Please don't break your fast with an Israeli date.

Boycott Israeli Dates

Every year, Israel exports millions of pounds worth of dates to the world, which many Muslims unknowingly buy and use to break their fasts.

These dates are grown in illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, on land that has been stolen from Palestinians. By buying these dates, we are in fact helping Israel to continue its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

Background

In 2004 the International Court of Justice ruled that the Israeli settlements are illegal – they are built on stolen Palestinian land. Growing dates is one of the major agricultural activities carried out by nearly half of the illegal Israeli settlements located in the Jordan Valley – it’s their most profitable crop , and contributes significantly to their economic viability.

Picking of the dates is hard work, so the Israeli settlers bring in Palestinian labourers to do this back breaking work. During the pruning season the workers are dropped on the date palm trees by a hoisting crane at 5 o’clock in the morning, left perched on palms that soar to a height of 10 or even 12 meters – the height of a three- or four-story building, left there swaying in the wind for up to 8 hours without a break and with no means to come down until the crane returns at the end of the day, the workers cling to the tree with one arm and work with the other to meet their quota. They can’t even take a break to go to the toilet. If they complain or fall behind their quota they will lose their jobs and their families will starve.

Out of desperate poverty Palestinian families are forced to take their children out of school and hand them over to the settlers to work for a pittance. (Source: Channel4 news 7 July 2008)

But the Israelis prefer to employ children – even issuing them official work permits, as they are quick and light, can climb trees faster, work for less and it’s easier to cheat and humiliate them.

Most of the Israeli date crop – up to 80%, is exported, mainly to Europe where it has around 10% market share. In 2005, dates were Israel’s leading fruit export.

The two major Israeli companies involved are Agrexco and Hadiklaim. Agrexco, half owned by the Israeli government, handles 60-70% of all goods produced in the illegal Settlements. Its dates have brand names Carmel, Jordan Plains and Jordan Valley. Before the start of Ramadan, Carmel boasted in their press release that they had managed an early crop of dates in order to meet the Ramadan demand for dates from Europe’s Muslims!

Hadiklaim sells 65 percent of the all dates produced in Israel.

It's dates have brand names King Solomon and Jordan River. They also supply Israeli dates to supermarkets and retail chains who market them under their own brand names. These include Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose.

Sainsburys Medjool Dates produced in the illegal Israeli settlement of Netiv Hagdud in the West Bank

Sometimes they are labelled “Produced in the West Bank” – this just confirms they are grown in the illegal Israeli settlements.

Peace activists who visited the Palestinian village of Fasayl in the Jordan Valley discovered that villagers are slowly being forced off their land by the Israeli army. The only livelihood left open to them is to work for Carmel Agrexco. The activists even spoke to two Palestinian children under the age of 12 who were working for Carmel. The Palestinian workers whose land had been stolen and were forced to work for Carmel in order to feed their families – they had a message for the peace activists, a plea for anyone who would listen – they urged them to take action against Carmel Agrexco and such companies that support Israeli apartheid. What excuse is left for us not to boycott Israel? If you oppose the illegal settlements target their dates. Boycotting can make a real difference.

Please don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends.

The benefits of Fasting from a Health perspective.

The act of fasting, or the imposition of a complete abstinence from food, is the best possible safeguard from the illnesses of the mind, body, heart and soul. Indeed Allah Azzawajjal has put both benefits for Health and benefits for Imaan in Fasting.

This post looks in brief detail at the health benefits and it is understand that fasting from a dietary perspective produces wondrous results in preventative medicine. Western cultures are only just beginning to understand how the human body undertakes healing through fasting, although this is something Muslims were taught over 1400 years ago.

In terms of physical benefits, fasting helps to soften and dissolve obstructions which have accumulated in the intestines over a number of years, which the body cannot readily absorb, or which it cannot expel easily. The main benefits in fasting arise in it being a very effective treatment for acute gastrointestinal obstructions and constipation (fasting is actually better for constipation than the use of purgatives). Dietary fasting also helps to control an excessive desire for food (eating too much, thinking of it too often, dreaming of it at night etc.), and such control balances the body’s energies.

Fasting also helps control the body’s sexual desires when a Muslim fears such desires will overwhelm him or her, and make that person commit sin; Muslim men and women who cannot marry for a legitimate reason have been instructed to fast by the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) as a way of helping them control their desires.

It was narrated by 'Alqama (radhi Allahu anhu) that "While I was walking with 'Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) he said, "We were in the company of the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) and he said, 'He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women, and save his private parts from looking at other women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 129

It is best to fast in moderation (in interrupted sequences, i.e. continuous fasting day and night is forbidden) and when it is religiously required (compulsory fasting during the month of Ramadhan). This is because the human body has a very natural need for a period where we practice abstinence from food. During this time, the stomach and digestive tract have an opportunity to relax, repair and expel toxins. As a result, any illnesses or diseases a person may be suffering from, discontinue to affect the body while it is in a state of fasting.

As for the spiritual benefits, fasting also protects a Believer from immorality and evil (that of shayateen, men and jinn), balances his/her mind and guides his or her heart to avoid possible trespassing by the devils. It also helps the Believer to perform his or her other religious obligations (such as the prayers, reciting the Qur’an, giving Zakat etc.) more consistently, humbly and beautifully. It also warms the heart to worshipping Allah at night (Qiyaam ul Layl).

Allah Almighty says in the Noble Qur’an; 

“O Believers! Fasting is ordained for you, as it was ordained for those [people] before you as your expression of piety...” 
[2:183]. 

Allah Azzawajjal also says; 

“It is better for you [to fast]...” 
[2:184]

It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (radhi Allahu anhu) that Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 118

This is because since fasting is an act of true piety, it is considered by Allah a most beautiful devotion that brings a servant closer to his or her Lord in love and dependence, and this envelops him or her in Allah’s divine protection.

Allah the Almighty has created a very special gate of entry into Paradise, called Ar-Raiyaan, reserved only for His servants who fasted regularly in their lives. Fasting carries a unique and coveted reward with Allah Subhanahu’Watahala.

The Benefits of Dates.

Fresh ripe dates were the food Allah The Exalted provided for our Mother Maryam (on whom be peace) after she gave birth to 'Isaa (alayhisalaam) under the palm tree, as Allah says in the Qur'an;

"And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."

[19:25]

Dates are considered one of the essential foods from the Sunnah and are prized in Middle Eastern culture for their sweetness and wholesomeness. They have the ability to metabolize quickly in the body, providing an essential energy boost for those who have been fasting all day.

It is recorded in the works of Imaam Al Bukhari (rahimullah) that Dates and Water where the only two foods available in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on most days;

Our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) said to Urwa (radhi Allahu anhu), "O, the son of my sister! We used to see three crescents in two months, and no fire used to be made in the houses of Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) [i.e. nothing used to be cooked]." 'Urwa said, "What used to sustain you?" A'ishah said, "The two black things i.e. dates and water, except that Allah's Apostle had neighbors from the Ansaar who had some milch she-camels, and they used to give the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) some milk from their house, and he used to make us drink it."
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 466

Foods which accompanied Dates in the meals of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

There are a number of authentic Hadith which report that the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sometimes ate dates with other foods. These foods are considered to be the best accompaniments for dates in terms of balancing their temperament and nutrients.

Fresh Ripe dates with [Snake] Cucumber.

Abdullah ibn Ja'far (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that, "I saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 358

Snake Cucumber may be the same as or similar to Armenian Cucumber and the seeds can be purchased here - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUCUMBER-ARMENIAN-YARD-LONG-70-SEEDS-/370631247434?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item564b58064a

Dates with [Musk] Melon.

It is recorded that our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated, "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to eat melon with fresh dates, and he used to say: "The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat of the other.""
Classed as Hasan by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 27, Hadith 3827

Musk melon can be grown organically in the UK in a heated greenhouse or outside in the garden in a tunnel - http://www.seedsofitaly.com/BIO_MELON_HALES_JUMBO/p1834925_8313668.aspx

A drink of dates soaked overnight in water - Nabeez.

Nabeez is a drink made by soaking either dates or raisins overnight in water and it was provided for our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) during his lifetime as reported in the authentic narrations. It's easy to make and nutritious and makes a great breakfast drink. More info can be found here - http://prophetic-medicine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nabeez.html

Dates with Sawwiq [wholegrain barley flour].

It was narrated by Abu Burda (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "When I came to Medinah, I met Abdullah bin Salam (radhi Allahu anhu) and he said, "Will you come to me so that I may serve you with Sawiq (i.e. powdered barley) and dates, and let you enter a (blessed) house that in which the Prophet (sallallahu alahyi wasallam) entered?"...

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 5, Book 58, Number 159

Occasions from Qur'an and Hadith relating to when dates were eaten.

As we can see from the above where Allah Azzawajal mentioned how Maryam (as) was provided with dates after having given birth, dates are a highly beneficial energy booster for new mothers.

Occasions from Hadith;

Before proceeding out for the Eid ul Fit'r Prayer [as a breakfast] - 

It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates.

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 73

and also reported as Sahih in Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 543

Dates should be shared with companions in a gathering, particularly if they are hungry - 

It was narrated by Jabala that "We were in Medinah with some of the Iraqi people, and we were struck with famine and Ibn Az-Zubair used to give us dates. Ibn 'Umar used to pass by and say, "The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade us to eat two dates at a time, unless one takes the permission of one's companions." 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 43, Number 635

For example, it would be a great blessing therefore to offer dates in the Mosque during Ramadhan at Iftaar for those who have prayed.

Dates for breaking the Fast - 

It was narrated by Anas ibn Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates; but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water.
Classed as Hasan Sahih by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 13, Hadith 2349

The Sunnah is to consume an odd number [reported as 3 in Riyad As Saliheen, At Tirimithi] and in sha Allaah this is extremely beneficial for our health and should be practiced regularly because it helps not over-eating food at Iftaar time. The body processes the nutritional value of dates very quickly, preventing us from feeling the subsequent need to eat a lot.

http://www.sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/9/249

Ibn Al Qayyim's commentary on dates.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that eating fresh dates is particularly beneficial for people who have a cold temperament. They help to rectify a cold, stagnant stomach. But for those who have never eaten fresh dates before or are not used to it, it would cause more harm to start eating them frequently. Dates are beneficial in treating and preventing a number of different illnesses, including constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, sexual weakness, diarrhoea and abdominal cancers.

In the Middle East, dates are consumed in a number of different ways; like mixing the paste of crushed dates with milk, nuts, yoghurt, or consuming it with bread and clarified butter.

The best dates are grown in the city of Madinah. They are generally sweeter and have a higher fibre content, which helps to provide an important energy boost at breakfast and normalise digestion. 

Dates are said to have the highest fibre content of all dried fruits and a daily serving of 20-35 grams of fibre in dates is recommended by the American Cancer Society. Dates are one of natures most highest sources of potassium; a mineral which is vital to the regular and healthy contractions of the heart muscle. Potassium is also required by the human body to balance the digestive system and nervous system.

It is also said that eating just one date each day guards against weakening eyesight for a lifetime.

The profound blessings of Ajwa' Dates.

Ajwa' dates are smaller and darker in colour and slightly less sweet than other varieties. Ma sha Allaah it is for this reason that I have personally found them more to my liking [easier to eat] than varieties which are larger and sweeter.

There is no doubt that the sand of Madinah where the Ajwa' date palm plantations stand even to this day is blessed and full of Shifa due to the sacred status of this city, and Saad bin Abi Waqaas narrated that God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever eats seven Medinah dates [Ajwa'] for his breakfast will suffer from neither poison nor witchcraft for that day.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

King Saud University researchers find Awja Date's cancer prevention properties - http://www.healthymuslim.com/articles/ipgbfzokh-ajwa-dates-contain-cancer-preventing-property.cfm

Purchase Ajwa' dates in the UK - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Date_Shop.php

Miswaak.

Siwaak [Miswaak] is a natural toothbrush, made from a piece of the fibrous root of the Araak tree, which grows around the Arabian Peninsula. You can buy a Miswaak stick in any good Islamic store. The outer bark will need to be stripped away from the tip of the stick, then the fibrous inner root can be gently chewed until it separates out into a brush. When the brush-end gets worn away, more bark can be removed and the process starts again.

It is narrated in two instances of correct prophetic traditions that God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “If I did not think that it would be difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to brush their teeth with a Miswaak before each prayer.” 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 12

And also;

'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu 'Atiq (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated; "My father told me: 'I heard 'A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) say, (narrating) from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): "Siwak is a means of purification for the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord."

Classed as Sahih in Sunan An Nasa'i Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 5

Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that the preferred type of Miswaak is from the Aloeswood tree because it tastes better and is more fragrant, and it’s better to let it soak a while in rose water before brushing.

God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also used to brush his teeth with it before retiring to bed and he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was also particularly ceremonial about cleaning his teeth with a Miswaak before taking his ablution for prayers, upon waking up for the supererogatory night prayers (Tahajjud or Qiyyaam ul Layl), before the Faj’r prayer and also upon entering home from being out.

Hudhaifa (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that "Whenever the Prophet got up at night [for the Tahajjud Prayer], he used to clean his mouth with Siwaak."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 1, Book 4, Number 246 and also Volume 2, Book 21, Number 237

Such was the love of Siwaak to Rasool'Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that it was one of the very last acts he carried out in the throes of death just before he passed away;

Our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated; "It was one of the favors of Allah towards me that Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) expired in my house on the day of my turn while he was leaning against my chest and Allah made my saliva mix with his saliva at his death. 'Abdur-Rahman entered upon me with a siwak in his hand and I was supporting (the back of) Allah's Apostle (against my chest). I saw the Prophet looking at it (i.e. siwak) and I knew that he loved the siwak, so I said (to him), "Shall I take it for you?" He nodded in agreement. So I took it and it was too stiff for him to use, so I said, "Shall I soften it for you?" He nodded his approval. So I softened it and he cleaned his teeth with it. In front of him there was a jug or a tin, (The sub-narrator, 'Umar is in doubt as to which was right) containing water. He started dipping his hand in the water and rubbing his face with it, he said, "None has the right to be worshipped except Allah. Death has its agonies." He then lifted his hands (towards the sky) and started saying, "With the highest companion," till he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) expired and his hand dropped down.

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 5, Book 59, Number 730

Brushing one’s teeth excessively and roughly with a toothbrush or a Miswaak can dull their polish, harm the enamel and make bad breath symptoms worse because bacteria can harbour in the microscopic pores on the surface of the teeth which are uncovered once the enamel has worn away.

Regular and moderate brushing of the teeth with a Miswaak preserves their polish, strengthens their roots, renders the speech more eloquent, prevents plaque build-up, clears the brain, sharpens the memory, freshens the mouth and generates a good appetite. 

The use of a Miswaak is also highly recommended during fasting as long as no toothpastes or powders are also used. Dentists also advocate brushing the tongue whenever you brush your teeth as it can sometimes harbour the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Miswaak Toothpaste.

There are a number of manufacturers which now sell toothpaste with Miswaak extract. Some people may prefer to use these products but they do not contain any significant amount of extract, neither have there been any studies to look at how using them compares with using the Siwaak stick.

Some of these products contain high amounts of artificial flavourings and sweeteners, as well as potentially dangerous amounts of Fluoride. Some brands of Miswaak Toothpaste have higher amounts of Fluoride in them than regular toothpastes. Danger Of Bone Cancer From Fluoride In Toothpaste, Drinking Water

Bad breath is not something that is solely down to poor oral hygiene, it could be the result of a deeper, underlying problem which should be checked out by your doctor.

Drinking acidic drinks and drinks with a high sugar content frequently, like juices and colas, can have the effect of fermenting bad bacteria in the gut (this can also lead to a sluggish digestive system and bloating), which in turn causes bad breath and thickened saliva. It’s better to get into the habit of replacing such drinks with mineral water with increasing frequency until you only enjoy them now and then.

It’s also important to avoid eating raw onions and garlic because the mouth odour they cause is offensive to the Angels. Onions and garlic should always be cooked before eating unless the raw prescription was made by a qualified tabeeb to treat a medical condition.