Several Pakistani expatriates living in the Kingdom condemn the protests taking place back home in response to the anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims”. The Pakistani government declared a holiday to let people take to the streets. “Whatever is happening is sad, because our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never taught violence,” says Mohammed Haseeb, IT manager at a reputed company in Jeddah.
According to media reports, Lahore and Islamabad had peaceful protests, in contrast to the ones in Karachi and Peshawar. Haseeb, however, thinks the media only covered the violent protests in Karachi and Peshawar. “My friends who live in Karachi say the protests were peaceful throughout the city, except for a few places that the media covered.”
“I don’t think anyone was expecting this kind of violent backlash against such a low-profile film, but I guess that’s the power of the Internet,” says Rehman Akhtar, a British national of Pakistani origin who works as a communications consultant in the Eastern Province and has performed stand-up comedy in many countries in the Middle East and the West.
Akhtar says the protests have shown the world, once again, how sensitive Muslims are about any attacks on their religion and Prophet. “The current situation makes me wonder two things: Firstly, are certain elements in the West exploiting this sensitivity to provoke Muslims into a predictable reaction and thereby causing instability? Secondly, are all the protesters really just protesting about this one film, or do they treat this as a convenient excuse to vent their anti-Western feelings? I’m not sure what the right answer is, but there is some degree of manipulation happening on both sides.” Akhtar thinks Muslims are absolutely right to show their anger at this situation, but there is a difference between proportionate protest and uncontrolled violent protest.
“For example, in the murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens in Libya, we lost a good man who, by all accounts, was working to improve the lives of ordinary people in the Middle East. He died for something with which he had absolutely no connection. How can this possibly be justified in Islam or by any other rationale? If we complain about our treatment as Muslims, then we need to try and lead by example,” says Akhtar.
“There are other, more subtle ways of protesting,” Akhtar continues. “I try to provoke people into thinking through certain situations through my comedy, using tools such as irony and sarcasm. You can actually make people think more deeply about something without confronting them head on. I regularly poke fun at issues such as racism and sexism, and I enjoy the healthy debate this often provokes.”
Akhtar explains that most major changes in the world have their seeds in mass protest. He says that in the short term, it certainly helps to vent anger. However, “when protests involve the death of scores of people – as they did in Pakistan –one has to wonder whether, in the long run, is it worth losing one’s life over an insignificant film made by someone who would never have dreamt of getting this kind of publicity were it not for the protests themselves.”
According to Alam Musthaq, a senior marketing executive at a construction company in Jeddah, it is very barbaric to act violently toward such a situation.
“It is true that we, as Muslims, have the right to be angry about someone creating a film against Islam,” says Musthaq. “But I think doing things that are against what the beloved Prophet Muhammad taught us will portray a wrong picture about our religion.” Some expatriates, on the other hand, believe that protesting against the anti-Islam film can make a difference.
Speaking on the topic, Lubna Sohail, a housewife, says that Muslims protesting from each and every country can get the filmmaker punished.
“Like they say, the majority always wins,” says Sohail.”The filmmaker has no right to hurt the sentiments of any religious group, and if he does he should be punished.”
Sohail explains that protesting doesn’t mean being violent and killing people in the name of Islam. “When something is said or done against our Prophet, we as Muslims must take some action. The protest in Lahore was calm, and that sort of protesting is what I support.”
Pakistani expats denounce violent anti-Islam film protests
Pakistani expats denounce violent anti-Islam film protests
Smart nutrition for a winter Ramadan
- Experts share practical tips on protein timing, hydration and balanced meals
RIYADH: As Ramadan falls during winter this year, thoughtful preparation and planning is needed for a range of health and nutritional challenges.
Nutrition and fitness specialists emphasize that gradual pre-Ramadan adjustments and the selection of digestion-friendly foods are essential for a comfortable fasting experience, particularly for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions.
Tailored strategies are especially important for athletes. Proper timing of protein intake, sufficient calories, and well-structured meals and supplements are critical to prevent muscle loss and fatigue amid a short eating window and colder weather.
Amal Althayed, a clinical dietitian specialist, highlights the importance of “smart gradual preparation” before Ramadan to avoid digestive shock, especially for those with IBS.
She recommends starting one to 10 days before Ramadan by gradually delaying the evening meal and reducing daytime portions. This approach helps align the body’s biological clock and digestive system.
At the onset of fasting, Althayed suggests prioritizing digestion-friendly foods. Iftar should start with warm liquids, such as bone broth, accompanied by simple carbohydrates and light proteins. Fried foods and heavy legumes should be avoided initially.
She also stresses the importance of a balanced sahoor, focusing on protein and soluble fiber — such as boiled eggs with whole wheat bread — while minimizing simple sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Heavy evening stimulants such strong coffee, chocolate, and high-sugar foods can irritate the digestive system and worsen symptoms, particularly for individuals with IBS, Althayed warns.
The key to navigating nutritional challenges during Ramadan — whether related to digestion or cravings for sweets — lies in mindful food choices, dietary balance, and listening to the body. Consulting a dietitian to create a personalized plan is strongly advised, she says.
Khaled Alhasher, CEO of Next Stage, a company specializing in dietary supplements, told Arab News that the main nutritional challenge during winter fasting is not dehydration, as commonly believed, but insufficient calorie and protein intake due to a short eating window and early satiety.
Alhasher recommends starting iftar with fast-digesting protein, taking supplements such as creatine before exercise, having a post-workout protein and carbohydrate meal, and ending the day with slow-digesting casein protein before bedtime.
Exercise immediately before iftar should be limited to light or moderate intensity. The body should be fueled with carbohydrates and protein at sahoor, while strong stimulants or Branched-Chain Amino Acid supplements should be avoided during fasting, he cautions.
Despite reduced thirst in winter, fluid and electrolyte replenishment remains essential. Sipping water during non-fasting hours and consuming electrolyte drinks after exercise helps maintain hydration.
Preventing muscle breakdown depends on consuming adequate protein —1.6 to 2.2 grams per k of body weight — taking casein before sleep, maintaining regular training, and using creatine, Alhasher says.
He also recommends supplements that are particularly important in winter — vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 — for their role in addressing deficiencies, supporting immunity, and aiding recovery.
The most common mistake is relying on supplements to compensate for a poor diet. Alhasher said: “Supplements complement; they don’t replace. Prioritize adequate calories, sufficient protein, and quality sleep first.”
Mahmoud Shaheen, head chef at Spread in Riyadh, says Ramadan offers an ideal opportunity to reset dietary habits in a healthy and balanced way while preserving the spirit of the traditional table.
Moderation and ingredient quality are essential for comfortable and harmonious fasting. Shaheen explains that iftar should start gradually, with warm fluids such as water or herbal tea and a moderate amount of dates.
Main dishes can be both healthy and indulgent by using methods such as grilling or slow cooking, paired with high-quality proteins including chicken or lean meats, and accompanied by vegetables, brown rice, or whole grains.
For desserts, Shaheen recommends lighter, balanced options, such as grilled fruits with yogurt or low-sugar pudding. Portion control is key to enjoying them without overloading the digestive system.
He also notes the benefits of mild winter spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, to enhance flavor without straining the body, while reducing hot spices and excessive sodium.
“Ramadan is not a season of excess, but a time for balance,” he said.
