Based on looking at the website alex.holiday, it primarily focuses on yoga, Ayurvedic coaching, and retreat facilitation.
While these practices can offer paths to mindfulness and well-being, certain aspects, particularly “earth wisdom” and “ceremonialist” roles, often venture into areas that are not aligned with Islamic principles.
Our review indicates that this platform, due to its inclusion of practices that may conflict with pure monotheism and reliance solely on Allah, is not recommended for a Muslim audience seeking ethical and permissible spiritual guidance.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Focus: Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Coach, Retreat Facilitator & Ceremonialist.
- Experience Claimed: 20 years of facilitation, retreats spanning the globe, thousands of students.
- Expertise Areas: Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, & earth wisdom.
- Key Concern for Muslims: “Earth wisdom” and “Ceremonialist” aspects may involve polytheistic or un-Islamic spiritual practices.
- Recommendation: Not recommended due to potential conflicts with Islamic beliefs.
The website presents Alex Holiday as an experienced practitioner in wellness, but the inclusion of “earth wisdom” and her role as a “ceremonialist” raises flags from an Islamic perspective.
These terms often refer to practices rooted in animism, pantheism, or other spiritual traditions that diverge from the singular worship of Allah.
For Muslims, true spiritual development comes from adhering to the Quran and Sunnah, and engaging in practices that might imply partnership with other entities or rely on non-Islamic rituals is impermissible.
While physical well-being through yoga if performed modestly and without un-Islamic spiritual elements and general health coaching like Ayurveda, if framed as beneficial knowledge rather than spiritual dogma can be permissible, the broader scope of “earth wisdom” and ceremonialism makes alex.holiday problematic.
It’s crucial for Muslims to ensure that any pursuit of well-being aligns strictly with monotheistic principles and avoids any form of shirk associating partners with Allah.
Best Alternatives for Ethical Well-being and Self-Improvement:
- Islamic Books on Mindfulness and Spirituality
- Key Features: Focus on Quranic reflection, Sunnah practices, reliance on Allah, gratitude, patience, and ethical living.
- Average Price: $10-$30 per book.
- Pros: Rooted in authentic Islamic teachings. promotes inner peace through faith. accessible knowledge.
- Cons: Requires self-discipline for consistent practice. not interactive coaching.
- Islamic Self-Help & Personal Development Courses
- Key Features: Courses on time management, productivity, character building, and emotional intelligence from an Islamic perspective.
- Average Price: Varies widely, from free to hundreds of dollars for comprehensive programs.
- Pros: Structured learning. provides practical tools aligned with Islamic ethics. often taught by qualified Islamic scholars/professionals.
- Cons: Requires commitment. quality can vary between providers.
- Physical Fitness Equipment for Home Use
- Key Features: Resistance bands, yoga mats for physical exercise only, dumbbells, jump ropes. Promotes physical health without spiritual connotations.
- Average Price: $20-$100 for basic equipment.
- Pros: Convenient. improves physical health. no spiritual implications.
- Cons: Requires self-motivation. may not replace professional guidance for specific fitness goals.
- Therapeutic Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
- Key Features: Used for relaxation, mood enhancement, and general well-being through scent. Focuses on natural, permissible remedies.
- Average Price: $15-$50 per bottle.
- Pros: Natural. can aid relaxation. widely available.
- Cons: Not a substitute for medical treatment. individual reactions may vary.
- Healthy Cookbooks & Nutrition Guides
- Key Features: Guides on balanced diets, meal prep, and nutritional understanding, adhering to halal principles.
- Pros: Promotes physical health through diet. practical and actionable. no spiritual elements.
- Cons: Requires effort in meal preparation. not all diets suit everyone.
- Islamic Calligraphy and Art Supplies
- Key Features: A creative outlet that encourages reflection on Islamic themes and beauty, promoting mental and spiritual calm through artistic expression.
- Average Price: $20-$100 for beginner sets.
- Pros: Fosters creativity. connects to Islamic heritage. relaxing and meditative.
- Cons: Requires practice and patience. not a direct health intervention.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Focused Work/Reading
- Key Features: Helps create a quiet environment for concentration, enabling deeper engagement with beneficial activities like reading Quran or studying.
- Average Price: $50-$300+.
- Pros: Improves focus. reduces distractions. versatile for various activities.
- Cons: Can be an investment. over-reliance may isolate from surroundings.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Alex.holiday Review & First Look: An Examination of its Offerings
Upon initial inspection, alex.holiday presents itself as a hub for wellness, focusing on yoga, Ayurvedic coaching, and various retreats.
The immediate impression is one of holistic well-being, with an emphasis on personal transformation.
However, a deeper dive reveals elements that necessitate careful consideration, particularly for those seeking spiritual guidance aligned with monotheistic principles.
The site prominently features Alex Holiday as a “Yoga Teacher,” “Ayurvedic Coach,” and “Retreat Facilitator & Ceremonialist,” boasting “20 years of facilitation experience,” “retreats spanning the globe,” and “thousands of students around the world.” While the promotion includes glowing testimonials, the critical question for an ethical review centers on the underlying philosophy of the “ceremonialist” role and “earth wisdom,” which are often linked to practices that may not align with Islamic beliefs.
Unpacking the Alex.holiday Brand
The brand aims to provide a comprehensive approach to health and spiritual growth.
It tries to convey a sense of expertise and global reach, with claims like “Alex carries a depth of wisdom about the body and the soul’s connection.” The testimonials are designed to build trust and highlight positive outcomes, but the broadness of terms like “something important is happening” can be vague.
Initial Impressions for the Discerning User
A user looking for straightforward physical wellness might initially find the site appealing.
However, if one is looking for spiritual guidance that is strictly monotheistic, phrases like “earth wisdom” should prompt further investigation.
The immediate visual presentation is clean and professional, typical of a modern wellness platform, but the underlying content is where the ethical review becomes critical.
Alex.holiday Concerns & Red Flags
The primary red flags on alex.holiday stem from the terminology used, specifically “Ceremonialist” and “earth wisdom.” In many spiritual contexts, these terms refer to practices that involve veneration of nature, deities, or spirits, which directly conflicts with the core Islamic principle of Tawhid the absolute oneness of God. While the website doesn’t explicitly detail the ceremonies or specific “earth wisdom” practices, the mere inclusion of these terms raises significant concern about potential syncretism or polytheistic leanings. Redissus.com Review
The “Ceremonialist” Role Examined
A “ceremonialist” often facilitates rituals or ceremonies that can be rooted in various indigenous, pagan, or New Age spiritual traditions.
These ceremonies might involve invoking spirits, honoring ancestors, or performing rites to connect with natural forces.
From an Islamic perspective, all worship, invocation, and seeking of aid must be directed solely to Allah.
Any ritual that involves seeking intervention from other entities, whether perceived as gods, spirits, or natural forces, constitutes shirk polytheism, which is the gravest sin in Islam.
Therefore, a role as a ceremonialist, without explicit clarification that these ceremonies are free from shirk and align with Islamic monotheism, is problematic.
“Earth Wisdom” and its Implications
“Earth wisdom” generally refers to ancient or traditional knowledge systems often focused on ecological spirituality, interconnectedness with nature, and reverence for the earth.
While appreciating nature is encouraged in Islam as a sign of Allah’s creation, “earth wisdom” often extends to worshipping nature, attributing divine power to natural elements, or engaging in animistic practices.
This directly contradicts the Islamic belief that nature is a creation, not a creator or a deity to be worshipped.
Muslims are taught to reflect on the signs of Allah in creation, not to worship the creation itself.
The inclusion of this term without clear disclaimers or explanations that align it with Islamic monotheism makes it highly questionable. Atomos.com Review
Lack of Transparency on Spiritual Practices
The website lacks specific details on what “earth wisdom” entails or what “ceremonies” are facilitated.
This ambiguity makes it difficult for a Muslim to assess the permissibility of engaging with such offerings.
Without transparent explanations, it’s safer to assume that these practices fall outside the bounds of Islamic principles.
For example, if “ceremonies” involve meditation techniques that guide individuals to connect with “ancestral spirits” or “divine feminine/masculine energies” that are not from an Islamic framework, it would be unacceptable.
The absence of such clarity means potential exposure to beliefs and practices that could compromise one’s faith.
Alex.holiday Alternatives for Wholesome Living
For those seeking genuine well-being, mindfulness, and personal growth, there are numerous alternatives that fully align with Islamic principles.
These options focus on physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual nourishment through permissible means, emphasizing reliance on Allah, virtuous character, and beneficial knowledge.
Pursuing Physical Fitness Ethically
Physical health is highly encouraged in Islam.
Instead of practices with questionable spiritual undertones, focus on conventional exercise.
- Home Workout Programs: Utilize simple, effective routines focusing on cardio, strength, and flexibility. Many free resources are available online e.g., YouTube channels for bodyweight exercises.
- Outdoor Activities: Engage in walking, running, hiking, swimming, or cycling. These activities connect one with nature as a creation of Allah and offer significant physical and mental benefits.
- Sports Equipment: Invest in basic equipment like a good pair of running shoes, a jump rope, or resistance bands to support your fitness journey.
Mental Well-being through Islamic Practices
Mental health is intrinsically linked to one’s spiritual state in Islam.
- Daily Quran Recitation and Reflection: Engaging with the Quran daily provides unparalleled tranquility, guidance, and spiritual nourishment. Reflecting on its verses offers profound insights into life’s purpose and challenges.
- Dhikr Remembrance of Allah: Regular remembrance of Allah through specific invocations Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah is a powerful way to achieve inner peace, reduce anxiety, and strengthen one’s connection with the Divine.
- Supplication Du’a: Turning to Allah in sincere supplication for all needs, both worldly and spiritual, is a cornerstone of Muslim well-being. It fosters humility, patience, and complete reliance on the Almighty.
- Reading Islamic Literature on Self-Improvement: Many scholarly works delve into topics like patience, gratitude, overcoming anger, building good character, and managing worldly anxieties from an Islamic perspective.
Ethical Personal Development and Coaching
For structured personal growth, seek out resources rooted in Islamic scholarship or secular coaching that avoids spiritual elements.
- Islamic Self-Development Courses: Many reputable Islamic institutions offer courses on character building, time management, productivity, and leadership, all aligned with Quranic and Sunnah teachings.
- Professional Development Workshops: Look for workshops or books on skills like communication, leadership, financial literacy, or career advancement that are purely skill-based and devoid of spiritual syncretism.
- Mentorship from Knowledgeable Individuals: Seek guidance from individuals known for their sound Islamic knowledge and upright character, who can offer practical advice and spiritual wisdom.
Alex.holiday Pricing: What You Might Expect
The alex.holiday website does not explicitly list pricing for its services on the main landing page, which is a common practice for service-based businesses like coaching and retreats.
Typically, pricing for such offerings is either disclosed upon inquiry e.g., via a contact form or consultation call or found on dedicated “Services” or “Retreats” pages that were not immediately visible or linked clearly from the homepage excerpt provided.
For a service provider offering “Retreats spanning the globe,” one could anticipate a significant investment, often ranging from hundreds to several thousands of dollars, depending on duration, location, accommodation, and the depth of the program.
Coaching services, especially from someone with “20 years of facilitation experience,” would also likely fall into a premium price bracket, potentially charged per session, per month, or as a package for a set number of sessions.
Typical Cost Structures for Wellness Services
- Retreats: Generally, retreats are comprehensive packages that include accommodation, meals, activities, and instruction. Prices can vary immensely based on luxury, location e.g., Bali vs. a local center, and duration e.g., a weekend vs. a week-long immersion. Expect anywhere from $500 to $5,000+. Luxury or exotic international retreats would be at the higher end.
- Coaching: One-on-one coaching often comes in packages e.g., 3-month or 6-month programs or per-session rates. Given the stated experience level, hourly rates could range from $100 to $500+ per hour, or packages could be $1,000 to $10,000+.
- Yoga Classes/Workshops: If individual classes or workshops are offered outside of retreats, these might be $20-$50 per session or $100-$300 for a multi-session workshop.
Why Transparency Matters
The absence of transparent pricing on the homepage is a common marketing strategy, aiming to funnel potential clients into a discovery call where the value proposition can be fully explained before the cost is revealed.
However, for consumers, especially those with specific budgets or ethical concerns, it can be a drawback.
Full transparency upfront allows individuals to quickly assess if a service is within their financial reach and ethical boundaries before investing time in inquiries.
For a Muslim consumer, knowing the full scope and cost helps in determining if the investment is justified, especially considering the ethical concerns highlighted earlier regarding the “ceremonialist” and “earth wisdom” aspects. Louponline.com Review
Alex.holiday vs. Ethical Islamic Alternatives
When evaluating alex.holiday against ethical Islamic alternatives, the comparison isn’t about direct feature parity but rather about alignment with foundational principles.
Alex.holiday offers a blend of physical, mental, and spiritual wellness rooted in yoga, Ayurveda, and broader “earth wisdom.” In contrast, Islamic alternatives prioritize holistic well-being derived directly from the Quran and Sunnah, focusing on spiritual purity Tawhid as the basis for all other forms of well-being.
Philosophical Foundations
- Alex.holiday: Appears to draw from diverse spiritual traditions, including what might be classified as New Age, pagan, or indigenous “earth wisdom.” The emphasis is on connecting with one’s inner self and the natural world, potentially leading to syncretic beliefs that blend various spiritual paths. This approach, while popular in Western wellness circles, can lead to practices that involve veneration of created things or seeking guidance from sources other than Allah.
- Ethical Islamic Alternatives: Grounded entirely in Tawhid, the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah and His sole right to be worshipped and sought for help. All forms of well-being—physical, mental, and spiritual—are seen as gifts from Allah, to be nurtured through His guidance. The focus is on purification of the soul through obedience to Allah, adherence to His commands, and following the example of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.
Methods and Practices
- Alex.holiday: Utilizes yoga often with spiritual undertones, Ayurvedic coaching can be acceptable if focused purely on health sciences, but problematic if intertwined with Hindu spiritual beliefs, meditation techniques which can vary widely in their spiritual basis, and various “ceremonies” or “earth wisdom” practices which are the main point of concern due to potential shirk.
- Ethical Islamic Alternatives:
- Physical Health: Emphasizes regular physical exercise, balanced diet halal and tayyib, hygiene, and adequate rest, all as means to maintain the body as an amanah trust from Allah.
- Mental Well-being: Achieved through Dhikr remembrance of Allah, Quran recitation and reflection, sincere Du’a supplication, Salah prayer, and seeking beneficial knowledge. These practices cultivate inner peace, resilience, and a strong connection with the Creator.
- Spiritual Growth: Centered on fulfilling religious obligations, developing virtuous character Akhlaq, seeking forgiveness, increasing knowledge, and striving for piety Taqwa. Any practices that draw from polytheistic or un-Islamic spiritual traditions are strictly avoided.
- Coaching/Guidance: Sought from qualified Islamic scholars, counselors, or mentors who provide advice rooted in Islamic ethics and psychology.
Long-Term Outcomes
- Alex.holiday: May offer temporary relief from stress or a sense of personal empowerment through self-discovery. However, if it leads to beliefs or practices that contradict Tawhid, the long-term spiritual outcome can be detrimental, potentially leading to a weakening of one’s faith.
- Ethical Islamic Alternatives: Lead to genuine and lasting inner peace, spiritual fulfillment, and a strengthened connection with Allah. By adhering to divinely revealed guidance, individuals find purpose, clarity, and true success in both this life and the hereafter. The focus is on cultivating a lifestyle that is pleasing to Allah, ensuring eternal benefit.
In summary, while alex.holiday might appeal to those seeking general wellness, its inclusion of “ceremonialist” roles and “earth wisdom” makes it incompatible with Islamic principles.
Ethical Islamic alternatives offer a clear, divinely guided path to holistic well-being that ensures spiritual purity and adherence to Tawhid, providing a far more beneficial and enduring foundation for a Muslim’s life.
How to Navigate Wellness Ethically as a Muslim
The key is to distinguish between universally beneficial secular practices like physical exercise or nutritional science and spiritual practices that might contain elements of shirk associating partners with Allah or bid’ah innovation in religion.
The Importance of Seeking Knowledge
The first step in ethical navigation is to gain sound Islamic knowledge.
Understanding the core tenets of Tawhid monotheism, the categories of shirk, and the importance of adhering to the Sunnah helps in identifying permissible and impermissible practices.
- Consult Islamic Scholars: When in doubt about a specific practice or a wellness offering, consult knowledgeable and trustworthy Islamic scholars.
- Read Reputable Islamic Texts: Engage with books and articles from recognized Islamic publishers and authors on topics related to Islamic spirituality, psychology, and health.
- Attend Islamic Educational Programs: Enroll in courses that deepen your understanding of Islamic sciences, Fiqh jurisprudence, and Aqeedah creed.
Distinguishing Between Physical and Spiritual
Many wellness practices have both physical and spiritual components. It’s crucial to separate them.
- Physical Exercise: Practices like general stretching, physical yoga poses without spiritual chanting or intentions, or calisthenics are permissible as forms of exercise. The intention must be purely for physical health, not spiritual enlightenment through un-Islamic means.
- Nutritional Science: Utilizing dietary advice from Ayurveda or other systems is permissible if it’s based on scientific understanding of food properties and health, and does not involve specific rituals, prayers, or beliefs associated with polytheism. Focus on halal and tayyib pure and good food.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: While the concept of mindfulness is present in Islam through Tafakkur reflection and Tadabbur contemplation on Quran, practices that involve emptying the mind, connecting with “universal energy” or “divine consciousness” outside of Allah, or chanting non-Islamic mantras are not permissible. Instead, engage in Dhikr, Quranic reflection, and contemplation of Allah’s creation.
Evaluating Retreats and Coaches
When considering retreats, coaches, or ceremonialists, scrutinize their philosophical underpinnings.
- Ask Direct Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about the specific spiritual beliefs, rituals, or philosophies underpinning their practices. For instance, ask: “What does ‘earth wisdom’ specifically entail?” or “What kind of ‘ceremonies’ do you facilitate, and what are their spiritual objectives?”
- Look for Transparency: A lack of clear explanation or evasive answers about spiritual elements should be a red flag.
- Prioritize Islamic Guidance: Seek coaches or programs that explicitly state their alignment with Islamic values or are purely secular in nature, focusing on measurable, practical skills.
Rejecting Un-Islamic Elements
If any aspect of a wellness offering involves: Biggainersalerts.com Review
- Worship of anything other than Allah e.g., nature, elements, deities, spirits.
- Seeking help from entities other than Allah e.g., ancestors, “spirit guides”.
- Practices that involve divination, fortune-telling, or astrology.
- Rituals or chants that invoke polytheistic concepts.
- Any form of magic or sorcery.
Then it must be unequivocally rejected.
The spiritual path of a Muslim is clear: exclusive devotion and reliance on Allah alone.
By adopting a cautious and informed approach, Muslims can benefit from the legitimate aspects of wellness while safeguarding their faith and ensuring their journey aligns with the pure teachings of Islam.
FAQ
What is Alex.holiday primarily focused on?
Alex.holiday primarily focuses on yoga teaching, Ayurvedic coaching, and retreat facilitation, combining these with what is described as “earth wisdom” and “ceremonialist” roles.
Is Alex.holiday suitable for Muslims?
No, Alex.holiday is not suitable for Muslims due to the inclusion of “earth wisdom” and “ceremonialist” practices, which often involve spiritual beliefs and rituals that conflict with the Islamic principle of monotheism Tawhid.
What does “earth wisdom” mean in the context of Alex.holiday?
While not explicitly defined on the website, “earth wisdom” generally refers to spiritual knowledge systems rooted in nature worship, animism, or pantheism, which are incompatible with Islamic teachings that emphasize the worship of Allah alone, not His creation.
What does a “Ceremonialist” do at Alex.holiday?
A “Ceremonialist” typically facilitates spiritual rituals or ceremonies.
In the context of wellness, these might involve invoking spirits, honoring ancestors, or connecting with natural forces, which are acts of shirk associating partners with Allah in Islam.
Are all forms of yoga forbidden in Islam?
If yoga is practiced solely for physical exercise and flexibility, without spiritual chants, idol worship, or intentions connected to polytheistic beliefs, then the physical postures themselves might be permissible.
However, many yoga traditions inherently carry spiritual undertones that are not aligned with Islam.
Can Muslims engage in Ayurvedic coaching?
Ayurvedic coaching focused purely on dietary advice, herbal remedies, and physical health principles, derived from scientific or empirical knowledge, may be permissible. Auto-grid.com Review
However, if it delves into spiritual beliefs, rituals, or philosophical aspects linked to Hinduism, it becomes impermissible.
What are ethical alternatives for physical well-being?
Ethical alternatives for physical well-being include conventional exercises like walking, running, swimming, strength training, and sports.
The intention should be solely for maintaining health as a gift from Allah, without any spiritual connections to other deities.
What are ethical alternatives for mental well-being for Muslims?
Ethical alternatives for mental well-being for Muslims include consistent daily prayers Salah, regular recitation and reflection on the Quran, engaging in Dhikr remembrance of Allah, sincere Du’a supplication, and seeking beneficial knowledge.
Are there any Islamic self-help resources available?
Yes, numerous Islamic self-help books, courses, and lectures from reputable scholars focus on personal development, character building, and emotional intelligence, all rooted in Quranic teachings and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.
How can a Muslim ensure a wellness program is permissible?
A Muslim can ensure a wellness program is permissible by thoroughly investigating its spiritual underpinnings, asking direct questions about any rituals or philosophies, and consulting knowledgeable Islamic scholars if in doubt.
If it involves anything that hints at polytheism or un-Islamic practices, it should be avoided.
Does Alex.holiday provide transparent pricing on its website?
No, the main homepage excerpt for Alex.holiday does not explicitly list pricing for its services.
Pricing is typically disclosed upon inquiry or found on specific service/retreat pages.
What is the typical cost range for wellness retreats mentioned by Alex.holiday?
While not listed on the site, typical wellness retreats can range from $500 to over $5,000, depending on factors like location, duration, and inclusions. Andosciacommunications.com Review
Are there Islamic alternatives to spiritual retreats?
Yes, Islamic alternatives to spiritual retreats include attending Islamic conferences, intensive Quranic studies programs, or seeking knowledge in a focused environment, often emphasizing prayer, reflection, and community learning centered on Islamic principles.
What is Tawhid and why is it important in choosing wellness practices?
Tawhid is the Islamic principle of the absolute oneness of Allah and His sole right to be worshipped.
It is crucial in choosing wellness practices because any activity that involves worshipping, invoking, or seeking help from anything other than Allah constitutes shirk and invalidates one’s monotheistic belief.
What is the concept of amanah
trust in Islam regarding our bodies?
In Islam, our bodies are considered an amanah
trust from Allah.
This means Muslims are responsible for taking care of their physical and mental health through permissible means, as it is a duty to preserve this trust.
Can meditation be practiced by Muslims?
While some forms of meditation are problematic, Tafakkur reflection and Tadabbur contemplation on Allah’s creation and the Quran are encouraged in Islam. The key is to avoid practices that involve emptying the mind, connecting with non-Islamic spiritual entities, or chanting un-Islamic mantras.
Why is consulting Islamic scholars important for ethical wellness choices?
Consulting Islamic scholars is important because they possess the deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and creed necessary to accurately assess whether a specific wellness practice aligns with or contradicts Islamic principles, safeguarding one’s faith.
What is the significance of “20 years of facilitation experience” on Alex.holiday?
“20 years of facilitation experience” highlights the practitioner’s long-standing background in the field, indicating extensive practice and perhaps a broad client base, which can be a point of trust for potential clients seeking experienced guidance.
Are “holiday baking championships” or “holiday glasshouses” related to Alex.holiday?
No, terms like “holiday baking championship” or “holiday glasshouses” are unrelated to the Alex.holiday website, which focuses on personal wellness, yoga, Ayurveda, and retreats.
These are common search queries that simply contain the word “holiday.” Shuttericons.com Review
How can I find ethical coaching services online?
To find ethical coaching services online, look for coaches who clearly state their methodologies, avoid ambiguous spiritual terms, and ideally, those who are known to align with Islamic values or offer purely secular, skill-based coaching without spiritual components.
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