November 1, 2000

Shaykh Nazim on Safari

After brunch Shaykh Nazim and entourage traveled far to the west of Durban to a Safari Park. We encountered these rhinos as we drove into the reserve.

First stop: park cars and board the Tala Safari tour four by four Land Rovers.

AB Mahomed tries a turban on for size, as does his youngest grandson.

Next stop after considerable driving over rough roads fording creeks and over hills: prayers and picnic.

Here more rhinos graze in peace, undisturbed by cameramen or tourists.

Sitting under a traditional indigenous thatched roof, the group partook a large feast of kebabs and other viands supplied by Naeem Malek.

Giraffes abound. The guide explains they sleep a maximum of five minutes per day, during which they lock their legs so their necks does not drop below the level of their heart - a deadly situation for a giraffe.

Left: Ostriches prance about, rhinos graze [around five hundred pounds of grass per day]. 

Shaykh Nazim and his "crew" observe the mighty rhino, a gazelle and a swimming hippo.

Here impala graze calmly with zebras.

Following the safari trip, the group returned to Durban for a brief rest, followed by salat al-`Asr in Uhmlanga. 

Another elegant and delicious dinner is served - as always for the baraka of Rasulullah, sall-Allahu `alayhi wa sallam and his descendants.

Salat al-'Isha.

Hafez Abu Bakr Mahomed delivers another of his parliament-style introductions of Shaykh Nazim, mentioning his astonishing accomplishments, including guiding numerous individuals to al-Islam and the Naqshbandi tariqat.

Mawlana counters by reasserting that the greatest honor for any human being is to be a servant of Allah.

Imam Hassen Walele recites na`at and salam.

Baya`.

Greeting the mashaykh.