Latest news with #Zuhr
Arab News
02-04-2025
- General
- Arab News
In Rawalpindi, century-old mosque blends history, architecture and faith to attract worshippers in Ramadan
RAWALPINDI: Sheikh Sajid Mahmood, a Pakistani entrepreneur in his late 50s, soaks the winter sun after offering Zuhr prayers at a mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. The worship place, which stands as a spiritual and cultural beacon, draws thousands like Mahmood, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, with its tranquil appeal. Surrounded by busy markets and towering buildings, the Markazi Jamia Masjid, or central grand mosque, is an architectural marvel that not only offers a unique retreat to devotees, but also captivates visitors with its vibrant frescoes and intricate design, offering a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of Rawalpindi. The mosque's foundation was laid in 1896 by Amanullah Khan, who later became the King of Afghanistan, alongside a prominent local religious figure, Peer Mehar Ali Shah of Golra Sharif in Islamabad. Since its completion, the mosque has served as a central place of worship for Sunni Muslims in the city, whose numbers multiply in Ramadan. 'I am from the second generation [of devotees praying here]. I am almost 60 years old now. [We] get a lot of spiritual satisfaction by praying here,' Mahmood told Arab News, explaining how the vastness of the space provides him a sense of serenity. 'Look at the sunlight, there are rows of prayer mats laid out in the courtyard. You can also get an idea from this, smaller mosques are confined on the sides.' Mufti Muhammad Siddiq-ul-Hasnain Sialvi, who leads prayers at the mosque, shares a 'deep connection' with the place. 'This mosque is the largest in the Rawalpindi division, accommodating up to 7,000 worshippers,' he said. 'The arrangements for [late night] Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan are excellent, and we also have a grand arrangement for Iftar. A large number of people perform Itikaf [or seclusion in the last ten days of Ramadan] here as well.' The Markazi Jamia Masjid's architectural beauty is a sight to behold as it blends elements of Mughal architecture with local designs. The main prayer hall, dominated by three domes and several minarets, reflects the grandeur of traditional Mughal architecture, featuring arches and intricate floral motifs. Local adaptations imbue the mosque with a unique identity that speaks of Rawalpindi's heritage. Inside, the walls are adorned with hand-painted frescoes, some of which have been meticulously restored over the years. The frescoes, with their detailed floral patterns and geometric symmetry, evoke the splendor of Mughal craftsmanship. Though some of the vibrant blues, reds and yellows have faded with time, they still retain their beauty, telling the story of an era long past. The mosque's spacious courtyard serves as the heart of the complex, where worshippers gather before entering the prayer hall. During Ramadan, the worship place comes alive, especially during Iftar and Taraweeh as the open space allows for a comfortable congregation, offering a welcoming environment for all. 'There is more rush here in Ramadan, the open courtyard makes it comfortable for people,' said Waqas Iqbal, a jeweler who regularly visits the mosque. 'You don't feel cramped, whether it's summer or winter.' But for Mahmood, the mosque is a sanctuary of peace. 'The open courtyard and the peaceful surroundings make it a special place to pray,' Mahmood said, explaining how the vastness of the space provides a sense of serenity that 'smaller mosques often lack.' More than just a place of worship, Rawalpindi's Markazi Jamia Masjid offers visitors a chance to connect with the city's past. Its management, which falls under the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, ensures the mosque undergoes maintenance every 10 to 15 years, so that it stays in pristine condition for the future generations. 'Many prominent personalities have offered prayers in this grand mosque and the Imam of Haram Sharif [in Makkah] has visited and led prayers here,' said Sialvi, the prayer leader, adding all these factors makes it a special place for the residents of the neighborhood and an honor for Rawalpindi.
Khaleej Times
03-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Staggered dismissals, shorter hours mark first full school day of Ramadan
Monday marked the first full school day after Ramadan began on March 1. Some UAE schools implemented staggered dismissals on the first day to make it more convenient for families to pick up children, as the roads typically experience congestion during drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. Ben Cooper, Primary Principal, GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, said, 'The first day always comes with adjustments, but overall, it was smooth and successful. Families are settling into the new routine, and the delayed start helps younger students manage their mornings. We have a staggered dismissal to ease traffic, allowing parents to pick up students more conveniently.' Copper added, 'Attendance was relatively normal, though punctuality adjustments were made to accommodate Ramadan traffic. We've extended registration times slightly to support families adapting to the new schedule.' Most schools have adapted to a shorter school day, 8am-1pm, with staff working 7.30am-1.30pm in line with Ramadan hours. During this period, schools are prioritising revision and reinforcement rather than introducing new lessons. Cooper added, 'Lessons are more focused on consolidation and review rather than introducing new topics. Despite shorter lessons, we continue to offer a broad curriculum, including PE and specialist subjects like swimming, ensuring students remain active, while efficient transitions between lessons help maximise learning time.' Mohammedali Kottakkulam, Principal, The Central School Dubai, said, "We implemented a few key changes during Ramadan. Being a two-shift school, we have implemented reduced school hours for both shifts. There are arrangements for students to perform their Zuhr prayer in the school. We have taken great care to ensure all religious activities take place smoothly and students spend quality time in for it." Late start but gates open early Some schools have opted for a later start but are opening gates early to accommodate working parents. Albie Huyser, Principal/CEO, GEMS Founders School – Masdar City, said, 'In accordance with ADEK regulations, we have adapted our school timings to support our fasting families. Although school starts at 9am, we open our gates just after 8am to accommodate families who need to drop off their children at school before work. 'Students still enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum, and we have adapted PE lessons that still offer fun physical activity but also take into consideration the wellbeing of our students who fast.' Huyser reiterated that they also had impressive attendance across all year groups, with students excited to talk about their experiences and observance of fasting. 'We had a wonderful first day, starting with a whole-school Ramadan assembly that set the tone for the rest of the day. Our parents and students are very happy to be back in school, with no issues raised,' added Huyser. Institutions conduct examinations Meanwhile, certain Indian curriculum schools are holding their final or board examinations. Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal, Credence High School, Dubai, said, 'Our administration shared the updated Ramadan schedule with all stakeholders last week. Today, students and staff dispersed at noon as per the new schedule. Our students diligently participated in their scheduled final exam assessments, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence.' She added, 'Oention that our attendance on the first day was outstanding, with students and staff arriving on time, demonstrating their commitment to a successful and productive school year. We have not encountered any significant challenges thus far and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition throughout the remainder of the holy month.' Mohammedali Kottakkulam said, "As the school is conducting year-end examinations, the student strength is full, with the only exemption being medical leave. There was an unusual rush on the roads, leading to a few school buses reaching late school due to the shift in timing. Students using public transport also faced delays as they had to adjust to the new system due to the Ramadan change. We expect this to settle down soon, as today was the first day. The school is committed to smooth functioning during this period."
