ISLAMIC ARTICLE :- ~ A profound respect for Allah is a sign of genuine faith

A profound respect for Allah, the religion, the Qur'an, our Prophet
(saas), the angels and all our spiritual values is an important sign
of genuine faith. Allah described in the Qur'an how the prophets and
true believers stood in respectful awe of Him and remembered him with
awe, how their hearts were softened by fear of Him, and how they came
with a sound and pure faith through their profound fear. Therefore,
all Muslims must be scrupulous and punctiliouswhen it comes to
remembering Allah, in speaking of our Prophet (saas) and all the other
prophets, and in discussing religious matters.
Language that is disrespectful of Allah will impose a heavy
responsibility in the Hereafter and also have a negative impact on
peopleof weak or no faith who hear it. Every Muslim must carefully
avoid talking in any such way.
BELIEVERS' PROFOUND RESPECT FOR ALLAH
(Believers are) those WHO ARE FILLED WITH THE FEAR of their Lord.
(Surat al-Muminun, 57)
(People of intelligence are)those who join what Allah has commanded to
be joined and are AFRAID OF THEIR LORD and fear an evil Reckoning.
(Surat ar-Rad, 21)
Those who fear their Lord in their most secret thoughts, and WHO HOLD
THE HOUR (OF JUDGMENT)IN AWE. (Surat al-Anbiya', 49)
We responded to him and gave him John, restoring for him his wife's
fertility. They outdid one another in good actions, calling outto Us
in yearning and in awe, and HUMBLING THEMSELVES TO US. (Surat
al-Anbiya', 90)
If We Had sent down this Qur'an onto a mountain, YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN
ITHUMBLED, CRUSHED TO PIECES OUT OF FEAR OF ALLAH. We make such
examples for people so that hopefully they will reflect. (Surat
al-Hashr, 21)
HAS THE TIME NOT ARRIVED FOR THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE TO YIELD
to the remembrance of Allah andto the truth He has sent down, so they
are not like those who were given the Book before for whom thetime
seemed over long so that their hearts became hard? Many of them are
deviators. (Surat al-Hadid, 16)
(It is) so that you might allbelieve in Allah and His Messenger and
honor Him and RESPECT HIM and glorify Him in the morningand the
evening. (Surat al-Fath, 9)
Men and women who are Muslims, men and women who are believers, men
and women who are obedient, men and women who are truthful, men and
women who are steadfast, MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE HUMBLE, men and
womenwho give charity, men andwomen who fast, men andwomen who guard
their chastity, men and women who remember Allah much: Allah has
prepared forgiveness for them and an immense reward. (Surat al-Ahzab,
35)
Among the people of the Book there are some who believe in Allah and
in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down to them, and
WHO ARE HUMBLE BEFORE ALLAH. They do not sell Allah's Signs for a
paltry price. Such people will have their reward with their Lord. And
Allah is swift at reckoning. Surah Al 'Imran, 199)
Those who speak in a manner that is inappropriate towards Allah and
Islam, who foolishly adopt a mocking tone or who behave in such a way
as to weaken people's love and respect for Allah in this world will be
able to do none of these things when they are brought into His
Presence and will seriouslyregret their actions.
DENIERS' AND HYPOCRITES' FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND SPEECHIN THE PRESENCE OF ALLAH
On that day they will follow the Summoner whohas no crookedness in
himat all. VOICES WILL BE HUMBLED BEFORE THE ALL-MERCIFUL AND NOTHING
BUT A WHISPER WILL BE HEARD. On that Day intercession will not be of
any use except for him whom the All-Mercifulhas authorized and with
whose speech He is well pleased. (Surah Ta Ha, 108-109)
You will see them as they are exposed to it, ABJECT IN THEIR
ABASEMENT, glancing around them furtively. Those who believe will say,
'Truly the losers are those who lose themselves and their families on
the Day of Resurrection.' The wrongdoers are in an everlasting
punishment. (Surat ash-Shura, 45)
'Be moderate in your tread and LOWER YOUR VOICE. THE MOST HATEFUL OF
VOICES IS THEDONKEY'S BRAY.' (Surah Luqman, 19)
Therefore, (O Prophet,) turn away from them. The Day that THE CALLER
WILL CALL (THEM) TO A TERRIBLE AFFAIR. They will emerge from their
graves with DOWNCAST EYES , like swarming locusts, necks outstretched,
EYES TRANSFIXED, RUSHING HEADLONG TO THE ONE WHO SUMMONS. The
unbelievers will say, 'This is a pitiless day!' (Surat al-Qamar, 6-8)
THEIR EYES WILL BE DOWNCAST, darkened by debasement; for they were
called on to prostrate when they were in full possession of their
faculties. (Surat al-Qalam, 43)

HEALTH - ~ Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

The general guidelines for the anti-aging diet are: keep your calorie
consumption and saturatedfat intake down; eat plentyof wholegrain,
fresh fruits and vegetables; and cut down on salt and sugar. In
addition to these general guidelines, there are specific foods that
have a roll in anti-aging and that you should regularly include in
your diet.

1. Avocado:
This fruit, which is usually eaten as a vegetable, is a good source of
healthy monounsaturated fat that may help to reduce level ofa bad type
of cholesterol inbody. Avocado is a good source of vitamin E and
canhelp to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin aging(vitamin E may
also help alleviate menopausal hot flushes). It is rich in potassium
which helps prevent fluid retention andhigh blood pressure.
2. Ginger:
This spicy root can boost the digestive and circulatory systems, which
can be useful for older people. Ginger may also help to alleviate
rheumatic aches and pains.
3. Cruciferous vegetables:
The family of Cruciferous vegetables includes cabbage, cauliflower,
broccoli, kale, turnip, brussels sprouts, radish andwatercress.
Cruciferous vegetables assist the body in its fight against toxins and
cancer. You should try to consume at least 115g/40z(of any one or a
combination) of these vegetables on a daily basis.If possible, eat
them row orvery lightly cooked so that the important enzymes remain
intact.
4. Whole meal pasta and rice:
Complex carbohydrates provide a consistent supplyof energy throughout
the day and should make up the bulk of your diet. Wholemeal pasta is
an excellent complex carbohydrate. It is high in fibre and contains
twice the amount of iron as normal pasta. Brown rice isanother
recommended complex carbohydrate, which is high in fibre and
Bvitamins.
5. Soya:
Menopausal women might find that soya helps to maintain oestrogen
levels. Soya may alleviate menopausal hot flush and protect against
Alzheimer'sdisease, osteoporosis and heart disease. Look out for
fermented soya products, which are more easily digested, therefore
more nutritional, and do not generally cause food intolerances. You
may want to check that soya products have not been genetically
modified. Soya should not be confused with soya sauce, which is full
of salt and should be used sparingly, if at all.
6. Garlic:
Eating a clove of garlic a day (row or cooked) helps to protect the
body againstcancer and heart disease. The cardioprotectiv e effectsof
garlic are well recorded. One 1994 study in Iowa, USA, of 41,837 women
between the age of 55 and69 suggested that women who ate a clove of
garlic at least once a week were 50 percent less likely to develop
colon cancer. Another study at Tasgore Medical college in India
suggested that garlic reduced cholesterol levels and assisted blood
thinning more effectively than aspirin, thus helping to reduce the
risk of heart disease.
7. Nuts:
Most varieties of nuts are good sources of minerals, particularly
walnuts and brazi nuts. Walnuts, although high in calories, are rich
in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium. Adding nuts
to your diet (sprinkle them on salads and desserts) can enhance the
functioning of your digestive and immune systems, improve your
skinhelp control prevent cancer. Nuts may also help control
cholesterol levels. Never eat rancid nuts, however, as they have been
linked to a high incidence of free radicals.
8. Berries:
All black and blue berries such as blackberries, blueberries,
blackcurrants and black grapes contain phytochemicals known as
flavonoids-powe rful antioxidants which help to protect the body
against damage caused by free radicals and aging.
9. Water:
Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day in order toremain healthy.
Water helps us to get rid of the toxins and unwanted waste materials
from your body.
Don't rely on thirst; this sensation diminishes with age. Drink often
and choose from nutritious liquids, including 100% fruit and vegetable
juices, skim or low fat milk, broths, sparkling water, and teas. You
can also get fluids from foods, especially those that are liquid at
room temperature. Try gelatin, frozen yogurt, soups, watermelon,
pickles, oranges, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
10. Watermelon:
Both the flesh and seeds of the watermelon are nutritious so try
blending them together in a food processor and drinking as ajuice. The
flesh contain vitamin A, B and C ; the seeds contain selenium,
essential fats, zinc and vitamin E, all of which help against free
radical damage and aging.

ISLAMIC ARTICLE :- ~ The Prayer of Need (Salat al-Hajah) or Istikhara?- - - Salat al-Hajah is a prayerfor need, to bring your needs to Allah

Salat al-Hajah is a prayerfor need, to bring your needs to Allah
~
There is a difference between Salat al-Istikhara,which is the Guidance
Prayer, and Salat al-Hajah, the Prayer of Need. So how do you know
which one you should pray in your situation?
You should pray Salat al-Istikahara when you aretrying to determine
the best course of action in any situation. Maybe you are trying to
decide between two different important life paths, or you have been
offered an opportunity and you don'tknow if you should take it.Salat
al-Istikhara is a prayer to ask Allah to bring you the best outcome,
and keep evil faraway from you.
On the other hand, Salat al-Hajah is simply to ask Allah to help you
with some pressing need. It's not about making choices or decisions.
Here is some information about Salat al-Hajah, written by Faraz
Rabbani for SunniPath:
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, and all blessings
and peace upon our master Muhammad, his Folk, Companions and those who
follow their noble way,
Abullah ibn Abi Awfa (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the
Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "Whoever
has a need with Allah, or with any human being, then letthem perform
ritual ablutions well and then pray two rakats. After that,let them
praise Allah and send blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and
give him peace). After this, let them say,
لا إِلَهَ إِلا اللَّهُ الْحَلِيمُ الْكَرِيمُ
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِين
أَسْأَلُكَ مُوجِبَاتِ رَحْمَتِكَ وَعَزَائِمَ مَغْفِرَتِكَ
وَالْغَنِيمَةَ مِنْ كُلِّ بِرٍّ وَالسَّلامَةَ مِنْ كُلّإِثْمٍ
لا تَدَعْ لِي ذَنْبًا إِلا غَفَرْتَهُ وَلا هَمًّا إِلا فَرَّجْتَهُ
وَلا حَاجَةً هِيَ لَكَ رِضًا إِلا قَضَيْتَهَا يَا أَرْحَمَ
الرَّاحِمِينَ
There there no god but Allah the Clement and Wise.
There is no god but Allahthe High and Mighty.
Glory be to Allah, Lord of the Tremendous Throne.
All praise is to Allah, Lordof the worlds.
I ask you (O Allah) everything that leads to your mercy, and your
tremendous forgiveness,enrichment in all good, and freedom from all
sin.
Do not leave a sin of mine (O Allah), except that you forgive it, nor
any concern except that you create for it an opening, nor any need in
which there is your good pleasure except that you fulfill it, O Most
Merciful!"
[Related by Tirmidhi and Ibn Maja. The hadith has some weakness, but
such hadiths are acted upon forvirtuous deeds (fada'il al-a`mal) by
general agreement of Sunni scholarship]
The prayer of need is very simple: It is essentially to raise one's
need to Allah Most High, by performing ritual ablution (wudu), praying
2 rakats (or four), and then making whole-hearted dua to Allah. If one
uses the abovementioned Prophetic supplication, or other similar
supplicationstransmitted from the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah
bless him and give him peace), it is best. [Ibrahim al-Halabi, Sharh
Munyat al-Musalli; al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya; Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
The inward manners of supplication is exhibiting our neediness and
absolute slavehood to Allah, consigning one's matters to Allah, and
knowing that the only onewho gives or benefits is Allah Most High.
With this, one should be certain that Allah Most High answers our
duas, but in the way He knows is best for us.
When circumstances do not permit us to pray 2 rakats, one should still
turn to Allah in supplication, raising one's needs to Him, for He
answers our supplications and loves being asked.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,

Medical - ~ - Hay fever

Causes of hay fever
Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen particles and by pollen
getting into the eyes. You can get hay fever at any time from early
spring to late summer, depending on which pollen or pollensyou're
allergic to.
The pollens most likely to cause problems in early spring are those
from trees such as the silver birch, ash, oak and Londonplane.
Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most
profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and
fescue.
Occasionally, in late summer and autumn, weeds such as nettles and
dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever.
The condition tends to occur in atopic allergy-prone families and
usually starts in the early teens, with symptoms peaking inthe 20s.
Top
Symptoms of hay fever
The main symptoms of hay fever are:
*. Repeated sneezing attacks
*. Runny or itchy nose
*. Itchy or watery eyes
*. Itchy throat, palate and ears
*. Loss of concentration
*. General feeling of being unwell (hence 'fever')
If the pollen count is very high, many will also wheeze (so-called hay asthma).
Top
Hay fever treatments
The most useful treatments for hay fever are:
*. Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which if taken regularly
help torelieve a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and itchy,
watery eyes
*. Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and nose drops (usually containing
steroids), which reduce inflammation in the delicate lining of the
nose. These should be taken daily for the best results
*. Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops, such as cromoglycate,
which act on the linings of the nose and eyes to stop the allergen
triggering a reaction
*. Decongestant tablets and sprays can help if the nose is blocked and
stuffy, but can lead to rebound blocking
Most of these medicines are available over the counter, but some are
onlyavailable on prescription. You may need to try different
treatments or find a combination that works best for you.
Steroid injections, although effective for symptom control, are
discouraged owing to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis ,
cataracts and skin thinning.
Homeopathic and herbal treatments are less effective than conventional
therapies. Some experts advocate taking local honey every day for a
few months before the pollen season starts to improve symptoms, but no
studies have been performed to prove this.
If symptoms remain severe despite medication,you may benefit from
desensitisation immunotherapy to grass pollen. This involves
beinggiven tablets or injections containing minute amounts of pollen,
with the dose being increased gradually over a three-year period to
induce immune tolerance and cure the allergy.
Sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy for timothy grass allergy is
available in the UK for people with positive skin prick tests or
specific immunoglobin E (IgE) blood tests to grass pollen.However, it
is expensive and needs to be used oversuccessive hayfever seasons to
become effective, so use may be limited by your local primary care
trust - ask your GP for details. The injection form of immunotherapy
is now only available through specialist clinics as there is a risk of
anaphylactic reaction. No silver birch or tree pollen immunotherapy is
currently available.
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Preventing hay fever
If you have hay fever, there are steps you can take to avoid exposing
yourself to pollen:
*. Keep an eye on the pollen count (often included in weather reports)
and stay inside as much as possible when it's high.
*. Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollengetting in your eyes
*. Saline douches or a little Vaseline applied inside the nose will
reduce symptoms
*. Keep car windows closedand switch on the air conditioning to
prevent pollen entering the car
*. Keep bedroom doors andwindows closed in mid-morning and early
evening when pollen levels peak
*. Avoid areas such as parks or fields, particularly in the early
evening when there's a lot of pollen floating at nose level
*. Get someone else to mow the lawn and don'tlie on freshly cut grass
*. Change into clean clothes when you come home and wash the clothes
you wore outside
You may be able to find out what you're allergic toby having allergy
tests. You can then take practical steps to avoid that particular
pollen.
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Oral allergy syndrome
Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits,
vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy
syndrome (OAS).
People with OAS typically develop hay fever in early spring and notice
itching and swelling of the mouthand throat when they eat fresh fruit
and vegetables. This is due to the food containing a protein similar
to the allergy-provoking protein in the pollen.