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:

"Muslims of the World": Lujayne's answer

Muslims of the World is a brand new Facebook page, dedicated towards taking a photographic census of Muslims around the world. The concept is to read their short answers on one simple, yet meaningful question. 


The question I was asked was ""What are you grateful for, and why?"

And my answer:

"Alhamdulillah, as a French convert I am grateful for my parents to have both embraced Islam. I feel like this is the deepest, strongest connection and support I could ever ask for.
I witnessed my own mother's shahadah (declaration of faith) two years ago and both my parents witnessed mine. These moments are forever carved in my memory."

What are you grateful for?

Best Ramadan ads & reminder..

I work in the field of marketing & PR and I just love the creativity of advertising masterminds.. especially when it comes to Islamic marketing!

Prophet Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him) taught us about business ethics and how false advertising - making incorrect claims about the product we want to sell - hurts the business. Even if it appears to be increasing sales, it is damaging in the long-run.

“Avoid swearing falsely in order to sell your goods. Apparently it appears to be promoting your business, but in fact it lets your business down and damages the goodwill of your business.” [Muslim]

I have selected a few Ramadan ads that I personally like.. I'll let pictures speak for themselves. Which one is your favorite?

 

Feeling disconnected? The post-Ramadan syndrome

Eid was a week ago.. and life is back in full swing.

My Muslim colleagues laugh about their nights out drinking, go back on their cigarette breaks, bars are back in business in the Middle East and the dress code is considerably 'shorter' and well, barer. 

Tonight, an acquaintance even told me she wishes she knew I was a Muslim earlier, as she likes to hang out with Muslims during the Holy Month. I asked, what about the rest of the year???

Feeling low?