The Islamic Bulletin Volume X IX No. 24 Page 25 Muslim?” He whispered “No, I come as a fugitive”. She implored him once more “Can you become a Muslim?” Again his answer was a negative. “Do not worry.” She said, “Welcome my cousin, welcome, the father of Ali and Omama”. After the Prophet (SAW) prayed the dawn prayer in congregation with the people, they heard a voice from the back of the mosque, “I have freed Abu El’Ass ibn Rabee”. Zainab had granted Abu El’Ass’ freedom. The Prophet (SAW)asked, “Have you heard what I heard?” They all said, “Yes, Messenger of Allah”. Zainab said, “He is my cousin and the father of my children and I have freed him”. The Prophet (SAW) stood up and said, “O people, I declare that this man was a very good son-in-law, he never broke his promise, and neither did he tell lies. So if you accept, I will return his money back and let him go. If you refuse it’s your decision and I will not blame you for it.” The companions agreed, “We will give him his money”. So the Prophet (SAW) said to Zainab, “We have freed the one you have freed, O Zainab.” Then he (SAW) went to her and told her “be generous to him, he is your cousin and the father of your children, but don’t let him get near you, he is prohibited for you.” She replied, “Sure, father, I’ll do as you say”. She went in and told her husband, “O Abu El’Ass, didn’t you miss us at all? Won’t you become a Muslim and stay with us?” But he refused. Abu El’Ass then took the money and returned to Makkah. Once he returned he stood up and announced, “O people, here is your money. Is there anything left?” They replied, “No, Abu El’Ass, there is nothing left, thanks a lot.” So Abu El’Ass said, “I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammed is His Messenger.” Then he went back to Madinah and ran to the Prophet (SAW) as he said, “Dear Prophet, you freed me yesterday, and today I say that I testify there is no god but Allah and you are His Messenger.” He asked the Prophet, “Will you give me the permission to go back to Zainab?” The Prophet (SAW) smiled and said, “Come with me”; he took him to Zainab’s house and knocked on her door. The Prophet (SAW) said, “O Zainab, your cousin came to me and asked if he can return to you”. Just like 20 years before, her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled. The sad thing was, a year after this incident, Zainab died. Abu El’Ass shed hot tears because of her death and drove those who were around him to tears. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) came with eyes full of tears and a heart full of sorrow. Zainab’s death reminded him of the death of his wife, Khadeejah. He told the women, who gathered around Zainab’s corpse, “Wash her three times and use camphor in the third wash.” He performed funeral prayers on her and followed her final resting place. Abu El’Ass returned to his children, Ali and Omama. Kissing them and wetting them with his tears, he remembered the face of his departed darling. May Allah be pleased with Zainab, the Prophet’s daughter! May He reward her with Paradise for her patience, endurance and struggle! Abu El’Ass would cry so profusely that the people saw the Prophet himself weeping and calming him down. Abu El’Ass would say, “By Allah, I can’t stand life anymore without Zainab”. He died one year after Zainab’s death. COOK’S CORNER MAAMOUL OR KA’AK Maamoul are delicious treats served in the Middle East during special holidays. After fasting the whole day, and praying the Taraweeh prayers, these are sure to put a smile on your face and are perfect for spoiling your guests throughout the year. For the dough (shell) For the stuffing 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 5 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 cups dates (pitted, 1 stick butter, melted chopped fine) 2/3 cup hot milk 2/3 cup farina (regular cream of wheat works fine) For the topping Powdered sugar for dusting Variation Use walnuts or pistachios as an alternative filling To make dough: Mix farina, sugar, and baking soda. Add butter and milk and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2 hours. Meanwhile, while the dough is resting, the filling can be prepared. Add the dates, butter, and cinnamon to a saucepan over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep mashing the dates with a wooden spoon until it is pureed. Cool completely. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a cookie sheet with butter. Divide the dough into 15 pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle and add 1 Tbsp of filling. Use a maamoul mold or bring up the sides together and lightly press the tops with a fork. Place the cookies in the oven for 20 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned. Remove and dip the bottoms immediately in powdered sugar and sprinkle very generously. Cool on racks. Yield: 15 servings BIL-HANA WAL-SHIFA!
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