“And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favour [i.e., blessings] of Allah, you could not enumerate them.” (Qur’an 14:34)
“So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (Qur’an 55:13)
Alhamdulillah infinitely; as indeed, it is without a doubt that Allah (SWT) has blessed us with so many favours. Just as these verses indicate to us, we cannot deny them, nor could we ever be able to count them. Subhan’Allah.
Among these infinite favours are the flavours Allah (SWT) has gifted us with; and it is worth contemplating how He, in His profound and unmatched kindness, did not just give us a handful of foods but a whole plethora of distinguished foods in variety. Fruits, vegetables, as well as many types of grains, fish, poultry, and cuisines, are evidenced from all over the world. Alhamdulillah for the glorious bounties of the Most Glorious and Bountiful One.
One of the many culinary wonders of the world is South Asian cuisine, a cuisine defined by its numerous types of herbs and spices which are regularly used and packed with super benefits. For example, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, to name just a few, possess, whether realised or not, known advantages such as powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. What’s more, is the versatility of how these are incorporated into the South Asian diet, i.e., not limited to just curries but also used to make herbal teas, drinks, and desserts.
Within the culinary expertise of Bangladesh, in particular, there are so many foods and delicacies which can be mentioned, but I will focus on just two: squash/gourds and dates.
GOURDS
Narrated Anas bin Malik: “Allah’s Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)…was offered (a dish of) gourd of which he started eating. I have loved to eat gourd since.“ (Al-Bukhaari)
Firstly, what is quite amazing is that gourds are a popular and renowned item on the menu of Bangladeshi households. However, again, their virtue and benefit may not always be known. It’s fascinating to think about how these palates and recipes have been carried on and maintained from generation to generation, and, of course, to reflect on their origin in the first place. Subhan’Allah.
Gourds are also the delight of many Bangladeshi home gardens, where many people, through great effort, toil, as well as passion and deep joy, harvest and grow these in their gardens. Then, eventually, by the will of Allah (SWT), they reap what they sow, and in more ways than one.
Alhamdulillah, how wonderful it is that Allah (SWT), in His subtle mercy, has ingrained and inspired such passions, abilities, and appetites into many people.
DATES
There are many ways of including dates in the diet, to enjoy both the taste and the nutritional benefits. A well-known and famous Bangladeshi sweet snack is ‘handesh’. It is made with date molasses and flour, with other optional ingredients if preferred (recipes are readily available online).
Dates are, of course, another popular virtuous food – a highly acclaimed staple favoured and consumed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). And again, Alhamdulillah, there is not just one variety of date but several! For example, the Ajwa date, of which we are told of the benefit:
Our Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Al-‘Ajwah is from Paradise and it contains a cure for poison…” (Transmitted by Tirmidhi)
We are also enlightened about further benefits for pregnant women, or women experiencing the pains of childbirth, as in the case of Maryam (AS) subhan’Allah
“And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, ‘Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.’ But he called her from below her, ‘Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be contented..” (Qur’an 19:23-26)
Here is a little bonus for you: since learning of the benefits of dates and date molasses myself, Alhamdulillah, I like to enjoy some Greek yoghurt with date molasses. It goes wonderfully with any fruit of your liking (pomegranate is probably my favourite). You can also add granola, chia seeds, or whatever you desire! Be adventurous :). Secondly, it can also serve as a healthier and more natural alternative sweetener to add to your cuppa!
A simple, quick Google search can easily back up the facts, confirming the remarkable content and dietary benefits of just these two mentioned Sunnah superfoods: gourds and dates.
By the will of Allah (SWT), I hope this short article has not only inspired and increased you in faith and gratitude, but also evoked curiosity to explore the variety of foods our Most Loving and Generous Lord, Al-Wadud (The Most Loving), Al-Kareem (The Most Generous), has granted us at our fingertips as a great gift to discover, benefit from, and enjoy!
May Allah (SWT), Ar-Razzaq (The Provider), grant us goodness and blessings in all that we do, in all parts of our lives, and may He guide us. May He grant us the fortune and ability to stay grateful, be content, eat well, and follow His commands and the Sunnah to the best of our ability, Ameen!
“Then eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good. And be grateful for the favour of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (Qur’an 16:114)
