Thursday 16 May 2019 The significance of fasting in Ramadan 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 food 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 Qatar’ 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 Iftar (break With more than 30 public and private sector including bouncy castles, mini-golf course, 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 meal) 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.