Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu anhu narrates that
Rasullullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:

The powerful is not he who knocks down others;
undoubtedly the powerful is the one who controls
himself in a fit of anger.

(Bukhari)

1 – Seeking refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytaan when feeling angry.

Al-Bukhaari (3282) and Muslim (2610) narrated that Sulaymaan ibn Surad said: I was sitting with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and two men were trading insults, One of them was red in the face and his veins were standing out. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“I know a word which, if he said it, what he is feeling would go away. If he said, ‘I seek refuge with Allaah from the Shaytaan,’ what he is feeling would go away.”

2 – Changing one’s posture when feeling angry.

Abu Dawood (4782) narrated that Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to us:

“If one of you gets angry when he is standing, let him sit down; if his anger disappears, all well and good, otherwise let him lie down.”

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

3 – Bring to mind the reward for patience, forbearance and restraining your anger,

for that is the characteristic of the pious who are promised Paradise,

as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

133. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-

134. Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for Allah loves those who do good;-[Aal 'Imraan 3:133-134]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever restrains his anger when he is able to act upon it, Allaah will fill his heart with pleasure on the Day of Resurrection. “

Narrated by Ibn Abi’l-Dunya; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 2623.

When talking about cures for anger, it’s important to think about why we get angry in the first place.

A lot of the time, people get angry because they lose control of a situation. Anger is their attempt to regain control, but in actuality, does not help at all. It actually makes it worse because when a person is angry, he has shown weakness. He puts himself at a disadvantage  both in dealing with people (in a debate, for example), and also in dealing with shaitan. He becomes a much weaker prey for shaitan.

This is why our beloved Prophet saws said,

“The strong is not the one who is physically powerful, but indeed, the one who controls himself when angry.”

If anger is a problem for you, it may be helpful for you to write down all the times that you can remember that you got angry…then look for a common factor that made you angry, or rather made you act on your anger.

Feeling anger is normal, and the act of being angry is not in and of itself necessarily sinful. It’s what you do with that anger that makes it a problem.

And while we’re on the subject, there’s an amazing lecture (As always mA) by brother Nouman about the characteristics of the people of jannah, as taken from verses in Surah aal Imraan.

One of them is that they swallow their anger. Brother Nouman analyzes why the word ’swallow’ is used, and not ‘control’, etc.

When we are eating something, and let’s say someone is coming, and we don’t want them to know we were eating, so we quickly swallow the food.. will the person know we were eating? No, right? If there are no signs, like chewing, etc, the person will not even suspect that we were eating.

So in the same way, Allah swt tells us that the people who shall enter jannah swallow their anger, or make it completely go away…to the point where the people around them do not even suspect that the person is angry. SubhanAllah.

Usually, when someone is angry, and they’re trying to control themselves, you’ll see them shaking, or turning red, or holding themselves back. And then someone will go and ask them if they’re ok.

So the best thing to do, is when you feel anger coming up from inside you, quickly swallow  it and make it disappear. Of course it won’t be that easy, but if you make it your habit, it will become easier and easier to do. And it’s important to note that Allah subhanawata’la tells us that the people of jannah swallow their anger, not that they don’t have anger.

http://www.halaltub e.com/nouman- ali-khan- islam-the- only-real- salvation- for-mankind

What to do when anger arrives

Seek refuge in Allah from the accursed shaitan.

However, this does not mean saying “Aaoodhobillah” quickly and without reflection will help. It is important to know and understand exactly what you’re doing.

You saying “Aaoodhobillahi minash`shaitanir rajeem” in the first place is a reflection that you understand that this anger is coming from shaitan, and you need Allah swt’s help to rid yourself of shaitan. Ask Allah for protection with humility and with the understanding that only He swt can help you.

Make wudu.

Anger comes from shaitan. Shaitan is made of fire. Water extinguishes fire, and thus wudu will help. Wudu will also help you take your mind off things for a minute, and calm down.

Abu Dawud in his Sunan noted that the Prophet (saws) stated:

“ Anger comes from Shaitan. Shaitan was created from fire, and fire is extinguished only with water.  So when you become angry, you should perform Wudu.”

Stay silent.

The Prophet saws said,

“If any of you becomes angry, then let him stay quiet.”

You opening your mouth at this moment is a bad idea. Your anger may cause you to violate one of the rights of the person who made you angry. Your anger in and of itself will probably not be held against you on the Day of Judgment. Your WORDS or actions said/done in anger probably will. Fear Allah and hope in His reward for swallowing your anger.

Change your physical setting.

If you are angry and standing, sit down.

If you are already sitting, lay down.
This is because it is our natural disposition to do the opposite.

If we are sitting and get angry, we naturally want to jump up and make a scene. If we are laying down, we naturally want to sit up. So fight that urge and do the opposite. Don’t give shaitan energy to feed off of.

Befriend those that are better than you in this regard.

If you’re always hanging out with people who are excited and impatient, and hot-tempered, chances are, you too will be this way. If you’re with calm, cool-headed people who do not let their anger overtake them, you will feel silly and embarrassed in front of them if you ever want to behave in a silly manner when angry. This will then turn into your habit and you will become like them.

Leave the setting one is in when he becomes angry. Know the effects of anger on one’s health.

Try googling it. You’ll find a wide range of diseases and illnesses that can be the result of anger problems. And realize that just like Allah swt has rights we must fulfill, and our fellow beings have rights we must fulfill, we also have rights upon ourselves. We shouldn’t do damage to ourselves with our own hands.

Practice Sabr.

It is usually the lack of this essential trait that allows people to get angry and show their anger. The literal meaning of sabr is to restrain, hold back, or pin down. A prisoner is often called “sabran”, as he is held/pinned down.

“…only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.” Az-Zumr:10

“Without reckoning”, or “bighayri hisaab”, can either mean “without limit” or  “without questioning”.

If it means “without questioning”, one possible reason that Allah swt may save them from being questioned is that they never questioned Allah swt or qadr.

May Allah swt help us all to swallow our anger and be among the people of the highest level of jannah. Ameen!

Take it one day at a time.

Try to not get angry, or to swallow your anger, for just one day. Then increase it to two days. Then three. They say it takes 21 days to make something your habit (some say 4o days). So if you can do it for that long (and you CAN!! if it has any value to you), insha Allah it will be so much easier after that because having a cool and calm personality will be your habit, a part of you! Insha Allah.

~~~
Rabbana taqabbal minna ,
innaka antas Sameeul Aleem.

(Surah Al baqrah ~ 127)

Our Lord! Accept (this little service) from us:
For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing

(Aameen)

Ubayy bin Ka’b (radiAllahu anhu) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Abu Mundhir!

Do you know which Ayah in Allah’s Book is the greatest?

I said: ‘Allah and His messenger know best.’
He (peace be upon him) again said:

‘Do you know which Ayah in Allah’s Book, according to you, is the greatest?’

I (Abu Mundhir) replied:

‘It is ‘Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul- Qayyum’.[2:255].
Thereupon he (peace be upon him) patted me in the chest and said,

‘ Rejoice by your knowledge, O Abu Mundhir!

(i.e, may this knowledge be a source of respect, honour and benefit to you)’.”

[Muslim]

Allahu la ilaha ilia huwal-Hayyul- Qayyum.

Allah. There is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the One who takes care of all that exists.

La ta-khu-zhu-hu sinatun wa la nawm.

Nothing can make Him drowsy or make Him sleep

La hu ma fissamawati wa ma fil-ard

His are all things in the heavens and on earth.

Man dhallladhi yashfa ‘ou ‘indahu ilia bi idhnihi

Who is there can intercede* in His presence unless He allows it?

Ya’lamu ma bayna aydiyhim wa ma khalfahum

He knows what (appears to His creatures as) before or after or behind them,

wa la yuhituna bi shai’im-min ‘ilmihi illa bima sha’a

While they will never have any of HisKnowledge unless He wills.

Wa si’a kursiyuhus-samaawaa ti wal-ard

His ‘Kursi’ contains the heavens and the earth,

Wa la ya-ooduhu Hifzuhuma

and He doesn’t feel tired in guarding and preserving them

Wahuwal- ‘aliyul- ‘azeem

for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).

SubhanAllah!

This is an image from the “American Qur’an”, a series of pictures matching Sura or specific chapters from the Islamic holy book to recent American disasters such as Hurricane Karina, and wildfires in California or else scenes from contemporary America: gangsters, migrants labouring in fields, etc.

So far the artist Sandow Birk has copied half the Qur’an’s 114 Suras onto 16 x 24 inch panels, in a style reminiscent of urban graffiti.

They are now on display in San Francisco and Culver City near Los Angeles. Eventually the plan is to the turn the panels into a book reported.

Birk admits the concept is Christian: “When you go to a church here, the minister read a passage from the Bible and then he spends 30 minutes talking about, “How does this passage relate to your life in the 21st century?” That’s a familiar way that Americans have of dealing with religious texts.”

Creative certainly but is it blasphemy? The Qur’an forbids the making of idols, says this piece in the LA Times, the hadith contains restrictions on the use of figurative imagery. The issue, it concludes, is open to interpretation.

Obviously, the question of which verses Birk matches with which event is highly interesting. For 9/11 depicted above for instance, he choses Sura 44 (10-12)

44:10 But watch thou (O Muhammad) for the day when the sky will produce visible smoke

44:11 That will envelop the people. This will be a painful torment.

44:12 (Then they will say): Our Lord relieve us of the torment. Lo! we are believers.

Is this just a case of match-up-the-verse-to-the-event? Or is this a call to convert to Islam? Amboy’s take? [it]“implies that the 9/11 attacks were Allah’s punishment for not accepting Islam.” What do you think?

Source:  Siasat News

Lemon is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits.  There are a few persons for whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.

1. Lemon being a citrus fruit , fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC’s and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection.

2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) .

4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer . They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.

5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.

6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.

7. The  skin  of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder  can  be  applied  to  the  hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.

8. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more.

9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.

10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.

11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.

12. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.

13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.

14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems .

15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin .

16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.

17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.

18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea.

19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.

20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.

21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.

22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria .

23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair .

24. Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.

25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis .

That’s why am the die hard fan of Lemon

I just can’t hold myself to publish this cute iftar picture on my blog 

Few things are as discouraging as a long, seemingly futile search for a job. Nothing quite drags the self-esteem down than the long silence after you’ve sent out a resume.

In their new book, Unlock The Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times are Tough, Duncan Mathison, executive career consultant and former vice president of Drake Beam Morin, and Martha I. Finney, careers expert and employee engagement consultant, encourage job seekers to never give up.

Here they share five tips for job search survival:

1. Prepare for an extended search. When the job market shrinks, it takes longer to land a job. Adjust your finances and your expectations now to extend your staying power. Stopping the search until the economy improves is like the farmer who will go hungry at harvest because they didn’t plant seeds in the spring. Do not give up. Keep planting those seeds.

2. Don’t waste your time on long-shots. If you are only applying to posted jobs and those seem far and few between, your tendency is to cast a wider net by applying outside your geographic area or outside of your expertise (”I could do that job!”). This is a dead-end strategy and you will only face more painful rejection and depressing stories of 500 applicants to 1 job. When it comes to job postings: focus, focus, focus.

3. The right job for you is out there – it just won’t be advertised. Employers cut recruiting budgets when times are tight. Instead hiring managers use less expensive and informal word of mouth strategies. As a result a higher percentage of available positions are in the “hidden job market”. Job seekers must significantly expand the quality and quantity of their networking efforts to find unpublished jobs.

4. Leave the resume at home. The secret to good networking is to help your network help you. Instead of a resume, give people in your network (everyone you know) a list of 50-75 employers who you think would hire people with your type of skills. Do not ask if the companies are hiring. Instead ask if anyone knows people who work there – particularly managers who might hire and manage people with your skills.

5. Contact managers directly. Get their name, get an introduction and introduce yourself to them. Your introduction can be a simple, “I understand you have people with my kind of background and skills working for you. I don’t assume to know if you have job openings but I would like to meet you and learn more about the type of people you like to have on your team and share with you a bit about my background.” They may say “sure”, they may say “send a resume” or they may say “no”, but now they know about you. Remember the ONLY thing managers can do to assure their success is to meet and hire great people.

[The book is also available at amazon.com.]

Source: TechRepublic

Signs of Weak Iman:

• Committing sins and not feeling any guilt.

• Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran.

• Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat

• Neglecting the Sunnah.

• Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered.

• Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings.

• Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making dhikr.

• Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shariah.

• Desiring status and wealth.

• Being mean and miserly, i.e. not wanting to part with wealth.

• Ordering others to do good deeds when not practising them ourselves.

• Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others.

• Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things.

• Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the mosque.

• Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims.

• Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam.

• Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof.

• Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth.

• Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves.

Okay, how to increase our faith then ?

Recite and ponder on the meanings of the Quran. Tranquility then descends and our hearts become soft. To get optimum benefit, remind yourself that Allah is speaking to you. People are described in different categories in the Quran; think of which one you find yourself in.

Realize the greatness of Allah. Everything is under His control. There are signs in everything we see that points us to His greatness. Everything happens according to His permission. Allah keeps track and looks after everything, even a black ant on a black rock on a black moonless night.

Make an effort to gain knowledge, for at least the basic things in daily life e.g. how to make wudu properly. Know the meanings behind Allah’s names and attributes. People who have taqwa are those who have knowledge.

Attend gatherings where Allah is remembered. In such gatherings we are surrounded by angels.

We have to increase our good deeds. One good deed leads to another good deed. Allah will make the way easy for someone who gives charity and also make it easy for him or her to do good deeds. Good deeds must be done continuously, not in spurts.

We must fear the miserable end to our lives; the remembrance of death is the destroyer of pleasures.

Remember the different levels of akhirah, for instance when we are put in our graves, when we are judged, whether we will be in paradise or hell.

Make dua, realize that we need Allah. Be humble. Don’t covet material things in this life.

Our love for Subhana Wa Ta’Ala must be shown in actions. We must hope Allah will accept our prayers, and be in constant fear that we do wrong. At night before going to sleep, we must think about what good we did during that day.

Realize the effects of sins and disobedience- one’s faith is increased with good deeds and our faith is decreased by bad deeds. Everything that happens is because Allah wanted it. When calamity befalls us- it is also from Allah. It is a direct result of our disobedience to Allah.

May Allah guide us to follow the straight path first .

Source: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/weakimanfix.htm

One of the scariest unknown technology risks of this decade is the issue of radiation from cell phones. There’s still an open question about whether long term exposure to these mobile devices will cause damage or disease to human beings.

The Environmental Working Group has a comprehensive new study that surveys the scientific research on cell phone heath risks and provides radiation data for most of the current cell phones in use. Here’s how the EWG explained the mission of its study:

We at Environmental Working Group are still using our cell phones, but we also believe that until scientists know much more about cell phone radiation, it’s smart for consumers to buy phones with the lowest emissions. The U.S. government ought to require cell phone companies to label their products’ radiation output so that consumers can do the numbers at the point of sale. It doesn’t, so EWG has created this user-friendly interactive online guide to cell phone emissions, covering over 1,000 phones currently on the market.

The EWG study looks at all mobile phones, but since smart phones are becoming a standard tool for businesses and IT professionals, I’ve drilled down and looked at the list from a smart phone perspective. I’ve broken out the 10 smart phones that produce the most radiation, the 10 that product the least amount of radiation, and a list of the radiation ratings of some of the most popular smart phones that did not make either of those two lists.

When you look at these lists, keep in mind that the EWG has also included some older models that are no longer being sold but are still used by many workers and consumers. Also note that “W/kg” stands for watts per kilogram, a measurement for power density.

The 10 smart phones with the highest radiation

1. T-Mobile MyTouch 3G (1.55 W/kg)
2. Blackberry Curve 8330 (1.54 W/kg)
3. Palm Treo 600 (1.53 W/kg)
4. T-Mobile Shadow (1.53 W/kg)
5. Palm Treo 650 (1.51 W/kg)
6. Blackberry Curve 8300 (1.51 W/kg)
7. Blackberry Bold 9000 (1.51 W/kg)
8. Sony Ericsson P910a (1.50 W/kg)
9. HTC SMT 5800 (1.49 W/kg)
10. BlackBerry Pearl 8120/8130 (1.48 W/kg)

The T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, an HTC smart phone powered by Google Android that debuted to lots of fanfare this summer, topped the list of the worst radiation offenders. However, other popular smart phones dominated the list as well, especially BlackBerries and Treos. The BlackBerry Curve, the best-selling smart phone on the market in 2009, was a close second on the list, and it was joined in the top 10 by its cousins, the BlackBerry Pearl and the BlackBerry Bold.

The 10 smart phones with lowest radiation

1. Nokia 9300i (0.21 W/kg)
2. Nokia 7710 (0.22 W/kg)
3. T-Mobile MDA Wiza200 (0.28 W/kg)
4. Samsung Impression SGH-a877 (0.35 W/kg)
5. Nokia 9300 (0.44 W/kg)
6. Samsung Propel Pro SGH-i627 (0.47 W/kg)
7. Samsung Gravity SGH-t459 (0.49 W/kg)
8. BlackBerry Storm 9530 (0.57 W/kg)
9. Nokia E90 (0.59 W/kg)
10. Nokia N96 (0.68 W/kg)

Nokia, with five models in this top 10, and Samsung with three, were clearly the winners in terms of smart phones that emit the least amount of radiation. It’s also interesting to note that although both of these companies produce dozens of different models, neither of them had a single model that made the list of the worst radiation offenders. The surprising member of the low-radiation club was the BlackBerry Storm (RIM’s first touch screen device) since so many of the other popular BlackBerries were on the high-emitters list.

Other notables, from lowest to highest

• HTC Touch Pro (0.91 W/kg)
• Palm Pre (0.92 W/kg)
• iPhone (0.97 W/kg)
• Samsung JACK i637 (1.04 W/kg)
• T-Mobile’s Google G1 (1.11 W/kg)
• Blackberry Pearl Flip 8220 (1.14 W/kg)
• iPhone 3GS (1.19 W/kg)
• Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 (1.20 W/kg)
• Motorola MOTO Q 9m (1.30 W/kg)
• iPhone 3G (1.39 W/kg)
• BlackBerry Tour 9630 (unknown)

If there’s another phone you’d like to look up, here is the full list. Also, when seriously evaluating any smart phone on any of these lists, make sure you click through and look at the EWG page with the details of the phone’s radiation emissions using different connections and doing different activities. The number listed is the maximum radiation rating, but it can be deceiving in some cases until you look at the whole picture.

For example, the iPhone 3GS has a rating of 1.19 W/kg, which is a middle-of-the-pack rating. However, 1.19 is its maximum radiation level, which only happens when it is connected in UMTS 1900MHz mode. In its other four modes, it averages 0.63 W/kg, which is more consistent with the lower tier of radiation emitters.

Safety tips

As part of the report, the EWG also provided safety tips for cell phone users who are concerned about radiation. Here is a quick list of the tips. You can click through to the original list for more detail on each of the items.

1. Buy a low-radiation phone
2. Use a headset or speaker
3. Listen more, talk less
4. Hold phone away from your body
5. Choose texting over talking
6. Poor signal? Stay off the phone
7. Limit children’s phone use
8. Skip the “radiation shield”

IT professionals might consider distributing this PDF to employees who use company cell phones or posting it on the corporate intranet. Of course, you should consult senior management and your legal department before distributing something like this since it involves employee health.

Bottom line

While there isn’t conclusive scientific evidence proving that cell phones cause illnesses or diseases in humans, the EWG report does point to research that has shown links between prolonged cell phone use and  brain cancer, salivary gland tumors, migraines and vertigo, and decreased male sperm count (from carrying a cell phone in the pocket).

A lot more research still needs to be done, but in the meantime it makes sense for mobile manufacturers to limit cell phone radiation whenever possible and for users to be aware of which phones produce the most radiation so that they can take steps to limit radiation exposure as a precautionary step.

Source: Techrepublic

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!

Interesting. ….Don’t miss last 2 Questions…

Some, rather most organizations reject his CV today because he has changed jobs frequently (10 in 14 years). My friend, the job hopper (referred here as Mr. JH), does not mind it. well he does not need to mind it at all. Having worked full-time with 10 employer companies in just 14 years gives Mr. JH the relaxing edge that most of the company loyal employees are struggling for today. Today, Mr. JH too is laid off like some other 14-15 year experienced guys the difference being the latter have just worked in 2-3 organizations in the same number of years. Here are the excerpts of an interview with Mr. JH:

Q: Why have you changed 10 jobs in 14 years?

A: To get financially sound and stable before getting laid off the second time.

Q: So you knew you would be laid off in the year 2009?

A: Well I was laid off first in the year 2002 due to the first global economic slowdown. I had not got a full-time job before January 2003 when the economy started looking up; so I had struggled for almost a year without job and with compromises.

Q: Which number of job was that?
A: That was my third job.

Q: So from Jan 2003 to Jan 2009, in 6 years, you have changed 8 jobs to make the count as 10 jobs in 14 years?

A: I had no other option. In my first 8 years of professional life, I had worked only for 2 organizations thinking that jobs are deserved after lot of hard work and one should stay with an employer company to justify the saying employer loyalty. But I was an idiot.

Q: Why do you say so?

A: My salary in the first 8 years went up only marginally. I could not save enough and also, I had thought that I had a permanent job, so I need not worry about what will I do if I lose my job. I could never imagine losing a job because of economic slowdown and not because of my performance. That was January 2002.

Q: Can you brief on what happened between January 2003 and 2009.

A: Well, I had learnt my lessons of being company loyal and not money earning and saving loyal. But then you can save enough only when you earn enough. So I shifted my loyalty towards money making and saving I changed 8 jobs in 6 years assuring all my interviewers about my stability.

Q: So you lied to your interviewers; you had already planned to change the job for which you were being interviewed on a particular day?

A: Yes, you can change jobs only when the market is up and companies are hiring. You tell me can I get a job now because of the slowdown? No. So one should change jobs for higher salaries only when the market is up because that is the only time when companies hire and can afford the expected salaries.

Q: What have you gained by doing such things?

A: That’s the question I was waiting for. In Jan 2003, I had a fixed salary (without variables) of say Rs. X p.a. In January 2009, my salary was 8X. So assuming my salary was Rs.3 lakh p.a. in Jan 2003, my last drawn salary in Jan 2009 was Rs.24 lakh p.a. (without variable). I never bothered about variable as I had no intention to stay for 1 year and go through the appraisal process to wait for the company to give me a hike.

Q: So you decided on your own hike?

A: Yes, in 2003, I could see the slowdown coming again in future like it had happened in 2001-02. Though I was not sure by when the next slowdown would come, I was pretty sure I wanted a debt-free life before being laid off again. So I planned my hike targets on a yearly basis without waiting for the year to complete.

Q: So are you debt-free now?

A: Yes, I earned so much by virtue of job changes for money and spent so little that today I have a loan free 2 BR flat (1200 sq.. feet) plus a loan free big car without bothering about any EMIs. I am laid off too but I do not complain at all. If I have laid off companies for money, it is OK if a company lays me off because of lack of money.

Q: Who is complaining?

A: All those guys who are not getting a job to pay their EMIs off are complaining. They had made fun of me saying I am a job hopper and do not have any company loyalty. Now I ask them what they gained by their company loyalty; they too are laid off like me and pass comments to me why will you bother about us, you are already debt-free. They were still in the bracket of 12-14 lakh p.a. when they were laid off.

Q: What is your advice to professionals?

A: Like Narayan Murthy had said love your job and not your company because you never know when your company will stop loving you. In the same lines, love yourself and your family needs more than the company’s needs. Companies can keep coming and going; family will always remain the same. Make money for yourself first and simultaneously make money for the company, not the other way around.

Q: What is your biggest pain point with companies?

A: When a company does well, its CEO will address the entire company saying, well done guys, it is YOUR company, keep up the hard work, I am with you. But when the slowdown happens and the company does not do so well, the same CEO will say, It is MY company and to save the company, I have to take tough decisions including asking people to go. So think about your financial stability first; when you get laid off, your kids will complain to you and not your boss.

I came across one interesting Email from on of my group friends and would like to share with all of my readers. I’ve not modified anything and it’s presented as received.

Once my fourth Umrah was complete, I was little tired and while sitting in front of Holy Ka’aba, I started to observe things (actually in my style)… that, “what if Makkah was in Pakistan?” – This sparked TNTs of my brains and answer to question started to emerged, here is what flashed through my mind.

Outside the Haram Shareef, the roads and footpaths were damaged with near falling flyovers and W-11 transporting pilgrims in “tapo tap full” condition (may be “tape bhi bajh raha ho”  – but who knows).

At all the doors there would be beggars reciting miraculous prayers for your success in return of money and if given something, they (beggars) will signal their “kalay kalotay” kids to approach you — because you are a kind man and will definitely give them something too — these kids will ask for food, trying to stop you by pulling your Ehraam with their dirty hands. At first, you would ignore them but realizing the danger of opening of Ehraam, you will get rid of them by giving Rs. 5 each.

Besides this, there would be thelay walays selling Chinese products and shouting “choubees (24) ke baara (12), choubees ke baara” and on the other side an old police mobile in which some fat, lazy and ugly looking police-men would be providing security services to pilgrims by threatening “aam awam” (general public).

Rangers ke jawan will be standing firm with their old G3s, as if they have to shoot a target 200 meters away, and would be scanning all male pilgrims for catching possible suicide bomber. In order to have fool proof security, they will be using FBI trained K9s.

Upon entering Masjid-e-Haram, you will see a lot of people with small heads and normal bodies in green dresses (I think they are called “waris shah ki chuiyya” – or something like that) and they would be doing Dhamaal on Qawwali “damm mast qalandar, mast, mast! damm mast qalandar mast”.

Qawaals will consider themselves doing great service to Deen by spreading Islam at the beat of Tabla and at the harmony of Harmonium. Naats will be being played in all corners by famous naat khowa’ns and behind them small childrens wearing “haree pugree” (green tubrine) will be singing in chorus “haq-a-Allah’ , “haq-a-Allah” .

Each corner of Masjid-e-Haram would be occupied by “paid” mureeds of Peer sahabs who would be considered superior to all humans and in return of black goats / roosters, he would be blessing men, in general and women, in particular.

Ulemaas of Barelwi, Deoband and Ahl-e-Hadith will be casting fatwas (religious decree) on each other declaring the other un-fit for Immamat of Ka’aba. Minister of Religious Affairs, some retired General, will step in to solve the problem by assigning the Immamat to ex-Chief of Army staff, who would, without a beard (but with moustache over his lips), will discharge the responsibilities of Immamat after having done a short course called “Moderate Enlightation Course for 24th century Imams”.

Female pilgrims will be getting targeted by “chaarey baz” (or pundee baz as refered to in Lahore). These chaarey baz would, instead of, doing Tawwaf will follow girls with closest distance possible.

Contract of maintenance of Haram Shareef would be given to the person quoting lowest tender price and highest commission under the desk (or in simple words “Rishwat”).

Zam zam (or aab-e-zam zam) will be getting bottled and sold out in markets while pilgrims will have to wait in queues to get a glass, in fact, handful of water because the plastic glasses provided free of cost will be stolen for being sold outside at a government subsidized (reasonable) price.

Hamid Mir of Geo News will conduct a capital talk on the issues mentioned above, while Cheif Justice Iftikhar Choudhry will take up another suo-moto notice of load shedding in Haramen Shareefain. Whereas, Nawaz League and PPP will call for protest rally against failure of government to provide necessary facilities and MQM in Karachi and Qaaf League in Pubjab will announce “sab jhoot hai” tehreek as a counter measure. While pathans near Al Asif Square (in Karachi) will block highway to prevent others coming within the limits.

A new PEMRA Ordinance will be promulgated to clamp all the T..V. channels airing problems and my blog and ID will be ordered to be deleted by new Chief Justice (being an apointee under PCO)… … …

The thought about my ID getting deleted woke me up… and I thanked Allah that Makkah is in Saudi Arabia, in the custody of people (who can and) have the ability to fulfil all responsibilities. Otherwise, only Allah knows how many Bi’daahs (innovations) would have emerged under the slogan of “bi’daah-e-hasana” .

Indeed, lucky are those people who are born in Makkah, spends whole life near Ka’aba-tul-Allah and what a destiny that their Namaz-e-Janaza is prayed by Imam Ka’aba in front of Ka’aba-tul-Allah. They are even luckier that they only know of four imams of Islam and their Islamic ideology is not further broken in to Deobandi and Barelwi.

As for us, we will always shout slogan of “Pakistan first” – but in descending order…

Taimur

12.22AM

Ar Riyadh – KSA

Muharram 19, 1429

Note: The only purpose was to highlight problems in our country and how they are exploited by people with vested interests. Whatever was mentioned about Qawwalis, Dhamaals, etc. is my own eye-witnessed experience in Data Darbar (Lahore) and Shrine of Lal Shehbaz Qalandar (Sind), where people were seen bowing to graves of mentioned saints… and yes, lastly, offend(s) were not intended.

Best Times to make Dua (Supplication)

There are certain times dua (supplication) is more likely to be accepted by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala as mentioned by the holy Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam. These times are as follows:

1. The Last Third of the Night
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala ) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; ‘Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.’[at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, al-Hakim - Sahih]

2. Late at night
When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  for whatever they need. The Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.’ [Muslim #757]

3. Between Adhan and Iqamah
Anas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’
[Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]

4. An Hour on Friday
Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah’s Messenger Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam talked about Friday and said: ‘There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala , then Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  will definitely meet his demand.’ And he the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam pointed out the shortness of that particular time with his hands.[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).

5. While Drinking Zamzam Water
Jaber (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.’ [Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]. This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness…. etc.

6. While Prostrating
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam, said: ‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and others, Sahi al-Jami #1175]

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  so it is best to invoke Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  at this time. It is said that while in prostration, one should not ask for worldly needs (ie a nice car, a new job, etc), but for the Hereafter.

7. When Waking Up at Night.
Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘Whoever wakes up at night and says “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah” (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  All the glories are for Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  and Alla Subhanahu Wa Taala  is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala , he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

8. At The End of The Obligatory Salat:
Narrated Abu Omamah (RA): that Allah’s Messenger Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala , he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer) [at-Tirmidhi] . This time is after saying ‘At-tahyat’ , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)

9. The Night of ‘Qadr’ (Decree)
This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  said about it, ‘The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months.’ [Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when he doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

10. During the Rain
Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (RA): that the Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’. [Al-Hakim 2: 114, and AbuDawud #2540, ibn Majah]

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [reported by Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]. The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  is having mercy on His slaves.

11. At the Adhan
‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [reported by Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

In another hadith; ‘When the prayer is called, the doors of the skies are opened, and the du’a is answered’ [al-Tayalisi in his Musnad #2106, al-Sahihah #1413]

12. The One who is Suffering Injustice and Oppression
The Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said to Mua’ad Ibn Jabal (RA), ‘Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala ‘ [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam declared, ‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’[ Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

In another hadith; The Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam declared: ‘Three du’as are surely answered: The du’a of the oppressed, the du’a of the traveler, and the du’a of the father/mother (upon their child)’. The One who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  when he invokes Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  to retain his rights from the unjust one of oppressor. Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  has sworn to help
the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said.

13. The Traveler
The Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala ), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi Sahih]

During travel supplication is heard by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala  if the trip is for a good reason, but if the trip is for a bad intention or to perform illegal things (making sins) this will not apply to it.

14. The Parent’s Supplication for their Child
The Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said; Three supplications will not be rejected by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala, the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

15. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam in the tashahhud at the end of Salat.
Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (RA): that the Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘When anyone of you makes du’a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam, then let him pray for whatever he wants’ [abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477]

In another hadith; Baqiy ibn Mukhallid (RA) narrated that that the Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘Every du’a is not responded to until one sends blessings upon the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam’ [al-Bayhaqi]

In another hadith; Umar (RA) narrated that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘Du’a is detained between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam’ [at-Tirmidhi #486]

After a person has finished his tashahdud and before saying the ’salam’, supplication at this time is one likely to be responded to. Ibn Mas’ud narrates: I was once praying, and the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam, Abu Bakr and Umar (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud), I praised Allah, then sent salams on th Prophet, then started praying for myself. At this, the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘Ask, and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!’ [at-Tirmidhi #593 - hasan, Mishkat al-Misbah #931]

16. The dua of a Muslim for his absent brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.
The prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, ‘the same be for you” [Muslim]

17. Dua on the Day of Arafat
The Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat’. [at-Tirmidhi and Malik]

The day of Arafat is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj. On this great and momentous day, millions of worshippers gather together on one plain, from every corner of the world, with only one purpose in mind – to response to the call of their Creator. During this auspicious day, Allah does not refuse the requests of His worshippers.

18. Dua during the month of Ramadan
Ramadan is month full of many blessings, thus the du’a of Ramadan is a blessed one. This can be inferred from the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam saying: ‘When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Shaitans are locked up’ Thus, it is clear that du’a during Ramadan has a greater chance of being accepted, as the Gates of Paradise and Mercy are opened. [Sahih al-Bukhari #1899, Muslim #1079 and others]

19. Dua when the Armies meet
When the Muslim is facing the enemy in battle, at this critical period; the du’a of a worshipper is accepted.

Sahl ibn Sa’d (RA) narrtaed the the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘Two duas are never rejected, or rarely rejected: the du’a during the call fo prayer, and the du’a during the calamity when the two armies attack each other’ [Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah, al-Hakim]

20. When Muslims gather for the purpose of invoking and remembering Allah (Dhikrullah) .
The Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: If a group of people sit together remembering Allah, the angels will circle them, mercy will shroud them, peace will descend onto them and Allah will remember them among those with Him. [Muslim]

21. First Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
The Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days’ [Sahih al-Bukhai #969 and others]

22. Dua when the heart reaches out to Allah and is ready to be totally sincere

23. At Midnight
Abu Umama (RA) said, the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam was questioned; ‘Which du’a is heard (by Allah)?’ He answered, ‘At midnight and at the end of every obligatory prayer.’ [at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

25. Dua of people after the death of a person
In a long hadith, Umm Salamah (RA) narrated that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said, when Abu Salamah had just passed away, and had closed his eyes, ‘Do not ask for yourselves anything but good, for the angel will say ‘Ameen’ to all that you ask for. O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, and raise his ranks among those who are guided.’ [Muslim, abu Dawud, Ahmad]

26. Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast.
The Messenger of Allah Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala ), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication o the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

27. Dua of the one fasting at the time of breaking fast
The prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam declared, ‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: when a fasting person breaks fast (in another narration, the fasting person until he breaks his fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’[ Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

29. Dua of a just Ruler
The prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam declared, ‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’[ Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi Hasan]

30. Dua of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents
It is well known in the story narrated in hadith of three men who were trapped by a huge stone in a cave. One of them who was kind to his parents asked Allah to remove the stone, and his du’a was answered. [Sahih al-Bukhari 3:36 #472]

31. Dua immediately after wudu
Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘There is not one of you that makes wudu, and does it perfectly, then says: I testify that there is no diety worthy of worship except Allah. he is Alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger’, except that the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one he pleases’ [Muslim #234, abu Dawud #162, Ahmad, an-Nasa'i] Saying what has been mentioned in the hadith that is directly related to it (ablution)

32. Dua after stoning the Jamarat at Hajj
The stoning of the small Shaitan (jamrat sugra), or the middle Shaitan (jamrat wusta) pillars during Hajj. It is narrated that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stoned in the last days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du’a for a long time. He would then stone the middle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du’a. [Sahih al-Bukhari #1753 and others]

33. At the Crowing of a Rooster
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan’ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami 611]

34. Du’a made inside the Ka’bah
The Ka’bah is a sanctuary that has no comparison in the entire world. The du’a of one who prays inside the hijr is considered as being made inside the ka’bah, as it is part of the house (Baitullah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka'bah if you face the door, opposite to the Yemeni corner and the Black stone wall.]

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated, ‘When the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam entered the House (Ka’bah), he made du’a in all of its corners [Muslim 2: 968 and others]

35. Du’a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj
It is narrated that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam would make long du’as at Safa and Marwah. [Muslim #1218 and others]

36. Dua at any of the holy sites.

37. While reciting Surah al-Fatihah
The Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said that Allah the Exalted had said: ‘ I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious — not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. [Muslim 4: 395]

38. Saying ‘Ameen’ during prayer
After finishing the recitation of al-Fatihah, the saying of’Ameen’ in congregation. The Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘When the Imam says ‘Ameen’, then recite it behind him (as well), because whoever’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels will have all of his sins forgiven.’ [Sahih al-Bukhari #780, Muslim #410 and others]

39. While visiting the sick, and dua made by the sick
Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘When you visit the sick, or the dead then say good, because the angel say ‘Ameen’ to whatever you say [Muslim #2126]

Ali (RA) reported that the Prophet Sallelahu Alaihuwa Sallam said: ‘When a Muslim visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the evening. And when he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the morning, and he will be granted a garden for it in Jannah.’  [at-Tirmidhi, abu Dawud]

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What will be the first thing that will be asked from this Ummah?

هلتعلمأنأولمايرفعمنأعمالهذهالأمة؟

Five Prayers

الصلواتالخمس

What was the first prayer offered By Mohammad S.A..W?

هلتعلمأنأولصلاةصلاهارسولالله؟

It Was Duhr Prayer

هيصلاةالظهر

Who will be the first one entering Jannah?

هلتعلمأنأولمنيقرعبابالجنة؟

He will be Prophet Mohammad S.A.W

هومحمد – صلىاللهعليهوسلم

Who will be the first Ummah Entering  Jannah?

هلتعلمأنأولأمةتدخلالجنة؟

It will be Ummah of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W

هيأمةمحمدصلىاللهعليهوسلم

Who is the first one who says Azaan in heaven?

هلتعلمأنأولمنأذنفيالسماء؟

Jibrail A.S

جبريلعليهالسلام

Who first predicted the hours to be twelve?

هلتعلمأنأولمنقدرالساعاتالاثنىعشرة؟

It was Nooh A.S,  when he was on boat to find out the times for prayers

نوحعليهالسلامفيالسفينةليعرفمواقيتالصلاة

Who was the first person who said SUBHANA RABBI AL AALA?

هلتعلمأنأولمنقالسبحانربيالأعلى؟

Israfeel A.S

هوإسرافيلعليهالسلام

What was the first ayah revealed from Al-Quran?

هلتعلمأنأولمانزلمنالقرآنالكريم؟

Surah Al-Alaq Ayah 1

اقرأباسمربكالذيخلق

Who first wrote with pen?

هلتعلمأنأولمنخطبالقلم؟

Hazrat Idrees A.S

هوإدريسعليهالسلام

What was the last ayah revelaed from Al-Quran?

هلتعلمأنآخرمانزلمنالقرآنالكريم؟

Al-Baqara Ayah 281

. واتقوايوماًترجعونفيهإلىالله

What was the fist verse revealed from Torah?

هلتعلمأنأولمانزلمنالتوراة؟

It was Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

بسماللهالرحمنالرحيم

What is the most supreme Ayah in Quran?

هلتعلمأنأعظمآيةفيالقرآنالكريم؟

Ayat Al-Kursi ——-Al-Baqara Ayah 255

آيةالكرسي

Whoever says SUBHAN ALLAHi WA BIHAMDIHI hundred 100 times,

All his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as foam of the sea

منقال ( سبحاناللهوبحمده ) مئةمرهغفرت

ذنوبهولوكانتمثلزبدالبحر.

WHoever says LAILLAHA ILLA ANTA SUBHANAKA INNI KUNTU MINAZ ZALIMEEN,

Whenever he is in sorrow, Allah will take away all his sorrows.

Just like he saved YUNUS A.S, when he was inside the fish.

منقال ( لآإلهإلآإنتسبحانكإنيكنتمنالظالمين ) وهوفيشدهفرجالله عنه …

كما فرج عن يونس عليه السلآم عندما قال هذه الكلمات في بطن الحوت

The Prophet said, “(There are) two words which are dear to the

Beneficent (Allah) and very light (easy) for the tongue (to say), but very heavy in weight in the balance.

They are:Subhan Allah WA-bi hamdihi’ and ‘Subhan Allah Al-’Azim.”

قالعليهالصلاةوالسلامكلمتانثقيلتانفيالميزانحبيبتانإلىالرحمن

سبحاناللهوبحمده

سبحاناللهالعظيم

Ibn-al Qayyaum R.A said: the things that make the body sick are:

قالابنالقيمرحمهالله

أشياءتُمرضالجسم

Too much talking,

Too much sleeping,

Too much Eating

الكلامالكثير

النومالكثير * والأكلالكر *

Jabir reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, ‘Whoever

says Subhan-Allah- al-Azim WA bihamdihi (Glorified is Allah, the Great, with all praise due to Him), will have a palm tree planted for him in paradise.”

Reported by Tirmidhi

منقالسبحــــاناللهوبحمده .

غرستلهبهنخلةفيالجنة.

Message from a renowned doctor……..

Dear Friends,

I agree with you that swine flu awareness is needed, but there is no need to be panicky and join the publicity propaganda carried out by media and others which acts as a vehicle to spread misconception than to spread scientific information.

These are few facts about swine flu when discussed with the leading epidemiologists.

1) Swine flu, that is H1N1 flu is not new, first detected in 1987
2) Infective stage of flue is 5 days, 1 day before and 4 days after onset of symptoms
3) The best way to prevent it spreading is asking patient having symptoms of flu like fever cough and running nose to take rest at home for 4 days so he does not transmit it
4) Masks are of limited value if any, in this disease, it can spread through droplets on your skin, through contact etc, and I have seen that the masks in Pune are worn as fashion statement, while walking on road today morning I saw people wearing masks coming out for a morning walk with their dogs!, many wearing masks around their necks, and so on, infact these masks shall act as the vehicles to carry the virus, instead, avoiding crowded places or cinema halls or malls where air conditioners are on, is advisable, because you get re-circulated air, where the virus density multiplies
5)Death after H1N1 flu is not common, infact infections like measles is taking toll of thousands more every year, and we are oblivious of the facts. Swine flu is being blown out of proportion by media trying to create hysteria among lay people.
6) Fever accompanied by respiratory distress, should be immediately notified which is likely to be a complication of H1N1 flu
7)The mortality is less than .01 percent of those affected, that means may be one in 10,000 affected is likely to suffer the life loss.
If you remember, 2 years ago SARS was blown out of proportion, what happened? Humans develop immunity to the virus, the same is going to happen, we develop immunity in due course of time, the virus is in the air, you can not stop it, our body is already developing the immunity so nothing to panic.
We need to take care of children and elderly who have less immunity and do not let them go to crowded places that is all.

WE MUST START THIS CAMPAIGN OF NOT  TO BE AFRAID OF THIS FLU AND LET YOUR DAILY WORK CONTINUE AS NORMAL, NO MASKS FOR ORDINARY CITIZENS, HEALTH CARE WORKERS OR SPECIFIC EXPOSED TO LOT OF CROWDED ENVIRONMENTS MAY BE BENEFITTED, NOT PROVEN.

I am amazed to hear that people are selling masks of RS 20 each which are available to less than Rupee 1 in the market.
See who is getting benefited?

Please spread the scientific info, do not join the band wagon and stick to science, that should be the order of the day.

Dr Deepak Purohit
Purohit Clinic, Plot 78, MCCHS
Panvel, Maharashtra
India
PIN 410206

Ramadan Kareem to all my readers

As much as we hear today all over the threat of “Swine Flu”. I found it’s symptoms and treatment available at this point.

Hope it will be helpful to take early precautions for to be away from this nasty disease.

Symptoms and treatment:

The basic symptoms for swine flu are similar to the seasonal flu – fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache, body aches and fatigue.

H1N1 strain is a mutated form of the swine virus. It is communicable only through human-to-human contact.

Swine flu is not a food-borne disease and does not spread through pork.

Tamiflu, Relenza are prescription drugs effective against these strains of Swine Flu.

There is no vaccine for swine flu as yet.

The incubation period is one to seven days.

If an antiviral agent is warranted, it should ideally be initiated with 48 hours from the onset of symptoms.

Precautions:

Here are a few simple dos and don’ts that will help prevent spreading the infection.

Maintain hygiene, wash hands frequently.

Avoid contact with those who cough and sneeze.

Avoid crowded places and social gatherings.

If there are any symptoms, contact the doctor immediately as the treatment drugs are not available in the open market.

If infected, stay home and avoid travelling.

Always cover mouth while coughing or sneezing, to avoid the disease from spreading.

and this is ultimate

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I found it something interesting to share which is helpful at the time of Interview. From the book, are 10 ways to be liked in your job interview.

1. Don’t be a smiley face.

Excessive smiling in a job interview is seen for what it is — nervousness and a lack of confidence. A Smiley Face exudes phoniness, which will quickly be picked up by the interviewer. Instead be thoughtful and pleasant. Smile when there’s something to smile about. Do a practice run in front of a mirror or friend.

2. Don’t be a Know-It-None

Your job is to be knowledgeable about the company for which you’re interviewing. Random facts about last night’s episode of Dancing With The Stars episode or your favorite blog will not get you the job. Never feel you have to fill an interview with small talk. Find ways to talk about serious subjects related to the industry or company. Pockets of silence are better than padding an interview with random babble.

3. Don’t Sweat

You can lose a job by wearing an undershirt or simply a little too much clothing. Sweaty palms or beads on your forehead will not impress. You are not applying to be a personal trainer. Sweat will be seen as a sign of weakness and nervousness. Do a practice run with your job interview outfit in front of friends. The job interview is one place you definitely don’t want to be hot.

4. Put down that Stop Sign

Interviewers are seeking candidates eager to take on challenging projects and jobs. Hesitance and a naysaying mentality will be as visible as a red tie — and seen as a negative. Practice saying “yes ” to questions about your interest in tasks and work that might normally give you pause.

5. Don’t be a Sheepish

Asking the location of the lunchroom or meeting room will clue the interviewer into your lack of preparation and initiative. Prepare. Don’t ask questions about routine elements or functions of a company: where stuff is, the size of your cube and company policy on coffee breaks.

6. Don’t be a Liar Liar

Studies show that employees lie frequently in interviews. Lying won’t get you the job. In a job interview even a slight exaggeration is lying. Don’t. Never stretch your resume or embellish accomplishments. There’s a difference between speaking with a measured confidence and engaging in BS. One lie can ruin your entire interview, and the skilled interviewer will spot the lie and show you the door.

7. Don’t Be a Bad Comedian

Humor tends to be very subjective and while it may be tempting to lead your interview with a joke you’ve got to be careful about your material. You probably will know nothing about the sensibilities of your interviewer, let alone what makes them laugh. On the other hand, nothing disarms the tension of a job interview like a little laughter, so you can probably score at least a courtesy chuckle mentioning that it’s “perfect weather for a job interview!”

8. Don’t Be High Maintenance

If you start talking about the ideal office temperature, the perfect chair for your tricky back, and how the water cooler needs to be filled with imported mineral water, chances are you’ll be shown a polite smile and the door, regardless of your qualifications. Nobody hiring today is going to be looking for someone who’s going to be finicky about their workspace.

9. Don’t Be A Minute Man

At every job interview, the prospective hire is given the chance to ask questions. Make yours intelligent, to the point and watch the person across the desk for visual cues whether you’ve asked enough. Ask too many questions about off-target matters and you’ll be thought of as a Minute Man, destined to waste the company’s resources with insignificant and time-wasting matters.

10. Don’t Be A Switchblade

Normally the Switchblade is thought of a backstabber, often taking credit for someone else’s work. In an interview setting, the Switchblade can’t help but “trash talk” his former employer. If you make it seem like your former workplace was hell on Earth, the person interviewing you might be tempted to call them to find out who was the real devil.

Dilbert’s “Salary Theorem” states that “Engineers and scientists can never earn as much as business executives and sales people.”

This theorem can now be supported by mathematical proof based on the following two postulates:

Postulate 1: Knowledge is Power.

Postulate 2: Time is Money.

As every engineer knows: Power = Work / Time.

Since Knowledge = Power, then Knowledge =Work / Time.

Since Time = Money, then Knowledge =Work / Money.

Solving for Money, we get Money =Work / Knowledge.

Thus, as Knowledge approaches zero, Money approaches infinity,regardless of the amount of work done.

Conclusion: The less you know, the more you make.

What do you say?