The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
asia10 hours ago
It is not unusual for a Christian family to book a Christmas holiday in a resort in the Maldives, for example, for a nice beach experience.
Church and mosque representatives are reminding people of all religions that expensive gifts and festive food is not harmful as long as they don’t take over their faith.
Dr Mohammad Mattar Al Ka’abi, Director-General of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Auqaf (GAIAA), has called upon people, with no bias towards any nationality or religion, to realise the actual meaning and real goals of the holy celebrations.
He pointed out that nowadays most people simply ignore the noble aims of the festivals.
“Extravagance and over-spending on some aspects of these celebrations, like eating, drinking, and clothing, in order to express pleasure is something unacceptable by God Almighty. Dedicating some of this money to charitable activities is much better than spending on useless ways,” said Dr Al Kaabi.
He also pointed out that this type of materialism might cause a community gap. “The revealed religions, whether Islam or Christianity, are aimed at remembering Allah (God) and spreading love, peace, happiness, and kindness among all people, not only the rich, but also the poor, the needy and the ill,” stressed Dr Al Kaabi.
As for the Eid itself, it is an opportunity for litigants to bury their hatchet, to forget and forgive.
Muslims should become more cooperative, tolerant, charitable and forgiving in such happy occasions, he stated.
Monsignor Paul Hinder, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia, based in Abu Dhabi, explained that religious holidays are celebrated by two types of people: the pious ones, who are still deeply marked by their faith; and the people who practise little, if at all, their religion.
Up to a point, the commercialisation of Christmas it is a normal activity, according to the bishop.
The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
asia10 hours ago
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
transport10 hours ago
The former all-rounder has returned to cricket during the past year after a horrific car crash at the end of 2022
cricket10 hours ago
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
emergencies11 hours ago
The country has set a new Guinness World Record by creating the largest falcon hood, beating the previous record of 1.65 metres
uae11 hours ago
Hamas' health ministry said that 94,616 people have been wounded since the conflict began on October 7
mena12 hours ago
In most Islamic countries, including the Gulf countries, the Prophet's birthday is observed on 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1444
uae holidays13 hours ago
Traffic will be diverted to the opposite side during this period
transport13 hours ago