Abdi Tahliil With Waberi

CARTOON

Source:  Bar-kulan.com

RAMADAN

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.

During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.

Source: 

http://islam.about.com

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP WEEK

Give thousand chances to your enemy to become your friend, But don’t give a single chance to your friend to become your enemy  It's "World Best Friends Week" send this to all your good friends. Even me, if I am one of them. See how many u get back. 
> If you get more than 3 you're really, a lovable person..............I am waiting 
> 
> 
> 
> It ' s National Friendship Week.. 
> 

Show your friends how much you care.. 
> 

Send this to everyone you ever considered a FRIEND! 
> 
>
Even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you. 
> 
If it comes back to you, then you will know you have a circle of friends. 
> 

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP WEEK TO YOU!!!!!!


YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED. 

THANX FOR EVERYTHING YOU EVER DID FOR ME, WISHED FOR ME…. EVEN THOUGHT FOR ME….
> 
> F - Few 
> R – Relations 
> I - In
> E - Earth
> N - Never
> D - Die 

Dhibaatada Abaarta ku Hayso Dadka Soomaaliyeed

K'naan and Bono "Stand By Me"

K'naan performing with Bono at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, 23 July, 2011

Ramadan: Medical benefits, fasting & Diabetes Mellitus

Ramadan: Medical benefits, fasting & Diabetes Mellitus


by Shahid Athar, M.D.


Most Muslims do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran.  The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting.  Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids.  There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets.  Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake.  The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.
Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan.  If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one's entire life.  Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets.  Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.
The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk.  Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration.  The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity.
The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure.  In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension.  In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan", held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting.  While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients' health or baseline medical condition.  On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.
There are psychological effects of fasting as well.  There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan.  Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases.  This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes.
Recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory.  Therefore, I encourage my Muslim patients to fast in the month of Ramadan, but they must do it under medical supervision.  Healthy adult Muslims should not fear becoming weak by fasting, but instead it should improve their health and stamina.
DIABETES MELLITUS AND RAMADAN FASTING

Diabetes mellitus affects people of all faiths. Muslims are no exception. Many diabetic Muslims have a desire to fast during the month of Ramadan, although if they cannot for health reasons, they have a valid exemption. The dilemma for physicians and Muslim scholars is whether or not Muslim diabetic patients (1) should be allowed to fast if they decide to; (2) can fast safely; (3) can be helped to fast if they decide to; (4 ) can have their disease monitored at home; and (5) are going to derive any benefit or harm to their health. Fasting during Ramadan by a Muslim diabetic patient is neither his right nor Islamic obligation, but only a privilege to be allowed by his physician, at the patient's request, knowing all the dangers and assuming full responsibility in dietary compliance and glucose monitoring, with good communication between the physician and the patient .

PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE OF DIABETES DURING RAMADAN

Diabetes mellitus itself adversely affects patients' psychological states by changes in glucose metabolism, blood and CSF osmolality, needs for discipline and compliance, fear of long term complications and threat of hypoglycemic attacks and the possibility of dehydration and coma.
On the other hand, fasting during Ramadan has a tranquilizing effect on the mind, producing inner peace and decrease in anger and hostility. Fasting Muslims realize that manifestations of anger may take away the blessings of fasting or even nullify them.
Diabetics know that stress increases the blood glucose by increasing the catecholamine level and any tool to lower the stress ; ie., biofeedback or relaxation improves diabetic control. Thus, Islamic fasting during Ramadan should have a potentially beneficial effect with regard to diabetic control.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR DIABETICS DURING RAMADAN

It should be directed toward (a) diabetic home management; (b) preparing them for Ramadan; (c) recognizing warning symptoms of dehydration, hypoglycemia and other possible complications.
Patients should be taught home glucose monitoring, checking urine for acetone, doing daily weights, calorie-controlled diabetic diet, need for sleep and normal exercise. They should be able to take pulse, temperature, look for skin infection and notice changes in the sensorium ( mental alertness ) . They should be on special alert for any colicky pain, a sign for renal colic, or hyperventilation, a sign of dehydration, and to be able to seek medical help quickly rather than wait for the next day.

CRITERIA ALLOWING DIABETICS TO FAST DURING RAMADAN

	a. All male diabetics over age 20. Please see editor's note (1).
	b. All female diabetics over age 20 if not pregnant or nursing. Please see editor's note (2).
	c. Body weight normal or above ideal body weight. Please see editor's note (3).
	d . Absence of infection, co-existing unstable medical conditions, ie, coronary artery disease, severe hypertension (B/P 200/120), kidney stones, COPD or emphysema. Please see editor's note (4).

TABLE 1 1500 CALORIE AND DIET MENU FOR RAMADAN FOOD EXCHANGES PRE-DAWN BREAKFAST
	American	Pakistani	Middle Eastern
Fruit 1	1/2 c Orange Juice	1/2 Grapefruit	1/2 Grapefruit
Starch 3	1/2 c Oatmeal1 English Muffin	1 Pit Bread 1/2 Potato Bhujia a	1 Pita Bread 1/3 c Fool Midammis
Meat 2	1 Boiled Egg 1/4 c Cottage Cheese	2 egg Omelet 1 oz Feta Cheese	1 Boiled Egg
Fat 1	1 tsp Margarine	1 tsp Olive Oil	1 tsp. Olive Oil And 2 Black Olives
Skim Milk 1	1c Skim Milk	1 c Skim Milk	1 c Laban
Free Foods	2 tsp Sugar Free Jam Coffee	Tea	Tea

POST-SUNSET ENDING THE FAST
Fruit 1	2 large Dates	2 large Dates	2 large Dates
Starch 1	6 sm Vanilla Wafers	1/3 c Chana Chaat	1/3 c Salatet Hummus
Skim Milk 1	1 c Skim Milk	1 c Lassi	1 c Rabat

DINNER
Meat 3	3 oz Roast Beef	3 oz Bhuna Gosht	3 oz Tikka Kebab
Starch 2	1 sm Baked Potato 1 Dinner Roll	1/3 c Daal 1 Chapati	1/3 c Lentil Soup 1 Pita Bread
Vegetable 2	1 c Tossed Salad (carrot, cucumber, tomato, radish) 1/2 c Steamed	1 c Sliced Raw Vegetables (tomato, cucumber, onion) 1/2 c Bhindi Bhujia Cauliflower in Tomato Broccoli Sauce	1/2 c Tomato and Onion (cooked with Tikka Kebab) 1/2 c Cooked
Fat 1	2 tsp Sour Cream	1 tsp Oil used in cooking	1 tsp Oil (used in cooking)
Fruit 1	1 Fresh Apple	15 sm Grapes 1	Fresh Apple
Free Foods	Lettuce (for salad) -as desired 2 Thl Reduced Calorie Dressing C coffee	Tea	Tea

BEDTIME SNACK
Fruit/Starch	3 Graham Cracker	1/2 Mango	2 Tangerines
Skim Milk 1	1 c Skim Milk	1 c Skim Milk	1 c Laban

Editor's Notes
(1) The age limit of 20 has no Quranic basis. The actual physical development and tolerance  which can precede the physiological age is the criteria here, not the age. If a male diabetic has the physical built and ability of fasting, he should be instructed to fast if he can do it without difficulty or compromising his heatlh as explained in the rest of the article.
Back
(2) Again the age limit of 20 has no Quranic basis. See note (1). Also the  ban on fasting of pregnant females or nursing  mothers is not Quranic or called for. Pregnant and or nursing mothers have to assess their own tolearance and ability of fasting. Those who are healthy enough, having mild Dibetes should be able to fast.
Back
(3) Again. These are general suggestions, not Quranic rules. We should not use the scale to decide when to fast or not. A healthy slightly under weight person has no excuse not to fast, if he/she can. He/she can check with his/her  physician if he/she is questioning his/her ability to fast.
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(4) Again. these are generalization that is not necessarily correct. Some COPD or emphysema patients, mild infections, mild coronary artery disease....etc.  may be able to fast withut diffclulty or compromising their well being. If in any doubt ask your good submitter (Muslim) doctor.

Source:  sdwo.com

10 Ways To Feel Full, Not Fat

Healthy Steps to eat and feel full

10ways to feel full, not Fat

If you find that you are never feeling satisfied after a meal or just an hour or so later you are
reaching for a snack to pick you up? Well, we're here to help with some feel-full strategies.
Granted there are foods that can boost your feelings of fullness but how, when and where
you eat your meals can also have a bearing on your full factor too.
Here are 10 ways to keep your dining habits in check to maximise
your feelings of satiety and satisfaction.



(1) Sometimes go it alone

People can eat more when they dine in company or with the television on
because they become distracted as to what exactly is going into their mouth.
Make sure mealtimes are all about the food, focus on it entirely and you'll feel full sooner.
Avoid fast-paced music too, this can increase the speed you eat, resulting in a clean plate
before your body is able to recognise it is full.

(2) Smell and chew

When you eat make sure you give your meal a good sniff as concentrating on the smell of your food
as well as the taste also switches on satiety signals. Secondly, chew, chew, chew, and chew some more,
some of the hormones needed to send the satiety signals to the brain are released by your chomping.

(3) Go for bulky and moist

The rationale behind the bulky and moist rule is pretty straightforward, simply the more air and water in food
the quicker it will fill you up, calorie for calorie. So, in terms of food swaps have a vegetable soup rather than
a pasty, plain air-popped popcorn instead of crisps and grapes in place of raisins.

(4) Wait after fat

If you do have a meal with a high-fat content then make sure you allow time for that feeling of fullness to come.
It can take longer for sense of satiety to come from a fatty meal compared to meal high in protein for example,
so allow time for the feeling of fullness from the fat to kick in.

(5) Get enough sleep

When your body is deprived of sleep it produces more ghrelin and less leptin.
These are the hormones that are involved in the regulation of appetite;
ghrelin is produced largely in the stomach and accelerates your appetite,
while leptin decreases appetite as it's the hormone that signals satiety.

(6) Get hydrated

The daily recommended amount of water to drink is around the eight glasses mark,
but many of us don't get anywhere near that amount and as a result when we feel hungry,
it is often because we're actually thirsty. Drink a glass or two of water before a meal,
and when you do eat, the food will feel more filling.

(7) Get a smaller plate

People tend to fill their plate however big it is, and most of us eat until it is empty.
And the aim of getting a 'clean plate' makes us more likely to override the satiety signals that stop us eating.
So, swap your normal plate for a slightly smaller one, and you'll find your 'full' switch will flip a little faster.

(8) Choose fiddly foods

If you eat foods that take a little time and effort to eat, this will allow time for your body
to recognise the fullness feeling. Good examples of fiddly foods are corn on the cob,
a crunchy salad or fish with bones, these types of foods force you to eat more slowly
and help you to feel full quicker.

(9) Eat an apple before each meal

Apples help to promote a feeling of fullness and research has shown that eating an apple
20 minutes prior to eating a meal reduced the amount of food that was consumed at that meal.
So, including an apple for your daily snack will not only contribute to one of your daily
recommended fruit or veggie portions but the fibre will fill up your stomach too.

(10) Be natural

Try to eat food that is as natural as possible as most manufactured foods tend to be very energy-dense
which means they contain more calories bite-for-bite. However raw fruit and vegetables take a lot of chewing
and occupy a lot of room in your stomach so they fill you up much more per bite.


Source: Funguz.com