A wide delegation of guests from China to the USA mesmerised audiences at the Souk International Trade & Family Convention 2010.

William Rodriguez

Moazzam Begg

Khaleel Muhammad

Qariah Sharifah Khasif

WAAHID

Qari Idris Rajab

Inayet Petker

KZN sizzles with Souk & Convention 2010

What do you get when you combine great entertainment, tantalising food, exotic fashion and captivating lectures? Souk and Family Convention of course!

The annual Souk International Trade and Family Convention ran for the thirteenth consecutive year at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 24 December 2010 till 2 January 2011. The event, which is hosted by the Al-Ansaar Foundation, boasted an even bigger and better affair this time around.

Souk 2010 got off to a spiritually rejuvenating start on Friday, 24 December with Shaykh Esam Bokhari (Masjid ul Nabawi) giving the opening azaan for the Jumu`ah Salaah and imams Shaykh Waheed Ramadaan (Masjid ul Ijaba) and Shaykh Omar Saeed al Hindi (Masjid ul Iman) leading the salaah and delivering the khutbahs.

Then it was time to ‘souk up the sun’ with a variety of thrilling funfair rides and WOW (walk-on-water) ball, which was mainly for the kiddies.

“Souk & Convention 2010 has definitely hit the right mark. With over several hundred stalls; live entertainment; outdoor sports; Islamic calligraphy workshops; a Speakers Forum and Car, Umrah Ticket and Blackberry Competitions the event has received overwhelming response from stallholders and visitors alike,” said Habiba Shaik, coordinator of the Souk & Convention 2010.

The Souk is home to global traders; celebrating a conglomeration of cultures under one roof. The stallholders came in with aggression, showcasing a wide variety of good quality merchandise.

“As part of a strategic plan, Souk 2010 was extended to include a Family Convention. This was achieved through inviting a wide delegation of guests from China to the USA for the specific purpose of the Convention,” said Azeem Bux, Ameer of the Souk & Convention 2010.

“As part of our strategy we have decided to create a convention component and parallel seminar sessions so that the Convention is given due prominence as part of a holistic experience of being at the Souk.”

Bux further added that it does not make sense to have over 100 000 visitors coming through the doors of the Souk and not giving them any education. “We foresee the Souk & Convention as being an annual event where Muslim organisations and leaders will participate in an annual convention indaba discussing issues and challenges facing the Muslim ummah in this country.

“Another factor is that this year the Souk & Convention was marketed to a multi-denominational audience with a substantial amount spent on advertising via mainstream media. This is because we need to encourage the non-Muslim community to experience first-hand Muslim social and economic life through a Middle Eastern and Eastern style of shopping which is commonly referred to as Souk.”

Zaid Omarjee, Head of Finance at the Al-Ansaar Foundation, confirmed through a scientifically determined calculation of entries through computer channels that the feet count had reached 100 000 on the tenth (last) day of the Souk & Convention. Omarjee said that the feet count stood at a record 19 000 on the last day due to the announcement of the Car and Umrah ticket winners that evening.

Visit the Souk website at www.souk.org.za. For further information, contact the Souk department on 031 208 1601 or email info@souk.org.za.

Unparalleled in the history of Muslims in this country, the Souk & Convention 2010 hosted one of Africa’s largest Nasheed Dhamaka’s, drawing talent from around the Muslim world on one platform.

Nasheed Dhamaka or ‘Nasheed Explosion’, is a phenomena recently introduced by the Al-Ansaar Foundation as a healthy Islamic alternative against the heavy onslaught of Bollywood and Hollywood junk.

The Nasheed Dhamaka is characterised by hosting international artists committed to producing and promoting healthy Islamic alternatives. Amongst the artists were huffaz, `ulama’, qurra, and students of Arabic.

They entertained Souk patrons, mingled with them and autographed their CDs.

The Souk & Convention 2010 featured the following artists of national/international acclaim:

Saleem Razak

This veteran South African naath reciter delivered a riveting rendition in a baritone, prompting the older folks to reminisce about the ‘good old days’.

Areef Subrathie

South African Areef Subrathie is quite an exponent of the Urdu naath scene. He is a refined vocalist who has toured extensively through South Africa.

Ahmed Bukhatir

World-renowned nasheed artist, Ahmed Bukhatir who hails from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates brought in the New Year (2011) with his melodious Arabic, English and French recitals. Bukhatir launched his new album, Moments with Allah at the Souk.

Khaleel Muhammad

Born and bred in the UK, Khaleel truly represents a blend of diverse cultures and is the voice of a new generation. Blending elements of traditional Islamic music and layering it with his rich soulful voice, Khaleel creates a truly unique sound.

Waahid

KZN’s only Muslim boy band, WAAHID treated audiences to a sneak preview of nasheeds from their as yet unnamed album scheduled to be launched during March 2011.

The group comprises five artists: AK Mohamed, Farid Matana, Naeem Sheik Hameed, Ahmad Abdullatif and Nazeer Jamal.

Qari Idris Rajab

South African naath reciter Idris Rajab’s style may best be described as a cultural fusion of Arabic and Urdu. Inspired by his experiences at a Darul `Uloom in Pretoria, Rajab started reciting naaths in 2003.

Hussein Kalla

For the Pleasure of Allah, an inspiring new nasheed album from debut artist Hussein Kalla of Pretoria, South Africa was launched at the Souk.

Ml Ishaq Osman

Known for his ability to imitate the legendary Owais Qadri, Ml Ishaq Osman of South Africa wowed audiences with his naath renditions.

Inayet Petker

A proven, confident, versatile and charismatic performer, Petker’s sweet and unique voice and style enable him to melt hearts across the cultural, racial and religious divides. Born in Zimbabwe and currently residing in Pretoria, South Africa, Inayet developed his style of nasheeds while studying in the USA. He is a voice-only artist who has proved extremely popular in South Africa and is now reaching out to audiences worldwide.

Souk visitors braced themselves for some exciting, thrilling rides – guaranteed to keep the entire family entertained!

Souk visitors experienced the thrill of walking on water with WOW Balls.

Their hamster-like awesome experience began as they climbed into the large inflatable ball.

This non-toxic, transparent ball allows you to walk, jump, flip, crawl, roll or just float and relax in it. All this without even getting wet and it is 100% safe for all ages.

This is also one of the best ways to keep fit and it’s a whole lot of FUN too!!

In an attempt to deviate from previous years’ Souk, the first-ever Speakers Forum took centre stage at the Souk & Convention 2010.

Speakers were drawn from China to the USA.

According to Azeem Bux (Ameer of the Souk & Convention), this was a strategic deviation from the normal Souk. “We’d like patrons to start accepting that the Souk has now moved many notches above the norm with its Speakers Forum and Conference component.”

The Al-Ansaar Foundation invited William Rodriguez, Moazzam Begg, supporters of Aafia Siddiqui, and Qariah Sharifah Khasif coupled with nasheed artists under the banner of the Souk & Convention, South Africa’s largest continental Islamic event.

Perhaps the greatest highlight of the Speakers Forum was the participation of the Madinah delegation which included the muazzin and imams of masajid in the City of our beloved Nabi (SAW).

Breaking all barriers and making history in South Africa, the Al-Ansaar Foundation introduced for the first time the muazzin of the greatest masjid in the world, Masjid ul Nabawi to South African audiences and musallees. The impact of the visit of Shaykh Esam Bokhari, the muazzin of 50 years in the Masjid ul Nabawi in Madinah was indeed outstanding and created a major stir as he raised the emotions of every one that heard him. Travelling in great humility the aged muazzin of the Prophet’s (SAW) Masjid moved from masjid to masjid inspiring the musallees with his melodious voice from the minarets of South African masajid.

This sensational and historic Madinah delegation that included Imams from Masjid ul Ijaba and Masjid ul Iman (Shaykh Waheed Ramadaan and Shaykh Omar Saeed al Hindi) created a massive impact on the audiences and individuals that they met.

“We are overawed by this visit. I can’t believe that the muazzin of Madinah is in my masjid,” said one very excited musallee. People watched with awe and amazement the humility and dignity of the Madinah delegation as they met muazzins, imams and musallees of the various masajid in and around KZN.

Against the backdrop of the celebrations of the 150 year anniversary of Indians in South Africa, there could not perhaps be staged such a historic moment for the Grey Street Juma Masjid to have for the first time in its history of over 100 years, the muazzin of Madinah calling the Zuhr azaan.

Many residents and shopkeepers from the Durban flats and streets stood in amazement as they heard this historic azaan. “I am shocked! Am I in Madinah!” exclaimed a resident of the block of flats in Queen Street.

The Imams performed various salaah in and around a number of masajid in Durban. These included Shallcross Masjid, Mountainrise Masjid (PMB), Masjid Nur (Mallinson Road), Masjid Hilal, Masjid Taqwa, Hendry Road Jamaat Khana, Mohamediya Masjid and several masajid in Gauteng.

Perhaps the greatest sensation created was the performance of salaah and the azaan at the Durban Exhibition Centre (Souk & Convention 2010) where Shaykh Esam Bokhari gave the opening azaan for the Jumu`ah Salaah and the imams leading the salaah and delivering the khutbahs.

The Madinah Delegation was indeed appreciative and grateful to the brothers of the Al-Ansaar Foundation. “For me the great moment was when Shaykh Esam gave the live Asr azaan from the Overport studios. This was hair-raising,” said Riaz Jamal for the Al-Ansaar Foundation.

The delegation left with great admiration of the Muslims in South Africa. Every salaah was concluded with a dua for the protection of the South African Muslims and the greater Ummah.

From left: Shaykh Esam Bokhari, Shaykh Waheed Ramadaan, Shaykh Omar Saeed al Hindi and Qari Lockhat

Last Man Out of WTC shares his heroic tale

“Where were you on September 11, 2001?” asked William Rodriguez, former janitor of the World Trade Center in New York in his opening address at the Souk & Convention 2010.

“Everyone remembers where they were on 9/11. My story is one that changed the history of the world. It was the day my life changed forever. Prior to 9/11 I had been an agnostic. Following 9/11 however, I went through a spiritual metamorphosis; I felt what it is to be human and truly care for others,” shared Rodriguez.

Rodriguez allowed guests at the Souk & Convention Opening to experience 9/11 as a staff at the World Trade Center (WTC) through his graphic retelling.

“I was the one in charge of cleaning 110 flights of stairwells. On 9/11 I was talking to my colleague in the basement of the World Trade Center when a huge explosion was felt, a false ceiling fell over us and the sprinkler went on. At first I thought a generator had blown up in the mechanical room 2 levels below the basement. This was followed by a second explosion, which felt like it was coming from the top of the building.

“It’s so ironic that you who are watching this on TV have better information of what’s going on at the World Trade Center than I who’s at the actual scene. That’s because the radios in the WTC didn’t work. My mother, who was worried sick, saw me on TV relaying a 10 second sound bite to a CNN reporter as I emerged from the rubble,” said Rodriguez.

William Rodriguez is a native of Puerto Rico, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the State of New Jersey. On September 11, 2001, and for approximately nineteen years prior thereto, Rodriguez was employed as a maintenance worker at the WTC.
On 9/11, Rodriguez initially rescued fifteen (15) persons from the WTC. Seeing as he was the only person at the site with the master key to the North Tower stairwells, he bravely led firefighters up the stairwell, unlocking doors as they ascended, thereby aiding in the successful evacuation of unknown hundreds of those who survived.

Rodriguez, at great risk to his own life, re-entered the Towers three times after the first North Tower impact at about 08h46, and is believed to be the last person to exit the North Tower alive, surviving the building's collapse by diving beneath a fire truck. After receiving medical attention at the WTC site for his injuries, Rodriguez spent the rest of 9/11 aiding as a volunteer in the rescue efforts, and at dawn the following morning, was back at Ground Zero continuing his heroic efforts.

Rodriguez during that time lost his employment of 19 years and his means of earning a living as a direct result of the attacks on the WTC on 9/11. Deeply affected, as one might imagine, by his experiences of 9/11, Rodriguez has, in a variety of capacities and through several different organisations, worked ever since that terrible day to help others who were affected by the atrocities committed.

‘Last Man Out’ William Rodriguez.	OPEN SESAME: William Rodriguez shows off the master key to the North Tower stairwells of the WTC.

Ex-detainee rails at Guantanamo

Justice For Aafia Coalition calls for your support

News of the conviction sparked mass demonstrations in Pakistan and unanimous condemnation from all Pakistani religious and secular leaders, with the highly influential but pro-American MQM's Altaf Hussain declaring, they "would have severed ties with the US and its allies" if in power, decrying an extraordinarily lengthy sentence for a crime in which no one was hurt, other than Aafia.

The Pakistani government has made requests for the repatriation of Aafia and claims to be redoubling its efforts. In response the US government has asked Pakistan to sign two conventions on transfer of prisoners, to make Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s repatriation possible.

In the meantime, Aafia's family, lawyers and supporters have vowed to fight on, appealing the decision and demanding her repatriation to Pakistan, where she has become the most well-known woman in the country, 'the daughter of the nation.'

JFAC is an umbrella organisation which aims to unite and coordinate efforts on behalf of all concerned individuals and organisations striving for justice for Aafia and her children. Membership is open to all, irrespective of faith and location and currently spans five continents. For further information, visit www.justiceforaafia.org or email info@justiceforaafia.org.

Meet me in Manhattan in 2096

She’s young, she’s well known, she’s a successful career woman, and most importantly, she’s a Hafizah and Qariah!

Qariah Sharifah Khasif of Malaysia delivered a breathtaking performance at the Souk & Convention with her unique style of reciting the Qur’an and qasidahs (Islamic poetry). “I have no words to describe Qariah Sharifah’s recital. She is indeed a role model for us all,” said one female Souk patron.

Qariah Sharifah led special classes for budding hafizahs in the Ladies Jamaat Khana every afternoon for the duration of the Souk & Convention.

She is the CEO of her own production company, a TV presenter in Malaysia, and has a degree in finance and masters in psychology.

All that and she still dedicates most of her time to reciting the Qur’an. Qariah Sharifah won an international Qira`ah competition for 9 years consecutively, till 2009. Join her facebook group or fan page to access her recitals.

Salma Kazi

After many years of rallying for Muslim involvement in media, the Souk & Convention 2010 presented some ray of hope of meeting this challenge.

There are now at least six Islamic TV stations available on the DSTV and TopTV bouquets, namely Al-Jazeerah, Islam Channel, Peace TV, iTV (Islamic TV), Qtv (Quran TV), and Al Mizan.

Two of these stations, Al Mizan and Islam Channel had stalls at the Souk & Convention 2010.

Al Mizan went on air as Channel 355 on the Top TV platform, on 5 November 2010. The station is based at Wembley Centre, Belgravia Road, Athlone, Cape Town.

Primarily focused on da`wah, Al Mizan aims to attract viewers of all ages, gender and race to the beauty of Islam. Its vision encompasses spreading the true meaning and message of Islam; providing a platform for an Islamic Media House incorporating all forms of media; and providing entertaining family viewing within the framework of the Islamic ethos.

Programming includes both local and global content, so as to give South African Muslims a voice and also enlighten them to the plight of Muslims globally.

With headquarters in Central London, Islam Channel on the DSTV platform provides alternative news, current affairs and entertainment programming from an Islamic perspective. Since its launch in 2004 Islam Channel has developed into a platform for ingenious and practical television complementing the definition of good programming.

Broadcast in English, Islam Channel aims for its programming to appeal to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Islam Channel’s fresh-contemporary approach to spreading the message of the Qur’an has resulted in many viewers reverting to Islam, consequently establishing itself as the leading, free-to-air, English language, Islamic focused satellite channel available globally.

With da`wah at its forefront Islam Channel uplifts its audience making it extraordinary, diverse and global.

SA Students take Islamic Calligraphy “Ijaza” from Chinese Master Calligrapher

Master Calligrapher Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang inducted four South African Muslims to his unique Islamic calligraphy with an “Ijaza” (licence). Abdulhaq Nathie (75), Mohsin (25), Rafique Cajee (55) And Moulana Bilal Vaid were recruited as the Haji’s students.

Noor Deen was a guest of Awqaf SA in Johannesburg and was invited to South Africa by the Al-Ansaar Foundation. He conducted several workshops while at the Souk & Convention 2010 in Durban. A highlight was a demonstration at Johannesburg’s Hamidia (Newtown) Masjid and the Mayfair Juma Masjid.

Born in 1963 in Shangdong province, China, Haji Noor Deen brings an immense learning in traditional thought and Islamic art to a modern audience, juxtaposing them in a new calligraphic style, all his own, both Eastern and Western.

The Chinese and Arabic calligraphic traditions have often been compared as the two of the world's finest manifestations of the written word, but never likened; indeed, they are at once opposites and complements. When combined the result is an artistic piece that is a work of incredibly unique beauty, and a testimony to man's synthesizing genius.

Awqaf SA spokesperson Zeinoul Cajee said that this was the beginning of establishing Master Calligraphers in South Africa as it was now the responsibility of these inductees to further their calligraphic skills and pass them over to others. “We hope insha’ Allah to establish an Islamic Art Centre where various art forms can be learnt such as pottery, calligraphy, carpet weaving, mosaic etc. Islam has a rich history of these art forms and we should be learning and teaching these skills and blending it with indigenous art.”

Persons interested may contact Br Rafique Cajee on 082 353 6186 or email info@awqafsa.org.za.

From left: Ml Bilal Vaid, Rafique Cajee, Zeinoul Abedien Cajee and Haji Noor Deen.	Haji Noor Deen conducting a workshop at Souk & Convention 2010.

Art enthusiasts got into right-brained artistic mode at the Souk & Convention 2010, when creative mogul SONI ART STUDIO of Cape Town was back for a second year to teach a brushstroke or two amidst the many other exciting activities taking place at the trade fair.

Workshop participants created stunning masterpieces by setting Arabic script against a backdrop of geometric shapes and patterns. Acrylic paints and glass artliners were used to create the desired effect on canvas board.

The Soni Art trio comprises three dedicated artists: Achmat Soni (founder of Soni Art Studio), Shaheen Soni (Achmat’s son), and Tasneem Chilwan-Soni (Shaheen’s wife).

The phenomenon of "Soni Art" is a unique expression of creativity taking the form of fine quality art. Soni Art was born in 1982 when local artist Achmat Soni created his first masterpiece. Inspired while reading the Qur’anic pages he attempted to paint the “Opening Chapter – Al-Fatihah”.

A unique art form incorporating the versatile and decorative Arabic script, the “Soni Art” form inherits its origins from the ancient art of illumination (decorative pattern work). The SONI ART STUDIO attempts to showcase and promote local art from all cultural backgrounds reflective of a multi-cultural “rainbow” South Africa.

In order to raise funds for the Ibn Masud Centre of Excellence, the Soni Art trio donated an art piece which they collaborated on over the duration of the Souk & Convention to be auctioned on the final night of the Souk. R20 000 was generated through this initiative.

A project of the Al-Ansaar Foundation, the Ibn Masud Centre of Excellence was established in 2008 and is perhaps the first-ever of its kind in South Africa. The school caters for special education needs, and is underpinned with Islamic values. To contribute towards the Ibn Masud Centre of Excellence call 031 209 0050.

A grand SOUK version of Khan and Alli’s ‘Marriage On Line’ had the audience in stitches!

The show revolves around the chaos that ensues in the home of the Natalwala family when an elderly couple meet on an internet chatline. They land their family in various degrees of emotional upset when they decide to meet and marry.

The five strong member cast (Essop Khan, Mahomed Alli, Savy Ramsamy, Samantha Govender and Jonathan Tifflin) took the audience on twists and turns of surprise.

Well, if you were at the Souk & Convention 2010 you definitely would have seen one. Shaheed Alkawn starred in ‘A Funny Muslim’, a one-man comedy performance live at the Souk every night. More commonly known for his unique voice and thought-provoking nasheeds, this time, Shaheed had the audience in stitches with his debut comedy performance.

‘A Funny Muslim’ was essentially an attempt at making the Muslim community in Durban take a closer look at ourselves, touching on topics like the Indianisation of Islam in Africa and our eating habits and lifestyle. But through his spot-on performance of comical characters, accents and voices, Shaheed was able to make us laugh at ourselves, while at the same time motivating us to be better Muslims. The audio CD of ‘A Funny Muslim, live at the Souk’ will be available for purchase at bookshops soon!

The Al-Ansaar Foundation gave Souk visitors all the more reason to attend the Souk & Convention 2010 by ensuring a host of exciting competitions over the fair’s 10-day duration.

A Toyota Yaris, 8 Umrah tickets and 10 Blackberry’s were up for grabs. The Toyota Yaris was jointly sponsored by the SHM Group and Radio Al-Ansaar. Four of the 8 Umrah tickets were sponsored by Sure Mithas Travel; two by Jealousy and two by Radio Al-Ansaar. The Blackberry’s were sponsored by 8.ta.

“The Souk & Convention provided a great opportunity for us to market 8.ta and we look forward to doing something even better at the next Souk,” said 8.ta distributor, Yousuf Mansoor.

An air of suspense filled the outdoor stage at the Durban Exhibition Centre on the evening of Sunday, January 2, 2011 when the car draw was made. Saleem Peer of North Beach, Durban emerged as the car winner, with Fatima Kajee, Rehana Rassool, Zaheer Dabhelia and Zuleika Mehtar each winning a set of two Umrah tickets.

For Saleem Peer it was the first time he had ‘won something this major’. “I’m elated by the fact that I have won. I’d like to thank Radio Al-Ansaar and the SHM Group for making this possible,” said a jubilant Peer.

An equally ecstatic Fatima Kajee who had just returned from Hajj and was named the winner of two Umrah tickets, said her duas had been accepted. “I will be leaving for Umrah with my husband and daughter during May, insha’ Allah.”

Rehana Rassool too felt overwhelmed at winning a set of two Umrah tickets. “I don’t know how much to thank Radio Al-Ansaar and Jealousy. My husband, daughter and I will be leaving in mid-February, insha’ Allah.”

Zaheer Dabhelia said he was very excited at winning, and more so his wife who hasn’t been for Umrah before. They will be leaving on May 5.

Zuleika Mehtar described her win as ‘the most awesome, most magical news’. “I am still in a state of shock.” She will be leaving for Umrah with her husband during May.

The Al-Ansaar Foundation would like to thank the SHM Group, Sure Mithas Travel, Jealousy and 8.ta for making the 2010 Souk & Convention Car, Umrah Ticket and Blackberry Competitions possible.

Veteran musalli of the Grey Street Masjid and Daily News Milk and Welfare Fund collector, Mr Moniem Vaizie was on a different mission at the Souk & Convention 2010. While the rest of us took advantage of the fantastic food, shopping, and entertainment offered by Souk, Mr Vaizie set about raising funds for underprivileged children.

Established some 60 years ago, the Daily News Milk and Welfare Fund collects donations from members of the public, Independent Newspapers staff and various companies to supply and distribute milk and milk powder to needy crèches in KZN.

Currently the Fund supports 46 créches/ pre-schools in the greater Durban and Pietermaritzburg areas. In total 4 211 children under the age of 6 years old receive at least one glass of milk per school day, which equates to 84 220 servings of milk a month.
Funds are collected by means of registered volunteers who give up their time to collect money from various communities in Durban, and collection boxes are kept at various organisations.

Alhamdulillah, Mr Vaizie collected a whopping R9 000 from Souk patrons. “We would like to thank all those who contributed to the Milk Fund at Souk for their generosity; and we wish Al-Ansaar and all Souk exhibitors and patrons every success in the New Year,” said Vaizie.

To contribute towards the Daily News Milk and Welfare Fund, call 031 308 2439.

Jayshree Rabia Mallaya, one of the well known Mystic Sisters, launched her book, Allah and I: How beautiful is love! at the Souk & Convention 2010.

The author and mystical poet has shown us through her writing, her unique ability to express her Divine Love, the spiritual journey of her soul and her awareness and closeness of Almighty Allah.

Her fascinating journey is an intimate and loving relational with the Divine through personal experience. The beating of Divine Love that plays on in her heart takes us on the journey of love in today’s world, shattering the mirrors and tearing down the veils of illusion, as she is immersed in the Ocean of Reality and Truth.

Her heart overflows with Divine Love, touching and inspiring others to love. Her passion, devotion and dedication makes this remarkable woman’s love for her Beloved shine through the darkened days we live in, like a diamond shining in the night.

Souk & Convention 2010 went pink as the Al-Ansaar Cancer Support Group (CSG) hosted a Chai Day to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of breast self-examination.

Regional director of CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) KZN, Mariaan Hendriks gave a brief overview of breast cancer, the risk factors and causes thereof. This was followed by a demonstration on the method of conducting a breast self-examination. Fabulous giveaways held the audience’s attention. Free breast examinations were also conducted by Hendriks, for those who wished to be examined.

Sisters were then treated to chai (tea), coffee and delectable tea treats which they purchased for a nominal fee. All funds raised will go towards sustaining the CSG and its future projects.

The international nightingale of Qira`ah, Qariah Sharifah Khasif of Malaysia graced the Chai Day with a melodious recitation from the Holy Qur’an and a heartfelt dua. She interacted with the sisters and inspired all haafidhas present.

While the sisters were enjoying their chai international nasheed artist, Ahmed Bukhatir paid a surprise visit to the function. He made a donation to the CSG and rendered his famous nasheed ‘Zawjati’ (My Wife) in dedication to the CSG.

The CSG would like to thank all those sisters who came out in support of the Chai Day and for making it such a success. We are also grateful to Nino’s North Beach, Gorie Jadwat, Roman’s Pizza and Sr Mariam of Azam Khans.

The CSG was established in March 2010. The Al-Ansaar Foundation has since taken the CSG under its wing and provided us with a platform to carry out this essential community service.

For more information about the CSG and its activities please contact Sr Ridwana Malek on 071 684 9010.

There is always the cry of the elders that the youth are apathetic and lazy. The Al-Ansaar Foundation disproved this by engineering the Al-Ansaar Volunteers Club to create a love for being proactive and volunteering among youth.

The first-ever Al-Ansaar Volunteer Club was launched at the Souk & Convention 2010. More than 60 youth aged between 13 and 20 responded to the advertisement calling for volunteers on Radio Al-Ansaar. This figure dropped to 25 when it came to action.

The initiative nonetheless afforded an opportunity for those involved to actualise their enthusiasm for Islamic work.

The volunteers collected funds for the new Al-Ansaar Cultural and Conference Centre, which is presently under construction adjacent to the existing Al-Ansaar offices situated at 189 West Road, Overport, Durban. A training session was held for the new recruits prior to the Souk, where they were briefed on the proposed functionality of the new Centre.

“The Al-Ansaar Volunteer Club created a strong sense of ukhuwwah (Islamic brotherhood) amongst participants. The volunteers also got to interact with international guests at the Souk & Convention. A host of exciting activities await the volunteers during 2011,” said Al-Ansaar Volunteer Club coordinator, Amina Jamal.

Two Ameers and Ameerahs were appointed to oversee the activities of the volunteers. Each volunteer was presented with a certificate on the last day of the Souk & Convention. Muhammad Kadwa received a Blackberry for being the volunteer who collected the most funds.

Promising to fulfilling its mandate, Radio Al-Ansaar handed over yet another round of wheelchairs to needy families at the Souk & Convention 2010. The wheelchair project was started three years ago during the Ramadaan broadcast of station and has since gained momentum.

General Secretary of the Al-Ansaar Foundation, Mr Riaz Jamal said: “Al-Ansaar has identified the wheelchair project as part of its social outreach, due to the on-going calls from all sections of the community. We are hoping to distribute more wheelchairs during our next broadcast, insha’ Allah.”

Wheelchair recipients included needy individuals from various faiths, including Hindus and Christians.

Radio Al-Ansaar expresses their gratitude and appreciation to the numerous donors who have made this project a success, alhamdulillah.