Women Wearing Hijabs Targeted In Anti-Muslim Abuse Post-Bondi Attack, Says Imams Council
New Age Islam News Bureau
30 December 2025
· Women wearing hijabs targeted in anti-Muslim abuse post-Bondi attack, says Imams Council
· The 67-Year-Old Iranian Woman Condemned to Death After a 10-Minute Trial…Over A Piece of Fabric
· Savannah woman brings year-round African dance and Kwanzaa principles to community
· Saudi unemployment falls to 7.5% in Q3 2025 as female participation rises
· Pak's rights body concerned over arbitrary detentions, disappearances of Baloch women
· Personal laws are a major challenge for Muslim women: Dr.KhadeejaMumtaz
· Hijab row: JU forms panel to probe students’ claims
· From Hijab Row to Fee Hikes: Major School Controversies of 2025
· Female Saudi falconer from Northern Borders chronicles her path in falcon training
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/women-hijabs-anti-muslim-attack/d/138237
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Women wearing hijabs targeted in anti-Muslim abuse post-Bondi attack, says Imams Council
By Phoebe Pin
30 Dec 2025
Women in hijabs are being subjected to a wave of Islamophobia after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, community leaders say. (Pexels: Keira Burton)
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There are concerns women wearing hijabs are bearing the brunt of a "horrifying" wave of Islamophobia in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, with one support service saying reports of hate incidents have increased nearly 200 per cent.
Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 charges over the December 14 attack, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
His father, Sajid, was shot dead by police.
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) said the incident had triggered a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, including acts of vandalism of Islamic institutions, harassment, physical intimidation and online hate.
The ANIC's Action Against Islamophobia initiative — which runs a helpline for victims of Islamophobia — has recorded a near-200 per cent increase in reported anti-Muslim hate incidents since the attack.
Specifically, since December 14, there have been 62 incidents officially reported to the ANIC helpline.
They include a Muslim disability support worker in Leppington who was assisting clients onto a bus when she had her hijab ripped off by a passing couple, a hijab-wearing Muslim woman who was egged and abused on her way to work in Redfern and a woman spat at while wearing a hijab in Perth.
Several mosques and Islamic centres were also vandalised or subject to serious security incidents that were reported to police.
ANIC senior advisor Bilal Rauf said much of the abuse had been aimed at women across Australia, particularly in Sydney.
"In the few weeks' period since the horrific murders at Bondi, we're talking hundreds in terms of the level of increase [in hate incident reports]," he said.
"We've had a number of incidents where young girls have been spat at and, in one instance, the hijabs ripped off, and many other abusive comments directed at women.
'Divisive rhetoric'
In the statement of facts released by a Sydney court, it is alleged videos found on Naveed Akram's phone show the pair reciting "political and religious views" and "appear to summarise their justification for the Bondi terrorist attack".
Another video shows the men sitting in front of an image of an Islamic State flag with long-arm firearms.
A homemade Islamic State flag was also found in the car the gunmen allegedly drove to Bondi Beach on the day of the attack.
Mr Rauf said the anti-Muslim sentiment had been deeply challenging for members of the Muslim community.
"It's been very difficult for the community in having to deal with that and confront such hatred, sadly in part flowing from the divisive rhetoric of some politicians and statements made in some quarters of media," he said.
'A real cheap shot'
Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib, who is also from the Islamic community, said he was disappointed but not surprised about the reported rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents.
He said he was particularly concerned about Islamophobia against women.
"I am talking about women, particularly who wear the hijab, who have been sworn at, who have been harassed," he said.
"I think it's a real cheap shot, it's a real low thing to do.
"I would ask that if you see somebody act in a hateful way to another person or treat them in a bad way … no matter who they are, we've also got an obligation to be upstanders and not bystanders."
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the reports of heightened aggression as "horrifying" and "disgusting", saying the behaviour would not be tolerated.
"Racism will not be tolerated. It's not vigilantism, it's not retribution, it's hateful racism in our community," he said.
Source: abc.net.au
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-30/rise-in-islamophobic-incidents-post-bondi-beach-terror-attack/106186118
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The 67-Year-Old Iranian Woman Condemned to Death After a 10-Minute Trial…Over A Piece of Fabric
Dec 29, 2025
UN experts have called for an immediate halt to the planned execution of Zahra ShahbazTabari (pictured), the 67-year-old electrical engineer detained in Lakan Prison in Rasht in northern Iran.
The severe procedural violations in this case —including the unlawful deprivation of her liberty, the denial of effective legal representation, the extraordinarily brief trial, the lack of adequate time to prepare a defence, and the use of evidence that appears insufficient to support a charge of baghi [rebellion against Islamic rulers] — render any resulting conviction unsafe….
Ms. Tabari’s case shows a pattern of serious violations of international human rights law regarding fair trial guarantees and the inappropriate use of capital punishment for broad and ill-defined national security offenses.
The experts noted that Tabari is among at least 52 individuals facing the death penalty for “national security” offenses, including baghi, moharebeh [waging war against God], corruption on earth, and espionage.
Iran leads the world in executions on a per capita basis. In 2024, 975 people were put to death, and human rights activists verified at least 1,500 executions in 2025 through the start of December.
ORIGINAL ENTRY, NOV 12: Iranian authorities have sentenced to death Zahra ShahbazTabari, a 67-year-old retired electrical engineer, after a 10-minute trial.
The evidence against her consisted of a piece of fabric with the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” — the slogan for mass protests in autumn 2022 — and an audio recording stored on her phone that was never sent to anyone.
Tabari was arrested on April 17 when five security agents raided her home in Rasht in northern Iran without a warrant. They took her away as they confiscated phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices.
She spent a month in solitary confinement under interrogation before Israel’s 12-day war in June delayed proceedings.
After last month’s 10-minute video conference trial, plagued by audio problems, she was sentenced to death on charges of “armed rebellion through membership in the terrorist group Monafeqin”.
Tabari wrote her family:
In court, I faced sound disruption. When I objected, I was connected to the court by a desk phone. The judge asked only one question: “What is your final defense?”
I answered, but it wasn’t recorded correctly in the case. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes before he issued a death sentence.
Tabari worked for more than 30 years as an electrical engineer and sustainable energy specialist for the Gilan Electricity Administration. She retired a few years ago.
She has two children: a daughter in her late 20s who lives in Iran and a 35-year-old son, SoroushSamak, who lives in Sweden.
The engineer was first arrested in May 2022 and detained for three months on charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic”. She was released and wore an electronic ankle monitor for a year.
Tabari had no appointed defense attorney. She says her death sentence was actually issued on October 4, three days before she received court documents to review.
She immediately wrote objections on the case file, but the sentence had been confirmed at 9:20 that morning.
SoroushSamak said his mother endured psychological torture during interrogations: “They told her they’d cause problems for her children if she didn’t confess. My sister still goes everywhere with my father.”
He added, “My sister said [our mother] has lost weight, her strength has decreased, and her face has become thinner.”
Samak finally spoke with his mother on October 31, “As soon as she heard my voice, she burst into tears.” He noted:
When they come for a 67-year-old woman who isn’t a political activist or member of any organization, you realize that all Iranians are in the execution queue and one day the noose will fall around all our necks….
My mother is one drop in this sea of blood that the Islamic Republic has created.
Source: eaworldview.com
https://eaworldview.com/2025/12/iranian-woman-condemned-to-death-after-a-10-minute-trial/
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Savannah woman brings year-round African dance and Kwanzaa principles to community
By Camille Syed
30-Dec-2025
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Imani Poole’s connection to African culture and dance started before she could even remember.
“My father was probably celebrating it before I was even born,” Poole said.
Her love for Kwanzaa began early, growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“I had to be about five years old. Seeing the African dancing, all of the colors, all the kids running around, the vendors selling beautiful clothing,” she said.
Those early memories planted the seed for what would become a lifelong mission rooted in African dance and the principles of Kwanzaa. A mission she recently brought to Savannah after noticing something was missing.
Finding a gap in cultural programming
“I asked ‘where are the African dance classes’ and what I was met with was, ‘Oh we don’t do that until February or you won’t see that until December,’” Poole said.
While she did find programs like Sankofa Dance Theatre that shared her passion, Poole felt Savannah needed more.
She started Kwanzaa 365 Connection, teaching African dance and creating mentorship programs for people of all ages.
“Our mission is to engage the community and youth in year round cultural arts programming through rhythm and movement based programs,” she said.
Building community through movement
Poole hosts weekly African dance and wellness classes at the Delaware Center. Her mentorship programs allow adults and children to move, bond, and receive needed support. Poole’s She Moves program also serves as a support group for girls, grounded in movement and purpose.
“The idea is based on if we can impart wisdom and help the individual, it will have a rippling effect in the community and the family area. The girls have loved writing and the journals and arts and crafts,” she said.
Kwanzaa 365 also hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration with vendors, African drumming, and more. These programs go far beyond dance steps.
“You feel that sense of connection to yourself. You regulate your nervous system and you create more connections in your brain that ripple into so many other areas of your life,” Poole said.
Teaching through the seven principles
Poole hopes that through dance, people can better understand the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
“We are supporting each other and pour back into our community, that we know ourselves and we are who we say we are. That we are using our creativity, not just with our hands and through arts and crafts but creative thinking of how we can solve one another’s problems. How we can live meaningful lives, having faith within ourselves, our family, the creator, and the community,” she said.
While Poole may be named after one of the principles, there is another that resonates with her the most: Ujima, or collective work and responsibility.
“You are not meant to go through life alone. You are meant to help others and serve your community so we can all go further faster,” she said.
For Poole, honoring African American heritage is not seasonal. It is a commitment, 365 days a year.
“We do not have to just perform during February, December, and June. You can engage in these things, just dancing around your house or coming out to class so you can feel that connection to other community members and yourself,” she said.
Source: wtoc.com/
https://www.wtoc.com/2025/12/29/savannah-woman-brings-year-round-african-dance-kwanzaa-principles-community/
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Saudi unemployment falls to 7.5% in Q3 2025 as female participation rises
Will Milner
Mon 29 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia’s labour market recorded further improvement in the third quarter of 2025, with the unemployment rate among Saudi nationals falling year-on-year and key indicators pointing to stronger female participation in economic activity.
According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the unemployment rate among Saudis declined to 7.5 per cent in Q3 2025, down 0.3 percentage points compared with the same period in 2024.
The bulletin showed that unemployment among Saudi women fell more sharply year-on-year, reaching 12.1 per cent, a decline of 1.5 percentage points compared with the third quarter of 2024.
GASTAT said the improvement reflects the effectiveness of programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting women’s empowerment and expanding employment opportunities.
Saudi unemployment
The results also indicated that the labour force participation rate of Saudi men increased to 64.3 per cent, up 0.3 percentage points year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the employment-to-population ratio of Saudi women rose by three percentage points over the past five years to reach 29.7 per cent, highlighting continued positive structural shifts within the Saudi labour market.
Across the total population, the overall labour force participation rate reached 66.9 per cent. This represented a quarterly decline of 0.2 percentage points, alongside a year-on-year increase of 0.3 percentage points.
The employment-to-working-age population ratio stood at 64.6 per cent, marking a decrease of 0.4 percentage points compared with the second quarter of 2025, while recording a year-on-year increase of 0.5 percentage points versus the third quarter of 2024.
GASTAT said the latest figures demonstrate the continuation of national efforts to develop the expanding labour market and expand opportunities for broader participation in economic activity.
The Kingdom’s statistics authority added that these outcomes support balance and sustainability in the labour market in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, including its human capital development and economic growth programmes.
Source: arabianbusiness.com
https://www.arabianbusiness.com/jobs/saudi-unemployment-falls-to-7-5-in-q3-2025-as-female-participation-rises
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Pak's rights body concerned over arbitrary detentions, disappearances of Baloch women
The Hawk
Dec 30, 2025
Quetta, Dec 30 (IANS) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed "grave concern" over what it termed a continued pattern of arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances, including several recent cases involving Baloch women and girls, local media reported on Tuesday.
In a statement, HRCP stated that two students of University of Peshawar - Habib Wazir and Adnan Wazir, had been missing since November 12 after participating in a government-convened jirga, and stressed that their alleged abduction demonstrated how due process was "routinely bypassed," The Balochistan Post reported.
The rights watchdog expressed concern over the alleged disappearance of former lawmaker NisarPanhwar and his son MohsinPanhwar, who were reportedly taken by men wearing plain clothes in Karachi on December 22. It stated that the case has been reported amid an increase in disappearances of people, including women, minors and activist Mahjabeen Baloch and at least six others, in Balochistan in November and December.
HRCP stated that such actions breached constitutional guarantees and had caused "irreversible harm" to families who await information about their loved ones. The group said, "The state must ensure transparency, accountability for perpetrators and unconditional access to justice."
On December 22, 15-year-old student Nasreen (Nasreena) Baloch was allegedly forcibly disappeared from her residence during a raid conducted during night in Hub Chowki.
On December 20, two women from the same family - Hani Dilwash, who is eight months pregnant, and 17-year-old Hair Nisa, were allegedly detained during a raid conducted late night in Hub Chowki. The whereabouts of the two women remain unknown.
Earlier on December 1, a woman identified as FarzanaZehri was allegedly detained while returning from a hospital in Khuzdar while another woman, Rahima, was detained with her brother in Dalbandin and remains missing.
Meanwhile, several Baloch families held a protest in Kech district against the enforced disappearance of four members of the same family by Pakistani forces on December 23. According to the BYC, the victims - two women and two men - identified as Fareed Ijaz, MujahidDilwash, Hani Dilwash, and Hair-Nisa Wahid were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani agencies. The rights body stated that their families have taken to the streets of Tejaban village in Kech, demanding the safe return of their loved ones.
"Their protest is peaceful, yet their voices are being ignored, and no clear information has been given about where the missing family members are being held. The families say they will not end their protest until all four are safely recovered. They are calling on the people of Tejaban and nearby areas to stand with them and speak out against enforced disappearances, a practice that has torn apart countless families across Balochistan," the BYC posted on X.
Source: thehawk.in
https://www.thehawk.in/news/world/paks-rights-body-concerned-over-arbitrary-detentions-disappearances-of-baloch-women
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Personal laws are a major challenge for Muslim women: Dr.Khadeeja Mumtaz
30 Dec 2025
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Personal laws have been disguised as unchangeable divine words against modern Muslim women who are progressing with education and a sense of democratic rights, former Kerala SahityaAkademi vice-president KadeejaMumthas said on Monday, adding that the persistence of these laws was the greatest challenge faced by them.
She was delivering the VakkomMoulavi Memorial Lecture organised by the VakkomMoulavi Memorial Research Centre (VMMRC) at Christ Church Centenary Hall in Thiruvananthapuram.
Calling the inheritance laws opposite in spirit to the Islamic ideals of equality, justice and independent reasoning (Ijtihad) upheld by VakkomMoulavi, Kadeeja said the intellectual revolution carried out through language by Moulavi and Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai is an unforgettable chapter in the independence struggle of Kerala and the princely state of Travancore.
Mentioning that Moulavi strongly reacted against superstitions, regressive rituals, the community’s tendency to ignore the Malayalam language and modern education, and discrimination against women, Kadeeja said he emphasised that worldly matters could be amended by considering logic, public good and justice according to changing times, while keeping faith in the Quran and Prophetic traditions.
Remembering Moulavi’s contribution to the freedom struggle is highly relevant in the current political climate, where Muslims are increasingly being marginalised, she said.
On the occasion, the VakkomMoulavi Memorial Award was presented to senior writer and journalist G Priyadarshanan. Former director of Malayalam Mission Suja Susan George presided over the event. A book ‘NavothanathinteNeekkirippukal: VakkomMoulaviyudeSampoornaKrithikal’, edited by K M Seethi, was also released.
Source: newindianexpress.com
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2025/Dec/30/personal-laws-are-a-major-challenge-for-muslim-women-kadeeja-mumthas
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Hijab row: JU forms panel to probe students’ claims
Dec 30, 2025
Kolkata: Jadavpur University (JU) constituted a three-member fact-finding committee on Monday to probe the allegations made by English department students against a professor, who they claimed asked two UG3 students to remove their hijab on suspicion of cheating during an exam.
The panel will submit a report within 30 days.
The chairperson of the minority commission is scheduled to meet JU authorities on the issue on Tuesday.
In a statement on Monday, JU said: "Under the direction of the VC, a fact-finding committee was formed". The committee comprises Burdwan University history professor Syed TanveerNasreen, who is chairman of the panel. JU library science and information science professor Subarna Kumar Das, also liaison officer of JU's SC/ST cell, and chancellor nominee to EC KaziMasum Akhtar. Deputy registrar Ujjal Kumar Mondal was entrusted to act as the presenting officer in this matter.
Source: indiatimes.com
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/hijab-row-ju-forms-panel-to-probe-students-claims/articleshow/126237280.cms
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From Hijab Row to Fee Hikes: Major School Controversies of 2025
DeepaliSamaniya
Dec 30, 2025
From arbitrary fee hikes to safety concerns and religious controversies, the year 2025 unfolded some shocking truths about schools in India. It raised serious concerns over the efficiency of school authorities in offering a protective and productive environment for students. The recent controversies led some guardians to court, while others took to the streets to counter the objectionable demands of management.
Let's take a closer look at what all happened in 2025 and its aftermath.
Violence & Safety Concerns at School
On December 26, a big controversy erupted when a few students were allegedly beaten by the school authorities as they unintentionally damaged the principal's car on the playground. It sparked public outrage, and parents refused to send their kids to school until an official enquiry is launched.
Some media reports indicate that despite the situation's seriousness, no official complaint has been filed so far. However, the local education authorities have assured that the issue will be investigated and strict action will be taken if the allegations are confirmed.
Private School Fee Hike Row
In early April 2025, arbitrary fee hikes by many private schools in Delhi caused widespread anger and resentment among parents. The unethical demands and discrimination towards students unable to pay the hiked fee triggered widespread protests outside school gates and DoE headquarters.
Subsequently, more than 600 schools were inspected, in which DPS Dwarka became the flashpoint as it deliberately humiliated students, prohibited their entry to classes, and even eliminated some over fees.
Consequently, the Delhi High Court highly criticised DPS Dwarka over unethical practices, ruled that students should not be punished or discriminated against over fees, and forced the government to put stricter rules in place to regulate private school fees. What is Private School Fee Regulation Bill- Explained
Kerala Hijab Row
Back in October, a Class 8 Muslim girl in St Rita’s Public School (a Christian-run CBSE school in Palluruthy, Kochi) was denied entry to class as she did not follow the uniform dress code followed by the school for the past 30 years. The girl was made to stand outside as tensions between her parents and the school management escalated.
Amid tensions, the school management had to announce a two-day holiday and even approached the Kerala High Court seeking police protection, receiving a favourable order.
After hearing the issue, the Kerala government intervened, saying that it was a denial of her right to secular education and violated her dignity. Challenging the government's decision, the school approached the High Court; however, the issue was resolved harmoniously as the girl decided to transfer schools later.
“Sanday” Instead of “Sunday”: Viral Video Exposes Govt Teacher's English
Months ago, a video displaying a government teacher using incorrect English words erupted on social media. It raised serious concerns about the quality of education being offered at public-owned schools in India.
The video, which was shot at a government primary school in Wadrafnagar development block of Balrampur district in Chhattisgarh, demonstrates a teacher writing “Sanday” instead of “Sunday” and “Wensday” instead of “Wednesday” on the blackboard.
After it went viral online, the District Education Office decided to launch an inquiry. As per media reports, DEO M. R. Yadav deployed the cluster coordinator to inspect the school. During the investigation, it was found that children were indeed learning incorrect English, and the assistant teacher, Praveen Toppo, was allegedly suspended over negligence and lack of subject knowledge. Viral Video
Source: timesnownews.com
https://www.timesnownews.com/education/from-hijab-row-to-fee-hikes-major-school-controversies-of-2025-article-153361020
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Female Saudi falconer from Northern Borders chronicles her path in falcon training
December 29, 2025
ARAR: Exemplifying the enduring bond between Saudis and their ancestral traditions, Amina Al-Anzi, a falconer from the Northern Borders, has chronicled her experience raising and training the iconic birds — a cherished element of the Kingdom’s national heritage — evolving youthful fascination into disciplined expertise grounded in learning, perseverance, and incremental skill-building.
Speaking with the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Anzi said: “My fascination with falcons started years ago during childhood while observing them at festivals. Once I obtained my first bird, I began working with it gradually, one stage at a time.”
Early training phases brought apprehension, she acknowledged, particularly fears of the bird escaping or failing to return, though dedication to systematic training eventually dispelled those anxieties.
Achieving proficiency in falcon handling demanded substantial time and effort, Al-Anzi emphasized, especially mastering “malwah” — or lure-based pursuit training — which ranked among her most formidable challenges in conditioning birds for strikes and managing falcon behavior overall.
Success requires sustained patience and consistent practice before trust develops between handler and raptor.
Al-Anzi concentrates on “Gyr pure” falcons, birds noted for temperamental difficulty relative to other species. Despite their demanding nature, they have become her preferred companions after she personally supervised their conditioning.
Her falcon now integrates seamlessly into her daily schedule. She has accumulated considerable knowledge about this pursuit, which she values deeply and intends to advance her capabilities while competing in the forthcoming Falcon Festival in Turaif, helping introduce this heritage to younger generations.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2627750/saudi-arabia
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/women-hijabs-anti-muslim-attack/d/138237