How do Muslims treat the elderly?

In the Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. Allah SWA asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored: the Prophet SAW taught that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.

In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.

Meaning of verse 17:23-4 of Holy Quran - Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'uff to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'. (17:23-4)

source - http://www.islamicity.com

Hulhumle' ferry service - no room for improvement?

The complaint of people who travel between Hulhumale’ and Male’ is the inconvenience of the service and its arrangements. The service provider no doubt, is serving Maldives or Maldivians….May be there is no other party who can provide the service to the same limit either…..But does that mean, that the service is perfect?

Should not they listen to their customers or people who use their service?

There are no rules, no orders, no major arrangements, no priorities in the ferry terminal…A point worth noting is that there is exactly no difference between the person who purchases th ticket first and the person who purchases the ticket last.....Many a times its the person who comes last who goes in through the exit first...Cos if all the seats are full, he just goes and wait near the exit............

It’s the strong and it’s the people who do not mind mixing up with others who win in the struggle to get through the door first and fast….. It seems like chaos till you get seated in the ferry.

Can’t they implement a rule or arrangement so that there is some sort of order and smoothness in entering the ferry…..? All people are mixed up .Elderly people, kids, pregnant ladies, women, men etc etc…….

People of all sort use this service….But people who prefer some decency, or elderly people, people who are sick etc.. too cannot afford to be seated in the ferry terminal till the door opens, unless he or she does not mind if the ferry is missed or not…….The only option for everyone most of the time is to go and stay behind those who are near the exit…..Of course this is not all the time…..but many a times..

The complaint of most of the people I think is not the amount of time one has to spend on the sea but the lack of arrangements in the terminal...Ofcourse if the amount of time can be decreased many would be happy...But the complaints go beyond that..

The complaint goes on and on……..But is there anyone who cares!

How much assurance does one have that he can purchase a ticket say 15 mins before the ferry after a days work, and relax in the terminal a little and still get on the ferry with out any pressure…..?

In other countries people who travel to work or school have a choice, ie to take a taxi or bus etc etc…For people who live in Hulhumale, they have no choice, no options....but to go through this chaos.....

In spite of this due to the rise in price of oil, may be the price of ferry tickets will go up soon….But the service will it get better, or remain the same or get worse?

Ten Things We Waste

1. Knowledge: Wasted when not taking action with it.

2. Actions: Wasted when we do anything without sincerity. Intentions count.

3. Wealth: Wasted when used on things that will not bring us âjr (reward). We waste our money, our status, our authority, on things that have no benefit in this life or in âkhirah (the Hereafter).

4. Hearts: Wasted when empty from the love of Allah, and the longing for Him/Her, and devoid of peace and contentment.

5. Bodies: Wasted when we don't use them in ibâdah (worship) and service of Allah in serving humankind.

6. Love: Wasted when our emotional love is misdirected, not towards Allah, but towards something/someone else.

7. Time: Wasted when not used properly, by not doing what is righteous.

8. Intellect: Wasted on things that are detrimental to society and the individual, not in contemplation or reflection.

9. Service: Wasted when in service of someone who will not bring us closer to Allah.

10. Dhikr: Wasted when it does not effect our hearts.


( Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah)

Unanswered questions...........

Did you ever wonder what could be the root of all ills of society we see in Maldives? The social issues range from housing problems to gang fights and drug abuse etc..etc….The young generation is too carefree…..trying to adapt western styles and copying their way of life……!

Why are there so many drug abusers in Maldives, which is defined as a dot in the Indian Ocean?

Why do so many people fall off from the right path? Why?

Why is western way of life being introduced to us?

Why are young people so confused?

We often hear from the media “dhivehivanthakan”……..What exactly is “dhivehivanthakan”? Is it what we see in the society now?

What have we preserved during the past few decades? Our culture, our religion?

Once Maldives was defined as a safe haven..no violence, no crimes…

Can we still define Maldives as such?

Housing problems too is a major social issue..Houses are so packed up, no privacy, no space, …and to add up to all this country is facing severe inflation!

And there are endless talks about corruption….

The people who look forward for a change keeps hoping that a good change will come after this years presidential election……..!

Let’s hope there will be good and major changes…..

But how long will it take for this country to put everything in it’s place?

After this years election would there be a better future for Maldivians?

What is the root of all the problems we see around?

These are all questions……..unanswered questions………..

Honey.

Introduction...

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers. "The definition of honey stipulates a pure product that does not allow for the addition of any other substance. This includes, but is not limited to, water or other sweeteners," according to the United States National Honey Board 2003 and other nations' food regulations. Honey is significantly sweeter than table sugar and has attractive chemical properties for baking. Honey has a distinctive flavor which leads some people to prefer it over sugar and other sweeteners.

Liquid honey does not spoil. Because of its high sugar concentration, it kills most bacteria by crenation. Natural airborne yeasts cannot become active in it because the moisture content is too low. Natural, raw honey varies from 14% to 18% moisture content. As long as the moisture content remains under 18%, virtually no organism can successfully multiply to significant amounts in honey, though, importantly, enough bacteria survive to make honey dangerous for infants (especially Clostridium botulinum).

The study of pollens and spores in raw honey (melissopalynology) can determine floral sources of honey. Because bees carry an electrostatic charge, and can attract other particles, the same techniques of melissopalynology can be used in area environmental studies of radioactive particles, dust, or particulate pollution.

A main effect of bees collecting nectar to make honey is pollination, which is crucial for flowering plants.

Islam and honey More than 1400 years ago Allaah and His messenger told us that honey can heal a variety of medical problems.

Allaah Says (what means): "And the Lord inspired the bee, saying: Take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)'. There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colors wherein is healing for men. Verily in this is indeed a sign for people who think." [Quran 16:68-69]

The Prophet has also told us of the healing found within honey for a variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments. It is reported by Al-Bukhaari that a man came to the Prophet because his brother had a stomach disorder. The Prophet said: "Let him drink honey." The man returned a second time complaining that no improvement happened in his brother’s case, and again the Prophet responded: "Let him drink honey." The man returned again, and said: "I have done that but to no avail." Thereupon the Prophet responded: "Allaah has said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. Let him drink honey." He drank it and was cured.

It is also reported that the Prophet said: "Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Quran." (At-Tirmithi)

Modern medicine has only recently discovered the fact that honey is a remedy to many diseases. Traditional uses of honey have included honey mixed with lemon for sore throats. Honey coats the throat and reduces throat irritation. Research has already shown that honey blocks the growth of oral bacteria.

Honey has also been used for stomach pains and problems. Modern research shows that honey is effective when used in the treatment of gastric or peptic stomach ulcers. Research has also revealed that honey is effective in the treatment of various wounds and infections because of its antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal) properties.

Researchers are not absolutely sure why honey heals but they are learning new things about honey everyday. As mentioned in the beginning, honey contains a variety of sugars and minerals. Honey is also considered an antioxidant. This means it allows the blood to circulate better and provide more oxygen to areas of the body such as the brain.

Honey can also be used externally to promote healing when applied to wounds, even postoperative wounds. Honey has also been effective in its use to treat burns. It has even been shown to be low in calories and useful as a sweetener for diabetics, people with heart disease or those overweight.

Although there is healing in honey for a variety of medical disorders, certain precautions should be taken:

1- Children under the age of one year should not be given honey due to the possibility of infant botulism. This type of food poisoning can be deadly, however, it only seems to affect infants under one year of age.

2- If you have any known allergies to specific plants, then you should make sure the honey you are using is not produced from that plant.

3- People with allergies to bee stings should be careful when using other bee-related products such as propolis or royal jelly.

However, if these precautions are followed, then honey may, Allaah willing provide healing for you.

Conclusion

Muslims acknowledge and accept that Allaah and His Prophet know better and that our Creator Has revealed the truth. Therefore, we study the research that is available, not to confirm or deny the truth that has been revealed by Allaah and his Prophet but to learn of new ways we can use honey.

source - http://www.islamweb.net