I received this is my inbox today…. it could not have come at a better time.  I was just thinking that my plate is way too full, and whether or not to drop an item from my schedule.  In shaa Allah, I now will.  I need to do all my endeavors in a good way, and I can’t do that the way things are.  Jazackallah khair to the dear beautiful sis, who passed this great reminder on.  May it do the same for all of you….

A wise person once said: ‘Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.’

1. Pray to Allah.

2. Go to bed early.

3. Get up before Fajr, so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and de-clutter your life.

7. Less is more. Quality & not Quantity.

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself.   Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what Allah would have you do and let go of the  anxiety .. If you can’t do anything about a situation, make duaa.

12. Live within your budget.

13. Have backups; an extra car key with a nearby friend, an extra house key with a neighbour, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut).. This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in you everyday.

16. Carry a Qur’aan with you to read while waiting in lines/queues.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat healthy.

19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to the beautifulQur’aan or an inspiring lecture whilst driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to Allah immediately. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with sincere, Allah-conscious people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite aayats & ahaadeeth on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a heartfelt  ‘Thank you, O Allah .’

27. Smile:)

28. Laugh:D

29. Take your work seriously.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego

33 Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before.

ALLAH HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

I recently had a nasty virus, and with all the hype about swine flu, couldn’t help but be a little paranoid.  This article helped me see that all I had was the common cold.  Put your fears to rest.  Know the difference.

What are common cold symptoms?

Cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat, which usually goes away after a day or two. Nasal symptoms, runny nose, and congestion follow, along with a cough by the fourth and fifth days. Fever is uncommon in adults, but a slight fever is possible. Children are more likely to have a fever with a cold.

With cold symptoms, your nose teems with watery nasal secretions for the first few days. Later, these become thicker and darker. Dark mucus is natural and does not usually mean you have developed a bacterial infection, such as a sinus infection.

Several hundred different viruses may cause your cold symptoms.

How long do cold symptoms last?

Cold symptoms usually last for about a week. During the first three days that you have cold symptoms, you are contagious. This means you can pass the cold to others, so stay home and get some much-needed rest.

If cold symptoms do not seem to be improving after a week, you may have a bacterial infection, which means you may need antibiotics.

Sometimes you may mistake cold symptoms for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or a sinus infection. If your cold symptoms begin quickly and are improving after a week, then it is usually a cold, not allergy. If your cold symptoms do not seem to be getting better after a week, check with your doctor to see if you have developed an allergy or sinusitis.

What are common flu symptoms?

Whether a person has typical seasonal flu or swine flu, the symptoms seem to be quite similar. Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and come on quickly. Symptoms of swine flu and seasonal flu include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. Swine flu in particular is also associated with vomiting and diarrhea.

Most flu symptoms gradually improve over two to five days, but it’s not uncommon to feel run down for a week or more. A common complication of the flu is pneumonia, particularly in the young, elderly, or people with lung or heart problems. If you notice shortness of breath, you should let your doctor know. Another common sign of pneumonia is fever that comes back after having been gone for a day or two.

Just like cold viruses, flu viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of your nose, eyes, or mouth. Every time you touch your hand to one of these areas, you could be infecting yourself with a virus, which makes it very important to keep your hands germ-free with frequent washing to prevent both flu and cold symptoms.

(Read the rest here!!)

Following the first post on conception and fertility, I wanted to share more duaa I learned for women who are trying to conceive or pregnant as it is very important to ask for healthy, pious children.

رَبِّ هَبۡ لِى مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

As-Saaffat

وَزَڪَرِيَّآ إِذۡ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ ۥ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرۡنِى فَرۡدً۬ا وَأَنتَ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡوَٲرِثِينَ

Al-Anbiya

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَڪَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ ۥ‌ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبۡ لِى مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً۬ طَيِّبَةً‌ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ ٱلدُّعَآءِ

Al-E-Imran

Recently I purchased Hashmi Aswad Kohl from a souq here in Egypt.  I can’t remember the reason, but I googled the brand and came up with this very significant information from the American Government…

What are kohl, kajal and surma?

Kohl, kajal and surma are eye cosmetics imported from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Some of these products contain lead. Some people using these products have suffered lead poisoning.

Why is lead dangerous?

Lead is a poisonous metal that can damage the brain, nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys and other parts of the body. Children and pregnant women who use products containing lead are especially at risk.

How does lead from kohl, kajal or surma get into the body?

When a person uses these products, some of the kohl, kajal or surma can get onto the hands. The user may then ingest the lead through hand-to-mouth contact. Some lead may also be absorbed through the eyes.

Which types of kohl, kajal and surma contain lead?

There are many varieties and manufacturers of kohl, kajal and surma. Any of them can contain lead. Recently, the New York City Health Department found the following products to be contaminated:

• Hashmi Surma Special, made in Pakista
• Hashmi Kajal, made in Pakistan
• Hashmi Kohl Aswad, made in Pakistan
• “Pure Kohl From the Waters of ZamZam”

How can I know if my kohl, kajal or surma contains lead?

It is difficult for users of these products to tell the difference between safe and dangerous brands. A product may contain high levels of lead even if lead is not listed as an ingredient on the label. (Source)

Take care from where you purchase your kohl.  And keep in mind, that the kohl which is SUNNAH … according to Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of your kohl is ithmid (antimony), for it makes the vision clear and makes the hair grow.”

I researched another brand that I purchased at Azhar from the attar (spice guy) and it is imported from Saudi (Rani)… as far as I can tell it is safe.

What kind of brand do you use?  And where have you found the Sunnah Kohl containing “ithmid” (antimony)?

In a number of hadeeths it is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used kohl and commanded others to do so.

For example it is narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah, from the hadeeth of Anas, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to apply kohl to his right eye three times, and to his left eye twice. This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah no. 633. And it was proven in Sunan al-Nasaa’i (5113) and Sunan Abi Dawood (3837) and elsewhere, from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of your kohl is ithmid (antimony), for it makes the vision clear and makes the hair grow.”

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Kohl protects the health of the eyes and gives strength and clarity of vision, and cleanses they eye of bad substances. In addition to that some types of kohl also serve as an adornment and if it is applied before going to bed this is even better. And ithmid is more efficacious than other types of kohl.

Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/281.

It says in al-Mughni: It is mustahabb to use kohl an odd number of times. (al-Mughni, 1/106).

It says in al-Majmoo’: With regard to using kohl an odd number of times, there is a difference of scholarly opinion. It was said that it should be applied an odd number of times to one eye and an even number of times to the other, so that the total number will be odd. The correct view of the scholars who examined this issue is that it should be applied an odd number of times to each eye. Based on this, the Sunnah is to apply it three times to each eye. (al-Majmoo’, 1/334).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthyameen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: Some eye doctors say that kohl is harmful to the eyes and they advise not using it. What do you say to them?

He replied: Ithmid (antimony) is known to be very good for the eyes. I do not know anything about other types of kohl. Trustworthy doctors are the ones whom we should consult on this matter.

And it was said of Zarqa’ al-Yamaamah, who could see as far as three days, that when she was killed, they saw that all the veins of her eyes bore traces of this ithmid.

(Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, vol. 17; Chapter on medical treatment and visiting the sick).

Another amazing motivational story I received in my inbox.  Source unknown.

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress.

It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body (and head) and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that at any moment the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were Natures way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved it’s freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we went through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly.

Well, the journey in health is not something I can “conclude” just like that.  But alhumdullah I have reached my goals – more or less.  I originally wanted to lose my “spare tire” that had been slowly developing around my middle, arms and legs.  In total I have lost about 3.5 kilos (7.5 lbs) which has put me back in the driver’s seat.  At one point I had reached an all-time low of 4.5 kilos (around 10lbs), but found that last kilo hard to keep off.  A good part of the reason is due to not exercising, so I hope in shaa Allah I will be able to get back on the treadmill now that we have settled into the new flat alhumdullah.

My original concern was that my BMI was exactly 24.9 which is on the last point before being considered “overweight”.  Now, alhumdullah, my BMI is 23.2 which appears to be considerably more healthy.  As well, all those pants which were a “little too tight” have begun to fit again, ma shaa Allah.

To conclude, I think it is important to mention that health and diet is a life-long goal.  I began “dieting” but did not consider for myself an extreme crash diet.  Basically, I tightened my bootstraps and chose an overall healthier lifestyle.  In truth, I hardly exercised at all – but worked harder to eat only healthy, wholesome food – which I continue to do.  In order to lose another kilo or two in shaa Allah I will simply get back on that treadmill and keep the “diet” going.  I feel full of energy compared to my “old” self and do not wish to go back even one small step.

I still want to lose a small amount of excess fat – for example – under my arms is an extremely difficult place to lose weight!  Apparently, I do not get to decide WHERE the fat is lost – so until those places begin to look more tight and less jiggly, I want to still consider myself in diet mode.

However, the husband and I have begun to eat small amounts of red meat, sometimes eating ONE scoop of icecream and sharing a chocolate bar.  So, let us hope in shaa Allah that it does not go further than that.  But, I think overall we succeeded in our plans and that makes me feel in control, healthy and strong!

I hope all my dieting buddies reached their goals too, in shaa Allah!

A good reminder sent to my inbox   Enjoy!

Since last night my young son has been unwell. When I got back from Work this evening I decided to take him to hospital despite my exhaustion.

There were many waiting; perhaps we will be delayed by more than an hour. I took my number and sat down in the waiting room. There were many faces, young and old, but all silent. Some brothers made use of the many booklets available in the waiting room.

Some of those waiting had their eyes closed, while others were looking around. Most were bored. Once in a while the long silence was broken by a nurse calling out a number. Happiness appears on the one whose turn it is, and he gets up quickly; then silence returns.

A young man grabbed my attention. He was reading a pocket-sized Qur`an continuously; not raising his head even once. At first I did not think much about him. However, after one hour of waiting my casual glances turned into a deep reflection about his lifestyle and how he utilizes his time. One hour of life wasted! Instead of making benefit of that hour, it was just a boring wait. Then the call for prayer was made. We went to prayer in the hospital’s Masjid. I tried to pray close to the man who was reading the Qur’an earlier in the waiting room.

After the prayer I walked with him. I informed him of how impressed I was of him and how he tries to benefit from his time. He told me that most of our time is wasted without any benefit. These are days that go from our lives without being conscious of them or regretting their waste. He said that he started carrying the pocket-sized Qur`an around when a friend encouraged him to make full use of his time. He told me that in the time other people waste he gets to read much more of the Qur`an than he gets to read either at home or in the masjid. Moreover, besides the reward of reading the Qur`an, this habit saves him from boredom and stress.

He added that he has now been waiting for one and a half hours. Then he asked, when will you find one and a half hours to read the Qur`an? I reflected; How much time do we waste? How many moments of our lives pass by, and yet we do not account for how they passed by? Indeed, how many months pass by and we do not read the Qur`an? I came to respect my companion, and I discovered that I am to stand for account and that time is not in my hand; so what am I waiting for?

My thoughts were interrupted by the nurse calling out my number; I went to the doctor. But I want to achieve something now. After I left the hospital I quickly went to the bookshop and bought a pocket-sized Qur`an. I decided to be mindful of how I spend the time.

If this information is beneficial to you, then please do forward it to your friends and relatives.

Our Prophet (SAW) said; ‘Whoever guides or directs to good, then he gets the same amount of blessing (reward) as the one who does it’

The Prophet (SAW) also said ‘Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse’

Two teenagers asked their father if they could go to the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request.

“Ah dad, why not?” they complained. “It’s rated PG-13, and we’re both older than thirteen!”

Dad replied: “Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior.”

“But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That’s what our friends who’ve seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It’s based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!”

“My answer is ‘no,’ and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will no go and watch that film. End of discussion.”

The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, “Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he’s going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all.”

The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids.

They each took one. Then their father said, “before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much.” The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening. “That is why I’ve made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I’ve made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic; the best organic flour, the best free-range eggs, the best organic sugar, premium vanilla and chocolate.”

The brownies looked mouth-watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad’s long speech. “But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn’t worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think”

“Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?”

“Why? The portion I added was so small, just a teaspoonful. You won’t even taste it.”

“Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is?”

“Don’t worry! It is organic, jus like the other ingredients. “

“Dad!”

“Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is organic … dog poop.”

Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror. “Dad! Why did you do that? You’ve tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can’t eat these brownies!”

“Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won’t hurt you. It’s been cooked right along with the other ingredients. . You won’t even taste it. It has th same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!”

“No, Dad … Never!”

“And that is the same reason I won’t allow you to go watch that movie. You won’t tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that Allah (SWT) will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?”

Remember, we become de-sensitized a little bit at a time; it is the small and minimal sins that we forget the most.

Here are some healthy links I “stumbled on“……..

Some I have commented on and the rest are self-explanatory… check them out!

General Health:

• WebMD

General health advice and articles

• Healing Foods

Nutrition:

• Ten Worst and Best Foods

• 29 Healthiest Foods

Weight-Loss:

• Calorie Connect

Helps in calorie counting and dietary assessments… just enter any food and voila!  A total breakdown of nutritional information!

Cooking:

• Cooking by Numbers

Click the foods you have in your cupboards and fridge and this baby will produce a variety of ideas for helping you plan any meal!

Mental Health:

• How to Cure a Headache

Self-Improvement:

• How to Become an Early Riser

• Mental Heuristics

“Rules of thumb” to get you motivated and thinking in a useful direction.

Homemaking:

• Clean and Green

Clean products made naturally!

Ready… set… stumble!