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The forgotten guide | Kuwait Times Newspaper

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By Najd W Al-Ojairi

Imagine preparing for Ramadan without knowing when the month begins. Or praying without knowing where the Qibla is. It’s hard to imagine, right? Yet, many Muslims today rely entirely on apps and pre-set calendars without understanding why Ramadan starts when it does, how the Qibla is determined, or why prayer times change. The answers to all of these questions lie in the sky. “Do they not look at the sky above them, how We have built it and adorned it, and it has no flaws?” (Surah Qaf 50:6).

Look up. The sky has always been our guide. It tells us when to fast, when to pray, and which way to turn in worship. But in an age where screens have replaced the stars, many Muslims don’t know how to read the signs above their heads.

Because Islamic rituals like Ramadan rely on celestial movements, and because the legacy of Muslim astronomers has been neglected in modern education, it’s important for every Muslim to have at least a basic understanding of astronomy. This way, we can practice our faith accurately and strengthen our connection to it.

“They ask you about the crescent moons. Say, ‘They are measurements of time for the people and for hajj.’” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:189). From the very beginning, the Quran makes it clear. The moon is not just a celestial body, it is a timekeeper for faith itself. Every prayer, every fast, every pilgrimage is tied to the movement of the sky. But how many of us actually understand it? Today, we refresh our phones, waiting for an announcement, disconnected from the very signs Allah placed above us. We trust screens more than the sky itself. It’s easy to say, “Well, I don’t need to know this because I have an app.” Sure, today you do. But what happens if the app stops working? What happens if you’re somewhere without service, without a signal, without access? Would you be able to find the Qibla without a phone? Would you be able to tell if Maghrib had truly come or if your app was just set to the wrong time zone?

It’s not about rejecting technology, it’s about understanding what it’s based on. We should be using it as a tool, not as a replacement for knowledge. Islam teaches us to seek understanding, not just to follow orders without question. It’s not just about astronomy, it’s about agency. It’s about truly knowing your faith beyond just checking your phone for a notification.

Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi, the first Kuwaiti astronomer, understood this better than anyone. In 1938, he laid the foundation for what would become the most trusted calendar in Kuwait, the Ojairi Calendar. But his work wasn’t just about creating a schedule, it was about preserving the connection between Islam and the cosmos.

Through years of observation and research, he developed a scientifically accurate method for determining lunar months, prayer times, and astronomical events. His calculations are so precise that Kuwait still depends on them. In fact, the official Kuwaiti lunar calendar used for Ramadan, Eid, and daily prayer schedules is still based on his work, even after his passing. This is proof that astronomy is still relevant to Islam today.

Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi was a beacon of light, not just an astronomer. He dedicated his life to making sure Muslims would never have to rely on chance to find their way, pray, or fast. He established the first observatory in Kuwait and left behind knowledge that is as bright as the stars he studied. However, knowledge is only useful if we decide to use it to our advantage. The sky, the calculations, the history — we have it all, but we’ve grown too detached to look up. When Saleh Al-Ojairi left this world, he didn’t truly disappear. His work lives on, just like the stars whose light continues to shine even after they’re gone. So, will we follow his light or will we keep living in the dark?

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Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

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Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

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Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

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 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

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He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA

 

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Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

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KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

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