LIVING

"He who postpones the hour of living rightly is like the rustic who waits for the river to run out before he crosses."

Horace reminds us about the importance of living in the present, of enjoying each moment.

Don't wait for your river to run out.

Azaan: Call to Prayer

Azaan:

 

An incredible medium for the proclamation of Tawheed of Almighty Allah and Risaalat of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, the sound of which constantly echoes around the globe. Amazing though it sounds, but fortunately for the Muslims of the world, it is an established fact. Have a look at a map of the world and you will find Indonesia (an Islamic country) right on the eastern side of the earth's central land mass. Indonesia consists of numerous small islands, the principle ones amongst them being Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Saibil, all of which are well known. It is the largest country in the world, with 180 million inhabitants. The number of non-Muslims here is negligible. As soon as dawn breaks on the eastern side of Saibil, at approximately 5:30 am local time, Fajar Azaan begins. Thousands of Muezzins in eastern Indonesia commence proclaiming the Tawheed (oneness) of the Almighty, Omnipotent and Omniscient Allah and Risaalat (Universal Apostleship) of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim.  The process then continues and advances towards the Western Islands of Indonesia. The time difference between the eastern and western islands of Indonesia is one and a half hours. Hence, one and a half hours after the Azaan has been completed in Saibil, it echoes in Jakarta on Java Island. Sumatra then follows suit and before this auspicious process of calling Azaan ends in Indonesia, it has already begun in Malaysia. Burma is next in line, and within an hour of its commencement in Jakarta, it reaches Dacca, the capital city of Bangladesh. No sooner the calling of Azaan ends in Bangladesh, it has already prevailed in western India, from Calcutta to Srinagar. It then advances towards Bombay and the environment of entire India resounds with this august proclamation. Srinagar and Sialkot (a city in north Pakistan) have the same timing for Azaan. The time difference between Sialkot, Kota, Karachi and Gowadar city in Baluchistan, and a province of Pakistan) is forty minutes, and within this time, Fajar Azaan is heard throughout Pakistan. Before it ends there, however, it has already begun in Afghanistan and Muscat. The time difference between Muscat and Baghdad is one hour. Azaan resounds during this one hour in the environments of Hijaaz-e-Muqaddas (Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah), Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq. The time difference between Baghdad and Alexandria in Egypt is again one hour. Azaan continues to resound in Syria, Egypt, Somalia and Sudan during this hour. Alexandria and Istanbul are situated on the same geographical longitude. The time difference between eastern and western Turkey is one and a half hours, and during this time it is echoed with the call to prayer. Alexandria and Tripoli (capital of Libya) are located at an hour difference from one another. The process of calling Azaan thus continues throughout the whole of Africa. Therefore, the proclamation of the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam that had begun in the eastern islands of Indonesia reaches the Eastern Shore of the Atlantic Ocean after nine and a half hours. Prior to the Azaan reaching the shores of the Atlantic, the process of Zohar Azaan has already commenced in eastern Indonesia, and before it reaches Dacca, Asar Azaan has started. This has hardly reached Jakarta one and half hours later, and then the time of Magrib becomes due, and no sooner has Magrib time reached Sumatra, then the time for calling Isha Azaan has commenced in Saibil! When the Muezzins of Indonesia are calling out Fajar Azaan, the Muezzins in Africa are calling out the Azaan for Isha.

 

If we were to ponder over this phenomenon seriously and studiously, we would conclude the amazing fact that there is not a single moment when few thousands if not hundreds of thousands of Muezzins around the world are not proclaiming the Oneness of Almighty Allah and the Apostleship of the noble Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam on the surface of this earth!

Architechture of al-Jamea Tus Saifiyah

Al Jamea-tus-Saifiyah is a response to the way of life and thought of the Bohra community. The building complex attempts to embody the high Muslim ideals and values which this institution strives to inculcate in its students. Through form and materials, structure and layout, it tries to reinforce these ideals and values. To be successful it must not only provide all the facilities required by a modern residential academy for young men and women, but its very fabric and disposition should facilitate and contribute toward their physical, intellectual and spiritual growth.

 

Just as in life the controlling force is the will of Allah, so here the whole complex centres around the Masjid.  Its dominance is underscored by the fact that all the buildings follow its Qibia orientation. It lies at the heart of the campus, with the Minar on its central axis facing it. Around the courtyard between Masjid and Minar are those parts of the Jamea devoted to its next most important concern, education - the classroom block, the library and the seminar room. Other more social or private areas such as the dining hall and residential blocks lie beyond but because of their orientation they also relate strongly to the Masjid.

 

The solid stone of the Masjid, inside and out, contrasts with the white walls of the other buildings, distinguishing it further. This stone is meant to convey a sense of the unadulterated strength and purity of the Muslim tradition and the character of the Mujahids which this institution intends to produce. The Fatimi detailing of arches and columns is not ornamentation; it is there as testimony that the spirit of tenth century Egypt, the period of the greatest achievements of the Bohris' forbears, continues up to today as a living force.

 

The hierarchic organization of this disciplined community of masters and students is reflected in a hierarchy of scale and spaces, both within and outside the buildings. There is, for example, a progression from the loftiness of the Masjid to the high ceilings of the academic areas to the domestic proportions of the living quarters, and from the large sahan of the Masjid to the much smaller courtyards within the hostel blocks.

 

Because the location is suburban, the buildings spread out rather than rising high, so as to harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood, while at the same time their Qibla axis sets them apart. The highest feature, the Minar, has been placed at the end of two streets at right angles in order to finish these streets with something of visual interest and to contribute as much as possible to the environment.

 

Overall the aim has been to create a work which is not only appropriate to the functions of the Jamea and to our present age but, more significantly, appropriate to the spiritual needs and historical traditions of Bohra Muslims.

[Health] The Powers of Haldi

The Humble Turmeric (or Indian "Haldi")

For years when I was young, ever since I can remember, my mother used to mix Haldi powder (Turmeric) with my milk and was forced to drink the strange tasting mixture. It left an ugly yellowish discoloration, much to my disgust, on my tongue which would not go away even after a couple of gargles. The only reason given to me was that it is good for you!

Turmeric is a popular element of Indian cooking all over, and now its panacea like versatile properties are being wowed over by scientists.

Its ability to heal wounds has always been a part of an Indian household in India it is sprinkled in case of burns or wounds as a stand by until professional help arrives, and since it is always handy and ready ingredient in any household.)

Recent scientific studies show that it could be useful in

1) Multiple Sclerosis

2) Fighting illnesses like cancer

3) Colitis

4) Alzheimer's

Interest in Haldi's neuroprotective abilities arose after scientists found out that elderly Indian people had a very low level of brain disease as compared to the western counterparts.

Early this month (June 2002) scientists at the Japanese Hamamatsu School of Medicine announced that turmeric may help to cure colitis (a painful condition of the intestines) since it contains curcumin, a compound which is responsible for its anti inflammatory properties.

A study on mice found that mice fed on a diet of 5% curcumin had a 30% less chance of death due to colitis.

According to lead researcher Chandra Mohan Natrajan (Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee) mice injected with curcumin showed little or no signs of Multiple sclerosis while animals without the treatment suffered paralysis. However, since the studies are preliminary, Multiple Sclerosis should be treated by a doctor's advice only though taking Haldi (turmeric) would not hurt.

The American Association for cancer research in San Francisco, while researching on Prostate cancer cells in California, has found that Curcumin enhances the cancer fighting power due to a naturally occurring molecule in it, TRAIL, which helps kill cancer cells. The combination treatment with curcumin was three times more effective then treatment alone.

With curcumin and TRAIL, the treatment killed 80% of cells in the culture, says Subhash Gautam, a lead researcher at Henry Ford Health System at Detroit, Michigan, which is remarkable.

So our forefathers certainly knew what they were doing!!

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while Infoworld/FIW/Family Ino World/Ekhwan sites and its content providers make efforts to update the content on the site, some information may be out of date. No health information on Infoworld/Ekhwan sites, including information about herbal therapies and other dietary supplements, is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.

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Saifee Hospital Inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh

His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community - to which I belong to, has built a grand hospital in remembrance of his revered father the 51st Dai of the Fatemi faith, Dr. Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA). This remarkable landmark, gifted to humanity by Syedna, is built in Mumbai, India. A major contribution of the entire expense, which bulges to 150 crore till day, was done by the donations from the International community of the Bohras.

The Saifee hospital, to which I refer above, was inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the 4th of July 2006. The occasion had also coincided with the 94th birthday of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Saheb (TUS). Ministers and Government official from US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan and many other places around the world, not to mentions from all corners of India had been invited by the revered Syedna for the opening of this grand shrine of cure and relief. Prominent people of the society had also attended.

Messages from world leaders such as President Bush, President Musharraf, were read out by their delegates via video conference offering greeting and congratulating the community on this achievement.

One would say: "What is unique about this hospital?" The reply to that is that the name "Saifee Hospital" is directly linked to the revered Syedna Taher Saifuddin who had dedicated his entire life in bringing peace and prosperity not only to his community "the Bohras" but to the nation as a whole. He is a well known and remembered personality of Islam. A person who will always be eyed as with respect and dignity throughout the Muslim world for integrating the world we live in with the standards of Islam. The true meaning of Deen and religion could thus be witnessed in the actions and instructions of his predecessor Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS). To quote the Indian Prime Minister "This Hospital is at par with the highest standards of health care set forth by the most developed countries around the globe". A community hospital that would benefit the entire society. A 250 bed charitable organization with all diagnostic capabilities and research ability under one roof in India is indeed something that needs recognition. 44 beds of the Saifee Hospital are allocated for the needy free of cost. Age no bar, sex no bar, cast and creed no bar.

A million strong community of the Bohras rejoiced on the inauguration day of the Saifee Hospital as they watched the entire event live via sattelite transmission thoughout the world. The Saifee hospital has a competent staff of 700 people and is a top notch medical institution of its kind in India built by a single community and as stated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Vilasrao, it yet another landmark in Mumbai.

A final word that the Saifee Hospital was first built by the visionary Dai Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) half a century ago and its renovation is indeed a matter of joy for the community as well as the Indian Nation that joined us.

Here are few news items collected from major player websites after couple of hours of the ceremony. It is evident that tomorrow's Newspapers will be covering this opening as major news-item, lets have an eye on initial coverages of these web-portals.

Mid Day Mumbai: Success of private hospitals gives hope
"Admitting that government and corporate hospitals have failed to fully address health care demands in the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said charitable institutions have immense scope in serving the nation on par with the public sector health care bodies."

Similar Stories:

Zee News: PM foresees proactive role by charitable bodies in health care

The Hindu: Charitable hospitals can play major role in health care: PM

deepikaglobal.com: PM seeks private sector involvement in public healthcare

Mumbai Newsline: South Mumbai to get new hospital

More links added by DBNet Admin:

India Infoline: PM inaugurates Saifee Hospital

Mumbai Newsline: Revamped Saifee is opened

Jang The News: Syedna Burhanuddin's birth day celebrated

The Hindu: "Charitable agencies can help"

The Hindu: Photo of Syedna with PM Dr Manmohan Singh

Central Chronicle: Pictures of the Day

Press Trust: PM inaugurates Saifee Hospital

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Brotherhood Beyond Boundaries
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Water Therapy and Cure

Introduction

n       You can never believe before practicing.

 List of Diseases That Can Be Cured By Water Therapy

n       Blood Pressure / Hypertension n       Anemia (Blood Shortage) n       Rheumatism (Pain in joints / muscles) n       General Paralysis n       Obesity n       Arthritis n       Sinusitis n       Tachycardia n       Giddiness n       Cough n       Leukemia n       Asthma n       Bronchitis n       Pulmonary Tuberculosis n       Meningitis n       Kidney Stones

n       Hyper Acidity n       Dysentry n       Gastroenteritis n       Uterus Cancer n       Rectal Piodapse n       Constipation n       Hostorthobics n       Diabetes n       Eye Diseases n       Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Opthalmia (Reddisheye) n       Irregular Menstruation n       Breast Cancer n       Laryngitis n       Headache n       Leukemia n       Urogenital Diseases

Therapy Procedure

n       Early morning, after you get up from bed, (without even brushing your teeth) drink 1.5 liters of water i.e., 5 to 6 glasses. Let us all know that ancient Indians termed this therapy as "Usha Paana Chikitsa" . You may wash your face thereafter.

n       Here it is very essential to note that nothing else, neither drinks nor solid food of any sort should be taken within 1 hour before and after drinking these 1.5 liters of water.

n       It is also to be strictly observed that no alcoholic drinks should be taken the previous night.

n       If required, boiled and filtered water may be used for this purpose.

n       It is difficult to drink 1.5 liters of water at one time, but you will get used to it gradually.

n       Initially, while practicing you may drink four glasses first and to balance two glasses after a gap of two minutes.

n       You may find the necessity to urinate 2 to 3 times within an hour, but it will become normal after quite some time.

By Research and Experience

n       The following diseases are observed to be cured with this therapy within the indicated days as below:

 Ø Constipation                - 1 day

Ø Acidity                        - 2 days

Ø Diabetes                     - 7 days

Ø Cancer                       - 4 weeks

Ø Pulmonary TB             - 3 months

Ø BP & Hypertension       - 4 weeks

   n        Note: It is advised that persons suffering from Arthritis or Rheumatism should practice this therapy thrice a day, i.e. morning, midday and night, 1 hour before meals for one week; and twice a day subsequently until the disease disappears.

How Does Pure Water Act?

n       Consuming ordinary drinking water by the right method purifies human body. It renders the colon more effective by forming new fresh blood, known in medical terms as " Haematopaises". That the mucous folds of the colon and intestines are activated by this method is an undisputed fact, just as the theory that the mucous fold produces new fresh blood.

n       If the colon is cleansed then the nutrients of the food taken several times a day will be absorbed and by the action of the mucous folds they are turned into fresh blood. The blood is all-important in curing ailments and restoring health and for this water should be consumed in a regular pattern.

Nazm on Occasion of Saifee Hospital Inauguration

Pictures of Saifee Hospital