Ramadhan Issue 2020 by British Muslim Magazine

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MUSLIM SPRING / SUMMER 2020 £3.99

M A G A Z I N E

How to eat healthy this Ramadan

7 things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Staycation in Edinburgh The sound of bagpipes is never far away

Oman

A family friendly halal destination

Beautiful Bosnia Reborn

Sustainable fashion

with Mariah Idrissi

explore the natural wonders

ISSN 2056-3159

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BRITAIN’S BIGGEST SELLING MUSLIM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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MUSLIM M A G A Z I N E

Editors Letter

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British Muslim Magazine is published by Syed PR & Publishing LTD Email: info@britishmuslim-magazine.com

British Muslim Magazine provides inspiration and advice for Muslims in Britain looking for unforgettable and luxurious travel experiences, Muslim history and heritage to food, fashion and style. Editor Shumaela Syed Senior Features Writer Tahira Khan

Assalamu’alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well. These are strange times indeed and this edition of British Muslim Magazine has been brought to you from our kitchen tables and home offices. We hope that even if you are unable to travel freely at the moment, we can offer you plenty of escapism through our pages for you to enjoy from the comfort of your armchair. With staycations in vogue, we explore the best places to visit in and around Edinburgh (Page 8) and visit the sea swept beaches of Orkney (Page 16). New Zealand is the place to be in 2021, we explore what the north and south islands have to offer visitors (Page 18) and we take you on a journey to Bosnia (Page 25), the paradise island of Malta (Page 30), the Port of Amsterdam (Page 33), find out our seven things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2021 (Page 36) and why you should consider a family friendly holiday in Oman (Page 44). Author and fashion journalist Hafsa Lodi talk’s to us about the modest fashion industry trends and her book ‘Modesty, a Fashion Paradox’ (Page 28). We find out how model Mariah Idrissi became an inspirational leader in promoting diversity worldwide and how she promotes sustainable fashion (Page 38). Find out how you can stay positive, motivated and focused during Ramadan this year (Page 50 & 67). We’ve rounded up some amazing Eid gift ideas for your loved ones (Page 60), which are supported by eidparty.co.uk – If you haven’t checked them out – check them out! And don’t forget that if you’re feeling stuck at home, you can subscribe to British Muslim Magazine online and have the magazine delivered to your door wherever you are in the world. Find the details on page 49 and ensure you never miss an issue.

Natasha Syed EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Official Fashion Partner

Writers Tahira Khan, Marcus Macaulay, Natasha Syed, Huma Baig, Juber Ahmed, Rabi’ah M, Angela Youngman Design MarcusMacaulay.com Publisher Syed PR & Publishing LTD CEO & Commercial Director Natasha Syed Managing Director Muk Rajah Event’s Director Abbas Syed Digital Production Manager Dene Conway Digital Marketing Co’ordinator Cherie Ann Conway

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MUSLIM

CONTENTS

M A G A Z I N E

07 NEWS

30 Malta

09 Edinburgh

33 Amsterdam

Ohrid

36 Kuala Lumpur

Orkney

38 Mariah Idrissi

New Zealand

Editors Choice Scotland’s Capital City Pearl of the Balkans Sea Swept Beaches, Land of The Long White Cloud

Awash with culture Malaysia’s Capital, Fashion Icon

Eyup

The Prophet’s Neighbour

25 Bosnia

43 Coronavirus

28 Hafsa Lodi

45 Oman

Just Waiting to be Rediscovered Modest Fashion

A Wanderlust’s Paradise

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Three Reasons Not to Fear The Natural Beauty

Our beautifully illustrated page’s are devoted to family holiday’s, couples retreats, halal dining, history, heritage, cultural art, luxury shopping, spa’s and more…

50 Ramadan

A Different Kind

52 Ramadan Recipes We’ve got you covered

60 Eid 2020 Gift Ideas

67 Self Care

During Ramadan

70 Gardening

Make Your Garden Bloom

74 Hira Ali

Her Way to the Top

76 The Library Book reviews

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CONTRIBUTORS

Tahira Khan – Writer

Love to keep things real and I always like to add my unique twist. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it and as a Journalist, the detail always tells the story. Nothing is impossible, even the word itself spells I’m Possible. (If I get the time)

Huma Baig - Writer

“A bit of a gallivanter, a bit of a foodie, a bit of a cake addict... I write to give you a share of all three.” Quote I live by... “Do for this life as if you live forever, do for the afterlife as if you die tomorrow.” - Imam Ali (AS)

Cherie-Ann -Designer

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do, and live life with a smile on your face” Website design is a passion of mine. I love working with new clients and building them bespoke websites for their businesses. I owe a lot of my knowledge to my dad who has helped me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams as a web designer.

Rabi’ah M - Writer

An experienced journalist with a passion for photography, travelling, exploring new things, adventures, and history, Rabi’ah.M graduated from London with a background in journalism. She enjoys writing about an array of subjects: arts, fashion, lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. Defining herself as a chirpy, friendly and committed to her passion for continuously learning new things in life. She likes to think out of the box.

Juber Ahmed - Writer

Juber Ahmed is a travel writer and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences on his site muslimsgotravel.com Quote: “The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page” [Saint Augustine]

Angela Youngman - Journalist

BRITISH

Angela Youngman is a freelance journalist & member of the International Travel Writers Alliance. She specialises mainly in travel, tourism, food, culture, leisure, writing for national & international magazines and websites. Angela has written numerous books including walking guides, travel books and garden books.

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MUSLIM M A G A Z I N E

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NEWS A huge congratulations to The Desi Doll Company, a North London base company owned by Farzana Rahman, who wins the Queen’s award for enterprise for international trade. Established in 2008, the company designs, manufactures and distributes it’s unique and interactive educational Islamic toys to over 30 different countries across 5 continents. The Queen’s Awards for enterprises are the most prestigious business awards in the country, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed Queen’s Awards emblem for the next five years. Great Taste, the world’s most coveted food and drink awards ceremony has announced ‘’The Ojos Foods,’’ winners of the The Golden Fork Award for Best Imported Food and were nominated for the Supreme Champion Trophy with their premium Cured Beef “El Abuelo Maragato Halal”. These achievements put The Ojos Foods and El Abuelo Maragato amongst the elite. Only 20 products were selected for the The Golden Fork Awards including well-known high street names and El Abuelo was the only Spanish Product. Great Taste award have been running

in London since 1994, are considered the “Oscars” of food. “When a company is considered a “multi-Great taste winner” it means that the black and gold star label adds much more value to your product in terms of credibility, when we talk about product quality. This opens doors to new buyers and translates into sales” explains Encina Barragan, The Ojos Foods Business Owner. The Ojos Foods specialises in high quality Spanish produce with a special focus on Halal Cured meats.

Muslims unable to visit their mosques during the coronavirus crisis can tune into their local BBC station from April - May 2020. Qari Asim MBE, a senior imam in Leeds, will lead reflections on 14

stations at 5.50am. This will become a weekly spot, led by a different Muslim imam each week. Chris Burns, head of BBC Local Radio, said: “Many Muslims will feel a void in their lives where prayers used to be – a feeling the will be magnified as we approach Ramadan. “Local radio is all about connecting communities and we hope these weekly reflections will go some way to helping Muslims feel a sense of community while they are isolating.” The stations broadcasting the reflections are: Leeds, Sheffield, Lancashire, Manchester, WM, Leicester, Stoke, Derby, Nottingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, Three Counties, London, Merseyside, Berkshire. The reflections will be available afterwards on BBC Sounds.

‘’I operated on my own for many years, whilst I built a strong team around me. We have grown organically since then to become the worlds leading Islamic toy supplier. it’s a very proud moment for me, my family, my colleague and my community, knowing that her majesty The Queen personally approves the winners’. The Desi Doll Company will celebrate its award during a royal reception at Buckingham Palace this summer. For more information on products, visit https://desidollcompany.com/

For more information log onto www.theojosfoods.com

Ramadan Regulator offers advice on ensuring charitable contributions reach the intended cause, including when giving online. Ramadan is a time of huge generosity among British Muslims, with the Muslim Charities Forum estimating that, in previous years, UK donors have given over £130 million to charity during the holy month alone. For more information on how to check is your paying towards a real charity log onto https://www.gov.uk/find-charityinformation

Qari Asim MBE www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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Edinburgh

The sound of bagpipes is never far away in Edinburgh – nor the sight of a countless variety tartan.

By Angela Youngman www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

a long imprisonment resulting in her death on the scaffold. Reminders of those tumultuous times can be seen in the massive displays of arms and armour, as well as the vaults that were once home to prisoners of war from all over the world. It is a fascinating exhibition with a sad message written on a forged banknote: ‘this item was taken in the course of business by Alex Blaikie who wishes he had not taken it.’ The outer courtyard houses the annual Military Tattoo, an event full of drama, music and dance, involving military bands and soldiers from numerous countries. As with the Edinburgh Festival, this year it has been cancelled, but it normally attracts thousands of spectators. Leaving the Castle, stop off at the Tartan Weaving Mill Experience, containing a massive array of different tartans including the World Peace tartan and the Diana, Princess of Wales tartan. Watch tartan cloth being woven on giant This is Scotland’s capital city, dramatically placed between cliffs and the sea. Within minutes you can be walking through narrow medieval streets and discovering hidden secrets underground, exploring a massive castle or enjoying some shopping within the spacious surroundings of Princes Street before relaxing in amid the beauty of Princes Street gardens. Walking is definitely the best and quickest way to get round this beautiful city, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. In the summer the streets can get very crowded, especially when the world famous Edinburgh Festival is underway. Yet strolling around the city this summer will be slightly different. Due to the dreaded Covid 19, the Edinburgh Festival has been cancelled. Normally August is the month to go if you want to enjoy a positive feast of literature, music, dance, theatre: Art both mainstream and fringe. Accommodation and tickets for Festival events sell out fast – which means the Edinburgh Festival 2021 will undoubtedly be very, very popular! As a result, 2020 provides a great opportunity to explore Edinburgh. Finding your way around is relatively simple since most of the main attractions are located in, or very close to, two streets. The Royal Mile is definitely the heart of Edinburgh. This is the ancient route connecting Edinburgh Castle with the royal palace of Holyroodhouse, where the Queen still stays whenever she is in Edinburgh. It is a bustling, busy street, which seems to get narrower as you walk down it, but there is plenty to see along the way. Edinburgh Castle definitely looms over the entire city, occupying a really dominant position. The views from the battlements are amazing, and at 1pm each day – without fail – soldiers fire the Mons Meg cannon. The sound can be heard across the city. Elsewhere in the castle are the Crown Jewels of Scotland, as well as the Stone of Destiny. When Prince Charles ascends the throne, the stone will be sent down to Westminster Abbey to be placed under the Coronation throne just like it was for his mother, and other monarchs before her. These immense grey stone walls have seen many battles, as well as dramatic events, such as those surrounding Mary Queen of Scots in the sixteenth century, whose choice in husbands could not have been more catastrophic, causing her eventually to flee to England and

Edinburgh Castle with the royal palace of Holyroodhouse, where the Queen still stays whenever she is in Edinburgh...

looms, and discover some of the earliest tartan designs. On sale are countless tartan items from scarves to kilts and capes. Other places worth dropping into as you walk along the Royal Mile include St Giles Cathedral and the Museum of Childhood, as well as the yellow painted sixteenth century building occupied by the Museum of Edinburgh. Although small, the Museum of Edinburgh contains some fascinating exhibits, including the story of surrounding the Poppy worn for Remembrance every November. The Royal Mile does contain some very unusual hidden secrets – creating some incredible memorable experiences, but you will need a guide. Stories of buildings hidden below buildings have persisted in Edinburgh for many years. In the late 1990’s, these buildings were discovered, highlighting a lost world where people lived almost underground. Book on a Mercat tour starting at the market cross near St Giles Cathedral, to discover the entrance to the Blair Street Vaults where you descend narrow stone staircases into hidden vaults which were rediscovered when a bar owner started digging in his cellar – only discover a network of passages and rooms. These vaults date back centuries, reflecting the way buildings had been built upon buildings, rendering those rooms located at the bottom almost underground. They became tenements, occupied by the poorest in society. Their only heating came from fires lit outside doorways, it was smoky, dirty and cold. In the 1860’s, these tenements were eventually closed down, and forgotten until that accidental discovery over twenty years ago. The Real Mary Kings Close provides another opportunity to explore this hidden world. The atmospheric tour brings

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to life the tales of the people who lived in this hidden close, frozen in time since the seventeenth century. At the far end of the Royal Mile is Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Scottish palace. Take a stroll round the state apartments; see the Throne Room and the rooms used by that ill fated lady, Mary Queen of Scots. After exploring the gardens, you can head up to the other dramatic Edinburgh viewpoint – Arthur’s Seat. A massive 251 metre rock, rearing high above the city, it takes a while to reach the top but the resultant views are definitely worth it. Away from the Royal Mile, it is worth taking a stroll along Princes Street with its excellent range of shops and pretty gardens, perfect for relaxing. Further out of town is Edinburgh Zoo with its irresistible giant pandas, and the daily penguin parade. It is totally up to the penguins whether they choose to join the stroll through the zoo – their keepers give them the choice and most decide to go for a walk! Head over to the Port of Leith on the outskirts of Edinburgh for more shopping opportunities at the Ocean Terminal centre, containing numerous Scottish specialist stores as well as high street brands, and pay a visit to the Royal Yacht Brittania. Used by the Royal Family for over 40 years, it was eventually decommissioned and turned into a tourist attraction. The cabins are still kept just as they were when in use by the Royal Family, and offer a fascinating glimpse into royal life. There are a vast range of hotels throughout the city, but it is best to book well ahead if you want to visit the Edinburgh Festival or Military Tattoo next year. Alternatively, if you want something slightly different, Host Unusual has some memorable self catering options perfect for families. How about a stay on a luxurious Green houseboat only a short walk from the Royal Mile, which even includes foldaway bicycles for travelling? Alternatively step into the past with a stay at a beautifully restored fifteenth century tower house ten minutes from Edinburgh or a mansion house sleeping up to 21 people.

ENSURE YOUR ZAKAT ALWAYS REACHES THE RIGHT PEOPLE CHECK IT’S A REGISTERED CHARITY AT

gov.uk/checkcharity No obstacles along the way. No diverting to different destinations. Just peace of mind that your money is going to land in the right hands and make a real difference.

For more information visit www.visitscotland.com and www.hostunusual.com www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

TRAVEL

Ohrid - Pearl of the Balkans Discover a part of Europe that others overlook Words: Juber Ahmed Inviting, captivating and enchanting, Ohrid is a road less travelled and a place that promises diverse landscapes. Whether you are interested in delving into Macedonia’s rich history, or you are interested in soaking up one of nature’s spectacles, Ohrid has it all. Lake Ohrid – based in Ohrid City - is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site for over 30 years. Nestled near the Galičica Mountain, Lake Ohrid has pulled visitors under its spell for centuries, due to its serenity set against snow-capped mountains. As the lake straddles between the borders of Macedonia and Eastern Albania, it also makes visiting Albania possible by car or on foot.

It is fascinating that although Macedonia is a country which is landlocked by five other countries (Albania, Kososvo, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece), it still boasts miles of scenic beaches and coastal settings thanks to the lake. With no sea, the coastline of the lake is filled with spectacular sights. Church Kaneo raises the bar with its dominating architecture. With picturesque views, Church Kaneo sits

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overlooking Lake Ohrid just above Kaneo Beach. Views such as this and more can be found in all directions of the coastline, from where you can get a unique perspective of Ohrid. The Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon is another which stands magnificently, boasting a picturesque setting. Once a church, then a mosque and then a church again, this place was supposedly the place where the first students of the Glagolitic alphabet were taught; the alphabet used to translate the bible into old church Slavonic. Both the exterior and interior of the building were intricately designed, leaving visitors mesmerised and eager to find out more. There are Mosques aplenty in Ohrid, some of which are over 500 years old. Despite its small size, the city is laden with Mosques, with Islamic history lurking beneath the surface. Some of the mosques here have been standing since the conquest of the Ottoman empire dating back to the 15th century. Over the years, these mosques have been well maintained and some have even been refurbished.

Ali Pasha Mosque, built in the 16th century stands with pride along St Clement of Ohrid and serves as one of the main Mosques within the town. Haji Durgut Mosque, constructed in the 15th century is a rather small yet attractive Mosque with a tall and slim minaret, from where the call to prayer can be heard five times a day. Throughout Ohrid and along the coast of the lake you’ll find stunning sites and landscapes that cater for all. Travel towards the town centre to get off the beaten track and connect with the locals soaking up the authentic culture. Visit the historical market place abundant with fresh produce, eat at one of many restaurants and cafes, or simply visit a Mosque from the 15th century. Whether you are travelling solo or with a tour company, you’ll never run out of things to do here. With the city offering limitless opportunities for adventure, don’t just explore the city, immerse yourself in it.

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Orkney

Long stretches of sea swept beaches, dramatic cliffs. By Angela Youngman

Breathtaking scenery and a history going back millions of years – the Orkney islands definitely have a very special magic. This is where you can walk for miles enjoying peace and tranquillity, glimpsing seals, dolphins and porpoises swimming by. Even whales have been seen in these northern waters. The brightly coloured striped beaks of puffins immediately catch the attention, while overhead guillemots, kittiwakes and seagulls wheel and cry out on the breeze. There are numerous RSPB sites throughout the Orkneys offering access to bird hides where you can watch the birds unobserved. There are regular guided walks available on many of the reserves during the summer, providing opportunities to glimpse rare breeds which may be migrating across the seas. The Cottascarth and Rendall Moss reserve has one of the highest densities of breeding curlews in Europe. One of the more unusual sights to be found is on North Ronaldsay where sheep can be seen happily munching away on seaweed. Amazingly they eat seaweed for much of the year, living amid the rocks and on the beaches of the island. They only go inland during the lambing season between May to August – but even then, some of the sheep still prefer to head back to the beaches to eat their beloved seaweed. An annual Sheep Festival takes place in late July/ early August when volunteers arrive to help the local people rebuild the network of dry stone dykes around the shoreline to protect these unique seaweed eating sheep, while also enjoying local activities like touring a lighthouse, exploring a woollen mill and learning local traditional dances. As summer moves into autumn, the greens and blues so characteristic of this island landscape are enlivened with bright splashes of pink as the heather moors come

into bloom. Walking along the cliffs on the west coast of Orkney mainland island gives views of stunning red sandstone cliffs over 400 million years old. The constant pounding of the sea sculpts the rocks into amazing shapes such as the iconic Old Man of Hoy or Yesnaby Castle sea stacks. Step back into the dim and distant past at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Skara Brae, Maeshow, Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. People have lived on these islands located 10 miles north of Scotland since Neolithic times. It is hard not to be awed by the sheer scale of these 5 metre tall Standing Stones of Stenness or the 36 strong ring of stones at Brodgar which has been described as one of the most spectacular prehistoric sites in Britain, rivalling Stonehenge. Just like Stonehenge, these stones were quarried and put in place by prehistoric people without the aid of metal tools or machinery.

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Skara Brae is equally amazing. It is one of the most remarkable prehistoric monuments in Europe as it forms an entire Neolithic village. Low, covered passages link the eight houses within the village. Each house is identical forming a large square room, with a central fireplace with a bed on either side and shelves on the far wall. Explore the island’s Viking heritage at the Orkneying Saga centre in Ophir, highlighting Viking stories and local sites such as the Earls Bu, which was the site of the murder of Sweyn Breastrope by the notorious Sweyn Asliefsson. Over at Maeshowe, there are examples of Viking graffiti after some Viking warriors broke into the Neolithic cairn and left runic carvings on the walls - but you do need to book a guided tour to see inside the cairn. Over at Birsay, there are the remains of a Viking village where you can roam through the remnants of Viking house and even a Viking sauna! Such facilities reflect that the fact that this was the home of the most powerful of all the Orkney Viking Earls, Earl Thorfinn the Mighty. At the height of his power he controlled not just Orkney but the Shetland Islands, the Hebrides and much of mainland Scotland. Stop for a while in towns like Kirkwall and Stromness, where there is a good range of shops selling local produce and crafts such as jewellery and textiles. Look out for cheese, oatcakes, fudge, fish and shellfish as well as premium beef and North Ronaldsay mutton. The Barony Mill offers some fascinating insights into Orkney food and drink traditions as it produces beremeal. This is a very special flour made from an ancient form of barley and is used in lots of different Orkney food specialities such as bere bannocks (a type of flatbread) that is usually served with local cheese. The fish and seafood will often have been landed just hours earlier. Trout fishing on Orkney’s inland lakes is a popular sport, or you can try your hand at sea fishing from either the land or by boat. As evening falls in Kirkwall, many visitors head for The Reel to experience traditional music sessions provided by the Orkney Accordion and Fiddle Club. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Strolling along the narrow closes and winding streets of Stromness reveals some unexpected names – such as the Kyhber Pass! A charming town, the grey stone buildings are interspersed with white limewashed ones, creating a vivid contrast. The busy harbour is always full of boats, and the local museum highlights the area’s links to Arctic explorers and seafarers. There are hotels and self catering accommodation throughout the Orkneys, although most can be found on Orkney Mainland. You can even stay in a lighthouse cottage at Cantick Head on top of a 115 foot cliff, on the island of South Walls courtesy of Host Unusual. Once the home of a Victorian lighthouse keeper, it now offers far reaching sea views across to the Pentland Firth and the hills of Hoy. You can travel to the Orkneys by air or by ferry. Loganair provide flights to Kirkwall from most Scottish airports, a journey taking around 1 hour. Pentland Ferries provide a one-hour ferry from Gills Bay, near John O’Groats in Caithness. For more information visit www.visitscotland.com and www.hostunusual.com

New Zealand Land of The Long White Cloud Words: Juber Ahmed

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Comprising of unforgettable landscapes and deep glacial lakes, New Zealand has everything one could ask for as a holiday destination. Enriched by Maori culture, amicable people, breath-taking beaches and mountainous surroundings, New Zealand, otherwise known as Aotearoa, has much to offer. Active volcanoes, unique wildlife and unparalleled nature, visitors are guaranteed nothing but amazement. With a population of 4.5 million, New Zealand is a small Island country located in the Oceania, and approximately 2000km east of Australia. Locals are referred to as the Kiwis, after the country’s national symbol, the Kiwi bird.

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Similar in size to Japan, it is known as one of the last countries in the world to be discovered. Abel Tasman, a renowned explorer, named the country Nova Zeeland in the 17th century, after a province called Zeeland back in Netherlands. Later in the 18th century, Captain James Cook anglicised the name originally given by Tasman, therefore re-titling it as New Zealand. New Zealand is one of the furthest countries from the UK and Europe. Being a place packed with countless things to do, if you’re headed there be sure to take at least a couple of weeks. With a mixture of lively cities and natural landmarks, New Zealand is best explored by scaling the country, which is split into two Islands; the North and the South.

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North Island Flying into Auckland, the world’s largest Polynesian city lying half an hour from the coast, start your trip here by exploring its diversity. Filled with hiking trails, beautiful Islands and outstanding cuisine, Auckland is a must see. Then head south towards Hamilton and Waikato, where you can sample Zealong tea from the vast tea plantations. Visitors will be mesmerised by the many gardens in the region, inspired by India, Italy and China. The Coromandel Peninsula is worth a stop, as it packs a serious punch when it comes to miles of pristine beaches and hot springs. For some adventure and a once in a lifetime hike, be sure to visit The Pinnacles. Further South on the North Island, you’ll find the world’s most lively geothermal fields located in Rotorua. New Zealand contains stunning places that have been shaped by geothermal forces, with Rotorua being a prime example. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Rotorua offers the chance to go luging, zorbing and zip-lining amidst the spectacular surroundings. Make your way to Lake Taupo to go sky diving and witness one of New Zealand’s pristine lakes and volcanic terrain. Finally, before making your way to the South Island, be sure to visit Wellington. The capital of the country, it has been dubbed the coolest capital in the world by Lonely Planet. Resting on majestic hills which rise from a beautiful harbour, the city is home to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. You can also get panoramic views via its famous cable cars.

South Island Your first stop on the South Island should be Christchurch. The gateway to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Christchurch, also known as ‘The Garden City’, boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in the country. If you are interested in examining native plants, head over to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The city can be enjoyed during any season; however, summer is the best time to visit. Next, head to Queenstown, stopping over at Lake Tekapo first. Tucked away from the commotion of city life, Lake Tekapo provides bright blue skies complemented with the serenity of the water. The Lake is an ideal spot for a break regardless of the season. End your trip by visiting Queenstown. Known to be the adventure capital, it attracts thrill seekers. Visitors can experience bungee jumping, skydiving and zip lining, or, if you’re in the mood for relaxation, you can always take a stroll along the lakeside. Whatever you decide, you’ll be surrounded by the phenomenal landscapes and nature. Map your next adventure through this oceanic paradise for your honeymoon, family break or solo adventure. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Halal food is available throughout the country in many of the restaurants, cafes and food trucks.

Flying In

Events and Festivals:

Most UK airports operate flights to New Zealand. Flight durations vary between 25-30 hours involving 1-3 stops.

Dolphin Watching: All Year-Round Maori New Year: June Lavender Blooming: Mid December – Mid-March Southern Lights: March till September

Food: New Zealand’s diverse cuisine has influences from Asia, Europe and Polynesia. Seafood such as scallops, shellfish, salmon and whitebait is a must-try. As for meat, try freshly cooked lamb or venison. Don’t forget to try the many local exotic fruits. Halal food is available throughout the country in many of the restaurants, cafes and food trucks. Visit newzealand.com for more information.

How to Get Around The national bus network, ‘Intercity,’ is easily accessible on both the North and South Island. Uber is available for inner city trips. To travel between the North and South Island, take the Inter Islander Ferry or Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries.

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Beautiful Bosnia Reborn

Healing from the aftermath of war, our writer Tahira Khan explores many hidden wonders of Bosnia’s cities, just waiting to be rediscovered The reaction from people wasn’t one of the best when I told them that I was heading to Bosnia, there were immediate exchanges of confused glances between people in the room wondering, “What the hell is she travelling there for?” with looks of uncertainty as they recalled disturbing memories from the early 90’s of news reports and the horrific attacks in Sarajevo. My mum, bless her, thought I was either going to fight in a war, or that I was on some kind of secret mission. Although this was very amusing, I shrugged it off and anticipated the enlightening adventure ahead.

Arriving in Sarajevo Although many parts of the city are still recovering from the war in 1992, there were elements of beauty clearly displayed, which were evident even when you looked through the damaged buildings. Surprisingly, Sarajevo has so much to offer to people of all religions and cultures, not just Muslims. Throughout Ramadan the city is treated and respected in a very special way I was told. It still has lots of unseen culture and natural beauty to offer its visitors, alongside so many amazing festivals, events and places of interest. The airline carrier, ‘Fly Bosnia’, is very efficient and now departs three times a week with flights taking off from Luton Airport. Driving through the city, we arrived at the Swissotel hotel, a modern glass tower block rising above the main City Centre. One of the best modern 5 star hotels situated amongst neighbouring shops and restaurants and all within walking distance. Sarajevo has a distinctive, picturesque charm and as I was observing the view from my hotel room, the tiny houses on the hills looked like tiny villas, something you might see in Spain or Portugal. Taking just a few minutes by car, we headed to the Sarajevo cable car ride and visited the mountains of Trebevic, overlooking panoramic views of the city through the glass. As I viewed the scenery of the hills beneath me, I imagined that the mountains would look even more magical when the city is covered in snow. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Touring through the Capital City The first stop we made was at the Tunnel Museum, where we went underground through the trenches used during the war, viewed the displays of artefacts and war heroes, and watched videos of the war in 1992, seeing how the people survived through that time was an eye opener. We took a series of tours visiting all the historical layers. Our walking tour included some traditional visits to the handicrafts market place, known as Kazandziluk Street, and the main square of Bascarsija, Brusa Bezistan, The Gazi Husrevbey’s Foundation and market. We experienced specialities of Bosnian popular cuisine; the pies are a popular choice for meat lovers. The pita is a pastry wrapped around a sausage; all the meat is obviously halal. Bosnian coffee is also a popular part of the Balkan culture with a specific etiquette and special coffee cups for this interesting ritual. We also paid a visit to the place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand who was assassinated in WW1, The Latin Bridge, synagogue (The Old Temple) The Roman Catholic Cathedral; The Orthodox Church Museum, which is considered to be

one of the five most important Orthodox museums of the world. The Architecture of the historical buildings displayed origins of the Ottoman Empire, Balkan rule and mosques and buildings such as the Morica Han Hotel. Not far away we walked back through ‘The Vijecnica’, which is the main city hall, Sarajevo’s greatest emblem, built by the Austro-Hungarians and was an amazing building with arches, roofs and lots of displays of exhibits, which tell interesting stories about major periods in the history of Sarajevo. The City Hall is amazing and is located parallel to a relaxing riverside walk on the main stretch.

The Hotel and Spa Swissotel is one of many luxury hotels located in the city but the best thing about this hotel is the ultra violet themed futuristic spa, located across two floors with a separate ladies spa area which was great, (ladies take note). On the last day it felt great to unwind after all the hustle and bustle: You can also choose a selection of spa treatments, after an energising swim in the rooftop pool.

The natural scenery of Mostar, Jablanica and Konjic The second day was all about nature and arriving into Mostar took about two hours, but the views of the aqua blue crystal rivers and mountains were breath taking and a pleasure to drive through, exploring the Bosnian scenery.

Not forgetting that Croatia, which is known for its natural wonders and waters, is the neighbouring country to Bosnia. The bridges of Bosnia are very captivating and great places for taking photographs; I spotted a couple having wedding photographs taken on one of the bridges. The most iconic place to stop off, however, was the historical and famous Old bridge built by the Ottomans in the 16th Century which is one of Bosnia’s and Herzegovina’s most recognised landmarks, the bridge is considered to be an exemplary piece of Islamic architecture. You will see the men who get paid to dive into the waters from the highest point of the bridge, and on either side of the bridge you will walk alongside a handicrafts market selling, tourist

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goods, clothes and leathers, as well as restaurants: It has a historical charm of its own. Meanwhile Konjic is famous, and home to the museum of woodcarving. The traditional craft has been placed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible heritage and local families love to preserve this trade.

Must Visit Destinations If you do go out there, you must try to obtain the Sarajevo Navigator booklet, which you can get from hotels or information points; an invaluable guide when visiting these handpicked attractions. The Efeill Bridge, The Islamic

The Sun’s electromagnetic energy makes this a mystical and sacred place.... Science Faculty, Despic House Museum, Igmir mountains, The Jahorina is a ski resort for the family. Bosnia also has an Olympic Museum, The Sarajevo Museum, which looks at the Austrio-Hungarian rule and the Sarajevo assassination, which was carried out in front of the building. The Cravica waterfalls are meant to be a beautiful natural sight for those of you that love nature. The Clock www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Tower, The Emperor and Ali Pasha’s Mosque, The Neretva is the perfect river for rafting and passes through Konjic. Great for fashion and accessories shopping is HiDesign. Talks and Giggles is a well known coffee and cake shop whilst Kod Bibana is one of the places where you can enjoy local cuisine on a hilltop whilst enjoying the panoramic views outside. A must visit destination is the Bosnian Pyramids in Visoko City. The Sun’s electromagnetic energy makes this a mystical and sacred place, with the Sufis using sacred geometry, and was built in the 12th Century. Many Festivals and Sporting events take place during September and The Jazz Festival is also a popular activity to explore, and last year they held the 2nd AJB Doc film festival organised by the Al Jazeera Balkans that present filmmakers and films that focus on social phenomena and universal human values. For foodies, the Sarajevo Food market situated in the city centre does a variety of food such as Mexican, Italian, Spanish and Asian and all halal, whilst Jadranka, which has recently opened its doors again, is a place where you can relax outside in the gardens and enjoy some sweet treats in the sunshine. There is so much to see and to do, I was amazed, and you will be too, at the diversity and versatility of Bosnia, yet it still remains a humble Muslim country, with the people being so welcoming and warm, it’s a must have on the bucket list for everyone in 2020. For more information visit: www.bhtourism.ba and www.flybosnia.ba Images- London Luton Airport /Tahira Khan

Photo credit: Ushma Dhakan

In the honour of modest fashion When Hafsa Lodi worked as a fashion journalist in UAE, the fashion stories not only inspired her but gave her an opportunity to explore the modest fashion industry and to write a book. She talks about her book, “Modesty-A Fashion Paradox” which she hopes will enlighten and inspire the readers and change views of modesty fashion.

“I believe the wider industry has recognised this as a consistent demand instead of a fleeting, fad-based interest.” As an individual, Hafsa Lodi likes to define herself as someone “inquisitive, creative and in a constant state of multi-tasking”. With her journalistic background and experience as a fashion reporter for The National newspaper in UAE, she realised the importance of modest wear. Collating her fashion stories, she decided to pen these fantastic stories in the form of a book titled: “Modesty- a fashion paradox”. Despite a newspaper background working on a book was challenging, as she explains: “The editing process was very tough, around 10,000 words were cut from my first draft. I also needed to ensure the overall tone was balanced and explored various aspects of debates and controversy. The book took her a year and a half to complete. Topics such as Muslim women and modest fashion are truly sensitive, especially where the hijab is involved”. Hafsa tells me that the book focuses on the “how” and “why” of modest fashion becoming popular in the leadup to 2020. She evaluates the movement from feminist, cultural and political aspects. Whilst working on the book she realised the historical context of Muslim

Words: Rabi’ah.M

women’s dress codes. As she describes: “I learned a lot about various countries own approaches to fashion and was surprised to learn that hijabs were banned in the past, in most Muslim-majority countries.” It may appear as though the modest fashion industry is overrated which Hafsa certainly agrees with: “I think it’s been tremendously helpful in shining a light on this driving retail segment that’s relevant to so many women; regardless of them being a Muslim, non-Muslim or entirely non-religious.” She believes it is hard to ascertain whether outfits are adhering to an Islamic dress code since everyone has a different understanding and approach to fashion where they encounter hardships in dressing according to Islamic values. It also comes down, however, to balancing this with contemporary styles and cultures, especially if one is residing in the West. The emergence of the modest fashion movement indicates that there is a demographic of women for whom covering up is deeply ingrained in their lifestyle. She emphasizes: “I believe the wider industry has recognised this as a consistent demand instead of a fleeting, fad-based interest.” Choosing the title of this book was tough due to the many choices she had but “Modesty - a fashion paradox” felt perfect, since it encompasses the conversation and debate of the modest fashion industry, featuring the good, bad and controversial. When asked to name her favourite author and her inspiration, she says: “I like the work of Michael Muhammad Knight and I love the books of Elif Shafak.” Describing her fashion look, Hafsa gives me an interesting description: “I usually wear a floaty floral midi-dress with a pair of clunky white trainers. As a new mother, living in Dubai I prioritise comfort over glamour but I also like to inject some personality into my style with kitschy accessories and a consistent cat-eye when it comes to beauty.” She hopes Muslim readers will feel a sense of inspiration and validation when they read her book and become enlightened and open-minded. On a final note, she says “I hope non-Muslims will have an entirely different image in their minds of what a Muslim woman should look like once they finish reading the book.”

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A wanderlust’s paradise; Malta

Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a blend of Arab, Italian and English heritage. Words: Rabi’ah.M With breathtaking views, idyllic weather and an endless choice for exploration, Malta is truly a hidden jewel.” The first words which come to my mind when I think about Malta are that it is a “travellers’ paradise” since, as an island, it has a plethora of jewels to offer. Situated in the heart of Mediterranean where cultures and continents have historically collided, Malta is truly multicultural with its Italian, English and Arabic influence strongly visible in its culture, heritage, and identity. Even though this is my third trip to Malta; I feel as though one needs to spend a considerable length of time here, which could mean one week to 10 days, to explore the various islands of Malta. I am besotted with the mountainous landscape, the deep oceans and the sun-drenched location, not forgetting the hospitality of the Maltese people. My first trip was a walking food tour in Valletta, the capital of Malta. It was a group tour with an efficient, professional tour guide called Chris, who ensured my halal food requirements were fulfilled. From the mini cafes and eateries, to the historical monuments, Chris spoke about the importance of food in the Maltese culture. We tasted “Imqaret” which is a traditional Maltese sweet, remnant of the Arab world and brought by the Tunisians. They taste best when freshly prepared as the dates melt in your mouth alongside the scrumptious filo pastry. I was intrigued to learn about the influence of various cultures on its heritage and identity; the street names, public places and many other aspects reflect a fusion of

Arab-Italian and English influence. During the tour, I had the opportunity to walk down the capital’s entrance, a wide-open piazza crowning Valletta, to see the restored Triton Fountain, the open theatre and the new Parliament Building. The true beauty, however, is when you discover the narrow-side streets that capture the sounds and emotions of a lived-in city that can not only heard but even felt. You need an intrepid adventurer-like nature to explore Malta; it also encourages you to get your walking shoes on since the weather is absolutely fantastic. It is essential that you visit the north and south of Malta since they offer some breath-taking spots to unwind in and discover. I considered myself fortunate to stumble across halal restaurants in Saint Julians, Paceville; a strategic place for a tourist to stay. It gives you a feeling of being in the West End, with a tall and up to date shopping mall, “Bay Street”, adjacent to a strip of ‘happening’ hotels, a cinema, a bowling center, and a shisha café. The Middle East Muse is a recommendation if you feel like having Lebanese or Moroccan food; their portions are generous. If you are planning to visit Malta, be sure you have your walking shoes on; do check out Gozo Island and the Three Cities. Not to forget the old city of Medina where you will find the best chocolate cake in the whole of Malta at Fontanella, as well as their Margherita pizza. I truly enjoyed my trip and I fully utilised the suggestions from the locals, since Maltese people have a friendly nature and love to talk about their heritage with pride.

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I knew straight away this was a very special piece of architecture.

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The Port of Amsterdam

Awash with culture, beautiful architecture, great museums and art galleries. Words & photography by Marcus Macaulay

A work trip brought me to this Dutch city, it’s not a place I would choose to visit. A city that turns a blind eye to drug-taking and prostitution surely can never be a good thing. Even with a liberal mindset, these industries are not operated by pleasant people. Though there are signs of this it’s not blatant unless you choose to visit certain areas. The camera and lens I use for photographing architectural details are large and very expensive, add a tripod to this and it’s easy to draw the attention of unscrupulous individuals. I’m conscious of this wherever I go and I did spot a few dodgy looking guys checking me out and I’m sure given the opportunity I would have found myself in a bit of bother. That aside I was very lucky with the weather, glorious sunshine in October as I set out to discover Amsterdam. There are people on bikes everywhere zooming past you from all directions, at speed (see video online). It’s quite bizarre really with this in mind carefully I headed to Dam square.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam Built-in the 17th century this building has on both sides high up the most magnificent sculptural pediments (pictured top). The eastern pediment features a sculpture of peace, accompanied by allegorical figures representing prudence and justice. The group represents the Maid of Amsterdam and the bounties of the sea. On the western side, the pediment represents allegories of the four continents and the benefits of global trade and has Atlas holding the weight of the world. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

28 Damrak Walking towards the train station from Dam square I came across a rather unusual building. It would be very easy to have passed it as the building itself just housed a scruffy looking toy shop. Yet I knew straight away this was a very special piece of architecture. The facade featured a number of very stylish and weird sculptures (pictured left) by Joseph Mendes da Costa a Dutch sculptor and teacher. There are some crazy looking monkeys or baboons (pictured above) menacingly looking down from below the roofline, very surreal. After a bit of research it turns out this guy was very special indeed and his work (in my opinion) is stunning. If you were to take any of these works and place them in a museum or art gallery people

Looking up to the roof there are statues of artisans at work.

would be queueing to see them. In fact there are pieces of his work in museums and it made me smile having braved the queues at art galleries the previous day to view these. Now here I am with people staring at me thinking what’s he looking at and photographing, ironic. The sculptures on this building represent The Vigilance, The Vicissitude of the Time, Wisdom Taming Evil, Thrift and Protective Love. Out of everything I photographed in Amsterdam this was my highlight.

Amsterdam Centraal The main train station (pictured right). What a building, beautifully decorated with ornate carvings with a palacelike, Gothic/Renaissance Revival facade. The decorative elements glorifying the nation’s economic and colonial power at the time. It’s a huge busy building. It was designed by Pierre Cuypers, who is also known for his design of the Rijksmuseum.

Rijksmuseum This is where you’ll find the Amsterdam sign of large letters which people climb all over to have their photographs taken. Extremely busy even early on. The museum is full of amazing history yet I was more taken with the building itself. Like Amsterdam Centraal, it’s very palatial (pictured right). Looking up to the roof there are statues (pictured above) of artisans at work. The detail is astonishing. These are just a few of the places I photographed. If you’d like to see more from my trip to Amsterdam and other places please visit. www.theartaroundus.co.uk

Equipment used: Canon EOS 5D III, Canon 24-70 f2.8, Canon 100 - 400 II f4.5. F5.6. Manfrotto 190 carbon fibre tripod. Edited using Adobe Lightroom CC. www.marcusmacaulay.com

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Seven Things to do in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, also known as KL, is one of the most vibrant cities in the country. By Juber Ahmed With a mix of Malays, Indians, Chinese and other ethnic communities, KL truly is a great place to witness a range of cultures, religions and multiracial societies. With six different zones, all filled with amazing things to do, eat and see, KL has been recognized as the 6th most visited city in the world and Asia’s leading city break destination. Here’s a list of seven must-see sights and experiences that epitomise the very best of KL.

Jamek Masjid Inspired by Mughal architecture, British architect Arthur Benison Hubback took to designing this Mosque. Built in 1909, it is recognised as one of the oldest Mosques in Malaysia. Nestled on the edge of a triangular piece of land, it really is a contrast to see the modern skyscrapers standing behind the mosque. Open to visitors daily from 8.30am 12.30pm & from 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm.

China Town

Islamic Arts Museum

Strategically located at the centre of Petaling Street, this place is booming with food, culture, trade and interesting sites. Visitors come here not only to shop, but to sample delicious street food, buy medicinal herbs and to get a feel of what life is like as a local. Whilst the place is open from 10:00am – 11:00pm, the best time to visit is in the evening. Thronged with visitors and locals, Chinatown transforms into an energetic and vibrant night market.

Opened by Malaysian philanthropist Syed Mokthar AlBukhary, the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur is the largest Islamic Arts museum in all of Southeast Asia. Wandering through the twelve galleries, you will find copies of the Quran and other religious manuscripts which date back hundreds of years. What’s more, some of these manuscripts have travelled from different parts of the world to be on display here.

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KL Bird Park Located within the Lake Gardens, this is one of the oldest recreational parks in Kuala Lumpur. It is a haven for 3,000 birds with over 200 species of foreign and domestic birds, and has several waterfalls. The park is beautifully manicured, which allows visitors to immerse themselves within a charming atmosphere. The birds in this park are the closest you’ll get to the real deal and, therefore, you’ll get to see how birds behave in their natural habitat. A must-see site ready to be explored.

Junk Bookstore This one may be a little unusual. This underexplored bookstore is, however, worth visiting. The bookstore has won awards for being the ‘largest second-hand bookstore in Malaysia’. Locals and tourists make it a point to walk around several floors of out-of-print books, biographies and magazines that date back decades. This bookstore will make any book lover feel enchanted by the presence of nothing but books.

Petronas Twin Towers Standing with pride in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. Visible from many parts of the city, the towers come together with a sky bridge in the middle. The floor plate design was inspired by Islamic geometry and therefore, resembles Islamic patterns commonly found throughout the Muslim world. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Masjid Negara – National Mosque of Malaysia As this Mosque is located within walking distance of the KL Bird Park and is located within the Lake Gardens, it is surrounded by a 13-acre expanse filled with greenery. After visiting the KL Bird park, this Mosque acts as a great way to escape, relax and find peace. Within the courtyard of the Mosque, visitors will find intricately designed fountains and pools. With its tall minaret and umbrella-shaped dome, this Mosque is a true representation of a mosque built for the modern world.

In conversation with fashion icon Mariah Idrissi By Natasha Akbar

‘’As a Muslim, I feel a great responsibility to do my part in taking care of our planet’’- Mariah Idrissi. In 2015, Mariah was scouted in a shopping mall in London for retail giants H&M and began her career in fashion as the first hijab wearing model. Five years later, her relationship with fashion grew stronger and she has become a household name. Her modelling career gave her the opportunity to become a spokeswoman, inspiration and leader in promoting diversity worldwide. Mariah’s first ever campaign focused on two main areas: recycling and diversity with the message that everyone should recycle their clothes and be more conscious of the way we shop and how that impacts the planet and people in it. We caught up with this mover and shaker earlier this month to find out her thoughts on the future growth of sustainable fashion, who her favourite designers are how she focuses during Ramadan.

Tahiti Jamaica Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj

What do you never travel without? My phone!

Where’s the best place you’ve ever stayed and why?

I can’t say there’s been a best place because I really appreciate each place for its own individuality. I do love anywhere tropical though!

Who are you listening to at the moment? (Music) Burna Boy

The strangest meal you’ve ever had?

I can’t remember a strange meal off the top of my head but in Senegal I had a drink that was milk mixed with Vimto!

Do you practice Ramadan, if so - what advice can you give to new Muslims who will fast this year & those who may have to fast through the pandemic?

I don’t feel I’ve done nearly enough that I could be doing sustainably, but I appreciate those that recognise I’m taking a step in the right direction.

Yes I fast during Ramadan. Advice would be to not focus on trying to achieve a million goals if this is your first fast but rather using this lockdown to appreciate the isolation and focus on connecting with yourself and of course God. Also staying connected with friends/family that are also fasting so you don’t feel too isolated!

What challenges have you overcome?

How do you celebrate Ramadan?

Why do ethical and sustainable brands appeal to you more?

FASHION FIX

How do you feel about your contribution to sustainability?

Not following the social norms around fashion (eg. wearing unethical brands, promoting fashion and makeup hauls etc)

I love the idea around quality over quantity and minimalism. Many sustainable brands take a minimalistic approach and I genuinely like the ethos behind them, as well as the styles.

What more could you be doing in the sustainability space and what’s your next steps moving forward?

I use this time to reflect on myself and examine areas to improve on.

How would you describe your fashion?

Day to day I would say laid back with ethnic hints.

What was your last buy? (Clothes, perfume) A pair of trainers

I wish I could support by shopping only with sustainable brands rather than being tempted to high street fashion because of convenience.

What one item should all Muslim women have in their wardrobes?

How do you think sustainable fashion has changed the industry?

Favourite western designer vs favourite eastern designer?

I think it’s making people aware of a greater issue we have globally around climate change and motivating people from all backgrounds to be more conscious of their impact on the planet.

Name three travel destinations you want to go to, but haven’t been?

A roll neck top.

Rag and bone Bleach Dubai Follow me on

@mariahidrissi

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Photo credit: Umit Talyan

Her modelling career gave her the opportunity to become a spokeswoman, inspiration and leader in promoting diversity worldwide.

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Eyup: Resting Place of The Prophet’s Neighbour

Eyup has been recognised as one of the most sacred places in the world to Muslims, after Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem. Words: Juber Ahmed Eyup has been recognised as one of the most sacred places in the world to Muslims, after Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem. Neatly tucked away at the bottom of the hill from the Eyup Cemetery, there lies one of the noblest of men; Eyup. More commonly known as Abu Ayyub al-Ansari RA, he was famously known for being the neighbour and close companion of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. While participating in the siege of Constantinople in 669, Abu Ayyub al—Ansari RA died in battle and was buried outside the city walls. Centuries later, after his grave was rediscovered, it was taken and supposedly buried where it is today in the Eyup Mosque, which is in the Eyup district of Istanbul. It was the decision of Sultan Mehmet II to mark the location of his grave by constructing a complex and imposing tomb. In the 18th century, however, the complex suffered from an earthquake and therefore Sultan Selim III took charge in building a new mosque in 1800. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

The courtyard is thronged with passionate visitors as they take in the historic atmosphere. Not only is it a place where families and people come together, many Muslim visitors make it a point to begin their venture in Istanbul by coming here and making prayers. Surrounding all this you will find shops selling Qur’ans, perfumes, prayer beads, prayer mats, dried fruits, different teas and Zamzam water from Makkah. Walking up the hill from the Mosque towards the Eyup Cemetery, visitors will find the Pierre Loti Café. Named after the French novelist, Pierre Loti, it acts as a great spot from where visitors can get unspoiled views of the Golden Horn. Whilst there are not any limited times for visiting the Mosque, the tomb itself has fixed opening times: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30am – 4:30pm. The busiest times are weekends and Islamic holidays.

Three Reasons Not to Fear Coronavirus By Nahla Hussein Ogeil

Coronavirus is not something to take lightly. The pandemic threatens our sense of safety, evokes strong emotions, and restricts our activities. But there are three reasons to avoid states of fear.

This way, you can be sure you did your best. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what he intended.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Actions ≠ Outcomes:

Expressing fear is very unconstructive. Scientists have found that strong negative emotions can result in nervous system imbalance. In other words, fear can lower your immune health [1]. Be mindful of how you speak about Coronavirus. Instead of filling your family with doom-andgloom scenarios, it is better to speak words of calm faith while providing instructions. The Prophet (SAW) said:

We panic because we can’t find supplies, but God loves submission. Submission is looking for ways to solve the problem, without forgetting His Higher Power. Someone can take perfect actions and still get Corona, while another works with infected people and stays protected. This reminder removes the burden of self-sufficiency.

Intentions = Outcomes: We are scared for older and immuno-deficient relatives because they are vulnerable. To protect them, remember that your intentions give power to actions. Set intentions before entering your home and interacting with family members. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Fear Lowers Immunity:

“There are no omens, but the best of it is optimism.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) [1] Ravven, Wallace. “Signals from Nervous System Influence Immune System”. UC San Francisco, 15 Nov. 2011.

Photos : Oman Ministry of Tourism

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The Luxury Boutique desert resort is situated over an hour away from Muscat International Airport.

The Authenticity of Oman Why the natural beauty of Oman makes it a perfect family friendly destination. By Tahira Khan Modern Dubai VS Traditional Oman

When it comes to the United Arab of Emirates and the Middle East, we tend to head to Dubai as the most luxurious choice; whilst Dubai offers an endless choice of high-end hotels with modern-day luxuries, Modest Oman is the alternative for those who appreciate the natural beauty and creations of the earth. The region holds Muscat as its Capital city, filled with lots of captivating and beautiful mosques. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is the main attraction for Omani visitors. It is known for housing the largest chandeliers and an endless landscape of white marbled floors and buildings, making this monument a truly fascinating experience. Not far away www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

is the port, situated amongst the markets with a view of the ships and marina. The Forts and souks of Nizwa are the places to visit when shopping for local and authentic goods, whilst experiencing cafes and restaurants in the main square serving traditional Omani cuisine and street food; yet, when you branch further out to the surrounding areas, you see amazing mountains. There are also many old secluded villages to explore, and the sand dunes, the sea and the wadis breaking through the land. These are spectacular views which were shown to us by Al Fawaz tours. When it comes to deciding on your residence and where to stay, however, there is a great selection for the most diverse range of families, friends and couples.

Al Sahab Resort and Spa- A Great option for Mountain and Trekking lovers. This medium size cosy resort is located on the Hajar Mountains and you will view some amazing heights at the top of the resort. Many varieties of interesting activities, hikes and tours are offered. The Mirage in the Mountain tour is a three-hour tour offered for two people. We went for the wadi of abandoned villages’ tour, but there is also a wadi of waterfalls tour, which would be something interesting to try. On Friday they have the goat market and Birkat Al Mouz tour too. The hotel also has the Uru Spa where we tried a traditional Omani massage; there is access to a swimming pool with children’s activities and an outdoor BBQ garden in the pipeline. The food was awesome, offering a variety of Omani grills, soups and mezzes, as well as South Asian cuisine. My recommendation would be to try the Chicken Maqboos, which is the Omani traditional roast chicken served with rice and The Beiruti Grill, the spiced paneer sticks were my favourite starters .

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Al Nahda Hotel and Resort – Great for Wellness, Spa and tranquility lovers This award- winning resort is located in Barka, which is about one hour away from Muscat City centre and about a thirty- minute drive from Muscat International airport. This resort won the World Luxury Spa Award in 2018. Originally a Mango Orchard, Al Nahda offers a more of a lush and colourful experience. The Boutique property runs over thirty acres of greenery and the hotel holds regency style villa buildings, 109 rooms surrounded by the inspirational sounds of rare-species of birds. The long pathways, plantations and lots of flowers make it a blissful experience. Finally the ‘Uru Spa’ is one of the main features, with twenty- two eastern style garden spa rooms, known for being a natureinspired sanctuary. They also have floodlit tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, golf facilities and a state- of- the- art gym offering many fitness activities. You can relax near the swimming pool and spa baths whilst your children can splash away in the designated wet play area. There are also two large restaurants. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

The Dunes by Al Nahda- Great for outdoor activity and adventurers

Travelling there

The Luxury Boutique desert resort is situated over an hour away from Muscat International Airport. Traditionally known as ‘Wadi Al Abiyad’ (White Sands in Arabic). You will be staying in one of fifty authentic Arabic Bedouin tents situated in a village across the sand dunes, facilitated with all the required amenities of a modern hotel. Coming out of your room, you will look across to see the beautiful sand dunes, and as you look on the other side, you will experience the breathtaking mountainous horizon. The Dunes offers more outdoor activities, and the sand bashing experience is one of the popular choices for guests. They also offer the camel farm experience, use of quad bikes, cultural tours, shuwa- making, sand surfing, kite flying and a BBQ. We had the opportunity to try the ‘under the stars experience’ which consisted of an Omani set up on the floor, with mood lights and blankets, whilst a traditional roast and three course meal was presented to us, with a selection of the Chef’s specialties, as well as dining in the Fleur Restaurant. You can also try a sand- spa treatment which is conducted with hot sand therapy and provided by the natural solar system, which is one of the resorts highlights, and a moon-lit deep tissue massage in the evening, which I tried in the open air.

Five nights at Dunes with private transfers and return flights with Oman Air and Southall Travel offers five nights at Dunes by Al Nahda on a half board basis from £1,555 per person (two sharing), including private return transfers from Muscat airport. Four nights at Sahab, and then three nights at Dunes; private transfers and return flights with Oman Air. Southall Travel offers Four nights at Sahab Resort & Spa, Jabal Akhdar with breakfast and three nights at Dunes by Al Nahda, Barka on a half board basis from £1699 per person (twin sharing), including all private airport transfers. Five nights at Sahab Resort & Spa offers five nights at Sahab Resort & Spa on a breakfast basis from £1,165 per person (two sharing), including private return transfers from Muscat airport.

Visit: southalltravel.co.uk. To book your tours and for other activities to do you can visit www.experienceoman.com www.alfawaztours.com

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A different kind of Ramadan this year As the Holy month of Ramadan approaches, our level of enthusiasm may be low this time compared to the usual Ramadan, due to the COVID-19. Rabi’ah.M discusses the struggle, positivity and how we can keep ourselves motivated during this tough time. As Muslims, the Holy month of Ramadan is supposed to be a sacred time for one to reflect, improve and seek forgiveness. It is spiritual cleansing and fosters the concept of Muslim brother and sisterhood. In normal circumstances, one would look forward to the coming of Ramadan, organise their time around ibadah, prepare the delicious dishes and go to the mosque for Taraweeh prayers. This year, however, Ramadan will be exceptional due to the COVID-19 virus, which has not only created an ambiance of an unseen fear, anxiety it physically hinders us from conducting our Ramadan activities. It will be a challenging Ramadan due to the uncertainties it carries. One does not know when we will be able to go out again to attend the local mosque since a ban has been implemented because of the dangers of the virus. I personally believe that this is an excellent opportunity for one to make the most of this challenging time. For example, one of my friends told me that her 16-year-old

and 9-year-old would take turns to lead prayers at home. The objective is to make the experience memorable and fun. She has also ordered Ramadan decorations which will make it exciting, and probably give a feel of the Ramadan spirit. According to Yasmeena, she would

This year, however, Ramadan will be exceptional due to the COVID-19 virus....

like to increase her time worshipping. As for Mansour, he would spend more time at home and do better, as

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he explains: “I would pray more Sunnah and read more Quran. You know you can do charity work even online these days. In a way it is like Itikaf, but rather than spending time at the mosque, you would do that at home.” For students, this year will mean spending more time indoors and balancing their education with fasting, as described by Shahrbano: “Since we are locked in our houses, I believe we will get more time for ibadat and prayers. I will not have time to waste because I will be studying for my exams, since they are online.” There is a variety of ideas that can make this year’s Ramadan interesting. Whether it’s the Ramadan decorations, praying at home together, spending more time on ibadah or checking on your friends, family, and colleagues. We must also remember the long list of delicious food dishes which one will savour by the end of the day. In a way, this Ramadan will bring people together, fostering community spirit, perhaps going back to basics and reflecting inwardly more. I believe that instead of letting all the negative news and devastating hike of death and plague figures caused due to COVID-19 demoralise us, we need to exercise firm belief that as Muslims we are expected to have that trust in Almighty Allah; to know this is a tough time but that it will not last. Essentially, our anticipations should rest on becoming better Muslims and diverting all our prayers and ibadaah towards seeking forgiveness and praying for a miracle which will put an end to this nightmare we are all experiencing. Perhaps what binds us is that suffering which is collective and similar. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Ramadan recipes – we’ve got it covered!

Prepare for Ramadan with energising suhoor recipes to set you up for the day and iftar dishes that everyone will enjoy. We have had a love affair with flavourful dishes for years, so this year we’ve teamed up with chef Rohit Ghai from Kutir restaurant in Chelsea, BBC Masterchef winners Shelina Permalloo who runs her successful restaurant Lakaz Maman in Southampton, Saliha Mahmood Ahmed whose book Khazana promotes indo-persian food and Zaleha Kadir Olpin whose Malaysian flavours go down a treat. For some Zanzibari and Omani love, check out Dina’s sugary delight inside. We also have a little special treat by Britain’s leading food vlogger Anisagrams, who holds a silver play button for passing 100,000+ subscribers via Youtube, well done Anisa! This Ramadan, you will not be left hungry.

My Rendang Isn’t Crispy and Other Favourite Malaysian Dishes £15,99 from Amazon

Khazana: An Indo-Persian cookbook with recipes inspired by the Mughals £20.24 from Amazon

Sunshine on a plate £27 from Waterstones

Follow Zaleha on

@zaleha.olpin

Follow Saliha on

@salihacooks

Follow Shelina on

Follow Anisa on

@Anisagrams

Follow Rohit on

@chefrohitghai

Follow Dina on

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@shelinacooks

@dinewithdina

Laal Maas By Chef Rohit Ghai INGREDIENTS 150 gm ghee (clarified butter) or cooking oil 2 no bay leaves 4 pods black cardamom 6 cloves 2 medium whole cinnamon sticks 450 gm onions, finely sliced 100 gm tomato puree 6 no lamb shanks 100gm yogurt 2 tbs Mathania chilli or Kashmiri chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped Salt to taste 1 tsp garam masala powder 1 tbls coriander powder 1 tbls ginger and garlic paste 1 piece of live charcoal Garnish: 1tsp fresh coriander, chopped 1tbls julienne ginger

METHOD 1. 2. 3.

Add the bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon and (Clarified butter) ghee to a deep cooking pan, over a high heat. Add the onions and cook until turn golden brown in color. Add the lamb shanks and sprinkle salt on it, seared evenly from each side.

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Add 1/2 tbsp ginger and garlic paste, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. 5. Add chilli powder and stir well. 6. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, Rest of ginger and garlic paste, Add the mixture and tomato purée to the lamb shanks, ensuring they are evenly covered. 7. Cover with lid simmer and cook Leave on a low heat for 90 minutes or until the meat just starts to come away from the bone 8. Remove from the flame and allow the lamb shanks to cool in the liquid. Remove the shanks using a pair of tongs and strain the cooking liquid into a clean pot. 9. Cook the strained liquid for a further 10 minutes or until reduced to the desired consistency and season to taste with salt. 10. To finish, add the cooked shanks back into the sauce, cover and simmer for a further 15 minutes. Sprinkle with garam masala powder and chopped coriander leaves. 11. Separately, brown 1 tbsp of ghee (clarified butter) and chopped garlic. 12. Combine with the lamb shanks. 13. Place a piece of live charcoal in the Katori and place the Katori in the curry pot then Add 1 tbsp of ghee and the cloves, and cover. 14. Allow the smoke to infuse the lamb curry for three minutes. 15. Remove the charcoal. 16. Serve hot and garnish with fresh coriander and julienne ginger.

www.rohitghai.co.uk 53

Butter Chicken

By Anisa Cooks

Ingredients (adjust to taste) 800g Chicken Fillet Cubed 500g Tomato Passata 2 large Onions Chopped 3 tbls Cooking Oil 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice 1/2 Cup Milk 1/2 cup Double Cream 2 - 3 tblsp Butter 1 tbls Ginger & Garlic Paste 1/2 Cayenne Pepper 1 tsp Coriander Powder 1 tsp Chilli Powder 2 tblsp Tandoori Powder 1 tsp Cumin Powder 1tsp Dried Fenugreek 1 Bayleaf 1/2 tsp Garam Masala Salt & Black Pepper - add to taste Fresh Coriander Leaves 1. 2.

5. 6. 7.

Cook the chicken till a little bit of moisture is left, then add in chilli powder, cayenne pepper, coriander powder, cumin powder, tandoori powder, salt and black pepper. Stir in the spices and then add in the passata and dried fenugreek. Cook on medium heat for 4-5mins. Pour in water, milk and cream and stir in well. Add a couple tablespoons of butter,letting it melt though the sauce, before serving.

The reason we add the cream is that it gives the extra creamier and smooth texture and consistency we all love in an awesome curry! right? However you can mix some water to adjust the consistency to how you and your family prefer it.

In a pot add oil and onions and bay leaf, cook onions till lightly golden. Add the chicken and ginger/garlic paste. Follow us on

Squeeze lemon, and sprinkle over garam masala and chopped coriander Enjoy with rice or naan.

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Here is the recipe: -

2 whole seabass or any fish you prefer, gut, clean and score on both side 1 tsp salt 1 tsp turmeric powder 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Spice Paste

10 dried chillies or 3 tbsp chilli paste 3 cloves of garlic 2 cm ginger 2 cm galangal 1 cm turmeric root or 1 tsp turmeric powder

Seasoning

1 tbsp sugar Half cup coconut milk 4 to 5 lime leaves- thinly sliced 1. 2. 3.

GRILLED SEABASS WITH MANGO SALAD By Zaleha Olpin

This is a very famous dish sold during Ramadhan at the street market back home in Malaysia. This is also one of my favourite dish to go for although the que would go as far as 50 people I will still stand and waited patiently to get my share of the Ikan Bakar as we call it in Malaysia. The fish is usually served with a simple salad made from mango or pineapple and cucumber but my family love to eat them with mango salad. The sweetness from the mango blends nicely with the chilli kick from the sambal paste that we rub onto the fish before cooking them on the barbeque. You can also cook this dish in the oven or grill them on the stovetop if you prefer. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

5. 6.

Rub the fish with turmeric powder and salt and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes Combine spice paste ingredients and pound them into a coarse paste. I used pestle and mortar, but you can also use a hand blender. On a medium flame, heat the vegetable oil in a deep wok or frying pan. Once hot, saute the spice paste and let cook till fragrant and oil separates. Add a little water if it becomes too dry. Now add in the sliced lime leaves, coconut milk, sugar and a little salt. Let cook again till it resembles a thick paste. Let cool before rubbing it on to the fish. Heat up the same pan, cook the fish on each side for four minutes or till cooked through. Serve immediately with plain basmati rice and mango salad.

For the mango salad 1 medium ripe mango, peeled and diced 1 shallot, thinly sliced 1 small red chilli, finely chopped ¼ cup chopped coriander 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves

For the dressing 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp sugar Salt to taste 1/4tsp fish sauce

Mix all the ingredients for the dressing and stir to mix. Add them into the salad just before serving. Enjoy x

CELEBRATE EID with my

1tsp rose extract 50g crushed meringue kisses 50g chopped Turkish delight Decoration Turkish delight 200g 50g pomegranate Edible gold 2 rose buds pink

Turkish Delight Cheesecake By Shelina Permalloo

My Turkish Delight, Pomegranate and Meringue Cheesecake jewelled with Turkish delight and gold leaf the perfect celebration! If you make this tag me in I want to see your creations recipe below:

Meringue kisses 1.

Turkish Delight Cheescake 300 g Digestives 150g salted butter

Cheesecake Filling 500 g Full Fat Cream Cheese 100 g Icing Sugar 300 ml Double Cream 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 100g pomegranate seeds

Whizz up the biscuits into a crumble then add in the melted butter. Stir until thoroughly coated and tumble into a 8inch cake pan with a removable base and refrigerate for 10mins. For the filling whisk the rose extract, cream cheese, vanilla, cream and icing sugar together and then fold in the chopped pieces of Turkish delight, pomegranate. Pour into the cream cheese mixture and flatter with a spatula. Place in the fridge to set overnight ideally. For the decoration top the cake with a Turkish delight pieces, pomegranate, meringues, rose petals and some gold leaf for that extra exuberant decoration for Eid

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Ounde Mauritian Rice Cakes This is a recipe “longtan” (in creole this means old fashioned) it’s so humble and a classic recipe that has passed down from generations of Mauritians. This transforms the grain of rice into something delicious. Typically eaten for breakfast or as a afternoon snack with a lovely cup of Mauritian vanilla tea... It’s perfect for my lockdown cooking recipes because you only need 5 ingredients and this makes 12 - 15 balls Rice 150g Milk150ml (can use vegan m1lk) Sugar 40g Cardamom 1/2tsp Desiccated coconut 3tbsp Top up with 250-300ml water depending on how much you need Method on IGTV

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150g Caster Sugar 2 TSP Ground Cardamom 50g (5 TBSP) Corn Flour

Hibiscus Jelly 50g Hibiscus Leaves 400ml Water 1 TBSP Corn Flour 1 TBSP Caster Sugar Caramelised Pistachio

Topping 40g Pistachios 20g Brown Sugar 1 TSP of crushed Sea Salt Serves 6 Cooking Time: 20mins Setting Time: 2hrs *I use 6 x 150ml dessert glasses

Method

Coconut & Cardamom Milk Pudding with Hibiscus Jelly & Caramelised Pistachios By Dine with Dina

A pudding that I would despise as a child became a favourite of mine and I appreciate flavours & food more then ever before. Milk Pudding also known as Muhalabia in Oman (and the middle east) is the perfect accompaniment to any iftar. Especially when the sun is shining and we are craving something chilled, this dessert balances that need for sweet and refreshing all at the same time. Typically, served on it’s own or with the additions of a sprinkle of pistachios, I have found the balance in which I most enjoy this pudding and with the addition to my Hibiscus jelly and salted caramelised pistachios, you just can’t go wrong. Cooling, Sweet, Sour and Salty – I mean what more could you ask for. The Zanzibari in me couldn’t resist using coconut milk. However, through the same measurements & method you can still use any dairy milk. This isn’t a difficult recipe but it’s super important to give it time on the stove and enough time to chill, with that little bit of patience you’ll enjoy a perfect dessert for your Iftar. Sahtein. (Bon appétit)

Ingredients Milk Pudding 800ml Coconut Milk

Combine all of the milk pudding ingredients in a saucepan and place on a high heat. 2. Once the mixture begins to bubble reduce to a medium to low heat so that it simmers. 3. Make sure to keep stirring the mixture; otherwise it will stick to the bottom. 4. After 10 minutes you should notice the milk begins to thicken. At this point reduce the temperature even more and leave to boil till the liquid has evaporated slightly and thickened further. Stir occasionally. 5. After 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and distribute evenly between your pudding glasses*. 6. Leave to cool to room temperature, then place in the fridge till it is firm. 7. Boil the Hibiscus leaves in the water for 5 minutes. This will allow the flowers to steep and infuse the water. 8. Discard the flowers and then add the cornflour & sugar to the infused water and whisk well to make sure there are no lumps. 9. Reduce the temperature to a medium heat and stir continuously till thickened, yet still has a enough consistency to pour. 10. Pour evenly over the milk puddings, leave to cool then place in the fridge. 11. In a frying pan add the brown sugar & a splash of oil and melt on a low heat. 12. Finely chop the pistachios and add to the melted sugar, coating them well. 13. Turn the heat up slightly higher, sprinkle your sea salt over and keep stirring until the pistachios brown and crystallise. 14. Take off the heat, leave to cool then sprinkle on top of your puddings. Follow me via Instagram: @dinewithdina

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Dates with Honeycomb & Clotted Cream Serves 4 140g clotted cream 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 500g soft dates, e.g Medjool Handful of whole almonds ( 1-2 almonds per date), dryroasted 1 tablespoon pistachios, dry-roasted and chopped, to decorate

For the Honeycomb

100g caster sugar 100g liquid glucose ( look in the backing aisle of supermarket) 8g bicarbonate of soda This is a fantastic little treat to go with a cup of Coffey. The honeycomb and almonds give these bite-sized delights the most wonderful crunch. 1.

Mango Date & Fennel Lassi By Saliha Mahmood Ahmed Serves 4 6 Medjool dates 120ml tinned Alphonso mango pulp 1 heaped teaspoon fennel seeds 300ml buttermilk 200ml natural yoghurt 6 ice cubes 4 tablespoons good quality date syrup, such as Basra (Optional) 1.

Put the dates into a blender together with the mango pulp, fennel seeds, buttermilk, natural yoghurt and ice cubes and blitz to a smooth purée. Strain the lassi through a sieve to remove and large pieces of date skin or fennel seeds that have escaped blending.

Spoon the date syrup, if using, around the edges of the serving glasses. Gently pour the mango lassi and serve.

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First make the honeycomb. Put the caster sugar, liquid glucose and golden syrup into a pan and place over a medium heat until a deep golden brown caramel forms, swirling the pan occasionally so that the mixture colours evenly. Take the pan off the heat and scatter over the bicarbonate of soda. The mixture will froth up immediately. Pour the frothing mixture quickly onto a piece of baking parchment or a silicone sheet. Allow the mixture to cool and once it is completely hard, break into pieces. Put the clotted cream into a bowl with the cardamom and stir well to combine. Remove the stone from each date and stuff each one with clotted cream. Gently push and almond into the cream centre of the dates. Decorate the dates with chunks of honeycomb and some chopped pistachios for colour. (Don’t add the honeycomb until just before serving, so that it stays crisp)

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‘Let’s celebrate our Deen!’

Learn all about the basics of Islam while having loads of fun with your family and friends! Discover, play and learn, with a journey through the pillars of Islam, pillars of Iman, Quran, Sunnah and Muslim Manners. Can you beat your friends, classmates or parents at all five difficulty levels? References from the Quran and Hadith are given so you learn more about Islam with every flip of the card.

Eid 2020 gift ideas what will you buy your loved ones?

$25.46 from us.zileej.com

After a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, Muslims will gather to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan. Nowadays, we’re all gifting for Eid and many friends and family exchange presents as well as Eidi (Money). From personalised products to food purchases, which will help raise money for charity, here’s our guide to Eid gifts you can buy your loved ones.

Eid Mubarak Greeting Card

A quirky design Eid Mubarak greeting card. Designed by Ibadah London, and made in the UK using premium quality card. Approximately 15 x 15 cm. Blank inside for your own personal message and complete with white envelope. Made in Britain.

£1.99 from www.ibadahlondon.com

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Engraved Train Sadaqah Fund Square Money Box

Personalise this square sadaqa money box. A wonderful way to learn about sadaqah (charity) at an early age. Makes a beautiful gift.

£19.99 from www.sahihgifts.com

PREMIUM HALAL SKINCARE Start your skin Renaissance experience with NUME-Lab Switzerland, a premium brand that formulates high efficacy products Halal certified. An innovative SPA treatment based on snail mucus extract, skin is left feeling luminous, smooth and revitalised following use.

STUDIO

Ramadan Special Offer

30% off using promo code RAM30

www.nume-lab.com

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www.qalam.studio

IN ASSOCIATION WITH Ramadan Activity Book (Little Kids)

This incredible book uses fun activities to introduce, intrigue and advance learning about the key topics of Ramadan in a child’s modern environment. But most of all, your child will be left reeling with excitement about Ramadan.

‘Let’s celebrate our Deen!’ Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera with 10 Shots of Film, Built-In Flash & Hand Strap, Ice Blue The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

£8.99 from www.learningroots.com

is a camera which delivers instant photos, and instant fun. With its Fujinon lens, Instax Mini Film and flash, the camera produces attractive and accurate images which can be printed instantly using Fujifilm’s integrated film and its very own developing technology.

£64.99 from www.johnlewis.com

myFirst Sketch

Little creatives will love drawing on this cool sketchpad with the fine tip stylus. The pad comes in three different colourways and sizes (8.5”, 10”, 12”), has a pressure-sensitive LCD screen and one-key erase feature. To keep drawings safe and avoid any accidental scribbles whilst on the go.

£25,00 from WWW.ARGOS.COM

Esse Aromas is a contemporary home fragrance brand! Our vision

is to innovate tradition with combining the beautiful complex scent of Oud with a range of contemporary scents such as jasmine and bergamot. For Eid this year why not try gifting our incense sticks! They come in a pack of 20, are made with 100% natural materials and they smell beautiful!’

You can buy our entire product range via our website at www.esse-aromas.com

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Beautiful delicate fine bone china mugs with hand painted gold handle and rim. Adorned with modern Arabic ink calligraphy designed by a renowned calligraphy artist. The calligraphy design reads Al-Khabir in Arabic meaning “The All Aware” and Al-Hub in Arabic meaning “Love”.

Price is £25 for a set of two from www.safarlondon.co.uk/

ABID AMBRE by Sunna Musk

Abid Ambre a deep, warm and devastatingly elegant fragrance which arouses the senses. Its one of Sunnamusk’s all-time best selling scents and for good reason! Abid Ambre is a modern, classic, signature scent. While it is mellow enough to be worn in the day time, the scent really comes into its own in a formal or intimate evening setting. With moderate projection and excellent longevity, the fragrance is office appropriate too, but do expect to be showered in compliments! Experience Abid Ambre yourself to see why it is one of Sunnamusk’s best loved, top selling unisex fragrance.

£50,00 from sunnamusk.com/ abid-ambre.html

Rose & Oud Complete Home Gift Set

Complete Home Gift Set in a gift box including: 1.Classic Rose and Oud Candle with 28 hours burn time 2.Rose and Oud 130ml Reed diffuser - lasts approx 4 months. 3.Rose and Oud Home spray - 100ml 4.Rose and Oud Scent Card

£65.00 from www.nuhrhome.com

Certified Organic Lipstick Crayon Trio

Be the first to review this product Valued at over £54 Save £20! Creamy on application, with a long-lasting finish, these colour-rich Certified Organic Lipstick Crayons are a must for defining and accentuating lips. Colours include Nude, Garnet and Red Brick. Certified Organic Coconut Oil and Carnuaba Wax deliver nourishing properties to lips

without caking or drying. Use as a lip colour, lip liner or to add a just-kissed stain. Includes sharpener - just insert crayon and turn gently for a sharp finish.

£34.00 from www.inikaorganic.com

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FENDIBABY BROWN COTTON FF LOGO ROMPER

Fendi baby brown romper featuring the Zucca print throughout, ribbed neckline and cuffs, embossed buttons on the inner leg and on the reverse.

£430.00 from www.childsplayclothing.co.uk

Little Muslim Dolls is a hand painted educational resource., helping to promote diversity and inclusion. Products are available in all skin tones and reflective of multiple nationalities as well. Our aim is to instil pride in identity for our youth and strengthen their love of Islam through imaginative play!

$9 per doll from www.littlemuslimdolls.etsy.com Pack of 12 Manilla Eid Mubarak Money & Sweets Paper Party Bags

Pack of 12 manilla Eid Mubarak paper party bags, perfect for money, sweets or small toys during the Holy month. Metallic gold embossed detailing

£3.99 from www.eidparty.co.uk

Blunt Envy Prodigy S8 Stunt Scooter – Jade.

This 2020 release has once again stepped up the game with 6 fresh colourways and quality components. A perfect scooter for the intermediate to advanced rider ready to progress their riding to the next level.

HUSNA AND THE EID PARTY By Fawzia Gilani

£198.95 from www.skates.co.uk

Everyone loves to be invited to an Eid party, so when Husna hears about Maryam’s party she can’t wait to get her invitation. Throughout the week Husna tries to get Maryam’s attention to see if she can remind her, but, every time she does, something gets in her way. Husna begins to wonder if she’ll ever be invited to Maryam’s party.

‘Let’s celebrate our Deen!’

£5.99 from www.amazon.com 64

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Prophetic Healing with Black seed

Popularly known as Kalonji oil, Black Seed Oil is extracted from the Nigella Sativa plant, which is mostly grown in Asia. Abdullah Naki Seyfettin Goodwin, the founder of The Blessed Seed explains why it’s becoming such a popular choice around the world. Our Beloved Holy Prophet (SWS) said: “Hold on to the use of the black seed for it has a remedy for every disease except death.” We started in 2002 and the response we have from our customers verifies his words. This works literally for everything. Hz Ali (AS) said if you do anything for Allah T’Allah do it as if you may die in the next moment. A certain amount of our earnings are given to charity. In Ramadan we will send 5000GBP to Africa. We funded 60% of the building of a mosque in the war torn Bosnia. We will also be funding a mosque in Turkey. Hz Ali (AS) said if you do anything for this world do it as though it will last forever. The Blessed Seed stand out from other companies by having 4 different strengths of blackseed oil. This is pure cold pressed oil with no additives. It is measured by the content of volatile oil which science has confirmed are so significant in the black seeds capabilities. Most oil on the market has a content of about 1%. We also cultivate the seeds ourselves organically and have the strongest black seed oil in the world at 6.3% with a thymoquinone content of 3.52%. We also offer the most exquisite hand made black seed beauty products with all natural ingredients which include a beautiful face mask with a delicate balance of black seed oil and rhassoul, bentonite, and kaolin clays. Or you may want to try our luxury rose, argan and black seed oil ideal for skin and hair repair. We offer a beautiful face cream which does not leave the skin feeling greasy and helps remove The strongest black blemishes. seed oil in the world www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Selimiye Mosque in Kakanja Bosnia (60% funded by the Blessed Seed)

We cultivate the seeds ourselves organically and have the strongest black seed oil in the world at 6.3%. Our most exciting product is our vapour rub which unlike most well known vapour rubs uses beeswax instead of petro chemicals as a base. We are a member of the Guild of Craft Soap & Toiletry Makers which set strict requirements before passing these products. All in all these are the perfect Eid gifts for a special end to Ramadan. We offer a unique organic blackseed honey produced in the Miombo forests 200kms away from any civilisation making it the king of organic honeys with a unique flavour that people love. And we have a full 1 year money back guarantee, no questions asked. Discounts also available on multi buys and for first time buyers.

www.theblessedseed.com 65

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Mulberry Small Antony Grain Veg Tanned Leather Satchel, Black

In grained veg tanned leather, the Antony from Mulberry is a timeless satchel designed to effortlessly combine function and style. Featuring an adjustable canvas strap that can be worn across the body or over the shoulder, the front flap showcases the brands iconic Postman’s Lock detailing. The interior is unlined and spacious and a slip pocket under the flap offers additional storage.

‘Let’s celebrate our Deen!’

£495.00 from www.johnlewis.com EID MUBARAK COUTURE 12

With 12 gorgeous and different chocolates including fresh ganaches, pralines, caramels and pate de fruits layered chocolates, classical or whimsical, the only decision you need to take is whether or not you are prepared to share! Includes the Eid Mubarak sleeve.

£16.50 from www.artisanduchocolat.com

Quran Moon Lamp - Original

The Quran Moon Lamp is a special bluetooth speaker featuring Duas (prayers), Hadith, Nasheeds and Quran recitation from 17 world-renowned reciters and translation in 15 unique languages. The perfect gift for any child or adult to relax with ambient mood lighting, practice reciting Quran, learn new duas and listen to hadith at the comfort if your home.

The Majestic Quran

This reader-friendly presentation of the translation of the Quran will help you to understand the topic you are reading, and learn the moving and transformative message of the Quran. There are 1500 sections with headings. The infallible word of Allah is a literary masterpiece of breathtaking beauty, revealed by the Most Gracious and Loving Lord in an authoritative yet gentle, poetic language. This refreshing and beautiful presentation of the message of the glorious Quran is accurate, and reads easily and flows smoothly. The notes help to explain special Islamic concepts and Quranic terms, as well as Arabic metaphors and idioms. This landmark translation will appeal to English readers globally.

£19.99 from www.majesticquran.co.uk 66

£35.00 from www.anafiya.com

Share the joy this Eid by giving an orphaned or disadvantaged child a gift through Muslim Hands.

Your donation will be used to buy practical items such as a school bag or equipment, together with items designed to bring a smile such as toys and sweets. The gifts are distributed on the days of Eid to families identified by our local staff in the field.

£20.00 from www.muslimhands.org.uk Follow us on

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Self care during Ramadan 4 tips to get you through Ramadan

Ramadan is a perfect opportunity for praying, self reflect and remembering Allah (swt).

Ramadan is the most important month in the Muslim calendar. This month is a sacred month where Muslims will fast worldwide and they have the opportunity to reflect on their spiritual connection with Allah (swt).

Check out our top 4 tips on keeping your mind and body afloat. Ramadan Breathe During fasting your mouth produces less saliva, so brush and floss regularly or try using a tongue scraper.

Dry hands

Power napping A 30 – 40 minute powernap during the day will surprisingly refresh you and help you wake up for namaz (prayers) and pre-dawn meals.

Hydration is key Make sure you hydrate during Sehri (pre-dawn meal) by drinking plenty of water. Avoid caffeine, which can dehydrate you and affect your sleep pattern. Try to eat fluid rich food such as soups, watermelons and yoghurt, as this will help keep you hydrated during the month of Ramadan.

Washing your hands five times a day during Wudū can dry out your skin. Its important to take care of your hands and to keep them hydrated throughout the day. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Sei Sorelle Modest Swimwear has arrived! Sei Sorelle translates to Six Sisters in Italian. And that’s how this all started, six sisters with a passion for fashion and family, trying to find a project to keep it like old times whilst navigating careers, relocations, weddings and children. We aspired to create an eco-friendly full coverage swimwear line and are proud to partner with ECONYL. Our products are manufactured from luxury Italian fabric sourced from discarded fishing nets and plastic reclaimed from landfills and oceans. We’re turning waste issues into fashion solutions. The six of us, are at different stages of life which has allowed us to fuse our eclectic ideas to create designs that flatter a range of body shapes and not only make us look and feel our best but are also practical. Our mission is to ensure no matter what your needs are, whether its jet skiing one minute or making sandcastles with your little ones the next, we’ve got you covered! But we have not stopped there! Our mini me collection encapsulates a range of swimwear for your little ecofriendly warriors, ranging from seven to fourteen years, without compromising style or substance. We are here to join the movement and are excited to clean the ocean one swimsuit at a time. ‘’The concept is simple, we love all things fashion, but every day brings an increased awareness that we must strive to live more sustainably to leave the planet in a sound state for our children. This coupled with a passion for modest clothing led us to conceive our innovative start-up - Sei Sorelle Swimwear. We wanted to be a part of the solution, and our first collection has already removed more than half a tonne of plastic from the ocean’’ – Aneesa Zaman.

New Kids range now available

Instagram: Seisorelleswimwear Facebook: Sei Sorelle Swim Website: www.seisorelle.com 68

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Quick ways to make your garden bloom this summer

With staycations in vogue, making gardens more attractive and productive is definitely a good idea. Words: Angela Youngman After all, we are all spending much more time in them! You don’t need green fingers or massive makeovers to create an instant improvement. Just a bit of time and effort. Whether your garden is big or small, or if you are confined to window boxes and patios, adding colour and greenery will immediately make it much more pleasant and relaxing. Adding some bedding plants like petunias, marigolds, cornflowers and lobelia will instantly bring some extra colour into spare corners of the garden, or planting up in pots for the patio. Check out garden centres – both online and in person – for a good choice of plants. Annual bedding plants do best in sunny areas, but do

make sure you give them plenty of water when planting, as well as during dry periods throughout the summer. If your soil is naturally dry, it is worth improving it by digging in some mulch or compost and topping with gravel or bark to encourage water retention. Gravel and bark reduce the amount of moisture lost at times of high temperatures. Any grey leaved plants like lavender or Helichrysum (often known as the curry plant due to the scent of its leaves) will do well in dry areas, as will sedums, stachys byzantina, knautia, agapanthus, allium and Foxtail lilies. These are plants that naturally keep a lot of moisture in their leaves and have really pretty flowers throughout most of the summer. All are

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perennials, which means that once planted they will re-emerge year after year and create large clumps. All you do need to do with perennials is to cut down the old growth during the winter, and give them a little plant food. Remove any grass growing around them, along with any weeds and always keep the surrounding soil loose so that rain will pass through the soil and reach the plants’ roots. Most flowering plants will cope with some shade, especially dappled shade cast by trees and large shrubs. The tall spikes of foxgloves are ideal, as are the more delicate bell shaped flowers of Lungwort, Tiarella and Astilbe. Even in June, it is not too late to plant some vegetables and herbs for use in the kitchen. These can be planted straight into the soil within the garden, or in pots to be kept on the patio. If using pots, vegetables will do better in larger pots, allowing them to develop good root systems. Any variety of lettuce can be planted throughout the summer. It is best to plant a small amount of seed at a time, as lettuce will grow quickly. There are varieties described on packets as ‘cut and come again’ which allow

leaves to be harvested at least three or four times before you need to sow some more seed. Larger lettuce varieties such as Cos lettuce need to be allowed to grow for at least a month before harvesting. Radishes and turnips also grow quickly after sowing – generally you need to allow at least six weeks before harvesting if you want larger roots. Pea shoots have become a fashionable food, and can be grown quite quickly. A packet of peas will often contain 30 or more seeds. Plant them in pots or corners of the garden and keep well watered. They will need support as they grow quite quickly, so make sure there are some stakes ready for them to grow against. Once they start putting out large side shoots, you can begin harvesting the shoots. If you leave them, they will flower and pea pods will form ready for harvesting late summer. It is also worth considering perennial herbs such as lovage and sorrel which are great for use as green salad leaves. Lovage stalks can also be eaten. Once these plants have established themselves, they will provide a great supply of leaves year after year with very little effort. Mint is a popular herb for seasoning meals, and

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or fruit bushes like blackberry and raspberry are best purchased in the spring, although you may find some pot grown versions still in the garden centres. If you are planting trees, you will need to keep them well watered throughout the summer. Before planting, check out the roots. Gently tease out any roots that are circling round so to encourage them to spread and grow deeply into the soil. This will ultimately enable them to develop strong roots able to withstand dry periods.

Most flowering plants will cope with some shade, especially dappled shade cast by trees and large shrubs.

there are lots of different varieties available including lemon and ginger, but it can be invasive. If your garden is small, growing mint in pots is a good idea! Beetroot seeds can be sown in June, but don’t expect any crops until the autumn, whilst June sown Dwarf French beans and courgettes should have some crops in late August. Growing tomato or pepper plants from seed is possible, but they will not provide crops until the autumn so will need protection in a greenhouse, and in our climate will only fruit for a short period. Local gardeners and garden centres often have a few tomato plants available in June which can be planted directly into the garden or kept in a greenhouse. Such plants will provide fruit much more quickly. Check out garden centres for any last minute vegetable plants – in June and early July they will often have some pre-grown plants available such as courgettes and cabbages. Thomson & Morgan recommend growing squash in June, and have some great varieties available. If fruit is your preference, you may find that not much is immediately available. Trees such as apple and pear, www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Gardening doesn’t have to be costly – you don’t need to buy lots of new equipment. If you need a mower – opt for a mulching mower as it automatically chops grass into tiny pieces and allows it to return to the soil, making it more fertile and reducing the need for watering! Placing water butts around sides of the house or shed will allow rainwater to be stored for later use on the garden. In really dry weather, you can reuse cooled cooking water and rinsing water on the garden. Many of the items around your home can be repurposed in the garden. Cardboard toilet roll containers make ideal seed growing containers – as soon as the roots start peeking through, simply bury the whole container into the ground. It will automatically decompose into the soil while the plant grows. An old rotary washing line turned upside down makes a great support for runner beans. Allow some space in a corner of your garden for a compost bin, and use this for grass clippings, small branches and wood pruning, dead or dying plant growth, as well as kitchen waste such as vegetable peelings and tea bags. Don’t put meat or bones in the compost as these will attract vermin. Keep the compost moist and turn it regularly. It will eventually turn into a black soil like mixture which you can then spread on the garden. If you are hesitant about basic gardening techniques check out https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/get-growing which offers lots of advice, and easy to follow instructions for different tasks whether planting a shrub, mowing the lawn or making a raised bed.

Her way to the top

Business Woman, CEO and Author of ‘Her way to the Top’ talks to Tahira Khan about the Internal Challenges of Imposter Syndrome and the fears that branch out from this fear. Not only that, she has been training many women in Pakistan and launched her own coaching company called ‘Advancing Yourself’. Although Hira has been working on many successful projects throughout Asia, her debut book launch of “Her Way to the top” gets a firm grip at smashing the glass ceiling. We managed to catch up over the Southbank to find out how she managed to smash her way to the top.

Tell me about your transition into the UK, your business ventures and your new book? I moved to London after living a luxurious life in

Pakistan, I wouldn’t have dared to relocate on my own three and half years ago. I was very ambitious with my coaching business and so my husband said why don’t you start writing a book? That was the point when I started to realise that there were still many challenges that women were facing over imposter syndrome, not just in Asia, but in the Middle East, and India. I conducted a survey and started writing, I was featured in the Huffington Post, and since then lots of media coverage has been put in place as a result of that article. From then I partnered with an Afro-Caribbean lady and launched a specialised training, consulting and coaching programme for women stuck in a ‘grey area ‘. One thing I discovered in this book

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was all the challenges that are faced by women globally and that this also affects all of the ethnic minority men too; such as the imposter syndrome. That’s why ‘The Grey Area’ was launched, in order to acknowledge men too from ethic minority backgrounds not just women. Black History month and the NHS also supported us with the venture. One thing we have coming up in September 2020, therefore, is ‘the grey area’. Last year, however, we launched the event in the Maldives and in the Middle East and next year we are hoping to launch in the Far East near China. When we talk about Asian people, its either South Asian or Asian as in Chinese or Oriental.

I found the concept of ‘FOMO’ (The Fear of missing out) really interesting, give me a snapshot about this that you talk about in your new book? I found that, particularly with Asian women, their challenges were more external and more in the ‘fear of missing out - FOMO’. A lot of the women from Pakistan seem to be at loggerheads, especially in Major cities such as Karachi. I couldn’t get much support from the Asian women to be honest as they felt like they needed a piece of the pie too. If we look at this historically, however, we know that Islam gave rights to women 1,400 years ago (E.G Hazrat Ayesha) and she had the coolest husband our Prophet (pbuh). There is still some bias that portrays a positive image of men, who can also be liberal, but in my opinion it’s best to stay away from religion as it’s treading a fine line; for example ” I can wear whatever I want, as long as I do all my prayers and intend to practice the five pillars of Islam”. In my opinion it’s not up to us to judge, and they have the right to choose to do what they want. It’s best that you leave religion alone throughout Asia, then feminism is safer because you just retreat.

How do you see the role of women from a religious viewpoint? The role of women was elevated from the Islamic religion and I was discussing this with a non-Muslim woman; that the wife isn’t entitled to give any of her earnings to the husband, she didn’t know this and was so surprised that she could take money from the husband and said that’s brilliant, it’s a gradual process of changing perceptions to be honest. Our Prophet (pbuh) came along and changed so many things for women and even non Muslim women see the respect and wisdom in this, whereas throughout preIslamic times girls used to get buried and burnt alive.

What are your internal challenges? (Laughs) Learning to say no, I am still working on that, we don’t want to be rude and are conditioned to be people pleasers. This is where the imposter syndrome breeds from, perfectionism, because people are so reluctant and shy which makes them vulnerable. If it adds value, you have to learn to say no, if you don’t then you will struggle to say no, but you don’t have to be www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

....her debut book launch of “Her Way to the top” gets a firm grip at smashing the glass ceiling.

rude, you can say it in the politest way. We should all be creating healthy boundaries and that’s the reason we have rigid poverty because these challenges are all interlinked. Once we master our internal challenges then we can master the external challenges. There were many things I didn’t know when I moved to UK, like British etiquette, that took me some time to learn as well as speaking English which I can now speak fluently, thank god, so that’s not a huge concern for me anymore.

Tahira Khan with Hira Ali

BOOKS | READING CORNER

The Library

Find a comfy chair and settle down with one these books, which will bring a little inspiration to you wherever you are in the world Reclaim your heart by Yasmin Mogahed, £13,29 from Amazon Reclaim Your Heart is not just a self-help book. It is a manual about the journey of the heart in and out of the ocean of this life. It is a book about how to keep your heart from sinking to the depths of that ocean, and what to do when it does. It is a book about redemption, about hope, about renewal. Every heart can heal, and each moment is created to bring us closer to that transformative return. Reclaim Your Heart is about finding that moment when everything stops and suddenly looks different. It is about finding your own awakening. And then returning to the better, truer, and freer version of yourself. Many of us live our lives, entrapped by the same repeated patterns of heartbreak and disappointment. Many of us have no idea why this happens. Reclaim Your Heart is about freeing the heart from this slavery. It is about the journey in an out of life’s most deceptive traps. This book was written to awaken the heart and provide a new perspective on love, loss, happiness, and pain. Providing a manual of sorts, Reclaim Your Heart will teach readers how to live in this life without allowing life to own you. It is a manual of how to protect your most prized possession: the heart.

working women explores FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out), Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism and sexual harassment, among other issues. She moves beyond problems and empowers her readers with real solutions to help them break the glass ceiling. Written by a successful career woman for the benefit of career women around the world, Her Way to the Top demonstrates that women are all in this together, and together they can make a difference for each other. Revive Your Heart by Nouman Ali Khan - £10.99 from Amazon This collection of essays is disarmingly simple, yet it challenges us to change. To revise our actions, our assumptions and our beliefs so we can be transformed from within, as well as externally. It aims to help modern Muslims maintain a spiritual connection with Allah and to address the challenges facing believers today: the disunity in the Muslim community, terrorists acting in the name of Islam, and the disconnection with Allah. These challenges and more are tackled by Nouman Ali Khan, with his profound engagement with the Qur’an, in his trademark voice that is sought out by millions of Muslims on a daily basis.

Her way to the Top: A guide to smashing the glass ceiling by Hira Ali, £14.99 from Amazon

10 Steps to Getting & Staying Married by Ajmal Masroor –£6.99 from Barefoot Institute

Award-winning Hira Ali examines the myriad of challenges women face on their road to professional success. Informed by her 13 years of coaching experience and survey responses from 300 working women, she reveals the universal internal and external roadblocks that can impede a woman’s climb to the top, regardless of her culture or geography. This go-to guide for

Islam is a conscious faith, a lifestyle choice and an intelligent belief system. Thus, its approach to marriage is also based on sensible, sensitive and sophisticated guidelines. Marriage chances people and marriage changes over time, It offers a safe space for growth and readjustments.

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This book looks at marriage and offers practical, sensible and intelligent solutions based on classical Islamic teachings, contemporary scientific research & relationship expertise. You must be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, £6.99 from Penguin Books If you want to invent something nobody has ever thought of before, you need to read the things that others don’t read, look in the spaces other people are not in...’ Layla believes she was right to stand up for herself against a bully, but it’s landed her a suspension not the way she (or her parents) would have wished to begin her time at her fancy new school! This is just a setback though, and she’s determined to prove that she does deserve her scholarship by making new friends and setting her sights on inventing something that could win the big robotics competition. But where to begin? Modesty – A Fashion Paradox by Hafsa Lodi – $9.99 from Neem Tree Press Modest fashion has been gaining momentum in the mainstream global fashion industry over the past half-decade and is now a multi-billion-dollar retail sector. Its growing and now consistent appearance on high-profile fashion runways, on celebrities and in the headlines of fashion publications and news outlets, has shown that the modest fashion movement is hugely relevant to consumers. This is particularly true for millennial’s who are attracted to the feminist influences behind concealing your body, follow faith-based dress codes, or are attuned to social media, where more and more modest fashion bloggers are using imagery to inspire their followers. While the movement can credit European high fashion houses, like Gucci, for making conservative dresses and layering “in style” and “on trend,” and subsequent Western labels like DKNY, H&M and Mango for dabbling in the realm of modest wear, it is the newly emerging group of faith-influenced fashion brands who are driving the revolution, along with a new crop of Muslim fashion bloggers. This book speaks to the various personalities and companies who have helped shape the modest fashion industry into such a significant retail sector, while also www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

exploring the controversies that lie at the heart of the movement, such as one pressing question: even if it covers the skin but is flamboyant, modelled with the purpose of attracting attention, and publicly promoted on social media, can fashion truly be modest? How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, £6.99 from Amazon. Millions of people around the world have improved their lives based on the teachings of Dale Carnegie. In How to Win Friends and Influence People, he offers practical advice and techniques, in his exuberant and conversational style, for how to get out of a mental rut and make life more rewarding. His advice has stood the test of time and will teach you how to: - make friends quickly and easily - increase your popularity - persuade people to follow your way of thinking - enable you to win new clients and customers - become a better speaker - boost enthusiasm among your colleagues This classic book will turn your relationships around and improve your interactions with everyone in your life. Allah Loves… by Omar Suleiman £9.99 from Amazon In Allah Loves… Omar Suleiman explores who and what Allah loves so that we may become one of those who are beloved to Him. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that one of the supplications of Prophet Dawud was, “O Allah I ask You for Your love and the love of those that love You and all of those actions that would bring me closer to being loved by you.” Looking at our actions, characteristics and beliefs, this book will help us become better people, citizens and believers that are deserving of Allah’s endless, infinite and ever-lasting love. Made up of 30 short and spiritually enriching chapters, this book is a reminder that throughout our lives, the Creator’s love is always there, increasing through everyday actions such as showing generosity or remaining consistent with unnoticeable good deeds.

Ramadan Wordsearch By Faiza Khan / www.islamicresources4teaching.com

1. Ramadan is the _ _ _ _ _ month of the Islamiccalendar. 2. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _ is equal in reward to 1000months. 3. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is the evening meal with which Muslims open their fast. 4. The first 10 days of Ramadan are the days of _ _ _ _ _. 5. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is locked up during Ramadan. 6. The gates of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ are open and the gates of _ _ _ _ are closed. 7. Muslims are encouraged to give _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ during Ramadan. 8. _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _is a day of celebration which takes place at the end of Ramadan. 78

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T H E E XC L U S I V E T U R B A N

Autumn - Winter 19/20

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