Gratitude, or shukr, is esteemed in every culture, but in the Arab world it is a virtue that is especially highly regarded.
Islam has a part to play in that, and there are several religious sayings that underscore the importance of gratitude.
"La yashkor Allah man la yashkor al nas” is an expression that translates to “who doesn’t thank people doesn’t thank Allah”.
“Man shakara al qalil istahaqqa al jazeel” is another saying that implies that a little bit of thanks will earn the thankful much.
If you want to thank someone, you say shukran. One way to respond to that is aafwan. A colloquial Levantine response could be walaw, which is a bit like saying “don’t mention it”.
“La shukr ala wajeb” is another way to answer. While it means "welcome", the expression literally translates to “there is no need to thank me on my duty”.
If you want to emphasise your thanks, you could say "shukran min qul qalbi" or thank you from all of my heart. Another way to say this is "shukran min aamaaqi".
Shukran can also have sardonic undertones. If someone does something that doesn’t sit right with you, you could say: shukran, kattir kheirak/kheirik. Of course, make sure to say it with a scathing tone.
Now for a few positive quotes:
“Ishkur man hom daa'eman bijanibina bidooni sabbab wa bidoon shuroot wabidooni masaleh.”
“Thank those who are always beside you, without reason, unconditionally and without interests.”
Unsurprisingly, Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran also has a saying related to shukr: “Inna sadiqaka huwa haqluka allazi tazraauhu bilmahabba wa tahsuduhu bilshukr.”
“A friend is a field you sow with love and reap with thanks.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see The National's pick of Arabic words of the week
Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: RB Money To Burn, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m, Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m, Winner: Secret Protector, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.50pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m, Winner: Motafaawit, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
Blonde
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Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
The past winners
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2010 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2011 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2012 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2013 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2015 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2017 - Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
'Nope'
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
