If God makes something easy, why complicate it for yourself? Ramadan fasting month create a buzz in people, both men and women. Some sisters even start covering their heads, some find the quickest available guys to get hitch. All of that is self-delusional. What is important is, whether you are married or single, stay sin free..Marriage is not a requirement for doing good or bad. Yes, the institution of marriage is blessed and all eligible bachelors should be encourage to marry, but please don't do it for Ramadan. Another subject is, very clear sound hadith of the Prophet Muhammad explain that, "women who are breast feeding, pregnant, very old people who cannot fast..." feed a poor person a day. That will replace the obligation of fasting for them.
But certain Gambian sisters are refusing to obey that Prophetic providence. They are saying, they will repay all the month of Ramadan when they are strong enough after pregnancy, breast feeding. Come on sisters, how many voluntary acts of worship can you do, that you don't, why make Islam difficult for yourself in just fasting? If you are breast feeding a baby or you are pregnant, eat and drink, and provide Fidya (food) to a needy person for each day. If because you have money to give and you felt, that option is easy..Please remember, there are countless others who cannot fast due the above conditions, but at the same time, will find it hard to feed a poor person...Our religion is easy, learn the basics and read it.
No one will confuse you. May Allah forgive our mistakes/sins and make us better human beings. Let our educated sisters please say something. We are having some sisters insisting fasting after breast feeding and pregnancy..Imagine we guys have such allowance...Nothing is more nobler than motherhood, nothing...so don't underrate it...Jazakalah
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Sunday, 16 June 2013
The fears in a Tribal society
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
BY Suntou Touray
In a recent posting at the Gambia L, I made a comment that, in the near future, a piece concerning our individual respective tribal competences will be written. The remark seems to raise eyebrows simply it will discuss aspects of our cultures or tribes that no one has attempted before. The writers who felt it unnecessary for me to embark on such a mission did that with deep care and concern. The vital point to note here for all is that, The key word is 'TRIBAL COMPETENCES'. This doesn't mean, what one tribe is competent at another is incompetent with.
Student of management can surely remember reading about the differences in management styles across ranges of racial or national boundaries. The Japanese for instance are known to be very loyal and committed to one job and one firm, whilst the American managers are quick to sack or fire their staff. The British are known to be very pompous managers whilst the Germans believe in Hard work and proven track records.
Some companies go across tribal lines to hire a person with different competence in turning over a failing company, Honda is a good example. A Japanese manager was replaced with an Irish-American if my memory serve me right. This is all due to different cultural and management styles. Sadly, Blacks and women managers are portrayed in a negative light due their management styles. Blacks and women they say tend to be 'too bossy' and 'power hungry' managers.
How did the the social scientist came to that conclusion? This is through studying different companies with particular types of managers. Yet we in the twenty first century fear what 'the minds' of others conceive.
I am well aware of prejudice and bigotry and seriously as a Muslim, that is the last thing that comes to my mind.
The 'social construct' of each individual is different. Even two Mandingos from different region in one country will have different social construct. A Baddibunka mandingo for instance may culturally value money differently to a Kobomka mandingo. Similarly a Senegalise Wolof may see marriage differently to a Gambian Wolof. Is writing or talking about this peculiarities sensitive? Yes, because our society is very rigid and sensitive. In India for example, they give jobs according to cast system. This is to avoid alienating the lower cast members. In Britain, the equal opportunity acts makes it possible for companies to employ people regardless of their race or colour. The interesting thing is, we have to start breaking certain moles respectfully and with care.
There is nothing call the TRUTH. Your truth is not my truth,. Even God gave us the opportunity to either worship or him not to worship him. Yet, we are told that our creation into tribes and races is not for us to ridicule each other but for us to be amaze by the power of God's creative abilities.
The dilemma in a tribal society is so great that anthropological exercise is made very difficult. This is why i only concentrate writing about Mandingo subjects. Surely no one will accuse me of being an anti-Mandingo. The fear is that some will start seeing me only in a Mandingocentrict dimension. Should that deter me from enjoying my hubby which is reproduce what i learn as a child? hell no.
Being connected to both FULBE and Mandingo, i can equally write about certain interesting fula custom, but that may land me into unpredictable waters. People relate and disconnect from people base on petty comments. It is hopeful that our world view broaden and become less sensitive to educational endeavours. I will put together what i know to be our tribal competences, i shall not mention a single tribe, it is up to people to guess what best describe their perception and feelings. I may got it all wrong, yet my conscience is clear. We are what we are due to many transformation and experiences, some positive other negative. I wish to comment about unifying paradigms. The axioms of successes and progress in a multi-tribal society. Feel me!
BY Suntou Touray
In a recent posting at the Gambia L, I made a comment that, in the near future, a piece concerning our individual respective tribal competences will be written. The remark seems to raise eyebrows simply it will discuss aspects of our cultures or tribes that no one has attempted before. The writers who felt it unnecessary for me to embark on such a mission did that with deep care and concern. The vital point to note here for all is that, The key word is 'TRIBAL COMPETENCES'. This doesn't mean, what one tribe is competent at another is incompetent with.
Student of management can surely remember reading about the differences in management styles across ranges of racial or national boundaries. The Japanese for instance are known to be very loyal and committed to one job and one firm, whilst the American managers are quick to sack or fire their staff. The British are known to be very pompous managers whilst the Germans believe in Hard work and proven track records.
Some companies go across tribal lines to hire a person with different competence in turning over a failing company, Honda is a good example. A Japanese manager was replaced with an Irish-American if my memory serve me right. This is all due to different cultural and management styles. Sadly, Blacks and women managers are portrayed in a negative light due their management styles. Blacks and women they say tend to be 'too bossy' and 'power hungry' managers.
How did the the social scientist came to that conclusion? This is through studying different companies with particular types of managers. Yet we in the twenty first century fear what 'the minds' of others conceive.
I am well aware of prejudice and bigotry and seriously as a Muslim, that is the last thing that comes to my mind.
The 'social construct' of each individual is different. Even two Mandingos from different region in one country will have different social construct. A Baddibunka mandingo for instance may culturally value money differently to a Kobomka mandingo. Similarly a Senegalise Wolof may see marriage differently to a Gambian Wolof. Is writing or talking about this peculiarities sensitive? Yes, because our society is very rigid and sensitive. In India for example, they give jobs according to cast system. This is to avoid alienating the lower cast members. In Britain, the equal opportunity acts makes it possible for companies to employ people regardless of their race or colour. The interesting thing is, we have to start breaking certain moles respectfully and with care.
There is nothing call the TRUTH. Your truth is not my truth,. Even God gave us the opportunity to either worship or him not to worship him. Yet, we are told that our creation into tribes and races is not for us to ridicule each other but for us to be amaze by the power of God's creative abilities.
The dilemma in a tribal society is so great that anthropological exercise is made very difficult. This is why i only concentrate writing about Mandingo subjects. Surely no one will accuse me of being an anti-Mandingo. The fear is that some will start seeing me only in a Mandingocentrict dimension. Should that deter me from enjoying my hubby which is reproduce what i learn as a child? hell no.
Being connected to both FULBE and Mandingo, i can equally write about certain interesting fula custom, but that may land me into unpredictable waters. People relate and disconnect from people base on petty comments. It is hopeful that our world view broaden and become less sensitive to educational endeavours. I will put together what i know to be our tribal competences, i shall not mention a single tribe, it is up to people to guess what best describe their perception and feelings. I may got it all wrong, yet my conscience is clear. We are what we are due to many transformation and experiences, some positive other negative. I wish to comment about unifying paradigms. The axioms of successes and progress in a multi-tribal society. Feel me!
Saturday, 8 June 2013
Women, Our Companions
Sentimental Sunny day in England today. What comes to mind in a humid office?
I say 'Real men are not afraid to admit that, they are inspired by Beautiful dignified women. I'm very much inspired by my wife, however, that doesn't mean, she wouldn't have a right go, as men, we shouldn't see the beauty and softness of women as weakness..we are each other's pillar. Smile for your love one. A little smile, a small compliment goes a long way, guys think about.'
I say 'Real men are not afraid to admit that, they are inspired by Beautiful dignified women. I'm very much inspired by my wife, however, that doesn't mean, she wouldn't have a right go, as men, we shouldn't see the beauty and softness of women as weakness..we are each other's pillar. Smile for your love one. A little smile, a small compliment goes a long way, guys think about.'
A Thought On relationships
As a village man, I have seen love in that ordinary setting, the town people tend to think they understood life better than us. It is natural to think so, because the ordinary farmer does not cuddle and openly declare is undying love for his wife, but never underestimate that for not loving at all.
But as I settled in towns and cities, I have seen love there too. In grand public show at times, regardless of the place, sophistication and glamour, Love has one language. What is it? For a moral Muslim, love is deep care, and affection, truthfulness and close bond...supporting each other, and defending defending, the rights of the other half against all odds...overlooking short coming, and being gentle...guys gentleness improve things..sisters, understanding, it helps lowering the testosterone.'
But as I settled in towns and cities, I have seen love there too. In grand public show at times, regardless of the place, sophistication and glamour, Love has one language. What is it? For a moral Muslim, love is deep care, and affection, truthfulness and close bond...supporting each other, and defending defending, the rights of the other half against all odds...overlooking short coming, and being gentle...guys gentleness improve things..sisters, understanding, it helps lowering the testosterone.'
Thursday, 23 May 2013
The Voices of Gambian Queens In Raleigh
By Suntou Touray
When Me become too big and Us too small
When a call fell on deaf ears, but scrutiny became prevalent
When the nobleness of silence is raped
When plagues spread like wild fire
And the sorrows of the affected decline to affect the heart
When moving on and seeing a grand view
Of the African Sun became too inartistic
God's beauty lost in transition
Our beauty irrelevant
I love women, but hate their beauty
You tell me, "this is how it should be done"
But Cannot and did not do it yourself
When 'I' say, my rights, my hero, my scholar
My my my consume the heart
A cause is lost and the lost cause get blamed!!
Why?
"Who are you", British footy fans will sing
"Who are you?"
"Who are you?"
The African little tyrants, our many faceted tyrants
In the media, in social media
In politics and in government
Please, My Gambian, my African kings and queens
See the vastness of our beauty
Our beautiful women, in their elegant ropes, and make ups
Attended our gathering, they spoke
Yell and preached
Didn't that touched your heart
The Beautiful faces
Of Smiles, And large Gambian smiles, together
Of Smiling Coast Smiles
Let Raleigh--North Carolina Conference Be
Petty me me's
When a call fell on deaf ears, but scrutiny became prevalent
When the nobleness of silence is raped
When plagues spread like wild fire
And the sorrows of the affected decline to affect the heart
When moving on and seeing a grand view
Of the African Sun became too inartistic
God's beauty lost in transition
Our beauty irrelevant
I love women, but hate their beauty
You tell me, "this is how it should be done"
But Cannot and did not do it yourself
When 'I' say, my rights, my hero, my scholar
My my my consume the heart
A cause is lost and the lost cause get blamed!!
Why?
"Who are you", British footy fans will sing
"Who are you?"
"Who are you?"
The African little tyrants, our many faceted tyrants
In the media, in social media
In politics and in government
Please, My Gambian, my African kings and queens
See the vastness of our beauty
Our beautiful women, in their elegant ropes, and make ups
Attended our gathering, they spoke
Yell and preached
Didn't that touched your heart
The Beautiful faces
Of Smiles, And large Gambian smiles, together
Of Smiling Coast Smiles
Let Raleigh--North Carolina Conference Be
Petty me me's
Friday, 17 May 2013
Gambian men health
Gambian Men: Some of us involve in Gambian associations and community issues are well aware of the rate Gambian men are been diagnosed with serious health problems. The bulk of the health issues centered around the food we eat. Gambian men are highly likely not to be engaged in fitness exercise in Europe or America. The rate at which Gambian men are dying from corollary health condition is becoming alarming. As people of faith, we know, our time is decreed by our Maker, however, a bit healthy lifestyle can go a long way.
The big question is, since many Gambian men, including myself eat more home cooking than eating takeaways or at restaurants. Is it the responsibility of our spouses: Wife's to look after the diet?
Between 2012 to date, more than 6 Gambian men died, some of it sudden, some whilst at work. Some conditions are said to hereditary, but many are from eating highly nutritious food without shaking it. The summer is coming, I encourage our Gambian brothers, wherever they are, to engage in some form of physical exercise, even walking long distances will help. Many of us, now feature with pot belly, which is a big sign of danger. Let Gambian women reduce the cooking of palm oil, it is very rich and full of fat. The sisters should encourage the husbands to be fit, although the sisters too should watch the waistline. The amount of sugar we consume is also high. Let us watch our health. A bless Friday all.
Former MP Mahawa Cham with Me in Dakar
.JPG)
Me and Mahawa Cham in Dakar back in January. He is a very nice human being and someone full of hope for the Gambia. He is active and always engaging in Gambian affairs. Now he is missing, I hope and pray he is safe and sound. His disappearance is a testimony that, our struggle is complex and Senegal is a difficult base for Gambians.
Many confided in me that, the powers that be in Senegal are in no rush to see Jammeh go, according to them, since Yaya Jammeh assume power, Gambia lost many advantages in trade and other economic dynamic that use to make Senegalese come to Gambia for business. This is our mess, we must be counted and clean it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)