BACK in the 1960s and 1970s, the hippie movement was in full swing — the expression of freedom of soul and mind was made through hippie clothes and music. It was a crack in the wall of rigid socialism and colonialism. It marked a new age and it was during this period that countries under colonial rule became independent. Laws protecting women and children were passed and international human rights were being dictated at the famous United Nations.
At the time, people were optimistic that these changes would eventually bring about international treaties and we would have peace on earth. If aliens on other planets were watching us, I think they would have been absolutely sure that we were on the verge of a new huge evolution.
In reality, things were not as they seemed. While humans were celebrating their newfound freedom, a new “breed” was hatching, a dark breed that was fed and fueled with hatred and self-destruction. A new species of half-human half-demon was being prepared in cave laboratories and ready to be released into the world. Those who created this breed wanted new soldiers to fight for new territories and for the new frontiers: Oil and Water.
Little did they know that no one can control the beast once it is unleashed and that once it is finished with its targets, it would turn on its creator. The beasts’ appetite is insatiable and the more it kills, the more it craves.
Terrorism is the new path for this breed and so far, despite all our efforts, no cure or vaccination has managed to stop it from spreading like wild fire. Only those who created it for their own gain, in the dark caves, should know that it is their responsibility to do the math and find the cure.
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In Saudi Arabia, what are the most famous names and their meanings?
— Mira Dodd, Las Vegas
You are spot on Mira... the meaning of names is the basic issue in naming boys and girls when they are born in the Arab world in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. Usually the names have historical, poetical and sometimes religious overtones. The most popular boy’s name is Muhammad (the name of the Prophet, peace be upon him) which means the one who celebrates and praises Almighty God. Various other names are derived from this — Hamad, Ahmad and Mahmood for example — and they all mean basically the same thing.
Another popular name is Ali, who was the Prophet’s cousin and most loyal follower. The name is used by both Sunni and Shiite alike.
Other popular boy’s names are those which celebrate submission to Almighty God. Abdullah means the slave of God; Abdul Rahman means the slave of the Most Merciful God; Abdul Kareem means the slave of the Most Generous God; Abdul Aziz means the slave of the Most Proud God. Khaled was one of the supporters of the Prophet and it means everlasting while Faisal means the sword that makes the cut between right and wrong. Sultan means the power of the land while Salman (and Suleiman) are Arabic versions of the Jewish name, Solomon; Saud means joy and prosperity.
As for girls, the most popular names are Sarah which is often mentioned in poetry and is the name of Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) wife, it means princess; Maha is a beautiful kind of desert deer; Norah means light and shine; Al-Jawhrah is a precious jewel in the crown; Mashael is a glorious torch used to lead armies. Hessah is the good share and Fatima was the name of one of the Prophet’s daughters. Dana is a precious pearl from the sea while Reem is a small graceful deer.
I must add that parents are often called by the names of their eldest son. For example, if a man’s eldest son is named Ali, he will be called “Abu Ali” which means “father of Ali.” His wife will be known as “Umm Ali” which means “mother of Ali.”
4) I am an 18 year old American girl from San Diego. My mother was originally from Lebanon; she died last year but she was very proud of her Arab heritage and she told us about her village in Lebanon. She also said that her mother came from Saudi Arabia. Since her death, I have been searching the Internet for information about my ancestors but without much success. Can you help me? Amina Kadry — San Diego .
* Dear Amina, First let me tell you that I am a big fan of Lebanon and Lebanese culture. Second I must be frank with you and tell you from the start that your job is not easy but neither is it impossible. First google google looking for books that deal with family names in the Arabian peninsula; they may be in Arabic but you might find English version. Another way is to chat to friends and bloggers in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Good luck.
