Read the latest updates on the Hajj pilgrimage here
Muslims should unite in word, prayers and action, and should avoid conflict, Hajj preacher Sheikh Yusuf bin Mohammad said in his sermon on Mount Arafat on Tuesday.
Sheikh Yusuf, who has held several of the highest religious positions in Saudi Arabia before being appointed preacher at this year's Hajj, reminded the world that racism has no basis in Islam, quoting a hadith – or saying – by the Prophet Mohammed.
“There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and no superiority for a white-skinned person over a black-skinned person, except due to one’s consciousness of Allah.”
Sheikh Yusuf said: “God has forbidden amongst you the spilling of blood, looting of wealth and violation of honour.
“The difference in languages, colours and ethnicities does not justify falling into discords and divisions.”
Allah has commanded for “unity, love harmony and prohibits disputes and divisions”, Sheikh Yusuf added.
The sermon was translated into 20 languages and broadcast in its original Arabic with simultaneous sign language interpretation.
Millions of pilgrims listened to the sermon and many more watched abroad.
“We are all watching the Hajj sermon live on YouTube,” Diana Wijaya from Indonesia told The National.
Pilgrims were due to combine their dhuhr and asr prayers in shortened forms, before making their way to Muzdalifah, an open area near the holy city of Makkah, near Mina, the “city of tents”.
“It’s extremely hot, but we are lucky to be here. Very blessed and we don’t take that for granted,” said Eman Ali, a local pilgrim.
At Muzdalifah, pilgrims gather pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual that begins on Wednesday, which is also the start of the Eid Al Adha feast of sacrifice marked by more than 1.5 billion Muslims globally.
Sheikh Yousef has been a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and served as a teacher at the Grand Mosque of Makkah and the Prophet Mohammed's mosque in Madinah among others.
He has also served as a preacher during Eid sermons for 20 years. Most recently, Sheikh Yousef was Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for four years.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Employment lawyer Meriel Schindler of Withers Worldwide shares her tips on achieving equal pay
Do your homework
Make sure that you are being offered a fair salary. There is lots of industry data available, and you can always talk to people who have come out of the organisation. Where I see people coming a cropper is where they haven’t done their homework.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It’s quite standard to negotiate if you think an offer is on the low side. The job is unlikely to be withdrawn if you ask for money, and if that did happen I’d question whether you want to work for an employer who is so hypersensitive.
Know your worth
Women tend to be a bit more reticent to talk about their achievements. In my experience they need to have more confidence in their own abilities – men will big up what they’ve done to get a pay rise, and to compete women need to turn up the volume.
Work together
If you suspect men in your organisation are being paid more, look your boss in the eye and say, “I want you to assure me that I’m paid equivalent to my peers”. If you’re not getting a straight answer, talk to your peer group and consider taking direct action to fix inequality.
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Company%20profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
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FINAL RESULT
Sharjah Wanderers 20 Dubai Tigers 25 (After extra-time)
Wanderers
Tries: Gormley, Penalty
cons: Flaherty
Pens: Flaherty 2
Tigers
Tries: O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly
Cons: Caldwell 2
Pens: Caldwell, Cross
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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