King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Launches Riyadh Lexicon

Riyadh Lexicon provides linguistic explanation of modern contemporary vocabulary - SPA
Riyadh Lexicon provides linguistic explanation of modern contemporary vocabulary - SPA
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King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Launches Riyadh Lexicon

Riyadh Lexicon provides linguistic explanation of modern contemporary vocabulary - SPA
Riyadh Lexicon provides linguistic explanation of modern contemporary vocabulary - SPA

The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language celebrated on Wednesday the launch of Riyadh Lexicon, the richest dictionary in contemporary words.
Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the academy patronized the launching ceremony with the attendance of linguists and representatives of strategic partners, SPA reported.
Acting Secretary General of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi commended the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in supporting and promoting the Arabic language worldwide.
Riyadh Lexicon provides linguistic explanation of modern contemporary vocabulary using computer technologies for more storage, preciseness and search tools. It is also uploaded in an App to be used in mobile phones.
The launch of the Riyadh Lexicon is in re-emphasis of the Kingdom’s strategic support to all issues pertaining to the Arabic language.



Malaysian Rice Porridge a ‘Trademark’ Ramadan Tradition

This picture taken on March 5, 2025 shows an Indian Muslim mixing ingredients to prepare the popular dish "bubur lambuk" at Masjid India during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur. (AFP)
This picture taken on March 5, 2025 shows an Indian Muslim mixing ingredients to prepare the popular dish "bubur lambuk" at Masjid India during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur. (AFP)
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Malaysian Rice Porridge a ‘Trademark’ Ramadan Tradition

This picture taken on March 5, 2025 shows an Indian Muslim mixing ingredients to prepare the popular dish "bubur lambuk" at Masjid India during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur. (AFP)
This picture taken on March 5, 2025 shows an Indian Muslim mixing ingredients to prepare the popular dish "bubur lambuk" at Masjid India during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur. (AFP)

As dusk fell, hundreds of Muslims at a mosque in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur feast on bowls of fragrant rice porridge known locally as "bubur lambuk", part of a Ramadan tradition dating back decades.

Slow-cooked with various spices in giant pots and stirred with oversized ladles, bubur lambuk is traditionally prepared by volunteers in mosque courtyards before being distributed to the public for iftar, the fast-breaking meal in the largely Islamic nation.

But the broth, specially prepared at Masjid India, a well-known Kuala Lumpur mosque, serves a unique version of the porridge using a recipe originating from India.

"This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, from the 60s to the 70," he told AFP.

"So it has become a trademark. If it (Nombu Kanji) wasn't there, it wouldn't be complete."

Mosque volunteers use 140 kilograms (308 pounds) of rice daily to cook the porridge, which is served in bowls to prayer attendees or packed into 1,000 large plastic packets to be distributed to the public.

Each packet is enough to feed a family of four.

"From the perspective of making things easier for the people in this area, sometimes the homeless who struggle to get food, low-income workers, and office workers who sometimes don't have time to go home and cook benefit from this," he said.

"So, the preparation of iftar meals by mosques helps make their daily lives more convenient (during Ramadan)."

Mohaiyadin Sahulhameed, a local resident originally from India, said the porridge served at the mosque reminded him of home.

"Back in our village, the way we cook is using large woks, with curry leaves, mustard seeds, cinnamon, and all sorts of ingredients mixed together. When combined with rice, it creates a rich aroma, quite similar to how it's done here," he said.

The mosque's cook, Sathakkathullah Hameed, said he saw preparing the large pots of porridge daily as a religious calling.

"During this fasting month, I want to help others. Allah grants rewards, mercy, and blessings, and, God willing, He will provide sustenance," he said.

"And when people eat the porridge I cook, they say 'Bismillah,' (in the name of God) and I respond with 'Alhamdulillah' (praise be to God)."