Hijama (Wet Cupping).

In Islamic Medicine, Hijama (wet cupping) is used by the permission of Allah for the treatment of every type of physical and mential illness or disease and its excellence is recorded in many of the Sahih Hadith.

There are basically two forms of cupping, wet and dry. The procedure of Dry cupping involves heating up a glass cup shaped like a miniature fish bowl with a flame. The warm glass cup is then placed on a fleshy part of the body (normally the back) and the skin, blood vessels and muscle underneath the cup is drawn upwards into it by the vacuum created inside the cup. This leaves a characteristic round mark on the skin after the cup is removed. This mark usually fades after a couple of days.

Wet cupping [Hijama] is only different in that tiny incisions are made on the surface of the skin before the cup is reapplied. Through the reapplication of the vacuum inside the cup, stagnated blood, other toxins and heat is sucked out of the body through the incisions.

The benefits that Allah provides in Hijama are endless and due to its stimulating and strengthening effects and cupping has been used successfully to treat bowel conditions (IBS, constipation and diarrhoea), headaches, black magic, back pain, arthritis, period pain, injuries, asthma, cellulite, fatigue (ME), anaemia, depression and emotional problems, atrophy, sciatica, common cold and flu, skin problems, blood pressure, menstruation problems in women, weight loss, and more.

According to books translated from the works of Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) and others, administering Hijama between the shoulder blades helps cure shoulder pain, pains in the upper arms and pains of the throat. Hijama over the two posterior neck veins helps treat tremors of the head, and other conditions of the head, for example, of the face, teeth, ears, eyes, nose and throat.

Applying Hijama under the chin helps reduce face pain, toothache, and throat pain and helps to cleanse the head when applied at the proper time. Hijama on top of the foot helps against inflammation of the testes, leg ulcers and eases suppressed menses. Cupping behind the knee helps in the treatment of chronic abscesses, haemorrhoids and septic ulcers of the leg and foot. Hijama on the inner thighs is a good treatment for irritation of the back, gout and piles. Hijama can also help ease high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

The excellence of Cupping (Hijama) as a remedy.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, "If there is any good in any of the remedies you use, it is in cupping [Hijama]."

Sunan Ibn Majah Book 31, Hadith 3605. Classed as Hasan by Darussalam.

http://www.sunnah.com/urn/1275210

And also;

Jabir bin 'Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that he paid Al-Muqanna a visit during his illness and said, "I will not leave till he gets cupped, for I heard Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) saying, "There is healing in cupping."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 600.

And also;

Jabir bin 'Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) also narrated that, "I heard the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) saying, "If there is any good in your medicines, then it is in a gulp of honey, a cupping [Hijama] operation, or branding (cauterization), but I do not like to be (cauterized) branded."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 603.

When to get cupped;

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allahu anhu); "The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said: If anyone has himself cupped on the 17th, 19th and 21st it will be a remedy for every disease."

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3852. Classed as Hasan by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

The 17th, 19th and 21st [of the month] mentioned here is referring to the Lunar calendar.

It is generally understood that when the Moon is full, it has the strongest possible gravitational pull on the earth and its inhabitants.

The effect in human beings is that the volatile bodily fluids and humors are pulled into the uppermost part of the body during the 1 day either side of the full moon (and on the full moon). As the phases of the full Moon subside to the 17th, 19th and 21st of the lunar month, the volatile humours subside too and the underlying humours are pulled up into their place. It is within these underlying bodily fluids and humours that the patient might be suffering toxicity. Once these underlying humours come close to the skins surface within the upper body, any toxicity or excess can easily be extracted through Hijama.

This might also explain why the key sunnah Hijama points are always located on the upper part of the body (above the waist).

However, it's important to note that the patient does not need to wait for these dates if they are ill and have an urgent requirement to get cupped. Cupping can be applied on any day.

Hijama points of application from the Sunnah.

Top, middle of the head (crown).

It was also narrated by Ibn Abbaas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram. at a water place called Lahl Jamal located on the road to Makkah. Ibn 'Abbas further said: Allah s Apostle was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram.

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 602

Above the thigh [hip area].

Jabir ibn Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) had himself cupped above the thigh for a contusion from which he suffered.

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3854. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

Either side of the neck (at the back) and on the shoulder.

It was narrated Anas ibn Malik that "The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) had himself cupped three times in the veins at the sides of the neck and on the shoulder. Ma'mar said: I got myself cupped, and I lost my memory so much so that I was instructed Surat al-Fatihah by others in my prayer. He had himself cupped at the top of his head."

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3851. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

Top of the Foot.

It was narrated from Jabir (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) fell from his horse onto the truck of a palm tree and dislocated his foot. (One of the narrators) Waki’ said: “Meaning that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped because of that [on the surface of the foot] for bruising.”

Sunan Ibn Majah  Vol. 1, Book 31, Hadith 3485. Classed as Sahih by Darusalaam. Also recorded in Abi Dawood Book 10, Hadith 1833 and confirmed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

More information can be found here for general cupping points which are established by the Hijjaams.

Hijama for the one who is fasting;

There are a number of hadeeth on the matter of cupping during fasting and it seems as though it was initially outlawed.

It was narrated by Thawban that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "A man who cups and a man who gets himself cupped break their fast."
Sunan Abi Dawood Book 13, Hadith 2364. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

The reason may have been due to the hardship and weakness it causes upon the body, and Allah Azzawajjal knows best. But there are also narrations in Al Bukhari which suggest that the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was cupped while he was fasting.
Reference to Vol. 7, Book 71, Hadith 597.

And also;

It was narrated by Thabit Al-Bunani (radhi Allahu anhu) that Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) was asked whether they disliked the cupping for a fasting person. He replied in the negative and said, "Only if it causes weakness."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 161.

My personal advice is to avoid it during fasting hours if the days are long and you fear it will cause weakness. It can always be performed during the night instead. However, there is no harm in those who are strong having it performed.

Hijama is permitted for the one who is in Ihram;

It was also narrated by Ibn Abbaas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram. at a water place called Lahl Jamal located on the road to Makkah. Ibn 'Abbas further said: Allah s Apostle was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram.

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 602

It is strongly encouraged to give payment to the Hajjaam (cupper), but my understanding is that it is forbidden to request payment, such as that they will not provide the treatment unless they are paid.

It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) sent for a slave who had the profession of cupping, and he [the slave] cupped him. The Prophet ordered that he be paid one or two Sa's, or one or two Mudds of foodstuff, and appealed to his masters to reduce his taxes.

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 36, Number 481.

In other authentic narrations it is also mentioned that Rasool'Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) never withheld payment from the Hajjaam but at the same time, there are narrations which suggest that taking a payment for the price of blood, whereby Hijama treatment will not be provided unless the Hajjaam is paid, is forbidden;

`Aun bin Abu Juhaifa (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that "My father bought a slave who practiced the profession of cupping. (My father broke the slave's instruments of cupping). I asked my father why he had done so. He replied, "The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) forbade the acceptance of the price of a dog, or blood, and also forbade the profession of tattooing, getting tattooed and receiving or giving Riba, (usury), and cursed the picture-makers."
Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 34, Hadith 299

Consideration must be made for the cupper since they incur expenses for equipment, traveling and time spent with the patient, particularly if they have no other source of income. It is strongly recommended that they be gifted with payment as indeed Allah loves those who have good manners and courteousness.

Hijama is a key weapon from Allah against sorcery.

Hijama is one of the ways in which Allah Azzawajjal cures sorcery in those who are touched by the Jinn and it is recommended for them to get Hijama performed by an experienced Hajjaam in their area and it must be performed at the right time. By the permission of Allah, they will be cured after a couple of sessions.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) mentioned in his work Zaad al Ma'aad that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was cupped on the top of his head when he was afflicted with Sihr (witchcraft) and that it is of the best of cures for this ailment if it is performed correctly.
(4/125-126).

There is no authentic prohibition on applying Hijama on certain days of the week, particularly if the patient is very ill.

A few hijama practitioners choose not to cup their patients on a Wednesday due to the following Hadith;

Nafi’ (radhi Allahu anhu) is purported to have related that “Ibn ‘Umar  (radhi Allahu anhu) said: ‘O Nafi’! The blood is boiling in me. Bring me a cupper and let him be a young man, not an old man or a boy.’ Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) say: “Cupping on an empty stomach is better, and it increases one’s intellect and memory. And it increases the memory of one who has a good memory so whoever wants to be cupped, (let him do it) on a Thursday, in the Name of Allah. Avoid cupping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Have yourselves cupped on Mondays and Tuesdays, and avoid cupping on Wednesdays, for that is the day on which the calamity befell Ayyub, and leprosy and leucoderma only appear on Wednesday or the night of Wednesday.”

Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 31, Hadith 3488.

This Hadith has been classed as Da'if (weak) by the consensus of scholars at Darussalaam. However in order to reconcile all the various hadith on the point of cupping days (and to make it easy upon the Muslims), it may be taken that it is acceptable to cup on a Wednesday if that day falls on either the 17th, 19th or 21st of the lunar month. But a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday are more preferred if any of them also fall on the 17th, 19th or 21st.

Healing from the Qur'an - Milk.

Milk is considered a blessed drink created by the Almighty Allah. It is both a food and a drink at the same time. Regarding Milk, Allah Azzawajal says in the Holy Qur’an, 

"And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are numerous benefits, and from them you eat."

[23:21]

“In cattle is a lesson for you; We give you a drink they carry in their glands, that issues from between a secreting mucus (of the pituitary gland) and blood…” 
[16:66] 

Allah the Exalted also mentions Milk as being present in Paradise;

"Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, like [that of] those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines?"
[47:15]

Ibn Al Qayyim said that the best type of milk to drink is that which is fresh, has a bright white colour and a delicate sweetness. Milk helps alleviate depression and distress in adults and also helps to calm the spirit. 

Rinsing the mouth after drinking Milk is from the Sunnah.

It is important to rinse the mouth with water after drinking milk as this was the Sunnah of God’s beloved Messenger (pbuh) who once commented, because “it contains fat.” - Narrated by Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) recorded in Sahih al Bukhari in Volume 1, Book 4, Number 210

The milk must come from an animal which is fed an organic vegetarian diet.

Nowadays, the milk sold in supermarkets in the West is from commercial dairy cattle which are pumped full of harmful vaccines and fed on a diet which contains meat by-products and fodder which is sprayed with pesticides and chemical fertilisers. There is no doubt that these toxins find their way into the animal's meat and milk.

Abdullah ibn Umar (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) prohibited eating the animal which feeds on filth and drinking its milk.

Sunan Abi Dawood. Book 27, Hadith 3776. Classed as Sahih by Sh Al Albani (rahimullah).

There is no harm in mixing milk with water as per the following Hadith;

It was narrated by Sahl  ibn Sad (radhi Allahu anhu) that a drink (milk mixed with water) was brought to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who drank some of it while a boy was sitting on his right and old men on his left. The Prophet said to the boy, "If you permit me, I'll give (the rest of the drink to) these old men first." The boy said, "I will not give preference to any one over me as regards my share from you, O Allah's Apostle!" The Prophet then put that container in the boy's hand. 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 47, Number 774

Milk's Benefits.

According to the Dairy Council, the benefits of drinking fresh milk include healthy bone growth due to milk’s composition of calcium, phosphorous, protein and magnesium, and the healthy growth of teeth in children. Milk along with a balanced and healthy diet helps reduce blood pressure, instances of type-2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. A little honey can be added to milk that has been gently warmed up and then mixed thoroughly. This sweet milk should then be chilled before drinking. It is important to note that milk sweetened with sugar rather than honey causes plumpness of the body and face.

Milk should never be drunk excessively since it can cause dimness of the sight, aching of the joints, tooth and gum troubles and intolerance to lactose. Adding honey to milk when drinking can help alleviate these symptoms. Cow’s milk is the best type of milk since it is the most balanced and cows tend to graze on a wider range of plants than other animals.

Raw Organic Milk vs Processed Milk.

Without a doubt, raw milk is better for health than the processed and pasteurized milk which we buy at the market. Raw milk contains more nutrients, natural enzymes and probiotics.

The pasteurization process destroys milk's natural enzymes which help the human body assimilate the calcium contained in milk, as well as its other nutrients which the human body needs to grow, fight disease and function well. That is partly why breast milk is far better for babies that formula and also why, by the same token, raw milk is better for everyone than processed milk. Having said this, it's important to source your raw milk from farms where the milking animals have been vaccinated for contagious diseases like TB and Brucellosis and are fed a vegetarian organic diet.

85% of those who are lactose intolorant should be able to digest raw milk without any problems and raw milk does not spoil like pasteurized milk does if it is left out of the fridge overnight and can much easily be made into homemade butter, cream, soft cheese etc.

References - 

Organic Raw Milk (London and Home Counties) - http://www.hookandson.co.uk/index.html

http://www.milk.co.uk/page.aspx?intPageID=73

http://www.realmilk.com/health/more-about-raw-milk/

http://www.cheeseslave.com/top-ten-reasons-to-drink-raw-milk/

The Benefits of Fenugreek (Methi / Hulbah).

Fenugreek is a green herb with a pungent flavour which is traditionally used in South Asian cooking. It is easy to grow, even in the Western climate. It has a pleasing flavour when cooked and is my favourite herb :)

It is praised highly in Ayurvedic Medicine and is particularly beneficial for women and for cold, wet illnesses like common colds, flu and bronchitis as it can help clear congested phlegm and soothe a sore throat. Some herbal therapists (Hakeems) have said, “If people knew the benefits of fenugreek, they would pay its weight in gold.”

There is no reference to Methi in the Sahih Sunnah.

A number of sites around the net have reported that Rasool'Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) encouraged the use of Fenugreek as a treatment for the sick, but I have not been able to confirm that from any source of Sahih Hadith.

However, there is no doubt that Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) did mention it in his works and that it is one of the oldest and most beneficial natural medicines and should therefore not be ignored.

Ibn Al Qayyim's commentary on Hulbah [Fenugreek].

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that the health benefits of this plant could be gained from drinking a concoction of Fenugreek seeds, which could help to sooth a sore throat, clear the respiratory tract,  help conditions like asthma, bronchitis, colic and breathing difficulties, ease hemorrhoids and constipation, relieve an upset stomach and strengthen the heart.

He suggested applying a hot cooked fenugreek concoction to skin eruptions and cold sores to sooth and soften them, and using it for washing hair. He also recommended cooking fenugreek with dates, honey or figs and eating this on an empty stomach to dissolve phlegm and relieve a persistent cough.

A teaspoon of fenugreek seeds can be soaked in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes and then this mixture can be drunk to gain the above benefits insha’Allah. Fenugreek can also be used to relieve an upset stomach, it can be used as an aphrodisiac and it also helps constipation, helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, lowers blood sugar levels, relieves water/urine retention and it also is particularly beneficial for women as it stimulates menstrual flow and balances female hormones, assists in childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions during labour and increases breast milk for breastfeeding women. Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before self-medicating with fenugreek or other herbal remedies.

Benefits for women.

Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the seeds and leaves which increases milk production in lactating mothers. Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pains. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth. As well as Diosgenin, fenugreek contains isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. 

Women who are in child-bearing age are more prone to iron deficiency due to the monthly loss of blood, also during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes to the dish when cooking it to enhance the iron absorption.

Fenugreek for medicinal use can come in a number of different forms, young fresh leaves, dried leaves, seeds, essential oil or powdered in capsule form. All of these are available in Indian/Pakistani grocery stores or on the Internet.

Fenugreek can be grown for its mildly spicy leaves and shoots by soaking the seed in water for about 30 minutes and then planting it into the ground or into a window box in a bright sunny spot on the windowsill. Young leaves can be cut and used as a garnish, in fenugreek tea, pakoras, curries, in breads or in stews and casseroles.

References - 


http://www.aidanbrooksspices.blogspot.com/2007/10/fenugreek.html

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/fenugreek_health_benefits.php


http://www.aidanbrooksspices.blogspot.com/2007/10/fenugreek.html


http://www.homeremediesweb.com/fenugreek_health_benefits.php

http://www.tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120:--hulbah--
fenugreek&Itemid=151

http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/15-health-benefits-of-methi/

Turmeric; beneficial for Skin & maybe even for Cancer.

The use of turmeric is neither from the Qur'an nor the Sunnah, but nonetheless, it is a highly beneficial spice and this is the reason for mentioning it in this post.

Turmeric is derived from the root of a subcontinental plant, where the root is dried and ground to powder to produce a bright yellow spice used mainly in South Asian cuisine. Turmeric has been used in India for over 2500 years; as a dye and an ingredient in food and beauty products. Long renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, Turmeric proves exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of a wide variety of illnesses including Alzheimer’s, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Turmeric has been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic which helps in healing cuts, burns, stings and bites. When combined in a dish with cauliflower, it can help sufferers of prostrate cancer. A paste made of turmeric can also help reduce skin melanoma. Turmeric is a natural liver detoxifier and has been used in Chinese Medicine as a natural treatment for depression. Sufferers of gallstones or bile obstructions and pregnant women should consult their doctor before using turmeric in natural remedies.

Turmeric is particularly beneficial in evening out skin pigmentation. It can be mixed with besan (gram flour) and cucumber juice and lemon juice to form a paste. The paste should be applied to the affected area for 15 minutes. Used frequently, you should be able to notice a more even skin tone insha’Allah. A tea made with Turmeric root is very good for fighting the bacteria which causes diarrhoea. Turmeric root powder (Haldi) should be used in cooking and can be added to stews and casseroles as well as omelettes and in marinades for meat and vegetables. 

Top 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Turmeric

The Importance of Visiting the Sick.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) went to visit a sick bedouin. Whenever the Prophet went to a patient, he used to say to him, "Don't worry, if Allah will, it will be expiation (for your sins):"... 

Reported in Riyad as-Salihin in The Book of Visiting the Sick, the Hadith being from Sahih Al Bukhari Book 7, Hadith 907.

In this benevolent prophetic saying, there is an expression of sympathy, a most noble show of compassion, as well as a most favourable type of treatment. Such attitude on the part of the visitor will relieve the patient’s anxieties, refresh his spirit and animate his heart. Subsequently, it will help change his natural disposition and aid his nature to overcome the effects, and sometimes lessen, or even alleviate his symptoms and defeat the cause. This is in effect, the purpose behind calling a doctor.

Visiting the sick is one of the 7 things enjoined upon those who believe.

It was narrated by Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ordered us to do seven (things) and forbade us from seven. He ordered us to visit the patients, to follow the funeral procession, to reply to the sneezer (i.e., say to him, 'Yarhamuka-l-lah (May Allah bestow His Mercy upon you), if he says 'Al-hamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah), to help others to fulfill their oaths, to help the oppressed, to greet (whomever one should meet), and to accept the invitation (to a wedding banquet). He forbade us to wear golden rings, to use silver utensils, to use Mayathir (cushions of silk stuffed with cotton and placed under the rider on the saddle), the Qasiyya (linen clothes containing silk brought from an Egyptian town), the Istibraq (thick silk) and the Dibaj (another kind of silk).

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 104

The beloved Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) showed great love and compassion when he visited sick persons, particularly his companions (radhi Allahu anhum). He would gently ask about their point of discomfort, their condition and present feelings. He cheered them up, placed his blessed band over their foreheads and sometimes placed it in the middle of their chests, and prayed for them. He (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also prescribed the correct medicine for them, and in one case it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would take an ablution and wash the patient’s face or body with the water of that ablution or sprinkle the water upon them. This is the utter kindness, the noblest treatment and the correct mannerism to demonstrate with those that are sick.

Sympathic-therapy sometimes does wonders for curing an illness or at least, lessening its effects. Often, this kind of support helps the human spirit, builds up a patient’s will and empowers the psycho-physiological process in his mind to defeat the disease.

Visiting the sick offers four kinds of benefits;

• Mental benefits for the patient that helps reconstruct their state of mind and natural bodily healing processes and livens their spirits.
• Benefits for the visitor in the form of blessings and forgiveness from Allah Almighty and the reward for following the Sunnah of Rasool'Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
• Conciliatory benefits for the nursing family and the strengthening of ties and good manners.
• Constructive benefits for the Muslim community in that local groups take care to support each other.