20 Reasons to Love Argan Oil

From tackling skin problems and stretch marks to softening skin and smoothing hair, could argan oil be the world’s most useful all-natural beauty product? Caitlyn Davey reveals the myriad benefits of this Moroccan elixir.

Often confused with Moroccan oil, argan oil is a pure substance extracted from the argan tree in Morocco. Moroccan oil is a less pure form of argan oil that typically contains synthetic additives. Argan oil, in its pure form, has a myriad of beauty uses, which is why hairdressers and therapists often recommend it.

Founder of Izil Natural Argan Beauty, Mohamed Najib Mouline, shares her top 20 ways to use and benefit from argan oil.

1. Treat your wrinkles
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help to fight against wrinkles and other skin changes.

2. Enjoy brighter skin
Mix argan oil with a spoonful of honey and a spoon of rosewater to create the perfect 30-minute face mask.

3. Fight off oily skin
Apply argan oil to the face – it acts as a sebum production regulator, reducing the skin’s production of natural oils.

4. Combat dry skin
If you have dry skin, argan oil will help balance moisture thanks to its rich fatty-acid content.

5. Fight dandruff
If you suffer from dandruff, apply argan oil to your hair and massage well into the scalp. Brush the oil through and wrap in a hot towel. Leave for 20 minutes before washing as normal. Then you will be able to see the difference: the oil will soothe, hydrate and nourish your scalp.

6. Prevent hair loss
Following the same process as you would for dandruff, you can create thicker hair. Just remember to distribute the oil evenly.

7. Enhance your existing products
You can even use argan oil to enhance your shampoo and conditioner. Simply add a few drops to your regular products for an ultra-hydrating experience.

8. Repair damaged skin
Cracked skin on feet can be unsightly. Nourish cracked heels by applying argan oil, then cover with socks. The deep hydration will sink into the skin cells and soften your feet.

9. Soften your hands
Massage your hands with argan oil each evening to rehydrate and strengthen, saving your nails from brittleness and cracking.

10. Eradicate stretch marks
Reduce the appearance of stretch marks by massaging argan oil into the tummy, chest, hips and thighs.

11. Treat skin complaints
Eczema and psoriasis can be relieved with the soothing power of argan oil, the substance is natural so it will not aggravate skin conditions.

12. Hydrate your skin
If you are prone to dry skin, rest assured that through applying argan oil to the affected area, you can enjoy smooth, hydrated skin.

13. Soothe sunburn
Sunburn can be painful, but heal those hot spots with a touch of argan oil and feel the sudden difference.

14. Treat bites and stings
Calm irritating bug bites and insect stings with argan oil, which will tone down the redness and soothe itchiness.

15. Fight infection
Argan oil is renowned for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, providing organic, natural care for your skin.

16. Help your joints
Ease your arthritis or rheumatic problems by massaging with argan oil daily. This helps to reduce pain and help improve your quality of life.

17. Use as a baby product
Your baby can bounce around with moisturised and healthy skin. Use argan oil to hydrate without the use of the potentially harmful chemicals and additives found in many baby products.

18. Combat the effects of the sun
Sitting in the sun can result in scaly skin. Applying argan oil will help the scaly areas disappear.

19. Clear up your skin
If you’re prone to acne, use sebum-production-regulating argan oil. It will moisturise without making the face oily, and is also gentle on the skin.

20. Calm down
Relax in a hot bath using argan oil. Add a few drops to the running water and soak up the natural goodness.

By Caitlyn Davey

From: Time Out Dubai

10 Actions to Boost Self-Confidence

As Muslimahs, I think it's doubly important to have that extra bit of self-confidence what with the deen always being put down in the media and the local/wider community. I came across this post on: http://productivemuslim.com/sisters-self-confidence/  which gives tips on how to be more positive as well as boosting your confidence.

Enjoy!

 

10 Actions for Sisters to Boost Self-Confidence

December 4, 2014Lotifa Begum

One of the major barriers to productivity I often hear about when I meet sisters across the world, is the lack of self-confidence. I know from personal experience that is isn’t easy to develop confidence – some people are born with it, but I believe for most of us, it has to be developed and nurtured as we grow! I often have friends and family tell me I carry an aura of confidence about me; some wonder ‘what’s her secret?’ – it has has certainly taken some training! It is really disheartening to see Muslim women who are so talented, educated and ambitious thwart their progress and productivity because they have low self-esteem. I’d like to explore how we sisters can boost our own confidence with practical tips from the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Firstly, I want to remind you that Allah has honoured women, affording us rights more than 1400 years ago and endowing on us the opportunity to earn the highest stations in Paradise, through the various roles we play as daughters, wives, mothers and Muslimahs in our society. We only have to look to our historical examples of female scholars such as Aisha bint Abu Bakr to learn that achieving confidence is not a sign of arrogance or being against Islamic values. In fact, one can be confident in their faith whilst being a Muslimah in pursuit of her goals.

Remember, Allah says: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” [Qur’an: Chapter 17, Verse 70]

Let’s look at some of the ways I have learnt to personally conquer my fear and boost my confidence:

1. Have self-belief

As a Muslimah, if you don’t believe that you can achieve something, even if it’s a small task, this can impact your confidence greatly. The first step is to develop a positive mindset and have the belief that you are capable of doing what you set out to accomplish with Allah ‘s Help. This will take some internal work and will not be done overnight, but start by telling yourself that Allah wanted you to be the best Muslimah you can be in every aspect of your life – this will get you on the road to developing confidence.

2. Use positive language

What kind of language do you use in your daily life, whether at work, home or in the community? Do you tend to use the words ‘can’t’, or ‘don’t believe’ or ‘not sure’ often in your responses? If you do, then perhaps you are using what psychologists call ‘self-limiting’ terms which can prevent you from being confident. Instead, try to say ‘I can do this’, ‘I will inshaAllah achieve’, or ‘I am capable of..’ as this kind of language will increase your positivity and give you a sense of self-belief.

3. Dump your negative thoughts

When negative thoughts and whispers enter your mind then remind yourself of the positive language. Don’t allow yourself to be put down by these thoughts, as this will prevent you from achieving your set goals. Try writing down negative feelings and thoughts, then tell yourself the opposite of what have you have written. For example, if you have written: ‘I can’t do this because I’m not good enough’, tell yourself ‘I will try to do this and I might actually be good at it’. If you let negative thinking sabotage your productivity, then you may feel regret later in life.

4. Write down a list of your strengths

One of the most powerful exercises I have done with my mentor on a regular basis, is to discuss and write my own strengths. As an example, I have written that I have ‘good interpersonal and communication skills’ and then written an example of when I proved this such as at an event when I met with someone new. This short exercise should take no more than 20-30 minutes but will serve as a great way to increase your confidence, especially when you are feeling down. Use this list of strengths to motivate you in whatever area of work you are focussing on.

5. Read up about confidence

Confidence is not something we are all born with, but it is certainly a quality we admire in people around us. Some are gifted with it, while others have a ‘quiet confidence’ about them which we may not always perceive. There are some great resources out there to help you with confidence; one of my favourites is ‘How to Develop Self-Confidence & Influence People by Public Speaking’ by Dale Carnegie. You can also search online for the many other tools and articles on why self-confidence is important especially in women, in both professional and personal capacities. Read up on the female scholars and pious women, and take lessons from their personalities and ways they handled their affairs – they are the best of examples.

6. Receive compliments gracefully

When I look back to my days of low self-confidence, I re-call compliments being vital to giving me a boost – especially when they were from people I respected, like my teachers. Some sisters on the other hand find it extremely difficult to receive compliments, and sometimes ‘defer’ them, so they put themselves down, instead of graciously thanking someone for their kind words. Although this should be carefully balanced with avoiding feelings of pride or complacency, accepting compliments when you’ve earned them can remind you that you have good qualities and traits to contribute. Respond to these compliments by saying ‘thank you, that’s very kind of you’ while acknowledging that you always have more to learn, to keep your humility.

7. Pursue something you are good at

There’s nothing more empowering than discovering you are good at something. Once you know what you are good at, you can gain a sense of self-fulfilment and maximise your confidence. For many sisters I meet, there are so many dreams and ideas they have, yet the environment or family expectations mean they are unable to pursue such activities. My advice is to keep trying until you are able to do this, it will in turn have positive psychological benefits for you and your family when you do what you love.

8. Network with new Muslimahs

Meeting new sisters is always a test of our own confidence as it can take us out of our comfort zone, but it is also a great way to improve your self-confidence by telling people about yourself. Before you go to an event, meeting or somewhere where you can network with people, think about the interesting things you like or have done to use as talking points. Hopefully it will ensure that the people you talk to have a interesting conversation with you and remember you as a confident Muslimah!

9. Be independent

Being able to do things without depending on others is a huge morale booster as it gives you a sense of empowerment and self-dignity. This may be doing something you haven’t ever done on your own before, like learning a new skill or practising a new hobby. For years I failed at driving many times before I passed! The ability to accomplish something completely independently will give you a real confidence boost.

10. Make this special dua

There is a beautiful du’a which encapsulates the need to always ask Allah to help us improve ourselves in our faith and character. It is no easy task, and this du’a will give you the strength to be confident and productive Muslimahs!

(Moses) said: My Lord! Expand for me by breast (with assurance). And ease for me my task. And untie the knot from my tongue. That they may understand my speech.’ [Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verses 25-28]

Umrah tips part 2: Performing Umrah & Shopping/travelling

Try to perform Umrah after Isha. I found this to be the 'least busiest' time. Others say after or before fajr.
Do tawaf upstairs as it is less packed. We did tawaf in the normal place once before fajr, it was packed. The men don't care they are pushing women less than half their size and we nearly got crushed. Yes. By men. Astaghfirallah. Some people have no manners even when right in front of Allah's house. I'm pretty sure a 6 foot 5, 10 tonne Arab man tried tripping me up from behind so he could push in and touch the black stone. Even in April, before Fajr we were not able to touch hajr aswad. That's how packed it was. I can not even imagine Hajj or Umrah during Ramadan.

Khaleejis (sorry, really trying not to generalise but it is mainly the gulf Arabs) do not comprehend the notion of queuing or waiting patiently for their turn. You will find this out when exchanging money, queuing at bin Dawood or queuing up for food. They ignore you or simply push or elbow you out the way without a care.

NOT ALL WATER IS ZAMZAM - look at the signs. Some say drinking water some say zamzam. The water tankers inside the Masjid al haram say zamzam so I would fill my bottles from there.

Madina has zamzam too! I never knew this, I thought you could only get zamzam from Makkah and was sad that we never got big bottles to bring back before going to Madinah,  but Alhamdulillah Masjid Nabi has zamzam water tanks inside YAY! You can also purchase 10litre zamzam bottles (packed in cardboard boxes) to bring back home. Make sure you write your name on all sides of the box when returning home as people may just take yours at the airport.

Wash your fruit with bottled water and make tea/hot drinks with bottled water.

Fill up on the hotels breakfast buffet. If you can, take a roll with cheese and salad and a yogurt to have for lunch as you may not feel up to walking about looking for a place to eat especially if you're fussy like me and don't want junk food broast chicken (which is everywhere!) or curry.

Make sure to fill up on breakfast and perhaps take a roll with cheese&tomato and a yogurt back with you for lunch to keep you going.

Shopping in Makkah & Madinah.

Bin Dawood is the main supermarket there. In Makkah there is one under the clock tower buildings and another branch to the right of the clock building, I think it's part of the Hilton shopping complex just after kfc. Let me know if I'm wrong. Bin Dawood sells everything from shampoo, juice, ice cream, chocolate dates, cheese, lassi, tea bags pots and pans, and fresh fruit. Defo go there for ice ream to cool yourself down after dhuhr or asr. And to stock up on fresh fruit and juices. I recommend fresh mango.

We stayed in the clock building - Movenpick hotel, hajar towers so alhamdulillah it was easy finding our way back compared to if we stayed in a hotel elsewhere. Mainly because my sense of direction is not one of my strong points. There are shops selling kids clothes, prayer mats, stands with ice cream and much more in the tower.

If you see something you like in Makkah, purchase it!. Everyone says Madina is cheaper-yes mostly true. But sometimes the quality is not as good. For example my sister purchased a beautiful prayer mat that comes with a matching bag for 35 rials (don't pay anymore than this price though, I'm sure other shops sell them for 30) it was really good quality. I got mine from Madinah for 20 rials but mine is thinner and of less quality.

Prayer mat from Makkah - Clock Tower. Thick material

Prayer mat from Madina - thin material

Buy abayas from Madinah. They were selling farashas in different colours for 50 riyal. I got a really nice button abaya with gold diamantes for 110 rial.

Gold and black abaya from Madina Taiba Centre.

Make use of Madinah market stalls for gifts - hijabs, tasbihs, Qur'an, perfumes, jewelry, kids clothing and sometimes abayas/jalabiyyas for under 20 rials! Yes under £4. Obviously they are factory rejects or may be slightly old in design or have a few threads sticking out or are an inch shorter than you'd like but they are an absolute bargain!!  Enjoy the stall holders shouting prices in Urdu - DAS RIAL lol

Cheap gifts for friends and family such as 12 tasbih for 10 rials, 12 itr for 5 rial, and a pack for men with a cap, tasbih and itr for around 2 rial.

You can buy gorgeous costume jewelry such as these rings for 5 rials each. The bangles/bracelets were from one of the many nearby shops.

The main shopping centre in Madina is the Taiba centre. Visit malik al oud for incense accessories. Alhamdulillah the Burmese worker is really fair and honest in his prices.

Travel by SAPTCO between Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah ( doesnt matter if its to and from Makkah and Jeddah as this is only 1.5 hours max) get tickets to a VIP SAPTCO bus if you can. They serve you a small meal and tea/coffee. It's nonstop and has a toilet. Maximum 30 people allowed and quite spacious. Costs about 90 rial or £15/person. Taxi drivers will charge you much more than this and some are known to be crazy or pervy so save yourself the hassle and use SAPTCO.

Air conditioned VIP bus with comfortable seating.

VIP bus breakfast meal from Makkah to Madina: Egg sub, water, fizzy drink.

VIP bus lunch meal box from Madina to Jeddah: Rice, Chicken nuggets, salad, apple, orange juice

That's all I can think of. InshaAllah this is of help to anyone traveling to Saudi. If you have anymore tips or questions please leave a comment!

Umrah/Hajj Tips Part One: What To pack

Salaams all,
as the Hajj season is upon us I thought it would be useful to post my tips as I went for Umrah a few months ago. I did initially have a post typed up in draft but accidentally deleted it :( sooo, inshaAllah, time permitting, I will type something again with pictures :)

I have compiled a list of what to pack as a general guide if any of you are thinking of going soon or in the future.


3 pairs loose trousers i.e harem pants or linen trousers.

3 abayas including the one you will wear to the airport. The abayas don't have to be black, there are people from all over the world wearing their own modest versions of traditional clothing including long skirts, shalwar kameez, maxi dresses etc. A good idea I found was a really long tunic or loose dress, 3 quarter in length (in between ankle and knee length) with loose trousers underneath. Why? Abayas are usually long and the bottom gets dusty and dirty real quick. Saudi is a desert country so lots of sand and dust about; plus you will no doubt be going to get zamzam water and the floors will be wet. Not only that but another good reason not to wear an abaya that's TOO long is to save from tripping up or people stepping on it.

3-4 light material hijabs. Nothing too thick. Not those maxi hijabs you get everywhere unless you will be wearing it in the evening. Choose any colour or print you like. Doesn't have to be limited to black.

Canvas bag/over shoulder drawstring bag to carry your shoes in. Don't leave your shoes on one of the racks in masjid al haram or masjib nabi - you won't be able to find them! Keep them in a bag on you at all times and place to your side on the floor when praying. Everyone does this.

Prayer mat - you can either take one or buy from Makkah or Madina. You won't always get inside the masjids to pray and if you do it doesn't guarantee a carpeted space i.e. you will be praying on marble so a prayer mat will make it easier/more comfortable.

Snacks: take crisps, biscuits, sweets. I wouldn't recommend chocolate as it melts. Keep some snacks in your bag at all times even when flying to the airport,  in Saudi as all the stories about Saudi airport workers/visa patrol are true. They are extremely S L O W and the queue won't move for at least an hour while they take their sweet time. Not only that but you may find yourself switching queues a few times and back. Organised they are not! The airport is not air conditioned so you may feel faint as my sister did, this is where snacks and some water will come in handy. Try to get some water from the plane - a bottle or small plastic pot.

2 pair flat comfy shoes/sandals with a good grip. Don't choose something with a completely flat sole as your feet will feel it with all the walking.

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Vaseline and mini first aid kit - plasters, sudocream, safety pins, bandage

Norethisterone - If that time of the month will fall around the time you go for Umrah or Hajj, see your GP for some medication to delay it.

Scissors and nail clippers - Ladies, you will need to cut a bit of your hair after performing sa'ee. We did this back at the hotel, there were many ladies who did it right after performing umrah but hair was on the floor which I didn't find hygienic.

Wipes - to clean your hands as well as shoes when they get dusty, and just for general quick cleaning on the go.

Toilet paper

Notebook to write down duas of those you are leaving behind as well as to keep a memoir of your time there.

Small travel spray bottle - fill with water (I filled mine with zamzam :D) keep in fridge and take out with you to spritz on face/hands/wrists to keep cool. If you can't manage to pack one, Bin Dawood sell some from 6 riyals.

Tasbih or u can buy it from there. Madinah has PELNTY. You can get a bundle for 10 riyals (under £1.50)

Take a couple empty water bottles to fill with zamzam. Your hotel may provide you with complimentary bottles of water - Movenpick did alhamdulillah.

Stay tuned for tips part 2!