Osombie? Seriously?

I love Netflix. Sure it doesn't have the latest movie releases (that's what Redbox is for) but I save a ton of money not having to pay a cable bill. I've had a blast "binge-viewing" shows that I've finally gotten around to like Lost and Breaking Bad--watching entire seasons in mere days (if not in one sitting). I squeal with glee from the occasional hidden gems which pop up when I do a random search (Coming to America, Beverley Hills Cop and other Eddie Murphy pre-disney bastardization laugh riots). Heck, part of the reason why I haven't blogged regularly in so long is because of this glorious productivity-killing streaming portal of dreams (kinda like the land of Zamunda). 

What I also love about Netflix is that it gives Indie filmmakers a chance to have their films and documentaries be seen by more eyes through having it available on the streaming service. Sure a lot of them look like unappealing stinkers, but at least the opportunity is there for them to showcase their work to a wider audience than their own parents, classmates and friends.

But the movie Osombie really makes me want to rethink my previous statement. When I saw this on my routine perusal of Netflix's newly added lineup and read the description, the bewilderment that came over me was indescribable.

Keepin' The Sunnah: Marry Young!

Hey gang. Back from another hiatus to bring you more of that PhilAsify you love so much. If you haven't already, please bookmark this page, share these blogs with your friends, like PhilAsify101 on Facebook, follow me on Twitter and do all the other social media hook ups so you can stay in the loop.

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"O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty"

--Prophet Muhammad

Recently, I came across an excellent article on the popular news and opinion site Slate.com entitled "Marry Young". What was more interesting than the headline was the sub heading that accompanied it: "I got married at 23. What are you all waiting for?" I was instantly hooked for the next 10 minutes.

Washington, DC writer Julia Shaw started the column by speaking about how marriage--especially in today's society--is held off and procrastinated to the max. Whether it be lack of maturity, social status ($$ dollar dollar bills ya'll), or the perception that marriage is a trap for youngsters, folks just don't want to marry in their blossoming years.

After giving statistics and research findings to support her case, she went on to tell her experience of marrying young while still finishing up law school with neither her or her hubby having a steady income. Preposterous, you say! It really isn't that far fetched if you're asking this PhilAsifer. I highlighted some of the main takeaways from the article below but you can read it in it's entirety here.

25 Cool Life Hacks for the Average Muslim

Disclaimer: Please take note that this article is mainly for humorous purposes and should be taken lightly though there are some valid and true information in some instances. So, please do not get your halal panties in a bunch over these hacks.

You know what I've been loving lately? Life hacks. These have been sweeping the internet recently and I can't get enough of them. For those who don't know what life hacks are they have been defined as a "productivity trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method to increase productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life; in other words, anything that solves an everyday problem in a clever or non-obvious way might be called a life hack".

There are plenty of life hacks lists posted on the internet which demonstrate a plethora of different neat tricks. For example, using a dustpan to fill a container that doesn't fit in a sink, take a picture of a friend holding something he wants to borrow so you won't forget he's borrowing it, using a can opener to open those pesky hard plastic packaging are just a few clever hacks notable on the interwebs.

But what about life hacks for the average Muslim? There's gotta be some things we can do to simplify our lives, right? I have gathered, both from experience and from valuable information passed down from wise brothers and sisters of the past, a list of 25 Muslim life hacks designed to make our lives just a little bit easier. Take a look!

Elevator Murder Experiment Further Proves How Wussified and Jaded Society has Become. [VIDEO]

There's a famous saying of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) where he says,

“Whoever of you sees an evil must then change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then [he must change it ] with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then [he must change it] with his heart. And that is the weakest form of faith.”

“… must then change it with his hand.” aka put your big boy pants on and put a stop to it, tough guy!

Even though this is a Muslim proverb, ideally this should be a universal way of thinking. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. I've heard and read about plenty of crimes or incidents occurring in public which were REAL and people stood by and did nothing and went about their business. 

This video below was a simulated experiment done "what would you do/candid camera" style to capture the reactions of the average joe. If you were about to board an elevator and when the doors opened, there was a murder being attempted, what would you do? Conclusion: The average joe is a big puss.

Some of these reactions are just unbelievable. Yes we have the typical girlie-girl scream and running away, that's a given for any high-stress situation. But did I just see a girl try to be a hero by repeatedly hitting the attempted murderer with a....paper bag? 

Another d-bag just stood there and started taking video of the killing with his camera phone. If you're first thought, when seeing a violent crime occur, is  "Whoa this is soooo going to go viral on YouTube!", then you have failed as a human being. I think only two guys in that video actually got up in there and actually pried the assailant off of the victim.

However, by far the most absurd thing of all for this video is the end. The whole point of this stunt was to promote "Dead Man Down", an upcoming action movie starring Wade Barrett Colin Ferrell. Wow.

I'm done.

Beards are Beautiful...Really! Science says so!

Oh,you don't say? You mean to tell me that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) knew what he was talking about when he encouraged men to let their beards grow like nature intended?

I got a good kick out of this article from NewNowNext, an online magazine centered on pop culture, fashion and health. Apparently, sunnah beards do wonders for your skin and keep you looking haha, yes...younger, fresh-faced and handsome!

Another score for the Bearded boys!

Beards.

Gentlemen, they’re not just for hipsters and the homeless any more. While both dead sexy and totally awesome, beards are also a boon to your overall health. Researchers discovered that men with beards and moustaches actually enjoy numerous benefits including, but not limited to, instant handsomeness.

A study from the University of Southern Queensland, published in the Radiation Protection Dosimetry journal, found that beards block 90 to 95 percent of UV rays, thereby slowing the aging process and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Got asthma? Pollens and dust simply get stuck in that lustrous facial hair. Additionally, all that hair retains moisture and protects against the wind, keeping you looking young and fresh-faced. What’s more, shaving is usually the cause of ingrown hairs and bacterial infections that lead to acne.

Have you tossed your razor in the trash yet?

To conduct the study, researchers left bearded mannequins, along with less attractive, follically-challenged ones, in the blistering sun of the Australian outback and then compared the amount of radiation absorbed by each.

But don’t forget to take care of those blessed follicles; beards can also spread infection if not properly cared for and make consumption of certain foods (e.g. cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, falafel sandwiches—anything with hummus actually, bagel ‘n’ schmear, syrupy pancakes) rather laborious. Fuzzy-faced men would be wise to take advantage of beard wash and beard oil, essential tools for looking and feeling your beardy best.

Tickets, Frustration and other Jummah Ruiners

Have you ever had one of those Jummah's where you head over to the mosque, hear an excellent khutbah that revives your spirit and gives you a much needed iman boost, followed by being immersed in a wonderfully recited salat, only to exit the premises and have the entire experience nearly pissed away by some frustrating and infuriating incident?

I've had one of those days recently.

Unmosqued Documentary shows the Unflattering side of the Muslim Community. [VIDEO]

All I have to say about this trailer is "It's ABOUT TIME!". Bringing the negative side of the mosques in America and their unwelcoming and anti-user friendly atmosphere is long overdue. I wholeheartedly support those who are making this interesting documentary and cannot wait to see it in it's entirety.

At best, this video should be screened at every mosque across the USA, especially to all of those with prominent positions in their community mosque should watch and take note and make the necessary changes because this issue is make or break when it comes to progress in the US and changing the perceptions of Islam in many peoples eyes, both Muslim and non-Muslim.