Out&About

Bosnia and Herzegovina News Out&AboutSeptember 11, 2017September 11, 2017

Red Bull Cliff Diving 2017 in Mostar

Location – Old bridge in Mostar
Coordinates – 43°20’13″N, 17°48’54″E
Platform heights – 27m | 21m
Water depth – 5m to 5.5m
Water temperature in September – 13°C
Air temperature in September – 27°C
Water – River Neretva, freshwater
Random fact – The bridge was destroyed during the war in Bosnia (1992-1995), and later faithfully reconstructed using the original stone blocks taken out from the river below. It was reopened in 2004.

Built in the 16th century, the iconic Old bridge or Stari most has a diving tradition that stretches back almost 450 years. Diving into the river from the highest point of the bridge has been a test of courage for local young men for as long as anyone can remember. Tourists can pay locals to make the dive for their viewing pleasure. Official annual bridge-jumping competitions started in 1968 and are still held each summer.

Connecting cities with sports

The Red Bull Cliff Diving Series moves all around the globe, with the competitors launching themselves from cliff tops and other cliff jumping locations in a different country each week.This week the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series returns to the city of Mostar with the action centered on the Old Bridge. In 2016, Mostar hosted more than 5,000 spectators who came out to enjoy the spectacular cliff jumping show in the glorious sunshine.

The Red Bull Cliff Diving event has been held in more than 27 countries around the world, connecting people through adventure sports and adrenalin, excitement and cheering audience.

The event itself gathered many Cliff Diving stars as Michael Navratil and Lysanne Richard. Exactly 16 divers and jumpers of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Cup are coming to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to continue their competition, on 15th and 16th September 2017.

WHO IS DIVING THIS YEAR?

This event will be LIVE on September 16 from 14.30 local time (12.30 GMT) on www.redbullcliffdiving.com and Red Bull TV. Red Bull TV is available on connected TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices and more. Find out more at about.redbull.tv

We are expecting another exciting contest in Mostar, which will show the best jumpers to fight for victory, with the magnificent Old Bridge as a stage.

Out&AboutMay 26, 2017May 26, 2017

10 Things You Should Know About Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims endure a period of daily fasting – the biggest act of religious observance of its kind. For the world’s 1.6bn Muslims, including Britain’s 2.8 million-strong Muslim community, the annual event represents a time to fast and devote a particular focus to prayer, purification, and charitable acts. This year Ramadan begins on Friday, May 26 and ends on Saturday, June 24.
The info below should help enlighten you on several other interesting aspects of this holy time experienced by so many.

1. WHAT IS RAMADAN?

As the holiest month of the year, it is a crucial period for practicing Muslims and underpins some of the religion’s core values, such as prayer and giving to charity. Practically speaking, it’s the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The word comes from the root words ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which roughly translate to the scorching heat of the sun. For Muslims, this means a time of deep spiritual discipline where they reaffirm their relationship with Allah and through which, in keeping with the name, their sins will be burnt away.

2.WHY IS IT HOLY?

This month is believed to be around the time the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E.

As the story is told, Muhammad would often leave his hometown of Makkah to reflect and meditate in solitude. One night while Muhammad sat contemplating in a cave, he heard a voice call out to him, “Read!” The voice belonged to the angel Gabriel. In turn, Muhammad proceeded to miraculously recite the first verse of what would come to form Chapter 96 of the Qu’ran, which goes:

“Read, in the name of thy Lord, Who created?

Created man, out of a clot (embryo).

Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,

He Who taught the use of the pen?

Taught man that which he knew not.

Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds,

In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.

Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all).”

3. WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST DURING RAMADAN?

Fasting (sawm in Arabic), is one of the five key pillars underpinning the Islamic faith. The others are prayer (salat), giving a percentage of your salary to charity (zakat), making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and, of course, a belief in the Muslim faith (shahadah).

Fasting is seen as a way to purify spiritually as well as physically – a time to detach from material pleasures and be closer to God. The act of fasting is also believed to increase Muslims’ piety, reminding them that others are less fortunate than themselves.

Fasting involves abstaining from all food, drink, smoking and having sex from sunrise to sunset. Muslims will wake up before sunrise for morning prayer and to eat before the day’s fast begins. Most will break their fast alongside their families in the evening with a communal “Iftar” meal, typically often started with dates.

Ramadan recipes

4. DO ALL MUSLIMS HAVE TO FAST?

Fit and able adults are expected to fast, but children and elderly people are exempt. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone who is sick and anyone traveling on a journey is also exempt.

Women who are on their periods are not expected to fast but make up the missed days at a later date.

5. AND YES, IF YOU WERE WONDERING, FASTING TIME DIFFERS DEPENDING WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGWeutgKvGc/

6. WHAT IS RAMADAN’S CONNECTION TO THE MOON?

As opposed to the more synonymous January through December months, for religious matters Muslims adhere to a lunar calendar. In the case of Ramadan, the month officially starts with the sighting of the new moon of the lunar calendar’s ninth month. One of the major differences between these two forms of keeping time is that the latter is 11 days shorter. As such, Ramadan shifts backward by approximately 11 days each year.

7. CHARITY FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART OF RAMADAN

Among the aforementioned five pillars of Islam, is the ever important practice of charity. During Ramadan, the rewards of charity are considered to be greater, so this month generally marks a time of great generosity.

8. WHAT IS IFTAR?

Iftar is the meal which is eaten after sunset during Sawm, the fasting which occurs during the month of Ramadan in Muslim tradition. Since people have not eaten at all during the day, they are often quite hungry by the time Iftar comes around, and most people hasten to end the fast as quickly as possible after sunset. In communities with a large Muslim population, a cannon may be fired or other signal given to indicate the end of the day’s fast, and the information may be broadcast over the media as well.

9. ON THAT DAY, YOU CAN WISH YOUR MUSLIM FRIENDS: “EID MUBARAK”

Which means, “Holiday Blessings.”

10. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN RAMADAN ENDS?

The end of the fasting month is marked with a big feast, the exchanging of gifts and celebrations, known as “Eid-ul-Fitr”.

Out&AboutMay 19, 2017May 19, 2017

15 Children’s Books about Ramadan and Eid

For over one billion Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a special time of fasting, praying, giving and togetherness. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it begins with the appearance of the new moon. The month of Ramadan is also a wonderful time for children to learn more about Islam and its traditions – the books on this list are a good start!

My First Ramadan
by Karen Katz

“Look! There is the new moon in the sky.” An adorable little Muslim boy is excited that Ramadan is about to begin. This year he wants to fast like the grown-ups! With simple words and colourful illustrations, My First Ramadan is a wonderful first introduction to Ramadan for the youngest readers. ~ Toddlers

It’s Ramadan, Curious George
by H. A. Rey

George is excited to be celebrating Ramadan with his friend Kareem and his family. Together they make gift baskets to donate to those in need, enjoy the evening celebration and the special treats, and celebrate Eid at the end of Ramadan. It’s Ramadan, Curious George is a playful rhyming board book with fun tabs, perfect for all children who celebrate Ramadan, and for those who are learning about it for the first time! ~ Toddlers

Raihanna’s First Time Fasting
by Qamaer Hassan

Raihanna’s First Time Fasting is a sweet story about a little girl’s first Ramadan. Little Raihanna learns the meaning of Ramadan, why her family fasts and how important it is to help her community whenever she can. Includes an activity page and a definition page. ~ Preschool

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
by Hena Khan

“Red is the rug / Dad kneels on to pray, / facing toward Mecca, / five times a day.” With the most stunning illustrations and simple, informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is a wonderful introduction to the world of Islam, celebrating traditions like Ramadan and Eid.for even the youngest readers. ~ Preschool

Under the Ramadan Moon
by Sylvia Whitman

“We wait for the moon. / We watch for the moon. / We watch for the Ramadan moon.” With lyrical text and luminous pastel illustrations, Under the Ramadan Moon warmly depicts a Muslim family as they pray, fast and help those in need. Includes a detailed note about Ramadan. ~ Preschool

Once Upon a Ramadan
by D.N. Hockey

Three siblings experience Ramadan together with their stuffed animals. When they bake cookies, Monkey, Puppy, and Fox get messy and need a bath. When they collect presents for children in need, Puppy falls asleep in the bag. In the end their mother is very proud of them: “Ramadan is about thinking of others and that is exactly what they did.” With bright illustrations and a playful storyline, Once Upon a Ramadan appeals to children everywhere. ~ Preschool

Ilyas & Duck & FANTASTIC FESTIVAL OF EID-AL-FITR
by Omar Khawaja

“There is an Eid for every nation”. The book starts with this saying of the Prophet Muhammad, and thus dedicates some pages to two traditions of other major religions: Christmas and Hanukkah. Ilyas and Duck are preparing for Eid-al-Fitr to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Duck starts out by bringing a christmas tree and a menorah but Ilyas explains to him that those are for their Christian and Jewish friends’ celebrations. Ilyas & Duck: Fantastic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr is a delightful picture book about the fun and excitement of Eid. ~ Preschool

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
by Hena Khan

A 7-year-old Pakistani American girl experiences the month of Ramadan with her family, from fasting to special meals, from distributing food at the mosque to celebrating The Night of the Moon and Eid. With rich illustrations in the style of Islamic art, Night of the Moon is a beautiful window into modern Muslim culture and its traditions. Includes glossary. ~ Elementary School

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
by Reem Faruqi

Lailah’s family recently moved to the US from Abu Dhabi. When Ramadan begins, she is excited to participate in the fasting for the first time but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she won’t be eating lunch with them. With help from the school librarian and her teacher, Lailah finds a way to overcome her fears and makes new friends who respect her beliefs. Beautifully illustrated with full-page watercolour pictures, Lailah’s Lunchbox is a gentle story about feeling different, friendship and faith. ~ Elementary School

The White Nights of Ramadan
by Maha Addasi

When Noor sees the almost-full moon rise in Kuwait, she knows it is time to prepare for Girgian, a mid-Ramadan celebration observed mostly in the Arabian Gulf states. Noor and her brothers make candy to share with the children in the neighborhood, and decorate canvas bags, hoping to fill them with treats when they go from house to house, dressed in traditional clothes. With engaging illustrations, The White Nights of Ramadan underlines the true meaning of Ramadan: Self-improvement, community and sharing. ~ Elementary School

Zachariah’s Perfect Day
by Farrah Qazi

Zachariah’s Perfect Day follows a 12-year-old Muslim boy through the first day of Ramadan. With colourful illustrations printed on a background of Islamic patterns, this beautiful book explains the traditional routines of Muslim families during Ramadan, from fasting and praying to preparing the Iftar meal and giving to those in need. Includes recipes for Parathas and Deep-Fried Oreos. ~ Elementary School

A Party in Ramadan
by Asma Mobin-Uddin

Leena has a dilemma: Too young to fast each day, she decides to fast each Friday instead, but then she receives an invitation to a party that happens to fall on a Friday. Leena decides to go to the party, but not eat or drink. But watching her friends enjoy lemonade and cake is tough – will she be able to keep her fast? A Party in Ramadan is a charming story about a young Muslim girl wanting to do the right thing. ~ Elementary School

Ramadan Moon
by Na’ima Robert

The Holy Month of Ramadan begins with a whisper, a prayer and a wish. Written and illustrated by Muslims, Ramadan Moon is a lyrical and inspiring picture book that captures the wonder and joy of this special holiday from a child’s perspective.The enchanting story is complemented by appealing multimedia illustrations. ~ Preschool, Elementary School

Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr
by Lisa Bullard

Rashad is the first one in his family to spot the new moon. He tries to be good the whole month of Ramadan, while learning about the many aspects of this special holiday. When it is time for Eid, he enjoys the celebrations together with his family. With detailed comment boxes, Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr is suitable children who don’t know much about Muslim faith and its traditions yet. ~ Elementary School

Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle
by Reza Jalali

9-year-old Shirin follows the stages of the moon throughout Ramadan. She desperately wants to fast like the rest of her Persian American family, including her older brother, and is thrilled when she is finally allowed to do so for half a day. When she discovers her smug brother secretly eating, she decides not to expose Ali but help him instead, acting in the true spirit of Ramadan. Moon Watchers is a moving and authentic story about traditions and sibling rivalry. ~ Elementary School

Out&AboutMay 18, 2017May 18, 2017

Under the Ramadan Moon

Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. Sylvia Whitman’s lyrical story, with luminous illustrations by Sue Williams, serves as an introduction to Ramadan—a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. A detailed note about Ramadan is included. The author lives in Virginia and wrote this story so her son’s classmates could learn how he and his family celebrate this important time. The illustrator lives in England.

A short & simple Ramadan story.

Out&AboutMay 3, 2017May 3, 2017

Do you think you are a true Star Wars fan?

[wp_quiz id=”4239″]