June 2018 Volume 14 Issue 3 $4.95
Reflecting Today Shaping Tomorrow
Eid-ul Fitr Special Edition www.aajmag.ca
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Eid Greetings
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Eid-ul Fitr Mubarak
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Monitoring critical control points during food production prevents food contamination and ensures the highest quality ingredients. Standard operating procedures for how raw foods are handled and stored protect you from bacteria. Recall processes protect you from unsafe foods. Traceability means we can source and identify every ingredient in our products to protect your food safe health.
From Nana’s Kitchen
FROM THE PUBLISHER AAJ Magazine wishes the muslim community a happy and blessed Eid-ul Fitr. Since day one, AAJ Media group’s goal was to bridge different communities together. The muslim community has received a lot of injustice when it comes to the media, and islamophobia. This issue is dedicated to bring awareness about the religion of islam and change the misconception that is that islam is “not” a religion of peace. Through this issue, we aimed to provide a platform to highlight the unsung heroes from the muslim community. Canada celebrates diversity, and muslims are big contributers to our society.
Suki Pangalia CEO
REGIONAL TEAM
P: 604.590.0007 E: info@aajmag.ca AAJ Media Group Surrey, BC
ISSN 2371-2481
AAJ Magazine is published by AAJ Media Group, doing business as AAJ Magazine Inc. AAJ is a magazine that is published every two months. Any reproduction of the magazine, editorial content, images or advertisements cannot be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without written permission of the Publishers. The views expressed by the writers in this publication are not the views of the Publishers or AAJ Media Group. The Publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2018 AAJ Magazine Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Publisher/CEO Suki Pangalia
Photography Aziz Ladha
Executive Assistant Reshma M.
Images Credits Aziz Ladha
General Manager Yosof Hakimi Editor Navkiran Brar Editorial Navkiran Brar Maryam Parwani Shabnam Khan Kabir Qurban Azim Dahya Faiyaz Khan Sarah Zafar Sharon Heer Yosof Hakimi Design & Layout Yosof Hakimi Advertising & Sales Suki Pangalia Navkiran Brar
AAJ Television Executive Producers: Channi Singh Jasminder B. Suki Pangalia Thank you Kshitija Kekal Jay Nair Aziz Ladha Sonali Pangalia Prem Patel Sanya Dhingra Geeta Dhingra Sarah Uppal Bilal Cheema Jas Kooner Robert Mrsic Sarah Zafar Qamrul Mohammed Azim Dahya Kabir Qurban Sanj Grewal Sahil Pangalia
NATIONAL TEAM British Columbia, Greater Vancouver Atika Bano 778.686.1588 Yosof Hakimi 778.317.7027 Zahara M Kelly Upptal Jay Nair Victoria Sonali Pangalia 604.341.3016 Bhinda Jaswinder Saggi 250.891.3174 Kamloops Krishna Lakkineni 250.574.7988 Alberta, Edmonton Aman Gill 780.907.2207 Mike Brar 780.339.4477
Calgary Sunny Singh 587.501.4804 Saskatchewan, Manitoba Winnipeg Karen Brar 204.510.9298 Ontario, Toronto JP Budwal 647.887.6031 Etobicoke Channi Singh 416.970.1010 Neha Singh 647.702.1891 Ottawa Sal Rafi 613.889.5682 Quebec, Montreal Manvir Singh 514.770.7465
17 An Insight on Eid-ul Fitr
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Celebrating Eid-ul Fitr
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Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society
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Achari Mutton Gosh Recipe
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Will you be Next?
25
Stopping Hatred with Music
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The Significance of Ramadan
35
Why Fast During Ramadan
39
Healthy Eating Tips For Fasting
49
Baked Pakora Recipe
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Empowering Muslim Youth Through Community Programs
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MUSLIM FOOD BANK
9 INSIGHT ON EID-UL FITR
25 WILL YOU BE NEXT?
CELEBRATING EID-UL FITR
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An Insight on
Eid-ul Fitr 9
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id ul-Fitr is one of the most celebrated Muslim Holidays observed by 1.6 million Muslims around the world. During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world break their fast and celebrate their accomplishments in Eid ulFitr. Fasting usually consists of thirty day.
believe that the first Eid ul-Fitr was celebrated in the year 624 CE by the Prophet Mohammad and his followers after a decisive victory at the battle of Jang-e-Badr.
Eid ul-Fitr falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which means “To Be Light and Vigorous” or “Lift or Carry” in Arabic. Shawwal is the name of the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic Calender. The Islamic or Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar, based on the movements of the moon rather than the sun. Lunar years have a total of 354 days, compared to solar years which have 365.25 days. Each of twelve lunar months has 29 or 30 days, beginning when the crescent moon appears in the sky. Because the year loses 11 days with respect to the Gregorian solar calendar, the month of Ramadan shifts forward 11 days each year, as does Eid ul-Fitr. Each year, Eid ul-Fitr falls about 11 days earlier than the previous year. Some scholars
The
For Muslims, Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to prayer, Quran recitation, introspection and fasting during the sunlight hours - dawn until dusk. Ramadan is a month of the Islamic calendar in which Prophet Muhammad is said to have revealed their holy book - the Qu’ran
Meaning
of
Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr is a time for Muslims to give in charity to those in need and to celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy. Unlike other Islamic holidays, Eid ul-Fitr is not tied to specific historical events but is a general celebration of fellowship with one’s local community. In contrast to the devoted calm of the rest of the Ramadan observance, Eid ul-Fitr is marked by joyful happiness at having been released from religious obligation and forgiven for sins. Once the celebration begins, it may continue for up to three days. This is a time for Muslim families to share their good fortune with others..
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Before the first day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a traditionally-defined amount as a donation to the poor or needy. This donation is typically food or monetary to ensure that the needy are able to enjoy a nourishing holiday meal and participate in the celebration. Known as Zakat al-Fitr (charity of fast-breaking), the amount of the alms to be paid was set by The Prophet Muhammad himself, as equal to one measure (sa’a) of grain per person. On the first day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in large outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer. The exact pattern and number of segments of the prayer are specific to the branch of Islam, although Eid is the only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not allowed to fast.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually disperse to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), make visits to graveyards, and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well wishes for Eid. Common greetings used during Eid are “Eid Mubarak!”(“Blessed Eid!”) and “Eid Saeed!”(“Happy Eid!”). These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire three-day period is an official government/school holiday. During Eid, families may string up lights and decorate their homes. Family members wear traditional clothing or may give one another new clothing in order that everyone may look their best on Eid day. Many Muslims call the holiday Sweet Eid and special foods where especially sweet treats are served. Some traditional Eid fare includes Sawaii, date-filled pastries, home made sweets and delicious food. People start preparing for Eid ul-Fitr ahead of time and happily share this joyous
Shabnam Khan Shabnam is a registered counsellor with an extensive background in individual, marriage, family and youth counselling. She is the owner of S.K. Counselling Services and has been in business for over 15 years.
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Eid Mubarak
LIFESTYLE
CELEBRATING EID-UL FITR 13
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1. Celebrate at the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr means “Festival of the Breaking the Fast,” and occurs on the first day of the lunar month Shawwal, after the fasting month of Ramadan. In some regions, Muslims gather on hillsides to watch the moon, and celebrate once the local religious figures declare that Eid has begun. This sometimes take two or three days of watching, but individual Muslim countries may have an official threeday government holiday planned in advance to cover all possibilities. 2. Look your best. Buying new clothes for Eid is a widespread tradition, and those who can’t afford to will still make an effort to look their best. Muslim women in South Asia often decorate with henna the night before Eid. Men are encouraged to wear perfume or cologne. 3. Break your fast shortly after sunrise. Muslims are not allowed to fast on Eid al-Fitr, since they are celebrating the end of fasting[1]. Eating food before you attend prayer is encouraged. Sometimes, celebrants follow the prophet Muhammad’s example by breaking their fast with an odd number of dates (usually one or three).[2] 4. Attend an Eid prayer. Imams hold special Eid prayers in the early morning of the holiday, usually at a large central mosque, an open field, or a stadium. In some regions, all Muslims attend this event. In others, women are encouraged but not required, and in others, the event is male-only. After the prayer is completed, worshippers embrace each other and say “Eid Mubarak,” or “Blessed Eid,” to wish each other good will. The event ends with a sermon by the imam.
the “Sweet Holiday,” since sweet foods are usually eaten in celebration of the end of Ramadan fasting. Mosques may provide sweet food before or after the Eid prayer, but many people also cook desserts themselves and celebrate at home. 6. Give gifts to young people. Adults usually give children and young people money or gifts on Eid, and occasionally trade gifts between each other as well. Families will often visit their neighbors and extended relatives after the morning celebration to wish them a happy holiday and exchange these gifts. 7. Give to the poor. “Zakat al-fitr,” or the duty to give to the poor on this day, is a requirement for every Muslim who has the means to do so. Typically, each individual’s contribution is about the cost of a meal, and may take the form of money, food, or clothing. 8. Celebrate the rest of the day. Many people eat a family lunch and/or dinner of meat, potatoes, rice, barley, or any food you like. Some rest in the afternoon to recover from a day that began at sunrise. Others attend fairs and events organized for Eid, party with their friends in the evening, or visit the graves of deceased friends and family. In many regions, Eid is celebrated for three days, or celebrated on different days by different Muslim groups.
5. Celebrate with sweet food and family. Eid al-Fitr is sometimes called
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EID MUBARAK! NEWLY RENOVATED
7845 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC V3N 1B9 (604) 521-6969 | www.royalpalacehall.ca
eid greetings
T O D AY
MUSLIM FOOD BANK AND COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY 17
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n 2010, when we were volunteering at at another Food Bank, we realized that there were food security issues and noticed that those who had dietary restrictions (Halal, Kosher and Vegans), their needs were not realized. In the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) (God) tell us “Feed, in the name of God, the needy, the orphan, and the captive, (saying), ‘We feed you for the sake of God alone; no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks” (Al-Qur’an 76: 8 - 9). Our passion to make a difference in this world to serve humanity on the basis of our faith, motivated us to organize ourselves with families from different you feed her/him for a lifetime”, we startbackgrounds coming together. One of ed the ASPIRE Programs. ASPIRE stands our first activities was to get volunteers for Actualizing Self-Reliance by Providing to help at the Surrey Food Bank. We tried Inspiration, Resources and Education. to encourage the local foodbank to cater The ASPIRE Caseworker Program aims for those who had dietary restrictions, but to help clients meet their goals by pairthey did not have the ing them with a capacity as they were volunteer CaseOur Vision is to become a dealing with huge worker who will sustainable organisation that number of clients. As connect them a result we started promotes education, empathy with already availcollecting, purchasing able communiand dignity through holistic and delivering food interventions and our Mission ty resources or from a garage of one other programs is to be a community based of our volunteers. As within the ASthe demand grew, we PIRE Community organisation that provides moved to a mosque food assistance and advocates Services division. (Masjidal Huda) in This program is self-reliance by providing Surrey from where designed to tackcase management, emotional we gave out the food le the underlying hampers. In January issues that lead support, youth development 2012 we set up operapeople to require and capacity building. tions in a small warefood bankserhouse and by Januvices in the first ary 2016, expanded to a bigger facility. place. By acting as liaisons between cliIn 2012, we started to plan ways to make our clients progressive so that they could be self-reliant and give back to the community. Based on the Chinese Proverb “Give a person a fish and you feed her/ him for a day. Teach a person to fish and
ents and readily available resources in Metro Vancouver, the volunteer Caseworkers, supervised and trained by social workers empower clients as they navigate their way to a brighter future. We are currently looking after about 600
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clients mostly families with a volunteer database of more than 1,500 people from diverse ages, ethnicities and faith backgrounds. We have approximately 100 volunteer caseworkers or casework supporters that work in different cities around the lower mainland and fraser valley at various times. When the large numbers of Syrian Refugees came, our organization was actively working in collaboration with mainstream agencies like Immigrant Services Society of BC, SUCCESS, WorkBC, Mosaic and others; municipalities like the City of Surrey, Coquitlam and others; and Muslim organizations like the BC Muslim Association, Guildford Islamic Centre, Masjidal Huda, AzZahraa Islamic Centre and others to assist in the settlement process and integration into our communities. We have received awards for our work from several organizations including the 2017 “HEART in the CITY award” by the City of Surrey on October 25th, 2017. Some of our successful events include the annual fundraisers which happens around February, our HOPE symposium on Mental Health and Healing in 2016, Film festival by our youths from Digital Storytelling program in 2017, Eid party for the children of our clients last
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year and others. However for us volunteers every program is a success and allows us to have a purpose in our lives, seeing how we affect people’s lives and the smiles on the faces of the children that we impact. To be specific, one of the program that touches the hearts of our volunteers is the weekly feeding of the homeless in tent city, Whalley. The smiles, happiness for those few minutes and gratitude of the people who live in these impoverished conditions stays in our hearts and mind for days to come. Our main programs are funded by community members and we are always in need of donations. In this blessed month of Ramadan, we have the Ramadan Fund that aims to collect donations to fund the 2018-2019 operations. We also have the Ramadan Kids Campaign where children are given a donation box which they use to collect funds for the needy. This is to train the children to help people in need. The next major event is the Eid party for the children of our clients on Sunday, June 24, 2018. We are currently registering volunteers, collecting toys and donations for the event. We are also recruiting volunteer caseworkers and the next training is on Friday,
EID MUBARAK
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TA S T E
Celebrate Eid with Achari Mutton/Gosht (Lamb Curry)
Timing: 55mins Serving: 3 people
Ingredients:
Cooking Methods
(1 & 1/2 pounds Lamb) chop in 1/ &1/2 cubes
Marinate in a bowl: Add meat,salt,coriander powder,turmeric powder,red chili powder,yogurt.
2-Med Onions 2-Tbsp Ginger 6- clove Garlic 1/2 cup chop cilantro 3-serrano Hot peppers 1tsp tomato paste 1 & 1/2 Cups Plain Yogurt 4tbsp Oil
SPICES salt 1tsp turmeric powder coriander powder 1tsp red chili powder 1tsp black seeds 1/2tbsp cumin seeds 1tsp mustard seeds 1tsp Gharam masala 1tsp 2 bay leaf
Now Grind garlic,ginger and 1 green hot serrano pepper make it into paste, add it to the marination mix well set it aside for 2 Hours. In your cooking dish: Add oil, mustard seed, cumin seeds, bay leaf, black seeds,onions saute for 4mins till the onions are light brown.
ENJOY THIS DELICIOUS ACHARI DISH..
add the marinated meat, mix well and add tomato paste 1/2 cup yogurt, gharam masala, cilantro, 2 serrano peppers check the salt again, mix it very well. Cover the top/lid on a med flame/ heat cook it for 35 till 45mins check in between and stir.
Sarah Zafar Sarah Zafar was born in Afghanistan and brought up in India, New Delhi. As a child, Sarah was passionate in cooking and learning Afghan/Indian cuisine recipes. She now runs a successful Youtube Cooking Channel, and shares her homemade Indian/Afghan recipes. You can check her out on Youtube under Sarah Zafar’s Cooking Channel.
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EID MUBARAK
EID MUBARAK! Mayor Lois E. Jackson and Delta Council extend their best wishes to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
T O D AY
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Will you be next? W
ar, murder and bombs are what cause people to leave their homes, loved ones, and belonging to seek refuge in another country to find solace and peace. However, it is not easy for everyone due to preconceived notions based on stereotypes and systemic racism against people of colour. Three Afghan-Canadian men were harassed, berated and humiliated by a white woman in a restaurant for speaking their native tongue over dinner. One of the victims recorded the incident and posted it on social media. This video is just one of the prime examples of how Islamophobia and blatant racism towards people of colour are a developing social norm even in Canada. This reoccurring instance where caucasian people are targeting people of colour for doing “non-Canadian things” such as speaking in their language, wearing traditional clothing, celebrating events, or for even looking a certain way. Canada prides itself and boasts on the notion that is “welcomes” diversity and is “multicultural” in comparison to the united states. However, it runs apparently that these sentiments are being abused and is now a tool that media and politicians are using as a scapegoat for these situations. At the center of this problem is Islamophobia. This video perpetuates every fear that a person of colour has when they go out, a parent does for their child when they drop them off at school and the internal knowledge that you will never be accept-
ed into society just tolerated. Three men enjoying their dinner, minding their own business, causing zero problems or attention to themselves just spoke in their language, because they can. The men repeatedly asked for respect when she told them “to go back to their country” and that, “we do not need you here.” All they wanted was for her to leave them alone, but her only answer was “I am Canadian, I was born and raised here” she also states that she pays taxes which is impossible for people of colour to do apparently because it somehow doesn’t apply to us. Her whole attack was that since these are “middle eastern” men, they do not respect women based on her statement, “You are dealing with a Canadian woman right now” as if a middle eastern woman would be submissive and obedient, and she has the nerve to call them ignorant. Her husband goes to add on that, “they are nothing special.” Monir Merzai, the man who recorded the video was in awe that he was in this predicament for just speaking with his peers over dinner at a restaurant and didn’t understand where the hate was targeted at them. He worked 12-13 hours a day and said since his brother is an account he has to pay his taxes and on time. Kelly Pocha is the caucasion women in the video who instigated a with the three gentlemen saying that she is not one of those “Syrian bitches” that she will not be talked down to and then continues to swear and at-
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tempts to jump over the couch to hit the men. The white woman was fired from her job and told Lethbridge news that she was drinking, was being racist and “wishes” she could take it back. The only sad part is that this probably won’t be the time that these men will face this type of racism or Islamophobia.
use such as anti-muslimism, intolerance against Muslims, hatred of Muslims there is an endless surplus, just a different apple from the same racism tree. These sentiments stem from the greater stigma that is placed on people of colour in which they should be “thankful” or “grateful” to even be in Canada not seen as productive members of society. In simpler terms, if a perTherefore, no matter Islamophobia is defined son of colour were ever how hard people of coin the dictionary as walking down the hall in lour try the fact that inhigh school and some the “fear, hatred of, stitutionalised and syskid thinks it is funny to or prejudice against temic racism prevents yell “terrorist” at you, that them from being seen the Islamic religion or is considered lslamophoas anything more than Muslims generally.” bia. This increase of Isa minority. Luckily, we lamophobia happened are in the era which evafter the attacks on 9/11 and other terror erything gets a label, people get exposed, attacks that have happened in the States and freedom of speech is secure. and Europe, created a negative pesence of Muslims all around the world. Aca- It may come as a shock how even in Candemics “S. Sayyid and Abdoolkarim Vakil ada these deplorable attacks are hapmaintain that Islamophobia is a response pening when we pride off the fact of our to the emergence of a distinct Muslim diverse and multicultural we are. A rude public identity globally, the presence awakening to everyone that even in the of Muslims is in itself not an indicator of 2010 Olympics there were reports that the degree of Islamophobia in society.” other fans in the seats were being targetThere are multiple terms people like to ed and beat for supporting other coun-
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tries. A lady wearing a hijab was verbally and almost physical attacked by a white man on the sky train earlier this year. Racism and Islamophobia are in Canada, has been in Canada and that needs to change. People of colour always have to explain how much they love Canada, how grateful they are, how it is okay that these things happen sometimes and because back home it is a war zone. An article from the global mail stated that “it is worth noting that more than 50 percent of Canadian immigrants are highly educated, putting Canada at the top among the OECD countries.� Again, always trying to make sure that we do not impose as
a liability and that we can also pull our weight, even though many immigrants need to work manual labour job because their degrees do not transfer or arent as good enough. Some of these doctors, lawyers, dentists and many more are forced to work at local 7/11 because they are considered less and should be grateful to be even in a first world society like Canada. Actions like these have been going on since the peak times of colonisation when the aboriginal people had their land taken away and were pushed on to reserves, regardless of race, cultural, religion and ethnicity if one is not white, it is not right, and that needs to change.
Maryam Ahmad Parwani Maryam Ahmad Parwani is an SFU student majoring in human kinetics. She has a strong interest in human rights and medicine. Passion for sports, books and debating.
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Wishing you a Happy Eid!
Eid Mubarak Anthony M.M. Remedios Barrister & Solicitor
Sasha Ramnarine Barrister & Solicitor
Randeep Purewall Barrister & Solicitor
helping small businesses grow
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Stopping Hatred With Music The “We Are One” Campaign is a project created by Faiyaz khan and Bilal Cheema to raise awareness in hopes to help stop racism, hatred, islamophobia, and any form of discrimination. Music is an international language that people can relate to and they hope to spread our Canadian message of peace to the world.The message is very simple don’t let religion, race or colour of skin divide us together we can make our world a better place WE ARE ONE
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LIFESTYLE
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN 35
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amadan, Arabic Ramaḍān, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the new moon. Islamic tradition states that on the night of 27 Ramadan—the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr)—God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the people.” For Muslims Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. Ramadan, however, is less a period of atonement than it is a time for Muslims to practice self-restraint, in keeping with ṣawm (Arabic: “to refrain”), one of the Pillars of Islam (the five basic tenets of the Muslim religion). Although ṣawm is most commonly understood as the obligation to fast during Ramadan, it is more broadly interpreted as the obligation to refrain between dawn and dusk from food, drink, sexual activity, and all forms
of immoral behaviour, including impure or unkind thoughts. Thus, false words or bad deeds or intentions are as destructive of a fast as is eating or drinking. After the sunset prayer, Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast with a meal called ifṭār that is often shared with friends and extended family. The ifṭār usually begins with dates, as was the custom of Muhammad, or apricots and water or sweetened milk. There are additional prayers offered at night called the tawarīḥ prayers, preferably performed in congregation at the mosque. During these prayers, the entire Qurʾān may be recited over the course of the month of Ramadan. To accommodate such acts of worship in the evening, work hours are adjusted during the day and sometimes reduced in some Muslim-majority countries. The Qurʾān indicates that eating and drinking are permissible only until the “white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn.” Thus, Muslims in some communities ring bells in the predawn hours to remind others that it is time for the meal before dawn, called the suḥūr.
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Eid Mubarak from the Mohammed Family to all families in Canada & overseas.
LIFESTYLE
WHY FAST DURING RAMADAN 39
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“F
asting in Ramadan develops in a person the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, and of equality before God. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when people fast they feel that they are joining the whole Muslim society (which makes up more than one fifth of world’s population) in observing the same duty, in the same manner, at the same time, for the same motives, and for the same end. No sociologist or historian can say that there has been at any period of history anything comparable to this powerful institution of Islam: Fasting in the month of Ramadan. People have been crying throughout the ages for acceptable ‘belonging’, for unity, for brotherhood, for equality, but how echoless their voices have been, and how very little success they have met...” says Hammudah Abdalati, in Islam in Focus. “What is fasting?” “How does the fasting of Muslims in Ramadan differ from the fasting of other faiths?” “Why should one ‘torture’ one’s body in the first place?” “What do you really gain from fasting in the end?”...These are a few questions that a number of non-Muslim friends and colleagues often ask us, usually out of fascination with this spiritually-uplifting practice of Islamic faith, and at times out of pity and sympathy for us, thinking, why should anyone suffer from hunger and thirst like Muslims? I wouldn’t be surprised if many of us shared the same negative perception of Fasting. It is important to note that Fasting in Arabic is called, “Sawm”, which literally means ‘to be at rest’. Fasting in the month of Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar) is one of the Five Pillars upon which the “house” of Islam is built. During this month, every able-bodied Muslim, is required to fast, everyday from dawn until dusk
12 Reasons To Fast! 1 Develop Character Fasting is an institution for the improvement of moral and spiritual character of human being. The purpose of the fast is to help develop self-restraint, self-purification, God-consciousness, compassion, the spirit of caring and sharing, the love of humanity and the love of God. Fasting is a universal custom and is advocated by all the religions of the world, with more restrictions in some than in others. The Islamic Fast, as opposed to mere starvation or self-denial, is an act of worship and obedience to God, thanksgiving, forgiveness, spiritual training, and self-examination.
2 Self Reflection Ramadan gives us a break and provides us with a rare opportunity to think about our own selves, our future, and our families. It is a time to give our selves a mental break and to temporarily forget about the hundreds of worries and stresses we are constantly bombarded with. In hectic times, such as ours, and in places like the West, this valuable time to think about our lives, on individual basis, is a luxury and is desperately needed! It is a unique month of self-analysis, and of taking stock of one’s moral and spiritual ‘assets and liabilities’.
3 Develop Compassion Fasting inculcates in us patience, unselfishness, and gratitude. When we fast we feel the pains of deprivation and hunger, and learn how to endure it patiently. The
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meaning of this powerful experience in a social and humanitarian context is that we are much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with the oppressed and needy around the world, and responding to their needs. “It is the month to visit the poor, the sick, and the needy to share their sorrows. It is the month where the food, sustenance and the earnings of a believing Muslim increases and they are blessed,” says the Final Prophet of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him), a man who was known for his noble humanitarian causes, for social justice, and for being the first to respond to other’s needs, despite the fact that he himself lived a very simple and humble life. It is only during such a trying time as Ramadan that we can reflect on the condition of those in this world who may not be as fortunate as us.
4 Develop
Adaptability
Fasting in Ramadan enables us to master the art of mature adaptability and Time-Management. We can easily understand this point when we realize that fasting makes people change the entire course of their daily life. When they make the change, they naturally adapt themselves to a new system and schedule, and move along to satisfy the rules. This, in the long run, develops in them a wise sense of adaptability and self-created power to overcome the unpredictable hardships of life! A person who values
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constructive adaptability, time-management, and courage will appreciate the effects of Fasting in this respect as well.
5 Cultivates Love It cultivates in us the principle of sincere Love, because when we observe Fasting, we do it out of deep love for God. And a person, who loves God, truly is a person who knows what love is and why everyone on this Earth should be loved and treated justly, for the sake of God.
6 Elevates the Spirit Fasting elevates the human spirit and increases our awareness of God. It strengthens our will-power as we learn to rise above our lower desires. The institution of fasting is both unique and a shared experience in human history. From the very beginning of time, humans have struggled to master their physical and psychological selves: their bodies and their emotions. Hunger is one the most powerful urges that we experience. Many, through over- or under-eating or consumption of unhealthy foods, abuse this urge. Thus, when a person purposefully denies something to their own self that it craves, they are elevating their mind above their body, and their reason and will above their carnal passions. “A fasting person empties his stomach of all the material things: to fill his soul with peace and blessings, to fill his heart with love and sympathy, to fill his spirit with piety and Faith, to fill his mind with wisdom and resolution,” says H. Abdalati in Islam in Focus. The person who can rule their desires and make them work, as they like, has attained true moral excellence.
7 Develops Clarity of Mind With the clarity of mind and absence of distractions, also comes a greater focus. As students, the period of fasting, especially early during the day, serves as a tool to focus our minds on our academics. In the month of Ramadan, many Muslims try to avoid watching TV, listening to music, and some other leisure activities, which spares them more time and energy to be spent on more productive activities such as academics, intense study of Islam, voluntary prayers, social and humanitarian causes, and a quality time with the family, to name a few. It is a reminder of our duty to God, our purpose and higher values in life, as God Himself describes the purpose of fasting as follows, “O you who Believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may develop consciousness of God” (Quran 2:183).
8 Develops
a
Healthy
Lifestyle
Fasting has numerous, scientifically proven, benefits for our physical health and mental well-being. The time, length and nature of the Islamic Fast all contribute to its overall positive effect. One of the medical benefits is a much-needed rest to the digestive system. The reduced food intake during the day allows the body to concentrate on getting rid of harmful dietary toxins accumulated as natural by-products of food digestion throughout the year. The length of the Islamic Fast itself (around 12-14 hours) is in sync with the ‘transit time’ of food from the mouth to the colon of the large intestine, ensuring that no stimulus reaches the stomach or digestive system while it remains in homeostasis. Therefore, for the vast majori-
ty of healthy individuals fasting poses no medical risks but in fact provides many health benefits, such as: an increase in serum Magnesium, essential for cardio-vascular health and prevention of heart complications; improvement in the quality and depth of sleep; improvement in memory and slower skin aging over time; increased production of growth hormone, etc. Also, as a general note, it has been observed that underfed animals live longer than their heavily fed counterparts and suffer fewer illnesses during their lives.
9 Moral Training The month of Ramadan provides us with a sort of “Boot camp.” It is a month of intense moral training. Since we know that Fasting is a special duty prescribed by God, we learn that any sins may spoil our record of fasting with God, so we go through great lengths making sure we are on our best behavior. Many people who experience fasting in this month, feel the impact that this intense training has on their habits, and realize the power of this transformative tool designed to make us better human beings- the ultimate goal of any spiritual exercise. The entire Ramadan atmosphere provides the driving force for this positive change.
10 Consciousness of Life & Death It makes us realize the reality of life and death. Fasting makes us realize how dependent our lives are on things that we often take for granted, such as food and water. It makes us think about our dependence on God and God’s mercy and justice. Moreover, it reminds us of the life after death, which itself has a great impact on our character and our world-view.
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11 Connection to the Quran Ramadan is a blessed month for a special reason: It is actually the month in which God first revealed His final message and guidance for mankind to our beloved Prophet Muhammad. This message has been perfectly preserved both orally and textually in the form of a Book, called the Qur’an (The Reading/Recital). Therefore, Muslims try to do an intense study of the Quran in this month especially, and evaluate their lives according to the standards and guidance contained in it.
12 An time to Celebrate After the month of Ramadan is over, Muslims celebrate one of the two most important holidays in the Islamic year: EID-UL-FITR, or the Festival of the Fast Breaking. It is a day to thank God for the blessing and training that He provides us with throughout the month of Ramadan. EID-UL-FITR is marked by praying in a
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huge congregation at an Islamic center or mosque, and by giving a small donation to the poor in the community. The adults give the donation on behalf of their children as well. Dinner parties, family outings, fairs, carnivals, and great joyous celebrations follow the prayer and charity. In a nutshell, even though the real purpose of the dynamic institution of Fasting is to discipline our soul and moral behavior, and to develop sympathy for the less fortunate, it is a multi-functional and a comprehensive tool of change in various spheres of our lives, including: social and economic, intellectual and humanitarian, spiritual and physical, private and public, personal and common, inner and outer ---all in one!
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Gheith Ben Khaial, DDS, MSc
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H E A LT H
HEALTHY EATING TIPS FOR RAMADAN 49
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very year Muslims around the world gather and celebrate Ramadan. Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and marks the occasion when the sacred book of Islamic scripture, the Quran, was first introduced to Prophet Muhammad. It is for this reason that many Muslims spend the month of Ramadan renewing their promise to their faith by fasting, praying, and taking part in charity and community services. In order to experience the full spiritual benefits of fasting, an individual must take the time to prepare their body for the fast. It can be hard to know which foods to eat during Ramadan to keep your energy up and body fueled, especially as food and drink can only be eaten from sunset to sunrise. Here are some nutrition tips to help you feel your best during Ramadan.
1 Stay Hydrated – Drink Lots of Water Drinking fluids is important as it keeps your body hydrated and replaces any water lost during the day. The risks of not drinking enough water are headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The best beverage choice is water. Keep a reusable water bottle or glass of water with you during non-fasting hours and make a note to sip water frequently. If you do not enjoy the taste of plain water, add fruit slices and herbs to your water for more flavour. Try adding cucumber slices and mint, or lemon and lime wedges to water. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine like coffee, excessive tea, and some sodas. Caffeine dehydrates the body. Instead choose water, herbal teas, and other decaffeinated beverages most often.
2 Break the Fast with a Balanced Snack At Iftar, meaning the meal after sunset, the day time fast is broken by eating a snack. A traditional, healthy choice is eating 1 to 2 large dates and 1 cup of low fat milk. Dates are a dried fruit high in potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and fibre, and milk is a good source of calcium, water, and potassium. This combination helps replenish electrolytes and rehydrate the body. You can replace dates with other dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, figs, raisins, and peaches. Other ways to include more fluids in the day is enjoying a bowl of lentil soup or a stew. Not only will this add extra fibre but hydrate your body as well.
3 Make Sure to Eat A well Balanced Meal during Iftar and Suhour Eating a balanced meal shortly before the next day’s fast begins (Suhour) and after your Iftar snack is important to help you feel your best. The best nutrients to include in a meal are a combination of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Good complex carbohydrate choices are whole grain bread, pita, oats, cereal, brown rice, and wild rice. They provide a variety of nutrients to your body like B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and fiber. The fiber in these foods will help you digest food slower and keep you full for longer. Whichever complex carbohydrate you choose, it is important to pair it with a protein food. Protein helps repair and heal injuries when you get hurt, and build a good immune system. Protein can come from vegetarian foods and non-vegetarian foods. Good protein choices are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and meat alternatives
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such as baked beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, and nut butters. Balance your plate with a serving portion of fibrous and vitamin rich fruits and vegetables. Fibrous fruits include bananas, apples, berries such as a banana, apple, berries, tomato, and cucumber. Here
are
some
meal
ideas:
◊ Oatmeal topped with sliced almonds, chia seeds and fresh or frozen berries. ◊ Whole grain toast topped with smashed avocado and hardboiled egg. Add a side of unsweetened yogurt and berries. ◊ Scrambled eggs with spinach and feta wrapped in a whole wheat pita and a fruit on the side. ◊ Tandoori spiced chicken breast, rice pilaf, and steamed vegetables. ◊ Lamb sprinkled with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley pan roasted with potatoes and carrots.
4 Avoid processed, fried, and foods with a lot of added sugar Since non-fasting hours are limited, it is important to limit foods that provide little to no nutritional value. Avoid indulging in highly processed foods like cheese buns, fried foods like samosa and pakoras, and sugary foods like sweets and desserts. You may be offered these foods during non-fasting hours by others or you may be used to keeping them in your home. Just remember while they may fill you up right away, they will not provide you with lasting energy through the day. Instead, choose whole foods packed with nutrition that will hydrate your body before the next fasting day begins. May this Ramadan be filled with joy and prosperity for you and your loved ones. Enjoy this time with family and bond over a healthy, wholesome meal.
Sharon Heer Sharon is a Registered Dietitian currently working with the South Asian Health Institute, a Fraser Health program aiming to improve the overall health of the South Asian population. Sharon is passionate about helping others learn how to eat better and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
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Baked Pakora Recipe Looking for a lighter version of a traditional fried pakora? Here’s a quick and easy recipe that you can prepare at home with family and friends! Ingredients: 2 tbsp (30mL) vegetable oil 2 cups (500mL) chickpea flour (also known as gram, garbonzo, or besan flour) 1 tsp (5mL) baking powder ½ tsp (2.5mL) salt 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin Pakora filling: 1 cup (250mL) spinach, chopped 3 cups (750mL) cauliflower heads, chopped into small bite sized pieces 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 medium potato, grated 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the vegetable oil to lightly coat a baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix together chickpea flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir in 1 cup water to create a batter with a smooth, thick consistency. Fold in pakora fillings and mix well. Use a measuring cup to scoop 1 tbsp (15mL) batter onto the baking sheet, and repeat until batter is finished. Be sure to leave approximately 2 inches between each pakora. Bake for 10 minutes, turn over, and bake for another 9-10 minutes until golden brown.
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T O D AY
EMPOWERING MUSLIM YOUTH THROUGH COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 55
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Digital Storytelling Stories and gatherings have allowed people to share their emotions, experiences andStories and gatherings have allowed people to share their emotions, experiences and lessons for generations on end. Stories help empower individuals, give them hope and motivation, and with the rise of technology it is about time our stories adapt. Digital Stories are short videos which allow for a more appealing delivery of a story rather than just a verbal story. When the HOPE for Youth team, a branch of the Muslim Food Bank, wanted to gather the youth in the community, the concept of digital stories seemed intriguing. With the help of the Social Wellness Foundation we started our program. Starting off with only 10 participants we were surprised to see such an amazing response from these students. The Digital Storytelling Program allowed our students to express themselves and talk about their family, friends, events, and anything they are passionate about. By helping the youth in our community gain a voice and express their passions, we allow them to be aware and open minded to what their peers are going through. One interesting story was made by a teenage Syrian refugee. This was not your average story about a teenage girl;
there was nothing more powerful than the story of a girl who has seen war and managed to make it out. Upon seeing how passionate the students were, we decided to hold a film festival for them. We rented a theatre and invited the family members of the students alongside community to watch the hard work that was put into these videos by the youth. With a lot of hardwork from the HOPE for Youth team, we managed to hold the first annual Digital Storytelling program and Hear Me Now Film Festival. As the summer months approach us, the Muslim Food Bank is planning many events and programs, one of which will be the Digital Storytelling Program. Sometimes all that people need is to have their voices be heard to remind them they’re not alone. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of such a program, we are looking for youth between the 12-18 that would like to have their stories heard in the form of a video this is the program for them. There will be 10 sessions every monday and thursday starting July 5th to August 7th. Feel free to contact kabir@muslimfoodbank.com for any questions regarding the program.
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May All Your Fasts &
Prayers Get Accepted
Eid Mubarak
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