BITS ‘N’ PIECES

Narrated An-Nu’man bin Bashir (R.A):

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said “Both legal and illegal things are obvious, and in between them are (suspicious) doubtful matters.

So whoever forsakes those doubtful things lest he may commit a sin will definitely avoid what is clearly illegal; and whoever indulges in these (suspicious) doubtful things bravely is likely to commit what is clearly illegal. Sins are Allah’s Hima (that is, private pasture) and whoever pastures (his sheep) near it is likely to get in it at any moment.”

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 34, Number 267

DID YOU KNOW?

Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn

While most countries choose to have real animals as their national symbols – the lion being a global favourite – Scotland has chosen a mythical creature instead. The unicorn – a legendary horse-like beast with a spiralling horn on its forehead – is the national animal of this British nation.

The unicorn has been a Scottish heraldic symbol since the 12th century and was first introduced to the royal coat of arms of Scotland around the mid-1500s. The creature was believed to be the enemy of the lion, a symbol that had been adopted by the English royals.

The depiction of unicorns of different varieties can be found in various ancient cultures, including the Indus Valley civilization and ancient Greece. In Celtic mythology, the unicorn symbolizes innocence, purity, and power. The imaginary creature now holds a prominent place in global popular culture and have been busy gracing fantasy with its mythical presence.

Scotland isn’t the only country in the world that has chosen to represent itself with a mythical animal. The national animal of Wales is the dragon; Hungary has gone with the falcon-like Turul; and while North Korea doesn’t have an official national animal, but the Chollima – a winged horse – is a popular symbol in the country.

- S.A.