Messages

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Common Forum / Better sleep, naturally

« on: December 17, 2014, 06:56:01 AM »

A good night's sleep is essential for your health and well-being. Getting too little sleep can cause numerous problems. Lack of sleep not only affects alertness and energy, but it weakens your body's defenses against infection, increases anxiety, and boosts your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. It's also a safety issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that 1 in 24 adults say they have recently fallen asleep while driving.

Sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages. If you are one of them, Improving Sleep is an instructive and fact-filled report from Harvard Medical School that explains why sleep often eludes us as adults. You'll read about the habits and conditions that get in the way of peaceful slumber. Most important, you'll learn what you can do to again enjoy the satisfaction of a restful night's sleep.

The report details what triggers insomnia and how new techniques and therapies are helping men and women get to sleep more quickly — without the use of medications. The report will tell you how to overcome the "early-to-bed-early-to-rise" syndrome, how to control the need to urinate at night, how to tame restless leg syndrome, and seven things you should do — and not do — before going to bed.

There are hundreds of devices marketed as aids to stop snoring. But do any work? The report sorts them out and updates you on new procedures that can restore quiet to the bedroom. Could your snoring be sleep apnea? The report includes a six-question test that will help you determine if you need to be tested for this health-threatening condition.

Ever wondered why we remember so little of our dreams? Why "night owls" are the way they are? Or what's the best time for a nap — and how long should it be? The report answers these questions and many others. Plus, you'll read the truth about the connection between Ambien and sleep walking (and sleep eating!), which over-the-counter sleeping aids are safest, five ways to avoid jet lag, and more.

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Common Forum / Boost your physical and mental energy--naturally

« on: December 14, 2014, 08:46:50 PM »

Lack of energy is a common complaint. But the good news is that can end the blahs. You can have more energy. You can achieve more consistent alertness, stamina, and drive.

Boosting Your Energy, a Harvard Special Health Report, will make you more “energy efficient.” It explains how, by instituting easy-to-adopt lifestyle changes, you can dramatically increase your capacity for physical exertion and add to your powers of mental concentration.

In this report, Harvard Medical School doctors will expand your understanding of the factors that affect your energy level, including the amount and type of stress you’re under, your sleep habits, your exercise routine, and your diet.

As you read Boosting Your Energy, you’ll be introduced to the sensible steps and strategies that will help you maintain your “get-up-and-go” for all the things you want — and need — to do.

You’ll read about the foods that fuel your muscles and your mind. The report pinpoints low-glycemic-load foods that keep your energy on an even keel, highlights the vitamins and minerals that are key to efficient energy production, explains why caffeine has the power it does, and details why you should think twice before spending time and money on energy bars and sports drinks.

Boosting Your Energy will tell you about exercises that add to your energy reserves. You’ll discover why some of us are morning people and others are night owls. You’ll get tips for lessening the effects of jet lag. You’ll be alerted to the consequences of too little or too much sleep. You’ll find four ways to reduce energy-sapping stress. And you’ll learn about a six-step plan to jump-start natural energy.

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Common Forum / Easy exercises to improve stability and prevent falls

« on: December 14, 2014, 12:38:05 AM »

One of the best ways to prevent falls is to maintain a sound, responsive, and enduring sense of balance.

This important Special Health Report from doctors at Harvard Medical School shows you how you can prevent falls. In its pages you will discover what you can do to improve balance and maintain strength, mobility, and agility.

Better Balance will brief you on the conditions, medications, and situations that can create instability. You'll get tips for fall-proofing your home. And most important, Better Balance will walk, lift, bend, and stretch you through a series of workouts and exercises that will increase your stability, confidence, and self-reliance.

The report provides all you need to know about using exercise to improve posture, increase muscle strength and speed, sharpen reflexes, expand flexibility, and firm your core. Filled with workouts that respect your time and budget, Better Balance gives you step-by-step instructions for achieving greater static and dynamic balance.

The report includes complete, illustrated workouts that you can do at home — on your own schedule and at your own pace. Certified Master Trainers developed these exercises in consultation with Harvard Medical School physicians. These workouts include guidance on proper techniques, movement and tempo, and modifying the workouts to your own fitness level and exercise goals. These are exercises that will keep you motivated and keep you moving.

Our goal in this report is to help you keep yourself from a potentially devastating fall. If you want to protect yourself from instability, if you want to continue to enjoy the independence and peace of mind that sound balance gives you, take the first step now. Order your copy of Better Balance today.

4

Common Forum / Tips to get the most from memory

« on: December 14, 2014, 12:34:34 AM »

By age 60, more than half of adults have concerns about their memory. However, minor memory lapses that occur with age are not usually signs of a serious problem, such as Alzheimer’s disease, but rather the result of normal changes in the structure and function of the brain. This report describes these normal age-related changes and other more serious causes of memory loss — and how to distinguish between them.
“Most people get a little more forgetful with aging, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent memory slips and help your brain to learn and remember better,” says Dr. Anne Fabiny, chief of geriatrics at Cambridge Health Alliance and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Memory-boosting tips

Dr. Fabiny suggests the following tips and tricks:
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Follow routines, such as leaving your car keys, glasses, and cell phone in the same place every day, so that finding them becomes a “no brainer.”

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Slow down and pay attention to what you are doing to give your brain’s memory systems enough time to create an enduring memory.

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Avoid multitasking and distracting or noisy environments, two major memory busters in today’s fast-paced society.

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Get enough sleep, reduce stress, and check with your doctor to see if any of your medications could affect your memory — all three are potential memory spoilers.


Is it forgetfulness or Alzheimer’s?

Worried that your minor memory slips mean you are headed toward Alzheimer’s disease? That’s probably not the case. Like it or not, science shows that the ability to learn new information and recall it may decline somewhat after 50. “You just can’t pull things out of your memory the way you used to at the same speed,” Dr. Fabiny says.

But forgetfulness can be a serious issue if it’s starting to interfere with daily tasks and routines, such as managing your health care and finances.

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Common Forum / Let’s do lunch — the healthy way

« on: December 07, 2014, 06:30:08 AM »

From fast food restaurants and delis exploding with high-calorie sandwiches to salad bars stocked with high-fat and high-sugar add-ons, lunchtime can be a minefield of temptation for those trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

But a healthful and enjoyable lunch can be done. These simple tips can help.

Your meal should include lean protein, whole-grain carbohydrates, and produce. Roughly half of your plate should be vegetables or fruit; one-quarter should be lean protein such as fish, chicken, turkey, tofu, beans, or low-fat cottage cheese; and one-quarter should be whole grains, such as one slice of whole-grain bread, or half a cup of brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, or quinoa. You might include a small amount of healthy fat, such as a tablespoon of oil-and-vinegar dressing on your salad.
Salad can be a good way to go, but you need to be careful. Regular salad dressings, cheeses, and mayonnaise-based salads (such as tuna, chicken, and egg salads) can contain unhealthy fats, hidden sugar, and salt. Not to mention lots of calories. Here’s the trick to a healthy and satisfying lunch salad.

Step 1: Build a vegetable base. Load your plate with leafy greens and raw or grilled vegetables.

Step 2: Add some protein — a few scoops of garbanzo or kidney beans. Beans are an excellent source of fiber — and they’re filling! Other good selections include grilled chicken, low-fat cottage cheese, or chopped eggs. Go light on the cheese. A sprinkle of a strongly flavored cheese like feta or Parmesan can deliver flavor with fewer calories.

Step 3: Add a small amount of healthy fat. Sprinkle on the nuts and seeds. They are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fat and healthy protein, give you a feeling of fullness, and help food stay in your stomach longer. You might also opt for a dash of oil and vinegar.

Step 4: Whole grains and fruit make a nice addition to a creative salad. Look for whole grains like barley or bulgur wheat to sprinkle on top. Or add a few slices of fruit.

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Nutrition and Food Engineering / Re: স্নায়ুকোষের মরণঘুমে বাঙালির দাওয়াই দারচিনি

« on: December 07, 2014, 05:22:18 AM »

Does Dopamine fullfil the criteria of a protein? Its a monoamine!  Actually Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, belongs to the group catecholamine.

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Common Forum / Your emotions and your heart

« on: December 05, 2014, 07:56:41 AM »

You might be surprised to learn that how you feel emotionally can have a big effect on your heart health. In fact, the relationship between depression and heart disease is a two-way street. Not only does depression appear to promote heart disease, but it can also result from a heart attack. And depression can sap your motivation, make it hard to concentrate, and leave you feeling hopeless — all of which can make it much harder to take medications as prescribed and stick to a treatment plan.

Depression is also an important consideration for people with heart failure. For people with heart failure who are also depressed, symptoms are likely to worsen more quickly. One study demonstrated that the rate of death and hospitalizations among depressed individuals with heart failure is much higher than in those who don't show signs of depression. And, while depression is more common in women with heart failure, it appears that depression tends to be more severe in men with heart failure.
The good news is that depression can be treated successfully with medications, psychosocial therapy, or both. And research has shown that for people with both heart conditions and depression, treating the depression can improve outcomes for the heart condition. In people who’ve had a heart attack, for example, treating depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce the risk of another heart-related event.

Earlier diagnosis and improved treatments are now making it possible to slow the onset of heart failure symptoms. And research has shown that managing depression can lead to better self-care and fewer symptoms in people with heart failure. Successfully managing heart failure involves working closely with your medical team and sticking with your treatment plan. Don’t let depression get in the way.

For more on diagnosing and managing heart failure, buy Diagnosis: Heart Failure, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

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Common Forum / CUD Developing Countries Scholarships | Govt of Ireland International Scholarshi

« on: December 05, 2014, 07:53:08 AM »

The University Commission for Development
Courses: Masters and Training Program Subjects: Advanced Master in aquaculture, Advanced Master in Transportation Management, Advanced Master in Public Health - Health policy and development, Advanced Master in Science and Environmental Management in Developing Countries, Advanced Master in management of animal and plant resources in tropical areas, Advanced Master in Natural Hazards Management, Advanced Master in Food Science and Technology, Advanced Master in Transfusion Medicine, European Microfinance Program, Advanced Master in protecting tropical and subtropical, Advanced Master in International and Development Economics, Advanced Master in Development, Environment and Communities and Advanced Master in Public Health Methodology
Eligible Students: Open to Students of South Africa, Algeria, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea, Haïti, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Uganda, Peru, Philippines, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, El Salvador, Senegal, Suriname, Tanzania, Palestinian territories, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Application Deadline 11 February 201

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Common Forum / Re: শয়তানের দ্বীপ !

« on: December 05, 2014, 07:48:16 AM »

Good name!!!!

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Common Forum / Banish anxiety and embarrassment and successfully fight incontinence.

« on: December 05, 2014, 07:46:04 AM »

Incontinence is a subject most men and women are reluctant to talk about — even with their doctors. As a result, they suffer physically, emotionally — and needlessly. They fail to get help that can restore continence and confidence.

More than 32 million Americans, including one in three older women, live with incontinence. It is a treatable medical issue — not a psychological problem or personal failure. You can do something about incontinence. And the sooner you act, the more effective the results can be.

In Better Bladder and Bowel Control, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, you will be briefed on the most recent advances in helping men and women who sometimes, or often, face bladder or bowel control problems. You will learn about the causes and, most important, about the corrective measures you can take to manage and lessen the symptoms of incontinence.

The report will candidly and comprehensively show you how new treatments, therapies, and procedures are significantly improving continence and brightening lives.

You will read about medications that can cause urinary incontinence — and medications that can curb it. You'll find out about simple lifestyle changes that can make a gratifying difference for people suffering from stress incontinence or an overactive bladder. And you'll be updated on effective new outpatient procedures that are replacing traditional surgeries.

The report offers practical guidance for treating fecal incontinence. It examines treatment choices ranging from dietary changes and bowel training regimens to surgery. You'll read about good foods for "bulking up." You'll be alerted to specific (and surprising) foods that can trigger incontinence. And you'll be coached on easy exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, shoring up those that control the bladder and bowel.

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Common Forum / Five foods that fight high cholesterol

« on: December 05, 2014, 07:41:42 AM »

It's easy to eat your way to an alarmingly high cholesterol level. The reverse is true too — changing what you eat can lower your cholesterol and improve the armada of fats floating through your bloodstream. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and "good fats" are all part of a heart-healthy diet. But some foods are particularly good at helping bring down cholesterol.

How? Some cholesterol-lowering foods deliver a good dose of soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation. Others provide polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. And those with plant sterols and stanols keep the body from absorbing cholesterol. Here are 5 of those foods:

Oats. An easy way to start lowering cholesterol is to choose oatmeal or a cold oat-based cereal like Cheerios for breakfast. It gives you 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber. Add a banana or some strawberries for another half-gram.
Beans. Beans are especially rich in soluble fiber. They also take a while for the body to digest, meaning you feel full for longer after a meal. That's one reason beans are a useful food for folks trying to lose weight. With so many choices — from navy and kidney beans to lentils, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, and beyond — and so many ways to prepare them, beans are a very versatile food.
Nuts. A bushel of studies shows that eating almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts is good for the heart. Eating 2 ounces of nuts a day can slightly lower LDL, on the order of 5%. Nuts have additional nutrients that protect the heart in other ways.
Foods fortified with sterols and stanols. Sterols and stanols extracted from plants gum up the body's ability to absorb cholesterol from food. Companies are adding them to foods ranging from margarine and granola bars to orange juice and chocolate. They're also available as supplements. Getting 2 grams of plant sterols or stanols a day can lower LDL cholesterol by about 10%.
Fatty fish. Eating fish two or three times a week can lower LDL in two ways: by replacing meat, which has LDL-boosting saturated fats, and by delivering LDL-lowering omega-3 fats. Omega-3s reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream and also protect the heart by helping prevent the onset of abnormal heart rhythms.
But stay away from…

As you consider eating more of the foods that can help dial down cholesterol, keep in mind that avoiding certain foods can also improve your results. To keep cholesterol levels where you want them to be, limit intake of:

Saturated fats. The saturated fats found in red meat, milk and other dairy foods, and coconut and palm oils directly boost LDL. So one way to lower your LDL is to cut back on saturated fat. Try substituting extra-lean ground beef for regular; low-fat or skim milk for whole milk; olive oil or a vegetable-oil margarine for butter; baked fish or chicken for fried.

Trans fats. Trans fats are a byproduct of the chemical reaction that turns liquid vegetable oil into solid margarine or shortening and that prevents liquid vegetable oils from turning rancid. Trans fats boost LDL as much as saturated fats do. They also lower protective HDL, rev up inflammation, and increase the tendency for blood clots to form inside blood vessels. Although trans fats were once ubiquitous in prepared foods, many companies now use trans-fat-free alternatives. Some restaurants and fast-food chains have yet to make the switch.

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Real Estate / Re: বাসযোগ্য নগরের তালিকায় আমাদের অবস্থান

« on: November 27, 2014, 07:41:58 AM »

Luckily not the last ONE!!!!!

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Common Forum / THE BENEFITS OF BELIEF IN TAQDEER AND TAWAKKUL

« on: November 25, 2014, 07:11:14 AM »

The belief that everything which happened, is happening and will happen is according to the knowledge, will and command of Allah Ta’ala is called Taqdeer. Belief in Taqdeer is compulsory.

The advantages of belief in Taqdeer and Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) are as follows:

No matter what hardship or misfortune befalls one, it will be accepted without panic and the heart will remain strong in the face of such hardships. Strong belief in Taqdeer will indicate that Allah’s wish is in this occurrence and it cannot be opposed. The hardship will disappear only when so desired by Allah Ta’ala. Thus the man of Taqdeer accepts what comes his way with contented resignation.

One who has understood and accepted this conception of Taqdeer will not be overcome with frustration at the delay in the passing of the hardship. He will not become despondent and lose hope when the misfortune endures for any length of time. He will banish weakness.

The adherent of Taqdeer will not adopt unlawful ways and means of combating the difficulty, for he knows that the adversity has been brought about by Allah Ta’ala. He understands well that elimination of the hardship is not possible without the Will of Allah Ta’ala. He therefore realizes the futility of his efforts in trying to eliminate what Allah Ta’ala has willed. He will thus not unnecessarily court the displeasure of Allah by the adoption of unlawful measures. Why court Allah’s wrath when one’s purpose cannot be achieved even after having displeased Him?

The believer in Taqdeer and Tawakkul will not rely solely on material and mundane measures, but will resort to du’a as well. He believes that nothing can be gained without His Will. He thus derives greater hope and strength by supplicating to Allah Ta’ala. An additional benefit of engaging in du’a is the strengthening of one’s relationship with Allah Ta’ala. A strong bond of love with Allah Ta’ala is the basis of peace and all comfort.

The believer in Taqdeer will not attribute success, accomplishment and excellence to his efforts. He will attribute everything to the Will and Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. He will thus be imbued with humility. Such a man will not be arrogant and haughty.

The summary of what has been said above is:

The believer in Taqdeer and Tawakkul will be grateful in times and occasions of success and prosperity, and he will be patient when failure and adversity overtake him. This is the great advantage which Allah Ta’ala points to in the following verse:

“…so that you do not lose hope over what you have lost nor do you become elated because of what you have gained.” (Surat Hadeed)

The Islamic conception of Taqdeer should not be misconstrued and the essential and correct ways and means for worldly affairs should not be discarded on the pretext of resignation to Taqdeer. Discarding the lawful means and agencies which Allah Ta’ala has created for worldly affairs is weakness as well as erroneous. Such error and weakness have been criticized in the hadith. Hadhrat `Auf Bin Malik (R) narrates that once when Rasulullah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam decided a dispute, the one against whom the verdict went, exclaimed:

حسبنااللهونعمالوكيل

“Sufficient for me is Allah and He is a good Protector.”

This exclamation was intended to convey that Allah’s pleasure was the cause of the setback which he suffered. Hearing this, Rasulullah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said,

“Allah Ta’ala does not like weakness. Be alert!”

Here Rasulullah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam exhorted that one should harness the correct means for one’s case and activity. However, if despite instituting the correct measures, failure results, then one will be justified in saying:  حسبنااللهونعمالوكيل. This hadith appears in Abu Dawood.

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Common Forum / “What is the purpose of life?” and “Why are we here?”

« on: November 25, 2014, 07:05:36 AM »

The chief characteristic of the Islamic Concept of Life is that it does not admit a conflict, nay, not even a significant separation between life-spiritual and life-mundane. It does not confine itself merely in purifying the spiritual and the moral life of man in the limited sense of the word.

The Qur’an is quite explicit on this fact as can be seen from the following verse:

“Ye are the best for Peoples, evolved For mankind, Enjoining what is right, Forbidding what is wrong, And believing in God. If only the People of the Book Had faith, it were best For them: among them Are some who have faith, But most of them Are perverted transgressors.” (Qur’an, 3:1 10)

If the purpose of life is to become wealthy, there would be no purpose after becoming wealthy.

The fact is that when people approach their purpose here in this life from the aspect of only gaining wealth, after collecting the money they have dreamed of their lives loose purpose and then they live in restless tension suffering from a feeling of worthlessness.

So, what is the use of wealth to a person without belief? He would always fear his end and would always be skeptical of everything. He may gain a great material wealth but he would only lose himself in the end.

Human moral standards are in fact universal and have been well-known to mankind throughout the ages. Good and evil are not myths to be hunted out. They are well- known realities and are equally well-understood by all. The sense of good and evil is inherent in the very nature of man. Hence, in the terminology of the Qur’an virtue is called “Ma’roof ‘ (something to be announced) and evil is designated as “Munkar” (something to be denounced); that is to say virtue is known to be desirable for every one and evil is not known to commend itself in any way. This fact is mentioned by the Qur’an when it says:

”And (Allah gave to the Soul) its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right; ….. (Quran, 91:

Worship of the One True Almighty God of the Universe [Allah in Arabic] as a primary goal or aim in life provides a believer with everything he needs to succeed in both this life and the Next Life.

The word for total surrender, submission, obedience, purity of heart and peace in the Arabic language is “Islam”. Those who try to perform these actions are called “MU-slims” [Islam-ERs].

To a Muslim the whole purpose of life is “ibadah” or worship to the One True Almighty God on Terms and under His Conditions.

The term “worship” to a Muslim includes any and all acts of obedience to Almighty Allah.So his purpose of life is a standing purpose; Worshipping Allah by accepting Allah’s Will over his own.

Similarly, in the Next Life as well, his faith, intentions, attitudes and good deeds will all be weighed into his account as favorable putting him in high esteem with his Creator and Sustainer.

And also in the following verse:

“(They are) those who, If we establish them In the land, establish Regular prayer and give Regular charity, enjoin The right and forbid wrong: With God rests the end (And decision) of (all) affairs.” (Qur’an, 22:41)

It will be a day of mourning for the community and a bad day for the entire world if the efforts of this very community were at anytime directed towards establishing evil and suppressing good.

Because Islam teaches that this life is only a test or trial for the individual to show him his true nature it is only natural that he would accept death as not so much an ending to everything but more as a beginning of the final and lasting life in the Hereafter.

Every person will be rewarded [or punished] according to their attitude, appreciation and efforts during this stay on earth. None will be asked about the actions and beliefs of others, nor will anyone be asked regarding that which he was unaware of or incapable of doing.

As the life here is considered as an examination for the individual, the death stage is considered as a resting period after the test. It could be easy for those who were faithful and dedicated or it could be grueling and horrible for the wicked.

Reward and punishment will be in direct proportion to each person and it is only Allah, alone who will be the Final Judge over us all.

So in the teachings of the True Surrender, Submission, Obedience, In Sincerity and Peace to the Almighty One God [Islam], the line of life and its purpose is logical, clear and simple:

The first life is a test

The life in the grave is a resting or waiting place before the Day of Judgment

The Day of Judgment brings about the clear understanding of what will now happen to the individual based on his own desires and actions

The Permanent or Afterlife will either be spend in luxurious splendor or miserable punishment .

Following this clear understanding of life, the Muslim’s purpose is clear.

First of all, he has no doubt in his mind that:
1. he is only created by Allah
2. he is going to spend a period of time in this material world [called "Ad Dunyah" in Arabic]
3. he knows he will die
4. he knows he will spend time in the grave, either pleasant or difficult depending on his own choice of attitude and actions
5. he knows he will be resurrected for the Day of Judgment
6. he knows he will be judged according to the most fair of standards by Allah the Almighty, the All

Knowing he realizes his attitude and actions are going to come under very close scrutiny
he knows that this short life compared to the Eternal Life was in fact, only for a test

This life is very meaningful and purposeful to the Believing Muslim, as he realizes that it will determine is outcome and permanent position in the Next Life.

The purpose of life as understood by the Believing Muslim can be simply stated in only two (2) words: "Obey God".

Our only purpose and salvation lie in these two words.

We must come to know our Creator, Sustainer and Ultimate Judge. We must learn to believe in Him, thank Him, praise Him, honor Him and worship Him, alone without any partners from His Creation. We must learn about His Messengers and Prophets, peace be upon them, and the message with which they were all sent. We must learn the Word of God as was directly revealed, preserved and memorized and passed down by memory throughout all the generations of Muslims to the present day.

Those who are in search of truth, having open minds and hearts will recognize this as a message in truth and sincerity. Open your heart and your mind now and ask the Almighty God of the Universe [Allah] to guide you now to His True Way. And then be ready to accept your true purpose in life.

wider circle of relationship which covers the entire society. The broad principles on which Islam seeks to regulate the general gamut of our social life are the following:

1. To cooperate in acts of virtue and piety and not to cooperate in acts of sin and injustice. To this point Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“Help ye one another In righteousness and piety, But help ye not one another In sin and rancor: Fear God: for God Is strict in punishment.” ( Quran 5:2 )

2. “One’s friendship and enmity should be for the pleasure of God only; whatever you (Muslim) give should be given because God likes it to be given, and whatever you (Muslims) withhold should be withheld because God does not like its gift. (Sayings of the Holy Prophet).

3. “You (the Muslims) are the best community ever raised unto mankind, your duty is to command people to do good and prevent them from committing evil.” Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“Ye are the best Of Peoples, evolved For mankind, Enjoining what is right, Forbidding what is wrong, And believing in God.

If only the People of the Book Had faith, it were best For them: among them are some who have faith, But most of them

Are perverted transgressors.” (Qur’an 3:110)

And the Prophet (peace be upon him) in various of his other teachings said:

“Do not think evil of each other nor probe into each other’s affairs nor excite one against the other. Keep yourself away from mutual hatred and jealousy. Do not unnecessarily oppose each other. Always remain the slaves and subjects of Allah and live like brothers among yourselves.

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Common Forum / ISLAMIC SOLUTION TO DEPRESSION

« on: November 25, 2014, 07:00:16 AM »

Let’s start by pointing out some basic differences between Depression and Sadness. In essence, sadness is part and parcel of human life and part of being “human”. It is a normal human emotion that more or less all human beings experience in different phases in their lives. Even holy personalities like Moses, Jesus and Muhammad went through deep sadness. This is just like if a bee comes and stings someone, there will be an immediate reaction. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, provides ample examples from the lives of different messengers-who were the greatest of all human beings-that they all went through pain, suffering and the resulting sadness in their lives. From that perspective, we can conclude that sadness is “normal”.  According to Islamic teachings, God Himself claims that it is HE who bestows happiness and sadness:

“IT IS HE WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH AND CRY” (QURAN)

But still that immense sadness of Prophets and Messengers (PBUT) didn’t stop them from pursuing their missions even more vigorously. Their sadness didn’t result in hopelessness nor in a state of inaction-in other words, they went through periods of sadness but not depression.

Depression on the other hand, is characterized by hopelessness, loss of meaning in life, self-worthlessness and feeling of sadness without being able to identify the cause of the gloominess in life. The two states of crying and laughing are unique to the Human being, that no other animals shares, and its purpose is to make us reflect on the realities of life. Everyone experiences symptoms of depression, but when the symptoms remain for two weeks or more it is called clinical depression. However, the Quran teaches us, we have to be careful of many of the symptoms of depression even it is for a short time. Depression is the result of not being able to do what we want. It is a sense of loss of freedom & control.

Below we will discuss different types of depressions, and will have solutions to the hopelessness, meaninglessness, self-worthlessness and daily dysfunctional life from an Islamic perspective. All change begins by sees things in a new light. By embracing these truths you will be able to bring light into the gloom of your life.

Some Basic Truths

No human being is burdened with trouble and difficulties they cannot bear.The Quran teaches “(God) will never place a burden on a soul that it can not bear”. This shows that the human being can bear many unthinkable burdens, that one initially feels that they cannot bear. How many times in your life, you felt you cannot take it anymore, but you lived through it? How many humans go through great difficulties in life but live through it?
After every hardship is easeLife is one difficulty after another. One task after another, one issue after another. However, it is important to know that while life tests us, there is ease after hardship. There is the ease of death after the hardship of life, there is ease of sleep after the hardships of the day, there is ease of retirement after the hardship of a career, and everything has a high and a low. What goes up, must come down, likewise, Tough times only mean, the times of ease are near. The Quran teaches, “The morning light after the stillness of darkness”….when its dark everything seems still as if it will never go away. The fact is nothing remains forever and nothing remains the same. So, after every time of difficulty there is ease. The Quran teaches, “There is ease after hardship, Indeed there is ease after hardship.”
Suffering purifies our humanness

When we go through difficult times, when we have a financial loss, when we lose a loved one, when we struck by bad times, it brings out the real humanness in us, and we begin to ask the very questions that are most fundamental to us, “Why are we here?”, “What is the purpose of life”, “why me”, “What happened to all my plans and dreams, etc. We learn the frailty of our humanness. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Look at the ones who are less fortunate then you, not at the ones are more fortunate then you.”
Hunger attracts food. Hunger is a spiritual experience, it is good for the soul, and food is an experience of the body. In the same way, ease and happiness is good liked by the body and is welcomed, and hardships and difficulty are disliked by the body but are very good for the soul. It forces the soul to deal with the difficult questions of life. It helps us to grow as humans, to find and deal with our human frailness. And our human frailness helps us to find our inner most nature.

It’s not the events, which take place that cause happiness or depression-but it’s our inner reflection of our situation that determines our spirituality and our emotional maturity.

You are not in control, but can choose what you want to do Depression happens because of a feeling of helplessness. A feeling that we are not in control; you should embrace that you are not in control at the moment. You should embrace your lack of control over your situation. Most depression occurs because of external situations and how we allow external situations to affect our insides. Perhaps, it’s a good time to turn to the One Who does control everything. All we ask is you is to, try this… pray to God, even if you don’t believe in God, pray to Him, talk to Him, and you will feel so comforted in your heart. Tell God that you know He is in control. Cry to him. We are taught that by turning to God, we restore ourselves like a dying plant becomes green with water. As an experiment, do this on blind faith and see if it works, say, “All admiration belongs to you, if good comes to me its from you, and if some trouble comes to me its from you, I submit to you, and this situation to you.” Say this even if you do not believe in God, and see how you feel in the inside. Second, you can take action regarding your situation. Life is all about choices; a choice is like putting a seed in the ground that may bare fruit. You put the seed, and the unseen forces bring the rain. Work on what you can do, you can sow the seed, you can make the right choices, and you can start to work in a direction that you want to move in.
Three Days The past is gone forever. The Present is all you have, and the future; leave it for when it comes. The life in this world is short, our time for this life is constantly running out. One of the great scholars of Islam said, “There is only one day separating me and the Kings. As for the yesterday, their taste of it has vanished, and both they and I equally fear what tomorrow will bring. Thus, there is only today. What will today bring?”
Everything is in a Flux, and Most Change is SpontaneousNothing stays the same. The atoms, the celestial bodies in the heavens, air, water, etc, nothing stay the same from one moment to the next. Everything is in a flux, this means people in health will soon face illness, people in illness will soon have relief. Those that are happy today will soon undergo some sadness, and those that are sad will have happiness. Most changes in life are spontaneous; losing a job, death of a loved one, an accident, a terminal illness, etc. This means that your situation will not be the same forever, if you are not in control today, there will come a time where it is.
Belief is the Greatest Cure No pill, counseling session, techniques to cope can compare to a strong belief in God. As long as one believes in a loving God, one has a reason to be optimistic. Belief can give you the ability to handle all sorts of difficult situations. It can give a person the ability to see the positive in the overwhelmingly negative situation. If you do not believe in God, I would suggest to believe in Him, give it a try and see if your outlook on the situation changes for the positive. We all need a something to keep us focused and keep us going, we all need something that bring clarity to our world, all need to hold on to something for support. If there is a God, and there is, there is nothing stronger then the knowledge you can hold on to him to help you cope with your situation. Also, if there is a God, there must be good in what you are going through, you may not understand that today, but if we look at our past situations in life, we will see how the hard times, made us grow. There is a saying, “God does not create trash.”—Humans being the greatest creation of God, and YOU were an idea God had that came into existence, so your worth is that God thought of you to begin with. Also, God does not forsake His care over his creation and you are His creation.
Expectations Most of our depression happens due to high and sometimes unrealistic expectations. If we can lower our expectations, we minimize the risk of going into depression. If we can minimize our expectation from others-then we really put ourselves in a position of strength and fortify ourselves from being exposed to feelings of being let down, betrayal and rejection-which are strong precipitating factors for losing self esteem, feeling low and going into depression.
Classification of Depression as a Psychiatric Disorder

According to DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical manual Version IV), below are some of the major types of Depression:

Major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression or major depression)
This is a specific diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association. |
Here are some sub-categories of major depression:
Atypical depression, a cyclical sub-type of major depression where sleep, feeding and perception of pleasure are normal but there is a feeling of lethargy
Melancholic depression a sub-type of major depression characterized by an inability to feel pleasure combined with physical agitation, insomnia, or decreased appetite
Psychotic depression, a sub-type of major depression combined with psychotic or delusional perceptions
Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Postpartum depression, a depressive episode occurring within a year of childbirth
Dysthymia, a long-term low-grade depressive condition
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood, previously known as “reactive depression”
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a depressed mood related to the seasons
Other major categories include Bi-polar Depression (manic Depression) and Dual Diagnosis (Depression along with Substance Abuse). Dual Diagnosis is most difficult to diagnose and treat because most often people suffering from major depression self medicate using illegal addictive substances and end up seeking therapy for substance use. Once treatment for addiction progresses to an extent, depression comes up to the surface. On other times, depression acts as a catalyst to relapse in substance abuse and maintains the vicious cycle for the victim of dual disorder.

The Quranic Treatment of Depression

Let’s now talk about some of the evidence based reasons why people develop depression

Social Causes of Depression

Family problems: marital problems, parent-child relationship, marital problem and depression of parents affecting their children. Lack of affection, attachment, acceptance and bond within the family. When marriage is not working, it often turns to a stressor, which leads to depression and substance abuse. Depression of one spouse usually affects the other and the marriage. Even if the depressed spouse recovers-he/she is likely to relapse due to unsatisfying marriage. Marital discord often leads to depression and vice-versa, it may also lead to verbal, physical and emotional abuse.

Solution:
If you find yourself in this situation then

The first thing to think about is if you need to be in a healthier environment. Never stay in an abusive place.
As a family; try to do activities together like eating, going out to the park, taking a walk, do something spiritual, etc. Do not do things in which the family is not engaged with themselves like watching tv, movie, etc.
Help the family member admit there is a problem
The husband and wife should make a list of their grievances and share it with each other every night or at least every week. Know your triggers. Focus on YOUR own responsibilities, rather then YOUR rights.
Journal and/or find a hobby
Help someone; especially someone in your situation
Take a holiday trip together
Lack of Positive Social Network: Stressful social environments, lack of support network, high expectations and social competition due to cultural norms, ethnicity and social class play a role in overwhelming people and as a result, they become vulnerable to depression. A depressed person turns out to be over-sensitive to social criticism and feed-back, displays low self esteem, becomes dependent on people and constantly seeks re-assurance in a way that drives people away from him/her and thus re-enforces his/her idea that he/she is unworthy as a person.

Solution: If you find yourself in this situation then

Spend a day doing good deeds
Smile
Journal one good thing about yourself everyday. Did you do a good deed? Did some good fortune come your way?
Join any sports club, gym or volunteer at a place
Attend a seminar on a topic you like
Get a pet
Rebuild relationships you have lost over time from your family, relatives, high school days, etc
Gender Issues: Societal norms regarding gender expectations can be source of stress, especially when women have to play multiple roles like a working mom who has to take care of her family, go to work and may be attending school simultaneously. Research also suggests that women are more likely to get overwhelmed by stressful events than men. Research suggests that single mothers are thrice more prone to depression than married mothers. Relative lack of power and discrimination in workplace, financial stress of low paid jobs, lack of social support network-especially for single mothers, biological factors like menstrual cycle, pregnancy, child-birth and menopause-they all contribute to increased risk of depression in women.

Solution: If you find yourself in this situation then:

See what are the responsibilities you really want to take on & those things that others can do, you do not need to over burden yourself with— prioritize, and don’t let other things bother you
Do not let yourself become over stressed, and if you do take a break
Know yourself and your body’s limits. Eat properly, sleep properly, give yourself personal time, exercise, etc.
Create a schedule
Read a book
It’s ok to ask for help (friend, spouse, a support group, a self help for working mothers or single mothers)
Hang out with friends
Medical Reasons: Research suggests that stroke, heart attack, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and hormonal disorders can cause depression in a person by causing chemical imbalance in the person’s brain..

Solution: If you find yourself in this situation then

Take extra care of your nutrition.
Do not over eat. Fill your stomach with 1/3 food, 1/3 water, and leave one 1/3 for air
Exercise
Spend time looking at & contemplating nature
Sleep well
Incorporate Prayer in your daily schedule
If you hear bad news, or something that make you upset, just sit down have a drink of water and see the bright side to the situation
Now, let’s shed some light on how depression is affecting the modern society:

Social Impact of Depression:

Major depression is 4th most disabling condition in the world, and 2nd most in the developed world. As well as the human cost, the burden on society is incredible. At the rate of increase, it will be the 2nd most disabling condition in the world by 2020, behind heart disease. It is estimated 35 to 40 million Americans living today will suffer from major depression at some time during their lives, with about half of this amount suffering from recurring depression symptoms. A major risk outcome of depression is suicide. Here are some facts correlating depression and suicide:

About a quarter of suicides in the US are felt to be due to undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed major depression.
Up to 80% of suicide deaths are in sufferers of major depression.
Given that suicide is the 8th largest cause of death in the US, it’s no wonder that major depression is classed as “the nation’s leading mental health problem”

Islamic Solution to Depression:

Defining Goal of life: Islam teaches us that we should focus our goal on succeeding in our life to come after this life. If we emphasize on the transitory nature of this worldly life-then most of our problems of this life lose it’s importance in our lives and subsequently lose their power of a having negative impact on us.
With difficulty, comes ease.
Everyone needs a support system, and everyone needs a best friend, and everyone need role models.
God never burdens a soul more than it can bear.
Develop gratitude for the blessings that God has given you.
A depressed person needs a source to turn to, turn to God for help, support, mercy and forgiveness.
If there is a God, and there is, only good will become of the negative situation one finds themselves in.
Find out purpose and value in your life and in everything that you’re going through.
Incorporate prayer in your schedule at least twice a day. Talk to God.
Live one day at a time.
Surrender your unmanageable problems and things over which you’ve lost control of to God.
Always Hope in Allah’s mercy.
Get involved with your religious organizations, charities, or some other volunteer work
One should say “al-hamdu lillah” a few hundred times a day. A phrase in the Arabic language that means “All praise and gratitude for God”. Muslims say this phrase when they are in difficult situations.
If we think it is a bad situation, it could have been worse. If we think it is a good situation, it is still a test for us. Everything is from God and we should praise Him often. Thanking Him is one way to praise Him—al-hamdu lillah.
Each one of us came to this world for a purpose
Exercise
Nutrition
Sleep well
Read
Contemplate
Write a Journal
Reconnect with your lost relationships
Spend time in nature