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I s l a m i c H e a l t h
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Diet & Nutrition
Food - the Ni'mah from Allah
And the fruits of date palm and grapes you get wholesome drink and nutrition: Behold in this is a sign for those who are wise."
[16:67]
In His infinite Mercy and Wisdom, Allah Ta'ala has decorated the earth with many different foods; in all tastes, colours and sizes. Each fruit or vegetable containing something, which together gives all that man requires to take care of his physical and mental body in the right and wholesome manner.
Nature is bursting with foods which have their own healing and nourishing remedies for us to make use of. It is a saddening realisation that we do not make use of the beautiful gifts bestowed upon us; not only as a source of food, but as a source to nourish, strengthen, heal ourselves, and allieviate illnesses.
The most complete system of "natural medicine" ever devised has been extant for over 1400 years, presented in the fullest and miraculous order of Divine Commands from Allah Ta'ala, and lived out in example by the most profound human being in history - Muhammad
So we have learned from the hadith of the Prophet
, "We did not send down any disease, unless we have sent down the remedy with it." Medical practice today has changed from a reliance on foods and plants from nature to a heavy reliance on synthetic medicines. Perhaps one should turn to Allah, Ash Shifaa' (The Healer) for the infallible remedy and vital prescriptions for our time.
What is needed today, more than all the advancements of science perhaps, is a return to the simple, eternal laws for living, as shown in the way of life of Islam. Resurrection of our health, of body, mind and soul, utilising the medical traditions of Islam, as shown by the light of Islam the Prophet Muhammad
, is the true need for the salvation of the plagues which now disturb the souls of men.
In summary our healthy body is a gift from Allah Ta'ala, we are its trustees, so we should not misuse it. Make use of that which is a ni'mah of Allah.
Olives
by Mutmainaa
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[03 Dhul Hijjah 1423]
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[Surah at-Teen; 95:1] |
Olives (Zaytun) have numerous health benefits, including being rich in Vitamins (in particular Vitamin E), minerals, monounsaturated fats, and anti-oxidants. They are full of nutritional value, helping to fight against a number of critical diseases; including cancer, arthritis, osteoprosis, constipation, inflammation and asthma. It isn’t any wonder that Allah (Ta’ala) has sworn by the Olive in the Qur’an;
"By the Fig and the Olive, and the Mount of Sinai..."
[surah at-Teen; 95: 1-2]
The mufassireen (commentators of the Qur'an) have suggested numerous explainations for this ayah. It has been said that the most likely explanation of the mentioning of the (fig and) olive, is that they both represent deen (religion) and faith or to man as the creature fairest and goodness in shape and form. The special mentioning of this fruit, and the inferences made from it indicate the unique essence and value of the Olive.
Another indication of the Olive representing life and goodness can be taken from the Olive branch bought back by the Pigeon which Prophet Nuh (alayhis salam) released from the ship to examine the state of the floods. When the pigeon brought back the olive branch, he (alayhis salam) knew that the land had reappeared and that vegetation was growing.
The Qur'an makes manetion of Olives in several places; namely, surah al-An'am; 6: 99, 141, surah an-Nahl; 16: 11, surah an-Nur; 24:35, surah al-Mu'minun, surah at-Tin; 95: 1, and surah Abasa; 80: 29.
The Benefits
The Vitamin E contained in Olives is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Anti-oxidants help to strengthen the body's immune system; reducing the severity of asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, premature ageing, as well as delaying the effects of ageing.
Olives contain compounds called polyphenols that appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Imam as-Suyuti comments that in using olive oil as a balm, you fortify your limbs and as a result reduce inflammation.
Ibn Umar recorded the well-known hadith “use olive oil and anoint yourself with it, because it is ‘from a blessed tree’”(24:35)
[al-Bayhaqi]
The juice of the olive, otherwise known as olive oil (Zayt), is a delicious source of antioxidants. This oil is monounsaturated, and it has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood streams, by helping to reduce it. Monounsaturated fats are an important part of our diets. These oils act to keep cholesterol from sticking to our artery walls, and thus combating against diseases such as heart disease and strokes. Not only that, but they help to control blood sugar, a big plus in offering protection against Diabetes.
As regards to the Zaytun tree, Allah (Ta’ala) says:
”And a tree that grows on
[
The roots of the Zaytun tree are so extensive and strong that in times of drought, when other trees die, the zaytuna tree is still standing because it draws from deep within the earth when the heavens withhold their life-giving water.
The human body easily absorbs olives. This aids digestion, and so your body can handle food with ease. Imam Jalaluddin as-Suyuti in his book, “Medicine of the Prophet” suggests drinking Olive oil so as to keep the bowels moving, soothing pains and combating constipation.
Olives are also very light foods (ie contain low calories), but at the same time very filling; being able to quickly satisfy hunger. and lead to fewer total calories ingested at mealtime.
It is recorded that the Prophet
said
“Every kind of olive oil is for you, and anoint yourself with it..” [ibn al-Juzi].
The Prophet
used to recommend olives and saffron in cases of pleurisy, and he used to say that olives are the medicine of the poor.
In another tradition Muhammad
said “Eat olive oil and anoint yourself with it” [at-Tirmidhi].
Saied al-Ansari narrates that the Prophet
said,
"Eat the olive oil and massage it over your bodies since it is a blessed tree."
[at-Tirmidhi, ibn Maja]
Indeed, Allah Ta'ala has mentioned the Olive tree as being blessed as well;
"a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous.."
[surah 24: 35]
Abu Hurairah RadiAllahu Ta'ala anhu narrates that the Prophet
stated, "Eat the olive oil and apply it (locally), since there is cure for seventy diseases in it, one of them is Leprosy."
[abu Naim]
Khalid Bin Sa'd narrates "I came to Madinah with Ghalib Bin Al Jabr. Ghalib became ill during the journey. Ibn Abi Ateeq came to see him and told a narration from Aisha that the Prophet
told about the cure in Kalonji. We crushed a few seeds of Kalonji and mixed it with olive oil and dropped in both nostrils, after which Ghalib became healthy."
[ibn Majah, Bukhari]
According to ibn al-Qayyim, Olives are an exhilarant, they provide prevention against poisons, gives the facial complexion glow, regulates the digestive process, expels the intestinal parasites, makes the hair lustrous and minimises ageing problems.
He also comments that the massage of olive oil with common salt over the gums is a remedy for several diseases of gums and teeth.
The chronic ulcers and boils, which show difficult healing condition, are healed up with the use of olive oil generally.
The local application of olive oil or the water extracted from the crushed olive oil leaves is effective on boils, rashes and itching.
Imam Tirmidhi (in the Shama'il of at-Tirmidhi) mentions that it was reported that the Prophet
used so much olive oil that his shawl was often saturated with it.
Key benefits of olives
·
The Zaytun oil can also be used on hands, hair and as a base for massage oil.
·
Used as a balm, it fortifies the hair
·
It keeps the hair shiny and prevents dandruff
·
Used as a balm, it fortifies and moisturises the skin, combating dry skin and softening it. It also combats against acne.
·
Massaged onto the body, Olives fortify the limbs, combat against inflammation, and sooth away aches and pains from tired muscles and so on.
·
Help against wrinkles and delaying the effects of old age.
·
Help combat against strokes, heart-disease, High blood pressure, diabetes.
·
It aids digestion and strengthens the bowels, as well as the stomach.
·
Soothes pain
·
Strenthens the body's immune system
·
Drunk, the tea from Olive leaves help against High blood pressure.
·
General consumption of Olives, due to their high anti-Oxidant properties, help to combat against diseases such as cancer (studies in particular show Breast cancer), asthma, arthritis, osteoprosis, and others.
[Bibliography:
'The Holy Qur'an' - Translated by Yusuf Ali
'The Qur'an - Basic teachings' by Thomas B. Irving, Khurshid Ahmad, Muhammad M. Ahsan
'Medicine of the Prophet' by Jalaluddin as-Suyuti
'In the Shade of the Qur'an' by Syed Qutb
'The meaning of the Qur'an' - by Syed Abu-Ala' Maududi
'The design in Nature' - by Harun Yahya
'The essential Olive oil companion - by Anne Dolamore
Various websites, food & nutrition magazines]
Pomegranates
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- Muhammad
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There are Three references of the Pomegrenate in the Qur'an under the name of Rumman (its Qur'anic name). The references can be found in;
"We bring forth the green blade from, which we bring forth the thick clustered grain; and from the date palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate, alike and unlike."
[Surah vi,Verse 99]
"He it is Who produceth gardens trellised and untrellised, and the date palm, and crops of divers flavor, and the olive and the pomegranate , like and unlike."
Surah vi,Verse 141]
"Wherein is fruit, the date palm and pomegranate .Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny?"
[Surah
There are also a number of ahadith on the Pomegranate;
Anas bin Malik (Radhiyallahu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah
said,
"There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranate of the Garden(of Jannah) in it."
[Abu Nu'aim]
Rasulullah
said,
"Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion(stomach)."
[narrated Ali(radhiyallahu anhu), Abu Nuaim, Al-Jozi]
Pomegranate is native of
Good quality pomegranates were grown in the
The cultivation of pomegranate was introduced quite early in the
Its cultivation gradually spread to other countries too and now it is grown almost everywhere in the tropical and sub-tropical climate. Presently good quality pomegranate comes from
The calorific value of the pomegranate fruit is 65. Its juice is easily digestible and contains about 15% invert sugar. It is a rich source of sodium and also contains a good amount of riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, Vit.C, Calcium and Phosphorous. Protein and fat contents are negli- gible.
Pomegranate is a good food and a medicine of great value. It is a tonic for heart patients, highly efficacious in the inflammation of the stomach and effective to check heart pain. The juice of the fruit is an excellent cooling beverage and allays thirst in diarrhoea.
It acts as a good medicine for both diarrhoea and dysentery. For many ailments such as colitis, anaemia, jaundice, high blood pressure, piles and arthritis, its juice is an effective medicine.
When given with honey, it reduces biliousness. Pomegranate fruit is also prescribed in many disorders under the Homoeopathic medicine system.
The decoction of the root bark of pomegranate, which contains an alkaloid pellatrierine and tannic acid, is a highly useful medicine for the expulsion of worms, including tapeworms. This decoction is reported to be effective also in tuberculosis.
The thick skin: ie. the rind of the pomegranate fruit is greatly responsible for its good keeping quality. The fruit can be kept for as much as six months. The rind too contains high percentage of tannic acid (more than 20%) and is sometimes used for tanning leather. The well-known Moroccan and Spanish leather were once used to be tanned by the pomegranate rinds.
According to Unani medicine, the ideal time to eat pomegranate is after having had lunch. Take out the seeds, sprinkle with a little salt and black pepper and swallow the juice after chewing the seeds. This way of eating is beneficial in chronic constipation and indigestion. It also soothes the nerves and stimulates the liver.
Authorities of Unani medicine also maintain that persons doing tedious mental work should eat the fruit in the late afternoon in the same manner shown above. Another way of using the fruit advantageously is to press out the juice, add a little sugar and drink it. This produces blood, promotes good health and refreshes the brain.
Figs
[by Mutmaina]
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[03 Dhul Hijjah 1423]
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Figs are thought to be originally from small
It is said that humans could live on Figs alone as a source of food -- such is the goodness and nutrition in the fruit!
Figs are a rich source of calcium, iron, magnesium, Vitamin B6, and potassium. Figs are low in fat and high in fibre. They provide more fiber than any other common fruit or vegetable.
Figs have many health benefits. Fresh and dry figs are high in pectin, a soluble fibre that can reduce blood cholesterol. The fruit is also believed to have a laxative effect and can aid those who suffer from chronic constipation.
Listed below are some common problems and illnesses and how they can be avoided by the use of figs:
Insomnia
Figs contain a nutrient called tryptophan. This promotes good sleep and helps the brain use glucose properly, encouraging and stimulating good circulation.
Memory loss
Figs contain a lot of natural sugar - up to 60%. Sugar stimulate the brain so we can think faster and recall information more quickly. So that you can think more clear and faster. Figs are the ultimate brain fuel!
Fatigue
Fresh Figs contain up to 80% of water, as well as being one of the fruits with the highest levels of natural sugars. So they are a brilliant source of energy and stimulant for the brain. Making you more alert, responsive, fresh, as well as de-toxing the self.
Skin
Due to the Fig's high water content, they are ideal for improving the skin. The skin requires a good level of water. This will clear the skin, act as a cleanser, improve acne, oil, and general well-being.
Constipation
Figs are a natural laxative. So they can aid those suffering from constipation. They have a high level of fibre.
The heart
Due to the Fig's high level of natural sugars, they are an excellent way to replace the bleached (white) sugars with a more healthy alternative. They contain a natural fructose and glucose sugar.
A high fibre diet is one of the best ways to improve cholesterol levels, and as a result aid oneself against heart related diseases insha'Allah.
The nutrient 'tryptophan' contained in Figs encourages good circulation, allowing blood to flow more easily around the body.
Figs contain the ingredient Pectin (and soluble Fibre) which is known for its colesterol lowering effects. Thus, Figs are beneficial for those of Old age, those suffering from High Blood-pressure, Diabetes, heart-disease, hyper-tension, and other such related illnesses.
Calcium
Studies show that 80% of Americans don't consume adequate amounts of calcium daily. (NB: sorry, I couldnt find the statistics for calcium consumption for those of us that live in the
The majority of the calcium consumed by those in the
Five figs provide about 250 mg of the daily recommended level of calcium.
Blood pressure
Figs are beneficial for those with heart-related diseases. Lowering colesterol, they are advantageous for those with high blood pressure.
Figs are a particularly good source of Poatassium. Potassium is a mineral crucial to the control of blood pressure. People who eat potassium-rich foods tend to have lower blood pressure and, subsequently, have less risk of related conditions such as strokes.
Stress
Physical stress results from having high levels of work to do, illnesses, not eating properly, lack of sleep. Emotional stress is triggered from dunya things, such as family woes, work/school troubles and so on. Figs are extreamely nutritious, and over-all an ideal fruit to overcome stresses and anxieties.
Figs are high in calories – about 50 calories per fig – but are highly nutritious snacks.
Anemia
Figs contain Iron which enriches the blood, and helps to produce it. Thus, they are ideal for women, girls and those suffering from Anemia (lack of Iron).
Digestion
Five figs provide more than 20 percent of the daily recommended allowance of fibre. Hence, they are excellent in aiding digestion and improving the condition of the stomach and bowels.
Hemorrhoids (piles)
Muhammad
is recorded to have said to make use of Figs in order to curb Hemorrhoids.
Bones
Figs, with their high level of calcium are ideal for young growing children and for the development of bones. They are also invaluable for those suffering from Osteoporosis and brittle bones.
Weight control
Three figs, fresh or dried, contain about five grams of fibre. The soluble fibre contained in Figs can help people cut down on snacking because it causes nutrients to be absorbed more slowly, making people feel more satisfied after a meal. However, it should be remembered that Figs are high in calories.
Recipes from the Foods menioned in the Qur'an
Fig Recipes
Olive Recipes
Honey Recipes
Dates
Dates are also low in fat, high in fibre and are an extremely good source of potassium. They also provide some iron. Optimise the absorption of iron from dates (and figs) by eating a satsuma, which provides vitamin C, at the same time.
Vinegar - the cure for many ailments
By Dr. Hassan Shamsi Basha
Prophet Muhammad (saws) liked vinegar. Modern medicine also acknowledge its anti-cough, anti-inflammation and digestive properties
Jabir narrated, "The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, took me one day with him to his house. He was served some bread. He asked: 'Is there any dip?' They replied 'No, only some vinegar.' He said, 'Vinegar is a good dip.'
Jabir used to say, "I have loved vinegar since I heard it from Allah’s Prophet". And Talhah ibn Naf'a said, "I have loved vinegar since I heard it from Jabir."
[Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i]
What is Vinegar and Why is it a Good Dip?
Vinegar is made by fermenting the juice of sweet fruits and grains such as barley, apple and grape. The process of creating vinegar entails fermenting in an aerobic environment (in the presence of oxygen) as opposed to alcoholic fermentation, which is done in an anaerobic environment (in the absence of oxygen). The alcohol in these liquids is oxidized to acetic acid. Vinegar contains 4 per cent or more acetic acid. Its colour and tastes differ depending on its base.
Vinegar contains small amounts of protein and starch. 100g of vinegar has only 16 calories. It also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc and chlorine but it has no vitamins.
Ibn Seena (died 1037 CE) wrote in his famous book Al-Qanoon fit Tibb (the Canon of Medicine), that vinegar is a powerful clotting agent. If poured on an external wound, it will stop the bleeding and prevent swelling. It aids digestion and is an expectorant. It helps with felons (inflammation of the tissues of a finger or toe) and carbuncles (a kind of skin inflammation). It acts quickly on burns. When mixed with old and applied to the head, it helps with headaches caused by heat. It strengthens gums. It is an appetizer and aids digestion.
Vinegar is treating External Injuries
The Martin-Dale Encyclopaedia of Pharmaceuticals 1989 indicated that vinegar has many beneficial uses. Some are :
1.
To treat poisoning by alkaline (non-acidic) substances.
2.
To help reduce fevers by applying a cold pad to the forehead which is soaked with vinegar and water.
3.
To cure ‘black hairy tongue.’ a disease caused due to intake of antibiotics like penicillin, tetracycline by using vinegar once or twice daily for a week.
4.
To soothe pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis by applying a pad soaked with vinegar and water to painful joints.
5.
To treat bee and jellyfish stings by applying a mixture of equal amounts of salt and vinegar to the sting, relieving the pain and preventing inflammation.
Cider Vinegar
Professor John B.Yudkin wrote in the 1986 edition of the Penguin Encyclopaedia of Nutrition that Cider vinegar is known for its ability to cure several diseases. "It helps in treating joint pain, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), asthma and gastric disorders and is helps in losing weight."
Slight cases of diarrhoea are a way by which the body gets rid of harmful substances that enter the digestive system. The 1989 edition of Dr. Micheal Sharon’s book, Complete Nutrition, stated that vinegar aids in treating diarrhoea. It should be taken as one to two tea spoons of vinegar in a glass of boiled or mineral water several times a day.
Anti-Microbial
Complete Nutrition also states. "Vinegar performs the role of disinfectant for the intestines. Some people advise it to be used for gargle for the mouth and throat. It disinfects the inside of the mouth from germs. The usual dosage for gargle is to mix one to three tea spoons of cider vinegar in a glass of water, in morning and at night."
Dr. Sharon ends his argument about cider vinegar by saying: "We always have to remember that cider vinegar will not have the same effect on everyone. Some may benefit from it and some may not. Very few people may be allergic to vinegar. Nevertheless vinegar is beneficial for the majority of people.
Didn't the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) say, "Vinegar is a good dip."
Black Seed
[by Mutmaina]
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[03 Dhul Hijjah 1423]
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The black seed (also known as Nigella sativa), is known by a variety of different names; the Black caraway, Black cumin, Kalonji, Schwarzcummel, sinouj, Nutmeg flower, Shonaiz, Habba sowda, fennel flower or Habbatul Barakah (in Arabic appropriately meaning the seed of blessing).
Black seed has been used for centuries, by millions of people in
The nutrients found in black seed are numerous; 15 Amino acid, proteins, carbohydrates, oils (both fixed and volatile), alkaloids, saponins, crude fibres and traces of minerals including; calcium, potassium, iron, and sodium.
Besides its capacity to reduce inflammation, improve kidney functions, improve milk production in nursing mothers, strengthen the liver, and increase the body's resistance against diseases, more recent benefits of the black seed includes its potential for the treatment of the bronchial asthma, bronchitis and other respirotory ailments, its capacity to lower excess blood pressure and improve the heart conditions and its antimicrobial activity against a host of alot of disease causing organisms like E.Coli and Staphylococcus etc.
In a famous tradition by Muhammad
Black seed is a cure for every disease except death.
The actual Nigella sativa plant reproduces with itself and forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds).
In English, the Nigella sativa plant is commonly referred to as "Love in a Mist". Black seed is effective at treating the body as a whole and fights the actual cause of the symptoms. Black seed regulates too weak or too strong reactions of the immune system and is excellent for treating chronic, allergic and hormonal diseases.
It uses are many as well as its benefit. Black seed support metabolism, improve digestion, and lowers blood sugar levels. It is used to dispel worms and parasites from intestinal track. It is useful in soothing bronchitis and coughs,increase body tone, stimulates menstrual periods, increases the flow of breast milk, provides quick energy, increases sperm count, calms the nervous system, encourages hair growth and retards hair fall out, prevents skin wrinkling, and much more.
Modern scientific studies have proven the immune enhancing effect of this blessed seed. It improves the natural defense and repair mechanisms of the body. It improves healing after surgery with less complications and faster recovery. It regulates blood pressure, enhances bile and breast milk production, stimulates sperm producing tissue. It is also known to be an effective antimicrobial agent and broncho-dilator.
Water
[by various]
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compiled and edited by Mutmainaa
www.geocities.com/mutmainaa
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Islam ascribes the most sacred qualities to water as a life-giving, sustaining and purifying resource. It is the origin of all life on earth, the substance from which Allah created man (25:54), and the Holy Qur’an emphasizes its centrality:
"We made from water every living thing"
(
Water is the primary element that existed even before the heavens and the earth did:
"And it is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and his Throne was upon the waters"
(11:7).
The water of rain, rivers and fountains runs through the pages of the Qur’an to symbolise Allah’s Benevolence:
"He sends down saving rain for them when they have lost all hope and spreads abroad His mercy"
(25:48).
At the same time, the believers are constantly reminded that it is Allah Who gives sweet water to the people, and that He can just as easily withhold it:
"Consider the water which you drink. Was it you that brought it down from the rain cloud or We? If We had pleased, We could make it bitter"
(56:68-70).
In this verse the believers are warned that they are only the guardians of Allah’s creation on earth; they must not take His law into their own hands.
Shafa and Shirb: Water and Islamic Law
The harsh desert climate of
The word "Shari'ah" itself is closely related to water. It is included in early Arab dictionaries and originally meant 'the place from which one descends to water'. Before the advent of Islam in
Water is a gift from Allah Ta'ala. It is one of the three things that every Muslim is entitled to: grass (pasture for cattle), water, and fire.
Water should be freely available to all, and any Muslim who withholds unneeded water sins against Allah: “No one can refuse surplus water without sinning against Allah and against man.” The Hadiths say that among the three people Allah will ignore on the Day of Resurrection there will be “the man who, having water in excess of his needs, refuses it to a traveler...”
There are two fundamental precepts that guide the rights to water in the Shari'ah: shafa, the right of thirst, establishes the universal right for humans to quench their thirst and that of their animals; shirb, the right of irrigation, gives all users the right to water their crops. Both rules are interpreted in different ways by the various schools of Islam, and their implementation varies from region to region, from village to village, each community applying the law to suit geographical and social circumstances.
Facing Allah in Radiant Purity: Wudu (ablutions)
'Cleanliness is half of faith,' the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) tells his companions in one of the Hadiths. These well-known and oft-repeated words reveal not only the central importance of purity and cleanliness, but also the essential role water plays in Islam.
Purification through ablution is an obligatory component of the Islamic prayer ritual; prayers carried out in an impure state are not valid. This means Muslims are obliged to carry out ritual ablution before each of the five daily prayers. In addition, a more thorough ritual is required on specific occasions.
The Qur’an tells believers that Allah "loves those who cleanse themselves" (9:108) and instructs them: "O you who believe, when you rise to pray, wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbow, wipe your heads, and your feet to the ankle. If you are polluted, cleanse yourselves… Allah does not wish to burden you, but desires to purify you" (5:6).
Allah will reward those who purify themselves, as the eleventh century theologian al-Ghazali testifies in the following Hadith: 'The believers will come on Resurrection Day with brightness on their foreheads, wrists and ankles from the effect of ablution.'
Entire chapters of the Hadiths are dedicated to ablutions, detailing when and how they should be performed, and explaining in which order the various parts of the body should be washed, how the feet are to be cleaned, how the head should be rubbed - even how often the nostrils should be cleared. They also specify that the water used for ablutions should be pure-mutlaq-which means it should not be mixed with any other liquid. Water from rain, wells, flowing water from taps, rivers and streams, and still water from lakes, ponds, seas and oceans, are all considered to be pure and suitable for ritual ablution.
ZamZam Water
Numerous independent studies have been done on water from the well of Zamzam that conclude that it is one of the purest and cleanest waters we can enjoy.
Zamzam water's appeal has always been universal. This water has never been chemically treated or chlorinated as is the case with water pumped into the cities. Biological growth and vegetation usually takes place in most wells. This makes the water unpalatable owing to the growth of algae causing taste and odor problems.
But in the case of the Zamzam water well, there wasn't any sign of biological growth. Centuries ago, Hajar searched desperately for water in the hills of Safa and Marwah to give to her newly born son Isma`il, peace and blessings be upon him. As she ran from one place to another in search of water, her child rubbed his feet against the sand. A pool of water surfaced, and by the grace of Allah, shaped itself into a well which came to be called Zamzam water.
Water and Modern Science
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) advised us to 'allow for one third food, one third water and one third air.' Modern science confirms this advice by recommending that we drink at least 8-10 eight-once glasses of water a day, including a glass ½-hour before and after every meal. Water helps to flush out toxins and fats from our bodies, and it keeps our system functioning evenly so that we are balanced and energetic.
Scientists have found that human beings can live for several weeks without proteins, carbohydrates, and fats but just a few days without water.
The quality of the body tissues, their performance, and their resistance to disease and injury are absolutely linked to the quality and quantity of water drunk.
The human body is two-thirds water, and this fluid is involved in every bodily process including digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion.
Issues, such as stress and caffeine affect the amount of water and the speed in which the body loses it. Any of these factors, alone or in combination, could cause a small but critical shrinkage of the brain. This small shrinkage will impair neuromuscular coordination, decrease concentration, and slow thinking. Unfortunately, increased consumption of caffeine is common in times of stress, resulting in a loss of water.
The Blood Plasma |
(Main body component) |
is approximately |
92% water. |
The Human Foetus |
(our growing physical vehicle) |
is approximately |
90% water. |
The Blood |
(life fluid and Nutrient conveyor) |
can be up to |
90% water. |
The Human Brain Cells |
(Intellect, Creativity, Behaviour) |
are approximately |
85% water. |
The Kidneys |
(Fluid processors and purifiers) |
are approximately |
82% water |
The Muscles |
(Prime movers of the body) |
have an average of |
75% water |
The Body |
(our abode in this dunya) |
is approximately |
71% water |
The Liver |
(Metabolism and Detoxifying) |
is approximately |
69% water. |
The Bones |
(Structural Support System) |
are approximately |
22% water |
The Body's Cells and Fluids |
(basis for growth and Development) |
are mainly |
water |
Honey
[by Mutmaina]
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[04 Dhul Hijjah 1423]
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"And the lord inspired the bee, saying: Take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees ad in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)'. There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily in this is indeed a sign for people who think."
[16:68-69]
Muhammad
has informed us of the great benefits found in honey. In recent years, scientific support is beginning to emerge confirming the beneficial effects of honey on certain medical and surgical conditions as well.
You may not be surprised to learn that
Honey is one of nature's oldest and most treasured sweeteners (even if it does take a little nerve to gather), so we're never surprised when we hear about its benefits as a food source. It has occupied a prominent place in traditional medicines throughout world history. It is known that the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for wounds and diseases.
In ancient time, honey was seen as a symbol of wealth and happiness. It was associated with strength, beauty and longevity.
Today, honey is widely available in most communities but its medical potential remains grossly underutilised.
Nutritionally, honey is a healthy, easily digestible, natural and energy rich food. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and vitamins. One tablespoon of honey provides 60 calories and contains 11g of carbohydrates, 1mg of calcium, 0.2mg of iron, 0.lmg of vitamin B and 1mg of vitamin C. Honey also contains glucose, fructose and saccharine (70%). Besides the above, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities.
The Prophet
has also told us of the healing found within honey for a variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments. One hadith, reported by Bukhari, states that a man came to the Prophet
because his brother had a stomach disorder.
The Prophet said "Let him drink honey." The man returned a second time and again the Prophet
responded again, "Let him drink honey."
The man returned again, and said "I have done that." The Prophet then responded, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. Let him drink honey." He drank it and was cured.
Recipes from the Foods menioned in the Qur'an
Honey Recipes
Olive Recipes
Fig Recipes
Fenugreek
[Dr. M. Laiq Ahmed Khan]
Director, Shah Faisal Institute of
Hadith & Medical Sciences, Kasganj - 207123, UP
|
Get cure from Methi (Fenugreek) |
Methi (Fenugreek) is cultivated throughout the country and used as vegetable in various eatables. It is used in
Qasim Bin Abdul Rahman narrates that RasulAllah
stated;
"Get cure from Methi (Hulba)" Ibn-al-Qayyim
After the victory of Makkah, when Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqas (radiAllahu anhu) fell ill then Haris Bin Kaldah, a renowned and well qualified physician of that time directed to prepare "Fariqa" for him by boiling the dates and barley gruel in the Methi water and directed that if be given to the patient luke-warmed with honey morning and evening. This recipe was presented before Prophet
. He liked that and the patient got cured. The scholars of Hadith have an opinion that figs might be used in place of dates. But both can’t be taken together. Another narration reveals that the recipe contained the Mulethi (Liquorice) also.
According to the scholars of ahadith the decoction of Methi seeds is highly beneficial for sore throat, throat pain and Tonsillitis, relieves Dyspnoea (Breathlessness) and the severity of cough.
It also relieves the hyper acidity and stomach burning. This action of Methi is highly significant because all the drugs used for cough produce irritation in the stomach, whereas this relieves the cough without producing irritation in the stomach and might be used safely on patients suffering from cough along with dyspepsia.
It relieves the complaints associated with hemorrhoids.
The decoction or the fine powder of methi seeds is an established remedy for dandruff. It tones up the hair and the hair becomes silky and shiny.
Fine powder of methi seeds mixed with honey-bee wax relieves chest pain if applied locally.
The chemical composition of methi seeds depicts that it contains proteins and Amino acids in such a ratio comparable to milk. Besides phosphates, it contains an organic form of iron which is easily absorbable through gastro-intestinal tract. It contains several Alkaloids but Trigonelline is an important one.
The salts relieve the inflammation of urinary tract infections.
On the basis of its chemical composition, it can be used as an expectorant.
In the cases of Nephritis, when dieuresis becomes least, it is a good remedy to increase dieuresis. 5gm of methi seeds powder if taken with water is highly beneficial in dysentery and diarrhoea.
The lukewarm decoction of Methi seeds if taken with honey is beneficial in cough and increases urination.
It is also a good appetiser and might be used in dyspepsia and anorexia.
It also increases milk secretion when it is deficient.
It is a source of iron and B-complex, hence can be used in general weakness.
It is also reported that continuous use of methi seeds is also significant in the treatment of haemorrhoids.
Recent studies show that it is a good remedy for diabetes mellitus.
Several patients who were having raised blood glucose level and were treated with the formulation comprising methi seeds, kalonji and tukhm-e-kasni improved significantly and the blood glucose level became normal.
Some patients of NIDDM were also treated with methi seeds, Berg-e-Neem and Kalonji and showed very good response.
Methi seed is also useful in chronic dysentery and peptic ulcer.
The Prince of Dyes - Henna
[by Mutmainaa -
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There is no plant dearer to Allah than Henna |
History
The use of henna (also known as lawsonia inermis) for decoration and cosmetic purposes goes back to the time when the Berbers first migrated to the area of
One of the earliest documented uses of henna is found in the archeological evidence of Egyptian tombs in the
Today, large quantities of Henna are grown in
By the time of the Prophet Mohammad
people were using henna, not only for decoration, but for hair dyeing and healing purposes as well. One tradition of the Prophet
records Umm Salamah (radiAllahu anha) as commenting;
"The Prophet
never suffered from a wound or a thorn without putting Henna on it"
[at-Tirmidhi]
Another records;
"Whenever somebody came to Prophet Muhammad
with complaints of headache, he directed him to undergo cupping and whosoever complained of pain in legs, was advised to apply Henna."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, abu Dawud]
Muhammad
informed us of the beneficial elements contained in Henna over 1400 years ago. Indeed, he
used to dye his own hair with Henna.
Jahzma (radiAllahu anha), the wife of Bashir Bin Khasasia (adiAllahu anhu) narrates; "I saw Prophet Muhammad
coming out of the house. He was coming after taking bath, therefore, he was shaking his hairs. The colour of Henna was visible on his head."
[at-Tirmidhi]
(abu Rafai narrates) "I was present before Prophet
. Passing his hand over his head he said that the head of all dyes was Henna which ganeaglow to the face and increased the sexual vigour."
[abu Naim]
Following the example of the blessed Prophet
many of the Sahabiyaat also used Henna on themselves. Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) dyed his hair with it; Umar and abu Ubayda (RadiAllahu anhum) used to bath in it.
Abu Hanifa and Ibn Sirin are also recorded as using Henna to wash with.
For centuries, a dye that is made from the leaves of this plant has been used to colour nails, hands, arms and feet, as well as other items such as cloth and leather goods. Today, perhaps with the heightened awareness of 'natural products' and an awareness of its benefits; henna is also a marketable ingredient in women's shampoo.
Lets remember that Muhammad
commented on henna improving the hair's condition many many years before.
Henna contains natural ingredients, which are vital for hair nourishment. It has a bond with the hair structure as it serves to penetrate, cleanse and thicken the hair shafts; thus improving its quality.
Henna is also famously known as the mother of hair dyes. Depending on where it is grown, the effect and colour given by Henna varies. The darkest colour given (and most expensive) is that which is grown in
Traditionally, Henna was also used to heal various ailments, including jaundice, leprosy, smallpox and other afflictions of the skin and body.
Henna today
Modern scientists have many beneficial properties in Henna. In fact, the actual Henna plant is sometimes called the "Magic Plant" because it has a great healing effects. It contains ingredients to be antibacterial, anti-fungal , and anti-hemorrhagic. Henna is useful is healing athlete's foot, fungal skin infections, headaches, burning of the soles and palms, and local inflammation. The leaves and seeds of the plant possess medicinal properties. They both act as cooling agents for the head and body.
Imam Jalaluddin as-Suyuti, in his book 'Medicine of the Prophet' suggests using Henna for mouth ulcers, inflammation, Stomitis burns, and some infections on the skin.
It is related that whenever the Prophet
has a sudden headache, he would dye his hair with Henna.
[ibn Maja]
Henna is in many houses, religiously applied in joyous occassions, such as a wedding, or Eid. The designs can include floral patterns, small lines, and geometrical designs and vary from country to country.
However, the Islamic tradition of applying Henna on days of festivities will always be found in different parts of the world, alhamdulilah.
Females generally stay up till the depths of the night, applying the greenish Henna paste to each other's hands, waiting for it to dry, and washing it off to reveal beautiful orange-brown designs; ready to celebrate the blessed day of Eid.
The actual Henna plant - the lawsonia inermis grows in clusters of small, intensely fragrant flowers. Sometimes the flowers are pink or red, but usually they are white. The Perfume made from henna flowers is very sweet and strong.
In a well known hadith, it is recorded that Muhammad
said, "the lord of sweet-smelling blossoms in this world and the next is Henna blossom"
[Burayda, as-Suyuti's 'Tibb an-Nabi']
Anas (RadiAllahu anhu) also relates that that Prophet loved sweet-smelling blossoms, especially that of Henna.
[Bayhaqi]
There are many names given around the world to this plant - Henna, Hinna, Mehandi, Mendee, Al-Khanna, Al- henna, khidab, Jamaica Mignonette, Egyptian Privet, Smooth Lawsonia, and others. However, whatever name it is given, it most surely deserves to be called "The Prince of Dyes", as given by the Prophet Muhammad
The Wild Cherry
[Dr. M. Laiq Ahmed Khan]
Director, Shah Faisal Institute of
Hadith & Medical Sciences, Kasganj - 207123, UP
|
There is Kasni (whild Cherry) for you, because no part of day passes without showering the drops of |
Wild Cherry, also known as Kasni or Hindba in Arabic and popularly called Bazrullah, has been very popular since antiquity as food and medicine in human life.
It is also grown in the fields of Berseem for the purpose of feed for animals by the farmers of
It is wildly grown as well as cultivated in
Wildly grown Kasni is being used for respiratory troubles. Green leaves of Kasni is being eaten as salad.
The leaves, stem, root and seeds of the plant are being used as drug in different ailments. Kasni is known as Hindba in Arabic and popularly called Bazrullah.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas narrates that RasulAllah
says:
"There is Kasni for you, because no part of day passes without showering the drops of
[Abu Naim]
The same verse is stated by Mohammed Ahmed Zahbi with reference to Abu Naim as follows "Eat Kasni without shaking it, because no part of the day is passed without showering the paradise water on it."
Mohammed Bin Abu Bakr Al-Qayyim quoted three Hadiths in relation to Hindba. That Muhammad
said;
"Eat Kasni and do not shake its leaves because no day is passed without showering on it the water of paradise."
"One who ate Kasni and slept, the poison and evil spirit would not affect him".
"None of the leaves of Kasni is there -- which has not been showered by the paradise water drops".
The extract of Kasni leaves, if applied on scorpion bite, relieves pain and inflammation. It is useful in cataract if dropped in eyes. The aqueous extract of Kasni roots is a good remedy for eye troubles.
Kasni normalises the temperature, as it cools the hotness as well as removes the coldness by producing heat in the body. It relieves the GIT inflammations. It is very much useful for all digestive problems if taken in vinegar. Crushed leaves of Kasni, if applied on inflamed parts of the body, relieves the pain and inflammation. It removes the obstructions of liver and gall bladder. It is highly useful in jaundice and the effects are more fortified if given with dates and Razyanaj. If olive oil is mixed in the extract of the leaves of Kasni it is very much useful in all cases of poisoning.
The leaves of Kasni remove constipation and if chewed, it relieves mouth bleeding. It is useful in all types of coughs, indigestion and liver disorders. It relieves diarrhoea and dysentery, it becomes more effective if taken with saunf and tukhm-e-kasoos.
It relieves visceral inflammation, hence is very much effective in liver and kidney inflammations. Moreover, it cleans nasal passages and expels stones and removes the obstructions. The headache produced due to hot climate is quite relieved by the application of its leaves with vinegar and sandal on forehead. The same combination is effective in Urticaria and prickly heat.
The gargling with Kasni leaves decoction with salt is useful in sore throat and mouth ulcers. The decoction of Kasni seeds, sandal and sounf with sharbat e banafsha is highly effective against insomnia.
German chemists in 1982 extracted an active principle from Kasni flowers, Cichorin, a Glucoside. The ashes of the plant contain more potassium and less quantity of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, aluminium chloride, carbonate and silicon. And oil is also extracted from the plant which is non-volatile in nature. This oil contains the Palmatic, Oleic, Stearic and Linoleic acids. The roots of the plants contain Tartaric acid, Mannite and Stearin. Besides this, Betaine and Cholin are also found.
The Inulin found in the roots is converted into Inulide tructose after sometime. This phenomenon shows the presence of enzymes in the Kasni plant. Although, it contains bitter substances and mucilage, it has fructose as well.
Lemons
[by Unknown]
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Lemons are usually known for their high content of Vitamin C - four times higher than that of oranges. Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgi, uncovered a synergy between pure Vitamin C and a then unidentified cofactor in the peels of lemons and called the resulting compound Vitamin P. Still known as such, Vitamin P particularly benefits the capillaries by reducing pain and improving blood circulation. It also heals cataracts, decreases bile production, alleviates herpes and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Other important properties of lemons are their mineral contents. They contain 48.3% potassium, which nourishes the brain and nerve cells; 29.9% calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth; and 4.4% magnesium, which in conjunction with calcium, plays an important part in the formation of albumen in the blood.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, the smell and the taste of lemons can help fuel a general release of stress. In aromatherapy, lemon oil is used as a muscle relaxant and a skin and circulation stimulant. Rubbed on the face, lemons open up the pores releasing heat and refreshing the skin.
Lemons have other therapeutic effects on the body as well. Drinking lemon juice helps cleanse the lymphatic system, invigorate skin tissue and increase the blood flow. This might be one reason for the popularity of lemonade on a hot, sticky day. Eaten during pregnancy, lemons help build the developing baby's bones. Lemons also aid in the digestion of heavy meals by producing the necessary enzymes and in the assimilation of protein, calcium, zinc and vitamins.
Lemons also have cholesterol-lowering properties, thus preventing hair loss and even causing hair regeneration. They counteract cases of anxiety and depression; stimulate the liver and the gall bladder, causing a release in congestion; stimulate the formation of valuable leukocytes in the fight against viral and infectious diseases; drain excess water in cases of water retention; reduce uric acid; and stimulate the lymphatic system in cases of cellulite and obesity.
In order to fully benefit from their effects, lemons should be consumed without sugar. Otherwise the negative effects of the sugar (such as lowering immunity, interfering with digestion and leeching vitamins and minerals from the system) may outweigh their beneficial effects. The limonenes and liminoids in lemons and other citrus fruits, increase the activity of enzymes that detoxify certain carcinogens. These alkaloids bind mutated cells and help the body to eliminate them before they become carcinogenic.
Zam Zam - the facts
What's cooled, refreshing and will quench your thirst in the hot, Arabian desert? If you answered (fill in the name of the latest fad soft drink), you're wrong.
Zamzam is the name of the well that provides the water to billions of people, have thirstily drunk from throughout history, especially during the Hajj pilgrimage.
It is linked to some of the most important personalities in world history: the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them) and Muhammad
, as well as Ismail's mother Hajira (may Allah be pleased with her).
The Zamzam well is located in Makkah, which is the heart of the Hajj pilgrimage. Standing only a few meters east of the Ka'bah, the well is 35 metres deep and topped by an elegant dome.
The History of Zam-Zam
All traditions agree that Allah created the well to provide Hajira, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Alayhis salam) , and her baby Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) with water in the hot, dry valley they were in.
In her desperate search for water, Hajira ran seven times back and forth in the scorching heat between the two hills of Safa and Marwa to provide for her baby who was dying of thirst. Today, this same act is a necessary rite of Hajj all Muslims, mothers and fathers, must complete.
Prophet Ibrahim settled his family there as part of God's mission for him. The first thing Hajira had to do then was to look for water in the area. She was searching for it while watching at her son and would run whenever she could not see Ismail. Allah saw her effort and miraculously blessed the spot with a water spring.
The appearance of the Zamzam began the settlement of the Makkan valley, where the descendants of Prophet Ismail populated the area.
But as time passed, Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail's monotheistic message, which once dominated the region, began taking a backseat to pagan, polytheistic beliefs.
Nonetheless, the well of Zamzam retained its importance in later generations. The grandfather of the Prophet, Abdul Muttalib, was honored with the responsibility of taking care of the well and the pilgrims to Makkah.
Zam-Zam, the Power drink
One of the miracles of Zamzam water is its ability to satisfy both thirst and hunger. One of the Companions of the Prophet said that before Islam, the water was called "Shabba'ah" or satisfying. It was filling and helped them nourish their families.
After Islam, this powerful ability to quench thirst and fill stomachs remained. The Prophet said: "The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness."
According to the Muslim collection of Hadith, Abu Dharr Ghifari, a Companion, noted that when he first arrived in Makkah during the early days of Islam, he survived only on Zamzam water for a whole month. Not only did he satisfy his hunger and thirst, he became obese.
More recently, in the last few decades, scientists have collected samples of Zamzam water and they have found certain peculiarities that make the water healthier, like a higher level of calcium.
Apart from its ability to serve as satisfying food and drink, Zamzam water's health benefits are also commended. The Prophet
said it was a healing from sickness. This is why pilgrims to Makkah to this day collect it in bottles to bring for relatives and friends back home who are ill. The Prophet
used to carry Zamzam water in pitchers and water skins back to Madinah. He used to sprinkle it over the sick and make them drink it.
Wahab ibn Munabbah, who was from the second generation of Muslims, said 'I swear by Him in whose possession my life is, Allah Ta`ala will relieve the person of all illnesses who drinks Zamzam to his fill and will also grant him good health.'
E Numbers
[by
E-Numbers represent specific food additives, used by the food industry in the manufacture of various food products. These E-Numbers have been formulated by the European Economic Community (EEC) and are universally adopted by the food industry worldwide.
It is known that many E-numbers contain unlisted haram ingredients in them. Generally additives derived from animals and insects.
The E-numbers are categorised as follows:
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E100-199 food colours
·
E200-299 preservatives
·
E300-399 antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents
·
E400-499 thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers
·
E500-599 salts and related compounds
·
E600-699 flavour enhancers
·
E700-899 not used for food additives (used for feed additives)
·
E900-999 surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners
·
E1000-1399 miscellaneous additives
·
E1400-1499 starch derivatives
Yes, there are few additives which are ALWAYS of animal origin, such as:
·
E120 Cochineal : a red colour obtained from female insects
·
E441 Gelatine : derived from the bones and/ or hides of cattle and/ or pigs
·
E542 Edible Bone Phosphate : an extract from animal bones
·
E904 Shellac : a resin from the lac insect
Whilst some additives with a common code such as E47, can be either of animal or plant origin and this latter type needs to be investigated on a case-by-case basis per product/ manufacturer.
The Incense 'Oud
by Vivian bint Joan Taylor
Imam Bukhari reported that the Prophet
said:
"Treat with Indian incense ('oud al-Hindi), for it has healing for seven diseases; it is to be sniffed by one having throat problems, and to be put into one side of the mouth by one suffering from pleurisy." This prescription was given more than fourteen hundred years ago before aromatherapy was even considered an area of alternative medicine.
Most of us are familiar with the perfume 'Oud and the wood incense 'Oud. However, very few of us actually use these two items for other than basic perfumery. The tree referred to as 'oud is Aquilaria agallocha and is also known as Aloes wood, Agarwood and Eaglewood. The scent that most are familiar with is obtained only after this tree has been infected with a fungal infection. Noninfected trees do not produce the highly fragrant oil or wood. This tree is found in various southeast Asian forests,
It is important for us to note that the infected tree must be at least 50 years old to produce the oil. Although
While this oil is extremely rare and costly, it can also be extremely beneficial. Traditional medical uses for 'oud include: asthma, chest congestion, colic, diarrhea, diuretic, kidney problems, nausea, thyroid cancer, lung tumors and as a general tonic in
Further research is required into the possible healing properties of this unique oil and to determine its uses in the "seven diseases" mentioned by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. However, we must also ask ourselves if we wish to participate in the destruction and possible elimination of this species of trees. Due to its widespread uses in
But that must be in all aspects of his sunnah including the obligation to protect the environment. If we are not using 'oud as prescribed by Allah's Messenger, perhaps we should restrain from its use only in perfumery. It is quite possible that this oil may have great medical benefits, but if there are no trees available then we may never know.
Halal & Haram - the terminology
[By 'Make Dhikr, not Bicker']
"O ye people! eat of what is on earth lawful and good"
[surah al-Baqarah; 2: 168]
Common words and terminology used in connection with different foods.
Halal - That which Allah and the Prophet Muhammad
have allowed to be done in a lawful manner.
Haram - That which Allah and the Prophet
have completely and specifcally forbidden. Engaging in an act that is Haram (i.e. eating food like pork, drinking alcohol, having sex outside of marriage) would lead to punishment in the Next Life, and maybe even in this Life.
Makruh - Something that is not liked. Also defined as offensive.
Mashbuh - Questionable or doubtful.
Mushtabahat - This is described as the 'grey area' that is found between Halal and Haram. It has also been defined as questionable.
It is based on the Hadith:
What is Halal is clear and what is Haram is clear. Midway between them are things which people do not know whether they are Halal or Haram. He who keeps away from them will protect his religion and will be saved. He who aproaches them is very near to Haram, like a shepherd wandering his flock near Hima (protected grazing land), who could soon enter the forbidden area, and Allah Ta'ala’s protected area is what He has declared forbidden.
Makruh Tahrimi - This is a category of Makruh, and is defined as offensive in the extreme, and close to the Haram.
Makruh Tanzihi - Another category of Makruh. It is defined as less offensive, but still extremely distasteful.
Tayyibat - This refers to all things which are made halal for Muslims.
Zabihah -
An animal slaughtered (or the process of slaughtering) according to the Islamic method without which flesh of a halal animal is not lawful for the food of a Muslim.
Ginger (Zanjabeel)
[by Hakim M.Salim Khan]
Origins of ginger (Zanjabeel) |
Nutrition in Islam
[]
A highly important factor of health promotion is proper nutrition. Choosing wholesome food and avoiding what is unwholesome are essential to health.
Aallah says in the Qur'an: Eat of the good things which We have provided for you. (2:173)
Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth. (2:168) Describing the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) Allah says: He prohibits them from all that is foul. (7:157)
To abstain from eating without a valid reason is contrary to health protection. Hence, Islam does not approve of it. Allah says in the Quran: Do not forbid yourselves the wholesome things Allah has made lawful for you. (5:87)
Healthy nutrition means having a balanced diet, in order to maintain the balance that Allah has established in all matters, and to which reference is made in the Qur'an: "And He enforced the balance. That you exceed not the bounds; but observe the balance strictly,. and fall not short thereof". (55:7-9)
Healthy nutrition means a diet balanced in quantity. Eating too much is contrary to Islamic teachings.
In the Qur'an we read: Eat and drink, but avoid excess. (20:81)
According to a hadith, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "No human being fills a container to worse effect than he fills his own stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to have a few bites to keep himself fit (which means that it is sufficient to have only what one needs to maintain strength and well-being).
If he must eat ( or according to another version "If a human being cannot resist the temptation..."), then let him use one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for breathing".
Another authentic hadith quotes the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) as saying: "The food of one person will be sufficient for two, and the food of two people will be sufficient for four, and the food of four will be sufficient for eight".
Healthy nutrition also means a diet balanced in its contents. This means that it must have a mixture of the different types of food which God has graciously provided for His creation, so that it satisfies all the body needs in terms of proteins, fat, carbohydrates, salts and vitamins. Most of these are mentioned in the Quran: He created cattle which give you warmth, benefits and food to eat. (l6:5) It is He who subdued the seas, from which you eat fresh fish. (16:l4)
Referring to vegetarian food Allah says: It is He who sends down water from the sky vvith "which He brings up corn, olives, dates and grapes and other fruit. (16:11) Milk and honey are also mentioned: In cattle too you have a worthy lesson. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, between the chyle and the blood: pure milk, a pleasant beverage for those who drink it. (l6:66)
From within their (i.e. the bees) bellies comes forth a fluid of many hues, that provides people with a cure (of illnesses) (16:69)
Elsewhere in the Quran God says: We have made the camels a part of Allah's rites. They are of much benefit to you. (
Eat of these fruit when they ripen. (6:141)
And from it (the earth) we produced grain for their sustenance. (36:33)
Islam prefers wholemeal food. An example is the Prophet's (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) preference for wholemeal bread, as reported in a hadith' which mentions that Umm Ayman once refined some flour to bake bread for the Prophet (pbuh). He asked her what she was doing, and she replied: "This is a type of food which we used to make back home, and I thought of baking it for you". He said: "Put it (the bran) back in then make the dough".
Washing one's hands before eating is a basic principle. It ensures the cleanliness of the food we handle, so that it is not contaminated with what may be harmful. This protects the stomach from infections. A hadith, the Prophet's wife (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) mentions "the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to wash his hands before eating".
Another health rule stresses the need to ensure the cleanliness of food and drink. Islam urges that food should be covered so that nothing falls in it. A hadith includes the instruction: "Cover your water container". And in another version: "Cover your food and drink".
In several places in the Qur'an, Allah warns against corrupting the earth. To corrupt or pollute the environment is one aspect of such corruption. Indeed it is the first thing that comes to mind when we read God's directives, such as: Eat and drink of the sustenance God has provided and do not corrupt the earth with evil. (2:60)
Do not corrupt the earth. (7:85)
Do not strive for corruption in the land. (28:77)
Indeed all prophets have warned their communities against spreading corruption on earth.
Diet in Islam
.
Diet plays a very important role in the daily life of a believer. There are many verses in the Noble Qur’ân which draw man's attention towards his self and which invite him to carefully study his body and soul and the nature of their mutual relationship. By doing so, one will firstly find in it strong evidence of the existence of Allah and that Allah has not created mankind and all other beings of this world without any purpose as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:
"Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose."
[surah ali Imran; 3:191]
The Importance of Healthiness
It is therefore necessary to ensure that the physical body is kept healthy so that the soul and spirit may also remain healthy thus in turn aiding the believer in the service of both his spiritual and material attainment. Diet therefore, plays an important role for this purpose. For this reason Islam has prohibited certain foods due to their ill effects and permitted all other pure, good and clean food products. Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an:
"O Believers! Eat of the good and pure (lawful) that We have provided you with and be grateful to Allah, if you truly worship Him."
[surah al-Baqarah; 2:172]
Muslims in general are advised to eat good and pure things and not to indulge in impure, bad and harmful things thus following their open enemy Shaitan:
"O People! Eat of what is lawful and good on the Earth and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitaan, for he is your open enemy."
[surah al-Baqarah; 2:168]
In the verses previously mentioned the general principle with regard to permissible foods has been stated. The Holy Qur’an further goes on to specify the types of food prohibited in the following verse:
"He (Allah) has only forbidden you (from eating) dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that (animal) over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked."
[surah al-Baqarah; 2:173, 16:115]
The four items that have been mentioned in the above verse are absolutely forbidden in Islam for reasons best known to Allah. However, through research, some of them such as carrion, blood and swine flesh have proved to be injurious to human health. Whilst swine flesh is harmful to moral health and food over which the name of any other than Allah has been invoked is harmful to spiritual health.
Other prohibited items have also been mentioned in different chapters of the Holy Qur’ân. In Surah al-Ma’idah the following have also been mentioned along with the four previously mentioned. There are those animals which have been killed by strangling, or a violent blow, a headlong fall, being gored to death and those which have been partially eaten by a wild animal and not slaughtered before death, also those which have been sacrificed on the name of idols.
Alcohol and Islam
Alcohol is also prohibited in Islam, as its harms have been proven greater than its benefit. This has also been stated by Allah in the Noble Qur’ân in Surah al-Baqarah. Other physical, moral, social and spiritual evils of intoxicants have been mentioned in many verses of the Holy Qur’ân and blessed traditions of the Holy Prophet . Many of these ill effects can also be easily noticed in our societies.
A Balanced Diet - Prescribed in the Qur’an
The Qur’an has not restricted itself in merely mentioning the permissible and impermissible foods but goes to the extent of giving useful tips regarding a balanced diet, a diet which contains most if not all the useful ingredients required for the growth, strengthening and repairing of the human body. These ingredients include animal protein, fat, calcium, iron, salts, etc. The most balanced diets consist of meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese and fruit. Both direct and indirect references have been made regarding the afore mentioned.
The reference regarding the importance of meat protein in the human diet is given in the following verse:
"And the cattle, He has created them for you, in them there is warmth (clothing) and numerous benefits, and of them you eat."
[16:5]
In this verse special reference has been given to the importance of eating despite having said, "…numerous benefits…". Reference regarding other types of meat has also been given such as the meat of fowls in the following verse:
"And the flesh of fowls that they desire."
(56:21)
Fish has always been considered as a food of very high protein and is very important for human consumption. Allah says:
"And from them both (fresh and salt water) you eat fresh tender meat (fish)."
(35:12)
The usefulness of fresh milk is stressed in these words:
"And verily in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretion and blood, pure milk, palatable to the drinkers."
(16:66)
The benefits of fruits as good nourishment can be understood from this verse:
"And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you desire strong drink and a goodly provision."
(16:67)
Similarly there are verses which cover the whole range of fruits, salads, and vegetables which also play an important role in a nutritious, balanced diet:
"It is He who sends down rain from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date palm and its spate come clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when then begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof."
(6:99)
Islam, being a complete religion, also teaches and advises the believer as to what the best method of eating is. The believers are advised to be moderate in every aspect of life. Direct reference has been made in the Holy Qur’an regarding moderation in eating and drinking.
"And eat and drink, but waste not in extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste in extravagance."
(7:31)
Moderation - The Teachings of the Prophet
The Best of Teachers and the Mercy of the Worlds is reported to have clarified the meaning and limit of moderation in a tradition in which he is reported to have said that one’s worst weakness is one’s belly. If you must eat make sure you fill one third of your stomach with food, one third with water and leave one third for air i.e. leave it empty.
In another narration, the reason for moderation has been clearly stated. The Prophet is reported to have said:
'The stomach is the tank of the body and the veins go down to it. When the stomach is healthy the veins come back in a healthy condition, but when it is in a bad condition, they return diseased.'
In short, believers are advised to always take care of their stomachs and refrain from foods and practices that might pollute the stomach with various diseases. In order to do so the Prophet is reported to have advised believers to always stop eating before their stomachs are completely full i.e. stop eating when the urge to eat more is still present.
Conclusion - The Etiquette's of Eating and Drinking
Islam teaches us many other etiquette's of eating and drinking. The Prophet made a point of developing remarkably clean and healthy eating habits among his followers. He asked the companions to wash their hands before and after, to start eating with the praise of Allah, to eat using the right hand, not to eat until they really felt hungry, not to eat and drink excessively. Finally, by praising and thanking Allah for the food and drink, for making it easy to swallow and for producing an exit for it.
From all that has been mentioned, the importance of healthy eating, a balanced diet and hygiene can be understood in the light of the Qur’ân and Sunnah. Islam has stressed on the importance of these things right from the start unlike health authorities etc., which have just recently begun to stress its importance. This could be counted as just another gem that manifests the perfection of Islam.
Fast Food that even America
[Q News, The Muslim Magazine]
If your biggest worry about eating at a fast food restaurant is whether to order a burger and fries or barbecue grilled nuggets and a strawberry milkshake, then swallow hard and think again.
According to Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, a best-selling book that is putting millions of Americans off their deep-fried favourites, you are actually making a decision that involves biting into a slab of chemically enhanced beef made from the meat of more than 100 different cows that is probably contaminated with E-coli bacteria and almost certainly containing faeces of some sort.
Alternatively, you may be swallowing a drink containing over 60 artificial colours and flavours and nibbling at chicken that only smells like it's been near a barbecue thanks to being doused in smoke flavoured "aroma chemicals".
In a land where one in four people, from Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton down, eats at McDonald's, Burger King, KFC or other fast food chains every day and more school children recognise Ronald McDonald's than the Christian cross, the loss of appetite is stunning. So nauseating are chapters detailing how beef is transformed from cows to burgers that some reviewers admitted to skipping parts of Eric Schlosser's book that is expected to reach Britain in March.
There are stories of old dairy cows being mechanically slaughtered in factories where workers have titles like "first legger, knuckle dropper and navel toner" before their meat is laboratory tested for "mouthfeel" and processed with addictive flavourings and artificial aromas. Once in the restaurant the food is prepared in a way that makes the stomach of many fast food workers curdle.
Schlosser reports: "The safety of the food seemed to be determined more by the personality of the manager on duty than by the written policies of the chain. Many workers would not eat anything at their restaurant unless they'd made it themselves. One employee said that food dropped on the floor was often picked up and served. Another employee told me that one kitchen worker never washed his hands at work after doing engine repairs on his car.
"And several employees at the same restaurant in
So huge is the influence of firms like McDonald's that The Economist magazine checks currency fluctuations by comparing prices of Big Macs across the globe.
Schlosser argues that in
However, the author does does not believe that the problem is irreversible and deals like McDonald's 33 percent buy-out of healthy eating chain Pret A Manger may signal the way fast food is delivered to us in the future. As Schlosser put it: "The executives who run the fast food industry are not bad men. They are businessmen. They will sell free-range, organic, grass-fed hamburgers if you demand it. They will sell whatever sells at a profit."
Q News, The Muslim Magazine Issue 329
Dhu Al-Hijjah 1421/March 2001
Halal Slaughter is Most Humane
[Dr A Majid Katme]
Spokesman on Halal Meat and Food (Islamic Medical Association)
Typeset by Mutmainaa
What we always knew about Halal slaughter is borne out by the results of a recent study undertaken by Professor Wilhelm Schulze and Dr. Hazim at the
Research into the pain and consciousness of an animal slaughtered in the Halal/dhabh way, as was practised by the Prophet Muhammad
and enjoined upon Muslims to follow, discovered that:
·
the first three seconds [after the fatal incision is made across the throat, as is done on the EEG (Electroencephalogram) - electric recording of the brain - did not show any change, that is, as compared to before the incision, thus indicating the animal did not feel any pain during or immediately after the incision.
·
in the following three seconds, the EEG recorded a condition of deep sleep-unconsciousness caused by the large quantity of blood gushing out of the body;
·
after the lapse of these six seconds, the electric recording of the brain (EEG) registered zero level, showing no feeling of pain by the animal at all.
However, in contrast to this Islamic Halal or Dhabh method, the western Direct Method with a captive bolt pistol showed:
·
the animal was apparently unconscious soon after stunning;
·
EEG indicated severe pain being experienced by the animal, immediately after stunning; and
·
the heart of the stunned animal stopped beating earlier than the animal that is slaughtered according to the Islamic method of dhabh, resulting in retention of more blood in the carcass.
Meat thus produced for consumption is unhygenic (and can cause poisoning and disease to the consumer).
Stunning an animal before killing has been found to spread the mad cow disease in recent research carried out at
Therefore, the proper halal, or dhabh/direct method is not only the humane method - a mercy to the animals - of slaughtering animals, but also the safest for consumption of meat - for it rids the mest of blood.
This is the only method that drains the blood completely from the carcass (blood is unhygenic and harmful) and without any danger to health from the brain and spinal cord.
Truly Prophet Muhammad
came as a mercy to all the Alameen (Worlds): saved animals from suffering and showed the way to healthy and safe way of consuming meat!
Unfortunately, many Muslims in
's way (without stunning) even though the law allows us to do dhabh as prescribed by our beloved Prophet
.
Health: A Blessing from God
Dr. Mohammad Haitham Al-Khayat
Islam considers health to be one of the greatest blessings to have been given to human beings by God. Indeed, it is considered the greatest blessing after faith itself.
The Prophet
said: "There are two blessings which many people do not appreciate: health and leisure".
He also said:
"No blessing other than faith is better than well-being".
As an aspect of grace, man should express gratitude to God for it, and it should be properly looked after. Good health is something for which we are accountable to God.
The Prophet
said:
"The first thing every servant of God will have to account for on the Day of Judgment is that he will be asked by God: Have I not given you a healthy constitution and have I not quenched your thirst with cold water?"
The Prophet
also said:
"No one will be allowed to move from his position on the Day of Judgment until he has been asked how he spent his life; how he used his knowledge; how he earned and spent his money; and in what pursuits he used his health".
It is part of the duty of every Muslim, therefore, to safeguard this blessing and not to allow any change to overcome it through ill usage. Otherwise, he will be severely punished, according to God's immutable laws.
The Quran states:
"Anyone who tampers with God's grace after it has been bestowed on him will find God to be stern in punishment".
[surah al-Baqarah; 2:211]
"God would not alter any grace He has bestowed on a folk unless they alter what they themselves have".
[surah 8:53]
Taking good care of one's health and taking every measure to maintain and enhance it. On the basis of this principle, every Muslim should make sure of doing whatever doctors confirm to be conducive to the preservation of good health. Moreover, the Quran and the Sunnah contain teachings that shows every Muslim how to protect his health generally and how to take care of each of his organs.
An important means of health protection and promotion is to give to each part of our bodies its due.
The Prophet
said:
"Your eyes have a claim against you".
One must not overburden oneself: "Bear only what you can cope with".
This should be accompanied by increasing physical fitness through exercise and sport. The Prophet
said:
" A physically able believer is better than a weak believer"'.
He also said:
"Your body has a right on you", and "Be keen to do what is of benefit to you".
In return for all these ways and means of protecting and promoting our health that have been mentioned above, we are strongly warned against making any attempt to alter this aspect of God's grace. If we do, we will pay a very heavy price. This is clearly highlighted in the hadith "When gross immoral conduct becomes widespread in any community to the extent that they unashamedly publicize it, plague and other diseases unknown in their past generations will spread quickly among them". God has categorically forbidden all foul and sinful practices, regardless of their nature.
He says in the Qur'an:
"You shall not commit foul sins, whether openly or in secret."
[surah 6: 151] Another Qur'anic directive states:
"Say: My Lord has forbidden all atrocities, whether overt or disguised, and harm".
[
The Islamic View of Well-being
Uzma Mazhar
The Islamic view of health and cure is based on the notion of balance. Well-being is a state of integration and balance of all the different components of the human being: body, mind and soul. Only when these components are balanced and harmonized is it possible to be transformed in a full human being able to realize one’s own potentialities.
Therefore, it is necessary to harmonize the lower components, starting from the personal level. If the body is sick it affects the mind, the psyche, the emotions, and even the soul. If one is emotionally disturbed or unbalanced, this affects the body as well as the spirit.
The first step is to observe and eventually control one’s own inner states and especially the negativities, though one should notice that it is impossible to completely eliminate them.
Each negativity can be turned into a positive and this is the endeavor; to recreate, reform and transform the personality; and by doing so, access the inner self, the pure essence with which we are all endowed at birth.
By being receptive to the Source of Divine Light and Life, one opens oneself to the influx of the grace of God (baraka), which has healing quality. The first manifestation of this healing influence is inner peace or serenity and an ability to accept one’s own condition, no matter how bad, whilst being grateful for the good in our life. Focusing on the good rather than the bad and accepting the suffering often releases the healing power within.
Islam values the human body, physicality and sexuality, since they are all beautiful signs of the Divine, and part of creation.
Illness and suffering are considered as one of the ways by which humans become aware of God’s Mercy. This is not to say that one should not try to correct a painful condition, but the Muslim is always aware that everything has a purpose and that God’s will cannot be bent. Yet it is permissible to ask for help and it is our duty to help, love and care for all creatures, including ourselves.
The entire human being; body, mind and soul are a creation of God, and is the vehicle for His service as long as we are in this world. Every aspect of this vehicle has to be attended to, just like we check the gas, oil and water in the car; as without any one of these the car will break down.
In the same way the human being needs to attend to his body, mind and soul so that he can function optimally in the role that he is destined for. Therefore creating a balanced self is of primary significance.
Published in the March 2002 issue of 'Islamic Reflections'
Environmental Health: The Islamic Perspective
[Dr. Mohammad Haitham Al-Khayat]
In Islamic communities there is a major guaranteed method of seeking advantage and combating corruption, which is the promotion of good (maruf) and the censure of abominations (munkar). This is an obligation that goes beyond mere education and information availability and involves checking that the information is actually put to practical use.
Preserving Trees
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) sought to encourage agriculture in order to increase vegetation resources and enhance a benevolent environment. He said: "Whenever a Muslim plants or grows a sapling or a plant, and a human being, a beast, or anything else feeds upon it, it is counted for him as an act of benevolence".
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was the first to establish environmental reservations, where trees could not be cut down and animals could not be killed. God's messenger protected the whole of
He also said: "I forbid the trees between the two lavas of
Referring to the
A Muslim is even compelled by force to irrigate palm trees if neglecting to do so would cause them to die. The same thing applies to other plants. The evidence in support of this is God's words: As soon as they hold authority, they go over the earth to spread corruption, destroying tilth and progeny. God does not like corruption. (2:205)
Caring for Animals
These injunctions were thoroughly understood and acted upon by Muslims. Refer, if you will, to what imam Ibn Hazm says in Al-muhalla: ‘Charity to animals is benevolence and piety, and when a man does not help with animal welfare, he is promoting sin and aggression and disobeying God the Almighty.’ To keep an animal from the feed or grazing necessary for its survival, and to neglect the irrigation of fruit trees and plants until they perish, is according to God's own words corruption on earth and destruction of tilth and progeny. It is something that God does not like!
Roads
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to urge people to clean and not pollute their environment. He said: "To clear the road of all sources of harm is a benefaction".
Benefaction or sadaqa, is a term used in Islam to refer to what we call today civilized behavior or civilized conduct, because as the derivation of the Arabic word suggests, it is the true evidence that an individual belongs to the civilized Muslim community. This is supported by the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)'s statement that "Sadaqa is an irrefutable proof".
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "The removal of harmful objects from the road counts as an (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) act of benefaction"'.
In an authentic hadith, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) is quoted as saying: "I have been shown the deeds of my followers: both good and bad ones. I found among their good deeds the removal of harmful objects from people's way".
Muslim also relates a hadith following Abu Huraira which says: "Faith includes over seventy branches, ...the simplest of which is the removal of any source of harm from the road".
Water
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)'s guidance also includes his injunction "Let no one urinate in stagnant water". "The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has forbidden anyone to urinate where he bathes." He used to say: "Avoid the two actions that bring peoples curses!" He was asked: "What are these?" "The one who defecates in the road and the shade used by others."
He also said, " Avoid the three actions that bring people's curses: defecating in water sources, on roads, and in the shade."
The great scholar Al-Izz ibn Abd al-Salam summed up the rights of other people to be observed by a rational free adult as "bringing them all types of good and sparing them all kinds of harm... Good is used to mean bringing benefits and preventing evils, and harm is used to mean bringing evils and preventing benefits."
This prohibition on polluting water sources and roads is only one of the Islamic directives that aim to keep the environment healthy. We have a complementary order to keep it clean and pollution free.
The same attitude is adopted by every responsible Muslim towards a person who pours the waste of his factory into waters that are for common use or into other areas of the common environment, or indeed towards any person who contributes in any way to the pollution of the environment.
Enjoining what is right and good and forbidding what is wrong and evil, which is a fundamental principle of Islam, ensures the vigilance of every member of an Islamic community to make sure that the law is enforced, the common interest is guarded, and every source of corruption is blocked.
Islam makes the protection of the environment and censure of its corruption a duty of the righteous society. God says, Why were there not among the generations before you some upright men preaching against corruption on earth? (11: 116)
Food and Drink
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) prohibited the contamination of food and drink with what human bodies discharge, because these discharges carry germs and spread infection.
He said: "Let no one urinate in stagnant water".
He also "prohibited anyone to urinate where he baths".
He warns us: "Avoid the two actions that bring people's curses". When he was asked what these were, he said: "The one who defecates in the road and the shade".
In a different version he warns against "three actions that bring people's curses: defecation in water sources, on roads and in the shade".
Needless to say, defecation in or near water sources is a major factor in transmitting disease, either directly through the polluted water, or indirectly through fruit and vegetables that are irrigated with such water. The reference to the shade in these hadith is significant; a shaded place is a breeding area for germs, as it does not benefit from the sun that kills many germs.
Community
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) forbade causing harm to individuals and to the community, as he said: "There shall be no infliction of harm on oneself or others".
He also forbade any injury to one's neighbor, any neighbor, whether in residence, public transport, public places, or offices. He said: "Whoever believes in God and the Day of Judgment should not hurt his neighbor".
Dr. Mohammad Haitham Al-Khayat, Lecture on the Fiqh of Health delivered at the fourth Conference on Islamic Medicine,
Breastfeeding - A Bounty from Allah
[Tammy Gharbi]
Al Jumuah Magazine
Imagine for a moment that your doctor, at your next routine visit, tells you that he would like you to consider a new and better way of breathing. What it entails, he explains, is a patch that you will wear on your skin every day for the rest of your life.
This patch will replace the function of your lungs so that oxygen will come in through the patch and carbon dioxide will exit in a similar fashion. You should expect to pay about $200 a month for this new means of respiration. Yes, he says, there are some side effects. Patch wearers are not generally as healthy as "natural breathers," but the drug manufacturer assures the entire medical community that it is a very viable alternative to breathing.
What? Replace breathing? Why? Why would any human being take a normal, perfectly efficient function of the human body and replace it -- especially with a costly and risky substitute?
And yet this is exactly what is happening every day in
Well, you might argue, there must have been something positive about artificial baby milk which has led to its present day popularity. Indeed, the origins or artificial feeding will likely surprise even those who are placing a can of something in their carts at this very moment.
In the 1800s, there was virtually no medical specialization. People went to the same doctor from cradle to grave and all members of the family saw the same physician. After delivering the child, women would complain to the doctor that they were very tired. "Of course," he would reply, "you just need some sleep. That baby is keeping you awake far too much." A "formula", he assured her, would do the trick. After a few minutes, the doctor would hand the new mother a small glass jar of this "formula," which he instructed her to give the baby at night. As it was unheard of to question medical authority, she never asked or was told that this "formula" was a concoction of Pet canned milk, Karo syrup and some vitamins.
Of course, the baby slept longer with this "formula" since the body is not made to break down non-breastmilk substances as easily. One mom told another and so the story goes. That is the origins of the multi-million dollar formula industry.
In the last thirty years or so, medical science has discovered and continues to discover the phenomenal properties of breastmilk and related benefits in the areas of oral development, psychological bonding and important health-enhancing consequences for the nursing mother. In stark contrast, there has been no research or evidence of any sort demonstrating a single benefit in artificial milk/feeding. In fact, the very labels and advertisements for artificial milk manufacturers bear witness: Breastmilk is best.
Babies who are breastfed have reduced incidence of ear and upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, diabetes, asthma and allergies, gastrointestinal illnesses and eczema.
An artificially fed infant is 16 times more likely to be hospitalized. Out of every 87 infant deaths attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), only 3 are breastfed. Breastfed babies have scored higher on IQ tests and have reduced incidence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Breastfeeding promotes healthier teeth/jaw/skull development. Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer as well as osteoporosis. They also enjoy a speedier return to their pre-pregnancy state. And because breastfeeding is easier than artificial feeding, moms have more time and energy.
Furthermore, breastmilk is absolutely free. Even if you were able to have artificial milk at no cost, the health benefits in breastmilk are simply not for sale. Healthier babies require fewer trips to the pediatrician and less sick time for working parents.
The problem of artificial feeding is especially troublesome in
In the
Just imagine the number of trees required to produce labels, coupons and other propaganda. Indeed, propaganda is not too strong of a word. What else would describe an effort to convince you to purchase and use an inferior substance instead of Allah's creation?
Islam & Conserving Water
by Ali Al-Tammni/Al-Bilad
www.geocities.com/mutmainaa
It is undisputable that without water, life on this planet would cease to exist. Even if water were available in abundance, this would not justify misusing this precious commodity and thus threatening our very existence. Living in a desert country in which water is scarce, where almost all the water we drink comes from desalination, should make it imperative for every one to ensure that their water consumption is highly regulated and controlled.
At present, this is certainly not the case. It may already be too late to solve the problem of producing vast quantities of water at great expense and then wasting it. Nonetheless, we must try to find some solutions.
The mosque is a place for worship where Muslims gather five times a day to perform congregational prayers. It has also played a crucial role throughout Muslim history in serving as a place of education and learning. Among the things taught in the mosque has been for people to observe moderation and avoid excess in all things.
In direct contradiction to this teaching, the mosque has now become one of the places where the wastage of water is even worse than in other places. This becomes very evident when observing people performing their pre-prayer ablutions (wudu), which are required of all Muslims.
The very people who waste water when they come to the mosque may have heard the imam on Friday stressing the need for conserving water and using it carefully. Despite what they heard, taps are left running at full force by those performing ablutions. Water pours from the tap while sleeves are being rolled up or shoes being removed — well before any water is applied to any part of the body. In large mosques as many as 30 taps may be seen gushing non-stop for as long as half an hour.
On average, no less than five cubic meters of water a day is wasted at these mosques. At mosques in markets and shopping centers, the loss may reach 20 cubic meters — or 20 tons. This is a very conservative estimate since no one knows for sure — or has ever tried to determine — how much water is wasted in one mosque, let alone the thousands of mosques found all over the country.
I have a suggestion that may help with this problem. It should be made mandatory that every mosque meet certain specifications for water consumption. Only specially designed taps that allow the water to flow at a reduced speed should be fitted at mosques. The overall amount used per day should also be regulated. This might motivate people to be aware of the need to conserve water, particularly in places of worship.
Eat Well, Work Well, Live Well!
The importance of a balanced diet in Islam
Apart from adhering to the numerous other injunctions regarding nutrition (such as moderation, eating according to Sunnah etiquette, eating only Halal, etc.), Islam also enjoins the importance of a good, balanced diet.
"O Messengers! Eat of the wholesome things and perform virtuous deeds" the Qur'an orders. A wholesome, balanced diet is an integral part of Islamic life.
Analysis of various verses from the Holy Qur'an clearly show that the foods spoken about in it, will fulfil one's daily protein, carbohydrate, fat and vitamin requirements. Qur'anic verses speak about the importance of, among other things:
·
meat (6 : 118)
·
dates (6 : 141)
·
milk (16 : 66)
·
olives (wat-Teen)
·
pomegranates (6 : 141)
·
figs (wat-Teen)
·
fish (
·
honey, etc.
Other than Qur'anic verses, we have the authentic Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu Alayhi wasalam) which also testifies to the importance of a balanced diet. The fact that Prophet (alayhis salam) would at times eat cucumber together with dates in order to balance the opposing hot and cold effects in these foods is a proof of this. Many other examples can be cited here as well. For greater information, the detailed works of Hadith such as Shama'il-Tirmidhi can be consulted.
Suffice it to say that extremes in diet were not the practice of our noble Rasul (sallallahu Alayhi wasalam) and are not recommended in Islam. It is amply clear then that clinging onto some foods as a diet pattern to the exclusion of other important foods should not be the practice of a Muslim. This is the practice of other nations, not Muslims. Abstaining from some of Allah's favours (for no valid reason) is like turning away from all of His favours! This is a serious thing. In fact, Allah (Ta'ala) warns us in the Qur'anic verse:
"O ye who believe! Make not unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you...."
[5:90].
At another juncture, He says: "Why should you not eat of meats on which Allah's name has been pronounced, when He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden for you..."
[6:119]
Islam itself is a balanced way of life that is pure from all forms of excesses. A balanced diet fits beautifully into the balanced teachings of Islam. It is a natural corollary to Islam.
The Islamic way of life is a natural lifestyle suited to the temperament of mankind at large. Islam is opposed to extremes in the physical as well as spiritual matters of life. Islam always promotes the middle path and this Ummah has been declared in the Holy Qur'an as being 'the nation of the middle path'. So long as Muslims adhere to this general principle of Islam in every matter of their lives, they can look forward to not only good physical health but even an excellent mental, psychological and spiritual state of well being, by the Will of Allah.
Let all believers in the Qur'an endeavour to introduce all of the above mentioned foods into their daily diet patterns. After all, there has to be some very special importance in these foods if Allah (Ta'ala) chose to mention them in His Holy Book or they are to be found in the Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu Alayhi wasalam)!
These will, Insha-Allah prove to be the key to a good, healthy life. Let Muslims adopt these and encourage their children to adopt these as a lifelong diet pattern, Insha-Allah!
The Benefits from Henna
[by Mutmainaa -
The Prophet never suffered from a wound or a thorn without putting Henna on it
- Hadith, naratted by Umm Salamah
(RadiAllahu anha)
[at-Tirmidhi, al-Bayhaqi]
The Prophet
used Henna both as a dye for his hair and for healing ailments of the body. Today, scientists are discovering the great advantages and strengths possessed by it. To the extent that it is sometimes termed the "Magic Plant".
Natural, inexpensive, beautiful, pure and endorsed by the RasulAllah -- what more could you ask for!?
Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured from the use of Henna:
General application
Henna in paste or powdered form
Burns
Apply henna paste or powdered form to 1st or 2nd degree burns reduce pain and fluid loss from the burn site has an anti-microbial effect and so reduces the risk of infection. It also sticks on the wound site until healing is complete
Wounds & ulcers
Henna in paste or powdered form promotes wound healing especially chronic wounds and ulcers, apply locally
Anti-hemorrhage effect
One dose of henna is generally sufficient for nose bleeding (epistaxis) providing a long-lasting cure. Better than cauterization which may cause recurrence but the only side effect of henna here is that it can cause slight sneezing. Henna can be used at other sites like a bleeding duodenal ulcer or oesophagal varicose veins with no known side effects
Anti-viral effect
Treats warts and herpes simplex (applied as a powder it dries the vesicles at the site prevents ulceration and crust formation and prevents secondary infection). It can also be used to treat AIDS
Hair dye
Add Olive Oil to henna to soften and condition, hot Hibiscus tea to enrich red tones, hot strong Black tea to bring out golden lights & drab down red-orange tones. Onion or Lemon juice works well with neutral henna to brighten and Apple cider vinegar will help fix color on grey hair.
Pains
A paste made of the leaves, applied on the affected area, is soothing and gives relief
Sore throat
Soak henna leaves in water and use as a gargle
The Muslim Declaration on Nature
Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef
The essence of Islamic teaching is that the entire universe is Allah's creation. Allah makes the waters flos upon the earth, upholds the heavens, makes the rain fall and keeps the boundaries between day and night. The whole of the rich and wonderful universe belongs to Allah, its Maker. It is Allah who created the plants and the animals in their pairs and gave them the means to multiply. Then Allah created mankind - a very special creation because mankind alone was created with reason and the power to think and even the means to turn against his Creator. Mankind has the potential to acquire a status higher than that of the angels or sink lower than the lowest of the beasts.
The word 'Islam' has the dual meaning of submission and peace. Mankind is special, a very particular creation of Allah. But still we are Allah's creation and we can only properly understand ourselves when we recognise that our proper condition is one of submission to Allah who made us.
And only when we submit to the Will of Allah can we find peace: peace within us as individuals, peace between man and man, and peace between man and nature. When we submit to the Will of Allah, we become aware of the sublime fact that all our powers, potentials, skills and knowledge are granted to us by Allah. We are His servants and when we are conscious of that, when we realise that all our achievements derive from the Mercy of Allah, and when we return proper thanks and respect and worship to Allah for our nature and creation, then we become free.
Our freedom is that of being sensible, aware, responsible trustees of Allah's gifts and bounty.
For the Muslim, mankind's role on earth is that of a Khalifah - vicegerent or trustee of Allah. We are Allah's stewards and agents on Earth. We are not masters of this Earth; it does not belong to us to do what we wish. It belongs to Allah and He has entrusted us with its safekeeping. Our function as vicegerents, Khalifahs of Allah, is only to oversee the trust. The khalifah is answerable for his/her actions, for the way in which he/she uses or abuses the trust of Allah.
Islam teaches us that we have been created by Allah, that we will return to Allah for Judgement, and that we are accountable for our deeds as well as our omissions. The khalifah will have to render an account of how he treated the trust of Allah on the Day of Reckoning. The notion that describes the accountability of the khalifah is akhirah (the Hereafter). Islam is the guidance of how to live today so that we can face the akhirah: it is the Message which informs us of what will be involved in that reckoning.
The central concept of Islam is Tawhid - the Unity of Allah. Allah is Unity and His Unity is also reflected in the unity of mankind, and the unity of man and nature. His trustees are responsible for maintaining the unity of His creation, the integrity of the Earth, its flora and fauna, its wildlife and natural environment. Unity cannot be had by discord, by setting one need against another; it is maintained by balance and harmony. Therefore, Muslims say that Islam is the middle path and we will be answerable for how we have walked this path and how we have maintained balance and harmony in the whole of creation around us.
So unity, trusteeship and accountability, that is tawhid, khalifah and akhirah, the three central concepts of Islam, are also the pilars of the environmental ethics of Islam. they constitute the basic values taught by the Qur'an. it is these values which led Muhammad, (peace be upon him), the Prophet of Islam, to say: 'Whosoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded', and 'If a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and men and beats and birds eat from it, all of it is a charity on his part', and again, 'The world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as His stewards over it.' Environmental consciousness is born when such values are adopted and become an intrinsic part of our mental and physical make-up.
And these are not remote, other-wordly notions, they concern us here and now. If you were to ask me what the notion of the Hereafter has to do with here and now, my answer might surprise you. I would say nuclear power and biotechnology. Both of these are very present here-and-now issues. Both have benefits and costs. Both have implications for the health and well being of mankind and nature. If I sincerely intend to be Allah's khalifah, His steward on Earth, then I must have an opinion about them and prepare myself to make chioces about them, because I will be accountable for what mankind has wrought with these devices in the Hereafter.
Islam is a very practical world view. It seeks, in all its principles and injunctions, to give pragmatic shapes to its concepts and values. Indeed, the notion of tawhid and khalifah have been translated into practical injunctions in the Shari'ah (Islamic Law). Surah Shari'ah institutions as haram zones, inviolate areas within which development is prohibited to protect natural resources, and hima, reserves established soley for the conservation of wildlife and forests, form the core of the environmental legislation of Islam.
The classical muslim jurist, Izzad-Din Ibn Abdas-Salam, used these aspects of the Shari'ah when he formulated the bill of legal rights of animals in the thirteenth century. Similarly, numerous other jurists and scholars developed legislations to safeguard water resources, prevent over-grazing, conserve forests, limit the growth of cities, protect cultural property, and so on. Islam's environmental ethics then are not limited to metaphysical notions; they provide a practical guide as well.
Muslims need to turn to this nexus of values, this way of understanding themselves and their environment. The notions of unity, trusteeship and accountability should not be reduced to matters of personal piety; they must guide all aspects of their life and work. Shari'ah should not be relegated just to issues of crime and punishment, it must also become the vanguard for environmental legislation.
We often say that Islam is a complete way of life, by which it is meant that our ethical system provides the bearings for all our actions. Yet our actions often undermine the very values we cherish. Often while working as scientists or technologists, economists or politicians, we act contrary to the environmental dictates of Islam. We must imbibe these values into our very being. We must judge our actions by them. They furnish us with a world-view which enables us to ask environmentally appropriate questions, to draw up the right balance sheet of posibilities, and to properly weigh the environmental costs and benefits of what we want, what we can do within the ethical boundries established by Allah, without violating the rights of His other creations. If we use the same values, the same understanding in our work as scientist or technologist, economist or politician, as we do to know ourselves as Muslims - those who submit themselves to the Will of Allah - then, I believe, we will create a caring and practical way of being, doing and knowing; a true Islamic alternative to the environmentally destructive thought and actions which dominates the world today.
Cleanliness is a Part of Faith
Sumayyah bint Joan
Not that long ago, when
Cleanliness had very little to do with that civilization, but it has everything to do with ours. Unfortunately, the Muslims are backtracking to a darker period, when to be clean, in our bodies, our homes, and our communities, was looked upon as a small thing. But as the old saying goes, cleanliness is godliness, and as we profess to be the true worshippers of the One, true God, Allah, then our nation should be the cleanest. Cleanliness, however, does not stop at the physical level; we must also strive to keep our minds, our hearts and our intentions free from the filth of sin.
It was narrated by Abu Malik al-Ash'ari that the Messenger of Allah, (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) said,
'Cleanliness is half of faith and Alhamdulillah fills the scale, and SubhanaAllah and Alhamdulillah fill up what is between the heavens and the earth. Salah is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves.'
[Muslim].
Here the Prophet of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) is telling us that cleanliness is half of faith, therefore it should not be taken lightly. Yet, how many Muslim brothers go to the masjids to offer their salahs, and annoy their brothers, their Lord, and His Angels, by not making the proper wudu or ghusl? It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "If I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with siwak for every salah."
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Keeping our persons clean is very important in this deen, but our level of cleanliness should not be skin deep. Our level of cleanliness needs to go beyond the outer self to touch our minds, our hearts and our souls.
Because there is a lot of filth in societies we line, it is easy to get dirty. Before we know it, all sorts of crazy things are running through our minds and our hearts are occupied with concerns and desires of this worldly life. But Allah (subhanahu wa Ta'ala) says, "Lo! We purified them with a pure thought, remembrance of the Home (of the Hereafter)."
[38:46]
The way to keep our minds and our hearts clean is through the constant remembrance of Allah and the Home of the Hereafter. When our minds are full of thikr, there is no room for unclean thoughts. When our hearts are full of dhikr, there is no room for lust, envy and jealousy.
Once we begin to re-emphasize this Sunnah in our lives, we will also see it manifesting itself in our homes and in our communities. So many so-called Muslim communities and homes are kept in such a way that not even the disbelievers would want to live there.
The masjids are filthy, and the areas outside the masajid are littered with paper and garbage, yet this is where we stand and pray. How can we pray in filth? This is not the way of the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam). It was narrated by Aisha - Ummul Mu'minin - that the Apostle of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) commanded us to build mosques in different localities (i.e. in the locality of each tribe separately) and that they should be kept clean and be perfumed.
[Abu Dawud].
Sisters, our homes serve as our Masjids, they should be clean. Brothers, if you see paper, pick it up, and know that your reward is with Allah. For Abu Hurairah narrated that a black person, a male or a female used to clean the Mosque and then died. The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) did not know about it.
One day the Prophet remembered him and asked, "What happened to that person?" The people replied, "O Allah's Apostle, he died." He said, "Why did you not inform me?" They said, "His story was so and so (i.e., regarded him as insignificant)." He said, "Show me his grave." He then went to his grave and offered the funeral salah.
[Sahih al-Bukhari].
Cleanliness is godliness, for Allah says, "O you who believe! When you rise up for salah, wash you faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and lightly rub your heads and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. And if you are unclean, purify yourselves ... Allah would not place a burden on you, but He would purify you and would perfect His grace upon you, that you may give thanks."
[5:6]
Islamic History - Pharmacology
Ibrahim B. Syed
Pharmacology took roots in Islam during the 9th century. Yuhanna bin Masawayh (777-857 A.D.) started scientific and systematic applications of therapeutics at the Abbasids capital.
His students Hunayn bin Ishaq al-lbadi (809-874 A.D.) and his associates established solid foundations of Arabic medicine and therapeutics in the ninth century.
In his book al-Masail Hunayn outlined methods for confirming the pharmacological effectiveness of drugs by experimenting with them on humans. He also explained the importance of prognosis and diagnosis of diseases for better and more effective treatment.
Pharmacy became an independent and separate profession from medicine and alchemy. With the wild sprouting of apothecary shops, regulations became necessary and imposed to maintain quality control.
"The Arabian apothecary shops were regularly inspected by a syndic (Muhtasib) who threatened the merchants with humiliating corporal punishments if they adulterated drugs."
As early as the days of al-Mamun and al-Mutasim pharmacists had to pass examinations to become licensed professionals and were pledged to follow the physician's prescriptions. Also by this decree, restrictive measures were legally placed upon doctors, preventing them from owning or holding stock in a pharmacy.
Methods of extracting and preparing medicines were brought to a high art, and their techniques of distillation, crystallization, solution, sublimation, reduction and calcination became the essential processes of pharmacy and chemistry.
With the help of these techniques, the Saydalanis (pharmacists) introduced new drugs such as camphor, senna, sandalwood, rhubarb, musk, myrrh, cassia, tamarind, nutmeg, alum, aloes, cloves, coconut, nuxvomica, cubebs, aconite, ambergris and mercury.
The important role of the Muslims in developing modern pharmacy and chemistry is memorialized in the significant number of current pharmaceutical and chemical terms derived from Arabic: drug, alkali, alcohol, aldehydes, alembic, and elixir among others, not to mention syrups and juleps. They invented flavorings extracts made of rose water, orange blossom water, orange and lemon peel, tragacanth and other attractive ingredients. Space does not permit me to list the contributions to pharmacology and therapeutics, made by Razi, Zahrawi, Biruni, Ibn Butlan, and Tamimi.
The Islamic Philosophy of Medicine
Amanullah Khan, M.D., Ph.D.
One of the hottest issues in medicine, these days, is the subject of medical ethics, morality, and liability. If one looks back, it becomes apparent that Hadith refers to these problems. It will also be of interest to note that problems faced by the physicians and the patients today, are not any different from the problems faced at that time. I would like to quote hadith on the responsibility of the physicians.
"A person whoever practice treatment when he was not known to be acquainted with medicine before, will be responsible".
Another Hadith delineates when a patient should seek treatment:
"You servants of Allah, seek treatment, for Allah didn't send down an illness that Allah didn't send down treatment for it."
Hadith also make treatment mandatory or obligatory when a treatment was definitely available and also if holding off this treatment would be harmful. However, if one is not assured of benefits from a treatment and harm could occur, then it is discouraged. These principals were designed to discourage quackery and protect the patient.
One of the most extensive works dealing with ethics was written by Ishaq ibn Ali al-Ruhawi. He was a Christian who embraced Islam and had also written works on Galen. It will not be possible to cover all facets of his writings, as it is so much. His book, Adab al-Tabib (Ethics of a Physician) is an extensive work which cannot be discussed at length due to constraint of time. It consisted of 112 folios with 17 lines per page. This was found in Suleymaniye Kitabbane. English translation of which appears in the The Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 57, part 3, 1967, Philadelphia.
The Islamic philosophy served as a basis for defining and suggesting solutions of the ethical and moral problems facing physician. the translator of this work, Martin Levy, in his preface says, and I quote:
"In addition, the contents of this work are remarkable in their delineation of the manner in which Muslim (and to lesser extent, Christians) religious ideas were made to harmonize with the older science and ethics of the Greeks in particular.
The Islamic philosophy and the Muslim code was so realistic and practical, that al-Ruhawi was at ease in dealing with this difficult subject. The society was changing from a tribal primitive society to a more orderly society with emphasis on human value and strong religious feelings, These were times of great changes."
Therefore, the setting for this work was not any different form the one prevailing at present. It may be worthwhile just to glance at the titles of the 20 chapters of Adab at-Tabib,
1. Loyalty and Faith of the Physician, and Ethics he Must follow to improve His soul and Morals.
2. Care of the Physician Body.
3. What the Physician Must Avoid and Beware of.
4. Directions of the Physician to the Patient and Servant.
5. manners of the Visitors.
6. Care of Remedies by the Physician.
7. What the Physician Asks the Patient and the Nurse.
8. What the Patient May Conceal from the Physician.
9. How the Healthy and ill Must Take Orders of the Physician.
10. Training of Servants by the Patient before illness.
11. Patient and Visitors.
12. Dignity of the Medical Profession.
13. Respect for the Physician.
14. Physicians and Peculiar Incidents to Aid Treatment.
15. Medical Art for Moral People.
16. Examination of Physicians.
17. Removal of Corruption of Physicians.
18. Warning against Quacks. 19. Harmful Habits
20. Care of the Physician Himself
Adab al-Tabib is a beautiful illustration of the fact that problems of responsibility, ethical dilemmas, and needs of the society are nothing new to medicine. A review of this work brings home the realization that the present day physician may have been derelict in his responsibility towards the current ethical needs.
In the past, it was the physician who was the advocate of morality, who defended ethics, and who was in the forefront in delineating these areas. During the recent years, due to a verity of reasons, such as busy life, narrow approach or lack of emphasis on ethics during his medical training, he has failed to emerge as a stalwart among the defenders of ethics and morality.
The definition of ethics and morality in medicine has lately become a favorite topic for politicians and non-physician bureaucrats who lack the insight into the whole gamut of patient-physician relationship.
It is time that the physician got back into the saddle and he is still in a great position to do so. He is still regarded very highly and trusted by the people as shown by the polls. Unless the physician takes proper steps, the public trust is likely to wither away. Every teaching physician needs to realized his duty - to train the budding physicians, not only in the art of medicine, but also in handling the ethical dilemmas of medical practice.
In the present day controversies of medical ethics, certain other aspects of the responsibilities of the other parties involved, which have been well delineated by Ruhawi, have been completely ignored in the recent years. For example, the responsibilities of the patient and the society towards a physician. The patient has equal responsibility in the relationship between the physician and the patient. Similarly, the society has to realise the nature of demands placed on a physician and afford him the support that he may need at times.
Modern Stress and its Cure from Qur'an
Shaid Athar M.D.
Stress is the most common aliment of modern age. It has been implicated in the causation of peptic ulcer disease, coronary heart disease, depression, auto immune disease, hypertension, diabetes and even cancer.
In milder form it manifests in form of unrest, violence, at work, school and home. Common medical problems like tension headache, insomnia, and obesity are also attributed to unusual stress. None of us are free from stress but some deal with it better than others.
Stress results from the following factors:
1.
Fear of the unknown and trying to see through and control the destiny.
2.
Losses in our life of people and things dear to us and our inability to recover those losses.
3.
Inner conflict between our heart and mind between what is known to be the truth and our failure to accept it as truth. Acceptance of truth may require changing our habits and way of life which we may adhere to for some reason like pleasure, joys, taste, pride in race or heritage etc.
Let us examine how Qur'an deals with such situations.
Our losses are a trial for us:
"Be sure we will test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives, but give glad tidings to those who are steadfast, who say when afflicted with calamity: To God we belong and to him is our return. They are those on who (DESCEND) blessings from God and mercy and they are the once that receive guidance."
[2:155]
Thus in Islam, we do not have concept of the ownership of goods and life. Everything belongs to God and returns to him. So if we don't own that thing why mourn our loss?
1.
Our destiny is predetermined. We do not have control on that part. What we have control over is a limited free will, that is our actions, our choice to do good or bad, to believe in God or not to believe in Him, but we have no control over tomorrow's event not related to our actions i.e. whether my wife will have a son or daughter, whether his/her eyes will be brown or black, or whether I will have an accident or not tomorrow. WorTying over such things is of no use.
2.
Rejection of faith in Qur'an is called a disease. This denial of truth is due to arrogance.
"In their heart there is a disease and God has increased their disease and grievous is their penalty because they lie to themselves."
[
Therefore after lying to ourselves, we set up an inner conflict - between heart and mind. In order to contain that conflict the mind sends signals to glands for secretion of harmones like adrenaline which leads to rapid heart rate, perspiration, tremor, the basis of lie detector test.
This lying conflict could be due to "SMALL" crimes like theft or adultery, or big crimes like rejection of God.
Three stages of spiritual development of soul are:
·
Nafsul Ammara - The Passionate soul.
"I do not absolve myself Lo the (human) soul is prone to evil, save that whenever my Lord has mercy. Lo, Lord is forgiving; merciful."
[Surah Yusuf;
This soul inclines toward sensual Pleasure, passion and self gratification , anger, envy, greed, and conceit. Its concerns are pleasure of body, gratification of physical appetite, and ego.
Hadith "your most-ardent-enemy is your evil self which resides within your body" [Sahih al-Bukhari].
If this evil soul is not checked will lead to unusual stress and its resultant effects.
·
Nafsul Lawanunah - The Reproaching Soul.
"Nay, I swear by the reproaching soul"
[75:1]
This soul is conscious or aware of Evil, resists it, asks for God's grace, and pardon, repents and tries to ammend and hopes to achieve salvation.
"And (There are) others who have acknowledged their faults. They mix a righteous action with another that was bad. It may be that Allah will relent toward them. Lo! Allah is relenting, merciful." [9:102] Hadith "These are two impulses within us. One spirit which calls towards good and confirms the truth. He who feels this impulse should know that it comes from Allah. Another impulse comes from our enemy (Devil) which leads to doubt and holds untruth and encourages evil. He who feels this should seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil."
This soul warns people of their vain desire, guides and opens the door to virtue and righteousness. It is a positive step in spiritual growth.
·
Nafsul Mutma'inaa - The satisfied soul.
"O (you) soul in (complete) rest and satisfaction. Come back to your Lord, will pleased (yourself) and will pleasing unto him. Enter you then among my devotees, enter you in my heaven."
[89:27-30]
This is the highest state of spiritual development. satisfied soul is the state of bliss, content and peace. The soul is at peace because it knows that in spite of its failures in this world, It will return to God. Purified of tension, it emerges from the struggle with obstacles blocking the peace of mind and heart.
What should we do in panic and despair? In panic non-believers behave differently than believers. They have no one to return to, to ask for mercy and forgiveness, their life is this life, which they cannot control, thus get more depressed and increase in their state of wrong doing. Then we will see that if they are used to casual drinking will start drinking more and become alcoholic, or a barbital criminal.
On the other hand a believer should do the following:
Increase dhikr (Remembrance of God): "who have believed and whose heart have Rest in the remembrance of God. Verify in the remembrance of God, do hearts find rest."
[
Increase their prayer: "O you who believe, seek help with steadfastness and prayer. For God is with those who are steadfast."
[2:153]
Ask forgiveness: "And I have said: seek forgiveness from your Lord. Lo He was ever forgiving."
[71:10]
In addition to above we are also asked to continue to struggle to up-grade ourselves. "surely God does not change the condition in which a people are in until they change that which is in themselves."
[13:11]
In summary, I conclude that stress results from lack of inner peace due to conflicts within us and leads to external disturbances in our behavior and health. Inner peace can only be achieved by believing in God, the All Mighty, and remembering him frequently and asking for his help and forgiveness in times of difficulties.
Slaughtering the Islamic way
.
Human beings should always remember that it is only by the grace of God that they are allowed to slaughter animals such as sheep, cows and poultry for food. They are also permitted to catch fish to eat.
Therefore when they slaughter animals and catch fish, they should always show their gratitude to God for His blessings and approach the task of slaughter with humility and propriety. This requires that they should understand and abide by the Islamic teachings which regulate this activity.
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) once instructed one of his companions who was about to slaughter a sheep to take it out of sight of other sheep so that they do not see it. Needless to say, the Prophet(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) did not want the other sheep to witness the slaughter of one of their members in order to spare them that feeling of sorrow. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) also emphasised the need to ensure that the slaughtered animal be placed in the most comfortable position and that it should be allowed to die very quickly and with with minimum pain. He is authentically reported to have said:
'God has indeed prescribed that all things should be done in a proficient manner.
Thus when you kill, kill properly and when you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he is slaughtering.'
[Muslim].
It is clear that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) considers a quick death as part of the proper slaughter. He has emphasised this on several occasions. In another hadith, the Prophet said: 'When any of you slaughters, let him ensure the animal’s death.'
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) once saw a man sharpening his blade after having laid his sheep down. He said to him, 'Do you want her to die over and over again? Could you not have sharpened your blade first before taking her for slaughter.'
All this goes to show that Islam has a clearly pronounced attitude with respect to treating animals in a humane manner, particularly those which we intend to slaughter for food. When people neglect this, they demonstrate their apathy to what the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has taught. Needless to say, God will ask everyone of us about his lack of response to the Prophet’s teachings. Such people will not be able to provide a good reason for their lack of care.
Moreover Islam has forbidden any painful extraction from animals. The people of
All this goes to show that Islam does not allow any practice which causes any unnecessary suffering to the animal. To cut the throat of an animal and then to pour boiling water on it when it can still feel the pain is certainly unacceptable. People who do that will certainly have to account for it on the Day of Judgement.
The same applies to fishing. If the catch is found to include some live fish which are unwanted, the proper thing to do is to put them back in the water so that they can survive. The same applies to any other living creature that is taken with the fish. What is not needed should be allowed to live, unless it is harmful. In that case, it should be killed in a humane way.
Is Kosher Halal?
M.M. Hussaini
Often times Muslim consumers tend to assume 'Kosher' is similar to 'Halal'. Although the slaughtering rituals of Jewish people resemble those of Muslims; kosher and halal are two different entities carrying a different meaning and spirit. Muslims, therefore, are provided with the following basic information about Kosher so they can exercise care in distinguishing halal from kosher.
Kashrut (in Hebrew) is the system of Jewish dietary laws. Kosher (kashur in Hebrew) means 'fit, or proper for use' according to Jewish law. Examples of kosher are: the meat of the 'fore quarter*' of the cattle slaughtered ritually, fruits, vegetables, all fish that have fins*, all wines*, all cheeses*, gelatin*.
The opposite of Kosher, as applied to food in Treif (in Yiddish), or trefah (in Hebrew) meaning 'not suitable for use', or 'forbidden'. Trefah literally means 'torn by a wild beast' (Exodus
[(*) these food items exhibit a marked difference between kosher and Halal as well as trefah and haram. The differences are explained elsewhere in this section.]
Caution to Muslim Consumers
Halal is a comprehensive Islamic term encompassing not only the matters of food and drink, but all other matters of daily life. Islam being the final and perfect Deen (religion) for mankind, it supersedes all the previously revealed religions including Christianity and Judaism. The rituals in all matters were perfected by Islam [5:3]
According to Islamic Jurisprudence, no one except Allah can change forbidden (Haram) things into lawful (halal) for vice-versa. It is forbidden for people to change the lawful (Halal) things into unlawful (Haram), or vice-versa.
Halal is a unique Islamic concept and eating dhabiha (Islamically slaughtered) meat is a distinguishing part of a Muslim's identity as expressed by Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)
Salient differences between kosher and halal
Islam prohibits all intoxicating alcohols, liquors, wines and drugs. kashrut regards all wines kosher. Hence food items and drinks showing the kosher symbol containing alcohol are not halal.
Gelatin is considered kosher regardless of its source of origin. If the gelatin is prepared from swine, Muslims consider it haram (prohibited). Hence foods items such as marshmallows, yogurt, etc., showing kosher symbols are not halal.
Enzymes (irrespective of their sources even from non-kosher animals) in cheese making are considered mere secretion(pirsah b'almah) according to some kashrut organizations, hence all cheeses are considered kosher. Muslims look for the source of the enzyme in cheese making. If it is coming from the swine, it is considered haram(forbidden). Hence cheeses showing kosher symbols may not be halal.
Jews do not pronounce the name of God on each animal while slaughtering. They feel that uttering the name of God, out of context, is wasteful. Muslims on the other hand pronounce the name of Allah on all animals while slaughtering.
The salient differences between kosher and halal have been illustrated so that Muslim consumers can distinguish halal from kosher.
Islam is a complete way of life providing infallible guidance to all its followers in all walks of life. Halal brings immense satisfaction to the Muslim life both now and in the hereafter. Muslims therefore, do not have to depend on any other set of laws for want of convenience.
The final, divine laws of Islam are indeed perfect and the best for all its followers for all time to come.
Muslims in non-Muslim countries should strive to follow the Islamic injunctions in their diet (as well as in every walk of life) and establish their own businesses and institutions to cater to the needs of the Muslim Ummah. By doing so, not only the identity of the Muslims will be preserved, but they will be recognized and respected for their beliefs and practices. What a subtle means of Da'wah!
Lemon Health Tips
[]
Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured from the use of Lemons:
Colds and sore throats
For relief, mix a teaspoon of honey and the juice of one lemon, in a glass of water and drink every two hours. Another family remedy is a clove of crushed garlic, mixed with half a lemon and sweetened with honey. This usually clears up anything you may be "coming down with" by the time Fajr prayer arrives.
Cystitis
to acidify the urine and to stop bladder infections, drink a glass of cherry juice, lemon juice and water on an hourly basis at the first sign of infection.
Mouthwash
Lemons are more natural then fluoride and effective in removing plaque. They also whiten and strengthen tooth enamel
Cystitis
to acidify the urine and to stop bladder infections, drink a glass of cherry juice, lemon juice and water on an hourly basis at the first sign of infection.
Asthma
One tablespoon of pure lemon juice before each meal relieves Asthma.
Excessive Menstruation
Consuming the juice of 3-4 lemons a day will help.
For children
Rub the body with two halves of a lemon to open the pores of the skin and release the body heat
Fevers
Hot water and lemon juice will support and speed up the fevering process, helping the body fight off infections or toxins. Without the fever, the immune system has fewer ways to combat the disease. However, if there are bowel problems this should be avoided
Diphtheria
Use pure lemon juice every hour as a gargle and swallow some until it cuts loose the false membrane in the throat.
Toxins
Squeeze some lemon juice into warm water and drink it to help cleanse the body of toxins .
Clearing blemishes
Lemons can be rubbed directly onto skin and left for about 2 hours before rinsing to clear skin. This is good to reduce wrinkles and treat blemishes. The treatment will work better if followed by olive oil after rinsing. It works by speeding up skin renewal and uncovering a fresh new layer of skin. However, it is important not to do this before going out in the sun as it will have a bleaching effect.
As a cleanser, beat an egg white with lemon juice and honey. Leave to dry on face for a few minutes then wash with warm water.
Hair tonic
Massage some lemon juice onto hair and leave it for a while before rinsing. Again, do not do this before going in the sun. This treatment is especially good for greasy hair as it will regulate the sebaceous glands which produce oil and make the hair shine and prevent dandruff.
Chilblains
Rub a slice of lemon dipped in coarse sea salt on unbroken affected skin to clear Chilblains.
Itches
Rub fresh lemon juice on the itching area.
Acne
To healp against acne, mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice with 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder. Apply on affected areas frequently.
For acne spots, apply lemon juice with a cotton bud as bactericide.
Itches
Rub fresh lemon juice on the itching area.
The Benefits of Water
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Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured from the use of Water:
Keeps Headaches at bay
Three quarters of your brain is water so if you need a top-up, this is one of the first places that will feel it. If your headache is caused by alcohol, then drinking lots of water - particularly before bed - will help get rid of it by flushing out toxins and re-hydrating the brain.
Reduces Infections
The lymphatic system is your waste disposal system, breaking down toxins like caffeine before passing them into the blood stream. Dehydration weakens the flow of lymph in the system and makes the body less resistant to infection.
With Water, lymph flows properly again, fighting infection and lowering feverish temperatures.
Skin
Skin needs water for elasticity, so too little water leaves it looking dry, looking lined and feeling delicate.
Concentration
Your body needs water to help flush out poisons from things like junk food and additives.
If you are dehydrated, toxins hang around in the liver, making you tired and unable to concentrate. Water swills the poisons out and gets the system moving again.
Banishes Bags
Sunken eyes and under eye circles are signs that you need water. Eyes sink because there isn't enough water to keep them suspended in the eye socket. Under-eye circles are due to thin skin being bruised as fluid drains away.
Cramps
Blood transports oxygen to the muscles for activities such as exercise. If there isn't enough oxygen in the blood, the muscles create lactic acid which causes painful cramp. Drinking more water helps to keep blood pumped with oxygen.
Reduces Cystitis
A healthy hydrated body removes waste with light yellow virtually odourless urine. If you are not drinking enough, the darker urine is more highly concentrated and waste products linger in the bladder, leaving you prone to cystitis and kidney infections.
Digestion
Without Water the contents of the colon (lower intestine) can dry out and get stuck, eventually causing diverticulitis. Constipation can also be a problem, because water is needed to bulk out faeces. Drinking water, along with taking in water from Fruit and Vegetables, helps to rehydrate this waste
Fluid Retention
When you are felling puffy as women often do before a period, drinking water isn't your immediate thought. But it's the best treatment for reducing fluid retention. If your body doesn't get enough water, it senses there is a shortage and begins to retain every drop it needs for vital daily processes.
Breath
Bad breath is a classic sign that you need to boost your water intake. Saliva helps cleanse the teeth of bacteria and keeps the tongue hydrated. Lack of water dries the mouth, leads to furry tongue and prevents bacteria from being washed away, all of which can cause halitosis
The Benefits from Bananas
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Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured from the use of Bananas:
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proved that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add to your daily diet.
Anemia
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation
High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Depression
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain trypotophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
Lethargy
One of the quickest ways of curing lethargy and fatigue is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.
The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heart-burn
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heart-burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Weight Control
Overweight and at work? Studies at the
The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
PMS
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Ulcers
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniculcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, trypotophan.
Smoking
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water-balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, there by reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes
According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine' eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that, if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart,with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So you see a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.
The Benefits from Black Seed
[by Mutmainaa -
The Prophet never suffered from a wound or a thorn without putting Henna on it
- Hadith, naratted by Umm Salamah
(RadiAllahu anha)
[at-Tirmidhi, al-Bayhaqi]
Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured from the use of Black Seed:
General health
Take 1 tablespoon blackseed oil morning and night, or at least in the morning before breakfast on its own or with 1 teaspoon pure honey
Acne and Skin
Mix and heat for 2 minutes 1 cup grounded black seed ½ cup grounded pomegranate skin and ½ cup apple cider vinegar. Apply on area before going to sleep every night until it disappears. Mixture can last 3 weeks and have to be kept in cool temperature.
Baldness (Alopecia)
Rub black seed oil on trouble spots
Asthma
Take ½ teaspoon black seed boiled in water
Backache (lower)
Mix honey with ¼ teaspoon black seed and take it first thing in the morning before breakfast
Bee & Wasp stings
Take ½ teaspoon black seed boiled in water
Bladder/Kidney
Take ½ teaspoon black seed mixed with honey and warm water every morning before breakfast
Mix 2 cups grounded black seed and ½ cup pure honey. Take 1 tablespoon of mixture with 1 cup warm water every morning before breakfast. Mixture can last 15 days and have to be kept in cool temperature
Colds
Take 21 black seed, put it in a cloth and soak overnight. Use as droplets for the nose the next day
Inhale powdered black seed kept in cloth
Coughs
Take 3-4 drops of black seed oil in coffee or tea
Hemorrhoids
Take black seed in powdered form with water
High blood pressure
Mix 1 tablespoon grounded black seed, 1 tablespoon pure honey and a little garlic. Take the mixture before breakfast every morning for 20 days
Inflammation & pain of teeth & gums
Boil black seed in vinegar and use it to rinse teeth & gums Avoid using commercial toothpastes and use toothpaste made from vegetable fibre of the siwak tree which has been used for centuries by Indians, Africans and Asians as natural toothpaste.
Memory
Take ½ teaspoon powdered black seed mixed with honey 2x day
Immune system:
Take 1 tablespoon day and night
Incontinence
Take ½ teaspoon black seed with honey, then drink warm water
Jaundice
Take black seed with milk
Chronic head pains (migraine, headache)
Fry black seed and put it cotton-made cloth, tie or simply put the cloth on the forehead
Soak black seed in vinegar overnight, pound it the next day to make powder. Insert in nostril and inhale
Dry Skin
Mix honey with ¼ teaspoon black seed and take it first thing in the morning before breakfast
Wind
Mix honey with ¼ teaspoon black seed and take it first thing in the morning before breakfast
Worms
Take black seed with vinegar to get rid of worms
The Benefits from Honey
[by Mutmainaa -
There comes forth from their bellies (of the bees) a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily in this is indeed a sign for people who think."
[16:68-69]
Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured and avoided from the use of Honey:
Skin
Honey is extremely nourishing for the skin when used as face pack and helps in rejuvenating the skin leading to the elimination of fine wrinkles.
It is a good moisturiser.
Honey has considerable Laxative effect on the human digestion system which in turn helps in reducing skin problem ie (pimples) and other problems associated with constipation, which become revealed on the skin.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Honey contains many minerals and vitamins beneficial to man. However, one of the most important properties seems to be its antibiotic action.
Honey has been shown to be superior to certain conventional antibiotics in treating some infections.
This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision - as if they know this feature of the honey.
Healing wounds & grazes
Honey is of value in treating burns, infected surgical wounds and ulcers. Honey is very viscous, enabling it to absorb water from surrounding inflamed tissue. For example, a study in
For such wounds or Grazes, cover the wound with honey and a bandage.
Diarrhoea
At a concentration of 40%, honey has a bactericidal effect on various gut bacteria known to cause diarrhoea and dysentery
Allergies
Raw honey is an excellent treatment for 90% of all allergies.
Teeth
Although Honey is sweet, it helps to maintain and protect teeth! Its anti-microbial activity has been tested on several species of dental plaque bacteria. A study shows that honey has been proven to sharply reduce acid production, thus killing the bacteria responsible for dental caries, and blocking the growth of oral bacteria.
Stomach Ache
Take 1 teaspoon of honey, juice of ½ a lemon with a hot glass of water first thing in the morning.
Colds and coughs
Honey is remedial in cases of persistent coughs and sore throat. The strong antibiotic properties it contains coats the throat and reduces throat irritation.
Mix 6 oz. liquid honey, 2 oz. glycerin with juice of 2 lemons. Bottle and cork firmly. Use as required.
For Blocked noses, Place a dessert spoon of honey in a basin of hot water and inhale fumes after covering your head with a towel over the basin.
For Sore throats, Let 1 teaspoon of honey melt in the back of the mouth and trickle down the throat. Eases inflamed raw tissues.
Uneasiness felt in the mouth & throat due to infection can be relieved immediately with honey, so there is extensive scope for honey in cough mixtures & expectorants.
Honey used for children helps inflammatory throat conditions as it both purifies blood.
Digestion
Because sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better. Hence honey is beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system as well as combating illnesses such as constipation.
For poor digestion, Mix 1:1 honey with apple cider vinegar and dilute to taste with water.
For patients suffering with various maladies of stomach who consume 10 grams of honey on an empty stomach in the morning & not eat anything thereafter for about 1 hour, will start feeling relief from the disorders within a few days.
Weight control
Honey has a low calorie content. Honey, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.
Rapidly diffuses through the blood
When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules make the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar.
Conjunctivitis (pus in the eye)
Honey dissolved in equal quantity of warm water. Apply, when cooled, as lotion or eye bath.
Blood
Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.
The Heart
British researchers have discovered that honey slows the oxidation of 'bad' IDL cholesterol, which is responsible for causing arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. So Honey can fight against Colesterol. And the darker the honey, the better.
Pure honey taken with food daily (instead of white sugar) relieves complains of cholesterol.
This is beneficial for those of Old age, sufferers of Heart-disease, Diabetes, High-blood Pressure, Stroke, and others.
Appetite
Honey improves appetite in children suffering from conditions of Appetite loss.
Headaches & Migraine
Take 2 teaspoons at meals to prevent an attack
For Migraines, Take 1 dessert spoon honey dissolved in half a glass of warm water at start migraine. Repeat in 20 minutes if necessary.
Insomnia
Honey helps in nervous disorders including Insomnia and acts as a tonic in recovery of any damage to the human nervous system.
In cases of Insomnia (Sleeplessness) one teaspoon full of honey mixed in luke-warm water (or milk) & drunk before going to bed helps in getting sound sleep.
Stress
Honey in water is a stabilizer - calms highs and raises lows. Use approx. 1:4 honey to water.
Healing
Honey also greatly helps in convalecense as it has properties to make the body heal faster.
Tuberculosis
Honey helps patients suffering from Tuberculosis as it vastly helps in arresting the spread of this disease.
Asthma
Honey helps in conditions of Asthma as many conditions of Asthma respond favourably to Honey.
Fatigue and exhaustion
Honey is best used to increase the physical stamina & energy level of the human body & since honey is easily absorbed in the blood, it is the best ingredient to remove tiredness ad fatigue after hard work almost instantly.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon honey in warm water or quarter honey balance of water in a jug and keep in the fridge. Honey is primarily fructose and glucose and so it is quickly absorbed by the digestive system.
The Old and young
French doctors advise weak, emaciated children & older patients to take honey & cream or honey & butter instead of cod liver oil.
Boiled mild mixed with equal quantity of water & seven percent honey is a fabulous energy packed food for children.
Osteoporosis
1 teaspoon of honey a day helps calcium utilization and prevents osteoporosis. Essential from age 50 onwards.
Burns
Apply freely over burns. It cools, removes pain and aids fast healing without scarring. Apart from being a salve and antibiotic, bacteria cannot live in honey.
Infertility
Honey consumed with milk increases human sperm count to an astonishing degree. Since, basically Sexual Virility is concerned with three fundamental Organs in the male body, all these organs use Glucose and Fructose to obtain energy.
Honey as already mentioned is the best source of the above required sugars. No wonder it’s dubbed the Elixir of life even earning itself clear mention in the Quran as far back as 1,400 years.
Baldness
Scrub the bald area with onions till red. Then apply honey.
Constipation
For patients suffering from constipation as spoon of honey mildly heated with a small quantity of wheat husk added after it is cooled & administered to the patient, gives immediate relief.
Otherwise take ½ teaspoon honey mixed with ½ - 1cup warm water 2-3 times a day
Paralysis
The famous physician ibn Sina (Aviccina) writes that licking honey mixed with the extract of boiled rice Wij (Peench in Urdu) helps cure partial facial paralysis.
High Blood Pressure
Take mixed 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon ginger juice and 1 teaspoon cumin powder 2x a day
Anaemia
Honey is the best blood enricher by raising corpuscle content. The darker the honey the more minerals it contains.
Take 1 ripe banana with 1 tablespoon honey 1-2x a day
Hay Fever
Chewing the tops of comb honey stimulates the immune system due to minute amounts of pollen. During the season chew for 20 minutes a teaspoon of bee capping (tops) five to six times per day. Highly effective and useful for asthma sufferers as well
Insect Bites
According to Islamic medicine, for cases of bite or stinging of poisonous insects, a paste made of one part unsoaked limestone, four parts honey & four parts olive oil applied on the affected part will give immediate relief.
The Benefits from Olives
[by Mutmainaa -
use olive oil and anoint yourself with it, because it is ‘from a blessed tree’ (24:35)
- Muhammad
[al-Bayhaqi]
!
Listed below are some common problems and ailments which can easily be cured from the use of Olives:
Dandruff
Apply olive oil on scalp, it also grows the hair and checks the loss of hair
Constipation
Eat pickles prepared from olives
For chronic cases take 25ml of olive oil mixed with 250ml barley water
Burns:
Apply a combination of normal saline and olive oil
Skin - Boils, rashes, ulcers, itching
Apply olive oil or the water extracted from the crushed olive oil leaves locally
Epilepsy
Use olive oil for massage
Mouth/lip ulcers
Soak olive leaves in water and use as rinse
[ Still under construction! Will be updated soon inshaAllah ]
Feeling Stressed?!
[]
"Do people imagine that they will be left at ease because they say 'We have faith!' and will not be tested? But certainly We tested those who were before them.."
[Surah 29:2-3]
Stress is a normal part of one’s life. However, if not remedied or managed, stress can lead to serious health problems. Some symptoms of stress include fatigue, exhaustion, depression, burnout and breakdown. Follow these steps to live insha'Allah a stress-free life.
1. Have a Strong Iman.
It is important to understand and believe that everything is from Allah, and that everything occurs for a reason. A Muslim is one who accepts everything that happens to them as good. If something good happens to her, she says Alhamdulillah. If something bad happens to her, she says Alhamdulillah.
2. Exercise
Exercising regularly (2-3 times a week), and building up a sweat is an excellent and healthy way of relieving stress. It is also recommended for Muslims in general to be in the best of shape, for preparations of hardships, tribulations, or Jihad.
3. Eat Healthy
Avoiding the potato chips and cookies, and eating healthy meals not only makes one feel better, but makes one look better too. Junk foods can cause an overall sluggish and lazy person. Meanwhile, those who consume healthy meals feel more energized and productive.
4. Understand the Reality of this World
When afflicted with distress, remember that this life is only like a drop of water on the finger as opposed to the vast ocean of water of the hereafter. The tests and trials of this small world are tests of our patience and faith in Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). Jannah is our goal, so let’s work hard to achieve that rewarding goal.
5. Take Time Out
When on the verge of burnout, breakdown, or depression, take a step back and relax for a while. Sometimes it is helpful to relieve oneself from a few responsibilities while temporarily taking some extra time to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah, and reorganizing one’s time. However, although this may be beneficial on occasion, it is not good to make a habit of taking too many breaks. It is difficult to come back to a responsibility after being on a ‘mental vacation’. Also, we must be careful that we are not using taking time out as an excuse to avoid a problem or a way to run away from it. We should still come back to the task at hand, not just give up.
6. Be Positive!
Verily with every hardship there is Relief. Remember that this is a temporary phase, and it will end in time, bi'ithnillah (with the permission of Allah). The bitterness of today will end, and insha'Allah tomorrow will definately be better. Have hope in Allah Ta'ala, and be positive.
If you begin to have negative, stress building thoughts, such as; "I'll never get this project in on time.", then turn it around, break it down, to begin to think more postively, such as; "If I stay focused and take it one step at a time, I'll make steady progress."
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) reported that; I was (once) behind the Prophet
when he said to me:
'O son! I shall inform of a few things: Remember Allah, and He will protect you. Remember Allah, and you will find Him close to you. When you have to ask for something, ask of Allah Most High. When you require aid, seek His Aid. Believe firmly that if all the creation desires to benefit you in anything, they can never benefit you, but, that which Allah has decreed for you. If they all unite to harm you, they will not be able to harm you in anything, but that which Allah has decreed for you'
[at-Tirmidhi]
10 Steps to Success
Azfar Shamim
"There, the (only) protection comes from God, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success."
[surah al-Kahf;
There is a wonderful quote from Quaidi Azam, "I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it."
I love that! If you want success, sooner or later you have to take action and go for it!
Too often we try to schedule success. We try to plan it for after we buy a home or get a raise or for that proverbial "someday". Well, life doesn't work that way. The truth is that every day is the perfect day to do the right thing, to pursue your dreams, to take action, to begin.
The question is, "How?" I'm often asked about the details of where to begin and how to take action. No responsible adult wants to make an abrupt and poorly thought-out decision.
Here are my Top 10 steps for creating the life you truly want:
1. Start by clarifying the dream.
Dream it big, dream it often, and always in living color! Imagine the problems, the benefits, the skills you'll need and the people you'll meet along the way. Dream often and dream the details.
2. Create a plan.
What will your dream cost? How will it work? How long will it take? Who will help you get there? How will you solve the challenges, over-come the obstacles, and become the person you'll need to become to reach your goal?
3. Reach out.
We live in an amazing time. You can write, phone, fax or email just about anyone on earth! Consult with experts. Talk to people who have achieved whatever you want to achieve. Truly successful people are usually delighted to show others the way. Make the calls.
4. Tell others.
There is no substitute for talking about your dreams. Saying the words makes them powerful. Talk about where you want to go, what you want to do, and who you will become. And as a benefit, you'll discover people who will help you along the way.
5. Take action!
No matter what your dream, there is a step you can take today. If you are serious, there is someone you can call or write. There is a book you can read, or some action that will start you on the path. Steven Spielberg snuck into movie lots as a teenager, just to look around. What action will you take today?
6. Set Deadlines.
Set Deadlines for each of your small/big, personal/official, long-term/short-term task AND always try to finish the task by that deadline.
7. Eliminate distractions.
This is a tough one, and a favorite excuse of the "almost successful". Successful people eliminate the distractions of life. Combine errands, delegate tasks, hire people to do the things you don't want to do. Simplify your life and never waste time. Turn off TV (and some time also computer).
8. Invest wisely.
Successful people understand that their dreams will require an investment of time or money or energy and they are prepared to pay the price. Whatever your dream, it will require some risk, and some investment. Make the investment.
9. Create room for success.
All of us are doing something every moment of every day, and making your dreams come true will require some adjustments. Whether it's adjusting your schedule, your finances, or your use of energy, you'll have to make room for success.
10. Have a mentor/coach.
Whether you hire a professional coach or find a local expert, or a Cyber friend. Successful people have coaches. There are very few "self made" successes! We all need someone to believe in us, someone to encourage, challenge and applaud us. Develop a close, working relationship with a coach who can show you the way to your dreams!
Success is no accident. Success is always the result of our best efforts. It's the result of investing time, energy, careful thought, and hard work. It's the result of taking action, getting started, making mistakes, learning from them and trying again. There is simply no better time to start than today.
Islam and Gambling
[Kausar Niazi]
Before the advent of Islam, like other many-sided evils, gambling was also on the increase. The Arabian society, ignorant and illiterate as it was, had fallen a prey to this evil. Gambling fairs were held, and rich and poor took part in them according to their means. Drinking bouts were also held. People tried their fortunes for many days. Many times these gatherings which began with drinking and gambling ended in fights and riots. Besides
In the Roman, Egyptian and Greek culture, gambling was not only not disapproved, but it was regarded as a mark of one's opulence. Even cultures permeated by religion did not realise the great evils hidden in gambling.
The Jewish and Christian civilisations also flourished. But history shows that they were not successful in rooting out this evil. They even failed to arouse public opinion against it. In proof of this, we can cite the example of
When Islam came, it described the evils of gambling in the most effective language and prohibited it for the Muslims.
"O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, sacrificing to stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination- of Satan's handwork: eschew such (abomination), that you may prosper."
[5:90]
Gambling is mentioned in the Quran, alongside drinking alcohol as an abomination, a sin, and a grave harm to mankind. It was made clear that prosperity does not come through gambling. That gambling, among many other things, causes families to break, societies to suffer, and the economy to deteriorate, damaging and ruining the ethical foundation of any decent society.
If the Qur'an is studied, it will become clear, that like alcohol, since the Arabs had been habituated to gambling for a long period of time, God revealed His Commandments regarding its prohibition only gradually. In the Qur'an the first verse regarding gambling is found in surah al-Baqarah (The Cow);
"They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say: 'In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.'"
[2:219]
This verse did not clearly condemn and prohibit gambling. It was only said that sometimes the gambler gains money without any effort, but its moral evil is so great that a few material advantages are of no account. In the Traditions (ahadith), it is recorded that when this verse was revealed, many Muslims totally gave up wine and gambling without waiting for the command of their prohibition to come later on in the gradual process. They quickly realised that something which is predominantly disadvantageous cannot meet with the approval of Islam.
It was made clearer the position of Islam on gambling though another verse;
" O who you believe! Intoxicants (e.g. alcohol) and gambling and idols and (lottery by) arrows are an abomination of Satan’s work, so avoid them so that you may get salvation. Satan's only desire is to create among you enmity and hatred by means of intoxicants and gambling and stop you from praying and remembering Allah. Will you not then stop?"
[Surah Ma'idah; 5:90,91]
It is a basic principle of Islam that man must not take that which he has not earned or worked for, as well as fairness and justice. Indeed, the word "gambling" in the Quran's Arabic language is derived from a root word that literally means "easy," and "something attained with no effort."
The Hospital in Islam
[Nasr
Islamic Science, an illustrated study]
p.154
The institution of the hospital was inherited by the Muslims from both the Persians and the Byzantines. Already before the rise of Islam, the hospital at Jundhapur, near the present Persian city of
Benefiting from the existence of these institutions, the Muslims soon created their own hospitals. Although al-Walid I is said to have created the first hospital in Islam in the 1st/7th century, the first real hospital with all the required facilities of that day was established by Harun ar-Rashid in
It was this hospital which became the pivot of medical activity and the center for the rise of Islamic medicine. The Baghdad hospital wa slater headed by such famous physicians as Yuhanna ibn Massawayh and it served as model for numerous other hospitals in Baghdad, the most famous being the Adudi founded by the Persian ruler Adud al-Dawlah in the 4th/10th century. Hospitals were also founded in other Muslim cities such as the one in Rayy which was headed by al-Razi before he went to
Al-Razi wrote a book on the necessary characteristics of a hospital entitled 'Kitab fi sifat al bimaristan' (Book on the characteristics of the hospital).
Another major hospital was the one established in
The most notable hospital in
A Century earlier, the Almohad king Yaqub al-Mansur built the first large hospital of the Maghrib in Marrakesh (Morroco) and attracted notable physicians such as Ibn Tufayl and Ibn Rushd to his court. From then on hospitals continued to be built in the Maghrib, some, like the 7th/13th century one at Sale, built by Mawlay Abd al-Rahman, being still in use today.
Likewise in Tunisia, Algeria and Andalusia (Islamic Spain) itself, many hospitals were built whose descriptions remain in various literary sources, and the word 'bimaristan' (a persian word meaning 'the place of the sick') which has always been used in Arabic as the word for hospital, entered into the Spanish language in the form 'malastan' or 'marastan'.
In the
Supported usually by a religious endowment (waqf) and also by help of living persons or the state, the hospital became a major scientific institution in the Islamic world. It developed into various types, ranging from general hospitals catering for all kinds of diseases to those specializing in the treatment of lepers or the insane and even animals. The teaching and practice of Islamic medicine is inseperable from the institution of the hospital which at its height in fact contained, in addition to wards, major libraries, lecture halls and other facilities necessary for the training of medical students.
Also significant for its medical uses is the traditional bath (hammam) which is to be found in one form or another throughout the Islamic world. Because of various forms of bodily purification required by Islamic law, baths were built from the earliest times and to this day there is no small village without a public bath which is attended regularly for ritual as well as hygenic reasons. But in addition the use of hot and cols air and water and the rub-down or massage which is administered by a professional class trained for medical purposes and numerous treatises have been written on the subject as that of Qusta ibn Luqa. Ibn Sina also discusses the medical uses of the bath and he as well as al-Razi are said to have treated some patients in the bath itself.
The traditional use of the Muslim bath is almost a rite of its own. It usually takes several hours. Besides the washing of the body, the rub-down and ritual purification, special lliquids are drunk and specified periods spent either in the steam room or the cool waiting room outside. Physicians have used the bath for all kinds of cures ranging from overcoming headaches to reviving sexual energy. The Turkish bath which is so celebrated in the West is the last chapetr in a long history of the bath as both social and medical institution stretching over the whole Islamic history.
Muslim Women in Sports
Sr. Hikmat Beiruty
The benefits derived from sport can not be denied. Not only do they have physical and social benefits, but also essential psychological consequences. Since sport is also a compulsory part of the curriculum in all schools, it is important to address the many Islamic conflicts that us sisters may face.
The Need for Sport
Men and women alike are in need of sport and exercise. Physical fitness is certainly encouraged, just as a balanced diet is endorsed, and harmful substances are prohibited. Exercise is also conducive to a more balanced emotional state, as it aids in the release of harmful free radicals and excess hormones. Mundane routines must also be broken otherwise it could affect a women's input into society, as well as her relationship with her husband and family.
The Sahaabah were aware of these issues, and would exhort others for the same. 'Ali bin Abi Talib (radiAllahu anhu) said: "Refresh your minds from time to time, for a tired mind becomes blind." Abu Darda (radiAllahu anhu) also commented: "I entertain my heart with something trivial in order to make it stronger in the service of the Truth."
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) advised his followers to engage in many forms of sport, which even today are considered of the best form of exercise. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) himself would engage in wrestling, racing, archery and horse races.
While Aisha (radiAllahu anha) was on a journey along with the Apostle of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), she had a race with him and outpaced him. As time passed, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) wished to avenge for his loss, so he raced her again, in which case he outpaced her, and remarked: "This is for that outpacing."
The Etiquette's of Sport
The restrictions on women participating in sport or physical activity is more than that of men. All Islamic observances must be followed, regardless of any school policies or social stigmas. Our obedience to our Creator cannot be given preference to a creature of Allah.
When participating in sports, the clothing must be Islamically acceptable. This would therefore exclude shorts, t-shirts, leotards, swimming costumes etc.
It is very important to ensure that there are no males watching. Mixing of sexes is forbidden in normal situations, except in special situations under certain conditions, let alone in a sporting arena or exercise facility. It also restricts your activities, and modesty would not allow this in any case.
Swimming
In most female-only schools, there are always male teachers around. Hence wearing even body suits is not sufficient, therefore to remove yourself from this activity is the only solution. There are some female-only baths or swimming complexes, yet even this is not suitable for the purposes of Muslim women. The following tradition treats this point:
"Some women from
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]
It is not only a problem of Satr, but also revealing yourself to disbelievers, an important point which ssisters are ignoranor careless of. Permission for a Muslim woman to reveal her hair, arms etc. is permitted to her husband, father, mother and so on.
Non-Muslim women are excluded from this permission, because contact with them might easily lead to disastrous results. That is why the Khalif 'Umar wrote to Abu 'Ubaidah Ibn al-Jarrah, the Governor of Syria, to prohibit the Muslim women from going to the baths with the women of the Ahl al-Kitab (the People of the Book).
[At-Tabari, Ibn Jazir].
According to Ibn 'Abbas "...a Muslim woman is not allowed to display herself before the women of the unbelievers and non-Muslim poll-tax payers (Ahl al-Dhimmah) any more than she can display herself before other men"
[At-Tabari].
This distinction between women on grounds of character and religion is intended to safeguard Muslim women against the influence of women whose moral and cultural background is either not known or is objectionable from the Islamic point of view.
Gyms
Although many women-only gyms have become popular, we have the same problem as with baths, that being in the presence of non-Muslim women. However, as long as loose clothing is worn along with proper head covering, this problem can be avoided.
Self-Defence
Particularly in Western countries, this is an important form of popular exercise. Sisters must be careful to train only with other women, to maintain loose clothing and head cover, and not to attack at the head, as the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has forbidden us to hit on the face while training.
Watching Sport
Many sisters find themselves in situations where they will be watching sports on TV, at school carnivals, or going to matches. Stadiums are not advisable places for Muslims in general, because of the language, drinking and scenery. Allah has commanded the believing women to lower their gaze, and sport comes as no exception, especially with guys in shorts.
Other Points
Sports and exercise should be judged according to the level of modesty involved. Games such as netball played in a public arena is not befitting to the honour of a Muslimah. No compromises can be made in terms of clothing or mixing. Public showers at female schools is totally forbidden. Many sisters will also apply deodorants after a work-out. What must be kept in mind is the Prophet's warning on a fragrant perfumes: "The woman who perfumes herself and passes through a gathering is an adulteress." Some fragrant-free deodorants are available, otherwise apply enough so that the fragrance is not apparent.
A married woman must also have the permission of her husband beforehand, and must ensure that non of her duties as a wife are being sacrificed as a result of her activities.
To keep in line with today's excessive and unwarranted demands for women to have a "supermodel" physique, many sisters will exercise for this sole purpose, only adding more stress and anguish to themselves. Keep it as a fun activity, involve your husband with it and make it an intimate part of your marriage life. Keep in mind that over-exercising can result in unrepairable tissue damage, and will turn you off it. Bodily exhaustion is not called for, as Allah (subhanahu wa Ta'ala) tells us: "Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope."
[2: 286].
Unveiling Myths: Muslim Women and Sport
[Sarah J. Murray]
Imagine a woman draped in a traditional Muslim headscarf and dress. What do you presume exists behind that sanctimonious shield of modesty? Do you envision a sports bra beneath those folds? How about chiseled abs and a competitive sneer? Although it is entirely possible that an athlete exists in the hijab, rarely does she exist in our imagination. Many Americans have been conditioned by media, politics and prejudice to associate women of Islam with notions of oppression and indignity. This pity is both disempowering and largely misdirected.
It can be argued that the Islamic religion is no more misogynistic than much of the Christianity practiced around the world. Fanatical fundamentalism, like that of the notorious Taliban, is a radical deviation from the Islam accepted by much of the world where women are celebrated for their strength, intelligence and even athleticism. The Koran actually encourages physical activity among women - it is the interpretation and extremity of application of the Prophet’s words that dictate the practical applications of Islam relative to women. For example, not all Muslim women follow the same dress code. Some interpretations of Islam mandate that not even a woman’s face be revealed, while others have little or no clothing restrictions. Now, more than ever, we must raise our gaze and open our understanding of women's sports to include the diverse experiences of our Muslim sisters.
As our war tore through Afghanistan this fall, thousands of women gathered in Tehran, Iran, for the third Muslim Women’s Games (formerly the Islamic Countries’ Women’s Games). This event opened the doors of international athletic competition to millions of Muslim women who wear the hijab by addressing one of the most outstanding dilemmas these Muslim women face in athletics: how do elite female athletes compete in athletic attire when their interpretation of the Koran mandates refraining from revealing the beauty of their bodies to men? The answer - create a female-exclusive environment in which to play.
The Muslim Women's Games were only open to men and photographic media during the opening ceremonies when women were covered. Once the games began, males were prohibited from attending, and women were able to compete in volleyball, handball, basketball and even swimming in performance clothing. Although the stadiums with seating capacities of 15,000 were practically empty, the energetic thrill of this athletic opportunity filled each venue. Seven hundred and fifty-three competitors enjoyed unprecedented benefits of a women-only sporting environment including no gender inequity and an all-female support staff - from coaches to trainers, referees and even journalists.
The women taking part in the Muslim Women's Games were not pleading to play with the boys - they were creating a sports sphere to call their own.
The Muslim Women's Games provided a solid foundation for growth and progress. A woman who wears the hijab now has an exclusive international forum in which to compete. Unfortunately, her plight becomes much more complicated when considering the possibility of her participating in the Olympic Games.
Muslim women have historically competed in the Olympic Games both in and out of the hijab and have experienced varying degrees of acceptance from their homelands. In the 1992 Olympic Games, Algerian Hassiba Boulmerka won the 1500 meters in men’s shorts. Instead of celebrating the first Algerian to accomplish such a feat, fundamentalists denounced her victory for "running with naked legs in front of thousands of men." Boulmerka was forced into exile following the Olympic Games because of death threats from her fellow countrymen.
Iranian women, on the other hand, chose to compete in the hijab at the Olympic Games in
The claim that Muslim women are in any way excluded from competing at the Olympic Games is fiercely opposed by Anita Defrantz,
Why then, if Muslim women are indeed playing sports internationally, do Americans not have so much as a misunderstanding, but rather a missing understanding of their participation?
An answer might be this: Americans create understanding through the thousands of visual images they encounter every day, and pictures are largely responsible for shaping our view of sport. We are limited to a very narrow, or even absent view of Muslim women athletes. According to Faezeh Hashemi, hijab-wearing Muslim women typically cannot be visually represented playing sports in performance clothing and remain in synch with the mandates of Islam. She claims that this is no excuse for Iranian and foreign press to avoid half the Muslim population.
Radio, television, print and Internet publications could have a dramatic effect on the growth of women's sports in predominantly Muslim countries. However, this is a challenging task that calls for creative verbal imagery and a dedicated media. Ambitious women's sports coverage remains a virtual oxymoron in the
In consideration of the existence and advancement of women's sports in Muslim countries, let's ask ourselves one question: what if a prodigal Mia Hamm is growing up in
The Women's Sports Foundation exists as the center of belief in the power of play in girls and women's lives. We believe that the benefits derived from sport are keys to universal notions of good health, confidence, success and overall happiness. To promote truly global growth of female athleticism, we must sow and nurture the seeds of recognition, empowerment and equality in Muslim countries as we do at home. It wasn't long ago that American female cyclists wore petticoats and tennis players donned corsets. What matters is not what an athlete wears to play but the fact that she participates and takes from the sporting experience. We have struggled for decades to provide women with equal opportunity in sport and have overcome both the prejudices and extremist discrimination that keep Muslim women's sports unexposed and underdeveloped today. For the sake of unity and humanity, it's time to unveil the myths and truly celebrate the glorious participation of all women in sports.
Copyright Women's Sports Foundation ©2003
Before you regret
[Harun Yahya]
Occasionally a person faces various physical and spiritual sorrows and troubles in the world. Amongst these are feelings so intense that they cannot be compared with any other physical pain. This feeling that causes such great distress in the human soul is a feeling called "regret."
There are two completely different forms of regret, however. The regret felt by people of faith and the regret that non-believers experience. These two feelings are extremely different from one another.
Believers are the people who have an absolute faith in the fact that events take place by Allah's Will, and whatever befalls them does so by Allah's Will. This explains their all-important distinctive attribute of putting their unyielding trust in Allah, at good times, in trouble or when they make a mistake. The Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out the strong character of the believer with a comparison in the hadith below:
The similitude of a believer is that of a standing crop in a field which is shaken by wind and then it comes to its original position but it stands at its roots.
[Muslim]
Upon making a mistake, a believer immediately repents with sincerity and hopes for Allah's forgiveness. As a result, he does not suffer from a distressful and long-lived feeling of regret. The regret felt by believers urges them to ask for repentance, to purify themselves and prevents them from repeating this error. It helps them rectify their errors and prevents them from plunging into a distressful and pessimistic mood. Moreover, this regret does not reduce their enthusiasm, devotion, or religious zeal nor does it drag them downward into a spiral of apprehension and depression.
Regret felt by disbelievers, on the other hand, is very distressing and long-lasting, as they do not put their trust in Allah when they encounter a difficulty or commit a transgression. Throughout their lives, they often use phrases like "I wish I had not done this..." "I wish I had never said this...," and so on.
More importantly, they are subject to a much greater regret in the Hereafter. Those who lived a life apart from the religion (deen) in this world will regret every misguided moment of their lives. They were warned before and invited to the straight path. They had enough time to contemplate and embrace the right way. Yet they did not listen when they were warned, ignoring the Hereafter as if they would never die. Then in the Hereafter, they will have no chance to get back to this world and correct their errors. In the Qur'an, Allah relates their regretful expressions as follows:
We have warned you of an imminent punishment on the Day when a man will see what he has done, and the disbeliever will say, "Oh, if only I were dust!"
[Surah an-Naba': 40]
If only you could see when they are standing before the Fire and saying, "Oh! If only we could be sent back again, we would not deny the Signs of our Lord and we would be among the believers."
[Surah al-An'am: 27]
They will say, "If only we had really listened and used our intellect, we would not have been Companions of the Blaze."
[Surah al-Mulk: 10]
I wish to warn people against a day when they will regret saying "had we only understood...," "had we only not rejected the signs of our Lord...," "had we only followed those who brought us the message...," "had we only done this and that" etc and to invite them to live for Allah while they still have the chance to correct their wrongs.
Keep in mind that that day no one's regret will save him from Allah's wrath. The only way to avoid this regret is to submit to Allah while there is still time and to comply with the commands of Allah.
Respond to your Lord before a Day comes from Allah which cannot be turned back. On that Day you will have no hiding-place and no means of denial.
[Surah ash-Shura: 47]
Smoking: A Social Poison
Muhammad al-Jibaly
Introduction
Discovery Of Tobacco
Tobacco was discovered by the Spanish sailors on the American shores at about 1500 CE (900 AH). Since its discovery, the epidemic of smoking has continued to spread all over the world. In our times, one seldom finds a house not afflicted by it.
As early as the Seventeenth Century, the European countries realized the dangers of smoking and fought against it Laws were ordained in
Nowadays, the Western countries continue their attempts to protect their peoples from the harms of smoking. They employ media means, ordain laws and regulations, and apply other methods to discourage people from smoking. Because of that, the rate of smokers has declined to a certain degree in those countries.
Smoking Among Muslims
Smoking was introduced to the Muslim countries by the Europeans around 1000 AH. Its spread among the Muslims was similar to that in the West. The unfortunate fact, however, is that in the Muslim countries, no similar measures were exerted to protect the people from it. To the contrary, the media continues to advertise smoking and encourage people to do it. This caused the epidemic of smoking to continue to spread in those countries to such an extent that it has become hard to control.
Smoking has become the rule, and abstaining from it the exception. Often, people look with astonishment and disdain at a person whom when a cigarette is offered to him, declines to smoke explaining that he does not smoke.
Offering cigarettes to the guests has become among the first rules of hospitality. Anyone who does not offer them to his guests or insist on them to smoke would be violating the ethics of hospitality and generosity!
Furthermore, some of those who pretend to represent the Deen are among the worst addicts to smoking. When they are reproached or reminded of their vice, they respond by providing weak excuses to justify it in the name of Islam. They slyly remark that there is no clear text prohibiting smoking. Therefore, they conclude, smoking is not prohibited, but is only makruh (disliked). By this, they provide a poor excuse for the ignorant, and establish a very bad example for others.
Such statements have influenced many Muslims, causing them to fall into the snares of addiction to smoking. This is observed all over the world. A striking example is that All-American airlines now prohibit smoking, even on most international flights; on the other hand, for Muslim airlines, one travels in a near-suffocation state, even on short trips, because of the high number of smokers.
Thus, it becomes incumbent to write an article which provides evidence concerning the ruling of smoking in Islam. We hope that this will benefit our Muslim brothers and sisters; and we ask Allah to accept it from us as a sincere deed for His pleasure.
Definition
Smoking refers to the action of lighting a cigarette, a pipe, a cigar, a water pipe, or any other object made from tobacco or materials of similar effects. The object is then sucked on with the lips to extract smoke. This smoke is inhaled into the chest and then exhaled from the nose and mouth as a thick white smoke. "Smoking" is now used to refer to the action of producing this smoke in English, Arabic, and other languages.
Evidence for the Prohibition of Smoking
There are many reasons, any one of which sufficient to rule smoking prohibited. Most importantly, it is harmful in numerous ways. It is harmful to the Deen, health, environment, family, brotherhood and social relations, property, etc. The following sections will briefly outline some of its harms and evils.
Haram To The Deen
Smoking spoils a person's acts of worship and reduces their rewards. For instance, it spoils the prayer, which is the pillar of Deen. Allah's Messenger said: Whoever eats garlic or onion, let him avoid us and our masjid, and stay in his home. The angels are surely hurt by things that hurt the human beings(1)
Those with clean and undefiled fitrah (nature) have no doubt that the smell emanating from the mouth of a smoker is worse and more foul than that from the mouth of one who ate garlic or onion. Thus, a smoker is in between two options, either to harm the praying people and the angels with his foul smell, or miss the prayer in jama'ah.
Smoking also spoils fasting. Fasting is very hard for the smoker. As soon as the day is over, he hastens to break his fast on an evil cigarette instead of sweet dates or pure water. Even if he fasts through the month Ramadan, a smoker is reluctant to fast on other days. Thus he loses the great reward of those who fast even one day in Allah's way.
Harm To The Human Body
No one can deny the harm of smoking to the human body. The medical evidence for this is well established and overwhelming. Because of this, the law in the
Smoking contains poisonous materials, such as nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, arsenic, benzopyrene, etc., that the smoker swallows in small proportions. Their harm accumulates with time to result in a gradual killing of the human organs and tissues.
The hazards of smoking t