Coconut Lagan recipe

1. 1/2 cup sojee
2. 1 1/2 coconut
3. 1 tsp baking powder
4. 3 eggs
5. 1/2 cup ghee
6. 1 cup sugar
7. 3 cups milk
8. pinch of elachi
9. 1 small nestle cream

mix together milk coconut sugar n eggs
braise sojee in ghee till light pink
pour in egg mixture n cook till thick
when cool add in nestle cream n baking powder
pour in greased baking pan n decorate with almonds
bake at 200`c for 35 mins

IS IT OK TO FAST DURING BREASTFEEDING?

Press Release

It is the holy month of Ramadan and this means that Muslims are embarking on a month of fasting from dawn until sunset. It is a time for reflection and prayer and, although most activities are minimised, there are still many important actions that need to take place. One of these is breastfeeding. It is advised that breastfeeding women are allowed to refrain from fasting but if one is not inclined to take this route there are certain precautions that can be taken to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

It is always good to get advice from other family members or friends when making your decision, so talk to other women to find out their point of view, this is especially useful if they have gone through this before. Seeking advice from a doctor or Islamic sheikh can be beneficial too. Milk production is not hindered when cutting down on calories so there should be no harm done to your baby if you do decide to fast. Not eating for 24 hours will not change the composition of breast milk, the body adapts to the amount of calories it is receiving.

To ensure proper nutrition for yourself and the baby it is important to take plenty of liquids when you break your fast. Don’t forget to eat properly too as you need to increase the nutrient content in your body. Breast feeding can cause dehydration so be aware of this and gauge how you are feeling, if you begin to feel thirsty, faint, weak or develop a headache it may be a good idea to break your fast and drink some water as well as lie down for half an hour. If the symptoms continue contact your doctor.

The important thing is to listen to your body during this time, do not ignore warning signs and you and your baby should stay healthy.

For more advice on baby care visit the SABC Education Baba Indaba and Kids Indaba. Prayer rooms as well as private breastfeeding facilities will be available.

The Soweto SABC Education Baba Indaba will be held in view of the magnificent Soccer City in the MTN Expo Centre at Nasrec from 27-29 August 2010. Doors open at 10:00 and the show runs each day until 18:00. Tickets can be purchased at R30.00 for adults and children gain free access. Go to www.babaindaba.co.zato discover more of Baba Indaba’s inspirational and motivational ideas, special entrance price offers, as well as to subscribe to the visitors’ newsletter and receive information on special show offers and notification for upcoming expos

About Baba Indaba
The SABC Education Baba Indaba is South Africa’s premier baby, toddler and parenting expo. It is held annually in Durban, Pretoria, Cape Town and Johannesburg, inspiring parents and moms-to-be countrywide to enjoy their baby, pregnancy and parenthood. Baba Indaba brings manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of parenting products together with parents, parents-to-be and even grandparents, to provide information and show specials – all with lots of fun. From 2010, a brand new event, Kids Indaba, will run alongside Baba Indaba, catering for 6 – 12 year olds. Also in 2010, the SABC Education Baba Indaba will be held in Soweto for the first time.
In November 2009, the Cape Town Baba Indaba won the EXSA Award for Top Exhibition of the Year, while the Baba Indaba experience secured the title of Most Memorable Event. In 2008, the Durban Baba Indaba won the EXSA Award for the best consumer exhibition of the year in its category for the second time. Naude is the recent winner of the Top Gender Empowered Company in the Emergent Companies and SMME’s Category in the prestigious Top Women Awards 2009.

Our children in Ramadaan

From Darul Ihsan

Generally speaking, children are not required to fast Ramadan until they reach the “age of maturity.” However, scholars believe that parents should train them to fast a few days or so, until they become ready to fast when they reach that age. Similar to praying, the Prophet ordered parents to train their children to pray starting with the age of seven. The question remains, how does training to fast begin? Dr. Abala Khlaiwi from the faculty of Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar University was posed this question. The reply was that children should be trained to fast gradually. They differ in their realization of the environment around them, especially parents avoiding eating or drinking due to the fact that they are fasting. If children begin to realize that, becoming aware of the advent of Ramadan, and start to ask questions, parents should answer their questions and tell them about the holy month. For example, they ask them to fast an hour or two, saying that Allah will reward you for one hour. The parents explain to the child that Allah will reward them more for each hour they fast. Then they should be asked to fast for a day and so on, according to Dr. Khlaiwi.
Simultaneously, youngsters should be asked to give or share their candy with orphan neighbors, because this teaches them how fortunate they are to have their parents around. It also teaches them that they live in an environment where they all should take care of each other’s needs. Ultimately, it teaches them to be conscious of Allah, and the feeling of community. These values usually are imprinted in the minds and hearts of children and remain with them throughout their lives.
Dr. Khlaiwi recalls when she was 6 years old, she fasted a whole day and felt so happy, so accomplished. She was proud of herself and her religion. Another important aspect of Ramadan and other Islamic rituals is that parents should involve their children and ask for their participation. Thus, children are to take part in the rituals parents are performing. When the father goes to the mosque, he should take his children with him and not leave them to waste their time watching TV and other friutless activities. If the mother prays, she also should ask her little one to stand beside her so she gets to know the prayers.
It’s also recommended that parents take their children to break the fast with handicapped children, as well as orphans. Again, it teaches them to feel how fortunate they are and to be sympathetic and understanding to the needs of others, especially handicapped members of the community.
Children should also be involved in making the Ramadan dishes so they taste the joy of Ramadan. Toward the end of the month, parents should take their children to spend Eid time with their relatives in their hometowns.

Source: everymuslim

Balance: Scheduling your time in Ramadan

Mum Loves Me is an excellent Canadian website with lots of resources for parents including online seminars and discussions.

With Ramadaan only days away, they published this article:

Scheduling your time in Ramadan

During Ramadan the demands on your time are increased. Between chores, family, kids, and cooking, your time can easily get mismanaged. In some parts of the world the days of fasting are extremely long. For a mother who is fasting it is easy to end up feeling drained and exhausted if you do not put in place a proper schedule. If there is one time of the year you should have a schedule for it’s for the month of Ramadan. Having a schedule insures that you will not miss out on the blessings of this month. Obviously being a mother and having such responsibilities does not allow you to do everything you want to do during Ramadan but setting priorities and striving hard will make a difference.

In Ramadan, everyone is always making the extra effort to do something, whether it is waking up for tahajjud everyday, going for taraweeh regularly even though they have work the next morning, finding the extra time to read Quran and the list goes on. While you may not able to do some of the things listed you need to look at yourself as an individual and see what is your capacity and how much effort you are able to put forth in striving to worship Allah. So you might wake up earlier than usual, stay up later than usual, shift some duties around, whatever it is that works for you, you need to put in that extra effort. Not everyone achieves the same goals during Ramadan, but one thing for sure is that everyone is doing more than they usually would on a regular basis outside Ramadan.

You should also take advantage of the acts of worship that are easily forgotten. Spend the time you are preparing dinner in dhikr to Allah (swt). Play Quran while you fold the laundry and recite a long. Prepare a little extra food and give it to a family that is not as well off. Teach your children about the blessings of Ramadan. Discuss a hadith a day as a family and strive to implement it together. Work on manners and lead by example. There is reward to be found in almost everything we do each day. Even if you are not able to do what you did before having children find comfort in the acts of worship that we usually deem as “small”. For small and consistent adds up quickly.

Taking this into consideration, you must plan out a tentative schedule for yourself which involves all aspects that affect you daily. Once you put things into perspective, then only will you be able work towards your goals which you have set up for Ramadan. It’s easy to feel that spiritual disconnect when you have other duties to attend to and children to look after. But remember, that if you did something consistently and are unable to do due to a particular reason, then you are still rewarded for the deed as if you are still doing it. Isn’t that just awesome?! So remember it’s not necessarily about how much you can do, but how much you are striving to do to maximize on the rewards of this blessed month.

The question now is: How will you schedule your time?

Source: Mum Loves Me

Recipe: SWEET CORN CASSEROLE

Ingredients:
4 potatoes
½ cup grated cheese
2 cups frozen corn or 1 tin corn
1 small cup fresh cream
1 tsp ground green chillies
1 sliced onion
1 tsp cumin (jeeroo)
1 tbsp ghee
salt and pepper to taste

Method:
- Cube and boil potatoes
- Mix potatoes with the rest of the ingredients
- Sauté 1 sliced onion until light brown in 1 tbsp ghee and 1 tsp cumin (jeroo)
- Mix this in the corn mixture.
- Set in a casserole dish. Spread a little grated cheese on top.
- Bake on 180 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes.

Source: SANHA Newsletter

Social – Hectic being a mother & wife in Ramadaan!

Q. I am a Muslim mother of 5 children aged between 2  & 15 years. Ordinarily it is a hectic task to tend to their upbringing and ensure that all their needs are looked after including my husband.

In Ramadaan the pressure heightens to such a degree that I sometimes wonder whether I will cope. At times it becomes very difficult to exert oneself in ibadah and also to perform the 20 rakaats taraweeh at night. Every mum like me will know what I am talking about. However, I do it for my family and the pleasure of Allah. I feel as women we miss out on many of the benefits of Ramadan due to our household chores. Please advise me on how I could spend Ramadaan in a way that I will be achieve the objectives of Ramadaan with fulfilling my household duties. I am very grateful .

A. Your zeal to acquire the best out of Ramadan is in itself a great bounty for which you should be grateful to Allah. The hadith states that the intention of a believer is better than his/her action. Indeed the reward for a woman who strives to give her family the best attention and upbringing is immense. Your striving in tending to the household chores and giving your children and husband attention is in itself a form of ibadah for which you will be duly rewarded.

In Ramadaan though one should utilize one’s time more effectively by planning and good management. Of course the daily routine work will always continue and they can be no end to the cooking, baking and washing that forms part of this cycle, however, clever planning of one’s day and night will enable one to draw the maximum from it. Set yourself realistic targets as to how much of tilawat, zikr and other nafl ibadat you would like to accomplish and draw up a timetable and then stick to it. If you happen to slip don’t be deterred and continue with your timetable. Insha Allah a great deal can be achieved if this method is employed.  In another hadith we learn that the most beloved of actions to Allah are those that are done constantly though they maybe few. So be balanced and moderate in your ibadah but strive for sincerity and steadfastness.

Ensure that your good time is not consumed in idle talk, be it by phone or otherwise, and avoid frequenting places like malls, restaurants, etc. A lot of valuable time is lost in such places. Keep communication to the bare minimum and cut out any unnecessary outdoor activity.

Furthermore, whilst engaged in your chores keep your tongue moist with zikr of Allah and recite the Tasbeeh Fatimi after every Fardh salaah. This is an effortless exercise which will keep you in the remembrance and consciousness of Allah all the time. May Allah grant you strength and fortitude in this blessed month.

May Allah grant one and all a beneficial and spiritually prosperous Ramadaan. Aameen.

THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 11:46

Source: DarulIhsan.com

Some Common Mistakes in Ramadaan

By Asma bint Shameem

Taking Ramadaan as a ritual
For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil….we forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that’s about all.
Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“Jibreel said to me, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, ‘Ameen.’” (Tirmidhi, Ahmad, others. Saheeh by al-Albaani)

Too much stress on food and drink
For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of ‘fasting’ into the month of ‘feasting’. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance.

‘…..and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)’ [al-Araaf :31]

Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to ‘make up for the food missed.’ However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.’ (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. saheeh by al-Albaani).

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.
It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) ‘sleeping away their fast’. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot ‘bear’ to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

Wasting time

The month of Ramadaan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Allaah calls this month ‘Ayyamum Ma’doodaat’ (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allaah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allaah! Trying to obey Allaah by DISOBEYING him!

Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah.
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.’ (Bukhaari)

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaa’ith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of ‘smoking material’ eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes,’Sheesha’, hookah etc.
‘he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa’ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-A'raaf :157]

It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘There should be no harming or reciprocating harm.’
This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast. (Fatwa -Ibn ‘Uthaymeen)

Skipping Suhoor

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing.’(Bukhaari, Muslim).
And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.’ (Muslim)

Not fasting if they missed Suhoor

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? It’s not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything.

Delaying breaking fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be ‘on the safe side’. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set. Aa’ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to do. (Muslim)

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast.’ (Bukhaari, Muslim)

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.

Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.’ (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani).

Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it….Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.

Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.’ (Muslim)

In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.
‘Whoever does not pray ‘Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.’ (Bukhaari)

Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.

Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than ‘good grades’. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do.
‘Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him.’ (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

Mixing fasting and dieting

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

Fighting over the number of Rakaah of Taraweeh

There is no specific number of rak’ahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: ‘No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (raka’ah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allaah.’

Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ‘Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.’ (Bukhaari, Muslim).

Wasting the last part of Ramadaan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max.
Aa’ishah (RA) said: “When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.” (Bukhaari and Muslim).

Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish ‘Iftaar parties’ with all sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

We All LOVE Islam

But We Create Our Own Rules On How To Follow Islam.

Do We Really LIVE Islam ???

May Allah (SWT) give us the hidayah, towfeeq and tawheed to become good, practising and true Muslims, Inshallah…Ameen…Summa Ameen!