YouTube link Hatim Belhouari is a Moroccan composer and electronic music artist known for his innovative blend of downtempo, abstract hip-hop, and electronic genres. His music often features introspective themes and intricate soundscapes.
Read MoreCategory: Culture & Society
identity, conflict, traditions, and human behavior
Dozens of former Eurovision contestants demand that the organization expel Israel from the festival over the war in Gaza.
The signatory artists denounce that “by continuing to give a platform to the representation of the Israeli state, the EBU is normalizing and covering up its crimes.” Elian VayáElianVayaelianvaya Cadena SER 06/05/2025 – 14:54 GMT+1 Madrid: More than 70 former Eurovision artists signed a joint letter this Tuesday demanding that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expel Israel from the competition…
Read MoreHumanure compost toilet: A better way to go
A review of The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure by Joe Jenkins By Kevin Barrett with a “Fatwa on the Flush Toilet” by Shaykh Imran Hosein [Buy the book or read a free online version here] When Obama recently called Netanyahu “chickenshit” most folks understood an insult was intended. But in some cultures, where nitrogen-rich poultry poop makes great…
Read MoreExploring Fashion in the Islamic World: A Tapestry of Tradition and Modern Style
When people think of Islamic fashion, many imagine modest clothing, headscarves, or flowing robes. But the truth is much more colorful, creative, and culturally diverse. The Islamic world stretches across continents—from Morocco to Malaysia, Turkey to Indonesia—and the fashion styles within it reflect a rich blend of history, religion, local culture, and modern trends. Let’s explore how Islamic fashion differs…
Read MoreMusic and Entertainment in Islam: Is It Halal or Haram?
In the Muslim world, one of the most debated cultural topics is whether music and entertainment are halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden) in Islam. Like many issues in religion, the answer isn’t simple—and it depends on interpretation, culture, and context. Why the Debate? The Qur’an does not explicitly forbid music. However, some scholars refer to certain hadiths (sayings of the…
Read MoreA Short Islamic History of Mecca
Mecca (also spelled Makkah) is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Located in modern-day Saudi Arabia, it is the spiritual heart of Islam and the direction Muslims face when they pray, known as the Qibla. Mecca Before Islam Long before Islam, Mecca was a major religious and trade center in the Arabian Peninsula. At…
Read MoreThe First Mosque in Islam: Quba Mosque
The first mosque in Islam is the Quba Mosque, located in what is now the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. When and Why Was It Built? In the year 622 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina—a journey known as the Hijra—he stopped in a small village just outside of Medina called Quba. During his short stay…
Read MoreThe Oud: A Timeless Arabic Instrument
The oud (pronounced “ood”) is one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world and a central piece of traditional Arabic music. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-ʿūd, meaning “wood.” The instrument has a pear-shaped body, a short neck without frets, and typically 11 strings grouped in pairs. Origins and History The oud dates back thousands of years,…
Read MoreKhadijah: The First Wife of Muhammad
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was a wealthy and respected businesswoman in Mecca. She was known for her intelligence, independence, and integrity. She hired Muhammad to manage some of her trade caravans and was so impressed by his honesty and character that she proposed marriage to him. At the time of their marriage, Khadijah was about 40 years old and Muhammad was…
Read MoreThe Early History of Islam: A Beginner’s Guide
Islam is one of the world’s major religions, followed by over a billion people around the globe. Its beginnings can be traced back to the 7th century in a region of the world known today as the Middle East. If you’re unfamiliar with Islam, this article offers a clear and simple overview of how it all started. Where Did Islam…
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