Adli Yacubi

Tag: Family history

  • 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…