A day to bless the needy and poor

PROPHET Mohammed’s birthday is considered an important and auspicious day among Muslims.

Also known as Mawlid un-Nabi today it is an official holiday in more than 47 countries, from its Middle Eastern origins to Africa, Malaysia and of course, Fiji.

Research says that food is distributed to the poor and people gather in mosques and streets to pray, recite the Qur’an (the Holy book for Muslims), listen to poetry and songs that praise Prophet Mohammad’s life, qualities, accomplishments and teachings.

Website www.timeanddate reported that Muslims celebrate the day by fasting, or abstaining from food or drinks from dawn until sunset.

Like all religions, food plays an important part in the celebration, and in Islam, most of the dishes are centred on the prophet’s favourites.

Desserts such as baklava, rice pudding or semolina porridge are offered in countries all over the world.

Honey is the sweetener of choice. Tharid, or Tharida, a meat and vegetable broth served over crispy bread and thought to be Prophet Mohammad’s favourite dish, is often served.

What is most interesting about the foods enjoyed at this time of the year for

Muslims, is the link to health and longevity.

The Prophet Mohammad well understood the reasons why his followers should eat certain foods, and promoting the consumption of key ingredients to maintain a healthy life.

For instance, fresh cow milk was said to wipe away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow.

It strengthens the back, increases brain function, augments intelligence, renews vision, and drives away forgetfulness.

Honey is considered to be the best remedy for diarrhoea when mixed in hot water.

It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and medicine of medicines. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm, as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve and mouthwash.

Olive oil is an excellent treatment for skin and hair problems, it delays the signs of old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach.

The prophet was said to recommend mushrooms as a good cure for the eyes; it also serves as a form of birth control and arrests paralysis, and apparently, he loved grapes, dates and figs to purify the blood, restores vigour and vitality, strengthens the kidneys, and clears the bowels.