The Difficult Times
Remembering the past brings back many memories. It was difficult living back then, yet we made the best out of it and pondering over the experiences I had, it has changed my perception on many things and has opened my mind to the world
During the Apartheid regime, we as individuals had to make many sacrifices. Nabi (SAW) has taught us by example that you should fight for what you believe in. By thinking of the sacrifices Nabi (SAW) made to establish Islam, has inspired me and that pulled me through the difficult times we had.
One of the most difficult parts of a South Africans life was the period when the dom-pass was put into motion. During this period, I learned the most. It showed me the true and sad part of the whites. They treated us like dogs. I remember campaigning against this law with many of my friends. I was locked up for three days. I learned to make sabr (patience) and it made me a stronger person. In prison I met many people of different cultures and religions and to see everyone uniting for one purpose which is fighting for freedom has changed my view on these people positively.
Stereotyping is a bad quality in a person and by going out into the world, and interacting with people opens your mind up. By myself stereotyping Hindu’s, for example, didn’t help me but just made me more ignorant but once I interacted with them, it broke the barrier between us. The quality of communication has been a major source in my life since then.
It is sad to think that people were discriminated and humiliated because of the colour of their skin. It is a shameless act and besides oppressing people, it has humiliated many people. I have personally witnessed them doing thinks like shocking people who are in the nude to make them give information. It kills a person’s dignity.
I pray that Allah saves us from oppression and may he make it easy for all our Muslim brothers around the world because we only know, from experience, what they are going through.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Evaluation of Shanty Town
In the book "Cry the Beloved Country", a place called Shanty Town is mentioned.It is described as a place with makeshift homes in which the poor "Blacks" of the Apartheid time stayed.It truly lives up to its name..We had to construct a model of Shanty Town by getting ideas from the still-existing townships in South Africa.
It was allot of fun and at the same time we learnt of the difficulties people went and are still going through
It was allot of fun and at the same time we learnt of the difficulties people went and are still going through
Audio assignment
In the second term, we were instructed to make an audio assignment which had to relate to the book "The Merchant of Venice".It was challenging at first because it was the first time I actually recorded myself as a reporter and this was done at the CII radio station..Although this assignment took alot of time and preparation, i don't regret it and I'm sure it will help me in the future.
Jazakallah Mr Sujee
Jazakallah Mr Sujee
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor
Crime in South Africa is getting worst by the day.We have been liberated for over ten years,yet we live like prisoners in our own homes.There is not enough being done to stop it and crimes become more violent year after year.
Recently, the crime statistics over the past year have been released, an yet there is an improvement, it is very minute. I personally feel that the death penalty should be introduced and this would make a drastic change to the statistics.
If we look at places such as Dubai and countries like Jordan, they are virtually crime free. You can walk at anywhere and and any time and not feel the fear that you might be robbed, raped or murdered. This is mainly because of the strict laws they have and as time went by, these laws became a guideline.
South Africa should seriously re-check its crime or pay the consequence of a 2010 SoccerWorld Cup flop
Yours Sincerely
Waseem Patel
Crime in South Africa is getting worst by the day.We have been liberated for over ten years,yet we live like prisoners in our own homes.There is not enough being done to stop it and crimes become more violent year after year.
Recently, the crime statistics over the past year have been released, an yet there is an improvement, it is very minute. I personally feel that the death penalty should be introduced and this would make a drastic change to the statistics.
If we look at places such as Dubai and countries like Jordan, they are virtually crime free. You can walk at anywhere and and any time and not feel the fear that you might be robbed, raped or murdered. This is mainly because of the strict laws they have and as time went by, these laws became a guideline.
South Africa should seriously re-check its crime or pay the consequence of a 2010 SoccerWorld Cup flop
Yours Sincerely
Waseem Patel
Saturday, September 15, 2007
English Speech on Women in Islam
Women’s Rights In Islam
When the US began bombing Afghanistan on October 7th 2001,the oppression of Afghan women was used as justification for overthrowing the Taliban regime. Five weeks later, Americas first lady, Laura Bush, stated triumphantly, “Because of our recent military gains in much of Afghanistan, women are no longer imprisoned in their homes. The fight against terrorism is also a fight for the rights and dignity of women”.
Muslims in different parts of the world have since been “Liberated”: Their homes have been destroyed so they are no longer “imprisoned in their own homes”, their families have been destroy so they are no longer “slaves” and the rapist rule so they are no longer “forced into chastity”. One international NGO worker told amnesty international ,” During the Taliban error, if a women went to the market and showed an inched of flesh , she would have been flogged; now she is raped. “
The “ right and dignity of women “ were already established 1400 years ago , in a time when western woman were largely oppressed. Our beloved prophet S.A.W. is quoted as having said “None but a noble man treats woman in an honorable manner. And non but an ignoble treats woman disgracefully.”
From the onset of Islam the Muslim Women was treated with honor and respect. Even in his final message the Muslims , the Prophet S.A.W said “Treat your women well and be kind to them for there are your partners and your committed helpers.”
Islam recognizes the differences between men and woman and embraces these difference by specifying different roles for men and women. Mens “advantage” over women should not be seen as a right to governorship or rule over woman, but rather signifies men role as maintainers and protectors of women.
It should clearly be understood that wars do not need to be fought and nations do not need to be destroyed to protect the rights of women because Islam upholds and honors women’s right.
Women are equal in the eye of Allah and are treated justly. As Muslims , we are constantly reminded that the honor or superiority of a person is not determined by their race , color, creed or gender but their piety alone. Yes there are laws that treat women differently but it is necessary to recognize that men and women differ and to embrace these differences so that they can complement one another and function in society.
I leave you to ponder on one note , Why is rape , incest , womanizing , wife bashing and divorce more rife in Western societies than our Muslim countries? Are we not the role models for all the world to see?
Jazakhallah
When the US began bombing Afghanistan on October 7th 2001,the oppression of Afghan women was used as justification for overthrowing the Taliban regime. Five weeks later, Americas first lady, Laura Bush, stated triumphantly, “Because of our recent military gains in much of Afghanistan, women are no longer imprisoned in their homes. The fight against terrorism is also a fight for the rights and dignity of women”.
Muslims in different parts of the world have since been “Liberated”: Their homes have been destroyed so they are no longer “imprisoned in their own homes”, their families have been destroy so they are no longer “slaves” and the rapist rule so they are no longer “forced into chastity”. One international NGO worker told amnesty international ,” During the Taliban error, if a women went to the market and showed an inched of flesh , she would have been flogged; now she is raped. “
The “ right and dignity of women “ were already established 1400 years ago , in a time when western woman were largely oppressed. Our beloved prophet S.A.W. is quoted as having said “None but a noble man treats woman in an honorable manner. And non but an ignoble treats woman disgracefully.”
From the onset of Islam the Muslim Women was treated with honor and respect. Even in his final message the Muslims , the Prophet S.A.W said “Treat your women well and be kind to them for there are your partners and your committed helpers.”
Islam recognizes the differences between men and woman and embraces these difference by specifying different roles for men and women. Mens “advantage” over women should not be seen as a right to governorship or rule over woman, but rather signifies men role as maintainers and protectors of women.
It should clearly be understood that wars do not need to be fought and nations do not need to be destroyed to protect the rights of women because Islam upholds and honors women’s right.
Women are equal in the eye of Allah and are treated justly. As Muslims , we are constantly reminded that the honor or superiority of a person is not determined by their race , color, creed or gender but their piety alone. Yes there are laws that treat women differently but it is necessary to recognize that men and women differ and to embrace these differences so that they can complement one another and function in society.
I leave you to ponder on one note , Why is rape , incest , womanizing , wife bashing and divorce more rife in Western societies than our Muslim countries? Are we not the role models for all the world to see?
Jazakhallah
Vaal Hearings
Vaal Hearings
Assalaam-u-alaikum. Today I will be doing an interview with Mrs. Sakina Patel and she will be telling us more on here experiences during the apartheid times in South Africa.
Waseem: Tell us something about your youth and how it was during the apartheid times
Sakina: I was born in 1934 and brought up in Everton. I went to a school which thought till standard 6. Unfortunately there was no higher education at that time for Indians so I left school at the age of 13.
Waseem: At what period did you become politically active?Sakina: I came from a politically involvedfamily. My brother Kassim was involved in the Youth League. Also, my eldest brother was involved in the ANC. I took an interest to what they were doing. At the age of 18, we girls were approached and asked to join the defiance campaign, which we did. We took part in marches. Once we went into the locations and defied the permit law and we were arrested.
Waseem: For how long were you in jail?
Sakina: We slept the night and the next day we were taken to court and we were sentenced to 14 days in prison which we served. My sister Mariam Jada also served it with me
Waseem: What was your attitude towards policies after being in jail?
Sakina: I didn’t regret it for one moment.It was our duty as citizens of South Africa as we also desired freedom
Waseem: What was the most significant event which you can recall during your time as an activist?
Sakina: It was the time I was arrested but I recall a march in Everton at which they (the whites) came with light aeroplanes and guns.They flew low to try and scare us and I thought they would open fire on us.
Waseem: Did you feel your efforts were in vain?
Sakina: No, there was always a hope and feeling that we would get freedom although there were many rough times which we went through.
Waseem: Do you still have contact with any of your fellow activists that may be in yhe government and do you still keep in touch with them?
Sakina: I have occasional contact with members of the ANC. People like Mozzie Moola and Ahmed Kathrada.
Waseem: What message would you like to share with the youth of South Africa today?
Sakina: The youth should use the opportunities they have which we didn’t have in those days and should be grateful of all the people who fought for the freedom of this country by offering their lives,wealth and family
Waseem:Finally- are you hopeful of South Africa today?
Sakina: Yes, we are gradually growing and if the crime can stop, this could be a great future ahead.
Assalaam-u-alaikum. Today I will be doing an interview with Mrs. Sakina Patel and she will be telling us more on here experiences during the apartheid times in South Africa.
Waseem: Tell us something about your youth and how it was during the apartheid times
Sakina: I was born in 1934 and brought up in Everton. I went to a school which thought till standard 6. Unfortunately there was no higher education at that time for Indians so I left school at the age of 13.
Waseem: At what period did you become politically active?Sakina: I came from a politically involvedfamily. My brother Kassim was involved in the Youth League. Also, my eldest brother was involved in the ANC. I took an interest to what they were doing. At the age of 18, we girls were approached and asked to join the defiance campaign, which we did. We took part in marches. Once we went into the locations and defied the permit law and we were arrested.
Waseem: For how long were you in jail?
Sakina: We slept the night and the next day we were taken to court and we were sentenced to 14 days in prison which we served. My sister Mariam Jada also served it with me
Waseem: What was your attitude towards policies after being in jail?
Sakina: I didn’t regret it for one moment.It was our duty as citizens of South Africa as we also desired freedom
Waseem: What was the most significant event which you can recall during your time as an activist?
Sakina: It was the time I was arrested but I recall a march in Everton at which they (the whites) came with light aeroplanes and guns.They flew low to try and scare us and I thought they would open fire on us.
Waseem: Did you feel your efforts were in vain?
Sakina: No, there was always a hope and feeling that we would get freedom although there were many rough times which we went through.
Waseem: Do you still have contact with any of your fellow activists that may be in yhe government and do you still keep in touch with them?
Sakina: I have occasional contact with members of the ANC. People like Mozzie Moola and Ahmed Kathrada.
Waseem: What message would you like to share with the youth of South Africa today?
Sakina: The youth should use the opportunities they have which we didn’t have in those days and should be grateful of all the people who fought for the freedom of this country by offering their lives,wealth and family
Waseem:Finally- are you hopeful of South Africa today?
Sakina: Yes, we are gradually growing and if the crime can stop, this could be a great future ahead.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Evaluation of term 1 and 2
Term 1 and term 2 of english has been a big jump from our previous years of english.The lessons have become more exciting and creative as well as more work is issued.
We have been introduced to many new ideas and ways of working.This includes recording audio assighnments in studios of radio stations and we have learned how to use a blog spot.The audio assignment has realy brought a new part of me out and i have found a way to express myself.
The english periods include alot of worksheets and mini assignments which keep us on track
Thank you Mr Sujee
Term 1 and term 2 of english has been a big jump from our previous years of english.The lessons have become more exciting and creative as well as more work is issued.
We have been introduced to many new ideas and ways of working.This includes recording audio assighnments in studios of radio stations and we have learned how to use a blog spot.The audio assignment has realy brought a new part of me out and i have found a way to express myself.
The english periods include alot of worksheets and mini assignments which keep us on track
Thank you Mr Sujee
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