Homemade (RAW) Almond Milk

Homemade Almond Milk

By Megan, on November 23rd, 2010

Making your own almond milk is surprisingly easy.

A delicious and nutritious alternative to dairy milk, this almond milk is light and creamy, but is free of lactose or casein–> both of which can cause digestive issues.

Did you know up to 75% of the world’s population is lactose-intolerant?Another good reason to try this almond milk.

If you’ve tried store-bought almond milk, don’t be surprised if you like this homemade version much, much more. Homemade almond milk is free of fillers and preservatives, and provides a sweet, subtle almond flavor. In fact, most people who try homemade almond milk can never go back to the store-bought varieties again!

An added bonus? It’s cheap and easy to make!

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Homemade Almond Milk
makes 4 cups

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds, soaked in water for 4-6 hours and rinsed well
4 cups filtered water
nut milk bag, or cheese cloth for straining

Directions:

Combine the drained almonds and 4 cups of filtered water in a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth and creamy.

Note: Soaking the almonds beforehand removes the enzyme inhibitors naturally contained in their skins. These enzyme inhibitors may cause digestive discomfort if consumed, which is why I recommend soaking the almonds first, then draining and rinsing well. You don’t want to use the soaking water in this recipe, as it will contain those toxins you just removed!

This takes about a minute in the Vitamix, but may take longer in a standard blender.

Once thoroughly blended, pour the mixture through a mesh nut milk bag, positioned over a large bowl.

Close the bag at the top, then squeeze, squeeze, squeeze!!!!!!

You’ll want to squeeze out every last drop! Discard the remaining almond pulp, or save it for another use! (See recipe ideas below)

Transfer the strained milk into a sealed container, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

*Note: Feel free to substitute any other nuts or seeds, to create a variety of dairy-free milks! Brazil nuts and Hazelnuts don’t need to be soaked before blending, as they do not contain enzyme inhibitors like other nuts.

**For an extra-special treat: Try adding 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the mixture before blending. The resulting almond milk is extra-creamy, sweet, and irresistible!

4.8 from 15 reviews

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Homemade Almond Milk

Author: Detoxinista.com

Prep time:  10 mins

Total time:  10 mins

Serves: 4 cups

 

A creamy alternative to dairy milk, which can be ready in less than 10 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds, soaked 4-6 hours and rinsed well
• 4 cups filtered water

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute in a high-powered blender.
2. Strain the “milk” through a nut-milk bag or cheese cloth, squeezing well to extract the extra liquid. You can save the remaining almond pulp for another recipe, or discard.
3. Store in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to 4 days.

Notes

Note: For an extra-special treat, try adding 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the mixture before blending. The resulting almond milk is extra-creamy, sweet, and irresistible!

Need ideas for your leftover almond pulp?

Try making one of these sweet treats:

• Raw Cookie Dough Bites
• Grain-Free Fudgy Brownies

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Enjoy!

Related posts:

1. Almond Milk Coffee Creamer
2. Vanilla Almond Milk
3. Homemade Hemp Milk
4. How To Make Homemade Almond Butter

Treatment of Non-Muslims in Their Lands

Treatment of Non-Muslims in Their Lands

http://www.spubs.com/sps/downloads/pdf/LSC010002.pdf

Shaikh al-Uthaimeen: How Muslims Should Behave in Non-Muslim Societies

Shaikh al-Uthaimeen: How Muslims Should Behave in Non-Muslim Societies
Posted by IslamAgainstExtremism on Tuesday, November, 04 2008 and filed under Articles
Key topics: Non Muslims 

The esteemed and late Shaikh Muhammad bin Salih al-'Uthaimin of Saudi Arabia stated, during a tele-link in the evening of Friday, 28th July 2000, to an audience in the city of Birmingham, UK, during a conference organized by Maktabah Salafiyyah:

... Likewise I invite you to have respect for those people who have the right that they should be respected, those between whom there is an agreement (of protection) for you. For the land in which you are living is such that there is an agreement between you and them. If this were not the case they would have killed you or expelled you. So preserve this agreement, and do not prove treacherous to it, since treachery is a sign of the hypocrites, and it is not from the way of the Believers. And know that it is authentically reported from the Prophet that he said,

Whoever kills one who is under and agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.

Do not be fooled by those sayings of the foolish people, those who say "Those people are Non-Muslims, so their wealth is lawful for us (to misappropriate or take by way of murder and killing)." For by Allaah - this is a lie. A lie about Allaah's Religion, and a lie about Islamic societies.

So we may not say that it is lawful to be treacherous towards people whom we have an agreement with.

O my brothers. O youth. O Muslims. Be truthful in your buying and selling, and renting, and leasing, and in all mutual transactions. Because truthfulness is from the characteristics of the Believers, and Allaah - the Most High - has commanded truthfulness - in the saying of Allaah - the Most High -

 O you who believe - fear and keep you duty to Allaah and be with the truthful 

And the Prophet encouraged truthfulness and said,

Adhere to truthfulness, because truthfulness leads to goodness, and goodness leads to Paradise. And a person will continue to be truthful, and strive to be truthful until he will be written down with Allaah as a truthful person.

And he warned against falsehood, and said,

Beware of falsehood, because falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire. And a person will continue lying, and striving to lie until he is written down with Allaah as a great liar.

O my brother Muslims. O youth. Be true in your sayings with your brothers, and with those Non-Muslims whom you live along with - so that you will be inviters to the Religion of Islaam, by your actions and in reality. So how many people there are who first entered into Islaam because of the behaviour and manners of the Muslims, and their truthfulness, and their being true in their dealings.

Interacting With Non-Muslims

Bismillâhi-r-Rahmâni-r-Rahîm

Al-Hamdulillâhi Was-Salâtu Was-Salâmu 'Alâ Rasûlillâh, Wa Ba'd:

As-Salâmu 'Alaikum Wa Rahmatullâhi Wa Barakâtuh

Interacting With Non-Muslims

By: Ash Shaykh Al ‘Allaamah ‘Abdul ‘Azeez ibn Baaz
Source: "Majmoo’Fataawa wa Maqaalat Mutanawi’ah: Volume six"
Translated By: Abu ‘Abdul Waahid, Nadir AhmadTaken From: http://www.madeenah.com/

Question: What are a Muslim’s obligations towards non-Muslims whether they reside in Muslim countries or whether the Muslims themselves reside in non-Muslim countries? I would like to know about the obligations in all dealings with them, starting from initiating the ‘Salaam’ to celebrating non-Muslim holidays with them. I would also like to know if is it permissible to have a non-Muslim friend at work? Benefit us, may Allaah reward you.

Answer: There are a number of issues that are legislated for Muslims in relation to non-Muslims, from amongst them are:

Firstly: To call them to Allaah (عز وجل) by calling them to the religion of Allaah and explaining the reality of Islaam to them if you are able to and if you have Baseerah. This is the greatest and most important form of beneficence that a Muslim can provide to his country men and those around him from the Jews, Christians and other polytheists due to the saying of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم):

“The guide to good [deeds] attains an equal reward to those who act upon that good.”Narrated by Al Imaam Muslim.

This is also due to his saying (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to ‘Ali who he sent him to Khaybar and ordered him to call to Islaam, he said:

“By Allaah, if Allaah were to guide one man through you, this would be better for you than the best of camels.” Agreed upon its authenticity by Bukharee and Muslim.

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also said:

“Whoever calls to guidance will attain an equal amount of reward as those who follow him without their rewards decreasing at all, and whoever calls to misguidance will receive an equal amount of sin as those who follow him without there sins decreasing at all.” Reported by Muslim.

Therefore, calling them to the religion of Allaah, conveying Islaam to them and advising them is from amongst the most important of affairs and from amongst the greatest ways in seeking to get closer to Allaah.

Secondly: It is not permissible for Muslims to transgress upon non-Muslims, not in their person, their wealth or their reputations if they are formal residents in a Muslim country, have a treaty with Muslims or are under Muslim protection, rather they must be given their rights. Muslims must not transgress upon non-Muslims by stealing from, betraying or cheating them in their wealth. Likewise they mustn’t physically transgress upon them by hitting them and so on. Because the fact that a non-Muslim is a resident, under treaty or protection secures him from that.

Thirdly: There is nothing to prevent Muslims from dealing with non-Muslims in relation to buying, selling, renting and so on. It has been authentically narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) bought items from Jews and had similar dealings with them, he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) passed away leaving his breast plate as collateral with a Jew for food that he had bought from him.

Fourthly: In relation to ‘Salaam’, a Muslim must not initiate it with a non-Muslim due to the saying of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم):

“Do not initiate Jews or Christians with ‘Salaam’.” Narrated by Imaam Muslim.

He also said:

“If the people of the book greet you with ‘Salaam’, then reply by saying: “Wa ‘Alaykum (and upon you as well).”

So a Muslim does not initiate the ‘Salaam’ with a non-Muslim, however he should reply by saying: ‘Wa ‘Alaykum’ due to the saying to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم):

“If the people of the book greet you with ‘Salaam’ then say: ‘Wa ‘Alaykum’.” Agreed upon its authenticity by Bukharee and Mulsim.

These are some rights related to Muslims and non-Muslims. From amongst them as well is being beneficent to non-Muslim neighbors and not harming them, you should give them charity if they are needy, give them gifts and advice them in what benefits them because this will cause them to be intrested in Islaam and make them want to enter into it. Neighbors have rights, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“The angel Jibreel continued to instruct me in regards to neighbors until I thought they would be granted the rights of inheritance.” Agreed upon its authenticity.

If neighbors are non-Muslim, they have the rights of neighborhood. If they are non-Muslim relatives they now have two rights; the rights of neighbors and the rights of relatives. It is permissible for Muslims to give Sadaqah from other than their Zakaat money to their non-Muslim neighbors and other than them if they are amongst those who are not in a state of war with Muslims. This is due to the saying of Allaah (تعالى):

“Allaah does not forbid from dealing justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Indeed Allaah loves those who deal with equity.” [Al Mumtahanah: 8]

This is also due to an authentic Hadeeth reported on the authority of Asmaa bint Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنهما), that her mother, while she was a polytheist, came to visit her in Madeenah during the treaty of Hudaybiyah because she was in need of help. So Asmaa asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and he replied:

“Be kind to her.”

As for Zakaat, there is nothing that prevents Muslims from giving it to those amongst the non-Muslims whom they wish to conciliate with in order to draw them to Islaam due to the saying of Allaah (عز وجل):

“As-Sadaqaat (Zakaat) is only to be given to the needy, the poor, those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islaam)...” [At Taubah: 60]

As for joining non-Muslims in celebrating their holidays, it is not permissible for a Muslim to do so.

Wa Jazâkum Allâhu Khairan

Wa Billâhi-t-Tawfîq

Akhûkum Fillâh,

Abû Anas

Tameem Bin Jørn Helmer Jørgensen, Ad-Danimârkî

[Bakkah] DALnet / Undernet

Imâm Mâlik (Rahimahullâh) Said, "The Sunnah Is Like The Ark Of Noah. Whoever Embarks Upon It Reaches Salvation And Whoever Refuses Is Drowned"

Follow OCA: Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest   OCA Homepage The Biggest Food Labeling Scam of All Time Last week the junk food industry tested the limits of credulity when it asked the FDA to officially allow food manufacturers to use the word “natural” on labels describing foods contaminated with genetically modified organisms. It’s just one more reason we need to push harder than ever in 2014 for state GMO labeling laws and county bans. Thanks to the more than 2,800 of you who have already contributed, we’re getting closer to our year-end fundraising goal of $200,000. If we can raise $45,000 by midnight December 31, your donation will be worth twice as much, thanks to a matching grant from natural health leader Mercola.com. Can you make a tax-deductible donation to the Organic Consumers Association today? (If you want your donation to be used exclusively for GMO labeling legislation or initiatives, in Vermont, Oregon or elsewhere, you can donate to the Organic Consumers Fund, our allied lobbying arm). Ever since GMOs invaded our food supply, the Junk Food Giants have been hiding the truth from us—and getting away with it, thanks to their cozy, revolving-door relationship with the FDA. But it wasn’t enough to slip their unsafe, untested—and unlabeled—GMOs into our food. Once food manufacturers realized that consumers would pay a premium for anything labeled “natural,’ they took their deception to a whole new level. Absent any legal definition of the word “natural,” they slapped it on everything in sight—including foods containing genetically engineered soy, corn and beets. Now that the FDA is about to finalize its (voluntary) guidelines for GMO labeling, food companies want to be sure the FDA doesn’t crack down on one of the biggest food labeling scams of all time. It’s one more battle to wage. For months, you helped us fight Congress (and finally win) the repeal of a law that gave Monsanto immunity from federal courts. Then you watched with us, stunned, as the food industry’s multi-billion dollar lobbying group brazenly broke campaign finance laws by laundering millions of dollars in campaign contributions used to defeat (by a mere 1 percent) a GMO labeling law in Washington State. Now this. Where will it end? It will end with you. It will end with us. Monsanto and Big Food have underestimated the power of grassroots organizing if they think we will give up. We won’t. And neither should you. If you’ve already contributed to our year-end campaign, thank you. If not, please consider a generous donation today. If we can raise $45,000 by midnight December 31, your donation will be worth twice as much, thanks to a matching grant from natural health leader Mercola.com. Can you make a tax-deductible donation to the Organic Consumers Association today? If you want your donation to be used exclusively for GMO labeling legislation or initiatives, in Vermont, Oregon or elsewhere, you can donate to the Organic Consumers Fund, our allied lobbying arm. Thank you! Ronnie Cummins National Director, Organic Consumers Association and Organic Consumers Fund P.S. More than 80 percent of our funding comes from individual donors like you. Thanks to you, the OCA has been able to OCA to donate more than $2.5 million directly to the fight for GMO labeling laws. You have forced Monsanto and Coca-Cola to take this movement seriously. Please make a generous donation to keep this fight alive. Thank you!

’Uthaimeen on Steadfastness and Not Relying on Yourself

’Uthaimeen on Steadfastness and Not Relying on Yourself

December 24, 2013 § Leave a Comment

5 Votes

Shaikh ’Uthaimeen, may Allaah have mercy on him, said, “It is an obligation for a person to turn to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, because He is the One in whose Hands is the dominion of the heavens and the earth, so do not, for example, rely on the firmness of eemaan in your heart, relying on [the idea that] the Devil will not overcome you and that the desires of the soul that orders evil will not infiltrate you, rather always recourse back to Allaah, the Most High, and ask Him for steadfastness.”

Tafseer Surah Yaa Seen, p. 26.

Shaikh Muqbil on the Justness of Ahlus-Sunnah in Jarh and Ta’deel

Shaikh Muqbil on the Justness of Ahlus-Sunnah in Jarh and Ta’deel

December 22, 2013 

The Imaam of Yemen, Muqbil ibn Haadi al-Waadi’i, may Allaah have mercy on him, said, “Indeed in His Noble Book, Allaah عز وجل says, “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allaah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allaah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allaah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.” [Nisaa 4:135]

And He سبحانه وتعالى said, “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allaah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just—that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allaah, indeed, Allaah is Acquainted with what you do.” [Maaidah 5:8]

And He سبحانه وتعالى said, “And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haraam lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allaah, indeed, Allaah is severe in penalty.” [Maaidah 5:2]

And He سبحانه وتعالى said, “Indeed, Allaah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” [Nahl 16:90]

And He سبحانه وتعالى said, “And when you speak [i.e., testify], be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative.” [An’aam 6:152]

Ahlus-Sunnah are the ones who have the most right and the greatest share of these verses and those proofs similar to them, for if they write, they write what is for them and against them, and if they talk they mention what is for them and against them.  They stick to justice whether dealing with those who are close to them or distant, whether an enemy or friend.  And if you were to look at the books of Jarh and Ta’deel you will find that they are the epitome of justness: they will disparage a man if he deserves such jarh even if he were one of the heads of the Sunnah, and they will praise a person of innovation with the good that he has if there is a need for that, contrary to the people of desires—for they will praise whoever agrees with their innovations even if he is worthless, and they vilify whoever opposes them even if he were one of the heads of the religion.”

Al-Ilhaad al-Khumaini fi Ardil-Haramain, pp. 1-2.

Severe Warning Against Wedding Pictures and Video Tapes – Shaykh Uthaymeen

A Severe Warning Against Wedding Pictures and Video Tapes – Shaykh Uthaymeen   

 A warning from Shaykh Uthaymeen

[Watch the Video with English Titles Here]

O slaves of Allah verily we have been plagued for some time now by a great tribulation done by some people whom Allah has favored with marriage. And this is their taking pictures of the wedding party; pictures with the camera and perhaps with tapes which can be placed in the television and these are the video tapes. This is the affliction which we have been plagued with. And I do not know the intent of these people.

Do they do this in order to increase the love between the husband and his wife? Or do they do this because that is more pleasing to the wife from the husband? Or do they do this to announce the wedding? Or do they do this because it draws them closer to Allah the Exalted? Or do they do this because it is ingratitude to Allah for this favor?

None of these worldly and religious benefits are obtained by way of this reprehensible impermissible action. Rather the only thing that is obtained from this is exposing their disobedience to Allah the Exalted, and removing the veil of shyness from the husband and the wife, and from the community of women.

These pictures which are taken will be exposed for the onlookers anytime they want to look at them. Does it please you to expose your women in front of the immoral people? Does it please you to expose your women in front of the people every time someone wants to show your sister’s face, or your daughter’s face, or your wife’s face? Does that please you O believers?

Do you have jealousy? Do you have belief in Allah? Do you fear Allah’s punishment? Do you not fear that the favor that was sent upon you will be changed into a punishment? Do you not fear the Creator of the earth and the heavens? Are you not afraid that you will be united with the enemies of Allah from the disbelievers and those who resemble them? Because the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم  said:

مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ

Whoever resembles a people then he is from them.

Are you pleased for the husband and wife to be punished through hatred and animosity between the two of them until the family bond dissolves? All of these affairs are possible to occur even if we are given respite while opening disobeying our Lord. This is only respite from Allah the Exalted. (And the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم  said:)

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيُمْلِي لِلظَّالِمِ ، حَتَّى إِذَا أَخَذَهُ لَمْ يُفْلِتْهُ

Verily Allah grants the oppressor respite until He seizes him He does not release him.

And the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم recited:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَخْذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَا أَخَذَ الْقُرَى وَهِيَ ظَالِمَةٌ إِنَّ أَخْذَهُ أَلِيمٌ شَدِيدٌ

And thus is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe. (Soorah Hud 11:102)

O people think, and use your intelligence concerning this affair. What is the result, what are its benefits, what are its harms? Verily Allah has given you intellects He did not make you like animals who do not know what is being done to them. They are driven to their place of slaughter and it goes submissively, and it is taken to pasture so it goes submissively.

You have intellects, with your intellects you perceive that which is beneficial and that which is harmful. And Allah has perfected His favor upon you by sending down upon you His Book and by what He revealed to His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. This affair is horrid. This affair is known by the legislation, known by the intellect, perceived by the senses. It is not hidden from anyone except the one whom Allah has erased away the light of his insight and diminished the jealous from his heart and decreased the religion from his heart.

O Muslims, O you who have jealousy, reflect upon this affair which your scholars have prohibited you from. Do not allow this blessing to sweep you into an abyss. This affair is evil, this affair is haram, and this affair is a prelude to corruption, this affair gradually leads to haram enjoyment and pleasure. Because everyone who takes these pictures whether on video tapes or by camera, he is able to look and enjoy these pictures anytime he wants to look at them.

This issue is very clear. But where are those designated guardians those who have direct responsibility over these women. And where are the guardians over the general affairs, those who have the ability to discipline those who do this with a discipline that will act as a deterrent for them and others. It is upon us to be strong in the religion of Allah. And it is upon us to not be concerned with anyone other than Allah the Exalted. And it is upon us to establish the limits of Allah. And verily I swear that whoever establishes the limits of Allah, for the sake of Allah, according to what the laws of Allah requires then Allah will assist him against all of his enemies.

O believers, O designated guardians, O general guardians, verily it is upon us all to come together to eliminate this evil corrupt phenomenon. By Allah this corruption is not a light matter even if some of the people take it lightly. Enjoying the wedding only occurs by showing gratitude for the blessings of Allah and establishing the ordinances that the legislation allows and not going beyond them or exceeded the limits of Allah or His laws.

Allah the Exalted said:

وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَى آمَنُوا وَاتَّقَوْا لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ بَرَكَاتٍ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلَكِنْ كَذَّبُوا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ * أَفَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ الْقُرَى أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا بَيَاتاً وَهُمْ نَائِمُونَ * أَوَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ الْقُرَى أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا ضُحىً وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ * أَفَأَمِنُوا مَكْرَ اللَّهِ فَلا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ الأعراف:96-99

And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the Messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.”

Then, did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them at night while they were asleep?

Or did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in the morning while they were at play?

Did they then feel secure against the plan of Allah? None feels secure from the plan of Allah except the people who are the losers. (Soorah Al A’raf: 7:96-99)

Verily it is upon us, the believers; a responsibility. We are not like those who disbelieve, and enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat, while the fire is their destination. Verily it is upon us believers, those who thank Allah for favoring us with Imaan, there is a great responsibility upon us that we implement the laws of Allah. This is the freedom that is beneficial freedom not unrestricted freedom at the expense of others.

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee
http://mtws.posterous.com/wedding-pictures-a-warning-from-shaykh-uthaym

Benefit: Advice of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Haadee to one who Tried to Take His Picture During a Class

Benefit: Advice of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Haadee to one who Tried to Take His Picture During a Class 

What are you doing, Akhee? O our brother…I do not know, what do you benefit from At-Tasweer (picture taking) and taking it (the picture) with you. Na’am; Allaah is Beseeched for Help. (People) are put to trial with this Tasweer. The Fitnah of it increased when the means for it became easily accessible and it came to be within these cellular phones. Before, a person with be somewhat ashamed to carry a camera to the Masaajid. Now, it came to be within these phones so they dared to venture into this prohibited Tasweer which the Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who does it. So the people are in need of being reminded and clarification that At-Tasweer in from the MAJOR SINS; because the Prophet ﷺ cursed the picture maker, as is within the Saheeh. What could one want, beyond this explicit text? I wish I knew, what does the one who errs (in this regard) say about this authentic and explicit Hadeeth? There has preceded with us the speech of the scholars and we have mentioned it numerous times; that the authentic and explicit texts which do not have an abrogating (text) nor is there anything to contradict them, obligate that one be stern in repudiation of the one who opposes them. Not just repudiation; but sternness in doing so. This is because these texts are explicit, and do not leave room for interpretation. So as it relates to Tasweer, O assembly of brothers, if you see something from it—may Allaah reward you with good—then alert (the people) for many of them are ignorant; they are not aware of the texts and they don’t know them. Alert them and clarify to them the severe threat. And the reason for laxity regarding it now is these means which have become easy within the hands of the elders as well as the youth; even the children. So it has become easy to take pictures by way of them. We ask Allaah for safety and security.

Translated By: Raha ibn Donald BattsPosted from: http://mtws.posthaven.com

Related Links:

• A Severe Warning Against Wedding Pictures and Video Tapes – Shaykh Uthaymeen
• Veiled sisters uploading their pictures on the internet – Shaykh Haamid ibn Al Khamis Al Junaibee
• The Ruling On Putting Personal Pictures In Social Networks [like Facebook, Twitter and etc]
• How to Keep Pictures off Your Computer
• Taking Pictures of living beings Using A Mobile Phone - Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan
• Family Photographs for the sake of remembrance
• Guidelines on Children’s Clothes with Pictures and on Dolls - Shaykh al Albanee

http://faculty.virginia.edu/metals/cases/sheehan3.html

Metals in Medicine and the Environment

Introduction
Many people today are looking for methods to improve their physical appearances. From cosmetic surgery to botox injections science is constantly expanding the ways to transform one’s natural appearance. What happened to “good old fashion makeup” and is it any less dangerous than these more radical solutions? In the past year, NPD conducted an online study of 5,657 women between the ages 18-64 to determine the percent that wore makeup, and discovered that 84 percent of the group did wear makeup.(1) Mintel market research group, in 2004, conducted a similar study and found that 70 percent of French women wore makeup.2 Studies have also shown that Hispanic women are more likely to wear makeup, and that the percentage of women who wear makeup changes with age.(2) So why is it more than a marketing concern that a larger percent of persons of every ethnicity (about 86-87) wear makeup? What women do not know about their concealers is that besides hiding their flaws the products have hidden dangers. What makes the cosmetics so beautiful and makes them work so well are the same ingredients that are toxic and cancerous to humans.
Background
Make-up is far from a new fashion trend and the toxicity of the product is as old as the tradition.(3)  The ancient Egyptians used mercury based face powder, and during the Elizabethan era the ladies of the court used arsenic face powder to create the desired snow white skin.(3) In 1933, one woman was blinded by “Lash Lure” and another died from its application. In 1938, “Kormelu,” a depilatory cream, was being sold with the active ingredient thallium acetate.(3) Thallium acetate is used to kill rats and was known to cause baldness, pain, and paralysis.(3) A study done at the University of California revealed that people working in the cosmetics field were four times as likely to have multiple myeloma (a malignant bone tumor).(3) Below is a tabulated version of several common cosmetic products, the harmful ingredient, the purpose for incorporating the chemical, and the adverse effect. So why is this still going on today when we know so much more about the effects? Unfortunately cosmetics are a low priority because of they are assumed to not be harmful.(3) The assumption is mainly based on the theory that skin will block absorption, but since many drugs are delivered in patch form this hypothesis should be revisited.(3) Most cosmetics are not tested for more than an acute allergic reaction, and that consumers stop usage of makeups when they show a reaction. Testing for effects of chronic use is expensive and rarely done. In 1938, the U.S Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was enacted and in 1977 a mandatory ingredient list on packaging was added to the act.(3) But how can a consumer know what is harmful and what is not since few cosmetics have warnings? In addition, a review of the labeling as regulated by the Cosmetic Act shows it to be insufficient for the average consumer.(5) The act requires that labels be placed on products that are harmful, and these can be seen on hair dyes, eye shadow, and mascara. However, since the research is limited to short term and acute effects of toxins no label has to be made for the long term effects.
Table 1: Common Cosmetic Products

Type of Makeup	Harmful Ingredient	Purpose	Effect
Lipsticks and general cosmetics	aluminum	Long lasting	anaemia, osteomalacia (brittle or soft bones), glucose intolerance, and cardiac arrest in humans4
Talcum powder	talcum	Drying and scents	328 times greater risk of ovarian cancer when applied to genital region
Mascara	Pseudomonas aeruginosa- highly resistance to therapy bacteria known to contaminate mascara		Infection from scratches from application, blindness
Bubble bath	alkylarylsulfonate	Create bubbles	Skin rash, urinary tract infection, bladder and kidney infections, genital disorders, eye irritations, and respiratory disorders.

Dangers
The dangers of cosmetics are numerous since such a variety of chemicals go into the various types of makeup to make it shiny, long lasting, or smudge proof. Below are various types of hazardous materials found in different types of makeup.

The molecular structure of the orange lipstick dye, one of three legal dyes.(6)

 

Titanium Dioxide (7)

Titanium dioxide can be found in most commonly use makeup products, such as concealers, lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow. Titanium dioxide is used in 809 different lipsticks, 753 types of  eye shadow, 641 foundations, 531 types of lip gloss, 404 different types of sun blocking products, 354 concealers, 344 types of blush, 283 other types of facial powder, 263 hair color and bleaching products, and 254 facial moisturizer/treatment.(8) This is a total of 3074 facial products containing titanium dioxide on the market today. Side effects of titanium dioxide are mild, but long term exposure may lead to cancer. When titanium dioxide is inhaled will cause mild respiratory tract irritation, and over time mild fibrosis. Also causes mild irritation and redness of the skin, and possible reddening of the eyes.(9)

          

Zinc Oxide (10)

Zinc dioxide is also found in most common cosmetics, such as 224 different foundations, 149 sun blocking products, 96 facial powders, 72 types of concealers, 72 types of eye shadows, 58 different lipstick types, 51 mask products, 41 diaper creams, 31 facial moisturizer/treatment, and 28 blushes.(8) This is a total of 822 known cosmetic products currently on the market that contain this chemical. Zinc oxide can cause a variety of health issues including “brass founders”, “ague”, or “brass chills.” The symptoms of this particular side effect are usually flu-like, and are a common occupational hazard. Acute effects are respiratory irritation with nasopharyngitis and laryngitis, irritation of the eyes, and chronically it can cause human systemic effects.(11)

  
Butylparaben (12)

Butylparaben is also found in many common facial products, such as 418 facial moisturizer/treatment, 281anti-aging products, 279 moisturizer, 201 sunscreens above 15 spf, 181 types of foundations, 174 facial cleansers, 137 types of eye shadow, 137 other sun blocking products, 130 types of lipsticks, and 112 mascaras.(8) This makes a total of 1949 different products currently on the market containing this chemical. This chemical can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and is known to be toxic to the lungs and mucous membranes. The chemical is also linked to reproductive and developmental problems (estrogenic effects), and endocrine disruption. In males specifically, in fertility can occur and the production of serum testosterone can be decreased.(13)

Phenoxyethanol (14)

This chemical has been reported in several types of cosmetics such as 756 different facial moisturizer/treatment, 512 moisturizers, 496 types of anti-aging products, 397 facial cleansers, 341 sunscreen with spf 15 and above, 225 types of foundations, 211 other products for sun blocking, 203 types of body washes/cleansers, 182 exfoliants/scrubs, and 178 types of creams for another the eye.(8) This makes a total of 3501 types of products with this chemical currently on the market for consumers. Acute problems can range from eye irritation, inflammation, redness, watering, and itchiness to skin irritation, itchiness, scaling, reddening, or blistering. The chemical is known to be toxic to the kidneys, the nervous system, and liver. Phenoxyethanol may lead to chronic respiratory irritation as well.(15)

BHA (16)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a mixture of isomers of tertiary butyl-substituted 4-methoxyphenols, and consists chieflyof 3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole with lesser amounts of 2-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole. It is present is a variety of cosmetics such as: 105 types of lipsticks, 41 lip liners, 35 different facial moisturizers/treatments, 33 eye shadows, 26 types of  eye liners, 23 skin fading/lighteners, 21 anti-aging products, 21 lip glosses, 19 types of moisturizers, 15 concealers.8 This makes for a total of 339 products that contain this highly hazards chemical that are currently being sold to consumers. BHA is a carcinogen, endocrine toxicant, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, immunotoxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, and skin toxicant. This chemical causes cancer, bioaccumulates, and has negative reproductive and developmental effects.(17)

         

Aluminum Hydroxide (18)

Aluminum hydroxide is found in numerous different cosmetic products such as: 56 types of  foundation, 52 types of sub blocking products, 34 types of concealers, 31 diffenernt sunscreens with spf 15 and above, 28 facial moisturizer/treatment products, 21 anti-aging products, 13 lipsticks, 11 facial powders, 9 acne treatment products, and  6 lip balms.(8) This makes a total of 261 different cosmetic products currently being sold to consumers with chemical. This chemical has developmental and reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, skin irritation, lung irritation, and eye irritation.(19)

     

Barium Sulfate (20)

Barium sulfate is used in many cosmetic products such as: 51 types of lipstick, 21 lip glosses, 16 sun blocking products, 15 sunscreens with spf 15 and above, 15 types of foundations, 8 anti-aging products, 7  concealers, 7 facial powders, 7 lip liners, and 6 types of blushes.(8) This makes a total of 168 different types of cosmetics products that are currently on the market being sold to consumers with this chemical. A chronic effect of this chemical comes from long term inhalation of dust leads to accumlation in lungs in sufficient quantities to produce baritosis. The chemical also causes various types of cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, organ system toxicity, enhanced skin absorption, and neurotoxicity.(21)
Many other chemicals that are put into cosmetics are only mildly toxic; however some play a role in the uptake of these more toxic ones. Since often the desired outcome is absorption, many manufacturers will add chemicals that aid in the absorption of there product through the skin such as boron nitrate.(8) There are countless other toxic chemicals present in cosmetics, if you are concerned cosmetic safety database will help you to determine how harmful the products you are that you are using.
References
(1)  Associated Press. Ethnicity a factor in makeup use. Palto Alto Daily News. (2007).
(2) Dortch, S. Women at the cosmetics counter - demographic trends in the cosmetics industry. American Demographics. (1997).
(3) Barczac, C. The Hazards of Cosmetics. AEHA Quarterly. (2005).
(4) Aluminum and human health. Health Canada (2003).
(5) Congress. Cosmetic Act. Congress. (2003)
(6) University of Edinburgh. Chemistry. University of Edinburgh (2007).
(7) Wikipedia. Titanium Oxide. Wikipedia. (2007)
(8) Environmental Working Group. Cosmetics Safety Database. Environmental Working Group. (2007).

الحمد لله على النعمة 

Giving and Accepting Christmas Gifts - Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen

The Christians’ celebrating the ‘Eid of the birth of ‘Eesaa, upon him be peace, is for them. However, it is not permissible for the Muslim to participate in their holidays. They are not to give them gifts at the time of their holidays nor is it befitting to accept their gifts from them at the time of their holidays. Nor is it permissible to sell them anything which will aid them in the celebration of their holidays; all of this is incorrect. This is because it entails being pleased with that which they are upon if the person were to do so. And being pleased with Kufr and the holidays of the disbelievers is prohibited for the Muslims.

Translated By: Raha ibn Donald Batts

Source: http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/khotab/article_317.shtml

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