Ramadan Kareem! (phase 1)

The wisdom behind fasting

One of the commands of Allah which He made people partly aware of the wisdom behind it, is fasting. Fasting has many inwardly and outwardly benefits, on the individual and the community. The following are some of these benefits which can be recognized by reason:

Attaining piety: Allah Says (what means): “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become pious” [Quran 2: 183]

Diminishing the strength of ones desires: Eating to one’s fill and quenching the thirst and enjoying one’s wife all the time can lead one to heedlessness and to ingratitude.

Narrowing the passage of the devil: Satan runs in the blood of the son of Adam and fasting narrows his passage and thus lessens his effects, reduces one’s desires and calms one’s anger.

Strengthening one’s willpower and determination: One, who can tolerate the pain of hunger and thirst and controls himself from having a sexual relation with his spouse whilst fasting, will strengthen his determination and willpower. This frees the person from being enslaved to his lusts and desires that are harmful to him.

Breaking one out of his regular routine: Some people lose their temper and become ill-mannered if their meal was delayed from its normal time or if they do not drink their morning coffee or afternoon tea. They have become so accustomed to a certain routine that changing it creates a problem for them. Such people are slaves to their routine and habits, and fasting helps the person overcome this behavior.
Realizing the size of the bounties of Allah: Fasting makes rich people appreciate the favors of Allah upon him, because Allah has granted him what He has deprived many other poor people from. Refraining from such bounties and blessings for a short period through fasting, reminds the rich with those who are continuously deprived, and thus become grateful to Allah and more merciful towards the needy.

Increases the sense of honesty: The one who breaks the fast is breaching the pledge with Allah and thus fasting improves and increases his sense of honesty when he refrains from anything that could break his fast even whilst in seclusion.

Medical benefits: Fasting protects the person from many diseases with the will of Allaah. Modern research proved that fasting has many health benefits, such as:
It organizes the person’s heart-beat and relaxes it since no blood is needed for digestion.
It purifies the blood from fat and cholesterol and acids.
It relieves the liver from the regular pressure.
It reduces the production of the digestive glands which is usually the cause for ulcers.
It protects the person from gaining weight, diabetes, kidney stones.
It reduces the pressure on the hear t arteries.
Some people are unable to fast due to their sickness, and thus Allah permitted them to break their fast whilst sick and mandated that they make up for the days they missed.

Allah Says (what means): “So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them]-then an equal number of days [are to be made up]”

[Quran: 2: 184]

:: source from ‘Serving Islam Team’

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How to Enhance our Natural Beauty?

A fact about beauty from a psychologist:

“Attractive people are paid more, judged more intelligent and will receive more attention in most facets of life,” says Ingrid Olson, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Research shows that there are “tremendous social and economic benefits to being attractive.”

So, beauty isn’t about perfect and fair skin,  blonde curls, long and silky hair or Vera Wang dresses and Jimmy Choo shoes. Your appeal is influenced by how you treat others, your activities, and your personality. Here, I’ve rounded up unexpected tips for enhancing natural beauty – and they don’t cost thousands of dollars or involve cosmetic surgery.

Tips for Enhancing Your Natural Beauty

Tell the truth to stay beautiful.

Being dishonest or disrespectful changes your appearance. “Acting ungraciously makes you more likely to frown or raise your eyebrows in arrogance, causing forehead lines. Lying produces inner tension that causes tightness around the mouth and lines around the eyes,” says character coach Susanne Alexander. “Resentment or unforgiveness can cause unhappy facial lines, such as a downturned mouth.” A tip for enhancing natural beauty is to act graciously as much as possible. Practice acceptance, gentleness, and patience – which all can reduce facial tension and increase natural beauty.

Be curious about other people.

“People are flattered when you find them appealing – and they naturally reciprocate,” says Dr Ann Demarais, psychologist and co-author of the book First Impressions: What You Don’t Know About How Others See You. A tip for enhancing natural beauty is to accept, like, and be interested in other people. “Showing interest in others is a component of confidence,” says Dr Demarais. “And when you’re confident, you appear more attractive.” Confidence involves making eye contact, smiling, wearing the clothes you love, and exuding positive energy.

Do the work you love.

Dr. Debra Condren, business psychologist and author of Ambition is Not a Dirty Word says, “Loving your work and unapologetically following your dreams is the secret beauty elixir women never hear about. Doing meaningful, challenging work will make you glow with an inner and outer beauty, which no cosmetic or surgery or makeup can imitate.” A tip for enhancing natural beauty is to check in with yourself daily to stay in touch with your ambitions and desires. The more tuned in you are to what you really want out of work and life, the more beautiful you’ll be.

Give yourself room to breath.

“If you live in a cluttered environment, you tend to feel overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted,” says life coach Dana Korey. “How you feel affects your appearance.

If you’re tired, depressed or anxious – common reactions to disorganization – then you’re not happy or approachable.” A tip for enhancing natural beauty is to stay focused, let go of critical thoughts, and take deep calming breaths. Korey says, “The feeling of nirvana that overtakes organized women creates radiance and inner peace…and that’s something no cosmetic could duplicate.”

:: These four tips for enhancing your natural beauty were excerpted from an article by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen for Woman’s Day.com.

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I Wish I could Save You…

hola everyone..

In this entry I wanna post one of my favorite song at this moment a.k.a a very inspirational song indeed! First time i heard this song, it catches me so much n makes me wanna hear it again n again.. The lyric is simple but meaningful.. Well, when it comes to CANCER, everything are meaningful esp for the survivors..

OK folks, enjoy the song! (the lyric is provided below)

Take a breath I pull myself together
Just another step until I reach the door
You'll never know the way it tears me up inside to see you 

Ooh Ooh
I wish that I could tell you something
Ooh Ooh
To take it all away 

Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there's so many things that I want you to know
I won't give up til it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know 

When I hear your voice it's drowning in the whispers
You're just skin and bones
There's nothing left to take and no matter what I do
I can't make you feel better 

Ooh Ooh
If only I could find the answer
Ooh Ooh
To help me understand 

Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there's so many things that I want you to know
I won't give up til it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know that 

If you fall, stumble down
I'll pick you up off the ground
If you lose faith in you
I'll give you strength to pull through
Tell me you won't give up
Cause I'll be waiting if you fall you know
I'll be there for you 

Ooh Ooh
If only I could find the answer
Ooh Ooh
To take it all away 

Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there's so many things that I want you to know
I won't give up til it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know 

I wish I could save you
I want you to know
I wish I could save you

:: p/s– don’t forget to always support n give a helping hand to our relatives n friends that suffers from cancer.. show them that u care!

**PEACE**

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WE WILL NOT GO DOWN (Song for Gaza)

(Composed by Michael Heart)
Copyright 2009

A blinding flash of white light
Lit up the sky over Gaza tonight
People running for cover
Not knowing whether they’re dead or alive

They came with their tanks and their planes
With ravaging fiery flames
And nothing remains
Just a voice rising up in the smoky haze

We will not go down
In the night, without a fight
You can burn up our mosques and our homes and our schools
But our spirit will never die
We will not go down
In Gaza tonight

Women and children alike
Murdered and massacred night after night
While the so-called leaders of countries afar
Debated on who’s wrong or right

But their powerless words were in vain
And the bombs fell down like acid rain
But through the tears and the blood and the pain
You can still hear that voice through the smoky haze

We will not go down
In the night, without a fight
You can burn up our mosques and our homes and our schools
But our spirit will never die
We will not go down
In Gaza tonight

:: p/s – This song is dedicated for all muslim especially our brothers and sisters in Palestine.

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PALESTINE Oh PALESTINE!

Tahun baru masihi 2009 kali ini membuka tirainya dengan penuh duka dan luka. Rejim Zionis yahudi la’natullah telah melakukan tindakan bacul dan biadap tanpa perikemanusiaan dengan menyerang dan membunuh rakyat Palestin secara membabi-buta, tanpa mengira masyarakat awam yang tidak bersenjata dengan pejuang HAMAS yang mereka buru. Merekalah sebiadap-biadap insan di muka bumi ini. Firman Allah SWT:

“Orang-orang Yahudi dan Nasrani tidak sekali-kali akan redha kepadamu (wahai Muhammad) sehingga Engkau menurut agama mereka (yang telah terpesong itu).

Katakanlah (kepada mereka): “Sesungguhnya petunjuk Allah (agama Islam) itulah petunjuk yang benar”. dan demi sesungguhnya jika Engkau menurut kehendak hawa nafsu mereka sesudah datangnya (wahyu yang memberi) pengetahuan kepadamu (tentang kebenaran), maka tiadalah Engkau akan peroleh dari Allah (sesuatupun) yang dapat mengawal dan memberi pertolongan kepadamu.” [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:120]

Peristiwa ini telah menyebabkan ramai pihak menjadi ‘ringan tangan’ ingin menghulurkan bantuan dalam apa saja bentuk yang mereka termampu berpaksikan rasa simpati kemanusiaan yang ada di dalam diri mereka. Ada yang menghulurkan sumbangan dari segi harta (wang ringgit), ada pula yang menyumbang dalam bentuk pakaian dan ubat-ubatan, dan ada pula yang mengambil langkah mendo’akan dibantunya saudara seislam di Palestin dan dihancurkan bangsa Yahudi zionis Israel.

Bantu dengan Doa dan Qunut Nazilah

Dalil disyariatkan qunut nazilah ini adalah sebagaimana yang diriwayatkan oleh Abdullah ibnu Abbas r.a, dia berkata:

“Rasulullah s.a.w. telah berqunut sebulan berturut-turut dalam solat Zuhur, Asar, Maghrib, Isyak dan Subuh iaitu dalam rakaat terakhir ketika iktidal sehabis mengucapkan ‘sami’allahuliman hamidah.’ Di situ baginda berdoa untuk kebinasaan Banu Sulaim, Ra’al, Dzakwan dan Ushaiyah, sedang makmum yang di belakangnya mengaminkan doa itu.” – Hadis riwayat Imam Abu Dawud dalam Sunannya. No: 1231

Anas bin Malik pula telah berkata:

“Rasulullah s.a.w. tidaklah pernah berdoa selepas bangun daripada rukuk kecuali untuk memohon kebaikan kepada orang ramai atau mengutuk sesetengah kaum itu.” – Hadis riwayat Ibnu Khuzaimah dalam Sahih Ibnu Khuzaimah dan juga diriwayatkan oleh al-Hafidz Ibnu Hajar dalam Bulughul Maram, no: 0242

Mengerjakan qunut nazilah ketika terjadinya bencana dalam kaum Muslimin merupakan pegangan mazhab Syafi’i, Hanafi dan juga Hambali.

Berkaitan dengan perlaksanaan qunut nazilah ini Syaikh al-Mubarakfury telah berkata: Ini memang dikhususkan pada hari-hari genting dan ketika terjadinya peristiwa menakutkan atau bencana, kerana Nabi s.a.w. tidak pernah membaca qunut kecuali untuk mendoakan kebaikan bagi kaum muslimin atau memohonkan kebinasaan kaum kafir – Dinukil dari kitab Taudhih al-Ahkam Min Bulughul Maram karangan Abdullah bin Abdurrahaman al-Bassam, jilid 2, ms. 236

Di antara lafaz-lafaz doa yang pernah Rasulullah s.a.w. ketika qunut nazilah adalah seperti berikut:

Ya Allah, Selamatkan al-Walid bin al-Walid, Salamah bin Hisyam, Ayyash bin Abi Rabi’ah serta orang-orang beriman yang tertindas. Ya Allah. Timpakanlah kecelakaan daripada Mu kepada penduduk Mudhar, jadikanlah mereka atas mereka seperti tahun-tahun Yusuf (masa kemarau). – Hadis riwayat Imam al-Bukhari di dalam Sahihnya no: 804

Ya Allah, Laknatlah fulan, fulan dan fulan – Hadis riwayat Imam al-Bukhari di dalam Sahihnya no: 4559

Untuk situasi sekarang ini maka di dalam lafaz doa qunut nazilah tersebut hendaklah kita mendoakan keselamatan bagi rakyat Palestine dan ditimpakan kecelakaan terhadap rejim Zionis dan penyokong-penyokong kekejaman mereka.

Qunut nazilah ini dilaksanakan setelah mengucapkan ‘sami’allahuliman hamidah’ ketika bangun dari posisi rukuk. Hendaklah imam mengeraskan suaranya ketika berdoa dan makmun dibelakangnya mengaminkan doa tersebut. Inilah sunnah Rasulullah s.a.w. ketika terjadinya musibah yang melanda kaum Muslimin.

Source:

1. http://www.al-fikrah.net
2. http://akob73.blogspot.com
3. http://purify-educate.blogspot.com

 

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7 surprising things about green tea

As we know that, drinking green tea is undoubtedly good for our bodies. The antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties of green tea have made it a must-have for the health conscious and numerous studies highlight the potential benefits of green tea including cancer prevention and weight loss.

But green tea isn’t just a delicious and healthful drink; it can also be used as an at-home health and beauty remedy. Read on to find out.

1. It can reduce puffy peepers: Stayed out too late last night? Soaking a cotton pad in green tea and placing it over eyes for 10 minutes can reduce the puffiness of tired eyes, making you look revitalized and refreshed.

2. It can soothe skin: Spent a little too much time in the sun? Use the naturally calming properties of green tea to soothe sunburned skin. Place green tea in a spray bottle and mist on sunburned areas for all-natural relief. Because it has anti-bacterial qualities, green tea can also be used as an antiseptic to spray on skin blemishes or irritations.

3. It’s great for teeth: Green tea has fluoride in it, making it a superstar for keeping gums and teeth healthy. Green tea can even be used as a mouthwash to maintain breath.

4. It can soothe sore throats: The anti-viral effects of green tea make it an excellent remedy to help prevent the effects of a cold or flu. In fact, you can gargle with green tea to soothe a sore throat.

5. It’s good for the bones: Naturally high in minerals, green tea aids in strong bone density, which is important for maintaining good posture.

6. It’s a room deodorizer: Green tea leaves have traditionally been used to naturally absorb odors in a room. Place tea leaves in a bowl to help absorb unpleasant odors or leave some in the fridge in place of baking soda.

7. It’s good for the feet: Soaking tired feet in green tea can prevent unpleasant fungal infections.

:: excerpted from marieclaire.com

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EID Mubarak!

SALAM and Greetings to all my friends…

Just wanna wish all Muslims, Eid Mubarak…Sorry for late wish but better late than never… 🙂

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Laughter is always the best medicine!

Researchers weren’t kidding when they said laughter is the best medicine. Although it shouldn’t be the be-all or end-all in your fitness regime, we’ve got some excellent reasons why you should make laughing for at least five minutes a day your priority.

It’s a good workout

Studies have shown that 20 seconds of a good, hearty belly laugh is worth three minutes on the rowing machine because it increases our heart rate and pulse. It also tones muscles.

It boosts emotional and physical health

Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases antibodies, strengthens your immune system as well as acts as a natural painkiller. Not only that, a study found that people with heart disease were 40% less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease. Laughing, apparently, can help protect you against heart attacks!

It makes you smarter

Laughter stimulates both sides of the brain to enhance learning. By easing muscle tension and psychological stress, laughing keeps the brain alert and allows people to retain more information.

It turns you into a sex god/goddess

It’s a well-known fact that men like women who laugh in their presence. Meanwhile, women tend to gravitate towards someone funny whom they’re able to share a laughter or two with. Romantic relationships based on playfulness and humour also tend to last longer.

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