On Tuesday night, as the rain came pouring down in Cape Town just after 6pm and the athaan (call to prayer) sounded for the maghrib salaah, I found myself at the Bridgetown Mosque in Athlone to witness the wedding of a close friend.
Social media sensation Plaasnaar tied the knot with the mother of his three children, Chantel Fourie, or as she is known on social media, Plaasnooi.
It was such a beautiful occasion because they also both embraced the deen of Islam before getting married.
I sat next to Plaasnaar as he recited the Kalima (Islamic declaration of faith) and I felt the room get warm.
When the sheikh asked what his new name would be, he responded “Abdul Azeez” and the witnesses present all responded with “mashallah” (Praise be to God).
The sheikh then recited the kalima slowly for Chantel, who repeated it after him attentively, and the room became even warmer as she went from Chantel to Layla, and once again the mashallah’s resounded.
Congratulations to the couple and we make dua that the Almighty blesses them and their children abundantly and may they always strive to be pious Muslims, in sha Allah ameen.
After converting, it was time to get to the nuptials.
The sheikh spoke about the maskawie (dowry) and the couple said they have reached an agreement, but have chosen not to disclose it in public.
The maskawie is a gift from the groom to the bride and can be in the form of money or anything of value.
I looked at Abdul Azeez (aka Plaasnaar) and I could sense that he was at ease, at peace and just happy in that moment.
The sheikh then took his hand and proceeded with the nikaah (wedding vows) and the groom dutifully repeated after him “kabiltoe nikaagahaa linafsi bithaalik” (I accepted to marry her for myself and for that dowry).
Having said this, they were now officially married according to Muslim rites.
Mr and Mrs Kobus signed the wedding registration papers and the couple then made their way to Golden Dish where they bought two gatsbys, and enjoyed the lekker Cape Town dite at their small intimate reception in Kensington.
This for me is pure humility in such a big star, and it shows that his wife is genuinely in love with him because a reception is a big deal to any woman, even some men.
As they sat there eating their gatsbys, I smiled and thought, yes, it is not about a big wedding, it’s about marrying someone you love because you want to spend the rest of your life with that person.
I thank them for this message that they are sending to the youth by just being themselves.
With that said, may Abdul Azeez and Layla Kobus always remain happy and may the Almighty bless them.
Slamat my broe, julle het mashala gelyk.
waseef.piekaan@inl.co.za