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Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Friday, November 6, 2009

Vinegar - Prophet Muhammad and health benefits

The Blessings of Vinegar, (the Seasoning of Prophets) and health benefits

By Muhammad Sajad Ali - Uk Feb 2009

“A household which has vinegar will never suffer from poverty”. (Narrated by Umm, Tirmidhi, Baihaqi)

"Vinegar is a comfort for man” Narrated by Muslim.

“Allah has put blessing in vinegar, for truly it was used by the Prophets before me.”

Narrated by Ayesha, Muslim and Ibn Maja.

‘The best of condiments or condiment is vinegar’. hadith
condiment is any seasonings used to enhance the flavour of food; salt or pepper, spices for example.

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was reported to have once remarked that vinegar was the seasoning of all the prophets who came before him.

Prophet Muhammad (saws) liked vinegar.

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".

Naf'a said, "I have loved vinegar since I heard it from Jabir." [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i]

Just in case your thinking Vinegar is a Halal and a loved Sunnah and was used by many prophets before.

As soon as you take vinegar (or citric acid, as a powder), it starts to eliminate fatigue. You can notice this in only two hours.

You can confirm this. If you look at your urine two hours after you take vinegar, and you will find it to be more clear. Or test it with a piece of pH test paper (litmus paper). Before you take vinegar, the pH test paper will show that your urine is acidic, due to fatigue-creating substances in your body.

Two hours after you take vinegar, the test paper will show more alkaline. These results mean that the previous fatigue substances were decreased or removed by taking the vinegar.

The liver dissolves the poisonous matters which were made in our body, so we must always keep it working well. Meat, fish, eggs, coconut oil, greens, and other nourishing foods as well as vinegar act like medicines for the liver.

Some Eastern medicines do believe that depression is the symptom of a "stagnant" or tired liver. If you believe in this philosophy, then apple cider vinegar would help to fight depression, since it is a great medium to help detoxify and clean the liver.

Over the centuries, oxymel– a combination of apple cider vinegar and honey – has been widely used to dissolve painful calcium deposits in the body, for arthritis-like pains and for other health problems such as hay fever.

"Vinegar performs the role of disinfectant for the intestines".

Here is one recipe to make a detox tea with apple cider vinegar just add hot water to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and sweeten it with maple syrup or organic honey. Making this simple apple cider vinegar liver detox recipe will take only a few minutes with results lasting three to seven days.

A variation of the above apple cider vinegar liver detox recipe calls for a teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and blackstrap molasses added to a glass of water or lemon water. Drink this mixture upon getting up in the morning.

To soothe pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis by applying a pad soaked with vinegar and water to painful joints.

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."

Note: The term ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar

Arthritic pains:
Many suffer from this disease in the west and it is caused by the gathering of metabolic toxic waste in the tissues. In this context, ACV speeds up metabolism and excretes the toxic wastes from the tissues.

Blood pressure:
The potassium in ACV along with other substances makes the blood thinner and is helpful in controlling blood pressure.

Cholesterol control:
Many heart attacks are caused by high fats and cholesterol in your blood. The fiber in ACV helps to absorb fats and cholesterol by expelling them from the body as waste materials.

Diabetes:
The dietary fiber in ACV is also helpful in controlling glucose levels in the blood..

Strong Bones:
Minerals like manganese, calcium, magnesium, silicon and iron develop bone mass and make them stronger.

Yeast Infections:
ACV is also useful for yeast infections like Candida caused by the unbalance of acid levels in the body. Making a solution of ACV in warm water and douching can help with the symptoms.

Chest congestion:
Apple cider vinegar is also useful in flu or chest congestion. Applying ACV with pepper on the chest can help relieve some of the congestion.

Sore Throat:
If you have a sore throat, gargle with ACV mixed with water.

Digestion:
In your digestive system hydrochloric acid and pepsin are two essential components that break down the food to be digested properly. The lack of these components can cause food poisoning. ACV has ability to enhance their functionality and help prevent food poisoning.

Nasal Congestions:
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes helpful in nasal congestion.

Vinegar is Useful in well functioning metabolism; Reducing cholesterol (the dangerous LDL cholesterol type); Regulating the water content in the cells and body; Reducing water retention in the body; Reducing excess sodium from the body; Helps with regulating blood pressure; Assists in preventing circulatory problems; Helps with diminishing premature calcification of the arteries; Helps increase concentration and memory; Assists in blood circulation, body temperature as well as vitality and energy.

Vinegar is both cold and hot, nearly balancing between the two. Mixed it with rose water, it is an excellent remedy for toothache and headache. Vinegar dissolves phlegm. Modern medicine also acknowledge its anti-cough, anti-inflammation and digestive properties.

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.

As we sort through the wisdoms of Prophetic nutrition in our attempt to reconcile them with modern "science," we must always remember what the Qur’an says, “Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein." (20:81)


Apple cider vinegar contains ninety different substances.

It also contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins (as listed underneath) as well acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids as well as roughage in the form of potash and apple pectin.

Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Chlorine, Sodium, Sulfur, Copper, Iron, Silicon, Fluorine. Such as thirteen types of carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eight ethyl acetates etc. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Provitamin beta-carotene, Vitamin P.

There are so many uses for vinegar, the number is unknown however you may find “131 Uses for Vinegar” a useful website to learn more about the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s favorite condiment, vinegar.

Related topics

Sayyidatuna Mariyam mother of ‘Isa (a.s) & Benefits of herb Sage

The secret blessing of eating Pomegranate and Water melon

A house full of Baraka,Riqz,Angels has 3 simple foods in its kichen,does yours?

The Blessings of Vinegar, (the Seasoning of Prophets) and health benefit

Secrets and Blessings of Sunnah Foods

A-z Sunnah Foods of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Imams Shaykh Yusuf Badat and Shaikh Habeeb Ali - Heart & Stroke Foundation: Muslim Awareness

Heart & Stroke Foundation - Muslim Awareness E-mail

IFT / IFS is asking parents and the community to be aware of the risks related to heart-health. Please watch the video by clicking the image below.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recognizes that individual and social risk factors affect the life-long heart health of Canadians. Research has shown that people of South Asian descent are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes and are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke than the general population. This video tells the true story of Ashok, a South Asian family man as he prepares for, undergoes and recovers from, triple bypass surgery at only 39 years of age. It features actual footage from his cardiac surgery. The video includes an introduction by Shaykh Yusuf Badat and Shaikh Habeeb Alli. The Imams talk about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart for Muslim South Asians.

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO - Running time: 18 minutes

Please also visit the HEART & STROKE FOUNDATION by CLICKING HERE for more information.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Important Tips for a Successful Fast during Ramadan


As we undertake yet another month of striving to seek forgiveness and mercy from our Lord it is only through prayer, sacrifice, and charity to others that we can gain good character, Imam Abdullah encourages us to reflect on our lives and work on increasing the following things which he titles the 5 D’s:

1) Durus (lessons)
Be actively engaged in seeking knowledge. We should involve ourselves in as many classes as we can this Ramadan.

2) Dhikr (remembrance)
Actively engage in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and be a reminder to one another.

3) Dua (prayer)
To call upon Allah (SWT) asking for guidance that will lead to success in this life and salvation in the next.

4) Dawah (invitation)
Call others to what we are striving to attain, the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

5) Difah (defense)
Defend ourselves against our own evil inclinations and deeds by seeking refuge in Allah (SWT) in the manner that Allah (SWT) describes to us in Kutbahtul Hajar. We can increase our defense by increasing our Taqwa of Allah (SWT) (consciousness, fear, etc.), for surely Allah (SWT) is the best Wali, Maula, Wakil (protector, friend, and guardian). What better defense is there than this? When we fear Allah (SWT) as He should be feared, all our enemies are small.

This Ramadan we should strive for self-purification. Allah (SWT) describes in the Quran three conditions of the soul:

Nafsul Amara: The Soul given to its own desires seeking the lower path. Allah (SWT) says: Nor do I absolve my soul from blame, verily the human soul is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows his Mercy on whom he wills, verily my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(S: 12; A: 53)

Nafsul Lawama: The Soul which feels consciousness of its evil and is a repenting soul. Allah (SWT) says: And I swear by the self-reproaching soul. (S: 75; A: 2)

Nafsul Mutmaeena: The soul that has attainted this highest stage in which one is pleased with their Lord and Allah (SWT) is pleased with them. Allah (SWT) explains about this soul: it will be said to the pious, oh soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction.
(S: 89; A: 27-30)

Tarawih Salat
Tarawih Salat is another great opportunity for the believer to seek Allah (SWT)’s pleasure during Ramadan. Tarawih literally means to take a break, or rest between every 4 Rakats of this special prayer offered after Isha during Ramadan. The Prophet (SAWS) offered this prayer during Ramadan after Isha prayer several times in congregation.
Then one night the believers noticed that he hadn’t come out to lead them in Tarawih Salat, when they questioned him as to why he had stopped he expressed his concern that it might become compulsory for them if he continued, and that they might not be able to uphold the obligation.
Narrated Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (saws) said regarding the month of Ramadan: Whoever prays at night (i.e. in the month of Ramadan), out of sincere faith, then all of his previous sins will be forgiven.

One can offer this prayer at home or in congregation; there is a special merit either way; however it is only during Ramadan that this special prayer can be offered in congregation so let us take full advantage of this special time and come together for Tarawih Salat as much as possible.

Laylat ul Qadr (The night of power)
The actual night of the beginning of the revelation of Quran from Allah (SWT) (T) occurred during this blessed night in which Allah (SWT) the Exalted has said Laytul Qadr is better than a thousand months. That’s just over 83 years, a full life span.
This night is found in an odd night of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th, etc.). We should seek it in all of the last ten nights

Some things to consider!!
May our fasting during this month awaken our hearts. If our intention is sincere, Allah (SWT) (S.W.T.) will purify our souls and forgive us our sins. Ameen.

As Muslims, we must also remember to refrain from gluttonous eating, drinking and appeasing other urges of the flesh. Islam creates a harmonious relation and balance between the urges of the body and that which the soul strives for; The Good Pleasure of Allah (SWT) (T).

Through fasting we must learn to appreciate the things we usually take for granted as human beings.

Insha Allah (SWT) this fast will instill in our hearts a genuine concern and sympathy for those who are suffering and are in need throughout the world and even in our own backyard. The Prophet (SAWS) describes the month of Ramadan as one of consideration and compassion. Therefore, let us use the fast to help us increase the consideration and compassion for our brothers and sisters in Islam and all humanity as well.

Let us begin today, to establish Regular daily Islamic talks in our homes, with our families, in the Masjid in groups, study the Qur’an and the Sunnah; and strive to implement what we have learned from our reading and experiences during this month.

Let us not permit the vows we make to Allah (SWT) to improve ourselves be in vain, or let useless talk make our good deeds like scattered dust. Ameen!

Al Hamdulillah, we have reached another blessed month of Ramadan, and once again it is a time for us to consider both the responsibility and the reward that this great pillar of Islam offers us.

It is a time when the believer must question how he or she will choose to stand before the Lord of all the worlds. What deeds will weigh heavy on the scale and earn the forgiveness and Mercy of Allah (SWT). A hadith of the Prophet states that this is a time in which the Shayteen are chained and have no power to suggest to us. We therefore must bear witness to the weaknesses and wickedness within us, so that we can honestly assess and seek to improve ourselves, with Allah (SWT)’s Help.

In this month, the rope of guidance and salvation was extended to all of mankind. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down; a guidance for all mankind, and a clarification of guidance and a criterion of truth and falsehood.
(S:2, A:185)

Also, Allah (SWT) (T) says in the Quran: Whoever witnesses it (the month of Ramadan), it is obligatory for him to fast the whole month. All adult Muslims must fast unless they are exempt by the laws of Islam (Shariah). Allah (SWT) says: “Oh you who believe, the fast has been made obligatory on you”. S:2, A:183 Thus, Allah (SWT) teaches us that Fasting is an obligation and a means to attain Taqwa, which increases believers in their rank with Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) (SwT) says: “The most honored by Allah (SWT) amongst you are those best in Taqwa.” (S:49; A:13)

Without this source of light and guidance, the whole world and it’s many wonders and charms, with its trials and tragedies, would be a very dark place and the road to paradise uncertain. Surely, this is a great Mercy to mankind. Allah (SWT) has entrusted us to be the carriers of His Divine Message to Humanity. Allah (SWT) (swt) says: On this day, I have perfected your Religion (way of life) and I am pleased with Islam as your Religion (way of life). To be successful each of us must decide to uphold this honor by being Muslim and carrying the Message of Al Islam to the whole world?

Beginning Ramadan
The Prophet (saw) said: Begin to fast after the sighting of the new moon (of Ramadan) and break the fast after sighting the crescent (of Shawal), if the sky is overcast and you cannot see it, then complete thirty days of Sha’ban.
Requirements for the validity of Fasting

• Must be as sane adult Muslim. Adult being one who has reached the age of puberty.

• Making your intention the night before to fast or before dawn. It is sunnah to recite the following duah [Bi sawmin ghadin nawaytu min shahri Ramadan] which means: I have intention tomorrow to observe a fast of the month of Ramadan.

• You must abstain from food, drink, smoking, sex, false speech, and evil deeds.
Exemptions from Fasting

• The mentally insane

• Children who have not reached puberty.

• The elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous. A person in this case is required to feed a poor person for every day of Ramadan in which he or she has missed the fast.

• Pregnant or nursing women. In this case, one must make up the days missed at a later date, preferably before the next Ramadan.

• Menstruating women. In this case, the fast is prohibited and one must make up the days missed at a later date, preferably before the next Ramadan.

• Those who are ill or are traveling, provided the days are made up when they have completed their travel and are well.
Duration of the Fast

• Fasting starts just before the Fajr Salat and ends after sunset. Allah (SWT) says: Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread, then complete your fast during the day until the night appears.
What to do Upon Starting and Breaking the Fast

• Take a meal (sahoor) as close to Fajr time as possible. The Prophet (saw) said: Partake of Sahur for there is a blessing in it.

• To break the fast as soon as one is sure that the sun has set. The Prophet (saws) said: If any of you was fasting, let him break his fast with dates. If he can’t find (i.e. dates), then let him break his fast with water, for water is wholesome.

• When you break your fast, it is Sunnah to make the following duah:

1) Allahuma laka sumtu wa ala rizqika aftartu. Oh Allah (SWT), for you did I fast and with your bounties do I break my fast.

2) Dhahaba Dzamau wabtalatil-uruuqu wa thabit- al-ajru in Insha Allah (SWT). Gone is the thirst and moistened are the veins and if Allah (SWT) wills, the reward is also assured.

Things Which Break the Fast

• Intentional breaking of the fast.

• Sexual intercourse during the fast.

• Intentional eating and drinking.

• Hijamah, the removal of blood by scarification or by opening the vein.

• The menses and post childbirth bleeding of women.
Extra things that we can try to do this Ramadan

• Reading and applying what you have read of the Quran. We should try to read a Juz of the Quran each day.

• Supplication to Allah (SWT).

• Give in Sadaqah. Be more generous to the poor and disadvantaged.

• Increase in your good deeds and abstain from evil deeds.

• Avoid vain talk.

• Avoid false speech.

• Avoid any act, which is contradictory to what is intended while fasting.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) (saw) said: Fasting is not merely refraining from food or drink. Fasting is refraining from vain talk and indecency, and if one slanders you or aggresses against you, then you should say, I am fasting.

12 Things to Avoid during Ramadan by Dr. Zakir Naik

Ramadan


Video URL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16tZG7BvdpE

Dr. Zakir Naik gives some tips and advice for the month of Ramadan!

12 Things to Avoid during Ramadan

1. Don't sleep during the day and pray all night. By doing this you are converting the day into night and the night into day, which is not the purpose of fasting.
2. Avoid being lazy and inactive during the day.
3. Don't waste time playing games during the day. Rather, please Allah (SWT) by increasing in your worship of him..
4. Avoid having Iftar parties. Ramadan wasnt meant to be a food extravaganza.
5. Don't ask your wife to spend Ramadan in the Kitchen. Eat something light and quick – she isnt Biryani woman.
6. Spend the last 10 days worshiping Allah (SWT) rather than trying to prepare for Eid! A day that is better than a thousand months is in these last 10 days. You can’t afford to miss this.
7. Don't stay awake the full night. Your body has a right over you, and when it wants rest, then rest.
8. Avoid excessive socialising after Taraweeh
9. Avoid shopping a lot in Ramadan.
10. Don't eat the full night.
11. Don't loiter around at night rather than worshiping Allah (SWT).
12. Eid doesn't require loads of preparation. Don't fall into this trap! Keep it simple, and it will be blessed.

:

Ramadan Health Guide Booklet

Guide to healthy fasting in practice and religion - with hadith from the Prophet (PBUH) and verses from the Quran along with coverage on health issues and complications – click here to view or download complete guide as pdf


Fasting in the month of Ramadan teaches us to manage and practise spirituality and
not to eat excessively. Islam thus creates a sense of responsibility in people to take
a healthy living lifestyle as normal. The essential part of spirituality in food is that we are grateful and thankful for the food we get.

The blessed Prophet once said: “God has a right over you; your body has a right over you…” To strike a balance between the needs of the physical body and your spiritual needs, you must on the one hand consume the right type and amount of food and on the other hand develop excellent interpersonal skills.

The blessed Prophet Muhammad said: “I have only been sent for the perfection of character”.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an opportunity to make significant changes in your lifestyle and develop the resolve to make healthy living choices.

What could you gain from fasting?

Fasting is not only a physical but also a spiritual exercise that has many lasting benefits.
1. Heightened consciousness of God Fasting helps you to become less preoccupied with bodily appetites, and gives the heart and mind the freedom to reflect upon deeper spiritual matters, such as your relationship with God and with fellow human beings. It enables a person to develop sustained consciousness of God (Taqwa).

2. Healthy lifestyle A fasting person learns restraint, and only responds to hunger and thirst in the heightened level of consciousness and discipline. Through fasting, a person begins to appreciate the value of food. In the Qur’an “healthy and wholesome food” is described as the best of provisions. Thus fasting helps a person to choose a healthier lifestyle by making small yet
lasting changes to their daily diet.

3. Compassion and charity
When fasting, you should think of those in need who may be fasting but have no food at the start or the end of their fast, those whose tiny children are also having to go hungry because of poverty. The Prophet Muhammad described Ramadan as “the month of mercy”. His companions
observed: “The Prophet (Muhammad) was the most generous of people, but he would be his most generous during Ramadan …” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

4. Community spirit During Ramadan, the one who fasts has heightened concerns for the well-being of the community – rich and poor, intellectuals and labourers. Community spirit is
promoted as people start fasting at the same time and break their fast at the same time, and reflect together through longer prayer and deeper devotions. It is greatly encouraged
that families invite each other to break their fast together.

5. A fast without the spirit is empty of blessing Abstention for long hours can be very hard physically and spiritually. However, by the end of the long month you should feel cleansed and with a renewed spirit. Ramadan is an ideal time to break bad habits, to reflect on personality
and to improve your character. Those who fast but make no change to their lives except
delaying a meal cannot really expect to become any different in their behaviour during or after Ramadan. In many ways, this is a wasted fast, as stressed in a number of sayings of the blessed Prophet: fasting is not merely “abstention from eating and drinking, but also from vain
speech and foul language”. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Fasting is, therefore, about much more than just giving up food and drink and hoping to lose a couple of pounds. By fasting, a person reflects, acts and betters his or her character.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Medicine in Islam: Remedies

Everything good that happens to you (O Man) is from Allah, everything bad that happens to you is from your own actions. [An Nisa:79]



bullet Hadith

bullet

Our Prophet said: “For every disease there is a remedy and when the remedy is made apparent, and then the disease is cured by the permission of Allah Almighty'". [Muslim]

bullet

Our Prophet said: “He who has put diseases on the earth, has also put its remedy there”. [Tirmidi]


bullet Definition

bullet The generally accepted definition of health is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity", used by the World Health Organization (WHO)


bullet Medicine in Islam

bullet Henna is a Great Healer
bullet The Miracle of Honey
bullet Olive is a Cure for Seventy Diseases
bullet Date - A Pain Killer
bullet Vinegar - A Cure for Many Ailments
bullet Siwak - An Oral Health Device
bullet Zamzam Water Cures Fever
bullet Honey & Its Cures
bullet Modern Stress & Its Cure from the Qur'an
bullet Barley - A Cure for Kidney Ailments


bullet Home Remedies

bullet Remedies for Heart Diseases, Hair and Knees