The Facebook Like - Poem

You see a post, from someone you once met,

It looks great and you hit like, 

Even though the person, in real life, you dislike. 

You’d never speak to her if you saw her in the same room, 

Yet you pretend that the things she posts are cool, 

You make yourself believe, that by posting and liking, 

It's what makes you social and popular.

What you forget is that Facebook likes are dime a dozen, 

and a true conversation is rare and absent, 

in which you listen when friends speak,

where you make connections and bonds, 

that last a lifetime, and a friendship so unique.

So stop liking the posts and get out there, 

Make a friendship, that lasts a lifetime.

Listen and be there for your family, 

Instead of sitting and liking a post, 

from someone who in your life, is lost!

* PS: I do like and enjoy Facebook. I think its a useful medium to interact with other people, you can connect with long lost friends and learn so much more. This poem is to encourage us to get out there and make more meaningful experiences! :) 

Enjoy your day! :) 

Cacao 70 Review, Montreal & Ottawa

Cocoa 70; endless possibilities of chocolate. Who can resist that? Of course, we went to the restaurant more often than we would have liked to! The decor and ambiance of the restaurant just makes you feel so welcome, with its oranges and browns. Its inviting and comfortable.

The chairs of the place distinctly remind me of the science of restaurant seating. They say that the chairs in a restaurant should be inviting and comfortable enough for the customers to want to come, sit and enjoy their meal. However, they should not be extra comfortable so as to prevent the customer from leaving once he has completed his meal.  The decor and ambiance of the place definitely gets a thumbs up!

We enjoyed browsing the menu as we foud that it has many options and varieties. Breakfast, brunch, desserts - all in one place. What more can you ask for? We ordered the veggie frittata and the dark and milk chocolate crepe. Both these meals come with a chocolate fondue and fruits. They were divine! Llook at the pictures and you will be able to feel what I am trying to convey. Who can resist that eh? 

 The frittata also came with coffee. Ofcourse, for Canadian's it was not as good as Tim Hortons coffee, but it was pretty good! I love that they bring the frittata in the pan they baked it in. Its tasty, delicious and eggy. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

The crepe was my favourite part of the meal! Before I tried this crepe, i was not too fond of white chocolate since I always liked the taste of Cocoa. However, this combination of dark and white chocolate - was divine!


The other desserts to try are the chocolate pizza and their fondue. They are both amazing and you can find their pictures below.

The only thing that was disappointing about this place was its service. In Montreal, the server seemed a bit cold when we went to check the place without dining in. When we told her that we were not going to be dining in today - she almost looked offended. However, the next times we went in, the service was good.

In Ottawa, we had a horrible experience with the bill. We ordered the chocolate fondue and the initially brought us the wrong one - we didn't know as it was our first time. They brought us a large one and the triple chocolate [dark, milk and white] whilst we just asked for double. We ate it since they had already brought it out. Whilst paying for the bill, they initially brought us someone else's bill. Thank God I checked before paying - so they went and brought the correct bill. Unfortunately for me, I assumed the second bill to be correct. After paying I realized that they charged me for the bigger fondue and I asked them and they said that you ate the double one. When I mentioned that I wasn't aware it was a double and I had asked for a single, I was told, "You have already eaten it!" and then walked away. That was just a horrible experience. Honestly, the Ottawa location has put a damper in my fond memories of the Montreal location.


Now coming to the main part- the prices. The frittata was $12.50, the black and white crepe roll was $11, chocolate pizza was $13.75, and the double classic fondue is $15.50 - but seriously, 3 people could easily eaten them!  Even though these prices are a tad bit on the pricey side, you have to consider that they give you an appetizer with most meals. They always have the chocolate fondue with fruits to begin with, even for the frittata. Also, I consider this restaurant is a celebratory restaurant. One could go there for birthdays, anniversaries and on special occasions. Well made chocolate deserves to be included in our celebrations, doesn't it?

Seriously true!! 

I don't dream - Poem

I don't dream of being in the Maldives, 

I don't feel like roaming this beautiful earth, 

When kids are being washed ashore, 

like dead fish they lay on the ground alone, 

The world looks by and doesn't do anything, 

What good is a world that ignores a baby?

Hussain had to fight one Yazeed, 

Who refused water to six month old Asghar, 

The basic human right of every human being.

Today the world stands by watching, 

Like it's entertainment, thus we ignore, 

The child lies dead alone on the shore!

O Lovers of God, where is our conscience, 

I dream of a world where every man, woman and child, 

Is free with equal opportunity, 

Where justice flourishes and no one goes hungry.

When will such a day come, I wonder, 

But we have been told,

"They think the advent is far, 

But verily it is near, And they think it is near, 

But verily it is far."

I dream of a world in which I never have to see

such atrocities to an intolerable degree 

where women are raped and used as slaves, 

Men shot for merely believing differently, 

The indifference to the plight of the elderly and children, 

I dream of a world that will never witness such atrocities.

* The Image was taken from Muslim Mama on Facebook.

The above poem was inspired as I was browsing through Facebook. I saw a post of someone saying Maldives is heaven and then I saw the picture above of the Syrian refugee Aylan Kurdi who was only three years old. It really hit me then, how desensitized we have become, how nothing really shakes the world. People often ask, couldn't the Kufians see that this Imam, was the best of creation? Yet they killed him? I think I can begin to understand how they had become desensitized and detached to the family of the Prophet [pbuh]. I believe, we are falling into the same pattern all over again!

For more information about Hussain, who stood against oppression, for justice and equality;  please visit www.whoishussain.org

Candy Labs Montreal

After our unsatisfactory meal at lechateau kebab in Montreal, we decided to burn off the unappetizing calories we gained by walking downtown and taking the longer route to the metro station.

Just as we were casually browsing, we saw Candy Labs! Being curious, we decided to walk in the store! And my-oh-my! We were instantly transformed to children in a candy store, except this was for adults! It was one of the most 'kawaai'* stores ever! Plus, it smelled great. We later found out that the owners had recently hand-made key-lime candies. You can watch the video preparation of these candies here. 

Some flavours

Candy labs is a new store in Montreal,  and what else do they make but candies? Duh!  They make bite size candies with a variety of flavours.  My favourite thing about these nibble sized candies are that they give you the burst of flavour, which satisfies my cravings without the extra calories. It honestly can't get any better! 

Their packaging is also so cute -they actually use test tubes to pack their candies in a visually appeasing array of colours. They have different sizes and shapes and they use a bear packaging for birthdays or special events. It's even possible to personalize the candies for any occasion. We thought that these would be perfect as wedding favour gifts! 

The cherry on the cake for this store is that it is hand-crafted right here in Canada. It is 100% vegan and alcohol free, and truly caters to all kinds of markets. I love that as a muslim, I can totally eat all their candies without any worry of alcohol or rennet. 

The owners Mei & Lin are extremely friendly and we hope to see them and their candies in Toronto very soon! :) 

Enjoy the bon bon and do visit the store when you are next in Montreal!

You can also check out their website and Facebook page. 

*kawaai = cute in Japanese! They have a huge demand for cute things as it's part of their culture. The cuter things are the more people like it over there! 

A different kind of post: Lazeez review!

Peace and blessing to you all!

Its been a long time since my last post.*Phew* Finally broke the writers block.Today's post is going to be different from all my other posts : It's going to be a review - of a restaurant!! I know, i know, I am not one to be considered a foodie; although I do like little but good & tasty food. We often go out and try different places, so we thought 'why not blog about our experiences?' Now here we are.

After Mahe Ramadhan it has been really difficult to get back on to our healthy eating and exercise routine, it's crazy how all the self-restraint we learn during the holy month becomes futile on the days after Eid - and we had a similar experience! We have been eating and drinking very unhealthily for the past weeks after Eid.



Thus, went to the restaurant called 'Lazeez Shawarma & Mediterranean grill' for Brunch. It has a lovely aura when you walk in with trees and an aquarium.  Its relatively spacious, well laid out as well as quiet.  Some of the seats were old and needed to be maintained. Don't be fooled by the appearance since for the hour that we were there, there was always a line up - albeit sometimes a small line up of 2 people.


We ordered the lazeez on the rocks meal with half fries and half rice. The owner was accommodating to provide that option. The meal was tasty with both rice and fries. There was a few sauces [garlic and probably tahini] that made it very tasty and spicy. Another thing I liked about this place is that their hot sauce was a tad bit hot. I wouldn't say fierce hot, but good enough for me!


The staff are also friendly and helpful. I asked for extra hot sauce and they said it was .50$ extra, when i went to get the money; the server said not to worry about it! I thought it was petty to get customers to pay extra for chilli sauce. However, ketchup was free. I am not too fond about restaurants charging for condiments, it makes them look cheap - however, this is not your usual fine dining scene. This restaurant is almost like a fast food place to pop in and pop out. It also works since its in a plaza, which also has 'No Frills.' Hello groceries? I am taking a break and going to eat lazeez on the rocks!!

Since it's a fast food/take out restaurant, the prices are reflective of this. They have affordable specials for everyday of the week, for instance, 2 chicken/beef shawarmas for 9$. Perfect for students!  We paid $12 for our large meal - lazeez on the rocks, including a mango drink, and it was still too much for us [we are not big eaters].

Over all, I would say this is a tasty and good restaurant. One that we would go to again :) Have you been to this restaurant? And what did you think of it ?

Poem: Like moth to flame

The flag stands firm, before you O Hussain, 

It protects you from every harm and every pain, 

It stands firm and protects you O Hussain, 

For with loyalty we flock to you O Hussain. 

Like moth to flame, we flock to you O Hussain.

I look and weep for your tragedy is great, 

The others look at us with contempt and hate, 

They attack us and tell us Hell is your fate, 

We smile back and say, is not Ali standing on Heavens gate?

Like moth to flame, we flock to you O Hussain, 

When you were outnumbered and left alone, 

You wavered not, nor did you falter, 

For Allah's religion, everything you gave, 

I sit here and weep for O Hussain, my master Husain. 

Like moth to flame, we flock to you O Hussain, 

Fourteen Hundred years after your day, 

I sit and weep, people wondering if I am insane, 

I look at your day and wonder, 

Why on your day there is no thunder, 

Knowing the skies weep and heaven rents asunder, 

Like  moth to flame, we flock to you O Hussain

We bring our children to you Hussain, 

Hoping they can serve your Mehdi in every way, 

For the battle began with You in Kerbala, 

but injustice will end with him, 

When he come to us, like the sunlight ray, 

Like moth to flame, we flock to you O Hussain

Bless us to continue serving you O Hussain, 

For Zahra prays for the one who serves you Hussain. 

Like moth to flame, we flock to you O Hussain.

For because of you, the earth receives rain, 

And all goodness does the earth retain, 

For the sacrifice you gave for Islam, 

The world echoes Allah's name. 

Like moth to flame, we flock to you O Hussain

Poem: Giving to Hussain

Give your life to Hussain, 

He'll see that you have no pain,  

A tear can cause a big change,

For with Hussain Allah says,

'For the one who gave everything in my name, 

Is it not fair that I do the same?' 

                  

Thus,  give your years and tears to Hussain, 

There is a guarantee it won't go in vain,

On the day of Mehshar at the mizan, 

You'll be tired but you'll be told ,

Enter heaven through Rizwan.

Because for him, everything you sold!

You are never alone

Ever wondered what makes me me? What makes her her and him him?

Ever wondered if we are all unique, why it is so difficult to find what makes me me?

Ever wondered if we are all unique, why do we have so many similarities? We have similar motivations, dreams, desires and drawbacks in life that pull us down?

A month ago, I attended a self-help empowerment seminar in Dar Es Salaam. During the course of the  event, we were all given a plank of wood. We were told to write down 3 things that we think are hindering our progress/growth. Something or even someone, who is chaining our ankles. There were more than 80 people in that room. And guess what? Everyone could write down 3 things that are hindering them. Some people, wrote in code/sign and others in a different language. However, evetone had minimum 1 drawback.

The weird thing was that a lot of people had similar drawbacks. Some wrote that their finances were a set back, some didn't have enough time to accomplish their goals, some mentioned that their family was not supportive and some mentioned that they themselves were hindering their progress.

So if you look around, we actually are more similar than we think. We all face similar challenges and similar dry runs.

If you ever despair and think you are alone in your trials or tribulations, fear not. There are many people before you who have gone through similar situations and remember, 'this too shall pass.'

Be blessed!

How much do we actually need? Kibaha experiences!

Approximately 2 months back, I went to an orphanage in Kibaha, just outside Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

It was a two week summer camp in which we had islamic lessons in the mornings and we volunteered in the evening and sometimes at nights.

We also went to see the nearby homes and orphan shelter. We went to one orphan shelter that was really heart breaking. In one room, there were several children - more than 10 sleeping; but according to people, that is 'normal,' but there was another thing that was even more heartbreaking - these children had no pillows to sleep on!! Isn't is sad how some of us live the most luxurious life and just two hours away from us there is someone who does not even have a pillow to sleep on?

This brings me to the main reason of this article, how much do we really need in life? I am talking about material possessions; how many pairs of clothes, shoes, cars, handbags do we 'need.' I am first talking to myself before I tell anyone else. This article is the realisation I had in Kibaha.

I brought with me 2 pairs of shoes, 4 pairs of clothes, 5 scarves, 3 chaadhars, some toiletries and medicines, and my gadgets. I didn't take alot as I thought that it was near home. Incase I need something, It can either be sent to me or I can go pick it up..

The surprising thing was that I didn't need anything else. That was enough for me! I looked presentable daily with only so little! Realization upon realization dawned...

How much do you think you actually need?

QArabic Prophet Abraham L6 P3

Salaaam..

Hope you all are good and enjoying Eid! 

I was having a creative-mind mapping-block, and finally I got through it after months!! It feels great to get over that slump and finish one more QArabic Mind map! 

The words covered in this lesson are: Remember, We took, He chose, Upright, He was not, Truthful, Faith, She was, He named, and Nearest. Find the mindmap below:

QArabic L6 P3

Have a good day! 

Eid Greetings Video!!

Here's wishing all of you a Joyous and Prosperous Eid!! 

Enjoy the Biriyani!! 

Poem: A month ago..

A month ago we received a guest, 

It came knocking at our door, 

10 days earlier than last year.

It brought with it countless blessings, mercy and love.

My days are numbered it said.

Lets have the best month we've ever had.

A  month passes and I  neglect the guest,

It turns around to leave as I realise my mistake, 

I look at the guest leaving with tears, 

Hoping that if life allows, 

We meet again Next year!  

Poem: 19th Night Moon...

I look up to see the moon, 

blazing with light, 

tonight is the night, 

it witnessed a tragedy, 

1400 years ago.

The moon laments, 

with its brilliant light, 

tomorrow, the ill-fated day, 

Where Ali shall be stuck,

And Zainab shall weep, 

All before tomorrow, twelve noon.

I am sure the moon crisply remembers, 

The commader of the faithful, 

Going to the masjid to Pray to his Lord, 

And always the first to follow God's rule,

The moon is thankful for the clouds, 

For it shall not see, 

The daughters of Zahra,

 weeping and lamenting, 

The moon shines bright again tonight, 

Trying to show the world with its little light, 

What it sees, from far above,

He sees my master shedding tears tonight, 

by remembering the oppression on his kinfolk, 

And praying for his Reappearance, 

so he can undo the wrongs

and establish on this Earty justice and equity! 

That is the hope of the believer, 

And good news for the one who hears! 

A Gift for the Holy Month of Ramadhan!

To all my readers, I’d like to present a small gift through this article for the beginning of this holy month. This is something that I learnt in a recent series of Islamic lectures I attended at Wipahs, Kibaha in Dar Es Salaam. I would like to say a word about Dua. This is a word we hear often and its one of many relevant words of this holy Month.

This is the Month where Allah[swt] opens the doors of His mercy and His forgiveness. So much so that even breathing is considered as Glorification of Allah and Sleeping is considered worship!! This it the month where the Holy Quran was revealed. The month in which we ask Allah[swt] for our wants and needs.

With regards to Dua, we learn the method from Sahifa e Kamila in which there are many Duas and the Imam teaches us how to Ask Allah[swt]. The Imam[as] starts by praising Allah[swt] and mentioning the qualities of Allah[swt]. After praising Allah[swt], Imam mentions his own humility and his own nothingness infront of Allah[swt]. He then sends salutations on the Holy Prophet and his progeny. Now, he asks for his wants and desires by phrasing it in such a way that he is asking for the Duniya as well as the Akhirah. And then sends salutations to the Holy Prophet and his progeny whilst ending the supplication. 

The thing that struck me the most during these lectures was that How many of us ask Allah[swt] for things but not expecting to attain it? I know that I myself am guilty of this. For instance we ask Allah[swt] for things but then we apply logic and our own circumstances to the situation. For example I ask Allah[swt] for a Ferrari but in my heart I think that my pay is less and that I would have to save for 5 years to get a Ferrari or that my situation wont allow me to buy one! 

This mentality is incorrect when asking Allah[swt]. Some scholars say that Allah [swt] does not give us what we ask of HIM rather He gives us what we Expect of Him!! It is important to remember that we, Human beings are bounded by laws and Our Rabb, Our Lord can Do anything that He[swt] wills. Thus when we ask, We should remember to ask ONLY Him and remember that He is the only One who can give us what we desire and that He is not bounded by the laws - but the creator of those laws! Believe that He shall give and you will receive, Inshallah.

Finally, in this Holy Month when making Duas please remember my family and myself.

I pray that Your Duas are answered and you are enveloped in the mercy, grace and Love of Allah[swt]. 

Ma’salaam. 

Poem: Things need to be defined.

As the years go by, 

and understanding dawns upon you, 

there comes a point, 

where you realise that

things need to be defined! 

Ask questions deep down to yourself, 

what it is that makes you care, 

And ways in which you can help,

by bring peace to a person or two, 

and making this world a better place, 

even by a word or two.

When you find that place, 

be grateful that you have found, 

clarity in a world

that is in a mess.

This poem was inspired by a question  I didn't know how to reply to!  

Poem: Meeting Bahlool

I walk in the street, 

My head upwards in conceit, 

I look around to see, 

a man sitting beneath a gum tree, 

scruffy looking with torn clothes,

mumbling something under his nose, 

'For sale, For Sale, Here, for sale is Paradise'

I look around, and see no one in the shadows, 

As the sun continues to rise. 

He looks at me and says, 

'this is one chance, never to come again'

I think to myself, 'from this craziness I better abstain'

His name is Bahlool and he is know as majnun.

What will be the reaction to meeting Bahlool? 

A man who pretends to be crazy, 

On the orders from imam a ج, a command that is hazy, 

Yet he follows the orders to a T. 

I hear people calling him crazy, 

yet I know, he thinks of me the same way.

How you ask?  I am perfectly sane,

Bahlool would look at me and say, 

"Mahjabeen, you are crazy about the duniya again,

Is there a more delusional and destructive thing such as it?

Yet, they call me insane, unaware that this is the domain, 

Of God Almighty!  Where can I even begin to explain!"

I am once again dumbfounded by this realisation, 

That the world is but a temptation, 

blinded by it would lead nothing, 

and definitely not what people look for - liberation.

*The above poem was inspired by a recent majalis [religous social gathering] that I attended. 

QArabic L6 P2 Prophet Abraham.

Salaaam..

Hope you all are good and enjoying the joys of life!!!

I am finally back to mind-mapping after an extra long vacation! 

The words covered in this lesson are: Those who submit, one who submits, covenant, prophets, father, they all followed, Jew, son, we gave, prophet, and Musa. Find the mindmap below:

QArabic L6 P2

Enjoy your week!! 

QArabic Prophet Abraham Lesson 6 Part 1

Salaam, 

Hope you enjoyed the last 5 lessons! 

Lesson 6 Part 1 is on Prophet Abraham and the words included are: Family, Exemplar, Good, Imran, Maryam, Isa, Christian, Hikmah, Home, Ibrahim and Adam. 

Since this lesson had many names, I found it a bit difficult to make a genral association for the names but I tried my best. I’d recommend you put your own pictures If you know any people with the same names. Although I know a few people with similar names, I don’t think they’d be very pleased to see their picture on the mindmap for public viewing.

Click on the link below Lesson 6 Part 1 on Prophet Abraham: 

Quranic Arabic L6 P1 Prophet Abraham

Have a good day! 

PS: No copy right intended. All mind maps are created by zestcube and any usage is ONLY for educational purposes. It must not be used or distributed for any other purposes. If there is a photo that has your copy right on it, kindly contact me and I will remove it from the website. 

Quranic Arabic Prophethood L5 P3

Salaam Alaykum,

This is my last mindmap on Lesson 5. Also this is the last mindmap before the first test!

The words covered in this mindmap are clear evidences, He said, with, gives authority to, they/them, certain, they bought, we raised, we revealed, Be God wary, you all. 

Click on the link below to find the Mindmap of lesson 5 part 3 on Prophethood:

QArabic Prophethood L5 P3

In this mindmap for 'He said' which is Qala in Arabic I have put a black dot as Kala means black in Hindi. Also for Certain I have put a picture of a curtain as they sound similar. 

May you be blessed. 

PS: No copy right intended. All mind maps are created by myself and any usage is ONLY for educational purposes. It must not be used or distributed for any other purposes. If there is a photo that has your copy right on it, kindly contact me and I will remove it from the website. 

Quranic Arabic Prophethood L5 P2

Salaam,

The words covered in this mind map are witness, rebels, but, Nuh [as], book, Shuayb [as], messenger, trustworthy. 

Click on the link below to find the Mindmap of lesson 5 part 2 on Prophethood:

QArabic Prophethood L5 P2

May you be blessed!

PS: No copy right intended. All mind maps are created by myself and any usage is ONLY for educational purposes. It must not be used or distributed for any other purposes. If there is a photo that has your copy right on it, kindly contact me and I will remove it from the website.