Actress Priyamani Opens Up About Hate And Accusations Of “Love Jihad”, Says People Said Our Kids Would Join ISIS
New Age Islam News Bureau
1 March 2025
· Actress Priyamani Opens Up About Hate And Accusations Of “Love Jihad”, Says People Said Our Kids Would Join ISIS
· Gender-Mixing Laws: Female Singer HivaSeyfizadeh Arrested During Live Performance In Tehran
· Young People Stand Up To The 'Feminist' Protest That Wants To Impose Islam
· Exhibition Giving Afghan Women And Girls A Voice
· FAO, Iraq Train Women To Lead Climate-Smart Farming
· Sharjah Unites Global Diplomats In Celebration Of Women’s Empowerment And Cultural Exchange
· 5 Celebrity Muslim Women Who Slay On and Off Their Hijabs
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/love-jihad-actress-priyamani-isis/d/134759
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Actress Priyamani Opens Up About Hate And Accusations Of “Love Jihad”, Says People Said Our Kids Would Join ISIS
February 28, 2025
L-R, Priyamani, Mustafa Raj
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In a recent interview with Filmfare, actress Priyamani opened up about the hate and accusations of “love jihad” she and her husband, Mustafa Raj, faced for seven years following their interfaith marriage.
Priyamani, who married Raj, a movie director with a background in event management, in 2017, revealed the unexpected and hurtful backlash she received after announcing their engagement. She had simply wanted to share her joy with her followers but was met with intense hate, including accusations related to the “love jihad” conspiracy theory.
The actress recalled the extreme nature of these accusations, where people even suggested that if the couple had children, they would end up joining ISIS. These accusations stemmed from the fact that Priyamani and Mustafa Raj come from different religious backgrounds, a fact that attracted criticism, particularly from Hindutva groups on social media. Despite the personal toll, Priyamani chose not to respond to the hate.
Speaking about the emotional strain, she expressed that while public figures like herself are often subject to online criticism, it was hurtful to see her husband, who isn’t a public figure, targeted as well.
Priyamani noted how the hateful comments, especially when posting with her husband, often revolve around their religion or caste. Over time, she decided not to engage with those fueling the hatred, understanding that their goal was to provoke a reaction. She emphasized that responding to these individuals would only give them the attention they seek.
Her remarks come amid growing concerns about the “love jihad” conspiracy theory, which has been used by far-right and Hindu nationalist groups to create division and violence, especially against Muslims in India. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:
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https://muslimmirror.com/priyamani-opens-up-about-love-jihad-campaign-after-interfaith-marriage-says-people-said-our-kids-would-join-isis/
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Gender-Mixing Laws: Female Singer HivaSeyfizadehArrested During Live Performance In Tehran
2025-02-28
Iranian singer Hiva Seyfizadeh
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Iranian female singer HivaSeyfizadeh was arrested during a live performance in Tehran on Thursday night after security forces raided the venue, whose audience included both men and women in defiance of the theocracy's gender-mixing laws.
Iranian law prohibits women from singing solo before mixed audiences that include men and mandates adherence to strict hijab regulations.
Although the restrictions are longstanding, a surge of recent such performances have challenged legal and cultural boundaries.
According to music journalist Bahman Babazadeh, the concert had received official authorization. However, during the performance, security forces—accompanied by four female officers—entered the venue and took Seyfizadeh into custody.
Authorities have not given an official reason for the arrest, but an eyewitness, speaking to Iran International on condition of anonymity, confirmed that men were present at the event.
The eyewitness also noted that organizers had prohibited the audience from recording the concert.
Shortly after the incident, Emarat Rooberoo, the venue where the concert was held, announced via Instagram that it would remain closed until further notice.
It is unclear whether authorities or a preemptive decision by the organizers imposed the closure.
Seyfizadeh has previously drawn attention for performing without the mandatory hijab in solidarity with anti-government protesters during Iran’s recent wave of civil unrest.
Her arrest follows a broader crackdown on female performers defying Iran’s strict regulations on women’s public appearances and artistic expression.
In December, security forces arrested and later released singer Parastoo Ahmadi after she livestreamed a concert without the mandatory hijab. Ahmadi’s performance, in which she appeared with bare shoulders, directly challenged Iran’s enforced dress code.
Later that month, the Iranian Judiciary issued a statement condemning the event, stating that the concert had been held "without legal authorization and adherence to Sharia principles" and that it would take unspecified action against the singer and the production team.
Despite internet restrictions, Ahmadi’s Caravanserai Concert quickly became one of the most discussed topics on Iranian social media. Though YouTube is officially restricted in Iran, the performance garnered over 1.5 million views within three days, with clips widely shared online.
Source:iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202502286976
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Young People Stand up to the 'feminist' Protest That Wants to Impose Islam
28/02/2025
We consider that women's safety and freedom are in serious danger | Camara EDATV
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In recent days, a protest in front of a school in Parla has brought the use of the hijab in public spaces, especially in the educational field, to the center of the debate. The gathering brought together feminist groups and Islamic collectives demanding the right of Muslim women to wear this garment without restrictions.
The hijab is a traditional garment in many Muslim countries and, for some sectors, represents an expression of identity and faith. However, others consider it an element linked to female submission and contrary to the values of equality that the left so strongly defends.
In different European countries, the debate over its use in schools and public institutions has led to the implementation of regulations that restrict its presence in certain spaces, arguing to guarantee the secularity and neutrality of the State.
In Spain, the discussion about the hijab in the educational field remains open. Meanwhile the left defend the right of each person to decide on their clothing, others fear that allowing it in schools and institutes could be the first step toward normalizing practices that in some contexts have been imposed on women. Organizations like Revuelta have expressed their rejection of this trend, asserting that the defense of the veil in educational spaces could lead to the imposition of dress codes that limit women's freedom.
In a statement, Revuelta has made its position clear:
This group has called for measures to prevent what they consider a threat to democratic values and equality between men and women. They have demanded the prohibition of the hijab in public institutions and have warned about the risks of what they call a cultural transformation process that could affect women's rights in the future.
The debate over the use of the veil in Spain is not new, but this demonstration has reignited a controversy that continues to divide public opinion. While some voices insist on the importance of respecting individual beliefs, others argue that the true fight for equality involves questioning practices that, in certain contexts, have been used as tools of control over women.
Source:edatv.news
https://edatv.news/en/news/young-people-stand-up-to-feminist-demonstration-that-wants-to-impose-islam
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Exhibition giving Afghan women and girls a voice
March 1, 2025
Women from Afghanistan have shared their stories of living under Taliban rule for a new exhibition.
Window to the Soul Afghanistan launched on Friday, at Jerwood DanceHouse in Ipswich, and will be displayed for four weeks.
The project team spent the last year creating a secure platform for women still in Afghanistan, and those who had left, to share their stories of life before and after the Taliban
Nageena, 17, who fled Afghanistan and moved to England three years ago, worked on the project and said she missed her home.
The Taliban, a hardline Islamist group, took control of Afghanistan in 2021 and under its rule women and girls have been subject to strict and oppressive laws.
Nageena and her family fled Afghanistan the day the group took over, which she said was "a very bad day".
She still has family there and said her female relatives, over the age of 12, were not allowed to attend school due to the Taliban's ban.
She stressed the importance of education and said it was "not only about what boys and men can do".
Now living in Suffolk, Nageena is studying a college hairdressing course, but she admitted she still thought about her home.
"I miss my country because it is my home, but I can't go home," she continued.
"When I think about my country I feel very broken in my heart and it's very sad for us."
She said the exhibition had made her feel brave and that she was capable of anything.
Hannah Aria is a local artist who helped set up the exhibition.
"I started off working with refugees in Ipswich," she explained.
"As you gain more connections with people, you connect with the stories and then you want to do something positive to help."
She was introduced to a contact in Afghanistan and through them, met others who shared their stories.
The exhibition makes use of virtual and augmented reality to tell the stories of "people from Afghanistan in an amazing game-like format", Ms Aria said.
She added the exhibition aimed to apply for more funding to expand it further and tell more stories in the future.
"We want to change the world," she said.
Rona Panjsheri, from Afghanistan, also worked on the project and said talking about women in Afghanistan made her emotional.
"It's really sad to talk about them, all negative things, [but] there are some positive things that I am really proud of them [for]," she explained.
"They stand up and they still have a little hope three years after Afghanistan fell at the hands of the Taliban.
"We hope that one day they get free and we talk more positive things about Afghan women and girls."
She added that women and girls in Afghanistan "have no freedom of speech", therefore it was important to "keep telling their stories".
Source:bbc.com
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0dxnxlndjo
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FAO, Iraq train women to lead climate-smart farming
2025-02-28
Shafaq News/ On Friday, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture, concluded a four-day training program.
The organization announced in a statement that the initiative falls under the project Enhanced Climate Resilience of vulnerable agriculture households in Southern Iraq, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
The program is designed to empower rural women, build their capacities, and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The program targets female agricultural extension workers and community facilitators, preparing them to become “climate leaders” who can support rural women in adapting to and mitigating climate-related challenges. The training follows a scientific approach tailored to local agricultural and climate conditions, incorporating field-based pilot experiences and community engagement efforts.
Following the training, the newly designated climate leaders will promote climate-smart agricultural practices among farmers—both men and women—in their communities.
Iraq ranks among the five nations most affected by climate change. A 2022 World Bank report estimates that $233 billion will be needed by 2040 to address environmental challenges. Additionally, 30% of Iraq’s farmland has been lost over the past three decades.
Source:shafaq.com
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/FAO-Iraq-train-women-to-lead-climate-smart-farming
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Sharjah unites global diplomats in celebration of women’s empowerment and cultural exchange
February 28, 2025
Sharjah: To nurture cultural and diplomatic ties and strengthen international collaboration, the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, in partnership with the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (ICCC), organised the “Diplomatic Day for Women Ambassadors in the UAE” on Thursday.
The event brought together 10 ambassadors, alongside diplomats, and leaders, providing a platform for exchanging expertise on women’s empowerment and expanding their impact across sectors. It also highlighted the emirate’s leading role in supporting women, underscoring their vital contribution to development and driving their success.
The event was held in the presence of Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director-General of Rubu’ Qarn foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, Sheikha Hind Bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council; and Reem Bin Karam, Director General of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (ICCC); along with directors of Sharjah institutions.
Effective diplomacy
Commenting on the event, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, said: “Sharjah is committed to cultivating effective diplomatic relations to foster meaningful partnerships that advance shared objectives. The event exemplifies our dedication to strengthening collaboration with diplomatic missions, facilitating dialogue and engagement to drive impactful and sustainable initiatives.”
“We are proud of DGR’s female cadre and their significant contributions to fostering relationships with female ambassadors and diplomats worldwide, as well as with female leaders in Sharjah. Their efforts play a crucial role in expanding opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including charity, sports, women’s empowerment, culture, education, environment, media, entrepreneurship, trade and industry, museums, and even family and child welfare, because we believe modern diplomacy is rooted in cultural and knowledge exchange, and this event provided a valuable platform to showcase Sharjah’s vision of empowering women and launching initiatives that enhance their role in sustainable and comprehensive development. It also bolsters our efforts to build an international network of relations, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a centre for global dialogue and cooperation,” he added.
Reem Bin Karam, Director General of Irthi, said: “We are pleased to partner in this event that welcomed ambassadors and diplomats at the KhorKalba Centre. It provided an opportunity to highlight traditional crafts’ crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and building communication bridges between nations. It also opened avenues for exploring global collaboration and partnerships that support the sustainability of crafts and empower female artisans on a wider scale. Through this event, Irthi reaffirms its commitment to presenting heritage crafts in innovative and sustainable ways that reflect the identity of Emirati women and their contributions to the global cultural landscape.
She added: “The participation of the ambassadors in workshops and discussion sessions offered a valuable opportunity to deepen our shared understanding of the role of culture and creativity as tools for human connection and sustainable development. This initiative reinforces Sharjah’s position as an international bridge for cultural dialogue.”
The event drew a distinguished group of diplomats and ambassadors to the UAE, including SajedaShawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); TuulaYrjola, Ambassador of Finland; Natalia Al Mansour, Ambassador of Slovenia; and Marie Opombo, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other notable guests included Maria CamilleriCalleja, Ambassador of Malta; Dana Goldfinca, Ambassador of Latvia; Maria Belovas, Ambassador of Estonia; Alison Milton, Ambassador of Ireland; and MeropiChristofi, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus.
Additionally, the Diplomatic Day welcomed Dr. Annalee Cecelia Babb, Ambassador of Barbados; DieminatouSangare, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali; and H.E. Valentina Bernasconi, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mission in the UAE (ICRC).
Irthi workshop
During the event, Irthi hosted a workshop highlighting a range of traditional Emirati crafts infused with contemporary creativity. Participants had the opportunity to interact with skilled artisans and explore sustainable practices for adapting these crafts to meet global market demands. This initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while elevating traditional crafts’ relevance within the cultural and economic spheres.
The programme also included a field visit to the Al Qurm Nature Reserve in Kalba, where participants explored the unique mangrove ecosystem which serves a vital role in protecting coastal areas from erosion caused by waves, currents, and tides. The reserve is also a sanctuary for endangered species, including the rare Arabian-collared kingfisher and the green turtle, highlighting its importance in biodiversity conservation.
Networking
The event culminated in a networking session, fostering the exchange of successful experiences and best practices. It also explored potential collaborations between Sharjah’s government entities and diplomatic missions in the UAE, facilitated by DGR.
Female leaders
The event featured prominent female leaders from various Sharjah institutions. Notable attendees included Halima Al Owais, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council; Hana Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment & Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah; Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement; Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of the Sharjah Business Women Council and Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also present were Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of Sharjah Women’s Sports and Aisha Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority
The event also welcomed Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Department. Dr. Noura Al Teneiji, Director of Public Relations at the University of Al Dhaid and
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom added to the impressive roster.
Rounding out the esteemed list were Dr. Najwa Al Hosani, Chancellor of the University of Kalba; Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation, Lujan Mourad, Director of the Khalid Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, and Mai bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Head of partnerships and International Cooperation at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry also graced the occasion with their presence.
Source:gulfnews.com
https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/sharjah-unites-global-diplomats-in-celebration-of-women-s-empowerment-and-cultural-exchange-1.500049441
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5 Celebrity Muslim Women Who Slay On and Off Their Hijabs
February 28, 2025
In a world where representation is more important than ever, Muslim women globally are rewriting the definition of beauty, talent, and identity. A slew of high-profile women demonstrates the intersection of faith, fashion, and empowerment with ease as they marry their cultural roots with modern aesthetics.
Here’s a look at some celebrity Muslim women who inspire with their boldness, creativity, and confidence-be it with or without the hijab.
Iman: The Iconic Trailblazer
The Somali supermodel Iman is a long-standing epitome of elegance and perseverance. While not often attired in the hijab, Iman personifies modesty in fashion with her poise and support. Among the first Black supermodels to have international acclaim, she paved the way for other women of different backgrounds to stand on various global platforms.
Born Solána Imani Rowe, SZA is known for her sultry voice and deeply introspective lyrics. The Grammy-winning artist has spoken candidly about her Muslim upbringing and how it shaped her worldview. Though she doesn’t wear a hijab, her unapologetic approach to self-expression reflects the dynamic and multifaceted identities of Muslim women today.
Brooklyn-born EnisaNikaj is an Albanian beauty who is proud of her Muslim heritage. This pop singer and viral TikTok sensation frequently invoke her faith and culture as driving influences behind her work. Be she killing the stage or the streetwear game, Enisa oozes nothing but ease.
One of the most recognizable faces in fashion, Palestinian-American Bella Hadid has become an avid advocate for Palestinian rights, using her platform to celebrate her heritage. The bold style choices of Both on and off the runway display her balancing act between high fashion and cultural pride.
Energetic and undeniably so, Eritrean-American rapper Rubi Rose is never a bore. Once speaking at great length with pride in her Muslim culture and how it has played a part in her artistic creation, the queen of edgy looks and fearless lyrics shows that one can have both faith and fierceness: enter Rubi Rose.
The Amalgamation of Faith and Fashion
These women make Muslim identity multidimensional and diverse in more ways than one. Gracing runways, leading charts, these icons challenge the antiquated perception of what it truly means for one to be a modern-day, contemporary Muslim woman. Some wear hijabs; many speak of social justice-some through simply living authentically-and all these “baddies” prove that empowerment does not come in a certain form or size.
Their journeys are not of personal success but of creating space for others to be all their multifaceted identities. They inspire millions to be themselves, unapologetically.
Source:yahoo.com
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/5-celebrity-muslim-women-slay-143006372.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/love-jihad-actress-priyamani-isis/d/134759