Tuesday 27 November 2012


Jun 28, '10 5:14 AM
for everyone
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Jun 28, '10 4:37 AM
for everyone
Pineapple Juice Benefits

Pineapple juice has always been a favorite drink among people. Let us see what some of the pineapple juice benefits are:

Tangy-sweet, ridgy crystals and the sinfully rich yellow color! The perfect blend of the tropics and a holiday, wouldn’t you say? I can just see you now – A sun kissed beach and you with a tall glass of chilled pineapple juice, a bright pink drink umbrella and a pineapple wedge adorning the glass. And all that made possible because of a single glass of pineapple juice. Now let’s get one thing straight, you don’t really need a holiday to enjoy a tall glass of pineapple juice, you can do it any which way. In fact, the magic of the pineapple juice is such that it plays magic. You could just close your eyes and sit sipping a glass and voila! You’ll see yourself on a holiday! OK, so the ethereal feel we are done with. Now let’s look at some pineapple juice benefits, shall we? Because of course there are those. Read more on pineapple nutrition facts.

Benefits of Pineapple Juice

There are numerous pineapple juice health benefits for the taking. Pineapple juice tastes good, we know, but it would taste even better if you knew the pineapple juice benefits that came with it and the favor you were doing to your body. So here goes, these are some of the pineapple juice benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants
The pineapple fruit belongs to the bromelain family which is a highly nutritious, protein digesting enzyme. It is also a rich source of vitamin C. Both bromelain and vitamin C are rich in antioxidants which help the body fight against free radicals and help in the overall healing of the body.

Packed with Nutrients
Pineapple health benefits include the fact that it is loaded with potassium, calcium, fiber, vitamin C and magnesium (among others). Thus it is packed with varied nutrients that are needed for our health. It is also beneficial for all age groups.

Promotes Bone Health
Magnesium that is present in the pineapple juice helps in building of bones and connective tissue. So also, pineapple juice being an excellent source of calcium helps in the strengthening of bones. It therefore promotes and maintains bone health.

Aids Digestive System Functioning
As mentioned earlier, pineapple juice contains bromelain which is responsible for breaking down the protein in our bodies. This helps with effective digestion and is therefore important for the digestive health. In addition to that, pineapple juice also contains fiber which is extremely important to induce regular bowel movements. It is also said that pineapple juice helps with eradicating intestinal worms. Pineapple juice benefits also include the fact that it is a natural diuretic. Which means that it helps to get rid of the excess buildup of toxins and wastes from the kidney and liver.

Improves Immunity
Pineapple juice strengthens the immune system greatly. Being rich in vitamin C, it helps in preventing the onset of common coughs and colds, sore throats and even severe conditions like bronchitis, thus maintaining a healthy respiratory system.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Pineapple juice also has anti-inflammatory properties so that it helps to heal infections and wounds better.

Other Benefits

    * It has minimal quantities of fat, sodium and no cholesterol. In that way it is an extremely healthy choice to make for people who are trying to focus on a healthy diet for some weight loss, or maintain an ideal weight.
    * It helps in the smooth functioning of the heart by reducing the occurrence of blood clots in the blood stream.
    * It also has vitamin B1 which is important for converting blood sugar into raw energy.
    * Pineapple juice benefits those people who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces swellings and pains that are a part of arthritis.
Jun 27, '10 2:52 PM
for everyone
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Jun 27, '10 2:29 PM
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Jun 27, '10 2:07 PM
for everyone
How and Where to Open a Stock Brokerage Account
Open an Account. Once you know which types of accounts you want to start investing in, the next step is to open up an account. Here are the basics of opening up each account:

Certificates of Deposit – You can do this through your local bank. Enter your bank and ask the teller about opening a CD account. They will put you in touch with the right person.

Discount Brokerage – The fastest, easiest and cheapest way to open a brokerage account is to open it through a discount brokerage. Even better, open it at an online discount brokerage. My favorites (in order), are E*Trade, Schwab.com and Ameritrade. Ameritrade is the cheapest but has the least options, E*Trade is nearly as inexpensive but offers more options and a better interface than the rest (you can get bank accounts, research reports and other services), and Schwab.com is the most expensive but offers you to pay for additional services like advice, research reports and other full-service options.

Full Service Brokerage – These include companies like Morgan Stanley, American Express, Edward Jones, Merrill Lynch, Prudential Financial. These brokerages provide you guidance, advice and research reports, but they are much more expensive but their brokers can often push you toward investments you may not be comfortable with. Instead of charging a flat fee for trades, they usually charge a commission-based fee structure that can be much more expensive. Also, they charge annual maintenance fees on your account of sometimes hundreds of dollars. Be leary of these accounts unless you really need the extra guidance.

401K, 403B – These plans are ONLY offered through your employer. Find out if your employer offers one of these plans (or any other tax-deferred, stock investment or other plan) by contacting your Human Resources department. They will give you the forms needed to sign up.

Traditional IRA – You can open one of these with almost any brokerage or discount brokerage. I recommend doing it yourself with a discount broker like E*trade or Ameritrade. E*trade doesn’t charge a monthly fee and offers decent tools to help you choose your investments. If you want a little more guidance, you can open a discount brokerage account with Charles Schwab, who will give you personal guidance for additional fees.

Roth IRA – This type of account can be opened the same was as a Traditional IRA.

Coverdell IRA (Educational IRA) – You can open at many brokerages, including E*Trade or Schwab.com.

529 plan – Check with your state to see which plans are offered. Check out www.collegesavings.org to find more information about the plans in your state. Some of these accounts are also offered by online brokers including E*Trade and Schwab.com.

Other plans – Many other specialized, small-business or self-employed plans also exist. Such plans include SEP IRAs, Rollover IRAs, Custodial IRAs, QRP / Keogh, Simple 401k, profit-sharing, money purchase and other plans.

Name: Ja'farTitle: As-Sadiq
Designation: 6th ImamKunyat: Abu Abdullah, Abu Musa
Father: Muhammad Ibne AliMother: Umm-e-Farwa Binte-Qasim
Born: 17th of Rabi'a 1 83AH(702AD)Died: 25th Shawwal 148AH (765AD)
Martyred: Poisoned by MansurBuried: Cemetery of Jannatul Baqi
Lived: 65 years
Eighth Infallible Sayings:
  • The person moving to help his Momin brothers is like the person who is walking between Safa and Marwa.
  • He who treats people kindly will be accepted as arbiter.
  • To trust everybody in times of injustice and cheating is disability.
  • If problems are added to each other, they will give birth of relief.
  • To recognize the actuality of your friend, you should enrage him. If he keeps up his friendship, he is true friend lest, he is false.
  • Do not appreciate one's affection before you enrage him three times.
  • Do not trust your friend perfectly, because the knockdown of the trustful is incurable.
  • Islam is a definite rank. Faith is one rank higher than Islam. Conviction is one rank higher than faith. People have been given a rank lower than conviction.
  • To remove a mountain is easier than removing faith.
  • The desire for the worldly pleasures causes grief and sadness. Abstinence from the worldly pleasures brings about the rest of both heart and body.
  • Life is to rent a house and buy bread.
  • He who gains oppression is not gaining welfare. He who mistreats people should not complain when people mistreat him.
  • In homelands, exchanging visits is the means of association. In travel, correspondence is the means of association.
  • A believer is not perfectly virtuous unless he enjoys three characters knowledge ability of the religious affairs, moderation in living, and steadfastness against misfortunes.
  • An actual believer is that whose sexual appetite does not overcome him and whose stomach does not shame him.
  • A twenty-year friendship is kinship.
  • Favors should be done only to the highborn or the religious. Those who show gratitude are very few.
  • Enjoining good and forbidding evil should be practiced with a faithful believer that he would learn a lesson, or an ignorant that he would earn. Enjoining good and forbidding evil become surely worthless when they are applied to the powerful tyrants.
  • As some people showed ingratitude for Allah's graces, He changed the graces into crises. As other people showed steadfastness against the misfortunes that inflicted them, Allah changed the misfortunes into graces.
  • Imam As-Sadiq(A.S.) was asked about personality, he answered: Personality stands for that Allah should not see you in situations against which He warned, and miss you in situations of which He ordered.
  • Thank him who did you favor, and confer upon him who thanked you. Graces that are shown gratitude will not be removed while those that are shown ingratitude will not persist. Thanks increase the graces and saves against poverty.
  • To miss a need is better than asking it from other than its people. Bad mannerism in a misfortune is more catastrophic than the misfortune itself.
  • As a man asked him a short item of instruction that collects the welfare of this world and the world to come, the Holy Imam (A.S.) said: Never tell untruths.
  • Imam As-Sadiq (A.S.) was asked about eloquence. He answered: Eloquence is to express the idea in as few as possible words. The eloquent is that who attains his demand in the least effort.
  • Debt is grief at night and humility in day.
  • If your worldly demands are attainable, you should check your religion.
  • Treat your fathers piously so that your sons will treat you piously. Keep yourselves away from the strange women so that your harem will be chaste.
  • Salutation is voluntary while responding is obligatory.
  • Do not answer those who speak before they greet you.
  • Shaking hands is the perfect greeting of the resident and embracement is the perfect greeting of the traveler.
  • Shake hands, because this will confiscate malice.
  • Fear Allah even if to some extent. Construct a screen between Him and you even if transparent.
  • As for those who control themselves in rage, desire, fear, and lust, Allah will prevent Hell from burning their bodies.
  • Everything has limits. The limit of conviction is not to fear anything besides Allah.
  • The (Faithful) believer should enjoy eight characters; he should be venerable in shaking situations, steadfast against misfortunes, thankful in luxury, satisfied with what Allah has decided to him, avoid oppressing the enemies, avoid over tasking the associates, should fatigue his body, and make people feel glad with him.
  • Knowledge is the comrade of the faithful believer, clemency is his supporter, patience is the commander of his army, lenience is his brother, and charity is his father.
  • As for those who practice without guidance, they are like him who walks without choosing a definite path. The more he walks, the remoter he becomes.
  • He who recognizes Allah accurately will fear Him. He who fears Allah accurately will disregard the worldly pleasures.
  • The actual fearful is that who cannot speak due to the intensity of fear.
  • We love those who are intelligent. Knowledgeable, perceptive, expert, clement, courteous, patient, veracious, and loyal. Allah gave the noble characters exclusively to the prophets(a.s). He who enjoys such characters should thank Allah for them. He who does not enjoy them should supplicate to Allah for them. As he was asked about these noble characters, Imam As-Sadiq(A.S.) said: The noble characters are piety, satisfaction, patience, gratefulness, clemency, pudency, generosity, bravery, enthusiasm, veracity, charity, fulfillment of the trusts, conviction, good mannerism, and chivalry.
  • The firmest handle of faith is to love, hate, give, and deprive-all for Allah's sake.
  • The Divine Throne will be shaken when one makes Allah the witness of a false matter.
  • He whose conducts are bad is tormenting himself.
  • Favor is well-known. Except its reward, nothing is better than doing favor.
  • The most effective soldiers of Eblis are women and rage.
  • The world is the believer's jail, patience is his fortress, and Paradise is his abode. The world is the disbeliever's paradise, grave is his jail, and Hell is his abode.
  • Whenever you see a servant (of Allah) pursuing people's flaws and neglecting his own flaws, you should then realize that he has been trapped (by the Shaitan).
  • The server of food who thanks (Allah for so) will be rewarded as same as those who fast just for gaining the rewards of Allah, and the individual who is cured and thanks (Allah for curing him) will be rewarded as same as the diseased one who is steadfast against that disease (for the sake of Allah).
  • You should not trust the betrayer after you had tested him and you should not accuse him whom you trusted.
  • Fear of Allah is sufficient knowledge and deceit is sufficient ignorance.
  • The best adoration is to know Allah and behave humbly with Him.
  • Everything has its tax and the tax of knowledge is to teach its people.
  • Beware of associating with the lowly, because the association with them will never lead to welfare.
  • To wear rings on the fingers is a prophetic tradition.
  • The most favorable friend to me is that who shows me my flaws.
  • Friendship is nil unless its limits are kept. He who does not keep these limits should not be regarded as friend. The first limit is that the inner self and the appearance should be identical. The second limit is that the friend should regard your goodness as his goodness and your evil as his evil. The third limit of friendship is that a position or fortunes should not change the friend's relation with his friends. The fourth limit is that the friend should not deprive his friend of anything that he is capable of doing. The fifth limit which is the most comprehensive is that the friend should never leave his friend alone in calamities.
  • The believers laughter should be only a smile.
  • There is no difference between depositing a trust with a betrayer or a negligent.
  • Imam As-Sadiq(A.S.) said to Al-Mufaddal: I instruct you to stick on six characters and relate them to my adherents-Shia. You should fulfill the trust of him who entrusts you with anything. You should like for your brother whatever you like for yourself. You should know that every matter has an end; therefore, you should beware of the outcomes of matters. Similarly, every matter has a sudden event; hence, beware of the sudden events. Beware of climbing an easy mountain if its slope is uneven. Never promise your brother of a matter that you cannot fulfill.
  • People are equal like the teeth of a comb. With the support of his brothers, a man can be regarded as great. No goodness is expected in the friendship of those who do not like for their friends whatever they like for themselves.
  • You should regard him who became angry with you three times without addressing any bad saying to you as a true friend.
  • You will not be faithful believer before you become fearful and hopeful. You will not be fearful and hopeful before you work for what you fear and hope.
  • Faith is not identified through outer appearances and hopes. Faith is that which is pure in the hearts and assured by deeds.
  • If a man is more than thirty year old, he is middle-aged. If he is more than forty year old, he is old man.
  • Whenever Allah opens a door to the worldly pleasures, He will open to acquisitiveness.
  • The believer is strange in this world. He should not feel worry of its humility and should not compete with its people for gaining its honor.
  • Hasty walking removes the believer's brightness and extinguishes their illumination.
  • Allah surely hates the oppressive wealthy man.
  • Rage eliminates the intelligence of the wise. He who cannot control his rage will not be able to control his mind.
  • The niggardly is that who gains wealth illegally and spends it unsuitably.
  • Good mannerism is a part of the religion. It increases the earnings.
  • Morals are of two forms: one is intent while the other is nature. Imam As-Sadiq(A.S.) was asked, "Which of them is better than the other?" He answered: The intentional morals are better than the natural, because the owner of natural morals cannot change them, while the owner of the intentional morals is preserving the acts of obedience (to Allah).
  • The actual generous charitable individual is that who spends his wealth for fulfilling the rights of Allah.
  • You should know that I will fulfill the trust of even the killer of Ali(A.S.) if he deposits something with me or seeks my advice of consultation.
  • Sufian said: I asked Abu-Abdullah (A.S.) whether it is acceptable to praise oneself or not. He answered: It is acceptable to praise oneself in cases of necessity. Joseph the prophet (A.S.) said: Put me in charge of the treasuries of the land. I know how to manage them. (Holy Qur'an 12:55). The virtuous servant (of Allah) also said: I am a trustworthy advisor for you. (Holy Qur'an 7:68).
  • Mohammed bin Qays said: I asked Abu-Abdullah(A.S.) whether it is acceptable to sell weapon to the two parties both of whom are wrong. Holy Imam(A.S.) said: Sell to them only defensive weapons: armors, shields, helmets, and the like.
  • Allah gives the worldly pleasures to those whom He loves as well as those whom He dislikes, while He gives the faith only to whom He selects among the creatures.
  • Abu-Baseer related: I asked Abu-Abdullah (A.S.) about faith and Islam. He answered: Faith is the avoidance of acts of disobedience to Allah. Islam is to practice our rites and slaughter animals as we do.
  • Bad-temperedness, bad humor, envy, obduracy, fabrication and oppression these six characters should never be in the believers behavior.
  • The believer should live between two fears the past sin that he does not know what Allah will do about it and the remaining days that he does not know what misfortunes he will encounter during them. Thus, the believer begins his day fearfully and ends his day fearfully. Except fear, nothing mends the believer.
  • You will not be regarded as (true) believers before you see the misfortunes as graces and the luxury as disaster.
  • The possession of four thousand dirhams is fortune. The possession of twelve thousand dirhams is treasuring up. Twenty thousand dirhams cannot be amassed by legal ways. The possessor of thirty thousand dirhams will surely be suffering perdition. The possessors of one hundred thousand dirhams are definitely not reckoned with our adherents Shia.
  • The best deeds of the servants are three: they are to treat the believers fairly, to console the friends, and to mention Allah in every situation. Some asked: "What is the meaning of mentioning Allah in every situation?" The Imam (A.S.) answered: This means to mention Allah when you want to commit a sin so that He will prevent you from committing it.
  • Beware of joking, because it causes rancor and drives into malice. Joking is the lesser revilement.
  • Younus related: Before Imam as-Sadiq(A.S.) I said: My loyalty to you - the Holy Prophet's family - and recognition of your rights are most favorable to me than this world with all of its insides." I noticed the Holy Imam (A.S.) was enraged. After a while, he (A.S.) said: O Younus, you have evaluated us in an improper measurement. What is the world and what are its insides? It is no more than relief of a trouble or screening of a defect. By loyalty to us, you are gaining the endless life.
  • In misfortunes, Imam As-Sadiq(A.S.) used to say: All praise is due to Allah Who did not make my misfortune in my religious affairs. All praise is due to Allah Who could, if He willed, make my misfortune more catastrophic than what it is now. All praise is due to Allah for the matter that He willed to be, and it was as He willed.
  • If the world advances to some people, it will garb them with the others' charms. If it leaves some people, it usurps their own charms.
  • Daughters are advantages and sons are graces. You will be rewarded for the advantages and asked about the graces.
Jun 27, '10 1:21 PM
for everyone


 Description:
Name: ZainabTitle: Siddiqa-e-Sughra
Father: Hazrat Ali Ibne Abi TalibMother: Fatima Bint-e-Mohummad
Born: 5 Jumada 1/1 Shabaan (5 AH)Died:11/21 Jumada 2/24 Safar 62 A
Kunyat: Umm-ul-MassaibBuried: Damascus / Medina / Cairo
Lived: 55 yearsMore Details
Sayyeda Zainab Miracles:
Zainab (s.a.) is represented by responding to invocations, in a miraculous way, such as healing the sick and the crippled. Sources have detailed many such miracles. Here are some examples:
A recent miracle that took place in the late sixties and that was reported in the Lebanese newspapers. An old Lady called Haja Fawzia was so sick that she could not stand, walk or even see.
At the beginning of Muharram people were organizing themselves in-groups to visit the Holy Shrine. Haja Fawziah wanted to go with them. She told her brother, Subhi, that she could hire two women to carry her and help her. But he refused the idea saying that the blessed Lady could hear her and help her wherever she was. Haja Fawzia spent the night crying and listening to the story of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (a.s.). Then she prayed to Allah the almighty invoking the prestigious position of Zainab (s.a.) to heal her.
At dawn, she was getting ready to pray when she felt a women taking her hand and telling her: "Stand up on your feet. I am Zainab bint Ali bin Abi Talib. Your brother has told you that Zainab can heal you if she so wishes while you are in your house. I do not heal anybody unless Allah, the Most Exalted, wants him to be cured... Allah's hand is above mine".
Haja Fawzia replied in astonishment: "But I can't stand". But Zainab (s.a.) insisted saying: "Get Up". The Haja stood up crying: "Allah is great"... She was completely healed... And the story is well known in Lebanon.
There are also some other famous miracles as that of the healing of the only child of the Pakistani merchant, Muhammad Ali Habib:
The son had polio, and all the efforts of the medical doctors were useless. The father, upon a visit to the Holy Shrine prayed to Allah to cure his child.
At the same night, as some sources say, the child who was asleep in his room in Pakistan woke up to find himself able to walk. Following this incident the Pakistani merchant donated the silver cage that still protects the grave.
Sermon of Hadrat Zainab (A.S.) in Shaam
Presenting this sermon of Bint-e-Ali on the occasion of Arba’in when Hadrat Zainab Bint-e-Ali (A.S.) along with other holy ladies and children of Ahl-ol Beit (A.S.) came to Karbala …
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Allah’s blessing be upon His Messenger Muhammad and his entire progeny. True are the words of Allah, who says, “Then the end of those who committed evil was that they disbelieved in Allah’s signs and they were ridiculing them.” (30:10)
Do you, Yazid, think that – when you blocked all our avenues of the earth and the horizons of the heavens before us, so we were driven as captives – that we are worthless in the eyes of Allah and that you are respectful in His eyes? Or is it because you enjoy with Him a great status? So, you look down at us and become arrogant, elated, when you see the world submissive to you and things are done as you want them, and when our authority and power became all yours?
But wait! Have you forgotten that Allah said, “Do not regard those who disbelieved that we grant them good for themselves? We only give them a respite so that they may increase their sins, and for them there is a humiliating torment.” (3:178)
Is it fair, O son of the “Released Ones” that you keep your ladies and bond maidens in their chambers (under protection), and at the same time you drive the daughters of the Messenger of Allah as captives with their veils removed and faces exposed, taken by their enemies from one land to another, being viewed by those at watering places as well as those who man your forts, with their faces exposed to the looks of everyone – near or distant, lowly or honourable, having none of their men with them nor any of their protectors?
But what can be expected from one descended from those whose mouths chewed the liver of the purified ones and whose flesh grows out of the blood of the martyrs? How can it be expected that one who looks at us with grudge and animosity, with hatred and malice, would not hate us – the Ahlul Bayt? Besides, you, without feeling any guilt or weighing heavily what you recite saying, They would have been very much delighted, Then they’d have said, “May your hands, O Yazid, never be paralyzed.”
How dare you hit the lips of Abu Abdillah (A.S.), the Master of the Youths of Paradise? But why should you not do so, since you stirred a wound that almost healed, and since all mercy is removed from your hear, having shed the blood of the offspring of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny, and the stars on the earth from among the family of Abdul-Muttalib? Then you cite your mentors as if you speak to them. Soon shall you be lodged with them, and soon shall you wish you were paralyzed and muted and never said what you said nor what you did.
O Allah, take what belongs to us out of his hands, seek revenge against those who oppressed us, and let Your wrath descend upon whoever shed our blood and killed our protectors! By Allah, you have burnt only our skin, you have cut only our flesh, and you shall com face to face with the Messenger of Allah, peace of Allah be upon him and his progeny, bearing the burdens of the blood which you have shed, the blood of his offspring, and of his sanctities which you violated, when Allah gathers them together and seeks equality on their behalf.
“And do not reckon those who are slain in the way of Allah as dead. Nay! They are living with their Lord, receiving their sustenance.” (3:169)
It is quite sufficient that Allah is your judge and Muhammad, peace and blessing be upon his progeny, is your opponent and (Archangel) Jibraeel as the supporter (of Muhammad). All those who instigated you to do what you did and all those who put you in charge due to which you are a playing havoc with the lives of the Muslims will know for certain how evil the end of the oppressors is and which of you shall have the worst place and will be the least protected?
Although calamities have forced me to speak to you, I see you trivial in my eyes and find your verbal attacks great and regard your rebukes too much to bear, but the eyes are tearful, and the chests are filled with depression. What is even stranger is that the honoured Party of Allah is being killed by the Party of the “Released Ones” – Party of Shaytan. Such hands are dripping with our blood; such mouths are feeding on our flesh, while those sacred and pure corpses are offered as food to the wild beasts of the desert and are dirtied by the brutes. If you regard us as your booty, you shall soon find us as your opponents -that will be when you find nothing but what your hands had committed.
“And your Lord never treats His servants unjustly.” (41:46)
To Allah is my complaint, and upon Him do I rely.
So scheme whatever you wish to scheme, and carry out your plots, and intensify your efforts, for, by Allah, you shall never be able to obliterate our mention, nor will you ever be able to kill the revelation (that was revealed to us), nor will you ever exalt our position, nor will your shame ever be washed away. Your view shall be proven futile, your days limited in number, and your wealth wasted on the Day when the caller calls out,
“The curse of Allah be upon the oppressors.” (11:18)
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, who sealed the life of our early ones with happiness and forgiveness, and that of our last ones with martyrdom and mercy. We plead to Allah to complete His rewards for them, grant them an increase, and recompense us pleasingly. He is the most Merciful, the most Compassionate, Allah suffices us, and He is the best Guardian
By: Kaniz Aaliya
 (AS PER ONE OF THE RIWAYAT - MARTRYDOM ON 15TH MAHE RAJAB)
Name :
Jaffer (a.s.) - the 6th Holy Imam
Title :
As-Sadiq, Sadiq-e-Aal-e-Mohammad(a.s.)
Agnomen :
Abu-Abdullah
Father :
Imam Mohammad Baqir(a.s.) - the 5th Holy Imam
Mother :
Umm-e-Farwa(a.s.)
Birth :
At Madina on 17th of Rabi-al-Awwal 83 AH (702 AD)
Martyred :
In Madina at age 65, on Monday, 15th Rajab 148 AH (765 AD)
according to some traditions - 15th of Shawwal 148 AH (765 AD)
Cause of Death/Burial :
Buried in the cemetry of Baqi in Madina
Martyrdom
Toward the end of his life the Imam was subjected to severe restrictions placed upon him by the Abbasid caliph Mansur, who ordered such torture and merciless killing of many of the descendants of the Prophet who were Shi'ite that his actions even surpassed the cruelty and heedlessness of the Umayyads. At his order they were arrested in groups, some thrown into deep and dark prisons and tortured until they died, while others were beheaded or buried alive or placed at the base of or between walls of buildings, and walls were constructed over them. Hisham, the Umayyad caliph, had ordered the sixth Imam to be arrested and brought to Damascus. Later, the Imam(a.s.) was arrested by Saffah, the Abbasid caliph, and brought to Iraq. Finally, Mansur had him arrested again and brought to Samarrah where he had the Imam(a.s.) kept under supervision, was in every way harsh and discourteous to him, and several times thought of killing him. Eventually the Imam(a.s.) was allowed to return to Medina where he spent the rest of his life in hiding, until he was poisoned and martyred through the intrigue of Mansur.
Upon hearing the news of the Imam's martyrdom, Mansur wrote to the governor of Medina instructing him to go to the house of the Imam(a.s.) on the pretext of expressing his condolences to the family, to ask for the Imam's will and testament and read it. Whoever was chosen by the Imam(a.s.) as his inheritor and successor should be beheaded on the spot. Of course the aim of Mansur was to put an end to the whole question of the imamate and to Shi'ite aspirations. When the governor of Medina, following orders, read the last will and testament, he saw that the Imam(a.s.) had chosen four people rather than one to administer his last will and testament: the caliph himself, the governor of Medina, 'Abdullah Aftah, the Imam's older son, and Imam Musa-e-Kazim(a.s.), his younger son. In this way the plot of Mansur failed.
Jun 27, '10 3:53 AM
for everyone
From:
Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya <info@imam-us.org>
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To:abbasalamdar@yahoo.com

I.M.A.M. | Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Salam Alikum Dear Believers,

The Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya would like to congratulate you on the birthday of Ameer al-Mu'mineen 
Imam Ali (as).
Imam Ali (as) was born in the Sacred House (i.e. the Kaba) in Mecca on Friday, the thirteenth day of the month of Rajab, thirty years after the Year of the Elephant (c.570). Nobody before or after him has ever been born in the House of God, the Most High. (It was a mark) of him being honored by God, the Most High, may His name be exalted, and of his position being dignified in its greatness.

He was the first of the family of the House and of the Companions to believe in God and His Apostle. He was the first male whom the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, summoned to Islam and who answered. He never ceased to support the religion and to strive against the polytheists. He constantly defended the faith and fought against those who supported deviation (from the truth) and despotism. He spread the teachings of the sunna (the practice of the Prophet) and the Qur'an, judged with justice and enjoined (people) to do good.

On the day of the death of the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, the community differed over his Imamate. His Shia supported him because of his outstanding merit (fadl) above all mankind, through the fact that there were gathered in him the qualities of outstanding merit, judgment and perfection, such as him being the first of the community to enter the faith, his superiority over them in knowledge of the laws, his precedence over them in fighting (
jihad) and the distinction which set him apart from them in the extent of his piety, asceticism and righteousness. It was because of these qualities that the Prophet (s) had himself named Ali (a) as his successor during the event of Ghadir Khumm.

Although Ali (a) was initially denied his right to govern the community, he was eventually granted it after the death of Uthman, the third caliph. Imam Ali's (a) caliphate was defined by his relentless commitment to justice, piety, and asceticism. He was known to eat the simplest of foods and treat all people with as much kindness and compassion as a human being is capable of. He also continued his role as the greatest scholar of his time, as can be easily seen in the writings and supplications narrated from him, such as the sermons and letters of Nahjul Balagha and duas such as that of Kumail, Yastasheer, and Simaat.

The death of the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him occurred before dawn of Friday, the twenty-first of the month of 
Ramadan, in the year 40 A.H. He was a victim of the sword of Ibn Muljam al-Muradi, who struck him as he prayed in the Mosque of Kufa. On the day of his death he was 63 years of age.

Source: Kitab al-Irshad by Sheikh Mufid (ra)


Imam Ali 4/40

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I.M.A.M. | Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya | 13357 Michigan Ave | Dearborn | MI | 48126
Jun 27, '10 3:49 AM
for everyone
Easy Eye Makeup Tips


Many of us realize that the eyes are the most essential part of the make up of the face. They are a window into just who we are.

Your eye makeup is perhaps the most important part of your overall look. Eyes get attention, draw people in, and communicate a great deal about you before you say a word. But, if done poorly, eye makeup can be the first clue that you are wearing too much makeup, or are simply trying too hard. The trick is knowing when and where to use different eye makeup looks.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend an afternoon or evening in playing with makeup; don’t try to create a brand-new look thirty minutes before a hot party. Practice applying eye makeup tricks until you can do it with a steady hand.

Some Easy Eye Makeup Tips

    * Start with a freshly exfoliated face.
    * To hide under eye dark circles, select a cosmetic under eye concealer of a good brand.
    * Make sure that it is one shade lighter than the foundation you are using.
    * Place three dots of concealer under each eye.
    * Start at the inner corner where the skin is darkest, on under the pupil and on the outer edge.
    * Strike with your ring finger until the dots disappear and blend into the skin.
    * Generally, avoid concealers with and oil base as they tend to settle into the fine lines under your eyes and draw attention to the circles.

Apply Eye Shadow

    * Eye shadows are used to enhance the charm of your eyes and are an all-time favorite make-up accessory. They can be powdered, matted or semi matted. You need to make sure that the eye shadow you select enhances your eyes instead of dominating them.
    * If your eyes are too close together, apply the shadow from the centre of the eye lid towards the outside.
    * If the eyes are in a hollow, apply the shadow on the whole eye lid as far as the underside of the eyebrow and then shade it off with the finger.
    * If fine lines surround your eyes, shade off the shadow towards the outside of the eyelid.
    * Apply a little shadow beneath the eyes along the lower lash line to give your eyes a subtle glamorous look.
    * If you are using two colors, start with the lighter shade from the inner corner of the eye covering the lid and below the brow bone.
    * Build on this with a darker color in the crease, from the centre and brush till the end of the eyebrow.

Apply Eyeliner

    * A thin line of eyeliner is the perfect way to give a new definition to your eyes.
    * Liquid eyeliners work well with most eyes. Draw a line across the upper lid just above the lashes starting from the inner corner to the other.
    * Remember, liquid liner has to be applied in one smooth stroke.
    * Dark eye shadows work great as eye liners. However, the eyeliner pencil is definitely the easiest to use and has the most natural effect, but it does not last long.
    * Highlighting the Brow Bone
    * Dab a little highlighter on your brow bone, concentrating on your mid brow.
    * Gently smudge with a finger.
    * To lift your eyes and for creating a bright effect, you can choose shimmer white or pale gold as they are in vogue.

Apply Mascara

    * The final step is to apply mascara that will prep your eyes with flaps of thick, long eyelashes.
    * Coat lashes with the mascara wand from the very base of the upper eye lashes to the tips with full strokes.
    * Hold the wand vertically while applying mascara to the lower lashes, running it from side to side.
    * Apply a thin coat first and wait until it dries up completely, then build up with a second coat.
    * When applying mascara to the lower lashes, gently brush the tip of the applicator across them as it gives your eyes a wider look.
    * You may opt for mascaras that contain ingredients for nourishing the eyelashes.

Note

    * You may look exceptionally good after this. Do not be alarmed if you get extra attention.
    * Get a trusted person to tell you if you’ve gone overboard with the make-up.
Jun 27, '10 3:46 AM
for everyone
How to Treat Fever in Kids?

Fever is not an illness but it is one part of the body’s natural defense against infection. Read full article to get information on how and when to treat fever, how to accurately measure a child’s temperature, signs and symptoms of fever etc.

Fever is a normal response of the body against infection. Nearly every child will develop a fever at some point and it is a frightening thing for a parent. The human body does a fairly good job of regulating temperature of body. Normally, the temperature of the human body is in the range of 96-100 degree Fahrenheit. Temperature of the body varies by several degrees throughout the day in a normal, healthy state. Generally, it is coolest in the morning and warmest in the evening.


Fever takes place when the temperature of the body is elevated as a result of the body’s thermostat being reset to a higher than usual temperature. In child, low-grade fevers having temperature below 102 degrees F can be treated at home, with or without medication. It can become very dangerous if it surpasses temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degree Fahrenheit. The body’s temperature can also rise for reasons other than fever such as; runners will raise their temperature when they run on a hot day. This is not a fever but it can be called as hyperthermia where the body thermostat remains set at “normal”.

Fever definition:

There is no single value that is defined as fever due to the normal variation in body temperature. Following are generally accepted values for fever.

    * Oral temperature above 99.5ºF (37.5ºC)
    * Rectal temperature above 100.4ºF (38ºC)
    * Axillary (armpit) temperature above 99ºF (37.2ºC)
    * Ear temperature above 100.4º (38ºC) in rectal mode or 99.5ºF (37.5ºC) in oral mode
    * Digital pacifier temperature above 100ºF (37.8ºC)

Causes of Fever in Children:



The most common cause of fever in children is infection. The most likely illnesses to cause fever include common viral and bacterial illnesses like colds, gastroenteritis, ear infections, croup, and bronchiolitis.

Packing a child who is less than three months old in too many clothes or blankets can raise the child’s temperature slightly. But, a rectal temperature of 101ºF (38.5ºC) or greater is not likely to be associated to packing and should be assessed.

Immunizations in some child can also cause fever. Depending upon which vaccination was given, the timing of the fever varies.

Probably, teething does not cause fever but in some particular studies have shown that temperatures of 101.3ºF (38.5ºC) or greater in teething.

Measurement of Child’s Temperature:

A rectal temperature is the most accurate in all children. When the proper technique is used, it is probable to accurately measure the temperature in the mouth (for children older than four or five years) or ear (for children older than six months). However, in a child older than 3 months, it’s fine to take it orally unless your doctor directs otherwise.

For an accurate measurement of your child’s temperature, follow the tips which are given below.

    * Before taking your child’s temperature, clean the thermometer in lukewarm soapy water and rinse it well with cool water.
    * Don’t bundle your baby or child up too tightly before taking his or her temperature.
    * Never leave your child alone while using a thermometer.
    * After you’re done using a thermometer, clean it with rubbing alcohol or wash it in cool, soapy water.
    * Be sure to label your rectal thermometer so that it isn’t accidentally used in your child’s mouth.
    * If you’re taking your child’s temperature orally, wait at least 20 minutes after your child finishes eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages to take his or her temperature.
    * Don’t take your child’s temperature right after he or she has had a bath.

Treatment of fever in Kids:

Without consulting your doctor, don’t give any medicine to babies who are younger than 2 months of age.

Medications:

Acetaminophen (one brand name: Children’s or Infants’ Tylenol) relieves pain and lowers fever. For the correct dosage for your child, check the package label or consult your doctor. The correct dosage of the medication depends on your child’s weight and age.

Another medicine, Ibuprofen can also be used to lower a fever in children over 6 months of age. Your doctor will tell you the correct dose for your child, so talk to your doctor before giving ibuprofen (two brand names: Children’s Advil, Children’s Motrin) to your child.

Sponging and baths:

Sponging involves placing a child in a bathtub and utilizing a damp washcloth to be relevant comfortably warm (85ºF or 30ºC) water to the entire body. As water evaporates from the skin surface, cooling of the body take place. So, the child should not be bundled in wet towels or submerged in water when this method of cooling is used.

Sponging is not as effective as anti-fever medications such as acetaminophen and so it is rarely used. Sponging should always be used in conjunction with anti-fever medications, such as acetaminophen, unless the child cannot tolerate these medications.

It is never recommended to use sponging with alcohol because alcohol fumes may be absorbed through the child’s skin or lungs.

Increase fluids:

Fever can increase a child’s risk of becoming dehydrated. Parents should encourage their child to drink an adequate amount of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration. Supply your child with lots of fluids including water, juices, soups or gelatin to keep them well hydrated. The parent should consult the child’s healthcare provider if the child is unwilling or unable to drink fluids for more than a few hours.

Rest:

Tiredness and achy mostly experienced by child in fever. Parents should encourage their child to rest as much as the child wants. It is not essential to force the child to sleep or rest if he or she starts to feel better. When the temperature has been normal for 24 hours, children may return to school or other activities.

Consult your doctor if your child has the following symptoms with their fever:

    * More sleepy than usual
    * Complaining of a stiff neck or light hurting their eyes.
    * Vomiting and refusing to drink much
    * If your child is in pain
    * Rash
    * Problems with breathing

Key points to remember:

    * If your child seems well and is happy there is no need to treat a fever.
    * Fevers are common in children.
    * If your child is under 3 months and has a fever above 38 degreeC, take them to the doctor to be checked.
    * Watch your child for signs of the illness getting worse.
    * If your child seems unwell take their temperature. The normal temperature range is up to 38 degreeC.
    * If your child is miserable, treatment is needed to comfort your child.  Give clear fluids and paracetamol.  The response of the fever to treatment does not matter.

(PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR AT ALL TIMES)
 Sayings of Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (AS) on knowledge

 

1-Knowledge is a shield, truthfulness is might, ignorance is abasement, understanding is glory, generosity is success, good behavior causes friendship, he who has knowledge about his time, ambiguous things do not attack him.
2-Whoever attacks a matter without knowledge cuts off his own nose.
3-Verily, knowledge is a lock and its key is the question.
4-Allah does not accept any act without knowledge, there is no knowledge without act, so whoever knows, knowledge leads him to act, and whoever does not act gets no knowledge, but belief is a little of a little.
5-Enough for the fear of Allah is knowledge and enough for self-importance is ignorance.
Indeed, the most knowledge of all men in Allah is the most satisfied of them with death.

6- There is no life more glorious than possessing meritorious ethics and morals. 
7- Being cheerful and affable with people is by itself half of wisdom. 
8- The believers have four signs: good humor, tactfulness, kind heartedness and openhandedness 
9- Immorality and surliness makes the human's life miserable and bitter
10- Walking hastily diminishes the credit and value of the believer and ruins his spiritual and moral image in public. 
11 A good-tempered person people enjoys the company of the virtuous people and is immune to the molestation and harassment of the wicked people. 
12- Meritorious morals increase the number of friends and beloved. 
13- There are three things that signify the magnanimity of a person: good temper, patience, and to avoid aggressive gaze. 
Miserly, jealous and liar men are far from peace, pleasure and humanity.
14-Whoever subdues his anger, the Almighty God will increase his respect in both worlds.
15-It's proper for the wise to say right so his words are reliable and it's proper for him to thank God, so His graces will be increased for him.
16-My lovely friend is he who criticizes my faults.
Jun 26, '10 2:16 PM
for everyone

Saying of Hazrat Fatimah(as)


1. Allah made all the beings without previous matter & samples & shapes & pattern. And made them wear the dress of life by His main & might & created them according to His divine will & Intention, short of it that He might have needed their creation, or have wished any benefit for Himself from their shaping & sketching, except this that he wanted to give a proof of His wisdom & make the people (creation) aware about His obedience & submission, & invited them to his servitude & worship & make His invitation grand & ostentatious.

2. Allah fixed the reward for His obedience & torment for His insubordination & disobedience, so that He may restrain His servants from His wrath & fury & lead them to His paradise.

3. I testify that there is no Deity (LORD) except the sole & matchless Allah. And the testification of the singleness of Allah is a word that Allah has declared sincerity (as) it's reality, & made the hearts the centre of it's contact & union. And has made the specifications & research of the oneness of Allah's station obvious & evident in the light of meditation. The Allah who can not be seen by the eyes & tongues are unable & baffled to describe His virtues & attributes. And the intelligence & apprehension of man is helpless & destitute from the imagination of his howness.

4. Allah saw nations & groups had various different sects in their religion & scattered & staying on on the verge of the fires of differences, busy with their idol worshipping. They denied God with all the signs & symbols of HIM. So Allah illuminated the darkness through my father Mohammad (SAW) and removed the darkness from their hearts, removed (cured) the blindness of the eyes.

5. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said to Fatima (SA), "what is the thing which is a blessing for a women?"
She said that, "she must not see a man (stranger & not intimate) & a man must not see her".

6. Allah made the faith for you as a purity from polytheism (& infidelity).

7. And (made) service the cause of your getting distant (purification) from pride (egoism).

8. And rendered fasting for the maintenance & firmness of your sincerity.

9. And Allah set Hajj for the consolidation & reinforcement of the religion.

10. Allah executed & rendered justice for the sake of putting together & harmonization of the hearts.

11. And Allah set the subordination & obedience of us (the household of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) for the security of society's system & our Imamate as a safety from segregation & disunity.

12. And (Allah made) Jihad (holy war), the honor & glory for Islam & abjectness & humbleness for the infidels & hypocrites.

13. And (Allah rendered) patience as a help for getting reward.

14. And (Allah caused) commanding goodness & forbidding to do evil for the amendment & correction of
society & the common folks (public).

15. And (Allah made) the kindness to parents as a protection (shield) to His wrath & displeasure.

16. And Allah made joining & connecting with the kinship & cognation, the cause of lengthening of life.

17. And Allah made law of retaliation (revenge for homicide) as the security of blood (from being shed).

18. And Allah executed the vow performing as a medium for forgiveness.

19. And (Allah rendered) prohibition from drinking wine the cause of taking distance from contaminations (evils).

20. And Allah prohibited polytheism for the sake of (bringing about) sincerity in (His) adoration & worship.

Jun 26, '10 2:13 PM
for everyone
Sayings of Imam Ali (A.S.)

 

Knowledge and Ignorance
In reply to some one who posed Imam Ali (as) a difficult question, Imam Ali (as) said: "Ask in order to understand, and do not ask in order to find fault, for surely the ignorant man who wants to learn resembles a man of knowledge, and surely a man of knowledge who wants to be difficult resembles an ignorant man who wants to find fault.”

The Station of the men of Knowledge
The man of knowledge is the one who recognizes that what is known is very little compared to what is not known, and as a result he considers himself ignorant, and accordingly he increases his efforts to know more by going out in search of knowledge.

The Purity and the Nobility of Knowledge
Do not talk about knowledge with the foolish so that they deny you, nor with the ignorant so that they find you oppressive, but talk about it with those of its people whom you meet who will accept it and understand it.

Knowledge and Acting on it
O you who carry knowledge around with you; are you only carrying it around with you? For surely knowledge belongs to who ever knows and then acts accordingly, so that his action corresponds to his knowledge. There will be a people who will carry knowledge around with them, but it will not pass beyond their shoulders. Their inner most thoughts will contradict what they display in public, and their actions will contradict what they know.

The purity and nobility of knowledge
When a dead person is placed in his grave, four kinds of fire will cover him, but then the prayer will come and put one of them out, and the fast will come and put another one of them out, and then charity will come and put another one out, and knowledge will come and put the forth one out, and it will say : "If I had come sooner, I would a have put all of them out, and given you delight for I am with you now, and you’ll not see anything else distressing.

On the Heart
I am amazed at the heart of man: It possesses the substance of wisdom as well as the opposites contrary to it ...  for if hope arises in it, it is brought low by covetousness: and if covetousness is aroused in it, greed destroys it. If despair possesses it, self piety kills it: and if it is seized by anger, this is intensified by rage. If it is blessed with contentment, then it forgets to be careful; and if it is filled with fear, then it becomes preoccupied with being cautious. If it feels secure , then it is overcome by vain hopes; and if it is given wealth, then its independence makes it extravagant. If want strikes it, then it is smitten by anxiety. If it is weakened by hunger, then it gives way to exhaustion; and if it goes too far in satisfying its appetites, then its inner becomes clogged up. So all its shortcomings are harmful to it, and all its excesses corrupt it.

There are four things that make the heart die: wrong action followed by wrong action, playing around with foolish people, spending a lot of time with women, and sitting with the dead. Then they asked Imam Ali: "And who are the dead, O Commander of the believers?" He replied: "Every slave who follows his desires."
Surely want is a trial, and having sickness of the body is more difficult to bear than indigence, and having a sickness of the heart is more difficult to bear than having a sickness of the body. Surely being very wealthy is a blessing, and having a healthy body is better than being very wealthy, and having awe of Allah in your heart is better than having a healthy body.
Surely hearts have desires, and they turn towards, and they turn away ... so approach them by means of what they desire and what they turn towards, for surely if the heart is forced to do some thing against its will, it goes blind.

On Intellect
A person’s intellect becomes apparent through his dealings, and a man’s character is known by the way he exercises authority. The intellect is a king and characteristics are its subjects, so if it is weak in governing them, disorder takes place.
The intellect is better than desire, for the intellect makes you a king over your destiny, and desire makes you a slave of your destiny.
The intellect is a natural disposition which learns from experience.
The intellect is what arrives at what is correct through reasoning, and recognizes what has not yet happened through what has already taken place. Use your intellect to understand something when you hear about the intellect that examines, that is, and not just the intellect that repeats what it hears, for surely there are many who repeat the knowledge that they hear, and there are few who examine it.
The one who has an intellect longs to be like the righteous people so that he can be of one of them, and he loves them so that he can be united with them in his love, even if he falls short in emulating their actions.
The one who has an intellect does not openly display it except in one of two situations: when he is furthest away from seeking something in the world, and when he is furthest away from abandoning it.
Surely hated adversity has final objectives in which it will inevitably end, so the one who has an intellect should try to sleep over it until this happens, for surely any attempt to stop it before it has come to an end will only intensify that hated diversity even more.
The first opinion of the person of intellect is the last opinion of an ignorant person.
The one who has an intellect finds harshness of life amongst persons of intellect more agreeable than a life of ease amongst the foolish.

The Station of men of Knowledge

Know that the slaves of Allah are those who seek to preserve knowledge of Him, safeguarding what safeguards it, and lettings its springs flow freely. They are united by friendship, and they meet with love, and they drink from the cup that quenches their thirst, and they go on with their thirst satisfied. They are not troubled by doubt, and they are not quick to backbite. It is on this basis that their natural disposition and character rest, and on this is based their love, and by this they are united. They are like seeds that have been assessed and selected, some to be kept and some to be thrown away, identified through purification, and refined through clarification.

This World and the Next
Imam Ali (as) wrote to Salman al Farsi (ra) : To continue, surely, the likeness of this world is that of a snake: it is soft to touch, and deadly poisonous. The ignorant child is distracted by it, and the one with understanding and intellect is cautious of it. So turn away from what fascinates you in it, for how little of it stays with you.

The Life Transaction (Religion) of Islam
I am making a connection which no one has made before me: Islam is submission, and submission is certainty, and certainty is the affirmation of the truth, and affirmation of the truth is acknowledgement, and acknowledgement is performance of what is obligatory, and performance of what is obligatory is appropriate 
Jun 26, '10 1:01 PM
for everyone

Iranian Cooking:Joojeh Kabab


Ingredients: (4 servings)
• Chicken, 1 kg
• Extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup
• 2 large onions, grated
• 4 medium tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Saffron, 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

Directions:
Prepare marinade: mix olive oil, grated onions, saffron, salt and black pepper. Wash and cut chicken into small pieces, then remove the skin. Marinate overnight (or at least for several hours) in refrigerator. The container should be covered.
Thread chicken on long, thin metal skewers. Thread leg and thigh pieces, wings and breast pieces separately, as breast requires slightly less cooking. Also thread whole tomatoes separately on another skewer. Brush with marinade. Barbeque for about 5-10 minutes on each side, turning frequently. Joojeh Kabab can also be prepared in the oven. Prepare chicken as before, pre-heat the grill to a high temperature, and place just under the grill, again turning frequently. Serve hot with basmati rice or on middle-eastern bread.
Jun 26, '10 12:57 PM
for everyone

Iranian Kebab: Beryani

Ingredients: (4 servings)
• Shoulder lamb, 600 grams
• Medium onions, 3
• Iranian (sangak), middle-eastern, or pitta bread
• Cooking oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Turmeric

Directions:
Peel and thinly slice onions. Wash and cut meat into small pieces. Add onions and 3 glasses of hot water to meat and cook over medium heat for about 45 minutes (adding more hot water during cooking if necessary). Add salt, pepper, and turmeric, mix well and cook for a few more minutes. There should be no water left when cooking is over.
Grind (mince) the cooked meat or chop it finely using a sharp, large knife. Fry in oil over medium heat for about 15 minutes, then serve over bread with more bread covering the meat. Note that no rice is served with this dish. Beryani is a delicious dish from Esfahan.
Jun 26, '10 12:44 PM
for everyone

Seven Strategies to Train Kids this Ramadhan


Holy Prophet Muhammad (saws)


 "No father has given a greater gift to his children than good moral training."
The many aspects of Ramadan - fasting, prayers, moral values, charity, Holy Quran, family, Eid - provide a valuable opportunity to train kids. Whether they are your own kids or kids you teach, education or training isn"t an automatic or easy process. Children don"t bring empty minds and fill them with what we say. Training requires effort, energy and a few techniques to take off.

Here are some training tips and techniques to transform your children"s minds and memories this Ramadhan:

Let them get their Hands Dirty

"The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action."
 Herbert Spencer
Children learn by "doing". On average, students retain 75 percent of a lesson when they learn through hands-on activities compared to five percent through a lecture or 10 percent through reading (Brunmer, Jerome, "The Process of Learning").
If, for example, you want to teach your kids the concept of Zakat, get them to help you calculate your Zakat, decide where to send the money, and mail the envelopes. Action and implementation can occur while children learn, not necessarily after!
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) used to take his daughter Fatima (sa) with him when he went for prayer at the Holy Ka"ba in Mecca. Later, in Medina, he would bring his grandchildren, Hassan and Hussein (as), to the Masjid as toddlers before they knew how to pray.
A concept becomes real and important to children when they experience it rather than simply read about it. They"ll remember how to do it years later when you may catch them telling their friends, "I"ve been calculating Zakat since I was a kid!"

Involve their Emotions

When children get emotionally involved in an activity, they rarely want to leave it. Video games and TV shows target children"s emotions. As parents and educators, we can use the same technique for training.
Stories, songs, skits, crafts and games grab children"s emotions. Once a child is interested and excited, she is more likely to stay attentive till the end and get the message you want to give. Just as we remember events in our lives that were emotionally significant, children remember concepts learned through activities that were "fun", "funny", "exciting" or "different".
Don"t be afraid to stir some fun into your training - you don"t have to lose any content.
Write a song about Eid, create a Hadith treasure box, organize a Ramadhan trivia night, or read a story about Ramadhan in Medina. If they enjoy it, the kids will come back for more!

Reveal the Purpose

We often hear students complain, "Why do we have to do this?" or "This math exercise is pointless". Unfortunately, we often hear responses like, "Because I"m telling you to," "Because you have to", or worse, "You"ll get a new MP3 player if you finish the book".
Like us, if children don"t see the purpose or importance of an action, they won"t have the motivation to complete it. To avoid getting similar comments from your kids about prayer or fasting, make sure they understand the purpose. Before you begin any lesson, whether it"s a story about the Companions of the Prophet or an Eid craft, explain exactly why you are the doing the activity and what benefits the children will gain from it.
Remind your children that they are doing acts of worship to please Allah (SWT), not you. Explain why we need to please Allah (SWT) and how every action, including washing dishes or math homework, will help us achieve that goal. If children are praying only to please you, when you leave, their motivation and prayers will disappear.
If children are motivated to fast Ramadhan or complete the Holy Quran for a material incentive (like a MP3 player), they may never develop a love of Allah (SWT) or an intrinsic desire to perform the action. They may, instead, learn to value material rewards and when the rewards disappear, the actions may disappear with them.
Help your children understand that, for Muslims, rewards don"t necessarily come in this life. They may have to wait for the bigger and better rewards of the hereafter.

Highlight the Big Ideas

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten
 everything he learned in school." Albert Einstein
Ask yourself how many equations or formulas you remember from your Grade 12 Math textbook. It may be five or two or none. Let"s be honest - most of us retained very little of the details we learned.
Children will not retain all the Fiqh rulings of Zakat or Wudu or Salah, and they won"t need to! Make sure the little that they retain is exactly what you want them to remember. Focus on the big ideas, such as the awareness that Allah (SWT) is watching us, that we get our rulings from Holy Quran and the Sunnah, that prayer is a means of self-purification, etc. Repeat these ideas every day in different ways. While your children instill these principles in their minds, show them how to learn the rest on their own, when they need it.
Help your kids learn "how to learn". Teach them where to find the Fiqh information they need or how to do research on a topic and who to ask for information. They will be better prepared if they master the basics and know how to get the specifics. Memorizing every ruling will be a waste of their time and yours.

Let them Lead!

Children often take responsibilities more seriously than adults. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), appointed young adults like Ali, Anas and Usamah ibn Zaid, young adults, for important assignments that sometimes required them to lead even older and more experienced Companions.
Give children leadership over important tasks and step out of the picture. Assign one child to wake up all his siblings for Suhur. Let someone else be in charge of updating the Iftar time every evening. Allow the children to plan, budget and buy Eid gifts for all the relatives. Let them choose which task they want to "be in charge of".
Allow children to make mistakes and realize on their own what they should have done. Experience often trains better than instruction. Once a child goes out into the cold without a jacket, he"ll remember, before you can remind him, to put on his jacket next time.
Train kids to be responsible for their own learning. If a child asks, "Does brushing teeth break my fast?" a simple "yes" or "no" may give her the answer, but won"t provide any long-term training. Ask her instead, "Where can you look to find that answer? Let"s do some research."
Begin the month of Ramadhan by asking your children to do a research project on what breaks the fast and what does not. If they find the information themselves, they are likely to remember it and know exactly where to get it again next year.
"The only person who is educated is the one who has learned
 how to learn and change." Carl Rogers

Get Excited!

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." W. B. Yeats
Kids catch on to your enthusiasm. Show some excitement and passion about the topic you"re teaching. Show your kids that you "can"t wait" for Ramadhan to begin. Be cheerful at prayer times. Decorate the house in anticipation of Eid.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww), taught by example. His character and actions motivated people to love and emulate him. Be the example you want your kids to be. Make a genuine effort to love the activities you want your kids to love.

Combine Love with Learning

Al-Aqra b. Habis saw Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww), kissing Hassan (his grandson). He said: I have ten children, but I have never kissed any one of them, whereupon Allah"s Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said: He who does not show mercy, no mercy would be shown to him.
Show children that you love them, regardless of how they perform. Allow each child to progress at his own pace. Saying, "look at your cousin Aminah - she"s already finished the fifteenth juz", will only lower your child"s self-esteem and discourage what she"s already accomplishing.
Excessive competition and comparison can often result in helplessness and lack of motivation for children who learn in different ways or at a slower pace. Allow children to judge their own progress and compare themselves to their former level rather than that of others.
Make this Ramadhan the beginning of a memorable and long-lasting training experience for you and your children!

Jun 26, '10 12:26 PM
for everyone

Antioxidants Can Improve Insulin Resistance


Results of a recent study suggested that a diet rich in natural antioxidants improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant obese adults and enhances the effect of the insulin-sensitizing drug metformin.
"The beneficial effects of antioxidants are known, but we have revealed for the first time one of their biological bases of action -- improving hormonal action in obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome," said principal author Antonio Mancini, MD, an endocrinology researcher at Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome.
The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic risk factors for developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke. People with this syndrome cannot efficiently use insulin, the hormone that regulates glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Some evidence exists that oxidative stress may play a role in the metabolic syndrome, according to Mancini. Oxidative stress, a biochemical mechanism which can lead to damage to blood particles and to cells, results from an imbalance between an excessive amount of oxidants and decreased antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress also plays a part in aging.
Antioxidants, which are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, include vitamins E and C, selenium and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene. Past research shows that antioxidants can prevent oxidative damage to cells and in some cases also help repair damage.
Mancini and his colleagues studied the effects of dietary antioxidants on insulin resistance, with partial financial support from MIUR, the Italian Department for University and Research. The study included 16 men and 13 women, ages 18 to 66 years, who were obese and insulin-resistant, but were not yet diabetic.
The researchers randomly assigned the subjects to one of four treatment groups. All groups ate a low-calorie, Mediterranean-type diet averaging 1,500 calories daily, containing only 25 percent from protein foods, with the rest made up of low-glycemic-index carbohydrates (carbs that do not raise blood sugar levels quickly or greatly, such as whole grains). Group A only ate this kind of diet, and group B ate the same diet plus took the drug metformin. For groups C and D, the researchers prescribed a diet enriched in antioxidant, with a calculated intake, 800 to 1,000 milligrams a day, coming from fruits and vegetables, but group D also took metformin.
Despite similar weight loss in all the groups, only the two groups receiving the antioxidant diet (groups C and D) had a significant decrease in insulin resistance, the authors reported. Group D had the best improvement in insulin resistance on some measures of insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test, according to the abstract.
Subjects reported no adverse effects from the antioxidant diet, Mancini said. When asked about the risk of adding more antioxidants to a diet, he stated, "We think that a total antioxidant level of 800 to 1,000 milligrams a day is safe and probably not close to the maximum tolerable level."
The results are being presented at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Jun 26, '10 5:50 AM
for everyone
NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!
He, who loses money, loses much
He, who loses a friend, loses much more
He, who loses FAITH, loses everything