Dear Ali: When I go without shaving for a few days, my male colleagues look at me differently, in a good way. Am I just imagining this or does facial hair earn more respect here? MA, Abu Dhabi Dear MA: You have touched on a cultural code I would like to call Ali's Razor. But first, let me make it clear that Emiratis do not look down upon clean-shaven men. No one should treat you poorly just because you lather up every day. In fact, I have an expat friend whose wife won't kiss him unless he's clean-shaven, and I certainly don't want to advise a husband to give that up.
But in our culture, hair is viewed as a sign of maturity, because hair generally grows as you grow, it's a good sign. We also relate it to wisdom, because religious figures in all the religions are known for their beards: the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and also the prophets Moses and Jesus. If I shaved my beard off, my family and friends wouldn't turn against me, but they would probably tease me to let me know of their disapproval, even if it looks good, which I'm sure it does since I'm so handsome. (That said, I've had a beard since I could grow one.)
Our preference for facial hair goes back to Prophet Mohammed, who advised Muslims to keep a beard no longer than a fist from the chin. You might see some men with long beards around town. We call these men muttawas because they are more devoted to religion. You might notice we have a lot of barber shops around town. We all carry a small shaving kit with us in our cars because we like to use our own equipment to protect us from any potential infection.
Again, I want to emphasise that we do not disrespect men without facial hair. Had you asked me this question 20 or 30 years ago, I would have said you might face weirder looks from people who might not appreciate the lack of a beard but this attitude has changed for the better.
Dear Ali: I saw a video on YouTube recently in which a westerner criticised Islam, holding a copy of the Quran while making fun of its content. How should Muslims react to internet videos that criticise and poke fun at our religion? SK, Kolkata, India
Dear SK: I know sometimes when we see such videos our impulse is to let our pride get the better of us and react aggressively. However, to do so would be to commit the same mistake as the person in the video. The first thing we should do is take a step back and look at the source of the blasphemous material. It's not as if these people are heads of state or important figureheads. They just have an ignorant opinion and want to express it. Their dream is that their video will become viral and get millions of hits. So I would suggest we stop clicking on these videos.
There are many haters of Islam, but then again there are many haters of Christianity or Judaism or almost any major world religion. We could fight back, but it seems the truly Muslim thing to do is to ask God to forgive this man. We could also create our own videos showcasing the beautiful values of Islam and correcting misconceptions. Many people opposed to a certain religion have probably never even met someone of that faith. So putting out positive messages and images can't hurt.
Finally, smile, my dear sister, and relax. I'm sure that such videos are not appreciated by true Christians or Jews or anyone who respects other cultures and faiths. May Allah bless us all.
Arabic: Akeed English: Sure Laura: Ali, are you coming to the workshop today? Ali: Yes, inshallah, what about you? Laura: Yes, I'm coming. Ali: Akeed? Laura: Yes, akeed. So next time someone confirms a date or a meeting, simply say, "Akeed" (for sure) and they will come back with, "Yes, akeed, inshallah". Don't you just love inshallah? It's up for everything, everywhere.
Four%20scenarios%20for%20Ukraine%20war
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Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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Jawan
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Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
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Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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BAD%20BOYS%3A%20RIDE%20OR%20DIE
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
The%20Beekeeper
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Company%20Profile
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