Global Muslim Mummy – Anisa

Anisa is a 28 yr old mother of 3 children. She lives in Durban, South Africa, and she is the next mum featured in the GLOBAL MUSLIM MUMMY series. Anisa has previously written for me as a guest writer, as part of the Personal Journey Series.

These are her answers:

1. How many children do you have, and how old are they?
I have 3 beautiful little darlings.. two girls aged 6 and 3, and my son aged 1.

2. What was your first reaction when you found out you were going to be a mum?
I was over the moon..I couldn’t believe I was finally going to have my own baby. I was so so excited I just wanted to share my happiness with the world. I felt truly blessed with a miracle

3. What was the most difficult part of your pregnancy?

Most definitely…nausea and vomiting.. The term people usually use is morning sickness..which I DONT agree with..since mine was like morning, afternoon,evening sickness…9months straight! #notsofun

4. How did you decide on your childrens names?

Well, I was always the one who jumped with love at the way a name sounded..whereas my hubby wanted to know the meaning to every name I mentioned..so after many , MANY name books and meanings..we decided on their names which had good meanings..names which we wanted to have a reflection of in the character of our children…names of honour, humbleness,beauty,and most importantly names that were close to Allah.

5. How would you describe your parenting style?

Oh that’s a tough one..lol..some people might say I’m a cool mum, others might say I’m too hard, but honestly I think I’m a flexible mum. I’m cool when it comes to having fun and acting silly, but when it comes to learning or having respect for others no matter race, religion or financial standing, I’m very hard on them. I believe in laying down a foundation that’s so strong, that when my kids are older, they will know better because I would have hopefully taught them better.

6. What has been the most challenging part of being a parent?

I think it’s being trying to teach them what’s right from wrong, trying to help them to understand the meaning of being grateful, being kind, helpful, honest, being humble. Teaching kids is never an easy task, it’s challenging especially when we live in a community very different to what you want to reflect on your kids.

7. What’s been the most rewarding part of being a parent?

Definitely being able to hear them call me ‘my best mummy’ lol..just the fact that I am a mum…this in itself is something I’m so grateful for. I’m so lucky to be able to call them my own…and their hugs and kisses #priceless

8. How does being a Muslim influence your parenting decisions?

Oh it’s a huge part in every decision I make.. from the way they dress, to the way they talk, and also where we go as a family… Being a Muslim impacts on practically every decision that we make regarding the kids.

9. How do you instill Islamic identity into your children, in terms of lifestyle, education ect?

I believe that teaching them whether it’s the smallest thing from a young age makes a difference. Examples of this are when it comes to them pretending to imitate you whilst reading salaah or holding a Surah yaseen and pretending to read. It creates a feeling within them of love for Allah and our Nabi (saw). My daughter is going to an Islamic school, which I’m so happy about. Syllabus includes everything from their Qur’an, Islamic history to hadith, fiqh, aqaaid. They are in an atmosphere filled with the remembrance of Allah.. I have also instilled in them little things like wanting to wear their burkahs and scarves.

10. As a parent, what is the most oft-repeated dua that you make for your children?

Well…the every day normal dua would be for Allah to please bless them with health, happiness and success in everything they do, however recently I have added to my duas that Allah please please bless my children with spouses who love them, adore them, look after them, protect them, be faithful and always be there to support them in everything they do…and I will raise them up to be the same for their spouses as well. Ameeen

11. What advice would you offer to other parents?

I would definitely give them advice of just relax..and take each day as it comes…being a parent doesn’t come with a manual or instruction booklet because everyone’s kids are different. Just like all parents are too. Everyone , and I mean EVERYONE is going to want to give you free advice …about this and that…so just take the advice with a smile because seriously when you get home, you are going to do as you please, what works for you and your family.

12. And to end off on a ligter note, share with us your favourite parenting quote/joke/meme ?

Being a mum..half the time I feel like I’m running an insane asylum. .the other half..I feel like I belong in one! 😀
#true story

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Durban  is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.  Its a coastal city wherein the muslim community is very well established and has a history dating hundreds of years.

In the 1800s there were groups of Muslims emigrated to South Africa from India. The first group arrived as indentured labourers from South India in the 1860s. These labourers were brought to South Africa by the British. 7-10% of these labourers were Muslim. The second group of immigrants were merchants or traders (“Passenger Indians”) that arrived from North India and settled in Natal, and other areas. The first mosque in Durban, Jumuah Musjid, was built in Grey Street in Durban in 1881.