Wedding bells Part 1

Nadia, the kids & I climbed into the car & made our way, in haste, to Masjidul Quds. It was after 9am already and we were worried that we might have missed the start of Shaheema's nikaah. An event I so didn't want to miss.

First we had to drop off the mini quiche, I made earlier that morning, at my mom's to be baked. This was part of the buffet breakfast to be served after the nikaah. Fearing the worst as we made our way to the entrance of the masjid, I noticed some of the cousins standing and waiting. Which only meant one thing. The bride was late, pheww!! And according to one of the cousins, Raafiek was panicking already, hehehe.

Just then, the limo pulled up. And as Shaheema stepped from the car, everyone standing at the entrance gasped. The bride was wearing a red & gold creation made by herself. I had to hold back tears, didn't want the makeup to run :P

I snapped a few pics before she rushed inside the masjid. All the ladies made their way upstairs and settled down before the nikaah started. Nadia realised that she had forgotten her camera in the car, and so she rushed back out to fetch it. Ruwaydah, Shaheema's best friend, was also in attendance with her little one.

As I listened to Sheikh Abduraghmaan Alexander, a sense of peace settled over me. Shaheema's big day had finally arrived and it promised to be a day that would be forever etched in my memory. Another bride arrived, dressed in silver & white, she was overwhelmed with tears. Both nikaahs took place in tandem, Masha-Allah. Aunty Fayeeza was overcome with emotion and Shaheema comforted her mom trying very hard not to cry as well.

When the nikaah was done, Raafiek made his way upstairs to greet his bride and present her wedding ring. Congratulations were in order and many hugs exchanged as the excitement permeated through family members of the bridal couple.

Everyone made their way to the hall where breakfast was being served. The bridal couple would arrive there by a slower mode of transport this time around. Horse & carriage!! It was quite hilarious noting motorists reaction when they spotted the horse & carriage making it's way down the main road. Certainly a sight that one doesn't witness everyday!

Breakfast was a delish spread of savories including quiche, pies, samoosas, cocktail rolls, half moons and potato rolls with a secret filling. Then, to satisfy the sweet tooth, there was chocolate chip muffins, crumpets topped with strawberry jam & fresh cream, pieces of carrot cake topped with cream cheese icing, YUMS!

It was really great having to catch up with family members you only get to see at functions. But not so great when they inquire about myself getting hitched, sheesh! Somehow that always seems to crop up somewhere, hehehe.

Sharfa

Sharfa is a very good friend of my sister's. Having met her a few years ago, I was always struck by her beautiful smile. But there was a sadness in her eyes which was unexplained until I came to know of her life experience.

At the age of about 12 years she lost her mother to cancer. This incident was to change her life completely. Being at such a young age one can just imagine what she was going through!

Sharfa is now 24 years old but the effects of having lost her mother at such a young age lingers. There are times, in conversations, she trances and one wonders what she's thinking. At first I thought it weird but I've come to see that, that it is just how she handles her situation. I was curious as to how she managed through her life, as I have been blessed to have my mother through all the stages of my life so far. When conversations were steered in that direction, there were many tears shed and my admiration and love for her just grew even more.

I admire her strength and perseverance tremendously, for she had excelled at school and when she started working she took on the responsibility of looking after her younger brother. Running her home, working and studying through UNISA to obtain her Chartered accounting degree hasn't phased this lass one bit!! For reasons not explained, her father has assumed a low profile in his children's lives. A sad but true occurrence in today's day and age.

When she celebrated her 21st birthday a few years ago, a few of her friends, including myself & Raihaana, decided to throw her a birthday bash. Everyone knew she wouldn't make a fuss, so they took the onus on themselves to organize something for her. Sharfa was taken out for the day and the friends were given a key to her home so that everything could be set up. You can just imagine the look of surprise on her face when she came home to all of us waiting for her!! She never suspected a thing!! She enjoyed herself thoroughly, especially the chocolate mousse birthday cake I had made.

I attended her wedding yesterday and what a radiant bride she made!! As she walked into the hall, Raihaana and I looked at each other, we both wanted to cry. The beautiful girl with the sad eyes was finally having a happy ending! * sniff, sniff *

She has married into a beautiful family who have vowed to love and care for her as their own. This was evident by the beautiful reception presented to the guests and the warm welcome offered by her parents-in-law. They are truly blessed!!

My wish for her with the beginning of a new phase in her life: May Allah continue to smile on you and your husband, Ashiq. May your married days be filled with only happiness and joy, for you so rightly deserve this and more. May you be blessed with beautiful children who will carry on the legacy of your strength and perseverance throughout, Insha-Allah Ameen!!

My gift to the bridal couple

Two weeks left and counting

It seems like just the other day Shaheema had announced her intention to tie the knot, now we're down to the wire with just two weeks left to her big day.

Some of the cousins who will taking part in Shaheema's wedding

Excitement is sure the order of the day. Last night was spent at her home finishing off wedding favors. The entourage's dresses have all been completed and fittings have been done. Aqeedah is morning bridesmaid, Uthmaan & Ghaalietha is part of the afternoon group.






Shaheema with the unfinished wedding favors



I have been asked to make dessert, chocolate mousse to be exact, for 600 hundred people (00)
Yes, you read right, I did say 600 hundred people!! I don't think I want to see chocolate for a whole while after that!!


Then there's the issue about me having to make a speech as well. Gosh, Shaheema sure knows how to put me on the spot. I prefer being a wallflower, inconspicuous, not having the guests' attention on me. This is something I cannot weasel my way out of now, baaaaaah!! So, I'll just have to get rid of the stage fright and do my thing.


Shawaal month sees a lot of weddings taking place this side of the world. Abubaker tied the knot on 24 September 2009, may Allah guide his marriage to the best of understanding Insha-Allah Ameen. Then, 4 October 2009 sees Sharfa tying the knot as well. I'm to make her wedding cake, which I'm very excited about. And then Shaheema, who will marry on the 11 October 2009. Which means that so far, there's a wedding taking place every week, sheesh!!


I wonder if they realize what they're getting themselves into, hehehe???




Abubaker & his bride, Fayrouz as well as his parents



On another note, Adiela will be giving birth in the next two weeks as well. It's her first little one on the way and she's very excited but scared too. And Fagriyyah is due by the end of November Insha-Allah, her first little one too. May Allah give them both the strength needed Insha-Allah. And may the little ones bring their parents boundless joy & happiness Insha-Allah Ameen!!

Fagriyyah, Mubeen & Raihaana

Mommy's taste in fashion doesn't cut it any more

Gosh, these last couple of days have been absolutely crazy!! I can't believe that we're down to the 15th day of Ramadaan already. Where has the time gone???

Between work, rushing home to prepare for iftaar, chores and seeing to the kids, my day is never ending. It also helps that Aqeedah knows her way around the kitchen, she's true gem!! By the time I hit the sack I would hope that sleep would come quickly. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case. I probably only get 2 hours sleep for the most and then my day starts all over again!! Eish!! I'm surprised I haven't keeled over yet. :P

With regards to my reading, I am making good progress, Alghumdulillah!! Even though I couldn't read for about 6 days. Between reading at work during my break and at night, I'm hoping to keep the momentum going so that I can finish as planned Insha-Allah.

I still have to find clothes for the children for Eid and boy, oh boy, is that going to be a mission. Especially for Aqeedah, the girl refuses to stop growing, hahahaha. She's now even taller than mom, even when mom has heels on!! To make things easier for myself, the next time around I'll rather have something made for her.

During the week I popped into a boutique I had discovered some time back. I love the range they have, longer length dresses with sleeves and they're not figure hugging either. So, I found a pants with a beautiful top for her. Feeling quite chuffed with myself I presented these to Aqeedah on arriving home. Her siblings were more impressed with the outfit than she was, to say the least (oO)

"The top is too oudoos (old fashioned) mummy." Oops, what was I thinking?? Gone are the times where I could safely buy something she would like. Mom's taste is a far cry from a fourteen year old's. To make matters worse, this morning Uthmaan promptly told me, "No Shahruk Khan outfits for me this year, mom." Double oops!! And here I thought I was doing something good, LOL!!

Well, it's a sure sign that my kids are growing up way too fast for my liking. Or maybe, it's just a sign that mom's getting old, OI!! I think I'll stick to my first sentiment for the time being, hehehe.

Oh, but wait!! Ghaalietha still likes the clothes I buy for her. Well, I THINK she still does :P

3 Month Work Review

For the past 2 weeks my nerves have been completely shot. The reason for this upheaval in my mood was my 3 month work review that needed to take place. Man, oh man!!

To some, this may be an occurrence that takes place often. With me on the other hand, it would be my first experience. I kid you not!! So, after receiving a questionnaire that needed to be filled in before the actual review took place, I set about trying my best to fill it in. To tell you the truth, I actually lost sleep thinking over my answers.

You see, to me the questionnaire felt more like the Spanish Inquisition, personified!! But that was all because of the state of mind I was in, hehehehe. The exercise proved quite a learning curve for me and it highlighted where I'm headed for the next year at least Insha-Allah. I could get used to this, but in small doses ok??!

The actual review took place this morning, via conference call. The MD had recently relocated to Belgium so I was quite elated to find out that he would be sitting in (albeit virtually) on the whole process. Suffice to say, that everything went way better than I expected, Alghumdulillah!! Must be the blessings of this holy month that we're in, Allah is truly most Gracious, most Merciful!!

I am now a fully fledged, permanent part of the Tractor Group / Second Harvest team!! Here's to many a fulfilling hours of work done. YAY!!

Asmaa'ul Husnaa Part 6

22. Al - Baasit: The Extender of Sustenance

He is the One who releases in abundance, joy, relief and ease after difficulties. These are manifestations of His attribute Al-Baasit.

Lift the hands towards the heavens (as in dua) after Salaatud Duhaa (Chast) and recite this Name 10 times. Thereafter pass the hands across the face (as when finishing dua) : self-sufficiency and independence will be granted by Allah - Insha-Allah. This must be done daily.

23. Al - Khaafid: The Abaser- The One who humbles and lowers

Allah the most high is the One who elevates His creatures to honor and fame and He is also the One who can cast them down to the lowest of low.

Anyone who recites this Name 500 times, Allah will fulfill all his needs and remove all his difficulties - Insha-Allah.

One who fasts for 3 days and on the first day reads this Beautiful Name 70 times while sitting in seclusion, will gain victory over his enemy if Allah wills.

24. Ar - Raafi: The Exalter

Allah The Most High is the one who raises His creatures to honour and fame and who can cast them down to be the lowest of the low.

Any person who writes this Ism 100 times in the middle of the 14th night of every lunar month, Allah will grant him self-sufficiency and independence of the entire creation - Insha-Allah.

25. Al - Mu'izz: The Giver of honor

He is the One who honours and the One who humiliates.

If this beautiful Name of Allah is read 40 times after Maghrib on every Monday and Friday, Allah will grant the reader honour and reverence - Insha-Allah.

26. Al - Mudhill: The Giver of dishonour

He is the One who dishonours and humiliates.

Whoever makes du'aa for protection after reading this Ism 75 times, Allah will protect him from the evils of envious persons, oppressors and enemies - Insha-Allah.

If there is a particular enemy whom one fears then after reciting this Name in the manner mentioned above, one may observe Sajdah (prostration) wherein one may invoke Allah's help against ones enemy by actually mentioning his name in Sajdah thus: " O Allah!! Protect me from the evils of Zaid or Bakar." If Allah wills he will be granted protection.

27. As - Samee' : The All - Hearing

He is the One who hears all that which comes from the lips, passes through the minds, is felt by the hearts, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the footsteps of ants and the atoms moving through the void.

One who reads this Beautiful Name 500 times or 50 times on Thursday after offering Salatud Duhaa (Chast), all his duas will be assuredly granted, Insha-Allah. It is necessary that no talking is done while reciting it.

If anyone reads it 100 times on a Thursday between the Sunnah and Fard of Fajr, Allah will favor him with His special blessings - Insha-Allah.

Asmaa'ul Husnaa Part 5

16. Al - Qahhaar: The One who has control over all things

He is the Ever-dominating One, who has surrounded all His creation, from without and within, with His irresistible power. Nothing can escape Him.

One who is fully inclined towards this world should read this Ism continually: if Allah wills, he will be freed from the love of this world and, instead, Allah's love will become inborn in his heart.

17. Al - Wahhaab: The Giver of all things

He is the Donor of all, without conditions, without limits, without asking any benefit or return, giving everything to everyone, everywhere, always.

A poverty stricken person should recite this Ism constantly; or write it and keep it on him (as a ta'weez); or read it 40 times in the last sajdah of SalaatudDuhaa (Chast): he will be freed from poverty in an unexpected and amazing manner - Insha-Allah. For a particular need to be fulfilled, observe sajdah thrice in the courtyard of the house or masjid and then the lift the hands (as in du'aa) and read this Ism 100 times: if Allah wills, the need will be fulfilled.

18. Ar - Razzaaq: The Sustainer and Provider

He is the Sustainer. Sustenance is needed to maintain the creation. (Both physical and spiritual sustenance.)

Anyone who blows in all four corners of his house after reciting this Name 10 times in each corner before Fajr, Allah will open for him the doors of rizq (sustenance); sicknesses and poverty will never enter his home.

Note: Begin from the right-hand corner while facing the Qiblah.

19. Al - Fattaah: The Rermover of difficulties and Giver of decisions

He is the Opener and the Solver, the Easer of all that is locked, tied and hardened.

Anyone who places both his hands on his bosom after Fajr salaah and recites this Name 70 times, his heart will be illuminated with the "Noor (light)" of Eemaan - Insha-Allah.

20. Al - Aleem: The All Knowing

He is the One who knows all. He knows what has happened and what is happening and what will happen from the beginning to the end.

Anyone who recites this Ism abundantly, Allah will open for him the gates of knowledge and wisdom. Moreover his heart will be filled with the Ma'rifah (cognizance) of Allah.

21. Al - Qaabid: The Straightener of sustenance

He is the One who constricts. All existence is in the power of Allah. The life on this planet is a test for us, but Allah does not test His servants above their ability.

Whoever writes (with saffron or by the mere action of ones finger) this Name of Allah on four morsels of bread (roti) each day for 4 days and eats them, will be safeguarded against hunger, thirst, injuries, pain, etc - Insha-Allah.