Muslims and Weight Loss

Muslims and Weight Loss

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By Karima Burns

Thursday, 02 August 2012 00:00

Eating breakfast is also an important part of weight loss as it speeds metabolism of the body.

An English proverb points out, "Some men walk through the forest yet see no firewood." As Muslims, we should be careful of falling into this proverbial truth.Muslims often seek outside help to lose weight, although the Qur'an and Hadith provide guidance on many ways through which we can combat being overweight. They include periodic cleansings, eating simple and whole foods and herbs, avoiding excess, drinking plenty of water, praying and seeking guidance from Allah, seeking the help of others, and being persistent and patient.
Ramadan is a time for physical cleansing as well as spiritual cleansing. A prophetic tradition (Hadith) states, "Fast the month of Ramadan so to heal your bodies from disease." If we strive to eat only pure, simple and light foods during Ramadan, we can undergo a physical as well as a spiritual cleansing. Since there is such a strong scientifically proven correlation between our spiritual, mental and physical health, to purify all systems at the same time provides the ultimate and most powerful detoxification fast that we have available today.

- Best Weight Loss Plan for You.

To eat purely means to eat the whole, unprocessed and pure foods that Allah has provided us such as whole wheat breads, grains, beans, vegetables and fresh fruits. These are perfect foods and we do not need to improve them with colors, chemicals and preservatives. The Qur'an (5:4) says, "They ask thee what is lawful to them as food. Say, 'Lawful unto you are all things good and pure.'" And (50:7), "And the earth we have spread out, and we have set firm mountains on it, and have made every kind of beautiful growth to grow on it."
The Qur'an also says (7:31),"Eat and drink, but waste not by excess for God loves not the prodigals." Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized this in Hadith when he mentioned that, "The stomach is the home of disease, and abstinence the head of every remedy. So make this your custom." It is easy to eat in excess since foods once reserved for royalty are now readily available in every supermarket. However, there is a hidden cost to excess consumption that keeps them expensive. Livestock pay this hidden cost by being injected with hormones and chemicals to increase the production of meat, cheese, milk and cream. The earth pays an even higher price when we consider the amount of grain and water used to raise the excess number of cattle for meat consumption.
Eating breakfast is also an important part of weight loss as it speeds metabolism of the body. The Hadith say, "Eat your meal at dawn, for there is blessing in the meal at dawn," and, "There is blessing in three things: the early morning meal, bread and soup."
Also, we must not ignore the benefits of the many herbs that Allah has provided us. Sahih Bukhari relates that, "For every malady Allah created, He also created its cure. Whoever acquires such knowledge shall benefit from it, and one who ignores it will forgo such benefit."
Another gift that Allah has given us in the battle against excess weight is water. The Qur'an says (15:45), "The righteous will be amid gardens and fountains of clear-flowing water," and (21:30), "We made water essential for all life." Muslims wanting to lose weight would benefit by drinking ten glasses of water a day, at least one half hour before and after meals.
As well as their spiritual benefits, the five prescribed daily prayers also provide physical toning benefits to the body. And patience is often the greatest test we face when we decide to lose weight. However, the Qur'an says (2:155), "Give glad tidings to those who exercise patience when struck with adversity and say, 'Indeed, we belong to God, and to Him is our return.' Such ones receive blessings and mercy from their Lord, and such are the guided ones."

Weight gain is often caused by excess, and the weakness of one or more organs of the body.

Lastly, we cannot forget the power of prayer and support from others. The Qur'an says (26:80), "... And when I sicken, then He (Allah) heals me." Abu Hurairah relates, "Allah never inflicts a disease unless he makes a cure for it." Weight gain is often caused by excess, and the weakness of one or more organs of the body. A Hadith even says, "The origin of every disease is cold. So eat when you desire and refrain when you desire." Many people have lost weight simply by warming up their bodies with herbs and warm foods, and reducing heavier, colder foods and those that clog and chill the system.
"Oh, Lord! Advance me in knowledge..." The Qur'an says, and the Prophet has stated, that we should, "Seek knowledge, even in China." Along these lines, we can also obtain wisdom from people all around the world in the subject of weight loss. Utilizing the support of programs such as Weight Watchers or information provided in magazines can be beneficial - as long as we turn to the Qur'an as our ultimate inspiration

Ramadan & Olympics: Challenge for Muslim Athletes?

Ramadan & Olympics: Challenge for Muslim Athletes?

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By Amira Ayad

Health Consultant - Egypt

Sunday, 29 July 2012 00:00

An important factor to be taken into consideration, is the modification in the distribution of activity times during the day.

With the 2012 London Olympics coinciding with Ramadan, many studies are investigating the effect of fasting on athletic performance.
Last April, the international journal of sports medicine published a research examining the effects of Ramadan fasting on athletes' body mass, composition, and muscle potentials. Results showed that the fasting doesn’t alter body mass and composition, neither does it affect athletes neuromuscular efficiency and peak muscle performance.
An important factor to be taken into consideration, though, as advised by the researchers, is the "modification in the distribution of activity times during the day" as the timing for peak athletic performance and highest level of activity was slightly shifted during fasting.[1]
A FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC) study found that young male national football players who observed Ramadan fasting in a controlled environment showed no compromise in their physical and physiological performance or reduction in their subjective well-being. The study is yet to be replicated to investigate a wider range of elite level players. [2]
Another study published in May 2012 in the journal of sports science showed that, generally, Ramadan fasting has minor effects on health and physical fitness[3]. The same conclusion was drawn from another research published this month, June 2012, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The researchers stated: "in most of the situations studied to date, Ramadan observance has had only limited adverse consequences for either training or competitive performance"[4].
Advised Coping Strategies

There is a critical role of adequate protein intake in athletic performance especially for strength training and sports involving brisk, forceful, and/or repetitive muscle work.

The significance of these studies came from their invaluable recommendations for suggested coping strategies that players should take into consideration when preparing and training for the Olympics. Coping strategies should include both physical and mental/emotional measures, they advise.
Modification of training timing and planning, optimising dietary choices, and carefully drafting rest and recovery hours^[5] should be accompanied with intention setting, mental reprogramming, motivational boosts, stress management, and emotional coping tools.
Optimal dietary choices are very important factor to take into account during both training and competing. As Burke and King advised, "Muslim athletes who fast during Ramadan should use overnight opportunities to consume foods and drinks that can supply the nutrients needed to promote performance, adaptation, and recovery in their sports".[6]
Shephard, on his side, stressed on the critical role of adequate protein intake in athletic performance especially for strength training and sports involving brisk, forceful, and/or repetitive muscle work[7]. The increased demand on glucose to fuel sports muscle activity promotes Gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis) from fatty acids and protein in the body. In case of inadequate protein intake, the athletes could run the risk of losing lean body mass with an adverse effect on muscular performance, he explained.
The challenge of fasting during the Olympics pauses an extra responsibility on coaches. Coaches should study and choose the best coping approaches for their players, carefully plan and personally tailor suitable endurance strategies, and optimise their athletes training, resting, and eating plans[8].

Aliens, Alternate Dimensions, and Allah

Aliens, Alternate Dimensions, and Allah

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By Aaron Wannamaker

Thursday, 09 August 2012 00:00

Second is that the term used for “heaven” in Arabic (sama) is not synonymous with Paradise (jannah), as is common in English terminology.

Let’s say that one day we discover extraterrestrials knocking on our atmosphere. No doubt, this would be a shock to the world. But would the mere existence of these aliens shake the core foundation of all world religions? Would Islam come to a screeching halt with the revelation that there is other intelligent life in the universe? Not at all.
For starters, here is this verse in the Qur’an:
“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through them: and He has power to gather them together when He wills.” (42:29)
The Arabic term used for the phrase “through them” is fihima, which can only mean the living creatures can exist both within the heavens and on Earth[1]. One could interpret the “living creatures” to be angels, since the term “heaven” used here is often used to denote the realm of God. There are two problems with this interpretation, however. First, there is another verse in the Qur’an where God makes a clear distinction between “living beings” and angels:
“And to Allah doth obeisance all that is in the heavens and on earth, whether moving (living) creatures or the angels: for none are arrogant (before their Lord).” (16:49)
Second is that the term used for “heaven” in Arabic (sama) is not synonymous with Paradise (jannah), as is common in English terminology, which we often attribute to the residence of God and angels. As the scholar Muhammad Asad explains in his translation, The Message of the Qur’an:
“The term sama ("heaven" or "sky") is applied to anything that is spread like a canopy above any other thing. Thus, the visible skies which stretch like a vault above the earth and form, as it were, its canopy, are called sama: and this is the primary meaning of this term in the Qur'an; in a wider sense, it has the connotation of "cosmic system".”
It’s also worth noting that the first chapter of the Qur’an, the one that all Muslims recite in their daily prayers, contains the verse “Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds,” (1:2). Notice the plural of “worlds”. The meaning here is that God is the creator, sustainer, and master of all worlds in our universe—and, inevitably, any inhabitants within those worlds. Yusuf Ali, whose translation of the Qur’an is one of the most widely read in the world, also comments on this, saying that "It is reasonable to suppose that Life in some form or another is scattered through some of the millions of heavenly bodies scattered through space."
The existence of extraterrestrial beings is not outside the bounds of Islamic thought, and so it falls upon proof, not conjecture (and vague, grainy footage of discs in the sky), to confirm or deny their existence.

Plurals & Synonyms

In fact, developments in quantum mechanics suggest that our universe could be made up with as many as eleven or 24 separate dimensions.

However, it’s also important to note that in the preceding verse, the plural “worlds” does not necessarily apply to celestial bodies alone.
The advent of quantum mechanics and string theory havs given rise to the insight that our physical universe is made up of more dimensions than our four observable dimensions. Initially, scientists believed that space and matter consisted of four dimensions: width, height, length, and time.
But with the discovery of Dark Matter and the fact that our universe is expanding, according to the most accepted theory so far among cosmologists (which the Qur’an alludes to in 51:47), scientists have found that other dimensions beyond our comprehension exist. Or, as Einstein discovered, space is not “nothing”. Furthermore, string theory suggests the existence of multiple—or parallel—universes.
Muslims have been acquainted with multiple dimensions and parallel worlds long before such terms were even coined. Jinn is an Arabic term used in the Qur’an to describe beings that live beyond our perception. As Muhammad Asad points out, the term is popularly attributed to “genies” or “demons”, when its actual meaning has a far wider implication than that.
The term Jinn is derived from the Arabic verb janna, which is best described as something that is “veiled from sight” and “can thus be applicable to all kinds of invisible beings or forces.”
The fact that Jinn are concealed from our senses, implicate that they live in dimensions beyond our perception. In fact, developments in quantum mechanics suggest that our universe could be made up with as many as eleven or 24 separate dimensions.
The Qur’an often refers to "the realm which is beyond the reach of human perception" and so it’s entirely possible that, as we live in our own observable four-dimensional space, the remaining dimensions beyond our perception host their own denizens as well.
Furthermore, it’s entirely possible that our universe is merely one of many “multiverses”.
Michio Kaku is one of the leading physicists in the world today. He succinctly explains how the multiverse theory works as such[2]: he likens it to our universe being an expanding bubble, with other bubbles being an offshoot of it.

- Where The Day of Judgment Begins (Part 1).

These other universes could be at varying stages of development, some beginning, some ending, and some developing side-by-side with ours. The prospect of many universes existing separate from each poses no problem in Islamic thought.
As Muslims, we see it not as a refutation of God’s power, but as an even greater magnification of His limitless abilities, that He has the power to create and manage the minute and massive details in all universes, while never being wearied by doing so.
The process of creation is ongoing, and it’s entirely possible that other universes parallel to ours are being created as we speak. There are several verses in the Qur’an that mention this ongoing process of creation:
“Say: “It is Allah Who originates creation and repeats it: then how are ye deluded away (from the truth)?”” (10:34)
“Or, Who originates creation, then repeats is, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth?” (27:64)
“See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah.” (29:19)
Perhaps the term "creation" refers to both the creation and reproduction of mankind and also the creation and reproduction of multiple universes at large. The Qur’an also mentions, in many places, “seven heavens”:
“He it is who has created for you all that is on earth, and has applied His design to the heavens and fashioned them into seven heavens; and He alone has full knowledge of everything.” (2:29).

Multiverses

Furthermore, string theory suggests the existence of multiple—or parallel—universes.

It is important to note here that the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, and so any attempt at translating it into English or any other language results in a loss of many metaphors and idioms common in Arabic.
One such idiom, as Muhammad Asad points out, is that “in Arabic usage – and apparent in other Semitic languages as well – the number “seven” is often synonymous with “several”...just as “seventy” or “seven hundred” often means “many” or “very many”... This, taken together with the accepted linguistic definition that “every sama is a sama with regard to what is below it” (sama meaning heaven or sky) may explain the “seven heavens” as denoting the multiplicity of cosmic systems.”
The possibility of life on other planets—in other universes even—has always been considered to be in the realm of Star Trek and Stargate. However, the more we learn about our universe the more we have seen that science fiction is becoming science fact.
Sadly, many people fret and fray that such things would either be blasphemous or would somehow extinguish belief in God. But as we’ve seen, both claims are erroneous. The existence of aliens and parallel universes must stand on its own merits and scientific proofs.
And if such things do exist, then so be it; the Islamic faith would remain unchanged, undisturbed, by them.
Muhammad Asad beautifully sums up the Islamic position on extraterrestrial life, multiple universes and dimensions in the following passage:
“The Qur'an refers often to "the realm which is beyond the reach of human perception" (al-ghayb), while God is frequently spoken of as "the Sustainer of all the worlds" (rabb al-alamin): and the use of the plural clearly indicates that side by side with the "world" open to our observation there are other "worlds" as well - and, therefore, other forms of life, different from ours and presumably from one another, and yet subtly interacting and perhaps even permeating one another in a manner beyond our ken.”
And, as always, Allah knows best.29:19

References

[1] “The Quran and Extraterrestrial Life”, Sheikh Muhammad b. Ibrâhîm Dûdah. IslamToday.net

“Michio Kaku Explains String Theory” http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kYAdwS5MFjQ#!

Siwak: Preventive Medicine For Your Teeth

Siwak: Preventive Medicine For Your Teeth

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By Health & Science Staff

Monday, 25 June 2012 00:00

The small wicks bend to the appropriate shape to get plaque and leftover food out from in between teeth while avoiding any damage to the gums.

One of the best ways to protect one’s teeth is the siwak, which was mentioned in several sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Siwak are the wicks that are used to rub inside the mouth, and they get their name from the Arabic word “yudlik,” which can be roughly translated to mean “massage” (i.e., massage the inside of the mouth). It means more than “tooth brush.”The best type of siwak is that which comes from the araak tree. The siwak of the Prophet (pbuh) was from that tree. The siwak is a natural twig fortified with natural minerals that help clean the teeth, other inhibitors that prevent gums from bleeding, cleaning agents that kill microbes and germs and a scent that gives breath a naturally fresh smell. The siwak is an ideal, natural brush that has been endowed with more than any artificial toothpaste could ever have.
Like a toothbrush, the wicks on the siwak clean between the teeth and do not break under any amount of pressure; rather, they are flexible and strong. The small wicks bend to the appropriate shape to get plaque and leftover food out from in between teeth while avoiding any damage to the gums.
The Prophet (pbuh) taught us more than 1,400 years ago to use the siwak to clean our teeth and mouth and give it a nice scent. Anas quoted the Prophet (pbuh) as saying: “Whenever the Angel Gabriel would visit me, he would advise me to use the siwak.”
The leftovers of food found between teeth provide an excellent environment for the festering of millions of bacteria, which can lead to painful and bloody gum disease and cysts. In the worst cases, there can be inflammation of the jawbones.
Bacteria also produce damaging enzymes that eat away at the calcium of the teeth, which causes cavities. In severe cases, the bacteria produce gases that emit nasty stenches from the mouth. Recent studies have found that siwak has natural minerals that kill microbes and germs and remove plaque.
The Prophet (pbuh) used to rub the siwak over his tongue, teeth and gums. Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said, “I visited the Prophet, peace be upon him, and the siwak was at the edge of his tongue.”

The best type of siwak is that which comes from the Araak tree; Scientific Latin name: "Salvadora persica".

Chemical Breakdown Of A Siwak
Siwak has 19 beneficial ingredients in it. Most important among them are:

• Antibacterial acidic inhibitors that fight decay and diarrhea. They are natural disinfectants and can be used to stop bleeding. They disinfect the gums and teeth and close any microscopic cuts that may have existed in the gums. On first usage, the siwak will taste harsh, and maybe even burn, because of a mustard-like substance found in it, but this is the ingredient that fights decay in the mouth and kills germs.
• Minerals such as sodium chloride, potassium, sodium bicarbonate and calcium oxides. These clean the teeth. For instance, the American Dental Association considers sodium bicarbonate to be a preferred ingredient in toothpastes.
• Natural scented oils that taste and smell nice, give the mouth a nice smell. They make up about 1% of the siwak.
• Enzymes that prevent the buildup of plaque that causes gum disease. Plaque is also the no. 1 cause of premature loss of teeth.
• Anti-decay and anti-germ ingredients that act as a penicillin of sorts, decreasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth, which means cleaner teeth and cleaner air when breathing through the mouth.

Some researchers have found that tooth decay is rapid when a dry brush is used, and that wetting one’s toothbrush mitigates the damage. So the siwak should be dampened before usage. If there is no alternative, one’s saliva will suffice to dampen the stick. Siwak also has chemicals that cause the mouth to produce extra saliva, which is the mouth’s organic defense and cleaning mechanism.

Related Links:

Dental Health and the Miswak
Using the Siwak & Breath of the Fasting Person
Siwak: Merits and Rules
Prophetic Medicine: An Old Prescription for a New Era
Herbs in Hadith: Part 3/3: Ramadan Herbs

Biomimetics: Drawing Inspiration From Natural Design

Biomimetics: Drawing Inspiration From Natural Design

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By Harun Yahya

Thursday, 27 December 2012 00:00

Before scientists embark on new projects, they usually look for models in living things and imitate their systems and designs

[There is instruction for you in cattle. From the contents of their bellies, from between the dung and blood, We give you pure milk to drink, easy for drinkers to swallow.] (Qur'an, 16:66)
[And there is certainly a lesson for you in your livestock. We give you to drink from what is in their bellies and there are many ways in which you benefit from them, and some of them you eat; and you are conveyed on them and on ships as well.] (Qur'an, 23:21-22)

Before scientists and research and development experts embark on new projects, they usually look for models in living things and imitate their systems and designs. In other words, they see and study the designs created in nature by Allah and, inspired by these, go on to develop their own new technologies.This approach has given birth to biometrics, a new branch of science that seeks to imitate living things. In recent times, this branch of science has come to be widely applied in the world of technology. The use of the word “ibratan,” (to learn from, advice, importance, important thing, or model) in the above verses is most wise in this regard.
Biomimetics refers to all of the substances, equipment, mechanisms, and systems that people produce in order to imitate the systems present in nature. The scientific community currently feels a great need for the use of such equipment, particularly in the fields of nanotechnology, robot technology, artificial intelligence, medicine, and the military.
Biomimicry was first put forward by Janine M. Benyus, a writer and scientific observer from Montana. This concept was later analysed by many other people and began to find applications. Some of the comments made regarding biomimicry are as follows:

The theme of “biomimicry” is that we have much to learn from the natural world, as model, measure, and mentor. What these researchers have in common is a reverence for natural designs, and the inspiration to use them to solve human problems.1

David Oakey, product strategist for Interface Inc., a company that uses nature to increasing product quality and productivity, says:

Nature is my mentor for business and design, a model for the way of life. Nature’s system has worked for millions of years … Biomimicry is a way of learning from nature.2

Scientists who began to favour this rapidly spreading idea accelerated their studies by using nature’s incomparable and flawless designs as models. These designs represent models for technological research, for they provide the maximum productivity for the least amount of materials and energy, and are self-maintaining, environmentally friendly, silent, aesthetically attractive, resistant, and long-lasting. The High Country News newspaper described biomimetics as “a scientific movement” and made the following comment:

By using natural systems as models, we can create technologies that are more sustainable than those in use today.3

Hummingbirds cross the Gulf of Mexico on less one tenth of an ounce of fuel

Janine M. Benyus, who believed that models in nature should be imitated, gave the following examples in her book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature (Perennial: 2002):

• Hummingbirds cross the Gulf of Mexico on less than 3 grams (one tenth of an ounce) of fuel,
• Dragonflies outmanoeuvre our best helicopters,
• Heating and air-conditioning systems in termite mounds are superior in terms of equipment and energy consumption to those made by human beings,
• A bat’s high-frequency transmitter is more efficient and sensitive than our own radar systems,
• Light-emitting algae combine various chemicals to illuminate their bodies,
• Arctic fish and frogs freeze solid and then spring to life, having protected their organs from ice damage,
• Chameleons and cuttlefish change the pattern of their skin to blend instantly with their surroundings,
• Bees, turtles, and birds navigate without maps, and
• Whales and penguins dive without scuba gear.

These astonishing mechanisms and designs in nature, of which we have cited only a few, have the potential to enrich technology in a wide range of fields. This potential is becoming ever more obvious as our accumulated knowledge and technological means increase.
All animals possess many features that amaze human beings. Some have the ideal hydrodynamic shape that allows them to move through water, and others employ senses that appear very foreign to us. Most of these are features that researchers have encountered for the first time, or, rather, that they have only recently discovered. On occasion, it is necessary to bring together prominent scientists from such fields as computer technology, mechanical engineering, electronics, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology in order to imitate just one feature of a living thing.

Scientists are amazed when confronted with the incomparable structures and systems

Scientists are amazed when confronted with the incomparable structures and systems they are discovering with every passing day, and use that amazement to inspire themselves to produce new technologies for humanity’s benefit. Realising that the existing perfect systems and extraordinary techniques applied in nature are far superior to their own knowledge and intellect, they became aware of these matchless solutions to existing problems and are now resorting to the designs in nature to resolve problems that have eluded them for years. As a result, they will perhaps achieve success in a very short time. Moreover, by imitating nature, scientists are making very important gains with regard to time and labour and also to the targeted use of material resources.
Today we see the developing technology gradually discovering the miracles of creation and using the extraordinary designs in living things, as in the case of biomimetics, in the service of humanity. Benyus has stated that “‘Doing it nature’s way’ has the potential to change the way we grow food, make materials, harness energy, heal ourselves, store information, and conduct business.”4 The following are just a few of the many scientific papers to have considered such subjects:

“Science is Imitating Nature,”5 “Life’s Lessons in Design,”6 “Biomimicry: Secrets Hiding in Plain Sight,”7 “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature,”8 “Biomimicry: Genius That Surrounds Us,”9 “Biomimetics: Creating Materials from Nature’s Blueprints,” and10 “Engineers Ask Nature for Design Advice.”11

In the nineteenth century, nature was imitated only in aesthetic terms. Artists and architects of that time were influenced by nature and used examples of the structures’ external appearances in their works. Yet the realisation of nature’s extraordinary designs and that these could be used to benefit human beings only began in the twentieth century with the study of natural mechanisms at the molecular level. Scientists today are learning from living things, as revealed in the Qur’an 1,400 years ago.

1- Frederick Pratter, "Stories from the Field Offer Clues on Physics and Nature," Christian Science Monitor. 2- "Biomimicry,"
3- Michelle Nijhuis, High Country News, 6 July 1998, vol. 30, no. 13.
4- "Biomimicry Explained: A Conversation with Janine Benyus,".
5- Bilim ve Teknik Dergisi (Journal of Science and Technology) (August 1994): 43.
6- Philip Ball, "Life's lessons in design," Nature 409 (2001): 413-16.
7- "Biomimicry: Secrets Hiding in Plain Sight," NBL (New Bottom Line) 6, no. 22, 17 November 1997.
8- Janine M. Benyus, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature (New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc.: 1998).
9- Ed Hunt, "Biomimicry: Genius that Surrounds Us," Tidepool editor.
10- Robin Eisner, "Biomimetics: Creating Materials from Nature's Blueprints," The Scientist, 8 July 1991.
11- Jim Robbins, "Engineers Ask Nature for Design Advice," New York Times, 11 December 2001.

Harun Yahya is the author, who writes under the pen name Harun Yahya, was born in Ankara in 1956. He studied arts at Istanbul's Mimar Sinan University and philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, the author has published many books on political, faith-related and scientific issues. Harun Yahya is well known as an author who has written very important works disclosing the imposture of evolutionists, the invalidity of their claims and the dark liaisons between Darwinism and bloody ideologies. Some of the books of the author have been translated into English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Albanian, Arabic, Polish, Russian, Bosnian, Indonesian, Turkish, Tatar, Urdu and Malay and published in the countries concerned. Harun Yahya's books appeal to all people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, regardless of their age, race and nationality, as they center around one goal: to open the readers' mind by presenting the sign's of God's eternal existence to them.
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Winter Depression and Prayer

Winter Depression and Prayer

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By Rajah Lang

Tuesday, 08 January 2013 00:00

Many people suffer from what is call SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a particular form of acute depression.

"As I grew older, the arrival of autumn every year brought with it a sense of depression held over from my youth. The coming of winter blanketed my heart with a darkness that seemed to be inescapable. Although the world was covered in white, my emotions were black and grim. I became sullen, I gained weight, all I wanted to do was sleep. The sadness appeared in late September, and seemed to fade away with the first new leaves of spring, and the call of the arriving robins. Like the crocuses and daffodils awakening from their slumber, my soul seemed to wake up as well."As an adult, I have learned to put a name to this seasonal depression: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Somewhere, somehow, a wise and knowing person recognized that millions upon millions of human beings across the world acknowledged the same symptoms I had suffered through virtually every autumn and winter of my entire life. This wise and knowing person put a name to it, and suggested treatment: light. Bright, blazing, intense, warm, wonderful light." - Mirium
Many people suffer from what is call SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a particular form of acute depression. People born in warmer climates and move to cold climates find they are unusually susceptible to this disorder. However, no matter where you live, this disorder usually begins when the temperature begins to drop, and the daylight hours grow short. This winter depression may be accompanied by a craving for sweet foods and a resulting weight gain, as well as difficulty in motivating oneself to rise from bed in the morning before sunrise. In severe cases medical attention needs to be sought, especially for those persons whose normal routines are interrupted and they find themselves withdrawn and overly sad, seeking sleep during the daytime hours, and unable to perform their normal duties.
Some people also experience Summer SAD due to lack of exposure to the sun in the summer months. This may be due to long hours at indoor work or to avoidance of the sun in very hot climates - such as Saudi Arabia. Symptoms of Summer SAD may be poor appetite, weight loss and insomnia. Either type of SAD may also include symptoms present in some other kinds of depression, such as feelings of guilt, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, persistent feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, or physical problems such as headaches and tummy troubles.

Melatonin levels in the body determine a person's activity and "energy" level.

In ALL cases of SAD, however, melatonin seems to be the common link in the causes of the disorder. Melatonin is a natural hormone made by the body's pineal (pih-knee-uhl) gland. The pineal gland lies at the base of the brain. When the sun goes down, and darkness comes, the pineal gland "goes to work." As melatonin production rises, a person begins to feel less alert and body temperature starts to fall. Sleep seems more inviting.
Then, melatonin levels drop quickly with the dawning of a new day. Levels are so low during the day, in fact, that scientists often have difficulty detecting melatonin at all during the day. Melatonin levels thus go hand in hand with the light-dark cycle, not just for people, but also for plants and animals that keep alert during the day.
Melatonin production is also related to age. Children manufacture more melatonin than the elderly do and melatonin production begins to drop at puberty. Also, when days become shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases. Melatonin levels in the body determine a person's activity and "energy" level. High melatonin levels cause drowsiness, while low melatonin levels correspond to an alert state of consciousness.
Light therapy using special light lamps is the most common ways to alleviate this struggle for alertness. Our bodies need a full spectrum of light to carry out a variety of metabolic processes and produce melatonin at acceptable levels. Light entering the eye regulates body chemistry, and in particular, the secretion or suppression of melatonin. Note, however, that due to UV dangers, therapists do not recommend the use of tanning beds as a cure for SAD http://www.nu-light.com.
Some very light-sensitive people who live or work in dim environments may feel improvement with increased exposure to normal room light. Research studies show, however, that most sufferers of SAD and winter doldrums require exposure to light levels much higher than ordinary indoor lamps and ceiling fixtures provide.

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Such therapeutic levels are five to twenty times higher (as measured in lux or foot-candles by a light meter) than typical indoor illumination in the home or office. Aside from these environmental treatments, some sufferers find that standard antidepressant medications provide relief, even if they do not reach their normal level of well being until spring or summer. Many patients have been in psychotherapy and found it to be helpful to them in many ways - but unfortunately, not in relieving their SAD symptoms www.lightandions.org/blt.htm.
However, as Muslims we can have faith that the symptoms of SAD will not remain all year long. For Allah (swat) set everything in motion and the days will grow long again as soon as December 21st. On this shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is at its lowest and weakest, a pivotal point from which the light will grow stronger and brighter once again feeding us with light and warmth. This event will alleviate SAD and make it easier to arise and perform wudu and salat.

References

American Academy of Family Physicians. "Information from Your Family Doctor, Seasonal Affective Disorder." American Academy of Family Physicians. February 2000.Anderson JL; Rosen LN; Mendelson WB; Jacobsen FM; Skwerer RG; Joseph-Vanderpool JR; Duncan CC; Wehr TA; Rosenthal NE. "Sleep in Fall/Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder: Effects of Light and Changing Seasons." Journal of Psychosomatic. 1994 May, 38:4, 323-37.
Bagby RM; Schuller DR; Levitt AJ; Joffe RT; Harkness KL. "Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Depression and the Five-Factor Model of Personality." Canda: University of Toronto: J Affect Disorders. 1996 Jun 5, 38:2-3, 89-95.
Birtwistle J; Martin N. "Seasonal Affective Disorder: Its Recognition and Treatment." British Journal of Nursing. 1999 Aug, 8:15, 1004-9.
Lindsley, Gila. "Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): About Light, Depression & Melatonin." USA: New Technology Publishing, Inc.
http://www.healthyresources.com.
http://www.nu-light.com/
www.lightandions.org/blt.htm

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Health & Science

Energy & Healing Series

Body Energy Map

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(4 votes, average 5.00 out of 5)

By Amira Ayad

Health Consultant - Egypt

Thursday, 17 January 2013 00:00

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning vortex or wheel and is used to depict the energy centers in our body.

Although our physical body is the only form we can normally detect, touch, see and feel, according to natural health specialists, physical ailments originate somewhere beyond this physical body and can only show their symptoms when we neglect our energy warnings for some time.
That's why, in natural healing practice, the first step towards healing is "understanding". We need to understand our body language, how it interacts, and how it is affected and influenced by its environment. Understanding your energy map and the cause behind any energy disturbances, and learning to listen to your body so as to heed its warning signs are essential for restoring health and wellbeing. Learning your body energetic language is essential for prophylactic and preventive as well as healing measures.
Let's start with the most commonly used term in the energy healing world: the chakras. Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning vortex or wheel and is used to depict the energy centers in our body. Ancient healing practices teach us that there are at least seven major chakras located along our spinal cord. They are in continuous perfect circular motion to connect us to the outside world.
On the other hand, each chakra is connected to a designated endocrine system feeding it with a constant supply of energy through its regular spinning. This energy supply is also feeding its associated physical organs with the required energy for their health and vitality.
When energy flow is hindered or restrained for some reason or another, these energy centers are affected. The change in the energy flow affects the delicate hormonal balance connected to the designated chakra and if it persists it can soon show its manifestation on the associated physical organs.
First Chakra:
Also known as root chakra, your first chakra is your foundation. It is located at the base of the spine, at the area commonly known as the tailbone (the coccyx).
The first chakra is energised and influenced by the frequency of the color red. It feeds and supports the adrenal glands. Those small glands which are located over the kidneys secrete many critical hormones that help regulating stress response with all its subsequent effects, tissue inflammation and blood pressure. Our first chakra is also responsible for the health of our bones and muscles, our kidneys and bladder, our body fluids; mainly the blood, our rectum, and our immune system[1].
Our first chakra calls for the satisfaction of our basic human needs and holds the main instinct for survival including our safety and security, our need for belonging and our ethically-driven life. This chakra clears the confusion between needs and wants. The energy of this chakra understands that our needs as human beings extend from basic food and shelter to strengthening family and social ties and watching our values and ethics.
Furthermore, as its name implies, your foundation is the base the other energy centers need to become active in their turn. Without a stable foundation, energy cannot progress into higher levels. You can't ask a hungry man to enjoy beautiful scenery or work for peace and love on earth. Fundamental human needs have to be supplied first. This fact makes the stability and health of the root chakra the most important task and the primary goal to aim for in your energy restoration journey.
When out of balance, your first chakra sends your body warnings through its associated glands and systems. You feel anxious, unable to cope with stress, your blood pressure is out of balance, your bones ache, you experience constant fatigue, depression and/or your immune system falls out of synch.
Second Chakra:
The second chakra, also called the sacral chakra, is located 2 inches (5 cm) below the naval. It is energised by the color orange; and, is responsible for feeding energy to the gonads (the male and female sexual organs). The second chakra is associated with the reproductive system, pelvis and hip area, and to some extent it controls of body fluids along with the first chakra[2].
The second chakra acquires its energy from life little joys, creativity, and pleasures. It holds the critical balance between enjoyments and addictions. Its essential message is balance and moderation. At this energy level, we need to learn how to enjoy our belongings and our riches while still keeping our detachment and avoid worldly indulgence. At this level, we learn to control our addictions, keep our inner satisfaction, and balance our worldly needs including our sexuality.
When out of balance, your sacral chakra sends you body warnings through disturbance in sexual hormones and reproductive functions, and/or through addictive behaviors.
Third Chakra:

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The solar plexus or the third chakra is located at the centre of the abdomen. It is energised by the frequency of the color yellow. It is associated with the pancreas with its hormonal secretions, mainly the insulin; and, it is responsible for feeding energy to our abdominal area mainly our digestive system.
The essential message learnt at this energy level, and needed to keep this chakra healthy, is responsibility. The solar plexus gains its energy from our self esteem, our self-confidence, inner belief in our unique powers, talents and potentials. It is the center that drives us to act, to go out and make a difference in the world, and to find our unique way of contribution.
When out of balance, your third chakra sends you body warnings through disturbed blood sugar levels, digestive disorders and different food cravings.
Fourth Chakra:
The fourth chakra is our heart chakra. It is energised by the frequency of the green color, no wonder we feel so good when we walk in natural parks or when surrounded by greenery. This chakra feeds the thymus gland, a small endocrine gland located behind the sternum and playing a critical role in the immune function. The heart chakra feeds its energy to the heart and blood vessels, lungs, and breasts.
As we can imagine, the essential message of the heart chakra is love. For it to stay healthy and energised, we need to love and spread love, compassion and peace around us, we need to live in harmony with the whole world, to forgive and let go of anger and hostility, to live with a pure heart, pure consciousness, and piety.
When out of balance, your heart chakra sends its warnings mainly through your cardiovascular and immune systems.
Fifth Chakra:
The fifth chakra is located at the middle of our throats. It resonates at the frequency of the color blue. At the endocrine side, the throat chakra is associated with the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the glands responsible, among many other functions, for regulating body metabolism and calcium utilisation. I've seen so many young women with disturbance at this chakra level whether manifested as under or over active thyroid function.
This may be the result of the still repressed voice of women in many societies, a voice that is the main energiser of the fifth chakra. When healthy and balanced, this chakra allows you to find your own genuine authentic voice, align it with your life purpose and let it be heard. It allows you to communicate with your surroundings, express yourself freely and fearlessly. Moreover, it teaches you the true meaning of surrender and of aligning your will to the Divine Will.
Sixth Chakra:
Also known as the third eye, the sixth chakra is located between your eyebrows. It is energised by the color indigo and connected with our brain hypothalamus and to the pituitary gland.
Thanks to the hypothalamus, our body cells, organs and systems are able to maintain internal stability and equilibrium by balancing the physiological functions and chemical reactions in a process known as homeostasis.
The hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system, the nervous system that regulates involuntary activities in the body. It also regulates emotional and behavioral patterns, regulates eating and drinking, controls body temperature and controls the pituitary gland secretions. The pituitary gland is a small gland situated bellow the hypothalamus. It is like the orchestrating maestro of the whole endocrine system. The sixth chakra is also associated with the health of the brain and nervous system.
As we see, the role of the sixth chakra is very critical in maintaining health and wellness of the whole body, this is not surprising, when we know that its essential message is a life-essential lesson: Perceiving hidden meaning and wisdoms in everyday living. It is at this energy level that we perceive the true meanings behind our trials; it is there where we learn to be content, peaceful, and satisfied, where we learn to see beyond material gains and losses and live in the present moment.

Seventh Chakra:
The seventh or the Crown chakra is located at the top of the head. It is energised by the violet and white colors. It feeds its energy to the pineal gland, a small mysterious gland located in the brain and whose function is still not well understood. As far as we know, the pineal gland is mainly responsible for synchronising our waking/ sleeping cycle with natural light and dark hours. At night, it secretes melatonin, a yet mysterious hormone with powerful antioxidant activity. It is believed to be a 'sleep trigger' and calming hormone. During the day, the pineal gland secretes serotonin, a mood regulating and feeling-good hormone. The crown chakra also feeds the central nervous system and the upper brain.
Our Crown chakra gains its energy from the connection with the Divine, from awe and submissiveness, faith, devotion and sincerity. When the seventh chakra is healthy, it gives you the ability to clearly see your goal and purpose in life and link every action and thought to the purpose of human creation: Allah's worship. A healthy seventh chakra connects us with our Creator at every second in our life.
It's Worth the Investment
As you saw, your energy system holds the key for your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.
I see the body energy system as a personal investment, an investment in an open market. Unlike a bank account where you leave your money and be able to retrieve it when you please, your energy system needs continuous monitoring, regulation, and decision making. It requires that you are continuously aware, mindful, knowledgeable and active. It requires patience, risk calculations and sacrifices.
Whatever you give out to the world, will return to you somehow, someday. The more you invest in love, peace, forgiveness, values, self esteem… The more you receive from the same currency with all the benefits and rewards. And vice versa, the more you give from rancor, hostility, intolerance… the more you deplete your system and lose your capital. Keeping yourself isolated leads to stagnation which slowly depletes your savings and gradually ruins your 'business'.
In my next article we'll dig deeper into the energy restoration area. You'll learn some suggested energy restorative measures for chakra imbalances through simple lifestyle, mental or emotional alterations.

References

[1], [2] Myss and Cross.
Cross, J. 2006. Healing with the Chakra Energy System: Acupressure, Bodywork, and Reflexology for Total Health. North Atlantic Books.
Mareib, E. 2003. Essentials of Human Anatomy and physiology. seventh edition. Benjamin Cummings.
Myss, C. 1997. Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing. Three Rivers Press
Svirinskaya, A. 2006. Energy secrets. Hay House.
Wurtman, R. J. and Axelrod, J. The Pineal Gland. web.mit.edu/dick/www/pdf/40.pdf. p. 50-60.

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Amira Ayad is the founder of The Holistic Healing Institute, an Online teaching facility for Holistic Healing conforming to Islamic teachings. Amira is a pharmacist, nutrition specialist and natural health consultant. She holds a master degree in pharmaceutics; and a PhD in natural health. Amira has been in health education career for almost 15 years now. She started as teaching assistant in the faculty of pharmacy before turning towards the natural health sector. She published 2 books: Healing Body & Soul: Your guide to holistic wellbeing following Islamic teachings, in 2008; and, The True Secret, in 2011. Her practice focuses on balancing Body, Mind, Heart and Soul.