President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 540 prisoners serving various sentences in the UAE, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan…reports Asian Lite News
The move comes as part of President Khalifa’s humanitarian initiatives and reflective of the values of forgiveness and tolerance to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and ease the suffering of their families.
Sheikh Khalifa’s annual pardon ahead of the month of Ramadan aims to enhance family cohesion, brings about happiness to mothers and children and provides released prisoners with an opportunity to re-think about their future and return to the righteous path that allows them to lead a successful social and professional life. (WAM)
Holy Month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, 2nd April and Eid al-Fitr will fall on Thursday, 2nd May, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, adding that Ramadan in 1433 Hijri Year is expected to last for 30 days.
The city of Khor Fakkan in the Emirate of Sharjah, specifically at Shark Island near Khor Fakkan Port, which is the easternmost point of the country, will precede the capital, Abu Dhabi, by about eight minutes for the start of fasting and breakfast while in Al Ghuwaifat and Al Sila, the westernmost points of the country, fasting and breakfast will begin approximately 12 minutes later than the capital.
Therefore, the time difference will be 20 minutes, in which Khor Fakkan will be ahead of Ghuwaifat for the start of fasting at dawn and breakfast at sunset, he further added.
The dawn call to prayer in Khor Fakkan will be at 04:48, while in the capital, Abu Dhabi, it will be at 04:56, and in Al Sila and Ghuwaifat it will be at 05:08, Al Jarwan said in conclusion.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced the protocol governing the setup of Iftar tents during the Holy Month of Ramadan, this year…reports Asian Lite News
This comes in line with the national strategy to maintain public health and safety in light of the resumption of various public activities, and in support of the tireless efforts made at the country level to achieve sustainable recovery and restore normalcy.
Prior permits to set up Iftar tents have to be obtained from the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) according to the protocol, with local committees and NCEMA teams in each emirate being authorised to approve the setup of these tents, define the numbers of participants for each one, and determine their locations in coordination with the ERC.
According to the protocol, Iftar tents must be designed in the form of a canopy that is open from all sides or be air-conditioned in addition to incorporating all required safety and protection systems.
Tent capacity shall be determined by the local committees and teams of each emirate, with the participants to remain at least 1 metre apart, while ensuring the provision of security guards or volunteers to organise the entry and exit process. This is in addition to providing posters for all entrances and exits, and avoiding handshakes during greetings.
Iftar tents should open two hours before the time of Iftar (Maghrib call to prayer), to avoid congestion, with the mandatory application of the Green Pass system according to the rules in place by each emirate. Iftar tent organisers or personnel are to provide masks and sterilisation tools and to direct people to adhere to all precautionary and preventive measures, including mask-wearing, physical distancing, and constant hand sterilisation.
Using disposable table covers is mandatory, according to the protocol which also recommended disposable plates, cups and spoons for each individual while ensuring people sit one meter apart on dining tables.
NCEMA noted that all measures announced in the current protocol are subject to modification based on the global and local health situation, and called on the public to cooperate and adhere to Covid-19 pandemic countermeasures in order to maintain the post COVID-19 recovery gains secured by the country.
Officials indicated that the cannons have been set up in Zabeel Grand Mosque, Al Salam Masjid in Al Barsha, Al Mamzar Street, Burj Khalifa area, and the praying ground in Al Mankhool…reports Asian Lite News
The Dubai Police has recently announced the locations of Eid Al Fitr in five different areas across the emirate of Dubai.
Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of Organisations Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police, pointed out that the Dubai Police strives to keep the tradition alive as the shooting of cannons marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and announce the beginning of Eid Al Fitr.
Major Abdullah Tarish Al Amimi, Commander of the Artillery Unit in the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency, indicated that the cannons have been set up in Zabeel Grand Mosque, Al Salam Masjid in Al Barsha, Al Mamzar Street, Burj Khalifa area, and the praying ground in Al Mankhool.
“Every year families gather to watch the Eid cannons. However, due to the ongoing pandemic and as per the announced precautionary measures against COVID-19, firing Eid cannons could be viewed only on TV as no one would be allowed to gather at the locations” Al Amimi added.
Muslims were also advised to avoid crowding the bazaars for shopping in the last days of Ramazan…reports Asian Lite News
The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Shariah Council has issued guidelines for Muslims related to the last days of the holy month of Ramazan and the Eid prayers amid the partial/total lockdowns across the country in the wake of the second wave of coronavirus.
“The last Friday of Ramazan (Jumatul Wida) is like any other Friday. It has no special virtue. In the current situation, the government regulations regarding the performance of prayers in mosques should be adhered to. Wherever there is permission by the local authorities to offer congregational prayers, one should pray as usual using masks and maintaining social distance. Where there is no permission, if there are four people in the house, they can offer Friday or Zohar (midday) prayers in congregation. If less than that, offer Zohar prayers individually,” the Sharia Council’s Secretary Maulana Raziul Islam Nadvi said.
Muslims were also advised to avoid crowding the bazaars for shopping in the last days of Ramazan. “On the day of Eid, new or old clean clothes, whatever is available, should be adorned and one should express gratefulness to Allah,” the Council said.
As per the Shariah Council’s guidelines, the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers should be offered in Eidgahs, Jama Masjids and the local masjids, depending on how many numbers of people are permitted under the present circumstances. “During this time, masks should be used as a precautionary measure and social distancing should be maintained,” it said.
Shaking hands and hugging after Eid prayers is not mandatory. “If there are four people in a house, then they can offer two Rakat of Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at home with extra ‘Takbeerat’. The ‘Khutbah’ (sermon) may be given after the prayer, but it is not compulsory,” the Council said.
It asserted that one of the most important acts of Ramazan is the payment of Sadqah-al-Fitr (charity to poor before Eid prayer). It is obligatory on every Muslim to pay it in the last days of Ramazan on behalf of himself/herself and all the members of the household.
Its quantum can be calculated in terms of dates, raisins, paneer and barley and is 3.5 kh per person. If it is calculated in terms of wheat, then it is 1.75 kg. Its value in terms of money can also be calculated and in terms of wheat, it comes to about Rs 50 per person. The amount can be increased based on a person’s financial status, it said.
The Shariah Council also instructed the Muslims to avoid going around to meet and greet people on the day of Eid. “Please remember the poor, the needy on the day of Eid along with Muslim prisoners and their relatives. In the joys of Eid, care should be taken of the poor and needy, especially Muslim prisoners in jails and their distressed families.”
“We must ensure that in all our acts of worship and Islamic rituals, our actions do not endanger the lives of human beings. Protection of life is one of the objectives of the Islamic law. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautionary measures during the pandemic,” it said.
The International Astronomical Centre (IAC) is predicting that Eid al-Fitr will fall on 13th May in most Muslim countries … reports Asian Lite News
Eng. Mohamed Shawkat, Director of the Centre, stated that the sighting of the crescent moon in most Muslim countries will take place on Tuesday, 11th May, 2021, noting that in countries that began the Holy Month of Ramadan on Wednesday, 14th April, the moon sighting will take place on Wednesday, 12th May, including in several non-Arab African and Muslim countries, where the Eid will fall on Thursday or Friday.
He also pointed out that for countries that will perform the moon sighting on Tuesday, 11th May, the sighting will be impossible on that day in all Islamic countries around the world, because the moon sets before the sun and because of the conjunction or crescent forming after the sunset. Therefore, these countries will complete Ramadan in 30 days and the Eid will be on Thursday, 13th May, he added.
In countries that will sight the crescent moon on Wednesday, 12th May, it will be possible by using a telescope from the East of the Islamic world, as well as in Arab countries in Asia and Europe while a bare eye sighting will be possible with some difficulties in the majority of African countries, Canada and South America, he further added, affirming that a bare eye sighting will be possible in the US, Central America and northern parts of South America.
Accordingly, Eid al-Fitr will fall on Thursday, 13th May, in most countries and on Friday, 14th May, in other countries.
Asda donates £100k to FareShare support Muslim community groups, across the month of Ramadan…. reports Asian Lite News
Supermarket retailer Asda has announced that during Ramadan it will be donating thousands of pounds to FareShare to support Muslim charities and community groups across the country. Through its charity partnership with food redistribution charity FareShare, Asda is enabling hundreds of vulnerable families access to food which might otherwise have gone to waste, through the 11,000 charities and community groups FareShare supports. On top of this donation, our community champions will be able to donate £10,000 worth of food and goods to support Muslim communities local to our Asda stores. Jo Warner, Asda’s Senior Director of Community said: “We know the past year has been challenging for our communities as they’ve faced into worrying and uncertain times. Through our work with FareShare, we’re supporting vulnerable families and providing meals to those most in need. “Food is to be shared and enjoyed and is often a central part of bringing communities together, especially during important religious festivals such as Ramadan. I know many are hoping for a small family gathering to share pre-fasting and post-fasting meals as restrictions ease and this donation will enable community groups to provide food and support for so many families that may be struggling with food security. “To all the community leaders out there making things happen – a huge thank you from us for all that you’re doing, I know it’s making such a difference to your local communities”. Lindsay Boswell, FareShare Chief Executive, said: “Demand for our service has never been higher and unfortunately we anticipate it will remain high for some time – but thanks to the support of Asda, we’re proud to be working hard to get good food to Muslim communities and faith groups throughout the Ramadan period and all year round.” Andy Brown, Community Development Leader at Oasis Hub Hobmoor, which is served by FareShare Midlands, said: “With Covid we’ve had to focus much more on food because the need was so great. When the schools were closed from March to August, we basically turned it into a food distribution hub, delivering about 200 food parcels every week. Our aim is that no child or adult, no one in Yardley, should go hungry. We’ve heard back from people that the delivery service was really a lifeline, people couldn’t have survived without it and there is still a huge need out there.” Through the retailer’s Fight Hunger Create Change programme, Asda has invested in FareShare’s infrastructure over the past 3 years, funding new warehouses and refits which has enabled the charity to redistribute an additional 71 million meals since 2018 and support an additional 4000 charities to be able to receive food donations.
In war-torn Afghanistan, fighting and violence have been continuing…reports Asian Lite News
Afghans from all walks of life are calling for ceasefire to be observed in Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which starts on Tuesday.
In war-torn Afghanistan, fighting and violence have been continuing, and in the latest wave, over 50 people including Taliban militants, government security personnel and civilians were killed, according to sources and local media reports.
An explosive device went off in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province on Sunday afternoon, killing two civilians and injuring another, reports Xinhua news agency.
District chief Nazikmir Akbari has blamed the Taliban militants for planting the explosive device to terrorize the local residents.
Refugees from Afghanistan arrive at Skala Sikaminias, on the island of Lesvos, Greece(Xinhua/Marios Lolos/IANS)
A similar blast claimed the lives of two children in Arghandab district in the southern Kandahar province on Saturday, police spokesperson Jamal Barikzai has said.
According to security officials, 18 militants have been killed in Kandahar and 14 more in the neighbouring Uruzgan province since Saturday.
At least 16 more insurgents have recently been killed in the Wardak, Kunduz and Samangan provinces, according to officials.
“The month of Ramadan is the month of peace and brotherhood and therefore I ask the Taliban and the government to observe cease-fire and let the Afghans to live in peace at least in Ramadan,” Noorul Haq Khan, a Kabul resident, told Xinhua.
First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, at a gathering in the Shamali area outside the capital Kabul on Sunday, called on the Taliban outfit to meet the demand by the Afghan people for cease-fire and reconciliation.
Lawmaker Mohiudin Munsif was quoted by the local media as saying, “Taliban should observe ceasefire at least in Ramadan” if they want peace.
According to local media reports, a former commander, Sayed Akbar Agha, said that “no sign of observing ceasefire from the Taliban” has been seen.
Local media reports said 79 security personnel and 28 civilians have been killed and 106 others including 57 civilians injured over the past seven days in Afghanistan.
The UAE Ministry of Economy has adopted strategies to protect consumer rights ahead of the holy month of Ramadan 2021…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Ministry of Economy announced on Sunday that price hike will not be allowed during the month of Ramadan.
The Ministry plans 420 inspection visits to outlets and markets nationwide before, during and after Ramadan, which is likely to begin on April 13 depending on the moon sighting.
The Ministry of Economy (MoE) has organized a media briefing on consumer protection measures in the UAE, especially the preparations and efforts that have been made ahead of the holy month of Ramadan 2021.
The media briefing covered a number of measures and preparations made by the Ministry and its strategic partners to ensure best practices for consumer protection throughout the year in general, and in Ramadan in particular.
The new Consumer Protection Law, No. 15 of 2020, which was issued last year further strengthened the UAE’s consumer protection landscape by ensuring the quality of products and service provided to the consumer.
These measures ensure the correct pricing of goods and preserve the health and safety of the consumer when purchasing the goods or upon receiving and using them. Furthermore, they encourage proper consumption patterns, as well as the adoption of the ideal regulatory and supervisory standards in the markets to ensure their stability and prosperity, establish a balanced relationship between merchants and consumers across various markets of the country including smart trade and online shopping platforms. Besides, they provide mechanisms dedicated to protecting consumers in unprecedented and emergency circumstances.
During the session, Marwan AlSboosi, Director of the Competition and Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy, reviewed a number of initiatives that the Ministry is working to implement in cooperation with its partners from various federal and local authorities and the cooperative and private sectors in all the emirates. These are designed to enable sound business practices, consumer protection and raise the consumer awareness in the country.
AlSboosi explained that the Ministry of Economy, represented by the Competition and Consumer Protection Department, held approximately 29 meetings since the beginning of 2021 until now, targeting traders of rice, flour, sugar, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and juices and the like. These meetings were aimed at raising the level of communication and coordination with all suppliers and traders; exchanging information on markets that are exporting to the country; and reviewing their plans to ensure the availability of goods and meet the needs of the markets.
Dubai Lamcy Plaza(Wikipedia)
The discussions focused on preparations for Ramadan, ensuring stability of prices and preventing any unjustified price hikes. During the meetings, suppliers confirmed their commitment to addressing the needs of the local markets in terms of commodities and product requirements and taking the necessary measures to avoid any shortage of basic commodities throughout the year, especially during the Ramadan season.
He underlined that the relations between the Ministry and the suppliers of goods or sales outlets are long-term partnerships supported by mutual efforts for coordination and cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both parties. It helps maintain the availability of goods and ensure market stability and thus contributes to the balance of the national economy and serves the country’s strategic economic objectives.
