Known as the Mother of the Believers, Khadijah was the first woman to embrace Islam and was Prophet Mohammed’s first wife.
She was said to be noble and intelligent, with a business-savvy mind that led her to become a successful merchant. When she needed someone to travel to Syria to conduct business on her behalf, she chose Prophet Mohammed, then aged 25. Though he had not yet become a Prophet, his reputation as an honest person preceded him.
Upon his return from Syria, the two married. Khadijah was said to be about 40 years old. Fifteen years later, the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Mohammed as he prayed in a cave and asked him to recite the first verses of the Quran. At first he feared for himself but Khadijah supported and reassured him, telling him “Allah will never disappoint you.”
Prophet Mohammed was known to love his wife dearly, claiming he was “blessed with love for her.” The pair had two sons together, though both died at a young age, and four daughters.
Khadijah cared for her family deeply and was described as an immensely compassionate and generous woman. When she neared her death, the angel Gabriel descended from heaven to assure her of the glorious home that awaited her in the afterlife.
“Give her the glad tidings of having a Qasab palace in Paradise wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue,” the angel said.
The Prophet said her name first when listing the best women of Paradise. When he would remember her, he would say “she was the one who believed in me when no one did, she was the one who said I was truthful when the people said I lied, she was the one who spread her wealth for me when others deprived me and she was the one I was blessed by Allah to have my children with when Allah gave me no children through other women.”
Friday’s sermon will tell worshippers to see the example set by Prophet Mohammed in his love and respect for his wife, whom he was monogamously married to until her death, and the example of Khadijah as a strong, kind and dedicated woman.
Worshippers will be told that women are counterparts and true partners of men and that Khadijah was a model of excellence for what it means to be a distinguished woman in her social and practical affairs, a good wife, mother and businesswoman.
History books have recorded the achievements of many women who were pioneers in their work and Khadijah is the greatest of them, the sermon will say.
It will then direct parents to teach their children about these women and learn from their lives to help develop a society with good ethics and behaviour.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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
Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
