Spare a thought for Muslims around the globe
As we come closer to the end of Ramadan, we need to recognise what a difficult year it has been for many Muslims worldwide. In China, Somalia, Libya, Myanmar, Egypt, Iraq and Syria — they are either dealing with being torn apart by civil war or surges of sectarian violence. Afghanistan, one of the world’s poorest Muslim countries, is teetering on the edge. Many people are demanding political and socio-economic change throughout the region.
In the wake of these challenges, Muslims seek and find strength in Ramadan. Over the course of 30 days, from sunrise to sunset, we refrain from food and drink and refocus on strengthening our faith. It is a time of renewal, but also of reflection on the self and our broader surroundings. Ramadan is also a time to share our religious and cultural heritage with those of different religions.
It is a month of intense spiritual training, patience and charity, but it is also a time of solidarity, shared with those who are suffering from oppression, injustice, exploitation and poverty around the globe! During this month, people around the world can remember and stand in solidarity with the oppressed. Let us all spare a thought for those who are facing political, social, economic, racial and ethnic injustice around the globe.
From Mr Samaoen Osman
Cape Town, South Africa
King of Clay
Kudos to Rafael Nadal for scoring a perfect 10 at the French Open (‘Rafael Nadal wins record-breaking 10th French Open’, Gulf News, June 16). It is a remarkable record to win 10 titles in a Grand Slam event, which may take decades to surpass by the new generations. With this win, he has completed a perfect 10 in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and now in Paris this year. With these perfect 10 victories, he has proved to be the King of Clay.
From Ms Kavitha Srikanth
Thane, India
What causes sleeplessness?
Getting sound sleep is very much needed to maintain good health and it also has a psychological impact (‘Sleeping more during weekends may up heart disease risk’, Gulf News, June 11). In general, people in this part of the world are sleepless, and I think one reason is working hours and disorder in daily routines. In certain cases, good sleep works more than medicine for some people. However, the habit of catching up on lost sleep on the weekend may bring some comfort to people.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
UAE
Facebook comment
Government schools
The news that the Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s government might make it mandatory for all state government employees to enrol their children only in government run schools is really music to our ears. At the same time, will this rule apply to all government servants, including bureaucrats, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Members of Parliament (MP) children too? If that happens, then it is going to be the best era, not only in Tamil Nadu, but for the entire nation to follow suit!
From Mr N. Viswanathan
Coimbatore, India
Lack of confidence
It is really shocking to know that India’s state owned oil marketing companies will revise petrol and diesel prices every day starting today, June 16. Though it is to be calculated based on international oil prices and the valuation of the Indian rupee, how can a layman like us know that these marketing companies are calculating these prices correctly? We feel the government and these companies should first educate us about its calculation and come out with the day-to-day rupee value and international oil prices to judge their honesty. Will the Petroleum Ministry or the companies come out with these details to enable the public to know that we are not fleeced or fooled by these oil companies on a day-to-day basis?
From Mr N. V. Krishnan
Chennai
Making it possible
For the people who say that if you have more than two children, you will not be able to feed them, these men prove them wrong (‘3 Pakistani men and their 96 children: How surging population hurts hard-won gains’, Gulf News, June 11). Can anybody tell me how these 96 children are surviving?
From Mr Sarmad Mahmoud
UAE
Facebook comment
Very draining
It’s worrisome that these men have fathered so many children. I’m sure they are all loved by their parents, but with so many children, how can each child get the amount of quality time they require from their parents? I see it not only as a financial drain, but also an emotional and physical drain as well.
From Mr Edwin J.
UAE
Facebook comment
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
