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Dear Sisters,
The first quarter of 2019 has indeed
begun with a rousing start. It is
appreciated that many individuals,
businesses and causes have reached
out since my last column.
I look forward to profiling many of these worthy projects this year on this page, with the hope that
our readers will learn more about organizations featured and the good work done - and hopefully
support in whichever capacity is possible, whether it be time, a donation or even a follow on social
media and a kind word of support- As I believe it is important to acknowledge and amplify the good we see
around us.
We began the year collaborating with Noorul M Promotions
and the MSA Wits Med for World Hijab Day 2019. It
was encouraging to have an open conversation with the
youth in particular, across cultures about what the hijab
represents to us. We have more similarities than
differences than we realise. I appreciated how relatable
things are if only we talk about them with respect openly
as sisters and share our views and thoughts in a safe and
encouraging space. We had a lot of fun styling each others
hijabs and many non-hijabis were pleasantly surprised and
felt beautiful in their various colours and styled “doekies”.
A special Thank You to the Vaal Muslim Women's Forum and ladies from Roshnee who
generously donated gently worn Abayas and Hijabs for the Al Mubarak Islamic Institute in
Ennerdale.
Secondly, we learnt about a heartwarming initiative called Mini
Miracles, an NPO that provides 'hospital gift packs' containing
maternity pads, wet wipes, nappies, bum creams, Dettol, baby soaps,
baby creams, Vaselines, linen savers, baby vests/growers blankets
and snacks for mums and a few more items that are needed after
birth. Razeena Saloojee from Northcliff in Johannesburg shared her
personal story on why she began this journey. “I have severe
endometriosis and it took me ten years to fall pregnant with many
ups and many downs. Alhamdullilah I finally fell pregnant but I
miscarried on my first pregnancy. Not long after that I fell pregnant
for the second time.
At 20 weeks I had complications and feared the worst that the same would happen again, I was
on strict bed rest in hospital. At 26 weeks gestation I gave birth to my little Faariha who weighed
in at 560grams. My dolly stayed 98 days in hospital in ICU with no complications,
Alhamdullilah!” Little Faariha is now three years old and Razeena and her husband have made a
commitment to “give back” to mothers in need instead of throwing lavish birthday parties for
their little girl each year.