Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter, Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week

Ramadan kareem from all of us here at The National. In the spirit of this time of reflection, let's dive on in to the goodness happening in the world this week.

When the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, Laila Haidari had a decision to make — flee or stay and try to make a difference to women in her country.

After closing her restaurant in fear of Taliban retribution, she opened an educational institute for women, giving them practical skills to make cash in the new Afghanistan, which largely bars women from working and education.

Laila's students are learning to make jewellery and other items from spent and decommissioned weaponry, including bullets.

“Bullets serve a tragic reminder of the destruction that war and conflict bring to our lives, cities and hopes," Laila told Fatima Faizi. "We use discarded ammunition to express our resolute rejection of war and conflict."

Read on for tales of art helping people escape trauma, Ramadan innovations and celebrating new beginnings.

Do you know someone who is doing remarkable things to change the world? Tell me about it for a chance to be featured in the newsletter and our Impact Instagram account. You can reach me by email at theyman@thenationalnews.com

New prayer mats encourage Muslims to hike

Muslims in the UK who wish to stay active while fasting have a new type of outdoor prayer mat to use, thanks to a partnership between a Muslim group and sports giants Adidas and Wiggle.

The group behind the prayer mat, the Muslim Hikers, has stood resilient in the face of racist abuse, determined to keep welcoming fellow Muslims to the benefits of outdoor life.

In the UK's northern Peak District, signs have been placed along walking routes pointing towards Makkah in an effort to encourage more Muslims to use hiking trails.

Nicky Harley has all the detail you need here.

QUOTED:

— Women's NBA star Lisa Leslie on her journey to sporting greatness

Iraqi artist paints away trauma

Iraq marked 20 years since the US invasion this week and many Iraqis are still dealing with the fallout.

Artist Khaled Ridha deals with his trauma and sadness with art. Decades after putting aside his paintbrush in favour of better-earning jobs, he is once more adorning the canvas with bright colour.

Read more about his life and his rekindled creative spirit here, from Khazan Jangiz.

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