Ramadan ( رمضان ) is a special month of the year for millions of Arabs and Muslims in the world. Interestingly, the start of Ramadan is determined by a combination of physical sightings and astronomical calculations done based on the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar being some 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan migrates through the seasons.
The most important characteristic of Ramadan is the fasting from the breaking of dawn to the setting of the sun. While fasting has existed in many societies and in many forms, fasting
during Ramadan is not just refraining from eating and drinking but carries the added significance of worship, psychological comfort and morality.
Another important change that comes along with Ramadan, is that workplaces and schools change to special schedule. The workday or school day ends around 4:30 pm, giving time for people to return home, rest, and prepare food for breaking the fast at sunset. In Arabic, there is a special word for the meal during Ramadan and it’s al-’ifTaar, (الإفطار ) which during this time of the month unites families and neighbors in a social gathering to break the fast.
Different countries serve different food at al-’ifTaar. In Morocco, for example, people typically break the fast with dates and follow it with a warm and rich soup called “Harira” ( حريرة ). Some people even jokingly say that without Harira, there is no Ramadan! The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a 2-day holiday called “the Festival of Fast-Breaking”.
The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. Many believe that feeding someone al-’ifTaar as a form of charity is very rewarding.
After all, the word “Ramadan” derives from an Arabic word for intense heart..!
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Perpetually in the search for beauty and youth, people flock to spas and search for products to add to their beauty regime. However, one answer to preventing wrinkles and eliminate scars might be Argan oil, which originates from the South Western part of Morocco.
The oil is actually extracted from a shell nut from the round and green fruits of the Argan tree, which grows exclusively in the South Western part of Morocco. This tree is very resistant to the harsh climate of the region, and prevails in a semi-desert environment. It is actually thanks to this amazing tree’s roots, which grow deep in search for water, that retain some humidity in the soil, limiting the advance of the desert.
The harvesting of the tree’s fruits and the laborious process of the oil extraction is still almost completely done by hand. For centuries, the women of this mostly rural region have been producing Argan oil, which was used for their consumption and traditional Moroccan medicine. Argan oil is also believed to help skin conditions, including wrinkles and scars; such that now, it is being exported to prestigious laboratories and the most luxurious spas in the world.
Because of its importance, it is called “The Tree of Life”, as it has sustained a living for generations in periods of drought, and now belongs in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Have you ever experienced the benefits of Argan Oil?
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Casablanca, A-dar l-bayda’ in Arabic, is located in western Morocco and it is its biggest city; with a population exceding 3 million people.
Thanks to its strategic location the port of Casablanca is considered the main port of Morocco, and it is the largest port in Africa, as well as the largest artificial port in the world.
The name “casa blanca” comes from Portugese, meaning “the white house.”
The Portugese influence is here because in the 15th century, Portugal conquered the city and put an end to the pirates that used the port as a base to attack Portugese ships.
Spain and Portugal eventually abandonned the town after a great earthquake destroyed it in 1755. The city was then rebuilt and kept its name, “the white house.”
A walk around Casablanca has a rich contrast between the exotic Old Town and the Art Deco design of the New Town with its
elegant, lavish and ultra modern style.
In fact, Casablanca has an almost entirely Art Deco town called New Town and is thelargest collection of Art Deco architecture in Morocco.
In the midst of its hussle and noise, Casablanca has kept its charm, the combination of oriental Mauresque style and Art Deco architecture. Don’t miss the chance to visit this charming port, rich in influences, history, and beath-taking architecture!
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