Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Ramadan 2013 Masjid Al Kabeer Qiyam ul Layl Schedule.

The Grand Mosque in Kuwait (Masjid Al-Kabeer) has finished with its renovation and is ready to receive Salah goers (Prayers goers) for the Qiyam ul layl (Night Prayers) during the last 10 days of Ramadan. From 28th July 2013 night, the night prayers will begin with different Qaris (Reciters) and starts at 12 midnight. One can see below the list of Qari and the Suras which they will be reciting.

List of Qaris are as below:
  • Fahad Al Mutairi
  • Khaled Al Jaheem
  • Fahed Al Kanderi
  • Ahmed Al Nafees
  • Mishari Al Afasi - CLICK HERE for his website and CLICK HERE for Wikipedia Info.

Photo Courtesy of Q8india.com and Indian Muslim Association
The List in Arabic is below
Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Upto Date and Meenakon.com
The photos of the Grand Mosque are below.
Overview - Photo Courtesy of  The Grand Mosque Committee and Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
During Previous year's Qiyam ul Layl - Photo Courtesy of  The Grand Mosque Committee and Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
Post Renovation - Interior of the Grand Mosque - Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Upto Date and Meenakon.com
CLICK HERE to check out the post by Kuwait UptoDate
CLICK HERE to check out the post by Meenakon (Can see some more photos post renovation)
CLICK HERE to check out the Site of the Grand Mosque for more Photos and information.
CLICK HERE to check my post on Ramadan 2013

UPDATE (28/07/2013): Qiyam ul Layl (The Night Prayers) for Last 10 days of Ramadan begin tonight. The prayers begin at 12 midnight but showing up early will assist with parking and finding a place. Some tips for attending the Qiyam ul Layl :
  • First and foremost Switch off the Mobile phones or at least turn it to silent and vibrate function.
  • Carry some drinking water with you so that you can have it between the prayer sessions.
  • Keep some dates / light snack for when you feel hungry OR probably when Suhoor / Imsak time approaches. (avoid foods have strong fragrances as it disturbs other attendees)
  • Have sufficient rest OR some power / cat nap before attending the night prayers. This will help you in paying attention during the prayers and mainly if you are driving to and from the masjid / mosque. Safety is important.
  • Also prepare yourself mentally and physically for standing for long duration ( roughly 2 hours).
  • If you are planning to sit on the chairs or four legged furniture, then be considerate to others standing behind you in the prayers.
Official reports state that the number of people that attended the Grand Mosque Qiyam ul Layl prayers on 21st Ramadan were 15,000. The maximum turnout is usually seen on the 27th Ramadan.

UPDATE (06/08/2013) : CLICK HERE for article about Eid Al-Fitr 2013.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Ramadan 2013

Ramadan, a month recognized by Muslims (followers of Islam) is the 9th month of the Islamic Calender (which follows the Lunar cycle). Ramadan is a month of compulsory fasting which is observed by Muslims all  over the world. The importance of Ramadan is that The Divine Book from Allah (SWT) - The Noble Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The completion of the Quran took place also in this month and during the last 10 days. During this holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from Dawn to Dusk by abstaining from eatables (food and drinks including water), smoking and physical pleasure.

In Kuwait, during this holy month , non fasting people are to avoid eating and smoking in public places during the day hours. It is an offense by Kuwaiti law, if one is found doing so. Also, the restaurants are closed during day hours. So people who eat out during day hours should consider ready made foods or easy to cook foods at home. The best part is that the restaurants and supermarkets are open till dawn. Super Markets are open during the day hours for shopping purposes.

Based on the sighting of the new moon (crescent), the month of Ramadan (Islamic Year 1434 AH) may start on 9th or 10th July. The prayer times for the holy month of Ramadan can be download HERE (Courtesy to Kuwait Meteorological  Department, Kuwait).

UPDATE (08/07/2013) @ 9pm KWT local time: The Kuwait Crescent Moon sighting Committee announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan ( 01/09/1434). CLICK HERE for the source from KUNA (Kuwait News Agency).

UPDATE (08/07/2013): The Middle East and Egypt have announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan. CLICK HERE for the source from Al-Arabiya.
Ramadan 1434 - Year 2013 (Courtesy of National Bank of Kuwait NBK and Kuwait Upto Date)

The working hours for the government offices in Kuwait are reduced during Ramadan. So for this year, the Civil Service Commission has announced. CLICK HERE for the link to KUNA article. I will mention the gist of it below:

8 am to 1 pm
  • Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Public Authority for Youth and Sports.
  • Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
  • Environment Public Authority.
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Public Authority for Industry.
  • Ministry of Public Works.
  • Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
  • Ministry of Higher Education.
  • Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
  • Ministry of Communications.
  • Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
  • Ministry of Education.
  • Credit and Savings Bank.
  • Ministry of Information.
  • Zakat House.
  • Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
  • Kuwait Municipality.
  • Kuwait Ports Authority.
  • Civil Service Commission.
  • Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
  • National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
Rest of the government bodies working hours are 9 am till 1:30 pm.

There are many posts about Ramadan by different bloggers, one can check them out.
Ramadan Timings for different places in Kuwait.
  • 360 Mall - Shop Timings: 11 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 1 am
  • 360 Mall - Restaurants and Cafes Timings: 5 pm - 2 am
  • 360 Mall - Geant Hypermarket Timings: 10 am - 1 am
  • The Avenues Mall : 8 am - 2 am
  • The Avenues Mall - Store Timings: 10 am - 4 pm and 8 pm - 1 am
  • The Avenues Mall - Carrefour Timings: 10 am - 2 am.
  • Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Banking Timings: 10 am - 1:30 pm ( Sunday - Thursday )
  • Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Commercial Sectors Timings: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm ( Saturday - Thursday ) for Al Rai, Shuwaikh, Ahmadi and Dajeej branches.
  • Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Commercial Sectors Timings: 10 am - 1:30 pm ( Sunday - Thursday ) for Hawally, Salmiya, Sabahiya, Jahra and Qasr branches.
  • Wataniya Telecom - Kuwait International Airport : 24 hours / All days (Closed during Suhoor and Imsak time)
  • Wataniya Telecom - Head Office : 10 am - 2 pm and 8:30 pm - 12:30 am (Fridays closed).
  • The Scientific Center: 9 pm - 12 midnight (All days) and Saturdays (10 am - 1 pm) Ramadan Ticket prices: KD 1.750 (Adults) or KD 1 (Children).
  • Viva Telecom - Kuwait International Airport : 24 hours / All days (Closed during Suhoor and Imsak time)
  • Viva Telecom - Malls : 11 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 12:30 am (Fridays only evenings)
  • Daman Inspection Center - Shuwaikh Timings: For Vehicle Inspection 9 am - 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
  • Daman Inspection Center - Shuwaikh Timings: For Insurance and Registration - 9 am - 6 pm and 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Saturday to Thursday), Friday (only evening) - 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm
  • Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) - Counter Staff Service: 9 am - 1:30 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm and 9 pm - 12 midnight.
  • Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) - ID Card Delivery Service: 7 am - 5 pm and 9 pm - 12 midnight.
Ramadan Timings for different establishment in Kuwait

UPDATE: Ramadan 2013 Masjid Al Kabeer Qiyam ul Layl Schedule for last 10 days of Ramadan. Also photos of the Renovated work done to the Grand Mosque.

UPDATE (28/07/2013): Qiyam ul Layl (The Night Prayers) for Last 10 days of Ramadan begin tonight in different Masjids around Kuwait. The prayers should begin by 12 midnight but it would be better for the people to check with the masjids/mosques about the start time. Some tips for attending the Qiyam ul Layl :

  • First and foremost Switch off the Mobile phones or at least turn it to silent and vibrate function.
  • Carry some drinking water with you so that you can have it between the prayer sessions.
  • Keep some dates / light snack for when you feel hungry OR probably when Suhoor / Imsak time approaches.
  • Have sufficient rest OR some power / cat nap before attending the night prayers. This will help you in paying attention during the prayers and mainly if you are driving to and from the masjid / mosque. Safety is important.
  • Also prepare yourself mentally and physically for standing for long duration ( roughly 2 hours).
  • If you are planning to sit on the chairs or four legged furniture, then be considerate to others standing behind you in the prayers.
UPDATE (06/08/2013) : CLICK HERE for article about Eid Al-Fitr 2013.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The Flying Start Triathlon

UPDATE (16/11/2013):
CLICK HERE for the Race Results. It gives all the details.
Total number of participants for the Sprint were 152. Out of which 121 finished the race. Out of which Men were 92 and Women were 23.

Total number of participants for the Olympic event were 62. Out of which 41 finished the race. Out of which 36 were Men and 3 were Women.

UPDATE (14/11/2013):
CLICK HERE for detail information on the race.
CLICK HERE for Race Map.
CLICK HERE for Race Check List.
CLICK HERE for Race Program.
The best way to get to Khiran is drive South on Road 40 (King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Motorway) and take a U-turn when one sees the signboard for Road 278.
CHECK IN time for Triathlon athletes is between 6:30 am to 7:30 am on Friday, 15th November 2013.

UPDATE (11/10/2013): New date has been announced. The Flying Start Triathlon will take place on 15th November 2013, Friday at Khiraan (South Kuwait).

Provision Sports Management Company have started registrations for The Flying Start Triathlon. The event takes place on 25th October 2013 (Friday). A combination of Swimming, Biking and Running makes this interesting.
There are 2 kinds of categories : Sprint and Olympics (2 times x Sprint).
The participants are also two categories : Individual and Team Relay.

The Registrations can be done on the Provision Website (CLICK HERE) or on Premier Marathons Website (CLICK HERE). The price for registration can be seen below, the earlier the registration the less one pays. One can also keep updated with their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. People interested in learning and getting into shape can get in touch with The 3 Club which are specially designed as a Triathlon Training Program.
Updated: Photo Courtesy of The Flying Start Triathlon

  • Early Bird Registration ( June 1st for first 100 applicants)
  • Normal Registration (End of Early bird to 30th September)
  • Late Registration (October till 19th October)
Photo Courtesy of The Flying Start Triathlon