After watching Zabiha Halal’s video from their recent #SharingHalal campaign click here to check it out, about sharing a meal with friends and neighbours during Ramadan, I am filled with amazement and happiness. It’s wonderful to see two families from such different cultures and backgrounds coming together to not only share a meal, but also to share similar experiences and emotions with one another. We come to realize that regardless of our racial, social, and religious associations, we are all the same.
The month of Ramadan is all about self-awareness, patience, kindness and reflecting upon our relationship with our Deen. One thing that Islam teaches us is that eating together brings blessings in the food being eaten. Prophet SWT said, “eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company.” [Ibn Majah Hadith]
Islam also teaches us the importance of being kind and generous towards our neighbours. Prophet SWT said, “if you cook some soup, add extra water to it, then think of the families in your neighbourhood and send some of it to them.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 114 | Sahih] This Hadith describes a unique way of showing hospitality and kindness towards our neighbours.
Zabiha Halal has inspired me to share a similar experience with my friends and neighbours in hopes of bringing us closer together. As simple as it sounds, when we share a meal, we are building a bond stronger than we could with other basic interactions. And there’s no better way to learn about other cultures than through food! Whether it is Samosas and Pakoras from the south east or Dolma from the middle eastern region, food is always the center of all cultures and social gatherings.
I encourage you all to #ShareHalal for the remainder of Ramadan (and beyond). Make sure to tag me and @livinghalalzh in your photos and leave a comment about your experience below!
