How Peshawar’s Qur’an Garden is saving the environment, one tree at a time

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A view of the seminary from the Quran Garden. (Photo courtesy: Zahoor Islam)
Updated 18 July 2018
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How Peshawar’s Qur’an Garden is saving the environment, one tree at a time

  • Students at a religious seminary in Peshawar have been volunteering to plant fig and pomegranate trees in a plot on site, taking a break from their studies by working outdoors
  • “This is an excellent example of community participation for which no grant has been allocated. It’s the effort of ordinary people that makes it such a unique garden”

PESHAWAR: A decade ago, Mufti Ghulam al Rehman tried to do a rare thing— produce a project that was fulfilling and awe-inspiring all at once. This desire, in 2009, finally led to him establishing what is today referred to as the ‘Qur’an Garden’ or the ‘Hadeeqatul Qur’an.’

Conceptually unique, no one in Pakistan had ever before heard of anything like it. “It was a huge challenge for us,” said Hussain Ahmad, “especially with no precedent, of that nature, available in our country.”

Explaining the concept, Ahmad said: “Every year the government introduces plantation drives and campaigns in our country; we just extended that idea with a different approach.

“In 2009, the first meeting of our body was conducted where we decided to set up a garden in which all the plants and trees named in the Holy Qur’an were to be planted,” he told Arab News.

Rehman has always enjoyed a good challenge. In the Nineties he established a huge religious complex, the Jamia Uthmania, in the center of Peshawar.

“The seminary is built upon four kanals and has 60 teaching staff,” added Ahmad. When it began, the institute was just a couple of rooms and three teachers. Now, after 26 years, the seminary hosts around 2,000 people and has 60 members of teaching staff delivering religious education.

By August 21, 2009 Rehman’s vision, to make religious education easily accessible for people in the more suburban and rural areas of Peshawar and to bring to Pakistan its first ever Qur’an Garden, translated itself into a 64-kanal mansion dubbed the Gulshan-e-Omer.

The seminary entails a research department, where groundwork done by students is printed in ‘Al-Asar’, a magazine published by the institute. “We also set up four kanals of land for the Qur’anic garden here,” he said.

“The names of 21 plants and trees have been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. The number of trees planted in the garden is according to the tally mentioned in the Qur’an,” said Ahmad. Aiming to spread the message of the Holy Qur’an, trees planted in the garden include pomegranates, figs, dates, grapes and bananas.

While some claim that the Dubai Holy Qur’an garden has 51 of the 54 varieties of plants and trees mentioned in the Qur’an, Ahmad disagrees with that data. “They might have planted some additional plants and trees mentioned in hadith. But we went for those only mentioned in the Qur’an,” added Ahmed. “We have planted high-quality plants and brought them over from across the world.”

While dates are brought in from Dera Ismail Khan, grapes are acquired from Afghanistan. “We are trying to bring in ‘Kafoor’ but it isn’t available in Pakistan due to unfavorable weather conditions.” He added that the team was negotiating with environmentalists over this as it would be a great addition to the garden.

The seminary has been looking after the Qur’an garden itself, said coordinator of the seminary, Muhammad Sirajul Hasan while speaking to Arab News.

“We aren’t receiving any additional funds from the government or the private sector.” The staff and students, added Hasan, offer their services voluntarily.

“At the moment we have allocated four kanals of land to this garden. Our aim here was to bring awareness among the people and we are happy that it is yielding results.” He added that the garden also offered students a short reprieve from studying the whole day. “The greenery of the garden has a very soothing effect on the students and gives them peace of mind,” he said.

Beaming with pride, Hasan explained to Arab News that the garden attracts people from far-flung areas and the lush greenery has added beauty to the seminary and the area around it. But there are no plans for follow-up to this initiative. “We took the first step. Now, it is the responsibility of others to invest in such projects within their areas,” said Hasan.

Visitor Farhan Khan described the garden to Arab News as “utterly unique”. “It is a valuable lesson and experience to see all the plants and trees, mentioned in our religious book, in one place.” Khan admitted he had read about fig and seen dried figs in the market, but had never hanging on a tree.

The students have been looking after the garden — planting, watering, preparing soil for the plants.

Fazal Khaliq, who has been studying at the seminary for the past two years, told Arab News he is learning Arabic and English here, but also plantation. “Basically I am studying religion, however, we are also learning contemporary education at the seminary,” he said. “What I feel most proud about is caring for the plants, and studying their growth.”

Maintaining the Qur’anic garden has been no easy feat, especially with global warming and other environmental challenges to its survival. Doctor Abdur Rashid, a retired professor and chairman of Hadeeqa tul Qur’an garden, told Arab News that the Peshawar Agriculture University extended its support, and has given an award to the seminary in recognition for its efforts in making the environment green and healthy.

“This is an excellent example of community service for which no grant has been allocated. It is due to the struggle of common people that such a unique garden was possible,” said Rashid. “We make visits to the garden. We observe the atmosphere, land and issue necessary instructions and also suggest medicines for the plants if they are required.”

Different universities have different botanical gardens for their students, explained Rashid. Peshawar University has its own botanical garden and similarly Islamia College and University also has its own. “This garden is a living laboratory for students to explore,” said Rashid.

Rashid added that small gardens such as this one are important as they could prevent big floods like those that took place 2010 and damaged agriculture and infrastructure across the country.

“Our message is to make our country green, plant more trees, stop people from cutting trees and to work to improve the environment. This is the need of the day,” said the chairman of the garden.


Amina Muaddi celebrates Paris opening at Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche

Updated 06 April 2025
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Amina Muaddi celebrates Paris opening at Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche

DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian shoe designer Amina Muaddi took to Instagram to celebrate the opening of her corner shop at the iconic Parisian department store Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche.

“Our first Parisian corner shop at @lebonmarcherivegauche is officially open today!! I’m so delighted to finally have a space of our own in the city where @aminamuaddiofficial was founded and in my favorite department store in Paris! So proud of my team. I hope it becomes your new favorite shopping destination,” she captioned the post.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

Muaddi launched her eponymous footwear line in August 2018, approximately one year after departing from her role as co-founder and creative director of luxury footwear label Oscar Tiye. 

Her distinct pumps, sling-backs, mules, boots and sandals in an array of vibrant colors and holographic designs have since garnered a loyal checklist of famous fans, including Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber Baldwin. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

Last month, Muaddi attended the Maison Alaia Summer/Fall 2025 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.

The footwear designer was spotted wearing an all-black ensemble featuring a sleek leather set with a structured, oversized silhouette. The standout element of her look was a fringe-detailed top that cascaded from her shoulders.

Her hair was slicked back into a bun, complementing her sharp, defined makeup, which featured a bronzed complexion, sculpted brows and a nude glossy lip.

Meanwhile, late last year, Muaddi celebrated a major fashion moment when Beyonce wore her custom Yigit pumps in a teaser for the star’s NFL Christmas Day Halftime Show on Netflix.

Muaddi shared the video on her Instagram Stories. In the clip, the music icon can be seen wearing the satin heels in black and adorned with studs.

In the clip that Beyonce also shared on her Instagram account, the music sensation was seen holding a banjo, a stringed instrument often linked to folk, country, and bluegrass music. She wore a wide-brimmed black hat paired with sleek sunglasses, a colorful patterned cape featuring red and blue hues, and a rhinestone-adorned top. The outfit was completed with black gloves and a black skirt. 


Steps to serenity: The rise of active meditation in Saudi Arabia

Updated 06 April 2025
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Steps to serenity: The rise of active meditation in Saudi Arabia

  • The rise in popularity of active meditation is down to inviting people to engage their bodies and minds in dynamic ways
  • Walking is one of the most popular acts in active meditation, with the slow, deliberate movements having an impact on those practicing i

RIYADH: A fresh wave of tranquility is sweeping through Saudi Arabia as locals embrace a global trend known as active meditation.

While some still turn to practices like yoga for inner peace, this modern twist — blending mindfulness with movement — is now making its mark in the Kingdom.

Laila Al-Marshad, a local who has included active meditation in her routine since last year, told Arab News: “I enjoy walking in nature or around my neighborhood for at least an hour each day. It’s incredibly beneficial for both the mind and soul.”

She added that dancing is also a popular choice and explained that any hobby a person enjoys can be a form of active meditation.

“I love fitness dancing because it allows me to let go, feel the rhythm, and fully be in the moment,” said Hanan Al-Harbi. “The combination of movement and music lifts my mood and gives me a sense of freedom.”

The rise in popularity of active meditation is down to inviting people to engage their bodies and minds in dynamic ways.

For some people this type of meditation is easier and more enjoyable because they find it challenging to sit still and quiet for traditional meditation.

Saudi woman Lamia Saad, who has taken up walking as active meditation, said: “I used to do yoga at a center near my house, but it was very difficult to keep silent. I kept thinking about work and my son every time I was at the class and I couldn’t focus at all.”

Walking is one of the most popular acts in active meditation, with the slow, deliberate movements having an impact on those practicing it.

People who go for walks usually consider it a form of stress relief and a break from their busy lifestyle.

But people walking slowly pay more attention to their steps and the rhythm of their breath, which may provide an opportunity to breathe slowly and reflect on thoughts and mindset.

Gardening is also a wonderful example of active meditation. In various East Asian cultures, elderly members of the community prefer this type of active meditation because it requires minimum effort, with lots of patience and hours spent in the garden.

The active meditation trend is helping locals engage with their bodies while reducing stress and minimizing anxiety.

It presents an opportunity to explore the connection between the body and mind through movement.
 


Sotheby’s to auction rare collection of Islamic arms, armor

Updated 05 April 2025
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Sotheby’s to auction rare collection of Islamic arms, armor

DUBAI: On Apr. 29 and 30, Sotheby’s will auction pieces from the Philippe Missillier Collection of Arms and Armor, one of the most important and rarest collections of its kind to come to auction.

The collection, which spans over 100 lots representing more than 500 years of history, features unique and iconic pieces from the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal Empires. Before the auction, the collection will be exhibited at Sotheby’s Dubai in DIFC from April 7-11 and April 25-28.

It was assembled by Philippe Gilles Rene Missillier (1949-2022), a scholar and collector who spent more than 50 years studying, acquiring, visiting museums and documenting artifacts to master the subject of his interest: Arms of the Islamic world.

In 1988, a large majority of his collection was exhibited in Paris in the exhibition Splendour des Armes Orientales (The Splendor of Oriental Armor), marking the largest exhibition of its kind over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Sotheby’s sale marks the first time his collection is being seen since then.

“This is a landmark sale,” Benedict Carter, Sotheby’s senior director and head of auction sales, Middle East, told Arab News. “For us, this is really the most significant sale in terms of Islamic arms and armor that has been staged.”

A Mughal jade-hilted dagger in the form of a horse, India, 18th century. (Supplied)

Highlights from the collection include weaponry across various Islamic dynasties from Spain to Indonesia, with the star of the auction one of a small group of personal swords belonging to Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, whose reign from 1629-58 marked a period of importance for Mughal architecture and cultural achievements. The sword carries the inscriptions “World-Capturer,” in an affirmation of Shah Jahan’s skills as a military commander. The sword is recorded in the accounts of Venetian traveler Niccolao Manucci, who documented the personal swords of Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb, who most likely inherited it from his father.

The sword’s provenance is fascinating. It entered various prestigious collections during the 19th and 20th centuries, including those of Charles Canning, governor-general and first viceroy of India, and most recently that of George Henry Hubert Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood.

Neither Sotheby’s nor Christie’s has staged a standalone sale for arms and armor in about two decades, making the sale significant.

“Occasionally, in our various owner sales every April and October we have (arms and armor) pieces that have come up,” added Carter. “But this is the first time in recent memory that we’ve had a major single owner collection associated with a name that is synonymous with refined taste and deep scholarship.”


Imaan Hammam talks 'incredible time' in new campaign

Updated 05 April 2025
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Imaan Hammam talks 'incredible time' in new campaign

DUBAI: Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model Imaan Hammam took to Instagram to highlight Gap Studio’s inaugural campaign, in which she stars alongside US models Alex Consani and Anok Yai.

Gap Studio is a new high-end segment from the US retailer. Created by Zac Posen, Gap Inc.’s executive vice president and creative director, Collection 01 reflects Posen’s signature approach to tailoring and draping while reimagining Gap’s core textiles such as denim and poplin.

“Had the most incredible time bringing @zacposen’s designs to life for #GapStudio with @anokyai and @alexconsani,” Hammam captioned the post, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

Key pieces in the collection include the twill tailored trench coat, double-breasted blazer, high-rise sailor pant and poplin maxi shirtdress.

Earlier this year, Hammam took to Instagram to announce the launch of her new archival project, Ayni, which will highlight significant contributions to Arab film, art, music and literature.

“Meet Ayni (@ayni.vault), an archive dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Arab artistic expression through ‘my eyes,’” Hammam captioned the post on Instagram.

“Follow along as I highlight some of the most significant contributions to Arab film, art, music, and literature — both old and new — and celebrate the talented artists behind them. This project holds such a special place in my heart, and I hope you enjoy it just as much as I enjoy curating it.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gap (@gap)

Late last year, the model made waves when she delivered the opening remarks at the highly regarded Fashion Trust Arabia Awards’ sixth event, in Marrakech, Morocco.

The 28-year-old went on stage in a black kaftan from Moroccan designer Selma Benomar. The heavily embroidered look highlighted Moroccan artistry and design, and paid tribute to the country’s royal family.

“So honored to open this year’s @fashiontrustarabia Awards here in the motherland,” Hamman said on Instagram. “Celebrating Arab artistry in the place where my roots run deep made this experience truly special. Proud to uplift the creativity that makes our culture unique. A special thank you to @selma_benomar_caftan for designing this gorgeous Moroccan custom-made caftan.”

Although Hammam was born and raised in Amsterdam, her mother is from Morocco and she visits the country frequently.

Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.  


Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield to attend MEFCC Abu Dhabi

Updated 05 April 2025
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Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield to attend MEFCC Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: British American actor Andrew Garfield, known for playing Spider-Man, will appear at this year’s Middle East Film & Comic Con.

The three-day event will take place from April 18-20 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The actor will join a list of celebrities that includes Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio from Marvel’s “Daredevil: Born Again,” “Star Wars” actor Ian McDiarmid, famous for portraying Emperor Palpatine in the space saga; and “Stranger Things” star Natalia Dyer.

Also joining the line-up are Grant Gustin, otherwise known as Barry Allen / The Flash, and Emily Rudd, the navigator of Netflix’s record-smashing, live-action show “One Piece.”

The stars are expected to take part in a panel discussion and will be available for autograph sessions.

Japanese voice actors Kotono Mitsuishi, Daiki Yamashita, Hideo Ishikawa and Kentaro Ito, and US voice actress Colleen O'Shaughnessey, will also attend.