This post first appeared on Albawaba website in Ramadan 2014. We’re one week into Ramadan - the annual Holy Month of Islam. New to the scene? Maybe you’re an expat in the Muslim majority Middle East. Or perhaps you’re a less observant Muslim, choosing to not fully engage. Feeling a little disoriented or even intimidated by this month-long tradition of spiritual contemplation, communal fasting and feasting? Here are some reminders of what’s cool, what’s risqué and possibly a new perspective to help you sail through this lunar month of ancient ...

It’s a week into Ramadan, and if you’re like millions of others around the world, you’re probably a little worried about staying healthy for the rest of the month. For someone who sticks to a strict regimen of carefully counted calories and totting up hours in the gym, Ramadan can put a spanner in the works. And even if you’ve never been near a treadmill, the Holy Month can throw you off balance, leaving you weak and tired, or even leading to you putting on a few dreaded pounds. But ...

Folks, it’s that time of year again and the holy month of Ramadan is upon us! Ever considered fasting? Whether or not you're a Muslim, fasting during Ramadan is a good time to test your patience, moderate your behavior, and rethink your attitudes about eating. In fact, researchers say intermittent fasting could actually help prevent diseases such as cancer heart disease and diabetes. While the Arab World’s Muslims are most likely veterans when it comes to fasting from sunrise to sunset, first-time fasters are likely to face an array of ...

Louis van Gaal wants an entire new spine for his Manchester United team and is targeting moves for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, Sergio Ramos and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Ramadan is now in full swing, and while it is a time for celebrating with friends and family, it is also a test in willpower and self-control. Your grumbling stomach and drooping eyelids are reminder enough of the hardships faced by Muslims during Ramadan, and the prospect of no food, water, or tobacco during daylight hours for a full month is enough to make anyone go weak in the knees. It’s no picnic for those who aren’t fasting either. In fact, a picnic could land you in some pretty serious ...

Ramadan is upon us, and while it is largely about fasting , a big chunk of it is about feasting on delicious iftars and settling in front of our TV screens for some well-earned evening entertainment! While veteran actors and new faces compete to star in the most promising dramas of the season, some of our very own pop stars have dropped their mics in favor of an acting role in the two Ramadans that passed. In 2014, Lebanese superstar Myriam Fares made her acting debut as the lead character ...

Ever wondered where millions of Muslim women come from? Perhaps their hijabs could uncover their origins or give away some clues to their roots for a start. Head coverings are an integral part of many Muslim women’s identities across the Middle East. Over centuries, styles have differed depending on regions and cultural backgrounds. With many different names - hijab, burka, khimar and niqab - these head coverings are a common site in the veil-riddled, Muslim-majority Middle East and are traditionally worn as a symbol of modesty, given the debated interpretations ...

Beach weather has hit the Middle East. Spot the sleek-as-seals people sitting poolside or floating in the Dead Sea. Glistening skin, smooth as a baby’s bottom. What’s with this Arab allergy to body hair? It stems from Islamic tradition, where hair removal is not just desirable, it’s mandated by the Sunan al-Fitra, a personal hygienic code. The Fitra says keep clear from eyebrows (plucking is haram!), and men - maintain your beards!, but it requires baldness for all your private bits. Smooth groove! The Sahih al-Bukhari is explicit that all ...