Behave better
I am a regular commuter on board a Sharjah bus and have noticed drivers behaving very disrespectfully with passengers. There are times when it is difficult to locate the bus stop, especially at night, as the windows are heavily tinted. My suggestion would be for the drivers to communicate better and behave in a decent manner. It would help if the percentage of tint were reduced, too.
From Mr Renganathan K. R.
Sharjah
My understanding
This is with reference to Gulf News's report on Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian Nobel peace laureate receiving death threats about alleged change of religion by her daughter. It states in the news report that any conversion from Islam is regarded as apostasy for which the punishment is death. I would like to correct this erroneous claim and point out a very clear instruction as stated in Chapter 4, Surah Al Nisa, verse 138 of the Quran: "Those who believe, then disbelieve, then again believe, then disbelieve and then increase in disbelief, Allah will never forgive them nor will He guide them to the right way."
This verse proclaims that those who renounce Islam have the opportunity to re-enter Islam if they so choose. This verse disproves the assertion that an apostate should be put to death. Were death the automatic punishment then there arises no question of having the opportunity to join Islam again. Islam recognises the right of freedom of conscience and freedom of belief as far as one's religious belief is concerned. No man has been given the right to punish another for his choice of belief.
From Mr Farooq Ahmad Khalid
Dubai
Take a moment
I would like to wish all Gulf News readers Ramadan Kareem. I am sure we all attend the many iftar parties during this month, hosted by our Muslim friends. Let's not waste food. Do remember those millions of people who are not blessed with even a single meal a day. The entire object of fasting is to train and purify our body and soul. It is also to develop taqwa or piety. More so, fasting teaches patience, self-control, discipline, responsibility and obedience. Wishing everyone all that.
From Mr Saulin Vinit Pratap
Dubai
No hospital
I live in Al Nahda, in Sharjah. Recently, my husband accidentally cut his finger with a knife and needed stitches. As there was no hospital nearby he had to drive to a hospital in Dubai and lost a lot of blood on the way. How is it that in a growing and populated area such as Al Nahda there are no clinics or hospitals? I shudder to think what would happen in a real emergency.
From Ms Nadia Abdul Aziz
Sharjah
Good surprise
I am a Nigerian living and studying in Ukraine. While on a recent trip to Dubai two weeks ago, I happened to read Gulf News. To my greatest surprise, the newspaper had all the information that one would need. I would like to congratulate all the editors for a job well done. I love reading Gulf News and have continued to do so by way of the online version, ever since I have come back to Ukraine.
From Mr Aderibigbe Oluwaseyi
Ukraine
Decent dress
Ramadan is the month for all good things. There is a need for immediate action or ordinance prohibiting women from walking in public places in revealing outfits, shorts and fitted pants. All women must dress decently in public, at least during Ramadan.
From Ms Gina Suico
UAE
Reduced rates, please
It is rather surprising to see that etisalat has not reduced charges for local, mobile and international calls, while telecommunication has become cheaper all over the world. Why do they have to charge exorbitant amount, especially when all GCC countries have reduced rates? For example in India, the telecommunication sector has undergone a revolution and the mobile charges are less than a rupee. The amount cannot even be converted to dirhams. It is high time that the local service provider reduced its rates.
From Mr K. Syed Mubarak
Abu Dhabi
Nowhere to go
Since I started working in Dubai in 1999, I have seen many accommodation listings for middle-class families and bachelors. Recently, however, things have changed and the colonies that are being demolished are not being replaced with new ones. If the authorities could build homes for middle-class families and bachelors outside the city, the public would be grateful. Additionally, if they provide us with restaurants, public transportation and park areas, it would reduce our daily stress and increase our productivity. Middle-income employees are sending their families back home, which is why they are considered to be bachelors.
From Mr Abdul Wahab Moopan
Dubai
A long way
Congratulations to Gulf News for launching a video link on www.gulfnews.com. The website has evolved into a comprehensive news portal that educates viewers on local news and various other topics that highlight cultural and social events in the UAE. The website has come a long way from when it was originally launched. I hope the newspaper continues the good work.
From Mr Vikas Bhatia
US
