We have the greatest pleasure in sharing Dawud Wharnsby's official tour in England of his latest creation, A Picnic of Poems, in Allah's Green Garden.

'Design Molvi' are a British based design store that sells casual wear inspired by Islamic humour. Their colourful and provocative t-shirts carry ethical messages which according to the site, aims to "put the cool back into t-shirt wearing".

'Molvi' is the South-East Asian word for a religious leader, usually associated with the stern mosque teachers who are stereotypically imported from India and Pakistan to teach young European and American Muslims about their Islamic faith. A 'design' molvi however, which I imagine would resemble a salwar-kameez wearing bearded man on a skateboard, is a great comical addition to Islamic Dawah.

To see how their designs work in the field of Dawah, promoting the Islamic message, we tried out their hottest new t-shirt with the ironic slogan: Muslim Fun-damentalist.

Design Molvi pokes fun at this term like Riz MC's controversial 9/11 Blues song from 2006. In an in-your-face-I'm-here-to-stay attitude, it's silly. But that's what makes it work.

The term 'fundamentalist' is not a negative word. In any dictionary you'll read that fundamentalism is a form of Protestant Christianity which believes in the strict and literal interpretation of the Bible. This can also be applied to Islam as Muslims are supposed to follow the fundamental doctrine of the Qur'an - from which Islamic law is founded (Shariah).

Fast forward to the 21st century though, and all you hear on television, the internet and newspapers is "watch out for those radical Muslims, they'll eat your children!"

I tested the tee out for a day. Walking in public, into shops and the post-office where the slogan was visible, the majority of people turned to look at me for just a few seconds longer. I smiled at them, most smiled back. The message was made obvious by those who got the joke but some may have found it distasteful as I could tell by their frowns.

The good news is that the Muslim Fun-damentalist messageworks. It gets attention, it's ludicrously bright coloured and it has the potential to start dialogue. The only minute criticism would lie in the weave of the 100% cotton which tends to attract dust fluff and a note to the ladies: buy a medium and large sized t-shirt to layer over a full sleeved top.


Amongst Design Molvi's portfolio are their flagship tee "Smile, It's Sunnah", spreading the infectious prophetic positivity, and "Salah, Just Pray It", a spin on Nike's cult-like following. In current financial stresses their "Islam: 0% Interest" reflects the surge in Islamic banking.

With a huge Facebook membership and international customers, design Molvi is quickly becoming a popular brand in the Muslim market. We wish them the best of success, insha'Allah, God willing.


More urban fashion:
StyleIslam - Street Style T-shirts And Multimedia
Profound Aesthetic T-shirts Show Urban Wisdom
Silk Route's Style In Jilbaab Competition
Ala Dergi Is Turkey's Vogue Magazine

From Muslim Gear

Muslim Gear, the trendiest trend in Muslim clothing in North America, has been offering a 15-30% discount on all their lines up to Eid. I'd get in quick if I were you; shipping is also free for you Americans!



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Peace & respect ★ www.Muslimness.com

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Peace & respect ★ www.Muslimness.com

Founded on 'art and the love of wisdom', Profound Aesthetic are a rising urban-wise clothing brand. Each t-shirt is a creative outlet carrying metaphoric connotations to depict not only a visually appealing (seriously appealing) garment but also a powerful concept. The messages are vividly revolutionary creating a platform for dialogue through the designs.

Coupled with an intellectual stimulation of 20th century popular culture and self expression, Profound Aesthetic encourages people to think independently and find the "greatest beauty in the simplest of concepts". Their designs fuse Arabic traditions with contemporary coolness.




Profound Aesthetic's goal brings a smile: 'helping to remind you [of that beauty] every time you look in to your wardrobe'. The chic-sharp brand is based on upright ethics, it boasts a collection of thought provoking designs - that I for one can't wait to wear - and profoundly performs a task the average clothing line forgets: Giving back to the community.



To top it all, Profound Aesthetic is currently running a 'Free shipping' offer until the 26th December 2010. This is one of the most provocative wearable visual concepts, establishing solid grounding with competitors.

So... Are you wearing something profound, or what?

Fridge magnets: Moderation sticks best

Coasters: Learning while drinking

Arabic alphabet blankets: Warm huroof

In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم

Ramadan 2009 usually brings with it tons of freebies and discounted goods for the fasting communities. Here are a few we sought after...

Fun Squares Eid Cards

Designed by Peter Gould exclusively for Silver Envelope, the pattern in this Eid card combines bright, bold squares and a hint of traditional Islamic shapes.

Front: Eid Mubarak!

Inside: Wishing you an Eid thats happy and fun

Full color on white cardstock. Size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches. 10 cards with 10 white envelopes.




Silver Envelope has other exquisite and cutesy greeting card designs, wrapping and gifts so make sure to support their business. I've ordered a dozen things and will report back on their fabulousness soon insha'allah!