God has commanded Muslims to honour their mothers, worshippers will be told on Friday.
The Quran is filled with examples of some of the noblest mothers, women dedicated to piety and worship, who should serve as role models for Muslims, the sermon will say.
Children should know the sacrifices their mothers make in raising them.
An example of a mother who sacrificed for her child is Hajjar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim. Per Allah's command, Prophet Ibrahim took his wife and their young son, Ismail, to Makkah, a desolate place, and settled them there. Hajjar and Ismail were left with a few dates and some water but when the supplies ran out, the child began to cry inconsolably.
Hajjar began running up and down the two hillocks, Safa and Marwa, in search of water. She did this seven times until she heard a voice.
"Help us, if you are of the good," she pleaded. The Angel Jibril answered and struck the earth, creating a spring of zamzam water.
Hajjar was pleased with what God had bequeathed her in response to her patience. The walk between Safa and Marwa later became part of the rituals of Hajj as it symbolises the sacrifice and love of a mother for her child.
Another example of a righteous mother listed in the Quran, the sermon says, is the mother of Moses.
She had to hide her pregnancy from the Pharaoh, who was killing newborn sons after being told a newborn would go on to overthrow him. When she was overwhelmed by fear, God asked her to throw her son into the river.
Her unwavering faith was rewarded by God who ensured that the child was raised by the Pharaoh's wife and went on to become a prophet.
These examples show that mothers have the most honourable position as primary caregivers. They toil in taking care of their children and by extension the future generations, the sermon concludes.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Prop idols
Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.
Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)
An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.
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Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)
Few players anywhere will have taken a more circuitous route to playing rugby on Sky Sports. Gough-Walters was born in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, raised in Sharjah, did not take up rugby seriously till she was 15, has a master’s in global governance and ethics, and once worked as an immigration officer at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the summer of 2021 she played for Wales against England in rugby league, in a match that was broadcast live on TV.
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Erin King (Dubai Hurricanes mini, Ireland sevens international)
Aged five, Australia-born King went to Dubai Hurricanes training at The Sevens with her brothers. She immediately struck up a deep affection for rugby. She returned to the city at the end of last year to play at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the colours of Ireland in the Women’s World Series tournament on Pitch 1.
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
