Physics saves lives!

A college physics professor was explaining a particularly complicated concept to his class when a pre-med student interrupted him.
"Why do we have to learn this stuff?" one young man blurted out.
"To save lives," the professor responded before continuing the lecture.
A few minutes later the student spoke up again. "So how does physics save lives?"
The professor stared at the student for a long time without saying a word. Finally the professor continued. "Physics saves lives," he said, "because it keeps the idiots out of medical school."
Idiots don't go to medical school right!

The best character!

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah ra that he heard
Rasulullah saw as saying :
"The believers who show the most perfect faith are those who have the best character, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives". (Tirmidhi)
How true it is!

A "Mabrur" Haj

Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports : ''Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam performed haj on an old pack saddle. On it was a piece of cloth, the value of which was less than four Dirhams. (It may be possible that by 'on it' Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallhu 'Alayhi Wasallam himself is meant here. i.e. He covered himself with an ordinary sheet. The value of which did not reach four Dirhams. This explanation is most accepted by the respected teachers. The eleventh hadith in this chapter strengthens this). Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was reciting this du'aa: 'Allah make this haj one that has no show or fame'''.
Commentary
This was recited to educate the ummah, or shows the complete humbleness and utmost devotion of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Although there can be no question of show and fame in any act of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, then too Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam made this d'uaa and beseeched Allah to keep this haj free from show and fame. The sheet that was on the mubaarak body or on the pack saddle of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was of such an ordinary quality that its value was less than a rupee (about twenty cents). This was the result of his complete humbleness, which was his usual habit. Although due to some considerations Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam at time's wore expensive clothing, but normally did not do so.
Humbleness is the key to a "mabrur" haj, isn't it?

Tips for Pizza Boy!

A college pizza delivery boy arrived at the house of Larry Johnson. He delivered the pizza to his trailer.
After giving it to him, Larry asked: "What is the usual tip?"
"Well," replied the youth, "this is my first trip here, but the other guys say if I get a quarter out of you, I'll be doing great."
"Is that so?" snorted Larry. "Well, just to show them how wrong they are, here's five dollars."
"Thanks," replied the youth, "I'll put this in my school fund."
"What are you studying in school?" asked Larry.
The lad smiled and said: "Applied psychology."
Applied psychology, heh? HA!HA!HA!

Remembering Allah swt

Ibn 'Umar ra said that Rasulullah saw said : "Do not talk for long without remembering Allah swt, for talking much without remembering Allah swt is hardness of the heart. The most distant among man from Allah swt is one with a hardened heart". ( Tirmidhi )
That's a reminder to all of us!

How to get an 'A'

A professor stood before his class of twenty senior organic biology students, about to hand out the final exam.
"I want to say that it's been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know you've all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school after summer. So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of the final exam today will receive a 'B' for the course."
There was much rejoicing in the class as students got up, walked to the front of the class, and took the professor up on his offer. As the last taker left the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and asked, "Anyone else? This is your last chance." One final student rose up and opted out of the final.
The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining. "I'm glad to see you believe in yourself," he said. "You all get 'A's."
You have to be smart, don't you!

Banana Muffins

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cups (245 grams) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar

1/4 cup (50 grams) light brown sugar

1 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 ounces (65 grams) white chocolate, cut into small pieces

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

8 tablespoons (113 grams) (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3 very ripe large bananas (approximately 1 pound or 454 grams), mashed well (about 1-1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnish:

1 large banana, sliced (optional)

STEPS
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the middle of the oven. Butter or spray a 12 - 1/2 cup muffin pan.

2.In a large bowl combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and white chocolate. Set aside.

3.In a medium-sized bowl combine the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, lightly fold the wet ingredients (banana mixture) into the dry ingredients until just combined and batter is thick and chunky. (The important thing is not to over mix the batter. You do not want it smooth. Over mixing the batter will yield tough, rubbery muffins.) Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins and place a slice of banana on top of each muffin for garnish. Bake about 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool for five minutes and then remove muffins from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: To mash bananas I have found the easiest way is to just use my fingers, a fork or a potato masher.Makes

12 regular sized muffins.

Worth a try, these school holidays!

The Most Grateful Among Us

Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said: "Even if I am given a foot of a goat as a present, I will accept it, and if I am invited to partake of it, I will surley accept that invitation".
Commentary
It does not even come to mind that why should I accept such an ordinary small article, or accept an invitation to partake of it. I think of it as a blessing of Allah and accept it whole heartedly. The actual reason for accepting an invitation is not the food but to encourage the host and keep one happy.
Let's think about it!

Sadaqah as known in Islam

From Abu Mas'ud al-Badri : Rasulullah saw said : " When a man spends to support his family hoping (for Allah's reward) it is counted for him as sadaqah " ( Bukhari, Muslim )
So, hopefully we gain too!

Gingerbread Men Cookies

These Gingerbread Men Cookies are as cute as can be. If desired, decorate with raisins, currants or cinnamon red hot candies for eyes and buttons. Or, pipe untinted or Colorful Royal Icing onto cookies.

Makes 2 dozen or 24 (1 cookie) servings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Refrigerate Time: 4 hours

Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes per batch

INGREDIENTS

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons ginger, ground

1 teaspoon Cinnamon, Ground

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg, Ground

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured work surface. Cut into gingerbread men shapes with 5-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.

Looks delicious, don't they?

Dear God

There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job it was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses. One day, a letter came addressed in a shaky handwriting to God. He thought he should open it to see what it was about. The letter read,

Dear God,

I am an 85 year old widow, living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had £100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension check. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited three of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?
Sincerely, Molly

The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few pounds. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected £96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Molly and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends. Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened, It read.

Dear God,

How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was £4 missing. I think it must have been those thieving bastards at the Post Office...

Funny, isn't it?

Sneezing and Yawning in Islam

Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu ‘anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said:
"Indeed, Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning. So, when one of you who sneezes, he should say Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah). It is a right on every Muslim who hears him to say Yarhamukallah (may Allah have mercy on you) in reply."
" Indeed, yawning comes from Shaitan. So when one of you yawns, he should restrain himself as much as possible, as Shaitan laughs at the person who yawns." (Bukhari)

Orange Saffron Butter Cookies

Ingredients: 1 1/8 cups of flour
1 stick of butter
2 pinches saffron threads(.250 gr)
1/2 Tbsp. orange rind
1/3 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks

Directions

Leave stick of butter out to soften. Butter should be spreadable by now. Work saffron and orange rind into butter. Blend in sugar, then egg yolks, one at a time. Add flour to form soft ball of dough. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. When ready to bake, remove dough from refrigerator to soften slightly. Preheat oven to 325: (165: C). Pinch off bite size pieces of dough and place on ungreased cookie sheet. When sheet is full, press dough flat with back of metal fork. Bake 10 min, or until edges begin to brown. Cool on rack. Store in airtight container.
Well, let's give it a try!

A deadly joke!

"Do you believe in life after death?" the boss asked one of his employees.

"Yes, Sir." the employee replied.

"Well, then, that makes everything just fine," the boss went on. "After you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother's funeral, she stopped in to see you."
What a joke!!!

Salat the Key to Paradise

Suppose, you are given a key to open a lock. What would happen if the key is damaged or half of it is missing? Would the lock open? No. What if you are trying to insert the key upside down? The lock will still remain closed.

Similarly, salat is the key to Paradise. In order to open the doors of Paradise, we must make our salat proper. If our salat is totally opposite to the ways of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then it is as if we are trying to put the key upside down. And if we don't have concentration and devotion in salat, then it is as if we are planning to use a damaged key to open a very secured lock. Finally, if we do not complete our prayers with all the necessary actions, then it is the same as using a key which is missing parts or half broken.

Apple and Carrot Shortbread Recipe

You're going to want to use metal (or sharp-edged) cookie cutters here, it will help cut through the shreds of apple/carrot more easily. If you can't track down whole wheat pastry flour, substitute unbleached all-purpose flour, or I suspect white whole wheat flour work just fine as well.

1/4 cup / 2 ounces / 50g semolina flour
1 1/2 cups / 6 ounces whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
5 ounces (150g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup / 3 1/2 ounces (100g) light Muscovado sugar (or brown sugar)
2 ounces (50g) carrot, grated (about 1/4 cup)
1 ounce (25g) apple, grated (about 1/6 of a med. apple)
zest of one lemon
milk

Preheat your oven to 350F degrees, or 180C. Sift the semolina, flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir the carrot, apple, and lemon zest into the flour mixture, and mix until well coated and evenly dispersed. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a dough forms, then knead a couple times to bring everything together. Split the dough in two, flatten each piece into an inch-thick patty, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes.

When you're ready to bake the shortbread, roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface 1/2-inch thick/1cm. Use a metal cutters to stamp out cookies, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with a bit of milk and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to brown just a bit.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

How to Pray 10 Jumah on one Friday

How many Jumah salat can we pray on a single Friday? Answer, no more than one. However, here is a way that will get you reward of praying more than one Jumah on any given Friday.

Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) said:
Whoever invites towards (the path of) guidance shall receive a reward equal to the rewards of those who follow him without this decreasing anything from their rewards. (Sahih Muslim)

Using this formula, if you invite 9 of your friends to offer Jumah with you and they respond to your call then you will get the reward for your own Jumah plus nine additional Jumah prayers. You can increase the number by as many as you want!

How great is Almighty Allah who has made earning for the hereafter very easy.

"And whoever guides others towards good is equal to the doer of good." (Tirmidhi)
Shall we try?

An Important Letter

What happens when you receive an important letter from someone, do you put it away or immediately open it and read it? I believe, all of us would open the letter and read it. If you don't know how to read, you would find someone who could and let him read it out to you. In short, we would take the letter seriously as it contains important information.

On the other hand, how do we treat the Holy Quran, which is an important message from Allah? Our future of this world and the hereafter is in knowing this message. But, do we read the Quran? May be only a few of us. Instead of reading, we cover the Quran with a beautiful cloth and put it away on a high shelf. Would we do the same with the above mentioned important letter? Not at all. So, it's time that we realize the value of the Quran and read it often to know its important message.
All letters should be read, right?

Things Mom Taught Me...

My Mother taught me LOGIC..."If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."

My Mother taught me MEDICINE..."If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD..."If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"

My Mother taught me ESP..."Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"

My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE..."What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you...Don't talk back to me!"

My Mother taught me HUMOR..."When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT..."If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.

My mother taught me about GENETICS..."You are just like your father!"

My mother taught me about my ROOTS..."Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE..."When you get to be my age, you will understand."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION..."Just wait until your father gets home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING..."You are going to get it when we get home."

And, my all-time favorite - JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU -- then you'll see what it's like!"
Funny, isn't it? She knows everything!

Beating IT Communication!

\



The 3 fastest ways of communication in the world are:
3. Tele-fax
2. Tele-phone
1. Tell-a-woman
Need it faster? Ask her not to tell anyone!
Yes, this is very true, indeed!

About Farts

When you should never fart:
1. Inside a crowded lift.
2. Inside a public library.
3. On a crowded train.
4. Whilst giving a speech.
5. In Church.
6. Whilst on a date.
7. In a packed lecture theatre.
8. In your office.
9. At a cinema.
10. In a walk-in freezer - it'll linger a while.
11. In a ticket line.
13. On an airplane.
14. During confession.
15. In the bed, whilst feeling frisky.
16. In bed when you're feeling frisky.
17. While fighting fire in a burning building.
19. In a patrol car for a minor violation.

When to fart:
1. Bosses office as you are about to leave - best to make sure it's silent but violent.
2. In a bathroom.
3. In the cashiers line - it's bound to speed things up.
4. The empty elevator before you get off.
5. Beside an occupied dressing room - no doubt it'll quickly become unnocupied.
6. Your co-workers cubicle at the office.
7. When deep sea diving.
8. Back seat of the Police Mobile after being arrested.
9. In your car if you've been carjacked.
10. During a pie eating competition to distract your competitors.

A Teacher for All Seasons

A teacher is like Spring,
Who nurtures new green sprouts,
Encourages and leads them,
Whenever they have doubts. A teacher is like Summer,
Whose sunny temperament
Makes studying a pleasure,
Preventing discontent. A teacher is like Fall,
With methods crisp and clear,
Lessons of bright colors
And a happy atmosphere. A teacher is like Winter,
While it’s snowing hard outside,
Keeping students comfortable,
As a warm and helpful guide. Teacher, you do all these things,
With a pleasant attitude;
You’re a teacher for all seasons,
And you have my gratitude!
Hopefully its us!

Poem about The Morning

The morning sun
Surrounds us
With its cosmic
Embrace

The Soulful
Morning smile
Is a treasure
Of the mind
And heart alike.

In the morning
The greatness of
The mind and
The goodness of
The heart are
Inseparable.

In the morning
Our hearts dawn
With sweetness-
Dewdrops.

Each morning
Is the birth
Of a new
Opportunity.

In the morning
Heaven descends
In all its glory
To become
The rising sun.

The morning light
Feeds our hearts
And guides our lives.

IN morning’s
Silence-delight,
The Supreme
Himself visits my
Heart-abode.

At the morning
Dawn, I hear the gentle whisper
Of my blessingful
inner guide.

Aqidah

Aqidah linguistically is derived from the term aqada. In Arabic, one states, "Aqada the rope" when the rope is tied firmly. And, "Aqada the sale" or "He settled the sale" when the person ratifies and contracts a sale or agreement. And Allah says in the Quran, "And as for those whom your right hands have made a covenant (Ar., aqadat)" [Al-Nisa 33]. And Allah also says, "But He will take you to task for the oaths which you swear in earnest (Ar., aqadtum) [Al-Maida, 89] which means asserted and adhered to, as proven in the verse, "And break not oaths after the assertion of them" [An-Nahl, 91]. If one says, "Aqadtu such and such," it means his heart is firm upon such and such.

Therefore, Aqidah or I'tiqad according to the scholars of Islam is: The firm creed that one's heart is fixed upon without any wavering or doubt. It excludes any supposition, doubt or suspicion...

Pride (Takabbur): "It was I" said the Frog (Pride and Islam)

Two Geese were about to go south for their annual autumn migration, when a Frog came up to them and asked if they would take him with them. The Geese agreed if the Frog could work out how he would be carried by them. The Frog produced a long stalk of grass, got the two geese to hold each end whilst he clung to its middle with his mouth. In this manner the three were making their journey when they were noticed from below by some men. The men expressed their admiration for the device and wondered who had been clever enough to discover it. As soon as the Frog heard them he opened his mouth and said: "It was I" He lost his hold and fell onto the earth. That's the price for showing off!