Lifestyle
Keeping the faithful
"Seek knowledge, even if it is faraway China." Those are reputedly the words of the prophet Mohammed, who saw thriving 7th century China as a place his followers could learn from. From the first four envoys dispatched to the Chinese court, centuries later, newly prosperous China is once again a destination for modern-day Muslim travellers.
Halal Meals on Wheels offered in parts of Wayne County
Mariam Wehbe lives alone and can no longer stand on her feet to prepare her meals. A devout Muslim, she needs to eat dishes that meet religious requirements, but her options are limited. That's why Wehbe, 70, is glad to be part of Michigan's first Halal Meals on Wheels program. The program, which is also believed to be the first in the nation, provides meals made with meat butchered using a process outlined in the Quran, the religious text of Islam.
Light & Lenses: Seeing Islam through the Camera
Ahmed Krausen, famous for his work "Images of Islam in Europe", is a freelance photographer based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and specialises in the study and photographic documentation of the Muslim community in Europe. His work shows the diversity of Islamic expressions, especially how Islam is managed in different ways by European Muslims, through Islamic architecture and the inter-mingling of the Muslims and local culture.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Artists
Walking through the streets of Brussels
As the capital of Belgium and administrative centre of the European Union (EU), the city has earned the title of ‘The Capital of Europe’. One of the unique traits of Brussels is definitely the coexistence of Dutch and French culture which can be seen in its atmosphere – its picturesque medieval streets, impressive historical monuments, beautiful boulevards, parks, cosy cafés and restaurants, as well as its lively cultural life.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Travel
Sports & Recreation for a Sound Mind, Body & Soul
In Islam, sports, exercise and recreation are encouraged for both men and women alike, just as a balanced diet is prescribed, and harmful substances prohibited. In actual fact, many Islamic obligations involve physical and spiritual activities in order to strengthen the mind, body, and soul. Prayer, for example, involves motion of the body for spiritual purification, while the Hajj also involves physical motions of the body in its different rituals. Walking to and from mosques, visiting fellow Muslims and visiting the sick also involve physical movements. These activities in Islam, so long as they are done moderately, are considered as forms of exercise to strengthen and preserve the well-being of the human body.
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Recreations
A Visit to Beeftopia!
The red, black and white awning at Block H of Solaris Mont Kiara screams for attention to any passerby, and it definitely caught my attention. The sign on the restaurant says “MeatWorks”, and it's located on Jalan Solaris 5, Kuala Lumpur. For a meat lover like me, I was even more attracted to it – especially since I was hungry!
Filed Under: Lifestyle >> Restaurants
Najib urges Muslims to adopt moderate approach to life
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today called on the Muslim community to adopt a moderate approach to life or what is known as the Wasatiyah concept in the Quran.
Tourism Market in Malaysia Outstrips Expectations
Tourist arrivals to Malaysia outstripped our expectations in 2009. Looking at the most recent data available from the Immigration Department, the country welcomed 21.51mn tourists over January- November 2009, an increase of 7.6% year-on-year (y-o-y). October and November were particularly strong months, with tourist arrivals up by 14.3% and 11% y-o-y respectively. The robust performance is in stark contrast to the dire prognosis of a fall of 9% forecast by the government at the start of 2009 and shows that Malaysia did well to withstand the lack of consumer demand for global tourism during a difficult year. We now believe that tourist arrivals can post a positive increase of 7% y-o-y for 2009.
Filed Under: Travel
Visitors help to heal the pain
The goodwill of hundreds of neighbours has helped to heal the pain caused by an ugly act of hatred. Less than a month after a firebomb went through the window of their school, worshippers at the Hamilton Mountain Mosque threw open the doors to the public.
The young French women fighting to defend the full-face veil
The debate over a proposed French law banning the niqab in public buildings features some unexpected divisions