According to the index compiled by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), out of the 182 countries ranked on such criteria as life expectancy, literacy, school enrolment and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the top ten countries in the world are

• Norway
• Australia
• Iceland
• Canada
• Ireland
• The Netherlands
• Sweden
• France
• Switzerland
• Japan

United States ranked #13, which is down one spot from last year.

 Eid-ul-Fitr, is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan (holy month of fasting) for Muslims worldwide.

The festivities actually begin the night before Eid, after the new moon of shawaal is sighted, indicating the end of month of ramadan. This night is also often called the “chaand raat” or the moon night and is filled with activities of cooking special Eid dishes, preparing clothing for the next mornings Eid prayers and for most women includes late night application of mehndi/henna to hands and selection of bangles to match their eid outfits.

The Eid day begins with an early rising and dressing up in new clothes, followed by a small (usually sweet) breakfast and offering a special Eid prayer performed in large congregation at mosques or open areas. Remainder of the Eid day is filled with visting families, special lunches/dinners, music and Eid parties.

Muslims are instructed to remember the poor through out the season of ramadan and offer zakat/fitrana, to help them  celebrate this season of holiness.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2009, has finally arrived and I want to wish all muslims around the world a a heartfelt EID MUBARAK!!!

Eid in Pictures

A  recent survey conducted by Simon Anholt, an author and policy adviser has confirmed what the locals know already! … that sydney and melbourne are the world’s 2nd and 5th happiest cities!!!

World’s Top 5 Happiest Cities Are:

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Barcelona,  Spain
4. Amesterdam, Netherlands
5. Melbourne,  Australia

Ramadan, the 9th month in the Islamic calendar is perhaps better known as the month of fasting (29/30 days) . Observed by all  muslims across the world, this month is the month of peace, prayer, inner reflection and intense spirituality marked by acts of self-restraints and purity of thought and deed. 

During this month, muslims around the world begin their fast by partaking a predawn meal (just before the morning/Fajr prayers),  and end their fast at sundown (by the 4th prayer/Maghrib). No food/drink is taken bewteen dawn and sunset. Idea is to teach one self tolerance, patience/self discipline and sacrifice by denying the worldy goods and  immerse oneself in deep personal worship to seek closeness with god. Ultimate goal is to cleanse the soul, beg forgiveness of sins, develop empathy of the less fortunate and to become charitable and tolerant towards others.

Exemptions from fasting includes: chronic illness, mental illness, pregnancy, mensturation, travelers (must make up)

The Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and is marked by sighting of the new moon of the new month.

More on Eid-ul-Fitr later …..

For now Wishing everyon Ramadan Kareem Mubarak. May Allah(swt) grant us all a blessed month.

some useful links

• World Wide Prayer Times 
• Ramadan and Eid-Ul-Fitr
• Learn More about Islam

Recitations/Na’at (Islamic poetry to praise Allah (swt) and/or prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• Ramazan Asalaam – Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain
• Allah Hoo – Qari Waheed Zafar
• Ya Nabi – Qari Waheed Zafar

The greatest gift I ever had Came from God; I call him Dad!
There is no alternative, believe me!

I’ve noticed it time and again … be it on internet forums, phone conversation or daily interpersonal interactions … people simply don’t listen/read/pay attention to whatever is being said/written to them.

How many time have you posted a question or explained something to a customer service rep on the phone, or even poured your heart out to your friends only to be surprised by a barrage of meaningless questions or pointless “advise” that follow … at the end of which you feel less helped then when you first started …. and are left with an incredible urge to scream out loud … YOU ARE NOT LISTENING TO ME!!!

Its all around us folks …. this overwhelming preoccupation with all things superficial … this awful inability to focus … really focus.

Why?? …. Is life really that busy? …. why is everyone so distracted all the time? and doesn’t anything warrant more then two seconds of our precious time anymore??

its all very distressing and sadly its consequences have now crossed the line from merely annoying, straight to lethal …..

The uncaring  000 operators – The Australian

I’ve finally started blogging.