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Title:
Health Guidelines for Ramadan “It is sad to note that our suhur and iftar tables are filled with sumptuous, extravagant meals. How much effort, energy, expense and `ibadah time is spent in preparing, serving, consuming, and clearing up these elaborate foods in the name of tradition!” - Dr Farouk Haffejee The holy month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, recitation of the Noble Qur’an, engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah Ta`ala), fortitude and endurance. Indeed, it is a month of self-discipline whereby the fasting person is expected to exercise self-restraint. A fasting person’s aim is to attain purity of thought and action. Unfortunately, however, many of us overlook the significance of fasting in Ramadan and end up placing unnecessary emphasis on exotic foods that are to be consumed at iftar (the time of breaking the fast at sunset). Dr Farouk Haffejee, in penning this book, aims to redirect the fasting Muslim towards Allah Ta`ala during this auspicious month and away from worldly mundane activities. It is a provocative book, emphasizing that Ramadan is a training ground for assisting the fasting Muslim to overcome moral ineptitude, including bad eating habits, either gradually or immediately, depending on one’s strength of will power. Health Guidelines for Ramadan is unique in that it covers, in 27 succinct chapters, an array of pertinent issues relating to the holy month of Ramadan. Some of these issues include: an insight into the spiritual significance of fasting; the importance of keeping a close affinity with the Qur’an when fasting; steps that are to be undertaken before the onset of Ramadan; the intricate rules pertaining to fasting; the positive impact that fasting has on the human body; and caution to the gym enthusiast as to what would be the appropriate time to exercise during the month of Ramadan. The book concludes with some straightforward - yet healthy - recipes printed in colour, which would certainly be of interest to the reader. Health Guidelines for Ramadan does well to help fasting Muslims focus their attention on rejuvenating both the body and soul. The book is available at ZAR70 from the Al-Ansaar Book & Media Centre, situated at 189 West Road, Overport, Durban. Contact +27 31 208 1601. |
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Title:
Prophetic Way of Treatment The principal aim of medicine is to preserve health. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: “Allah has not created any disease without also creating a cure for it...” Allah Almighty says: “We send down (stage by stage) of the Qur’an that which is a healing and mercy to those who believe...” (Qur’an, 17: 82) The Holy Prophet (SAW) was sent as a “mercy to mankind”, and hence he worked for the peace, safety and welfare of humanity his whole life. He took care of the physical, mental and spiritual health of his fellow human beings. In so doing, he prescribed ways and means not only for a healthy spiritual life, but also for physical health. He advised on eating and drinking, sitting and walking, sleeping and awakening, playing and enjoying, easing and relieving, marrying, dressing, bathing and washing, recreating, exercising, wrestling, and various ways of physical training. He shed light on nature and the characteristics of almost all of the Almighty’s creation; and revealed the purpose, values and beneficial aspects of every object. The revelations, guidance, practices and instructions regarding various herbs; flowers and leaves; food grains and vegetables; permitted animals and their flesh, fat, bones, milk, butter, ghee, and cheese with their benefits, characteristics and uses, are the exclusive obligation of the Prophet on the world of humankind. Azimabadi’s Prophetic Way of Treatment presents before the reader various aspects of medical science brought to light by the Benefactor of Humanity. The compilation is based on the magnificent works of Allama Jalaluddin Abdur Rahman as-Suyuti and Allama ibn al-Qayyim al-Juzi on the subject of Tibb-e-Nabwi or Prophetic Medical Science. A must-read in understanding Islamic medicine. Prophetic Way of Treatment is available at ZAR65 from the Al-Ansaar Book & Media Centre, situated at 189 West Road, Overport, Durban. Contact +27 31 208 1601. |
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Savvy Savouries and Busy Biscuits are full illustrated cookery books with unlimited recipes, from choice canapés and tantalising savoury dishes - which include a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections - to an assortment of delectable biscuits. Hafsa’s latest book Dazzling Desserts, published in April of this year, includes a wide range of mouth-watering and appetising desserts. Combining fresh ingredients with an array of exciting flavours, this beautiful, easy-to-follow book, will guide you every step of the way toward creating dazzling desserts. Ever attentive to visual appeal, this selection is sure to impress family, friends and the most discerning of dinner guests. Hafsa spent three years on the compilation of her first book, Savvy Savouries, concentrating on designing a step-by-step book that would appeal to a younger audience. With her young daughter upmost in her mind, she has put measurement to recipes that have been passed down through generations and her own creations. Look out for her sequels covering sweetmeats, breads, pastries, cakes and curries. Born in Zambia, she currently lives in Lusaka. *All three titles are available at the Al-Ansaar Book & Media Centre, situated at 189 West Road, Overport, Durban. Contact +27 31 208 1601.
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Title:
The Ideal Muslim The ideal Muslim is a man of the highest moral character. In his relationship with his Rabb, himself, family, parents, relatives, friends and the community at large, he has a most excellent example in the Prophet of Islam (pbuh). His idealism is further strengthened by the character of the first generations of Muslims who excelled in all the various fields of human endeavour. He is reassured by the teachings of Islam that he also can reach these noble heights by working to improve his character daily. This comprehensive work by Dr Al-Hashimi is a valuable contribution to Islamic literature for English readers. His other title The Ideal Muslimah (female Muslim) complements this work. The Ideal Muslim is available at ZAR75 from the Al-Ansaar Book & Media Centre, situated at 189 West Road, Overport, Durban. Contact +27 31 208 1601. |
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Title:
The Islamic Laws of Animal Slaughter There is a growing sense of concern today among consumers, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, about the healthfulness of what they eat. Health food stores have gained a prominent status in the US, and many consumers review every last ingredient listed in a food item’s nutritional facts list to ensure that they meet their dietary standards. Muslims must be even more conscientious of what they consume, as a Muslim’s diet must, above all, be lawful (halal) under Islamic law, as well as wholesome (tayyib). The Qur’an states, “O people, eat from whatever is upon the earth that is lawful and wholesome” (2:168). Of all types of food, one that has become the cause of controversy among Muslims the world over is slaughtered meat. Muslim sources without the guidance of scholars have spread inaccurate information about Islam’s rules and regulations for animal slaughter, leaving Muslims confused about the facts. Authored by a Muslim scholar recognised worldwide for his mastery of Islamic jurisprudence, The Islamic Laws of Animal Slaughter clears up the confusion. The author presents a brief, structured analysis of Islam’s laws for animal slaughter, as well as an overview of their practical application in the modern world. A couple of articles, appended specially for this translation, round off the discussion by addressing matters particularly relevant to Muslims in the US and other Western nations. The Islamic Laws of Animal Slaughter is available at ZAR110 from the Al-Ansaar Book & Media Centre, 189 West Road, Overport, Durban. Contact +27 31 208 1601. |
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