Proud to create partnerships with Muslims all over the world: Saudi

Arab News
September 17, 2017

Sao Paulo, Sept 17: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Saleh Al-Asheikh said the Saudi government and people are proud to communicate and create partnerships with Muslims all over the world, notably Latin America, in serving Islam and strengthening the moderate approach of Islam.

The minister’s remarks came at the opening of the 30th session of the International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims which started in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday. The ministry’s undersecretary, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Ghannam Al-Ghannam, who is leading Saudi delegation at the conference, addressed the conference on behalf of the minister.

He said the Kingdom used to support the moderate Islamic approach which combines preservation of originality and constant Islamic teachings; promotes good dealing with Muslim and non-Muslims, irrespective of their sects and religions; strives for positive interaction in serving the security, stability and coexistence of societies; and faces all risks that could distort the good image of Islam or stir up divisions and spread hatred among communities.

Al-Ghannam also lauded the good message and objectives of the conference which are represented in deepening the Islamic identity through the family, mosques, and Islamic, educational and media institutions, as well as the enhancement of communication between the Islamic institutions in the Latin American and the Caribbean countries.

He said the session comes in light of critical conditions and changes at the world level and big challenges facing Muslims which require enormous efforts to preserve the Islamic identity.

For his part, the director of the Islamic Call Center in Latin American and the Caribbean countries, Ziyad bin Ahmed Al-Saifi, welcomed the Saudis and other delegates to the conference. He lauded the Saudi ministry’s efforts in organizing the current 30th session and the Kingdom’s continued efforts to support Muslim minorities and spread Islamic teachings.

Addressing the conference, Brazilian Parliament member Antonio Gollart affirmed the importance of the conference at it deals with a topic concerning humanity in general. He also expressed his admiration over the teachings of Islam which guarantee the rights of families and protects their original values and customs.

Palestinian Ambassador in Brazil Ibrahim Al-Zain also addressed the conference and appreciated the efforts of the Saudi government in supporting issues of Islam and Muslims around the world.

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Marzouq, from Lebanon, gave an address on behalf of the preachers participating in the conference. He expressed thanks to the Kingdom for its concern over the Islamic call and Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ support to preachers in different parts of the world.

For his part, adviser to the Palestinian president for religious affairs, Mahmoud Al-Habbash, stressed the importance of human communication and building of one humanitarian family based on the principles of tolerance, love and brotherhood with their different religions and faiths.

The head of the Women’s Section at the Islamic Call Center in Latin American and Caribbean countries, Braa bint Ahmed Al-Saifi, appreciated the Kingdom’s efforts in sponsoring the current 30th session and its continued support to Muslim minorities in different parts of the world.

Bishop of Sao Paulo Carlos Lima Garcia also addressed the event and conveyed his greetings to leaders, scholars and preachers. He said the divine religions share with Islam its concern over families, their ethics, and youths and their protection from what is harmful to their societies.

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News Network
January 12,2020

Dubai, Jan 12: Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco announced Sunday that its initial public offering raised a record $29.4 billion, a figure higher than previously announced, after the company used a so-called "greenshoe option" to sell millions more shares to meet investor demand.

The company said that the sale of an additional 450 million shares took place during the initial public offering process.

The oil and gas company, which is majority owned by the state, began publicly trading on the local Saudi Tadawul exchange on December 11. It hit hit upwards of $10 a share on the second day of trading. This gave Aramco a market capitalization of $2 trillion, making it comfortably the world's most valuable company.

Aramco's additional sales mean the company has publicly floated 1.7% of its shares. It's IPO, even before the added sales, was the world's largest ever.

The shares sold in the over-allotment option "had been allocated to investors during the book-building process and therefore, no additional shares are being offered into the market today," Aramco said.

Company shares traded down on Sunday, dipping to around 34.7 riyals, or $9.25 a share, amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf between Iran and the United States. Aramco was a target of rising tensions over the summer when a missile and drone attack, which Saudi Arabia and the US blame on Iran, temporarily halved its production.

Sunday's trading figures value Aramco at $1.85 trillion, still well ahead of Apple, the second largest company in the world after Aramco, but below the $2 trillion mark sought by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

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KT
May 18,2020

May 18: As the UAE authorities have asked all residents to avoid gatherings, it is clear that - for the first time - it's going to be a #StayHome Eid. But experts say that although it will be different, the celebration will be just as meaningful.

It is important to remember that the Eid prayer can be performed at home either individually or with family members under the sane roof, said Dr Mohammed Eyada Ayoub Alkobaisi, a Grand Mufti with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai.

Dr Alkobaisi said this prayer is a highly recommended Sunnah or practice urged by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

"Eid Prayer must be performed openly, unless we are prevented for an acceptable reason, such as fear for self, wellbeing, property, etc." Under the current circumstances, prayers can be offered from home, he said.

But what the faithful will likely miss is listening to the khutbah or the sermon of Eid with a crowd. The sight of people pouring out into the streets and coming together for prayer and worship would not be unfolding this time.

Dr Sheikh Mohamed Ashmawy, an Islamic researcher, said that in this time of Covid, doing away with several Eid traditions would be necessary for everyone's safety.

"The ban is is line with the ongoing preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19," he said.

However, it doesn't mean people can't celebrate and exchange heartfelt greetings, he added.

"We can greet each other remotely on the phone or via social media networks."

Islamic researcher Sheikh Mohamed Wasfi said audio-visual smart apps have made communication much easier, even bringing people closer than before.

"Of course, families and friends wish to hug, shake hands and see each other personally, but this will be a big risk these days," he said.

Sheikh Asadullah Del Mohamed, an imam, reminded that banquets, parties and visits are discouraged to avoid crowds and gathering.

Recently, 30 people from two families tested positive for the virus after breaking social distancing rules and holding a gathering.

Faithful's sentiments

Ibrahim Abdelkader, an Egyptian auditor, said that while it would be sad to spend Eid Al Fitr at home, he understood that it is for everyone's safety.

"Better to stay home than be sorry," said Ahmad Jamil, a Syrian resident.

Rashid Saeed, an Emirati national, said people are advised to just check on each other by phone or video and voice call apps.

"While Eid prayers is banned in congregation, it's not acceptable at all for some people to carelessly gather and exchange visits," he said.

Abdullah Al Saleh, an Emirati national, said he and all his relatives used to gather for breakfast after the Eid prayer - but this time, they are ready to do it in their own homes.

Mohamed Ibrahim, another Emirati, said he would surely miss seeing his kids happily prancing around with their new clothes and enjoying the outdoors like every year.

"But, I agree as it is for their health, safety and wellbeing," he said.

THINGS TO REMEMBER IN CELEBRATING EID THIS YEAR

>Perform the Eid prayer at home, individually or with family members living with you

>Exchange greetings with loved ones and friends via phone calls or online

>No hugs

>No handshakes

>No gatherings

>No visits to other homes

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Agencies
May 25,2020

Abu Dhabi, May 25: Dusty weather to persist in the UAE on Monday as well with a chance of rainfall in parts of the country, the national Met department reported.

According to the NCM, the weather today will be fair to partly cloudy, with a chance of some convective clouds formation by afternoon - eastward and northward - extending to some internal areas that may be associated with some rainfall.

The weather will get humid by night and Tuesday morning over some coastal areas.

NCM predicts a wet Eid break.

Sharjah Police issued a weather warning as heavy rain flooded roads in Sharjah's Kalba among other areas.

Moderate to fresh winds will gain strength during the day causing blowing dust and sand.

The sea will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and in Oman Sea.

Earlier on Sunday, a weather alert was issued by authorities as moderate to heavy rain - accompanied with hail - lashed parts of the UAE. A rainbow in Dubai skies cheered up residents, celebrating a unique Eid this year amid the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic - by mostly staying home.

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