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

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

Why Stay in Saudi Arabia?

There are a variety of reasons why someone would wish to stay in another country.

There are people in the world who are driven by factors such as a desire for wealth, better job opportunities owing to economic insecurity in one’s home country, and many others.

Some people, however, do not migrate for any of the reasons listed above. People who are uninterested in worldly gain. Instead, they travel to a location where their soul feels connected with Allah, our Lord and Creator. For example, the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

May Allah provide us all the opportunity to see Musjidul Haram, Musjidun Nabawi صلى الله عليه وسلم, and, of course, Musjidul Aqsa, which will live on forever in our hearts.

اللهم آمين

#migration #makkah #madinah #saudiarabia #Islam #muslim

Hajj Season: Appreciation to Saudi Police and Military

Thank you to the Saudi police and army forces for their generosity and service to pilgrims during Hajj.

Officers and officials from Riyadh, Dammam, Tabuk, Madinah, Taif, and other cities throughout the kingdom came to Makkah to assist the Hujjaaj.

We walked with wobbly knees at the end of each intensely humid and scorching day of Hajj, but it was comforting to see the smiling faces of police officers and army officials who were always ready to assist the Hujjaaj.

They helped lost pilgrims find their way, sprayed cooling water on perspiring faces, gave their umbrella to those who didn’t have one, comforted those who were crying and restless, fed those who were too tired to eat on their own, carried an elderly man who felt like he was about to collapse, and a kind army official offered my parents a chair to sit when there was no place to rest.

A kind police officer took off his shoes and gave them to an elderly woman from India who was wearing makeshift sandles made of cardboard and string.

Such was the generosity I witnessed from the police officers and army militants on duty in Makkah during the Hajj season.

So, from the bottom of my heart, I thank the Saudi police officers and army soldiers for their generosity, assistance, and heartwarming acts of kindness in making the Hujjaj’s Hajj experience comfortable and memorable.

May Allah bless and reward you both in this life and the next. آمين

Hajj – The Greatest Pilgrimage by Muslims to Makkah

Walking from a neighborhood in Makkah (known as Aziziya) to Mina, I thought of every possible reason Allah (Almighty God) has brought me and over a million Muslims from around the world for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

سبحان الله

The Hajj brings purity, optimism, and regeneration by purifying the souls of the children of Aadam (عليه السلام) .

———-
“‏ كُلُّ بَنِي آدَمَ خَطَّاءٌ وَخَيْرُ الْخَطَّائِينَ التَّوَّابُونَ”

النبي محمد ﷺ

“Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who commit sin are those who repent.”

―Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
———-

By bolstering each person’s faith, Hajj also reinforces the unity of all Muslims.

By gathering so many Muslims in one location at once, the Hajj improves communication and establishes a collective identity.

The disparities between Muslims of various ethnicities and social backgrounds are minimized through ihram clothes.

You cannot tell the difference between rich and poor, king or pauper; all in one place, dressed in only 2 pieces of cloth, for just one purpose… to please their creator, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).