The history of chocolate and Islam is a long and complex one.
The first mention of chocolate in Islamic literature dates to the 13th century, when the famous
Arab traveller Ibn Battuta described seeing chocolate being consumed in Mali.
Chocolate was also introduced to the Ottoman Empire it became a favourite drink of the sultans, chocolate spread to other parts of the Islamic world, and by the 16th century, it was being consumed in Spain, Portugal, and North Africa.
The first chocolate factory in the Islamic world was established in Morocco in the 18th century.
Chocolate then spread to other parts of the Islamic world, and by the 19th century, it was being consumed throughout the Muslim world.
Today, chocolate is still a popular treat among Muslims all over the world. It is often served as a dessert or as a snack.
Today, there are lots of Muslim-owned chocolate companies that produce a variety of chocolate products, using halal ingredients and to following Islamic dietary laws.
They also offer a variety of regional flavours and styles of chocolate, that is both delicious and permissible.
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Chocolate is also used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
Here are some of the most popular chocolate dishes in the Islamic world:
Chocolate baklava:
A traditional Turkish dessert made with layers of filllo pastry, filled with a mixture of nuts and chocolate.
Chocolate ganache:
This is a rich and creamy chocolate sauce made by heating cream and chocolate together. It is often used as a filling or topping for cakes, pastries, and other desserts.
Chocolate truffles:
These are small, round confections made with chocolate ganache and coated with cocoa powder or chopped nuts.
Chocolate mousse:
This is a light and airy dessert made with chocolate, eggs, and cream. It is often served in individual ramekins or glasses.
Chocolate cake:
This is a classic dessert made with chocolate cake layers, chocolate frosting, and sometimes chocolate chips.
Chocolate covered dates:
Simple dates enrobed in chocolate, these are popular at weddings and to beak the fast
The story of a young Muslim boy in Kerala, India. Who in 2009, offered up a Munch brand chocolate bar to a Hindu deity named Balamurugan, son of the god Shiva.
The trend of offering Munch bars caught on, and devotees of the god now routinely bring their own bodyweight in chocolate to Balamurugan. The deity has such a taste for chocolate that he has acquired the nickname Munch Murugan!
Thai Buddhist monks have also taken a leaf out of the book of 16th century Catholics. When fasting, they allow themselves. Because it is used as medicine, and because if it is allowed to melt on the tongue it can be classed as an oil, rather than a food.
Chocolate is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
It is a popular treat among Muslims all over the world, and its popularity is only likely to grow in the years to come.
read more here about chocolate and faith