Project: Dandelion oil

Having heard of the many benefits of dandelions, I thought of making use of these 'weeds' in the garden by infusing the flowerheads in oil. 

The process:

Once I'd picked a handful of dandelion flowers from the back garden, I placed them aside to allow for any insects to leave the flowerhead. After an hour or so, I washed them and let them dry near a windowsill for about a week. 

After they had become completely dry, I placed them in a clean glass jar. I decided to use moringa oil, as it would complement the dandelion, being moisturising and suitable for massaging onto tired muscles and joints, among other notable benefits. The oil was then poured to completely cover the flowers in the jar and then a chopstick was used to make sure there weren't any bubbles. 

The mouth of the jar was then covered with a cloth held in place with an elastic band. I used a brown paper bag to cover the entire jar to prevent sunlight reaching the oil (infusions like this would only need the sun's heat).  

I set a reminder 2 weeks from then to notify me when to drain the oil. 

Once the 2 weeks were reached, I drained the oil with a small sieve and used a spoon to push excess oil from the flowers. 

Just look at the colour of the oil! The infusion had been a success, alhamdulillah!

The finished product:

I had poured some of the oil into a spare dropper and added a label for the best before date (approximately a year from now). 

Now, it's ready! The smell of the oil has definitely changed! Moringa oil doesn't smell like anything to me really, so once I'd had a sniff of the oil, I realised that it smelled a lot like chamomile. It was a very subtle scent, slightly nutty, earthy. I use this oil when I feel my hands are dry and peeling, especially after washing them. I also use it as a moisturiser for my face (in addition to shea butter), and as an oil treatment prior to washing my hair.

I hope you consider using dandelions and other useful plants and herbs to improve your health and wellbeing! 

Praise be to Allah who has given us all that we need and more. 

How gardening helped boost my faith...

During these testing times, I'd chosen to take up a (rather fast-becoming) hobby of mine. Gardening! And it's not just the satisfaction of seeing your seeds germinate or harvesting your own food but there has been so much research made to find out why gardening brings calmness and tranquility to our souls and minds. (Psst! Scroll to the end of this post for a link to an article about this!) 

So, I've decided to make a post noting down four points as to how gardening increased my faith (long story short, it was by way of reflection!) : 

1. I realised that our provision truly comes from the sky.

 

This rain comes down so that plants grow and bear fruit. Without this rain, how and what would we be able to eat? We are indeed dependent on the One who sends down the rain. 

"And who sends down rain from the sky in measured amounts, and We revive thereby a dead land - thus will you be brought forth -..." [Surah 43: ayah 11]

2. That each creature has its portion of provision. 

My poppy had been annihilated by hungry birds and one of my bulbs was taken by a squirrel. But however much upset I was that day - I couldn't stay mad for I knew that it was their provision and not mine. 

Say, "Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it] for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] - He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers." [Surah 34: ayah 39]

3. Certainty in the day of recompense. 

A seed turns into a plant and that plant produces flowers and fruit, which we then harvest. Our actions we do now we will see in the next life. So what we sow now we will reap later. And this has been my motto for everything recently!

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." [Surah 2: ayah 261]

4. That, however morbid the thought, one day I will decompose just as leaves and other organic matter does. 

Being up close to the soil, digging, looking at all the creepy-crawlies, gave me the realisation that one day, this dirt I'm standing on will be around me, on all sides 

"And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it[1] and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability." [Surah 18: ayah 45]

[1] Absorbs it, growing lush and thick.

Bibliography:

https://quran.com/ 

Image of sky my own

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/why-gardening-is-so-good-for-you_uk_5ba35be2e4b0181540da36ee?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ2bRqVe6r5p5cPtpUUyH2AFj1IbFMh3kSAdv__H6BE1Joib6cTPeiK2nsMztPxit_zBFK0QcrTv5NRC9PATojbEplR4e4DzJGxgmVKUKbhCi5JMArjs7qZ_pYLUpCpuM3RylZ-wH-UHQmIK5E3stRzrh6rexN2-4sMiyyaXOY49  

Trials, trials and more trials

While journeying through life, it is almost impossible to be without trials and tribulations. We cannot expect our lives to be perfect in all areas - even though it's what we assume of social media personalities.

One may lose their job, so suddenly, for example. Or lose an arm in a car accident. Or even worse - lose a life.

But you may be wondering - as a lot of us do when misfortune comes our way - 'why me'?

Why do we have trials and tribulations?

A Qur'anic verse comes to mind at this question: 

"And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast,

This is a certainty - we are bound to be tested. But Allah - God - praises those who, in the face of such tribulations, are patient and steadfast. But another question arises: why are they so? How can they be so patient when their business has gone bankrupt? They're dirt-poor? Their beloved child has died?   

The following verse is as follows: 

Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning." [Verses 155-156, Chapter 2; Pickthall translation]

They are patient because they remember that they belong to Allah, the Greatest and that soon, they will return to Him. They belong to the One Who created them. He is their Protector and Source of Peace. And after their brief life in this world, they will return to their Merciful Lord. These are the people who we should give glad tidings to. 

Source: https://www.newsfirst.lk/2017/03/29/9as-year-says-examinations-department/164836/

A temporary test

This life is not forever. We're born, we live and we die. This is why the patient slaves of God are not fazed by their misfortunes. They know the true reality. This will all pass eventually. Like the passing of clouds on a cool summers' day. What is five, ten, twenty years of suffering compared to an eternity of bliss? I don't mean to trivialise these tribulations - indeed, they are painful, and we all have our fair share of them - but a true believer of God has an unwavering hope of His mercy.  

One thing to remember is that death is never too far away. It doesn't only apply to the elderly. So, if we know that death will come to each and every one of us, what should matter is what we did when we were living. Because there's no going back - this is the only chance we have. To be good and do good. So that we can be recompensed with nothing but good. 

"Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness?" [Verse 60, Chapter 55; Pickthall translation]

Don't judge a book by its cover...

Having lived for more than two decades, I realise many things. It is in those moments of contemplation, a chance encounter or an experience touching my very core that these realisations occur. 

All these years I thought I knew what the well known phrase, 'Don't judge a book by its cover' meant. But it is only recently that I have come to fully realise its implications and ultimately, its significance.  

Source: https://dribbble.com/shots/4608712-Don-t-Judge-A-Book-By-Its-Cover

It was maybe three years ago when I had met a young woman at university. Her outward appearance was striking - to me, at least. My first impressions of her were unfavourable, but once I talked to her, she was smiling, friendly, welcoming. A year, or two years after that encounter, I saw her again but this time her outward appearance was different to the first time I saw her. She wore garments that made me feel humbled in her presence. I truly admired her, and thought her more beautiful than I.

It was then that I remembered my first time meeting her and how I had been unfair in my judgement. I heard my conscious reprimand me for wrongfully judging this woman and having these thoughts about her appearance. I mean, if everyone judged by appearance, who would have known that there are rubies and diamonds in the mines? Or pearls in dull-looking oyster shells?

Many people can give you a wrong impression solely by their appearance but once you get to know them and perceive them as they are (without attaching labels or assumptions about them), you will have done the right thing. Imagine judging someone just because of what they look like! How absurd it sounds! 

But then there also exist people who deceive you and others by their appearance. You would think they are respectable people, but in fact, they are the complete opposite. You may be asking, 'What to do then?!' Well, what I would do is, once their deception becomes apparent and I know that they are far from being respectable human beings (with tangible evidence!) I would avoid them like the plague. 

So, I pray to have refuge in my Lord from judging people unfairly. I pray that He perfects our character. 

And I pray to have refuge in my Lord from those who deceive:

"And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not. They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they perceive not." 

[chapter 2: verses 8-9]

 

The Mountains

Living in the middle of a concrete jungle, there isn't much opportunity to observe nature in all its glory. Much less, mountains.

So it was when I was thousands of feet high, above the clouds, that I first laid my eyes on a mountain range. That of huge, snow-capped mountains. AKA The Alps (images below).

How do these mountains reach their sublime height? Some reaching the clouds, their peaks invisible. Many times bigger and larger than us, than anything we can imagine. By their width and breadth. And each shaped uniquely, all structured above the earth. And what about their extraordinary colours and hues? Some topped with snow and others without. 

Their reality is revealed in the following verses: 

''And thou seest the hills thou deemest solid flying with the flight of clouds: the doing of Allah Who perfecteth all things. Lo! He is Informed of what ye do.''

                                                         Surah An-Naml, verse 88 (Note: Pickthall translation)

''And placed therein high mountains and given you to drink sweet water therein?''

                                              Al-Mursalaat, verse 27 (Note: Pickthall translation)

''And He hath cast into the earth firm hills that it quake not with you, and streams and roads that ye may find a way.''    

                                                Surah An-Nahl, verse 15 (Note: Pickthall translation)

''Hast thou not seen that Allah causeth water to fall from the sky, and We produce therewith fruit of divers hues; and among the hills are streaks white and red, of divers hues, and (others) raven-black;''

                                                             Fatir, verse 27 (Note: Pickthall translation)

It is clear that the mountains are a huge part of the world we live in, regardless of whether or not we see them. In the above verses, they are associated with being the doing of God, i.e. a perfect creation; their height, sweet water, how firm they are above the earth and their numerous colours and hues. 

By witnessing the mountains' majesty and greatness that day in the airplane, I am reminded of the majesty and greatness of the Creator. 

Take some time out to reflect on this part of nature. This creation of the Creator, the One who ultimately knows the true reality and perfects all things.

Being thankful

There's nothing like reaching the highest point of appreciation. A euphoric sensation, sedating and reassuring. And it seldom occurs, for this wordly life - with its hustle and bustle - never fails to distract us.

Perhaps you're outside, on your way to work or school. Or maybe you're at home with your family. Take a moment to yourself. Slow down and look around you. Reflect on your life:

What are you grateful for? 

What do you have that you can't live without and is still in your possession?

Do you remember a moment in your life that meant so much to you, you'll never forget it?
 

Above is an image of my cat. He was a sweetheart, but I didn't appreciate him until it was too late. 

You can't turn back time ...

This life, and all that is in it, is fleeting. Money comes and goes. Businesses grow and flourish, only to be bankrupt and suffer losses (do you remember the Depression? The 2008 economic crash?). People live and die. We learn from our lived experiences that these are not constant phenomena. They are always in a state of change. And, as humans, we absolutely hate change. Why? Because it takes away our security and causes us worry, among other things.

So, how should we react to such change? If there's no guarantee that anything will be permanent, what's the point in lamenting loss? Now, I know that we as emotional beings can't suppress our feelings. But in my opinion, there's no point in exaggerating and being bitter about whatever happens. I rationalise this by saying that, if you do, it does nothing except harm your mood and waste time. That said, it's best to make the most of things while they last. After all, we know from past experiences that there's no second chances. There's no turning back time. 

Reflection...a natural inclination?

It occurs to me that perhaps we, as human beings, have a natural inclination to reflect on life and the universe. 

As young children, we are trying to make sense of the world around us. Most importantly, we are using our faculty of sight to look at our surroundings - even before we are walking on our own two feet. Reflection may begin by observing that which we can see. And it progresses with thinking deeply about that object perceived, asking questions about its existence, features, character, nature. I, for one, was a curious child. I would say 'why' all the time to the point that my mother would at last reply with, 'because the sky is so high' and just like that, our conversation would be at an end. 

As human beings, we are constantly waking up to a new day and sleeping in the dead of night. Always witnessing the movement of the clouds and the appearance of the stars. We can't take this for granted and dismiss it as mere normalcy. Why? The universe is a great expanse of space, from the tiny ants crawling on the earth's surface to the giant star that is the sun. How can this occur by accident? Or with no purpose? Abdulati also puts forward questions regarding this, 

'Can we find an explanation of the outstanding universe? Is there any persuasive interpretation of the secret of existence?' (1997, p.9)

It is indeed an extraordinary occurrence. Just think, for example - the sun rises at the beginning of the day and sets at its end. And this happens 365 days a year, without fail. Such precision and perfect order, 

'...we observe that the universe exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived for hundreds of thousands of years. Can we, then, assume that all this is accidental and haphazard? Or can we attribute, the existence of man and the whole world to mere chance?' (1997, p.9-10)

Source:

Abdulati, H. (1997) Islam in Focus. Egypt: Al Fatah Foundation

The Earth

Let us appreciate for a moment the creation that is the earth. A spherical blue and green planet, the only one that is capable of sustaining life. The inhabitants of 7 (nearing 8) billion people is testimony to this. How can all 7 billion people walk on the round earth at the same time without falling? Of course, there are forces in play, as explained by science but it is a wonder - what are the chances that in the whole universe only this planet can support us, add to that the fact that we don't fall off of it!

Images from NASA of the 'Blue Marble'. Source: https://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/BlueMarble-2001-2002.jpg

How is it that while one part of the planet is under cover of night, the other is waking up to a new day? How can the earth be round, but at the same time flat to walk upon? Isn't this one of the favours of our Lord? Shouldn't we be thankful? He has made the earth accessible as a place to carry out our affairs, to go about our business, travel and rest upon. How can the earth be so stable and secure with all that is in it, and all that is on it, such as sky-high buildings. 

Another point to contemplate is the earth's beauty. Have you seen its wonders? The beauty in its very nature? Its lush green grass, tropical and exotic flora and fauna? Its clear blue waterfalls and rivers? These are reasons to travel more and travel often. Look upon the richness the world has to offer - that of plants, food, animals, nature. That in itself will provide a means to reflect constantly.

The following are the words of God from the Qur'an, about the earth: 

"And the earth have We spread out, and have flung firm hills therein, and have caused of every lovely kind to grow thereon. A vision and a reminder for every penitent slave."

Surah Qaf, verse 7-8 (Note: Pickthall translation)

"And He it is Who spread out the earth and placed therein firm hills and flowing streams, and of all fruits He placed therein two spouses (male and female). He covereth the night with the day. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who take thought."

Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 3 (translation as above)

"Have We not made the earth a receptacle. Both for the living and the dead,"

Surah Al-Mursalaat, verse 25-6 (translation as above)

Food

I love food. And so, naturally, I am not a picky eater. I eat my greens, enjoy wholesome, nutritious meals and like trying out new flavours. Being a Muslim means I also fast and this makes me appreciate food (and drink!) even more. I think to myself: I can never again take food for granted, as it is not guaranteed where my next meal is coming from, or whether it will ever come at all.

So, I've decided to reflect on food - something we may not even consider contemplating about. 

Selection of different foods. Source: https://oneclassblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/food.jpg

Some questions that have come to me regarding food are as follows: how does water that comes down from the sky make different kinds of fruits and vegetables grow, though they are of different colours, smell and taste? How do plants that produce edible foods grow from one exclusive matter (i.e. soil)? How can each food have a different taste? How could it be that we as humans need minerals from our food - metals! - for our well-being? And how do these foods absorb or contain these metals? 

You could see where I'm coming from, right? The variety and myriad of food out there in the world, I find, is amazing. Its delectable scents, delicious tastes. And the fact that you can trace it all back to the earth, a universal solid matter of goodness underneath our feet, proves the kindness and beneficence of our Creator. It is only right that we give thanks to the One who provided all this for us. Alhamdulillah. Praise be to Allah.   

Here are some verses from the Qur'an regarding food: 

"O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He Whom ye worship." 

Surah Baqarah, verse 172 (Pickthall translation)

"He it is Who sendeth down water from the sky, and therewith We bring forth buds of every kind; We bring forth the green blade from which We bring forth the thick-clustered grain; and from the date-palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate, alike and unlike. Look upon the fruit thereof, when they bear fruit, and upon its ripening. Lo! herein verily are portents for a people who believe."

Surah Al-An'am, verse 99 (translation as above)

"He it is Who sendeth down water from the sky, whence ye have drink, and whence are trees on which ye send your beasts to pasture. Therewith He causeth crops to grow for you, and the olive and the date-palm and grapes and all kinds of fruit. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect." 

Surah An-Nahl, verse 10-11 (translation as above) 

The Sky

The heavens above. Source: https://static.pexels.com/photos/53594/blue-clouds-day-fluffy-53594.jpeg

Though we see it night and day, have we reflected on the sky and its vastness? Its height? And its many alternating colours displayed throughout the day? 

The sky has been spread above us to cover everything there is on earth, acting as a canopy, a roof over our heads. This roof shelters us from harm. One such example is the ozone layer. Without the ozone layer in the sky, we would be exposed to greater dangers from the Sun's ultraviolet light such as increases in sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts and damage to plants, to name a few. The sky exists with purpose and if it weren't for its existence, what would've become of us?  

I'd like to consider another. A reflection within a reflection: have you seen the birds flying, gliding, soaring in the sky? The only animal to navigate with accuracy whilst in mid-air is the bird. It knows the sky better than us and so can give it just appreciation. If only us humans can communicate with the bird and ask of it to do just that we would for sure come to know the value of this entity: the sky.   

Birds in the sky. Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f9uEsS3jPO0/maxresdefault.jpg

I find it extraordinary how the sky is so far away from the earth, and wonder with awe: how come it doesn't come crashing down? Does gravity not apply to it? And, also: how does it stay up there when there are no pillars to support it? 

These questions may seem to you trivial (if you are well-versed in physics or astronomy), but how many meteors have penetrated the sky? How many times and to what degree have the Sun's rays pierced it? How much damage has been done to it since time began? How can it be static and stationary but still moving throughout the course of the day? How is the sky strong enough to hold clouds heavy with rain? 

Although science may have the answer to some of these questions, perhaps some will remain unanswered. And I think it appropriate to now refer to the words of the Creator of the sky, as He would know best about His creation. I invite you to read the following: 

"Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy..."

Surah Baqarah, verse 22 (Note: Pickthall translation)

"Have they not then observed the sky above them, how We have constructed it and beautified it, and how there are no rifts therein?" 

Surah Qaf, verse 6 (translation as above)

"He hath created the heavens without supports that ye can see" 

Surah Luqman, verse 10 (translation as above)

"and He holdeth back the heaven from falling on the earth unless by His leave" 

Surah Hajj, verse 65 (translation as above)

Link to Islam

My initial motivation to start this blog is to practise the teachings of my religion, i.e. Islam. I hope to make this blog a means of doing so, as reflecting on ourselves and the world we see around us is encouraged. As for ourselves, God says: 

"And in the earth are portents for those whose faith is sure, And (also) in yourselves. Can ye then not see?"

Al-Zhariyat, verse 20-1 (Note: Pickthall translation)

Regarding the heavens and the earth (of which we are inhabitants):

"Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding."

Al-Imran, verse 190 (translation as above)

 Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/04/trees-have-their-own-songs/521742/

Purpose of 'Musings of the Mind'

As this is my first post, I think it necessary to clarify the purpose of this blog. Musings of the Mind is a project conceived for myself - first and foremost - to record my reflections of life and our existence on earth, serving as a reminder for the wonders of the universe. Secondly, this project serves for the reader and viewer (I hope!) as a means to reflect, learn and share opinions regarding our individual reflections of life. 

Contemplation. Source: http://bigthink.com/21st-century-spirituality/how-contemplation-changes-our-brains-for-the-better

As we all have differing perceptions on life, I consider it will be beneficial for us to all share our views so that we learn from each other and hopefully can become better versions of ourselves. 

It is with a good heart that I bid you farewell, and until next time!