Finding Peace in ‘Community’

Assalamu’alaikum everyone.

Masha-Allah, looks like it is once-a-yearly post momentum in this space.

Very humbled to have found time and made intention to do up a post here.

Life has taken us through interesting tides over these three years, in fact. Grateful for everything, as always. Every experience has strengthened us. And we have learnt many new lessons and appreciate all the new awakenings.

Alhamdhulilah. My hands (and heart) are full as I try keeping up with our boys, ZY and ZD’s energy, especially with AZ’s frequent work travels.

Among this, very glad that our boys and I are now enrolled in a weekend Madrasah in the masjid within our broader constituency, run by and for, Indian Muslims in our community. And these sessions have been so meaningful, to the extent that I feel so upset whenever we have to miss the sessions for whatever reasons that kick in.

The warmth of the Jemaah from the parents’ class (that I’ve signed up for) is just so Masha-Allah. The learning halaqas, partaking of community events, and the moments we came together, especially for mass Iftars in Ramadan,  were so heartwarming.

At the core of it all, these sessions have definitely brought me closer to Allah, and the Quran.

Alhamdhulilah.

On that note, sharing a simple chicken pulao recipe from our kitchen that I brought to our Eid festive gathering  at the masjid last month.

What went in:

1)      Marinate small chicken pieces in yoghurt, very little ginger garlic paste, chilli paste and salt.

2)      Add in usual ‘family’ of briyani spices, onions, green chillies and marinated chicken pieces.

3)      Add in some tomatoes, very little chilli paste again, salt, some mint and coriander leaves. Garam masala, to your liking too.

4)      Add in water (1:2), and once boiled, put in rice.

5)      I personally like the aroma of rose water. And raisins and cashews toasted in ghee too.

If you are reading this and do try this recipe, please say a dua for my family and me.

JazakAllahu Khair.

 

Ramadan Journal 2015 - Entry 4

16) Capture 
20) Me
I thought that I don't always capture photos about my Eid clothese. So, I made a mental note to snap a picture of a simple band very comfortable-on-the-skin maxi dress that AZ bought for me at the Eid fair before I wore it. I wore this on the first day of Eid. I  really liked how I could easily run around the house as we were attending to guests. I matched it with a maroonish scarf and had compliments from AZ and Mum.

17) Wish
I always wish to get some henna done on the last few days of Ramadan. These recent years, that has not been anywhere close to possible. This year, too.A few days after Eid, I found a tube of henna that's been untouched for a few months. I grabbed some lazy moments and had AZ applying some simple designs on my finger nails and palms. The outcome was pretty enough.

18) Make
My Mother makes beautiful murukkus... savoury Indian snacks.
You would think every child says this - that her Mother makes the best food.
My Mum does too, and this is EXCEPTIONALLY true with her Murukkus.

It takes a lot of time and effort to make these snacks. From measuring up the ingredients, to kneading the dough, to pressing the dough out through the traditional 'murukku ural' (I seriously don't know what it's called in English; you can google the images though), and then frying them in the correct temperatures.

I can never manage any of these. One of the biggest things I regret not learning to do. The scale of the process just scares me, really.

But my Mum makes them  single-handedly, with so much love. There were times we decided to give her a break, and ordered from home-based businesses. Not a single one of them came anywhere close to Mum's.

And so she goes - 'I told you. Let me make them like I always do.'

19) Read
23) Three
 One of the things about my job I loved this Ramadan was that I could get to work with Masjids on some projects. Over Ramadan, I had a chance to work with three Masjids in different vicinities.  After every project meeting, I made use of the lunch hour (while other colleagues involved in the projects headed to lunch) to spend time reading the Quran after my prayers.

Ramadan Journal 2015 - Entry 1

Finally, I am getting down to pen down my Ramadan Journal. Actually, AZ was neatening up my mobile phone and its contents just a few days back.

In the process, I realised that some photos I had snapped throughout Ramadan are now missing. Knowing that I would want to document these very much, AZ spent quite a bit of time trying to recover them from softwares. Given a bit of time, he would have recovered all of them, but I really felt bad about it as he had exams to prepare for, alongside work commitments to attend to.

And most of all, these days, I have learnt to accept, or to be truthful, learning very hard to say Alhamdhulilah for all things - to my favour and otherwise.

And so, Alhamthulilah, I retook some shots in the same order that I could and will write about other images that I captured after Ramadan that also deserve space for memories in my Ramadan Journal for this year.

So here goes, my photo journal (of sorts) for this Ramadan.

1) Prepare
As I had hoped for, about 80 per cent of our Eid shopping was completed before Ramadan. And of these, the essentials that 1 particularly shop for new bedsheets for the house.

2) BnW
Battling within myself to spend as much time as I could with my Quran. I could have done much, much better...
What I was happy with myself was that I read different Surahs, unlike in all other years where I had read from the first Surah and followed through.

My Quran - which is a gift from my Father during one of the Ramadans in earlier years.

My Quran And Me

Sometime in January, my fairly new colleague, Sister A, and I decided to embark, or should I say re-embark on our Quran reading journey. Both us were just talking about our journey with the Quran and we both were sharing that we needed to buck up with our recitation.

That was when Sister A thought we could come up with a buddy plan. That we come with a plan of reading schedules and stick to it to the best we can, and at the same time, motivaer each other along the way.

We both jumped at this opportunity and drew up plans and a neat schedule to complete one cycle of recitation by Ramadan. Sister A is expecting her first child, Alhamdhulilah, and wishes to benefit her little one too, with her recitations, In-Shaa-Allah.

It feels really good that there is now a plan that I can follow up with. Sister A and I do random checks with each other on our progress, and nudge the one who has fallen behind.

The days of renovation in our place did see me falling behind, but I am determined to catch up. We are having long holidays with the Lunar New Year festive for the Chinese folks here. So, it has given me some pockets of catch-up time. Alhamdhulilah.

Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu' alyahi wa sallam) said: "The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Quran will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angles) and he who recites the Quran and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have a double reward."

(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

SubhanAllah, such is Islam...

Together, Sister A and I are also reviewing Asma-Al-Husna (the 99 names of Allah) by Ramadan, In-Shaa-Allah.

My recitation schedule and my Quran.

As I was reviewing my tajweed, this site was very useful for a good recap on the rules. I spent some quality time going through all the sessions before I started reading from Juz 1. Alhamdhulilah, it sure was helpful.

Every now and then, when I am not too mentally drained on the commute back home from work, I usually turn on the recitations for the Surah that I am reciting at the moment on my MP3 player - this has been helpful too, Alhamdhulilah. 

"The most beloved of deeds to Allah are the most consistent of them, even if they are few." (Al-Bukhari)

Ramadan Journal - Quran Workshop

My Sundays in Ramadan this year have been so blessed, Alhmadhulilah. 

I thank Allah (S.W.T) for the opportunity to strengthen my iman (faith) through a two-hour Quran intensive workshop, followed by Iqra mentorship for another hour-and-a-half.

Ustazah Su'aidah Salim always shared more than the course materials - on stories of our Sahabas, islamic history, of Hereafter, and so much more. I always wished the lessons never ended, for the sake of Allah.

Will share more on her sharing as I sit down to review her notes on Tafsir very soon, In-Shaa-Allah.

While the Quran workshop is over, our Iqra classes will resume with six other sisters - all of whom have become good friends - in September. Looking forward, In-Shaa-Allah.

A shot I took on the fourth class of the Quran workshop session. Our Iqra class is cosier - just seven of us and Ustazah.

As I am writing this, I am suddenly overwhelmed by so much sadness... that my Sundays in the past five weeks have been about preparing for Iftar. We were still in Ramadan a week ago, and at this hour (it will be Maghrib in a few minutes...), AZ and I, and everyone at home were talking about how fast Ramadan was going to come to an end in a few minutes.

AZ constantly reminded me to lay the Iftar table quickly and sit down and make duas... before the precious month slipped away. I pray that Allah (S.W.T) gives us all the opportunity to experience another Ramadan with HIS mercy and blessings. Ameen. 

Ramadan Journal 2014, Day 1 - The Quran

Thank you, Ya Rabb, for giving us the opportunity to experience and earn the blessings and rewards of another Ramadan this year. Alhamdhulilah.

We all are racing to make good use of this month – to get closer to our Creator and the Quran. Now is the time to make lots of duas, to cry our hearts out even more to our Rabb, and ask for everything.

So, I have decided. I will post just a photo and a short snippet (as and when), and save the rest of the writing till after Ramadan, In-Shaa- Allah.

 

 Started the first day of Ramadan with Ustazah Su'aidah Salim's 'Open Quran' workshop. Alhamdhulilah. Looking forward to more sessions in the coming weeks.

In-Shaa-Allah. 

Eating Halal

Just a couple of weeks back, I was standing in line to get lunch at an eating place near our office that I usually patronise. I like to walk out for lunch after the off-peak hour. This is so that I can finish lunch and head directly for prayer before settling back at my desk. Another reason is to avoid the crazy lunch crowd in the city! Walking out for lunch at this crazy hour will have you brisk walking, and not strolling (because the motion of everyone else sets in that way), and returning to office at the same speed.

Alhamdulillah, that the office environment I work in allows us for such flexibility to either head out much earlier or later than the peak lunch hour.

Back at the line I was in… there was another Muslim Sister in the queue, just before me. Just before it was her turn to place her order, she turned to me abruptly and asked. “Does this place serve halal food?”

“Of course,” I said, and turned to point her towards the huge sign on the entrance (which was supposed to be there!). To both our disappointment, it wasn’t there anymore. By this time, the lady serving food (who is Muslim) was already calling out to this Sister. This Sister asked her if the food was halal-certified. And she said yes. She then asked her where the certificate was, to which the lady just smiled. The Sister made a quick order and paid. Next was my turn. Usually I would order a meat dish and vegetables from here. I made the same order, picked up a bottle of mineral water (as always) and walked out to get a seat.

I said my duas and started eating. After taking two mouthfuls, I was uncomfortable and had many questions from the episode that had just unfolded. Why was the halal-certified sign not there anymore? For how long has it not been there, and why did I not spot it until now? Why was the lady serving food not able to give us an answer? Maybe the owners were renewing their certificate? Or did they not meet the renewal criteria? What made me feel worse was that I frequently packed food for another Muslim colleague from there. Ya Rabb. Astaghfirullah.

I stopped eating, and gulped down some water. I sure felt terrible because if the food was halal after all, then I was wasting food which is not encouraged in Islam. I felt really bad at that moment and will never return to that eatery again, until I see the halal-certified sign again.

Just after this incident, a Buddhist friend, and a former colleague, wrote me an email for her article at work on why Muslims do not eat pork. I thought it was good to give her readings on Quranic evidence for a better comprehension, and sent her two links, here and here, from which the useful information below came up.

The Muslim’s diet, like all other aspects of his or her life, is governed by divine law. Muslims (male and female) implement the commandments of Islam because the fundamental concept of Islam is submission to Allah, Almighty God, recognising that in His infinite knowledge, He knows what is best for His creation. 

Quranic Evidence

The prohibition of pork in Islam is derived from the following verse of the Glorious Qur’an:

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah.”

[Al-Qur'an 5:3]

In another passage of the Qur’an, pork and pig derivatives are described as being impure:

“Say, “I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal, or blood spilled out, or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure – or it be [an animal slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], then indeed, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.” 

[The Qur’an al-An’aam 6:145]

The Arabic word rijs is used specifically to describe pork in the Qur’an. It means something that is impure, filthy, and unfit for consumption. The fact that the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth describes pork in this way is enough of a justification for a Muslim to refrain from eating it.

We know that pork bears many health risks to its consumers, with a significant number of diseases and pathogens being found in various parts of the pig, such that a number of health professionals from non-Muslim and non-Jewish backgrounds advise against eating it. 

These include trichiniasis trikinisis, a parasitic disease caused by a kind of roundworm, as well as yersinia enterocolitica, which causes fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The meat of pigs is also higher in toxins than other meats.

Pigs themselves have been plagued by a variety of hazardous infections and diseases, including Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, Nipah Virus, Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus, Hepatitis E, Swine Flu, Menangle Virus, and others, many of which have lead to infections in human beings.

It should be noted that these specific health concerns are simply mentioned to illustrate part of the wisdom behind the prohibition of pork; however, a Muslim refrains from eating pork in submission to Almighty God, and in recognition that The Creator knows what is best for His creation.

Therefore, whether or not these risks can be mitigated by proper farming, storing, and cooking procedures, a Muslim will always refrain from eating it, demonstrating his or her submission to their Creator, and affirming that the laws of Allah are full of wisdom and represent the best for mankind. 

Furthermore, the laws of Islam are universal for every people, in every time and place. The risks associated with pork have been – and to a certain degree remain – significant for the majority of people in the world.

The Nature of Pork

The main utility of pigs in the ecosystem is as scavengers. They live and thrive on muck, feces and dirt. It could be argued that in developed countries, pigs are bred in very clean and hygienic conditions. Even in these hygienic conditions the pigs are kept together in sties, and so the chances of them consuming filth are very high.

Health Aspects

Research has shown correlation between pork consumption and several diseases. Eating pork can expose the individual to various helminthes (worms) like roundworm, pinworm and hookworm. 

One of the most dangerous of worms is Taenia Solium, which, in lay man’s terminology is called the pork tapeworm. It harbours in the intestine and is very long. Its ova i.e. eggs, enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the organs of the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it enters the heart it can cause heart attack, in the eye it can cause blindness, and in the liver it can cause liver damage. It can damage almost all the organs of the body.

A common misconception about pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die. In a research project undertaken in America, it was found that out of twenty-four people suffering from Trichura Tichurasis (another worm commonly found in pork), twenty two had cooked the pork very well. This indicates that the ova present in the pork do not die under normal cooking temperature.

Pork has very little muscle building material and contains excess of fat. This fat gets deposited in the vessels and can cause hypertension and heart attack. It is not surprising that hypertension is a common ailment due to the prevalence of the consumption of pork.

Thus the prohibition of pork in Islam is a blessing.

SubhanAllah, indeed it really is a blessing that Allah (S.W.T) has given us guiding principles on every aspect of life. Every single aspect.

HE Sent Us Barakah

Our family’s evening yesterday was spent beautifully, with barakah that our Rabb sent us. HIS barakah visited us through two heartwarming guests whom AZ and I had invited for dinner.

I have reminded myself to be more gracious and have sabr (patience) when I am now serving guests after I learnt on the hadith as said below of serving guests (even if they are people who may be mean to us).

“…when Allah wishes well for a qawm..." Here the word "qawm" does not mean "nation" or a group of people; it means few people or just one person. "...(Ehdâ ilayhim hediyyeted-dayf) Allah sends them guests as gifts." It is considered as gifts because when the host offers good things to the guest, he earns rewards and the blessings of Allah.

"If Allah wishes prosperity for a person, He will send guests as gifts."

Alhamdhulillah.

Our guests yesterday, Sister R and her fiancé (Brother Is), brought with them lots of warmth and laughter. Brother Is also took some time to take us through a water test (which I will write in more detail in a later post, In-Shaa-Allah). 

AZ and I have also long wanted to get a gift for Sister R. We decided on a pocket Quran for this Sister, as she is an entrepreneur who is always on the move and felt this will be very useful for her when on train rides. 

She was really pleased with this priceless gift (of all times!). I also told her that it was indeed a ‘selfish’ gift from both of us as we hoped to get some rewards when she recites the Quran, In-Shaa-Allah.

We also made her choose a pretty abaya that she fancied from our collections. She hesitantly did, and carried it so well when she tried it on. 

Alhamdhulilah.

87 Days To Ramadan....

Source: Internet

There are about 87 days to Ramadan.
And Ramadan this year in Singapore, as according to the MUIS, (The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) website  starts on 29 June 2014.
And Eid or Hari Raya Puasa we call it here, falls on 28 July.

Our Sahabas (RadhiAllahu Anhum) prepared for Ramadan six months before it started. SubhanAllah.
We should do our best to prepare for this beautiful month that will arrive very soon.

Just a year after marriage, AZ and I decided we could, and should, do more to prepare for Ramadan every year. And we are making duas that Allah (S.W.T) guides us to getting better prepared.

A post I long wanted to write, and the 87 things that spells what Ramadan is to us, and the things that we hope to get to doing before Ramadan, In-Shaa-Allah.

Prayers, The Quran And Us

1. The feeling of peace all around us that is just unexplainable.
2. The automatic determination to read as much of the Quran as possible in Ramadan.
3. To make this happen, starting to read the Quran in gradual phases before Ramadan.
4. Learning and re-learning specific Suras of the Quran.
5. Starting to reflect on the 99 names of Allah (S.W.T) more frequently.
6. Memorising some duas from the Quran that are close to the heart.
7. Coming up with the personal duas list that I would like to ask from our Rabb.
8. Taraweeh prayers!
9. Making it a point to pray as much of the prayers with AZ.
10. Finding that sudden stamina to stay up for Tahajjud prayers after Taraweeh prayers.
11. Making it a point to read at least a page from the Quran after every prayer, even at the office.
12. The Adhan at high volume at Maghrib and Isha prayers in our home.
13. The rush to make wudhu and settle down to make duas with all our hearts just minutes before breaking the fast.
14. Crying our hearts out when making duas. Why do the tears flow more easily during Ramadan?
15. Listening to the Quran on the way to and back from office (and nothing else)
16. Doing all we can to pray on time!
17. Making a conscious effort to start using Miswak. (started and didnt keep up with the momentum.)
18. Starting with Sunnah fasts in Sha'ban.
19. Waking up for Sahur.
20. And staying on till Fajr.
21. Taqwa, and beyond (this, I feel, cannot be explained too.)
22. Breaking fast with Zam Zam water.
23. Losing sleep and yet without the heart to complain.
24. Preparing our body systems for the 30-day spiritual cleansing. Plan early.
25. Making an effort to be in constant zikir and with wudhu always.

Food and Drinks

26. Samosas!
27. Nonbu Kanji (special porridge for Ramadan)
28. Dates, Dates and lots of Dates!
29. The sudden want to eat lots of fruits for Iftar.
30. Mum's special delicacies for Iftar on all 29/30 days.
31. Oh yes, Mum's Jallar Appam on the first day of Ramadan (as per Brother's traditional, yearly request.)
32. Bandung (rosemilk).
33. Mum's murukku (*smiles).
34. Making cookies to send home.
35. Making extra portions of food to share with our nieghbours.
36. Trying to make the fruit custard just the way Sis-in-Law makes it back home for AZ.
37. Reminding Mum to keep Iftar meals simple as she always gets carried away.
38. Thinking you can eat much more at Iftar but getting filled up with the fruits, dates and a drink.
39. Preparing the spread for AZ for Sahur meals.
40. Being extra mindful on not wasting food.
41. Having a cup of hot tea just before making the niyyah to fast for the day (albeit that fact that tea is not recommended at Sahur).

Getting The House In Order
(Had some improvements last year with these, will do better this year, In-Shaa-Allah.)

42. Cleaning up kitchen cabinets thoroughly.
43. Arranging for part-time helper to help with bigger chores (comtemplated on this many times and decided to get help only with our windows, and told myself that what we give her at the end of the day will benefit her family back home, In-Shaa-Allah).
44. Doing the yearly arranging and clearing out of bookshelves.
45. Cleaning out room cupboards.
46. Making a mental note to leave only necessary re-cleaning for before Eid.
47. Setting up routine to complete major chores right after Fajr every weekend, especially in Ramadan.
48. Completing shopping for new clothes for everyone in our families earlier.
49. Preparing Ramadan and Eid gift parcels for home and relatives in India much earlier too.
50. Wrapping up all shopping by May.
51. Packing clothes to be given away to charity by early June.
52. Cleaning out fridge thoroughly.

Lifestyle Changes
53. Reading selected books on Islam in Ramadan (AZ bought me some gems that I have saved for reading when I am not able to fast.)
54. Only listening to Quranic verses to and from work on the bus (and nothing else)
55. No watching of movies for the whole of Ramadan.
56. Not promising outings with friends (This year, have decided to invite friends who are visiting over, instead of meeting them outside).
57. Speaking less generally.
58. Trying to control emotions with irritations at the workplace.
59. Trying to smile more.
60. Not bearing any grudges.
61. Start asking for forgiveness and fixing up issues with everyone (as the need arises).

On The Internet
62. Ramadan Journal. I was an passive participant last year. Hope to be a part too on our blog this year.
Blogger Sister Neelu has said this will be back this year too, with some changes, In-Sha-Allah. You can read more here from my favourite blogger, Sister Umm Salihah too (her blog introduced me to this activity actually!).
63. Spending less time on Facebook (good that I am not addicted already).
64. Only a short, blog post everyday (that' s why the Ramadan Journal will be helpful with this.)

The cover of  'Ramadan and Eid Journal' that I compiled into a photobook last year.

At Work
66. Requesting in June for flexi-time, to start and end work earlier.
67. Applying for leave earlier, towards the last 10 days.
68. Discussing with colleagues to swop evening event coverages with them.
69. Sharing dates and mini-prayers books as Ramadan gifts with colleagues.
70. Carrying dates and water bottle in my bag, just-in-case I really have to work late.
71. Carrying dates in extra packs for cab drivers who are Muslims (cos I find myself resorting to cabs with my nature of my job).
72. Being extra polite with colleagues, and clients, especially in emails.
73. Arranging for interviews in the mid-afternoon for an opportunity to knock off a little earlier.
74. Opting for email interviews where possible.

Sadaqah
75. Trying our best to help more people this year.
76. Reminding ourselves to look at our relatives' circle first.
77. Sharing food for Iftar with lesser privileged people whenever possible.
78. Starting to give more sadaqah in Sha'ban.
79. Trying our best to give sadaqah every day (look around and make lots of duas to be able to help more people.)

Preparing For Eid
80. Spending within means.
81. Cutting down on unnecessary expenditure, especially on decorative items for the house.
82. Making early orders for Al-Barakah Abayas from our suppliers.
83. Going for a trip down at Eid fair at Geylang Serai (just once this toime, In-Shaa-Allah).
84. Staying up till early morning before Eid day just to get some henna on hands.
85. Getting up with all smiles on Eid day.
86. Packing cookie bags for distributing with neighbours the night before Eid.

What I Actually Miss
87. Sending out Eid cards (physical, hard copy ones!). I still keep some from friends and cousins. It used to be so fun shopping for these and writing: "Do come over to our house on this special day!" on these cards.
Those times...

I pray that Allah (S.W.T) guides all brothers and sisters to  prepare for this year's Ramadan with good iman. Ameen.

Cooking With Our Hearts... And An Experiment

I enjoy cooking a lot, especially if the kitchen is mine for the day. Because whenever Mum is around in the kitchen watching me cook, she LOVES to contribute. Well, like adding two more spoons of her own masalas, or her own spices, or everything that she associates with the dish that she knows will make it better.

In my Mother’s eyes, till today, none of my dishes are perfect, that is, never with the correct amount of salt, chilli powder or masalas. Or my rice couls have cooked better or for a shorter time. (although the rest of us eating the meals will find everything in place) But aren’t all Mothers always hoping their daughters cook just like they do?

Many times when I am preparing meals for guests, or even my own family members, I tend to be worried if I am cooking enough for all of them. For some reason, at the back of my mind, I would think there may not be enough for everyone. But I am so wrong. Astaghfirullah.

Our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) is quoted as saying on the virtue of sharing food: Food for one (person) suffices two, and food for two (persons) suffices four persons and food for four persons suffices eight persons. (Sahih Muslim)

SubhanAllah. And this is, of course, true. At all times when we have guests, expected or unexpected, there is always ample food for all of us, and even some leftovers for the next day.

I also feel it is about the right niyyah – to be able to feed as many with our cooking. Starting with Bismillah and remembering HIM always.

Lately, AZ has encouraged me to listen to verses of the Quran as I do the cooking (looking at how anxious I can get when I realise I am taking a long time to complete my menu planned for the day, looking at hungry souls patiently waiting for meals.) More so because when I decide to cook for the day, I just can’t stop at two dishes. (This is exactly what Mum-in-Law does back home too.)

Alhamdhulilah, heeding AZ’s advice this time was really helpful. Albeit the same number of ambitious dishes I had set out to put on the table that day, I did just fine.

Considering that there was a new first-time dish and ghee rice (not something I make often), everything turned out well and more importantly, on time.

The ghee rice was nice. But the green chilli chicken curry was not what I expected. I picked it up from a food blog that I quite like. Mum said I should have ground the coconut for a longer time. That version I tried did not add coriander powder and cumin powder. I believe mutton and chicken curries are incomplete without them. So, I added my own proportions. We all felt it was a green variation of kurma, and still enjoyed it.

I don’t think I will make this again though, will try to perfect a ‘normal’ chicken curry with ghee rice next time, In-Sha-Allah.

Simple Recipe for Ghee Rice - A Gem From Mum's Kitchen
Get these ready:
3 cups of basmati briyani rice
2 pieces of cinnamon
3/4 tbsp of ginger and garlic paste (ground together)
2/3 pieces of aniseed
6 tbsps of ghee
2 serai (cut)
2 onions
2 tomatoes
2 red chillies
Mint leaves (for garnishing)
Salt to taste.
2tbsp of rose water
2 tbsp of evaporated milk.

And get started:
1. Saute onions with ghee and spices.
2. Once the onions turn a nice, brown colour, add in water proportionately (1 cup of rice: 1.5 cups of water).
3. Let water boil and add in washed rice and salt. Also add in tomatoes and and red chillies, with rose water and evaporated milk. Leave to cook. And enjoy with loved ones, In-Shaa-Allah.

Oh, and by the way, I had also made fried chicken and brinjal pachadi to go with these. These both were my usuals, and Alhamdhulilah, turned out well.

HE Shows Us Mercy Again!

Alhamdhulilah. The air today morning carried an earthy, natural fragrance again. This time stronger, fresher, sweeter.

Thank you, my Rabb, for your mercy through this blessing. I do not remember feeling inconvenienced when it rained, but will remind myself never to harbour such thoughts.

I remember anticipating rain on 31st January, as was forecasted, as I was on my way home after covering an event. But only Allah (S.W.T) knows best. It's been exactly a month and a half since we saw and felt rain. Something which we on this land take for granted. AZ has always told me that we are really blessed here to have rain and sunshine at all times.

Back home in India and in Jubail where AZ is from, he says the weather patterns can be extreme. Once again, this is a reminder for me to appreciate what we have here on this land.

Thank you so much, Ya Rabb.

Source: Internet

Today, the look of the trees from our windows was too irresistible to ignore a click on the phone. Here's how they smiled at us. 

Every minute thing on this earth and beyond is Allah's creations. I have read that there are 700 verses in the Quran that strongly encourage believers to reflect on nature.

One such verse in The Quran states: "And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers; and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two; He draweth the night as a veil over the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider." (13:3)