Time to Fix Myself

Sunday's Big Walk in Sea Point was a reminder of how selfish, inconsiderate and rude some human beings can be. I was not planning on doing the walk, but was generously given 2 tickets by my dear friend whose husband bought 30 tickets in support of the event, Alhumdulilah.

My goal was to complete the 10km walk which was achieved with some minor aches and pains the following day. What remained on my mind was the behavior of some of the participants, who showed no respect for the residents of the area or the fellow walkers by throwing the water sachets on the ground and against the trees even though there were clearly visible litter bins everywhere. Together with this, the pushing and shoving truly broke my heart and left me feeling ashamed to be apart of such a crowd. May The Almighty Allah grant us understanding Inshaa Allah.


"In Islam your freedom stops where the rights of others begin" - Mufti Ismail Menk

After work one day last week, I stopped at Willowbridge Mall, which is opposite Tygervalley Shopping Centre. I headed to Pick n Pay and whilst at the Fruit & Veg section a young white guy, about 24 years old came up to me and said "Excuse me, sorry to bother you. You are moslem right?" I smiled and gave him the 'Yeah Obvi'.... look. He proceeded to ask me whether I could assist him with something and asked me if the milk tart was halaal. I told him I think the Pick n Pay one was halaal, but we could go and check. At the bakery section he pointed out to another milk tart that was not baked at the Pick n Pay Bakery but bought from outside and had a label that said something like "Die Kombuis". I told him no that it is not halaal and he asked me why not as it only had flour, milk etc. I explained to him that it might have been prepared in a kitchen with other non halaal products. Looking very disappointed at not being able to buy this milktart, I asked him whether it was only for muslim guests and he replied no, there where only 3-4. Surprised at his concern for a minority, I said that they could refrain from eating it. His response was that he wanted to cater for everyone. I felt grateful and humbled that someone so young had so much respect, kindness and consideration for others other than his own. I thanked him for his kindness.

The post on Iqra Sense this week titled "Islamic Etiquette of Dealing with People!" pretty much summed what I was thinking and feeling since the Big Walk.

The Islamic Etiquette of dealing with people

Islamic teachings put great emphasis in how we deal with people in our daily lives. The prophet (S.A.W.S.) summed up his message by stating: “I have been sent to perfect the best of manners”. As Muslims, we, therefore, have to be aware of how each one of us deals with people in our circles. Our good dealings not only will ensure that we are not violating other people’s rights but can also make us accepted, loved and appreciated by others. Luqman once said to his son, “O my son: Let your speech be good and your face be smiling; you will be more loved by the people than those who give them provisions.” – (Mentioned in the stories of ibn Kathir.)

Experience shows that life becomes pleasant when we can manage our work and relationships well. Quranic wisdom and the example of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h)’s dealings with people should help us steer our relationships and keep them on the right track....... (more on www.iqrasense.com)

"Faith is all about good manners. Therefore, whoever surpasses you with his good manners has surpassed you in his faith."  --- Ibn ul Qayyim