My love for Masalatv

I’ve been following the oh-so-delicious recipies of this commendable channel, Masala tv since it rarely had any viewers. Everyone i knew who was into cooking and enjoyed playing with flavours used to watch BBC FOOD. And i liked it too! Well to be honest not so long ago i discovered, the chef in me For a tom-boy like me the passion for cooking, trying out different styles of cooking and baking, garnishing and presenting techniques, and how i love to cook for parties now wasn’t always there.

First there was only BBC FOOD and i liked it alot, honestly! But the major problem that i experienced with BBC FOOD was that often their chefs would sometimes miss out measurement of some major ingridient, then there was no recap option, and not to mention the cultural differences we share with non-muslims caused major problems. And then…

Eye Television Network Limited (ETNL) launched “Masala TV” an initiative by the network that has taken the country by storm. Our very first exclusive 24-hour food channel in South Asia. Catering to everyone with an interest in good food. The timing and planning of the channel was brilliant, launched 1 day prior to the month of Ramadan, Masala became a household name that was recognized all across Pakistan and helped set the dinner tables in almost all homes during the month of fasting.

Ever since then with a pen and a note-book in my hand i’ve been glued to this oh-so-inspiring channel. Thanks to Masala tv i now can make all kinds of food, you name it, at home. And it keeps getting better and better. A heaven on earth for food lovers and for those who love cooking for them, over and over again.

Masala tv gives us an insipiring opertunity to watch professionals cook, tips and their useful techniques make a heluva difference. Their presentation ideas are out of this world, in short I love ‘em all ( well not all It brings the best culinary programming from across the region with renowned chefs and nutritionists sharing their expert secrets. My very favourite Chef Zakir is the king of Masala tv or should be. Where there is King, there ought to be a Queen and the Queen of Masala (in my opinion) is Chef Rahat. I get up at midnight just to watch Chef Zakir’s dear program and yes i know i’m crazy.

And btw, all the amazing recipe videos of all the chefs on Masalatv are available on-line on Khanapakana, do check ‘em out.

A not to Masalatv: Masalatv, you’re the best. And i would like to congratulate the owner of Masalatv and those who came up with the idea and those who helped making it possible. Your efforts have paid off well!

Thank you, Jazak Allah, God bless you all!

What were they thinking?

It all began on Sep. 30th, 2005 when a Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten printed twelve caricatures or cartoons of the Holy Prophet P.B.U.H, entitled “Faces of Mohammad” some of which seemed to equate Prophet Mohammad P.B.U.H. with terrorism. And then the not-so-unexpected happened as the cartoons stirred anger across the Muslim world with calls for boycotting Danish products, mass protests, Danish flag-burning incidents, Danish embassies were attacked and unfortunately some people even lost their lives.

And then after all that, the cartoons got reprinted. And their reason was:

“They say they wanted to show their commitment to freedom of speech after an alleged plot to kill one of the cartoonists behind the drawings.”

Know more>>>

The republication of the cartoons has drawn condemnation among Muslims. Arab News reported from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that the secretary-general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) had expressed regret about the new move.

“Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu urged Muslims to use legal and peaceful means to protest the outrage. He said that he wished the Danish media would have chosen another subject as a test case to reassert the freedom of speech instead of supporting a blatant act of incitement to hatred in a most unfortunate and senseless manner, noting that the newspapers were aware that this act would offend not only Danish Muslims but the world’s other 1.3 billion Muslims who have nothing to do with the alleged three-man terror plot.”

“The OIC General Secretariat would not hesitate to condemn the plotters in the strongest possible terms if their crime is established by the proper judicial Danish authorities. Although these individuals represent neither the Danish Muslims nor the Muslim world.” he added.

A note to Danish Officials or to whom it may concern: What do you want from us? Why would you do anything like this? What are you trying to prove?

A call to Muslims:Carefully read what Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is saying. Start boycotting Danish products, if needed organize peaceful protests. Let your voice be heard. Don’t involve innocent civilians who have nothing to do with it as many Danes condemn the printing of these cartoons.
So please be prudent and choose your words wisely, make use of your anger in a constructive way. Know more about Danish products and try to create or use substitute products.

First think about your choices and then make a choice. And my first choice is to boycott their products.

Its been a while

Yes its been quite some time since i wrote something, worth writing that is, over here. I wonder why i didn’t write anything earlier on hmmm… Well lots has been happening lately alhum-do-lillah. Wrote my B.com Part 1 exams, don’t care about the results, infact i do! other than that had my hair dyed, bronze blonde after winning the ‘weight loss’ bet, yay! Still need to lose a couple extra pounds though. Mashaal is becoming naughtier than ever each day.  What else? hmmm My husband bought a new office masha Allah! aaand i baked cinnamon sourcream cake today, em emmm! Went for a walk for 45 minutes.

But hmm i don’t know i’ve been feeling mixed signal for the past few weeks. I have no idea what it is.  Maybe i need to read Quran more often,, i need to learn more and more about Islam, God, his prophet. I need to balance my life, take out time for reading, write more option, i need to learn five languages, damn! i have so much to do and i need to fix my wasting-time hobby, and fast! yeah! Oh so that’s what i need to do and what i should be doing as clocks ticking. 

Thanks wordpress!
I have finally figured out why i was feeling this lethargic and hoping for some inspiring moment to show me what i’m missing This is what was missing, Missing being myself! Missing the desire to learn more and more about Isalm. Missing being a Momina. Missing the passion to discover the truth and then spread the word of Allah in every corner of this world. ameen!

Prayer request for Imran khan’s father

Imran Khan, the famous cricketer, the chairperson of PTI Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party ( Movement for Justice), founder of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, a demigod, a hero, a role model and a mentor to many father’s seriously ill and has been admitted in the ICU (intensive care unit) at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and is on respiratory system. The PTI has requested everyone to pray for the early recovery of Imran Khan’s father.

No one likes to be sick, laying in a hospital room, or just plain feeling down in the dumps. In situations such as these a bouquet, a get well soon card, or a prayer note can make the patient and his family feel special. It doesn’t have to be something fancy, just a little something to show them “we care”.

A note to Mr. Ikramullah Khan Niazi: Me and my family wish you a speedy recovery and healthier days ahead. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, Get Well Soon!

Cherish small victories

So they say:

” Even the smallest victory is never to be taken for granted. Each victory must be applauded.”

And another one say (it’s my favorite) :

“The only victory that counts is the one over yourself”. Waah!

I agree. And here’s my story. It goes like this i joined this awesome writer’s site www.lahore.metblogs.com sometime in September and my 1st post was …? on Sept. 27th, 2007 . It’s been quite some time now, and today finally i wrote my 30th post, Time is the best healer? yay! A small victory. I’m competing with myself. My target is to reach 100 post till March 1st this year insha Allah. Wish me good luck!

Having said that, i have another news to share it with you (who’s you? hmm don’t worry you’re not the only one wondering) My interview got published yesterday, My First Interview Ever on www.pakspectator.com . Nothing big but hey it’s a good start, a different one atleast for me My first ever interview Oh My God! i love myself. Chocolates on me everybody!

Alhumdo-lillah.

Know your Quran, know your Namaz

So tell me, when you offer your prayers, do you know what your saying, as in word by word? And same with the Holy Quran, when you read Quran, do you know what you’re reading? what Quran demands of you? Do you read the Arabic text or it’s translation?

Well as far as the first question about the prayer is concerned firstly i had literary “NO” idea what i was saying, and that was not many years ago. Last year i made a conscious effort to understand what i was reciting. And same is the case with Quran, not many years ago i only and only used to read the Arabic portion, missing the complete picture of what Quran demanded of me, but thanks to a loyal friend who made me realize the right way to read Quran, i-e understand it.
Now this year all we need to do is:

Learn Arabic.

Don’t take it lightly. What’s the point of doing your namaz and knowing not what you just said or did? Is this what Allah demands of you, that you must stand in front of him and utter some verses you know not, just cram ‘em and you’ll end up in heaven. It’s much more complicated than that pal.

So, ask yourself questions like these and try to get answers. You will come to the same conclusion, insha Allah.

Happy thinking!
And a Happy New Year 2008.

k sera sera,

 

“Saaman saw baras ka pal ki khabar nahi” Couldn’t agree more!

 

Who knew that the year 2007 will wrap itself up on such a note. The death of Benazir Bhutto accompanied by the killing of 20 innocent civilians and 42 casualties was a shock not only for the Pakistani’s but the whole world. Followed by the burning of 1000 cars across Pakistan, numerous Petrol stations, Train station and God knows what.

With all the advance technologies, the death of Benazir Bhutto still remains a mystery. First they said it was a bomb blast, then it was the gun-hot that hit her in the neck and the chest, afterwards it was the lever of the car itself that became the reason of her death. Some say it was “Al-Qaida”, others blame the government. But nobody’s sure of themselves, they are just assuming, like anyone else and everyone’s doing that.

Some questions might never be answered.  And such is life. No matter who you are, where you are, once it’s “Your” time, the angel for death won’t make a mistake.

And such is life :)

It happens to some of us, unfortunately! But, Don’t let it happen to you.

Farewell Musharraf

In Rawalpindi, after breaking numerous promises, Musharaf is finally taking off is uniform today, stepping down from his powerful post as Pakistan’s military commander. No doubt  it’s a big day in the history of Pakistan. His last speech was packed with emotions, emotions that were very powerful.

A military band played, a cleric chanted a prayer, and hundreds of troops stood at attention as officials gathered for the change of command. Musharraf looked grave and dignified as he addressed the audience before relinquishing his post, wearing for the last time the uniform he often called his second skin.

Here is a complete biography of Musharraf by wikipedia.

Musharraf’s successor, Gen. Kiyani, is a former military intelligence chief whom domestic and foreign observers describe as a well-regarded professional career officer with no political ambitions. I have my fingers crossed.

With Nawaz Sharif and Benazie Bhutto back in action, and elections just around the corner, let’s just hope for the best. For Islam, for Pakistan. Ameen !

Women in Islam

One question that has been bothering alot of you is going to be discussed here. Right now. So listen carefully. Here it goes.

Questions: Are men and women equal in Islam? How does Islam value women?

Answer: No! Why? I’ll tell you why. And how it honors women is given below.

You see, women in Islam are Not equal to men likewise men are not equal to women. But it doesn’t mean that they are not equally good. Both are different, physically, psychologically and biologically. They both have a job that they have to perform. That is why one of them is called ‘man’ and other ‘woman’. Because of this difference they are not equal, they don’t have equal rights and same is the case with their duties. It’s common sense.

Islam is the ONLY religion which showed alot of respect to women when men were not doing so. Before Islam women were treated worse than animals and slaves. The practice those days towards women were horrendous. They had no rights, right to speak, right to have an opinion, right to inherit, right to own property, and since they had no right to own so couldn’t spend on themselves as well which means,no right to hang out in malls. Imagine it. They had no respect, they used to bury the baby as soon as they found out, it’s a girl. They were burred alive, abandoned, left on their own in deserts because of the fear that an increase of female offspring would result in economic burdens, as well as fear of the humiliation frequently caused by girls being captured by a hostile tribe and subsequently preferring their captors to their parents and brothers. In short they had NO rights whatsoever. They had no respect, were treated like cattle and useless animals. They used to sell women as they used to sell their sheep. They looked down upon women. They didn’t even wish to own them. This was their society.

And then there was Islam, which treated women with dignity, honor, it gave them their due respect. Firstly, it ordered to

1. Stop the killing of baby-girls instantly.

According to Quran, Surah Al-An’am, (The Cattle) Chapter 6 , verse 151:

“…Kill not your children on a plea of want. We provide sustenance for you and for them. Come not near shameful deeds, whether open or secret. Take not life which Allah has made sacred…”

A similar guidance is repeated in Surah Al-Isra (The Night journey) Chapter 17, Verse 31:

“Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.”

2. And then they were given given the right to inheritance.

According to Quran, surah Al Nisa (The Women) Verse 7:

“Unto men (of the family) belongs a share of that which Parents and near kindred leave, and unto women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be a little or much - a determinate share.”

3. Right to own Property:

More than 1,300 years before the west gave economical rights to women, Islam recognized the rights of adult women. Any adult woman has the right to possess or to own or to dispose any of her own property in any way she feels fit irrespective of whether she is single or married. The first time that rights of married women was recognized in the West whereby she could own and dispose of property without the control, approval or consent of her husband was in 1870s in England under the “Married Women Property Act”. This Act was later amended in 1882 and 1887. Women have the right to own and manage their money. And men, may it be their husband’s can’t have that money without their consent.

4. Right to education.

According to The Holy Prophet:

“Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim man and Muslim woman.”

5. Right to refuse any marriage proposal that doesn’t please them.

In Quran there are 177 verses that refer to women. A comprehensive note on Women in Islam by Zakir Naik is Women in Islam. I’m sure all of you’re questions regarding Women will be covered by these articles. And do check out “Women in Hinduism“

So now do you think we Muslims are barbaric for making women wear a veil? If so, then i’m curious to ask you, do you even know the meaning of barbaric? They were crude people who had no cloths on whereas we are the one’s wearing ‘em and actually you are the one’s who are not, so who’s barbaric now?

Yesterday…

And yesterday i baked a cake for my mother-in-law’s birthday. I asked my niece to take a picture of the cake so, will post it as soon as i get my hands on it.  I made a Chocolate Fudge cake and apart from the cake i also made cupcakes. Coffee flavored one’s for a change. Oh yeah, for the very first time they turned out nice.