It is the start of the Islamic New Year, also called the Hijri New Year. The Islamic year is 1444 AH
The Islamic New Year commemorates the hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) & his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD after persecution #IslamicNewYear
A thread…
1/ The Hijri calendar is one of the most important elements of Islamic identity; it is how the various religious events and observances are determined
2/ The Hijri Calendar, also known as the Islamic Calendar comprises of 12 months; each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Compared to Western calendars, the Islamic year goes backwards by about 11 days every year
4/ The Islamic New Year commemorates the migration, also known as the Hijrah, of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, after their persecution. The Islamic New Year is not a celebration, but an opportunity to reflect.
5/ The Hijrah is considered one the most important events in Islamic history. The Hijrah (migration) of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) embodies many lessons of patience, tolerance and self-sacrifice
6/ The Islamic calendar was started by the 2nd Caliph Omar Ibn Al-Khattab in the year 17 A.H (After Hijrah) The question was when to start it, Ali Ibn Abi-Talib suggested when Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) migrated from Mecca to Medina, that is where the calendar begins #IslamicNewYear
7/ At the start of 1444 we pray that this year brings peace, love & prosperity to all humanity, and we witness an end of tyranny, oppression, injustice, hunger, poverty, violence, racism and bigotry
Libraries developed in the Islamic Golden Age due to a commitment to literacy & seeking knowledge. One of the oldest libraries in the world Al-Qarawiyyin library, was founded by a Muslim woman, more than 12 centuries ago!
A thread on the greatest libraries in Islamic history…
1/ Al-Qarawiyyan Library, Fez, Morocco
Founded by a Muslim woman, Fatima El-Fihriya in 859, it is one of the oldest libraries in the world & the oldest library in Africa. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest working library, & is still in use today…
1.1/ The Al-Qarawiyyan Library houses a collection of 4,000 rare books & ancient Arabic manuscripts written by renowned scholars of the region. The manuscripts include a 9th century version of the Quran and a manuscript on Islamic jurisprudence written by philosopher Averroes.
Designed to imitate the heavens, Islamic gardens are lush oases of scent, water and sacred geometry. They are a cool place of rest and a reminder of paradise.
Here are 20 beautiful Islamic gardens from across the world…
A thread….
1/ Gardens @CambCentMosque
A harmonious balance between Islamic structure & relaxed English herbaceous and naturalistic planting. A concern for sustainability, biodiversity & insect-friendly planting has also been a constant theme in the selection of plants.
@CambCentMosque 2/ Jardin Majorelle, Morocco
The garden, started in 1924, contains a psychedelic desert mirage of 300 plant species from five continents.
The colour blue (al-azraq) in Islamic tradition often signifies the impenetrable depths of the universe, and turquoise blue is thought to have mystical qualities.
Here are 24 beautiful Islamic buildings & mosques, designed using the colour blue…
A thread…
1/ Jalil Khayat Mosque, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq
The largest mosque in the city, it was begun by Jalil Khayat who died in 2005 & completed in 2007 by his sons in memory of their father. The blue style resembles the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo & Blue mosque in Istanbul
2/ Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Sohar, Oman
Inaugurated in 2018 & influenced by Persian & central Asian blue Islamic architectural styles with touches of traditional Omani architectural elements that make it unique
Arabic is one of the most romantic languages. It has at least 11 words for love and each of them conveys a different stage in the process of falling in love.
For Arabic Language Day, a thread on expressions of love in Arabic…
1/ Habibi or Habibti (حبيبي/حبيبتي)
In Arabic, habibi (masculine) and habibti (feminine) means “my love”. Arabs use this as the most common expression of love - for friends, family, and sometimes, even strangers.
#ArabicLanguageDay
2/ Rohi (روحي)
Rohi means “my soul mate”. So calling someone rohi means you’ll love them a lot longer than your life - for eternity
Khalil Gibran (1881-1931) is a Lebanese-American poet, writer, and philosopher, who bridged the soul’s longing for truth with the world’s eternal search for wisdom.
Born in what is now modern-day Lebanon, Gibran moved to the United States as a young man, where he became an influential voice in both Eastern and Western literary traditions. His most famous work, The Prophet (1923), is a collection of 26 poetic essays that explores timeless themes such as love, freedom, work, and spirituality. Written in a lyrical, mystical style, The Prophet has been translated into more than 100 languages and remains one of the most widely read and beloved books of the 20th century. Gibran’s blend of Eastern mysticism and Western romanticism appealed to readers seeking spiritual and philosophical guidance.
Gibran’s impact on global literature and philosophy is immense, as his works transcend cultural and religious boundaries. His ideas about the interconnectedness of all humanity, the pursuit of personal freedom, and the power of love resonated with readers from diverse backgrounds. Gibran’s writings have influenced spiritual movements, literary circles, and even political discourse, especially in the Arab world where he is considered one of the most influential writers of modern Arabic literature. His philosophy emphasizes the universality of human experience, bridging the gap between East and West, and his poetic vision continues to inspire generations of thinkers, artists, and spiritual seekers worldwide.
The first ever exhibition to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important nineteenth century designers and thinkers is opening on Saturday 9 November 2024 at
@WMGallery
A thread on what to expect in the exhibition...
1/ A key founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris transformed British interiors with his intricate patterns in wallpapers, textiles, and carpets. While his love for Islamic art has long been noted, this exhibition @WMGallery is the first to examine this influence in depth
(Featured in the Exhibition - Peacock and Bird Carpet, designed by William Morris, c.1881)
2/ In the exhibition @WMGallery discover how William Morris's iconic designs, including Flower Garden (1879), Wild Tulip, and Granada (1884), were inspired by the exquisite surface patterns and craftsmanship of Islamic art.