Ramadan calendar now in Braille

The move, in association with the Emirates Association for the Visually Impaired in Sharjah, is meant to help the visually impaired identify prayer timings.

By Ahmed Shaaban/senior Reporter

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Mon 22 Jun 2015, 12:10 AM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jul 2015, 3:09 PM

Dubai  - To ease the sufferings of the visually-impaired, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai has launched Imsakiya or Ramadan calendar in Braille language.

The move, in association with the Emirates Association for the Visually Impaired in Sharjah, is meant to help the visually impaired identify prayer timings, according to a senior official.

Adel Mattar, manager of research department, said they have initially issued 100 copies of the Imsakiya as requested by the visually impaired members of the association, along with other four government departments in Dubai.

“However, more copies will be issued for them not just to identify the right timing of prayers, but to know when to end their fasting, stop eating (Imsak) before the dawn and better avail their time in Ramadan.”

Mattar said this was the first stage of an amibitious scheme.

“An annual calendar in Braille language will be issued in the second stage of the programme to be helpful for all the visually impaired across the UAE.”

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai has given much attention to the visually-impaired people, he added.

Ahmed Sabri, an Egyptian, said the move shows how Islam cares for all members of the society.

“The Braille calendar will help the visually impaired follow the right timing of prayers, as well as Iftar and Imsak.”

Suad Aziz, a Moroccan, said her sister is visually impaired.

“The Braille Imsakiya will be very helpful for her, particularly in the holy months of Ramadan,” she said, urging the Islamic department to issue a full year calendar to ease the suffering of this important segment of the society.” 

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


More news from