Page 21 The Islamic Bulletin Volume XXX No. 30 means it takes a longer time to digest, keeping one fuller for longer. It is mentioned that The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) consumed barley in the following ways: SAWIQ – a coarse broth prepared from ground wheat and barley - very much like a haleem (soup) THARID – Barley bread covered in gravy cooked with meat TALBEENAH – A porridge prepared using barley and milk A Hadith in Mishkaat narrates that the Prophet (SAW) never used sifted flour in his lifetime. We should take lesson from this, as we are all moving to consuming more refined and processed foods where all the beneficial nutrients have been stripped off. Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Quraan grains with their husks, amongst His many gifts to us. Un-sifted flour as used by the Prophet (SAW) contains all the valuable nutrients found in the bran and germ layers and has a lower GI. Tips: During Ramadhaan, barley can be added to soups and broths or prepared as a drink by boiling and straining mixture. A hadith in Bukhari mentions that The Prophet (SAW) consumed “Sawiq” at iftaar. Barley flour can be used for preparing breads and rotis. Substitute 1.5 cups barley flour for every 3 cups regular flour. Cereals containing barley flakes like muesli can be purchased, or barley flakes can be added to biscuits, muffins, breads and other cereals. Barley can be prepared as a filling porridge for sehri -Talbeenah. Soak 1-2 tablespoons whole barley overnight in a flask filled with rapidly boiling water. At suhur time, strain water out and prepare porridge with honey and milk. HONEY Modern research has been abuzz with the myriad of health benefits associated with honey- anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, energising tonic….to name a few. Honey is considered the best remedy for diarrhea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for improving appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye soother and mouthwash. Our beautiful Deen has encouraged the use of honey 1400 years ago. The Holy Quran mentions”there comes forth from the bee’s belly, a drink of varying colours, wherin is a healing for men”.(16:68-69) The Prophet (S) further said “ Make use of two cures- honey and the Quraan”(Ibn Majah) He (S) loved drinks that were sweet and cold and often consumed honey water. Tips: Honey can be used to sweeten items like tea, fresh juices, milk drinks and cereals etc. Raw honey which is thicker and creamier has a lower GI, and can be mixed with cinnamon and used as a spread on toast for suhur. GRAPES AND RAISINS Grapes have been found to contain resveratrol- a powerful antioxidant that protects the body on a cellular level from damage. The seeds are rich in flavonoids which lower the risk of fatty plaque accumulation on the lining of blood vessels to the heart. They are also useful in purifying the blood, provide vigour and health, strengthen the kidneys and clear the bowels due to their high fiber content. The Prophet (S) loved eating grapes. He (S) often consumed a drink “Nabeez”- prepared from soaked raisins. Nabeez can be prepared by soaking raisins after Isha (evening) prayer in clean water covered with a plate. The following morning the water can be drunk and the soaked fruit eaten or just use the blender to obtain a beautiful cloudy Nabeez. And, if you soak in the morning, drink in the evening. Nabeez should be consumed within twelve hours of soaking to prevent fermentation. Tips: Nabeez or fresh grape juice can be prepared as a drink after Taraweeh (evening prayer in Ramadaan). Grapes can be served as part of salad or dessert. Raisins eaten with nuts can be enjoyed as a healthy munch after taraweeh salaat. The Sunnah way of eating is the healthy way of eating. InshaAllah, let us all strive to revive and bring alive the Sunnahs of The Prophet (S) in our homes this Ramadhaan. I have highlighted just a few. Make an intention to eat on the floor, share eating utensils and to fill a third of your stomach with water, a third with food and a third left for air. Besides the immense health benefits outlined above our greatest rewards really lie in following the Sunnah, as it comes in Hadith mentioned by The Prophet (S): “ The person who follows my Sunnah is the one who truly loves me, and will be with me in Jannah” (Hadith-Tirmidhi) Allah SWT said to His Messenger (S)”Say (to mankind), if you love Allah, follow me – Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” (Qur’an:3: 31)
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