With the approaching new year I would like to remind myself before anybody else that we have been blessed by Allah to still be alive, the greatest blessing of all; after all it gives us a chance to thank Allah for what we have and to redeem ourselves from any wrong doings we may have unintentionally done.

On this note I pray that we view the coming year as a blank book which we will open its pages and put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter begins with New Year's Day. These opportunities will determine our values and goals – Remember to think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want. A life which will pave the way for the Hereafter. Happy New Year to one and all and all the best