Couple Publicly Flogged In Indonesia For Sex Outside Marriage
New Age Islam News Bureau
05 June 2025
An Acehnese woman receives up to 100 time lashes of caning punishment in front of the public, for adultery and breaking Sharia law, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on June 4.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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· Couple Publicly Flogged In Indonesia For Sex Outside Marriage
· Operation Sindoor, 4-Day Onslaught On Pakistan: 9 Aircraft Lost, Drones Destroyed, Missiles Blocked - Inside Details
· Azerbaijan Openly Stands In Solidarity With Pakistan Amid Tensions With India – Speaker of Parliament
· Red Cross Chief Declares Gaza ‘Worse Than Hell On Earth’
· Iran Executes 9 Prisoners in Karaj Prison, Rights Group Says
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Southeast Asia
· Anwar says legal bid not about immunity as court rejects constitutional reference
· Loke: Public transport agencies, companies should be led by professionals, not politicians
· Sultan Ibrahim’s official birthday marked by elegant tea reception with PM, royals, and distinguished guests
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India
· ‘Countries We Visited Wanted To Know Trump’s Role (In Ceasefire): Leader Of Multi-Party Delegation
· We Were Up Against Pak Propaganda But Armed With Satellite Images, Proof, Says BJP MP Of All-Party Delegation
· SC Rejects Delhi Waqf Board’s Claim Over Gurdwara
· Clerics Urge Muslim Community To Follow Government Guidelines For Eid Sacrifice
· Avoid animal sacrifice in open areas, streets on Bakrid: Jama Masjid Shahi Imam
· Wajahat Khan, whose complaint led to arrest of influencer Panoli, booked for hate speech by Kolkata Police
· Congress flags India’s ‘foreign policy collapse’ over Pakistan’s UNSC committee role
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Europe
· CAIR Calls Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban Targeting Mostly Muslimand Ideologically Motivated’
· School closed due to dispute over control of Islamic cultural centre in Dublin, court hears
· Community tensions on the rise in France after man arrested for burning Quran
· The country where the left (not the far right) made hardline immigration laws
· Cologne defuses WW2 bombs after 20,000 evacuated
· Zelensky dismisses Russia’s peace memorandum
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Mideast
· Unity Among Muslim Nations Is A Religious And Strategic Duty: Iranian President
· Sayyid Khamenei: Tehran Will Not Abandon Uranium Enrichment
· Iran Armed Forces ready to confront any hostile threats
· UAE, Egypt leaders renew call for Gaza ceasefire
· Activist Gaza aid boat slams Israel ‘threat’
· Israeli settlers establish illegal outpost near Palestinian Authority’s administrative city of Ramallah
· Israel defense ministry says arms exports hit all time high in 2024
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North America
· CAIR Welcomes Sentencing of Texas Man who Threatened to Kill Sikhs in New Jersey
· CAIR Designates U. of Massachusetts Amherst as ‘Hostile Campus’ for Anti-Genocide Protesters
· Trump orders inquiry into Biden's actions, alleging 'cognitive decline'
· Trump suspends foreign student visas at Harvard
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Africa
· UN Calls For Probe Into Libya Mass Graves
· Egypt says the sovereignty of a famous monastery is assured
· Sudan’s former premier Hamdok says recent military gains won’t end the war
· Sultan seeks fervent prayers for Nigeria on Arafat Day
· Tinubu Administration Still Paying Fuel Subsidy Through The Backdoor – Obidient Movement
· INEC Unveils Final List Of Anambra Governorship Candidates
· Shettima Visits Mokwa Over Flood Disaster
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South Asia
· Congratulatory Message from His Highness Amir al-Mu’minin, Sheikh al-Quran wal-Hadith, of IEA On The Auspicious Occasion of Eid al-Adha
· Muttaqi, Poland’s envoy meet on political, economic cooperation
· Hajj; the fifth pillar and a spiritual obligation of Islam
· Eid al-Adha: A call for unity, sacrifice, and revival of the Muslim Ummah
· BB plans to merge five Islamic banks
· Govt revises definition of freedom fighter
· Over 80 Human rights organizations condemn rising execution of Afghan citizens in Iran
· UN expresses concern over Children’s situation in Afghanistan
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Arab World
· Muslim Pilgrims Pray At Mount Arafat In Hajj Apex
· Saudi Press Agency launches Saudi Photo Platform to expand global access to visual archive
· How NEOM is rewilding Saudi Arabia and reviving ancient falconry traditions
· Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah’s holy sites
· Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly
· Saudi Authorities Furnish Namirah Mosque With 125,000 Sq. M Of Carpets To Serve Hajj Pilgrims
· Pilgrims arrive in Mina as Saudi Arabia mobilizes services for Hajj peak
· Minister of endowments thanks Saudi Arabia for caring for Syrian pilgrims
· Saudi Red Crescent conducts air evacuation in Arafat as part of Hajj preparedness efforts
· Three Saudi twin pairs unite to serve pilgrims at Hajj
· ‘Day of Tarwiyah:’ Over million pilgrims arrive in Mina to begin Hajj
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/couple-publicly-indonesia-outside-marriage/d/135789
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Couple publicly flogged in Indonesia for sex outside marriage
JUN 04, 2025
An Acehnese woman receives up to 100 time lashes of caning punishment in front of the public, for adultery and breaking Sharia law, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on June 4.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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BANDA ACEH - A man and woman were publicly flogged 100 times each in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province on June 4 after they were found guilty of sex outside marriage by a court operating under strict Islamic law.
Sexual relations between an unmarried couple is outlawed in Aceh, which imposes a version of syariah, the Islamic legal code.
Indonesia banned sex outside of marriage in its latest criminal code in 2022, but that law will not come into force until 2026.
The two were lashed in sets of 10 with a rattan stick as a small crowd watched on at a park in provincial capital Banda Aceh, and the female suspect was lashed by a woman, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.
Three other suspects were caned a combined 49 times for alleged gambling and alcohol consumption.
“Today we are carrying out flogging punishment for perpetrators of adultery, alcohol consumption, and online gambling,” Banda Aceh Mayor Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal told reporters.
“This becomes a moral lesson for the community at large. This flogging punishment becomes a gateway to repentance for them.”
Medical services were on standby for all of those convicted.
Rights groups have condemned the punishment as draconian.
Yet caning retains strong support among Aceh’s population as a common punishment for a range of offences including gambling, drinking alcohol and adultery.
In February, two men were publicly flogged more than 150 times after being found guilty of sexual relations. Gay sex is outlawed in Aceh.
The region started using religious law after it was granted special autonomy in 2001, an attempt by the central government to quell a long-running separatist insurgency. AFP
Source: straitstimes.com
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Operation Sindoor, 4-Day Onslaught On Pakistan: 9 Aircraft Lost, Drones Destroyed, Missiles Blocked - Inside Details
Jun 4, 2025
NEW DELHI: The extent of Pakistan’s losses is becoming increasingly clear as more details emerge from the recent cross-border military conflict dubbed Operation Sindoor. Indian Air Force (IAF) retaliatory strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, led to the decimation of significant Pakistani military assets, including fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, drones, and missile systems, forcing Islamabad to seek a ceasefire within four days.
According to ANI report on the basis of defence sources involved in the operation, the IAF destroyed at least six Pakistani fighter jets, two high-value surveillance aircraft, and one C-130 military transport aircraft. More than ten armed drones (UCAVs), several cruise missiles, and radar sites were also taken out during India's calibrated air campaign, which began late on May 6 and concluded by May 10.
The strikes, which included hits on key Pakistani airbases such as Bholari, were executed exclusively using air-launched cruise missiles, avoiding surface-to-surface weapons like the BrahMos. The strikes were carried out by a mix of Rafale and Su-30 MKI fighters, with support from electronic warfare and surveillance assets.
High-value targets hit
One of the most significant hits came in the form of a long-range Sudarshan missile strike, which neutralised a high-value aerial platform, possibly an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft or an electronic warfare jet, at a range of nearly 300 km.
Another AEWC aircraft of Swedish origin, believed to be stationed at the Bholari airbase, was also reportedly destroyed. Although there is suspicion that additional fighter aircraft may have been inside the damaged hangars, officials are not including those in confirmed kill counts due to Pakistan's refusal to clear debris from the site.
Meanwhile, Indian air defences effectively intercepted multiple Pakistani air and ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles. The IAF also scored multiple kills on Pakistani drones, including Chinese-made Wing Loong variants, during strikes and airspace incursions.
Pakistan's propaganda with civilian casualty claims
A dossier showed Pakistan accusing India of targeting seven locations beyond the Indian military's officially disclosed targets, including Attock, Bahawalnagar, Gujrat, Jhang, Peshawar, Chhor, and Hyderabad, alleging civilian casualties. Indian officials, however, dismissed the claims as “propaganda”, asserting that all Indian strikes were limited to terror infrastructure, not civilian or military Pakistani centres.
“We disclosed our targets transparently. This Pakistani document seems like an attempt to falsely portray Indian actions as indiscriminate,” said an Indian defence official.
Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed civilians in Jammu & Kashmir. On May 7, India struck four terror hubs in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including high-profile targets like the Sawai Nala camp in Muzaffarabad, Markaz Taiba in Muridke (Lashkar-e-Taiba HQ), and Markaz Subhan in Bahawalpur (Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ).
After Pakistan escalated with missile and drone attacks on Indian military and civilian centres, India responded with force, targeting nine Pakistani airbases and multiple radar sites. The intense four-day conflict ended when Pakistan sought a ceasefire on May 10, reeling under mounting losses.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/operation-sindoor-9-aircraft-lost-drones-destroyed-missiles-blocked-inside-details-of-iafs-4-day-onslaught-on-pakistan/articleshow/121619963.cms
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Azerbaijan Openly Stands In Solidarity With Pakistan Amid Tensions With India – Speaker of Parliament
4 June 2025
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4.? Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova had a meeting with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in our country, Qasim Mohiuddin, on 4 June, the parliamentary press service told Trend reports.
The progress of the strategic connections of Azerbaijan and Pakistan, based on friendship and fraternity, was mentioned with pleasure as the meeting went on.
With as much satisfaction, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova referred to last week’s visit to our country by Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, the trip of both Heads of State to the de-occupied Azerbaijani town of Lachin and the holding there of the trilateral Azerbaijan-Pakistan-Türkiye Summit. Also, Sahiba Gafarova said that the Summit served as yet another vivid demonstration of the brotherhood and friendship amongst our nations, united by shared values, and that the decisions adopted during the event will mark new milestones in the co-operation between the two friendly and fraternal countries across a wide range of fields.
Ambassador Qasim Mohiuddin, the enduring nature of the bonds of friendship and brotherhood uniting our countries and peoples. He conveyed the greetings of the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, to the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, Ambassador Qasim Mohiuddin provided detailed information regarding the conflict between Pakistan and India. The diplomat noted that our countries extend mutual support on all issues, particularly highlighting the significance of Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan.
Speaker Sahiba Gafarova stated that Azerbaijan had been monitoring the recent tensions between Pakistan and India closely and with great concern, and in these challenging times, openly demonstrates her solidarity with Pakistan. She added that Azerbaijan supports resolving the conflict through dialogue and peaceful means, following international law principles and norms, as well as the resolutions of the UN Security Council. It was also emphasised that Pakistan consistently supports Azerbaijan’s justified position on issues of national importance. The people of Azerbaijan deeply value Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan’s just stance during the 44-day Patriotic War, a position grounded in the norms and principles of international law.
Furthermore, it was mentioned at the meeting that the interaction between our parliaments has a positive impact on the development of relations between our states, and it was further emphasised that highly effective co-operative ties have been established between our legislative assemblies. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova recalled her official and working visits to Pakistan in 2021 as well as the meetings she had had with Pakistani counterparts at various international events.
The conversation continued with the highlighting of the packed agendas of our countries’ legislative assemblies in bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral formats. Also, the trilateral co-operation format of the Speakers of Parliament of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye was described as an important platform. Besides, they talked about the active interaction of our legislatures in international organisations.
Besides, the meeting saw an exchange of opinions about other matters of shared interest.
Source: trend.az
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https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/4053256.html
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Red Cross chief declares Gaza ‘worse than hell on earth’
June 04, 2025
A Palestinian man rushes a girl who was injured in Israeli strikes on displacement tents in Khan Yunis, at the Nasser hospital in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. (AFP)
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LONDON: The situation in Gaza has become “worse than hell on earth,” the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross has said.
“Humanity is failing in Gaza,” Mirjana Spoljaric told the BBC in an interview broadcast on Wednesday. “We cannot continue to watch what is happening.”
The ICRC, a global organization assisting people affected by conflict, has about 300 staff in Gaza.
It runs a field hospital in Rafah that was swamped with casualties in recent days after witnesses described Israeli troops opening fire on crowds trying to access food aid.
Spoljaric said that the situation in the territory was “surpassing any acceptable legal, moral and humane standard.”
“The fact that we are watching a people being entirely stripped of its human dignity should really shock our collective conscience.”
She called on world leaders to do more to bring the conflict to an end because the consequences would haunt them and “reach their doorsteps.”
Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 54,000 people since October 2023, mostly women and children.
The offensive was launched after a Hamas-led attack on Israel killed 1,200 people and seized dozens of hostages.
Spoljaric said that while every state had a right to defend itself, there could be “no excuse for depriving children from their access to food, health and security.”
She added: “There are rules in the conduct of hostilities that every party to every conflict has to respect.”
International condemnation of Israel has increased in recent weeks after its military pushed to take full control of Gaza after severing all food and aid supplies to the territory’s population.
Late last month, some aid deliveries resumed after Israel set up a new aid system that bypassed the UN and is now run by a newly formed US organization.
Operations at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s three aid delivery sites were paused on Wednesday after dozens of Palestinians were killed by gunfire near one of the sites.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603383/middle-east
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Iran Executes 9 Prisoners in Karaj Prison, Rights Group Says
JUNE 4, 2025
The executions were carried out in the early hours of June 2, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported
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The Islamic Republic's authorities executed nine prisoners on Monday at Ghezelhesar Prison in Karaj, according to a human rights organization.
The executions were carried out in the early hours of June 2, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported.
According to HRANA, of the nine executed, three individuals were convicted on drug charges, five on murder charges, and one on charges of rape and murder.
The rights group identified two of the individuals executed for drug offenses as Ali Karami Nasr and Alireza Shahbazi. The identity of the third remains unknown.
Three of the five executed for murder were identified as Ali Abbas-Moghaddam, Sajad Nabizadeh, and Yasin Aghaei.
HRANA also confirmed the identity of the individual executed for rape and murder as Nazir Mohammad, an Afghan national.
The state-run Javan newspaper provided further details on three of the cases, including the Afghan national, whom it identified as “Shokrollah.”
According to the report, he raped and murdered a young girl in September 2013 while her mother and brother were away from home.
He was arrested days later while attempting to flee the country through the Taybad border crossing and confessed during his trial.
In May, Iran executed at least 163 prisoners, marking a 143 percent increase from the 67 executions recorded in May 2024.
The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights confirmed the identities of 157 of those executed.
Among them was political prisoner Pedram Madani from Tehran, who had been sentenced to death on espionage charges for allegedly spying for Israel.
At least five women were also executed in various prisons across the country, including in Qazvin, Damghan, Gorgan, Shiraz, and Ghezelhesar in Karaj.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/news/141758-iran-executes-9-prisoners-in-karaj-prison-rights-group-says/
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Southeast Asia
Anwar says legal bid not about immunity as court rejects constitutional reference
04 Jun 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said his application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court was never about “seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny”.
“It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook and X.
Earlier in the afternoon, the High Court rejected Anwar’s bid to refer the constitutional questions under Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution.
Anwar affirmed his commitment to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the principles of democratic governance. He added that the legal process would continue and that he would carry out his responsibilities without distraction or compromise.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/06/04/anwar-says-legal-bid-not-about-immunity-as-court-rejects-constitutional-reference/179271
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Loke: Public transport agencies, companies should be led by professionals, not politicians
05 Jun 2025
PETALING JAYA, June 5 — The government's approach of appointing experts and professionals, rather than political leaders, to head public transport agencies and companies should continue, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He stressed that experienced and qualified individuals leading public transport agencies were crucial to ensuring more professional and transparent management, rather than being determined by political interests.
“My stance is that there should be no political appointments in public transport operators. It must be led by professionals.
“We have seen the results; when we appoint professionals and experienced figures to lead organisations, significant changes have occurred,” he said at the Malaysia Madani Intellectual Forum Series 6, held at Menara Prasarana here yesterday.
He added that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) served as proof of professional-led management, as the company had shown better performance and service improvements.
The forum yesterday discussed the topic “Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality, and Sustainability of Public Transport”, and was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Besides Loke, other panellists were Prasarana Malaysia Berhad Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah; and Universiti Putra Malaysia Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.
Loke said the improved performance of the national public transport system was the result of continuous efforts to upgrade trains and facilities across all lines, further driven by a professional and experienced management team.
Citing Singapore's transport system, he said that although the country was often regarded as having the best public transport, it also faced various technical issues.
Meanwhile, Mohd Azharuddin said that Prasarana was now moving forward positively in terms of passenger numbers, operational reliability, and station facility performance.
“If you look at the results, our passenger numbers were very low during the pandemic. However, in the last two to three years, various efforts have been made to restore the situation.
“In 2022, our daily passenger numbers were around 681,000. Now, in 2025, that figure has increased to approximately 1.31 million people per day,” he said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Sultan Ibrahim’s official birthday marked by elegant tea reception with PM, royals, and distinguished guests
04 Jun 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia, today graced a Royal Tea Reception at Istana Negara in conjunction with his official birthday celebration.
The event, hosted at the Main Banquet Hall, was attended by the royal couple’s children, Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar, as well as Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and her husband, Datuk Dennis Muhammad Abdullah.
The event, which started at 3pm, was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, along with around 1,200 guests, including Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, foreign envoys, and heads of government departments.
Also in attendance were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and his wife Datin Azrina Puteri Mohamed Mahyuddin, as well as the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and his wife Datin Nik Noralhuda Nik Mohamed.
Distinguished guests included Orang Asli community leaders, outstanding educators, national Olympic and Paralympic athletes, retired police and military personnel, national artists as well as students set to pursue higher education at leading institutions, including Harvard University.
A video presentation of the recent Federal Awards and Honours Ceremony, held on Monday at Istana Negara, was screened during the event, accompanied by an orchestral performance by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) orchestra.
Earlier, upon Their Majesties’ arrival at the banquet hall, the national anthem Negaraku was played, followed by a prayer recital.
The reception concluded with a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony featuring a replica of the Istana Negara arch, officiated by His Majesty.
Following the event, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah took time to greet and mingle with guests, posing for photographs and exchanging well wishes. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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India
‘Countries We Visited Wanted To Know Trump’s Role (In Ceasefire): Leader Of Multi-Party Delegation
Jun 5, 2025
The panel of MPs that visited Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to articulate India’s stand on the Pahalgam terror attack and its aftermath returned to India late Tuesday night. JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha who led the panel speaks about the matters raised at the meetings with the representatives of these countries and what their response was. Excerpts:
What was the experience of your five-nation tour on behalf of the government?
It was a great experience. Because it was a multi-party delegation, there was a very warm welcome wherever we went. People appreciated that MPs coming from the length and breadth of the country and cutting across party lines were putting forth the nation’s stand on terrorism and India’s right to defend itself.
Representatives of some of these countries would even joke about our otherwise adversarial engagements in Parliament. But they appreciated that the delegation was carrying the message of 140 crore Indians speaking together on this issue.
When we were talking about how the Indian economy had become the fourth-largest in one of the meetings, the Japanese ambassador even joked that we were talking about surpassing his country.
What did you articulate on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism?
Pakistan was completely exposed as a propagator of cross-border terrorism. In all our meetings, we would recite Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s statement on Kashmir before the Pahalgam attack. We underlined how an Army chief was speaking in such a radicalised manner. Then we talked about The Resistance Front (TRF) claiming responsibility for the (Pahalgam) attack. We showed evidence of its links with Pakistan. We flagged how Pakistan got a UN reference of the TRF withdrawn, highlighting its links with the organisation. We also spoke about Pakistan’s involvement in the 26/11 attacks and all the evidence Ajmal Qasab’s capture produced.
We also spoke about Pakistan being on the grey list of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) between 2018 and 2022, and sought support from the country representatives to put it back on the list at the next FATF meeting.
We told them not to compare India and Pakistan as the latter is a sponsor of terrorism. We told them to keep in perspective where we stand on democracy and economy and where Pakistan is, a nation run by the Army.
What was the response from these countries?
There was universal condemnation of terrorism wherever we went. Country representatives also expressed sympathy for India on the fact that it had suffered terror for so long. Interestingly, no one questioned our calibrated response to the Pahalgam terror attack. No one asked why we struck inside Pakistan. It conveyed their understanding that we have the right to defend ourselves. They were more interested in knowing how we conducted Operation Sindoor with such precision.
How did the Muslim-majority countries, Malaysia and Indonesia, respond?
In Indonesia and Malaysia, we told country representatives that Pakistan keeps bringing resolutions against India in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meetings. Since we are not part of the OIC, we told them to consider our point of view as well before entertaining such resolutions. Indonesia agreed. But Malaysia did not make any commitment. We also felt a tilt towards Pakistan in Malaysia.
Did the countries you visited have any questions to ask?
Their questions ranged from nuclear conflict precipitation and how the ceasefire was achieved to concerns about tourism in India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. On the ceasefire, they wanted to know US President Donald Trump’s role. We told them whenever a conflict happens anywhere in the world, countries make phone calls. It does not mean they mediate peace. We told them that during the Russia-Ukraine conflict even PM Narendra Modi spoke to leaders in both countries. It did not necessarily mean he was mediating in their affairs. Our sense from the conversations was that people had not taken Trump’s claims very seriously. We gave them evidence of how the first call for a ceasefire was made by Pakistan.
Indonesia and Malaysia had questions on whether tourism in India was safe. We told them India is a huge country, and people were still coming in droves, even to Pahalgam.
Country representatives also had questions on the Indus Waters Treaty. We told them water and blood cannot flow together and that the preamble of the treaty mentioned “friendship and cooperation”, which was not there anymore. But, largely we argued that in the last few years India had requested to renegotiate the treaty due to climate change, demographic change, etc, but Pakistan was not responding. We also said that if Pakistan stops terrorism, the treaty can be looked at positively.
There were questions on the escalation breaching the nuclear threshold. We told them our response never factored in reaching the nuclear threshold. We told them we have a no-first-use policy. But we made it clear that we would not tolerate Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail. We also conveyed India’s new normal of treating every terrorist attack as an act of war.
How did the panel spend its free time?
There was no free time. We were packed from 9 am to 9 pm. Sometimes we caught late-night flights and had morning meetings in another country. We met members of parliament, think tank representatives, ambassadors of different countries and the Indian diaspora, apart from media interactions.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/countries-wanted-trump-role-ceasefire-sanjay-jha-10049233/
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We Were Up Against Pak Propaganda But Armed With Satellite Images, Proof, Says BJP MP Of All-Party Delegation
Aditi Raja
Vadodara BJP MP Hemang Joshi, who was part of an all-party delegation that travelled to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore to convey India’s position on the April 22 Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, on Wednesday said that the delegation was faced with questions related to nuclear power, referendum in Kashmir, besides “indirect attempts” by Pakistan to derail India’s diplomatic mission.
Which countries did your delegation travel to and whom did you meet?
We first travelled to Japan and, thereafter, to South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
In South Korea, we were in a bit of a tricky situation as the country was in election mode. We went with a briefing of the Indian Embassy that had indicated imminent change of power. We met the then incumbent government as well as the party that is the incoming government, as per the results declared just a day ago.
Since South Korea is a strategic business country, we met business leaders such as Hyundai.
Which of these countries were the most receptive to India’s message on Operation Sindoor?
Japan and South Korea. In South Korea, the shared sentiment is that due to their conflict with North Korea, they also understand the anguish of India.We also had extremely enriching interactions in Singapore and Indonesia.
Incidentally, the mastermind of Pahalgam attacks, Saifullah Kasuri of The Resistance Front, which has claimed responsibility, was seen at a victory rally in Pakistan during our visit to one of the countries. He was flanked by a Pakistan Cabinet Minister as well as the speaker of Punjab province. In the rally, he even said that the Pahalgam attack has made the TRF famous… It was another example to drive our point that Pakistan’s proxy war against India is terror as it cannot overtake us on development and progress. Even the GDP of Tamil Nadu is more than that of Pakistan.
Which was the trickiest part of the tour?
In Malaysia, we learnt that Pakistan tried to derail our appointments through indirect influence. We learnt through insiders that Pakistan actively tried to sabotage our meetings with the think tanks in Malaysia and even handed out questionnaires to influencers to pick holes… We learnt that they were playing the card of being a fellow Islamic country.
The think tanks in Malaysia…wanted to know who won, whose jets were brought down, and how many air base camps were destroyed in India. The questions were based on narratives spun by Pakistan but because we were armed with proofs, we ruled out the confusion.
Later, the Pakistan High Commission in Malaysia also issued a public statement reacting to our visit and claiming that they were victims of terror. Meanwhile, Malaysia officially changed its stand and extended cooperation to India.
In Malaysia, we have also given proof of military atrocity in PoK and Balochistan… We said if you need a referendum, it should be in PoK and Balochistan… In Kashmir, since the abrogation of Article 370, tourism has flourished and a democratic system is in place, which even saw a 62% voter turnout in the elections.
In South Korea, people condemned terrorism in all forms but the country had been much under the influence of Western narrative thus far, which was a narrative also driven by (defence) commercial interests.
How did the delegation arm itself to counter questions from the countries?
We were up against the Western narrative and also the constant propaganda of Pakistan. But, we were armed with satellite images as well as previous antecedents where India, despite submitting dossiers and proofs, did not receive any positive response from Pakistan in the form of action against terror. Even when proof was given when Ajmal Kasab was caught alive (after Mumbai 2008 attacks), Pakistan did nothing.
There was a lot of propaganda on how much destruction the Pakistani forces had caused to India during the attacks, but we refuted the claims with evidence.
Several unilateral narratives of the West were forced to change after we put forth the proofs. That also led Pakistan to dispatch a copy-cat delegation.
We also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pledge to explain why India has decided to consider all acts of terror as acts of war by Pakistan because it has been using these terror attacks as proxy war.
We emphasised that Pakistan should be kept on the grey list of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).
What were the questions of concern raised by the countries?
We did not have any specific questions about the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack but we did detail the action taken under Operation Sindoor.
It is pertinent to note that the Pahalgam terror attack was not just an attack in isolation but it was designed with an evil plan to sow hatred across India and fan wider internal conflict between communities, which is why there was an explicit use of religion in the attack.
The concerns about nuclear power possessed by both countries was also addressed… We categorically reiterated that India will not bow down to nuclear blackmail.
What was the cultural interaction like during the visit to the countries?
We visited the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) centres in Korea, Malaysia and Japan. We also interacted with the Indian diaspora and I, particularly, interacted with the Gujarati population that will continue to take forward our message.
We had some touching interactions in Indonesia, where we met leaders who are Muslims but their names have Hindu roots, such as Agrasen, due to the influence of Indic civilisation. Members of the Nahdlatul-Ulama, which is the prominent Islamic organisation with lot of influence in ruling party, the way Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has in India, told us that they are not ashamed of accepting Indic civilisation roots and for them, Hinduism is a culture more than a religion. They even told us they do not subscribe to terror as part of Islam and extended support to India.
What was the experience like sharing the limelight with leaders of other parties?
We went as a team from India. We did not feel even one bit that we belong to different parties… We went with one message and we all believed in it.
Rahul Gandhi has taken a jibe that a phone call from US President Donald Trump made PM Modi surrender…
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/we-were-up-against-pak-propaganda-but-armed-with-satellite-images-proof-says-vadodara-mp-who-was-part-of-all-party-delegation-10048815/
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SC Rejects Delhi Waqf Board’s Claim Over Gurdwara
June 5, 2025
The Supreme Court Wednesday rejected the Delhi Waqf Board’s claim over a gurdwara in the Capital while observing that the Board should have relinquished its claim once it was clear that the Sikh religious shrine existed there since independence.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and S C Sharma was hearing a 2012 appeal by the Board challenging a September 24, 2010, order of the Delhi High Court dismissing its claim.
The counsel appearing for the Waqf Board said it had filed a suit for possession against the defendant Hira Singh. The plea claimed that the property in dispute, i.e., a mosque at Oldenpur Village, Shahadra, is waqf property and has been used as a waqf since time immemorial.
The counsel pointed out that the trial court decided in its favour, and this was confirmed by the appellate court in 1989. However, on second appeal, a single judge of the Delhi High Court dismissed the suit. He submitted that the lower courts had ruled there was a mosque at the site, but now “some kind of gurdwara is there.”
Justice Sharma said, “not some kind of, (but) a proper functioning gurdwara. Once there is a gurdwara, let it be. A religious structure is already functioning there. You should yourself relinquish that claim, you see.”
Opposing the Board’s claim over the property, defendant Hira Singh had contended that it is not a waqf property and that the owner, Mohd Ahsaan, had sold it to him in 1953. He said the premises in dispute was being used as a gurdwara.
Ruling against the Board, the HC single-judge had said, “Oral and documentary evidence establishes that the suit property was private property. There is no evidence forthcoming to substantiate the submission of the plaintiff that, thereafter, there was a permanent dedication of the suit property by the owner as a waqf property… A mere bald statement in the plaint that this property was being used since time immemorial as a waqf property was not sufficient to establish this plea; this has not been corroborated by any of the witnesses of the plaintiff on oath.”
The HC added that the Board’s star witness “has admitted that this gurdwara is functioning in this property since Partition, i.e., since 1947…”
The HC had added that the documents “show that this property was privately owned. There was no intention to create a waqf; the intention and user have to be coupled.”
It said defendant Hira Sigh “was admittedly in occupation of this property since 1947-48. It is also true that the defendant was not able to adduce any document of title to evidence the purchase of this property, yet this does not in any manner benefit the plaintiff, who has to establish his own case and prove it to enable him to obtain a decree of possession.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sc-rejects-delhi-waqf-boards-claim-over-gurdwara-religious-structure-already-functioning-there-should-relinquish-claim-10048942/
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Clerics Urge Muslim Community To Follow Government Guidelines For Eid Sacrifice
June 04, 2025
Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, Muslim clerics on Wednesday (June 4, 2025) urged members of the community to strictly follow the government guidelines while performing sacrifice and avoid sharing pictures of slaughtered animals on social media.
In his message to Muslims, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani said that there is no substitute for sacrifice in Islam as it is a religious duty.
A person on whom sacrifice is obligatory must perform this obligation, he said.
However, Mr. Madani said that in view of the current situation, it is important that Muslims take precautionary measures on their own and avoid advertising and sharing of pictures of slaughtered animals on social media.
The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, Delhi, urged the Muslim community to refrain from performing animal sacrifices in open areas or on the streets. The festival is to be celebrated on June 7.
Jamiat President Madani also urged Muslims to strictly follow the government guidelines while performing sacrifice, avoid the sacrifice of prohibited animals.
He also said that if mischievous elements, at any place, prevent the sacrifice of a black animal (buffalo) also, influential people should take the administration into confidence, and then sacrifice should be offered.
"If, however, there is no way to fulfil this religious obligation, then a sacrifice should be offered in a nearby place where there is no difficulty," he said.
Bombay High Court permits animal sacrifice during Id, Urs at Vishalgad dargah
Advising Muslims to exercise patience and restraint in response to any provocative actions by communal elements, Madani stressed that such incidents should definitely be reported to the local police station.
The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, Syed Shaban Bukhari, advised people to ensure cleanliness in their localities during the festival.
"Just as festivals like Holi and Diwali are celebrated with dignity across India, Eid-ul-Adha too should be observed with respect and reverence," the Imam said in a statement.
Mr. Bukhari further emphasised that during the festival, the Muslim community must remain mindful of a few key responsibilities.
"Most importantly, no act should hurt the sentiments or beliefs of fellow citizens. Therefore, sacrifices must be conducted only within private premises such as homes or designated enclosures - not on roads or in open spaces," he said.
Ban on livestock markets before Eid is a harsh move on farmers: Prakash Ambedkar
He also appealed to the community to refrain from photographing or filming the act of sacrifice and strictly advised against uploading such images or videos on social media.
"Islam is a religion of peace, and it is our duty to demonstrate this through our conduct by ensuring that no one’s emotions are harmed," the Imam said.
Further advising the community to remember that Islam teaches respect for all religions and instructs its followers to never hurt others' sentiments, he asserted that the ritual of sacrifice must be performed in a manner that upholds the rule of law and maintains communal harmony.
Source: thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/clerics-urge-muslim-community-to-follow-government-guidelines-for-eid-sacrifice/article69656789.ece
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Avoid animal sacrifice in open areas, streets on Bakrid: Jama Masjid Shahi Imam
04.06.25
Ahead of Bakrid, the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid on Wednesday urged the Muslim community to refrain from performing animal sacrifices in open areas or on the streets.
Naib Shahi Imam Syed Shaban Bukhari, in a statement, advised people to ensure cleanliness in their localities during the festival.
"Just as festivals like Holi and Diwali are celebrated with dignity across India, Eid-ul-Adha too should be observed with respect and reverence," the Imam said.
The festival is likely to be celebrated on June 6-7.
The Imam further emphasised that during the festival, the Muslim community must remain mindful of a few key responsibilities.
"Most importantly, no act should hurt the sentiments or beliefs of fellow citizens. Therefore, sacrifices must be conducted only within private premises such as homes or designated enclosures— not on roads or in open spaces," he stated.
He also appealed to the community to refrain from photographing or filming the act of sacrifice and strictly advised against uploading such images or videos on social media.
"Islam is a religion of peace," he stated, "and it is our duty to demonstrate this through our conduct by ensuring that no one’s emotions are harmed." Further advising the community to remember that Islam teaches respect for all religions and instructs its followers to never hurt others' sentiments, the Imam asserted that the ritual of sacrifice must be performed in a manner that upholds the rule of law and maintains communal harmony.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/avoid-animal-sacrifice-in-open-areas-streets-on-bakrid-jama-masjid-shahi-imam/cid/2106102
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Wajahat Khan, whose complaint led to arrest of influencer Panoli, booked for hate speech by Kolkata Police
Tanusree Bose
June 5, 2025
Wajahat Khan, whose complaint led to the arrest of law student and social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, has been booked by the Kolkata Police for hate speech for his alleged communal posts on social media. He, however, has been absconding, said police.
Sources in Kolkata Police said the 30-year-old, who is the co-founder of the Rashidi Foundation, has been booked under the same sections of the BNS as Panoli – 196(1) (a) promoting enmity between different groups, 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens), 352 (intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace), and 353(1)(c)(which deals with statements that incite public mischief).
The FIR has been filed at the Golf Green police station based on a complaint of one Sujit Ghosh.
After Khan’s complaint led to the arrest of 22-year-old Panoli on May 30 for alleged hate and communal posts, at least five complaints have been filed against him in West Bengal—two at the Garden Reach police station, one at the Metiabruz police station, one by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to the Police Commissioner of Asansol Durgapur Commissionerate, and one at Jetia police station.
The complaints against Khan accuse him of posting “hate speech” on social media and making derogatory remarks that hurt religious sentiments.
Khan, whose X account is locked, had allegedly posted messages demanding action against Panoli and later celebrating her arrest.
Meanwhile, a senior officer in Kolkata Police said Assam Police and Delhi Police are also looking for him. According to sources a three-member team of Assam Police visited the area where Khan resides.
This comes a day after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a case has been registered against Khan for allegedly making “unacceptable comments against Devi Maa Kamakhya”. “A case has been registered against him. So, our police will go to West Bengal and we will request the government of West Bengal to hand him over to Assam. But how much cooperation the government of West Bengal gives us, only time will tell,” Sarma had said on Tuesday.
According to police sources, Khan was last seen in his locality on Sunday. “Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown, and no missing person report has been filed by his family. Delhi Police and Assam Police are also actively looking for him,” said a police officer.
The first complaint against Khan was filed by a Hindu outfit, Shri Ram Swabhiman Parishad, at Garden Reach police station on June 2. The group alleged that Khan’s posts promoted enmity between religious groups and could incite public disorder. Suraj Kumar Singh, secretary of the Shree Ram Swabhiman Parishad, said, “We demand the arrest of Wajahat Khan for making hurtful and demeaning posts that hurt Hindu sentiments.”
Panoli, meanwhile, who was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurgaon, is currently in judicial custody till June 13. Her interim bail plea was rejected by the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday. Rejecting her application, the single bench of Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee observed that freedom of speech and expression doesn’t mean one can go on hurting others”.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/wajahat-khan-absconding-sharmistha-panoli-arrest-10047974/
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Congress flags India’s ‘foreign policy collapse’ over Pakistan’s UNSC committee role
05.06.25
Pakistan being reportedly chosen as vice-chair of a key committee of the United Nations Security Council has not gone down well with the Congress.
So much so that the party's media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, has dubbed the development as a "sad story of our own foreign policy collapse'.
Pakistan has reportedly also been elected as Chairman of UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee. Khera took to X to question how the global community could continue to validate the "continuous legitimisation of sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan".
The Taliban Sanctions Committee oversees measures such as asset freezes, travel bans and arms embargoes on individuals and entities linked to the Taliban and considered threats to Afghanistan’s peace and stability.
Carrying on in similar vein. “1. IMF gave $1 billion to Pakistan on May 9 during Operation Sindoor. 2. World Bank decides to give $40 billion to Pakistan soon after Operation Sindoor. 3. ADB gave $800 million to Pakistan on June 3 soon after Operation Sindoor,” he posted on X.
Kharge’s attack
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was also not one to shy away from criticism. Taking to X, Kharge urged the international community to stand by India’s position. “The Indian National Congress exhorts the international community to understand and support India's stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan," he wrote on X.
“Pakistan is the perpetrator of terror. India is a victim of terror. They cannot be equated. They should not be hyphenated,” Kharge asserted.
In a detailed post, Kharge laid out the party’s concerns.
Pakistan’s other responsibility
Pakistan’s upcoming responsibilities at the UN will also include co-chairing the Informal Working Groups on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, as well as on General UNSC Sanctions Issues. It is a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council for the 2025–26 term. The Council’s sanctions committees consist of all 15 members and operate through a consensus.
India, which held a non-permanent seat on the Council during 2021–22, chaired the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee in 2022. New Delhi has long maintained that Pakistan shelters the highest number of UN-designated terrorists and terror groups.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/congress-flags-indias-foreign-policy-collapse-over-pakistans-unsc-committee-role/cid/2106282
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Europe
CAIR Calls Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban Targeting Mostly Muslimand Ideologically Motivated’
June 4, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today responded to President Trump’s new and expanded travel ban, which targets 19 mostly Muslim and African nations and raises the specter of more vague ideological screening tests on immigrants, by calling the order “unnecessary, overbroad and ideologically motivated.”
CAIR also acknowledged that the new ban contains several important exceptions, such as an exemption for anyone who already has legal status and immediate family members seeking to immigrate to America, which makes the ban less extreme than the two original Muslim Bans that President Trump enacted during his first term before successful lawsuits blocked their implementation.
On June 4, President Trump signed a new proclamation titled, “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.
The expanded ban fully suspends immigration and nonimmigrant visas for citizens of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen who do not already have legal status in the United States and who do not fall into any of the other exceptions and exemptions mentioned in the proclamation.
The ban imposes partial restrictions on Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The order specifically cites President Trump’s campaign statement, “We will restore the travel ban, some people call it the Trump travel ban, and keep the radical Islamic terrorists out of our country (sic) that was upheld by the Supreme Court.”
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“President Trump’s new travel ban targeting mostly Muslim and African nations and raising the specter of more vague free speech restrictions is overbroad, unnecessary and ideologically motivated.
“Automatically banning students, workers, tourists, and other citizens of these targeted nations from coming to the United States will not make our nation safer. Neither will imposing vague ideological screening tests that the government can easily abuse to ban immigrants based on their religious identity and political activism.
“Even with the exceptions outlined in the order, this new travel ban risks separating families, depriving students of educational opportunities, blocking patients from access to unique medical treatment, and creating a chilling effect on travelers.
“The government already can and does engage in an extensive vetting process before approving individual visas and it could continue to do so with any nations of concern rather than imposing blanket bans on their citizens.
“We recognize that this new travel ban does contain some exceptions, such as exempting lawful permanent residents and others who already have valid U.S. visas and other limited categories, but the fact remains that automatically banning anyone based on their nationality or vague allegations of ‘hostile attitudes’ to American culture or policies undermines our nation’s values.
“We must not allow Americans to be silenced for exercising their constitutional rights or for immigrants to be expelled or banned because of their faith, their nationality or their human rights activism. CAIR remains committed to vigorously defending the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the dignity of all impacted by our nation’s policies.”
CAIR advises impacted community members impacted by the ban to:
Consult an Immigration Attorney: Seek qualified legal counsel to assess how this proclamation impacts your immigration status and explore appropriate legal responses.
Avoid Non-Essential Travel: Although the ban theoretically does not apply to lawful permanent residents and others with valid immigration status even if they are citizens of a targeted countries, the administration’s separate attempts to target such immigrants based on their advocacy for Palestine remains a threat to travelers.
Maintain Documents Securely: Keep physical and digital copies of passports, visas, green cards, and employment authorization handy and secure.
Stay Informed of Your Rights: Review CAIR’s latest “Know Your Rights” resources for guidance on interactions with immigration officials and law enforcement.
CAIR strongly urges anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment or civil rights violations linked to this ban to immediately report incidents to CAIR’s Civil Rights Department via the Report an Incident form.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-trumps-expanded-travel-ban-targeting-mostly-muslim-african-nations-free-speech-unnecessary-overbroad-and-ideologically-motivated/
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School closed due to dispute over control of Islamic cultural centre in Dublin, court hears
Jun 04 2025
A school at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland in Clonskeagh, Dublin, has closed as part of a dispute over control of the centre’s operations, the High Court heard.
Mr Justice Brian Cregan was also told Clonskeagh is the primary place for holding a major annual Muslim festival, Eid al-Adha, which falls on Friday, but is now closed. The mosque at the centre had also closed, the court previously heard.
The dispute arises out of the alleged unlawful appointment of new directors to the centre’s operating company, the Al Maktoum Foundation CLG.
Dr Abdel Basset Elsayed, a Co Meath-based medical consultant, says he has been a director of the foundation company since 2012. He claims the purported appointments of four new directors to the board are invalid and not in accordance with the company’s constitution.
He sought orders from the court requiring the Companies Registration Office to rectify its register by removing the allegedly unlawfully appointed members and restraining the new directors from performing any duties or representing themselves as directors of the company.
Barrister Niall Ó hUiginn, for the new directors, who are notice parties in the case, on Wednesday said his clients dispute the claims and contend Dr Elsayed has no legal standing to bring the case as he has been removed as a director.
Counsel said Dr Elsayed was purporting to give directions on behalf of the Al Maktoum Foundation. His clients will say Dr Elsayed’s removal from his directorship was in accordance with the company’s constitution.
[ Dublin Islamic cultural centre temporarily closed after gardaí called to altercationOpens in new window ]
Counsel said he did not wish to get into the merits of the case at this stage as his side needed time to put in a replying affidavit to Dr Elsayed’s claims.
Barrister Joseph Sallabi, who told the court he has a contract as in-house counsel with the Al Maktoum Foundation, objected to a three-week adjournment.
His side argue a corporate body in Dubai is appointing the directors and they are acting for the company, counsel said. There were 27 teachers in the Clonskeagh school who had collectively resigned and the school has closed.
Mr Ó hUiginn objected to Mr Sallabi making claims that had not been put on affidavit and were not part of any orders sought.
Mr Justice Cregan told Mr Sallabi he would have to put his new claims on affidavit, and that he would also give the notice parties time to put their position on affidavit.
It was an “unfortunate situation”, he said, and Mr Sallabi, if he wanted the school and mosque to be reopened, would have to bring a separate application in that respect.
He adjourned the matter to later this month.
Source: irishtimes.com
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https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/06/04/school-closed-due-to-dispute-over-control-of-islamic-cultural-centre-in-dublin-court-hears/
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Community tensions on the rise in France after man arrested for burning Quran
04/06/2025
A man suspected of stealing a Quran from a mosque near the French city of Lyon and then burning it was arrested on Tuesday evening, the public prosecutor’s office said.
He was arrested in the town of Villeurbanne, where the mosque was also located, and is said to be “psychologically fragile”, the prosecutor’s office and a police source said.
On the night of Sunday to Monday, “an individual with an uncovered face entered the prayer room, grabbed a copy of the Quran, set it on fire then dropped it outside the building before fleeing”, the council of mosques in the Rhone region said.
A police source said an investigation had begun into the incident.
The Lyon prosecutor’s office said police was looking into a case of “damage or deterioration by means dangerous to people, committed on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nation or religion”.
The incident came after a man who had posted racist videos shot dead his Tunisian neighbour and badly wounded a Turkish man in the southern town of Puget-sur-Argens on Saturday.
The sister of the victim called for justice on Tuesday, saying her brother was on a video call with family when he was killed.
Hichem Miraoui, 46, was killed on Saturday in Puget-sur-Argens in southern France when a neighbour shot him five times.
“I want justice for my brother, the victim of a terrorist act,” Hanen Miraoui said in a telephone call from France, where she lives.
She urged Tunisian authorities to “stand by Tunisians in France and closely follow the case so that justice is done for my brother”.
She said Hichem was in a video call with family, including their mother in Tunisia, when he was shot.
“We were discussing Eid al-Idha preparations,” she said. “He was joking with our sick mother when I heard him grunt and the call ended.”
The suspected killer, a Frenchman born in 1971, fled the scene in a car but was arrested not far away after his partner alerted police.
According to Le Parisien newspaper, the suspect said he “swore allegiance to the French flag” and called on the French to “shoot” people of foreign origin in one of his videos posted on social media.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors have taken over the investigation into the case, the first such racist attack linked to the far-right to be dealt with as “terrorism” since their office was set up in 2019.
In a separate incident in April, a man stabbed a Malian man to death in a mosque, a case being handled by regional prosecutors.
France is home to the largest Muslim community in the European Union, as well as the largest Jewish population outside Israel and the United States.
There has been a rise in reported attacks against Muslim and Jewish communities since the Gaza war erupted.
France’s Holocaust memorial and three Paris synagogues and a restaurant were vandalised with paint overnight on Saturday.
A Turkish-born man who burned a Quran in London was on Monday found guilty of a religiously aggravated public order offence.
Sweden has seen a series of burnings of the Islamic holy book, most notably by Iraqi Christian Salwan Momika. He was shot dead in January by an unknown assailant.
Source: thearabweekly.com
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https://thearabweekly.com/community-tensions-rise-france-after-man-arrested-burning-quran
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The country where the left (not the far right) made hardline immigration laws
5 June 2025
Think, Denmark. Images of sleek, impossibly chic Copenhagen, the capital, might spring to mind. As well as a sense of a liberal, open society. That is the Scandinavian cliché.
But when it comes to migration, Denmark has taken a dramatically different turn. The country is now "a pioneer in restrictive migration policies" in Europe, according to Marie Sandberg, Director of the Centre for Advanced Migration Studies (AMIS) at the University of Copenhagen - both when it comes to asylum-seekers and economic migrants looking to work in Denmark.
Even more surprising, perhaps, is who is behind this drive. It's generally assumed 'far right' politicians are gaining in strength across Europe on the back of migration fears, but that's far from the full picture.
In Denmark – and in Spain, which is tackling the issue in a very different but no less radical way by pushing for more, not less immigration - the politicians taking the migration bull by the horns, now come from the centre left of politics.
How come? And can the rest of Europe - including the UK's Labour government - learn from them?
Unsettling times in Europe
Migration is a top voter priority, right across Europe. We live in really unsettling times. As war rages in Ukraine, Russia is waging hybrid warfare, such as cyber attacks across much of the continent. Governments talk about spending more on defence, while most European economies are spluttering. Voters worry about the cost of living and into this maelstrom of anxieties comes concern about migration.
But in Denmark, the issue has run deeper, and for longer.
Immigration began to grow apace following World War Two, increasing further – and rapidly - in recent decades. The proportion of Danish residents who are immigrants, or who have two immigrant parents, has increased more than fivefold since 1985, according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI).
A turning point was ten years ago, during the 2015 European migration and refugee crisis, when well over a million migrants came to Europe, mostly heading to the wealthier north, to countries like Denmark, Sweden and Germany.
Slogans like "Danskerne Først" (Danes First) resonated with the electorate. When I interviewed supporters of the hard-right nationalist, anti-immigration, Danish People's Party (DPP) that year they told me, "We don't see ourselves as racists but we do feel we are losing our country."
Denmark came under glaring international attention for its hardline refugee stance, after it allowed the authorities to confiscate asylum seekers' jewellery and other valuables, saying this was to pay towards their stay in Denmark.
The Danish immigration minister put up a photo of herself on Facebook having a cake decorated with the number 50 and a Danish flag to celebrate passing her 50th amendment to tighten immigration controls.
And Danish law has only tightened further since then.
Plans to detain migrants on an island
Mayors from towns outside Copenhagen had long been sounding the alarm about the effects of the speedy influx of migrants.
Migrant workers and their families had tended to move just outside the capital, to avoid high living costs. Denmark's famous welfare system was perceived to be under strain. Infant schools were said to be full of children who didn't speak Danish. Some unemployed migrants reportedly received resettlement payments that made their welfare benefits larger than those of unemployed Danes, and government statistics suggested immigrants were committing more crimes than others. Local resentment was growing, mayors warned.
Today Denmark's has become one of the loudest voices in Europe calling for asylum seekers and other migrants turning up without legal papers to be processed outside the continent.
The country had first looked at detaining migrants without papers on a Danish island that used to house a centre for contagious animals. That plan was shelved.
Then Copenhagen passed a law in 2021 allowing asylum claims to be processed and refugees to be resettled in partner countries, like Rwanda. The UK's former Conservative government attempted a not dissimilar plan that was later annulled.
Copenhagen's Kigali plan hasn't progressed much either but it's tightened rules on family reunions, which not long ago, was seen as a refugee's right. It has also made all refugees' stay in Denmark temporary by law, whatever their need for protection.
But many of Denmark's harsh measures seemed targeted as much at making headlines, as taking action. The Danish authorities intentionally created a "hostile environment" for migrants", says Alberto Horst Neidhardt, senior analyst at the European Policy Centre.
And Denmark has been keen for the word to spread.
AFP via Getty A Lebanese man looks at an advertisement published in the "Daily Star" Lebanese daily newspaper in English by the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration to warn would-be migrants about new and tighter restrictions on those seeking asylum in the country
It put advertisements in Lebanese newspapers at the height of the migrant crisis, for example, warning how tough Danish migration policies were.
"The goal has been to reduce all incentives to come to Denmark," says ?Susi Dennison, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
"The Danes have gone further than most European governments," she explains. Not just honing in on politically sensitive issues like crime and access to benefits but with explicit talk about a zero asylum seekers policy.
And yet "before the 2015 refugee crisis, there was a stereotype of Nordic countries being very internationalist… and having a welcoming culture for asylum seekers," says Ms Dennison.
Then suddenly the reaction was, "No. Our first goal is to provide responsibly for Danish people."
The turning-point was, she argues, also triggered by Denmark's neighbour, Germany, allowing a million refugees and others to stay in the country, during the migrant crisis.
"That was a political choice that had repercussions across Europe."
Where Denmark's left came in
By 2015 the anti-migration Danish People's Party was the second biggest power in Denmark's parliament. But at the same time, the Social Democrats - under new leader Mette Frederiksen – decided to fight back, making a clear, public break with the party's past reputation of openness to migration.
"My party should have listened," Frederiksen said.
Under her leadership, the party tacked towards what's generally seen as the political "far right" in terms of migration and made hardline DPP-associated asylum policies, their own. But they also doubled down on issues more traditionally associated with the left: public services.
Danes pay the highest tax rates in Europe across all household types. They expect top notch public services in return. Frederiksen argued that migration levels threatened social cohesion and social welfare, with the poorest Danes losing out the most.
That is how her party justify their tough migration rules.
Frederiksen's critics see her 'rightwards swing' as a cynical ploy to get into, and then stay in, power. She insists her party's convictions are sincere. Whatever the case, it worked in winning votes.
Federiksen has been Denmark's prime minister since 2019, and in last year's election to the European Parliament, the populist nationalist Danish People's Party scrambled to hold on to a single seat.
A blurring of left and right?
The political labels of old are blurring. It's not just Denmark. Across Europe, parties of the centre - right and left - are increasingly using language traditionally associated with the "far right" when it comes to migration to claw back, or hold on to votes.
Sir Keir Starmer recently came under fire when, during a speech on immigration, he spoke of the danger of his country becoming 'an island of strangers'.
At the same time in Europe, right-wing parties are adopting social policies traditionally linked to the left to broaden their appeal.
In the UK, the leader of the anti-migration, opposition Reform Party Nigel Farage has been under attack for generous shadow budget proposals that critics say don't add up.
In France, centrist Emmanuel Macron has sounded increasingly hardline on immigration in recent years, while his political nemesis the National Rally Party leader Marine Le Pen has been heavily mixing social welfare policies into her nationalist agenda to attract more mainstream voters.
Avoiding 'hysterical rhetoric'
But can Danish - and in particular, Danish Social Democrat - tough immigration policies be deemed a success?
The answer depends on which criteria you use to judge them.
Asylum claim applications are certainly down in Denmark, in stark contrast to much of the rest of Europe. The number, as of May 2025, is the lowest in 40 years, according to immigration.dk, an online information site for refugees in Denmark.
But Nordic Denmark is certainly not what's seen as a frontline state - like Italy - where people smugglers' boats frequently wash up along its shores.
"Frederiksen is in a favourable geographical position," argues Europe professor, Timothy Garton Ash, from Oxford University. But he also praises Denmark's prime minister for addressing the problem of migration, without adopting "hysterical rhetoric".
But others say new legislation has damaged Denmark's reputation for respecting international humanitarian law and the rights of asylum-seekers. Michelle Pace of Chatham House says it has become hard to protect refugees in Denmark, where "the legal goalposts keep moving."
Danish citizens with a migrant background have also been made to feel like outsiders, she notes.
She cites the Social Democrats' "parallel societies" law, which allows the state to sell off or demolish apartment blocks in troubled areas where at least half of residents have a "non-Western" background.
The Social Democrats say the law is aimed at improving integration but Ms Pace insists it is alienating. The children of immigrants are told they aren't Danish or a "pure Dane," she argues.
In February this year, a senior advisor to the EU's top court described the non-Western provision of the Danish law as discriminatory on the basis of ethnic origin.
Whereas once a number of European leaders dismissed Denmark's Social Democrats as becoming far right, now "the Danish position has become the new normal - it was the head of the curve," says Alberto Horst Neidhardt.
"What's considered 'good' migration policies these days has moved to the right, even for centre left governments, like the UK."
Before Germany's general election this year, then centre-left Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, pledged to tighten asylum regulations, including reducing family reunification.
And earlier this month, Frederiksen teamed up with eight other European leaders - not including the UK - to call for a reinterpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights, whose tight constraints, they claim, prevent them from expelling foreign nationals with criminal records.
Contesting international laws on asylum is a trend Denmark is establishing at a more European level, says Sarah Wolff, Professor of International Studies and Global Politics at Leiden University.
"With the topic of migration now politicised, you increasingly see supposedly liberal countries that are signatories to international conventions, like human rights law, coming back on those conventions because the legislation no longer fits the political agenda of the moment," says Ms Wolff.
Despite the restrictive migrant legislation, Denmark has continued to admit migrant workers through legal channels. But not enough, considering the rapidly aging population, say critics like Michelle Pace.
She predicts Denmark will face a serious labour shortage in the future.
The other extreme: Spain's model
Spain's centre-left government, meanwhile, is taking a very different road. Its Social Democrat prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, loves pointing out the Spanish economy was the fastest growing amongst rich nations last year.
Its 3.2% GDP growth was higher than America's, three times the UK's and four times the EU average.
Sanchez wants to legalise nearly a million migrants, already working in Spain but currently without legal papers. That extra tax revenue plus the much-needed extra workers to plug gaps in the labour market will maintain economic growth and ensure future pension payments are covered, he says.
Spain has one of the lowest birth rates in the EU. Spanish society is getting old, fast.
"Almost half of our towns are at risk of depopulation," he said in autumn 2024. "We have elderly people who need a caregiver, companies looking for programmers, technicians and bricklayers... The key to migration is in managing it well."
Critics accuse Sanchez of encouraging illegal migration to Spain, and question the country's record of integrating migrants. Opinion polls show that Sanchez is taking a gamble: 57% of Spaniards say there are already too many migrants in the country, according to public pollster 40dB.
In less than 30 years, the number of foreign-born inhabitants in Spain has jumped almost nine fold from 1.6% to 14% of the population. But so far, migration concerns haven't translated into widespread support for the immigration sceptic nationalist Vox party.
The Sanchez government is setting up what Ms Pace calls a "national dialogue", involving NGOs and private business. The aim is to balance plugging labour market gaps with avoiding strains on public services, by using extra tax revenue from new migrant workers, to build housing and extra classrooms, for example.
Right now the plan is aspirational. It's too early to judge, if successful, or not.
So, who's got it right?
"Successful" migration policy depends on what governments, regardless of their political stripe, set as their priority, says Ms Dennison.
In Denmark, the first priority is preserving the Danish social system. Italy prioritises offshoring the processing of migrants. While Hungary's prime minister Victor Orban wants strict migrant limits to protect Europe's "Christian roots", he claims.
Overstaying visas is thought to be the most common way migrants enter and stay in Europe without legal papers.
But recent UK governments have focused on high profile issues like people smugglers' boats crossing the Channel.
Ms Dennison thinks that's a tactical move. It's taking aim at visible challenges, to "neutralise public anger" she says, in the hope most voters will then support offering asylum to those who need it, and allow some foreign workers into the UK.
It would be hard for Starmer to pursue the Denmark approach, she adds. After taking over from previous Conservative governments, he made a point of recommitting the UK to international institutions and international law.
So, does the 'ideal' migration plan exist, that balances voter concerns, economic needs and humanitarian values?
Martin Ruhs, deputy director of the Migration Policy Centre, spends a lot of time asking this question to voters across the UK and the rest of Europe, and thinks the public is often more sophisticated than their politicians.
Most prefer a balance, he says: migration limits to protect themselves and their families, but once they feel that's in place, they also favour fair legislation to protect refugees and foreign workers.
Source: bbc.com
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Cologne defuses WW2 bombs after 20,000 evacuated
5 June 2025
Authorities in the German city of Cologne have defused three unexploded World War Two bombs after the evacuation of more than 20,000 people.
Bomb squad technicians deactivated the American bombs on Wednesday after evacuating an area of around 10,000 sq m (107,639 sq ft) following their discovery in a shipyard in Deutz on Monday.
Homes, shops, hotels and schools were told to evacuate, as well as a large hospital and a major train station in what the city called "the largest operation since WW2".
Cologne was subjected to particularly heavy bombing during WW2 and unexploded ordnance can still pose a danger.
Germany's bomb disposal service was only able to begin the operation after all residents in the densely populated area were evacuated.
"If you refuse, we will escort you from your home - if necessary by force - along with the police," the authorities said.
Residents were told if they refused to leave their homes after the evacuation began they could face expensive fines.
Some intensive care patients were helped out in ambulances from the Eduardus Hospital.
Finding bombs from WW2 is not unusual in German cities such as Cologne and Berlin, but these bombs were particularly large.
The evacuation in the Old Town and Deutz neighbourhoods began with officials going door to door to tell people they must leave their homes.
Many of the city's usually bustling streets were eerily deserted as shops, restaurants and businesses were told to stop operating during the day.
Cultural institutions including the Philharmonic Hall and many museums were also affected, as well as government buildings, 58 hotels, and nine schools.
Transport was severely disrupted, with all roads closed in the area, many trains cancelled and the Messe/Deutz train station was closed from 08:00 local time (07:00BST).
The authorities had set up two drop-in centres for people who did not have anywhere to go during the evacuation period.
Residents were told to "stay calm", bring their ID and any essential medications, and to take care of their pets.
For some people, the evacuation was more than a little inconvenient.
Fifteen couples were scheduled to get married at Cologne's historic town hall but the ceremonies were relocated to a location in another part of the city, local media reported.
Source: bbc.com
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Zelensky dismisses Russia’s peace memorandum
4 Jun, 2025
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has refused to seriously consider Russia’s latest peace proposal, dismissing it as an unacceptable “ultimatum”.
Russian and Ukrainian delegations exchanged their respective roadmaps for peace at their second meeting in a month, in Istanbul on Monday. In its proposal, Moscow proposed that Ukraine recognizes the loss of five of its former regions that joined Russia in public referendums, withdraws its forces from them, commit to neutrality, and limit its own military capabilities.
Russia also floated a “package proposal” for a ceasefire, in which Kiev would halt deploying its troops, suspend mobilisation, stop foreign weapons shipments, and hold a presidential election.
Zelensky rejected the peace memorandum out of hand. “This is an ultimatum, and it will not be taken seriously by the Ukrainian side… This memorandum is a misunderstanding,” he said on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian leader claimed that any territorial concessions to Russia would contravene Ukraine’s constitution.
Russia’s lead negotiator at the Istanbul talks, Vladimir Medinsky, defended the memorandum, describing it as an opportunity to end the conflict. “This is not an ultimatum. It’s a proposal that will truly allow for achieving real peace — or at least a ceasefire — and make a huge step towards achieving long-term peace,” he said.
Zelensky also criticized the diplomatic process itself, saying, “To continue diplomatic meetings in Istanbul at a level that decides nothing — it's meaningless.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, however, suggested that Zelensky dismissed the outcome of the talks because they were focused not on financial aid or weapons supplies, but on people.
Zakharova was referring to Moscow and Kiev’s agreement to carry the largest prisoner exchange to date, which is expected to take place this weekend and involved 1,200 people on each side.
Source: rt.com
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Mideast
Unity Among Muslim Nations Is A Religious And Strategic Duty: Iranian President
Jun 4, 2025
President Masoud Pezeshkian says that Iran considers convergence and unity among Muslim nations a religious and strategic duty.
Pezeshkian made these remarks on a telephone conversation with the Emir of Kuwait, Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, on Wednesday, extending Eid al-Adha greetings to the government and people of Kuwait.
Emphasizing the religious, cultural, and historical bonds among Muslim nations, Pezeshkian said that following the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Iran considers all Islamic countries and Muslims worldwide as its brothers, adding that strengthening ties and unity within the Islamic Ummah is both a religious and strategic obligation.
The president also condemned Israel’s ongoing crimes against Gaza, stressing that efforts should be made to halt oppression and ultimately achieve justice for the Palestinian people.
During the conversation, al-Sabah reciprocated the Eid greetings, wishing peace, health, and prosperity for Iran and all Muslim nations.
He reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to deepening ties with Iran, expressing hope that cooperation and coordination between the two nations would lead to a stable, constructive, and prosperous future.
Source: mehrnews.com
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Sayyid Khamenei: Tehran Will Not Abandon Uranium Enrichment
Jun 4, 2025
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyid Ali Khamenei, affirmed on Wednesday that Tehran will not abandon uranium enrichment.
In a speech marking the anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Sayyid Ruhollah Khomeini, monitored by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Khamenei said: "The project proposed by the Americans completely contradicts the principle of 'We Can,' through which Imam Khomeini restored the Iranian people's self-confidence." He added, "The nuclear project is used to produce clean energy, and I hope specialists will explain its uses to the public."
He continued, "Resistance means standing up to the will of the superpowers," noting that "nuclear technology will not be achieved without enrichment to produce reactor fuel, and we will not extend our hands to others."
He explained: "Even if we had 100 nuclear reactors, they would be useless without our own production of nuclear fuel. Our insistence on obtaining 20% enriched uranium from abroad led us to produce it domestically."
He added, "Thousands of nuclear experts and scientists are being targeted by the Americans, who want them unemployed," adding that "American leaders are proposing to disrupt projects in all fields and oppose Iran's development."
He explained that "the U.S. administration is making many claims about dismantling the Iranian nuclear project."
He pointed out that "the United States is an accomplice in the crimes committed in the Gaza Strip. What is happening in the Strip is a real crime, and security in the region cannot be achieved by relying on the Zionist entity," adding that "the Zionist entity is doomed, and its end will not take long.
Source: ina.iq
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Iran Armed Forces ready to confront any hostile threats
Jun 4, 2025
Issuing a statement on the occasion of the commemoration ceremony of the 36th Anniversary of the demise of Imam Khomeini, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran said, "Iran will certainly overcome all hardships, problems, pressures, and sanctions in continuing its path and conquering the peaks of honor and greatness by sincerely and faithfully following the guidelines of the Leader of Islamic Revoltion."
The powerful, capable, brave, and heroic armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, relying on God Almighty and under the wise and intelligent command of the Commander-in-Chief, support the Iranian nation, the statement said, adding that Iran Armed Forces monitor the movements and actions of the enemies of the Islamic Revolution, and are ready to confront any evil and strategic error of theirs at any time and at any level of threat.
Source: mehrnews.com
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UAE, Egypt leaders renew call for Gaza ceasefire
June 05, 2025
DUBAI: UAE’s Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday reiterated the call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during their meeting in Abu Dhabi.
During the two leaders’ talks at Qasr Al-Shati in Abu Dhabi, they stressed “the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a ceasefire” in Gaza and working “towards a clear political horizon for a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.”
The US earlier vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate truce in the besieged enclave, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unhampered delivery of humanitarian supplies territory’s starving population.
Sheikh Mohamed and Sisi, during their high-level talks, also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries “particularly those that advance their shared development goals and serve the mutual interests of their peoples.”
They also reviewed regional and international issues as well as recent developments particularly aimed at restoring security and stability in the Middle East region.
Source: arabnews.com
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Activist Gaza aid boat slams Israel ‘threat’
June 05, 2025
ROME: International activists seeking to sail an aid boat to Gaza condemned Wednesday what they called Israel’s threats and “declared intent to attack” their vessel as it crosses the Mediterranean.
Israel’s military said Tuesday it was ready to “protect” the country’s seas, after the vessel — the Madleen, sailed by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition — left Sicily on Sunday carrying around a dozen people, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
“The navy operates day and night to protect Israel’s maritime space and borders at sea,” army spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said.
Asked about the aid vessel, he said: “For this case as well, we are prepared.”
He added: “We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the activist coalition said it “strongly condemns Israel’s declared intent to attack Madleen,” calling it a “threat.”
“Madleen carries humanitarian aid and international human rights defenders in direct challenge to Israel’s illegal, decades-long blockade, and ongoing genocide” in Gaza, it said.
Israel has come under increasing international criticism over the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where the United Nations warned in May that the entire population was at risk of famine.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, launched in 2010, is an international movement supporting Palestinians, combining humanitarian aid with political protest against the blockade on Gaza.
The Madleen is a small sailboat reportedly carrying fruit juices, milk, rice, tinned food and protein bars.
In early May, the Freedom Flotilla ship Conscience was damaged in international waters off Malta as it headed to Gaza, with the activists saying they suspected an Israeli drone attack.
The coalition said that on Tuesday evening, off the coast of the Greek island of Crete, the Madleen “was approached and circled by a drone, followed, several hours later by two additional drones.”
It said it was later informed these were surveillance drones operated by the Greek coast guard, EU border agency Frontex or both.
Israel recently eased a more than two-month blockade on war-ravaged Gaza, but the aid community has urged it to allow in more food, faster.
Source: arabnews.com
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Israeli settlers establish illegal outpost near Palestinian Authority’s administrative city of Ramallah
June 04, 2025
LONDON: Israeli settlers have established a new outpost on land belonging to Palestinians east of Ramallah, the administrative city of the Palestinian Authority.
The settlers have established the outpost on the ruins of a home belonging to a Palestinian family that was forcibly displaced nearly a year ago following a series of attacks in the village of Al-Taybeh, the Palestine News Agency reported.
Israeli settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and have long been viewed as hindrances to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and to achieving peace.
The PA’s affiliated Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reported in May on attempts by Israeli settlers to establish 15 new illegal outposts in the West Bank, mainly on agricultural and pastoral land.
These outposts are distributed across several governorates, including six in Ramallah and Al-Bireh; two in Salfit, Tubas, and Bethlehem; and one each in Jericho and Nablus.
Source: arabnews.com
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Israel defense ministry says arms exports hit all time high in 2024
June 04, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israel’s defense ministry said Wednesday that its arms exports hit an all-time high of more than $14.7 billion in 2024, with a sharp rise in deals with Arab Gulf states, despite international criticism of Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.
“Israel again reached an all-time peak in defense exports in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive record-breaking year in the scope of defense agreements,” the ministry, which oversees and approves the exports of Israel’s defense industries, said in a statement.
Source: arabnews.com
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North America
CAIR Welcomes Sentencing of Texas Man who Threatened to Kill Sikhs in New Jersey
June 4, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the sentencing of a Texas man to 26 months in prison after he allegedly threatened employees of a Sikh non-profit in New Jersey.
Dallas resident Bhushan Athale, 49, was found guilty of making violent interstate threats against individuals based on their religion, officials said. In September 2022, he called the main number of an organization that advocates for the civil rights of Sikhs and left numerous messages threatening to kill employees of the organization. Athale called again in March 2024 and again expressed hatred for Sikhs and Muslims.
“We welcome the sentencing of this individual and thank law enforcement authorities for taking action before his violent threats turned to action,” said CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi. “Anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim bigotry have inspired acts of violence before and must be taken seriously by law enforcement authorities.”
She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
Source: cair.com
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CAIR Designates U. of Massachusetts Amherst as ‘Hostile Campus’ for Anti-Genocide Protesters
June 4, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and its Massachusetts chapter (CAIR-Mass) today designated the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) as a ‘Hostile Campus’ following violent crackdowns on peaceful anti-genocide protesters, discriminatory sanctions, and a pattern of neglect in addressing anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian harassment.
In May 2024, UMass deployed militarized police against students at a Gaza solidarity encampment, resulting in over 130 arrests and injuries. Students were tackled, pepper-sprayed, and subjected to inhumane treatment, sparking a no-confidence vote from faculty and students in Chancellor Javier Reyes. UMass earned a 49.2% failing score in the 2025 Free Speech Rankings by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened an investigation into a complaint against UMass administration by Palestine Legal.
According to the complaint, the university failed to protect Muslim and Palestinian students from online threats and harassment, a reflection of broader trends CAIR has documented in its 2025 Massachusetts Bullying Report, which shows rising anti-Muslim bias in educational environments.
“What is happening at UMass Amherst is more than a local issue. It is part of a national trend of harming Muslim and Palestinian students and their allies for political dissent,” said Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., Executive Director, CAIR-Massachusetts.
“UMass has shown a clear disregard for student rights and safety,” said CAIR National’s Research and Advocacy Specialist, Dr. Maryam Hasan. “Suppressing free speech and ignoring hate creates a hostile, unsafe campus environment for all who go there.”
As part of CAIR’s Unhostile Campus Campaign, CAIR has designated 22 colleges and universities as hostile due to their creation of a thoroughly hostile and dangerous environment for anti-genocide students.
Students, staff, and faculty who wish for their university or college campus to be potentially designated as a hostile campus should complete the ‘Report a Hostile Campus’ form. This form is intended solely to inform CAIR’s ‘UnHostile Campus Campaign.’ Individuals seeking CAIR’s legal and advocacy services should contact their local office or chapter or CAIR’s National Civil Rights Department.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
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Trump orders inquiry into Biden's actions, alleging 'cognitive decline'
June 5, 2025
Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into Joe Biden's actions during his presidency, accusing aides of a "conspiracy" to "deceive the public about Biden's mental state".
In this latest move to discredit his predecessor, Trump took aim at the aides' use of an autopen - a device that replicates signatures which presidents, including Trump, have used for decades - to sign executive actions.
"This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history," Trump said on Wednesday.
Biden slammed Trump's move as "ridiculous", saying his claims are aimed at distracting Americans as his administration works to extend tax breaks for the wealthy.
Trump and his Republican allies have long questioned Biden's mental acuity and have attempted to overturn some of the presidential pardons and federal rules issued at the end of his term in office.
A Republican-led panel in the House of Representatives has sought testimony from some of Biden's closest aides, including his first chief of staff, on his "mental and physical faculties" while he was leading the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, Trump, 78, said the American public had been "purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power" while Biden's signature was used to endorse documents Trump described as leading to "radical policy shifts".
Biden, now 82 and fighting advanced prostate cancer, has hit back at Trump.
"Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation and proclamations," he said.
"Any suggestion that I didn't is ridiculous and false," Biden said in a statement on Wednesday night.
Scrutiny over Biden's mental and physical capacity has intensified in recent weeks as a new book accused an inner circle within the former administration of covering up his "physical deterioration" during his ill-fated re-election campaign last year.
Original Sin, written by Jake Tapper of CNN and Alex Thompson of Axios, alleges Biden's condition during the campaign was said to be so poor that aides discussed giving him a wheelchair.
Biden abruptly ended his re-election campaign last July shortly after weeks of pressure following his disastrous debate performance against Trump.
Some Democrats, including former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have publicly blamed Biden for not exiting the race sooner, which would have given his party more time to anoint a popular replacement.
Early last month, Biden gave his first interview since leaving the White House to the BBC, maintaining he "[did not] think it would have mattered" if he had left the race sooner.
Shortly after, he announced that he's been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones - which has led to more accusations from the Trump White House that those closest to the former president, including his wife Jill, would have known of his condition earlier.
Source: bbc.com
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Trump suspends foreign student visas at Harvard
June 5, 2025
Donald Trump has suspended for an initial six months the entry of foreign students seeking to study or participate in exchange programmes at Harvard University.
The US president issued the proclamation on Wednesday, citing "national security" concerns and declaring it "detrimental" to US interests to continue allowing foreign students at the institution.
Harvard has responded by calling the order "retaliatory" and emphasised it would continue to protect its international students, according to Reuters news agency.
Trump's announcement is a further escalation of an ongoing legal row with one of the US's most prestigious universities after Harvard refused to yield to a series of White House demands in April.
Wednesday's order comes after a judge blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from banning international students at Harvard in a ruling last week.
Trump's proclamation accused Harvard of developing "extensive entanglements" with foreign countries and continuing to "flout the civil rights of its students and faculty".
Follow live updates: Trump signs ban on travel to US by citizens of 12 countries
"Considering these facts, I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University," he said.
The order also suspends visas for international students seeking exchange programmes and directs the secretary of state to consider revoking existing visas of students currently studying at the university.
The suspension can be extended beyond six months.
The White House said Harvard had failed to provide sufficient information to the DHS about "foreign students' known illegal or dangerous activities" and reported "deficient data on only three students".
Harvard issued a statement calling the order "yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights", Reuters reported.
The world's wealthiest university has been embroiled in a legal battle with the Trump administration after it froze billions of dollars of federal funding and accused the institution of failing to root out antisemitism on campus.
Last month, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem revoked certification Harvard needed to enrol foreign students on campus, a move that was swiftly blocked by a judge.
Another federal judge upheld that decision last Thursday, saying she would issue a longer-term hold that would allow international students to continue their studies at Harvard while the legal battle plays out.
However, Wednesday's proclamation once again throws the futures of thousands of international students into limbo.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Harvard enrolled nearly 7,000 foreign students, who made up 27% of its population.
Last week, a Chinese Harvard student called for unity during the university's graduation ceremony, just days after Trump vowed to "aggressively" revoke visas for Chinese students.
In the past few months, the Trump administration has ramped up its crackdown on higher education in the US, accusing universities of failing to tackle antisemitism amid protests against the war in Gaza across campuses.
Earlier on Wednesday, the White House threatened to strip Columbia University of its accreditation over claims it violated the civil rights of its Jewish students.
Source: bbc.com
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Africa
UN calls for probe into Libya mass graves
June 04, 2025
GENEVA: The UN human rights office called on Wednesday for an independent investigation into the discovery of mass graves at detention centers in Libya’s capital Tripoli.
It expressed concerns about the discovery of dozens of bodies, some charred and buried and others in hospital refrigerators, in an area of Libya’s capital controlled by an armed militia whose leader was killed last month.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was shocked by revelations that gross rights violations were uncovered at detention facilities in Tripoli run by the Stabilization Support Authority, or SSA, an armed group whose commander, Abdel-Ghani Al-Kikli, was killed in militia fighting in mid-May.
It was established to uphold the rule of law and falls under the Presidential Council that came to power in 2021 with the Government of National Unity of Abdul Hamid Dbeibah through a UN-backed process.
The rights office said it later received information on the excavation of 10 charred bodies at the SSA headquarters in the Abu Salim neighborhood and another 67 bodies discovered in refrigerators in the Abu Salim and Al-Khadra Hospitals.
It also cited reports of a burial site at the Tripoli Zoo that was run by the SSA.
The office said the identities of the bodies were not immediately clear. “Our worst-held fears are being confirmed: Dozens of bodies have been discovered at these sites, along with the discovery of suspected instruments of torture and abuse, and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings,” Türk said in a statement.
Türk called on authorities to seal the area to preserve evidence and said there needed to be accountability for the killings. He said the UN should be granted access to the sites to document rights violations.
Libya, a major oil producer in the Mediterranean, has known little law and order since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled dictator Muammar Qaddafi and eventually divided the country between warring eastern and western factions.
The rights body said the discovery of dozens of bodies and suspected instruments of torture and abuse confirmed longstanding findings by the UN that human rights violations were committed at such sites.
“We call on the Libyan authorities to conduct independent, impartial and transparent investigations into these discoveries,” it said in a statement. It urged the authorities to preserve evidence and grant Libya’s forensic teams, as well as the United Nations, full access to the sites.
Outright war fighting in Libya abated with a ceasefire in 2020. However, efforts to end the political crisis have failed, with major factions occasionally joining forces in armed clashes and competing for control over Libya’s substantial energy resources.
Armed clashes erupted on Monday evening and gunfire echoed in the center and other parts of Tripoli following reports that the commander of one of its most powerful armed groups had been killed, three residents said by phone.
Source: arabnews.com
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Egypt says the sovereignty of a famous monastery is assured
June 04, 2025
CAIRO: Egypt says the sovereignty of a famous monastery is assured.
Egypt’s foreign minister on Wednesday told his Greek counterpart that the spiritual and religious value of the Saint Catherine Monastery and surrounding archaeological sites will be preserved. That’s according to a statement.
The Greek Orthodox Church had been concerned after an administrative court said the state owns the land but affirmed the monks’ right to use the site.
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem last week expressed concern and said “it is our sacred obligation to ensure that Christian worship continues on this holy ground, as it has done for 17 centuries.” It acknowledged Egypt’s assurances there would be no infringement.
Egypt’s presidency last week said the ruling consolidates the state’s commitment to preserve the monastery’s religious status.
Source: arabnews.com
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Sudan’s former premier Hamdok says recent military gains won’t end the war
June 04, 2025
MARRAKECH: Sudan’s former prime minister on Wednesday dismissed the military’s moves to form a new government as “fake,” saying its recent victories in recapturing the capital Khartoum and other territory will not end the country’s two-year civil war.
Abdalla Hamdok said no military victory, in Khartoum or elsewhere, could end the war that has killed tens of thousands and driven millions from their homes.
“Whether Khartoum is captured or not captured, it’s irrelevant,” Hamdok said on the sidelines of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s governance conference in Morocco.
“There is no military solution to this. No side will be able to have outright victory.”
Hamdok became Sudan’s first civilian prime minister after decades of military rule in 2019, trying to lead a democratic transition. He resigned in January 2022 after a turbulent stretch in which he was ousted in a coup and briefly reinstated amid international pressure.
The following year, warring generals plunged the country into civil war. Sudan today bears the grim distinction of being home to some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has left at least 24,000 dead, though many believe the true toll is far worse.
Both sides stand accused of war crimes.
The RSF, with roots in Darfur’s notorious Janjaweed militia, has been accused of carrying out genocide. The army is accused of unleashing chemical weapons and targeting civilians where they live.
The war has driven about 13 million people from their homes, including 4 million who have crossed into neighboring countries. Famine is setting in and cholera is sweeping through.
The military recaptured the Khartoum area from the RSF in March, as well as some surrounding territory. Army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan has framed the advances as a major turning point in the conflict.
Last month, he appointed a new prime minister, Kamil Al-Taib Idris, for the first time since the war began, tasked with forming a new government. But the fighting has continued.
The RSF has regrouped in its stronghold in Darfur and made advances elsewhere, including in Kordofan.
Hamdok, a 69-year-old former economist who now leads a civilian coalition from exile, called the idea that the conflict was drawing down “total nonsense.” The idea that reconstruction can begin in Khartoum while fighting rages elsewhere is “absolutely ridiculous,” he said.
“Any attempt at creating a government in Sudan today is fake. It is irrelevant,” he said, arguing that lasting peace can’t be secured without addressing the root causes of the war.
Hamdok said a ceasefire and a credible process to restore democratic, civilian rule would need to confront Sudan’s deep inequalities, including uneven development, issues among different identity groups and questions about the role of religion in government.
“Trusting the soldiers to bring democracy is a false pretense,” he added.
Though rooted in longstanding divisions, the war has been supercharged by foreign powers accused of arming both sides.
Pro-democracy groups, including Hamdok’s Somoud coalition, have condemned atrocities committed by both the army and the RSF.
“What we would like to see is anybody who is supplying arms to any side to stop,” he said.
Source: arabnews.com
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Sultan seeks fervent prayers for Nigeria on Arafat Day
by Ntakobong Otongaran
June 5, 2025
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alahaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the Muslim Ummah to offer fervent prayers for Nigeria today, which falls on Arafat Day.
He said the prayers would attract divine solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the country.
The Sultan said this in a statement yesterday by the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Aliyu.
He said: “In this sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah, we are calling on Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to good virtues and fervent prayers on the Day of Arafat on Thursday.”
According to him, the Day of Arafat is considered one of the most beloved days to Allah, and fasting on this day is believed to expiate sins of the previous and coming years.
Abubakar cited some of the current challenges facing Nigeria, including the resurgence of Boko Haram insurgents’ attacks in the Northeast and banditry attacks in the Northwest and parts of the Northcentral.
The Sultan implored the Muslims to fervently pray for Allah’s intervention to enable Nigeria overcome this and other challenges.
Also, some ram sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday attributed the high cost of the animal to insecurity and low supply from the Northwest.
The traders, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a market survey in Abuja, said the low supply was also due to the closure of Nigeria’s borders.
A livestock dealer at the Dei-Dei livestock market, Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari, told NAN that rams supply to major cities was far below expectations compared to last year, especially from neighbouring countries.
“You know we mostly get these animals from Niger and other nearby countries that share borders with us in the North, especially the moderately sized ones.
“Now, we have to rely solely on local supply, from household livestock farmers, which is limited.
“Many traders have even left the business for more profitable ventures,” he said.
Mai-Samari, stressed that the price of rams had doubled compared to last year’s.
He added: “A ram that sold for N200,000 in 2024 now goes for N400,000. Only the rich can afford it now.
“Prices vary, depending on size: smaller rams cost between N150,000 and N190,000; medium ones go for N200,000 to N250,000, while large rams range from N350,000 to as much as N1 million.”
A similar scenario played out in Osun State and other states.
The Chairman of Ram Sellers’ Association at Odo-Ogbe Market in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Alhaji Akeem Salahudeen, complained of low patronage, attributing it to high cost of rams and the economy situation in the country.
Salahudeen told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Ile-Ife that the big sized ram, which was sold between N550,000 and N620,000 last year, are now sold at the rate of N800,000 to N1.2 million.
Also, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced additional train services for the Lagos-Ibadan route and a special festive operation on the Warri-Itakpe corridor.
The corporation said the arrangement is part of its efforts to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
According to the NRC, an extra trip has been added to the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) for today.
The revised Thursday schedule is as follows:
•Lagos to Ibadan: 8:00 a.m; 1:55 p.m. Additional trip: 4:00 p.m.
Ibadan to Lagos: 8:00 a.m; 11:03 a.m. Additional trip: 4:46 p.m.
The NRC said this is a revised departure time from the original 4:00 p.m.
Besides the Lagos-Ibadan service, the NRC said it will operate a special train on the Warri-Itakpe route, which is normally reserved for routine maintenance on Thursdays.
The management has rescheduled maintenance operations on the corridor to Sunday, June 8, to accommodate this special service.
Also, the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will continue to run on its regular schedule, with additional coaches attached to cater to the increased passenger volume expected during the festive period.
The Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of a seamless travel experience and reiterated the corporation’s commitment to efficient and customer-oriented service delivery.
Also, the Saudi Arabia Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, has expressed the readiness of Armed Forces to respond to any breach of security during this year’s Hajj operations in Makka, Saudi Arabia.
Following Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman’s directives, Al-Ruwaili reviewed the Air Forces group at Arafat Airport.
He said the Air Force offered advanced air support, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and airspace security over the Holy Sites.
The Naval Forces secure the seaports, handle suspicious materials, and support rescue efforts with diving teams and specialised units.
For health services, the Ministry of Defence has rolled out a comprehensive medical plan for pilgrims in 36 health centres.
They have a capacity exceeding 1,040 beds and supported by over 1,790 healthcare personnel.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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Tinubu Administration Still Paying Fuel Subsidy Through The Backdoor – Obidient Movement
June 4, 2025
By Justina Otio
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has accused President Bola Tinubu of paying fuel subsidy through the “backdoor”.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Tanko stated that the incumbent administration’s major problem is the inability to tell the citizenry the truth.
He lamented that the government led by President Bola Tinubu has failed to do well since assuming office in 2023.
According to Tanko, “We are not talking about an inflation rate of 34 percent in terms of income and expenditures of Nigerians.
“You don’t need anybody to tell you if this government has done good or not, all you need to do is visit your kitchen including those in government.
“They should look at what they are able to get at the moment and compare with what they would have had before, then you will see the vast difference.
“Or they should ask their wives what they were given to use in purchasing, then you will see a dwindling economy.
“As of today, the fuel subsidy that was said to have been removed is still being paid through the back door. So where is the justification.
“The major problem this particular government has is the inability to tell the Nigerian people the truth.”
Source: naijanews.com
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INEC Unveils Final List Of Anambra Governorship Candidates
June 4, 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the definitive list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election.
This information was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
Naija News reports that this development signals the initiation of campaign activities by all eligible political parties.
The list is a result of the successful completion of party primaries and the designated period for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
A total of 16 political parties will participate in the election, having submitted their candidates’ details via Form EC9 by the required deadline of 6 pm on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Among these parties, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has replaced its original candidate following a voluntary withdrawal, while four parties—Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—have substituted their deputy governorship nominees.
The final list demonstrates a moderate level of gender representation, with AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) presenting female governorship candidates, and six parties—Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)—nominating female running mates.
Nevertheless, INEC has observed that no political party has nominated an individual with a disability for the election.
The ages of the candidates vary from 36 to 71 years, and their educational backgrounds, along with other personal information, have been disclosed to the public through the Commission’s website and social media channels.
INEC has stressed that following the release of the final list, no additional substitutions or withdrawals will be allowed, except in instances of death, as stipulated in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
The statement indicated, “In accordance with the provisions of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Political Parties are now permitted to commence their election campaigns in public starting from Wednesday, 11th June 2025, and concluding at midnight on Thursday, 6th November 2025.”
“As enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind Political Parties, candidates and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials.
“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaign, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate.
Olumekun added that the Anambra State Governorship election will hold on Saturday, 8th November 2025.
Source: naijanews.com
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Shettima Visits Mokwa Over Flood Disaster
June 4, 2025
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Mokwa, Niger State, following the devastating flood that left over 200 people dead, homes destroyed and hundreds displaced.
Naija News reports that the disaster, which occurred on May 29, 2025, has been described as one of the worst in the state’s history.
It claimed over 200 lives, affected 503 households, and displaced more than 3,000 residents. The flood also caused extensive infrastructure damage, with three major bridges submerged and destroyed, creating major logistical challenges for rescue and relief efforts.
Shettima, who was received at the state capital by government officials, proceeded directly to the affected areas, where he commiserated with victims and pledged urgent support from the Federal Government.
“It is heartbreaking to see the destruction that this flood has caused. We are here to see things firsthand, to empathise with the families who have lost loved ones, and to assure you that the Federal Government will not abandon you in your time of need,” Shettima said.
The Vice President emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was fully committed to delivering immediate aid, including food, shelter, and healthcare, while also coordinating with the state government to rehabilitate essential infrastructure.
“This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency. We will ensure that the victims receive the necessary support and that efforts are made to prevent future occurrences through improved flood management strategies,” Shettima assured.
He urged federal agencies to speed up delivery of relief materials and begin prompt assessments for rebuilding roads, homes, and critical facilities destroyed in the flood.
State officials praised Shettima’s prompt arrival, calling it a “clear signal” of the Federal Government’s responsiveness and empathy.
The flood, triggered by days of intense rainfall, has displaced hundreds of families, destroyed farmlands, washed away local roads, and submerged entire communities in Mokwa LGA.
Emergency agencies are currently distributing basic relief items, but officials acknowledge that more support is urgently needed to cater to the thousands now homeless and at risk.
Source: naijanews.com
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South Asia
Congratulatory Message from His Highness Amir al-Mu’minin, Sheikh al-Quran wal-Hadith, of IEA On The Auspicious Occasion of Eid al-Adha
June 5, 2025
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful To proceed: Verily, Allah, Blessed and Exalted, has said: Translation: And say (O Mohammad) to them: Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life (in obedience), and my death (upon righteous deeds) are solely for Allah — the Lord (Sustainer) of all the worlds. [Tafsir Kabuli] Translation: And perform Hajj and ‘Umrah completely and solely for Allah, Glorious is His Majesty. And fear Allah, Glorious is His Majesty, and know that indeed Allah is severe in punishment. [Tafsir Kabuli] Translation: It is narrated from Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sacrificed two rams with long horns (or its horns were not broken) and had two colors (black and white). The Prophet (peace be upon him) slaughtered them with his own blessed hand while saying Bismillah (In the name of Allah) and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest). Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) place his blessed foot on the side of the animal and said Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.
To summarize, the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) sacrificed two rams with horns. He performed the slaughter himself, saying Bismillah and Takbir, and placed his foot gently on their sides during the act. [Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]. Translation: Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There is no deed on the Day of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) more beloved to Allah than the shedding of the sacrificial blood.
On the Day of Resurrection, the sacrificed animal will come with its horns, hair, and hooves, and its blood will have been accepted by Allah even before it falls to the earth (that is, at the moment of slaughter). Therefore, rejoice with this sacrifice and make your soul happy. To all my faithful Afghan Mujahideen and Muslim brothers! May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah SWT be upon you! First of all, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. May Allah accept your worship, sacrifices, pilgrimages, charity, and all your good deeds.
As we commemorate these holy days of devotion and sacrifice, our hearts are filled with gratitude to Allah for His blessings, notably the implementation of the Shariah system, along with the peace and security that prevail.
These achievements have been made possible by the Islamic Emirate, the selfless sacrifices of our martyrs and disabled brothers, and the continuous prayers of the Muslim Ummah. It is therefore our duty to sincerely thank Allah for these blessings. Dear brothers, this moment calls for a shared responsibility to seize this opportunity fully. We must renew our efforts to advance and ensure the success of the Shariah system, strengthen our unity and cooperation, and hold every leader and individual accountable in fulfilling their responsibilities. Carelessness must be avoided; each person must carry out their duties on time, work harmoniously with others, respect each other’s roles, and strive earnestly to apply the Shariah in their own lives first, and then encourage its implementation by others. The respected scholars hold the greatest responsibility in our community. Allah Almighty has said about them: Translation: And (remember) when Allah took a firm covenant from those to whom the Scripture was given: “You shall surely make it known to the people and not conceal it.” But they threw it away behind their backs and exchanged it for a small price. What an evil trade they made.
Tafsir: This means that a solemn pledge was taken from certain scholars among the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) to faithfully communicate the laws and glad tidings in Allah’s Book to others, without concealing or distorting any part. They were commanded not to change the meanings or manipulate the words. However, they neglected these duties, and for the sake of a small worldly benefit, they broke their promises and altered the divine rulings. They introduced both literal and interpretive corruptions into Allah’s revelations. They even hid the most important truths, including the glad tidings about the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Just as they are miserly in spending their wealth, they are also reluctant to share knowledge. This stinginess stems from their love of wealth, status, and worldly pleasures. A warning is also given here to the scholars of Islam: do not become consumed by worldly desires. Rather, at all times, in every place, and before all people, uphold the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil. Never conceal the rulings of Shariah from others. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said: Whoever hides knowledge from those who deserve to know it will face a punishment with a fire hotter than theirs. [Tafsir Kabuli]. Likewise, influential leaders and community elders bear a crucial responsibility to steadfastly implement Allah’s Shariah rulings within society. They must ensure that individuals receive their rightful rights and that order is maintained in every aspect. Should these leaders stray from the path of religion, the entire Shariah system and social stability would be at risk of collapse. Once, a woman named Zainab from the Ahmas tribe posed a question to Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him): ýTranslation: She asked, “How long will we remain steadfast in this blessed state of Islam, which Allah granted us after the era of ignorance?” He replied, “You will remain steadfast in this good state as long as your leaders are sincere in their commitment to Islam.” She then asked, who are these leaders? He responded, does your tribe not have chiefs and nobles whom the people obey? She answered, yes, they do. He said, these are the leaders of the people. If these leaders remain true to Islam and its Shariah, then the people will be righteous. However, if they abandon Shariah, the people will follow their example, and the responsibility for all the resulting misguidance will lie with these leaders. Therefore, it is imperative that our leaders and influential figures take a firm and responsible stance in support of our Shariah-based system, our people, and our homeland. Through their analyses, research, speeches, writings, and recommendations, they should help shape a positive mindset among the public. They must actively work to preserve unity and harmony in society and strive seriously to prevent discord and corruption. Because people listen to them, their views play a significant role in guiding public opinion, and this, indeed, is one of the greatest services to the religion. All judges and officials of the Islamic Emirate’s judiciary are reminded to uphold their noble responsibilities with utmost seriousness. They must strive with increased diligence to safeguard the legitimate rights of the people and to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently. Justice must be administered fairly, ensuring that both the strong and the weak are treated equally. All cases should be judged based on the offense itself, not on who committed it, and all rulings must follow the boundaries set by Allah (SWT). It is imperative that the rights of the oppressed are protected, oppressors are held accountable, and public grievances are addressed swiftly and without unnecessary delays or obstacles. The ultimate goal behind the sacrifices and struggles of our Mujahideen was the genuine establishment of an Islamic system and the implementation of Shariah law throughout society. The realization of this lofty aim is contingent upon the proper functioning and committed service of the judiciary. The Ministries of Guidance, Hajj and Religious Endowments, Promotion of Vir
tue and Prevention of Vice, Education, and Higher Education must likewise exert substantial effort. In cooperation with scholars and influential community figures, they should actively encourage the populace toward righteousness and adherence to the Sharia system within their respective areas of responsibility, employing all available capacities in this endeavor. Our traders and industrialists must intensify their efforts for the development and prosperity of our country so that our nation becomes self-sufficient and free from dependence on others. If we truly wish to preserve our independence and freedom and stand firm against all forms of threats, then we must recognize that in today’s world, these objectives are deeply connected to resources and economic strength. Let us unite in our efforts to build and fortify our homeland. The economic institutions of the Islamic Emirate must also enhance their support for traders and industrialists by facilitating improved conditions and aiding their progress. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, along with other pertinent institutions including provincial governors, must ensure the provision of adequate services to returning refugees. Their resettlement must be handled appropriately, and assistance should be provided for their transportation to the greatest extent possible. All security and civil personnel of the Islamic Emirate must approach their responsibilities with seriousness and attentiveness. They should refrain from encroaching upon each other’s designated duties, as such interference results in disorder, mistrust, and widespread dissatisfaction. Serving the populace is considered an act of worship. Allah Almighty has entrusted you with the welfare of the people, and this constitutes a divine test. You are obliged to serve the people with full attention and diligence, as negligence is inexcusable. Remain vigilant, facilitate the fulfillment of people’s needs, do not impose hardship, and ease their affairs— for Allah shall, in turn, ease yours. Do not squander people’s time, do not shut them out, engage with them regularly, listen to their grievances and concerns, so that injustice may be averted, harm may be prevented, and rightful entitlements may be granted to all. The system must function as a guardian and caretaker for the people, akin to a parent. It is responsible for safeguarding their rights and protecting their entrusted matters It is narrated:Translation: Abu Al-Shamakh Al-Azdi (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates from his uncle’s son, who was a companion of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and may Allah be pleased with him, that he once visited Mu’awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: Whoever is entrusted with the affairs of the Muslims and then shuts his door to the poor, the oppressed, and the needy, Allah (SWT) will close the doors of His mercy upon him in his time of greatest need and poverty. Adherence to the commands and directives of the leadership is obligatory. All are required to act within the bounds of this obedience. Hazrat Umar (RA) stated: Translation: There is no Islam without community and unity; there is no community and unity without leadership (Emirate); and there is no leadership without obedience. Students of madrasas, universities, and schools must remain committed to their studies and fulfill their responsibilities. They are to respect their teachers, books, and knowledge, and appreciate the opportunities afforded to them by making productive use of their time. Be cautious not to waste time on futile pursuits. Anything that leads to idle or purposeless activity must be strictly avoided. Your attention must remain steadfast on your primary objective. Translation: And those who turn away from vain and idle activities. The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Translation: Among the signs of a person’s good practice of Islam is his avoidance of that which does not concern him. Future generations will depend on your knowledge and experience; therefore, you must strive to become competent, knowledgeable individuals. Dedicate yourselves earnestly to academic and professional development in order to serve Islam, the Islamic system, and the people with excellence.This year, approximately thirty thousand pilgrims from Afghanistan have traveled to the Sacred House of Allah to fulfill the great obligation of Hajj. I request these pilgrims—as well as all the honorable pilgrims who have arrived from across the world at the holy sanctuaries—to pray for us and for the entire Islamic Ummah. The Zionist assaults and acts of oppression against women, children, and oppressed Muslims in Gaza and other regions of Palestine continue unabated. These actions constitute grave crimes against humanity and severe injustice. The Islamic Emirate once again declares its unwavering support for the oppressed people of Palestine, strongly condemns all forms of aggression and tyranny committed against them, and calls for their immediate cessation. In conclusion, I once again extend heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Adha to all Muslims. May Allah Almighty accept your worship, sacrifices, and Hajj, and may you always remain in happiness and prosperity. Was-salamu ‘alaykum With respect, Amir al-Mu’minin Sheikh al-Qur’an wal-Hadith Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Muttaqi, Poland’s envoy meet on political, economic cooperation
June 5, 2025
KABUL: Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, in a meeting with Witold Sobków, Poland’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, discussed enhancing political and economic cooperation, the ministry said in a statement Wednesday. The two sides discussed addressing challenges faced by Afghan migrants in Europe, particularly in Poland, and various regional issues, according to the statement.
Muttaqi emphasized the importance of increasing engagement between the foreign ministries of Afghanistan and Poland to strengthen bilateral relations. He highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to a balanced, economy-focused foreign policy aimed at expanding ties with the international community. The acting Foreign Minister also encouraged Poland to explore emerging investment opportunities in Afghanistan across various sectors. Meanwhile, Sobków commended the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in ensuring nationwide security and combating administrative corruption, noting that Poland is considering economic in
vestment options in Afghanistan. He stressed the importance of addressing the challenges faced by Afghan migrants in Europe according to the statement.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Hajj; the fifth pillar and a spiritual obligation of Islam
June 5, 2025
Each year, millions of Muslims from all across the world perform Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to the holy mosque of Masjid alHaram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This year, 30,000 Afghans from across Afghanistan will perform Hajj and their transfer to Saudi Arabia has been already completed.
The Ministry of Guidance, Hajj and Religious Affairs of the Islamic Emirate has said that all Hajj-related procedures, both inside Afghanistan and in Saudi Arabia, have been managed efficiently, systematically, and responsibly. Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, meaning that Hajj must be performed by every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, so long as they are financially, physically, and emotionally able to do so. The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj consists of a series of rites and rituals – some in order – that provide a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge for the pilgrim. Each step of Hajj offers its own unique purpose and wisdom and takes place between several locations in and around the vicinity of Makkah.
Hajj is one of the most important events in a Muslim’s life as it is a fundamental religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable. The act of completing Hajj demonstrates submission and obedience to God and allows Muslims from all around the world to gather in one place for worship.
Hajj commemorates the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajar, and his son Ismail and their unwavering sacrifice, faith and trust in Almighty Allah. Hajj is viewed as a journey of purification and repentance, allowing pilgrims to renew their faith, spiritually grow and selfreflect. The Hajj pilgrimage involves various steps and rites that are performed in a specific order at specific locations. It takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which translates to ‘the month of the pilgrimage’. During Hajj, Muslims undertake a series of sacred steps over several days spanning across various areas in the city of Makkah.
Throughout the entire Hajj journey, pilgrims engage in prayers, recitation of Quranic verses, supplication, remembrance of Almighty Allah, and seeking forgiveness.
Dhul Hijjah is a very important month. Not only is it the last month in the Islamic year, but during this period, Muslims make Hajj, offer Qurbani to those in need and celebrate Eid al-Adha before the new year begins. The Hajj pilgrimage is a test of patience and temperament, and can be spiritually, emotionally, and physically challenging. However, the sanctity of this occasion provides an experience and opportunity like no other for becoming closer to God, and many Muslims around the world strive their whole lives for the opportunity to perform Hajj. It is worth mentioning that Makkah holds tremendous importance to Muslims as it represents the spiritual center of the Islamic faith and serves as a unifying force for Muslims worldwide. Makkah has a rich history intertwined with Islam and is home to the largest mosque in the world, Masjid al-Haram, which surrounds the Kaaba, a center structure which Muslims around the world face every day during their five daily prayers.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Eid al-Adha: A call for unity, sacrifice, and revival of the Muslim Ummah
June 5, 2025
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is not merely a celebration marked by rituals and festivities. It holds a much deeper significance in the lives of Muslims around the world. At its core, it symbolizes obedience, sacrifice, unity,
and a renewal of commitment to the values of Islam. It is a time when Muslims reflect on the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who demonstrated the highest level of submission to Allah’s command, readiness to sacrifice, and unwavering trust in the divine will. We begin this sacred occasion with a heartfelt prayer, seeking from Allah Almighty, with sincerity and devotion, that He accept the acts of worship, obedience, struggles, and sacrifices of all Muslims across the world. We ask Him to accept the Hajj of the pilgrims and to grant them a blessed and accepted pilgrimage (Hajj Mabroor). Eid al-Adha is a powerful symbol of joy and unity among Muslims. It serves as a reminder that the Ummah—despite its vast diversity in culture, language, and geography—is one united body, bonded by shared beliefs and collective obligations. This unity is a divine mercy from Allah (SWT), who has made Muslims a single nation (Ummah Wahida) and instructed them to observe religious rites such as Hajj, fasting, jihad, and Eids on a shared calendar and through synchronized efforts. These acts of worship are not merely personal but collective demonstrations of devotion, underscoring the distinctiveness of the Islamic Ummah among all nations. However, the reality today presents a painful contradiction. The unity that Islam commands and that Eid symbolizes has been severely undermined by mistrust among Muslims and political rivalries driven by the pursuit of power. These internal divisions have not only disrupted the shared joy and harmony of the Ummah but have also alienated Muslims from each other’s pain and suffering. While Muslims are supposed to be like a single body—feeling the pain of one part throughout the whole— political nationalism and foreign-imposed ideologies have severed those connections.
As a result, many Muslims remain unaware or indifferent to the tragedies befalling their brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.
The atrocities in Sudan, the oppression in Kashmir, and the suffering in Gaza are often seen as distant, unrelated conflicts rather than part of a collective Muslim cause. The plight of the Uyghur Muslims in East Turkestan (Xinjiang), for instance, is mistakenly perceived by some as merely an internal Chinese matter, rather than a crisis demanding global Muslim solidarity. Eid al-Adha is meant to remind us of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) legacy—his willingness to sacrifice what he loved most for the sake of Allah, his absolute trust in divine wisdom, and his clear stance on loyalty and disavowal (alwala’ wal-bara’). These values are not just personal traits; they are the pillars of a strong, united, and principled Ummah. As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to strive for ideological, political, and geographical unity. This unity is not a dream of the past—it is a divine command that must be pursued through sincere efforts, dialogue, and collective action.
The disunity and fragmentation of the Muslim world have created fertile ground for trials, divisions, and the weakening of our global influence. To counter this, Muslims must work towards reviving the bonds of brotherhood, prioritizing the collective good of the Ummah over narrow political or national interests.
The days of Eid should be an opportunity to build bridges across Muslim lands— from Indonesia to Morocco—so that our celebrations, concerns, and aspirations are shared and synchronized. One of the greatest joys for a believer is the day when the help of Allah (SWT) descends upon the Ummah, lifting it from humiliation and division to strength and dignity. This help, however, is conditional upon the unity and sincere effort of Muslims. The lesson of Eid al-Adha is clear: just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to give up everything for the sake of Allah, we too must be ready to sacrifice personal and political interests for the greater cause of Islamic unity and revival.
Eid al-Adha is not only a religious occasion but a divine call to action. It is a reminder that through obedience, sacrifice, and unity, the Muslim Ummah can reclaim its honor and fulfill its divine purpose. Let us work together to turn this vision into reality, making the joyful days of Eid truly reflective of a united and empowered Muslim world.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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BB plans to merge five Islamic banks
Jun 5, 2025
Bangladesh Bank plans to merge five troubled Islamic banks in what could be the country's largest financial sector consolidation in recent memory. The formal merger process will begin in July and is expected to be completed by October 15, according to officials familiar with the plan.
Arief Hossain Khan, spokesperson for the central bank, confirmed that a meeting on the subject took place. "We heard that the agenda of the meeting was the merger," he said, but declined to elaborate.
A high-level meeting was held yesterday at the central bank headquarters between Governor Ahsan H Mansur and the managing directors and chairmen of the five Islamic banks -- Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, and EXIM Bank.
According to officials, five joint teams, comprising Bangladesh Bank representatives and qualified staff from each bank, will begin work on the integration process and continue over a three-and-a-half-month period. The banks will come under temporary government control after the merger process starts.
The current managing directors will be removed, and a new board will be formed, drawing from existing board members and representatives from different sectors. The merged entity will operate under the central bank's direct supervision.
The move is part of the interim government's broader efforts to stabilise the banking sector under the newly enacted Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025, which gives the central bank expanded powers to resolve distressed financial institutions.
Six banks are currently in the resolution pipeline, with five now in the final stage. ICB Islamic Bank has been excluded from the process due to its foreign ownership.
"The central bank is likely to merge these five banks by October this year under the ordinance," said Mohammed Nurul Amin, chairman of Global Islami Bank. He said Governor Mansur discussed key aspects of the new ordinance during the meeting.
Those who can confidently prove they can recover on their own may be considered for exemption. Otherwise, the resolution process under the ordinance will begin, according to Amin.
"Now, five banks have been identified. They could be consolidated into one larger Islamic bank. The meeting was held to initiate that process. A roadmap has been discussed," he said.
Mohammad Abdul Mannan, chairman of First Security Islami Bank, described the meeting as a "preliminary step," adding that Bangladesh Bank informed them of the plan.
The merger effort gained momentum after Bangladesh Bank appointed two international firms in January to conduct asset quality reviews of the banks. The review, which is now nearing completion, aims to assess the actual financial condition of the institutions.
The central bank's plan is expected to restore depositor confidence and instil discipline in a sector long plagued by mismanagement, insider lending and capital shortfalls.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bb-plans-merge-five-islamic-banks-3911806
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Govt revises definition of freedom fighter
Jun 4, 2025
The government last night promulgated an ordinance redefining the term "freedom fighter" (Bir Muktijoddha) and introducing three new categories.
The new categories are Muktijuddher Shohojogi (associate of the Liberation War); Muktijoddha Poribar (family of a freedom fighter); and Muktijuddher Shohojogi Poribar (family of a Liberation War associate).
The National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance-2025 amended the previous National Freedom Fighters Council Act-2022.
The definition of "associate of the Liberation War" specifically includes all Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) who were affiliated with the wartime provisional government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar Government) and later considered members of the constituent assembly.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, and more than 400 others were members of the constituent assembly and used to be recognised as freedom fighters.
The ordinance, however, included the Mujibnagar government in the definition of "Bir Muktijoddha".
Bir Muktijoddha (freedom fighter)
According to the ordinance, the new definition of a Bir Muktijoddha reads:
"Bir Muktijoddha is someone who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, either prepared for war and received training within villages across the country, or crossed the border into India to enroll in various training camps with the aim of participating in the Liberation War. These individuals actively took part in the war against the occupying and invading Pakistani armed forces and their local collaborators -- Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, the then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezame Islam, and the Peace Committee -- towards achieving Bangladesh's independence.
Those recognised as freedom fighters must be civilians who were of the minimum age as determined by the government during the time of war. Also included as freedom fighters are members of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police, the Mujibnagar government and its recognised forces, naval commandos, Kilo Force, and Ansar members.
All women who were subjected to torture by the Pakistani forces and their collaborators (Biranganas); and all doctors, nurses, and medical assistants who provided treatment to wounded freedom fighters in field hospitals during the war will continue to be regarded as freedom fighters.
Muktijuddher Shohojogi (associate of the Liberation War)
The ordinance defines an "associate of the Liberation War" as follows: "Individuals who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, resided either within the country or abroad and played a role in inspiring freedom fighters, organising support, accelerating the war effort, and contributing to the achievement of Bangladesh's independence through organisational leadership, global opinion building, securing diplomatic support, and strengthening psychological resolve."
These associates include the Bangladeshi professionals who were abroad during the Liberation War and made significant contributions in favour of the war, and Bangladeshi citizens who actively engaged in shaping international public opinion.
The persons who served under the Mujibnagar government as officials, employees, diplomats, or who were appointed as doctors, nurses, or assistants by the government will also be considered associates.
All MNAs and MPAs affiliated with the Mujibnagar government who were later recognised as members of the Constituent Assembly will also fall under this category.
Besides, all artists and personnel of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, and all Bangladeshi journalists who worked in support of the war both at home and abroad and members of the Swadhin Bangla football team will now be considered associates of the Liberation War.
They would previously be considered freedom fighters.
The ordinance defines a "freedom fighter's family" as: "The spouse, son, daughter, father, or mother of a recognised freedom fighter."
The family of a Liberation War associate is defined as: "The spouse, son, daughter, father, or mother of a recognized associate of the Liberation War."
The ordinance also makes a slight revision to the definition of the Liberation War itself. It now states:
"The Liberation War refers to the armed struggle, conducted between March 26 and December 16, 1971, by the people of Bangladesh to establish a sovereign democratic state founded on equality, human dignity, and social justice, against the occupying and invading Pakistani armed forces and their collaborators -- Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, the then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezame Islam, and the Peace Committee."
The new definition of Liberation War drops the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The previous one mentioned that the war was waged responding to Bangabandhu's call for independence.
Freedom fighter and Liberation War researcher Afsan Chowdhury said the move was entirely a bureaucratic decision.
"We have seen this since 1972 -- every time a new government comes to power, they create a new list of freedom fighters. There are personal benefits involved," he told the newspaper late last night.
"People will not accept this. The Liberation War will remain as it always has been -- in the hearts of the general people."
Talking to The Daily Star, valiant freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman, also an adviser to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, said, "They [the government] do not uphold the spirit of the Liberation War ... It does not matter to me what types of ordinances they issue. The Liberation War will forever remain in its rightful place."
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/govt-revises-definition-freedom-fighter-3910936
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Over 80 Human rights organizations condemn rising execution of Afghan citizens in Iran
By Fidel Rahmati
June 5, 2025
Over 80 human rights organizations have condemned the alarming rise in executions of Afghan citizens in Iran, urging immediate international intervention.
More than 80 human rights organizations have jointly expressed deep concern over a threefold increase in the execution of Afghan nationals in Iran. In a recent statement, they have called for an immediate halt to this alarming trend.
According to reports, at least 80 Afghan citizens were executed in Iran in 2024, a significant rise compared to only 25 executions reported in 2023. This surge highlights a sharp increase in capital punishment targeting this vulnerable group.
The trend has continued into the first five months of 2025, during which 32 Afghan detainees have been reportedly executed in Iranian prisons. These executions have largely occurred with little to no public disclosure, with only six of the 80 cases in 2024 officially acknowledged by Iranian sources.
Most of these executions are related to drug-related offenses. Human rights activists argue that the judicial process in these cases is deeply flawed, citing unfair trials, confessions extracted under torture, and denial of access to lawyers chosen by the accused, thereby violating fundamental legal rights.
The joint statement describes these mass executions as part of the Iranian regime’s repressive policies aimed at instilling fear. It also condemns the use of anti-Afghan rhetoric as a justification for these harsh measures.
Signatories to the statement include prominent organizations such as the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center and the International Federation for Human Rights. They urge the global community and civil society activists to actively protest and hold the Iranian government accountable.
The groups also call on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to make continued cooperation with Iran conditional upon the cessation of drug-related executions.
This appeal emerges amid growing global concern over the rising executions, particularly targeting ethnic minorities and migrants in Iran, which many see as a grave human rights crisis.
The international community must intensify diplomatic pressure on Iran to uphold human rights and end discriminatory executions. Transparent judicial reforms and adherence to fair trial standards are essential to protect the rights of all detainees, especially vulnerable migrant populations.
Ongoing monitoring by independent organizations, combined with sustained advocacy efforts, will be crucial to safeguarding justice and preventing further loss of life among Afghan migrants in Iran.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/over-80-human-rights-organizations-condemn-rising-execution-of-afghan-citizens-in-iran/
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UN expresses concern over Children’s situation in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
June 4, 2025
The UN has expressed deep concern over the challenging conditions faced by children in Afghanistan, including violence, malnutrition, and education deprivation.
On the International Day for Children Victims of Violence, the United Nations expressed deep concern about the situation of children in countries like Afghanistan, Congo, Somalia, and Nigeria. The organization reported that in 2023, over 11,000 children were killed or injured in armed conflicts.
The UN emphasized that children deserve peace and protection, stating, “They should not be targeted.” The day highlights the UN’s commitment to children’s rights and condemns violence against them.
According to the UN, children have faced kidnapping, abuse, and deprivation of humanitarian aid in 2023. The organization provided disturbing statistics showing the scale of violence.
The report reveals that in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sudan, over 5,000 children were denied humanitarian assistance in 2023. These children faced multiple challenges that compromised their well-being and future.
In Afghanistan, children are grappling with hunger, diseases like polio, lack of education, poverty, and the threat of landmines. The UN’s data shows that nearly 4 million Afghan children are out of school due to a lack of infrastructure, clean water, sanitary facilities, and qualified teachers.
The UN also warned that Afghanistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to landmines and unexploded ordnance. In 2024, at least 564 people, including 434 children, have died due to landmine explosions and unexploded munitions, as reported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The continued crisis in Afghanistan highlights the urgent need for increased international efforts to address the plight of children caught in conflict zones. The UN’s reports call for greater protection and support for these vulnerable children, ensuring their access to education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-expresses-concern-over-childrens-situation-in-afghanistan/
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Arab World
Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in Hajj apex
June 05, 2025
MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia: Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on Thursday during the high point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day.
Thousands of pilgrims began to gather before dawn around the hill and the surrounding plain where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have given his last sermon.
While some arrived early to take advantage of the relatively cool morning, carrying colorful umbrellas, many pilgrims will remain for hours of prayers and Qur’an recitals until the evening in the most arduous portion of the Hajj.
After sunset they will head to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and the sprawling tent city of Mina, where they will gather pebbles so they can perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil.”
“This is something that I used to see every year on the TV screen during Hajj and I always thought: ‘I wish I could be here’,” said 33-year-old Ali from Pakistan, one of 1.5 million pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.
“I’ve been trying to get here... for the past 3 years,” he added as he gazed at the mount. “I feel very blessed.”
Hundreds of pilgrims dressed in white dotted the mount itself, with many more at its foot praying or taking pictures.
Earlier this week, Saudi authorities called on pilgrims to stay inside their tents between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, when the desert sun is at its harshest.
Fans spraying mist and providing cool air were dispersed at the foot of the mount.
Temperatures this year have already exceeded 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit) as one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, bringing together devotees from around the globe, kicked off earlier this week.
“I came here early to (avoid) the sun and later I will pray inside my tent,” said 54-year-old Adel Ismail, from Syria.
To make this year’s pilgrimage safer, authorities have expanded infrastructure, deployed thousands of extra personnel and relied on an arsenal of high-tech tools to help better manage crowds.
Authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts against heat-related illness.
Shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square meters (12 acres), thousands more medics will be on standby, and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, the Hajj minister has said.
Through tears of joy, Iman Abdel Khaleq said she had wanted to perform the Hajj for 10 years and was overwhelmed with emotion as she arrived at Arafat.
“It’s a big dream for me that I had almost given hope up of realizing,” the woman in her fifties said from the foot of the mount.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Press Agency launches Saudi Photo Platform to expand global access to visual archive
June 04, 2025
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of media and chairman of the Saudi Press Agency, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, on Wednesday launched the Saudi Photo Platform, a new digital initiative designed to offer free access to SPA’s vast archive of authenticated images.
Unveiled during the second edition of the Hajj Media Forum at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Exhibition and Events Center, the platform will allow users worldwide to browse, use, and share images under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License.
The forum was attended by local and international media representatives.
Acting SPA President Ali bin Abdullah Al-Zaid said the platform reflected its strategy to make its visual archive more widely available to content creators around the globe, while preserving intellectual property rights and promoting creativity in a regulated digital environment.
He added that launching the platform from Makkah held symbolic significance, reinforcing the city’s historic role in conveying Saudi Arabia’s message to the world, and said it marked an important step toward enhancing the Kingdom’s visual presence in the digital space.
The Saudi Photo Platform, which can be reached on cc.spa.gov.sa, features high-resolution images, sorted by category and accompanied by detailed metadata, including event descriptions and publication dates.
The archive is continuously updated to document key national and international events, and the site is fully supported in both Arabic and English.
The initiative is part of SPA’s broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at modernizing publishing tools and fostering new partnerships with media outlets and online users worldwide, it said.
Source: arabnews.com
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How NEOM is rewilding Saudi Arabia and reviving ancient falconry traditions
HAIFA ALSHAMMARI
June 04, 2025
RIYADH: As the world marks World Environment Day, a global celebration of nature and a call to protect our planet, attention turns to an ecological transformation taking place in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
NEOM, the Kingdom’s futuristic megacity project, is rapidly becoming a haven for biodiversity — and at the heart of this effort is a renewed commitment to falcon conservation.
Under the banner of the Hadad Program, NEOM is working in partnership with the Saudi Falcons Club and other national entities to reintroduce native falcon species to the Arabian Peninsula, rebuild local ecosystems, and revive an ancient cultural tradition.
The work being done in NEOM is about more than saving birds; it is about restoring balance to a landscape often misunderstood as barren and bringing nature back to the center of modern development.
Since 1973, June 5 has been observed as World Environment Day. Led by the UN Environment Programme, it serves as a platform to raise awareness and prompt action on pressing environmental issues from climate change and pollution to biodiversity loss.
Announced in 2017 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, NEOM is a $500 billion mega-project designed to reshape the future of urban living, sustainability and technology.
Encompassing 26,500 square kilometers of mountains, desert, and coastline along the Red Sea, NEOM’s planners aim to build a zero-emission, high-tech region powered entirely by renewable energy.
Yet beyond the cities of the future lies a growing commitment to the past — particularly in preserving and restoring the Kingdom’s natural heritage.
“People tend to assume that this part of the world is an empty desert, but NEOM is stunning for its habitat diversity,” Paul Marshall, head of nature conservation at NEOM, told Arab News.
Indeed, NEOM’s terrain is anything but barren, from mountain peaks reaching 2,600 meters above sea level to oceanic depths plummeting 1.5 kilometers. In between are red sand deserts, canyons and caves, and spectacular shores with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
This biologically rich region is home to creatures great and small: from hyrax, ibex and oryx to hedgehogs, gazelles and a wide variety of birds and insects.
“From those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,” Marshall said.
Before human encroachment, the region was even home to apex predators such as cheetahs, lynx and leopards. Now, through conservation, NEOM is seeking to recreate conditions that allow such species to return.
“For all of our biodiversity, it is still a fundamentally arid ecosystem,” he said. “The species here have adapted to survive with very low rainfall and because of that, they are able to thrive despite the conditions.”
The Hadad Program supports NEOM’s rewilding strategy by reintroducing native falcon species, most notably the lanner and barbary falcons. “This is a really exciting program,” Marshall said. “It is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.”
Despite the climatic conditions, several types of plants were able to grow and uniquely adapt to different parts of NEOM’s ecosystem.
“From those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,” he said.
He added: “This is a really exciting program. It is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.”
Falcons used to be widespread throughout the whole of the Arabian Peninsula. But, through a combination of hunting and capturing for sports, in many places, Marshall said, that these animals are hard to find. Today, efforts are underway to bring them back.
With the rich habitat and the efforts to safeguard the falcons, they are creating an environment where the species can be released with the best chances of survival.
They successfully released eight pairs of barbary falcons, which are a very rare type; very few of them are left in the wild.
“We are committed to caring for falcons as a cultural and historical heritage and supporting all related activities through a set of regulations and organizational frameworks adopted by the club,” Talal Abdulaziz AlShammisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, told Arab News.
“This includes promoting and preserving falconry heritage, organizing falcon auctions, collaborating with universities, colleges, research centers and health institutions to conduct falcon-related studies and scientific research.”
Falconry is not just a pastime in Saudi Arabia; it is a centuries-old tradition deeply woven into the fabric of national identity.
“Falconry has been practiced by our ancestors across the deserts of the Kingdom for centuries and today the country is home to thousands of falcons and passionate falconers,” said AlShammisi.
“Local species such as the lanner falcon and the barbary falcon are native to the Saudi environment and hold significant ecological value as essential components of environmental balance.”
The barbary falcon, once on the brink of extinction in parts of the Arabian Peninsula, is now making a comeback. Thanks to the Hadad Program’s careful release, rehabilitation and monitoring strategies, the birds are beginning to reclaim their place in Saudi skies.
The initiative’s success is underpinned by a network of partnerships.
NEOM is working with the Saudi National Center for Wildlife, the Saudi Falcon Club and the Special Forces for Environmental Security to monitor these falcons, to protect them and give them not only the best chances of survival but appearing and breeding.
Soon, the first new generation of barbary falcons is expected to hatch in NEOM.
While falcons are among the stars of NEOM’s rewilding efforts, the program goes much further. More than 1,100 animals once absent from the region — including oryx, ibex, mountain gazelles and sand gazelles — have been reintroduced to help restore a natural ecological balance.
The reintroduction of different species of animals is not only a victory for biodiversity but also a chance to restore natural food chains and ecological interactions that sustained this environment for millennia.
With plans to extend across 95 percent of megacity project’s total land area, the NEOM Nature Reserve represents one of the most ambitious conservation zones in the world.
Through projects such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Kingdom aims to plant billions of trees, reduce emissions, and protect vast swaths of land and sea.
As World Environment Day shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and restore our natural world, NEOM stands as a compelling example of how large-scale development and ecological stewardship can go hand in hand.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603411/saudi-arabia
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Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah’s holy sites
June 04, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah conducted a field tour of the holy sites to inspect camp readiness and facilities ahead of pilgrims’ move to Arafat on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He emphasized the need for coordination across entities and adherence to high operational standards.
Al-Rabiah also reviewed accommodation, logistics and the integration of health, technical and support services to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly
June 04, 2025
MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have launched a self-help e-book in various languages to guide and teach pilgrims about Hajj and Umrah rituals in order to perform them in accordance with Islamic rules.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance said the smart rituals guide is available in various locations in Makkah and Madinah, and other holy sites.
Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices, the ministry added.
The initiative is part of several educational programs launched in the past weeks by the ministry to help over 1.25 million pilgrims currently undertaking Hajj perform their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage correctly.
Saudi authorities, including health, logistical, and security sectors, have deployed cutting-edge technologies for this Hajj season, including drones to deliver medicines and artificial intelligence to safeguard and serve Muslim pilgrims.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603391/saudi-arabia
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Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims
June 04, 2025
MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Namirah Mosque near Mount Arafat, an essential holy site for Muslim pilgrims during Hajj, with thousands of square meters of carpets.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced on Wednesday that Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked on Wednesday on pilgrimage.
The mosque was furnished with 125,000 sq. m of luxurious carpets to provide comfort for Hajj pilgrims, while its backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius.
Reflective paint was applied to the floor, and 117 fog fans were installed in the surrounding courtyards to reduce temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius, the ministry added.
Namirah Mosque is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on the Day of Arafat, which begins on the evening of June 4 and ends on June 5. Afterward, the pilgrims will proceed to the holy sites of Muzdalifah and Mina.
The ministry has upgraded the mosque’s ventilation, air conditioning and purification system to monitor carbon dioxide levels and to allow for 100 percent air renewal every 30 minutes.
To create a healthier environment for pilgrims, the ministry has installed 70 water chillers; each unit can serve up to 2,000 pilgrims an hour, with a total capacity of quenching the thirst of 140,000 pilgrims an hour. In addition, it has updated the site’s audio system and security surveillance cameras.
Namirah Mosque is one of the largest in the world, accommodating nearly 400,000 worshippers at once. It features 72 gates and entrances. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon at this site.
Source: arabnews.com
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Pilgrims arrive in Mina as Saudi Arabia mobilizes services for Hajj peak
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
June 04, 2025
MINA: With the number of worshippers approaching two million, pilgrims on Wednesday arrived in Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah, preparing for the most important day of Hajj — the Day of Arafat — on June 5.
These pilgrims are following the steps of Prophet Mohammed by spending Tarwiyah Day in Mina on Wednesday this year, making their final preparations for the Standing at Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, tomorrow.
In compliance with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, various service sectors mobilized their capabilities to help the pilgrims perform Hajj rituals in tranquility and peace.
With more than 1.5 million pilgrims confirmed to have arrived from outside the Kingdom, the pilgrims’ movements into Mina proceeded smoothly in accordance with a comprehensive traffic plan. The plan covered all main routes and was supported by aerial security surveillance to ensure the orderly progression of this critical phase of the pilgrimage.
In weather conditions of about 41°C, the ministry urged all pilgrims to familiarize themselves with its hospitals and medical centers should they require health assistance, wherever they are in the holy sites, emphasizing that everything is available to ensure their health and safety.
On the first day in Mina, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims typically spend the night there in preparation for their journey to Arafat the next day. With their prayers shortened, they devote their time to supplicating Allah and chanting the Talbiyah — a proclamation of their intention to perform the pilgrimage solely for the sake of the Almighty. This is traditionally recited aloud and in groups upon entering the state of ihram.
The relevant security and health authorities, alongside other government and private organisations, had earlier intensified their plans and preparations to ensure the smooth performance of Hajj rituals, all under the direct supervision and close monitoring of the Saudi leadership.
Khalid Al-Tala, the spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Health, provided key updates during a press conference on June 3, highlighting several pioneering health initiatives launched for the current Hajj season.
Among the most notable is the use of drone technology to accelerate the delivery of medical aid to remote areas — an innovative approach the ministry says is the first of its kind globally.
Al-Tala said that the current health status of pilgrims was reassuring, with no recorded cases of epidemics or major health concerns reported to date.
As of the seventh day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the ministry has delivered more than 98,000 health services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and intensive treatments.
He further announced the establishment of three additional field hospitals, providing a combined capacity of 1,200 beds. The ministry has also set up 71 emergency response points, deployed 900 ambulances, and added 11 medical evacuation aircraft to support healthcare operations during the pilgrimage.
Advanced medical services have also been activated, including the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology and virtual health consultations. The ministry’s 937 call center operates round the clock in numerous languages to assist pilgrims.
Since the beginning of the Hajj season, Al-Tala said, more than 1.4 million pilgrims have benefited from preventive health services at entry points, provided in coordination with various medical mission clinics.
The spokesman said that their medical teams have successfully performed 16 open-heart surgeries, 148 cardiac catheterizations, and handled 62 cases of heat exhaustion.
He added that, with the participation of more than 50,000 medical and technical personnel, bed capacity has been increased by 60 percent compared with last year.
Speaking to Arab News, Fatima Al-Sayed, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that the organization and services provided by the Saudi authorities in Mina are truly commendable.
“From the moment we arrived, we have felt a strong sense of care and preparedness. The tents are well equipped, clean and air-conditioned, ensuring our comfort in the heat,” she said.
Al-Sayed added that medical services are readily available, security personnel are visible and helpful, and food and water are distributed efficiently.
“The crowd management and transportation arrangements are smooth, especially given the large number of pilgrims. We are deeply grateful for the efforts made to ensure our safety and to help us perform our rituals with ease and peace of mind.” she said.
Situated between Makkah and Muzdalifah, Mina lies about seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque. It is part of the Haram, or sacred boundary, and is encircled by mountains to the north and south. It is uninhabited throughout the year, except during the Hajj season, when it becomes a focal point of the pilgrimage.
On the Makkah side, Mina is bordered by the Jamarat area, while on the opposite side it adjoins the Valley of Muhassir.
Muhassir gets its name from a significant historical incident — it is believed to be where the elephant of Abraha the Abyssinian halted during his failed attempt to destroy the Kaaba around the year 570 — an event known in Islamic tradition as the Year of the Elephant, which coincides with the birth year of the Prophet Muhammad.
Source: arabnews.com
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Minister of endowments thanks Saudi Arabia for caring for Syrian pilgrims
ARAB NEWS
June 04, 2025
LONDON: Syrian Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri praised Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and care for pilgrims during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Makkah on Wednesday.
An estimated 22,500 Syrians embarked on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday, which ends on June 9.
Shukri emphasized the importance of cooperation to help pilgrims perform their rituals smoothly during Hajj, reaffirming Syrian pilgrims’ commitment to following Saudi instructions and regulations.
The minister conveyed President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s greetings to the Saudi leadership. Al-Sharaa spoke this week with Syrian pilgrims in Makkah during a video call and asked them to act as “messengers of Syria” and show a good example during the Hajj.
Al-Rabiah expressed hope for stability and tranquility in Syria, according to the SANA news agency.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Red Crescent conducts air evacuation in Arafat as part of Hajj preparedness efforts
June 04, 2025
ARAFAT: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority carried out an emergency air medical evacuation in Arafat on Wednesday, as part of its broader efforts to enhance readiness during the Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The operation was launched after an emergency call was received by the SRCA’s central operations room.
Ground and air ambulance teams were immediately dispatched to the scene in coordination with relevant health authorities, SPA added.
The patient was stabilized on-site and transported by medical evacuation aircraft to a designated hospital, following direct coordination with the hospital’s medical team and the provision of all necessary medical details.
SRCA spokesman Dr. Taimur Shukrullah Jan said the mission was part of a broader integrated system designed to improve emergency response across the holy sites.
He noted that medical evacuation aircraft are crucial in reducing response times, particularly in areas of high population density or restricted mobility.
“The authority is harnessing all its human and technical resources to serve pilgrims, in line with its humanitarian and national mission,” Jan said. “Our ground and air ambulance teams are operating around the clock to deliver urgent care where and when it’s needed.”
The SRCA’s air ambulance service for the Hajj season comprises 11 aircraft deployed across 13 strategic landing sites in Makkah and the holy sites.
More than 120 trained personnel are working to ensure rapid intervention and high-quality emergency services for pilgrims, SPA reported.
Source: arabnews.com
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Three Saudi twin pairs unite to serve pilgrims at Hajj
June 04, 2025
MAKKAH: In a rare and coincidental alignment, this year’s public service camps organized by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association for Hajj have brought together three sets of Saudi twins.
Hailing from the scout group of the Civil Development Association in Riyadh’s Al-Rabie neighborhood, these six young men are united in their dedication to serving pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The twins — Hussam and Issam Saeed Al-Qarni, Azzam and Ammar Suleiman Al-Sulaiman, and Walid and Muhannad Abdul-Hakim Al-Otaibi — are bound not only by family ties and similar appearances, but also by a shared passion for scouting and commitment to volunteer work and pilgrim service.
Hussam and Issam said: “Scouting was not just a passing activity, but a life path chosen with conviction from a young age.”
They emphasized they were raised to love their country, and that scouting has allowed them to express this through guiding pilgrims, providing first aid, and offering various forms of assistance.
They also stressed that “every moment during the pilgrimages is a new lesson in patience, compassion, and discipline.”
Azzam and Ammar said that the experience has deepened their bond, adding with pride: “We thought we knew each other well, but in the atmosphere of the pilgrimages and under the pressure of tasks, we discovered new dimensions of cooperation and interdependence.
“We work as a team, complementing each other, and everything we do is for the comfort of the pilgrim, whom we consider our guest. It is our duty to provide them with the utmost comfort.”
Walid and Muhannad Abdul-Hakim Al-Otaibi expressed their profound pride in participating, describing it as life-changing. “Today, we are not only serving, but also learning how to stand calmly in the midst of a crowd, how to take initiative without expecting thanks, and how scouting can be a comprehensive educational field,” they said.
“Being here together, two brothers and twins, experiencing the same thing and sharing every detail, is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.”
Source: arabnews.com
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‘Day of Tarwiyah:’ Over million pilgrims arrive in Mina to begin Hajj
June 4, 2025
Pilgrims began arriving in Mina on Wednesday morning to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, Dhu Al Hijjah 8, and stay overnight before the Hajj's high-point on Thursday, prayers on Mount Arafat.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom's government provided extensive security, medical, food, and transportation services to ensure pilgrims' comfort and enable them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquillity.
More than a million pilgrims joined Islam's most important rite under a beating sun on Wednesday, as the Hajj kicked off with the Saudi hosts scrambling to avoid last year's deaths in sweltering heat.
With temperatures expected to top 40°C, robed pilgrims slowly circled the Holy Kaaba — the black cube at the heart of Makkah's Grand Mosque which is Islam's holiest site.
State media reported that others had begun arriving in the sprawling tent city of Mina on Makkah's outskirts where they will stay overnight before the Hajj's high-point on Thursday — prayers on Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
About 1.4 million pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam that must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.
Authorities have ratcheted up heat protection measures such as extra shade to avoid a repeat of last year, when many pilgrims died as temperatures hit 51.8°C.
On Wednesday, pilgrims will perform the Tawaf — walking seven times around the Holy Kaaba, which Muslims pray towards each day.
Before entering Makkah, pilgrims must first enter a state of purity, called Ihram, which requires special dress and behaviour.
Men don a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity among believers, regardless of their social status or nationality.
Women, in turn, wear loose dresses, also white, exposing just their faces and hands.
Pilgrims arriving on buses had begun already trickling into Mina on Tuesday afternoon, greeted by staff offering them coffee and dates.
"I am so happy, it's such an amazing feeling," said Reem Al Shogre, a 35-year-old Saudi performing the pilgrimage for the first time.
Artificial intelligence
Following last year's lethal heatwave, authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to improve protection.
Employees man their terminals at the control room for traffic and crowd management for pilgrims at the General Transport Centre at the Royal Commission for Makkah . AFP
Shaded areas have been enlarged by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands of additional medics will be on standby and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah told AFP last week.
Artificial intelligence technology will help process the deluge of data, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds.
An Afghan elderly pilgrim on a wheel chair is pushed by her son, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Holy City of Makkah. AP
Authorities said most of the deaths last year were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned tents and buses.
This year, they have cracked down on the unregistered, using frequent raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts.
Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by lottery. But even for those who can obtain them, the steep costs prompt many to attempt the Hajj without a permit, even though they risk arrest and deportation if caught.
Source: gulftoday.ae
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