Episode 18

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Published on:

7th Mar 2026

Day 18 | Reading the Quran

Day 18 | Reading the Quran


Today we're sharing something many people find meaningful during this month, spending time with the Quran. And we're talking about it gently. No pressure. Just sharing.

So what if it wasn't about finishing at all?

In this episode, we explore a softer way, just spending a few minutes when you feel like it, for however long feels right.

You'll hear about:

  1. What if it was simply "I'll spend some time with this when I can"
  2. Reading a little, a page, a few lines, whatever catches your eye
  3. Choosing something short and just sitting with it
  4. Listening to recitations while you're cooking or resting
  5. Reading alongside someone you enjoy
  6. Why finding Arabic tricky is completely normal (most people do)
  7. How translation is a perfectly lovely option
  8. The way people return to it over the years, different things resonate at different times

This isn't about should or must. It's something people have found beautiful for a very long time, and the holy month of Ramadan adds more meaning to it.

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About the Podcast

The Souk Stories
Voices from the Crossroads
The Souk Stories is a podcast about culture, business, and the human experiences that shape Arabic life and Gulf business culture; hosted by Taqua Malik, a cultural intelligence advisor with over a decade of experience bridging Western and GCC worlds.

Each episode explores topics that matter: Gulf business culture, Arabic business etiquette, professional life across borders, and how culture adapts to modernity.

This podcast is for:

- Professionals working across cultures (especially UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), who are curious about Islamic culture and GCC markets.
- Leaders, lawyers, and globally-minded individuals navigating multicultural spaces, seeking deeper understanding of the Arabic culture, traditions, and identity
- Anyone who believes culture is a bridge, not a barrier

What makes it different?
It's storytelling with substance, not devotional, not surface-level. Just honest, culturally intelligent conversations that help you understand not just what people practice, but why it matters.

Taqua brings insider perspective and global fluency. Based in Dubai, she clarifies without simplifying, educates without preaching, and connects tradition to modern professional life with warmth and precision.

From Ramadan reflections to business etiquette and honor codes, every episode expands your understanding and sharpens your cultural intelligence.

For daily, sharp GCC business and cultural insights that take less than 60 seconds to read, The Souk Secrets newsletter is the place to go. Join here: https://www.thesouksecrets.com/subscribe

Subscribe. Listen. Reflect. Connect.

About your host

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Taqua Malik

Taqua Malik is a cultural intelligence advisor and founder of Freedomvisory, specializing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. With over 15 years of experience bridging Western and Gulf business cultures, she advises decision makers, global law firms, advisors, and professional services on navigating the cultural and professional norms in the GCC, mainly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Based in Dubai, Taqua brings deep cultural fluency to conversations about culture, identity, business etiquette, and cross-border strategy. She is also the creator of The Souk Stories podcast and founder of The Souk Tribe, a premium community for professionals seeking cultural intelligence in GCC markets.

Through her work, Taqua helps globally-minded leaders understand not just what to do - but why it matters - when operating across cultures.