‘BUSH MEAT’ (GAME)
In this part of the world, 'bush meat' (game) especially when served along with pounded yam, is a delicacy that goes with special events or occassions. Muslims are not left out in partaking in such palatable dish. However the ummah of Muhammad (PBUH) is not an ummah of everything goes. Allah has ordained for the Muslims what is halal as diet.
"He makes lawful to them what is good and makes unlawful what is foul" (Q7: 157).
Certain 'bush meat' may be rendered haram by the nature of the meat itself or how it is killed. The natures of animals forbidden are mentioned in the Quran
"... He has only forbidden you dead meat and blood and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of Allah " (Q2: 173).
Allah says further
"forbidden to you for food are: that which has been killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a headlong fall or by being gored to death,' that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless you are able to slaughter it {in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars) ... " (Q5:3)
The manner in which an animal dies can render the meat haram, for instance if a hunting dog kills a game and eats of it, it becomes unlawful because an animal half -eaten by another animal is haram for a Muslim; but if it kills and leave it intact for its owner, it is lawful. So beware of a 'bush meat' whose other part is missing! Moreover, if there is no sign of piercing a game's body either by slaughtering, gun shot wound, arrow or spear, perhaps it might have died of itself or might have been beaten to death. So don't go for it.
Does this tell you not to eat 'bush meat' indiscriminately?
Definitely! Does it mean you should stop eating delicious 'bush meat' altogether? Probably, unless you are sure of its source.
Healthy living
Health is the factor of all hunian activities.
"After being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health"
Rasulullah said (Tirmidhi).
A strong and healthy Muslim who is alive to his duties is more beloved to Allah than a weak and sickly one. Thus,
"for him who fears Allah, health is better than wealth and happy frame of mind is one of Allah’s favours" (Tirmidhi).
One means of remaining healthy IS preventing illness from occuring at all. However,
"there are two blessings which many lose, they are: The health and free tune for doing good” (Bukhari).
Sometimes you lose your health to aches and pains. When this happens the Prophet advised:
"Put your hand on the painful place of yours and say Bismillahi Rahmanir-Raheem (3ce), then recite the following: Audhu bi izzati 'llah wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajdakh wa 'aadharu"
Halal diet
Home Tips: The best procedure for disinfecting food that is to be eaten raw is to t let it soak for 30 minutes in heavily chlorinated water, rinsing well with dean water afterwards.
Handling silverware or drinking glasses by the part that comes in contact with the mouth is to be strictly avoided. The glass should be grasped near its base, the fingers being kept away from the drinking edge.
To remove excess starch from rice, wash rice thoroughly by putting it in a strainer and holding it under the cold tap water stirring until the water runs clear. The rice grains will seperate nicely while cooking.
VEGETABLE SOUP
1/2 Medium-size Cabbage (shredded)
2 Carrots (cut into strips)
6 Medium size tomatoes (sliced)
1 Piece of Cauli flower
1 Clip of Green peas
2 Potatoes (cut into pieces)
1/2 kg meat (boiled meat stock)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil
Method: Heat the oil in a large sauce pan and saute the cut vegetables lightly. Put in the tomato, the cauli flower, add the meat, potatoes,
the green peas and the meat stock with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook till the vegetables are done. Serve with boiled rice.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited