Arabic, the language that exists beyond all rules and standards and yet simultaneously creates all rules and standards for Muslims, in the form of the Qur’an, the Holy Book, is a miracle in itself. Thus, it was perhaps only natural that a discipline would develop around it with time . And it did: Ilm means "knowledge", whilst Huruf means "letters", - thus giving the science its name: Ilm-al-Huruf, the science of letters. it is the science of the special qualities of each of t

A talisman is any object that is imbued with protective powers. Talismans in Islamic history have had the names of God, Qur’anic inscriptions, astrological signs, and religious narratives. Talismans not only shield but also guide their wearers; and are also used as tools for scientists or as cures prescribed by physicians for various ailments. During the Abbasid period, the stars and the Qur’an were consulted for almost every action and medical condition. The stars and talism

Did you know that the Koh-i-Noor is not the only diamond to have been stolen from the Indian Subcontinent? Another world-famous diamond, the Dresden Green, also found its way to Europe during the days of the British Raj. It most likely originated in a rough crystal of 100 carats or more. Famed for its unusual colour and shape, this almond-shaped stone is the largest apple-green diamond known. Its colour is attributed to the close contact with a radioactive source at some poin

The word Al or Hal, implies in Turkic dialects, red-coloured, fire or evil. Ana also means mother, giving her the name Al Ana in Tuvan, Kyrgyz, Azerbaijanese and Turkish. In Pakistani lore, the Al appears in Baloch and Brahui lore. She is believed to be the Shaitan's (Satan) daughter and is known to attack women whilst they give birth. Legend has it that a hunter came across a woman in the wilderness, holding a liver in her hand. It was Al. He fought her and forced her to re

Explorers have been looking for clues to the infamous valley for quite some time. We did a little bit of hunting into the matter too. Balochi folklore mentions ghouls, a lot. Scarier and deadlier than the Jinns, their sheer terror makes the matter all the more interesting. A concept Persian in origin, it is the most dreaded kind of ghost: shapeshifters, who devour humans as a pass time. They may take up the form of a relative, a friend, or even their voice alone, leading peop

Legend has it that life is symbolized by a celestial tree, the Tree of Life, connecting three spiritual planes. Its roots delve into the underground, where demons lurk, entwined by a colossal dragon—a chimaera bridging terrestrial, water, and underground realms. The dragon acts as a mediator between these worlds, its snake body embodying the terrestrial and aquatic, its head and feet reflecting the average land, and its wings reaching the heavenly realm, where benevolent spir

Pakistani music is an absolute treat to your ears. We've put together twelve beautiful pieces for you to hear and add to your playlist. Tu Jhoom: a Coke Studio production, sung by the Queen of Sufi Music, the great Abida Parveen. Janam Fidaye Haideri: another Sufi track, an indie production that became a massive hit for all the right reasons! Wah Jo Kalaam: also a Sufi track, in Sindhi, falls in where folk and folk-pop music meet. A contemporary classic! Bulbulik: A Wakhi

Peshawar | A Photo Essay

The filly who led Lahore and Kabul to war Have you heard of city streets being scourged and hosed down for a horse to pass through them? I shall tell you one such legend today, which took place in Lahore during the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. What later became barracks for the British for Her Majesty’s Armed Forces were formerly the stables of the Shahi Qilla, the Royal Fort of Lahore. It is said that a thousand of the finest horses could be housed there any day. Ranjit Sin