ALMISKEENAH

 

 of camels… AND DATES 

Camels and dates, two of the main things one associates with the life of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam during his time in establishing this first truly Islamic city and society. Camels for transport, trading, breeding and jihad. With dates as the prime sustenance bestowed on the Madanians by Allah Ta’ala. The two inextricably linked; camels would be given the crushed date stones as fodder, and the dates would be transported by the camels.

This article appeared in yesterday’s paper expounding on the prominence of dates in the life of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. I was fascinated by the fact that Our Noble Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would “examine the old dates lest they might have gone bad, or became infested with worms.” Even after all these hundreds of years, Allah Ta’ala still deems that these worms are part of the date experience and entitled to their Rizq! Such blessed worms having been present since the time of our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam! Alhumdulillah. So check your date before eating it. I have learnt from the locals to keep dried dates refrigerated until an hour or so before eating.

“The legs are long, the eyes are big, the bodies curvaceous,” …a beautiful image accompanying this article on a camel beauty pageant!

Not of the Saudi variety, but informative about camels’ milk, and more great pictures of these wonderful animals, “with its hunched back, protruding teeth, facial hair and distinctive body odor, the camel may not seem an ideal model for beauty products.” 

So, from the delicious nourishing date, the tiny date worm and the gaudy gangly camel….

These are the signs in the heavens and the earth for those who believe. (45:3-4)

May we all be of the believers, Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.  May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.