As social networks and media explode with posts and pictures of Gaza (no pun intended), people are screaming through posts and tweets, pleading with leaders and provoking change. It's amazing to see the world unite behind the plight of the Palestinians. United for Humanity.
This issue is one very close to my heart, although I have not been successful in collecting my feelings into words. Disgust, pain, anguish, heartbreak are a few of many emotions that I am experiencing, yet if I - sitting in my comfortable home, the only worry I have is that of Eid preparations and all the exciting things to make- feel so despondent, I cannot grasp and fathom how my Palestinian brothers and sisters are feeling. How must it feel to have the certainty of death linger on your shoulder at every second of the day. Where losing loved ones has become a norm. I recently lost my grandmother and that shattered my heart, how would I survive if my entire family was wiped out with a single bomb. The courage of these souls who continue to fight back, is simply indescribable.
And as civilians in countries all around the world take a stand, protest and plead with their governments to bring about some change, it fills my heart with an ounce of hope that our humanity has not left us entirely. As a Muslim, I do believe that prayer is the weapon of a believer. It is the only hope in all of this darkness that we have. The Almighty, in His infinite wisdom, knows why and how. And this is not something that we can question. So if you, like me, feel utterly useless and helpless in this ordeal. Humble yourself and ask your Lord to help them. For He is All-Knowing. #PrayForGaza #GazaUnderAttack
P. S. also spare a thought and prayer for all of the oppressed. Millions around the world (not only in Palestine) are not fortunate enough to enjoy the wealth of freedom that we have. May Allah protect them all.
May Peace be with you.
Sunday, 20 July 2014
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Dear Mr President
Dear Mr President
Your lux life is never far from the media's eye. Your enormous Nkandla village, the growing number of first ladies and your 15 children are always in the spotlight. As in today's times, the president of a country lives a life of luxury. It's one of the benefits of the job I guess.
That's all well and good... But Mr President, as these thoughts came to mind, a heavy heart and a lump in my throat was caused by a tiny street kid that walked by. Sniffing on his only bit of hope. Some glue that he somehow managed to hustle. These kids, living in cardboard boxes and never knowing if there'll be another meal just wander around aimlessly. Shunned by society for simply being born into this lifestyle. These innocent children are driven into a life that no being would ever wish for. And after no more can be taken, moments of starvation and desperation force them into a life of crime. Petty at first, but later the stakes increase and when its too late to know any better, murder. And then? Then they become just another one of the statistics. The scum of our country. The most hated part that everyone fears. And thus their lives are a never-ending cycle of pain, sadness and every single thing that is wrong with our world.
Yet shouldn't they have the opportunities and youthfulness of any other child in this beautiful land? Don't they deserve a chance to make something meaningful of their lives? And what makes these children any different from your own children? Aren't we all children of the Earth? Mr President, my eyes swell and my heart aches at this very sight. And I sincerely hope that humanity should make yours too.
Sincerely
Nothing More Than an Observer
Your lux life is never far from the media's eye. Your enormous Nkandla village, the growing number of first ladies and your 15 children are always in the spotlight. As in today's times, the president of a country lives a life of luxury. It's one of the benefits of the job I guess.
That's all well and good... But Mr President, as these thoughts came to mind, a heavy heart and a lump in my throat was caused by a tiny street kid that walked by. Sniffing on his only bit of hope. Some glue that he somehow managed to hustle. These kids, living in cardboard boxes and never knowing if there'll be another meal just wander around aimlessly. Shunned by society for simply being born into this lifestyle. These innocent children are driven into a life that no being would ever wish for. And after no more can be taken, moments of starvation and desperation force them into a life of crime. Petty at first, but later the stakes increase and when its too late to know any better, murder. And then? Then they become just another one of the statistics. The scum of our country. The most hated part that everyone fears. And thus their lives are a never-ending cycle of pain, sadness and every single thing that is wrong with our world.
Yet shouldn't they have the opportunities and youthfulness of any other child in this beautiful land? Don't they deserve a chance to make something meaningful of their lives? And what makes these children any different from your own children? Aren't we all children of the Earth? Mr President, my eyes swell and my heart aches at this very sight. And I sincerely hope that humanity should make yours too.
Sincerely
Nothing More Than an Observer
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Freedom Day Special
It's been months of agonizing silence on my part, all due to the fact that campus has kept me beyond busy, and in my spare time I may have been preoccupied with extreme laziness. I thought what better way to reinstate my voice than through a Freedom Day special.
In South Africa, we are nothing less of fortunate to be celebrating our 19th year of democracy. (My beautiful country and I are getting old now). Being able to wake up to a life where all that you need to care about is your own livelihood. Yes, we have the terrible crime and other negative factors that we have to deal with but that doesn't take the beauty away from our country.
However, being a born free, I noticed that my generation doesn't always appreciate what we have, because we were handed everything, well the gift of freedom, on a silver platter. We hear and learn about the struggle, but don't realise the immensity of it all. Lives were LOST to allow us to enjoy the equality that we live with.
Celebrating this beautiful day saddens me though, as they are still so many of my brothers and sisters out there that still have to fight, with no guarantee of ever seeing their loved ones again, all for the basic right to be free. Thinking that we're in such an advanced era, where impossible has practically no meaning yet we're still so backward in providing basic necessities. I feel that as humans, we are only as free as our fellow citizens of the earth. In that case, we are pretty much screwed. So my plea is to remember all those living in oppression in your prayers. Even though it isn't much, my heart and soul is always with them. I hope and pray and believe that better days are yet to come. All with the will of the Almighty.
In the words of our father of freedom Mr Nelson Mandela :
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
We can make the difference :)
In South Africa, we are nothing less of fortunate to be celebrating our 19th year of democracy. (My beautiful country and I are getting old now). Being able to wake up to a life where all that you need to care about is your own livelihood. Yes, we have the terrible crime and other negative factors that we have to deal with but that doesn't take the beauty away from our country.
However, being a born free, I noticed that my generation doesn't always appreciate what we have, because we were handed everything, well the gift of freedom, on a silver platter. We hear and learn about the struggle, but don't realise the immensity of it all. Lives were LOST to allow us to enjoy the equality that we live with.
Celebrating this beautiful day saddens me though, as they are still so many of my brothers and sisters out there that still have to fight, with no guarantee of ever seeing their loved ones again, all for the basic right to be free. Thinking that we're in such an advanced era, where impossible has practically no meaning yet we're still so backward in providing basic necessities. I feel that as humans, we are only as free as our fellow citizens of the earth. In that case, we are pretty much screwed. So my plea is to remember all those living in oppression in your prayers. Even though it isn't much, my heart and soul is always with them. I hope and pray and believe that better days are yet to come. All with the will of the Almighty.
In the words of our father of freedom Mr Nelson Mandela :
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
We can make the difference :)
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Are We Human... Or Are We Fighters?
"Hidden within in the unconscious is an unsatiable desire for conflict. So you're not fighting me, so much you are the human condition."
~ Extracted from The Fourth Hand - John Irving. (A great read if you were wondering, then again, I'm quite a sucker for Irving's works. A brilliant man that one. The World According to Garp is one of the best books that I have ever read. You NEED to get your hands on it.)
But back to the topic on hand... In today's times, news of revolutions and civil wars have become something of a norm. And honestly, I love the fact there are rebellions. People fighting against injustices, and allowing their voices to be heard, no matter what the cost. Gosh, i look forward to the day when I get to be a part of one myself, mainly to be called a comrade, but that's not the point.. (you would argue that in a utopian world, there wouldn't be a need for rebellions or comrades, but this aint no utopia). What irks me though, is the wars that tend to string along with these rebellions. Where most of the time, it is mainly innocent blood that is spilt. Children and the elderly, appear to be the greatest sufferers of our selfish idiocy. I'm not saying that war is idiotic, at times, it may be essential (stating this with a heavy heart), but nowadays it seems so unnecessary. We're living in an amazing, information era (need to blog about this too- it's coming soon). Where we are blessed to know about anything and just about everything (until the secrecy bill gets enforced (damn you government. Damn you)). So why is it that the world is turning a blind eye to injustices that continue to occur in front of us. And yes going back to the Palestinians who are forced to live their lives in their atrocious circumstances, and all that is being done about is well... nothing.
This war that the Palestinians face is more than just the violation of rights in regard to religions. It furthers down to humanity. And Palestine is a single example of our wars that we, the children of the earth, have accustomed to. So I ask you, dear reader... have we lost our sense of humanity? The U.N. , formed to prevent world wars are simply letting these atrocities pass by. The very same people who based their global organisation on "Never again will our world be enslaved to such conditions" are watching it occur on a daily basis, as though they really couldn't give a damn. And we, myself included, sit from our cosy couches (I'm on my ever-cosy floor though. I have a strange liking for floors) will tweet, blog and post about it. But that is as far as we'd go to help our fellow brothers and sisters. Yes, I like the rebellions. But is the bloodshed necessary? (The very word makes me sick to my stomach.) Or as the great Mr Irving said, can we just not avoid it because it is a part of who we are... (savages if I could say so).
We are the future generation though. I believe that nothing is set in stone. If anything is going to change, it IS up to us. Maybe WE should take a stand and become rebels... with a cause. Fight for the greater good. Be our own superheroes (if we can choose superhero names, I place dibs on Superwoman) (it's all terribly cliche, but absolutely true).
I end off with an Islamic wisdom, that if enforced, would actually make this world a better place.
"None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself." Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
(freedom & democracy included).
Until next time... Peace
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Confessions of A Shameful Offender.
"What if we woke up today, only with the things we were thankful for yesterday." This is a tweet I recently discovered, posted by a friend on Twitter.
Honestly speaking, if this was to occur (God forbid) I'd probably wake up with a cup of tea, and my allowance. I would not be able to do much with it (parentals, this means that I am definitely in need of an increase in my allowance). But most importantly, I wouldn't wake up surrounded by the people in my life whom I claim to love so much.
So often we go through life, busy experiencing it all (trying to live it up), and expecting everything and everyone to be always around, that we forget how temporary this world and, life itself, actually is. We forget that those who we thought would always be by our sides, holding our hands through it all, may just disappear one day, without us even getting to say goodbye. Well this is life.
It is sad but true, and the fact that we remain ungrateful (myself included as I'm still hustling for that increase in allowance) for the small things, such as a filling meal in our bellies, where millions of helpless children are dying of starvation. They were born into lives of hardship. We have it so easy, yet we fail to acknowledge these bounties. And I am as guilty of this as the next offender. (so I'm starting with the sexy woman in the mirror)
Spending the passed 2 days with my best friend (Femida Amie), my amazing sister-in-law (Shaax), my hero-of-a-brother (Lukey) and the cutest 19 month old , my adorable nephew Uwais. I felt that saying thank you for being part of my life simply wasn't enough. How do you express yourself, knowing that what you feel for these people go beyond words. To every single person who is a part of my life.. I Love You. and I cherish you all.
So my new motto in life is to make as many memories and always let people know how I feel about them. Be grateful for what I have because nothing is guaranteed.
Because as previously learnt the hard way... Regret always comes too late.
Lastly, this is dedicated to the fallen, those gone but never forgotten. You will always be remembered, treasured, and will live on in our memories.
For my BFFE. my diamond. my Fimi. Not a day goes by without you being missed. & I like to think that, if with us today, you'd be somewhat proud of me. ILY Forever & Always.
Honestly speaking, if this was to occur (God forbid) I'd probably wake up with a cup of tea, and my allowance. I would not be able to do much with it (parentals, this means that I am definitely in need of an increase in my allowance). But most importantly, I wouldn't wake up surrounded by the people in my life whom I claim to love so much.
So often we go through life, busy experiencing it all (trying to live it up), and expecting everything and everyone to be always around, that we forget how temporary this world and, life itself, actually is. We forget that those who we thought would always be by our sides, holding our hands through it all, may just disappear one day, without us even getting to say goodbye. Well this is life.
It is sad but true, and the fact that we remain ungrateful (myself included as I'm still hustling for that increase in allowance) for the small things, such as a filling meal in our bellies, where millions of helpless children are dying of starvation. They were born into lives of hardship. We have it so easy, yet we fail to acknowledge these bounties. And I am as guilty of this as the next offender. (so I'm starting with the sexy woman in the mirror)
Spending the passed 2 days with my best friend (Femida Amie), my amazing sister-in-law (Shaax), my hero-of-a-brother (Lukey) and the cutest 19 month old , my adorable nephew Uwais. I felt that saying thank you for being part of my life simply wasn't enough. How do you express yourself, knowing that what you feel for these people go beyond words. To every single person who is a part of my life.. I Love You. and I cherish you all.
So my new motto in life is to make as many memories and always let people know how I feel about them. Be grateful for what I have because nothing is guaranteed.
Because as previously learnt the hard way... Regret always comes too late.
Lastly, this is dedicated to the fallen, those gone but never forgotten. You will always be remembered, treasured, and will live on in our memories.
For my BFFE. my diamond. my Fimi. Not a day goes by without you being missed. & I like to think that, if with us today, you'd be somewhat proud of me. ILY Forever & Always.
Saturday, 10 November 2012
I Guess Brothers Aren't All That Horrible.
So tomorrow, the 11th of November is a special day. And no, not because it's a Sunday.. and Sundays are cool (except for when you're writing the next day). Well (it's special because of that too), but it also happens to be my brothers birthday. And the main reason we're making such a big deal about it this year, as compared to previous years, is because this is the last birthday that he spends at home. .. with us. His next birthday will be with his wife, his new family. (and yes, the guy is finally getting married) :)
Never knowing what to get him for his birthday, I figured heeey, what better gift then to do exactly what he told me to never do (threatened actually), and that is to blog about him. The guy won't even see this. But in the 1 in a millionth possibility that he does, I have a little message for him...
Well firstly, brothers, although this never ever seems like it, are extremely precious commodities (psht...don't feel too special now). Even though they hit and insult you, put chappies in your hair (had quite a few of these experiences). Teach you the filthiest of habits, (I throw people with watermelon and grape seeds. Its a disease, I know.) they will always have your back. The whole world can turn against you, but their arms will always be wide open, to punch and shield you simultaneously.
And even though he annoys me like no other being on this planet.... and I feel like we're basically on the same level of maturity (which isn't very high), I would kill, and possibly be killed for this guy. I may not show it, but the way I care for him.. is only "how a sister can care for her brother".
So Happy Birthday my dearest Mohammed Yusuf Saloojee. (MY MYS only till the 6th of January). My wish for you is eternal happiness, and love with the one who completes you. True contentment, spirituality and truly finding your place in this world. Cause my prayers and heart is always with you. And I Love you.
(To eldest brother Lukey, in case of FOMO, I love and value you just as much ;) )
I am who I am today because of you 2 (pip-shooting and all). So thank you (pip-shooting is a valuable life skill )
I live through you both.
Much Love, Always
Your baby sister
Never knowing what to get him for his birthday, I figured heeey, what better gift then to do exactly what he told me to never do (threatened actually), and that is to blog about him. The guy won't even see this. But in the 1 in a millionth possibility that he does, I have a little message for him...
Well firstly, brothers, although this never ever seems like it, are extremely precious commodities (psht...don't feel too special now). Even though they hit and insult you, put chappies in your hair (had quite a few of these experiences). Teach you the filthiest of habits, (I throw people with watermelon and grape seeds. Its a disease, I know.) they will always have your back. The whole world can turn against you, but their arms will always be wide open, to punch and shield you simultaneously.
And even though he annoys me like no other being on this planet.... and I feel like we're basically on the same level of maturity (which isn't very high), I would kill, and possibly be killed for this guy. I may not show it, but the way I care for him.. is only "how a sister can care for her brother".
So Happy Birthday my dearest Mohammed Yusuf Saloojee. (MY MYS only till the 6th of January). My wish for you is eternal happiness, and love with the one who completes you. True contentment, spirituality and truly finding your place in this world. Cause my prayers and heart is always with you. And I Love you.
(To eldest brother Lukey, in case of FOMO, I love and value you just as much ;) )
I am who I am today because of you 2 (pip-shooting and all). So thank you (pip-shooting is a valuable life skill )
I live through you both.
Much Love, Always
Your baby sister
Thursday, 8 November 2012
New Chapters. New Beginnings.
Hi guys :)
Your response to my blog has been amazing. Logging on to find the increasing amount of page views. The feeling is exhilarating. Guess a lot of you out there really care about pandas. It definitely restores my faith in humanity. So well done to all.
I am currently in my Matric year, and I'm right in the middle of finals. And everyone is generally, making a big fuss about it all (myself included- I encourage the fuss- have to make the most of being in the spotlight at the moment). But I think that the enormity of the whole thing hasn't sunk in as yet. Like I get that this determines my future, but the fact that my future, is well...my future... I'm still coming to terms with that.
I keep looking back, thinking of previous years, and my entire schooling career, and realising that it's all coming to an end.. Its like discovering that very last chocolate in the cupboard... That YOU found but you are forced to share with your siblings... YEAH, it's pretty darn sad.. Can't really imagine not doing the same, monotonous routine everyday: waking up extremely early ( I lied, I can totally imagine not doing this part), getting ready for school and going to find these freaks that I for some reason call my friends. Its weird (the lack of monotonous activity, not calling the freaks my friends)
(Ohh and a shout out to Femida Amie- Sup?).
I guess what scares me the most, is that I actually have to grow up now, no more acting immature. That is sort of asking for the impossible now. But I will try my best to blend in with the "adult world" (blehh) . Change is after all ineveitable. Or at least, that's what they say.. And I know... I know... It's not the end of the world, but its still weird, and will take some getting used to.
So I guess this chapter of our lives is almost closed, and a new one awaits. And if what "They" say is anything to go by... we should ready ourselves for the most exciting days of our lives. Matrics of 2012. We made it (if we all pass that is... so don't disappoint). It has all in all been an amazing journey, and now to make the most of these limited days we have together. Because the next reunion is only when we're old and by then, we will all probably not be as *beautiful as we are now. O_o
To all the insignificant, not-as-important-as-matric grades. Make the most of it. I know that we definitely did.
We came, we ruled, we conquered ( I should not be this confident BEFORE the results).
Now for the cheesy quote that this post CAN (absolutely) NOT be published without:
“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”
Your response to my blog has been amazing. Logging on to find the increasing amount of page views. The feeling is exhilarating. Guess a lot of you out there really care about pandas. It definitely restores my faith in humanity. So well done to all.
I am currently in my Matric year, and I'm right in the middle of finals. And everyone is generally, making a big fuss about it all (myself included- I encourage the fuss- have to make the most of being in the spotlight at the moment). But I think that the enormity of the whole thing hasn't sunk in as yet. Like I get that this determines my future, but the fact that my future, is well...my future... I'm still coming to terms with that.
I keep looking back, thinking of previous years, and my entire schooling career, and realising that it's all coming to an end.. Its like discovering that very last chocolate in the cupboard... That YOU found but you are forced to share with your siblings... YEAH, it's pretty darn sad.. Can't really imagine not doing the same, monotonous routine everyday: waking up extremely early ( I lied, I can totally imagine not doing this part), getting ready for school and going to find these freaks that I for some reason call my friends. Its weird (the lack of monotonous activity, not calling the freaks my friends)
(Ohh and a shout out to Femida Amie- Sup?).
I guess what scares me the most, is that I actually have to grow up now, no more acting immature. That is sort of asking for the impossible now. But I will try my best to blend in with the "adult world" (blehh) . Change is after all ineveitable. Or at least, that's what they say.. And I know... I know... It's not the end of the world, but its still weird, and will take some getting used to.
So I guess this chapter of our lives is almost closed, and a new one awaits. And if what "They" say is anything to go by... we should ready ourselves for the most exciting days of our lives. Matrics of 2012. We made it (if we all pass that is... so don't disappoint). It has all in all been an amazing journey, and now to make the most of these limited days we have together. Because the next reunion is only when we're old and by then, we will all probably not be as *beautiful as we are now. O_o
To all the insignificant, not-as-important-as-matric grades. Make the most of it. I know that we definitely did.
We came, we ruled, we conquered ( I should not be this confident BEFORE the results).
Now for the cheesy quote that this post CAN (absolutely) NOT be published without:
“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”
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