Why Pu-erh tea is your go-to hot beverage during Ramadan

This Ramadan, try a cup of Puerh tea – little known to the East, this fermented tea has been long valued in Chinese medicine for its vast benefits.

An ideal hot beverage for the holy month of Ramadan, it will awaken your senses after a long day of fasting, rehydrate your body and aid digestion after a heavy meal. Although caffeinated, Puerh tea is known to help control your sleep and wake cycles, meaning it will help you stay alert during taraweh and to adjust to night prayers. It also reduces stress and stabilizes your mood due to micro-organisms which increase the production of melatonin in the brain.

Well-rounded and smooth in texture, its earthy notes will remind you of a certain vintage elegance and can be balanced by a subtle sweetness. Puerh will also nicely complement dim sums, a heavy meal, an aged cheese and will leave you feeling light and energized for a night of worship.

Ramadan Kareem!

When celebs speak up to defend Islam

We are used to hear the most downright offensive and racist comments about Islam in the news, with the usual misconceptions that tag along.. terrorism, jihadists, cutting off hands, oppressed women, etc etc. Nothing new here.
So, when (non-Muslim) celebrities raise their voices to defend Islam, I'm all ears!

Recently, many A-list singers, sportsmen and actors showed their support on social media to #FreePalestine and end the ongoing war in Gaza. From Madonna to Javier Bardem, their support certainly enlightened many and helped educate the masses. Another propaganda?

But every now and then a more profound, passionate, angry and REAL retort makes headlines, just like Ben Affleck on the TV show "Real Time with Bill Maher" on HBO, Russell Brand on his daily show "The Trews" and a few others.

Watch Ben Affleck lose his temper against stereotypes on Muslims:

Russel Brand and Alec Baldwin on "The Trews":

Islamic fashion designer Annah Hariri

I have never been able to find a suitable translation for the french saying 'Coup de coeur' - which literally could be translated as 'heart stroke' in English! Its true meaning is an instant liking in something and, what better way to describe how I fell in love with Annah Hariri's designs.. and since this post is about fashion, why not throw in a little French!

The modest clothing design brand is the brainchild of a European revert, Annah, who created the brand in 2012 shortly after her conversion.
Annah says, "I reverted to Islam and the hardest challenge was to start wearing hijab as I had an enormous ego and love for fashion, clothes and myself. Moreover there was no proper clothing in the market for a working hijabi lady. Actually you could find a few modest items but those would be high street brands which are too pricey and it is an “ihlas” to spend this much on the clothes. So most girls would buy under shirts and wear them under the normal office shirts, tops and even beautiful cocktail dresses (indeed almost under everything because all clothes are either short sleeved or transparent or too tight). Those under shirts did not look right to me. I thought to myself that there has to be another way, an easier way for modest women in the community to dress, women that follow trends, but still be modest and true to the order of hijab & covering their beauty."

An Islamic art exhibition to get excited about (Downtown Dubai, UAE)

Ripple by Siddiqa Juma

I am announcing with great pleasure (and excitement) the upcoming 'Downtown Ramadan' exhibition, to be held at 'The Gallery' at Emaar Pavilion and 'Downtown' with 27 inspiring artworks from the London-based Islamic art gallery Ahlan Art Gallery. 

The handpicked selection by Emaar, in collaboration with art curators, includes a variety of styles and methods such as Arabic calligraphy, photography, watercolour and acrylic paintings, mixed media, showcasing verses of the Holy Quran, names and attributes of Allah, Mosques, Islamic culture and much more.

Hassan Mawji, founder of Ahlan Art gallery said: 'We're honoured to be working with Emaar Properties to showcase our Islamic Art gallery in the heart of Dubai. Founded in London, Ahlan Art gallery are at the forefront of creating a new narrative for Islamic Art by bringing to surface a diverse range of international artists and artwork.'

New Muslim Summit guide (Dubai, UAE)

On January 16 & 17, an event just for us reverts -at last!- will welcome renowned international speakers with multiple themes, lectures, workshops, Q&A sessions, one-on-one's and more. 

The New Muslim Summit, held at The Cultural and Scientific Centre sounds like pure awesomeness. Ladies, here's what to look out for!

Get your physio-spiritual mojo on!

Today, a long overdue post on one of my fave Islamic products.. ever! Far from your everyday rug.. Timez5 is the world's first physiological and most innovative prayer mat!

As I watched a TV show reviewing the product, I quickly contacted him to review the product.. and try it for myself!
I started using Timez5 right away, after spending some time admiring the packaging (what can I do, I'm a marketeer!). But most of all, I loved its  slipcover to protect and hang the mat in your closet. Alternatively you can choose to roll it up like a yoga mat.
My first thoughts: "How will I ever go back to my regular prayer mat?!" and "I need one of these!". Although it is said the target audience is for those with joint pains, it can also be used for the 5 reasons below:

He was very friendly and agreed to it. I remember hearing the doorbell ring for delivery the second I finished performing wudhu (ablution ritual before prayers) right in time for prayer, subhan Allah!

Its pale colors are inviting and I couldn't wait to pray.

As Timez5 founder and CEO Nader Sabry puts it, "while researching the practice of prayer I discovered that our physical prostrations have many benefits beyond the spiritual, connected to our health and wellbeing, a common link with other faiths. However, these benefits were beyond the reach of many due to health issues created by our sedentary lifestyles (...)."

Pros

- More focused, better performance during prayer - it will improve your ibadah (worship)!

- Award-winning product

- Physical relief: muscle pain or stiffness, joint aches, being overweight or pregant

- Improves posture support and inflexibility

- Anti-slip base

- 1-year manufacturing warranty

- Countless amazing little things that make a huge difference, see video below!

Cons

- You might want to take a nap on it after prayer. Yes, it's that comfortable!

- 270$ + shipping (direct door-to-door delivery internationally).. can you swing it? But makes an unforgettable gift, investment and experience! (order here)

- The experience of stepping onto the mat is one of floating which can be disconcerting for the first time

You've been warned.. you will fall in LOVE with it!

Feel free to to follow Timez5 on Facebook, Twitter @TIMEZ5 and YouTube.

Website : www.timez5.com

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

A week before Rihanna's controversial visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, I decided to do some sight-seeing and finally drove to Abu Dhabi's most talked-about landmark.

Recently ranked by the world’s largest travel community TripAdvisor as among the world’s Top 25 landmark attractions, I had always been sceptic to visit after hearing about the opulence of the site. 

Instead, I was stunned by the Mosque's beauty and serenity upon my arrival.

I directly asked for a 'walk-in' group tour with a guide, which lasted around twenty minutes as he explained the meaning behind the Masjid's minarets, design, architecture and the principles of Islam. I learned a lot of interesting facts, such as: