Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa is a term coined by Dr. Steven Bratman, a Colorado MD, to denote an eating disorder characterized by a fixation on eating what the sufferer considers to be healthful food, which can ultimately lead to early death.
Bratman coined the term in 1997 from the Greek orthos, "correct or right", and orexis for "appetite". Literally "correct appetite", the word is modeled on anorexia, "without appetite". Bratman describes orthorexia as an unhealthy obsession (as in obsessive-compulsive disorder) with what the sufferer considers to be healthy eating. The subject may avoid certain foods, such as those containing fats, preservatives, or animal products, and suffer malnutrition.
A person with orthorexia nervosa is obsessed with what they believe is healthy eating. They may take a healthy diet to extremes. For instance, someone with orthorexia may begin following the Atkins diet, which restricts carbohydrates. They may then cut all carbs from their diet. While a diet of limited carbs may be healthy (and that’s debatable), a diet with no carbs is definitely not healthy.
Orthorexics often avoid processed foods, which are considered “artificial,” and preserved products, which are believed to be “dangerous.” Animal products are often avoided as well. The diet may be limited to only a few “safe” foods, for instance fresh fruits and vegetables.
The problem is that it’s impossible to live on only fruits and vegetables. People with orthorexia nervosa are often unhealthily thin. They are malnourished. They believe they are eating a healthy diet but in reality, they are not. Their diet is lacking in many key nutrients, such as protein, iron, and B vitamins. They suffer many of the health problems suffered by people with anorexia, and the condition can even be fatal.
Symptoms of orthorexia nervosa may include obsession with healthy eating, emaciation, and death by starvation. Orthorexic subjects typically have specific feelings towards different types of food. Preserved products are described as "dangerous", industrially produced products as "artificial", and biological products as "healthy". Sufferers demonstrate a strong or uncontrollable desire to eat when feeling nervous, excited, happy or guilty.
Orthorexia nervosa has a higher prevalence in men and in those with a lower level of education.
People with orthorexia are often unhealthily thin. They may suffer from dizziness and fainting, weakness and fatigue, anemia, hypotension (low blood pressure), and more serious medical problems. In severe cases, heart problems can occur, which can be fatal.
Treatment for orthorexia nervosa must begin with stabilizing any medical problems, if existent.
Education about proper nutrition is an important part of treatment. People with orthorexia are often resistant to this part of treatment because they believe they know what a healthy diet is, and that their diet is healthy. They are proud of their dietary choices.
Counseling is also recommended. It can help orthorexics increase self-esteem and set more realistic expectations for themselves.
People with orthorexia are often socially isolated by their condition. Their obsession with food and their eating habits leave them little time to develop social relationships. Their eating habits prevent them from going out to dinner with friends. As this changes, increasing social support is an important component of treatment.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tercabar iman kah ego?
Sebut saja...muallaf.....ada beragam pendapat mengenainya.
Bagi yg berfikiran negatif...ala mualaf ni, bukan boleh percaya.....awal-awal memanglah,sungguh-sungguh...lepas tu ..angat2 tai ayam....silap-silap murtad pulak...
Bagi yg berfikiran positif pula...alhamdulillah...Allah berikan hidayah padanya...moga-moga makin kukuhlah Dinul Islam kita....
Hm, apapun komen orang-orang di sekeliling kita, secara jujur, seringkali saya merasa kita sebagai umat Islam, apalagi yang terlahir dari ibu bapa yg memang beragama Islam, berasal dari generasi nenek moyang yang juga penganut Islam.....secara sedar atau pun tidak, justru menganggap Islam sebagai sesuatu yang mudah....sesuatu yang hanya diwarisi dari satu generasi ke generasi...amat jarang diantara kita yang memahami konsep "iman tak dapat diwarisi dari seorang ayah yang bertakwa".
Kita seringkali beranggapan, meski tak selalu dan tak semua, kalau ibu bapanya ustadz/alim 'ulama, si anak mestilah begitu juga. Tak salah kalau beranggapan demikian kerana ibu bapa yg baik, yg soleh akan berusaha sedaya upaya untuk mendidik anak-anaknya agar menjadi hamba Allah yang soleh dan solehah...tapi tak juga dinafikan, berapa ramai di luar sana...ibu bapa yang mempunyai latar belakang pendidikan agama yang baik.
Bukanlah saya nak kita semua mengaji bab akhirat saja, tapi anak-anak kita, generasi muda kita perlukan ilmu akhirat sebagai bekalan di masa hadapan mereka agar tak terpesong ke jalan yang salah, jalan yg tak diredhoi Allah.
Kembali kepada muallaf.....justru seringkali orang yang baru memeluk Islam, begitu bergairah untuk memahami Islam, sehingga pada akhirnya kefahaman dan praktek Islam mereka dalam hidup keseharian justru amat luar biasa, melebihi standard orang Islam "sejati" yang hanya mendapatkannya secara "warisan".
Pabila benda serupa ini berlaku, mari sama-sama kita renungkan...samada kita rasa tercabar iman atau tercabar ego. Pabila kita tercabar iman, kita akan lebih termotivasi untuk menjadi muslim yang lebih baik...... pabila tercabar ego, kita cuma mampu memberikan senyuman sinis dan pandangan melecehkan pada saudara baru kita. Jadi, pikir-pikirkanlah.....
Bagi yg berfikiran negatif...ala mualaf ni, bukan boleh percaya.....awal-awal memanglah,sungguh-sungguh...lepas tu ..angat2 tai ayam....silap-silap murtad pulak...
Bagi yg berfikiran positif pula...alhamdulillah...Allah berikan hidayah padanya...moga-moga makin kukuhlah Dinul Islam kita....
Hm, apapun komen orang-orang di sekeliling kita, secara jujur, seringkali saya merasa kita sebagai umat Islam, apalagi yang terlahir dari ibu bapa yg memang beragama Islam, berasal dari generasi nenek moyang yang juga penganut Islam.....secara sedar atau pun tidak, justru menganggap Islam sebagai sesuatu yang mudah....sesuatu yang hanya diwarisi dari satu generasi ke generasi...amat jarang diantara kita yang memahami konsep "iman tak dapat diwarisi dari seorang ayah yang bertakwa".
Kita seringkali beranggapan, meski tak selalu dan tak semua, kalau ibu bapanya ustadz/alim 'ulama, si anak mestilah begitu juga. Tak salah kalau beranggapan demikian kerana ibu bapa yg baik, yg soleh akan berusaha sedaya upaya untuk mendidik anak-anaknya agar menjadi hamba Allah yang soleh dan solehah...tapi tak juga dinafikan, berapa ramai di luar sana...ibu bapa yang mempunyai latar belakang pendidikan agama yang baik.
Bukanlah saya nak kita semua mengaji bab akhirat saja, tapi anak-anak kita, generasi muda kita perlukan ilmu akhirat sebagai bekalan di masa hadapan mereka agar tak terpesong ke jalan yang salah, jalan yg tak diredhoi Allah.
Kembali kepada muallaf.....justru seringkali orang yang baru memeluk Islam, begitu bergairah untuk memahami Islam, sehingga pada akhirnya kefahaman dan praktek Islam mereka dalam hidup keseharian justru amat luar biasa, melebihi standard orang Islam "sejati" yang hanya mendapatkannya secara "warisan".
Pabila benda serupa ini berlaku, mari sama-sama kita renungkan...samada kita rasa tercabar iman atau tercabar ego. Pabila kita tercabar iman, kita akan lebih termotivasi untuk menjadi muslim yang lebih baik...... pabila tercabar ego, kita cuma mampu memberikan senyuman sinis dan pandangan melecehkan pada saudara baru kita. Jadi, pikir-pikirkanlah.....
Friday, April 23, 2010
Seven Habits
Here are at least seven habits indispensable for highly successful Muslim youth, derived entirely from the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and Ahlul Bayt (peace and blessings be upon them).
1. Be Truthful
Being truthful is not always easy, especially when we make a mistake. We fret over whether or not to disclose exactly what happened. We sweat, we are afraid, we feel nervous and anxious. We are often afraid that if we tell the truth about what we have done or said, we will be in trouble with our parents or friends. What we forget is that whether we tell the truth or not, Allah Most High knows exactly what took place, even those things that were never manifest or visible to people around us. Despite how burdensome telling the truth might seem, all of us are aware of the feeling of relief we experience when we tell the truth, even if the consequence of telling the truth is punishment. Casting the telling of truth and the fate of the truthful in terms of profit and loss, Allah Most High tells us in the Qur'an
[This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath - their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).] (Al-Ma'idah 5:119)
So much is to be gained from being truthful as opposed to escaping punishment or blame because of not being truthful. Not being truthful, in fact, leads us down a slippery slope, guaranteeing that with one lie, more lies must be told. Being truthful is not an option for Muslims, but rather an obligation, because our goal in being truthful is Paradise. The beloved of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), said, Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to al-fujur [wickedness, evil-doing], and al-fujur leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar." (Sahih Bukhari)
Ultimate success is therefore achieved by living one's entire life - the youthful years, the adult years, and the elderly years - being truthful.
2. Be Trustworthy
Who do you rely on? Of course, Allah (SWT). He is indeed the Most Trustworthy. But among humans, who do you rely on? Who can you trust to come through for you all the time? Do people rely on you? Are you considered trustworthy? Moving ahead in life, achieving ultimate success, requires that people consider you trustworthy and reliable. Being trustworthy should not be an arbitrary activity but rather a habit so that you can be relied upon in all instances, big or small, convenient or inconvenient, easy or difficult.
In colloquial terms, we often hear "I've got your back," implying, in the most literal sense, that people cannot see what is behind them so they need to rely on their friends to cover that angle, just in case a threat occurs from the back. Just imagine what it would be like if a friend were climbing a tree and was heading out onto a very thin branch to get a kite that got stuck there. He asks you if you "have his back." In this instance, he is relying on you entirely to hold on to him in case the branch breaks. There is no room for joking around or for being distracted: your friend is trusting you with his life.
When we say Allah is the Most Trustworthy, we are coming to terms with the fact that Allah Most High will never let us down, will never leave our side. He, Most High, says about someone who willingly accepts Islam,
[Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah Heareth and Knoweth all things.] (Al-Baqarah 2:256)
Practice daily developing the habit of being trustworthy. Accept responsibility and then fulfill it. When others trust you, do not betray their trust.
You can read in the beautiful biography of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) how people used to entrust him with their valuables, knowing that upon their return they would find their valuables safe and unharmed. His personal and business practices were commendable to the degree that he was known for it in his community, even before he became aware that he was the Prophet of Allah, literally one who is most truthful and trustworthy.
3. Have Self-Restraint and Be God-Conscious
Perhaps the most difficult challenge while navigating adolescence is to restrain oneself from falling victim to one's desires - especially one's lower desires.
Our success in life depends to a great extent on how well we are able to restrain ourselves and to be moderate in what is permissible, as well as how capable we are of distancing ourselves from what is impermissible.
Why is self-restraint so critical? Satan's goal is to make you a slave of your desires to the extent that you eat until you are actually uncomfortable; that you consume without restraint beverages made of caffeine, sugar, and artificial flavors; that you find yourself longing for sleep more than prayer; and that you yearn to satisfy your sexual desires. Developing self-restraint as a habit entails making self-restraint your second nature - something which is done almost without thought, without too much effort. We are reminded by Allah Most High,
[And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.] (Fussilat 41:5)
In seeking to be highly successful Muslim youth, that is, youth deserving of the greatest fortune, it is imperative that you develop self-restraint. How awesome will it be if you can look back at your life and say to yourself, all praise is due to Allah that I did not succumb to my lower desires and instead exercised self-restraint consistently!
4. Be Thorough
Look around your room. How many unfinished projects do you have? When you work on homework, are you likely to rush through the assignment just so you can be done with it or are you more likely to take your time, to check your work, and most importantly, to be thorough?
Often teachers will grade a report based on how well and to what extent the student covered the topic at hand. Being thorough is not a habit that is developed overnight. The opposite of being thorough is being incomplete, being rushed, and working in haste without any regard for accuracy or quality. The most perfect is Allah Most High, Who perfected creation, Who perfected our religion, and Who guided His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be the most perfect among humans in behavior and in character.
Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'I was sent to perfect good character'.
To be thorough stems from a desire to be perfect to the extent that this is humanly possible. Seeking perfection in our actions and speech from an early age helps us to develop a keen eye, not only for thoroughness in our own life, but also for thoroughness in the lives of those around us. Being thorough in prayer, for example, teaches us to be patient and to concentrate upon the words we are reciting and the different positions of the prayer.
5. Be Focused
One thousand ideas go through your head the moment you stand up for prayer. Is that you? Really? What do you make of those ideas? Do you process them? What about when you are sitting in class? Do you find your mind wandering, daydreaming, and unable to focus on the lecture at hand? Are you likely to use any excuse whatsoever to leave what you are doing?
Developing the habit of being focused ensures that you are awake, alert, and totally motivated to work on and complete the task at hand, whatever it may be. Being distracted early on in childhood by video games or constantly changing scenes on television shows contributes to an inability to concentrate, to focus. Among the best ways to develop focus is to practice praying with deep concentration to the extent that you are almost unaware of your surroundings. Allah Most High tells us in the Qur'an that the believers are
[those who humble themselves in their prayers] (Al-Mu'minun 23:2)
The humility referred to here results from total focus and concentration on the fact that one is in the presence of Allah, standing before Him, Most High. Do your best to develop focus, no matter what activity you are engaged in - whether in prayer, in academics, in athletics, or some other pastime.
6. Be Punctual
Stop saying over and over again that you are late because of "Muslim standard time," or the "standard time" of your particular ethnicity. The last thing we should attribute to Islam is the notion that its teachings somehow make us late, slow, slugging, and anything but punctual. What a sad state of affairs, indeed, that we attribute our own weaknesses to our religion or ethnicity!
Highly successful individuals, be they Muslim or not, understand and appreciate the value of not only their time but the time of everyone else with whom they interact. Keeping people waiting for hours on end is neither something to be proud of nor a habit that has a place in the mindset of a person who tries to be successful.
One of the central pillars of Islam is prayer, and Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have given us clear reminders that we are to establish prayers at their due times.
When Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked "which deed is the dearest to Allah?" the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." (Sahih Bukhari).
If indeed your day is to be considered successful, you must have prayed all the obligatory prayers at their established times and as many voluntary prayers as possible. If your day is planned around the times of prayer, you should not pray exactly at the time when you are to pray but then come late to all other appointments. Being punctual is a habit which, when perfected, demonstrates to others the tremendous value that Islam places on time - not only ours but that of everyone else with whom we interact.
7. Be Consistent
Apart from all the habits listed above, perhaps the one that is sure to help you become a highly successful Muslim youth is that of being consistent. One cannot be truthful one day and a liar the next; one cannot be trustworthy in one instance and totally unreliable in the next; and so on for each of the other habits. A Muslim understands from an early age that it is easier to do something once or whenever we feel like it but much harder to do something regularly and consistently.
Indeed, the Mother of the Believers A'ishah narrates that "the most beloved action to Allah's Apostle was that which is done continuously and regularly" (Sahih Bukhari).
Regular and consist actions show that a person has thought about it, has intended to do it, has planned to do it, and therefore does it.
We urge you to be as consistent as possible, especially in those areas of your life which need constant improvement, such as your prayers, your fasting, your manners, your studying habits, etc. Do not say, I am going to pray all day every day, or fast voluntarily all of the days of every month, or study all night every night, because such actions cannot be humanly sustained over a long period of time. Say on the other hand, I am going to be sure to read at least one part of the Qur'an every day, or I will strive to help my parents with at least one household chore every day, or I will try to study at least one new item every week so that I can be ahead of the lesson plan.
1. Be Truthful
Being truthful is not always easy, especially when we make a mistake. We fret over whether or not to disclose exactly what happened. We sweat, we are afraid, we feel nervous and anxious. We are often afraid that if we tell the truth about what we have done or said, we will be in trouble with our parents or friends. What we forget is that whether we tell the truth or not, Allah Most High knows exactly what took place, even those things that were never manifest or visible to people around us. Despite how burdensome telling the truth might seem, all of us are aware of the feeling of relief we experience when we tell the truth, even if the consequence of telling the truth is punishment. Casting the telling of truth and the fate of the truthful in terms of profit and loss, Allah Most High tells us in the Qur'an
[This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath - their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).] (Al-Ma'idah 5:119)
So much is to be gained from being truthful as opposed to escaping punishment or blame because of not being truthful. Not being truthful, in fact, leads us down a slippery slope, guaranteeing that with one lie, more lies must be told. Being truthful is not an option for Muslims, but rather an obligation, because our goal in being truthful is Paradise. The beloved of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), said, Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to al-fujur [wickedness, evil-doing], and al-fujur leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar." (Sahih Bukhari)
Ultimate success is therefore achieved by living one's entire life - the youthful years, the adult years, and the elderly years - being truthful.
2. Be Trustworthy
Who do you rely on? Of course, Allah (SWT). He is indeed the Most Trustworthy. But among humans, who do you rely on? Who can you trust to come through for you all the time? Do people rely on you? Are you considered trustworthy? Moving ahead in life, achieving ultimate success, requires that people consider you trustworthy and reliable. Being trustworthy should not be an arbitrary activity but rather a habit so that you can be relied upon in all instances, big or small, convenient or inconvenient, easy or difficult.
In colloquial terms, we often hear "I've got your back," implying, in the most literal sense, that people cannot see what is behind them so they need to rely on their friends to cover that angle, just in case a threat occurs from the back. Just imagine what it would be like if a friend were climbing a tree and was heading out onto a very thin branch to get a kite that got stuck there. He asks you if you "have his back." In this instance, he is relying on you entirely to hold on to him in case the branch breaks. There is no room for joking around or for being distracted: your friend is trusting you with his life.
When we say Allah is the Most Trustworthy, we are coming to terms with the fact that Allah Most High will never let us down, will never leave our side. He, Most High, says about someone who willingly accepts Islam,
[Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah Heareth and Knoweth all things.] (Al-Baqarah 2:256)
Practice daily developing the habit of being trustworthy. Accept responsibility and then fulfill it. When others trust you, do not betray their trust.
You can read in the beautiful biography of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) how people used to entrust him with their valuables, knowing that upon their return they would find their valuables safe and unharmed. His personal and business practices were commendable to the degree that he was known for it in his community, even before he became aware that he was the Prophet of Allah, literally one who is most truthful and trustworthy.
3. Have Self-Restraint and Be God-Conscious
Perhaps the most difficult challenge while navigating adolescence is to restrain oneself from falling victim to one's desires - especially one's lower desires.
Our success in life depends to a great extent on how well we are able to restrain ourselves and to be moderate in what is permissible, as well as how capable we are of distancing ourselves from what is impermissible.
Why is self-restraint so critical? Satan's goal is to make you a slave of your desires to the extent that you eat until you are actually uncomfortable; that you consume without restraint beverages made of caffeine, sugar, and artificial flavors; that you find yourself longing for sleep more than prayer; and that you yearn to satisfy your sexual desires. Developing self-restraint as a habit entails making self-restraint your second nature - something which is done almost without thought, without too much effort. We are reminded by Allah Most High,
[And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.] (Fussilat 41:5)
In seeking to be highly successful Muslim youth, that is, youth deserving of the greatest fortune, it is imperative that you develop self-restraint. How awesome will it be if you can look back at your life and say to yourself, all praise is due to Allah that I did not succumb to my lower desires and instead exercised self-restraint consistently!
4. Be Thorough
Look around your room. How many unfinished projects do you have? When you work on homework, are you likely to rush through the assignment just so you can be done with it or are you more likely to take your time, to check your work, and most importantly, to be thorough?
Often teachers will grade a report based on how well and to what extent the student covered the topic at hand. Being thorough is not a habit that is developed overnight. The opposite of being thorough is being incomplete, being rushed, and working in haste without any regard for accuracy or quality. The most perfect is Allah Most High, Who perfected creation, Who perfected our religion, and Who guided His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be the most perfect among humans in behavior and in character.
Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'I was sent to perfect good character'.
To be thorough stems from a desire to be perfect to the extent that this is humanly possible. Seeking perfection in our actions and speech from an early age helps us to develop a keen eye, not only for thoroughness in our own life, but also for thoroughness in the lives of those around us. Being thorough in prayer, for example, teaches us to be patient and to concentrate upon the words we are reciting and the different positions of the prayer.
5. Be Focused
One thousand ideas go through your head the moment you stand up for prayer. Is that you? Really? What do you make of those ideas? Do you process them? What about when you are sitting in class? Do you find your mind wandering, daydreaming, and unable to focus on the lecture at hand? Are you likely to use any excuse whatsoever to leave what you are doing?
Developing the habit of being focused ensures that you are awake, alert, and totally motivated to work on and complete the task at hand, whatever it may be. Being distracted early on in childhood by video games or constantly changing scenes on television shows contributes to an inability to concentrate, to focus. Among the best ways to develop focus is to practice praying with deep concentration to the extent that you are almost unaware of your surroundings. Allah Most High tells us in the Qur'an that the believers are
[those who humble themselves in their prayers] (Al-Mu'minun 23:2)
The humility referred to here results from total focus and concentration on the fact that one is in the presence of Allah, standing before Him, Most High. Do your best to develop focus, no matter what activity you are engaged in - whether in prayer, in academics, in athletics, or some other pastime.
6. Be Punctual
Stop saying over and over again that you are late because of "Muslim standard time," or the "standard time" of your particular ethnicity. The last thing we should attribute to Islam is the notion that its teachings somehow make us late, slow, slugging, and anything but punctual. What a sad state of affairs, indeed, that we attribute our own weaknesses to our religion or ethnicity!
Highly successful individuals, be they Muslim or not, understand and appreciate the value of not only their time but the time of everyone else with whom they interact. Keeping people waiting for hours on end is neither something to be proud of nor a habit that has a place in the mindset of a person who tries to be successful.
One of the central pillars of Islam is prayer, and Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have given us clear reminders that we are to establish prayers at their due times.
When Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked "which deed is the dearest to Allah?" the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." (Sahih Bukhari).
If indeed your day is to be considered successful, you must have prayed all the obligatory prayers at their established times and as many voluntary prayers as possible. If your day is planned around the times of prayer, you should not pray exactly at the time when you are to pray but then come late to all other appointments. Being punctual is a habit which, when perfected, demonstrates to others the tremendous value that Islam places on time - not only ours but that of everyone else with whom we interact.
7. Be Consistent
Apart from all the habits listed above, perhaps the one that is sure to help you become a highly successful Muslim youth is that of being consistent. One cannot be truthful one day and a liar the next; one cannot be trustworthy in one instance and totally unreliable in the next; and so on for each of the other habits. A Muslim understands from an early age that it is easier to do something once or whenever we feel like it but much harder to do something regularly and consistently.
Indeed, the Mother of the Believers A'ishah narrates that "the most beloved action to Allah's Apostle was that which is done continuously and regularly" (Sahih Bukhari).
Regular and consist actions show that a person has thought about it, has intended to do it, has planned to do it, and therefore does it.
We urge you to be as consistent as possible, especially in those areas of your life which need constant improvement, such as your prayers, your fasting, your manners, your studying habits, etc. Do not say, I am going to pray all day every day, or fast voluntarily all of the days of every month, or study all night every night, because such actions cannot be humanly sustained over a long period of time. Say on the other hand, I am going to be sure to read at least one part of the Qur'an every day, or I will strive to help my parents with at least one household chore every day, or I will try to study at least one new item every week so that I can be ahead of the lesson plan.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Dialogue between Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and a Traveler
A traveler once came to the mosque to see Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). After greeting Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), he was asked where he was from. The traveler replied that he came from very far just to get a few questions answered. Following is the dialogue between the traveler and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Traveler: I do not want punishment (Azaab) to be written in my account.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Behave well with your parents.
Traveler: I want to be known amongst people as an intelligent person.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Fear Allah (SWT) always.
Traveler: I want to be counted amongst Allah's (SWT) favorites.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Recite Noble Qur'an every morning and evening.
Traveler: I want my heart to always be enlightened (Roshan and Munawar).
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Never forget death.
Traveler: I never want to be away from Allah's (SWT) blessing.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always treat fellow creatures well.
Traveler: I never want to be harmed by my enemies.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always have faith in Allah (SWT) only.
Traveler: I never want to be humiliated.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Be careful of your actions.
Traveler: I wish to live long.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always do good towards blood relations (Sile Rahm).
Traveler: I want my sustenance to increase.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always be in ablution (Wudu).
Traveler: I wish to stay free of punishment (Azaab) in the grave.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always wear pure (Paak) clothes.
Traveler: I never want to burn in hell.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Control your eyes and tongue.
Traveler: how do I get my sins forgiven?
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always ask forgiveness from Allah (SWT) with a lot of humility.
Traveler: I want people to respect me always.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Never extend your hands of need at people.
Traveler: I want to always be honored.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Never humiliate or put down anyone.
Traveler: I don't want to be squeezed in the grave (Fishar-e-Qabr).
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Recite Sura-e-Mulk often.
Traveler: I want my wealth to increase.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Recite Sura-e-Waqia every night.
Traveler: I want to be safe and at peace on Day of Judgment.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Do remembrance (Zikr) of Allah (SWT) from dusk to night.
Traveler: I want to be in full attention and concentration during prayer (Namaaz).
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always do ablution (Wudu) with concentration and attention.
Note: The reward for Sile Rahm has been described by Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) in one of his traditions. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) says: "When a person goes towards his relatives so that he can fulfill his rights with his life and his wealth, Allah (SWT) bestows upon him the reward of a martyr at every step he takes. He (Allah) writes down forty thousand Hasana (the unit of Divine rewards) and He erases forty thousand of his sins and He elevates him by forty thousand grades. The person achieves the position of one who has worshipped Allah (SWT) for a hundred years."
At another place Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) says, regarding the rewards for Sile Rahm: "The reward for Sadaqah in the way of Allah (SWT) is ten times, whereas the reward for giving a loan is twelve times (because in giving a loan the dignity of the Loaned is maintained). The reward for the good behavior to the believing brothers is twelve times and the reward for Sile Rahm is twenty four times."
Traveler: I do not want punishment (Azaab) to be written in my account.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Behave well with your parents.
Traveler: I want to be known amongst people as an intelligent person.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Fear Allah (SWT) always.
Traveler: I want to be counted amongst Allah's (SWT) favorites.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Recite Noble Qur'an every morning and evening.
Traveler: I want my heart to always be enlightened (Roshan and Munawar).
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Never forget death.
Traveler: I never want to be away from Allah's (SWT) blessing.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always treat fellow creatures well.
Traveler: I never want to be harmed by my enemies.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always have faith in Allah (SWT) only.
Traveler: I never want to be humiliated.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Be careful of your actions.
Traveler: I wish to live long.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always do good towards blood relations (Sile Rahm).
Traveler: I want my sustenance to increase.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always be in ablution (Wudu).
Traveler: I wish to stay free of punishment (Azaab) in the grave.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always wear pure (Paak) clothes.
Traveler: I never want to burn in hell.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Control your eyes and tongue.
Traveler: how do I get my sins forgiven?
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always ask forgiveness from Allah (SWT) with a lot of humility.
Traveler: I want people to respect me always.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Never extend your hands of need at people.
Traveler: I want to always be honored.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Never humiliate or put down anyone.
Traveler: I don't want to be squeezed in the grave (Fishar-e-Qabr).
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Recite Sura-e-Mulk often.
Traveler: I want my wealth to increase.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Recite Sura-e-Waqia every night.
Traveler: I want to be safe and at peace on Day of Judgment.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Do remembrance (Zikr) of Allah (SWT) from dusk to night.
Traveler: I want to be in full attention and concentration during prayer (Namaaz).
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): Always do ablution (Wudu) with concentration and attention.
Note: The reward for Sile Rahm has been described by Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) in one of his traditions. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) says: "When a person goes towards his relatives so that he can fulfill his rights with his life and his wealth, Allah (SWT) bestows upon him the reward of a martyr at every step he takes. He (Allah) writes down forty thousand Hasana (the unit of Divine rewards) and He erases forty thousand of his sins and He elevates him by forty thousand grades. The person achieves the position of one who has worshipped Allah (SWT) for a hundred years."
At another place Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) says, regarding the rewards for Sile Rahm: "The reward for Sadaqah in the way of Allah (SWT) is ten times, whereas the reward for giving a loan is twelve times (because in giving a loan the dignity of the Loaned is maintained). The reward for the good behavior to the believing brothers is twelve times and the reward for Sile Rahm is twenty four times."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A few things about Antiseptics
Antiseptics and disinfectants have been used in medical environments for centuries. Both antiseptics and disinfectants act as antimicrobials that kill microbes which cause infection. The primary difference between the two is that disinfectants are used on objects, such as surfaces or surgical tools, while antiseptics are used directly on human skin. It is easy to use either disinfectants or antiseptics, making it possible to dress a minor wound.
Most chemical agents can be used as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant. The purpose for which it is used is determined by its concentration. For example hydrogen peroxide 6% solution is used for cleansing wounds, while stronger solutions (>30%) are used in industry as a bleach and oxidising agent.
Antiseptics are mainly used to reduce levels of microorganisms on the skin and mucous membranes. The skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and vagina are home to a large number of what are usually harmless micro-organisms. However, when the skin or mucous membranes are damaged or breached in surgery, antiseptics can be used to disinfect the area and reduce the chances of infection. It is also important that people whom are treating patients with wounds or burns adequately wash their hands with antiseptic solutions to minimize the risk of cross infection.
Antiseptics are used for:
• Handwashing – chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine solutions are often used in hand scrubs.
• Pre-operative skin disinfection – antiseptics applied to the operation site to reduce the resident skin flora.
• Mucous membrane disinfection – antiseptic irrigations may be instilled into the bladder, urethra or vagina to treat infections or cleanse the cavity prior to catheterization.
• Preventing and treating infected wounds and burns – antiseptic preparations are available over-the-counter from your pharmacist to treat minor cuts, abrasions and burns.
• Treating mouth and throat infections – dequalinium chloride has both antibacterial and antifungal properties and is the active ingredient in antiseptic throat lozenges.
Antiseptics bought from the pharmacy should not be used for more than one week. If the affected area has not healed or improved in that time you should stop using the antiseptic and see your doctor. Large wounds, deep cuts, burns larger than a small red spot, scrapes imbedded with particles that won’t wash away, animal bites and eye injuries should be treated by your doctor. Do not use antiseptics to treat sunburn or existing skin infections. Remember that antiseptics only reduce microorganisms on the surface of the tissue and that antibiotics will be needed to treat infection within the tissues.
People with allergies of any kind should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using an over-the-counter antiseptic product. Some antiseptics can irritate the skin and cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Most chemical agents can be used as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant. The purpose for which it is used is determined by its concentration. For example hydrogen peroxide 6% solution is used for cleansing wounds, while stronger solutions (>30%) are used in industry as a bleach and oxidising agent.
Antiseptics are mainly used to reduce levels of microorganisms on the skin and mucous membranes. The skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and vagina are home to a large number of what are usually harmless micro-organisms. However, when the skin or mucous membranes are damaged or breached in surgery, antiseptics can be used to disinfect the area and reduce the chances of infection. It is also important that people whom are treating patients with wounds or burns adequately wash their hands with antiseptic solutions to minimize the risk of cross infection.
Antiseptics are used for:
• Handwashing – chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine solutions are often used in hand scrubs.
• Pre-operative skin disinfection – antiseptics applied to the operation site to reduce the resident skin flora.
• Mucous membrane disinfection – antiseptic irrigations may be instilled into the bladder, urethra or vagina to treat infections or cleanse the cavity prior to catheterization.
• Preventing and treating infected wounds and burns – antiseptic preparations are available over-the-counter from your pharmacist to treat minor cuts, abrasions and burns.
• Treating mouth and throat infections – dequalinium chloride has both antibacterial and antifungal properties and is the active ingredient in antiseptic throat lozenges.
Antiseptics bought from the pharmacy should not be used for more than one week. If the affected area has not healed or improved in that time you should stop using the antiseptic and see your doctor. Large wounds, deep cuts, burns larger than a small red spot, scrapes imbedded with particles that won’t wash away, animal bites and eye injuries should be treated by your doctor. Do not use antiseptics to treat sunburn or existing skin infections. Remember that antiseptics only reduce microorganisms on the surface of the tissue and that antibiotics will be needed to treat infection within the tissues.
People with allergies of any kind should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using an over-the-counter antiseptic product. Some antiseptics can irritate the skin and cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Folic Acid: should be taken properly
Also known as Vitamin B9, it plays an important role in facilitating many body processes. Among them are cell maintenance and repair, synthesis of DNA, amino acid metabolism and formation of red and white blood cells.
The benefits of folic acid supplements include:
1. Relief from depression (bipolar and unipolar).
2. Relief from bipolar mania.
3. Prevention of serious birth defects such as spina bifida if you become pregnant and have a baby.
4. Avoiding the unpleasant effects of folic acid deficiency, including grey hair, swollen tongue (glossitis), mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, and anaemia.
However, folic acid supplements have a growing body of medical evidence to prove they nourish the brain and really can help bipolar people.
Fruits, green leafy vegetable (such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach) and yeast are all foods containing folic acid in the form of folate. However, studies show that it is actually better absorbed by the body in supplement form. It is almost 50% less available from food sources, so it is probably wise to supplement to maximize Vitamin B benefits.
It is also thought that that there is an association between folate levels in the blood and mood. Folic acid is regarded as a very safe substance with no specific side-effects.
Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin. This means that any excess is simply excreted in urine. Toxic build-up or folic acid overdose are not possible. Even relatively high doses of 10-20mg/day are considered medically safe.
There is just one known health risk associated with taking folic acid. Ironically, this arises from one of the benefits of folic acid - its use in treating anaemia. Anaemia is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. When people take folic acid the anaemia is relieved. However, the other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are not relieved by taking folic acid. Therefore taking folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency. This is dangerous as B12 deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage. The best way to get around this is to either (1) also take the recommended daily amount of B12 (cheap and easy), or (2) have blood levels taken to moonitor B12 levels (more expensive and bothersome).
All people should consider whether their diets really do contain a good source of folic acid, or whether they need extra folic acid supplements.
The benefits of folic acid supplements include:
1. Relief from depression (bipolar and unipolar).
2. Relief from bipolar mania.
3. Prevention of serious birth defects such as spina bifida if you become pregnant and have a baby.
4. Avoiding the unpleasant effects of folic acid deficiency, including grey hair, swollen tongue (glossitis), mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, and anaemia.
However, folic acid supplements have a growing body of medical evidence to prove they nourish the brain and really can help bipolar people.
Fruits, green leafy vegetable (such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach) and yeast are all foods containing folic acid in the form of folate. However, studies show that it is actually better absorbed by the body in supplement form. It is almost 50% less available from food sources, so it is probably wise to supplement to maximize Vitamin B benefits.
It is also thought that that there is an association between folate levels in the blood and mood. Folic acid is regarded as a very safe substance with no specific side-effects.
Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin. This means that any excess is simply excreted in urine. Toxic build-up or folic acid overdose are not possible. Even relatively high doses of 10-20mg/day are considered medically safe.
There is just one known health risk associated with taking folic acid. Ironically, this arises from one of the benefits of folic acid - its use in treating anaemia. Anaemia is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. When people take folic acid the anaemia is relieved. However, the other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are not relieved by taking folic acid. Therefore taking folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency. This is dangerous as B12 deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage. The best way to get around this is to either (1) also take the recommended daily amount of B12 (cheap and easy), or (2) have blood levels taken to moonitor B12 levels (more expensive and bothersome).
All people should consider whether their diets really do contain a good source of folic acid, or whether they need extra folic acid supplements.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Islamic Story 11:To bring a fool to his senses
To bring a fool to his senses (Story of Prophet Isa (as))
Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) was once seen running away from a man. People were surprised to see him running away. Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) did not run away from anything or anybody. He was known for his goodness, humbleness and friendliness.
They asked him: "Isa, spirit of Allah, why are you running away from that man?"
Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) replied: "I am running away from a fool."
People were still more surprised, they knew that Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) was a prophet. He had cured the sick. He had even brought the dead to life. So they said: "But Isa, spirit of Allah, you have power to bring dead to life."
Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) smiled and said: "True, I have brought dead to llife. But I find it difficult to bring a fool to his senses."
Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) was once seen running away from a man. People were surprised to see him running away. Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) did not run away from anything or anybody. He was known for his goodness, humbleness and friendliness.
They asked him: "Isa, spirit of Allah, why are you running away from that man?"
Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) replied: "I am running away from a fool."
People were still more surprised, they knew that Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) was a prophet. He had cured the sick. He had even brought the dead to life. So they said: "But Isa, spirit of Allah, you have power to bring dead to life."
Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace upon him) smiled and said: "True, I have brought dead to llife. But I find it difficult to bring a fool to his senses."
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