One of the best aspects of Ramadan is the kindness shown at this time. The eagerness to do good is undeniable. We are only about halfway through the holy month and we have already witnessed countless acts of goodwill: individuals volunteering and donating goods, and companies organising iftars for those in need. This year, for the first time, I am fasting without my immediate family. But I've found myself surrounded by the generosity of friends who open their homes without a second thought.
The holy month, after all, is about engaging in unselfish acts and good deeds, neither of which should go unappreciated. I have been lucky enough to attend iftars with people representing a host of nationalities. Some may think this sounds like an average day in the UAE but, to me, especially during Ramadan, it signifies a kind of unity. Something about breaking fast in the homes of Muslims from across the globe - swapping anecdotes, family traditions, amusing stories and cultural habits - makes it that much more memorable than being at an iftar in a hotel or restaurant.
Yes, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to iftar buffets both lavish and simple. Still, for me, nothing beats an intimate home iftar - if only because we should take note of the simple luxuries life affords us in order to remain humble and grounded, both during and after the holy month. I have also shared iftar with non-Muslims who choose to fast because they are curious about the religion and its customs. For them, the idea of experiencing food from faraway lands is fascinating. Not only that, they find that the concept behind Ramadan and its messages - including mercy, forgiveness, kindness, gratitude, compassion and consideration for others - not only cleanses the mind but also nourishes the spirit.
What better example of social and religious tolerance than when people from a variety of backgrounds can sit at one table with mutual respect? After all, this is a time when we believe the doors of heaven are open and the devil is locked away. With no excuse for the sins we commit, now is the time to test what our souls are made of. If we do not like what we see, it's never too late to make a change because, in a sense, we are all a work in progress.
Our silent prayers are heard and will be answered at the right time. So, we do our best to remain patient and envelop our hearts with the strongest of faith. We all know that a blessing can come in various disguises, therefore, our strong belief in God and His messengers will surely provide us with a vision of unparalleled clarity. By opening our hearts to others, we also help to strengthen their essence.
Our reward for strengthening our spirit ... only God knows. @Email:melshoush@thenational.ae
CHELSEA SQUAD
Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku.
Two-step truce
The UN-brokered ceasefire deal for Hodeidah will be implemented in two stages, with the first to be completed before the New Year begins, according to the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
By midnight on December 31, the Houthi rebels will have to withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Al Saqef, coalition officials told The National.
The second stage will be the complete withdrawal of all pro-government forces and rebels from Hodeidah city, to be completed by midnight on January 7.
The process is to be overseen by a Redeployment Co-ordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN monitors and representatives of the government and the rebels.
The agreement also calls the deployment of UN-supervised neutral forces in the city and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure distribution of aid across the country.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
The biog
Favourite film: Motorcycle Dairies, Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday, Kagemusha
Favourite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Holiday destination: Sri Lanka
First car: VW Golf
Proudest achievement: Building Robotics Labs at Khalifa University and King’s College London, Daughters
Driverless cars or drones: Driverless Cars
Schedule for Asia Cup
Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)
Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)
Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four
Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)
Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 28: Final (Dubai)
Scotland's team:
15-Sean Maitland, 14-Darcy Graham, 13-Nick Grigg, 12-Sam Johnson, 11-Byron McGuigan, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Ali Price, 8-Magnus Bradbury, 7-Hamish Watson, 6-Sam Skinner, 5-Grant Gilchrist, 4-Ben Toolis, 3-Willem Nel, 2-Stuart McInally (captain), 1-Allan Dell
Replacements: 16-Fraser Brown, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Simon Berghan, 19-Jonny Gray, 20-Josh Strauss, 21-Greig Laidlaw, 22-Adam Hastings, 23-Chris Harris
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Tell-tale signs of burnout
- loss of confidence and appetite
- irritability and emotional outbursts
- sadness
- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue
- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more
- impaired judgement
- excessive and continuous worrying
- irregular sleep patterns
Tips to help overcome burnout
Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do
Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones
Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation
Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.
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