Comparing nations
First of all, I would like to say that I appreciate the effort for self realisation and correction (‘Key to understanding ourselves,’ Gulf News, June 29). It is not everyone that can take criticism without being offended, especially people in the Middle East and South Asia. Like the man in the story, I am from Kerala, India and have grown up in Riyadh. I can relate to all the things that this person referred to and it hurts to see the reputation of Muslims throughout the world being hurt.
I came to the UAE expecting the same merciless treatment described in the article, but was pleasantly surprised when the Emirati airport staff at Al Ain greeted me with a ‘welcome to UAE!’ I have had many pleasant encounters with Emiratis since then. Unfortunately, after ten years in Saudi Arabia, I can’t say the same.
Having said that, my father has also shared his experiences with me from when he worked in Saudi telecommunications. There are Saudis who uphold exceptional character traits, who uphold integrity, humility and respect.
From Mr Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Spend elsewhere
Why don’t these people help the needy in this season instead of going to London and spending large amounts of money (‘Ramadan rush: Mega-rich shoppers descend on London,’ Gulf News, June 29)? It doesn’t seem right to see people just spending money for the sake of it. Instead, it would be much better if they went to a poor country and did something for others, like buying school books or giving people food and shelter. If they did this, they would be doing something for the world and for themselves.
From Mr Mario
Dubai
Website comment
Giving Zakat
Mario, don’t judge people by reading an article in the new paper. Do you know for certain that they don’t spend on poor people? In Islam, it is mandatory to give Zakat, which means a certain percentage of yearly earnings need to be given to the needy. This is how it has been prescribed to us. Muslims give back and this is important to us.
From Mr Naoual
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Subjective spending
I agree with Naoual. Mario, I think these shoppers do that and give a lot back. But then if they spend some on themselves, for comfort and happiness, this matter is vastly subjective. There is certainly no problem with it. Everyone has the right to be happy. At the same time, care for your family, friends, relatives, neighbours and especially the poor who need it most.
If there is a problem, it is making sure the money being donated goes to the charities. Money is received from all sources, but the question is, how much is actually being spent on the needy? May our lord protect us and have mercy on us.
From Mr Razzaq
UAE
Website comment
Going beyond Zakat
As a fellow Muslim, I believe that this is the month of patience and compassion. Wealthy Muslims should set an example. Sometimes we have to go beyond just Zakat. Sometimes we are criticized and rightfully so. It is all about correcting our course to stay on the righteous path, after all. Unfortunately, I worry about Ramadan becoming a commercialised practice rather than the true meaning of what it is for so many. May we all have a blessed month.
From Mr Marwan
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Don’t know enough
Spending is all comparative. In middle class, one may judge that the higher class is spending too much on themeselves, but maybe the lower class thinks the same of them. Someone in middle class may spend their money at a simple fast food restaurant on the weekend, which might be the equivalent to a week of food for a poor person.
So, it is all relative. As Muslims, as long as we give Zakat, the rest can be spent on ourselves. Of course, all of us should be compassionate about others and volunteer. For all I know, these people do help the poor a lot and then if they want to spend on themselves it is their choice.
From Ms Aisha
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Becoming a closed circuit
During a fast, the digestive system gets an increasing rest (‘Ramadan: Fasting can improve your health,’ Gulf News, June 29). About ten hours after a meal, the contractions stop and the feeling of hunger disappears. Then, five or six hours later the glucose stops coming directly from the intestines and begins to produce itself from our bodily reserves of glycogen contained in the liver. From then on, the body works on itself in a closed circuit, becoming its own source of energy to use.
From Ms Mariam Al Khoury
UAE
Facebook comment
Closer to God
The sole purpose of fasting is to teach us to become disciplined and patient. It is an opportunity for us to experience what it feels like to remain hungry and thirsty throughout the day since there are many living in extreme poverty across the globe. It is not difficult to fast since we are fortunate enough to be able to have good food after a specified number of hours, but for some in poor countries, this wait is never ending. Fasting is not just good from a health perspective, but it is also a time for us to get close to our creator, spiritually. Ramadan is a blessed month where forgiveness, charity and patience count the most.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
UAE
Facebook comment
Lack lustre performance
Whilst I am thrilled that Brazil has got through to the quarterfinals of Fifa by defeating Chile, the fact is that Brazil barely scraped through to victory with a marginal one goal lead in the penalty shootout (‘World Cup: Brazil beat Chile in dramatic penalty shootout, Gulf News, June 29). Quite literally, Brazil won this match by the skin of its teeth.
Having lived in Brazil for some years, I see the Brazilian team as my team and support it strongly. Nevertheless, the Brazilian team lacked strategy and a game plan. Throughout the game, Brazil was on the defensive. The Chilean team was very aggressive and frequently had the Brazilian team scampering helter-skelter. The passing of the ball between the Brazilian players, their dribbling with the ball and defence was wanting.
The star striker, Neymar da Silva Santos, was frequently left stranded without adequate support, while trying to hit a goal. A few times, he had no colleague to pass on the ball to: from the sides, when he was under pressure from two to three Chilean defenders. The Brazilians are relying on the brilliance of some team members like Neymar to steer them to victory. This is not enough.
With the type of mediocre and lacklustre performance that the Brazilian team showed against the Chileans, it will neither land in the finals, nor win the World Cup. The Brazilian team needs to reenergize and play a more aggressive and synchronized game as champions of the game.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Not harsh
Suarez is a world class striker in the football community (‘Luis Suarez treated like a ‘dog’, says upset granny,’ Gulf News, June 28). That aside, I don’t think the ban is harsh. He should realise the fact that it’s a professional game where he should not behave in childish ways.
He has already been punished, by the way, when he did this before to Branislav Ivanovic. But still, he continues. I really appreciate that the FIFA World Cup took action.
From Mr Vivek Raj
Dubai
Facebook comment
He blew it
His family is disappointed because people are treating him like a dog. Well, if he wishes to go around biting people like a dog what do you expect? I don’t think four months is long enough. If this had been the first time then maybe it would be a harsh ban but it’s the third time.
All it show is that the past punishments haven’t worked. He had the world at his feet and he blew it.
From Mr Andy Prime
UAE
Facebook comment
Too harsh
I think it was a very harsh ban. He should probably use the time off to seek professional help because he clearly has a psychological problem to be biting this frequently.
From Mr L. Fish
Dubai
Facebook comment
Editors’ note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.
