[Sadkii, you might want to be careful about using both hands to eat. Our religion tells us that we’re supposed to use the right hand only. Bismillah ...... Yasmin: I concur with the latter part of your reminder, however; this shouldnt mean that one cannot use both hands while eating unless you only have one hand hence the famous somali adage: gacmo wada jir bay wax ku gooyaan. On the issue of assimilation and adaptation, I guess the latter is preferable if one has to keep her norms and traditions undiluted by adapting that which is benefitial from the host community - education can be a simple example here.

Bismillah ...... Sister Yasmin, though a new addition to this nomad family myself, please make yourself feel at home. So dhowoow gacalo.

Bismillah ...... I think what creates this lack of appreciation of our unique culture on the part of not so well educated but whole heartedly westernised nomads is the crises and confusion many of them are constantly going through - identity being one. They are neither here nor there. That said, I dont in any way approve of the what this pathetic new Somali makhaayad culture in which not so cleaned hands with long dirty nails presents. They take one handful of rice half of which is either thrown back into plate or worse on the table. This can have no basis in our lovely sunnah or culture. As for me, well, I use both my hands as well as any cutleries whenever the situation demands. Fingers were made before forks. (unknown)

Bro. Sophist It does indeed make me feel elated to have joined the family at such a memorable moment. As for the beautiful du'a (bikratan dayibatan), Allah (sw) has bestowed his mercy and compassion on me by enriching me with a much better person - with whom I share my life. However, this should not lessen the brotherly spirit in which the message was conveyed for I am enormously grateful. May you find a lot of iman,barakah,solace,companionship and happiness in your new home.

Bismillah ...... Warm greetings to all the nomads, especially so for the new couple. I must admit, having read some of the threads, my great surprise as well as admiration for the civility and respect the nomads have shown to each other. I would like to add my voice to the floods of congrats to sophist and his new soulmate by saying .. baraka Allahu lak wabaraka caleeyk wajamaca baynakuma fi khayr. This is sadkii_yeele reporting for duty for the firs time with much anticipation and agility. Nice to have met you all .