When was the last time you were absolutely certain about something?
If the answer takes a while, don't worry.
Such deep-in-your-gut conviction is so rare, the Arabic language has a special term for it.
Yaqeen, a classical Arabic word often found in spiritual and philosophical texts, is used to express a state of deep certainty.
It is also used to describe different shades of assuredness. For example, if you feel an inner certitude, then you are in a state of yaqeen.
The word can also be used to describe an unshakable truth or a heightened state of reality.
Yaqeen, and its root letters, are mentioned in the Quran and in various ways. Yaqinuna is described as an action, because it implores us to "believe with certainty", and as an adjective, al muuqinina, to describe a faithful community who “believe firmly”.
Such is its resonance, yaqeen is limited to the more poetic of Arabic songs.
In Robaa'eyat El Khayyam, Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum uses the term to assuage the heartbroken: “Do not torment yourself with the fear of suspicions / And seize from the present the security of certainty.”
While Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo, in Atny Fe El Hawak El Sabr, is confused by his partner’s assuredness: “I don't hold on to hope in you. My despair is growing. You have certainty, yet you leave the heart perplexed.”
Grand, emotive and poetic, yaqeen is the kind of word that allows us to examine our thoughts and actions.
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.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
