Lifestyle
A Vast Beauty of Nothingness
Up for an adventure? Then look not further than Mongolia for a fun-filled unforgettable holiday. Here’s the funny thing about Mongolia; practically everyone you know or meet has heard about the country and none of them really has any plans to vacation there. Seriously. Well we can’t really blame anyone of course, after all, what has Mongolia truly have to offer? Rugged terrain, wild animals, deserts, and erm… well, that’s about it really. But then to merely cast Mongolia off your life’s ‘to do’ list is something you just might live to regret. After all Mongolia maybe one big vast desert but there’s certainly plenty to do, see and savour. The Halal Journal took a chance recently and set off on a trip to this beautiful land, and even though we’re still getting the sand out of our bags and boots, we can happily say that our trek there was well worth the trouble.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Travel
The Origins of Paper Money – Part 1
Needless to say, the Chinese were the first to invent paper money, which in its early form can be traced back to the 7th century. Its original name was "flying money" because it was so light and could blow out of one's hand. In the year 812, the Chinese Emperor used it as a temporary solution because of the copper shortage. It was so popular that by the year 970 it dominated as a monetary unit. The first paper money was, strictly speaking, a draft rather than real money. Early Chinese banknotes were printed on paper made of mulberry bark and this fibre is used in Japanese banknote paper today. It is apparent at the time that the use of paper money as a circulating medium is intimately related to shortages of metal for coins.
Photography, artwork & graphic design: Exploring visual & spiritual traditions of Islam
Sydney-born designer and digital artist Peter Gould founded Azaan to explore his passion for contemporary graphic design, art, photography and the rich visual and spiritual traditions of Islam. Since embracing Islam in 2002, his travels and studies throughout the Muslim world have inspired a unique cultural fusion that is reactive to a world of misunderstanding. Peter's work has reached many audiences locally and abroad through exhibitions, appearances, graphic design projects and collaborations with other artists.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Arts
Halal Friendly Recognition for City Seasons Group of Hotels
UAE based City Seasons Group of Hotels has been recognised by Crescentrating which supports Halal friendly travel & tourism and awarded a Crescentrating rating of five for its Halal friendly services and facilities.
Filed Under: Travel
Halal friendly recognition for City Seasons Group of Hotels
UAE based City Seasons Group of Hotels has been recognised by a body supporting Halal friendly travel and tourism and awarded a Crescentrating rating of five for its Halal services and facilities.
Filed Under: Travel
Halal-friendly recognition for City Seasons Group of Hotels
UAE-based City Seasons Group of Hotels has been recognised by Crescentrating which supports Halal-friendly travel and tourism, and awarded a Crescentrating rating of five for its Halal-friendly services and facilities. Crescentrating was launched to support the development of a Halal-friendly travel and tourism sector and is a rating standard which rates hotels on a scale of one to seven based on their Halal services and facilities.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Travel
Bobby Chinn Adds Sizzle to IHPE 2010
In an exciting twist to the International Halal Products Expo 2010 launched at the ICC last week, guests were treated to a cooking demonstration by world-renowned celebrity chef Bobby Chinn.
Trader Sues Tesco Over Non-Halal Chicken
A trader and four of his family members Monday filed a suit against Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd claiming negligence on the part of the hyper mart operator in ensuring that the fresh chicken labelled Halal which he bought in March was indeed Halal according to Islam.
Halal Skincare: Beyond ...
The saying for chocolates, “A moment on the lips = a life time on the hips!”, may be just as applicable to cosmetics, considering women on average may eat several tonnes of lipstick during their lifetime; up to five pounds per year of chemicals may get absorbed into the body as a result of putting on cosmetics every day and up to 60 per cent of what we put on our skin can get absorbed into the body! We scan food labels for ingredients, but how many of us take the time to do the same with personal products? Personal care products include skincare, body care, shampoos, hair conditioners, hair dyes, colour cosmetics, and other personal hygiene products such as antiperspirants, toothpaste and mouthwash. Many of these contain natural ingredients, but many can also have questionable (Mashbooh) ingredients with regards to health and religious compliance.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Skincare
Umrah: My spiritual journey
Umrah in Islamic terminology is not just visiting the Ka’aba, it also encompasses the tawaf (circumambulation around the Ka’aba) seven times, sa’i, which is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, and finally the tahallul, cutting of the hair. This series of ritual acts is symbolic to represent the lives of Prophet Ibrahim a.s. and Hajar. Prior to my umrah experience, I had heard many tales of the beauty of Makkah and Medina, their rich history and also the feeling of serenity people often experience during their pilgrimage. My parents have been there twice in the past decade and both my elder sisters did their umrah in 1999. I had been longing to experience it for myself, and thus, was really excited when my parents announced that the four of us, including my brother, would be making the trip to the holy cities.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Travel