The Blessings and Rewards Continue

Ramadan is over. Eid is over. How are you feeling?

Generally, two kinds of emotions set in after the end of the holy month.

One kind is that of contentment, which results from making the most of Ramadan, including intensive reciting of the Quran, offering nightlong prayers, giving zakat, being good to other human beings, and staying away from evil.

Islamic gifts for Eid

Gifting is a sunnah, and one of the ways to strengthen relationships between the recipient and the giver, and between fellow Muslims. Gifting is a symbol of good etiquette, and it has been narrated in Hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to accept gifts. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) is reported to have said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them.”

Relying on Allah

Human beings are the best of creations of Allah. In the Quran, man's elevated status is clearly expressed in verse 30 of Surah Al Baqarah: "Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: 'I will create a vicegerent on earth.' They said: 'Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?' He said: "I know what ye know not."

Reviving Islamic Calligraphy Art

Islamic calligraphy – the art of writing the verses of the Holy Quran in highly-evolved styles – is the most outstanding aspect of Islamic art. During the medieval centuries, when Muslim empires ruled vast territories of the world, from Spain, Turkey and Arabia in the west to Central Asia, Iran and India in the east, Islamic calligraphy thrived and flourished. It was inscribed on the walls and domes of many majestic monuments, such as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul or the Taj Mahal in Agra.