16 November 2024

3 minute read

Canada, a country in North America and the world’s second largest country, is closer to the North Pole than most other countries. It has a very cold climate for most of the year, with a very small temperature variant. Canada is a country with high living standards that boasts magnificent scenery, low levels of crime and personal safety as its key selling point for its citizens, who also have free access to healthcare and education, and some of the top universities in the world.

Canada is a long way from South Africa. There is an extensive visa process for South Africans wanting to visit Canada, but Saeed Jhatam, a South African living in Canada, says that a letter of invitation from a resident will make the process easier. Because there are no direct flights from South Africa to Canada, tourists would have to take two flights to get there.

The best time of year to visit would be between June and September when the region is experiencing a warm summer. Between September and October, autumn sets in and the trees change colour, making it a spectacular sight, especially in the city of Quebec. For those wanting to experience the snowfall but not wanting to visit the country in the very cold winter months, there are many cruises that go up to Alaska during this period.

Unfortunately, due to the weakness of the Rand, Canada is not the most affordable travel destination for South Africans. However, the cost of living for citizens is not too high.

Islam is widely practiced and accepted in Canada. With a broad Muslim population, there are Muslims from all over the world in Canada. Within the big cities, there are many masaajid and madrassahs and in certain areas, there are even Islamic schools.

Sightseeing in the huge country of Canada is mostly centred around the bigger cities. The largest city Toronto is very much like New York and is the cultural centre of the country. Quebec and Vancouver are well-known for their natural attractions. With mountain ranges forming a backdrop to the city, Vancouver has the feeling of Cape Town and features a natural forest right in the centre of the city where people go to enjoy the outdoors. The Rocky Mountains, the highest mountain ranges after the Himalayas, are also one of the most amazing attractions of Canada where tourists can drive along the mountain pathways and witness the awesome views. Beaches are rocky and the water is cold, but visitors can take a tour on the glaciers where one can actually witness the clear blue waters melting while standing on these huge blocks of ice that stretch for hundreds of metres.

Although very reserved, Canadians are “polite and tolerant” and both tourists and certain refugees are very welcome into the country. Canada has a wide ethnic population and there is plenty of halal food available, with Chinese, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Indian, Pakistani and Afghani foods being the most popular types of cuisine.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara and Ml Ibrahim Daya on the Early Breakfast Show.

13 November 2024

4 minute read

Homeopathy is a holistic form of treatment that explores the aim of patients with regards to specific ailments, giving them all the solutions from a natural perspective to treat those conditions. A visit to a homeopath focuses on your presenting complaint which is the main issue that is bothering you; your general constitution like energy levels, bathrooms habits, sleep, perspiration, diet, lifestyle, and medical history; and the mental and emotional aspect of your personality such as the type of stress you’re under, your emotions, and how you respond to them. This gives the homeopath an overall view of a person’s health, allowing them to make up a treatment specifically suited to the patient.

Dr Zahra Kazi, a homeopath and sleep specialist, and specialist in endocrine disorders, hormonal health, and other female-related health conditions, says that “we’ve become more sedentary than ever before”. Alongside bad food practices and the environmental exposure to things like chemicals and plastics, this has led to an increase in health conditions and disruptions in hormone balances, thus causing sleep disorders.

Homeopathy functions on the premise that “no two people have the same life experiences” so each treatment plan is individualised to fit the patient. More and more people nowadays suffer from sleep disruptions and disorders. While health care practitioners prescribe sleep aids like anxiolytics or tranquilizers for people suffering from sleep disorders to allow the person to “shut down”, homeopathy addresses sleep issues at a much deeper level. These include looking at a patient’s sleep cycle, specifically when a person can’t sleep, if a person is having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, at what intervals the person keeps waking at night, and the quality and quantity of their sleep.

Factors like lifestyle and stress are also taken into consideration, since stress and hormone imbalances affect a person’s sleep. Most people don’t see the connection between lack of sleep and an imbalance in their body. Progesterone and oestrogen hormonal imbalances in women can put a strain on the liver in the evening, and cause disruptions in a women’s sleep cycle particularly between 1:00am and 3:00am, or frequent waking with hot flushes at any time during the night. High stress causes an increase in cortisol production which leads to more restless sleep, with waking occurring between 2:00am and 4:00am. Peaks and dips in energy levels through the day will be monitored by the homeopath. In terms of insulin resistance, blood sugar should be balanced through the day to make you more insulin sensitive, so that your body goes back to the way it was before becoming insulin resistant.

Food and sleep are co-dependent, as what we consume impacts on our sleep. Going to bed after having eaten a big meal means that you haven’t given your body a chance to digest the food that you’ve eaten. Foods high in caffeine and sugar tend to disturb sleep. Spikes and drops in sugar levels further impact sleep, depending on what a person eats before they sleep.

So how much sleep do we need? Dr Zahra says that younger children and teenagers require between 8 and 10 hours of good quality sleep as they are still growing. Ideally, adults should also get 8 hours of sleep per night. However, where this is not attainable, sleep can be “banked”, with people catching up on sleep lost during the week on the weekends. The aim for patients is to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep every night. As prescribed in the sunnah, power naps of 20 minutes in the early afternoon are ideal to enhance sleep.

Listen to the full interview on New Horizons with Faaiza Munshi.

09 November 2024

3 minute read

Born in the 1960’s into a Hindu home on the island of Mauritius, Brother Ashraf Ali reverted to Islam at the age of 16 after being introduced to the deen by a friend and reading a book by Sheikh Ahmed Deedat. At 19, he left home and went to Congo, and from there made his way to South Africa, returning to Mauritius at 36 to open a travel agency.

The island of Mauritius has an extensive history, starting as far back as the 10^th century when it was discovered by Arab and Malay sailors. In 1507, the Portuguese came across it and instead of settling permanently, used it as a stopover for the spice trade and gave the island its name. The Dutch followed soon after in 1598, establishing the first settlement in 1630. Thereafter the French, and then the British took possession of Mauritius, with the island finally gaining independence in 1968.

Approximately 20% of the population is Muslim and Islam is widely accepted. Mauritius is a short 4-hour flight from SA and there are no visa requirements for South Africans, making it the ideal travel destination. The best time to visit the island would be between November and March.

Mauritius is famous for its beaches. The best beach resorts are to the North of the island in Pereybere and Grand Bay, where water enthusiasts will find white sands and crystal-clear waters unspoilt by rocks and coral, and where scuba-diving and snorkelling can be done to their hearts’ delight.

Although known as a honeymoon destination, Mauritius offers various other attractions for tourists of all ages, making it a popular holiday destination for families travelling with children. Tourists can visit the Seven Sands where one could see the seven different colours of earth; Twenty-four coloured earth; a lion park; a crocodile park; cascades and waterfall; and Ile aux Cerf, a nearby island that can be reached by taxi-boat.

The best modes of transport available to get around the island would be by taxi or to hire a car. For Muslim tourists, halal options are available throughout the island. Indian foods like dhal-puri and Chinese foods like fried noodles and fried rice are popular dishes in Mauritius and of course the wide variety of fresh seafood options.

Listen to the full interview on the Weekend Breakfast Show with Ml Muhammad Kara and Ml Ibrahim Daya.

Olive oil

½ cup fresh blueberries

¼ cup fresh blackberries

200g baby spinach

40g wild rocket

1 block Fairview feta cheese (crumble)

Candied nuts

¼ cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp water (as needed)

½ walnuts/ or pecan halves

Pinch of Salt

Dressing2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

¼ olive oil

1 Tbsp minced garlic

2 Tbsp honey (or more)

½ tsp mustard powder

Salt & pepper (to taste)

Method
Heat a small pan over medium low heat. Add the sugar and melt with the water. Add the nuts plus salt to the pan. Stir to coat the nuts for 1-2 min. Transfer to a plate and let it cool. In a small glass jar combine all the dressing ingredients. Seal with the lid and shake vigorously until combined (emulsified). Cut each peach into 6 wedges. Preheat a grill pan to medium high heat and brush on oil the grates. Brush the sliced peaches on both sides with some oil. Grill each side for 2min, undisturbed to allow grill marks to develop. Transfer to a plate. Lay the greens onto a large platter. Top with the berries, grilled peaches, candied nuts and crumbled feta. If using halloumi instead, then grill it last and place onto platter just before serving with dres.

02 November 2024

3-minute read

Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, is situated on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf and feels like a Middle Eastern melting pot because of its largely expatriate population. Dubai is known for its ultra-modern skyscrapers and architecture, busy ports and beautiful warm beaches, and luxury shopping. Riding up 125 floors to the top of the Burj Khalifah, the world’s highest building; coasting the dunes on a desert safari; or spending the day at the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai has no shortage of entertainment and adventure for all ages.

Well-known to South Africans on social media, The Dubai Travel Family’s Tahir Sayanvala said that the decision he took to emigrate to Dubai with his family happened just after COVID when they were invited by the government of Dubai to move there in order to promote the city. The process happened quickly and smoothly and it is something Tahir said that they “don’t regret”.

South Africans travelling to Dubai require a visa which can be obtained free of charge if booking with certain airlines lines like Emirates or Etihad. Alternatively, a 30 to 60-day visa can be purchased online or through a travel agent. The climate year-round is very hot during the day, with temperatures ranging from 35’C in winter to 50’C in summer, with cooling breezes at night. The best time of year to visit Dubai would be during the winter months.

With the Emirati dirham being much higher than the South African rand, Dubai can be very expensive to visit. But for those on a budget holiday, Tahir says that “Dubai is what you make of it”. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, the wide diaspora of people and cultures means you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Dubai. Depending on your type of lifestyle, getting everyday foods like a shwarma or paratha and a cup of tea or coffee in areas like Deira would cost a tenth of the price you would pay for the same food eaten at a mall or an exclusive restaurant.

In the past, many people used Dubai as a short stopover or connecting destination, but with the ever-increasing number of attractions and adventures, Dubai has become a destination on its own. One of the top attractions for tourists is Lego Land, a miniature Lego world that boasts a theme park and a structure of Dubai built in Lego, as well as other attractions from around the world all built in Lego. Dubai also has some of the warmest beaches that stay open 24 hours a day with lifeguards on duty and facilities available around the clock. A mere 8-hour flight away, Dubai is the ideal holiday destination for families travelling with children, so Tahir says “Yalla” and come to Dubai.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara and Ml Ibrahim Daya on The Weekend Breakfast show.

06 November 2024

5-minute read

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and your first barrier to everything outside, but according to Saadiqah Bariche, a biomedical scientist specialising in skin care formulation, “your skin can only serve you as long as you take care of it”.

Skin routines for young children is a growing trend. Kids skin is more robust and has natural protection against dirt and germs, but it is important to remember that skin needs to breathe, and the only time it can do this is after a shower or a bath at night where all the grime from the day is washed off.

Parents “shape what a child’s skincare routine looks like” and choosing skincare when children are younger is “very subjective’’. Developing a healthy skin routine for your child starts from birth and should be kept simple until the pre-teen years. Developing routines for sun protection from babyhood is non-negotiable. A basic cleanser that agrees with the child’s skin, a moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen are all essentials for children who don’t have problem skins and are not prone to skin illnesses like eczema.  Another factor when it comes to skin care is whether you are getting value for money.

When it comes to sunscreens, a broad spectrum, high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) stands sunscreens apart from regular moisturisers. Even if you have a moisturiser with a built-in SPF, it does not equate a sunscreen. People of colour have higher melanin in their skins which makes them more resistant to the sun and less susceptible to sun damage, but that does not mean they should compromise on the SPF. A higher SPF of 50 is always more effective than a lower SPF of 30. Sunscreens should also offer both UVA and UVB protection. Many sunscreens nowadays offer protection from unnatural light like the blue light coming off cell phones and computer screens. Sunscreens should be used daily, as the last step in your skincare routine in the morning, and at least 30 minutes before coming into contact with water. It should also be reapplied regularly, especially if you are exposed to water.

Saadiqah does not recommend serums for young skin, saying that “these are mainly for mature skin” and can cause harm when used on young skin. Such high concentrations of chemicals can disrupt a child’s natural skin barrier which in turn causes sensitivity, dryness and irritation. Moving into adulthood, this “can cause more harm than good”. However, Saadiqah says there are oil-based serums that are just a combination of healthy oils that don’t harm children’s skin.

It is not necessary to see a skin specialist unless your child suffers from a specific skin problem like eczema. Eczema is a complex condition that can be managed by:

1. Getting to know your child’s skin well.
2. Identifying factors that worsen the condition like using essential oils and fragrances that aggravate eczema, as these can cause allergies with long term use.
3. Limiting sun exposure.
4. Using mild laundry detergents.
5. Avoiding extremely hot water when showering.
6. Using fabrics that are breathable and reduce skin irritation.
7. Keeping the irritated areas dry.

Up until the age of puberty, all types of acids, retinoids, alcohol, fragrances, dyes and colourants formulated in skincare products are “major red flags when it comes to younger skin” and should be avoided. A basic skincare routine for younger kids includes cleansing, moisturising and applying sunscreen. As skin changes with puberty, an active ingredient can be added to target specific skin types. Cleansers target at your child’s skincare concerns; serums are for oily, acne-prone skin to balance the oil levels; and ceramides can be used for dry skin.

Experimentation with make-up varies across different ages and cultures. Girls should be taught to use make-up for fun but not to hide flaws. Make-up can worsen conditions like acne. It is essential to remove make-up at the end of the day with an oil-based cleanser to firstly bind to all of that make-up, and then a regular water-based one to wash it all away. It is important to take care of the skin under the make-up so as not to develop permanent damage like aggravated acne or early aging.

When children swim, one of the effects of chlorine on skin is that it is very drying. However, Saadiqah states that “water is a breeding ground for bacteria, so chlorine is essential”. Enough SPF should be applied on a child’s skin before they swim, giving it enough time to absorb before getting into the pool. Once kids are out of the pool, wash and rinse them off properly with soap to “cleanse the day away”. Use aloe-vera gel for burning and possible sun damage.

Natural and organic products may not always be as natural as they claim to be and can be unsafe to use for young children. Parents should be aware of the harms of natural ingredients that may not agree with young children by checking the list of ingredients in the product. Avoid products with alcohol, essential oils, fragrances and colourants. Clever marketing skills target younger children through social media, and brands will do anything to sell products. There are a lot of healthy, natural preservatives that increase the shelf life of a product and make it safe. Look for products that treat multiple concerns.

Saadiqah has developed her own skin care range called Bare Skin, and places emphasis on gentle, natural products.

Listen to the full interview on New Horizons with Faaiza Munshi.

Fresh cream

Yogurt

Green chilly

Garlic

Abit of red (ginger)/garlic) masala

Lemon juice

Lemon pepper

Aromat

Mixed herbs

Salt to taste

Marinate overnight or for a few hours. Skewer on sticks. Can be braaied or I just popped it into a hot oven for 15-20 mins. Just until done so that they don’t dry out. Serve with a side salad, pitas, yogurt and hummus.

3 cups cold water, divided

1 punnet fresh raspberries or frozen

5 black tea bags

Sugar free ginger beer 1 litre

Bring sugar and I cup water to a boil in a saucepan, add I he raspberries and boil until sugar is completely dissolved, and the mixture becomes syrupy.

Remove from heat, sieve through a juice sieve and remove all the seeds, leave the syrup I the fridge to cool. Let tea steep for about 5 minutes, or until tea reaches the strength you desire. Remove tea bags. Leave the tea to cool down and place in fridge to get cold. Make sure to use a glass bottle, plastic will change the taste and colour. Add ice into a jug, add in ice cubes, some lemon slices, add in raspberry syrup and the black tea. Top up with sugar free ginger Beer.

@whip it up with zee

Ingredients

500g beef with bones

2 onions finely sliced

2 tomatoes chopped

1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp salt or to taste

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp garam masala

2 large potatoes peeled and cut into chunks

1 tsp ground green chili

Optional

Fresh coriander leaves chopped for garnish

150 ml oil

2 glasses of water

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fry until they turn a light golden-brown colour. Add the beef and ginger garlic paste. Fry the meat until its well seared and the raw smell of garlic is gone. Add red chili powder, salt, turmeric, coriander powder and chopped tomatoes. Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring frequently until the oil separates from the masala spices, and the tomatoes have softened completely. Pour in 2 glasses of water, stir and cover the pot. Let the beef simmer until it becomes tender approximately 45-60 minutes stirring occasionally. Once the meat is cooked increase the heat to dry out any excess water and allow the oil to rise to the surface. Add the potato chunks pour in more water to cover the potatoes and cook until they become soft but still hold their shape. Once the potatoes are cooked check that the oil has separated and risen to the top. This indicates the curry is ready. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a sprinkle of ground green chili for added and heat

19 October 2024

3-minute read

With just a little over 3.5 million people, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, lies the tiny country of Georgia. Georgia, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is a country bounded on the north by Russia, on the east by Azerbaijan, on the south by Armenia and Turkey, and on the west by the Black Sea. Although not a common destination for most people, according to Dr Muhammad Akoojee, who completed his medical studies in Georgia, the astounding natural beauty of the country makes it a destination that should definitely be considered for anyone travelling to the Eastern European countries.

The easiest route for those wanting to travel to Georgia would be to fly to the UAE or one of the other Gulf countries and then catch a connecting 2-3hour flight onwards. For South Africans, there is the added advantage that there are no visa requirements so one could just book a flight without the schlepp of extra paperwork.

Georgia is situated in the Northern Hemisphere so they experience very cold winters in December and their summers in June tend to get extremely hot, with most people moving to the coastal region to escape the heat. Travel around Georgia is quite simple with minivans being the easiest and cheapest form of public transport. Tourists can do sightseeing in the old city of Tbilisi for architectural marvels and history; in Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin where there is a museum that captures his life story and the history of the Soviet Union, and in Batumi, the scenic area. For adventure seekers, there are numerous hiking trails across mountains that boast beautiful glacier lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.

The country only gained independence in 1991, and up until recently in 2008, Georgia underwent a war with Russia resulting in approximately 20% of the country being occupied by Russia. Georgia has a rich and diverse history. A mostly Orthodox Christian population, Georgians are a very warm and friendly people with a hospitable nature and good values ingrained within them. Historically, Islam reached Georgia in the 6^th or 7^th century when an army deputed by Hadhrat ‘Uthman RA arrived on the shores, and subsequently the capital city of Tbilisi was under Muslim rule for centuries. There is also a strong Muslim influence in the country with around 10% of Georgians following Islam. Muslims are concentrated in the North near Chechnya and Dagestan and in the East along the Turkish border. However, because of the Soviet Union, many masaajid were destroyed and Islam had to be practiced secretly for a long time. Halal food is relatively easy to find because of the Turkish influence and people in the country.

Doctor Muhammad lived in Georgia for a while to complete his studies in medicine and was inspired by the experiences he had at the university in Tbilisi. He says that although he did not know what to expect when he got there, he was relieved that the course work at the university he chose was in English, as the Georgian language is a very difficult one to learn. With great, educated professors making groundbreaking discoveries, the standard of education in Georgia is high. Many nationalities from around the world come to study there, and he learnt to interact with others, adapt to a different place, and gain a deeper understanding of people from all over.

Dr Muhammad said that visiting Georgia is a “worthwhile experience” and he would recommend Georgia as a family holiday destination for the incredible history, the amazing culture, and the awesome natural beauty the country has to offer, as well as it’s affordability in comparison with other European countries.

Listen to the full interview on The Weekend Breakfast Program with Ml Muhammad Kara.