YOUR PAGE, YOUR STAGE!

There’s probably a photographer hidden in each of us, looking out for a platform. Community invites you to grab your chance and send your contributions with contact details and complete description of the images to [email protected] — PHOTO ESSAY, Page 10

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 Ramadan 24, 1440 AH

Doha today: 300 - 430

COVER Coming clean STORY talks about life, death, Donald Trump — and why he can’t stand his old narcissism. P4-5

SHOWBIZ BACK PAGE

Playing living legend poses Uganda Muslim relishes unique challenges: Ranveer. fi rst Ramadan in . Page 11 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.15am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.45am Zuhr (noon) 11.33am Asr (afternoon) 2.57pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.20pm Isha (night) 7.50pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Chandigarh Amritsar ends up spending the day with him. His constant chatter DIRECTION: Karan R Guliani exasperates her, but they share a curious chemistry CAST: , nevertheless. SYNOPSIS: A girl from Chandigarh comes to Amritsar with the intention of rejecting a prospective groom and THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374

De De Pyaar De from his family and his ex-wife when he falls in love with a DIRECTION: Akiv Ali 26-year-old woman. CAST: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rakul Preet Singh SYNOPSIS: A 50-year-old single father faces disapproval THEATRE: Landmark ote Unquo u te Q “It takes a The Mall Cinema (1): Royal Plaza Cinema great deal of bravery to Chandigarh Amritsar Palace (1): Aladdin (2D) stand up to our enemies, but Chandigarh (Punjabi) 3pm; (Punjabi) 3pm; 2:30pm; Aladdin (2D) just as much to stand up to our Aladdin (2D) 9pm; Neeya 2 De De Pyaar De (Hindi) 8:30pm; Aladdin (2D) 11pm. friends.” (Tamil) 11:15pm. 9pm; Ishq (Malayalam) Royal Plaza Cinema — J. K Rowling The Mall Cinema (2): 11:30pm. Palace (2): Lisaa (Tamil) Aladdin (2D) 2:30pm; Landmark Cinema (2): 3pm; Aladdin (2D) 9:15pm; Aladdin (2D) 8:30pm; Aladdin (2D) 2:30pm; Muklawa (Punjabi) Aladdin (2D) 11pm. Aladdin (2D) 8:30pm; 11:30pm. The Mall Cinema (3): Aladdin (2D) 11pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Community Editor Sita (Telugu) 2:15pm; Ishq Landmark Cinema (3): Palace (3): Ishq Kamran Rehmat (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Lisaa (Tamil) 3pm; Aladdin (Malayalam) 2:30pm; e-mail: [email protected] Avengers: Endgame (2D) (2D) 9:15pm; Chandigarh Discarnate (2D) 9pm; Telephone: 44466405 11pm. Amritsar Chandigarh Avengers: Endgame (2D) Fax: 44350474 Landmark Cinema (1): (Punjabi) 11:30pm. 11pm. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Summer Camp for Special Needs Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 WHERE: Step by Step Centre for Special years old after school hours. Needs WHEN: June 30 – August 1 Hobby Classes TIME: 8:00am – 12:30pm WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art During this time, all therapists and Centre teachers will be working together, running WHEN:Wednesday – Monday individual, peer and group sessions within Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is a classes. The children will continue learning holistic performing arts institution and a one age-appropriate concepts, work on social stop solution for adults as well as children skills, life skills training, arts and crafts, looking to explore their talents in various music, and fun activities such as water play. art forms. We off er classes in contemporary, , hip hop, indian classical dance, Artistic Gymnastic Classes music (Hindustani and Carnatic), arts and WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb craft, karate, yoga, percussion( Chenda, WHEN: Ongoing Thimila, Elathalam and Madhalam), violin, TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm harmonium, public speaking. The olympic sport using horizontal bar, Additional services include dance rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the education, choreograph music videos and children from age 4 till 16. dance cover albums, choreograph dance musical projects, corporate workshops and events, choreograph events for schools, colleges, alumni meets and corporate and choreography events. For details, call 33897609.

EVENTS cultural similarities between Qatar and .

Ballet Lessons MF Hussain: The Horses Of The Sun WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier Exhibition WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Mataf: Arab Museum of Modern TIME: 4pm – 8pm Art For more info e-mail at registration@ WHEN: Ongoing till July 31 atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. TIME: 9am – 7pm The exhibition presents Hussain’s pluralist approach to the divine and cosmic aspects of Career Guidance being, articulated through the myths, symbols WHERE: Right Track Consultants, Al and narratives of the world’s religions and Sadd philosophies. M. F. Husain: Horses of the Sun WHEN: Sunday – Thursday bears witness to a recurrent motif in his art, a TIME: 6pm – 8pm personal symbol of self-renewal and vitality. Career guidance for course, country, college and entrance for students of Grade Arabic Calligraphy Workshop Katara Drive Thru Festival IX-XII, of all curriculum. Career assessments WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday WHERE: Katara— the Cultural Village administered for stream preference, career TIME: 6pm WHEN: Ongoing till June 10 test, branch preference, personality, Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. TIME: 6pm – 4am multiple intelligence and learning styles Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic Join us at Katara— the Cultural Village and and productivity. For more information, handwriting and calligraphy at Music and enjoy the diverse cuisines at your car step! 55448835. Arts Atelier. From fi rst day of Ramadan until Eid holidays The lessons will take place every Saturday, starting from 5pm till 2am. Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact registration@ India to Qatar – Symbiosis of Cultures atelierqatar.com WHERE: FBQ Museum WHEN: Ongoing till July 31 Sunset Desert Safari with Iftar Under the context of cultural exchange, WHERE: Sealine Beach FBQ Museum brings together the treasures WHEN: Ongoing of the museum owned collection in order to TIME: 2pm – 10pm promote mutual understanding, recognition Enjoy a day out in the relaxing singing sand and appreciation between Qatar and India. dunes of Mesaieed along with a thrilling dune Composed of fi ve main topics, including bashing experience. This 8-hour getaway community, trade, arts, food and incense, the takes you all the way to the breath-taking exhibition takes one on a journey to explore inland sea beach aka Khor Al Adaid to watch the rich and diverse Indian cultures, the long the Sunset. Break your fast with lavish Iftar at historic links between Qatar and India, and the resort. Only for QR280 per person.

Dance and Instrument Classes WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times Building After School Activities WHEN: Wednesday – Monday WHERE: Atelier Learn the movements of dance styles in WHEN: Ongoing Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical Music and arts activities for students instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard taking place after they fi nish their day in for adults as well kids and move in the world school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- of music. For details, contact 66523871/ hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Here to stay The most successful and influential radio personality of his generation and arguably in the history of the medium, Howard Stern has been talking into microphones for most of his life, which in now in its 65th year. He shows no signs of shutting up, writes Rick Kogan

I don’t know why I touch base with my audience. I guess that it’s because I’m honest, brutally honest. I appeal to the cynic in all of us ‘ —Howard Stern

oward Stern speaks, my own curiosity and allow my Trump is so prominent because, as The book was born a couple of which Stern wrote of his intimate which comes as no guests to be heard.” Stern says, “Donald is one of the best years ago when S&S’s Jonathan Karp habits; skewered those he considered surprise to the millions The next day, he would be talking radio guests ever. Why? Because he presented Stern with a bound copy of phonies (Oprah and Johnny Carson of people who listen to with correspondent Tracy Smith on says whatever pops into his head.” a fi nished book, saying, “We want a among them); praised those he him, and last weekend CBS News Sunday Morning, telling That’s not exactly news. But vastly book of your best interviews and we admires (Bob Hope, Richard heH was speaking to me, saying, her, “Donald Trump asked me to more interesting, entertaining, took the liberty of putting it together. Simmons, Sylvester Stallone and “Twenty years ago I had so much endorse him but I couldn’t.” self-revelatory, shocking, honest, … You don’t have to do a thing.” Dick Cavett); chronicled his career, more energy and my narcissism was The day after, he said to his close provocative, surprising and Stern was fl attered but soon family life and world view. so strong that I really enjoyed talking friend George Stephanopoulos on sometimes sad is what comes out realised that “what was collected At the time, he told me that writing about myself. But now I realise that Good Morning America, “George, I of the mouths of the others in the weren’t even my favourite the book was “the hardest thing I don’t like talking about myself so never think of you as a sex fi end.” book, a vast panorama of famous interviews.” So he gathered and I’ve ever done. My editor wound up much and that there is great value in All of this talking — on television, and talented people such as Bradley edited those that were his favourites. moving into the house on weekends listening to other people.” radio and for print — is part of Cooper, Billy Joel, Ringo Starr, He wrote lively introductions for to help me pull it together. To a The most successful and the promotional’ blitz for his third Sharon Osbourne, Snoop Dogg, each interview. He also composed degree, [the book’s success] might infl uential radio personality of book. Howard Stern Comes Again Willie Nelson, Barbara Walters, Tina an introduction that is detailed and have something to do with a backlash his generation and arguably in the (Simon & Schuster), published Fey, Robert Downey Jr., Kid Rock, charming, autobiographical but also against political correctness.” history of the medium, Stern has earlier this week, is a gathering of Lady Gaga, Rachel Maddow, Hugh self-refl ectively honest. Stern’s morning radio show was been talking into microphones for 50-some lengthy and dozens of Hefner, Paul McCartney, Courtney “And that,” said Stern, “is why it No 1 in New York and syndicated to 15 most of his life, which in now in shorter portions of the hundreds of Love, Bill Murray, Madonna, Amy took two years to fi nish the book.” other markets, reaching an estimated its 65th year. He shows no signs of interviews he has conducted on his Schumer, Harvey Weinstein … This Stern and I have talked before, a 3 million listeners daily. (His Chicago shutting up. radio shows. list is long. long time ago. radio experiences were short and So, there he was on the telephone A lot of the media attention has “Some people I didn’t even In 1993, I spent time at his bitter). from the large , New York focused on the president of the remember interviewing, let alone studios and attended a He was riding high, assailed by home he shares with his wife Beth United States, whose interviews with remember what was said,” said Stern. wild party for his fi rst book, Private some, adored by others and fi ned and a large number of cats (more Stern from 1995 to 2015 pepper the “But in rereading the transcripts I Parts, which was to become the lavishly by the FCC for various on-air on this later), saying, “I now have a book in 11 short And Now a Word saw a lot of wisdom and humour that fastest selling in Simon & Schuster’s transgressions. chance and the freedom to explore from Our President … chapters. I had missed.” long history. It was 446 pages in I next talked to him in 1995, in New Wednesday, May 29, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

York again for events surrounding expire in 2020. Well, his being a the publication of his second book, judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent Miss America (Simon & Schuster), from 2012 to 2015. The job paid $15 which was riding atop the New million a season but, Stern writes, York Times bestseller list with 1.4 “My principal motivation for joining million copies in print. It was, much the show was to shift the American like his fi rst book, a compendium public’s perception of me. In just one of intimate fantasies, personal summer, I went from being America’s stories, transcripts from the radio nightmare to being Santa Claus.” show, hundreds of photos, and Well, in 2017 he was operated biting examinations of American on for what doctors suspected was celebrities, done up in varying cancer. It wasn’t but this experience typographic styles. gave him a hard taste of his own Sitting in his cozy offi ce, he said, “I mortality. As he writes, “As you start don’t know why I touch base with my to get older and your body begins to audience. I guess that it’s because I’m break down, it does get you thinking honest, brutally honest. I appeal to about your legacy, what you’ll leave the cynic in all of us.” behind, what you’re proud of.” Some saw his four hours on air The cumulative eff ects of these every weekday morning as threat to events has been transformative. the nation’s morality, his radio show “The pose I’ve tried to maintain a dangerous feast of crude, racist, just doesn’t work for me anymore,” sexist and untoward comments. To he writes. “It was a safe world but a others he was an often-hilarious lonely one — a kind of prison.” voice. Deep-thinkers deemed him His fi rst two books are not on the a new Lenny Bruce, pushing the shelves of any of the homes he owns bounds of what some consider (yes, more than one). “It’s like looking good taste by frankly exploring at old photographs. I don’t like life’s conventions, problems and the way I looked,” he said. “I don’t obsessions. listen to myself on old radio shows. I I asked, “What is the one thing you don’t like the way my voice sounds. have in mind when you sit behind the I almost don’t recognise myself in microphone?” the previous book. I am not proud “To entertain,” he said. of them. But I love this new book so Since last we talked, a lot has much.” happened to Stern. It is, on a number of levels, Where to start? a terrifi c book. Only two of its Well, as his lengthy marriage to interviews (one with Trump and college sweetheart Alison Berns and another with Ozzy Osbourne) are the mother of their three now grown from the pre-Sirius era, when his daughters began to disintegrate in obsession with ratings combined the late 1990s, he began seeing a with his self-absorption “didn’t lend psychotherapist, eventually visiting itself to doing serious interviews.” four days a week. The pair divorced They are, as you will read, serious amicably in 2001 and in 2008 he now. He deeply researches all of his married longtime girlfriend Beth guests and he is able to get honest Ostrosky, about whom he writes in emotions and genuine insights from this book, “We’ve been together for STERN STORY: Howard’s latest work. most of them. Yes, his radio shows nineteen years, and every day I thank can still dip into tawdry territory God she wanted to be with me. … Love.’ She is a saint.” Well, in 2005 satellite radio service. He signed a Howard 100 and Howard 102, as and he remains wildly funny and I call her ‘Sweet Love’ … Howard he left terrestrial radio for Sirius XM, fi ve-year deal worth $500 million. well as an new app featuring his provocative. His interviews sparkle. Stern, me — I call my wife ‘Sweet the then-new subscription-based There are now two live channels, interviews. His latest contract will There is a great freedom in being able to talk for an hour or more with no commercial interruptions and he You can often has come to realise that interviews see and hear are not inquisitions intended merely for a saucy soundbite or “gotcha” Howard Stern moment. At their best, interviews are conversations. talking to cats On the phone, he talked a bit about on his wife’s Trump; mentioned that he regrets long ago interviews with Gilda Instagram feeds Radner and Robin Williams; spoke of his deep aff ection and respect for (@bethostern his radio sidekick Robin Quivers who, “more than anyone is my courage on and@bethstern). the air”; said that his interview with Earlier this Conan O’Brien is the best he’s ever done; and he talked about cats. week she posted His wife is an author and animal right activist. Over the last six years, on the latter a the couple has opened their homes to nearly 1,000 foster cats and found photo of a cute families to adopt each. cat named Yoda, “This has really been a passion and pleasure for my wife,” he said. “We paws resting have fostered so many cats here in our house and I have gotten way, way on a photo of into it.” You can often see and hear Howard Howard in the talking to cats on his wife’s Instagram New York Times feeds (@bethostern and@bethstern). Earlier this week she posted on the magazine. This latter a photo of a cute cat named Yoda, paws resting on a photo of was the caption: Howard in magazine. “Yoda Stern is so This was the caption: “Yoda Stern proud of his dad” is so proud of his dad.” — Chicago GOING STRONG: Beth Ostrosky Stern, left, and husband Howard Stern. Tribune/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY IIS conducts investiture ceremony

Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently conducted an investiture ceremony for the newly elected a Special Edition Magical Malaysia with articles bared on the students excursion to Malaysia in members of ‘Voice Out’, the English literary club of IIS. Asaf Ali, Head of Department of English at January, 2019. The off ice bearers for the new academic session of Voice Out, include Cenolia IIS, presented an annual report highlighting the events conducted over the year. Speaking on the Fernandez, Secretary Girls; Zainab, Joint Secretary Girls; Aqil Ahmed, Secretary Boys; Yohan Luke, occasion, Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal of IIS, spoke about the value of improving communication Joint Secretary Boys; Rajula Sadath, Teacher In-Charge Girls; and Dias Maria, Teacher In-Charge skills to make a mark in world. The annual in house magazine Word’s Worth was released as Boys.

PISQ organises ‘Spelling Bee Contest 2019’

Pakistan International School Qatar ‘Win the Bee’ was played to break (PISQ) recently organised ‘Spelling the tie among students. In Grade Bee Contest 2019’ for the students I, Amama bagged first position, of Primary Wing. Students of which was followed by Abdul Wajid Grade I-IV. The competition was and Zainab with second and Qazi organised under the supervision Saad with third position. In Grade of Nargis Raza Otho, Principal of II Inshara Imama, Manha Fatima, PISQ. Abdul Rahim and Azlan Nadeem The competition kicked off with bagged first position. the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, In the second part of the which was followed by the competition, participants of Grade first round of the contest. The III-IV were called on stage. Ayesha competition was divided into two Mushtaq, Sarim Fazil and Farwa parts. In the first part, two teams Gillani, student of Grade III, bagged from Grade I-II, comprising of six first, second and third position, participants each, were called respectively. In Grade IV, Ayesha on the stage. The participants of Rashid and Dua Fatima clinched each team competed against each 1st position, which was followed by other. Three rounds were played, Maryam Sayeda with second and and in each round, spelling of Ishaal Murshid and Fateh Ali with four words were asked from each third position. The winners were student. At the end of round 3, felicitated on the occasion. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

PWS to organise volleyball tournament and musical night

Palpa Welfare Society (PWS), a Nepali community organisation, is also set to organise a volleyball producer. He is a nationally renowned folk artist and has risen to the level of the top folk singer tournament and musical night as part of Eid al-Fitr celebrations on June 4-6. The prizes for the and movie director of . He has written more than fourteen dozen folk songs, more than six winning teams of volleyball competition, include QR4,111, first position; QR2,511, first runners up; dozen modern songs, two dozen soap-opera songs, three musical plays, two documentaries and QR1,511, second runners up; and QR511, third runners up. Around 25 Nepali teams are set to has directed two movies Gorkha Paltan and Pardeshi. take part in the competition. The musical programme will be held at Gulf Paradise Hotel and Manju Poudel is popular Nepali singer as well as performer. Shrish Devkota is Nepali folk singer. will feature various Nepali artistes, including Narayan Rayamajhi, Manju Poudel, Bikram Pariyar, Bikram Pariyar is also a young energetic folk singer. According to Ishwor Kafle, President of PWS, Shirish Devkota, Indra Joshi and Sapana Dangi. the event is free for all. Kafle said the event’s purpose is to promote tourism in Palpa district of Narayan Rayajhmi is a Nepali composer, lyricist, feature-film script writer, film director, and Nepal. – Text by Usha Wagle Gautam

Manju Poudel Narayan Rayamajhi Bikram Pariyar Shirish Devkota

DPS-MIS organises ‘Scholar Badge and All Rounders Award Ceremony’

DPS-Modern Indian School parents to spend quality time (DPS-MIS) recently organised with their wards, guide them ‘Scholar Badge and All to make the judicious use Rounders Award Ceremony’ of technology and reinforce to felicitate the outstanding the core values in them to students of Grade VIII, IX develop them into future and XI in curricular and ambassadors of goodwill and co-curricular activities. Yasir peace. Nainar, Vice President at DPS- Yasir Nainar lauded the young MIS, was the chief guest and achievers for their enthusiasm, Professor Khalid al-Jufairi a commitment and sheer hard special guest. work. He stated that the Asna Nafees, Principal of unique and time-tested DPS- DPS-MIS, welcomed the MIS scholar badge ceremony gathering. Speaking on is indeed a motivational the occasion, she said, “It force for the students to is indeed a consequential perform better year after year. moment for those who have Highlighting the importance toiled tirelessly to reach to of peer-learning, he advised perfection in their pursuits.” the students to share their She also applauded the success with others to add DPS-MIS multitaskers for value to their lives. their commendable acumen A total of 182 students were to accomplish a host of awarded trophies, badges, activities together with élan certificates, blue blazers and conviction. She also and blue ties, gold medal appreciated the visionary and special award for their patrons and the management academic and all round of DPS-MIS and urged the performance. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY TRA Fiesta San Antonio is the perfect expre No one comes to San Antonio without spending time on the Riverwalk, browsing the shops, taking a narrated cruise passing under cypress canopies and elaborate stone bridges, and sampling the food, writes Patti Nickell

DIVERSITY: The largest of the La Villita celebrations is ‘A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA),’ a four-night gathering honouring the diverse cultures that shaped the city. They off er food and entertainment from not only South of the Border, but from unexpected places such as , the Canary Islands, Germany and the Czech Republic, all of which had an impact on the city.

1891 to honour the heroes of Texas The Battle of Flowers Parade is be hot. Ear plugs might come in No one comes to San Antonio agree to this statement by independence at Goliad, San Jacinto a highlight, but over the festival’s handy as well since music ranging without spending time on the J J Frank Dobie, a former and of course, the Alamo. Since 10-day run, activities range from from Irish folk ballads and Spanish Riverwalk, browsing the shops, journalist, folklorist and the parade passes right in front of a mariachi Mass at San Fernando guitars to German oompah bands taking a narrated cruise passing rancher: “Every true Texan has Alamo Plaza, many of the colourful Cathedral to art fairs and musical and country/western groups under cypress canopies and two prides: his hometown and fl oats pause for the laying of fl owers performances to boat parades on the reverberates throughout La Villita elaborate stone bridges, and Ithe Alamo.” at the Cenotaph. Seeing fl oat riders San Antonio River and celebrations (loudly, I might add). Still, if the sampling the food. For the best My trip to the Alamo began as a hop off with bouquets of yellow in the city’s La Villita (Little large crowds are any indication, Tex-Mex, grab a riverside table teenager when my grandfather fi rst roses in hand has been known to Village.) NIOSA is a must during Fiesta. at the Iron Cactus. Try to see a took me to the storied mission. I was cause even non-Texans to tear up. The largest of the La Villita Of course, the major infl uence performance at the Arneson River appropriately awed at being in the Don’t worry, all is not high drama celebrations is ‘A Night in Old San in San Antonio is that of Mexico Theatre where the stage is on one spot where 189 defenders took their in this parade which has evolved Antonio (NIOSA),’ a four-night (and by association, Spain), side of the river and the audience on last stand against a Mexican army into one of the largest in the country gathering honouring the diverse understandable since the city the other. of several thousand. They held out (this year’s had 45 fl oats and 26 cultures that shaped the city. was once the capital of Mexican A massive 10-year restoration for 13 days, resulting in everlasting marching bands.) There is humour From Froggy Bottom to Frontier Texas. Learn the colourful history has brought it back to life as San glory and the birth of a nation (yes, as well. Many of the fl oats feature Town, Irish Flats to Sauerkraut at such places as the Spanish Antonio’s trendiest district with Texas was a nation before it was a princesses decked out in elaborate Bend, the 15 culturally themed areas Governor’s Palace in the Plaza des an abundance of entertainment state.) beaded gowns depicting everything take over parts of La Villita. They Armas and the chain of missions options and restaurants housed in Over the years, I have returned from the Texas fl ag to the fl ora and off er food and entertainment from that encircle the city (San Jose, painstakingly restored buildings. to the Alamo many times, most fauna of the state. not only South of the Border, but San Juan Capistrano, Espada Check out the weekend Farmers recently this past April while I was Elaborate they may be, but the from unexpected places such as and Concepcion.) The missions, Market where nearly 50 vendors in town for Fiesta San Antonio. The gowns aren’t the clothing item China, the Canary Islands, Germany including the Alamo, make up the off ering products coming from tiny mission (one of fi ve in the city) most paradegoers want to see. and the Czech Republic, all of which San Antonio Missions National within a 150-mile radius of the will always be sacred ground to me. Chants of “show us your ... boots” had an impact on the city. Historic Park, and have received city represent the South Texas The Fiesta and the Alamo are echo through the crowd, with the Helpful hint: Be sure to wear global recognition as a UNESCO agricultural, ranching and artisanal forever intertwined as one of the young ladies obligingly raising comfortable shoes as there is a World Heritage Site. The oldest of food communities. former’s premier attractions, the their voluminous skirts to show off lot of ground to cover, and loose- the missions, San Jose, is known for All of this culinary largesse has Battle of Flowers Parade, began in equally elaborate footwear. fi tting clothing as it will probably its beautiful rose window. been infl uenced by the Culinary Wednesday, May 29, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 AVEL COMMUNITY ession for a culturally distinctive city

LARGEST PARADE: Many of the floats feature princesses decked out in elaborate beaded gowns depicting everything from the Texas, flag to the flora and fauna of the state, takes part in Battle of Flowers Parade, one of the largest parades in the country.

PICTURESQUE: Mission Concepcion exterior in San Antonio, Texas.

Institute of America, which opened have done at another time. We had a third branch in the Pearl District. to ‘settle’ for an abbreviated menu The CIA is open for tours and as we were dining here before the cooking classes. Fiesta grand fi nale, the Flambeau You’ll have to leave the Pearl Parade. District to experience two of This year’s theme was ‘Refl ections San Antonio’s must-visit dining of Music Past’ and the beautifully establishments. Reserve a table for illuminated fl oats were worthy of brunch at La Panaderia, a Mexican the estimated 750,000 spectators bakery specialising in long- along the 2.6-mile parade route, as fermented Latin American breads. well as another 1.5 million watching Then head back to the Riverwalk it on their television sets. and try to snag a table at Restaurant One musical refl ection that was Gwendolyn (with only 12 tables, defi nitely not from the past, the reservations are a must). If you do University of Texas Longhorn Band. get in, you’ll have bragging rights got the loudest ovation from the over those who tried and failed. crowd. In their spiff y burnt orange The food is superb, all local and and white uniforms, the high- within a tight radius of the city. stepping band kicked off the parade What’s remarkable, however, is that just as it has for the past 71 years. in the fi shbowl of a kitchen (it’s both Fiesta is a perfect expression of tiny and visible to a portion of the the colour and pageantry of this dining room), there are no electrical culturally distinctive city, as unique gadgets. The kitchen staff is devoted to San Antonio as Mardi Gras is to to preparing food as they did in the New Orleans. So, join in the revelry 1850s, pre-kitchen technology. and add your voice to the chant Try the seven-course tasting heard throughout the city ‘Viva RIVERSIDE THEATRE: For the best experience, grab a riverside table at the Iron Cactus. Try to see a performance at the menu, which my friend and I would Fiesta!’ – TNS Arneson River Theatre where the stage is on one side of the river and the audience on the other. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY

SPECTACULAR: Moon as seen on the lens of the Meade LX10 EMC telescope. TRANSPORTED: An enthusiast sets her eyes on the celestial body. Reaching out for the moon

“I want to be the moon appearing close. I rushed off to Souq Waqif with and personal with the moon, except getting “moony” as they in love with you the purpose of grabbing some lunar shine — the souq was the say, in popular parlance. A replica with artifi cial light hovering the same way chosen rendezvous because I recalled this avid stargazer there over it to make it visible in the dark of the night was nearby for I am in with his strategically placed telescope to make the experience inspiration. It was nearly perfect, but of course not a patch on love with the moon worthwhile. the real thing. The craters were visible and a shimmer that was with the light One was not to be disappointed — which is what happens hard to beat. One also got a chance to watch Saturn and its rings, shining with a Meade LX10 EMC to transport you to another world. which however appeared hazier. out of its soul.” Amro Attia, an Optics graduate who likes to call his 5-riyal But the moon is a completely diff erent kettle of fi sh — or adventure spot “Waqif Scope Station” (opposite the Fanar astronomical body to be precise. It may be the (only permanent) Poet and writer Sanober Khan is on message here and it Mosque), was at hand to knuckle down the weighty telescope natural satellite of our planet, but it is a thing of beauty and a joy is just as well that the celestial body is the metaphor for its and fi x the powerful lens that he says he bought online from the forever! luminosity. US. —Text and photos by Kamran Rehmat Last Thursday, I happened to note a Facebook alert about How does one describe the experience of getting up, close @kaamyabi

MAN IN CHARGE: Amro Attiah at the Waqif Scope Station in Souq Waqif. LUNAR-SCAPE: A replica of the moon sits with the Fanar Mosque providing the backdrop. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Playing living legend poses unique challenges: Ranveer

intensive. And it has been. But at the same time, it has been very rewarding and fulfi lling,” said Ranveer. In the course of the “absolutely wonderful” prep for the directorial, he says he has learnt a lot about being an athlete, about cricket NEW MUSIC: Justin Bieber is working on his new and about the “iconic cricketer” Kapil music with the help of his wife. Dev. Ranveer not just trained with Kapil Justin Bieber hits studio with wife Dev in Dharamsala, but also spent about 10 days with him in , trying to pick Singer Justin Bieber hit the recording studio with on the nuances to bring out the best his wife Hailey Baldwin. possible performance on-screen. The singer, 25, shared black-and-white portraits The actor says, “It was a process of of the couple on Instagram on Sunday, revealing that taking a lot of tips... Cricketing is one he is working on new music with the support of the aspect and then the characterisation is 22-year-old model, whom he married in September one aspect. So it has been a two-prong 2018, reports people.com. process in essence. “Studio vibes. With my studio chicka,” Bieber “I think what I gained from Kapil captioned a photo of him standing shirtless next to sir has been invaluable. There is no Hailey. other way I’d do it. I am very fortunate, “New nickname for her every day. Today she’s my privileged and honoured that he goo goo,” he wrote along with a red heart emoji. welcomed me into his home. He was This isn’t the fi rst time he’s called her “goo goo”. warm, welcoming and forthcoming. Bieber fi rst revealed his nickname for her, calling her Everything I gained from him during “stunning goo goo”, when she attended this year’s those days is going to be invaluable for Met Gala without him. the construction of my performance.” Bieber’s studio time comes after he and singer Ed Presented by Reliance Entertainment, Sheeran released their duet, I don’t care earlier this ‘83 will begin its shoot from June 5 in month. The single marked Bieber’s fi rst new single Glasgow. since 2017. – IANS REAL HERO: Ranveer Singh is diving into the role of real life cricket icon Kapil Dev. Joining Ranveer are Saqib Saleem, Adinath Kothare, Chirag Patil, Harddy e has played a quirky “This is the longest I have prepared Sandhu, , Jatin Sarna, wedding planner, a street- for any role. I have been preparing Pankaj Tripathi, Tahir Raj Bhasin, smart con man, a ruthless essentially since January, which makes Dinker Sharma, Jiiva, Sahil Khattar, invader, a rapper, and now it about six months. I have done three Dhairya Karwa, Nishant Dahhiya and R he is diving into the role weeks, three and a half weeks, four Badree. Hof real life cricket icon Kapil Dev. Actor weeks, six weeks, but six months The squad will begin the shooting Ranveer Singh says essaying an icon preparing for a character is unique... at a local cricket spot in the Scottish like the former Indian skipper comes But then, it’s a unique fi lm in itself,” port city for a week, followed by with a set of challenges, which he is well added the actor, who was suited, booted other popular locations like Dulwich prepared to face. and moustached for the role. College in London, Edinburgh Ranveer has embarked upon the As the ‘game’ is about to begin, Cricket Club, Nevill Ground at Royal journey of ‘83, a Bollywood fi lm in the actor gave an insight into the Tunbridge Wells in Kent and The Oval which he will be seen as Kapil Dev. preparation that has gone into it. cricket ground. Before leaving for London with the “Playing a living legend poses a The film will trace India’s historic ‘squad’ to begin the shoot, Ranveer unique set of challenges, and your victory in the 1983 cricket World Cup. SPECIAL: Shruti Haasan says the horror movie is said: “I feel prepared and less anxious approach to the preparation for It is slated to release on April 10, 2020 super special for her. than I was when I started.” that character has to be all the more in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. – IANS Shruti croons for Khamoshi

Sonic the Hedgehog release Actor-singer Shruti Haasan has lent her voice to a date moved back amid song in Prabhudheva and Tamannaah Bhatia starrer character’s redesign forthcoming horror movie Khamoshi. “I’ve been directed by Prabhudheva sir... I am The makers of Sonic the Hedgehog are happy he is a part of the fi lm and what makes it super slowing things down. special is Tamannaah as she is one of my dearest The fi lm’s release date has been friends. I’m glad to sing in her movie,” Shruti said in moved back three months after director a statement. Jeff Fowler announced a redesign was It is reported that the track is based on the theme coming. of the fi lm. “Taking a little more time to make Having started her musical journey as a playback Sonic just right,” Fowler shared Friday singer in her father Kamal Haasan’s popular fi lm on Twitter. Chachi 420 in 1997, Shruti later crooned various The live-action and computer- numbers in multiple languages. generated movie will now open on Feb. As for Bollywood, she is known for singing songs 14, 2020, after originally being slated like Joganiyan and Sannata. for this Nov. 8. Directed by Chakri Toleti, Khamoshi will see Fowler announced the redesign on Tamannaah in the role of a deaf and mute girl and May 2, shortly after Sonic’s appearance Prabhudheva as the lead antagonist. in the fi rst trailer became the subject of On working with Chakri, Shruti added: “Always jokes and memes on social media, many happy to lend my voice to songs in fi lms. Chakri is a of which focused on the high-speed CRITICISED: Image still of Sonic from Sonic the Hedgehog movie. director I have known for years and he directed the hedgehog character having human-like fi rst fi lm I composed music for...So it is special.” teeth. you want changes. It’s going to happen. SEGA video game series by the same The movie is slated to release on May 31. It also “Thank you for the support. And Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully name. Sonic is voiced by Ben Schwartz, stars Bhumika Chawla and Sanjay Suri in supporting the criticism,” Fowler tweeted at the committed to making this character the while Jim Carrey plays the villainous roles. – IANS time. “The message is loud and clear BEST he can be.” Doctor Eggman. – New York Daily … you aren’t happy with the design & Sonic the Hedgehog is based on the News/TNS 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

BATHER SHADE GOD DOWN BURST STROKE RISE FLOWER DEW BELT SHINE LAMP DRY DANCE TRAP SCREEN GLASSES DIAL BURN SPOT LIGHT FISH DAY WORSHIP

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across 1 Clamber’s another way to put Down it (8) 2 Outside Geordie territory 6 Whistle-blower in Hereford many people get hit on the (3) head (7) 9 Float freely up in the air (5) 3 Ace taking some exercise to 10 Inquisitive about, for get fit (3) example, a bouquet (7) 4 Harmless guy’s first seen in 11 Fielder - one of daddy’s six? African country (6) (4,3) 5 Comfortable situation for a 13 As predicted, drink is professor? (4,5) knocked back inside (5) 6 Unyielding soldier breaking 14 View, finally, that is most free (5) extensive (6) 7 Reception area for you inside 15 Boss put right after error (6) (5) 19 Quick attack seizing power 8 Immature beast eating (5) everything (6) 21 Delivery made by down-to- 12 Desperate jockey’s final earth supplier (7) obstacle? (4-5) 22 First course for race official 16 The queen is surrounded by (7) chips or ships (7) 23 Short twisted fibre (5) 17 Cheat or rascal not working 24 Can it turn north? (3) (3,3) 25 Pleasure-seeker, curiously, 18 The poet, we hear, is might have done this (8) excluded (6) 19 Some ignore site for further Answers examination (5) 20 Frank is not attractive (5) Wordsearch Codeword 23 Container for a bit of bread at home (3)

Yesterday’s Solutions 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Now test stress level at home eeling stressed out? Take this newly discovered home-test that can easily measure your stress level and tell you whether you need to consult a doctor or not. The researchers, including one of Indian origin, Ffrom the University of Cincinnati have conducted a new test with a device that uses ultra-violet light to measure common stress hormones using sweat, blood, urine or saliva. “This may not give you all the information, but it tells you whether you need a professional who can take over,” said Andrew Steckl, Professor at the varsity. The research, published in American Chemical Society Sensors journal, showed that the device measures stress biomarkers in our blood, sweat, urine or saliva. “It measures not just one biomarker but multiple biomarkers. And it can be applied to different bodily fluids. That’s what’s unique,” Steckl said. The researchers, however, maintained that the test is not an alternative for laboratory tests. “This doesn’t replace laboratory tests, but it could tell patients more or less where they are... If you’re able to do the test at home because you’re not feeling well and want to know where you stand, this will tell whether your condition has changed a little or a lot.” Steckl noted. Stress is linked to several physical ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure and neurological or psychological disorders. Understanding how stress affects you individually could be extremely valuable, the researchers said. “This test has the potential to make a strong commercial device. It would be great to see the research go in that direction,” said Prajokta Ray, the study’s first author and a graduate from the varsity. – IANS

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

You’re in the middle of a terrific yearly transition. You have a great Try not to get too caught up in any potential conflicts brewing This is a great time to move forward on a writing project, Gemini. deal of physical energy, Aries. You have an action-oriented mind around you, Taurus. Your job lies in calming things down and Any large, long-term project involving communication, film, or long- ready to tackle anything. The key to making the most of this bringing a more practical perspective to the situation. If you get distance travel is begging you to take action. Don’t delay. You have a fortunate period is communication. Right now you have multitasking tangled in the action phase of endeavours without first thinking strong force urging you to move forward. Look ahead with a positive abilities that you can put to good use once you connect with others about what it is that you’re doing, you may confuse things more. attitude instead of thinking of all the reasons why these projects and understand exactly what needs to be done. Step back from the fire instead of throwing yourself into it headfirst. won’t pan out the way you want them to. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

This is an expansive time for you. You can make great progress on Your engine is revved and ready, Leo. You have a full tank of gas. No one likes rejection, but no one likes rejection less than you, Virgo. your goals, Cancer. The key is to clear up any miscommunication or Unfortunately, you may feel like there’s a large obstacle in your way. You may hesitate to take risks in the unknown. Keep in mind that by dishonesty before you move forward with a clear conscious. Don’t Perhaps this obstacle is your mental attitude and inability to make playing it safe, you deprive yourself of the very adventure that could even bother trying to make progress before you’ve cleared up past confident decisions. You may become so scattered at times that you turn your life around. There’s an energetic, expansive feeling in the cobwebs. Keeping everything on a light, flexible track will help you can’t eff ectively move forward on anything. Don’t beat yourself up air encouraging you to take that leap of faith. This energy may feel work more eff iciently. over it. The answers will come when you need them. foreign to you, but it’s time to embrace it. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Be flexible in your communication, Libra, and doors will open to You may be in a diff icult position, Scorpio. You want to explode into You’re getting support for and confidence from one aspect of your you that you didn’t even know were there. There’s a tremendous a new way of life yet feel stuck. Perhaps you feel chained to your life and physical energy from another. Even though the two areas amount of physical energy at your disposal. Don’t waste it. By being current routine. You may feel like you’re indeed making progress in may be in a point of conflict, Sagittarius, you have the ability to take rigid about your ways and insisting on doing things only according the world, but you long for a giant release – like a trap door opening the positive aspects from each and fuse them together to create to your philosophy, you deprive yourself of the spontaneous – that allows you to make a leap into the great beyond. This door is something new or solve a problem. Pool your resources and shift adventures that give life the spice and variety you love. always open. into high gear. The sky’s the limit. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Success will come to you when you work with the energies at hand. You may end up in some arguments, Aquarius. Your nature is You may be confused about asking for help, Pisces. Your usual Go with the flow of the situation instead of trying to undermine expansive and generous, but if others take advantage of this resources could be occupied with issues and conflicts that have or manipulate it. There’s a tremendous force at work. Perhaps all good nature, your mood quickly turns to anger and detachment. nothing to do with you. You may then off er to help others. By doing it needs is a bit of direction to align it with your goals. State your Conflict is often a natural part of a relationship. Use it as a learning this, you’ve put someone else’s needs above your own. Although intentions openly instead of working behind the scenes. You will experience instead of blowing it out of proportion and turning it into this may feel good to you on some level, it’s also a way to avoid the receive support from others when you do. a larger issue than it needs to be. problems that you need to deal with. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SPIRIT OF RAMADAN COMMUNITY

And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful. Qur’an 4:110

Pardon and forgiveness in Ramadan Pardon means treating the evil doer and These two verses provide another reason those who are mistaken with tolerance why people should pardon one another; since and forgiveness, and not punishing him or they love that Allah The Almighty pardons treating him in the same way he did. them and that they themselves benefi t from Pardon is one of the Attributes of Allah The His pardon and that of people, they should Almighty and a feature of His methodology. pardon and forgive people. In other words, we Allah The Almighty describes Himself as should pardon people as we seek pardon for “Ever Pardoning and Forgiving”, “Pardons ourselves and our mistakes. much,” and “Pardons misdeeds.” Allah Allah The Almighty Says (what means): The Almighty shows unique pardon in the {And who restrain anger and who pardon the month of Ramadan, as He The Almighty people.} [Qur’an 3:134] This verse calls for a Says (what means): {Allah knows that you unique level of pardon, which is, pardoning used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted at the moment of anger and agitation. This your repentance and forgave you.} [Qur’an is a rank that is very high and diffi cult to 2:187] In Ramadan, ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be attain. When people incline to pardoning and pleased with her, asked the Messenger of forgiveness, they usually do it when they are Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ( may relaxed and calm, which is probably preceded Allaah exalt his mention ), “If I get to know by an angry reaction. the Night of Al-Qadr, what should I say in Therefore, Allah The Almighty gives it?” He instructed her to say: “Allahumma special praise to those who restrain anger innaka ‘Afuwwun tuhibbu al-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni and pardon people. They pardon while in (O Allah, Who pardons and loves pardoning! the state of anger, nervousness, and pain Pardon me.)” [At-Tirmithi: Saheeh] resulting from the harm that befalls them. In Allah The Almighty is characterized this sense, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa by pardoning, He pardons very often and PRAYER BEADS: A vendor displays prayer beads for sale at a market in Kuwait City. sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: pardons much, and loves that His slaves “Real patience is that which is showed at the ask for and seek pardon from Him. He also not rescind or cancel people’s virtues and avenger. If He punishes someone, He would fi rst stroke of grief,”and he said: “The strong loves that His slaves pardon one another good deeds; rather, these good deeds and punish him with full justice and wisdom. man is not one who is good at wrestling, and adopt the quality of pardoning among virtues must cover their mistakes and faults. Nevertheless, He pardons much and does but the strong man is the one who controls themselves. Allah The Almighty talks to us Allah The Almighty Says (what means): not punish unless pardoning proves to be himself in a fi t of rage.” [Al-Bukhari and about pardoning and urges us to adopt it in {Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds.} ineff ective. Muslim] many ways and many verses in His Glorious [Qur’an 11:114] So, you have to pardon and This means that the human being, who Such was the manner of the Prophet, Book. For instance, Allah The Almighty should not forget graciousness between you. is weak when compared to others, stands in sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah Says (what means): {And to forego it is The verses which urge us to adopt need of others, and is liable to get angry or exalt his mention ) and the prophets before nearer to righteousness. And do not forget pardoning include what Allah The Almighty behave unjustly, is the one who needs the him. graciousness between you.} [Qur’an 2:237] Says (what means): {If [instead] you show quality of pardoning and to deal with others Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allah be pleased with If a Muslim wants to attain piety and reach [some] good or conceal it or pardon an on the basis of clemency. him, said, “I can still recall as if I am seeing the level of the pious, let him follow the off ence - indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning Allah The Almighty Says (what means): the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu ‘alayhi way of pardoning and adopt the quality of and Competent.}[Qur’an 4:149] Allah {But if you pardon and overlook and wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) pardoning. The Almighty attracts us by the quality of forgive - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and resembling one of the prophets whose people The verse alerts that pardoning requires pardoning since He Himself is ever Pardoning Merciful.} [Qur’an 64:14] scourged him and shed his blood, while he that the person remembers the good and Competent. He has absolute power, {And let them pardon and overlook. Would wiped blood from his face, he said: ‘O Allah! characteristics and virtues of the one who and nothing fails Him. He fears neither the you not like that Allah should forgive you?} Forgive my people for they do not know.’”[Al- makes a mistake. A fault or a mistake should criticism of a critic nor the revenge of an [Qur’an 24:22] Bukhari and Muslim] — Islamweb.net 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, May 29, 2019 COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF RAMADAN Uganda Muslim relishes first Ramadan in Qatar

By Mudassir Raja

uslims live in all corners of the world. Everywhere they experience and observe the holy month of RamadanM in diff erent ways as per their respective cultures. As there are Muslim expatriates from diff erent countries living in Qatar, their experiences of observing Ramadan in Qatar have been diff erent culturally from their own countries. Most of them fi nd it exciting when they experience Ramadan in Qatar for the fi rst time. Salman Sayed is a Ugandan expatriate observing Ramadan for the fi rst time in Qatar. He fi nds it easy here to have time for prayers and recitation of the holy Qur’an. Community recently got in touch with Salman, who shared how he observes Ramadan in Qatar. Introducing himself, Salman said: “I am from Kampala in Uganda. My mother is a Somali and my father is a Ugandan. I come from a polygamous family that has 28 children. I have been in Qatar for nine months now. I have been working as a CCTV operator with a hospital. I am a born-Muslim and to me it has been a blessing to live a life striving for Jannah.” When asked to share how he used to observe Ramadan in Uganda, Salman said: “Ramadan in Uganda is exciting in its own way. Normally, the month starts with the fi rst Tarawih prayers. “It is incredibly inspiring how much Most masjids prefer the Sunnah of 20 rakaat. generosity is visible here. Almost “In the mornings, there are always two adhaans. One adhaan wakes up the every masjid off ers Ift ar packages for Muslims for Suhoor. Then about two hours later the adhaan for Fajr prayer each individual and there is really nice goes as regularly. Following the Fajr prayer, everybody turns to their daily food in it. It makes me look forward duties. “Everyone’s routine remains to the next Ift ar. I cannot tell you how pretty much the same just like before Ramadan. Unlike Qatar, in Uganda many random acts of kindness I have there is no reduction in the working hours. The only public place you will experienced and witnessed this fi nd Iftar is at a masjid. It is during Iftar that the masjids get so active. Ramadan” — Salman Sayed Most of the masjids serve the food in big plates that about fi ve people share. It is mostly only fried rice because it is to cope with it.” drivers at the intersections is so easy to prepare and that is what most He further praised diff erent inspiring. It shows the true spirit of people prefer.” activities in Qatar during Ramadan. unity among the Muslims and being When asked to share his experience “I am so impressed by the eff ort there for one another. It is incredibly of Ramadan in Qatar, Salman said: everybody puts into Ramadan here. inspiring how much generosity is “This is my fi rst Ramadan far Ramadan is the month mentioned in visible here. It really lifts up your away from home. It is a whole new the Qur’an and the reduced working Ramadan spirit. Almost every experience for me. In Uganda the hours give me more time to recite, masjid offers Iftar packages for each weather at this time is usually cold refl ect and understand the Qur’an individual and there is really nice because it is rainy season. Here, on the more. Working only for six hours leaves food in it. It maks me look forward other hand, the hot weather is tough so you with enough to do extra prayers. I to the next Iftar. I cannot tell you you have to limit your exposure under also get enough rest and this helps me how many random acts of kindness I the scorching sun. stay focused at the workplace the next have experienced and witnessed this “Nevertheless, it has given me a day. It is really so easy to schedule your Ramadan.” first-hand experience of what fasting day with diff erent forms of worship if He added: “It has been a wonderful was like for the Prophet Muhammad you have enough time. experience. I still have more than a [PBUH] and his companions. We also “The Iftar tents, Iftar gathering, year left on my contract so obliviously I fast in Qatar two hours longer than and Iftar boxes distributed by will be looking forward to experiencing back in Uganda but I have been able different groups among the cab another Ramadan in Qatar.”