Blog Archives - Beduin Culture - Saudi Arabia

Shaikh Uthaimeen's Grandaughter

10/21/2015

I discovered a student in my class who was the granddaughter of the late and very famous Shaikh Al Othaimeen. This student who is always talking and doesn't come to class prepared but knows English very well is the 'one' student that every teacher says that they have, a class clown or chatter box. So she didn't reach the chatter box level but the fact that she doesn't do the work when asked surely bothers every teacher. So darn annoying - the feeling that every teacher expresses for students like that - Excellent in the subject but doesn't do whats told.
So it all started out by me asking about her hair in private. She has a unique hairstyle which not many do. In the West, it would be perceived as quite masculine and people would associate it with certain groups which are deemed very un-Islamic. When I asked her about why she does that particular style, she asked me for the Islamic proof that prevents it. I searched and couldn't find the proof. Then, I told her that there is nothing that prevents this 'do'. Then, she says, "Do you know Sh. Uthaimeen?" I said, "Yes, he is a famous scholar world renown." She says, "He is one of my grandfathers." To which I was like WHATTTTTTTTT! No, of course, I didn't say that in front of a class but I did say WHATTTT! It was just so amazing. Like wow, the only two grand muftis that lived in our era, one of them happened to be your grandfather and you are my student! How cool is that! So then, the students didn't know that as well and also were in awe of this.

King Saud University

10/21/2015

So being at KSU is really a privilege. You are truly surrounded by professionals from all over the world who strive together to make the most of the learning experience for their learners. Its quite nice! As always the city students are well more versed in English than the students from small towns. Our campus is huge as well! We have a resource room where we have WiFi, printers and loads of supplies - a dream that can't be expected in other small localities. If something breaks, it DOES get fixed or replaced and that too quickly. They really do their best to give their teachers and students the best. My colleague and I discovered that there was a students souk selling mobile phone covers to book shops, jewelry stores, mini marts and restaurants. Beauty Secrets is coming. All they need is a salon and I will be there every day during my break =) All done by students. Its a pretty big building for this type of arrangement and it was so relaxing - as if i am going to a real souk without paying for the cab! They also have lovely gardens and gazebos. Several patio arrangements are available for students and staff to enjoy the garden.

Riyadh Riyadh Riyadh!

10/21/2015

Being in Riyadh has its pros and cons some of which are traffic, high cost of living. What I miss most are my daily camels that I would see while on my way to work (in the small towns that I used to live in). So yea, not a single camel in site when in Riyadh. Its not that sandy either and your house will pretty much stay clean for a longer time. There are all sorts of western, Asian, middle eastern, European and Mexican restaurants. Sure, everything comes with a price. But if what you like comes with a very low price, then you were favored =)