Category Archives: Contemporary Art

Prayer in a light mode


Muslims are obligated to try and find the direction (qibla) of Mecca for prayer. Although this may be a heavy duty at times, new technology will lighten the effort. Specifically, how about an idea that almost seem to come out of the Arabian Nights. Imagine a prayer rug that would not fly you to Mecca but would light up when it is properly oriented to Mecca, no matter where you are on earth. This is the aim of EL Sajjadah. Here is how it is described on the website:

EL Sajjadah is an illuminating prayer mat that lights up when facing Mecca.

‘EL’ stands for ‘Electro Luminescent’ and ‘Sajjadah’ means ‘Prayer Mat’. EL Sajjadah is thin and flexible. You can roll it and carry it around in its special case.

EL Sajjadah is not only a functional / practical product but also a unique art piece that you can hang on the wall as a night light.

My only suggestion is that you not try to prayer while it is hanging on the wall …

Tabsir Redux: Apocalypse Watch: The Man Who Knows Squat

Most people find it hard to take cartoons seriously, apart from political satire and that can become a deadly issue, depending on the target. Given the recent Danish cartoon controversy it would seem that comics and religion do not mix well or at least settle well for the believers who see themselves as the target. But what about comic relief for the political struggle between Israel and the Palestinians? Fundamentalist tract artist Jack Chick, whose comic empire is dedicated to winning souls for Christ by drawing on God’s hate, has been using his pen to spread a rather sinister version of the fundamentally reduced Gospel for over 40 years. One of his more recent offerings is called “The Squatters” and it provides a virtual roadmap to apocalypse. Continue reading Tabsir Redux: Apocalypse Watch: The Man Who Knows Squat