CELEBRATING RAMADAN AROUND THE WORLD
With Ramadan starting on March 22nd, many exciting traditions and events are being celebrated both in the UAE and around the world. Here in the UAE, you can look forward to a range of night markets and iftars both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to commemorate the occasion. Such night markets are filled with bright and colourful jewellery, handcrafts, fashion apparel, and household items that celebrate that celebrate the unique Arab creativity and culture. This includes the Expo City’s Hai Ramadan Market and Ramadan Night Market at the Dubai World Trade Centre which are expected to attract over 25,000 visitors this year. Additionally, iftars are being held around the country, some of the most highly anticipated of which include Aqua at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Arabesque Restaurant and Café. Moreover, the government is implementing various projects in Dubai, including the daily “Imagine Ramadan Project” in Dubai Festival City Mall. Here, light installations will adorn the city’s sidewalks, nature, and buildings to welcome the coming holiday.
Around the world, with a wide variety of cultures, practices, and celebrations making up the Muslim community, celebrations range from country to country, culminating in a wide array of beautiful traditions to commemorate the holy month.
In Egypt, celebrations are highlighted by famous lanterns which illuminate the city streets at night. Each of these is carefully designed to merge Egyptian folk and Islamic traditional designs and has been passed from generation to generation to evoke the togetherness associated with Ramadan. Meanwhile, in Qatar, each day between 45:30 pm, families come together for a car parade. Although the origins of the parade is most often cited as a means for fasters to distract themselves towards the end of the day, it is now a special means for the community to come together and spot some cool cars along the way! Reflecting the individual traditions of the Muslim world, Ramadan is the perfect time to get in touch with one another and give back through communal celebrations, so, make sure to check out some of the amazing celebrations in the UAE this year!
1 THE RAHA TIMES WORLD EVENTS
SADIE DAMIANIDIS
EXPO CITY DUBAI RAMADAN FESTIVAL EXPO CITY DUBAI RAMADAN FESTIVAL
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL: 76TH EDITION CANNES FILM FESTIVAL: 76TH EDITION THE 2023 LINEUP THE 2023 LINEUP
The Cannes Film Festival, which was known as the international film festival up until 2003, is an annual festival held in Cannes, France previewing and premiering films of different genres from all across the globe. The CFF in 2023 is being held from May 16th to 27th, premiering much anticipated films alongside critically acclaimed documentaries.
Premiering at the event is Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated film Killers of the Flower Moon alongside the nostalgia evoking blockbuster: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Johnny Depp starrer Jeanne du Barry directed by Maiwenn, which will also be opening the films in competition. RamataToulaye SY's feature debut film, Banel & Adama will also be a part of the in competition films. The complete official line-up is available on the Festival de Cannes' official site.
Elemental, the 27th animated film by Pixar is set to be the last screening of the festival. The film has created quite a buzz around the internet because of its dynamic character designs and fun imaginative setting. Another film that is bound to create ripples over social media is Jeanne du Barry directed by Maiwenn which takes place in a historical setting based off of Loius XV’s favourite’s rise and fall, with Maiwenn playing the title role herself alongside Johnny Depp as Louis XV, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, Pierre Richard, Pascal Greggory and India Hair.
“Strange Way of Life by Pedro Almodóvar will be presented in the Official Selection and in World Premiere, with the director and the two lead actors Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal in attendance. Western shot in the South of Spain, this short is the filmmaker’s second English-language experience, after The Human Voice in 2020.”
Official selection, Cannes Film Festival website
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INDIANA JONES: THE DIAL OF DESTINY INDIANA JONES: THE DIAL OF DESTINY
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON STARRING LEONARDO DI CAPRIO KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON STARRING LEONARDO DI CAPRIO
STILL FROM ELEMENTAL, THE PIXAR RELEASE STILL FROM ELEMENTAL, THE PIXAR RELEASE
PRAGYA PRACHI PRAGYA PRACHI
HOW DOES FASTING DURING HOW DOES FASTING DURING RAMADAN IMPACT OUR HEALTH? RAMADAN IMPACT OUR HEALTH?
The holy month of Ramadan is a month of reflection for millions of Muslims around the world. Fasting, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. Apart from this, fasting during Ramadan also has positive and negative impacts on our health. We will explore how fasting during Ramadan can impact health.
Positive Impacts of Fasting During Ramadan on Health:
Improved Weight Management: Fasting, if done right, will lead to weight loss and better weight management. The fast from dawn to sunset creates a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss.
Lower Consumption of Cigarettes: During fasting hours, tobacco products are strictly forbidden. This will nudge tobacco users to quit, or at the very least, abstain from smoking.
Enhanced Digestive Health: Fasting during Ramadan can also provide rest to the digestive system, allowing it to repair and rejuvenate. This will lead to improved gut health, lower bloating, and better digestion Furthermore, abstaining from particular foods and beverages like caffeine during the fast can also help individuals with gastrointestinal issues.
Mental and emotional well-being: Ramadan is a time of heightened spirituality, mindfulness, and self-reflection. Fasting prompts self-discipline,
s e SCIENCE THE RAHA TIMES PAGE 6
HOW DOES FASTING DURING HOW DOES FASTING DURING
RAMADAN IMPACT OUR HEALTH? RAMADAN IMPACT OUR HEALTH?
Negative Impacts of Fasting During Ramadan on Health:
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Fasting during Ramadan could lead to dehydration, especially in hot climates or for people who did not consume enough water during the non-fasting hours. Prolonged fasting hours without adequate hydration will result in electrolyte imbalance. It can cause dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.
Risk of Overeating and Unhealthy Food Choices: Some people tend to overeat during iftar (the break of fasting) or after fasting hours, leading to weight gain. Moreover, some people may consume high-calorie foods, which are detrimental to health if consumed in excess
Nutritional Deficiencies: Limited food intake changes eating patterns, leading to inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as protein and vitamins. Thus, it causes some health issues
The Bottom Line: Fasting during Ramadan has both positive and negative impacts on health. It can lead to weight loss, enhanced digestive health, and mental and emotional wellbeing. However, it causes dehydration, overeating, and nutritional deficiencies. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
SCIENCE THE RAHA TIMES PAGE 7
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H E L I N E B E T W E E N R I G H T T O R E L I E F , S A F E T Y , A N D D I S C I P L I N E
Should students have to ask to go to the bathroom during class? Is it an infringement of rights or a necessity for structure?
Micturition is an inevitable process of the human body, and it is the right of an individual to be able to use the washroom as nature calls. But what is also the requirement for youngsters is to receive a proper education in a safe environment, which is the responsibility of both the institution as well as the individual themselves.
Permission to leave classrooms is a systemic rule that is not only a sign of respect, such as asking to leave the table while eating, but is also enforced so that the teacher is aware of the number of students in the classroom in case of an emergency situation. It is also to maintain orderly fashion since many students abuse their right to skip class. Since education systems are also required to ensure that students are present during class hours and are responsible for the child’s education, teachers should know if the student takes more than 5 minutes for a bathroom-break.
Teachers should allow students to use the washroom as and when required, since restricting them will bring issues of the bladder
There could also be established rules in favor of both the faculty as well as the youngsters. Students can be limited to using the restrooms during recess as a middle-ground solution.
This can resolve the issue of missing class. Many schools have also adopted the idea of a hall pass, which allows the student to use as and when they need while still limiting the number of students in the washroom and keeping teachers aware of who is where at all times.
TL;DR: A safe education is the responsibility of a school, therefore, if a student asks for permission to use the restroom, it is not only a sign of respect but is important to keep the teacher aware. It also keeps control of the number of students in the washroom, as students often tend to misuse the washrooms to skip class. Rules shall be established, and hall passes should be assigned as a middle-ground solution.
Here is what is understandable: Teachers should allow students to use the washroom as and when required, since restricting them will bring issues of the bladder. But in the same way, if a student abuses this freedom, they shall face the consequences of it.
IT'S DEBATABLE: THE BATHROOM DEBATE
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B A T H R O O M S A R E B A S I C R I G H T S
Everyone has had those moments, where maybe they drank too much water during break and during class the urge to visit the restroom persists, this situation becoming worse when a teacher denies the permission to do so. Although the need for structure and accountability is necessary in a classroom, the question lies in whether this necessity overwrites the basic human right of being allowed to use the restroom when in need.
Many can agree that one of the most uncomfortable experiences a human can go through would be a full bladder and nowhere to relieve it. There is a level of stress and pain that is caused by these kinds of situations, and in earlier years, where the concept of bladder control hasn't developed, has led to even messier situations and traumatic memories for everyone involved. Though it can be argued that it is the student’s responsibility to use the restroom during their break times, in the real world, bathrooms may be filled, students may be enjoying their breaks or they may not even feel the urge to go, but for bodies that are still growing it is almost foolish to set a schedule on natural functions. Furthermore, the notion that since the child is using the bathroom, they would be missing valuable class time is correct.
On the other hand, however, it must be noted that students may still be losing class time as they are not able to concentrate when their physical well being needs are not being met. This could cause undue stress and even feelings of shame for the student instead of helping them participate in lessons.
In conclusion, although the sentiment behind asking a teacher for permission whenever a student needs to go to the bathroom is very understandable, it is not practical or inclusive of human needs. It is both disruptive to class time and a serious cause of stress and anxiety for children. Which is why other methods such as bathroom charts and passes could be more productive and less dehumanizing for the students.
TL;DR: Students shouldn’t have to ask a teacher to do something as basic as using the restroom. There are better and more efficient ways in which students can inform a teacher of where they are going during a lesson without disrupting a class or causing anxiety.
Should students have to ask to go to the bathroom during class? Is it an infringement of rights or a necessity for structure?
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IT'S DEBATABLE: THE BATHROOM DEBATE
. Z a r a h A b r a h a m
Since You Asked...
Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to self-discipline, spirituality and connection, remembering those who are less fortunate, and spending time with family. With an international community at Raha filled with many people of different backgrounds of faith, you may wonder, how can we all connect and enjoy the benefits of this month?
Here are some ways to get the most out of Ramadan as a Muslim, or nonMuslim too, so you can share the spirit of Ramadan with everybody and yourself.
BEING GRATEFUL BY DOING THINGS FOR OTHERS
Islam roots itself back through Zakat and Sadaqah, which involve helping those less fortunate than us to make us more appreciative and connect back to our community. Because of this, try doing something positive for your community, such as donating food, money, or clothes, giving a helping hand, and/or volunteering at local organizations that relate back to any causes that matter most to you. Think about things you are passionate about. Animals, education, refugees, and youth sports are just a few ideas.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME!
What do you think Muslims do when they fast?
You don’t realize how much time we spend in our day-to-day lives preparing or going out for our next meals. But because we fast now, we have extra time on our hands, so we’ve got to make the most of it! Try doing this yourself, if you are fasting or not, it doesn't matter. Go on, do the project or work you’ve been putting off Start a new passion and explore your current ones further than you ever imagined! Being productive now during a peaceful month can help you focus on the work most important to you and develop yourself. If you can start now, you can continue after the month is over. So get the ball rolling!
THINK GOOD THOUGHTS!
Ramadan is all about spreading love and appreciation to the people around us and refraining from acting upon any negative thoughts and opinions. This means that during the month, take up a challenge to avoid things in relation to gossip and judgmental and/or deconstructive words towards yourself, and any others around you
SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND THE PEOPLE YOU APPRECIATE THE MOST IN YOUR LIFE.
Because we spend so much time on our regular days we are focused on work and activities that we actively use up too much of our energy The easily draining days of Ramadan can go faster, even if you are not fasting, by seeing the people that you enjoy spending time with. seeing people you enjoy. These moments are usually taken for granted and are rushed, but the love spread in Ramadan will be able to strengthen these connections if you put in just even a little more effort. Try it yourself!
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