Ramadhan 1429 AH/2008 CE News Worldwide

[north_malaysian]

Muslim Hands for France Ramadan

By Hadi Yahmid, IOL Correspondent

The Muslim Hands charity is preparing to provide help to thousands of poor people and orphans in France during Ramadan. (IOL photo)
PARIS — As French Muslims ready to greet the fast-approaching Ramadan, a Muslim charity is preparing to feed thousands of poor people and orphans in the European country during the fasting month.

"We hope our Ramadan campaign will be the real launch for the Muslim Hands charity in France," Kamal Al-Zein, the charity's exchequer, told IslamOnline.net.

Established in 1993 in Britain, Muslim Hands is an international NGO offering help to people affected by poverty, natural disaster and conflict around the world.

It has offices in more than 40 countries worldwide and has partnership with world relief organizations including the UN Food Program and UN children's fund (UNICEF).

Based in Faubourg Saint Denis district in the capital Paris, Muslim Hands made its first steps in France last year.

"Over the past year, we focused on gaining a legal status to the group and promoting its activities," he said.

Now, the group is preparing to start its charity work.

"Ramadan will see the group's first real chairty activity in France."

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, will fall this year in early September.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Food Packages

The Muslim charity is planning to distribute food packages among people affected by the soaring food prices.

"We have a deal with a local charity to distribute food packages during Ramadan to the needy, students, prisoners and refugees in La Courneuve in central France," said Zein.

Driven by the increased use of biofuels, the growing demand for grains to feed a booming Asia, droughts and market speculation, food prices have nearly doubled in three years.

This caused 50 million more people to go hungry last year, compared to the year before, according to UN figures.

"Our relief campaign is part of the Muslim Hands' work," said Zein.
"Last Ramadan, nearly 500,000 people from around the globe benefitted from our campaign."

The group is also running a series of projects for orphans and helping people affected by disasters and wars.

Zein said Muslim Hands hopes to make people financially independent.

"That is why we are running nearly 290 schools around the world,
because education is the gateway to the job market and making a decent living."

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...39695203&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

 

[north_malaysian]

"Air-conditioned" Iftar in Qatar
​

By Mohammad Sabrah, IOL Correspondent

One of the "air-conditioned" iftar tents will be dedicated for the new Muslim reverts. (IOL photo)
DOHA — With "air-conditioned" iftar tents, food banquets in the open air and aid for the needy in poor Muslim countries, Qataris are welcoming the fast-approaching holy fasting month of Ramadan.

"Some 14 million riyals ($3.8 million) has been allocated for the project," Mohammed Judae, director of Iftar program at the Doha-based Zakah Fund, told IslamOnline.net on Monday, August 25.
The fund is building 23 giant "air-conditioned" iftar tents for the poor during the dawn-to-dusk fasting month.

"More than 600,000 people are expected to benefit from the project this year," said Judae.

Two famous restaurants have been tasked with preparing the iftar meals in the tents.

One of the tents, which caters for 300 people, in Al-Khoweir area will be dedicated for the new Muslim reverts.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, will fall this year in early September.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

After breaking their fast, Muslims attend Tarawih, a special nightly prayers.

It is customary for Muslims during Ramadan to host iftar banquets for the poor and needy people.

Vying

Many Qatari charities are also vying to feed the poor during the holy fasting month.

The Qatar Red Crescent has allotted 1.32 million riyals ($363,000) to feed 50,000 people in the Gulf country during Ramadan.

It has also allocated one million riyals ($273,000) to send food packages for the poor in Sudan's war-torn Darfur province, Somalia and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

The Sheikh Eid Bin Muhammad Al-Thani charity has also allocated 520,000 riyals ($140,000) for food packages for 2,600 poor families.

The charity also has a series of tents to host scholars from around the Muslim world to give religious lessons to the faithful.

Al-Fanar Islamic Center is also preparing to provide more than 40 Muslim scholars to give religious lessons to the faithful during the holy fasting month.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer and self-restraint.

Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.

It is also customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur'an.

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...39724676&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout


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[north_malaysian]

Ukraine's Spiritual Ramadan

By Mohammed Safwan Jolak, IOL Correspondent

KIEV — Muslim organizations in Ukraine are racing time to prepare for the fast-approaching holy fasting month of Ramadan with plans for religious lectures to re-charge people's spirituality and brochures to introduce Islam to non-Muslims.

"The Federation of Social Organizations in Ukraine (Arraid) is sponsoring programs to raise religious awareness among Muslims during Ramadan," Ismail Al-Kadi, its chairman, told IslamOnline.net.

The federation will be organizing session for Muslims to study the Noble Qur'an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

It will also host iftar banquets for the poor and needy during the holy fasting month.

"In Ramadan, Arraid sends nearly 800 food packages every day to poor families and orphans," said Kadi.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, will fall this year in early September.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer and self-restraint.

Many spend part of the day studying the Qur'an.

Introducing Islam

Ramadan is a special time for Ukraine's two million Muslims, who make up nearly five percent of the population.

"Ramadan brings a special joy for Ukrainian Muslims," Seran Arifof, director of the Radwan center for memorization of the Qur'an, told IOL.

"During the holy fasting month, Muslims become more active in joining awareness programs, not to mention paying zakah for the poor and orphans."

Arifof said many children show increasing interest in memorizing the Qur'an and learning more about their faith during Ramadan.

"We have seen many Ukrainian Muslims compete in international competitions for Qur'an memorization in recent years."

There are up to 200 mosques and 20 Islamic centers nationwide, which experience no restrictions by the Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian Muslims are also planning to seize on the holy fasting month to introduce their faith to non-Muslim compatriots.

"We are doing our utmost efforts to educate both Muslims and non-Muslims about Ramadan," said Kadi.

His organization has been distributing brochures and pamphlets about Islam and the holy fasting month.

"It is amazing the kind of reaction with which the brochures have been received by many non-Muslim Ukrainians and we have seen many of them embracing Islam during Ramadan."

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...64130808&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

 

[north_malaysian]

Bangladesh Fights Ramadan Price Hikes

By Ferdous Ahmad, IOL Correspondent

DHAKA — The government and business leaders are intensifying efforts ahead of Ramadan to curb the traditional soaring of prices that exacerbates the sufferings of the poor and low-income brackets during the holy fasting month.

"Demand of essential commodities generally increases ahead of Ramadan accompanied with an increase in prices," Colonel Anisuzzaman of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), a paramilitary force charged with guarding the borders, told IslamOnline.net.

"To control the prices we have opened fair prices shops where most essentials will be sold at cheaper rates."

With the advent of Ramadan, to begin this year in early September, prices of basic foodstuffs and commodities usually witness inexplicable hikes.

To help alleviating the impact of that, the BDR has established about 210 fair price outlets across the country, including 100 in the capital Dhaka.

It has also established a Rice and Pulses distribution program.

Colonel Anisuzzaman, chief coordinator of the program, notes that the number of BDR outlets has been increased to keep the prices of essential goods within the purchasing capacity of the common people.

During Ramadan, which is dedicated to spiritual growth, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Bangladesh is the world's third largest Muslim majority country, with Muslims making up more than 80 percent of its 148 million population.

Nearly half of the population lives on less than a dollar a day and the country is among the poorest and most crowded in the world.

Inadequate

Bangladeshi business leaders are also vowing to shield people from prices rises during Ramadan.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) will open fair price shops during the month in district chambers.

"We are operating these fair price shops for poor people only during Ramadan," Anisul Haque, FBCCI President, told IOL.

"There is no business target. It's our social responsibility."

But many people are still skeptical.

"No strict measures and steps have been taken by the government and business bodies to beat the essentials' price hike ahead and during Ramadan," says a grocer in Dhaka New Market.

He doubts the ability of the fair price shops to contain the prices increase.
"It will not impact the markets."

Commodity prices have nearly doubled in the country over the past year.
While this is mainly due to global surge in food and other commodities prices, analysts also blame poor market control.

The country has also suffered a huge rice loss due to last year's devastating floods and cyclone Sidr.

Nonetheless, many still see the increase of key food items in Ramadan as unjustifiable.

"Most of these items are exported from foreign countries," insists Asrafuzzaman, a lawyer by profession.

"There was no rise in the prices of these items in international markets, so why the rise in Bangladesh?"

He blames both the government and the business leaders' federation.
"This is a syndication of some immoral businessmen. The government should check the price-hike."

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...50326709&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

 

[north_malaysian]

Malawi's Poor Brace for Tough Ramadan

By Mallick Mnela, IOL Correspondent

BLANTYRE — Malawi Muslims have gone full throttle with preparations for the holy fasting month of Ramadan, with food stockpiling dominating the arrangements.

This year, they will have to cough a little more money than in previous years because of the global food price rises, leaving the low-income and underprivileged watching not buying.

"It’s an annual tradition to gather food-stuffs in readiness for the fasting month here," Jassim Zacharia Nsosa, a Muslim social worker, told IslamOnline.net in Blantyre.

"But this year, it seems a substantial population of poor Muslims will brace themselves for tough times as a result of rising costs of food."

Although Malawi has sufficient food reserves, media frenzy on the prospects of global food price hikes prompted a sharp increase in the cost of maize, the main staple food, among others.

The speculation on the hikes has ultimately led to hoarding of food items on the local market.

On the other hand, other food items such as cassava, potatoes and rice – while available in abundance - are becoming unaffordable for the average Malawian.

"The main problem is that poor people are likely to starve when food is available. Food traders are capitalizing on their vulnerability," says Nsosa.

"It actually makes little sense to victimize the starving poor at the alter of maximizing profits."

Nothing New

A brief survey conducted by IOL correspondent in some parts of southern Malawi suggests a majority of poor Muslims will have tough times unless there is intervention by Muslim bodies.

"We can not rule out suffering due to the lack of food, but we have become used to it," said Abiti Sumani, an old woman, at her homestead on the outskirts of Zomba.

"Ramadan or no Ramadan food problems have always been with us."
She said she will have to make do with maize husks she has been getting as payment for winnowing errands at a local maize meal.

"This is life as we have always lived it. We can not claim to need luxurious food to enable us to fast if we involuntarily fast almost all year round due to lack of food.

"This time we ought to be proud that we go hungry alongside those who can afford to buy the food – but for Allah’s pleasure."

Poverty levels are high in Malawi, with a majority of its 12 million population living below the poverty line, consuming less than a dollar per day.

According to state figures, Muslims constitute 12 percent of the entire population, though the Muslim umbrella body puts the figure at 36 percent.

Helping

Muslim charities are on alert, determined to mitigate potential problems as a result of the food costs rising.

"We normally compliment one another in these efforts – only that we go different ways to avoid duplication of activities," says Sheikh Hatim Ibrahim, Chairman of the Al-Barakah Charity Trust.

"Our main focus will be on those who can not afford to feed themselves and their families."

Munazzamat Al-Dawa Al-Islamia (Malawi Mission) hopes to cater for over 500 institutions – including mosques, orphanages, madrasahs, hospitals, prisons and secondary schools - during Ramadan.

"We are trying to gather as much food as possible to ensure that we cater for a majority of vulnerable poor people around the country," says AbdulRahman Abdallah.

"We will cater for suhur and iftar."

He said that his organization has so far made considerable progress in gathering food stuffs to distribute among the poor in the country.

"We are determined to see the plight of a majority poor reduced to the lowest levels. This is one of our objectives.

"We feel more obliged to commit ourselves to the cause of ending the suffering of the poor, particularly in the month of Ramadan."

The organization is sponsoring agricultural irrigation schemes in selected parts of southern Malawi as a way of empowering communities to be food secure.

"The project has just started but we trust it will start yielding results soon. By next Ramadan we trust they will be independent."

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...85308025&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

 

[north_malaysian]

Ramadan Unites Balkan Muslims

By Hany Salah, IOL Correspondent

BALKAN CAPITALS — In a show of unity, Muslim religious authorities in Bosnian, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia have agreed to observe the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on September 1.

"We follow astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of the lunar months," Subhi Wassim, an official with the Islamic Sheikdom of Bosnia, told IslamOnline.net.

"Therefore, the first day of Ramadan will be observed in Bosnia on September 1," he added.

Muslims make up nearly 40 percent of Bosnia's 3.8 million population.
During Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Neighboring Serbia's nearly half a million Muslim will start the dawn-to-dusk fast on the same day as Bosnia.

"We consider ourselves part of the Islamic institution in Bosnia and coordinate with them in all things," said Hajrudin Balic, a media officer of the Islamic Sheikdom of Serbia.

The Islamic Sheikdom in Croatia will also follow neighboring Bosnia in observing the beginning of Ramadan, said sources in the Islamic Sheikdom of Bosnia.

Moon sighting has always been a controversial issue among Muslim countries, and even scholars seem at odds over the issue.

While one group of scholars sees that Muslims in other regions and countries are to follow the same moon sighting as long as these countries share one part of the night, another states that Muslims everywhere should abide by the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia.

A third, however, disputes both views, arguing that the authority in charge of ascertaining the sighting of the moon in a given country announces the sighting of the new moon, then Muslims in the country should all abide by this.

Unity

Muslims who make up 33 percent of Macedonia’s two million population will follow Turkey in determining the start of Ramadan.

"The Islamic Sheikhdom of Macedonia and Dar al-Ifta in Turkey have an agreement to unify all Islamic occasions according to astronomic calculations," Afrim Alija, a teacher in a school affiliated to the sheikdom, told IOL.

Turkey’s Presidency of Religion Affairs, the country’s highest religious institution, has announced on its website that Ramadan will fall on September 1.

The Islamic sheikhdom of Slovenia, where Muslims make up 2.4 percent of two million population, agrees with Turkey and Bosnia on the start of the fasting month.

Montenegro Mufti Jusuf Gjoken said the country's 140,000 Muslims, who constitute up to 20 percent of the population, will coordinate with both Bosnia and Turkey on Ramadan start.

"We are living in neighboring countries and it would be wrong to disagree on the beginning of the fast," he told IOL.

"The unity of Muslims in the Balkan is a top priority to all Islamic sheikhdoms in the region."

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...98745596&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

 

[north_malaysian]

Ramadan on September 1: ISNA

By IOL Staff

CAIRO — The first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan will fall in North America on September 1 according to astronomical calculations, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has announced on its website.

"The Astronomical New Moon for Ramadan is on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 19:58 Universal Time," said ISNA.

It added that the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, thus, will be Monday, September 1.

ISNA said the last day of the dawn-to-dusk fasting month will be on Tuesday, September 30.

`Eid Al-Fitr, one of the two main religious festivals on the Islamic calendar will be on Wednesday, October 1.

During Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Moon sighting has always been a controversial issue among Muslim countries, and even scholars seem at odds over the issue.

While one group of scholars sees that Muslims in other regions and countries are to follow the same moon sighting as long as these countries share one part of the night, another states that Muslims everywhere should abide by the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia.

A third, however, disputes both views, arguing that the authority in charge of ascertaining the sighting of the moon in a given country announces the sighting of the new moon, then Muslims in the country should all abide by this.

This usually causes confusion among Muslims, particularly in the West, on observing the dawn-to-dusk fasting and celebrating the `Eid el-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting.

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...08299797&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

 

[Eric H]

Greetings and peace be with you north_malaysian;

Thank you for posting these stories, it is so important for faith organisations to support justice for the poor.

Blessings and peace be with you.

Eric

 

[north_malaysian]

A flight campaign for Ramadan

Friday, August 22, 2008

Atlasjet, one of Turkey's largest private airlines, is offering new benefits for its frequent flyer program clients. The airlines has announced a new campaign that will enable its Jetmil cardholders to earn more flight miles during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Sept. 1 and will end Sept. 29.

ISTANBUL – Turkish Daily News

Source: http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=113312

 

[north_malaysian]

Greetings and peace be with you north_malaysian;

Thank you for posting these stories, it is so important for faith organisations to support justice for the poor.

Blessings and peace be with you.

Eric

<----- in islam this is a charity too..

 

[north_malaysian]

Religion: Saudi mosques open 24 hours for Ramadan

Riazat Butt, Religious affairs correspondent
The Guardian,
Thursday August 21 2008

Mosques across Saudi Arabia will open 24 hours a day under new plans to allow Muslims to pray at their convenience during Ramadan, the month of fasting which begins in September.

Under the proposals, unveiled yesterday by the Islamic affairs ministry, extra imams are to be drafted in to accommodate the annual increase in worshippers who spend longer hours at their local mosque. In Ramadan, Muslims lengthen the fifth and final prayer of the day and more time is given over to religious practices, such as reading the Qur'an and repeating phrases glorifying Allah.

A ministry official, Tawfik al-Sedairi, said that worshipping Allah was a priority for many during Ramadan.

"The ministry is ensuring the safety of Muslims by hiring more staff for night shifts. Imams and workers will be present every day." Some Muslim men also choose to perform itkaaf, spending the last 10 days exclusively within the confines of a mosque.

Al-Sedairi said imams had a great duty to meet the additional spiritual needs and activities of Muslims during Ramadan, adding that the ministry had instructed mosques with four loudspeakers to avoid disrupting nearby, smaller mosques after worshippers complained about losing their concentration during prayer.

Meanwhile, Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, is preparing itself for the arrival of 3 million pilgrims during the 30 days of Ramadan.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/21/saudiarabia.islam

 

[north_malaysian]

Inflation could take the shine off Ramadan festivities

08/20/2008 17:22

Food prices have jumped by up to 100 per cent over last year with the poor and wage earners as the most affected. Families are preparing more frugal iftars. Governments appeal for lower prices during the holy month; analysts blame the pegging of local currencies to the US dollar for high inflation.

Jeddah (AsiaNews) – Governments and local chambers of commerce in Gulf states are worried about the effect of inflation on their economies and how that is impacting on Ramadan traditions.

Ramadan is a month-long period of daytime fasting; this year it will run from 1 to 30 September. From sunrise to sunset believers will not be able to drink or eat—not even swallow their own saliva. Once the sun is down each household will hold a large meal called iftar during which friends, relatives and the poor are invited.

This year because of inflation many people are planning leaner iftars with fewer invitations because the price of victuals like rice, oil, wheat flour, lentils have all shot up by more than 100 per cent.

The most affected are the families of wage earners from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines who must prepare more frugal iftars. Many low-wage earners will likely miss out on invitations to free meals.

Governments and economics ministries have appealed to merchants to cut food prices during the month of Ramadan, or at least not raise them over and above last year’s.

A windfall of record-high oil revenues has provided Gulf countries with large fiscal surpluses, allowed them to reduce their public debt and boost their foreign exchange reserves. But inflation has been higher than usual, exceptionally in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, at 13.76 and 11.1 per cent in 2007, respectively.

For various analysts the problem lies with the fact that Gulf currencies (except for Kuwait’s) are pegged to the US dollar.

Source: http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13025&theme=5&size=A

 

[north_malaysian]

Diet patches for Ramadan

22/08/2008 16:13 - (SA)


Ankara - Turkish Muslims plan to resort to appetite suppressing diet patches to help them get through the daily fast during the Ramadan holy month, Anatolia news agency reported on Friday.

One of the most popular questions asked on a helpline run by Turkey's religious affairs directorate is "whether diet patches are suitable for fasting" and "whether the use of diet patches will amount to foul play", the report said.

Theologists have reassured them they have nothing to worry about.

"Fasting is a way of disciplining the body. Those who use diet patches try to achieve the same. That's why diet patches are not objectionable," said Mehmet Baris, the muftu, or highest Muslim authority, in the southern province of Adana.

The patches, which release appetite-supressing ingredients to the body through the skin, cannot be considered as corrupting the fast because their effect amounts to "showering or applying a pomade on the skin" rather than eating, theology professor Kerim Yavuz said.
During Ramadan, which this year starts on Monday in Turkey, observant Muslims eat a light pre-dawn meal and fast until sunset, a practice aimed at fostering self-discipline, sacrifice and empathy for the poor.

Source: http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2380672,00.html

 

[north_malaysian]

Ramadan traffic plan

Published Date: August 26, 2008

KUWAIT: Major General Thabit Al-Mehana, Assistant Undersecretary of Traffic Regulation Department held a meeting with traffic department officials in order to discuss the traffic plan during the month of Ramadan.

A source said that the plan will be implemented from the beginning of September by combining the Ministry of Interior's forces and evenly distributing security personnel and patrols near intersections, ring roads and expressways. The General Department for Traffic Control has designated 315 patrols to enforce the plan, which is aimed at facilitating smoother traffic control, will be brought into effect from September and will last until October 15, reported Al-Qabas.

End of Ramadan holiday

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education (MoE) will implement the national holiday for the last days of Ramadan at the country's schools if this is approved by the Council of Ministers. MoE Assistant Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari told reporters that the ministry has completed all the necessary technical and administrative preparations for the academic year 2008/2009, pointing that all the work on new schools has been completed, along with the distribution of almost all the required textbooks.

Al-Kandari said that the school year would begin as scheduled from Sept 8 for elementary schools, with intermediate and secondary schools reopening six days later on Sept 14.

Source: http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=Nzk5ODc2NTQ1

 

[north_malaysian]

Awqaf activities for Ramadan

Published Date: August 27, 2008

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs' Quran affairs department announced that it has prepared numerous activities for the holy month of Ramadan. Quran Affairs Department Manager Khalid Bo-Gaith noted that the department had started the preparations very early in order to be ready for the people. Bo-Gaith noted that a schedule of the department's activities and important religious and medical tips on Ramadan would be obtainable from the Grand Mosque and other places.

"The most important activity we will be holding this year will be a special Quran reciting and memorizing competition which will happen during the last 10 days of Ramadan," Bo-Gaith said adding that participants would take part in reciting the whole Quran during the last 10 days of Ramadan at Al-Bahar mosque in Salwa and Al-Wazzan mosque in Hawally.

Source: http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTIxMjYyNDE3Nw==

 

[north_malaysian]

Worshippers deplore conditions in mosques

Published Date: August 27, 2008

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti authorities as well as the society in general are busy gearing up for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. Local markets stock up on consumer foodstuff and goods that are usually consumed by worshippers who fast from sunrise to sunset during the month.

Officials however deplored the lack of maintenance at several local mosques. They slammed the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for not completing maintenance works in mosques that are expected to accommodate thousands of worshippers during Ramadan.

They inspected several mosques and noticed that most of them lacked even basic facilities like refrigerators and toilets; especially toilets for handicapped and aged people. Worshipers meanwhile commended the recent visits to mosques made by the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Hussein Al-Huraiti.

They however urged other officials to also visit the neglected mosques and do the needful as it is not possible for the minister to personally check the estimated 1,300 mosques in Kuwait, reported Al-Qabas. They also found it odd that while some mosques are well equipped and maintained, others suffer from neglect and poor services.

Source: http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=OTM2ODY1OTcz

 

[north_malaysian]

Rising food prices accompany Ramadan

Khairul Saleh , The Jakarta Post , Palembang | Tue, 08/26/2008 10:32 AM | The Archipelago

Prices of staple foods have increased in Java and West Sumatra due to the approaching fasting month of Ramadan, even while local authorities have guaranteed the food supply.

South Sumatra provincial trade agency head Eppy Mirza said food stocks were enough to handle the increase in demand for staples during Ramadan, which will start in early September.

"We will conduct market operations to stabilize the prices. The stock of staple foods is enough until December," Eppy said Sunday.

He said rice supply had reached 77,200 tons while consumption was at 26,962 tons per month.

Eppy's promise to stabilize the market, however, has not been reflected in prices, which increased in several traditional markets in Palembang on the same day.

The prices of staple foods such as sugar, eggs, peppers and rice have risen between Rp 1,000 (about 11 US cents) and Rp 5,000 at Kilometer 5 and Cinde markets.

The prices of beef, chicken and eggs increased from Rp 55,000 to Rp 60,000, from Rp 20,000 to Rp 24,000 and from Rp 13,000 to Rp 14,000 per kilogram respectively.

Separately, Palembang trade and cooperatives agency head Wanrjik Badarudin confirmed the current increase in staple food prices was due to Ramadan.

"But the rise is still within the normal limit. We will contact food distributors to ask about it," Badarudin said Sunday.

He promised his office would take stern action against distributors found to be increasing prices to excessive amounts.

While a fasting month would seem to reduce food consumption, people often prepare a variety of cuisines to welcome in the holy month, upping demand for staples.

In West Java, Antara reported Sunday that prices of beef and chicken in Harjamukti, Jagasatru and Pasar Pagi markets in Cirebon had gained an average of Rp 1,000 to Rp 2000 per kilogram.

Market traders increased the prices following a rise from distributors.
"The increase will be even higher closer to Ramadan," said Soleh, a trader at Pasar Pagi market.

Meat prices in traditional markets in Purwakarta, West Java, have also increased.

"People buy less meat than usual as the price is higher now," said Epung, a trader at Pasar Rebo market.

Mona Anis, 45, a housewife in Gorontalo, said prices of staple foods, such as flour and vegetable oil, as well as meat, have increased.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/08/26/rising-food-prices-accompany-ramadan.html

 

[north_malaysian]

Batam nightspots to open during Ramadan

Fadli , The Jakarta Post , Batam | Tue, 08/26/2008 10:32 AM | The Archipelago

The Batam municipality is allowing nightspots to operate during most of Ramadan despite the call from the local chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)'s to close them during the fasting month.

Based on a city leadership meeting held Aug. 15, the municipality has decided that nightspots are required to close on the first day of Ramadan, the 17th day or Nuzulul Qur'an, (the eve) and on the days of Idul Fitri.

This means entertainment establishments will stop operating for only four days during Ramadan, compared to 17 days last year.

Batam Mayor Ahmad Dahlan told The Jakarta Post that his office would strictly oversee nightspot activities during Ramadan in order to prevent immoral acts being carried out.

The Islamic fasting month will start in early September.

"Massage and karaoke parlors and bars offering live music will be allowed to open within the hours we have determined and activities must conform to the guidelines, especially no immoral acts," Dahlan said recently.

"Public order officers will be at hand to supervise implementation."

According to Dahlan, operators are only allowed to open their premises between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., failing which the municipality will revoke their licenses.

"The ruling is based on inputs from the authorized agencies and MUI.
However, we did not stop them from operating throughout the whole month, as a form of religious tolerance," said Dahlan.

Chairman of the Riau Islands chapter of MUI, Azhari Abbas, expressed regret over the decision, saying it was inadequate compared to previous practice.

"The number of closed days is far lower than in previous years. We had hoped that this year the municipality would close them for the whole of Ramadan," said Azhari.

He added MUI would file a protest with the Batam municipality but appealed to those in favor of MUI not to resort to anarchy.

"We will try to negotiate with Batam municipality in connection with the policy on nightspot operation during Ramadan," said Azhari.

"If the municipality insists the nightspots should remain open, can it guarantee they won't be engaged in immoral activities and that they will comply with approved hours of operation?"

Azhari speculated that the ruling, endorsed by the municipal council, reflected political motives ahead of the 2009 elections so as to gain support, especially from business people and workers.

Chairman of the Barelang Entertainment Service Association (Ajahib), Gembira Ginting, said his group welcomed the municipal decision, despite the limited operational hours.

"The decision this time is quite fair. We will follow the rules issued by the municipality. We will also ask nightspot operators to abide by the operating hours," said Gembira.

The decision, according to him, will have a positive impact on the well being of nightspot workers because they could still earn money, such as from tips, if their work places remained open.

"They also need money to celebrate Idul Fitri," said Gembira.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/08/26/batam-nightspots-open-during-ramadan.html

 

[north_malaysian]

No music videos on MTV Arabia during Ramadan

August 21st, 2008 - 3:29 am ICT by IANS

Dubai, Aug 21 (DPA) MTV Arabia, the Middle East’s version of the international MTV entertainment and lifestyle channel, announced Wednesday it would refrain from playing music videos during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.Samer al-Marzouqi, the channel’s manager, said they would mark the month by airing cultural news programmes and the latest reality shows only to allow viewers to engage in quiet contemplation.

“Ramadan is a time for introspection and we would like to offer our viewers a break from the ordinary fare. Though part of a global brand, MTV Arabia is conscious of regional sensitivities and we are keen to respond to the needs of viewers in the Middle East, the vast majority of whom will be fasting and focusing on their spiritual lives,” al-Marzouqi told reporters.

The channel will continue to play reality shows, celebrity news and pop culture documentaries. The newest programme during the month will be “Hogan Knows Best”, which follows wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan in his lesser-known roles as husband and father.

As is customary with television channels across the region, MTV Arabia will air the call to Maghreb (sunset) prayer. During Ramadan, which is due to start Sep 1, Muslims are obliged to fast every day from dawn to sunset.

Source: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal...os-on-mtv-arabia-during-ramadan_10086710.html

 

[north_malaysian]

No Iftar Meals in Saudi Mosques

IslamOnline.net & Newspapers

CAIRO — Less than two weeks before the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia banned hosting free iftar banquets inside mosques, the Saudi Gazette reported on Friday, August 22.

"The Imams will not be allowed to hold iftar meals in the mosques," said Tawfik Al-Sedairi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

"Our new decision bans Imams from collecting money to offer free iftar and even taking iftar meals from citizens."

Sedairi said iftar meals would only be held special places away from mosques.

"They will be held in big opened yards to avoid food smell from spreading and the leftover food from lying around the mosques."

He said only licensed charities will be allowed to host iftar banquets during Ramadan.

"We have asked those wanting to give money to deposit their contribution in bank accounts belonging to charity associations and they will provide an official seal with serial number.", will fall this year in early September.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

After breaking their fast, Muslims attend Tarawih, a special nightly prayers.
It is customary for Muslims during Ramadan to host iftar banquets for the poor and needy people.

"Managing"

Sedairi said the new rules are meant to better manage the collection of donations.

"We will provide legal accountants to charity associations and mosques that have collected money to provide iftar meals in order to ensure that all the collected money will be used judiciously," he said.

"Charity associations will be responsible for the money that they have collected."

The Saudi official said the move also aims to avoid using the donations in malicious activities.

"We want to ensure that only the poor people will take the iftar as well as ensuring that the money will be spent only on charity."

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, Riyadh has issued several regulatory resolutions that reduce the activities of charity institutions in the kingdom.

Al-Haramain Charity, the largest among Saudi charities, has been dissolved in October 2004, after Washington accused it of financing "terrorism".

Saudi Arabia also began to close charities and relief organizations outside the kingdom and place their funds and properties under the control of a newly established governmental body.

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...39674274&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout