Thursday 16 May 2019

The significance of fasting in FASTING, is abstaining from eating, drinking embarrassed, and desist. and coitus from daybreak to sunset as a devo- The purpose of fasting is not only the tional ritual. Allah, the Almighty says in the physical training to endure hunger, thirst and Noble Quran:“O you who have believed, exhaustion; rather, it is disciplining the ego decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed to relinquish the loved for the sake of the upon those before you that you may become Beloved. The loved are the desires of eating, righteous.” (Quran; 2:183) drinking, sexual activities etc., while the That is: that you may fear Allah, keep Beloved is Allah, the Exalted. away from His prohibitions, and fulfill His Hence, it is imperative to keep in mind Commands. Prophet Muhammad (peace be when we observe fasting that we do so only upon him) said: “Whoever does not give for the sake of Allah. It becomes imperative up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is on us to try our best to observe the rites that not in need of his leaving his and drink reflect our obedience to Allah, such as the (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)” (Al remembrance of Allah, reading the Quran, Bukhari) supererogatory prayers, charitable deeds and This means that Allah does not want us donations, good manners, etc. Fasting has to abstain from eating and drinking only, great significances and aims, which, if care- rather, He wants us to refrain from evil deeds fully considered, instill in us much surprise. and vileness too. Among these significances, we mention the The Prophet (PBUH) instructed that a following: fasting person, if offended or abused, should During Ramadan, Doha Corniche gets festive lights and colourful decorations. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA say: “I am fasting.” (Al Bukhari) First significance By this, as though the fasting person says: Fasting is linked with true faith in Allah, worship since a person may break his fast, if he wishes, if he remains fasting the whole day). Fasting, then, is a “It is because I am fasting I do not return your the Most Exalted; that is why it has been by eating, drinking or simply by not making the intention hearty, secret worship that concerns only the servant abuses.” The offender at that point may feel reported that fasting is a secret act of to fast (in which case his fast will not be accepted even and his Creator. PAGE 2

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid M Al-Shafi

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR SUPPLEMENT EDITOR DESIGN Mohammed Osman Ali P K Niaz Sajad Sahir 02 THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

QNTC lines up attractive Eid schedule The significance of fasting FROM PAGE 1 When the servant knowingly gives up the things and acts that Adding to the season’s nullify the fast, despite his ability to reach them in secret, he gives festivities will be the vibrant indeed strong evidence of his certain belief that Allah, the Almighty, Eid celebrations at Katara watches over him in both his manifest and secret deeds. There is Cultural village, Souq no doubt that in this kind of conduct is a significant training to strengthen faith in Allah. Waqif and Souq Al Wakrah. These will include cultural Second significance performances, musical acts Fasting is also training for the servant to aspire to the Here- and family shows with a after since, by fasting, he gives up some of the worldly matters, looking forward to Almighty Allah’s reward. By observing the fast, special fireworks display at he weighs the profit in terms of the condition in the Hereafter. Katara Cultural Village. However, those who measure things in materialistic terms are only concerned with the worldly aspect of fasting. As a result, they think of it as merely deprivation of the pleasures of life, which please the TO kick off its biggest ‘Summer in ’ self and satisfy the body. They are not in the least concerned with the program, Qatar National Tourism Council other aspect of its significance in the hereafter that constitutes the (QNTC) has announced a number of enter- real reward and the genuine perpetuity. This attitude of their hearts tainment shows and new attractions that weakens their aspiration for the hereafter and its eternal enjoyment. will be open to public from the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Third significance Mashal Shahbik from QNTC commented: Fasting is a practical embodiment of submission and servitude “We are excited to launch the biggest to Allah, the Exalted, that the servant manifests by eating and ‘Summer in Qatar’ program. This year’s PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA drinking at night only in response to the call of his Lord, Allah Who entertainment offerings are geared towards Says in the Noble Quran: “And eat and drink until the white thread families, with children’s shows and movie Doha Exhibition & Convention Center, the Buzz Lightyear fans can enjoy Toy Story 4, of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night].” premieres, as well as concerts and sports. Entertainment City offers fun for all ages premiering this Eid. (Quran; 2:187). That is why the fasting Muslim should eat at (break With more than 30 public and private sector including bouncy castles, mini-golf , The nine malls participating in this year’s fast) time, at sunset, and just before dawn (Suhoor, or the per-dawn partners offering a range of exciting promo- exciting rides, skill games, video games, as summer fun include: Doha Festival City, Mall ) because continuous fasting (day and night) is forbidden in tions and activities, we are excited to make well as live entertainment shows, food, bev- of Qatar, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall, Gulf Sharee’ah (Islamic law). Qatar an attractive destination for Eid hol- erage and shopping options. It will be open Mall, Tawar Mall, Al Khor Mall, Hyatt Plaza, The act of eating is, therefore, a form of worship of Allah, the idays” She added, “The summer festivities, daily from 12:30pm to 10:00pm and 1:30-11:00 and Al Mirqab Mall. Almighty. When dawn starts, Muslims discontinue eating and drinking which this year include both Eid holidays, pm on Fridays. An individual entry ticket costs Starting June 4, retailers at these malls (and having sex with their spouses) in compliance with Allah’s order, form a key part of our strategy to energise QR15 with day passes and season passes range will be offering up to 70 percent discounts for He Says: “…Then complete the fast until the night [i.e. sunset].” the tourism sector through diversifying between QR150 – QR1,250. Individual game and special promotions. For every QR200 (Quran; 2:187). In this way, the Muslim is educated about complete Qatar’s events calendar.” prices range from QR10 to QR35. spent at any of the participating outlets in servitude to Allah, the Most High, in such a way that when his Lord Among the newest summer attractions Adding to the season’s festivities will be these malls, shoppers can be part of the three commands, he complies. It is, therefore, not simply a matter of per- this year, are three unique indoor theme the vibrant Eid celebrations at Katara Cul- raffle draws being held throughout the sonal taste, whim and disposition, but a matter of obedience to Allah parks operated by Trimoo Parks and located tural village, Souq Waqif and Souq Al summer. Prizes include cash and cars worth and implementation of His Commands. inside Doha Festival City. The first ever Wakrah. These will include cultural perform- up to QR2m, with a grand prize of McLaren Angry Birds World theme park launches its ances, musical acts and family shows with Spider 570s (2018 model). Fourth significance new outdoor area. Snow Dunes – the coun- a special fireworks display at Katara Cul- Qatar Museum’s Culture Pass Plus and Fasting is similarly a form of education to the whole society try’s first indoor snow park with a cutting- tural Village. Culture Pass Family offers benefits such as since when the fasting Muslim feels that people around him are edge snow-making system, is also expected From the first to the fifth day of Eid Al exclusive discounts on tourism products, all fasting, he finds fast no longer difficult, but feels that he is in to open this summer. Virtuocity- a gaming Fitr, all participating malls will put on free outdoor, mall and retail activities, family harmony with the society to which he belongs through worship, and eSports venue spanning over 4,500 sqm entertainment shows for shoppers and fam- entertainment as well as a variety of callig- the unifying factor of the whole community. Whoever compares will host a FIFA E-Sports Cup in partnership ilies looking for some indoor fun. Besides raphy classes and colouring classes voluntary fasting to the obligatory fast in the month of Ramadan with PSG. the shows, there will be a special Meet & throughout the season. Available at the perceives a certain difficulty in the former and easiness in the The family favourite returns on the first Greet session with Captain Marvel and Hulk National Museum of Qatar, The Museum of latter due to the aforementioned reasons. That is why Muslims day of Eid Al Fitr. Spread out over the at these malls. Lagoona Mall will have a Islamic Arts or at the Mathaf: Arab Museum find it very difficult to spend the month of Ramadan away from expansive ground floor of the special show ‘Aladdin’, at 5pm. Woody and of Modern Art. Muslim environments. www.islamweb.net THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019 03

How Ramadan is observed by expats in Qatar No matter how expats tents in groups. And some fetch anything about Ramadan from observe or celebrate ‘harees’ from the houses of cit- their childhood. “The only thing the month, difference izens in the neighborhood,” says they remember is Eid. And we Lukhmanul Hakeem, a videog- don’t have traditional Iranian is only in details. rapher at an armed force wing. food during Ramadan.” Her quick Bachelors usually divide the shopping list include: Rooh afza, expenses among themselves, says Al Kabeer samosas, Al Kabeer AP MUHAMMED AFSAL Abdella, the Eritrean. “We chip in breaded chicken breasts, kunafa THE PENINSULA money depending on our needs and Arabic sweets. and buy what’s necessary for the Zakariya Puthan Veettil, who SECOND week into the holy week on the weekend before. It’s works in the HMC says he prefer month, here’s a look at how mostly chicken, , salads to spend time at home. During expats observe and celebrate the and soup.” Ramadan, he recites the Quran in the blessed month. And as much His shopping cart may full. His daily target is to finish a as they differ in minor practices, include: Vimto, Quaker for soup, Juz’ (One of 30 parts in the Holy there are universal factors too. sambosa, lemon and orange, Quran). His expenses go up a bit Yassir Abdella grew up in a injera (Eritrean ), , during the month. He avoids snacks mixed society of Muslims and PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA yogurt and milk and meat. and prefer a straight entry into Christians in Eritrea. Every M S Ahmed, from Bihar, , wholesome . This is inter- Ramadan he reminisces about he’s bad at . “This throws HR professional working in the government regulates the prices says: “Every system in Qatar esting because he comes from Tha- those days. The days in which his a chance to visit various friends health sector said, “We purchase and subsidises the essential items, works in line with Ramadan lassery, a town in Kerala known “Christian friends were excited and families, which is not much a lot. Last week my wife told me the household expenses stay as timings and you feel the fervour for its rich snack culture and bak- over the homely bakery, sambosa a norm here rest of the year.” to buy her lots of sugar. So I the rest of the year, despite the all around.” For him this adds to eries. “I buy lots of fruits to make and sweets brought to them” During the non-Ramadan bought 25kg of sugar.” heavy purchase.” the prayer-friendliness in Qatar. juices to please my fasting kids,” during the Muslim fasting month. months he meets his bachelor Despite these bulk pur- His purchase cart gets filled “Be it a workplace, hotel or mall, he says. While he was in Oman, he Now in Qatar, he works as friends at Cafes. chases many dine out. “Last with “fruits, pakora, samosa items fuel station or fire station, every- visited few tents with his family, an associate in the fraud moni- This year, he wants to fre- year, the restaurants we love to and lots of meat.” Rooh Afza? Yes. where there is a mosque to pray all but not these days because “they toring team of a bank. Despite quent iftar tents. “I don’t go to go had been reserved for all Many South Asians buy this seasons.” For him the food con- are for bachelors in Qatar.” bouts of homesickness, he gets tents usually because I am either Fridays and Saturdays before sugary syrup of unani origin, sumption pattern doesn’t change No matter how expats observe along, having made friends from at work or have already pre- the beginning of the month,” manufactured both in India, much. “We prefer fruits and meat or celebrate the month, difference different continents. They talk pared food with the friends. But says Thoonery, who is from and . The to vegetables. dates, chickpeas, is only in details. The universal about films and web series. I might give it a try this year. I Kerala, India. drink is one of the most sold Rooh Afza, fruit salad, fresh lemon thing such as two big meals at But Ramadan is different. heard many people praising the Many pointed out that the squashes after Manchester-origin juice are some additional items that sundown and predawn and the Observant Muslims abstain from varieties being served there.” relaxed working hours make Vimto in this category. we take for breaking the fast.” inclusion of the date prevails in food, drink, and other worldly How the fasting month Ramadan a pleasant experience It’s bachelors and not families Saeideh Gheblehzadeh, a Qatar as everywhere. The hadith temptations from dawn to dusk. brings memories of food is a in Qatar. Sports journalist Irfan who enjoy most of the Ramadan’s graduate student, who stays in records that Prophet Mohammed More pious ones avoid all enter- paradox. A daylong abstinence Hussain says, “Relaxed office community gatherings and bon- Qatar with her Iranian parents for (PBUH) always broke the fast with tainments. It’s a season of makes your relationship with timings and lack of workload homie. They have more mobilty long says, “It’s mostly with my dates and water. It’s a quick energy prayers, self-reflection and the food deeper. You grasp its leaves ample to time to prayers and freedom as to where to go to family. Every weekend we are booster rich in carbs. kindness. This month-long meaning. As early as last Friday, and Quran-recitation. ” He was pray and dine. “Many bachelors invited for iftaar.” She asked her (Some names were changed routine lasts till Eid Al Fitr. a restaurateur in Matar Qadeem living in Najma as a bachelor have the habit of going to iftar parents if they remembered to protect privacy) Still, Ramadan transcends was seen so eager to remind until last year he brought his religions, feels Abdella. “Back patrons of the iftar options familiy. So he knows best of the home, the time brought the available at his establishment. both worlds. “Now are faithful of different religions No matter what your doctors mostly with my family at home together through shared meals and health officials tell about the unless we get an invitation. and charity,” he says. ideal diet, you break rules for He likes one more thing in Being a bachelor is very the pleasure of company and Qatar. “In Pakistan prices go up tough for him because he says prestige. Shihab Thoonery, an in Ramadan. But since the Qatar 04 THURSDAY 16 MAY 2019

Sealine Beach Resort welcomes Ramadan with exciting offers WITH a view to celebrate the festive times together during the blessed month of Ramadan, Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort, the leading and preferred leisure destination in Qatar, has unveiled an exclusive range of promotional offers at an attractive price. These enticing offers are aimed at allowing its guests and visitors to enjoy the finest Qatari hospitality during the holy month of Ramadan, offering them an opportunity to savor a contemporary laced with authentic yet inno- vative taste. The renowned “Al Odaid” – all day dining restaurant – will welcome its guests, during Ramadan, with elegant interior special 50% discount on the group bookings. settings and themes reflecting buffet. Sealine Beach, A Murwab the spirit of the holy month, Al Odaid restaurant will also Resort is pleased to share, with which is close to everyone’s offer its guests, based on pre- the members of the community, heart. Guests and visitors will booking basis, the opportunity their joy during the blessed break their fast during the iftar to select from a collection of set month of Ramadan, by offering buffet, which will start from menus specially curated by the a range of exclusive offers. sunset till 9 pm with a selection resort’s talented chefs for The resort is looking to offer of soups and indulge afterwards Suhour, from 11 pm till 2 am a variety of options that suit all in a wide variety of hot and cold daily, and include an extensive the segments of the community mezzeh and appetizers, an collection of oriental cold and surpass their expectations assortment of del- starters, hot mezzeh and soups. during the holy month, which is icacies, eclectic collection of The special Iftar menu is priced considered the best period to international gastronomic at QR 150 while Suhour menu enjoy the upscale services at all selection of main courses, and starts from QR 95. its facilities that reflect the end their culinary journey with The resort’s in-house guests authentic Qatari hospitality and the sweet savories including ori- will also be entitled to get special create the most memorable ental and international favors discount on all F&B offers during moments for guests and visitors that will satisfy their taste buds. the blessed month. The resort alike. Moreover, kids under 5 years will also be running a promo- To create an atmosphere of old will be able to enjoy this tional offer at The Edge with a joy during the holy month, buffet for free and children aged complimentary coffee and is also Sealine Beach has also intro- stays, starting from QR 500, cov- units, allowing the guests to hospitality at one of the most between 6 to 12 can avail a providing lucrative offers on duced competitive rates for ering the rooms and the resort’s indulge in the finest Qatari unique resorts in the country.