Al-Fatiha is the first chapter of the Quran, the sacred book of Islam. It is sometimes referred to as "The Opening" or "The Opening Chapter". In Islam, it plays a central and important role, especially during the daily prayers (Salah).

Before starting each surah we as muslims state "Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem" which translates to "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." We as muslims recite this to initiate the prayer and seek the blessings and guidance of Allah with the additional phrases "al-Rahman al-Rahim" said to emphasize the attributes of Allah as the Most Gracious and Most Merciful. By invoking these names, the worshiper acknowledges Allah's benevolence, compassion, and mercy.

Crucial Aspect of Prayer:

It is uttered in each unit of the prayer and is an essential component of Muslims' daily acts of worship. A prayer is deemed insufficient if Surah Al-Fatiha is not recited.

Praise and Invocation:

The surah begins with the praise of Allah, the Lord of all worlds. It acknowledges Allah's mercy, compassion, and sovereignty over everything in existence. "Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameen" (All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds) "Arrahmani arraheem" (The entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful) "Maliki yawmi addeen" (Sovereign of the Day of Recompense)" It is both a declaration of monotheism and an expression of gratitude and dependence on the creator.

Seeking Guidance:

A significant portion of Surah Al-Fatiha is devoted to seeking guidance from Allah. Muslims recite the verses "Iyyaka naAAbudu wa-iyyaka nastaAAeen" translating to (it is you we worship and you we ask for help) and then "Ihdinas-Sirat al-Mustaqeem" (Guide us to the Straight Path) in every unit of their prayers, expressing the continuous need for guidance in their lives.

Asking for Grace:

After asking Allah to "Guide us to the straight path" Muslims recite the verse "Sirata allatheena anAAamta AAalayhim" which translates to "the path of those who have recieved your grace" The meaning behind this verse is the believers are specifically asking to be guided on the path of those who have earned Allah's favour and grace. This refers to the prophets, the righteous, and those who have pleased Allah through their faith and good deeds.

Asking for protection

The final verses mentioned ask Allah for protection. The believers are seeking to be kept away from the path of those who, despite good intentions, have deviated from the truth. This includes those who may have misunderstood or misapplied religious teachings through the verse "ghayri almaghdoobi AAalayhim wala addalleen" which translates to "nor of those who have gone astray" ending with the verse "Ameen"

After the recitation of these verses, the worshiper says "Ameen." The term "Ameen" is an Arabic expression derived from the root word "Amana," which means to believe, confirm, or accept. In this context, saying "Ameen" signifies agreement with and supplication for the fulfilment of the prayer.

When saying "Ameen" after Surah Al-Fatiha, Muslims are essentially saying, "O Allah, accept our supplication," or "O Allah, respond to our prayer." It is a moment of collective affirmation, as the congregation echoes this response, expressing unity in seeking Allah's guidance and mercy.

This practice is based on the teachings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who encouraged saying "Ameen" after the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha. It serves as a way for believers to actively participate in the supplication within the Surah and to express their desire for Allah's guidance along the straight path.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.

1. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

   
   

2. Master of the Day of Judgment.

   
   

3. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.

   
   

4. Guide us on the Straight Path,

   
   

5. The path of those who have received Your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath upon themselves, nor of those who have gone astray.

   
   

-Shahada (Testimony of Faith):

The Shahada is a vital Central belief which means : There is no God but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God. It is a fundamental declaration of faith and the most important pillar of Islam.

-Salah (Prayer)

Muslims offer five daily prayers at certain times while facing Mecca. They recite the first chapter of the Quran as a part of the prayer. Salah can be carried out alone or under an imam's (individual who leads the prayers) guidance at a mosque.

-Zakat (Charity/Almsgiving):

Muslims donate a set percentage of their earnings to charity. The term "zakat" emphasises the cleansing of wealth via charitable giving and symbolises both growth and purification. It is also mentioned that the Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him) stated that "Charity does not decrease wealth" hence encouraging us as Muslims to give to those who are less fortunate.

-Sawm (Fasting)

-Those in good health, are able, and adult Muslims fast throughout the daytime hours of Ramadan. The reason for this is to renew consciousness of God (Allah) and gratitude for Allah's blessings. During this special month is when the Qur'an the holy book in Islam was revealed to the final prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and as Muslims we are encouraged to read as much as we can. We also have a celebration called Eid Ul Fitr which commemorates the end of Ramadan.

-Hajj (Pilgrimage)

The final pillar of Islam is Hajj. For those who are financially and physically able, they perform a pilgrimage to Mecca and is required once in a lifetime. Pilgrims remove economic status and cultural barriers by dressing in a plain white cloth called an (Ihram), and some of the rituals include walking between Safa and Marwa, standing in Arafat, and circling the Kaaba. In addition to celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, commemorates the conclusion of  the completion of the Hajj respectively through prayers and the hopes for Forgiveness of Allah.

Although there are minor variations amongst schools of thought when it comes to prayer, Nasim advises viewers not to get confused in details and to concentrate instead on comprehending and considering the words being uttered and how they connect to various prayer positions.

The article highlights that Islam is a whole way of life that calls on followers to live in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, rather than merely a collection of rituals. It explains that this shift in attitude is reasonable and, if accepted, can have a good effect on life's internal and exterior elements.

The author emphasises that Islam promotes a meaningful understanding of rituals' significance rather than imposing them for the sake of rituals. When carried out thoughtfully, rituals give people the moral and spiritual strength to carry out their everyday tasks in accordance with divine commandments.

The article explores the unique characteristics of the Islamic prayer, emphasising that the prostration is symbolic and is a sign of complete and utter surrender to God. It implies that the purpose of prayer surpasses worldly concerns and is unchangeable in both form and content. The article goes on to say that all prophets and their followers are required by the Quran to pray.

The author emphasises the spiritual aspect of prayer, arguing that it raises people spiritually and fills their souls with hope for Paradise and God's love. Five times a day prayer is promoted as a way to constantly remember God, ask for forgiveness, and repentance. The article's conclusion highlights the long-lasting effects of sincere prayer on a person's faith, awareness of God, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Spiritual and Eschatological Effects and Benefits of Prayer

2.  Forgiveness of Sins

3. The Key to Paradise

4. Salvation

5. Answered Duaa

6. Friendship with Allah

7. Avoidance of Corruption

8. Distancing from Arrogance

9. Liberation from Worldly Attachments

10. Spiritual Refreshment

The Afterlife Effects of Prayer

1. Allah’s Remembrance of His Servant

2. Attainment of the Pinnacle of Intercession

3. Receiving Divine Rewards and Achieving Complete Tranquility

Effects of Salah in the Intermediate World (Barzakh):

1. Warding off the Terrors of the Grave

2. A Source of Companionship in the Grave

3. Angel’s Visitation of Humans in Their Graves

4. Salvation from the Terror of the Grave

Impact of Prayer on Judgment Day

1- Acceptance of Other Deeds Under the Shadow of Prayer

2- Prayer as Provision for the Hereafter

3. Agent of Entry into Paradise

4- Exemption from Punishment and Unreckoned Entry into Paradise

5- Adornment of the Hereafter

6- The Hypocritical Worshiper Heading Towards the Fire

7- Not Meeting the Prophet of Allah at the Pond of Kawthar

8- Falling into the Fire

9- Gathering with Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman

10- Deprivation of Intercession

1- Establishing a Reliable Support

2- Tranquility of Heart

3- Self-esteem

4- Unity

5- Order and Discipline

6- Cleanliness and Purity

7- Respecting the Rights of Others

8- Respecting Parents

9- Observing Islamic Dress

10- Strengthening the Family Foundation

11- Familiarity with Political and Social Issues

12- Psychological Tranquility

Secrets and Worldly Effects of Prayer

1- Securing Strength through Namaz

2- Fostering Mental Focus

3- Achieving Moral and Personality Dignity

4- Establishing Social Justice

5- Accepting Discipline and Order

6- Warning of the Passing of Life

7- Doing Good Deeds

8- Peace of Heart

9- Plan and Management

10- Daily Sustenance and Comfort

11- Agent of Blessing

12- Recommended Prayers, Compensating for the Deficiencies of Obligatory Prayers

13- Nafl, from the word Nafel, Meaning Excess, Extra over the Obligatory Amount

The speaker starts out by emphasising the complexity of Islamic denominations and how they are similar to those in Judaism and how people can have diverse opinions. The video explores these differences and gives an explanation on the origin stories of Islam and how they vary between traditional and academic accounts.

According to the conventional narrative, Islam started with Adam and progressed through the prophets, concluding with Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'anic revelation. Academic scholars indicate that Islam developed through a combination of other religions, including Jewish and Christian influences and prehistoric Arabic paganism.

The importance of the Hijrah, the Prophet's journey to Madinah, and the separation of the Qur'an into chapters relating to the Meccan and Medinan people are all covered in the video. There is also an explanation of the difference between Islamic Aqidah (theological nature) and Fiqh (judicial nature).

The narrator describes in detail the division that occurred among Muslims following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, especially the conflict over leadership that gave origin to the Proto-Sunnis and Proto-Shias. This distinction grew increasingly complex over time as the Muslim community grew.

There are four main schools of jurisprudence in Sunni Islam: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. The video explores the evolution of Islamic theology, covering the schools of Ash'ari, Maturidi, Mu'tazilite, and Athari.

The video then examines the division between Sunnis and Shias, emphasising the leadership struggle between Ali and Abu Bakr that gave rise to the proto-Sunnis and proto-Shias. After then, the video explores the rise of Shia Imams and the main Shia subgroups, such as the Twelvers, Isma'ilis, and Zaydis.

There is a mention of the Kharijites, who broke away during the First Fitna, along with a brief mention of the more moderate Ibadis in Oman. The final part of the video briefly discusses sects that claim Islamic identity but are at conflict with mainstream Muslims, such as the Nation of Islam and the Ahmadis.

The narrator highlights the contributions made by Muslim intellectuals in a number of subjects, particularly mathematics, and highlights how these distinctions were more apparent throughout the Islamic Golden Age.

-He first mentioned that Salah to him is the key to success in every aspect of his life

-He feels a sense of peace now when he is praying again

-He feels a lot happier but feels a little stressed and tense when he misses his prayer

-I asked him how does Salah help you mentally, he mentioned he feels mentally relaxed and even though there are things going around in terms of difficulty when you offer Salah you feel comfortable.

-I asked him about which point during the salah does he feel comfortable he mentioned a hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) which mentions during the sujud which is prostration is where you are most closest to Allah and he said that is where he feels a lot of peace, happiness and comfortability

-He stated it helps to create a positive and balanced life reminding him of what he is here for in this world, giving him a sense of purpose and the main thing that really keeps him going in life

-In terms of mentally, he stated that Salah is definitely something that has gotten him this far in life and he mentioned that he's not sure where he would be without it

-He mentioned the same as my previous speaker where the closest you are to Allah is in Sujud (Prostration) and it is the best time to make Dua (Supplication) and ask Allah and whenever he is mentally troubled or have some tribulations that's when he asks for help and talk to Allah like a friend almost.

-I asked him about congregational prayers and how is that different when you pray by yourself, does praying together build a community he mentioned 100% it does but personally he likes to pray by himself as he feels it is more of a private connection a private talk but recently grown an appreciation for praying in Jama'ah (Congregation) just because he knows we are all here for the same purpose standing as brothers in unity in congregation strengthens Iman (Faith) knowing that he isn't the only person praying and that there is people who also believe in the same thing.

-He referenced Medina and Makkah in Saudi Arabia and how it is so beautiful seeing everyone praying together and the call to prayer is called out loud, so they are both unique and helpful in their own ways

-He also made reference to when he is in Sujud, he is concentrating and can to talk to Allah. He can talk to Allah about how he feels and he stated when he prays all his and finishes it is as though all his worries are gone away and is like a weight that is gone of his shoulder

-I asked him in terms of personal growth how has it helped, he stated that it has made him a better person and without Salah he mentioned he would be lost and when he prays he knows his life is better, he gave an analogy to a straight line and he feels he is on that straight line and I mentioned without it you would be all over the place to which he agreed.

-I asked him in terms of congregational prayer and how he thinks that strengthens bond and does that build community. He stated that as long as we pray together it will make us stronger as brothers and more united, more blessings

Many people believe that Vignelli's subway map confused and offended New Yorkers because it distorted station locations. According to the concept, people wanted to spend as little time underground as possible in order to minimise danger, particularly during the crime surge of the 1970s. Vignelli's map has a pleasing appearance, but its usefulness is called into question. It is emphasised in the discussion that a good map is one that people can use and find useful.

Chip Kidd uses creative arrangements and eye-catching, bold typefaces to create a typographic tour de force. His designs skilfully incorporate graphic elements, enhancing their visualisation and humour. He uses typography to generate distinctive images, adjusting each design according to the genre and subject. I can see through his designs that he uses negative space to his advantage while he plays around with typefaces and approaches typography as a story-telling element.

On the section about Neurophysiology of Worship he mentioned a really interesting finding. The relief and freedom that result from surrendering one's will to God has a significant impact on the biochemistry of our brains. A small amount of research has looked into the neurophysiological consequences of Dhikr and Salah.

In the study, Muslims were subjected to neuroimaging during prayer, which showed a decrease in cerebral blood flow, a measure of frontal brain activity. There was decreased activity in the frontal lobe, which is linked to functions like willpower and decision making, which during prayer showed reduced activity indicating a distinct neurophysiological reaction. It was suggested that this phenomena can be explained by the Islamic act of surrendering to God.

An important part of the study compared prayer that is performed without intentional spiritual focus (khushu') with prayer that is purposefully performed with khushu'. Significant neurophysiological alterations, such as hypo-frontalization (reduced frontal lobe activity), increased basal ganglia activity (associated with the brain's reward system), and increased anterior cingulate gyrus activity, were only induced by the concentrated, purposeful prayer which links to learning, memory, and emotional regulation. It also has been known for helping to improve emotional and social awareness while lowering anxiety and irritation.

Because it is linked to hypofrontality, the sense of submission that arises from dhikr (remembrance) and salah (prayer) is highlighted in the context of mental health. Reduced frontal activity may have therapeutic benefits, according to the transitory hypofrontality theory, and may help treat disorders like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Reduced prefrontal brain activity may alleviate symptoms related to hyper-awareness and alertness, contributing to anxiety alleviation as well as relief of depression and OCD. The prefrontal cortex is involved in attentional and emotional responses.

Then, it is talked about the spiritual energy and psychological advantages of Islamic prayers. These advantages include lowering stress levels, feeling closeness and inspired, being able to solve problems, humble, sensitive to others, and forgiving others. The research indicates that including Islamic prayers into psychotherapy procedures could harness this spiritual force to improve treatment results for Muslim people who follow Islam.

The distinction between explicit and implicit techniques is made while describing the integration process. Explicit integration involves speaking about how clients utilise prayers in their life, promoting prayer use outside of treatment, employing prayer to assist clients undertake therapeutic changes, and caring to and sustaining spiritual energy. The study highlights how crucial it is to take sensitivity and morality into account when including spiritual components into psychotherapy.

A case study demonstrating the incorporation of Islamic prayers into psychotherapy practice is presented as the paper's conclusion. The case study illustrates the possible advantages of using spiritual energy and prayers in the therapeutic process, which could result in better client outcomes. In summary the research delves into the relationship between spirituality and psychotherapy, with a particular emphasis on Islamic prayers as a means of obtaining spiritual energy. The integration of these prayers are means of enhancing the psychological well-being of religious Muslim clients is to incorporate these prayers into therapy sessions.

Obedience and Submission: As stated in the Qur'an, Muslims' obedience and submit to God's will is what makes Fridays unique.

Jumu'ah Congregational Prayer: Muslim women are not required to attend the Friday congregational prayer, but men are. It's a time for celebration, fellowship, sermons, and worship.

Expiation of Sins: According to Prophet Muhammad, participating in the congregational prayer at Jumu'ah offers rewards in addition to expiations of one's sins.

Time for Answering Prayers: According to a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH, God responds to the prayers of His slaves at a specified time every Friday.

Historical and Future Events on a Friday: Fridays are linked to important occasions including the creation of Adam, Adam entering paradise, the expulsion from Paradise, the acceptance of repentance, and the Last Hour.

End of Legal judgements Revelation: The last word from God to His creation was revealed on a Friday when the verse announcing the completion of the Qur'anic revelation of legal judgements was revealed.

Magnificent rewards: Fridays are linked to an abundance of rewards for deeds of obedience, like consistently attending Jumu'ah and sending frequent Dhikr to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH

The article's conclusion highlights Friday's unavoidable significance in Islam, depicting it as a day of worship, celebration, and forgiveness of sins, with various historical and future events present to this day.

The article celebrates American artist Mohamed Zakariya, who is 70 years old and well-known for his proficiency in Ottoman Arabic calligraphy. The author discusses his own interactions with Zakariya and emphasises how much of an impact he has had on calligraphy supporters. It goes over how Zakariya went from being a self-taught person in California to achieving his ijaza (certificate) in Istanbul.

The article highlights Zakariya's devotion to traditional handicraft, highlighting his self-sufficiency through the making of his own tools and materials. It is emphasised how important it is to learn about calligraphy and the trades that support it, along with how commercialization could cause this knowledge to become forgotten. The author mentions the influence of Zakariya on his personal knowledge of calligraphy, especially with regard to Ottoman and Andalusi lettering styles.

It also contains activities for children to test their understanding on what they have just read which I feel best serves as a great learning process. The reason being, children have a less attention span and can be attracted by an activity-based designs in this case which revolves around Salah, this essentially turns the learning process into an enjoyable activity. When interactive elements, games, and practical tasks pertaining to the five daily prayers are included, children not only become more focused but also gain a deep comprehension of this crucial element of Islamic practice. And, I feel due its unique style it best serves as an engaging and instructive experience from the combination of visually appealing typography and illustrations, with significant knowledge about Salah times through a coherent storyline theme. 

on the forelock and on the forearms. And it will be from the trace of wudu. And whoever can increase them,

the area of their radiance of their light on the Day of Judgment should do so."

The speaker also highlights the significance of prayer and wudu by saying the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) said "Perform Ablution even when it is difficult, i.e cold or hard, take many steps to the mosque, and wait for one prayer after another for that is like guarding the fortress" (found in Sahih Muslim #251). The speak also emphasizes making consistent wudu, and attending prayers on a regular basis as these practices lead to forgiveness and elevated status. The final part of the video highlights how wudu can alter a believer by cleansing them of their sins and bringing them closer to the light.

The speaker addresses the spiritual significance of Muslims performing Wudu, or ablution, as a ritual of purification before Salah. He stresses how crucial it is to invoke Allah's name before making Wudu because failing to do so could make the ritual ineffective. The speaker also discusses frequent mistakes made when practicing Wudu, like not washing in between the toes or wiping the head insufficiently.

The video reinforces Wudu's spiritual cleansing benefits by quoting a Hadith that says sins are erased with each drop of water used in Wudu. The speaker places a strong emphasis on the spiritual value of Wudu in getting ready for Salah and, eventually, finding restoration.

Overall, the film reminds Muslims of the spiritual importance of Wudu in Islam and encourages them to do it correctly as a means of spiritual purification of becoming prepared to perform Salah.

The video offers guidance on how to perform Wudu, or ablution, in accordance with the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) Hadith. (the Prophet PBUH either washed each part once, twice or thrice. The process of performing Wudu is explained:

1. First reciting the name of Allah at the beginning,

2. Washing one's hands including the wrists (3 times)

3. Washing one's mouth and nose together (3times) 

4. Washing one's face (3 times)  

5. Washing one's arms (from the fingertips to the elbows and back) (3 times)

6. Wiping over the head and back (called Ma'sah) including the ears and behind the ear with the same water. (1 time) 

7. Washing both the feet (in between the toes) (3 times) 

   
   

   
   

   The speaker places emphasis on carrying out each activity the number of times specified in the Hadith. After finishing the wudu the speaker mentions that it was narrated by Umar ibn Al-Khattab that if a muslim says after wudu "‘Ash-hadu ‘an laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa ‘ash-hadu ‘anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasooluhu. Allaahummaj’alnee minat-tawwaabeena waj’alnee minal-mutatahhireen." which translates to "I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure" all the 8 doors of Jannah (paaradise) will be opened for him. The video ends touching on the significance of conserving water during Wudu as it is mentioned that the Prophet PBUH mentioned to not use a lot of water and it is said in the hadith he used to drink of what's left of the vessel.

‘Ash-hadu ‘an laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa ‘ash-hadu ‘anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasooluhu.

I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

اللّهُـمَّ اجْعَلنـي مِنَ التَّـوّابينَ وَاجْعَـلْني مِنَ المتَطَهّـرين

Allaahummaj’alnee minat-tawwaabeena waj’alnee minal-mutatahhireen.

O Allah, make me of those who return to You often in repentance and make me of those who remain clean and pure.

سُبْحـانَكَ اللّهُـمَّ وَبِحَمدِك أَشْهَـدُ أَنْ لا إِلهَ إِلاّ أَنْتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتوبُ إِلَـيْك

Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, ‘ash-hadu ‘an laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta, ‘astaghfiruka wa ‘atoobu ‘ilayk.

How perfect You are O Allah, and I praise You, I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except You, I seek Your forgiveness and turn in repentance to You.

1) Expiation of sins

2) The Prophet will recognize his Ummah from their traces of Wudu

3) The Believers will be recognized by their traces of Wudu on the Day of Judgment

4) Wudu is a radiance and the Believers are encouraged to increase in it.

5) An Angel will seek forgiveness for you

6) The adornment of a Believer in Jannah will reach up to where the water reached his body.

7) Saying the supplication after wudu is a means of entering Jannah

8 ) Preserving wudu is a sign of emaan

9) Performing Wudu in hardship effaces the sins and elevates the ranks

The article emphasises the advantages of winter for Muslims, stressing how simple it is to carry out good deeds in this season as the days are shorter. Winter is blessed with lengthy evenings that are ideal for prayer and worship, according to Imam al-Hasan al-Basri and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them). There is a discussion about the significance of keeping up wudu (ablution) during the cold months. Several hadiths explain the spiritual meaning of wudu, including the forgiveness of sins and the recognition of believers by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgement based on their traces of wudu.

Furthermore, the article also offers a number of advantages of wudu, such as the ability to atone for sins, the ability to reach Jannah (Paradise) through supplication made after wudu, and the ability to keep performing wudu as a symbol of faith. In general, the text encourages Believers to take advantage of the opportunity for worship and spiritual development that the winter months offer.

1. Ablution before bed, as advised by yoga experts, calms the body and encourages deep sleep.

2. Washing one's limbs increases blood flow to far away parts of the body, resulting in improved strength, health, and vitality.

3. Similar to Chinese reflexology, ablution promotes biological cycles and active areas in the body.

4. Ablution helps prevent skin cancer by keeping the skin clean, eliminating contaminants from the body's surface, and encourages healthy cell function.

5. By cleaning the mouth, food particles are removed, avoiding gum and teeth issues.

6. Cleaning the nose improves the inner covering of the nostrils and gets rid of microorganisms that could cause respiratory diseases.

7. Frequent face washing stimulates the cells that make up the skin, delays the development of wrinkles, and keeps the eyes clean to avoid infections.

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-Team of brand specialists

-They are global-opened in Sydney

-They started of as a brand agency but don’t do that

-Cross disciplines

-Their journey is different

-Always starts with strategy

Strategy

-At Koto they see it as the absolute of branding, which runs through the internal work and external work

-They spit into two sections, the start to heart,

-They split it into 4 sections, customer, company, category hidden truth, culture

Design

-Take the brand strategy turning into visual work

-Step one-The best ideas are the most weird and wonderful -Your strategy is the foundation of your work

-generating interesting weird ideas and questioning everything every step of the way is their motto

Copywriting

-Guides everything in terms of messaging

-Verbal branding is as important as visual design

-Voice stays the same

-Tone who you are speaking too

Illustration

-Way of speaking non verbally

-A way of condensing information over 1000’s of years

-Immediately putting a message across

-Christopher Niemann (illustrator and graphic designer mentioned)

-Balancing aesthetics

-Finding a balance between aesthetic

Art direction

-Developed a establish and visual approach

-Where it all comes together bringing visual identity to life

Preproduction

-Storyboards

-Casting

Motion Design

-Motion takes the visual world crafted by design and brings it to life one keyframe at a time

-Logos, rules, brand communications, according to the brand idea.

Certified B corporation

1% for the planet, 1 percent goes to charity then tax

-They work for childhood trust and they clean up their rooms

-9 day fortnight

Design company in the 90’s 80’s

-record sleeves

-funny playful graphic design things

-Rethink approach so it doesn’t seem over complicated

Principles

-most of the best ideas start as jokes sarcastic but forms

-retail, environmental was and content digital pieces work

Apple beats

-‘noise cancelled’ pop up activation for beats new advanced headphones

-Problem of not playing sound

-They had 3 booths and filled it with visual noise, proximity sensors and when u walked in the noise stopped

-They created these pieces

Awo (All watched over)

-They looked into redacting of text

-They worked with Tom sharp who is a poet

-About data, firming what it means

-Exploring power of words and how they merge

-Made lots of different commentary which talks about data

-One their favourite things

Tokyo 2021 Nike NXT East Wing

-They worked with them for 15 years

-Sometimes they work for Nike career, Nike Paris

-Major projects come from Nike Portland working on a film called Nike air response to air and Olympics

-Using athlete research to develop experimental studies and visualisations for new product concepts

-Phone brands putting strong AI

-Looking into temperature, humidity, altitude, solar elevation, air pollution

-Environmental harmony

-Yoga movements pointing moon

-Articulated speed

Second Sea

-An interactive calculator for financial damages owed to coastal cities by different nations-stimulating debate about reparations

-The first thing is, what is the theme, how do we get the message across

-They had a blue line which covers everything, smashes things out

-For cop27 in Egypt

-Future factor helps

3 values

-Being brave

-Do the right thing

-Be yourself

-You don’t have to be good at everything

-They want brands to be distinctive, categorically defined brands

Stella Artois

-The branding was beginning to look dated and needed to be refreshed

-Solution

-Something to have at meal times, started to treat the idea of getting around a table

-Around the table inspired by fashion, a rich idea

-Elevating the Stella Artois partition

-They had a lot of people included in the shots, stylists, designers, photographers etc

-Making a 360 world of Stella

-All these little details paints a vibrant picture

Process

Strategy-stage 1

-what it is you’re trying to say?

Design-stage 2

-main bulk of design work

-client calls and reviews

Design-stage 3

-visualisation motion

Artwork-stage 4

-super important

-realization art working

Delivery-stage 5

Specialists

-Different designers such as film and motion

Voice of Team

-Copywriting, how they speak to people, taglines, billboards, sometimes stay till the end of the project

-What's important is that they appeal to audience emotionally, personal connections and statistics

-Makes the brands unique, e.g Heinz,

Form and Space

-Packaging of the brand

-Speaks to the story of the brand

-Could change how you interact with the brand entirely

-They want people to step into worlds e.g in shops

Interface

-Ways it can be brought to apps

-Awaken the brand in a fun way

Motion

-Really allows to elevate static parts of the brand and push it to the fullest

Top tips

-Be organised

-Prep your portfolio before the end of term

-Jpegs or pictures of things you’re working on, put that on PowerPoint, create a pagination, a to do list

-Research agencies, make a list, pic and choose what work you want to show, cater it

-Snap up opportunities- its never too early, say yes, talk through it

Be Involved

-Look out for events, not just design events,

-You get out what you put in

-Make connections

-Speak to agencies, in real life, linked in, email, instagram

-Be in the running- have an online presence be accessible

-They recommend a side interest e.g make your account a photography page, something outside of your portfolio work

-Put your work in progress online

Be positive

-Be proud of your work, doesn’t need to be perfect

-Practice, confidence, pride

-Think of ways to put a spin

-Be humble

-Be happy with what you have done, speak about it, don’t go over the top

-Embrace opportunities

-Be eager to adapt learn and improve

-Peers are pals, best people to speak to, supportive feedback, use each other as everyone has different capabilities

Placements

-Socialise, striking up conversations, internships are great ways to meet people

-Treat everyday like your first day

-Give every task 100%

-Be proactive

-Intern in different agencies

-Everyone has imposter syndrome

Colours used:

#4BB9FF-Blue

#BC58FC-Pink

#FAAA20-Orange

#C4A20-Light Green

#FCFA2D-Yellow

This was an animation I made using After Effects in which I used my voice to reflect the verses I recited from the Qur'an (Holy book in Islam). Overall I'm really impressed on how this animation came out, seeing as there was instances where I had to make many adjustment to the pacing of the animation and to my voice. For the colours I used a palette which best represents the concept of happiness and implemented a particle effect to bring it a deeper significance behind the animation. In Islam, Allah mention in the Qur'an that he made us from dust so the idea of using a particle effect in the sense of death and our body becoming nothing was my intended idea upon creating this animation.

For the font I used DM Serif Display as I liked the curvature and the strokes of the serifs, capturing the reverence of the verses and my overall topic.

"Baseera family

Baseera family is a group of four ambitious creators seeking originality by embracing Arabic identity, artistic culture, and aesthetic senses. We aspire to represent the beauty of Arabic art, design, and culture to the entire world through our insightful eyes and free spirits."

It is mentioned that Abedini is a leading figure in the second generation of Iranian designers , having come after the likes of Morteza Momayez. Abedini's work has received international recognition despite Iran's political situation, helping to preserve Persian style and culture.

My intention was not to make a dual language fusion but rather serve as a design aesthetic reflecting the inclusivity of the languages. Through this, I wanted to express the cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of the Arabic language as it holds a lot of importance to me and to all the Muslims around the world. While my intention was not solely to target one specific group, e.g for Arabic speaking or English speaking, but rather a publication that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, offering a unique perspective that celebrates language diversity between English and Arabic.

I felt the combination of warm hue colours and darker tones of the colours allowed the publication to flow more freely, rather than sticking to one form of colour palette i.e all colours pastel. In this sense, it gives the book a better contrast, and allows the publication to convey its message of the concept of prayer through its uplifting message of faith, and connotations of inner serenity, to a wider audience.

Before buying the Qalam I tried replicating the its effect with a double pencil method, but was unable to match the authenticity. Likewise, I used a slanted marker, but it didn't produce the results as expected since the ink seeped through the paper. Despite the difficulties, there was a sense of respect for the art form and an ambition to become better in it.

I did although like the way in which I positioned the English and Arabic text which also included the steps. The issue was at times as shown in step 3, there was a lot of text that filled the page, however, when it came to step 4 there wasn't as much. Because of this the spreads didn't have a cohesive approach. I also tried to implement the Takbir infographic but it felt lost within the publication.

As expected, when it came to the feedback session from both Fran and Belinda they had mentioned that the overall feel of this spread wasn't cohesive. Due to this reason, I experimented with getting rid of the colours, but the right side space was empty, and I still felt the colours best represented the nature of the timings of the prayers. Furthermore, instead of stretching the colours across the page I felt it was best to add it to the side, which helped fill the space in, and I now felt this design outlook served best in emphasising the timings of the prayers without it being too overpowering. Overall I feel it is a successful approach in response to the feedback.

Despite this minor setback, I tried my hardest to refine the layout and it turned out better than expected, and the integration of English to Arabic text throughout the publication was a success. The Arabic overlay's ideal sizing and colour combination alongside the green came about as a result of the multiple refinements required for the book layout spread. Now, I believe the contents page guides readers throughout the book with ease, serving as a proud testament to persistence and creative progress. I am fond of how the green numbering contrasts well with the white background similarly with the pinkish red arabic numerals

I also wanted to keep the headings consistent using the same font "The seasons" from the front cover as well as the navy blue background. On the opposite side I implemented the Arabic translation of contents and have retained this visual identity throughout the publication.

In regards to the layout, I wanted it spread across the double page however there was some minor adjustments to be made to the hierarchy of the Arabic text including the font size. Because of this, I changed the font to something more subtle called IBM plex sans Arabic which I feel best compliments the text above, as well lowering the font size. I was also given advice from Belinda to make adjustments to the heading from "Fajr prayer" to "Dawn Prayer". She also mentioned I should separate the Arabic text on two lines due to it being a lengthy sentence, alongside making the decision myself to tighten the spacing between the Arabic and English text.

After receiving feedback, I was told that the spread is overwhelming, hence, I removed the unnecessary phrases. For the phrase "Congregation" the idea was to use a condensed font "EB Garamond" to represent the closeness of Salah. With the idea to keep it cohesive using the Arabic text, I decided to showcase that in the spread and use the font IBM plex sans Arabic overlaying the English text. Through this approach I lowered the opacity so it doesn't conflict with the English text. As for the background colour, I decided to shift away from the bright yellow to a more subtle colour, which better compliments the brown and black text across the page. After careful consideration, I used a green font colour for my numbering as well as a pinkish red for my Arabic overlay. As with my newer experimentations there is a change in font size due to creating my publication in A4 originally to now an A5 which I feel better suits my preference.

Britannic Bold-Regular

Nobel-Regular

Jomhuria-Regular

Gill Sans-Bold

The Seasons-Bold

IBM Plex Sans Arabic-Regular

On the second image is the layout plan she made for me which is an A6 document size. And through this have facing pages alongside the plan for the margins, headings, font sizing, body text and leading. This plan was reflective based on the accordion I created and my original intention to create a pocket sized booklet which later shifted to A5

Through extreme care to detail and a commitment to professionalism, I wanted to express the importance of Salah and its significance to myself, along with the way it has provided me with continuous contentment throughout my life. For the final publication, I had it professionally binded and printed, as I wanted the finish to be elegant with a silk finish, further emphasising the seriousness of the subject. With the binding, as opposed to stapling or using string, I opted for a black soft back binding, directly complimenting the navy blue front and back cover. Upon reflection of this projects completion, I feel overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction, having been able to effectively communicate the beauty of Islam and the transforming effect of Salah, this publication serves as a reminder to my creative vision as well as a message for others to discover the profound comfort and joy that comes in praying Salah from a Muslims perspective.