It's a Wrap! (Almost)

Hi Lovely Readers!

The time for me to say goodbye to my temporary charges is almost here, a few more sleeps to go and they'll be back with their parents. It's been a chaotic 6 weeks, whilst also being extremely enlightening. I have learnt so much, there have been so many lessons I've had to learn and I've had to draw on resources within myself which I didn't even realise I had.

The biggest lesson I learnt (again) is that I am certainly not in control of my life, and I say this with a smile on my face; I had always stated emphatically that I was done with babies, sleepless nights, nappy changes and baby throw-up all over my clothes. My baby is at an age where he is independent and I am able to move about without restriction. And then bam! ... My Creator decreed that this was not for me to decide and gifted me with two little ones to caretake for a few weeks. And there we were, back to nappy changes, bathing a baby and toddler, feeding them via trial and error (I could not remember what to feed the one year old!), baby throw up, sniffles, and teething and so on...

Lesson: Watch what you say... you never know what life will hand you 🤭

When people heard that I had accepted the honour of looking after my brother's babies, they were sympathetic, wishing me well and saying I was brave. My response was that it was really a no-brainer, they were going for an ibadah, to fulfil the final pillar of their faith. How could I not embrace the privilege of looking after our esteemed pilgrims dearest kids? I also held fast onto the belief that Allah SWT would not place an insurmountable burden on me, especially if it was in the way of an ibadah. So while it was really busy, and a shock to my household, I also realise that it was so much easier than I had anticipated. And this taught me the lesson that having faith in my Creator is the best way to deal with any situation I may find difficult. HE will bring me through any difficulty I may face. ♥️

Furthermore, I was thrown in the deep end, so to speak, and having to navigate my way through having 5 kids overnight. However, as crazy as it was, these little ones brought a lightness into the home, a busyness to our lives and kept us on our toes. 

Lesson: with every trial there is a positive outcome, whether it's just the life lesson or an actual tangible advantage (like the kids laughter, the toys scattered around the house and the liveliness at the supper table).

During this time we were very restricted as a family, as a couple, and so was I. My time was no longer my own, my sleep was frequently broken, and I was constantly picking up after the little ones. But despite this new landscape, the sudden change meant I had to draw on resources deep within. I needed to access a well of patience (with myself) and learn to accept that things wouldn't always happen when I need them to, or on my terms. My (now infrequent) control freak had to be put to rest completely if I were to remain sane. I had to learn to not be too hard on myself when a day passed and I didn't get to do everything I had intended to. Or when my work suffered, or when dinner was late... I started off trying to keep my life as it had been before and this was a huge mistake. I had to learn to integrate my independent life with my now restricted life- which was hard for me. Learning to say no to dinner dates and suppers, putting birthday celebrations on hold, managing an even crazier Eid were all things I had to manage. It may have been unfortunate, and it meant that I was unable to connect with friends as I usually do, unable to attend early bridal showers and events. It was a time to be still and absorb the beauty of this time, the pilgrimage. 

I am thankful for the gift of this stillness, as I was able to reflect on my Hajj of the previous year, and be in touch with this years Hujaaj. It was a gift to relive my experience, while there were so many pilgrims keeping me and my family in their prayers, Algamdulilah.

Today's lookpost is therefore a celebratory one, wrapping up my lessons of the past 6/7 weeks. It is appropriate that it should feature the classic wrap dress, a classic silk scarf and classic leopard print pumps. 

Outfit Details:

For U Clothing Wrap Dress 

Opulence Silk Scarf

Nine West leopard heels

Sunglasses old

YSL Vintage bag

H & M Stockings 

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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#HajjSeries... Madinah continued

Asalaamu Alaykum Readers, 

I greet you with the universal greeting of peace...

PEACE

A feeling one experiences every single day in Madinah, this most beautiful and tranquil city. Each day one walks in the footsteps of our Great Islamic leaders, martyrs and caliphs (teachers of Islam). The Mosque of the Prophet (PBUH) is one of the most sacred sites in the world, and as I walked around the area of the mosque, the sanctity is so tangible it infiltrates the consciousness and even the body. Despite the intense heat, and the crowds, I have never felt such an overall sense of peace and wellness as I did in Madinah. It was as if my heart was home, and the daily trips to the mosque, the explorations and visits to historical sites was a mere orientation for my heart.

We spent 12 nights in Madinah, and during the pilgrimage we aim to emulate and follow the Prophet's  (PBUH) actions and rituals on this journey. My first intention was therefore to perform 40 prayer times in the sacred mosque, which was was easily achieved within this length of time. Whenever I travel, I am always keen on the history of the destination, it is therefore natural that I was wholly engrossed in the life and history of our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) in this serene city, which is a complete reflection of the way our Prophet (PBUH) lived and carried himself. This city which is his final resting place, houses his body as well as his spirit, which is evident with every single step one takes in this city. 

Our days in Madinah were spent in performing prayers in the sacred mosque, daily visits (if possible) to the Sacred Chamber (Rawdah Mubarak) which is the tomb of the Nabi Muhammad SAW, and buried alongside him in this tomb are the first two caliphs (teachers) of Islam, Abu Bakr RA and Umar RA. Each day upon entering the sacred mosque, which houses this tomb, I would utter salutations upon these three Great men, these men who have formed a constant presence in all my muslim school teachings and subsequent Islamic history lessons.  My first visit to the Sacred Chamber was an intensely stirring experience. It was moving on such a deep level, it's difficult to articulate and to actually put it into words. It was really such a privilege to be able to visit and pay respects to their tombs on a daily basis; these men, who fought, triumphed and spread the word so that I could practise my religion without oppression. 

It was a daily mission to get into the sacred chamber; and, for a woman, a carefully timed and planned event. I was extremely fortunate and managed to visit regularly without incident i.e. the long waiting queues, pushing, shoving and being interrupted whilst paying respects at the tomb. 

Algamudulilah🙏🏼 

For me, Madinah was a time of acknowlegdement of our Beloved Prophet PBUH and as such I was keen on visiting all the places he frequented, lived and prayed. In between the prayers and visits to the sacred chamber, we went to the outskirts to visit important historical sites. The most notable was our visit to the plains of Badr. On this ground, the most important battle, The Battle of Badr, took place, a battle where our Beloved Prophet PBUH triumphed in the name of Islam. It was an unbelievably scorcher of a day when we set out to visit this site, it could easily have been 50+ degrees, and our travelling group were still adamant on climbing down to the actual terrain on which the battle occurred. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I stood on the walls of the well, in which the opponents bodies were piled, and felt so emotional standing there as testament to the triumph of that day, 17th Ramadaan AH (624 CE). Just being able to visit this hugely significant site, is paying homage to those who came before... 

Apart from the Sacred Chamber being the foremost site to visit at Masjid Un Nabawi, there are  other areas around the mosque which have significant historical importance. The Green Dome, which is visible from the outside of the mosque houses the tomb, but was also the location of the Prophet's (PBUH) first residential quarters. Very close to this, there is a spot where Uthmaan RA, the third Caliph (teacher of Islam) and son-in-law of the Prophet (PBUH) was martryred. These are areas one walks through every single day, and I cannot stop picturing these events in my minds eye (with a pensive heart) as I traverse the grounds of the mosque. 

A little bit of a walk around the mosque, about 300m south west, reveals a tiny mosque, Masjidul Ghamama. This tiny mosque, which was merely an outdoor area during the time of the Prophet (PBUH) is not open for the 5 daily prayers, but is significant as the place where the Prophet (PBUH) performed the prayer for rain. And immediately after this prayer, the clouds (ghamama being the Arabic word for clouds, and also the name of the mosque) gathered and they were blessed with rain! It was also the outdoor spot where the Eid salaah was performed for a few years before the death of the Prophet PBUH.

There is so much more to say, and so much more to share... and as I write this I relive every single momentous experience. I feel every single emotion all over again! There really is no journey like this one, aptly dubbed the #JourneyOfaLifetime ❤️

I hope you enjoy going on this voyage into my pilgrimage through these little titbits as much as I enjoy sharing it 🕌

Look out for the next instalment of my #HajjSeries 

A selfie with some Indonesians, who love to hear about South Africa!

A stop at a well Bir Ar Rawah which dates back 1400 years, and served as a refreshment stop
for the Prophet PBUH and his troop on their way to The Battle of Badr. This well water is
believed to have healing properties.

Standing on the wall of the well where the opponents bodies were piled,
the well has since dried up (as seen behind us)

On a walking tour we stopped at the cemetary, Jannatul Baq'i which houses
many of the Prophet's (PBUH) relatives and companions

This is the area of the mosque which houses the tombs, the Green Dome is visible; and also
the first quarters of the Prophet PBUH

The tiny mosque, Masjidul Ghamama

While exploring and looking for places to eat, we obviously stumble across
some nice malls and shopping spots!

Also on the fringes of the mosque, an exhibiton of the 99 names of Allah 

There is a story related to each gate of the mosque

The hill on the far side of the plains of Badr, it has been established that Angels descended from this hill
to assist the Prophet PBUH during the battle. It is believed that the pinkish tinge of the hill (which is unlike any other  hills in Madinah which is just rock and black mountainous terrain) indicates the spot where the Angels descended

 A mosque has been erected at the spot which marks the command post of the Prophet PBUH during the
Battle of Badr.

Thank you for reading!

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Spiritual preparation in progress

Welcome beautiful readers, 

What a stunning Friday morning in Cape Town, the chill is in the air, but the sun is out! It is totally reflective of the week I have had. There are moments of complete peace and serenity and then I had moments of panic and overwhelm. The preparation for my journey has taken over life and my daily routine. 

In fact, apart from my set times for working, the routine is completely off kilter, and I suppose the timing is perfect since it is school holidays. The moments of peace and serenity is usually when I contemplate what this journey holds for me, the places I'll visit and what I am hopeful to accomplish. The moments of panic ensues when I am asked what I still need ( I have no idea!) and what still needs to be done. It is then followed by me consulting my lists. 

I have several lists to help keep me sane: A greeting list (ie the list of friends and family I need to visit personally), a list of specific toiletries and meds needed, a list of things to get ready at home, a list of things to pack for Arafah and so on and so on.... And whilst I don't need to pack much in the way of clothing, as this is very simple and easy, there are so many other things to concentrate on! This should give you a pretty good idea of where the panic stems from,  and then I actually just throw up my hands and say, "whatever must be must be..." 

I have just under 3 weeks to go before I depart, and I would like to focus on a spiritual programme I'd like to put together, but the To-Do list beckons ominously. We have had the most precious little girl welcomed into the family this week, and that too has been so amazing and a very welcome distraction. (I am so in love with this little human ❤️).

I know that nothing will prepare me for what I am to experience, hence I am consciously working at leaving with no expectations, at just arriving and soaking up all that I can. I am cognisant that this trip is like no other, one cannot plan for the emotional and spiritual overwhelm that will certainly arise. So I fully intend to open myself up to just being in the moment- from the minute I set foot on Arabian soil. 

In preparation for this trip, I have found that I have very little time, or very little inclination to shoot fashion posts, and stick to my usual schedule on social media posting. This too is another aspect of  my preparation, there is an unconscious distancing from the material world, a movement towards the inner spectrum where I'll need to communicate from. I am having to spend time on preparing my inner self for this monumental journey, and as so many have said - to aim to be fully present on the plains of Arafah and Wuqoof. It is at this time that my most scared dialogue will take place, where the material world will blur into the background and nothing else but my prayers, and my Creator will matter. I cannot possibly imagine what it will be like and I do not wish to hazard a guess, so I can only work to strengthen myself for this intensive spiritual journey. 

This will therefore will be my last lookpost, (luckily I had this shoot in the archives) for a while- I may or may not do an update on where I am in my preparation for my journey. It is so difficult to say where I'll be in the headspace, and whether I'd even be able to journal the progress leading up to my Hajj. I fully intend to keep a journal, and may do a written one, with titbits to share with my beautiful readers at a later stage. But for now, my focus has shifted from this little space of mine to the beautiful lands of Medina and Mecca. I am filled with a nugget of excitement and also trepidation at the same time- but forever grateful to have been chosen as a guest this year, Algamudililah!

I found this look in my files, and it is so serene and tranquil, I felt it would be the perfect outfit post to see the blog out on hiatus. All pieces are from my travels, and each has a very special memory and story attached to it. So while I am in this process of preparation for intense supplication, please keep me in your prayers and I will keep you in mine. I am so thankful for the beautiful messages, inspiration and assistance I have received from readers! 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

And I'll be back in a few months time (at the very latest) to touch base!

Outfit details:

Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply dress from Asos (Old)

Urban leather jacket from Asos (Old)

Adidas sneakers (Footlocker UK)

Ted Baker bag

Scarf purchased in UK 

Sunglasses gifted

Various bracelets

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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The Journey has started...

Hello lovelies!

This is round two of today's post- I had it ready, saved (or so I thought) and published... Until I lost everything! All the work I had put in GONE! Poof! My brain has been a bit fuzzy since last week, kind of like my heart - all warm and fuzzy ❤️

Since I shared the news of my accreditation for Hajj (pilgrimage) I have had the most amazing encounters! I have received well wishes, emails, congratulations, tips and watsapps from so many people, some of whom I have never met! People have shared their research, lists and experiences with such open hearts- it just blew me away. What was even more special was that everyone,  regardless of race or religion has been so happy for me, wishing me with such reverence and awe.  My non-muslim friends are participating as much in this life-changing experience as my family. It has truly just reinforced the belief that we are all one, and able to share absolute joy.

 As I prepare for this journey, I realise that it actually started four years ago, the day I placed my name on the waiting list. And everything since then has conspired to bring me to this point. In hindsight, I can see how all the trials I have endured, the hardships and despair have all contributed to my personal growth. All the work, the lessons, and the people with whom I have forged bonds have granted me the ability to grab this life-changing opportunity and to embrace all it has to offer. I am excited, I am apprehensive and yet I am also content that there could be no other time that this could happen. This pilgrimage is the culmination of the beginning for me, for when I return it will be a continuation. 

It has started. 

Right here. 

At home. 

I have engaged in conversations with people who have performed their pilgrimage, the nostalgia apparent, the inner glow of fulfilment a testament to enormity of this journey. Each one has their own experience, and in some way every person has the same emotional bond and connection to their experience. This journey is undertaken by individuals from all corners of the globe, all with different traditions and cultures; and each one will perform the same rituals, wearing the same garb and stand as equals side by side on the plains of Arafah. Each one of us in humble supplication, where we can only hope to present the best of ourselves to our Creator. This will be a time of intense introspection, a sacred dialogue from a mere pilgrim, who has traversed the earth to have the honour of fulfilling this spiritual quest. There is no greater evidence of the oneness of humanity than this, the sight of this mass of individuals (all invited guests) all with one purpose, all with the same heart. It is with this feeling of oneness that people have reached out to me, offered gifts, offered prayers and wished me well. At no other time have I felt the love more, or experienced this honouring- it is indeed a humbling experience. 

This Eid was bittersweet, as we prepared the boys for the eventuality that we would not be around next Eid. It was a gesture for them, and I know for us as well. We greeted our nearest and dearest, handing out personal greeting cards, and as I sit and reflect, I am grateful that I have such limited time before I leave. I do not have the luxury of stressing about unnecessary things, it has forced us to focus on what's important and to forego the things that aren't. 

As I greeted family members in this beautiful piece put together by the beautiful Aysha, from Human Image, I felt truly special. Aysha has a knack for knowing what I need, and this outfit made from fabric she sourced abroad was the just the right thing to start my greetings! 

Thank you Aysha for being super awesome!

To purchase any pieces from The Human Image Range, please get in touch with Aysha on 0723711695 or visit her studio at 65 4th Avenue Rondebosch East.

“We are more alike than different. We Are One.”
― Efrat Cybulkiewicz

Outfit details:

Human Image peplum top and skirt

Rebelfunk neckpiece

Vince Camuto heels

Mango quilted bag (old)

Pashmina styled as a scarf (old)

Country Road earrings

Lovisa cuff

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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