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. 

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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

Good News All Round..

Very happy that Yunus has finally got his visa and is on his way, may he have a safe and meaningful Hajj that will be accepted. Also good news from Nafeesa... future plans? Ashraf sounds like he is missing home a little, but enjoying the experience as well. Not so good meat... that could be a disaster for braais.

As for Farid, way out in Witbank... Perth seems to be closer than Witbank! Just kidding, we must get together. As every one else I am also lost with the whole Marie Biscuit issue? Naseem may be a little delirious from him returning to his moms cooking for another year! His last day in Jhb tomorrow...

Yes, New Years in Stanger was nice.. Essop Paps used to take us down Cooper street in the back of the Pilkies van... with loads of ammo...tomatoes etc. You had to throw and duck. The buggers on the balconies had a good aim on us! Was fun.

Salaams to all...
Qasim

....more news from Perth

Yes Sunny boy, you need to explain the marie biscuit issue. We do get marie biscuits here but not the SA blue lable ones. I'm sure if I pop around to the South African store it will be available at a price. Naseem, hope you are looking forward to being at home...........I can still remember the days when you used to work in Pilkies on Saturdays. The highlight of your day was getting that lorettas mutton curry pie and a 200ml coke from cafe kat. Thanks to all of you for the news and updated info. The 4D scan looks good and Katy says the baby looks like Aslam....(looking for food)..ha ha ha . Hope everything goes well for Saaleha and Sameera. Congrats to Nafeesa.....what does she plan to study Firoze? Hope Zaynab is doing ok with the second pregnancy. Pretty soon choti mamee will need a star wagon for all the grand kids! Tonight is new years eve and I'm sure it will not be like Stanger. For the last four years, we always had a braai at our flat with great company and lovely views of the fire works from the balcony. Talking about braai's, the meat here is nowhere close to the stuff we get in SA....pretty sad. It's prompted us to search the internet for good marinades. So if any of you out there have excellent recipes please start e mailing them. We are settling in alright and enrolled Azhar in the Islamic College (http://aic.wa.edu.au). School starts on the 27th January. I'm enjoying the last bit of the holidays before I start work next Wednesday. Please convey our Salaams to all.

Ashraf

Good News from Tongaat

Salaams Everyone

Just wanted to let you guys know that Yunus (Marie Biscuit ???) has received his Visa and will be leaving for Haj on Thursday Insha-allah.

We also received the great news that Nafeesa passed matric with 7 Distinctions.

If Farid’s memory of New years in Stanger is anything to go by I am may have to abandon other plans and head down there.

Anyway got to get back to work.

Salaams

Firoze

New Years

Salaams,

Sorry about the MTN Disclaimer thing, it seems to be automatically inserted. You guys seem to be travelling the world, so when are your’ll coming to WITBANK ??

Hope you guys enjoy the NEW YEARS EVE Celebrations. I will certainly miss NEW YEARS EVE in STANGER. It was the best. Collecting rotten, over-ripe fruit for throwing, wearing old T-shirts and coming home face-full-of-polish. Those were the days. Is it still the same in Stanger ?

Farid, Yumna and Farihah Asmal

4D Picture of Baby

Alhumdulillah Saaleha and the baby have been doing very well. This is a 4D scan of the baby....not very good because the baby's face was against the placenta. Make dua the rest of the pregnancy goes well.


Aslam

Marie Biscuits and other things...

Salaams. Very nice to see new people posting onto the blog. It is easy enough. Dont worry about the extra unwanted stuff that appears after the message...I clean it up as soon as I get the chance. Just remember to email pictures to me for posting directly onto the website.

Its been hot in Durban for the last 2 days with rain in the evenings. Saaleha is well and the baby is due in February. Anyone wants to guess the day that the bay will be born. If they are right then they can name the baby. On second thoughts, no way. I was one day off with Zaynab and Riyadh's Qaylah. In fact, Qaylah was about 45 minutes away from being Maryam. Make dua that all goes well. Insha allah Yunus a.ka. marie biscuit and his wife will leave for hajj soon. Naseem - please post a story onto the blog to explain the marie biscuit knickname. People must be laughing everytime they see a packet of maries. Seen any in Australia lately, Ashraf ?

Aslam

Taking off...

Salaams,

Nice to see new bloggers. Zaynab, we don't really need to know all the directors of Nedbank, and Farid, MTN disclaimers should be kept internal. Just joking...

No news from Suliman for a while. What's the news from down under?

Joburg is quite at this time of the year...no traffic.

Salaams
As'ad, Sumaiya, Ibrahim and Issa

Salaams

Salaams to everyone,

MTN certainly isn’t the same without Ashraf and his advice within the company, but its good to see that he is enjoying himself Down Under.

As for Yunus ( where does the “marie biscuit” thing come from ??? ), he is still in Durban waiting for his Visa. The agent apparently is blacklisted and he seems to be doing people in every year. Insha-allah they will leave either on Saturday ( 25^th ) or Monday ( 27^th).

Take care and salaams to all
Farid Asmal

Another addition to the Khan Family

Salaams all

Found out recently that I am pregnant - 13 weeks this week. Another baby on the way...hope its not too hectic. Qaylah will be in the middle of the terrible two's - so wish me luck! Riyaad and I are very excited...so is mummy, she is enjoying the regular additions of grandchildren - Issa in September, Qasim and Sameera's baby due in January and Aslam and Saalehah's baby due in February. So far all is well, make dua that it stays that way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ashraf, sent you an email, hope you get it way out in the bundu's.

Zaynab

hey ashraf is that you!

Hey, Ashraf! You're not even there for a month yet & you're lurching my sister once again. Hows the chows there at the outback! I'm sure you dont need Rehana from weighless there! Ebrahim called me the very same day that you did. He says you'll take it easy & take enough breaks....no wonder all the calls from both you guys to most of us here. Yes we've had four braais already, since you've gone & everytime we light that fire, we think of you. Please dont forget to fill me in on the bar b ques you guys have. Laami'a is almost 7 months old & is now crawling! ...&cutting her first tooth. Sa'diyya&Leyya are enjoying their holidays tremendously, now that they have their own swimming pool!

FATHIMA MAHOMED

Hello Woodie Woodie...

Salaams,

It was nice to hear from Ashraf in the outbacks of Australia. Sounds like he is having a memorable experience. Ashraf always spoke about backpacking across Europe. Although the continent is different the experience will always be with him. Please post some pictures for us to see, Ashraf! Then I can decide if we should visit...just joking we hope to visit soon.

All well in Joburg. Not as hot as Woodie Woodie or even Perth, but hot enough.

Spoke to Cassim from Ladysmith yesterday aftera long time. He is well and gives Salaams. Said that there was a problem with Yunus and haj trip. Make dua that all goes well.

Salaams
As'ad

almost there....

Salaamz to all

Good to see regular postings. Yunus from Tongaat (more
affectionately known as marie biscuit!!) has just left for
Hajj. Lets hope he does not forget us in his prayers.
Internship is almost over, GOING BACK HOME, for community
service and MUMMYS CHOW! (no offence Sumaiya!!).
Read you later

naseem

Sounds good...

Great to hear from both Ashraf and Suleman.... hope that Kathija and kids setlle down. You guys will have to send us pics of all the 9 kids...The outback sounds VAST, makes one think alot. Just chatting to As'ad now, it would be great to visit early next year and experience some of this first hand! have you got a GPS system yet! Sameera is now 34 weeks, time is flying, and we are going to Durban this weekend and the usual Stanger visit as well. Ashraf used to really keep everyone informed about each other, now he is gone... we will have to take that responsibilty ourselves. Please send us pics from Down Under...

Qasim

The Heat is ON!!!

Nice to c that Ashraf is communicating with the rest of the world from somewhere in nowhere. Perth had its hottest day for December in 30 yrs. Anybody want to guess??? A top of 41.5 degrees celcius in the shade at 14h00. at least it is no where as humid as durbs. The electricity utility called western power gets hot under the collar when the temperature reaches this level. Last year they came under heavy fire for not being able to supply enough electricity and had to ask all major shopping centres and corporate buildings including their own to turn off their air conditioners or face power cuts and severe fines. Otherwise all is going well down under. Till next time.

Suleman

News from Down Under

I have so much to say and really don't know where to start. Ebrahim and myself are presently working at this manganese mine in a small outback camp called Woodie Woodie. It's a 3.5hr flight from Perth and it's so remote you simply cannot believe. I'm sitting under a satellite dish in the middle of nowhere writing this mail.......could u do this years ago? Today was 37deg cel and the temperature often soars to 55 deg cel......and Aslam, you think SA was hot after Saleeha and yourself returned from Germany! We will return to Perth next Monday. This was a a great chance to see the outback...nothing to see really, drove about 400KM and saw NOTHING, absoutely nothing......but just the feel of the vastness is amazing. Met a guy who lives out here and his closest neighbour is 250Km away.....he lives, eats and sleeps in his cattle ranch and he would not trade his home for anything in the world. Also saw these road trains.......monster of a truck that tows upto four trailers......in total there are almost eighty tyres, yes 80.....the driver tells me that he starts to break about seven km before the town, I remember this famous Stanger saying "if don't apply breaks at the Tinley Manor turn off, you will miss Shakaskraal and end up in Umhlali....remember the old road -R102..am I going crazy but maybe I'm home sick. Talking about home, yes we do miss the family and friends back home. We are very fortunate to have Ebrahim and Suleman around to show us the ropes. The kids are really enjoying it (nine kids in total......now those that know all the kids names, raise your hand!!...ha ha ha). There are so many parks and outdoor activities for the kids. The Swan river and sea is really beautiful and I know where I'll be spending most of my summer days. These Australians are way too organised, everything is in order and there is so much of red tape that it's sometimes irritating. Speed limits are 50km/h in a residential area and 110km/h on the freeway.........will have to get used to this or else my licence will be suspended (no chance of giving a twenty buck or buying the cop a coke here) Khatija is well and busy helping Hajra to pack. Once we are settled she wants to continue with her aromatherapy. Ebrahim and Hajra will be moving into their new home soon. Suleman and I are assisting Ebrahim to wire his house. Perth also gets hot and dry...it feels like Stanger without the humidity. We are looking for a place to rent and should move in before our container arrives from SA (mid Jan). We bought a car....a burgundy 95 Toyota Camry station wagon and I also have a job. I start on Jan 05th at a ship building yard. Two luxury passenger cruise liners will be built here and then sailed to France. I'm looking forward to it because I was never involved with marine electrical. I will also be studying part time (need to write 4 exams between Feb and June). I'm sure everyone would want to know whether we will make Perth home but only time will tell. The initial plan is to get over with the two years and decide after that. So all of you, better visit us soon. All the best to Sameera and Qasim, hope all goes well with the delivery...I'm sure Qasim will post a few pics of the baby on the website. Zaynab, happy belated birthday...I didn't forget...just didn't get a chance to call /e-mail. As'ad, hope you haven't changed your mind about visiting us! Yunus, hope you guys have a great Hajj, make lots of Dhua for us and the rest of the ummah. Naseem, enjoy Stanger hospital.....don't try anything silly or you will be on e-TV. Farhana & Zahedah, stop flying to exotic islands and visit us, Fathima, we miss Desai's meat and the braai's are not the same without your'll. Naeem, come over for a while as there is heaps of work in the civil eng. industry. Can't name all my cousins here but to all of you, please keep in touch and hope to see you guys sometime. I will fwd some pics soon.

Assalaamu Alaikum,
Ashraf & Khatija

khatijachohan@yahoo.com
ac_chohan@yahoo.com
chohan_a@hotmail.com

Just blogging

Salaamz to all. Just trying this out. Hope I can find
some good news to post soon..

Postings

Just wondering whether people are having trouble posting via email. Qasim, As'ad and Ashraf have been able to but I have had calls from Naseem and Yunus about posting. To post send an email to bhorat.blogspot@blogger.com. The title of your email will become the title of the posting and the body of the email will become the post itself. You cant include pictures in the email. Send those to me via email for posting manually.

Please email me if you have any trouble.

Aslam

Back from the cold

As Asad mentioned, Saaleha and myself went over to Germany recently. Saaleha attended a 1 week course at a hospital in Koln which is in Western Germany. After the course we drove through Holland spending 2 nights in Amsterdam. Then we went onto Brussels in Belgium before spending a few nights in Paris. I really liked Germany. Brussels and Luxembourg were nice. Did not think much of Amsterdam although they do have the Van Gogh Museum (which I really liked.) And I loved Paris. Zaynab, Riyadh, Qasim and Sameera had been to Paris last year, and before we left Zaynab told me that she had not liked it at all. We, however, enjoyed ourselves in Paris immensely.

Only arrived back yesterday. Still not over the flight yet but safely home alhumdulillah. The temperature in Paris on our last day as a high of zero. Today the high in Durban is going to be about 30. Not sure which I prefer...what's the temperature in Perth, Ashraf? Send some news through for us. Maybe a few more Bhorats will end up in Perth if you and Suleman do a good enough publicity job.

Salaams,
Aslam

MTN Share Price Dropping!

Salaams to Ashraf and family, hope that all is going well and you guys are settling down. Enjoy the experience and make the most of it. Dont worry, the share price isnt dropping, so you can return to them if you want to come back to SA.

Hot in Jhb, summer is here. Sameera is due at the end of January, not long to go. Salaams to all.

Qasim

Eid Mubarak

Salaams to all,

South Africa feels different without Ashraf around. Hope that everything is well down under. Suleman can now add four more to the sparse Perth population. As for adding any more we will see...

It is very hot in Joburg. Aslam is over in Germany and has been in contact via sms.

Well done to Qasim for pasing his exams, hope that the studies continue.

Sumaiya, Ibrahim and Issa are well.

Salaams
As'ad

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak to everyone. We trust and pray that the Almighty will grant your duas and bless your family on this special day insha allah.

Aslam & Saaleha

Eid Mubarak!

Salaams to all.Ramadaan just flew by us and we could not ask for better weather down under. Only one Saturday was about 31 deg. Otherwise it was cool weather. It is good to hear from As’ad. Don’t keep us in suspense with regards to your changes. There is a shortage of doctors in WA, then again there is a shortage of people full stop! Anyway this is my second ramadaan in WA, Cas. I have learnt to do without the edible luxuries that we South Africans are spoilt with in this blessed month. I hope that your’ll are enjoying it though. I see the reality of leaving has hit Ashraf. He will be here next Sunday. I hope everything goes well for him. Eid Mubarak.

Suleman

Salaams from Joberg

Salaams to all,

We have been busy adjusting to the new addition to the family and Alhamdulilah Issa has adjusted to us very well.

It has been a hot and dry Ramadaan but alhamdulilah we have coped well. We will be going down to Durbs for Eid and it will be nice to spend it with the family. Will see Ashraf before he leaves for Perth.

Practice is not the fun it used to be and maybe we too will be looking at changes soon...

Salaams
As'ad

Ramadaan

Alhumdulillah more than half of this blessed month has passed. I hope everyone is well and everyone continues to benefit from this month. I was wondering if people woould like to send in photos of themselves and their families before Eid to post on the blog. It would be very nice to see distant relatives again (distant in more ways than one).

Was-salaam,
Aslam

Ramadaan Mubarak

Salaams to all. Ramadaan has begun and I wanted to wish everyone a blessed and prosperous month. How are the times in Australia? How is the weather there, Suleman? Are you missing haleem... or did you take some across! Jhb aint too bad... getting into the groove now.

Qasim

Ramadaan Mubaruk

Ramadaan Mubaruk to Muslims all over the world, especially to our family and friends. May the Almighty Allah grant all Muslims the full reward of this blessed month. Our duas are always with our brothers in Palestine, Chechnya, Iraq and wherever Muslims face oppression and injustice.

The Three Musketeers

These 3 just could not be left out of the spotlight despite Baby Issa's arrival...

Another picture

Another photo of Baby Issa...

Picture of Baby Issa

Baby Issa soon after his entry into this world alhumdulillah...

Time

Congratulations to As’ad & Sumayya on their new born son. How time flies…yesterday we were growing up and today we grow up our kids. Do you remember the family get-togethers at ‘top house’ and the games of bashing (or dodging as some call it). I still remember how Middleburg Cassim used to jump from the lawn over the flower bed and land on the grass at street level. I think that was the closest thing to bunjee jumping back then. Not forgetting the beach cottage…yep those were the days. Sorry I don’t have any stories about walking to school with no shoes! Till next time.

Suleman

Another addition to the family tree

Alhumdulillah Saaleha and I just came back from Joburg. We decided to go up on the long weekend at the last minute and I am glad that we did. On Saturday, Summaiya (As'ad wife) gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. This is their second child, and alhumdulillah, both are now well. Make dua that they both remain well, and Allah Ta'ala blesses the baby with a long and rewarding life.

Aslam

Pictures on the blog...depends on the picture

As you can see below, I can now add pictures to the blog.  Please send your pictures to me for uploading onto the web.  Kindly resize and save as jpeg before emailing.  Resize to 640 wide and 480 high.  I will send them to the blog as soon as I receive them.  Will be happy to put anything on the blog....pictures of childrens, functions, houses, cats, dogs, mother-in-laws...just send them in.

Aslam 

A view of Cape Town from our old flat

Still missing Cape Town a lot.
Aslam

Where is Spring?

Asalaamu alaykum,

The 1st of September has come and gone, and today was cold and raining all the way from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. Alhumdulillah all well. I am still travelling to Pietermaritzburg every day but insha Allah not for much longer. Hope everyone else is well. Please send in your contributions to the blog. Email me to find out how if you don't already know. Hope the sun is shining wherever you are...

Aslam

PS...Please add your name after your message otherwise we have to guess who you are.

Home Sick!!!

So Qasim, sorry to hear that u r so lonely over there…but don’t worry, only a couple of days left now. Well Perth might sound like Kwa Duguza but it is far from it. All I can say is that it seems like u r missing home in more ways than one right now (he he he!!!). Might be a good idea to open up a practice in Stanger Shareef. What do u think?

 

C yr!!

Almost Home

It has been almost 2 weeks away from home and I have only 1 week left... cant wait. Am off to Birmingham this weekend to visit the families we stayed with in 2002. Next weekend it is off to London and then home...

Qasim

Qasim

Sorry but I cant seem to remove the signatures from the hotmail site... please advise how? I have been disappointed by my post here in Plymouth, they are not offering me as many hours as they said.. so I have changed my ticket to SA to land on the 31st of August... only 3 weeks in total.

People always advise you to get it in writing, and this time I have... so goes to show. Anyway, hope to see everyone when I get back. And see Ashraf And Kathija before their trek...

Qasim

PLYMOUTH, UK

I have taken the step of leaving my wife and going to work in the UK, right now it feels likea a very stupid move. Difficult being away from everyone, especially Sameera. It was a long trip here, via Dubai, and then a 5 hour train ride which was so full I had to stand the entire time.

Hospital is OK... but lonely. Trying to locate any muslims here to find out about Jummah and Halaal food. Its only my second day here... so make lots of dua that I can manage.

Salaams
Qasim

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Aslam

Some action at last

I don't want to blog to myself....that's why I am happy that others are now blogging.  Carry on and get others to join in as well.  Please remove any signatures or add-ons that might be added before you send the email.  Also you can't recall the message once you send it so be certain before you hit the send button. (Otherwise send me an urgent email and I can fix it for you).   I won't change any messages, only edit them in terms of format and style.

We just came back from Sun City where I attended a conference.  It was nice although I was busy everyday until 18h00.  As nice as it is, it stills feels to "man-made".  The conference was worth the trip though.  We also felt the Highveld cold more than once.  It was also nice to see Asad, Qasim, Zaynab and families again.  The children are growing up so quickly. 

Back at work,
Aslam