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Kottar Welfare Association (KWA) - Qatar held a Qatar National Day meet in celebration of the country’s achievements and heritage. The event presided by Mowlavi Imaduttheen Umari was attended by vice-president Sheik Ahmad, general secretary Mohamed Shiffan Sameem and others. In his speech, Mowlavi Umari highlighted the significance of the occasion, the role of the expatriate communities in supporting Qatar’s development and the strong relationship between Qatar and its diverse population.

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) bade a heartfelt farewell to the Grade XII graduating Class of 2024-25 at an event with the theme ‘Farewell Memories: To Infinity and Beyond’.Chief guest Rocky Fernandes encouraged them to embrace the future with curiosity and resilience, while upholding values like integrity, compassion, and perseverance.Principal Asna Nafees commended their contributions to pioneering events such as Teenpreneur and Hackathon. Encouraging students to traverse life’s challenges, she emphasised the importance of responsibility, kindness, and staying true to the school’s motto, ‘Service Before Self’. She urged parents to provide unwavering emotional support as their children spread their wings and venture forth, embracing the world with courage and purpose. Vice-principal Soma Bhattacharjee encouraged students to embrace the final stretch with unwavering focus, seek guidance when needed, and face their exams with confidence. The ceremony was marked by captivating performances by the Grade XI students.Head boy Abhimanyu Gupta, head girl Sansriti Sarraf, games captains Krishna Karthik A S, Kalash Vivek Raval, Disha Mitesh Patel and Anna Mariam John in their nostalgic speeches, expressed their gratitude towards the management, principal and the teachers. A video montage of the principal, vice-principals and teachers sharing words of advice and encouragement was the highlight of the day.

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) Grade XII student Edwin Daniel won four medals in World Scholars Cup Tournament of Champions at Yale University, US.He bagged gold in team quiz and individual writing, and silver in team writing and individual debate. The event brought together students from over 60 countries. Principal Asna Nafees has congratulated the achiever.

Chaliyar Doha Women’s Committee marked Qatar National Day with an event titled Arabic Night. Over 100 attendees, including women and children from various panchayats of Chaliyar Doha were present. The festivities began with children dressed in traditional Arabic attire singing the Qatar national anthem. A series of cultural programmes followed. Women’s wing president Muhsina Zameel led the event, co-ordinated by Femina Saleem, Labeeb Thayyil, Dr Asheeka, Labeeb Ashraf, Rimshida, Febi, and Risana.

Rajagiri Public School (RPS) commemorated Qatar National Day with a celebration that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the nation. The event was a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the host country. The festivities kicked off with captivating Arabic dances performed by both boys and girls. A group song celebrating Arabic culture followed, accompanied by a visual display of Qatar’s landmarks and landscapes. The highlight of the event was a skit titled ‘My Values Shape My Identity’, which delved into the importance of personal values and their role in shaping one’s character. The performance resonated with the audience, inspiring them to reflect on their own values and aspirations. The event was co-ordinated by Davis Paul and Susan Binu.

The newly launched evening session of Ideal Indian School (IIS) celebrated Qatar National Day, showcasing a range of activities that reflected its strong bond with the host nation. The students performed dance and songs and gave speeches, celebrating the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Qatar. Principal Shaik Shamim Saheb acknowledged the visionary leadership and remarkable progress of Qatar, highlighting their commitment to transforming the nation into a modern, dynamic state while balancing rapid development with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.The event featured an array of performances by students from Kindergarten to Class 8. The programme commenced with a prayer by Asma A K, followed by the Qatar national anthem performed by the school choir. Students expressed their love for Qatar through speeches. Muaaz Naseerulhaq spoke in Arabic and Muhammed Hamdan in English. Hanifa Khan welcomed the gathering and Daya Noufal proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was hosted by Khulood.

The 21st annual sports meet of Birla Public School was held on December 14 at Al Rayyan Stadium. Renowned Qatari hurdler Bassem Hemeida was the chief guest. School chairman Gope Shahani, director Lukose Chacko, management representative Chindhu Antony and Al Ahli Sports Club coach Adhil were present. Principal Dr Anand R Nair, non-academics head Vinod Kumar, vice-principal Edna Fernandez, heads of various sections and teachers, and a gathering of parents witnessed the event. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Noby C C from the Physical Education Department. The day unfolded with dance, gymnastics, and a tableau showcasing various sporting events. One of the key highlights was the march past, featuring the four houses - Mars, Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter, along with the Scouts and Guides. Chairman Shahani declared the meet open. The torch was lit by Hemeida, and handed over to the school sports captain, David Joash Jossan. The torch was then passed to the athletes who have represented the school in national and international events across India and Qatar. The flag-hoisting ceremony and the administration of the athletes’ oath by the sports captain marked the formal commencement of the competitions. In his inaugural speech, Hemeida emphasised the value of participation over victory and the importance of embodying the sportsman spirit. To further inspire the students, he even sprinted alongside the athletes. He presented medals and certificates to the winners. Chindhu Antony in her address commended parents for recognising the significance of sports and games and for encouraging their children to take part in various events.

The Super Dancer Competition (Season 3), organised by Doha Music Lovers in association with Emote Edition Dance Studio, concluded with a grand finale. Over three weeks, hundreds of dancers competed in the auditions, in classical, folk, cinematic, and western dance forms. From this talent pool, 80 participants were selected to perform in the finale, competing across four categories.

The winners of a weight loss challenge organised by the Center for Indian Community (CIC) Rayyan Zone were honoured at a ceremony. Shereef K B, Fayiz Abdulla and Rafeeq Soopi won the first, second and third prizes, respectively. Consolation awards were presented to Mohammed Rafi and Sameer Salih. Rashad Pallikandi, who received the ICBF Award for Social Service, was also felicitated during the event. President Sudheer T K presided. Secretary Abdul Jaleel M M welcomed the gathering and vice president Subul Abdul Aziz proposed a vote of thanks.

The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC)’s AO (associated organisations) Festival, Kala Ke Rang 2024, witnessed over 750 participants in 18 competitions over four days at ICC and Bhavan’s Public School. The overall champion was Sanskriti and Karnataka Sanga Qatar was the first runner-up. Shamita Adiga and Pooha Santosh won the Kala Thilakam title.

India-born and Doha-raised Jannate Grover won the title of Miss Bharat Fashionista at the Ms Bharat USA Pageant, a statement said. A former student of Doha College, she moved to New York to pursue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also the creator of @thefashionngyani on Instagram, where she shares her knowledge of fashion design, history and behind-the-scenes insights into the industry.

Indian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (IIQS) Qatar chapter, hosted a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event recently. AG Consultancy director Phillip Smeed spoke on ‘Expert determination and expert witness’. Earlier, chapter membership manager Ganesh Mahadev Kadam welcomed the attendees. Vice-president Dayanidhi Dhandapany introduced the speaker. He discussed a wide range of complex matters arising from construction disputes, the way forward to deal with expert determination and expert witness mechanisms to enforce dispute resolution amicably. A Q&A session followed. President Kiran Kumar Podakanti presented a memento to Smeed. Dhandapany presented a souvenir to vice president (finance) Venkat Reddy, in recognition of the completion of 10 years of voluntary services to the IIQS Qatar managing committee. President proposed a vote of thanks. Vice-president (CPD committee) Saravanan, public relations manager Basith and membership manager Aadith Somnath were present.

Many social problems result from loans because many people overlook the etiquette which Islam legislated for the debtor and the creditor, and should the debtors and the creditors adhere to such etiquettes, then many problems would be solved.Some of these etiquette regarding the creditor are to delay the debtor who is unable to pay on due time and to drop the debt from the needy. On the other hand, the debtor should rush and repay the loan as soon as he is able to and not to procrastinate repayment. In this article we will address what is related to the creditor and matters pertaining to the debtor.The Creditor:Giving respite to the debtor: When the time of repayment is due, then the one who was kind to his brother and loaned him some money should remember the Saying of Allah (which means): “And if someone is in hardship, then [let there be] postponement until [a time of] ease. But if you give [from your right as] charity, then it is better for you, if you only knew.” [Qur’an 2: 280].In this verse, Allah enjoins patience and tolerance for the one who is poor and cannot repay on time and that the creditor should postpone the deadline. This command came to change the old practice during pre-Islamic era were the creditor used to say to the debtor: “Either you pay or I start calculating interest on the loan”. Also, the verse comes directly after the verses addressing the issue of Riba (i.e. interest and usury) in which Allah Says (what means): “O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal-[thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.” [Qur’an 2: 278-279]. Allah did not specify the type of war He would wage against those who deal with Riba; whether it is in the form of afflicting them with diseases, making them suffer famine and poverty or a military war.Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “May Allah show mercy to a man who adopts a kind attitude when he sells, buys and demands for the repayment of loans.” [Al-Bukhari] This person deserved the mercy of Allah because he dealt with people kindly and postponed the one who could not repay him and whenever asked for his money, he demanded it gently with kind words as not to hurt the feelings of the debtor.These Prophetic narrations deeply affected the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and they acted upon them. ‘Abdullah Ibn Abu Qatadah, may Allah be pleased with them, reported: “My father (i.e. Abu Qatadah) went to a man who was indebted to him, so the debtor hid from him. Later, Abu Qatadah saw the debtor and requested his money but the later informed him that he could not repay him because he did not possess the money and that his financial situation was very worse. Upon hearing this, Abu Qatadah asked the man saying; ‘Are you really in a tight situation?’ The man responded with the affirmative. Thereupon my father said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, saying: “He who likes Allah to deliver him from the calamities of the Day of Resurrection, let him either give respite to a debtor or grant him remission (of loans) in straitened circumstances.” Then he cried” [Muslim]In another narration, he, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “He who gives respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, or grants him remission, Allah will shelter him in the shade of His Throne, on the Day of Resurrection, when there will be no shade except His shade.” [At-Tirmithi]Abu Qatadah, may Allah be pleased with him, was not the only one who behaved in such a manner. Rather, this was the way the entire community of the Companions may Allah be pleased with them dealt with each other.Many of the companions delayed the debtors who could not pay on time for long periods, and in many cases they even dropped and waived the entire debt altogether.This was so because they lived the Prophetic narrations practically in their lives. Some of them used to lend others just to get the reward mentioned in some narrations like the saying of the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam,: “Any Muslim who lends another Muslim twice will get a reward as if he has spent this money in charity.” Another narration that was an encouraging factor is the saying of the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam: “He who gives respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, will get a reward as if he has spent this amount in charity for every day he delays him until its due date, and after it becomes due he will get double such reward.”Giving respite and delaying those in tough situations can be the reason of rescuing oneself from Hell. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “There was a person who used to loan money to the people and he used to say to his servant: ‘When an insolvent person comes to you, show him leniency so that Allah may forbear our faults.’ So when he met Allah (i.e., when he died), Allah forgave him.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]Abu Mas’ood Al-Badri, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “A person from amongst the people who lived before you was called to account by Allah on the Day of Resurrection. No good deeds were found in his credit except that he, being a rich man, had (financial) dealings with people and had commanded his servants to show leniency to those who were in straitened circumstances. Upon this, Allah, the Exalted and Majestic Said: ‘I am more entitled to this attribute, so waive (his faults).’” [Muslim]The abovementioned verses and narrations are a great encouragement for the creditor to postpone and give respite to the debtors who cannot repay on time due to their strenuous situations. They are messages to the rich who lend others and embarrass them and humiliate them, and may even be the cause for their imprisonment. Indeed, the creditor has the right to do so, but Allah Says (what means): “... but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, then his reward is [due] from Allah ...” [Qur’an 42: 40]Undoubtedly, the reward from Allah is far better than money which is an interim pleasure.The Debtor:Repaying the creditor on time: The debtor should take initiative to repay the creditor as soon as the loan is due. If the debtor is financially unable to repay it all, then at least he should start paying in instalments if he possesses the money to do so. One should rush in repayment, because loans will be a hard thing on him in his grave.Repaying in the best manner: The debtor should repay in the best manner. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: “A harsh Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, asking him to repay a young camel he, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, had borrowed from this Bedouin. The Bedouin used harsh words when he was demanding his money, so the Companions were about to strike him for doing so, but the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Leave him! Indeed a creditor has the right to demand it (i.e. his loan)” the Companions could not find a young camel among the brought ones (from Zakah) to match the level of that which was borrowed, and informed the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, that all the camels were of the best type. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Give it to him, for it is the best of all people who pays back in the best manner.”’ [Muslim]. In another narration narrated by Abu Sa’eed may Allah be pleased with him the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, told the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, who were enraged with the Bedouin: “You should side with the one who is demanding his right”Unfortunately, nowadays people hardly side with the one demanding his right, and in some cases even judges deprive people from their rights, and receive bribes to side with the debtor instead of siding with the creditor ... woe to them and what a severe punishment awaits them in Hell on the Day of Judgment.When the Bedouin saw the good manner in which the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, repaid him, he thanked him, and thereupon the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “These are the best type of people (i.e. who repay in the best manner). There is no good in a nation whose poor cannot take their rights from their rich without being harassed”. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said this because sometimes the poor might get his right back but only after he suffers and is delayed and is put in embarrassing situations.Additionally, the debtor must rely on Allah in his attempt to repay the creditor. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “A man from the children of Israeli asked another to lend him one thousand Deenars. The second said, ‘I want a surety witness’ the former replied, ‘Allah is sufficient as a surety witness’. The second said, you are right, and he lent him the money for an appointed time. The debtor went across the sea, and when he finished his job, he searched for a conveyance so that he might reach in time for the repayment of the debt, but he could not find any. So, he took a piece of wood, made a hole in it, inserted in it one thousand Deenars and a letter to the lender and then closed (i.e. sealed) the hole tightly. He took the piece of wood to the sea and said: “O Allah! You Know very well that I took a loan of one thousand Deenars from so-and-so. He demanded a surety from me but I told him that Allah’s Guarantee was sufficient, and he accepted Your Guarantee. He then asked for a witness and I told him that Allah was sufficient as a witness, and he accepted You as a witness. No doubt, I tried hard to find a conveyance so that I could pay his money but I could not find any, so I hand over this money to You” Saying that, he threw the piece of wood into the sea till it went out far into it, and then he went away. Meanwhile he started searching for a conveyance in order to reach the creditor’s country.One day the lender came out of his house to see whether a ship had arrived bringing his money, and all of a sudden he saw the piece of wood (i.e. the one in which his money had been deposited). He took it home to use for fire. When he sawed it, he found his money and the letter inside it. Shortly after that, the debtor came bringing one thousand Deenars to him and said, By Allah, I had been trying hard to get a boat so that I could bring you your money, but failed to get one before the one I have come by. The lender asked, have you sent something to me? The debtor replied, ‘I have told you I could not get a boat other than the one I have come by.’ The lender said, ‘Allah has delivered on your behalf the money you sent in the piece of wood. So, you may keep your one thousand Deenars so depart guided on the right path.’”[Al-Bukhari]This is the consequence of relying on Allah, and when one’s intention is sincere in repayment, then Allah will assist him in his attempt. The problem that faces many indebted people is that they are not truly sincere in their intention to repay the debt to the creditor and thus they become deprived of the assistance of Allah.Procrastinating payment: Some debtors delay and procrastinate for no need even when they have the money to repay, but he acts so mean and low and pays back in instalments to the creditor.Finally, it is recommended that the debtor says nice words of gratitude to the creditor upon repaying him as this softens the heart and encourages the creditor to loan others in the future.Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

With winter approaching, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is urging senior citizens and residents and their families to prioritize considering the annual flu vaccine.HMC added that the free vaccine is available at more than 90 government, semi government and private healthcare facilities across the country and offers crucial protection against the influenza virus, especially for vulnerable populations.Deputy Chief for Long Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatric Care, and Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute at HMC, Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al Hamad, emphasized the importance of this vaccination, highlighting that the flu shot is a simple and effective way to protect senior citizens from the serious complications of influenza. It's particularly crucial for older adults with underlying health conditions, as they are more susceptible to severe illness.Dr. Al Hamad indicated that at HMC, patients can ask to receive their flu vaccine when they attend their scheduled outpatient's department appointments and HMC is encouraging them to do this as soon as possible, adding that they can also take the vaccine at all Primary Health Care Centers and a range of private clinics in Qatar.She said that protecting senior citizens is a community effort, underlining that by getting the flu shot, individuals are not only protecting themselves but also contributing to a healthier community, in addition to encouraging their loved ones to prioritize vaccination and help them access the necessary healthcare services.Regarding the methods of booking an appointment to get the influenza shot, Dr. Al Hamad highlighted that this is done through either through the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), calling 107 for information or visiting a nearest PHCC center for a walk-in flu vaccination.She stated that they can also receive the vaccine during one of the scheduled appointments, asserting that the vaccine can be get at more than 50 private clinics across Qatar.As for HMC Outpatient Department (OPD) appointments, the flu vaccine is available free for any patient attending a scheduled OPD appointment at an HMC facility, by asking physicians for the flu vaccine. (

As part of the insurance campaign organised by Moodaadi Panchayat Pravasi Association Qatar (MPPAQ) for its members, the application forms of those enrolled in the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) Insurance Scheme were officially handed over to ICBF president Shanavas Bava. The handover ceremony was led by MPPAQ general secretary Shaji Peevees, vice-president Shanahas Edodi, and office-bearers Siraj Palur, Rasik K V, and Sunil M K. ICBF management committee members were also present.

Insijamu Qatar Season 4, an inter-school quiz competition celebrating Qatar’s rich history, concluded at Rajagiri Public School (RPS), Doha, with the hosts emerging champions. Shantiniketan Indian School and Birla Public School secured the second position. DPS-Modern School and Galileo International School also reached the finals. The competition drew participation from 15 schools. The grand finale had as chief guest, Dr Muntasir Fayez al-Hamad, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Semitic Languages and an expert in Middle Eastern history and faiths. He presented the winners with the prizes.

Sara Osama of MES Indian School won the first position in the Inter-school Arabic Story Telling Competition conducted by Bright Future International School under the initiative ‘Safe Sailing - My Values Define my Identity’ project, for students of Classes IV-VIII. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated the achiever.

A group of Ideal Indian School (IIS) students excelled in the Umai Inter-Club Kung fu Competition. Rana Fathima (VIII-J) - received three medals: Gold - Taolu (Kung fu movements), silver - Sanda (Kung fu, Wushu fighting), silver - Taolu (group movements); Muhammed Rayan Noufal (V-E) - received two medals: Gold - Sanda (Kung fu, Wushu fighting), silver - Taolu (group movements); Ramin Omar (III-A) received two medals: Bronze - Taolu (Kung fu movements), silver - Taolu (group movements); Abdulla Riswan Manshad (IV) - Gold - Sanda (Kung fu, Wushu fighting); Muhammad Reyyan Manshad (V- E) - Gold - Sanda (Kung fu, Wushu fighting); Hayyaan Mohammad Shaino (V-D) - Gold - Sanda (Kung fu, Wushu fighting); Aizen Abdulla (III-A) - Gold - Sanda (Kung fu, Wushu fighting). Principal Shaik Shamim Saheb and the heads of sections congratulated the students.

The ICAI Doha (Qatar) chapter (DCICAI) conducted a Chartered Accountancy (CA) career counselling session for over 90 students of MIE-SPPU. Chapter chairperson Kamlesh Tibrewal and executive committee member Rajesh Singh highlighted the unparalleled opportunities and growth prospects of the CA profession while addressing students’ queries. This initiative underscores the chapter’s commitment to fostering the growth of the CA profession and shaping the leaders of tomorrow, a statement said. Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India residing in Qatar and those aspiring to join the chapter can contact Tibrewal (55928942) or vice-chairperson Kishore Alex (55046010), for further information.

DPS Monarch International School showcased an outstanding performance at the World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) 2024, organised recently by Qatar Foundation.The event brought together 767 students in 138 teams across 18 countries, celebrating the theme ‘Algebra and Balancing’ in honour of Al Khwarizmi, the Father of Algebra.DPS Monarch participated with 48 students forming six teams, representing the junior, intermediate, and advanced levels.The individual, relay and team-based contests tested participants’ mathematical acumen and teamwork. DPS Monarch’s two advanced teams and one intermediate team secured top team awards, seven students earned individual silver medals, and 30 students were awarded individual bronze medals. Beyond the competition, the event featured cultural exchanges, speeches by past gold medallists, and showcases of student talent. It was a holistic experience that enriched participants academically and culturally.