Tag Archives: The Arab Spring Uprisings

Biting The Hand That Feeds You! Reply

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For Wednesday – April 10th 2013

Spotlight – The Oman Daily Observer

Between Us Only!

Biting The Hand – That Feeds You!

And ending with licking the boot that kicks you!

In writing especially my book titled – A Cry For Help! – www.myown-ebooks.com – I was astounded and shocked beyond belief to find that some few expatriates in good positions and in our country having rather very poor, dim and narrow minded extremely prejudicial biased and racialist outlooks on the country! The more shocking part is that they are courageous and brave enough to say all these things without any fear or inhibition – the audacity of it all! They do not even attempt to cover it with a sugar coating – but give you the pill bitter as it is! I wrote the book – but it was just like talking to brick walls – and just wasted futile exercise for simply nothing! Even one Western CEO admitted to me that ‘he could not believe such things happened in Oman – you do not desrve such things to be done to you!

A - A Cry For Help!

The Book – A Cry For Help! – www.myown-ebooks.com

Recently I read two articles that still continued to shock me to the core! One article was one where a columnist (foreign) was indicating why he chose an airline that was not national to go home on holidays. Mr. Columnist has full rights to choose whatever airline you wish – but do we need the citizens need to know why the preference – and if there is anything you wanted others to know is between you and the National Airline (Oman Air) – we are passengers like you – and talking to us will not change anything – unless that is you want us too to follow you to abandon our national airline – for whimsical reasons!

The other was coincidentally a good Indian Columnist with his heart in the right place – and in remembrances – chiding a Westerner Blogger who is at the same time a Teacher in English at the University level in Oman – and residing in Oman – ‘is apparently full of malice and hatred for Palestinians and Arabs. His generalisations are morbid and so are his attempts to distort truth. Or what else can the reason be for such malice towards the Palestinians..? A good question indeed – and thank you very much for the bold daring action! I hope nothing would happen to you – we can only pray for the risk taking!

I thought these things had now stopped post The Arab Spring Uprisings – but you will forgive my ignorance – because I have been out of offices for quite some time now – and do not know what is really going on now! Incidentally, I am also being protected from hearing and getting bad news from my ‘caring advisors’ – because the last bad news nearly ended me in being hospitalised – being acute diabetic and with eyes problems on top!

I was actually talked out of ‘doing some rather unexpected actions’ on my part out of desperation and reciprocity seeking! What turned the tables for me is hearing my 5 year old granddaughter asking her Mum – Why does Granny look so sad and unhappy? Why don’t you ask him, retorted her Mother> The girl replied – I do not want to hurt his feelings more – and that did it! Our late Mother always used to tell us that sometimes messages that need to be given to us comes in the format of the innocent angels saying unexpected and unbelievable things to us! Just to caution and guide us accordingly!

A long time ago I was invited –n with other Staff – to a family home of one expatriate. I needed to go the gents – so I told my host my dilemma. I found it strange that he had to consult his Madam Wife first before showing me which toilet to use – which I found later belonged to the housemaid! The stranger thing happened next! As I was returning to the sitting room – I saw this big African parrot in the kitchen. Feeling like a cup of water I took a glass – and was drinking it when this upset and annoyed hostesses was drilling me what I wanted in the kitchen? This is not a place for guests! She verbally reprimanded me! Then she said ‘really awesome nasty things’ to her husband about my intrusions! Dinner was not served – but I pulled Madam out – and in the car explained to her why!

Next morning my good Western CEO wanted to know what happened at his deputy house? So I asked him point blank – do you really want to know to take remedial action – or just as a matter of courtesy – and nothing else more? So I told him – when I realised he really wanted to know! Soon we were on the loud speaking phone format with the chairman – who was kind enough to say to me – I want the CEO to know too – so we will speak in English! The poor Invitee did not know what hit him next – how it came into being – but there was a letter signed by him the CEO – and co-signed by me – The Head of Human Resources – for ‘regret that your position will no longer be required due to the emergence of two departments – and the other guy heading the department!

I guess as he was in the plane with his family he wished he was not so hospitable to invite the others to his house – company rented anyway! Sadly he had a very high well paid job – that he threw away – just because of his ‘biases and prejudices’ – and sadly and tragically against the people and the country that offered you the job in the first instance. I think he thought he was still in the other GCC country where such things still exist – but thank God – the doors are closing now in Oman!

A long time ago an Arab President had said – The friend of today can be the enemy of tomorrow – and the enemy of today can be the friend of tomorrow! With shifting allegiances and alliances – we need to prioratise – and watch things out now – who are our real friends – and who are not! We owe it to our destiny, legacy and our future too!

In one of the companies that I had worked – there was a circular for expatriates being posted to a certain country – that went through the Arab Spring storm! It just said – be careful of the office driver, the gardener, the cook, the office mate (locals) – because ‘they all work for the state’ – and will try to entrap you! Thank God I feel great and elated that we have a wise and benevolent leader – and the people are generally receptive in welcome and in hospitality – and importantly respectful of ‘the invited guests ‘ in our country. We have even changed our weekends to remain accommodating! What more do you want?

Take Care!

The Concept of Writing! – By Majid Al Suleimany. Reply

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Between Us Only! – Outlook! 

The Concept of Writing!

  • The ink of the Scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr – The Hadith (Islamic Sayings).
  • The only reason for being a writer is that you can’t help it! – Leo Rosten
  • A metaphor is like a simile! – Anon
  • Be obscure clearly! – E.B. White

Between Us Only! – I was reading this article about Ubuntu Philosophy – and I thought it would make a good topic for my article in this column.

First of al, there is need to say something here. We may be that lucky and endowed with the greatest of knowledge, culture, heritage, customs, history, customs, wisdom and civilization – but the question to ask here frankly and in deep self analysis and conscience – are we practicing them? There is a lot of preaching and publicity – but no real practice in our lives’ dealings, interfaces and relationships! This is the sad and bitter truth – whether we like to accept it or not.

Just watch the news. It becomes a real embarrassment to see we can do these things to one other – devoid of our own Religion and its teachings. The time to hold our heads high with pride, esteem and acknowledgement is all gone – though pretenses, facades and acting have remained dominant and supreme. It is like marching one step ahead – and then back two steps behind!

The point I want to make here is that we can all learn from others and in humanity – and there is no culture or civilization that is inferior – especially if those people do and actually practice what their sayings and writings are all about. We need to hold our heads down in shame – and in learning!

A       Ubuntu Philosophy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(philosophy)

An anthropologist studying the habits and customs of an African tribe found himself surrounded by children most days. So he decided to play a little game with them. He managed to get candies from the nearest town, and put it all in a decorated basket at the foot of a tree. Then he called the children and suggested they play a game.

When the anthropologist said “Now!” the children had to run to the tree, and the first one to get there could have ALL the candies to himself/herself. So the children all lined up waiting for the signal.

When the anthropologist said “Now!” – All the children held each others’ hand and ran together towards the tree. They all arrived at the same time, divided up the candies, sat down, and began to happily munch away.

Images Ubuntu – For Demonstration Purposes Only! 

The anthropologist went over to them and asked why they had all run together, when any one of them could have had the candies all to himself/herself.

The children responded: “Ubuntu”! How could any one of us be happy if all the others were sad?”

Ubuntu is a philosophy of some African tribes that can be summed up as “I am what I am because of who we all are” This can teach us all many things about life!

In the East African Swahili lingo – Uutu – Uutu bora kuliko Viitu. – Humanity is better than things (materialism and individualism)…

B       Saying It As It Is!

A long time ago when my Consultancy was dying a slow death – I went into the Public Forums – and in vain attempts and just like that drowning man catching the weed in trying to save oneself! Being M as I am – I used my real name – and not a pseudonym or Nome-de-plume thing! I was personally attacked – and on very sensitive and delicate issues concerning myself – and even my family. The people behind all these thought that they were very smart alecks – because they thought that they would never be found in this new technological savvy arena!

In the end I had given up and just left – and wrote what I wanted in my columns and in my books only. Actually, my thanks and gratitude are due to them – because that is how the concept of writing my books came into being!

I also strongly believe in these – and are my Motto in life now-

  •  Be who you are and say what you feel; because those who mind don’t matter; and those who matter, don’t mind! – Dr. Seuss – Writer, Cartoonist and Animator.
  • Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can – and the wisdom to know the difference between the two!  – Anon

I also strongly believe in this. Did you read the story of The Three Blind Men? Each one of the blind men was ‘correct in describing the elephant’ in his own way – but as The Rajah had said – The elephant is like the truth of all things and we are like the blind men!

Images 3 Blind Men & The Elephant Ubuntu – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

Despite well intentioned, goodwill and focus to represent or reflect on the issues and the situations – one has to be careful that you do not add any ‘fuel to a cinder fire’ sort of thing! To make a bad situation just even turn worse for that matter!

We do need the wisdom, pragmatism and dynamism to prevail and dominate always. And also being positive and realistic – that things have now changed – and still changing fast – and the old ways and methods of doing things are no longer applicable or appropriate anymore!

Allah The Lord Have the Mercy on all of us – and Protect and Preserve us all – Amin Amen.

Take Care! 

By: – 

Majid Al Suleimany

June 16th – Muscat – Sultanate of Oman.

The Arabs Will Never Learn! Reply

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THE ARABS WILL NEVER LEARN!

ALL AN ACT – A FACADE – A SHOW – AND HYPOCRISY OF THE WORST KIND!

I was watching Al Jazeera English Television today Friday January 6th 2011 and despite all the things that have happened starting with Tunisia itself with the Arab Spring Uprisings – another Tunisian has emulated himself because of being jobless – and nobody was hearing him! It seems we have short memory spans – or are just obstinate, rigid and unchangeable – to say the least!

Lots and lots of empty talks, rhetoric, propaganda and publicities – SHOWS AND DRAMAS – but in reality nothing has changed much!

We find this situation in a lot of places nowadays where people seem to go along with changes and the new general trend and feelings – but in reality work against it from within – or make rules and regulations so hard, difficult, rigid and inconceivable to make the whole thing unworkable at all – so making them winners – all over again! People continuously being harassed and being victimised – all based on personalities, individualism, selfishness and polarisation!

But I guess it was Margaret Thatcher – ex UK PM – who said – Those who sit on the fence get pelted by both sides!

Despite all that has been said and what people see in reality and in proof and in front of their eyes of all thatis happening now near them – they still cannot see, hear – or allow others to speak! Very pathetic, sad and tragic!

 Image BuAzizi of Tunisia – See Video below.

Egyptian President Husni Mubarak in Court!

One is still scared to go to some Public Offices and Institutions with the never ending sagas and dramas of putting pain, pressures and hardships to the ordinary citizen for services and help needed! Yet you will find them always in the news propagating empty talks and rhetoric!

Or great seminars, symposiums and conferences made ‘to discuss and propagate’ issues – but it is all for the media only. After it ends, sub-committees are made – and nothing happens after that – until a next time – or something untoward will happen! Then the exercise is repeated all over again! New trysts and dramas!

People are fed up to the tilt – and nobody is scared anymore – but people prefer to go without or go into silence – into a cinder fire that is burning hotly underneath – than burning out of control at least unexpected hours!

It reminds one of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Or as they say – you cannot remove spots from a leopard – or stripes from a tiger! Or as Napoleon had said – Do not interfere with someone set to destroy himself! Or as the saying goes – There is no one so blind but with eyes but cannot see – with ears but cannot hear – and with a mouth but cannot speak!

Or as the Romans had said – those that the gods are out to destroy – they make them not hear, see or speak.

Perhaps this last one can explain all these things now – and where we heading more than what has happed so far!

We need to make our own decisions – and do the correct, ethical and professional things required of us to do for our own legacy, destiny and future. Our future history and generations will judge us by what we do now – or not do! Bottom line everyone is responsible for one’s actions and actions.

We need to make our own decisions – chart our own course and path – and wake up from this deep slumber some of us are still in now – before it is too late for everyone – for some faster than others in reality!

Allah God Protect us all from his anger, fury and punishments to come – Amin Amen.

Read more of my articles here – and at www.majidall.com and www.majidbooks.com

By Majid Al Suleimany

Watch The Video here from Al Jazeera TV (44 minutes)

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/general/2011/04/20114483425914466.html

If the writing is honest it cannot be separated from the man who wrote it. — Tennessee Williams

Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers. — Isaac Asimov

 

 

People Need To Change Now! Before It Is Too Late!! Reply

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At My Workplace!

People Need To Change Now!

Always Making Things Hard, Difficult, Complicated and Complex To Others – It Is Time For People To Take Notice And To Change Now!

This is the sad bitter truth. People are suffering and are so sad and unhappy – and fed up to the tilt!

  As I had said last week – I do not know if the situation has now gone that bad and desperate – or simply people have given up hopes or in desperation – but I now get regularly people coming to me to write about their issues and cases. This is at a rapid and alarming rate – even for me! Besides, I am not paid that much to fall under this category – or as an Investigative Researching Journalist!

Despite all the so-called much publicised and advertised ‘we now have’ advances like The Internet, Web Pages and direct on line applications – there are still some places in Oman – particularly in The Public Sector – where if you have a problem or issue – you will start looking for Wastah (Influence) before you go and take up your issue there!

Everybody there is a Big Boss and they make the rules as they see fit – and who is facing them! If they do not like your looks – or the way you speak – or the way you carry yourself – the things are made more hard and difficult to you and you feel like going without if you only could – or start desperately to get Wastah all over again!

The other day I had an appointment to see a Doctor in one Public Hospital. The Filipina Nurse was taking me to see him as he was waiting inside for me. Guess the rude remark from a young Official best translated into English – And you? Where do you think you are going? This even upset the Filipina nurse who retorted – Don’t you see he is with me? And you should learn to speak to people better than this – as I have told you before! Besides, this man can even be your father by age – if not grandfather!

You go to a public place with your request and almost plea and beg! All you meet are blank faces stares – as if you do not exist! Try to raise your voice in protest – that is great danger and calamity for you – if your situation will not get only worse and more difficult for you – and if your application will just disappear and vanish even!

Sometimes you deal with one person – and things seem to go well – only to be interfered and interrupted by someone else you are not talking to even – and why should he be left out to show he too is the Big Boss of that place! You wonder out aloud – if this person became equivalent to a Supervisor or Manager position – how he (or she!) would behave and act towards others?

It is so frightening and scary – to say the least! Yet we all know the troubles in all the Arab World today started with the self-immolation of Mohamed BuaAzizi in Tunisia when he could not earn his living selling fruits and vegetables – and being slapped in the process by a Police woman – the greatest insult for an Arab man – and failing to get re-address to his grievances. We cannot isolate ourselves from the rest of the world – as we too have seen events all around us even!

I think it is high time an Ombudsman Committee was set up for Good Governance to report – even anonymously ‘blow the whistle’ way of those few public officials who deal erratically and haphazardly with the General Public – and as a lesson to others to be removed from their posts also!

As a first step we should remove this element of refusing letters and certificates from Private Hospitals and Clinics – and if their Doctors are corrupt and tell lies – then all the Private Hospitals and Clinics in Oman should be shut down – and leave only The Public Hospital Doctors – because only they speak the truth – and do not tell lies – or are not corrupt! If I am being treated in a Private Hospital – why do you need me to go again to go to a Public Hospital to get certificates from them? It makes neither sense nor logic!

And Public Institutions and State Apparatuses like the Central Bank and some Ministries like Manpower and others should review critically and pragmatically all such issues and aspects – and make things more easier and convenient – and ensure in removing all those things and aspects that are red tape and bureaucracy – and that make things hard, difficult, complicated and complex for the citizens and residents alike. Only we cannot change the Holy Quraan – because it is God’s words – but the rest we surely can. 

 I hope and pray sanity, pragmatism, sense and dynaism would prevail!

We need to wake up from this slumber – before it is too late for everyone! PLEASE! Take Care!

 By: Majid Al Suleimany

Things Have Turned Sour! Why Do We Do All These Things To Each Other Now?? 1

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Why Do We Do All These Things To Each Other Now??

 Why Do We Do All These Things To Each Other Now??

I stopped smiling now!

Dear All;

People may say anything that they want about me – including that I am ‘eccentric. crazy or mad even’ – and that I get angry quickly even though I am diabetic and my Eye Doctor has warned me to ‘be extra careful’ because I am one of the few in millions that has pressures going to my eyes instead of my body. My left eye has left 55% vision left only and 65% of the right eye. When I am extra angry I even bleed from my eyes!

The point I want to make is this.

I have noticed that people have changed for the worse now! The situation has gone even worse then before! It has gone ……. bad!

There is too much meanness, viciousness, vindictiveness, divisions, bad hearts, polarisations, bad intentions and wills – and some think they are more important than others – and have more rights too! Despite all things we see in real life happening in front of our eyes – and not far from us either!

Frankly, I am not a vengeful and vindictive person – I think I am confident and convinced in saying this!

I respect and esteem everyone – whatever religion, race or creed – and I expect the same from everyone in turn. Bottom line I know I try best to be kind, nice and helpful – because I am afraid of My God – the Punishment of The Grave – and Eternal Hell Fire as a Believer! Even that ant you trample on viciously will have you punished in your grave and Day of Judgment – let alone doing it to a fellow human being – believer or not.

And as Muslims we believe Judaism and Christianity amongst the Believers – and Islam is the only Religion after Christianity that believes in Jesus Christ (Prophet Issa), Mother Miriam and the miracle birth!

I have been writing for the last 8 years – and on the same subjects and topics – and I keep writing – again and again! I am writing more as a hobby – something that I like to do! Nothing more or less! The money is peanuts – if and when it comes in!

The Romans had said – Those that the gods are out to destroy make them not see, hear or speak. Or as we Arabs say – There is no one so blind but with eyes but cannot see; no one so deaf but with ears but cannot hear; and no one so dumb but with a mouth but cannot speak!

Or as Napoleon had appropriately have said – Do not interfere with someone set to destroy himself (let it be syndrome).

Things I had said in 1980s came to pass – even in my working time and career too! I am tired of saying – I TOLD YOU SO! The same things that I have said in my articles from 2003 onwards – 8 years ago! Just imagine! I warned and cautioned on the cinder fires burning underneath – instead my books and me were targeted instead! Even the VIPs I sent my books did not have even the courtesy to acknowledge and thank me!

What are all these things for?

Anyway, I would like to thank all my fans and supporters from my heart with warmth, sincerity and genuine feelings and touch. And I ask your forgiveness for those who chose ‘not to be my friends’ – and those trying to get back at me – to shut me up and close my mouth!

Allah God Protect and Preserve us all from His Anger and Fury – Amin

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Between Us Only! THE FINAL ARTICLE! 2

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Between Us Only!

THE FINAL ARTICLE!

It Is Time To Say Goodbyes!

  • A wise man once said: ‘The skill in attending a party is knowing when it is time to leave’. We built something extraordinary together… and all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way – REM lead vocalist Michael Stipe announces the alternative rock band is splitting after 31 years and 15 albums.
  • A farewell is necessary before we can meet again, and meeting again, after moments or a lifetime is certain for those who are friends. Anon
  • True love doesn’t have a happy ending, because true love never ends. Letting go is one way of saying I love you – Anon
  • Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to – Anon
  • Set the bird free – if it flies away from you – it was not yours from the beginning! – East African Swahili saying.
  • Do not wake up sleeping dogs, they will wake up – and bite you! – Another East African Swahili expression.
  • This battle may have been lost – but the war is still on ahead – French General after France invaded by Nazi Hitler German army.
  • Sometimes you think you have won; when you have actually lost – and sometimes you think you have lost; when you have actually won! – Anon
  • The usual old games and tricks do not work anymore – because people have gone past the Fear Element now!
  • Do not bite the hand that feeds you – otherwise you will lick the boot that kicks you – Anon
  • If you have something growing for you – keep it, nurture it – let it grow and prosper – do not put sand in your rice cake (food) – (Swahili East African) or spit on your food (Indian). If you do – in the end you yourself cannot eat it anymore!
  • Do not kill the messenger of bad news! – Anon
  • Sincerity and being caring, feeling and genuine are never wasted in the front of God – Arabic

I am one of those fans who had really got hurt and disappointed when The ABBA Swedish music group had decided to close down. The same for the Comedy series Seinfeld and Friends. Also The Oprah shows.

The reason they gave was the same one – when you are still ‘up there’ then it is time to quit!

I watched the film of Titanic as it was being rushed to its utter destruction – as it was being moved towards the icebergs – and despite the protestations of the young captains on board!

I am a sick diabetic person 63 years old – with eyesight and glaucoma problems. I am now continuously feeling a lot of pressures – and getting my face always bloodied – and my head swollen – as I bang it against brick walls! Nobody is hearing me – and I always end as the victim – because people do not want to hear the truth – and find evil and devious ways and means to ‘get back at me’!

I simply cannot now continue to handle the pressures I used to be able to do in the past – especially being out all alone there – and abandoned without any support and backing!

Things that have seemed to have been settled are being revived just to put me in a corner – and to silence me!

I have been writing for the last 8 years – and on the same subjects and topics – and I keep writing – again and again! I am writing more as a hobby – something that I like to do! Nothing more or less! The money is peanuts – if and when it comes in!

The Romans had said – Those that the gods are out to destroy make them not see, hear or speak. Or as we Arabs say – There is no one so blind but with eyes but cannot see; no one so deaf but with ears but cannot hear; and no one so dumb but with a mouth but cannot speak!

Or as Napoleon had appropriately had said – Do not interfere with someone set to destroy himself (Let it be syndrome!).

Things I had said in 1980s came to pass – even in my working time and career too! I am tired of saying so many times – again and again – I TOLD YOU SO! The same things that I have said in my articles from 2003 onwards – 8 years ago – came to pass! Just imagine! From my first book Between Us Only! – www.majidbooks.com

My First Arab Management Book – Psychology of Arab Management Thinking – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Magement Series. The book talked all about ‘the things going wrong in Arab Management’. See here how to order – or www.majidbooks.com

I warned and cautioned on the cinder fires burning underneath – instead my books and I were targeted instead! The book A Cry For Help! Went even so far to prophesied and predict the Arab Spring Uprisings – but who cares? See www.majidbooks.com Even the VIPs that I had sent my books did not have even the politeness and courtesy to acknowledge and thank me! As if I was embarrassing them instead to send them my books!

Why and What for are all these things?

My Second Arab Management Book – A Cry For Help! (The Real Cry!) – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Magement Series. The book talked all about ‘the things going more extreme and fundamental especially with The Youth and sort of predicted and propheised The Arab Spring Uprisings!. See here how to order – or www.majidbooks.com

Anyway, I would like to thank all my fans and supporters from my heart with warmth, sincerity and genuine feelings and touch. And I ask your forgiveness for those who chose ‘not to be my friends’ – and those trying to get back at me – to shut me up and close my mouth!

This is Goodbye – and wishing you all the very best in your lives, your families and in your endeavours! I came – and now I am going. Leave me alone NOW in peace – please!

Goodbye and Maa Salaamah!

By:

Majid Al Suleimany

November 19th 2011 – Muscat – Oman.

majidalsuleimany@gmail.com – majidsnalsuleimany@hotmail.com

majid@mas-trac.com – majid@majidsuleimany.com

Need For Compassion From The Banks! 1

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Article For Sunday November 20, 2011

My Website – www.majidall.com

Between Us Only!

Need For Compassion! (This Is The Full Version)

The Holy Quraan – Surah Al Baqarah – Verse 280 – If the debtor is – In a difficulty – Grant him time – Till it is easy – For him to repay – But if ye remit it – By way of charity – That is best for you – If ye only knew

Abu Qatadah related that the Prophet had said: If anyone would like Allah to save him from the hardships of the Day of Resurrection, he should give more time to his debtor who is short of money, or remit his debt altogether. (Muslim)

With a heavy heart and sadness, I have noticed the new trend, fashion and in-style nowadays is to draw blood from stones! Or having your pound of flesh with blood drawn in!

The world we live in is only temporary (transit) – and on The Day of Judgment we will be held responsible for all our actions – and inactions. This applies especially more to The Leadership.

There are so many others verses of The Holy Quran and The Hadith (Religious Teachings) on being kind, considerate and compassionate to those especially heavy in debts – but cannot pay – even if they really wanted to.

It is well understandable that the Banks have no monies of their own but are mainly their depositors’ monies with them. They have therefore full rights to protect and preserve these deposits and investments with them – and the trust and confidence put on them.

There is no question and or dispute here for any reason.

One can also try to understand and appreciate the point and reasoning as to why they are ‘harshly chasing and pursuing so-called defaulters’ – if they themselves are now running in the red and losing money and profits.

In memory of BouAzizi of Tunisia who started The Arab Spring Uprisings!

Images – BouAziz In Remebrances, Supporters Demonstrating and Fadia Al Hamdi – The Policewoman who slapped BouAzizi!

OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE, OPEN YOUR EARS AND HEAR – AND OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND SPEAK IT!

It is also understandable that the banks have to operate under set rules and regulations of the Banking Sector an as per monetary and fiscal policies of the nation with the Central Bank as the as the Head of the Banking Authority in Oman – and as the Custodian of the Banking Laws set by Royal Decrees.

And then let us face realities and truth in life. Banks have indeed made great profits and returns as we see in the news every day. Many of them have built expensive top-of-the-art creative Head Offices and Branches, many top good pool cars and handsome bonuses and dividends too. Let alone the Top Management bonuses every year. Where does this money come from? It is like what we hear all being said on Wall Street all over again!

But it is also a statistical fact and reality too that especially in Self-Employment with the SMEs there are bound to be failures – and not because of not trying or one not being responsible, accountable and transparent – or because of wrong calculations, estimates and risk taking.

Those businesses that have not done this have remained small grocery shops for ages – but even here now there are unexpected eventualities, turns and outcomes.

We live in the global village. And what happens there has a direct and indirect bearing and affect to us too.

Tell that to Video Shops (remember Beta and VHS formats?) and now replaced by CDs – Bookshops selling physical hard copies by eBooks (remember Borders etc) and by Kindle iPads and others! Audio cassettes – what is that? Even in the small villages in the third world!

And then let us face realities and truth in life. Many Omanis are heavily in debt – even the younger coming in generations.

Then we have the usual jealousies and envies streak in society that are willing to pay foreign companies three or four times more that they are willing to pay local firms – ‘on take it or leave it basis’ as we were told. Or a lot of empty and dry promises made to you ‘to finish off the job – even if you are running at a big loss’ – and when you told them you cannot continue at this rate – and or need review for more money, support, assistance and cooperation.

Then we have the usual issues of ‘of getting entry, break and opportunity first of all to come in’ – the ‘Wastah element’ – ‘Corruption Fiascos’ – and the differences between rhetoric and reality!

Whatever the case the CBO, Ministry of Finance and the Commercial Banks need to do something quick – before we also start to have Wall Street demonstrations here – or someone does something untoward and unexpected at any time.

Pervez ex Pakistan President had said – it is all nice to have all kind of nice policies and coverage inside and outside – but it is what directly impacts and affects citizens’ lives that make the difference. Or metaphorically speaking, having a nice painted villa outside – and only in the Sitting Room where guests come in – but the rest is a mess!

It is the small things that count in the final analysis and calculations – and we are not there yet.

How does a customer feel when he sees the Banks getting so much profits and incomes – and is giving this and that prize – and is sponsoring this and that – but a citizen Pensioner salary is not safe – including his house too!

And The Big Question – are we following the CSR – Corporate Social Responsibilities guidelines – or for that matter our Religion and Teachings too?

[Quran 4:58] Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.

I REPEAT IT – Whatever the case the Central Bank of Oman CBO, Ministry of Finance and the Commercial Banks need to do something quick – before we also start to have Wall Street demonstrations here – or someone does something untoward and unexpected at any time.

 Frankly, I do not think that banks should worry about Islamic Banking coming in if they do treat with feelings, compassion and consideration their customers and clients now – before they start switching allegiances and loyalties. The time to do that is now – not tomorrow!

Allah SWT Will judge us by our deeds and actions – and also inactions – on The Punishment of The Grave and The Day of Reckoning!

May Allah SWT (God) Protect and Preserve us all from His full anger and fury – and Guide us all towards the right path and ways always – Amin..

By: Majid Al Suleimany

FOOTNOTE:- IT IS HARAAM (NOT RIGHT) THAT WHILST WE ARE CELEBRATING 41ST NATIONAL DAY SICK DIABETIC PEOPLE ARE BEING MORE SICK AND DEPRESSED IN THEIR HOMES! WHERE IS COMPASSION AND HUMANITY?????

Are we watching and seeing things all around us now – even near home? Or happening in so-called Advanced Western World with the Arab Spring Fever?

The Romans had said – Those that the gods are out to destroy make them not see, hear or speak.

Or as we Arabs say – There is no one so blind but with eyes but cannot see; no one so deaf but with ears but cannot hear; and no one so dumb but with a mouth but cannot speak! Or as Napoleon had said – Do not interfere with someone set to destroy himself (let it be syndrome).

Narrated Hudhaifa: I heard the Prophet saying, “Once a man died and was asked, ‘What did you use to say (or do) (in your life time)?’ He replied, ‘I was a business-man and used to give time to the rich to repay his debt and (used to) deduct part of the debt of the poor.’ So he was forgiven (his sins.)”

Abu Masud said, “I heard the same (Hadith) from the Prophet.”

Al Bukhari – Volume 3, Book 41, Number 606: Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Ka’b bin Malik Al-Ansari from Ka’b bin Malik:That ‘Abdullah bin Abi Hadrad Al-Aslami owed him some debt. Ka’b met him and caught hold of him and they started talking and their voices grew loudest. The Prophet passed by them and addressed Ka’b, pointing out to him to reduce the debt to one half. So, Ka’b got one half of the debt and exempted the debtor from the other half.

Hadith

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The soul of the believer is suspended because of his debt until it is paid off.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1078).

It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Beware of debt, for it starts with worry and it ends with war. Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (2/770).

May Allah SWT (God) Protect and Preserve us all from His full anger and fury – and Guide us all towards the right path and ways always – Amin..

By: Majid Al Suleimany

End of The Element of Fear! Reply

Opinion, Sensitive Critical Topics, Why I am so sad! • Tags: , , , , ,

With some time on my hands I was browsing the Internet and went to this site

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Bouazizi

It really provides interesting readings.

The Tunisian Hero To The Arab Uprisings and Revolutions.

Mohamed Bouaziz (aka Basboosa) set himself on fire (self-immolation) on 17th December 2010

According to Bouazizi’s mother – Rania Abouzeid – Mohamed Bouazizi undertook his desperate drastic action because he had been humiliated, not because of the family’s poverty. “It got to him deep inside, it hurt his pride,” she said, referring to the police harassment. – and being slapped by a woman Police Officer Fadia Hamdi!

Portrait of Mohamed Bouaziz

Tunisian Protestors – Below in France Supporters

 

The Slapping Woman Police Officer Fadia Hamdi!

I think we in the Arab World especially have short memories of The End of The Element of Fear and Harrassments – and need to be reminded now and again – and especially just few days ago of The Richest Arab Ruler of The World Ghaddaffi kept for sale like a frozen fish in the fish market!

But will we learn? No – that is the Arab Tragedy for you! People will never learn until they suffer personally for what they have done – or allowed to run and in inaction.

Simply put – People are no longer afraid anymore! The Losers will be EVERYBODY!

Allah (God) Protect and Preserve us all – Amin.

By

Majid Al Suleimany