Since my very first post - A STORY LUCKY ME
http://asgarf.blogspot.in/2011/09/faiz-ul-mawaid-burhaniyah.html
on the barakats of Faiz ul Mawaid Burhaniyah published on Sept: 10, 2011., I have been been obsessed with acquiring knowledge on healthy and nutritious eating.
Have since poured over hundreds of internet documents and studies, watched countless videos, gone through several blogs all related with Nutrition and Healthy eating. I have been trying to master the nutrition basics, which comes down to understanding the different food groups and becoming aware of the calories and the roles that specific nutrients play in a healthy diet.
What I have understood is that nutrition and diet is a evolving science and there are divergent views on Health foods and debates are going on with regard to Multigrain vs Whole grain. What are functional foods ? etc: etc:
In the process I have learnt that the world's healthiest food, just to name a few are Avocados, Broccoli, figs, carrots, bananas from Vegetables and fruits. Almonds Cashews from Nuts and seed group. Barley, Brown rice from Grains.
We need Vitamin A along with Beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant and studies have shown it helps to protect against cancer and ageing and is found in carrots, Dark Leafy Greens. melons, Butter nut Squash etc:
Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin required for proper energy metabolism and wide variety of cellular processes is found in Almonds, Dry Roasted soyabeans, Wheat Bran etc : Proteins, Minerals are required for proper growth and muscle building.
However, dear Readers this post is not about Healthy Foods and Nutrition, but a Wake Up Call and realization that I was blessed to experience this Sehrullah.
As I was doing tilawat of Surah Ar Rahman on Jumoa , this Sehrullah, sitting out in my balcony which overlooks a busy fast lane, a sight I witnessed made me reflect, and gave a rude shock to my obsession with Healthy Eating. Let me share with you.
Our colony has numerous pigeons and their repeated flights make a beautiful sight, specially when the monsoon clouds gather and there is thunder and lighting. I have observed that the flight of the pigeons, is immediately followed by thunder on many occasions.
In this instance my attention was riveted on the road by the noise generated by a young man on his mean machine, riding full throttle, and at the same time I saw a group of pigeons just swooping down, flying just above him, for quite a distance and to my utter surprise overtaking him.
I have seen pigeons feeding on grains, seeds and legumes and drink water and wondered how can this small creatures develop such strength and vitality. A pigeon outpacing a man on his machine, fueled only on bajra and water, was the most humbling experience this Sehrullah. On the other hand, we are so obsessed with healthy eating, and in spite of all the knowledge and nutrition intakes, balance and checks, and all good eating habits, feel so in adequate in this particular instance.
I tried to reflect and understand, and came to know that Bajra ( Pearl millet) is the most humble food eaten since pre-historic times. It is high in protein, with good source of iron. The pigeon beats its wings up to ten times per second, while maintaining a heart rate of 600 beats per minutes up to 16 hours without rest. Raw power man ! Bajra and water and nothing besides. Unbelievable. All Hamd is for Allah Who Knows what is best for each of his Creation. He is All Knowing.
In Surah Ar Rahman Allah has beautifully narrated about His Glorious Creations and Blessings, and repeatedly questioned mankind to reflect. In Surah comprising in all of 78 Ayats, Allah tells mankind to reflect and seek answer in 30 Ayats as follows:
' Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (Jinn and men) deny. ?
So dear readers for each day of Sehrullah we should reflect and increase our understanding of the Glorious Creation of Allah.
In Ayats 11 & 12 Allah states about His Creation of fruits, date palms, corns, leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet scented plants.
In Quran besides the honorable mention of high end seasonal fruits, like pomegranates and fig, the perennial, highly nutritious and low priced bananas get a mention. Surah Al Waqiyah (56) Ayat 29 -
' an among the Talh ( that is banana plant ) with fruits piled one above the other'
In this Ayat Allah refers to people of Jannat to be found enjoying the fruit and being amongst them. Bananas being light on your purse, are a rich source of Vitamin C - Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, Pottasium, Manganese etc: It is Nature's energy food. As you partake, do remember the Abundance and Bounties of Allah and offer Hamd.
' Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (Jinn and men) deny. ? Surah Ar Rahman.
Readers hope you enjoyed reading my reflections on the barakats emanating from FMB this Sehrullah. Hope you will also find spiritual joy, fulfillment, abundance by reflecting on the countless Bounties of Allah.
Bajra roti with pure Cow Ghee
