Ramadan ( رمضان ) is a special month of the year for millions of Arabs and Muslims in the world. Interestingly, the start of Ramadan is determined by a combination of physical sightings and astronomical calculations done based on the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar being some 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan migrates through the seasons. The most important characteristic of Ramadan is the fasting from the breaking of dawn to the setting of the sun.  While fasting has existed in many societies and in many forms, fasting during Ramadan is not just refraining from eating and drinking but carries the added significance of worship, psychological comfort and morality. Another important change that comes along with... Show more

Perpetually in the search for beauty and youth, people flock to spas and search for products to add to their beauty regime. However, one answer to preventing wrinkles and eliminate scars might be Argan oil, which originates from the South Western part of Morocco. The oil is actually extracted from a shell nut from the round and green fruits of the Argan tree, which grows exclusively in the South Western part of Morocco. This tree is very resistant to the harsh climate of the region, and prevails in a semi-desert environment. It is actually thanks to this amazing tree's roots, which grow deep in search for water, that retain some humidity in the soil, limiting the advance of the desert. The harvesting of the tree's fruits and the... Show more

Casablanca, A-dar l-bayda’ in Arabic, is located in western Morocco and it is its biggest city; with a population exceding 3 million people. Thanks to its strategic location the port of Casablanca is considered the main port of Morocco, and it is the largest port in Africa, as well as the largest artificial port in the world. The name “casa blanca” comes from Portugese, meaning “the white house.” The Portugese influence is here because in the 15th century, Portugal conquered the city and put an end to the pirates that used the port as a base to attack Portugese ships. Spain and Portugal eventually abandonned the town after a great earthquake destroyed it in 1755. The city was then rebuilt and kept its name, “the white house.” ... Show more

This is a celebration that begins on the last day of Ramadan and is called ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’ or `Eid ul-Fitr. The celebration goes on for three days as children knock on the doors of other people and take chocolate, money and sugar from them. People take this time to forgive each other. The children kiss the hands of the adults and everyone spend time visiting with each other. At the end of the fast and beginning of this festival, Muslims are obligated to repeat the Tabkir all three days of this celebration. People greet each other with “Happy Eid or Blessed Eid.” The first day begins with getting up early and eating a very small breakfast portion. After that they go to the Mosque where they collaborate in a special Eid... Show more

The Islamic faith consists of different times of the year that the Muslim takes time away to worship. Ramadan is one of those holy times that are an important part of the Muslim beliefs. On the Islamic calendar, this is considered to be the ninth month of the year. The Muslim people have certain religious obligations that they have to follow and the five pillars of Islam is part of the acceptance to the religion. Ramadan is one of those five pillars. The entire month is spent in a time of fasting each day from dawn to sunset. The process of fasting during this month is indicative of the removal of their sins. They believe that their Qu’ran was initially sent down to the earth at this time and so they consider it to be important in... Show more

The Night of Emancipation or the Night of Fortune is the Arabic Holiday known also as Lailat al Barat. It is a Muslim holiday that is celebrated on the fourteenth night of the month of Shabaan as depicted by the Islam Hijra calendar. It is a special day to the Muslim faith because it is also mentioned in the Qu’ran and is a symbolic reference that is authentic to the Prophet Mohammad. It is also known as Shabe-e-Baraat in India and Iran, which demonstrates a night of forgiveness or recognition of the Day of Atonement. The Muslims think that this Arabic holiday is a preparation for them to seek forgiveness for their sins when they pray to their gods two weeks before the beginning of Ramadan. The Prophet Mohammad pointed out in the... Show more

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from everyone here at ArabicPod101.com! We're grateful to have listeners just like you, and we're eagerly waiting for the upcoming year to learn Arabic together! And when the New Year comes around, be sure to make a resolution to study Arabic with ArabicPod101.com! Have a healthy and happy holiday season. From the ArabicPod101.com Team