Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Ramadan Activities
This year we decided to do a Ramadan Wall to teach our younger kids about Ramadan. We wanted to make it something they would learn from and be able to use daily. They seem to be enjoying it mashallah! Full view of our Ramadan Bulletin Board! 
Things that break the fast mobile.
The thirty parts of the Quran.
Calendar for Ramadan so the kids can count down the days! Someonewiped the checks off.
A fasting day "wheel", the top part turns and goes through the cycleof a day of fasting.
The dua (supplication/pray) we say when we break our fast.
Proof from the Quran for fasting the month of Ramadan.
This is a chart to keep track of the days our household fasted.We were traveling from the US on the first two days so some of us
have to make those days up!
Right side view!
Full view, sort of looks like a masjid, maybe I'll add a minarat!
Inshallah we have a coffee table that I will put under the boardso the kids can put their 'ramadan crafts' on it.
Thanks to:
http://islamicbulletinboards.wordpress.com
and http://tjramadan.talibiddeenjr.amanahwebs.com/
for their wonderful resources mashallah!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Grand Mosque authorities ready Ramadan plan (Ramadhan is two weeks away)
Grand Mosque authorities ready Ramadan plan
ref: http://arabnews.
More than 5,700 employees will serve the pilgrims to the Grand Mosque in Makkah this Ramadan, according to the authority that governs the Haram.
Deputy Chairman of the Presidency of the Holy Mosques Affairs Nasser bin Muhammad Al-Khuzaim told Arab News that there will be more scholars this year to give religious advice and answer queries from pilgrims.
“The presidency has approved its Ramadan plan, which begins at the end of Shaaban and continues up to mid Shawwal. The plan is aimed at providing serenity and tranquility for worshippers to perform their rituals,” he said.
Final touches are being put on the Grand Mosque expansion project initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said Al-Khuzaim.
He said the five-level Masaa, where pilgrims perform the ritual walk between the mounts of Safa and Marwah, is ready to receive pilgrims. The structure includes an underground level and the roof.
Al-Khuzaim said glass barriers are being installed around Al-Safa at ground and underground levels, adding that certain areas of the mountain have been repaired and coated with translucent film to prevent people from scribbling on them.
He said the width of the Masaa on the ground floor has been increased substantially, while the width of the passage for the disabled has been increased from two meters to four meters to make it easier for wheelchairs to move.
Al-Khuzaim said 110 marble fountains dispensing Zamzam water have been installed in four different locations in the Haram, while 50 Zamzam water taps have been built in the marble barrier overlooking the Tawaf area.
The Masaa now have more than 340 Zamzam water taps at its different levels, he said. He added that 72 numbered marble shoe racks have also been built.
Al-Khuzaim said 62 temporary bathrooms are being built near Al-Fatah Gate to compensate for those being knocked down at Al-Shamiya for the expansion of the northern courtyard.
He asked pilgrims and visitors to keep the Grand Mosque clean and not to take food or briefcases inside. “They should also refrain from smoking in the mosque’s courtyards,” Al-Khuzaim said.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
"The Thing in the Water Tank"
We found this strange looking thing drinking water in our underground water tank. It was hanging from its arm like branch and extending down into the tank.
Another one grew after this one was remove. Assuming it is from the tree on the other side of our villa wall. Quite resourceful when you figure the root had to grow through at least two walls to get to the tank.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Restaurant Fail
This is photo taken at a local "unnamed eatery" was given to me by Mohammed Al-Blaihi.Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Traffic enforcement initiative
The following is an email being circulated here in Riyadh. The system is up and running and I know one friend that has received a SMS text informing him of 800 sar worth of fines incurred last week and a coworker who received a text concerning 600 sar worth of fines for him. Lets hope the system has a positive effect, insha'Allah!
More info at: www.saher.gov.sa
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please be advised that there is a significant change in the way traffic is monitored in Riyadh recently placed in effect. Traffic Cameras have been installed throughout the city to monitor traffic violations of running red lights and speeding 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.
See US Embassy RSO’s statement below,
“Greetings to all:
The Government of Saudi Arabia announced that the Saher automated traffic camera program would begin today April 19. We don’t have the locations of these traffic cameras but they will predictably be set up at intersections to catch red light violators and along some roadways to catch speeders.
You can go to the following website to learn more: www.saher.gov.sa
This is an Arabic site which has an English option in the upper right of the page.
- RSO Tom McDonough”
Saher is an automated traffic control and management system that covers major cities in Saudi Arabia, and uses the technology of Digital cameras network linked with the National Information Center of Ministry of Interior. For more information on the Saher system click on the link as shown above or on the attached document and it even has a section for statistics.
Please use caution when driving to avoid unnecessary traffic fines.
If you feel you may have incurred a traffic fine or wish to check on a known traffic fine the following steps can be taken:
1. Phone 01 292 8888 (have your 10 digit Iqama number available)
2. Opt for the English Language
3. Follow the audio instructions
Follow instructions and within seconds you will be advised if you have (or have not) got any outstanding / pending tickets. GOOD SYSTEM and user friendly !
Outstanding traffic fines can cause delay or non travel until they are PAID. It is important to note that this can be done at the airport however the payment facility is not always available and could result in delay of travel.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
More info at: www.saher.gov.sa
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please be advised that there is a significant change in the way traffic is monitored in Riyadh recently placed in effect. Traffic Cameras have been installed throughout the city to monitor traffic violations of running red lights and speeding 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.
See US Embassy RSO’s statement below,
“Greetings to all:
The Government of Saudi Arabia announced that the Saher automated traffic camera program would begin today April 19. We don’t have the locations of these traffic cameras but they will predictably be set up at intersections to catch red light violators and along some roadways to catch speeders.
You can go to the following website to learn more: www.saher.gov.sa
This is an Arabic site which has an English option in the upper right of the page.
- RSO Tom McDonough”
Saher is an automated traffic control and management system that covers major cities in Saudi Arabia, and uses the technology of Digital cameras network linked with the National Information Center of Ministry of Interior. For more information on the Saher system click on the link as shown above or on the attached document and it even has a section for statistics.
Please use caution when driving to avoid unnecessary traffic fines.
If you feel you may have incurred a traffic fine or wish to check on a known traffic fine the following steps can be taken:
1. Phone 01 292 8888 (have your 10 digit Iqama number available)
2. Opt for the English Language
3. Follow the audio instructions
Follow instructions and within seconds you will be advised if you have (or have not) got any outstanding / pending tickets. GOOD SYSTEM and user friendly !
Outstanding traffic fines can cause delay or non travel until they are PAID. It is important to note that this can be done at the airport however the payment facility is not always available and could result in delay of travel.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Riyadh International Book Fair to open on March 2
Riyadh International Book Fair to open on March 2
Taken from Arab News http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article19660.ece
By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS
Published: Feb 20, 2010 12:38 AM Updated: Feb 20, 2010 12:38 AM
JEDDAH: More than 1,000 Saudi and foreign publishing houses and companies are expected to take part in the Riyadh International Book Fair which opens on March 2.
“We want to make this annual exhibition a Saudi cultural festival,” said Abdullah Al-Jasser, deputy minister of culture and information for media affairs and supervisor of the exhibition.
Senegal is being honored at the event, he said, adding that the African country will hold a variety of cultural programs including seminars, literary events and folklore presentations, highlighting its contributions to Arab and Islamic civilization. A number of Senegalese books in Arabic will also be displayed in its pavilion.
Meanwhile, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja disclosed the possibility of holding the book show in Jeddah once it is held in Riyadh. The minister did not say when this would take place. Khoja made this statement after opening an arts show exhibiting the work of Moroccan artist Muhammad Al-Shahdi.
He said there would be a seminar on the role of cultural forums in promoting the Kingdom’s cultural development. Other seminars will focus on medical doctors who are interested in literature; the problems faced by Saudi authors in terms of publication and reading; and issues related to translation of books. “There will be another interesting program on the national dialogue forum’s role in promoting moderation and tolerance.”
Al-Jasser commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for establishing the King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center (KANDC) to develop a culture of dialogue among Saudis. “The basis of this culture is moderation, critical thinking and respecting the views of others. KANDC will hold a workshop to deepen the culture of dialogue among Saudis,” he said.
The book fair will also witness, for the first time, a dialogue between Khoja and male and female writers. “The minister is expected to honor some of the pioneers of cultural forums in the country,” Al-Jasser said. He said the exhibition’s cultural programs were finalized with the support of 60 researchers including women from different parts of the Kingdom.
Taken from Arab News http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article19660.ece
By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS
Published: Feb 20, 2010 12:38 AM Updated: Feb 20, 2010 12:38 AM
JEDDAH: More than 1,000 Saudi and foreign publishing houses and companies are expected to take part in the Riyadh International Book Fair which opens on March 2.
“We want to make this annual exhibition a Saudi cultural festival,” said Abdullah Al-Jasser, deputy minister of culture and information for media affairs and supervisor of the exhibition.
Senegal is being honored at the event, he said, adding that the African country will hold a variety of cultural programs including seminars, literary events and folklore presentations, highlighting its contributions to Arab and Islamic civilization. A number of Senegalese books in Arabic will also be displayed in its pavilion.
Meanwhile, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja disclosed the possibility of holding the book show in Jeddah once it is held in Riyadh. The minister did not say when this would take place. Khoja made this statement after opening an arts show exhibiting the work of Moroccan artist Muhammad Al-Shahdi.
He said there would be a seminar on the role of cultural forums in promoting the Kingdom’s cultural development. Other seminars will focus on medical doctors who are interested in literature; the problems faced by Saudi authors in terms of publication and reading; and issues related to translation of books. “There will be another interesting program on the national dialogue forum’s role in promoting moderation and tolerance.”
Al-Jasser commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for establishing the King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center (KANDC) to develop a culture of dialogue among Saudis. “The basis of this culture is moderation, critical thinking and respecting the views of others. KANDC will hold a workshop to deepen the culture of dialogue among Saudis,” he said.
The book fair will also witness, for the first time, a dialogue between Khoja and male and female writers. “The minister is expected to honor some of the pioneers of cultural forums in the country,” Al-Jasser said. He said the exhibition’s cultural programs were finalized with the support of 60 researchers including women from different parts of the Kingdom.
FREE Intensive Arabic Course for Men
The following info is taken from http://ahlussunnahriyadh.com/ read the update at the bottom.
Abu Abdurrahman wrote:
As-Salamu Alaikum..
I received a text message stating that the Rawdah Da'wah Center will be starting it's fall semester Arabic program for men this coming Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. I attended the course last year, and I loved it, Maa-Shaa-Allah.
The Rawdah Da'wah Center is located on King Abdullah Road.
Directions:Traveling on King Abdullah Road East (Exit 10), pass Applebee's, KFC and TGIFriday's.
At next intersection (at the McDonald's), make a U-turn.
Come back down King Abdullah, and you will see it on your right hand side.
Course Summary:
Days: Every weeknight; Saturday - Wednesday (5 nights a week)
Time: Between Maghrib and Ishaa' prayers (for just over 1 hour)
Text Used: Al-Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk
Cost: FREE (the book with CD is given to the students)
Last year they offered 2 levels: level 1 and level 2. Level 1 used Al-Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk Book 1 and Level 2 used Al-Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk Book 2. Although there is an Al-Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk Book 3, this Da'wah center doesn't offer the class for that book.
The students in my class found the class very beneficial. One key to language acquisition is how little English the teacher will use in the class. Our teacher used very little English while teaching, so we benefited greatly. From what I heard about another class was that the teacher and the students spoke a lot of English during the class. Therefore, student beware.
---------------------------------------------------
As for other places to learn Arabic, I know that Imam University usually runs an evening Arabic program for men. From what I can remember, students pay for the books (about 150SR) and the classes are twice a week. Your are on campus for about 3 to 3.5 hours a night.
Last year King Saud University had an evening program for men.
This is all the info I have about these two programs, but they will probably start this coming week as well.
UPDATE!!!!! From our brother Nasir H.:
I recently read a notice that there will be another intensive course commencing 20/02/2010 ending 02/06/2010. (free dinner, gifts, certificates etc...) for more info call: 01 249 2727 ext 156 or 219... i think this is an ideal opportunity for beginners...
Al-Asheikh calls for fighting terrorism
Published: Feb 20, 2010 12:35 AM Updated: Feb 20, 2010 1:29 AM
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s top religious authority on Friday denounced terrorism as un-Islamic and condemned the killing of civilians, saying such attacks have nothing to do with Islam.
“Terrorism is criminal and spills the blood of innocents,” said Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Asheikh, chairman of the Council of Senior Islamic Scholars.
“It attacks security, spreads terror among people and creates problems for society ... Such acts are forbidden by Islamic law,” he said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
“It is necessary to fight the attempts of some to attach terrorism to Islam and Muslims with the goal of distorting the religion and assailing its leadership role in the world,” he added.
Al-Asheikh’s statement came on the eve of a workshop on combating terrorism and its financing. The workshop, to be held in Riyadh, has been organized by the Commission for Investigation and Public Prosecution in association with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in the Middle East and North Africa. Eleven international experts are to take part in the program.
“Saudi Arabia has been fighting terrorism for many years. It has a wealth of experience in successfully combating terrorism and terror financing,” said Al-Asheikh emphasizing the need to make use of Saudi Arabia’s expertise in the field.
He said Islam has prohibited killing innocent people. “If anyone kills a person, and this killing is not in retaliation for a murder or is done to spread mischief in the land, then it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind. And if anyone saves a life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind,” the mufti said quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an.
Al-Asheikh called for international cooperation to fight terrorism, something that threatens not only Muslims but the whole of mankind. “We should dry the sources of terror funding and their sources of weapons,” he said.
The three-day workshop in Riyadh will include 16 sessions, which will focus on expanding international cooperation and developing judicial systems and regulations to confront terrorism and exchanging information among countries and international organizations.
Topics such as the Kingdom’s experience in combating terrorism, the UAE’s anti-terror legislation and the efforts of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in fighting terrorism are also to be discussed at the workshop.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
FREE of Charge*****MESA Sports Academy Basketbll Clinic & Competition*****FREE********
Join MESA for some fun Basketball instruction and competition and open swim!
| Host: | |
| Type: | |
| Network: | Global |
| Date: | Thursday, February 18, 2010 |
| Time: | 3:45pm - 8:00pm |
| Location: | Kingdom Schools |
| Street: | King Abdulaziz St. - North |
| City/Town: | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Description
Come join MESA Sports Academy for an afternoon of Basketball with Coach Bilal & Coach JB
Registration Fee: FREE!
Ages: 10-12, 13-14, 15-17
Schedule:
- Brief Intro / Warm-up & Stretching
- Drill Intro - Offensive / Defensive & Shooting Skills - The MESA Way!
- Games! We will group you into teams & let you COMPETE - Who will be the MESA Champion for the Day?!
- Open Swimming - after all the work jump in our Jr. Olympic Indoor Pool to relax & have fun!
Please confirm your attendance here and come on time. If you plan to go swimming you must have the proper swimming shorts.
See you this Thursday!
Registration Fee: FREE!
Ages: 10-12, 13-14, 15-17
Schedule:
- Brief Intro / Warm-up & Stretching
- Drill Intro - Offensive / Defensive & Shooting Skills - The MESA Way!
- Games! We will group you into teams & let you COMPETE - Who will be the MESA Champion for the Day?!
- Open Swimming - after all the work jump in our Jr. Olympic Indoor Pool to relax & have fun!
Please confirm your attendance here and come on time. If you plan to go swimming you must have the proper swimming shorts.
See you this Thursday!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Johnny Rockets: The best burger in Riyadh? Who do you think has the best hamburger in the Kingdom? Leave a comment.
Good food and fun! Johnny Rockets theme is based on the traditional diner or "nostalgic atmosphere" according to their website http://www.johnnyrockets.com/index2.php. Remember Mel's Diner or Arnold's Drive-in? Well you get the picture.
Abdur Rahman's #12.
Mahmoud's favorite!!! Single burger, cheddar cheese, beef bacon, oinion ring and a special sauce. Simply Delicious!
Like most popular eat-in spots it is better to beat the crowd by visiting between the asr (afternoon) and maghrib (sunset) prayers. If you wait till after isha (night) prayer most places are very crowded and teeming with people. Not to mention Johnny Rockets is located on Tahlia and it can be quite challenging getting out of the area when crowded with fancy cars, onlookers, motorcycles and even fourwheelers. We nearly got ran over by one while we were leaving Johnny Rockets.
Vanilla shake! Mum!
Yes, strawberry. They also have chocolate and peanut butter and an apple pie milkshake. They take the leftovers from the apple pie and blend it with vanilla milk shake.
Although it may take a couple of days to work off the apple pie was well worth every bite.
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