What we’re watching/reading/listening to this Ramadan
Of course we all know what the holy month of Ramadan is all about- spoiler alert: it’s not about huge Iftar spreads, funny new tv shows, or shopping for the perfect Eid outfit. But that doesn’t mean we can’t also indulge in a few of those things this month (no judgement from us!) So today we are going to share some of the things we are watching, reading, and listening to this month-some educational, and some just pure enjoyment!
Watching:
Dollar (available on Netflix)
This is my absolute favorite Arabic show ever-maybe even just one of my favorites of any language!! I feel like I hyped it up too much to everyone I know, which set them up for disappointment, but I am not even exaggerating when I say I was crying laughing throughout this whole show! I can’t tell you how disappointed I was to hear the rumored season 2 of Dollar was canceled.
-Shrouq
Arous Beirut (available on Shahid)
I think everyone and their mother is watching this, so it’s nothing groundbreaking, but I LOVE this show! There’s drama, romance, humor, and twists and turns that will keep you up way past your bedtime. I got most of my family into this show and we spent a few weeks waking up and going to sleep to Sit Layla’s shenanigans! **Warning: you will get consumed with this show, it’s 85 epsiodes a season and it’s on season 3**
-Shrouq
Children of Adam (available on Netflix)
I will warn you guys this show covers a lot of controversial topics(sexual abuse, suicide, abortion) and is very rough around the edges. That being said, it has a lot of sweet moments as well. It’s very different from any other Arabic show I’ve seen, and I ended up really liking it!
-Shrouq
Quranic Gems by NAK (Youtube)
I love Ramadan series where there is a lesson/episode for everyday. Sometimes I just don’t know where the time goes and I slack on making the time to increase in knowledge and strengthen my faith during Ramadan, so I love having a series to keep me accountable everyday. I listened to this series a few years back and really enjoyed it. He focuses on specific parts of the Quran and the lessons they teach, explaining them in a way that’s easy to understand.
Imam Omar Suleiman also has great series on Youtube that I want to start this year!
-Shrouq
Resurrection: Ertugrul (available on Netflix)
I’m sure you’ve all heard about this very popular show by now, but I thought I would tell you why I enjoy watching this show so much! There are currently six seasons of Ertugrul and then continues with Kurulus: Osman. Without giving too much away, this popular historical series dates back to the 13th century and surrounds the life of Ertugrul Ghazi who founded the Ottoman Empire. He is part of the Kayi tribe and wants to bring peace to his people by spreading the message of Allah. The series then follows with his son’s story/point of view and only gets better with each season. It’s a historical drama so you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next! Definitely a must watch for those who love historical dramas and action in their tv shows. This series can be found on Netflix and Youtube.
-Nadeen
Purification of the Heart by Haytham Borhan (available on Youtube)
Haytham Borhan’s series Purification of the Heart is a great reminder to sharpen our focus this Ramadan on what it’s really about. He explains how we can purify the heart by giving examples of ways we can self correct our behaviors and basically “check” ourselves. One of my favorite episodes is his message on envy. I would start with the first video (the introduction) but his episode on envy is by far my favorite. He goes into great detail on how Allah SWT perceives certain behaviors/feelings and gives a new perspective on how you can understand yourself better, your feelings and how to cope with them in a way that best pleases Allah. Huge fan of this series! Hoping he brings it back again this year, but I still rewatch because it’s just that good.
-Nadeen
Omar Suleiman delivers the message of Islam in a blissful and meaningful way. I love how well-spoken he is in aiming to bring us all closer to religion by telling the stories of the Prophets. Listening to this podcast has helped me learn snippets of our religion and equipped me with better knowledge on how to grow as a Muslim including ways we can better ourselves this Ramadan. I highly encourage you to give this podcast a listen on the car ride home and you’ll find yourself learning messages embedded in Islam you haven’t been exposed to before.
-Nadeen
Mindful Muslimah Speaks (Apple podcasts)
I just started listening to this podcast, and so far I am enjoying it. Most episodes are 30 minutes or less, which is perfect for a car ride, or while doing dishes. She has episodes on parenting, on love & relationships, and of course, on Ramadan. I like it because she gives advice you can use in everyday life. Give it a listen if you haven’t already!
-Shouq
Starting with the most obvious; The Holy Quran. I really enjoy reading this English translation of the Quran. I always encourage my friends and family to read this transcription because it is truly well-written and very easy to understand! I find myself constantly highlighting and bookmarking parts I want to refer back to. I’ve tried A LOT of English translations and this is the only one I’ve been able to thoroughly understand. I think this version is great for those whose Arabic is not their first language and who want to understand what they’re reading. Trust me on this one and get this Quran! It’s of course, without a doubt, been one of my favorite reads this Ramadan. You can find it on Amazon.
-Nadeen
Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart
I recently ordered this book and just started diving in into it. Each chapter describes different diseases of the heart, such as envy, hatred, and miserliness, and then offers the cure. It’s a great read during Ramadan, and honestly anytime of the year. It helps you to cleanse your heart and your mind, and re-focus on what is important. You can find it on Amazon.
-Shouq
In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad
Ok, so I won’t lie, I haven’t actually started this book yet, BUT I am excited to start it! I saw Daniela Biah recommend this book in a YouTube video, and immediately added it to my cart. So I thought I would include it here for you guys as well :) You can find it on Amazon.
-Shouq
