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Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 20 October 2022 “He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits. Indeed, in that is a sign for people who give thought” (Al Qur’an, 16:11)Olives are mentioned several times in the Holy Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah (SAW) also emphasised the benefits of olives and its oil when he said; “Season (your food) with olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.” [Ibn Majah].Olives and Olive oil is viewed as a superfood by nutritional experts and is a key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is often viewed as the healthiest diet in the world today. Olive oil consists of a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids and phenols. Some of the key components of olive oil is oleic acid, oleocanthal and oleuropein.One of the most common health benefits of olive oil is its effect on cardiovascular health. Olive oil is seen as one of the healthiest oils and decreases cholesterol levels. It is said to have cardio-protective properties and prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases. Oleic acid found in olives and olive oil has been found to be effective against breast, colon and prostrate cancer cells. Oleic acid decreases the expression of cancer genes and has also been effective in halting the spread of cancer cells.Oleocanthal, found in olives and olive oil, has very potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties. Oleocanthal is said to be as effective as ibuprofen. The regular consumption of olive oil has been found to prevent the onset of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been found in several scientific clinical trials, that rheumatoid arthritis patients who supplemented with olive oil experienced great improvements in clinical symptoms. Olive oil could therefore be used as an effective way to decrease and manage pain.Oleuropein is said to have the ability to improve glucose metabolism. Olives and olive oil is therefore an important component in regulating blood glucose levels and managing type 2 diabetes.Olive oil also have cosmetic benefits to the skin and hair. Due to its high antioxidant content, olive oil rejuvenates the skin and prevents pre-mature aging due to sun damage. It also promotes healthy hair growth. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 19 October 2022 It is reported by Sayyidah Aisha that the Messenger of Allahﷺ said; “Vinegar is the best condiment.” [Ibn Majah].Vinegar has been used as a preservative and flavour enhancer for many years. Vinegar can be made from a variety of fruit but it is most likely the Messenger of Allahﷺ had vinegar made from grapes or dates. In recent years it has been proven that vinegar contains potent bioactive compounds and components that are beneficial to human health.Phenolic acids and vitamins found in vinegar contributes to its powerful antioxidant properties. This provides protection against oxidative stress and the development of chronic diseases, which are so prevalent today. These antioxidant compounds also provides protection against the growth of cancer cells.Vinegar has strong anti-microbial properties. Its components such as acetic acid allows vinegar to act as a preservative and protect against foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. This also allows vinegar to be used a cleaning agent and disinfectant.Vinegar, especially varieties like apple cider vinegar, have been found to have very effective antidiabetic action. In a 2004 scientific study, researchers have found that consumption of vinegar has improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients and pre diabetic patients. The ability of vinegar to regulate blood glucose levels also allows it to be an effective aid in weight loss.Vinegar also plays a significant part in preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases. A 2007 study on rats showed that acetic acid aided in the reduction of total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Vinegar and its components also have antihypertensive properties and is very effective in regulating blood pressure. This proves that vinegar has the potential to prevent atherosclerosis and therefore protect cardiovascular health.The various varieties of vinegar have multiple health benefits and is indeed a condiment we should all be adding to our diet. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 18 October 2022 nd, verily, Yunus was one of the Messengers, when he ran to the laden ship. He drew lots and was among the losers. Then a (big) fish swallowed him and he had done an act worthy of blame. Had he not been of those who glorify Allah, he would have indeed remained inside its belly until the Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick, and We caused a plant of Yaqtin (gourd) to grow over him.” (Al Qur’an 37: 139-146).It is accepted amongst the mufassirun that “Yaqtin” refers to the cucurbitaceae family that include a variety of squashes, pumpkin, butternut and zucchini. “Duba” is another Arabic term that has been used in Ahadith to refer to squashes. Squashes is a food that was much loved by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.Squashes and gourds are highly nutritious. Its leaves are large and provided shade and protection for the Prophet Yunusعليه السلام. Its flesh is said to having cooling properties which were essential to the healing of Prophet Yunusعليه السلامwho was exposed to harsh conditions in the belly of the fish.The orange squashes and gourds, like pumpkin and butternut, are high in β- carotene. β-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A and other contents found in pumpkin, like lutein and zeaxanthin, are essential for eye health. Scientific studies have shown that higher intakes of β-carotene by eating pumpkin, lowers the risk of developing cataract issues later in life.Vitamin A together with other vitamins like vitamin C, iron and selenium that is found in pumpkin, is ideal in maintaining a strong immune system. β- carotene is also a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. It also protects the skin against sun damage and has the ability to prevent the development of chronic diseases.Squashes and gourds have a very high water content. It is also high in fiber and easily digestible. Its high water and fiber content increases satiety and could aid in weight loss.Squashes and gourds have a high potassium content. This helps regulate blood pressure and protect against cardiovascular diseases.Pumpkin seeds are also highly beneficial. They contain unsaturated fatty acids and phytoestrogens. This is beneficial in protecting the brain and nervous system and promoting hormonal balance. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 14 October 2022 abbat Al Barakah- Seed of BlessingThe Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; “Black seed is a cure for all diseases except death.” (Al Bukhari).Black seed contains over 100 healing components. Black seed has immunomodulatory properties and can act as an antihistamine. This helps in the management of chronic allergies. Black seed is particularly effective in treating respiratory ailments such as asthma. Black seed is also a powerful antioxidant and successfully protects the body against free radicals.Black seed also improves digestion and metabolism. It has anti-bacterial, anti- viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties and can be used as a natural de-wormer. Its consumption helps in disposing worms and parasites from the digestive tract.Black seed is also a good source of essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids cannot be produced in our bodies and must be obtained from our diets. Black seed contains various vitamins and minerals. These together with essential fatty acids are important for the functioning of the nervous system, hormone production, regulation of blood pressure and supports healthy skin.Black seed and its oil contains sterols which inhibit cancer cell activity. Studies have shown that thymoquinone, a phytochemical compound found in black seed, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can assist the immune system in fighting against a variety of cancers. It has also been discovered in a 2011 scientific study that these anti-inflammatory properties can be used to manage pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.Black seed has also been found to assist in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetic patients and efficiently regulates blood glucose levels. Black seed also regulates blood pressure. The health and medicinal properties of black seed are numerous and is currently one of the most researched plants in the scientific and medical community. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 11 October 2022 Barley is an ancient grain that was first cultivated in the Middle Eastern region 10 000 years ago. Today, barley is seen as a “functional food” or a food item that not only provides nutritional benefits but also have medicinal properties. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of whole grain barley has the potential to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases like diabetes type 2, obesity and even certain cancers like colon cancer.Barley is a very good source of protein and is high in dietary fibre which makes it easily digestible. Talbeenah is a broth/ porridge made of barley flour or barley bran, honey and milk. Sayyida Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا narrates “Whenever anyone complained of loss of appetite to the Prophet صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, he ordered to use Talbeenah and stated “By Allah who holds my life, this removes the dirt of your abdomen as one of you removes the dirt of your face by washing it.” (At Tirmidhi). The bioactive compounds in barley have been found to regulate gut bacteria and counter act harmful chemical substances in the intestines that could cause gastrointestinal cancers. Barley also contains phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties which prevent cancer.β-glucan, a highly soluble dietary fibre found in barley, has been found to lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and thereby protect against cardiovascular diseases. β-glucan is also responsible for the reduction of blood glucose levels and therefore the management of diabetes and insulin resistance. Barley also aids in weight loss. The nutritional components of barley causes a delay in gastric emptying resulting in one feeling fuller for longer and thereby reducing food intake.The most common uses of Talbeenah is to improve the nervous system and provide relief from depression and anxiety. The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ advised; “Talbeenah brings comfort to the sick person and it lessens grief.” (Agreed Upon). Barley has a high zinc, magnesium and vitamin B content, all of which have been found to reduce symptoms of depression. Barley is also a rich source of amino acids which supports the nervous system and protects against degenerative neurological disorders like dementia and alzheimers. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 08 October 2022 he Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; “Whoever is given milk to drink, let him say, “Oh Allah bless it for us, and give us more of it” (Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah). It has also been narrated that milk was one of the beverages the Prophetﷺ liked drinking.The consumption of milk, specifically cow’s milk, provides the body with essential minerals and vitamins. These minerals and vitamins have roles in promoting growth and development, and maintaining physical well-being. The consumption of milk is important in bone mass formation and the maintenance of bone density. It is thus important in the prevention of osteoporosis.Milk contains high quality proteins such as whey protein and caseins, which provide the essential amino acids needed for optimal functioning of the human body. The amino acids found in whey protein and casein play vital physiological roles such as the transport of minerals like calcium and iron. They also support iron absorption and serve as antioxidants thereby protecting the body from free radicals.Recently, cow’s milk has a bad reputation due to the increase in the numbers of those suffering with lactose intolerance. Lactose is one of the main carbohydrates found in milk and the inability to absorb it causes moderate to severe gastrointestinal complaints. Other animal milk like goat’s milk, which was much loved by the Messenger of Allahﷺ contains considerably less lactose and is well tolerated and has the same beneficial components of cow’s milk.There is also a concern that drinking milk, which has a high saturated fatty acid content, may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, research has shown that the saturated fatty acids found in milk does not increase total cholesterol or LDL levels (“bad cholesterol) and may in fact increase HDL levels (“good cholesterol”), thus providing cardiovascular protection. It is also hypothesised that the micronutrients found in milk and the peptides produced during the digestion of milk, both prevent the development of high blood pressure. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 07 October 2022 he words “dates” or “date palms” is mentioned 22 times in the Holy Qur’an.Sayyidah Aishaرَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا reported that the household of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ never ate two meals in a day but that one of them consisted of dates (Sahih Bukhari)Dates are mainly composed of carbohydrates (70% fructose and glucose). This reservoir of natural sugars and its low glycaemic index makes dates the ideal food to consume when in need of immediate energy and to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is for this reason it is recommended to eat dates to break ones fast.Dates are also high in dietary fibres thereby promoting a healthy digestive system. It also contains proteins which are required for metabolic functioning. It also consists of numerous minerals and vitamins.Dates contain a high potassium content and low sodium content which is beneficial in the regulation of blood pressure. It is also known for having properties that protect against the build-up of cholesterol and promotes effective muscle contraction. It also supports a healthy nervous system and efficient metabolism in the body.Dates are high in Iron and is effective in the management of anaemia.Dates also have antioxidant properties due to its high phytochemical and tannin content. It has been shown in a few scientific studies that the antioxidant activity of dates are possibly higher than that of ascorbic acid, thus making dates ideal to strengthen and support the immune system. It also plays a role in preventing cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 04 October 2022 Every devout Muslim is ingrained with the knowledge that alcoholic drinks are forbidden. The consumption of alcohol has many detrimental physiological effects on the body and has been linked to countless social and economic ills in society. The knowledge of the harms of alcohol consumption is widely publicized and the number of teetotallers, even amongst those that do not have religious restrictions, are increasing steadily. With this in mind, many alcohol beverage companies have introduced new ranges of non- alcoholic wines, beers and champagnes. Non- alcoholic wines are marketed as a “healthier alternative” for the health conscious consumer and also an innovative way to “accommodate” for those who have religious restrictions.Non- alcoholic wines are produced by extracting the alcohol after the fermentation process during wine making. Using this method, wine companies have promised consumers the true, “sophisticated” taste of wine. There is however, a division amongst the Ulema with regards to the permissibility of non- alcoholic wines. Some scholars state that due to the final product having an ABV (alcohol by volume) of less than 0.5% it would be considered non-intoxicating and therefore Halaal. However, we need to remember that wine, irrespective of alcohol content, is explicitly forbidden by Allah (SWT) in the Holy Quran. Unlike vinegar, which undergoes a complete chemical transformation when produced, wine, in its essence, does not change even though the alcohol content has been removed.Some Muslims who feel that non-alcoholic wine is permissible have applauded its production stating it as a positive move towards inclusivity of Muslims into modern society. They also state that it can help reverts to better adapt and to curb the curiosity of young Muslims living in a western society. However, we should remember, Muslims have been advised by the Messenger (SAW) that, “Whoever imitates a certain people becomes one of them.” (Abu Dawood). In almost all Non- Muslim societies, drinking and “popping the champagne bottle” is the customary way of celebrating and socialising. Although non- alcoholic wines may not have the intoxicating properties that are so detrimental, they still carry the ideals of the secular society which made it so popular. Moreover, the notion of creating inclusivity and curbing the curiosity of Muslims could lead to a spiritual crises and cause heedlessness in the prohibitions of Islam.The permissibility of non-alcoholic wines will continue to be debated amongst Muslims worldwide. However, as Muslims we cannot go against the clear commands in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Finally, we should be mindful of the Hadith narrated by ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; “Wine is cursed from ten angles: The wine itself, the one who squeezes, the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who sells it, the one who buys it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who consumes its price, the one who drinks it and the one who pours it.”(Ibn Majah). Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 22 August 2022 The food industry has rapidly been evolving and has experienced exponential growth in recent times. A large increase in world population initiated the development of original and innovative ways to keep up with the demand for food. Furthermore, socio-economic changes, competition within the food industry and exposure to diverse culinary cultures are all factors contributing to the growth of the food industry. This led to major advancements in food processing. The evolution of the food industry has also seen an evolution in the consciousness of the Muslim consumer. As a Muslim consumer, one needs to be aware of the different food manufacturing and preservation techniques, and several food additives. Determining whether an item is Halaal or not can be a daunting prospect for the general Muslim consumer. Almost all processed food items have either preservatives, enzymes or flavour enhancements. It is clear that if a substance is produced from a source/raw material that is Haraam (unlawful) then the end product will be considered Haraam. There are however, instances where an item is considered Halaal after it has gone through a chemical change. A well-known example is the production of Vinegar. Vinegar is produced when ethyl alcohol (which is intoxicating) is oxidised and becomes acetic acid (vinegar). The ethyl alcohol naturally undergoes a complete chemical transformation which no longer makes it intoxicating and therefore Halaal.As Muslim consumers, it would be almost impossible to ascertain if something is permissible or impermissible with our own limited knowledge and we continue to rely on certification bodies to guide us when choosing permissible items used in our daily lives. Halaal certification allows Muslim consumers to use and consume products with the peace of mind that product has undergone rigorous tests and audits. Halaal certification bodies use the expertise of scientists, food technologists and the ulema, and consider raw materials, processing techniques and final packaging. This ensures that the product you eat, as a Muslim consumer, is free from contamination from any unlawful sources throughout the food production process. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 14 July 2022 The growing concern over the increase in chronic diseases affecting young and old, has led to a greater awareness of eating healthier food world-wide. Research has shown that the type and quality of food we eat has an immense effect on our overall health. This has subsequently led to a greater appreciation for halaal food, especially by Non-Muslims. As Muslims, it is our religious duty to eat halaal and tayyib (pure) food, but how many of us understand the hidden health benefits of following this manner of eating? Halaal food has become increasingly popular in the Western world today, resulting in not only non-Muslims knowing what halaal food is, but also many non-Muslims preferring halaal food over non- Halaal food.What makes halaal food healthier to consume? The term “halaal” is no longer merely seen as a religious duty Muslims have to fulfil and is fast becoming synonymous with safe food production and high quality standard of food. Due to the rigorous hygiene standards enforced by halaal certification bodies, halaal food has been found to have a lower risk of food pathogen contamination, and therefore, very low incidences of food poisoning and other food-borne diseases. The Quraan and Sunnah not only stipulate what food is not allowed, but also the appropriate ways of production. Let’s consider the halaal method of slaughtering as an example. The guidelines of upbringing, preparing and slaughtering the animals for consumption is one of the most ethical methods employed by the food industry today. Islam considers animal welfare as an important factor in food production. The animal must be well-fed, healthy and disease-free before being slaughtered. Not only is this of benefit to the animals but also us as consumers. Studies have also shown that if animals experience high levels of stress and anxiety before being slaughtered, excessive levels of the stress hormone cortisol is released by the adrenal glands. Furthermore, it has been found that high levels of cortisol increase the acidity of the meat. The high acidity present, not only results in meat that is not tender but also when consumed may have detrimental effects on our bodies. It is well known that an increase in acidity has been linked to various chronic diseases. Another critical aspect of the halaal method of slaughtering is the complete drainage of blood after the animal has been slaughtered. Blood is often the ideal medium for microorganisms to grow, and therefore the complete drainage of blood results in a low likelihood of microbial growth and spoilage of food. Remarkably, because care is taken for the animal to be in as much of a relaxed state as possible, this stimulates the parasympathetic system conserving the body’s natural state and ensuring ideal blood flow. This results in both safer, disease-free, more tender and better quality meat. It is these scientific and research-based health benefits of halaal meat that has contributed to the increasing popularity of halaal food. There is a growing trend of people of various religious faiths preferring halaal certified meat and food products. Today the consumption of halaal food transcends many ethnical and religious backgrounds and is fast becoming known as a major contributor to the healthy, wholesome lifestyle. Download