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Bahraini graphic designer and digital artist Hala AlAbbasi is uniting people all around the world this holy month with her Ramadan-inspired stickers snapped up by a popular social media platform.
Instagram was so drawn to the 31-year-old’s artwork that they reached out and requested she illustrate stickers for the masses to use on their ‘Insta Stories’ and posts to represent Ramadan.
“I am very grateful and so happy to be able to share my stickers with the whole world,” said the illustrator that lives in the northern area.
“I’m also so proud to be the first in the region to work on the stickers. This amazing opportunity has a very special place in my heart and to be able to share the love that I put into my artwork with everyone around the globe means the world to me too.”
Hala captured the cheery Ramadan atmosphere and good vibes in her three stickers inspired by the gatherings spent with her family and loved ones. The vibrantly-hued artwork features dates, tea, a mosque, stars and, of course, the hilal.
The hilal is a slight crescent moon that is first visible after a new moon. The sighting of the new crescent moon signifies the official first day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most sacred month in Islamic culture.
“Ramadan is the most beautiful, spiritual and elevating month in the Islamic calendar,” she said. “It encourages people to maintain new good habits and continue the progress.
“Muslims tend to wait for the new month’s moon to appear before they announce the first day of Ramadan. Also, once the sun sets, people break their fast starting with dates and water followed by an Iftar meal.
“When Ramadan rolls around, people put forth extra effort to be the best versions of themselves and tend to go to mosques to pray the Taraweeh prayer besides the five prayers.
“With these vibes, spirits and inspirations, I created the stickers to share the most important and beautiful moments of Ramadan with people.
“I also wanted to share the love, joy and reflect that by making them so colourful, so people around the world can share them and use them during their daily routine in Ramadan and feel happy when they do.”
The stickers, which will be available throughout Eid as well, have been spotted on an array of ‘Insta Stories’ with users around the world wishing people a ‘Ramadan Kareem’ to those showcasing their decorations and intimate gatherings or happenings.
Hala is now working with the Instagram team on future artwork and inspirations. She has always been passionate about art, having picked it up as a child and finds it a great way to express herself and spread joy.
“I want to thank every person who shared their love, kind wishes and support through the use of my stickers and, of course, for all the messages,” she added. “I’m beyond grateful for my journey and for the path that I am walking.”
For details, follow @haluulie on Instagram.
