In the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an a chapter is dedicated to the bee, called An-Nahl. This literally translates to ‘The Bee’ & it describes the bee’s way of life, & how Muslims should be more like them.
For #WorldBeeDay we are celebrating the bee in Islam 🐝
A thread…
1/ Al Nahl, Chapter 16, 68-69, talks about a variety of topics, but Allah specifically chose the title The Bee to catch the attention of the readers. Bees are said to be Allah’s miracles; the way they function and how they behave, are to be held as an example #WorldBeeDay
2/ The significance of Al Nahl as Chapter 16 is important. The only verse in this chapter that mentions bees is made up of 16 words & 16 different Arabic letters. Coincidentally, female bees have 16 pairs of chromosomes, whereas males have 16 chromosomes #WorldBeeDay
3/ "And your Lord inspired to the bee, 'Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you].' There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
4/ This verse highlights the miraculous nature of bees and the production of honey, which is described as a healing drink for humankind. It serves as a reminder of the wisdom and purpose behind Allah's creation and His provision for His creation #WorldBeeDay
5/ What is fascinating about the bees in the Qur’an is that it was written from a scientific standpoint where the colony, roles & practices of bees are observed. These characteristics & traits were used as a figure of speech for the follower reading the Qur’an #WorldBeeDay
6/ In Surah Al Nahl, Allah is asks people to “give thought” to the attributes of the bees & embody these traits in their lives. Through their behaviour, we learn things such as to gain knowledge & reflect, to care for our community & maintain good relations #WorldBeeDay
7/ The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasise the importance of bees. He reportedly said, "The example of a believer is like that of a bee, it eats clean food and produces clean honey. And when it lands on something, it does not break or ruin it." #WorldBeeDay
8/ This hadith (narration) illustrates the significance of cleanliness and productivity in a Muslim's life, drawing a parallel between the behavior of bees and the conduct of a Muslim. #WorldBeeDay
9/ Furthermore, Islamic teachings encourage the protection and preservation of bees and their habitats. Islam promotes environmental stewardship and prohibits the destruction of nature without just cause. #WorldBeeDay
10/ Bees, as essential pollinators, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining plant life, which is why their preservation aligns with Islamic principles of conservation and respect for Allah's creation. #WorldBeeDay
11/ Approximately a third of all the food we eat is due to pollination from the honeybee. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, pollution, pesticides & disease, their numbers have dwindled. Over the last decade, there has been a rise in colony collapse disorder #WorldBeeDay
12/ If bees disappeared from the surface of the Earth, humans would have 4 years left to live. The bee has officially been declared the most important animal on Earth by the Earthwatch Institute in 2017 #WorldBeeDay
13/ In the scientific language all the honeybees belong to the genus Apis. The honeybee communicates with other honeybee using a dance language, which scientists have discovered to be very complicated and highly developed #WorldBeeDay
14/ Surah an-Nahl, 16. Pages from an early Ottoman Qur'an written in two different script styles, 16th century The right hand page starts with part of verse 110 from Surah an-Nahl (The Bee) and continues through to verse 122 on the left hand page #WorldBeeDay
15/ Since 2011 the East London Mosque @elondonmosque in England has been home to several beehives. Most of the hives are kept on the roof of the London Muslim Centre #WorldBeeDay
(Khalil and Salma inspecting a hive. Pic: Jessica Chia)
16/ This is a look around the observation hives at the East London Mosque @elondonmosque where you get a feel of beekeeping in the mosque.
In Muslim countries, tea is more than just a hot drink. It is very important to the heritage, traditions and cultures in which it originates.
For #InternationalTeaDay we celebrate the art of tea, with 24 different types of tea from across the Muslim world…
A thread…
1/ Moroccan Mint Tea
Made by steeping green tea with a generous handful of spearmint leaves, it is sometimes also made with other types of mint or herbs, and traditionally served in small glass cups #InternationalTeaDay2023
2/ Persian Chai
Black tea, called chai in Farsi, is one of the most popular drinks in Iran. It is so popular that it is more than just a drink – it is part of Persian culture. Black tea leaves are boiled with cardamom pods for the perfect Persian chai #InternationalTeaDay2023
The Grande Mosquée de Paris was built as a tribute to the Muslim soldiers who fought for France in World War I.
Within the mosque, there is a beautiful courtyard garden filled with various plants, including the enchanting wisteria which blooms every spring…
A thread…
1/ The Grande Mosquée de Paris, also known as the Mosque of Paris is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was constructed between 1922 and 1926 and is one of the largest mosques in France
2/ The mosque is renowned for its stunning architecture, which combines elements of Islamic and Moorish styles.
Did you know that the Persian scholar of medicine, Ibn Sina (980-1037) suspected some diseases were spread by microorganisms.
To prevent human-to-human contamination, he came up with a method of isolating people for 40 days.
A thread on Ibn Sina & his impact on modern science…
1/ Ibn Sina, also known to the Latin West as Avicenna, was a Persian polymath and one of the most influential Islamic philosophers, physicians, and scientists of the medieval period. He was born in 980 CE in present-day Uzbekistan and passed away in 1037 CE in Iran.
2/ Ibn Sina's medical works had a profound impact on European medicine. His most renowned work in medicine is "The Canon of Medicine" (Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb), considered one of the most influential medical texts in history. It consists of five books & covers a range of medical… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
The architecture of Uzbekistan is considered a symbol of the history of peoples. From the majestic minarets of Samarkand to the intricate tilework of Bukhara, each building tells a story of the region's past
A thread on the beauty of architecture in Uzbekistan…
1/ From stunning Islamic structures to ancient fortresses, Uzbekistan boasts a captivating history in design. The architecture reflects the influences of various empires and cultures that have left their mark over the centuries.
2/ Through changing economic conditions, technological advances, demographic fluctuations, and cultural shifts, Uzbek architecture remains unique in the country.
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Ancient mud mosques in the Muslim world are spectacular & sustainable. They keep us cool in summer & warm in winter, & withstand extreme weather. In search of more sustainable buildings, architects are returning to this overlooked construction material
A thread on mud Mosques…
1/ Larabanga Mosque, Ghana, early 1400s
Founded by one of the Prophet’s (PBUH) Companions, Ibrahim Ayuba al-Ansari, who was sent there from al-Madinah. Built in the Sudanese architectural style, it is the oldest in the country & one of the oldest in West Africa
2/ Khatmiyah Mosque, Kassala, Sudan, 18th century
At the base of the Taka Mountains is this spectacular mosque, centre of the Khatmiyah Sufi sect. It's a lovely mudbrick building with a pointed octagonal minaret and a photogenic arcade of columns in the main prayer hall