Salaam Minara Family,
How has your week been?
We were at the Muslim Tech Festival the weekend gone, and alhamdulillah what an amazing experience. It really made every upward climb so far in Minara’s journey deeply rewarding and validating .
Here’s a snippet of what Minara’s founder shared on social media:
Our booth became a space of curiosity and connection. Upon seeing the prototype of Minara’s device, most visitors began with, "What is this?" and left us feeling that every struggle has been worth it. The reactions were beyond anything we expected:
"No way-adhan and scent?!" [You should have seen the faces!]
"This needs to exist."
"When can I get one?"
"My mum would love this!”
"Where can I sign up?!”
📖 You can read the rest of the post here.
If this has piqued your interest and you haven’t signed up yet, then please feel free to explore the Minara tech by clicking here. And if your interest is really, really piqued, and you’ve joined the waiting list already [which you have because you’re reading this!] then perhaps you could share the link with family and friends to get them in the action too! Spread the Minara joy 😹.
Thanks so much for all your support. Minara wouldn’t be possible without community. And if you met with us over the weekend, leave a comment! We loved connecting with you. 🤍
In other news, it’s the second of Muharram today so we’re sharing a recipe to make the new Islamic year a memorable one!
Quick rundown: Muharram - first month of the Islamic calendar. Muharram is considered to be one of four sacred months [the remaining three being Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah and Dhul-Hijjah]. Within Muharram we have Ashura which literally translates to 10th' day. ‘Ashura therefore is the 10th day of Muharram. This article is a great read if you’d like an overview of the significance of ‘Ashura.
‘Abdullah ibn Hisham (ra) reports that the Sahabah (ra) would learn the following du’a for when the new month or new year would begin:
May this year bring you joy upon joy and blessing upon blessing. 💜
1447 here we come!
How to Make Muharram 1447 EPIC
1. Set an Intention that Rises Beyond the Routine
Why it’s epic: Muharram is one of the sacred months, a time Allah has especially honoured. Let your intention honour that too.
How: Write down a single-line niyyah [intention]:
“I enter Muharram seeking a heart more aligned with God, and a life that echoes truth and justice.”
2. Fast on the 9th & 10th or [10th & 11th] of Muharram
Why it’s epic: The Prophet ﷺ fasted on Ashura, honouring the deliverance of Musa (as) and his people. It's a day of rescue, repentance, and renewal.
How:
Prepare for it like Ramadan: pre-dawn intention, mindful suhoor, deep du’a at iftar.
Pair your fast with charity, even a small one.
3. Begin a Spiritual Reading or Listening Challenge
Why it’s epic: The turning of a new Islamic year is the perfect launchpad for long-term soul growth.
Ideas:
Start a daily tafsir session [for just 10 minutes a day].
Read Islamic based content on topics that are interesting to you.
Listen to inspiring and informative lectures like those delivered by Yaqeen Institute.
4. Support or Spotlight a Cause of Resistance and Justice
Why it’s epic: On the day of Ashura, millennia ago, Musa [as] and the Children of Israel achieved a momentous victory over the oppressive tyranny of Pharoah.
How:
Fundraise or amplify voices from Palestine, Sudan, the Uyghur community, or local racial justice movements.
Use your voice in art, essays, or social media to say: I stand with the oppressed. I will not look away.
Create or join a campaign, webinar, or creative action
5. Make Space for Grief
Why it’s epic: Muharram holds grief - think: the martyrdom of the Prophet's ﷺ beloved grandson - Hussain ibn Ali; the decades of the Pharaoh's oppression and persecution of Musa (AS) and the Israelites. Honour your grief too. Whether it's loss, infertility, burnout, injustice, let yourself feel, reflect, and heal.
How:
Journal daily prayers to Allah using the names Al-Jabbar (The Restorer) and Al-Wadud (The Most Loving).
6. Begin or Recommit to a Daily Salah Reset
Why it’s epic: Salah has always been the anchor for our predecessors even on the battlefields. Salah isn’t just a ritual for peaceful times, it’s also an act of spiritual resistance.
How:
Use a beautiful Salah journal or app or join and engage with a salah-focused community [Minara]!
Before each salah, take 10 seconds to set your intention to remind yourself of why your salah is important.
Try praying at least one salah daily in the masjid or in jama'ah.
7. Write a Letter to Your Future Self [Muharram 1448]
Why it’s epic: Spiritual transformation is real when you track it. Let your voice echo forward.
How:
Write a heartfelt letter: what you hope to overcome, learn, build, and leave behind.
Seal it and save it [or email it to yourself with a one-year delivery tool like FutureMe.org].
Love and du’as,
The Minara Team
