Over 800,000 Iranians Register for Pilgrimage to Iraq on Arbaeen

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The head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization said more than 800,000 Iranians have registered for pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, on Arbaeen, the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shiite Imam, Imam Hussain (AS).

Saeed Ohadi highlighted the measures taken in preparation for the influx of the country’s pilgrims to the holy city of Karbala to attend Arbaeen mourning ceremonies in early December.

“Regarding the development of border infrastructure, good measures have been taken this year and (the number of) passport gates inside the country has increased five-fold,” he noted.

Ohadi also said this year, the Iraqi government has seriously called on foreign pilgrims to receive visas to go on pilgrimage to Karbala.

Earlier this month, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Expatriates’ Affairs Hassan Qashqavi also announced that the nationals seeking to participate in Arbaeen mourning ceremony in Iraq are required to have passports and visas.

“…we have to say that participating in this years’ Arbaeen ceremony (in Iraq) is not possible without obtaining passport and visa,” he noted.

Last year, around 20 million pilgrims from all over the world gathered in Karbala to attend the mourning ceremonies marking Arbaeen.

Each year, pilgrims, mainly from Iraq and Iran, travel long routes on foot to Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein is located.

More than 1.2 million pilgrims flocked to Iraq last year from Iran alone to perform the mourning rituals.

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Enemies continue their efforts to fight Islamic resistance in region

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During his Friday prayer sermon to a large and fervent crowd of believers in Qom, Ayatollah Ali-Reza Arafi stated that the most important issue after the implementation of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the establishment of a committee to oversee the compliance of the nine recommendations mentioned by the Supreme Leader in his letter to President Hassan Rouhani.

The head of Qom’s al-Mustafa International University said that the Iranian people have appreciated and supported the authorities in aspects related to the JCPOA. “After the JCPOA is implemented, the authorities must properly comply with and pay attention to the red lines demanded by the committee,” he said.

Ayatollah Arafi added that officials should also pay attention to the establishment of the “resistance economy,” adding that the Iranian people have faced many problems, but have been patient and wise despite their suffering.

“It should be noted that the economic problems facing Iran are not trivial and we must establish a deep-rooted knowledge-based, strong, resistant and indigenous economy which is based on the demands of the Supreme Leader and the Iranian people,” he said.

Qom’s Friday prayers leader said that officials must pay attention to the conspiracies and mischief of Iran’s enemies, especially the United States, saying that the US has attacked Iran and other regional countries due to the strength of the Islamic Resistance and the Islamic Revolution, therefore they cannot be trusted.”

His Eminence added that we must not be deceived by the enemies’ appearance and smiles, saying: “The Iranian nation acts with wisdom and logic but we must also be firm, attentive and recognize the enemies who will continue their efforts to fight the Islamic resistance in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Palestine.”

The member of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom stressed that enemies’ plots are attempts to destroy the minds of the Iranian people and to spread dissension and disunity among them.

Ayatollah Arafi warned that such threats must be taken seriously, especially on the eve of the February 2016 parliamentary elections. “During [past] elections, the enemies have attempted to create sedition. The Iranian people are vigilant but all parties and officials must also be vigilant and alert, especially in the post-JCPOA era,” he stressed.

In conclusion, the member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution explained that the “epic” Arba’in march is a symbol of the grandeur of pure Muhammadan Islam and stated the Iraqi government, its officials and all lovers of Imam Husayn must unite in order that the Arba’in march is commemorated in full glory. “This march portrays the greatness of our faith and the courage of Shi’ite Muslims against the enemies, especially the Takfiri terrorists,” he said.

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Iran FM condoles French government, people on Paris terrorist attacks

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Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed condolences to the French government and nation on the terrorist attacks in Paris Friday night which claimed lives of scores of civilians.

Talking to reporters here on Saturday prior to his leaving Tehran for Vienna, he condemned “terrorist operations at any forms” and said that the Iranian nation, as victims of terrorism, have always been against all kinds of terrorist activities.

He said Iran believes that terrorism and extremism which came up to reveal its sinister face in France should be encountered in every part of the world.

Saying that the danger is a threat not just to the Middle East region, he stressed that fighting terrorism should not be restricted only to regional countries.

The foreign minister said the proposal by the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to the United Nations Security Council two years ago on the need for a World Against Violence and Extremism proves the idea that Iran identified the danger at due time and even suggested ways to counter it.

Pointing to his phone conversations with his Italian counterpart Saturday morning, he said they both shared the view that it was high time now to concentrate efforts on fighting terrorism

He said he was heading for Vienna to take part in the third meeting on Syria crisis.

Following terrorist incidents in France on Friday night, President Rouhani postponed his trip to Europe, he said.

France was rocked by multiple, near simultaneous attacks on entertainment sites in and around Paris yesterday evening that killed at least 120 people.

Zarif said that a next date for President Rouhani’s trip to three European countries including Italy, Vatican and France will be announced later.

President Rouhani was scheduled to head to Italy and France from Saturday for the first visit of an Iranian leader to Europe in a decade, as ties thaw after Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers.

Rouhani was expected to meet Italian officials and Pope Francis on Saturday and Sunday and to visit Paris on Tuesday.

Zarif and his deputy Abbas Araqchi left Tehran for Vienna on Saturday to attend the third round of talks on Syria crisis.

Araqchi who is also head of the taskforce to implement Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed between Iran and the 5+1 on July 14, is to hold talks with the representative of the sextet Helga Smidt on signing of a document regarding renovation of Arak research reactor.

The new round of talks on resolving the Syrian crisis will open in the Austrian capital and Zarif represents Iran in the international meeting.

The diplomatic sources in Vienna said that three working meetings at experts’ levels under the titles of ‘Parties of Groups Opposing the Syrian Government’, ‘Terror’ and ‘Humanitarian Affairs’ will be held behind the closed doors.

Addressing a press conference, Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said that his country’s representative will also attend the Humanitarian Affairs Group.

The first round of political talks on resolving the Syrian crisis was held in the presence of Russia, the US, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later briefed Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on the first round.

Zarif attended the second round of talks and the political analysts assessed the second round as positive.

In recent months, the western officials have underlined the need for presence of Iran in the international meeting on resolving the Syrian crisis.

The third round of talks on Syria will be held on Saturday at the venue of Imperial Hotel in Vienna.

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ISIS executes Head of Physics Department for refusing to develop bioweapons in Mosul

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A local source in Nineveh province said that ISIS has executed the head of the Department of Physics at the University of Mosul because of his refusal to develop biological weapons.

The source said: “militants belonging to ISIS executed the president of the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science in the University of Mosul,” adding that, “the execution came on the back of his rejection to cooperate with the organization in the development of biological weapons, which ISIS is seeking to possess and use in the fighting against government forces.”

The source, who requested to remain anonymous, noted: “The execution took place in a public square in the center of Nineveh,” pointing out that, “the organization has handed over the body to the forensic medicine department.”

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Ayatollah Rafsanjani: Fighting terrorism requires global firm determination

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Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Saturday said ‘For many times I have underlined that fight agianst terrorist groups requires firm determination at global level.’

Expressing regret over recent catastrophic terrorist attacks carried out by Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, he said danger of terrorism spilling over in the world mainly to industrial countries is very serious and the recent incident in Paris is a good proof of such a claim.

‘We condemn terrorism in general,’ Rafsanjnai said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the first victim of terrorism, he said, adding that if the principled stands of Iran on the fight with terrorism had been heeded, the dimension of such moves in the region and the world might have been lessened.

He advised the country’s security forces and people to maintain their readiness to deal with the activities of terrorists and Takfiri groups.

Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has committed crimes in Afghanistan, Iraq, Beirut and France claiming lives of many civilians.

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Does Depression Have Any Herbal Medicine in Islam? (8)

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frankincense Frankincense

From the Viewpoint of Medicine

Frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst) is a plant which has healing effects on anxiety. Frankincense is an aromatic substance which is derived from Indian frankincense tree. To use pleasant flavor of frankincense, it is usually put in fire.

Frankincense can be also derived from other trees such as pine and fir, but Indian frankincense which is red has the highest quality. Other kinds of frankincense are white.

In Arabic, frankincense is called “labaan”, “leibanon”, and “shajara Al-labaan” refers to the frankincense tree. Old physicians believed that the frankincense can strengthen the memory, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

According to the conducted studies, the reliving effect of frankincense on anxiety has been proved among rats and human; for example, Moussaieff et al. reported the anti-anxiety effect of frankincense among rats, in vitro; in another study, Burns et al. evaluated the effect of aromatherapy with frankincense among pregnant women during delivery. Results of the mentioned study showed that using frankincense causes reducing the pain and anxiety among pregnant women during delivery.

 From the Viewpoint of Islamic Texts

It has been cited from Imam Ali (AS) that: “the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: tooth brushing, fasting, reading Quran, eating honey and the fir (frankincense), eliminates forgetfulness, strengthens the memory and also relives mucus”.

The mentioned hints are a drop of vast ocean of Quranic and Islamic narrations which have been achieved. But, regarding what is the relation between herbal medicine, treating depression, and Islamic lifestyle, it is noteworthy that, the Islamic lifestyle comes true when man, family, and the society, in the position of Islamic utopia, feel relaxed.

Therefore, the main factor of Islamic lifestyle principles should be recognized. The present text was conducted to “evaluate the effect of herbal medicine on depression” which is one of the main factors of Islamic lifestyle.

 

Does Depression Have Any Herbal Medicine in Islam? (7)

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honey Honey

From the Viewpoint of Medicine

Honey is very useful for pregnant women. Eating two teaspoons of honey daily causes development of embryonic nervous system. To relive tiredness, nothing is more effective than having honey with apple vinegar; accordingly mix three teaspoonful of apple vinegar with a cup of honey and daily drink two teaspoonful of this mixture.

Honey relaxes the nerves and is a moderate laxative. Honey reduces the arthritis pain and, in continuous using, relives it. It is recommended to the heart patients to drink a glass of water mixed with some teaspoons of honey and lemon juice, before going to bed. This drink is beneficial for people who may suffer from insomnia.

From the Viewpoint of Islamic Texts

“Our lord revealed to the bee: ‘build your homes in the mountains, in the trees, and in what they are building. Eat every kind of fruit, and follow the easy ways of your lord. ‘From its belly comes forth a drink (honey) of many hues in which there is healing for people. Surely, there are signs for thinkers”.

Imam Ali (AS) says: “honey can heal all diseases and illnesses. There is no disease and infection in honey. It reduces the mucus and purifies the soul”.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) says: “what a nice drink is honey! It protects heart and relives the coldness of chest”.

 

Does Depression Have Any Herbal Medicine in Islam? (6)

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Cure-DepressionSquash

 From the Viewpoint of Medicine

Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is antidepressant. Physicians believe that squash is useful to cool the temper; and also strengthens and refreshes the soul. It opens the closed sweat pores, relaxes the inflamed stomach, treats jaundice, and also cures hot tempered fever. People who suffer from insomnia will have good sleeping with eating squash. Squash revitalizes the mental and physical power of a person who has passed the first half of his life, and gives his cells a new life.

From the Viewpoint of Islamic Texts

Imam Sadigh (AS) states that: “squash increases intellectual power and the vitality of brain cells. It can also be useful, to relive colic”.

Holy Prophet (SAW) says: “if you wanted to cook something, use plenty amount of squash, because it exhilarates joyless heart”.

Holy Prophet (SAW) willed Ali (AS) that: “O Ali! Eat squash since it improves your intelligence and intuition”.

Also He told Ali (AS) that: “eat squash, because it causes good temper and brightens the face. It is the food for me and for the previous messengers”.

 

 

Does Depression Have Any Herbal Medicine in Islam? (5)

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 pearPear

From the Viewpoint of Medicine

Pear (Purus communis) is a kind of fruit which is antidepressant and contains: hydroquinone, glycosides, phlorizin, sugars, organic acids, minerals, vitamins, pectin, invertin, asparagine, and its seeds contain amygdaline. Previously, physicians believed that pear is laxative, thirst and bile lifter, blood pressure reducer, and bladder irritation reliever; and prescribed its leaf to prevent diarrhea, and also healing the wounds.

In addition to vitamins and the mentioned minerals, pear contains sugars, acids, invertin, sparine, and different kinds of pentoses. Pear is rich in sugars, pectin, tannin and high amounts of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium. Potash with tannin collects uric acid, and relives joint pains. Phosphorus provides psychological balance. Sodium facilitates the absorption of nutrients, and magnesium repairs fibrous tissue of nervous system.

Pear leaf contains glycosides, hydroquinone and phlorizin, hence it is relaxing, diuretic and also useful to treat diarrhea, hypertension, insomnia, neurological disorders, migraine, renal and bladder disorders.

Pear has specific aroma and essence which is analeptic. Pear relaxes the nervous people, regulates the function of endocrine glands, and purifies blood, strengthens kidney function, stimulates sluggish bowels, and also relives sore throat, general weakness, anemia and tuberculosis.

Pear is joyous and antidepressant and cleans the stomach, strengthens the heart, and relives the internal disorders; it is also an eye booster, and beneficial to treat diseases which reduce body power such as anemia and general weaknesses.

From the Viewpoint of Islamic Texts

Imam Ali (AS) says: “eating pear brightens the heart and, according to Lord order, relives the mental problems”.

Imam Sadigh (AS) says: “eat pear which brightens the heart and relives the mental problems according to the order of Lord”. He also states that: “pear cleans the stomach and strengthens it, and it is similar to “quince”. Eating pear after meal is better than before breakfast.

Imam Sadigh (AS) recommends that: “anyone who has grief in his heart should eat the pear after meal”. It has been cited from him that: “anyone who feels pain in his heart should eat pear”; this Holy Imam also says: “pear cleans and strengthens the stomach, and has the same properties of “quince”. It is better to eat pear after meal rather than before it. Anyone who feels heavy should eat the pear after meal”.

 

Does Depression Have Any Herbal Medicine in Islam? (4)

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Study-finds-widespread-adulteration-of-grape-seed-extract_strict_xxlGrape

From the Viewpoint of Medicine

Grape or grapevine (Angire), (Vitis vinifera L,V. Sylvester’s Gmel), is a fruit which has miraculous effect on mental health. Traditional physicians had considered different benefits for different parts of grapevine.

Grape purifies blood, relieves constipation and gastritis; and also treats whooping cough, anemia and gout. Generally, grape is useful to treat lung diseases. Leaf of grapevine is astringent, gastric tonic and diuretic. Sour grape juice also relives thirst and weakness. It also treats jaundice and obesity.

Grape juice revitalizes physical weaknesses, and facilitates blood circulation. Grape juice helps digestion of fermented substances of stomach, and is also beneficial for liver and kidneys; treats indigestion, hemorrhoids, gout, heart and biliary diseases; relives bloat, and also prevents incidence of tuberculosis and cancer. Grape is rich in vitamin A, B, and C, and can relieve the pains caused by fever.

 From the Viewpoint of Islamic Texts

Grape is one of the most delicious fruits that God has created. Hence, it has been repeated in Holy Quran in singular (Inab) and plural (Enab) forms eleven times.

Imam Sadigh (AS) says: “a Messenger of God complained to Him because of his grief. God recommended him to eat grape”. It has also been cited from this Holy Imam that: “grape strengthens the nerves, relives the fatigue, exhilarates man and eliminates grief and sorrow (depression), and also said: “eat grape to get rid of grief”.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) says: “raisin is a nice foodstuff which strengthens nerve”, he also states that: “eat raisin because it relaxes the temper, strengthens the nerve, relives the weakness, and makes man good-hearted”.

In this regard, the Messenger has said: “eat raisin, because it makes you good-tempered, purifies the soul, and relives grief and sorrow”. It has been cited from him that: “eat raisin, since it eliminates bile, quenches the mucus, strengthens the nerve, relives weakness and fatigue, makes you good -tempered, purifies the soul and relives sorrow (distress)”.

Imam Ali (AS) says: “raisin strengthens the heart, relives illness; breaks heat, and exhilarates the soul”.

In this regard, he states that: “anyone who daily takes 21 raisin grains early in the morning, God relives all his diseases and pains”.