The numbers “16:8” and “5:2” may be familiar to some as signifiers of modern fasting trends. During intermittent fasting, 16:8 signifies 16 hours of fasting with eight hours of eating in between, and 5:2 refers to two days of fasting and five days of maintaining a regular eating schedule during any given week.
I bring this up because we are now in the depths of Ramadan, a period during which Muslims fast as an act of instilling spiritual discipline. Ramadan is of course about much more than just fasting, nonetheless it is a feature of the holy month that is most visible to non-Muslims. It often even serves as the focal point of discussions between Muslims and non-Muslims about its physical, mental and spiritual benefits. For what it’s worth, Muslims may well point out that 16:8 is basically Ramadan fasting, and 5:2 is a modern reinvention of the prophetic tradition of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.
In sum, Ramadan provides a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, regardless of faith and background, and find common interests and values that they might otherwise not be aware of. This has been the case all over the world for hundreds of years, and – for as long as I can remember – in the UK, too.
However, given the current churn in the country’s politics and the dominance of social media in our lives, I have noticed a lot more chatter around Ramadan that might reflect, but in turn also exacerbate, misgivings among some about the holy month. The prevalence of these attacks is probably best explained by the fact that this year, Lent, the Christian period of fasting, coincides almost entirely with Ramadan.
Might those criticising Ramadan not make better use of their time and energy?
Like Ramadan, Lent is predicated on abstention, spirituality and giving – yet some people in the UK have chosen to be wilfully ignorant of these commonalities.
A case in point is the display of Ramadan lights in central London, which has triggered criticism from several quarters, particularly on social media. While some have reasonably asked why there are no lights to celebrate Easter, other complaints have sounded alarmist and in some cases even bigoted. “We are a Christian country. Easter is one of the main feasts in the Christian calendar,” wrote one. “It should not be overshadowed by other religious events.” “Ramadan lights at Easter. This is cultural displacement,” wrote another.
Since the beginning of the month, a number of posts with pictures of bacon and alcohol have emerged on social media targeting Muslims. These posts, often put out at the time of breaking fast, would run messages like: “Anyone else fancy a nice bacon sandwich at noon to celebrate Ramadan?” and “Highly recommend Ramadan toasties, great after 12 beers and a brass”. As a Muslim who fasts and does not consume either of those items, such images do nothing to put me off; in fact, if anything they strengthen my resolve to continue fasting. But it is puzzling as to why images of items that committed Muslims don’t have an interest in consuming would be deemed tempting to us at all.
There have also been posts asking why Muslims are complaining about fasting when it is supposedly easy. In one video clip, viewed more than 43 million times as of writing this piece, one commentator says: “Just found out Ramadan ‘fasting’ is having a massive breakfast before the Sun comes up and dinner after the Sun goes down: otherwise known as skipping lunch.”
Such flippant remarks suggest that those who make them either know little about the challenges of fasting or don’t care enough to find out, or both. Put differently, critics and haters either don’t have a basic understanding of Ramadan or the desire to connect with those involved in it.
The overlap between Ramadan and Lent has prompted some parents to complain that their children know nothing about the latter. As a mother who wants her children to learn about all traditions, I couldn’t agree more. But it begs the question as to why these same parents haven’t done their part and enlightened their children about such an important concept. I come across people who, while professing to being atheists or finding no value in going to church, lament about Lent’s relatively low profile in our common consciousness.
As someone who takes her faith seriously, it saddens me to hear such sentiments being expressed on a regular basis – as does the fact that church worship is on the decline in the country, as multiple surveys have revealed in recent years. But the most disheartening aspect of these conversations and social media posts is that the overlap between Lent and Ramadan presented a wonderful opportunity for Britons to connect with one another over values that bind us – and yet it is unclear whether all of us embraced it.
Certainly, key spiritual institutions around the world took the initiative to make this happen.
The Vatican wrote: “This year, as both Christian and Muslim traditions converge in the observance of Ramadan and Lent, believers have a unique opportunity to show the world that faith transforms both individuals and societies, acting as a force for unity and reconciliation.” The Muslim Council of Britain also celebrated the connection by posting: “We wish our Christian friends a meaningful Ash Wednesday and a spiritually enriching Lent.” The Catholic archbishop emeritus of Abuja, Nigeria said: “Both Ramadan and Lent are times to draw closer to God, be more fervent in prayer, and help the poor.”
Might those criticising Ramadan not make better use of their time and energy focusing on learning more about Lent and perhaps even observing this most Christian of traditions? Would this not lead to a much-needed appreciation of other traditions, including Ramadan?
At the very least, it’s important for them to understand the basic truths at the core of fasting. The act, in and of itself, is about thinking about others rather than about the self, and a struggle to be better rather than indulging in our worst instincts.
We still have a period of overlap left during which time those of us who fast will do so in our own ways. Whether it is Ramadan, Lent or any other tradition of fasting – yes, we will count 16:8 and 5:2 as well – there is still a window for people to reach out to one another and make connections. In a world where it seems harder than ever, we should make the most of these opportunities.
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The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
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How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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High profile Al Shabab attacks
- 2010: A restaurant attack in Kampala Uganda kills 74 people watching a Fifa World Cup final football match.
- 2013: The Westgate shopping mall attack, 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers and four gunmen are killed.
- 2014: A series of bombings and shootings across Kenya sees scores of civilians killed.
- 2015: Four gunmen attack Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya and take over 700 students hostage, killing those who identified as Christian; 148 die and 79 more are injured.
- 2016: An attack on a Kenyan military base in El Adde Somalia kills 180 soldiers.
- 2017: A suicide truck bombing outside the Safari Hotel in Mogadishu kills 587 people and destroys several city blocks, making it the deadliest attack by the group and the worst in Somalia’s history.
Multitasking pays off for money goals
Tackling money goals one at a time cost financial literacy expert Barbara O'Neill at least $1 million.
That's how much Ms O'Neill, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University in the US, figures she lost by starting saving for retirement only after she had created an emergency fund, bought a car with cash and purchased a home.
"I tell students that eventually, 30 years later, I hit the million-dollar mark, but I could've had $2 million," Ms O'Neill says.
Too often, financial experts say, people want to attack their money goals one at a time: "As soon as I pay off my credit card debt, then I'll start saving for a home," or, "As soon as I pay off my student loan debt, then I'll start saving for retirement"."
People do not realise how costly the words "as soon as" can be. Paying off debt is a worthy goal, but it should not come at the expense of other goals, particularly saving for retirement. The sooner money is contributed, the longer it can benefit from compounded returns. Compounded returns are when your investment gains earn their own gains, which can dramatically increase your balances over time.
"By putting off saving for the future, you are really inhibiting yourself from benefiting from that wonderful magic," says Kimberly Zimmerman Rand , an accredited financial counsellor and principal at Dragonfly Financial Solutions in Boston. "If you can start saving today ... you are going to have a lot more five years from now than if you decide to pay off debt for three years and start saving in year four."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Understand What Black Is
The Last Poets
(Studio Rockers)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Race results:
1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min
2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec
3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec
What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)
Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
