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Muscat Daily
24-03-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Importance of last ten days of Ramadan
Sustenance for the soul Muscat – Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer and forgiveness. It is a month that helps us strengthen our faith, practise self-discipline and grow spiritually. Islamic scholar Hatim Abdul Salem explains some key concepts in simple terms – Week 4 The last ten days of Ramadan hold immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. These days are marked by increased devotion, prayers and acts of worship, as they include Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) – a night that is considered better than a thousand months of worship, equivalent to 83 years of devotion. Laylatul Qadr falls on one of the odd nights – the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan. Since the exact night is unknown, Muslims dedicate themselves to intensive worship throughout the last ten days, hoping to witness this blessed night. It is believed that all prayers and good deeds performed on Laylatul Qadr are multiplied many times over, making it a night of immense rewards and divine mercy. Islamic scholar Hatim Abdul Salem Many Muslims choose to take leave from work and enter itikaf, a spiritual retreat where they stay in the mosque, praying, reciting the Quran and seeking forgiveness. This act of seclusion helps believers disconnect from worldly distractions and focus entirely on their relationship with Allah. Another reason these last ten days are significant is that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet (PBUH) during this time. While he was in seclusion in a cave in Mecca, Angel Gabriel appeared and recited the first verses of the Quran, marking the beginning of his prophethood. To make the most of these days, Muslims increase their prayers, give charity, seek forgiveness and make heartfelt supplications. By dedicating themselves to worship, they hope to attain Allah's blessings, mercy and ultimate salvation.
Muscat Daily
19-03-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Itikaf: A sacred seclusion in last 10 days of Ramadan
Sustenance for the soul Muscat – Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer and forgiveness. It is a month that helps us strengthen our faith, practise self-discipline and grow spiritually. Islamic scholar Hatim Abdul Salem explains some key concepts in simple terms – Week 3 Itikaf is a form of spiritual seclusion observed during the last ten days of Ramadan. 'Itikaf' means to isolate oneself and it involves withdrawing from worldly affairs to focus entirely on worship, prayer and seeking Allah's blessings. It is performed in a mosque, where individuals spend their time in deep devotion, detaching from all distractions to strengthen their connection with Allah. The last ten days of Ramadan are considered the most sacred, as they include Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) – a night described in the Quran as being better than a thousand months. Muslims engage in constant worship, recitation of the Quran and supplication, seeking forgiveness and divine mercy. Itikaf is a highly recommended sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and those who observe it are promised immense spiritual rewards. It allows individuals to purify their hearts, renew their faith and increase their devotion to Allah. Hatim Abdul Salem Itikaf can be observed for one day, multiple days or the last ten days of Ramadan. Those performing itikaf should:
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Gold price surge reflects on zakat obligations
Muscat : One of the five pillars of Islam, zakat obligates Muslims to donate 2.5% of their qualifying wealth annually to those in need. This religious duty ensures fair distribution of wealth and fosters social solidarity within the community. For many Muslim families, especially in Asian and Omani communities, gold serves not only as jewellery but also investment. With gold prices recently at an all-time high of US$3,000 per ounce, up more than 35% since March 2024, the value of gold holdings has sharply increased. This rise has led to a higher zakat due for many households, impacting their budgets. Islamic scholar Hatim Abdul Salem stresses that the obligation to pay zakat is not affected by changes in asset values. The nisab, the minimum wealth threshold for zakat, is traditionally set at 85g of gold or 595g of silver. As long as a Muslim's wealth meets or exceeds this threshold over a lunar year, zakat is due, regardless of market fluctuations. 'This principle underscores the importance of fulfilling religious obligations without being affected by economic fluctuations,' he said. Community members echo this view, emphasising the spiritual significance of zakat. Ahmed al Harthy, a local businessman, said, 'The rise in gold prices should not deter us from our duty. Zakat purifies our wealth and souls, and its calculation should remain consistent, regardless of market trends.' Salim Khan, a businessman based in Ruwi, agreed, adding, 'Whether gold prices rise or fall, our commitment to this pillar of Islam must remain unwavering. While it's important to be aware of market dynamics, these should not influence our religious obligations. Zakat is a fixed duty, and its fulfillment brings blessings beyond monetary value.' Marketing executive Zayed Malik offered his perspective, saying, 'While gold price fluctuations can affect the monetary value of one's assets, these do not change the essential obligation of zakat. We must believe in our book – the Quran – and trust that everything has good logic.' © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
17-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Gold price surge reflects on zakat obligations
Muscat – One of the five pillars of Islam, zakat obligates Muslims to donate 2.5% of their qualifying wealth annually to those in need. This religious duty ensures fair distribution of wealth and fosters social solidarity within the community. For many Muslim families, especially in Asian and Omani communities, gold serves not only as jewellery but also investment. With gold prices recently at an all-time high of US$3,000 per ounce, up more than 35% since March 2024, the value of gold holdings has sharply increased. This rise has led to a higher zakat due for many households, impacting their budgets. Islamic scholar Hatim Abdul Salem stresses that the obligation to pay zakat is not affected by changes in asset values. The nisab, the minimum wealth threshold for zakat, is traditionally set at 85g of gold or 595g of silver. As long as a Muslim's wealth meets or exceeds this threshold over a lunar year, zakat is due, regardless of market fluctuations. 'This principle underscores the importance of fulfilling religious obligations without being affected by economic fluctuations,' he said. Community members echo this view, emphasising the spiritual significance of zakat. Ahmed al Harthy, a local businessman, said, 'The rise in gold prices should not deter us from our duty. Zakat purifies our wealth and souls, and its calculation should remain consistent, regardless of market trends.' Salim Khan, a businessman based in Ruwi, agreed, adding, 'Whether gold prices rise or fall, our commitment to this pillar of Islam must remain unwavering. While it's important to be aware of market dynamics, these should not influence our religious obligations. Zakat is a fixed duty, and its fulfillment brings blessings beyond monetary value.' Marketing executive Zayed Malik offered his perspective, saying, 'While gold price fluctuations can affect the monetary value of one's assets, these do not change the essential obligation of zakat. We must believe in our book – the Quran – and trust that everything has good logic.'
Muscat Daily
12-03-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Principles of Zakat al Fitr and rewards of charity
Sustenance for the soul Muscat – Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer and forgiveness. It is a month that helps us strengthen our faith, practise self-discipline and grow spiritually. Islamic scholar Hatim Abdul Salem explains some key concepts in simple terms – Week 2 Zakat al Fitr is a unique form of charity associated with Ramadan. The word zakat means purification, while fitr refers to breaking fast. Since humans are not perfect and may make mistakes in their fasting, Zakat al Fitr serves as a way to purify oneself following any shortcomings during Ramadan. Zakat al Fitr is paid on the last day of Ramadan, specifically after sunset, as Islamic days begin at sunset rather than in the morning. It is a compulsory charity that must be given by the head of the household on behalf of every family member, including children. The primary wisdom behind Zakat al Fitr is to ensure that all members of society can celebrate Eid al Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, with joy and dignity. Since Eid is a day of celebration, Islam encourages that even the poor and needy should have sufficient food to enjoy this special occasion. Hatim Abdul Salem Zakat al Fitr is given in the form of food commonly consumed in the region. In many Middle Eastern countries, rice is the staple food, so it is distributed accordingly. The prescribed weight is a specific portion, equivalent to approximately RO1.5 per person. Charity holds immense rewards in Islam, and its value is multiplied during Ramadan. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasised the fact that giving charity, especially during this sacred month, brings immense blessings and forgiveness. Acts of kindness, including feeding the poor, helping those in need and giving Zakat al Fitr, result in spiritual purification and take a person closer to Allah. Thus, Zakat al Fitr is both an obligation and an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on generosity, compassion and social responsibility.
