In the calligraphy section, the six major scripts are shown, as well as some examples of the very finest calligraphy work, several of which are in the shape of animals and birds. Check out the beautiful bird shape incorporating the Bismallah: "In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful"! All the photos first appear in thumbnails you can click on to get a full-size view. An excellent site, very well organized and presented.

>> Islamic Arts and Architecture

Khutbahbank.com

The khutbah, or Friday sermon, is an important part of the weekly congregational prayer. This friendly and easy to use site was begun by several Muslim college students in England who conducted their own Friday night services at school and also wrote their own khutbahs. They thought it would be helpful to provide an online resource where they could share the ones they’ve written and also encourage khutbah contributions from others.

There are dozens and dozens listed here on subjects that range widely, from "Striving for Excellence" to "Enduring Grief and Hardship." The Webmasters point out that khutbahs are not only for Fridays; they can be read at any time for personal development or when we need encouragement, comfort, and solace in times of hardship or distress. Visitors are free to use any of the writings provided for their own khutbahs or for other educational or personal development purposes. It’s a great idea, and I hope their Web site collection will continue to grow!

>> www.khutbahbank.org.uk

Moonsighting

Many Islamic holidays and observances rely on very precise astronomical observations, like the first sighting of the moon in a given location. (That’s why Islam made such tremendous contributions to astronomy.) Here, in one site, is everything you need to know (and more!) about moonsighting and other subjects related to the Islamic calendar. Dr. Khalid Shaukat, a consultant on the science of moonsighting and more, has provided an impressive array of resources on this Web site. There are lunar visibility maps for important upcoming holidays, information on calculating prayer schedules and the Qibla direction, a page with quotes from the Qur’an on the moon and on astronomy, and much more.

There’s a page on calendars, which includes the dates for major Muslim holidays for the next five years. Because the Islamic calendar does not always coincide precisely with the Gregorian calendar that is used in much of the world, Dr. Shaukat helpfully offers to calculate date conversions if you send him an e-mail. In addition, he will send you a precisely calculated prayer schedule for your local area on request. Finally, there’s a fine selection of astronomy links and even a beautiful collection of crescent moon photographs. A truly helpful and fascinating site!

>> Moonsighting

The Muslim Family Network

This user-friendly Web site is dedicated to helping maintain a happy and healthy family based on Islamic teachings and principles. Here you’ll find Turkish, Moroccan, Persian, vegetarian, and other food and recipe links. There is a section on child-raising, with articles on Muslim games, self-esteem, Halloween, and other subjects; another on Islam and medicine, past and present; and over 30 articles on women and their position and rights in Islam, including a number of articles about wearing the hijab, or headscarf. There is even a handy page that will calculate daily prayer times for you wherever you are in the world. And when you’re ready for even more, click on the Islamic Articles link at the top of the home page and you will find links to many more helpful articles about Islamic life. This site is easy to use, attractive, and very valuable!

>> The Muslim Family Network

Islam-Online

Produced out of Cairo, Egypt, Islam Online is one of the world’s leading Islamic websites. Written both in Arabic and English to reach a wider audience, Islam Online was recently written up in The New York Times, which noted that Islam Online’s primary goal is to “present a positive view of the faith to non-Muslims” and to “strengthen unity in the Muslim world.” Islam Online contains everything from an introduction to Islam to world news. This site is a great place to obtain information on current events and the history behind them. Included in its library are unique articles on a range of subjects from the celebration of Ramadan in China to the recent elections in Turkey and issues in Chechnya. Islam Online not only offers diverse articles, but provides various services, directories, and links to related websites. This comprehensive website is a great resource for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and has been maintained by a staff of working journalists.

>> Islam-Online

Muslim Traveller

For the traveling Muslim, adjusting to your destination may mean more than just the new time zone. Browse by region through lists of hundreds of cities to find local prayer times, mosques and restaurants of that city. If you are planning a trip you might get some ideas from the guide to Muslim events and places for Islamic site seeing around the world. Guides are also provided with useful information that a traveling Muslim might need in order to be observant while on the road.

>> Muslim Traveller