Eleven days ago, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity called for people from all faiths to join together on May 14 for a day of prayer, fasting and works of charity in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, and Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, have both welcomed the HCHF’s call. Today, it is echoed by religious leaders around the world, eager to take part in a global prayer for healing.
From the UAE’s Hindu community and the Chairman of Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple, Surender Singh Kandhari, to Poland’s Chief Rabbi, Michael Schudrich; from the Lutheran World Federation, an international protestant organisation, to leaders of many of the Christian sects of the Middle East: religious representatives worldwide have decided to pray together today.
Read More about coronavirus and religion
They are also joined by political figures and institutions, such as Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the African Union, in the aim of bringing humanity closer together even as half of the world population is under lockdown.
In the age of physical distancing, it is difficult to imagine that, a little over a year ago, a multitude of people flocked to the UAE to meet Pope Francis. More than 180,000 worshippers joined him in prayer in Zayed Sports City last February. The Pope’s trip to the country was not only a great gift to the Catholic community in the region. It also held strong symbolism and made history as the very first official papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam, promoting a message of peace and tolerance. The visit resulted in the signing of a Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb to advance tolerance and understanding between religions. The goal of the HCHF is to bring religious leaders, scholars and public figures together to advance the document’s cause.
This spirit of compassion and solidarity is needed now more than ever as mankind faces a global health crisis of unprecedented proportions. Regardless of one’s faith and beliefs, prayer is common across religions and can be a means of bringing humanity together at a time of strife. It can also bring a much-needed sense of communality to worshippers from different religions, especially when they have been unable to attend services and connect with their religious community for months. Places of worship have closed their doors in many parts of the world to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Compassion and solidarity are needed now more than ever as mankind faces a global health crisis
Genuine human connection, however, does not end with physical distancing. Religious figures, community leaders and individuals have found creative ways to keep in touch. Some people have hosted iftars on Zoom and other video-conferencing applications during Ramadan, and Pope Francis himself has made use of technology to guide worshippers during this troubling time, sharing video footage of Easter celebrations he held alone in the Vatican.
Today, let us join the call for international prayer and reflection for the sake of those most affected by the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact. The effort is not about any single religion or set of beliefs. It is about a shared expression of hope to see better days very soon.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Pakistan World Cup squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez(subject to fitness), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain
Two additions for England ODIs: Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali
Sinopharm vaccine explained
The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades.
“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.
"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."
This is then injected into the body.
"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.
"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."
The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.
Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.
“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes.
The trip
From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Read more about the coronavirus
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
If%20you%20go
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Bombshell
Director: Jay Roach
Stars: Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie
Four out of five stars
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
