As the internet becomes more and more involved in our daily lives, people search even the simplest questions with Google. But among these simple questions are some surprising ones, too. From asking for the Islamic date to searching why Palestine is associated with watermelons, this blog will cover the unexpected things Arabs are typing into their Google search bars.
1. What & When Is Eid al-Adha?
Starting off strong with the spirit of celebrations in their hearts, many Arabs want to know the exact date and the true purpose of their second Islamic festival. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha in remembrance of the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim. Eid ul Adha is not only a time for joy and get-togethers, but also serves as a perfect way to take care of the animals being sacrificed in the way of Allah SWT. It opens the hearts towards animal kindness and ensures Muslims understand the true nature of sacrifice as they part ways with their beloved animal companions.
2. Where to celebrate Eid al-Adha?
Since Eid al-Adha is the last of the Islamic festivals, many people want to celebrate it to the fullest. The same is true for Arabs. Many have searched for the perfect locations to spend their Eid. From international trips to local stays, many places have popped up for having the best Eid celebrations in the area. From exploring ‘the edge of the world’ to visiting the ‘waters of Umluj,’ there are many places where one can celebrate Eid to its fullest.
3. Hajj Rituals
As the Hajj pilgrimage starts in Makkah, there are many who have shown an interest in learning about its rituals. Being the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj is a sacred act performed for the sake of Allah SWT. The pilgrimage rituals are performed between the eighth and the twelfth or thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Its rituals include,
- Intention and preparation.
- Entering the state of Ihram.
- The ritual of Tawaf and Sa’ay
- Clipping or shaving the hair, which signals the end of Umrah.
- Resting and Praying
- Re-entering the state of Ihram on 8th Dhu al-Hijjah, also known as the day of Tarwiyah.
- Arrival at Mina
- Second day: 9th Dhu al-Hijjah (Arafah Day)
- Muzdalifah, where Hajis spend a night under the open sky.
- Third day: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah (The day when people sacrifice their animals)
- Ramy al-Jamarat (stoning of the devil)
- Sacrificing the animal (Hady) and celebrating Eid al-Adha.
- Shaving of the Head
- Tawaf Ziyarat/Ifadah
- Fourth day: 11th Dhu al-Hijjah
- Fifth day: 12th Dhu al-Hijjah
- Tawaf al-Wadaa
4. Why Is Palestine Associated With Watermelons?
As the recent events in Palestine receive increasing media coverage and attention, the country’s association with watermelons piques the interest of many. The reason why Palestinians use watermelons is that when the fruit is cut open, it bears the natural colors of the country’s flag. And since in some places it was not lawful to wave the Palestinian flag, the country’s people resorted to using watermelons as their identification.
5. What Is Inside The Kaaba?
As the Hajj comes closer, searches for the inside of the Kaaba come to the top. The Kaaba is a cube-like structure placed in the heart of Masjid al-Haram. Muslims visit it during Hajj or Umrah.
The inside of the Kaaba is just as mesmerizing as its outside. Three wooden pillars support its ceilings. Several lamps are suspended from a pillar gifted by many Muslim kings for the decoration of the Kaaba. A little white space where the Prophet PBUH prayed, according to sources. A white storage cupboard where ‘oud oil’ and other fragrances are applied to the walls of the Kaaba after it is washed with Zamzam water. Apart from all this, there is another door inside the Kaaba known as ‘Bab e Tauba’ (Door of Repentance).
6. Who Is the Islamic Messiah?
Another question that comes up when one searches with the words ‘who is’ is the question of the Messiah in Islam. The word Messiah is found in both Judaism and Islam. It is the title given to Prophet Isa (Jesus), PBUH. He was sent as a guide to the children of Israel 570 years before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He will make a second appearance, which will point out the beginning of the Day of Judgment. His second appearance will be as a just ruler, due to which he will bring peace into the world and eliminate the evils.
7. Performing Umrah
Since the year-end vacations are approaching in Saudi Arabia, the searches for performing Umrah rise. The vacations provide a perfect way for parents to perform the pilgrimage without worrying about their children’s studies. The following is how umrah is performed:
- Miqat
- Tawaf
- Maqam e Ibrahim
- Sa’ee
- Cutting the hair
8. How to Pray Istikhara?
Another surprising search is for praying Istikhara. Istikhara is a Sunnah prayer comprised of two rakahs, performed to seek Allah’s guidance on any matter, whether it relates to marriage, finances, career, or other situations. As Istikhara is conducted like a regular prayer, first one should perform wudu (ablution). Next, one should pray two rakahs as usual. Then recite the specific dua of Istikhara. After reciting the dua, one should describe what they need from Allah SWT.
9. Islamic Date Today
Since many homes now use the Gregorian calendar, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of the Islamic dates. And since all religious activities are observed according to the Islamic hijri calendar, Google serves as an immediate source to search the current Islamic date.
10. What Is The Day Of Arafah?
It appears that many individuals are highly interested in the Day of Arafah and have searched for it many times. The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is the day on which Allah SWT completed his religion. This was when the Prophet PBUH gave his sermon in his last pilgrimage.
11. Benefits & Calories In Dates
Being one of the staple foods of the Arabs, dates occupy a significant position in the Arabic food system. And since it is also incorporated in many desserts, health enthusiasts use Google to keep track of their calorie intake, ensuring they stay on top of their food intake. According to Google, one Ajwa date contains a total of 26g of calories. As for their benefits, dates have numerous advantages, such as,
- Improved digestive system.
- Improved heart and brain health.
- Clear skin
- Healthy bones
- Strong hair
12. Who Is Ali RA?
Ranking second in Google’s search autosuggestion for the phrase “who is,” many have shown an interest in learning about Ali RA, one of the most important figures in Islamic history. Being the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet PBUH, he was the husband of the beloved Hazrat Fatima RA and the father of Hasan and Hussain RA. He played a significant role in establishing Islam and was also one of the scribes of the Holy Quran.
13. How to Pray Tahajjud?
Since Dhul Hijjah is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar, many Muslims try to pray tahajjud regularly and deepen their connection to their faith. Tahajjud not only brings one closer to Allah SWT but also teaches them discipline as they wake up from their sleep to pray. The method of praying tahajjud is quite simple, just as one would perform 2 rakats of any other prayer. The only difference is the intention one makes before praying.
14. Where Is Karbala?
As the first month of the Islamic year, Muharram, approaches, many have shown an interest in learning about the location of Karbala. Karbala is a city in Iraq and is the place where the great battle of Karbala was fought on 10th Muharram, 61 AH. This battle is one of the most tragic in Islamic history because many important figures were martyred in this battle.
15. Why Is Palestine Important To Islam?
Palestine holds significant importance in Islam due to its historical significance during the establishment of Islam. It is regarded as the ‘Land of the Prophets’ and is the country in which the Mosque of Al-Aqsa is located. Moreover, Palestine was the miraculous site of the Prophet PBUH’s journey of ascension (Al Isra Wal Miraj).