Arabic Culture

Islam and Belief in Prophets Belief in Prophets of Allah is unquestionably incumbent upon every follower of Islam. It goes without saying that the start of humanity did not commence with Prophet Muhammed’s call of prophethood, and neither it did on the birth of Jesus. It began long centuries before. During these times, God Almighty did not leave human beings muddled and at los…

What is Fasting in Islam? Fasting in Arabic is صَوْم or صِيَام. Linguistically, both words are verbal nouns of the verb صَامَ 'he fasted'. Generally speaking, صَامَ means to refrain from doing something. For example, to say صَامَ عَنِ الْكَلَام means to refrain from talking, and to say صَامَ عَنِ التَّدْخِيْن means to refrain from smoking. However, the words صَامَ, صَوْم, and …

عِيْدُ الفِطْرِ Eid ul-Fitri When Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) entered Madinah, after migration from Mecca, he found the people of Madinah having two days of big celebrations—the Day of Nairooz نَيْرُوز and the Day of Mahrajan مَهْرَجَان. The Nairooz is the first day of the solar calendar, while the Mahrajan is another day of the year during which day and night are the same in len…

A picture is worth a thousand words. The picture below, Arabic gum sellers in Bab al-Yemen just outside Old Sana’a City, illustrates an aspect of real-life situations in Yemen.

A picture is worth a thousand words. The picture below, a spice seller in souk al-Milh in Old Sana’a City, illustrates some aspects of real-life situations in Yemen.

What is Ramadan? What is Ramadan? Ramadan (also written Ramadhan) is the name of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. It is the only month that Allah SWT mentioned in the Holy Quran, namely in Surat al-Bagarah, verse 185. "شَهْرُ رَمَضَان الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ فِيهِ القُرْآنُ" ‘the month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down.’ Why do we call this month Ramada…

Origins of Shia Islam Origins of Shia Islam المَذْهَبُ الشِّيْعِي dates back to the early days of Islam. Therefore, it is the oldest branch of political Islam. More specifically, it emerged during the era of third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan. Without his involvement, it flourished and sprang up during the era of fourth caliph, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. Apart from other talents, peo…

Common Arabic Phrases in Social and Religious Occasions It is customary that Arabs use common Arabic phrases in social and religious occasions. These phrases are meant to congratulate, greet, or express good wishes. Below is a list of occasions and the common phrases people used in each.   Wedding Ceremony: In Arabic culture, the traditional practice in most weddings…

Abdullah Al-Baradouni: A Biography ٌعَبْدُ اللهِ الْبَرَدُونِي: سِيرَةٌ ذَاتِيَّة Born in 1929 in Baradoun village in Dhamar ذَمَار governorate (province), Abdullah Al-Baradouni عَبْدُ الله البَرَدُونِي is a renowned Yemeni poet شَاعِر and a literary critic نَاقِد. He lost his sight at the age of six due to smallpox which was widespread in Yemen at the time. His Educat…

Yemen: Customs, Traditions, and More When it comes to customs and traditions of the Arabs, Yemen, compared to other Arab countries, is the least affected by globalization. Therefore, if one seeks to experience genuine Arabic culture, Yemen is beyond compare linguistically, culturally, and religiously. Following is some essential information about Yemen customs and traditions. …

Kazim Al-Sahir كَاظِم السَّاهِر Born in Mosul, Iraq, in 1957, Kazim(*) Al-Sahir كَاظِم السَّاهِر is one of the most noted singers in the Arab World الوَطْنِ العَرَبِي. He is also a composer and a song writer. Living in reduced circumstances, his family had to move to Baghdad. His knack for music emerged when he was seven years old. This talent was a precursor to studying and …

What is Islam? What is Islam? Islam is the submission to Allah, that is to submit one’s soul, destiny, and all matters to Him. A man may feel that no one on earth or the heavens above has authority over him, and that he has the freedom to do whatever he desires without seeking permission from anyone. This attitude may be acceptable in determining the relationship between a man…

Ali Ahmed Bakathir عَلِي أَحْمَد بَاكَثِيْر Born in Surabaya Indonesia in 1910, Ali Ahmed Bakathir is a renowned and highly regarded Arab literary figure and playwright. As was the case with many Yemeni fathers in southeast Asia at the time, namely Indonesia and Malaysia, his father decided that the family go back to their homeland—Say’un سَيْئون city in Hadhramautحَضْر…

Shafoot شَفُوْت: A Starter Yemeni Dish saltah سَلْتَة, faHsah فَحْسَة, mandi مَنْدِي, fattah فَتَّة, sousi سُوْسِي, ‘aSiiT عَصِيْد, bint aS-SaHn بِنْت الصَّحْن and shafoot شَفُوت are very popular local dishes that are unique to Yemen. You might have tried or heard of mandi because it has found its way to neighboring gulf states and other Arab countries and will soon become int…