Wednesday, 31 December 2008

Siratt Lifebook 2009

The much awaited siratt lifebook Islamic diary for 2009 is now available. It is aesthetically more pleasing and has more information than the 2008 version. The paper quality has also improved. The variety of colours available for 2009 includes a poppy redand a shade of violet. You can view the complete range of Siratt lifebooks at the link below:
Siratt Lifebook 2009

Friday, 25 January 2008

Hijab

The hijab is a much discussed topic in today's times in all parts of the world. Most discuss whether hijab is 'freedom or suppression.' Hijab basically means a partition. It is commonly used to refer to the head scarf but it actually means paritition that is complete covering of a person so as to form a partition.
Hijab in the fashion world has gone a long way from what it was. People want more flexible and easy to wear hijabs that they can use at work, at home and at special occasions of functions. There are many different types of hijabs.
The most common type of hijab is the oblong, rectangular or long hijab. This hijab basically is a long scarf. Long hijabs come in various designs and colours depending mainly on the geographical are and the taste in colour and material in that geographical area as well as the weather in that particular geographical area. A good example would be long hijabs in East Africa are made mainly of cotton or starched cotton due to the hot weather whereas long hijabs in Eastern Europe are made of wool or thick polyester.
Another common type of hijab is the square or triangular hijab. This is probably the most common type of hijab available. Countries like Turkey and South Africa are filled with square hijabs. These hijabs are made mainly of poly cotton or georgette. Square hijabs are also called triangular hijabs as these hijabs are normally folded across to form a triangle before they are worn. square hijabs are very common in printed format where there is some sort of block printing or machine printing done on the hijab.
The Kuwaiti hijab is another upcoming hijab. The Kuwaiti hijab is also called the wrap around hijab, the mona hijab or the Kuwaiti wrap. The Kuwaiti hijab is basically a one piece hijab which is made in the form of a tube linked to a rectangular hijab from the neck. This way the first portion of the Kuwaiti hijab is pulled over the head after which the second portion (long hijab) is wrapped round the head for a tight fit or to create an innovative style with the hijab.
The one piece hijab is also exceptionally popular. The one piece hijab is also known as Al amira hijab or amira hijab, a name it received after one of its first manufacturers. The Amira hijab is basically a cloth stitched all the way round to form a tube like structure. The Amira hijab is basically pulled over the head and the hair tucked in. The Amira hijab has the front stretched so as to cover the upper face properly as well as to cover all the hair.
Another upcoming hijab is the two piece hijab. The two piece hijab is also known as the two piece Al amira two piece hijab or Amira two piece. The two piece hijab is basically a one piece hijab with a pull over bonnet cap. The only difference is that the front potion of the main portion does not stretch out to the front as the second piece covers that with a pull over bonnet cap which is like a small tube or a wide head band. The advantage of a two piece hijab over its one piece counterpart is that it has a tighter fit and does not move out of place due to a lot of physical movement which is common in some types of hijab depending on the way its worn.
Another hijab type which is worth mentioning is the Igal hijab. The igal hijab is basically a long hijab with a pair of strands which is attached two thirds of the length down. The igal hijab is a very stylish hijab, the strands are tied at the back of the head and the longer end is wrapped around the head which can be done in various styles as the strands are holding the hijab down.
There are many other hijab styles and types of hijabs but this should give you a fair idea of what the hijab is about. This article has been written for the general knowledge of the public on the hijab.

Saturday, 19 January 2008

Siratt Lifebook 2008

The Siratt Lifebook diary or Islamic diary is out now anda available to buy online and offline. The new Siratt diary has new chapters and has been improved aesthetically. There is also a larger variety of colours to choose from with the introduction of their new Italian design. The Siratt Diary is available in pocket size and desktop size. Please click on the link below to purchase the siratt lifebok.
Siratt Lifebook
Siratt Diary 2008

Monday, 12 November 2007

Hajj Products

Allah (SWT) has made Hajj (pilgrimage) to His Sacred House obligatory on His slaves as a prompt obligation on whoever can afford it and is preferable to perform it often. Allah (S.W.T) has prescribed Hajj as one of the articles of Faith in Islam. One should expedite the performance of Hajj when due and he has not yet performed it. The pilgrim should seek pardon for one’s sins and wrong doings. The earning for Hajj must be lawful. The objective Hajj is to seek the divine pleasure.Hajj products are an integral part of doing Hajj. All Muslims shop around for Hajj products before embarking on this sacred journey of Hajj. Most Hajj products have to be bought from the country of departure and some can be purchased in Makkah during or just before Hajj.There are several Hajj products available in today’s world. Some are essential and some are optional. The Ihram for example is an essential. It Ehram cloth is basically two pieces of white cloth that the men have to wear to cover themselves. The Ihram has to be unstitched. For women modest dressing is required but there is no specific kind of clothing that they must wear although there are women’s Ihrams available. The Ihram is of two types for the men. The first one is made into plain cotton cloth and second is made of towel cotton cloth. Both Ihrams are unstitched and both Ehrams are white in colour. There is a ladies ‘Ehram’ available which is basically a large ready made hijab that is worn over the head and upper body and stretches down below the waist. It is quite useful and covers a woman properly.Another Hajj product that is not essential but useful is the Hajj belt or Hajj bag. The Hajj belt is basically a wide enough belt that goes round the waist and has pockets on the front or sides. The Hajj bag is like a travel pouch and has pockets on the front. There is also a special Hajj bag for women which is hung round the neck and tied around the back. This is very useful especially for keeping money and important documents during travel.Day by day there are more and more Hajj products being designed and manufactured for the convenience of the Hajj pilgrims and we hope this trend continues.

Brooch Pins

As fashion accessories Brooch Pins are incredibly versatile. Brooch Pins can compliment nearly any fashion outfit and Brooch Pins are now designed to suit all tastes. No matter the occasion Brooch Pins add that little touch of style and glamour. Available in every imaginable design Brooch Pins are the must have accessory and they are also produced in all fashionable metals. The ability of Brooch Pins to accessorise nearly any ensemble is a credit to the flexibility of Brooch Pins to become part of your accessories wardrobe and be used again and again. Sizes of Brooch Pins may vary but generally Brooch Pins are small and easily fastened to a jacket or blouse for discreet style. However, larger Brooch Pins are used to create a direct stylish impact for the more daring fashionista and Brooch Pins can be attached onto handbags and luggage.

The adaptability of Brooch Pins lies in the endless possibilities open to Brooch Pins designers in creating the most beautiful and inspiring Brooch Pins drawings. Brooch Pins cater to all tastes and fashion minds with Brooch Pins designs being found with every possible type of creative outlet for Brooch Pins wearers. There are no hard and fast rules to Brooch Pins designs and committed Brooch Pins followers will have Brooch Pins for every outfit and occasion and their favourite Brooch Pins. Brooch Pins are a fashion accessory for everyone adding the right touch of discreet glamour. Muslim women have become huge fans of Brooch Pins to hold together their hijabs while Brooch Pins accentuate the outfit in a discreet yet colourful manner. Indeed Brooch Pins are synonymous with understated glamour and the right Brooch Pins will add that touch of and exoticness without being overbearing.

Brooch Pins designs are produced in all precious metals with regular Brooch Pins in bronze, steel or tin. Brooch Pins are also available in beautiful sterling silver or delicate gold plating. Of course Brooch Pins range from the plastic variety suitable for the small touches on the everyday outfit to Brooch Pins with inset diamonds and jewels bringing beautiful colour and touch to special occasions. Such Brooch Pins make great gifts but so do all Brooch Pins due to their versatility and ability to compliment all wardrobes. Brooch Pins are ideal gifts for women and suitable for birthdays while exquisite Brooch Pins may be suitable for anniversaries making Brooch Pins memorable gifts.

For Muslim women Brooch Pins have become an essential accessory with Brooch Pins being perfect for tying down hijab scarves and keeping an outfit together. The sheer range of colours and textures of Brooch Pins compliments any hijab while Brooch Pins being small do not draw unwanted attention. Pretty and purposeful Brooch Pins make excellent must have accessories. Brooch Pins may be part of a jewellery collection or Brooch Pins are sold separately. Generally Brooch Pins in gold or with precious diamonds will form part of a set and such Brooch Pins will offer a style of class to the wearer. Brooch Pins are incredibly feminine and will make any woman feel special and radiant for any occasion. Brooch Pins are stylish yet small. Brooch Pins are available in all colours and designs to suit any outfit and above all Brooch Pins are easily affordable for everyday use.

Yashmagh

The yashmagh is a headscarf or covering worn by Arab men. Yashmagh is also called the shemagh. The yashmagh or shemagh is commonly associated with the Palestinian struggle and is called the PLO scarf or Palestinian scarf. Probably the most famous wearer of the Palestinian scarf was Yasser Arafat though the yashmagh or Palestinian scarf is widely worn by Arab men. The shemagh style differs from country to country with the Jordanians preferring the red and white yashmagh or PLO scarf while those in the Gulf States choosing the black and white yashmagh.

While the colours of a PLO scarf vary the basic design of a shemagh remains the same. The shemagh or PLO scarf is an embroidered heavy cloth set to be worn as a head covering for men. The yashmagh protects from the extreme temperatures of the Middle East and a shemagh is worn all over the Arab world. The Palestinian scarf will be in black and white stripes or patterns and has black tassels on its edges. The yashmagh is widely worn in red and white stripes too and will have red tassels on its edges.

The yashmagh is a common sight in Arab countries and the shemagh is worn with traditional Arab dress or alongside western suits. The PLO scarf is worn by both young and old and the yashmagh is a cultural dress. While the Palestinian scarf is seen as a political symbol by some, for Arabs the yashmagh foremost represents the Arab or Muslim dress and not the Middle East conflict. As cultural attire the yashmagh gives an incredible regal look giving the wearer a sense of authority and respect. Indeed after Arafat the most next most visible wearers of the yashmagh are Arab tourists who will continue to choose the yashmagh whether they are at home or abroad and in Arab or western dress. The shemagh need not be removed inside the home or work since the yashmagh is designed for wear all the time. The yashmagh is made of either light cloth keeping the wearer incredibly cool if in the sun or the Palestinian scarf will be from heavier woollen fabric which will prevent sand and dust and is remarkably suited to colder climates in the west. The heavier shemagh is the more popular choice of yashmagh.


In western countries the PLO scarf or yashmagh is incredibly popular. As a yashmagh brought as a gift back from Hajj or Arab countries or online the Palestinian scarf is worn as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian struggle or a shemagh as a part of Muslim identity and dress. The yashmagh is now worn by non Arab Muslims as the popularity of the Palestinian scarf grows alongside the intensity of the conflict. In the UK the PLO scarf is not worn as a head covering in the traditional yashmagh manner but as a scarf or shawl and the yashmagh will be draped over the shoulders or coat to keep warm. The most popular yashmagh in the UK is the black and white embroidery known as the PLO scarf.

Thobe

The thobe or thawb is an item of cloth commonly worn by Muslim men. A thobe is a long robe which flows to the ankles and a thawb will generally be worn as an outer garment. For Muslim men a thobe will be loose and not form fitting in accordance with the Islamic faith and a thawb will be worn with trousers. The thobe will generally be short sleeved allowing a thawb to be worn over long sleeved shirts and other clothing. The thobe originated in Arab countries but the thobe design spread and now the thawb has various interpretations in many African countries. In the subcontinent the basic thobe design was altered into the popular shalwar kameez although the thawb can be seen in the more metropolitan cities of the continent.

Thobes were worn in pre-Islamic times but was adopted by Islamic culture and now the thawb is commonly associated with Arabs and the Islamic faith. The popularity of the thobe is its ability to meet Islamic requirements on clothing and modesty. A thawb must be long and loose and thobe should not reveal the shape. Thawbs are worn today due to the thobe’s ability to be seen as an artist’s canvas whereby all manner of thawb can be created with wonderful colourful patterns and differing textures.

The longevity of the thobe design lies in the fact it has so versatile in design and the thawb’s adoption by many countries across the globe. In Arab lands the thobe is most popular in brilliant white but for everyday wear thawbs are available in elegant stripes or patterns and in dazzling array of colours. Indeed the common African thobe is a beautiful mix of daring colours and bold designs. African thawb will be slightly shorter than the Arab thobe due to cultural preferences but both types of thawb are widely worn by Arab and African men.

Even though the thobe design is many centuries old the thawb is still incredibly popular in its lands of origin and increasingly the UK. Young Muslim men have greatly taken to the thawb and a thobe’s loose design means a thobe can be easily worn over jeans and a shirt. Indeed, the thawb makes an ideal gift for Muslim men and the variety of thobe available make it popular among young men. In dazzling white such thawbs are ideal for wedding occasions and religious festivals while a coloured thobe is appropriate for general wear. A thobe is usually made from cotton allowing the thawb wearer to keep cool or stay warm through layering above a thobe which can easily be removed.

A thobe is easily found in the UK and thawbs available in high street shops. When purchasing a thawb the wearer must make sure the thobe is not tight fitting and that the thawb does not hug the wearer. In the UK the thobe to be worn over western clothes may mean the thawb should be bought in a larger size.