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Time of India
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Should work start at 6am in UAE? Here's what some residents say
esidents in the UAE say starting work at 6am could improve focus, health, and work-life balance/image: pixabay Across the UAE, a growing number of residents are advocating for the workday to begin as early as 6am. Many say that aligning work hours with their natural morning routines, such as waking for Fajr prayer or exercising, would allow them to finish work earlier in the day. This shift could offer more time for rest, errands, and family, while also potentially boosting productivity and reducing screen fatigue, particularly during the scorching summer months. Early Risers Want to Finish Early For Dubai resident Amina Al Hammadi, the day starts well before sunrise. Speaking to local news outlet Khaleej Times, she said that she wakes up for the Fajr prayer at around 4:03am. 'I wake up for Fajr around 4.03am these days,' Amina said. 'By the time I'm done with my prayer and breakfast, I'm wide awake and ready. But I still have to wait two, sometimes three hours before work starts. I wish I could just get going at 6am and finish early.' Amina believes that starting soon after Fajr prayer would enable her to complete her workday by 2pm, freeing up the rest of the afternoon for family time, rest, or errands. She pointed out that this schedule would be especially beneficial in the summer months, when the heat can be draining by midday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Undo 'In the summer, especially, the heat drains you by the afternoon. It would be so much better if we're done by then,' she added. Similarly, Alex, an American expat working in sales in Dubai, starts his day with a run at 5am followed by a gym session. He shared with KT: 'By 6am I'm fully alert, I've had my workout, my coffee, and I feel most productive. But I waste so much of that energy waiting for the workday to start. I'd rather finish by 2pm or 3pm and then have time for lunch, maybe a nap, and enjoy the evening.' Alex also noted the impact on screen fatigue. 'In sales, you're constantly emailing or on Zoom. If I can frontload all that in the morning and get it over with, I'll be sharper and less burned out.' Experts Weigh In: Health and Productivity Benefits While some UAE companies have adopted flexible schedules, a standard early start remains uncommon. Dr. Reem Al Marzouqi, a Dubai-based occupational health specialist, explained the scientific benefits of matching work hours with natural energy peaks. 'People who wake up early tend to have higher cortisol levels in the morning, which boosts alertness and focus,' Dr. Al Marzouqi told KT. 'Starting the workday earlier taps into that natural hormonal peak. Over time, this can enhance productivity and reduce dependence on stimulants like caffeine.' She also emphasized how earlier work hours can protect employees from the extreme heat typical of UAE summers. 'Finishing by early afternoon means avoiding peak heat exposure, especially for those who commute or work in the field. It also opens up more usable daylight hours for rest, family or physical activity,' she explained. From a psychological standpoint, Dr. Al Marzouqi said earlier finishing times could reduce burnout caused by extended screen time late into the evening. 'Working until 6pm or 7pm, then spending the evening on phones or laptops, affects circadian rhythms. Earlier wrap-up times give people a natural pause and allow their brains to disconnect before bed,' she said. Flexibility Is Key Despite the benefits, Dr. Al Marzouqi cautioned that early starts are not a one-size-fits-all solution. 'Some people are wired differently. For night owls, pushing a 6am start might backfire and increase fatigue. Flexibility is key, and employers should consider offering multiple shift options where possible,' she advised. She suggested companies experiment with pilot programs to find the best fit for both employees and business operations. 'Even something simple like a 6am to 2pm trial twice a week can help identify what works best for both employee energy levels and business needs,' she concluded.
Economic Times
04-07-2025
- General
- Economic Times
Daily Islamic prayer times for major US cities on July 4, 2025
TIL Creatives A prayer time schedule displays daily Islamic prayer times for major including Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha on July 4, 2025 (AI generated image) Fajr is the first of the five daily Islamic prayers, performed at dawn before sunrise. It consists of two Rak'ahs and emphasizes the discipline of beginning the day with spiritual reflection. The Qur'an refers to Fajr in Surah Al-Isra (17:78), affirming its significance and spiritual marks the end time for Fajr and is not itself a prayer time. It is one of the prohibited times for prayer, as emphasized in Hadith to prevent overlap with sun-worship rituals. Also read: Muslim prayer timings for July 2, 2025: Salah schedule and ...Dhuhr is the second prayer, consisting of four Rak'ahs, performed when the sun begins its decline from zenith. It provides a spiritual pause during the busy midday hours and fosters is the afternoon prayer made up of four Rak'ahs. It occurs later in the day and serves as a reminder of time's fleeting nature, as referenced in Surah Al-Asr. It emphasizes endurance and discipline amid daily responsibilities. Maghrib is performed just after sunset and includes three Rak'ahs. It signals the transition from day to night and is especially important during Ramadan, when it marks the time to break the is the night prayer, comprising four Rak'ahs, performed after the twilight disappears. It provides closure for the day and is often followed by voluntary night (or Qiyam-ul-Lail/Tahajjud) is a non-obligatory, late-night prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr. It is highly encouraged for those seeking spiritual depth and private communion with York City, NY Also read: When is Ramadan 2025? Date, Time, Prayer, Sehri & Iftar Timing for all cities in the US Fajr: 03:24 AM Sunrise: 05:28 AM Dhuhr: 01:00 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:32 PM Isha: 10:37 PM Qiyam: 01:06 AM Boston, MA Fajr: 03:01 AM Sunrise: 05:12 AM Dhuhr: 12:49 PM Asr: 04:52 PM Maghrib: 08:25 PM Isha: 10:37 PM Qiyam: 12:49 AM Philadelphia, PAAlso read: Ramadan 2025: How to maintain energy levels while fasting Sunrise: 05:36 AM Dhuhr: 01:05 PM Asr: 05:03 PM Maghrib: 08:31 PM Isha: 10:35 PM Qiyam: 01:15 AM Jersey City, NJ Fajr: 03:26 AM Sunrise: 05:29 AM Dhuhr: 01:01 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:30 PM Isha: 10:36 PM Qiyam: 01:08 AM Newark, NJ Fajr: 03:26 AM Sunrise: 05:30 AM Dhuhr: 01:02 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:32 PM Isha: 10:37 PM Qiyam: 01:08 AM Miami, FL Fajr: 05:05 AM Sunrise: 06:33 AM Dhuhr: 01:25 PM Asr: 04:50 PM Maghrib: 08:17 PM Isha: 09:46 PM Qiyam: 02:09 AM Orlando, FL Fajr: 04:59 AM Sunrise: 06:31 AM Dhuhr: 01:29 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:27 PM Isha: 10:00 PM Qiyam: 02:07 AM Charlotte, NC Fajr: 04:27 AM Sunrise: 06:13 AM Dhuhr: 01:28 PM Asr: 05:16 PM Maghrib: 08:42 PM Isha: 10:29 PM Qiyam: 01:52 AM Washington, DC Fajr: 03:50 AM Sunrise: 05:47 AM Dhuhr: 01:13 PM Asr: 05:09 PM Maghrib: 08:38 PM Isha: 10:35 PM Qiyam: 01:26 AM Columbus, OH Fajr: 04:06 AM Sunrise: 06:07 AM Dhuhr: 01:37 PM Asr: 05:36 PM Maghrib: 09:06 PM Isha: 11:08 PM Qiyam: 01:46 AM Minneapolis, MN Fajr: 03:05 AM Sunrise: 05:16 AM Dhuhr: 01:15 PM Asr: 05:27 PM Maghrib: 09:04 PM Isha: 11:32 PM Qiyam: 01:04 AM Saint Louis, MO Fajr: 03:46 AM Sunrise: 05:41 AM Dhuhr: 01:06 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:29 PM Isha: 10:26 PM Qiyam: 01:19 AM Ann Arbor, MI Fajr: 03:52 AM Sunrise: 06:03 AM Dhuhr: 01:40 PM Asr: 05:43 PM Maghrib: 09:11 PM Isha: 11:28 PM Qiyam: 01:40 AM San Diego, CA Fajr: 04:05 AM Sunrise: 05:44 AM Dhuhr: 12:53 PM Asr: 04:35 PM Maghrib: 08:01 PM Isha: 09:42 PM Qiyam: 01:23 AM San Francisco, CA Fajr: 03:59 AM Sunrise: 05:52 AM Dhuhr: 01:14 PM Asr: 05:08 PM Maghrib: 08:16 PM Isha: 10:30 PM Qiyam: 01:30 AM San Jose, CA Fajr: 04:00 AM Sunrise: 05:51 AM Dhuhr: 01:12 PM Asr: 05:05 PM Maghrib: 08:32 PM Isha: 10:25 PM Qiyam: 01:30 AM Phoenix, AZ Fajr: 03:41 AM Sunrise: 05:22 AM Dhuhr: 12:33 PM Asr: 04:58 PM Maghrib: 07:43 PM Isha: 09:25 PM Qiyam: 01:01 AM Seattle, WA Fajr: 02:18 AM Sunrise: 05:16 AM Dhuhr: 01:14 PM Asr: 05:28 PM Maghrib: 09:11 PM Isha: 12:10 AM Qiyam: 12:35 AM
Time of India
04-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Daily Islamic prayer times for major US cities on July 4, 2025
Overview of the five daily Islamic prayers and Qiyam Fajr is the first of the five daily Islamic prayers, performed at dawn before sunrise. It consists of two Rak'ahs and emphasizes the discipline of beginning the day with spiritual reflection. The Qur'an refers to Fajr in Surah Al-Isra (17:78), affirming its significance and spiritual reward. Sunrise marks the end time for Fajr and is not itself a prayer time. It is one of the prohibited times for prayer, as emphasized in Hadith to prevent overlap with sun-worship rituals. Also read: Muslim prayer timings for July 2, 2025: Salah schedule and ... by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like '착용할수록 뿌듯함이 커져요' 유니세프 지금 기부하기 Undo Dhuhr is the second prayer, consisting of four Rak'ahs, performed when the sun begins its decline from zenith. It provides a spiritual pause during the busy midday hours and fosters mindfulness. Asr is the afternoon prayer made up of four Rak'ahs. It occurs later in the day and serves as a reminder of time's fleeting nature, as referenced in Surah Al-Asr. It emphasizes endurance and discipline amid daily responsibilities. Live Events Maghrib is performed just after sunset and includes three Rak'ahs. It signals the transition from day to night and is especially important during Ramadan, when it marks the time to break the fast. Isha is the night prayer, comprising four Rak'ahs, performed after the twilight disappears. It provides closure for the day and is often followed by voluntary night prayers. Qiyam (or Qiyam-ul-Lail/Tahajjud) is a non-obligatory, late-night prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr. It is highly encouraged for those seeking spiritual depth and private communion with God. Islamic prayer times for the Northeast US New York City, NY Also read: When is Ramadan 2025? Date, Time, Prayer, Sehri & Iftar Timing for all cities in the US Fajr: 03:24 AM Sunrise: 05:28 AM Dhuhr: 01:00 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:32 PM Isha: 10:37 PM Qiyam: 01:06 AM Boston, MA Fajr: 03:01 AM Sunrise: 05:12 AM Dhuhr: 12:49 PM Asr: 04:52 PM Maghrib: 08:25 PM Isha: 10:37 PM Qiyam: 12:49 AM Philadelphia, PA Fajr: 03:36 AM Also read: Ramadan 2025: How to maintain energy levels while fasting Sunrise: 05:36 AM Dhuhr: 01:05 PM Asr: 05:03 PM Maghrib: 08:31 PM Isha: 10:35 PM Qiyam: 01:15 AM Jersey City, NJ Fajr: 03:26 AM Sunrise: 05:29 AM Dhuhr: 01:01 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:30 PM Isha: 10:36 PM Qiyam: 01:08 AM Newark, NJ Fajr: 03:26 AM Sunrise: 05:30 AM Dhuhr: 01:02 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:32 PM Isha: 10:37 PM Qiyam: 01:08 AM Islamic prayer times for the South and Southeast Miami, FL Fajr: 05:05 AM Sunrise: 06:33 AM Dhuhr: 01:25 PM Asr: 04:50 PM Maghrib: 08:17 PM Isha: 09:46 PM Qiyam: 02:09 AM Orlando, FL Fajr: 04:59 AM Sunrise: 06:31 AM Dhuhr: 01:29 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:27 PM Isha: 10:00 PM Qiyam: 02:07 AM Charlotte, NC Fajr: 04:27 AM Sunrise: 06:13 AM Dhuhr: 01:28 PM Asr: 05:16 PM Maghrib: 08:42 PM Isha: 10:29 PM Qiyam: 01:52 AM Washington, DC Fajr: 03:50 AM Sunrise: 05:47 AM Dhuhr: 01:13 PM Asr: 05:09 PM Maghrib: 08:38 PM Isha: 10:35 PM Qiyam: 01:26 AM Islamic prayer times for the Midwest Columbus, OH Fajr: 04:06 AM Sunrise: 06:07 AM Dhuhr: 01:37 PM Asr: 05:36 PM Maghrib: 09:06 PM Isha: 11:08 PM Qiyam: 01:46 AM Minneapolis, MN Fajr: 03:05 AM Sunrise: 05:16 AM Dhuhr: 01:15 PM Asr: 05:27 PM Maghrib: 09:04 PM Isha: 11:32 PM Qiyam: 01:04 AM Saint Louis, MO Fajr: 03:46 AM Sunrise: 05:41 AM Dhuhr: 01:06 PM Asr: 05:01 PM Maghrib: 08:29 PM Isha: 10:26 PM Qiyam: 01:19 AM Ann Arbor, MI Fajr: 03:52 AM Sunrise: 06:03 AM Dhuhr: 01:40 PM Asr: 05:43 PM Maghrib: 09:11 PM Isha: 11:28 PM Qiyam: 01:40 AM Islamic prayer times for the West Coast and Southwest San Diego, CA Fajr: 04:05 AM Sunrise: 05:44 AM Dhuhr: 12:53 PM Asr: 04:35 PM Maghrib: 08:01 PM Isha: 09:42 PM Qiyam: 01:23 AM San Francisco, CA Fajr: 03:59 AM Sunrise: 05:52 AM Dhuhr: 01:14 PM Asr: 05:08 PM Maghrib: 08:16 PM Isha: 10:30 PM Qiyam: 01:30 AM San Jose, CA Fajr: 04:00 AM Sunrise: 05:51 AM Dhuhr: 01:12 PM Asr: 05:05 PM Maghrib: 08:32 PM Isha: 10:25 PM Qiyam: 01:30 AM Phoenix, AZ Fajr: 03:41 AM Sunrise: 05:22 AM Dhuhr: 12:33 PM Asr: 04:58 PM Maghrib: 07:43 PM Isha: 09:25 PM Qiyam: 01:01 AM Seattle, WA Fajr: 02:18 AM Sunrise: 05:16 AM Dhuhr: 01:14 PM Asr: 05:28 PM Maghrib: 09:11 PM Isha: 12:10 AM Qiyam: 12:35 AM
Daily Maverick
23-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Killer gets double life sentences for hit on 75-year-old man, family, during morning prayer
Reagan Davids, 35, murdered Haslim Ahmed Dennis and attempted to kill Dennis' wife and daughter after the daughter's husband paid him R1,000. The Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town sentenced Reagan Davids, 35, to two life sentences and 15 years for the murder of Haslim Ahmed Dennis, 75, and the attempted murders of his wife, Kulsoem Dennis, 70, and daughter, Ibtisaam Dennis. Tears flowed as Judge Gayaat da Silva Salie on Thursday, 19 June 2025, handed down the hefty sentence that has finally brought a sense of closure to a family devastated by the crime committed on 31 January 2020. Haslim Dennis was washing in the bathroom while Kulsoem was seated on their bed reciting passages from the Holy Qur'an before the Fajr (sunrise prayer) at 4.30am when Davids attacked them. Haslim sustained nine stab wounds to his upper body. Kulsoem was violently assaulted with a firearm while praying. Her injuries included a fractured sternum and head injuries. She survived by pretending to be dead. Their daughter Ibtisaam narrowly escaped death by slamming closed the sliding door to the main house, stopping Davids. Ibtisaam's husband, Brent Williams, was the mastermind of the callous crime. The couple, who have two children, were undergoing marital problems. Williams hired Davids and another man, unknown to the State, to invade and attack his wife and in-laws to 'neutralise' his problems. Prosecutors proved the murder had been a contract killing – Davids was paid R1,000, which he used to buy takkies. Williams died on 10 February 2025, shortly before the State closed its case, leaving Davids to face justice alone. 'Exceptional brutality' Delivering the sentence, Judge Da Silva Salie stated: 'These offences are marked by exceptional brutality, targeting vulnerable elderly victims in a sanctified setting. 'The level of violence, disregard for human life and the psychological terror inflicted upon the surviving victims and so too the surrounding community, warrant the imposition of a long period of direct imprisonment.' The judge said the murder plot was yet another act of domestic and gender-based violence. 'South Africa has been recorded as having one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the world. The convictions in this matter touch on so many disturbing and prevailing features of crime in our society: domestic violence, gender-based violence and murders, exposure of children to violence and harm, violence and murder of elderly people, to mention a few,' the judge reiterated. On the morning of 31 January 2020, when devoted Muslims Haslim and Kulsoem Dennis began their daily routine by waking up for the Fajr, the sunrise prayer at or around 4am, they left the sliding door of their flat in Northpine, Cape Town, slightly ajar, allowing their daughter or grandchildren, who live in the main house, to join them. While sitting on the bed, Kulsoem heard the voice of an intruder who, with brutal force, attacked her by hitting her head, neck and chest area with a firearm. According to the judgement, she uttered ' Allahu-Akbar' with every inflicted blow until she fell to the floor. She then lay on the floor, pretending to be dead, with her burqa falling over her face, as she kept her eyes closed. While lying on the floor, she heard shoving noises in the room as it was ransacked. As her husband returned from the bathroom, he too was mercilessly assaulted by the intruders. When it was quiet, Kulsoem stood up and found her husband dead on the floor, bleeding from multiple stab wounds. Ibtisaam called the police and her sister after she had blocked the intruders from entering the main house. The attackers fled, but CCTV footage captured Williams driving his bakkie towards the site of the attack, the home he shared with his wife, two children and his elderly parents-in-law. He was seen dropping off the two men he had hired and giving them access through the front safety gate and door. He waited at a nearby Caltex garage. Shortly after the attack, the two assailants were captured on CCTV running back to Williams' bakkie and getting into the front of the vehicle, next to him. The bakkie was seen with Williams driving away with his co-perpetrators. Western Cape NPA boss, advocate Nicolette Bell, said after the judgment, 'It can never be overemphasised how important human life is and the NPA will continue being vigorous in its pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers.' DM
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- The Citizen
Hitman jailed for life after attacking elderly couple on son-in-law's orders
Davis was handed two life sentences for a deadly stabbing and two attempted murders carried out at dawn, under orders from the victims' son-in-law. A Cape Town man has been sentenced to two life terms for killing an elderly man and attacking his wife during morning prayer, in a paid hit ordered by the couple's son-in-law. The High Court Western Cape Division handed Reagan Davis two life sentences and 15 years for the murder of 75-year-old Hashim Ahmed Dennis and the attempted murder of his 70-year-old wife, Kulsoem Dennis, and their daughter, Ibtisaam Dennis. The attackers targeted the couple while they were preparing for the sunrise prayer. Elderly couple targeted while preparing for sunrise prayers Davis, 35, stood trial alongside the elderly couple's son-in-law, Brent Williams. However, Williams died on 10 February 2025, just before the state closed its case. After Williams died, the trial continued against Davis. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said that senior state prosecutor Advocate Evadne Kortje proved that the murder was a contract killing and Davis was paid R1 000, which he used to buy takkies. Kortje led evidence from 10 witnesses, which revealed that Williams and his wife, Ibtisaam Dennis, stayed with the elderly couple. ALSO READ: Western Cape police launch investigation after Mauritian killed in apparent hit Ntabazalila said the couple had two children and marital problems. 'Williams hired Davis and another man, unknown to the state, to invade and attack his in-laws to 'neutralise' his marital problems. At the time, the elderly couple stayed in a flatlet in the couple's yard,' Ntabazalila said. CCTV footage showed Williams travelling with the two co-perpetrators in his red maroon bakkie to the area of 6 Conifer Close in the early hours of 31 January 2019. The son-in-law dropped Davis and the other man off and drove off to wait until they finished the job. Son-in-law dropped perpetrators off near house Davis and the other man gained access to the house through the security gate, which was not forced open. Devout Muslim worshippers prepare for Fajr, or the sunrise prayer, at approximately four in the morning. Around the world, worshippers offer one of the five daily prayers of the Islamic faith. The taking of Wudu, which is the cleansing ritual required before praying, is the first step in each prayer. Ntabazalila said that while the elderly husband was busy with the cleansing ritual in the bathroom, his wife was seated on the bed reciting passages from the Holy Quran before they would pray Fajr at 4.30am that day. ALSO READ: Murder witness shot dead outside Lenasia Magistrate's Court The Dennis' normally open the sliding door of their flatlet so that their daughter or grandchildren could join the prayers or come in. Kulsoem Dennis heard the voice of an intruder asking where the money was in Afrikaans before brutally attacking her. The intruder struck the wife on the head, neck, and chest with a firearm. 'She chanted, 'Allahu-Akbar' (God is Great) until she hit the floor. Severely injured and in shock, she lay on the floor, pretending to be dead as her burga (headscarf) fell softly over her face and she kept her eyes closed,' Ntabazalila said. Wife pretended to be dead According to the NPA, the wife heard shoving noises as the attackers ransacked the room. They assaulted Hashim Ahmed Dennis as he stepped out of the bedroom. 'When it quieted down, she got up and found her husband on the floor, deceased, bleeding from various stab wounds. He had 15 stab wounds,' Ntabazalila said. The couple's daughter heard a noise and noticed a bright light from her parents' flatlet. When she went to investigate, she was met with a knife-wielding intruder who charged at her. ALSO READ: Five arrested after Mpumalanga police officer killed in apparent hit [UPDATE] Ibtisaam Dennis quickly turned around and closed the sliding door to the main house, saving herself and her two children. CCTV footage showed the two attackers sprinting back to Williams' vehicle, getting in the bakkie and driving away shortly after the attack. The daughter called the police and her sister as she discovered the home invasion and the attack on her parents. Ntabazalila said that the police investigation identified Williams as the mastermind behind the attacks. Williams was arrested on 20 May 2020. Mastermind behind attack was the son-in-law Police arrested Davis on 10 June 2020. He did not provide an alibi to the investigating officer. In aggravation of the sentence, Advocate Kortje argued that the murder was premeditated, executed with direct intent and excessive force, and committed in the context of a robbery and housebreaking. He described it as a contract killing orchestrated by the son-in-law. 'The attempted murder of Mrs Dennis involved sadistic violence against a vulnerable and elderly woman at peace during a prayer in the bedroom of her home,' Ntabazalila said. ALSO READ: Mother who allegedly hired hitmen to murder 'drug-addict' son remains behind bars The court sentenced Davis to: 15 years' direct imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, Life imprisonment for the attempted murder of the wife, 10 years for the attempted murder of the daughter, and Life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of the husband. It ordered the sentences of housebreaking with intent to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and attempted murder of Ibtisaam Dennis to run concurrently with the two life sentences. Two life sentences and 15 years The Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, praised the investigation and prosecution team's efforts to bring justice to the victims. 'It can never be overemphasised how important human life is, and the NPA will continue being vigorous in its pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers,' Bell assured.
