Friday Forum Kuwait Alumni

Friday Forum, a socio cultural organization based in State of Kuwait, are actively engaged in various humanitarian activities including scholarship, medical care, charity, support of many Indian NGO’s apart from their socio-cultural activities. An organization started over three decade ago, by now have many of their members retired from Kuwait and/or relocated back to Kerala or elsewhere. To connect those like minded members who left Kuwait, an Alumni of Friday Forum, Friends of Friday Forum (FFF), was started 2 years back and a committee was initiated to foresee connecting the members across Kerela and elsewhere who have relocated from Kuwait.

FFF have planned a get together and finally it was materialized on the 9th and 10th of December 2023 in Sterling Resort, Alleppey which was attended by over 52 participants, constituting members and families, from Mahi to Trivandrum in Kerala and participants from Kuwait as well as Dubai. The get together program was organized under the leadership of Mansoor, Nabeer AK, Harris Aydeed who have done a wonderful job in the last two months setting up the team and venue making it a memorable gathering of those ex FF members. Senior members like Salim, Salam, Azeemuddin, PK Jamal, Abdul Salah, Mohammed Kutty, Hassan Thikkodi, Sirajudeen, Asharf Aydeed, EK Rafeeq, Mohd Hilal, Ali Matra, Saifudeen, Muddar Kannu, Shouwkath Cherupulashery attended fromaround Kerela while Dr Amir, Dr Thasneem, Dr Sajna, Afzal Ali attended from Kuwait as well as Dr Raoof from Dubai. I was also a guest to this get together with my son, and had a very nice and memorable time together 

The get together included some program including sharing the members and spouses Kuwait and post Kuwait experiences followed by some very noteworthy games organized by Nawaz Dawood and Ashraf AK with their wife’s, which made the overall get together a more unforgettable gathering. Saifudeen, after a gap of 15 years, sung a very nice song to keep all very engaged. FFF President Mohammed Kutty started the functions.

A house boat cruise with lunch was sponsored by Nishad Azeem from Qatar, son of Azeemuddeen which was an attraction of the overall get together. The programs concluded by a naseeha from PK Jamal, a regular event in any FF events without which the FF program is incomplete. This was followed by an evening tea/coffee in resort, organized by the mighty Dr Amir due to his great connection across the Globe. One thing missed to inform was the lunch on 9th December, which was arranged in Taaza Restaurant, co-owned by Nizam Siraj from Oman, son of Sirajudeen who offered a handsome discount. The success of this event have led to announcement of similar gathering with Kuwait crowd also, during August 3/4 which will be coordinated by Mohammed Hilal and Subair.

May Allah bless all those who helped to make this event enjoyable and memorable Aameen 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Esa 

European Travel

My son Mansoor was calling me many times when they visited European countries I was not interested mainly because my wife Subaida was not well . Now he is asking me to join with him and family to Ireland via UK. My grand son Yousuf and family settled in Ireland. My wife is no more so I decided to go and my son applied for visa to travel by end of Sept 2023. 

We all got visas for UK/Ireland and trying for tickets for 27th from Nedumbassery Cochin to UK and then to Ireland after 2 days in London 

Tickets reserved for 27th September 2023 to go to London and  after two days stay there to go to Dublin Ireland on 30th and return to Cochin on 6th October in Itihad Airways 

Left Cochin on 27th first to Aboodabi and then to London in London Yousuf was waiting and we all came to our temporary residence arranged by Yousuf

On 28th we had sight seeing including London Eye boating Cruise and other important places prayed magrib in a small Mosque nearby and dinner in an Indian restaurant Kishmish. On 29th we had good break fast in Popina Restaurant in Oxford street did some shopping. My brothers grand son Ahamed who is studying in UK joined us performed Juma namas  in Mayfare Islamic Centre and had lunch in Sofra restaurant in Bond street and returned tired to our residence . Ahamed left for his hostel

On 30th by 12 all left London to Dublin the capital of Ireland and arrived by 1.30 pm and taking a taxi we reached the temporary residence.  It was drizzling and temperature 16 .Accommodation arranged by Yousuf good all had lunch. We went for magrib to a neighbouring big Mosque met a relative there. Returned after food and purchases.

On 1st October we all went to the city by bus visited Musium castle exhibition and had boating cruise. Returned after food and purchases. South Indian Dinner arranged by Yousuf brought home. Ireland people called Irish are very good helpful and smiling. They keep the city clean and never cheat anyone. 

On 2nd October we went to St. Stephens green park and shopping centre purchased certain items and had food. The park is very clean and amazingly greenish. Public transport buses and trams are very regular. Many use bicycle here. All are highly disciplined and truthful 

Being tired I didn't go out on 3rd. I remained in our temporary flat and Yousuf wife Sadiya prepared lunch and kept. All went to the neighbouring gardens. Here even our flat is surrounded by nice trees. Went for magrib in the neighbouring big Mosque 

We had a wonderful experience on 4th October in Powerscote Estate with beautiful gardens, lakes, water falls and castle. We have never seen such a big garden with lots of trees and flowers. We were wondering how nice will be the garden in Heaven in that case. May Allah bless us all  to enjoy Heaven with gardens Aameen. We left after lunch from AVOCA CAFE inside the park

Our relative Nias and family visited us and had dinner 6thwith us 

On 5th October we all assembled in Yousuf house had lunch and then visited the biggest Mall Blancherst Town centre did some purchases and returned. Dinner ordered from outside 

We left Dublin on 6th October and reached Cochin after a transit in Aboodabi by early morning on 7th. That was a tiresome travel and all were exhausted so took rest

Though I have gone to many Gulf countries ,This was my first visit to European countries. Among the countries I visited I liked Dublin with self disciplined people good environment and discipline 

Alhamdulillah I am thankful to Allah to make me see the blessings of Allah in two European countries also through Mansoor. May Allah give more barkat and health to Mansoor and his family Aameen 

About me

Some of the blessings that Allah gave me with his Mercy.  I am thankful to Allah for all His blessings 

Got admission to Mechanical Engineering in College of Engineering Trivandrum in the Merit seat in 1959

Received Govt of India Merit cum means Scholarship for 4 years of Engg study

Dr. Fierison of the University of Wisconson invited me to USA when I secureed 1st in Gas Dynamics which he handled on an exchange program. I could not go due to some family problems. 

But I then Got direct admission to 2nd year of M.Tech in IIT Madras  in 1969. Completed M.Tech in 1970

The project I did was design Fabrication and testing of a Radial Blower. It is still working there for Research 

Got  admission to PhD in IIT Bombay in the Quality improvement Programme of the Govt of India with salary stipent and subsidised furnished flat and completed defence in March 1979. My family also with me then.

Could guide students for making a Robot with the assistance of ISRO in 1987

Became expert member for selecting Engineers for Kerala Public Service commission and Kerala Minerals and Metals

Became member of Board of studies in Engineering and Faculty of Engineering of Kerala University 

Became Board of Studies member ib Engineering of MG University 

Was member of the Governing body of TKMCE for one year

I was one among the 5 members who set up computer lab in TKMCE 

Though I never went to foreign countries for studies, I was taught by following foreigners in IITs on exchange program 

Germans

Americans

Australian 

Russian  and

British   Alhamdulillah

Handled introduction of computers and Computer Programming for the faculty including Principal of TKMCE and faculty of Muscat Technical Industrial College Oman 

My son got admission in merit seat for Engineering 

My daughter got married in a good place 

Got senior faculty in Muscat Technical Industrial College for 5 years

My HOD Dr. Derrick Hewitt and office Head Valeed came to Airport to receive me

Derrick personally helped to get visa for my daughter . Derricks wife used to visit our house and remain with my daughter 

My son got a job in Muscat

I could perform well in teaching Arabs in Muscat 

I visited with family Muscat soudi Dubai Kuwait Qatar and Aboodabi

Was guest faculty of Cochin University for Naval Architecture and Ship Technology course  for 2 years

Could work for 2 years in National College Tvm as Dean Academic Affairs

Enjoyed my job as Principal Younus College of Engineering Kollum for 3 years. I got wonderful support and encouragement from students staff and management there

My grand son got employed in Sweden 

Another grand son in Ireland now

I have 12 grand children and 8 great grand children 

Alhamdulillah I could perform 3 Hajj and an Umra with my wife one Umra alone and another with my son Farook

In Kuwait I could do some dawa and consultation

Alhamdulillah I could make a visit to 2 European countries London and Ireland with the help and support of my son Mansoor during Sept/Oct 2023. My grand son Yousuf and family who are in Ireland were with us throughout 

I could do some social service in Bombay while doing my PhD, in Quilon when I was working and in Cochin after retirement 

Alhamdulillah I am fully satisfied in my life

May Allah make my ending good Aameen

Dr. Mohamed Ali Esa 

Food habits in Islam

Islam permits us to take halal food and drinks but it shouldn't be excessive. The earning should be halal and food should be halal and pure. Sura Aaraf instructs this. According to a hadees Rasool SA instructs to take 1/3 of our stomach with food 1/3 with water and remaining empty for easy digestion. Overeating and wasting prohibited. 

Before we start eating wash our hands and gargle. Start eating by sitting and telling Bismillah. Eat slowly looking at the food and when we finish say Alhamdulillah. Plate should be cleaned with fingers and lick the fingers. Wash our hands and gargle.

Rasool SA used to take light dinner after magrib and avoid talking after Isha

Do not take opposite food when we go for patties or otherwise. Always realise that there are many who have no food. Feeding poor is an act of ibadaa. May Allah bless us to be moderate in eating halal food and share our blessings with others  Aameen 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Esa 

Umra with Farook in Nov 2019

My son Farook wanted me to accompany them for an Umra. Initially I thought I will not be able to do it in this age. Then he said we will go by flight and will stay near to Haram. So I agreed.  He arranged visa , flight tickets and booked Zam Zam Pullman near to Haram for accommodation. Mansoor gave me some Saudi Rials for use and charity there.

On 21st my sons Mansoor and Jakharia took us to Airport. Myself, Farook and Fathima took off in Kuwait Airways to Madeena. Reached Madeena on time and in taxi arrived the hotel. Then we proceeded to Masjidu Nabawi did ziarat and could pray in Roudha Shereef. Magrib to Isha we remained in Mosque in zikar and reciting Quran and then slept in the hotel. 22nd morning could go for Tahajjat and fajar. Then we went for Juma early for Salatu Dhuha and Juma prayer . After Juma we came to room and got ready to leave Madeena. By 2 left Madeena to Mecca in Ihram cloth. Stopped in Meeqat prayed 2 rakat and made the Niyya for Umra for the sake of Subaida and proceeded to Mecca with Talbiat. Alhamdulillah reached Mecca after Isha time checked in the hotel and came to Haram by 8. Stopped Talbiah after seeing Kaba. Rush was not that much. Made duas near Kaba and went to Hajarul Aswad and started Tawaf. During Tawaf after 3rd round small rain started. We didn't stop and completed 7 rounds of Tawaf. It was a great experience. After praying 2 rakat behind Maqame Ibraheem and drinking Zum Zum water started Sahee from Safa to Marwa and then Marwa to Safa and in 7 walking and duas finished at Marwa. Made lots of dua and myself and Farook shaved our head and returned to hotel by 11. Alhamdulillah everything went on well and Farook and Fathima assisted me.

On 23rd prayers duas and Quran recitation and rest. On 24th after Asar we said wida to Kaba with duas and left for Jeddah in taxi. In Kuwait Airways left for Kuwait. Reached Kuwait in time. Mansoor and Jakharia were there in the Airport to receive us. Reached home by 11.30

Alhamdulillah it was a great experience and I am thankful to Farook and Fathima for taking the responsibility of caring and supporting me to do this Umra peacefully and correctly. May Allah accept our Umra and all ibadaa and duas Aameen 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

Witnessing death of important relations

                         

                                             

I have witnessed death of 3 important relatives. First was my grand father Ahamed Hajee Essa Sait who lead a very simple life spending almost entirely his income for us as my father had no income from 1953. My grand father was sick in 1961 at Malikayil home in Kayamkulum. One day suddenly he said he is worried why his vehicle has not reached to take him may be there is a breakdown. People there took it as a joke and asked whether they could also go. He said no, now it is only for him and they can come later. Then he wanted to pass urine and two people took him for that. Then he returned lied down and said Lailaha Illalla and breathed his last. Even now when I remember this I am surprised how he could predict his death and died so peacefully.

Then I witnessed death of my father Essa Ahamed Sait.  He was diagnosed as having throat cancer in 1974 beginning. My brother took him to Madras Cancer institute. It was in the last stage and the doctors asked to take him back. He came to Cochin knowing fully well that his last time has come. He was prepared for death. I reached Cochin. He was not in good terms with few. He asked me to call them and he has asked forgiveness from them. Then whoever comes he used to ask whether  it is Friday and whether time is 3. He was in Gauthom hospital and the owner Dr. Jayachandran was his friend. He permitted all the vacant rooms to be occupied by our family. My father breathed his last on a Friday early Morning at 3 on 20th Sept 1974 in the presence of all relatives and reciting Allah slowly. I am still surprised how he could exactly predict his day and time.

The third is my mother in law Suleka Bai.  In 1978 she was in my brother in law house in Quilon.  I was staying this side of 3rd mile stone bridge and they were on the other side. 2nd day of Eid I brought her to my house. Unusually this time she said not to close our door and keep a glass of water nearby. By mid night I heard her repeatedly telling Allah and also I felt she has breathing problem. I called my wife to make hot water. My mother in law held my wife's hand and made her sit nearby and put her head in her daughter's lap. I felt the sound stopping and jumped out of my bed dipped my finger in water and put one drop of water in her mouth. She breathed her last then.

All the three knew their time of departure and got prepared. None had any money or possessions with them and that may be the reason they could go peacefully. May Allah forgive all their sins and give them highest place in Jannah Aameen

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

QATAR TRIP

Visit to DOHA QATAR

Me and my son Mansoor decided to go to Qatar from Kuwait to see the place and visit some of our relatives there  on 26th Sept 2019 for 2 days. Visa will be available on arrival at Qatar. My 2nd son Farook gave few Qatri Rial for expenses there. We have booked tickets in Kuwait Air and stay in Golden Tulip.

My 3rd son Jakharia dropped us to the Airport. Flight was on time and person from Hotel took us to the hotel and we were given accommodation in room 1201 in the Executive Launge . We took rest. One of our relatives Haneef  had a heart attack few days back in Qatar.

On 27th the next day son of Haneef  Izhar came and  took us to show his father in the hospital. He was happy to see us. He is improving and will be discharged soon. Izhar then took us for Juma and lunch and then dropped us to another relative Altaf's house. Altaf is the gr son of my direct uncle.The full family greeted us with great pleasure and after discussions and tea took us to another relative Najeeb house where they were also very  happy to see us. Najeebs daughter and son in law  where also there. Then we returned with Altaf to his house and had a great dinner and then he dropped us to the hotel.

Next day 28th Morning Altaf came and took us to the National Science Museum. It is a lotus shaped big Museum worth seeing . Many visitors were there. We went round and took many pics. Then Altaf took us for lunch and dropped us to the hotel. We took some rest. Altaf and wife then came to the hotel with some sweets and left. The hotel person dropped us to the Airport. Flight on time and arrived Kuwait by 8.30. Mansoor's son Yousuf came to Airport to receive us.

The trip was wonderful with visiting relatives and sight seeing. But Doha was very humid. I am thankful to Allah to make me see one more country in Gulf. I am thankful to my son Mansoor who took me in spite of his busy schedule. He came exclusively for me and may Allah give him barkat Aameen