Explanations

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Ok first things first, a belated Eid Mubarak! I pray Allah accepts from us our deeds, ameen!

Moving on to the obvious: I've kinda been a no-show for a while, I know, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about the MWK! This site is actually very near and dear to my heart but as often happens, life gets in the way and before I know it, its been a month (or two!) since I've updated. Things have just gotten busier and it doesn't look like any of that will change in the near future, Allahu alim. So while I am learning how to adjust to this new hectic schedule of mine, I thought I'd bring y'all along for the ride!

I'm started playing around with the idea of freezer cooking and though I've only done it once, I've been happy with it so far. I've been following blogs that basically live by it and, to tell you the truth, was quite intimidated by the idea at first. But you can only eat take-out so many times and I actually do miss cooking, so I had no other choice but to embrace my freezer.

You'll see a new category to the right and insha'allah I'll keep y'all updated with the latest things to come out of my kitchen and freezer.

It's good to be back :)

Ramadan Mubarak!

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

 

Ramadhan is the month 

In which was sent down
The Qur'an, as a guide
To mankind, also clear Signs
For guidance and judgment
Between right and wrong

The Holy Qur'an

Al Baqarah : 185

Like last year, the Muslim Wife's Kitchen will be closed during the month of Ramadan to give myself, and everyone else, a chance to take advantage of the incredible blessings available to us. Insha'allah, I'll be back after Ramadan to share some new recipes and ideas with you, but until then, I will still be (kind of) available thru email/comments if you do have any questions. See y'all later insha'allah! 

We ask Allah to accept our efforts and forgive us our sins, ameen!  

And because this is a food site, I thought these article would be a great reminder to myself and all the rest of the cooks out there insha'allah! :

Extravagance in Food & Drink During Ramadan

Making Use of Time While Cooking in Ramadan

Eid Mubarak!

Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa mink 

May Allaah accept this worship from us and from you

As promised, the Muslim Wife's Kitchen is now back up and running. New posts to come, insha'Allah!

Making Use of Time While Cooking in Ramadan

Q: I would like to know what actions are recommended during this blessed month in order to increase one’s reward, such as dhikrs, acts of worship, and mustahabb actions. I know about Taraweeh prayer, reciting Qur’aan a great deal, seeking forgiveness a great deal and praying at night. But I want to know some words I can repeat during my daily duties such as when I am cooking or doing housework, because I do not want to miss out on the reward.

A: Praise be to Allaah
.

May Allaah reward you with good for this concern and eagerness to do good and righteous deeds during this blessed month. 

To the good deeds that you have mentioned may be added charity, feeding the poor, going for ‘Umrah and observing i’tikaaf for those who are able to do so. 

As for the words that you can repeat whilst you are working, these include tasbeeh (saying Subhaan Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (There is no god but Allaah)), takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most Great)), praying for forgiveness, making du’aa’ and responding to the muezzin. Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allaah and seek a great reward with a few words which you can utter. For every tasbeehah you will have (the reward of) one charity, for every tahmeedah (saying Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allaah)) you will have (the reward of) one charity, for every takbeerah you will have (the reward of) one charity, and for every tahleelah you will have (the reward of) one charity. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every person’s every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up, every tasbeehah is a charity, every tahmeedah is a charity, every tahleelah is a charity, every takbeerah is a charity, enjoining what is good is a charity, forbidding what is evil is a charity, and if you do two rak’ahs at duha time (the forenoon), that may be sufficient.” Narrated by Muslim, 720. 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Two words which are light on the tongue and heavy in the Balance, and beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhaana Allaah wa bihamdih, subhaan Allaah il-‘Azeem (Glory and praise be to Allaah, glory be to Allaah the Almighty).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6682; Muslim, 2694. 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever says ‘Subhaan Allaah il-‘Azeem wa bi hamdih (Glory and praise be to Allaah the Almighty),’ a palm tree will be planted for him in Paradise.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3465; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever says ‘Astaghfir Allaah ul-‘azeem alladhi laa ilaaha illa huwa al-hayy ul-qayyoom wa atoobu ilayh (I seek the forgiveness of Allaah the Almighty, beside Whom there is no other god, and I repent to Him),’ will be forgiven even if he fled from the battlefield.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1517; al-Tirmidhi, 3277’ classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no Muslim on earth who prays to Allaah for something but Allaah will grant him it, or divert an equivalent evil from him, so long as he does not pray for sin or the severing of family ties.” A man among the people said: “Then we will pray a great deal.” He said: “Allaah is most generous.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3573; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you hear the muezzin, say what he says, then send blessings upon me, for whoever send one blessing upon me, Allaah will send ten blessings upon him. Then ask Allaah to grant me al-waseelah, which is a position in Paradise which will be attained by only one of the slaves of Allaah, and I hope that I will be the one. Whoever asks for al-waseelah for me, intercession will be granted for him.” Narrated by Muslim, 384. 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever says when he hears the call to prayer, ‘Allaahumma rabba hadhhi’l-da’wat il-taammah wa’l-salaat il-qaa’imah, aati Muhammadan al-waseelah wa’l-fadeelah wab’athhu maqaaman mahmoodan alladhi wa’adtahu (O Allaah, Lord of this perfect call and the prayer which is about to begin, grant Muhammad al-waseelah (a station in Paradise) and al-fadeelah (a rank above the rest of creation), and raise him to the praised position that You have promised),’ my intercession will be granted for him on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 614. 

See also the answer to question no. 4156 

May Allaah increase us and you in beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds. 

And Allaah knows best.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

In an effort to minimize the worldly distractions for myself (and you all, too!) during this special month, I won't be posting any new recipes. Yes, I'll still be cooking here at home but I rather not take time from this valuable month in documenting and posting each new recipe, and I know you all, my dear sisters, will understand.

The site will remain open and I will be available via email if you have any questions or comments, other than that, the (virtual) Muslim Wife Kitchen will be closed for the month of Ramadan. I pray everyone has a great month full of extra worship. I ask Allah to accept from us our deeds and make us from amongst those who enter jannah thru the gates of Ar-Rayyan, ameen!

Nutmeg is a No No

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

 "The answer of the Believers, When summoned to God And His Apostle, in order That he may judge between them, Is no other than this: They say, "We hear and we obey":  It is such as these That will attain felicity." (An Nur : 51)


As Muslims we know that our religion is more than a once a week ritual or a couple fancy holidays a year, rather its a complete way of life. Islam dictates not only how we worship, but also how we dress, how we talk, how we sleep, and even how we eat. We know carrion, pork and alcohol are not permitted in our diet but did you know that nutmeg also falls under that category? That is because nutmeg is an intoxicant when consumed in large amounts and anything that intoxicates in large quantities is forbidden even in smaller quantities. There is a difference of opinion here, but the majority opinion is to be safe and leave it out. It's better to leave the "gray" areas and stick to the clear and safe ways. And remember, do something with a sincere intention and be certain that Allah subhanahu wa t'ala  will put the barakah in your affairs. So those muffins that call for a 1/8 tsp of grated nutmeg? Leave it out for the sake of Allah and insha'allah, they'll be more delicious and filling than any other recipe :)

Fatwa with daleel and explanation can

be found here: Islam Q&A on Nutmeg

How about 'dem apples

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem



There are a few things that leave you feeling more fulfilled and satisfied than having hand-picked your own food. As fall approaches, so do the warm flavors of the season and right now apples are in season. We've had the opportunity to go picking for a variety of produce at different times of the year, but there's something about apples that gets me, and I'm not even a fan of apples! Maybe its the cool, crisp autumn air or the varying shades of gold, green and bright red hanging off the tress. Or maybe its that intoxicating aroma that fills every crevice of your home whenever you bake one of these beauties up. Apple cobbler, apple turnovers, apple pie, the possibilities are almost endless!




Strolling through the rows and rows of trees heavy with fruit, the reality of the words of Allah strike you in a whole new way:

" O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan. Verily, he is to you an open enemy"
[al Baqarah: 168]



" Then let man cosider his food, How We pour water in showers, and We split the earth in fragments, and we cause therein the grain to grow, And grapes and green fodder, And olives and dates, And gardens, dense with many trees, And fruits of grasses: provision for you and your cattle" ['Abasa : 25-32]

Ramadan Cooking

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

How has Ramadan cooking been going for you all? Hard, easy? Everything turning out over salted or under seasoned?

One of the best Ramadan cooking tips I can give you is to take full advantage of your week off (you know, when Aunt Flow makes a visit) and cook up a storm. I know some people get started before Ramadan starts but I have never been that organized. Rather, I find it easier when I don't have to worry about getting dinner ready until much later than usual and can take my time cooking double batches of that nights meal. By the time your cycle is done, you should have a week's worth of leftovers to rotate through the month.

Also, leftovers pile up fast this month. Since it takes very little to feel full once you break your fast and there is not mid-day meal, take advantage of revamping leftovers into new meals (examples to come soon, insha'allah).