Ummah Boutique

Global Ummah: Kobe Mosque - Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan

Halal Tourism – The Uprising of a New Industry

We are long away from the time where everyone stayed in their country. Planes, cars and ships made it easy and affordable for people to travel from one country to another.

Last year, Muslims spent an estimated US$126.1 billion on international travel, making up 12.3% of all international travel, according to a report on Muslim travel released jointly by consultancy DinarStandard. The study also predicts that this number will be increasing in the next 4 years.

What is Halal tourism?  Halal tourism can be numerous things. For example Halal tourism is an alcohol free environment. It can be Muslim friendly entertainment. Halal foods. It is an immersive experience for the traveler in the local culture and food but respects Islamic beliefs. 

Ghraybeh Cookies - Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookie

An easy cookie that’s sure to please! Makes 20-25 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup Unsalted Butter

1 cup Powdered Sugar

2-2 1/2 cup Flour

1 teaspoon Orange Blossom Water (optional)

1/2 cup shelled pistachios or blanched almonds

Recipe:  Beat butter, sugar, and orange blossom water thoroughly with a mixer. Add flour gradually and mix well.

Form small cookies into an S, ring or circle shape, with each cookie being about a couple inches in size, give or take

London Buses Will Carry Adverts Praising Allah During Ramadan

Islamic Relief said it hoped the posters, which bear the words “Subhan Allah”, meaning “Glory be to God” in Arabic, will portray Islam and international aid in a positive light. The adverts will be carried in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester and Bradford later this month.

Charity leaders hope it will encourage generous donations during the religious month Ramadan, which is expected to begin on June 6.

Organizers are hoping the campaign will help young Muslims to join humanitarian work.

Imran Madden, the UK director of Islamic Relief, said: “In a sense this could be called a climate change campaign because we want to change the negative climate around international aid and around the Muslim community in this country.”

“International aid has helped halve the number of people living in extreme poverty in the past 15 years, and British Muslims are an incredibly generous community who give over £100 million to international aid charities in Ramadan.”

“Labels are for cans, not for people”

Spring Clearance Sale on until April 30! ♡

Hedaya Malak Won the World Taekwondo Grand Prix And Is Going To The Olympic Games in Rio

Securing herself a spot at the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, and sailing through to receive the -57 kg gold medal at the 2015 World Taekwondo Grand Prix, Egypt’s Hedaya Malak qualifies herself as one of the top 5 women in taekwondo and one of the coolest women in 2016.

Her unbeatable drive, passion, and motivation allows Malak to qualify for this year’s Olympics at Rio, at fourth in the ranking, expecting to move to the third.

Meet Hijarbie, The Mini Hijab-Wearing Fashionista

24-year-old Haneefah Adam of Nigeria, wasn't seeing any Barbies dressed in the same way she did — wearing modest clothing that covers the body. So she started an Instagram  account, called Hijarbie where she showcases Barbie in a variety of hand-sewn modest outfits and hijabs.

“I want to inspire the Muslim girl. It’s about having a doll that looks like her, that represents her own cultural and religious background” 

"Diversity" - Bashir & Zoulfira from Ottawa

"You can be both and one doesn't conflict the other. You can be a good citizen being both." - Bashir Mustafa

"Diversity. Different cultures from different backgrounds coming together and living peacefully. Taking care of each other and being kind to each other." - Zoulfira Miniakhmetova

"Alhumdulillah" - Farrah Khan from Toronto

"I feel that to be a Canadian Muslim you live in a fair and just society. I can practice my religion freely, Alhumdulillah"

"I can have both identities." - Ahmed Alkoka from Mississauga

"I can have both identities. I can enjoy Canadian freedom, while still being able to practice Islam." 

"...it’s not only about practicing our religion freely but helping to develop Canada by being productive citizens" - Asad & Mohammed from Toronto

"I think it's pretty awesome. In Canada you have a lot of freedom. If you're practicing Islam nobody says anything. Most people don't judge you by your clothes, you have freedom of expression. You have more freedom of religion, of speech and of yourself." -Asad Mehmood 

"We have the ability to express our freedom of religion. So many people around the world don't have that kind of privilege. For me personally, it's not only about practicing our religion freely but helping to develop Canada by being productive citizens, volunteering, helping with other causes and just contributing to society as a whole." - Mohammed Baig

"Being here made me explore what it was to be Muslim." - Sahrish Tabrez & Mariyam Farooqi from Toronto

"It gave me more love towards my faith being Canadian-Muslim. I was 7-years-old when I came to Canada and I remember before I came everyone around me was Muslim, I was born Muslim, but nobody told me why or what it means to be a Muslim. But when I came here – as a Canadian Muslim – I realized I am more of myself here than I was, as a Muslim, back home. Being here made me explore what it was to be Muslim." -Mariyam 

"Freedom" - Saima Sheikh & Maariyah Patel from Toronto

Have a blessed Jummah Friday 💙