Ramadan: The Most Holy of Months

Asalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. I pray that this finds you all in good health and ever increasing eemaan. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, I thought that I'd write something explaining a little about what it is and its significance.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar but because Islam follows a lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian one, the dates change every year. The observance of fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims except those who are ill, traveling, breastfeeding, pregnant, diabetic or menstruating. While fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food or drink, smoking, sex and in some cases, swearing. Food and drink is served before sunrise (suhoor) and after sunset (Iftar) and varies from place to place on what is served. In Islam the reward for fasting is great but during this month the rewards are multiplied, and fasting often includes an increase in salat (prayers) and reading/reciting the Qur'an.

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur'an; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful. (Qur'an, 2: 185) It is believed that the first revelation to Muhammad was sent down during the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, Allaah proclaimed to Muhammad that fasting for His sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to the oneness of God.

Ramadan a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship and Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity called zakat.

Hilāl, or the crescent, is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon marks the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.

While the entire month is holy, there are a couple of days (or sets of days) in particular that are given particular significance. Laylat al-Qadr, which in Arabic means "the night of power" or "the night of decree," is considered the most holy night of the year. This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad stating that this night was "better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu'ran. Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr, "festivity of breaking the fast" marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day.

In all, the month of Ramadan is important for many reasons and there are a lot of things that go on and I would like to take this opportunity to invite all non-Muslims to attend a Friday service and prayer or an Iftar dinner during this most holy of months. Go with an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to learn something new about the beautiful religion of Islaam and in shaa Allaah be able to pass along the knowledge to someone else.

Ya Allaah make what is difficult easy and what is easy keep it easy. May we be granted many blessings of Allaah, Most Merciful, Most High, Most Generous, during this holy month of Ramadan and may we live to see many more in sha Allaah.

Support from my Sister

A'salaam alaikum wa ramatulahi wa barakatuhu. My sister wrote this for me when I was having somewhat of a bad day and I wanted to share it with you all. Thank you, Jacque. It's as beautiful as you and it means a lot to me. 

"My sister is Muslim" is usually a sentence I utter when someone asks what I think of "Islamists" or "dirty Muslims" or "sand niggers." 

"My sister is Muslim and I love her."  That's what I think of it.  No one usually presses the issue. Some appear uncomfortable.  I don't know if they think that maybe I am Muslim as well, since she is, or if they're suddenly afraid they've offended me (I'm offended because of how you are asking the question because I'm a person and you are talking about other people). Some, I can see, are surprised to hear me say it.  Some appear confused.  I am clearly Caucasian and most see primarily the European descent.  A few pick up on something else that doesn't "seem" European to them.  I usually explain we have a good mix of Native American blood as well.  Most know I'm from Oklahoma originally.  None of this explains the wayward sister who chose Islam.  

I think I knew the choice before many others.  My sister has a tendency to ask for an opinion when she has almost decided herself (or completely decided, but hasn't figured out how to announce said decision).  She asked me around Thanksgiving a few years ago.  

"What do you think of Islam?"  

She had been taking classes at university about religion, sociology, etc., similar to classes I'd taken.  

"I think of Islam about what I think of all other organized religions:  It has some good parts.  Those parts can be amazing.  It has some parts that I don't agree with personally.  There are people who take it way to an extreme and out of context, like many other religions. There are people who give it a terrible name.  There are people who give a good positive name."  

I never asked what she thought of my answer.  I didn't need to know her opinion of my response--she knows I've never been the religious type despite having familiarity with many religions.  She knows that.  She also knows I am a philosophy major and I love research.  I started studying Taoism and Buddhism at fourteen.  I researched Paganism in its various forms about the same time.  I've researched Christianity and have a bizarre fascination with Gothic churches and the activity of the Catholic Church since before the Holy Roman Empire.  I want to be allowed into the Vatican's libraries to study the manuscripts.  I want to sit in wonder in the same room as the Dalai Lama.  I've researched Judaism.  Qabalah.  Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and philosophy have always held a special place.  The various tribal religions across the worlds are fascinating.  Religions and cultures mesmerize me.  I'm not religious, though.  

"My sister is Muslim."  

This has not changed our relationship.  I worry about her safety more since she reverted.  Not because she cannot take care of herself. but because ignorance leads people to fear, anger, and hatred.  I want to protect her from harm.  I want to hold her gloved hand as she walks veiled in public so she has something to which she can direct her frustration and anger.  If it means squeezing my hand, so be it.  I want to be able to look someone in the eyes and say, "She's my sister.  You wouldn't judge me as harshly as you judge her by looking at me and you don't know anything about me.  You would likely assume that I am more like you than she is.  Why is it acceptable in your mind for you to judge her when you know nothing more about her personhood than you do mine?"     

I want to be the one who explains that the covering of one's body is not necessarily a bad thing.  This is one of the more extreme things Americans see when they see Muslim women.  Why is it so acceptable to Americans to show so much skin?  Yes, the adage "sex sells" is prevalent, somewhat true, but is it necessary?  I was once told that I am "too smart to be as pretty as I am" by another woman.  Or maybe she said I was "too pretty to be as smart as I am."  Either way, why is it one or the other for us?  Why can't we listen to what a woman says?  Why can't we accept that women can be beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic, courageous, etc.?  Why do we judge women by their measurements and by only that which we can see? Why is covering oneself so restrictive and so controversial?  Why do little girls perceive that their value is based on their bodies and dress bodies they don't yet have?  What would happen if we encourage more modesty of dress and more presentation of mind?  Why is revealing our bodies the way to protect ourselves from judgment of others, when it opens us up to physical assault?  I want to be able to spark those thoughts in others, but especially now that my sister, who is physically beautiful, is covered and no longer has that to protect herself in our society.  Instead, she stands out whether fully veiled or in her scarf. 

Now, she is a target.  She has a brilliant mind.  One that she probably never received much credit for possessing because she was the beautiful blonde in our family, who inherited all the genetic ability to be buxom as well.  She knows so much more than she lets on and she thinks so much faster than most people believe. She is immensely compassionate. Covering her body, one would think would allow her more freedom to express those thoughts and her compassion as people who not be distracted by the amount of cleavage or the size of her ass.  They don't see that.  They don't see what I see.  

"My sister is Muslim."

She is not a terrorist.  She is not a jihadist.  She is a mother of two boys.  She is a wife.  She is a daughter, a sister, an aunt.  She also happens to be Muslim.  She chose Islam (or it chose her).  She did not marry into it.  She is not married to someone from KSA or elsewhere in the Middle East.  She is a hard worker.  She worries about what her family thinks.  Her family worries they might lose her.  
Her nineteen year old self would not recognize her now. She has become the woman that was always inside her, who was waiting to appear.  Waiting for the frivolity of life to pass.  Waiting for an opportunity to say, "You are so much, much more than you have been.  You can do great things.  You need the mechanism and the inspiration to do so.  You need to feel whole. Find that."  She did.  

"My sister is Muslim."

A Firm Foundation

Asalaam alaikum wa ramatullahi wa barakatuhu. In sha Allaah you all are doing well. I feel like it has been forever since I have posted. Also, I feel like I jump around quite a bit in my topics so I apologize for that, entries really just come to the page as ideas come to me. Mashallah I have noticed many views from around the world, many of those are from fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, there are many here as well who may or may not know much if anything about Islaam past what I write. So, today's post is mainly for them, and in essence will be starting at the very beginning, giving a foundation to be built upon and to clarify some of the terms that I have previously used and will continue to use in the future. In sha Allaah it be of benefit to anyone who reads it.

Just as a well built building has a firm foundation to stand on, Islaam is guided by five pillars that are the basis of the whole religion and are mandatory for all believers. These are all integral parts of a Muslim's life.

Shahada is the declaration of faith; that there is one God, Allaah, and Muhammad is His messenger. Normally recited in Arabic as "la ilaha ila-ilahu muhammadun rasulu-llah (There is no god but Allaah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah)", it is essential to become Muslim and convert to Islaam. (I had never spoken any amount of Arabic before the day I spoke those words).

Salat is the Islamic prayer. Done facing the Kaaba of Mecca, the most holy site in Islaam, salat consists of five daily prayers; Fajr (sunrise), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and Isha (night).  Washing for purification before prayer is called wudu, there are specific movements and postures to do for each prayer and each different prayer has a prescribed number of repetitions. Also, while prayers can be done nearly anywhere, the mosque is the preferred place to offer them.

Zakat is the charitable giving based on a person's accumulated wealth. It is mandatory for all Muslims who can do so and is considered each person's responsibility to ease economic hardship of others and lessen inequality. It consists of giving a portion of one's wealth (if able) for the poor or needy such as debtors or travelers. Muslims may also donate as an act of voluntary charity called sadaqah. There are five principles that must be followed when donating zakat as well. These include: the giver must declare to Allaah their intentions in giving the zakat; it must be paid on the date that it's due; after the offering, the payer must not exaggerate spending their money outside of their usual means; payment must be in kind (if a person is wealthy, they donate money but if a person is not wealthy they must make up for it in other ways such as good deeds and good behavior towards others); and the zakat must be distributed in the community in which it was taken.

There are three types of fasting recognized in the Qur'an; ritual fasting, fasting as a compensation for repentance, and ascetic fasting. Ritual fasting is obligatory during the month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims must abstain from consuming food or drink and other sins from dawn to dusk and is required for all who have reached puberty unless he or she has a medical condition that prevents it. The purpose of the fast is to bring the individual closer to Allaah and to seek forgiveness from Him and Him alone, to express gratitude to Him, atone for their sins and remember the needy. Also during Ramadan, Muslims are expected to more closely follow the teachings of Islaam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, profane language and gossip, as well as avoiding all obscene or irreligious sights and sounds. It should be noted that pre-pubescent children, those with medical conditions, elderly people, and pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating women are not required to fast. If a fast is missed it should be made up as soon as possible but at least before the next Ramadan.

The final pillar is hajj. This is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah* and all able-bodied Muslims must make at least once in their lives. Both men and women dress in Ihram clothing which consists of two white sheets and includes the rituals of walking seven times around the Kaaba, touching the Black Stone, traveling seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning Shaytaan (Satan) in Mina. The pilgrim is called a haji and is honored among the Muslim community. Hajj should be an expression of ones devotion to Allaah and not as a status symbol or means to social gain. Therefore, the believer should evaluate their intentions for making the pilgrimage and should lead to constant striving for self improvement.

*Islam uses a lunar calendar and not a Gregorian calendar, therefore the exact months of each year change with the phases of the moon.*

There you have it everyone; the basics of the foundation of Islaam and of every Muslim's life. I know that for many of you who may read this, it is nothing new to you and that is fine. For the rest of you, I truly hope that it helps to clear up and questions and give a basis for understanding the religion itself in sha Allaah. As always, feel free to leave questions or comments because I love hearing from you all!

My Thoughts on Shari'ah

Asalaam alaikum ar ramatuallahi wa barakatuhu. I pray that this finds all of you out there in good health and eemaan. A week or so ago while I was at work, I was approached by a man who had a genuine "Muslim question". He asked me, "Do all Muslims believe in Shari'ah?" To which I replied, "Shari'ah is the divine law of God. It's His law, so as Muslims, we should all believe in it." He said, "Oh, really?" I told him that "shari'ah law isn't the evil thing that the west has made it out to be."

It has been predominately associated with Islam and has been given a bad wrap by many people, especially in the US. I have heard many of those who oppose it stressing about how it shouldn't be legalized or recognized but those people don't understand what shari'ah is, how it works or that it would ultimately have little to no effect on those who aren't Muslim.

Some background on Shari'ah for my non-Muslim friends.

Shari'ah was revealed by Allaah in the Holy Qur'an and deals with many topics including crime, politics and economics, as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet, prayer, every day etiquette and fasting. There are varying interpretations of shari'ah law but in its strictest definition it is considered the infallible law of God while the human interpretation of the laws are known as fiqh.
The two primary sources of shari'ah law are versus in the Qur'an and the examples set by Prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Where shari'ah is recognized, it is interpreted by Islamic judges and the responsibilities of the religious leaders (imams) varies. If questions arose that weren't directly addressed in either of the two primary sources, the religious scholars are looked to to form fitting rulings.

 ** This isn't everything about shari'ah but in sha Allaah it's enough to spark interest in the subject and give people a starting point to their own research**

Now here comes the part where I voice my opinion because by now, you should know that I have one (haha!).

Many states (including mine!) and countries have chosen to ban shari'ah law. While I do understand the fears that a lot of people have regarding it and yes, I do understand that in many countries, there are accounts of abuse and/or neglect because of a possible light or lack of punishment for certain crimes. However, for those of us who wish to practice our faith completely, we should have the opportunity to follow the laws of Allaah. Now, while I also understand that God's divine law is the ultimate law above all others, and technically, submission to local laws can be seen as putting man over God, I'm not saying that we should disrespect the local laws of our city/state/country. I am only saying (remember, this is my opinion and it may or may not be shared by anyone else) as long as we are following those laws and we are not harming anyone, partaking in illegal activities or committing crimes, we should be allowed to follow the laws that Allaah has written for us.

I truly and sincerely hope that this clears up some things or at the very least sparks some interest in the subject and initiates research and thought on the subject in sha Allaah. Please remember that this is my opinion and my page. I do not expect anyone to agree with me. Also, sisters please feel free to add comments containing any other pertinent information that you think others would like to know regarding this subject. Your thoughts are always welcome!

Good Deeds (Advice to a Customer)

Asalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. I get asked all the time about what the "thing" on my head is called, if I'm a Muslim or not and why I chose Islaam. It is pretty rare that I get asked my opinion on what someone else should do with their life but a couple of days ago, that happened.

An older man who is a semi regular customer at my store came in for his drink and snack. He is a veteran of the US military although I don't think he told me which branch, and works (or at least worked) for Goodwill next door. He is always friendly but this day I could tell he had something on his mind. I don't pry into the lives of others if I can help it so when he stopped in front of the counter wanting to talk, it was a little surprising. He said to me, "Can I ask you a question?" Without me really saying anything and a look that must have given him the go ahead, he continued, "If you didn't have to work, but wanted to for something to do, would you do what made you happy or would you stay somewhere you weren't happy at?" I replied without much hesitation, "if I didn't have to work at all but wanted something to do, I would definitely do what I loved regardless of pay but I would probably just volunteer instead. I would do the things that made me happiest without asking to be paid to do them." He just kind of looked at me in disbelief and said "Really??" "Absolutely" I said. "Because in Islam, we aren't just measured by how "good" or "bad" we were in our lives, we are measured by the good deeds that we do too."

I told him that I have always loved to volunteer or donate what I can. From working on building sites for Habitat for Humanity, to local animal shelters, to the regional food bank, canned food drives or donations to charities (money or items depending on what it is). I love to do it because there is a chance that it could make life better for someone else. It is easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and think that someone else will do it when it comes to helping out another person but I try to make sure I give when and where I can to remind myself that Allaah has truly blessed me with what little I might have. It is also a lesson that I try to instill in my kids and husband, as well as in others. I think it's important for us all to remember that no good deed goes unnoticed and they don't have to be big or extravagant. Just holding the door for the elderly man or woman or the mother who is juggling groceries and kids, or offering a warm smile and salaam to a stranger might seem like such small things but they could mean the world to the recipient.

I don't know if what I said to the man made a difference, he told me that was probably the last time he would be in for a while at least since he was most likely going to quit working next door, but I hope it gave him something to think about and some confidence to do what he believed to be right for himself. And who knows, maybe he will be giving Islam a chance one day in sha Allaah. 

An Inquiring Mind Wanted to Know

Asalaam alaikum wahramatullahi wa barakatuhu dear friends and sisters (and brothers if you're reading this!). I hope this finds you all in good health and ever increasing eeman.

As I've said before, I'm a manager of a convenient store in the town I live in and it's one of the few places that I can't veil, at least while I'm working. I'm still obviously a Muslimah though as I wear a hijab that matches my work uniform and also as I have said before, I'm privileged (if you can call it that sometimes) to have the experience of some of the best and worst of the general public. Some are curious, some are hateful and some a just indifferent. Yesterday was a fairly uneventful day at the store with the normal end of college hustle and bustle of students with their parents, packing up and moving out of town for summer break. Until almost the very end of my shift. As I was busy finishing up the remaining bit of the grocery delivery from Friday, I was approached by a young man. I had noticed him staring at me while he was checking out at the other register, but as I'm often stared at, I wasn't thinking much of it. As he approached me at the other end of the counter, he said he had a question and that he's always been interested in the pyschological/social dynamic of Muslim men and women. (Um, ok?) Basically what I got from that question was that he was wanting to know my opinion of how women were viewed and treated in Islaam.

Like so many others, who understandably I suppose, make the mistake of assuming that because I am obviously not Middle Eastern (It's true, I'm noticeably white haha) that I must have married into Islaam so therefore I should have a somewhat negative opinion of how women are treated versus how the "free" American women are treated.

I told him that I'm married, and his response was "Well, yeah", which is where I could tell he got his assumption so he asked about previous boyfriends. Honestly, coming from a town as small as where I did, there weren't many opportunities to date anyone outside of the norm so my boyfriend list was pretty limited to white, predominately Christian or non-religious.  I told him that I had never had a Muslim boyfriend and that my husband and I entered Islaam together. Which was met with an "OOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!!! Well, ok then. So what drew you to it?? What was it that made you say 'This is what is right for me'?" I told him of the class that I took as a student at OU, about my friend and mentor, Fadilah, and I told him that I see Islaam as the most beautiful thing I have ever had the chance to experience. That I believe the western media puts it in a bad light with all of the negative press that they give it and that if people would take the time to ask questions or open a book, they would most likely be surprised at the answers that they find. (Alhamdulillah, he agreed!)

With that, he smiled, told me thanks and walked out the door. In sha Allaah he got the answer he was looking for, or at least that he went away with something else to think of or pass on to someone else, but I really don't know.

I might not have answers to all of the questions, but I admire those who choose to have a conversation with me about something they're not familiar with. I'm learning as I go, but I try to pass on what I do know...if you're willing to ask. In sha Allaah I hope that with the conversations that those few do take the time to have with me or even by reading my blog, that I inspire someone enough to at the very least learn about Islaam, before passing judgements based solely on the negative stories or half truths told by biased media outlets which act more like cheap tabloid magazines than reputable news sources. There are always multiple sides to every story; that side, this side and in the middle there is the truth.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked. 

On the Outside Looking In

Asalaam alaikum wahramatullahi wa barakatuhu. I have been enjoying this first semester of studies at IOU; from the set up and content of each course, to meeting sisters from literally all over the world. Alhamdulillah it is amazing to see how far Islam reaches!

Sometimes it feels like I'm on the outside looking in. What I mean by this, is that I'm an American. I was born here and raised in Oklahoma, where I have lived my entire life. While my country was founded on the basis of religious freedoms for all who live here and not any one particular religion, but like many Western countries, it is primarily Christian. I am also a revert to Islam and a niqabi and while there is a fairly decent sized Muslim population in my metro area, there are few sisters who choose to veil like I do. This is another reason that I, as well as other niqabi sisters in this country and others, in similar situations feel as if we are the only ones.

To me, it takes a lot of inner strength to wear niqab. It can be stressful going in public completely covered, expecting to be bombarded by so many staring eyes, hateful voices or harmful intentions. We are called "extreme", "oppressed", or "abused" for our choice to follow the Sunnah of our Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, more closely than others. My husband is looked at like he is a terrible person for "forcing" me to wear so many clothes, especially as the temperatures and humidity begin to rise. Yes, we get hot! It's hot outside and we would no doubt be equally as hot if we were wearing itty bitty shorts and tank tops but as I read on another sister's blog, it is a a sacrifice we are willing to make to be closer to Allaah.

As reverts, we are the newcomers to this most beautiful religion, where it seems harder to "get in" with those who were born Muslim. We sometimes have a hard time relating to anyone in any group, whether that group is part of the family, an existing friend, society or part of our new extended family in emaan.


There have been many public near break-downs when it seems that everyone has something to whisper about but it gets easier as the days go by. There are moments and days when I have to remind myself that the only opinion that matters is that of Allaah and while there are going to be those who judge me by my outer appearance, Al-Ḥasīb is the only one who can make the final judgement. He does not look at how a person looks on the outside, rather He knows the intentions of a person's heart and He is the All Knowing and The Most Merciful.

Taking these courses has allowed me to see that there are many sisters in similar places, who feel the same as I do at times. It is a reminder that there are others like me and thanks to the internet and our shared love of knowledge, we are able to connect with each other and we are not as alone as we think we are.  This is something that we all need to remember in sha Allaah. When we feel like we are all alone, that there is no one around who truly understands, Allaah is there to listen to our tears and our prayers.

Favorite Recipes

Asalaam alaikum wahramatullahi wabarakatuhu. Due to popular demand, I am making this post as a couple of my favorite recipes that were shared to me by one of my dearest friends and mentors, Aisha. I apologize for the different font sizes in advance, cut and paste did it. I also wrote it to be friendly for my American friends, so please, if you are from a place that has your own version, I'd love to see it! I always love trying new recipes!

Tahini and Tomato Chicken

I got this recipe from my dear friend from Riyadh, KSA, and sister in Islam, Aisha, a few months before she passed away. It was also her aunt’s recipe and I’m happy to share it with you. 

*Also, the number of chicken pieces is doubled while the measurements for the rest of the ingredients are for single so you can either decrease the amount of chicken to 3 pieces or double all of the rest of the ingredients (I double them because everyone loves this recipe they usually have seconds).*

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts, pounded thin

1 ½ tbs olive oil

1 med onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ tbs fresh ginger root, peeled and grated

3 med tomatoes, finely chopped

1 ½ tbs tomato paste

1 tbs tahini (sesame paste, I think some grocery stores carry it with their ethnic food section but I got mine at a middle eastern/halal store. If you want info on the closest halal shops to you, left me know. I have an app that can look them up per location lol)

1 tbs Aisha’s spice mix recipe (I’ll include this next but it can also be made with kebsa spice mix, also found premade at the middle eastern store)

1 tsp curry powder

Dash of salt and ground pepper

½ tbs rose water (middle eastern store)

Chopped fresh parsley

1 1/3 c. water

Instructions

Pound chicken breasts thin, season with salt and pepper

Heat some oil in a pan to medium and cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side

In a separate pan:

Heat oil and onions, stir until they’re brown

Add ginger, garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant (this part doesn’t take that long before they smell amazing)

Add in tomatoes, tomato paste, tahini, rose water and water. Simmer 10-15 minutes over medium heat

Add chicken back in and parsley. Simmer 20 more minutes

Serve with basmati rice and naan

*You can also play with the amount of spice to get to the heat that you prefer.*

*Basmati rice can be found at Walmart or pretty much any grocery store. I get the kind that has microwave directions as well as stove top because sometimes I would rather let a machine do some of the work for me lol. Also, you can buy premade naan frozen at the halal store but I’ve never seen it in any regular stores or you can make it from scratch if you want. I’ll include the recipe I use when I make it from scratch.*

Aisha’s Spice Mix Recipe

I recommend having a mason jar with a screw top lid to store this in because it makes a lot but you can use any jar or bowl that has a lid to fit. Just be sure to label it. (You don’t have to call it Aisha’s though..you can call it whatever you want).

Ingredients

 ½ c. whole black peppercorns

¼ c. whole coriander seeds

¼ c. cassia or cinnamon bark (I used cinnamon since I couldn’t find cassia here)

¼ c. whole cloves

1/3 c. cumin seeds

2 tsp whole cardamom seeds

4 whole nutmegs or Allspice

            **Nutmeg is considered haram (illegal/bad) in some parts of the world. If you’re in a place that doesn’t sell it or you’d rather stick to the totally halal, substitute for equal parts Allspice**

½ c. paprika

Instructions

Combine all spices except nutmegs (Allspice if you’re using) and paprika in a spice grinder (or you can use mortar and pestle to grind them up but the spice grinder is SOO much easier) and grind to a fine powder

Grate nutmegs/Allspice and blend with paprika, then mix with the rest of the spices and blend well.

Naan Recipe (courtesy of about.com)

Ingredients:

1 package active dry yeast

2 tbs sugar

¾ c warm water

1 ½ c all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

¼ c ghee (can be found at some grocery store but I got mine at the halal store)

            Or vegetable shortening

3 tbs plain yogurt

Melted butter for brushing

Directions:

Measure ¾ cups warm water in a measuring cup. Add sugar and yeast. Allow yeast to soften and stir until yeast is dissolved. Cover measuring cup with a towel and allow yeast and water to froth for 5-10 minutes.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast water, yogurt and ghee (or vegetable shortening) and begin to knead for 5-10 minutes until a dough forms.

Place dough in bowl coated with oil and turn dough around to evenly coat. Cover bowl with towel and allow to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400. Divide dough into 10-12 pieces and roll out on floured surface into circles. Place rolled out dough on greased cookie sheets or baking stone and brush with melted butter.

Cook in oven for 8 minutes or until lightly browned and puffed up.

Serve naan immediately or store in pantry or freezer.

Ruling On Covering the Face with Detailed Evidence

Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu.

For anyone who is wondering why those of us who choose to veil do, this post is insightful. Enjoy! 

Reblogged from http://niqablovers.blogspot.com/2014/01/ruling-on-covering-face-with-detailed.html

Praise be to Allaah. 

You should note that women’s observing hijab in front of non-mahram men and covering their faces is something that is obligatory as is indicated by the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and by rational examination and analogy.

1 – Evidence from the Qur’aan

(i) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful” [al-Noor 24:31]

The evidence from this verse that hijab is obligatory for women is as follows: 

1- Allaah commands the believing women to guard their chastity, and the command to guard their chastity also a command to follow all the means of doing that. No rational person would doubt that one of the means of doing so is covering the face, because uncovering it causes people to look at it and enjoy its beauty, and thence to initiate contact. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The eyes commit zina and their zina is by looking…” then he said, “… and the private part confirms that or denies it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6612; Muslim, 2657. 

If covering the face is one of the means of guarding one’s chastity, then it is enjoined, because the means come under the same ruling as the ends. 

2- Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“…and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) …”. The jayb (pl. juyoob) is the neck opening of a garment and the khimaar (veil) is that with which a woman covers her head. If a woman is commanded to draw her veil over the neck opening of her garment then she is commanded to cover her face, either because that is implied or by analogy. If it is obligatory to cover the throat and chest, then it is more appropriate to cover the face because it is the site of beauty and attraction. 

3- Allaah has forbidden showing all adornment except that which is apparent, which is that which one cannot help showing, such as the outside of one's garment. Hence Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…except only that which is apparent …” and He did not say, except that which they show of it. Some of the salaf, such as Ibn Mas’ood, al-Hasan, Ibn Sireen and others interpreted the phrase “except only that which is apparent” as meaning the outer garment and clothes, and what shows from beneath the outer garment (i.e., the hem of one’s dress etc.). Then He again forbids showing one’s adornment except to those for whom He makes an exception. This indicates that the second adornment mentioned is something other than the first adornment. The first adornment is the external adornment which appears to everyone and cannot be hidden. The second adornment is the inward adornment (including the face). If it were permissible for this adornment to be seen by everyone, there would be no point to the general wording in the first instance and this exception made in the second. 

4- Allaah grants a concession allowing a woman to show her inward adornments to “old male servants who lack vigour”, i.e. servants who are men who have no desire, and to small children who have not reached the age of desire and have not seen the ‘awrahs of women. This indicates two things:

• That showing inward adornments to non-mahrams is not permissible except to these two types of people.
• That the reason for this ruling is the fear that men may be tempted by the woman and fall in love with her. Undoubtedly the face is the site of beauty and attraction, so concealing it is obligatory lest men who do feel desire be attracted and tempted by her. 

5- The words (interpretation of the meaning): “And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment” mean that a woman should not stamp her feet so as to make known hidden adornments such as anklets and the like. If a woman is forbidden to stamp her feet lest men be tempted by what they hear of the sound of her anklets etc., then what about uncovering the face?

Which is the greater source of temptation – a man hearing the anklets of a woman whom he does not know who she is or whether she is beautiful, or whether she is young or old, or ugly or pretty? Or his looking at a beautiful youthful face that attracts him and invites him to look at it? 

Every man who has any desire for women will know which of the two temptations is greater and which deserves to be hidden and concealed.


(ii) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All‑Hearer, All‑Knower” [al-Noor 24:60]

The evidence from this verse is that Allaah states that there is no sin on old women who have no hope of marriage because men have no desire for them, due to their old age (if they discard their outer clothing), subject to the condition that their intention in doing so is not to make a wanton display of themselves. The fact that this ruling applies only to old women indicates that the ruling is different for young women who still hope to get married. If the ruling on discarding the outer clothing applied to all, there would be no point in singling out old women here.

The phrase “in such a way as not to show their adornment” offers further proof that hijab is obligatory for young women who hope to marry, because usually when they uncover their faces the intention is to make a wanton display (tabarruj) and to show off their beauty and make men look at them and admire them etc. Those who do otherwise are rare, and the ruling does not apply to rare cases.

(iii) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Ahzaab 33:59]

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Allaah commanded the believing women, if they go out of their houses for some need, to cover their faces from the top of their heads with their jilbaabs, and to leave one eye showing.”

The tafseer of the Sahaabah is evidence, indeed some of the scholars said that it comes under the same ruling as marfoo’ reports that go back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
The comment “and leave one eye showing” is a concession because of the need to see the way; if there is no need for that then the eye should not be uncovered.
The jilbaab is the upper garment that comes above the khimaar; it is like the abaya.

(iv) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is no sin on them (the Prophet’s wives, if they appear unveiled) before their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons, or the sons of their sisters, or their own (believing) women, or their (female) slaves. And (O ladies), fear (keep your duty to) Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Ever All‑Witness over everything” [al-Ahzaab 33:55]

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: When Allaah commanded the women to observe hijab in front of non-mahram men, he explained that they did not have to observe hijab in front of these relatives, as He explained that they are exempted in Soorat al-Noor where He said (interpretation of the meaning): “and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands…” 

2 – Evidence from the Sunnah that it is obligatory to cover the face 
(i) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you proposes marriage to a woman, there is no sin on him if he looks at her, rather he should look at her for the purpose of proposing marriage even if she is unaware.” Narrated by Ahmad. The author of Majma’ al-Zawaa’id said: its men are the men of saheeh.

The evidence here is the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said there is no sin on the man who is proposing marriage, subject to the condition that his looking be for the purpose of proposing marriage. This indicates that the one who is not proposing marriage is sinning if he looks at a non-mahram woman in ordinary circumstances, as is the one who is proposing marriage if he looks for any purpose other than proposing marriage, such as for the purpose of enjoyment etc.

If it is said that the hadeeth does not clearly state what is being looked at, and it may mean looking at the chest etc, the response is that the man who is proposing marriage looks at the face because it is the focus for the one who is seeking beauty, without a doubt.

(ii) When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded that women should be brought out to the Eid prayer place, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, some of us do not have jilbaabs.” The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Let her sister give her one of her jilbaabs to wear.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.

This hadeeth indicates that the usual practice among the women of the Sahaabah was that a woman would not go out without a jilbaab, and that if she did not have a jilbaab she would not go out. The command to wear a jilbaab indicates that it is essential to cover. And Allaah knows best.

(iii) It was narrated in al-Saheehayn that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend the prayer with him, wrapped in their veils, then they would go back to their homes and no one would recognize them because of the darkness. She said: If the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw from the women what we have seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques as the Children of Israel prevented their women.

A similar report was also narrated by ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him).

The evidence from this hadeeth covers two issues: 

1 – Hijaab and covering were the practice of the women of the Sahaabah who were the best of generations and the most honourable before Allaah.
2 – ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with them both), who were both known as scholars with deep insight, said that if the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had seen from women what they had seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques. This was during the best generations, so what about nowadays?

(iv) It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever lets his garment drag out of pride, Allaah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.” Umm Salamah said, “What should women do with their hems?” He said, “Let it hang down a handspan.” She said, “What if that shows her feet?” He said, “Let it hang down a cubit, but no more than that.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

This hadeeth indicates that it is obligatory for women to cover their feet, and that this was something that was well known among the women of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). The feet are undoubtedly a lesser source of temptation than the face and hands, so a warning concerning something that is less serious is a warning about something that is more serious and to which the ruling applies more. The wisdom of sharee’ah means that it would not enjoin covering something that is a lesser source of temptation and allow uncovering something that is a greater source of temptation. This is an impossible contradiction that cannot be attributed to the wisdom and laws of Allaah.

(v) It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam. When they came near us we would lower our jilbaabs from our heads over our faces, and when they had passed by we would uncover our faces. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1562.

The words “When they came near us we would lower our jilbaabs from our heads over our faces” indicate that it is obligatory to cover the face, because what is prescribed in ihraam is to uncover it. If there was no strong reason to prevent uncovering it, it would be obligatory to leave it uncovered even when the riders were passing by. In other words, women are obliged to uncover their faces during ihraam according to the majority of scholars, and nothing can override something that is obligatory except something else that is also obligatory. If it were not obligatory to observe hijab and cover the face in the presence of non-mahram men, there would be no reason not to uncover it in ihraam. It was proven in al-Saheehayn and elsewhere that a woman in ihraam is forbidden to wear the niqaab (face veil) and gloves.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: This is one of the things which indicate that the niqaab and gloves were known among women who were not in ihraam, which implies that they covered their faces and hands.

These are nine points of evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah. 
The tenth is:

Rational examination and analogy which form the basis of this perfect sharee’ah, which aims to help people achieve what is in their best interests and encourages the means that lead to that, and to denounce evil and block the means that lead to it.

If we think about unveiling and women showing their faces to non-mahram men, we will see that it involves many bad consequences. Even if we assume that there are some benefits in it, they are very few in comparison with its negative consequences. Those negative consequences include:

1 – Fitnah (temptation). By unveiling her face, a woman may be tempted to do things to make her face look more beautiful. This is one of the greatest causes of evil and corruption.

2 – Taking away haya’ (modesty, shyness) from women, which is part of faith and of a woman’s nature (fitrah). Women are examples of modesty, as it was said, “more shy than a virgin in her seclusion.” Taking away a woman’s modesty detracts from her faith and the natural inclination with which she was created.

3 – Men may be tempted by her, especially if she is beautiful and she flirts, laughs and jokes, as happens in the case of many of those who are unveiled. The Shaytaan flows through the son of Adam like blood.

4 – Mixing of men and women. If a woman thinks that she is equal with men in uncovering her face and going around unveiled, she will not be modest and will not feel too shy to mix with men. This leads to a great deal of fitnah (temptation) and widespread corruption. Al-Tirmidhi narrated (5272) from Hamzah ibn Abi Usayd from his father that he heard the Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say, when he was coming out of the mosque and he saw men mingling with women in the street; the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to the women, “Draw back, and do not walk in the middle of the road; keep to the sides of the road.” Then the women used to keep so close to the walls that their garments would catch on the walls because they kept so close to them.  Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 929


Adapted from the words of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) in Risaalat al-Hijaab.

And Allaah knows best.


Link to the original article: http://islamqa.info/en/11774