shy 468 Posted November 30, 2011 Roughly 40 years ago, seven emirates became one nation. This week marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of the United Arab Emirates. This year's celebrations are set to eclipse everything that has gone before them. In the cold light of rationality, I find myself questioning why 40 should be viewed as such a significant milestone. What's the big deal about 40? Why not 30, or 38? But it seems there are certain numbers mankind has decided to imbue with special symbolic status. These "special numbers" cross cultures, and have featured prominently in our lives for millennia. Take, for example, the number one; synonymous with purity, unity and monotheism. And so significant is the number two that some languages, Arabic included, even have a dual-form alongside regular old singular and plural. For example, in Arabic jareeda means "newspaper", jareedatan means "two newspapers", and jaraaid is "newspapers". The number three, of course, is everywhere: three wishes, three witches and three-headed monsters; mythology and folklore are replete with trios. Similar status can easily be awarded to four, five, seven, and 12 too. But 40. Why is 40 so significant? Generally, the symbolic significance of 40 involves duration of time, rather than a frequency count of entities. For example, the English word quarantine comes from the Latin "quadraginta", which reflects the Roman practice of waiting 40 days before unloading a ship suspected of harbouring a contagious disease. Consider also the many scriptural references to 40. The great flood, where it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses' 40 day sojourn at Mount Sinai, before leading his people through the desert for 40 years. Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness, from which the 40 days of Lent are derived. Within the Islamic tradition, the Prophet Mohammed is said to have been 40 when he first received divine revelation. Consider also the various customs and traditions from around the globe involving 40 days as a significant duration. In some communities newborns are only named 40 days after birth. In others, new mothers observe a strict 40 day postnatal convalescence period. At the other end of life, many cultures prescribe a 40 day mourning period for widows, and some even suggest it takes the deceased's soul 40 days to leave the Earthly realm. So infused is Arab and Islamic culture with the number 40, that a whole literary style grew up around the number, with 40 often being used as an organising principle for scholarly works, for example, the classic Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi. In my own field, psychology, the 11th century polymath Abu Hamid Al Ghazali in Breaking of the Two Desires, suggests it is the 40th day of abstinence that marks a significant breakthrough in combating addictions and bad habits. Looking closely at the significance of 40 in these various contexts, a common theme begins to emerge. Throughout these traditions, myths and world religions, the symbolism of 40 seems to reflect an end-point of some particularly significant trial or hardship, a developmental milestone. Basically, if you survive 40 days, weeks, months, or years you're ready to proceed to the next level, to the next significant stage in your mission. The UAE is approaching its 40th anniversary, and whatever the symbolism, the UAE has overcome all the trials and tribulations of the last four decades and has emerged onto the world stage as an example of moderation, flexible adaptability and cultural self-confidence. Whatever the future holds for the UAE, I'm sure this fully-fledged nation is now strong enough to take it in stride. As an expatriate who has enjoyed the kindness, gentleness and generosity of this nation's great people, I sincerely wish the UAE a happy 40th national day, and many more to come. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sharp 62 Posted December 1, 2011 You look so beautifull in Black!.... Oh yeah.... That's My day!!!!.............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shy 468 Posted December 1, 2011 You look so beautifull in Black!.... Oh yeah.... That's My day!!!!.............. mein toh dono he nahi hoon.. hehehehe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sabah 97 Posted December 1, 2011 The UAE’s most patriotic woman?Emirati businesswoman redecorates her car in honour of the UAE’s 40th anniversary An Emirati businesswoman has spent Dhs162,000 to redesign her ride and customise her clothes - all in honour of the UAE’s 40th anniversary. Umm Nahyan showed off her blinging BMW X6 to 7DAYS. It has 150,000 individual Swarovski crystals adorning it and requires special permission from the RTA to be let loose on the UAE’s highways . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maano 22 Posted December 2, 2011 wow awesome sharing! great information and beautiful pictures!!! :yes: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbow 333 Posted December 4, 2011 luvly pictures share more if u can both of u balao :p Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sabah 97 Posted December 5, 2011 luvly pictures share more if u can both of u balao :p thanks 4 liking..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sabah 97 Posted December 5, 2011 wow awesome sharing! great information and beautiful pictures!!! :yes: thanks maano 4 liking Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sabah 97 Posted December 5, 2011 orginaaly pictures r taken by me... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sabah 97 Posted December 5, 2011 group of boys decorating their cars orginally pics r taken by........ me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sabah 97 Posted December 5, 2011 aur pic bhai k mobile mein is liye baad mein post karogi ok Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbow 333 Posted December 5, 2011 mein bas soch rae hoon yeh cars saaf kaisay karain gae ab co most of it is paint isnt it otherwise its soo luvly i love events like this full of colours and lights Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sharp 62 Posted December 8, 2011 mein bas soch rae hoon yeh cars saaf kaisay karain gae ab co most of it is paint isnt it otherwise its soo luvly i love events like this full of colours and lights Ohh yeah!!.... Then come with me ...BUT........Bet if you dont Scar from Misterous Black!!!......... Just started yesterday!.... Lets Meet with Hollywood this Night!........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sharp 62 Posted December 8, 2011 mein toh dono he nahi hoon.. hehehehe No problem at alll!...... You're still a Nice, kind hearted, sweet beautiful Cute Little Shy girl!!!!!............... Becareful when walk in duabi road's!.... I Driffit Somtime's In rush tooo!!!............. Hahahhahahahhahaha!!!.............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shy 468 Posted December 9, 2011 No problem at alll!...... You're still a Nice, kind hearted, sweet beautiful Cute Little Shy girl!!!!!............... Becareful when walk in duabi road's!.... I Driffit Somtime's In rush tooo!!!............. Hahahhahahahhahaha!!!.............. lo ho gai shuroo... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waqas 48 Posted December 10, 2011 Nice Pix btw shy what you did with your car? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shy 468 Posted December 12, 2011 hamari car ko meri choti sis ne khud paint kiya tha aur sara waqt bechari ne dar ke guzara k koi pani na mare is pe.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
