The Hopeless Lot! ^Reply

The Hopeless Lot!

First Posted January 5th 2010!

Some days back I was invited to one friend’s house for Dinner and I was commenting on the first class show put up for the Official Opening Ceremony of The Muscat Festival. I could see their detached and forlorn looks as if they had been to the Dentist, and wanted it all over. So I queried – what gives? They looked at each other in blank stares, and I could see that they were trying hard to remain diplomatic and tactful, and could see that ’sharp to the point crude reply’ was being kept at bay.

Then they asked me – before we answer we want to ask you a question. Can we? I replied – please go ahead and fire away! I am not sure if that was what I said, sometimes I like to use – shoot! Hopefully one day one will not take it at its literal meaning, and really do the shooting! If that would happen, I guess I will have no one to blame except myself for volunteering it myself!

But seriously though, they went on to ask me how come that I am supposed to be a weekly columnist, and they have not seen anything that I write on the recent price rises and peoples like them (unfortunate and miserable were the adjectives used!), who faced the greatest pinch and hardships of just starting with their married lives were the hardest hit lot with rising rent hikes. They said the rents went even more than the so-called limit that was set, with an ultimatum of ‘take it or leave it’ syndrome!

And yes – you have the guts to ask why we seem so interested not to watch the show? Perhaps did you not think that we could not even afford to go to see the shows, we are not just talking about gate fees but you know the ‘temptation thing to buy something when we go in’? So I had the dinner and left Madam to deal with her relatives, whilst I made an early and quick escape. I guess even for a person who likes his food well, I did not find that particular meal as that refreshing and appetizing.

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After my last article, which was titled At Your Service, I got many angry and upset emails from some young Omanis especially. One works in the Marketing field, another in Insurance and Investment. I picked these two as the best of the lot, the most acrimonious upset and angrier lot. I am repeating them as sent, of course without revealing the identities, so here goes anyway!

(From A) – Tell me about it! (Sad caricature!) – Your article this week M – It is very discouraging and makes me mad pissed off angry! My boss is an Expatriate and his boss is also an Expatriate, they treat us very bad. After several years of getting Superior Performance in my Staff Appraisals, this year I got just Satisfactory. I didn’t panic or anything cuz my sister just passed away and I was sick for a long time – and I was like “what will I gain from the Top Grading, I will die one day”.

But then I said to myself, I worked hard for this grade, I gave my time and energy for this place and now I have to accept the lower grading??!! Then I went to the big people and told them about it. You know I think it’s a useless case. Honestly I am tired of this place; the only thing that makes me stay here is my parent’s house mortgage – as I don’t want it to be closed. If I am getting nothing in my own country I might as well get nothing outside. The problem is that people here won’t change, and they will continue to give more power to Expatriates cuz they don’t trust their own people.

All people in my age would rather leave their country and be somewhere else. We need someone to hear us. One day I dreamt that I am screaming “help” to my Omani boss and the Expatriate boss was laughing at me (it was some nightmare) …I know I am quite capable of so many things. People tell me to get married and have kids and settle. Surprisingly this is not what is happening nowadays. In today’s life people those who get married and have kids won’t settle down, they will need to get a second job to be able to live. Life is more expensive; women who get married now need at least a salary of 1000 OMR to be able to spend over their kids. I am single and live alone, I have no responsibilities whatsoever except going to work.

However, my salary is not enough when I have to pay the bills and put food on the table, how about if I got married and have kids. It’s a disaster. P.S: the Expatriate manager takes (big amount) salary and still wears cheap everyday same clothes for the last 10 years – (so disgusting and out of fashion too). Man as I said it’s a useless case. Don’t ever think that it will change and people will start appreciating you or sponsoring your book, unless you write a book about how great they are (smiling caricature). Please write about me and all the young people in Oman who can’t scream “help” – not even in a nightmare!

From B – Keep up the good works, people like you M make the world go around. You make us all sit up and take notice! You make us to think! Hey, you are saying the truth here! Sad some of the Management are so slow to appreciate talents and skills like you have.

We need peoples like you – who can come out in the open, and stand counted. But I am also afraid – very afraid! I guess if it was for the Expatriate, it would get a big cover and be supported by everyone! It is a BIG disappointment really. I was interviewed by one Executive (Ex Expatriate now Omani) now, and he was sniggering when we said – You know we Omanis..

Then I asked him We? He said Yes I am Omani and here is my Passport (pulled out from his draw). Who asked him?? And why he wants to show it off? I have nothing personal against them being Omanis. But the Expatriate Mafia have controlled our country for so long now. Something gotta give soon. That scares me, with everyone is so sad and unhappy – that we sometimes hate Saturdays are back and return to work! Your article captures it all! And the Omani bosses. They are all concerned just about themselves, their status and positions, and will never rock the boat. Not for anyone!

*****************************************************************************************************************

Do I need to say anymore? I think it is QED!

The youth are saying it – again – and we need to open our ears and hear, open our eyes and see, and open our mouths to speak – Take Care!

First Posted (Imagine!) January 5, 2010!

Broken Glass – Drawing by Raadheesh

END

PDO Pensioner Power – Al Fahal 469 – June 2018! ^Reply

PDO Pensioner Power!

A new Pensioners Committee has been set up to represent the interests of PDO retirees. The committee, chaired by Ali Al Mandhry, former Head of the Medical Laboratory, has the vision of helping to make the PDO pension community the best in class within pension communities in Oman and the region.

The news came as almost 600 retirees attended annual pensioner gatherings in Muscat, Fahud and Marmul. Ali offered his thanks to PDO management for their “continuous support” and those who had place their trust in him as the chairman.

He said: “We have a harmonious relationship between PDO and retirees. It is a dialogue.

“We are also ambassadors for PDO.”

Managing Director Raoul Restucci said: “PDO is fully committed to having a strong and ongoing relationship with its pensioner community and we welcome the formation of the Pensioners Committee.

“This committee will play a very important role in strengthening the retiree network and representing their views in discussions with the Company as well as updating them on decisions and policy changes.”

Ali, who is joined by Ali Al Ismaili, Shaikha Al Harthy and Rashid Al Alawi on the committee, which will represent members on issues of importance such as financial benefits and medical provision.

A new pensioner booklet was also launched, answering frequently asked questions and containing information on important topics such as the Al Yusr scheme, which has now loaned more than US$10 million to more than 800 retirees.

There are currently 2,166 people in the PDO pensioner family, with an average age of 64.3 years.

Raoul gave a business update at the Muscat and Fahud events and said: “We are going to continue this annual gathering as long as I am here. Thank you for the incredible role you have played for making PDO what it is today.

Courtesy PDO Al Fahal Magazine No. 469 June 2018

Full Magazine here at – Please find a link for the magazine with the story on page 07

http://www.pdo.co.om/en/news/publications/Publications%20Doc%20Library/Al-Fahal-2018-06-Both.pdf

Posted on August 8, 2018

The New Committee and Function Photos!

Download This PDF File!

Pensioners Full

Download The Above PDF File!

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Download This PDF File!

Al-Fahal-2018-06-Both 1

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February 24, 2017

This is me in ICU Royal Hospital in January 2016 ³

Uncategorized • Tags: This is me in ICU Royal Hospital in January 2016

This is me in ICU Royal Hospital in January 2016.

MEDICAL PDO

Coma Video 1

Coma Video 2

Coma Foto 1

November 18, 2013

The Incorrigibles (In)Corruptible! ¹

Uncategorized • Tags: Corruption Disease, Majid Al Suleimany, Taking of Bribes!, The Bribe Givers!, The Corrupt Person!, The Incorrigibles (In)Corruptible!, Who gives bribes?, Who takes bribes?, Why I do not take bribes!

Please Note – Posted Also At: –

My New Website – www.majidwrite.com

And also at – www.majidall.com

For Wednesday – November 20th 2013.

Between Us Only!

The Incorrigibles (In)Corruptible!

Incorrigible – means somebody or something that is impossible or very difficult to control, correct or reform

Incorruptible – means not to be bought – not open to bribery – honorable – honest and morally upright

Allah cursed the one who pays a bribe, the one who takes it and the mediator between the two – The Islamic Hadith
The son of Adam will not pass away from Allah until he is asked about five things: how he lived his life, and how he utilized his youth, how did he earn his wealth, how did he spend his wealth, and what did he do with his knowledge – Tirmidhi
I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet – Ghandi

Images Corruption – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

There is a running commentary about a certain place also notorious for bribery and corruption that it starts from the moment you board their national airline to the time you check out from your hotel and return – and that it is always advisable to carry small denominations of foreign currencies – especially USA Dollars – the preferred one – to give out. This is in order to avoid unnecessary hassles – whether real or created – and woe to you if you wish not to engage! Everybody is in corruption – and everybody gives corruption – even if needed or not!

Frankly, I have always suspected that there was some ‘measured levels’ of corruption – most of it implied and hidden – but it was a real shocker to me to find it ‘real and live’ when I had my Consultancy a decade back. I wrote about these things before some years back – and you can find my previous articles here. This is in response to those that have been asking me why I do not write on the subject – like others have done?

Images Corruption – For Demonstration Purposes Only

You see the point is – even if I do – nobody pays attention or read what I write – even if it is worthwhile causes like Road Safety Awareness – where people outside were ready to invest to propagate my book Being The Safe Driver! – if I could chip in US Dollars 5000 – 50% – and they would contribute the rest – to see the message and theme propagated in all the US Television channels in the format of video marketing advertising! I do not know if it is a question of bribery – or that I am just unlucky! Anyway, the titles are there – in my books and in my columns – written over 2 years ago – Being Exemplary In Life! – How Rich Can One Get? – Are You looking For A Bribe? – Taking The High Road! – Investigative Reporting! – Some Will Never Change! and Can You Buy Respects?

When rich villains have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what price they will – Shakespeare
The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference – Bess Myerson

Our Late Father always used to lecture us – Do not take anything that does not belong to you – and avoid temptations – living beyond your means – and going for bribery and corruption – even if it is offered to you! Deny – and refuse vehemently! I was watching Al Jazeera Television and it showed – in one of its programmes – of a certain place where if somebody needed a favour from you and came with a bribe – and you denied them – then you were easily targeted for annihilation and destruction in the format of a suicide bomber! That is how serious bribery and corruption has become as one of the major social, domestic, economic and political anathema and disease there!

I remember one of the Contractors I used to deal with long time back lamenting to me – I have high respects and esteem for you – but either you are a naive person – or stupid (not said loud!) – and designated to remain always poor in life! How poetic and right he was – but I prefer to be this way only. If you have time – feel free to go through my articles mentioned above – as there is no point in re-inventing the wheel – just to fill in the number of words required for the article!

The real thing that has to be said here is that you cannot pin corruption and bribery to a certain face or character that you will see in life! Sometimes it is a great shocker to find somebody with great features, outlooks and personalities – respectable and polite full gentlemanly – to be involved! It is always a betrayal – and Life Great Learner! Sometimes it is so sad – and unbelievable – but that is life anyway – and how the cookie crumbles!

Some More Sayings on Corruption: –

Truly, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.- The Holy Quran 13:11

The eyes of the people are watching you! – Sierra Leone – Fight Against Corruption Banner
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority – Transparency International
The difference between a corrupt and a honest person; the corrupt person has a price and the honest person has value – Neha
It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it – Aung San Suu Kyi
Absolute power corrupts – Famous

Happy National Day Greetings!

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

September 8, 2013

The Sob Stories! ^Reply

Between Us Only! Column, Complex and Difficult Topics, Deep Self Analysis and Conscience Topics, Difficult Topic, Good Article, Majid Al Suleimany Columns, Opinion, The Oman Daily Observer Columns, Uncategorized, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: Beggars on the prowl, People real in need?, The Sob Stories

Websites – www.majidall.com and www.majidwrite.com

For Wednesday September 11^th 2013

Between Us Only!

The ‘Sob Stories’!

A growing trend that too needs to be nipped in the bud!

Whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah will give him and save him from asking others, Allah will make him self-sufficient – Al Bukhari
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet had said: He who makes a habit of asking from others reaches out for a brand of Fire, so let him refrain or continue, as he desires – Muslim.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day – Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time – Chinese Saying.

Images Sob – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

In one of my earlier articles a few years ago – I wrote about this incident that had happened to us in the family after returning to the place we had left – and after the Zanzibar Revolution. Our uncle had been hosting us in his house to stay – which originally was our own house before – arriving there broke and penniless! Food was an issue due to depleted funds – and in one of the meals I had casually remarked – being a novice young boy without thinking properly – that I had enjoyed the food as being half hungry!

My late father was visibly upset in ‘forgetting myself and in embarrassing the family per se’! He sadly lamented to me – we come from a proud stock and branch – and we do not stoop low or degrade ourselves in front of others – even if excusably that we are hungry and in need! Keep your head high – and these are tests from God – and we will overcome – and win!

Remember this always – my son! And that was my late father’s outlook and philosophy – though he rode the same donkey in Oman to school with others that later came to be very high VIPs! He had never in his life approached them for anything – and even if they had asked him if we needed anything – he would reply strongly steadfastly that ‘we were okay – thank you for asking!’

Images Sob – For Demonstration Purposes Only!

One time at a shopping complex, I saw this old banger type of car – which speaks volumes of the expatriate driver of the car – he half clutched and abruptly started off the car – when he saw me approaching him! I followed him to the flat he was staying – and asked him why did you do that? His response was – I thought you were coming to beg some money from me ‘with a sob’ story – like many I have met at this place! So I told him off – all I wanted to tell you was you had your full lights beam on – being day time anyway! As he was apologising profusely – I decided to leave him – before I gave him ‘a real piece of my mind’! That is how low we the locals have stooped on – to vet such treatment – even from peoples that ‘have millions of beggars’ back at home!

During the month of Ramadhan we had women with children tailing behind them with all kinds of sob stories. The new trend is from Syria – but what boggles the mind is how they have entered the country – if they were real and genuine cases! It reminds me of the Arabic comedy scene of (Professor) Ghawar – asking the border police in the scene – why he was ‘not asking the goats’ crossing the border ‘for their passports’?

A friend of mine was telling me of one particular lady who had a difficult misbehaving son – who was causing her tremendous woe and troubles by his behaviours – even to his wife and children. The boy was terminated jobless with the same crude behaviour and attitudes at work! His wife had left him – taking the children with her. The poor mother was suffering terribly and a lot – mothers being mothers! Even if she knew deep down about her son! The poor lady was going from house to house to collect money to pay for the escapades of his son – perhaps even drugs related too!

Believe me, I am a softie for such sob stories – and I am caught many times that too late I have been scammed and duped – and have been fooled again! I asked a Religious Person once – he said to me – if you have the money and you want to help – just do it. You are not responsible for ‘the sins that the person is getting for hoodwinking others’ – that is not your responsibilities – but his alone! Some of them have even x-rays of why ‘they are disabled, invalid and incapacitated! Unless you are in the Medical profession – you just have to believe what you see!

When we came back to Oman in the early 1970s – this trend was not there – and even in isolated cases if there were – it was very tiny and minute – not like now ‘where is the fashion and trend – of getting fast and easy money from gullible and unsuspecting lots. And even if they were a bit suspicious – they still give for peace and conveniences – and seeing the ‘poor children’s eyes of desperation and need’!

What makes me worry a lot and be concerned – is perhaps we are ‘turning away real and genuine’ cases of need and want – by being overzealous sceptical and suspicious! I recall personally an incident of a taxi driver whose car had run out of petrol on the road. I was the only one who had stopped. And the few Rials I gave him – I gave more as ‘sadaka’ – alms – but the shock was on me and my sneering sarcastic staff the next day – when he brought a big plate of halwa and his farm produce – ‘because you were the only person who had stopped, trusted and helped me!

My books and my columns have many such kind of stories! Take Care!

By: Majid Al-Suleimany

Date – September 8^th 2013

May 6, 2013

Why You Should Buy My Sequel Books! ^Reply

Uncategorized • Tags: Between Us Only series, Between Us Only! New Sequel Books, Between Us Only! Short Takes - 2!, Between Us Only! The Sequel - 3!, Books by Majid Al Suleimany, Oman, The Oman Daily Observer, Why You Should Buy My Sequel Books!

Why You Should Buy My Sequel Books! Between Us Only! Series

www.myown-ebooks.com

Between Us Only! Short Takes – 2!

About The Book

www.createspace.com/4153269

Back again for the next instalment in his critically acclaimed series, Majid Al Suleimany offers a new collection of articles that deal with the delicate matters that many are scared to touch. Adapted from his successful newspaper column in The Oman Daily Observer, the enlightening and educational articles of Between Us Only! Short Takes – Two! cover everything from human suffering and social trends to divorce and prejudice. Touching on some of the social evils prevalent in today’s society, this fantastic collection uses a mixture of witty observations and heavy blows to get its point across.

A labour of love filled with keen observations on twenty-first-century society, this insightful book carries priceless warnings, resentments, fears, and advice for readers everywhere.

The varied and honest new collection of articles cover a multitude of topics, from light-hearted and entertaining stories to serious topics based off of universal societal issues. Full of interesting and educational articles and stories, this wonderful book is a captivating experience, especially for readers familiar with Arab customs, traditions, heritages, and legacies.

A fantastic read for everyone from CEOs to students, Between Us Only! offers insightful and illuminating articles based off of a variety of topics that even apply to children, teenagers, and grandparents. Filled with varied topics that will entertain and inform readers of all backgrounds and walks of life, this eclectic collection will engross as it inspires and provides a wide range of knowledge on a multitude of important topics.

Developed from weekly columns Al Suleimany writes, Between Us Only! follows up on the success of the previous books in the series and furthers the idea of private talks between friends on matters that many are too scared to touch. Often times delving into topics that aren’t always sweet, this enlightening book uses a clear and elegant prose to explore social evils in society as well as their light hearted counterparts. Covering a variety of priceless topics, this wonderful collection of articles gives readers everywhere a glimpse into the issues that are prevalent in today’s society.

Majid Al Suleimany has over twenty-five years of experience as a human resources specialist and over ten years of experience as a management and human resources consultant, expert, and advisor. For the past eight years, he has written weekly columns in The Oman Daily Observer, an English daily, which has led to three published books based off of his columns. He has recently expanded to a new column, At the Workplace. Al Suleimany has also published two other books on Arab management – http://www.myown-ebooks.com.

Between Us Only! The Sequel – 3!

About The Book

www.createspace.com/4153263

Between Us Only! The Sequel – Two! – has been adapted from Majid Al Suleimany’s successful newspaper columns in The Oman Daily Observer. Utilizing the very best touching emotional based stories and articles from the columns that he has penned over the past four years, Al Suleimany touches on a wide variety of vital and riveting topics. The subject matter will be of interest to everyone from teenagers to grandparents – and from the clerks to the CEOs.

Between Us Only! The Sequel – Two! – focuses on the study of humanity, human needs, human interaction, society, and economics, as well as other areas. In fact, the author covers all socio-economic-political aspects of society, with an emphasis on working environments such as office issues and aspects.

The author also addresses society as a whole, and the dire repercussions and consequences of bad ideas and thoughts that can be harmful to society in the broadest sense. Though many topics apply to Oman and GCC countries, the collection of columns organized by Al Suleimany offer a universal appeal because, in his view, society and family are quite similar.

According to the author, “We have the same needs, worries, concerns and fears—as well as what we like and do not like. This is because the human being is essentially the same—regardless of race, creed, religion, color, ancestry, and ethnicity!”

The book will encourage soul-searching, deep analysis, and a quest to make the world a better place. It has been penned directly from the heart of the author to the reader. It carries many emotional personal family stories and encounters – including work experiences as a highly-qualified human resources management consultant.

The book moves quickly, advancing without boundaries, and is careful never to get bogged down in politics. While critical, the writings are also realistic and practical, and stress the need in society for change in a way that will foster more patience, tolerance, and understanding.

Yet Between Us Only! The Sequel – Three! – is not without controversy. For readers who wish to study Arabic (and Islamic) approaches to the Middle East, the West, and other religions, the book makes excellent references relating to the post-September 11 world. The increases in religious fundamentalism and radicalization in society, and the fact that many youngsters are on board with these aspects, are also taken to task.

The author, through his writings, offers up a tome that is part prayer and part preaching, desperately hoping for a change in the world that will produce a new and more positive direction. “Live and let live in peace, harmony, and co-existence,” is Al Suleimany’s mantra.

Books available in Oman at Family Bookshops and WHSmith . Price OMR 12.

Best Wishes and Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

Writing is a struggle against silence. Carlos Fuentes

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. W. Somerset Maugham

April 11, 2013

Ingram Trafford – Great Books To Read! ^Reply

About My Books!, Announcements, Arab Management Books in English, Books Announcement, Uncategorized • Tags: Arab Management Books in English, EBooks, ebooks in Arab Management, Ingram Books, Majid Al Suleimany Books, Trafford Publishing

ad4 Ingram Trafford

Great Books for Every Reader

Please see My Book There!

Remarkable books to enjoy again and again. Order yours today.

More information at www.myown-ebooks.com

Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

A Cry For Help!

Arabian Management Services—Context and Perspectives

Majid Al Suleimany

SOFTCOVER l 9781426920622 l $54.00

PAGES: 556

A Cry For Help!

Written by Majid Al Suleimany,

A management expert provides a frank and honest discussion addressing the increasing extremism, fundamentalism, and radicalization in management styles and aspects of companies that belong to the Arabian Gulf Cooperation countries

.ad4 Ingram Trafford

March 25, 2013

Pride and Prejudice! ¹

All About Me!, Between Us Only! Column, Complex and Difficult Topics, Deep Self Analysis and Conscience Topics, Family Stories, Good Article, Opinion, Uncategorized, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: Family bias, Family Relationships, Pride and Prejudice

For Sunday March 24^th 2013

Between Us Only!

Pride and Prejudice!

Or My Poor ‘African Cousin’!

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong – Mahatma Gandhi
Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them! – Bruce Lee
The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way – Dale Carnegie

A Introduction

According to Wikipedia, Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19^th century England. Elizabeth is the second of five daughters of a country gentleman living near the fictional town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, near London. “Pride and Prejudice is also about that thing that all great novels consider – the search for self.

One day Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi stole a little money from his father’s pocket. He trembled to pick his father’s pocket. But he realized it was a great crime. This realization did not allow him to rest in peace. He became restless. His conscience pricked him. It was too much to bear. So, he decided that he should never steal anything from anybody under any circumstances. He did not stop at that.

Image Pride and Prejudice.

He wrote a letter of confession admitting his mistake and swore that he would never resort to stealing. But he was not bold enough to give the letter to his father. So, he put it in his pocket secretly. The father was so much moved by the confession that he instantly forgave self-correction, Gandhi became Mahatma Gandhi. So, let us learn to admit the mistakes done by us knowingly or unknowingly, and also to try not to commit the same mistake in our life time.

B The Story

I do not know about you but in my life’s time I have done some real big mistakes and errors in judgement in my life – but nothing is compared to when one is a young child and as a teenager. Some mistakes we may have regretted immediately afterwards – and others it took us a long time to admit – after fighting our own guilt and conscience – and we regret to the end of our lives even! I read this Snoopy character cartoon of ‘Make one mistake – and you will regret for the rest of your life!

Image – African Woman

People like us from parents and grandparents that went to Africa cannot discount or deny the links to that distant land – even in family and relatives connections. Our parents and (great) grandparents went to Africa in dhows – and many decided to settle there after the dark part of our history in autocracy and persecution – and supported by those that preached freedom and democracy in more as rhetoric and falsehood than in reality – so long as ‘their interests’ are served – they do not care or feel for anybody else. It is only when there is ‘threat and or infringement’ that they dare to step in to ‘preserve and protect’ their own interests and well being only!

Image African Woman

I had one of my late Uncles who spoke fluent Swahili – but he was embarrassed and feeling shameful that he did – and had even been to Africa – and that even one of his own sons had married a local girl – and got children too – his grandchildren. Of course he was more attuned to his children that were more near his own choices of in arranged marriages than the rebel prodigical son! I found this irony very much disturbing and upsetting – because it looked to me like that ostrich with head in the ground approach of life’s aspects.

He is not alone – there are many others just like him – in that you look the other way – and expect the whole world in this internet global age to do the same! As Obama had said – Those days are long gone! We need to wake up to the realization and truth only. That is why I always say – in Oman we have a great thing going – and to do the right correct ethical and right thing – even if eventually and belatedly sometimes! Now having preached and in rhetoric practice – I need to admit this part of my life’s history. In talking about myself – hopefully others will learn too – and some hopefully may even copy and emulate in the process!

Image – African Women

As a young boy of about 8 years old – our late grandfather direct from Manah – had married a local girl there in that distant land. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder – and there is no colour, race, creed, nationality or ethnicity in love – truthfully and honestly speaking here! So whether we like it or not – we are related directly to the offsprings – even if they may look differently to us! Our father at the time was very rich and powerful – and he had the colonial District Commissioner as ‘his personal friend and protector’. I said about all these things before!

As you can guess – coming from a rich family – and you had just to say it – and your wish was given to you! I remembered when my late father had asked me – if I wanted anything gift in particular – and I told him that I wanted a horse! I meant a real live horse – but the poor man gave us a riding horse alright – but made of steel – and wheels! So being pampered and getting whatever we wanted as kids – our heads were in the clouds – spoilt and pompous – and looking down on other kids lesser fortunate than us. Including this poor girl from the family too! It was Eid day and the whole family had met in our late father’s rich house – and there were all of us there – including invited guests from outside!

So this poor girl wanted to ride my bicycle – and selfish me did not allow her to do so! But I allowed others – and that was the worst mean part of me – in prejudices! Pride and prejudice! She is one year older than me! We made amends few years ago – when I kneeled down and apologised to her what I did to her as a young boy.

Please pray for her too – because she needs your prayers too! Because she is very sick – and the message came in last Wednesday. She had insisted that I be informed – and I pray for her! And she …. has forgiven me – because she did instead ride the truck – that I bought for her husband’s business far later in life!

What more can I say? Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

P.S. If you like the articles here, go to Facebook Like and Follow Blog via Email. You will get a copy everytime a post is made in this site!

March 20, 2013

Pressures On Children To Excel! ^Reply

Uncategorized • Tags: Arts or Science subjects?, Between Us Only!, Leave or involve the children to decide their fate and futures!, My Father wanted me to be a Doctor .. I ended as a Writer!, My Life's Choice when in School, Pressures On Children To Excel!, The Oman Daily Observer, To be or not to be - a Doctor or an Engineer?

For Wednesday March 20^th 2013

Between Us Only!

Pressures On Children To Excel!

Recently in the local news was an incident of a young Indian boy who it is alleged that had ‘forged his own kidnapping’ because he was scared stiff of his father and ‘how he would fare’ in his coming examinations! Frankly, it comes all out of watching too much television! Before we start on the topic – let us have some quotes about the children in general!

v In one Islamic tradition – our Great Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – ran after his grandson Hussein in a game until he caught him.

v He used to let his granddaughter Umamah sit on his shoulders while he was praying.

v When Prophet Muhammad PBUH was chided for kissing his grandchild, he responded to them – What can I do if God has deprived your heart of all human feelings?

v Prophet Muhammad SAW has been described as being very fond of children in general.

v Once, Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – was sitting with a child in his lap, and the child urinated over him Embarrassed, the father scolded the child.

v The Great Prophet pbuh restrained the father, and advised him: This is not a big issue. My clothes can be washed. But be careful with how you treat the child. What can restore his self-esteem after you have dealt with him in public like this?

v If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.- Albert Einstein

v Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them – Oscar Wilde

v If we wish to create a lasting peace, we must begin with the children – Mahatma Ghandi

v I have a dream that my children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character – Martin Luther King.

v Children must be taught how to think, not what to think – Margaret Mead

v Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you! – H. Jackson Brown Jnr.

Take it from me with my 6 brothers’ and 8 sisters’ children – over a football team Masha Allah – and grandchildren with some of them – and the ‘extended family’ that has all ‘other nationalities on board ship’ – just like Noah’s Ark – including some in Indian, Pakistani, Thai, Canadians, USA, UK, Africans, Yemenis – etc! I have no whims to share with you – if I may! I have written so many columns about children in my columns (and books) stretching over 10 years now!