Assalaamu-Alaykum – Peace be Upon you

At the time of writing, the current Swine Flu pandemic has claimed 29 lives in the UK with experts saying that unfortunately more loss of life is to follow.

So how do you beat it? How do you protect yourself from one of the most deadliest viruses on this planet right now?

Well in this short article, we at Hidayahblog aim to put forward the steps we should take in both the material world as well as the spiritual world to safeguard ourselves and our families from Swine Flu. Of course, at the end of the day, the matter rests with Allah Almighty, but that does not mean that we cannot make do with whatever means He has given us.

The NHS Swine Flu Pandemic says that good hygiene is the most effective action to minimize the spread of inflection.  As the catch-line goes:

CATCH IT – Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and using a tissue when possible.  If someone coughs or sneezes and they do not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft).

BIN IT – Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully do not put in pocket and re-use.

KILL IT - Maintain good basic hygiene, for example, washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people. Clean hard surfaces (such as door handles and telephones) frequently using a normal cleaning product

If you do become ill stay at home until 2 days after your symptoms resolve you can get the help you need from the NHS and your flu friends as described below.

If you are at work or in a school, nursery, mosque, church, synagogue or any other public or religious building, you should consider the following:

• Ensure adequate supplies of cleaning materials are available and that there are procedures for regular cleaning of hard surfaces.
• Ensure that hand hygiene facilities are adequate and working properly.

• Ensure that you have stocks of tissues, paper towels and soaps.

• Consider how you might use hand cleansers, for example at the entrances to rooms or sites without hand-washing faclities.
• Check that you have procedures for isolating (with appropriate supervision) anyone who falls ill within your building.
• Ensure that your communities are all aware of the relevant procedures that will be put in place during a pandemic and of the infection control.

Flu friends – Please encourage and even organise members of your congregation to be Flu Friends to collect antivirals, essential supplies and food for those in the community that are unable to do so themselves.

So now that we’ve discussed the practical meausres we can implement, let’s talk about the spiritual.

Although there are lost of prayers and supplications of the Prophet (PBUH) we can make, the only authentic Dua (supplication) which is on everybody’s texts and e-mails is the following one:

اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الجنون، والجذام والبرص، وسيئ الأسقام

Allahumma Innee A’uthubika Minal Barasi Wal Junooni Wal Judhaami Wa Sayyi’il Asqaam

Oh Allah, I seek your refuge from leprosy, insanity, mutilation and from all serious illnesses.

Sunan an-Nasai

There are also lots of other prayers from the Ahaadith (Traditions of the Prophet PBUH) and the Holy Qur’an which we should all be praying on a daily basis for general protection from harm and disease, but you will be able to see the relevance of this one by looking at the meaning.

So there you have it – our quick guide to combating Swine Flu.  Insha-Allah (with the help of Allah) I hope that I have shown all our readers how Islam teaches us to tackle even things like disease.  By taking the practical means that God has given us, but then at the end ALWAYS turning back to Him and acknowledging that we only have these practical means because of Him and they only work because He wills it.

And Allah knows best.

Ma’as-salaam – With Peace

What strikes your mind when someone mentions worship?

Most people would answer a ritualistic act performed in a prescribed place in a set manner, or something along those lines.

In Islam, every act done in day-to-day life is considered as worship if done in accordance to the ways prescribed by Allah. Eating, an act done to fulfill physical needs, is considered as a form of worship when done in the way prescribed by Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with the proper intention.

Food plays a prevalent role in an individual’s life. There is no denying that food is one of the necessary requirements for the survival of a human being.

Islam acknowledges the importance of consuming food to nourish the body and mind. Only when the body is healthy can the mind be healthy.

Islam emphasizes the concept of moderation in eating. Muslims are expected to eat for survival, to maintain good health, and not to live for eating. Moderation in dietary habits can help people to lead healthy and balanced lives. Modern research has proven that excessive eating and improper diet can increase the chance of diseases such as obesity, high cholesterol, heart diseases, and diabetes.

With regards to food, as with many other subjects in Islam, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, overeating has been strongly discouraged in the Qur’an and Sunnah (way of the Prophet (PBUH).

Islam also stresses proper eating and drinking etiquette. Some examples of etiquette which are encouraged include washing one’s hands before and after eating, saying “in the name of Allah” before starting to eat, never eating unless one is hungry, never indulging in excessive eating or drinking, sitting while drinking, and, finally, returning back to the main objective of helping people to improve and elevate their relationship with their Creator, praising and thanking Allah for the blessings of food and drink.

So just think next time enjoying your tasty food, if done in the correct matter according to Sunnah and what Allah has said we can eat you will actually be rewarded for this. Yes that’s right Allah the Magnificent will reward you for eating, such is the beauty of Islam!

Please click here for the Sunnah of Eating.

And Allah knows best.

Ma’as-salaam

Well I did ask our resident pharmacist for a post on this topic, but then I received this wonderful e-mail from a local Alim (Scholar) and so I couldn’t resist.

The e-mail was quite long and so I’ve chopped it up a little bit and as well as giving guidelines as to what to eat and what to avoid, it also lists a few common health problems encountered during Ramadhaan, like headaches, constipation and lethargy, and how to combat them……

Anyway, here’s Hidayah Blog’s guide on eating healthy this Ramadhaan. (Sorry Shoyab!)

In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.

Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice, etc – these are what’s known as complex carbohydrates.

Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc – aka refined carbohydrates.

Fiber-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow mealies, (!?) spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (which are iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.

The foods eaten should be well-balanced, containing foods from each
food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and
dairy products.

Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems.

AVOID

• Fried and fatty foods.

• Foods containing too much sugar.

• Over-eating especially at Suhr (pre-dawn meal taken before fasting).

• Too much tea at Suhr. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.

• Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadhaan. Smoking is unhealthy (some scholars consider it Haraam [forbidden]) and one should stop completely.

EAT

• Complex carbohydrates at Suhr so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.

• Haleem (a kind of thick soup) is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.

• Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.

• Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.

• Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

DRINK

• As much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar (time of breaking fast at sunset) and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.

CONSTIPATION

• Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.

• Caused by : Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.

• Remedy : Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making Roti (chappatis).

INDIGESTION AND WIND

• Caused by: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.

• Remedy : Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.

LETHARGY & LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

• Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with “low blood pressure”. This tends to occur towards the afternoon.

• Caused by: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.

• Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.

• Caution : Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhaan. They should consult their doctor.

HEADACHE

• Caused by : Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with low blood pressure, the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.

• Remedy : Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhaan (might be a bit late now!). Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganize your schedule during the Ramadhaan so as to have adequate sleep.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR

• Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.

• Causes in non-diabetics : Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at Suhr. The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.

• Remedy : Eat something at Suhr and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.

• Caution : Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadhaan, consult your doctor.

MUSCLE CRAMPS

• Caused by: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.

• Remedy : Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.

• Caution : Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.

PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA

Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhaan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend upto the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.

And Allah knows best.

Ma’as-salaam

Assalamu-Alaykum (Peace be Upon you)

What am I?

I contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C. I consist of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, iodine, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. I am a natural antiseptic, have an anti-inflammatory effect and contain anti-oxidants which help fight cancer cells. I have been used for many years to treat wounds, stomach ulcers, stomach aches, accelerate skin healing, treat sore-throats and reduce phlegm. I am easily digested by the most sensitive stomach and help the kidney, blood and intestines function better. Compared to the same amount of sugar I contain 40% less calories without compromising on energy levels.

Yes, you guessed it, I am none other than sweet Honey. These are only a few properties of Honey which have been discovered in recent years but the benefits of Honey were described by Almighty Allah and the great Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) some 1400 years ago. Almighty Allah says, ‘ There comes from their bellies a drink of many colours in which is a healing for mankind‘ [Q16:69]. The great Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is reported to have said, ‘ Regard two things which have curative properties obligatory on yourselves, the Quran and Honey‘, and also ‘Whoever eats Honey three times a month will not meet with any great disaster‘.

The great Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to love sweet things and Honey. It was his Sunnah (practise) to drink Honey water in the morning on an empty stomach. This was a very prudent thing to do as science has now discovered that Honey when accompanied with water increases its bactericidal (bacteria killing) properties two-fold, and Honey water diffuses in to the blood stream in approximately 7 minutes thus rapidly increasing energy levels (perfect for those of us who miss breakfast,who needs lucozade? or coffee, well…).

Is anyone still reading this post? Or have I bored you with science you thought you had left behind when you finished High School? Insha-Allah (with the Will of Allah) taking Honey or Honey water with the intention of it being a Sunnah of the great Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), not only will it be physically benefiting but also get us closer to the dear Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and insha-Allah gain the pleasure of Almighty Allah.

May Almighty Allah give us the Taufiq (Divine aid) to follow the Sunnah.

And Allah knows best.

Ma’as-salaam

Zamzam water is the water which is found in Mecca. This water has a special place in Islam as it has many benefits both spiritual and physical.

It was discovered by the Prophet Ismail (PBUH) as a baby. As he was crying because he was alone in the desert with his mother Hajra, whilst his mother was running between Mounts Saf’aa and Marwaa in search of water, little Ismail (PBUH) started kicking his heels in the sand, and alhumdulillah (all Praise belongs to Allah) water started to gush forth, and to this day it is flowing…

In 1971, the late King Faisal commissioned scientists to analyse the constitution of Zamzam water to test its purity. The samples were sent to European laboratories which discovered that Zamzam had higher concentrations of magnesium and calcium which may explain the unique refreshing quality that is to be found in Zamzam water. They also found that it had high Fluorine levels which account for the germicidal effects of the water.

The great Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always expounded the benefits of the water, highlighting its healing properties and the fact that any Dua (supplication) made after drinking Zamzam is sure to be accepted by Allah.

And Allah knows best.

Ma’as-salaam

Although the use of the toothbrush is widespread, and many people still think that the only way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to brush them with a combination of man-made fibres and chemical paste, Muslims have been cleaning their teeth with something called a Miswaak (tooth stick) for centuries now, with much better results.

They are usually from the Peelu tree or from Olive branches, and have a slight, natural taste and flavour. The great Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always encouraged the use of the Miswaak, and he himself was meticulous in its use. It being the first thing he did when he woke up and the last thing when he took those rare moments of rest.

Here are a few benefits of using the Miswaak. You’ll find that it goes above and beyond simple oral care!

• Miswaak eliminates bad odours and improves the sense of taste.
• Miswaak sharpens the memory.
• Miswaak eliminates bile.
• Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.
• Miswaak is a cure for illness.
• Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
• Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
• Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
• Miswaak creates Noor (radiance) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
• Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.
• Miswaak assists in digestion.
• Miswaak clears the voice.
• The reward or Salah is multiplied seventy times if Miswaak was used before it.
• The greatest benefit of using Miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.

So what ya waiting for? Go get one!

And Allah knows best.

Ma’as-salaam

Welcome to the Apothecary section. Insha-Allah (with the Will of Allah) this section aims to bring you useful tips and information on how to live a healthy life the Islamic way.

Allah who is the Creator of Insaan (human beings) knows what is good and what is bad for us, and He has given things to Insaan upon this earth which are good, healthy and pure. This section will not only provide health and dietary tips, but will mostly focus on the diet of the great Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and how we can incorporate it into our lifestyle.

Furthermore, insha-Allah our resident Muslim pharmacist will also regularly update us on how we can implement the medicinal remedies taught by our Prophet (PBUH) in the modern day. May Allah make it easy. Ameen.

Ma’as-salaam