like you working quite hard there. Making up for all the times you loafed around in MTN ? Were you planting or removing the weeds ? Witbank is starting to get quite cold so a visit to Durbs is now becoming a must.

Aslam, is that the fish you caught or was it someone else bait ?? Even YOUR hands aren’t that big…

Take care and give salaams to all

Farid Asmal

And grows even more...

Asalaamu alaykum,

Since our sms news broadcaster has relocated to Australia, I will have to let everyone know. Alhumdulillah, Zaynab and Riyaad were blessed with the arrival of their second daughter this evening. Baby weighed 2.5kgs and is doing well. Alhumdulillah so is Zaynab. Please make dua for the baby.

Aslam

An Ozzie Chohan!

Thats a first. Alhumdulillah that is good news. Insha allah the morning sickness will pass and the rest of the pregnancy will go well. Serves you right Ashraf...housework and gardening is the least you can do for agreeing with my family. Besides my big hands make the fish look small.

Aslam & Saaleha & Muhammad

Poor Fish,

I managed to see the pic now ---- u r a MURDERER, that fish was meant to be returned to the water immediately. I afraid I have to agree with the rest of the family.

Ashraf

..........and the family grows!

Asalaamu-Alaikum,

It's been a while since we blogged but atleast Aslam keeps the website alive. The past couple of weeks have been hectic. Moved into my house, helped Ebrahim to move into his house and was busy with final exams. Exams are now over -- I now have an electrical licence to work anywhere in Australia. I'm still studying part time though, busy completing a diploma in electrical drafting. The kids are settled ....................talking about kids, another is on the way. Yes, I'm going to be a father again. Katy is well but having a miserable time with morning sickness. I'm the maid, cook, gardener, nannny etc. Come on doctors, can you guys give her something that will get her up on her feet again and SAVE me!! It's not too bad though. I'm enjoying the kitchen, she is teaching me how to cook at present. I also mowed the lawn last Sunday (first time in 31 years....and also got on my knees and removed weeds...........i thought South Africans only smoked weed) and I touched the washing machine. She also misses her parents that were here with us for three months. If all goes well the baby will be due around November....(i think). Aslam, I cannot comment on the fish since I cannot access the pic........e-mail to me pls. I spoke to Qasim Sader last week, all of them are well in the UK. Shuaib and family will be visiting SA soon........after almost 4 years, he must be excited. Hope to hear from all you guys soon.

Ashraf & Khatija

The one that didn't get away

Salaams,.

It has been very quite on the blog...where has everyone gone?

Just came back from a weekend at the Drakensberg Sun. Managed to do some fly-fishing. Lost a huge trout on Saturday but managed to get this one on Sunday. My family have made some rude comments about its size so I looking for more favourable opinions on its size.

Alhumdulillah we are all well. Our Muhammad is 4 months old and growing masha allah. I have joined Haroon Patel and his partners in private practice in Durban as of the 1st June, and insha allah, this will go well. At least I dont travel to Pietermaritzburg any more.

Aslam

Cape Town Revisited

Saaleha, Muhammad and myself went to Cape Town over this last weekend. It was his first trip in an plane but he slept through it beautifully. It was nice to go back and see work colleagues and friends. The visit was too short. Insha-allah we want to go back and see everyone again.

Zahedah is still in Europe on her Contiki Tour. My mother flew out yesterday. She will spend a few days with Essop-mota in Bolton before joining Zahedah in London. The lives of the young and the not-so-young....

It has been quiet on the blog. Has everyone stopped reading it? Come on, we need more posts.

Salaams,
Aslam

Pregnant, moving and jealous!

Salaams to all out there...wherever you are

I think Sumaiya's suggestion about aiming for December is not a bad one - it will give people enough time to plan a trip to Durbs. Not sure if I will be able to make it though - I will have just returned to work after maternity leave and I'm not too sure if I'll get leave so soon...but that's fine - as long as most people are there it should go ahead! The rest of us can catch up and see the pics on this website.

On a personal note, Riyaad and I are in the process of moving. We have bought a house in Darrenwood (not too far away from As'ad's place for those of you who know where he is). So we are busy with packing and sorting things out - very hectic given that I am 31 weeks pregnant! So if anyone has some free time and wants to help.....just kidding, but if anyone is coming up let me now and you can pop in for a visit - a round trip between Qasim, As'ad and myself shouldn't take you more than 15 minutes. So no excuses!!!!

Zahedah emailed over the weekend to let us know she is in Belgium and busy eating Belgian waffles with chocolate (the cow!!!) and was leaving for Amsterdam....what a life! Hope she doesn't take to the weed chocolate that Aslam told her about that's available in Amsterdam!

Love to everyone,

Zaynab

About that Reunion

Assalamu-Alaikum to All.

 

thanx for that picture Aslam, Alhamdulillah, the kids look Masha Allah...for all of you that are "dying" to know about the "reunion" I think we should reconsider, for the christmas break... when most people are on holiday in Durbs, anyway...  The beach is gorgeous at the moment but the days are too short to for the long awaited reunion... Maybe Ashraf can make sure that he is in the country then.  asking for suggestions is falling on deaf ears, so I will assume that there are no objections to the suggestion... insha Allah will take up the call for the reunion closer to the end of the year...

 

For those that don't know yet, Katy Kala gave birth to her 3rd daughter, some time last week.  Baby is fine but Katy Kala not too well. Please remember her in your duas...

 

Love and Salaams to ALL

 

Sumayya,Stanger

Grandchildren

Asalaamu alaykum,

I have been on leave since the middle of March and we decided to drive up to Johannesburg for the weekend. My mother went with us to see all the grandchildren, of course. We actually managed to get Qaylah and Ibrahim to sit down long enough to take this picture. From left, we have Qaylah (Zaynab & Riyaad), Yusuf (Qasim and Sameera), Ibrahim (Asad & Summaiya), Issa (Asad & Summaiya) and Muhammad (Aslam & Saaleha). May Allah protect and guide all of them.

Aslam

Easter in Durban

Salaams to everyone. It has been very rewarding to see new people posting onto the blog. Please ask everyone you know to post as the blog is only as good or as interesting as the last blog...

Alhumdulillah Muhammad is going very well. He has changed our lives in so many ways, both big and small. Presumably all those of you who already have children know what I am talking about. The others will find out soon insha allah...

Insha-allah I have started private practice in Durban now and, with Allah's help, I plan to stop travelling to Pietermaritzburg soon. Please make dua that Allah makes it easy for me.

Aslam

Joberg Autumn

Salaams to all,

It is great to read the website these days and hear from all the cousins. I look forward to logging onto the internet just to read the new entries onthe Bhorat web site.

Spoke to Ashraf yesterday. Nice to hear from him. Hang in there, less than 20 months to go...

Nice to hear from Naeem Sader. Keep us updated about the Saders. Yunus, it was most interesting reading about your Haj experience and may your Haj beaccepted, insha-allah.

Back from Mauritius which was fantastic. The beaches over there are out of this world. The country itself is like a little India and with not much else to do over there. Back home and winter is aproaching slowly. Naseemwill miss out on the lovely crisp mornings and electic blankets...

Salaams to all
Asad

Assalaamu-Alaikum

My sincere apologies to Qasim and Naeem. I've been having trouble with my e-mail accounts and managed to sort out the problems. Besides, I did reply to your e-mails Naeem but for some reason you were not receiving them. Qasim, I will sms / e-mail my contact details to you --- don't feel comfortable putting contact no's on the site, I know u have and are a very brave guy. I guess at MTN, we always dealt with queries from customers complaining about nasty rude sms's from anon people etc. Glad to read that Yunus had a great trip, may Allah accept his Hajj insha allah! Don't we all want to be travel agents like Farhana and Zahedah? Hope Zahedah has a good trip and post some pics of Europe and her travels. Haven't heard from Farhana in a while.........I'm sure she's keeping busy at American Express. As'ad, hope you still plan to visit us sometime this year. Have a lovely trip to Mauritius and yes, I do remember my trip to Mauritius. If you have the time, try to get over to Reunion as it's a beautiful island. You might need to get the visa from SA before you leave................when do u leave? (if u haven't already left). I wrote an exam yesterday and should get the results in two weeks. Still have two more to go. Zubi foi or should I say mummy arrived on March 08th after spending a few days in Kuala Lampur. The kids are having a ball of a time. If all goes well, they will be here for 3 months. At this moment, both Ebrahim and Suleman are working up North at different mine sites though. Ebrahim is due back next Sunday and Suleman on the 07th of April. We were meant to move into our house early this month but there seems to be more delays with the building contractors who are finishing off Ebrahims house. He should move out of my house in two to three weeks. I simply cannot believe how fast time has gone...........we moved out of our flat since June last year and have been living out of suit cases ever since (9 months now). Our household contents will arrive on the 19th of March. Whats the latest with the family reunion? Sumayya, give us some details even though we will not be there. I spoke to Ayesha in Canada a couple of weeks ago and told her about this website. I hope they post a message or two so we can get some news on Canada. She mentioned that Sarah Kala will be leaving SA on March 21st to spend a few months in Canada. Nazeer, how is Shakera doing in Dubai. Please fwd her e-mail address. Hope your studies are going well, better work hard at it otherwise we will have another brilliant electrician in the family!

Keep in touch,

Ashraf

mariebiscuit and all

sorry for the delayed response, but just as life is slow in Stanger, so are the telephone lines!!!

Sorry Yunus but Daddy with his broad smile and rheumatoid limp remembers you constantly asking for Mariebiscuit when you were much younger!!

spoke to Ebrahim Shaikjee a few days ago, he is well, also got a nice surprise when Naeem Sader phoned. Aslam is right, I think it is about time to settle down, but inStanger?! no chance!!

salaamz>>

Naseem (AKA Sunny Boy)

Posting email addresses and contact numbers on Blogger

Salaams all,

I dont know if it is a good idea to post email addresses on the blog as spammers trawl the net looking for email addresses to use. What do others think? Maybe we can circulate a list via email for people to add their address and contact details onto. I could start it and see how many we get onto it...

Aslam

Y'ello

Salaams everyone,

Hope you are all well. Family is well on my side and Witbank is great, not that any of you will know ‘COS YOU NEVER VISIT !!! Joking.. Ashraf, haven’t heard from you in a while. You lost in the Outbacks ??? The guys from M&E gave regards.

Great to see Naeem Sader blogging. Its been too long since we’ve met. Naeem, whats your e-mail address and cell number ?

Is there a place , maybe, where we can all update our contact info like email addresses and cell numbers ?

Farid Asmal

083 212 9991

REUNION

ASSALAMU-ALAIKUM TO ALL OF YOU....

Have been checking with the family, lots of people seem to have plans for the easter weekend....Zaynab's reasons also valid.... the 1st of May is a possibility, but Zaaheda will not be available... a postposement seems logical...what suggestions do we have from others?????? (Ashraf, this question is not directed at you)

some news from the home front...mummy and daddy have left for Australia (04 March), spending 3 days in Malaysia and InshaAllah flying to Perth on the 9th...

Saders...

Salaams Naeem, it has been long to here from you! Glad to all are well, I did SMS Shuaib on the birth if his baby boy. Where are you working? Are you also planning to move to the UK and leave Liverpool United for Blackburn??? Just kidding, my cell number is 0845142435 and home is 475 9774... across the new Clearwater Mall. Give me a call.... where are you staying? Give me your numbers too, unlike Ashraf ( I am still waiting forthe contact details there?)

Nice to read from Yunus about his jurney, may his and his wifes Hajj be accepted. Ameen. Where is Secunda again?? It must really have been agreat trip, hard to imagine that many people in one place at the same time.

Salaams to all

Qasim

Hello there...

Assalaamu-alaikum

This is Naeem Sader (Fathima Kalas son) trying to get in touch with some long lost family. It's okay. You guys can take a few moments to try and refresh your memory. Got it? Good. How is everybody?? From what i see on the blog, you all seem fine. Alhumdulillah, thats good news. I haven't seen so many of yous for so long that I'm not sure what to say/write!

Let me just give you some news. Mum is back from England finally. She got back 2 weeks ago. Ebrahim, Shuaib and Qasim are all doing well. Ebrahim now has a son as well as a daughter. His daughter, Aamera, is around 3 years old and Hasan, his baby, boy is just a little over 3 months old. As for Shuaib, he is the proud father of a baby boy named Usha. Both the new additions are coping well and are growing very quickly.

As for myself and Muhammed, we are both very well. Muhammed is presently completing his final year at RAU and I am working for a quantity surveying company in Jhb.

Thats all i have time for now. I hope to keep in contact regularly from now on. Thanks a whole lot to Ashraf Chohan for not replying to any e-mails. You really are a star. Qasim, if you are reading this then he's a LAUNCHPAD!! I'm sure you remember that.

Anyway, please remember us in your duaas as you are all remembered in mine.
Salaams to all.

Naeem

Salaams from Secunda

Asalaamu alaikum,

It’s good to read that I have been the discussion point of many mails. So Naseem, we are still awaiting your explanation on the “Marie biscuit” issue. Alhumdulillah, Hajj was an amazing experience despite the initial delays. We were away for almost 5 weeks. Medina was beautiful. The prophet’s (SAW) mosque was a sight on it’s own, in terms of the size, architecture, the lighting on the inside and outside, the massive retractable umbrellas, sliding domes, etc. It was simply stunning. It was cold during the early mornings and the evenings. Shopping was also an experience. The locals immediately recognize you as a South African and address you as follow : Welcome, Welcome, Discount, Discount !

We did most of our shopping here. But you have to also be on guard for what they call Number 2’s. Perfumes were very cheap and I was interested in Cool Water by Davidoff. The guy shows you the item. Upon closer inspection you realize that the item is called Cold Water ! The packaging and writing is exactly the same as the original. Then he takes out another bottle. This one is Deep Water ! As if you have seen it all, he produces another one, Clear Water !!!

We spent 8 days in Medina.

Mecca was also good. Here we spent just almost 4 weeks. The first sight of the Holy Kabaah was breath taking. It was a very emotional experience. By the time we arrived in Mecca, the city was quite full. But alhumduliallah, we managed to achieve whatever we wanted to do. Both in Medina and Mecca, you get all the familiar eating places such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King(American) and many other brands. The pricing is cheap.

The 5 days of Hajj was also something to take back. Especially the flood on the last day. We were about 100m from the bridge where you stone the Jamaraats. It just started to rain, rather pour ! Without any drizzle or anything, it just started bucketing! And it wasn’t normal rain – the rain was coming down with a vengeance. The nearby shelters were already filled with people and the only other option was running into the tunnels ( which is used by those performing the walking hajj ). But that seemed a bit dangerous as everyone was running into it and if someone had to trip and fall, that’s it. So we stood in blistering rain for almost 40mins. We were soaked – our clothes, back packs, kitaabs, money, everything. Whilst we stood there, we could not even look one another face to face because of the force the rain was coming down with. You just have to look down and make sure the person is still next to you. Peoples bags, packets, etc were just floating past you. Finally when the rain subsided, the bridge was empty and we managed to stone the jamaraats and move on the Mecca.

It was only whilst walking back to Mecca did we realize the damage caused. The tunnels, the were almost half full ! Water levels were above our knees in certain areas ! There are no drainage facilities. People were abandoning their cars and walking as the water was as high as the bonnets and the cars wouldn’t move. That 3km walk back to the hotel took forever to reach. But that was a once in a lifetime experience. Apparently, that was the worst flood in 20+ years.

We also visited Jeddah for the day. Got to see the mosque in the sea! In Jeddah, the locals are also familiar in Afrikaans. The one shop keeper called us by saying, “Kom Binne. Ek gee groot afslag.” That was just too much.

There are so many stories to tell but it will take too long. Insha-allah when we meet we can talk about the rest.

All in all, the experience was truly amazing and fulfilling ! Insha-allah we will all get a chance to visit these places at least once. We remembered all of your’ll in our duas and still continue to do so.

It’s good to be home but a part of you still longs for you to return one day.

Anyway, pass our salaams to all and we will speak soon.

Yunus & Zakeeya

Salaams All

Salaams All,

The reunion is a good idea ( lets hope we can get it together ). It will be really nice to catch up with everyone. I think that I havent seen many of you guys in ages! Any date is good for me as long as it is not between the 17 of Apr & 14 May as I wont be able to make it. Gonna tour Europe for amonth and I dont want to miss out on all the fun.

love to all
Zahedah

Salaams

Glad to hear that Ashraf is well despite the heavy work/study schedule. Still waiting for your cell number there... so I can sms you! Australia'simmigration office seems to be very strict, even for a holiday there.

Being a daddy is going well, but tiring! Will post more pics soon... my camera is in Durban! Feeilng for a braai this weekend... will have a chopfor you Ashraf...

Qasim

Oz postponed...

Salaams,

We have postponed, not cancelled Ashraf, our trip to Australia because of the flights and kids. We are looking at the end of the year. Let Ashraf get more settled and Issa a bit bigger.

We are of to Mauritius instead. Just need a break. Remember Mauritius, Ashraf...

Otherwise all well. Sumayya, any news on the reunion?

Salaams
Asad, Sumaiya, Ibrahim and Issa

Date IS a problem!

need we say more? It's a pity we won't be there but I'm sure somebody will think of us when the steak is sizzling on the braai stand!

Glad to hear that Shakera is in Dubai. Hope she also starts posting messages soon....not in French though! Qasim and Aslam, are the cameras broken like mine? Post some updated pics of the babies. Life is pretty hectic for me at the moment, attend classes at the tech thrice a week from 6 to 9. Otherwise, things are pretty much the same around here. Naseem, what's the latest in Stanger?

Ashraf.

Contact Details!

Salaams to all,

Nice to hear from Nazeer, how is your studies going? Hope all are well, spoke to your father the other day. This reunion is definitely overdue... so Sumayya, get cracking.

Ashraf, post us your e-mail address and contact numbers there, including the Austrailian code... That is why there has been no calls yet! Hope you are doing well, are you in your new home yet? Miss you guys here, but making dua that you are well and coping. The speed limits there are crazy!! You might as well get a bicycle and ride it to work! You may be faster...

As'ad told me about the food there, you should start a chicken tikka place and a butcher there.... sounds like it will do well.

Please dont forget the contact numbers...

Qasim

date might be a problem....

Salaams all

Nice to see that more and more cousins are logging on, Nazeer tell Shakera about it, so she can update us about life in Dubai from time to time. What is she doing in Dubai anyway? On the reunion issue - the 27th of March might be a problem - it is the easter weekend so the roads are far too busy to drive down to Dbn and the airlines are either fully booked already or VERY expensive because its the easter weekend. How about 1 May? Its a Sunday and the Monday is a public holiday - things shouldn't be too hectic over that long weekend? Just a suggestion - any other thoughts? Lets get some feedback about what suits most people who are out of town and take it from there.

Zaynab

---

Salaams

Salaams

This is Nazeer, Ismail Mamajees son. All the cousins are talking about bhorat.net. I think its a brilliant way to communicate with family all over the world. We've got pics from them days, so as soon as i scan them, I'll send it. For those of you that don't know, Shakera's working in Dubai. She left a week ago. Soon we're gonna have family on all continents!

I will post soon inshallah

Salaams to all
Nazeer

acceptance of nomination

Assalamu-alaikum to all you wonderful people out there...wherever you are...

congratulations to aslam and saaleha on the birth of their masha Allah baby boy...may Allah guide him always, Ameen and hope to see him soon.

No problem, I accept the nomination to co-ordinate the get together... doesn't sound like too much trouble. Maybe we should get consensus on the venue and the date. Venue seems to be O.K. for "most" and I am sure not a problem for those around here. As for the date i suggest sunday, March 27...please check your diaries and lets get some feedback. Zainab, your suggestions regarding a bring and braai sounds good, i suppose what is left is to inform the families...will definitely chat with Jeebs and other family around Stanger and Durbs. i will also contact the family in Middleburg and Ladysmith... not sure who that leaves...but suggest that all that read this email chat to those of the family you meet...let's pass the message and hope that eveeryone is keen and willing...

Sumayya

It's decided...

Salaams all

Seems that there is definitely strong support for the reunion. I definitely think that Tinley Manor will be perfect, it will bring back a lot of memories. Shall we aim for the last week of April or the first week in May? This will allow us to work around the public holidays to make it easier for those travelling to KZN from far away. Let's commit to a date and elect someone to push and drive the whole thing.

I nominate Sumayya, now that she is back in Stanger, she must be pretty bored and dying for something to do!!!!! Do I hear a second for that nomination - thanks Qasim, noted. Any objections to the nomination? None - great its a unanimous decision - Sumayya and her sprained ankle can run with it, I'll help however I can. The mission will be to spread the word and put pressure on everyone to be there, maybe Sumayya can start with a list of all the family that needs to be contacted and we can take it from there. And definitely contact Jeebs to get his ideas as well.

It will be great if we can pull it off! And I really think it should be a bring and braai - it will be much easier to arrange and coordinate if each family brings its own meat and drinks. Whoever has braai stands can bring it together with the coal that is needed and we can split up the tea stuff, rolls and salads amongst the rest of the family. There you go Sumayya, you already have a draft plan.....

Zaynab

Another picture of Baby Muhammad

Baby Muhammad

Alhumdulillah Saaleha and I have been blessed by the arrival of a beautiful baby boy. Please remember him in your duas and ask Allah Ta'ala to grant him piety, happiness, taqwa, imaan and long life.

Aslam

Reunion...

Sounds great, we need someone to take the bull by the horns and co-ordinate this get together.. Sumayya with your ankle you may wish NOT to volunteer! Seriously we a need a concerted effort. Alhamdulillah baby Yusuf is doing well however I had to leave them in Durban and return to Jhb.... tough. Missing him already!

Looks like Ashraf is going to be studying again... hope it goes well with work as well. Maybe As'ad and family will be visiting you guys there soon... Even Naseem and Farhana were planning a trip there.

Yunus should be returning from Hajj, hope he had a safe and accepted Hajj.

Qasim

Sunset in Western Australia

Picture from Suleman...

Recognize any of this lot...

Picture from Suleman...they look like a bunch of Aussies to me..

Salaams from WA

The new arrivals really look mashallah. May allah grow them up to be pious obedient muslims who will serve his deen. Ameen. Good idea Zaynab (about the reunion). u can start dispatching the invitations now and have the reunion at the end of this year so no one can have any excuse for not attending (even those overseas, inshallah). Some excellent pictures from the past keep them rolling. I have some somewhere on my hard drive...will try and get them out. Skype is an excellent idea. I used it with Ashraf when he was in SA and it worked great. My username is smbhorat.

Salaams to all from Suleman and Family and Ashraf and Family.

Suleman

Forget Us Not !

Congrats to Qasim and Sameera on the arrival of their gorgeous son Yusuf. With regard to the family reunion we think it's a great idea but WE WON"T BE THERE!!!!! so therefore may we suggest that you guys have a "prelim" now just to see who pitches up and how things roll out. Please contact Yunus Jeebhai as he will be genuinely interested in rounding up the family. He has been speaking about this for some time now. This will be a good trial reunion so that the one (the BIG important one) we have in Dec this year will be perfect. Are we pushing our luck here? If all goes well insha allah, we plan to visit SA later this year. As'ad, thanks for the call (others..hint ...hint), we are all well on this end of the world. We found a house to rent but Ebrahim and Hajara are living in it now untill their house is ready so we are still with Suleman. We should move into our place by the end of Feburary...insha allah. Work is ok so far, not as great as MTN but it pays the rent. I will be starting at the Technikon next week to convert my South African electrical licence into the Australian one. Will a doctor please explain how on earth a patient can sprain an ankle whilst surfing the net....or what were you doing Sumy?? Today is a public holiday...Australia Day. Fireworks will be set off from a platform on the river Swan and apparantly it's worth while to see. Does anybody know what Ebrahim Sader's son's name is? The last time we spoke to Fathima Kala (baby was a few hours old), the baby had not been named. She mentioned that Shuaib's son (Yousha Sader) is doing well. Naeem, please post some pics of the new arrivals. We will post some pics soon.

Khatija & Ashraf

A doctor in the town?

Just sounds like Stanger Hospital must be very quiet and Naseem has no work to do....thats must be the only reason why he can just rush off to check on a sprained foot. At least he was around. Aunty Zarina keeps on telling us that they need another doctor like my father in Stanger...does this mean Naseem is going to settle down in Stanger? Maybe we should talk to the manager...

The reunion sounds like a very good idea...and Tinley Manor sounds like a good place to have it...any ideas on the date?

It is nice to have pictures on the net so soon after Yusuf's arrival for others to see. I did have a choice of about 120 that Qasim had taken in the first day! Please email pictures to me at pics@bhorat.net for resizing and posting.

Salaams,
Aslam

Salaams to ALL on the net...

thanx for the pictures of baby yusuf...it's great to be able to access them so soon...Zaynab your idea of a reunion is a great one...suggest some dates that will be convenient for you guys in jburg... the pictures are great...thought it was Azhar for a moment...(fats suggests TINLEY MANOR, FOR OLD TIMES SAKE)

I am extremely grateful to have a Doc in Stanger again...i had a fall (the details of which are unimportant for the purposes of this mail) and i called Naseem and within 15 minutes: he arrived home, my foot was inSpected, Sprayed and Strapped, i don't know what the docs have to say about that, but from a patients point of view it was fantastic service...and can only happen in Stanger...and i didn't have to pay although Naseem's "manager" was trying to negotiate a fee of R500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it's good to be back...

Sumayya Bhorat, Stanger

The best picture of the lot...

Hows that for a yawn?

Picture of Baby Yusuf

Alhumdulillah a picture of Baby Yusuf soon after he was born...

Eid Mubaruk

Eid Mubaruk to everyone no matter where you find yourself today. I pray that Allah Ta'ala keeps everyone one of you safe and grants you your dearest duas on this blessed day.

Alhumdulillah Sameera and Qasim have been blessed by the arrival of a 3.1kg baby boy. Both mother and baby are well. They have decided to name him Yusuf. Please make dua that he grows up a pious muslim and that he is blessed in this life ameen. Will post a picture or 2 this weekend insha-allah. It used to be that an sms would announce the latest arrivals to our family sent by someone who used to work at MTN....we are missing you, Ashraf.

Can I suggest that everyone especially those overseas download and install Skype (www.skype.com) so we can chat online. Just had a conversation with Saaleha's cousin's husband in Sydney and, besides a delay in the transmission, it was a superb connection notwithstanding that I use a dial-up connection.

Salaams to all,
Aslam

Good Idea

Sounds like a good idea. Maybe we should try and do that...

Email pictures to pics@bhorat.net...just resize them before you send them to 800 X 600.

Aslam

Family Reunion?

Family Reunion?

Salaams all

Those pictures are great - reminds me of a time when we were all so close and family get togethers where the norm not the exception. I'd love to see everybody and catch up....I can't remember the last time we had a family reunion. So for all the family still in sunny SA and not lost in Oz, what do you think? Should we try to arrange a reunion??? Or is that just wishful thinking....we could choose a date in the not too distant future and have maybe a bring and braai somewhere at the beach in Durbs? It really would be great!

Zaynab

e-mail address

Salaams Aslam,

Whats your e-mail address to send pics ?

Farid

P.S… You can delete this message from the blog..

Caught with his pants down...guess who?

And another Picture from Qasim...whose picture is next?

And hows that for handlbars...

Another Picture from Qasim...

Recognise these guys...

Picture from Qasim...

Here comes 2005...

Salaams,

Can you believe that 2005 is already here? New Year in Stanger was always fun. Cassim from Ladysmith used to drive down every year for it. It wasn't fun cleaning off the polish though.

Naseem left for Stanger today to start work at Stanger Hospital. Good luck to him. It was nice having him around and we will miss him. Well done to Nafeesa with her matric results. I hope the studies continue.

Witbank is the in the outbacks, Farid. Isn't it the same as Woodie Woodie...

Ashraf, if the braai meat is not up to standard over there then we will only visit once the standard improves. We have been having too many braais over here recently and I can't imagine life without them. I will have a chop and steak for you Ashraf. How was the new year over there?

Anyone noticed the 4D picture story changing or was it just me, Aslam...

Sumaiya, Issa and Ibrahim are well.

Salaams
As'ad