Articles written by Christine Benlafquih
All 59 articles written by Christine Benlafquih
The Islamic Golden Age: Muslim Contributions During Islam's Renaissance
Category: Islam (general)
While Europe was entrenched in the Dark Ages, Muslims made historical contributions to art, architecture, medicine, astronomy, math, literature and other disciplines. more...
Zakat - Obligatory Charity in Islam: The Alms Tax for Muslims
Category: Islamic Practices
Giving charity in the form of zakat is one of the five pillars of faith in Islam. Annual almsgiving is incumbent on all Muslims who own a minimum amount of wealth. more...
Islamic Expressions Glossary - A to I: Translation of Arabic Expressions Used by Muslims
Category: Islam (general)
Muslims around the world use Islamic expressions in Arabic. This list of Arabic expressions includes Arabic transliterations from A to I and their English meanings. more...
Al-Hijamah - Cupping and Bloodletting in Islam: Holistic Benefits of Cupping Therapy and Phlebotomy
Category: Islamic Practices
The Islamic tradition of hijamah, or bloodletting, was used in ancient medicine. Cupping is also used in Chinese medicine, alternative medicine and as a holistic therapy. more...
Mother's Day & Father's Day - An Islamic View: Honoring Parents Is a Daily Obligation in Islam
Category: Islamic Practices
Special days are set aside in many countries to honor mothers and fathers. How does Islam view the national and international holidays of Mother's Day and Father's Day? more...
Creation in Islam: Islamic Creationism, Evolution and Intelligent Design
Category: Islamic Beliefs
Questions about the creation of the world, man and life have perplexed people for ages. What do Muslims believe about creation, evolution, and intelligent design? more...
Major and Minor Sins in Islam: Sinful Acts According to Qur'an and Hadith
Category: Quran & Hadith Studies
How can a Muslim differentiate between major and minor sins? What acts are regarded as sinful in Islam? Learn what's considered a minor or major sin in Islam. more...
Muslim Men and an Islamic Identity: Head Coverings, Beards and Modesty for Men in Islam
Category: Islam (general)
Muslim women in Islamic attire are often seen with men who show no outward appearance of being Muslim. Shouldn't Muslim men also project an Islamic identity? more...
VoIP Phone Service Advantages: Benefits of Broadband Internet Phone Service
Category: Internet (general)
A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP or VOIP) phone plan offers an affordable alternative to traditional landlines for local, long distance and international calling. more...
Aisha - Youngest Wife of the Prophet Muhammad: Short Biography of Aisha Bint Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq
Category: Islam (general)
Aisha was the youngest and favorite wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A Muslim scholar, she is credited with narrating more than two thousand hadith. more...
What is the Qur'an?: Overview and Significance of Islam's Holy Book and Sacred Text
Category: Quran & Hadith Studies
The Qur'an is Islam's Holy Book and scripture. Muslims believe that this sacred text is the Word of God, as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel. more...
Category: Islamic Beliefs
Muslims believe that all people are born into a naturally pure and sin-free state. No person inherits original sin, nor is anyone held accountable for the sins of others. more...
Category: Spas (general)
Saunas and steam rooms - whether in a luxurious spa, traditional Turkish bath, or home steam shower - offer a range of physical and mental benefits. more...
Health Benefits of Pomegranates: The Pomegranate is a Superfruit High in Antioxidants and Vitamin C
Category: Holistic Nutrition
Pomegranate seeds and juice are naturally packed with flavor and nutrients. This superfruit is typically available in the cooler months of September through January. more...
What is Shariah?: Understanding Islamic Law (Shariah) and Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
Category: Islamic Law
Shariah - or Islamic law - is not limited to societal laws and a penal system. It includes divine directives regarding every aspect of a Muslim's life. more...
Modesty (Haya) in Islam: Shyness and Modest Behavior According to Qur’an and Hadith
Category: Quran & Hadith Studies
Muslims should possess both an inner and outer modesty. This is reflected in behavior, speech and appearance, and includes being mindful of God at all times. more...
What Is Hijab?: Islamic Dress Code for Muslim Women According to Qur'an and Hadith
Category: Quran & Hadith Studies
The requirements for hijab and modest dress for Muslim women come from directives in the Holy Qur'an and narrated traditions from the Sunnah. more...
Category: Work/Study Abroad (general)
Here's how to organize an overseas household move with an international moving (removal) company or international shipping company. more...
Nikkah - Muslim Marriage: Marriage Contract and Prenuptial Agreements in Islam
Category: Islamic Practices
Marriage in Islam involves an oral or written contract which affirms certain conditions have been met. The contract may also contain detailed prenuptial agreements. more...
Stuffed Fish Recipe: Baked Whole Fish with Fresh Shrimp and Cream Sauce
Category: Dinner Recipes
Fresh fish generously stuffed with sautéed shrimp is elegant, simple, and undeniably delicious. Fresh vegetables and a smooth cream sauce complete this spectacular dish. more...
Cleaning Ceramic Tile: How to Maintain Tile Floors and Walls
Category: Home Management (general)
Tile floors and walls are both practical and beautiful. Here's how to care for and clean ceramic and porcelain tile. more...
What to See in Casablanca, Morocco: Brief History and Tourist Attractions in Casablanca
Category: Morocco Travel
Casablanca may be among the least exotic of Morocco destinations, but there is plenty to see and do when traveling to this modern, bustling town. more...
Electronic and Digital Rights: Copyright for Online Writing, E-Books, E-Zines, Digital Media & More
Category: Resources for Writers (general)
Are you planning to sell your writing or offer it for publication? Make sure you know whether you are transferring digital and electronic rights to the publisher. more...
Category: Baking/Decorating Cakes
A moist chocolate dessert that's quick, easy and can feed a crowd. Try making it with the kids for a fun baking project, or serve it at your next gathering or party. more...
Moroccan Eggplant Recipes: Fried Eggplant and Cooked Eggplant Salad
Category: Moroccan Food
Here are two Moroccan recipes which use eggplant - one a fried finger food; the other a spicy cooked salad with tomato, eggplant and garlic. more...
America's Religious Diversity: Statistics from the Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey
Category: American Affairs (general)
A 2007 Pew survey shows that religion continues to play an active role in American public and private lives, and that America is not as secular as Europe. more...
Krachel Recipe: Moroccan Sweet Rolls
Category: Moroccan Food
Krachel are fragrant, Moroccan sweet rolls typically flavored with anise seed, sesame and orange flower water. They go perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea. more...
Sophia's Journal: Time Warp 1857: Book Review of New Islamic Fiction Novel for Teens
Category: Teen Historical Fiction
Najiyah Diana Helwani writes a historical science fiction drama in which a modern Muslim girl travels back in time. more...
Seafood Bastilla Recipe: A Moroccan Food Favorite Made with Shrimp, Calamari and Swordfish
Category: Moroccan Food
Here is a step-by-step Moroccan recipe for making delicious Seafood Bastilla. Crisp, paper-thin pastry encloses spicy seafood, black mushrooms and rice vermicelli. more...
Moroccan Bastilla: Chicken Bastilla and Seafod Bastilla: Do-Ahead Moroccan Recipes
Category: Moroccan Food
Moroccan cuisine owes some of its fame to bastilla, a savory chicken or spicy seafood pie encased in crispy warqa or phyllo dough. more...
Sadaqa - Voluntary Charity in Islam: Charitible Acts, Acts of Kindness and Almsgiving
Category: Islamic Practices
In addition to the obligatory charity of zakat, Muslims are encouraged to voluntarily share their time, wealth, knowledge and acts of kindness with others. more...
Islamic Expressions Glossary - J to Z: Arabic Expressions Used by Muslims and Their English Meanings
Category: Islam (general)
Muslims worldwide use a number of Arabic expressions. This list of Islamic expressions includes Arabic transliterations from A to I with English translations and meaning. more...
Category: World Literatures (general)
Secret Son by Moroccan writer Laila Lalami is a beautifully crafted story that stays with readers long after the last page has been read. more...
Guide Horses for the Blind: Miniature Horses are Alternative to Guide Dogs
Category: Blindness
Miniature horses are being trained to work as assistance animals for the visually impaired. They use the same skills as guide dogs to assist the blind with mobility. more...
FAQ About Islam: Understanding Islam and Muslims
Category: Islam (general)
Although Islam is the second largest religion in the world, misconceptions about Islam and Muslims persist in the West. Here are frequently asked questions about Islam. more...
Hadith Qudsi: Sacred Hadith Compared to Prophetic Hadith and the Qur'an
Category: Quran & Hadith Studies
The narrated teachings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad can be divided into Prophetic Hadith and Sacred Hadith (Hadith Qudsi). What exactly are Hadith Qudsi? more...
Sincere Repentance: Concept of Repentance in Islam and Conditions for Its Acceptance
Category: Islamic Beliefs
True repentance involves regret and remorse at committing a sin, and turning to Allah (God) for forgiveness and mercy. more...
What is Riba?: The Prohibition of Interest and Usury in Islam
Category: Islamic Law
Islam provides guidelines for all aspects of life, including trade and economics. Of great importance to Muslims is the prohibition against interest and usury. more...
Day of Ashura: Ashura in Sunni Islam: The 10th of Muharram According to Sunnah
Category: Islamic Practices
Sunni and Shiite Muslims observe the Day of Ashura differently. What is the significance of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar? more...
The Prophet Muhammad: Short Biography of the Last Prophet and Messenger
Category: Islam (general)
Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him), was an exceptional spiritual leader, military leader and statesman. He's the most important person in Islamic history. more...
The Five Pillars of Faith in Islam: Testimony of Faith (Shahadah), Prayer, Charity, Fasting and Hajj
Category: Islamic Practices
Islam teaches that faith without action is futile. Five religious obligations called the Pillars of Faith are incumbent upon every Muslim. more...
Are Muslim Women Oppressed?: Rights and Status of Women in Islam
Category: Islam (general)
Although media reports often draw readers to conclude that Islam demeans and devalues women, the true teachings of Islam give women much respect, honor and rights. more...
Ritual Slaughter in Islam (Zabihah): Islamic Slaughter is Humane and Produces Healthy Halal Meat
Category: Islamic Practices
The United States Humane Slaughter Act recognizes ritual slaughter according to Islamic and Jewish dietary guidelines is acceptable and humane. more...
Category: Islam (general)
The U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project has released a report that provides strategies for improved U.S. relations with Muslim countries and communities. more...
What Do Muslims Believe?: Islam’s Basic Beliefs about God, the Prophets and the Afterlife
Category: Islamic Beliefs
Although Islam is now the world's largest religious denomination, many people don't understand Islam and its basic teachings. What, then, are the beliefs of Muslims? more...
Tawheed – Belief in One God: Islam and Monotheism
Category: Islamic Beliefs
Islam is a monotheistic religion. Muslims believe in -- and solely worship -- One God, the Creator. Associating partners with God is called shirk and is a great sin. more...
Majorelle Garden and the Islamic Art Museum: Marrakech, Morocco Tourist Attractions
Category: Morocco Travel
Looking for a spot to cool off and relax in Marrakech? Head to the shady - and exquisite - Majorelle Garden, home to hundreds of exotic plants and an Islamic Art Museum. more...
International Moving Checklist: Advice and Tips for Moving Overseas
Category: Work/Study Abroad (general)
Moving abroad doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Use this list to plan ahead and organize packing, documents and other details of an international move. more...
Category: Islamic Law
In the United States, where Islam is not widely understood, ensuring the legality of the Islamic marriage contract (nikkah) in U.S. courts presents special challenges. more...
The International Baccalaureate: International and Intercultural Education
Category: Curriculum Issues
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognized internationally and accepted by accredited universities around the world. But what exactly is the IB? more...
Category: Morocco Travel
Not far from Meknes, a winding road leads from the town of Moulay Idriss to one of the great attractions in Morocco travel - the archaeological ruins of Volubilis. more...
The Business of Being Born: Review: Documentary Examines Hospital Birth and Intervention in the U.S.
Category: Birthing Options
An eye-opening childbirth video that looks at birth options in America, and encourages women to question the move away from midwives, natural delivery and home birth. more...
Islamic Wedding Traditions: Marriage Customs in the Muslim World
Category: Islamic Practices
Muslim couples plan weddings which reflect their unique cultural backgrounds. Here are some traditions that might be incorporated into an Islamic wedding celebration. more...
Cross-Cultural Marriage: Tips for Successful Intercultural Relationships
Category: Marriage (general)
Intercultural marriages require more than simply getting along. Here are marriage issues and advice to consider before you tie the knot with someone from another culture more...
American Muslim Statistics: U.S. Muslims are Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream
Category: Islam (general)
A 2007 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center finds that U.S. Muslims are assimilated, moderate and have American attitudes, outlook and values. more...
Tomato and Green Pepper Salads: Two Moroccan Side Dishes - One Salsa-Like, the Other Cooked
Category: Moroccan Food
Tomatoes and green peppers are frequently used in Moroccan cuisine. These popular salads go well with tagine, fish, poultry, grilled brochette and bean dishes. more...
Moroccan Fekkas Recipe: Twice-Baked Cookies Flavored with Anise and Orange Flower Water
Category: Moroccan Food
This Moroccan cookie is similar to biscotti both in texture and shape. Fekkas are made with varied combinations of sesame seeds, almonds, and raisins. more...
Sofreh Aghd - Iranian Wedding: From Iran to America, Persian Wedding Traditions Continue
Category: Wedding Style (general)
During an Iranian wedding ceremony, the bride and groom exchange wedding vows while sitting aside the sofreh aghd, a lavish Persian spread of symbolic items. more...
Chicken Bastilla Recipe: Moroccan Food’s Famous Sweet and Spicy Chicken Pie
Category: Moroccan Food
Here's a step-by-step recipe for preparing Moroccan cuisine's highly acclaimed Chicken Bastilla. Crisp, paper-thin pastry encloses savory chicken cooked with saffron. more...
