There once was a woman named Jane,
she was very sweet and really quite sane.
People laughed at her innocence and made fun without shame,
some even called her Plain Jane.
Jane learned that "Allah" was really God's Name,
And all of the prophets had a message - the same.
She learned "Islam" means worship God in peace and surrender,
And Muhammad is the messenger for humans and jinn regardless of gender.
She said the shahadah on the very same day,
and became a Muslimah in every possible way.
She now understands about a Muslimah's duty
and is happy to wear her hijab - the covering for her beauty
Reference by www.islamnewsroom.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Saudis Angered by Europe Visa Hassles
RIYADH -- Saudi Arabia has accused France, Germany and Italy of discrimination over unreasonable delays in granting its nationals travel visas.
"The visas take longer than it should be," Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Osama Nugali told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday, May 5.
Saudi applicants are forced to submit more documentation like return tickets, bank statements and insurance.
They also have to wait much longer than citizens of neighboring countries for the Schengen visa which allows visitors to travel freely through 15 countries with a visa from a single embassy.
"We want to be treated as the other Gulf countries are," insists Nugali.
Saudis have particular problem with the French, German and Italian embassies, which issue the bulk of Schengen visas.
The French embassy in Riyadh, in particular, has been accused of mistreating Saudi applicants, with some calling for a boycott of France and its businesses.
Dawood al-Shirian, a well-known columnist, says many well-placed Saudi businessmen and officials have voiced their frustration.
"These are not poor people who will stay in Europe for work," he insists.
"These are people who have businesses and houses there. People who go stay in a five-star hotel, people who spend thousands of euros, people who go to Germany for medical reasons."
Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff stressed in April that attracting Saudi tourists to his country is a major priority.
Malaysia is targeting 90,000 arrivals from Saudi Arabia this year, compared to 74,632 last year. Saudis do not need visa to Malaysia.
Uzbekistan, which welcomed more than two million tourists last year, is hoping to attract 100,000 Saudi tourists this year.
A new survey found that Saudi tourists were among the biggest spenders per transaction in Canada.
Reference by www.islamonline.net
"The visas take longer than it should be," Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Osama Nugali told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday, May 5.
Saudi applicants are forced to submit more documentation like return tickets, bank statements and insurance.
They also have to wait much longer than citizens of neighboring countries for the Schengen visa which allows visitors to travel freely through 15 countries with a visa from a single embassy.
"We want to be treated as the other Gulf countries are," insists Nugali.
Saudis have particular problem with the French, German and Italian embassies, which issue the bulk of Schengen visas.
The French embassy in Riyadh, in particular, has been accused of mistreating Saudi applicants, with some calling for a boycott of France and its businesses.
Dawood al-Shirian, a well-known columnist, says many well-placed Saudi businessmen and officials have voiced their frustration.
"These are not poor people who will stay in Europe for work," he insists.
"These are people who have businesses and houses there. People who go stay in a five-star hotel, people who spend thousands of euros, people who go to Germany for medical reasons."
Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff stressed in April that attracting Saudi tourists to his country is a major priority.
Malaysia is targeting 90,000 arrivals from Saudi Arabia this year, compared to 74,632 last year. Saudis do not need visa to Malaysia.
Uzbekistan, which welcomed more than two million tourists last year, is hoping to attract 100,000 Saudi tourists this year.
A new survey found that Saudi tourists were among the biggest spenders per transaction in Canada.
Reference by www.islamonline.net
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