Tareq Rajab Museum: Dilemma October 17, 2008
Posted by jewaira in Kuwait, Life, Links, News.3 comments
It was reported earlier this week by Al-Qabas newspaper that the Tareq Rajab museum in Jabriyah, Kuwait was going to be demolished due to some illegal building transgressions.
Headlines like that can cause a wave of panic to run through everyone who appreciates Islamic art, culture and history. Tareq Sayed Rajab and his wife Jehan are one of the most dedicated and selfless private collectors whose efforts are certainly widely appreciated in Kuwait.
This is why it was unbelievable that such a valuable museum was going to be supposedly torn down.
After a careful reading of the report today in AL-Qabas newspaper and the response of the Kuwait Municipality, it appears that there was no intention to tear down the building (which is a private property). However, according to the Municipality response, there was a complaint by a neighbour because the second basement built into the museum caused her own basement level to rise and some cracks in her building.
The complaints against the building in which the museum is held are as follows:
1) It is in a residential area ( but we all know that that law is overlooked)
2) Is there a permit to have a museum in a residential area?
3) Do the museum owners have a permit to built a second basement?
The Kuwait Municipality has asked to be shown the building permits and the permit for the building to be a museum. There is no intention to bulldoze the building but they might cut off electricity to the second basement which is unlicensed. The Municipality has requested legal permission to investigate the interior of the building as they could not do so under ordinary circumstances (it being classified as a residence).
In my opinion:
1) It is always best to make sure of the news before making hysterical claims in the newspaper. We should not blow such news out of proportion before reading all the facts.
2) It is HIGH time the efforts of this wonderful family be recognized AND supported by the concerned authorities. They shouldn’t have to worry about permits and authorization or an adequate location. It is depressing to read that Ziad Tareq Sayed Rajab would wonder aloud and say: “Does the Kuwait Municipality or the Government want us to transport our museum to one of the neighbouring Arabian Gulf countries like Qatar or the UAE that promotes art and Islamic heritage museum owners by spending millions on them?”
More from: IntlXpatr ;
Love Condoms October 17, 2008
Posted by jewaira in Film & Ads, Health, Humour, Lifestyle, Links, Men.4 comments
Prohibit Divorce & Polygamy October 17, 2008
Posted by jewaira in Husbands, Life, Links, Men, News, Relationships, Women.8 comments
Below is my effort at translating a news piece I found in Aafaq online newspaper covering the recent demands by a Saudi human rights activist:
The Saudi human rights activist Mukhlef Bin Dham Al-Shammari الشيخ مخلف بن دهام الشمري has appealed to religious and governmental leaders to formulate strict rules regulating polygamous marriage. Al-Shammari accused men of thoughtlessly abusing the concept of polygamy without considering the effect of their marriage on the first wife and their children.
In an article entitled: “With few exceptions, the time has come to prohibit divorce and polygamy” [Arabic], Al-Shammari suggested the formulation of new laws which prohibit a man from divorcing the mother of his children except in cases where it is ruled absolutely necessary. He said: “If there is a valid reason for divorce, then the husband must compensate his divorced wife financially and adequately provide proper care and accommodation for his children until they are independent.”
Al-Shammari also called for new regulations to control polygamy where men must meet the following criteria: financial and physical ability; a certificate of approval from his first wife deeming him of good character; a signed written agreement by the wife and children approving the man’s desire to marry another woman.
According to Al-Shammari, the foremost reason for his suggestions are the negative consequences of divorce on children. In addition, there are men who abuse the rights given them by religious leaders to perform certain unusual marriages simply to satisfy their desires at the cost of the nuclear family. [Marriages like: the misyaar (conditional visiting marriage) , the misfaar (for travel purposes only), the wanasah (for fun & amusement), the misyaaf (summer holiday marriage) and marriage with the intention of divorce].
Al-Shammari concluded that his proposals would help curb the rising divorce rates and end the problems faced by the children of divorced parents, especially with regards to care and custody. Enacting these proposals could also safeguard women from the potential abusive behaviour of some men who degrade them by thoughtless polygamy and inconsiderate actions in the name of Islam. Islam as a religion is far removed from the abuse and mistreatment of women and children.
Original Link:
ناشط حقوقي سعودي يطالب بوضع قيود للحد من تعدد الزوجات
Related Link:
