Assalamualaykum

Firstly,I need to apologise for not posting for an entire week.I suppose my crowing about feeling full of energy last Monday came back to haunt me.With Ramadaan just around the corner,there is so much to do and so little time to do it.

The death of "pop star"Micheal Jackson has dominated headlines over the last few days.The point of interest for Muslims seems to have been whether reports that he had accepted Islam last year are true or not.

My view is that his condition at the time of death is known to Allah Taala alone.Even those who live their entire lives as Muslims,only Allah knows if they died with Imaan or not.

We should not let the debate as to whether he was a Muslim or not cloud the fact that music is haraam in Islam.Further we should pick up on and highlight especially to the youth the following lessons:

1.The "price"of fame.
2.Fame and wealth does not guarantee happiness.
3.When you leave this world,you leave without your wealth fame or followers.

I would also have liked to link this discussion to the recent reports about the alleged statements Shah Rukh Khan made against our beloved Nabi-e-Kareem S.A.W.However as this discussion is long and its already late I will include it the next post inshallah.

I would really appreciate your suggestions for our Ramadaan programming as preparations are under way.Also be sure to listen to our Míraaj focus programmes throughout the day.We are touching on a few different topics this year as well as exploring a few new angles.

P.s Wife and kids are away for a few days with the in laws.It is only when those close to you are not around, that you realise what a vital role they play in your life.

If my 'better half"reads this she would probably use it as justification to go away more often.




Shukran

Sulaimaan

Assalaamualykum

Monday mornings usually are of two types :1.You had a hectic weekend and just cant find the energy to get down to work.2.You had a relaxing weekend and are raring to go.

Ahlamdulillah,I fall in the second category this morning.

I wonder if anyone of you heard the debate this morning between the spokespersons of the A.N.C and D.A.youth leagues?Its something new that we are trying every now and again instead of straight forward interviews all the time.We would really welcome your feedback.

This Friday I will be delivering the Jumuah talk in the Kemton Park Jamaat Khanna and on Saturday before Zuhr I will be deliver a talk to young Muslim sisters at the Nana Memorial Hall.

With the school holidays approaching I would appreciate suggestions that we could give to parents on how to keep their children occupied constructively.

Shukran

Sulaimaan

Assalamualykum

I concur with the sentiments expressed below.

Sulaimaan



A Disturbing Trend...: An UUCSA Statement - PLS FORWARD


All praise is due to Allah who has brought the hearts of believers together so that they exist as brethren through His mercy. May His choicest salutations continue to descend upon our Master and Leader Muhammad who nurtured the brotherhood of believers through his teachings of respect and tolerance.

The Muslim community in South Africa is undoubtedly faced with many daunting challenges. It has to deal with a host of issues that did not exist in the past. These issues naturally give rise to differences of opinion among the Ulama. These differences must be respected and dealt with the decorum expected of us as Muslims.

The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) is perturbed and dismayed at the ever increasing use of malicious pamphleteering in the name of Islam. These publications issued under various pseudonyms do not enjoy the support of the overwhelming majority of Ulama in South Africa. The United Ulama Council of South Africa calls upon all the Muslims of South Africa to rise above emotion and address issues objectively. If academic differences are not managed in a dignified manner, derogatory publications will only further sow the seeds of discord in the Ummah and further fray the fabric of our society

The manner and style of these publications are clearly inconsistent with the teachings of the Quran, Sunnah and the conduct of our illustrious predecessors. They serve no purpose other than to cause hurt, major controversy, disunity, and confusion among the broader Muslim community.

Divisive and derisive pamphleteering and name calling relegates our otherwise noble efforts to no more than political bickering and acrimonious debate.

In Surah Hujurat, Allah Ta'aala warns us against discord and conflict, both in word and deed; we are cautioned against name calling and reviling others. It serves only to widen the gulf of hostility and adversity making the hearts become harder and reconciliation and unity more difficult.

Statement endorsed by all the members of the United Ulama Council of South Africa comprising of: the Muslim Judicial Council; Jamiatul Ulama (KZN); Jamiatul Ulama (formerly Transvaal); Sunni Ulama Council; Sunni Jamiatul Ulama; Eastern Cape Ulama Council, and the Eastern Cape Islamic Congress

13 June 2009

Assalamualaykum

Alhamdulillah,our programme in Potchefstroom on Friday went off very well.The residents as usual went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and ensured that we enjoyed the experience.We make dua that our efforts are accepted and that both the speakers and listeners benefit from the talks that were given.

This Friday I will inshallah be delivering the Jumuah lecture in Germiston and next Friday in Kempton Park.

Although we have just come out of a "long weekend,I'm still feeling extremely tired.I suppose it is due to the fact that my schedule has been very hectic for the last few days.In this line of work there isn't that much "recovery time"and you have to hit the floor running.If only some listeners understood the kind of pressures we have to endure besides being on air, they would perhaps be more understanding.There is alot of hard work behind the perceived glory of being a so called radio celebrity.I don't want to sound like I'm complaining or that I'm unappreciative to the great opportunities and experience my "job"affords me,but I'm just trying to make people realise that there is another side to all of it.

I will inshallah post my detailed bayaan itinerary till Ramadaan soon.

Request for Duas.

Sulaimaan

A w w

Tommorow, inshallah we will be making our way to Pothefstroom.I have been there only once for a lecture about two years ago during the month of Ramadaan. Inshallah, I will be delivering the Jumuah talk,ladies programme in the afternoon and the evening lecture.As always we look forward to meeting our listeners in that area.

On Monday night a youth programme has been arranged for youth at the Saaberie Musjid in Lenasia.The speakers will be myself and Radio Islams Sunday afternoon presenter Ml Yaseen Kajee.The Dawah and Irshaad dept.puts in alot of effort to organise such programmes.Please attend, spread the word and make dua for the success of the programme.

Junaid Jamsheds description of the plight of the people of Swat this morning on the programme really touched hearts.We should not forget their suffering now that media attention is no longer so focused on that region.

Wasalaam

Sulaimaan

A w w

We are currently experiencing some real cold weather here in the Lenasia area.Last night after Maghrib I had to stand outside for a while,and I can tell you the wind was "biting".We should in moments like these reflect on the less fortunate.We complain about the weather,yet we have homes, blankets, heaters, geysers etc.Imagine a person living in a shack with no electricity or hot water on such a cold night.Such reflection not only creates sympathy in our hearts, but makes us appreciate what we do have, as we constantly only focus on what we don't have.We should use this as an opportunity to discuss the above with our kids as well.

I see that the Geert Wilders (Who made that despicable movie) and his Anti Islam party got 17% in the European elections. The Anti Islam party in Austria got about 13%.How significant is this?Is this consequence of Islamaphobia?

Please feel free to forward suggestions for this blog.

Wasalaam

S.M.Ravat

A w w

Had an interesting night last night.Dr Zakaria As Shiekh and A B Dawjee had a programme at the Nurul Islam hall to report back on Al Imdaads relief efforts in Gaza.Although I host A B every weekend and talk to him regularly on the phone, Ive met him only a few times in the flesh.So I jumped at the chance to have him for meals at my place.All was set to have meals after Maghrib with the programme after Esha.Just before Maghrib I receive a call informing me that Mr Dawjee realised just as he was about to get into the car to leave Sandton for Lenasia, that he forgot the car keys in the bank when he went there earlier in the day.To cut a long story short his lucky they made it in time for the programme.We really rubbed it in when we did finally have meals after the programme.(His gonna kill me if he finds out that Ive made this public).

On a serious note I was very disappointed and embarrassed at the turnout for the programme.This after a passionate plea from the imam after Jummah explaining to the congregation the amount of effort that goes into organising such programmes and the importance of attending such events.I think its a great indictment against the Muslims of Lenasia.Anybody has any suggestions on how to improve this situation?

A B and Dr Zakariyyah were really impressed after seeing Radio Islams new building and studios.A B was almost was quiet taken aback.

After being away in Natal last weekend,I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend with the family as the schedule between now and Ramadaan is hectic.