We will also provide a sample 12-day itinerary, discuss mindfulness during the pilgrimage, the importance of fasting, and how to incorporate a healthy balanced diet and 10,000 daily steps. Let us delve into the details of this sacred journey to help you make the most of your Umrah experience and continue your transformation upon returning to Malaysia.
Section 1: Understanding Umrah Umrah, also known as the 'Little Hajj,' is a pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, performed at any time of the year. While it is not obligatory, it holds immense spiritual rewards and is considered highly recommended in Islam. Understanding the conditions and pillars of Umrah helps ensure that the pilgrimage is performed correctly and with devotion.
Section 2: Essential Items to Bring for Umrah (50-item checklist) A successful and comfortable journey requires proper planning and packing. Here is a comprehensive checklist of essential items to bring for Umrah:
Section 3: Sample 12-Day Umrah Itinerary To make the most of your time in Mecca and Medina, a well-planned itinerary can help ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience. Here is a sample 12-day itinerary for your reference:
Day 1:
Days 2-4:
Day 5:
Days 6-11:
Day 12:
Section 4: Cultivating Mindfulness During Umrah While engaging in numerous activities during Umrah, it is crucial to cultivate mindfulness to deepen your spiritual connection. Here are practical tips for practicing mindfulness throughout your journey:
Section 5: Fasting During Umrah: A Personal Choice Fasting during Umrah is a personal choice that can bring additional blessings and spiritual rewards. However, it is essential to prioritize your health and consult with healthcare professionals before fasting, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions. They can provide guidance on whether fasting is suitable for you and how to manage your medications and dietary requirements while fasting.
Section 6: Transforming Your Life: Healthy Diet and Daily Steps Your journey during Umrah can serve as a catalyst for transforming your life beyond the pilgrimage. Here are practical tips to incorporate a healthy balanced diet and achieve 10,000 daily steps:
Conclusion: Embarking on the sacred journey of Umrah is not just a spiritual experience, but also an opportunity for personal transformation. By understanding the rituals, having a checklist of essential items, following a well-structured itinerary, practicing mindfulness, considering fasting, and embracing a healthy balanced diet and 10,000 daily steps, you can enhance the spiritual depth of your Umrah experience and continue your transformation upon returning to Malaysia.
Remember to seek guidance from scholars, religious authorities, healthcare professionals, and nutritionists for specific advice tailored to your individual needs. May your journey be filled with blessings, purification, and a profound connection to Allah.
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Pernikahan adalah momen istimewa yang dipenuhi dengan tradisi dan simbolisme yang kaya. Dalam budaya Melayu, salah satu aspek yang sangat penting adalah pemberian hantaran. Hantaran adalah serangkaian barang yang diberikan oleh kedua belah pihak, baik dari pihak pengantin pria maupun pengantin wanita, sebagai bagian dari prosesi perkahwinan. Mari kita lihat lebih dekat tradisi dan simbolisme di balik hantaran dalam pernikahan Melayu.
Hantaran adalah cara bagi keluarga pengantin untuk saling bertukar hadiah sebagai tanda kesepakatan dan kerukunan antara kedua keluarga. Setiap hantaran memiliki makna dan simbolisme yang berbeda. Beberapa contoh hantaran yang biasa diberikan antara lain telekung, sirih junjung, al-Quran, jam tangan, set barang kahwin, songket atau kain batik, cincin kahwin, set perhiasan, wang tunai, dan buku doa atau kitab panduan perkahwinan.
Telekung, misalnya, adalah pakaian tradisional wanita yang melambangkan kesucian dan keagamaan. Pemberian telekung menunjukkan penghargaan terhadap nilai-nilai keagamaan dalam pernikahan. Sirih junjung, di sisi lain, adalah hiasan sirih yang melambangkan kesopanan, kesegaran, dan kemakmuran dalam rumah tangga. Sirih junjung juga mewakili upaya keluarga pengantin untuk menyambut pengantin baru dengan penuh kegembiraan.
Al-Quran adalah salah satu hantaran yang sangat penting dalam pernikahan Melayu. Al-Quran adalah kitab suci dalam agama Islam, dan pemberian Al-Quran menggambarkan pentingnya agama dan doa dalam membentuk rumah tangga yang berkah. Dalam budaya Melayu, jam tangan juga sering diberikan sebagai hantaran. Jam tangan melambangkan waktu yang berharga dan komitmen untuk menghargai waktu bersama sebagai pasangan.
Set barang kahwin adalah serangkaian perlengkapan rumah tangga yang meliputi periuk, pinggan mangkuk, gelas, dan peralatan dapur lainnya. Hantaran ini melambangkan praktikalitas dan persiapan untuk memulai kehidupan berumah tangga yang baru. Sementara itu, songket atau kain batik adalah kain tradisional yang indah dan bernilai tinggi. Pemberian songket atau kain batik menghormati warisan budaya dan keanggunan tradisional Melayu.
Cincin kahwin adalah simbol ikatan pernikahan dan kesetiaan antara suami dan istri. Pemberian cincin kahwin adalah tanda komitmen jangka panjang untuk hidup bersama sebagai pasangan yang sah. Selain itu, set perhiasan seperti rantai leher, gelang, atau anting-anting seringkali diberikan kepada pengantin perempuan. Perhiasan ini melambangkan keanggunan dan kecantikan wanita serta menjadi investasi untuk masa depan.
Selain barang-barang fisik, wang tunai juga dapat menjadi bagian dari hantaran dalam perkahwinan Melayu. Wang tunai memberikan fleksibilitas kepada pasangan untuk menggunakan sesuai kebutuhan mereka dalam membangun rumah tangga. Terakhir, buku doa atau kitab panduan perkahwinan adalah hadiah yang bermanfaat bagi pasangan baru. Buku-buku ini memberikan nasihat, panduan, dan inspirasi dalam membangun kehidupan berumah tangga yang bahagia.
Dalam keseluruhan, hantaran dalam pernikahan Melayu memiliki makna yang mendalam dan melambangkan persatuan, kebersamaan, dan kesucian dalam ikatan pernikahan. Hantaran adalah cara bagi kedua belah pihak untuk mengekspresikan penghargaan, kasih sayang, dan komitmen mereka terhadap pernikahan tersebut. Melalui tradisi ini, warisan budaya dan nilai-nilai keagamaan terus dilestarikan dan dipraktikkan dalam upacara pernikahan Melayu.
]]>Health Benefits of Dates
From their remarkable health benefits to their culinary versatility, dates are truly a sweet superfood. Incorporating them into your diet can enhance your overall well-being and elevate your culinary creations. So, next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious addition to your meals or snacks, reach for the versatile date and enjoy its many wonders.
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“keenakan buah kurma dari Timur Tengah….
Yusuf Taiyuuuub…
Kelazatan buah kurma yang tiada bandingannya ….
Yussufff Taiyuuubbb….
Buah Kurma Safeeya, Waseem, Safina, dan banyak lagi…pastinya menjadi pilihan anda setiap masa, pilihan ekslusif…
Yussuff Taiyyuuuubb..”
Oh, it’s annoying…especially the seductive female voice who whispers” Yussuff Taiyuuub”…3 times! Yes, 3 times.
Anyways, the ads has been played without fail during Ramadhan and also pre-Ramadhan every year since 2011.
Radio, TV…You name it.
It has been there all these years without fail.
Initially, Yusuf Taiyub caters for the cheap and affordable dates in Malaysia.
Not many of the Malaysian market are exposed to different kind of dates except for those who are health freak, urban dwellers, religious inclined or those who has travelled to Makkah and Madinah for the Umrah or Hajj trip.
It is not known among everyone about the dates that has a higher value in terms of pricing and quality such as Ajwa, Ajwa Aliyah, Safawi, Medjoul and a few others.
However, in 2020, there was a spike of interest among Malaysians for a greater premium dates which is the Ajwa, Safawi and Medjoul.
Perhaps, due to travel restriction imposed to Malaysians, there is the missing Ramadhan in Makkah sentiment being played.
In 2020, Zaahara sold almost 6,000 boxes of Ajwa dates and also Safawi dates. It was the first time Zaahara was able to sell that much and all this thanks to the travel restriction imposed.
Zaahara is happy to be part of the platform that has introduced and also educate the consumers on the Ajwa dates.
Ajwa dates is so special that it is being mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him). However, the price is so much higher than the average dates sold by Yussuf Taiyub.
1kg of Ajwa dates can be around RM 90-120. Unlike the average dates, its almost few hundred percent difference. Not many are exposed and can actually afford this.
In 2021, Zaahara aims to sell 15,000 boxes of Ajwa dates and believe more awareness can be garnered this time around.
Ajwa dates by Aswadan is definitely something customers will want as they have their own farm in Madinah and the dates are fresh and delicious.
Unlike some dates in Malaysia where it is mixed with sugar and preservatives, Ajwa dates from Aswadan are guaranteed the freshness.
For those who are yet to try Ajwa Dates from Aswadan, you can try for the Ramadhan this year. Perhaps you can also get it for your parents. It comes in a nice presentable packaging and thus good for gifting or hadiah.
Get one now for testing and once you have tried, you’ll never want to eat other type of dates.
]]>We are listing 6 items which will go handy for on-the-go Muslim ladies around the world especially during this Covid-19 pandemic.
So, who are on-the-go Muslims woman?
To simplify it, it is a category for woman who are in the bracket of student, working professional, freelancers or even a busy parent. The bag is the most important item and trust us, they will go gaga if the bag goes missing!
The bag will be filled with small and big things and it is important to not forget certain items that can help you through the day.
To ensure you have a very productive life as a Muslim woman, we have listed a few important things to be put inside the bag.
Praying five times a day is mandatory for all Muslims whether a female or male. No compromise on this. If you are out during the day which will cover the Zuhur and Asar or also Maghrib, it is essential to have your prayer attire with you. To make it easier, the prayer attire (telekung travel) must be light, compact and easy to fold. It will be good if the travel telekung comes in bag as well.
Telekung travel is crucial if you don’t belong in the hijab or tudung wearer category. Or else, you will need to borrow someone else telekung which might not be of convenient if there is nobody at that particular moment.
However, if you are already dressed modestly and also wearing hijab, hand and foot socks will be sufficient.
Nowadays, there are a lot of small travelers’ perfume and also make up that you can carry along. Being a woman, make up and perfume is essentials as we always love to smell good and look good all the time especially when we are out seeing other people.
During Prophet Muhammad saw time, attar (essential oil perfumes) is a crucial item to be carried around. Attar normally comes in a small bottle it’s easy to take with you and also quick to apply.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was known to love good smells. He sums up what he loved of material things in this present world, saying: “Of all that is available in this present life, I am made to love perfume and women, but the thing that gives me best gratification is prayer.” (Related by Ahmad and Al-Nassaie.)
Islam encourages good hygiene and cleanliness, teaching us to always be conscious of the way we present ourselves to others.
For Muslimah’s who wear makeup, bring some items along for touch-ups! A quick lipstick reapplication or a sweep of powder fixes those moments when makeup is looking slightly messy from eating or after taking wudhu.
Reading the Quran is said to soften the hardened hearts and clean dirty hearts. Having a pocket Quran that you can whip out at any time of the day can be a true life-saver. In the middle of a hectic day, reciting the Quran has the ability to relieve you of the stress and anxiety that you’re facing in daily life.
The same can be said for listening to Quranic recitations or reading Quranic verses from a mobile apps like Muslim Pro, iQuran or Quran Majeed.
If you prefer reading the Quran during more private moments, pick up other reading material to get you through those long and dreary train rides to and from home. Instead of spending those rides hooked onto your phone, getting through a book is a much more productive and meaningful way to spend your time. After all, the constant attitude for learning is highly encouraged in our religion.
If you are in a public place where you will encounter other people, you should wear a mask.
]]>In 2018, we decided to give old and worn telekung a second life. We told our customers that they can send their old telekung to our HQ and they will be given 10% discount code.
Our drive even came out in the local newspaper, Harian Metro. The drive was alright although we expected more.
In 2020, we came across a company by the name of Suri Lifestyle, a social enterprise for single and underprivileged mothers to provide financial opportunity by sewing.
The founder, Puan Salena Ahmad who people call her by the name of Kak Sally is a divorcee, and she realized that she needs to take care of her two children with no income. She was rock bottom and she realized that she is not alone in this singlehood journey.
In her own community from Sg. Udang, Klang, she noticed there are 75 more unemployed mothers.
According to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, there was a total of 235,240 women categorised as single mothers in Malaysia and many among those numbers find themselves in need of aid.
SURI sets out to provide flexible employment opportunities for those single mothers.
As Sally said to us in an interview, “Many single mothers in my community of Sg. Udang Klang struggle with financial challenges, but are in need of more income for a better life to their children. Most of them are working full-time jobs, but their salary can go for as low as RM1,500. If you have 4–5 children who are still going to school, this salary isn’t enough to sustain a good life.”
To us at Zaahara, this is an eye opener. We came and see them and discuss if our recycled telekung can be made into a tote bag. After a few rounds of sampling, Zaahara will be collaborating with Suri to create a few types of product namely – face mask, telekung bag, tote bag and two more products.
The aim is to create more employment to the community and also to create a more sustainability product.
Malaysia being a Muslim country with 16 million population, we believe that there are a lot of Muslims product such as telekung and tudung that can be converted into a beautiful upcycle products.
If this project can kick off well, we can later be example to the outside world and perhaps we can assist our local unfortunate industry to be one of the best high paying savior.
We hope to attract more of our GLC’s to be part of this Zaahara’s upcycling telekung as we know in order to get more telekung, we need to reach more people.
Do let us know and feel free to reach to us for this project.
]]>Muslimah wear brand Zaahara wants Muslim women to upcycle their used telekung and help single mothers so it has launched an ongoing initiative to collect used telekung in exchange for a 10 per cent discount on its products.
The telekung will then be turned into telekung bags by Suri Lifestyle, a social enterprise for single and underprivileged mothers to provide financial opportunity by sewing.
Brand chief executive and co-founder Anas Pawan Chik says the company sees a collaborative opportunity that helps consumers upcycle their unused prayer garments and at the same time, help single mothers.
"We will collaborate with Suri to help 40 single mothers for Zaahara's latest project to recycle 5,000 telekung pieces in its first phase,"
HELPING OUT
Customers can donate their telekung to Zaahara's office in Subang Jaya. The company is also working on having drop-off points to ease donation. "We accept all kinds of telekung, all colours and materials," he says.
Anas says this project is expected to provide an opportunity for these single mothers to generate additional income of between RM3,750 to RM7,500 based on RM10 to RM20 for a bag sewn.
Each of the single mothers will be given the task of sewing 375 telekung bags. These bags will later be sold both by Zaahara and by Suri Lifestyle and proceeds from these sale, on Zaahara's end, will go into other social initiatives.
"It all started with our customers who kept asking us where to donate their old telekung when they buy new ones,"
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This article is written by Pn Syida Lizta from NST.
https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/flair/2020/12/645747/upcycling-used-prayer-wear
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Over the years, the term “depression” was merely described as an over-exaggeration of sad. Countless times, society has brushed it aside. We have deemed it as “nothing”. But with all that we know about depression and to all the effects of depression on people, we know better than to call it nothing.
Depression is an illness, a psychiatric illness that radically impairs your daily functioning. It is not a feeling or a phase. It is a real world issue, and we need to start talking about it. There needs to be more dialogue about depression, and how we can help those who are suffering through it.
Needless to say, in our Asian community, depression does not cater very well to others. The stigma that surrounds depression and affected individuals creates an environment of isolation.
Individuals who suffer from depression are deprived and, practically, robbed of their image. They are seen are dysfunctional, weak, unimpressive, sensitive and melodramatic.
When in reality, you would never describe someone with diabetes the same way. The stigma surrounding depression is that it is fake, a fake disease. On the contrary, mental health is just as important as physical health.
And thousands of people who are affected by depression can prove to you just how real the disease really is.
Depression is a pandemic. Millions are affected by the disease, but to scale it down to Malaysia : in 2015, the prevalence of mental health problems, including depression, was 29.2%. That’s approximately 8.9 million “rakyat Malaysia” who are suffering. Depression and anxiety make up for 15.7% of that 8.0 million. That’s approximately 1.3million people who have a type of depressive disorder or anxiety disorder. How much more statistics do we need before we actually take this seriously? What makes these stats worse is that the data on depression is Malaysia is highly unreported. A lot of people are experiencing symptoms but are not coming forward or receiving treatment for their illness. It is expected that mental health illnesses will be the second biggest health problem affecting Malaysians by the year 2020.
No, depression is not contagious. No, depression is not a lie. No, depression is not to be taken lightly. No, depression is not necessarily caused by low faith. There are a number of factors that contribute to depression, from substance abuse to physical abuse.
From peer bullying to social anxiety. From post-partum to terminal illnesses. There is no one single “depression” illness. Depression is an umbrella term, and it has many branches. It is unfair to penalise the affected individual and place them in a confined box of our misconceptions when all that they need is just someone to listen.
The scariest and more dangerous thing about depression is it’s stealthiness. Depression is silent. Depression is deadly. Thousands of people go on with their lives, hiding their depression due to the stigma. Some become so entrapped in their own charades that their precious lives are taken in the battle.
Depression is treatable, we can help. We can always help. So many lives were lost to depression, and we need to do better than that. We know better, and we can help those in need. We can do better.
Broaden your horizons on the illness that is depression. If you are suffering, seek help. And if you know anyone in need of help, lend a listening ear or support them to seek help. You are not alone, you do not need to be alone. Help one another, support one another.
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