Thursday, August 08, 2013

Good will towards the Muslims

from w
It is a very good sign of good will when the Methodist Church of Fiji officials send a greeting to the Muslim community who are celebrating one of their most important annual festivals, that of Eid.  One of my favourite sweets is given to friends and neighbours at this time - sawai though I'm not sure of the spelling.
from the Fiji Times today:

Methodists wish well

Tevita Vuibau
Friday, August 09, 2013
THE Methodist Church in Fiji has shared in the festival of Eid with a message of solidarity between faiths.
The message comes as the Islamic faith celebrates Eid ul-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast marking the end of Ramadan.
Methodist Church general secretary Reverend Tevita Nawadra Banivanua said Fiji was a country with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities and part of the Christian practice of loving one's neighbour meant not only being in solidarity with them during times of difficulty but also celebrating special occasions.
"Loving your neighbour means living in mutual respect of each," Mr Banivanua said.
"While we recognise fundamental differences in faith on issues such as salvation, we acknowledge our inherent connection of the so-called Abrahamic faiths of Judaism and Islam with Christianity.
"The deep spiritual significance of Ramadan as a month of prayer, fasting and alms-giving as part of spiritual renewal for the Muslim community echoes the Christian's spiritual journey during Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Holy Week and Easter.
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Hospitality is essential in most religions and the sharing of the sweet that we call sawai in Fiji is an example. Here is a recipe that looks similar to the one I used to enjoy.
Vermicelli Kheer / Seviyan Kheer
 
Prep Time
Cook Time
Total Time
 
vermicelli kheer – a delicious sweet pudding from india
Author: 
Recipe Type: dessert
Serves: 2-3
Ingredients
  • 1 or 1.5 cups broken vermicelli
  • 500 ml milk
  • 3 tbsp sugar – add more or less for your preferred sweetness
  • 2 tbsp ghee/clarified butter
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 7-8 roasted or fried unsalted almonds, chopped or
  • 7-8 roasted or fried unsalted cashew nuts, chopped
  • 2 tsp raisins or
  • any dry fruits of your choice
Instructions
  1. Heat ghee in a pan.
  2. Fry the cloves and cardamom till the release their aroma in the ghee.
  3. Now add the vermicelli and fry till they become golden brown.
  4. Pour the milk and let it come to a boil.
  5. Add sugar and mix well.
  6. Lower the flame and let the milk simmer for 5-7 minutes till the vermicelli gets cooked and the milk thickens a little.
  7. Lastly add chopped almonds or any dry fruits.
  8. Serve hot, warm or cold.
  9. If serving chilled, then refrigerate and then serve later.

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