What Is Al-Ayyala? The 'Hair-Flipping' Dance By Women That Welcomed Trump In UAE
New Age Islam News Bureau
19 May 2025
· What Is Al-Ayyala? The 'Hair-Flipping' Dance By Women That Welcomed Trump In UAE
· Muslim Women Entitled To Maintenance Without Divorce: Malaysian Shariah Lawyers
· Activists: No Place For Perpetrators Of Violence Against Women In Syria's Future
· Women in Maritime Day: Survey Highlights Progress, But Barriers Remain
· Muhammad Yunus Wants Women’s Rights In Bangladesh. First Rein In Islamic Radicals
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/hair-flipping-dance-women-welcomed-trump/d/135584
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What Is Al-Ayyala? The 'Hair-Flipping' Dance By Women That Welcomed Trump In UAE
May 18, 2025
US President Donald Trump was welcomed with a cultural Emirati performance known as the Al-Ayyala. (Image:X)
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As the US President Donald Trump arrived at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, he was welcomed in a traditional Emirati style. In a striking cultural performance, women dressed in white gowns flipped their long hair rhythmically from side to side, while men behind them beat drums and sang traditional chants. This traditional performance is called Al-Ayyala, a famous dance in the United Arab Emirates that blends music, poetry, and movement as a powerful show of pride and unity.
The video shared on X by White House aide Margo Martin captured the moment Trump was led through a formation, flanked by the mesmerising sight of the hair-flipping dancers. "The welcome ceremony in UAE continues!" Martin wrote on X while sharing the clip. The video, which has garnered more than 8.2 million views, has left many users expressing curiosity about the cultural performance.
Al-Ayyala: The traditional dance honoured by UNESCO
Al-Ayyala is not just a dance, it is a traditional art form that has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
According to UNESCO's website, "Al-Ayyala is a popular and expressive cultural performance practised in north-western Oman and throughout the United Arab Emirates. It involves chanted poetry, drum music and dance, and simulates a battle scene."
To depict the battle scene, two rows of about twenty men face each other, carrying thin bamboo sticks to signify spears or swords. Between the rows, musicians play large and small drums, tambourines and brass cymbals. The rows of men move their heads and sticks synchronously with the drum rhythm and chant poetic lyrics, while other performers move around the rows holding swords or guns, which they occasionally hurl to the sky and catch.
In the United Arab Emirates, girls wearing traditional dresses stand at the front, tossing their long hair from side to side. The melody has seven tones in an irregular repeated pattern, and the chanted poetry varies according to the occasion, according to UNESCO.
Al-Ayyala is also performed during weddings and other festive occasions in both the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The lead performer is usually an inherited role and is responsible for training other performers and the performance is inclusive of all ages, genders and social classes.
Source: timesnownews.com
https://www.timesnownews.com/world/middle-east/what-is-al-ayyala-the-hair-flipping-dance-by-women-that-welcomed-donald-trump-in-uae-article-151666859
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Muslim Women Entitled To Maintenance Without Divorce:Malaysian ShariahLawyers
19 May 2025
Maintenance covers basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. If the issue cannot be resolved amicably, the wife has every right to file a claim in the Syariah Court - May 19. 2025
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MUSLIM women in Malaysia have the right to seek financial maintenance from their husbands even without a divorce, according to Shariah legal practitioners, who stress that such claims are protected under Islamic law and applicable family law statutes.
The issue gained renewed public attention after a viral video captured an awkward exchange during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house, where a compliment about a child's attire escalated into a row between the parents. The mother revealed she had borne all the expenses for the festivities, prompting widespread discussions on the unequal financial burdens faced by many married women.
"Many women are emotionally overwhelmed because they’re expected to manage not just household and child-rearing duties, but also financial responsibilities," said Syariah lawyer Marlina Amir Hamzah, speaking to Bernama exclusively.
She explained that under the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984 and similar laws enacted in other states, wives are entitled to financial support, and this entitlement remains intact even if the couple is still legally married.
"For example, Section 73(1) of the Selangor Islamic Family Law Enactment 2023 makes it clear that a father is obliged to provide maintenance for his child, whether or not the child is in his custody,” she said.
"Maintenance covers basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. If the issue cannot be resolved amicably, the wife has every right to file a claim in the Syariah Court."
However, Marlina noted that many women are reluctant to take legal action due to lack of awareness, financial constraints, or fear that it could destabilise their marriage.
“For those who still hope to save their marriage, taking the matter to court may feel like a step too far. But in cases where the husband has long neglected his responsibilities, legal recourse is not only valid but necessary.”
She said the process begins by applying for a maintenance order at the lower Syariah court, where applicants should bring documentation such as identity cards, marriage certificates, and children’s birth certificates. Court officers are typically able to assist those without legal representation.
If the wife is represented by a lawyer, the legal practitioner will handle the paperwork and offer case-specific guidance, she added.
Once a claim is filed, the parties undergo a sulh process – a mediation designed to reach an amicable settlement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
Upon the court’s ruling, the judge may order the husband to pay maintenance in accordance with the schedule and amount deemed appropriate. Should he fail to comply, the wife can seek enforcement under Section 148 of the Syariah Court Civil Procedure Act (Federal Territories) 1998 or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.
“Applications can be made through various enforcement mechanisms, such as a judgment debtor summons, seizure of assets, or even committal proceedings,” Marlina explained.
She added that claims of financial inability are not sufficient grounds for the husband to avoid his obligations. “He must prove his situation to the court, but even then, maintenance remains a compulsory responsibility under Islamic law.”
In cases where the husband genuinely cannot pay, the court may instruct an heir from his side to assume the duty of financial support. A hiwalah (debt transfer) application can also be filed if the husband has known financial resources, such as bank savings.
Fellow Syariah lawyer IrsamudinIkhsan added that women can also claim arrears accrued during the marriage, provided they can demonstrate that the husband failed to provide maintenance over a reasonable period.
“Such claims must be supported by evidence, like expense records or witness testimony. The court has the authority to enforce payments through salary garnishment or, in some cases, imprisonment,” he said.
He emphasised that these legal tools are not meant to punish, but to protect the welfare of wives and children who have been neglected.
“These rights are enshrined in both Islamic teachings and Malaysia’s Syariah legal framework,” Irsamudin said.
One such case is that of Fatiahusna (not her real name), 45, who endured over a decade of financial neglect before seeking help from the Syariah court.
“I waited more than 10 years, hoping he would change,” said the mother of three. “I was working full-time, covering all expenses. I had no savings, and eventually, I developed depression.”
Her husband, a government employee, never disclosed where his earnings went. Despite repeated discussions, nothing changed.
“I turned to the Legal Aid Bureau. Some services were free, others involved minimal cost. It took nearly three years, but I had already waited a decade. It was worth it.”
She now receives child maintenance through salary deductions from her ex-husband, in accordance with a Syariah court order.
“Even though I am a single mother now, I am grateful. My children’s future is more secure, and I stood up for our rights.”
She urged other women in similar situations not to remain silent. “Do not stay in a toxic marriage for the children’s sake. Islam and the law both grant us the right to live with dignity. We must have the courage to claim it.” - May 19, 2025
Source: thevibes.com
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/opinion/108388/muslim-women-entitled-to-maintenance-without-divorce-syariah-lawyers-say
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Activists: No place for perpetrators of violence against women in Syria's Future
19 May, 2025
Since assuming control in Damascus, "Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham" has appointed several individuals involved in crimes against women to sensitive leadership positions, sparking widespread outrage among human rights and women’s rights circles in Syria.
On December 10, 2024, the group appointed “Shadi Muhammad al-Waisi” as Minister of Justice, despite confirmed involvement in the execution of two women in 2015—a move described as glorifying crime rather than holding perpetrators accountable. This decision was not an exception, but was followed by a series of controversial appointments, most notably the appointment of mercenary Ahmad al-Hayes, known as “Hatim Abu Shaqra,” one of the main suspects in the assassination of Hevrin Khalaf, the Secretary-General of the Future Syria Party, in October 2019.
These appointments, seen as a slap in the face to justice and women's rights, reflect what women's groups describe as a dangerous trend toward legitimizing violence against women and entrenching impunity within institutions that are supposed to protect the rights of the people and promote justice.
Nour Al-Hanafi, the administrator at the Zenobia Women’s Gathering Council in Tabqa, described the situation as tragic, saying: "Instead of prosecuting war criminals, we now see them in positions that are supposed to represent the aspirations of the Syrian people."
She added that these appointments do not herald any hopeful future for Syrian women, but rather open the door to new crimes.
Jumana Muhammad, also the member of the Zenobia Women’s Gathering Council, said the international community’s silence regarding these appطointments means that “Syrian women will face a dark future without protection or justice.”
Power of Marginalization and Threat
Rajaa Abdul Rahim, the spokeswoman for the Democratic Union Party’s women’s office in Tabqa, stated that the Damascus authorities not only politically marginalize women, but also reinforce this marginalization by handing leadership positions to those who committed crimes against women—an attempt to remove women entirely from the political scene.
She concluded:
"Our will is stronger than their crimes, and just as we defeated ISIS, we will bring war criminals to justice and build a free and just future for all in Syria."
BarinMaamo, the co-chair of the Future Syria Party in Tabqa, described the appointment of mercenary “Hatim Abu Shaqra” as the leader of Brigade 86 as “a disregard for the blood of martyrs and an insult to Syrian women.”
She confidently added: "Syrian women will not allow these criminals to remain, and we will continue our struggle for a decentralized, pluralistic Syria, free of crime."
Activists in North and East Syria stress that the international community's disregard for crimes committed against women opens the door for further violations in areas such as the coast and Sweida.
Source: hawarnews.com
https://hawarnews.com/en/activists-no-place-for-perpetrators-of-violence-against-women-in-syrias-future
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Women in Maritime Day: Survey Highlights Progress, But Barriers Remain
MAY 18, 2025
For this year's International Women in Maritime Day, the IMO released the results of a new global survey conducted together with WISTA International. The survey found that women account for an estimated 19 percent of all employees in the maritime sector worldwide, with high variability among subsectors. Women dominate the field in public relations, marketing, advertising, crewing and recruitment roles, but still account for just one percent of the world's active seafaring workforce - reflecting both the opportunities and the longstanding challenges for women in maritime.
"Women remain a small fraction of the seagoing workforce, highlighting the urgent need for continued commitment and
action. We must redouble our efforts to foster a truly diverse and inclusive maritime industry — one where talent is recognized and nurtured, regardless of gender, to usher us into a new digital and decarbonized maritime era," said IMO Secretary-General Antonio Dominguez in a statement. "At IMO, we will continue to push forward, through our flagship Women in Maritime program, now in its fourth decade, and by mainstreaming gender in all projects and capacity development activities."
The survey found that in the private sector, women account for 16 percent of the total shoreside and seafaring workforce. This is a remarkable drop from the level reported in the inaugural survey in 2021 - 29 percent - and likely reflects a change in the composition of the companies that responded. The survey was conducted online and was voluntary, and most of the organizations and firms that participated this year were new additions, making comparison between the two surveys difficult.
Nonetheless, the overall trend remains consistent: women can be found in shoreside roles - from entry-level to board level - but they face continued barriers to employment at sea. Out of the 179 vessel operators that participated in the survey, only 85 said that they actively employ women on their ships. One company was up-front about its approach: "We do not hire women in offshore support vessels," the firm wrote in a free-response section.
A recent survey of maritime professionals by the Global Maritime Forum found that 29 percent of women identified gender discrimination as a major barrier in their careers. However, the WISTA/IMO survey found that only 13 percent of respondents attempt to address discrimination through the use of bias training, and the majority of respondents do not have a gender equality policy.
"The data indicates the continuing presence of barriers such as gender stereotyping, workplace safety concerns, a lack of family friendly policies and the ongoing gender pay gap. We all have a duty to make the industry more accessible and inclusive, not just for future generations but for today's workforce," said WISTA International President ElpiPetraki in a statement. "It is my hope that the 2024 Women in Maritime Survey results guide the actions we must take to bring about cultural change, as we still have a long way to go in our mission to improve gender diversity and break the gender bias."
Petraki and Dominguez discussed the results in a symposium held Saturday at IMO headquarters, along with panel discussions on specific issues and individual perspectives (below).
Source: maritime-executive.com
https://maritime-executive.com/article/women-in-maritime-day-survey-highlights-progress-but-barriers-remain
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Muhammad Yunus Wants Women’s Rights In Bangladesh. First Rein In Islamic Radicals
DEEP HALDER
19 May, 2025
Muhammad Yunus is a man in a hurry. At 84, he doesn’t just want history to remember him as the premier who tried to steer Bangladesh from chaos to stability after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August 2024. He also wants to be seen as a modern leader in a Muslim-majority country who tried to give Bangladeshi women equal rights, including those related to property.
But like most of his predecessors, from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Sheikh Hasina, Yunus has made the one mistake that makes it difficult not only to give women equal rights, but also to bring stability to Bangladesh’s turbulent society and politics.
That one common mistake is the inability or, in some cases, the lack of intention to rein in the radicals.
The veil comes off
On 19 April 2025, the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission—set up by the Yunus administration last November to prepare a report on ways to give Bangladeshi women equal rights and reduce discrimination—submitted 433 recommendations to the government.
Among the recommendations were the introduction of equal property rights for women, a uniform family code, a separate and permanent women’s affairs commission, elimination of all discrimination in public spaces and family laws, legal recognition for sex and domestic workers, and increasing the total number of seats in parliament, with half reserved for women via direct election.
After members of the commission submitted the report to Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, he directed the concerned ministries and divisions to quickly implement those recommendations that could be actioned right away. He also said the recommendations would be taken up with all political parties through the National Consensus Commission.
It is not as if the 10-member Women’s Affairs Reform Commission had expected these recommendations to face no pushback once out in the public domain. Women’s rights activist and commission chief Shireen Parveen Haque told the Bangladeshi media outlet New Age that these recommendations might ignite some controversies, which the commission would welcome, as people should discuss these issues. She added that the commission had made the recommendations after considering the constitution, laws, policies, institutions and programmes, and 15 specific issues.
Haque also said some of the recommendations could be implemented during the tenure of the interim government, some would remain for the next government to execute, while some were quite simply the expectations and dreams of the women’s rights movement in Bangladesh.
Others, meanwhile, pointed to a deepening hostility on the ground.
A local media report quoted Fauzia Moslem, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a women’s rights organisation, as saying that misogyny has become public since the mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.
“It was inconspicuous before. Violence was present before, with no political rights for women, no social rights. But a moral policing has been underway since the uprising due to misogyny. ‘You can’t wear such dresses, can’t walk like this, can’t put on tip (bindi), you’ll be beaten to death if you play football, houses would be demolished’,” she said.
Expectedly, the recommendations ignited heated debates. Popular Bangladeshi YouTuber Pinaki Bhattacharya called Haque and other members of the commission Islamophobes and said Yunus has an inherent bias towards NGOs.
“Have you ever seen Yunus so excited about recommendations from any other commission apart from the women’s commission? He has said the recommendations should be printed and distributed as pamphlets. If that happens and people get to read it, government officials will be thrashed on the street,” he said.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said some of the recommendations made by the women’s commission would destroy the values of all religions and that the people of Bangladesh would reject them. “Some of the recommendations are clear violations of the Quran and Hadith,” Rahman added.
While such pushback was expected, what drew global attention were the events of 3 May, when thousands of supporters of Hefazat-e-Islam, a powerful radical group in Bangladesh, rallied in Dhaka to demand the scrapping of the commission, claiming it conflicted with Islamic principles.
“More than 20,000 followers of the group rallied near Dhaka University, some carrying banners and placards reading ‘Say no to Western laws on our women, rise up Bangladesh,’” an AP report said.
Threatening mass agitation, members of Islamist parties like Jatiya OlamaMashayekhAemma Parishad warned that the Yunus-led government would face severe consequences and would not get “even five minutes to escape” if it proceeded with the reforms.
Radicals’ day out
While Yunus’s plans to bring in equal rights for the women of Bangladesh are indeed commendable, expecting that his government would be able to implement such reforms while giving a free rein to Islamists defies logic.
When Yunus took over as caretaker of the interim government, he was expected to first address the chaos that had gripped the country and then ready it for the next round of elections by bringing in electoral reforms. Instead, Yunus has postponed elections and banned Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League. Worse, he has given a rather long rope to the radical elements in Bangladeshi society that Hasina had, to some degree, reined in.
Bangladeshi journalist Sahidul Hasan Khokon told ThePrint that Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir—which had played a central role in the mass uprising against the Hasina government—have been empowered by the interim government to such an extent that they are behind most of the important decisions the administration now takes. Khokon pointed to the incarceration of popular Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and the continuing attacks on minorities, along with the government’s inaction or inability to stop them.
A high-level intelligence source told me that there has been a rejig in the Bangladeshi army, and Islamist officers have been promoted by the Yunus administration. Earlier this year, Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman said there is political rot and anarchy within the country and warned Islamist forces to stand down or else the country’s freedom would be at risk.
If Yunus wants Bangladeshi women to enjoy equal rights as men, he would have to address growing radicalism in his country first. Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds won’t help.
Source: theprint.in
https://theprint.in/opinion/muhammad-yunus-wants-womens-rights-in-bangladesh-first-rein-in-islamic-radicals/2627811/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/hair-flipping-dance-women-welcomed-trump/d/135584