The Only Black Date Farmer

Samuel Cobb

A Californian date farmer, the only black American date farmer in the United States, has found his business flooded with Muslim customers during Ramadan after recommendations by Muslim interlocutors.

Samuel Cobb, who runs his business in Sky Valley, has written to thank his Muslim customers for their recommendations and urge their patience after he found himself swamped with a flood of orders.

Cobb comes from farming stock and has loved agriculture since he was a toddler. “From when I was three or four years old,” he told the black Muslim news outlet Sapelo Square in an interview at the start of 2024, “seeing that tractor across the street from the house, standing on the porch. I just wanted to be where that tractor was headed.”

Thus determined to become a farmer, he studied agriculture, with a specific focus on his passion, agronomy, and briefly worked in the United States’ agricultural ministry. In 2002 he established his own farm in the Riverside areas of Desert Hot Springs and has built up a reputation for his integrity and skill as a farmer. Today Cobb grows seven types of dates, including three – Safari, Candi, and the double-textured Black Gold – that are his own personal preserve.

Imam Promotes Non-Israeli Dates

Imam Sulaimaan Hamed

With the United States’ growing Muslim population naturally seeking out dates untainted by the touch of Israeli occupation, farmer Cobb struck Black Gold after his dates were recommended by Muslim customers, including Atlanta imam Sulaimaan Hamed, to their communities.

Wrote the imam on his social media account in February 2024, not long after Cobb’s interview with Sapelo Square, “#To hell with Zionists and their stealing of Palestinian orchards…not giving them your money is resistance… Palestine still!!”

A month later and in the midst of Ramadan, farmer Cobb found the demand for dates beyond what he could have expected. Dates are particularly prized by Muslims in Ramadan, with the Prophet Muhammad – Allah’s blessings and peace upon him – repeatedly praising and recommending the fruit, and the Quran mentioning them on several occasions. Accordingly, the call for Cobb’s fruits skyrocketed after his link with American Muslims.

Overwhelmed With Orders

Last week Imam Hamed shared a message from the date farmer, only a month after his recommendation:

“Thank you for all of the word-of-mouth promotion that you initiated on behalf of Sam Cobb Farms and our California grown dates. The response to your call to action to purchase dates from Sam Cobb Farms during this Ramadan season has been nothing short of amazing! We have been graciously overwhelmed with orders for our dates and support for our farm! Thank you!” Such was the traffic that Cobb found him unusually late on his orders. “There are more orders than we have ever seen before! Again, thank you! Thank you very much!”

He went on to write, “I wish we were discovered sooner. But I don’t think anything could have prepared me for what I have experienced. I just had to go through it! But, next year we will be much better prepared for the Ramadan date traffic. Even though next year will probably be more intense than this year. At least, I will know that it’s coming.”

Related:

– Muslims in America Decimate Apartheid Dates Imports

– Understanding Boycotts And Buying Within Our Communities

The post Dates On The Cobb: Ramadan Recommendations Bring A Welcome Flood To Californian Farmer appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Preparations for Ramadan for this Muslim familia, or family, consists of planning together with their children to get them excited about the fasting season. They discuss how they will plan out the month in order to reap its many rewards, and the husband and wife decide on a schedule so they can alternate between attending the taraweeh prayers and babysitting. With the help of their children, Julio and Shinoa make a list of foods and ingredients they will need for their suhur, or pre-dawn meals, and iftar, their dinner after breaking the fast. These feasts will feature a variety of Puerto Rican dishes such as pollo guisado (stewed chicken), sorullos (corn dumplings stuffed with cheese), pasteles (meat-filled dumplings made out of root vegetables, green bananas, and plantains), tortilla española (Spanish omelets), empandas (meat-filled turnovers), and finger foods such as guava, cheese, and Spanish olives, coupled with the iconic Ramadan dates.

Right before Ramadan, the Ortiz-Matos home is decorated with typical fiesta décor, shining lights, pom poms, and banners in Spanish. One of their most unique Ramadan and Eid traditions is dressing up in Puerto Rican cultural attire. Shinoa explains, “My husband can usually be found wearing a guyabera (Caribbean dress) shirt in different colors along with a matching kufi. My sons will also wear tropical shirts with their own kufis. This year I am planning on dressing all my children in typical jibaro (Puerto Rican country) clothing, complete with my daughter in a bomba skirt and my sons with machetes and sombreros de paja (straw hats)!” To prepare for Eid, they redecorate the house with Feliz Eid (Happy Eid) signs and fill decorative bowls with traditional Puerto Rican sweets made with coconut, passion fruit, and pineapple.

As converts, Julio and Shinoa know the isolation that new Muslims can feel during the holidays, so they also make a habit out of spending the month with fellow Latinos and converts. Not only does Shinoa want to make sure that no one is spending Ramadan and Eid alone, she also wants her children to feel a sense of belonging. She said, “This helps to reinforce the (concept of a) Latino Muslim community in the eyes of our children because even though all Muslims are brethren, it is important for them to be able to see representation in others they associate with.”

Even though they live in Brooklyn, Julio and Shinoa often attend the North Hudson Islamic Educational Center, or NHIEC, in New Jersey. This mosque across the Hudson River caters to the predominately Hispanic population of Union City and its surrounding areas. Due to its location, NHIEC is the home of one of the largest Latino Muslim communities in the nation and has been catering to their growing needs by providing simultaneous Spanish interpreting of Friday sermons, an annual Hispanic Muslim Day for the past two decades, and continuous educational programs specially geared towards Spanish-speakers and new Muslims of Hispanic heritage. During Ramadan, NHIEC offers iftar events catered by local Latino restaurants, like the Peruvian eatery, Fruit Punch, or the Arab/Hispanic fusion buffet called Fiesta. They also host potlucks, in which Latino Muslim converts and veterans alike breakfast by sharing their country’s typical dishes. The mosque is decorated with streamers, balloons, and flags from all 21 majority Spanish-speaking countries.

Halal on the Hudson

Union City may be known as “Havana on the Hudson” because of its large Cuban population, however, South Americans like Ecuadorians and Peruvians are also plentiful. Nylka Vargas is a mixture of both; residing near NHIEC, this Latina conversa (convert) is a social worker by day and an active member of NHIEC’s dawah committee by night. She and her Syrian husband plan out their Ramadan by renewing their intentions, assessing their spiritual needs, crossing out to do items, cleaning, and clearing their schedules for the month. While subtle decorating is also part of the prep, Nylka prefers to set aside a quiet space at home for prayer and reflection.

It is in the mosque where she works passionately alongside other Latino Muslims to make the month of Ramadan memorable for fellow Latinos. Due to most Latin American Muslims converting to Islam, their relatives are usually non-Muslims who do not celebrate Ramadan or Eid. Nevertheless, NHIEC provides an inclusive atmosphere, where converts are invited to bring their families to break fast and enjoy the festivities. They host yearly dawah and converts Ramadan programs, an annual grand Iftar for converts with Latin dishes, converts get-together iftars, and a program called “Share Your Iftar with a Convert” to actively encourage the community to break their fast with new Muslims. They also teach Ramadan prep classes, arts & crafts for children, and organize a converts Eid extravaganza.

Nylka says, “We take much pride in bedazzling and giving our Eid Party a custom touch with all kinds of Eid decorating pieces and an entertainment combo. It is always about what the community wants.” One of Nylka’s fellow dawah committee members is Flor Maza. Flor is a Salvadorian convert and mother of three married to an Egyptian Muslim. Ramadan is an exciting and busy time for Flor, who is a full-time pastelera (baker); she caters to the NHIEC community, literally, decorating and preparing all kinds of postres (desserts), both Spanish and Arabic. She has learned how to prepare typical Egyptian dishes and sweets and alternates between these and Latin-inspired foods for iftar.

“I have not lost my culture, but I am learning from other cultures,” she joyfully explained, “All cultures are beautiful.” Flor believes that Ramadan is a time to learn tolerance, patience, compassion, and gratefulness, and to collaborate in doing good. She demonstrates this by sharing her delicious meals and confections with the community during the many NHIEC events. When asked if anything distinguishes her as a Latina Muslim, she said, “Anyone can recognize a Latino Muslim because we, Latinas, are helpful, we preserve our culture and are proud of our language.”

NHIEC is one of a few Islamic centers in the U.S. where guests can experience the festivities of Ramadan and Eid in Spanish. When the time for Eid prayer comes, the Muslim community in Union City and surrounding areas, pray outside either in a park or in a local school’s soccer field. Non-Muslim neighbors hear the Takbirat al Eid, witness the Eid prayer, and listen to the sermon that follows on the loudspeakers, while admiring huge green banners with golden letters that read, “Happy Eid, Eid Mubarak (in Arabic script), and Feliz Eid.”

A Mexican, Haitan, and Puerto Rican Ramadan

Eva Martineau-Ocasio was born in Mexico to a Mexican mother and Haitian father and she was brought up speaking Spanish at home. She is married to Ismail Ocasio, a Puerto Rican who was raised Muslim in New York by convert parents. They have three girls, ages 6, 3, and 6 months and reside in Brooklyn. While they have always practiced their faith, the couple has become more diligent about making Ramadan extra special and memorable for their children.

The focal point of their Ramadan décor is a table spread with Islamic and Ramadan-themed books (some in Spanish, others in English), arts and crafts, tools, calendars, and projects they will use to celebrate Ramadan. As with the Ortiz-Matos family, great care is given to set the mood for the commencement of the Month of Mercy. As Eva explained, “We prepare ahead of time by reading books and telling stories to remind ourselves about Ramadan. We use lights, banners, and homemade decorations to make Ramadan special in our home. In recent years, my sister and I even opened a small online shop to sell some of our decor.” With her girls, the young mother, nurse and midwife student weaves prayer mats for their dolls and paints small glass linternas (lanterns) to display on their holiday table.

While other Muslim families have similar routines to welcome Ramadan, what sets the Martineau-Ocasios and other Latino Muslims apart is the way they have tailored their cultural traditions to adapt to Islamic practices. “Food and language play the largest roles in shaping the way we experience Ramadan outside of the important religious-based practices,” Eva said, “I strive to make Ramadan as special and exciting for my children as Christmas was for me growing up.” The family enjoys fast-breaking meals representative of their unique mix of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Haitian culture. Some of their staples include tacos, fajitas, frijoles refritos (refried beans), Haitian style beef BBQ ribs, Haitian black rice, Puerto Rican arroz con maíz (yellow rice with corn), and even American Mac and Cheese.

They also celebrate with the general community and enjoy breaking fast with Arab and South Asian cuisine, as well. As a family, they attend Ramadan gatherings at the Muslim Community Center (MCC) and the MAS Brooklyn mosque in New York, where they are recognized as being Latino Muslims because of their language, Spanish, which they use with their children.

Ramon F. Ocasio, Ismail’s father and Eva’s father-in-law, shares a deeper perspective about celebrating Ramadan as a Puerto Rican Muslim of well over four decades. Ocasio was born in the Bronx and raised in El Barrio, Spanish Harlem in Manhattan. He embraced Islam in 1973. For this father and grandfather, nothing identifies as uniquely Latino in his practice of Ramadan aside from the food. He says, “My family prepares iftars featuring Latin cuisine for some masjids, both suburban and in the inner city. Just food, no unique decor. Food is the common denominator. Aside from that, there is nothing I can point to that is uniquely Latino in our celebrations.” His personal favorites are pasteles, roasted leg of lamb (a halal substitute for pernil, a traditional pork dish), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and flan (a custard dessert with caramel sauce).

When his children were young, he admits that things were a little different, with Eid gatherings in the park that drew thousands of Muslims, trips to Toys’R’Us for presents, movies, games, and outings. “Seasons change, families grow, our method of celebrating will change with it,” Ocasio reminisces, “During a span of forty plus years, it can change quite a bit. As parents, we’ve tried our best to make Ramadan and Eids special for our children. For the most part, we have been successful.”

Ramadan for the Latino Muslims of Chicago

Another Latino Ramadan legacy is being constructed west of the Tri-State area, in the Windy City. Rebecca Abuqaoud is the founder and director of Muslimahs of Chicago and a community organizer at Muslim Community Center at Elston Avenue (MCC), and at the Islamic Community Center of Illinois (ICCI). She hails from Lima, Peru, and she and her husband, Hasan Abuqaoud, have three children. Rebecca has been involved in organizing Ramadan events for the Latino community and for Muslim women and children for many years.

One of these is the annual, “Welcoming the Arrival of Ramadan,” where female speakers are invited to present, and babysitting is provided to ensure mothers are able to attend. The dinner consists of a potluck, and attendees share their cultural dishes. Guests can choose from a variety of ethnic foods, including arroz con gandules, arroz chaufa (Peruvian rice), salads, pollo rostisado (rotisserie chicken), chicken biryani, and other Pakistani and Arab delicacies. This event began as an initiative for Spanish-speakers only, at the request of Latino Muslim women, however, it has grown to become a bilingual affair and draws anywhere from 60-80 attendees.

Rebecca is known in her community for dedicating her time to sharing her years of experience, Islamic knowledge, and wisdom with others. She said, “I really love being with my Latino sisters, I understand the help and support they need in their journey to Islam. I’ve been blessed to have knowledgeable Islamic teachers in my life and now it’s time to pass that knowledge to my new sisters in Islam; I thank Allah for such an opportunity.” Among other social events during Ramadan, Rebecca holds a Halaqa Book Club for ladies in Spanish at the ICCI, and for Eid, she assists with the Eid Potluck Fiesta at MCC.

In the North of Chicago, Ramadan and Eid is a family affair, and this includes the children of Latino converts. During Ramadan, mothers are encouraged to decorate their homes and the masjid to make the season exciting for their children. In the mosque, Rebecca and other volunteers prepare fun activities for them related to Eid, such as a puppet show, decorating paper plates, creating Eid greeting cards for their families, and pretend “baking” cookies and cupcakes with play-dough. The children also enjoy listening to other kids recite the Qur’an and chatting over pizza, snacks, cake, and juice.

The Eid Potluck Fiesta at MCC, sponsored also by Ojalá Foundation, is an effort that began to create a safe space for converts to celebrate Eid together. Everyone is invited to attend and can bring dishes to share. The walls are decorated for the occasion and candy-filled piñatas are set up for the children. Not only do the Latino Muslims enjoy these festivities, but also diverse members of the community who join them in the unifying celebration that is the culmination of the Month of Mercy and Forgiveness.

Feliz Eid

All the Latino Muslims who participated in this interview mentioned that the most significant aspect of Ramadan is the same across the board: to gain the maximum benefit from the intense self-reflection, fasting, constant prayer, spiritual cleansing, and dedication to the Qur’an. Cultural practices and celebrations are secondary to the religious aspect of Ramadan. However, the collective sentiment of those who converted to Islam is that they feel a sense of loss when they are celebrating Eid without their extended non-Muslim family. There is always, “something missing.”

Latino culture is hugely family-centered, and thus, holidays are often a time to reunite with relatives. Eva Martineau summed it up as this: “For converts, missing out on the family aspect of any celebration can leave us with a sense of sadness and longing.” Her suggestion, and that of other Latino Muslims is that, like NHIEC, ICCI, and MCC (in NY and Chicago), Islamic centers across the U.S. should host Ramadan and Eid events catering to not only Latino Muslims but converts in general. As individuals, fellow Muslims can also host those who may otherwise not have anyone to break the fast with, in their iftars and Eid celebrations. This will provide those newer Muslims with that sense of brotherhood and sisterhood they long for, and maybe in return, they can taste some of those yummy ethnic dishes.

Feliz Ramadan!

Note: A modified version of this article appeared in Islamic Horizons Magazine May/June 2019 edition.

The post The Fast and the ¡Fiesta!: How Latino Muslims Celebrate Ramadan appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

The First Week

After receiving the diet plan, I got to work. The first week was one of the most challenging in my life! We could not eat any bread at all, no carbs after 5pm, no added sugar, and no sodium to any food. It is important to understand what this means. This effectively eliminated almost every sauce and seasoning you can imagine. BBQ sauce, ketchup, lemon pepper seasoning, etc. We were allowed to use sodium free spices and vegetables of course, but to this day the sodium free spices are virtually flavorless to me. Imagine eating fish or ground beef without any salt or seasoning added. I honestly had trouble chewing the food the first several days. However, I persevered. My goal was to win this contest, and I had to get through. About a month in, and several protein shakes and salt less salmon later, I was seeing results like I had never seen in my life. 6 weeks in and the changes were drastic. As I continued it became easier and easier. The head trainer running the contest had mentioned to me that he was in the results business, so I had to succeed. After about 2 months, I realized why I had failed all those years before in reaching my goals. Why I never saw the results of hours in the gym. The answer was literally in front of my eyes. It was something needed for basic human survival. It is something we are surrounded by every day. It is something most of us neglect. It was…..food

I realized all the training I had put in before was not maximized due to not paying proper attention to my diet. I had this incredible machine known as the human body, and was abusing it. It’s like I was putting soda in the gas tank of a Ferrari. I purchased and read several books regarding diet. After this contest, I would make the Ramadan theme at our masjid “Lean Ramadan.” But perhaps the greatest satisfaction came when I started exploring the teachings of our beautiful religion and food consumption.

It seems like no matter how religious one may be, most people have no control when it comes to food. I am by no means anti-food. I enjoy a good meal as much as anyone, but our excessiveness is physically harming us. According to the CDC “The percentage of children with obesity in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s. Today, about one in five school-aged children (ages 6–19) has obesity.[1] We are literally killing ourselves by excessive consumption. It is time for us to stop neglecting this part of our deen and look at the guidelines Islam gave us.

On the surface, it may seem extremely difficult to get over our obsession with food. As a student of counseling, I have seen that like gambling, or alcohol, one can be addicted to food. Even the most religiously minded tend to totally ignore these sunnahs. We have to start somewhere, and in the land of extra-large, super-size, and generous portions, let’s start simply with portions. No matter what your eating habits are now, simply eat less. Allah says “Eat and drink, and do not be wasteful.” No one ever dies at a wedding or Iftaar at the masjid because there was not enough food! So what if we leave not fully stuffed? We are not supposed to do that anyway.

The Prophet, Peace be upon him said “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is enough for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going, but if he must (fill his stomach), then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for air.” We do not need much to eat and survive. Our goal in all this is to be better worshippers. How many times have we felt lazy and useless after a big heavy meal?

The Prophet, Peace be upon him, never ate barley bread 2 days in a row. Fire would not be lit in his house for 2 months and he and his family would survive off of dates and water. I am not saying we have to live like this, but we should certainly keep these principles in mind. Food can be like medicine to us, or poison. If we conquer this desire, imagine what else we can conquer in our life. It is time to ask ourselves, do we want to eat to live or live to eat? Inshallah, by making this commitment, we can become healthier, leaner, and most importantly, better worshippers. I leave you with 3 tips

1. At a restaurant, split 1 main dish. If not, when your order comes, immediately ask for a take-out box and box half.
2. Do not go for seconds at a buffet or at parties.
3. Do not force feed people when they say they are full.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm

The post Food and Fitness: No Seconds Please! appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

The proper dua to make when breaking your fast during iftar time in Ramadan:

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ ، وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ

dhahabadh-dhama’, wabtillatil ‘urooq, wa thabatal ajru inshaa’Allah

“The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain if Allah wills”

The short video above also contains the audio of the dua for breaking the Ramadan fast if you’d like to hear it along with some other interesting gems.

When Should the Dua Be Made?

Many scholars say it’s not restricted to a specific minute, but flexible.  They’ve stated you can make dua right before the adhan, or right after hearing the adhan and breaking your fast. In summary, you can recite the dua before breaking the fast or you can recite the dua after breaking the fast.

The Virtue of Dua When a Fast is Broken – It’s Never Rejected

One of the most valuable acts of worship a person who is fasting can ever do is to make dua to Allah . Note how beautifully Allah has the famous and amazing verse about dua Ch:2 V:186 in-between the verses of fasting Ch: V: 183-187, highlighting its honor and status.

The Prophet said, “There are three whose dua is not rejected – a just ruler, the fasting person when he breaks his fast, and the prayer of the oppressed person. It rises above the clouds and the gates of heaven are opened for it, and the Lord, may He be glorified, says, ‘By My Glory, I will answer you even if it is after a while.’”

Allah greatly appreciates when you make dua at such a difficult time, the pinnacle of your hunger. Rather than being diverted by the sight of food, you made dua to Allah when breaking your fast.

Knowing this, make dua during your days of fasting fervently and don’t waste that valuable guaranteed moment where your dua is not rejected by losing focus at the sight of food – put aside a few minutes to praise Allah, asking Him for all your needs.

Share this post with your friends and family to maximize the benefit.

May Allah bless you, Ameen.

The post Dua When Breaking Your Ramadan Fast appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

He sat next to me and said, “Let me explain you something.” Just kidding – although it would be much cooler if it started out that way. Here’s what he really said, “Let me tell you something, everything in Islam orients around food.” I started laughing, indulging him politely. But this made him upset.

“This is not a joking matter, I’m serious.” I perked up, taken aback a bit. He then decided to wax philosophical on me by expounding his theory. Ramadan is a great example. We begin and end our fasts together – with food. When we want to increase the bonds of brotherhood, we can’t go out partying or hanging out at bars – so we eat. When we need the community to pitch in and support the masjid, we have a fundraising dinner. When we want the community to come and socialize at the masjid, or even learn, we provide dinner or have a potluck. Some Muslims can’t be bothered to pray Dhuhr on a weekday, but they’ll drive 3 hours to get halal meat on the weekend. Food is the way in which diverse Muslim cultures show each other up. Eating is what we are most passionate about, and halal meat is what we fight about most passionately [Click here to tweet that].

Foodie culture in general has been on an uptick in past years. It’s no surprise that the internet has been a major facilitator of that. We have access to millions of recipes from around the world along with accompanying photographs. We have online review sites where we can discuss food quality at various restaurants – or even provide amateur investigative journalism on where a halal restaurant really gets its meat. We share what we’re eating with everyone. In fact, the oldest joke in the book about social media is, “Why do I need Twitter, no one cares what I ate for breakfast! ha ha ha!”

Food culture is clearly here to stay – and by extension networking around food. As the conversation takes place on social media, the medium will dictate the form of communication. Currency online is in likes, shares, retweets, and comments [please go ahead and share this article on Facebook].

A number of critical questions come up though. These are a few that I have had, and although I don’t have answers, please leave your thoughts in the comments section:

• Is food for sustenance only, or is it meant to be enjoyed? Are there any Islamic proofs giving credence to one side over the other?
• What is the line between being thankful for the food and showing off?
• Are there any limits to appreciating the artistic nature of food?
• Are pictures of food really about food – or something else altogether?

As with all things social media, it boils down to intention. It doesn’t seem like we will ever reach a codified answer of right and wrong. Rather, what is important is to understand why we are sharing a particular photo. I’ll do this with my own Instagram feed. These are actually photos of food I have shared with my friends. Underneath each photo I will highlight a number of different intentions that one could have in posting such a photo. These are not necessarily my intentions, but instead of picking on someone else’s photos, I’m using my own to prove how the same photo can be perceived in different ways.

http://instagram.com/p/ib8PR/?modal=true

This picture can show:

• I’m such an amazing cook – everyone look at me
• Hey I’m learning how to cook, here’s a try, I want to connect with other friends who are doing the same
• I’m an awesome husband

http://instagram.com/p/MO9DOqJVOp/?modal=true

• I’m such a hipster, I’m having something you’ve probably never tried before
• If you’re ever in Atlanta, this is a cool place to try
• Forget the milkshake, I want the world to know my fiqh opinion on marshmallows

http://instagram.com/p/M9fCu7JVMF/?modal=true

• Everyone’s been waiting to try this, I have, so ask me for my feedback
• I’m more cultured than you because I tried this zabihah burger before you did

http://instagram.com/p/NSMD9rpVFW/?modal=true

• Attempt at humor
• Cry for help, wife not home and hoping someone [my mom] sees this and brings food to my house
• Please hit the like button to give me validation

http://instagram.com/p/PS_LxMJVHh/?modal=true

This one is a little easier. Nothing is ever wrong with some Texas pride.
http://instagram.com/p/TrlLQ-pVKV/?modal=true

• I’m adding cooking to my array of awesome skills
• I read a book and am using the hashtag to share my experience and connect with other readers of the book
• Maybe this is a dish you’ll enjoy so I’m just putting it out on the internets

http://instagram.com/p/aT9vqdpVAA/?modal=true

• Appreciating the artistry of the restaurant
• Doing a public service by geo-tagging the photo so others considering this venue can see real photos
• I’m a foodie and know all the cool places to eat at in Dallas

http://instagram.com/p/kZjID0pVOm/?modal=true

Again – Texas pride is practically fard.

http://instagram.com/p/nB2PBypVKA/?modal=true

• Look at me, I like Pakola (i.e. I really am Desi).
• I found a really cool local Muslim business everyone should support.
• If you don’t think a Pakola snow cone sounds appealing, then you’re not a good person inside.

http://instagram.com/p/rphwwepVNy/?modal=true

• I want to show off who I was eating with
• My friends think I talk about important things
• Maybe I didn’t want to post this, but because my friend did, I wanted to acknowledge it by re-sharing it
• I appreciate well done latte art, but just don’t want to be too in your face about it

http://instagram.com/p/vwSU7gJVIN/?modal=true

• I’m courageous enough to try foods you’ve never heard of
• I’m cooler than you because I eat food like this
• Step up to my instagram food photography skills

http://instagram.com/p/yXlNcEpVCx/?modal=true

• Look at me, I’m in California
• Look at me, I’m so cool because I’m eating with Imran
• I’m sophisticated because I can find cool foodie places that aren’t touristy
• Had a good time eating with a friend and wanted to document the experience

—

The hadith, “Actions are judged by their intention,” forms the foundation of how we view social media. Sharing photos of food can be an expression of yourself or part of your personality. It can be a service to others. It can be purely entertainment. It can be artistic appreciation. It might be a way of connecting with others around a common interest or shared experience.

When posting a photo, ask yourself what you’re trying to get across. This doesn’t mean that everything has to have some unique value to make the world a better place. Maybe it’s just pure entertainment – that’s ok, and there is room for that.

Food can also be a way of connecting with family – sharing photos from family dinners or parties, or reminiscing on something specific from a particular family member.

But food photos can also be self-serving, a sign of ingratitude, or for those who constantly post everything they eat – a sign of some serious issues. For some it can be a means of hoarding and attention – craving likes and shares at all costs.

Before you post that next food photo online, just slow down and ask why. Be comfortable with your answer and go from there. Just have limits – like standing on a chair at a restaurant to get a better shot. In that case, you’re better off not documenting it and just enjoying the meal instead.

For more articles like this, and a free copy of the 40 Hadith on Social Media eBook, sign up for the Fiqh of Social Media email list. 

The post The Fiqh of Foodstagramming appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Given that the American Muslim population was just recently found to be the most racially diverse religious group in the United States, it is only natural to wonder about the food scene that has flourished as a result of the many cultures coexisting within one nation. With that, enters the halal food scene. While halalies (halal foodies) might know the ins and outs of the best places to be, in the most interesting towns and states, the rest of us still aren’t really sure.

Enter then, the first annual ranking of the best places to be for the most delicious halal noshing experiences.

[button color=”green” size=”big” alignment=”center” rel=”follow” openin=”samewindow” ]An exclusive Muslimmatters.org feature with famous halal foodies Shahed Amanullah and Sameer S. Sarmast gives us the low-down on the top places in America for the best halal food.[/button]

Shahed Amanullah is the founder of Zabihah.com, the first-ever halal restaurant review database, consisting of over 10,000 reviewed restaurants and markets worldwide and boasting 10 million annual users. Sameer S. Sarmast is the founder of Sameer’s Eats, the web’s most popular show for discovering the best halal eateries. The host of The Halal Food Tour, Sameer’s Eats is instrumental for putting halal food on the American culinary map.

With the input from them both, we have been able to put together a list of the best fourteen places for 2014. Let us know if you agree- or better yet, disagree, and have a better place to add to the list!

1. The Tenderloin, San Francisco, California

Located in downtown San Francisco, the Tenderloin is known as the ragged and determinedly dingy domain of the city’s most down and out. Yet there’s a sort of grittiness found in the area that is not seen much anymore. An area that used to have no restaurants, the Tenderloin attracted the attention of a restaurant owner and the rest is history. “Because of the strength of a single restaurant, Shalimar, multiple halal restaurants have now pushed the area from being down and out into possessing a booming food industry, solely on the back of the Muslim food dollar,” Shahed Amanullah, founder of Zabihah.com, reflected. Drawing people from all over the San Fran area, the restaurants in the Tenderloin are primarily South Asian, but Chinese, Italian, North African and other cuisines are now beginning to feature predominantly as well.

Top picks: Shalimar, Tikka Masala, Bang San Thai 2

2. Street Cart Scene, New York City, New York

“When you talk about New York City as a distinct area, you have to recognize how it’s all about the halal carts and how they transformed the field for food carts everywhere,” Amanullah divulged. With a near-perfect rating of 9.2 out of 10 on Foursquare, The Halal Guys wins the top twenty five most popular food trucks hands down. It’s not even a question as to what to purchase when you’re standing in line: “chicken and gyro over rice with as much white sauce as is humanly possible to ingest,” says Foursquare and Buzzfeed.

Top picks: The Halal Guys, Halal Food Cart, Halal Food Cart II

3. Devon Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

A major east-west thoroughfare in the Chicago metropolitan area, the area boasts the perfect way to get a fix on South Asian food, all in a ten-block stretch on the Far North Side. Known as the most multicultural street in the city, Devon features businesses run by Indians, Pakistanis, Iraqis, and Russians, while catering to Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians. “It’s the only place I’ve ever seen where there is a kosher butcher near a halal butcher,” Amanullah divulges. South Asian restaurants in the area jockey for the most authentic and spicy, but the history is unconventional, to say the least. Although all of Devon used to consist of Orthodox Jews and Russians, Indians, Pakistanis and Bengalis moved in and took over the street. As a result, the street boasts a whole gamut of spices.

Top picks: JK Kabab House, Sabri Nihari Restaurant, Ghareeb Nawaz

4. North Jersey, New Jersey

It’s easy to let New Jersey’s size fool you, but don’t discredit this small state. Known as the absolute halal hub, Sameer Sarmast of SameersEats.com was quick to call it a “halal paradise.” Although the city was dominant in silk production during the 19^th century, it has since evolved into a major destination for Hispanic emigrants, as well as Arab and Muslim immigrants. While the majority of people in North Jersey are Middle Eastern, with a large number of Arabs residing in Paterson, there are a lot of Bangladeshis living in the area as well. “So you find a variety of restaurants, lots of halal restaurants,” Sarmast said.

[Updated] Top picks: Kabab Paradise,  Al-Basha, Amin’s, Mamoun’s Falafel

5. Ford Road, Dearborn, Michigan

One of the heaviest populations of Arabs and Muslims in America, Dearborn is known as a utopia for those that do not reside within the town boundaries. The center of the town is Ford Road, which is also the most concentrated area. The predominant Arab concentration is Lebanese, although the area has mellowed out into a pan-Arab population in recent years. The town’s economic strength is reflect “in the number of establishment on Ford Road, most of which are Lebanese… but in recent years, a lot of mainstream meat and potato places have opened up for the younger crowd.”

Top picks: Shatila, Fuego Grill, Cedarland

6.Sugar Land, Houston, Texas

Known for being the heart of the Muslim community in Houston, Sugar Land is also one of the most affluent and fastest-growing cities in the state. It is only natural, then, that its diversity is reflected in the fact that, as Amanullah said, “no one type of food dominates.” “Two things make it unique,” he continued, “one is its very Texas culture – Southwest and Mexican cuisine and meat- and the second is in its Asian immigrants and cuisine, reflected in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines.” One of the more diverse scenes in America, Sugar Land has come a long way from its more homogenous sugar plantation roots. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample from the different ethnic contingents during your time here.

Top picks: Crespo Pizza & Italian Grill, China King, Bijan’s Persian Grill

7. Northern Virginia, Virginia

“It’s the kebab capital of America,” Amanullah said immediately when we brought up the area. “Everyone focuses on kebabs, because they’re a comfort food for people coming from different places. If you like kebabs, it’s the place to come to. It’s the only area where there are restaurants and food joints open 24 hours in a day, so it’s very fascinating.” Northern Virginia comprises of several counties, but is the widespread region radiating westward from Washington, DC, and the most populous region of Virginia. With the commute from DC, it is only natural then to rely on everyone’s favorite comfort food.

Top picks: Charcoal Kabab, BBQ Delight Kabab & Grill, East West Grill

8. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is the 48^th largest city in the United States and known on the down low as the “Somali capital of America.” Although “it doesn’t have a large number of restaurants,” Shahed confided, “the food is amazing.” The dominant cuisine here is Somali, reflecting the area’s population, which has a long tradition of charitable support through progressive social programs and volunteering. In one generation, Minneapolis’ Somali residents grew from penniless immigrants into wealthy entrepreneurs, banking on their popular cuisine to contribute to the greater community. Right at the crossroards to Arab, African and South Asian food, Somali dishes are like no other.

Top picks: Hamdi Restaurant, Safari, Kabob’s Restaurant

9. Queens, New York City, New York

Known as the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world with a population of over 2 million, 48% of which are foreign-born, Queens is a place like no other. “There are a million halal restaurants in New York City,” Amanullah said, “but Jackson Heights is the best place to go.” A very vibrant neighborhood, Jackson Heights is a dense working class area – but any place where the cabbies go to eat is known as having the most delicious food. Vying for a close second is Astoria, also known for being a halal hub. With a diversity of restaurants between 28^th and Astoria, a true glimpse at the richness of the Muslim community in New York City can be seen.

Top picks: Fatima’s Halal Kitchen, Kabab King Diner, Kababish

10. Central Jersey, New Jersey

Given that New Jersey is such a halal hub, it needed more than one feature on this top fourteen list. The other notable region to look at is central Jersey, which is a mix of Indo-Pakistani, Afghani and Arab residents, clumped in different towns. “On the weekend,” Sarmast said, “everyone goes to weekend buffet restaurants.” Where there are strong cultural populations, there can always be found delicious cuisine developments, and Jersey is no stranger to this phenomenon. Although there are not found specific hubs of cuisine, notable restaurants can be found nonetheless.

Top picks: Shalimar BBQ & Curry House, Douglass Pizza, Kabab Paradise II

11. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you really want to try out a famous Philly cheesesteak, there is no other place to go than the original source. Shaped by the city’s mixtures of ethnicities, available foodstuffs and history, it is an icon to the city. Invented in the 1930s, the soft bread filled with an indulgent mix of beef and gooey cheese is a longstanding foodie favorite in Philadelphia, and a halal scene has finally caught up and begun creating their own delectable versions of the food. The economic and cultural center of Delaware Valley, Philadelphia is home to over six million people and the country’s sixth largest metropolitan area.

Top picks: 7 Seas Seafood/Broad Street Cheesesteaks, Saad’s Halal Restaurant, Nanee’s Kitchen

12. Washington, District of Columbia

Although it’s well known as the capital of America, complete with government buildings and national museums, what’s less known is the wholesome, filling and vibrant halal food scene that thrives off of its loyal customers. Amanullah spilled about the most famous restaurant in the area: Ben’s Chili Bowl. “Ben’s Chili Bowl is a restaurant in the African American area of the city, straight up salt of the earth. The most famous dish there is the half-smoked, half pork, half beef sausage – but the interesting thing is the founder of 60 years, Ben Ali, never once ate the dish, because he’s Muslim. When he passed away, the city gave him a hero’s funeral – the restaurant is really one of a kind.” Compared to northern VA, DC is predominantly African American in cuisine.

Top picks: Busboys & Poets, Kabob Palace, New Dynasty

13. Atlanta, Georgia

Another halal hub that falls in the more unconventional category, Atlanta is well known for its halal food not simply because of the quality but because, according to Amanullah, “it’s very big on American food and less on immigrant food.” One of the South’s largest cities, Atlanta has a flare for the arts that allows its visitors and residents the opportunity to develop their creative taste – and then the opportunity to satisfy their more traditional culinary taste. The Muslim community in Atlanta is fully integrated and engaged in the state, with community life being expressed in areas of education, entrepreneurship, civic involvement, and interfaith. It’s no surprise, then, to see the array of predominantly American halal cuisine options, with “highlights in seafood and soulfood cooking,” Amanullah said.

Top picks: Shujaa’s BBQ, Karachi Broast & Grill, Famous Sharky Seafood & Company

14. Dade County, Miami, Florida

The most populous metropolis in the Southeastern United States after Washington, DC, Miami is nicknamed the “Capital of Latin America,” as the largest US city with a Spanish-speaking majority. It is only natural, then, that the halal food scene is “influenced by the proximity to Cuban cultures,” as Amanullah said, “creating a new kind of taste, Afrocaribbean halal.” With the Muslim community in Miami representing cultures and backgrounds from around the world, including a significant Hispanic population, the food is “pretty diverse in terms of offerings.” This is the place to find something with a little Latin flair, and not feel like you’re struggling to discover it.

Top picks: Lazeez Asian Cuisine, Juicy Gyros, Natural Chicken Grill

Laila Alawa is the Social Media Associate at Unity Productions Foundation; and a Public Policy & Government Intern at the Muslim Public Affairs Council. She is also the founder & editor of ComingofFaith.com

The post 2014’s Best Places in America for Halal Foodies appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

By no means am I a health-nut, but during this month I find a new level of painstaking awareness of what I am eating and other habits that contribute to my general well-being.  The gray areas of my eating habits before become a lot more black and white during Ramadan, like avoiding fried food, for instance.

I suddenly find the motivation and discipline to cut out junk food and caffeine nearly altogether, stay properly hydrated, and balance what I am eating and when I am eating it.  I listen to my body and do what I know will help me perform at my best, even if it means dropping some habits which might not be that bad, and picking up some extra good ones.  I would often get questions from classmates in high school, amazed and appalled by the physical demands of this month on fasting Muslims, “How do you do it?” Honestly, we all do it and we find a way to make it work, we have to.

Just like the samosa overload made us sick to our stomachs, our souls have a similar propensity when we do certain actions.  Scholars say that a person is made up of a body and a soul, and these two entities are constantly seeking a balance with one another.  Once the bodily needs are suppressed through fasting, there is a lot more room for the soul to express its needs and be fed.  This may be one of the reasons why we find ourselves capable of performing acts of worship and feeling a level of spirituality that would be hard for us to attain outside of Ramadan.

It is this newfound urgency of my spiritual needs that I believe pushes me to make important decisions about certain habits I have and develop a whole other kind of “consumption-consciousness.”  Whether it’s simply not being able to justify sitting down to watch a TV show for an hour, feeling uncomfortable about engaging with certain content in a movie or book, or doubting the suitability of being in certain types of gatherings, I start to look at how I spend my days and nights in a new way.

I don’t want to be wasting my time or purging my fasts and prayers of their blessings by doing something stupid that will displease Allah.  The kinds of actions that will earn the displeasure of Allah are the ones that we should hope our bodies will have an averse reaction to, helping us reject what is not good for us.  To be able to make those small decisions that impact our daily spirituality, and eventually long-run spirituality, are a part of the broader idea of “taqwa,” and ultimately a goal of Ramadan.

In the Qur’an, Allah tells us that our main goal in fasting is to attain taqwa, commonly translated as “God-consciousness.”  While this is something we should all be striving for in this blessed month, maybe “consumption-consciousness,” particularly in the way we spend our free time, might not be a bad thing to hope to walk away from Ramadan with—in a balanced way, of course.  And even better would be if some of those habits might stick with us once this blessed month is over.

The post Consumption-Consciousness in Ramadan appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Welcome Ramadan

Alḥamdulillāh, all praise is due to Allah the Creator of the heaven and earth and everything in between. As the month of Ramadan is moving backwards through the solar calendar once again, Ramaḍān begins in the heat of summer with long days and short nights in some places of the world. And next year, inshā’Allāh, God willing, the days are going to be even longer. It’s the perfect time to take our deen, our Islamic lifestyle, to another level that includes nutrition.

Farewell to Fried Foods

It’s time to say good-bye to junk foods, toxins, and bad habits. Fried foods are essentially junk food in comparison to an Islamic “halal and tayyib” diet. Food studies reveal that fried foods damage your body and brain in many ways. They clog arteries and lead to strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, inflamed joints, heart attacks, aneurysms, and elevated blood pressure. This is no surprise when most corn oil and rape seed oil (canola) is genetically modified, contains pesticides, and more toxic than soy oil. For more information on these oils see,  “So, You Think Canola Oil is Healthy?”

Purify the Body, Illuminate the Soul

Islam is a complete religion for the mind, body, and soul. We have been gifted with an amazing body, Alḥamdulillāh, praise God. Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-As:

Allah’s Apostle said, “O `Abdullah! Have I not been formed that you fast all the day and stand in prayer all night?”

I said, “Yes, O Allah’s Apostle!”

He said, “Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave them (the fast) at other times; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

It is clear from the above hadith, that our body has rights over us. The body needs the right fuel to run at optimum performance. This means eating food that provides long, slow release of energy as well as vital vitamins and minerals.

Sacred Foods in a Six Hour Window

All the foods mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah are beneficial for our health. They are “halal and tayyib” meaning they are lawful AND pure. They are whole meal, quality foods that complement the body.

They are fresh foods, full of sun-fired vitality. However, the wrong combinations of healthy foods can be unhealthy. There is a difference of opinion about “Food Combining theory” between qualified nutritionists, vegan raw foodies whose business often depends on them justifying mixing certain fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and scientists who are usually paid by Big Pharma and the processed food industry.

Islamically, we are allowed to eat meat. Meat is part of the food combining equation. With a little skill and know-how we can eat from all the food groups. This year we are going to try something that seems radical. This is going to take a real shift for some of us. I know many Muslims eat through the night until Fajr, that’s not new, however  I am going to introduce good nutrition and food combining into this 6 hour window in which we can eat. This 6 hour, healthy banquet is a long meal. Starting with fluid and more fluid, soups, starters, and salad and then the main course at suhur. What, no dessert? No dessert! Let’s save that for Eid, inshā’Allāh.

Breaking Fast: Dates and Water

First and most important is hydration. Hydration is going to be the key factor in this year’s Ramaḍān nutrition. We are going to have to monitor, regulate, and force ourselves to drink water. It is essential during this 6 hour window that we drink at least 2 liters or 3 ½  pints of water. It can be broken down like this:

• Iftar: 500 ml water and dates. Personally, I will be adding a spoon of honey to my iftar water, not only for the energy but also for the healing, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, as well as much more.
• Every hour after that 300 ml or 10 oz of water including at suḥūr.

There is a wisdom to why we eat dates. They are sun-fired packages of high energy multivitamins and minerals. If you don’t already, train yourself to love them, they are a superfood.

Caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee so not count towards this fluid intake, as these will deplete your body of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, and also dehydrate you. If you must drink these, then have an additional mug of water and make sure you take a vegan multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

Maghrib with a Side of Fruits

Fruits are so special they will be in paradise. The Holy Quran mentions fruits as a generic term فاكهة  fourteen times.

1. And for them there is fruit, and for them there is what they ask for. [36:57]

2. Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruit in abundance and drinks. [38:51]

3. Therein for you will be fruit in plenty, of which you will eat (as you desire). [43:73].

Bananas, dates, grapes, figs, and pomegranate are individually mentioned in other chapters.

Fruits are sun-fired foods that have a high water content as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Eat some sort of fruit salad, fruit juice, or smoothie after breaking fast with water and dates. If time is not on your side, buy pressed fruit juice with bits, not smooth and not concentrate. If you are making it at home, smoothies are better than juices because they contain soluble and insoluble fibers. Fiber is good to combat constipation, encouraging elimination of toxins. It’s good for the digestive and circulatory systems of the body.

Fruits digest more quickly than vegetables, opening the digestive canal and providing energy, vitamins, and minerals to the organs. To combat your thirst at iftar, have a watermelon smoothie, agua fresca, with honey and lemon, then have another type of fruit smoothie. Melons are the quickest of fruits to digest, taking only 20 minutes. Watermelon can be blended or juiced, including the skin and seeds, which contain the important minerals magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, Zinc, Iron, potassium and copper. All essential!

Keep the smoothies just fruits, no nuts, no dairy, no veggies, then pray Maghrib. This will give your digestive tract time to open up, absorb these essential sugars, vitamins, and minerals and give you energy for the rest of the evening Insha’Allah.

Veggie-Licious

Remember to drink more water while you are preparing this next part of the meal.

Herbage is mentioned a few times in the Quran. Herbage can mean “the succulent part of herbaceous vegetation,” ¹ All edible plants are considered to be herbage.²

Seest thou not that Allah sends down water from the clouds, then makes it go down into the earth in springs, then brings forth therewith herbage of various hues; then it withers so that thou seest it turn yellow, then He makes it chaff? Surely there is a reminder in this for men of understanding. (39:21)

After Maghrib eat something vegetarian, healthy, and tasty. Have high fiber salads with an amazing dressing or soup. Raw vegetables also have high water, mineral, and vitamin content. This is where you can also eat your starchy carbs. We can have vegetable curry and rice, whole meal pasta with zucchini and tomato sauce, rice flour pancakes (substitute soaked flax seeds for egg to bind), or Mediterranean rice salad with scrumptious asparagus and artichokes. Check out some vegan recipes. There is so much choice BUT no protein at this point. Look at this list of amazing veggies from Allah’s Bounty Store:

• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Beans
• Bean sprouts
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Garlic
• Greens
• Herbs
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Okra
• Onions
• Parsley
• Peas
• Spinach
• Summer squash
• Tomato
• Watercress
• Zucchini

Starches and Oils

This is where you get to eat your starchy carbs; black, brown, or red rice, whole-meal bread, whole-meal barley, oats, and pasta. White flour, white sugar, and white rice are all refined, processed foods and should be avoided for optimum nutrition.

The Prophet Muhammad never ate white flour even though it was available.

Narrated Abu Hazim: I asked Sahl bin Sad, “Did Allah’s Apostle ever eat white flour?” Sahl said, “Allah’s Apostle never saw white flour since Allah sent him as an Apostle till He took him unto Him.” I asked, “Did the people have (use) sieves during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle?” Sahl said, “Allah’s Apostle never saw (used) a sieve since Allah sent him as an Apostle until He took him unto Him,” I said, “How could you eat barley unsifted?” he said, “We used to grind it and then blow off its husk, and after the husk flew away, we used to prepare the dough (bake) and eat it.”  (Sahih Bukhari and Tirmidhi)

This is the best time for your healthy oils.  Olive oil is sacred oil, once again mentioned in the Quran. Use olive oil for cooking or salad dressings. Healthy oils are essential for good mental health, helping the brain make the right connections, joint mobility, and lubrication of internal mucous membranes. Everything internal, even the cell walls, need oil.

It should be about 11 pm by the time you finish this meal, time for ‘Ishā’ and  Tarāwīḥ prayers. Keep drinking water, maybe with a little honey, during breaks in Tarāwīḥ.

If you are going to sleep a few hours, please drink water beforehand. Allow the previous food consumption at least 2-3 hours to digest before eating again, but still drink water.

Suḥūr: Protein Time

This meal needs to be animal protein and vegetables, but not starchy carbs like rice, pasta, or bread for optimum nutrition.

Tests show for the same caloric value, protein gives the most sustained energy. Meat takes 16 hours to digest. Animal protein is best at this time. In accordance with the Quran and Sunnah it is best if the meat is halal and free range, free from growth hormones and antibiotics.

Animal protein contains a special iron called heme iron which is 15% more absorbent than non-heme (plant) iron. Heme iron actually helps the absorption of non-heme iron; therefore, it is a good idea to combine foods from the plant and animal kingdoms for the best balance and benefit.³ Iron is essential for the blood and for transportation of oxygen around the body.

Suggested meals are vegetable omelet and salad, Thai fish veggie soup, kofta in sauce and cooked spinach, grilled chicken and garlic beans, mince lamb and okra salad or lamb tagine with loads of cooked veg. These can be prepared earlier. I know it’s really tempting to eat starchy carbs like bread or rice with these meals, it’s a habit, a tradition, and it’s a pattern we need to break. Starchy carbs need an alkaline stomach environment to enable the enzyme “amylase” to work.  The gastric enzyme “pepsin” is used to break down proteins; it cannot do so in an alkaline environment. The conflicting chemicals needed to breakdown these different food groups are disabled by the presence of the other, causing fermentation of the foods in the digestive tracts.⁴ The knock on effect of this is bloating, heart burn, indigestion, and wind. Worst of all, the optimum absorption of all the nutrients from the consumed food is inferior.

Please use this food combining chart, this illustrates food group combinations for optimum nutrition and digestion. Optimum nutrition means optimum ‘ibādah. And remember, “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.”

May Allah make this Ramaḍān easy for us and a benefit to us all in this life and in Jannah, Ameen.

Karimah’s Blog

www.karimahscuisina.wordpress.com

www.themuslimvegetarian.com

Further reading:

http://www.cleanse-yourself-lose-weight.com/digestion-time.html

http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/digestive-physiology-and-food-combining/protein-starch-combinations.html

http://www.puristat.com/bloating/digesting-proteins-and-starches.aspx

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[1] http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/herbage

[2] http://www.faculty.ucr.edu

[3] http://www.islamawareness.net/Nature/existence.html

[4] http://www.naturalnews.com/025651_food_protein_foods.html

The post Ready, Set, Go! Food & Nutrition for a Healthy Ramadan appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Everyone witnessed the blood dripping down the body of what was once a living, breathing animal — something of value.

The small bowls of watery gravy, with bits of succulent chevon and cassava, peppered with spices brought over by Arab and Indians sojourners and Portuguese rulers, were served to all who came.

Sixteen years of war has ruined infrastructure so there is no running water or electricity. Life hasn’t changed much for the people of Mozambique in the past hundred years. They raise their goats, feed them, take care of them, clean up after them, graze them and love them. The thankfulness on their faces as they shared with the whole village, and wiped their small, steel bowls of every drop was effusive.

Visions of half-eaten meals on Styrofoam plates, heaped in the trash can at ‘Īd gatherings came to mind and I was ashamed for us, collectively. The smiles on those children’s faces as they tasted meat, perhaps for the first time was such a contrast to our lives, where we constantly have to force our children to finish the food on their plates.

Food for thought.

I am getting this feeling that in order to really make a sacrifice, my family who eats meat at least 300 days a year would have to give up at least $3000 for one person to experience the level of their udhiya. We either need to stop eating so much meat or we need to match the qurban with our level of consumption. (Not making any religious rulings, just observing axiology)

I am also feeling a spiritual void, as I spent a very sanitized ‘Īd this year, since we just sent money overseas. The area is new to us so we didn’t venture out to a farm and pick out the animal like we normally do.  I didn’t spend hours cleaning and sorting out the meat into piles on a tarp in my porcelain kitchen floor. In earlier years, this was a trial as I used to get sick just looking at the fresh meat. I didn’t label them with the names of deserving Muslim seniors from our Islamic Center, wishing them ‘Īd Mubarak with a Sharpie. We didn’t get to hand out meat packets to the poor or nor did my husband and his friends deliver them to the needy.

“We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice” -Quran

Where was my momentous sacrifice?

I don’t do the bare minimum when it comes to pleasing people so why should I be satisfied with doing the bare minimum for Allah. If someone asks me to get them a dessert you bet it’s not going to be store bought. I am the sort of person who will bake everything from scratch using the freshest organic ingredients that I can find. So why is it that when it comes to the qurban, I am satisfied with sending a share of beef that cost me less overseas. If it is ‘ibādah, where was my khushū‘?

This year one of the local Islamic centers issued an edict. They are still in dire need as their social services department has not reached the levels of donations they were asking for. Their scholars said that helping the poor in our communities is a fard (a must) and udhiya is a sunnah (wājib according to some schools of thought), and congregants should first give so that others in their communities can eat and sleep under a safe roof before they make the annual qurban.

Food for thought.

I wanted to ask them why they did not first ask people to give up their luxuries, to not buy the new iPhone, or waste less on movies. I realize it is a local fatwa and they know the needs of their community better than any outsider.

A few years ago after the floods in Pakistan a friend had sent a request to get behind a project that she had envisioned, for people not to do udhiya but to buy a goat and gift it alive to a herder who may have lost all his herd in the floods. I thought to myself why can’t we gift to him anyway, why do I have to give up my ‘ibādah of qurban.

It is submission, Allah ordered us to do udhiyah,  it is an act of total submission. According to ḥadīth related by our mother ‘Ā’ishah , sacrifice purifies us.

This leads me to another conundrum, sacrifice means to give up something and we are supposed to be celebrating the ‘Īd of Sacrifice.  We do not celebrate birthdays in my home, it’s a personal choice, so I try to make ‘Īd festive and fun for my children: new pajamas, new clothes, ‘Īd parties, decorations, saving all the big gifts for ‘Īd, the whole gamut. For many people ‘Īd is really not that special.  I meet children for whom ‘Īd is just another day, they dress up every weekend in their finest for dinner parties anyways, where they eat similar foods year round, food that was traditionally reserved for feasts such as ‘Īd and weddings. They get gifts and goodie bags from school and at birthday parties every other week. Are we losing the spirit of ‘Īd in our consumption?

Food for thought.

This year I strive to find balance. How do you express your happiness and celebrate without reinforcing materialism and commercialism.

We are commemorating Ibrahim giving up his most prized possession, his son, that he was blessed with after many years of barrenness and yearning for a child to have and hold.

I want to challenge myself and my readers to really make ‘Īd al-Aḍḥa a sacrifice. For the next year when you really want something: a cup of coffee, a new phone, a new purse, a trip, something you really care about, slaughter your nafs and put that money aside. Do it for little wants or big desires and use that money to give the best sacrifice possible. This extra giving would be in addition to udhiya not instead of it, and in addition to normally scheduled or impromptu sadaqah (charity) given throughout the year.

Food for thought.

“You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love.”

The post Food for Thought: The Eid of Sacrifice appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.