Two frogs

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons: 1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. 2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say........

Shake Hand

Shake Hand

One day a British man asked from a Muslim scholar:

English man asked: ”why Muslim women are not allowed in Islam to shake a hand with men?”

The scholar said: “could you take the hands of Queen Elizabeth in your hands?”

English man said:” Of course not, only certain people are allowed to shake hands with the Queen”

The scholar answered: Our Ladies are Queen and the Queen won’t shake hands with strange men

why you should smile

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in (avoid these smile aging habits to keep your smile looking great).

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

advice on how to find solutions to marital problems

Step 1: Name the problem. In naming the problem, you have to be specific. Saying, “he/she never helps around the house” will get you nowhere. If you want your spouse to help around the house you need to outline what specific tasks you need help with. For example, you need help with the laundry, or you wish your spouse would help clean-up after dinner each night.

It is very important to be specific with moresevere marital problems. If you’ve lost interest in sex with your spouse ask yourself “why,” and “what” is causing the loss of interest. Is it hormonal, is your spouse behaving in a way that keeps you from feeling close to him/her?

Finding a solution means finding the underlying cause of the marital problem. Generalization such as “he/she never helps around the house” or “I’m just not interested in sex,” is the problem. The trick is to find out what is causing the problem and solving the cause.

Step 2: Be honest about how you are feeling. Often times we keep out true feelings hidden out of fear of hurting our spouse. Be willing to communicate your displeasure over your spouse’s behaviors and be willing to listen when your spouse communicates his/her displeasure in your behaviors. Marital problems aren’t solved if both spouses are willing to accept and acknowledge that they both play a role in the problems.

Step 3: Leave no stone unturned. Communicate with each other by asking questions. What might improve the problem? Are there any books we can read that will help? Don’t dismiss a suggestion from your spouse because you feel it silly. Make a list of what you feel are solutions and put them to work.

Step 4: Evaluate whether or not the “solutions” are working. Solutions are only solutions if they are solving the problem. Keep in mind though that problems aren’t solved overnight. Evaluation whether or not a particular solution is working by assessing your mood. Are you in a better mood, are you feeling closer to your spouse? If so, you’ve hit on a solution that is working…just give it time. If not, put your heads together and come up with another solution.

Step 5: You should be seeing results. If you’ve done the work, you should be seeing results. The solution worked and your marriage is back on track. Or, you’re still having problems and feeling stuck. If so, go back to step 1 and start the process over again. It may take a few go-rounds to define and come up with a solution to your marital problems. In the end the work you to will be worth it if it means saving your marriage.

usrah mawaddah wa mahabbah...

ADVICE FROM UKM MEDICAL DOCTOR

Little did you know ........ after reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at petai in the same way again!

Petai contains three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose. Combined with fiber, petai gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two servings of petai provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.. No wonder petai is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way petai can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.


Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating petai. This is because petai contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.


PMS (premenstrual syndrome):
Forget the pills - eat petai. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.


Anaemia:
High in iron, petai can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.


Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the petai industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.


Brain Power :
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating petai at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Understand that bananas contain lot of potassium too so eat more banana... Just look at those monkeys, they are really active, alert, smart and cunning too!!


Constipation:
High in fiber, including petai in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.


Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a petai milkshake, sweetened with honey. The petai calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.


Heartburn:
Petai has a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating petai for soothing relief.


Morning Sickness :
Snacking on petai between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


Mosquito bites :
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of the petai skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation..


Nerves:
Petai is high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.


Overweight:
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.


Ulcers:
Petai is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.


Temperature control :
Many other cultures see petai as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Holland , for example, pregnant women eat petai to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.


Seasonal Affecti ve Disorder (SAD):
Petai can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.


Smoking:
Petai can also help people trying to give up smoking.. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

< B R>Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium petai snack.


Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine" eating petai as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%".


Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of petai and place it on the wart.. Carefully hold the petai in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, as you can see, petai really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals... It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A Petai a day keeps the doctor away".

MALAM LAILATUL-QADAR
Malam Lailatul-Qadar sunat dicari, kerana malam ini merupakan suatu malam yang diberkati serta mempunyai kelebihan dan diperkenankan doa oleh Allah S.W.T. Malam Lailatul-Qadar adalah sebaik-baik malam mengatasi semua malam termasuk malam Jumaat. Allah S.W.T. berfirman dalam Surah Al-Qadr 97: Ayat 3.
Maksudnya:
" Malam Lailatul - Qadar lebih baik daripada seribu malam "

Ertinya menghidupkan malam Lailatul-Qadardengan mengerjakan ibadah adalah lebih baik daripada beribadah pada seribu bulan yang tidak ada Lailatul-Qadar seperti sabda Nabi s.a.w.:
Maksudnya:
" Sesiapa menghidupkan malam Lailatul-Qadar kerana beriman serta
mencari pahala yang dijanjikan akan mendapat pengampunan daripada
dosa-dosa yang telah lalu "

Diriwayatkan daripada Saiyidatina Aisyah r.a bahawa Rasulullah s.a.w. apabila tiba 10 hari terakhir bulan ramadhan, Baginda menghidupkan malam-malamnya dengan membangunkan isi rumah dan menjauhi daripada isteri-isterinya. Imam Ahmad dan Muslim meriwayatkan:
Maksudnya:
" Rasulullah s.a.w. berusaha sedaya upaya dalam malam-malam sepuluh
akhir Ramadhan melebihi usahanya daripada malam-malam lain. "

Malam Lailatul-Qadar berlaku pada 10 akhir daripada malam ganjil bulan Ramadhan. Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda:
Maksudnya:
" Carilah malam Lailatul-Qadar pada sepuluh akhir bulan Ramadhan
dalam malam ganjil. "

Pendapat yang terkuat mengikut para ulama' bahawa malam Lailatul Qadar terkena pada malam 27 Ramadhan. Menurut Abu Ka'ab katanya, "Demi Allah sesungguhnya ibn Mas'ud telah meyakinkan bahawa malam Lailatul-Qadar jatuh dalam bulan Ramadhan manakala Lailatul-Qadar pula terjatuh pada malam 27, akan tetapi dia enggan memberitahu kepada kami (malam yang tepat) kerana bimbangkan kamu tidak lagi berusaha mencarinya." Daripada Riwayat Mu'awiyah:
Maksudnya:
" Bahawa Nabi Muhammad s.a.w telah bersabda dalam malam lailatul-qadar
iaitu malam ke-27. "
Riwayat ini disokong oleh pendapat Ibn Abbas yang mengatakan bahawa surah Al-Qadr mempunyai 30 perkataan. Perkataan yang ke-27 bagi surah itu terjatuh kepada dhamir(hia) yang kembalinya kepada Lailatul-Qadar.

Imam Ahmad telah meriwayatkan sebuah Hadith daripada Ibn Umar r.a yang berbunyi:
Maksudnya:
" Sesiapa yang mencari Lailatul-Qadar , dia hendaklah mencarinya pada malam
yang ke-27, carilah kamu malam Lailatul-Qadar pada malam yang ke-27. "

Aisyah r.a. bertanya kepada Rasulullah, katanya, "Ya Rasulullah s.a.w. andainya aku mendapati
malam Lailatul-Qadar, apakah doa yang patut aku bacakan? Rasulullah s.a.w. berdoa dengan doa:
Maksudnya:
" Ya Allah! Sesungguhnya Engkau Maha Pengampun, oleh itu berilah
keampunan-Mu untukku. "

Abang dah makan

"Abang dah makan, tak nak beli kuih saya?" katanya selamba semasa menghampiri meja saya.

"Abang baru lepas makan dik. Masih kenyang lagi ni," kata saya sambil menepuk-nepuk perut.

Dia beredar, tapi cuma setakat di kaki lima. Sampai di situ, di meletakkan bakulnya yang masih sarat. Setiap yang lalu ditanya, "Tak nak beli kuih saya bang, pak cik, kakak atau makcik?"

Molek budi bahasanya! Mamak restoran itu pun tidak menghalang dia keluar masuk ke premisnya bertemu pelanggan. Sambil memerhati, terselit rasa kagum dan kasihan di hati saya melihatkan betapa gigihnya dia berusaha. Tidak nampak langsung tanda-tanda putus asa dalam dirinya, sekalipun orang yang ditemuinya enggan membeli kuihnya.

Selepas membayar harga makanan dan minuman, saya terus beredar ke kereta. Kanak-kanak itu saya lihat berada agak jauh di deretan kedai yang sama. Saya buka pintu, membetulkan duduk dan menutup pintu. Belum sempat saya menghidupkan enjin, kanak-kanak tadi berdiri di tepi kereta. Dia menghadiahkan sebuah senyuman. Saya turunkan cermin, membalas senyumannya.

"Abang dah kenyang, tapi mungkin abang perlukan kuih saya untuk adik-adik abang, ibu atau ayah abang." katanya petah sekali sambil tersenyum. Sekali lagi dia mempamerkan kuih dalam bakul dengan menyelak daun pisang penutupnya.

Saya tenung wajahnya, bersih dan bersahaja. Terpantul perasaan kesian di hati. Lantas saya buka dompet, dan menghulurkan sekeping not merah RM10. Saya hulurkan padanya.

"Ambil ni dik! Abang sedekah. Tak payah abang beli kuih tu," Saya berkata ikhlas kerana perasaan kasihan meningkat mendadak. Kanak-kanak itu menerima wang tersebut, lantas mengucapkan terima kasih terus berjalan kembali ke kaki lima deretan kedai. Saya gembira dapat membantunya. Setelah enjin kereta saya hidupkan, saya mengundur. Alangkah terperanjatnya saya melihat kanak-kanak itu menghulurkan pula RM10 pemberian saya itu kepada seorang pengemis yang buta kedua-dua matanya.

Saya terkejut, lantas memberhentikan semula kereta, memanggil kanak-kanak itu.

"Kenapa bang nak beli kuih ke?" tanyanya.

"Kenapa adik berikan duit abang tadi pada pengemis tu? Duit tu abang bagi adik!" Kata saya tanpa menjawap pertanyaannya.

"Bang saya tak boleh ambil duit tu. Mak marah kalau dia dapat tahu saya mengemis. Kata mak kita mesti bekerja mencari nafkah kerana Allah berikan tulang empat kerat pada saya. Kalau dia tahu saya bawa duit sebanyak itu pulang, sedangkan jualan masih banyak, mak pasti marah. Kata mak, mengemis kerja orang yang tak berupaya, saya masih kuat bang!" katanya begitu lancar.

Saya sebak, sekaligus kagum dengan pegangan hidup kanak-kanak itu. Tanpa banyak soal saya terus bertanya berapa semua harga kuih dalam bakul itu.

"Abang nak beli semua ke?" Dia betanya dan saya cuma mengangguk. Lidah saya kelu nak berkata.

"RM25 saja bang."

Selepas dia memasukkan satu persatu kuihnya kedalam plastik, saya hulurkan RM25. Dia mengucapkan terima kasih dan terus berlalu.

Saya perhatikan dia sehingga hilang daripada pandangan. Dalam perjalanan ke Kuala Lumpur, baru saya terfikir untuk bertanya statusnya. Anak yatimkah? Siapakah wanita berhati mulia yang melahirknya? Terus terang saya katakan, saya beli kuihnya bukan lagi atas dasar kasihan, tetapi kerana rasa kagum dengan sikapnya yang dapat menjadikan kerjayanya satu penghormatan.

Sesungguhnya saya kagum dengan sikap kanak-kanak itu. Dia menyedarkan saya, siapa kita sebenarnya!

"This is your day. Don't let ANYONE take it from you!"

Every morning, I look in the mirror and say to myself:
"This is your day. Don't let ANYONE take it from you!"
--- David Deida


Imagine two people take a ride in a balloon. One of them is terrified of heights. The other isn't. The one who isn't will enjoy the magnificent view, feel the warm wind on his face and simply love the ride. The person terrified of heights will probably squat on the floor, thinking "Omigod! Omigod! This thing is gonna crash and burn! We're all gonna die! Aaaaaaaaa!!!"

Objectively, they went through exactly the same experience. Yet one person had the time of their life, while the other would be better off having their chest hair depilated (and trust me, that HURTS). The difference was in their VIEW of the reality.

Your view of the world is crucially important for your well-being. Yet many people let others decide their reality for them. Be it friends, relatives, TV, or the newspaper. Who decides YOUR reality?

Reasons For Choosing Your Own Reality

I'm an optimist. And I mean I'm REALLY optimistic, right at the end of the spectrum. If I got hit by a car this afternoon and lost both legs, I'd think something like: "Yes! I finally get to find out what it's like to be disabled! Plus, when biographies are written about me years later, they'll say 'He managed to overcome life's challenges...'".

I'm not trying to convince you to be an optimist. I'm just giving you the option to CHOOSE your reality. If you consciously decide NOT to be an optimist, that's fine.

Without further ado, here are three reasons to be optimistic:

1. Optimism lets you achieve more.
   
   Imagine you wanted to start a blog. And you were a pessimist. Your thoughts would be "It's not going to work anyway, nobody will read my blog, why even try." And voila, you'd never even start a blog.
   
   Being an optimist, on the other hand, I started my blog. I stuck with it for the two months when I had basically zero readership. Then, one day, I wrote a blog post that I felt was my best so far (Why Linux doesn't spread - The Curse of being free). So I submitted the post to several social news sites, it hit the Slashdot front page, and the rest is history.
   
   As an optimist, you'll see beyond obstacles that others consider impossible to overcome. They will think you're crazy. But oh, they will be SO wrong. They laughed at the Wright brothers. They laughed at you. But you'll show them, you'll *show them all*! AAAhahahahaaaa...
   
   Thomas A. Edison was interviewed by a newspaper after 800 unsuccessful tries to make a working light bulb.
   
   "How does it feel to have failed 800 times?" the reporter asked.
   
   And Edison's answer?
   
   "I haven't failed 800 times. I haven't failed once. What I have done, is I have succeeded in proving that those 800 ways won't work. Once I eliminate all the ways that won't work, I will find the one way that will."
   
   Several years later, after thousands more "successful proofs" he managed to find a way that works, and thus illuminated the world.
   
   
2. As an optimist, you'll have better relations with other people.
   
   Positive, optimistic people are fun to be around. I'm sure you've experienced that yourself.
   
   By becoming an optimist, you will become such a person. People will enjoy being around you. Also, by the law of attraction, you will attract more similar people into your life.
   
   Imagine you have a crazy idea for how to spend your holiday. Would you like your friends to be like "Yeah man! Awesome! Go for it!", or "Nonsense. That will never work. What the hell were you thinking? Come on, let's go grab a beer and complain about how miserable we are."
   
   
3. Optimism makes you happier.
   
   This is the most commonly cited reason... and the most important one too. But I haven't put it first. Because if you say this reason to pessimists, they will say: "What the hell are you talking about?"
   
   If you want to help others, you need to speak their language. That's why I put achievement and success as the first reason. That's a universal theme that everyone will understand.

How To Become An Optimist

Now you know the main reasons for being an optimist. So how do you go about it? Below are the best ways to become an optimist.

1. Exercise.
   
   As you go through your day, tension builds up in your muscles. The tension needs to be released. Exercise releases that tension. It also releases endorphins, the body's natural opiates, into your bloodstream. This leaves you relaxed and happy for hours afterwards.
   
   If you're not much into exercising, check out my 5 Simple ways to increase your happiness. In there I share a simple way to exercise that takes just 10-20 minutes and requires only a watch.
   
   
2. See the positive aspect of every situation.
   
   I propose you try this. For seven days straight (starting tomorrow), see the positive side of every situation. Just like Edison and his "successful proofs".
   
   If you want to make sure you don't forget, I suggest a variaton of a method I got from Tim Ferriss. Wear a rubber band around your wrist. Every time you forget to think positively about a situation, simply switch the band to your other wrist. The proper way would be to take off the band only after you've gone for 7 days straight without switching wrists. But you can simply try it for 7 days.
   
   
3. Think positive thoughts.
   
   In one experiment, the researchers took 3 clinically depressed people. A psychologist then took over, making some changes in their daily routine to get them thinking positively (one of the changes was daily exercising). At the end of 30-day experiment, the subjects had been transformed into some of the happiest people you've ever seen.
   
   One of the things the psychologist did was to have them place colored stickers around their house and workplace. Then, whenever they saw one, they had to think of something that made them feel happy. Try doing the same thing (possibly using something else instead of colored stickers).
   
   This exercise will literally hardwire your brain to think happily and positively. By reinforcing the neural pathways of positive thought, you will make it easier to think positively in the future. You will achieve more and be happier.
   
   
4. Hang out with positive people.
   
   When you spend time with people, their characteristics start to rub off on you. You might start using some of the same gestures, or think some of the same thoughts. You can't help it. It's a natural process to help us bond together. The good news is, you can use this to your advantage.
   
   David Deangelo, from Double Your Dating, said he had been researching the topic of women and dating for two years without much success. Then he started to hang out with the "naturals" - guys who were naturally successful with women. That's when he really started to "get it". Today, he is the most successful author of programs that help men improve their dating skills.

You can use the same effect. By spending time around positive, optimistic people, you will naturally become more like them. You might take on some of their gestures, or patterns of thought. Learning from real-life examples is the fastest way, so use it.

If you want to make friends with optimistic people, just go and talk to them. They're open to making new friends.

Acai Berry Benefits for Health

The purple Amazon acai berry is highly promoted by acai products marketers as one of the “superfood” or miracle fruit with various properties, such as anti-aging, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, strengthens cardiovascular system, weight loss etc. There are manufacturers of various products, for example cosmetics and beauty include acai oil in the ingredient of their products as it is rich in antioxidants.

Being called the miracle fruit, acai berry is said to be able to reduce the risk of having cancer and helps in delay aging as it contains antioxidant properties. Although study has found out that extracts from açai pulp oil has anti-proliferative effects on HL-60 (Human promyelocytic leukemia cells), it is just an experimental leukemia and is done in vitro.

Acai berry is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acid (linoleic acid and oleic acid) and is believed to be able to lower bad LDL cholesterol level and maintain the healthy HDL cholesterol levels. Since acai berry is also rich in dietary fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats, it is also promoted by marketers as a product which could help improving the healthiness of the cardio vascular system and digestive tract.

Acai berry is rich in carbohydrates and organic vegetable protein which is more easily digested than animal protein. Therefore, it is also said to be able to increase your energy levels. The beta-sitosterol, a type of plant sterols found in this fruit is said to be useful in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and help controlling cholesterol.

Ramadan and Fasting

By Dr. Bilal Philips

The word Ramadan comes from the noun Ramad, which refers to "the heat of the stones arising from the intense heat of the sun." The ninth month was named Ramadan because when the Arabs changed the names of the months from the ancient language, they named them according to the seasons in which they happen to fall.

This month, which used to be called Natiq, fell during the summer, the time of extreme heat. [1]



The Merits of Ramadan

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was reported to have said that "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened." [2]The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity for one to do the deeds that could bring him/her closer to Paradise.

Fasting in Ramadan is also an opportunity to atone for one's sins. Abu Hurayrah quoted the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying, "Who ever fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [3]

Fasting also provides protection from evil for those who sincerely fast. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was reported to have said, "Fasting is a shield." [4]

Allah has a special reward which He personally gives one who fasts faithfully. Abu Hurayrah related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) quoted Allah as saying, "Every act of Adam's descendants is for themselves, except fasting. It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it." [5]

Perhaps the greatest and most unique merit of Ramadan lies in the fact that the Quran, which is the last and only unchanged book of Divine Guidance remaining in the world, was revealed during this month. Allah states:

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down as a (pure source of) guidance for mankind. In it are clear teachings showing the Right Way and the Criterion (for judging truth and falsehood)." [Noble Quran 2:185]

This act of revelation represents the greatest blessing from Almighty Allah to mankind, who had become steeped in darkness and ignorance since the time of the prior revelation. Without this supreme act of mercy, the weakening glimmer of guidance would have gone out completely and oppression would have reigned in all corners of the globe.

A Teary Mother Bear Killed Her Baby and Committed Suicide – A Heart Breaking True Story

A friend asked me for a favour. He needed my assistance to manage a bear farm for a few days. The location was remote and unknown by many.

I reached there at night. It was just before dawn, but I was still not able to sleep. I could hear the wind blow, as if someone was weeping with pain and hopelessness. At that very moment, I heard the sound of the door moving and heavy breathing. I sat up, pulled to a stand and turned on the light. “Who is it?” There was no answer. The silence was terrifying.

I reached out and grabbed a broom. Gently, I walked to the door and with a quick pull, opened it. Ha ! It’s a bear cub curling up her body looking sheepishly as me. I extended my hands and the cub waddled towards me. She rested her small palms on my hands. Then she licked my hand with her warm and soft tongue. It was so heart-warming.

Suddenly, I heard commotion from far. The cub quickly went under my bed.

Then, there was a knock on the door.

I opened the door and asked, “What’s up?”

A man said, “A bear cub just escaped from the bear farm. Has it come to disturb you?”

“Oh, yes, there it is.” I pointed at the cub’s hiding place.

The man squat down and grabbed the cub with one hand. With such roughness, he pulled the bear out and tied her four limbs to a long wooden stick. They lifted the stick and the cub was carried away from the room. As she left, she turned and gave me a begging and pitiful look.

After dawn, the worker on-duty, Zhang took me to see the bears. In a few thousand square meters wide and tall building, six cages were placed in an open space. In every cage, there laid a black and weary bear. What puzzled me was the shining metal around their bodies.

Zhang told me, “This iron vest is used to extract bile from the bear body. Now, the price of this bile is 300 yuan per gram.” He took me to the first cage, gesturing to me, “Let’s start the bile extraction.”

I saw two sturdy workers tied up the bear’s body and pulled, through a pulley, a rope that was connected to the iron vest. They shouted, “Hi….!” and I saw the bear’s body contracted as they pulled. Suddenly, the bear gave out a hysterical roar, “Woo….!”. That was not really a roar. It has changed to a desolate and sorrowful cry. Her eyes showed endurance of excruciating pain. With restricted movement and space, she tried to struggle with her four limbs, kicking the ground with, “Ze la, Ze la” sound, which was such a pain to hear. At that very instant, I could hear the dripping sound of liquid coming out from a steel pipe under the bear’s stomach.

The workers then slowly released the rope followed by another long hard pull, as they repeated the extraction procedure. Another hoarse cry was heard. I saw the tears drop from the bear’s eyes. Similar to how a human would response to pain; the bear clenched its teeth and bent its body. It was such a heart-breaking scene! I could not bear to watch any further. I turned and walked away.

At that moment, I suddenly realised, the moaning cry before dawn came from these tragic bears.

Zhang followed me to the door. With trembling voice, I asked him, “Have you lost your humanity? These are living things!”

Zhang dismissed it, “Not that we have any choice. This is how we earn a living.”

Calming down, I asked him with a heavy heart, “How often do you need to extract the bile?”

He replied, “That depends. If the bear has good supply of bile, we will do it once or twice a day. The bear with less bile will be performed once in two days. Generally, a bear can produce 2000g of bile annually for 10 years.”

I trembled. Twice a day for 10 years, these are monstrous numbers! The bear has to go through such deadly torture twice a day, living a life without hope, for 10 years; 7200 times of flesh piercing pain; enduring it day after day, year after year. Even if this happens to the strongest human, he will not be able to sustain it. My heart ached with pain.

I wanted to leave. Zhang said, “In a short while, a surgery will be performed on the cubs. You cannot leave at this critical moment. You are representing Mr. Liu. If you leave and something goes wrong, who is going to bear the responsibility?”

Reluctantly, I followed him back to the bear room. Under his instruction, four sturdy workers brought in a cub and tied it up with chain. The cub looked at everyone with horror. When she saw me, her eyes brightened up. The cub dropped to her knees and begged me. I felt tears in my eyes.

Zhang waved his hands, instructing the workers to start the surgery.

In great despair, the cub lifted her head and cried, “Wooo….” She burst into tears. It was the most sorrowful and soul-touching cry I have ever heard in my life. It was as if knowing the human language, the cub shouted out the word, “Mom….”. Even the workers were startled.

At that very moment, an extra-ordinary shocking scene took place. A bear in a cage let out a loud cry. With her large hands and all her strength, she pushed open the thick iron bar and jumped out of the cage. The workers were terrified and fled away immediately.

Startled, I didn’t move. It was as if my legs had grown lead and I was not able to move an inch. However, the bear ignored my presence. She rushed to the cub. With her large hands, in awkward movement, she frantically tried to release the cub from the chain. Despite her best effort, she failed to release the cub. So, she kissed the cub and nestled her in her arms with a heavy heart. She licked the cub’s tears lovingly, crying, “Hmm ..hmmm….” to soothe the cub. The cub cried out, “Hoooo….”, as if calling her mom, asking her for rescue.

Suddenly, the bear let out a loud cry. With her large hands, she strangled the cub’s neck with all her might. She roared as she strangled until the cub’s body fell to the ground. Then, she released her hands. Looking at her dead child, she whimpered, as if saying, ”My child, I cannot save you, but you are not going to suffer any more. I’m so sorry.”

She bit her own hair. Then, she grabbed the iron vest and pulled it off her body. Together with the vest, the metal pipe flew out of the gallbladder. The fur at her stomach was covered with red blood as it dripped out of her stomach. She let out another cry, as if she has gone hysterical, and went towards the wall. “Bang!”. The wall collapsed.

I was in shock. I could not recall how I left this brutal place.

For a whole day, my mind was preoccupied with these tragic scenes. I asked myself, “Was the mother bear’s move an act of motherly love? I believe so. It was an act of helpless motherly love. At that moment and place, she did not have the ability to help her child to escape from the twenty years of hellish torture. Under such helpless and desperate situation, she can only destroy the beloved child she has created. She then took the same path to follow her child, hoping to accompany her. “

New Muslims Enjoy Peace, Serenity of Ramadan Fast

The first Ramadan fast is exciting, especially for little kids who yearn to perform the religious duty like their parents. But the experience is much more exciting for men and women who have just converted to Islam and are beginning their first fasting experience in their 40s. What do new Muslims say about Islam and Ramadan? How did they perceive Ramadan before their conversion to Islam? What are their feelings now that they have become Muslims?

"I used to make fun of Ramadan and the notion of Islamic fasting. I used to ridicule those Muslims who torture their bodies by fasting," said Marcos-now-turned-Ahmed Moamen.

"I lived in the U.A.E. for nine years as a traditional Christian who irregularly goes to Church. For me and my colleagues, Ramadan was a nightmare. It was a month in which we were all confined to our homes as all bars remain shut," he recalled.

"This was not the only thing I detested about the Ramadan fast, but also this tough treatment of both body and soul. I used to believe the body has desires that should be met. Therefore, I only perceived of fasting as an unjustifiable and illogical torture," Moamen, a Filipino, said, recalling what he termed as the "bad" old days.

"Five months ago, the Almighty Allah guided me to Islam. I had a long time roommate, who once converted to Islam, tried hard to lure me into it. He used to discuss Islam and gave me some translated books about the faith until the Almighty finally opened up my heart. And here I am having my very first fasting experience in Ramadan," Moamen said.

"After Allah guided me to Islam and after having fasted several days of Ramadan, I found out that all my previous ideas about the rights of one's body were not true and that straightening our bodies once a year is of great wisdom. That is why Allah ordered us to fast one month of the year and not the whole year," said Moamen of his new spiritual experience with Ramadan.

"It [fasting] brings the Muslim closer to Allah. I do not exaggerate if I say that I feel a serenity I have never before felt in my entire life," Moamen concluded.

Abdul-Rahman Yousef, a Lebanese who was named Tony before embracing Islam, is also experiencing his first Ramadan.

Sounding delighted about the new fasting experience, Yousef said he was overwhelmed by joy and that fasting helped him feel the serenity that only fasters enjoy.

"Ever since Allah guided me to Islam, I’ve become used to the habit of fasting every Monday and Thursday [following in the footstep of Prophet Muhammad, Allah’s peace and prayers be upon him] to make up for my sins which I committed before Islam," he said.

"But, fasting in Ramadan is totally different because the holy month has its own sense of spirituality and serenity that is absent from other days and months," Yousef asserted.

"Even prayers in Ramadan are different from the usual prayers," he said, adding that Allah magnifies the good deeds of Muslims in Ramadan and spares them from Jahannam (hell).

Yousef lamented having wronged Islam and Muslims in the past, especially during the civil war in Lebanon, and prayed to Allah the Almighty to forgive his previous bad deeds.

Carol Anoi was brought up in a Protestant Scottish family. She spent her childhood in the countryside which gave her a chance for contemplation and meditation.

After she finished school in London, she got a job in a U.A.E. hotel and spent several years there until she got involved with an Arab Muslim.

"I loved him so much and he started talking to me about Islam. I began with him a search journey. We read most of the books on Islam in English," said Carol-turned-Fatma al-Zahra' Mohammad (the name of one of Prophet Muhammad’s daughters).

"I realized that Islam is the right faith that dignified the human being and catered for the rights of man, woman and child," she stressed.

"I found it a religion in harmony with human nature," Fatma said.

"When I read the holy Qur’an, I found answers to all questions haunting my mind and soul. Eventually, I converted to Islam and we [she and her Arab Muslim friend[ got married," she recalled.

"As for Ramadan, I cannot describe to you how delighted I am to fast Ramadan this year.

"Ramadan's atmosphere makes us feel closer to Allah. And since it is a month of worship, we are keen on getting closer to the Almighty through prayers," Fatma added.

"I cannot describe my happiness while performing Taraweeh prayers with many other Muslim women," she said, lamenting that in ordinary days one would not find so many worshippers in prayers.

Amnah Jordon, once a Caroline Jordon, from South Africa said it was that unique peace reflected in the body movements during prayers that attracted her to Islam in the first place.

"Fasting is a fine way of spiritual and psychological elevation and these were the things that guided my way into Islam," said Amnah.

"Fasting and Ramadan are the most joyful religious rituals and the closest to my heart," she added.

"I spent years of my life searching for a way for spiritual satiety. I adored contemplation sessions and read a lot in oriental philosophy but never reached satisfaction," she underlined.

"I completed my study in the U.A.E. and happened to live by some Muslim neighbors who always performed their prayers by the book.

"I used to sit and watch their Rukou’a [kneeling] and Sujoud [the position when a Muslim worshipper’s head touches the ground during prayers] and it was very touching because Rukou’aand Sujoud are magnificent body and spiritual sport," Amnah said.

She recalled performing prayers and practicing Rukou’a and Sujoud even before converting to Islam.

"I felt a kind of serenity I have never experienced before, and since that very moment I began a quest to explore Islam until Allah guided me into becoming a Muslim and I was overwhelmed by spiritual peace," Amnah concluded.

Khasiat Teh

Di sebalik kenikmatan dan kelazatan teh, terkandung juga khasiat yang menyihatkan badan dan mampu mencegah dari serangan penyakit terutama sekali teh hijau. Banyak kajian telah membuktikan antioksidan yang terdapat dalam teh dapat melindungi tubuh daripada penyakit tertentu seperti masalah kardiovaskular, stroke dan kanser. Flanovoid iaitu sejenis antioksidan yang terdapat dalam 3 cawan teh adalah lapan kali lebih kuat dari yang diperoleh daripada sebiji epal.

Satu kajian telah dilakukan di daerah Schizouka, Jepun pada tahun 1994. Hasilnya, kadar kematian masyarakat di situ 10 hingga 15 peratus lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan kadar kematian di daerah Jepun yang lainnya. Penyebabnya adalah kerana penduduk di situ lebih suka minum teh hijau secara teratur ditambah lagi dengan keadaan alam semulajadi yang masih terpelihara.

Radikal bebas terbentuk secara semulajadi dalam tubuh manusia. Molekul ini dapat merosakkan sel manusia. Molekul inilah yang menjadi salah satu penyebab kanser, termasuk berbagai jenis penyakit lain seperti jantung dan penuaan. Menurut satu kajian yang diterbitkan dalam Journal of Cellular Biochemistry edisi Julai, kandungan polifenol yang terdapat dalam teh berperanan sebagai pencegah kanser. Daun teh hijau yang telah dikeringkan mempunyai 40% kandungan polifenol. Polifenol adalah sejenis antioksidan yang sangat kuat yang mana ia mampu meneutralkan radikal bebas yang menjadi penyebab kanser. Antara jenis kanser yang boleh dicegah ialah kanser payudara, kanser paru-paru, kanser usus besar, kanser dubur, kanser hati dan kanser pankreas.

Berikut disenaraikan khasiat teh hijau secara ringkas :

• Membantu membakar lemak

Teh hijau dapat membantu mempercepat tingkat metabolisme kerana pengaruh antioksidannya yang membantu hati berfungsi secara lebih efektif.

• Melindungi daripada hepatitis

Hepatitis diukur dari tingginya kadar zat besi dalam hati. Teh hijau terbukti dapat menurunkan kadar zat besi di dalam badan.

• Melindungi daripada diabetes

Tingginya glukosa dan insulin dalam darah boleh menjadi penyebab diabetes. Polifenol dari teh hijau menghalang ´amylase´ sehingga dapat membantu menurunkan kadar gula dalam darah.

• Mencegah keracunan makanan

Minum teh hijau dapat menurunkan risiko keracunan makanan akibat bakteria kerana teh hijau dapat mencegah tumbuhnya bakteria berbahaya seperti ´clostridia´.

• Menurunkan tekanan darah

Penyebab utama hipertensi adalah sejenis enzim yang dikeluarkan oleh ginjal. Ubat hipertensi yang terkenal ialah ´ACE inhibitor´. Teh hijau merupakan ´ACE inhibitor´ semulajadi dan beberapa kajian menunjukkan tekanan darah tinggi menurun setelah diberi ekstrak teh hijau.

Bahaya Teh

Sekalipun memiliki banyak manfaat, perlu diingat bahawa teh juga mengandung kafein. Jika diambil secara berlebihan, ia dapat menyebabkan beberapa gangguan seperti insomnia, berdebar hati dan ketidakaturan detik jantung. Namun kandungan kafein dalam teh masih tetap lebih rendah jika dibandingkan dengan kopi atau minuman ringan bersoda.

Selain kafein, antioksidan flanovoid yang terdapat dalam teh menghambat penyerapan zat besi dari unsur-unsur tumbuhan seperti sayur dan buah. Namun, zat besi dari daging tidak terpengaruh penyerapannya. Sekadar peringatan, apapun yang berlebihan tidak akan baik kesannya.

Believe in Yourself!

When you feel a little discouraged, just remember what these people accomplished when everyone else looked at them as failures. Believe in Yourself!

Einstein was 4 years old before he could speak.

Isaac Newton did poorly in grade school and was considered "unpromising."

When Thomas Edison was a youngster, his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. He was counseled to go into a field where he might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality.

F.W. Woolworth got a job in a dry goods store when he was 21, but his boss would not permit him to wait on customers because he "didn't have enough sense to close a sale."

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

Bob Cousy, a legendary Boston Celtic basketball player, suffered the same fate, but he too is a Hall of Famer.

A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he "lacked imagination and had no original ideas."

Winston Churchill failed 6th grade and had to repeat it because he did not complete the tests that were required for promotion.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,300 times, a major league record.

A person may make mistakes, but is not a failure until he or she starts blaming someone else. We must believe in ourselves, and somewhere along the road of life we will meet someone who sees greatness in us and lets us know it.