A string of pearl beads – 99 to be precise – is bound together and adorned with three silk flowers in pastel tones, along with a gold charm reading "mashallah" in Arabic calligraphy. It could pass as a statement necklace, but this design doesn't fall within the category of jewellery, but rather that of prayer accessories – a burgeoning market in the UAE's luxury sector.
This tasbih (prayer beads) is sold by Imaan Lifestyle Co, an e-shop from Dubai that specialises in Islam-themed lifestyle products. The company's tasbihs are available in a variety of coloured beads and decadent pearls, and its Turkish prayer rugs feature floral embroidery.
"I have always been inspired by beautiful and contemporary Islamic items that I could use in my home, that would serve their purpose, but also have a deeper meaning at the same time," says Rabia Karim, who launched Imaan Lifestyle Co in July.
“Whether it is home decor, writing in my journal or even the items used in my personal prayer space, it has always been important for me to use things that are meaningful and serve as a reminder to me of my faith.”
The popularity of pretty prayer products
Prayer may be personal, and some believe that it is best practised with no-frills simplicity. But others prefer or are even inspired by incorporating style into the process – from dedicated, decorative prayer rooms or corners in one's home and office, to special clothing worn during prayer time.
Developing beautiful surroundings and using items we love and enjoy using during our prayers can strengthen our connection with faith
An Instagram poll of 100 Muslim women showed that 61 per cent actively seek out prayer products and accessories that are aesthetically pleasing.
“Minimalism and simplicity are encouraged in Islam; however, this does not mean Islamic accessories can’t also be beautiful. In fact, Islam gives strong emphasis to beauty,” says Karim, citing a hadith that states: “Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.”
Pretty prayer accessories are also the focus of Al Khomrah, a brand that Emirati sisters Maryam and Shaima M launched a decade ago after observing a gap in the market for customised prayer clothing and accessories. "The brand was founded from the idea of having a stylish prayer mat and storage case that preserved it from being thrown away to the side, and that matched the decoration of the room it was placed in," Maryam tells The National.
Al Khomrah’s decadent cases are made for storing prayer rugs, clothing, Qurans and other prayer-time essentials, and the brand’s robes are crafted from neutral-toned textiles brought to life with floral and geometric panels. The brand also creates prayer clothing and rugs for young girls.
The psychology of prayer accessories
Prayer accessories can have a psychological impact on one’s relationship with faith, believes Maryam. “This is one of our reasons for starting this business – we are trying to complement the spiritual aspect of praying and at the same time attract children to start praying at an early age,” she says.
My favourite prayer mat is the one I bought on my first pilgrimage to Makkah, but I would purchase such products as gifts
Mindfulness and self-care are also elements to take into consideration, say Deena and Nora, founders of UAE start-up Inna Carton, a specialised gift service with cartons for different occasions and themes. Some of its packages – such as the Self-Reflection and Quiet Moment boxes – include iridescent handmade prayer beads with dainty charms and tassels.
Deena says the inspiration behind these boxes was "to remind people of the importance of self-reflection and reconnecting with their inner soul, and to stay mindful in this chaotic life of ours".
The importance of packaging
The social media age we are living in means even products intended for the personal practice of prayer are, undeniably, being presented with Instagram appeal in mind. Luxury prayer products and accessories in the UAE are packaged within high-quality gift-boxes, with scented wrapping paper and thick ribbons tied in perfect bows, making for video-worthy unboxing experiences.
"We believe luxurious packaging is what makes the recipient feel special. It makes opening the package exciting, memorable and worthy to gift to loved ones," says Karim, who uses marble-printed boxes with gold logo lettering for Imaan Lifestyle's beads and rugs.
Deena says even though she started including prayer beads in Inna Carton's gift boxes during Ramadan and Eid in 2018, she realised the demand for these was year-round. Al Khomrah products, for instance, are not only purchased for Ramadan and Hajj, but also for occasions such as house-warmings, says Maryam.
It's little wonder that her brand, which is currently available only in the UAE, was recently acquired by The Arabian Luxury Group. The conglomerate will offer logistical, marketing and operational services, and help Al Khomrah expand to other GCC markets.
Mathilde Loujayne, author of Big Little Steps: A Woman's Guide to Finding a Balanced Lifestyle and a Glowing Heart in Islam, points out that prayer products such as rugs are not a requirement of the religion as such. "Prayer rugs are used to ensure a clean space and environment – nowadays, they have become a norm," says Loujayne, adding that while she wouldn't indulge in decorative prayer beads or mats for herself, they make great gifts.
“My favourite prayer mat is the one I bought on my first pilgrimage to Makkah and for that reason, it’s meaningful to me, but I would purchase such products as Eid gifts,” she says, “because if these aesthetically pleasing prayer beads or mats can be a tool for the younger generation to create a deeper connection with their faith, then why not?”
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.
Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
PAKISTAN v SRI LANKA
Twenty20 International series
Thu Oct 26, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
Fri Oct 27, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
Sun Oct 29, 3rd T20I, Lahore
Tickets are available at www.q-tickets.com
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
ASHES FIXTURES
1st Test: Brisbane, Nov 23-27
2nd Test: Adelaide, Dec 2-6
3rd Test: Perth, Dec 14-18
4th Test: Melbourne, Dec 26-30
5th Test: Sydney, Jan 4-8
ENGLAND TEAM
Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.
The trip
The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.
The hotel
There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.
Golden Shoe top five (as of March 1):
Harry Kane, Tottenham, Premier League, 24 goals, 48 points
Edinson Cavani, PSG, Ligue 1, 24 goals, 48 points
Ciro Immobile, Lazio, Serie A, 23 goals, 46 points
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool, Premier League, 23 goals, 46 points
Lionel Messi, Barcelona, La Liga, 22 goals, 44 points
Six things you need to know about UAE Women’s Special Olympics football team
Several girls started playing football at age four
They describe sport as their passion
The girls don’t dwell on their condition
They just say they may need to work a little harder than others
When not in training, they play football with their brothers and sisters
The girls want to inspire others to join the UAE Special Olympics teams
If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
England's lowest Test innings
- 45 v Australia in Sydney, January 28, 1887
- 46 v West Indies in Port of Spain, March 25, 1994
- 51 v West Indies in Kingston, February 4, 2009
- 52 v Australia at The Oval, August 14, 1948
- 53 v Australia at Lord's, July 16, 1888
- 58 v New Zealand in Auckland, March 22, 2018
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
MATCH RESULT
Liverpool 4 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Liverpool: Salah (26'), Lovren (40'), Solanke (53'), Robertson (85')
Anti-semitic attacks
The annual report by the Community Security Trust, which advises the Jewish community on security , warned on Thursday that anti-Semitic incidents in Britain had reached a record high.
It found there had been 2,255 anti-Semitic incidents reported in 2021, a rise of 34 per cent from the previous year.
The report detailed the convictions of a number of people for anti-Semitic crimes, including one man who was jailed for setting up a neo-Nazi group which had encouraged “the eradication of Jewish people” and another who had posted anti-Semitic homemade videos on social media.
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RESULTS
2.15pm Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner Shawall, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer)
2.45pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Anna Bella Aa, Fabrice Veron, Abdelkhir Adam
3.15pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner AF Thayer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
3.45pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner Taajer, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
4.15pm The Ruler of Sharjah Cup – Prestige (PA) Dh250,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner Jawaal, Jim Crowley, Majed Al Jahouri
4.45pm Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Maqaadeer, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
The biog
Name: Marie Byrne
Nationality: Irish
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption
Book: Seagull by Jonathan Livingston
Life lesson: A person is not old until regret takes the place of their dreams
Profile box
Founders: Michele Ferrario, Nino Ulsamer and Freddy Lim
Started: established in 2016 and launched in July 2017
Based: Singapore, with offices in the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand
Sector: FinTech, wealth management
Initial investment: $500,000 in seed round 1 in 2016; $2.2m in seed round 2 in 2017; $5m in series A round in 2018; $12m in series B round in 2019; $16m in series C round in 2020 and $25m in series D round in 2021
Current staff: more than 160 employees
Stage: series D
Investors: EightRoads Ventures, Square Peg Capital, Sequoia Capital India
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
The specs: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Price, base / as tested: Dh101,140 / Dh113,800
Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 148hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed CVT
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
