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by Neeraj Gangal
A new study on women’s businesses in Saudi Arabia has presented eight recommendations to give Saudi women the same opportunities as women entrepreneurs in other Arab nations, according to a report.
The Arab News daily said on Friday that the study ‘Businesswomen in Saudi Arabia: Characteristics, Challenges, and Aspirations in a Regional Context’, examines the business-enabling environment for women entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and highlights the personal characteristics and business profiles of women business owners.
According to the Saudi-based daily, the report compares Saudi women entrepreneurs with their counterparts in five Arab countries: Jordan, Bahrain, the UAE, Lebanon and Tunisia.
The report is intended to strengthen “the understanding of the business and regulatory environment for Saudi businesswomen, to contextualise the situation of Saudi women entrepreneurs through comparison between them and other female entrepreneurs in the region and to identify and address the business challenges these women face in order to create a more supportive environment,” Arab News said.
The study made eight specific recommendations to Saudi policymakers to improve the situation of businesswomen:
The report urged policymakers to establish a Ministry of Women’s Affairs to monitor the implementation of related royal decrees and to devise a national strategy for women’s transition into the economy.
It suggested the appointment of female Shoura members to ensure that the interests of Saudi businesswomen and women in general are represented.
It called on to eliminate the requirement for women to appoint a male manager in businesses that serve both sexes.
The report also asked for ease in restrictions on mobility for women, in terms of public transportation, driving and international travel.
It suggested the creation of registration categories for the types of businesses that are in demand by businesswomen, such as beauty salons and day-care centres, and identify the process for creating new registration categories in the future.
The report called on to commission further research on how to increase the effectiveness of businesswomen’s access to government services by improving female sections as well as the main centres in government agencies rather than a direct channel for them to receive government services.
It urged policymakers to launch a nationwide public campaign to promote women’s economic participation and support the implementation of existing Royal Decrees.
The report also suggested that Saudi policymakers ease hiring practices for businesswomen in areas that require international female expertise or that are unable to be met by Saudi female labour. This includes studying the possibility of granting work permits to non-Saudi women residing in Saudi Arabia on non-work visas.
The 68-page report was co-authored by Noura Alturki and Rebekah Braswell and published by the Monitor Group and Al-Sayedah Khadijah Bint Khuwailad Businesswomen’s Center of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This was done with the support of the Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Arab News said.
“This focus comes at a time when we are witnessing a rapid and increased investment in our country’s human resources and economic development,” said Princess Adelah Bint Abdullah, president, Al Sayedah Khadijah bint Khuwailad Businesswomen’s Center.
“Fundamental to this investment has been the inclusion of regulations that encourage greater involvement of women in our work force. The impact of this support can be seen through the growth, productivity and innovation of Saudi Arabia’s women-owned businesses. My wish is that this report will highlight the progress and determination of these businesswomen and serve as a foundation for researchers interested in the socioeconomic development of our beloved country.”
Source : Arabian Business
Showing posts with label Saudi Arabia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saudi Arabia. Show all posts
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Saudi finance minister confirms new mortgage law
by Souhail Karam
Saudi Arabia's first mortgage law is expected to be implemented this year and its provisions will protect all parties involved, Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf said on Tuesday.
"It should be in 2009, definitely," Assaf told Reuters in an interview. "I agree that it has taken us much longer than we had hoped at the beginning".
A draft law, which has been in the works for almost a decade, was approved last year by the advisory Shura Council and is now being examined by the council of ministers, Assaf said.
"If there are no major changes then it should be approved with no further delays. But if there are major changes from ... that which was approved by the Shura, then it has to go back to the Shura Council again," Assaf said.
"Hopefully any changes and adjustments will be minimal and not major," he added.
Realtors say the percentage of home ownership barely reaches 25 percent, making it the lowest among the oil-driven economies in the Gulf Arab region.
A surge in construction costs, land speculation coupled with a lack of bank financing and poor government assistance have aggravated a housing deficit estimated at some 1 million homes and driven rents higher.
The low home-ownership ratio has for a long time exposed some of the weaknesses of Saudi Arabia's wealth distribution policies, at least on a regional scale.
Local banks have been looking forward for the mortgage law to be enacted because of the huge business potential that it is set to unlock.
Assaf said the law will "protect all players" noting that it also covers eviction procedures in case of payment defaults.
The current global crisis should not have an impact on the approval of the law because the local banking system has been largely immune to the effects of the global crisis, he said.
"We need this law regardless of ... the temporary situation of the financial sector, whether it is in a very healthy situation or in a bad situation," he said.
"It should be good for all times ... It will be a good one even with the current market (conditions)," he added.
Hopes, raised over the past six years by the oil price surge, suffered after a stock market crash in 2006 wiped out savings of tens of thousands and forced many to abandon plans to own a house.
The Saudi property market now fits more with the needs of high-income households than those with middle-income and below, investment bank Rana Investment said in a report in August.
The government already provides an annual 5 billion riyals to state-owned Real Estate Development Fund which provides housing loans to poorer Saudis.
Source : Reuters
Saudi Arabia's first mortgage law is expected to be implemented this year and its provisions will protect all parties involved, Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf said on Tuesday.
"It should be in 2009, definitely," Assaf told Reuters in an interview. "I agree that it has taken us much longer than we had hoped at the beginning".
A draft law, which has been in the works for almost a decade, was approved last year by the advisory Shura Council and is now being examined by the council of ministers, Assaf said.
"If there are no major changes then it should be approved with no further delays. But if there are major changes from ... that which was approved by the Shura, then it has to go back to the Shura Council again," Assaf said.
"Hopefully any changes and adjustments will be minimal and not major," he added.
Realtors say the percentage of home ownership barely reaches 25 percent, making it the lowest among the oil-driven economies in the Gulf Arab region.
A surge in construction costs, land speculation coupled with a lack of bank financing and poor government assistance have aggravated a housing deficit estimated at some 1 million homes and driven rents higher.
The low home-ownership ratio has for a long time exposed some of the weaknesses of Saudi Arabia's wealth distribution policies, at least on a regional scale.
Local banks have been looking forward for the mortgage law to be enacted because of the huge business potential that it is set to unlock.
Assaf said the law will "protect all players" noting that it also covers eviction procedures in case of payment defaults.
The current global crisis should not have an impact on the approval of the law because the local banking system has been largely immune to the effects of the global crisis, he said.
"We need this law regardless of ... the temporary situation of the financial sector, whether it is in a very healthy situation or in a bad situation," he said.
"It should be good for all times ... It will be a good one even with the current market (conditions)," he added.
Hopes, raised over the past six years by the oil price surge, suffered after a stock market crash in 2006 wiped out savings of tens of thousands and forced many to abandon plans to own a house.
The Saudi property market now fits more with the needs of high-income households than those with middle-income and below, investment bank Rana Investment said in a report in August.
The government already provides an annual 5 billion riyals to state-owned Real Estate Development Fund which provides housing loans to poorer Saudis.
Source : Reuters
Monday, February 16, 2009
Kingdom offers aid to Lankan charity
Mohammed Rasooldeen, Arab News
RIYADH: The Kingdom has donated SR75,000 to the Islamic Center for the Physically Handicapped (ICPH) in Sri Lanka.
Saudi Ambassador in Colombo Abdulaziz Al-Jammaz handed the check to ICPH Director Jiffry Haniffa at a simple function held at the Saudi mission in Colombo. The handing over was also attended by Omar Hashim, director of the Independent Television Network and adviser to the IPCH.
Al-Jammaz said the Ministry of Islamic Affairs made the donation in recognition of the center’s work among disabled children. He added that the money would go toward the center’s newly opened wing for mentally challenged children.
Thanking the Kingdom’s generosity, Haniffa said the wing hosts 34 mentally challenged children, including 15 girls. “The donation will be used to upgrade the section and to take more inmates from a waiting list of 150,” he said, adding that the lack of funds has prevented the center from taking in more children.
The IPCH is the only center in the island serving Sri Lanka’s 1.6 million Muslim population. It currently cares for 174 children, including 98 boys. Children who pass from this center find lucrative jobs in the private and public sectors. “Some of them have attained excellent results in public examinations,” said Haniffa, adding that the center runs solely on donations from Muslim philanthropists and Islamic organizations from all parts of the world.
A major chunk of the donations comes from Saudi Arabia, said Haniffa. “We also get a sizable amount annually from Sri Lankan Muslims living in the country and abroad during the holy month of Ramadan,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Embassy in Colombo has been shifted to a spacious location in Horton Place, Colombo’s diplomatic area.
Riyadh Al-Kheneini, deputy chief of mission, told Arab News that the move was long awaited to offer speedy services to visitors.
The embassy on an average issues 200 visas each day. These include visas for Umrah, Haj, employment, business and visit.
“A good number of Sri Lankan expatriates in the Kingdom also make use of the online facility to obtain visas for their close relatives,” he said.
RIYADH: The Kingdom has donated SR75,000 to the Islamic Center for the Physically Handicapped (ICPH) in Sri Lanka.
Saudi Ambassador in Colombo Abdulaziz Al-Jammaz handed the check to ICPH Director Jiffry Haniffa at a simple function held at the Saudi mission in Colombo. The handing over was also attended by Omar Hashim, director of the Independent Television Network and adviser to the IPCH.
Al-Jammaz said the Ministry of Islamic Affairs made the donation in recognition of the center’s work among disabled children. He added that the money would go toward the center’s newly opened wing for mentally challenged children.
Thanking the Kingdom’s generosity, Haniffa said the wing hosts 34 mentally challenged children, including 15 girls. “The donation will be used to upgrade the section and to take more inmates from a waiting list of 150,” he said, adding that the lack of funds has prevented the center from taking in more children.
The IPCH is the only center in the island serving Sri Lanka’s 1.6 million Muslim population. It currently cares for 174 children, including 98 boys. Children who pass from this center find lucrative jobs in the private and public sectors. “Some of them have attained excellent results in public examinations,” said Haniffa, adding that the center runs solely on donations from Muslim philanthropists and Islamic organizations from all parts of the world.
A major chunk of the donations comes from Saudi Arabia, said Haniffa. “We also get a sizable amount annually from Sri Lankan Muslims living in the country and abroad during the holy month of Ramadan,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Embassy in Colombo has been shifted to a spacious location in Horton Place, Colombo’s diplomatic area.
Riyadh Al-Kheneini, deputy chief of mission, told Arab News that the move was long awaited to offer speedy services to visitors.
The embassy on an average issues 200 visas each day. These include visas for Umrah, Haj, employment, business and visit.
“A good number of Sri Lankan expatriates in the Kingdom also make use of the online facility to obtain visas for their close relatives,” he said.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Kingdom, Turkey decide to restore historic Hejaz Railway
By Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Turkey have reaffirmed their desire to restore and rebuild the historic Hejaz Railway that linked Damascus with the holy city of Madinah by a narrow-gauge rail line. The Hejaz rail line was used by pilgrims traveling from Istanbul to the Prophet’s Mosque via the Syrian capital.
“The plan envisages restoration and modernization of the railway line by the Turkish government within its territory, while it calls on Syria and Jordan to rebuild the tracks on their sides,” said Turkish Transport Minister Binali Yildirim during a high-profile business meeting addressed by Turkish President Abdullah Gul here yesterday.
The plan, the first since the Six-Day War interrupted a similar project in 1967, would extend the reach of the railway to its original but never completed southernmost destination: Makkah. World War I put an end to the rail line shortly after its completion in 1913.
The new plan would, if completed as envisioned, connect Istanbul to Makkah. “On the Saudi side, they do have an ambitious plan to set up railway projects,” said Yildirim. “So, when these four countries (Turkey, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia) come together, the entire project would be completed.”
No time frame for the implementation of this multinational project was provided, though Yildirim speculated that it could be completed in five years. A contract to convert the narrow-gauge line to standard gauge was signed in Jordan last year, where a portion of the rail line is still in use in the south of the country. “This railroad project needs positive efforts by the countries involved,” said Shoura member Ihsan Ali Bu-Hulaiga. “It can be of great value and even link Arab countries with European states.”
Addressing the meeting of businessmen organized by the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which was also attended by Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Zainal Alireza and Agriculture Minister Fahd Balghunaim, Gul said, “The Kingdom and Turkey, which share identical views on a range of political and commercial issues, must boost bilateral ties.”
Gul also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between King Saud University and Istanbul Technical University and visited the King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology yesterday.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Head of Saudi morals police eases tone on cinema
The head of Saudi Arabia's religious police has eased his criticism of a return of cinema to the conservative Muslim country saying he saw no harm in it as long as what is shown complies with Islam.
Cinema made a low-key return in the Islamic kingdom after a three decade ban, but a sharp reaction by Ibrahim al-Ghaith, the religious police chief, showed efforts to relax tough religious laws face tough opposition.
But Ghaith, the kingdom's second-most influential cleric, changed his tone in favor of the moviegoing revival.
"We are not against having cinema if it shows the good and does not violate Islamic law," al-Hayat newspaper quoted him on Sunday as saying.
It was unclear why Ghaith had apparently changed his approach and the religious police were not available for comment.
A locally produced comedy, "Menahi," premiered in two cultural centers in Jeddah and Taif this month before mixed-gender audiences, earlier a taboo in Saudi Arabia whose strict Islamic rules ban unrelated men and women from mixing.
Ghaith, who heads the morals police -- called the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice -- demanded in remarks carried on Saturday by Saudi newspapers that cinema remains banned, calling it an evil the kingdom could do without.
"We have enough evil already," he was quoted as saying.
"Menahi," produced by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's media company Rotana, shows the comic escapades of a naive farmer earlier played on television by popular Saudi actor Fayez al-Maliki.
The film has attracted such large crowds that the film had to be played eight times a day over a 10-day period, the organizers said. It had to be stopped in Taif due to overcrowding in the hall, Rotana spokesman Ibrahim Badi said.
Showing the film was the latest attempt to introduce reforms by King Abdullah, who has said the world's largest oil exporter cannot stand still while the world changes around it.
Political analysts say Alwaleed could not have gone ahead without the blessing of royals with key decision-making roles.
The kingdom's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Al al-Shaikh has not commented on the issue.
Ghaith's religious police have wide powers to search for alcohol, drugs and prostitution, ensure shops are closed during prayer and maintain a strict system of sexual segregation in Saudi society, where women are even banned from driving.
Source : Reuters
Cinema made a low-key return in the Islamic kingdom after a three decade ban, but a sharp reaction by Ibrahim al-Ghaith, the religious police chief, showed efforts to relax tough religious laws face tough opposition.
But Ghaith, the kingdom's second-most influential cleric, changed his tone in favor of the moviegoing revival.
"We are not against having cinema if it shows the good and does not violate Islamic law," al-Hayat newspaper quoted him on Sunday as saying.
It was unclear why Ghaith had apparently changed his approach and the religious police were not available for comment.
A locally produced comedy, "Menahi," premiered in two cultural centers in Jeddah and Taif this month before mixed-gender audiences, earlier a taboo in Saudi Arabia whose strict Islamic rules ban unrelated men and women from mixing.
Ghaith, who heads the morals police -- called the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice -- demanded in remarks carried on Saturday by Saudi newspapers that cinema remains banned, calling it an evil the kingdom could do without.
"We have enough evil already," he was quoted as saying.
"Menahi," produced by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's media company Rotana, shows the comic escapades of a naive farmer earlier played on television by popular Saudi actor Fayez al-Maliki.
The film has attracted such large crowds that the film had to be played eight times a day over a 10-day period, the organizers said. It had to be stopped in Taif due to overcrowding in the hall, Rotana spokesman Ibrahim Badi said.
Showing the film was the latest attempt to introduce reforms by King Abdullah, who has said the world's largest oil exporter cannot stand still while the world changes around it.
Political analysts say Alwaleed could not have gone ahead without the blessing of royals with key decision-making roles.
The kingdom's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Al al-Shaikh has not commented on the issue.
Ghaith's religious police have wide powers to search for alcohol, drugs and prostitution, ensure shops are closed during prayer and maintain a strict system of sexual segregation in Saudi society, where women are even banned from driving.
Source : Reuters
Thursday, December 18, 2008
ISLAMIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN ALGERIA (GLOBAL FINANCE 2008) : Banque Albaraka d'Algéria
Bank Albaraka d' Algeria is the first banking institution with mixed capital (public and private). Created on May 20, 1991, with a capital of 2.500.000.000 DA, the Bank started its bankings themselves during September 1991. Its shareholders are the Bank of l' Agriculture and of Rural development (Algeria) and the Group Dallah Albaraka (Saudi Arabia). Governed by the provisions of the Law n° 90/10 of April 14, 1990 relating to the Currency and the Credit, it is entitled to carry out all the bank transactions, of financing and d' investment, in conformity with the principles of the chari' has Islamic.
Banque Albaraka d'Algéria, a subsidiary of Bahrain-based Albaraka Banking, has a network of 17 branches in Algeria operated according to the principles of shariah. It plans to open 33 new branches in the next five years. The bank's earnings rose 34% in 2007, and total assets increased by 35% to $846 million. The return on average shareholder equity was more than 24%.
Strategy of the Bank s' articulate around the following axes of development: (1)To develop the management systems of the Bank. (2) Control of the costs and installation of the tools d' profitability and of follow-up of the performances analyzes. (3) Cover of the national market by l' extension of the network d' exploitation and l' widening of the line of goods. (4) horizontal Diversification of the wallet d' activity. (5)Reinforcement of equities of the Bank.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Technology Helps Muslims Celebrate `Eid
By Amel Abdullah
A popular expression says, "When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." For many Muslims celebrating `Eid Al-Adha away from family, friends, or community, that window is the Internet.
"My community does not have an outreach [program] to the elderly or disabled," said Linda D. Delgado, founder of the Islamic Writers Alliance, referring to those who cannot make it to prayers at the mosque or community picnics and dinners. "I am pretty much homebound with my disabilities, and the Internet is my way to 'greet' other Muslims on `Eid."
Delgado, a retired police officer who lives in Tempe, Arizona, reverted to Islam at the age of 52, after hosting two police officers from Saudi Arabia in her home nearly eight years ago. After praying the `Eid prayer at home, she likes listening to the adthan and spends part of the day sending e-cards to what she calls her Muslim "cyber-family" of friends online.
One of Delgado's most pleasant `Eid memories happened when a cyber-friend sent her a set of pictures drawn by her children. "They were drawings of themselves - little children stick-like people waving at me and saying 'Happy `Eid, Auntie.' I put them up on my walls every year for `Eid."
`Eid and Dawah
"Use of the Internet has definitely benefited us as Muslims in our effort to bring about a better understanding."
Sheikh Yusuf Estes, a former Christian preacher and retired chaplain for the US Bureau of Prisons who is now active in dawah (inviting of Islam), uses the Internet to reach out to people around the globe. To date, he has registered more than 4,300 domain names, including ChatIslam.com, which provides a venue for people to learn about Islam in a carefully moderated "live" environment. The chatroom is open year-round, including the days of `Eid.
"People come from all around the world to congratulate each other," said a web designer to IslamOnline.net who works closely with Sheikh Estes on his sites and preferred to remain anonymous. "We've had instances where there were some reverts who didn't have any mosques around their towns. They would spend their time in the chatroom, where they could meet more Muslims."
Sheikh Estes uses different methods on his sites to make the practice of Islam fun and accessible. At 2Eids.com, for example, one can print out a list of good deeds that are recommend for Muslims to perform on the occasion of `Eid. "Bring joy to your surroundings," reads one item on the list, "The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had an excellent sense of humor and was often found putting a smile on another person's face."
"Use of the Internet has definitely benefited us as Muslims in our effort to bring about a better understanding, not only for [non-Muslims and those new to Islam], but also for those who were born into Islam, as well," Sheikh Estes told IslamOnline.net.
"The world wide web has proven to me time and again how very inexpensive it is to provide our side of the story for folks all around the world. It does take some time, imagination, creative ability, artistic design, hours of sitting and typing, constant daily updating, and a whole lot of patience at the same time. But, when you consider the rewards both here and Hereafter, you can't find a better deal anywhere."
Blogging and Multimedia
Like Sheikh Estes, who uses a combination of text, audio, and video (including live conferencing) to connect with the visitors to his sites, many Muslims find that the Internet offers a creative outlet that may include blogging about the `Eid and other events. Irfan Rydhan, for example, is a media representative for the South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) in California and a blogger for MediaAndIslam.com, posting articles and `Eid video clips showing SBIA activities. These might include carnival rides, games, animal shows, and puppet shows.
From the media perspective, said Rydhan, the clips help show both Muslims and non-Muslims Muslims that "`Eid is a special day and a time to spend with family and friends to enjoy good food and times together."
Before the `Eid even starts, Rydhan, like thousands of other Muslims, visits crescent-monitoring sites to confirm the sighting of the crescent moon that signals the start of a new lunar month. He then uses tools like Facebook, text messaging, and regular e-mail to inform family and friends that the date of `Eid has been announced.
Text Messaging
Text messaging is a relatively new phenomenon that has taken the Muslim world by storm. "Malaysia is big in using text and picture messages - especially for `Eid greetings," commented Zabrina A. Bakar, author of Life is an Open Secret, a newly released book of motivational stories. "We have micro-poems, pictures, one-liners, etcetera, designed by individuals and corporations that we can purchase or get for free."
Bakar says that the thriving SMS (Short Message Service) culture created with the spread of mobile phones helps cut down on the costs of postage and generally encourages people to keep in touch. Her father, who is 63, enjoys the technology and spends 20-30 minutes every `Eid "texting" friends and relatives, even those who may be sitting with him in the same room.
On the down side, though, Bakar points out that text messages require less creativity than traditional paper cards and tend not to be personalized. "There are no long-term memories of what others wish for us as an SMS will be deleted from the phone sooner or later," she said.
Getting Practical
"Technology really helps fill the gaps left by the absence of our loved ones."
Juli Herman, a homeschooling mother who is also from Malaysia, enjoys blogging about the `Eid. She has taught her children to make cards for family and friends in the form of Power Point presentations, which she says fosters creativity and becomes part of their homeschooling activities.
Herman has lived in the US for more than a decade and uses sites like Google Maps to pinpoint the location of local areas where `Eid prayers take place or fun places the family wants to visit, the convenience of which "makes the day much more organized." She also talks to her family in Malaysia via the computer.
"Technology really helps fill the gaps left by the absence of our loved ones," added Shabina S. Khatri, a freelance journalist from Michigan who moved to Qatar with her husband after getting married earlier this year. "On `Eid, insha’Allah, my husband and I will use [internet telephony] to call our families, use e-mail and text messaging to wish our friends a blessed day, and use our digital camera to take pictures of our celebration in Qatar."
Giving to Charity
An integral part of `Eid Al-Adha is slaughtering an animal and distributing its meat to the poor in commemoration of the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
Many people are choosing to make their donations online, through relief organizations such as Islamic Relief, Ummah Relief, and the Hidaya Foundation. This system helps ensure that donations will go to needier Muslims across the world.
In 2006, the Hidaya Foundation collected approximately $162,000 in udhiyah (sacrifice) donations, distributing the meat of 662 goats and 1918 cows in Asia, Africa, and the United States, a project that is estimated to have benefited about 27,000 families and 120,000 individuals.
"As Muslims, we are supposed to meet together for `Eid prayer and then share the thanksgiving of `Eid with our family and friends," commented homebound Delgado. She suggested ordering gifts like flowers, or even a meal, by phone or Internet, and sending it to a shut-in. "Seeking out lonely and isolated Muslims will make you feel good inside to bring some happiness to another person."
`Eid Shopping
Jamilah Kolocotronis, author of the Echoes series of novels for Muslims, does nearly all of her shopping for the `Eid online. A mother of six boys who holds a PhD in Social Science Education and reverted to Islam in 1980, Kolocotronis lives in Lexington, Kentucky, and says that shopping online gives her more choices.
"I used to drive from store to store, looking for that special book or gift. Now I can simply browse the Internet, comparing quality and prices. Also, I can buy things, such as Islamic books and CDs, which simply are not available here in Lexington," she told IslamOnline.net. "I like to be able to stay home, do my Eid shopping, and not worry about the Christmas mania."
According to Hosam Abu Alam, marketing manager for Noorart.com, sales for the business are noticeably higher during the `Eid season, when parents and educators buy gifts of books, toys, and DVDs for their children and students through their website. Titles related to Hajj and Eid are especially popular.
Once the shopping is over, however, one should attend to more important things. Delgado advises Muslims to take care of their Internet business early and then "stay off the computer and enjoy the day with family and friends," remembering to find out who in the community may be in need of a real-life visit or kind word.
Source : Islam Online
A popular expression says, "When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." For many Muslims celebrating `Eid Al-Adha away from family, friends, or community, that window is the Internet.
"My community does not have an outreach [program] to the elderly or disabled," said Linda D. Delgado, founder of the Islamic Writers Alliance, referring to those who cannot make it to prayers at the mosque or community picnics and dinners. "I am pretty much homebound with my disabilities, and the Internet is my way to 'greet' other Muslims on `Eid."
Delgado, a retired police officer who lives in Tempe, Arizona, reverted to Islam at the age of 52, after hosting two police officers from Saudi Arabia in her home nearly eight years ago. After praying the `Eid prayer at home, she likes listening to the adthan and spends part of the day sending e-cards to what she calls her Muslim "cyber-family" of friends online.
One of Delgado's most pleasant `Eid memories happened when a cyber-friend sent her a set of pictures drawn by her children. "They were drawings of themselves - little children stick-like people waving at me and saying 'Happy `Eid, Auntie.' I put them up on my walls every year for `Eid."
`Eid and Dawah
"Use of the Internet has definitely benefited us as Muslims in our effort to bring about a better understanding."
Sheikh Yusuf Estes, a former Christian preacher and retired chaplain for the US Bureau of Prisons who is now active in dawah (inviting of Islam), uses the Internet to reach out to people around the globe. To date, he has registered more than 4,300 domain names, including ChatIslam.com, which provides a venue for people to learn about Islam in a carefully moderated "live" environment. The chatroom is open year-round, including the days of `Eid.
"People come from all around the world to congratulate each other," said a web designer to IslamOnline.net who works closely with Sheikh Estes on his sites and preferred to remain anonymous. "We've had instances where there were some reverts who didn't have any mosques around their towns. They would spend their time in the chatroom, where they could meet more Muslims."
Sheikh Estes uses different methods on his sites to make the practice of Islam fun and accessible. At 2Eids.com, for example, one can print out a list of good deeds that are recommend for Muslims to perform on the occasion of `Eid. "Bring joy to your surroundings," reads one item on the list, "The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had an excellent sense of humor and was often found putting a smile on another person's face."
"Use of the Internet has definitely benefited us as Muslims in our effort to bring about a better understanding, not only for [non-Muslims and those new to Islam], but also for those who were born into Islam, as well," Sheikh Estes told IslamOnline.net.
"The world wide web has proven to me time and again how very inexpensive it is to provide our side of the story for folks all around the world. It does take some time, imagination, creative ability, artistic design, hours of sitting and typing, constant daily updating, and a whole lot of patience at the same time. But, when you consider the rewards both here and Hereafter, you can't find a better deal anywhere."
Blogging and Multimedia
Like Sheikh Estes, who uses a combination of text, audio, and video (including live conferencing) to connect with the visitors to his sites, many Muslims find that the Internet offers a creative outlet that may include blogging about the `Eid and other events. Irfan Rydhan, for example, is a media representative for the South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) in California and a blogger for MediaAndIslam.com, posting articles and `Eid video clips showing SBIA activities. These might include carnival rides, games, animal shows, and puppet shows.
From the media perspective, said Rydhan, the clips help show both Muslims and non-Muslims Muslims that "`Eid is a special day and a time to spend with family and friends to enjoy good food and times together."
Before the `Eid even starts, Rydhan, like thousands of other Muslims, visits crescent-monitoring sites to confirm the sighting of the crescent moon that signals the start of a new lunar month. He then uses tools like Facebook, text messaging, and regular e-mail to inform family and friends that the date of `Eid has been announced.
Text Messaging
Text messaging is a relatively new phenomenon that has taken the Muslim world by storm. "Malaysia is big in using text and picture messages - especially for `Eid greetings," commented Zabrina A. Bakar, author of Life is an Open Secret, a newly released book of motivational stories. "We have micro-poems, pictures, one-liners, etcetera, designed by individuals and corporations that we can purchase or get for free."
Bakar says that the thriving SMS (Short Message Service) culture created with the spread of mobile phones helps cut down on the costs of postage and generally encourages people to keep in touch. Her father, who is 63, enjoys the technology and spends 20-30 minutes every `Eid "texting" friends and relatives, even those who may be sitting with him in the same room.
On the down side, though, Bakar points out that text messages require less creativity than traditional paper cards and tend not to be personalized. "There are no long-term memories of what others wish for us as an SMS will be deleted from the phone sooner or later," she said.
Getting Practical
"Technology really helps fill the gaps left by the absence of our loved ones."
Juli Herman, a homeschooling mother who is also from Malaysia, enjoys blogging about the `Eid. She has taught her children to make cards for family and friends in the form of Power Point presentations, which she says fosters creativity and becomes part of their homeschooling activities.
Herman has lived in the US for more than a decade and uses sites like Google Maps to pinpoint the location of local areas where `Eid prayers take place or fun places the family wants to visit, the convenience of which "makes the day much more organized." She also talks to her family in Malaysia via the computer.
"Technology really helps fill the gaps left by the absence of our loved ones," added Shabina S. Khatri, a freelance journalist from Michigan who moved to Qatar with her husband after getting married earlier this year. "On `Eid, insha’Allah, my husband and I will use [internet telephony] to call our families, use e-mail and text messaging to wish our friends a blessed day, and use our digital camera to take pictures of our celebration in Qatar."
Giving to Charity
An integral part of `Eid Al-Adha is slaughtering an animal and distributing its meat to the poor in commemoration of the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
Many people are choosing to make their donations online, through relief organizations such as Islamic Relief, Ummah Relief, and the Hidaya Foundation. This system helps ensure that donations will go to needier Muslims across the world.
In 2006, the Hidaya Foundation collected approximately $162,000 in udhiyah (sacrifice) donations, distributing the meat of 662 goats and 1918 cows in Asia, Africa, and the United States, a project that is estimated to have benefited about 27,000 families and 120,000 individuals.
"As Muslims, we are supposed to meet together for `Eid prayer and then share the thanksgiving of `Eid with our family and friends," commented homebound Delgado. She suggested ordering gifts like flowers, or even a meal, by phone or Internet, and sending it to a shut-in. "Seeking out lonely and isolated Muslims will make you feel good inside to bring some happiness to another person."
`Eid Shopping
Jamilah Kolocotronis, author of the Echoes series of novels for Muslims, does nearly all of her shopping for the `Eid online. A mother of six boys who holds a PhD in Social Science Education and reverted to Islam in 1980, Kolocotronis lives in Lexington, Kentucky, and says that shopping online gives her more choices.
"I used to drive from store to store, looking for that special book or gift. Now I can simply browse the Internet, comparing quality and prices. Also, I can buy things, such as Islamic books and CDs, which simply are not available here in Lexington," she told IslamOnline.net. "I like to be able to stay home, do my Eid shopping, and not worry about the Christmas mania."
According to Hosam Abu Alam, marketing manager for Noorart.com, sales for the business are noticeably higher during the `Eid season, when parents and educators buy gifts of books, toys, and DVDs for their children and students through their website. Titles related to Hajj and Eid are especially popular.
Once the shopping is over, however, one should attend to more important things. Delgado advises Muslims to take care of their Internet business early and then "stay off the computer and enjoy the day with family and friends," remembering to find out who in the community may be in need of a real-life visit or kind word.
Source : Islam Online
Monday, November 24, 2008
What Do Muslim Women Want?
An excerpt from the book Who Speaks for Islam? by John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed
In sharp contrast to the popular image of silent submissiveness, Gallup findings on women in countries that are predominantly Muslim or have sizable Muslim populations hardly show that they have been conditioned to accept second-class status. Majorities of women in virtually every country we surveyed say that women deserve the same legal rights as men, to vote without influence from family members, to work at any job they are qualified for, and even to serve in the highest levels of government. In Saudi Arabia, for example, where as of this writing, women were not allowed to vote or drive, majorities of women say that women should be able to drive a car by themselves (61%), vote without influence (69%), and work at any job for which they are qualified (76%). Egyptian women, who have faced far fewer restrictions than their Saudi counterparts, speak even more strongly in favor of women's rights, with 88% of Egyptian women saying that they should be allowed to work at any job for which they are qualified. In Egypt, as in other parts of the Muslim world, this attitude is not just a theory, as a full third of professional and technical workers in Egypt are women, on par with Turkey and South Korea.
If you want to put faces to these data, observe women such as Souad Saleh, an assertive and outspoken woman whose area of expertise is fiqh, or Islamic jurisprudence. Saleh is an Islamic jurist and professor at al-Azhar University, the most prominent institution of Islamic scholarship and authority in Sunni Islam. She was the first woman dean of faculty at the institution and is a prolific writer on issues ranging from family law to women's rights, authoring more than seven volumes on Islam and at least four in-depth research works. A regular on pan-Arab television and one of the most outspoken preachers on Islam, her message is clear: "Islam is simple and holds women in high esteem."
Celebrity preachers aren't the only ones who defy conventional wisdom. There are also women like Salwa Riffat, an Egyptian woman now in her late 50s who earned her bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Cairo University and went on to earn her Ph.D. in civil engineering. At the same time, she managed to successfully balance raising a family and fulfilling the demands of her career. She is now a professor of engineering, teaching men and women alike. "Women of my generation were at the forefront of a new era in Egypt," she says, referring to the wave of women attending college that gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s. "Now, it's hardly something worth noting that in Egypt, universities are filled with women, in some cases more than men, and they are excelling." The valedictorians of Cairo's elite medical school are famously known to almost always be female.
These cases are hardly unique. Nationally representative self reported data show percentages of women in Iran (52%), Egypt (34%), Saudi Arabia (32%), and Lebanon (37%) with postsecondary educations. In the United Arab Emirates and Iran, women make up the majority of university students. However, in Muslim countries -- as well as in non-Muslim countries -- Gallup finds a wide range of female education with percentages of women pursuing postsecondary educations dipping as low as 8% and 13% in Morocco and Pakistan, respectively, which is comparable with 4% in Brazil, or 11% in the Czech Republic.
Based on the largest and most in-depth study of its kind, Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think presents the remarkable findings of the Gallup Poll of the Muslim World, the first ever data-based analysis of the points of view of more than 90% of the global Muslim community, spanning more than 35 nations. Lean more Who Speaks For Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Who Are Muslims?
So, what role does religion really play in Muslims' lives? According to Gallup Polls in 2001 and 2005-2007, of countries with substantial or predominantly Muslim populations, majorities in many countries (several in the 90% range) say that religion is an important part of their daily lives. Sizable percentages rate "having an enriched religious/spiritual life" as an aspect of life that is essential, that one cannot live without. Asked what they admire most about the Islamic world, the No. 1 response from significant percentages of populations in countries as diverse as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia is "people's sincere adherence to Islam."
Many regard religion as a primary marker of identity, a source of meaning and guidance, consolation and community, and essential to their progress. Majorities of both men and women in many predominantly Muslim countries want to see Islamic principles, Sharia, as a source of legislation. These respondents have much in common with the majority of Americans who wish to see the Bible as a source of legislation. Both groups emphasize the importance of family values and are deeply concerned about issues of social morality. In fact, what respondents in the Muslim world and a significant number of Americans say they admire least about Western civilization is an excessive libertinism in society.
Islam is not to its adherents what it might appear to outside observers: simply a restrictive shell of rules and punishments. To many Muslims, it is a spiritual mental map that offers a sense of meaning, guidance, purpose, and hope. Vast majorities of residents in predominantly Muslim countries say their lives have an important purpose (90% of Egyptians, 91% of Saudis).
The importance of religion is reinforced by what Muslims say about their traditions and customs, which also continue to play a central role in their lives. When asked, "Are there traditions and customs that are important to you, or not?" majorities in many predominantly Muslim countries say "yes": Jordan (96%), Saudi Arabia (95%), Turkey (90%), and Egypt (87%). This contrasts sharply with percentages of those answering "yes" to the same question in the United States (54%) and especially in European countries such as the United Kingdom (36%), France (20%), and Belgium (23%).
If religion is regarded by so many Muslims as a core life value, beyond the sensational images and religious rhetoric of extremists, what is this faith that has won the devotion of so many? What does it mean to be Muslim? What principles call more than a billion people, with different languages and cultures, spread all over the world?
Based on the largest and most in-depth study of its kind, Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think presents the remarkable findings of the Gallup Poll of the Muslim world, the first ever data-based analysis of the points of view of more than 90% of the global Muslim community, spanning more than 35 nations.
An excerpt from the book Who Speaks for Islam? by John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed
Many regard religion as a primary marker of identity, a source of meaning and guidance, consolation and community, and essential to their progress. Majorities of both men and women in many predominantly Muslim countries want to see Islamic principles, Sharia, as a source of legislation. These respondents have much in common with the majority of Americans who wish to see the Bible as a source of legislation. Both groups emphasize the importance of family values and are deeply concerned about issues of social morality. In fact, what respondents in the Muslim world and a significant number of Americans say they admire least about Western civilization is an excessive libertinism in society.
Islam is not to its adherents what it might appear to outside observers: simply a restrictive shell of rules and punishments. To many Muslims, it is a spiritual mental map that offers a sense of meaning, guidance, purpose, and hope. Vast majorities of residents in predominantly Muslim countries say their lives have an important purpose (90% of Egyptians, 91% of Saudis).
The importance of religion is reinforced by what Muslims say about their traditions and customs, which also continue to play a central role in their lives. When asked, "Are there traditions and customs that are important to you, or not?" majorities in many predominantly Muslim countries say "yes": Jordan (96%), Saudi Arabia (95%), Turkey (90%), and Egypt (87%). This contrasts sharply with percentages of those answering "yes" to the same question in the United States (54%) and especially in European countries such as the United Kingdom (36%), France (20%), and Belgium (23%).
If religion is regarded by so many Muslims as a core life value, beyond the sensational images and religious rhetoric of extremists, what is this faith that has won the devotion of so many? What does it mean to be Muslim? What principles call more than a billion people, with different languages and cultures, spread all over the world?
Based on the largest and most in-depth study of its kind, Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think presents the remarkable findings of the Gallup Poll of the Muslim world, the first ever data-based analysis of the points of view of more than 90% of the global Muslim community, spanning more than 35 nations.
An excerpt from the book Who Speaks for Islam? by John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Best Asset Management Company (Global Finance) : Saudi Joint Stock Company
SABB is a Saudi Joint Stock Company with a strong track record and a heritage that stretches back almost 30 years.
Established on 12 Safar 1398(H) (21 January 1978), SABB formally commenced activities on 26 Rajab 1398(H) (01 July 1978) when it took over the operations of The British Bank of the Middle East in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
SABB is an Associated Company of the HSBC Group, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations with over 10,000 offices in 83 countries and territories across Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. This association means that SABB customers not only have access to our own market-leading services and customer care, but can also tap into the HSBC Group’s global network, resources, skills, specialist knowledge and expertise
Assets
SAR 98.2 billion (US$26.2 billion) at 31 December 2007.
SAR 77.2 billion (US$20.6 billion) at 31 December 2006.
Profit
SAR 2,607 million (US$695 million) at 31 December 2007.
SAR 3,040 million (US$811 million) at 31 December 2006.
Capital Strength:
SABB paid up capital is SAR 6,000 million with share capital ownership split as follows:60% Saudi Nationals and 40% HSBC Holdings BV (a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc)
Network
SABB operates through a network of 75 branches, including 12 exclusive Ladies’ branches, with a team of 2865 employees of whom 85.5% are Saudi nationals as at 30 September 2007.
Products and Services
Enhanced levels of service for all our customers – that’s what we at SABB consistently strive for. Our range of banking services includes Personal, Commercial, Corporate, Private and Islamic Banking; Investment, Treasury and Trade Services, and Credit and ATM Cards that are welcomed in more than 18 million commercial outlets within the Kingdom and around the world. In addition SABB ATM and credit cards can access more than 350,000 ATMs in the Kingdom and around the world. Our Electronic, Internet and Telephone Banking facilities allow customers to conduct banking business from the comfort of their own homes or offices and our information delivery channels now include mobile telephone technology and Short Message Services (SMS).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Obama Favored in Key Muslim Countries
Gallup Polls conducted in May-August 2008 in six predominantly Muslim countries show that public interest in who wins the U.S. presidential election ranges from comparatively high in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to very low in Pakistan. Those who do express a preference tend to prefer Democratic candidate Barack Obama to Republican candidate John McCain by margins of at least 2-to-1.
Attributable to the historic nature of the 2008 U.S. presidential race and presumed foreign policy differences between Obama and McCain, the conventional wisdom is that the race has generated unprecedented levels of interest worldwide. Yet only in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon do majorities of those Gallup polled voice a preference for a presidential candidate. In Saudi Arabia, more than two-thirds of those polled do so, with 50% preferring Obama versus 19% for McCain. This is similar to Lebanon, where 45% favor Obama versus 18% for McCain.
Fewer than half of Palestinians and Kuwaitis voice a preference for Obama or McCain, however, as do just 30% of Turks. In each of these countries, the margin of preference for Obama among those who do state a preference is about 3-to-1. Among Palestinians, where 33% favor Obama compared to 11% for McCain, the bulk of those who offer an opinion live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with few Gaza residents stating a preference.
Interestingly, the 10% of Pakistanis who express an opinion about the election are evenly split in their preferences between Obama and McCain. Pakistanis' disinterest is noteworthy considering the high-profile nature of Pakistan's relationship with the United States.
The Obama Factor
In each of the six countries surveyed a majority of those who do say the winner of the U.S. presidential election makes a difference to their country favor Obama. There is little evidence that people in the Muslim world view Obama in the context of his father's religious origins in Kenya, as the Arab media only typically mention this connection when there has been a stir about it in the U.S. media. For the most part, the Arab media simply portray Obama as an American.
Perceived Relevance of U.S. Election
Across the six Muslim countries surveyed, the percentage of respondents who say the outcome of the election makes a difference to their country ranges from a high of 42% in Lebanon to a low of 10 % in Pakistan.
Though country variations can't be pinned to a single factor, the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq and other Muslim countries -- as well as the possibility of an impending conflict with Iran -- make the perceived lack of relevance across all six countries somewhat surprising. However, among the majorities who say either the outcome of the election does not make a difference to their country or did not express an opinion on the issue, the default reaction may be to simply expect foreign policy as usual -- whichever candidate is elected, reported by Jihad Fakhreddine
Survey Methods
Results based on face-to-face interviews with 1,150 Saudis, aged 15 and older, conducted in May 2008; 1,000 Lebanese, aged 15 and older, conducted in May 2008; 804 Pakistanis, aged 15 and older, conducted in June 2008; 1,004 Turks, aged 15 and older, conducted in July 2008; 1,000 Palestinians, aged 15 and older, conducted in August 2008; and 484 Kuwaiti nationals, aged 15 and older, conducted in June 2008, For results based on the total sample of national adults in each survey, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±5 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.
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