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The term “Takaful” is derived from the Arabic word “Kafaala” meaning guaranteeing. Takaful means “guaranteeing each other” and refers to the concept of permissible Islamic insurance or “Halal” insurance.

Takaful is based on the principles of “Ta’awun” (mutual cooperation) and “Tabaru’a” (Donation) whereby a group of people (Takaful participants or policyholders) agree between themselves to share the risk of a potential loss to any of them by making a donation, of all or part of their contribution, which is used to compensate the loss suffered by any participant of the Takaful scheme.

Unlike conventional insurance in which risk is shifted from the policyholder to the insurance company, Takaful is a structure in which risk is shared between all the policyholders.

The term Islamic finance refers to financial and commercial activities and transactions that conform to “Shariah” (Islamic law). Whilst the terms Islamic finance, interest-free banking, Shariah finance, Shariah banking, Shariah insurance, Islamic banking, and Islamic insurance are relatively new, the underlying principles of Islamic finance date back to the times of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The trading practices of Muslims were based upon these principles until the days of the Ottoman Empire.  Read more...

South Portland, ME – January 9, 2008 – Renowned artist, Stephen Huneck’s artwork is now available on the TRIPSwithPETS.com online store, Bonzo Beans Pet Shop. Huneck’s dog themed artwork is known for its whimsical and entertaining quality. His artwork induces true emotion that all dog lovers can relate to. Nothing shows this better than his piece in which two dogs are saying hello to each other in the only way dogs know how… sniffing under the tail. This one is appropriately entitled “Greetings”.

Another example of a piece that dog lovers can certainly identify with is the one entitled “Menage A Trois”. It depicts a bed with a dog’s head popping out between two pairs of human feet, a situation you know well if you have a dog!

Stephen Huneck’s work is available in giclee prints, note cards, and on 100% hand-hooked wool pile rugs. Giclee prints are the finest form of art reproductions. Meaning the “spraying of ink”, these prints will last two hundred years before any fading will appear. All giclee prints are individually signed by the artist. Huneck’s products range in price from $9.95 to $268. So there’s something for everyone. Plus, for a limited time Bonzo Beans Pet Shop is offering free shipping.  Read more...

Your interior doors are very important, because they will dramatically improve the look and feel of your home. But it’s not always as simple as you might think that it should be to find the perfect interior doors. There are many things that you must take into consideration, such as the size, style, the swing or the slide just to name a few.

Let’s take a look at some of the different styles of doors that you have to choose from – hinged doors, plain door, recessed panel doors like 6 panel doors, glazed doors and then the type of wood and the stain color is going to also change the door style as well. There are hollow doors and solid wood doors. The prices for these types of doors are going to be drastically different, so you should be sure that you know what your budget is before you go door shopping.

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Your home is the most important place in your life. It is where the majority of your time is spent and the place where you can relax and do nearly anything you want. Being that the home is such a significant part of our lives, it only makes sense that we would want to make it as aesthetic and beautiful as possible. Some people get lucky and land on a home improvement television show, and receive an incredibly luxurious, free makeover to their house.

While the average homeowner probably will not get this opportunity, there are still ways to improve on the interior design of your home by yourself, and with the help of friends, family, and local contractors.

To renovate your interior, the first thing you need to think about is, obviously, what you want. Many people can instantly conjure up images of their perfect home, while others need a little more time to think about what would be most pleasing to them. Things to think about include color schemes, room arrangements, how much space you need, what fixtures and accessories to have, and any themes or styles you are fond of. You may also need to get new furniture, or at least clean some of it up a bit, to fit in with your vision. Do not be afraid to spend a lot of time on this step; after all, the dream is what will guide you and will be very evocative of the final product. Since you will literally have to live with the end creation, you want to make sure you will love it.  Read more...

There are a wide range of furniture consignment stores in the US that deal in quality, used furniture and home accessories.

The top furniture consignment stores offering quality, previously used furniture and furnishing are given below:

•Upscale Consignment

This 10,000 sq. ft shop is located in Gladstone. They sell quality, gently used furniture and furnishings. Furniture and home décor are available at 40% to 80% off trade. They also accept rugs, lamps, pottery, wall art and other distinctive home items. Items can be viewed in their online inventory for easier transactions.

They claim to provide great customer service and value to consignors and customers. New furniture arrives on a daily basis.

•Lido Consignment Gallery

This 5,000 foot showroom is located at Newport Beach California. This shop has been serving the public for more than 10 years. It is owned by designer Susan Landon. The shop specializes in unique furniture and home accessories. High quality furnishings come from design centers, importers, and name-brand manufacturers.

Most of its furniture is used in the finest homes in Newport.

•Brittany & Sondra’s Furniture Consignment  Read more...