Rewind & Rediscover: Highlights from Our Archives
For illustration purpose. Photo credit: Daarul Bazaar
Rewind & Rediscover: Unearthing Forgotten Gems – Dust off your curiosity and take a deep dive into our treasure trove of past brilliance. These are the stories that time didn’t forget—they were just quietly waiting, buried beneath the avalanche of today’s viral hits and trending moments. Think of it as a digital excavation, where every click is like brushing off a layer of history to reveal a gem that’s still as shiny and relevant as ever. Because sometimes, the best stories aren’t new—they’re just waiting to be rediscovered!
Shelf Deception: Storing Valuables in Plain Sight
14 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 16th Nov 2024
A storage box disguised as a book is a clever and functional piece of home decor that combines aesthetics with practicality. These boxes are designed to look like traditional hardbound books, complete with faux spines, realistic covers, and embossed lettering. When placed on a shelf, they seamlessly blend in with other books, creating the illusion of a well-stocked library. This design makes them an excellent choice for people who value both style and discretion in their storage solutions. They are particularly popular among those who want to keep personal items hidden in plain sight.
One of the primary advantages of a book-style storage box is its versatility. These boxes are available in various sizes, allowing users to store anything from small trinkets and jewelry to important documents and electronic devices. Some designs even include magnetic closures or locks for added security. The wide range of themes, colors, and patterns makes it easy to find a box that complements any decor, whether it’s vintage, minimalist, or modern. This flexibility ensures that they can serve as both functional storage and a decorative element in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these storage boxes are highly portable and lightweight. Unlike traditional safes or bulky storage containers, they can be easily moved from one location to another. Their inconspicuous nature adds an extra layer of security, as most people would not suspect that a book on the shelf contains valuables. This makes them particularly useful for travelers or individuals who want to safeguard their belongings without drawing attention to them.
Overall, storage boxes disguised as books offer an innovative solution to modern storage needs. They provide an effective way to organize and secure items while enhancing the visual appeal of a space. Their blend of form and function makes them a popular choice for a wide range of users, from book lovers and art enthusiasts to those seeking clever ways to conceal personal belongings. These unique storage solutions are a testament to how everyday objects can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes.
Product Comparisons 🔽
Amazon SGD 31.64 Brand: Vintiquewise
Fragrance Meets Freshness: Why Good Virtues Co. Is our Self-Care Favourite
14 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 16th Nov 2024
Good Virtues Co. is one of our favorite brands, offering an exceptional range of personal care products. From body scrubs to shower creams, facial washes, shampoos, and personal hygiene essentials, their products are known for their long-lasting, pleasant fragrances. They’re especially suitable for wives who enjoy smelling fresh and delightful before layering on perfume for their husbands.
Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz ibn Baaz (رحمه الله تعالى رحمة واسعة) said:
"...It is required from the wife to beautify herself for her husband, but not outside her house in front of non-Mahram men (not a spouse or unmarriageable male relatives); rather, inside her house and for her husband. Allah is the One sought for help! .."
[Majmoo ’al-Fataawa Ibn Baaz, Vol.: 21; pg. 223] 🔗 Source
A standout product in their lineup is the body scrub, made with Himalayan pink salt and enriched with organic black seed oil. This scrub is gentle on the skin, leaving it feeling rejuvenated and deeply moisturized after use. Its refreshing fragrance enhances the overall experience, making it a treat for self-care routines.
Another must-try is their shower cream, designed to nourish the skin while providing a luxurious lather and an enticing aroma. It's perfect for turning a simple shower into a spa-like experience, helping users feel pampered and refreshed.
Lastly, their personal wash deserves a special mention. It is formulated to be gentle on sensitive areas, offering a subtle hint of fragrance that ensures freshness and comfort throughout the day. This attention to detail and quality makes Good Virtues Co. a brand worth exploring for anyone who values self-care and indulgence.
Their Products 🔽
Scented Statements: How Fragrance Defines Personality
12 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 14th Nov 2024
Perfume is a blend of fragrant essential oils, aroma compounds, and solvents used to create a pleasant scent that enhances personal allure. Often crafted from both natural and synthetic ingredients, each perfume is designed to appeal to specific olfactory preferences, making it a deeply personal choice. Perfumes can evoke memories, inspire emotions, and even communicate aspects of one’s personality. Over the centuries, perfume has evolved from simple blends to intricate compositions, with modern perfumers constantly innovating to create new and unique fragrances.
Today, perfumes come in a variety of forms, from eau de parfum and eau de toilette to pure perfume oils. Each type varies in concentration and lasting power, with more concentrated perfumes lasting longer on the skin. The art of perfumery involves carefully balancing top, middle, and base notes to ensure that the scent unfolds gradually. Top notes, which are initially perceived, fade to reveal heart notes, which form the core of the fragrance, and eventually settle into base notes that linger longest on the skin.
Perfume’s popularity is partly due to its ability to influence mood and confidence. Many people select perfumes that enhance their self-image or bring about certain feelings, such as relaxation or energy. Fragrance is a tool of self-expression, allowing wearers to shape how they are perceived. Scents can create a lasting impression, making it possible to express aspects of one’s personality through fragrance alone. As a result, perfumes have become more than just accessories; they are statements of identity.
Perfumers use various techniques to create complex scents, often blending floral, woody, spicy, and citrus notes to produce a balanced fragrance. Each note category adds a unique characteristic, from the freshness of citrus to the warmth of wood. Crafting a successful perfume requires a deep understanding of how different notes interact. This balance is crucial, as each scent must evoke harmony and allure, creating a fragrance that appeals to the senses and remains memorable. The result is a sensory experience that goes beyond simple scent, shaping how we feel and interact with the world around us.
Beneficial Readings:
- Friday is not a “day of rest” for Muslims as Sunday is for the Christians. But it is a day of bathing oneself, grooming, wearing nice clothes and applying perfume (for men). 🔗 Read More
- Regarding Perfume for Women: Garments of beautification are to be worn within the home 🔗 Full Article
- The ruling on women going out while wearing perfume 🔗 Full Article
- The Hijab Must not be Perfumed 🔗Full Article
- Ruling on Alcohol in Pefume 🔗 Full Article
Product Comparisons 🔽
Amazon SGD 35.57 Brand: Swiss Arabian
Red, Ripe, and Refreshingly Right
11 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 13th Nov 2024
Watermelon has a unique presence both as a refreshing summer treat and a food appreciated throughout history. Known for its high water content and sweet flavor, watermelon is widely loved today.
Coldness of watermelons remove heat
Aa'Isha [may Allah be pleased with her] said: Allah's Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] used to eat melon with fresh dates, and then said, "We remove the heat of this one (dates) with the coldness of this one (watermelon), and the coldness of this one with the heat of this one" (1)
The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] solely speaks based on divine revelation from Allah. He was taught by his Lord regarding the distinct characteristics of these two food types, thus he would consume them together, saying, "We remove the heat of this one with the coldness of this one, and the coldness of this one with the heat of this one". Emulating the Prophet in this practice after understanding it is considered a Sunnah. (2)
(1) Sahih Sunan Abee Daawud 3836
(2) An Excerpt from At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/368 🔗 Source
The Companions Throwing Melon Rinds At Each Other
Bakr ibn 'Abd Allah said: “The Companions of the Prophet used to [play by] throwing watermelon rinds at each other, but when it was time for seriousness, they were [real] men.” Related by al-Bukhari in his al-Adab al-Mufrad (no. 266). It has been authenticated by al-Albani in Silsilah al-Sahihah (no. 435). [Trans. Ustadh Abul-Hasan Malik] 🔗 Source
Watermelon as a Sadaqah
The Messenger [sallal laahu aalayhi wasallam] said, “Treat your sick by giving Sadaqah”. [ 1]
AbuBakr Al-Khubaaziy [rahimahullaah] said: I had a very dangerous illness, so a neighbour of mine saw me and said: Act upon the statement of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], "Treat your sick by giving Sadaqah". It was summertime, so I bought many watermelons and gathered a group of poor people and children. They ate and then supplicated for me to be cured. By Allah! I did not reached the next morning except that Allaah granted me wellbeing. [2]
[1] Saheeh Al-Jaami As-Sagheer Wa Ziyaadah 3358
[2] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 18/44 🔗 Source
Today, watermelon remains popular, not only for its flavor but also for its nutritious qualities, including hydration and a wealth of vitamins. While modern medicine emphasizes watermelon’s health benefits, the Prophet Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] provided a timeless example of balanced nutrition by combining watermelon with dates. His approach underscores an enduring principle that is evident in Islamic teachings: wellness is achieved through balance, moderation, and awareness. As such, watermelon serves as more than a mere fruit; it represents a bridge between the past and present, reflecting a harmony between physical health and spiritual well-being.
Product Comparisons 🔽
In the Blink of a Kohl-lined Eye
10 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 12th Nov 2024
Kohl has a long history as a beloved cosmetic, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and beyond. Traditionally, it was created by grinding minerals like galena or stibnite, which produced a rich, dark pigment. People used this pigment to line their eyes, both for beauty and for its practical benefits, as it was thought to protect against the harsh desert sun and prevent eye ailments. The striking effect of kohl on the eyes quickly turned it into a timeless hallmark of beauty across regions and eras.
Over time, kohl became closely associated with elegance, mystery, and sophistication. It was used by both men and women, from nobility to everyday people, who applied it to enhance their features. The look it created—a sharp, dark line encircling the eyes—accentuated expressions, creating an intense, captivating gaze. Its popularity grew to represent a sense of allure and refinement, making it a staple for those wishing to present a defined, expressive appearance.
Kohl is also a central part of many customs surrounding personal care, where it is often applied in private settings or among family members and close companions. This practice is not only a form of adornment but is also viewed as a modest way to enhance natural beauty. Wearing kohl in these private settings allows one to enjoy its beautifying effects while upholding values of dignity and privacy. This aligns with the idea of adornment as something that can be enjoyed without necessarily being on public display.
Today, kohl has crossed global boundaries, becoming a makeup essential in modern beauty routines worldwide. Brands have transformed kohl into convenient pencil, liquid, and gel formulas, allowing it to be used for subtle definition or bold, statement-making looks. Despite these innovations, the essence of kohl remains: it enhances the eyes, provides depth, and brings a timeless, captivating quality to one's appearance. Whether applied traditionally or with a modern twist, kohl continues to be cherished for the elegance it brings to the eyes.
Beneficial Readings:
- Ruling on wearing kohl for beautification 🔗 Full Article
- Is it permissible for a women to wear eye liner outside her home even if she does wear niqaab, but her eyes are exposed? 🔗 Full Article
- What is The Ruling On Women and Men Using Kohl 🔗 Full Article
Product Comparisons 🔽
Fig-ure It Out: The Surprising Benefits of This Delicious Fruit
6 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 8th Nov 2024
Figs are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, revered for their unique flavor and rich historical significance. Native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean, these sweet fruits grow on the Ficus tree, which belongs to the mulberry family. Figs come in a variety of colors and shapes, with green, purple, and black-skinned varieties being the most common. Inside, figs have a honey-like sweetness and a rich, chewy texture that contrasts with the slight crunch of tiny seeds. Traditionally, they were eaten fresh or dried, providing a natural source of sugars, fibers, and essential minerals that made them a valuable food in ancient times.
Ibn al-Qayyim: Figs are a Nourishing Fruit with Great Cleansing Properties
The noble scholar Ibn al-Qayyim talked about the fig in his excellent work "The Prophetic Medicine". He said that there is no mention of figs in Prophetic Sunnah because there were no figs in the land of Hijaz and Medina. This is because the soil that is required for figs to grow on is incompatible with that which is suitable for date palms.
However, he did say that they are mentioned in the Qur'an to identify their distinct health benefits among other fruits: "By the fig, and the olive." [95:1]
Ibn al-Qayyim also said that figs are more nourishing than all other fruit, that they should be ripe and peeled before eating, and that the best type of fig is the white variety. He said that eating fresh figs can prevent the development of urotoxicity (toxic quality of urine), and can cleanse the kidney and bladder. Fresh figs are healthier and more wholesome than dried figs and can benefit the throat, chest and trachea. 🔗 Source
Beyond their unique taste, figs offer remarkable health benefits. They are a high-fiber fruit that supports digestion and may help regulate blood sugar levels. Figs are also packed with essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to heart health and bone density. Moreover, they contain powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Figs' versatility allows them to be enjoyed in various dishes, from salads to desserts, and their rich taste pairs beautifully with savory ingredients like cheese and meats, as well as sweet flavors like honey and chocolate.
Product Comparisons 🔽
Shopee SGD 5.44 Brand: Royal Dates
O'Live Well, Eat Well!
5 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 7th Nov 2024
Olive oil has held a place of high esteem for centuries, cherished for its rich flavor, health benefits, and symbolic significance. Originating from the Mediterranean, this "liquid gold" has become a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide, valued not just for its culinary versatility but also for its storied heritage. From robust, peppery oils to milder, buttery varieties, olive oil continues to offer a range of unique tastes that enhance countless dishes, from simple salads to gourmet sauces.
The Messenger (may Allah raise his rank & grant him security) said, “Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree.” [Tirmidhi At’ima, 43]. 🔗 Source. This saying highlights the olive tree’s revered status and the oil’s beneficial qualities. Olive oil was not only recommended for consumption but also for use as a natural moisturizer and healer, a practice that endures in many cultures today. The wisdom in this guidance aligns with modern understandings of olive oil's nourishing properties for the skin and hair.
Beyond its traditional significance, olive oil is now recognized for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fatty acids, it has been linked to reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. 🔗Source. Its nutritional profile truly makes it a superfood.
Culinary uses for olive oil are virtually limitless. From baking to frying, drizzling to dipping, its presence enhances the flavor of ingredients without overpowering them. In Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, it is used generously in cooking, as a finishing touch on savory dishes, and even in desserts. Its range of flavors, depending on the variety and ripeness of olives, allows chefs and home cooks alike to experiment with different taste profiles, bringing richness to each meal.
In addition to being a pantry staple, olive oil has also found its way into natural beauty and wellness routines. With its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, it is used in skincare products, hair masks, and even soaps. Olive oil’s smooth texture and emollient qualities make it ideal for conditioning skin and hair, while its vitamins and minerals can aid in repairing damaged cells. Whether in the kitchen or on the vanity, olive oil continues to demonstrate its timeless appeal.
Beneficial Reading
- Hadeeth: [Olive Oil Is From a Blessed Tree] – With Short Commentary By Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah] 🔗 Read More
Product Comparisons 🔽
Amazon SGD 63.17 Brand: La Tourangelle
Bee-lieve It or Not: Amazing Honey Facts
5 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 7th Nov 2024
Honey has been cherished across civilizations not only for its sweetness but also for its profound medicinal benefits. Its uses are diverse, from culinary applications to natural medicine. This golden substance is a product of bees gathering nectar from flowers, transforming it through a meticulous process into a dense, nutrient-rich liquid. Its benefits extend far beyond flavor—honey contains antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and compounds that support immune health, making it a natural staple for wellness.
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) states that the Messenger (may Allah honour him and grant him security) used to drink honey and water on an empty stomach for health preservation. [Zaad Al-Ma'ad (4/43)]. 🔗Source. This practice highlights not only the value placed on honey in prophetic medicine but also a profound understanding of its ability to enhance digestion, support energy levels, and aid in detoxifying the body when taken in this simple form.
The benefits of honey continue to be studied today, with modern medicine affirming its role in boosting immunity, soothing sore throats, and even accelerating wound healing. Because honey is rich in enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, it acts as a natural remedy for various ailments. Whether applied topically to skin wounds or consumed for internal health, honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a versatile tool in natural healing practices.
The journey of honey—from the moment bees gather nectar from vibrant flowers, to the careful transformation within the hive, to its collection as a golden, nutrient-rich substance. This complex process not only sustains the hive but also benefits humankind, offering us a gift of sweetness and healing. For believers, honey serves as a poignant reminder of the Prophet’s guidance, reinforcing a legacy of wisdom as modern medicine continues to unveil the remarkable virtues of Allaah's creation of this “liquid gold.”
Beneficial Reading
- More Unique Healing Properties of Honey 🔗 Full Article
- The Jar of Honey, A parable of the life of this world by Imām Ibn al-Qayyim. 🔗 Read More
Product Comparisons 🔽
Amazon SGD 25.06 Brand: Kevala
Green to Glow: Henna Powder’s Natural Radiance
3 Jumadal Ula 1446AH | 5th Nov 2024
Henna, a natural dye derived from the leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis), has a deep cultural and historical significance, especially within Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African traditions. Traditionally, henna is used as a temporary form of body art, most commonly applied to the hands and feet for various occasions. The practice of adorning the hands with intricate henna patterns is cherished for its beauty.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, henna holds a recommended status. When asked about the obligation of women to dye their hands with henna, Shaykh ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz bin ʿAbdullah bin Bāz clarified, saying: "Without a doubt, dyeing her hands with henna is highly recommended. Some narrations are reported which are weak, however it is better for her to dye them with henna. In regards to its ruling, if its permissible or prohibited for her to leave her hands plain, I’m not aware of any basis this saying. Nonetheless, it is better and preferable for her to dye them with henna, so that they will not resemble the hands of a man.
This is what is better and is more preferable, since there are narrations which mention this, and it is from the sunnah that is well-known among women and it was a norm at the time of the Prophet ﷺ and after his death to dye the hands with henna, and it is highly recommended for women." 🔗 Source
This recommendation underscores the value placed on maintaining femininity through beautification practices through henna which serves as an adornment. The practice continues to thrive today, across various communities.
Beneficial Readings and Audios
- Is it permissible to have henna drawings of hands if shown to non mahram men? 🔗 Read More
- What is the Ruling On Dyeing The Hair With Henna Or Black Dye? Shaykh Ṣāliḥ b. Fawzān Al-Fawzān حفظه الله (from the major scholars of Sunnah of this era) 🔗 Full Audio
- Dyeing Hair with Black Colour - Shaykh Ibn Baaz 🔗 Full Fatwa
Product Comparisons 🔽
Amazon SGD 23.72 Brand: Nova Nutritions
