Ask me about Jesus

“Behold! The angels said: ‘O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and in (the company of) those nearest to God.’”

Ever read this verse in your Bible? I bet you have not because it is verse 45 of Chapter 3 in the Quran; the Muslim Holy Book that reveals God's Word. Surprise? And you thought Muslims were aliens, huh? Not really. When it comes to Jesus, peace be upon him, Muslims are the closest to Christians despite some differences in views.

To Muslims, he was a man born of a virgin, Mary, whom her mother dedicated her to God from the time she was in the womb: "Behold! a woman of 'Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things." Quran: Chapter 3, verse 35.

Hence, Muslims believe Jesus was a man born from virginity, by a divine command. He was given prophet hood from birth and has performed miracles by God's leave. They don't believe in Crucifixion as they believe Jesus had not died, but had been elevated to Heavens where he remains until he comes back before the end of times and the Day of Judgement.

So where do Muslims meet Christians in this respect? Over the bridge of love for Jesus. Do you know that Muslims get offended when Jesus is mocked at? Indeed, Muslims are required to believe and revere all the biblical prophets as part of their faith. Prophet Mohammad has mentioned that “Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one,” in a statement that proves that both prophets carried the same message from the same One God.

So there you go, next time you would like to inspire yourself with the love of Jesus, why don't you ask your Muslim neighbor to share with you the many facts he or she knows about Jesus from the Quran? Don't forget to do that over a cup of coffee: the aroma will warm your hearts!

Message from Abbe

Ladies,

Your comments on the blog made my weeks, I go back and read them quite often. I pray that all of you stay healthy. I am doing pretty well right now, have had trouble with one hole in my side that had a tube in it, but it is finally healing. I will never forget your kindness!

Dina do not forget to send them the soup recipe!

Much love,

Abbe

Potato soup: Six easy steps

Upon popular demand (I am very modest as you see) I decided to share my secret recipe for Potato and leek soup. You need to have the following ingredients:

1 bunch of leek (usually they come in two large or three medium stems)
4-6 medium potatoes (depending on how many leeks you have and if you like the leek flavor strong or mild)
1 tsp. butter or margerine or any spread
2-4 cubes of chicken stock (again depending on how much water you use to cover the vegetables)
4-6 cups of water
1-2 cups of milk or 1 cup of creme

Six easy steps:
1. peel the potatoes and cut them up in medium size chunks
2. peel the first one or two layers of the leek and then cut the root side and cut as much dark green side as you like (personal taste.)
3. make a vertical cut into the leek and open up the layers under running water to make sure to wash out any mud hiding.
4. fill large pot with water, add vegetables, and bring to boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes and let cool.
5. blend the vegetable mix (you can either add or reduce water according to your preference: a thicker mix would turn the recipe into pottage, a thinner one turns it into soup.)
6. add chicken stock and cook, then add the milk or creme, let it boil for a minute and then turn off the heat.

Tip: you can add salt and pepper (or seven spices-- bought from your local Middle Eastern store) if you like stronger spice taste.

And voila! Bon appetit...

Did you know that potatoes are also called:
Pommes de terre in French? Pommes de terre literally means apples of the earth! I wonder why!
Batata in Arabic?
Kartoffle in German?

More tips: I love to use secret ingredients in my recipes; you know, like using spinach in a salad and convincing the kids it's just dark leafed lettuce?
So here you go: you can add grounded flax seed to any recipe, especially this soup. Flax seed is a healthy ingredient that provides you with the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. It has positive effects on heart health and cholesterol.

Another secret weapon I use in my cooking: black seed. Now I won't give away my secrets so easily. You have to earn it first! I am waiting for your comments and feedback.

Who can tell me why the black seed is a miracle herb?

A comforting cup of country potatoes and leek soup

I became friends with Abbe after she got cancer. Our sons went to the same school, so when I found out that other moms were preparing a menu list for Abbe's family while she would be recovering from her first surgery, I signed up for meat lasagne without hesitation. Abbe's cancer was in her tongue and lungs. Such a perseverant woman herself, she survived many more radiation sessions and another recent operation.

When I learned she had to have one third of her tongue cut off, I felt mixed emotions. Sympathy? Sure. Appreciation for the many blessings God had bestowed on me for years? You bet. But above all, I loved Abbe's spirit and how she took on the challenge and accepted the commitment for a long journey fighting her tumors.

What would one tell someone like Abbe for an encouragement? Sorry about your tongue? I could not find anything in my heart but my own faith. And it turned out that this faith ryhmed well with what Abbe believed in. I wrote to her that I was proud of how she persevered, and that this event had been prescribed into her book well before she was born. She loved "the book" idea and started telling it to everyone. Yes, she can still speak; amazing, isnt't it?

When I dropped the lasagne off, I realized the poor woman won't be able to eat it because of her swollen tongue and throat. She was sipping some nutritious liquid solutions out of a straw (and later she had to have a stomach tube inserted.)

"I bet you will like my country potato and leek soup much better, Abbe." I cheerfully said.

"Sure sweety," she said. "I would love to taste it when you have time.

And thus started a new tradition between Abbe and me: any time she had to go back for surgery, or came back from radiation, or even any time I felt like she would appreciate this cup of hot soup on a chilly day, I cooked my favorite recipe with love, topped off with compassion and stopped by Abbe's house.

Pearl, Abbe's beloved dog, has to be locked in the backyard or a room when I visit. She barks every time she sees me coming by the front yard. Abbe knows that as a Muslim I can't be around dogs and she tolerates that into our friendship. Poor Pearl!

Abbe's tests showed two new nodules on her right lung. She will go into surgery soon. So as I unfold my praying rug today and I stand in front of God Almighty, I will remember to ask Him to grant Abbe speedy recovery, and I will thank Him again for keeping me and my family well. I tend to forget that all of my body is functioning by His mercy, but Abbe keeps reminding me that I must not forget and give thanks.

To Abbe, with love.


P.S. Would anyone be interested in learning my potato soup recipe? Waiting for these comments to pour!

Misconceptions about Muslim Women

A dear friend of mine, Abbe, forwarded an email to me about an article written by Nonie Darwish. Abbe was horrified by what she read and she wrote: "Please tell me this is not true!"

I have answered every misconception in the article and I hope it will make a difference in the way we perceive each others, but most importantly, in the way we accept information before double checking its accuracy.

Joys of Muslim Women
by Nonie Darwish


In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child. Consummating the marriage by 9.

Not True: Muslim shariah or teachings do not allow marriage before a girl reaches puberty. Sexual intimacy with a child who has not developed into womanhood is a sin punishable in court (and in Hell as well.)


The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.

Not True: The dowry paid to the family (dowries are traditions among many people and not only Muslims) can be as little as a modest gift or as big as a cash lump sump given as a gift to the bride and not to her father. It is, I repeat, a gift that a man gives to the woman he is marrying. ( I got two diamond rings )

A wife does not become the man's slave and he does not even buy her in the first place. The husband has an obligation to accommodate his wife with a decent living standard and give her enough money to spend on the household and her personal needs. He even is obliged to hire someone to help her clean the house and with other chores if he can afford it. A Muslim woman is not obliged to work and spend on the household. Unlike many non-Muslim women who are forced to work from nine to five and leave children behind, a Muslim woman is a queen in her household, and men ( husband, father, brother, son) are commanded in the Quran to take care of her needs and honor her.


Even though a woman is abused she can not obtain a divorce.

Not True: Divorce in Islam is permissible. And it happens. If a woman complains that she is not happy with her husband, she can ask for divorce. If he abuses her, he gets punished and she can obtain divorce if she asks for it.


To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.

Not True: You need 4 witnesses ( not males) to prove adultery in Islam. Adultery is punishable by death.


Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her
(an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and he does not have to say why he has beaten her.

Not True: Honor killings are not Islamic, they are traditions in primitive societies that are either Muslim or non-Muslim. Killing in Islam is not permitted and is punishable by death. Only an Islamic court can decide if someone deserves to die. Again, the need of witnesses is obligatory to prove someone guilty. If a woman is divorced or become widowed, she can choose to go back to her family or live by herself.

The husband is permitted to have (4 wives)

True: A Muslim man is permitted to have up to 4 wives on condition that he treats them all equally (including money expenses, home visitations, and emotional treatment). But if he cannot fulfill this condition, which the Quran challenges most men that they won't and can't, then he is forbidden. The reason Islam allows polygamy is to stop adultery and social deviation. Women outnumber men in the universe; it is a scientific fact. Women who cannot find a husband should not have sex out of wedlock; it is a sin even in Christianity.



and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.

Not True: Prostitution and adultery are forbidden in Islam.


The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.

True: But I would rather use the word "guides" not "controls." Muslim Shariah law guides both men and women toward a wholesome lifestyle. All commandments in the Christian faith exist in Islam. Do not steal, do not kill, do not lie, do not commit adultery, etc... Muslim women refer to the Quran and the shariah it explains in every single matter of their life. Muslim men also refer to the Quran in every aspect of their domestic and public lives. Modern science has proved that Islam has a healthy wholesome lifestyle that many non-Muslims are starting to adopt.


In the West World ( America ) Muslim men are starting t o demand Shariah Law so the wife can not obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law.
By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.


Not True: this is part of a phobia campaign targeting you; Americans! Wake up and get busy with your own economic problems and political corruption. And please don't let that incident of a christian preacher praying for President Obama's death slip under your attention. This is treason. Muslims are not your problem or enemy. Muslims share with you more than you think. Don't listen to bigots and ask someone who knows a Muslim: he or she would tell you the content of this article is all lies.

For the West, radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed. In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President! I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on!
This is your chance to make a difference...!

Believe me, Muslims too hate radicals and extremists that come from every faith, not only Islam. As for taking over Christianity and destroying Western civilization? Hum! Where did I hear this before? Oh I remember: some Si-Fi Hollywood movie. There we go! Peace!

The chicken debate

The cashier at Kroger was scanning my groceries while chit chatting with the lad who was packing the goodies in plastic bags.

"I thought y' all don't eat chickin." The young African American said, taking me by surprise.

I looked at him to make sure he was talking to me, so he thought I did not understand. Then, he moved his index finger in a circular shape around his face, referring to my head scarf.

"Oh! Yes we do eat chicken. And beef too. We don't eat pork though."

"I don't care what you eat or don't."

"But you asked..."

"Yeah, listen, I don't care if your religion tell yah you can't touch me or anythin. We touch your food while we're handling it, you know. I don't care if I am in the middle of the desert and there is no food but pork..."

"In that case, my religion tells me it's ok to eat whatever I need to keep myself alive." I replied thinking, duh! are there pigs in the desert?

"Well I don't believe in God or judgement day or life after death, but I don't understand how a woman walks in the store with her face uncovered, and when she gets to me she covers her face; I saw your face when you were comin in, I told her."

"Muslims are diverse in the degree of their religious commitment and practice and many have practices that are more cultural than religious." I said while I took my receipt and pushed my cart out of the store.

A discussion with an atheist

Once I settled into my seat aboard an airbus A 340 from Dallas/Fort Worth to Frankfurt, Germany, I turned to greet the woman sitting next to me. She looked at me with light blue eyes and her fair complexion lightened through a soft shy smile. A smile that led me to start a long conversation; one that lasted through the ten hours flight.

Anna, a Russian who spoke clear and perfect English as well as three more languages, has been living for a few years in Texas with her German husband and two sons. When she mentioned how her parents let her read a children's Bible in secret while she lived in Russia, I naively asked her how she felt now that she could freely practice Christianity.

"I'm an atheist." She said.

"An atheist as in you don't believe in God?"

"Right, I believe there is no God." She answered with a compassionate smile.

Many thoughts raced through my head as I tried to tresspass her blue eyes and absorb what she just said. I had a choice to wrap up the conversation right then and there and focus on the novel I had in my hands. But I felt I wanted to learn more.

"Forgive me if I am intruding on you."

"Not at all." She said.

"Well if you believe there is no God, then who do you think created me and you and the whole universe?"

"Nature grew by itself and we, humans, have evolved with nature to this current form."

"So you believe humans were apes?"

"That is exactly what I believe." She answered with the same compassionate smile.

"O.K. then, but who sustains the univere and our bodies? Like, who makes sure your heart will keep beating and your lungs will keep functioning, you know..."

"It's still nature with its complex process." She then added: "I know it is hard for you to understand and believe."

"You bet! I have a stubborn doctrine encraved on my soul and it surely tells me God is my creator."

"Same with me except my doctrine denies the existence of God."

"So what happens to humans when they die?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? You mean just like an infinite sleep."

"Sort of."

Anna responded to many more questions I had, and whenever she asked me any questions, they were more about the culture and traditions of Muslims, not about the beliefs. Her answers did not seem logical to me, they certainly did not make common sense as they seemed to have come from emptiness. I asked her if she belonged to any atheist community and she said she did not.

"So you don't think you need the support of a community who shares your beliefs?"

"Not necessarily."

"But don't you need faith and spirituality to lift your spirits up, boost your energy, give you hope, and ease your bad times?"

"I don't think I need spirituality as I get my energy most of the time from my own strength."

"How is that?"

"Well if I have a problem, I keep telling myself that no matter what I do that problem is going to remain. So I hold on to my will power and remain patient until the hardship goes away."

I thought that the lady had some nerves of steel. I liked her eloquence and discipline, I admired her modesty especially when she told me she opposed using maids to clean her house in order to avoid social exploitation, and I wondered how such an educated woman with a rich cultural experience could simply not believe in God.

It was ironical that there I was seated on a plane over thirty thousands of feet away from earth, much closer to Heavens, much in need to God's mercy, and this woman seated next to me did not acknowledge His blessings. What surprised me was that our conversation continued on and on with mutual pleasure.

At the end of the trip, I told her that I needed God in my life. I surely do. When I finally landed in Germany, I thanked God for having bestowed faith upon me. Anna seemed to be a happy woman who had a code of ethics that she lived by. So did I. But when it came to the most important thing in my life, we were opposites. Yet, we tolerated each other and even respected each other. I said goodbye to Anna and wished her well and remembered the Quranic verse: "You have your belief, I have my religion." (Chapter 109, verse 6.)