Muslim Business Directory South Africa

lose weight

The best way to lose weight and keep the weight off is to change the way you 
eat on a daily basis, by choosing a variety of healthy foods and eating in 
moderation. This will ensure an adequate supply of antioxidants vital for 
boosting immunity and protecting the body against disease.
Here are some foods that studies support as being effective fat-burners, thus 
potentially aiding weight loss when eaten as part of a balanced, healthy diet.

Grapefruit
Naringenin, a flavonoid in grapefruit, balances out blood sugar levels and 
helps to prevent metabolic syndrome, a pre-diabetic condition associated with 
weight gain. Scientists at the University of Western Ontario found it worked by 
programming the liver to burn up excess fat, rather than store it.

When patients drank grapefruit juice before each meal, they lost between nearly 
4-10lb in weight over three months, according to a study at the University of 
California.

Chili Pepper
Capsaicin, the heat-producing molecule that gives chili peppers their kick, is 
thermogenic, meaning it speeds up metabolism and heat production. Research has 
found that cells can burn up to 25 per cent more calories after a person has 
eaten chili. Trials at Maastricht University found that chili peppers also 
reduce appetite by suppressing hunger and prolonging the feeling of fullness.

green tea
Green tea speeds up the rate your body burns cellular energy by up to 40 per 
cent, according to research reported in the American Journal of Clinical 
Nutrition.

The plant also increases the rate of fat burning. Researchers have found this 
effect is caused by the combination of caffeine and flavonoids found in the 
tea, whether it is drunk hot or cold.

cinnamon
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when 
volunteers were given rice pudding with three grams of cinnamon, they produced 
less insulin after the meal. Insulin is the hormone that turns excess sugar 
into fat, so this means less weight gain. Furthermore, cinnamon may slow down 
emptying of the stomach, meaning it can make you feel fuller for longer.

Coconut oil
Coconut fat has found to have fewer calories per gram than other fats, 
producing only 6.8 calories per gram rather than 9 calories like most fats. 
Unlike many others, calories in coconut oil act more like carbohydrates, being 
burned by the liver for immediate energy.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the body digests 
coconut oil more easily than the fats in butter or spreads, rapidly converting 
it into a source of energy.

Qurbani (Slaughtering)

WHY SHOULD ONE MAKE QURBANI?
According to Tirmizi Shareef and Sunan Ibn Majah, Hazrat Ayesha (radi Allahu 
anha) stated that Rasoolullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "The son of Adam does not do any action on the day 
of Qurbani which is more pleasing to
Allah than the sacrifice of animals; and he will come on the day of Qiyamah with 
it's hairs, horns and hooves (for
reward); and the blood (of the sacrificed animal) certainly reaches Allah before 
it falls down to the ground. So make
yourselves purified therewith."
In another Hadith related in Sunan Ibn Majah, Zaid bin Arqam reported that the 
companions of Rasoolullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) asked, "Oh! Messenger of Allah, what is this sacrifice?"
He said, "The way of your forefather (Prophet) Ibrahim (alaihis salaam)."
They said, "What is for us therein, O! Messenger of Allah?"
He said, "There is one reward for every hair."
They said, "For wool, O! Messenger of Allah?"
He said, "There is one reward for every strand of wool!"
WHEN MUST QURBANI BE MADE?
l Qurbani or Sacrifice is carried out from the 10th of Zil- Hijjah (i.e. from 
the day of Eid-ul-Adha) after the
completion of the Eid Salaah and Khutba, till sunset on the 12th of Zil- Hijjah. 
The times of preference for
Qurbani are the first day, i.e. the 10th of Zil-Hijjah from the completion of 
the Eid Salaah, followed by the
second day and lastly the third day.
l If for some reason, animals purchased for Qurbani are not slaughtered in the 
time and duration of the Qurbani
period, i.e. 10th, 11th & 12th of Zil-Hijjah, then such animals must be donated 
alive to charity.
WHO SHOULD MAKE QURBANI?
1. It is Waajib for every Muslim male and Muslim female who:-
a. has attained puberty (Baaligh)
b. is of sound mind (not insane)
c. possesses Nisaab for that moment in time, not necessarily for one Islamic 
calendar year (Nisaab is the
value of excess wealth which makes a Muslim liable for Zakaah i.e. The 
possession of, or equivalent
capital value of seven and half tolas gold (+ -3 ounces) or fifty two tolas of 
silver (+ - 20 ounces)
d. To make sacrifice in the Name of Allah
2. It is Waajib according to Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) and 
Sunnat-e-Mu'akidda according to
Islamic Article: Qurbani (Slaughtering) - Some Important Masaails
NooreMadinah Network - http://www.NooreMadinah.net
other Imams for Muslims to make Qurbani.
3. It is Waajib only for each Muslim male and female to make Qurbani for himself 
or herself; and not Waajib for
him or her to make Qurbani for any other member of his or her family. It is only 
his or her duty to guide or
instruct them to make Qurbani if they meet with the conditions of item in 1. 
above.
4. In the same manner as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, Qurbani is a Waajib obligation for 
Muslims every year on the occasion
of Eid-ul-Adha. It is not a once in a life-time duty.
5. It is permissible to make Qurbani in the name of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu 
alaihi wasallam) and his Ummah or
any other deceased Muslim as a Nafil Qurbani on condition that the person making 
the Nafil Qurbani has
discharged his obligation in his own Waajib Qurbani first.
6. It is not Waajib or necessary for the following people to make Qurbani:-
a. one who has not attained puberty (not Baaligh) even if he or she possesses 
Nisaab.
b. A traveller (who is not yet Muqeem).
c. One who does not possess Nisaab during that specific period in time.
d. On who may be in possession of Nisaab bit has turned insane.
7. Any Muslim male or female who is not liable for Qurbani but purchases an 
animal for Qurbani for the sake of
Almighty Allah, then the Qurbani becomes Waajib for him.
8. Qurbani cannot be undertaken on behalf of another person upon who Qurbani is 
Waajib, without his or her
prior consent.
WHAT ANIMALS MUST BE USED FOR QURBANI?
1. Only the following animals may be sacrificed for Qurbani:-
a. Goat and Sheep with a minimum of 1 year each.
b. Cattle with a minimum of 2 years.
c. Camels with a minimum of 5 years.
2. Each goat or sheep suffices for Qurbani for one Muslim male or female; 
whereas each head of cattle or camel
could represent the Qurbani for seven Muslim males and females, provided that:-
a. All seven participants have uniformity in Niyyah (i.e. either Qurbani or 
Aqeeqah).
b. All seven have an equal share, nobody is to have a larger portion than 
another even at the time of the
distribution of the meat.
3. It is permissible for less than seven people to have shares in a camel or a 
head of cattle for Qurbani; but not
permissible for more than 7 people to do so.
WHAT TYPE OF DEFECTIVE ANIMALS ARE TO BE AVOIDED?
The animals for Qurbani in the Name of Almighty Allah shall be in prime 
condition of health and free from defects.
The following defects in animals disqualifies them from being used for Qurbani:-
Islamic Article: Qurbani (Slaughtering) - Some Important Masaails
NooreMadinah Network - http://www.NooreMadinah.net
l Animals without ears or more than one third of the ear is defective, partially 
blind (one third or more), or
totally blind animals; animals with horns broken from the root; animals that 
have most or all their teeth
missing; animals which have limbs broken or used three legs to walk; animals 
with a third or more or their tail
cut off.
l Sick and emaciated animals that lack the ability to move or walk.
WHO SHOULD MAKE ZABAH OR SLAUGHTER AND WHAT IS TO BE RECITED?
1. Owners of Qurbani animals, whether male or female, who have the knowledge of 
making Zabah should
slaughter their own animals.
2. If other persons are appointed to slaughter on their behalf, then it is 
better for the owners of the Qurbani
animals to be present at the place and time of slaughter.
3. Before slaughtering, the following Dua should be recited: "Inni wajjahtu 
wajhiya lillazi fataras samawaati wal
arda hanifaw wa maaa ana minal mushrikeen. Inna salaati wanusuki wa mahyaya 
wamamati lillahi rabbil
a'lameen. La sharika lahu wabizaalika umirtu wa ana minal muslimeen. Allahumma 
minka walak."
4. The person should then slaughter the animal reading: "Bismillahi Allahu 
Akbar."
5. This Dua must also be read: "Allahumma takabalhu minni kama takabalta min 
habeebika Muhammadiw wa
Khaleelika Ibraheema alayhimas salaatu was salaamu."
SOME IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS ABOUT ZABAH
1. The knife for Zabah has to be sharpened to the optimum, and the slaughter 
should be carried out quickly and
effectively to minimise the suffering sustained by the animal.
2. The throat of the Qurbani animal should be cut in a manner to ensure that the 
gullet, the wind pipe and the
two external jugular veins are severed.It is Makrooh to severe the entire neck 
including the vertebrae. At least
3 of the four vessels mentioned above ought to be severed to meet Shari'ah 
requirements of proper Zabah.
3. Every effort should be made to ensure that animals are not slaughtered in the 
presence of other live animals.
4. In the process of slaughtering, the knife should be concealed till the moment 
of slaughter and the animal
should be placed such that it allows the person slaughtering the animal to face 
Qibla, as this is Mustahab.
5. The skinning of the slaughtered animal and dismembering of body parts should 
not commence until the
animal's carcase has turned cold.
6. If after slaughtering an animal it is discovered that the animal was pregnant 
and a live foetus appears in the
belly, then it is necessary to slaughter that foetus.
DISTRIBUTION OF QURBANI MEAT TO NON-MUSLIMS
Distribution of Qurbani meat or any other charity (sadqa) to "Harbi Kafir" is 
not permissable at all. It is mentioned in
Durr-e-Mukhtar: "Even though a Harbi Kafir is peace-wanting, charity is 
unanimously not permissable." In Behr-ur-
Raiq: "According to Shar'ah, giving something to a Harbi Kafir is not 
permissable, for no Sawaab can be gained
through this."
IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR MUSLIMS
Many people make Qurbani on behalf of their parents, grandparents, Prophets and 
Saints, and not on their behalf. By
doing so, they are neglecting their Waajib and thus become sinners through this 
action. Every Muslim must first make
Islamic Article: Qurbani (Slaughtering) - Some Important Masaails
NooreMadinah Network - http://www.NooreMadinah.net
Qurbani on their behalf first so that their Waajib is fulfilled. Only after the 
Waajib is completed and if one is able to do
so, can Qurbani be made on behalf of others.
It is preferable to make Qurbani on behalf of Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu 
alaihi wasallam) as it is virtuous and
beneficial and has his blessings. Our Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi 
wasallam) made Qurbani on behalf of all
the poor people of his Ummah. This shows the love that he possessed for his 
Ummah. Therefore, every Muslim who is
capable of making Qurbani on behalf of others should make Qurbani on behalf of 
our Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam).
ISLAMIC METHOD OF SLAUGHTERING
Those who are ignorant about the proper Islamic method that is carried out in 
the slaughtering of animals do not
hesitate in criticising Muslims and in regarding this Islamic method of 
slaughter as primitive, barbaric and a cruelty to
animals.
The aim of presenting this article is to inform the public that the Islamic 
method of slaughtering an animal is most
humane, painless and better than the current methods of mechanical and 
electrical stunning of animals that are
normally done in abattoirs.
In order for large meat industries and commercial establishments to provide a 
much higher production, they all favour
the method of mechanical and electrical stunning. They regard all other methods 
of slaughter as cruel and even
manage to get the support of Animal Rights groups to oppose the Islamic method 
of slaughter.
In the Islamic method of slaughtering an animal, the animal is slaughtered by a 
sharp object which is capable of
making it bleed by severing blood vessels. The slaughtering is to be done by 
cutting the throat of the animal or by
piercing the hollow of the throat, causing its death. The best way is to cut the 
windpipe, the gullet, and the two
jugular veins.
The wisdom of the Islamic rules of slaughtering is to take the animal's life in 
the quickest and least painful way; the
requirements of using a sharp instrument and of cutting the
throat relate to this end. No additional stunner is necessary. This method also 
allows for the most rapid and efficient
bleeding of the animal. When the sharp knife enters the tissues of the neck, its 
cuts open four big blood vessels in the
region. So much blood is lost so quickly that the animal becomes unconscious and 
feels no pain.
When the animal convulses, one gets the impression that it is undergoing pain 
and suffering. However, this is not the
case. In the Islamic manner of slaughtering, the spinal cord is not severed 
since the nervous connection between the
brain and the body is maintained so that all the blood is squeezed out of the 
body. When convulsion takes place, the
wringing actions of the muscles of the body on the blood vessels help to get rid 
of the maximum amount of blood
from the meat tissue. In fact, the occurrence of convulsions confirm that the 
animal is unconscious. Thus, the animal
also does not experience any pain.
In view of the above considerations, attempts to discredit the Islamic method of 
slaughter are ill-conceived. Based on
scientific evidence, it should not be too difficult for individuals and groups 
to give up their attempts to interfere with
religious beliefs and religious laws in general. The Islamic method of slaughter 
has stood the test of time and of
scientific enquiry and remains by far the best, the most efficient and the 
safest

AQEEQAH AND QURBANI

A misconception that has taken root in society is
that Aqeeqah takes preference over Qurbani.
It is vital to note that Qurbani is a Wajib
(compulsory) act whilst Aqeeqah is a Mustahab
(optional) act.
A Wajib form of Ibadah will always take
precedence over a Mustahab. By a person
possessing the Zakaat Nisaab amount during the
days of Eidul Adha i.e. 10, 11, 12 of Zul Hijjah,
Qurbani becomes Wajib upon him.
(adapted from Fatawa Mahmoodiyyah, Vol: 17, Pg: 512)
A person will not be sinful for omitting a
Mustahab act but will be sinful for omitting a
Wajib act. Thus Qurbani must be given
preference over Aqeeqah.

"THE POST EXAM AND FESTIVE PERIO

The Warning of the Qur'ân
"O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from the fire.."(Quran-
Surah 66 -6)
An Earnest Appeal to Parents
The post exam is a period of care-free relaxation and indulgence. It is the 
common practice of
students during this interim to indulge in frivolous pursuits not to mention 
haraam and abominable
actions. It is un-Islamic to get involved in those activities which attract the 
wrath of Allah. It is
extreme foolishness and utter dimwittedness to indulge in things which Allah 
has, explicitly through
the Qur'aan Majeed and Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam, forbade us from.
It is the objective of shaytaan, the accursed, to deviate the Muslimeen from the 
obedience of Allah
and Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam, by means of false promises and the notion 
that such - and -
such an activity is wide-spread and therefore acceptable. 0 parents, take heed 
of the warning given
by Allah and inculcate this awareness in our youth, for whom Allah has made us 
responsible.
"Lo! All of you are leaders and shall be questioned on the day of Judgement in 
respect of your trust.
So, the king is head unto his subjects and shall be question in respect of them, 
the husband is a
head unto his wife and shall be questioned in respect of her, the wife is a head 
unto her husband's
house and the children, and shall be questioned in respect of them all; the 
slave is-a watchman unto
his master's effects and shall be questioned in respect of those. So you all 
shepherds and you shall
be questioned in respect of that entrusted to you." (Bhukhari - Muslim)
Parents, Are you Prepared to see your Beloved Burning ?
If a child is set alight, flailing his arms and screaming in agony, will any 
respected human being,
forget a parent, be able to witness such horror without it affecting the heart 
and forcing the body
into action, to extinguish such fire? It is not possible for any person to be a 
passive spectator in
such an event. Therefore, how is it possible for us as parents to allow our 
children to engage in
activities which only paves the way to ultimate destruction, i.e. Jahannam, not 
to mention, the
Jahannam we light in our hearts right here in this earthly life when we suddenly 
realize that our dear
children have become involved in some destructive addiction or haraam 
relationship. By then it is
too late. Let us act now and secure our youths future.
Parents! Allah's commandments are being broken without any fear of causing the 
anger of Allah,
thus leading them to the fire of Jahannam. What are we doing to save our dear 
and beloved ones?A
man's daughter, sister and wife are all over the world held in very high esteem 
by the family
members, and as such, regarded sacred, so much so that if a stranger happens to 
molest them, it is
almost synonymous to death to the families of these people. History bears 
witness to the fact that,
in order to preserve one's honour and dignity, a dignified person leaves no 
stone unturned even if
he has to spend every cent he possesses to achieve this end. Today, despite 
widespread
permissiveness, this inherent attitude in man still prevails very strongly, yet 
we Muslims show
indifference and continue recklessly along the path of degradation and 
destruction. History bears
witness that no nation on the earth was able to retain its power, glory and 
strength when it chose to
disregard the law of Allah that governed it. Obedience to and respect for the 
law of Allah is the only
means wherewith a nation can retain its dignity, power and glory. Flagrant 
disobedience of Allah's
law leads to certain destruction. Shall we then go on to aid and abet the un-
Islamic order of society
and way of life, and thereby cause Muslims to be annihilated?
On the other hand, every Islamically respectful manner and dignified attitude 
has been abandoned
and jettisoned by Muslims countrywide. It is hurtful and repugnant to see that 
Muslims regard
permissiveness and everything that Allah abhors as lawful and dignified, thus 
inviting the wrath and
anger of Allah.They care not, and remain unmindful of crossing the boundaries 
set out by Allah for
the preservation of human dignity and instead they indulge freely and willfully 
in the taking of
intoxicants which is declared by Allah to be the storehouse and mother of all 
sins, which are
abominable to Allah.
Some Despicable Activities commonly engaged in by the Youth:
1. Parties
2. Time being spent at evil places
3. Associating with friends who have evil habits
4. Alcohol and drugs
5. Gang fights
6. Pornography
7. Cellphone/mobile/internet chatrooms [such as Mix it etc]
8. Returning home in the early parts of the morning[especially during christmas 
and new years
eve]
9. Intermingling of sexes
10.Zina (adultery, fornication)
The Solution

 Do not send them to school after exams unless proper control and supervsion is 
present.

 To keep them busy.Explore contructive deeni ways to keep them occupied.

 Encourage reading of good Islamic Books.

 To send the males in the path of Allah

 Females to participate in taleemi programmes and da'wah activities held in the
neighbourhood.

 To assist widows and the sick

 Males to participate in volunteer work e.g. any Islamic activities supported 
and
supervised by Ulema.

 Visiting patients in hospital

 And if your children wish to go on any outings then accompany them to such 
places, if
such places are Islamically acceptable, otherwise prohibit them from going.

 Try and engage in ISLAMIC ACTIVITIES like memorization of Qur'an and the Zikr 
of Allah.

 Make available some good Islamic cd's such as lectures, nasheeds,quran,zikr etc

 Ensure punctuality in Prayers at its FIXED times.
*SPEND AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR KIDS!!!!!...There is NO substitute to 
Parental
Guidance & Supervision!!!!
IMPORTANT: Don't forget to ask Allah for Protection & Help as Nothing can be 
achieved without the
help of Allah!
The Messenger of Allah Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has 
informed us that the
Dua of a father in favour of his child is definitely accepted by Allah! 
(Timidhi, Ibne Majah)-Hadith

First Ten Days of Zul-Hijjah

First Ten Days of Zul-Hijjah
The first ten days of Zul Hijjah are among the most magnificent days in Islamic
calendar. The Holy Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam, has said, "One fast 
during
these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one 
night
during this period is equal to the worship of "Lailatul-Qadr". (Tirmizi)
Every Muslim should avail oneself of this wonderful opportunity by performing as
much Ibadah (acts of worship) as he or she can during this period.
The 9th day of Zul Hijjah
The 9th day of Zul Hijjah is called Yowmul-Arafah (The Day of Arafah). This is 
the date
when the Hujjaj (Haji pilgrims, plural of Haji) assemble on the plain of Arafat, 
six miles
away from Makkah al-Mukkarramah, where they perform the most essential part of 
the
prescribed duties of hajj, namely, making Tawbah (repenting) at the Wuqoof of 
Arafat.
The Fast of Youmul Arafah
For those not performing hajj, it is Mustahab (desirable) to fast on this day 
according to
their calendar. It sometimes occurs that 9th Zul Hijjah falls on different days 
in different
countries according to the sighting of the moon. In such cases, Muslims of each 
country
should observe Yowmul Arafah according to the lunar dates of their own country.
The fast of Yowmul Arafah has been emphasized by the Holy Prophet, Sallallaahu 
Alayhi
Wa Sallam, as a Mustahab (desirable) act. According to a Hadith, the fast of 
this day
becomes a cause of forgiveness for sins committed in the past and future year. 
(Muslim)
Takbir-e-Tashreeq
Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Zul Hijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th, 
it is
obligatory on every Muslim male to recite the Takbir-e-Tashreeq after every Fard 
Salaah
(in congregation or alone) in the following words: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, 
La Ilaha
Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd. (There is no god but 
Allah and
Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.)
For women it is commendable though not obligatory. However, male Muslims should
recite it in a loud voice, while females should recite it in a low voice.
May Allah Ta’aala enable us to use these blessed days in attaining His pleasure.