The Biography of Prophet Muhammad (Sal)

1. When was the Prophet Muhammad (Sal) born?
 He was born on Monday, 12th Rabi Al Awwal, April 22nd, 571 AC.
 
2. Where was the Prophet Muhammad (Sal) born?
 In Makkah 
 
3. What is the name of the Prophet's father?
 Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib. 
 
4. What is the name of the Prophet's mother?
 Aminah Bint Wahhab Ibn Abd Manaf Ibn Zahrah. 
 
5. When and where did his (prophet's) father die?
 He died in Makkah before Muhammad (Sal) was born. 
 
6. What is the name of the Prophet's grandfather?
 Abdul Muttalib. 
 
7. What was his granfather's position?
 He was the chief of his clan Bani Hashim. 
 
8. What is the Prophet's (Sal) lineage up to his fifth ancestor?
 He is Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib Ibn Hashim Ibn Abd Manaf Ibn Qusai Ibn Kilab. 
 
9. Who suckled the Prophet Muhammad (Sal)?
 First Thuyeba, the freed slave girl of his uncle Abdul Uzza known as Abu Lahab, then Haleema Bint Abu Dhuaib, best known as Haleema Al Sadiyah. 
 
10. Who named the Prophet Muhammad (Sal)?
 Abdul Muttalib. 
 
11. What did Muhammad's (Sal) mother name him?
 Ahmad. 
 
12. Why did she (the Prophet's mother) choose this name?
 Because she saw an angel in a dream calling the new-born baby Ahmad. 
 
13. How old was Muhammad (Sal) when his mother died?
 Six years old. 
 
14. Where did his mother take him?
 She took him to Yathrib (Madinah) to visit her relatives. 
 
15. Where did his mother die?
 On her way back to Makkah, she died at Abwa and was buried there.
 
16. Who brought Muhammad (Sal) back to Makkah?
 His father’s slave girl, Umm Aiman (May Allah be pleased with her).
 
17. Who took the charge of his care?
 His grandfather Abdul Muttalib.
 
18. How long did The Prophet's grandfather take care of the Prophet Muhammad?
 For two years. 
 
19. How was his (Abdul Muttalib's) behavior with Muhammad (Sal)?
 He loved him very much and preferred him to his own sons. 
 
20. What did Abdul Muttalib foretell about his grandson?
 That he would hold a prestigious position.
1. Who took care of the Prophet (Sal) after the death of Abdul Muttalib?
 His uncle Abu Talib.
 
22. How old was Muhammad (Sal) when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died?
 About eight years old.
 
23. When did Muhammad (Sal) travel to Syria and with whom?
 He went to Syria with his uncle Abu Talib when he was twelve years old.
 
24. Who was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her)?
 She was a wealthy merchant of Makkah.
 
25. Why did she (Khadijah) want to marry Muhammad (Sal)?
 Because of his truthfulness and good conduct. 
 
26. When did she (Khadijah) marry Muhammad (Sal)?
 When she was 40 years old. 
 
27. How old was Muhammad (Sal) at the time of the marriage?
 He was 25.
 
28. What did he (the Prophet) give her (Khadijah) as Mahr (dowry)?
 Twenty camels. 
 
29. Was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) a widow?
 Yes. The Prophet (Sal) was her third husband.
 
30. How was Muhammad (Sal) known in the society?
 He was known as Al Ameen (trustworthy) and Al Sadiq (truthful).
 
31. Did he get any sort of education?
 No, he didnt get any formal education from the society, rather he was taught by Almighty Allah.
 
32. What should one say when the Prophet's (Sal) name is mentioned?
 One should say صلى الله عليه وسلم (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). 
 
33. How many times is the name of Muhammad mentioned in the Holy Quran?
 Four times.
 
34. What are the names of the Prophet’s (Sal) uncles?
 They are: Harith, Zubair, Abu Talib, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), Abu Lahab, Ghidaq, Maqwam, Safar and Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him). 
 
35. Did his uncle Abu Talib accept Islam?
 No, he died a polytheist. 
 
36. In the New Testament by what name was the Prophet (Sal) mentioned?
 By the name of Paraclete. 
 
37. What is Kabah?
 It is the oldest house of worship on the earth.
 
38. Who built it?
 The Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael (May Allah be pleased with them).
 
39. How did Quraish arrange rebuilding of Kabah?
 They divided the work among various tribes. Each tribe was responsible for rebuilding a part of it. 
 
40. Who laid the stones?
 A Byzantine mason called Baqum.
1. Where did the Prophet (Sal) go into seclusion?
 To the Cave of Hira .
 
42. What was the fist stage of the revelation?
 True dreams.
 
43. When did the first revelation come down to him?
 On Monday, 21st of Ramadan, at night (August 10th, 610 AC). He was forty years then.
 
44. Who brought it?
 Jibrael.
 
45. Who were the first to embrace Islam?
 Four persons: Khadijah his wife, Zaid Ibn Haritha his freed slave, Ali Ibn Abi Talib his cousin and Abu Bakr his friend (May Allah be pleased with them). 
 
46. Who accepted Islam at the instance of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him)?
 Uthman Ibn Affan, Zubair Ibn Awwam, Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf, Sad Ibn Abi Waqqaas, Talha Ibn Ubaidullah and Saeed Ibn Zaid (Umar’s son-in-law) (May Allah be pleased with them). 
 
47. Who were the ladies to accept Islam at first?
 Abbas’s wife Ummaul Fadl, Abu Bakr’s wife Asma Bint Umais, his daughter Asma Bint Abi Bakr and Fatimah Bint Al Khattab Umar’s sister (May Allah be pleased with them). 
 
48. How was the Dawah done in the beginning?
 It was done in secret. 
 
49. How many people embraced Islam in the early stage?
 About forty. 
 
50. How many years did the call in secret continue?
 For three years.
 
51. During this period, where would the Muslims gather secretly?
 They would gather secretly in the house of a Muslim called Arqam to learn about Islam and the revelations sent down to the Prophet (Sal). 
 
52. When did the Prophet (Sal) start to preach Islam openly?
 After three years when he received the revelation to that effect. 
 
53. What was the impact of his public preaching?
 The people accepted Islam increasingly.

What is Cholesterol?

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance. It is fatty lipid found in the body tissues and blood plasma of vertebrates (animals with bones); it is only sparingly soluble in water, but much more soluble in some organic solvents. The weak ability of cholesterol to dissolve in water is a major factor in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition associated with coronary artery disease.
Cholesterol is produced in the liver, the adrenal glands and reproductive organs. The liver produces about 80% of the cholesterol in your body.
Cholesterol is a natural and necessary component of your body cells and many hormones. In cell membranes, cholesterol keeps membranes fluid and functional. Cholesterol also forms the backbone of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream as lipoproteins to their destinations. Cholesterol is not totally a bad thing.


Bad Cholesterol?
Cholesterol becomes bad when high levels are present. High levels in the bloodstream are associated with hardening of the arteries, premature coronary heart disease and many other vascular disease problems.
Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels are one of the major risk factors for heart disease -- the No. 1 killer of American men and women. The good news is that blood cholesterol levels can be modified.


Normal cholesterol levels
Children and Cholesterol
About 1 in 500 people--about 145,000 kids younger than 18--has a form of inherited high cholesterol, called familial hyperlipidemia, that can send their cholesterol into the 300s and higher and raises their chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke in their teens and 20s. In addition, about 10% of kids, or almost 7 million youngsters, have total cholesterol over 190, which is considered high for a child. And there's been an explosion of kids with Type 2 diabetes, which used to strike primarily in adulthood, and an epidemic of obesity--all of which drive coronary artery disease.


Reduce Cholesterol Buildup
Spinach, broccoli and other dark green, leafy vegetables contain substantial amounts of a substance called lutein. High levels of lutein in the blood are associated with a reduced buildup of cholesterol.
Walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which lower levels of LDL cholesterol.


How to control Cholesterol?

  1. Eat fish, skinless poultry and lean meats. These foods offer protein but too much protein will give you more saturated fat (cholesterol) than you need.
  2. Eat fish at least twice a week. Fish is lower in fat than most meats. The fat contained in fish has come beneficial oils called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be heart and blood vessel protective.
  3. Reduce high-fat dairy products. High fat dairy products are sour cream, cream cheese, hard cheese, processed cheese, butter, whipped cream and whole milk. Some low-fat dairy products are: yogurt, cottage cheese, low-fat or non-fat milk.
  4. Hidden fat. Be aware of the hidden fat in your diet. Danish, pastries and cookies have large amounts of oil and fat. A muffin could add 4 or 5 teaspoons of fat to your diet.
  5. Reduce the amount of fat you use in your food. Steam vegetables instead of frying them. Also, try not to cover your vegetables with butter or margarine.
  6. Olive or canola oil. If you add fat to your food, try to use olive or canola oil. These oils are more healthy for you because they have a higher concentration of monounsaturated fats.
  7. Grains and Bread products. Choose a balanced diet with adequate carbohydrate foods at each meal and keep the fat intake low.
  8. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits contain very little fat. They are full of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.

BREAKFAST IS MUST

It's true: breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. A nutritious, well-balanced morning meal not only sustains your energy levels better than endless cups of coffee, but it also can help:

  • Boost weight loss efforts. Research shows that breakfast eaters are more successful at losing weight and maintaining that weight loss compared to breakfast skippers.
  • Sharpen your mind. People who consume a high-fiber breakfast stay more alert than those who start their day with a high-fat meal, according to research.
  • Protect your cardiovascular system. A study revealed that people who consumed whole-grain cereals rather than refined cereals had a lower risk of heart disease.
  • Strengthen your immune system. The right breakfast choices help you start your day with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.
What's on your menu?
Eating anything you want for breakfast won't bring you the health benefits outlined above. You'll need to focus on certain kinds of foods. Answer the question below to see if your breakfast choices are making you younger.

Choose your cereal wisely. Whether your cereal is hot or cold, you'll always want to check the fiber, fat, and sugar content per serving. For example, many kinds of instant oatmeal tend to be heavily processed, leaving it lower in fiber than unprocessed, whole oats. Choose cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. Inspect breakfast bar labels the same way you would inspect cereal labels, noting fat, fiber, and sugar content. Many cereal, granola, and breakfast bars tend to skimp on fiber and instead bulk up on sugar. Your goal should be to get a total of at least 6 grams of fiber at breakfast. If your favorite cereal is low on fiber, add a few tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to it.

Another quick breakfast trick: always keep raisins and nuts on hand. Raisins can be tossed into cereals whenever your fresh fruit supplies are low, or they can be added to cereal in addition to fresh fruit for extra flavor. And nuts aren't only for snacking. They make a great addition to healthy breakfasts by adding unsaturated fat -- the good kind of fat -- to your meal. A little bit of healthy fat in a meal can help you feel fuller for longer, and also can help your body better absorb nutrients from the rest of your meal.

When shopping for fruit juice, make sure it's pure. Fruit-flavored juice drinks, cocktails, and blends often contain loads of added sugar and hardly any actual fruit juice.

Skip the donut or pastry -- their high glycemic indexes mean your body digests them quickly and your energy levels could crash well before lunch as a result. If your cereal bar is low in fiber and high in sugar, you may need another option there, as well. Instead, grab a toasted whole-wheat English muffin topped with a whole-fruit spread. If your breakfast isn't keeping you satisfied until lunch, you may need to emphasize more low-glycemic index (GI) foods, which can help keep you feeling full longer. Low-GI foods include whole-grain (and high-fiber) cereals such as bran, oatmeal, and muesli, and high-fiber fruits, such as berries and apples. Filling up on these satisfying foods at breakfast can help prevent over-snacking during the day, which helps reduce your overall daily calorie intake.

Take your breakfast with you!
No time for breakfast? If you're pressed for time in the morning, stocking your fridge with portable, ready-to-eat portions -- fruit and veggies in sandwich bags, hard-boiled eggs, and low-fat or non-fat yogurt cups -- allows you to grab something quick and easy . . . and nutritious.



Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

  • Crossing our Legs
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realize you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.
  • Not changing our Toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.
  • Eating out often
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods. Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light and healthy food.
  • Skipping Breakfast
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.
  • High Heels
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.
  • Sleeping on a Soft Bed
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.
  • Pillows
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support.
  • Not Exercising
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out.. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

Can you help them?

Hi All,

Every Sunday at YGP audiotorium of Padma Seshadri Bala Bavan, T Nagar, Chennai,India reading session for Visually challenged students is being conducted.

All you need to do is, just drop in at the above said venue and read out the study material brought in by the students. Though the major requirement is for the Tamil reader, we do require English readers to an extent.

The session would start exactly at 10.00 am on every Sunday and ends up at 12.30 pm noon.

FAQs:
1. What if I am not familier with Tamil language?
You can still volunteer yourself to assist students on English.

2. Do I need to bring text books along with me?
No, the students will bring their own materials.

3. Do I need to be a member of any Charitable trusts or clubs to volunteer to this activity?
No, not at all required.

4. How many students will be assigned to a reader?
It depends upon the batch those students belong to. It might vary from 1 to 5 or so.

5.If I am a new comer, Do I need to register to volunteer?
No, not necessary.

6. Can I bring my friends along with me who could also volunteer?
Yes, you can bring frines along with you.

7. Will I be paid any sum for this activity?
No, you wont be paid. Its an 100% self volunteers program.

8. Which organisation/ trust actually run this?
Sathya Sai samiti, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

9. Bus route?
Valluvarkottam bus stop. [47,147,17,147, 10,9 bus series]

10. Venue: Padma Seshadri Bala Bavan, YGP Auditorium, Thirumalai Pillai Road, Chennai 17.

11. Landmark: Vidhyodhaya School, Thirumalai Pillai Road

You can forward this to those who are in chennai.