Guest Post By Daniel, the fasting newbie:
Some more background to my spiritual heritage is in order for you to fully understand where I am and where I'm going. I was born in Sweden which is traditionally a protestant country but we still have strong heathen tradition. My father is brought up without (to my knowledge) any strong religious beliefs. My mother is from a strict Catholic family originally from Norway, she is like me a seeker and she has "tried" everything from Christianity to "new age" so I think I have inherited my spiritual side from her. I have a younger sister on my father's side who is a devoted Lutheran and an uncle on my mother's side that is a Catholic but except for that I have
next to no religion in my family.
I did my confirmation in our church at the age of 15 but that was more for the opportunity to meet girls from other schools than my own and for the gifts you recieve from relatives than anything close to religion.
When I was in my late teens I travelled to England where I was for the first time in touch with "real" religious people. Most of them were Christians and Rastafari. This opened my eyes to religion in a new way as I lived close to people with rituals of worship.
I have also a different source of inspiration to my spiritual side. I love history and while studying history it is inevitable to run in to religion, so I have studied the Tora / Bible / Qur'an on the side of the history books. And I have a hard time to see a big difference between the three of them... But I have no formal training in interpreting religious texts so I might be wrong : )
I believe that there is only one divine power in the universe but different cultures put different faces on it. Some might give it three faces like the Christians and the Rastafari some might go closer to the source of "the light" and just give it one. Even the Hindu with their thousands of gods recognize that there is one single divine power behind them all...
I'm not looking for a religion but for rituals of worship. Since I don't have a "religion" I don't have rules to live by just my sense of morality (based strongly on Christianity) and the one thing I "miss" is a way to live a more "religious" life. The fast is a good way to practice your will and to show your devotion to what I from now on will call "The light" (the face I have put on my god, sexles, not looking like me. Just the pure force behind the faces of all the gods in the universe). Prayer is another ritual of worship that I have borrowed from religion, I pray 5-10 times a year, only when I really feel that I need it. I also give thanks, a prayer of sorts but not the deep prayer I use when in need. I give thanks 3-5 times a day when I'm happy and less when I'm down. The fast will probably be a part of my "religious repertoire" in the future and I will most likely share it with Muslims as Ramadan is a good time to fast as any other and I get the support of others and I can celebrate with fellow believers...
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Saturday, September 30, 2006
6 feet of earth
Abrahim's post on Sabr- The true lesson of ramadan ended with the namaz-e-janaaza. On which Shaykhspeara commented about how dying at Makkah during Hajj, and then ramadan being the second preference for us mortals to be called back to our Maker, which prompted me to write this post.
At Umra everyday after every namaaz there would be at least 2-3 namaaz-e- janaaza.5 prayers a day and at least 10-15 people passing away. Young ,old,sick, who knows what the cause was, but the call to leave the world behind.
No doubt those who came away alive, could not choose a better place.But I wonder this yeh saari zameen Allah ki hai (all the land is his) and when we die, it is our actions that will speak for us, not the 6 foot of earth we lie under. Still such is the magic of the Holy land to be buried in its soil alone seems to be jannat. But it is the state we die in (ie with wuddhu, performing some rites) that will give us any access to jannat.
So then, would I guess, passing away in a holy month, for those who have lived their lives the right way.
I have members of my family, who have passed away in a foreign land with strict wishes for the body to be buried in the homeland.
I have seen in Makkah, people cutting of pieces of the black cloth, to take home, because they wish to buried with it. This is SHIRK ( to go against Islam) or BIDAA (innovation), ofcourse but such is the belief of our people.
People cling to the Haram (the Holy Mosque in Makkah), and they weep and beat their chests, and ask for forgiveness. Then some go away changed, and some continue their lives of wrongdoing.
They steal a piece of the cloth, or any other item they can lay their hands on, and in that act itself denying the whole purpose of being there. Such is their ardour to be amongst the chosen ones.
When no piece of cloth will gain you access into heaven, nor gallons of zamzam poured onto your grave will cool the fires of hell.
What will save you is your actions, your words, your deeds.Your salvation lies in what you did, because thats all you will take with you.
Yes, ramadan is a holy month, and no doubt a good month to die in, but all that good is only good, when you have done thus.
At Umra everyday after every namaaz there would be at least 2-3 namaaz-e- janaaza.5 prayers a day and at least 10-15 people passing away. Young ,old,sick, who knows what the cause was, but the call to leave the world behind.
No doubt those who came away alive, could not choose a better place.But I wonder this yeh saari zameen Allah ki hai (all the land is his) and when we die, it is our actions that will speak for us, not the 6 foot of earth we lie under. Still such is the magic of the Holy land to be buried in its soil alone seems to be jannat. But it is the state we die in (ie with wuddhu, performing some rites) that will give us any access to jannat.
So then, would I guess, passing away in a holy month, for those who have lived their lives the right way.
I have members of my family, who have passed away in a foreign land with strict wishes for the body to be buried in the homeland.
I have seen in Makkah, people cutting of pieces of the black cloth, to take home, because they wish to buried with it. This is SHIRK ( to go against Islam) or BIDAA (innovation), ofcourse but such is the belief of our people.
People cling to the Haram (the Holy Mosque in Makkah), and they weep and beat their chests, and ask for forgiveness. Then some go away changed, and some continue their lives of wrongdoing.
They steal a piece of the cloth, or any other item they can lay their hands on, and in that act itself denying the whole purpose of being there. Such is their ardour to be amongst the chosen ones.
When no piece of cloth will gain you access into heaven, nor gallons of zamzam poured onto your grave will cool the fires of hell.
What will save you is your actions, your words, your deeds.Your salvation lies in what you did, because thats all you will take with you.
Yes, ramadan is a holy month, and no doubt a good month to die in, but all that good is only good, when you have done thus.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Sabr - the true lesson of Ramadan
A post after a long gap - today is the fifth of Ramadan in India and the first Juma. It also holiday season with Durga Puja / Dussehra festivities over the weekend.
At home today, attended Namaz-e-Juma at Nahoda Mosque in Calcutta. The sky was overcast but thankfully no rain during Namaz. The multitude spilled out of the mosque and onto the roads... a usual feature here when the faithful suddenly strengthen their faith (perhaps a topic for discussion - Why do Muslims lose their religious fervour after Ramadan?).
The Friday Sermon (Khutba)is traditionally in Arabic (started from the time when the mosque had imams from Egypt)with today's theme being the benefits of Roza. The essence of Ramadan lies in man controlling his 'Nafs' or desires and exercising 'Sabr' or patience.
I recalled hearing the recitation during Tarawih a couple of days earlier in which Allah says 'Seek help through Sabr (Patience) and Salaat (Prayer)' (Quran 2:153) ; the relative importance of 'Sabr' being enphasised even over Prayer. In fact, the early muslim era is a perfect example of 'Sabr' when the faithfuls faced persecution from the Meccans. It is perhaps their patience which strengthened their faith and made them extraordinary men of character and success.
After that Tarawih when I got into my car to return home, I hesitated a bit before putting on the Air Conditioning trying to apply the message of Sabr ... this is going to be a Ramadan of Sabr; and without AC!!
PS: A Janaza (funeral) after Juma Prayers in the mosque... Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'oun (We are for Allah and to him shall we return). Lucky Soul...to be recalled in Ramadan.
At home today, attended Namaz-e-Juma at Nahoda Mosque in Calcutta. The sky was overcast but thankfully no rain during Namaz. The multitude spilled out of the mosque and onto the roads... a usual feature here when the faithful suddenly strengthen their faith (perhaps a topic for discussion - Why do Muslims lose their religious fervour after Ramadan?).The Friday Sermon (Khutba)is traditionally in Arabic (started from the time when the mosque had imams from Egypt)with today's theme being the benefits of Roza. The essence of Ramadan lies in man controlling his 'Nafs' or desires and exercising 'Sabr' or patience.
I recalled hearing the recitation during Tarawih a couple of days earlier in which Allah says 'Seek help through Sabr (Patience) and Salaat (Prayer)' (Quran 2:153) ; the relative importance of 'Sabr' being enphasised even over Prayer. In fact, the early muslim era is a perfect example of 'Sabr' when the faithfuls faced persecution from the Meccans. It is perhaps their patience which strengthened their faith and made them extraordinary men of character and success.
After that Tarawih when I got into my car to return home, I hesitated a bit before putting on the Air Conditioning trying to apply the message of Sabr ... this is going to be a Ramadan of Sabr; and without AC!!
PS: A Janaza (funeral) after Juma Prayers in the mosque... Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'oun (We are for Allah and to him shall we return). Lucky Soul...to be recalled in Ramadan.
rKaImPaPdUaRn
its so awesome that these two holidays are coinciding this year - we ask for forgiveness and we all fast at the same time!!
wouldnt it be great if the leaders of our region sent apologies to eachother.. and we behaved like a good little region..
thats all the aliens see when they look at us.. see? :D
wouldnt it be great if the leaders of our region sent apologies to eachother.. and we behaved like a good little region..
thats all the aliens see when they look at us.. see? :D
LIGHT A LANTERN
It is 5.40 am on a friday morning. It is our first friday fast. The call for prayer rings through the air like rain. Washing away the burdens of yesterday. Calling us to pray to cleanse our souls.A couple of days ago, I got my usual newsletter from Nestlé. They usually send me mails, updating me on their new products etc. Most days I do not have the time to read the newsletter, but something caught my eye, and this is what I got.
Nestlé has organised an event called Light a Lantern. With just one click you will donate 1 Riyal to a needy orphan.
Oh! And there are recipees galore so Hanna, get cooking!
Ramadan in Reading
Mabrook everyone on this amazing blog! Ramadan Kareem to you all from Reading. If you're wondering where is this place then it's a small town in England.. it's also the last stop on the train before you reach London!
Having spent pretty much all of my Ramadans during my adult life in the UK, I am always noting my different experiences. My fasting is generally the same, and I try to always go above the lack of food and water and try to purify myself, but what I find interesting is how my fasting affects those non-Muslims around me.
Every year is different in those around me. I enjoy telling people that we cannot eat, drink and smoke during the daylight hours and then they ask why. I always reply saying it's to give us a sense of equality with those less fortunate than us and to get us patience. This year I got asked if I had to pray to the East! I had to explain the we pray towards Mecca which happens to be East of the UK, but for the Indonesians that would be West!
Anyway I wish you all well and goodness in this special month. I wish all your wishes to come true, and your sins to be erased. I wish you happiness in these happy days sharing the time with those you love.
Ramadan Kareem.
PS: Good work S.Shaira and D.Rebel and all the other contributors to make this a great success!
Having spent pretty much all of my Ramadans during my adult life in the UK, I am always noting my different experiences. My fasting is generally the same, and I try to always go above the lack of food and water and try to purify myself, but what I find interesting is how my fasting affects those non-Muslims around me.
Every year is different in those around me. I enjoy telling people that we cannot eat, drink and smoke during the daylight hours and then they ask why. I always reply saying it's to give us a sense of equality with those less fortunate than us and to get us patience. This year I got asked if I had to pray to the East! I had to explain the we pray towards Mecca which happens to be East of the UK, but for the Indonesians that would be West!
Anyway I wish you all well and goodness in this special month. I wish all your wishes to come true, and your sins to be erased. I wish you happiness in these happy days sharing the time with those you love.
Ramadan Kareem.
PS: Good work S.Shaira and D.Rebel and all the other contributors to make this a great success!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Question
Guest Post By Abid
I have a question which is not about Ramadan or fasting. It is about our etiquette and rules in Islam.
Every time I visit the mosque, the imam and the others frown on me because I wear two gold rings on my finger.
I like wearing the rings. It is a vanity thing which I find difficult to explain to the imam.
However I would like to know if anybody can give a clear explanation on whether it is permitted to wear rings (made of gold). I did read somewhere that ornaments and amulets that bear images or idols are banned, which is completely acceptable to me. However rings and lockets which carry my initial or my loved ones name or some design – what about them?
Can somebody help me here?
By the way, I am beginning to feel the lack of sleep. Hope it does not affect my work.
Fasting as a value
Guest post by UAE Alias:
I look around and I see people fasting because they were told to do so, no thinking process is involved. They believe that fasting is about ceasing food and drinks on an indicated time interval. Fasting is something like yoga "a discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility," not aimed at reaching a state of repletion by the end of the day. Therefore, to reach this aim we should THINK!
When you are hungry think of those who are hungry and have no Maghrib Adhaan with a table full of food, which means they don't know when they are going to get a decent meal. Think of the blessings you have and think of how thankful you are for Allah. Now try to translate those thoughts into actions through helping others more, through appreciating what you have more, through doing your worshipping duties.
Patience is another great value aimed by fasting. Even those muscular guys, they sit on the Iftaar table by the end of the day thinking "Hey Imam, hurry up!" It's a human nature; human beings are so vulnerable and so driven by their feelings. Fasting is dealing with controlling those feelings, not only the hunger and thirst. Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, have sex, look at/hear anything that may inflame certain feelings, lie, cheat, etc… during fasting.
See how many feelings this fasting process is dealing with and aimed at controlling? Try to get out of this Ramadan experience stronger, think about it so you know what you achieved by the end of this Ramadan. The sense of achievement will encourage you to work on many other aspects of your life, only if you think about this whole fasting concept.
I look around and I see people fasting because they were told to do so, no thinking process is involved. They believe that fasting is about ceasing food and drinks on an indicated time interval. Fasting is something like yoga "a discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility," not aimed at reaching a state of repletion by the end of the day. Therefore, to reach this aim we should THINK!
When you are hungry think of those who are hungry and have no Maghrib Adhaan with a table full of food, which means they don't know when they are going to get a decent meal. Think of the blessings you have and think of how thankful you are for Allah. Now try to translate those thoughts into actions through helping others more, through appreciating what you have more, through doing your worshipping duties.
Patience is another great value aimed by fasting. Even those muscular guys, they sit on the Iftaar table by the end of the day thinking "Hey Imam, hurry up!" It's a human nature; human beings are so vulnerable and so driven by their feelings. Fasting is dealing with controlling those feelings, not only the hunger and thirst. Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, have sex, look at/hear anything that may inflame certain feelings, lie, cheat, etc… during fasting.
See how many feelings this fasting process is dealing with and aimed at controlling? Try to get out of this Ramadan experience stronger, think about it so you know what you achieved by the end of this Ramadan. The sense of achievement will encourage you to work on many other aspects of your life, only if you think about this whole fasting concept.
Tunisian Recipe for Tharid (bread soup)
Guest Post By Hannah Picture submitted by www.aicp.org
This is a recipe for a soup that is supposed to have been a favorite of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him). There is apparently a hadith in which he says that Aisha held the same place among his wives that tharid held among food—anyway, it sounds tasty and we’re having it for iftaar tonight, and I share it in case it sounds good and in the spirit of Ramadan to anyone else.
In a large pot, put ¼ c. cooked chickpeas, 5 stalks parsley and 1 stalk celery, a 3 ½ lb. chicken, salt and pepper, 2 Tbsp. ghee or clarified butter, and 2 ½ quarts water. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for an hour or until the chicken is no longer pink.
Discard the herb and celery. Remove the chicken, and take the meat off the bones when it’s cool. Sprinkle the chicken with 2 ½ tsp. baharat (a spice mixture, recipe below) and salt to taste.
Beat 2 eggs in a bowl with ½ Tbsp lemon juice. Whisk a few spoonfuls of the hot soup stock into the eggs, then transfer the mixture back into the soup, whisking rapidly so the eggs don’t curdle from the heat. Keep the soup over very very low heat.
In a large skillet, heat ¼ c. olive oil and brown the chicken meat with 1 ½ Tbsp lemon juice (the total lemon juice in the recipe should equal that of one lemon) over medium-high heat. Remove the browned meat to a platter, add ¼ c more olive oil to the pan, and cook slices of dry/day-old bread (about ½ baguette) until lightly golden.
To serve, place bread in the bottom of each bowl, ladle the soup on top, and serve the chicken on the side or in the soup.
To make baharat, mix together 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp dried rose petals, and 1 tsp finely ground black pepper. I substituted ground allspice and a little freshly ground nutmeg for the rose petals. This recipe comes from Clifford Wright’s wonderful book, “A Mediterranean Feast”.
I’d like to add as a question—What are people reading during Ramadan, apart from the Qu’ran?
This is a recipe for a soup that is supposed to have been a favorite of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him). There is apparently a hadith in which he says that Aisha held the same place among his wives that tharid held among food—anyway, it sounds tasty and we’re having it for iftaar tonight, and I share it in case it sounds good and in the spirit of Ramadan to anyone else.In a large pot, put ¼ c. cooked chickpeas, 5 stalks parsley and 1 stalk celery, a 3 ½ lb. chicken, salt and pepper, 2 Tbsp. ghee or clarified butter, and 2 ½ quarts water. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for an hour or until the chicken is no longer pink.
Discard the herb and celery. Remove the chicken, and take the meat off the bones when it’s cool. Sprinkle the chicken with 2 ½ tsp. baharat (a spice mixture, recipe below) and salt to taste.
Beat 2 eggs in a bowl with ½ Tbsp lemon juice. Whisk a few spoonfuls of the hot soup stock into the eggs, then transfer the mixture back into the soup, whisking rapidly so the eggs don’t curdle from the heat. Keep the soup over very very low heat.
In a large skillet, heat ¼ c. olive oil and brown the chicken meat with 1 ½ Tbsp lemon juice (the total lemon juice in the recipe should equal that of one lemon) over medium-high heat. Remove the browned meat to a platter, add ¼ c more olive oil to the pan, and cook slices of dry/day-old bread (about ½ baguette) until lightly golden.
To serve, place bread in the bottom of each bowl, ladle the soup on top, and serve the chicken on the side or in the soup.
To make baharat, mix together 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp dried rose petals, and 1 tsp finely ground black pepper. I substituted ground allspice and a little freshly ground nutmeg for the rose petals. This recipe comes from Clifford Wright’s wonderful book, “A Mediterranean Feast”.
I’d like to add as a question—What are people reading during Ramadan, apart from the Qu’ran?
Working hard in HK...
Open eyes... realize there is light outside... look at watch to confirm it is not a hallucination... curse under breath (that was rather impulsive)... say the Dua for starting the fast... turn over... go to sleep again.
That was little after 6am (yesterday). Now at 2.45am, having got home from office about a half hour ago, I am thinking if I want to risk that again, or should I keep awake till 5am for suhur? There is no doubt in my mind that if I go to sleep now, the chances of waking up at 4.30am are not too high. As a statistician, I would not bet on my odds. Then again, I would not bet on my odds to get to office on time either if I don't sleep now.
The day actually went by surprisingly well given the lack of nutrition. Possibly even better than the day before, when I was late for a meeting in the morning and decided to run most of the way to work and had to spend the rest of the day feeling pretty thirsty.
I have to admit though, AlhamdulIllah, so far I haven't had a hard time dealing with the hunger or the thirst. The thing I really feel is the lack of energy! I was remembering today how when I was 14, I would go out in the afternoon and practice with my basketball team for a couple of hours while fasting. We would be done more than an hour before iftaar time and it just wouldn't matter.
I like to think I'm not too old, but I can't help but notice the difference in energy. I miss it. And its only been 4 days...
That was little after 6am (yesterday). Now at 2.45am, having got home from office about a half hour ago, I am thinking if I want to risk that again, or should I keep awake till 5am for suhur? There is no doubt in my mind that if I go to sleep now, the chances of waking up at 4.30am are not too high. As a statistician, I would not bet on my odds. Then again, I would not bet on my odds to get to office on time either if I don't sleep now.
The day actually went by surprisingly well given the lack of nutrition. Possibly even better than the day before, when I was late for a meeting in the morning and decided to run most of the way to work and had to spend the rest of the day feeling pretty thirsty.
I have to admit though, AlhamdulIllah, so far I haven't had a hard time dealing with the hunger or the thirst. The thing I really feel is the lack of energy! I was remembering today how when I was 14, I would go out in the afternoon and practice with my basketball team for a couple of hours while fasting. We would be done more than an hour before iftaar time and it just wouldn't matter.
I like to think I'm not too old, but I can't help but notice the difference in energy. I miss it. And its only been 4 days...
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tarawih time in Faisal Mosque
Faithfulls answering to the call of their Creator and Supreme Sustainer - Tarawih in progress at the beautifull Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
Courtesy: Imran Khan
Fasting Rookie
Guest Post By Abid
Assalamu alaikum to all,
Guess what, I am a bit ashamed to say this.
I have been a muslim all my life but have never fasted. And I am doing it for the first time this year. God help me.
I would like to thank Kaya for putting up the niyyat and thanx prayers in Arabic and English for people like me.
I would also like to encourage Daniel and Hannah for their initiative and contributions.
I must tell Hannah here that according to my local imam, one can taste the food while cooking as long as it is not ingested. The rule only says that nothing should be ingested through the mouth. Swallowing one’s spittle is also allowed.
I must say this is a wonderful place to put up our thoughts.
Abid
Assalamu alaikum to all,
Guess what, I am a bit ashamed to say this.
I have been a muslim all my life but have never fasted. And I am doing it for the first time this year. God help me.
I would like to thank Kaya for putting up the niyyat and thanx prayers in Arabic and English for people like me.
I would also like to encourage Daniel and Hannah for their initiative and contributions.
I must tell Hannah here that according to my local imam, one can taste the food while cooking as long as it is not ingested. The rule only says that nothing should be ingested through the mouth. Swallowing one’s spittle is also allowed.
I must say this is a wonderful place to put up our thoughts.
Abid
Lights of Ramadan
Trees decorated in front of a shopping mall in Dubai. This is a common practice here at the time of Ramadan or festivities, to decorate trees with lights. Dua's
I know most of you know the dua's to be read at the time of suhoor/sehri or iftaar. But we, here are reaching out to so many people for whom this is a first time experience.
Suhoor/Sehri is the meal we eat before the Fajr adhaan.
After the meal we make neeyat (intention) to fast with this dua:
WA BISAWMI GHADIN NAWAYTU MIN SHAHRI RAMADAN"I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan."
Similarly at the call for prayer, in the evening. Maghrib, is when we break our fast, which we have kept since dawn without eating or drinking anything.
This meal is known as iftaar and the dua for breaking fast is as follows:
ALLAAHUMMA LAKA S'UMTU WA A'LAA RIZQIKA AFT'ARTU WA A'LAYKA TAWAWKKALTU"O my Allah, for Thee, I fast, and with the food Thou gives me I break the fast, and I rely on Thee ."
Message of peace..
Fresh off the creative mind of Najdat Anzour comes a new tv series to be aired during Ramadan called Renegade that is anti terror..
(as seen and taken from http://www.npr.org/)
The show is said to attack those who preach violence and condemns fundamentalists..
This is part of a larger movement of Muslims whose voices have now been magnified in a call for peace and against terrorism.. Much respect to Anzour and friends - these are clearly people who have enough charisma and talent to shape opinions and the bravery to further reflect the change that they affect..
This is an amazing evolution and cannot be taken for granted for its potential effects on our region!!
By way of contrast - two years ago Yahya Ayyash was a tv superstar - he was a Palestinian terrorist killed during an operation years ago - who turned into a legend aired across the Arab world during this holy month..
Ramadan karim to everyone!
lirun
Telaviv
Ps. Gmar hatima tova for Yom Kippur and thank you sooo much for invitation of my participation in this blog.. it is an honour and a privilege to share this experience..
(as seen and taken from http://www.npr.org/)The show is said to attack those who preach violence and condemns fundamentalists..
This is part of a larger movement of Muslims whose voices have now been magnified in a call for peace and against terrorism.. Much respect to Anzour and friends - these are clearly people who have enough charisma and talent to shape opinions and the bravery to further reflect the change that they affect..
This is an amazing evolution and cannot be taken for granted for its potential effects on our region!!
By way of contrast - two years ago Yahya Ayyash was a tv superstar - he was a Palestinian terrorist killed during an operation years ago - who turned into a legend aired across the Arab world during this holy month..
Ramadan karim to everyone!
lirun
Telaviv
Ps. Gmar hatima tova for Yom Kippur and thank you sooo much for invitation of my participation in this blog.. it is an honour and a privilege to share this experience..
Why only Ramadan ?
Hi, my name is Danish and am somewhat new to this world of 'Blogging'. I live in Sharjah, U.A.E and i'm currently going through college and trying to start my own business at the same time. I'm not that good a writer and this is my first post. So, if you find any mistake, feel free to point them out.
The holy month of Ramadan. Gone are the days when I use to anxiously wait for this month. The times when I use to compete with my brothers as to who will fast more days than the other. I guess it was a bit of 'Fun' just waiting eagerly on the dinner table to hear the Maghrib Azaan, so that we could stuff our tiny little stomachs with almost everything we had fantasized about eating that day.
The holy month of Ramadan. Gone are the days when I use to anxiously wait for this month. The times when I use to compete with my brothers as to who will fast more days than the other. I guess it was a bit of 'Fun' just waiting eagerly on the dinner table to hear the Maghrib Azaan, so that we could stuff our tiny little stomachs with almost everything we had fantasized about eating that day.
It's fair to say that, that 'Fun' has disintegrated with the realizations of the importance of this Holy Month.For me, that 'Fun' has been replaced by 'Effort'. An Effort to rejuvenate myself. Every year, in this month, I get a chance to add something to that 'Effort' to reconstruct myself. To better understand the reason of my existence on this god created place. But I have now realized that this 'Effort' should not be in the month of Ramadan only.
My point of this monotonous story is that we should not give importance to the month of Ramadan only. This, being one of the holiest months in our Islamic Calender (in which the Holy Quran was revealed) is the only centre of attention for many. Why? Because, when taught about Ramadan, that is what most children perceive. Hence, with time, this perception starts to grow and eventually they start to believe that this is the only month of the year that they need to pray and ask forgiveness from Allah.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Foods of Ramadan
This picture was taken of a street stall in Dubai outside a restaurant that sells Samosas, Pakoras, Jaleebis, and Dahi ballas for Iftaar. The picture is of the different ingredients that make up dahi ballas. There is an assortment of chutneys, yoghurt, channa, and ballas. It is a spicy snack popular in South Asia usually eaten for Iftaar.
Hannah From Portland
Guest Post By Hannah
Salaam alaikum to all and good morning to those near the Pacific time zone.
I didn’t get to the store to buy dates before Ramadan, so when I went yesterday I bought a big bag of medjool dates. I invited my husband and some friends to share iftaar together, and cooked my favorite food: Indian vegetarian. We had parathas stuffed with green peas, mung and tomato dal, mint-coconut chutney, tomato-fennel chutney, and rice, and it was delicious! The chili peppers, tomatoes, and even one lemon came from my own garden, and the gratitude I felt for them was certinaly more keen than usual. How good it is to share food with friends! Leftovers made suhoor this morning, with more dates. The dates made me think of the Prophet, peace be upon him. I knew so little about the Prophet before I became a Muslim, and now, thank God, when I think about him I have a feeling of happiness and love in my heart. Muslims are blessed to have so many stories about him: about his love for his family, his kindness and courtesy towards women as well as men and animals, his humility and even his willingness to share the housework! When I get home today I’ll share a recipe that he is supposed to have liked that I’m planning to make for iftaar tonight.
One thing I’m thinking a lot about right now is all the generosity my non-Muslim friends have shown me since I converted. There have certainly been people surprised, worried, uncomprehending, about why I would convert, but most have been lovely. My husband gave me my first Qu’ran, my employer (I’m a caregiver) told me to take all the time I need to pray at work and made sure I have a pleasant spot for it, occasionally strangers have greeted me on the street with “salaam alaikum”. So in the spirit of the comments earlier on the blog about how strange it is that gulfs develop between people who have a lot in common, I’d like to suggest that Ramadan is a great time to reach out to non-Muslims. Gifts of food and invitations to iftaar at home are good ways, since food always brings people together.
And now I have a question about food—Those of you who cook, do you do it all without tasting the food? I tasted just a speck a couple of times because I didn’t know how hot these home-grown chilis might be. I rinsed my mouth out after, but still it felt like breaking the fast.
Salaam alaikum to all and good morning to those near the Pacific time zone.
I didn’t get to the store to buy dates before Ramadan, so when I went yesterday I bought a big bag of medjool dates. I invited my husband and some friends to share iftaar together, and cooked my favorite food: Indian vegetarian. We had parathas stuffed with green peas, mung and tomato dal, mint-coconut chutney, tomato-fennel chutney, and rice, and it was delicious! The chili peppers, tomatoes, and even one lemon came from my own garden, and the gratitude I felt for them was certinaly more keen than usual. How good it is to share food with friends! Leftovers made suhoor this morning, with more dates. The dates made me think of the Prophet, peace be upon him. I knew so little about the Prophet before I became a Muslim, and now, thank God, when I think about him I have a feeling of happiness and love in my heart. Muslims are blessed to have so many stories about him: about his love for his family, his kindness and courtesy towards women as well as men and animals, his humility and even his willingness to share the housework! When I get home today I’ll share a recipe that he is supposed to have liked that I’m planning to make for iftaar tonight.
One thing I’m thinking a lot about right now is all the generosity my non-Muslim friends have shown me since I converted. There have certainly been people surprised, worried, uncomprehending, about why I would convert, but most have been lovely. My husband gave me my first Qu’ran, my employer (I’m a caregiver) told me to take all the time I need to pray at work and made sure I have a pleasant spot for it, occasionally strangers have greeted me on the street with “salaam alaikum”. So in the spirit of the comments earlier on the blog about how strange it is that gulfs develop between people who have a lot in common, I’d like to suggest that Ramadan is a great time to reach out to non-Muslims. Gifts of food and invitations to iftaar at home are good ways, since food always brings people together.
And now I have a question about food—Those of you who cook, do you do it all without tasting the food? I tasted just a speck a couple of times because I didn’t know how hot these home-grown chilis might be. I rinsed my mouth out after, but still it felt like breaking the fast.
Our Efforts in Ramadan
I got this in e - mail from a friend. For those friends who have difficultu with Urdu, a translation in English follows:
Our efforts in Ramadan
“You move towards Him an arm’s distance, He will come towards you double that distance; you walk towards Him and He will run towards you”. (Sahih Muslim)
“So many people are there who fast without ever getting anything except hunger and thirst in return; and so many people are there who pray for the whole night but don’t get anything except a sleepless night”.
Maghrib was not as dignified as I planned
Guest Post By Daniel, the fasting newbie
Just after my first post here I got a phone call from a colleague, she asked me if I wanted to work for her and since it's Ramadan I could not say no : ) so I had to run home prepare iftaar (pineapple and apple salad). I poured a big glas of cold water got my cigaretts out and sat watching the sun set behind the mountains. I said thanks and started eating. Dont know if eating is the correct word... I attacked my plate with a fury not seen since I picked up a smoke after being without for 2 weeks. I ate and drank fast and then I had 2 smokes before I had to run to work. I started at 1900 so there was time to eat before work today, a luxury I won't have the rest of the week.
My colleagues were quite supportive of my decision to fast for a month, but most of them thought it was weird as I'm not a Muslim. I tried to explain that I believe in God and that there is only one God so it does not matter if you call him/her "God "Allah" or "Jehova" its still the same God and that I was curious about Islam.
I worked for 4hrs and had a lot of water while working. After work I went to a friend's house for dinner around 2300 and when I came home from that I had a light snack (more fruit and veg) bedtime was around 0200 so I missed fajr as I was sleeping. I promised myself that I would wake up and go eat breakfast but I was in a deep sleep (but I think I drank some water from my bed) so today is going to be hard as I have not even had breakfast. But no one said it would be easy to fast for the first time.
Two of the girls I live with had a big night out last night so they were quite slow this morning. We went to do some shopping. My trolley was filled with fruits and veg and slow carbs for morning and fast carbs for night and some nice beef. The girls got egg, meat, mayonaise, white bread and so on... a nice fried Australian brecky. I was a bit hungry but I still helped them to cook. And I sat there watching them eating about 2 days worth of calories and drinking cold juice and milk. When they lit there smokes I had to leave for a while but I think I handeld the temptation quite well : )
I spend alot of my thirsty hours thinking about my spiritual journey and I'm thinking back about the journey I did when I was in my late teens (I went to England then). In my young ignorant years I experimented with drugs and sin and now still young but a bit wiser I experiment with religon and culture.
Day 2 of my first fast is coming to its end and I will soon go home and prepare a nice feast for me and my friends, as I'm really having a day off today. Two courses of couscous, one vegetarian and one with beef will be on the menu both served with cold sauses and flat bread. Fresh fruit and milk for dessert. And plenty of cold water and tobaco through the meal.
I hope you all enjoy your days and don't forget to tip your waiters tonight as they won't be able to eat until you leave the restaurant...
Just after my first post here I got a phone call from a colleague, she asked me if I wanted to work for her and since it's Ramadan I could not say no : ) so I had to run home prepare iftaar (pineapple and apple salad). I poured a big glas of cold water got my cigaretts out and sat watching the sun set behind the mountains. I said thanks and started eating. Dont know if eating is the correct word... I attacked my plate with a fury not seen since I picked up a smoke after being without for 2 weeks. I ate and drank fast and then I had 2 smokes before I had to run to work. I started at 1900 so there was time to eat before work today, a luxury I won't have the rest of the week.
My colleagues were quite supportive of my decision to fast for a month, but most of them thought it was weird as I'm not a Muslim. I tried to explain that I believe in God and that there is only one God so it does not matter if you call him/her "God "Allah" or "Jehova" its still the same God and that I was curious about Islam.
I worked for 4hrs and had a lot of water while working. After work I went to a friend's house for dinner around 2300 and when I came home from that I had a light snack (more fruit and veg) bedtime was around 0200 so I missed fajr as I was sleeping. I promised myself that I would wake up and go eat breakfast but I was in a deep sleep (but I think I drank some water from my bed) so today is going to be hard as I have not even had breakfast. But no one said it would be easy to fast for the first time.
Two of the girls I live with had a big night out last night so they were quite slow this morning. We went to do some shopping. My trolley was filled with fruits and veg and slow carbs for morning and fast carbs for night and some nice beef. The girls got egg, meat, mayonaise, white bread and so on... a nice fried Australian brecky. I was a bit hungry but I still helped them to cook. And I sat there watching them eating about 2 days worth of calories and drinking cold juice and milk. When they lit there smokes I had to leave for a while but I think I handeld the temptation quite well : )
I spend alot of my thirsty hours thinking about my spiritual journey and I'm thinking back about the journey I did when I was in my late teens (I went to England then). In my young ignorant years I experimented with drugs and sin and now still young but a bit wiser I experiment with religon and culture.
Day 2 of my first fast is coming to its end and I will soon go home and prepare a nice feast for me and my friends, as I'm really having a day off today. Two courses of couscous, one vegetarian and one with beef will be on the menu both served with cold sauses and flat bread. Fresh fruit and milk for dessert. And plenty of cold water and tobaco through the meal.
I hope you all enjoy your days and don't forget to tip your waiters tonight as they won't be able to eat until you leave the restaurant...
Back To Basics.
Assalam Aleikum everyone.
Sorry I have not been around. Its getting a bit difficult for me. Somehow Ramadan changes our routines, and we all tend to sleep later.
Since ramadan has started I have not been able to get to bed before 12.30-1 am and then wake up again for Suhoor at 4. After which I cannot sleep and then the day unfolds.
its fair enough to say I am on day 4 feeling very sleepy and cranky.
Okay now some questions.
I was taught to do wuddu (abolution) by saying bismillah with every action.
Now I have been told recently that you must not speak in the toilet so it is wrong to say Bismillah.
That should you die in the bathroom, the angels will not enter if you have spoken.
(Therefore basically not to spk in Loo, which is easier said then done, when you have a 4 year old outside yelling her head off!)
According to "BEHESTI ZEWARR" (Heavenly Ornaments) a book printed in URDU, a must have for all newly married brides.
its a guide for everything you need to know regarding many things, including personal hygiene, etc etc.
I had been given this book by some kindly soul, needless to say I never got round to reading it.
But according to this book, when one is doing "GHUSL", (purification bath) one needs to read the first Qallma. But back to the not speaking in toilet thing.
Assuming it is said under ones breath, then there is that group of people who will not enter a toilet wearing religious pendants and will remove it or (from another lady) place it in the mouth when entering toilet.
What do you say?
Sorry I have not been around. Its getting a bit difficult for me. Somehow Ramadan changes our routines, and we all tend to sleep later.
Since ramadan has started I have not been able to get to bed before 12.30-1 am and then wake up again for Suhoor at 4. After which I cannot sleep and then the day unfolds.
its fair enough to say I am on day 4 feeling very sleepy and cranky.
Okay now some questions.
I was taught to do wuddu (abolution) by saying bismillah with every action.
Now I have been told recently that you must not speak in the toilet so it is wrong to say Bismillah.
That should you die in the bathroom, the angels will not enter if you have spoken.
(Therefore basically not to spk in Loo, which is easier said then done, when you have a 4 year old outside yelling her head off!)
According to "BEHESTI ZEWARR" (Heavenly Ornaments) a book printed in URDU, a must have for all newly married brides.
its a guide for everything you need to know regarding many things, including personal hygiene, etc etc.
I had been given this book by some kindly soul, needless to say I never got round to reading it.
But according to this book, when one is doing "GHUSL", (purification bath) one needs to read the first Qallma. But back to the not speaking in toilet thing.
Assuming it is said under ones breath, then there is that group of people who will not enter a toilet wearing religious pendants and will remove it or (from another lady) place it in the mouth when entering toilet.
What do you say?
My first Ramadan
Guest Post By Hannah
Salaam alaikum,
I am Hannah, and this is my first Ramadan. I took shahadah last December and I’m very excited about Ramadan! I live in Portland, Oregon, and the mosque where I took shahadah is far away from me and I don’t have a car, so it’s hard for me to share iftaar with others. My family and my husband are not Muslim, but are being very supportive. My husband is trying not to eat in front of me even though I tell him it’s OK. I have to admit that if I get light-headed in the afternoon I’ve decided to have just enough juice to bring my glucose back up. It seemed a good idea to be gentle on myself because this is new to me and because I have to be safe when I work. What I’ve loved about Ramadan so far has been the knowledge that my fellow Muslims all over the world are sharing this month together, and that it’s making me so much more aware of the blessing of having and sharing food, and that it’s a time to put myself in Allah’s hands and ask Him for the blessings from this that are best from me. And I have one comment—let’s all take a moment to thank everyone who’s cooking iftaar for us! It’s hard to plan menus and shop for food and cook when you’re hungry! May we all be blessed this Ramadan, and may we be a source of inspiration and goodness and light in the world.
Salaam alaikum,
I am Hannah, and this is my first Ramadan. I took shahadah last December and I’m very excited about Ramadan! I live in Portland, Oregon, and the mosque where I took shahadah is far away from me and I don’t have a car, so it’s hard for me to share iftaar with others. My family and my husband are not Muslim, but are being very supportive. My husband is trying not to eat in front of me even though I tell him it’s OK. I have to admit that if I get light-headed in the afternoon I’ve decided to have just enough juice to bring my glucose back up. It seemed a good idea to be gentle on myself because this is new to me and because I have to be safe when I work. What I’ve loved about Ramadan so far has been the knowledge that my fellow Muslims all over the world are sharing this month together, and that it’s making me so much more aware of the blessing of having and sharing food, and that it’s a time to put myself in Allah’s hands and ask Him for the blessings from this that are best from me. And I have one comment—let’s all take a moment to thank everyone who’s cooking iftaar for us! It’s hard to plan menus and shop for food and cook when you’re hungry! May we all be blessed this Ramadan, and may we be a source of inspiration and goodness and light in the world.
Monday, September 25, 2006
The lesson fasting teaches us
..........and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint.
Surah Al - Baqara, Verse 187 (2:187)
Surah Al - Baqara, Verse 187 (2:187)
The close of day 1
Thank God I've now found a chance to operate my PC, although it's uncertain when this chance would 'vanish'. The whole day yesterday went to the country wide power breakdown. It was so bad! no fault tolerance, no contingency planning whatsoever. This was yesterday. Today too, the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation gave nightmares to Karachi. The whole day, Electricity continued playing hide and seek and it too was a pathetic day today.
Anyways, like yesternight, tonight too Tarawih prayers were offered under the nuisance of the hum of electric generators. I took a day off from university to catch up on my sleep :) (I only slept for two hours before Sehri yesternight). So, had a nice meal in the morning, recited a little bit of the Holy Quran after Fajr prayers and slept till 11:00 a.m., only to be woken up by the notorious KESC. The Iftar time was great and we had lots of fruits and pakoras and samosas.
Usually, there's a lot of courtesy amongst the faithfull during the holy month, but KESC managed to make a mess of it as it made people a hell lot of impatient.
However, there was a newsreport today meant to soothe nerves. That the federal government, through the tility Stores Corporation, had decided to subsidize daily consumption foodstuff to the tune of Rs. 650 million. This, they say, would cause a price differential between the USC and open market prices of three to eight percent. But the common man, as usual, remain skeptical. I mean there aren't very many USC stores spread around the country and the existing stores generate a rush witnessing which one can only deduce that the stores aren't selling foodstuff but giving it away in charity.
Well, life's always like that. We only hope that by the end of Ramadan, sanity keeps its place and people come out spiritually refreshed, which is the goal of the whole exercise, inspite of all that goes against the sinking in of the lesson of fasting.
Anyways, like yesternight, tonight too Tarawih prayers were offered under the nuisance of the hum of electric generators. I took a day off from university to catch up on my sleep :) (I only slept for two hours before Sehri yesternight). So, had a nice meal in the morning, recited a little bit of the Holy Quran after Fajr prayers and slept till 11:00 a.m., only to be woken up by the notorious KESC. The Iftar time was great and we had lots of fruits and pakoras and samosas.
Usually, there's a lot of courtesy amongst the faithfull during the holy month, but KESC managed to make a mess of it as it made people a hell lot of impatient.
However, there was a newsreport today meant to soothe nerves. That the federal government, through the tility Stores Corporation, had decided to subsidize daily consumption foodstuff to the tune of Rs. 650 million. This, they say, would cause a price differential between the USC and open market prices of three to eight percent. But the common man, as usual, remain skeptical. I mean there aren't very many USC stores spread around the country and the existing stores generate a rush witnessing which one can only deduce that the stores aren't selling foodstuff but giving it away in charity.
Well, life's always like that. We only hope that by the end of Ramadan, sanity keeps its place and people come out spiritually refreshed, which is the goal of the whole exercise, inspite of all that goes against the sinking in of the lesson of fasting.
First day of first Fast
Guest Post By Daniel the fast newbie
My name is Daniel and im from a typical swedish famely. My father is an atheist and my mother is a non practesing Catholic. Im curently traveling the world. This is a trip where i want to experiace new things and get adeeper understanding of other cultures and religons. So when i reed the swedish newspaper online from australa and se its ramadan i decide to try out part of the practices muslims all over the world do under ramadan.
Sawm: I will atemt to fast for the duration of ramadan. fajr is at 0500 and maghrib is around 1900 so 14hrs of fast. Since im a big sweede im a bit worried about the water. Its about 10*c hotter here than it gets back home so i sweat alot... and i work from 1800 to 2400 so i cant sit down and have a meal until 2400 so my food fast is about 19hrs long. But im not to worried
about the food...
I have now been fasting for 11hrs and im not working tonight so my first day will be easyer then the folowing... I woke up at 0445 and had i nice breakfast but i thoght fibre and salt whoud help me hold more water but i realice now that the salt was a mistake. since today is my day of I went out to sunbathe but that was my second mistake... losing all that precius water just to get a nice tan and i nice rest in the sun is somthing that have to wait until next month...
The thirst is the worst so far and im dying for a smoke. im not even fealing the hunger but i gues thirst is stronger than huger.
The only regrets i have about this is that im doing it alone. i have no one to go for suport and more important no one to share my meals with as my friends eat at "normal" times so when the rest of you have a nice dinner with famely and friends after maghrib I have to eat alone... so the
party/festive part of ramadan is mised by me. i gues i have to be in a country with more muslims next year : )
3hrs left of my first day of fast ever. and I like it so far as it gives a nice insight to what it feals like to be thirsty...
My name is Daniel and im from a typical swedish famely. My father is an atheist and my mother is a non practesing Catholic. Im curently traveling the world. This is a trip where i want to experiace new things and get adeeper understanding of other cultures and religons. So when i reed the swedish newspaper online from australa and se its ramadan i decide to try out part of the practices muslims all over the world do under ramadan.
Sawm: I will atemt to fast for the duration of ramadan. fajr is at 0500 and maghrib is around 1900 so 14hrs of fast. Since im a big sweede im a bit worried about the water. Its about 10*c hotter here than it gets back home so i sweat alot... and i work from 1800 to 2400 so i cant sit down and have a meal until 2400 so my food fast is about 19hrs long. But im not to worried
about the food...
I have now been fasting for 11hrs and im not working tonight so my first day will be easyer then the folowing... I woke up at 0445 and had i nice breakfast but i thoght fibre and salt whoud help me hold more water but i realice now that the salt was a mistake. since today is my day of I went out to sunbathe but that was my second mistake... losing all that precius water just to get a nice tan and i nice rest in the sun is somthing that have to wait until next month...
The thirst is the worst so far and im dying for a smoke. im not even fealing the hunger but i gues thirst is stronger than huger.
The only regrets i have about this is that im doing it alone. i have no one to go for suport and more important no one to share my meals with as my friends eat at "normal" times so when the rest of you have a nice dinner with famely and friends after maghrib I have to eat alone... so the
party/festive part of ramadan is mised by me. i gues i have to be in a country with more muslims next year : )
3hrs left of my first day of fast ever. and I like it so far as it gives a nice insight to what it feals like to be thirsty...
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