Ramadan Reminder Day 13 – #Alhamdulillah for My Glass of Falooda (Rosemilk milkshake). Sweet, cold glass of milky pink goodness. Bejewelled with multicoloured jelly and round glistening balls of Sabja (Basil) seeds. As we take that first sip – the mountain of vanilla icecream heaped at the top cools our fasting lips. You may be thinking what on earth I am on about?! But all you South East Asians  do know what I am saying. Admit it – you’ve all drank it and you know its symbolises Iftar in every one of our households! Yes – I say Alhamdulillah. Why you ask? Because this milky drink symbolises family iftars, childhood craziness and community togetherness. Growing up, at every Iftar party, some aunty or another would serve this in their homes. As giggling young kids, my friends and I would go for one glass after another, filling our bellies up to the brim.  It reminds me of the wafting smell of samosas and pakoras and hearty laughter of our fathers and the uncles as they broke they fast. It reminds me of the aunty jees hastily getting the dinner ready so everyone could go for Taraweeh. It reminds me of a childhood long gone but the essence of a Ramadan that still exists. No – I am not speaking about all the food and drink that we stuff ourselves with. But what the glass of Falooda represents. It represents families sitting around the table together, making dua and breaking the fast together. It represents the father teaching his son or daughter the Dua to break the fast with. It represents the mother lovingly serving her child the food she painstakingly made. It represents the Grandfather leading the family in Magrib prayer, all the generations praying shoulder to shoulder. Alhamdulillah for all this. There are many children and many families who cannot share this same experience. The orphans who’s parents who will never place their protective hands on their heads.The families who are broken and suffering. The elderly who have been left alone, abandoned by their loved ones.

My Glass of Falooda – more than just a cool, sweet pink milky bejewelled drink.  May Allah swt bless our lives with the “sweetness” of Iman (faith), love and peace. May He make our children the “coolness” of our eyes and may Allah swt “bejewel” our lives with Dignity, Respect and Modesty.

#Alhamdulillah #MyGlassOfFalooda #SweetPinkMilkyGoodness. #Coolness #Sweetness #Bejewelled.