How fasting afects your skin

<div><div>By:Dr <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hossein</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yavari</span> (The Prescription)<br /></div><br /><div>Fasting has health benefits, but it also means less water for your skin, so be sure to take extra care<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511304215365184418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPopB1Q7hBpNPoe5U5rmV6D1wA3OwN9_JIW9D8iD-FnTHqYs_yKUzzw9tXW9Pme5n_OpTrEYkliVpmfqoG-Yk-6MEv6DEQoZu3HshuZcsy2MuBNkezlKbPjhY58e-Kl4Nr5BecFuyBrk/s400/skin+care.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /><br />Ramadan is a memorable time when we offer more to our communities and work towards a healthier body, as long as there is no limitation to doing so.<br /><br />Fasting helps to ease and heal most health problems and diseases. Hygienic practitioners have taken fasting as a means of helping the body improve for many decades. Fasting involves abstinence from liquid and solid food for a particular period — the most common being between dawn and dusk — however, there are two other types of fasting. One involves the avoidance of only solid foods; the other, dry fasting, entails abstinence from all foods, liquids and solids for a particular time.<br /><br />Fasting heals allergic reactions, including hay fever and asthma, as well as eczema and contact dermatitis, which is a kind of skin irritation from contact with a specific object or substance. It has also proved good for detoxification, which is a natural body reaction for neutralising or getting rid of toxins through the body’s organs, gastrointestinal tract, immune system and skin, because when you don’t eat, the body breaks down fat reserves for energy.<br /><br />Fasting diminishes over-oily and spotty skin and helps your skin look clearer, especially whitening around the eyes, which you’ll not have experienced with any kind of skin products and services, although this appearance is transient. It’s said that fasting reduces the severity of some skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, hives (urticaria), allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">atopic</span> eczema, possibly cancer and all skin ulcers caused by bacteria that are found on normal skin. But, all of these hypotheses have not been proved so far and we will need more time to confirm them.<br /><br />During fasting, your water intake decreases and your skin’s water demand increases, so we need to nourish it more than usual. If there is no mixing of medications prescribed for skin diseases and fasting hours, and if you have not experienced a worsening in your skin problems, it is considered that fasting can improve your skin health. A number of hygiene practitioners say the amount of water in the blood during fasting reduces the amount of water in the skin, which can lower the skin’s permeability and resistance to bacterial infections.<br /><br />Therefore, always remember to take a daily shower with lukewarm water, and use high quality moisturiser for the whole body after showering. Also, raise the amount of sunscreen applications you apply since you have more sensitive skin during fasting, and continue your doctor’s recommended skin maintenance advice at the same level as before, or more. Your face washes, tonics and moisturisers should be continued, as well as using a good quality deodorant to relieve heavy body odour.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf29-IRGH-G0YMkQeouBNFCiaEvfDZ_F4d6BLgb0sBpUq8d7Sk5Vl25JXsStefZELpCnrFkgRKjyCGv0NBDy_-q8pCpxGh3cniDWitHw5c7FRWIkx4qYa0_p6A6b10GJi-TfKZuQk_Vg/s1600/drinking+watter.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511305306373336642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf29-IRGH-G0YMkQeouBNFCiaEvfDZ_F4d6BLgb0sBpUq8d7Sk5Vl25JXsStefZELpCnrFkgRKjyCGv0NBDy_-q8pCpxGh3cniDWitHw5c7FRWIkx4qYa0_p6A6b10GJi-TfKZuQk_Vg/s320/drinking+watter.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 168px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Keep yourself as hydrated as possible while you break your fast. Heavy dehydration and loss of essential electrolytes, nutrients and vitamins are relatively common side effects of fasting, which can result in vomiting and diarrhoea, especially during long, hot summer days. Do not put regular skin care and protection aside, and maximise the number of times you do this daily since your water intake during the daytime will be limited.<br /><br />(Dr <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hossein</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yavari</span> is a Dubai-based specialist dermatologist with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaya</span> Skin Clinic.) </div>

How fasting afects your skin

By:Dr Hossein Yavari (The Prescription) Fasting has health benefits, but it also means less water for your skin, so be sure to take extra ...

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Top styles to drape your hijab this season.

By Nasheet Jaffer Khan.<br /><br />Follow the easy steps and before you know it, yours will be the most stylish shayla or hijab around, find more accesories at <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Muslim Elegance</span></strong>.<br /><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510691561410354578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZGfGLIgeNei5Re8G3AFHcZRvlVo_hpxybVFJG6vuO9fjMug6opw6DIbrEcz2ef5-5Er0BxK0YfHpllUOUegx1IVRvwtcxoWG4sRxrujLnfgaOlAxvkn7uMutUdBMNcMEn9d5beIAfgk/s400/Hijab+shaila+style+1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Eliminate the stress of a shayla/scarf that refuses to stay put by working on your base band first. Opt for a wide band or A'mta - a stretchable piece of stitched fabric you can find them at <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Muslim Elegance</span></strong>- to hold the scarf in place. It's best to use a <strong>pure cotton</strong> base band as this allows the scalp to breathe while ensuring your scarf does not slip constantly. Use a flower clip better a medium size-We don't want to look like a cammel right?- (pictured on the left) to add more volume." To achieve this, first tie hair in a ponytail, then slide the band over your face to sit around the neck. Next, add a flower clip before pulling the band back up to circle the forehead. Tuck it in for a neat look.<br /><br />Follow the easy steps and before you know it, yours will be the most stylish shayla around.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510691548071143042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuYtjszjp59VDuq_JcI8IE7uVMhgOBNvb5KnIZdnuThoZ5HQ1MBuDdZiLlxcGwzEN6SYnK754k29TAqh5SXNe00-052BiPOwE9UxzS7hrndUErc-dVP6mboBfYODGJ-dEu-pT5s9yzPE/s400/Hijab+summer.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>1. Flirt with fabric!</strong><br /></span>While pashmina and silk scarves may be easily available, they are also very last season. the type of fabric makes a huge difference to the finished look. "If you have a round or wide face, opt for a silk shayla (left), which adds more volume to the drape.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510691539064542642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxQfEnd-EyS1fCwkvJauuxD1z02tXRdEVdWsQWifmKAJzwfAvON3a_2SBoUebOlWeoek8ErsIuovj-YyesCDywAPtvJ-YSTyHghwVikKADR_DeRRWKxPqrz0F8B2Vc3b8MLMx0mLIoDg/s400/hijab+2010+trends.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong>Steps for silk fabric</strong><br />Start by placing one end of the scarf either on the right or left side of your neck. Wrap slowly while ensuring you carefully accentuate the folds for a more voluminous look.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510691534142165122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRRJFxDZ0J1Sur6bLNQ7WMDi5qnHUjy2EQkbzzgSFx8fyX3e2lGz9q5mVhEx335CyocbAOibG0Y6VMA0_9pi1jIcqAqIUgmxITqCVnxLqM26_D54saXOjiERMlFNVN9VhqQNDgFhFevk/s400/how+to+wrap+a+shayla.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong>Steps for jersey fabric<br /></strong>Place the scarf/shayla on the centre of the head while ensuring both ends are at an equal distance from the forehead. Take one side and circle it around your face. For more volume, repeat steps with the other end.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690937836301426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQOzzS4Jejih7SbXzOCT13KX49vH6HwV9iP9dhClkEXU19oI84jAgH-Nry2_P5b4KZ9nRoSc13mNukDdRVQvTBr_oxlEzkGigD0HuKqfGZ21jYi-RZF28NWn_-WM7VETgbZfN60DQ_zo/s400/hoodie+hijab.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">2. Hoodie hijab<br /></span></strong>Ever wondered how some hijabis mange to look effortlessly stylish by combing a hood with their regular hijab? The Hoodie Hijab might just be your one-stop solution. The hood is attached to two long pieces of fabric which balance the shayla or scarf on the head. This is one of the classic styles, especially popular in winter. It looks <span style="font-size:180%;">amazing with long jackets and boots</span>. And is a particular favourite with <strong>non-hijabis travelling to Muslim countries</strong> too."<br /><br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690933228387570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ox09UpCqA9MZLwIB9-fU9RK81VXsldFepIVx6aX0ATwp-ScvsXzzpkdJEAHCMyHKVzrpu2DwHhatXjdCJi5uwLEZipbJ65VIxP8WZZ-kBv9vQ26ofwgHpDapQFGdN2MElFULFY0LFhU/s400/Hoodie+hijab+steps.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Steps</strong><br />Wear as you would a hood. Wrap extensions - one end at a time - around the neck or pin at one side with a brooch. For a more romantic look, tie it into a bow or at the back of your neck.<br /><br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690924060955250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrjwmrGcpH_ZcXchK8wkZZXpQLQiEGiOcyOXoBFDhewPx8sHbYt9Q_1SOqjOmEfQbhOBf5BoVJqxgTdz6oHmABKa8tg_djM7VIQ2KMNfIFjSXaj2Pc2c5C6YLSb-ZpYfGVN5OGW5iB18/s400/Cowl-neck+shayla.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">3. cowl-neck shayla</span></strong><br />Think regal. The circular shayla or scarf's oval drape - which rests at the midriff - helps you achieve just that look. Since these are made of a jersey material, they sit well on the forehead, eliminating the use of any accessories. This easy and fun single-piece shayla can be used in two different ways - by <span style="font-size:180%;">non-hijabis to add some glamour to their outfits or by hijabis with a contrast base band for more coverage. It's perfect for travelling</span>.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690912065928082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7QqHMSOTJfROgfO3V6uDweJo60PL07cSk830mWKR9omtUjghlG_SxhHwSxZdfhrOplQX5dL9XlwukGYju6zhb8qyQxTIx_rrBh0IzkDkDuiphf99Zzkqxa4hknH0T8WLFvZXCvW8J4E/s400/Cowl-neck+shayla+steps.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong>Steps</strong><br />Simply rest the hood on the crown, before you answer the 'mirror, mirror...' question. Use a contrast base band for best results.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690908999977522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcuGxkcoZQIR3vt-mlbOYRV-HGarsRZxP9BXAfcm7nhy-nJf6Kb_0_qQ8pmEqxsNvCQwooDXg4u_388teLM98VgppiekZnurbc4CyCcAfGwb4O_NHSUUeQwwwiDECu9M_UXR8uT7z1jk/s400/gather-top+shayla.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">4. Gather-top shayla</span></strong><br />It makes the cut for its WOW factor. I love the drama created by the scrunched parting and its ultra chic look, which is achieved with minimal effort. This style is <span style="font-size:180%;">practical</span>. It works well for round shapes as it takes away the attention from the face cut.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690545864337298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzb-JiYHsBtXEgZqWpNpdI1E2EWIFQz9nRvW5H3Vneg0OvmaYFG_3ZNH-VYykt4NKFIW-jeKDMQafd41rHxjgOajVOV1cIJiFHrzjgR6-bC3KN6R_I9rvD4vNHfaLTULOPOinCjf2VUo/s400/Gather-top+shayla+steps.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong>Steps</strong><br />Depending on your face cut, opt for either a side or a middle parting for the scrunched area of the shayla/scarf. Wrap one end around your face. Repeat step with the other end. For a different look wrap around the neck before tying the ends together. Oh so chic!<br /><br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690545852627458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfH8uiC1Go5GdTnTPe-LAtarrapRR55hT9Og3J6pScDxx46g1WEBKvCmseC57jxaOP482VjPR1XnZDwNDCNh_AwUL4lrRIdAx3vTufTdg_bH36v3gElTT8G_fiOr6WZYkZL97GGemAEeA/s400/Shayla+accesories.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">5. Attention to accessories</span></strong><br />What better way to make a style statement than to accessorise! Vintage pins and beaded or feathered bands are a quick, easy and cheap way to add style to the scarves you already have. These work best on the classic Emirati black shaylas made of a soft, flowy material - Abayas with matching shayla available at <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Muslim Elegance</span></strong>. The finished look is perfect for plain abayas.The best accessories are lovely brooches as they add a touch of glamour while holding slippery scarves in place.You can use many different things to accessorise, such as <em>jewellery, necklaces, huge crystal brooches used for bags, in addition to headbands, silk flowers, antique trims and customised pins.</em> This look is a safe alternative for women who don't want to match scarves to outfits.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690538204912498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrRkwgCDDrQWgiOjFopaCQiNg-c1LfAEpq7VlKFIJoAnXSJ4RdaXmapqQAVPUTP4d1Os_JdcaVdBvvym4ED1yHx4am5RPkPQk_6tI_vpknq_t3sovj6XAqVjpwEiEwPsSXken06gksbM/s400/accesories+shayla+hijab.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong>Steps</strong><br />With the base band in place, work with a black shayla to achieve the desired volume and folds. Place a headband - Find them at <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Muslim Elegance</span></strong>- as you would to hold your hair in place. If using a small or medium-sized brooch, pin it above the ear. Balance the look in case of larger brooches by pinning the brooches near the flower clip (hidden underneath the base band). I recommend this look for parties and special occasions.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690532759926130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOPYCVqlA1uGx_f6i4mwmO0VbQMR5bhNVRBhr4STr8qePjpgP-GNIcQJkE9-8GkImCJp1V7zw_POwwlNwZb4tgPG3jr-mb-vld8ju-G1KfVQJpLaynvw4fiWblIiFvmlZ1rkig4yG0Jw/s400/Bandana+Hijab.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">6. Bandana hijab</span></strong><br />You love the rock and roll look that a bandana helps achieve but worry about your exposed neck and face area. Well worry no more. This simple, fun and versatile look can be achieved in a matter of seconds. It helps if you know how to tie a pretty bow. Printed cotton shaylas work best for this look. It is advisable to use a bold colour base band so as not to ruin the look with too many details. This works best to add the quirky element to a modest ensemble. The bandana wrap can also be substituted for hats/caps/ beanies, a thin hijab.<br /><div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510690528156992530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41bSZcg64krzBzQVDP6eKVopWdC3sHc_TgSHysjEKlUdSA7_Sis2Yi7_x45GL-ym4CksizhXMqwC1dOT7Y1J0Qg7IDjiYkgx_hx_Gjjfmssg_xfqS-nMrACBT9niByOMq21rChl9r-jM/s400/hijab+bandana+style+steps.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><strong>Steps</strong><br />Use a base band that ends at the collar bone. Once in place, tie the printed shayla or scarf as you would a bandana. Khalaas!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Top styles to drape your hijab this season.

By Nasheet Jaffer Khan. Follow the easy steps and before you know it, yours will be the most stylish shayla or hijab around, find more acces...

Read more »

Islamic Foundations for a Happy marriage IV

<div><div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">11. Family</span></strong> <a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510583602891298994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhczuLhdInju1MjMiFQf7JGxskfVPwqUFbsLEtrfwdyTkxJy3oqRZwNKGu1ErZAe1lGScXew_LfNsQNgiBxgn4jrBZubc6RFP1V_GTyMgYrqPRXITnmQbO7D1YekidIU5hY-x_6Peq20/s400/parenting.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br />Paternity can be a difficult experience, especially if parents are not well informed. This may generate an extra pressure on the marriage relationship.<br /><br />Sometimes, couples are too naive about the changes that come with the new way of life. This can cause depression in some cases, misunderstandings and resentments. A golden rule that we must always bear in mind is that family comes first.<br /><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510578936179658738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU-9tVONZ41CZYNw3I0PwtSMZ7xKYqA5C48qVpCxs1xvFW1hmJuvBNVpd7tKTc71jfvu8D0RuBCXdB5NSHrwKynzVySQkpezdaXedfclOFKZhh6C27NyuHizC30BES4xNzGbWulf6rf4/s400/familie+in+ramadan.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 202px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />If you notice that your family is not happy or is not your main priority is time to take matters into and sit down and talk with the heart and mind open. Couples living with their parents have additional responsibility of caring for them. This load can be very stressful if the couple is not prepared to face such a situation.<br /><br />It should be a very precise plan for the respective parents about who will hand over primary responsibility for care and what the type of assistance will be given.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">12. Feelings<br /></span></strong></div><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510585530772907538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0ADVm6oMVaOnv5TAAM3cuxrddU3RxpzX7K3Mekw1UJ58Q93CaO728bNMwcLgF1801y_VPVpNdgzCkKxaeBwwK2R725BHpLx0_bkfO2MJdigmwVTX4BpVDtKXOQ3NzoGF3RnzU-WTa14/s400/couple.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 296px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) said that Allah Ta'ala forgives all sins if we repent. However, He will not forgive those who have committed against another person or their feelings, unless that person forgive us. </div><br /><div><br />Couples are usually very sensitive about the feelings of the spouse and tend to think they always know what the other means. It is amazing how people are more careful and kind to strangers than with their loved ones. One must always be attentive and be especially careful with the feelings of the husband or wife and, if passing them to carry, rushing to apologize for any lack in this regard.<br /><br />Since nobody knows what time the person we love may leave this world, it is advisable to correct our mistakes as there is still time to do so. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">13.Freedom<br /></span></strong><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510590253313117490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9XQa33L8SidBnGYxdYOjF2skBdZFpEX7_WV3c75Uan-W7iTbXriQyhUjRxA8_zUZTKiiXSj_-E4bCAmz8VrsADk8pcXXRD7zHj9JNB94K4Tbqa5_QgCZivgt3FipO_wpsDqSn3VyO7c/s400/muslim_couple.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 226px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Marriage in Islam is a society, not slavery or servitude. Seeing your wife as a property is an idea alien to the Islamic conception of the roles of wife and husband. Team spirit is enhanced when members of it feel free to be themselves. Freedom in the Western sense means being free to do what they feel like it or to be selfish. Give freedom to the wife or husband means to consider their needs and recognize their limitations. </div></div></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">14.The Romance<br /></span></strong><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510598928050871730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhhKKa6l1hy_KkWwpqoInd53fK0IsySmQjdR5bJ8zY9lmhHgJeX9fFKfJcx_aXmRFS2J4aFEgr1ERNOcYYXmcbWCxHYFr54kgWqZ0PEeTjufUOqWDFKy1DKcWRPtAE5jeGqCepsBsOHU/s400/muslim-couple1.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 165px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><br />Many successful marriages have maintained a jovial behavior in marital life, eg by some special names and secret forms of communication.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">15.The Openness<br /></span></strong><br /><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510600947821963330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHIuKGS272GJrkT5mNR1boinIeiq43kfzlXhmBE7s63Dy0Cfqwws8T0ljczZYo6YDr7xiwDg8xJa739Gp2nSkWbh5z29yntgct9j2OiJTPgNi6O30fn9Y9vIpaK_31UWpv90Z0gPkxtA/s400/couple.png" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Misunderstandings often occur when the parties are not honest with each other. A marriage can exist only if the couple feel safe to speak out with due consideration for the feelings of others, without compromising their personal views. When there is open communication, it is possible to develop the closeness or depth understanding of the inwardness of the other.</div>

Islamic Foundations for a Happy marriage IV

11. Family Paternity can be a difficult experience, especially if parents are not well informed. This may generate an extra pressure on the...

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The Health Benefits of Fasting

<a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509482177189292610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl3qIwtLsZiiAPrfiHQCNb6D2cqUblsWxqvtx57qFakxRW9CDQq9Bt75a1J8ErTUo78ryhdGW7Ruk_-lrq_Z4OYq53Deb6SUZGPlFSDD-IXFlATb6uIe5467Gd5Z3PoPWLNeT8-xcEN4/s400/fasting_Ramadan_by_badr_ex.png" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 283px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This post intends to explain in a scientific way why "Fasting" is good for us and to understand that Allah will never order us to do something that could harm us, many scientifics are trying to find the cons of fasting but for more that they make research they will never find something wrong order for Allah and written in the holly quran.<br /><br /><br />By:Will Carroll<br /><br />There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body. This paper will look at the arguments presented by these healers in an attempt to raise awareness of the possible physiological benefits that may result from fasting.<br /><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509481388548128178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpyMuW1T_-K6ZX2j-teOhk8JApj5g2C3HNW5fIVLF8i0i3XWbyRf55DynMmB7yHwlGUkcAxrwGJX83dG6GyXdCQRr_rytCix7CigK6pxhn7_b65nx4qDDOlNJST2fHfG3d6ghiuL1W88/s400/fasting.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 284px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving. (1)<br /><br />The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. (2) Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid" (3), and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy." (3) The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis. (4)<br /><br />Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin." (5). This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally. (2) These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each. (5)<br /><br />A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system. (6) The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs. (7) This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds. (2) Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.<br /><br />In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided. (2) Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production. (7)<br /><br />Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. (7) "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition." (5) A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years." (8)<br /><br />In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life. However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one's health and have evidence to back their statements. The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy.<br /><br /><br />Althought more of the links in the original article seems to be broken or too old I tryed to find the articles I couldn't find all but here are some references:<br />1-<a href="">True Health Freedom</a><br />2 and 3-<a href="">Ketosis: What It Is and How It Happens,By Sue Reith</a><br />3-<a href="http://chestofbooks.com/health/natural-cure/The-Hygienic-System-Fasting-and-Sun-Bathing/Chapter-V-Autolysis.html">Autolysis</a><br />4-Ketosis and low carb diets (you can consult this link <a href="http://nutra-smart.net/lowcarb.htm">here</a>It has references too.<br />5-<a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-cleansing-body-feature">WebMD – Detox Diets: Cleansing the Body</a><br />6 and 7 links not found<br />8-The health benefits of fasting please check this <a href="http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/70209.aspx">here</a> It has also a reference to this article and others.

The Health Benefits of Fasting

This post intends to explain in a scientific way why "Fasting" is good for us and to understand that Allah will never order us to...

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Why,When And How we should fasting?

<div align="left">Fasting has its advantages from the point of view of health and hygiene. <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Islam wants a Muslim to be healthy, clean, alert, agile and energetic. "Fast to be healthy," had said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).</span></strong> And physicians today acknowledge the many benefits of fasting that ensure health and the soundness of one's body and mind. Some of these positive points have a direct influence on psychology and physique of the fasting individual.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509463012437269826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_56Xtn0W8wURMHmX87S8yoBvwQrNt3piue5nHKEw8UpsoBrrcW4vqV_mMUxSyxyulBI940KCqdQNmO7oDon0pu9yCyPCeWPnBIpF8ktHDiJgkWLVW3K5kkhVULmMndvD_VZmHMrz5s8k/s400/fasting.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" /><br />So I was trying to make a really good post about fasting, I know more of you have done one so I was trying to do something more scientific but while I was making my research I found a lot of pros and cons, first of all; Fast is one of the pillars of Islam, which means is an order of god to do it.<br /><p align="left">Some people is in pro of fasting and other against fasting, basically if you have any inconvenience while fasting I'm sure is due to a wrong fasting, see, <span style="font-size:180%;">fasting means to abstain "completely" from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan</span>, the ninth month of the Islamic year. But if we restrict the meaning of the Islamic Fasting to this literal sense, we would be sadly mistaken.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting:</span><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509462999622721298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6st_74g2HQdU-M0jB-YZXkW1PWhJP0aAZeDNUWnCHEQ62QGw2Z2NyrSujoMIGx2ekR-LMlboq-RzaXC1e3oOGXmzCuFciv7cyl4uhzEZunEoIIgVMkapLqWF5ZG9FNIeOf5_1fzxIyM/s400/eid_indonesia_girl_l_1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" /><br />It teaches man the principle of sincere Love: because when he observes <p align="center">Fasting he does it out of deep love for God. And the man who loves God truly is a man who really knows what love is.<br /><br />It equips man with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is hoping to please God and is seeking His Grace.<br /><br />It imbues in man the genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts he does so for God and for His sake alone.<br /><br />It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience; because the fasting person keeps his fast in secret as well as in public. In fasting, especially, there is no mundane authority to check man's behavior or compel him to observe fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own conscience by being faithful in secret and in public. There is no better way to cultivate a sound conscience in man.<br /><br />-It indoctrinates man in patience and selflessness, as through fasting, he feels the pains of deprivation but he endures them patiently.<br /><br />-It is an effective lesson in applied moderation and willpower.<br /><br />-Fasting also provides man with a transparent soul, a clear mind and a light body.<br /><br />-It shows man a new way of wise savings and sound budgeting.<br /><br />-It enables man to master the art of Mature Adaptability. We can easily understand the point once we realize that fasting makes man change the entire course of his daily life.<br /><br />-It grounds man in discipline and healthy survival.<br /><br />-It originates in man the real spirit of social belonging, unity and brotherhood, of equality before God as well as before the law.<br /><br />-It is a Godly prescription for self-reassurance and self-control.<br /></p><p>Some Muslims, unfortunately for them, do not observe the fast or, at best, adopt the attitude of indifference. On the other hand, some of those who observe it do not realize its true meaning and, as a result, derive very little benefit out of it or, in fact, no benefit at all. That is why some Muslims today, do not enjoy the real privileges of fasting. </p><p><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><strong>Fasting In Islam:</strong> </a></p><p>It has already been indicated that <span style="font-size:180%;">the period of obligatory fasting is the month of Ramadan</span>. The daily period of observance starts before the break of the dawn and ends immediately after sunset. Normally there are accurate calendars to toll the exact time, but in the absence of such facilities one should consult one's watch and the sun's positions, together with the local newspapers, weather bureau, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Fasting Ramadan is obligatory on every responsible and fit Muslim</span>. But there are other times when it is recommended to make voluntary fasting, after the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad. Among these times are Mondays and Thursdays of every week, a few days of each month in the two months heralding the coming of Ramadan, i.e., Rajab and Sha'ban, six days after Ramadan following the 'Eid-ul-Fitr Day. Besides, it is always compensating to fast any day of any month of the year, except the 'Eid Days and Fridays when no Muslim should fast.<br /><br />However, we may repeat that the only obligatory fasting is that of Ramadan - which may be 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon's positions. This is a pillar of Islam, and any failure to observe it without reasonable excuses is a grave sin in the sight of God.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Who Must Fast?<br /></span>Fasting Ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications:<br /><br />-To be mentally and physically fit, which means to be sane and able.<br /><br />-To be of full age, the age of puberty and discretion, which is normally about fourteen. Children under this age should be encouraged to start this good practice on easy levels, so when they reach the age of puberty they will be mentally and physically prepared to observe fasting.<br /><br />-To be present at one's permanent settlement, your home town, one's farm, and one's business premises, etc. This means not to be on a journey of about fifty miles or more.<br /><br />-To be fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst, etc.<br /></p><p>But fasting should have its regulations too, and not simply the in orderly skipping meals, that is bound to harm health and stamina, rather than improving them. Here again Islam provides the answer, and in order to realize the benefits of fasting, it recommends the late midnight meals called Sahar (before the formal start of a fast) and the breaking of the fast at the time prescribed. Of course, to ensure good health one should abstain from gluttony after breaking fast.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff66;">Moderation:</span></strong> It is difficult to identify the moderation in the desires for food and sex because of the different needs and energies of individuals. Moderation of an individual may be considered as exaggeration or shortage for another. The relative moderation is to have only the quantity that is sufficient, away from greed and fill. The best criterion in this regard is that which was stated by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS):<br /><br />"Son! May I instruct you four words after which you will no longer need medicine? Do not eat unless you are hungry. Stop eating while you are still hungry. Chew food deliberately. Before sleeping, go to toilet. You will not need medicine if you follow."<br /><br />In the holy Quran, there is a Verse gathering the whole matter of medicine. It is: "...Eat and drink but do not be excessive." (7:31)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Exemption From Fasting:</span><br />These said qualifications exclude the following categories:<br /><br />-Children under the age of puberty and discretion. </p><p>-Insane people who are unaccountable for their deeds. People of these two categories are exempted from the duty of fist, and no compensation or any other substitute is enjoined on them.<br /><br />-Men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships. Such people are exempted from this duty, but they must offer, at least, one needy poor Muslim an average full meal or its value per person per day. </p><p>-Sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast. They may postpone the fast, as long as they are sick, to a later date and make up for it, a day for a day.<br /><br />-Travelers may break the fast temporarily during their travel only and make up for it in later days, a day for a day<br /><br />-Pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break the fast, if its observance is likely to endanger their own health or that of their infants. But they must make up for the fast at a delayed time, a day for a day.<br /><br />-Women in the -period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days).; They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it, a day for a day.<br /><br />-It should be understood that here, like in all other Islamic undertakings, the intention must be made clear that this action is undertaken in obedience to God, in response to His command and out of love of Him.<br /><br />The fast of any day of Ramadan becomes void by intentional eating or drinking or smoking or indulgence in any intimate intercourse, and by allowing anything to enter through the mouth into the interior parts of the body. And if this is done deliberately without any lawful reason, this is a major sin which only renewed repentance can expiate.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If anyone, through forgetfulness, does something that would ordinarily break the fast, 0a observance is not nullified, and his fast stands valid, provided he stops doing that thing the moment he realizes what he is doing.<br /></span><br />On completion of the fast of Ramadan, the special charity known as Sadagat-ul-Fitr (charity of ' Fast-breaking) must be distributed before 'Eid-ul-Fitr (approximately), seven dollars per head.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">General Recommendations: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fiber containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods; slow digesting foods including fiber containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.<br /><br />Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barely, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).<br /><br />Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).<br /><br />Fiber-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.<br /><br />The foods eaten should be well balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e., fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heartburn, and weight problems.<br /><br /><strong>AVOID:<br /></strong>Fried and fatty foods.<br />Foods containing too much sugar.<br />Over-eating especially at sehri.<br />Too much tea at sehri: Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day. Smoking cigarettes: If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.<br /><br /><strong>EAT:<br /></strong>Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry. Haleem is an excellent source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium. Almonds are rich in protein and fiber with less fat. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.<br /><br /><strong>DRINK:</strong><br />As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.<br /></span><br /></span>It is strongly recommended by <span style="font-size:180%;">Prophet Muhammad</span> to observe these practices especially during Ramadan:<br /><br />-To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509463006897630530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7J2b9gDOA7zhDKYQBG8JySoK4lmmQidf4ctki0YvZ5vCxXpOMItrxznTuSjxlQe9otGK0yfBeusoBrkDil48cVPzOHqyKj0BvNKL8i8mxr7V1wnjgeJXmf4jIDqLJEFEd7VTkRq0X9Y/s400/fasting+and+ramadan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 364px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><br />-To eat a few dates or start breaking the fast by plain water right after sunset, saying this prayer Allah humma laka sumna, wa 'ala rizqika aftarna. (O God! for Your sake have we fasted and now we break the fast with the food You have given us).<br /><br />-To make your meals as light as possible because, as the Prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill is his stomach.<br /><br />-To observe the supererogatory prayer known as Taraweeh.<br /><br />-To exchange social visits and intensify humanitarian services. </p><p>-To increase the study and recitation of the Qur'an.<br /></p><p>-To exert the utmost in patience and humbleness.<br />-To be extraordinarily cautious in using one's senses, one's mind and, especially, the tongue; to abstain from careless gossip and avoid all suspicious motions.<br />I hope this was helpfull to know the benefits of fasting and why Allah order it to us.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.ezsoftech.com/ramadan/ramadan13.asp"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Health Guidelines for Ramadan Fasting</span></strong> </a><br /><br /><strong>CONSTIPATION:</strong><br />Constipation can cause piles (hemorrhoids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.<br /><strong>Causes:</strong> Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fiber in the diet.<br /><strong>Remedy:</strong> Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, and use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.<br /><br /><strong>INDIGESTION AND WIND:<br />Causes:</strong> Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.<br /><strong>Remedy:</strong> Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.<br /><br /><strong>LETHARGY</strong> (low blood pressure)<br />Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.<br /><strong>Causes:</strong> Too little fluid intake decreased salt intake.<br /><strong>Remedy:</strong> Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.<br /><strong>Caution:</strong> Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. People with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult their doctor.<br /><br /><strong>HEADACHE:</strong><br />Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occurs as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.<br /><strong>Remedy:</strong> Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganize your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.<br /><br /><strong>LOW BLOOD SUGAR:</strong><br />Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.<br /><strong>Causes in non-diabetics:</strong> Having too much sugar i.e., refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.<br /><strong>Remedy:</strong> Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods or drinks.<br /><strong>Caution:</strong> Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.<br /><br /><strong>MUSCLE CRAMPS:</strong><br /><strong>Causes:</strong> Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.<br /><strong>Remedy:</strong> Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat and dates.<br /><strong>Caution:</strong> Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.<br /><br /><strong>PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIAB:</strong><br />Increase acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.<br />Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadan.<br /><br /><strong>KIDNEY STONES:<br /></strong>Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquid to drink. There fore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.<br /><br /><strong>JOINT PAINS:<br />Causes:</strong> during Ramadan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.<br /><strong>Remedy:</strong> Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Before physically fit allows greater fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.<br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">To be continued...</span></strong></p></div>

Why,When And How we should fasting?

Fasting has its advantages from the point of view of health and hygiene. Islam wants a Muslim to be healthy, clean, alert, agile and energet...

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Is your smarthphone data safe??

<div><em>Article by: Doug Gross, CNN<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmsvuyF-d2YMQP7k20WD9OHHQGEVkocOUu9bgYYC4-PXTWhdTrxSBxP6dKo92aGi6xfMByo7pH5RCJk1rUsW7Osyv7X_cMtVE__CGGv6mMdQUGKBOMRYwPqDNrbxvuEZeSJtelkQn43E/s1600/smarthphone+india.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509419131289353874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmsvuyF-d2YMQP7k20WD9OHHQGEVkocOUu9bgYYC4-PXTWhdTrxSBxP6dKo92aGi6xfMByo7pH5RCJk1rUsW7Osyv7X_cMtVE__CGGv6mMdQUGKBOMRYwPqDNrbxvuEZeSJtelkQn43E/s320/smarthphone+india.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />(CNN) -- This week, news out of the Middle East saw <strong>BlackBerry</strong>, the handheld communication device of choice in the corporate world, assailed on multiple fronts over a security problem.<br /><br /><strong>The problem? It's too secure.</strong><br /><br />Governments in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they plan to ban BlackBerry use, at least in part, unless they're able to view messages for security reasons. India and Indonesia are reportedly considering similar measures.<br /><br />The controversy has raised questions about what happens to data from smartphones and whether users should be concerned about how secure that data is.<br /><br />The answers can sometimes be tricky, and differ from country to country and phone to phone. So, we've rounded up some answers to help make sense of it all.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>What do governments not like about BlackBerry's security?</strong></span><br /><br />BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (<strong>RIM</strong>) touts security as one of the phone's major selling points to its largely professional customer base.<br /><br />That's mainly done in two ways -- ways that haven't made countries like <em>Saudi Arabia and the Emirates</em> happy.<br /><br />The first line of defense is encryption -- a system that, in very basic terms, scrambles the text of messages, then unscrambles them when they reach their destination.<br /><br />Systems like BlackBerry's, and those of other smartphone vendors aiming at corporate and government clients, will theoretically show up as gobbledygook if someone grabs them between Point A and Point B.<br /><br />Research In Motion, the owner of the BlackBerry, says that each individual user has a key that scrambles and unscrambles their data and that no one, even RIM itself, can access that data from the outside. (Some tech analysts doubt this is 100 percent true, but that's based more on speculation than hard fact).<br /><br />Second, the BlackBerry stores data from the phones on secure servers that the company itself owns. The UAE complained that since those servers are not in-country, presumably living in RIM's home country of Canada, they can't peek in when they want to.<br /><br />The countries want RIM to build and use servers in their own countries, making it easier for them to enter a "backdoor" to those servers when they're investigating what they consider a national security concern.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>How is data from other phones stored?</strong><br /></span><br />Unlike BlackBerry, smartphone makers like Apple and HTC, among others, leave it up to wireless providers or clients to manage data.<br /><br />Often, that means the data gets stored "in the cloud" -- a network of data centers that quietly secure and process information from all over the world.<br /><br />That doesn't mean that data isn't safe.<br /><br />On its website, Apple also promotes the "strong encryption" for data sent on its phones and lists a host of other security features -- from the ability to remotely wipe data from the phone if it falls into the wrong hands to its ability to work with companies' private networks.<br /><br />Google's open-source Android platform, for phones like the HTC Evo and Droid Incredible, leaves some room for chicanery. But apps like DroidSecurity, with over 2.5 million users, specialize in cloud-based protection.<br /><br /><strong>So, this means governments can't get to my data?</strong><br /><br />Afraid it doesn't.<br /><br />With most phones, a government would seek data from the mobile service provider, not the phone company itself. So if you have an iPhone 4 or an old-school phone the size of a brick, a government could theoretically get access.<br /><br />In the United States, that requires a court order. But laws in other countries, of course, vary.<br /><br />For the record, some familiar with U.S. intelligence efforts say they have access to BlackBerry data, although the company says it never makes deals with governments to share.<br /><br />Reading between the lines, this might just mean that U.S. intelligence agencies are more adept at cracking code than those in other countries.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Who else can intercept my info?</span></strong><br /><br />Security experts never say never. But with encryption and secure data banks, they say it's unlikely that a random bad actor could steal your transmissions in any usable way.<br /><br />"If you are not a government and you are not holding the wires of the network of one of the companies like RIM or Google or Alltel, you can't really access the date the user is using or sending," said Dror Shalev, chief technical officer for DroidSecurity.<br /><br />They say smartphone users are far more at risk from more mundane attacks -- from having their phones (and the data inside them) stolen to using the phone's web browser to click bad links.<br /><br />"With mobile devices, a lot of the privacy and security risks are really similar to what we've seen with desktops and laptops," said Doris Yang, mobile security product manager for digital security company Symantec.<br /><br />"A lot of it really does hinge on common sense. Whether we're talking about information stored on your device or in some storage facility, the same rule applies -- you shouldn't be sending out personal information." </div>

Is your smarthphone data safe??

Article by: Doug Gross, CNN (CNN) -- This week, news out of the Middle East saw BlackBerry , the handheld communication device of choice in ...

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It's not real!!

It seems that the new cover of <span style="font-size:180%;">The SharePoint Magazine</span> had has a big success, many of you like it, but what if I told you that it is not "real"?<br /><br />here is how I did it (I will give you the secret,mmm or maybe not, what if..., ok, ok, here it is)<br /><br />Firs I like to put backgrounds in my pics and for the cover of the magazine it must to be something catching (you know marketing) so here I was searching for some lights, (I love lights and the effect that this gives to the atmosphere) so I search for a Blurry background (sorry but I delete the picture from my PC)<br /><br /><br />then I'm in love with the Crystallized Abayas, I took this picture for the cover but it was so simple and because this was a Make-UP Special it will not work,(the girl was wearing sun glasses)<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506459829976390194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJAlv4eH2SqtXduQiaND26fjleHDaKi9fZjTp7Il9wdVJqnBcnQeR4MAvnzTLUAeZY-JPRMrTcRD7dYsPccEsaCG8ePwG-RXb3MRvptEKN8dxEjZeFrYPqTyJwI5oA05RokiLIcMGH4k/s400/cover+1.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /><br />But the Abaya is just great, then I thought, what if I change her face, and while I was searching for a pretty face boalaaa, I found in an article about this summer this great picture, buuut this has a secret too<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506465840332948290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XCdoYxdQgc745pMdtFe9HzJPYo2MBXxSLjjVIzTGnA51DPVHPAaBOm6VpGidJYD2xJ1uiB7SjfTv1Nv7zFZxES7G1TAVAHm42CchEeqZewiY-RsGB23ql1LEU2dXs44cgtTv3ndaN5M/s400/foto+1+make+up.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" />When I sow it I thought, this is really pretty combination of colors, a bit exaggerated but pretty(I will never use this style, but maybe something more simple)so this was perfect and the Angle of her face was perfect to combine it with the other picture then I found this other picture, <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506465836272491010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd-uieW6SQWdGfUP6RowgqNG37rkeBzc8RwC66mKwlCY0tf_LM6JRdgJKWNvU_w1qC8yKixsWdwbw9Tn03XTM0aoG3e73hFe60m0cA2WYpSTkZThmgSGNWtm-dw5k4ef0fXBqjicO2Ug/s400/foto+2+less+make+up.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />I told you it has a secret!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyYzHOEnca6IeMmck29ZtdtwrR3g9x_AUsEfZQWEJUypC4CAbc_39-NgGiiIH5dywHJ4Mn8kkwFdrOMvebvSUS_ZAmKEdFh4UcbwkwLaAKjUQee14HYxDL9CIhjqqx9nOPLBg6dyHL1c/s1600/Fashion-Week-Swim-Aqua-Cream.jpg"></a>Exactly the same picture but, yea the make up is not the same, it is Photoshoped, so here it is the final picture<br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506467555935786306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMDq46l4YOA5UncUCaGejJDV0KXPbAVmR5MC4kaWXfEDylNp30HY_nlgfFp25YHs87KgLdDQteqccMH5rV-QInpI31moOGxXW2pBnXkB1i25H7_0wC68s0j8vUSiCwbP-tac6ADqPyCQ/s400/cover+the+sharepoint+magazine+4.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The background colors where just perfect, like if she were in a party, the make up featured in this issue is more for party than for every day, then the abaya so glamorous and the make up perfect, all was ready.</p><p>I hope you like it and I hope you have understood the message, wear an Abaya and Hijab and the most important be Muslim, doesn't means you can't be fashionable, but what we must always do is respect our faith, therefor this make up is only for parties and for home, yap I do wear this make up at home, for my husband, in the end he is who has to like me or not?</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">"<em>Remember to project your self in a way that matches your faith and culture</em>"<br /></p></span>

It's not real!!

It seems that the new cover of The SharePoint Magazine had has a big success, many of you like it, but what if I told you that it is not ...

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Khulood Design Jalabiyas

<div align="center">New collection of <strong><em>Khulood Khalaf</em></strong> designer is called <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">"Arabian Princes"</span></strong> </div><div align="center">You can chose for a selection of long or short jalabiyas made of cuality light chiffon fabrics and fresh prints, decorated with bright colorful embroidery and crystals.<br />You can contact her in facebook: kk design<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505037468360313250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIgIBaqX7wwD5woWfH7EIqUqRUuEfBAB9WeIrBZmN-jpb_L9P8okp1HTS0WBAp5ajwolKLqnj8f-mTl_A7iWQQRQw8VYqen-rkd_Na1b-JM729b5HdUUMqTgoVBBjdMRhv_6PJtvSCuA/s400/39725_120943751286194_100001117091207_114537_7159195_n.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505037455995303762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWPJ7TJPYWhhVRe1CG70G-DMEpq75yWmFSPcI-mk9hnNNJt3I57tVtzAw6sQUhxgRUANspNkgYBlr99BHM2nDM3N_nXorLdLxlWOJj2vDGoeS48YXjauK_IDf1VmGJ3yhNdcKyoJGkAQ/s400/38646_121293091251260_100001117091207_115633_4306256_n.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505037442943535202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dqhJv7iUbhhLXMl5jkYUcFb7BMsU2hr4wHaprurcaH7vl3YG1NmQMwU_L259r7tixt61vFLFNodbsy54swdsp_Ht1EB4zvMn9pSilMPybBpwgwygxTeZrRu9kYnYShnzu-t4Q1lEpjU/s400/40285_121876647859571_100001117091207_118996_5129501_n.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505037438785213650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0ojZDHeFgFvLIcnohANcfheSvNFPJukdQVppLzRkX2RKcAcP4zFuv7_yvlxyGlv0GcxzpnRYSDiXw_FT8XKWuRxiiS2u1s7lOG1Yov5dq-3KKH_-jLvCGLjVZYt_Xg73N6VkaJfg56s/s400/39725_120943754619527_100001117091207_114538_3607076_n.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>

Khulood Design Jalabiyas

New collection of Khulood Khalaf designer is called "Arabian Princes" You can chose for a selection of long or short jalabiyas m...

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True values the solution for emotion-driven spending

I found this article really interesting and it reflects the true situation that Emiratis are living right now.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287384529650530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z61Gzcbc_UQ-nRsTxT4znM0VWDrYVVd_xgFmQ9x0bVfYDo4V_eYannB5oIRpoFkxywldDTyygFzKUKZ1uNWBvEJlJd_Xaw2mkPBADh6c9uK6Q0b842rM_n_yfkalLwCOFi43GdN7HKI/s400/dubai+shopping.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><br />With a Muslim social in a new rich country on develop we have as a result, an amount of Muslims with a lot of money to spend, the values of religion were left behind, the social status change in an exorbitant way reaching a level of luxury and materialism easy to get used to and very difficult to leave, but, suddenly the World economic situation changed and what is left is a social trying to keep a level in society regardless of what they have to do to achieve it,...In a past post <a href="http://thepurplesharepoint.blogspot.com/2009/08/dubai-what-will-happen-to-paradise-on.html">"Dubai: What will happen to the paradise on earth"</a> I wrote the next quoranic verse:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>"Luxurious living is an enemy of every call towards,truth, justice, and social reform"<br /></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Parents are not taking care of their sons, they are </span><a href="">Taraf</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">,</span> and are making use of Reba (when using credit cards).</span> </span><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Quran</strong> says:<br /><strong>17:16</strong> <em>When we decide to destroy a population, We (first) send a definite order to those among them who are given the good things of this life and yet transgress; so that the word is proved true against them: then (it is)We destroy them utterly.<br /></em></div>***************************************************<br /><br />When Saeeda Al Suwaidi is upset or depressed, the mall is an over-the-counter medication to soothe her mood and chase away those mid-week blues.<br /><br />"I go shopping and buy whatever makes me forget what I'm in, whether it's necessary or not," says the 27-year old Emirati supervisor with the Commercial Bank of Dubai.<br /><br />Her retail vice is shoes. In the last month alone, she purchased about 30 pairs, half of which are still in their boxes she says. Typically she heads to the mall four times a week and spends an average of Dh3,000.<br /><br />But emotion-driven spending is not just exclusive to Emiratis. Suze Orman, psychologist and financial author of three consecutive New York Times bestsellers including The Road to Wealth, says, "Our emotions influence up to 80 per cent of our financial decisions."<br /><br />In the UAE, which ranks seventh among the world's most exciting retail growth hot spots, Emiratis and expatriate consumers' spending patterns differ according to vastly different emotional priorities. <span style="font-size:130%;">For Emirati youth, trips to the mall fulfil their families' idea of safe and legitimate fun, a way to let go, and a vent for boredom.<br /></span><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501301763904835458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFexFaJn2byCnvSGIdqApqjzFw7j63Wy7r-VvZl5LyBpX1rH8zbvdhGyWjOAubU3CZa0TDKuP0dyWLjgbvhz4evWcesDEtJArsImCFDTTZUQkwtCNF4s93e-M_NtcOt632rGj8TyFw3ew/s320/emirati+youth.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />"Young men and women are not encouraged to stay out of the house after 9pm. They don't hang out in the evening, there is no clubbing scene for them," explains Emirati cultural consultant and writer Ali Al Saloom. "The only way to accomplish that excitement, girly talk, food, is the malls. They are the kings in giving this."<br /><br />He said the reason malls do not simply represent a souq is that they are spaces to socialise and spend on meals, skiing, skating, and cinema. "Which place can parents accept their girls to go to that's air-conditioned, safe, and come home early? The mall," he said.<br /><br />Sometimes a spending spree is fuelled by the need among Emirati women to mark their individuality among women clad in uniform, albeit designer and expensive, abayas. <span style="font-size:180%;">"It's about self-attractiveness. How she looks slightly different from other girls. It's a kind of competition but in a peaceful way,"</span> explained Saeeda.<br /><br />Emirati households spend 13 per cent of their income on clothing and footwear compared to seven per cent by expats, according to a survey by the Statistics Centre in Abu Dhabi in 2009.<br /><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501300520031715010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TI0s62G87hX35pEsFh2w4vY1151r3TUw7vbVB03OPpLyrxUnzUbWDJTYBSPyoFyZaTL13-beYdftyR-uXv7DNSXbru_S7SKftHZT5XJxdZKbyT5EwnhOIGWwI5wMCehRqGuydjxQk6M/s400/dubai_women_23.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 312px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Al Saloom says there is some truth in the stereotype that local women spend a lot of their time shopping and submitting to the social pressure of carrying off a brand-centred look. "Social pressure is in the eye of the beholder. People only say <span style="font-size:180%;">there's pressure, but it actually comes from insecurity and a culture</span> that is about being well-kept," he said, adding that some parts of the country are like Beverley Hills.<br /><br />Submitting to every emotional whim by spending your cares away has ultimately created a consumerist culture in the UAE. "Communities here are becoming very materialistic unfortunately but we cannot be blamed for it," said Al Saloom, citing Jumeirah, a predominantly expatriate neighbourhood. "Everyone looks like they came out of a magazine and [the area] is well kept."<br /><br />K.V. Shamsudeen, Director of Barjeel Geojit Securities LLC and a financial adviser, said many spent a "good portion" of their income on luxury brands to create an image but this was financially unsustainable in the long run. <span style="font-size:180%;">"Many working Emiratis are in a debt trap because they use credit cards for this kind of shopping."</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Return to values</span></strong><br /><br />A return to the values of faith, which advises <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>moderation in all aspects of life</strong></span>, is one solution to excessive spending habits, Al Saloom suggested. "If women are devoted to their faith they will realise they don't need to be so fashionable that they have gold on their abayas, to me that's a silly thing and there is no need for it," he said. <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;"><strong>"Project yourself in a way that matches your faith and culture not an Eiffel tower on your head and too much make up."<br /></strong></span><br />He said the <strong><em>family is "the best school"</em></strong> to teach children the value of money and avoid spending it according to mood on unnecessary items. "When you see a seven-year old carrying a Blackberry that explains it completely," he said, adding that children who break with family values become spendthrifts.<br /><br />"Kids enter a shop with money, and ask ‘how much is this? Yalla, give me, yalla bye' and people think this is independence but they need to learn from parents how to bargain and be respectful," he said, adding that this <span style="font-size:130%;">overspending trend greatly disturbed the older generation</span>.<br /><br />Al Saloom encouraged young Emiratis to earn their own money through so they could appreciate the hard work behind it and not take it for granted. "There is carelessness about the importance and appreciation of money when we don't earn it," he said.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">An expatriate dilemma</span></strong><br /><a href=""><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501302915427682242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sLawEJFEY3h8nwAvArJfVdL2_aucgR1skBHXck9tsFl_rbOY_b3TwkheQ6nlDpoGff9QcgL4GG6sC9fVUm6i8uOEW_tf4EmJoyuIzx56S5USkE-Vp95oyQJInSQSdOg_TmUrz27FL_A/s320/indian+workers+in+dubai.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Beyond the sky-scrapered silhouette of a city overdosed on malls lurks a darker world: hard-earned money, long working hours, meager income, and a noose of debt is the reality of many South-Indian expatriates providing for their family back home.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In 2006, there were 143 suicide cases of Indian expatriates — 75 per cent were due to depression about financial issues, said Shamsudeen.<br /></span><br />The emotional drive behind their overspending is the need to satisfy the ever-increasing demands of their families. They spend up to $3,000 (Dh11,000) and take high-interest loans from unauthorised lenders at home to get a visa to the UAE, without about two-thirds of them living here without family, according to Shamsudeen.<br /><br /><strong>Their motives?<br /></strong><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"Their strong urge to make their families happy,"</span> he said. They assume that because their sole bread-winner is living in a rich country he is able to afford all their wishes. The families expect gifts during festive seasons like Christmas, Eid, Diwali, and Onam, he added.<br /><br />Expat workers also feel the pressure to overspend on emotional occasions such as a daughter's marriage, treatment of a sick family member, and educating their children to give them a better life, said Shamsudeen, who advices expats on financial planning.<br /><br />Dr Raymond Hamden, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at the Human Relations Institute in Dubai, explained that the psychological reasons behind overspending is that workers are quantifying their love for family in material terms and justifying their absence away from home and loved ones by the ability to buy these gifts.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Failing to understand the sacrifices that the workers make, the families get used to an extravagant lifestyle.<br /></span><br />With inflation in India rising more than 10 per cent and food prices increasing by more than 17 per cent, the cost of living has increased and the workers must send more money home, Shamsudeen explained.<br /><br />But as employers cut back on overtime, earnings decrease, he added.<br /><br />"Like salt in the wound, the Indian rupee has appreciated so when they remit their limited earnings they get less money back home," Shamsudeen said. Then they are compelled to take a loan. "By taking a loan you become the slave of the lender and will have to take multiple loans."<br /><br />To escape this vicious cycle, expats must inform their families of their real financial situation to curb unrealistic demands, Shamsudeen emphasised.<br /><br />He advises two main <strong>saving techniques</strong>. The first is an <strong><em>Expenditure Control Chart</em></strong>. It includes the amount you intend to save every month and five columns with your expenditure, amount spent, essential, optional, and unnecessary items. This gives a better understanding of necessities.<br /><br />The second is the <strong><em>Micro Saving and Systematic Investment</em></strong> concept whereby you save Dh1,000 monthly in convenient currency and invest it with a 12 per cent return on an Indian mutual fund for 30 years to save Dh3.52 million.<br /><br />He urges expat workers to think differently about money and change their definition of saving into "what is kept aside before spending." They should also tell their families that the remittances must be used for expenses and saving.<br /><br />Shamsudeen also advices expats to deal wisely with credit card debt. <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Even high-profile executives commonly land in Dubai jails for mismanagement of credit card debt, he added, advising the sale of assets to pay off debts.<br /></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"Credit cards are a big villain in our society,"</span> he said.<br /><br /><br />By: Deena Kamel Yousef<br />Edited by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08319370313967474968"><em><span style="color:#cc66cc;">That's Me</span></em></a>

True values the solution for emotion-driven spending

I found this article really interesting and it reflects the true situation that Emiratis are living right now. With a Muslim social in a new...

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36 Free e-books about Islam

My gift for Ramadan<br /><div>Free! collection of 36 Islamic e-books 148.41MB</div><div>I found this collection very interesting and a great job of all the autors of this books and to enjoy more with your Reading I advice you to download <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/">Adobe Digital Editions</a> (which is also free) I hope you like it and help you to understand more about Islam.</div><br /><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500918073556028946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDbVYnru0LrXrCV_jzG-Ccui7_DY81EdOIx83e_xoOEdkM6kUuHEdA_s_R2LTJpspjQ2u_kAIuUeYSwwiTehFHO928e7hSNrqUoljR8DvVcWCnZg7qREfrtpC3S8RjJn0U6tv1qA61EQ/s400/islamic+book.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />1.What Is Islam<br />2.Discover Islam<br />3.The Quran And Modern Science<br />4.The Geological Concept Of Mountains In the Quran<br />5.A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam<br />6.Translation Of The Meanings Of The Glorious Quran<br />7.Strengthening Of The Faith<br />8.The Quran And Modern Science Compatible Or Incompatible<br />9.Do Not Be Sad<br />10.The Fundamentals Of Tawheed<br />10.The Fundamentals Of Tawheed<br />11.The Tenets Of Faith Creed Of Ahlu Alsunnah And Aljamah<br />12.Who Wrote The Quran<br />13.The True Religion Of God<br />14.40 Hadeeth Qudsi<br />15.The Hadith Is Proof Itself In Belief And Laws<br />16.Allah’s Governance On Earth<br />17.The Book Of Tawheed<br />18.Muhammad The Messenger Of Allah<br />19.Stories Of The Prophets<br />20.The Islamic Openings<br />21.Help Yourself In Reading Holy Quran Arabic - English<br />22.Prophet Muhammad The Last Messenger In The Bible<br />23.The Prophetic Medicine<br />24.25 Dua From The Holy Quran<br />25.Know The Prophet<br />26.Explanation of A Summary of Al-Aqeedatul Hamawiyyah<br />27.Concept Of God In Major Religions<br />28.Most Excellent Manner Of Seeking Forgiveness<br />29.The Manners Of The Knowledge Seeker<br />30.The Noble Quran<br />31.Translation Of The Meanings Of The Noble Quran In The English Language<br />32.Translation Of The Meanings Of The Noble Quran In The Russian Language<br />33.Become Acquainted With Islam<br />34.200 FAQ On Muslims Belief<br />35.The Biography Of The Prophet<br />36.Fiqh us-Sunnah (The Principles Of Fiqh )<br /><br />1st part <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/135179401/keosoft90-lost.0.isamic.b00ks_dasofts.part1.rar">here</a><br />2nd part <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/135179615/keosoft90-lost.0.isamic.b00ks_dasofts.part2.rar">here</a><br />3rd part <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/135179821/keosoft90-lost.0.isamic.b00ks_dasofts.part3.rar">here </a><br />4rd part <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/135179967/keosoft90-lost.0.isamic.b00ks_dasofts.part4.rar">here<br /></a><br /><p>***If you have any trouble with the links contact me at <a href="mailto:thepurplesharepoint@gmail.com">thepurplesharepoint@gmail.com</a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85gJ0z7CYUNeF8yB62EmhH5__NHrwdz5j8sNH_8iyC12eepGrUw06cuyhsvznqrjiUWALPQTjj7CyBu1UcaZwteZIq3SRYrptISx7-9s6y0S1x0pyWa-REfzMlqZxzctJweOBAzPcF9E/s1600/algerian+petroleum+forum.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500918605703341906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85gJ0z7CYUNeF8yB62EmhH5__NHrwdz5j8sNH_8iyC12eepGrUw06cuyhsvznqrjiUWALPQTjj7CyBu1UcaZwteZIq3SRYrptISx7-9s6y0S1x0pyWa-REfzMlqZxzctJweOBAzPcF9E/s200/algerian+petroleum+forum.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 112px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 80px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /> Courtesy of:<br /></p>

36 Free e-books about Islam

My gift for Ramadan Free! collection of 36 Islamic e-books 148.41MB I found this collection very interesting and a great job of all the auto...

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UAE, Saudi Arabia to block Blackerry on security fears

<div>Activists see it as an attempt to more tightly control the flow of information<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500517202389520258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DEWKb8R2mjwe4zeiwuxkrzKA0v-KoKeEYLReLuRyKuIr_1zC5Ds21_ra2x3dAC11eb9CywiilMk1hd8m3V9-m0Ss2muipIUSCY9pnrkRdkPtH0li6tlzAruNkihxEa9okf0RRvG2Tm4/s400/no-blackberry-.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><br />DUBAI — The UAE said Sunday it will block key features on BlackBerry smart phones, citing national security concerns because the devices operate beyond the government's ability to monitor their use. Officials in neighboring Saudi Arabia indicated it planned to follow suit.<br /><br />The decision could prevent hundreds of thousands of users in the Mideast country from accessing e-mail and the Web on the handsets starting in October, putting the federation's reputation as a business-friendly commercial and tourism hub at risk.<br /><br />BlackBerry data is encrypted and routed overseas, and the measure could be motivated in part by government fears that the messaging system might be exploited by terrorists or other criminals who cannot be monitored by the local authorities.<br /><br />However, analysts and activists also see it as an attempt to more tightly control the flow of information in the conservative country, a U.S. ally that is home to the Gulf business capital Dubai and the oil-rich emirate of Abu Dhabi.<br /><br />This isn't the first time BlackBerry and Emirati officials have had run-ins over security and the popular handsets, a fixture in professionals' pockets and purses the world over.<br /><br />Just over a year ago, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion criticized a directive by UAE state-owned mobile operator Etisalat telling the company's more than 145,000 BlackBerry users to install software described as an "upgrade ... required for service enhancements."<br /><br />RIM said tests showed the update was in fact spy software that could allow outsiders to access private information stored on the phones. It strongly distanced itself from Etisalat's decision, and provided details instructing users how to remove the software. </div>

UAE, Saudi Arabia to block Blackerry on security fears

Activists see it as an attempt to more tightly control the flow of information DUBAI — The UAE said Sunday it will block key features on Bla...

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Islamic Foundations For a Happy Marriage III

<div><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>8. Loyalty </strong></span><a href=""><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500503602877992514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEqPxg6s4HT08Q567SGo7ZeNtJ66-8eKl1-l4GjJeAhTN0KBYhbgaYqkhZBw7fzgUxH5NTLg3rotAp_JVWc-g_KLrC9PhcN9JD-Uyp8fkMUhyphenhyphenWshtYqvJgGBJDVVaANF2i3Nk7MnLRnY/s400/loyalti+in+marriage.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></strong>He has been ordered by Allah Ta'ala that husbands are faithful to each other. Adultery is a capital sin in Islam is punished heavily. However, there are many forms of infidelity between Muslims. The most common way is to maintain friendships with people of the opposite sex that go beyond what Islam allows and respect due to the husband or wife. Recent trends have appeared on the internet relationships are also contrary to Islamic and labels are causing serious problems between couples. Once a sense of betrayal is installed in the heart, it is very difficult to repair. Another way of cheating is when couples betray the trust, and this type of case involving the heart of marriage.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">9. Justice</span></strong></span><a href="pg"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500508435502018242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwb2cn6NFnrxSaRwe-FihHjUfd302GyFDV56KHlligyDK7gCYnOA5nTDI7nm_mtsidiuyU6bTqEr2aM68BRyGuGCd3rwil44hSmaDblzjXMo0bF-UPLPqniWDkaod9kKlGA7rcmHascU/s400/troubeled+couple+talking.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Usually, when we are angry or unhappy, we tend to behave aggressively, disqualifying the other. We try to convince ourselves that it's okay to be unjust in our sayings and actions every time someone does something that displeases us. Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an that we must be unfair under any circumstances, even in the case of our enemies. What should be the behavior, then, when we are dealing with the partner of a lifetime and our children? ". Using words like "you always" or "you never" to refer to the behavior of your wife or husband is abuse and puts the other in a defensive position.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>10. Finance</strong><br /></span></span><a href=""><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500510645083579394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpeHr9RJTdKBf3liBG3mh_tEZb6tpriJLHuEpOfs13wPWFmoQFnuJFRcgg0_4Zngk-zmlcpkuEraeuBqM7LiH74Hq8ICxQ7PQ3AblBhiwQL_O8N9Sd4yn2CBCJq4K1kHEEyU0DifGE4Y/s400/marriage+and+finance.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 325px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 325px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">One of the most common points of conflict in marriages is money. Some experts say that 80% of marital arguments are due to money matters. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the couple devote serious time and effort to develop a financial management plan that is mutually agreed and is reviewed at least once every six months. Preparing a budget together is also a useful and wise to keep the household accounts. We must remember that the money of the wife in Islam belongs completely to her and can not be considered as part of the family property except that she voluntarily agreed to contribute to family expenses.</span></div>

Islamic Foundations For a Happy Marriage III

8. Loyalty He has been ordered by Allah Ta'ala that husbands are faithful to each other. Adultery is a capital sin in Islam is punished ...

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