Some weak souls imagine that there is an unbearable and unaffordable cost for dignity. They choose humiliation and disgrace to escape these heavy burdens, living a trivial, cheap, terrifying, and anxious life, fearing their own shadow and drifting away from their echoes. “They think that every shout is against them.” (Al-Munafiqun: 4), “And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life.” (Al-Baqarah: 96).

Paying the Toll of Disgrace

These humiliated individuals pay a toll more dreadful than the cost of dignity. They pay the full toll of disgrace, paying it from their souls, destinies, reputation, and tranquility, often shedding their blood and money without even realizing it.

The Illusion of Closeness to Power

They think they gain closeness to those with status and authority by giving away their dignity, while they are actually paying the toll of humiliation in full. However, many experiences have revealed the rejection of those humiliated by their own sponsors, those rulers they worshipped instead of Allah.

Selling Manhood for Nothing

How many men have sold their manhood, buried their faces in the dirt beneath the feet of the rulers, submitted, and sacrificed all the elements of life, all the sanctities known to humanity, and all the trusts given by Allah or the people? In the end, they find themselves cheap and insignificant, even by the rulers who used them like humble dogs. Those rulers who they chased after dribbled over and acknowledged their sin, licking the dust to gain one look of approval from!

The Potential for Honor

How many men had the potential to be honorable and generous, to safeguard the trust of Allah, and to preserve the dignity of truth and humanity? They stood in positions that instilled fear, and no one could buy them, not even those who didn't want them to uphold honesty, guard the truth, and stand with dignity.

The Path to Insignificance

However, when they betrayed the trust before them, weakened in upholding the costs of dignity, and stripped themselves of truth, they became insignificant in the eyes of those who once feared them. They became so insignificant that they were abandoned, shunned, and trampled underfoot by those who used to promise and respect them when they had authority, dignity, and trustworthiness.

The Fall from Grace

Many are those who fall from the peak to the depths, receiving no compassion from anyone. No one mourns them, not even those lords whom they did so to please.

Witnessing Daily Victims

We still witness daily victims who pay the full toll of disgrace every day. They betray both Allah and the people, sacrifice trust and dignity, chase after the powerful, grovel over desires and ambitions, and hunt promises and mirages. Eventually, they fall hard, humiliated and disgraced, gloated by people, and despised by the powerful.

Slavery by Choice

In my limited life, I have seen and continue to see dozens of respected men bowing their heads before those other than Allah, submitting humbly, carrying the burdens of disgrace, with their shoulders stooped, heads bowed, and necks bent. Then, they are cast out like dogs after they have served their purposes and lost both in this world and the hereafter. I have seen them, and while it was within their power to be free, they chose slavery. They could’ve been strong, but they chose weakness. They could’ve been feared, but they chose cowardice and humiliation. I have seen them run away from honor that cost them nothing, willingly paying all they had for disgrace. I have seen them commit every sin to please someone with status or power, when they could’ve been fearful.

The Burden of Costs

I have seen whole nations feel burdened by the costs of freedom once, just to keep paying the taxes of servitude forever, which are more expensive than the costs of freedom. Long ago, the Jews said to their prophet, as mentioned in the Quran, “O Moses, indeed we will not enter it, ever, as long as they are within it; so go, you and your Lord, and fight. Indeed, we are remaining right here.” (Al-Ma'idah: 24). They paid the price for this refusal to bear the costs of dignity for forty years of wandering in the desert, consumed by sand, lost and humiliated by exile, and driven by fears. They would not have paid a fraction of this price for dignity and triumph.

The Inevitable Truth

There must be a tax paid by individuals, groups, and nations. Either this tax is paid for dignity, honor, and freedom, or it is paid for humiliation, disgrace, and slavery. All experiences testify to this unavoidable truth.

Learning from History

To those who shy away from the costs of freedom, to those who fear the consequences of dignity, to those who bow their heads, betray their trusts, their dignities, their humanity, and the great sacrifices made by their nation to liberate, I call upon all of them to look at history and recent reality and to reflect on repeated examples that testify that humiliation is more burdensome than dignity and that the costs of freedom are less than the costs of slavery.

Reflection on Reality

Experiences speak loud and clear; there is no escaping this reality. So, to those who distance themselves from the costs of freedom, fear the consequences of dignity, and grovel at the feet of the powerful, to those who betray their trusts, their dignities, their humanity, and the great sacrifices made by their nation to liberate, I call upon all of them to look at the lessons of history and recent reality and to reflect on repeated examples that testify that the tax of humiliation is more severe than the tax of dignity, and the costs of freedom are less than the costs of slavery.

Embracing Dignity

Life is granted to those who don’t fear death, and wealth is given to those who don’t fear poverty. Those who don’t fear the powerful, become the feared powerful themselves! We have many examples of those who sold their consciences, betrayed their trusts, abandoned justice, groveled in the dust, and drifted away without mourning. Cursed by Allah and cursed by people. There are also examples, though few, of those who refused to be humiliated, refused to betray, or sold their manhood. Some of them lived honorably, and some died honorably.

The Key to Honor

Honorably, that’s the key word!

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The Source: The Archive of the Tafsir Center for Qur’anic Studies.

Kuwait is known for its cultural leadership in the Arab world, and it has implemented numerous major cultural projects that have strengthened its position as a beacon of thought and knowledge. Here are five significant cultural projects that have contributed to enhancing the cultural landscape of Kuwait:

1. Kuwait National Library

   The library was established to document Kuwait’s and the Arab cultural heritage. It is an important cultural monument that houses a wide range of books and rare manuscripts, in addition to being a center for research and studies.

2. Islamic Cultural Center

   This project is considered one of the most important institutions aimed at promoting Islamic culture and fostering dialogue between civilizations. It offers specialized educational and cultural programs, along with regular events focusing on Islamic heritage.

3. Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyah

   This is one of the prominent cultural landmarks that reflects the rich Islamic heritage, housing a rare collection of Islamic artifacts and manuscripts from various periods.

4. Kuwait National Museum

   This museum serves as a window into the history of Kuwait, featuring several sections that highlight the stages of the development of Kuwaiti society, from the pre-oil era to the modern age, as well as significant archaeological and artistic collections.

5. Abdul Hussein Abdul Redha Theater

   This prominent cultural project enhances the theatrical movement in Kuwait, offering artistic and theatrical performances that contribute to enriching the local and regional artistic scene.

Mohamed Jaseem, a young man from the Indian state of Kerala, has set a new record for writing the Holy Quran by hand, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records.

 The Journey of Dedication

Over two years of continuous effort, Jaseem wrote a version extending over 700 meters, surpassing the previous record of 1200 meters, set by Mohamed Gabriel Al-Masri.

 Early Inspirations and Development

From a young age, Jaseem excelled in the art of handwriting, inspired by his painter brother and his teacher, who wrote with chalk in various colors. He grew up in this artistic environment and acquired his skills through studies and social media.

 Support and Encouragement

The encouragement from his parents, teachers, and friends played a significant role in this unique project, where he found himself dedicating closure times due to the COVID-19 pandemic to write the Quran in Naskh script.

 Ensuring Accuracy and Verification

Thanks to Hafiz Isaac Al-Fayzi and Hafiz Ibrahim Al-Fayzi, the accuracy and verification of the steps were ensured, which qualified him to communicate with the chairman of the Guinness World Records, Star Adour.

 Artistic Effort and Resources

In a distinctive artistic appearance, Jaseem used 180 pens to complete this monumental work, with the handwritten Quran weighing approximately 117.5 kilograms. He spent nearly one million and three-quarters thousand rupees purchasing papers, pens, and ink, and he used a special black pen to write the Quran, with the version extending to 1106 meters, consisting of parts made up of 65 to 75 pages, averaging 9 to 10 lines per page.

 Continuous Effort and Motivation

Saladin Al-Fayzi played an important role in support and motivation, spending 8 hours a day writing the Quran during the lockdown due to the pandemic, and 10 to 12 hours during Ramadan. To ensure the preservation of this achievement, he made a special box to store the handwritten Quran.

 Exhibition and Recognition

An exhibition of the long Quran was held on December 17, 2022, witnessing active participation from numerous important figures. Thanks to this achievement, Jaseem became the seventy-fifth person from Kerala to achieve a milestone in the Guinness World Records, and his handwritten copy of the Quran became known worldwide, being displayed in exhibitions in some areas of Kerala.

 A Living Example of Dedication and Determination

Mohamed Jaseem, a researcher at the Al-Nouria Arabic University in India, appears alongside his family and teachers as a living example of dedication and determination to achieve goals, proving that human hands can transform dedication and love into unique accomplishments.

In a move that sparked widespread discontent and angry reactions, U.S. President Donald Trump made shocking statements during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday.

Trump's remarks were not limited to unconditional support for the occupation; they extended to proposing plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and redrawing the map of Palestinian existence to align with the Zionist vision.

 U.S. Control Over Gaza

During the press conference, Trump stated: "The United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, and we will be responsible for dismantling all unexploded bombs and weapons, and we will level the site to the ground and rid it of destroyed buildings."

He added, in his conversation with Netanyahu before the conference, that Palestinians in Gaza should be relocated to a “new site” provided by other countries in the region, claiming that life is no longer feasible in Gaza after the war.

 Palestinian Factions: Trump’s Remarks Are a Declaration of War

 Condemnation of Statements

Palestinian factions condemned the statements in the strongest terms, describing them as hostile plans aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians.

Hamas' Response

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) confirmed in a statement that these remarks are “hostile to our people and will not serve stability in the region, but will pour oil on the fire.” It added that the Palestinian people will not allow any party to impose guardianship over them or occupy their land, asserting that resistance will remain a steadfast option until liberation is achieved.

Call for Urgent Meetings

Hamas called on the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations to convene urgent meetings to take a firm and historic stance to preserve the Palestinian people's national rights, their right to self-determination, and the establishment of their Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Islamic Jihad Movement's Statement

For its part, the Islamic Jihad Movement stated that "when Trump talks about the displacement of Palestinians, he must remember that 15 months of American bombardment did not succeed in breaking their will," emphasizing that Palestinians will continue their resistance as they have done over the past decades.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's Reaction

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine described the statements as “a declaration of war on the Palestinian people and an attempt to reproduce a new Nakba that will only pass over the bodies of the resistors,” affirming that Gaza is not a burden needing solutions; rather, it is a symbol of resilience and resistance, and its people will only leave it to their original homes occupied in 1948.

 Widespread Wave of Criticism  

Trump's Statements Ignite Criticism

Trump's statements regarding the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have sparked a widespread wave of criticism on social media platforms.

Hussam Shaker's Response

Writer and analyst Hussam Shaker responded to Trump with a clear message, saying: The people of Palestine in the Gaza Strip will tell the arrogant Trump: If you are truly determined to deport us, the only and inevitable destination is our land and homes from which we were forcibly displaced, and they are just a stone's throw away, the key is in our pocket... and returning is the option.

Said Ziad's Analysis

As for political and strategic researcher Said Ziad, he described the deportation plan as the first fruits of the alliance between the Trumpian colonial mentality and religious Zionism in the occupying state. He added via the X platform: Egypt and Jordan bear a heavy responsibility in maintaining regional stability by ensuring Palestinians remain in their homeland, while the priority remains in addressing the file of relief and shelter, which is still stalled to this moment.

Regional Challenge Highlighted

In another tweet, Ziad confirmed that the regional challenge posed by the deportation plan is no less dangerous than the challenge facing the Palestinians themselves, as its repercussions will lead to demographic, political, and military disturbances that threaten the stability of the entire region. He also questioned: Does Trump realize that what he proposes is completely contradictory to the plan for integrating "Israel" in the region and normalizing relations with it, and that in doing so, he is planting time bombs that will explode first in the face of "Israel" itself?

Tamer's Sarcastic Commentary

Writer Tamer sarcastically commented on the position of occupying Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying: An indescribable joy appeared on Netanyahu's face after hearing the words he had been dreaming of! He added: Trump's statements are the most dangerous in decades regarding the Palestinian issue, as he calls for forcibly relocating the entire population of Gaza to Egypt, Jordan, or other countries without return, and then the U.S. taking over the sector to establish a wonderful project there; some of what he says makes you laugh, not because it's funny, but because you can hardly believe what you are hearing!

Kuwait’s 30th Qurain Cultural Festival spotlights national heritage

Festival to continue until Feb 12 featuring various cultural, musical and literary events

 The Qurain Cultural Festival officially opened its 30th edition on Monday night with a musical performance titled “from Kuwait”. The representative of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi inaugurated the highly renowned festival at the Drama Theater at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, with a speech. He said the Qurain Festival is a rich cultural event and a landmark on the map of Arab culture. It reflects Kuwait’s deep commitment to supporting the arts and literature while enhancing its cultural identity.

He emphasized that since its independence, Kuwait has been pioneering in establishing a comprehensive cultural vision, supporting cultural initiatives, and launching leading institutions and creative projects, which have strengthened its position both regionally and internationally. This role has manifested in distinguished publications, such as Al-Arabi, and in Kuwaiti journalism, which continues to serve as a platform for thought and creativity.

He also highlighted that this year’s Qurain Festival coincides with national celebrations and the commencement of activities for Kuwait, Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025. This alignment underlines Kuwait’s leadership in supporting Arab culture and developing its pathways, stemming from its firm belief that culture and the arts are the foundational pillars for building and advancing society. Kuna

 "Shira'a" - An Annual Award to Honor Kuwaiti Media Creativity

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information announced the details of the "Kuwait Media Award" (Shira'a) to honor the notable contributions of Kuwaiti journalists who have enhanced Kuwait's status as a beacon of media excellence in the Arab world.

In this context, the head of the award's supreme committee, Saad Al-Ali, stated at a press conference that the award aims to foster a spirit of creativity and innovation in the Kuwaiti media sector, create a competitive environment that enhances quality and professionalism, and highlight the pivotal role of media in shaping public opinion and supporting social issues.

Al-Ali noted that Kuwait, which this year carries the title of "Capital of Arab Culture and Media," has always been a pioneer in the Arab media landscape, supporting freedom of expression and media integrity.

He added that honoring media talents and shining a spotlight on the achievements that tell Kuwait's story to the world coincides with this occasion; thus, the "Shira'a" award reflects our appreciation for the vital role that media plays in shaping public opinion, promoting dialogue, and driving progress.

Award Categories

Al-Ali clarified that the award includes 16 media fields, distributed into two categories:

1. Individual Awards: Best Interviewer, Best Content Creator, Best Investigative Report, Best Columnist, Best Critical Article, Best Photo, and Best Cartoon.
2. Collective Awards: Best Dialogue Work, Best Documentary Film, Best Individual Dialogue Work, Best Interactive Program, Best Visual Work, Best AI-Generated Work, and Best Integrated Media Campaign.

The committee will also nominate a Media Personality of the Year, wherein the recognition will be based on the overall contributions of the individual and their positive impact on the Kuwaiti media landscape.

Al-Ali indicated that registration for the award will open in April 2025 and will last for three months, urging journalists and media institutions to submit their entries during this period. Specialized judging committees will evaluate the participating works, with winners announced during a grand ceremony in December 2025.

 Promoting Purposeful Media

Last week, the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi announced the launch of the "Kuwait Media Award" to honor creatives in various media fields and enhance the production of purposeful and sustainable media content.

Al-Mutairi stated that the award comes amid a celebratory atmosphere as the country approaches its national holidays and announces Kuwait as the capital of Arab culture and media, reflecting the ministry's vision of supporting journalists and encouraging them to produce distinguished works that contribute to raising societal awareness.

He affirmed the ministry's endeavor to achieve positive change under the continuous support of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, for media and journalists.

He explained that the "Shira'a" award includes both individual and collective competitions covering various media sectors to provide a platform that enhances creativity and nurtures young media talents in Kuwait. The award also has an Arab dimension through the presence of members from brotherly Arab countries in the judging committees to ensure comprehensive evaluation and elevate media standards.

 Namaa Charity Launches “Fasting Person’s Iftar” Project in Partnership with the General Secretariat of Awqaf**

 Launch of the "Fasting Person's Iftar" Project

Namaa Charity, affiliated with the Social Reform Society, announced the launch of the "Fasting Person's Iftar" project this year for underprivileged families, in partnership with the General Secretariat of Awqaf. This initiative aims to implement the conditions of endowment funds and the wishes of benefactors as stipulated in the endowment deeds held by the General Secretariat of Awqaf, to activate the endowment’s role in community development and meet the needs of those in need, by providing magnetized cards to underprivileged families.

Project Implementation and Scope

In this regard, the head of the Projects and Development Sector, Walid Al-Bassam, stated: The Iftar Project is being implemented by the Nama Charity in more than 20 countries; the project implementation varies between food baskets and meals, with a meal starting at 500 fils.

Strategic Partnerships in Humanitarian Work

He explained that the strategic partnership between humanitarian and charitable institutions has become one of the most important pillars upon which humanitarian and charitable work is based; therefore, Nama Charity is keen to move towards effective partnerships in implementing its charitable and humanitarian projects within the State of Kuwait.

Praise for Strategic Partnership

Al-Bassam praised the strategic partnership between Nama Charity and the General Secretariat of the Endowments, represented in the management of private funds to implement the "Iftar Project," indicating that Nama is moving forward in achieving its strategic vision aimed at activating the role of partnerships with all governmental and private institutions to provide aid and support to needy and impoverished families in the Kuwaiti society of various nationalities.

Importance of Strategic Coordination

He stated that the strategic coordination between donors and executors is essential to achieve the best results in the best ways; thus, it is crucial to enhance the means of partnership between Nama Charity and the management of private funds and the General Secretariat of the Endowments through various charitable projects, including the implementation of the "Iftar Project."

Distribution of Magnetic Cards

Al-Bassam pointed out that the Iftar Project was implemented by distributing magnetic cards to needy families to receive food materials from one of the markets with branches spread throughout the State of Kuwait.

Expression of Gratitude

He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the General Secretariat of the Endowments for its pioneering role within Kuwait and commended the strategic partnership and mutual cooperation between "Nama Charity" and the "Endowments Authority," praying to the Almighty to reward those in charge of this blessed edifice with the best reward.

IICO launches an artesian well to provide clean drinking water for over 30,000 Yemenis

 Enhancing Water Sustainability in Taiz Governorate

In a new step towards enhancing water sustainability and alleviating the suffering of residents of Taiz Governorate, an artesian well was opened in the Sala area of Taiz Governorate in Yemen, at a depth of 400 meters, funded by the International Islamic Charitable Organization and supervised by the Al-Hekma Yemeni Charitable Society.

Response to the Water Crisis in Taiz

Drilling the 400-meter deep artesian well comes in response to the escalating crisis in Taiz Governorate, where residents of the city suffer from water scarcity due to the ongoing siege and the destruction of many old wells due to ongoing conflicts.

Implementation with Modern Technologies

The project, implemented with modern technologies and the use of solar energy for water pumping, provides pure drinking water for over 30,000 beneficiaries in the area, as well as reducing the high costs that residents incur to buy water, in addition to contributing to the development of the deteriorating Yemeni economy through the establishment of infrastructure projects.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

This project is one of the humanitarian and developmental projects provided by the Charitable Authority to support our brothers in Yemen, based on its commitment to achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents in war-affected areas.

Enhancing Water Security and Alleviating Suffering

Moreover, the project represents an important step towards enhancing water security in Taiz Governorate and alleviating the suffering of displaced citizens and families that have difficulty obtaining clean water.

Impact on Health and Education

The impact of this project is not limited to providing water alone, but it also includes improving the level of health and education in the area, as providing clean water enables children to return to their classrooms instead of spending their time searching for water sources in rugged mountainous areas, which contributes to improving education and development levels in the region.

Raising Health Awareness

The project plays a tangible role in raising health awareness within the local community by providing clean drinking water and reducing diseases prevalent due to contaminated water.

Rahma International Society Begins Implementing Assistance for "Kuwait Mercy Convoys 4"

 Commencement of Kuwait Mercy Convoys 4 Campaign

Rahma International Society announced the commencement of assistance for the "Kuwait Mercy Convoys 4" campaign, which the association is launching for the fourth consecutive year, coinciding with Kuwait's celebrations of its national occasions and days.

Congratulations to Kuwait's Leadership

Dr. Adnan Al-Haddad, Deputy Director-General for Communications, Marketing, and Information Technology at the Global Mercy Association, extended his congratulations to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God safeguard him, on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of Kuwait's independence and the 34th of liberation.

Renewing Gratitude and Providing Support

In announcing the launch of the "Kuwait Mercy Convoys 4" campaign, Al-Haddad stated that the Kuwaiti people commemorate these occasions by renewing their gratitude to God Almighty for the blessing of the nation's security and peace, by providing support and assistance to needy and afflicted peoples.

Implementation in 17 Countries

Al-Haddad added that the convoy campaign will be implemented in 17 different countries, including Gaza, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, Djibouti, Ghana, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, Yemen, Mauritania, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey, through various charitable projects that consider the needs of beneficiaries in each implementing country, to provide what suits their realities, whether humanitarian, food-related, or health-oriented.

Legal Compliance and Coordination

He confirmed that the campaign has met all its legal requirements, obtaining licenses from the Ministry of Social Affairs and coordinating with the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, with participation from several Kuwaiti ambassadors in various countries, along with activists and volunteers in humanitarian work.

Expression of Gratitude

Al-Haddad concluded his statement by expressing on behalf of the Global Mercy Association and its leadership and workers, heartfelt thanks and prayers to the generous benefactors from the Kuwaiti people who rushed to offer aid to their needy brothers in multiple countries through the "Kuwait Mercy Convoys 4" campaign, praying that the Almighty bestows upon Kuwait the blessings of security and safety, and makes it a haven of goodness, benevolence, and generosity.

 Digital Transformation in the Kuwaiti Media Sector

 The media sector in Kuwait has witnessed a significant digital transformation over the past years; this has led to varying opinions among specialists and officials regarding the quality of digital media platforms, the diversity of news sources, and public trust in them, in addition to the role of social media in disseminating news and its impact on followers.

Enhanced Production and Publishing Processes

The introduction of digital technologies into the media sector has enhanced production and publishing processes, delivering media content more quickly and effectively, especially with the proliferation of smartphone applications and programs that have facilitated access to the audience. Additionally, the digital transformation has enabled media and government institutions to communicate directly with the public; this has contributed significantly to enhancing interaction and mutual influence.

Challenges and Risks of Digital Transformation

However, this transformation has not been devoid of challenges, as some specialists have pointed to the dangers of the inability to verify the validity of circulating information; this could affect the credibility of news and create a fabricated public opinion. Furthermore, the increasing reliance on smart applications may threaten the privacy of individuals and institutions, particularly with the possibility of data leaks or unethical use.

Opportunities Created by Digital Media

Dr. Ahmed Al-Kandari, a professor of media and public relations at Kuwait University, confirmed that the digital media transformation has allowed everyone the opportunity to own media platforms and communicate directly with the audience, whereas creating traditional media outlets previously required substantial capital. He explained that this transformation has enabled government institutions to communicate directly and effectively with the community, thus contributing to impacting public opinion and engaging with it faster than ever before.

Challenges to News Credibility

Dr. Ali Al-Sharika, a digital media expert, believes that the digital transformation in media has led to a revolution in producing and publishing news; however, he pointed to challenges associated with news credibility and the swift dissemination of inaccurate information. He noted that social media platforms have become a fertile ground for the spread of fake news, making the responsibility of verifying news sources more urgent than ever.

Opportunities for Journalists and Content Creators

Fahd Al-Anzi, a consultant in new media, indicated that digital media has provided unprecedented opportunities for journalists and independent content creators to reach a wide audience without the need for support from traditional media institutions. However, he pointed out that the increase in digital content has made the audience susceptible to media distortion, making it difficult to distinguish between accurate and misleading information amid the vast quantity of available content.

Social Media as a Primary News Source

For his part, social media analyst Bader Al-Mutairi noted that social media platforms have become the primary source of news for a large segment of society, but at the same time, they have led to a decline in the influence of traditional media. He added that the algorithms used on these platforms promote the dissemination of news that receives widespread engagement, regardless of its accuracy; this may create public opinion based on incorrect information.

Privacy and Data Protection Challenges

Maryam Al-Kandari, editor-in-chief of an online newspaper, believes that digital media has contributed to the increased speed of delivering information to the public, but conversely, it has posed challenges related to the protection of privacy and personal data. She explained that media institutions need to develop advanced security policies to protect user data and prevent information leaks, especially in light of the increase in cyber attacks.

"Hofath" rehabilitated the inpatient departments at the Kuwait Specialized Hospital in Gaza.

 As part of its ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian support to our brothers in Gaza, the Kuwaiti Charity Association "Hofath" has rehabilitated the inpatient departments at the Kuwait Specialized Hospital in Gaza, thanks to a generous donation from benefactors in Kuwait.

A Humanitarian Initiative for Healthcare Support

The Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at "Hofath," Eng. Ahmed Al-Murshid, stated that this project is one of the humanitarian initiatives provided by the association to support the healthcare system for the care of patients, injured individuals, and those affected in Khan Younis Province in the Gaza Strip.

Gratitude to Kuwaiti Benefactors

Al-Murshid expressed gratitude and appreciation to the generous benefactors from the State of Kuwait and those residing there for their continued support and solidarity with their brothers in Gaza. He emphasized that it is not surprising for the people of Kuwait—led by their Amir, government, and people—to stand with their brothers in Gaza, as the people of Kuwait are always quick to help those in need in many countries around the world through their charity associations and institutions.

Ongoing Humanitarian Support

He pointed out that the Kuwaiti Charity Association is continuing its humanitarian support efforts for our people in Gaza and standing by them in their hardship, through various forms of assistance representing part of Kuwait's aid to the brothers in Gaza, supervised by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the ongoing efforts since the onset of the crisis to support the affected in the region.

Examples of Assistance Provided

Among the examples of assistance provided by "Keepers" to Gaza since the onset of the crisis are the distribution of 1,000 milk boxes benefiting 249 children, 357 food baskets benefiting 357 families, and 4,400 loaves of bread benefiting 110 individuals, as well as 215 Ramadan baskets and 10,924 Iftar meals during Ramadan benefiting 10,924 individuals. Additionally, 1,054 Iftar meals were distributed on the Day of Arafah, benefiting 1,054 individuals, along with 9 sacrifices benefiting 42 families. "Hofath" also provided 40 tons of medical and food aid in addition to 4 ambulances in cooperation with the Kuwaiti Relief Association.

Continued Support and Prayer for Gaza

We continue to support Gaza and Palestine, and we ask Allah to hasten the relief of their distress, accept their martyrs, and heal their wounded.

Before Islam, the Arabs did not pay much attention to science, its major tools, or its established values, as ignorance prevailed among them. One of the reasons for a tribe's pride was to have a reader or a writer among them, so they would say: "So and so is the reader," and "So and so is the writer." When Islam came and the revelation began with the noble command: "Read," the status of scholars elevated to the extent that Allah, the Exalted, said: (Those truly fear Allah, among His Servants, who have knowledge: for Allah is Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.) (Fatir:28) And He, the Exalted, said: ( Say, ‘How can those who know be equal to those who do not know?’ ) (Az-Zumar:9) Knowledge spread, and generations graduated, leaving the world with an unending legacy, and established firm scientific values that were confirmed from one generation to the next. Among these values:

Reverence for scholars

Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi narrated the saying of Ali ibn Abi Talib: "It is the right of a scholar upon you to greet the people generally, and to specifically greet him among them, to sit in front of him, and not to gesture with your hand while he is present, nor to wink your eyes, nor to say: So-and-so said; in opposition to his statement, nor to backbite anyone in his presence, nor to whisper in his gathering, nor to grab his garment, nor to insist on him when he is weary, nor to turn away from long companionship; for he is like a date palm, waiting for when something will fall from it upon you.

When Umar sent Abdullah ibn Mas'ud to Kufa to teach its people, he wrote to them: "By Allah, there is no deity but Him, I have preferred you over myself, so take from him.

Omar ibn al-Khattab set a practical example in respecting scholars for his companions, as he took the position of Zayd ibn Thabit, elevated him, and said: "This is how you should treat Zayd and his companions.

Abdullah ibn Umar would say when asked about something he found difficult: "Ask Said ibn al-Musayyib, for he has sat with the righteous.

A man asked Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari about a matter, and he answered him. Then he went to Abdullah ibn Mas'ud and asked him about it, and he contradicted Abu Musa. The man came back to Abu Musa and informed him of Ibn Mas'ud’s statement. Abu Musa then said: "Do not ask me about anything while this scholar (ibn Mas'ud) is among you.

Abdullah ibn Abbas would seek knowledge from the senior companions, and sometimes he would find one of them during their midday nap, so he would lay his cloak at their door, letting the wind blow over him, until they came out to him, "seeking thereby to soothe his soul.

Ibn Abbas grasped the stirrup of Zaid bin Thabit and said, "This is how we treat the scholars." He also took hold of the stirrup of Ubay bin Ka'b, and he was told, "You are the cousin of the Messenger of Allah; you hold the stirrup of a man from the Ansar?" He replied, "It is appropriate for a scholar to be honored and respected.

They used to emphasize the importance of distinguished individuals, the greatness of their roles, and the preservation of their status. Here is Umar ibn al-Khattab sitting with his companions, saying to them: "Wish for something." Some wished for this house to be filled with gold to spend it in the way of Allah, while others wished that it be filled with emeralds and jewels to spend in the way of Allah. Umar then said: "I wish it were filled with men like Abu Ubayda  ibn al-Jarrah, Muadh ibn Jabal, Salim, the freedman of Abu Hudhayfah, and Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman.

 The importance of time management and utilizing free time

The companions were raised to be diligent with their time and to be careful that no part of their lives goes to waste. Here, Umar says: "I hate to see any of you idle and empty, neither engaged in work of this world nor the Hereafter." And Ibn Mas'ud said: "I truly dislike seeing a man idle, not engaged in any work of this world or the Hereafter.

Abu Darda used to say: "O son of Adam, you are merely days, and every time a day passes, a part of you goes with it. O son of Adam, you have been in the process of diminishing your lifespan since the day your mother gave birth to you!" Ibn Mas'ud said: "I have never regretted anything as much as I regret the day the sun set on me, for it reduced my lifespan and did not increase my deeds.

This method of education has yielded results, producing groups of scholars who devoted their lives to seeking and teaching knowledge, including Said ibn al-Musayyib, who said: "I would spend days and nights searching for a single hadith.

 Verification of sources of knowledge

At that time, the scholars provided clear examples of verifying the accuracy of what was reported to them in terms of knowledge. Ibn Abbas said: "I would ask about a single matter thirty of the companions of the Prophet, may peace be upon him.

The need for verification was at its highest when it came to the narrations of the sayings of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Abu Bakr hesitated to accept the narration of Al-Mughira bin Shu'bah that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, gave the grandmother one-sixth of the inheritance, until Muhammad ibn Maslamah stood up and said: 'What Al-Mughira bin Shu'bah said is true,' and then Abu Bakr accepted it.

Omar ibn al-Khattab refrained from accepting the narration of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari about the Prophet, peace be upon him: “If one of you seeks permission three times and is not granted it, let him return,” until Abu  Sa'īd al-Khūdrī testified to its authenticity. Omar would not accept a narration without two witnesses.

Ali ibn Abi Talib would not accept a hadith (narration) until he had the narrator take an oath. He heard some fabricated hadiths attributed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while he was in Siffin, and he said: "May Allah fight them! What a group of white-faced ones they are! And what a corrupting of the hadith of the Messenger of Allah they have done!

This later became a motivation for the adoption of the chain of narration in the reporting of hadith. In this regard, Muhammad ibn Sirin said: "They [the people] did not used to ask about the chain of narration, but when the fitna (trial) occurred, they said: 'Name your men for us.' Then, one would look to the people of Sunnah and take their hadith and look to the people of innovation and not take their hadith.

Blending Knowledge with Action

Ali used to say to his companions: "Seek knowledge; you will be recognized by it, and act upon it; you will be among its people." He also said: "O bearers of knowledge, act upon it, for the true scholar is the one who acts in accordance with what he knows, and his actions align with his knowledge. There will be groups of people who carry knowledge but do not surpass their collarbones. Their inner selves contradict their outward appearances, and their actions are inconsistent with their knowledge. They sit in circles, boasting to one another, to the extent that one of them becomes angry with his companion when he sits with someone else and leaves him. Those people's deeds will not ascend to Allah, the Exalted, in those gatherings.

Abu Darda said: "The thing I fear most when I meet my Lord, Blessed and Exalted, is that He will say to me: 'I knew (your knowledge), so what did you do with what you knew?'" He used to say: "Woe to the one who does not know even once, and woe to the one who knows but does not act; seven times." He would tell his companions: "Whoever acts upon ten percent of what he knows, God will teach him what he does not know." Meanwhile, Muadh ibn Jabal would say to those around him: "Know whatever you wish to know, but Allah will not reward you for knowledge until you act upon it.

This educational and upbringing method has borne fruit, to the extent that Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: "A man would seek knowledge and soon this would be reflected in his humility, behavior, tongue, sight, and hands.

The work required here is not just worship, but also beneficial earnings, through which one supports oneself and their family. Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As said to his servant who wanted to retreat in the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan: "Have you left anything for your family to sustain them?" He replied: "No." Abdullah said: "Then return and leave them what sustains them, for I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, say: 'It is sufficient sin for a person to neglect those whom they are responsible for feeding.'

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The success of the Syrian revolution and the establishment of freedom is a long-awaited ray of hope and a historic opportunity for the peoples of our region.

The restoration of human value and dignity is the first duty of the revolution when it seeks to repair the immense cultural destruction.

The burdens placed on the shoulders of the revolution are great, as it must maintain the sovereignty of the homeland in the face of division.

Syria today needs the solidarity of its people, the lifting of the embargo, and the fulfillment of the responsibilities of international institutions.

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The success of the Syrian revolution in overthrowing the sectarian regime of the Al-Assad dynasty and establishing freedom for the Syrian people represents a long-awaited glimmer of hope and a historical opportunity for the peoples of our region to achieve success amid the rubble of failure and a history of oppression and tyranny. Therefore, striving to ensure the success of the Syrian revolution is a duty of the time for all those devoted to their religion and nation.

Human Value: Restoring Ambition and Hope

The greatest crime of the fallen regime in Syria was the attempt to destroy the human being, robbing him of any ambition for change, and trapping him in an overwhelming despair with no hope, in a miserable present with no future, which contradicts God's will for His creation. Accordingly, restoring the value and status of the human being is the first duty of the revolution when it seeks to repair the immense cultural destruction that the Assad regime and its supporters from colonial powers and oppression have caused.

Reviving Religious Awareness and Mosques

First and foremost, it is necessary to regain awareness of the truths of the doctrine and its comprehensiveness, after the sectarian regime launched its assaults against it, whether by rendering vast sectors of the population ignorant of their doctrine, undermining their connection in their hearts, or distorting the splendor of this religion and its vast horizons, along with its noble cultural and humanitarian frameworks. It is time for the beloved mosques of Syria to resonate with the call of truth, to be filled with those who bow and prostrate, to gather for circles of remembrance and recitation, and to be filled with knowledge and its scholars and students. From the mosques, the anticipated awakening shall emerge, frequented by the pure hands that build the nation and remove the harm that has afflicted its cherished face.

Educational Revival: Regaining Scholarly Excellence

For centuries, the Levant has produced towering figures of scholarly excellence, whose divine knowledge has enriched the libraries of the Islamic world. Generations of rightful heirs and those who strive in the path of truth have been nurtured by their teachings. It is high time for this blessed land to regain its pioneering role after decades of darkness, during which sectarianism dominated schools and universities in terms of educational curricula, management, and educational systems and controls.

Political Propaganda and Repression in Education

The Ba'ath Party was the only one capable of political propaganda within universities, and more than half of the teachers, school principals, and university professors were Alawites. Among them, about 95% of the state's scholarship recipients for studying abroad came from this group. Other university professors faced severe repression, being forced to aid the oppressors in their oppression and to spy on their colleagues in an atmosphere of suffocating surveillance. Security reports began to track anyone who had the faintest scent of religiosity and righteousness, leading them to the prisons of the tyrants.  

Fair Punishment: Addressing the Atrocities

What the world has witnessed in terms of the tragedies unveiled by Assad's prisons will remain pages of shame, and nothing lessens the impact of this than holding the criminals accountable and seeking retribution against them—a retribution that establishes justice, rather than one driven by vengeance and retaliation, and that does not deviate towards destroying what remains of the possibilities for coexistence and citizenship. This horrific reality, which is almost beyond belief, represents a profound condemnation of the world that has observed and known, yet remained silent about the tragedy of a nation, and even provided support to the tyrants, under the misguided assumption that this would delay the awakening of Islam in the Levant and the region—an awakening they fear. And Allah Almighty has said: (And We wished to be Gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, to make them leaders (in Faith) and make them heirs,(5) To establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Haman, and their hosts, at their hands, the very things against which they were taking precautions.) (Al-Qasas)

Presenting Islam: A Call for Guidance and Righteousness

It is time for us to present to the world Islam; a call for guidance and righteousness, a religion of mercy and justice, which does not accept oppression from anyone and does not tolerate injustice toward anyone. Omar ibn Al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, used to say: "I admire a man who, when he is subjected to oppression, says 'no' with all his might. And Allah, the Exalted, said: (So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.) (Al-Imran:139)

Challenges and Priorities of the Revolution

The burdens placed on the revolution today are great, as it must maintain the sovereignty of the homeland in the face of the danger of division and Bernard Lewis's plan. The Assad family's regime has made every effort to humiliate the people and has fostered hatred and vendettas among them, which requires significant effort to heal the wounded revolutionary society. And the revolution is to complete the liberation of the homeland, according to clear priorities. The country has become insignificant under the rule of Assad, who has widened the space for the enemies of the nation to set up military bases, making it a pasture for sectarian factions and racist militias, while bowing his head before the Zionist enemy, having not fired a single bullet to liberate the Golan, nor to support the cause for the past 50 years. He has not moved a muscle to repel the enemy's aggression that has ravaged his country, violated its skies and land, while unleashed his armies and bombardiers to crush his people’s protests, bombing their cities and villages, both in the urban areas and the desert.

 Restoration of Civilization

As for the crushed material civilization in Syria, repairing the damage it has suffered requires the solidarity of its people and wise leaders. The fallen regime, in its frenzy and hatreds, did not value the ancient civilization of its country, which is considered an open museum for successive civilizations throughout the ages. In its wars against its opponents, it did not account for the responsibility of this great cultural heritage, as its bombardment affected cities and destroyed monuments. Emma Cunliffe, the author of the book "On the Impact of War on Archaeological Sites in Syria," confirms that all archaeological sites in the country, without exception, have been damaged, and that what she managed to document about the destruction filled 200 pages!

Impact on Homs and Aleppo

 In the city of Homs alone, the castle of "Krak des Chevaliers," which dates back to the era of the Crusades, has been subjected to shelling by artillery and air strikes. The former UN envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, stated in a published report that mosques, churches, and important ancient markets in Homs have turned into ruins. The destruction has affected the "Khalid ibn al-Walid" mosque, which contains the tomb of the great leader. The "Um al-Zunar" cathedral, which dates back to the dawn of Christianity in 59 AD, has also suffered significant destruction. In 2012, an attack by the Syrian regime destroyed the "Talbiseh" castle north of Homs.

Impact on Aleppo and Palmyra

And if this is some of what happened in Homs, a similar situation occurred in Aleppo, where the "Umayyad Mosque" suffered severe damage and is now filled with rubble. Its minaret, dating back to the 11th century, was destroyed, as was the historic "Aleppo Citadel," which has been built upon by ancient civilizations from the Greeks and Byzantines to the Mamluks and Ayyubids. As for the "Old Aleppo Souk," which represents one of the oldest markets in the world, it has now been completely destroyed, not to mention the destruction of the ruins of the city of Palmyra, which date back over two thousand years.

Looting and Trade of Antiquities

In all of this, the excavation of antiquities and trade in them was ongoing at full pace, carried out by adventurers and high-ranking officials in a country where the system and values had collapsed. Some reports indicate that the trade in antiquities has exceeded two billion dollars, and UNESCO confirms that some archaeological sites have been completely looted, describing these excavation operations as extremely dangerous and destructive.

Conclusion: Solidarity and International Responsibility

 Syria today needs the solidarity of its people, the lifting of the siege against it, and the international institutions to fulfill their duties towards a great nation that has been neglected for too long and has even contributed to creating its tragedy.

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