Letters: May 20, 2012

Kindness pays
On a recent visit to an amusement park in Al Ain, our hope for a family day out was transformed into a nightmare. On my insistence, my father accompanied me on a ride that turns you upside down and keeps you in that position for several seconds. In that duration, my dad lost every single penny and all his legal documents he was carrying because he had forgotten to empty his pockets before boarding the ride. A teenager handed my dad a Dh500 note and claimed that he saw lots of notes flying out of his pockets. My father searched his pockets and discovered that money was missing along with his two mobile phones, his licence and work permit. We went around the ride area in search of the lost items and were astonished to see that, one by one, people outside the entrance of the ride started returning the money. The staff returned Dh1,000 to my father and a family returned his mobile phone and some cash. People were very helpful, supportive and patient. I would like to thank all the good Samaritans who took the time to help us find our belongings and remained patient. This incident has made me acknowledge that the world still consists of honest and kind-hearted people.
By Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah

Peace through education
Have you ever worked, studied, stayed with or had a neighbour who was Muslim (‘America’s ‘total war’ on Islam’, Gulf News, May 15)? Were they ever bloodthirsty or violent or disrespectful towards you? Why are some of our brothers scared by American propaganda? Do yourself a favour and go to your fellow Muslim acquaintance and enquire about their religion. Learn and educate yourself about Islam with an open mind. Study about Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) lifestyle. I guarantee your Muslim colleague, Muslim neighbour, Muslim student or friend will be obliged to tell you and teach you about Islam. The war that is happening throughout the Muslim world is not about religion, it is about power struggle for natural resources and oil. The superpowers of the world need natural resources and it seems they will take it forcefully in the name of liberation and not colonisation.
From A Reader
Cape Town, South Africa

Independence
I like the term used in the comment: “the longest occupation in modern history” (‘Third intifada is the only alternative left for Palestinians’, Gulf News, May 15). There are countries that have been fighting one another to become the global power, but it is a shame to say that their voices are becoming soft when it comes to giving justification to Palestine from Israel. Why is the US not isolating Israel from the world trade policy until they give justification to Palestinians? Palestinians have all the right to fight for their homeland. I wish my Palestine brothers follow the principles of Mahatma Gandhi to get independence from Israel.
From Mr Shanavasm
Dubai

A big thank you
I would like to thank all the people who support us. The Palestine issue is not only for us but it is for all Arabs and Muslims.
From Mr Nabeel
Palestine

Going down
Truth will ultimately triumph and justice will be made. The so-called superpowers and their allies and vested intentions are on the way to a downfall. Let’s wait.
From Mr Ali
Abu Dhabi

Well said
Excellent effort Abdel Bari Atwan — your comment spoke on behalf of the hearts of millions of Muslims around the world.
From Jalal Zafar
Dubai

We have to wake up
This is a very good comment — an eye-opener for the world. But if we expect this from others then we have to wake ourselves up.
I hope that Gulf News continues to publish a series of comments in this regard.
From Mr Samiur Rahman
Jamshedpur, India

Looking for the stench
I recently smelled smoke in my house and couldn’t understand where the stench was coming from (‘Irresponsible smoking habits’, Gulf News, May 14). I checked all the rooms and switches and wires to make sure everything was safe, as I have a one-year-old child at home. I didn’t find anything yet the stench wouldn’t leave. When I went to do my laundry I found a lit cigarette on the floor of my balcony. My son isn’t allowed there but it still scared me as the question ‘what if?’ came to mind. It’s unfair that because of people’s passion or habits others have to suffer.
From Ms Maryam Mudeer
Sharjah