Archaeological Survey of India: 1991 Act Mandates 1947 Status Quo at the 800-Year-Old Budaun Mosque
New
Age Islam News Bureau
01
June 2023
800-year-old
Jama Masjid in Budaun i
-----
India
• Plea seeking excavation at Agra mosque
to be heard on July 11
• Allahabad HC upholds maintainability
of Hindus’ plea to worship inside Gyanvapi mosque
• BJP demands death penalty for Shahbad
Dairy murder accused, alleges 'love jihad'
• Bihar Model Accuses Institute Owner Of
Love Jihad, Forced Conversion; Case Filed
• Muslims seek 4% job quota in Meghalaya
--------
Arab World
• Children of Imams, Muezzins Exempted
From School Textbook, Transport ChargesIn Qatar
• Saudi Arabia eyes global Islamic
finance hub status through new index
• Islamic Affairs Minister, Uganda Mufti
Sign MoUon Highlighting Islam’s Relevance to Contemporary Issues
• Islamic Affairs Ministry Inaugurates
Holy Quran Exhibition in Brazil
• Italian government lifts restrictions
on export of military weapons to Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia’s population passes 32m,
census results show
--------
Europe
• Civil Society Groups Protest
“Islamophobic” Decision to Sanction Islamic Centreof England
• German Police Arrest Seven Suspected
Islamic Terrorists
• Moroccan Islamic party turns down
invite to Israel independence party
• Mosque Invite after Boston Councillor
Ruled Out For Mayoral Role over Facebook Comments on Islam
--------
South Asia
• Ministry of Finance rejects claims of
closure of Islam Qala customs office
• 6 Killed, 9 Injured in Traffic
Accident in Afghanistan’s Kapisa
• Iran’s Interior Minister Calls on
Taliban to Keep Peace and Avoid Border Conflicts
--------
Pakistan
• Balochistan Govt to Improve Facilities
for Shia PilgrimsTraveling between Quetta and Taftan, On the Iran Border
• Finance Minister, UAE Ambassador
discuss bilateral economic ties
• UK Chief of General Staff Acknowledges
Achievements of Pakistan Armed Forces
• Graduation ceremony of Islamic
Research Institute held
• Islam a religion of peace and harmony:
Masood Khan
• Hajj Mission Taken Special Measures to
Cater Differently Abled Pilgrims
--------
Mideast
• National Consensus Bloc Emerges With
Five Sunni MPsKnown As Allies of Hezbollah
• SEWA, Sharjah Islamic Set Up
Rationalising Tools in 494 Mosques
• Raeisi calls for further ties with
Muslim, allied countries
• Islamic Jihad thugs are in the IRGC
terrorist circle
• Israeli Settlers Invade Al-Aqsa Mosque
• Taliban rejects reports on closure of
Islam Qala as false
--------
Southeast Asia
• DAP Veteran Kit Siang: If I'm
'Anti-Islam' For Criticising Hadi, Then So Must Be Saudi for Putting Him on
Terror List
• Six hurt after Institute of Islamic
Understanding Malaysia’s roof collapses
• PAS president calls DAP a ‘nuisance’,
warns non-Muslims not to ‘cross the line’
• Dr Mahathir says ready to rekindle
ties with Muhyiddin for the sake of Malays, but not with Anwar
--------
North America
• Muslim Community Centre in Sunset Park
Becomes Temporary Home for Migrants
• In Syrian Prison Camps, Families of
Islamic State Suspects Await Repatriation from Canada and Elsewhere
• Islamic state claims responsibility
for attack on security post in Cameroon
• New York Times’ Raja Abdulrahim
Continues To Whitewash Hamas, Islamic Jihad
--------
Africa
• Alleged Blasphemy: Bauchi Shariah
Court Orders Arrest Of Embattled Bauchi Imam, Abdul’aziz
• Nigerian Aircraft Carrying Muslim
Pilgrims Makes Emergency Landing, Details Emerge
• ICPC partners imams, pastors to fight
corruption
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/archaeological-budaun-mosque-1991-act/d/129903
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Archaeological Survey of India: 1991 Act Mandates 1947 Status Quo at the 800-Year-Old Budaun Mosque
800-year-old
Jama Masjid in Budaun i
-----
Jun 1, 2023
BAREILLY: Responding to a petition filed
by the Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) on August 8 last year in a civil
court of Budaun, in which they claimed that the 800-year-old Jama masjid in the
district "was built after demolishing an ancient Shiva temple" and
that the court should conduct a survey to confirm this, the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) submitted that the mosque is protected under Places of
Worship (special provisions) Act 1991, which mandates places of worship will
stay as they stood on August 15, 1947.
The district government counsel (civil)
Sanjeev Kumar Vaish, on behalf of the ASI and Centre, filed a reply in court.
Kumar told TOI, "We have raised four objections and the court will decide
whether the case is maintainable. First, the fact that the ASI Lucknow division
was made a party in this case, while this mosque falls under the Meerut
division of ASI. The second is that the mosque is protected under Places of
Worship (special provisions) Act 1991. The third objection is that under sub
section 3 of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1904, the government by
notification in an official gazette had declared the mosque as a protected
monument. The fourth objection was made under Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, which says the 'form' of protected
monuments cannot be changed."
After hearing ABHM's petition, the court
on September 2, 2021 ordered the registration of a civil case and had sought
replies from the Intzamiya committee of Jama Masjid, UP Sunni Waqf Board, UP
archaeology department, Union of India and UP government.
Advocate Vivek Kumar, representing ABHM,
told TOI, "ASI submitted that the property belongs to them and that the
petition deserves to be dismissed in the early stage, as per the provisions of
section 7 and 11 of Civil Procedure Code (CPC). We say those sections are not
applicable if the property has been acquired by ASI, as we only want permission
to offer prayers inside the premises as per Hindu traditions. We will file our
reply before next date of hearing."
Advocate Asrar Ahmad, who represented
the Jama Masjid committee, said, "We are assessing the ASI's reply and
will take steps soon."
The next date of hearing is July 30. The
site is significant for Muslims as it is considered to be the birthplace of
empress Razia Sultana and to Hindus as they believe the mosque was built after
razing an ancient temple of Neelkanth.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/asi-1991-act-mandates-1947-status-quo-at-budaun-mosque/articleshow/100660801.cms
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Bridging Gap between Islamic Sciences
and Social Sciences Discussed At Qatar Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
Minister of
Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem (centre) and
Director of Ibn Khaldon Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Nayef
Nahar Al Shammari (right) during the workshop in Doha, yesterday.
------
01 Jun 2023
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and
Islamic Affairs yesterday held a scientific workshop to discuss the most
prominent challenges that hinder communication between Islamic sciences and
social sciences and to discuss ways to address and activate them.
The event which was held in cooperation
with Ibn Khaldon Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences of Qatar University
and focused on presenting practical initiatives to bridge the gap between the
fields of Islamic sciences and social sciences.
The workshop was attended by Minister of
Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, a group of scholars
and experts.
The workshop aims mainly at
understanding the reasons that led to the gap between Islamic sciences and
social sciences, identifying the challenges that hinder communication between
the two fields, and presenting practical initiatives to bridge the gap between
the fields of Islamic sciences and social sciences.
The workshop, which relied on the
mechanism of free association and group thinking between researchers from the
two fields, lasted for four hours, divided into two sessions.
The first session discussed two
important questions: Why do forensic researchers not interact with Islamic
sciences? Why do social researchers not interact with forensic sciences? The
second session discussed proposals for practical initiatives to bridge the gap
between the two fields.
Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
was represented by Sheikh Dr. Ahmed bin Muhammad bin Ghanem Al Thani, Director
of the Department of Research and Islamic Studies; and a number of scholars of
the ministry, including: Malallah Abdul Rahman Al Jaber, Dr. Jaber Salem Al
Daiya, Muhammad Jassim Al Jassim, Jassim Abdullah Al Ali and Abdul Rahman
Abdullah Al Ali.
Ibn Khaldon Centre for Humanities and
Social Sciences was represented by Dr. NayefNahar Al Shammari, Director of the
Center, and a number of researchers and thinkers.
They are Prof. Dr. Al Tijani
Abdel-Qader, Head of the Department of Social Sciences at the Centre; Dr. Asma
Malkawi, Assistant Research Professor in Sociology; Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar Al
Shanqeeti, Associate Professor of International Relations at Qatar University;
Prof Dr. Abdel-QaderBahoush, Head of the Department of Faith and Da’wah at
Qatar University; Prof Dr. Hamid Abdel-Majid Qweissi, Adviser to the President
of Qatar University and Professor of Political Science among many others.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/01/06/2023/bridging-gap-between-islamic-sciences-and-social-sciences-discussed
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Historic Mayoral Role for Muslim Councillor
Mohammed Asaduzzaman as Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove
Councillor
Asaduzzaman
-----
31 May 2023
The appointment of Councillor Mohammed
Asaduzzaman as Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove at Annual Council marks a
historic moment for the city. Councillor Asaduzzaman is the city’s first Muslim
councillor in a mayoral role when he takes over the role in 2024.
Councillor Asaduzzaman was brought up in
Bangladesh, where he worked with the State Minister for Irrigation and Water
Development, until his move to Britain in 1995. He has been a Brighton resident
for nearly 27 years.
Long before he became a councillor,
Councillor Asaduzzaman was involved with many charities and cultural
organisations across the city and was well known in the community.
Councillor Asaduzzaman said: “I am
pleased and proud to have been asked to be Deputy Mayor of our wonderful city.
I feel it is recognition of my passion for promoting tolerance, diversity and
inclusiveness in Brighton & Hove.
“As deputy mayor, and later mayor, I
will continue to be involved in and organise multicultural activities to which
everyone is welcome.
“I was a founder member of Brighton
& Hove Multicultural Group, which promotes diversity, equality, inclusion
and social cohesion through events and hospitality.
“This has included social events,
helping to commemorate local people with Blue Plaques and remembering those who
lost their lives in WW1 with an annual commemoration at The Chattri Monument.”
Councillor Asaduzzaman has been involved
in various race advisory and scrutiny roles with Sussex Police and has helped
as an interpreter for those who need assistance with the English language in
official, legal situations.
His contribution to the community has
been recognised with many awards including a Home Office Respect Award, a
Letter of Thanks from 10 Downing Street and an invitation to visit Buckingham
Palace.
Councillor Asaduzzaman is a councillor
in Hollingdean and Fiveways.
He added: “I am very much looking
forward to supporting our new Mayor, Councillor Jackie O’Quinn, with her
official duties this year and to taking up my role as Mayor next year. It is an
honour to have been chosen to represent this inclusive and tolerant city.”
Source: brighton-hove.gov.uk
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2023/historic-mayoral-role-muslim-councillor
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Islamic Emirate Official Accuses
Countries of Mistreating Afghan Refugees
The
anti-extremism unit of the police has intensified its operations
-----
01-06-23
The deputy Minister of Refugees and
Repatriation, Mohammad Arslah Kharotai, accused countries that host Afghan
refugees of mistreating refugees, forced
deportations, and violating international laws regarding refugees.
In an interview with TOLO news, Kharotai
said that some countries are misusing the presence of Afghan refugees to put
pressure on the Islamic Emirate.
“Whenever there are ups and downs in the
political space between the governments or the countries, then the positive and
negative impact on the situation of refugees is being felt,” he said.
Kharotai said that the political issues
have had a negative impact on the situation of refugees.
He said that Pakistan, Iran and Turkey
have not fulfilled their promises to provide help to Afghan refugees.
The laws “even in European countries,
where they are saying that they are committed to the refugees, have not been
taken into consideration nor have come into effect,” Kharotai said.
The deputy minister claimed that some
countries are playing duel policies toward the refugees.
Meanwhile, some residents of Kabul
voiced concerns about their situation, saying that they are forced to leave the
country due to unemployment and economic hardships.
“The biggest challenge is that they have
been deprived of education. The poverty has risen and it causes them to leave
the country," said Ehsanullah Subhan, a resident of Kabul.
Economists said that job opportunities
are important to prevent illegal migration by the citizens of the country.
“I think the humanitarian crisis, the
drain of human resources, and economic issues, educational and cultural issues
should be addressed,” said Mir Shikib Mir, an economist.
According to the Ministry of Refugees
and Repatriation, nearly 3 million Afghans are living in Pakistan, nearly 3
million in Iran and another 1 million Afghans are living in other world
countries.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-183594
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Federal Investigation Agency Takes Down 106 Accounts For Spreading Hate Online
June 01, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
has only been able to suspend 106 of the 203 social media accounts on the
recommendation of the Anti-Extremism Unit of Islamabad capital police for
spreading religious, sectarian and linguistic hatred and maligning
institutions.
The capital police authorities have
requested the Director of FIA, Islamabad Zone to swiftly shut down all the
social media accounts involved in similar activities.
Reports indicate that the capital
police's Anti-Extremism Unit has launched widespread operations against those
spreading religious, ethnic, and institutional hatred through social media
platforms.
Under the supervision of Islamabad
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, the Anti-Extremism Unit
has written a letter to the FIA, in which it called for the closure of 203
accounts responsible for promoting hatred and propagandising against
institutions on social media.
Currently, 106 of these targeted
accounts have already been shut down, with the remaining being addressed as a
matter of priority, The Express Tribune has learnt.
The establishment of the Anti-Extremism
Unit within the Islamabad capital police marks a significant step in combating
extremism. The unit conducts visits to educational institutions and religious
seminaries to counter radicalisation, while also monitoring sermons delivered
in mosques.
Furthermore, the unit scrutinises
political, linguistic, religious, and extremist content on social media
platforms and websites, compiling reports and identifying extremist activities
for necessary legal action.
Islamabad IGP emphasised that the
prevention of extremism plays a crucial role in thwarting terrorism and
enhancing the overall security of the city.
Source: tribune.com.pk
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2419683/fia-takes-down-106-accounts-for-spreading-hate-online
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India
Plea seeking excavation at Agra mosque
to be heard on July 11
By HemendraChaturvedi
May 31, 2023
AGRA A fast-track court in Agra will on
July 11 hear a Hindu outfit’s petition seeking excavation of the stairs of a
mosque that stands on the Agra Fort premises, arguing that there were idols of
Lord Krishna buried under the structure that needed to be recovered.
Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi SanrakshitSewa
Trust, through its president Piyush Pandey of Agra and two others had filed the
petition on May 11, 2023. The petitioners had already moved an application,
seeking permission of court to have on-spot survey of the mosque.
It said that idols of Krishna were
brought to Agra by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who allegedly demolished the
Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura in 1670. The Agra Fort – a Unesco world
heritage site -- was built in 1565 and is protected by the Archaeological
Survey of India.
“We have impleaded the intezamia
(management) committee of the Shahi Masjid, Agra Fort, Agra; Chhoti Masjid
Diwan-e-KhaasJahanara Begum Masjid, Agra Fort; UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and
Sri Krishna JanmasthanSewaSansthan in the case and all were issued summons of
the case for hearing on May 31,” informed Vinod Shukla, counsel for Sri Krishna
Janmabhoomi SanrakshitSewa Trust.
“The matter was taken up on Wednesday.
During proceedings of the case, service (receiving of summons) was found
sufficient on UP Sunni Central Waqf Board having its office in Lucknow and Sri
Krishna JanmasthanSewaSansthan, an organisation looking after day to day
affairs at Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura,” stated Shukla.
“However, service (receiving of summons)
is yet to be found sufficient on the intezamia (management) committee of Shahi
Masjid, Agra Fort and Chhoti Masjid Diwan-e-KhaasJahanara Begum Masjid, Agra
Fort. As such no hearing could take place in the matter on Wednesday and the
court fixed July 11 for hearing in the case,” stated the counsel.
“We have already moved an application,
numbered as 11C in court file, seeking appointment of ameen (court staff) who
should visit the mosque located near Diwan-e-Khas in Agra Fort and submit an
on-spot report. We would press for hearing on this application on the next
date,” said Shukla.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/hindu-outfit-seeks-excavation-of-mosque-stairs-in-agra-for-lord-krishna-idols-fast-track-court-to-hear-petition-on-july-11-101685546231827.html
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Allahabad HC upholds maintainability of
Hindus’ plea to worship inside Gyanvapi mosque
May 31, 2023
The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday
dismissed a revision plea challenging the maintainability of the petition filed
by Hindu plaintiffs seeking permission to worship inside the Gyanvapi mosque,
reported Live Law.
The revision plea had been filed the
Anjuman Intazamia Committee, which manages the mosque.
Five Hindu women had last year filed a
plea seeking rights to worship inside the mosque compound. They had claimed
that an image of Hindu deity Shringar Gauri exists at the mosque.
The mosque committee had first filed an
application against the maintainability of the Hindu plaintiffs’ plea before
the Varanasi district court. The plea had been filed under Order 7 Rule 11 of
the Code of Civil Procedure, which says that a petition can be dismissed if it
does not show a cause of action or is barred by law.
The petitioners before the district
court had argued that the plea filed by the Hindu side is not maintainable as
it violates the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which states
that the religious character of a place of worship as it existed on August 15,
1947 cannot be changed.
However, the Varanasi court had held in
September that Hindu plaintiffs seeking the right to pray inside the Gyanvapi
mosque premises is maintainable and can be heard further.
The court held the Places of Worship
(Special Provisions) Act, 1991, cannot bar the plaintiffs from worshipping at
the disputed site as they said that they had been offering prayers even after
August 15, 1947. The court had also noted that the plaintiffs have not demanded
that the place of worship be converted from a mosque to a temple.
Following the district court’s order,
the mosque committee had moved the High Court.
Source: scroll.in
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://scroll.in/latest/1050133/allahabad-hc-upholds-maintainability-of-hindus-plea-to-worship-inside-gyanvapi-mosque
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BJP demands death penalty for Shahbad
Dairy murder accused, alleges 'love jihad'
May 31, 2023
The BJP on Wednesday demanded death
penalty for the Shahbad Dairy murder accused and alleged that the killing of
the minor girl in northwest Delhi was a case of "love jihad".
Sixteen-year-old Sakshi was stabbed over 20 times and then bludgeoned with a
cement slab, killing her on the spot. She was found to have 34 injury marks on
her body and her skull was smashed in.
"The killer in the Shahbad Dairy
murder case should be hanged as soon as possible. A special team should be
formed to deal with such cases under the supervision of the Lt Governor so that
the Kejriwal government's appeasement policy does not affect court
trials," BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said.
Virendra Sachdeva, the party's Delhi
unit chief, said fast-track courts should be set up and special prosecutors
appointed for cases of rape, murder or "love jihad" as there is
already pressure on regular prosecutors.
"Love jihad" is a term often
used by BJP leaders and right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to
lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.
Both Tiwari and Sachdeva demanded
capital punishment for the accused, identified as Sahil (20). He was arrested
from Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.
Tiwari said, "The soul of every
person in the country has been shaken by the murder of the minor girl by
SahilSarfaraz. The BJP demands that the murderer be hanged at the
earliest."
He also alleged that the murder was an
outcome of "love jihad" and added that it is necessary to find out
whether any organisation is working to promote such incidents.
The BJP MP also demanded a transparent
system for such cases in Delhi so that the city government's "appeasement
policy" does not work in these matters.
"In such serious cases, a special
team should be formed to work under the supervision of the Lt Governor so that
justice can be done at earliest," Tiwari said.
Sachdeva also demanded a special
prosecutor and claimed there are 108 vacancies for prosecutor roles in Delhi
that the city government has not yet been able to fill.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bjp-demands-death-penalty-for-shahbad-dairy-murder-accused-alleges-love-jihad/articleshow/100649387.cms
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Bihar Model Accuses Institute Owner Of Love
Jihad, Forced Conversion; Case Filed
May 31, 2023
A young woman aspiring to be a model has
come forward with allegations of harassment and blackmail against the owner of
a grooming institute in Ranchi. After enduring unbearable harassment, she
relocated to Mumbai but was still subjected to further harassment, prompting
her to file a complaint with the Versova Police, as reported by local sources.
The accused, identified as Tanveer Khan,
allegedly befriended the woman during her modelling workshop in Ranchi,
introducing himself as Yash. However, she later discovered his real name and
claimed that he coerced her into marrying him and converting her religion to
Islam, invoking the term love jihad in her complaint.
According to the victim, a native of
Bhagalpur in Bihar, the harassment began in 2021 when Khan allegedly raped her,
harassed her, and blackmailed her. She stated that he also issued threats,
warning her of severe consequences if she dared to disclose their interactions
to anyone.
In her complaint, the woman detailed her
acquaintance with Tanveer Khan and how he allegedly drugged and took
compromising photos of her during Holi celebrations. From there, the situation
escalated to blackmail, physical abuse, and religious conversion pressure.
Fearing for her safety, she finally decided to approach the police.
While Tanveer Khan admitted to his
wrongdoing and attempted to coerce the victim into withdrawing her complaint,
he submitted an affidavit to the court acknowledging his harassment but
claiming that his intention was never to harm her. He argued that these tactics
were employed to sustain their relationship and promised not to engage in such
behavior in the future. However, his actions persisted despite his statement.
The victim took to Twitter, sharing a
video in which she appealed for security to the Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
Currently, the police are conducting a thorough investigation into the case,
which has been transferred from Mumbai to Ranchi for further proceedings.
However, substantial action has yet to be taken. The Versova Police had
initially registered a case against Tanveer Khan under various sections of the
Indian Penal Code and the IT Act, including charges of rape, harassment,
blackmail, and intimidation. Recently, the case was transferred to the Ranchi
Police for further handling.
In response to the allegations, Tanveer
Khan released a video denying the accusations and claiming that the victim had
circulated his nude photos among her friends and family. He further alleged
that she had conspired with her friends and boyfriend to steal his data, which
reportedly contained information about over 60,000 international and Indian
models.
Source: oneindia.com
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https://www.oneindia.com/india/bihar-model-accuses-institute-owner-of-love-jihad-forced-conversion-case-filed-3566883.html
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Muslims seek 4% job quota in Meghalaya
A largely community-based organisation
wrote to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on the day the government
reconstituted a panel for discussing the implementation of a reservation roster
system and reservation policy.
May 31, 2023
RAHUL KARMAKAR
A largely community-based organisation
has sought a 4% share of the quota in jobs for Muslims in Meghalaya.
The Anti-Corruption League (ACL),
representing the ‘Desi’ Muslims inhabiting the plains belt of Meghalaya’s Garo
Hills region, listed its request in a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K.
Sangma. The letter was submitted on May 30, the day when the National People’s
Party-led Meghalaya government reconstituted a Committee for discussing the
implementation of a reservation roster system and the State Reservation Policy.
The ACL said that the non-tribal
population was 20% when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam in 1972. “Despite
being a part of Assam and the Assamese culture for centuries, the Desi Muslims
extended their support for a separate hill State with high hopes that their
rights and socio-economic aspirations would be protected and accommodated in
the new State,” it said.
“In the historic tripartite meeting
among Central government representatives, non-tribal leadership led by the then
MDC (member of district council) Akramuz Zaman and the tribal leadership led by
Captain Williamson A. Sangma (Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister), the
non-tribals were assured of equal opportunities and fair play by the tribal
leaders,” the ACL said.
“It was also promised that our rights
and aspirations, our growth and development will be given equal priority and
importance as that of the tribal people of Meghalaya,” it added, lamenting that
the assurances were never fulfilled.
“The basic idea of the reservation is an
affirmative action by the State towards a group of people who were deprived of
opportunities or suffered inequalities in the past,” the ACL said, pointing out
that the present reservation system not only deprives the meritorious but has
also created a group of people who are subjected to injustice and widespread
inequalities.
Minor tribes resent snub
Meghalaya’s 51-year-old job reservation
policy entails an 80% quota for the three matrilineal communities – Garo, Khasi
and Jaintia. The quota is divided equally between the Garos and the
Khasi-Jaintia people together.
Another 5% is reserved for ‘other minor
tribes’ while 15% is for people in the unreserved categories.
Educationally more backward and
numerically lower than the Khasi-Jaintia people, the Garos have hardly been
able to utilise their 40% quota. This made one Z.R. Marak approach the High
Court of Meghalaya, arguing that other communities were using up the quota
meant for the Garo people in violation of the relevant laws.
On April 21, the court asked the
Meghalaya government to introduce a roster system that would be relevant only
for entry-level posts. Regional political parties, primarily the newly-formed
Voice of the People Party (VPP) and some pressure groups saw in the roster
system an advantage for the Garos.
A week ago, VPP president Ardent Miller
Basaiawmoit went on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the review of the
reservation policy and the implementation of the roster system prospectively,
not retrospectively.
Under pressure, the government
reconstituted a committee comprising 12 members to discuss the reservation policy
and the roster system. Apart from two senior government officials, the
Committee has a representative of each political party.
While the ACL sought the representation
of the Desi Muslims in the Committee, the Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Tribes’
Forum (MIMTF) resented the exclusion of the representatives of the minor tribes
from the panel. The MIMTF represents the Rabha, Bodo, Hajong, Koch and Mann
tribes.
“We are surprised that no invitation or
intimation was given to the indigenous minority tribes,” Pramod Koch, a member
of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council said.
Source: thehindu.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/muslims-seek-4-job-quota-in-meghalaya/article66914876.ece
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Arab World
Children of Imams, Muezzins Exempted
From School Textbook, Transport ChargesIn Qatar
MAY 31, 2023
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft
decision of HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education amending some
provisions of Decision No 42 of 2017 setting the price of textbooks and school
transport fees for non-Qatari students who are not GCC nationals, and exempting
them from these fees, the Qatar News Agency reported. In a statement on social
media, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education later explained that the
"non-Qatari students who are not GCC nationals", as stated in the
above-mentioned decision, refers to the children of imams and muezzins
affiliated to the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs.
Accordingly, this category of students would be added to other groups
previously exempted from payment of the above-mentioned fees in accordance with
the decision referred to, the ministry said.
Source: gulf-times.com
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Saudi Arabia eyes global Islamic finance
hub status through new index
04 AUG 2022
London: Saudi Arabia is working to
become a regional and global hub for Islamic finance. To achieve this, the
kingdom is keen to develop the sector as well as attract investment from local and
international Islamic investors and funds
In response to growing demand for
Sharia-compliant tools and investment services, Tadawul, the country’s stock
exchange, launched its first ever Islamic index
The TASI Islamic Index will track the
performance of Sharia-compliant companies listed on the Saudi Exchange. The
TASI Islamic Index is constructed from the Tadawul All Share Index “TASI” and
will be screened for Sharia compliance, which are approved by the exchange’s
Sharia Advisory Committee. The committee will be responsible for overseeing and
approving the list of Sharia-compliant listed companies on a periodic basis.
The proliferation of Sharia indices makes sense, according to Redha Al Ansari,
Head of Islamic Finance Research, Data& Analytics at the London Stock
Exchange Group.
“In the past two or three years so many
retail and institutional investors started to invest,” he said. “And with Saudi
being one of the largest Islamic finance markets globally, you need to actually
provide more investment opportunities for Islamic financial institutions beyond
sukuk and real estate.
Companies within the index are screened
by an independent screening provider under the supervision of Tadawul’s
recently formed Sharia Advisory Committee that include representatives from
leading financial institutions.
Tadawul did not respond to a request by
Salaam Gateway for further information about the methodology that will be
adopted for the index.
The index will also act as a tool for
investors and other stakeholders to guide and inform decisions when analysing
investments. It will also help asset managers benchmark the performance of
their Sharia-compliant portfolios.
One Riyadh-based portfolio manager said
that the new Islamic index is a natural step given that a large proportion of
companies on Tadawul are already inherently Sharia compliant.
“Most money managers were using the
IdealRatings index for performance evaluation, now they can be measured vs a
published index which most (retail) investors can track,” he said, requesting
anonymity.
Monem Salam, executive vice
president/portfolio manager at US-based Saturna Capital, said that any step
that is taken towards Sharia compliance benefits the industry. “It is still a
bit unclear as to which methodology they will be using,” he said. “They mention
a panel of scholars from various institutions. My experience from Saudi Arabia
is that the institutions have varying guidelines, so it will be interesting to
see what consensus they
come up with. However, coming up with
guidelines can be very beneficial for individual/retail investors and I applaud
this move.” But a Dubai-based multi-asset portfolio manager said that whilst
the TASI Islamic index is positive it is not a game changer given the
small number of global funds with a
Sharia-only mandate as well as the small size of the Saudi stock exchange in
comparison to other equity markets worldwide.
In addition to benchmarking, the new
index can also serve as a base for financial instruments like derivatives and
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Tariq Al Rifai, CEO of the Quorum Centre for
Strategic Studies, a London-based think tank, said that the Saudis establishing
their own
benchmarks gives them a strategic
advantage, since the country has the largest market cap in the Middle East and
North Africa (MENA) region. “This is because index providers may not know your
objectives for a particular benchmark and more importantly, you own the data.
That’s where the money is,” he said.
Adding to Islamic index universe The
TASI Islamic Index will join a growing number of Islamic indices that track
regional and global equities as well as other asset classes. Providers like
S&P, IdealRatings, MSCI and FTSE offer their own Sharia-compliant indices.
The most notable global Islamic indices include Dow Jones Islamic Market index
and the MSCI World Islamic Index. In addition, providers also offer regional
indices such as the Dow Jones Islamic Market GCC index. FTSE also offers Sharia
indices in other jurisdictions like Malaysia and Taiwan. “It is important to
have Sharia-compliant indices as there is a big, growing market for
Sharia-compliant investments and investors would need credible benchmarks to
compare the returns,” explained Faisal Hasan, CIO and Head of Asset Management
at Dubai-based Al Mal Capital. “This is a positive move that help in measuring
the performance for Sharia-compliant investments. I’m sure there will be more
Sharia
indices that will be coming in future as
the market become more diverse and deeper,” he added. Becoming an Islamic
finance hub The launch of the new TASI Islamic index is part of a wider drive
by Riyadh to position the kingdom as the Islamic finance capital of the world
by 2030.
Bashar Al Natoor, Global Head of Islamic
finance at Fitch Ratings said that launch of the TASI Islamic index is not a
surprise and was set out as one of the kingdom’s Financial Sector Development
Programme (FSDP) initiatives relating to Islamic finance, part of its Vision
2030.
“This is part of the international
positioning goals that aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s international position as
the leader in Islamic finance, along with other strategic goals and initiatives
that aim to enhance and develop the Islamic finance industry’s governance,
educational and research institutions to support growth of the sector,” he
said. The launch of the TASI index follows the formation of Tadawul’s Sharia
Advisory Committee in April. The Committee consists of representatives from the
country’s largest financial institutions to ensure independency and
transparency. Fitch’s Al Natoor reiterated that the progression and development
of the kingdom’s Islamic finance industry is part of a wider objective of
economic diversification. “Beyond
Islamic finance the FSDP aims to develop a diversified and effective financial
sector to support the development of the national economy, diversify its
sources of income, and stimulate savings, finances and investments,” he said.
Source: salaamgateway.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.salaamgateway.com/story/saudi-arabia-eyes-global-islamic-finance-hub-status-through-new-index
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Islamic Affairs Minister, Uganda Mufti
Sign MoUon Highlighting Islam’s Relevance to Contemporary Issues
31 May, 2023
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call
and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Islamic affairs with the Uganda Muslim
Supreme Council in Jeddah today.
The MoU was signed from the Ugandan side
by the President of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh
Shaban Mubaje
The agreement focuses on promoting Islam
and highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues through various
collaborative initiatives. These include the exchange of visits by scholars and
preachers, participation in events, conferences, and symposiums related to
Islamic calls and guidance held in both countries. Additionally, the MoU
emphasizes the exchange of expertise, information, books, research,
publications, and news items in the field of Islamic call and guidance. It also
encompasses the organization of joint conferences and training seminars for
preachers and imams working in the field of Islamic affairs.
During the signing ceremony, Sheikh
Mubaje acknowledged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in the Islamic
world and its significant efforts in serving Muslims. He expressed his belief
that the agreement would have a positive impact on the Muslim community in
Uganda, as they greatly appreciate the Kingdom's influential contributions.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/cec7616ac71049f48cad9b12ef6bd46b
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Islamic Affairs Ministry Inaugurates
Holy Quran Exhibition in Brazil
31 May, 2023
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call
and Guidance, represented by the General Secretariat of Exhibitions and
Conferences, yesterday opened the one-week "Holy Quran" exhibition in
the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguacu, organized by the ministry in cooperation
with the Islamic Call Center for Latin America, in the presence of a number of
political and religious figures.
Imam of Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque
Sheikh Osama Al-Zahid, during the ceremony, referred to the attention paid by
the Saudi government to Islam and Muslims worldwide.
Acting Director of the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques Islamic Cultural Centre in Argentina, Ayedh Al-Rabie, reviewed
the history of King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran in Madinah.
The Bishop of the Catholic Church in
Brazil delivered a speech commending the efforts of the Saudi government in
spreading the culture of coexistence among religions and denouncing radicalism.
The exhibition reflects the ministry's
active role in spreading moderation and the culture of tolerance, rejecting
extremism, and highlighting the Kingdom's efforts in serving Islam and Muslims.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/8d876f628b034132907c794fc322a0fa
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Italian government lifts restrictions on
export of military weapons to Saudi Arabia
May 31, 2023
ROME: The Italian government on
Wednesday lifted restrictions on the export of military weapons to Saudi
Arabia, ending an embargo which began in 2019.
The move was announced in a communique
at the end of a Council of Ministers presided over by Prime Minister
GiorgiaMeloni.
The decision was made “in accordance
with the foreign and defense policy of Italy,” the official communique said.
Restrictions on the export of weapons
from Italy to Saudi Arabia were imposed by the Italian government to prevent
their use in the conflict in Yemen.
The Italian government added: “Today
there is no more reason to keep those restrictions standing any longer.
“The regional context in Yemen has
changed, and since April 2022, partly thanks to the truce, military activities
have been sensibly circumscribed.”
Italy now believes that the reduction in
military operations “significantly also mitigates the risk of misuse of bombs
and missiles, particularly against civilian targets.”
Rome also acknowledged that the Kingdom
“has pursued intensive diplomatic activity in support of UN mediation and was
also active in a decisive manner on the economic and humanitarian assistance
front.”
The press release added that in the
light of the “changed situation of the conflict, the Council of Ministers
states that the export of bombs and missiles to Saudi Arabia does not fall
under the prohibitions of exports established by Italian laws, and is in
accordance with the foreign and defense policy of Italy.”
Source: arabnews.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313796/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia’s population passes 32m,
census results show
May 31, 2023
RIYADH: The population of Saudi Arabia
has reached 32.2 million, statistics from the 2022 census released by the
General Authority for Statistics on Wednesday revealed.
Of the total number, Saudis made up 18.8
million people (58.4 percent), while non-Saudis accounted for 13.4 million, or
41.6 percent of the population.
The census results also revealed the
Kingdom’s youthful population, with the median age being 29 and the proportion
of Saudis aged under 30 reaching 63 percent of the population.
The number of males reached 19.7
million, 61 percent of the population, while the number of females reached 12.5
million, representing 39 percent.
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning
and General Authority for Statistics Chairman Faisal Al-Ibrahim said: “The
Saudi census 2022 is an important national project, and its outputs will be a
key pillar for planning and decision-making, developing economic and social
policy, creating development plans for various sectors and services, and
supporting the investment environment in the Kingdom and the achievement of
Vision 2030 goals.”
General Authority for Statistics
President Fahad Al-Dossari told Arab News that technological advancement
allowed the authority to reach a confidence level of 95 percent for the 2022
census.
“Saudi census 2022 is the most accurate
and comprehensive. It will be used as a foundation for the General Authority
for Statistics’ projects, publications as well as numbers,” he added.
The 2022 census was conducted in line
with the best international methodologies and by using satellite and
self-enumeration technologies.
Error monitoring and automated data
correction techniques were deployed to ensure the quality of the census data.
More than 1 million phone calls, 900,000
field visits, and advanced data analysis and statistics methods were used.
The comparisons included five different
data sources, and more than 200 indicators reviewed data to confirm its
accuracy.
Al-Dossari told Arab News: “For that
reason, we decided to use 2022 as a base year for us to do the backcasting – an
international practice whenever there is a new census – as an exercise to the
previous census.
“We looked at 2022, and we backcasted
based on the multiple sources of data that helped us estimate the changes and
numbers of the census, especially from 2010 to today.”
The backcasted 2010 data shows that the
total population of Saudi Arabia has increased by 8.2 million (34.2 percent)
since 2010; the number of Saudis by 4.8 million (33.8 percent); and the number
of non-Saudis by 3.5 million (34.7 percent).
The announcement of the Saudi census
2022 results included detailed data on three main categories: population,
households and housing. Results on education, health, employment, income,
migration and diversity will be announced over the next few months.
The authority will make the census
results available on a dedicated website featuring interactive dashboards,
easy-to-use interactive maps, reports, tables and charts. It will also host a
livestreamed webinar covering the census methodology and key findings in the
coming month.
Source: arabnews.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313691/saudi-arabia
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Europe
Civil Society Groups Protest
“Islamophobic” Decision to Sanction Islamic Centreof England
May 31, 2023
Around 35 civil society organisations
and individuals have protested to the Charity Commission over its decision to
impose a non-Muslim manager to oversee the affairs of the Islamic Centre of
England.
In a strongly worded letter to the
Commission this week , the signatories accuse the charities watchdog of
continuing a vendetta against Muslim charities that has seen dozens of them
harassed in recent years.
Earlier this month the Commission
imposed an interim manager to run the ICE following a politically motivated
campaign against the centre by mainly secularist opponents of the Iranian
government and hostile MP’s.
Their objections centre on activities
and statements made by a trustee and attendees of the centre supporting the
Islamic Republic and its policies.
This, say the signatories, is an
unwarranted intrusion into the Centre’s affairs. They say that it is not the
business of the Charity Commission or any other state body to tell religious
communities what they can say or believe in their places of worship.
They accuse the Charity Commission of
acting heavy-handedly and failing to ensure the best interests of the centre
and its congregation.
“We believe that this decision is
politically motivated and serves the interests of Islamophobes who have been
targeting this diverse community centre and place of worship,” says the letter.
“Rather than remaining a neutral arbitrator and serving to address any genuine
shortcomings that may exist, you have shown a biased approach and used punitive
measures that unfairly penalize Muslim charities.”
It goes on to say that the measures will
result in the alienation of Muslims from their places of worship.
A vigil will be held tomorrow evening
(Thurs 1 June) at centre to protest the Charity Commission’s decision.
Source: ihrc.org.uk
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https://www.ihrc.org.uk/press-releases/civil-society-groups-protest-islamophobic-decision-to-sanction-islamic-centre/
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German police arrest seven suspected
Islamic terrorists
31.05.2023
German federal police are searching
buildings and apartments across 12 federal states as part of an investigation
into Islamist terrorist financing, the Bild newspaper reported on Wednesday.
They have arrested seven suspected
supporters of the Islamic State terrorist group.
At the same time, authorities conducted
19 raids in Baden-Württemberg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia
and Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as in one property in the Netherlands, the
federal prosecutor's office said in a statement.The individuals arrested are
suspected of belonging to an international network that solicited financial
donations for IS in Syria through platforms including Telegram and subsequently
transferred them to the group or its intermediaries.
At least EUR 65,000 (USD 71,552.00) were
transferred in this manner, prosecutors said, adding that the money was used to
support IS members imprisoned in Syria, in some cases allowing them to escape
from prison camps.
The seven suspects are to appear on
Wednesday and Thursday before a magistrate who will decide whether they are to
remain in pre-trial detention.
Source: tvpworld.com
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https://tvpworld.com/70231841/german-police-arrest-seven-islamic-terrorists
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Moroccan Islamic party turns down invite
to Israel independence party
May 31, 2023
Morocco's Justice and Development Party
(PJD) has turned down an invitation by an Israeli diplomatic envoy to Rabat to
attend the celebration of Israel's independence, a statement said yesterday.
In a statement, the PJD stated that the
date of the celebration symbolises the anniversary of the Nakba – the
Palestinian Catastrophe, when Zionist Jewish gangs forcibly expelled over
750,000 Palestinians from their homeland and tens of thousands lost their
lives.
The PJD also expressed its unequivocal
rejection of the planned visit by Israeli Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, to the
Moroccan Parliament.
Ohana, who is of Moroccan origin, is
reportedly set to make his first official visit to Morocco in early June,
marking his inaugural visit to Morocco since assuming the role of Speaker of
the Israeli Knesset.
The PJD firmly stood against the
formation of a "Moroccan-Israeli parliamentary friendship commission"
and declared its disinterest in participating.
In response to the PJD's criticism,
Morocco World News reported Morocco's Royal Cabinet describing the party's
comments as "irresponsible excessive views and dangerous
approximations."
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
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URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230531-moroccan-islamic-party-turns-down-invite-to-israel-independence-party/
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Mosque invite after Boston councillor
ruled out for mayoral role over Facebook comments on Islam
31st May 2023
Councillor Mike Gilbert lost a vote for
the mayoral role due to posts he made during the Qatar World Cup which have
been described as hate speech.
The National Secular Society (NSS) has
defended the councillor, arguing that describing his criticism of Islam as hate
speech unfairly smeared him.
But the director of Boston mosque has
told the Standard the Facebook comments on Islam were “selective and
out-of-context” and is now inviting Coun Gilbert to come and speak to him and
discuss his “assumptions”.
Coun Gilbert denies the posts were
racist and says he was highlighting aspects of Islamic doctrine.
The issue arose at a council meeting on
Monday last week where Blue Revolution councillor Gilbert was denied the role
as mayor. During the discussion, Coun Anne Dorrian, who served as mayor at the
time and chaired the meeting, entered the debate by expressing her concern
about the increasing prevalence of hate speech.
Stephen Evans, the chief executive
officer of the NSS, has now written to council leaders stressing that critical
views on Islam or any ideology should not be automatically considered hateful.
“Free speech and social cohesion are
harmed if this is considered beyond the bounds of reasonable public debate,” he
said.
“By characterising councillor Gilbert’s
legitimate criticism of Islamic doctrine as ‘hate speech’ the councillors have
unfairly smeared a fellow councillor – and at the same made it more difficult
to challenge religious-based suppression of women’s rights and LGBT equality.
“This assists religious fundamentalists
by helping to shield Islam and even Islamic extremists from criticism.”
Responding to the NSS’ criticism, Coun
Anne Dorrian said councillors from all sides had voted against Coun Gilbert’s
appointment due to their concerns.
“A number of councillors spoke about the
importance of working to improve inclusion in our community and related this to
very recent public comments which had been posted on social media by Coun
Gilbert,” she said. “We do not agree with Mr Evan’s view that this decision
makes it more difficult to challenge women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality, which
is something all of us fully support.
“We believe the decision was entirely
correct in the circumstances and in the light of our determination to show
respect to the diverse population which lives in our borough.”
The council leader expressed hopes that
Coun Gilbert would reflect on the impact of his words and “make genuine efforts
to build bridges with the diverse communities in the borough of Boston.”
Speaking to the Standard on Friday, Coun
Gilbert added: “What happened on Monday respected no one's rights. In November
2022, following a lot of press controversy about the Qatar World Cup, I put
together a brief Facebook comment explaining why the choice of venue was
controversial.
“The comments were factual and truthful.
It was used on 22 May this year as the basis for a whole council administration
to vote me down as mayor-elect.
“The issue of freedom of, and from,
religion, was at the heart of the piece.
“However, as the NSS suggest, fettering
freedom of speech in respect of religion only serves to empower extremists.
“This is something I believed all people
who value democracy have understood since the 18th century enlightenment.
“Clearly freedom of speech and
expression are principles no longer felt relevant to the newly elected Boston
Independents Party who supported en-block the decision to reject me as mayor.”
During the meeting on May 22 Coun
Gilbert said: “I guess I am being accused of Ismlaphobia around the time of the
Qatar World Cup.”
Newly-elected Boston Independent
councillor Dale Broughton criticised the remarks, saying: “The comments
expressed on social media do little to bring about social integration in our
town, which I believe is so badly needed to progress.”
However, Coun Richard Austin said: “I
have looked at the comments on social media, and I saw them as a historical
note. They were not personal.”
Coun Gilbert admitted making the posts
during the Qatar World Cup: “at a time whenthere was a lot of speculation in
the media that the choice of venue wasn’t appropriate for a number of different
reasons.”
He added: “My intention was not to
target any individual personally but to highlight that Islam, as a culture and
ideology, intersects with certain issues in the West,” citing women’s rights
and gay rights as examples.
“I hold no prejudice against anyone on
any inappropriate basis, but I do have specific views on politics, ideology,
and religion that I am not willing to suppress in my political position,” Coun
Gilbert added.
“On Facebook, I have stated that I will
respect the office of mayor and refrain from making any comments on
controversial matters.
“Therefore, I am surprised by what is
being said, to be honest with you.”
During the discussion, Coun Anne Dorrian
said that hate speech is not only propagated by populist or extremist groups
but is also being embraced by representative parties across the political
spectrum.
“As politicians, we not only have a
political obligation to refrain from using hate speech, but we also have a
moral responsibility to avoid engaging in such rhetoric.”
She added: “Choosing to remain silent
when hate speech is used can be interpreted as approval or support.
“Therefore, it is our duty to unambiguously
condemn it whenever it is employed by others.”
Speaking to the Standard this week,
CounDorrian confirmed where the initial complaint had come from: “Several
councillors received an email from a local resident on 19/5/23 in which the
resident complained about Coun Gilbert’s social media posts and given the
nature of them, his suitability to become Boston’s next mayor.”
We approached Boston Mosque for their
opinion on Coun Gilbert’s Facebook comments.
Abdul Hamid Qureshi, Imam and Director
of UKIM Boston Mosque and Islamic Centre said: “My immediate understanding of
the views expressed are that they are speculative and assumptive rather than
factual. Secondly they are out of context and selective.
"I would love to sit with the
person and would have asked where these realities exist. How did he reach to
these conclusions. I can't comment on the political decision which the council
has made but I could say that the views expressed are assumptions and selective
with the most negative spin one could have.
"I would love to invite the person
to visit the mosque and discuss the views expressed based on knowledge.”
• According to the council’s tradition,
mayors are selected based on their length of service. And as a result,
Conservative councillor David Brown was voted into the role since he was the
next most senior eligible candidate.
Source: lincolnshireworld.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.lincolnshireworld.com/news/people/mosque-invite-after-boston-councillor-ruled-out-for-mayoral-role-over-facebook-comments-on-islam-4164042
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South Asia
Ministry of Finance rejects claims of
closure of Islam Qala customs office
May 31, 2023
The ministry of finance has rejected
claims that the Islam Qala customs office in Herat province has suspended
operations.
According to officials, media reports
indicated that their office closed on Wednesday.
“We reject the false reports published
in this regard and want to mention that Islam Qala Customs of Herat works
normally and provides the necessary services,” officials said.
Source: ariananews.af
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.ariananews.af/ministry-of-finance-rejects-claims-of-closure-of-islam-qala-customs-office/
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6 Killed, 9 Injured in Traffic Accident
in Afghanistan’s Kapisa
May 31, 2023
At least six people were killed, and
nine others were injured in a traffic accident in Kapisa Province of
Afghanistan on Wednesday, local officials said.
Six people were killed, and nine others
were injured, including children and women, after a Mazda vehicle flipped and
jumped into the valley on Wednesday morning in the Alasay district of Kapisa
province, according to the provincial police office.
According to the police, the cause of
the traffic incident was reckless driving and the narrow width of the road in
the area.
The injured people were taken to the
hospital while the authorities were sent to investigate the cause of the
incident.
Several factors, such as careless
driving, backed-up traffic, poorly built roads, a lack of the rule of law, and
poorly maintained vehicles, contributed to increased traffic incidents in the
country.
According to the World Health
Organization, 6,033 fatalities from traffic accidents are expected to occur in
Afghanistan in 2020, or 2.6% of all fatalities. As a result, the nation is
ranked 76 globally regarding accidents.
Source: khaama.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/6-killed-9-injured-in-traffic-accident-in-afghanistans-kapisa/
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Iran’s Interior Minister Calls on
Taliban to Keep Peace and Avoid Border Conflicts
May 31, 2023
Ahmad Vahidi, Iran’s interior minister,
asked the Taliban authorities to advise their security forces to maintain peace
and security and avoid further border conflicts.
The Iranian Minister said on Wednesday
that peace and security had been restored in the area following the recent
incidents that occurred along the Iran-Afghanistan border, According to Tasnim
News.
Vahidi blamed the Taliban forces for
last week’s border clashes and claimed that the Iranian forces responded to
them.
“The Afghans had begun shooting at the
common border, and the Iranian forces naturally responded to the shots
properly,” he said.
“We currently have direct interaction
with Afghan rulers, and all misunderstandings and problems should be settled
through dialogue and negotiation,” the interior minister concluded.
According to Iranian officials, during
the border clashes with the Taliban that broke out last week, one Iranian
border guard was killed, and two others were injured.
Meanwhile, the Afghan security forces
claimed that one Taliban security force and two Iranian border guards were
killed, and several others were injured during the skirmishes.
The incident occurred at the border
crossing point between the southeastern province of Sistan and Balochistan and
the Nimruz province of Afghanistan in areas around Sasouli, Hatam and Makaki
villages.
Source: khaama.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/irans-interior-minister-calls-on-taliban-to-keep-peace-and-avoid-border-conflicts/
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Pakistan
Balochistan Govt to Improve Facilities
for Shia PilgrimsTraveling Between Quetta and Taftan, On the Iran Border
May 30, 2023
The government of Balochistan has
decided to improve facilities for the Shia pilgrims traveling between Quetta
and Taftan, the town on the Iran border. The provincial government has also
decided to improve security measures for the pilgrims. In this connection,
Balochistan Chief Secretary Abdul Aziz Uqaili chaired a high-level meeting on
Monday to review arrangements for the pilgrims traveling to Iran via the
Pak-Iran border, Taftan, on Monday.
A d di t i o n a l C h i e f Secretary
(Home) Saleh Nasar, Quetta Division Commissioner Sohailur Rehman, Rakhshan
Division Commissioner Tariqur Rehman, and other senior administration officials
participated in the meeting. The meeting decided to improve security measures
for the pilgrims traveling between Pakistan and Iran. Speaking on the occasion,
the chief secretary directed the officials concerned to make sure provision of
better facilities for the pilgrims. “Steps should be taken to ensure a peaceful
journey for the Zaireen,” Uqaili directed the officials. Various proposals were
given by commissioners and administration officials with regard to the
improvement of facilities for the pilgrims. Every day, a large number of Shia
pilgrims travel on the QuettaTaftan highway to reach Iran and visit holy places
in Iran and Iraq. Pilgrims from Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi, Lahore and
other parts of the country frequently travel through the QuettaTaftan highway.
Militants have repeatedly attacked Shia pilgrims in Balochistan's Mastung and
other districts of the province. Most of the attacks have taken place in
Balochistan's restive Mastung district.
Source: tribune.com.pk
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2419375/balochistan-govt-to-improve-facilities-for-shia-pilgrims
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Finance Minister, UAE Ambassador discuss
bilateral economic ties
June 01, 2023
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
HamadObaid Ibrahim Salim Al-Zaabi called on Finance Minister Senator Mohammad
Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Thursday.
During the meeting, they exchanged views
on further promoting bilateral economic and financial relations between
Pakistan and UAE.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.radio.gov.pk/01-06-2023/finance-minister-uae-ambassador-discuss-bilateral-economic-ties
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UK Chief of General Staff Acknowledges
Achievements OfPakistan Armed Forces
May 31, 2023
Chief of General Staff of British Army,
General Sir Patrick Nicholas Yardley Monrad Sanders called on Chief of Army
Staff, General Syed Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on Wednesday and acknowledged
sacrifices and achievements of Pakistan Army in fight against terrorism.
According to ISPR, Chief of General
Staff of British Army also lauded Pakistan's efforts for bringing peace and
stability in the region.
During the meeting, regional security
issues and matters of mutual interest were discussed.
Upon arrival at the GHQ, British Army's
Chief of General Staff, laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly
turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour to the
visiting dignitary.
Earlier, he also called on Chairman Joint
Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at Joint Staff
Headquarters, Rawalpindi.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-05-2023/uk-pak-army-chiefs-discuss-matters-of-mutual-interest
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Graduation ceremony of Islamic Research
Institute held
JUNE 1, 2023
First Graduation Ceremony of Islamic
Research Institute (IRI) of International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI)
was held at the Faisal Masjid Campus on Wednesday in which certificates were
conferred upon over one hundred scholars of postdoctoral international
fellowship. Scholars who were conferred awards hail from Pakistan Maldives, Iraq,
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan. In the ceremony, certificates were also
conferred in the categories of Postgraduate Training on Academic Research and
Scientific Writing and Undergraduate Training on Research and Technical
Writing.
Senator Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq,
Secretary General, World Muslim Congress was the Chief Guest of the graduation
ceremony. Prof. Dr HathalHamoudAlotabi, President International Islamic
University and Chairman Council of Islamic Research Institute was Chair of the
ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by a galaxy of
renowned Islamic researchers, scholars and intellectuals including Dr. S.M
Zaman former Vice Chancellor AIOU, Former Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology
& Former Vice President (A&F) of IIUI and Former Director General of
Islamic Research Institute. It was also attended by Prof. Dr Ahmed Shujah Syed
Vice President Research and Enterprises, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khalid Masud,
Former Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology and Former Director General of IRI,
Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid Ur Rehman Former Vice President IIUI/Former Director
General of Dawah Academy, Former Professor of IRI and Director of Seerah Chair
at AIOU, Directors General, Deans, Directors, professors, Present and former
Scholars of IRI, Officers and officials of IRI & IIUI, IRI Postdoctoral
Fellows, IRI Under Graduates and post Graduate research fellows.
The ceremony also witnessed awards and
medals that were distributed in the various categories for the present and
former scholars of IRI, authors of IRI Books and editors of IRI journals.
Source: dailytimes.com.pk
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://dailytimes.com.pk/1098884/graduation-ceremony-of-islamic-research-institute-held/
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Islam a religion of peace and harmony:
Masood Khan
MAY 31, 2023
WASHINGTON DC: “Islamic Circle of North
America (ICNA) has upheld spirituality, knowledge and values in its outreach
and humanitarian work spanning decades,” said Masood Khan Pakistan’s Ambassador
to the United States while addressing ‘Scholars and Community Leaders
Recognition Lunch’ hosted by ICNA.
ICNA’s yearly convention in Baltimore
this year was attended by more than 25,000 people in which 160 speaking session
were held addressed by more than 100 speakers. Muslim Americans from across the
US and different parts of the world along with their families attended the
convention.
Pak Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and Turkish
Ambassador to the United States Hasan Murat Mercan also attended the luncheon.
Ambassador Masood Khan said that ICNA
over the years has raised awareness about the tenets and practices of Islam
anchored in humanitarianism. In doing so ICNA has contributed to individual
self development and community connectivity.
He thanked ICNA and the Helping Hand for
mobilizing humanitarian assistance for Pakistan during flood response and
rehabilitation.
“Pakistan would always remember ICNA for
generating $15 million to help victims of floods and its leaders for visiting
flood areas during the height of the catastrophe,” he said.
The same spirit of humanitarianism drove
ICNA’s campaign to raise funds to come to rescue of victims of catastrophic
earthquakes in Turkey and Syria early this year raising more that $10 million,
the Ambassador said.
Paying rich tribute to Dr. Mohsin
Ansari, President ICNA, Ambassador Masood Khan said that this organization had
advocated protection of rights of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to create a
harmonious society.
The Ambassador said that all Muslims
living in United States should be thankful to rich ambiance and integrative
environment provided by its people which assimilates people of all faiths and
diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“America has been a catalyst for growth
and prosperity of Muslims living here,” the Ambassador said.
In his remarks, President ICNA Dr.
Mohsin Ansari highlighted major achievements of the organization and briefed
the participants about a range of humanitarian services that ICNA was rendering
to the people regardless of any consideration whatsoever.
He said that ICNA in 2022 impacted lives
of more than 10.5 million individuals and provided its services not only in the
United States but also in other parts of the world which were affected by
calamities. He said that the organization provided relief to 10 million people
during recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It was informed that Helping Hand
was taking care of 23000 orphan children.
During the convention, Turkish
Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan was awarded ‘Community Service Award’ by ICNA for
his untiring efforts and leadership role in bringing the communities and
philanthropic organizations together especially during difficult times of
natural calamities.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hasan Mercan
thanked ICNA for its humanitarian services during the earthquake in Turkey. He
also thanked Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America for provision
of much need medical assistance to the earthquake victims.
Ambassador Masood Khan, during the
convention, also felicitated his Turkish counterpart on re-election of
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Source: dailytimes.com.pk
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://dailytimes.com.pk/1098817/islam-a-religion-of-peace-and-harmony-masood-khan/
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Hajj Mission taken special measures to
cater differently abled pilgrims
May 31, 2023
The Pakistan Hajj Mission has taken
special measures this year to cater to the needs of differently abled intending
pilgrims, ensuring their ease and comfort during their stay in Saudi Arabia for
Hajj.
Radio Pakistan’s correspondent Javed
Iqbal reports from Makkah that the Pakistan Hajj Mission has made all out
arrangements to facilitate differently abled people in residential units.
Additionally, electric wheelchairs are
available to facilitate convenient transportation between residential units and
the Haram, with dedicated buses serving for this purpose.
The Mission has instructed its staff to
prioritize the well-being of these individuals, offering extra vigilance and
care throughout their pilgrimage stay.
In order to ensure the well being of
these special individuals, the Director of Moavineen e Hujjaj, Sajjad Yildrim,
has personally conveyed special instructions to the staff.
They have been directed to exercise
extra vigilance and care towards the differently abled pilgrims, guaranteeing
that their needs are met and they receive the necessary support throughout
their journey.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-05-2023/hajj-mission-taken-special-measures-to-cater-differently-abled-pilgrims
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Mideast
National Consensus Bloc Emerges With
Five Sunni MPsKnown As Allies of Hezbollah
2023-05-31
Five Sunni MPs, known as allies of
Hezbollah and close to the Syrian regime, have formed a parliamentary bloc
titled "National Consensus."
Faisal Karami represents the Sunni seat
in the Tripoli-Minieh- Donnieh district, Adnan Traboulsi holds the Sunni seat
in the Beirut Second district, Mohammad Yahya represents the Sunni seat in the
Akkar district, TahaNaji has a Sunni seat in the Tripoli-Minieh-Donnieh
district. Hassan Mourad represents the Sunni seat in the Western Bekaa and
Rashaya districts.
A year after the parliamentary elections
and with an attempt to limit Sunni representation in the Parliament to the
National Moderation Bloc and some Change MPs, according to sources from the
National Consensus bloc, the five MPs believed that it was time for the Bloc to
voice another Sunni political faction.
However, the first real challenge for
the National Consensus Bloc lies in the upcoming presidential elections.
Although the Bloc's MPs have not
officially declared their support for the Hezbollah-backed candidate,
SleimanFrangieh, all indications point towards it. This raises the question of
who the Bloc will nominate for the position of Prime Minister after the
presidential elections and whether Faisal Karami will face other Sunni
candidates.
Will the Bloc be an extension of the
consultative gathering, whose members were allies of Hezbollah and close to the
Syrian regime and Iran, mainly since the new Bloc includes several former
members of the previous consultative gathering, such as Faisal Karami, Adnan
Traboulsi, and the father of MP Hassan Mourad, Abdul Rahim Mourad?
The National Consensus Bloc, consisting
of five MPs, has failed to attract MP Jihad Samad, who refuses to abide by the
decisions of any bloc, and it has not succeeded in expanding its sectarian base
by including the Alawite MP Haidar Nasser, considering the Bloc to be of a
single sect.
Source: lbcgroup.tv
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/news-bulletin-reports/706084/political-shift-national-consensus-bloc-emerges-wi/en
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SEWA, Sharjah Islamic set up
rationalising tools in 494 mosques
Wed 31-05-2023
SHARJAH, 31st May, 2023 (WAM) -- Sharjah
Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA) is continuing to rationalise
energy and water consumption in the emirate’s various buildings and facilities,
with new water-saving tools installed in 494 mosques in Sharjah. The tools
contributed to reducing water consumption by around 69 percent, by circulating
a flow rate of two litres per minute for all mosques, as per the Ministry of
Industry and Advanced Technology specifications.
Rashid Al Marzouqi, Deputy Director of
the Conservation Department, explained that SEWA finds it essential to provide
water and electricity for mosques and set up conservation programmes. As a
result, the total consumption rates per day before installation were 148,667
gallons, while the total consumption rates per day after installation were
45,993 gallons.
He explained that SEWA integrates with
all parties to raise awareness of the importance of rationalisation, which
benefits citizens, residents, and future generations.
The department obliges contractors and
consultants to follow all the requirements for rationalisation with new
mosques. The authority is keen on going on with its cooperation with the
Sharjah Islamic Affairs Department to review the best international practices
in water rationalisation.
Source: wam.ae
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303164088
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Raeisi calls for further ties with
Muslim, allied countries
May 31, 2023
TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) – President Raeisi
has stressed the need for further bolstering relations with Muslim, neighbor,
allied, and friendly countries.
Raeisi made the remarks in the gathering
of heads of Iran's missions abroad ambassadors and other diplomats in Tehran on
Wednesday, calling on the Iranian diplomats to play a role in the regional and
international organizations.
He called on the official to maximize
the use of the capacity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Eurasian
Economic Union and BRICS.
The president described those regional
and international organizations as emerging powers, urging the Iranian
diplomats to play a more active role and increase cooperation with those entities.
President urged the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and the diplomats to take care of the legal and consular issues and
demands of Iranians abroad and also use their capacities nad potential to
continue the progress of the country.
The Iranian president also called on the
authorities to prioritize pursuing the previously-inked agreements and MoUs.
Raeisi said that holding meetings of the
joint economic commission between Iran and other countries must be on the main
work schedule.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he said that
the policy of the Islamic Republic is to cooperate with all countries that deal
with Iran in good faith.
“If any country shows enmity to Iran,
the focus of our policy is resistance ,” he further noted.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/201469/Raeisi-calls-for-further-ties-with-Muslim-allied-countries
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Islamic Jihad thugs are in the IRGC
terrorist circle
May 31, 2023
Ideologically and factually, Palestinian
Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is one of the most central Palestinian Arab terrorist
factions grown in the Gaza Strip. From its origin in the early 1980’s to today,
Palestinian Islamic Jihad is part of the IRGC’s terrorist network. Factually,
it is established and developed based on Islamic terrorism and depends on the
destructive ideology of Khomeinism. It is heavily influenced by the 1979 revolt
of terrorists in Iran.
PIJ was founded as an offshoot of the
Muslim Brotherhood and was influenced by Khomeinism, which is an ally of Muslim
Brotherhood and has a mutual ally, Hamas. In the recent decade, since 2014, the
internationally recognized terrorist organization PIJ was strengthened and
expanded by supporting Iranian regime.
In doing so, with its own functions and
missions, PIJ is in parallel with the terrorists of Hamas. And both terrorist
groups have moved closer to the criminal mullahs in Tehran.
Incontestably, Iranian mullah’s regime
remains a key source of turmoil in the region and funding for the terrorist
military confrontation with Israel to this day. The dream of these thugs is
eliminating Israel through aggression and terrorism, while the main aim of this
notorious Palestinian Arab terrorist group is pleasing the mullahs in Tehran.
Recently, Salami, the chief commander of
the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) terrorists in Tehran stated that
“Big Events are just around the corner”. He praised the Palestinian Arab terror
attacks and said repeatedly: “We are witnessing America and Israel’s collapse”.
Concurrently, the message is clear, another part of the terrorist Shiite
Movement is in the region as the Iranian regime’s version of fundamentalist
Islam tries to make a headway. Clandestinely IRGC and the Ministry of Intelligence
of Iran (MOIS) made strenuous efforts to widen their influence and circle of
players to the Palestinian Arab scene.
IRGC and PIJ are the two sides of the
same coin in Islamic terrorist (Jihad), antisemitism and enmity toward Israel,
but their type of Islamism is different. From that point onward, IRGC is a
Shiite and an oppressive instrument in the hand of the mullah octopus, but PIJ
is an icon of the Sunni terrorist group.
Since the 1979 revolt in Iran, the
terrorist connection among IRGC and its affiliated transnational terrorist
network is a subject of research for my colleagues in Counterterrorism in the
Mossad and CIA. In many cases, the FBI and CIA in the US tracked terrorists
related to PIJ. Thus, the political aspect of the cooperation between IRGC and
the PIJ, cannot be considered a marginal matter.
There remains the ideological impact and
mullah’s influence on the Palestinian Arab terrorist militia which has become
more and more noticeable.
With regard to this political and
ideological outlook, PIJ, as a fundamentalist group, is a mirror of the Iranian
regime’s terrorism, the so-called Islamic Jihad. This point should add
parenthetically here that IRGC and MOIS are behind all Islamic Jihad terror
operations, transferring money and military equipment.
Logistically, the organic connections
among Hezbollah, Hamas, PIJ and PKK are under the radar of the IRGC Quds Force
for suicidal terror attack missions. What is known is that regular working
meetings among these ferocious terrorist network partners continue to take
place. For instance, on 4 May 2023 in Damascus, Iran’s Raisi – the butcher of
Tehran- meets with top Hamas and PIJ officials with this specious prophecy ”the
collapse of the Zionist regime very close”. It means that in any diplomatic
meetings, Iranian mullah’s regime has been a main supporter of terrorist
groups, supplying them with weapons, financial assistance, and income.
Israel Defense Force (IDF), met PIJ's
hundreds of missile attacks on Israel by pinpointing and eliminating leaders
until a ceasefire was declared. PIJ, as a terror proxy of IRGC, has no faith in
any peaceful solution. In essence, PIJ wants to continue raining missiles and
carrying out suicide bombings, firing rockets and digging offensive terror
tunnels, increasing terror center in the 'West Bank', and killing innocent
Israelis. PIJ planned various suicide bombings in Israel and assassinated
innocent Israeli civilians.These are the main missions of this terrorist
organization which has intense ties with the thugs of IRGC.
Actually, there is no rational relation
between the Palestinian Arab issue and the sovereignty and destiny of the
Iranian people. At the same time, the mullah’s Islamic republic is not the
representative of the Iranian people, instead it is the supporter of terror
organizations around the globe. PIJ seeks Israel’s destruction, but rememer
that the cat dreams of mice.
Based on geostrategic and ideological
factors, the recent attacks on Israel can be illuminated as PIJ partnered with
IRGC’s terrorist network to carry out joint operations against Israel. The root
of this chaos and crisis is the mullah’s regime in Iran.
PIJ is a rotten fruit of Khomeinism, and
it is time to let criminal PIJ fade into the dustbin of history where it
belongs. Thanks go to Israel for a courageous step in that direction.
Source: israelnationalnews.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/372169
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Israeli Settlers Invade Al-Aqsa Mosque
1
June, 2023
Israeli settlers invaded on Thursday, 1
June 2023 Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards and performed provocative Talmudic rituals.
Local Palestinian sources reported
dozens of Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa and performed
provocative Talmudic rituals in some of its yards under the Israeli occupation
forces’ protection.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces are
widely spread across the compound of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to protect the colonial
settlers, prohibiting the presence of Palestinians.
Colonial settlers’ backed by the Israeli
occupation forces repeatedly invade Muslims and holy places in the occupied
West Bank and Jerusalem in a flagrant violation of all international
conventions and laws, guaranteeing Palestinian people’s right to worship in
their sacred sites.
Israeli settlers and other non-Muslims
are allowed to visit the Al-Aqsa mosque compound at certain times but are
forbidden to pray or display any religious or national symbols under a
long-standing agreement with the Muslim authority which administers the
compound.
The site is known to Muslims as Haram
al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and contains the al-Aqsa (Qibli) mosque, the third
holiest place in Islam.
Illegal settlers repeated violations of
Muslim, as well as Christian, symbols as a deliberate attempt to Judaise the
occupied Jerusalem, with the progressive expulsion of the local population; the
Palestinians.
In 2022, 56670 colonial settlers invaded
Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards and performed Talmudic provocative rituals in its
squares, according to Palestinian figures.
Source: daysofpalestine.ps
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://daysofpalestine.ps/israeli-settlers-invade-al-aqsa-mosque-2/
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Taliban rejects reports on closure of
Islam Qala as false
May 31, 2023
TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) – The Taliban's
Ministry of Industry and Trade rejected the news of the closure of the shared
Islam Qala border crossing with Iran, saying that normal business and trade
operation is underway there.
The Ministry of Industry of the Taliban
announced on Twitter the reports by some media on the closure of Islam Qala in
Herat province is strongly rejected.
According to the ministry, normal
operations at Herat Islam Qala Customs is underway and the necessary services
are underway there as usual.
Maulvi Mohammad Abdullah, head of Herat
Customs, also said in that regard that there is no problem at Islam Qala
Customs and all operations are going on normally there.
Islam Qala border crossing is located on
Afghan side of the border while the same crossing is called Dogharoun on the
Iranian side of the border. It is located at the border areas of the Razavi
Khorasan Province in Iran.
Previously, official sources in Herat
Province and Razavi Khorasan Province had rejected the reports on the border
closure and any problems at
IslamQala/Dogharoun and announced that the situation on the border was
calm.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/201466/Taliban-rejects-reports-on-closure-of-Islam-Qala-as-false
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Southeast Asia
DAP Veteran Kit Siang: If I'm
'Anti-Islam' For Criticising Hadi, Then So Must Be Saudi for Putting Him on
Terror List
By ShathanaKasinathan
Thursday, 01 Jun 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — DAP veteran Lim
Kit Siang today denied allegations made by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi
Awang of him being “anti-Islam” and “promoting Islamophobia”.
Comparing himself to Saudi Arabia which
had once listed Hadi in its terror list, Lim asserted that criticising the
Marang MP does not equate to being “anti-Islam”.
“I may be anti-Hadi unless he changes
his ways but to call me anti-Islam and promoting Islamophobia is like calling
Saudi Arabia anti-Islam and promoting Islamophobia for banning Hadi and
describing him as akin to a terrorist.
“I still remember Hadi slamming Saudi
Arabia five years ago as among the Gulf states like Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain,
for believing more in Zionists than in Allah and Islam when the quartet of Gulf
States added the IUMS, the International Islamic Council, to its terror list,”
he said in a statement here.
In 2017, Saudi and the three countries
listed IUMS — of which Hadi was its president — in its terror list for
allegedly “working to promote terrorism through the exploitation of Islamic
discourse”.
Despite that, Lim said he does not
consider Hadi a terrorist but merely believed that the PAS politician may
suffer from "intellectual inadequacies" for misconstruing his
suggestion for state-federal cooperation for an official invite to join the
Anwar administration.
“His silence to the three proposals I
put to him shows that he is not prepared to be a responsible, honest and
respected Islamic leader, the conditions I had laid down for PAS to join the
Anwar unity government,” he said.
In response to Hadi's recent attack
accusing the DAP of advocating secularism through the “Malaysian Malaysia”
concept, Lim pointed out that Malaysia's first and third prime ministers, Tunku
Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn, had emphasised that Malaysia should not be
transformed into an Islamic state.
He reiterated that his position is
aligned with the views of these respected leaders.
“I do not want to be a person who makes
wild and preposterous allegations and, when challenged, was unable to present
an iota of evidence to substantiate the allegations or self-invite to join a
government,” he said.
Yesterday, Hadi continued his constant
attack against DAP, claiming that non-Muslims’ well-being will be threatened if
they “cross the line” in their behaviour towards Muslims in Malaysia.
He also said that DAP has been nothing
but a nuisance to the country ever since the party was founded and has “gone
too far”.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/06/01/kit-siang-if-im-anti-islam-for-criticising-hadi-then-so-must-be-saudi-for-putting-him-on-terror-list/71940
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Six hurt after Institute of Islamic
Understanding Malaysia’s roof collapses
Wednesday, 31 May 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Six staff members
of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) sustained minor
injuries after the roof of the Ikim main hall in Block B, at LanggakTunku,
JalanTuanku Abdul Halim here, collapsed at 11.55am.
A Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue
Department spokesperson said the department received an emergency call
regarding the incident at 11.56am, and a total of 15 firefighters from the Sri
Hartamas Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) and the Hang Tuah BBP were dispatched to
the location.
“Upon arriving at the scene of the
incident at 12.13pm, it was found that the entire roof of the hall had
collapsed, and a total of six female staff, aged 30 to 50, who were in the
area, sustained minor injuries,” he said in a statement today.
He said all victims were then sent to
Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) for further treatment.
The operation ended at 12.51pm and the
cause of the collapse is still under investigation, he added.
Meanwhile, Ikim director-general Prof Dr
Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil, in a statement, said that the incident occurred when
some of the staff were conducting a rehearsal for the upcoming Tan Sri Mohd
Kamal Hassan Tribute programme, scheduled for June 2, at the hall.
He said following the incident, Ikim
requested the Public Works Department (JKR) to conduct further investigations
to find out the cause of the roof collapse.
He added that the hall was built in
1993, and until now minor maintenance has always been carried out on the
premises, such as changing the leaky roof. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/31/six-hurt-after-institute-of-islamic-understanding-malaysias-roof-collapses/71892
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PAS president calls DAP a ‘nuisance’,
warns non-Muslims not to ‘cross the line’
By Chan Wai Kit
Wednesday, 31 May 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — PAS president Tan
Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said that non-Muslims’ wellbeing will be threatened if
they “cross the line” in their behaviour towards Muslims in Malaysia.
In a Facebook post today, he said that
DAP has been nothing but a nuisance to a country ever since the party was
founded and has “gone too far”.
Hadi once again painted DAP as the
purveyor of secularism through the “Malaysian Malaysia” concept.
“They are trying to bring the agenda of
secularism and ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ which revises the country’s principles and
seeks to dilute the Malay-Muslim race with the non-Muslim community in a
liberal way by marginalising the national language, defending apostates, taking
measures against new brothers who converted to Islam and extreme measures
through the statement of its leaders,” he said.
Hadi said that the events of May 13,
1969 should serve as a lesson, adding that DAP’s bad influence will ruin the
country’s peace and stability.
He also criticised Malays who espouse
DAP’s ideology and accused those who champion the Malay agenda as racist.
“Now, they are trying to push through a
cunning political and economic agenda, but they are also open and extreme
towards Malay Muslims and Islamist parties with accusations that together they
bring Islamophobia which is spread among non-Muslims.
“Believe me, they will definitely lose
and ruin their own peaceful and free position now,” he added.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/31/pas-president-calls-dap-a-nuisance-warns-non-muslims-not-to-cross-the-line/71888
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Dr Mahathir says ready to rekindle ties
with Muhyiddin for the sake of Malays, but not with Anwar
By ShathanaKasinathan
Thursday, 01 Jun 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Former prime
ministerTun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he is willing to work with political
ally-turned-enemy Tan Sri MuhyiddinYassin if they can reach a consensus on
mutual goals, indicating a potential reconciliation between the two leaders
after their previous alliance in his 2018 administration.
New portal Malaysia Now reported Dr
Mahathir stressing the importance of championing Malay causes while rejecting
those who are involved in corruption and criminal misconduct.
“We want to work together, but the end
goals must be set out,” he was quoted saying.
In the report, Dr Mahathir said the
Malays have divided themselves into various political power, which he claimed
has weakened their collective strength and hindered efforts to address their
concerns.
He also said that unity among Malays is
crucial to rectify the prevailing circumstances that are detrimental to their
community.
“We have split into many parties, and we
have lost power. When we lose power, we cannot correct the circumstances which
are detrimental to the Malays. This is why we need to unite,” he reportedly
added.
Dr Mahathir formed PartiPribumiBersatu
Malaysia alongside Muhyiddin in 2016, with him as chairman and the latter as
president. The party was then part of the PakatanHarapan (PH) coalition which
successfully ended BarisanNasional (BN)’s six-decade rule in the 14th general
election in 2018.
However, Dr Mahathir was subsequently
removed from Bersatu following the Sheraton Move, which caused the collapse of
the PH administration and led to the formation of the Muhyiddin administration.
Dr Mahathir then formed
PartiPejuangTanahair and the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition, but discarded them
after their dismal performance in the 15th general election last year.
In the report, the former Langkawi MP
expressed doubts over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to
Malay rights.
“Even when it comes to religion, it
seems as if his views are not accepted by the Malays. This is why I cannot work
with him. I am ready to work with people who understand the problems faced by
the Malays,” he said, referring to Anwar whom he had imprisoned in 1998 —
leading to the Reformasi movement.
He also added that Malays no longer
support Umno — Dr Mahathir's first party, which is now part of the ruling
coalition — since they have allegedly lost confidence in the party's ability to
address their concerns, citing Umno's poor performance in the GE15.
“This is why we need to unite. But who
is in favour of unity? Not those who are involved in corruption or who have
been sentenced to prison and so on.
“The Malay voters are thinking about the
problems they face. They want someone who cares about their plight and who can
do something to fix their issues,” he reportedly said.
Source: malaymail.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/06/01/dr-mahathir-says-ready-to-rekindle-ties-with-muhyiddin-for-the-sake-of-malays-but-not-with-anwar/71948
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North America
Muslim Community Center in Sunset Park
becomes temporary home for migrants
Jun 01, 2023
Migrants seeking asylum in New York City
have been welcomed with open arms by one house of worship in Brooklyn.
The Muslim Community Center in Sunset
Park has become home for over a dozen migrants.
The center has transformed a room used
for prayer into a place for the migrants to sleep at night.
The room has beds, sheets, blankets and
pillows that have been donated by the center.
Soniya Ali, who has been working closely
with migrants at the center, says the place has become a home for so many
people.
News 12 was told there are 17 men using
the room and there are still two beds open for anyone who needs a place to
stay.
The Muslim Community Center says their
mission is to be able to help as many people as possible get acclimated to the
area and not trying to turn anyone away.
Source: bronx.news12.com
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https://bronx.news12.com/muslim-community-center-in-sunset-park-becomes-temporary-home-for-migrants
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In Syrian prison camps, families of
Islamic State suspects await repatriation from Canada and elsewhere
Al Roj and Al Hol have long been home to
foreigners, including Canadians, seized from the last stronghold of an
extremist group. Now, mothers and children are pressing for a way out
JANICE DICKSON AND GORAN TOMASEVIC
MAY 31, 2023
At Al Roj prison camp in northeast
Syria, children walk through dusty rows of tents as aggressive dogs bark and
bare their teeth. The children are of different nationalities, but are all here
for the same reason: Their parents are among thousands of detained people
suspected of having ties to the Islamic State.
It is the same at the larger, sprawling
Al Hol prison camp, where conditions are crowded and dire. An estimated 60,000
people are living in the two prison camps, with women and children making up
the majority.
These are the camps where foreigners,
including Canadians, who lived among Islamic State terrorists have been held
for years. In 2019, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces detained thousands
of people from around the world when the Islamic State’s final holdout in the
town of Baghouz fell. They were taken to these camps, as well as prisons in
northeast Syria.
Open this photo in gallery:
Children walk with dogs in Al Roj, one
of two camps in northeast Syria where Islamic State suspects and their families
are detained.
Since then, the federal government has
largely refused to repatriate its citizens except for a handful of cases.
Global Affairs Canada had maintained for years that because of the security
situation on the ground, the government’s ability to provide consular
assistance was extremely limited. In 2020, when the government repatriated an
orphan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa had no plans to help others
detained there.
At the time, critics pointed out that
bringing the orphan to Canada showed the obstacles for repatriating Canadian
citizens were not insurmountable, but that Ottawa lacked the political will to
do so.
It is only recently that the federal
government brought home a group of Canadians, marking the largest repatriation
to date. In January, Ottawa agreed to repatriate six Canadian women and 13
children who are part of what’s known as the Bring Our Loved Ones Home
litigation.
In April, 14 Canadian women and children
who had been detained in the camps were repatriated as a result of an agreement
the group’s lawyer Lawrence Greenspon reached on their behalf with Global
Affairs. But five people were missing, because they failed to show up to a
designated meeting spot.
Mr. Greenspon told The Globe in a recent
interview that Global Affairs has confirmed they have been in contact with the
Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, the region’s governing body,
and obtained assurances that Kurdish officials will facilitate the repatriation
of the five Canadians. “It’s potentially very good news: It’s just really a
matter of when and how soon,” Mr. Greenspon said.
Grantly Franklin, a spokesperson for
Global Affairs, said it has received credible information about the location of
the remaining women and children and Canada has taken steps to repatriate them.
“Canadian consular officials remain actively engaged with Syrian Kurdish
authorities and international organizations operating in the region for
information on, and assistance to, Canadian citizens,” he said.
“As long as conditions allow, we will
continue this work,” he said, adding the government is aware of additional
Canadian citizens in Syria and is particularly concerned with the cases of
children.
At Al Hol, wives and daughters of
Islamic State members go to a market. Many people came here after Kurdish-led
forces captured thousands in the insurgent group's last stand at Baghouz.
At least 34 countries have repatriated
or allowed to return home more than 6,000 foreigners, which includes nearly
4,000 to Iraq, since 2019, according to Human Rights Watch, which reported on
the figures from the Administration of North and East Syria. In 2022,
repatriations increased, with more than 3,100 people taken home as of Dec. 12.
That number includes 17 to Australia, 58 to France, 12 to Germany and 40 to the
Netherlands.
Still, more than a dozen other Canadians
remain, including four men who are the subject of a court challenge. The
Federal Court ordered the four to be repatriated in January, but that was
overruled by the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, which said the federal
government is not obligated under the law to repatriate the men.
Mr. Greenspon is also representing a
Quebec woman and her six children who are not part of the Bring Our Loved Ones
Home case. He said the woman’s security assessment still hasn’t been completed.
A security assessment is necessary before being repatriated to Canada.
He said that the Crown is seeking peace
bonds for four of the five women who have already been repatriated as part of
the agreement.
Separately, OumaimaChouay, who federal
officials brought back last October, is facing charges. Ms.Chouay returned with
two children who were born abroad and was arrested at the Montreal airport.
She’s been charged with leaving Canada to participate in terrorist group
activity, participating in such activity, conspiracy and providing services for
terrorist purposes.
Mr. Greenspon said the moves to charge
and seek peace bonds bolster the argument that the government should bring
Canadians home and deal with them through this country’s legal system.
Since 2013, it has been an offence to
leave or attempt to leave Canada to join terrorists. The RCMP said Ms.Chouay
has been under investigation since 2014, and that she had been detained in
Syria since 2017.
But perhaps more complicated is the case
of four non-Canadian mothers of Canadian children. Ottawa has offered to
repatriate Canadian children held in detention camps in northeast Syria, but
their foreign mothers have been told they can’t come to Canada because they are
not citizens.
Asiya Hirji, the supervising lawyer of
the refugee and immigration division at Downtown Legal Services, the University
of Toronto’s legal-aid clinic, is representing two of the mothers. She filed
for temporary resident permits in February, which would allow them a
time-limited pass into Canada to accompany their children. The government has
not yet decided on the applications.
Meanwhile, the remaining Canadians
continue to wait in “dire and life-threatening” conditions, said Farida Deif,
the Canada director for Human Rights Watch.
“All countries should be repatriating
their nationals from Northeast Syria,” she said. “It’s complicated because many
of these nationals are dual nationals which creates an added incentive by
governments who don’t want to repatriate – to leave them behind,” she said.
Ms.Deif said in the cases of dual
nationals, when there are Canadian children who have a surviving parent who is
not Canadian, the government should put steps in place to resettle the children
“ideally with their mothers.”
Source: theglobeandmail.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-canadians-syrian-camps-islamic-state/
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Islamic state claims responsibility for
attack on security post in Cameroon
May 31, 2023
CAIRO, May 31 (Reuters) - Islamic state
on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack on a security post in
northern Cameroon, the group said in a statement on telegram.
Two customs officers, a policeman and a
civilian, were killed in the attack that took place on Tuesday at the entrance
to the town of Mora in Cameroon's far north region, about 30 km (20 miles) from
the border with Nigeria.
Source: reuters.com
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-attack-security-post-cameroon-2023-05-31/
--------
New York Times’ Raja Abdulrahim
Continues To Whitewash Hamas, Islamic Jihad
MAY 31, 2023
While in college, Raja Abdulrahim
brashly defended Hamas and Hezbollah.
While working for the New York Times,
she defends Hamas and Islamic Jihad with a touch more subtlety.
As we noted earlier this month,
Abdulrahim’s May 8 overview of Islamic Jihad absurdly stated that the terror
group was created “to fight the Israeli occupation” rather than to fight
Israel’s existence; concealed the fact that Israel’s strike on Islamic Jihad
leaders came a week after the group fired barrages of rockets and Israel—and
that Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for those rockets; and ignored the
fact that those rockets are war crimes.
Today, the Times reporter continued
apace with a follow up piece on the recent fighting.
Yet again, Abdulrahim deceives readers
by casting Islamic Jihad, which is sworn to the destruction of Israel and its
replacement with an Islamic state, as merely opposed to Israel’s occupation:
“The groups have wide support among Palestinians for their resistance to the
Israeli occupation,” she writes in reference to what she calls Gaza’s “armed
groups.”
Yet again — in a story specifically
about the impact of Israel’s retaliation after Islamic Jihad rocket barrages —
Abdulrahim never straightforwardly acknowledges that the group fired those
rockets.
Instead, she cultivates doubt by
referencing the rockets as mere Israeli claims: “Six senior leaders of the
armed group that Israel said had been responsible for rocket attacks on Israel
were killed before a cease-fire was reached on May 13,” she wrote, ignoring
both that Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attacks, and that those
attacks, which prompted Israel’s operation, happened just a week earlier.
(Indeed, every one of the piece’s references to Palestinian rockets referenced
the rockets as an Israeli allegation.)
And yet again, a New York Times piece
discussing Palestinian rockets avoids telling readers that those indiscriminate
rocket attacks violate international law.
It’s not that Abdulrahim entirely avoids
mentioning the laws of war. She cites a two-year old statement by the
anti-Israel NGO Amnesty International to suggest Israel might be guilty of war
crimes in this round of fighting. It’s just that she shields Gaza’s terror
organizations from such accusations — even though the same Amnesty statement
she cites also admits, without equivocation, that “The rockets fired from Gaza
into Israel are imprecise and their use violates international humanitarian
law.”
Seems the college student who wanted
Palestinian terror groups not to be viewed as terror groups, though they are,
has turned into the New York Times reporter who wants Palestinian terror groups
not to be viewed as war criminals, though they are.
Source: camera.org
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.camera.org/article/ny-times-raja-abdulrahim-continues-to-whitewash-islamic-jihad/
--------
Africa
Alleged Blasphemy: BauchiShariah Court
Orders Arrest Of Embattled Bauchi Imam, Abdul’aziz
May 31, 2023
The Upper Shariah Court of Appeal No 1
sitting in Bauchi on Wednesday issued a warrant of arrest against the embattled
Imam of Dutsen-TanshiJumma’at Mosque in Bauchi, Idris Abdul’aziz, over his
failure to appear before the court.
The embattled cleric was initially
arraigned before the Bauchi Magistrate Court 1 by the state Commissioner of
Police for alleged incitement to public disturbance of peace and blasphemy.
Upon his arraignment, he was remanded at
the Bauchi correctional centre before he was eventually granted bail.
The police had arraigned him before the
court following a petition written against him, alleging that during one of his
Tafsir sessions during this year’s holy month of Ramadan he made blasphemous
comments against Prophet Mohammed and some notable Sufi clerics.
However, the case was transferred to the
Upper Shariah Court of Appeal 1 Bauchi for trial.
When the case was called during the
court’s sitting on Wednesday, the cleric was absent in court, with the
prosecuting counsel, AliyuBn Idris, saying that the defendant’s absence was
deliberate.
The defence counsel, however, Barrister
Sadiq Abubakar Ilelah, however, informed the court that the cleric was not in
court due to his sickness and pleaded for an adjournment to enable Idris to
come to court.
In a bench ruling, the presiding judge,
HussainiTuraki, held that Idris’ failure to come to court despite being issued
with a summon to that effect amounts to contempt of court.
He subsequently issued a bench warrant
for the cleric’s arrest with a view to forcing him to appear before court at
the next adjourned date.
Turaki then adjourned the case to
Monday, June 5, 2023.
Speaking with journalists after the
adjournment of the case, counsel to Idris, Barrister Ilellah attributed his
absence in court to an undisclosed ailment, saying that, “The Imam was sick.
That is why he could not attend the court sitting.”
Ilelah informed the defence had filed a
motion, seeking an adjournment to enable the cleric to appear on the next
adjourned date.
According to him, “the judge refused our
plea that our client be given another opportunity to appear before the court,
arguing that he disrespected the summons of the court.”
The prosecuting counsel, Idris explained
to journalists that the case was transferred from Magistrate Court 1 to the
Upper Shariah Court of Appeal in order to start afresh and lamented that the
cleric was not in court for the commencement of trial.
“Unfortunately, the defendant could not
come to court, but they have filed a notice of preliminary objection,
challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
“However, we argue that he is supposed
to appear before the court before they move their motion.
“We applied for a bench warrant to be
issued against him since he has refused to come to court, and the court ruled
in that favour,” the prosecutor said.
Source: dailypost.ng
Please click the
following URL to read the full text of the original
https://dailypost.ng/2023/05/31/alleged-blasphemy-shariah-court-orders-arrest-of-embattled-bauchi-imam-abdulaziz/
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Nigerian Aircraft Carrying Muslim
Pilgrims Makes Emergency Landing, Details Emerge
Thursday, June 01, 2023
Jigawa, Dutse - A Saudi Arabia-bound
aircraft belonging to Max Air carrying 559 Muslim pilgrims from Jigawa State
has made an emergency landing at the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
According to Premium Times, the Aircraft was forced to land after lightning struck
on Wednesday, May 31. The Max Air aeroplane was carrying 559 Muslim pilgrims
from Jigawa state to Saudi Arabia. Photo Credit: NAHCON Source: Facebook It was
gathered that the Muslim pilgrims, who were on their way to observe the 2023
Hajj exercise, jetted out of the Duste Airport at 4:45 p.m. RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
"He should handle it way better": Video as Davido shows off N1.4bn
watches... Speaking on the development, the manager of Max Air Kano, Bello
Ramadan, confirmed that the situation was less critical than explained. PAY
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Ramadan noted that all passengers were fine and nobody was hurt during the
emergency landing. He said: “The problem is not as much as the passengers are
reporting, some of them are panicking and reporting what did not happen, the
airplane’s engine and tires are in perfect condition. “We have provided an
alternative plane to continue the journey, the plane is about fueling, and the
passengers are okay, even though some of them are panicking, but there is no
cause for alarm." Ramadan also confirmed that lightning did strike and
affect the left screen of the aircraft, but it did not pose any threat. He also
noted that the emergency landing was for precautionary measures. RECOMMENDED
FOR YOU Video of lady in basket top goes viral, leaves social media users
amused: "... He, however, revealed that an alternative had been provided
for the passengers to continue their journey. Ramadan said: "... thank God
it was mere scratch and not broken and the pilot decided to return. Very soon
they will continue with the journey.” Meanwhile, the executive secretary of the
Jigawa Pilgrims Board, Umar Labbo, revealed that the first batch of pilgrims
was drawn from 16 out of 27 local government areas of the state. Bus conveying
Nasarawa Hajj-bound pilgrims crashes on its way to Abuja In another similar
development, an 18-seater bus conveying intending pilgrims was involved in an
accident on Wednesday in Nasarawa state. The Hajj-bound pilgrims were said to
be on their way to Abuja for airlifting to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, May 25.
Details of the accident, which occurred around Kara, Keffi Local Government
Area in Nasarawa state, are still sketchy.
Source: legit.ng
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https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1478789-nigerian-aircraft-carrying-muslim-pilgrims-makes-emergency-landing/
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ICPC partners imams, pastors to fight
corruption
May 31, 2023
Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
The Independent Corrupt Practises and
Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has urged religious leaders to partner
with the commission in spreading anti-corruption messages at mosques and
churches.
Speaking at a one-day workshop organised
for Muslim and Christian clerics at the commission office in Osogbo on
Wednesday, Osun State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, DemolaBakare said
the society respects imams and pastors as spiritual leaders, hence the decision
to partner with them in tackling the menace.
He stressed further that, the fora was
aimed at “gingering religion institutions to assist in mainstreaming
behavioural change/value of integrity and anti-corruption into the society”,
adding that leaders of religion should speak more about the impacts and
consequences of corruption to their congregations.
His words, “Because of the respect given
to pastors and imams by members of their respective congregation, it was
important for them to be part of the Anti-corruption campaign.
“As spiritual leaders, you should use
the opportunity of the constant interface with the masses in churches and
mosques to preach behavioural change that would entrench the practice of
integrity in the society, resulting in a better Nigeria”.
Meanwhile in his lecture, titled,
“Expected Role of Religious Leaders in the Fight against Corruption”, ICPC’s
SulymanLaaro, said the commission recognised clerics as a major shareholder in
the crusade against corruption and believes that they are an important channel
of spreading the anti-corruption messages to the grassroots, as most Nigerians
professed either the Islamic or Christian faith”.
“You are to speak the truth and
disassociate yourselves from being used by the political class at the expense
of the poor in the society. As religious leaders, you must spearhead a moral
revolution and ethical reorientation for the nation. You are the embodiment of
godly virtues and should lead by example”, he added.
Speaking on behalf of other
participants, The Imam of Alekwuodo central mosque, OsogboAlhaji Hafeez
Adediran commended ICPC for organising the lectures for leaders of religion,
adding that the lecture was timely and expository because it gave participants
the opportunity to learn more about the anti-corruption-campaign as pursued by
ICPC
Also, the Chairman of the Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Pastor Amos Ogunrinde, promised to
further spree
Source: vanguardngr.com
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following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/05/icpc-partners-imams-pastors-to-fight-corruption/
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URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/archaeological-budaun-mosque-1991-act/d/129903