Advertisement Close

Islamic History

The Origin of Islamic Symbols, The Star & the Moon

Moon and star are symbols almost always associated with Islam, during the month of Ramadan, and during Eid holidays. The stars have been used in architectural designs throughout history, and the moon has even made its appearance on mosque pillars. The crescent moon topped off the exquisite design of the pillar dome and athan tower. Muslims are bombarded with (lantern) moons and star decor this Ramadan, But did we ever come to think what is the origin of islamic symbols and is it really Islamic? Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki, discusses the importance of these symbols in Islam.

Khan al Khalili- the Center of Old Islamic Cairo

By: Caroline Umphlet / Arab America Contributing Writer Khan al-Khalili is the most famous market in Egypt, and even one of the oldest open-air markets in the entire Arab World. Located in the heart of old Islamic Cairo, it stretches about half a square mile and is easily walkable from end to end. The market … Continued

Tulip: The Ottoman Obsession

The Tulip design takes center stage in Islamic design and architecture, trip to Turkey will show you elaborate and archaic designs of tulips on every facet of their world, appearing on ceramic dishes, tea cups, plates, tiles, embroidery, carpets, and of course on old and historical buildings, monuments, and mosques. Which begs the question, why is this floral design so popular in Islamic architecture and design. Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki, explores the geometric shapes and patterns have always been a part of Islamic art and architecture since Islam forbade the drawings of human, from it blossomed a theatrical feat of creativity.

The History of the Bidet

By: Menal Elmaliki/ Arab America Contributing Writer The bidet is often described as a mythical, ethereal bowl that is half toilet half tub. From the usage of just water, to the pony, to the modern day bidet, the concept of hygiene and cleanliness has evolved over time. The bidet is a modern tool that is … Continued

How Dots & Vowels Were Added To The Quran.

BY: Anthony Bayyouk / Arab America Contributing Writer During the early days of Islam, the Quran was first written without dots and vowels. Each Arabic letter has three sounds and each one is written differently. As an Arabic reader, you know what sound is made depending on where the dots are placed on a letter. … Continued

Beginnings of the Crusades

The Crusades were no doubt a series of events that altered world history as we know. To this day, the Crusades and their after-effects live on in the consciousness of Arabs, Europeans, and Americans alike. This is because the Crusades are largely remembered as an extremely brutal series of wars between “Christendom” and the “Islamic world”, which is alive in today’s political rhetoric. As right-wing pundits like to put it, today there is a “clash of civilizations” between the Christian West and the Arab Middle East, although this view is rooted in bigotry and ignorance. The first Crusade culminated in the siege of Jerusalem which saw the mass slaughter of the city’s Muslim and Jewish inhabitants at the hands of Frankish crusaders. This article will explore some of the political and cultural origins that led to this tremendously important event.

Respect for Religious Pluralism in Islamic History

SOURCE: ALARABIYA  Dr. Tayyeb Tizini Wednesday, 1 November 2017 The Pact of Umar was a ‘treaty’ forged during the conquest of Jerusalem more than 1400 years ago, at the beginning of Islamic history. It contributes to laying down the foundations of coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims. In it are answers to most contemporary issues, such … Continued

7 Results (Page 1 of 1)