Dubai: Tsunamis, tornadoes and other natural disasters are strong signs of dissatisfaction by God and a punishment against wrongdoers and defiant people, said a Muslim scholar.

All humankind should be modest, pious and compliant and avoid being evil because "God will punish sinful people, especially those who over do it and commit intentional sins", said Iraqi scholar, Dr Anees Al Rawi.

Addressing a gathering during the inaugural lecture of the tenth session of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA), Dr Al Rawi said, "God will punish those who have published tarnishing images against the Holy Lands."

He displayed a false image on a video demonstration which showed Makkah being developed into a soccer field. "A few westerners have done this disgraceful job over the computer and have been trying to circulate it over the Internet and spreading it over e-mails in an attempt to tarnish the image of the Holy Lands. God will destroy and punish them," he said.

The Iraqi scholar explained the beneficial and valuable meanings of Al Rahman (the merciful) verse from the Quran. "We cannot see God but we come to know him through his creatures and angels. It is true that Ramadan is the holiest of all months. It is called the Holy Book's Month, because God sent down the Quran during this month. Ramadan is filled with mercy and those who read the Quran get so much benevolence and clemency from God," said Dr Al Rawi who is the Dean of the Science College at Baghdad University.

The speaker praised His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his bountiful support in serving and promoting the Quran by founding DIHQA and continuously developing it.

10,000 CDs of Quran recitation distributed

The Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works has intensified efforts for Ramadan by implementing many charitable projects in the country and abroad to help needy people.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, on the advent of Ramadan has extended his greetings to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and Crown Princes.

The charity's projects include the distribution of 10,000 CDs of Quran recitation.

The CD comprises the entire Quran recited by famous Arab and Muslim readers.

The foundation also helps needy patients who cannot afford the expensive costs of their medical treatment. Needy students who cannot pay the costs of their education are also included in the charity's programmes for Ramadan.