Different traditions within Islam have varying opinions upon the proper or best time to make dua. Some believers, for instance, contend that it is most appropriate to invoke dua during prostration in prayer (sajdah).  Others find it appropriate to offer dua at any point during prayer, including opening or closing prayer with it. It is always appropriate to perform wudu (ritual washing) and face qibla (toward the Kaaba in Mecca) during salah. No matter when you deem it most appropriate to make dua, it is essential that you put yourself in the proper frame of mind. Eliminate all distractions and maintain a singular focus on offering dua. Remember that you are conversing directly with Allah. Losing focus could be seen as an insult to Allah, and brings the sincerity of your offers and requests into doubt. Invoking dua is not about making demands, bargaining, or assuming that you know what is best for you. Rather, it is an opportunity to submit yourself to the will of Allah with gratefulness and certainty. Make dua when you have full confidence that you will be heard and responded to. As a believer, you can rest assured that Allah never fails to respond to dua. However, you must accept that the response may differ from what you (pridefully) assume is best for you. It is very appropriate to offer dua when you are filled with joy and gratitude for the many blessings in your life. It is equally appropriate to do so when you are facing great difficulties and need help and guidance. In any case, always embrace the certainty that you will be heard and that you are never forgotten. So long as you can summon up the requisite focus, humility, and submission, there’s never a wrong time to ask dua.

Summary: Offer dua to start or finish prayer (salah), or during it. Wait until you are focused and not distracted. Embrace humility, submission, and certainty. Make dua when you’re happy, sad, or confused.


Plumbers putty needs to be applied to a clean area. Wash the surface you’ll be applying the putty to with soap and water. If you’re applying the putty to an old fixture, go over it several times until it is free of any dirt. Plumbers putty will not stick well to a wet area. Make sure the towel or rag you use is clean so you don’t get your surface dirty again while drying it. If you're using putty to fix a leak, you will need to take apart some parts to access the area where putty is needed. Usually, putty is used on toilets and drains. For toilets, loosen the bolts at the base and gently remove the bowl from the floor. For drains, undo the nuts under the sink and push up on the drain to remove it from the base of the sink. You can often find step-by-step disassembly guides online for different types and models of fixtures. In many cases, putty is put on a circular area, like the drain of a sink. Wrap the putty around the circle and make sure you don't leave any gaps. Do not wrap the putty into multiple layers. If you are not applying putty to a circular surface, still use just one layer and leave no gaps. Use your fingertips to apply pressure and stop when the putty seems secure. It will be tightened into place even further later, but now you’re making sure it will hold its position while you press into a drain fixture or anything else you need it for. For sink drains, for instance, you will press the drain into the base of the sink and tighten it underneath using a bolt and channel locks. For toilet bowls, spread the putty around the base of the toilet, where it will touch the floor. Touch your fixture to make sure it isn’t loose at all.

Summary: Clean the surface you’ll put the putty on. Dry the surface with a rag or towel. Disassemble parts if necessary. Spread putty around the surface you need it on. Press the putty firmly into place. Set fixture where it belongs and tighten into place.


Parents play a large role in shaping their children. You are not the only one who has a say in their personality, but you’ll be your child’s first teacher, protector, and friend. Think about what you need to do to mold your child into a person you (and your child) can be proud of. Much of this is about taking the time to listen and see what kind of people they are developing into. For example, don’t push your children to decide who they want to be they grow up or force them into sports you want them to play. One way to choose a style is to refer back to what your parents did. For some people, thinking back to their own parenting is heart-warming, while for others it may cause trauma. Either way, most parents end up continuing the parenting cycle in some form, so take care in analyzing your family history. Consider asking your own parents about the techniques they used with you. Decide if you want to pass those experiences on to your own child. If you have a child or are expecting, chances are you already know a few people who have children of their own. Ask them about the strategies they use with their children.  Touch on key topics. Parenting is a large subject. You may want to come prepared with questions about specific topics like how to discipline, how much free time to allow, and how to split parenting responsibilities. These are great conversations you can have on the playground with other parents.

Summary: Think about what kind of person you want to your child to be. Ask your parents what they did with you. Talk to other parents.


It can be any size you like, or click  here to see standard banner sizes. Make it something that works with the rest of your website. Click on the Paste tab, and from the menu, select Paste from. Find a picture you like, and click the Open button. Click on the Resize tab, then choose Pixels. Set the vertical height to match the height of your banner.  Move the picture into place. Add as many pictures as you like (and that will fit!) Using the Text tool (the A button), add your name or any other text you like. Use the Select tool and draw a box around your banner. Make sure it's the size you want your finished banner to be. Then click Crop.
Summary: Create a new document. Draw a banner-sized selection. If you want a colored background, use the paint bucket tool to fill the banner with any color you like. Add photos, pictures and text. Resize your picture if needed. Add your name. Crop your banner. Once you're done, save it!