LIFESTYLE

With teenagers today spending more time using all kinds of media (phone, television, computer, etc.) than interacting with parents and teachers (nine hours, according to a recent study by Common Sense Media), it makes sense to consider how we can limit this modern pastime. However, while cutting back is essential, so is learning how to effectively engage these new tools for the good of families and kids. While we should be rightly concerned about things like sexting and illicit content, we cannot deny the power of tools like FaceTime and Skype, along with countless other online platforms, to do good. Social media,...

There is no way to overemphasize this important fact – as a parent, you are your child's first teacher. In this role there are huge responsibilities and plenty of opportunities. There are five significant ways every parent can help children improve their social skills. These include coaching, modeling, role playing, shaping the environment, and talking. By being mindful of your own interactions with your child(ren) you can help them learn to navigate social situations and improve interpersonal skills.Be a Supportive CoachSometimes we relegate the need and work of coaches to the sports arena. But all of us need coaches, and...

Before we get to practices which can instill gratitude in our hearts, it is important to distinguish between thankfulness and gratitude. To be thankful can be seen as a social norm grounded in the habit of good manners. A sense of gratitude takes thankfulness to a higher level as a manifestation of spirituality, love, and affection. Giving thanks on a basic level is an action, while being grateful is a feeling and moral value.Our own attitude toward gratitude is significantly important to the way our children also think about this sentiment. A large body of research suggests that people who...

The world of fashion constantly witnesses something new from time to time. A new term has been invented in the history of fashion, and from the looks of it, it is here to stay! The term is Muslim Fashion. Islam has always insisted its men and women to dress modestly and religiously. But lately as the movement started getting diverse, the covered styles of dressing began to transform into more fashionable styles. This led to the new term ‘Islamic or Muslim Fashion’ in the global fashion industry. Muslim women can be seen in traditional wears like Burqas, Paranjas, Chadors, and...

Dating is the process whereby two people meet socially for companionship beyond the level of friendship, or with the aim of appraising each other's suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or marriage. It can be a form of courtship consisting of social activities done by the couple. Dating as an institution is a relatively recent phenomenon which has mainly emerged in the last few centuries. The protocols and practices of dating, and the terms used to describe it, vary considerably from country to country and over time. “Dating” as it is currently practiced in much of the world does...

The Fashion Commission has finalized its strategy to develop the sector, including educational and training programs to prepare graduates for the labor market, providing outlets for the distribution of locally designed products, and building networks between designers and investors. The strategy’s aim is to enhance the national identity of the fashion industry and to serve designers, investors and creatives in all sector-related fields. Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak, who was appointed to the role earlier this year, said the strategy was crafted to ensure that the right infrastructure was being set up. “The Kingdom can be a stellar example of...

Muslims constantly strive to remember and practice Islamic virtues, and put them into practice throughout their daily lives. Among these great Islamic virtues are submission to Allah, self-restraint, discipline, sacrifice, patience, brotherhood, generosity, and humility.In English, the word "humility" comes from the Latin root word which means "ground." Humility, or being humble, means that one is modest, submissive and respectful, not proud and arrogant. You lower yourself to the ground, not elevate yourself above others.In prayer, Muslims prostrate themselves to the ground, acknowledging human beings' humbleness before the Lord of the Worlds.In the Quran, Allah uses several Arabic words which...

Anger is one of the evil whispers of Shaytaan, which leads to so many evils and tragedies, of which only Allah knows their full extent. For this reason Islam has a great deal to say about this bad characteristic, and the Prophet (SAW) described cures for this "disease" and ways to limit its effects, among which are the following: (1) Seeking refuge with Allah from the Shaytaan: Sulayman ibn Sard said: "I was sitting with the Prophet (SAW), and two men were slandering one another. One of them was red in the face, and the veins on his neck were...