I’ve been striving to cut the processed and non halal products out of my life.   The end is near, as I’ve finally managed to part with my favorite food of all time – Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.  *sobs*  From here on out, the only food stuffs in my cupboards are those with whole ingredients.  No chemicals, no multitude of corn derivatives and nothing that may have alcohol or non zabiha animal bits lurking under innocent sounding names.  If I have to google it to find out what it is, it doesn’t belong on my plate.

Since starting this quest, I’ve come across a few must have products for the muslim looking to live whole and halal:

• Ricola- cough drops are a must have for me.  The inhaler only does so much to stop my constant coughing.  Somedays a cough drop is the only thing that will work.  Even the “natural” versions of more popular brands have the ubiquitous and completely non-descriptive ingredient “flavor.”  What kind of flavor?  How is this flavor derived?  Well, I could attempt to write the companies to find out, and more often then not get no answer.  Or, I can pick up a package of Ricola cough drops.  Sure, they contain natural flavors too, but alhamdulilah, they tell you what they are – usually peppermint and spearmint oil.
• Tom’s Toothpaste – the only toothpaste I’ve ever found that has a halal certification.
• Sargento Cheeses- all their cheeses (except Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and Jarlsberg) are made with non-animal rennets.  Check out the Vegetarian Cheese List for more cheeses made without animal rennet.
• Seriously Strong Cheddar- omgoodness, this cheese has a pungent and sharp taste that is to die for.  And it gets bonus points for listing animal rennet right on the ingredients, so I didn’t have to go digging to see if it was ok to eat.
• Chocolates and flavorings made without alcohol
• CSA- community supported agriculture.  inshaAllah we’re going to sign up for a basket this year.  You pay a certain amount up front, and a local farm supplies you with fresh produce and farm products for 18+ weeks.  This is the ultimate in halal and whole eating – you can visit the farm and see exactly how the food you eat is grown.  No mystery processing in a factory, no guesswork, it’s all out there for you to see. 
• Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese- ok, still probably technically a processed food, but one where all the ingredients are easily recognizable.  Made with non animal enzymes.  Not as tasty as kraft, but inshaAllah over time, I’ll get used to it
• Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food and Omnivore’s Dilemna.  Have I mentioned these books before?  Once, twice, a million times?  Still, I’ll mention them here again for the million and first time.  Get them.  Read them.   Then come back and help me formulate an islamic approach to eating whole and halal.  Can we advocate eating local as eating halal?  How about organic?  How would the Prophet (saws) view the modern industrial food complex?  These are all questions that I’ve been mulling over for some time, and inshaAllah hope to formulate an answer on someday soon.

inshaAllah more to come as I find em.

Squeaky wanted to join the WWE.   I put my foot down at a skimpy leather costume like the divas wear, so she’s decided she’s going to audition to be Rey Mysterio’s sidekick instead.

Alhamdulilah it was a good day.  Work was good – got a good review.  Got some posts done, and a few more in the works.  Went to a halaqa that was good.  I’m motivated now to memorize Qur’an and hadith, so that I can accurately quote things in conversation.  Then came home and hung out with ma kitteh while the husband was out with a new friend (yaaay, he needs friends).  The Squeakster is currently sleeping on a chair next to me at the computer.

Look at this cute bundle of fluff.  How could your heart not melt when you see her?  Occasionally, I’ll reach over to pet her, and she makes a little grunt, annoyed at first, and then content.  Good night sweet kitty.  If but for my asthma, I would take you to bed with me, but alas, I’m off to sleep alone.

This story/slideshow is being posted on quite a few muslim message boards today, and it’s the same ol, same ol, stick our heads in the sand, blame the media, blame the west, blah blah blah.

’scuse me while I go off for a second

This really struck me:

Fatima was told by the UAE-based lawyer that under sharia law, it was unlikely she would get a favourable outcome from any legal action against her stepfather.

At 15, she was told that she was classed as an adult and could herself be punished and subjected to lashes for committing adultery.

If this is true, then we as muslims should worry about this. Sure, the west has sexual abuse problems, but how often does the victim of that sexual abuse get punished by the state? I’ve seen this story discussed on several message boards and almost everywhere, more often then not the response is to decry the bbc, the media and the west.  Very rarely do I see people concerned about the wrong that is being commited here by muslims.

The Prophet (saws) said: “When any one of you sees anything that is disapproved, let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his heart, though that is the weakest faith.” (Nawawi’s 40 hadith)

I see a wrong here, and it’s not the media. It’s the fact that a muslim sister could not get justice amongst muslims and had to flee a muslim country to feel safe.

Sure sure, we can argue all day about the story’s use of the word sharia, but come on, shouldn’t we be more upset that this happened to our sister?

Literally, my hands are freezing and I have goosebumps.

Pakistan Mosque Blast kills 50

Noor Mohammad, a policeman in the tribal region, told the BBC: “The blast took place just before the prayer leader announced the start of prayers.

“I was standing on the verandah outside the mosque because I was late and could not find space inside. After the explosion, the doors into the mosque caught fire. Moments later, the mosque collapsed.”

…

No-one has claimed responsibility for the attack, which could also be linked to disputes between local tribal militias, says our correspondent.  

Killing people as they line up to pray?  Really?  Targeting a full masjid of people eager to worship their Lord?  In what sick twisted fantasy world is this ok?

…indictments near?

Somali man’s return to Minnesota sets community abuzz

Omar Jamal, executive director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center, said Saturday that the 22-year-old man was recruited for jihad before a change of heart led him to return in recent months. Jamal wouldn’t confirm the man’s identity, saying that he and his family fear for their safety and are in hiding. Others identified him only as Kamal.

The disappearances of perhaps a dozen young men from the Twin Cities have traumatized and divided the local Somali community.

…

Farhan (Omar) Hurre, director of the Abubakar As-Saddique mosque in south Minneapolis, said Saturday that he knows of at least 10 people within the Somali community who received subpoenas in the past two months.

…

While FBI director Mueller never said where Shirwa Ahmed was influenced, much of the focus has been on Twin Cities mosques, and Abubakar specifically.

Somalis Missing From Minn. May Have Returned

Now, as many as four of the men have returned from Somalia, and NPR’s Dina Temple Raston, who has been reporting on this story tells host Renee Montagne that sources say the men have been seen around the Somali community in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, but now it appears they have gone underground.

“It is unclear whether they are under protective custody or whether their parents are keeping them under wraps just to keep them safe,” Raston says. The FBI initially thought that the men who returned to the U.S. were dangerous, but after interviews with two of them, investigators no longer think that is the case.

…

A grand jury has been convened, indicating the FBI has some suspects in its crosshairs, but those proceedings are secret. So far, the grand jury has brought some indictments, but there could be more, as the grand jury is still working. Details of the indictments are sealed, as is the investigation. Similar investigations have also been convened in San Diego and Boston.

Ok, also, I somehow managed to miss this story – Probing the Somali-Minneapolis Terrorist Axis – um yeah, does that title weird anyone else out?

…and the husband has promised to get a book or 2 to commemorate the occasion   What should I get?  I have a huuuuge wishlist, and alhamdulilah (and alas) new books keep coming out.

Here are some newer releases that have caught my eye:

• An Exposition of the Hearts : English Translation of “Mukashafat al Qulub” by Imam al Ghazali
• Bidayat as-Sul Fi Tafdil ar-Rasul (The Beginning Of The Quest Of The High Esteem Of The Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace)
• The Advice of the Esteemed Scholar : of Imam Ibn Qudama al-Maqdisi
• Al-Arba’in (Collection of Forty Hadiths) of Shah Wali Allah ad-Dihlawi
• The Remembrance of God
• The Content of Character Copybook

From Imam Suhaib Webb:

Asalamu alaykum,

Converting is no easy issue. After the takibirs, hugs, gifts and love, one still has to go home to a large non-Muslim family base. 100 lb. dogs, homies smoking blunts, holidays, clubs, x lovers, old friends, expectations of other Muslims, marriage, financial issues and a host of issues tower over the new convert.

My idea is simple, wont take much of your time and, inshallah, if we’re sincere, can help serve our communities. What I need is your questions. My plan is to collect your questions, sit with 3-4, still unknown convert scholars fresh form overseas, research, answer and write a book providing answers that, inshallah, will support, build and encourage the new convert.

Answers will be cross checked by other towering scholars in the Muslim world, published and, inshallah, serve you. This is the first in a series of books which we plan to write that will offer functionality to our communities.

Future titles include: single parent mothers/fathers, sexuality, mothers, fathers, family,teens, high school, college, young professionals, retires [baby boomer Muslims], the arts, drugs and civic duty. Imagine a collection of fatwa written by local qualified muftis covering these topics!

Now the dice are in your hand.  So start asking!

If one feels his/her questions are too personal, or too long to post on line, please email me here suhaibdwebb@gmail.com. All names will be changed for publication in order to insure privacy.

Suhaib

Of course, I contributed the ubiquitous what to do at christmas question, but I can think of a ton more.  Going to start compiling a list inshaAllah.  Very very excited about this project

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squeaky meets bag

I decided to cook tibetan this week.  Chicken curry, chinese noodle soup and this, boiled cabbage dumplings, from, guess where…The Varied Kitchens of India.  Different, but very very tasty.

2 c flour
3/4 cup cold water, approximately
2 chinese soy bean cakes/tofu (I used about half a block that you typically buy)
2 T oil
2 c chopped chinese or round head cabbage
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1/2 inch fresh gingerroot chopped fine
1 medium sized onion, chopped fine
1 scallion, green part only, sliced thing
2 t soy sauce
1 T sesame butter

1. Mix the flour and cold water into a soft, smooth dough. Knead for 5 minutes, until smooth, adding 1 to 2 T more flour if the mixture is sticky (I actually probably ended up added 6 to 8 T, and the dough was still sticky). Set aside and let the dough rest, covered, for 1 hour.

2. Cut the soybean cakes into 1/4 inch think slices. Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the slices over moderate heat until light brown. Remove and cool. Coarsely chop the slices.

3. Mix together the cabbage, salt, black pepper, garlic, ginger, onion, scallion, soy sauce, tahina, and chopped bean cakes

4. On a floured board, cut the dough into 2 equal strips. Roll out each strip between your palms into rounded lengths about 14 inches long. Cut each strip into 3/4 inch think slices, dust with flour and press into flat discs 2 inches in diameter.

5. Prepare the dough wrapper by rolling out each pressed disc into a thin disc 3 inches in diameter.

6. Place 1 heaping t of vegetable stuffing in the center fo the wrapper that rests in your palm. Pinch together one end of the wrapper, push the stuffing firmly inside, then continue to pinch the dough together at the top of the dumpling. Revolve the mo mo in your hand as you pinch and turn. Make certain that the mo mo is well sealed so that it does not open during cooking. Prepare all mo mo and set aside.

7. In a large pan bring water to a rolling boil over moderate heat. Add about 8 mo mo at a time and cook, uncovered, for 7 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon, and serve immediately.

Serve hot with soy sauce as a dip.

note – the mo mo may be cooked, cooled and refrigerated for about 4 days. Reheat briefly in a steamer when wanted.
The mo mo may also be frozen in the uncooked state for long periods of time. They should be dusted with flour prior to freezing in aluminum foil packages. They should be thawed out for 1 hour before cooking.

Free flowing thoughts:

• On Wisconsin, on Wisconsin…Varsity, oh Varsity…U, rah rah Wiiiiiscooooonsiiiiin.
• Cooking Tibetan this week.  Pictures and recipes forthcoming inshaAllah
• Ah Spring.  I love spring.
• Squeaky loves spring too.  I opened the window, and she went nuts.  She started dashing around like mad and wedged herself between the sliding window and the screen.
• Have I mentioned I love my kitty?

online!  via Dervish.

 uber spiffiness   Granted, it doesn’t do one much good if they don’t speak arabic, but I’m sure the husband will enjoy this.

Egyptian women learn to fight back

The instructor Redo Fathy says it is now incumbent on every woman to protect herself from the unwelcome advances of Egyptian men.

“The girls face a lot of problems,” he said. “Especially the teenagers that attend high school. Some of them have long distances to travel.”

“Our job is to give them the skills they need to protect themselves should something happen.

“One of our girls was attacked on the way home. A boy on a bus grabbed her from behind. She used a technique we had taught her to restrain him, until other people on the bus gathered around to help. He was later handed over to the police.”

Sexual harassment is not usually a subject openly discussed here. But a recent survey carried out by the Egyptian Centre For Women’s Rights has lifted the lid on an alarming trend.

Of just over 2,000 questioned 83% of Egyptian women said they had suffered some form of harassment.

Even more startling, nearly two thirds of the men they surveyed freely admitted they had abused a woman at one time or another.

On one hand, mashaAllah, way to step up and take charge of your lives sisters.  On the other, a large, hardy booooooooooooooo for egyptian men who harass women.  2/3 of the surveyed group admit to abusing women?   Do these dogs purposely and willfully ignore Allah (swt) and His messenger (saws)?   Egypt is supposedly the most religious countryin the world, with 100% of respondents answering yes to the question “Is religion important in your life?”  How important is it really, if you don’t lower your gaze and respect your sisters in islam and humanity?

Shame shame shame on them.

visiting the beloved

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Who: Suhaib Webb
What: Lessons from Risalah al-Mustarshideen
Where: Online
When: Every Saturday at 5pm EST / 4pm CST starting April 4th
Why: “Take this opportunity to grasp an understanding of purification based on the broad universal principles of Islam, ingrained within its noble texts and practiced by the early Muslims. This is your chance to, not only learn this important text, but to be the pens that translate it into your societies.”

Squeaky amidst the recycling

Sorry for the slacking off this weekend.  The outdoors called and I answered.

Love for the Prophet is a condition of Faith

At one level it seems clear why the faithful should love the Prophet: he is their teacher, guide and leader and it is impossible for him to teach, guide and lead them if they don’t love him. But there is a deeper meaning in the principle that love for the Prophet is essential for iman.

Love of the Prophet is love of all the beauty and nobility of character, truthfulness, justness, humility and inner strength of which man is capable and which the Prophet as al-insan al-kamil (the Perfect man) possessed in the utmost degree. Love for the Prophet means to acknowledge, cherish and glorify all the potential of goodness and greatness that God has created within Man.

It also means love of humanity,not just in regard to its potential for perfection but also despite its general inability to realize that potential and despite all kind of imperfections and weaknesses from which it suffers. For the Prophet is not only the Perfect Man but also the Representative Man who on the day of judgment will represent mankind and plead on their behalf for their imperfections and weaknesses before the throne of God.

Thus love of the Prophet, on the one hand puts us on the road to perfection by making us cherish it dearly and on the other hand it helps us accept our imperfect humanity and in this way to live in peace with ourselves as repentant servants of God hopeful of His mercy. This is why love for the Prophet is a condition of iman, for what is iman if it is not to acknowledge and repent for one’s imperfections and weaknesses and to cherish and strive for – even as an unachievable ideal – the perfection of which man is potentially capable?

The Beloved by Yusuf Islam (contains music).  This is the ringtone on my phone

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coming to PBS in June inshaAllah.

another sing along

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…now on facebook.

I’ve been avoid facebook up until now.  I spent enough time online as it is.  Ah, but the peer pressure has gotten to me.

I did not, however, sign up using my real name.  I created a new life for myself after high school, one that I don’t particularly care to share with the majority of my high school classmates.  I’m sure if they’re diligent, they could figure out who I am, but I’m not going to go shouting it from the rooftops.

Also, while I’ve been around the old home town in hijab, I don’t really feel like proclaiming my muslim-ness to peeps I’d rather forget.  I can just imagine the small town gossip mill churning and flinging that little nugget all to kingdom come.  If they can suss it out from my name, then more power to em.

Finally, if you friend me, please drop me a note saying who you are.  Too many online personas to keep straight

Sweet-and sour chicken and okra, from the jewish kitchen of the Varied Kitchens of India.  I’m totally NOT an okra fan, so I never eat this myself, but the okra loving husband adores this dish.

•  1 chicken, 3 pounds, cut into serving pieces, loose skin and fat discarded (yeah, most of the recipes in the book call for chicken like this.  I tried it a few times, but I’m not a big fan of trying to chop up a whole chicken.  So, I just use boneless, skinless chunks of meat).
• 1 cup thin-sliced onions
• 1 teaspoon crushed fresh gingerroot
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 pound okra (I use frozen, usually a whole pound, since the husband really really likes okra)
• 1/4 cup corn or peanut oil
• 1/2 cup chopped ripe tomato (I used canned)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, soaked in 1/2 cup water for 30 minutes
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh hot chili or 1 small whole chili (I don’t keep chilis on hand, so I use aleppo pepper, not too hot for the husband’s bland arab palate).
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

1.  Put the chicken, onions, gingerroot, garlic, salt, turmeric and 1 cup water together into a pan.  Bring to a boil over moderate heat and simmer until the liquid evaporates, about 20 minutes.  Stir from time to time.

2.  In the meantime, trim the ends off the okra and cut a slit 1 inch long in each pod.  Heat the oil in a wok or skillet and fry the okra over moderate heat for 3 minutes.  Remove and set aside (Since I use chopped frozen okra, the first few times I made this recipe, I defrosted it and then fried it.  However, the last time, I just defrosted and didn’t fry,  and it turned out just fine.  A good way to save a little fat).

3.  Add the tomato to the chicken pan and stir-fry the mixture (hamiss) to reduce the remaining sauce to a thick paste.  All the liquid should be evaporated at this stage and the chicken should begin to brown.  Add the other cup of water.

4.  Rub the tamarind paste and soaking water together with your fingers and strain the liquid into the ciken through a metal sieve (I don’t have a sieve, so I just take the tamarind out of the water with my fingers and squeeze.  If little pieces are left, I don’t worry myself with them). Bring the sauce to a boil and add the okra, chili and sugar.  Cook over moderate to low heat for 10 minutes.

5.  Add the mint.  Adjust the sugar, should you wish a stronger sweet-sour flavor.

Serve warm.  There will be plenty of sauce (I usually serve it with rice or warm whole wheat pita bread).

Alhamdulilah, we had a beautiful little mawlid at our apartment last night, just the husband and I.  We played nasheeds and sung along where we could.  We talked about what we love about the Prophet (saws).   I read from a book I love, The Prophet of Mercy – Muhammad – Scenes from His Life.  If you want to increase your love for the Prophet (saws), then get this book.  It presents aspects of the Prophet’s (saws) life within themes: his courtesty, his conduct, his humility, his sincerity, his loyalty and overall, his mercy as he was sent as the mercy to all mankind.

This is my favorite passage from the book:

The lifestyle of the Prophet is the best example for each and every human being.  He is the best example of a religious leader.  He is the finest example of a state leader.  He is the example to follow for those who enter the garden of divine love.  He is the highest example of gratitude and humbleness for those who are showered with the gifts of God.  He is the greatest example of patience and submission, in the most challenging times and places.  He is the best example of generosity and heedlessness towards collecting bounty.  He is the finest example of mercy towards the weak, the lonely and the slaves and he is exemplary in pardoning the guilty.

If you are wealthy, contemplate the humbleness and generosity of Prophet Muhammad, who gained the hearts of the leaders who controlled all of Arabia.

If you are weak, adopt the example of the Prophet during the period he spent in Mecca under the rule of the oppressive and usurping polytheists.

If you are a triumphant conqueror, take your example from the life of the courageous Prophet who defeated his enemies in Badr and Hunayn.

If you lose a battle, may Allah protect you,  and in that case, remember the example of the Prophet who walked with dignity, courage and reliance on Allah, among his martyred and wounded companions after hte battle of Uhud.

If you are a teacher, contemplate the exxample of the Prophet who taught God’s orders by conveying his soft and sensitive englightenment to the people of Suffa (ashab al-Suffa, the people of the bench)  in the school at his Mosque.

If you are a student, bring to mind the example of the Prophet who sat on his knees before the Archangel, the Trustworthy Gabriel.

If you are a preahcer or a sincere spiritual guide (murshid) for people, listen to the voice of the Prophet, who spread wisdom to his companions.

If you aim to defend the truth, convey it to others and lift it up, yet you do not even have a helper in this matter, then look at the life of the Prophet who proclaimed the truth in Mecca against the oppressors while inviting them to it.

If you defeated your enemoies, broke their resistance and triumphed over them, destroyed the superstitions and declared the truth, then imagine the example of the Prophet on the day he conquered Mecca.  He entered this holy city as triumphant commander, yet with great humbleness, sitting on his camel as if he were in the state of sajdah; that is prostration to God, as an expression of gratitude to Allah.

If you are a farmer, take your example from the Prophet whom, after conquering the lands of Bani Nadr, Khyabar and Fadak, choose excellent people to develop and manage these lands in the most productive way.

If you are lonely, with no relatives, bring to mind the example of the orphan of Abdullah and Aminah, their most beloved and only innocent son.

If you are an adolescent, pay attention to ther life of the Prophet who, as a young man and candidate for prophethood, served in Mecca as a shepherd for the sheep of his uncle Abu Talib.

If you are a business man and travelling for trade, think about the experiences of the Most Honored Person, Muhammad (saws) while leading the caravan going from Mecca to Syria and Busra.

If you are a judge or a referee, bring to mind his justice and foresight when he solved the conflict among the tribes of Mecca over the prestige of putting back the Black Stone (Hagar al-Aswad) as they were on the verge of killing each other.

Again, turn your eyes to history and consider the example of the Prophet as he, in his Masjid in Medina, treated equally the poor in distress and the wealthy, as he judged between them with utmost balance.

If you are a husband, look carefully at the pure life style, the compassion and the deep feelings of the Prophet as an examplary husband.

If you are a parent, learn about the example of the father of Fatimah al-Zahra, and the grandfather of Hasan and Husayn in his manners towards them.

Regardless of your qualitites and the state you are in, day or night, you will find him as the most perfect role model, teacher and guide for yourself.

He is so perfect a teacher that through following his example you can correct all your mistakes, eliminate chaos from your life and bring order to your life.  Through his light and guidance, you can overcome the difficulties of life and attain real happiness.

As a matter of fact, his life is a bouquet compoased of the rarest and most elegant flowers and roses with the finest of fragrances.

Praising the Prophet (saws) in all corners of the world

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Mawlid is not ‘misguided innovation’

Sh. Abdullah bin Bayyah on Mawlid

The Ruling:

Indeed, whoever wants to celebrate the Prophet’s (sal Allahu alyahi wa sallam) birthday should celebrate it and avoid doing any action contrary to Islamic Law. In addition, this act should be done with an intention that it is not a sunna nor an obligatory act. If these conditions are observed, and one is careful not to contradict Islamic Law, out of sincere love for the Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah upon him), then, Allah willing, there is nothing wrong with this action and this person will be rewarded.

Commenting on this, the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (May Allah have mercy upon him) said, “Indeed, such a person will be rewarded because of his intention.” Likewise, for the one who shuns this celebration, seeking to cling to the sunna out of fear of falling into innovation, then this person will also be rewarded, Allah willing. It is important to note that this is not a big issue. Nor is it necessary to give it more attention then it deserves.

A 20 day campaign in Rabi` Awwal to introduce the Prophet (saws) to the world.

Got to spend some quality time with the Squeakster this weekend.  On Sunday, I decided to exercise after a 2 month hiatus.  I put in a yoga tape, and Squeaky decided that she needed attention NOW.  Try doing downward facing dog with a cat mashing herself against your face and then rolling around on the mat, trying to look extra cute when you’re attempting to move down into plank.

by eenisee at deviantart

Read!

I cannot read!

Read!

I cannot read!

Read!

I cannot read!

Read! In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created,

Created man, out of a clot of congealed blood:

Read! and thy Lord is Most Bountiful,

He Who taught (the use of) the Pen,

Taught man that which he knew not . 

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…a well stocked spice collection.  It’s spice refill day, which means my spice collection has been replenished.

*contented sigh*

Jaza ‘Llahu ‘anna Muhammadan salla’Llahu alayhi wa sallama ma huwa ahluh.

Allah reward Muhammad (saws) on behalf of us with what he is worthy of

Whoever recites this prayer, 70 angels will be given the task of writing virtues for him for a thousand days (Tabarani)

taken from Reflections of Pearls – a concise & comprehensive collection of prophetic invocations & prayers

1/4 of a year already?  Time flies with you have a kitty to love.  *huggles ma sprawl kitteh*

First Day Home:

Today.  This is her idea of quality time with her people.  She’ll sit on my lap for awhile, then jump off and sprawl out on the floor and snooze next to us.

Have I mentioned I’m cooking my way around the world?  It started about a year ago when a friend lent me World Vegetarian, but it began in earnest after Eid al Adha, when the husband bought me Varied Kitchens of India.  For the past 3 months, I’ve basically been cooking exclusively from that cookbook.  As much as I adore it, I do think it’s time to move on.  I have a few countries on my list.  Any thoughts or cookbook recommendations?

• Something more from the author of my varied kitchens book:
  • The Exotic Kitchens of Peru
  • False Tongues and Sunday Bread – Mayan and Guatemalan cooking
  • Sephardic Cooking
  • The Indonesian Kitchen

• Somali – living in the Twin Cities, I often encounter somali cooking at the masjid.  I’m sure I could track down a sister or 2 who could show me the ropes.  Plus, I stumbled on this excellent food blog recently that looks promising – Tammy’s Somali Home.

• Turkish – a friend is taking a turkish cooking class, and she’s posted some recipes on a forum we frequent.  They look delicious.  However, I don’t really know what cookbook would be good for that.

• Carribean – jamerican muslimah mentioned a carribean dish awhile back that peaked my taste buds – conch curry.  While that might be difficult to make up here, I’m sure there’s other stuff I could make.  But again, don’t know what cookbook to get.

• Tibetan – the bean thread and beef recipe I posted is to die for, and the other tibetan recipes I’ve tried from my Varied Kitchens cookbook have been quite tasty too, so it would be nice to explore tibetan cooking more fully.  Alas again, what cookbook?

Bean Threads with Beef, a recipe from the Tibetan Kitchen of Darjeeling, from my all time favorite cookbook, The Varied Kitchens of India.

• 1/4 pound bean threads
• 1 T corn of peanut oil
• 1 T minced onions (I used a whole lot more, as I loooove onions – probably a half an onion worth)
• 1/2 pound flank or sirloin steak, cut into thin 2-inch slices (didn’t have this on hand, so I used half a pound of ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper)
• 1 garlic clove, chopped fine
• 1 t minced fresh gingerroot
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 T soy sauce
• 1/4 t salt(I omitted this, as I had already seasoned the beef with salt)
• 1/8 t five-spice mix

1.  Soak the bean threads (phing) in hot water for 15 minutes.  The threads will swell slightly and become translucent.  Drain, and cut into 3 inch pieces with scissors.

2.  Heat the oil in a skillet and stir-fry the onion over moderate heat for 1 minute.  Add the beef and stir-fry for 1 minute.  Add the garlic and gingerroot and continue to stir-fry for 1 minute (I cooked the beef for much longer, as the husband likes meat well done).

3.  Add the broth, soy sauce, salt, five-spice mix and bean threads, and cook for 3 minutes.

Serve warm with the traditional accompaniment, rice (didn’t serve with rice, as the noodles were enough starchiness for the meal).

almiskeenah

UmmBilal is living my dream – living in the city of the beloved (saws).  Her blog is a spectacular journal of Medina (and Mecca on occasion) and the Prophet (saws).  She mixes photographs of the city and the masjid an nabi with stories, ahadith and poems, often dedicated to the beloved.  Do visit her blog when you have a few hours to read it all.  It will be time well spent inshaAllah.

by Amina Malik

Hamza Yusuf – Allah & His Messenger in our Lives

In this lecture, Sh. Hamza says something that really resonates with me.  He speaks about how for those of us who are not native arabic speakers, it is the character of the Prophet (saws) rather than the Qur’an that draws us to Islam.  If we don’t speak arabic, we miss so much of the beauty and miracles of Allah’s (swt) words, but the character of the Prophet (saws) is readily accessable to us.

I totally agree.  While I struggle and strive to learn arabic to better understand the book of Allah (swt), I can easily open a biography of the Prophet (saws) and learn about his life.  And every time I do this, I grow to love him more.

Allah (swt) says “The Prophet is preferable for the believers even to their own selves” (33:6).

The Prophet (saws) said: “None of you becomes a believer until I am dearer to him than his children, his parents and all mankind.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

I was browsing through the catholic answers forum yesterday, masochist that I am, and came upon this thread that accuses the Prophet (saws) of commiting shirk. 

Is our love for the Prophet (saws) shirk?  Only if one does not understand what this love entails.  The Prophet (saws) was sent as a mercy to the worlds (21:107).  Notice the key word in this verse – sent.  He was sent.  He did not come on his own power.  Someone who is far greater than the Prophet (saws) sent him.  And it is only through the power of the Most Merciful (swt) that the Prophet’s (saws) mercy was given to us.  Without Allah (swt), the Prophet (saws) would be nothing.  And without Allah (swt), we would not be able to love the Prophet (saws).

So when you love the Prophet (saws), also love He (swt) who sent him, and thank Him (swt) for sending the Prophet (saws) to us, for providing us with the best teacher we could ever hope for.

Thank you Allah (swt) for giving us the greatest example, the best of mankind in the Prophet Muhammad (saws).  Without You we are nothing and without him we would be lost.

Just the other day I was saying alhamdulilah that I live in Minnesota.  Here, we have no problem with hijab on our driver’s license, while sisters in other states like Oklahoma have faced discrimination.

Or should I say we HAD no problem.  Apparently, Steve Gottwelt, a republican state representative, has introduced a bill to bad headgear on drivers licenses.  He claims it’s to deter gang bangers from using their clothing to obscure their identity, but there’s no exception for people who cover their heads due to a religious belief.  There is an exception for people with medical conditions and ”deformities,” so why none for hijabs, turbans, kufis, kippahs and the like? 

I can’t imagine for a second that this would pass, but it does hint at an underlying anti muslim sentiment is creeping into the open.

Hilye-i Saadet by Mohamed Zakariya

The Hilye of the Prophet Muhammad

How does one describe the indescribable? How does one form an image of that which cannot be portrayed? That is what the hilye does–it gives parameters to the imagination so that one can think about the Prophet with a mental or spiritual image to hang onto, yet not attempt to visualize him or portray him in a painting. But the hilye is not an icon in words. As impressive and accurate as the many hilye texts are, they still remain vague, contrary to the claims of literalists, who would reject these texts as being visual portraits. That, of course, would not be acceptable to Muslims.

Hilye is the Turkish form of the Arabic word hilya, which has several meanings, including physiognomy, natural disposition, likeness, depiction, characterization, and description. But these dictionary definitions only begin to convey the real meaning of the hilye, which embodies the Prophet’s moral, behavioral, and spiritual qualities as well as physical appearance. Like most Arabic words, hilya carries multiple overtones, making it difficult to translate. It has connotations of ornament, beauty, finery, and embellishment. I like to think of a hilya as a beautiful and significant description.

 article continues at the link above

Via MR:

As Salamu Alaikum, Dear Brothers and Sisters!

It is well known now that I have been suffering from hypertension. Al Hamdulillah, I have been working with it for a while now, and insha’Allah it’s pretty much under control. As a result of being thoroughly checked by the competent doctors in Atlanta , I have been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Al Hamdulillah, inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. (All Praise is for Allah. Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.)

My diagnosis is not as bad as it sounds on the surface. Many men have been cured from prostate cancer. My doctors are very optimistic about my cure, and so am I. Insha’Allah the treatment should last about two months. But you and I know that the cure is in the Hands of Allah. If Allah heals me, I will be very grateful. If Allah doesn’t heal me, then I will be patient and happily accept my fate. This is the way of the Believers. I am looking forward to full recovery and getting back to work in the not-too-distant future, insha’Allah.

Many people will ask the question, what can we do? Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for me. Make du’a. But don’t just make du’a for me. There are a lot of Muslims, men and women, with cancer (and other diseases). Make du’a for them also. There are so many among the elderly, who need our help, make du’a for them. There are so many Muslims who have lost their jobs, lost their homes, make du’a for them! Beyond the prayers, go visit the sick, those in prison, and others in need.

Get involved more with Islamic work. Support organizations like MANA, ISNA, ICNA, MAS, CAIR, SIFCA, the community in association with Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, the community of Imam Jamil Al Amin, etc. Support good brothers and sisters, like Mauri’ Saalakhan of the Peace and Justice Foundation. Support Islamic education and schools. If you want to help Imam Siraj, then help support his Masjid, Masjid At-Taqwa, in Brooklyn, New York and all the other struggling Masjids throughout America.

Every challenge we face in life presents us with many opportunities for growth. With a heightened awareness and sensitivity about health-related issues, I will feel better when we, as an ummah, learn more about our health. We have to be very careful about the foods we consume! I urge all of us to cultivate healthy appetites such that we begin to love and crave foods that are good FOR us and eliminate foods that are not. I intend with Allah’s help to share information with you in the coming weeks about our health.

On behalf of MANA, I encourage you to lend your support to our growing Organization. Every MANA project is structured to strengthen American Muslim communities. The SHARE Centers, Healthy Marriage Initiative, Community Reentry Program, and Healing and Reconciliation Project all need input and active service urgently. Please contact the MANA office to find out more and look for regular updates in our newsletters, insha’Allah.

In closing, I am humbled and very thankful for all the prayers, and well wishes of the Muslims, and am very appreciative for all the help extended to me and my family in the past. Alhamdulillah! I am also overwhelmed with gratitude that a number of you want to lend financial support, and have asked how you can do that. Online donations can be made here, or feel free to correspond with me directly at Siraj Wahhaj, P.O. Box 312264, Atlanta, GA 31131.

Thank you kindly. May Allah guide and protect us all.

Your brother in faith,

Imam Siraj Wahhaj

Imam Siraj has been to the twin cities several times since I’ve moved here to raise funds for one organization or another.  He travels all over the country doing fundraisers, without receiving much in return.  It’s fair to say that Imam Siraj has dedicated his life to Allah (swt) and to the american muslim community.

Now is the time for us to give back to Imam Siraj.  Donate and make abundant dua for the Imam.

Halaltube has 45 lectures by Imam Siraj.

So I’m just sitting there, minding my own business, cooking, reading, surfing the net, going about my day when I hear a pitiful little “meow.”

 And there she is, staring at me with big wide eyes, saying love me, love me, pick me up, pet me, please.

O Allah, bless Your servant and Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet Muhammad, and the family of Muhammad.  O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, with blessings that are the source of Your (with him), a reward for him and a fulfillment of his rights.  Grant him a seat near You, an excellent and exalted degree, and the worthy station You have promised him.  Grant him a fitting reward on our behalf, and grant him the best return You have granted any prophet on behalf of his people or any messenger on behalf of his nation, and bless all his brethren among the prophets and righteous, O Most Merciful of the merciful.

Sakhawi menions in Al-Qawl al-Badi that Abu Asim relates in one of his collections that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “whoever makes this invocation seven times for seven fridays my intercession will be necessary for him.  There is a slight variation in the wording of the invocation in ‘Awwama’s edition of Al-Qawl al-Badi

Salat and notes taken from Salat & Salam, In Praise of Allah’s Most Beloved – A Manual of Blessings and Peace upon the Prophet Muhammad (saws).

I’ve had this book on my shelf for about a year and hadn’t picked it up more than a few times.  But this Rabi Al-Awwal, it is becoming my constant companion after the salat.  It contains 50 salats and salams on the Prophet (saws), as well as 99 invocations pairing a name of the Almighty (swt) with a name of the beloved (saws).   Five fard prayers a day, 50 salats and salams, that means there are 10 salats and/or salams after each prayer.  Alhamdulilah then in a day, I’ve praised the Messenger (saws) at least 50 times.