Here is the link:
http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=6815&MainCat=4
Little Pieces of Yemen
Commentary on life and times in Yemen with an Islamic angle.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Monday, 1 April 2013
Yemeni Sidr Honey Cures All!
Yemeni Sidr Honey Cures All!
The Sidr Tree
Sidr is known in English as the Lote tree. It is a tree mentioned
not only in Qur’an, but also the Bible and Torah. The Sidr is a very resilient tree and is mentioned many times in the Qur’an.
In Surah Saba, Ayah 16, the Sidr tree is one of three trees to survive the floods when Allah swt opened the dam as punishment for the people in that land for their disbelief.
In Surat al-Waqi’ah, ayah 28, the Sidr tree is mentioned by Allah when describing the conditions of the people of the Right Hand (Those who will go to Jannah). He swt says that the People of the Right Hand will be among thornless Sidr trees and banana trees with fruits piled one above another and in shade long-extended and by water flowing constantly...
And not forgetting Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (Surat an-Najm:14-17), the Sidr tree growing at the furthest boundary over the seventh heaven beyond which no one can pass. This is a very special Sidr tree which Rasulullah was shown during al-Miraj. Rasulullah described the tree as having large fruit resembling clay jugs, leaves as big as elephants ears and four rivers originating from its roots. Two rivers where hidden rivers in Paradise and the two apparent ones were the Nile and the Euphrates.
The Sidr tree is a tree beyond this duniyya so it is no wonder that it provides such excellent medicinal values in all its parts and provides excellent nectar for bees to make the best honey. The Sidr trees from which the bees collect nectar in Yemen are growing wild and uncultivated in the desert areas.
Yemeni Sidr honey is produced and harvested in the most pure ways, the traditional ways which have remained the same for centuries. No chemicals or unnatural processes are ever used because this will spoil the purity of the honey. It is said that the Sidr honey from Yemen tastes better than those from other areas because the soil in Yemen is richer.
Yemen's beekeepers are strict in ensuring the honey's purity and potency and will allow their bees to die rather than feed them with sugary syrup. Typically, bees of a certain hive make 37,000 trips just to make half a kilo of honey but bees fed solely on the nectar of the Sidr flower die after making about 3 trips! The weaker bees cannot withstand the potency of the nectar of this remarkable tree. (Information sourced from http://sidrhoney.tripod.com/id9.html)
Sidr is known in English as the Lote tree. It is a tree mentioned
not only in Qur’an, but also the Bible and Torah. The Sidr is a very resilient tree and is mentioned many times in the Qur’an.
In Surah Saba, Ayah 16, the Sidr tree is one of three trees to survive the floods when Allah swt opened the dam as punishment for the people in that land for their disbelief.
In Surat al-Waqi’ah, ayah 28, the Sidr tree is mentioned by Allah when describing the conditions of the people of the Right Hand (Those who will go to Jannah). He swt says that the People of the Right Hand will be among thornless Sidr trees and banana trees with fruits piled one above another and in shade long-extended and by water flowing constantly...
And not forgetting Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (Surat an-Najm:14-17), the Sidr tree growing at the furthest boundary over the seventh heaven beyond which no one can pass. This is a very special Sidr tree which Rasulullah was shown during al-Miraj. Rasulullah described the tree as having large fruit resembling clay jugs, leaves as big as elephants ears and four rivers originating from its roots. Two rivers where hidden rivers in Paradise and the two apparent ones were the Nile and the Euphrates.
The Sidr tree is a tree beyond this duniyya so it is no wonder that it provides such excellent medicinal values in all its parts and provides excellent nectar for bees to make the best honey. The Sidr trees from which the bees collect nectar in Yemen are growing wild and uncultivated in the desert areas.
Yemeni Sidr honey is produced and harvested in the most pure ways, the traditional ways which have remained the same for centuries. No chemicals or unnatural processes are ever used because this will spoil the purity of the honey. It is said that the Sidr honey from Yemen tastes better than those from other areas because the soil in Yemen is richer.
Yemen's beekeepers are strict in ensuring the honey's purity and potency and will allow their bees to die rather than feed them with sugary syrup. Typically, bees of a certain hive make 37,000 trips just to make half a kilo of honey but bees fed solely on the nectar of the Sidr flower die after making about 3 trips! The weaker bees cannot withstand the potency of the nectar of this remarkable tree. (Information sourced from http://sidrhoney.tripod.com/id9.html)
Allah swt said about bees,
“From their bellies comes a drink of varying colours, containing healing for mankind. There is certainly a sign in that for people who reflect."(Surat an-Nahl: 69)
Rasulullah said that there are three types of healing for mankind,
“A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing). But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." (Sahih Bukhari)
I have used Sidr honey regularly for the past four years and found it remarkably improved my respiratory health and reduced the severity of cold and flu. Also, whenever I had that feeling to eat but didn't know what I wanted to eat, I just ate a spoonful of honey and the hunger sensation went away.
I know sisters who have used Sidr honey mixed with warm water and cinnamon to lose weight, grow back hair on bald patches, heal wounds and burns, reduce sinus pain, kidney problems, irregular heart beat and as an antihistamine.
Rasulullah said that there are three types of healing for mankind,
“A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing). But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." (Sahih Bukhari)
I have used Sidr honey regularly for the past four years and found it remarkably improved my respiratory health and reduced the severity of cold and flu. Also, whenever I had that feeling to eat but didn't know what I wanted to eat, I just ate a spoonful of honey and the hunger sensation went away.
I know sisters who have used Sidr honey mixed with warm water and cinnamon to lose weight, grow back hair on bald patches, heal wounds and burns, reduce sinus pain, kidney problems, irregular heart beat and as an antihistamine.
The only downside to Yemeni Sidr Honey is the cost. 500gms of B grade honey costs $50, the same amount in A grade is near $100. However, the benefits are many and well worth the investment.
Here is a short list of some of the common ailments that can be treated with Sidr Honey.
Arthritis
Here is a short list of some of the common ailments that can be treated with Sidr Honey.
Arthritis
Hair Loss
Bladder Infections
Toothache
Cholesterol
Colds
Infertility
Upset Stomach
Heart Diseases
Immune System
Indigestion
Influenza
Pimples
Skin Infections
Weight Loss
Cancer
Fatigue
Bad Breath
Hearing Loss
Bed-Wetting
Constipation
Constipation
Accidents, Cuts and Burns
More info can be found from Dr. Muhammad Salim Khan who is a doctor from the Swat Valley in North Western Pakistan.
http://sidrhoney.tripod.com/id9.html
buy Yemeni Honey online:
http://www.alfitrah.net/index.html
More info can be found from Dr. Muhammad Salim Khan who is a doctor from the Swat Valley in North Western Pakistan.
http://sidrhoney.tripod.com/id9.html
buy Yemeni Honey online:
http://www.alfitrah.net/index.html
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) threatened Yemen to write off Old Sana'a from its World Heritage list after it was found the state had systematically failed to preserve the archaeological integrity of many buildings, allowing them to fall into decrepitude.
With its history stretching back over 2500 years, Sana'a is associated with the civilization of the Bible and the Quran.
UNESCO described Sana'a as "an outstanding example of a homogeneous architectural ensemble reflecting the spatial characteristics of the early years of Islam, the city in its landscape has an extraordinary artistic and pictorial quality. Its many-storied buildings represent an outstanding response to defensive needs in providing spacious living quarters for the maximum number of residents within defensible city walls. The buildings demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in the use of local materials and techniques."
However, a lack of funding, mis-management and 2011 uprising meant Yemen officials were not able to maintain Old Sana'a to UNESCO' standard.
11th century old dwellings were modified by owners as they found hard to accommodate their growing family, often failing to comply with the authorities' construction guidelines.
Harsh weather also is said to have put a strain on the integrity of some buildings, which left uncheck could lead to total collapse.
Harsh weather also is said to have put a strain on the integrity of some buildings, which left uncheck could lead to total collapse.
The Ministry of Finance has apologized for the delay in funding, saying it will endeavor to address all immediate threat to the old city, pointing however that UNESCO failed to adequately fulfill its funding duty toward Yemen. The ministry added it had notified Gulf officials of the severity of the situation and that aid would be allocated promptly.
UNESCO demanded Yemen to provide a full report on Old Sana'a and Zabib, another protected site and address all irregularities.
Yemen Post Staff
Comment:
Yemen is a poor country going through a difficult political transition. It has no money for such demands. If UNESCO would provide the funds for the upkeep (directly, not giving the funds to the government because then we'll see nice villa houses popping up in other areas rather than maintained mud mansions) that might be an idea.
Second idea - open the visa restrictions and let the tourists flood back into Old Sana'a spending lavishly on what they think is a cheap trip.
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Not Forgotten
A very long time has elapsed since the last post. This was due largely to the dispersal of those who promised to contribute.
I think it is important however to let people know what is going on in the streets and with the people, and encourage the ummah to unite especially now as we are facing challenges bigger than ever all over the Muslim world.
Yemen sees this week the convening of the national dialogue, which most people I have spoken to say is just a process to look democratic and to shut up the outsiders. It has been lampooned by the satirists, and when you look around you cant blame them.
Political types have said to me that the opposition agreed to conduct the revolution peacefully and not resort to fighting in order to not spill the blood of the Yemeni people, but to many, the reasons for the peaceful plan was for the leaders who supported the opposition to maintain their lifestyles, and to not spill their own blood.
The situation is akin to hitting one's head against the wall. There is no improvement or forward vision and the bulk of the population continue in the feudal system ignorantly.
Corruption is so entrenched that those practicing common corrupt practices don't even see that what they are doing is corrupt. I have even found some of the corrupt practices in the law, particularly the appointment of family members in government positions. Seriously, it is written in law. So how do we root out the corruption?
Return to the RULE OF ALLAH. And that very well may involve a brawl!
I think it is important however to let people know what is going on in the streets and with the people, and encourage the ummah to unite especially now as we are facing challenges bigger than ever all over the Muslim world.
Yemen sees this week the convening of the national dialogue, which most people I have spoken to say is just a process to look democratic and to shut up the outsiders. It has been lampooned by the satirists, and when you look around you cant blame them.
Political types have said to me that the opposition agreed to conduct the revolution peacefully and not resort to fighting in order to not spill the blood of the Yemeni people, but to many, the reasons for the peaceful plan was for the leaders who supported the opposition to maintain their lifestyles, and to not spill their own blood.
The situation is akin to hitting one's head against the wall. There is no improvement or forward vision and the bulk of the population continue in the feudal system ignorantly.
Corruption is so entrenched that those practicing common corrupt practices don't even see that what they are doing is corrupt. I have even found some of the corrupt practices in the law, particularly the appointment of family members in government positions. Seriously, it is written in law. So how do we root out the corruption?
Return to the RULE OF ALLAH. And that very well may involve a brawl!
Friday, 16 September 2011
Taking Photos in Al-Hasaba
Post by Ruqaya
I met up with al-Ghariba (who sometimes posts on this blog) who used to be my neighbor before the war and we thought we'd go out and take some photos of al-Hasaba before things got cleaned up.
We took photos in and around bait al-Ahmar, the house of the tribal sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, we even got to go inside and get photos from the back garden. We got photos of the Yemenia building, all tall and burnt and then al-Ghariba suggested some photos from the back streets where the aqdam live - this is where we came unstuck.
There are a lot of sandbag walls when you go around in the areas between the big house of al-Ahmar to the bus station and the clock intersection. One street is blocked off by a bus shell filled with these sandbags, and al-Ahmar troops mind these areas and it is all OK to take photos even with them in it. Then as we exited onto the clock intersection near the bus station, some Najda Police stopped us and wanted to take our cameras. Oh no!
Al-Ghariba refused but the policeman got bothered and the remainder of them sitting around chewing qat got up, so we both surrendered our memory cards before we lost our whole cameras and phones too.
ALhamdulillahi Rabbil-alameen that these harsh policemen (who are part of the attacks on al-Hasaba and provoke the tribe fighters into breaking the ceasefire) did not ask for our IDs. I don't think al-Ghariba would have been in a good position being non-Yemeni. Well sister, at least your lahjah is coming along!
Friendly advice from an al-Hasaba resident: Do not take photos in areas with regime forces! or anywhere near them. if you want to take photos inside al-Hasaba do it near bait al-Ahmar!
And when walking by regime forces act as normal as posible and go about your business other than photo taking!
I met up with al-Ghariba (who sometimes posts on this blog) who used to be my neighbor before the war and we thought we'd go out and take some photos of al-Hasaba before things got cleaned up.
We took photos in and around bait al-Ahmar, the house of the tribal sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, we even got to go inside and get photos from the back garden. We got photos of the Yemenia building, all tall and burnt and then al-Ghariba suggested some photos from the back streets where the aqdam live - this is where we came unstuck.
There are a lot of sandbag walls when you go around in the areas between the big house of al-Ahmar to the bus station and the clock intersection. One street is blocked off by a bus shell filled with these sandbags, and al-Ahmar troops mind these areas and it is all OK to take photos even with them in it. Then as we exited onto the clock intersection near the bus station, some Najda Police stopped us and wanted to take our cameras. Oh no!
Al-Ghariba refused but the policeman got bothered and the remainder of them sitting around chewing qat got up, so we both surrendered our memory cards before we lost our whole cameras and phones too.
ALhamdulillahi Rabbil-alameen that these harsh policemen (who are part of the attacks on al-Hasaba and provoke the tribe fighters into breaking the ceasefire) did not ask for our IDs. I don't think al-Ghariba would have been in a good position being non-Yemeni. Well sister, at least your lahjah is coming along!
Friendly advice from an al-Hasaba resident: Do not take photos in areas with regime forces! or anywhere near them. if you want to take photos inside al-Hasaba do it near bait al-Ahmar!
And when walking by regime forces act as normal as posible and go about your business other than photo taking!
Thursday, 8 September 2011
On the Streets
Post by Admin
Walking the streets of Sana'a one can get a feel when things are getting bad. The usual bus chatter increases and heats up. But what we have on the streets and in the skies is something more telling - troop build-ups, extra armored vehicles, new road blocks, and the ever present thud of not to distant bombing.
State media recently reported Shaikh Sadeq Al-Ahmar to have ordered civilian evacuation of al-Hasaba. This is NOT true and life continues, though after the report aired on Saba-TV, the market on the street disappeared a few days.
Fortifications in the suburb have increased, one street is blocked off by a bus body filled with sand bags, and exchanges of gunfire can be heard especially at night.
Petrol prices have risen a little after decreasing to 3000 from 10,000. But everyday items of food are getting harder and harder to afford and some people have taken the step to drink tea with only half the sugar! Now that is a rare thing!
The Change Square sit in is as strong as ever and the tents have undergone renovations such as being put up on stilts to avoid the rain run-off. English translations of coalition signs and handouts remains awful at best. Protesters are still marching around town shouting slogans and chanting the downfall of the regime, and at the end of it, one can only wonder where it is all going.
School and university terms are planned to start on 17 September. It is unclear how term will start at Sana'a and Science and Technology universities with main entrances still blocked off by tents and an uncertain security situation. Almost all schools have had high numbers of unenrolments, especially high end private schools.
Walking the streets of Sana'a one can get a feel when things are getting bad. The usual bus chatter increases and heats up. But what we have on the streets and in the skies is something more telling - troop build-ups, extra armored vehicles, new road blocks, and the ever present thud of not to distant bombing.
State media recently reported Shaikh Sadeq Al-Ahmar to have ordered civilian evacuation of al-Hasaba. This is NOT true and life continues, though after the report aired on Saba-TV, the market on the street disappeared a few days.
Fortifications in the suburb have increased, one street is blocked off by a bus body filled with sand bags, and exchanges of gunfire can be heard especially at night.
Petrol prices have risen a little after decreasing to 3000 from 10,000. But everyday items of food are getting harder and harder to afford and some people have taken the step to drink tea with only half the sugar! Now that is a rare thing!
The Change Square sit in is as strong as ever and the tents have undergone renovations such as being put up on stilts to avoid the rain run-off. English translations of coalition signs and handouts remains awful at best. Protesters are still marching around town shouting slogans and chanting the downfall of the regime, and at the end of it, one can only wonder where it is all going.
School and university terms are planned to start on 17 September. It is unclear how term will start at Sana'a and Science and Technology universities with main entrances still blocked off by tents and an uncertain security situation. Almost all schools have had high numbers of unenrolments, especially high end private schools.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
I am not Paying my Zakat to Ali Saleh!
Post by Ayman
As you make your way around Sana'a you may notice billboards reminding people to pay their Zakat to the state. The reminder is a good thing, but paying zakat to the corrupt state is another thing.
Ideally, Muslims pay their zakat to the zakat collecting authority of the government, but what if that government is so corrupt and far from Islamic rule? What if you are sure all they'll do with your zakat money is stuff it down a pipe and explode it for your entertainment?
Paying zakat the to government is done if the government is ISLAMIC or very close to it. Would you see Muslims in the USA paying zakat to the Barak Obama government? NO! why? Because it is a kafir government of a kafir country. so why would I pay my zakat to Obama's agent in Yemen? The corrupt regime of Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Let's look more closely, my source, fiqh as-Sunnah by Sayyid Sabiq.
It is permissible to pay zakat to a Muslim leader whether he is just or not provided he rules mainly according to Islamic rules. At present the majority if not all Muslim rulers do not have Islamic governance which establishes Islam, propogates and defends it, calls for jihad, and collects and distributes zakat according to rules laid down by ALlah the Most Just.
SOme Muslim rulers are under the influence of western powers while others are influenced by polytheists. Foreign powers employ Muslim rulers as tools to subjugate the people in the name of Islam and to implement their kafir foreign interests in our countries, thus destroying Islam itself. To such rulers, it is NOT permissible to pay zakat regardles of their profession of faith and that they pray.
So there you have it in a nutshell and I feel relief that I can give my zakat directly to eligible recipients which are most people in Yemen.
Allahumma bestow upon me vast wealth so I can spend it in your cause and let me be of the Successful one's who you are please with Amin.
* Admin asked me to include an ayah from Qur'an which highlighted itself especially for me during my reading this Ramadan. I chose Surah al Hashr ayah 7. This ayah is not about zakat but it mentions the purpose of proper distribution of Ummah wealth.
What Allah has bestowed on His Messenger (fa'i - booty without fighting) from the people of the townships,- belongs to Allah,- to His Messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; In order that it may not (merely) be between the wealthy among you. So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah. for Allah is strict in Punishment.
As you make your way around Sana'a you may notice billboards reminding people to pay their Zakat to the state. The reminder is a good thing, but paying zakat to the corrupt state is another thing.
Ideally, Muslims pay their zakat to the zakat collecting authority of the government, but what if that government is so corrupt and far from Islamic rule? What if you are sure all they'll do with your zakat money is stuff it down a pipe and explode it for your entertainment?
Paying zakat the to government is done if the government is ISLAMIC or very close to it. Would you see Muslims in the USA paying zakat to the Barak Obama government? NO! why? Because it is a kafir government of a kafir country. so why would I pay my zakat to Obama's agent in Yemen? The corrupt regime of Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Let's look more closely, my source, fiqh as-Sunnah by Sayyid Sabiq.
It is permissible to pay zakat to a Muslim leader whether he is just or not provided he rules mainly according to Islamic rules. At present the majority if not all Muslim rulers do not have Islamic governance which establishes Islam, propogates and defends it, calls for jihad, and collects and distributes zakat according to rules laid down by ALlah the Most Just.
SOme Muslim rulers are under the influence of western powers while others are influenced by polytheists. Foreign powers employ Muslim rulers as tools to subjugate the people in the name of Islam and to implement their kafir foreign interests in our countries, thus destroying Islam itself. To such rulers, it is NOT permissible to pay zakat regardles of their profession of faith and that they pray.
So there you have it in a nutshell and I feel relief that I can give my zakat directly to eligible recipients which are most people in Yemen.
Allahumma bestow upon me vast wealth so I can spend it in your cause and let me be of the Successful one's who you are please with Amin.
* Admin asked me to include an ayah from Qur'an which highlighted itself especially for me during my reading this Ramadan. I chose Surah al Hashr ayah 7. This ayah is not about zakat but it mentions the purpose of proper distribution of Ummah wealth.
What Allah has bestowed on His Messenger (fa'i - booty without fighting) from the people of the townships,- belongs to Allah,- to His Messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; In order that it may not (merely) be between the wealthy among you. So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah. for Allah is strict in Punishment.
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