Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote

HOW TO BALANCE WORSHIP AND HOUSEHOLD CHORES IN RAMADAN 

Author : Marisa Lopez Chicote

Ramadan is the month to purify our minds and hearts, ask for Allah’s forgiveness and to submit ourselves to the Almighty. However, women are expected to spend much of their time in the kitchen preparing and planning suhoor and iftar dishes for their families.

Even cooking and taking care of the family and children is equally rewarding as any act done with the pure intent to please Allah, the Most High, is rewarding:

“Actions are but by intentions and every man will have only what he intended.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Let us see 5 tips to be able to have more time for the real purpose of Ramadan, worship and  seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

• Make a schedule with realistic goals for each week.    Some are daily goals like making an effort to be on time for each prayer, reading at least one juz of the Qur’an a day or participating in nightly Taraweeh prayers. Weekly goals may include limiting time-wasting activities such as time spent on the computer and watching television and weekly food schedules.

• Involve your spouse and children in home chores.  We are not superwomen and we can not be in everything (work, home and worship). Get your children and husband involved in cleaning up after themselves, setting the table and helping you around the house and kitchen within their capacity. Train them before Ramadan so you won’t have to hover over them and waste your time and energy making sure the work is done right. Let them know the amount of reward they get with the right intention is multiplied during Ramadan, and that it adds to their basket of good deeds by helping you. The Prophet, aleiho assalato wassalam was the best example  

When Aisha r.a., the Prophet’s wife was asked, “What did the Prophet (pbuh) use to do in his house? She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for prayer, he would go for it.” (Bukhari) In another report, Aisha r.a. is reported to have said, “He did what one of you would do in his house. He mended sandals and patched garments and sewed.” (Adab Al-Mufrad graded sahih by Al-Albani)

•  Eat healthy and simple. Ramadan is not a training to apply to the “MasterChef” program. Try to make simple and easy menus plan (check our weekly suggestion of menus plan in Ramadan)  Eating healthy allows us to make the most of the month, and it means less time repairing elaborate dishes. Make sure you have some fruits for iftar and a light dinner, so that you can stay awake and energised for taraweeh.

• Complete the reading of  the Quran as least once during Ramadan.   Supposed it takes you one hour to read a Juz, then you should separate 1 hour from the 4 hours of worship everyday JUST to read the Quran. Furthermore, you can divide the 1-hour of Quran reading time into 2 or more pieces of 30 minutes. The next step is for you to decide what time of the day is best for you to read the Quran. If you can separate 30 minutes after Fajr and 30 minutes after Maghrib everyday, then you will easily complete reading the entire Quran once in Ramadan.

• Increasing your sadakka (charity)  Charity is not only beneficial for those who receive it, there also lays a great reward for the ones who give. It is essentially food for the soul and serves as a means of salvation as well. 

It is designated by Allah (SWT) himself as it is said:

“Ramadan is the month of giving and mercy, and in it Allah blesses the believers with forgiveness and being saved from Hellfire. Therefore, whoever is merciful and giving in Ramadan, Allah will be even more Merciful and Giving, and will bestow upon him 

May Allah swt let us live to see this Ramadan and many more, and let us use our time wisely. I hope these tips help you to solve the stress with the household and give you a more productive Ramadan InshaAllah! 

About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.

Author: Marisa López

Our post today will be about  MESHARATI.  Drummers dressed in traditional Ottoman costume, including a fez and vest that are both adorned with traditional motifs. 

During the entire month of Ramadan, one or two hours before Fajr (the moment when the fasting hours begin), some percussionists drummers called MESHARATIS populate the streets of CAIRO and go through the streets playing their drums and singing traditional old verses.

This tradition has existed for centuries, it is believed that it has lasted for 6 centuries and has  survived to until the present period despite the technological revolution that we now enjoy such as alarm clocks, mobile phones and other gadgets.

Origin

Historians disagree on its exact origin.

Historian Abdelmajid Abdul Aziz said that Mesaharati first appeared in Egypt during the Fatimid dynasty, possibly the most flourishing period for Ramadan celebrations.

According to the 15th century Egyptian historian Mohammed bin Iyas, the profession began in the days of Caliph Bi’amr Allah, who ordered citizens to sleep immediately after the Taraweeh prayer.

He then would send his soldiers in the early hours, knock on doors and shout before the Fajr prayers began, to wake up the people for the suhoor.

Abdul Aziz recounts that the Egyptian governor Ibn Ishaq was the first to individually perform the task professionally in 832 AH (1432 CE).

He would walk from the city of Fustat to the Mosque of Amr ibn Al-Aas and shout: “O worshipers of Allah, eat.  Suhoor is a blessing “

 After the end of Ramadan, the MESHARATIS go through each house in the neighborhood where they performed their services to collect the contributions of each neighbor.

 Unfortunately, this tradition faces extinction as fewer and fewer people are drawn to the role, and technology supplants it.

As an individual, I really hope the practice continues because it seems like a precious tradition to me.

 Did MESHARATIS pass through your neighborhood?  For mine, they still pass. You can share your views and articles with us. Check out the articles on our blog for ideas.

 About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.

Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims to get nearest to Allah through performing  different acts of worship such as Taraweeh prayer 

What is taraweeh?

Taraweeh prayer is a Sunnah  prayer performed at night after salat al Isha during the month of Ramadan. These night prayers have been emphasised in several hadiths and can also be called “qiyam al layl” (night prayers).

Taraweeh prayer is classed as either Sunnah mu’akkadah (emphasised Sunnah) or nafil (optional).

The word Taraweeh in arabic means rest and relaxation  because righteous people before our time used to rest after every four rak`at as their prayers were lengthy. 

What is the history of Taraweeh?

In the last year of the Prophet’s life, he came out one night and prayed taraweeh. On that night, some people prayed with him. during the second night, word spread and more people joined in taraweeh. Even more people attended on the third. On the fourth night, the masjid was packed and the people awaited the Prophet’s arrival.

The Prophet, however, prayed at home by himself. and after Fajr, he said:

“Nothing prevented me from coming out to you except the fact that I feared that it would be made obligatory for you.” (Muslim)

From the time of Abu Bakr to the beginning of `Umar’s time, people prayed either individually or in small groups. Later, ‘Umar gathered everyone behind one imam and they prayed 8 Rak`at. Eventually, it was increased to 20 rakaat to make it easy for the people.

How to pray Taraweeh ?

It is incumbent upon a Muslim to make the intention to perfom the Taraweeh before it starts.  

The Prophet, 3aleiho assalato wassalam, prayed 8 rakats of taraweeh and 3 rakats of witr

`A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about the Prophet’s night prayer; she said:

“He didn’t  pray more than 11 rakats [a night] in Ramadan or any other month. he used to pray 4 rakats -don’t ask me about their beauty and length–and then he would pray 4 more rakats -don’t ask me about their beauty and length–and then he would pray 3 rakats (of witr).” (Al-Bukhari)

He did not assign any number of rakats for Taraweeh prayer and when he was asked he said:

 “Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray witr with one.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet, 3aleiho assalato wassalam,  said, 

“Whoever prays qiyam with the imam until he finishes, Allah will record for him the qiyam of a (whole) night.” (An-Nasa’i and authenticated by Al-Albani)

So we should not leave after 8, if the imam is praying 20 or 36!

So in summary, and according with the 4 different schools of islamic jurisprudence 

8 rak`at + 3 witr = Majority of hadith scholars.

20 rak`t + 3 witr = Imam Ahmad, Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Ash-Shafi`i

36 rak`at + 3 witr = Imam Malik

Rewards of Taraweeh 

• All your sins are forgiven

The Prophet,3aleiho assalato wassalam,  explicitly informed us of the virtues of standing in prayer, particularly in this month, when he said 

“Whosoever stands in the nights of Ramadan, with faith and in hope of receiving Allah’s reward, his past sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari).

• You are rewarded for an entire night of prayer

Secondly, by praying Taraweeh you gain the reward of standing the whole night in prayer. The Prophet, 3leiho assalato wassalam,  reported to have said 

“Whoever stands praying with the Imam until he is finished, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.” (Tirmidhi Sahih)

• Voluntary prayers make up for defects in obligatory prayers

Another point to note is that your extra voluntary prayers will make up for all the shortcomings in your obligatory Salat. The Prophet informed us that 

“When a man stands before Allah on the Day of Resurrection, and his obligatory prayers are found to be defective, Allah will say: “See if my servant has any voluntary prayers that can complete what is lacking in his obligatory prayers.” (Tirmidhī Sahih)

• You’re the one who benefits, not Allah.

We should never look at the salat as a burden or a chore, the reality is that Allah gains no benefit from our prayers, we only benefit. For the Prophet Muhammad, prayer, we only benefit. For the Prophet Muhammad, prayer was considered a comfort and a form of relaxation, an escape from the daily grind. He used to tell Bilal, the Mua’thin, “Call for the prayer, so we can pray and feel at ease.”

• Your prayers are important

Lastly, the fact of the matter is, our prayers are the most important aspect of our lives. And this is exactly how the Prophet and the companions understood it.

In fact, one of the final statements of our beloved Prophet before he passed away was “The prayer, the prayer” advising the Muslims not to neglect their prayer, this pillar of our religion.

Praying Taraweeh at home or congregation?

Praying Taraweeh in congregation in the mosque is better than praying at home. 

This is indicated by the Sunnah and the actions of the Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them). 

Our beloved Prophet (3aleiho assalato wassalam) , refrained from doing it because he feared that it would be made obligatory for the ummah. When the Prophet (3aleiho assalato wassalam) died, this reservation was no longer required, because the sharee’ah was established. 

Praying Taraweeh is Sunnah according to scholarly consensus… It is permissible to offer this prayer alone or in congregation, but which is better? There are two well-known opinions on this matter. The correct view according to the consensus of our companions is that praying it in congregation is better. The second view is that it is better to pray it individually. 

Let us praise Allah to allow us complete this year our Taraweeh Prayer inshaAllah     

About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.

Today we are going to talk about a beautiful Egyptian tradition of Ramadan closely related to another of the Pillars of Islam, helping those who most are in need.  We are going to talk about the “Tables of Mercy” in Arabic “Ma’edat Al Rahman”.

This year like the last year, unfortunately it is not being possible to continue with this tradition due to the coronavirus crisis but we hope it will be resumed next year InshaAllah.

When the Holy month of Ramadan starts, the streets of Cairo are filled with “Ma’edat Al Rahman,” which is a vital ritual in Ramadan that illustrates social solidarity, something that characterizes the Holy Month.  At these tables they are set up in each neighborhood and a complete meal is offered free of charge for the iftar, to all those in need or to anyone who passes by at the time of breaking the fast.

The name of these tables comes from the Surat Al Ma’eda of the Quran, which calls for the spread of mercy among Muslims.  This tradition began in the time of the prophet Mohamed (aleiho assalato wa assalam).

It is said that it started with a group from Al Ta’ef in the time that the Prophet lived  in Medina and they announced his conversion to Islam, so the Prophet then sent them food for fetar and suhoor.  The caliphs who followed him continued the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.  Omar Ibn El Khattab established “Dar Al Deyafa” (the foster home) to provide food for those who were fasting.

The first Ma’edet Al Rahman in Egypt was in the time of Ahmed bin Toloun in 880 in the fourth year of his rule.  He had prepared a party to which he invited merchants and dignitaries on the first day of Ramadan, then ordered them to open their homes to feed the poor.  He also ordered that this decision be applied everywhere.  This festival was when Ma’edet Al Rahman’s idea started in Egypt.

Over time, the tradition faded and then returned again during the Al Mo’ez leldein Allah Al Fatimi era, as he prepared a Ma’eda (table) for the people praying at the Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque.  The food was cooked in his palace and later distributed to the poor.  Some of the tables were 175 m long.  In the Fatimid era, palace workers would provide a large stock of sugar and flour, as well as sweets such as kenafah, qatayef, and baklava, and distribute them to the people of Egypt.

During the Abasi period, during the rule of Haroun Al Rashied, he would set the tables in his palace and wander around them in disguise to ask people who break their fast about the quality of the food so that they would honestly tell him their opinions.  no flattery.

The Mamluk period in Egypt was famous for the generosity of rulers in spending on the poor and needy, as additional wages were given to workers, students, and orphans.

Ma’edet Al Rahman remained a Ramadan-related tradition throughout Islamic times, and the wealthy would compete to prepare tables every year.

In the 20th century, the tradition returned again under the government sponsorship of the Nasser Social Bank, which would prepare a table near the Al-Azhar mosque to feed 4,000 people.  The first such Coptic table was established in the Shoubra neighborhood in 1969 in Al-Afadal square.  Since then, these tables have been present on the streets of Egypt.

Some of the most famous Ma’edet Al Rahmans in Egypt are found in Al-Azhar, Al-Hussein, Al-Sayed Zeinab and Ramses Square.

These tables can also be found near restaurants that serve iftar.

Many mosques in Egypt set up these tables by collecting money from people who pray.

In the villages of Upper Egypt, young people hit the roads and sit on the side of the street around fetar time and invite car drivers to join them.

In many neighborhoods, neighbors come together on a Ramadan day and each neighbor brings several dishes and sets up a table for themselves and everyone who wants to join.

I love this tradition because it represents the spirit of help and sharing of Islam and the spirit of Ramadan and I hope that this crisis will soon pass and BismiAllah can be resumed.

About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.

Today we start the counting down to the month “El Karim” of Ramadan

On Sunday inshaAllah will be the sighting of the crescent moon and we will know which day will start exactly

Ramadan Mubarak for all the Muslims in the world who celebrate!

So, it is the time to make our shopping list and prepare our first weeks menu so that we can be ready and avoid any last-minute stress. This way, we will have more time to dedicate to the most important things to do during the Holy month: worshiping Allah and the reading of the Qur’an. 

SUHOOR SHOPPING LIST

Let us start with Suhoor that is as important as Iftar during Ramadan, it helps give you energy and helps you go through the long day of fasting, particularly in the summer.

But you need to choose good and healthy foods for your Suhoor to help you feel less hungry during the day. You’ll need to have a healthy Suhoor to help maintain your weight and keep your body and skin healthy.

 Here is our list of foods to have for Suhoor:

Proteins

Proteins are great to have for Suhoor as they help keep you full during the day. Boiled eggs or fava beans with tomatoes and olive oil (foul) is a good choice.

Don’t forget to have your favorite juice as well, to help you keep hydrated.

Dairy

Calcium is great in keeping your body healthy and maintaining your weight. Cheeses and milk are a great option for Suhoor, just make sure you avoid salty cheeses.

Light Sandwiches

A light sandwich is a great option for Suhoor, with a glass of milk or juice, it will make a balanced suhoor.

Vegetables and Fruits

Many people forget to have fruits or vegetables during Suhoor, but fruits or vegetables have a lot of water and will make you feel less thirsty during the day.

A great choice is a bowl of oatmeal with some dried fruits to help you feel full for longer.

SUHOOR EXAMPLES

Here are some examples of healthy food options you can have during Ramadan, especially during Suhoor:

• Oats: Oats can be eaten with milk or with yogurt, and oatmeal porridge can be eaten as a source of whole oat grains and liquids as well, because it is prepared with water or milk, and fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and seeds can be added. Also oat pancakes or oat waffles are excellent options
•  Cereals: Breakfast cereals provide a lot of fiber and are usually fortified with vitamins and minerals, and thus they increase the nutritional value. Fluids and nutrients, such as calcium, iodine, and B vitamins can also be obtained from milk.
• Yogurt: Yogurt is a good choice to eat at the suhoor meal, as it is a good source of some nutrients such as protein, calcium, iodine, B vitamins, and fluids, and it can be eaten with grains and fruits.
•  Cold Turkey and White Cheese sandwiches 
•  Fava beans with tomato, olive oil and tahina 
•  Omelette with vegetables and cheese 

 Of course, do not forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

 IFTAR SHOPPING LIST

Dates

The month of Ramadan everywhere is synonymous with consuming dates. Why? Although dates may be small in size, they pack a punch. Besides being a good option to satisfy your sweet tooth, dates are a good source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, sugar, and energy.

Vegetables and Fruits

We tend to forget about vegetables this month since it is a month full of festivities. Just because it is Ramadan, you shouldn’t forget that vegetables and fruits add a much-needed balance to your diet. 

So, this was our list of things that you should add to your Ramadan grocery list. We have only mentioned the must-haves to keep our list short. 

Fruits are universally known as healthy due to being high in fibre and enzymes. Not only that but fruits can prevent constipation and can keep you hydrated and its are the best dessert after a long day of fasting.

 Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain a variety of healthful nutrients which can positively affect your brain, your heart, and even your waistline. Just one ounce of nuts a day can diminish inflammation by providing your body with immune-boosting minerals. If you’re bored of peanuts or almonds then switch it up by opting for cashews, macadamias, pistachios, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. 

Grains and other carbohydrates

Better in the whole version like brown rice as it’s a whole grain with a low glycaemic index (GI value = 55) – this means your blood sugar levels, and energy levels, won’t fluctuate while fasting. Another option would be oats or barley, which have almost identical components; such as being rich in B6, folate, potassium, and zinc.

Proteins

Incorporate protein rich sources such as lean meat, skinless chicken, fish, eggs, legumes and low-fat dairy products.

MY IFTAR MENUS PLAN FOR THE FIRST WEEK

Day 1

In Egypt is a tradition the first day gathering in Ramadan so this first day there more foods on the table than the rest of the days

•  Khoshaf (a mix of dried fruits and nuts with water, cinnamon and honey) and lemon juice
• Chicken Soup
• Green salad with goat cheese and roasted bell peppers
• Mahshi cabbage (cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and herbs), Bolognese lasagne and roasted chicken.  
•  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and konafa stuffed with cream and nuts, espresso or tea  

Day 2

• Dates stuffed with almonds and sobia
• Lentil soup
•  Roquefort and apple salad with honey and mustard dressing
• Meat and cheese sambousek
•  Bamia with meat in tomato sauce
•  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and qataifs stuffed with nuts, espresso or tea  

Day 3

• Dates stuffed with walnuts and strawberries smoothie.
• Pigeon soup with lisan asfoura  
• Molokhiya soup with rice bel khalta (rice with nuts and chicken liver)
• Hamam mahshi (pigeon stuffed with rice)
• Dessert: Assorted of fruits and mini konafas cupcakes with Nutella,   espresso or tea  

 Day 4

• Dates stuffed with almonds and banana and coconut smoothie.
• Vegetarian Harira soup
• Mix Egyptian salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, grated carrots, and cucumber with vinaigrette dressing)   
• Egyptian Mesa2a  (roasted eggplants, potatoes and green bell peppers in a garlic tomato sauce) served with brown rice
•  Kofta panne
• Dessert: Assorted of fruits and qataifs stuffed with cheese creams and honey, espresso or tea  

Day 5

•  Khoshaf and avocado and almond smoothie.
• Vegetable’s soup
•  Arugula salad with nuts and cheese
• Chicken kabsa (Spicy Basmati rice with roasted chicken and nuts)  
• Roasted vegetables
•  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and apple tart, espresso or tea  

 Day 6

•  Dates stuffed with almonds and carcade cold drink.  
• Gazpacho soup (cold Spanish vegetables soup)
• Kofta Dawd Basha (meatballs in tomato sauce) served with brown rice.   
• Spinach goulash with cheese
•  Dessert: Assorted of fruits and qataifs stuffed with cream, espresso or tea  

Day 7

• Dated stuffed with walnuts and lemon juice.   
• Seafood soup
• Tuna salad  
•  Spaghettis with sundried tomatoes and prawns    
•  Salmon in orange sauce
• Dessert: Assorted of fruits and La Viña cheesecake with jam, espresso or tea  

I hope that this post has help you to do your first week plan menus and shopping and I wish you that this Ramadan can reach our goals of worship to Allah and charity.

About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.