EDITOR’S LETTER Salaam valued battuta readers, and welcome to our fifth issue of battuta, our halal travel e - magazine. Battuta was first published in May 2020, at the height of the pandemic. Looking back, it is only fitting to dedicate our first-anniversary issue to all those who think differently, those who flourish in chaotic, unpredictable times and welcome uncertainty without fear. The origin and intentionality behind our name, battuta, is simple: battuta stands to inspire Muslims to travel and discover our world without compromising our religious values. While the core of battuta stays the same, we came up with fresh ideas, fresh thinking that will rightly position battuta as a bolder, braver, and more diverse magazine fostering relationships with global players in the Halal industry, thereby serving as a platform for learning and inspiration.
Managing Editor Haifa A Hussein
To begin with, Dr. Mehmet N. Akkurt, HalalTravel’s Team Lead, will give us an update about the Company’s activities, followed by the launching of Nadia A.’s very first Travel in Style project - a collaborative effort with major players in the Modest Fashion sphere. In this issue’s “Explore a Mystery” series, Nafisakhon Bosimova uncovers the mysteries of the Taj Mahal, a universally admired masterpiece. Then, our Spotlight section will feature Modanisa, pioneers of the Modest Fashion Industry. Um Akram shines the spotlight on global Muslim companies and inspiring people, like Kerim Ture, Co-Founder & CEO of Modanisa, who serve as role models for generations to come. Rehnumah Insan, the_travelette, is a lawyer, dedicated traveler, blogger, and photographer who believes beautiful places deserve beautiful outfits. You wouldn’t want to miss our Q&A with her. Sara Salih advocates for personal development, emotional healing and mental health and her article, Life Adventures, is a page turner that provides valuable relationship advice for newlyweds. Still, the knowledge she shares is practical and relevant to all married couples. While the HalalTravels Experts highlight the Top 4 Muslim - Friendly Honeymoon Destinations, Inspire_Ihsan will deliberate on the Mediterranean Diet. Later in the issue, Dr. Tausif Malik, founder of Halal Angels Network, provides us with potent reminders about what constitutes Halal. As an expert in the field, he will also share some projections about the Halal Consumer Market. Finally, Muhtar Emirguliyev has exciting and very encouraging Halal Tourism News to share with us. So, now it is over to you, feel free to get in touch on Twitter @ halaltravelscom or email us at blog@halaltravels.com and let us know how we are doing? We would love to hear from you. Enjoy your reading and have a wonderful summer, insha’Allah.
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Editor in Chief Mehmet N. Akkurt Managing Editor Haifa Hussein Art Director Vefa Yabanigul Graphic Designer Yusuf Tezel Writers Nadia A. Nafisakhon Bosimova Um Akram Sara Salih Inspire Ihsan Muhtar Emirguliyev Contributors Rehnumah Insan Dr. Tausif Malik
CONTENTS:
Travel in Style Fashion has always been very special to me, and I always thought it was an exceptional form of art. After watching...
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Explore a Mystery: The Taj Mahal What does this magnificent building symbolize, which became a real miracle of engineering of its time?
Travel in Style
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Explore a Mystery: The Taj Mahal
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Spotlight: Modanisa
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Traveler’s Trivia
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Q&A with a Muslim Influencer: Rehnumah Insan
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Top 4 Muslim Friendly Honeymoon Destinations
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Life Adventures
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The Mediterranean Diet
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Halal Tourism Business Dr. Tausif Malik
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Halal Tourism News Muhtar Emirguliyev
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G E T I N TO U C H Advertisement & Enquiries vyabanigul@HalalTravels.com
26 Q&A - Rehnumah Insan Our guest influencer for this issue of Battuta is Rehnumah Insan ( the_travelette ), a lawyer by profession...
Editorial blog@HalalTravels.com
General info@HalalTravels.com
IN SOCIAL MEDIA @HalalTravelscom
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HalalTravels.com - Company Updates Allow me to start by thanking you, valued readers, for your continuing interest and support for HalalTravels and for sharing this incredible journey with us. I have exciting news to share with you as we have been working hard as a team to bring HalalTravels closer to our vision day by day. Our team’s commitment allows HalalTravels to continuously achieve success and receive appreciation from Customers and Industry Professionals. Thus, HalalTravels was listed among the Top London-based Travel Agency Companies released by BestStartup.co.uk. The first news I wanted to share also necessitates a BIG thank you. Generous donations from battuta readers, followers on various social media platforms, and our Halaltravels team allowed our “Clean Water for All” project with Launchgood to result in success. We raised double the targeted amount. Second, I am happy to share that HalalTravels Experts are working toward expanding our handpicked inventory of Muslim-friendly accommodation options. As of June, we have increased the number of contracts with Muslim-friendly resorts, which allows us to continue providing you with the best deals along with a memorable halal travel experience. Lastly, current market research indicates customers need individualized agent support more than ever due to circumstances. Thus, we initiated our WhatsApp Reservation Support System. The System has received a lot of attention and positive feedback from our customers. Customers appreciated having a personal agent who instantly responded to their questions, allowing them to book with ease of mind. Let me conclude by saying that we will continue to be a company that is “for customers.” Stay inspired!
HalalTravels.com’s Team Lead Mehmet N. Akkurt, PhD
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Travel in Style By: Nadia A.
F
ashion has always been very special to me, and I always thought it was an exceptional form of art. After watching the runway shows of the Haute Couture Fashion Houses like Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, JeanPaul Gaultier, Thiery Mugler, Carolina Herrera, and so many others, I am thrilled to get a platform in battuta’s new series, Travel in Style, where I can tap into the design world of fashion, fragrance, and beauty as it relates to us, Muslims. Fashion is a moment to give us joy. Muslim women definitely have an idea about looking good within the parameters of what is permitted by our religion. For a very long time, the needs of Muslim women weren’t identified. A decade ago visionaries, like Kerim Ture of Modanisa, planted the seeds of Modest Fashion, recognizing the power of Muslim women’s unique needs and personality. Modest Fashion has found new roots, and that root will carry the industry forward into a new empire of elegance.Modest Fashion has given us a fresh approach to unique and freestyles. It has also proven that dressing great doesn’t have to cost a bundle.
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Muslims are quite rightly expressing themselves by dressing with a certain flair and having the courage to set their own trends by sticking to what is right. Companies in this arena keep pushing forward with integrity, spirit, and a sense of optimism that makes us proud. Keep your eye on this space since it will keep highlighting the very best of what the Modest Fashion industry is offering. The essence of Modest Fashion emphasizes appropriately long, easy outfits with softer fabrics, which are just perfect for traveling. Fabric sets up everything in motion. A lot of change that takes place in fashion really is about textiles and how you wear your clothes. Loosely constructed shapes, silhouettes that elongate the body, and proportions, are the norm and not the exception. As summer or any season approaches, the most genuine fashion enthusiasts await the runway shows to see what will define the future look. After the pandemic, I expect collections that are upbeat, fun, joyful and colorful. Clothes are a reflection of your personality, values, principles, feelings, and achievements. Stay true to who you are, and remember what you wear should reflect the real you.
With beach days or cultural tours ahead, let us just make sure that you have your summer essentials in your suitcase or backpack. To correctly update your warm-weather wardrobe, I would like to present the 2021 look for summer from Modest Fashion’s most respected fashion label - Modanisa. You can give your summer style a fresh look by adding the pieces on the following pages by going online to modanisa. com and using the coupon code HALALTRAVELS30 for a 30% discount valid from July 1st - August 30th, 2021. Summer never felt so much better.
Modanisa in their own words… Land of Earth Tone Treasures We followed the traces of an ancient city under the scorching heat of Ephesus, with a history that dates back to the Hellenistic era. And there, in this magical place, we discovered how ancient works intersect with ethnic textures.
Using natural fabrics and parallel vintage tones, here’s an edit of styles that reflect the very evident boho feel of every crack and corner that the land of Ephesus emits. The sun is scorching, but we have nothing to worry about, neither should you. This collection of dresses will keep you feeling fresh and stylish.
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Travel in Style Off on a Blue Cruise The stunning blue sky, reflections of the sizzling sun, and the cool waters... Experience a blue cruise in blue styles.
Breathable fabrics, cool and fresh colors. The marine trend is going to be sailing its way into your wardrobe. Nautical fashion is so much more than just Breton tops... Hats, pants, skirts, even burkinis. Feel free to explore.
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Explore a Mystery: The Taj Mahal By: Nafisakhon Bosimova
“The Taj Mahal is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines.” (Anonymous)
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he Taj Mahal means the “Crown of Buildings” and is quite an iconic monument seen as a jewel representing Muslim Art in India. Its architecture, history, and uniqueness will always be a source of wonder for the curious mind. Some questions that come to mind could be: What does this magnificent building symbolize? Why is it seen as a real miracle of engineering of its time? Is the Taj Mahal’s symmetry that perfect? The Taj Mahal is a symbol of India, but can it be considered a full-fledged symbol of Indian architecture? I will attempt to address all these questions and more. The Taj Mahal symbolizes true love all over the world. This love existed between the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Emperor Shah Jahan conferred the title of Mumtaz Mahal to his wife in 1628 when he came to the throne. Mumtaz Mahal means “Jewel of the Palace.” Mumtaz Mahal passed away giving birth to their fourteenth child. Shah Jahan wanted to honor her memory and decided to build a majestic building as a tribute to his beloved wife. The inspiration for the building was to create a resting place for the Empress, kind of like earthly heaven surrounded by beauty and peace. However, let us not forget that Shah Jahan was, after all, a Muslim Emperor, and he used architecture to demonstrate his wealth, greatness, and the greatness of his faith - Islam. His tomb is also in the Mausoleum.
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What does this magnificent building symbolize, which became a real miracle of engineering of its time?
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The inspiration for the building was to create a resting place for the Empress, kind of like earthly heaven surrounded by beauty and peace. Many people associate the name “Taj Mahal” only with an exquisite marble mausoleum that contains Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb. However, it’s not that simple. The Taj Mahal is a whole architectural complex stretching on both sides of the Yamuna River. Two red sandstone buildings encircle the main Mausoleum on either side. To the west, there is a mosque. The other is a guesthouse. These structures are set within lush gardens, complete with a massive reflecting pool that does what no human is capable of doing: it reflects the beauty of the Taj Mahal on the surface regularly. The white grandeur marble monument with its majestic gardens took more than 20 years to build and is rightly coined as one of the world’s Seven Wonders. Shah Jahan poured his heart and soul into the construction of such an immense monument.
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More than 20,000 stone carvers, masons, and artists from all across India, Turkey, and Iraq are known to have been employed by a team of architects to construct the spectacular Taj Mahal. The choice of red and white sandstone was also a carefully thought-out endeavor. The Hindus use color-coding to represent the different castes that they classify people into. In Medieval India, the white sandstone was reserved for the Brahmins ( the priestly caste ), and the red sandstone was reserved for Kshatriyas ( the warrior caste ). Shah Jahan used both these stone colors to show that he is the ruler of these two highest castes.
So far, researchers have identified 46 species of plants that appear in the walls and the floors of the Mausoleum. The Mausoleum was built on a 9000 square meter platform and had four 42-meter-high minarets at its four corners. They are positioned slightly to the side of the Mausoleum, presumably to protect the main Mausoleum if one of them should collapse. The minarets are similar to the minarets of Middle Eastern mosques, with pointed arches over windows. Shah Jahan was the first ruler to introduce minarets to Mughul architecture.
In addition, the gates resemble ancient Persian architecture, and the patterns on the walls are verses from the Holy Quran and are a typical characteristic of Islamic architecture. The walls were painted with a delicate pattern of different kinds of plants. So far, researchers have identified 46 species of plants that appear in the walls and the floors of the Mausoleum.
The minarets were placed the way they are to create an optical illusion. When you enter the main gate, the Mausoleum appears close and large, but it starts shrinking in size when you get closer. The minarets also appear to be upright, but they actually lean outward.
The walls are adorned with beautiful calligraphy. A system of building called the Pietra Dura was used to inlay the marble blocks with gems that sparkled in the light. Its decoration reinforces the building’s lightness from a distance. When looking closely, it appears to have been built relatively recently.
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The epic visit by millions of tourists who visit the Taj Mahal every year begins with their journey from the Bazaar (Taj Ganji), passing through the courtyard and appearing in front of the Great Gate, built of red sandstone interspersed with white marble. The gate separates the inner courtyard from the gardens, similar to a symbolic passage between this earthly life and the spiritual life represented by the gardens and the Mausoleum. Entering them, you find yourself in the Garden (Charbagh), in the middle of a pool with a hundred fountains. This garden leads to the complex’s main attraction - the Mausoleum, wholly tiled with white marble. The garden is split into four parts by four intersecting canals representing the four rivers in Jannah (Paradise).
The Taj Mahal ~ Explore a Mystery The Taj Mahal’s main architectural feature is the ensemble’s symmetry which emits a sense of peace and harmony. Simultaneously, doublesided symmetry with a dominant central accent was considered the prerogative of rulers and symbolized absolute power, providing balance and harmony. Even so, the Taj Mahal is not perfectly symmetrical, though this is difficult to notice at first. However, a close look at the photographs reveals that the Mausoleum’s crown - a dome with an 18-meter diameter - is not ideal. Scientists estimate that the distance between its left and right sides is about a meter. Three possible reasons were put forth to explain this asymmetry. First, in Islam, absolute perfection is attributed only to Allah swt. Therefore, it is usually the case that master artisans left some intentional imperfections that were noticeable only by a skilled observer or trained eye. The second reason is this imperfection happened over time, and the third was they might have discovered the flaw, but it was too late to make any corrections. However, modern researchers have yet to reach an unambiguous conclusion about how it was possible to build this impeccable structure in the 17th century. Various fascinating optical effects can be found throughout the building, making it quickly considered an actual work of art. The lettering of the Qur’anic verses, for example, appears to be uniform in height regardless of how far it is from the ground. The Taj Mahal is a year-round attraction that is frequently crowded, though new ticketing systems have reduced crowds during peak times. Visitors looking for more solitude may want to come early or late in the day. The only time you should NOT go is on Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed.
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The best time of the month to visit the Taj Mahal is on the five full moon nights during the month. When the moonlight reflects on the surface of the marble, it brightens the whole structure. As the moon passes over the horizon, the monument’s color changes its color with shades of blue and even to complete darkness. Legend and the writings of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier have it that Emperor Shah Jahan wanted to build a similar structure like the Taj Mahal but in black marble across the Yamuna river with the two Taj’s connected by a bridge, but he never got to do it because he was overthrown. It makes you wonder if this is Allah’s swt way of fulfilling his wish for people to see the darker version of the Taj Mahal on full moon nights. Take your time when visiting Agra to ensure that you get the most out of your trip. Only then would you be able to understand what it meant to be in the “heart of the Mogul empire.” So many visitors come to see the Taj Mahal but overlook all of Agra’s other magnificent structures, which interestingly were also built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal was an undertaking that began in 1630 and ended in 1653. It involved talented architects, builders, artisans, and artists of that time. This may very well explain why the Taj Mahal bears little resemblance to traditional temple architecture in India. The end result of this diverse group of people coming together, though, is their ability to build a masterpiece that was recognized in 1983 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex’s architectural style is a synthesis of traditional Islamic architecture with its local counterparts.
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The poet Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as a “teardrop on the cheek of eternity.” Rudyard Kipling portrayed it as the “embodiment of all things pure,” but Emperor Shah Jahan said it best when he said, “it made the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.”
S POTLIGHT: By: Um Akram
The “battuta” Spotlight section primarily introduces notable Muslim companies to our readers. Muslims are making substantial contributions all over the world and in different sectors of the economy. These contributions are genuinely worthy of our recognition and serve as beacons of pride for Muslims. In this article, we acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Modanisa, pioneers of Modest Islamic fashion.
“It all started with a Vision!” says Kerim Ture, Co-founder, and CEO of Modanisa, and indeed that marks the humble beginnings of this global fashion powerhouse. His purpose was to meet modest women’s desire to wear the clothes that fit the life and times they lived in. He wanted to offer the stylish alternatives that sophisticated, modestdressing women needed and wanted but could never find. Clothes that would make Muslim women look good and feel good without compromising their religious values and beliefs. As a business, Modanisa had a twin mandate: to fulfill a significant clothing gap and to empower women to express their identities, values, and personal tastes in style. The approach has always been to understand and address women’s evolving needs truly. For instance, with more and more women joining the workforce for the first time, it naturally meant increased demand for apparel options that allow women, like me, to operate comfortably and confidently in a professional environment while upholding modest standards.
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Unlike other fashion retailers who add some modest options to be part of their range, modesty is an integral part of every step of the production process at Modanisa - from idea inception to delivery. Modanisa.com was launched on Mother’s Day, 2011, which I think is pretty phenomenal. Although Modanisa’s headquarters was in textile-rich Turkey, the journey was not easy at all. It was a struggle to convince manufacturers of the vast potential that Modest fashion represented. Modanisa had to bypass all the obstacles and create their ecosystem by establishing their private labels and working closely with a small pool of female designers and factories. It was the first Turkish fashion platform that offered variety and allowed its target audience to shop for modest clothes online.
During this time, the Modest Muslim clothing fashion industry was practically nonexistent, be it in Turkey or globally. Modanisa.com pioneered Modest fashion and became the first Turkish fashion website of its kind to go international. Within five years, the little “cottage industry” went global.
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Spotlight ~ Modanisa
Born in Istanbul, Modanisa now serves customers in 140 countries. Content is offered in 6 languages, namely Turkish, Arabic, English, French, German, and Bahasa. Recognizing women’s needs and preferences and speaking their language has allowed Modanisa to reach 20 million visitors from all over the world via their app and desktop platforms. A young, diverse, and energetic staff sells over 1000 brands. The company’s passion and dedication has been rewarded with customer love, trust, and loyalty. Modanisa may be growing fast, but they still hold fast to their start-up ethos. New Product development happens at the pace of 800 new products per day. Some additional significant company performance indicators that are worthy of our attention are:
1. Value for money 2. Affordable prices 3. Accessible design 4. Unconditional returns 5. Express delivery
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6. 24/7 Customer Service 7. Superior User Experience 8. Latest Technology 9. 26 Payment option variations 10. The Modanisa Community of 10+ million
Modanisa ~ Spotlight Modanisa’s achievements did not go unnoticed in the international arena. In 2016, Reuters selected Modanisa as the world’s most famous Islamic apparel website. November 2017 marked when the prestigious “Islamic Economy Award” in the Islamic Arts Category was bestowed to Modanisa. In March 2018, Modanisa’s efforts to elevate local vendors onto a global platform and make them global retailers earned it the “International Business Excellence” award. Recently, Modanisa was the “Audience Award Winner” in “The Best Muslim Fashion / Beauty Companies” category of the “Global Muslim Impact Awards” organized by “The Center for Global Muslim Life” that is based in the USA. A significant milestone was achieved when Modanisa co-created the Modest Fashion Week concept, which made its debut in Istanbul in 2016 and was later staged in London (2017), Dubai (2017), Jakarta (2018), and Istanbul (2019). These fashion weeks practically brought Modest fashion to the world stage.
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Spotlight ~ Modanisa
A quarter of the world’s population is estimated to be Muslim by 2050 insha’Allah, and with the current Muslim lifestyle, fashion enthusiasts will spend a whopping $2.6 trillion. The marketplace for halal products is forecasted to show growth, spurred by Muslims and non-Muslims, by around 6% over the next three years.
Muslim consumer spend on fashion and cosmetics was predicted to be respectively worth between $464 billion and $730 billion globally by 2020. According to “the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2020/21”, the Modest fashion market reached an impressive $500 billion, which is 14.4% of the total global revenue. The number of e-tailers who offer modest clothing also increased by 500%.
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The needs of modest women have turned into a subsegment of mainstream fashion, which widened the global ready-to-wear market. The boom in Modest fashion has impressed the mainstream fashion companies and retailers who are starting to take a closer look at this Muslim phenomenon. They have started to become more eager to carve out a massive slice of this lucrative pie. Modanisa has a comparative advantage since it has been embedded in the halal economy and knows firsthand the diversity of their Modest fashion enthusiasts - their needs, and their sensitivities. The mainstream fashion based in Europe and North America may see Modest fashion as one homogeneous group and seek to offer a one size fits all. Still, as Muslims, we know that traditional dress codes determine purchasing decisions in Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, and so on.
To me, Modanisa is not just a clothing company. On the contrary, Modanisa is an “enabler” for modest women in the following ways:
Modanisa appears ready to withstand more prominent players entering this market with their attitude of “there is no room for complacency.” From design to delivery, marketing and after-sales, they are ready to match or even surpass the mainstream companies to compete effectively and provide appealing, affordable ready-to-wear apparel. The trend is for customers to reward socially responsible companies who use ethical and sustainable fashion alternatives. Modanisa has been meeting these new expectations. Having an Islamic background allows them to play a positive role, combining Islamic principles about waste with modern business practices that emphasize kindness to the environment. Modanisa is an e-export champion that has introduced small producers and designers to the world.
1. To raise their social levels by breaking societal barriers and equalizing the different clothing styles. 2. To be themselves in their modest way and to show their natural character. 3. To compete with others without compromising their values and beliefs. 4. To play an active role in society and contribute to the family and overall economy. 5. To be fully part of any nation’s HIStory with HERstory. The impact of Modest fashion on the lives of Muslim women cannot be doubted. As the sector matures, its transformative powers will continue to shape society for the better. In this edition of “battuta” Spotlight, Modanisa stole our hearts.
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Traveler's Trivia
Are you an exp ert traveler ?
This magazine was named after the greatest Medieval Muslim traveler Ibn Battuta. Where is Ibn Battuta from?
Where were the 2020 Olympics supposed to be held?
Which continent has 5 countries with no airport?
The World Health Organisation estimates there are around 200 million stray dogs worldwide. Which country has no stray dogs?
1- Tangier, Morocco 3- Europe
2- Tokyo, Japan 4- The Netherlands
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Q&A Rehnumah Insan Our guest influencer for this issue of Battuta is Rehnumah Insan ( the_travelette ), a lawyer by profession and an avid traveler and blogger. She is a skillful storyteller and photographer, and her Instagram page is a testament to those abilities. Join us as we try to learn more about the_travelette! Rehnumah, welcome! Please feel free to introduce yourself more to our readers. Salam everyone! I’m Rehnumah. A lawyer by profession, a traveler by passion, and currently working for the UK Civil Service. For a while traveling was all about holidays and expensive resorts and pretty dresses (I still wear the most outrageous outfits), but for three years now, traveling has completely redefined my way of life and thinking and what it means to be a Muslim Hijabi Traveller.
‘‘I’m Rehnumah. A lawyer by profession, a traveler by passion... ’’ You associate traveling with freedom and loving life. Tell us how? Is traveling an escape from reality? When we refer to traveling as an escape from reality, we often refer to the term “escapism.” Escapism is defined as “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.” Although those who use it almost always mean travel to be a form of break from daily routine and daily stresses, but for some reason, I find this term quite negative. Escapism can be a good thing if used positively, but often people can use this to disengage themselves from facing the realities of life.
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Travel, for me, is an extension of the enjoyment I face in my daily life. While I’m not traveling, I enjoy many other aspects of my life, including work, spending time with family, reading, writing, and just planning my life. Using travel as a form of escapism will only serve to prolong facing problems you’re trying to avoid, and therefore you will never enjoy the true meaning of traveling.
How many countries and cities have you visited so far? Was there one specific country that catalyzed this passion for traveling, or did you always have this desire to see the world? If restrictions ease, where do you plan to travel to next? Although I’m not exactly sure of the number, I think I’ve traveled to around 38 countries. If I ever had to pick a moment when I truly started traveling, it would be during my trip to Italy. The moment I realized that all I wanted to do was see the world! I think the fact that I learned so much during the trip and covered almost six cities made me realize how amazing one country could be – just imagine how amazing the rest of the world is! After restrictions ease, I would love to go to Egypt – which we had to cancel last year.
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Is it possible to differentiate between a traveler and a tourist? I think the biggest difference between a traveler and a tourist is that travelers will often visit places at the expense of their personal comforts, like waking up extremely early to see a certain spot, whereas tourism is maybe more about leisure. Travelers are more adventurous; they aren’t scared of getting lost or straying from their itinerary – often, they don’t follow an itinerary! But at the end of the day, there is a fine line between a traveler and a tourist, and it’s difficult to categorize who is which.
One thing that is hard to miss on your page is your love for color. Which color best reflects you? I absolutely love color. I think colors define each and every one of the places I’ve been to. Blue takes me back to Chefchaouen, white to Santorini, and pink takes me back to Poland! I couldn’t pick just one color that describes me. It would definitely have to be all the colors. My zest and passion for life itself simply would be too difficult to be encapsulated in one color.
Rehnumah Insan ~ Q&A Beautiful outfits have graced the places you have visited. Let’s talk about your attention to detail when matching the outfits to the sites you visit. Do you travel with a lot of luggage? Are you comfortable traveling in those outfits, or do you just put them on for the pictures and change them later?
I love dressing up, and it was a big part of my personality well before I started traveling.
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Firstly, thank you! I love dressing up, and it was a big part of my personality well before I started traveling. I also love matching outfits to the places I visit; in the same way, I like buying matching home décor or wearing the right shade of lipstick. Aesthetics is something I am very keen on.
So when it comes to packing, outfits do take up a lot of my planning but not as much space as you may think in my luggage! Maxi dresses etc., are usually relatively thin and easily foldable. I think coats, jeans, jackets, etc., take up a lot more space, and that’s what most people wear anyways. The only time I changed my outfit was in Santorini when I woke up very early to take some photos in a red tulle skirt and then changed into a lighter skirt. Otherwise, I usually find most of my outfits very comfortable, and I always wear comfortable shoes. That’s very important.
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Q&A ~ Rehnumah Insan
Does traveling boost your faith? What are your thoughts on Modest Fashion? As a Hijabi, what are your travel experiences? Yes, most definitely. Travelling has made me keener to learn more about my faith. I mean, it’s not possible to witness such beautiful creations and not marvel at the magnificence of the Creator. Praying in over 50 cities around the world, from beaches to the edge of mountains to praying Fajr with 100 hot air balloons floating around me in Cappadocia, traveling has brought me so much closer to my faith.
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Rehnumah Insan ~ Q&A
Modest Fashion is very important. I think for many girls, it’s often difficult to start wearing the Hijab if it means completely letting go of what they used to wear previously. Modest Fashion helps to bridge that gap and gives girls the confidence to start practicing the Hijab. I’ve never really considered my clothing to be an important aspect of traveling. It’s just the kind of clothing I like to wear and that I’m comfortable wearing. Even before I started wearing the headscarf, I used to wear outfits like this. But I can totally see why many people, especially girls, would find it encouraging to see a Hijabi traveling the world.
As a hijabi traveler, I have obviously experienced minor forms of racism like nervous glances, change of seats, etc., but nothing has left an unpleasant memory. I’ve had more positive experiences because of my Hijab with people coming over to just talk about my faith and culture, and I’m extremely glad I have been given the opportunity to do this.
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Q&A ~ Rehnumah Insan
Congratulations on your wedding, by the way. Masha’Allah, a traditional bride with a complete formal ceremony! How many days of festivities were involved? Marriage, like travel, is an adventure. Any tips to share? Has getting married changed your travel style, and do you recommend that couples travel more? Thank you so much! I’m so glad you loved my wedding photos. I was so excited to share them with everyone! I had around ten events starting with the Nikaah and ending with the Walima. My parents held some in the UK, and my in-laws threw a few more in Bangladesh, so it was an amazing experience. The one and only tip I can give is to absolutely fall in love with the person you marry, so many people underestimate the power of this. Once you have that emotional bond, you will find it so much easier to overcome all the stresses the world throws at you simply because nothing will seem more important than your partner.
I’ve definitely traveled more since getting married. My partner was fully aware of my expectations regarding traveling, and with time it’s something he’s also learned to love. Traveling with your partner, when you both share the same vision for traveling, is so fun and romantic.
Traveling with your partner alone is a habit I feel we should start prioritizing as soon as we get married. If you think about it, how much time do we actually spend with our partners away from our jobs, household responsibilities, our own hobbies, children, or even our parents? Definitely not enough! Taking some time out, booking a lovely place away from everything is such a perfect way to reboot our minds, enjoy each other’s company without any distractions and just talk about your life! It’s such a fun and effective way to keep a relationship alive and to enjoy being a couple.
Q&A ~ Rehnumah Insan
‘‘Getting lost can give you a wonderful sense of mystery and surprise that you’ll never feel when following a planned route. ’’ You suggest traveling without having any expectations and even encourage getting lost to discover a place. My question will, of course, be, have you ever actually gotten lost? Oh, everywhere. I don’t think I’ve ever had a trip where I didn’t deliberately get lost. Best way to explore any place, whether it’s a beautiful European old town, the narrow alleyways of Santorini, the medina in Marrakech, Istanbul Grand Bazaar – literally everywhere is a good place to get lost in. Ironically, traveling can teach you the beauty of getting lost.
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On the way to Isle of Skye in Scotland, for example, we suddenly noticed a beautiful mountain range to our left (leading to Glen Coe). So we decided to take a small detour, took some photos in front of the mountains and were just heading back onto the motorway when all of a sudden one of us said “let’s travel a bit more into the mountains, see what we can find. That route was a complete detour but took us through the most amazing mountain range in the Scottish Highlands. We even had a small picnic next to a small waterfall on top of the hills. Getting lost can give you a wonderful sense of mystery and surprise that you’ll never feel when following a planned route. In life, we’re always taught to plan, prepare, revise before anything. We strictly clutch to the safety net of thinking we know where our life is headed and that we are prepared for it, but in reality, life is very different.
Rehnumah Insan ~ Q&A
Has traveling changed you in any way and please feel free to share any final thoughts. Traveling has been a blessing in my life. From the outside, it may look like just one girl traveling the world in pretty dresses and seeing all these beautiful destinations, but deep down, it’s made me a better human being. It’s made me more humble, more aware of different cultures worldwide, more clued in on different traditions, and more tolerant. Often we grow up with ideologies in our head, often a result of years of gaslighting by society, so traveling has taught me to break those boundaries and to think for myself. Travelling has also helped me hone my photography and writing skills. Hobbies are a hugely important part of life and can really help to hone someone’s personality. Travelling has given me the opportunity to blog about something I love. I really hope people learn to find that one thing in life which they enjoy doing. For me, it’s traveling and writing. For you, it could be anything. Just that one thing you look forward to doing for yourself.
Like most other people, I was taught to study hard, get a good job, get married, have kids, and repeat the process with them. I completed my Masters in Law and went immediately into the legal profession. Not once did I consider that traveling could bring out my true personality and also allow me to encourage other Asian, Muslim women (and men!) to step out of their comfort zone in confidence! My biggest dream is to not only share my travel stories and tricks but also to encourage women to feel comfortable and confident about traveling just the way they are. But this also applies to everyone who feels they might be treated differently because of a particular characteristic. Your religion, race, color of your skin, gender, disability should never be a reason for you to lack confidence in any aspect of your life. It was such a pleasure to learn more about you and thank you for taking the time to respond to our questions.
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Top 4 Muslim Friendly Honeymoon Destinations By: The HalalTravels Experts
Planning a wedding is hectic but, your honeymoon doesn’t have to be. Let the HalalTravels Experts bring back the joy of planning your magical getaway. Serene seascapes are plentiful, but to plan a once-in-a-lifetime experience without compromising your religious values and beliefs has now been made easy with our recommended Top 4 Muslim-friendly Honeymoon Destinations. In addition, booking with HalalTravels.com allows you to pinpoint resorts, hotels, or villas that have a strict no-alcohol policy, offer halal-friendly food options and guarantee complete privacy.
Maldives
Top 4 Muslim Friendly Honeymoon Destinations
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tunning white-sand beaches, its underwater world, unique experiences, and unrivaled luxury makes the Maldives one of the best choices for a trip of a lifetime.
The Maldives is an island nation archipelago in Southern Asia, located in the Indian Ocean. With 1200 islands and 26 atolls, this independent island country has a great allure for honeymooners with its exotic islands, blue seas, sandy beaches, gorgeous coral reefs, and various water sports for active couples. There are over 140 different resorts to choose from with options for different tastes and budgets. Walletfriendly packages or no expense spared luxury escapes can be easily accommodated. Luxurious water villas that dot these islands and the palm trees swaying against turquoise and sometimes clear waters leave you feeling like you are living a dream of being in Paradise on Earth! The Maldives inspire romance amongst newlywed couples who are just beginning a new journey in the circle of life. The seclusion of the villas, private dinners underneath a starry sky, and Maldivian cuisine are quite simply a recipe for love. The surrounding lavish greenery allows honeymooners to enjoy the island’s beauty and serenity. The Maldives can happily accommodate adventure enthusiasts featuring the best scuba diving sites in the world. Get ready to snorkel and be amazed by the spectacular marine life, coral reefs, cliffs, and caves. Water sports on these islands include:
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Jet skis Windsurfing Catamaran day trips Kayaking Banana boat rides Stand up paddleboarding Island hopping Dolphin sighting
Urban vibes are best accommodated with ferry rides that will allow you to interact with locals to learn about their culture and history. With acclaimed spa and wellness centers in several resorts, you will undoubtedly enjoy a reset for your body and mind, and what better way to enjoy this than with a new life partner. A barefoot walk on the soft white beach with tantalizing sunsets and beautiful hues of blue is an experience that will be carved in your heart and mind.
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Bali
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ali is a tropical island located in the South Pacific and is part of Indonesia. Bali is a year-round destination, thanks to its tropical climate. It is not an understatement to say that Bali has a beach for everyone. There are around 35 beaches in Bali, each with its distinctive charm: luxurious, mainstream, secluded, and remote. Whatever your honeymoon theme happens to be, Bali has it all. The choice of accommodation is quite simply endless. A beach resort, a jungle resort, a panoramic mountain stay is all possible, ranging from simple beach huts to the other extreme of super posh designer hotels and everything in between. It is not only the beaches; Bali has been endowed with natural beauty. Its mountains, rice fields, flower gardens, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and canyons together remind us that the appreciation and affection for beautiful surroundings are as old as man itself.
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Bali has quite a distinctive cuisine thanks to its rich, fertile soil and its traditional recipes. You can explore conventional Balinese or Indonesian dishes or indulge in Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean food, and so much more. It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy eating meat, seafood, vegetarian or vegan; there are options for every taste. Most importantly, we can highlight the ones that offer halal food. Venturesome souls will rejoice in Bali. Leisure activities are plentiful, such as: ● Surfing, including Kite surfing ● Mountain hiking ● Wild water rafting ● Bungee jumping from Cliffs ● Submarine descents ● Parasailing ● Jet skis ● Scuba diving ● ATV rides ● Dolphin watching expeditions
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The artistic and cultural vibe in Bali is very vibrant. This is because the Balinese are so engaged in art. It has allowed for murals in every corner and a boom in art galleries. Traditional souvenirs are plentiful with some high-end pieces as well. They make it very easy to engage in sustainable tourism. Keep in mind, Bali is a shopper’s paradise offering almost everything at the lowest prices you can find in the world. Get ready to shop with the added benefit of having your new partners’ luggage to fill up as well! :) Bali is genuinely romantic. Deserted and long beaches allow for some romantic sunset walks, candlelight dinners, and the genuine enthusiasm and friendliness of the local people is the cherry on top of what will probably be a memorable trip of all time.
Thailand
Top 4 Muslim Friendly Honeymoon Destinations
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hailand is located in Southeast Asia, and its southern part has the Gulf of Thailand on its east coast and the Andaman Sea on its west coast. This means a very long coastline, around 2000 miles, with beautiful beaches on its opposite coasts, ideal for rest and relaxation on a Thailand honeymoon. Thailand is particularly ideal for city-loving couples who are on their honeymoon. Bangkok, the capital city, is located in Central Thailand, and many visitors spend a few days checking out the major cultural sites before going to the islands and beaches. Of course, Bangkok, like any other cosmopolitan city, has its fair share of cultural landmarks, historical ruins, parks, open-air markets, and a lot of delicious street food. Thailand is home to 1430 islands, quite a handful. Still, the HalalTravels experts can help classify the ones that offer halal food and ensure complete privacy. So whether you are interested in a 5-star stay or a budget-friendly retreat, Thailand delivers.
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Top 4 Muslim Friendly Honeymoon Destinations Phuket is the most Muslim and Halalfriendly island in Thailand, and it has so much to offer newlyweds. It has fabulous beaches and resorts. The incredible landscapes and islands surrounding it are well worth the time spent island hopping on speed boats or canoes. You can cruise and munch on some tasty Thai specialties while gazing at some spectacular limestone caves and jungle settings. Couples can lounge on white-sand beaches or decide to snorkel and discover the vibrant undersea world. The clear turquoise waters provide you with a beautiful view of the multicolored corals and marine life. The islands off the coast of Phuket will allow couples to discover ultimate tranquility, delve into shimmering sands underneath the glimmering sun, or dip into the aquamarine waters leaving you truly rejuvenated and mesmerized with the beauty of nature. The resorts are magnificent in their own right, with stunning pools, cuisine, and rooms. Phuket cuisine is truly a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, and Thai food habits that are linked with trading activities from the past. Restaurants serving international cuisine are also abundant, so it is effortless to find foreign favorites. Phuket happens to be an all-year-round destination and has a very romantic setting. Thrill-seeking couples can undoubtedly engage in activities like:
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Visiting nearby villages & plantations Exploring the mangroves Rock climbing Adventure Diving Cycling Paddling Surfing Wakeboarding & Flyboarding Jet skiing
Phuket’s stunning beaches, breathtaking views, pleasant weather, and friendly people will be an unforgettable destination that will leave you yearning to visit “the land of smiles” again and again for future anniversaries.
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Malaysia
Top 4 Muslim Friendly Honeymoon Destinations
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alaysia is also located in Southeast Asia, and it is made up of two non-adjacent areas. The western part, called Peninsular Malaysia, is on the Malay peninsula. The eastern part, called Eastern Malaysia, is located on the island of Borneo. It may seem overwhelming with a total coastline of around 3000 miles and 878 islands, but we have got you covered. Malaysia has all the romantic wonders, halal food and the prices make it a perfect honeymoon destination for a newlywed couple embarking on their very first journey together. Envision fun on the beach, coconut trees, soft white sand, a cool breeze, waves splashing against the shore, and colorful seashells waiting to be picked up by a beautiful couple as beautiful momentos of their honeymoon. This is all possible in Malaysia. The stunning beauty of the lush rainforest with its hidden
waterfalls, streams, and wildlife will entice you to embark on a Jungle trek. Adventure is everywhere. You can glide in a cable car to the top of a mountain, sail across the marine parks, discover marine life, and experience a mangroves safari. Chilling by the beach or enjoying the sea or finding your inner child, and going on a beach buggy is also acceptable. Those seeking absolute privacy will not be disappointed. A sunset dinner cruise while experiencing scenic beaches and beautiful sunsets are the norm and not an exception. With Instagram-worthy beautiful natural backdrops, you can take sensational pictures with your better half or experience a rejuvenating spa to wash away all the wedding fatigue. The Malaysian islands don’t just have the chill vibes associated with honeymoon destinations, but they also include a lot of exhilarating activities like:
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4WD Tours
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Ziplining
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Parasailing
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Jet ski island hopping
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Ecotours
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Coffee Cruises
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Speed boats
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Fishing
It is possible to add a city break to your honeymoon by visiting one of the vibrant cities in Asia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city. An evident blend of heritage, culture, religion, and cuisine has produced a modern and exotic city that is well worth a visit. Malaysia has got all the marvels of nature to make your honeymoon a sensational one that you will cherish for years to come. So whichever destination you choose, keep in mind that it will be an honor for the HalalTravels Experts to be part of this beautiful time in your life.
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By: Sara Salih The only adventure bigger than travel is marriage, so what a combination it is to travel as newlyweds!
We’ve supposedly learnt enough about someone in the courting stage in order to choose them for a permanent role in our life. But they say you only really get to know someone once you’ve either travelled with them or lived with them. One of the first things we do as soon as we get married is jet off to somewhere exotic with our newly acquired life partner; for our very first taste of living together while simultaneously travelling. But the honeymoon is where we can either strengthen the marriage journey we’re embarking upon or face some real shockers and allow the first cracks to appear in the relationship. Whichever way it goes, it’ll certainly add some flavour but perhaps through communicating, exploring each other with sincerity and learning from other people’s experiences we can choose which spices we taste.
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Set the Tone Oftentimes, we carry certain connotations with marriage that may alter its course from the getgo. If we believe tying the knot makes us captive, then we approach every encounter in the relationship with a defensive lens and get triggered when hearing innocent questions or commentary.
If we go into marriage thinking it’s destined to be difficult, our demeanour will dampen the mood. Reset any damaging beliefs you have from your previous experiences or what you’ve seen in the relationships around you. Those experiences don’t define yours. You can build a strong foundation based on positive and empowering beliefs that will set the tone for the marriage.
The honeymoon is a unique time to truly live in your own bubble and tune out the rest of the world. No to-do lists, no chores, no responsibilities and maybe the best part, nobody else to distract you from each other. This is the perfect opportunity to focus deeply on each other, getting to know yourself in the process, and transition into the role of being a couple. And it doesn’t have to be the only time your marriage is fun and exciting. Set the intention to create the same fire and close bond throughout the journey ahead. Use this time to get clear on what you both consider to be your core values as individuals and as a couple and base your relationship on these values from the very beginning. Start as you wish to go on.
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Life Adventures Facing new scenarios
Planning versus spontaneity
The honeymoon, just like all travel, challenges you by putting you in situations you wouldn’t normally face in your day-to-day life. You only have yourself, whatever you’ve chosen to pack with you, a handful of foreign words, and if you’re anything like me - no sense of direction either. But with these limited resources, you figure it out. This is exactly what develops your creativity and expands your problem-solving skills.
While she may love to plan a full 24-hour itinerary, he might wish to go with the flow and see where it takes him. Each half of the couple may have completely different approaches on how they wish to enjoy the honeymoon and plan (or not plan) their lives ahead too.
In a similar fashion, you may face sticky situations with your new partner, particularly in a new setting, in another country, far from familiarity and comfort, far from everyone you know. Once again, you only have yourself, the temperament and disposition you have moulded yourself into up until this moment. But this time, you face clashes and external battles alongside the person you’ve chosen to marry. More often than not, these can highlight your triggers, your fears and insecurities, and perhaps parts of your character that need evolving. But they’re all opportunities for you to grow together.
Here is where you can learn to cater for each other’s preferences and find a system that works for you without hitting the same hurdles time and time again throughout your life journey. Perhaps finding a balanced combination of both approaches will enrich both of your experiences.
Compromise
Talk about intimacy
Travelling with another is a good way to learn how to compromise. While travelling solo is a lot of fun and is designed to fit our schedule and our schedule alone, in reality, and certainly in a marriage between two souls, two lives, and two paths merging, we won’t always get exactly what we want. And that’s not a bad thing. But the way we manage it can be.
While being an important part of a relationship, many couples enter marriage without ever talking about intimacy.
Travel can be used as a light-hearted way of getting the good practice you need on compromising and working around each other’s attitudes and perspectives. It can later help you navigate your future, more difficult standpoints that life will naturally bring.
They said, “O Messenger of Allah, if one of us fulfils his desire, is there reward in that?” He said, “Do you not see that if he does it in a haraam way he will have the burden of sin? So if he does it in a halaal way, he will have a reward for that.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1674)
Discussing preferences, fears and dislikes shouldn’t be taboo. Physical closeness is a natural human need and it creates a stronger emotional connection. After marriage it’s also akin to an act of worship, so talking openly about this topic will allow ease in creating a healthy life together. Even the Sahabas, companions of the Prophet pbuh were surprised to learn that you indeed get blessings from Allah swt for engaging in this intimate act as narrated in the following Hadith:
You can have an honest and open space for it whilst still keeping it a private matter. Talk about your expectations both during the honeymoon and beyond and you’ll both feel more secure and optimistic for your future.
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Life Adventures Respect differences of opinions There’s more than one way to skin a cat. That’s not the most pleasant imagery, but it sure isn’t comfortable seeing your ‘forever person’ have completely different views, opinions, and ways of doing things. In some cases, it can cause serious rifts and even contempt. Creating a healthy marriage doesn’t come from agreeing on everything but rather from learning how to manage the differences. Respect that you are two separate individuals who have been on very different paths. With that come deeply ingrained beliefs which may never change.
When the other isn’t being affected or hurt by the ‘difference’ then acceptance is usually all that’s needed. If there are fundamental differences (refer back to your core values), these are much more difficult to negotiate. Both parties should truly try to understand and get insight from the other person instead of immediately closing off, then compromise and sacrifice equally where necessary, finding an equilibrium that’s reasonable to both.
Good communication You’d be surprised how easy it is to end up on opposite sides of the world, metaphorically and literally because of poor communication.
Learn the art of conversation.
In fact, sometimes we can argue with someone for hours, both increasing in frustration and hurt only to find we had been on the same side of the argument the whole time but just hadn’t realised.
Listen actively.
With all the flying accusations and criticisms, the true point of the conversation gets completely lost. “Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity” - Nat Turner
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Use ‘I’ statements instead of the accusatory ‘you’.
Give each other space in the more heated moments. Express gratitude towards one another. Try to hear and understand what’s not being said.
Life Adventures
Life Adventures
Discover your love languages We all want love but we receive love in different ways. Gary Chapman, author of the ‘5 Love Languages’ developed the idea that love can be expressed in five ways: 1. Words of affirmation 2. Quality time 3. Physical touch 4. Acts of service 5. Receiving gifts
He explains that if we don’t speak a person’s primary love language, they won’t feel loved even though we may be speaking the other four. You can cook for someone, fill their car up with petrol, iron their clothes and dote on them all day but they’re not responding to you. You feel you’re giving them so much love and putting in so much effort but it’s not being appreciated. This may be because ‘acts of service’ is your love language, not theirs. All they wanted was to eat dinner together and talk (quality time). Speak their language instead, understand their true needs and you’ll spark intimacy and connection between you.
We all have a combination of the five but there will be one or two more dominant ‘love languages’. Discover them together as a couple at the start of your relationship and learn how to love each other and be able to reciprocate in each other’s languages.
Keep travelling Travel is the perfect break that helps us rise above the mundane and the responsibilities that overwhelm us and sometimes take a toll on our relationship. It reminds us of what’s most important to us and of our highest purpose to travel on the beautifully designed Path to Allah (swt). Actively choose to travel periodically to connect to your soul and your Creator, the ultimate source of invigoration and love that encourages you to be a better person, for yourself first and naturally for your partner too. Embrace it and take flight together.
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Diet
The Mediterranean By: Inspire Ihsan
Regardless of all the diet fads that are trendy in our world today, the Mediterranean Diet has managed to consistently stay on top as the best. Ever wondered why?
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o, what is the Mediterranean Diet, you may ask? It is quite simply a way of eating typical of the way the people living in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea traditionally eat. The foods in a typical Mediterranean Diet include fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, herbs, and spices. Eating fish several times during the week is encouraged. You may also enjoy poultry, eggs, and dairy products (cheese and yogurt), but in moderation. Red meat is eaten sparingly. Sweets are reserved for special times, and water happens to be the typical Mediterranean drink. The Mediterranean Diet is not just about eating fresh, colorful, delicious, and wholesome food. Even if the word ‘diet’ is mentioned in its name, the tendency is for a holistic approach to eating that involves real food. It is more a lifestyle than a typical diet. It involves healthy food choices that help you achieve balance and harmony in your life. It involves regular physical activity like walking or swimming and, more importantly, sharing meals with family and friends.
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At this point, you may say, what does sharing food have to do with a healthy lifestyle? You will certainly be amazed at how sharing meals profoundly impacts your mood and mental health and helps you appreciate the pleasures of healthy eating and delicious food. Consequently, it enables you to live longer and have a healthier life. Prophet Muhammed PBUH mentioned that we need to eat together and not separately, for the blessing is in being together.
" I t i s more a l ife s t yle t han a t ypica l die t . " Several pieces of research have identified that people who follow the Mediterranean diet show a much lower rate of heart disease, chronic diseases like cancer, obesity, and diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine in 2013 found that people who are on a Mediterranean diet are 30% less likely to have a heart attack, suffer a stroke, or have other heart issues when compared to people on a low-fat diet. This is because the foods in the typical Mediterranean diet are high in antioxidants and provide rich anti-inflammatory properties. The benefit doesn’t just stop with a healthier heart by lowering inflammation in the body and improving blood vessel functions. The advantage is also associated with the brain. A 2016 review of 18 studies in Frontiers in Nutrition found that following the Mediterranean diet is associated with less cognitive decline, reduced risk of Alzheimer’s, better memory and executive function.
Americans struggle with obesity from processed foods, soda, and sugar. Hence, Doctors and Dietitians generally recommend the Mediterranean Diet since it provides all the major food groups needed by an individual and has diverse flavors. It is not like a strict diet and usually tends to be easier to follow. The best thing about this diet is there is no such thing as you can’t eat something. There is moderation involved in the food you consume. You have to stay active. Your diet should be low on red meat, sugar, and saturated fat and high in produce, nuts, etc., that are full of fiber, a nutrient well known for keeping you full. The Prophet PBUH encouraged us to adopt a moderate course in all our affairs.
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The Mediterranean Diet
There isn’t a typical Mediterranean diet because there are over 20 countries that border the Mediterranean. It is more of an eating habit rather than a structured diet. So you are basically on your own to figure out how much to eat to lose weight or maintain your weight, what exercises to engage in and how to shape your Menu at home? If it is so great, shouldn’t everybody follow the Mediterranean Diet then? In theory, yes, especially Muslims, since most of the Mediterranean diet foods are mentioned in the Quran. However, many people complain that it is expensive to follow and to cook fresh food takes time. So this is a tradeoff that people need to make. A good criterion to implement when doing our grocery shopping is Quality vs. Quantity. Organic products do cost more, but the benefit of being healthy can’t be easily ignored. We may buy a lot on a given budget if we choose non-organic food items but seeking out Non-GMO ( Non - Genetically modified organisms ) benefits us down the road. Cooking and storing meals ahead of time may also be an option to save time.
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The Mediterranean Diet In a follow-up article insha’Allah, I will discuss the food mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. Still, I leave you now to think about the health benefits of just one food mentioned in the Quran - Olives: All benefits of Olives ( according to Islamic Finder ) 1. Cardiovascular benefits (Improves Heart Health, eliminates excess cholesterol, and controls Blood
Pressure) 2. Weight Loss 3. Cancer Prevention 4. Decreasing Pain 5. Improves Skin 6. Improves Hair Health 7. Reduces Allergies 8. Digestive Tract Health 9. Good Source of Iron 10. Improve Eye Health 11. Increase Glutathione levels (helps detoxify chemicals -
in your body)
12. Great source of Vitamin E 13. Boosts Bone Health 14. Fights Inflammation 15. Helps prevent Blood Clots Living far from the Mediterranean should not deter us from fully adopting the Mediterranean diet philosophies or taking small steps towards a healthier future. Every little effort to help us eat better and feel healthier is a step in the right direction. Till next time insha’Allah, be safe!
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Halal Tourism
BUSINESS What is Halal? What is the Halal Consumer Market? By: Dr. Tausif Malik
Being a Muslim and a professional involved in the Halal consumer market, I am always asked the same question “So, Halal means Halal Food, right?”. This is the wrong perception held by a majority of non-muslims of what Halal means. But then I have to explain that Halal is about food and an umbrella code of conduct encompassing personal lifestyle, investment decisions, professional and business dealings. The other question people often ask is, “Muslims don’t take ‘Interest’ on investment or pay ‘Interest’?”. The answer is always yes. Muslims don’t take ‘Interest’ or pay ‘Interest’ since it is the biggest sin mentioned by the Almighty Allah SWT and the beloved Messenger & Prophet Muhammad PBUH, but I also remind them that ‘Interest’ is forbidden in the Bible & Torah and other Holy books as well.
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If you analyze ‘Interest’ closely, you will notice it gets the borrower into the debt trap. Most of the time, one can’t get out of the debt trap. It also creates an unrealistic demand in the market. After some time, it leads to a market crash, just like the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008.
If you study the stock market, you will notice that companies with a lower debt to equity ratio perform better when compared to companies that have a high debt to equity ratio. For example, Apple Inc. doesn’t have any debt, and their stock is always performing higher.
Now, let’s address what Halal is? In the Quran, the word Halal (permitted) is contrasted with Haram (forbidden) in clear binary opposition. According to the quasi rent theory, if interest rates are high, people will use safer and guaranteed investment options like keeping their money in the bank, leading to lower economic activity.
We will analyze the above to explain this concept in light of personal lifestyle, professional, business, and investment decisions.
Personal lifestyle: Food: Muslims are allowed to eat certain kinds of animals so long as the animals are slaughtered in the prescribed manner. It is similar to the concept of Kosher (Jewish dietary code). Clothing: Islam encourages you to look good, smell good, and when it comes to fashion, the only restriction is that the apparel has to be modest and not revealing. Professional: Muslims are encouraged to fulfil their professional duties with honesty and dignity and refrain from working with companies whose source of income is interest or companies that take loans with interest to fund their business. Muslims are not allowed to work in companies that operate in the Food & Beverage and Hospitality industry and offer alcohol, haram meat such as pork, or promote a lifestyle not encouraged by Islam.
A Muslim professional has to put in 100% of his efforts to fulfil his duties to the employer as per the employment contract. They are discouraged from moonlighting during their defined office hours. Otherwise, they are not honoring their contract with the employer. Hence, the income is not Halal.
It clearly states to find the underprivileged and give them Zakat, their share ordained by Allah SWT.
Business & Investments:
‘An honest and trustworthy merchant will be [raised] with the Prophets, the truthful and the martyrs.’ (At-Tirmidhi)
Islam encourages both women & men to pursue Tijara (trade & entrepreneurship) since it creates wealth and most of the Sahaba (the Companions of the Prophet PBUH) were businessmen. But, the cornerstone of the business or entrepreneurship journey should be honesty and integrity towards all the stakeholders such as Government by paying their due taxes, Team members by paying their salaries on time, Environment by engaging in sustainable business, Suppliers by paying them on time and Community by empowering the underprivileged by sharing charity (Zakat, Fitra, & Sadaka) directly with them. One of the pillars of Islam is Charity.
Here, I would like to share some Hadiths (Prophetic sayings) for the readers about the viewpoint of Islam and entrepreneurship.
The Sahabi Hazrat Abdul Rahman Bin Auf (RA) was an outstanding entrepreneur. When his Ansari brother Hazrat Sa’ad Bin ArRabi’ah (RA) offered him his house and business, he responded to him by saying, “May Allah bless you with your family and money but show me the way to the market which was “The market of Qainuqa.” In Islam, we learn that 9/10 of the sources of Rizq (income) can be derived from business activities. And in running our own business, we also seek the Barakah and Redha (the blessings and satisfaction) of Allah SWT.
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Halal Tourism
BUSINESS I am finally coming to the other important part of the article related to discussing the Halal Consumer Market.
Based on our experience & understanding of research data (Primary & Secondary):
Here are some key highlighted research data on this topic:
●Various organizations and governments are organizing Halal Expos to promote Halal products and services.
1. The global Halal market size will reach USD 9.71 trillion by 2025 (Reuters, 2019). 2. The economic development of leading Islamic countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Iran is expected to boost the global halal products market reach over the coming years (Reuters, 2019). 3. Comprising halal food, travel, cosmetics, modest fashion, and Islamic finance, demand for goods and services that align with Islamic principles is on the rise, but just $745 million in disclosed private equity investment was invested in the Islamic economy over three years, far less than the $595 billion in private equity and venture capital investments that occurred globally in 2017 according to the report (Wamda) 4. Asian Muslim tech startups hope to lure Islam’s 1.8 billion followers. (Nikkei) 5. Muslim communities are as technology savvy as any other, especially their younger members, who form part of the global rise of ‘millennials’ and their forward-thinking, can-do mindset. With the breaking down of borders through digital platforms, it is easier than ever for Islam-centric entrepreneurs to access the global Muslim population of 1.7 billion people. (Gulf Business) 6. With the worldwide Muslim consumer lifestyle market and halal economy set to reach $3.7 trillion by 2019, there’s heaps of potential for the Islamic market. (startups.co.uk) However, taking the effect of the pandemic into account, the global halal economy is now estimated to be worth $3.2 trillion by 2024. ( arabnews.com )
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●There are many micro-finance, crowdfunding, venture capital companies helping Halal Businesses. Still, they are limited to a geographic region due to legal jurisdiction. ●Indonesia is the only Muslim country with the top billion-dollar unicorn startups. ●Halal Angels Network is the only Angels Network trying to connect International Angel investors with startups. ●Many non-Muslim countries have identified colossal market potential to offer Halal goods & services to 1.8 billion Muslims. Vietnam has taken new initiatives for this market. ●The Halal Businesses & Entrepreneurs face funding challenges; hence they are not scaling and emerging as multimillion or billion-dollar unicorns. ●If the funding challenge is not resolved, then the Halal Consumer market will not reach its full potential.
Many countries and organizations have understood the potential of the Halal Consumer Market to be estimated at 5 trillion USD and to grow to 9.7 trillion USD with 1.8 Billion customers, and are paying close attention to how this can be leveraged for economic gain. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GTMI) 2019, produced by Mastercard and CrescentRating, spending by Muslim travelers is expected to reach US$300 billion by 2026, an increase of 35% from US$220 billion in 2020, with the number of Muslim tourists growing to 230 million from 156 million in 2020. In fact, Japan and Italy have taken a step forward to put a roadmap for Halal tourism. They have actively pursued this for a decade by creating infrastructure (Hotels, Restaurants, Mosques, & Lifestyles) for Muslim tourists.
As a founder of Halal Angels Network, we have been trying to educate Governments, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Innovators & Scientists about the potential of the Halal Consumer market and its commercial impact to beat the COVID-19 pandemic economic chaos. Hence, we can conclude that the Halal Consumer market can offer a huge economic potential for Governments, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Innovators & Scientists to develop policies, products & services to meet the needs of the fast growing Halal Consumer market (Lifestyle, Food, Hospitality & Tourism, Investment, Services & Investments).
Dr. Tausif Malik is an Indian American Social Entrepreneur based out of Chicago, USA & Pune, India, and resides with his mother. In 2020, he launched the World’s First Halal Angels Network targeting the US$5 Trillion Halal Consumer market, and wants to support the Government of India reach its US$5 Trillion GDP target by 2024. He is also a founder of TMA Worldwide, a holding company that owns AIMBSN (All India Muslim Business & Startup Network), Editor & Publisher of GCCStartup.News, StartupBerita.com, & HalalBizNews.com
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Halal Tourism
NEWS By: Muhtar Emirguliyev
Indonesia working on becoming a Top Halal Producer The number of Muslims globally has reached 1.9 billion, and Indonesia accounts for the most significant percentage of this statistic. The Indonesian Government has realized that this represents a considerable market potential for Muslim products. To this end, the Government has enacted laws such as Government Regulation No. 39 of 2021 on the implementation of Halal Product Assurance. “With the Government’s support, I am optimistic that Indonesia will become the world’s biggest producer of halal products in the future,” Vice President Maruf Amin said in his opening remarks at the online Indonesia Industrial Muslim Exhibition.
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He also announced that the Government had created the Indonesian Sharia Economic Masterplan 20192024, which includes four primary strategies. The first strategy involves making the halal value chain stronger. This chain consists of the halal food & beverage industry, halal tourism, modest fashion, medicine, cosmetics, media, and renewable energy resources. The other three strategies revolve around boosting Islamic finance, encouraging small and medium-sized businesses, and empowering the digital economy. The Vice President, on his part, encouraged all the relevant ministers to focus on one specific goal, which is to make Indonesia become a global halal producer in various fields and promote Indonesian-made Muslim products to increase awareness in the eyes of the world.
Malaysia is now open to Investors and Business Travelers Tourism Malaysia recently launched its Middle Eastspecific #WeMissYou campaign during the Arabian Travel Market Trade Show in Dubai (May 16-19, 2021). Short-term business visitors to Malaysia are already exempt from statutory quarantine rules. The government is now prepared to reopen its borders safely. A statewide immunization program is presently implemented as a significant pillar to reach this end of reopening soon. GCC nationals can get a visa on arrival in Malaysia. Major airlines from the area, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Saudia, Qatar Airways, and others, can now fly directly to the country. Around 300,000 tourists from the GCC area visited Malaysia in 2019.
These tourists accounted for the highest per capita expenditure relative to other tourists. It comes as no surprise to hear that Malaysia has singled out the GCC as one of its important markets. With its Muslim-friendly services like halal food, prayer facilities, halal hotels, and overall safety, Malaysia is now one of the top Halal-friendly destinations chosen by Muslims all over the world. As the pandemic subsides, Halal tourism is set to rebound drastically. Hence, The Malaysian National Tourism Policy has laid out a tourism plan for the years 2020 - 2030 with clear guidelines on navigating Malaysian tourism over the next decade. The emphasis is on recovery, reconnecting, and sustaining this crucial sector of the economy.
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