Latest news with #Hijri
Qatar Tribune
20-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Indian expat in Doha builds rare coin collection from 140 countries
Tribune News Network Doha Mukthar Mohammed, an Indian expatriate from Kerala living in Qatar for the past 28 years, has created an extraordinary collection of 1,341 coins from 140 countries, earning him admiration among global numismatic enthusiasts. A resident of Doha and an official at Qatar Airways, Mukthar's passion for coin collecting dates back to his childhood in Venkidengu, Thrissur District, where his father ran a small grocery shop. 'I used to sort coins into different bowls on a table—it was a simple hobby that became my passion,' he recalls. Though his early collection was lost during the renovation of his ancestral home, Mukthar resumed his coin-collecting journey a decade ago with renewed dedication. Since then, he has meticulously built and preserved a vast and diverse assortment of coins that vary in shape, size, color, and metal composition—from copper and bronze to silver, aluminum, and steel. His collection is not just a visual delight but also a historical archive, with several coins commemorating political transitions, royal dynasties, and momentous global events. The oldest coin in his possession dates back 224 years, corresponding to Hijri year 1223, from the Ottoman Empire period—an artifact that stands testament to the passage of time and empires. 'Coins are more than currency—they are silent storytellers of a nation's history and culture,' says Mukthar. He dreams of organizing his collection scientifically, with labels denoting historical eras and geographical origins. However, some coins remain unidentified, prompting him to turn to AI tools for classification and tracing. Among the notable pieces in his collection are limited-edition coins and historic Qatari 5 and 10 dirham coins, which he treasures as part of his local heritage. The entire collection weighs over 10.5 kilograms, and Mukthar aspires to eventually gather coins from every country in the world. 'It's a personal journey that connects me to the history and people of different nations,' he says. Mukthar's home reflects the couple's artistic and cultural sensibilities. His wife, Shiny Mukthar, an employee at Qatar Energy, is a talented acrylic painter known for her stunning canvas artworks and Islamic calligraphy. Their living room displays her vibrant creations, making the home a unique blend of history and art. The couple is proud of their three children—Fawaz, Fidha, and Fayiza—and hopes to pass on their shared love for culture and creativity to the next generation.
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Syrian Red Crescent says first aid convoy enters Druze-majority Sweida city - Region
The first humanitarian aid convoy entered the southern Syrian city of Sweida on Sunday, a Red Crescent official said, a week after deadly sectarian violence erupted in the Druze heartland. A fragile ceasefire appeared to be holding after Druze fighters retook control of Sweida city and government security forces deployed to the province, following violence since last Sunday that has killed more than 1,000 people, according to a monitor. An AFP correspondent near Sweida city saw a convoy including trucks and ambulances bearing the Red Crescent symbol heading towards the city. "It's the first convoy to enter after the recent events, and it has arrived and is now inside Sweida," said Syrian Red Crescent media and communications official Omar al-Malki. He told AFP the convoy would be followed by others and said it came "in coordination with the government bodies and the local authorities in Sweida", which are controlled by the Druze. The convoy of 32 vehicles was carrying basics including food, medical and fuel supplies as well as body bags, Malki said. Residents of Sweida have been holed up in their homes without electricity and water, and food supplies have been scarce. An AFP photographer said the morgue at Sweida's main hospital was full and bodies were lying on the ground outside the building. The government instead said its own convoy of more than 40 aid trucks, accompanied by three ministers, was unable to enter Sweida. A foreign ministry statement said that "outlawed armed militias loyal to Hikmat al-Hijri denied the entry of the convoy", referring to one of Sweida's most influential Druze religious leaders. The authorities have strongly criticised Hijri after he called for international protection for the Druze and launched an appeal for assistance to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement on Sunday, Hijri welcomed "all humanitarian aid coming to the stricken province of Sweida through international organisations and bodies". He called for "an immediate end to the brutal attack on Sweida province and a halt to disinformation campaigns... that aim to stoke violence and hatred". Neighbouring Israel, which is also home to a Druze community, has presented itself as a defender of the minority in Syria. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Syria says agreement reached to halt military operations in Sweida
Israeli Druze gather, near the ceasefire line between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria, amid the ongoing conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, in Majdal Shams, July 16, 2025. Photo: Reuters Listen to article Syria said a new ceasefire reached on Wednesday in the Druze-majority city of Sweida will bring a complete halt to military operations and be overseen by government officials and local representatives. A previous truce announced on Tuesday appeared to have little effect on the ground in the southern region, where days of violence have left more than 300 dead, according to a monitor. According to the text of the agreement, published by the interior ministry, there will be a "total and immediate halt to all military operations", as well as the formation of a committee comprising representatives of the Syrian government and Druze spiritual leaders to supervise its implementation. In a video carried by state television, Sheikh Youssef Jarboua, one of Syria's three main Druze spiritual leaders, read out the 10 points of the accord, which also includes "the full integration of the province" of Sweida into the Syrian state. Until now, Druze areas have been controlled by fighters from the minority community. After Islamist-led rebels toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December after 14 years of civil war, some Druze fighters said they were ready to integrate into the new security forces. The text of the ceasefire indicates that no harm will come to civilians or their property, after witnesses and a monitor reported abuses in recent days including summary executions and looting on the part of government forces and their allies. It also provides for "the release of detainees" and inquiries into the fate of the missing. Another influential Druze chief, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, rejected the new agreement after it was announced. "There cannot be an accord or negotiations with these armed groups that call themselves a government," he said in a statement. Earlier on Wednesday, Hijri had appealed to US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "and all those who have influence in the world" to "save Sweida". Hijri on Tuesday had urged fighters from the minority not to lay down their arms. The clashes in the south began on Sunday between the Druze and Bedouin tribes, who have a long-running feud, sparking an intervention by government forces who deployed in Sweida city. Witnesses reported that upon entering the city, the government forces joined with the Bedouin in attacking Druze fighters and civilians.
Time Out Dubai
15-07-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Prophet Muhammad Birthday 2025: When will official date be announced?
Another public holiday is coming soon in the UAE, and we're already looking forward to some extra time off. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) will give us a day off in September as summer in Dubai winds down for another year. Unlike last year, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is likely to fall during the week, giving us more time off work. Dubai residents will officially get the day off to celebrate on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' Al-Awwal. Current predictions indicate that the celebration will fall on Friday September 5, though there is a chance that it could fall on Thursday September 4 if Safar is a 29-day month. If the occasion officially falls on Thursday, then it is likely that the UAE will move the public holiday to Friday September 5, to give us a three-day long weekend. This follows the UAE public holiday law introduced at the start of 2025, which allows official holiday dates to shift to the beginning or the end of the week. The special occasion is widely recognised across Islamic nations, including those in the Gulf region. These countries, including the UAE, typically mark the day with a national holiday. When will the official Prophet Muhammad's Birthday date be confirmed? (Credit: Canva) Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) is one of several public holidays in the UAE determined by the Hijri calendar, meaning it relies on lunar sightings before we officially know when it begins. For the occasion itself, we won't have official confirmation of when it begins until Sunday August 24. On the evening of Sunday August 24, we'll find out whether or not Safar is a 29-day or 30-day month. While this is when we'll likely know the date of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, the UAE has announced Hijri holiday dates ahead of official moon sightings this year. The most recent example is Islamic New Year, which saw the public holiday dates announced several days in advance of any official moon sighting. However, if the UAE decides not to move the public holiday date for Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH), then Thursday September 4 will be the official day off if Safar is a 29-day month. And if current predictions prove to be correct, then Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) should fall on Friday September 5. This would give Dubai residents a three-day long weekend. When is the next public holiday in UAE after Prophet Muhammad's Birthday? (Credit: Canva) The next public holiday in the UAE in 2025 is Eid Al Etihad, formerly known as Union Day. The holidays officially fall midweek, on Tuesday December 2 and Wednesday December 3, marking the country's National Day celebrations. However, there is a chance that these days could shift or even give us a five-day long weekend. Life in Dubai Direct flights from Dubai: All the brilliant places to explore So many options, so little time In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Message of Karbala is observed even to this day": JKNC MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Ashura
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 6 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Chief Spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq, on the occasion of Ashura, said that the message of Karbala continues to inspire even after 1,400 years. He said that following the values of Imam Hussain helps in fighting evil and building a better society. Speaking to ANI, Tanvir Sadiq said, 'The message of Karbala is observed even to this after 1,400 years, the message is the same, if you want to end evil, inculcate the message of Imam Hussain and Karbala in your heart, in your life. So that we form a good society.' 'Innocent people in Palestine are fighting for their rights. Iran showed the entire world that those who walk the path of the Almighty will never weaken,' Sadiq said. Notably, for the first time in over three decades, restored in 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir government permitted a Muharram procession in Srinagar, it was banned over 35 years after the eruption of militancy in Kashmir as authorities were apprehensive that separatists might misuse the large gathering for ulterior motives. The permission for the Muharram procession in Srinagar after a long ban is a significant milestone, signifying progress towards religious freedom in the region. It emphasized the need to respect the religious sentiments of the people and uphold the values of inclusivity and unity among different communities in the valley. Muharram commemorates the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the son of Hazrat Ali and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. It signifies an expression of sorrow over the killing of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala that took place over 14 centuries ago. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, reaches a crescendo on the 10th day of Muharram, the day when Imam Hussain Ibn Ali and his followers were martyred in 61 Hijri or 680 CE at Karbala, in present-day Iraq. The tenth day of Muharram is the Day of Ashura, which, to Shia Muslims, is part of the mourning of Muharram. Sunni Muslims fast on this day. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspired people to uphold truth in the face of adversity, the PM added. 'The sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) emphasise his commitment to righteousness. He inspires people to uphold truth in the face of adversity,' PM Modi posted on X. (ANI)
