Savor & Soul: Cooking with Islamic Wisdom

  Surah Al‑Humazah Translation (Simple English) Woe to every backbiter and slanderer, Who collects wealth and keeps counting it. Thinking that his wealth will make him live forever. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher (Hellfire). And what will make you know what the Crusher is? It is the Fire of Allah, intensely kindled, Which rises over the hearts. Indeed, it will be closed down upon them, In extended columns. What is Backbiting According to the Hadiths In authentic hadiths, backbiting (Gheebah) is when you mention something about your brother or sister behind their back that they would dislike, even if it is true. If the statement is false, then it becomes slander (buhtan) which is even worse. The Prophet ﷺ warned that: Speaking about others in a harmful way damages hearts and society. Spreading people’s faults, mocking, or insulting them falls under serious sins. A person who spreads gossip and creates conflict between people is strongly condemned. Bac...

Surah Al-Baqarah 67–72 English Translation 2:67 And (remember) when Moses said to his people, “Indeed, Allah commands you to slaughter a cow.” They said, “Are you making fun of us?” He said, “I seek refuge in Allah from being among the ignorant.” 2:68 They said, “Call upon your Lord for us to clarify what kind it is.” He said, “He says: It is a cow neither old nor very young, but of middle age. So do what you are commanded.” 2:69 They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us its color.” He said, “He says: It is a yellow cow, bright in color, pleasing to those who look at it.” 2:70 They said, “Call upon your Lord to make clear to us what it is, for all cows seem alike to us. And indeed, if Allah wills, we will be guided.” 2:71 He said, “He says: It is a cow not trained to plow the earth or water the fields, sound and without any blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” So they slaughtered it, though they were almost not going to do it. 2:72 And (remember) when yo...

Bal‘am bin Ba‘ura (بلعم بن باعوراء) 🌿 Introduction Bal‘am bin Ba‘ura is a well-known figure mentioned by many classical Islamic scholars in the explanation of Surah Al-A‘raf (7:175-176) in the Qur’an. Though his name is not directly mentioned in the Qur’an, mufassireen like Ibn Kathir and Ibn Abbas relate that these verses refer to a man who was granted knowledge and signs from Allah but chose worldly gain over divine guidance. His story is often cited as one of the most heartbreaking examples of how knowledge without sincerity can lead to destruction. 📖 Story of Bal‘am bin Ba‘ura According to Islamic narrations: Bal‘am was a learned man from the time of Musa (AS). He was granted deep knowledge, and some narrations say he even knew the Ism-e-Azam (The Greatest Name of Allah). When Prophet Musa (AS) and Bani Israel approached his land, local leaders pressured Bal‘am to pray against Musa (AS). At first, he refused because he knew Musa (AS) was a true Prophet. But due to greed...

🧀🍗 Chicken Cheesy Ghilafi Kabab 🌟 Introduction Chicken Cheesy Ghilafi Kabab is a soft, juicy and flavorful kabab coated with colourful vegetables and stuffed with melted cheese inside. It is crispy from the outside, creamy from inside, and absolutely perfect for Iftar, dinner parties, Dawat, Eid gatherings, and special occasions. This recipe is easy to prepare and can also be made & freeze for Ramadan preparation. 📝 Description These kababs are made with finely minced chicken mixed with aromatic spices, herbs, and cream. A delicious cube of cheese is placed in the centre, then coated (Ghilaf) with capsicum, carrots and coriander for a beautiful look and extra flavour. Pan-fried to golden perfection — they turn out crispy outside and cheesy inside. Every bite is bursting with taste! 🛒 Ingredients 🐔 For Kabab Mixture: 1.5 kg Chicken mince (boneless) 2 tbsp Ginger garlic paste 3 tbsp Fresh coriander (chopped) 2 green chillies (finely chopped) 1 tsp Red chili powder...

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186–187) From the Quran 🔹 Translation 📖 2:186 “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.” 📖 2:187 “It has been made lawful for you, on the night of fasting, to be intimate with your wives. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knew that you were deceiving yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek what Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread (of night). Then complete the fast until sunset. And do not have relations with them while you are in retreat (i‘tikaf) in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not approach them. Thus Allah makes His verses clear to the people that they may become righteous.” 🔹 Explanation (Tafsir Summary)...

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183–185) 🔹 TRANSLATION 2:183 O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain righteousness (taqwa). 2:184 [Fasting is for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. And upon those who are able (but with difficulty) – a ransom of feeding a poor person. But whoever volunteers extra good – it is better for him. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew. 2:185 The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever witnesses the month must fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend hardship for you. So that you complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for guiding you, and that you may be grateful. 🌿 EXPLANATION Purpose of Fasting – Taqwa ...

Surah Al-Ma’un (سورة الماعون) Surah Number: 107 Verses: 7 Place of Revelation: Makkah 🔹 Full English Translation Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense (the Day of Judgment)? That is the one who repels the orphan And does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray, Those who are heedless of their prayer, Those who make a show (of their deeds), And withhold small acts of kindness. 🔎 Explanation (Tafsir in Simple Words) Surah Al-Ma’un exposes the true face of hypocrisy. It describes a person who: Claims belief but denies accountability. Treats orphans harshly. Does not care about feeding the poor. Prays but without sincerity. Performs religious acts only to show off. Refuses even small acts of help. Allah is teaching that Islam is not just rituals — it is character, compassion, and sincerity. A person who prays but has no mercy, no humility, and no social responsibility is spiritually empty. 📌 Description (For YouTube or Post) Sura...