I asked the Prophet (S.A.W) for some money and he gave me, and then again I asked him and he gave me...
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Hakim bin Hizam (R.A):
I asked the Prophet (S.A.W) for some money and he gave me, and then again I asked him and he gave me, and then again I asked him and he gave me and he then said, "This wealth is like green and sweet fruit, and whoever takes it without greed, Allah will bless it for him, but whoever takes it with greed, Allah will not bless it for him, and he will be like the one who eats but is never satisfied. And the upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (taking) hand."
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 76, Number 448
Spain’s Festival of Tomatoes or La Tomatina has become one of the most iconic food fights in the world.
The Festival of Tomatoes, known as La Tomatina, is an annual event held in the town of Buñol, Spain. It is a unique and colorful celebration where participants hurl ripe tomatoes at each other in a playful and joyous atmosphere. Held on the last Wednesday of August, this festival has become one of the most famous and iconic food fights in the world, attracting thousands of people from across the globe.
La Tomatina originated in 1945, though the exact reason for the first tomato fight remains unclear. Some say it started as a spontaneous food fight among friends during a local celebration, while others believe it was a form of protest or a joke that spiraled into tradition. The festival begins in the morning with a large crowd gathering in Buñol’s main square, eagerly waiting for the signal to start the tomato fight. Before the main event, participants try to climb a greased pole to retrieve a ham at the top, a fun but challenging prelude to the chaos that follows. Once the signal is given, trucks loaded with tons of ripe tomatoes arrive, and the throwing begins. For one hour, the streets turn into a sea of red as tomatoes fly in all directions, splattering everyone in sight.
To ensure safety, participants are encouraged to follow certain rules, such as squashing the tomatoes before throwing them to avoid injuries and refraining from throwing anything else. The streets are cleaned shortly after the event, and the town returns to normal. The cultural significance of La Tomatina goes beyond the messy fun. It represents a moment of collective joy and freedom, where people from different backgrounds come together to participate in an activity purely for the sake of enjoyment. Tourists and locals alike revel in the shared experience, creating a sense of community that transcends language and nationality.
