Dear Ali: I want to ask a question about the types and styles of kanduras from different emirates and countries in the Gulf. Are there any particular materials or colours? B A, Sharjah
Dear B A: Most kanduras are essentially the same, but differences in some parts can distinguish people from different emirates – and sometimes from the same family.
First of all, the colours don’t necessary represent anything except personal choice, but obviously back in history, when water quality was less certain and cleaning resources were more limited, the colour of a kandura could go from yellow to beige to sometimes reddish as it aged.
Most kanduras are made from the same mixed-cotton material. In term of the style and shape, the upper opening of the kandura will either be circular or have a collar, like a regular suit shirt. The end of the sleeve can also be circular or cuffed.
Each Gulf country has its own style, but anyone in the Gulf could wear any of these styles if they wished. Although each emirate’s royal family has its own preferred style, and the people of that emirate could follow that, this isn’t mandatory, but is simply an option. All may wear what they prefer and feel comfortable with, as long as it’s a kandura.
Is there an official UAE kandura style? I would say that there is. Our leaders wear it, as do most Emiratis – mainly it’s white, with white headgear and a black agal on top.
Dear Ali: I read that the rulers of the UAE released about 1,000 prisoners on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Can you explain why? A J, Ajman
Dear A J: That's an interesting observation and indeed a good question. It is always a great blessing for people to have such wise and generous leaders. We love our sheikhs and wish them a long life.
Islam, a religion of peace, teaches us to do more good deeds. When Muslims enter the Holy Month of Ramadan, it’s the time when all our happiness and hopes are raised, in the belief that we have another chance to engage in struggle for God and another chance to be forgiven for any mistakes we may have committed during the year. We try to do more good deeds and to make everyone happy.
Prisoner release is one of those acts of kindness recommended by God Himself. Having a great effect on their people, the rulers of the UAE set a good example by demonstrating their care about the needs of all – and forgiveness. This demonstrates the health, development and forgiving nature of our society.
And please note that prisoners aren’t released until there is a very clear statement report from the police and jails that these prisoners have behaved during their jail time – I hope people won’t think that someone who commits a criminal act yesterday will be released tomorrow. Definitely not.
It’s a process that takes months and years, and every Ramadan or Eid each year, a list would be studied and then raised to the right committees for them to approve.
Such release presents an ex-prisoner with a good opportunity to reintegrate into society as a good, law-abiding citizen and to have a positive contribution in building the nation and developing the country by protecting its noble values.
Moreover, release of prisoners is considered to be a great humanitarian gesture that brings happiness not only to the person himself but also to his family, so the happiness of 1,000 released prisoners may reach perhaps as many as 10,000 friends and family members.
Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.
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