This is a weekly post by Nidhal Guessoum (see his earlier posts here). Nidhal is an astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at American University of Sharjah and is the author of Islam's Quantum Question: Reconciling Muslim Tradition and Modern Science.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently took part in the 18^th Conference of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS), which was followed by the 9^th Doha Interfaith Conference. The first one was on the theme: “The Islamic World and the West: Rebuilding bridges through science and technology”; the second one discussed: “Social Media and Inter-Religious Dialogue: A new relationship”.

One session of the IAS conference was devoted to the history of Islamic science and was quite interesting, with the following talks: “Muslim Contribution and the Turning Points in the History of Classical Mathematics” by Prof. Roshdi Rashed, Emeritus Research Director, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Center for History of Arabic and Medieval Sciences and Philosophy, University of Paris 7, France; “Discoveries in the Islamic World” by Prof. Ahmed Djebbar, Professor Emeritus, University of Science and Technology, Lille, France; “Unravelling the Mystery of the Decline of Islamic Science: Key Projections on Today’s World” by Prof. George Saliba, Columbia University, USA; and “Ibn al-Haytham’s Contributions to European Civilization” by Prof. Charles Falco, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.

The four talks were very different from one another.

Prof. Rashed’s talk focused on the “turning points” in the history of Islamic mathematics, attempting to show that there were what today we would call “paradigms shifts”, though the speaker refrained from using this expression. Algebra is a clear and strong case in point: a new analytical approach that was both algorithmic and demonstrative was introduced. Rashed showed how strong and fruitful this new mathematics was, although unfortunately it was hardly appreciated for its worth or used to its fullest power in the following centuries. The speaker also insisted that the detailed history of this new approach, from its inception to its full-scale development and deployment later in the west, has yet to be fully written. Likewise, though not as strikingly, for branches such as spherical geometry and geometric transformations, in which Muslim mathematicians turned geometry into a dynamic concept, not just studying the relations within shapes but more importantly realizing that relations “between” shapes could be studied, what today we would call “mapping”.

Prof. Djebbar showed an excellent example of how the history of Islamic science can be turned into a pedagogical tool. Indeed, in France, within a large new science-education program titled “La main à la pâte” (“hands on”), which was introduced and championed by the recently departed French Physics Nobel Prize winner Georges Charpak, a textbook (cover image on the side) and module has been built around a number of “scientific” topics related to discoveries made by Muslim scientists during the golden age. There is a website for this educational project, with a teacher’s folder, showing links to explanations (and more) on each of the discoveries used in the work (e.g. Al-Farisi’s model of the rainbow, Al-Khazini weighing scale, Ibn al-Baytar’s experimental botany and pharmacology, Ibn al-Nafis’s discovery of the pulmonary blood cycle, Al-Jazari’s water pump, etc.), a children’s folder, showing animations for each discovery (e.g. for Al-Farisi’s model of the rainbow), and wiki pages constructed by the children from their research, both experimental and bibliographical.

A truly marvelous educational piece of work.

The textbook has now been translated into English in Malaysia for implementation. The IAS president then pledged to have the textbook and module translated into Arabic.

Prof. Saliba presented his ‘theory’ for the decline of Islamic science. He started by conceding that there was indeed a decline; I think this much is obvious, despite the “decline, what decline?” refrain that we sometimes hear here or there. However, he insisted that it must be dated around the 16^th century since, his argument went, we can find great scientists (at least astronomers) up to that era, highlighting Al-Khafri (ca. 1470 - 1550) as proof of the continuation of Islamic astronomy up to the 16^th century. In particular, he dismissed “internal” factors, such as the orthodoxy that prevailed after Ghazali (since many great scientists appeared after that) or the Mongol invasion. (This part is not so obvious, but let us put this aside for now.) Saliba then argues that this date corresponds to the simultaneous decline of both the Islamic and the Chinese civilizations and the rise of the European civilization. So, he concludes, the question should not be “what went wrong” in the Islamic civilization, but rather “what went right” in the west?

His answer is then: it is the new wealth acquired in the west from the discovery of America and the opening of new commercial routes around Africa, thus bypassing and marginalizing the Islamic lands and making them lose economic power and hence their ability to conduct science.

In my opinion, this is certainly one important factor that should not be disregarded, but first it is a very late development (decline in most branches of Islamic science began much before), and one still needs to explain the great wealth (and thus a potential ability to do great science) in the Ottoman empire (not to mention others, such as the Mughal empire), how the latter was (were) able to expand huge powers to rule vast lands, build great palaces and infrastructures, while no science of substance was produced for at least four centuries. Saliba also leaves aside important internal factors such as the sorry state and weak status of Islamic universities/madrasas, the near-total absence of democracy and freedom of thought, etc. Of course, this debate is not new; check out Saliba’s famous exchange with Toby Huff.

The last speaker was Charles Falco, who focused solely on Ibn al-Haytham, attempting to show his importance in the history of ideas (scientific, artistic, and even theological) in medieval Europe. I am a great fan of Ibn al-Haytham, but I don’t like exaggerations or extrapolations, and I think it is important to distinguish between Ibn al-Haytham being “influential” and being mentioned (once here and once there, sometimes with difficult-to-recognize spelling and very fuzzy notions) by Chaucer or other medieval writers, or being referred to by some theologian who wants to justify his ideas by using light as an analogy (in some theological concept) and finding “scientific” support in Ibn al-Haytham’s description of light. At the end of his talk, Falco requested financial support for a documentary he is preparing on Ibn al-Haytham.

To sum up, all in all, a great session, very rich and diverse… Indeed, how often does one get to hear such great talks in one afternoon? Too bad the session’s time and format constraints did not allow for any discussion…

I had a lovely apple-braised pork shoulder recipe all set to post today, but was unable to finish it off because PG&E turned off the gas line to do repairs on our street. So, stay tuned for that tomorrow, but in the meantime, here’s a great butternut squash soup video from Trevor and Sally Oliver, parents of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Jamie’s one of my favorites, and not only are his parents adorable, but you can see where he gets some of his skills from. Enjoy!

This video was originally posted on Thisisbrandculture's YouTube Channel, February 22, 2011.

We are so excited because this is our first month joining the Secret Recipe Club.  This is how it works.  A large group of blogs are assigned another blog in which they need to make a recipe from.  It's a secret! We can't tell anyone whose blog we have been assigned.  Once we choose a recipe we re-create it and then all the blogs post their recipes on the same day. We then get to see who had our blog and see what recipe from our blog they decided to make.  It's a great way to get to know new foodie friends!  This month we were assigned to JBean Cuisine.  I loved all of her delicious recipes and her use of spices that most people don't use very often.  A South East Asian Cuisine theme runs throughout her blog which was exciting since I absolutely LOVE Indian and Thai spices and flavors.  Although funny enough I chose a recipe that was very simple and straight forward because I knew my husband would love it and also I thought it would take a really pretty picture.  There's nothing wrong with wanting a pretty picture to display is there?  Here is The Perfect Stack......Delicious cripsy eggplant, tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. YUM!

The Perfect Stack:

Crispy Eggplant, Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients:

1/2 small eggplant
1 clove of garlic, peeled and sliced in half
1/4 cup flour
salt and pepper to taste
2 – 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium tomato, sliced into 1/4 inch slices (or however thick you like)
3 slices of mozzarella, about 1/4 of a ball, sliced into desired thickness
3 small leaves of basil
2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar reduction
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)

TIP:  To make the balsamic reduction, simply heat 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.  Allow the vinegar to reduce by half, or until it coats the back of a spoon **

Preparation:

For the Eggplant:

Slice eggplant into 1/2 inch slices.  Rub both sides of the eggplant slices with garlic cloves (switch garlic halves about half-way through).

Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant with salt and pepper.

Place flour in a shallow bowl. One by one, place each piece of eggplant into the flour, press down lightly to coat the eggplant evenly.  Tap lightly to remove extra flour.

Heat a large frying pan (or sauté pan) over medium-high heat.  Add the oil and heat until glistening.

Add the eggplant slices and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side.  Keep careful watch as not to burn them.  If they brown too quickly, lower the heat.

Flip each slice over and cook the other side, until nice and crisp (and golden brown).

Remove from frying pan and place on paper towel to drain off excess oil.

To Assemble the Salad:

Place a piece of the fried eggplant on your plate, top with a slice of tomato, then 1 slice of mozzarella and top that with 1 leaf of basil.  Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.

Drizzle the salad with the balsamic vinegar and 1 TBSP of olive oil (if desired).

Enjoy!

Beautiful Pictures of The House of GOD

The Great Islamic Art Work

THE HAJJ

Learn Du'a and Istaghfaar from Sahi Ahadees

Page 2 Kitab Zikar-O-Du'a Of Sahi Muslim

Beautiful Islamic Mosque the symbol of great Architectural work

Islamic Miracles Allah's Name....

Imaam Ibn Katheer rahimahullaah

Translated by Muhammad Gemeiah

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Allâh the Almighty revealed: Remember when your Lord said to the angels: 'Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.' They said: 'Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks (exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You?' Allâh said: 'I know that which you do not know.'

Allâh taught Aadam all the names of everything, then He showed them to the angels and said: "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise."

He said: "O Aadam! Inform them of their names," and when he had informed them of their names, He said: "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been hiding?"

Remember when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourself before Aadam" They prostrated except Iblis, he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers(disobedient to Allâh)."

We said: "O Aadam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will but come not near this tree or you both will be of the ZAleemeen (wrongdoers)."

Then the Satan made them slip therefrom (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. We said: "Get you down all with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time."

Then Aadam received from his Lord Words. His Lord pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the most Merciful. We said: "Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve. But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayah (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, and signs and revelations, etc) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall Abude therein forever."

(Chapter 2:30-39, Qur'ân).

Almighty Allâh also revealed: And surely, We created you (your father Aadam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, "Prostrate to Aadam", and they prostrated, except Iblis, he refused to be those who prostrate.

Allâh said: "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not postrate when I commanded you?"

Iblis said: "I am better than him (Aadam), You created me from fire and him You created from clay."

Allâh said: "O Iblis get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out for you are of those humiliated and disgraced."

Iblis said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (Day of Resurrection)."

Allâh said: "You are of those allowed respite."

Iblis said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (they will not be dutiful to You)."

Allâh said: "Get out from Paradise, disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all."

"And O Aadam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the ZAleemeen (unjust and wrongdoers)."

Then Satan whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts before, he said:" Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals." Satan swore by Allâh to them both saying: "Verily I am one of the sincere well wishers for you both."

So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). Their Lord called out to them saying "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you, Verily Satan is an open enemy unto you?"

They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers." Allâh said: "Get down one of you an enemy to the other (i.e. Aadam, Eve, and Satan etc). On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment, for a time." He said: "therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (resurrected)."

(Chapter 7:11-25 Qur'ân).

We imagine when Allâh the Almighty decided to create Aadam: He addressed His angels and told them to prostrate before him. He did not mean to ask their opinion or take their advice, for He is above that. Allâh the Exalted told them that He was going to create a vicegerent on the earth who would have children and grandchildren who would corrupt the earth and shed each other's blood. That is why the angels said to Allâh the Almighty: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood?" (Chapter 2:30 Qur'ân).

There are old traditions about the angels before the creation of Aadam. According to Ibn Qatadah, it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Aadam and his progency by the jinn who lived before Aadam. Abdullâh Ibn Umar said that the jinn had existed for about 2000 years before Aadam and then shed blood. Therefore Allâh sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Ibn Abu Hatim narrated from Alee Jafar Al Baqer that the angels were informed that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth. It was also said that they knew that no one would be created on earth who would not be wicked and shed blood.

Whether or not these traditions are correct, the angels did understand that Allâh would create a vicegerent on earth. Allâh the Almighty announced that HE was going to create a human being out of clay, that HE would mold him and blow His spirit into him and then the angels should prostrate before him.

Abu Musa al Sha'arai narrated that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allâh created Aadam from a handful of dust taken from different lands, so the children of Aadam have been created according to the composition of the land. Therefore from mankind we have white, red, black and yellow ones; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and what comes in between them." (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree).

Ibn Masud and other companions of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said that Allâh the Almighty sent Gabriel onto the earth to said that Allâh the Almighty sent Gabriel onto the earth to get Him clay therefrom. The earth said: "I seek refuge in Allâh from your decreasing my quantity or disfiguring me." So Gabriel returned and did not take anything. He said: "My Lord, the land sought refuge in You and it granted."

So Allâh sent Michael for the same purpose, and the land sought refuge with Allâh and it was granted. So he went back and said to Allâh what Gabriel has said before him.

Then Allâh sent the Angel of Death, and the land sought refuge in Allâh, the angel said: "I also seek refuge with Allâh from returning without carrying out His command." So he took clay from the face of the earth and mixed it. He did not take from one particular place, but rather he took white, red, and black clay from different places. The Angel of Death ascended with it, Allâh soaked the clay till it became sticky. Then Allâh said to the angels: "Truly, I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him." (Chapter 38:71-72 Qur'ân).

So Allâh shaped Aadam into a human being, but he remained a figure of clay for 40 years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblis felt fear most. He used to pass by the figure of Aadam, buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allâh told us: "He created man (Aadam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery." (Chapter 55 Qur'ân).

When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Aadam, as Allâh decreed, He commanded the angels: "When I breathe My spirit into him prostrate before him." Allâh breathed His spirit into Aadam and when it reached his head Aadam sneezed. The angels said: "Say all praise belongs to Allâh." Aadam repeated: "All praise belongs to Allâh." Allâh said to him: "Your Lord has granted you mercy." When the spirit reached his eyes, Aadam looked at the fruits of Paradise. When it reached his abdomen Aadam felt an appetite for food. He jumped hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits of Paradise. Allâh, therefore, said: "Man is created of haste." (Chapter 21:37 Qur'ân). And then: The angels prostrated themselves all of them together. Except Iblis, he refused to be among the prostrators. (Ch 15:31-32 Qur'ân).

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allâh created Aadam from dust after He mixed the clay and left him for some time until it became sticky mud, after which Allâh shaped him. After that Allâh left him till it became like potter's clay. Iblis used to go past him saying 'You have been created for a great purpose.' After that Allâh breathed His spirit into him. The first thing into which the spirit passed was his eye and then his nose. He sneezed. Allâh said: "May your Lord have mercy upon you, O Aadam! Go to those angels and see what they would say.' So Aadam went and greeted them. they replied saying: "Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allâh." Allâh said: "O Aadam! This is your greeting and that of your offspring." (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree).

Allâh the Almighty revealed: Remember when your Lord brought forth from the children of Aadam, from their loins, their seed (or from Aadam's loin his offspring) and made them testify as to themselves saying: "Am I not your Lord?" They said: "Yes! We testify." lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection. "Verily we have been unaware of this." Or lest you should say: "It was only our father aforetime who took others pas partners in worship along with Allâh and we were merely their descendants after them; will you then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practiced al batil (polytheism) and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allâh?" Thus do We explain the Ayah (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations etc) in detail so that they may turn unto the truth. (Ch 7:172-174 Qur'ân).

Aadam's progeny declared: "Our Lord, we bear witness that You are our Lord; we have no other Lord but Allâh. Allâh raised their father Aadam, and he looked at them and saw those of them who were rich and those who were poor, and those who had good forms and those who did not. Aadam said: "O Allâh! I wish You to make Your servants equal." Allâh replied "I love being thanked." Aadam saw among the prophets like lamps among his progeny.

Almighty Allâh declared: Remember when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (o Muhammad), and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus son of Mary. We took from them a strong covenant. (Ch 33:7 Qur'ân).

In another verse Allâh the Exalted commanded: "So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure Islâmic Monotheism Hanifan (worship none but Allâh Alone) Allâh's Fitrah (Allâh's Islâmic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in khalqillah (the Religion of Allâh--Islâmic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most men know not." (Ch 30:30 Qur'ân).

Another version of the story relates that Allâh took a handful of the dust of the earth and mixed into it the colors, white, black, yellow and red. That is the reason why men are born different colors. When Allâh mixed the dust with water, it turned into potter's clay that makes a sound. It was fermented and had a smell. Iblis passed by, wondering what was going to be made of that clay. From the clay Allâh created Aadam. He molded his form with His own hands and blew His spirit into him. Aadam's body quivered as life was imbued into it.

Verily His Command, when He intends a thing is only that He says to it, "BE!" and it is! (Ch 37:82 Qur'ân).

Allâh the Almighty declared: Verily the likeness of Jesus, in Allâh's Sight is the likeness of Aadam, He created him from the dust then He said to him. "Be!" --and he was. (Ch 3:59 Qur'ân).

Aadam opened his eyes and saw all the angels prostrating before him except one being who was standing at a distance. Aadam did not know what kind of creature it was that did not prostrate before him nor did he know its name. Iblis was standing with the angels so as to be included in the command given to them but he was not one of them. He was a jinn, and as such he was supposed to be inferior to the angels. What is clear is that this prostration was to show respect and did not mean that the angels were worshipping Aadam. Prostrating in worship is done only for Allâh.

Almighty Allâh recounted the story of Iblis's refusal to prostate before Aadam: Remember when your Lord said to the angels, "I am going to create a man (Aadam) from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud. So when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him (Aadam) the soul which I created for him then fall you down prostrating yourselves unto him." SO the angels prostrated themselves all of them together, except Iblis, he refused to be among the prostrators. Allâh said: "O Iblis! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators?" Iblis said: "I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud." Allâh said: "Then get out from here for verily you are Rajim (an outcast or cursed one). Verily the curse shall be upon you till Day of Recompense (Day of Resurrection). (Ch 15:28-35 Qur'ân).

In another surah Almighty Allâh recounted it thus: Surely We created you (your father Aadam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, "Prostrate to Aadam and they prostrated except Iblis he refused to be of those who prostrate. Allâh said: "What prevented you Iblis that you did not prostrate when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Aadam), You created me from fire and him You created from clay." Allâh said: "Get down from this Paradise, it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." Iblis said: Allow me respite till the Day of Resurrection)." Allâh said: "You are of those allowed respite." (Ch 7:11-15 Qur'ân).

Ibn Jarir reported that Muhammad Ibn Sirin said that the first one to reach a conclusion by reasoning was Iblis and that the sun and moon were not worshipped except through this method.

This means that Iblis tried to compare himself to Aadam. He believed that he was more honorable than Aadam. Therefore he abstained from prostrating even though Allâh had commanded him to do so, just as He had commanded the angels. If an analogy is made we see that Iblis is vain. For indeed clay is better than fire because in it can be found the qualities of calmness, clemency, perseverance and growth; whereas in fire can be found heedlessness, insignificance, haste, and incineration.

Iblis tried in vain to justify his refusal: "Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay?" Iblis said: "See? those whom You have honored above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!" (Ch 17:62 Qur'ân).

Aadam was following what was happening around him and had feelings of love, awe, and astonishment. Deep love of Allâh, Who had created and glorified him and Who had made His angels prostrate before him. Awe of the Creator's wrath when He excluded Iblis from His mercy. Aadam was surprised by this creature, Iblis who abhorred him without even knowing him and who imagined himself better than Aadam without having proved that he was worthier. What a strange creature Iblis was, and how strange was his excuse for not prostrating!

He imagined that fire is better than clay, but how did he get such an idea? Such knowledge is exclusive to Allâh Who (created) fire and clay and Who knows which is the better of the two.

From the dialogue Aadam realized that Iblis was a creature characterized by cunning and ingratitude. He then knew that Iblis was his eternal enemy. He was greatly astonished at Iblis's audacity and Allâh's tolerance. Immediately after his creation Aadam witnessed the large amount of freedom that Allâh gives to His commissioned creatures.

Allâh knew that Iblis was not going to obey Him in prostrating before Aadam. Allâh could have totally annihilated him or turned him into a handful of dust or stifled the refusal in his mouth. Yet, Allâh gives His commissioned creatures absolute freedom even to the extent that they can refuse Allâh the Almighty's commands. He grants them the freedom of denial, disobedience, and even disagreement with Him.

His kingdom will not diminish if the disbelievers do not believe in Him nor will it be extended if many people believe in Him. On the contrary, the disbelievers will lose, and the believers will gain but Allâh is above all of that.

There were many traditions about Iblis at the time of Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Ibn Masud, Ibn Abbas and a group of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said that Iblis had been the head of the angels in the worldly heavens. Ibn Abbas said in one narration that his name had been Azazil and in another narration he said it had been Al Harith. Ibn Abbas also said that Iblis was a jinn and that they had once been the keepers of Paradise, with Iblis the most honorable and the most learned and the most pious of them. Another tradition says that he had been one of the famous four possessors of wings (angels), before Allâh transformed him into the accursed Satan.

Allâh Almighty recounts Iblis's disobedience in another surah: Remember when your Lord said to the angels: "Truly I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him." So the angels prostrated themselves all of them; except Iblis, he was proud and was one of the disbelievers. Allâh said: "The truth is, and the truth I say, that I will fill Hell with you and those of them (mankind) that follow you together." (Ch 38:71-85 Qur'ân).

After this lesson about freedom Aadam learned another lesson, one about knowledge. Aadam reAleezed that Iblis was the symbol of evil in the universe and that the angels were the symbol of good. However he did not yet know anything about himself. Then Allâh made him perceive his true identity and the reason for his creation, and the secret of his glorification.

Allâh the Exalted said: He taught Aadam all the names of everything. (Ch 2:31 Qur'ân).

Almighty Allâh granted Aadam the power to know the natures of all things and to summarize them by names; that is a bird, that is a star, that is a tree, etc Allâh implanted in Aadam an insatiable need for and love of knowledge and a desire to bequeath knowledge to his children. This was the reason for his creation and the secret of his glorification.

After Aadam had learned the names of all things, along with their properties and uses, Allâh presented them to the angels and said: "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." (Ch 2:31 Qur'ân) the angels admitted their inAbulity: "Glory be to You, we have knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily it is You the All Knower, the All Wise." (Ch 2:32)

Allâh Almighty then turned to Aadam: "O Aadam! Inform them of their names, " and when he had informed them of their names, He (Allâh) said: "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been hiding?" (Ch 2:33).

Allâh wanted the angels to know that He knew of their astonishment when He had told them about the creation of Aadam and that He also knew of their confusion which they had not revealed, as well as what Iblis had concealed of his disobedience and ingratitude.

The angels realized that Aadam was the creature who knew what they did not know and that his capacity to learn was his noblest quality. His knowledge included knowledge of the Creator which we call faith or Islâm, as well as the knowledge he would need to inhAbut and master the earth. All kinds of worldly knowledge which are included in this.

Aadam knew the names of everything. Sometimes he talked to the angels, but they were preoccupied with worshipping Almighty Allâh. Therefore Aadam, felt lonely. One day he slept and when he awoke he found near his head, a woman gazing at his face with beautiful tender eyes.

The angels asked him her name. He replied: "Eve (Hawa)." (Means living things). They asked: "Why did you call her Eve?" Aadam said: "Because she was created of me and I am a living being."

Ibn Abbas and a group of companions of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam narrated that when Iblis was sent out of Paradise and Aadam was accommodated therein, Aadam was alone in Paradise and did not have a partner from whom he could get tranquility. He slept for some time and when he woke up, he saw a woman whom Allâh had created from his ribs. So he asked her, "Who are you? She replied, "A woman" He asked: "Why have you been created?" She said :"So that you could find tranquility in me." The angels, trying to find out the extent of his knowledge, asked him: "What is her name O Aadam?" He replied, "Eve" They asked "Why was she so named?" He replied, " Because she was created from something living."

Muhammad Ibn Ishaaq and Ibn Abbas related that Eve was created from the shortest left rib of Aadam while he was sleeping and after awhile she was clothed with flesh. that is why Allâh the Exalted said: O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Aadam) and from Him (Aadam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women. (Ch 4:1) Allâh also said: It is he Who has created you from a single person (Aadam) and then He created from him his wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her. (Ch 7:189).

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "O Muslims! I advise you to be gentle with women, for they are created from a rib, and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part. If you try to straighten it, it will break and if you leave it, it will remain crooked, so I urge you to take care of the women." (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree).

Allâh commanded Aadam to dwell in Paradise: O Aadam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimeen (wrong doers). (Ch 2:35)

The location of this Paradise is unknown to us. The Quran did not reveal it, and the commentators had five different opinions. Some said that it was the paradise of our refuge and that its place was heaven. Others regreted that statement because if it was the paradise of refuge Iblis would have been forbidden admission and disobedience would have been forbidden as well. Still others said that it was another paradise that was created by Allâh for Aadam and Eve. A fourth group said it was a paradise on the earth located in a high place. Another group of commentators accept what was in the Quran without questioning where this paradise was located. We agree with this last opinion as the lesson we learn from its location is immaterial compared to the lesson we learn from the events that took place there.

Aadam and eve were admitted to Paradise and there they lived the dream of all human beings. Allâh permitted them to approach and enjoy everything except one tree, that might have been the Tree of Pain or the Tree of Knowledge. Allâh forbade them they were give abode in Paradise. "But come not near this tree or you both will be of the wrong doers." (Ch 2:35)

Aadam and Eve understood that they were forbidden to eat the fruit of that tree. Aadam was however a human being and man tends to forget. His heart changes and his will weakens. Iblis summoned all the envy within him and took advantage of Aadam's humanity to exploit him. He started to whisper to him day after day, coaxing him: "Shall I guide you to thTree of Immortality and the Eternal Kingdom?" He said to them: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals." He (Satan) swore by Allâh to them both saying: "Verily I am one of the sincere well wishers for you both." (Ch 7:20-21)

Aadam asked himself: "What will happen if I eat from this tree? It might truly be the Tree of Immortality." His dream was to live forever in the pure innocence of Paradise."

Years went by, and Aadam and Eve were preoccupied with thoughts of that tree. Then one day they decided to eat of its fruit. They forgot that Allâh had warned them not to approach it and that Iblis was their sworn enemy. Aadam stretched out his hand, picked one of the fruits and offered it to Eve. They both ate of the forbidden tree.

Allâh Almighty told us: "So he (Satan) misled them with deception." (Ch 7:22) Allâh said: "Thus did Aadam disobey his Lord so he went astray." (Ch 20:121).

According to the old Testament, Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat of the forbidden tree. She ate because of the words of the serpent and fed Aadam some of it. At that moment, their eyes were opened to the fact that they were naked, and they took the leaves of the fig tree to cover themselves. Wahb Ibn Munabah said that their clothing (before their sin) was made of light on the private parts of both of them.

This story in the Old Testament is a falsification and deception. Allâh the Almighty revealed: "O Children of Aadam! Let not Satan deceive you, as he got your parents (Aadam and Eve) out of Paradise stripping them of their rainments; to show them their private parts. Verily he and Qabiluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the devils (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not." (Ch 7:27)

Aadam had hardly finished eating when he felt his heart contract, and he as filled with pain, sadness and shame. The surrounding atmosphere had changed and the internal music had stopped. He discovered that he and his wife were naked, so they both started cutting tree leaves with which to cover themselves. Allâh the Almighty addressed him: "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily Satan is an open enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers." Allâh said; "Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (Aadam, Eve, and Satan etc). On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment, for a time." He said: "Therein you shall live and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (resurrected)." (7:22-25).

Again there are old stories about these events. Al Hafez Ibn Asaker narrated that Allâh commanded two angels to remove Aadam from His holy proximity. So Gabriel stripped him of the crown on his head, and Michael took the diadem from his forehead. Aadam thought that his punishment had been hastened and bowed down crying; "Forgiveness! Forgiveness!" so Allâh asked: "Are you running away from Me?" Aadam replied, "No, my Lord, but I am shy of You."

Abdul Rahman Ibn Amru Al-Awza'iy said that Aadam spent 100 years in Paradise. In another narration it was said he spent 60 years. Ibn Asaker reported that Aadam wept for 60 years for his loss of Paradise and 70 years for his mistake, and he wept for another 70 years when his son was killed.

They left Paradise and descended upon the earth. Aadam was sad and Eve was crying. Allâh accepted their repentance because it was sincere and He told them that the earth would be their realm and origin where they would live and die and whence they would come on the Day of Judgment.

Allâh the Almighty recounted this third lesson Aadam learned in Paradise: Indeed We made a covenant with Aadam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will power. Remember when We said to the angels "Prostrate yourselves to Aadam." They prostrated (all) except Iblis, who refused. then We said: "O Aadam! verily, this is an enemy to you and to your wife. so let him not get you both out of Paradise, so that you be distressed in misery. Verily, you have (a promise from Us) that you will never be hungry therein nor naked. And you will suffer not from thrist therein nor from the sun's heat."

Then Satan whispered to him, saying "O Aadam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?" Then they both ate of that tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering. Thus did Aadam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness and gave him guidance.

Allâh said: "Get you down (upon the earth), both of you, together from Paradise, some of you are an enemy to some others. THen if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery. But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (neither believes in this Quran nor acts on its orders etc). Verily, for him is a life of hardship and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection."

He will say: "O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight before." Allâh will said: "like this, Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc). came unto you, but you disregarded them (you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected in the Hellfire, away from Allâh's Mercy.)"

And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds (commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allâh) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this Quran etc), and believes not in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc). of his Lord, and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting. (Ch 20:115-127)

Some people believe that the reason why mankind does not dwell in Paradise is that Aadam was disobedient and that if it had not been for this sin, we could have been there all along. These are naive fictions because when Allâh wanted to create Aadam, He said to the angels, "I shall make a vicegerent on the earth." He did not say, "I shall make a vicegerent in Paradise."

Aadam's descent on earth, then, was not due to degradation but rather it was dignified descent. Allâh knew that Aadam and Eve would eat of the tree and descend to earth. He knew that Satan would rape their innocence. That experience was essential for their life on earth; it was a cornerstone of their vicegerency. It was meant to teach Aadam, Eve, and their progeny that it was Satan who had caused them to be expelled from Paradise and that the road to Paradise can only be reached by obedience to Allâh and enmity to Satan.

Could it be said that Aadam and the rest of mankind were predestined to sin and to be expelled from Paradise and sent to the earth? In fact, this fiction is as naive as the first one.

Aadam complete free will, and he bore the consequences of his deed. He disobeyed by eating of the forbidden tree, so Allâh dismissed him from Paradise. His disobedience does not negate his freedom. On the contrary it is a consequence of it.

The truth of the matter is that Allâh knew what was going to happen, as He always know the outcome of events before they take place. However Allâh does not force things to happen. He grants free will to His human creatures. On that He bases His supreme wisdom in populating the earth, establishing the vicegerents, and so on.

Aadam understood his 3rd lesson. He knew now in a practical way that Iblis was his enemy, the cause of his losing the blessing of living in Paradise, and the cause of his distress. Aadam also understood that Allâh punishes disobedience and that the way of Paradise has to be through submission to the will of Allâh. And he learned from Allâh Almighty to ask for forgiveness.

Allâh accepted Aadam's repentance and forgave him. He then sent him to the earth as His first messenger.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Aadam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Aadam: 'Your sin expelled you from Paradise.' Aadam said: ' You are Moses whom Allâh selected as His messenger and as the one to whom He spoke directly. Yet you blame me for a thing which had already been written in my fate before my Creation?" Allâh's Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said twice, "So Aadam outclassed Moses." (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree).

Umar Ibn Al Khattab also narrated that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Moses alayhis salaam said: 'My Lord! May I see Aadam who removed us and himself from the Paradise?" so Allâh made him see Aadam and he said to him: "Are you Aadam?" Aadam said: "yes." And he said "Were you the one in Whom Allâh breathed His spirit and before whom He bowed His angels and to whom He taught the names of all things?" Aadam answered: "yes." so Moses said: "What made you remove us and yourself from Paradise.?" Aadam said: "Who are you?" Moses said: I am Moses." Aadam said: "So you are Moses the prophet of the Children of Israel. Were you the one Allâh spoke to directly?" Moses answered "yes." Aadam said: "Why do you blame me for a matter which Allâh had predestined?" So Allâh’s Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said twice. "Aadam outclassed Moses." (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree).

There are many traditions concerning the place of Aadam's descent upon earth. Ibn Abi Hatim narrated that Ibn Abbas said: "Aadam descended on land 'Dihna' between Mecca and Taif." Al Hassan said that Aadam descended in India and Eve in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Iblis in Bodistiman (Iraq), and the serpent in Ashahan (Iran). This last was also reported by Ibn Hatim.

Ass'ady related that Aadam descended with the Black Stone (a large black stone set into the wall of the Ka'ba in Mecca. It is said to have come from Paradise) in India, and he had a handful of the seeds of Paradise. He sowed them in India and they grew into the fragrant tree therein.

Ibn Umar said that Aadam descended on As-Safa and Eve on Al Marwa (names of two mountains in the vicinity of the sacred house in Mecca. Part of the rites of pilgrimage (hajj) includes pacing between these two hills in commemoration of Hagar's search for water). This was also reported by Ibn Hatim. Abdul Razzaq reported that Abi Musa Al-Ashari said that when Allâh ordered Aadam to descend from Paradise to earth, He taught him the making of everything and provided him with the crops from Paradise.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The best of days on which the sun has risen is Friday. One this day Aadam was created, and on this day he was descended to earth." (al-Bukhaaree)

Aadam knew he bade farewell to peace and he left Paradise. On earth he had to face conflict and struggle. No sooner had one ended than another began. He also had to toil to sustain himself. He had to protect himself with clothes and weapons and protect his wife and children from the wild beasts. Above all he had to struggle with the spirit of evil. Satan, the cause of his expulsion from Paradise, continued to beguile him and his children in an effort to have them thrown into the eternal hellfire. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those who follow Allâh's guidance and should fear nothing while those who disobey Allâh and follow Iblis will be damned along with him.

Aadam grasped all of this and with the knowledge of this suffering he started his life on the earth. The only thing that allowed his grief was that he was master of the earth and had to make it yield to him. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate and construct and populate the earth. He was also the one who had to procreate and raise children who would change and improve the world.

The pinnacle of earthly bliss was reached when Aadam and Eve witnessed the birth of their 1st children, a set of twins. Aadam was a devoted father and Eve a contented mother. The twins were Cain (Qabil) and his sister. Later Eve gave birth to a second set of twins, Abel (Habil) and his sister. The family enjoyed the bounties and fruits of the earth provided by their Lord. The children grew up to be strong and healthy young adults. Cain tilled the land while Abel raised cattle.

The time arrived when the two young men desired life partners. This was part of Allâh’s plan for mankind, to multiply and form nations with different cultures and colors. Allâh revealed to Aadam that he should marry each son to the twin sister of the other. Aadam instructed his children according to Allâh's command, but Cain was displeased with the partner chosen for him, for Abel's twin sister was not as beautiful as his own.

It appears that since the beginning of time, physical beauty has been a factor in the attraction between man and women. This attraction caused Cain to envy his brother Abel. He rebelled against Allâh's command by refusing to accept his father's advice.

At first glance Cain's rebellion might appear strange, but we should remember that although man has a pure nature, the potential for dichotomy exists. In other words, he had both good and bad qualities. He can become greedy, covetous, possessive, selfish and even destructive. Man is, therefore capable of seeking self-satisfaction even if it leads to failure in this life and in the hereafter. The path to goodness lies in harnessing the enemy within him, his baser self by controlling evil thoughts and deeds and practicing moderation in his desires and actions. His reward then will be the delights of this world and the hereafter. Thus Allâh tests us through our divided nature.

Aadam was in a dilemma. He wanted peace and harmony in his family, so he invoked Allâh for help. Allâh commanded that each son offer a sacrifice, and he whose offering was accepted would have right on his side. Abel offered his best camel while Cain offered his worst grain. His sacrifice was not accepted by Allâh because of his disobedience to his father and the insincerity in his offering.

This enraged Cain even further. Realizing that his hopes marrying his own beautiful sister were fading, he threatened his brother. "I will kill you! I refuse to see you happy while I remain unhappy!"

Abel feeling sorry for his brother, replied, "It would be more proper for you, my brother to search for the cause of your unhappiness and then walk in the way of peace. Allâh accepts the deeds only from those who serve and fear Him, not from those who reject His Commands."

Abel was intelligent, obedient, and always ready to obey the will of Allâh. This contrasted sharply with his brother who was arrogant, selfish and disobedient to his Lord. Abel did not fear his brother's threats, but neither did he want his brother to be hurt, Allâh had blessed Abel with purity and compassion.

Hoping to allay the hatred seething in his brother Abel said, " My brother, you are deviating from the right path and are sinful in your decisions. It is better that you repent to Allâh and forget about your foolish threat. But if you do not then I will leave the matter in the hands of Allâh. You alone will bear the consequence of your sin, for the Fire is the reward of the wrong-doers."

This brotherly plea did nothing to lessen the hatred in Cain's heart, nor did he show fear of Allâh's punishment. Even familial considerations were cast aside. Cain struck his brother with a stone killing him instantly. This was the 1st death and the 1st criminal act committed by man on earth.

When Abel had not appeared for some time, Aadam began to search for him but found no trace of his beloved son. He asked Cain about Abel's whereabouts. Cain insolently replied that he was not his brother's keeper nor his protector. From these words his father understood that Abel was dead and Aadam was filled with grief.

Meanwhile Cain did not know what to do with his brother's corpse. He carried it on his back wandering from place to place trying to hide it. His anger had now subsided and his conscience was saddled with guilt. He was tiring under the burden of the corpse which had started to have a stench. As a mercy, and to show that dignity could be retained even in death, Allâh sent two ravens that began fighting, causing the death of one. The victorious bird used its beak and claws to dig a hole in the ground, rolled its victim into it and covered it with sand.

Witnessing this, Cain was overcome with shame and remorse. "Woe unto me!" he exclaimed. "I was unable to do what this raven has done, that is to hide my brother's corpse." Cain then buried his brother. This was also the 1st burial of man.

Allâh the Almighty revealed: And (O Muhammad) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Aadam (Abel and Cain) in truth; when each offered a sacrifice to Allâh, it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former; "I will surely kill you."

The former said: "Verily Allâh accepts only from those who are Al Muttaqeen (the pious). If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allâh; the Lord of the Alameen (mankind, jinn, and all that exists). Verily I intend to let you draw my sin onyourself as well as yours then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire, and that is the recompense of the Zalimeen (polytheists, and wrongdoers)."

So the self of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of the losers. Allâh sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother. He (the murderer) said: "Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother?" Then he became one of those who regretted. (Ch 5:27-31).

Ibn Abbas, Ibn Masud and a group of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam related that inter-marriage of the male of one pregnancy with the female of another had been in practice among Aadam's children. Abel wanted to marry Cain's sister, but Cain wanted her for himself because she was very beautiful. Aadam ordered him to give her in marriage to his brother but he refused. SO Aadam ordered both of them to offer a sacrifice, then went to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage. After Aadam had left, they offered their sacrifices; Abel offered a fat lamb, he was a shepherd, while Cain offered a bundle of worst grain. fire descended and devoured Abel's sacrifice, leaving that of Cain so he became angry and said: "I will surely kill you so that you will not marry my sister." Abel replied, "Allâh accepts from those who fear Him."

According to Abu Ja'afar al Baqer, Aadam was watching their offering and was sure that Abel's sacrifice would be accepted. Cain complained to Aadam that the acceptance was due to his supplication for Abel and that he had not done the same for him, so he promised his father to settle the matter between himself and his brother. One night, Abel was late returning from tending his flock. Aadam sent Cain to see what happened to him. When he found him, he glared at him saying: "Yours was accepted, and mine was not." Abel replied, "Allâh only accepts from the Allâh-fearing." Cain became angry on hearing this and hit him with a piece of iron that was with him and thus killing him. In another version it was said that he killed him with a rock to the head while he was sleeping.

Aadam was utterly grief stricken by the loss of his two sons. One was dead, the other was won over by the devil. Aadam prayed for his son and turned to mundane matters for he had to toil for his sustenance. At the same time he was a prophet advising his children and grandchildren, telling them about Allâh and calling them to believe in Him. He told them about Iblis and warned them by recounting his own experience with the devil and of how the devil had tempted Cain to kill his brother.

Years and years passed, Aadam grew old and his children spread all over the earth. Muhammad Ibn Ishaq related that when Aadam's death drew near, he appointed his son Seth to be his successor and taught him the hours of the day and night along with their appropriate acts of worship. He also foretold to him the floor that would come.

Abu Dhar narrated that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allâh sent down 104 psalms, of which 50 were sent down to Seth."

Abdullah Ibn Al Iman Ahmad Ibn Hanbal narrated that Ubai Ibn Kab said: "When Aadam's death was near, he said to his children: "O my children, indeed I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise."

So they went away searching for what Aadam had requested. They met with the angels, who had with them his shroud and what he was to be embalmed with. They said to them: "O Children of Aadam, what are you searching for? What do you want? Where are you going?"

They said: "Our father is sick and has an appetite for the fruits of Paradise."

The angels said to them: "Go back, for your father is going to meet his end soon."

So they returned (with the angels) and when Eve saw them she recognized them. She tried to hide herself behind Aadam. He said to her. "Leave me alone. I came before you; do not go between me and the angels of my Lord.' So they took his soul, embalmed and wrapped him, dug the grave and laid him in it. They prayed on him and put him in his grave, saying: 'O Children of Aadam, this is your tradition at the time of death.'"

Before his death Aadam reassured his children that Allâh would not leave man alone on the earth, but would sent His prophets to guide them. The prophets would have different names, traits and miracles, but they would be united in one thing; the call to worship Allâh alone. This was Aadam's bequest to his children. Aadam finished speaking and closed his eyes. Then the angels entered his room and surrounded him. When he recognized the Angel of Death among them, his heart smiled peacefully.

After Aadam's death, his soth Seth (Shiith) took over the responsibilities of prophethood, according to a hadith narrated by Abu Dhar. Abu Dhar narrated that Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allâh sent down one hundred and four psalms, of which fifty were sent down to Seth." (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree) When the time of his death came Seth's son Anoush succeeded him. He in turn, was succeeded by his son Qinan, claim that Mahlabeel was the King of the Seven Regions, that he was the first one to cut down trees to build cities and large forts and that he built the cities of Babylonia. He reigned for a period of forty years. When he died his duties were taken over by his son Yard, who on his death, bequeathed them to his son Khonoukh, who is Idris sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam according to the majority of the scholars.

Well we are 19 weeks in on our Sharing Sundays and we are really loving all the fantastic recipes that we've seen over the past several months.  It's like having our own little personal recipe index!  It really has been so much fun. We would love to see what themes you are interested in, hopefully something we haven't  thought of yet.  So for this week when you link up please post a comment about what kind of themes you would like to see and we will make up a schedule of themes for the next few months.  Now on to this week's theme which is SWEET and SAVORY!  Please post recipes that contain both sweet and savory ingredients. 

Our Rules:

1.  Please become a follower of our blog.

2.  Please share a link back to your actual recipe post, not to your main blog page.
3.  Please link back to our blog so others can join in the fun.
4.  Leave us a comment about what recipe you are linking up.
5. Have fun!

Now here are the featured recipes from last week's Asian cuisine theme.....

Homemade Chicken Eggrolls by Angelgirlpj




Kung Pao Chicken by The Lady Behin the Curtain




Fried Rice by Everyday Mom's Meals

General Tso's Chicken by A Spoonful of Thyme















Chicken Lettuce Wraps by Little Mommy Big Appetite


Next on to those delicious SWEET and SAVORY recipes.........

I saw this recipe posted on the The Family Kitchen and I thought it was the cutest thing.  I was also happy to see something heathly with a Halloween theme.  I sat with my kids and we had so much fun making these.  I used the sharp knife to cut into the sweet potato pumpkins and they used a two pronged fork to pop out  the shapes.  It was definitely time consuming but the result is super cute.  I would suggest maybe using one potato to make jack-o-lanterns and then just make plain "faceless" pumpkins out of the second potato to help speed up the process.

Ingredients:

2 very large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Preparation:

Prehat oven to 400 degrees F.  Choose sweet potatoes that are round and fat and are fairly even all around.  Peel the skin from both sweet potatoes. Slice the tip ends from the sweet potato, leaving the thickest part of the middle. Use a sharp knife to cut a small “V” shape in the center of the sweet potato. Slice the sweet potato into 1/8″ thin slices. Use a small, sharp knife to “carve” jack-o-lantern faces into each sweet potato slice. Put "jack-o-lanterns", olive oil and spices in plastic ziploc bag.  Place the sweet potato fries on a cookie sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for 20-22 minutes, or until barely golden brown around the edges.

Carve "v" shape arcross the  top of your sweet potato

Slice 1/8" thick to make little pumpkin shapes

With a sharp paring knife cut out a Jack-O-Lantern face on each pumpkin slice

Toss in a bag with oil and spices and lay flat on a greased cookie sheet

Bake at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes until just starting to get golden brown on edges

Linked to Strut your Stuff Saturday

Linked to Seasonal Inspiration by Crumbs and Chaos

Linked to Made it on Monday by Lark's Country Heart