I never followed Islam but I was called Islamist' terrorist: Umar Khalid

One of the distinguish features of the Noble Quran is that it presents different sorts of classifications. It is quite evident as one of the names of the Quran is Furqan that is it differentiates between things through its unique style of classification. The Quran openly proclaims the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, literate and illiterate, light and darkness and so on. The system of Quranic taxonomy has a pivotal element with regard to ranking of human beings. It classifies them into two groups, one, who is honorable in the sight of their Creator and the second, disliked by Him.

This Quranic approach of classification is quite genuine, void of all sorts of bias. Since humans have no say in their birth, color or region, therefore the Quran doesn’t recognize these parameters to classify two groups of people.

The crux of Quranic taxonomy rests with the human ability which has been equally distributed among all humans. In terms of abilities to perform, barring those tasks performed with exceptional talents, all humans are equal. This is where Quran draws a line and specify who is most honorable in the sight of their Creator, it says:

 O mankind, We created you from one man and one woman, and then divided you into nations and tribes so that you may recognize one another. Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most pious of you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise. (Chapter 49, Verse 13).

Criterion of judgement

To be most righteous in the sight of God, one has to be of pious nature. The Quran uses term Taqwa (a sense of distinguishing between right and wrong, piety) to exemplify the pious nature. It further specifies that the source of pious nature - Taqwa is an inherent quality of human beings. Along with the faculties of hearing, seeing and speaking they have been bestowed with (Taqwa) the criterion of distinguishing between virtues and vices, it has been mentioned in the Quran as:

And by the human self and by Him Who balanced it, then inspired it with its wickedness and piety (Chapter 91, Verses 7 & 8).

Good deeds and human nature

With the advent of human race on earth, the equation has been set in simple terms. Humans have to be obedient to their Creator by means of using their intellect, smart enough to use their ability to judge between right and wrong and spend their lives in performing good deeds. For this very reason God has created life and death:

Who created death and life that He may try you to see which of you is best in deeds, and He is All-Mighty as well as All-Forgiving (Chapter 67, Verse 2)

Since life is all about performing good deeds, the ability to perform any good action has been made as natural as recognizing any color with naked eyes. It is within the reach of a person to identify the difference between colors, so is his criterion of judgement that tells what to perform and what to refrain from?

Good actions have been synchronized with human nature whereas evil deeds are quite detrimental, that’s why there is a universal consensus over the conception of virtues and vices. No one can dare to differ with virtues like truth, justice and honesty etc, and no one appreciates vices like falsehood, violations and corruption. With this inherent ability of humans to identify good and bad, the concept of virtues and vices has been described with the same bent of human intellect, there is no philosophical and ideological kind of description to tell what truth and falsehood are, it is as simple as this:

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Give up what is doubtful to you for that which is not doubtful; for truth is peace of mind and falsehood is doubt (Tirmidhi)

Highway of actions

The Quran presents a highway of actions for everyone who believes in it and intend to be most honorable in the sight of the Creator. For each and every day, there is a definite plan of action to go ahead with it to please the Creator. Again, for every week and month, there are clear specifications with regard to individual and collective actions. So no place for claims and reservations, no place for any excuse either, things have been made clear. For a person to be honored, he has to be man of deeds, that’s it. Every person has fair chances of performing better, as the life has been given, criterion of judgement between right and wrong has been given, and plan of action has been provided with. Now one has to energize himself for everyday action and try to set right the intention.

Difference in human efficiencies

No doubt there are differences in human abilities and efficiencies, one may argue about the quality and magnitude of actions. Those who are of high efficiency may perform well and those who are inefficient may not? True, to convince what Quran emphasizes is, God doesn’t look at the magnitude of an action, rather He sees with what intention in what circumstances it has been performed? If any person keep fast in scorching heat for more than 16 hours a day will get high rewards compare to the one who fast less than 10 hours a day at a cold place. Again, if the intention is to please the God, than every action, no matter how small or big it is in its scale, will fetch rich dividends. A poor’s donation of few rupees will be equal in rewards as compare to what a millionaire gets by donating thousands of rupees from his enormous wealth. The act of charity has demanded sacrifice; both of them have sacrificed in accordance with their capacities. Therefore upon asking whose charity is noble in the sight of God, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: The charity of poor person who tries hard to get few rupees from his hard earn money to donate in the way of God (Nasai – Book of Hadith).

The Quranic taxonomy of human is quite justifiable as every human bear testimony to its genuine and unbiased classification through what we term as actions. Therefore the world has to witness a race between men and women to see who can compete with others in order to please their Creator?

Whosoever acts righteously – whether a man or a woman and embraces belief, We will surely grant him a good life; and will surely grant such persons their reward according to the best of their deeds. (Chapter 16, Verse 97)

God-oriented actions, privilege for the Humanity

It’s very unpleasant to notice that in today’s world the parameters like statuses, resources and wealth have been regarded as privilege and honor for both humans and their societies. No doubt they are, but not at the cost of losing the very essence of human nature and sacrificing its interest. Today’s advancements speak of this dark phase where the height of inventions and discoveries touching the skies while the dignity and honor of humans have gone to the lowest of the low. The ever increasing poverty, hunger, untimely deaths, different forms of corruption in the land, violation of human rights are just to remind a few. The presence of rich and poor, highs and lows in the society speaks of disparity of actions, lack of selfless service and hearts void of God’s love and fear.

The beauty of humanity is to remain in the service of God and always stand on the toes to help those who are in need. This God-oriented action enables every doer to be dear to his God as the classification of good and the bad is purely based on the actions performed for the sake of the Creator:

Everyone is assigned a rank according to his deed. Your Lord is not heedless of what they do (Chapter 6, Verse 132).

Muhammad Abdullah Javed is the Director of AJ Academy for Research & Development. He can be reached at [email protected]

Apr 10: The UAE reported 331 new coronavirus cases - through extensive testing - and two deaths late Thursday night.

The UAE conducted over 40,000 coronavirus tests over the past two days across various segments of society, including citizens and residents, using latest state-of-the-art-technology in line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention's plans to intensify Covid-19 screenings to contain the spread of the virus.

The Ministry also revealed that two patients suffering from Covid-19, an Asian national and an Arab, had died due to complications caused by the virus. Both of the deceased had prior chronic illnesses. The total number of deaths has now reached 14.

UAE announced on Thursday that places of worship will be closed in the country until further notice - amid the coronavirus situation. Authorities decided to extend the closure of mosques, churches and other places of worship in the UAE until further notice for the safety of community members, Wam reported. The measure has been taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

The decision was taken in coordination with the National Authority for Emergency and Disaster Management, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, federal, local religious bodies and health authorities in the state.

Residents face deportation for breaking rules

People who repeatedly flout 'stay at home' measures and endanger others' lives are inviting harsh punishments including deportation, a senior police officer has said.

"The UAE's Attorney-General has already announced the fines and punishments for breaking rules on social distancing and curfew restrictions. Repeated offenders or those who commit crimes that have a 'snowball' effect on the society will be fined, jailed and deported at the end of their term," said Col Saeed Al Hajeri, head of the Cyber Crime Department at Dubai Police, in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.

Al Hajeri said the Dubai police are tightening the noose against violators by resorting to 'naming and shaming' them.

The officer said 'reckless residents' will face serious consequences as they are not allowing the government to serve the people.i.  

Movement permit not to be misused

The officer said residents should not misuse the movement permit introduced by the Dubai Police and those who go out without a permit will be fined on their Emirates ID. Al Hajeri said they expect residents to be highly responsible. "Those who are exempted from taking movement permit can use the company letter to go to work but not for other purposes. You cannot fool the system by obtaining a permit for buying medicine and then going out to visit your sister or brother."

Social media as a double-edged sword

Warning people against circulating rumours and videos mocking authorities, the he said people should instead use the time to be productive or creative.

"We encourage people to use this time to learn new skills and not create scams and endanger the society. This is a difficult time and it will pass. What is more important is what you gain out of this."

Col Al Hajeri said the Dubai Police are aware that many people are using social media as a positive tool and encourage them. "We encourage that, and want people to use social media for positive messaging, to spread awareness about personal hygiene, social distancing and various precautions to be followed."

13 new drive-through coronavirus test centres open across UAE

Thirteen new drive-through testing facilities for Covid-19 have been opened across the UAE over the recent days. The Abu Dhabi Media Office on Thursday reported that under the directives of His Highness Sheikkh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, 13 additional Covid-19 drive-through testing facilities were opened in 10 days, in addition to the centre previously opened in Zayed Sports City in AbuDhabi.

According to authorities, more than 12,000 people have been tested since the centres opened .

The examination process begins by booking an appointment in advance by calling the 8001717 Estijaba centre, or through the SEHA smart application, for an initial assessment.

Priority will be given to those with symptoms, senior citizens, pregnant women and those who suffer from chronic diseases.

Precautionary examinations costs Dh370, and payment will be done electronically through the SEHA application.
 
50,000 workers to be screened in a month

A massive initiative has been launched by healthcare provider Right Health and Al Futtaim Health's HealthHub to screen 50,000 workers for Covid-19 within a month.

Out of the 58 facilities across the UAE, 33 primary health centres of the Right Health are located at the workers' accommodation areas in Jebel Ali, Sonapur and Al Qouz.

"We will be working with businesses across the UAE to ensure their workforces stay safe and healthy. It is essential that private healthcare providers do everything they can to support the government's efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this campaign is to screen as many people as possible.

Crime falls by 96% in Sharjah

A massive drop in crimes has been observed in Sharjah after the implementation of Covid-19 precautionary measures. The crime rate has declined by 96 per cent, according to the Sharjah Police. Only 48 cases were reported in the emirate during this period compared to 717 cases registered last year.

Dispose of masks, gloves safely, say police

Motorists caught throwing face masks and gloves out of their vehicle windows will be fined Dh1,000 and six black points will be registered against their driving licences, the police have warned. The Abu Dhabi Police on Thursday said some people have been throwing used masks and gloves out of the car windows, violating traffic laws. "The masks and gloves pose a threat to public health and the environment. They may have been contaminated and lead to the spread of diseases," the police said in a statement. The police also noted that adhering to precautionary measures that prevent the spread of communicable diseases is everyone's responsibility.

Medical experts explain UAE's high Covid-19 recovery and low death rates

Compared to global rates of Covid-19, the UAE has been showing very high recovery and very low death rates.

According to statistics made available on the World O Meter, the Covid-19 death rate in the UAE is only 0.5 per cent of the total 2,659 infected.
Khaleej Times reached out to UAE doctors and medical experts who have attributed this phenomenon to the UAE's high healthcare standards, the country's predominant younger population, and residents' compliance to the Stay at Home guidelines.

'UAE age structure plays a role'

However, Dr Standford said: "Although death occurs at all ages, there is a predominance of the elderly. The age structure in the UAE is completely different from most countries outside the GCC as there is a predominance of young expatriates here under work permits.
He added: "Most (expatriates) will leave the country by the age of 60. There is therefore only 1.5 per cent of residents aged 65 or more. Compare this with a country like the UK where the equivalent number is 18.2 per cent."

Early intervention

Dr Jacob Cherian, specialist internal medicine, Medcare Medical Centre Marina and medical director for Medcare Medical Centres, attributed early intervention and intensive testing as one of the main reasons for the UAE's faster recovery rates.

"Compared to other countries, the UAE adopted early intervention measures. The UAE closed schools and limited social gatherings when there were hardly any cases," he said. Compliance from residents and a relatively younger and healthier population are other reasons for the lower death rates and high recovery rates, according to Dr Jacob.

Pakistan extends suspension flight operations till April 21

The Pakistan government has extended the suspension of domestic and international flight operations in the country until April 21 in a bid to contain the coronavirus spread, said a notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

In its last notification, the CAA had said that diplomatic, special/cargo flights and flights of national carrier to/from Pakistan holding special approval from the competent authority for transporting stranded passengers would be exempted from the ban.

Bengaluru, Jun 10: Internet connectivity, provided under the central government's BharatNet initiative, will be improved in rural areas of Karnataka in the next two to three months, said Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwath Narayan.

After video conferencing with heads of different agencies and officials, on improving the quality of internet in rural areas, Ashwath Narayan said, "I reviewed the progress of the BharatNet implementation and the steps to be taken to improve the quality of internet connectivity in the next two to three months."

"We also discussed the possibility of giving the implementation of BharatNet to a different agency. We will seek permission from the central government and continue the project. We will ease communication with rural people by ensuring quality and high-speed internet to all Gram Panchayats," he added.

When BSNL officials and other agency representatives who attended the video conference shared their problems, the Deputy Chief Minister assured to solve them through proper coordination.

"Through BharatNet, several government schemes are being implemented in rural areas. Civic service centres are issuing birth and death certificates, Aadhaar cards and social security pensions among others. Of the total 6,000 Gram Panchayats in the state, 4,000 have high-speed internet connectivity, and the remaining will be provided with better internet connectivity through a new agency,'' said Ashwath Narayan.

Additional Secretary (e-governance) Rajeev Chawla, Additional Chief Secretary (IT-BT) EV Ramana Reddy, Principal Secretary (RDPR) Uma Mahadevan, Director (IT) Meena Nagaraj, Collegiate Education Director Pradeep and other senior officials were present in the meeting.