Adli Yacubi

Category: On being a granddad

  • Comfort of Our Eyes…

    Comfort of Our Eyes…

    In a world where sermons often speak to the youth or about parents, this khutbah speaks for the child. Inspired by the memory of Jayden-Lee Meek — an 11-year-old who died under tragic, preventable circumstances — this reflection draws from the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ tenderness towards children and confronts the silence that allows harm to…

  • The Legend of the Silver Tree

    The Legend of the Silver Tree

    “Not brought by botanists. Not named by settlers. But gifted by a porcupine, Planted by Gubi and Nori, Rooted in fire, story, and seed.” A tale passed down through generations — from mother to child, from silence to word. Set beneath Table Mountain, this is the story of the Silver Tree, the river Camissa, and…

  • Braima Winter: The Man Who Read the Weather and Raised Us with Words

    Braima Winter: The Man Who Read the Weather and Raised Us with Words

    A Turkish Delight of memory, scent, and softness — this is a tribute to the ones who raised us, laughed with us, stitched us together. From Braima Winter’s cloud-watching wisdom to High Rugaya’s cinnamon mercy, this is how we remember. With bricks. With books. With soup.

  • From Chains to Qur’an: The Cape’s First Pilgrim and My Bloodline

    From Chains to Qur’an: The Cape’s First Pilgrim and My Bloodline

    Born into slavery, Hadjie Gasanodien — also known as Carel Pelgrim — became the first Cape Muslim to complete the Hajj. His story, buried in fragments of memory and history, unfolds through love, loss, literacy, and legacy. This is a personal journey to reclaim a forgotten ancestor and sacred lineage.

  • The Grandmother of Just Girls

    The Grandmother of Just Girls

    I never really met my grandparents from either my mom’s side or my dad’s. I lie. I met my dad’s dad. Twice. Once in Kingsley Street in Salt River when I was about eight years old. My mom had to say to me, “This is your grandfather.” I saw this older version of my dad…