Mar 25, 2015
Jul 9, 2014
How to Celebrate Ramadan as a Non-Muslim
Ancients knew something which our modern society is discovering out of several laboratory experiments: the value of detoxification. Almost every culture has some cleansing and detoxification routine as part of religious ritual. Of course they attributed this to God. The reason is explainable, as long as there is an ego, there would be no humility. And without humility we would never be able to feel the lightness of being we are supposed to experience.
Ramadan is Islam's reminder of that humility. And the spirit of the same is in the air. So how can we participate in this noble tradition? This is what I am doing.
1) Ramadaan insists on cleansing on every level. So it is not just health but our surroundings as well. So I clean up my space.
2) Donate items of clothing, toys or other things we no longer have any use for. Our donation boxes in Dubai is one of the most wonderful effort towards charity I have ever seen. Kudos Dubai Govt!
3) I find fasting a challenge. But if we get to the root of the ritual we find, it is about finding the balance in your health and temperament. So I have reduced the amount of food and actively seek alkaline food.
4) I have found a drink that I will share in my next post. The drink helps retain water and keeps acidity at bay.
5) Stay active. This is vacation time. A good chance to bond with the kids. Bring back old storytelling tradition!
Seek forgiveness in yourself and others. And don't be patronising.
Ramadan is Islam's reminder of that humility. And the spirit of the same is in the air. So how can we participate in this noble tradition? This is what I am doing.
1) Ramadaan insists on cleansing on every level. So it is not just health but our surroundings as well. So I clean up my space.
2) Donate items of clothing, toys or other things we no longer have any use for. Our donation boxes in Dubai is one of the most wonderful effort towards charity I have ever seen. Kudos Dubai Govt!
3) I find fasting a challenge. But if we get to the root of the ritual we find, it is about finding the balance in your health and temperament. So I have reduced the amount of food and actively seek alkaline food.
4) I have found a drink that I will share in my next post. The drink helps retain water and keeps acidity at bay.
5) Stay active. This is vacation time. A good chance to bond with the kids. Bring back old storytelling tradition!
Seek forgiveness in yourself and others. And don't be patronising.
Apr 27, 2014
Mar 18, 2014
Jan 8, 2014
Sep 28, 2013
Shakshuka - Poached Eggs in Tomato Gravy
Shakshuka is a Meditarranean recipe. Again by Alia, it is very easy and all time food for working people or students. Also it needs only up to 4-5 ingredients.
Mediterranean No Bake Cookies - Rfiss Tounsi
This is no-bake cookie that is so easy, I am going to try it today. Want to share it here, the video is made by this peppy host called Alia. It needs only 4-5 ingredients. Enjoy!!!
Jun 17, 2013
Persian carpet
So many halls may have seen the grandeur of the Persian carpets yet not many people it has a long and interesting history. Here are a few facts to start us off.
A Persian carpet is one of the finest example of Persian craftsmanship. They are valued worldwide for their intricate design as well as the quality. They are often passed on as heirlooms.
The artisans who weave the carpet work for months or even years on a single piece of carpet. The artisan will also intentionally leave a flaw in this piece of art, a humble reminder that the only perfection is in Allah or God, the most poetic thing about a Persian carpet.
The picture below is the world's largest Persian carpet. It has been weaved for the Sheikh Zayed Mosque or the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is spread across 6000 sq metres and weighs 48 tonnes. It had to be cargoed in one piece, only piece, in a Boeing.
A Persian carpet is one of the finest example of Persian craftsmanship. They are valued worldwide for their intricate design as well as the quality. They are often passed on as heirlooms.
The artisans who weave the carpet work for months or even years on a single piece of carpet. The artisan will also intentionally leave a flaw in this piece of art, a humble reminder that the only perfection is in Allah or God, the most poetic thing about a Persian carpet.
The picture below is the world's largest Persian carpet. It has been weaved for the Sheikh Zayed Mosque or the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is spread across 6000 sq metres and weighs 48 tonnes. It had to be cargoed in one piece, only piece, in a Boeing.
May 14, 2013
Salep - Middle Eastern Drink / Dessert
Salep, Sahlep, Sahlab is a Middle Eastern drink that became popular during the Ottoman empire. It is not a beverage like tea, coffee, beer or cola. One, it is made from tubers of orchid, two it is not caffeinated or alcoholic.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon instant sahlep powder
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon instant sahlep powder
2 teaspoon sugar, (like kheer/pudding tastes better when sweet)
1 pinch cinnamon
1 1/2 cup milk
On a low flame, mix all ingredients (except cinnamon,) in a kettle. Stir continuously. The consistency you should be looking for is less than pudding but more than chai latte. Filter in a bowl dust with cinnamon. Serve hot.
Mar 27, 2013
Mar 24, 2013
Jim Al Khalili: Science and Islam
Jim Al Khalili is a Baghdad born scientist currently based UK and specialising in nuclear reaction among many other subjects. He was born to a British mother and Iraqi father. As such, he could observe both cultures objectively. Here for a BBC documentary, he talks about the connection of Science and Islam.
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