Year End

In two days time 2014 will be coming to an end. So many joys and sorrows it has been and I hope to end the year positively.

2015 please be good. Hoping for a blessed new year ahead and constantly praying and hoping for the best in life - for myself and the family.

God willing.


Amiin.

Jualan Online? Online Sales? Keep Calm, Come Close and Read On……

Fashion enthusiasts who go for online shopping will usually and surely be able to compare and judge on what they think are worth on buying. Thinking wisely, they do not have to splurge beyond their budget just to get the items desired – ranging from clothes for everyday wear to beauty products. Therefore, sales event would be the perfect time to get what is needed and fill up their shopping bag only to find that a minimal amount of money is being forked out. For this, you will feel your every penny is worth when purchasing pretty fashion items which are being bought at a discounted price.

For both men and women, there are 3 items which are worth buying online without any hesitation and without having to pay much.

Footwear

Ranging from high heels, boots, flats, flip flops, sandals and more! We can never get enough of various designs of footwear to suit our daily activities and also to cater for special occasions. Having a range of footwear to choose from gives you the option to decide and not having to use the same pair of shoes over and over again. Footwear represents an individual style in an effortless way. Wear it to work, catching up with friends over coffee, go out on a picnic, and you got to have that appealing look when going on a date. Hence, getting some pairs at a low price is a definite must!

 

Basics

Comfy basic wears are essential for both men and women, but wearing it with a slight hint of style is also a fundamental value. Basic wears are not supposed to be expensive thus grabbing them during an online sale period is not an opportunity not to be missed. You can grab a whole lot of them which comes in various colours and styles and whichever that suits your needs.

 

Outerwear

Outerwear such as jackets, cardigans or sweaters are the outfit which represents you as an individual. They can be used by those who love to mix and match their fashion outfit. Therefore, getting the perfect outerwear to match your whole outfit is crucial especially if you can get them at a discounted price with various designs and colours! You can have a complete transformed look just by over layering your top with an outerwear.
 

 

So, here’s the catch….

 Good news! You can get all these 3 items on sale by simply making a date with ZALORA’s Online Fever event which is coming real soon on 12^th December 2014! You will get to enjoy the amazing price deals online which will be on offer and walk home with a bag full of fashion products.


Fill in your cart with items at unbelievably markdown prices.


Indeed an opportunity not to be missed!!!

If the Earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital - Napolean Bonaparte

This place, by far has been one of the most-gained-knowledge trip I've been to.
I find it strange as from all the people I've asked around who has been here has no idea how significant its history has changed the Muslim world.

How significant that the hadith of the Prophet (saw) was actually proven by the opening of this city.

Great intelligence will eventually lead to great honour.

Photo of my own.
Taken : Sept 2014

Expect.........

A very interesting article I can relate to. This is dedicated to all my girl friends and to all of those ladies out there.

Believe in what you do and never give up on hoping for the best from The Almighty.
It was because of Him who made me grow stronger and matured till today.
It was because of His mercy that as if I got that slap on the face that I actually woke up.

Taken from here.

Here goes....

17 Things To Expect When You Date A Girl Who’s Used To Being On Her Own
by Kovie Biakolo

1. Expect her to do her own thing often and without letting you know, at least at first. It’s not that you don’t matter; it’s just that she’s learned to love doing what she wants, when she wants, and without asking permission or informing anyone.

2. She’ll probably want to take things slowly because she’ll not be used to all the attention. Don’t think she doesn’t like you enough, she probably likes you a lot; it’s just all new to her.

 

3. Expect her friends to be overprotective of her and to be suspicious of you at first. They’re not used to her being with someone and they’ll want to make sure you’re the kind of guy who will treat her well.

 

4. She’ll have a hard time letting you do things for her. Try not to take this personally. She’s just used to taking care of herself and it’ll be hard for her to live in a world where she’s got someone else looking out for her in that way.

 

5. Expect her to be stubborn, to always want things her way, and to fight you when she doesn’t get it. Don’t always give in to her, but do let her win sometimes.

6. She needs to be left alone often especially when you first start seeing each other and it should feel like she’s head over heels. Believe that she has more butterflies in her stomach than she knows what to do with, which is why she’ll need to compose herself.

7. Expect her to pull away from you, especially when she realizes how much she likes you. She’ll come back to you but she’ll need time to think her feelings through.

8. She’ll question you, sometimes directly, sometimes implicitly, about your feelings for her. She’ll always want to know if they are real or if she’s making things up in her head.

9. Expect her to be headstrong. She’ll tell you, “I’ve got this,” more than you’ll want to hear. But she’ll get used to your offers to help. And in time she’ll know how to let go of the tight grip she seems to have on everything.

 

10. She’ll be guarded, and she won’t be keen on letting you in. She’s waiting to see if you’re patient, she’s waiting to see if you’re worth it. She’s hoping that you’re worth it.

11. Expect her to be stingy with trust, to only give a little bit at a time. But every time she gives you a little, it’ll feel like a big step for her. Cherish these big steps.

12. She’ll come across as strong, maybe too strong for you at first. But don’t be intimidated, this is her outer shell. And when you get to know her, you’ll know she’s strong but soft; tough but kind.

13. Expect her to be reserved, at least about the things that matter. Until you really get to know her. And then you’ll see the untamed, raw, and always beautiful open version of her that she’ll let you fully discover.

14. She’ll be slow with her vulnerabilities, and hide many of her weaknesses. And when she shows you them, she’ll feel naked. Clothe her with your words.

15. Expect her not to need you, and not to believe in needing much of anything at all. But she’ll want you. And when she does, it’ll be the most exhilarating feeling you’ve ever experienced.

16. She’ll be scared – scared to be hurt, scared to love, and be loved. Scared that you’ll eventually hurt her or leave her and if and when that happens, she won’t know who she was before.

17. Being alone is her default, it’s her comfort zone. But expect her to fall in love with you faster than she’ll admit and in a way that isn’t loud but still powerful; it’ll be like a little bit of heaven. And it won’t matter if you love her for a while or for a lifetime; her love will change both you and her forever.


Thanks Kovie!
This was indeed a good read :)

xo

2014

Well hello there!

Something just triggered me. I've missed this blog already :)



Yours truly.

The Day of Ashura

It has been a LOOOOONGGGG while.

Yes I know..


Anyway I will just keep this simple. My first post after a few months. Also its a plus as today is the day of Ashura.

Got this from a friend who shared it from this blog.

All Praise belongs to Allāh, the Lord of the Worlds, and may the Peace and blessings of Allāh be upon his Messenger, his family and on all of his companions.

Throughout the year Allāh (subḥānahu wa ta`āla) grants His servants with ample opportunities to have their past sins forgiven and to start anew. One of these special occasions is closely approaching us, known as`Āshūra.

Much confusion surrounds this day. Some Muslims treat this occasion as a day of celebration and joy, and a time where special dishes are prepared. Conversely, the Shi’ites spend the very same day, beating and injuring themselves, and marking it as a day of sadness and mourning.
In this short article, I hope to dispel some of the myths surrounding this day and explain the position of Ahl as-Sunnah with regards to the above two practices.
I have divided the article into three parts. In the first part, I have gathered some of the aḥādīth regarding the merits of `Āshūra; I have made an effort to distinguish between the authentic and the weak narrations. Then in the following two sections, I discuss the innovation of taking `Āshūra as a day of mourning and the innovation of taking it as a day of joy, respectively.


Some Authentic Aḥādīth Regarding `Āshūra

1. `Ā’īshā (raḍī Allāhu anhā) said: “The people of Quraysh used to fast on the day of `Ashūra in the pre-Islamic days. When the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) migrated to Madīnah, he observed this fast and commanded others to observe it. But when fasting during the month of Ramaḍān was made obligatory he left the [fast of] `Āshūra (i.e. it was no longer obligatory); [1] so whosoever wished to observe this fast, did so, and whosoever wished to leave it, did so.” [Agreed Upon]
2. Abū Musā al-Ash`arī (raḍī Allāhu anhu) said: The day of `Āshurā was one that the Jews respected and treated as a day of festival. The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) instructed us: “You should also observe fast on this day.” [Agreed Upon]
3. Humayd b. `Abd ar-Raḥmān narrated that he heard Mu`āwiyah b. Abū Sufyān (raḍī Allāhu anhumā) say, while delivering a sermon on the pulpit on the day of `Āshūra in the year he came for Hajj: “People of Madīnah, where are your scholars? I heard the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say: ‘This is the day of `Āshūra. Allāh has not made fasting on this day compulsory on you, but I am fasting. So whosoever wishes to observe the fast from amongst you, should do so, and whoever does not wish to observe it, may do so.’” [Agreed Upon]
4. Ibn `Abbās (raḍī Allāhu anhu) said: “When the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to Madīnah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of `Āshūra. He asked: ‘What is this [that you are doing]?’ They replied: ‘This is a righteous day. On this day Allāh saved the Israelites from their enemies, and so Moses, on this day, observed a fast.’ The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘I have a greater right on Moses (alayhis salām) than you.’ So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to also fast.’ [Agreed Upon]. [2]
5. Ar-Rab`ī  b. Mu`awadh (raḍī Allāhu anhā) said: “The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent a envoy to the village of the Anṣār in the morning of the day of `Āshūra announcing: ‘Whoever has eaten something should not eat but complete the fast, and whoever is observing the fast should complete it.’” She further said: “Since then we fasted regularly on that day and also make our sons fast. We used to make toys of wool for the boys and if anyone of them cried for food, we would give them these [toys] until it was time to break the fast.” [Agreed Upon]
6. `Abd Allāh b. `Umar (raḍī Allāhu anhu) narrated: “The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) observed the fast on the day of `Āshūra and ordered others to also fast. When fasting during Ramaḍān was made compulsory, he left it.” `Abd Allāh would not fast on this day unless it coincided with his (normal days of) fasting. [al-Bukhārī and Aḥmad]
7. Ibn `Abbās (raḍī Allāhu anhumā) narrated: “I do not know the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) singling out any days for fasting, and considering it more excellent than another, except for this day [the day of `Āshūra] and that month – meaning the month of Ramaḍān.” [Agreed Upon]
8. Abū Qatāda al-Anṣārī (raḍī Allāhu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fasting three days every month and [fasting] the whole [month] of Ramaḍān every year is a perpetual fast. The fast of the day of `Arafah, [I consider it to] expiate the sins of the preceding and the coming year. The fast of the day of `Āshūra, [I consider it to] expiate the sins of the preceding year.” [Muslim, Aḥmad, Abū Dāwūd and Ibn Khuzaymah] [3]
9. Ibn `Abbās (raḍī Allāhu anhumā) narrated that when the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) fasted on the day of `Āshūra and commanded that it be observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: “Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam), it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem.” Thereupon the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the next year comes, Allāh willing, we will observe fast on the ninth.” The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) died before the advent of the next year. [Muslim, Aḥmad, Abū Dāwūd and Ibn Mājah] [4]
10. Abū Mūsā (raḍī Allāhu anhu) narrated that the people of Khaybar, [most of whom were Jews] observed the fast on the day of `Āshūra and treated it as a festive day. Their women would wear ornaments and beautiful dresses. The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “You (only) observe fast on this day.” [Muslim]  


Some Weak Aḥadīth Regarding `Āshūra

1. Ibn `Abbās (raḍī Allāhu anhumā) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fast on the day of `Āshūra and differ from the Jews; fast a day before it or a day after it.” [Weak] [Aḥmad, Ibn Khuzaymah, al-Ḥumaydī, at-Tahāwī in Ma’ānī al-Āthār, al-Bazzār, Ibn `Adī in al-Kāmil, al-Bayhaqī in al-Kubra and ash-Shu`ab] [5]
2. Ibn ‘Abbās (raḍī Allāhu anhumā) reports that the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who fasts on the day of `Arafah, his fast will be a compensation for the sins of two years, and he who fast in the month of Muḥarram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast.” [Fabricated] [aṭ-Ṭabrāni in as-Saghīr] [6]
3. Abū Hurayrah (raḍī Allāhu anhu) and others narrate: “One who increases [his spending] on his family on`Āshūra, Allāh will increase it for him throughout the year.” [Weak] [Al-Bayhaqī in ash-Shu`ab, al-Uqaylī in aḍ-Ḍu'afā, Ibn `Adī in al-Kāmil, Ibn al-Jawzī in al-Illal and others] [7]  


The Innovation (Bid`ah) of Commemorating `Āshūra as a Day of Mourning

On the 10th of Muḥarram (the day of `Āshūra), in the year 61 A.H. the Prophet’s (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) beloved grandson al-Ḥusayn b. `Alī b. Abī Ṭālib (raḍī Allāhu anhumā) was martyred. Undoubtedly the murder of the grandson of the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was a sad day in Islamic history. However, he was not the first to be martyred; rather, he was preceded by many great companions who were also killed unjustly, including `Umar, Uthmān, al-Ḥusayn’s own father, `Alī b. Abī Ṭālib and his brother al-Hassan (raḍī Allāhu anhūma).

After the death of Alī b. Abī Tālib (raḍī Allāhu anhū), some of the companions pledged allegiance to al-Ḥasan (raḍī Allāhu anhū), regarding whom the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “This son of mine is a chief, and Allāh will make peace between two large groups of Muslims through him.” [al-Bukhārī].

After a short period he was also martyred, and some tribes wrote to his brother al-Ḥusayn (raḍī Allāhu anhu) promising him support and allegiance if he was to come to them at Kūfa. Ibn `Abbās and Ibn `Umar (raḍī Allāhu anhumā) both advised al-Ḥusayn against accepting their invitation, as they felt that the people inviting him were treacherous and untrustworthy.

Al-Ḥusayn (raḍī Allāhu anhū) relying on the words of the Kūfans set out for the city with his family and followers. On the way he was deserted by his followers and betrayed by the Kūfans. Consequently, he was left with a small band consisting of his family members and friends (a total of 72 people) in the middle of the sandy desert of Karbala fighting against the governor of Kūfa, `Ubayd Allāh b. Ziyād, and his troops of more than 4000 men. The entire group was massacred on the 10th of Muḥarram.

It was after this incident that the Shi’ites, who considered Al-Ḥusayn (raḍī Allāhu anhū) as the third Imām and rightful successor of the Prophet, began to take this day as a day of grief and sadness, mourning the fact that they were not present at the battle to fight and save al-Ḥusayn and his family.

Ibn Taymiyyah writes: “Satan took the opportunity with the death of al-Ḥusayn (raḍī Allāhu anhū) to introduce two innovations: the innovation of showing sadness and mourning on the day of `Āshūra by slapping, screaming, crying and lamenting, and (the innovation of) cursing the Ṣahābas (companions of the Prophet).”

He then reminds the reader that wailing and excessive mourning over past calamities was clearly prohibited by Allāh and His Messenger.

Allāh (ṣubhānahu wa ta’ālā) says in the Qur`ān:
“We will try you with fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits; but give glad tidings to those who are patient. Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say: `To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.’ It is these on whom descend blessings and mercy from their Lord, and it is they who are rightly guided.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 155-157]

Also the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and follows the ways and traditions of the Days of Ignorance is not one of us.” [al-Bukhārī]

 In another ḥadīth the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are four characteristics among my people that belong to the pre-Islamic (jāhiliyyah) period which they have not abandoned: boasting of high rank, reviling other peoples’ genealogies, seeking rain by stars, and wailing.” He (further) said: “If the wailing woman does not repent before she dies, she will be made to stand on the Day of Resurrection wearing a garment of brass and an armor of mange.” [Muslim]

The Shi’ites—in addition to public processions of ceremonial chest beating, wailing, injuring oneself and cursing Abū Bakr, `Umar (raḍiyallāhu anhumā) and the rest of the companions—avoid all manifestations of joy during this month. They refrain from eating meat and avoid getting married or wearing new clothes during this month and especially during this day. Images of men and small boys slashing themselves with razors or knives, allowing their blood to run freely over their bodies is common among some of the extreme Shi’ites. Others, recognizing the gruesome nature of this act, have opted out of self mutilation and resorted to donating their blood. Many Shi’ites believe that taking part in these mourning rituals absolves them from their sin. A popular Shi’ites saying says, “A single tear shed for al-Ḥusayn washes away a hundred sins!”


The Innovation of Showing Joy and Happiness During This Day

To counteract the extreme position of the Shi`ites, another extreme group called  “the Nawāṣib” took this day as a day of happiness. The Nawāṣibs, which consisted mainly of the Khawārij, held animosity against al-Ḥusayn (raḍī Allāhu anhū) and the Ahle al-Bayt. They celebrated this day by wearing new clothes, cooking special food and spending extra money on their family.

The first sign of the appearance of the Khawārij was during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

Abū Sa`īd al-Khudrī (raḍī Allāhu anhū) narrated: “We were in the company of the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) while he was distributing the spoils of war; there came to him Dhul-Khuwaysarah, from the tribe of Tamim. and said: ‘Messenger of Allāh, do justice!’ Upon this the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Woe to you, Who would do justice, if I do not do justice? You would be unsuccessful and incur a loss, if I do not do justice.’ Upon this `Umar ibn Khattāb (raḍī Allāhu anhū) said: ‘Messenger of Allāh, permit me to strike off his neck.’ The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Leave him; he has companions [who would outwardly look to be so religious and pious] that one of you would consider his  prayer insignificant when compared to their prayer, and his fast [insignificant when] compared to their fasts. They would recite the Qur`ān but it would not go beyond their collar-bones. They would pass through Islam just as an arrow passes through its prey. He would look at its iron head, but would not find anything there. He would then see at the lowest end, but would not find anything there. He would then see at its grip but there too he would not find anything. He would then look at its feathers and would find nothing stick to them [as the arrow would pass so quickly that nothing would stick to it] neither excrement nor blood. They would be recognized by the presence of a black man among them whose upper arms would be like a woman’s breast, or like a piece of meat as it quivers, and they would come forth at the time when there is dissension among the people.’”

Abū Sa`īd (raḍī Allāhu anhu) said: “I testify to the fact that I heard it from the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and I testify to the fact that `Alī b. Abī Tālib (raḍī Allāhu anhu) fought against them and I was with him. He gave the orders for that man and he was sought for; when he was brought, I looked at him and he was exactly as the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had described.” [Muslim]

 The Shi`ites and the Khawārij opposed each other by introducing an innovation in the religion. So while one group lamented and mourned on this day the other group celebrated and made it a day of happiness.
As for the Ahl as-Sunnah they oppose both of these groups, neither making it a day of celebration nor a day of mourning. This is the established practice of the companions and the pious predecessors, including the four Imāms: Imām Abū Hanīfah, Imam Mālik, Imām ash-Shāfi’ī and Imām Aḥmad (May Allāh be pleased with them all).

The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “You must follow my sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly-guided caliphs. Hold on to it and stick fast to it. Avoid newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is a misguidance.” [Abū Dāwūd, Aḥmad and at-Tirmidhī]

Ibn Taymiyyah writes in his Fatāwā:
“As for cooking special foods, wearing new clothes, applying kohl, spending extra money on the children, doing special prayers, having a special bath…all of this is a wretched innovation (bid`ah) which the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) never practiced nor did the rightly guided caliphs, and neither was it recommended by any of the great Imāms such as, Mālik, at-Thawrī, al-Layth b. Sād, Abū Hanīfah, al-Awzāī, ash-Shāfi’ī, Aḥmad b. Hambal, Ishāq b. Rāhūyeh (may Allāh be pleased with them all), nor by other such scholars. Rather some of the later followers started to instruct in some of these things and claimed that there were some authentic aḥādith supporting their view. But these people are clearly mistaken and are in error according to the people of knowledge.

Imām Aḥmad was asked about the ḥadīth: “One should spend on his family on the day of `Āshūra” and regarded it as unauthentic.

In fact the best narration they have is what is reported from Ibrāhīm b. Muḥammad b. al-Muntashir from his father that he said: “It reached us that one who increases (his spending) on his family on [the day of]`Āshūra, Allāh will increase it for him throughout the year.” Sufyān b. ‘Uyaiynah said: “Ibrahīm b. Muḥammad was from Kūfa and he did not mention from whom he heard it or how it reached him. It is most likely that the one who related this [to him] was someone from the people of Bid`ah who hates the companions and wants to oppose the Rāfidhah with lies. So they oppose corruption with corruption and an innovation with an innovation.” [8]

To conclude, what is clearly established from the Sunnah is the fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muḥarram. As for mourning, displaying sadness, or celebrating by making special foods, wearing new clothes, etc. then it is all innovations.

Finally, I leave you with the statement of Imām Mālik: “He who introduces an innovation (Bid’ah) in Islam, regarding it as something good has claimed that Muḥammad (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has betrayed his trust to deliver the message. As Allāh says: ‘Today have I completed your Dīn (religion)’ Whatever was not part of the Dīn during the time of the Prophet cannot be considered as part of the Dīn today.” [al-I`tisām, ash-Shāṭibī]

He also said: “Nothing will benefit the later ones from this Ummah, except that which benefited the earlier ones (i.e., the companions).” [Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Qā'idah al-Jalīlah]

 Allāh knows best.

May the Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muḥammad (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam), his family, and his companions.


End Notes:

[1] See Ibn al-Qayyim, Zād al-Ma`ād, Volume two, page 68, Mu`assasah al-Risālah, 1424 A.H.

[2] Imām Aḥmad reported a similar ḥadīth on the authority of Abū Hurayrah with the additional words: “On this day the ship [of Noah] settled on [Mount] al-Judī.” This is a weak narration due to the presence of `Abd aṣ-Ṣamad b. Ḥabīb, who is weak, and Ḥabīb b. `Abd Allāh, who is unknown. Ibn Kathīr in his Tafṣīr (2/448) stated that this was a strange report.

[3] The predominant view among the scholars is that it expiates minor sins, as for major sins, repentance is required. This was explicitly expressed by an-Nawawī in al-Majmū` (6/382) and Ibn Taymiyyah in al-Fatāwā al-Kubrā (4/428)

[4] Imām an-Nawawī in his commentary to this ḥadīth writes: “This is a clear statement from Ibn `Abbās that according to him `Āshūra is on the ninth of Muḥarram…The majority of early and later scholars are of the opinion that `Āshūra is on the tenth of Muḥarram. From those who held this view are: Sa`īd b. al-Musayyib, al-Ḥassan al-Baṣrī, Mālik, Ishāq and others. This is the apparent meaning of the ḥadīth, and the proper understanding of the word.”

Ibn al-Qayyim was of the view that Ibn `Abbās did not differ on this issue and had only told the questioner to fast the ninth, since it was already assumed that he would be fasting the tenth. (Ẓād al-Ma`ād 2/75)

[5] This ḥadīth has been graded weak by numerous scholars. Ash-Shawkānī said: “This report in Aḥmad via Dāwūd b. `Alī from his father from his grandfather was narrated by Ibn Abī Laylā and therefore is weak and rejected (munkar).”

Muḥammad b. Abi Laylā is known to have an awful memory and was graded weak by Aḥmad, Ibn Ma`īn, and others. See: Tahdhīb al-Kamāl (25/622) and Miẓān al-I`tidāl (3/No. 7825). Likewise, Dāwūd b. `Alī, is also weak. Ad-Dhahabī writes in al-Mizān (2/13): “He is not an authority.”

Al-Bazzar writes: “The ḥadīth is reported from ibn `Abbās (raḍī Allāhu anhū) with different wordings. We do not know anyone narrating: “Fast a day before it or a day after it,” except Dāwūd b. `Alī from his father from Ibn Abbās from the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

`Atā and others reported from Ibn ‘Abbās as a saying of his (Mawquf) with a different wording.

On the authority of ibn Jurayj, who was informed by Atā from ibn Abbās who said: “Fast the ninth and the tenth and differ from the Jews.” (`Abd ar-Razzāk (7839), al-Bayhaqī (4/287) and aṭ-Ṭahāwī in Sharḥ Ma`ānī al-Āthār (2/78).

Ibn Rajab graded this narration authentic. (al-Laṭā’if, pg. 108)

Ibn Hajr, Ibn al-Qayyim, al-Mubārakpurī and others, who deemed the ḥadīth in Aḥmad as acceptable, mentioned three levels of fasting during these days:
1. Fasting on the 9th/10th and 11th. (This being the best form)
2. Fasting on the 9th and 10th.
3. Fasting on the 10th only.

According to the Ḥanafī School fasting just on the tenth is disliked (makrūh) and this was also the opinion of Ibn `Abbās (raḍiyallāhu anhu) and Imām Aḥmad (Iqtiḍā’ aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm 1/420). Ibn Taymiyyah was of the view that it was not makrūh (al-Fatāwā al-Kubrā 4/461).

[6] There are several problems with this chain. Ad-Dhahabī accused al-Haytham b. Habīb, one of the narrators, of falsehood. As for Salām aṭ-Ṭawīl, he is well known among the hadith scholars for fabricatingahādith. Ibn Karrās said: “He is a liar.” Ibn Ḥibbān said: “He narrates fabrications from trustworthy people.” Al-Hākim said: “He narrates fabricated ahādith.” Additionally, Layth b. Abī Salīm, another narrator in the chain, is also weak. From a textual point of view there is another problem, one of the narrations mentioned by aṭ-Ṭabarānī in his al-Kabir, with the same chain, ends with “or every day he has thirty blessings.” instead of “thirty days”.

[7] Al-Bayhaqi argued that although the ḥadīth is weak it can be strengthened by supporting channels. This claim is true if all the channels are only slightly weak, but a study of the channels, demonstrate that they are extremely weak and cannot be strengthened by one another. All of the channels have individuals either accused of fabricating or known to be extremely weak. It is for this reason that, ad-Dāraqutnī, ad-Dhahabī, Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Haythamī and others regarded this ḥadīth as weak. Ibn al-Jawzi regarded it as a fabrication.

[8] Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmū`ah al-Fatawā, Volume 13, page 169, Dar al-Wafā, 1426 A.H.


Till then.

May our deeds be accepted.
XO

March Challenge

Wow its 2013 and its already March! Welcome March. The third month of the year!

So the photo challenge for this month. By FATMUMSLIM.

Come on grab your camera/phones and join the fun!

Carbon Free Sunday

When? : Sun 17 Feb 2013
Where? : Jalan Telawi, Bangsar, KL
Disance : 5km
Details : Here!


Had an early start of the day last Sunday. Took the LRT to Bangsar. Was puzzled upon arrival as there was no sign on where the starting line was.
But oh well, we eventually got to the line and the gun went off at 7am.

Just to show you the feel of it, here are some photos.

The 'bin' which  was used to dump your recyclables.

Messages and notes by the participants. 

Such a nice atmosphere as it was less crowded.

I loved it because I get to experience a different route (that this is my first time running in Bangsar) and not the normal route at Dataran Merdeka.
It wasn't crowded at all as there weren't that many participants and so I loved the atmosphere.

There are some areas they should also improve, on which I think is vital. At the sole water station midway, (yes, there was only ONE water station) they should have made it clear that participants are required to bring along the water bottles till the finishing line. I see that bottles are being dumped along the road side. This wasn't a good sign at all, whatmore we are running for a cause! No water was provided upon the finishing line.

Nevertheless, despite the cons, to wrap it up, it was a great Sunday! We had fun!

This Just Made Me Smile

This............. is the best thing.
Just made me smile.

xoxo

Temperature on the Rise

Australia's weather is getting hot hot HOT!!!

A scorching 50deg celcius! Unbelievable! I have never experience a temperature that high. Well, I could still recall the highest it went when I was in Australia was 42deg celcius! and I have already complained about it.
It was hot and dry. Flaky skin, that was the norm. Stock of Niveas - it was a must all the time.

"The record-setting temperature of 50.7 set in 1960 has, thankfully, still not been broken." - Yahoo News.

The temp is set up to rise till the next week or so.
Forest fires in Tasmania and NSW. Houses are being burned down, many people affected.
I hope this would come to an end soon.
God willing.

Be strong!

Welcome 2013

Welcome 2013.

A Happy New Year! Its 3 days past already. I isn't too late.

Just got back from a 2 week break.

Was fun!

Will detail more about it soon!

XX

Its Official. A Baby.

It is confirmed, Kate Middleton is pregnant.

She is now currently admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in Central London on Monday as she is said to be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - and acute morning sickness which requires additional hydration and nutrition, hence the reason for the announcement.

An interesting fact:

The child will be both Prince Charles' and the Middletons' first grandchild. If the baby is born while Queen Elizabeth still sits on the throne, it will be the first time in 120 years that a reigning monarch will meet a great-grandchild in the direct line to succession

Congratulations Will and Kate.


xoxo

Of a Scarf and a Necklace

Stumbled upon this. Thought it might be useful. For me too.

Necklace buyers: This might be useful for those who wish to buy it online and no chance to try it on.

 

Have a fabulous day ahead!

XXX

Friday : 23 Nov 2012

Thanksgiving is over! Well, thanksgiving has no significant value on me, but what excites me is the first Friday after Thanksgiving!


BlackFridayyyyy!!!!!

Which means its time to shop shop shop till you drop drop drop be it in store or online.
Things can go really cheap and you can get stuffs you want (or rather you need) at a very very low price.
Ahhh yes, I had chosen carefully and made comparisons between the many many stores offering the same item. Yes I can be really diligent at this.

Looking forward to receiving my eReader! I was contemplating between a Kindle or a Nook. Initially I wanted a Kindle, but after I discovered about Nook, it might be more worth it. Functions are similar with a cheaper price! Its just that obviously you need to download your books from Barnes & Noble. But hey, it ain't a problem at all!
With that kind of storage, it is as if you are carrying an amount of up to 1000 books in your handbag! How easy!

The list goes on.

Well people, happy shopping!!!!!

A War Crime

The attacks on Gaza is indeed a war crime.
Israel - a stolen land from the Palestinians. With this we all pray so it will come to an end.


What role should we play?
This is the least we could do.

God willing.


Noam Chomsky on Israeli strikes on Gaza:

The incursion and bombardment of Gaza is not about destroying Hamas. It is not about stopping rocket fire into Israel, it is not about achieving peace.

The Israeli decision to rain death and destruction on Gaza, to use lethal weapons of the modern battlefield on a largely defenseless civilian population, is the final phase in a decades-long campaign to ethnically-cleanse Palestinians.

Israel uses sophisticated attack jets and naval vessels to bomb densely-crowded refugee camps, schools, apartment blocks, mosques, and slums to attack a population that has no air force, no air defense, no navy, no heavy weapons, no artillery units, no mechanized armor, no command in control, no army… and calls it a war. It is not a war, it is murder.

Avoiding Arrogance and Self-Righteousness - By: Yasmin Mogahed

Yasmin Mogaheed: "We will never enter Jannah because of our good deeds, even Rasulullah saw said that about himself, but we enter Jannah because of Allah's mercy. Thank Allah swt for allowing us to be able to worship Him and pray that He would not turn our hearts, for the heart can turn overnight. If we are in the path to becoming a better Muslim - starting to wear hijab, starting to go to mosques, starting to Qiyam at night, never look down upon other people who are not - because the good deeds doesn't come from us, it's from Allah swt's mercy. The self-righteous and arrogance feeling comes from Syaitan". I thank Allah for guiding me to find and listen to this lecture.
Please listen on...

The Closing of 2012

One of the most impulsive decision I have ever made.

My first time ever in an RV. God willing.
InshaAllah.

 Much anticipated. Much awaited. And much nervousness too!
Haaaaa!!!!

7 Great Reasons to see Europe during Winter

Hello November!!

It is anticipated there will be extreme weather this year during winter, what not we have already seen extreme weather in Australia - snow during spring?????
2012 has indeed been a memorable year for us.

With the now happening hurricane Sandy in New York, billions of property damage, the closure of Wall Street, lives lost. Who know such disaster might happen to the least expected city in the world.
We just need to pray and hope for the best.

Anyways, stumbled across this on Lonely Planet..Well, some of you might agree and some of you might not. Personally, I hate the cold. That was what I told myself when I was in Australia for two years. Yes, the cold in a way limits your movement. Laziness will eventually prevail as you will tend to cuddle up in the warmth of your home. Now, telling myself, why not spend some time somewhere during winter?
Here is a read that some of you might want to consider on planning a trip this coming winter. However, there are some points need to be considered right at the bottom of the article.
And oh its a good time to catch the Aurora Borealis too!!!!!

The 7 Reasons to experience winter in Europe:

1. Off-season bargains

The rush for Christmas and New Year flights is over and there are deals galore as typically ‘summery’ destinations hit their off-peak season. Take advantage of the January slump: some tour operators suspend their deals over the holidays but rev them up again in mid-January. It’s also a great time to make an offer on a holiday bidding site like Priceline.com or to scour the usual favourites like TravelZoo, Expedia and Opodo. A number of sites, like OffSeason.com and CheapTickets.com, scoop up all the off-season travel deals in one place, so snagging a deal is like shooting fish in a barrel.

2. Jump in, the weather’s fine

Southern Europe laughs in the face of Jack Frost. Plenty of European destinations are still balmy before spring, like southern Spain, the south of France, Sicily, Cyprus and Crete. Contact the relevant tourist office and ask for the stats if you have weather worries. And if you need your dose of vitamin D, get the info on daylight hours in your destination from EuroMeteo.com. Warm destinations won’t swelter as they do during their summer peak, so you can see the ruins of ancient Greece without risking sunstroke and you won’t have to avoid beaches during the midday sun. Time for another ouzo, then.

3. Don’t fear the frost

But there’s no need to chase the sun, as lashings of rain and snow give added charisma to Europe’s classic city destinations. Who could fail to be moved by an icy glaze on the turrets of Europe’s castles? And what could elicit more envy than snapshots of romantic Budapest under a smattering of snow? Wrap up in layers and embrace the cooler weather.

4. Get some elbow room

If your travel photos are usually invaded by hordes of other tourists, spare yourself the time Photoshopping them out and travel in winter for a crowd-free view. Big-hitting destinations are open for business, but in winter more of the streets will be yours: that means fewer pairs of sandaled feet pacing La Rambla and less jostling for a view of La Sagrada Família. Over in France, the major sights in Provence favourite, Avignon, are still open for business so you can pose on the famous pont St-Bénézet and gawp at the immense Palais des Papes. But winter travellers might be tempted by some of the more curious events too, like January’s horse festival or the theatrical Fest-Hiver.

5. Live like a local

Without so many tourists flocking into their prettiest piazzas, life returns to normal in many tourist hotspots. And as locals’ guard comes down, all the better to people-watch. Try stomping into a warm Parisian brasserie to see chic locals shake their umbrellas (and wring out their soggy pet poodles). Or maybe you’d prefer to eavesdrop on Londoners as they endlessly discuss weather reports with that quintessentially British air of gloom.

6. Winter madness

Why not unleash your daring side by timing your trip to coincide with one of Europe’s hedonistic winter events?  Something about being cooped up indoors unleashes the wild side in Europeans and it’d be rude not to join in the chaos. Scandinavians leap into ice-cold lakes as part of their sauna regime, Sicilians explode in a riot of colour for the Feast of San Sebastiano, and Croatia’s February festivals are a spectacle of giddy mayhem (particularly raucous in Rijeka).

7. Cuddle up

Unless you’re hunting the Northern Lights or riding husky dogs across a frozen plain, Scandinavia might seem like a crazy choice for cold weather. A Stockholm city break with shortening hours of daylight? Traipsing up to Tromsø for dark skies and gloomy museums? But in Scandinavia, the colder it is, the most tempting the cosy comforts. March your rain-battled self to a Finnish sauna, snuggle into one of Gothenburg’s beautiful cafes with a sinful hot chocolate, or head to Denmark to experience hygge, an untranslatable phenomenon akin to cosiness and goodwill.
But don’t forget to plan. Make your European travels a breeze by heeding these winter winter warnings:

• Road to nowhere. Ferries, buses and train routes can slow down or come to a complete stop over winter. Don’t pin your hopes on island-hopping Croatia or railroading across Russia before you check whether the routes will operate.
• Hammering in your head. Hotels sometimes use the low season to renovate their properties. If you want to be sure you’ll avoid a noisy night, check online reviews for mentions of building works, or be bold and ask the hotel outright.
• Closed for business. Hotels, museums and galleries sometimes give themselves a hard-earned rest after the hubbub of high season, so call ahead or check the website before you rock up.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe/travel-tips-and-articles/76931##ixzz2Avs5p5n1

Enjoy winter people!!!!!!!!!

xoxo

Freedom of Expressions

Got this from a post on Facebook.
Worth a read.
Written by the former Prime Minister or Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed

My verdict: A very brave statement by Tun. Well said.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSIONS

1. We are often lectured by the West, their leaders and journalists on freedom of speech, of expression, freedom of the press and media. These are part of human rights which Governments, and certainly Governments which accept democracy and the accompanying rights must respect and uphold.

2. Yet this is an area which the West displays the greatest degree of hypocrisy, of double-standards. We know of many instances when Western Governments regulate and control their media. We know that the press often self-regulates in their wish to uphold Government policies or practices.

3. But the most blatant example of control over public expression is with regard to the protection of the Jews. Not only will any criticism of the Jews be condemned, but laws have been enacted in many European countries which makes it illegal for anyone to dispute any aspect of the Holocaust. No one may question the claim that 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust.

4. Thus when David Irving a British historian doubted the 6 million figure, he was arrested and jailed in Austria even though his opinion was not expressed in that country. Since then no one has dared to openly question the veracity of the claim on the number of Jews killed by the Nazis. And David Irving himself has not been heard to question the legality of his arrest and incarceration for all the beliefs in freedom of expression. This extra-territorial enforcement of a country’s law is most unusual although we are seeing now such extension of the laws of powerful countries to other countries in the world.

5. The action of the Austrian Government and the existence of such a law forbidding free expression not only in Austria but elsewhere is a blatant example of total negation of free speech. And there are many other examples.

6. The American press is extremely good at investigative reporting. They will go to great length to expose the truth about any scandal or event.

7. One of the most newsworthy event of the last century is the 9/11 destruction of the World Trade Towers in New York. Such an event would have been thoroughly and repeatedly investigated, analysed and reported in the media even after years have passed. But very little has been reported about this event except for the first few weeks.

8. The results of investigations by private individuals and organisations have never been published in the media. The peculiar manner of the building collapsing on itself, the similar collapse of a third building which was not hit by the aircrafts; the total absence of debris where planes were said to have crashed into the Pentagon building and in the open field where the fourth plane was said to have crashed into the ground, the total absences of reports and recovery of the black boxes which all these planes must have carried; all these seem not to be in keeping with America’s talent for investigative reporting. There seems to be a conspiracy of silence. And this silence negates the loud claim of press freedom by the West.

9. And yet when an American spent large sums of money to produce a film to insult the Muslims and denigrate their Prophet in the most insulting manner; when the producer of the film knows full well that there would be violent reactions to the screening of this film; their deliberate provocation of the Muslims is defended by the American Government as a manifestation of the freedom of expression.

10. The reaction to this film by Muslims, including the killing of United States diplomats is condemned as extreme and indefensible. Muslims should understand that the film producer was only exercising his rights.

11. If that is so then why are there laws in many Western cities banning any adverse comments against the Jews. Why was David Irving arrested and jailed for doubting whether 6 million Jews were killed in the holocaust? Was he not also exercising his freedom of expression!

12. The West condemns the lack of restraints among Muslims to such puerile provocation. They are asked to be rational and not be violent.

13. Should not they also advise their own people to exercise restrain regarding provoking the Muslims. If they expect the Muslims to be rational, shouldn’t they request their own people to be rational as well? Better still if they can pass laws regarding the sensitivities of the Jews, surely they can legislate similar laws regarding insulting the sensitivities of the Muslims.

14. But instead of restraining their people, at the very time when Muslims reacted violently over the insult to their Prophet, the Europeans published cartoons to insult and provoke the Muslims further.

15. Truly the hypocrisy of the great advocates of freedoms of all kinds is beyond compare. Such people should not take the high ground to lecture the world on anything.

Addicted to Exercise??

Adapted... However a really good read.

TWO FIT 
By FIONA HO
starhealth@thestar.com.my

We are all familiar with the benefits of exercise, but overdoing it can yield some pretty debilitating results, especially on one’s social life. This writer shares how her addiction to exercise nearly ruined her vacation.

IT was freezing in peaceful Jeju island – a popular vacation spot in South Korea known for its natural sights and beaches – when this writer set foot there a few months ago.

Drenched from the evening rain, I had been shaking like a leaf despite being wrapped up in a long black coat and shawl. It was so cold that my fingers were numb. Inside, however, I was seething with raging unease. It had been nearly a week since I hit the gym, and my body was threatening to explode from pent-up frustration.

“I would rather not eat or sleep than to not exercise” – a recalcitrant, if silly stand I have reiterated on my Facebook timeline every now and again. Yet, eating and sleeping was all I did in between stopovers at commercial touristy destinations during my 11-day bus tour across the south of Korea.

It was springtime when the boyfriend and I set out for our Korean retreat. We began our journey in Seoul, and had stayed in different hotels across the country for every night throughout our trip. That meant having to wake up at 6am every morning to pack and prepare for the day’s trip.

I had planned on going jogging at night, but was often too exhausted from the tour’s activities, which typically ended at 10pm. Plus, the frigid cold in places like Mount Sorak and Jeju island left the prospect of running outdoors entirely out of the question.

Most of the hotels we stayed in didn’t have a gym either. I did bring a jump rope with me, but the cramped hotel facilities diminished whatever possibility of me having a good workout.

It was around day five when I started to notice that my triceps were losing their definition. I was frantic. It was only a matter of time before the rest of me swelled into a big, blubbery balloon. I was getting fat, fat, fat, fat, fat, and I was losing it.

I tried to make up for the lack of physical activity by eating as little as I possibly could throughout my trip, but for most of it, I was also moody, grumpy, and constantly lashing out at my boyfriend for no good reason.

It wasn’t until my usually mild-mannered other (and better) half threatened to buy me a ticket on the next flight home, halfway into our trip, that it hit me: maybe I was taking my preoccupation with exercise a little too far.

I have been an avid gym-goer for years, but never have I imagined that exercise would start to take over my life.

According to the American Running Association, when the commitment to exercise crosses the line to dependency and compulsion, it can create a physical, social and psychological quagmire for the avid exerciser. The phenomenon typically plagues runners.

My fitness regime has taught me patience, perseverance, discipline and determination, and has since transformed me from a bumbling fat kid into a self-assured, confident woman – so how could something so good be bad for me?

It turns out that even the sacred domain of exercise is not exempt from the “too much of a good thing” rationale.

We are all familiar with the benefits of exercise – weight loss, better health, better sleep, and so on – but overdoing it can yield some pretty debilitating results.

According to the American Running Association, when the commitment to exercise crosses the line to dependency and compulsion, it can create a physical, social and psychological quagmire for the avid exerciser. The phenomenon typically plagues runners.

As Richard Benyo, an American journalist and veteran distance runner writes on the subject in the Road Runners Club of America: “The exercise addict has lost his balance: Exercise has become overvalued compared to elements widely recognised as giving meaning in a full life – work, friends, family, community involvement – in short, the fruits of our humanity.”

To the addict, more is always more – more training, more hours, more mileage, more intensity. Anything that comes in between them and exercise is immediately resented.

Signs of addiction include withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability and depression when one’s circumstances prevents one from working out.

Uh-oh. Sounds like we have a problem. Personally, I don’t run and I am not one for outdoor adventures (I work out on the elliptical trainer and I cycle), but I have been known to miss out on dinner dates and movie nights with my boyfriend and friends just so I could have a good workout at the gym.

But exercise addiction, like any other addiction, can cost you more than just a night out with popcorn. To quote Benyo again: “The obsession bites back in the form of chronic injuries, impaired relationships and other problems.”

Frankly, I am getting a little paranoid. Have I been overdoing it? I had after all, been a wet blanket for most of my trip in South Korea because I just couldn’t stand NOT exercising (I usually exercise up to five times in a week).

I am still in my 20s, and already, I have been experiencing knee problems due to my bad form while cycling and from attempting barbell squats.

Osteoarthritis, the lesser-known but equally malignant cousin of osteoporosis, is another probable consequence of exercise addiction.

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder, which is usually due to aging, and wear and tear on a joint. There are no conclusive findings on the correlation between osteoarthritis and exercising to date; what is clear, however, is that osteoarthritis can be caused by trauma to, or overuse of the joints.

According to the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, “People who engaged in sports or other physically demanding activities are known to be at an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the joints they use most (eg knees and hips in soccer players, and hands in boxers).

“Part of this apparent correlation can be explained by increased risk of joint injury. It would also seem logical that these groups would be predisposed to osteoarthritis from overuse injuries, and not necessarily from trauma.”

My colleague and self-professed outdoor enthusiast Leong Siok Hui, relates how constant and strenous physical activities has resulted in the wearing-and-tearing of her knee cartilage.

Leong is only 41, but she already requires knee surgery. Years of mountain climbing, running and cycling constantly have resulted in the deterioration of her knee joints, she shares.

She also has patella maltracking, a condition in which the patella does not remain within the central groove of the femur (thigh bone), and that has exacerbated the wearing down of her knees.

She is currently undergoing stem cell regeneration treatment for her knees. She misses the “runner’s high”, and still tries to fit in low-impact exercises, such as working out on the elliptical trainer, into her routine.

“This,” she says, pointing to her knees, “should not be a reason to stop exercising.”

So why push so hard? It is a question that exercise addicts get asked a lot. I am not an athlete. I have no performance goals. I don’t even run marathons. So why try?

I wish I knew. During a more recent trip to Shanghai, I woke up at 4am just to hit the hotel gym to burn off the chocolate cake I had for dessert. That session did leave me quite dizzy, and I am grateful that I didn’t pass out.

I recently took up CrossFit and the workouts-of-the-day (WODs) have not been kind to my body either. Movements like the “clean”, the “snatch”, and kettlebell swings have given me a sore back, a sore neck and bruises across the length of my legs, and I’ve only been at it for about a month.

What’s in it for me? I really don’t know. I just want to be good at it, and I am far from giving up.

For what it’s worth, at least my pursuit for fitness has served as a rather effective anger management mechanism, and has kept me sane through many a bad day at work. Also, the world just seems a little less crappy when I’m working out, and I plan to continue doing this for as long as I breathe.

The remedy for this addiction is pretty obvious – just cut back on exercise, d’oh. But try telling Homer Simpson to cut down on his doughnuts, and you’ll see that it’s easier said than done.

The American Running Association suggests that exercise addicts should try to change the emphasis of their exercise from quantity (meaning that more isn’t always better) to quality. For instance, you can try engaging in 30-minutes of interval training, rather than an hour of low-intensity training.

Try talking to an experienced personal trainer, and get him or her to plan out your workouts on a weekly basis. Draw a seven-day schedule, planning frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise with specific, reasonable goals relative to your abilities.

Very importantly, stick to your programme, and make sure that rest and recovery are given equal emphasis as they are essential in any well-balanced training programme.

Again, the above is easier said than done. I often feel like biting the heads off imaginary puppies on days when I’m not working out, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If I have to force myself to take a day off exercise, so be it.

I am currently working on cutting down exercising from five to four days a week. There is no point in pushing myself to exhaustion all the time, only to end up with a series of injuries. I want to be 60, and still rocking my six-pack abs.

Being addicted to exercise is hard, especially when you’re living in a population where 20% are reportedly obese.

As if being addicted to exercise doesn’t do enough to alienate me from family and friends, I have recently taken on the Paleo Diet, which is based on this simple premise – if the cavemen didn’t eat it, then you shouldn’t either.

Essentially, the Paleo Diet cuts out processed foods like grain products, legumes and dairy, and comprises mostly of meat, poultry, fish and veggies.

Understandably, I have been preparing most of my own meals since.

My colleagues make faces at my steamed chicken breast and vegetables, and my McDonalds-loving boyfriend thinks I’m crazy, but I think it’s worth it. I have gained nearly 3kg of muscle mass in just a few months and my skin feels less oily than before.

I turn 21 (again!) this weekend and I have told my mum not to get me a cake. But perhaps I really ought to give this health and fitness thing a break. After all, it is my birthday, and surely a tiny slice (or five) of moist chocolate cake wouldn’t hurt...

And when it hits my thighs, I can always burn it off at the gym.

n Fiona Ho is a fitness enthusiast and a newly certified personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Her current interests include CrossFit and RPM classes.