The Islamic Bulletin Volume X X No. 25 Page 28 40 YEARS! It was narrated that in the days of the Prophet Musa (Moses) (alayhis salam)- wandered with Bani Israil (Children Of Israel) in the desert where a grizzly drought befell them. Together, they all raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain. Then, to the astonishment of all those watching, the heat scorched down, and the drought intensified. It was revealed to Musa (AS) - that there was a sinner amongst Bani Israel that had disobeyed Allah for more than 40 years of his life. “Let him separate himself from the congregation,” Allah told Musa (AS) -. “Only then shall I shower you all with rain.” Musa - (AS) - called out, “There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for 40 years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.” That man, waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward…but no one did. Sweat poured from his brow and he knew he was the one. If he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst; yet, if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity. He raised his hands with sincerity he had never known before, with humility he had never tasted, tears poured on both cheeks, “O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!” As Musa - (AS) - and Bani Israaeel awaited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa - (AS) - asked Allah Ta’ala, “O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though that sinner did not come forward.” And Allah Ta’ala replied, “O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israaeel with water.” Musa- (AS) - wanting to know who was this blessed man, asked, “Show him to me O Allah!” “I want to know who is he.” Allah Ta’ala replied, “O Musa, I hid his sins for 40 years. Do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him? “ “Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, stated: I LIVE IN THE THOUGHT OF MY SERVANT AS HE THINKS OF ME AND WITH HIM AS HE CALLS ME. (SAHIH MUSLIM) “I AM AS MY SERVANT THINKS I AM…” “ASSUMING THE BEST ABOUT ALLAH” ISLAMIC DIETARY LAWS The Olive - A Health giving plant One of the foods to which attention is drawn in the Qur’an is the olive. Research in recent years has revealed that the olive is not just a delicious food but also represents an important source of good health. In addition to the olive itself, olive oil is also an important source of nutrition. Attention is drawn to the oil of the olive tree in these terms in the Qur’an: Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind and Allah has knowledge of all things. (Quran: An-Nur (Light) 24:35) The expression “mubarakatin zaytoonatin” in the above verse describes the olive as being “plentiful, sacred, auspicious, providing countless blessings.” Olive oil, referred to in the term “zaytuha,” is known as one of the most highly recommended types of oil by all experts, especially for coronary and arterial health. Its health benefits may be summarised as follows: Benefits for Coronary and Arterial Health: Most of the fatty acids in olives and olive oil are monounsaturated. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids do not contain cholesterol. Therefore, olive oil does not raise cholesterol levels but instead keeps them under control. Olive oil also contains omega-6 linoleic acid (EFA: essential fatty acid), which is essential for the human body. Due to this feature, healthrelated bodies (such as The World Health Organization) recommend that at least 30% of the fatty acid consumed in societies in which hardened artery and diabetes levels are high should consist of omega-6. This increases the importance of the olive still further. And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a Sign in that forpeople who reflect. ( Quran: An-Nahl The Bee 16:11) Studies in this area have revealed much lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and higher antioxidant levels in people who consume 25 millilitres (about two dessertspoonfuls) of natural olive oil a day for one week. Antioxidants are important as they neutralise the harmful substances in the body known as free radicals and prevent cell damage. It has also been established in a great many studies that the consumption of olive oil reduces cholesterol levels and prevents heart disease. Olive oil is also recommended for patients with heart and artery disease since it reduces the level of harmful cholesterol (LDL) in the bloodstream and raises that of useful cholesterol (HDL). Cancer Prevention One study, published by The Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that women who consume high levels of monounsaturated fat have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Another study by scientists at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York demonstrated that b-sitosterol, a fat found in vegetable oils such as olive oil, helps prevent the formation of prostate cancer cells.
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