Wise investment
The UAE always invests back into the country, like by building this new mosque in Al Ain and other types infrastructure - the reason why it is successful (‘Al Ain to have one of the largest mosques in UAE,’ Gulf News, November 1). The money that the UAE spends now, has a great amount of returns in the future - look at how tourism has increased in the past few years, and how much income it has generated. The UAE donates a lot to other countries in the world, too.
From Mr Mohammad Al Mansouri
Dubai
Facebook comment
Community awareness
As an Emirati myself, I completely agree with Mohammad Al Mansouri’s point of view. Every Emirati is an ambassador for this country, and hence I’m going to share my two cents with you in order to take it forward from where Mohammad has left off.
A mosque serves multiple purposes. A mosque is not only a religious centre where believers come to offer prayers together, it is also a place where people come together and involve themselves in different workshops and lectures, which are aimed to address social issues that may be prevalent in our society. A mosque of this size may not be primarily made to attract 20,000 people to pray, but it will encourage people to visit the mosque and to co-create meaningful dialogues on religion.
Furthermore, a mosque on this scale is also targeted towards tourists for the purpose of encouraging them, especially non-Muslims, to learn and educate themselves more about the beautiful religion of Islam. Hence, people should understand that the scale of the mosque is not to show off, but to attract people from other faiths, as well as create awareness.
From Mr Badr Jaafar Ali
UAE
Facebook comment
Respecting differing traditions
I think that Afghan first lady Rula Gani’s support of the ban on niqabs is a sign of hypocrisy (‘Cosmopolitan new Afghan first lady backs French niqab ban,’ Gulf News, November 1). So what if there is no evidence in the Quran that faces should be covered? There is also no evidence for other traditions in Islam that we practice, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue them. This is the problem that occurs when taking evidence from the Quran out of context, while rejecting an authentic Hadith - sayings of the Prophet [PBUH]. Covering the face is not compulsory, however I wouldn’t support the ban of niqabs or any other Islamic tradition whether one follows it or not.
From Mr No’man Nasser
Dubai
Facebook comment
Differing opinions are okay!
How people easily label others with the words of choice they believe are correct. The above comment is a perfect example of differing present day culture and thoughts. If Gani holds the view about niqabs, she is not the only person in this world and there are many scholars who have different views.
If anyone emphasises on the words hijab and niqab, they should also know that the Quran talks about modesty by both men and women.
I believe that we should stick with the Quran’s emphasis on modesty in general.
From Mr Mujtaba M. Seddiqi
Dubai
Facebook comment
Reasons this is hypocritical
I disagree with Mujtaba M. Siddiqui, who has taken the entire discussion somewhere else! If the whole topic is related to a woman’s hijab and talking about modesty, then No’man Nasser didn’t say anything wrong. He calls Gani a hypocrite, which is technically correct because she is contradicting something our religion prohibits: siding with non-believers on a Muslim issue. Also, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that this lady is more of a cultural person than an Islamic one! Moreover, if someone covers her face out of her own freewill in France and this law isn’t allowing them to, won’t that be forcing them against their will?
From Ms Iram Siddiq
UAE
Facebook comment
Finding compromising solutions
As a Muslim with a reasonable level of knowledge, when faced with contemporary issues, I always try to think what could the best solution to that issue be. I feel sad when I see people going to extremes trying to justify their position, instead of focusing on finding an amicable solution. The recent much debated issue on the Islamic veil, is one of them.
On one hand, those who advocate the total ban on the system, justify their viewpoint on security reasons, which of course sounds logical. On the other hand, those who advocate permitting veils, argue on the requirement to follow the established principles of Sharia. Why can’t both just try to understand each others’ viewpoint and address each other’s concerns?
Yes, indeed, veils are an integral part of Islam, but covering the face is not compulsory. The best way of adopting the veil system was shown by the wives of the Prophet [PBUH[. They covered their faces as well and if any woman wished to emulate them, it was absolutely fine.
The genuine security concern needs to be addressed as well. The best solution is to make it compulsory for a woman who wishes to cover her face and also come out in public places, to come out with at least one male family member. In such a cases, this person could be there to prove her identity in public. This would help address the security issue as well.
From Mr Arish Ehsan
Dubai
Breast cancer awareness month
As October is over, we can look back and reflect on a lot of pink memories throughout the breast cancer awareness month (‘Charity walk for breast cancer awareness,’ Gulf News, November 1). Breast cancer awareness has been a campaign that has been strongly supported by the authorities and the public alike. Various organisations and individuals have taken up this cause and spread awareness in various ways.
The Safe and Sound campaign has always attracted huge crowds to its pink book sale and the Pink walkathon.
Even at my school, students were encouraged to wear pink ribbons on their uniforms for the entire month. The message was spread through the school’s Twitter handle. The student’s council came up with the idea of wearing pink hairbands and shailas (head scarves) to support the cause wholeheartedly.
Different organisations have spread the word in different ways. Awareness and early detection are key factors to save lives from breast cancer.
From Ms Maria Vincent
Dubai
Supporting the system
I went to the BurJuman Pink Walkathon, which is an annual breast cancer support and awareness walkathon. Every year I go for it, but lately I have observed that people, who come out for it, consider it as a party. They are striking various poses, taking pictures, making it a glamourous event rather than showing solidarity for a good social cause. Also, I saw a few participants not paying and arguing that they already paid the registration fee. At least for such meaningful events, one should pay registration charges honestly as these go as support funds to fight breast cancer and support patients suffering from breast cancer. I am also an ambassador for a group called ‘Protect Your Mom’ (PYM), which is a group working solely for spreading awareness about breast cancer. This group believes in having students and younger children as the ambassadors to carry home the message to be vigilant about breast cancer symptoms by being aware of it, to pester their mothers and sisters to do regular self examination and ensure that ignorance and negligence does not become the cause of fatal consequences.
From Ms Arushi Madan
Sharjah
Women need their rights
In Kerala during the recent years, moral policing is on the rise and last year one person was beaten to death (‘‘Kiss of love’ plan gets more support in Kerala,’ Gulf News, October 31). Moral policing is a criminal activity in India and most of the political parties and religious organisations try to do this. Even though Kerala’s literacy rate is very high, the social fabric of the society is still conservative and stuck in a way that women are not considered as equals or respected.
If women tend to speak for their rights or protect their modesty, there is still a section of people considering them as arrogant. According to the law, no one is authorised to interfere in other people’s freedom. I do support this venture and we should all give freedom to women and respect their rights. God has created all men and women as equal in this beautiful world.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
A view all should see
The Top of the Burj Khalifa has been opened for the general public. The new observation deck is 24 levels above the previous public observation deck that is on 124th floor. Opening the 148th floor is welcome news for the prospective visitors and people who were keenly waiting for long to view the highest point from the Burj Khalifa. However, a lot are of the view that the charges of the entry ticket for booking are quite high. It is a matter to note that the earlier introductory prices for the observation deck on the 124th floor were Dh100 and now the sudden increase from Dh100 to Dh400 should be considered. I hope that the authorities could find a way to make the existing ticket within reach.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
UAE
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