Savor & Soul: Cooking with Islamic Wisdom

📖 Introduction & Revealed History (Asbab al-Nuzul): Surah An-Nur (The Light) is a Medinan Surah, primarily revealed to address issues related to modesty, morality, family honor, and justice in the Muslim society. Verses 4–5 were revealed in the context of an extremely sensitive incident in Islamic history known as the "Ifk incident" (The Slander). This involved the false accusation of adultery against Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Though she was completely innocent, some hypocrites and even a few Muslims spread the rumor without any proof. These verses were revealed to establish strict legal protection for personal honor and dignity, especially of chaste women, and to discourage slander and false accusations by setting a clear punishment. 📝 Summary of Verses 4–5 (Surah An-Nur): Verse 4 lays down the law: Anyone who accuses a chaste woman of adultery and fails to bring four reliable witnesses is to be punished with 80 lashes. Additionally, thei...

 Summary of Verses 41–44: Verse 41: Sulaiman asks for Bilqis’s throne to be disguised slightly to test whether she can recognise it, showing her wisdom and readiness for the truth. Verse 42: She sees the throne and cautiously says, "It looks like it." This hints that her heart is opening, and she’s reflecting on what is happening. Verse 43: Her false worship had prevented her from seeing the truth, but now she is beginning to realise that her people’s ways were misguided. Verse 44: She is asked to enter the palace. Mistaking the glass floor for water, she lifts her robe. Sulaiman clarifies it’s a crystal floor. The moment symbolises the illusion of the world and the clarity of truth. She finally says: “O my Lord, I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.” 💡 Themes and Reflections: Humility leads to guidance. The world can deceive — truth is revealed through reflection. Dawah (inviting to Islam) can be done with wisdom and sub...

Introduction: Verses 36–44 of Surah An-Naml describe a fascinating story between Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) and the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis). These verses highlight themes of prophetic wisdom, divine power, and the invitation to true faith (Tawheed). The story shows how material wealth, diplomacy, and power are all subject to divine authority and the truth of Islam. 🕰️ Revealed Context / Shan-e-Nuzool: These verses were revealed in the context of the well-known incident of Sulaiman (A.S.) and the people of Saba. Prophet Sulaiman, who had control over jinns, birds, winds, and more, received news from the hoopoe bird (hud-hud) about a queen and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah. Sulaiman sent her a letter inviting her to submit to the One God. These verses narrate her response, the message’s impact, and the miraculous events that followed — including the transportation of her throne, her arrival at Sulaiman’s court, and her eventual acceptance of Islam. ✨ Summary of Verses ...

Introduction: Surah An-Naml (The Ant) is the 27th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. Verses 20 to 26 narrate a profound conversation between Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) and a bird named Hudhud (Hoopoe). This passage reflects the unique wisdom, justice, and leadership of Sulaiman (A.S), and the mission to spread Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) to the people of Sheba, who worshipped the sun. 📜 Historical Background: Prophet Sulaiman (A.S) was gifted by Allah with the ability to communicate with animals and jinn, and he had a vast kingdom. The Hoopoe bird (Hudhud), while missing from the assembly, returns with important intelligence about the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) and her people who were worshipping the sun. This incident sets the stage for an invitation to Islam and displays diplomacy, divine wisdom, and prophetic leadership. 📚 Summary Prophet Sulaiman (A.S) notices Hudhud missing. He vows punishment unless Hudhud gives a valid reason. Hudhud returns with news about a queen ruling in Sheba...

🍗 Albaik Crispy Chicken: Albaik is a legendary fast-food chain from Saudi Arabia, originally founded in 1974 in Jeddah by Shakour AbuGhazalah. It became famous for its crispy broast chicken, seasoned with a secret blend of 18 spices, and served with garlic sauce and fries. Unlike American-style fried chicken, Albaik's recipe focuses on deep-marinated chicken, often pressure-fried, which gives it its signature crunch on the outside and a moist interior. Over the years, Albaik became a cultural icon in Saudi Arabia and is now loved across the Middle East. Pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah often consider eating Albaik a must. Due to its limited availability, many try to recreate Albaik-style fried chicken at home — golden, crispy, and perfectly spiced. Ingredients: Boneless Chicken 500 gm Salt 1tbs Vinegar 1/2cup Injection Marination- Chilli Sauce 1/2cup Salt 1/2tsp Vinegar 2tbs Red chilli 1/2tsp Paprika 1/2tsp Spicy Marination- Salt 3/4tsp Rede Chili 1/2tsp Paprika 1/2tsp Garlic ...

🕋 Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul) According to Ibn Kathir, these verses were revealed in Makkah when the disbelievers of Quraysh mocked the idea of resurrection. They would say, “Will we really be brought back after our bones have decayed and scattered?” 🔗 Reference: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah al-Qiyamah, Ayah 3 Quran.com – 75:3 Tafsir Ibn Kathir 📜 Background and Purpose The pagans of Makkah denied the Hereafter and resurrection, ridiculing it. To address their arrogance, Allah begins with two powerful oaths: "I swear by the Day of Resurrection. And I swear by the self-reproaching soul." (Verses 1–2) Then Allah affirms: "Does man think We will not assemble his bones? Yes! We are even able to reconstruct his fingertips." (Verses 3–4) 🔗 Reference: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah al-Qiyamah, Ayahs 1–4 SurahQuran.com – Tafsir in English 📝 Verse-by-Verse Summary (Ibn Kathir Based) VerseMeaning (as per Ibn Kathir)1–2Allah swears by Resurrection Day and the s...

Confirmed Incident: Victim: Rahma Ayat, a 26-year-old Muslim nursing student from Algeria. Location: Hemmingen, a district in the city of Hannover, in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany. Date of Incident: July 4, 2025 Assailant: A 31-year-old German neighbor who reportedly had a history of Islamophobic behavior. Cause of Death: Stab wounds inflicted while she was walking down a staircase — a targeted and fatal knife attack The victim’s family and Muslim community believe: She was targeted for wearing the hijab and for being a non-German. She had previously reported threats from the neighbor to the police, but no serious action was taken. The police are currently treating it as a "personal dispute," which has sparked protests and outrage in the community. * **متاثرہ:** رحمہ آیّات (Rahma Ayat)، 26 سالہ الجزائر سے تعلق رکھنے والی مسلم نرسنگ اسٹوڈنٹ۔ * **جائے وقوعہ:** **Hemmingen، شہر Hannover، صوبہ Lower Saxony، جرمنی۔** * **تاریخِ واقعہ:** 4 جولائی 2025۔ * **قاتل:** اس کا **31 ...