ABU DHABI // Muslims will be reminded in today's sermon of the value of Al Kahf (the cave) chapter in the Quran, and how memorising 10 verses from it protects one from the illusion of al-Masih ad-Dajjal (the antichrist).
Muslims were advised to read it every Friday by the Prophet Mohammed, for Allah to bestow light upon one's path during the week.
"This goes back to the benefits of this chapter and what it includes from stories and events that mix with our reality ... to inspire us with lessons and morals," the sermon says.
Al Kahf chapter includes the story of the people of the cave, a group of believers who fled their town to protect their religion. As they ran away they found a cave and decided to hide in it. God made them sleep for 309 years to protect them and to illustrate the miracle of putting life back into the dead.
Another story featured in the chapter is that of two men: one of them has a lot of blessings from Allah and fruit, and started showing them off in front of the second man, who was poor. He was reported in the Quran saying to him: "I am greater than you in wealth and mightier in [numbers of] men."
His poor friend argued with him that he may not have his wealth but God will replace it with what is more valuable, and his property might be destroyed by any cause if God wills it. And it was destroyed in the end.
hdajani@thenational.ae
FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 171 points
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP) 151
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-GP) 136
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing) 107
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 83
6. Sergio Perez (Force India) 50
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 45
8. Esteban Ocon (Force India) 39
9. Carlos Sainz (Torro Rosso) 29
10. Felipe Massa (Williams) 22
