An alternative way of showing support for Muslims is wearing a traditional symbol such as a head scarf – known as a keffiyeh or head scarf. Donning this head covering helps strengthen relationships and facilitates deeper dialogue among them.
Personalized prayer mats can be an ideal gift for Muslim friends and family members, serving to remind them of their faith while keeping them focused on daily prayers.
Islamic Artwork
Islamic art encompasses a diverse collection of literatures, performing arts and visual arts from people whose populations adopted Islam before 7th century CE. However, more frequently it refers to specific traditions from various lands, periods or genres.
Present your students with a time-lapse photograph of Mecca’s Kaaba to introduce them to Islamic architecture and highlight aniconism as a key aspect of faith, which prohibits depictions of prophets or religious figures in Islamic art and literature. Furthermore, discuss Islam alongside Judaism and Christianity as three monotheistic religions that require an aniconic approach for worshipping.
Point out that although the beauty of Alhambra and Taj Mahal has long captivated Western artists, a systematic study of Islamic fine arts and architecture was only instituted during the 19th century; its growth paralleling Islam’s global spread.
Young Saudi artist Dana Awartani spends her days working from her family’s top-floor studio in Jeddah. Awartani creates art that blends tradition with modernity, but her interpretation of Islamic art leans more towards spiritual. Her preferred style incorporates geometric patterns and astral references while demanding over 12 hours per day of concentration for precision work – she describes this interpretation of Islamic art as like having an ongoing conversation with God.
Quran
No matter their differences, all Muslims agree on the core message found within the Quran: submission and obedience to God’s will are at the center of true belief; charity and peaceful thoughts should also be considered virtues that every Muslim aspires towards achieving.
The Quran stresses the need for all people to consider all aspects of creation in order to gain authentic knowledge and develop closer ties to Allah, which echoes Islam’s concept of taqwa or God consciousness. Therefore, many Muslims study the works of scholars (known as Tafsir ) so as to better comprehend its meanings.
Modern tafsir studies utilize various interpretation techniques to reveal both hidden and overt meanings within texts. One approach focuses solely on Quranic verse, placing it within historical and natural settings; another employs literary analysis for subtler understanding; while some contemporary scholars, such as Sayyid Qutb and Farid Esack, place an increased focus on social justice issues.
Tafsir involves studying the lives of early Muslims to better comprehend when certain verses were revealed and under what conditions. This approach provides a deeper insight into the Quran as it shows its words were more than simply spoken out by an author; they were instead tailored directly towards solving challenges faced by early followers of Islam.
Islamic Books
Muslim faith can be a source of love, strength and knowledge that defines their identity and culture – make sure your gift honors these values and encourage spiritual journey with Islamic books on various topics!
Most non-Muslims are unaware that Islamic scripture extends beyond just the Quran. There exists also a large body of writings attributed to Muhammad by later authors that scholars debate for authenticity; much like Christians dispute Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in terms of accuracy. Yet these extra Islamic scriptures contain many teachings which make modern people uncomfortable about Islam – this book by Jonathan Brown called Misquoting Muhammad provides some excellent background information.
Sheikh Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri’s The Sealed Nectar provides another invaluable source of Islamic knowledge. This work covers the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saws), and is highly revered among Salafis scholars.
Muslim men will enjoy receiving beautiful bookmarks to use with their holy books, such as those made of crystal, wood or pearls – these pieces add an elegant touch to their home! He may also find value in keeping track of how often he repeats a particular surah or hadith verse or passage.
