Monday, November 7, 2016

Kuwait Siren Test

UPDATE: Tuesday 08/11/2016 at 10 am, SIREN TEST will take place. (CLICK HERE for source - Ministry of Interior). For any queries, you can call Hotline number 1804000.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013: The Civil Defense Department plans to test the sirens on 27/11/2013 (27th November 2013) at 10 am ( +3 GMT). The Civil Defense Department (officially referred as General Administration of Civil Defense, under the Operations Affair Sector of the Ministry of Interior) conducts the siren test periodically for checking the functionality (periodical maintenance) of the devices and create awareness among the residents of Kuwait.

Modular Speaker Arrays; Photo Courtesy to Bananaq8.com
Currently the type of Sirens installed across Kuwait since 2010 have been Modulator Speaker Arrays (Federal Signal Modulator) which are electronic warning devices. These sirens can also act as a Public Address System and play digital recorded messages. These are omni-directional electronic arrays which mean that they have 360° coverage without any sound variation in all directions. For more information on the MOD / Modulator Speaker Arrays, CLICK HERE. For Wikipedia article on Federal Signal Modulator, CLICK HERE. Also for a newer version of the Modulator II Electronic Siren Series which has been launched in 2013, CLICK HERE. These Modulator Speaker Arrays have been placed around Kuwait and are visible in locations like schools, parks and other places.
MOD II , Photo Courtesy to Federal Signal Distribution
What do all the different sounds / tones of the siren mean? The Civil Defense Department has come up with 3 types of sounds or tones. We as residents in Kuwait should be familiar with these sounds as each have a specific meaning. Another reason for the siren test, is for the emergency services to start preparing themselves accordingly after hearing the different sounds.
  1. Sound : A Single Tone which is not continuous; Intermittent
    Meaning :  Indicates imminent / possible danger ( Caution / Warning )
  2. Sound : A wave sound (continuous ascending and descending tone)
    Meaning : Something has already happened or taking place. ( Danger / Attack )
  3. Sound : A continuous tone (continuous single pitch tone)
    Meaning : Danger is over ( All Clear / Danger has passed )
CLICK HERE for the video (13 mins) (on Youtube by uploader AliUltimate009), which was recorded during the last Siren Test in Kuwait. (22/05/2013) The sounds mentioned above can be heard in proper sequence. Below is the video for the first Federal Signal Modulator test taking place in Kuwait on 13/10/2010 uploaded by the same Youtuber AliUltimate009, CLICK HERE if the embedded video does not work (8mins video).

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work
Nostalgia brings back the older yellow sirens which were used during 1993 and 2003 for warning people when the Air Raids were going on. Also the siren tests which use to take place. Those Thunderbolt (CLICK HERE for Wikipedia Article) models really use to stand out.
Thunder Bolt; Photo Courtesy to Civil Defense Museum and Froyonation
Below is a video of the Thunderbolt in action in Chicago Heights, IL, USA. 
CLICK HERE if the above video does not work
References for the Sirens:

Monday, September 5, 2016

Eid Al Adha 1437 - 2016

The day for Eid Al Adha has been declared. First Day will be on 12th September 2016.
Photo Courtesy to E-Fatwa online
On the evening of Thursday, 1st September 2016, The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia convened to observe the Hilal Moon sighting. As the moon was not sighted, the next day was declared as the 30th day of that Islamic month. Therefore, the start of the Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah is to be from 3rd September 2016. Based on this information the following is the important dates:
  • 3rd September 2016 - 1st Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437
  • 11th September 2016 - 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - Arafat Day
  • 12th September 2016 - 10th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 1st Day of Eid Al Adha
  • 13th September 2016 - 11th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 2nd Day of Eid Al Adha
  • 14th September 2016 - 12th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 3rd Day of Eid Al Adha
The countries that declared similarly to Saudi Arabia are Kuwait, UAE and Turkey. The Fiqh Council of North America and European Council of Fatwa and Research also declared 12th September 2016 as the 1st Day of Eid Al Adha (10th of Zul Hijja) (Source: Saudi Arabian Press AgencyFiqh Council)
Photo Courtesy of The Fiqh Council of North America
The greatest next topic usually after the declaration of Eid Al Adha is how many days of holidays are people going to get. So let the list begin.
  • Kuwait - 9 days - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
  • UAE - 9 days  (government) - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
  • UAE - 3 days (private) - 11 September 2016, Sunday - 13 September 2016, Tuesday
  • Turkey - 9 days - 10 September 2016, Saturday - 18 September 2016, Sunday
Photo Courtesy to Twitter - HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Makhtoum UAE
Kuwait's Civil Service Commission has declared in their Circular 14-2016 that official holidays observed will be on Sunday 11th, Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th. Thursday 15th will be given as rest day. Official working day resumes from Sunday, 18th September 2016.
Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Civil Service Commission (CSC)

About Eid Al Adha/Bakrid/Bakr-Eid/Eid Al Thani/Qurban Bayram:



The Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha is celebrated in the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah. The yearly pilgrimage, Hajj to Makkah Mukkaramah / The Honored City of Mecca takes place during this month. From the 8th Zul Hijjah till the 13th Zul Hijjah, variously rituals takes place which are enactment of the events that took place by Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (A.S), his wife Bibi Hajra / Hagar, their son Prophet Ismail / Ishmael (A.S). The muslims that do not participate in the pilgrimage, Hajj celebrate Eid Al Adha on the 10th, 11th and 12th. They perform the congregational prayer on the first day morning after sunrise. After that until the end of the third day, muslims that are financially sound sacrifice an animal and share it with their family, friends and others.



The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah are given a lot of importance and emphasis by indulging in the remembrance of Allah (SWT).


Photo Courtesy to Islamic Online University
Eid Prayer times for Kuwait on 12th September 2016 at 5:45 am. (All Eid prayers are to be held in Masajed, No outdoor arrangements this year)
    Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department
  • Fajr - 4:10 am
  • Sunrise - 5:31 am
  • Eid Prayers - 5:45 am
  • Zohar - 11:45 am
  • Asr - 3:16 pm
  • Magreb - 5:58 pm
  • Isha - 7:17 pm
Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department
Translation: Cancellation of Outdoor Eid Prayers due to Security Concerns.
42 Emergency Medical Center will be functioning during the Eid Holidays (24 hours) across all of Kuwait - All six Governorates.
Photo Courtesy to Ministry of Health and Kuwait Police Department
Also, the estimated time for the Eid Prayer to take place is 15 minutes after Sunrise (Sunrise at 5:31 am) Therefore time is 5:45 am). The prayer consists of 2 Rakats and is accompanied by a sermon after. It is highly recommended to listen to the Sermon. Some Masjids in Kuwait start the Eid Prayer a little later around 7 am - Urdu, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali (Check with the Masjids earlier to know the exact time). The only main condition for Eid Prayers is that it takes place after Sunrise. This year, the Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs has requested most of these masajed to perform the Eid prayers earlier. Most people prefer to pray earlier in the day as they will be busy with the sacrifice ritual immediately after the prayers.


The list of temporary slaughter houses have been put up by the Kuwait Municipality. These are to support the 5 main slaughter houses in reducing the burden. The 5 main slaughter houses will be working in full capacity throughout the Eid Holidays. The 12 temporary slaughter houses are in accordance to Environment Public Authority (EPA) rules and regulations. It is highly recommended not to take photography or videos (snapchat, instagram, vine, facebook, twitter, periscope and others) at the slaughter houses. (Another source : ARAB TIMES)

Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House (Asimah) City Governorate
S.No.
Area
Site Location
1
Shuwaikh
Next to the Car Park of Asimah Immigration
Opposite Al Khaldiya Area
2
Kaifan
Block 3, Next Afrah Boodi Hall
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Hawally Governorate
S.No.
Area
Site Location
1
Salwa
Area 5, Next to the Co-op Society
2
Zahra
Opposite Public Authority for Housing Welfare
3
Rumaithiya
Opposite to the Main Co-op Society
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Farwaniya Governorate
S.No.
Area
Site Location
1
Farwaniya
Street 106, Near to Masjid Monawar Al Monawar
2
Abdulla Al Mubarak
2nd Street, Opposite to Masjid Taiba Al Rooeh
3
Ardhiya
Block 5, Street 55, Next to KFH, Opposite Saraj Al Muneer Center
4
Ishbilya
Street 216, Block 2, Opposite Amar Bin Rabeah Primary Boys School
5
Sabah Al Nasir
Street 106, Block 4, Masjid Al Marjah
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Ahmadi Governorate
S.No.
Area
Site Location
1
Ali Al Salem
(Umm Haiman)
Entry into the area from Kind Abdulaziz Expressway
Next to Main Co-op Society
2
Jaber Al Ali
Entry into the area from King Fahd Expressway
Next to School near Co-op Society
Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Municipality - Baladia
Kuwait Municipality prepares 12 Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter Houses for Eid
CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Qiyaam al Layl - Ramadan 2016 / 1437

The last 10 days of Ramadan have nearly arrived and people have started to get even more busy. One is that the month is nearly on completion and Eid ul Fitr is around the corner, so people are preparing for the upcoming holidays. This year the State of Kuwait has declared 5 days holiday for the government sector starting from 05/07/2016 up to 09/07/2016. Be it either the first day of Eid is on Tuesday 05/07 or Wednesday 06/07. Knowing Kuwait from past experiences, advice is in order - Get all formal or Official work finished by 23/06/2016 Thursday or things are going to slow down a lot. Then be prepared to get things done after the 10/07/2016.

Secondly (This being the main event), the importance of the last 10 days of Ramadan is that these 10 nights are considered sacred as one indulges in the night prayers / Qiyaam al Layl / Tahajjud that amplify ones deeds to an exponential level. (In Islam, 10 last nights of Ramadan are considered sacred and 10 first days of Zul Hijjah are considered sacred - Sacred meaning people should spend more time in praying and remembrance to Allah SWT).

People have to understand one thing, in Islam the Lunar Calendar day starts after sunset. Example, people finished their 19th Ramadan fast by opening their fast at sunset. Then the Islamic Calender date changes to 20 Ramadan. Qiyam ul Layl or the Night prayers commence from 20th Ramadan till the end of the month. On these nights people gather at the Masjid to offer prayers. Even out of these 10 days people give more importance to Odd nights - but it is highly recommended to offer prayers during last 10 nights. People try to catch one of those nights which is called the 'Night of Decree' / Laylatul Qadr. In the Glorious Quran, Laylatul Qadr is mentioned as being better than a 1000 months. So one should definitely try praying on this night. We definitely know that one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr. Some scholars suggest the odd nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan and some even consider the 27th night being the Night of Decree.
Photo Courtesy to The Islamic Ummah
The schedules for different Masjids for Qiyaam al Layl are being put up. Inshallah, I will try covering them to the best of my abilities.
Arabic Schedule for Qiyaam al-Layl at Masjid Al Kabeer, Kuwait. Photo Courtesy to Crimekww - Official account of MoI Kuwait
Detail List for Night Prayers / Qiyaam Al-Layl for the month of Ramadan at Masjid Al Kabeer for 1437 / 2016
Nights
Days
Qari from Rakah
One to Four
Qari from Rakah
Five to Eight
Thoughts
Night 20 Ramadan
Friday 24/6/2016
Badr Al Ali
Khaled Al Jaheem
Dr. Essa Al Zafiri
Night 21 Ramadan
Saturday 25/6/2016
Majed Al Anzi
Fahd Al MutairiDr.Khaled Al Otaibi
Night 22 Ramadan
Sunday 26/6/2016
Majed Al Anzi
Fahd Al KandiriSheikh. Anas Al Mulla
Night 23 Ramadan
Monday 27/6/2016
Ahmad Al Nafisi
Mishari Al AfasyDr. Fahd Al Janfawi
Night 24 Ramadan
Tuesday 28/6/2016
Fahd Al Kandiri
Ahmad Al NafisiDr, Mohd Al Osaimi
Night 25 Ramadan
Wednesday 29/6/2016
Mishari Al Afasy
Khaled Al Jaheem
Sheikh Talal Al Aamer
Night 26 Ramadan
Thursday 30/6/2016
Fahd Al Mutairi
Badr Al Ali
Dr. Rashid Al Aleemi
Night 27 Ramadan
Friday 01/7/2016
Mishari Al Afasy
Fahd Al Kandiri
Sheikh Ahmad Al Qatan
Night 28 Ramadan
Saturday 02/7/2016
Ahmad Al Nafisi
Khaled Al Jaheem
Dr. Bader Al Hajraf
Night 29 Ramadan
Sunday 03/7/2016
Fahd Al Mutairi
Mishari Al Afasy
Dr. Adil Al Mutairi
Night 30 Ramadan
Monday 04/7/2016
Badr Al Ali
Fahd Al Kandiri
Dr. Waleed Al Ali
Start of Qiyaam Al Layl at Masjid Al Kabeer at 12 midnight.

Masjid Al Kabeer is the biggest masjid in Kuwait. The Qiyaam Al-Layl prayers begin at 12 midnight.(CLICK HERE to see previous year's post of the look of the Masjid and information).

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2016 - 1437 Working Hours'.
CLICK HERE for the post on 'Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid'.

CLICK HERE for my post on Ramadan 2015 - 1436
CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2015 working hours in Kuwait'.
CLICK HERE for my 2015 post on Qiyaam Al-Layl

CLICK HERE for my 2013 post on Qiyaam Al-Layl
CLICK HERE for my 2014 post on Qiyaam Al-Layl
CLICK HERE for my 2014 post 'Ramadan 1435 - 2014'.
CLICK HERE for my 2014 post 'Ramadan 2014 working hours'.
CLICK HERE for my 2014 post 'Masjids in Ramadan 2014'.

The prayers begin at 12 midnight but showing up early will assist with parking and finding a place. Also, there are some mosque which have upgraded their security levels, so one had to consider the Metal Detectors and Frisking. 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.
  • Avoid talking to each other in the Masjid Hall, if necessary try to whisper or speak very softly as the hall is designed for amplifying the voice of the Imam and Muezzin. Therefore inform the children about this as it causes distraction for the worshipers.
Photo Courtesy of Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
I came across a video on Youtube, Dua/Supplication which can be recited during the last ten nights of Ramadan during Qiyaam Al Layl. (This is not specific, just that my mind goes blank at that moment, so some of these duas can be mentioned) These duas can be supplicated at any other time also. (Arabic recitation with English Subtitles)
Youtube Video Courtesy to Youtube Channel 'NoneButAllah' Reciter 'Hani Ar Rifai'

The last 10 days of Ramadan are considered more important as one of the nights is Laylatul Qadr. The below video will give you an idea about What is Laylatul Qadr or The Night of Power


CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid

The ninth month of the Islamic calender year, the month of Ramadan is held highly by the Muslims across the world. This month which is given great importance as the Noble and Glorious Quran was first revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The importance of this event was more reinforced by having this month as the 'Month of fasting'. Also to reinforce a Muslim's Taqwa (God Consciousness), during this month one has to be generous and charitable. Also on a lighter note, it is said that all the divine books revealed to all the messengers were first revealed during the month of Ramadan.(Go Figure).

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2016 - 1437 Working Hours'.

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait started on  Monday 06/06/2016. Since the previous Islamic month of Shaban completed 29 days, then chances of having Ramadan for 30 days is high. In any case, always any decision for the start of any Islamic month can only be made based on the sighting of the Hilal moon (Nascent Crescent of the moon). Any other information made in advance is at best tentative. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem, hoping for all of us to better ourselves as humans.
Photo Courtesy to eFatwa - Fatwa online
Photo Courtesy to Al Majlliss
Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset.

  • Dawn : the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
  • Sunset : the time in the evening when the sun disappears.
Below shows how long the fast will be for people from different countries for Ramadan 1437. In Kuwait the average fasting time is 15:40 hours (based on my average calculation - not official). Fasting Times in the Countries are as below:
Photo Courtesy to Arabia Weather (dot) com

  • Tunis 16:33 hours
  • Tripoli 16:12 hours
  • Al Quds 15:53 hours
  • Cairo 15:51 hours
  • Kuwait 15:40 hours
  • Manama 15:21 hours
  • Riyadh 15:12 hours
  • Abu Dhabi 15:11 hours
  • Muscat 15:06 hours
  • Mecca 14:55 hours
  • Djibouti 14:07 hours
  • Mogadishu 13:29 hours
  • Norway 21:25 hours
  • Russia 20:47 hours
  • Sweden 20:45 hours
  • Holland 20:24 hours
  • England 20:20 hours
  • Canada 18:25 hours
  • Italy 17:32 hours
  • China 17:08 hours
  • USA 16:57 hours
  • India 15:35 hours
  • Argentina 10 hours
Another subject matter is that the month of Ramadan keeps moving up by 13 days (give and take a day) every year, bringing the subject of Ramadan falling during summer OR fasting during peak temperatures & longer duration of hours. (Below is the tentative start date of Ramadan along with the average temperature of the day)
  • 18 June 2015 - 36.4 C
  • 06 June 2016 - 36.4 C
  • 27 May 2017 - 34.1 C
  • 16 May 2018 - 34.1 C
  • 6 May 2019 - 34.1 C
  • 24 April 2020 - 29.1 C
  • 13 April 2021 - 29.1 C
  • 2 April 2022 - 29.1 C
  • 23 March 2023 - 24.7 C
  • 11 March 2024 - 24.7 C
  • 1 March 2025 - 24.7 C
  • 18 February 2026 - 21.2 C
  • 8 February 2027 - 21.2 C
  • 28 January 2028 - 20.0 C
  • 15 January 2029 - 20.0 C
  • 5 January 2030 - 20.0 C
  • 26 December 2030 - 22.3 C
  • 16 December 2031 - 22.3 C
  • 4 December 2032 - 22.3 C
  • 23 November 2033 - 27.7 C
  • 12 November 2034 - 27.7 C
  • 1 November 2035 - 27.7 C
  • 21 October 2036 - 33.1 C
  • 10 October 2037 - 33.1 C
  • 30 September 2038 - 36.5 C
  • 19 September 2039 - 36.5 C
  • 8 September 2040 - 36.5 C
  • 28 August 2041 - 38 C
  • 17 August 2042 - 38 C
  • 6 August 2043 - 38 C
  • 26 July 2044 - 36.4 C
  • 16 July 2045 - 36.4 C
  • 5 July 2046 - 36.4 C
  • 25 June 2047 - 34.1 C
  • 13 June 2048 - 34.1 C
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Kuwait has announced the number of official holidays for the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr (year 2016 corresponding to Hijri Calender year 1437) to be 5 days (Five Days). Eid ( 1st day of Shawwal - Month 10 on the Lunar Calender) falls on either Tuesday, July 5 or Wednesday, July 6. In either case, Tuesday, July 5 is a holiday and the next work day will resume on Sunday, July 10. (Source Circular no 13-2016)
Photo Courtesy of Civil Service Commission

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2016 - 1437 Working Hours'.

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 1436 - 2015'.
CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2015 working hours in Kuwait'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 1435 - 2014'.
CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 2014 working hours'.
CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Masjids in Ramadan 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my post 'Ramadan 1434 - 2013'.