Kids Praying

We all want to raise our children to grow up into adults whose center is Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), to love and fear Him, find peace in salah, look for their answers in the Qur’an, try to live their life according to the Sunnah of the Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him), be patient during trying times and not lie or cheat, and the list goes on. There are so many attributes we want our children to have when they grow up. But what are the most important attributes that we must try our best to inculcate in our children?

As I studied the ayahs in Quran, Surah Luqman, I realized how wise Luqman’s 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) advice was to his son. He did not give a long list of dos and don’ts like I would have done! If we try our best to work on the advice that Luqman 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) gave his son, for ourselves and our children, In sha Allah, we would save ourselves from delivering long lectures and awkward scenarios.
In sha Allah, this 3-part Parenting Lessons series based on lessons from Quran, Surah Luqman aims to explore the qualities we must strive to inculcate in our children, and at providing tips and resources to help accomplish them.
Introducing Luqman 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him)

According to Ikrimah on the authority of Ibn Abbas raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him), Luqman 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) was an Ethiopian slave who worked as a carpenter. The majority of scholars are of the view that he was a wise man and not a prophet and a righteous servant of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) whom He blessed with wisdom and told him to be thankful. Moreover, he was mentioned in the Qur’an and was highly praised by Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).
Surah Luqman begins by telling readers that the Qur’an is a “wise” book that holds “guidance and mercy” for those who do good deeds. It tells us about paradise and then mentions Luqman 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him). It ends with reminding the readers of Paradise and motivating them to contemplate on the creation of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).

Requisites for Good Parenting
To achieve any objective successfully, planning and acquiring all essential tools is important. Successful parenting also requires a lot of planning and there are some crucial prerequisites. Not only do we find these example in the Qur’an and but also in the Sunnah of the Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) of Allah.
In the Qur’an, Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) chose Luqman 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him), Yaqub 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) and Ibrahim 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) to show us what is primarily needed to observe proper tarbiyah (education and upbringing) of our children in a manner that is pleasing to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).

1. DUA: A PARENT’S MOST POWERFUL TOOL

As parents we must make great use of the power of dua. Make abundant dua for your children: for their protection, as well as for them to be an immense source of benefit and delight to you and the world. It is one of the best things you can do for them.
In fact, we must begin praying for our children even before becoming parents! Ibn ‘Abbas raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:
“If anyone amongst you intends to go to his wife he should say: ‘In the name of Allah, 0 Allah protect us against Satan and keep away the Satan from the one that you have bestowed upon us’, and if He has ordained a child for them, Satan will never be able to do any harm to him.” [Sahih Muslim]
When we plan or expect a baby we may follow the footsteps of Zakariya 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) who called upon Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He), saying:
“My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.” [Qur’an: Chapter 3, Verse 38]
We can and indeed must make dua for our children’s protection at all times. Ibn ‘Abbas said:
The Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah for al-Hasan and al-husain, saying: “I seek refuge for both of you in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and every poisonous thing and from the evil eye which influences.” He would then say: “your father sought refuge in Allah by them for Ismail and Ishaq.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]
During my course of study and research, I have come across numerous successful children whose parents said they always prayed for them even in times when their patience was thoroughly tested.
Shaytan is our biggest enemy and he does not leave alone our children either. Hannah raḍyAllāhu 'anha (may Allāh be pleased with her), the mother of Maryam sought refuge in Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) from the Shaytan for her child and her progeny by supplicating:
“...I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled from the mercy of Allah.” [Qur’an: Chapter 3, Verse 36]
Hence Maryam and ’Isa 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) were the only two children who were not touched by Shaytan as mentioned by Ibn Kathir in his tafsir.
Another beautiful Qur’anic dua parents can make for Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) to make their children the coolness of their eyes and a source of benefit and peace to them is:
“And those who say, “Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.”” [Qur’an: Chapter 25, Verse 74]
All these duas are recommended to be made regularly by us parents with a conviction that Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) is the Answerer of all our duas and if He accepted these before then, In sha Allah, He will accept it from us too.

2. WALK THE TALK

We are the best role model for our children. Fatima raḍyAllāhu 'anha (may Allāh be pleased with her) used to walk and talk like her father, the Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) of Allah. We will always need to “walk the talk” with our children to make it easier for them to understand and follow the commandments of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He).
If you regularly take your child to the masjid for Qur’an classes, let the child see you reading the Qur’an too. If you tell your child to stop lying, well, do not do it yourself. If you want your child to learn to repent, then let him see you repenting to Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He). If you want your child to pray five times including the Fajr salah, sleep early as a family and tell them you sleep early to be able to get up for Fajr.
Do not lose your temper at traffic jams or when the milk boils over. Let your child see you cry as you contemplate the meaning of Allah’s words in the Qur’an.

3. BUILD YOUR PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

Walking on the path of deen along with our families invites Shaytan, the accursed to come after us even more. He comes with devious plans and insinuations to distract us and go astray. One area he attacks parents the most is patience and perseverance.
Yaqub 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) presents us with the most beautiful example of patience in parenting. He choses to be patient when his sons come to him with Yusuf’s 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) shirt with a wild story. He knew they were lying, but he held on to his patience and trusted Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) to take care of Yusuf 'alayhi'l-salām (peace be upon him) in order to keep the family together. And Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) rewards him for his patience by bringing them all under His mercy in the end.
Despite our many best attempts, there will be times when our children will not behave the way we would hope them to. They might even resist our attempts to draw them closer to deen, such as getting them to read Qur’an regularly, taking the weekend Islamic schools more seriously, memorising more of the Qur’an or even fasting during the long summer months. Be patient and do not give up! Make dua for patience for yourself:
“Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You].” [Quran: Chapter 7, Verse 126]
Discussing with other parents about their strategies can also give you more ideas, In sha Allah.

4. READ UP ON PARENTING

From the moment Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) tells the angel to breathe life into a mother’s womb, the ever lasting job of parents begins. For as long as they live, they will be parenting their children, no matter how old they become. Strategies and roles change, but the basic foundation of parenting does not. Therefore, reading up on the very basics of bringing up children from when they are in the womb onwards is indispensable.
It is important to invest time and energy in learning essential facts of good nutrition and habits during pregnancy, child psychology, parenting in the digital age, etc. There are also various techniques on parenting that help us understand our children and help us tailor our parenting style to suit our children and circumstances the best. Here are a few useful resources to begin with:
Dr Laura Markham
Grandma Jeddah
Babycenter.com

Hope you enjoyed this introductory article on productive parenting based on lessons from Surah Luqman. In the next part, In sha Allah, we will explore and learn about the first and most important quality we must aim to inculcate in our little ones: The Oneness of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) and Avoiding Shirk.

Please share your thoughts on parenting productively in this day and age by posting a comment below.
Sana Gul Waseem is a mother of two and a student, learning the Quran and the Seerah. She works for Islamic Lifestyle, a group aiming to help people live their lives according to the Quran and Sunnah. She also writes for the blog islamiclifestyle4u.wordpress.com.


Click to read more: http://productivemuslim.com/luqman-parenting-lessons-part1/#ixzz3K8ouR3h9 
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I am concerned that in the age of eHow, wiki, evidence-based, best practice and performance management, some readers may interpret this article as a blueprint to raise productive children. It is not. Children are dynamic and unique individuals.

As such this article is about me sharing my experience. Although I cherish my children’s academic achievements and winning international awards for various science and innovation competitions, I love them unconditionally. Needless to say, my children are not geniuses. I just wish to see them happy and healthy, embracing Islam fully. Below are just some of the steps I have taken in raising them:

1. Stop buying Garden and Home magazines

These magazines often make you feel miserable especially if you have hyperactive kids like me who turn the house into pirate ships or shops or schools. So,

Adopt the Japanese minimalistic style, easy to clean and maintain.
Learn one recipe for biscuits and cakes then diversify.
Keep clothes at a minimum level.
Rein in the household chores and involve the children.

2. Combine structured and informal learning

Introduce adequate structure in your kids’ life especially for homework and reading the Qur’an or fardhu ain. For example, after school, get them tea and then home work for 1 hour. After that they are free to cycle, to jump, to paint, to do what they want to do (of course computers must be in the family public space).
Get some other children together. If there is an open space for them, it is much better. However, if live in the areas where some bad characters may lurk, set up an informal play scheme. I used to organize a free play scheme on weekends with other mothers so that our children could play together in a safe environment, but with adequate distance from adults’ watchful eyes.
Involve children in organizing trips and outdoor activities. My children love experiencing rough sleeping.

3. Encourage entrepreneurial spirit

Give small amount of seed capital to your children. My children love making and selling things. In this way, they learnt maths, negotiation and communication skills early. They also learnt to make delightful products such as pop-up cards or special occasion cards and flowers for Eid and birthdays. But don’t go over the top, you could be taken to task for child labour.

4. Story books are their friends

Adopt story telling as a way of explaining and learning typically ‘boring’ subjects. My children hated their text books. I don’t blame them because many text books are notoriously unreadable. But they love good story books, practically devoured them. Over so many years, storytelling has been a powerful method of learning and teaching. If you tell the kids that World War 2 was started by a guy called Hitler, they would soon fall asleep. But try telling that the war was started by a mustached guy who used to be bullied or a bully at school and lived in a place where kids disappeared (for example), watch the facial transformation.
Visit libraries and book shops despite the age of digital books.
Teach them to respect books and treat them with care.

5. Give them a sense of purpose

Identify your children’s interests and nurture them.
Don’t force them to be what you want them to be. However, explain to them about options and consequences.
Don’t condemn but don’t overindulge them with praises either. When children have a clear sense of purpose, they will be motivated to work towards that goal. One of my daughters loves animals, astronomy and baking. Her ambition is to set up an animal shelter complete with a café and star gazing equipment.

6. Lead by action

Undertake small projects and get your children involved but don’t force them.
Explain to them the purpose of these projects. You can’t expect your children to be innovative if you yourself are lazy. When I started a TOTALLY FREE QURAN E-LEARNING (ehsanlearning.co.uk), it inspired my daughters to enter into an international Innovation Competition to help displaced people around the world or refugees, illustrate children’s books and develop e-learning courses for English as Additional Language children.

7. Find out your children’s learning barriers early

Find out your children’s learning styles early. How do they learn? Are they auditory, visual, kinesthetic or logical learners? In this way, you can strengthen their learning.
Don’t force your own learning style on your children.

8. Tell them there is no failure but learning

Explain to your children that the focus should be on learning with a clear purpose not failure.
Talk about options and limitations in achieving their ambitions. Be as realistic as possible but don’t thwart their ambitions.
Get involved in your children’s school. For example, if your children could not get to the school they want, (the price of property in good schools’ catchment areas is ridiculously high) it is not the end of the world. My older daughters went to a school which has a notoriously bad reputation in the country. But one of them won an international science competition while a student there. She was invited to visit the NASA Centre in the US including meeting with astronauts. The school was so supportive in getting her visa by pestering the US embassy on a daily basis. Everyone was so excited including other parents and students. The school also supported another daughter to set up a Fair Trade shop and helped another one win a project sponsored by the local authority
“Did We not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast? And We removed from you your burden. Which had weighed upon your back. And raised high for you your repute. For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing” [Quran: Chapter 94].

Do you have any tips that you can add to this and thus help other parents to also raise happy and innovative kids?

Author
May 13, 2013Suziana Shukor

source: http://productivemuslim.com/8-ways-to-raise-happy-and-innovative-children/#ixzz2XF6H0qox 

Islam and Productivity
1.) “I asked Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which deed was best.” He (the Holy Prophet) replied: “The prayer at its appointed hour”. [Sahih Muslim]

2.) “If you want to focus more on Allah in your prayers, focus more on Him outside your prayers.” Yasmin Mogahed

3.) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah (glorified and exalted be He) from laziness that he used to mention it daily in this dua: “O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.” [Sahih Bukhari]

4.) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my life is, it is better for anyone of you to take a rope and cut the wood (from the forest) and carry it over his back and sell it (as a means of earning his living) rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not.” [Sahih Bukhari]

5.) One of the greatest pieces of advice given by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was: “The most beloved actions to Allah are those performed consistently, even if they are few.” [Sahih Bukhari]

6.) “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” [Qur’an, 65: 2-3]

Get Motivated
7.) “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Qur’an, 13:11]

8.) “After asking Allah to guide you to the straight path, don’t just stand there … start walking!” – Albaz Poetry

9.) “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi

10.) “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” Via Islamic Thoughts

11.) “Allah knows exactly what to give you to help you return to Him. The events in your life are purposeful, appropriate & non-random.” – Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

12.) “My sin burdened me heavily. But when I measured it against Your Grace, O Lord, Your forgiveness came out greater.” – Imam Shafii

13.) (Ibn al-Jawzi) To achieve any objective, we need two things:
Nobel himma (motivation) – will overcome the obstruction
Right strategy.

14.) “O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness).” [Qur’an, 20:25]

15.) “And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” [Qur’an, 41:36]

16.) “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” [Qur’an, 65: 2-3]

17.) “Strange are the matters of believers. For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is so only for the believer. When something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful (shukr), and that is good for him; and when something displeasing happens to him he is enduring patience (sabr) and that is good for him.” [Sahih Muslim]

Feel Better
18.) Abu Yahya Suhaib b. Sinan said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No man fills a container worse than his stomach. A few morsels that keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for breathing.” [At-Tirmidhi]

19.) Anas reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “It a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Work Better
20.) ”There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” [Sahih Bukhari]

21.) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Take benefit of five before five:
Your youth before your old age,
Your health before your sickness,
Your wealth before your poverty,
Your free-time before your preoccupation and
Your life before your death.”
[Mustadrak Al-Haakim]

22.) “If you are grateful, I shall certainly give you increase” [Qur’an, 14:7]

23.) “Actions are by their intentions” [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

24.) “Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah.” [Qur’an, 3:159]

Help Others
25.) “None of you truly believes (in Allah and His religion) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

26.) “Meet the people in such a manner that if you die, they should weep for you, and if you live, they should long for you.” – Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him)

27.) “If Allah puts anyone in the position of authority over the Muslims’ affairs and he secludes himself (from them), not fulfilling their needs, wants, and poverty, Allah will keep Himself away from him, not fulfilling his need, want, and poverty.” [Abu Dawud]

28.) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “If anyone fulfills his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfill his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection.” [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

29.) Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The believer is not he who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry.” (Authenticated by Al-Albani, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad Al-Bukhari, Hadith 112)

30.) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “It is also charity to utter a good word.” [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

Quoted from http://productivemuslim.com/30-islamic-inspirational-quotes/

source: http://productivemuslim.com/30-islamic-inspirational-quotes/#ixzz2XF0UUdsg

1 – Know what reward you get for memorising the Quraan.

Whoever memorizes Qur’aan and acts upon it, Allaah will reward him and honour him greatly for that, so that he will rise in status in Paradise to a level commensurate with what he memorized of the Book of Allaah.

Al-Tirmidhi (2914) and Abu Dawood (1464) narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan: Recite and rise in status, recite as you used to recite in the world, for your status will be at the last verse that you recite.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 5/218, no. 2240, after which he said:

Note that what is meant by the “companion of the Qur’aan” is the one who memorizes it by heart, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “The one who knows more Qur’aan should lead the people in prayer,” meaning the one who has memorized the most.  The differentiation in status in Paradise will depend on how much was memorized in this world, not how much one will recite on that day as some people imagine. This clearly points to the virtue of the hafiz who has memorized the Qur’aan, but that is subject to the condition that he memorizes it for the sake of Allaah, not for worldly purposes or financial gain. Otherwise the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Most of the hypocrites of my ummah are among those who have memorized Qur’aan.”

2 – Know the Virtues of memorizing the Quran.

Concerning the virtue of the hafiz who memorizes the Qur’aan, al-Bukhaari (4937) narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The likeness of the one who reads Qur’aan and memorizes it is that he is with the righteous honourable scribes. The likeness of the one who reads it and tries hard to memorize it even though it is difficult for him, he will have two rewards.”

For the hafiz who has memorized the Qur’aan, praying qiyaam al-layl is easy. And the Qur’aan will intercede for him on the Day of Resurrection, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting and the Qur’aan will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ The Qur’aan will say, ‘O Lord I deprived him of his sleep at night, so let me intercede for him.’ Then they will both intercede for him.” Narrated by Ahmad, al-Tabaraani and al-Haakim; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 3882

3 - Know that you will be given a crown of honour and a garment of honour to wear.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The Qur’aan will come on the Day of Resurrection and will say, ‘O Lord, adorn him.’ So he will be given a crown of honour to wear. Then it will say, ‘O Lord, give him more.’ So he will be given a garment of honour.’ Then it will say, ‘O Lord, be pleased with him.’ So Allaah will be pleased with him. Then it will be said to him, ‘Recite and advance in status, and for each verse you will gain one more hasanah (reward for good deed).”

 4 – Know that the Qur’aan will intercede for you with your Lord.

It was narrated that Abu Umaamah al-Baahili said: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say, ‘Recite the Qur’aan, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection to intercede for its companions. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Soorat al-Baqarah for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.”  (Narrated by Muslim, 804, and by al-Bukhaari in a mu’allaq report).

5 – Know the reward for the Parents of children who memorize Quran

With regard to his relatives and descendents, there is evidence concerning his parents that they will be clothed with garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world, and that will only be because they took care of and taught their child. Even if they themselves were ignorant, Allaah will honour them because of their child. But the one who prevented his child from learning the Qur’aan, he will be one of those who are deprived.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The Qur’aan will come on the Day of Resurrection like a pale man saying to its companion, “Do you recognize me? I am the one who made you stay up at night and made you thirsty during the day…” Then he will be given dominion in his right hand and eternity in his left, and a crown of dignity will be placed upon his head, and his parents will be clothed with garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, “O Lord, how did we earn this.” It will be said to them, “Because you taught your child the Qur’aan.”’”

(Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, 6/51).

It was narrated that Buraydah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever reads the Qur’aan, learns it and acts in accordance with it, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given a crown to wear whose light will be like the light of the sun, and his parents will be given garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, “Why have we been given this to wear?” It will be said, “Because your child learned the Qur’aan.”’”

(Narrated by al-Haakim, 1/756)

 These two hadeeth support one another. See al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2829.

(reference http://islam-qa.com/en)

source: http://quidsin.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/virtues-of-memorizing-quran/

Cure for several Ailments Kalonji oil is made from truly a remarkable herb called nigella sativa, popularly known as black cumin or black seed. A Prophetic Medicine as recommended 1400 years ago by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).In his divine wisdom he said - "Use the Black Seed for indeed, it is a cure for all diseases except death." Saheeh al-Bukharee 7:591
More than 200 university studies conducted since 1959 attest to the effectiveness of traditional uses of black seed. The essential oil of sativa seeds is antimicrobial and successful in the ratification of intestinal worms. In vitro studies in Jordan and the United States have shown its volatile oil to be anti-leukemic. Other studies suggest this same active ingredient may serve as an immune-system booster and is proven effective in treating asthma and whooping cough. Black Seed is valuable source of protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron magnesium & zinc Study of Black Seed oil on humans Helpful in Asthma  Half teaspoonful, if boiled in water and taken, is helpful in Asthma and diffuses the toxic effects of Bee and Wasps. Paralysis It is useful in Paralysis, Facial Palsy, Migraine, Amnesia and Palpitation Promotes lactation  Black seed oil increases the milk output of breastfeeding mothers Diabetes  Highly effective in Diabetes Mellitus, Vitiligo and other Skin ailments. Jaundice It is effective in Jaundice if taken with milk. Gums and Teeth Kalonji seeds are boiled in vinegar and this solution is applied on Gums and Teeth, it removes the Inflammation of the gums and relieves the pain also. Anti-histamine activity Associated with conditions such as bronchial asthma Anti-tumor principles  The possible use of black seed in the treatment of cancer. Anti-bacterial  The oil of the seeds is also effective in Earache. Anti-inflammatory Useful for relieving the effects of arthritis Used in Skin disorders Immune System Strengthening source: http://www.islamiccentreofindia.com/HealthandIslam/Kalaunji.aspx

Ibn al-Qayyim described the benefits of olive oil in his Prophetic Medicine. He said that the characteristics of olive oil corresponded to the type of olives from which it came from; oil pressed from ripe olives was the better than oil from unripe olives. He also said that the older the oil, the more effective it was, and when olive oil was more beneficial when it was pressed with water.

Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that all types of olive oil could soften the skin and delay whitening of the hair. He also said that the benefits of olive oil were many times greater than have been mentioned.

He gave some Prophetic Hadith on the benefits of using olive oil:

The Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said: "Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree." (Tirmidhi At'ima, 43)

And also:

"Eat olive oil with your bread, and oil yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree." (Ibn Maja, At'ima, 34)

Olive and Olive oil Facts

Olives are the fruits that grow on the olive tree, which comes from the Oleaceae family. They contain a single pit and their flesh is filled with oil. The ripe fruits are pressed to extract the oil.

Green and black olives are essentially the same olive and only vary in the degree of ripeness- black being the most ripe.

Olive oil consists of 75% heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and only 13% saturated fat. It contains active compounds such as oleocanthal, which has a strong anti-inflammatory action to fight heart-disease and cancer. It also contains the natural antioxidants polyphenols, whose beneficial effects include lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease. Many other nut and seed oils have no polyphenols whatsoever.

Health Benefits

* Cancer Prevention

Evidence suggests that olive and olive oil consumption as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet has cancer-protective properties. Research also found that active ingredients in olive oil prevented human colon cancer cells from multiplying.

* High Blood Pressure

A study published in 2007 in the Journal of Nutrition found that introducing moderate consumption of olive oil in the diet reduced systolic blood pressure.

Olive oil Facts

* For the highest antioxidant content, choose extra-virgin or virgin olive oil- these are the least processed forms.

* Extra-virgin comes from the first pressing of the olives and has a superior taste.

* Virgin olive oil is obtained by pressing the crushed fruit in bags and removing the oil. It has a geeenish tint and has a stronger taste than virgin olive oil.

* Olive oils with labels such as 'refined oil' 'pomace olive oil' or 'light oil' should be avoided as they are not always 100% olive oil. Pomace is the ground flesh and pits after pressing.

* Use olive oil for low-temperature cooking. The particles in the oil will burn at higher temperatures, thus burning off the many health benefits.

* Store your olive oil away from heat and light to maintain phytochemical content.

source: http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-45048.html

Lung Cancer Prevention 
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

Slows Prostate Cancer 
It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

Keeps PSA Levels Stable
In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

Protects the Neonatal Brain 
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis 
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.

Protects the Arteries 
It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup

Lowers Blood Pressure 
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent

Dental Protection 
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque

• Stomach cough
• Hepatitis
• Muscle pain
• Piles
• Eye diseases,
• Diarrhea and dysentery.

source: http://www.islamiccentreofindia.com/HealthandIslam/Pomegranate.aspx