Culture and Art
Rahaf's magic wand... and the verse of God
At first, he thought that the air had a hidden reckoning with the wind, but then his journey of philosophy and his "shy" and persistent prophecy came to an end
At first, he thought that the air had a hidden account with the wind, then his journey of “shy” philosophy and prophecy, based on reading a page from a “book,” ended with a more common and less complicated path, when he realized that the comfort of his “head” was more important, and finally he judged: it must be the eternal war between good and evil.
They had always descended with a regular, almost weekly, slow descent, like two submissive clouds, as if surrendering to a divine decree ordained since eternity, and reverent to the gentle remembrance of God, offering their delicate bodies to the chants of a sound and solemn call to prayer, so much so that even the wind could not help but submit to an unexpected bitterness. I mean the bitterness of the air's failure to provide for those two clouds, for it was not sufficiently ripe today, so that it would not reach the point of dew, and they would not reach their most splendid form as was customary on previous days. Thus they would come, harmonious and complete, the rhythm of the wind aligning with the rhythm of their footsteps, and above the heads of dozens of worshippers near a minaret and trees, they would descend slowly, dancing and intertwined. But (ah, the wind, ah!) I mean the air that preferred to lie still. This prompted his “defeated” question, uttered in a disgusted voice and with gloating features: “Is all this burden left to the wind alone?! Oh, this wretched air!”.
After the muezzin's melodious voice faded, the wind's energy had nearly subsided at two solitary trees, chosen by Aniya from among seven. One of these trees, she claimed, was graced by a dark-skinned woman with sleepy, kohl-rimmed eyes and a small mouth framed by smiling, ripe lips. Each time you saw them, you imagined they were poised for a kiss that would come in mere seconds. You might even imagine her lips possessed a rare, almost ethereal quality. Her hair was black with a hint of gray. She was exactly like black coffee—the kind you brew yourself, with your favorite music, your art-loving spirit, and its sweet, bitter allure. That's how she appeared when she smiled!
"Perhaps she, too, didn't see the view like a passing cloud?!" he wondered, or rather, he sincerely hoped so, when she commented from behind him in a lively voice, snapping some pictures with her small camera: "This tree's fertility is insufficient, unlike the other one. I wonder what's between it and the air?" Then she walked quickly towards it. He said nothing, not because they had nothing to say, but because of the shock of his "innocent" wish, and the question that passed lightly and returned disappointed: "How could they have missed her?! Besides, they cut right in the middle of the two trees?!"—directly above her head. And she was fast asleep! (That, then, is a grievous disappointment), he felt it within his chest when he stood between them, captive to the allure of their harmony and the charm of their beautiful appearance, in that narrow space separating them, that space which contradicts its meaning entirely, until he felt that one of them was carrying him higher and higher in his arms. At that moment, he imagined that one of them carried the intercession of a great, unforgivable sin that he had committed, denying standing before God, and in the other he saw himself as a submissive lover before Him!
But what caught his attention and stirred his emotions, and touched something old that had died within his heart, was that they were all standing in the same place, neither advancing nor retreating - tree against tree - and cloud against cloud!
And she, the woman who resembled "coffee" with its thorns and its thorns, stood beneath and between them, lost in a profound, tree-like contemplation, when she struck the "heart" of the tree with both hands of her left hand. Then, in the same manner, she took a "stick"—the remnants of futile attempts by those whose hearts were untouched by blood—to plow the tree's trunk. "As for these people," she said, "we can do nothing but offer a very small amount of pity and a torrent of curses until they strike one of them. I am certain they will strike them all, not now, but after patience and waiting, perhaps after endless hope and giving. If only we could learn to lean on one another until we die standing, not bent over. Then... without a doubt, our curses will strike them all." She spoke, as satirists would say, with speed and intense anger, then returned to continue her very intimate relationship at this stage with the tree's "trunk.".
(What you say is beautiful and poetic, but if we were human, we would be like trees)... He moved his tongue secretly, and he did well. Then he also improved the way he stood. Curiosity had gnawed at his skin. He wanted to know what this lady, whom he still had not dared to ask, would do or say. “What is your name?!” This was a new curiosity, but it was at the wrong time.
She gently beckoned him closer, followed by a confident smile. "Look at the two trees together, or each one separately, starting from the trunk... what do you see?" she gestured
- nothing !
Her facial features changed, her most charming eyes reddened, as if he had not thrown a "word" but a spark at her ear, which was extinguished by a series of words spoken in one breath:
“Didn’t you notice they’re equal in depth, thickness, and strength? Isn’t the stem of one straight, solid, and flawless, while the other is slanted at its base? I mean, the end of the trunk and the beginning of the stem—look closely at this area. It’s the heartwood,” she said, gesturing around it. But he had focused all his attention elsewhere, on the two lovers’ attempt to draw a heart, or perhaps on the fact that a “complete” heart had indeed formed. He saw it shrunken, as if it held the pangs of longing.
She quickly scanned the two "trees" with her eyes, their crowns and leaves, right and left, then continued calmly and gently: "The leaves of this tree are abundant and sturdy, unlike its sister, whose branches are sparse and pale. I could only imagine her with her head bowed, like a beautiful young woman who had been raped some time ago." Here, she was referring to the tree that bore the mark of her own heartbreak. And he made no attempt to comment on the "ruin"—the pain—within the "wood of the heart"—another heart that was suffering!
With his characteristic "composed" awareness, he noticed that one of the two clouds was no longer opposite the other! He pessimistically took two steps back, thinking he belonged to a completely different category than he actually was, to confirm. Indeed, he could see only a single, dense cloud! "It looks like it's going to rain. Time for me to go back," he thought, finding a reason to leave. In a moment of eerie silence, he decided to abandon everything and head back. At a distance of about two hundred meters, he realized what had happened. He blurted out her name quickly, three letters at once, without any preamble!
Despite his quick wit, he took some time to slow down his rapid steps. Then she continued: "Tell me from this great distance between you now, as you see the two trees more widely. What do you see so I can tell you who you are?!".
- nothing (!)
Here he is today, claiming that he feels nothing, and nothing happens to him, except that every time he stretches out on his “desired” deathbed to stealthily escape the longing of his “regular” questioning to see him only, he scratches his heart, saying: “You see, when I was coming back, how the two trees turned into the image of a man kneeling before a woman… and holding scissors in his hands!?”
Critical view
Dr. Adel Khamis
The story is beautiful... it reveals a true literary talent.
Talent... talent... is not just a shadow of talent.
The poetic language in the text is distinctive and captivating.
Even if it overshadows the narrative structure.
I mean that the story is a narrative genre, and the narrative is based on the story and the way it is told, and the (higher) language comes to be an additional embellishment that increases the splendor of the work, and deepens the meaning more (that is, the function of poetic language in the narrative text contributes to building aesthetics and contributes to the surplus of meaning).
But sometimes it overwhelms and affects the narrative structure of the text. (The story sometimes gets lost behind levels of linguistic formation).
The text is beautiful, and it takes you to different horizons of contemplation and interpretation.
Culture and Art
Updates on Hani Shaker's health condition after he was admitted to intensive care
Details of artist Hani Shaker's health condition after undergoing emergency surgery and being transferred to intensive care. His manager reveals to Okaz the cause of the bleeding and the latest updates on his medical condition.
Recent news regarding the health condition of the great Egyptian artist Hani Shaker, nicknamed “Prince of Arab Singing”, has sparked widespread concern in artistic and public circles, after the announcement that he was urgently transferred to intensive care following a sudden health crisis that required immediate surgical intervention.
Details of the health crisis and surgical intervention
In an exclusive statement to Okaz newspaper, the manager of artist Hani Shaker revealed the precise details of the crisis, confirming that the artist suffered a sudden and severe hemorrhage in his colon, which necessitated his immediate transfer to the hospital and an emergency surgery to stabilize the situation. He explained that Shaker is currently in the intensive care unit, where he is under close and continuous medical supervision by a team of senior doctors to ensure the stability of his vital signs.
Relative stability and precautionary monitoring
Regarding the developments in his condition, the business manager indicated that there is a noticeable gradual improvement in the health condition of the Prince of Arab Singing, but the medical team preferred not to rush his exit from intensive care, preferring to keep him under observation for an additional period as a precautionary measure to ensure that no complications occur and to make sure that the wound heals and the bleeding stops completely before transferring him to a regular room.
Union support and a prolific artistic career
In a related development, the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate has been closely monitoring the condition of its former head. Nadia Mustafa, a board member and the syndicate's official spokesperson, called on fans and the Arab public to pray for the renowned artist's speedy recovery, emphasizing that the syndicate is following all details concerning his health condition closely and wishing him a swift recovery and return to entertaining his audience.
Hani Shaker is considered one of the most prominent figures in classical and contemporary Arabic music, boasting a decades-long artistic career during which he presented hundreds of works that have shaped the consciousness of the Arab public. This crisis serves to highlight his immense popularity among his fans, as his name trended on search engines and social media platforms immediately after the news broke.
Previous health challenges and artistic determination
It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Hani Shaker has faced health challenges recently. He previously performed a huge concert in the United Arab Emirates, his first public appearance after undergoing delicate spinal surgery. He appeared seated while singing, a scene that reflected his strong determination to fulfill his artistic commitments and his respect for his audience despite the pain. He also delivered a moving message to the audience, expressing his gratitude for their support, which he considers an essential part of his recovery journey.
Culture and Art
Diab refuses to work with Ghada Abdel Razek and chooses Mona Zaki to star in his film
Diab sparks controversy in Ramadan 2026 with his statements about Ghada Abdel Razek, and reveals his ideal partner and details of his new series, "Kimia" with Mustafa Gharib.
Egyptian artist Diab widespread controversy in artistic circles and on social media platforms following his recent bold statements, in which he revealed his firm decision not to collaborate artistically again with star Ghada Abdel Razek . This came during his appearance on the prank and talk show "Ramez Level the Monster," which aired during Ramadan 2026, where Diab opened up to the public, speaking candidly about his career choices and relationships within the artistic community.
Past conflicts and their impact on the future
Diab explained that his decision not to work with Ghada Abdel Razek again stemmed from a previous experience they shared, which he described as unsatisfactory both professionally and personally. These statements highlight the importance of chemistry and compatibility between actors in dramatic works, as harmony behind the scenes is a crucial factor in the success of any artistic endeavor. Disagreements or discomfort on set often negatively impact the quality of the final product, prompting artists to make crucial decisions about their future partners to ensure a healthy and creative working environment.
Mona Zaki... the dream partner
In another context, when asked which leading actress he would most like to co-star with in a film, Diab didn't hesitate to choose the renowned actress Mona Zaki , preferring her to other options such as Mai Ezz El-Din, Mai Omar, and Mai Kassab. This choice reflects Diab's appreciation for Mona Zaki's considerable talent, a true icon of Egyptian cinema. He sees her as the ideal partner for delivering a work of art with significant dramatic weight, highlighting Diab's ambition to create films that rely on powerful acting and a well-crafted plot.
Comedy and competition in Ramadan 2026
With great candor, Diab praised the talent of the young artist Mustafa Gharib , emphasizing that he possesses a remarkable ability to make audiences laugh, surpassing even his own personal capacity. He expressed his profound admiration for Gharib's spontaneous comedic style. This praise comes at a time when the artistic community is witnessing the rise of a new generation of comedians who are making a significant impact on both television drama and film.
The series "She Kimia" and skin transformation
In the current Ramadan 2026 season, Diab presents a completely new face to his audience through the series "Heya Kimya" (She's Kimya) . In this work, Diab decides to break away from the villainous roles he excelled in for years, presenting a comedic character that showcases hidden facets of his talent. The series stars a distinguished cast, most notably Mustafa Gharib, Mariam El Gendy, the veteran actor Sayed Ragab, Mohamed Abdel Azim, and Michel Milad. Written by the talented writer Mohab Tarek and directed by the creative Islam Khairy, the series is expected to achieve great popular success due to its exceptional artistic ensemble.
Culture and Art
The truth about Yara El Sokary's injury on Ramez Level the Beast and her fiery response
Yara El Sokary denied being injured on Ramez Level El Wahsh, confirming that she enjoyed the episode. Read the details of her response to the rumors, behind-the-scenes details of her participation with Ramez Galal, and her philosophy on remaining silent.
Young Egyptian actress Yara El Sokary has put an end to the recent controversy circulating on social media, categorically denying that she suffered any physical injuries while filming her episode on the popular prank show "Ramez Level the Monster." El Sokary confirmed that the reports about her physical harm were completely false, noting that everything went smoothly despite the prank's difficulty.
Behind the scenes of the episode: "I was humiliated and I enjoyed myself."
In response to the rumors, Yara El Sokary clarified that the episode ended on a very positive note, saying, "There were no injuries. On the contrary, the episode finished and we were all sitting around laughing and making fun of things that happened." Describing her experience on the show, whose episode aired yesterday, she added, "I was a bit rough around the edges, but I enjoyed it. There were no injuries, contrary to what was reported in the news. Nothing happened." This statement reflects the artist's good sportsmanship and her acceptance of the show's nature, which relies on excitement and big surprises.
Prank shows: Wide popularity and ongoing controversy
Yara El Sokary's participation in "Ramez Level the Monster" comes within the context of Ramadan programs that enjoy record viewership in the Arab world. Ramez Galal's programs are a fixed annual phenomenon that generates as much controversy as it attracts viewers. These types of programs are usually characterized by physical and psychological challenges for the guests, making rumors of injury a recurring theme that plagues many celebrities after their episodes air. Despite the criticism that sometimes arises regarding the severity of the pranks, the appearance of artists on these shows is an indicator of their strong presence in the art scene, guaranteeing them a place on trending topics and search engines, thus enhancing their local and regional fame and popularity.
The philosophy of silence in the face of rumors
On another note, Yara El Sokary discussed her approach to dealing with the rumors that periodically circulate about her. During her appearance on the program "Secrets of the Stars" with journalist Inji Ali, she explained that the rumors no longer bother her; rather, she views them as evidence of her success and influential presence.
Al-Sukkari, expressing her maturity in dealing with social media, said, "I wasn't bothered by the rumors that circulated, and I said things were going well." She continued, explaining her philosophy: "I don't get upset by these things. I'm a patient person, and I always say, 'Give me some time, and everything will become clear.'" She emphasized that silence is her strongest weapon, adding, "I've always been calm, and I've never responded, but as I've grown older, I've learned more, and silence has never let me down. I deal with the noise with complete silence; there's strength in silence in some matters." This approach reflects an awareness of the importance of focusing on artistic work rather than getting caught up in digital squabbles.
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