Crescent Lifestyle - Newsletter - Ramadan 1437 / June 2016
NEWSLETTER
Ramadan 1437 / June 2016
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Crescent Lifestyle MD, Mr Al-Firnas Patel, with esteemed guest speakers, Qari Ziyaad Patel, Moulana Sulaiman Moola and Yusuf Abramjee, as well as various representatives from our member-selected beneficiaries at the First Beneficiary Payout for 2016 at the Crescent Lifestyl Johannesburg offices.
From the Office of the Managing Director
Ramadaan Kareem. As I sit down to write this month’s letter, Muslims throughout the world are now observing Ramadaan, our month of fasting in accordance with holy scripture. Fasting increases devotion and brings us closer to our Creator. Everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
Through experiencing hunger and thirst, we sympathize with and are reminded of those in the world who have little to eat and drink every day, and are taught to be charitable. It is through increased acts of charity, that we develop feelings of goodwill and generosity towards others.
During the month of May, Crescent Lifestyle proudly handed over another R251 046 to our members' chosen charities at the FIRST BENEFICIARY PAYOUT for 2016 at a CELEBRATORY CHEQUE HAND OVER CEREMONY at their Johannesburg offices. With thanks to YOU, our loyal members, the MONUMENTAL AMOUNT CONTRIBUTED SINCE 2008 HAS REACHED IN EXCESS OF OVER R 3 Million.
We were deeply honoured to have 2 special guest speakers in attendance: Moulana Sulaiman Moola and Yusuf Abramjee, who generously shared their wisdom and inspired us with personal anecdotes as well as compliments and positive support for the good we are doing in our communities, together with our members.
Both esteemed guests discussed at length, how very important it is to help those who are in need and may not be able to help themselves.
Moulana Sulaiman Moola said that each of us should try to make a positive impact, even if only on one person’s life, every single day. This powerful concept which can eventually lead to big changes within a community requires that every member of the community contributes, even if in the smallest of ways. He reminded us of how difficult it is for those less fortunate, and how much we have to be grateful for, Alhamdulillah.
Yusuf Abramjee encouraged participation amongst our beneficiaries as well as Crescent Lifestyle to work together for the betterment of our community.He eloquently stated that those of us with lots of money may indeed be poor, and those with empty pockets are often more wealthy because they are still able to give without having to spend a cent.
During the cheque hand over ceremony, various representatives from a number of our member-selected beneficiaries, shared information about HOW THEY ARE UTILISING THE GENEROUS DONATIONS for the betterment of our communities through various projects such as building and renovation, feeding schemes, education and health, to name a few.
BY WORKING TOGETHER, WE ARE COLLECTIVELY MAKING A NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGH GIVING.
We look forward to welcoming many new members to the Crescent Lifestyle family and endeavour to bring our valued members the ONLY COMPLETE ISLAMIC LIFESTYLE PRODUCT IN SOUTH AFRICA.
CRESCENT LIFESTYLE promises to make a Muslim person’s life of Islam more accessible and places everything that matters most to you, conveniently in the palm of your hand. Our Award-Winning APP incorporates the latest cutting-edge technology with the most essential components of our lifestyle programme.
We are currently innovating NEW VALUE-ADDED-FEATURES to the CRESCENT LIFESTYLE APP and are preparing to launch them soon! These new innovations will further enhance your user experience.
Download the CRESCENT LIFESTYLE APP for FREE on APP Store and Google Play today and start enjoying our unique Islamic Lifestyle Programme more conveniently on your smart device.
Be sure to visit our Facebook page for regular updates as to what the Crescent Lifestyle team are up, as well as tactical offers, recipes, teachings, vacancies and more.
Since Winter has set in, let us be reminded of those less fortunate than ourselves, and to give of ourselves, no matter how big or small the efforts. Our communities benefit immensely with every good deed. At Crescent Lifestyle, we will endeavour to uplift our communties and bring them closer, negotiate greater Savings and to make a difference not only in the lives our members, but also in the lives of those closest to our hearts.
May this Ramadan lay the foundation stone to the path of Taqwa!
Al-Firnas Patel
Managing Director
Islamic Advice by Moulana Sulaiman Moola
Preservation of Virtue
In matters of material and wealth, we all know and understand the need to wisely invest our earnings, so that we can secure good returns. However, with regards to our spirituality, we seem to be complacent. We are satisfied by the sheer performance of virtue, without paying much attention to its preservation.
According to Tafsīr Al-Baḥr Al-Muḥīṭ, the reward of a virtuous action will only be conferred to the doer, provided he or she preserved the action until death. Therefore, if the righteous deed was destroyed as a result of the misfortune of some sin, then one no longer remains deserving of the reward for the good deed.
There are a number of ill practices that destroy good deeds. For example, Almighty Allāh mentions in the Qur'ān,
"O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) nor speak loudly to him, as you (sometimes) speak loud with each other, least your good actions become futile, though you would not perceive it." (49:2)
Likewise, similar warnings are mentioned in the Ahādīth. Abū Umāmah (may Allāh be pleased with him) has narrated that the Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) has said, “On the day of judgement, when the book of deeds will be given to mankind, a person from amongst them will observe that some of his good deeds are not recorded. He will then ask his Lord regarding the "missing deeds". His Lord will say to him that He has erased those deeds due to him indulging in backbiting.”
Frankly speaking, our virtuous actions are minimal, and if we loose that also, then how will we fare before Allah?
With the dawn of Ramadān and the arrival of blessed days, the angel announces,
“O seeker of good, advance and O seeker of evil, halt!”
Let us therefore make haste in performing good deeds and equally preserving them.
Member letter of the month
Mohammed Ayob Dhooma - October 2015 Umrah winner.
I have been a Crescent Lifestyle member since October 2013 and was thrilled to hear that I had won the Umrah draw last year because, although I had been for Umrah before, my wife and 2 children had never been.
I always read about the previous Umrah Winners in the newsletter. It is my favourite part of the Newsletter and until I received the news I was the October 2015 recipient, I never imagined that it would be possible for me to receive this financial sponsorship. I am so fortunate that I received this generous sponsorship to help my wife and children visit our holy land and have the ultimate spiritual experience.
I am so appreciative of the R10 000 Crescent Lifestyle sponsorship, because my wife and 2 young children, aged 8 and 11 years old, were completely blown away by the Umrah trip.
We went at the beginning of May, and all the memories, sights and sounds we experienced are still fresh in my mind.
The first stop on our Umrah was to the peaceful, serene Masjid-un-Nabawi and to make ziyarat to all the holy places in Medina . The tranquility and beauty of this Masjid was overwhelming for all of us, even my children were speechless.
We then proceeded to Makkah. How does one describe that first sight of the Kabah? Tears were rolling down my cheeks at the sight of it. I thank Allah swt, who, through Crescent Lifestyle, provided me with the opportunity to have my family by my side ,so I could share this precious moment with them. This experience is something I’ll never forget and hold forever in my most precious of memories, most of all my appreciation knows no bounds. We fulfilled all our fard, sunnah and Nafl ibaadat in Makkah and cemented our bond as a family through Allah swt’s mercy, as we had none of the usual distractions.
Every part of our spiritual journey went smoothly, and we travelled to Jeddah, Madina and Makkah without any hassles from the Saudi authorities.
Thank you to Crescent Lifestyle for this incredible opportunity, one which my children are still talking about and one that has cemented their Imaan at this young age. I make duah that Allah swt continues to help the company grow and through Allah’s mercy Crescent Lifestyle is able to help more people have this chance.
*Terms & Conditions:
Offers only valid on presentation of a Crescent Lifestyle membership card . Offers exclude in-store promotions, sale items and special offers. Please visit our website for full details on the offers and a full list of all savings from all Alliance Partners.
E&OE.
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To see exclusive benefits from over 100 Alliance Partners click here.
*Terms & Conditions:
Offers only valid on presentation of a Crescent Lifestyle membership card and in conjunction with the promotional code. Offers exclude in-store promotions, sale items and special offers. Please visit our website for full details on the offers.
E&OE.
Why You Should Eat a Healthy Sehri
Sehri is the most important meal of the day during Ramadaan. People who skip Sehri are unlikely to make up their daily requirement of necessary vitamins and minerals that a simple breakfast provides. They are also most likely to suffer with headaches, stomach-aches, etc. Sehri provides energy and nutrients for the activities during the day and helps to prevent a slump in ones’ work or school day. The most important and valuable meaning and reasoning for Sehri is that it is a beautiful Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) and by us carrying out this important activity, we will be immensely rewarded.
Tips for Eating a Quick and Healthy Sehri
Pick 2-3 foods, including at least one from each of the following food groups:
LOW GI breads and grains will provide you with energy for a longer period of time. (low GI cereal, oats, tasty wheat, toast)
dairy (yogurt, milk)
fruit or vegetable group (bananas, apples, carrots)
protein which will keep you fuller for longer. (eggs, cold meats)
Pick up portable breakfast items when you are at the grocery store.
You should buy low GI foods like fruit, low-fat yogurt, whole grain breakfast bars, or granola bars for those mornings when you are late/rushed and need to get done as soon as possible.
Replace or accompany that morning cup of coffee with a glass of orange juice or milk.
Make an omelette as this allows you to combine essential ingredients in one meal and requires less time when consuming your Sehri. You can shorten preparation time by chopping up your vegetables, etc ahead of time.
A protein shake, in which you add dates, banana and oats to yoghut/milk is the fastest,most efficient way to enjoy all the important food groups in one quick and easy meal.
Get up 15 minutes earlier. You can fix and consume a healthy breakfast in 15 minutes or less.
Plan ahead what to eat at Sehri. This means you should decide what you are going to eat for sehri before you go to bed. You can save time by preparing the night before as well as setting the table.
Make sure to eat an odd number of Kajoor (Dates) and have some Zam-Zam to drink before ending your Sehri.
Most importantly, do not forget to make your intention and read a dua before commencing your fast!
CRESCENT LIFESTYLE VACANCIES (JHB & CT Offices)
CALL CENTRE VACANCIES
We are looking for a SALES driven and very hard working individuals to join our growing company. You need to have a passion for reaching your targets.
We are offering you:
Free Training to the value of R5000
Certified training after completion of the probationary period.
Uncapped Commissions
A positive atmosphere in and already amazingly cultured team.
Growth Opportunities within our company
Candidate requirements for this vacancy:
3 month sales experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English)
Strong and effective interpersonal skills
Passion for sales
Outgoing personality
All interested parties to forward their C.V’s to vacancies@crescentmobile.net
All candidates will be shortlisted.
Mohammed Ayob Dhooma - October 2015 Umrah winner.
