Every
human being comes into this world by decree of Allah, and with him or
her, carries a life journey that has been pre-ordained, written and
endorsed by Allah Himself - a unique path, a journey throughout a
temporary abode – one that is full of obstacles, challenges, punishments
and plenty of rewards.
For Muslims la-ilaha-ill-Allah (the phrase that denotes that there is no
deity, save for Allah), is more than just a saying of conviction,
rather it embodies the entirety of being Muslim.
{And put your trust in Allah, if you are believers indeed.} (5:23)
When a Muslim says this first part of the shahadah, (the testimonial of
faith for Muslims), he or she is submitting in totality to the will of
Allah, for the simple reason, there is no deity worthy of worship, save
for Allah.
This may sound simple for some: just eliminate, for example, statues of
worship, or do not submit to any other religious structure.
Unfortunately, the human being is easily tempted and one can sometimes
perceive other forms of worship, such as a career-path, money, power, a
relationship even, or the coveting of a worldly prize. When this
happens, this person’s focus of worship changes into one that is geared
towards worldly pleasures and instead of seeking Allah’s pleasures in
life; he or she may become overly focused on his or her object of
obsession.
{But sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.} (25: 31)
For a person who forgets the belief in one single God, it is easier for
him or her to fall into sadness, and even clinical depression when the
going gets tough. But believers are reminded that {Nothing shall ever
happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us,} (9:51) and are
often reminded that there will always be challenges in life that will
force them to think and reflect and each challenge has actually been
uniquely tailored to fit each person’s situation, surroundings,
personality and physical /spiritual or mental strength.
In Islam, there is a way to feel less sorrow or grief, by invoking Allah to provide strength and patience
Whether it is the short-change of a promotion, another failed IVF cycle,
a difficult final year exam paper, a falling out with a friend, a
horrible illness, an attack on a Masjid or the loss of a loved one,
those who practice tawakkul – the complete trust in Allah – will be able
to handle the situation in a more positive light, as compared to
someone who did not have that trust.
There are many ways to achieve tawakkul. And even if one is certain of
his or her trust in Allah, a booster shot would never hurt the heart or
soul.
Spend Time to Reflect, Shed Tears if Need Be
No human being can escape sadness. But in Islam, there is a way to feel
less sorrow or grief, by invoking Allah to provide strength and
patience. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) described
his tears over the death of his son, Ibrahim, as part of his humanness.
{Verily with hardship, there is relief,} (96:6) the Qur’an reminds.
Tears that come from the eyes and the heart are from Allah, as with that
come sincerity. Shedding tears allows negative emotions to be released
rather than transforming into self-consuming anger or bitterness that
could eventually destroy one’s tawakkul. However, crying alone is not
enough if it is not accompanied with reflective wisdom. Although Allah
catches every tear of a true believer, an overdose of sadness can lead
to depression, which is also dangerously self-consuming.
{Remember Me, by praying, glorifying, and I will remember you,} (2:152).
Within the realm of sadness, Muslims need to remember that there are
ways of remembering Allah – may it be through du’a (invocations),
prayers such as istikarah (the prayer for guidance), and even zikr
(constant remembrance of Allah). Allah promises: for those who are
resolute, He will send down calmness and tranquillity upon them.
Remember that what Allah takes away from a person, there is a plan behind it
Although some prayers are best done during certain times of the day or
night, invocations and zikr have no time limits, and one can continue
strengthening his or her relationship with God while carrying out the
normal errands or chores. It is said that Allah thinks about those who
think about Him the most, so by constantly remembering Allah in times of
difficulty, a Muslim solidifies the belief that with every adversity
comes a reward.
Remember that what Allah takes away from a person, there is a plan
behind it – most of the time, Allah rewards a Muslim, especially a
patient one, with something better – because Allah knows best.
Get a Grip of the Situation and Plan for the Next Step of Action
Although tawakkul denotes complete trust in Allah, every Muslim needs to
plan for the next course of action when a challenge presents itself.
Sitting back in anger or frustration is akin to giving up in many
situations.
Allah loves those who help themselves, who better themselves and who are
constantly striving to achieve their goals or overcome problems for His
sake. Getting a grip of the situation allows a person to understand why
he or she is facing a certain obstacle. Prophet Muhammad once said, (He
who Allah wishes for good, He will firstly inflict him with hardship.)
Thus a believing Muslim picks up from calamities and constructively
embraces the situation in stride.
One could ask constructively: Why did this happen to me? If I have made
any mistakes that may have angered Allah, how shall I repent? What could
have I done to avoid this situation? What should I do now that would
please Allah? What valuable lessons can I learn from this problem? How
shall I make myself a better Muslim for the sake of Allah?
Repentance is an important practice by those who practice tawakkul.
Repentance allows a Muslim to recognise his or her wrongdoings,
weaknesses and the sheer magnitude of grace that Allah has bestowed upon
him or her. Repenting cleans the heart and allows a believer to move
on.
{Noah said to them: ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord. He is
Oft-Forgiving. He will send you rain in abundance, and give you increase
in wealth and children; and bestow on you gardens; bestow on you
rivers,} (71:10-12).
Instead of asking Allah for a certain plan to work, a believing Muslim -
full of tawakkul - should ask for Allah to grant him or her an outcome
that is best for him or he
Some people find that writing their thoughts down puts the problem into
perspective. They allow themselves to address their fears, their
concerns and can even find solutions to their problems. Others may
benefit from talking to supportive family or friends in order to
overcome negative emotions and to plan for the future. In all cases,
Muslims need to remember that while they plan, only Allah can determine
the outcome, and that outcome is the best for the person at that given
moment.
{So when you have made your decision, then put your trust in Allah,} (3:159).
Instead of asking Allah for a certain plan to work, a believing Muslim -
full of tawakkul - should ask for Allah to grant him or her an outcome
that is best for him or her. And even if it may seem that the reward is
meagre, Allah has promised Paradise to those who are patient – and there
really is nothing that can contend with the returns in Paradise.
Live for the Moment Because Each Moment Will Pass
{So hold that which I have given you and be of the grateful,} (7:144).
Trusting in Allah also involves taking care of one’s self. A Muslim
should surround him or herself with positive company, preferably those
who have a strong personal relationship with Allah.
A Muslim in search of a higher level of tawakkul should also indulge in
activities that he or she enjoys the most, as long as they do not
contradict the teachings of Islam. This promotes happiness and positive
energy in a person, providing a healthy distraction from the problem. It
also encourages one to constantly remember and appreciate the blessings
of Allah, and feel thankful at all times – even if it is a glass of
water, because Allah was the One who provided the same glass of water -
rather than nit-pick at the imminent problems in life.
This goes back to the one of the fundamentals of the dunya (world): it
is a place of passing, a journey that has a limited number of moments
for each unique person. Why waste time feeling sad and depressed, when
one can feel blessed, happy and positive for the sake of Allah? The
problem or obstacle will eventually pass, and time and patience will
help a person heal – but with the right attitude and ultimately the
feeling of tawakkul in tow – even the heaviest burden becomes
lightweight and even challenging in a positive light. {Indeed Allah has
set a measure for all things,} (66:3).
There are many ways to live for the moment, fully believing that Allah will help a person who helps him or herself.
One could spend time giving charity and appreciate those who are less
fortunate. A believing Muslim could speak to an ustadz or an ustadzah
and learn how to strengthen his or her iman (faith). One could seek
advice from those who have faced similar situations and learn from their
mistakes. A good Muslim should smile aplenty to ward off sadness and
doubt. And a believer could spend some time alone reflecting on how to
become closer to Allah.
Complete Surrender to Allah
{Whoever is in the heavens and on earth begs of Him. Every day He has a
matter to bring forth (such as giving honour to some, disgrace to some,
life to some, death to some,} (55:29).
Every human being comes to earth by the decree of Allah with a
pre-ordained plan that balances the nature of the temporary abode with
good and evil, blessings and hardships, rewards and punishments and
death and life.
Because this pre-ordainment is so important, tawakkul has been described
as the head of human body, with the human body representing the entire
religion. Without tawakkul, one does not embody the religion of Islam.
Without tawakkul, a person draws closer to committing shirk, often
searching for answers elsewhere, imploring for the help of others,
questioning his or her fate in anger, or subsiding into self-destructive
behaviour and emotions. With tawakkul comes humility, sadness with
reflection, planning with wisdom and happiness for the sake of Allah.
Those with tawakkul are often reminded of the world being a temporary
abode, one that is paved path that will ultimately lead to the
Hereafter. Thus how they reflect, react and respond to hardships
presented by Allah will affect their goal of achieving Allah’s pleasure,
and ultimately, Paradise. {“And they think deeply about the creation of
the heavens and the earth, (saying): ‘O Lord! You have not created
(all) this without purpose, glory to You!’} (3:191).
Without tawakkul, the kalimah of la-ilaha-ill-Allah will cease to carry
meaning, and that is part of the shahadah that encompasses the
fundamental belief of a Muslim.
Tawakkul is a fundamental part of the Islamic Aqeedah. Tawakkul is
translated here as either trust or dependence. Putting our trust in
Allah (swt) is a matter of belief and contributes to our view regarding
this life. To make this point clear, some of the Ayahs are quoted as
below. Allah (swt) says:
“If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes
you, who is there after that, that can help you? In Allah then, let the
Believers put their trust.” [EMQ 3: 160]
And Allah (swt) says:
“Say: Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed
for us: He is our Protector: And on Allah let the believers put their
trust.” [EMQ 9:51]
And Allah (swt) says:
“And put they trust on the exalted in Might, the Merciful.” [EMQ 26:217]
Allah (swt) also says:
“…Then when thou hast taken a decision put they trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)” [EMQ 3:159]
All of the above Ayahs order Muslims to wholly and exclusively to
rely on Allah (swt) in their lives. It is only Allah who controls the
Universe and both good and bad are His decree. The significant element
that should always be kept in mind is the omnipotence of Allah (swt).
Therefore our actions and the material resources available to us do not
guarantee the outcome of any of our undertakings. For example our
material and physical strength may deceive us into believing that
victory in a battlefield is inevitable. The truth is that our strength
or weakness has no bearing on the outcome of the battle, and it is only
by the will of Allah that we become victorious or get defeated by the
enemy. It was this firm belief that lead a handful of Muslims during and
after the time of the Prophet (saw) to fight so valiantly against a
formidable enemy over and over again.
One may ask, why then do we strive to accomplish any task if we
cannot influence its outcome? The answer is rather simple. The actions
that we take fall into three categories: They are either obligated upon
us by Allah (swt), recommended by Him or we are simply allowed to do
them. The obligatory actions are taken because Allah (swt) has ordered
them as compulsory. The recommended actions are taken to be rewarded in
addition to the rewards we get upon accomplishing the fard. In both of
these cases we seek to please Allah (swt), Actions falling under the
third category are taken to achieve certain objectives we anticipate to
fulfil. However, the certainty of accomplishing those objectives is not
under our control. Therefore the cause of initiating any action is not
whether we control its outcome. It is the anticipated goal we aim to
achieve.
This brings us to an important misconception amongst the Muslims
where some of the associate effort with having trust in Allah (swt). For
example, it is a popular notion that earning provides rizq and Tawakkul
in Allah (swt) should come after one has made a sincere effort to earn a
living. Some of the Muslims who hold such a view often present the
following Hadith in their defence:
A man came to the Prophet (saw) and said,
“I will not tie my camel and trust in Allah” The Prophet (saw) said, ‘Tie it and trust in Allah.’
This Hadith does not indicate any prerequisite for trusting Allah
(swt). It does not, therefore suggest that somehow there is a link
between people tying the camel (an action) and putting ones trust in
Allah (swt). However, the Hadith conveys an important lesson to all of
us: That while trust in Allah (swt) is absolute being independent of
what we do it is our responsibility to act on what we intended to
accomplish. In this case tying the camel was a right thing to do if the
person feared that the camel would run away. Therefore he should have
taken the precaution regardless of his trust in Allah (swt). Tying the
camel does not take away from his trust in Allah (swt), irrespective of
our efforts and the circumstances surrounding us.
This belief should help us to this life according to the commands of
Allah (swt) even if we face hardships in doing so. Disappointment,
hopelessness should not daunt us because we have put our trust in Allah
(swt), our Creator and the only Sustainer. Many Muslims indulge in the
prohibited actions arguing that it is the only alternative; otherwise
they would face disastrous consequences. Avid example is giving riba
when buying a house on a mortgage. They regard owning a house as a
necessity and we are willing to sacrifice Islam in doing so.
They fail to realise that it is only Allah (swt) who provides
security for them and their off springs and they need only to put their
absolute trust in Him.
Unfortunately the materialistic thought that we have acquired from
the Kuffar who depend on material gains for their very survival, has
drastically influenced our view towards this life as well… we take pride
in our wealth and what we do, and have displaced the trust in Allah
(swt) by relying solely on material possessions. May Allah (swt) restore
only trust in Him for only then can we truly succeed!
Dying-father-has-last-first-dance-with-daughter
On a sunny Saturday in July, Rachel Wolf was preparing for the day she
always dreamed of, complete with wedding gown, makeup, and guests.
But there was one thing missing: a groom.
Instead, the day was about her dad. Rachel’s father, Dr. James Wolf, is
dying of pancreatic cancer. He likely has less than three months to
live.
So to make sure that he would be there on her wedding day, Rachel, 25,
came up with an unusual idea: she would create and record her own
father/daughter dance. The venue, Auburn Recreation Park in Auburn,
Calif., the limo and the D.J. were all donated.
“I just was flabbergasted,” Dr. Wolf told TODAY in an interview that aired Monday.
“There are a lot of things that I would’ve liked the girls to experience
with me being there,” Dr. Wolf said while choking back tears. “And I’m
not going to be there.”
Just hours before the big moment, he was in the hospital. Later, he was
so exhausted that he could barely get dressed without help from his
wife, Jeanine.
“I don’t know what to expect,” she said. “I’m hoping that he’s feeling well enough to be able to get that dance in.”
He was.
A limo pulled up around 7 p.m., and Rachel stepped out in a white dress that sparkled in the evening sun.
Dr. Wolf locked eyes with his little girl. “Hi honey!” he yelled. “You look gorgeous!”
“Thanks Daddy!” she cried.
Their embrace swallowed any sadness, conquered all worries. This bond was not yet ready to be broken.
Especially not before one last dance.
The song they chose was “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman. The
crowd, which included Jeanine, Rachel’s sister Lauren, and a group of
Dr. Wolf’s patients, looked on as father and daughter glided across the
gazebo.
Though a man in the thralls of chemo probably shouldn’t exert himself,
the dancing continued after the song ended: he danced with Lauren, and
then with his wife. And just when you thought they were finished, the
whole family joined in.
It was a celebration – perhaps not like Rachel ever imagined her wedding
day was going to go, but an evening she will never forget.
“Each and every day, we have a choice,” Dr. Wolf said. “We have a choice
to either love that person that’s in front of us or not. It’s the
relationships that you build over the years that is the most important
thing in life.”
“Everything else is just an illusion.”
Gentlemen, they’re not just for hipsters and the homeless any more.
While both dead sexy and totally awesome, beards are also a boon to your
overall health. Researchers discovered that men with beards and
moustaches actually enjoy numerous benefits including, but not limited
to, instant handsomeness.
A study from the University of Southern Queensland, published in the
Radiation Protection Dosimetry journal, found that beards block 90 to 95
percent of UV rays, thereby slowing the aging process and reducing the
risk of skin cancer. Got asthma? Pollens and dust simply get stuck in
that lustrous facial hair. Additionally, all that hair retains moisture
and protects against the wind, keeping you looking young and
fresh-faced. What’s more, shaving is usually the cause of ingrown hairs
and bacterial infections that lead to acne.
Have you tossed your razor in the trash yet?
To conduct the study, researchers left bearded mannequins, along with
less attractive, follically-challenged ones, in the blistering sun of
the Australian outback and then compared the amount of radiation
absorbed by each.
But don’t forget to take care of those blessed follicles; beards can
also spread infection if not properly cared for and make consumption of
certain foods (e.g. cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, falafel
sandwiches—anything with hummus actually, bagel ‘n’ schmear, syrupy
pancakes) rather laborious. Fuzzy-faced men would be wise to take
advantage of beard wash and beard oil, essential tools for looking and
feeling your beardy best
The word "moustache" is French, and is derived from the Italian
moustacio (14th century), dialectal mostaccio (16th century), from
Medieval Latin moustaccium (8th century), Medieval Greek μοστάκιον
(moustakion), attested in the 9th century, which ultimately originates
as a diminutive of Hellenistic Greek μύσταξ (mustax, mustak-), meaning
"upper lip" or "facial hair",[2] probably derived from Hellenistic Greek
μύλλον (mullon), "lip
International
Health
Insurance
1) a contract
between an insurance provider (e.g. an insurance company or a
government) and an individual or his/her sponsor (e.g. an employer or a
community organization). The contract can be renewable (e.g. annually,
monthly) or lifelong in the case of private insurance, or be mandatory
for all citizens in the case of national plans. The type and amount of
health care costs that will be covered by the health insurance provider
are specified in writing, in a member contract or "Evidence of Coverage"
booklet for private insurance, or in a national
health policy for public insurance.
2) Insurance coverage is provided by an employer-sponsored
self-funded ERISA plan. The company generally advertises that they have
one of the big insurance companies. However, in an ERISA case, that
insurance company "doesn't engage in the act of insurance", they just
administer it. Therefore ERISA plans are not subject to state laws.
ERISA plans are governed by federal law under the jurisdiction of the US
Department of Labor (USDOL). The specific benefits or coverage details
are found in the Summary Plan Description (SPD). An appeal must go
through the insurance company, then to the Employer's Plan Fiduciary. If
still required, the Fiduciary’s decision can be brought to the USDOL to
review for ERISA compliance, and then file a lawsuit in federal court.
The individual insured person's obligations may take several forms:
[2]
- Premium: The amount the policy-holder or his sponsor (e.g. an employer) pays to the health plan to purchase health coverage.
- Deductible: The amount that the insured must pay out-of-pocket
before the health insurer pays its share. For example, policy-holders
might have to pay a $500 deductible per year, before any of their health
care is covered by the health insurer. It may take several doctor's
visits or prescription refills before the insured person reaches the
deductible and the insurance company starts to pay for care.
Furthermore, most policies do not apply co-pays for doctor's visits or
prescriptions against your deductible.
- Co-payment:
The amount that the insured person must pay out of pocket before the
health insurer pays for a particular visit or service. For example, an
insured person might pay a $45 co-payment for a doctor's visit, or to
obtain a prescription. A co-payment must be paid each time a particular
service is obtained.
- Coinsurance:
Instead of, or in addition to, paying a fixed amount up front (a
co-payment), the co-insurance is a percentage of the total cost that
insured person may also pay. For example, the member might have to pay
20% of the cost of a surgery over and above a co-payment, while the
insurance company pays the other 80%. If there is an upper limit on
coinsurance, the policy-holder could end up owing very little, or a
great deal, depending on the actual costs of the services they obtain.
- Exclusions: Not all services are covered. The insured are generally
expected to pay the full cost of non-covered services out of their own
pockets.
- Coverage limits: Some health insurance policies only pay for health
care up to a certain dollar amount. The insured person may be expected
to pay any charges in excess of the health plan's maximum payment for a
specific service. In addition, some insurance company schemes have
annual or lifetime coverage maxima. In these cases, the health plan will
stop payment when they reach the benefit maximum, and the policy-holder
must pay all remaining costs.
- Out-of-pocket maxima: Similar to coverage limits, except that in
this case, the insured person's payment obligation ends when they reach
the out-of-pocket maximum, and health insurance pays all further covered
costs. Out-of-pocket maxima can be limited to a specific benefit
category (such as prescription drugs) or can apply to all coverage
provided during a specific benefit year.
- Capitation: An amount paid by an insurer to a health care provider, for which the provider agrees to treat all members of the insurer.
- In-Network Provider: (U.S. term) A health care provider on a list of
providers preselected by the insurer. The insurer will offer discounted
coinsurance or co-payments, or additional benefits, to a plan member to
see an in-network provider. Generally, providers in network are
providers who have a contract with the insurer to accept rates further
discounted from the "usual and customary" charges the insurer pays to
out-of-network providers.
- Prior Authorization: A certification or authorization that an
insurer provides prior to medical service occurring. Obtaining an
authorization means that the insurer is obligated to pay for the
service, assuming it matches what was authorized. Many smaller, routine
services do not require authorization.[3]
- Explanation of Benefits:
A document that may be sent by an insurer to a patient explaining what
was covered for a medical service, and how payment amount and patient
responsibility amount were determined.
- Prescription drug plans are a form of insurance offered through some
health insurance plans. In the U.S., the patient usually pays a
copayment and the prescription drug insurance part or all of the balance
for drugs covered in the formulary
of the plan. Such plans are routinely part of national health insurance
programs. For example in the province of Quebec, Canada, prescription
drug insurance is universally required as part of the public health
insurance plan, but may be purchased and administered either through
private or group plans, or through the public plan.
Some, if not most, health care providers in the United States will
agree to bill the insurance company if patients are willing to sign an
agreement that they will be responsible for the amount that the
insurance company doesn't pay. The insurance company pays out of network
providers according to "reasonable and customary" charges, which may be
less than the provider's usual fee. The provider may also have a
separate contract with the insurer to accept what amounts to a
discounted rate or capitation to the provider's standard charges. It
generally costs the patient less to use an in-network provider.
Health care system (: Health care in australia)
The Commonwealth Fund, in its annual survey, "Mirror, Mirror on the
Wall", compares the performance of the health care systems in Australia,
New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and the U.S. Its 2007
study found that, although the U.S. system is the most expensive, it
consistently under-performs compared to the other countries.
[6]
One difference between the U.S. and the other countries in the study is
that the U.S. is the only country without universal health insurance
coverage.
The Commonwealth Fund completed its thirteenth annual health policy survey in 2010.
[7]
A study of the survey "found significant differences in access, cost
burdens, and problems with health insurance that are associated with
insurance design".
[7]
Of the countries surveyed, the results indicated that people in the
United States had more out-of-pocket expenses, more disputes with
insurance companies than other countries, and more insurance payments
denied; paperwork was also higher although Germany had similarly high
levels of
I am in school to help myself and learn
for when I grow up. I don’t want to see
myself selling cabbage or borrowing
money or other things. I don’t want to see
my brothers suffering, especially Ronnie
because he is the last born and a loving
brother of my heart. I want him to live
a happy life and I want him to know that
he has a person who can take care of him.
I’m also learning to fill my promise that
I promised myself that whatever happens
I’ll work as hard as I can to help my
family. I am also in school for the sake
of other children. When I see children
outside eating dirty roots, sleeping in
dirty places, I usually feel pity for them
but I have no choice but to only leave
them there. Children usually suffer and
that’s why I learn in school, to help them.
WHY AM IN SCHOOL?
Why do we have FIVE days of work/school and only TWO days of time off?
I believe this is completely
unfair. Five beats 2 by 3, that is a little TOO much. There's only 48
hours of time off, while there's 120 hours of sweat and peer pressure
and things you don't want to do...6 hours everyday (for school, probably
more time for work) for 5 days, and 6x5 is 30. 30 stinking hours of
sweat and hard work. For the past 2 weeks, we've only had 3 days of
school due to canceled days, and even that's a little too long, BUT, 3
days seems like the perfect amount of days for school and work, not 5. I
mean, to me it's just so baffling how it's not a fair competition. 5
days of school, only 2 days of freedom-it's like freedom doesn't even
have a chance!
Why is this like this, and how many days do you think we need of
school/work and how many days for freedom, remember, we can't split it
up equally....Unfortunately.
Thanks and have a great day, Blessings!
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Well, school around the world seem to have lots of
school days and only short breaks, except for summer vacation, where you get a few months off.
When you enter the work force, you can kiss that 'few months off' thing
goodbye. Most employees in the United States only get around two weeks
of paid vacation per year. Senior employees might get slightly more, and
new hires, well, they are lucky if they get two weeks off a year.
Some European countries are quite different. I do not know what is
behind the 'American way' of working employees to such extents. In some
of the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark), well, employees
*do* get around 8 weeks or 2 months of paid vacation per year in their
work lives. It makes for happier, more relaxed, and more
productive employees.
I think that the USA sort of fell into the 'capitalism trap'. Not that
capitalism is a bad model (although it might be), but society took it so
far. Now the thought-pattern that seems to be drummed so loudly is "You
must WORK for what you want. You MUST devote your entire life to work
so that you can purchase material items. Nothing else matters !"
All that mindset does is make the mega-corporations richer and richer
... while you, the worker, are working your a$$ off and never really
have time to enjoy any of those lovely material items that the media has
convinced you that you 'need'. ;)
Actually, nowadays, when you enter the workforce, you might find that
you cannot even get 40 hours a week for a 'full-time' job. Corporations
are starting to keep hours low (to increase their own profits). Of
course, in your 32-hour work week, which probably will include you
working 5 days a week anyway, you *will* be expected to do as much work
as you would have had to do in the past in a 40-hour work week.
Best solution ?
Run for Congress, i.e. try to become a Senator or a House Representative.
Check out what they get:
- They only work about 140 days a year. (and short days at that).
- They make about $ 180,000 per year (and vote themselves a raise every year).
- They have a private health insurance program. (No 'Obamacare' for them, nu-uh).
- They have a private pension waiting for them.
- They are set for life. They are the 'power elite'. They are the 1%.
~~~~~~~~~~
Also, there's kind of a way to look at it mathematically. You say it is
'unfair' to have work or school 5 days a week. The problem with that
argument is ... you're not at work or school for the entire day. :)
There are (7 x 24) = 168 hours per week
Yes, you attend school for say 6 hours a day, so that's 30 hours a week.
I'll tack on 8 more hours for travel time to and from school.
So that's 38 hours = (38/168) = 22.6% of your week. (Not as much as you
might have thought, huh?) Yes, I understand that you have to do
homework, which adds some hours.
OK. Then you sleep for say 8 hours a day.
That's (8 x 7) = 56 hours of the week, or (56/168) = 33.3% of your week.
So, check it out ... how much 'free time' is left? even after school hours and sleeping?
100% - 22.6% - 33.3% = (100% - 55.9%) = 44.1%
Do you see? Even after all your school hours and stuff 5 days a week,
and your 8 hours of sleep every night, you *still* have almost one-half
of the total hours in a week to do whatever you want to do !!
Scholarship for study abroad
university study abroad
aiu.edu/www.aiu.edu
work & study in abroad
Do you know
The home is not just a building. It is an atmosphere, a place you are
always eager to be. A home is a place where a family lives. The first
home on earth was a garden. This gives two impressions of a home: 1. A
place to enjoy––beautiful, peaceful, welcoming. 2. A place to tend and
make beautiful. The most important element of the home, however, is not
the building (how large or how beautiful it is), but the relationship
existing between the people within.
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- 1. How to Make Your Home an
IslamicSEE
- 2. A House
vs a Home Houses mentioned in the Qur’an Ahadeeth on homes Practical
ways of Islamizing the home Building a Home in the Hereafter
- 3. Practical Advices based on a book by Shaykh Salih Al-Munajjid
- 4. A House vs a Home Definitions
- 5.
Definitions A House – walls, roof, windows doors etc. A Home – a place
of warmth, respect, comfort, love, security, etc A home could therefore
be a mansion or a shack.
- 6. Houses mentioned in the Qur’an But
those who heed their Lord will have mansions raised upon mansions high,
beneath which runnning waters flow. That is Allah's promise. Allah does
not break His promise. (Surat az-Zumar, 20) Platters and cups of gold
will be passed around among them, and they will have there all that
their hearts desire and in which their eyes find delight. You will
remain in it timelessly, forever. (Surat az-Zukhruf, 71)
- 7.
The Spider’s house (The parable of those who take protectors other than
Allah is that of the spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly
the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house;- if they but knew) (Surat
Al-Ankabot: 41).
- 8. House of the Bee "And your Lord
inspired the Bee, saying: 'Take your habitations in the mountains and
the trees and in what they erect. Then eat of all fruits, and follow the
ways of your Lord, made easy (for you).' There comes forth from their
bellies a drink of varying colour wherein is a healing for men. Verily,
in this is indeed a sign for people who think." [Al-Quran
16:68-69]
- 9. "And Allah has made for you in your homes a place of rest..."[An-Nahl:80]
- 10.
Is Your Home an Islamic Home? Your automatic response: "Why,
of course my home is an Islamic Home!! My family is Muslim and that
makes our home a Muslim one!!"
- 11. Checklist …to determine if your home is really Islamic.
- 12.
Guide / Encourage Your Spouse A pious spouse is more likely to bring
happiness and contentment to the other spouse and the couple together
will be more able to build a righteous family and home life. This is the
foundation of the home. Striving to strengthen imaan; paying attention
to worship and correcting it, encouraging reading the Quran, encouraging
your husband to attend Jumah prayers, giving charity, reading books on
Islam, helping to choose pious friends, etc.
- 13. Our Home is a
Place for Remembrance of Allah Remembrance can be in many forms: with
the heart, with the tongue, through prayer, recitation of Qur'an,
memorizing adhkaar and using them, discussing Islamic issues, or reading
Islamic material. These are things that should occur on a consistent
basis so that the angels will come to the home and bring Allah's
blessings.
- 14. The Living and The Dead A comparison
- 15.
Our Home is a Place for Remembrance of Allah The Prophet, sallallahu
alayhe wasallam, said: "The example of a home in which Allah
is remembered and the example of a home in which Allah is not
remembered, is like comparing the living and the dead."
(Muslim).
- 16. A Place of Worship
- 17. Our Home is a
Place of Worship Salah is established within the home at its required
time and that members of the family pray in congregation when several
are present. For men, it is recommended to pray voluntary prayers at
home after having prayed obligatory prayers in the masjid.
- 18.
Our Home is a Place of Worship For women, it is better to pray each
prayer within the home. "The voluntary prayer in the home is
better than the voluntary prayer with the people. It is like the
obligatory prayer of the man in congregation being better than praying
the obligatory by himself." (Sahih al-Jaami).
- 19. We
Regularly read Surat Al-Baqarah and Ayatul Kursi to Keep Satan Away The
Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said: "Recite
Surat Al-Baqarah in your houses, for the Satan does not enter a house
in which Surat Al-Baqarah is recited." (Sahih al-Jaami).
- 20.
We Regularly read Surat Al-Baqarah and Ayatul Kursi to Keep Satan Away
"When you go to your bed, recite Ayatul Kursi: 'Allah! There is
no god but Him, the Ever-Living, the One Who Sustains and Protects all
that exists', to the end, for then there will remain over you a guardian
from Allah, and Satan will not come near you until morning."
(Bukhari).
- 21. Ayatul Kursi – Surah al Baqarah: 255
- 22. Teaching and Learning
- 23.
Teaching and Learning are Ongoing Activities in Our Home This is
primarily the responsibility of the head of die household Guiding his
family to the correct path, enjoining them to do good, and forbidding
them from evil is the father’s responsibility Attaining knowledge is
incumbent upon all members of the family
- 24. Teaching and
Learning are Ongoing Activities in Our Home A study circle should be
established in the home that covers the various areas in Islam and from
which all family members will benefit. Children should especially be
encouraged to participate since this will establish a pattern for them
that will be carried throughout their lifetimes.
- 25. Family studying Qur’an together
- 26. Islamic Library – Do you have one?
- 27.
We Have an Islamic Library in Our Home This may include such things as
books, CDs, DVDs, Magazines It is important to choose accurate and
reliable material that will benefit the members of the family. Books
should cover a variety of topics,
- 28. We Have an Islamic
Library in Our Home Audiotapes and CDs may include Qur'an recitation,
lectures, khutbahs, tapes for children containing supplications,
reminders of Islamic manners Family members should encourage one
another to use these materials on a regular basis, and should be shared
with other Muslim families who may be in need of them.
- 29. Some of the books in my Library
- 30. Morals like the Prophet Muhammad (saw)
- 31.
We Try to Have Morals and Manners Like Prophet Muhammad The Prophet,
sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said; "When Allah wills some good
towards the people of a household. He introduces kindness among
them." (Ahmad, Sahih al-Jaami). There are many examples of the
Prophet's kindness and good treatment toward his family that we should
try to emulate.
- 32. Inviting the Righteous and knowledgeable to your home.
- 33.
We Invite Righteous and Knowledgeable People to Our Home رَّبِّ
اغْفِرْلِىْ وَلِـوَالِدَىَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِىَ مُؤْمِنًا
وَّلِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتِ "My Lord! Forgive me, and
my parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the
believing men and women." [Surah Nuh, 71:28].
- 34. We
Invite Righteous and Knowledgeable People to Our Home Righteous people
who enter your home will bring many benefits due to their presence and
conversations with them. They are more likely to discuss useful topics
and may be excellent sources of information and knowledge.
- 35.
We Invite Righteous and Knowledgeable People to Our Home We should
always make du'aa that Allah will bless us with righteous friends since
they can have such positive effects on us The Prophet, sallallahu
alayhe wasallam, said: "Keep company with a believer only, and
let your food be eaten only by the righteous." (Abu Dawud,
Tirmithi).
- 36. Make sure there are no evils in your home.
- 37.
There are No Evils Within Our Home Television (except possibly for
educational programs) and unlawful music are not allowed in the house
Pictures on the wall do not contain animate beings There are no statues
or anything that resembles statues
- 38. There are No Evils
Within Our Home Decorations are kept simple to avoid excessiveness The
telephone is used for beneficial purposes and not harmful ones (such as
gossiping or backbiting) The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said:
"Angels do not enter a house which has either a dog or a
picture in it." (Bukhari).
- 39. Be a customs guard to all evil from entering your home Movies Friends Magazines Music Food and drink Clothing Language
- 40. Using Duahs from the Sunnah
- 41.
Say Sunnah Duahs in your home "If a man goes out of his house
and says, 'Bismillah, Tawakkaltu Ala Allah, La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa
Billah (In the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah, there is no help
and no strength except in Allah),' it will be said to him, 'This will
take care of you, you are guided, you have what you need and you are
protected.' The Shaytan will stay away from him, and another Shaytan
will say to him, 'What can you do with a man who is guided, provided for
and protected?'" (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)
- 42. Say
Sunnah Duahs in your home The messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)
said: "When any one of you enters his home and mentions the
Name of Allah when he enters and when he eats, the Shaytan says: 'You
have no place to stay and nothing to eat here.' If he enters and does
not mention the name of Allah when he enters, [the Shaytan] says, 'You
have a place to stay.' If he does not mention the name of Allah when he
eats, [the Shaytan says], 'You have a place to stay and something to
eat.'". (Ahmad)
- 43. Other Simple Duahs Before and after Eating Before and after Toileting Before and after Sleeping etc
- 44. Building a Home in the Hereafter The Most important home
- 45.
A Home in the Hereafter What materials do you need? What currency do we
use to buy material? How do we purchase our plot of land? What kind of
work do we have to do to get currency used for purchase? What size of
house am I allowed to build?
- 46. The home – better and enduring
[87:17] بَلْ تُؤْثِرُوْنَ الْحَيٰوةَ الدُّنْيَا But you prefer the
life of this world, [87:18] وَالْاٰخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ وَّ اَبْقٰى Whereas
the Hereafter is better and more lasting.
- 47. Thank You May Allah help us to make our homes Islamic.
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| OUR BED ROOM & YOUR HOME |
Health and Education
The wealth of knowledge acquired by an individual after studying
particular subject matters or experiencing life lessons that provide an
understanding of something. Education requires instruction of some sort
from an individual or composed literature. The most common forms of
education result from years of schooling that incorporates studies of a
variety of subjects. "Jamie knew the importance of an education, so she
chose to go to a four-year university after graduating from high school.
Health is
The word health means different things to different people, depending on
the situation. If somebody says "I was worried about my husband's
health when he climbed Mt. Everest", it is clear that the woman is
referring to her husband's physical health, possibly his heart, skin
(frostbite) and risk of developing hypothermia (when the body's
temperature drops too low.
On the other hand, if you hear the phrase "With all these deadlines,
presentations and working weekends, I wonder what the effect will be on
her health," most likely the word "health" refers more to mental health
than physical health (although the two are often linked).
The words "health" or "healthy" can also be used in non-medical
contexts. For example "A healthy economy needs an ideal GDP growth rate
that is sustainable, one that remains in the expansion phase of the
business cycle as long as possible."
The English word "health" comes from the Old English word hale, meaning "wholeness, being whole, sound or well,". Hale comes from the Proto-Indo-European root kailo, meaning "whole, uninjured, of good omen". Kailo comes from the Proto-Germanic root khalbas, meaning "something divided".
Medilexicon's medical dictionary has three definitions for health, the first being "The state of the organism when it functions optimally without evidence of disease or abnormality" (click here to read the other two).
World Health Organization's (WHO's) definition of "health"
The most famous modern definition of health was created during a
Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted
by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946;
signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
The Definition has not been amended since 1948.
During the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion in 1986, the WHO said that health is:
"a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is
a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well
as physical capacities."
WHAT IS HEALTH?
Health is metabolic efficiency.
Sickness is metabolic inefficiency. Nobody is totally healthy or totally
sick. Each of us is a unique combination of health and sickness. And
each of us has a unique combination of abilities and disabilities, both
emotional and physical.
As we grow up, we learn that we are
loved for our abilities but hated for our disabilities. This happens at
home, at play, at school, and at work. Sometimes, this even happens with
our doctors, especially if our disabilities mystify them or remind them
of their own disabilities.
So, we try to hide our disabilities
from people and from ourselves. This charade undermines our
relationships and our self-esteem. We learn to fear society and hate
ourselves.
Self-hatred is the most debilitating
sickness. It interferes with our ability to seek and accept help. And
everybody needs help. How do we free ourselves from self-hatred?
First, we reclaim our disabilities,
whether society accepts them or not. This means that we learn to accept
ourselves. Then, we cope with our disabilities. This means that we learn
to take care of ourselves.
Education is“Education” is a broad term that can
have many meanings, but it is generally defined as the process of
learning and acquiring information. Formal learning in a school or
university is one of the most common types, though self-teaching and
so-called “life experiences” can also qualify. Communities around the
world place a high value on educating people of all ages, whether
formally or informally. It is widely believed that constant exposure to
new ideas and skills makes people better workers, thinkers, and societal
contributors.
Formal Schooling
Most people associate education with
schools and classrooms where trained teachers present information to
students. Classroom learning generally starts when a child is relatively
young — around age five in most countries — and continues until the
teenage years. The purpose of most classroom learning is not to prepare a
child for a specific job, but rather to help him or her develop
critical reasoning and thinking skills. Reading, writing, and math are
very common lessons for young learners. As students progress in their
schooling, they often come into contact with more challenging subjects
like written composition, history, and advanced sciences.
