In an article written by New York Times, Helena Andrews (June 8,06), it concludes that muslim women do not see themselves as oppressed. Funny, as this is an obvious, slap-on-the back-of-the-head statement to me, as a muslim women, I wonder why it has taken “The West” so long to realise this. One reason may be that the poll was unbias in not focusing on niche circumstances within various muslim countries. Give me a dollar for every woman bashing and rape incidents in the West and you shall find me a rich woman. Lets not get stuck in that. The survey was conducted by The Gallup Organization, a widely recognized organization.  I have summerised the points made in the article below in point form, to make it especially clear.Blue colored are my comments, feel free to skip.

• “In more than 8,000 face-to-face interviews conducted in eight predominantly Muslim countries, the survey found that many women in the Muslim world did not see sex issues as a priority because other issues were more pressing.”
  

• “When asked what they resented most about their own societies, a majority of Muslim women polled said that a lack of unity among Muslim nations, violent extremism, and political and economic corruption were their main concerns. The hijab, or head scarf, and burqa, the garment covering face and body, seen by some Westerners as tools of oppression, were never mentioned in the women’s answers to the open-ended questions, the poll analysts said.”
• “Concerning women’s rights in general, most Muslim women polled associated sex equality with the West. Still, a majority of the respondents did not think adopting Western values would help the Muslim world’s political and economic progress.“
• “The most frequent response to the question, “What do you admire least about the West?” was the general perception of moral decay, promiscuity and pornography that pollsters called the “Hollywood image” that is regarded as degrading to women.”
• An overwhelming majority of the women polled in each country cited “attachment to moral and spiritual values” as the best aspect of their own societies. In Pakistan, 53 percent of the women polled said attachment to their religious beliefs was their country’s most admirable trait. Similarly, in Egypt, 59 percent of the women surveyed cited love of their religion as the best aspect.Someone should send Musharaff  and Mubarak, the two tyrants bent on pleasing its colonial power givers this bit of the survey result, so that they realise their efforts in trying to “modernise” and “westernise” their countries has not yielded results, perhaps it had an opposite effect.
  
• “Women’s empowerment has been identified as a key goal of U.S. policy in the region,” Women’s empowerment? Is it really? What is their idea of empowerment, sending feminist personalities to Afghanistan and set up Beauty Parlors? Pressing upon the women there to undress, flaunt and get on the catwalk? Sounds more like spreading curruption and moral demise. What about proper education, what about womens’ health clinics and medicine, sanitation, even basic necisities such as food, clean water, clothing and basic materials to build shelter. But ofcourse what costs them to give real help, they are reluctant to undertake.

SubhanAllah, here is the clear evidence of a Muslimah’s intelligence and lack of selfishness. Intelligence in recognising that with the plundering and looting of the people’s natural resources by their colonial corrupt governments, coalition armies deployed & destroying muslim lands (and getting their hands on muslim women in the process), poor health care and educational facilities for their children due to negligence from the rulers and the rich, and many others, the obligation by their religion for covering up and keeping their modesty is far from being an issue, it is a quality of dignity.

Source

Yesterday I was going through my blogs and I realised how long they were! I came across the following hadith and made a note to myself: definitely cut down the rambling a bit.

Taken from my favourite hadith compilation Riyad-us-Salihin (Garden of the Rightous):

700: Ammar bin Yasir r.a.a says: I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying: ” Prolonging Salat (prayer) and shortening the Khutba (religious talk) indicate the religious knowledge (in anthor translation, intelligence and wisdom) of the person. Make your Salat long and your sermon short.” [Muslim]

Also remembering that our words are going to be judged by Allah (swt) as HE says in the Quran:

“Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (50:18 )

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or be silent.” (Agreed upon).

Hence, silence is preferred to useless speech!

In the words of a famous scholar Imam Shafi’ee : “If a person wishes to say something then he should think before he starts talking. If there is good, then he should speak, otherwise he should not.”

Note to myself again: Short and to the point!

Am I the only one who noticed this? Recently the media and other government funded “moderate” Islamic organisations and personalities are pushing this slogan to the Muslim community in Australia like a runaway train.

Whats wrong with the statement? Muslim women can do anything they want. Can we really? The statement would only ring true when a Muslim has enough fear and love of Allah (swt) that they can do anything they want because they will never entertain the thought of doing things that violate the commandments or limits set by her Creator, Allah (swt). For the rest of us who are distracted in proving ourselves to the non muslims, we must realise that, no, Muslim women cannot possibly do everything and anything they want when their whims and desires contradict Islam or compromise it. You might add, why is there anyone to force us here? I answer, no, no iron fist here, please nobody bring up that ignoramus comment of Islam spread by sword. It is the realisation of the authority, and might, and power of our Lord, Allah (swt), coupled with the blessings He (swt) has provided us.

We need to realise that from the beginning of our allegiance to submit to Allah’s (swt) commandments, by identifying ourselves as Muslims (Arabic word which translates to submitters to Islam), the commandments and rules from Allah (swt) become mandatory for us, why? It’s our proof on the Day of Judgment of our obedience to Allah (swt), the evidences we will so desperately try to muster so that we may be saved from Hell fire and enter Paradise, the epitome of Allah’s (swt) mercy.

The commandments of Allah (swt) would render some activities unlawful or disliked for Muslim women to do. Some we simply cannot do without compromising our character or dress code, if we are sincere we need to accept that fact. Swimming, basketball, volleyball are some examples because in Australia, there are no women only or Muslim women only facilities for these recreational activities which guarantee no-entrance to non Muslim men and keep out the public view (notice most swimming pools have translucent walls) . These activities would require a Muslim to discard her outer covering, known as, Jilbab, which is mandatory attire for a Muslim in the public arena. If she does so, she would be sinning, no nicer way to put this fact.

In the Quran, Surah al-Ahzab ayah 59 (33:59) says:

Ya ayyuha an-Nabiyy qul li azwajika wa banatika wa nisa al-mu’minin yudnina alayhinna min jalabib hinna; dhalika adna an yu’rafna fa laa yu’dhayn. Wa kana Allahu Ghafur Rahim

O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their JALABIB close around them; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And God is ever Forgiving, Gentle.

For those who are bent on proving the rights and independence of muslim women (by playing ball?) must realise these are only recreational activities, or past time activities. Getting engrossed in such activities are not only time wasting, these are distractions from the more important activities of a Muslim, such as studying Islamic knowledge or getting involved in services which are needed by the Muslim community here in Australia.

The issue boils down to that of placing Allah’s (swt) commandments before our preferences and wants. Allah says in Quran:

The answer of the Believers, when summoned to Allah and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, “We hear and we obey”: it is such as these that will attain felicity. It is such as obey Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah and do right, that will win (in the end), (24:51-52)

I refer to an excellent bit from an article from Islamic Awakening, Labayk! I Hear and Obey Shariffa Carlo:

“Obeying Allah and His messenger is the foundation of the words La ilaha il Allah, Muhamadur Rasool Allah. (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger) . It is the essence of the deen. To the extent that when we receive a command from the Quran or from the Prophet, we are just to say, “we hear and we obey.” An example of this is:

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Mu’alla: While I was praying, the Prophet called me but I did not respond to his call. Later I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! I was praying.” He said, “Didn’t Allah say: ‘O you who believe! Give your response to Allah (by obeying Him) and to His Apostle when he calls you’?” (8.24) Sahih Bukhari: Volume 6, Book 61, Number 528.

This is Islam. This is true faith. We recognize that our own personal desires, our rationalizations, and our understandings are all limited and flawed. We recognize that we do not know it all, and that if what we want contradicts with what Allah and His messenger have commanded for us, then what we want is incorrect and Allah and His messenger are correct and we defer to their judgment.”

http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=274

How do we attain the quality of obedience? We do this by engrossing ourselves in knowledge of Islam, knowledge of Allah (swt) and his authority over us. Also to keep ourselves conscious of Allah’s (Swt) dominion and watch over us at all times. Realise that your life is being video-taped and will be played back to you on the big screen on the Day of Judgement, with your hand and feet giving testimony to things you would otherwise wish you would not have done.

So getting back to the statement, the think tanks who mustered up this slogan or the attention given much by the media to this statement made from a niche group within our muslim community here in Australia seeks to create attributes of arrogance and ego within the muslimahs in the mask of “empowering the women”. Its effect: dismissing or overlooking the boundaries set by Allah (swt) to the Muslim, to essentially put personal wants and likes before worship and prioritising self before Allah (swt). We need to be aware of this and not take it lightly. We women cannot do anything and everything, we accept and know that and we are happy with that. We know that many of these things are unnecessary past time activities and are no way near as important as following the commandment of Allah (swt).

Islam has given the Muslim rights and empowerment in areas that really matter, such as financial, honour and the list goes on, and it was given by none other than Allah (Swt).

I’ve decided instead of me posting things of my interest (related to Islam ofcourse) that I ask my readers (if I have any, haha) to come forward and raise some topics that we can discuss about? What do you think? Anyway, this could well not work if I dont get any response, but I’ll still give it a go!

A heads up from a good friend of mine who contacted the company found out elevit, a well recommended supplement for pregnancy and lactating mothers contains animal/ pig derivatives. Please stop having this supplement immediately if you are muslim as it contains haram (forbidden) contents. Lots of thanks to my friend Saniya who’s currently doing the research on blackmores brand of pregnancy and lactation supplement. Im biting my nails as I wait as Im having them. She was told that Cenovis carrigen is from seaweed, hence its fine inshallah. However she started having an upset stomach when she started having cenovis brand. Watch this space for update on these supplements!

Assalamu Alaikum, Peace!

Where do I start? Ive been so extremely busy after the coming of my daughter, Maryam, who is now almost 3months old, I’ve had to give in the blogging a bit. I keep thinking of interesting issues, only to lose it again when I sit in front of the computer to type it down, arrghh!

Motherhood, I totally realize its significance, which I should have realized before from all the hadiths of honor and respect commanded to mothers by the prophet (peace be upon him) and the mention of pregnancy and childbirth by Allah (swt) in the Quran. Anyway, human beings, peculiar creatures, dont intellectually realize something til we experience it. I have come to respect my mother even more now and at every step deeply regret of every having hurt her, if I ever did. May Allah (swt) forgive me. Motherhood is a beautiful and hardworking experience and it requires significant amount of organizational skills, gut feeling and patience. Alhamdulillah, it has the potential to make a woman much more skilled and diligent. And to think I missed the reason behind the emphasis that Islam placed on motherhood. May Allah (swt) guide us muslims~!

After a lot of google searches pertaining to the essential items for Muslimah Mummy to take to hospital and no results, I’ve managed to put together a list of my own . Actually 2 lists, Baby Bag and Mummy Bag. I thought it would be useful to all you muslimah mummy-2-Bs out there. You dont have to make a list of your own, you could just add/delete and change the one I’ve placed below. Please let me know if Im missing anything.

P.S: One has to keep with the daily prayers until post-natal bleeding starts, hence the stone for tyamum, if you simply cant bring yourself to make ablution.

baby-bag.doc

I came across some helpful information about duas and what to do when the baby arrives (quite accidentally actually). I have done what any lazy blogger would do, that is, copy and paste, onto my blog, hence giving it some substance. I have put the reference below the clipping so as to humble myself.

Advice for the New Mother

By Sister Fatima Barakatullah

The coming of a first new baby is a time of excitement and every Muslim mother-to-be eagerly awaits the arrival of this special gift. It is easy to fin

The coming of a first new baby is a time of excitement and every Muslim mother-to-be eagerly awaits the arrival of this special gift. It is easy to find the latest advice and useful practical tips and information about what to expect of the early weeks of motherhood on a day to day basis from Western books, but because they are bereft of the guidance of Islam, they contain little advice for Muslim Women when it comes coping spiritually with the coming of a baby. Every baby is different and some first time mothers find things quite easy and smooth. But nearly all will have moments when they struggle to reorganize their lives and many have a very trying time if their baby suffers from colic or has trouble settling down or if the birth was complicated and long. There are many things Muslim women can do to make this time as smooth as possible and increase their Eemân.

Welcome your child in the correct Islamic manner

There are many sunnahs relating to the newborn:

The Adhân being recited to the child soon after the birth so that it is the first thing the child hears.

Tahnîk: rubbing a small piece of softened date or something sweet on the palate of the newborn.

Shaving the hair of the newborn on the seventh day and giving the value of its weight in silver to charity.

Announce the good news of the birth to family and friends and you will see that everyone is happy when they hear of the birth of a new Muslim child!

Aqiqah

The Aqîqah is a strong Sunnah and many scholars regard it as an obligation upon the parents and it is the slaughtering of two sheep or goats for a boy and one sheep or goat for a girl preferably on the seventh day. The Prophet ( sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have said:

“The Aqîqah is a right (upon you). (Slaughter) for a boy two compatible sheep, and for a girl: one”. (Ahmad and others.)[1] Although many people send money to poor Muslim countries for the Aqîqah, this important Sunnah should be revived in the societies we live in as well. By having the Aqîqah in your locality, by eating of the meat yourself and having your friends and family and other Muslims gather and take part in this joyous occasion or in distributing the meat to them there are many benefits: First of all this is the way the Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) practiced it. The sense of identity of the Muslim community as well as Muslim children will increase, people will know that there is a new addition to the Ummah and will pray for your child insha Allâh and you will be able to enjoy this occasion and perhaps meet family and friends who you may not be able to see so often now that you are a busy mother.

A good name is one of the rights of the child. Good names are those which are known to be pleasing to Allâh and approved by His Messenger or acceptable to the scholars of Islam. Recommended names are those that show servitude to Allâh: Abdullah, Abdurrahmân etc. The names of the Prophets and Sahâbah and the pious people before us will also have a good effect on the childs psyche. She will want to be like Mariam (‘ alaihas Salâm) and he will want to be like ‘Umar (Radi Allâhu ‘anhu) if you give them those names insha Allâh. And the child will have a role model in their name and love to hear the story of a person in the past with their name. Make sure the name has a good meaning, don’t just name it because it sounds good. There have been some people especially from amongst the non-Arabs who have named their children names that sound good but have a bad or improper meaning for a Muslim. That name will have an effect on the character of that child and will follow that child for life. One name that we came across amongst some children was a Muslim girl called: Ilâha! Meaning ‘goddess’! We seek refuge in Allâh from such names.

Circumcision: If you have a son, get him circumcised on the seventh day or as soon as you can so as not to cause the child discomfort. It’s good to get a personal recommendation when looking for a Doctor and the procedure is a very easy one and local anesthetic is usually used. Usually healing takes a week or two.

Duas and Other worships

A common statement made by some sisters who are mothers is “I don’t get any time to do ‘ Ibâdah”. This is a misconception amongst us because we don’t realize that even the every day tasks that we do as Muslims become Worships if they are accompanied with a good intention. So, perhaps you are spending most of your time caring for your baby and even after the post-partum bleeding period you may not be able to pray as many superogaratory prayers or teach Qur’ân or do other praiseworthy acts that you used to do. But remember, the job that you are doing is one, which Allâh has ordained for you, and a very important and rewardable one if you do it mindfully and for the sake of Allâh. You are bringing up the future worshippers of Allâh, the future scholars or Mujâhidîn or teachers or leaders: the future Ummah!

Although you will not be performing Salâh as you are in your Post natal bleeding period, this is a time you need to call on Allâh regularly and using His names and attributes, call on Him sincerely, ask Him to make easy anything you may be finding difficult. Make du’a for your child for the du’a of the mother for her child is answered as occurs in the hadîth:

“There are three supplications that are answered – there being no doubt about it: the supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveler and the supplication of the parent for his child.”[2]

Some du’as you can make for your child are as follows:

The du’a that the Prophet used to make for Hasan and Hussain which was also the du’a that the Prophet Ibrahîm (alaihis salâm) used to make for Ismaîl and Ishâq was:

“U’îdhukumâ bi kalimât illâhi-ttâmah, min kulli shaytânin wa hâmmah wa min kulli ‘ainin lâmma”[3]

“I seek refuge for you with Allâh’s complete words from every Devil and harmful creature and from every envious eye”

And the du’a of Mariam’s mother (alaihas Salâm) to Allâh:

“Innî u’îdhu hâ bika wa dhurrîyyatuhâ minashaitânir-rajîm”

“I seek Your protection for her and her progeny from Shaitan, the outcast.” (Surah ?l-‘Imran 3:36)

Suratul Fâtihah, Ayatul Kursî and the last three Surah’s of the Qur’ân can also be recited for seeking protection.

You may be awake in the night feeding your child for long stretches, so take this opportunity to make du’a and make adhkâr while feeding. Du’a and Dhikr are in and of themselves ‘Ibâdah. Allâh has given us many ways of worshipping him for all different situations. You could revise the Surahs you have memorized [4] or just listen to Qur’ân recitation and contemplate on the meaning. Getting your baby used to having the Qur’ân recited to him will insha Allâh be beneficial and have an effect on him. Or get some cassettes with talks on them to listen to as this can have a very positive effect on you especially if the talks are inspirational like the Stories of The Prophets or Sahabah.

Reference: Click here for whole article

In surah Al-Hajj, verse 5, Allah (s.w.t) states in translation:-

“O mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily, We have created you (Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and femal discharge), then from clot, then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed (as in case of miscarriage) – that We may make (it) clear to you (i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then (give you growth) that you may reach the age of full strength. And among you there is those who dies (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known.”

In Bukhari, Vol 4, Hadith # 549, the hadith relates to the phenomenon of the Angel placing the soul in the fetus as per Allah (s.w.t) permission as follows:

Narrated by Abdullah (r.a), Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him ) said:-

“(As regards to your creation), every one of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first 40 days, and then he becomes a clot for another 40 days, and then a piece of flesh for another 40 days. Then Allah (s.w.t) sends an angel to write 4 words: He writes his deeds, time of his death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be wretched or blessed (in the Hereafter). Then the soul is breathed into his body. So a man may do deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire, so much so that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses; and so he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise and enters Paradise. Similarly, a person may do deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise, so much so that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses, and he starts doing deeds of the people of the (Hell) fire and enters the (Hell) Fire.”

Hence, it is really important to make lots of duas to Allah (s.w.t) for good child before the 4th month of pregnancy (40 days + 40 days + 40 days). Below are some duas sourced from the Quran relating to this matter:

DUAS FOR RIGHTEOUS CHILDREN

Rabbi hab lee mina alssaliheena
“O my Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous” (Qur’aan: 37:100)

Rabbana waijAAalna (Muslimayni laka wagmin thurriyyatina ommatan (Muslimatan laka waarina manasikana watub AAalayna innaka anta alttawwabu alrraheemu
“Our Lord! Make of us (Muslims, bowing to Your (Will), and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage – Hajj and Umrah) and accept our repentance. Truly You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful”. (Qur’aan: 2:128)

Rabbi la tatharnee fardan waanta khayru alwaritheena
“O My Lord! Leave me not childless, though You are the Best of the inheritors.” (Qur’aan: 21:89)

Rabbi hab lee min ladunka thurriyyatan tayyibatan innaka sameeAAu aldduAAai
“O my Lord! Grant unto me a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of dua!” (Qur’aan: 3:38)
Prophet Zakariya (pbuh) made this dua. Maryam was entrusted with Zakariya as a guardian. When Maryam grew up in purity and devoutness, Zakariya longed for such a child for himself, a child who would be pure, virtuous and honourable as Maryam.

Rabbi ijAAalnee muqeema alssalati wamin thurriyyatee rabbana wtaqabbal duAAai
“O my Lord! Make me one who establishes Prayer (Iqamat-as-Salat) and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! And accept our dua”. (Qur’aan: 14:40)
As a parent of Ismail and Ishaq, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) supplicated to Allah (SWT) to make him steadfast in his Salaat. He also asked to make his offspring steadfast in their Salaat.

Assalamu Alaikum All,
I have come across a few sites which may be helpful in managing food intake during Ramadan for pregnant and lactating muslimahs. Let me know what you think! A note to all my pregnant & lactating sisters, make sure your getting your 2 Ltrs of water everyday, fasting or not fasting!

Website: http://www.womenone.org/health13.htm
Whole article is good, I have given excerpt of diet to follow for Ramadan for pregnant woman:

The diet during this period is designed to promote optimal nutrition for the woman and child. WHAT you eat, as well as HOW MUCH is important. You have a healthy diet if you are choosing food from each of the major food groups; the grain group, fruit and vegetable group, meat and dairy groups. The meat group will include vegetarian options such as nuts, beans, eggs, milk and dairy. By eating from each food group you will receive all the nutrients that you need to stay healthy. The following nutrients are especially important:

1) Iron- A high intake of vitamin C will help increase iron absorption Iron rich foods include:

# Liver, beef, veal, Lamb, turkey
# Iron enriched breads and cereals
# Dried beans, green leafy vegetable, raisins, dried prunes, apricots
# Nuts and seeds

2) Folic acid-Good sources of folate are:

# Green leafy vegetables (Spinach, beet, and turnip greens), kidney, liver, beef, wheat products, eggs.

3) Calcium:- Calcium rich foods are:

# Milk group (milk , yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese).
# Fish with bones (canned salmon), tofu
# Dark leafy vegetables, bok choy, broccoli, beans
# Figs, sunflower seeds, tahini, almond butter
# Calcium fortified soya milk, juices, and cereals

You should not ignore your water consumption. It seems obvious but drink lots of water! If Ramadan falls during the summer, then your doctor may advice you not to fast since dehydration could pose a problem. At this time of the year (winter) you may safely fast since the weather is pleasant. The normal pregnant woman should drink at least a minimum of 2 liters each day during the non-fasting hours, irrespective of the climate.

Some good food choices to break your fast are:

# Fresh fruits
# Fresh fruit juice
# Porridge with skimmed milk and fresh or dried fruit to sweeten
# Low-fat natural yogurt with fresh dried fruits and seeds
# Boiled egg/grilled chicken/baked beans on whole meal toast

A few hours later, you could have another healthy meals which may include good choices such as :

# Whole-meal bread roll without butter (choose herbs instead), filled with egg and tomatoes, chicken and salads, low-fat cheese and salad, or tuna with cucumber and tomato.
# Whole meal pasta with tomato based sauce, with a large salad.
# Salad with fish, chicken, or low-fat cheese. Add whole meal bread or rice.
# Baked potato (no butter or oil) with tuna or low-fat cheese (avoid high fat toppings like cheddar)
# Vegetables which are steamed and whole meal khubs with half a small tub of hummus.
# Grilled chicken, meat, or fish with a big bowl of raw salad/rice or bread.
# Fresh fruits.

Healthy low-fat options which you may have for your sahour are:

# Chicken tikka with plain boiled rice or tandoori nans.
# Vegetable soups (without oil or butter), steamed fish, stir fried noodles, or beans sprouts, boiled rice.
# Spaghetti with tomato based sauce.
# Poached or grilled fish, baked or boiled potatoes, raw vegetable salad, fresh fruits.

Some golden rules to follow when fasting:

# Avoid too much fat/sugar/salts and caffeine.
# Always have fresh food available.
# Stick to a low fat diet. Cut out fried foods.
# Choose fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. You can never eat too many fruits and vegetables. The number of calories in this great food source is low. So you are getting lots of great stuff for your body without the worry of too many calories.
# Don’t worry if you are tempted by rich desserts which can’t be avoided during this month. Just try to eat them in moderation.

____________________________________________________________________

Website: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=RR0210-1775
Whole article is good, excerpt relating to pregnant fasting women:

Pregnant and lactating women’s needs for energy and nutrients are more critical than the needs of men (14). There is a possibility of health complications to the pregnant woman and the fetus or the lactating mother and the breastfed child, if energy and nutrient requirements are not met during the month of Ramadan (15-19). Governments, communities, and heads of the family must give highest priority to meet women’s dietary needs. In African countries, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and many other places malnutrition is a major problem, especially among women from low-income groups. Further more, it is common among these women to perform strenuous work on farms or in factories, and other places. Malnutrition and strenuous conditions may lead to medical problems and danger to life. Under these conditions one must consult a medical doctor for treatment and maulana or shiekh for postponement or other suggestions regarding fasting. Quran Al-Hakeem and Hadith allow pregnant women and lactating mothers flexibility during the month of Ramadan.

For practical purposes and estimation of nutrients a diet was formulated, given below:

Iftar: 3 dates, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of vegetable soup, 2 plain graham crackers; dinner: 1 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoon of vinegar, 2 oz. of chicken, 1/2 cup of okra, 4 oz. of cooked whole chana (garbanzo), 3 tea spoon of oil while cooking main dishes, 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of cooked rice, 3/4 cup of plain yogurt, one orange, 1/2 cup grapes, 1 oz of nuts-mixed roasted-without salt; sahur: 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoons of vinegar, 1 skinned apple, 2 teaspoons of sugar with tea or coffee.

Nutritionist IV (20) was used to estimate energy and nutrient content in the above diet, which was as follows: energy, 2136 kilocalories; protein, 70g; carbohydrate , 286g; fat, 87g, 35 % of energy of the total intake, (saturated fat 16.9g; mono saturated, 28.4g; poly unsaturated, 34g; other 7.3g; – oleic, 25.6g; linoleic, 29.5; linolenic, 0.6g; EPA-Omega-3, 0.006g; DHA-omega-3, 0.023g; dietary fiber 34g; calcium, 1013mg; sodium, 3252 mg; potassium, 2963mg; iron 13.3mg; zinc, 10mg. When the nutrients were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), for an adult non-pregnant and non-lactating female (14), the diet met 100% or more of the RDA for protein, calcium, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate, and C. The energy was close to the RDA, (97%). The dietary fiber level also was met as per the recommendation (11). Consuming food in the above amount by pregnant or lactating female may not meet the RDA for all of the nutrients. They may need supplementation of some minerals and vitamins such as, iron vitamin D, and more energy through bread or rice.
______________________________________________________________________

Finally, if you fall short of ideas of what to prepare for meals during Ramadan, I found the following recipe site that might help. Check it out!

http://www.ramadan.co.uk/index1.php?page=recipes.htm