faatima's cup of tea

During Ramadhan, as-well as engaging in Tilaawat, Taraweeh and extra Ibadaat, unfortunately  for us ladies ( feel ever so grown up saying that)   there is the usual boring day to day chores that need to be done. During these times it's quite normal to think that it would be amazing if a actual real fairy would spring out of the fairy liquid bottle and magically wave all your kitchen to sparkling perfection...and then maybe stick around for the rest of the house. At other times while your slogging through the dreaded ironing pile, put on a talk and learn something at the same time. I usually tend to listen to theses talks, while I'm ironing, or perhaps doing something in the kitchen that doesn't require too much focus..not only are you learning something, it it helps get the boring job done too. I was first introduced to Mufti Menk (not personally obviously), by my cousins who liv...

Last Friday I happened to be cooking, as one does, and listening to the Jummah bayaan, over the receiver at the same time. (great multi tasker...yeah right) When the Imaam began his talk, he didn't sound his usual upbeat self; he sounded slightly  deflated. " You can tell this guys got 'roza ", I said to my mum, happy I wasn't the only anti social around during Ramadhan. Little did I know the reason he was sounding so down, was the actual subject of his talk. I won't go into the exact details of the talk , but the main point was the shock he had felt upon seeing Muslims, openly eating and drinking during Ramadhan. (As in openly eating outside in the shops). Not ONLY this but people casually asking each if they are fasting or not, really blasie about the whole thing, as if it is not a well known necessity upon us all. During his speech he did mention that back home( in this case, Africa) he had never seen this behaviour; All people...

Looking back to the weeks, prior to my wedding, all I remember is being very STRESSED! I wasn't worried at all about the actual wedding day, my family could deal with all that, but the days after..you know, infinity and beyond! Marriage is for the rest of your life, until the day you die(... and some); it's not something that anyone would take lightly. What would I tell myself in hindsight? Well, firstly, there is not much point worrying about what type of Welan my to be mother in law may or may not use. (Seriously, skinny ones I'm fine with, give me a fat rolling pin and I'm all fingers and thumbs with crazy looking chaps..lucky for me it was a skinny one!)  The main aim for most is to lead a happy, content life with your future spouse and new family. Many people expect marriage to be a constant honeymoon, it isn't. On the other hand, it's not all doom and gloom either. Personally, I believe communication is key. Guys are not mind reade...