Di Manakah Kebahagiaan?

"Ibnu Abbas ra berkata, “Allah menjamin bagi siapa saja yang membaca al-Qur’an dan mengamalkan ajaran yang ada di dalamnya bahawa dia tidak akan sesat di dunia dan tidak akan celaka di akhirat.”

"Jiwa yang kerdil dan rendah akan merasa puas dengan perkara-perkara yang hina, sementara jiwa yang besar dan mulia tentu hanya akan puas dengan perkara-perkara yang mulia (lihat al-Fawa’id, hal. 170) ".

Indahnya persahabatan, saling menguatkan iman. Benarlah sabda Nabi SAW, berkawan dengan orang yang baik bagai bersama penjual minyak wangi, dari jauh sudah bau keharumannya' .

Kami berpeluang bertazkirah ringkas pergi dan balik ke majlis walimatul urus seorang ibu tunggal mengahwinkan anak bungsunya. Perbincangan kami di sekitar mencari ketenangan dan kebahagiaan meniti usia senja.

Ketenangan jiwa itulah syurga dunia menurut pandangan ulamak. "Hanya sanya dengan mengingati Allah jiwa akan menjadi tenang". Dalam apa keadaan sekalipun perlu 'maintain' agar jiwa sentiasa tenang. Masing-masing mendapat dugaan yang berbeza namun perbezaan tersebut tidak menjadi halangan sama-sama kita mencari kebahagiaan yang sebenarnya di sisi Allah SWT.

Ibnul Qayyim rahimahullah berkata, “Ada tiga pokok yang menjadi asas kebahagiaan seorang hamba, dan masing-masingnya memiliki lawan. Barangsiapa yang kehilangan pokok tersebut maka dia akan terjerumus ke dalam lawannya.

[1] Tauhid, lawannya syirik.

[2] Sunnah, lawannya bid’ah. Dan

[3] ketaatan, lawannya adalah maksiat.

Sedangkan ketiga hal ini memiliki satu musuh yang sama yaitu kekosongan hati dari rasa harap di jalan [ketaatan kepada] Allah dan keinginan untuk mencapai balasan (baik )yang ada di sisi-Nya serta ketiadaan rasa takut terhadap-Nya dan hukuman yang dijanjikan di sisi-Nya.” (al-Fawa’id, hal. 104)

Tauhid Menghantarkan Menuju Bahagia

Allah SWT berfirman (yang artinya), “Orang-orang yang beriman dan tidak mencampuri iman mereka dengan kezaliman/syirik, mereka itulah yang akan mendapatkan keamanan dan mereka itulah orang-orang yang diberikan petunjuk.” (QS. al-An’aam: 82).

Rasulullah SAW bersabda, “Sesungguhnya Allah mengharamkan neraka atas orang yang mengucapkan la ilaha illallah dengan ikhlas mengharapkan wajah Allah.” (HR. Bukhari dan Muslim).

Abdullah Ibnu Mubarak ra berkata, “Betapa banyak amalan kecil menjadi besar kerana niat (yang ikhlas), dan betapa banyak amalan besar menjadi kecil kerana niat (yang tidak ikhlas).”

Syirik Menghantarkan Menuju Sengsara

Allah SWT berfirman (yang artinya), “Sesungguhnya barangsiapa yang mempersekutukan Allah maka sungguh Allah haramkan atasnya surga dan tempat tinggalnya adalah neraka, dan tiada seorang penolongpun bagi orang-orang yang zalim itu.” (QS. al-Maa’idah: 72).

Rasulullah SAW bersabda, “Barangsiapa yang berjumpa dengan Allah dalam keadaan mempersekutukan Allah dengan sesuatu apapun maka dia pasti masuk neraka.” (HR. Muslim).

Sunnah Menghantarkan Kita Menuju Bahagia

Allah SWT berfirman (yang artinya), “Katakanlah (Muhammad); Jika kalian mencintai Allah, maka ikutilah aku, niscaya Allah akan mencintai kalian dan mengampuni dosa-dosa kalian.” (QS. Ali Imran: 31).

Rasulullah SAW bersabda, “Islam itu datang dalam keadaan asing (dagang) dan akan kembali menjadi asing (dagang) sebagaimana datangnya, maka beruntunglah orang-orang yang asing.” (HR. Muslim).

Imam Malik rahimahullah berkata, “Sunnah adalah [laksana] bahtera Nabi Nuh, barangsiapa yang menaikinya akan selamat, dan barangsiapa yang tertinggal akan tenggelam.”

Bid’ah Menghantarkan Menuju Sengsara

Allah SWT berfirman (yang artinya), “Barangsiapa yang menentang rasul setelah jelas baginya petunjuk dan dia justeru mengikuti selain jalan orang-orang beriman, niscaya akan Kami biarkan dia terombang-ambing dalam kesesatannya dan Kami pun akan memasukkannya ke dalam Jahannam, dan sesungguhnya Jahannam itu adalah seburuk-buruk tempat kembali.” (QS. an-Nisaa’: 115).

Rasulullah SAW bersabda, “Seburuk-buruk urusan adalah yang diada-adakan dalam agama-, [dan setiap yang diada-adakan itu adalah bid'ah] dan setiap bid’ah pasti sesat [dan setiap kesesatan di neraka].” (HR. Muslim, tambahan dalam kurung dalam riwayat Nasa’i)

Ketaatan Menghantarkan Menuju Bahagia

Allah SWT berfirman (yang artinya), “Barangsiapa yang taat kepada Allah dan rasul-Nya sungguh dia akan mendapatkan keberuntungan yang sangat besar.” (QS. al-Ahzab: 71).

Rasulullah SAW bersabda, “Semua umatku pasti masuk syurga, kecuali yang enggan.” Para sahabat pun bertanya, “Siapakah orang yang enggan itu wahai Rasulullah?”. Beliau menjawab, “Barangsiapa mentaatiku masuk syurga dan barangsiapa yang mendurhakaiku maka dialah orang yang enggan itu.” (HR. Bukhari).

Ibnu Abbas ra berkata, “Allah menjamin bagi siapa saja yang membaca al-Qur’an dan mengamalkan ajaran yang ada di dalamnya bahawa dia tidak akan sesat di dunia dan tidak akan celaka di akhirat.”

Kemaksiatan Menghantarkan Menuju Sengsara

Allah swt berfirman (yang artinya), “Barangsiapa yang durhaka kepada Allah dan rasul-Nya sungguh dia telah tersesat dengan kesesatan yang amat nyata.” (QS. al-Ahzab: 36).

Rasulullah SAW bersabda, “Syurga diliputi dengan perkara-perkara yang tidak disenangi nafsu (ketaatan) sedangkan neraka diliputi dengan perkara-perkara yang disenangi nafsu (kemaksiatan).” (HR. Bukhari dan Muslim)

Hilangnya Harapan dan Rasa Takut

Sementara ketiga hal di atas: (1) Tauhid, (2) sunnah, dan (3) ketaatan- memiliki satu musuh yang sama iaitu ketiadaan rasa harap dan rasa takut. Iaitu ketika seorang hamba tidak lagi menaruh harapan atas apa yang Allah janjikan dan tidak menyimpan rasa takut terhadap ancaman yang Allah berikan. Akibat ketiadaan harap dan takut ini maka timbul berbagai kesan yang amat membahayakan.

Di antara kesan atau simptomnya adalah;

[1] terlena dengan curahan nikmat sehingga lalai dari mensyukurinya,

[2] sibuk mengumpulkan ilmu namun lalai dari mengamalkannya,

[3] cepat terseret dalam dosa namun lambat dalam bertaubat,

[4] terlena dengan persahabatan dengan orang-orang soleh namun lalai dari meneladani mereka,

[5] dunia pergi meninggalkan mereka namun mereka justeru sentiasa mengejarnya,

[6] akhirat datang menghampiri mereka namun mereka justeru tidak bersiap-siap untuk menyambutnya.

Ibnul Qayyim rahimahullah menerangkan bahawa ketiadaan rasa harap dan takut ini bersumber dari lemahnya keyakinan. Lemahnya keyakinan itu timbul akibat lemahnya bashirah/pemahaman. Dan lemahnya bashirah itu sendiri timbul kerana jiwa yang kerdil dan rendah (lihat al-Fawa’id, hal. 170).

Jiwa yang kerdil dan rendah akan merasa puas dengan perkara-perkara yang hina, sementara jiwa yang besar dan mulia tentu hanya akan puas dengan perkara-perkara yang mulia (lihat al-Fawa’id, hal. 170).

Allah SWT berfirman (yang artinya), “Sungguh berbahagia orang yang menyucikan jiwanya dan sungguh merugi orang yang mengotorinya.” (QS. asy-Syams: 9-10).
Iaitu orang yang menyucikan jiwanya dari dosa-dosa dan membersihkannya dari aib-aib, lalu dia meninggikannnya dengan ketaatan kepada Allah serta memuliakannya dengan ilmu yang bermanfaat dan amal soleh.” (Taisir al-Karim ar-Rahman, hal. 926).

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin ra berkata, “Yang dimaksud penyucian di sini ialah dia menyucikan dirinya dengan cara membebaskannya dari syirik dan noda-noda maksiat, sehingga jiwanya menjadi suci dan bersih.” (Tafsir Juz ‘Amma, hal. 165)

Dari sinilah, kita menyedari betapa besar peranan ilmu yang diamalkan. Oleh sebab itu, Rasulullah SAW mengajarkan kepada kita untuk sentiasa berdoa selesai solat Subuh dengan doa yang sangat indah, Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi’an wa rizqan thayyiban wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan. Yang artinya; “Ya Allah, aku memohon kepada-Mu ilmu yang bermanfaat, rezeki yang baik, dan amalan yang diterima.” (HR. Ahmad dan Ibnu Majah).

Rasulullah SAW juga bersabda, “Barangsiapa yang dikehendaki baik oleh Allah niscaya akan difahamkan dalam urusan agamanya.” (HR. Bukhari dan Muslim).

Sedangkan ilmu dan kefahaman seorang hamba tentang agamanya diukur dengan rasa takutnya kepada Allah. Allah SWT berfirman (yang artinya), “Sesungguhnya yang merasa takut kepada Allah di antara hamba-hamba-Nya hanyalah orang-orang yang berilmu.” (QS. Fathir: 28).

Ibnu Mas’ud RA berkata, “Cukuplah rasa takut kepada Allah sebagai bukti ilmu seseorang-.”

Wallahu A’lam bish-Showab
sumber :http://ibumusthofa.blogspot.com/2011/02/di-manakah-kebahagiaan.html

Wawancara Dr Abd Basit: Krisis ASWJ dan Wahabi

Wawancara Utusan dengan Dr Abd Basit Abd rahman Henti forum untuk tunjuk hebat

MEGA: Walaupun di Malaysia mengamalkan mazhab Imam Syafie, kita diharuskan bertaklid kepada mana-mana mazhab. Dalam perbinca- ngan wahhabi ini, ia terletak dalam mazhab mana dan bolehkah ia disimpulkan sebagai sesat? DR. BASIT: Dalam membincangkan bab ini, kita perlu membezakan antara fiqh dan akidah. Dalam bab fiqh, golongan wahhabi pada asasnya berpegang kepada mazhab Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Mazhab Hambali). Sebab itu, antara negara yang menyebar luaskan kitab fahaman ini adalah Arab Saudi. Antaranya ialah Al-Mughni karangan Ibnu Qudamah yang telah ditahqiq (disemak dan dibetulkan kesilapannya cetak) secara ilmiah oleh Dr. Abdul Muhsin Al-Turki (Setiausaha Agong Rabitah Alam Islami). Dan hampir semua kitab-kitab besar mazhab Hambali itu sudah pun dicetak dan dibahagi secara percuma juga dijual.bukan hanya kitab fiqh, termasuk juga bidang hadis seperti musnad imam ahmad yang telah dicetak sebanyak 50 jilid dalam negaranya sendiri, dustur (perlembagaan) negara ialah al- kitab dan As Sunnah. Pada asasnya, amalan mereka adalah bersandarkan Mazhab Hambali ,namun dalam pengamalan, mereka mengambil hukum berdasarkan dalil-dalil yang rajih (kuat dan terpilih). Tarjih dibuat dalam menerima pandangan-pandangan, tujuannya untuk memastikan pandangan mana yang paling kuat dalilnya atau paling menepati dari segi syarak (rajih) Dari segi akidah pula, yang selalu disebut adalah mengikut mazhab Salafus Soleh. Cuma perbezaannya dalam masalah ini adalah antara manhaj dan peribadi. Manhaj salaf (tiga kurun terawal antaranya Imam Ahmad) secara umum, mungkin pandangan ulama yang mutakhir wujud atau terdapat perbezaan dalam menerima dan menghuraikan pandangan golongan salaf. Bila ada kesilapan/kekeliruan, pegangan kita adalah bersandarkan kepada ulama salaf yang terdahulu. Semasa bermulanya dakwah/gerakan yang diasaskan oleh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab di Najdi itu keadaan masyarakatnya dipenuhi dengan beberapa amalan khurafat.Oleh itu, boleh jadi pendekatan beliau itu sesuai ketika itu. Hari ini, keadaan sudah berubah, suasana dan keadaan aman, masyarakat juga semakin berilmu, jadi pendekatan baru harus digunakan secara berhikmah. Untuk mengatakan wahhabi itu sesat atau tidak, elok kita rujuk kepada kenyataan oleh pihak berkuasa agama di Malaysia. http://al-ahkam.net/home/index.php?option=com_docman& task=doc_download&gid=16&Itemid=63 http://www.islam.gov.my/portal/lihat.php?jakim=894 MEGA: Berpandukan hadis bermaksud agama itu mudah, adakah bersandarkan hadis ini mewajarkan kita memudahkan banyak hal dalam agama termasuk bab berniat dan pengajian akidah? DR. BASIT: Hadis itu bermaksud: Tiada seorang yang memberat- berat kannya melainkan dia menjadi susah. Maka bersederhanalah, dekatilah yang tepat dangembirakanlah mereka (riwayat al-Bukhari) Memang agama Islam itu mudah. Tetapi yang salah itu adalah mempermudahkan agama. Dalam bab fiqh misalnya, banyak pandangan dalam kitab-kitab yang perlu diteliti atau dikaji semula. Sebabnya, ada pandangan yang bersifat uruf (keadaan setempat/ semasa) kerana ada pandangan lain yang lebih baik dan sesuai. Contohnya dalam bab thaharah (bersuci),pembahagian air, sebab adakalanya terlalu menekankan perkara tersebut kita boleh jadi was- was. Dalam bab akidah, kita kena lihat realiti. Waqi' (keadaan) umat Islam di negara kita amnya lebih kepada mendengar, pasang telinga daripada mengaji kitab. Bila hanya mendengar, maka pengajiannya juga harus dibuat secara mudah dengan menyebut masaalah, nas dan dalil yang lebih senang difahami. Ia tidak masuk perbahasan falsafah. Bagi pelajar yang mengkhusus dalam bab akidah tidak ada masalah untuk menjurus perbahasan bab mantiq dan falsafah. Semua ini dalah cabang ilmu sekali gus menjadikan ilmu-ilmu yang menajamkan minda dalam bab perbahasan dan kaedah untuk memahami uslub kitab Turath (peninggalan ulamak silam ) MEGA: Apakah jalan penyelesaian dalam 'krisis' ASWJ dan wahhabi yang jelas merugikan masyarakat ini? DR. BASIT: Untuk menyelesaikannya memang sukar, sudah lama khilaf itu berlaku, masing-masing mendakwa dialah yang benar. Untuk mencari titik persamaan kita mesti kembali kepada kurun- kurun terawal sebelum negara Islam diserang fahaman muktazilah. (Muktazilah adalah golongan yang menggunakan akal lebih daripada dalil). Penafsiran agama ini sepatutnya dikembalikan kepada asal iaitu dengan rujukan utama al-Quran dan hadis kemudian pandangan para sahabat dan tabi'in sebagaimana hadis di atas tadi. Dalam hal ini, saya teringat kata-kata Imam Malek yang masyhur iaitu: "ORANG YANG TERKEMUDIAN DARIPADA UMAT INI SEKALI- KALI TIDAK AKAN DAPAT DIPERBAIKI, KECUALI DENGAN CARA YANG TELAH DIGUNAKAN UNTUK MEMPERBAIKI ORANG PADA ZAMANPERMULAANNYA". Bila merujuk pandangan mutakhir yang sudah ada perbahasan falsafah, perpecahan sudah berlaku. Bukan kita nak kata ulama mutakhir tidak boleh diterima tetapi asas perbincangan mestilah kepada ulama terdahulu. Pandangan mutaakhirin diterima sebagai sokongan. MEGA: Dalam agama diharuskan perbezaan pendapat. Tetapi apakah garis panduanyang perlu dipatuhi dalam bab ini? DR. BASIT: Salah satu tanda kebesaran Allah ialah mencipt diciptakan dengan keunikannya menunjukkan tanda kebesaran Allah. Oleh itu, tidak hairanlah mengapa perbezaan ini boleh berlaku sejak dari zaman sahabat sehinggalah ke hari ini. Al-Imam ash-Shaatibi di dalam kitabnya al-I'tisom 2/191 menyebut: "Sesungguhnya perbezaan pendapat yang terjadi pada zaman sahabat hingga ke hari ini berlaku pada masalah-masalah ijtihadiah. Pertama kali ia berlaku pada zaman khulafah ar-Raasyidin dan sahabat-sahabat yang lain, lalu berterusan sehingga zaman para taabiin dan mereka tidak saling mencela di antara satu sama lain."Pertama kali ia berlaku pada zaman khulafah ar- Raasyidin dan sahabat-sahabat yang lain, lalu berterusan sehingga zaman para taabiin, dan mereka tidak saling mencela di antara satu sama lain." Antara garis panduan dalam berbeza pendapat adalah meletakkan niat yang baik . Berbincang untuk mencari kebenaran. Sebab itu kata ulama, sebelum berbincang hendaklah kita kosongkan dahulu pemikiran, bukan datang dengan resolusi yang sudah tersedia. Kedua, tumpukan kepada isu. Kalau isunya tahlil, hendaklah dibincangkan secara terperinci adakah ia tidak boleh, bercanggah atau dibolehkan dalam Islam dengan dalil dan sandaran Ketiga, bukan semua yang khilaf itu boleh dijadikan dalil. Ijtihad adalah bagi perkara yang tidak ada dalil, tetapi bagi khilaf yang ada dalil kuat, maka kita kena wajib kembali kepada dalil. Seperti dalam surah al-Hasyr ayat 7. Kita tidak boleh bergantung semata-mata kepada peribadi tokoh tanpa dalil atau khilaf yang tidak muktabar. Sebabnya, dalam Islam tidak ada pemujaan kepada tokoh. MEGA: Barangkali, pokok permasalahan ini adalah kerana kita tidak didedahkan dengan amalan pelbagai mazhab. Mungkin kah sudah tiba masanya, kita lebih terbuka terhadap perbezaan mazhab? DR. BASIT: Memang sistem pengajian kita di kolej dan universiti perlu diperluaskan. Ia perlu mendedahkan pelajar kepada perbahasan dalam empat mazhab yang muktabar. Kalau kita lihat sejarah , ulamak besar dalam mazhab pun diperingkat awal sudah berlaku perpecahan. Imam Abu Hanifah misalnya berpecah dengan pengikut setianya iaitu Imam Abu Yusuf dan Muhamad Ibnu al-Hasan. Imam Syafie pun berbeza pandangan dengan sahabatnya al-Muzani. Tetapi ia tidaklah menimbulkan tuduhan yang Muzani derhaka kepada gurunya. Dalam kajian tesis Ph.D, saya mengkaji tokoh bernama Abu Said al-Istakhri r.h yang meninggal dunia pada tahun 328H. Beliau mendapat gelaran ashabul wujuh iaitu ulama Syafie yang ada pandangan sendiri. Daripada 240 masalah yang dikumpul 150 daripadanya menyalahi pandangan mazhab Syafie. Selepas dibuat perbandingan terdapat beberapa pandangan beliau yang lebih hampir kepada al-sunnah (dalil). Ulama kontemporari, Dr. Yusuf Qaradawi dan Dr. Wahbah Zuhaily juga berbeza pandangan dalam bab fiqh tetapi mereka masih berpandu kan ulama terdahulu. Apabila tarjih (pilih) mereka memilih pandangan yang kuat sesuai dengan masa berdasarkan dalil atau maqasid. MEGA: Kita juga disuruh berlaku adil dalam menghukum. Namun dalam suasana perbezaan pandangan yang berlaku kini, wajarkah dilabel sesuatu pihak itu sesat? DR. BASIT: Kita tak boleh paksa orang ikut kita, jadi kena kembali kepada ayat Allah yang menyuruh berlaku adil. Jangan sesekali hukum secara borong orang ini sesat, bidaah atau sebagainya. Sepatutnya, kita menyebut kebaikan mereka dan senaraikan di mana perbezaan kita dengan mereka. Sebabnya majoriti umat yang ada hari ini berada dalam keadaan tidak mendalami ilmu agama bahkan ada yang langsung tidak menghiraukan agama. Jadi, tumpukan sepenuh tenaga dan usaha untuk mengembalikan merekake landasan yang lurus. Kepakaran dan tenaga yang ada jangan dihabiskan dengan forum atau seminar untuk menunjukkan kekuatan ilmu dan menyesatkan orang lain. Kita kena terima hakikat bukan mudah hendak menyatukan manusia. Negara yang ramai ulama bermazhab Hanbali pun bukan semuanya bersatu dalam mazhab itu. Deminian juga yang menjadi satu mazhab sebagai asas perundangan, rakyatnya berpegang dengan pelbagai mazhab Islam. Oleh itu, tumpuan kepada titik persamaan, berlapang dada (al-tasamuh) dalam perkara khilaf. Amat rugi apabila para pendakwah yang kita nampak mereka ikhlas berjuang menyebarkan ajaran Islam telah disempitkan ruang dakwah mereka dengan tuduhan/ tohmahan (jumud, taasub, pemecahbelah dan lain-lain) Yang penting masing-masing berpegang kepada dua tunggak utama iaitu al-Quran dan hadis. Ingatlah firman Allah dalam surah an-Nisa' ayat 59 ,ertinya : "Wahai orang-orang Yang beriman, Taatlah kamu kepada Allah dan Taatlah kamu kepada Rasul, dan ulul amri dari kalangan kamu.. Kemudian jika kamu berbantah-bantah (berselisihan) Dalam sesuatu perkara, maka hendaklah kamu mengembalikannya kepada (Kitab) Allah (Al-Quran) dan (Sunnah) RasulNya - jika kamu benar beriman kepada Allah dan hari akhirat. Yang demikian adalah lebih baik (bagi kamu), dan lebih elok pula kesudahannya." wallahu'alam. Sumber: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010 &dt=0209&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Bicara_Agama&pg=ba_ 04.htm Tuesday, 09 February 2010 credit to :al Ahkam.net

7 Lessons from a Professional Carpet Cleaner

What to Know Before You Clean Your Carpet

No matter how clean we think we keep our home, sooner or later carpet cleaning is a necessity. If you have any type of carpeting in your home, whether wall-to-wall or area rugs, deep cleaning is a good idea every 12 to 18 months. You best bet is to hire a professional. Not all professional carpet cleaners are alike, however. Don’t be swayed by print or television ads that offer super cheap prices. Many of these “companies” are fly-by-night, or offer sub-standard work. And while you may like to do-it-yourself, rental carpet cleaners are the fast food version of carpet cleaning.

You should always get an in-home inspection and written total price quote. Over the phone quotes cannot possibly take into account your particulars. Everyone has their own situation whether they have young children, pets, hobbies that can be messy; you entertain a lot, etc. The job really needs to be seen.

Dennis Cleary, owner of Pristine Orientals in Greenfield, MA, offered a number of recommendations for the average homeowner.

Who is really qualified to do the best job?

Cleary recommends hiring companies that have employees with IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) training. “There are 25 different categories of classes involved in the training,” said Cleary.

If you have wall-to-wall carpets:

Cleary said that most wall-to-wall carpets are made from nylon or polypropylene threads (basically plastic). “Wall-to-wall is essentially attached to the building, so you can only clean the top,” said Cleary.

First of all, the carpets need to be intensely vacuumed (and not just with your Hoover). “Otherwise it’s like trying to clean a carpet filled with mud,” said Cleary.

Cleary recommends the use of companies, such as his own, which employ the use of specialized “mounted” trucks that offer “a more powerful and efficient freshwater and recovery system.” Cleary’s trucks have specialized hoses, wands, and vacuums that are snaked into the home or office. Carpets are dye tested in spots to be certain cleaning soaps and chemicals will not damage the carpets. Hot water is generated in the truck and sprayed along with soap on the carpets. The rugs are “raked” to work in the soap and loosen dirt, the carpets are rinsed again with hot water and the resulting dirty water is extracted by powerful vacuums. Most carpet cleaning jobs done by professionals (unless your home is enormous) will take roughly 2 ½ hours for the work and 2-3 hours drying time. Most companies don’t charge for furniture moving. Also, don’t put your furniture back too soon, as wood may become damaged or you may end up with rust stains from any metal furniture. If you can, during the cleaning, leave a few windows open or put the heat on a little higher to speed the drying process along.

Area rugs and Oriental carpets:

After an in-house inspection, carpets are best removed to be professionally cleaned at a plant. Expect the cleaning to take at least five days. Cleary said to beware of companies that claim to clean your rugs in hours. “They put the rugs through a machine that looks like a printing press. The rugs are run through rollers and cleaned a bit like a car wash. The whole process only takes minutes.”

Oriental and many types of area rugs are more often made of wool, wool blends, cotton, sisal, rayon and other natural fibers. The in-plant process starts with “dusting” the rug with compressed air to remove loose dirt. Dye tests are done, and then the rug is soaked overnight. Cleary said to avoid companies who say they can clean area rugs and Oriental carpets in your home. “It’s like trying to wash your clothes while still wearing them,” said Cleary. The second day the rug is soaked in warm soapy water. Lower water temperatures are used due to the type of fibers. Wall-to-wall carpets, since they can’t be removed for cleaning and are more often synthetic fibers can withstand much higher water temperatures. Milder soaps are also used. The rug is left in the soapy solution until day three, at which point the rug is flushed with compressed air and water and hung to dry. Cleary said that in-plant cleaning assures optimal control of temperatures and the drying process. Finally, the fringe is cleaned and any specialized work such as repairs, deodorizing, moth-proofing, removal of gum or wax etc. is done.

Regarding pet stains:

Another case for professional carpet cleaning is what happens when your pets have “accidents” on the carpet. You may think you’ve cleaned the mess up, but often ammonium salts are left behind. During the winter, if your home is dry, you may not notice much in the way of odor as the salts remain crystallized. However, once the warmer, wetter months arrive, the salts absorb moisture and release more odor.

Chemicals and soaps that are used:

Cleary said that only for wall-to-wall carpeting are stronger chemicals and soaps used. If you have chemical sensitivities, discuss what the company uses and how to lessen the effects. Cleary said that they use fairly neutral products regarding Ph, but some wall-to-wall rugs with heavy soiling might require more alkaline soaps or cleaners.

What can you expect to pay?

Costs will vary according to the job and region. Cleary said the average for his company is 60 cents a square foot. However, if the job is very large, that number can go as low as 10 cents a square foot. “It’s all about efficiencies of scale,” he said.

source :networx.com/article/7-lessons-from-a-professional-carpet-cle

The Hidden Dangers of 'Fragrance'

Naturals vs chemicals...

Developing a keen eye for ingredients is a big help to navigating the chemical world of beauty products. Even in so-called "natural" products, the word "fragrance" can actually be masking some dark secrets.

Thanks to an accidental loophole in FDA regulations, the word "fragrance" can be used as a substitute for a whole list of chemicals you probably don’t want absorbed into your skin.

Fragrance. Such a pretty word – certainly prettier than "phthalates", a word referring to a family of chemicals used to extend the longevity of a given aroma.

Phthalates are known as artificial musks, and when absorbed through the skin or breathed through the nose, these musks can accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to various cancers and reproductive disorders in males.

Chemicals associated with the term "fragrance" are known to induce asthma, headaches and irritated eyes.

To avoid the pitfalls of faux-fragrance, opt for "fragrance-free" or organically-scented labels, and double check the ingredients. At Skin Deep you can view a long list of fragrance-free products and look up your favorite shampoo to inspect its hidden side.

"Fragrance" should be a health enhancer, made from pure distilled plant oils and fragrances. A favorite of mine is Oshadi, whose biodynamic oils and blends are 100% natural and elicit that "what are you wearing?" response without accompanying sneezing or itching.
source : ecosalon.com

A Frank Talk About Beauty

What would your hair stylist want you to know about your true beauty?

To find out, I went for a consultation at my favorite local hair salon, Fusion 3, an Aveda salon. I met with Frank to discuss possibilities for coloring, cutting and most importantly, bringing out the healthy radiance of my hair.

Frank took his time, offering me the free consultation of a lifetime. We looked through Aveda’s many products, which have focused their products towards earth friendly ingredients and sustainable practices. We also looked through images he had placed in a magazine of beautiful women. And then the confessions came, right from the stylist’s mouth.

All those hairstyles, he explained, are created in layers over several hours. And the one Frank thing he wished every woman would deeply know about herself? That her inner beauty is the starting point to his being able to bring out her natural style. And, the flip of that is that, try as he might, if a woman’s inner beauty is turned off inside of herself, no amount of his flair will transport her to see the vision of gorgeous that his artistry with her hair supported.

Try adding these practices to bring forth your inner beauty: read Louise Hay’s small book of affirmations, I Love My Body and post the best ones on your mirror and read them everyday. Using a tip from Dr. Emoto, on your water bottle, post phrases like, "I am radiance", "I am beauty," or "I am love". You may be surprised when friends or strangers who have not seen your post it note begin to agree with your own acknowledgment. Finally, find yourself a good mirror and place high quality lighting around it. Then, every morning and evening, look deeply into your own eyes and give yourself sincere praises*. Let yourself move past any discomfort until you see real beauty, light, love and radiance reflected back to you.

by EcoSalon Staff on August 1, 2008

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#sudah semestinya -Islam punya pendekatan dan falsafah yang tersendiri berkait dengan kecantikan dan keindahan...

#Islam adalah aqidah, akhlak dan sistem hidup yang begitu besar dan bersifat universal...tidak dengan mudah menolak sesuatu budaya tetapi bersikap menerima yang baik sesetelah memberikannya perspektif Islam...

sincere praises*: pada hakikatnya adalah satu bentuk rasa bersyukur...

Toxic Ingredients - must be Avoided..

11 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid

The greener we become, the more we have to scrutinize. I for one have cleaned up my home, my diet, my cleaning products and – of utmost importance – the products I put on my skin. I’m an avid ingredient reader and do the research – after all, my skin is the largest organ of my body! Here’s a list of some common skin and hair care chemicals that are wise to avoid.

Coal Tar: Coal tar is used to treat eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders and can be found in anti-itch creams and scalp treatments. It’s also a known carcinogen.

Diethanolamine (DEA): A lathering agent in soaps and shampoos, DEA isn’t carcinogenic by itself, but can react with other chemicals in products to create a carcinogen readily absorbed into the skin. Look for DEA in many forms, such as Cocamide DEA, Oleamide DEA and Lauramide DEA.

Formaldehyde: A frighteningly common ingredient in a variety of beauty products. Formaldehyde can irritate your eyes, nose and throat, dry out and irritate your skin and even cause asthma and cancer with repeated exposure.

Parabens: Parabens have had a lot of press lately and I’m finding more and more products specifically labeled “paraben free.” This is because parabens, in their many forms (methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben) have been linked to breast cancer. The FDA claims that parabens aren’t dangerous at very low levels, but when you consider that 25,000 different cosmetics and skincare products contain these chemicals, it’s feasible to build up quite an exposure in a lifetime.

Phenylenediamine (PPD): An ingredient used in hair dyes (including eyelash dye), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has run studies that show a higher incidence of cancer among hairdressers and cosmetologists; they have the highest PPD exposure. Although PPD is not approved for products that come in contact with the skin, hair dye usually gets on your forehead or ears for up to 30 minutes. Why take the risk?

Phthalates: The subject of much controversy because of hormone-disrupting phthalates being found in plastic baby bottles and teethers, let’s not forget that they’re a common ingredient in cosmetics, too.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): A foaming agent in soaps and shampoos, SLS and SLES are skin irritants and can enter the heart, brain and liver through the skin and accumulate in these organs.

Toluene: Found in nail polish and hair dye, this is a nasty one. Toluene is toxic to the nervous system, and breathing it in can cause dizziness and headaches. High exposures can lead to birth defects and miscarriage, so watch out if you work in a nail salon. Use toluene-free brands of nail polish instead.

Fragrance: Because of an FDA loophole, cosmetic companies can hide a whole slew of chemicals, many of which are phthalates, under the label “fragrance.” Read more about the dangers of fragrance, and avoid this ingredient like the plague.

Triethanolamine (TEA): TEA is used to balance PH and is a common ingredient in “gentle” cosmetic products, but unfortunately it’s been known to cause allergic reactions, is an eye irritant and can cause dry hair and skin. With consistent use, TEA is absorbed into the body and accumulates, where it can become toxic.

Hydroquinone: A skin-bleaching ingredient, hydroquinone is banned in Japan, the European Union, and Australia, but it’s still in use in the United States and other countries worldwide. Hydroquinone is found not only in Asian and African skin-lightening products, but in creams to lighten age-spots as well. There’s some evidence that hydroquinone is a carcinogen, and is linked to ochnronosis, a condition in which grayish brown spots and bumps occur on the skin.

When choosing cosmetics, read the ingredients, do your homework and go as simple and natural as possible. You really don’t need all that extra junk to be beautiful*.

by Sarah Irani on November 25, 2008
Source: EWG
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to be beautiful*:http://darulharis.blogspot.com/2011/02/frank-talk-about-beauty.html

Natural remedies ....

Natural remedies for the 15 most common aches, pains, and health complaints

(Photo: Flickr / tillwe)

Is the economy beating you up? It’s time to get creative. Next time you have an ache or pain, forget about a costly trip to the drugstore and test-drive some of your grandmother’s remedies instead. It’ll save money and be gentler on your body and the environment. Recessionistas (and gents), welcome to the DIY medicine cabinet.

1. Stop Bleeding

You’d think it would burn, but a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on a cut will quickly stop the bleeding and actually relieve the pain.

2. Toothache

There’s nothing so bad as the shooting pain of a toothache. You don’t want to ignore a tooth problem, because an infection that close to your brain can be extremely dangerous if it spreads. But in order to reduce swelling and pain while you wait for a dentist appointment, try putting a few drops of clove oil on your tooth and gums, and bite down on a smashed piece of garlic (which has excellent antibacterial properties). This has always worked for me.

3. Rashes and Allergies

Prescription and OTC antihistamines can cause some serious side effects. Before you head for the strong stuff, try green tea, which contains compounds with antihistamine properties. You’ll need to drink 2-3 cups a day to get the full effect.

4. Athlete’s Foot

It’s a foot fungus, and it stinks. Air those piggies, then soak them in salty water, wash them with garlic juice, or soak them with diluted white or apple cider vinegar. All of these things will help kill the fungus.

But you have to be persistent, consistent, and diligent: No matter what treatment you use, do it a few times a day and stick with it until at least a week after you think the symptoms are gone! Fungus excels at hiding out and coming back when you least expect it.

5. Acne and Sensitive Skin

First, you really have to look at your lifestyle, because imbalances in your health can show up in your skin. But in the meantime, wash your face with oatmeal. It’s a gentle exfoliant and draws out oil and impurities.

6. Ear Infections

Ear infections can become quite serious and cause permanent damage, so please see a doctor if your ear ache has become severe.

But if you feel like your infection is mild and at the beginning stages, put a few drops of garlic oil or white vinegar into your ear canal and lay down on the opposite side to let those drops do their work. Garlic and vinegar create an environment that won’t support the bacteria causing the infection. Repeat a few times a day until the symptoms disappear. (If your symptoms last longer than a few days, you should definitely see a doctor!)

7. Sore Muscles and Bruises

After a hard afternoon of rowing with a friend, I resigned myself to a few days of burning muscles and soreness. But my friend saved the day with a tube of arnica cream. He rubbed it on my shoulders and voila, instant relief and absolutely no aches the next day. The humble arnica flower makes an incredible cream that no medicine cabinet should be without. Use it immediately to speed up the healing of bruises, sprains, sore muscles, and other general aches.

8. Flatulence

Some foods, like beans and raw veggies, are more likely to cause gas, but if you find flatulence to be too common of an occurrence, try taking a digestive enzyme with your meals. You can find these at any health food store.

In the meantime, make use of digestive spices such as ginger, anise, peppermint, coriander, and dill. You can make tea with these ingredients or incorporate them into your food.

9. Dandruff

Have you looked at the ingredients in dandruff shampoo? It seems like they contain almost everything in the Toxic Ingredients You Must Avoid list. Better to try something natural first before resorting to chemicals. Many people swear by rubbing aloe vera gel onto the scalp (leave it on for 20 minutes than rinse it out). This will certainly help with dry, itchy scalp.

Another remedy is a rinse with apple cider vinegar. Try these remedies a few times before deciding if they work for you. Even dandruff shampoo requires regular use to see results, so give the natural stuff a chance!

10. Headache and Migraine

Try rubbing peppermint or lavender oil on your temples and the base of your neck; sniffing these oils may also help.

Rub a fresh cut lemon or lime on your forehead. Feverfew is a good herbal remedy for headaches.

Have a little caffeine by way of green tea, and don’t forget to use an ice pack for 20 minutes to dull the throbbing.

11. Indigestion and Heartburn

It almost goes without saying – but consider why you’re getting heartburn in the first place. Did you overeat? Too much grease or spicy food? Eating late at night? Scout out the cause and try to stop this before it happens. Then, put down the antacids.

The belching, bloat, and heartburn caused by indigestion come about because you don’t have enough stomach acid to do the job right. A spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar will help break down the excess food that is causing you trouble and bring your stomach back to balance.

12. Constipation

First, drink more water and eat more fruit and salads. You’re backed up for a reason and taking lots of laxatives is not the answer. Meanwhile, drinking a few teaspoons of olive oil mixed with a bit of orange or (diluted) lemon juice can help things get moving.

Another surefire remedy is 1/4 teaspoon of epsom salts drunk in 1/2 a glass of water. Sometimes calorie restriction or avoidance of healthy fats (such as the good fats found in fish, nuts, and avocados) can worsen constipation.

And though it’s counterintuitive, some people relieve their constipation by actually cutting back on grain consumption! True, grains contain fiber, but some people don’t digest grains very well. Other causes of constipation include stress, depression, inactivity, and nutritional deficiencies. If your constipation is chronic, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, so please seek medical advice and adjust your lifestyle.

13. Sore Throat

Sore, scratchy throats are usually a sign of a cold or flu coming on, so you don’t want to ignore this symptom, but you can relieve the pain by gargling with warm salt water a few times a day and then drinking a soothing honey-lemon tea.

14. Burns

So you bumped up against the stove again? Ouch. Rinse first with cold water, but then immediately apply aloe vera gel to the burn.

For those of us who don’t have aloe in the house, slice a potato and rub its cool, soothing juices all over the burn.

And honey, with its antibacterial properties, is also good topical ointment. If you can catch the burn immediately, mustard is also reportedly a great salve.

15. Nausea

The classic cure for nausea or carsickness is ginger tea or candied ginger. You can chew on the stuff raw, if you like, but it’s so spicy and strong it might just make you feel worse.

Sniffing real peppermint or lavender oil can also help.

Give some of these remedies a try – and share your own tried-and-true treatments, too.

EcoSalon is the leading conscious culture and fashion website for women. Our motto: Have a heart.

By Sarah Irani, EcoSalon

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(from the community..)
-Lavender is excellent for burns. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle of aloe vera juice, shake it up, and spray it on the burns. Great on sunburns.

-Bladder Infection - Mix 1 tsp of baking soda into 8 oz of water and drink. (Tastes pretty bad....) Drink once in the morning and once at night... You will feel better after the first day. Do it for 2-3 days to fully rid yourself of the infection. REALLY works

-sore throat? Blend honey and turmeric powder into a paste and let it coat your throat. Acne? I prefer Niapads acne pads with Lavender oil.