TO POWER SEEKERS: Power Means Service & Responsibility.

Election Time

Message To The Power Seekers:

Power Means Service

And Responsibility,

Delivering Peace & Justice!

(M. Javed Naseem)

“Whoso desires power, (should know

that) all power belongs to Allah.”

(al-Quran 35:10)

“Do not ask for a position of authority! …”

-- Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)

 

Man is greedy for power, money and fame. Any one of these three elements can turn his head and he can become an arrogant person. The Almighty Allah does not like arrogance. When you become powerful, by grace of God, don’t let the power go through your head. It might prove more harmful than beneficial. Money and power (authority) can solve most of the problems the mankind is facing today. But at the same time, if these two are not rightly controlled or directed through proper channels, they themselves can create havoc in the world.

It is difficult to separate money from authority. Money is power and so is the authority. All power is evil (fitna) if it is not used for the benefit and welfare of mankind. In this age, it is the power that is creating all kinds of social, economic and political problems for mankind. Humans are known for the abuse of power. They cannot handle it. Power should be used to enforce justice, and eradicate inequality and injustice. But in this world what we see today is that power is being used to control others; to get the maximum material benefits; and escape from justice. This is corruption. Power should be taken from the hands of the corrupt and given to the honest and God-fearing. That will make the world an ideal place.

“And walk not in the earth exultant!

Lo! You cannot rend the earth, nor can

you stretch to the height of the hills.

The evil of all that is hateful in the

sight of thy Lord.”

(al-Quran 17:37-38)

Power is a Godly quality and only God can use it justly. Human beings, when given power, often try to play God and end up doing injustice to the fellow humans. They cannot resist the temptation, therefore, the corruption prevails. Power is responsibility and it should be used for the service to humanity. A ruler/governor who enjoys power, is actually given responsibility to serve his people. A ruler is a servant of Allah and he should serve His people; take care of them, solve their problems and promote peace and justice in the society. But the modern day ruler, on the contrary, considers himself as “king” of the people and takes people as his servants. He likes it very much when people gather in rows for his reception, bow in front of him and kiss his hand.

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Dishonest and corrupt politicians with

feudal background are used to exploit

the system and enjoy luxury life at public

expense! They should be screened and

barred from contesting elections.

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As per one Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said that if a ruler lets people wait in rows for his reception, let him know that he has reserved a place in Hell.

Now, take a minute and think about it. Sometimes, a bad ruler has ignorant cronies around him who are even worse than him. They cross all limits to please the ruler and benefit from their position. Many a time the ruler is not aware of what they do.

On the Day of Judgment, all rulers would be asked questions about their people. A ruler must be a humble and God-fearing servant of people, and not an arrogant tyrant. He is responsible for social justice, equality, peace and prosperity of his nation. He is not allowed to take people’s money or property. He is answerable to God for the sufferings of his people (due to injustice), during his tenure.

“Lo, Allah commands you that you restore

deposits to their owners, and if you judge

between mankind, that you judge justly.”

(al-Quran 4:58)

The problem with us, Muslims, is that we don’t fear Allah. We don’t think that we are going to die sooner or later. We don’t think about the Day of Judgment and answering questions in front of Allah. We have become hypocrites (Munafiq) as we say one thing and we do something else. We lie to others every day and we don’t consider it a sin or something immoral. It is accepted as normal behavior in the society. We read the Holy Quran and still we don’t get the message! We read about other nations and generations that were destroyed because of their sins and evil-doing but we don’t learn any lesson from the Quran, nor from the history of the nations. We know that it happened to other nations but we think it is not going to happen to us. Why not? Allah says:

“How many a township have We destroyed

while it was sinful, so that it lies (to this day)

in ruins, and (how many) a deserted well and

lofty tower! Have they not traveled in the land,

so that they may have hearts wherewith to feel,

and ears wherewith to hear? For indeed it is

not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts,

which are within the bosoms, that grow blind.”

(al-Quran 22:45-46)

So, we are getting blind and cannot see things coming. Maybe, we don’t want to see it as the mere thought of it is very disturbing for us. We just want comfortable lives, but we don’t want to make honest efforts for that. We go for shortcuts or we want others to do it for us. We ask the government to do things for us, but we forget that the governments also consist of people like us. Those who are in power, they care for their own interests. Nobody cares about the man in the street. Ironically the man in the street is also thinking how to get rich easily; or how to get closer to the powerful to benefit from it. It is a vicious cycle.

“… And seek not corruption in the earth!

Lo, Allah loves not corruptors.”

(al-Quran 28:77)

The funny thing in most of the Muslim countries is that everybody who works for the government would like to play the “boss” but nobody takes any responsibility. We want power but no responsibility?

As Muslims or believers in the Day of Judgment, there should not be any doubt in our minds about the accountability process. It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn Umar that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

"Beware! Every one of you is a shepherd and every one

is answerable with regard to his flock. The Caliph (ruler)

is a shepherd over the people and shall be questioned about

his subjects (as to how he conducted their affairs). A man is

a guardian over the members of his family and shall be

questioned about them (as to how he looked after their

physical and moral well-being). A woman is a guardian

over the household of her husband and his children and

shall be questioned about them (as to how she managed

the household and brought up the children). A slave is a

guardian over the property of his master and shall be

questioned about it (as to how he safeguarded his trust).

Beware! Every one of you is a guardian and every one

of you shall be questioned with regard to his trust.”

Those who are in-charge of others, will be questioned on the Judgment Day. There is no escape from it. In a Muslim society, everybody is responsible. These days, people complain about corruption and mishandling of affairs, but who is responsible for that? What happened to the accountability set-up? Alas, there is no such thing! People who are responsible for maintaining peace and justice, are corrupt and they favor their friends and families. We don’t do anything to eradicate evil. On the contrary, we go out of our way to protect those law-breakers because they are our friends and family. But we love to  complain and criticize. Muslims do nothing, as usual, and wait for Allah to intervene, do the justice and punish the culprits for them. Amazing!

As per Hadith, narrated Maaqil: “Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise.”

According to Abd al-Rahman bin Samura, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said to him:

“Abd ar-Rahman, do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone (without God’s help to discharge the responsibilities attendant thereon); and if you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped (by God in the discharge of your duties).”

In another Hadith, Abu Burda narrated:

“The Prophet (s.a.w.) sent my father (Abu Musa) and Mu'adh bin Jabal to Yemen (as rulers/governors) and said (to them): ‘Make things easy for the people and do not put hurdles in their way, and give them glad tiding, and don’t let them have aversion (i.e. to make people hate good deeds); and you both should work in cooperation and mutual understanding.’ Abu Musa said to Allah's Apostle: ‘In our country a special alcoholic drink, called ‘Al-Bit', is prepared. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "Every intoxicant is prohibited.”

People go to other countries or towns to visit the historical places and ruins. But what do they do there? They take pictures, make selfies and videos to show around. They don’t pay attention to the history of those ruins and why did they become ruins? There are lessons in every such place. Those ruins talk but only to those who have ears! Don’t get carried away by power! The absolute and ultimate power is with Almighty God.

“And how many a generation we destroyed

before them, who were mightier than these in

prowess so that they overran the lands! Had

they any place of refuge (when the judgment

came)? Lo! Therein verily is a reminder for

him who has a heart, or gives ear with

full intelligence.”

(al-Quran 50:36-37)

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SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST: The Donkey Business - A Short Story.

The Donkey Business: A Short Story

Survival Of The Fittest.

If You Don’t Fight Evil,

It’ll Destroy You!

 (M. Javed Naseem)

وَٱقْصِدْ فِى مَشْيِكَ وَٱغْضُضْ مِن صَوْتِكَ

إِنَّ أَنكَرَ ٱلأَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ ٱلْحَمِيرِ
"And be moderate in your pace, and lower

your voice; for the harshest of sounds

without doubt is the braying of the ass."

(al-Quran 31:19)

Child: Dad! Tell me a story from the Animal Kingdom.

Father: OK son. This is the story of some asses (donkeys) who kicked asses. Once upon a time, there lived in a jungle, some American Asses, some European Asses and some Middle Eastern Asses. After fighting many wars over green pastures and territorial control, the American Asses and the European Asses realized they were a bunch of losers and needed to change their tactics. Their think-tanks suggested that they join hands for strength and power.

They adopted the new strategy and decided to get united. The union increased their strength and the number. They started enjoying power and control over smaller and weaker donkeys. So, they started pretending that they were horses. The fake horses were having good time, taking whatever they wanted from others, and kicking the ‘behinds’ of the Middle Eastern asses, one by one. They asked them to surrender and accept their hegemony to have peace or else. With the new strategy of union, the roles also switched. Now the Middle Eastern donkeys were acting like a bunch of losers, with no cooperation, no coordination, and no direction. 

وَدَّت طَّآئِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَابِ لَوْ يُضِلُّونَكُمْ

وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلاَّ أَنْفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ
“It is the wish of a section of the People

of the Book to lead you astray. But

they shall lead astray (not you) but

themselves, and they do not perceive!”

(al-Quran 3:69)

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ لِيَصُدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

فَسَيُنفِقُونَهَا ثُمَّ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسْرَةً ثُمَّ يُغْلَبُونَ

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوۤاْ إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ يُحْشَرُونَ
“The Unbelievers spend their wealth to

hinder (man) from the path of Allah, and so

will they continue to spend; but in the end

they will have (only) regrets and sighs;

at length they will be overcome. And the

Unbelievers will be gathered together to Hell.”

(al-Quran 8:36)

Child: That’s aggression, Dad! And the Middle Eastern Asses, they did nothing in response?

Father: No, they couldn’t do anything because the ruling elite had no legitimacy. Therefore, the locals didn’t support them. They ruled by force and terror. They were afraid of the powerful but scared at the same time to lose their own kingdoms. So, they prayed and waited for the King Lion’s help. Actually, they are still waiting on that. They sent many prayers and lots of messages begging for help. In return, they received a message from the King Lion saying:

“King loves to help those who help themselves. Get up, put your act together and fight back! I’ll be with you.”

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ

“Lo! Allah changes not the condition

of a folk until they (first) change

that which is in their hearts.”

(al-Quran 13:11)

وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لاَ تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ

كُلُّهُ لِلَّهِ فَإِنِ انْتَهَوْاْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
“And fight them on until there is no more

tumult or oppression, and there prevail

justice and faith in Allah altogether

and everywhere; but if they cease,

verily Allah does see all that they do.”

(al-Quran 8:39)

Child: I am sure the asses did what the King Lion told them to do.

Father: Not really. They had no Faith and felt weak. They feared the strong and the powerful. So, they preferred to compromise. They made friends with the strong enemy by offering them gifts and bribes; and hired their donkeys for security and protection of their pastures. They became the ‘royal donkeys’.

As a result, the enemy asses did not attack them with brutal force but with ‘lifestyle’ and ‘cultural’ onslaught to change them. In this process, they took control of all the ‘green’ pastures. Eventually, the Middle Eastern asses also started behaving like their European counterparts. They felt they were one of them. But in fact, they were not accepted. They were like the slaves living luxury lives at the mercy of the powerful.

يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوۤاْ إِن تُطِيعُواْ فَرِيقاً مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ

أُوتُواْ ٱلْكِتَابَ يَرُدُّوكُم بَعْدَ إِيمَانِكُمْ كَافِرِينَ

“O you who believe! If you listen to a

faction among the People of the Book,

they would (indeed) render you apostates

after you have believed!”

(al-Quran 3:100)

قُلْ يٰأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَصُدُّونَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ تَبْغُونَهَا

عِوَجاً وَأَنْتُمْ شُهَدَآءُ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ
“Say: O you People of the Book! Why

obstruct you those who believe, from the

path of Allah, seeking to make it crooked,

while you were yourselves witnesses (to

Allah’s Covenant)? But Allah is not

unmindful of all that you do."

(al-Quran 3:99)

Child: That’s dumb, Dad! I wonder when the Middle Eastern asses are going to learn their lesson and get united to restore their lost honor!

Father: Son! I don’t think it’s going to happen in my lifetime, but it might happen in your lifetime. Keep your hopes alive!

يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوۤاْ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَٱثْبُتُواْ

وَٱذْكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيراً لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
”O you who believe! When you meet a force,

be firm and call Allah in remembrance much

(and often); that you may prosper”

(al-Quran 8:45)

وَٱعْتَصِمُواْ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعاً وَلاَ تَفَرَّقُواْ
“And hold fast, all together, by the rope

which Allah (stretches out for you), and

be not divided among yourselves.”

(al-Quran 3:103)

Son: So, Dad! How was the end of the story?

Father: The end is near. It’s approaching fast. But the story continues.

Son: Is there any moral lesson in this story, Dad?

Father: Moral? Oh, yes! Two lessons: “What you sow, so shall you reap”; and “If you can’t defend yourself, you have no right to exist!”

Son: Dad! I think there is another lesson too: “Obey the King if you seek King’s help

or live like miserable slaves!

يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ

وَلاَ تَمُوتُنَّ إِلاَّ وَأَنْتُمْ مُّسْلِمُونَ
“O you who believe! Fear Allah as

He should be feared, and die not

except in a state of Islam.”

(al-Quran 3:102)

Moral: People who like to sit on their asses and have good time only, can’t achieve anything worthwhile. They risk their own existence.

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HUMAN LIVER: Some Tips & Foods For A Healthy Liver.

Human Liver

You Are Healthy If

Your Liver Is Healthy!

It Performs 500 Functions

Including Blood-Filtering

And Detoxification

Some Tips And Foods

For A Healthy Liver

(M. Javed Naseem)

Human liver is a reddish-brown wedge-shaped organ with two large sections, called the right and the left lobes. The gallbladder sits under the liver, along with parts of the pancreas and intestines. The liver and these organs work together to digest, absorb, and process food. A human liver normally weighs 1.44 kg to 1.66 kg (between 3.2 lbs and 3.7 lbs), and has a width of about 15 cm. It is both the heaviest internal organ and the largest gland in the human body.

The liver's main job is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. As it does so, the liver secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines. The liver also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions. The various functions of the liver are carried out by the liver cells or hepatocytes. The liver is thought to be responsible for up to 500 separate functions, usually in combination with other systems and organs.

The liver is connected to two large blood vessels:  Hepatic artery, and the portal vein. The hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta, whereas the portal vein carries blood rich in digested nutrients from the entire gastrointestinal tract; and also from the spleen and pancreas.

It's an organ that can be damaged easily if you don't take good care of it. And once you damage it or trash it, it's gone. Currently, there is no artificial organ or device capable of reproducing all the functions of the liver. Some functions can be carried out by liver dialysis which is still an experimental treatment for liver failure. Artificial livers are yet to be developed to promote long-term replacement in the absence of the liver. As of 2017, liver transplant is the only option for complete liver failure.

Keeping Liver Healthy

Dr. Lee Ser Yee, S​enior Consultant at the Singapore General Hospital, shares some ways to keep your liver healthy.

Limit your alcohol intake and drink in moderation

Our liver can only process or break down a small amount of alcohol every hour. Beyond this, it can damage the liver cells and lead to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis).

For this reason, men and women should limit their alcohol intake.

Regular exercise and have an active lifestyle

Regular exercise is key to a healthy liver. Exercise decreases stress on the liver, increases energy levels and helps to prevent obesity – a risk factor for liver disease. Aim for a total of 150 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming per week.

Have a balanced and healthy diet: Less fatty foods and more fibre

High levels of fat in the blood (hyperlipidaemia) and high levels of cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) are common causes of fatty liver disease.

Reduce the amount of saturated fats, transfats and hydrogenated fats in your diet.

Saturated fats are found in deep fried foods, red meats and dairy products. Trans and hydrogenated fats are found in processed foods. The liver stores excess dietary fat and fat buildup can eventually bring on fatty liver disease.

Eat more high-fibre foods such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains. For proteins, choose more fish, white meat, beans and nuts and cut down on red meat.

Watch your body weight

Obesity, particularly, abdominal or central obesity, is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver disease. Together with a balanced diet and regular exercise, a healthy weight can be achieved and maintained.

Aim for the ideal body mass index (BMI) target. The healthy cut-off values recommended for Singaporeans are between 18.5 and 22.9.

Get vaccinated

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, both viral liver infections. Hepatitis A is contracted from contaminated food and water- avoid raw or contaminated seafood or shellfish.

Hepatitis B can be contracted through sexual contact, contaminated blood and needles. If you choose not to get vaccinated against hepatitis B, practice safer sex.

Be careful with traditional medicine and remedies

Some of these over-the-counter traditional medicines or remedies contain heavy metals or unknown toxins. They can result in liver toxicity or they can stress and affect the regular functioning of your liver.

Over-supplementation of traditional medicine may cause liver inflammation and can lead to irreversible liver damage or even failure. Please consult your liver specialist prior to consumption if in doubt.

Be careful of weight loss pills or fad diets

Over-the-counter weight loss pills which are available without a prescription may contain toxins and ingredients which can be harmful to the liver such as:

ephedra (ma huang in Chinese)

kombucha

pennyroyal

skullcap

cascara

chaparral

comfrey and

kava.

Fad diets that make your weight swing up and down aggressively put excessive stress on your liver. Be careful of any diet that promises large amounts of weight loss in an unrealistically short period. These diets are usually lacking in essential nutrients and are not beneficial but harmful to your liver.

Take care in consuming liver cleansing and detox diets.

Contrary to popular belief, no particular diet is proven to be liver cleansing. Please ask your doctor or dietitian to help you create a healthy diet.

Take care and protect yourself against Hepatitis B or C

Hepatitis C has no vaccine available currently. Hepatitis C can be transmitted sexually or if there is a chance of blood-to-blood contact.

Practice safe sex and avoid unnecessary sharing of toothbrushes, razors, needles and other personal care items – these can also transmit hepatitis B or C.

If you are a Hepatitis B or C carrier, consult your doctor for a screening program to detect problems early. If your parents are carrier and/or you are not sure, get a Hepatitis screen.

Take care if you have Diabetes, Hypertension and/or High cholesterol:

Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol form a metabolic syndrome with obesity, posing major risks for fatty liver disease.

Keeping your diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol under good control with diet, exercise and/or medications can help limit and prevent liver damage. Please keep regular follow-ups with your family doctor.

Some anti-cholesterol medicines can occasionally have a side effect that causes liver problems. Some medicines can hurt your liver if you drink alcohol when you take them, or if you take many drugs in combination. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications if in doubt.

Cut down smoking or stop smoking

There are some studies that link cigarette smoking with the development of liver cancer. Smoking can also enhance the toxic effects that some medications (such as Paracetamol) have on the liver.

(Courtesy: https://www.healthxchange.sg/digestive-system/liver/tips-healthy-liver)

From: WebMD

Human Anatomy

By Matthew Hoffman, MD

 

Liver Conditions

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis can have non-infectious causes too, including heavy drinking, drugs, allergic reactions, or obesity.

Cirrhosis: Long-term damage to the liver from any cause can lead to permanent scarring, called cirrhosis. The liver then becomes unable to function well.

Liver Cancer: The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, almost always occurs after cirrhosis is present.

Liver Failure: Liver failure has many causes including infection, genetic diseases, and excessive alcohol.

Ascites: As cirrhosis results, the liver leaks fluid (ascites) into the belly, which becomes distended and heavy.

Gallstones: If a gallstone becomes stuck in the bile duct draining the liver, hepatitis and bile duct infection (cholangitis) can result.

Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis allows iron to deposit in the liver, damaging it. The iron also deposits throughout the body, causing multiple other health problems.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A rare disease with unknown causes, primary sclerosing cholangitis causes inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts in the liver.

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: In this rare disorder, an unclear process slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. Permanent liver scarring (cirrhosis) eventually develops.

(Courtesy: (https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-liver#1) 

14 Foods That Cleanse the Liver

By Dr. Edward F. Group 

(Guest writer for Wake Up World)

Modern society is a sad state that produces many over-processed livers. When we overeat or eat processed or fried foods, and, anytime we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, the liver becomes overworked and overloaded. When the liver is taxed, it can’t process toxins and fat in an efficient way.

There are many foods that can help cleanse the liver naturally by stimulating its natural ability to clean toxic waste from the body.

In the past, I have discussed my favorite cleansing foods. This list is more specific and focuses mainly on foods that can help cleanse your liver. Eating the following foods is the best way to keep your liver healthy and functioning the way you need it to. I would encourage you to incorporate these liver cleanse foods into your weekly diet.

1. Garlic

Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

2. Grapefruit

High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

3. Beets and Carrots

Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

4. Green Tea

This liver-loving beverage is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a compound known to assist liver function. Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea.

5. Leafy Green Vegetables

One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.

Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

6. Avocados

This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.

7. Apples

High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

8. Olive Oil

Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.

9. Alternative Grains

It’s not only that you need alternative grains like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat in your diet, it’s that if you’ve got wheat, flour, or other whole grains in your diet, it’s time to make changes. Your liver is your body’s filter for toxins, and grains that contain gluten are full of them. A study last year found that persons who experienced gluten sensitivities also had abnormal liver enzyme test results, and that’s just one of many.

10. Cruciferous Vegetables

Eating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body which may significantly lower risks associated with cancer.

Watermelon (fruit and juice) 

• Watermelon is one of the best fruits for cleansing the kidneys and stimulating proper liver function, thanks to its diuretic properties and ability to detox the body.
• The juice from watermelon is the healthiest way to consume it because it’s more quickly absorbed into the tissues and bloodstream, which further stimulates good kidney function.
• Always choose fresh watermelon. If your fruit is overripe, it can cause more problems than benefits.

11. Lemons & Limes

These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.

12. Walnuts

Holding high amounts of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing.

13. Cabbage

Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. Try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut.

14. Turmeric

The liver’s favorite spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens.

Other liver cleanse foods not listed above include artichoke, asparagus, kale, and brussel sprouts.

About the author:

Dr. Edward F. Group founded Global Healing Center in 1998 and is currently the CEO. Heading up the research and development team, Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach in producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information.

His Global Healing Center has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the internet.

(Courtesy: https://wakeup-world.com/2015/07/01/14-foods-that-cleanse-the-liver-detox/?utm_campaign=Wake+Up+World)

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BADR -- THE FIRST WAR OF ISLAM (17th Ramadan)

17^th of Ramadan

Battle of Badr

The First War Of Islam

313 Devotees of Islam

Wrote A New Chapter In

The History Of The World

(M. Javed Naseem)

“Let not the unbelievers think that they

can get the better (of the godly). They

will never frustrate (them)”.

(al-Quran 8:59)

Badr is the first major encounter (a real war) between the newly-born nation of Muslims and the evil-living unbelievers (Kaafireen), the Quraish of Makkah. This was the one historic event that changed the course of history of not only the Arabia but of the entire universe.

At the dawn of Islam in Makkah, Muslims were killed, injured, tortured, robbed and persecuted. They were humiliated and bullied every day by the rich and powerful Makkans. Eventually, they were expelled. Some fled their homes and took refuge somewhere else. It is happening again today in every place where Islam has its foothold. Muslims are being massacred, their homes and homelands being destroyed and the survivors driven out as refugees. In the West, they are targeted and have become victims of discrimination and Islamophobia.

The history of mankind tells us that it is the oppressed that conquer the oppressors in the end! That’s how Allah balances out the injustice, persecution, aggression, corruption, transgression and inequality. He helps the oppressed to break the shackles. The history of David and Goliath is being repeated – and we know the outcome very well! It’s a matter of time only.

 “And We wished to be Gracious to those who

were being oppressed in the land, to make them

leaders (in Faith) and make them inheritors.”

(al-Quran 28:5)

The Battle of Badr has been referred to in the Holy Quran; and Allah called it a “Day of Furqaan”. The Arabic word ‘furqaan’ means to separate or to distinguish. It was the 17^th day of Ramadan, in the 2^nd year of Hijrah (7^th of March, 623 A.D., some put it as March 17, 624 A.D.)) when the Almighty Allah separated/distinguished the Truth from Falsehood; the Light from Darkness; and the Guidance from Ignorance! He gave the believers a great victory and vanquished the hopes and aspirations of the disbelievers who wanted to wipe out Islam which had started gaining popularity.

Muslims were a tiny minority and were constantly persecuted by the politically powerful and financially strong Quraish. 

A few days before Ramadan, reports reached Madinah that a trade caravan of Quraish was returning to Makkah from Syria. The caravan was carrying not only merchandise but also weapons. It was estimated that the caravan had made a profit of 50,000 Dinars (pieces of gold). The weapons and the huge amount of money were to be used to equip an army to fight against Muslims. The caravan was led by Abu Soufyan, a Makkan stalwart and staunch enemy of Muslims at that time.

(The battle-ground of Badr. Modern city of Badr is in the background.)

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), after consultation with his companions, decided to intercept the caravan. He appointed Abu Lababa as Governor of Madinah, and left the city for Badr, a village in the south-west of Madinah. It was 8^th of Ramadan. Scholars differ about their exact number (ranging from 305 to 319) but most of them agree on 313. About 80-90 of them were from Makkah (‘Muhajireen’) and the rest were ‘Ansar’ (locals) of Madinah. They settled and took up position in a valley which was known for its water wells. Muslims took control of a strategic well/water reservoir and blocked off some other wells. The enemy had to cross the valley, in front of Muslims, to reach the water wells.

The poor Muslims had no clue that they would never see the Quraish caravan, but instead have an encounter with 1000-strong Quraish army of Makkah.

Here’s a look at the background:

Muhajireen (refugees or emigrants) were actually the victims of aggression and oppression; and were expelled by the Quraish leaders of Makkah. They were also forced to leave behind family members, their homes, properties and cattle/camel herds. They arrived in Madinah empty-handed. The Makkans confiscated their properties and cattle/camel herds. On top of it, Muslims were not allowed to fight back (in the beginning). They were very angry. They suffered the worst kind of persecution at the hands of Quraish of Makkah for 13 long years.

Eventually, when Allah’s permission came and Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) told them that they were allowed to fight back, they were looking for an opportunity to recover their losses. But Allah had a different plan for them.

Abu Soufyan somehow got the information about this ambush and changed the route but at the same time he sent a message to Makkan leaders to come to his rescue. The Quraish leaders of Makkah got furious and decided to teach Muslims a lesson. They sent an army of 1000 fighters to eliminate Muslims. They were equipped with war gear, 100 horses, 700 camels laden with war material and other supplies; and bands of chanters/drum-beaters.

Muslims, on the other hand, were not prepared for any armed confrontation as they did not have the means for it. The 313-men contingent had only two horses and 70 camels and little or no war equipment. Some of them had swords but no shields. To reach the valley near Badr, they had to walk or share the ride by two or three.

When the Quraish army reached Badr, they received a message from Abu Soufyan that the caravan had safely passed the region, therefore, they could return to Makkah. Abu Jahl, an arrogant leader of the Quraish, was leading the troops. He refused to return to Makkah without victory.

A Muslim patrol party captured a waterman who confessed that he was part of the group supplying water to the Makkan army. It was a shocking. When Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) heard that the Quraish of Makkah had dispatched an army of 1000 men and they were just on the other side of the hill, he got worried and called a meeting to decide what to do next.

Muslims were a little worried and the Prophet (s.a.w.) kept invoking Allah. Later, he addressed them and while giving glad tiding of a victory, said:

“Allah has promised you one of the two, either the caravan or the army”.

“Behold! Allah promised you one of the two

(enemy) parties, that it should be yours.

You wished that the one unarmed should be

yours, but Allah willed to justify the Truth

according to His words and to cut off

the roots of the unbelievers.”

(al-Quran 8:7)

Subhan-Allah! That’s how Allah works! The poor Muslims wanted to capture the trade caravan with its expensive merchandise and other goods, camels, horses; and be content with it. This was referred to in the Quran as the ‘unarmed party’ of the enemy. The other party was ‘armed’ – the army of the Quraish of Makkah – which Muslims could not even dream of facing at that stage and level, let alone capturing or conquering it! Makkans were considered the richest and the strongest people in the region. But Allah wanted to justify the Truth, therefore, He created the circumstances too. 

On the night before the battle, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) made a very long and intense supplication (‘dua’) to Allah. He was praying under a tree, crying until the sun rose. He was standing up, raising his hands toward heavens. Some of the words he uttered:

“O Allah! I invoke You for Your promise of victory.

Here come Quraish full of vanity and pride. They

Oppose You and call Your Messenger a liar. O Allah!

If You decide that we be defeated today, and if this little

band of your believers perishes today, there would be

none left in the land to worship You!”

At that particular time, those 300-plus people were the only Muslims on the face of the earth and in the case of a defeat, they would be wiped out. When Abu Bakr (r.a.a.) saw this, he came to console the Prophet (s.a.w.). He held the Prophet (s.a.w.)’s hand in his hand and said: “That’s enough! Allah will certainly fulfill His promise He made to you.”

Allah’s re-assurance came and Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) felt the contentment and peace, satisfaction and confidence to stand up to the challenge facing them. His prayers were answered right then and there.

 “Remember you implored the assistance of your

Lord and He answered you: "I will assist you

with a thousand of the angels, ranks on ranks."

(al-Quran 8:9)

The night before the battle, while Muslims slept, a heavy rain fell. On the morning of Friday, the 17^th of Ramadan, 2 A.H., the two armies advanced and drew closer to each other. The rain had been heavier on the side of Quraish, making the ground soft and movement difficult. On the side of Muslims, however, the rain had packed the sand down hard, making it easy for them to march.

In the morning, after having examined the ranks, the Prophet (s.a.w.) then went to a shelter made of palm branches from which he could command the battle. Abu Bakr stayed with him, while Saad Bin Mu’adh, with several of the Ansaar, stood outside guarding the hut.

(Top guns challenging each other for duals.)

The battle started in the Arab tradition with the big warriors of Quraish, like Walid Ibn Utba, Utba Ibn Rabia, and Shaiba, coming out and challenging the opposition for duals. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) sent his uncle Hamza (r.a.a.), his cousin Ali (r.a.a.) and his companion Ubaida (r.a.a.) to fight the star warriors of Quraish; and they killed the Quraish heroes sending terror wave in the ranks of the Makkans. Ubaida (r.a.a.) was fatally wounded though and died later (being the first martyr of Badr). Then the troops attacked each other in regular fighting. By noon, the battle was over as Makkans fled the scene leaving dead bodies and material behind.

Nicholson writes:

“But the importance of Mohammed’s success

(in the battle of Badr) cannot be measured by the

material damage which he inflicted (upon the pagans of 

Mecca). Considering the momentous issues involved, 

we must allow that Badr, like Marathon, is one of the 

greatest and most memorable battles in all history.”

(A Literary History of The Arabs, by A. Nicholson, 1969).

The battle of Badr claimed some big heads of the Quraish of Makkah; the most important among them was Abu Jahl, his brother and his son. Abu Jahl was considered as ‘Pharaoh for Muslim Ummah’. Umayyah Ibn Khalaf was another big notable killed in Badr. According to one narration, he was killed by his own ex-slave Bilal (r.a.a.). Abu Soufyan survived and returned to Makkah to prepare for another war. In total 70 Makkan fighters were killed and another 70 captured as prisoners of war.

(The names of the 14 martyrs of Badr (Shuhada-e-Badr) on a memorial.)

On the other hand, from among the Muslims, 14 people were martyred. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and his contingent returned to Madinah, a week before the end of Ramadan, glorifying and thanking the Merciful Lord for His help at Badr. Allah has promised victory to the true Believers:

“O Prophet! Rouse the Believers to the fight!

If there are twenty amongst you, patient and

persevering, they will vanquish two hundred;

if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand

of the Unbelievers, for these are a people

without understanding.”

(al-Quran 8:65)

This was the first major encounter between Muslims and the Makkans where Muslims captured prisoners. So, the Prophet (s.a.w.) consulted his companions on the subject of ‘prisoners of war’. There were all kinds of suggestions based on different sentiments. Abu Bakr suggested to pardon them and accept ransom for their release. In the end, the Prophet (s.a.w.) announced: “We will ransom the prisoners”.

According to some narrations, they were given the choice to accept Islam and win freedom; or to teach 10 Muslims ‘how to read and write’ and win freedom. Otherwise, the ransom amount was fixed at 400 Dirhams per prisoner.

Like many other ‘Firsts’ of the history of mankind, Badr also set the first example of the treatment of prisoners of war. Their lives were spared; they were treated humanely; they were provided with shelter and fed properly, even when some Muslims did not have food to eat and survived on dates and water.    

Sir William Muir, the famous British orientalist, known for his hostility towards Islam and Muslims, wrote:

“In pursuance of Mahomet’s commands, the citizens

of Medina and such of the emigrants who possessed 

houses, received the prisoners and treated them

with much consideration. ‘Blessings be on the men

of Medina’, said one of these prisoners in the later

days, ‘they made us ride while they themselves

walked. They gave us wheaten bread to eat

when there was little of it, contenting

themselves with dates’.”

The Battle of Badr is a constant reminder to the Muslims that if they fear Allah, the way Allah should be feared; and if they obey Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.), the way they should be obeyed, Allah’s help is guaranteed!

 “Call to mind when you were a small (band),

despised through the land, and afraid that men

might despoil and kidnap you. But He provided

a safe asylum for you, strengthened you with

His aid, and gave you good things for

sustenance, that you might be grateful.”

(al-Quran 8:26)

(Excerpts from my book “The Way (Sunnah) Of The Prophet (s.a.w.)”, chapter “Muhammad (s.a.w.) At War – Badr.”)

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