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Showing posts with the label faith

Finding Peace in my New Space

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.  I do not know who wrote this. I remember watching a movie on chaos -- chaos, then peace. Nowhere in the middle or middle of nowhere, both seem apply to me, but I find peace, and in peace, I find myself. Forty days ago, I moved into my new room. After nearly eight (8) years in my old landlady’s two (2)  flats, it feels strange — like breaking in a new pair of shoes. There’s a mix of excitement and awkwardness, but mostly, it’s about learning to adjust -- again (I thought I am used to it). My young landlord and his wife? Incredibly kind. They check in on tenants and actually listen when we need something. My flatmates are polite and easy to live with. There’s no laundry timetable, no silly fights over washing time. I can wash clothes anytime, day or night — Monday to Sunday. I love that, because it means no smelly pile of clothes waiting for “my turn.” The only catch...

A Race Against Time: UAE's Amnesty Deadline Looms

  As the 31 October 2024 deadline for UAE's amnesty program approaches, a wave of uncertainty washes over the thousands of residency violators who have stepped forward to rectify their status. While the initiative has been a beacon of hope, concerns remain about whether two (2) months is sufficient time for all to comply. Obstacles to Rectification Several significant hurdles have impeded the process for many who wish to stay: Job Market Challenges:  While some companies have offered support, job mismatches and delays have hindered smooth transitions.  Passport Issues: Expired or lost passports require renewal or replacement, a time-consuming process. (Thanks to UAE government -- the minimum passport validity is reduced to one month. Read related article here .) Academic Credentials: Obtaining attested academic transcripts, especially for those who have lost or misplaced them, can be a lengthy and costly endeavor.  Financial Constraints: Many amnesty seekers la...

Ramadan: A Season of Faith

Ramadan Kareem  to all Muslim brothers and sisters in the world!  Ramadan is a season of faith among all Muslims worldwide. Based on the sighting of the crescent month, the Islamic leaders announce the period that covers the commemoration of the revelation of Quran to prophet Muhammad . Fasting from dawn to sunset,  an average of  11-16 hours  daily depending on solstices of the sun, is obligatory. It is making oneself 'dry' as a way of cleansing the whole system -- body and spirit. Muslims refrain from -- eating foods; drinking liquids; smoking, and; engaging in sexual intercourse There are exceptions to this -- when a Muslim is suffering from an illness; traveling; an elderly; pregnant; breastfeeding;  diabetic; chronically ill, or menstruating I am not a Muslim but I highly respect Islamic beliefs. I experience fasting, too, and it is really great to empty oneself of foods and beverage for some hours, as your body connect...