Use of Miswak in Islamic culture and oral hygiene

The use of Miswak is well spread in the Muslim population of the world, and is a common entity in Muslim countries. The reason for common use of Miswak by Muslims can be attributed to religious beliefs. The last messenger of Islam used it frequently and also instructed his followers to do the same and hence the practice continues widely in Muslim countries.

Note that it is used in place of the ordinary toothbrush and toothpaste. There are 70 benefits of Miswak as suggested by Islamic Literature and many of these have been scientifically proven and the rest haven’t been studied yet.

"The Miswak is a (means of) purification of the mouth (and a means of) pleasure of the Lord "(Al-Bukhari). "Had it not been for the sake of over burdening my Ummah I would have ordered them (to use) Miswak with every ablution"(in another report by Al-Bukhari).

Medicinal properties of milkweed

Milkweed is a great plant for the garden and provides habitat for many creatures. In addition to being a host plant to the monarch butterfly, milkweed offers many other benefits:

 Milkweed flowers produce nectar that all butterfly species benefit from. Honey bees take nectar from milkweed flowers. With the decline of honey bee populations in the US, planting milkweed in your garden can help to provide feeding stations as they fly between crop fields and orchards.

Hummingbirds often use the floss from milkweed seed pods to line their nests.

Though weeds are considered unwanted plants, many species of weeds are being used as herbs from decades. Milkweed or Calotropis gigantea is a one of those useful weeds which is used as a medicinal plant. It is used in herbal medicine for a variety of ailments such as fevers, rheumatism, indigestion, cough, cold, eczema, asthma, elephantiasis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Get wisdom and wealth using Zircon stone

Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month. These gem stones have been used for centuries. Precious stones, such as diamonds, zircon, or semi-precious, such as Lapiz Lazuli are few of the names. These gem stones are considered lucky for their particular months and for their healing powers during their months.

Benefits and qualities of Zircon stone:

Zircon along with turquoise are birthstones of Sagittarius (Archer): Nov. 22-Dec. 21. Zircon (birthstone) is associated with wisdom, honour, and wealth.

Relationships, honesty and Islam

Islam builds ethical qualities in general and honesty in particular in several ways:
Allah orders the Muslim to be honest in all cases, in all deeds and words, to himself and others. Allah shows the Muslim rationally that honesty is the best policy, even on utilitarian bases.
Reward: Allah promises the honest person generous rewards in the first life and in the second life.
Punishment: Allah threatens the dishonest person with severe punishment for his dishonest behaviour.

Allah develops the habit of honesty in the Muslim through actual practice, i.e., through fasting and prayer. Thus Islam builds the habit of honesty in the Muslim through direct instructions, through rational arguments, through the reward and punishment principles, and through practice.

The health and longevity of the relationship depends upon honesty and trust. Honesty in a relationship is vitally important because it gives us the assurance that we can trust and rely on the person we love.

Purpose and philosophy of Adhaan

Both the Adhan (the call to prayer) and the Iqama are called in cities all around the world. The adhan, or Islamic call to prayer, is an integral part of the Muslim faith. Adhan (call to prayer) means ‘announcement,’ as states in the Holy Quran:

"And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Messenger are free from liability to the idolaters. (9:3)|"

One of the amazing facts that has been established is that there is not even a single moment when hundreds of thousands of Muazzins (callers to prayer) around the world are not calling the Adhan on the surface of this earth. Even as you read this material right now, you can be sure there are at least thousands of people who are hearing and reciting the Adhan

Why-rich-people-are-not-usually-happier?

It is very common question which humans are asking from decades. Because if money can buy happiness then rich people should be the happier but usually the case is different. How to know if money can really help us buy happiness?
 Let's read some facts, figures and survey reports if money can buy happiness, and how money effects our lives and why rich people are not happier than the poor ones. These survey reports or finding are not the end of theories but it can teach us an some important life lessons about money, and happiness.

Americans have on average gotten much richer over the past several decades than they were in previous generations.
The inconvenient truth, however, is that there has been no meaningful rise in the average level of happiness.

In 1972, 30 percent of Americans said they were very happy, and the average American enjoyed about $25,000 (in today’s dollars) of our national income. By 2004, the percentage of very happy Americans stayed virtually unchanged at 31 percent, while the share of national income skyrocketed to $38,000 (a 50 percent real increase in average income).

Acupressure therapy basics- Part 2

Today we are learning about what are the meridians and how we can locate acupoints.
Meridions and How to Locate an Acupoint:

Acupressure is an alternative and natural way of treating many emotional and physical disorders. Acupressure doesn’t require any visit to a professional and can be performed also by a layperson. The techniques of acupressure are simple and easy to learn. Learning basic knowledge about acupressure therapy can help you start this alternative therapy with ease and confidence yourself. You may need the guidance of a practitioner to perform acupressure therapy for first few sessions.

In acupressure therapy certain points on the body are manipulated in order to regulate the energies of the body. These points of manipulation are called acupressure points, acupoints, or pressure points. A normal acupoint is a special point at a channel. A human body has twelve normal channels and eight strange channels. There are 361 normal acupoints along 14 channels that include 12 channels.

All of the acupoints are on 12 channels. All of the acupoints have fixed location on a human body.

Comparison of Happiness Vs Money

Which one is more important to you, money or happiness? We think that money can bring happiness and solve our most of the problems but does it really bring happiness and peace? This article is about discussion on happiness vs money and how we can manage with it to bring peace and harmony in life.

 We all need money to live but more money does not lead to greater happiness. It would be stupid to want to be poor and pretend that money is bad or unnecessary. At the same time, you shouldn’t make money your goal in life. Money doesn’t necessarily bring you happiness, although it can contribute a lot by sheltering you from need, and providing you with peace-of-mind.

Money is important to help us live our life to the fullest. But at the same time, an increase in its inflow does not bring proportional happiness with it. You need to be aware of this.

Aaron Karo, comedian and author of the forthcoming book, "Ruminations on Twentysomething Life" says, “If you want to draw a line in the sand, happiness is having enough money so you don’t have to move back in with your parents."

Concept and meaning of Happiness in Islam

Does Believing in God Leads to Ultimate Happiness?
Is there any link between our beliefs and being happy in this world?

Seeking happiness is human necessity.  Going deep into the meaning of word 'happiness declares that  'Happiness is a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy'.. Philosophers and religious thinkers often define happiness in terms of living a good life, or flourishing, rather than simply as an emotion. This article is an effort to explain the theory if believing in God leads to real/ultimate happiness and concept of happiness in Islam which agrees with the theory.
An undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be achieved except by believing in God - The Creator - and following His guidance. Since it is He who created mankind, He is the one who knows what pleases and benefits them, just as he knows what saddens and harms them. A number of psychologists have affirmed that only a religious person lives with true content and serenity.