JEDDAH — Ramadan is month of mercy, forgiveness and a celebratory event known for its generosity. They say charity begins at home and that there is no greater virtue than the act of selflessness. This is a month where most is spent, earned and also given away in charity. During the month, millions of pilgrims visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and depart with gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. Some of them hold a spiritual value, others just serve as a token of memory. Here are a few gift items we recommend Books of Islam The first command in Islam was “Iqra (read). To gain knowledge and educate our mind and spirit. Bookstores are a favorite destination for many pilgrims during their stay in the holy cities as they stacked with Islamic books of all nature — Islamic history, culture, Hadith, Sunnah, The Prophets, Sahabah and women in Islam among many others — that are vital in forming the basic of knowledge about Islam. After morning prayers, pilgrims including women and children are often seen buying books near the holy mosques. A book is also the best gift for young minds that are eager to learn; and Darrusalam is one of the many publishers that caters to publishing books that look into all aspects of Islam. Dates Anas b. Mâik narrated that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with fresh dates before going to prayer. When fresh dates were unavailable, he would break his fast with dried dates. Dates are a staple fruit in Saudi Arabia having been in cultivation for thousands of years. They are rich in fibre, potassium, sugar, carbohydrates and magnesium. Dates are a great token of gift in the Arab culture. Nowadays dates are catered to meet the changing needs of people, such as dates are found stuffed with chocolate, nuts, tahina among other flavors. Popular dates that one can look for are Ajwah, Anbarah, Baydh, Helwah, Khalas, Khudry, Mabroom, Madjool, Maktoomi. Prayer beats Prayer beats has been used in performing prayers for centuries. The name “mesbah,” “mesbaha,” or “subha” means to praise God. It is a means to praise Allah as you repeatedly chant “Allahu Akbar,” “Subhan Allah,” and “Alhamdulilah” over your 33 or 66-bead prayer beat. You can find an exclusive range of prayer beat in gemstones, and other rare stones depending on their make. Prayer mats Beautiful prayer mats come in various colors, shapes, textures and fabrics, a designer feel. It is a beautiful and memorable gift for elders, spouses and even children. Sajjadah's are a great gift for your guests who come for pilgrimage during the month of Ramadan. Ithr – Arabic perfume “Ithr” is known for its distinctive aroma and is an honorable gift men give to their fathers and companions. Considered to be fine and rich in taste and essence, “Ithr” is also used before Friday prayers as is Oud. Gold jewelry The gold souk is full of pilgrims, mostly women, who indulge in gold shopping and enjoy the various designs and customized gold jewelry that is easily available in all the cities. Souvenirs Souvenirs such as glass-painted or metal-constructed plates with verses, or pictures of the holy cities are readily available in abundance throughout the cities of Makkah and Madinah. You can even take Miswaks back home that are used as tooth sticks, carved and sold on the streets by people who use the traditional sticks till date, especially during fasting as part of the Sunnah. Multimedia gadgets Multimedia gadgets like CD's or audio cassettes with recorded Qur'anic verses with translation and meaning can also be gifted. The Qur'an's chapters are recorded with various Imam's recitation of the Holy Book. There are also cassettes with stories for children about Islam and pre-recorded Ahadiths. It is an ideal gift for expats and other foreigners. The Qur'an Copies of the Holy book are considered to be the best gift that last a lifetime. You can find easy to read (with big fonts), and copies of the Qur'an with translations in numerous languages which pilgrims take home as a lasting memory and to spread knowledge among their people who lack complete understanding of Arabic. Zam Zam Zam Zam is known for its pure essence, Islamic history and power to strengthen one's mind and soul. Many pilgrims take back containers of Zam Zam for their families and relatives back home and believe in its strength to cure people. Oud - Bukhoor Oud - Bukhoor is a strong Arab ritual used in every household as a gesture of hospitality. Oud comes in the form of wooden chips soaked in fragmented oils that are burnt in incense burners to perfume households with a rich Arabic scent. Oud oil is also used as perfume on skin and is often described as the scent of luxury. Abayas and Thobes Saudi women are known to be pioneers in designing and constructing fabrics for Thobes (conventional long dress that covers the body) and Abayas (a cloak/robe that is worn over a dress) on an international level. Abayas and Thobes are among the most coveted gifts for women. Pilgrims who visit Saudi Arabia during Ramadan usually buy the traditional designs for their mothers, sisters, daughters and friends back home. It is also the best selling season for male Thobe designers. Some of the main designers famous for Thobes who are showcasing their Ramadan collections are Omar Azure, Toby, Lamar and Yahya Al-Bishri among others.
