Purpose and philosophy of Adhaan

Both the Adhan (the call to prayer) and the Iqama are called in cities all around the world. The adhan, or Islamic call to prayer, is an integral part of the Muslim faith. Adhan (call to prayer) means ‘announcement,’ as states in the Holy Quran:

"And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Messenger are free from liability to the idolaters. (9:3)|"

One of the amazing facts that has been established is that there is not even a single moment when hundreds of thousands of Muazzins (callers to prayer) around the world are not calling the Adhan on the surface of this earth. Even as you read this material right now, you can be sure there are at least thousands of people who are hearing and reciting the Adhan

What is Muslim dietary practice and what are forbidden foods?

Muslim dietary practice is fundamentally about obeying God. All practising Muslim believers obey God Almighty by eating the allowed foods (halal) and avoiding the forbidden foods (haram) which are mentioned in the Qur’an and in the sayings of the final prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In Islam several animals are considered unclean and their consumption is forbidden (haraam), except in case of necessity; while others are permitted (halaal), as long as they are slaughtered in the proper manner and with blessings given to God.
'Halal' means lawful or allowed. Halal with regards to food and drink means that it is permitted for Muslims under the Islamic Law (Shari'ah). Halal food and drink does not consist of anything which is deemed unlawful.

'Haraam' means unlawful or forbidden. Haraam with regards to food and drink means that it is not permitted for Muslims under the Islamic Law (Shari'ah). It is considered a sin for a muslim to knowingly consume haraam food.


Forbidden Foods

• Pork, lard or any porcine substance
• Gelatine from animal source which is not halal
• Meat that is not slaughtered in the prescribed Islamic way.  Muslims must pronounce the name of Allah on all animals while slaughtering.
• Meat coming from a lawful animal which died before slaughter
• Blood (direct or indirect)
• Any food or drink with alcohol in it (all intoxicant and hazardous drinks)
• Any human substance or part
• All carnivorous animals and birds of prey
• Some non halal additives (E numbers like E120, E441, E542 etc) 

Useful links:

* Faithandfood Fact Files - Muslim
* Eat of the good things provided for you
* Muslim dining etiquttes

Significance of zam zam water for muslims

You can learn some facts, history and significance of blessed water 'zamzam' which is also called 'Aab-e-zamzam'.

Zamzam water is special to Muslims. Zam-zam water is one of the many signs of Allah Ta’ala. Zam-zam enjoys a lot of virtues and blessings. Below are some virtues:

 1. Zam-zam water is from jannah (paradise). 
 2. Zam-zam is the best water on earth. 
 3. Zam-zam is a cure for every sickness.

It is a miraculously-generated source of water from Allah (God), which began thousands of years ago when Ibrahim (as) infant son Ismael (as) was thirsty and kept crying for water and was kicking at the ground when water gushed out. Millions of pilgrims visit the Well each year while performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, in order to drink its water.

Zamzam water which is also called 'Aab-e-zamzam is special. To Muslims this blessed water is special in significance and history. This article helps you learn some facts, history and significance of zamzam water. It is a miraculously-generated source of water from Allah (God), which began thousands of years ago when Ibrahim (as) infant son Ismael (as) was thirsty and kept crying for water and was kicking at the ground when water gushed out. Millions of pilgrims visit the Well each year while performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, in order to drink its water.

Significance of zamzam: 

Zamzam water contains fluorides that have an effective germicidal action. It has always maintained the same salt composition and taste ever since it came into existence. Water tastes different at different places. Zamzam water's appeal has always been universal. This water has never been chemically treated or chlorinated as is the case with water pumped into the cities. Biological growth and vegetation usually take place in most wells. This makes the water unpalatable owing to the growth of algae causing taste and odor problems." One of the miracles of Zamzam water is its ability to satisfy both thirst and hunger. One of the Companions of the Prophet said that before Islam, the water was called "Shabbaa'ah" or satisfying. It was filling and helped them nourish their families. After Islam, this powerful ability to quench thirst and fill stomachs remained. Prophet Muhammad said: "The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness." During Hajj and Umra, pilgrims are recommended to drink Zamzam water to their fill to quench their thirst. They also continue the tradition of bringing it back for family and friends.

Dr. Masaru Emoto from Yokohama University Japan is famous for his research on the behavior of water. Dr. Masaru Emoto studied the structure of zamzam water and presented at a seminar in Malaysia. The quality / purity of Zamzam water has, will not be find any where else in the water on this earth. The conclusion is that there is no water content in the world to equal the water content of Zam-Zam.

It was revealed that the molecules of water of Zam-Zam is the most beautiful water molecules and beautiful among other water. He found that zamzam water has tremendous healing power. He said that it is always surrounded by prayer, so can cure all diseases.

 Dr. Knut Pfeiffer, a Christian German doctor specialist in internel medicine, has discovered that Zamam water has far more positive effect on human cells than regular drinking water. He also believes that Islamic prayers are more positive effect on the energy and thus health than Christian prayers.
read more at 'Zam Zam Scientific facts'


Useful links:
 * The chemical analysis of zamzam water

* The holy water of zamzam

ZamZam Water: Scientific Research Findings

Foods mentioned in The Holy Quran

Believers in the Qur'an should include the foods mentioned in The Holy Quran into their daily diet patterns to stay fit and healthy. There has to be some very special importance in these foods if Allah chose to mention them in His Holy Book. Many scientific studies had confirmed that the best types of foods are the foods that Allah Had created in this nature, especially fruits, cereals and meat.

The Holy Qur’ân also offers useful tips regarding a balanced diet, a diet which contains the useful ingredients required for the growth, strengthening and repairing of the human body. These ingredients include animal protein, fat, calcium, iron, salts, etc.

The foods mentioned in Quran:

Water (mentioned 100+ times)

Milk (2)

Honey (2)

Wine that exists in Paradise (2)

Olive oil (1)

Plants                                                                                      

1. Dates (22)
2. Fruit (14)
3. Grapes (11)
4. Grains in general (7)
5. Olives (6 or 7)
6. Buckthorn (4)
7. Pomegranate (3)
8. Mustard seed (2)
9. Onion (1)
10. Herbs, beans and vegetables (1)
11. Cucumbers (1)
12. Garlic or wheat (1)
13. Lentil (1)                                                 
14. Gourd (1)
15. Banana (1)
16. Herbage, or Abb (1)
17. Fig (1)

Animals with halal meat

1. Cattle (34)
2. Birds in general (18)
3. Camels (11)
4. Calves (10)
5. Cows (9)
6. Sheep (8)
7. Seafood (5)
8. Quails (3)
9. Goats (1)
10. Hoopoes (1)
11. Meat in general (1)

Meat and Poultry: Muslims are permitted to eat meats and fish, but they are not permitted to eat certain meats and certain seafood.
Firstly, Muslims are only permitted to eat halal meats. Halal is a term that means "lawful," but when applied to food, it means the animal had to be slaughtered with the term, "In the name of God" recited over the animal beforehand. There is also a very specific method in which the animal must be slaughtered before it is deemed "halal".
Secondly, Muslims are not permitted to eat meat that has been dead already -- meaning it wasn't slaughtered -- animal blood, any form of pork, or any carnivorous animal.

The foods mentioned in the Quran: olive, fig, dates, grapes, pomegranate, honey etc, all ensure you emotional stability and make your immune system more resistant to diseases, especially heart and cancer diseases.
And the Quran emphasizes the importance of eating natural foods. Analysis of various verses from the Holy Qur'an clearly show that the foods spoken about in it, will fulfil one's daily protein, carbohydrate, fat and vitamin requirements.                      

Qur'anic verses speak about the importance of, among other things:
meat (6 : 118) dates (6 : 141) milk (16 : 66) olives (wat-Teen) pomegranates (6 : 141) figs (wat-Teen) fish (16 : 14) honey, etc.

Other than Qur'anic verses, muslims have the authentic Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH) which also testifies to the importance of a balanced diet. The fact that Prophet would at times eat cucumber together with dates in order to balance the opposing hot and cold effects in these foods is a proof of this.

As Islam is heavily influenced by the cultures that reside in the Muslim world, many of meals in muslim families are traditional despite of the fact that they prefer to include the foods mentioned in Quran and Hadith to their diet.

More links for useful information:

* 'Quranic food' pdf

Balanced diet according to The Holy Quran and islam

Islam teaches to adopt the balanced diet which can help a Muslim stay healthy. Islam emphasizes that people should eat a balance diet. A balanced diet comprises of protein, carbohydrate, fat and vitamin in Islam.

Balanced diet means getting the right types and amounts of foods and drinks to supply nutrition and energy for maintaining body cells, tissues, and organs, and for supporting normal growth and development. Following a balanced diet is important to keep our body healthy and fit.

In Holy Quran, we can find the divine order for people to eat the lawful foods which Allah, (the Almighty) Had created for them. He says:
"O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that we have provided you with, and be grateful to Allâh, if it is indeed He Whom you worship" (172: Al Baqara).
Therefore, the scientists confirm that the best type of food is what we find ready in the nature before the human hand poison it!                                            

Importance of balanced diet in Islam 
Islam itself is a balanced way of life that is pure from all forms of excesses. A balanced diet fits beautifully into the balanced teachings of Islam.The Islamic way of life is a natural lifestyle suited to the temperament of mankind at large. Islam is opposed to extremes in the physical as well as spiritual matters of life

Islam always promotes the middle path and this Ummah(muslims) has been declared in the Holy Qur'an as being 'the nation of the middle path'. So long as Muslims adhere to this general principle of Islam in every matter of their lives, they can look forward to not only good physical health but even an excellent mental, psychological and spiritual state of well being, by the Will of Allah.

A Balanced Diet
Importance of balanced diet or healthy food is clear when we see that “food” has been mentioned in 108 verses of the Holy Quran.
The Qur’ân has not restricted itself in merely mentioning the permissible and impermissible foods but goes to the extent of giving useful tips regarding a balanced diet, a diet which contains most if not all the useful ingredients required for the growth, strengthening and repairing of the human body. These ingredients include animal protein, fat, calcium, iron, salts, etc. The most balanced diets consist of meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese and fruit. Both direct and indirect references have been made regarding the afore mentioned.

The reference regarding the importance of meat protein in the human diet is given in the following verse:

“And the cattle, He has created them for you, in them there is warmth (clothing) and numerous benefits, and of them you eat.”(16:5) In this verse special reference has been given to the importance of eating despite having said, “…numerous benefits…”. 

Reference regarding other types of meat has also been given such as the meat of fowls in the following verse:
 “And the flesh of fowls that they desire.”(56:21)

Fish has always been considered as a food of very high protein and is very important for human consumption. Allah says:
 “And from them both (fresh and salt water) you eat fresh tender meat (fish).”(35:12)
 The usefulness of fresh milk is stressed in these words:
 “And verily in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretion and blood, pure milk, palatable to the drinkers.”(16:66)

The benefits of fruits as good nourishment can be understood from this verse:
 “And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you desire strong drink and a goodly provision.”(16:67)

Similarly there are verses which cover the whole range of fruits, salads, and vegetables which also play an important role in a nutritious, balanced diet:
 “It is He who sends down rain from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date palm and its spate come clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when then begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof.” (6:99)

Islam, being a complete religion, also teaches and advises the believer as to what the best method of eating is. The believers are advised to be moderate in every aspect of life. Direct reference has been made in the Noble Qur’ân regarding moderation in eating and drinking.
 “And eat and drink, but waste not in extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste in extravagance.”(7:31) 
 Muslims follow a specific diet in accordance to their holy book.
One of the main principles of good health is a Quran Food balanced diet.

1. Eating slowly is recommended for health. 
2. Eat together and not separately 
3. Eat something to keep you going from the Quran food menu ( Important )

Useful links:
* Quranic food, a list of the foods mentioned in the Quran

History of the holy zamzam water

The holy water zamzam is very special for muslims. The history of this amazing natural water is also interesting. This post helps you learn about history of this holy water zamzam.

The holy Zamzam water is linked to some of the most important personalities in world history: the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them) and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), as well as Ismail's mother Hajira (may Allah be pleased with her).

 According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) rebuilt the Bait-ul-Allah (House of Allah) at the site of the well, a building which had been originally constructed by Prophet Adam (a.s.), and today is called the Kaaba (Qiblah), a building towards which all Muslims around the world face in prayer, five times each day.

All traditions agree that Allah (SWT) created the well to provide Hajira, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), and her baby Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) with water in the hot, dry valley they were in, around the year 2000 BC. Centuries ago, Bibi Hajra A.S. searched desperately for water in the hills of Saffa and Marwa to give to her newly born son Hazrat Ismail A.S. As she ran from one place to another in search of water, her child rubbed his feet against the sand. A pool of water surfaced, and by the grace of Allah Ta'ala, shaped itself into a well which came to be called Zamzam water.        

Zamzam well is located approximately 20 meters east of the Kaaba. Zamzam well is located in Makkah, which is the heart of the Hajj pilgrimage. Zamzam well is 35 meters deep and topped by an elegant dome. The miracle water of Zamzam is still flowing until today.



The Well of Zamzam is a well located within the Masjid al Haram in Makkah, 20 meters east of the Kaaba, the holiest place in Islam.

Useful links:

* The chemical analysis of zamzam water

* The holy water of zamzam