Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Prophet Muhammad 's mosque, Medina

The inside of mosque

(photos are taken at summer 2008)

In the Islamic calendar, the 12Th day of Rabi-al-Awwal marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
There is a difference of opinion about whether the Milad An-Nabi (Prohet Mohammad's Birthday) should be a time of celebration. There is evidence that the Prophet, his Companions, and the early followers after them did not celebrate or otherwise observe his birthday. On the contrary, Muhammad was careful to warn his people not to imitate other faiths, whose followers elevated their prophets and added to the religion what was not in the original teachings.
Those who disagree claim that although not practiced in the early years of Islam, the remembrance of the Prophet's birthday is a "good innovation." They see it as a time to read the Qur'an, and remember the life, teachings, and example of the Prophet Muhammad.

Reference of the text :about.com

Hajji Firuz eh...Sali ye ruz eh!

He sings : "Haji Firuz eh....sali ye ruz eh"

Hâjji Fîrûz or Hajji Piruz, is the traditional herald of Nowruz. He is a black-faced character clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat. While ushering in Nowruz, Hajji Firuz plays a tambourine and sings "Haji Firuz eh, sali ye ruz eh" (It is Haji Firuz time, It happens one day in a year). People of all ages gather around him and his troupe of musicians and listen to them play the drum, saz or kamancheh, and dance. to know the history please click here.

Text by wikipedia

While I was watching Hajji Firuz in the street, I just thought that "how we could live with out such symbols in our culture?! " I really can not suppose the new year with no Hajji Firuz!

Wheat is sprouted !

We have 10 days to finish the solar year (1387). The spring is coming and every thing is going to be new. I do not know that how much you have heard about the Iranian's customs for New Year. Since the solar calendar is the current calendar of our country, we celebrate the New Year after finishing 12 months of a solar year.
In the last days of the year, Iranians start to clean their homes. "Khaaneh Tekaani" in Farsi or spring-cleaning in English is one of our important New Year traditions that were also available in the ancient Iran. We believe that, we should make every thing clean or even new for a New Year. To me it is the philosophy of spring, to be new and fresh, like the nature.
And about my today's title! Sprouted wheat is the one of our other customs for New Year. In my future posts, you'll be known about it and other customs like "Chaharshanbe Suri"(the last Wednesday party) ,"Nowruz", "7 sin", etc. It would be so interesting for you, specially do not forget to see the post of 20Th of March!

Sky Watch : Night Of Mashhad

Nice Feelings

There are some things in the world that makes us happy. Gives us such a fun energy that we can forget our difficulties in our life for a minute or even for a second. These colorful smart candies are an example. I remember that I had a nice feeling to try them when I was a little girl. Today while I was shopping in the hyper market, found smart candies in the chocolate part and I got that feeling as well again. So I bought a big pack full of Smart Candies!
Sometimes we need to be a baby again ;)

Ducks in the Park

By watching these lovely ducks, for a moment I really forgot that it is winter and Not spring!

Imam Reza Hospital

These days I am working on my new project of the new semester. I have to design a hospital for 96 beds so I should visit different hospitals in Mashhad and study about foreign examples.

Imam Reza Hospital is one of the biggest (and oldest) health centers of Mashhad. This is built in Pahlavi era and as you see it is in traditional style of architecture which is great and unique.