In one of the few poems from the late Abbasid period, Muslim scholar Yaqut al-Hamawi wrote: “O you whose beauty's splendour has owned my being.”
The use of ownership here is not only the verb in the sentence, but the main focal point and meaning behind al-Hamawi’s words. This leads to the Arabic word of the week: Tamalouk, which has several meanings and variations in different cultures.
Tamalouk means ownership, possession, including to currently own something, become the owner of something or when someone has the right to own something. This type of ownership refers to land or assets. It can also mean to have the legal right to something, to hold or have control over property, which also includes occupying that space.
Depending on how the word has been used and the context of a conversation, it can also refer to other aspects of ownership or control. Tamalouk can mean to possess, have or hold something physically or emotionally. It can also refer to having control or ownership over your actions, feelings, or reactions.
Tamalouk comes from the verb malaka, which is derived from the three Arabic letters Meem, Lam and Kaf. Malaka refers to the action of taking ownership of land by force. In the context of people, it is the action of ruling over a group, for example as a king or queen. This is why the Arabic word for king is malik and for queen is malika. The word malaka can also specifically refer to taking control over one’s own willpower and self.
Tamalouk is one of the classic Arabic words that are understood and used across dialects and accents with slight variations in pronunciation.
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
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What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
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- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
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- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
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