Positive in and out - Social Networks and in general

Just keep this in mind - could be done on much larger scale - so just because the media is negative, doesn't mean the world is going to *ell in a handbasket  - so don't let it infect you.  Put out positivity and take positivity in!  That is worthy goal all the time but especially in the month of Ramadan.  Some people "fast" from FB during this month.  I choose to remain because without it I basically have no Muslim community and I think the community experience is a worthwhile part of the month - but the "lesson" here should be a big caveat that you have to keep it positive - both in and out.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/28/326453204/facebook-scientists-alter-newsfeeds-find-emotions-are-affected-by-it?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews

Facebook Scientists Alter Newsfeeds, Find Emotions Are Affected By It

by EYDER PERALTA

June 28, 2014 4:41 PM ET

A man poses for photographs in front of the Facebook sign on the Facebook campus in Menlo Park, Calif.

Jeff Chiu/AP

For one week back in 2012, Facebook scientists altered what appeared on the newsfeed of more than 600,000 users. One group got mostly positive items; the other got mostly negative items.

Scientists then monitored the posts of those people and found that they were more negative if they received the negative newsfeed and more positive if they received positive items.

As the New Scientist reports, the research means "emotional contagion" can happen online, not just face-to-face. The magazine adds:

"The effect was significant, though modest.

"Ke Xu of Beihang University in Beijing has studied emotional contagion on Chinese social networks. He says [Facebook's Adam] Kramer's work shows that we don't need to interact in person to influence someone's feelings."

The findings are published in the current edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

If you're wondering: Yes, this kind of experiment is in line with Facebook's terms of use. The Verge reports:

"When users sign up for Facebook, they agree that their information may be used "for internal operations, including troubleshooting, data analysis, testing, research and service improvement." While there's nothing in the policy about altering products like the News Feed, it's unlikely Facebook stepped outside the bounds of the Terms of Use in conducting the experiment. Still, for users confused by the whims of the News Feed, the experiment stands as a reminder: there may be more than just metrics determining which posts make it onto your feed."

Reach out to someone this month!

Asalaam Alaaykum, Reach out to a youth, a single person, a widow/er, a convert, a single mom or dad with kids, a non-Muslim interested in Islam. Even if your own situation is less than ideal, reach out to someone and make it better together. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/for-some-converts-ramadan-is-the-loneliest-time-of-year/2013/07/08/1819df1e-e813-11e2-818e-aa29e855f3ab_story.html

Are we losing the True Spirit of Ramadhan?

Are we losing the True Spirit of Ramadhan?
By Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Condensed version

Abstaining from physical intake during daylight hours – which means food, drink, and sex – with the intention of getting closer to the Divine, has a myriad of philosophies and meanings.
It allows appreciation of the suffering of the poor and hungry, a chance to devote less time to the physical and more time to the spiritual, a recognition that we can live happily and successfully with less than we have.
The philosophy of restraint and frugality adhered to during the day has its mirror image in the excessive culinary indulgence after dark.

Instead of cutting back on the desire to consume, we end up with heightened consumption in these 30 days, whether that be in restaurants or in retail.

Countries where Muslims are minorities.

In these countries, if you are fasting you have to make an active choice to go against the grain of mainstream society. You still have to go to work where you can stare longingly at your colleagues drinking coffee, or attend meetings, which run across the iftar time. You have to really know and understand why you are fasting, rather than just being swept up in the maelstrom. There is a sense of community purpose in these countries and an overwhelming push towards spiritual success.

You do not have to be religious to appreciate that the social and ethical meanings of festivals such as Christmas, Ramadhan and Eid have a great deal to contribute to the morality of human society.

But Ramadan should be about more than gluttony, shopping and vacuous entertainment.

We do in fact need to recognize and acknowledge the place of Ramadhan’s material pleasures. By being honest about the importance of the physical, we can de-prioritize it in favor of the spiritual and moral at least for the 30 days of Ramadhan.

This DE-prioritization is what makes Ramadhan special in the first place. By withholding the importance of the physical self, Ramadhan is about recognizing the importance of our individual spirit, and about finding our place as souls, not bodies, in the society in which we live.

Shelina Zahra Janmohamed is a British commentator on Islam and author of Love in a Headscarf, a new memoir of growing up as a Muslim woman

Another Great Message On Setting Goals for the Month of Ramadan

Caption: Attitude is most of the battle!

Salaamun Alykum and Ramadhan Kareem to all.

Below is an email received from DAR-UL-MUSLIMEEN NEWS BITS - Dodoma Tanzania.

Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker, once said, "I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps it's because escape is easier than change."

Escape is no doubt fun. But fundamental change, the kind that can move us forward in life and help us achieve all that we want from it, requires the kind of long-term thinking, planning, and implementation many of us simply want to run away from.

It’s neither easy, nor enjoyable. Planning for the big picture often means confronting our faults and failures, as well as being willing to get out of a comfortable pattern of living, even when we know that things can and should be better.

Ramadan offers us the best opportunity in this regard. If we don’t already, we can set goals for only this blessed month, so we aren’t overwhelmed by making a huge life change. But at the same time, we can instill positive habits and attitudes that, if repeated throughout the blessed month, can change our lives for the better.

For example, I know one sister who never prayed. One Ramadan, she began to do so five times a day, and she hasn’t looked back. That was 23 years ago. It took just one Ramadan to instill in her this lifelong habit.

You, too, can set worthy goals this Ramadan, with the hope that they will become lifelong habits. Please take some time out this week, not more than 15 or 20 minutes, and jot down a few things you would like to accomplish during the upcoming month of fasting.

The beginning of the new year is usually considered a good time to set goals and make resolutions. Ramadan is even better. Since it’s for only one month versus one year, it’s easier to stick it out and really try to make the effort. The possible benefits: the development of a lifelong good habit, a good deed done in a systematic way, and a sense of accomplishment that can be carried over the rest of the year.

Here are some suggested goals to set in Ramadan 2010:

1. Break your fast with a $1 meal and give the rest to the needy.

Over one billion people worldwide live on $1 a day.

Please see: http://earthtrends.wri.org/updates/node/6 . That includes a good portion of Muslims who not only spend their days fasting, but break their fasts with less-than-lavish meals, made up of foods like beans, rice, lentils, and bread.

At least three times this Ramadan, try to do Iftar with a $1 meal. It will give you a perspective beyond empathizing with the hungry from dawn to dusk only.

2. Give away something you truly love

Allah reminds us in the Quran: “You shall not attain righteousness until you spend out of what you love (in the way of Allah). Allah knows whatever you spend,” (3:92). Also, Prophet Muhammad (saww), was noted to always be generous, and was even more so in Holy Ramadan.

Keeping this in mind, choose something you truly love and are attached to this Ramadan and give it to someone in need. For example, if you had been saving up to buy a personal item - be it a gadget, something nice for your house, or a fun vacation - consider giving away all that money to a charity you trust, a family member or friend struggling financially, or to help cover an ill person’s medical bills, for example.

The point of the exercise is to become closer to Allah by sharing with others and reducing our attachment to material things.

3. Console a grieving friend

Grief can take many forms, ranging from the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, illness, or any other hardship. If possible, visit a grieving friend or acquaintance in person, meet for lunch, or at least call. Text messages, tweets, and wall posts just don’t cut it when it comes to really hearing someone out and giving the support they need in times of difficulty.

4. Begin one small, sincere, but regular good deed

The Prophet (saww) advised, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even though it were little”

Start one, and only one, small good deed this Ramadan. It could be smiling more if you are a generally more serious type; calling or visiting parents just one more day a week than you usually do; or cooking one meal a week so your spouse has more time to remember Allah. Choose your deed and stick with it.

5. Host an Iftar for the hungry

Polish your guest list this year and include family, friends or neighbors who you know are struggling financially or are truly hungry. Too often, we invite our exclusive clique of people close to us, most of whom don’t worry about where their next meal is going to come from, unlike one in 3 famlies in the world.

This year, expand your social circle and include those who are truly in need. Better yet, invite your “crew” and your new friends together.

6. Give up one, and only one, addiction

This runs the gamut from lattes to Facebook, to video games to chai/caffeine of any kind. The aim is to lessen dependency on those things we don’t truly need and remember that we should rely completely on Allah for all things.

7. Tolerate or forgive one bad habit or quirk of a loved one

As we remember Allah’s tolerance of our countless faults, this Ramadan - 10 days of which are defined as the “days of forgiveness” - overlook or forgive a specific fault of a loved one. This can be small but annoying habits, like regularly losing the grocery list, forgetting lunch on school days, or perpetually being 15 minutes late.

These are just pointers for us to think and ponder upon. The idea is to set a format whereby one does not forget his goal for this month inshallah.

Let us remember the less fortunate and also pray for the unity of our Ummah and families.

Iltimas e dua

Ramadhan Headaches: causes and solutions

Its fair to say that most of us feel a little worse for ware during the first few days of Ramadhan!
We are so desperate to get as much as we can from this blessed month, that we run around, shopping, cleaning, taking care of our families and our personal preparations that we often enter this month of contemplation stressed, shattered and run down! On top of that, we often give little thought to how the new routine will affect our general lifestyle! We somehow expect that we can carry on as normal, and incorporate our Ramadhan commitments in around our work, social lives and other responsibilities. Inevitably, this plays havoc with our physical health, and the most common complaint people describe is …, headaches! The worst headaches in the world! Dealing with these awful headaches every day usually puts us in a bad mood, in bed early and without gaining the spiritual benefits we so desired from our Ramadhan nights!
As I myself suffer from a chronic migraine condition, I’ve done my research, (both online and in person!), and have put together a few hints and tips which I’m confident, will combat the Ramadhan headaches for you and enable you to be at peace and concentrate on higher things during this month.

The most common cause of Ramadhan headaches is water balance. Generally, our bodies regulate water balance through-out the day, whenever you grab that glass of water, cup of tea and so on. The sudden dramatic change the body experiences in Ramadhan puts it in to shock, and alters the water balance causing mild dehydration and severe headache. The body needs time to adjust to this new routine, and learn how/when to conserve water and when new stocks will be replenished. For this reason, you should start adjusting your fluid intake a week or so before Ramadhan begins. Try stocking up on high amounts of fluid in 2 or 3 fixed periods rather than through-out the day, so that your body learns to cope for longer times without fluids, this will make the Ramadhan change less pronounced. Generally, we eat and drink quickly after fasting, and often forget to redress our fluid intake. Even if you do not feel much like eating, be sure to stock up on good clear water when you break your fast. Some doctors also recommend water with sugar or honey to assist with this process. For those fasting for longer periods in hotter climbs, occasionally rehydration salts may be required and you should make sure you have these to hand before Ramadhan begins.

The Sehri meal: many of us prefer a few extra minutes in bed, rather than waking up for the Dawn meal. Even if we do wake up, most of us can’t face eating so much at such an odd time (myself included!). This year however, as many of us will be fasting for 18 to 20 hours per day, going without Sehri is quite simply not an option! Your body has rights over you, and if you are working through-out the day, your body requires sustenance to keep it going! Try to stock up on slow release carbs and energy foods, again, with that all important fluid you need. Avoid fried, fatty and overly salty foods at either ends of the fast: they are tempting, but can dehydrate you and add to headaches in the longer term. Extra spicey foods are to be avoided at all cost for those suffering from Migraine, and if you insist on them, eat only a little at eftar time rather than in the morning. A common cause of headache is hunger, but you can reduce this by making sure you eat a full and healthy breakfast before fasting begins. Some foods that are thought to help combat Ramadhan headaches include:
Sultanas, honey, black seeds (or black seed oil), ZamZam Water, goats milk, pomegranates and cherries. If you know of any other foods thought to aid headaches, do include in the comments section after this post.

Alternative remedies.
There are many different forms of pain relief now available that can prevent you reaching for the Standard pain killers. Acupuncture in Particular has been found to be 80% affective in treating most chronic headache conditions. If you suffer with migraine and are worried about how to cope through the month, now might be the time to try acupuncture. You are bound to be able to source a practitioner in your area, though as always, be sure to check out that the doctor you are using is qualified, and is aware you are fasting. It is helpful to play recordings of qur’an, or duas in the background while treatment is being administered, thus relaxing the body and aiding the process of Shafa. Aroma therapy has similar heeling properties, though is not recommended during fasting periods because of the intensity of the oil and the fact that the oils are absorbed by the skin in huge quantities.
Many doctors are now recommending that those suffering with headaches should take time to have Hijama/cupping administered before Ramadhan, so try to do so in advance, or as early on in the month as you can manage.
You can also administer a simple head massage yourself: add a little warm black seed oil to your palms, and begin massaging from the centre of the forehead outwards in small but firm circular movements, using first the palms, and then the tips of the fingers. Take about 5 minutes to do this. Then run the tips of the fingers over the front of the head for 2 or 3 minutes, making small tapping movements, and finish by administering firm pressure to the temples using the tips of the fingers. If you feel the headaches comes from tension in the neck and shoulders, keep these moving and partake of some massage therapy prior to Ramadhan.

Routine:
We simply cannot expect to be able to continue with our regular routine during Ramadhan! Minor adjustments have to be made wherever possible in order to keep the body refreshed and energised. If you are working, speak to your employers and see if any adjustments can be made to your schedule. Not all employers will agree, but increasingly, legislation is requiring them to do so where appropriate. Even if you have to work the same hours, they may be able to remove you from heavy physical duties, or those things which are likely to fatigue you. A common cause of headache is exhaustion, so after afternoon prayer, perhaps try to take a power nap and recharge a bit. If you do manage to adjust your schedule, sleep for a couple of hours when you reach home, so that you are alert for eftar and not so exhausted that you need to crash out straight after!
If you have a migraine condition and use regular medication, be sure to consult your doctor. Some types of migraine medication, particularly those associated with blood pressure or cranial pressure regulation may mean that you are not able to fast at all, while some others can be adjusted appropriately to merge with the fasting schedule. Take advice in advance about this and be sure you understand the new medication schedule and are well stocked up on the medicines you require.

Finally, some Islamic tips.
Dua joshin Kabeer is said to be especially helpful in treating headaches. The dua can be found in most ziyerat books or at www.duas.org if you are able to read it, then all the better, if not, print it out and keep it under your pillow at night. You can also dip a paper containing the dua in water and drink this water at either end of the fasting day. It is also helpful to keep a qur’an under the pillow, and some of the pure earth from Karbala.
Finally, the most obvious, but the most important! Ask Allah (SWT) to strengthen you and help you during this month. Ramadhan is certainly not designed to be easy! But if you are genuinely battling health issues and fear you may not be able to make it through, you need only take one step towards your creator, and he (SWT) will come running to you. Remember that with every hardship, there is ease, and your efforts during this month will surely be rewarded Insha Allah!
If you have any tips for combating headaches, please do share them with our readers.