23/ 72-year-old Ghassan Younes, who was nicknamed “the father of cats” dedicated his life to feeding cats at the al-Aqsa Mosque Compound. He sadly passed away in January 2021
In Africa, an ancient manuscript culture has survived into the present when studying the Qur’an. Students use wooden tablets to practice Arabic calligraphy, & to help them memorise Qur'anic verses.
A thread on the African tradition of memorising the Qur’an using wooden tablets…
1/ Teaching tablets are traditionally used in West and North African schools to help students learn the Qur’an. Writing on wooden boards is the traditional method for memorising the Quran.
2/ Qur'an boards are used by students to write out extracts from the Qur'an or to practise their writing of particular verses - a bit like a slate and chalk. They are generally flat, rectangular & with a handle at one end - or both
Welcome to Al-Mutanabbi Street the ‘Book Market of Baghdad’, where books remain in the street at night because Iraqis say:
“The reader does not steal and the thief does not read.”
A thread on the rich heritage of the historic book market on Al-Mutanabbi Street…
1/ Al-Mutanabbi Street is the historic center of Baghdad bookselling, that dates back to the time of the Abbasids. Located near the old quarter of Baghdad, Al-Mutanabbi Street was Baghdad’s first book traders’ market.
2/ Al-Mutanabbi Street has been, since time immemorial, the historic heart and soul of the Baghdad literary and intellectual community.
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.
To celebrate the arrival of spring, here are 20 beautiful Islamic gardens from across the world…
A thread…
1/ Gardens at Alcázar of Seville, Spain
These lesser known gardens are mesmerising in their own right. Built by the Moorish Muslim kings, today the Alcázar of Seville is considered to be one of the world’s most impressive examples of Mudéjar architecture.
2/ Nishat Bagh (Urdu: نشاط باغ) Jammu and Kashmir
Built in 1663, it is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. ‘Nishat Bagh’ is Urdu, and means the "Garden of Joy," "Garden of Gladness" and "Garden of Delight.
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting & is centered around prayer, reflection & community.
People come together for Iftar - the meal in which Muslims break their fast upon the sun setting.
To celebrate Ramadan, a thread on the spiritual meaning of the Iftar… #RamadanKareem
1. Ramadan is an experience that is shared throughout the entire community. Perhaps one of the largest benefits of fasting is that it’s performed by all Muslims in unity, encouraging a bond that is stimulated by obedience to Allah (SWT) #Ramadan
2. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan, & is often done as a community, with Muslim people across the world gathering to break their fast together. The meal is taken just after the call to the Maghrib prayer, which is at sunset #Ramadan
Mosques are at the heart of Islamic life. Muslims spend much time inside mosques during Ramadan as they congregate for communal prayers. Many mosques are renowned for the beauty & artistry of their interiors.
For #Ramadan we look inside 20 mosques across the world…
A thread…
1/ Putra Mosque, Malaysia
The principal mosque of Putrajaya, Malaysia. Construction of the mosque began in 1997 & was completed two years later. It is located next to Perdana Putra, which houses the Malaysian Prime Minister's office & man-made Putrajaya Lake #Ramadan
2/ Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi
One of the world’s largest mosques. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Founder of the UAE, had the mosque built in the capital city Abu Dhabi to create a cultural haven that welcomes & inspires people from all backgrounds #Ramadan
1/ The Quran began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammed ﷺ during the month of Ramadan in 610, in its original form to the present day. The companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), played an important role in the compilation of the Quran, leaving an interesting story behind #Ramadan
2/ The ultimate book of universal guidance, the Holy Quran, was revealed to Prophet Muhammed ﷺ over a period of 23 years, in small parts; the holy book was not compiled until after his demise. #Ramadan