Saturday 28 September 2019

An event not to be missed!



*Join us for Brunch* and a live crossing beyond our borders (Malawi and Lebanon)
 
📌 *Sunday 6 October*  
📌 *Exotic Conference Centre* in Overport. 

*Guest speaker- Hafidh Imraan Choonara*, director of the AMA and a renown international speaker on personal excellence and leadership. 

*Access to the life size Exhibit area and VR experience included* 

*Seating is separate for males & females. 
Children have their own supervised activity hall 🎈🎨

For more information, 
*contact* our Durban office on 031 207 5676
whatsapp – 072 025 3694

*Africa Muslims Agency*
Making A Difference 
*#M.A.D*

Friday 27 September 2019

The Other Doors


Our 4 year old son has some fairly serious health problems, so we are “frequent fliers” at the local children’s hospital. Two weeks ago, our son was there for several days having surgery.

As stressful as that was for us, my visits to that hospital almost always leave me feeling grateful. Why? Because of “the other doors.”

The too much woman

“There she is. . . the “too much” woman. The one who loves too hard, feels too deeply, asks too often, desires too much.

There she is taking up too much space, with her laughter, her curves, her honesty, her sexuality. Her presence is as tall as a tree, as wide as a mountain. Her energy occupies every crevice of the room. Too much space she takes.

She is dangerous.

And there she goes, that “too much” woman, making people think too much, feel too much, swoon too much. She with her authentic prose and a self-assuredness in the way she carries herself. She with her belly laughs and her insatiable appetite and her proneness to fiery passion. All eyes on her, thinking she’s hot shit.

Oh, that “too much” woman. . . too loud, too vibrant, too honest, too emotional, too smart, too intense, too pretty, too difficult, too sensitive, too wild, too intimidating, too successful, too fat, too strong, too political, too joyous, too needy—too much.

She should simmer down a bit, be taken down a couple notches. Someone should put her back in a more respectable place. Someone should tell her.

Here I am. . . a Too Much Woman, with my too-tender heart and my too-much emotions.

A hedonist, feminist, pleasure seeker, empath. I want a lot—justice, sincerity, spaciousness, ease, intimacy, actualization, respect, to be seen, to be understood, your undivided attention, and all of your promises to be kept.

I’ve been called high maintenance because I want what I want, and intimidating because of the space I occupy. I’ve been called selfish because I am self-loving. I’ve been called a witch because I know how to heal myself.

And still. . . I rise. Still, I want and feel and ask and risk and take up space.

I must.

Us Too Much Women have been facing extermination for centuries—we are so afraid of her, terrified of her big presence, of the way she commands respect and wields the truth of her feelings. We’ve been trying to stifle the Too Much Woman for ions—in our sisters, in our wives, in our daughters. And even now, even today, we shame the Too Much Woman for her bigness, for her wanting, for her passionate nature.

And still. . . she thrives.

In my own world and before my very eyes, I am witnessing the reclamation and rising up of the Too Much Woman. That Too Much Woman is also known to some as Wild Woman or the Divine Feminine. In any case, she is me, she is you, and she is loving that she’s finally, finally getting some airtime.

If you’ve ever been called “too much,” or “overly emotional,” or “bitchy,” or “stuck up,” you are likely a Too Much Woman.
And if you are. . . I implore you to embrace all that you are—all of your depth, all of your vastness; to not hold yourself in, and to never abandon yourself, your bigness, your radiance.

Forget everything you’ve heard—your too much-ness is a gift; oh yes, one that can heal, incite, liberate, and cut straight to the heart of things.

Do not be afraid of this gift, and let no one shy you away from it. Your too much-ness is magic, is medicine. It can change the world.

So please, Too Much Woman: Ask. Seek. Desire. Expand. Move. Feel. Be.

Make your waves, fan your flames, give us chills.

Please, rise.
We need you.” Ev’Yan Witney

13 INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES



1. Albert Einstein - "A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new."

2. Steve Jobs - "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."

3. Bill Gates - "It's fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure."

4. Warren Buffett - "Honesty is a very expensive gift, don't expect it from cheap people."

5. Bruce Lee - "Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has courage to admit them."

6. Albert Hubbard - "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man."

7. Robert Kiyosoki - "Failure defeats losers, but inspire winners."

8. Abraham Lincoln - "The best way to predict your future is to create it."

9. Audrey Hepburn - "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says "I'm possible."

10. Maya Angelou - "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them happy."

11. Anumodu Peter - "I do not believe in what others believe, I believe there's always a leader. Therefore, I believe there's God."

12. Mike Ditka - "You're never a loser until you quit trying."

13. Muhammad Ali - "Don't count the days, make the days count."

Wednesday 25 September 2019

The Extravagant Ummah by Naadira Chhipa



Brothers and sisters remember if Allah has blessed you with immense wealth, Alhamdullilah there is no evil in wealth itself but evil begins when pride, arrogance and ego entraps your soul in the name of fame and fortune. Use this wealth for your benefit in this world and your ever lasting benefit in the hereafter. Today we witness Muslims showcasing their wealth by uploading their ten star lifestyles and becoming overnight celebrities as a result of purchasing, eating, traveling, grooming and exposing their possessions. There are brothers and sisters who are crying tears of blood for a piece of bread, yet we are seeing the same Ummah obsessed over the latest brands, hotels, parties, appearances, holidays, make up, glitz and glamour. 

As a mother it brings me to tears to see this disease of extravagance being passed onto children as they start making their own picture perfect blogs and videos showing the world the power of their parents bank account.

May Allah bless us with understanding that we should be eternally grateful for everything we have and protect these gifts from Allah by being humble and private. Remember our beloved Prophet Muhammad(s. a. w) could have had mountains of gold but he refused. He chose to be from amongst those who were rich in character but owned nothing fancy of this temporary life. This life is a temporary journey and ultimately all your designer clothing, all your sea facing villas, all your flashy cars, all your glittery jewels, all your wealth and fame will not stop the angel of death from extracting your soul and finally you will wrapped in a plain white kafan(no designer brands) and placed into your deep, dark grave. Perhaps the same grave a beggar was buried into. May Allah guide us all. Ameen. - Naadira Chhipa

Monday 23 September 2019

Fibro Fighter Diaries



Just before I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I was constantly sick, in constant pain, in a constant state of depression. I felt everything around me was just falling apart.
People couldn't understand what I was going through.
I was at the dr every week, with no real relief.
Years have passed and I fight the symptoms daily.
Some days are good and then there's always a bad day.
Still no one understands what a person with fibro goes through.
Each day is a struggle.

The pain is real and when it's at its peak its debilitating. You have no choice but to take a break and let the pain just do its thing, until you once again past a flare and the reprieve of relief.
You can't predict when you will have a flare, but I've felt it mostly startup at moments of some emotional upheaval.
The flares lead to an emotional Rollercoaster ride with overwhelming physical pain, abundant tears, a depressive stage of mind where you feel like your world's crashing around you and you have no way to survive. 

The pain, the struggle is real. 
If you know someone or your loved one is a fibro warrior, deal with them with patience and understanding. Don't be the root cause of their emotional upheaval, for it will lead to a flare up and a total back flip into the thick of the symptoms. 

It's hard yes, but it's even harder to Deal with the results of a flare. 
Just as they will suffer, you will bear the consequences of their state when they in the thick of their ailments.



#ShireenM #DurbanMuslima #AspiringToInspire #FibroFighter

Sunday 15 September 2019

The sands of time..



My son’s marriage is going to held next week. He bought gold ornaments for his new bride. But last night he very much surprised me by showing me the new gold jewelry set he bought for me! This is the happiest day in my life. I had to sell all my jewelry to survive with my 5 children for years after the death of my husband.

I had to sell my bangles that I started using after my marriage as well as my earrings that I got from my father and even the nose pin that carries the symbols of my husband.

Life was very hard for years after years. I started to battle for my 5 children. The battle was all about having some food to feed them. I worked at some people’s house as a maid. They used to give me a half kg of rice after a whole day work and after coming back home I used to cook this rice. Sitting around on the floor I used to feed them from one bowl with my own hand so that I could feed them equally.

We used to live in a room made of cane and it was badly broken-down. I had to spend night after night not sleeping to protect my girls from evil people.

I could not send my daughters to school! When feeding 5 children everyday was already the biggest challenge, how could I send them to school? Even I could not provide any clothes for my 4 daughters. They used to wear used clothes given by the family I was working for. They could not go to school wearing old ragged cloths. In very difficult circumstances I managed to marry off all my daughters. Every day my life was a struggle to find the necessities of survival. I continued to struggle without any hope of light.

But I never could stop the education of my son. He was very interested in his studies. He continued his school wearing my blouse and even his elder sister’s pajamas.

Only his invincible desire for changing our fate and becoming educated changed our lives from night to day. For the last 10 years after finishing his education he has been working abroad. There was a time when I did not have even 10 taka cash in my hands. Now I count thousands of taka every month.

One day when my son was young, I gave him some cold rice with Salt before his school and he asked me, “Don't we have anything else?” I replied, "Grow up and buy a fridge for me so that I can keep everything you want in it!” With his first salary, my son bought me a fridge. Furthermore, he brought electricity into our home. Never in my wildest dreams did I think of enjoying the delight of electric light in our house. He even bought a colour TV which makes me feel very shy when I watch it.

In my life after struggling so much, I learned one thing: just working hard or getting an education is not enough. One has to carry the invincible desire to change the lives of their loved ones.

- Koyer jaan
[Credit - GMB Akash]. ( COPIED & PASTES)

Friday 13 September 2019

The Glitz and Glamour of Islam Written by Naadira Chhipa


Today Islam is being glamourized. Hijaabs, cloaks, abaayahs and even niqaabs are seen as a fashion statement. Prices ranging from R2000 , R12000 to R25000 for an abayaah. Our iftaar and Eid table setting has to reach gourmet as well as intagramable standards. Our hair, nail colour, face and body needs to be picture perfect even in Ramadaan.  Models advertising for modest wear without covering their hair. What has become of the Sunnah and simplicity in Islam? There is extravagance in every aspect of our lives.

From our dressing, to our dining, our homes and our lifestyles screams materialism and obsession over appearances. This is a sad reality of the glitzy world we live in today as Muslims we have forgotten the essence, purity and simplicity of our religion. We have honestly forgotten our purpose in this temporary life as we try to be more, do more and show more.

Our grandparents and parents were raised in a time of simplicity. They may not have had much materialistic items but there values were priceless. They may have not had a smartphone or social media but their connection, communication and unity remains precious. They were not as 'educated' nor did they have information at their fingertips but their knowledge and wisdom illuminated the world. They did not have access to the best madressahs or islamic institutions nor could they view Muftis lectures online but they had fear and love for Allah, love for our Beloved Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) so much so that they followed his Sunnah in every aspect of their lives. 

We have become an Ummah who follows the latest instagram sensation. We have become an Ummah that will respect our brothers and sisters based on financial and social status. We have become an Ummah who will see wrong but applaud it in the name of being 'open minded and non judgemental'. We have become an Ummah who is losing our identity as we sink deep into despair and darkness of this duniyah.-Naadira Chhipa

Wednesday 11 September 2019

Rizq..



A man is absent from his work one day & during that day his boss realises how much work he does, so decides to increase his pay.  On pay day when he receives more money the man doesn't say anything.   

A few days later he is absent again & the boss is angry & decides to cut his pay.  When he gets less money on pay day he again quietly takes the money without saying anything.   

The boss asks him the reason & he says the first time I was absent I was blessed with a child & when u increased my salary I realised that he brought his rizq with him  

The second time I lost my mother & when u decreased my salary I knew she took her rizq with her.  He said why should I argue when اللّه Subhana Ta'ala has taken responsibility on Himself to provide rizq for everyone.  Nabi sallallahu alaihi wasallam said (to the effect)   

“If you place your trust completely in Allah, as it ought to be, then surely you will be provided sustenance in the manner that birds are provided sustenance. They leave in the morning with their belly empty and return in the evening with their belly full.” (Tirmizi #2344)  Every person’s main worry & concern is his/her sustenance. 

This overwhelming worry results in tension & high stress levels. The moment man’s gaze moves away from اللّه Subhana Ta‘ala, then he begins to feel that the burden of sustenance lies completely on his shoulders. 

Man needs to take a lesson from the birds - the lesson of trust. Adopt the means & make a reasonable effort, but always have one’s complete trust in اللّه Subhana Ta‘ala. This will bring much relief in our lives in sha اللّه.   

In Ar Razzaq, the All Provider I place my complete reliance & trust. It is not my diplomas, degrees or my signatures on contracts or business deals that guarantee my provision. It is only through His Loving Mercy that He Provides for me, his sinful servant, even without asking.  

Tuesday 10 September 2019

*Unpopular opinion*





In the age of freedom of speech, why is it when a person stands up for the truth, (and i refer here specifically to an Islamic perspective) people are so quick to take offense. They do not address the matter nor provide any coherent response, but seek to mock and discredit the messenger. 

Hadrat Umar is reported to have said that it saddens him that people who speak the truth have to be shy and careful while those who are completely deviant are unhindered in sharing their evil.

Allah has said that *reminders BENEFIT the BELIEVER* ....
If you take offense to the reminder then perhaps you should reflect on your EGO. 

Iblees and Adam (AS) both erred. It was how they responded thereafter that decided their fate. Adam AS responded with humility and regret. While shaytaan responded with arrogant defiance which lead to him being cursed for eternity. 

I have shared information regarding the articles I have received, and I will continue to do so. In sha Allah. *I am simply creating awareness for those who wish to keep their iman in check.*

The reality is that, Ulema have been inundated with reports from women who have suffered adverse reactions from tampering with their energy fields.

They are now looking into this matter with concern as *people are losing their IMAN*  by adopting belief systems that are totally against our Islamic aqeedah (beliefs) 
Our iman is the most precious commodity. It's a type of "energy" that Allah ta ala has placed within us. This makes us different from everybody else. We cannot do what everyone else does. While it may work for them, it will be dangerous for us.

Don't allow foreign energies (that even those who teach don't fully understand) from unknown sources to mix and contaminate your pure iman.  

*And they ask you, [O Muhammad],about the soul. Say,"The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little"* (17:85)

All the information we have in this regard is from *kufr sources*. For the sake of your Iman, it is best to steer clear. Research the sources of information before adopting a belief. 

*Allah is the light of the Heavens and the Earth. He guides to His light whomever He wills.*
What an insult for those who are blessed with iman to seek "enlightenment" through other avenues! We have been given the Qur’an and sunnah to follow for this purpose. 

Allah clearly says in the Qur’an, there is no compulsion in Religion, so you are free to do as you please.
 *La kum dinukum wa li yadin*
 Remember however, you are not free from the consequences of those choices. 

Each person has the responsibility to check if they are on the right track. It is far better to correct ones beliefs in THIS WORLD rather than find yourself in a terrible problem in the AKHIRA.
You will be questioned regarding what you indulged in and what you encouraged others towards. 

May Allah protect us, guide us and keep us steadfast on the straight path.

Umm Muhammed
The Millennial Muslimah
#livewithdistinction

Monday 9 September 2019

The struggle is real



I've always ran against the wind and succeeded. Failing was never an option.
After losing my dad, I questioned myself as my life turned 360deg.
I got involved in many projects and my fight with surviving and my fight with not letting the fibromyalgia cripple me began.
It's a daily struggle for me and for many out there.
I am blessed to have people in my circle that catch me before I fall, as I continue to forge forward, still running against the wind.
Truth is everyone is fighting a battle of their own, its not our place to judge, its our place to help each other forge forward.
I've been getting messaged from many people reading my posts, a simple quote that's just what they needed to get up and get going. It's a small gesture to post something positive and give someone out there that glimmer of hope that's just what they needed to get out of bed, gather their thoughts and try again.

Remember you are not alone. Everyone is struggling with something.

#ShireenM #DurbanMuslima #AspiringToInspire 

Inspiring Happiness Within



#DurbanMuslimaMediaMarketing 

Sexual Abuse in the Muslim World: By Naadira Chhipa




She was born into a wealthy family.Her parents adored their little princess and gave her everything she could ever want.They loved her yet failed to protect her.She was just 5years old when her maternal uncle asked her to get comfortable with him on her bed.He sang her favourite nursery rhymes as he molested and destroyed her innocent body, mind and soul.Her parents never spoke to her about that 'bad touch' so she thought it was a game until her mother found her naked next to her uncle.Her parents were distraught yet they took no legal action as it would destroy their reputation.That little girl was forever destroyed and never again did she ever feel safe or protected not by her parents, not even in her own home.

He was the first born son to a pious family.His mother started teaching him the Quraan at the tender age of 3.He loved learning the Quraan and aspired to be a Hafiz someday.He was dropped off by his parents every afternoon at the house of a renowned aalim.He soon completed memorising half the Quraan when he began to stagnate.He became introverted and stopped reading his Salaah.When his father tried to speak to him, he would shut himself in his room for hours.The aalim of the uloom always favoured him as the rest of the class left he would be asked to stay behind and revise yet behind closed doors this innocent boy was sexually abused by his respected aalim. He soon ran away from home and began living on the streets, smoking weed.The police found his lifeless body hanging from a tree in the nearby park a week later.

She was married to her high school sweetheart.They were married for over a year when he started to develop an addiction to pornography.He would ask her watch these evil sexual videos with him and demand she re-enacts every dirty position she viewed even if it was haraam.His addiction became an obsession and soon he became a sex addict.He would force himself on her day and night even as her painful screams echoed through the house he would savagely fulfil his needs without concern or remorse.She could not seek help as her mother had said,'it is your duty as a wife to fulfil your husband's needs no matter what he asks of you'.She silently endured years of sexual torture until oneday he went too far and she passed away due to internal bleeding.Her family knew nothing of it and he was never brought to justice in this world.

We need to start speaking up and speaking out against sexual abuse.Yes my sisters it is happening in the Muslim community, we and our children are not immune to such evil.It is sad that we shy away from educating our children about sexual abuse.Many of our sisters are suffering in silence being abused emotionally, physically and sexually by the men they made nikkah to.They have no escape nor do they have support from their families.We need to expose such evil characters even if they are our beloved spouse, respected aalims or close relatives.Keep the doors of communication open between you and your children.Educate them about sexual abuse according to their age and level of understanding.

Allah has blessed us with a body, mind, heart and soul that is precious and sacred so respect yourself enough to speak up, speak out and seek help.

Nobody deserves to be abused.May Allah protect us and our offspring from the predators that are known to us and unknown to us.

As mothers, sisters, aunts, friends, cousins, granmas and Muslimahs let us unite to create awareness of this evil that strips our dignity, robs our innocence and destroys our body, mind and soul.

Friday 6 September 2019

Dont judge by whats on the outside..

My mother used to cook beans, but before she cooked the beans, she picked the bad and dirty beans and threw them at our backyard and only cooked the good beans.
But when the rain came, the dirty and bad beans became seed and grew up and looked beautiful; interestingly, that same person who threw them away started harvesting them; and she starts to see that the beans she threw away some time ago had value. 

​Now let me tell you​

1. Don't cry when people throw you in the backyard, 
2. Don't cry when they reject you, 
3. Don't cry while they are looking down at you.
4.some may see you as burden.
5.some may say you are too dull.
5.some may say it was because of your past mistakes .Don't worry.

The rain is coming and the same people who are rejecting you will invite you.

Allah loves even those that are left out and looked down upon.
Allah will bless you, just stay connected to him and everyone will see how valuable you are.

​Just Encourage Someone....🙏