Is “gourmet” a scam?

Are you tired of paying top dollar for a few measly dots of ketchup or chocolate arranged on a plate?

Do you roll your eyes at the fancy schmancy “gourmet” food trend that seems to be taking over the restaurant industry? Well, you’re not alone!

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate beautiful plating as much as the next person, but let’s stop pretending that a few dots of ketchup or chocolate are worth the price tag.

Let’s put an end to the confusion and expense of food labels and start enjoying meals that actually taste good and give us the nutrients we need.

It’s time to ditch the tiny dots of toothpaste on a plate and embrace the real food revolution! Who’s with me? 🍔🍟💪

The Tradition of قرقيعان

This is a unique Arab tradition that takes place in Ramadan, which I wish to share with my South African people and those residing in non-Arab countries…

Have you ever heard of the Arab tradition called قرقيعان?

It’s a fun and unique celebration that takes place in various Arab countries, especially in the Gulf region.

In some places, it’s held just before Ramadan begins, in the month of Sha’baan, while in other regions, it takes place just before the last 10 days of Ramadan. Here in Riyadh, قرقيعان was celebrated last night, and it was a blast!

During قرقيعان, children dress up in traditional clothes and walk through the streets with their packets, going from door to door. Their neighbors give them snacks, gifts, and goodies celebrating the month of Ramadan. It’s a tradition that goes back centuries and is loved by both children and adults alike.

The festive feeling that قرقيعان brings to Ramadan is truly amazing. It’s a time of joy, giving, and community spirit.

Although it’s completely safe here for kids to walk through the streets, adult supervision is still needed, especially to keep a watchful eye for any passing cars.

I know things can be different in other parts of the world, like in South Africa; it may not be safe for children to walk around freely, especially at night, because someone may take the kids away.

So if you’re ever in an Arab country during Ramadan, try to catch a glimpse of قرقيعان; be sure to join in on the fun and experience this unique tradition for yourself!

Fun fact: The word قرقيعان comes from the Arabic word “qaraqir” which means “bowl”. During the celebration, children carry special bowls or baskets to collect their treats.

#RamadanKareem #ArabTraditions #Qarqiaan #Celebrations #CommunitySpirit #FestiveFeels #UniqueTraditions #CulturalDiversity #SouthAfrica #ExploreCulture #LearnSomethingNew #JoyOfGiving #BowlOfGoodies #FamilyFun #ChildrenOfInstagram #LoveForTraditions #TravelGoals #MiddleEastCulture #saudiarabia #Islam #Muslim #Muslims #Arabic #Arab

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia – An unforgettable experience

🌙✨ Celebrating Ramadan in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is a unique and unforgettable experience.

The air is charged with a special energy that can only be found during this holy month. From Taraweeh prayers to Suhoor gatherings, the spirit of Ramadan is prevalent everywhere.

What I love most about Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is that people stay awake from Taraweeh until the Fajr prayer. When Suhoor arrives, the streets come alive with people heading to restaurants and cafes.

As a Muslim, it is truly a blessing to be in a Muslim country during Ramadan, and the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is unlike any other.

If you want to experience these incredible vibes for yourself, I strongly advise visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

Ramadan vibes in Saudi Arabia

May Allah bring you and your family to Saudi Arabia soon. 🤲🏻

#SaudiArabia #BlessedMonth #RamadanVibes #Islam #Muslim #Muslimah #Ramadan #Peace

Unsung heroes of Saudi Arabia

A glimpse into the unwavering dedication of the guards, soldiers, and police officers in Saudi Arabia, especially in the holy lands of Makkah and Madinah.

These brave individuals not only ensure the safety and security of millions of pilgrims, but also go above and beyond to show kindness and compassion to those in need.

In the first video, you can witness the exchange of duty shifts between two guards who are responsible for safeguarding the Black Stone.

The second video is a timelapse of the many kind acts of humanity performed by these guards.

They help lost children find their parents, assist the elderly who are having difficulty walking, and fan people who feel weak in the scorching heat.

Some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet are the guards, soldiers, and police officers in Saudi Arabia.

Their selflessness and dedication to serving others is truly inspiring.

May Allah bless and reward them for their actions. Let us all take a moment to appreciate and show gratitude to these unsung heroes who make our pilgrimage to the holy lands a safe and memorable experience.

#SaudiArabia #Makkah #Madinah #guards #soldiers #policeofficers #kindness #compassion #holylands #pilgrimage #AllahBlessThem #unsungheroes #Islam #Muslim #Muslimah #Muslims

Allah is always listening

When you feel lost and alone, remember that Allah is always listening.

Your supplications serve as a reminder that you are never truly alone.

هذا هو ربي ❤️ This is my Lord

#Allah #Supplications #Love #Faith #Hope #Islam #Muslim #Muslims #Arabic #Islam

Riyadh Language Exchange

I recently attended the 35th Riyadh Language Exchange, which was, as usual, fantastic!

Interacting with people from all around the world was an amazing experience, including Syria, Brazil, Germany, Egypt, and, of course, Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, you could also have your name written in Korean calligraphy.

It’s amazing to see how language can bring people together and emphasize our common humanity.

I’m already eager for the next event!

Thank you to Riyadh Language Exchange and its founders for providing such wonderful opportunities and events for cultural and linguistic exchange.

#GlobalCommunity #ConnectingPeople #SharedHumanity #RiyadhLanguageExchange #CulturalExchange #LanguageLearning #GlobalCommunity #saudiarabia

Arabic Table

Being Around Nature

Being in nature has a certain quality to it. The fresh air, the sound of birds chirping, and the lush foliage all around us all peaceful and revitalizing. And what better place to explore nature’s beauties than South Africa? South Africa is a nature lover’s heaven, with its numerous landscapes ranging from the undulating hills of the Drakensberg Mountains to the sandy beaches of Durban.

I recently spent a significant amount of time exploring the country’s natural splendor, which reminded me of Allah’s power. It’s difficult not to be reminded of our Creator’s greatness when surrounded by such beauty and diversity.

Yet it’s not simply the spiritual benefits that make being in nature so vital. Spending time in nature also has numerous physical and mental health benefits. Spending time in nature has been shown in studies to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and strengthen our immune systems. It can also help to lift our spirits and raise our sense of happiness.

One of the most significant advantages of being near trees and grass is that they offer us with clean air. Trees are critical to our planet’s environment because they absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Hence, by spending time in woodland regions, we are not only getting some fresh air, but we are also helping to lessen our carbon footprint.

Grass and other plants are also beneficial to our ecosystem.

Nature is something I adore. That is quite serene and comforting to me. When I’m surrounded by greenery, I have a sense of calm that I don’t find in any other setting. And South Africa is the ideal location to do so. There are many opportunities to connect with nature and experience its beauty, from trekking in the highlands to meandering along the seaside.

To summarize, spending time in nature is beneficial to our physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. And South Africa is an ideal location for experiencing nature’s splendor. If you want to decrease stress, boost your mood, or simply connect with Allah’s creations, spending time in nature is a great way to do it. So, take a vacation from your hectic schedule and travel to South Africa. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it as much as I did.

Madinah: A Place of Peace

Madinah, Prophet Muhammad’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) city, is extremely unique. It is a city that emanates serenity and tranquillity, a city where believers’ hearts long to be.

You can sense the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds Madinah as you walk through its streets. The air is fragrant with Oud incense, and the call to prayer can be heard booming in the distance. The city is surrounded by lovely green parks and walkways lined with palm palms, creating a quiet and peaceful ambiance.

The Prophet’s Mosque, also known as the Masjid al-Nabawi, is one of Madinah’s most stunning landmarks. This mosque is not only a place of prayer, but also a historical and cultural landmark for Muslims worldwide. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is buried here, and it is a site where one can feel near to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

Other significant landmarks in Madinah include the Quba Mosque, Islam’s first mosque, and the Baqi Cemetery, where many of the Prophet’s companions رضي الله عنهم are buried. These sites are significant not only because of their historical value, but also because of the spiritual connection that one feels upon visiting them.

The Quba Mosque

However, Madinah is more than simply history and spirituality; it is also a vibrant and energetic metropolis. The markets are bustling with people, the streets are lined with merchants selling traditional goods, and the cafes are always crowded with people enjoying a cup of tea and a nice discussion. It certainly offers something for everyone.

Finally, Madinah is a really rare and one-of-a-kind destination, a city that every soul longs to visit. It is a sanctuary of serenity, history, and spirituality, where one can feel truly near to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

We pray to Allah, the Most Merciful, to bring all Muslims who long to visit Makkah and Madinah soon. Ameen.

City of Madinah

Musjid Sayid Al-Shuhada in Madinah

This is Madinah’s Musjid Sayid Al-Shuhada, located by Mount Uhud.

It is the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad’s صلى الله عليه وسلم Uncle Hamzah رضي الله عنه, Musab bin Umair رضي الله عنه, a noble Sahabi whose story is well-known, and the martyrs رضي الله عنهم of the Battle of Uhud.

It is located directly across from the hill where the archers fought during the Battle of Uhud.

May Allah bestow the highest level of Paradise on our Blessed Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and His noble companions رضي الله عنهم, and may Allah make us among those who will meet them in Jannah, آمين يارب.

As is customary in this land and country, the hospitality of the people can be seen wherever you go inside; it was extremely hot, and a generous person left a box of cold water on the ground for people to take. May Allah bless them.

#people #hospitality #islam #muslim #madinah

Heartwarming Charity

The refrigerators on the sidewalks and signs in restaurants and grocery stores offering free food or beverages truly touch my heart ❤️.

A refrigerator can sometimes be seen in the middle of nowhere on street sidewalks, and people instinctively know that if they are thirsty, they can take a bottle of cold water from the fridge. Such is the warmth of the people and safety inside the country.

Now, I’m not going to say that this only happens in Saudi Arabia; I’ve seen it in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as well.

I wished I could see this in South Africa, but a funny thought occurred to me: not only would the contents of the fridge be taken, but so would the fridge itself. 😄🤦🏻‍♀️

May Allah bless all charitable people, wherever they may be, in this world and the next, and may He protect and grant safety to the people of South Africa and all human beings worldwide. آمين