Background photograph by Mrsiraphol / Freepik
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Artwork Copyright Huda Suhail Yaqub 2017©
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MO'MINAAT MAGAZINE ™ 1st issue | March 2017 Editor in Chief Huda Suhail Yaqub Editor Nada Suhail Design Illustration Art Direction Huda Suhail Yaqub This magazine publication and all it's content including the logo are protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. No part of this publication in any form or for any reason is to be used or reproduced without the expressed written consent of Huda Suhail Yaqub (Mo'minaat Magazine). Views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the editors. Many of the graphics used in this publication are from FreePiks.com, and are not to be used without attributing to the author and designer. Mo'minaat Magazine and it's branding collateral are all owned exclusively by Huda Suhail Yaqub. Copyright Huda Suhail Yaqub Š 2017
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Photo Credit: Huda Suhail Yaqub
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Ais
Editorial 8
Health & Beauty Beauty Tips 12 Nutrition 14 Style Statement 16
The Mo’Mag Team 10
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Featured Sheen Jewlery 18 shaY. Photography 24
Diversions Story Corner 40 ExtraCirriculars 44 Photolog 46
History Inspirations 30 InsideOut 34
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Editorial Note
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The story that thrills me beyond any other is the story of Time. It is a never-ending, ever-living tale. It is the story that I live by. A story reflected in every aspect of my thinking. When I work, I think of how it would effect the Now, would it make a mark in history; could it change what is yet to come. We live in the hope of change, the power to do so. We live by the notions of Past, Present and Future. Past lays abundant with motives; the reasons why. Past is humble, Past is wise. Past is the every second that no longer is Present. It has learnt its lessons, dealt with situations, made the tales and stories for the times to come. Reflect on Past, It is an invaluable teacher. Past is Research. Looking into the past is the first step. Understanding what has been done and why is essential. Past helps with an informed outcome. Present drives on actions; creating memories that Past will tell. Every moment of Present forces one to make a decision, to define, to change. Present is that grain of sand that is making its way to the bottom of the hourglass. It is a time, where Everything and Nothing co-exist. At Present, one is wiser from the Past, but a fool to the Future. Present encourages me to live and appreciate life. Future is littered with consequences; results and endings of stories that began in the Past. To most, it is a hazy horizon that never seems to be clear until it no longer is the Future, but the Present. It is the unknown. Revelations and opportunities lay hidden in Future. It is all but the work of Perspective that shapes it. Future can seem unfriendly, formidable and a show of your actions if negative. But what most seem to forget is, it can also be full of surprises, full of joy. If good decisions were made, good moments were created in the Past and Present, then the Future will indeed be in the positive perspective.
Mo’minaat Magazine is our Past and Present working together for the bright Future of all Muslim Women.
So let’s build it together. With Love, Huda Suhail Yaqub
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The Team
MO’MAG TEAM Mo’minaat Magazine is a contributions based online publication. We rely on our community and our only reward is your appreciation of the effort we put in to bring you this publication. Released once a month, it aims to highlight the accomplishments of women around the globe whose faith is reflected in their lifestyles, are conservative yet wordly and active. Meet the Mo’Mag Team, whom without this wouldn’t be possible. If you wish to contribute anything to the magazine or refer anyone, please shoot us an email at huda.yaqub@gmail.com
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Special thanks to Suhail Yaqub, Zafar Akram, Waleed Zafar, Lubna Akram and Najma Ashraf, for being pillars of support and for all the encouragement and confidence.
Nada Suhail Nada Suhail is a graduate from the American University in Dubai with a bachelors in Interior Architecture. She has 6 years of in-field experience with a specialization in Restaurant Development. She is multi-talented and multi-tasking, serving everyone however she can. She believes in spreading good and has taken up a key role in this magazine in hopes of doing just that.
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Abeer strongly advocates unity, compassion and empathy among people as these are the things that help people learn from each others’ experiences and evolve as a community.
FAIZA SABIR
ABEER ANJUM
Abeer is a lawyer and a graduate from Lahore University of Management Sciences. Based out of Pakistan, she is passionate about sharing her personal experiences through her fictional characters.
Faiza Sabir is an interior designer with 6 years of experience in Dubai. She is passionate about traveling and has a love for architect of historical times as well as modern era. She has a keen observation and positive outlook on life. Foosball being her favourite game. She has a passion for making life easier for those less fortunate and so keeps herself busy as time permits with voluntaring work. She has worked with major organization like Dubai cares, volunteering UAE, Peace Convention etc.
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Health & Beauty
Beauty Tips
HERE COMES
the
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One of the biggest blessings is upon us! The perfect harmony of sun and cool breeze which makes everything beautiful: Spring! The most easy on our skin, health and let's be honest our social lives! So here's how to take it in stride!
This is the best time to get your body used to exercise or walk. Start a routine and then following it in summer will be easier. Go Girl!
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Fruits and Spring! What a combination. Need we say more! Replenish your vitamins and goodness.
Water, drink drink rink. 8 glasses is recommended. If you’re not into plain water try juices or green tea... lemonade...
Fast! Make up for your missed fasts from Ramadan. The timing isn’t long, and the weather is amazing.
HADITH Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: That the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah has cursed the woman who artificially lengthens and the woman who seeks to have her hair artificially lengthened, and the woman who tattoos and the woman who seeks tattooed.” Nafi’ (one of the narrators) said: “Tattooing was on the gums.”
[Abu ‘Eisa said:] This Hadith is Hasan Sahih. He said: There are narrations on this topic from Ibn Mas’ud, ‘Aishah, Asma’ bint Abi Bakr, Ma’qil bin Yasar, Ibn ‘Abbas, and Mu’awiyah. Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1759In-book reference : Book 24, Hadith 42 English translation : Vol. 3, Book 22, Hadith 1759 Contributed by Fouzia Kokab Designed by FreePik
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eat
Nutrition
Backgrounds by FreePik
Health & Beauty
SAVE THE DATE! Ea t in
od d
rs! be um
n
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Gets rid of hunger!
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Increases the flow of milk for mother's feed.
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Extremely beneficial for heart patients.
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Full of nutrition! A combination of mutliple fruits put together!
Helps in conception and at child birth! Has hormones which help reduce pain and move along the process faster!
Brought to you by
B I RYA N I 2 . 0
COOKING TIP:
Backgrounds by FreePik
“Add drops of lemon juice juice while boiling rice to give them a whiter look.”
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Health & Beauty
Style Statements
BLOGGER’S REPORT! Here is what the style elites of modest fashion are wearing! Ideas, ideas!
Nehan @nehans (instagram) We’ve seen this blogger develop herself through the years and she just keeps getting better. Here are some of her latest posts that show us how to keep it chic and modest! OF course in the coming months it’s going to get hotter and nothing is more soothing than white.
Black is going to be in no matter the season! But how awesome is this look?
The color of the season! We love it! And the camel adds a nice touch!
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1. Layering is awlays a good option if you aren’t sure of what your ootd should be. 2. Invest in abayas or long jackets, they are the best option out there... comfort and style all wrapped into one!
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Featured
Shine on Sheen: - Staff Report
We know a little about trying to make things happen on your own. The struggle and the persistancy needed to continue upwards and onwards. Muslim women are acheiving great things in all fields. Inspiration is all around us. Entrpreneurial Achievement feature is on the jewlery brand called Sheen by Nosheen Bakhsh. With 5 breathtaking collections under it’s belt and more on the way, success looks very beautiful. The versatile Ms.Bakhsh manages everything herself from designing to business management, as is the requirement for an entrepreneur nowaday, with efficiency and sets an exmaple. Sheen boasts a very active social media platform with engaging content and a great website, where one can find all the collections and details.
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www.sheen.ae instagram: sheen_ae Have a look and get inspired!
Nosheen talks to us today about her journey and her latest collection: What was the initial inspiration behind Sheen? Sheen was developed as a branding project in university in 2010. I never thought I would ever go back to it and consider pursuing a career in jewelry designing. When I first started, in 2013, the brand combined two passions design + humanity - a percentage of proceeds went to Doctors Without Borders. Now it is about design + humanity and also culture. Each collection will/has some sort of cultural influence.
{Lotus Clam set from the Aisha collection}
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Featured
This season is absolutely beautiful as usual, what is the theme this time? Thank you! The inspiration this time around is Kashmiri art, culture, and nature. Also, it is named after my grandmother, Aisha. When she passed away in 2011, her possessions were distributed amongst her children and grandchildren. I was given a pair of gold hoop earrings, which till this day I value as one of my most prized possessions. The earrings are as she was in her life: soft, graceful, beautiful and simple all at the same time. My hope through this newest collection is to keep her memory truly “Aisha”, or alive. The motifs were inspired from hand-embroidery on pashmina shawls and paper mache designs. Kashmir is renowned for both of these handicrafts. Another motif that reoccurs in this collection is inspired from lotus flowers, commonly found in the Dal Lake, one of Kashmir’s most popular landmarks.
What sets you apart? As I mentioned before, Sheen is design + culture + humanity. Each collection tells a story; it is influenced by a particular culture and some proceeds are currently being donated to the UNHCR for the Syrian Crisis. Besides that, the dainty, intricate pieces are exclusively designed and produced in Dubai.
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Featured
The logo and all the brand collateral and all the products showcased, are the property of Sheen.ae and Nosheen Baksh. Copyright 2017.
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Any advice for the readers who are also on the entrepreneurial road? Its not easy, but its not impossible. I think having a passion for what you are doing is really important because it drives you forward on days when you get overwhelmed and may want to give up. You really have to believe in yourself and have a vision for your brand. If I didn’t truly enjoy designing jewelry, I think I would’ve given up a long time ago.
A key point which you think helped boost Sheen’s brand image? I think having an obvious style associated with your brand is really important, both in the product offerings and also your social media presence. The consistency helps build your brand awareness and equity.
What is the relationship between business components and presentation components in being an entrepreneur? Both go hand in hand. As much as I would love to only spend my time designing jewelry, I feel like its 80% business and 20% design. At the moment I’m a one-woman show but I hope to be spending more time designing in the future. You can have a beautiful product but without any marketing, social media, a website or business development, its nothing more than a design.
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Featured
Our choice for this issue’s Featured Photographer is as detail oriented as she is talented. A bubly personality and a great friend to have. Aisha Yaqub is a professional photgrapher, a certified chef and an accomplished journalist. She is very modest about her accomplishments. Aisha takes breathtaking landscapes. Also, being a foodie and a photographer make her shots of hand-cooked dishes make your mouth water! But her niche are her macro shots which captivate you with the attention to detail and precision. Check out her Facebook page! www.facebook.com/aishaphotodubai Some highlights: Final University Portfolio picked up by and displayed at Bastakiya (Dubai) FujiFilm Ambassador (past). Dubai International Film Festival Young Journalist Award Nominee 2012 Photographer and writer for Gulf News CEO Report 2017. Copyright Aisha Yaqub 2017Š
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Featured
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Featured
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History
Inspirations from the past
Khadija
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Copyright Nada SuhailŠ
Graphic by FreePik
A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
by Nada Suhail
Islam came to the Arabs at a time when there wasn't much that wasn't happening in their society. Drinking, gambling, fraud; many a vice was accepted into society as norm. However, in the midst of all this, was a man devoid of all these vices. Pure of heart, mind and soul. He would become our great Prophet SW. But also at this time, there was a woman who was well known by the same reputation, if not better. If he was known as Saadiq (the honest one), she was known as Tahira (the pure one). If it was a man's world, she was breaking all the stereotypes of the day. She was Khadija al Kubra (the Great) (RA). Khadija Bint Khuwaiylid was born and raised in Makkah. The daughter of an accomplished tradesman, she was a very successful businesswoman in her own right. She was respected by tribe chiefs and the men in her employ alike. Remember, this is in a day and age where woman were basically limited to housework. How do you get a reputation like that? How do you become one of the only women of the time to be recognized for their skill and talent in your society? How do you get a reputation so good, that even after being widowed twice, you still get marriage proposals from the best of men? And when you send a marriage proposal to a man 15 years your junior, he has no choice but to accept? We as a society would shudder to think that a woman could
propose to a man, let alone him being so many years younger! Subhan Allah. What a woman. She was an astute businesswoman. She was a capable homemaker She was a loving mother and daughter. She was rich beyond measure and generous beyond imagination. She was an elite upper class woman, and she was humble. She was such a well rounded character by the time she came into the life of our Prophet (SW). She was so well educated and knowledgeable that when she hired Mohammad SW, she recognized the signs of the next prophet. Being from Ahl e Kitaab (Christian), she was well versed in all the descriptions and prophecies made about what would be the last messenger. Just to give you a benchmark of what that tells us about her. Tell me this: how many of us Muslims know exactly what the signs of Imam Mehdi are? Is our knowledge of Islam good enough that we would be able to recognize him? For a majority of us, let's be honest, the answer is no. We wouldn't be. But she knew. And she acted without delay and doubt. Subhan Allah. What a woman. Another example that can be taken of her strength of character and personality is her family life. We know she had been married twice before the Prophet SW and that she was widowed both times. We also know she gave birth to nine children from her three marriages, but two of her sons with Rasool Allah SW died in their infancy, and one of her other sons died protecting the Prophet SW in war. In her long life, she dealt with so much loss and grief. To be widowed once and have to build your life again is painful enough to consider, but to do it twice? Then to deal with the loss of children? And yet, by any and all accounts of her life, she was said to have a wicked sense of humor! Subhan Allah. What a woman. Furthermore, Rasool Allah SW married nine times in his life. But the 15 years he was married to Khadija RA, she was his only wife. And it was during these 15 years that he would go to a cave to meditate for months at a time, was anointed a prophet, had to
face the Quraysh, had to leave Makkah as a fugitive etc. She could have doubted his intentions for going away for months, she could have not believed him when he proclaimed his first Wahi, she could have refused to stand with him against her kinsmen of Quraysh. But no. She was his rock, keeping him steady and strong. She was wise enough and clever to help him in his goal, disciplined enough to not let situations get to her. She gave him a family and stability that he lacked in his entire childhood. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by various relatives, who all were good influences but not emotionally supportive. Her marriage to him provided him with a support structure, emotionally, financially and socially. What wisdom of Allah lies behind such an odd pairing. Subhan Allah. What a woman. There are a lot of things we can learn from Khadija RA. First, no matter what a woman is struggling with at any given time, she should never let go of her Islamic values and her integrity. All the grief, pain and hardship in the world should not be able to shake your faith in what is right and what is wrong. Khadija RA had to go through a lot after Prophet SW announced his prophet hood. She saw it all. She lived the high life and the life of a fugitive, but never once could somebody stand up and point a finger at her. That's how we should be. Be so solid in your core, that even if you do something that boggles their minds, they can't disrespect you. Subhan Allah. That's a strong woman. Secondly, let's talk about the odd marriage of Rasool Allah SW and Khadija RA. But you know what? It is odd for us now, as a "progressive" society, but for their time it was something so normal. No one objected when they heard of this coupling, or the way it happened. Nowadays, however, it would be a scandal if something like this happened. A forty year old, twice widowed, mother-of-three, proposing? That too to a 25 year old unmarried man? Some things were truly simpler in their times. But it is us who has made our society so rigid. why can't a widow woman marry again if she wants? Hazrat Khadija had kids from her
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History
Inspirations from the past
first marriages, but that excuse didn't stop her. And why should it? Kids are not companions and every man and woman is entitled to have a companion who shares their joy and sorrow, their hopes and dreams. Somebody who stands with them in times of sunshine and in times of rain. Subhan Allah. That's a loving woman. We should also take from them what a marriage should be like. Their relationship was so strong that Mohammad SW didn't feel the need to even look around him for someone else. She was a complete woman and companion for her husband. I know not all husbands are like Mohammad SW, but lets be honest, we are no Khadija RA either. He does something wrong, we go harking to our relatives, often times exaggerating. When we do something wrong, he has to shut up because, you know, Astaghfirullah, how can he talk about me to other people like this? I'm his wife! So ladies, let's get a grip on ourselves. Let's become the support structure for our husbands. Let's make our homes welcoming. Let's become like Khadija RA and make our husbands like Mohammad SW. God knows they won't become like him themselves. Subhan Allah. That's a happy woman.
Graphic by FreePik
Lastly, I want to focus on her own qualifications. She was an educated woman, there's no denying it. So when somebody tells you that oh, you've studied enough, what's the point of studying further, you only have to take care of the house after all, tell them no. No. Don't fall into those words. There is no guarantee in life. When a beloved daughter of a businessman was married to a rich and successful trader, no one could have predicted his early demise. It was education and knowledge that gave Khadija RA the confidence to take over her own life and the business where another illiterate woman would have crippled. She became the businesswoman that her father and husband would be proud of. So should you. You should become the best woman you can be, within the limits of Islam. Remember, you are going to be held accountable for every blessing given to you and that includes your talents in person. If you have the stamina for medicine, become a doctor. If you have a sharp mind, do business. If nothing else, if you are a social person, at least volunteer to help out at old age homes. If your family restricts you to your home, do something from home. Teach. Sew. Cook. Even that is something. Subhan Allah. That's an accomplished woman.
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Ladies, take control of yourself and your life. Listening to your parents is a good deed, they will never guide you astray. Obeying your husband is a good deed, you will have love in your relationship. But behind all of this you should never ever let yourself forget: the only person who is going to be held accountable, on the Day of Judgement, in front Allah SW, is you. Not your father, not your husband, not your mother, not your mother-in-law. You. So be accountable to yourself now and Insha Allah, you will be proud of yourself on the Last Day. Be like Khadija RA, and you will have a palace made of pearls waiting for you in Jannah, too. Subhan Allah. That's a successful woman.
Aisha ' d ate r r Na
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I did not feel jealous of any woman as much as I did of Khadija because Allah's Apostle use d to mention her very often. He married me after three years of her death, and his Lord (or Gabriel) ordered him to give her the good news of having a palace of Qasab (pearl) in Paradise.� Sahih Bukhari Volume 5, Book 58, Number 165
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History
Inside Out
Islamic essence... in our physical world. by Faiza Sabir Islamic architecture was inspired by many different architectural style of the various region that it spread to, through Egypt and N Africa, as far west as Spain, and as far east as Sassanid Persia. Because of their rapid expansion and the simplicity of the earlier artistic heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, the Muslims derived their unique style from synthesizing the architecture of the Byzantines, the Copts, the Romans, and the Sassanids. The great strength of Islamic architecture as a whole lies in its ability to synthesize native architectural elements with imported ones. The earliest architectural monument of Islam that retains most of its original form is the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhrah) in Jerusalem, constructed in 691–92. It has mosaics depicting scrolling vines and flowers, jewels, and crowns in greens, blues, and gold. Similar in some aspects is the later Great Mosque of Damascus (built c.705–14). The interior walls have stone mosaics that depict crowns, fantastic plants, realistic trees, and even empty towns. This is thought to represent Paradise for the faithful Muslim.
Characteristics of Islamic Architecture Islamic garden: an Islamic garden is a cool place of rest and reflection, and a reminder of paradise. The Qur’an has many references to gardens, and the garden is used as an earthly analogue for the life in paradise.
Banna’i: In Iranian architecture, banna’i (“builder’s technique” in Persian) is an architectural decorative art in which glazed tiles are alternated with plain bricks to create geometric patterns over the surface of a wall or to spell out sacred names or pious phrases.
Ablaq: (particolored; literally ‘piebald’) is an architectural style involving alternating or fluctuating rows of light and dark stone.
Dome: (from Latin: domus) is an architectural element that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. There are also a wide variety of forms and specialized terms to describe them. A dome can rest upon a rotunda or drum, and can be supported by columns or piers that transition to the dome through squinches or pendentives. A lantern may cover an oculus and may itself have another dome.
Arabeaque: The arabesque is a form of artistic decoration consisting of “surface decorations based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils” or plain lines, often combined with other elements.
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Photo credit: Aisha Yaqub
History
Inside Out
Hasht-Bihisht: In architecture Hasht-Bihisht (lit. Persian - Eight Heavens) refers to a specific type of floorplan common in Persian architecture and Mughal architecture whereby the plan is divided into 8 chambers surrounding a central room. The eight divisions and frequent octagonal forms of such structures represent the eight levels of paradise for Muslims. Islamic calligraphy: It includes Arabic, Ottoman, and Persian calligraphy. It is known in Arabic as khatt Islami, meaning Islamic line, design, or construction. The most common style is divided into angular and cursive, each further divided into several sub-styles. Islamic interlacing pattern: Interlacing patterns dominate Islamic ornament. They can be broadly divided into arabesque, using curving plant-based elements, and girih using mostly geometrical forms with straight lines or regular curves. Both of these forms of Islamic art developed from the rich interlacing patterns of the Byzantine Empire, and Coptic art. Iwan: An iwan (Persian: eyvān, also spelled ivan, Turkish: eyvan) is a rectangular hall or space, usually vaulted, walled on three sides, with one end entirely open. The formal gateway to the iwan is called pishtaq, a Persian term for a portal projecting from the facade of a building, usually decorated with calligraphy bands, glazed tilework, and geometric designs. Mashrabiya: Mashrabiya, also either shanshūl or rūshān, is the Arabic term given to a type of projecting oriel window enclosed with carved wood latticework located on the second storey of a building or higher, often lined with stained glass. The mashrabiya is an element of traditional Arabic architecture used since the Middle Ages up to the mid-20th century. Mihrab: Mihrab is a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla; that is, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and hence the direction that Muslims should face when praying. The wall in which a mihrab appears is thus the “qibla wall”. Minaret: A minaret (Persian: menare) is a distinctive architectural structure akin to a tower and typically found adjacent to mosques. Generally a tall spire usually either free-standing or taller than associated support structure. Styles vary regionally and by period. Minarets provide a visual focal point and are traditionally used for the Muslim call to prayer.
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Mocárabe: Mocárabe, Honeycomb work, or Stalactite work (Arabic al-halimat al-’uliya, “the overhang”) is an ornamental design used in certain types of Islamic architecture that spread throughout the Islamic world in the 12th century. The design consists of a complex array of vertical prisms resembling stalactites. The terms mocárabe and muqarnas are similar and may be used interchangeably at times. Multifoil arch: A Multifoil arch is a style of arch that was an architectural element in the Moorish architecture of al-Andalus. The term is French, “foil” means “leaf.” The number of foils involved is indicated by a prefix: trefoil —3, quatrefoil —4, etc. Riwaq (arcade): A riwaq is an arcade or portico open on at least one side. It is an architectural design element in Islamic architecture and Islamic garden design. A riwaq often serves as the transition space between interior and outdoor spaces. Sahn: A sahn, is a courtyard in Islamic architecture. Most traditional mosques have a large central sahn, which is surrounded by a riwaq or arcade on all sides. In traditional Islamic design, residences and neighborhoods can have private sahn. Sebil (fountain): A sebil or sabil is a public water fountain, often decorated with stone carvings. Sebils were built at crossroads and outside mosques throughout the Ottoman Empire to provide drinking water for travelers and enable ritual purification before prayer. The construction of many sebils was considered the hallmark of a beneficent ruler. Shardirvan: Shadirvan (Turkish: şadırvan) is a type of fountain that is usually built in the yard or entrance in front of mosques, caravanserais, khanqahs and madrasahs, with the main purpose of providing water for drinking or ritual ablutions to several people at the same time, but also as decorative visual or sound element. Squinch: A squinch in architecture is a construction filling in the upper angles of a square room so as to form a base to receive an octagonal or spherical dome. Another solution of this structural problem was provided by the pendentive.
Photo credit: Aisha Yaqub
History
Inside Out
Famous architects of Islam: 1. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri & Mir Abd-ul Karim (Taj Mahal, the Red Fort etc) 2. Mimar Sinan (Selimiye Mosque, Şehzade Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque etc.) 3. Hassan Fathy (school construction for Egypt’s Ministry of Education, Mosque at Kurna) 4. Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil (The Agamy Beach house, The Qiblatain Mosque etc.) 5. Michel Pinseau (Hassan II Mosque, Seville Universal Exhibition etc.) 6. Vedat Dalokay (Islamic Development Bank, Faisal Mosque etc.) 7. Bahā al-dīn al-Āmilī (contributed to Isfahan’s Imam Square, Imam Mosque etc.) 8. Nik Mohamed Mahmood (Putra Mosque, Tengku Ampuan Jemaah Mosque etc.) 9. Mohammed Saleh Makiya (Khulafa mosque, Abu Bakir al-Siddiq Mosque etc.)
Travel list to experience Islamic architecture: 1. Bhong Mosque, Punjab Pakistan. 2. Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Pakistan. 3. Sunehri Masjid, Peshawar Pakistan. 4. Al Azhar Park, Cairo, Egypt. 5. The Alhambra, Spain. 6. The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem. 7. Suleymaniye Mosque complex, Istanbul. 8. The Citadel of Aleppo, Syria. 9. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi U.A.E. 10. Imam mosque, Iran
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Photo credit: Aisha Yaqub
Story Corner
Graphic by FreePik
Diversions
Balance the Unbalanced by Abeer Anjum
Heavy rain was pouring outside the window but Sophia was not paying attention to the tiny droplets, for she was enwrapped in thoughts much deeper. While her reflection in the mirror showed a beautiful young Muslim woman donned in an exquisite burnt orange scarf, the desktop in her room reflected a different picture. Sophia was browsing through her older photographs and had stopped at one photo which was taken on her high school farewell, nearly 7 years ago. On that particular day, Sophia had perfected her ensemble for the day to the last meticulous detail, and with her hair tied in a messy updo, she had been a sight to behold. Sophia could still recall all the compliments she had gotten that day.
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Sophia’s journey from the picture on her desktop to the reflection in the mirror was not an uncommon one, neither was it among the most interesting ones; yet it was full of sacrifices that had changed her entire life. In 25 short years, Sophia has achieved a lot but she knew that her destination was still far away. Born in Lahore, Sophia was an only child and was loved deeply by her entire family. With a beautiful fair complexion that other women envied, light brown eyes and brunette hair, she was a pretty child who grew up to be a stunning woman. Our society is a bit strange when it comes to how it treats its women. Her beauty constitutes her worth and the same standards are instilled in girls from a very young age. Although Sophia was just as intelligent as she was attractive, but it was always her lighter complexion or her soft pink cheeks which stole the show. All of this together made Sophia aware of her beauty and she grew up to value her beauty more than her mind and her wit. After all, she never needed logical reasoning when her innocent face was enough to get the work done. Both of Sophia’s parents, Mr. Mustafa Siddiqui and Mrs. Momina Siddiqui, were practicing Muslims; however, none of them forced Sophia into anything. Her mother would sometimes ask Sophia to cover her head while going out but she never paid much heed to any such lectures. Sophia would tell herself that a dupatta on the head would not go with her personality and that she must be admired at all times. However, it all changed when Sophia was 18 and her family went for Umrah during her summer break. While Sophia was taught the basic morals and ethics that every Muslim should know of, she wasn’t particularly close to her Creator. Allah, to her, was Someone to be afraid of when she did something wrong, and the One she needed to pray to for her unlimited needs and wants. This was the first time that Sophia has covered her head for anything other than her daily prayers. She remembers how the cloth on her head felt itchy and ugly, and sitting in the vicinity of the majestic house of Allah, she often found herself wondering about the women who chose to cover their heads at all times. Here again, the invisible hand of the society went unnoticed by Sophia which had reduced Islam for women to hijab. For Sophia, the hijab was a representation of how women’s sexuality was controlled by men; she could not even scratch the surface of the compassion with women made this choice. How could she? For this required a connection with Allah so deep that nothing would remain in between the Creator and the Creation. Once back from the Holy Journey, she took solace in the fact that she was finally free to dress the way she wanted to. Little did she know that life as she knew it was about to change. People say that in the house of Allah, people find what they are looking for; some take away the only love
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Diversions
Story Corner
for this world, while others find peace in the intimacy of Allah. Mr. Siddiqui was among the ones for whom this journey was only the beginning of the one he was soon to embark upon. He yearned to learn more about the true essence of his religion and because Sophia was the closest to her Father, this affected her directly. One day, as she was about to leave for school, Sophia’s phone rang and she hurried to pick it up. She was surprised to see her Father’s name on the screen for Mr. Siddiqui had never called her this early in the day. Perplexed, Sophia answered the phone. “Sophia darling,” Mr. Mustafa’s voice came through the phone, gentle and very soothing to Sophia’s ears. “Baba, is everything alright? You never call so early!” She sounded confused and worried at the same time. “My darling child, I want you to cover your head as you go your school today.” While maintaining its calm, Mr. Mustafa’s tone had a finality to it which Sophia could not fight. “Alright Baba, I will.” These were the only four words that Sophia could manage out of her mouth and with this, Mr. Siddiqui hung up. In an instant, Sophia’s surprise and confusion turned into despair. “If only I hadn’t picked up his call, I wouldn’t have had to do anything at all!” With this thought Sophia found an orange scarf and tied it around her head. She looked so hideous to herself that she didn’t look in the mirror all day. The idea of covering her head was so unbearable to Sophia that she spent the next few weeks quietly, avoiding contact with everybody. Until, one day when she couldn’t take it anymore, she took the heavy weight of her bright red scarf off in the middle of the school. From that day on, she decided that she would not let anyone force her to become something she was not. The next day, she went to school with her straight hair falling on her shoulder, looking as exquisite as always. Back were the days of numerous complements on the way she carried herself, tied her hair, chose just the right clothes. However, for Sophia, all of this has somehow lost its charm. She had started feeling as if something was wrong, as if something was missing. She tried to ignore her emotions, to push them to the back of her mind and pretend as if everything was normal. She often found herself thinking, making excuses; “Mama and Baba don’t ask me to cover my head anymore. Why should they anyways?” However, deep down, she knew that her parents weren’t the one forcing her anymore, the pull was coming from a source much stronger. For the next year, Sophia justified her choice, thinking about what people would say if she started covering her head? However, the weight of these words got heavier with every passing day until one day when her weak excuses finally gave in to calm determination. The Sun was shining bright the day Sophia left for a brunch
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with her friends, a patterned blue scarf as her only noticeable accessory. The anticipation of people’s approval was taken over by tranquility, peace and contentment. From that day on, Sophia never looked back on what her life had been. For years, Sophia could not fathom the source that pulled her on this path, the thing that made her transcend above the love for this world. What she had yet to discover was that once you see the best, the average holds you gaze no longer; once you taste the love of Allah, approval of the creation matters no more. Sophia gave up this world for the sake of Allah, and in return, Allah gave her exactly that which she had yearned for. The same people she had feared spoke of her choices with an awe, the ones’ whose approval she sought now admired her even more. So now, she clenched her burnt orange scarf, the same one that had been
Graphic by FreePik
her first step towards her Creator, and with every drop of the rain thumping on her window, she thanked Allah that she was not the girl on her desktop any more.
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Diversions
Extra Cirriculars
Arabic khatt
Some of the original scripts of the Quran are written in these. See how it has developed into an artforn over the past century and a half.
Early Kufic
Eastern Kufic
Maghribi
Square Kufic
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Thuluth
Ijaza
Naskh
Taliq
Diwani
Jali Diwani
The main scripts of traditional calligraphy. used today.
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Click the username to go directly to Arwa’s page and see the rest of her beautiful iphonography!
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