Fatima Al-Fihriyya is luminous

I was updating my Pinterest boards, having been inspired at my first Pinterest Party yesterday, when I came across this image of Fatima Al-Fihriyya painted by the artist Nayzak.

Fatima Al-Fihriyya Art Nouveau by Nayzak

Fatima Muhammad Al-Fihri (فاطمة محمد الفهري) in 859 founded a mosque and madrasa in Fes, Morocco. The madrasa, or school, came to be one of the most notable institutions of this kind; it is still in operation today, since 1963 as the University of Qarawiyyin, and is sometimes dubbed the "world's oldest university".

What I noticed most was the amount of color she had on.  Such dazzling, brilliant colors.  I feel so honored to come from the Arabic culture that gave the world brilliant women that not only start universities, but also adorn themselves in style.

I wish I had not spent so many of my own university days running into the library in sweats and flip flops. :)

Play Hide and Go Seek #WhatGazaChildrenCouldBeDoing

It was yet another beautuifl day in Seattle. We are so blessed to have had such a lovely summer so far.

We headed back to our favorite park today and played a fun game of hide and go seek.

If children in Gaza had a park, we are sure they could be playing a game of hide and seek too.

Play Hide and Go Seek #WhatGazaChildrenCouldBeDoing

30 days of Ramadan Crafty Challenge Roundup (2014)

30 days of Ramadan Crafty challenge roundup (2014)

I started the 30 days of Ramadan Crafty challenge back in July 2011 to give me and my three young daughters a creative outlet to celebrate this holy month of their heritage and culture.

I also live a fair distance from my family, so these crafts bring me closer to them by allowing me to reminisce about my extended family and growing up Muslim in Libya.

Please enjoy this alphabetical list of the 30 free Arab and Islamic DIY craft tutorials we made to celebrate the days of Ramadan 2014. 

1.   Arabesque Wallet Tutorial

2.   Arabesque Window Cling Tutorial

3.   Arabic Letter Window Ornaments

4.   Bahrain Crayon Holder Tutorial

5.   Begin Everything With Bismillah Free Printable

6.   Camel Glass Mosaic Bibelot Tutorial

7.   Cardboard Mosque Tutorial

8.   Djibouti Treasure Tin Tutorial

9.   Duct Tape Eid Sheep Earrings

10. Egyptian Mummy Charm Tutorial

11. Eid Cake Banner Tutorial

12. Eid Confetti Bag Tutorial

13. Eid Craft Stick Frame Tutorial

14. Eid in an Eggshell Tutorial

15. Eid Money Foam Envelopes Tutorial

16. Eid Night Light Tutorial

17. Eid Poppers Tutorial

18. Eid Rattle Drum Tutorial

19. Glittery Ramadan Frame Tutorial

20. Happy Eid Candle Tutorial

21. Ishmael & Family Story Shadow Puppets Tutorial

22. Islamic Prayer Mat Tutorial

23. Peg Muslim Dolls Tutorial

24. Ramadan Crescent Moon Pompom Tutorial

25. Ramadan Kareem Wallies Tutorial

26. Ramadan Lantern Card Tutorial

27. Ramadan Moon Sun Catcher Tutorial

28. Ramadan Suhoor Sharpie Mug

29. Red, White & Blue Hanging Eid Favor

30. Rub el Hizb Fabric Magnet Tutorial

If you would rather see the images of the above items, make sure you visit my Pinterest board for this year. And follow me to get updates for 2015!

30 days of Ramadan Crafty challenge roundup (2014)