Sulaimaan Ravat

2010-01-20T23:12:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaykum

I know it has been along time since I have updated this blog.The main reason for this has been that the last few months have been very hectic.I have made an intention to regularly update this blog from now on inshallah.Please feel free to forward your suggestions for this blog.

Sulaimaan

2009-08-06T00:43:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaykum

On my way to P.E. for the 15th Sha`ban programme at Masjid -e-Mansoor.Make dua for a successful and safe journey.

Remember me in your duas tonight and forgive my shortcomings.

Shukran

Sulaimaan

2009-07-27T00:53:00.000-07:00

ASSALAMUALAYKUM

BELOW IS AN EDITED VERSION OF THE ARTICAL WE READ OUT ON THE SATURDAY MORNING MARRIAGE PROGRAMME.IT SURELY HAS CAUSED A STIR IN THE COMMUNITY.MANY ENJOYED IT OTHERS WERE LIVID.REMEMBER AS WE MENTIONED ON THE PROGRAMME,WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING THAT WOMEN SHOULD NOT PREPARE IN ADVANCE AND WE DEFINITELY APPRECIATE THEIR EFFORTS,BUT ITS THE PROCESS THAT SOMETIMES BECOMES QUIET FUNNY.(COURTESY MUHAMMAD MAYET)

SULAIMAAN

So the
fasting month approaches and everyone prepares themselves.. In their
various ways..But the main event occurs within the confines of 4
walls.. All secretive and cunning.. The
Kitchen…

Thats
right.. For many years i have been around aunties and poyrees that base the focus on the fast on
making savouries for the month.. I swear.. People do that.. I
like to hear the tales and fables of these aunties.. 3 to 4 months
before hand.. The aunty goes to Pick n Pay.. She buys Philo pastry
(box load), she then goes to stock up on 40’s and 50’s chinese
spring roll pastry.. She will then go to United Butcher and buy
120kg’s of chicken fillet, she will send her MAGGIMIX for a service
and blades for sharpening.. Then she is ready for
war..

First up
– Planning Phase.. Yes.. This is like a System Development Life
Cycle .. She lays out her battle plan.. She draws out a list of
potential targets.. The common ones are normally, samoosa’s, spring
rolls, mama’s pies, moons, mince rolls and the list can go on.. The
commander in chief aka house wife carefully drafts her menu… Splits
her ammo accordingly.. Which entails.. Slowly splitting the meat in
accordance of quota.. Thats right.. Kitchen Quota system.. Our rugby
coach must learn quota system from the Kitchen Aunty’s.. xx amount
meat for 60 doz samoosas.. x amount for 20 doz spring rolls.. etc
etc.. Then its all planned.. This planning phase takes around 2
weeks.. DO NOT interfere or mess with the gameplan.. Repercussions
are, u wont get supper and will be scolded
at..

Next up..
The implementation phase.. In this phase the gruesome labor is
done.. The beecharaw MAGGI MIX machine is put through its paces..
Making fillet into mince.. Its primary job description.. From the
morning till the evening.. Its like walking into Willy Wonka’s
chocolate factory just before easter.. Now in this phase there are
golden rules.. And they MUST BE ADHERED TO
ALWAYS..

DO NOT
TELL ANYONE you are engaged in making savouries..

Thats
right.. Its the number 1 cardinal sin.. NO ONE must know what u up
to.. If Bibi Foi from Bronkhorspruit calls u and u in the middle of
putting lei (pronounced lay) on the pur to make it stick, u will
drop that particualr samoosa.. Let it be a martyr in the war.. U
will answer the phone and tell Bibi Foi when she asks wat u doin
that u just deciding wat to cook for supper and then gonna go look
for linen for ur poyree Yumna’s room at the Plaza.. NO WORD of wat u
making.. No ONE must know.. Its like fight club.. No one talks about
it.. But its there..

NEVER
PROVIDE CORRECT INFO IN A STATUS MEETING

Aunties
always do this in small groups.. Like 3 aunties will start at the
same time.. Like Team Astrada at the Tour de France.. U know, the
pelaton.. They work together.. Then every nyt they will call each
other for a status update.. Aunty 1 will say she made 21 dozen
(meanwhile she made 11), Aunty 2 will say she made 24 (just to be
modestlybetter meanwhile she made 10) and Aunty 3, the wanna be
Lance Armstrong will say, ooh noo, my daughter in law from Lesley
came and we worked round the clock and we finished 34 dozen becos
she knows her way in the kitchen (meanwhile this aunty paid aunty
Poppy, the india aunty R20 a dozen filling fees to do it).. Thats
how they roll (literally)

NEVER
SAY U DONE
When an
aunty is done, she tells NO ONE, she is done.. She makes it seem
like she is oh so very behind.. And oh so not prepared.. Meanwhile
her DEFY chest freezer is more stocked than Homemade Delights.. She
just plays the throwing a tantrum card and acts like nix is done..
Meanwhile, her armoury is locked and loaded..

The final
phases are Testing and Feedback.. This means that you will get
samples for lunch every 2nd day to test the quality of the pur, the
masala content, the dhana jeero ratio in accordance to the filling,
the various chutney options etc etc… Lots of trial and error.. In
this phase, lots of Heinz Tomato Sauce, 5l oil, Mrs Balls Chutney
and Whole Red chillies are bought.. Just for touch ups and
stuff..

Once all
of this is done, the battle begins, first fast comes and at sunset
on the first fast, the spoils of war are dished out.. Cholestrol
levels are flying thru the ceiling but no one complains.. A month
later, Dr Haneef is only signing off high-blood and cholestrol
prescriptions.. And ppl wonder why.. open your chest freezer
Thats why.. Next year… The process all begins
again…

2009-07-22T01:11:00.000-07:00

Assalamualykum

With less then a day to go to the end of the month of Rajab, the countdown
to Ramadaan intensifies. The passing of every day results not only in an
increase of enthusiasm but anxiety and stress as well. The reason being that
Ramadaan is "the" month in the world of Islamic Media. The listenership in
Radio increases, listeners are more receptive, and the general desire to
learn is stronger. Hence the pressure to "deliver" is immence .Coupled with
that as an Alim there is the added responsibility of Taraweeh and lecture
programmes.

I've described what occupies my mind in the weeks leading up to the most
blessed month of the year. What occupies your mind? For the ladies it might
be white meat, savories and eid clothes,etc. For men, it might be what all
of this is going to cost over and above the zakaat that needs to be paid and
the army of charity collectors who will come knocking.

The question that escapes most of our minds every year is: What occupied the
mind of Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) prior to Ramadaan? What
does the famous dua "Allahumma barick lanaa fi rajaba wa sa`baan wa
ballighnaa ramadaan" teach us?

By making this dua two months prior to Ramadaan, Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam) highlights the importance of preparing mentally and
spiritually for the this great month prior to its commencement.

Decrease in sin, increasing good deeds, making sincere taubah and slowly
building up momentum is what is required during this remaining month of
Sha'baan. We need to try and clear our schedules and do as much as we can
now to free ourselves for ibaadah during the blessed month.

The reason we have not previously benefited to the maximum from Ramadaan is
because we entered Ramadaan unprepared. We continued with our normal routine
and expected things to change when Ramadaan commenced.

Let us make it different this year by preparing mentally, spiritually and
physically.

The fan which has been spinning needs to stop early, otherwise the momentum
of our wrongful ways will take us through Ramadaan without offering
ourselves the chance of redemption.

Shukran

Sulaimaan

2009-07-05T10:34:00.001-07:00

Assalaamualykum.

The debate around whether or not Shah Rukh Khan made derogatory remarks about Nabi .S..A.W.continues.From my perspective,even if he didn't make those statements why do we continue to ignore other major issues when it comes to the "King of "Bollywood"?

This is a man who in clear violation of the Shariah has married a hindu women and openly gives the impression that he has done nothing wrong.He has openly stated that he would give his children the freedom to choose the religion of their choice and that he exposes them to both Islamic and hindu practices. He also regularly performs acts in his movies which go against the basic tenets of our deen. For eg.Worshipping of idols in movie scenes.

Yet we as Muslims continue to idolise the man and allow our children to do the same.When these Bollywood stars come to South Africa the behaviour of Muslims is nothing less then despicable.The recent I.P.L. cricket matches are a good example of this.

Today many Ulama feel that Bollywood has had more of a negative influence on the life of Indian Muslims compared to Hollywood or other Western influences.Our weddings are just one example one of this.

Shukran

Sulaimaan

2009-07-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Assalamualykum

Interesting artical on Micheal Jackson.The author depicts the failures of the western lifesyle very nicely.

Shukran

Sulaimaan

Shock Dead, Everybody's Gone Mad: Reflections on the Death of Michael Jackson

By Hamza Yusuf

On the news
Everybody's dog food
Bang bang
Shock dead
Everybody's gone mad...

From "They Don't Care About Us" by Michael Jackson

As a little boy, Michael Jackson had an extraordinary charisma -- as well as an absolute innocence -- that was disarmingly charming. It captivated millions of Americans and eventually people around the world.

As the years went by, his career took strange turns and he slowly turned white, transforming his face eerily into a pale and ghastly masque, perhaps to conceal the pain of alienation from his own self and family. He was also rumored to have unsavory predilections that would never have been suggested if one used the rigorous criteria of Islam before hurling an accusation. Despite the rumors, he appeared to have had a genuine concern for children, wanting to provide them with a world that was denied to him as a child due to the abuses he claimed to have suffered.

I was very happy for him last year when he reportedly became a Muslim. He had apparently followed the footsteps of his dignified and intelligent brother, Jermaine, who converted to Islam 20 years ago and found peace. It seemed befitting that Michael sought refuge from a society that thrives on putting people on pedestals and then knocking them down. He was accused of many terrible things, but was guilty of perhaps being far too sensitive for an extremely cruel world. Such is the fate of many artistic people in our culture of nihilistic art, where the dominant outlet for their talents is in singing hollow pop songs or dancing half-naked in front of ogling onlookers who often leave them as quickly as they clung to them for the next latest sensation.

In the manner of Elvis or the Beatles, Michael is unwittingly both a cause and a symptom of America's national obsession with celebrity, currently on display in the American Idol mania. Celebrity trumps catastrophe every time. Far too few of us make any attempt to understand why jobs are drying up, why mortgages are collapsing, why we spend half-a-trillion dollars to service the interest on the national debt, why our government's administration, despite being elected on an anti-war platform, is still committed to two unnecessary and unjust wars waged by the earlier administration, wars that continue to involve civilians casualties on an almost daily basis. Instead, we drown in trivia, especially trivia related to celebrity. And the response to Michael's death is part of the trivial pursuits of American popular culture. The real news about death in America is that twenty Iraq and Afghan war veterans are committing suicide every day. But that does not make
the front page nor is it discussed as seriously as the King of Pop's cardiac arrest.

Nevertheless, Michael's very public death notice is a powerful reminder that no matter how famous or talented or wealthy one is, death comes knocking, sometimes sooner than later. Michael has now entered a world of extraordinary perception, a world that makes his "Thriller" video seem mundane. It is a world of angels and demons, and questions in the grave, a world where fame is based upon piety and charity. Given Michael's reported conversion to Islam last year, Muslims count him as one of our own, and we pray that he can finally find the peace he never found in this world and that he is in a place, God willing, of mercy, forgiveness, and solace.

2009-06-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T03:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T00:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-13T00:28:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulilaah,we have been blessed with a baby boy.Mother and son are well.We have named him Mu'adh. We now have three sons.Make dua for the elusive daughter.

On another note, it is a very interesting time in South African politics.Will the most scrutinized man to have become president make a difference?Or will his demonized profile cage him?

I have read up a lot on JZ. Me thinks you will see a significant difference in approach.This is one helluva charmer.A real peoples man.Will he deliver though?

I feel he should be given a chance.Remember this is a man who politically rose from the dead.You have to have skill to pull that off.

2009-05-01T23:55:00.001-07:00

Assalamu Alaykum

Just started a blog.

Will start posting soon inshallah.

Let me know what you think.