Muslim Standard Time – How to Cure the Chronic Disease

< I so love productivity and getting real result ;  as a Muslim we have to think on our feet when it comes to time management. so yeah i love productivemuslim.com where i found this piece JZK to Author (Br. Taha Ghayyur) too>

“Oh my God. I am running late, again! Well, it’s all good. No one is going to be there on time anyway.”

How many times have you heard this and similar phrases in the Muslim community? Perhaps you are guilty of uttering them yourself as a habit.

Sadly, starting off late, arriving late, and delaying our programs has become a norm for many of us.

It’s gotten so bad that we no longer even feel guilty about arriving late to a class, function, meeting, Jumah prayer or appointment. Many don’t even bother to apologize. We fail to realize how much time and resources of others we waste due to our own insensitivity and indifference.

I remember arriving at a wedding last summer about two hours late (due to a pre-planned legitimate reason), only to find over half the wedding hall full of non-Muslim guests still waiting for the bride and groom and their families to arrive. The most heartrending scene was of a group of non-Muslim friends laying on the ground asleep. It turned out they were out-of-town guests who had arrived a couple of hours prior to the “official’ start time.

Of course the blame goes both to the organizers of the events and the attendees. It’s easy to criticize the organizers, but we have to do our part of making the program or meeting professional. It begins with arriving on time and respecting everyone else’s time.

As Muslims, every time we arrive late we lose respect in the sight of others. Imam al-Ghazali, in his commentary to a Hadith describing the characteristics of hypocrites, states that the trait “when he makes a promise, he never fufills it” includes specially those who consistently say ‘In-sha-Allah’ and arrive late.

I know of a great contemporary Muslim scholar who, when he used to enter a conference, meeting, or dinner, the audience or members would match and reset their watches to the minute he was supposed to arrive at because he was reputed to be strict with time-management.

What can you and your family do and how can you prepare to arrive on time at any event:

1. Get the directions to where you are going in advance. The common excuse for arriving late we often present is “got lost” or “I didn’t have correct directions.”
2. Arrange your ride at least two days in advance. Call around and find out who can give you a ride. Always have a backup plan for rides. “I didn’t get a ride” is one excuse given, to which I ask: did you ask around early enough? Don’t wait for others to offer you a ride.
3. Start getting ready at least 30-45 min. before leaving home. Don’t run into the shower, squeeze in three Rak’at of Maghrib, or iron your clothes just three minutes before you are supposed to step out!
4. Have a realistic estimate of travel time. If you know it takes 25 minutes to get to a place, you have to leave your home at least 35 minutes before arrival time.
5. Consider weather and traffic conditions. Listen to the local news or watch the weather report before getting behind the wheel.
6. The 10-minute Rule works! No matter what the occasion, always aim to get to the destination 10 minutes ahead of time. This allows you to accommodate any last-minute uncertainties: “Oh, I forgot my wallet at home,” “Man, I have to pick Brother x on the way,” “Oops! I have to pray my ‘Asr before I get to…” Etc.
7. If it helps you, set your personal watch, cellphone or car time five minutes ahead.
8. “Well it’s a typical Muslim party or conference! There is no way they will start on time!” Well, guess what, if we ALL adopt this attitude, no one would ever arrive on time and let the program start on time. We have to change this thinking and make a point to arrive on time. Being people of principle, we must remain consistent in all circumstances.
9. Be honest! Be honest to yourself and others. If you know you are going to be late to a party or Halaqa, clearly set that expectation with your host, coordinator or meeting leader. What does it take to drop a message or call to let the other person know that you will be 10 to 15 minutes late (whether it’s due to expected or unexpected reasons).
10. Don’t succumb to the “In-sha-Allah Syndrome.” Use In-sha-Allah only when you know you mean it.

SOURCE: This post was prepared and submitted by Br. Taha Ghayyur to- http://www.productivemuslim.com/muslim-standard-time-how-to-cure-the-chronic-disease/

Al-Lateef, One of Allah’s Beautiful Names

<Thank God for giving my parent the idea that i should be named latyfa….It is true that your name has a lot to do with you.>

From His beautiful and excellent Names is the Ever-Discreetly Gentle (al-Lateef).

He is the One Who is so Discreet in His Actions that He discerns the hidden and secret, and what the hearts are filled with.

He also perceives what is in the lands, of enclosed grains and seeds. He is Ever-Gentle with His devoted slaves and makes things easy for them and keeps them away from difficulties.

He makes the path to His Pleasure and Generosity easy for them. He protects them from every and means that may lead to His anger.

This is through means that they may perceive as well as means that they do not perceive.

He also decrees matters for them that they dislike in order for them to be granted what they love. He is Gentle with them with respect to their own souls as He guides them to His beautiful ways and His noble creations. He is Gentle with them with respect to matters that are external to them with every goodness and righteousness.

The name Al-Lat.eef is close in its meaning to Al-Khabeer (the Well-Acquainted with all things), Al-Ra`oof (the Clement) and Al-Kareem (the Generous).

SOURCE:http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=195

Aloe Vera: A Natural Cure …

Allah bless us with wonderful natural cure.. if only we will pause and learn more about those things we over look or run from can do to our body. Here is a piece on Aloevera .. Yuck! you say? if you take your time to understand it benefits, you will be able to see that behind that greenish or bitter plant lies abundant healing, Enjoy!

Aloe vera is an impressive plant with an amazing variety of healing benefits. In a single plant, aloe vera offers a potent, natural cure for many internal and external conditions and its medicinal potential makes it a must-have plant for every home.

The gel found inside the aloe vera plant is made up of water, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 active plant compounds or phytonutrients, which are responsible for the plant’s remarkable healing properties.

The use of aloe vera topically, to relieve sunburn or painful joints, for example is well known. However, this versatile plant has also been shown to:

•             Halt the growth of cancer tumors

•             Lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure

•             Ease inflammation and soothe arthritis pain

•             Protect the body from oxidative stress

•             Cure ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders

•             Alkalize the body and nourish it with minerals, vitamins and enzymes

•             Accelerate healing from burns

Aloe Vera Reduces inflammation and Boosts the Immune System

Aloe has been found to ease the inflammation of joints, including reducing arthritis pain, when used both topically and internally. One study found that people who drank aloe vera for two weeks began to experience a significant reduction of inflammation symptoms.

Aloe vera contains acemannan, a natural immune booster. Studies have also shown that when aloe is taken internally it can stimulate and regulate the immune system by stopping inflammation and cutting off the blood supply of tumors.

Aloe vera also amplifies the antioxidant effects of vitamins. It makes Vitamin C, Vitamin E and other antioxidants work better, probably due to its effect on enhancing blood quality and allowing the blood to more effectively transport oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells.

Aloe Vera Destroys Cancer

Research into the anti-cancer effects of acemannan, a phytonutrient found in aloe vera, found promising results. In one study, dogs and cats undergoing radiation for cancer were given acemannan. Not only did the tumors shrink more in the acemannan-treated group, but post-treatment survival was significantly extended.

Another study demonstrated that acemannan increased cells’ production of nitric oxide (NO), an anti-cancer chemical strongly associated with the shrinking of cancer tumors.

Although this particular research was focused on chickens, the same effect has also been observed in humans.

In other studies, aloe vera showed a marked result in producing remission in skin cancers. Its highly effective antioxidant effect has also been found to help prevent skin damage from x-rays and other forms of radiation.

Aloe Vera Stabilizes blood sugar Levels

Diabetic patients who took aloe vera for 3 months experienced a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels. They also had lower cholesterol levels and slight improvements in total cholesterol. Numerous clinical studies have been published that demonstrate aloe vera’s anti-diabetic properties.

Aloe Vera Heals burns, Cuts and Scrapes

Aloe vera is nature’s first aid kit. It is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, making it extremely effective in wound care. Placed directly on or in the wound, aloe vera gel kills bacteria, prevents infection and actually nourishes the damaged tissues while sealing the wound against infection.

Aloe has been known to heal third-degree burn victims with no scarring and to restore burned skin that would have normally died.

Studies confirmed that wounds treated with aloe heal far faster than other wounds not so treated – both for traumatic as well as surgical wounds.

The juice is also effective for the treatment of minor wounds and insect bites by forming a “natural plaster” over the wound.

Aloe Vera Extends Lifespan

A study on rats showed that aloe vera extended lifespan by 10 percent. The study also found that the rats had a less incidence of blood clots in the heart, less kidney disorders, a slightly lower incidence of fatal leukemia and fewer causes of death compared to the control group. Also, no adverse, toxic effects were found with the ingestion of aloe vera.

Aloe Vera Enhances skin Health

Aloe is one of the most widely-used ingredients in skin care products. This is because it is great for the skin. Aloe soothes the skin, hydrates it, nourishes it and accelerates the regeneration of new skin tissue. It also enhances skin health when used internally, such as when added to juices.

Externally, aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the skin as a softening agent and used for the treatment of:

•             skin irritation

•             burns and scalds

•             sunburn

•             wounds

•             eczema

•             psoriasis

•             acne

•             dermatitis

•             ulcers

This is just a selection of the conditions that aloe vera is known to improve or cure. For more information or for further studies, search on Google Scholar.

How to Use aloe Vera

Aloe vera plants are easy to care for. They need bright light and water every two weeks to grow and stay healthy, so keep your plant on a sunny windowsill.

Aloe vera is most effective when used fresh so use it as soon as it is removed from the plant.

The gel found inside the aloe vera leaf contains its health benefits. To extract this gel, cut off a large leaf from the plant. Either strip away the green leaf from around the gel using a knife, or squeeze the gel out. The plant will heal up around the cut leaf, and will not become infected, due to aloe’s anti-bacterial properties.

Apply this cool, soothing gel directly onto the skin, or use it internally by adding it to fresh juices.

SOURCE:

http://www.healthymuslim.com/articles/fewed-aloe-vera-a-natural-cure-for-cancer-diabetes-inflammation-and-much-more.cfm

The Productivity Triangle

The year is still fresh (whether you count the Georgian or Hijirah calendar) and we like to see you achieve more. Here is a tip piece by ProductiveMuslim. We pray your dreams and aspiration will be Insha Allah!

I would like to introduce you today to 3 powerful elements of productivity. These are the cornerstone of productivity without which one cannot be productive, and here they are:

1. Knowledge
2. Action
3. Consistency

I call this the Productivity Triangle, and if all 3 element meet in a person, he/she becomes truly productive. But if one element is missing that’s when unproductivity kicks in.

So how do these 3 elements work?

Knowledge

وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا say, “O my Lord! advance me in knowledge (Taha, Chapter #20, Verse #114)

It all starts with knowledge. Understanding what you need to do, and how to do it. One of the top reasons for people to procrastinate on a project or task is that they do not know how to do it. And they are worried to approach this learning curve out of fear that they may never understand how to do it.

Here’s some good news though: Knowledge can be attained in a number of ways, and I’ve yet to meet someone who has put their mind onto something and failed to gain knowledge in that area. But the key factor here is action, you need to put effort in to gaining knowledge.

Here are top tips to gaining knowledge:

1. Research online/offline:

Al-hamdulillah, the information world is in our finger tips these days and this is a blessing of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) upon us all. I’ve found myself if I lack knowledge in a field, I would firstly go to the Library and pick as many books on the topic as I can, I’ll read some of them and scan through others, then I’ll research online or listen to further audiobooks/podcast on the topic and within a few weeks/months, that knowledge gap would be filled with the permission of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala)

2. Ask an expert/Someone who has done it before:

If there’s something new you need to learn, then know that there’s a teacher out there who’s ready to share his/her knowledge with you. And trust me, no matter how “important” this person is, you’d be surprised how they would love to pass their knowledge to you. Approaching them through associates or friends can be a good start, or a direct e-mail and cold calling can sometimes work. The most important thing is to be persistent until you get what you need from them.

3. Make dua:

Knowledge is a blessing of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) upon you, and it’s enlightening. So if you’re stuck or find yourself not knowing much about a subject and really need to learn about it, ask Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) for help and try some of the above methods to gain what you desire. A word of caution here: Make sure you seek beneficial knowledge, that is knowledge that will be beneficial to you either in this world, or hereafter, or both preferrably!

Action

The value of knowledge without action is zilch! In fact, this brings about the wrath of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) – may Allah protect us. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) described those who had the knowledge but did little action as “those who incurred His anger” in the opening chapter of the Quran. So let’s not be one of them.

But here’s an important point: in one hand we need to remember that we must take action upon the knowledge that we learnt in order to be productive, but we have to understand here that Action/Ability or Skill comes from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) first and foremost, since without his permission you can’t do anything. That’s why again in the opening chapter we say: “You alone we worship and You alone we seek help from”. So we want to worship Him, but we can’t worship Him without His permission, and this is true servitude to Allah.

When you realise that everything you do, you’re doing it with the permission of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala), you’ll be humble in your approach, will seek perfection in all your actions, and you’ll be sincere in what you do.

Also, action starts with you taking the first step. Again, those of us who procrastinate, here’s a killer-productivity technique: Start working on a project/task for just 10 minutes and watch yourself drift to 30-45 minutes. Give yourself a 5 minute break and then start again for ‘just’ 10 minutes. I always say that our ‘nafs’ and self is like a baby, and we have to treat it that way; a bit of encouragement, a bit of scolding, a bit of prize and it’ll get a long just fine.

Consistency

So, you’ve gained the knowledge, you’ve taken action and after a few days, you flop. You can’t be bothered and you’re not productive anymore. 90% of the productivity complaints is regarding consistency. People normally have no issue in gaining knowledge or taking action, but being consistent that’s when they find it hard.

I’ll admit, this is the hardest stage and there’s no easy answer, but here are some helpful advice:

1. Start small and grow slow

It’s tempting when you’re super excited about a project to jump into it with BIG action and BIG tasks only to find yourself overwhelemed a few days after. Why not start small, build small, and grow slowly over the years? Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that the most beloved actions to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) are those that are consistent even if they are small.

2. Break it down

Some of the reasons why it’s hard to become consistent in your action is because the action is HUGE or takes a number of tasks to achieve. Try breaking it down and see if there’s better ways of doing it: can you eliminate some steps? Can you delegate some parts?. As the Chinese proverb goes: A journey of 1000 miles starts with one step. My only addition to this is: KEEP WALKING!

3. Check your Intentions

Sometimes when you fail to be consistent on a project, it might be a sign that perhaps your intentions are not pure and sincere. For example, if you’ve tried many times to memorize the Quran and failed, check your hearth, check your intention, who are you doing it for. Normally, when our intentions are pure and when our goals are bigger than ourselves, it’s easier to be consistent inshaAllah.

4. Ask Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) for help

I swear upon the One who created me and you, you cannot be consistent in any task, project, endeavour you’re in  except by His permission. So ask Allah for help in all your matters and ask Him to that He makes you consistent. Most importantly, ask Him to be consistent in your Deen and religion, so that you’re constantly worshipping Him to the best of your ability and improving yourself and those around you.

I hope you found this article beneficial. Can you find practical examples of how Knowledge-Action-Consistency made you productive?

SOURCE: http://www.productivemuslim.com/the-productivity-triangle/

Interview with Shareefah Andu -Life of a muslimah

This is one of muslimah i had always admired. She is based in Lagos Nigeria, a wife mother and entrepreneur. So read along and learn one or two ideas or ideal about being a true muslimah.

Three words best describe Shareefah Andu: Determined, driven and a goal getter. She opens up to Nkarenyi Ukonu on her life and all of the things she is involved in.

Shareefah Andu is every inch a Muslim woman and this is made all the more obvious by her veiled hair. But besides the veiled hair, her dress sense even though simple still makes her come across as a stylish person who doesn‘t compromise on good quality, vintage and timeless pieces of apparel.

She says, ”I wasn‘t covering my hair until 12 years ago. I went for hajj in 1998 and by then I was ready to do things the way the Quran spells it out, that a woman should cover her hair so that she will be noted as a Muslim and she will not be molested. Just like the Catholic nuns who will never go anywhere with their hair uncovered.

”So for me, it is the religious level I have gotten to that informed my choice to have my hair covered and still be stylish at the same time. I want to be seen to be coordinated, I don‘t just want people to see my hair covered, I want them to notice that it has been stylishly covered. I also think it suits me.”

Covering her hair and being stylish at the same time is not all there is to Abeokuta, Ogun State born Andu. The sociology graduate of the University of Ibadan is in fact many things rolled in one. Starting out as a journalist in charge of the children‘s pages in Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, she rose through the ranks to head the women‘s desk and after four years left for the banking industry for want of something more challenging to do and to earn something commensurate to her hard work. Berthing at Equitorial Trust Bank, she later left for the then Trans International Bank from where she decided to leave to run her own show. ”I decided to just stop working for anyone because I felt there were other things I could do. I started my business called Arabel because I found a vacuum to be filled. There were no shops where high quality Islamic materials were sold then, so I took the plunge, convinced that the business would do well,” 48 year old Andu explains.

Even though the shop which has been in existence for 12 years has become a success story, the restless soul that Andu is sought for other ventures that were intellectually stimulating rather than just doing buying and selling which she felt any green horn could do. ”In my fantasy, I feel as if I am a cloud, and can‘t be pinned down somewhere, I just like to express myself and do things my own way. I eventually went back to writing.

”I think I get a lot of fulfilment from writing and I think I should have remained in that profession all along but you know, God has a way of working things out for everybody. So in 2004, I wrote a Muslim book and the printer made a mistake, he just didn‘t get it right so I burnt the 2000 copies. I put in a lot of effort and wanted the production to be right, because if it isn‘t, people won‘t read it and all my efforts would have gone to waste.

”I would personally not read a book that isn‘t well produced, no matter what the content of the book is. I knew I had to do something really good, so I took it to another printer where I came across the daily devotional, something that isn‘t available in Islam and I knew there would be a need for it. Living in the light of Allah is quite popular and people love it.”

Not one to rest on her oars, she sought another void to fill. Andu whose way of life is guided by being genuinely kind, just and helpful to people decided to add another publication to her kitty. After writing and publishing the daily devotional for six years, she decided to start a bi-monthly life style magazine called Zephyr. ”I decided to write for everyone instead of just concentrating solely on Muslims. I saw another need to be met. I see a lot of magazines that are sectional, not all embracing and I wanted something that had an element of everything, something one would enjoy reading.”

In actual fact, the idea to float a lifestyle magazine was formed about four years earlier but the production was stalled for want of a proper and befitting name. A yet to be registered name, Zephyr meaning soft gentle wind was eventually chosen for it. ”It sounded nice, powerful, exotic and meaningful. I had decided within me that if the name was available, then that meant that God was speaking to me to go ahead with the magazine but if it wasn‘t, then it meant I would have to drop the idea of floating a magazine forever. Luckily it was available.”

Just two months old, Andu says of the magazine, ”The reception has been wonderful, people have started to accept it, they love it very much and it has been encouraging. I believe it is going to be everywhere and I say with all sense of modesty that with time, it would be very unstylish not to have a copy of Zephyr.” Asked why the magazine is bi-monthly, she says, ”Because I have my hands in a lot of pies. I decided to test run it on a bi-monthly basis to see how it would turn out but I intend for it to become a monthly magazine eventually.”

Somewhat a surprise that a hardcore Muslim like her doesn‘t shy away from expressing her inner self or fantasy in whatever form without any inhibitions, she tries to debunk the notion. ”I don‘t think Islam has anything to do with trying to suppress one‘s fantasy and I do not think Muslims should have any inhibitions about anything. I haven‘t done anything that is un-Islamic, everything I have done is within Islamic injunctions. Everything I have done is what anyone can do regardless of what religion you practise. I am not a timid person, I am a goal getter.”

Continuing, Andu who lived a comfortable life growing up because her mother, Shifaa Adebimpe provided for them says, ”My mother always told myself and my only sister that there is nothing we cannot do. I remember the first time I was going to drive to Ibadan from Lagos, I was so scared, but my mum talked me into it saying I could do it. She encourages us to do anything. So right from a very young age, taking bold steps has always been a part of me, there is nothing I want to do that I cannot do as long as it isn‘t obscene, illegal or unethical.

”I know people who have worked in about eight, nine places in about 12 years. I try to stay at least five years in one place but I just get so restless I have to do more because I believe that the human capacity is so elastic, we don‘t use 40 per cent of what we can actually do. We can stretch ourselves. I know I can still stretch myself and I can still keep going.”

Wondering how she finds the time to do all of the things she is involved in and if she ever makes out time to unwind, Andu who isn‘t biased about having members of staff who are Christians offers. ”I don‘t know how, I just know that I get them done. When you love to do something, you don‘t feel it is a big chore. I like to work, work is like a stimulant for me. But really why are we here, to just eat, sleep, go to parties? You have to be able to do things and see that you are doing things. For me that is what I enjoy doing and then I read a lot, comics especially. I only go to parties as a matter of obligation, if I have my way, I won‘t attend any because I do not really enjoy parties.”

She considers her greatest challenge to be when she mismanaged funds at the initial stage of her business. ”It was the most challenging period of my life but I came out of it stronger and better experienced. I just knew that there would always be light at the end of a tunnel, so I held on to that as it gave me confidence that I would survive and get over it, and I did.”

Even though she feels her best is yet to come, she however feels that one singular daring move she has ever made in her life was when she went on a tour of the South-West by road. ”I think that tour was one of the reasons I got broke in the first instance. I was on the road for one month. I hired a big truck, costing N500,000 to ferry a big container of Islamic stuffs I brought in from Dubai and I was going from place to place exhibiting them with big media coverage. I was just having fun trying to build a brand but for people, that wasn‘t a way to run a business.”

SOURCE: PUNCH online by By Nkarenyi Ukonu –

Alhamdulillah!! Eid mubarak!

Alhamdulilahi

Ramadan- forget the hype and get real…

Ramdan here ramadhan there ramadan all around!!!

wait a minute…

Its this just a hype or are you for real?

Is it another ritual , culture display or for the sake of Allah?

Sincerely…

will it improve you as a person

or will you shame the ummah with your careless ways?

Watch this reminder by Baba Ali…

Make a plan that this year you will not just fast and but observe ramadan as it should be done!

Setting your pratical ramadan goals!

I believe in planing ahead or defining ones direction … Afterall how do you know where you want to be, how to get there or if you get there? Here is a quick look at how you can set and meet(insha Allah) practical goals for  month of ramadan ahead. Feel free to send in your comments or questions and we will respond accordingly insha Allah!

How to set your goals:

There is no use setting goals you can’t reach or can’t measure. It shouldn’t be like the popular “new year resolution” list that goes unresolved. So Do YOU WANT TO REALLY DO THIS?! If yes, then to make sure your ramadan goals counts make them SMART goals-

• S = Specific =>
  • Poor> (i will pray more)
  • Better >(i will pray salat 5 times daily)

• M = Measurable =>
  • Poor> (I will read the quran)
    
  • Better>( i will read the quran from start to finish by the last day of ramadan)
    
• A = Attainable=>
  • Poor> (I  will go to the mosque 5 times daily {when you work 9-5 in a location  far from any mosque} ?!)
    
  • Better> ( i will go the mosque at least twice a day during this month of ramadan{in the more and evenings})
• R = Realistic
  
  • Poor>( i will preach and convert people to islam during ramadan) you are not Allah?!
  • Better>(i will ensure i encourage 5 people with my attitude and preaching to want to be muslim during the month of ramadan.)
    
• T = Timely
  • Poor>(I will feed poor people)
    
  • Better> (I will feed one poor person a day, at launch time through out ramadan)
    

More tips:

• Set your goals and seek Allah’s grace towards reaching it…
• Write it out and stick it in someplace you wont miss.. your mirror.. your door … or you could make it your phone or computer screensaver.
• Prioritise your goals… does just splash around your thoughts and dreams and start a rat race.
• Get tools and things you need to real your goals… never be afraid to ask for help!! ( just prepare your mind that of  worse and u will be fine e.g. you can get is a “no” or “buzz off” its not the end of the world!)
• Set an alarm (and make loud enough if need be) – adhan software on your computer could remind you is time to leave work and go for salat. You could record quran recitations on mp players (and listen with your headset that way you don’t disturb others) .You could also surround yourself with like minds or tell people around you who could help you attain your goals.
• Dont forget to cut cost when and where you can! – this is the time to think of alternatives so that you have more to give out.
• MAKE ALL GOALS TO PLEASE ALLAH AND FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

I encourage you to pick up a pen and a piece of paper and jot down the goals you want to reach. Look at each goal and evaluate it. Make any changes necessary to ensure it meets the criteria for a SMART goals.

Ramadan is a month of harvest for the wise! reap as much as you can!!

ma salam

Q. Latyfah

The Family and Ramadan

{As salam Alaykun peeps… It no longer news that the basic of learning starts from home.  The family (or parenting)  has a strong role to play in development of the society… So how do you help the children enjoy, appreciate  and love the holy month of ramadan?! I remember i started crying that i wanted to fast at the age of seven, but then i think it was  more about the “feast for the fasting ones” rather than the real lessons  of values of ramadan. Here is how to help your family build that ramadan spirit to gain from the holy month.  Q. Layfah}

It is one of the blessings of Allah to the Muslim that He enables him to fast in Ramadan and to spend its nights in prayer. It is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and people are raised in status, when Allah frees some people from the Fire.

Family

So the Muslim should strive to make the most of this month and the goodness it brings; he should hasten to spend his life in worship. How many people have been deprived of this month because of sickness, death or misguidance.

The Muslim must make the most of his time during this month; he has an unavoidable duty towards his children, to raise them well and bring them up properly, to urge them to do all kinds of goodness and make them get used to that – because the child will grow up in the manner to which his father makes him get accustomed.

During these blessed days, the father and mother have a role to play in making the most of this time, and we can offer parents the following advice:

1 – Checking on the children’s fasting and encouraging those who fall short in this regard.

2– Reminding them about the real nature of fasting, and that it is not just giving up food and drink, but it is a means of attaining taqwa (piety), and that it is an opportunity for sins to be forgiven and expiated.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ascended the minbar and said: “Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.” It was said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, why did you do that?” He said, “Jibreel said to me, `May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person who Ramadan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, Ameen’. Then he said, `May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise,’ and I said, `Ameen’. Then he said, `May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, `Ameen.'”

Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 1888; al-Tirmidhi, 3545; Ahmad, 7444; Ibn Hibbaan, 908. See Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3501.

3 – Teaching them the etiquette and rulings on eating, such as eating with the right hand from what is directly in front of them; reminding them that extravagance is Haram and is harmful to the body.

4 – Not letting them spend too long on eating iftaar so that they miss praying Maghrib in congregation.

5 – Reminding them about the situation of the poor and destitute who cannot find even a mouthful of food to quench the fires of hunger; reminding them of the situation of those who have migrated or are fighting in jihad for the sake of Allah in all places.

6 – These gatherings offer an opportunity to bring relatives together and uphold the ties of kinship. This custom still exists in
some countries, and it is an opportunity to reconcile and mend broken ties between relatives.

7 – Helping the mother to prepare the food, and to clean up and keep the food fit for eating.

8 – Reminding them to pray qiyaam (taraweeh) and to prepare for it by not eating too much and to get ready in time to perform the prayer in the mosque.

9 – With regard to suhoor, the parents should remind the family of the barakah (blessing) of suhoor and that it gives a person the strength to fast.

10 – Allowing enough time before Fajr prayer so that those who have not prayed Witr may do so, and so that those who have delayed their prayer until the end of the night may pray, and so that each person may make dua to his Lord as he wishes.

11 – Paying attention to praying Fajr on time in congregation in the mosque, for those who are required to do so. We have seen many people who wake up at the end of the night to eat, then they go back to bed and neglect Fajr prayer.

12 – It was the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the last ten days of Ramadan to stay up at night and wake his family. This indicates that the family should pay attention to making the most of this blessed time in doing things that are pleasing to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. So the husband should wake his wife and children to do that which will bring them closer to their Lord.

13 – There may be small children in the house who need to be encouraged to fast, so the father should urge them to get up for suhoor, and encourage them to fast by praising them and giving a reward to the one who fasts the whole month or half of it, and so on.

It was narrated that al-Rubayyi’ bint Mu’awwidh said:  On the morning of `Ashoora’ the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent word to the villages of the Ansaar saying, “Whoever started out not fasting, let him not eat for the rest of the day, and whoever started the day fasting, let him fast.” She said: We used to fast and make our children fast, [and take them to the mosques] and make toys for them out of wool, then if one of them cried for food we would give him that toy until iftaar.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1859; Muslim, 1136 – the words in square brackets were narrated by Muslim.

Al-Nawawi said:

This hadeeth shows that we should train children to do acts of worship and get them used to that, but they are not accountable. Al-Qaadi said: It was narrated from `Urwah that when they are able to fast it becomes obligatory upon them. This is a mistake which is disproven by the saheeh hadeeth, “The Pen is lifted from three: from the child until he reaches adolescence…” And Allah knows best.

Sharh Muslim, 8/14

14 – If possible, the father and mother should take the family for `Umrah in Ramadan, and that is something that will benefit them in the Hereafter,, themselves and their family, for `Umrah during Ramadan has the same reward as Hajj. It is better to go at the beginning of Ramadan so as to avoid the crowds.

15 – The husband should not overburden his wife with more than she can bear of having to prepare food and sweets. Many people take this month to prepare fancy foods and drinks, and they go extremes in that. This detracts from the sweetness of this month and goes against the reason for fasting, which is to attain piety.

16 – The month of Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, so we suggest that each family gets together to read Qur’an. The father should teach his family to recite Qur’an and help them to understand the meanings of the verses. In the same gathering they may also read a book about the rulings and etiquette of fasting. Allah has enabled many scholars and seekers of knowledge to write books which can be used for preaching and teaching during Ramadan; the books are divided into thirty parts, so one topic can be read each day, and this will benefit everyone.

17 – They should be encouraged to spend and check on their neighbours and the needy.

It was narrated that Ibn `Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during Ramadan when Jibreel met him. He would meet him each night and revise the Qur’an with him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was more generous than the blowing wind.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308.

18 – The parents should prevent their families and children from staying up late at night and wasting their time in things that are of no benefit, let alone things that are Haram. For the devils among mankind are more active in this month in promoting evil things and acts of immorality to those who are fasting, during the nights of Ramadan and during the days.

19 – They should remember the family’s meeting in Allah’s Paradise in the Hereafter, and the great joy of meeting there under the shade of His throne. These blessed gatherings in this world and coming together to obey Allah by seeking knowledge, fasting and praying are only the means that lead to attaining that happiness.

SOURCE: Missionislam.com

Ramadan Fasting : Scientific Perspective

{I love it when science is allowed to say the truth about Allah’s favour… here is some pointers on Scientific Perspective, that gives you more reason to ensure you take part in this year’s Ramadan Fasting religiously}

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The word Ramadan meant “great heat” as this occurred in the pre-Islamic solar calendar. Fasting in this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

We read in the Qur’an: ….the month of Ramadan, wherein the Qur’an was sent down to be a guidance to the people, and as clear signs of the Guidance and the Salvation. So let those of you, who are present at the month, fast it; and if any of you be sick, or if he be on a journey, then a number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and desires not hardship for you; and that you fulfill the number, and magnify Allah that He has guided you, and perchance you will be thankful. (Surah Baqara, 2: 185)

One can ask what are the benefits of fasting?

People have fast for health reasons. Scientists have studied the effects of fasting on the body and found that the intake of food increases the body’s metabolism. After fasting, metabolism can become as much as 22 per cent lower than the normal rate. But research also has shown that after long periods of fasting, the body tends to adjust itself by lowering the rate of metabolism itself. After fasting, a person should gradually resume eating.

In some studies performed on fasting Muslims and Muslimah, it was observed that there was a slight loss of weight both in the males and the females. Their blood glucose levels increased significantly. Other parameters such as blood levels of cortisol, testosterone, Na, K, urea, total cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein), LDL (low density lipoprotein), TG (triglycerides) and serum osmolality did not show notable variations.

Another study performed about a decade ago in Iran showed that sporadic restraint from food and drink for about 17 hours a day for 30 days does not alter male reproductive hormones, HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis) or peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones. Any changes noticed return to normal four weeks after fasting.

A recent study on “Increased fat oxidation during Ramadan fasting in healthy women: an adaptive mechanism for body-weight maintenance” was performed by Drs. Jalila El Ati, et al, published in the Am. J. Clin. Nutri. August 1995. In this study possible effects of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric and metabolic variables were investigated in healthy Tunisian Muslim women. Total daily energy intake remained unchanged whereas the qualitative components of nutrients were markedly affected. Neither body weight nor body composition were influenced by Ramadan fasting. Results also indicate the concomitant decrease of plasma insulin concentrations with respiratory and energy expenditure during Ramadan.

Fat oxidation was increased and carbohydrate oxidation was decreased during the light span of the nycthemeron. In non-Muslim countries such as the United States the physicians particularly the Family Physicians and Internists should be aware of changes of glucose and bilirubin during the month of Ramadan.

Rheumatic Disease

Fasting may enhance mucosa derived B lymphocyte cell responsiveness while having no effect on B cell responsiveness in both rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy volunteers. After a three-day, water-only fast, 7 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 17 healthy volunteers received influenza virus vaccine either orally or by injection. One week later blood samples were analyzed for B lymphocyte response. B lymphocyte response was enhanced in the group receiving the vaccine orally in both arthritis patients and volunteers. The response to injected vaccine was unchanged in both groups.

Longevity studies on laboratory animals have shown that restriction of caloric intake increases longevity, slows the rate of functional decline, and reduces incidence of age-related disease in a variety of species. The mechanism of action of caloric restriction remains unknown; however, data suggest that cellular functions are altered in such a way that destructive by-products of metabolism are reduced, and defense or repair systems are enhanced by this nutritional manipulation. Animal and human studies suggest potential benefits of dietary modification, exercise, antioxidants, hormones, and deprenyl.

Effect on Lactating Mothers

The effects of fasting and increased blood insulin and glucose on milk volume and composition were studied with glucose clamp methodology in exclusively and partially breast-feeding women (producing no more than 200 ml milk per day). There was no effect on milk volume, milk glucose concentration, total fat content or lactose secretion rate. It is concluded that human milk production is isolated from the homeostatic mechanisms that regulate glucose metabolism in the rest of the body, in part because the lactose synthetase system has a Km for glucose lower than the concentration available in the Golgi compartment.

Short-term fasting in normal women

In a study which investigated the effects of a short-term fast (72 hours) on female reproductive hormone secretion and menstrual function, it was concluded that in spite of profound metabolic changes, a 72-hour fast during the follicular phase does not affect the menstrual cycle of normal cycling women.

Fasting and healing

Studies are being conducted to treat serious illnesses like osteo-or rheumatoid arthritis or asthma utilizing fasting for a short duration of a few days to medically supervised water (only fasts of 30 days) to help the body heal itself. It has been known that both children and animals refuse to eat when sick as a natural response. The severely sick have no appetite, but they take the food only at the urging of the family members.

The severely sick feel no hunger because food in severe sickness intervenes with natural response. The body is always trying to heal itself. When the patient is resting and consuming water only, the body heals itself and fasting acts as a facilitating process. One can get rid of coffee, cigarettes salty or sugary foods, which are addictive, through fasting, as fasting can help clear the taste buds and healthful foods start to taste better again. However insulin-dependent diabetics should not fast because of ketosis in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, who cannot break down the ketones and use them as fuel. Healthy people use the ketones (by-products of fat metabolism) to maintain energy. (To conserve the glycogen stores, glucose becomes restricted to the central nervous system, mainly the brain. Instead of taking the glucose from the brain, the body begins breaking down the fatty acids in adipose (fatty) tissue). People with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (the majority of people who have diabetes) can improve their health through fasting.

Fasting helps cardiovascular disease, arthritis, asthma, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, ulcers, and digestive disorders, lupus, skin problems (including cysts, tumors and kidney stones). Even quitting smoking and obesity respond favourably to fasting.

Hence fasting during the month of Ramadan does not cause any adverse medical effects, on the other hand may have some beneficial effects on weight and lipid metabolism.

“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me” Ash-Shu’arâ’ 26:80

SOURCE: Breastcancer.org By Ibrahim B. Syed