“Real Kerala Story”: Muslims Mobilise Rs 46 lakh ‘the Blood Money’ Required To Free a Kerala Hindu Jailed in Qatar over Accidental Death
New
Age Islam News Bureau
12
May 2023
Representational
picture
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India
• Give Hindu Woman Security for “Offering Namaz” At
Mosque,Uttarakhand HC Tells Cops
• Delhi HC Orders Sudarshan News to Remove Video
Accusing Muslim Man of Forceful Conversion
• Why we need to remember the Muslims who raised their
voice for a united India
• Trouble at the temple: ban on Muslims a sign of
India’s new intolerance
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North
America
• Shocking Video Shows Man Violently Attacked In
Scarborough Mosque Parking Lot
• US Man Linked To Islamic State 'Empress' Faces Charges
for Wiring Money To Group
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Europe
• Postgraduate scholarships for British Muslim students
looking to study in Bournemouth
• EU members support clampdown on Russian oil smugglers
– Politico
• EU will not sanction Russia’s nuclear industry –
Hungarian FM
• Ukraine using chemical weapons, Russian journalist
claims
--------
Arab World
• Ministry launches ‘Hajj Journey’ documentary series in
Indonesia
• Fourth and Fifth Saudi Aid Planes Arrive In Sudan
• Saudi Arabia concludes evacuation operations in Sudan
• Saudi economy and planning minister meets with Belgian
officials
--------
Southeast
Asia
• PAS President Says, PAS Seeks To Restore Malay
Leadership That Follows Islamic Principles
• Regent of Perlis: Function of the mosque needs to be
strengthened for benefit of ummah
• Perak Ruler grants permission to selected teachers to
present Friday sermon
• Indonesia says ASEAN credibility at stake as Myanmar
crisis worsens
--------
South Asia
• Following The Demands of the World China Asks Kabul to
Protect Women’s Rights
• Afghans living in Pakistan ‘concerned’ about their safety
• Afghanistan should not be excluded from international
community: China
• UN Violates Gender Equality by Adopting Taliban
Policies: Freedom Now
• Former Minister Of Information and Culture Surrenders
To Taliban Forces
• UNICEF Warns Of Critical Funding Gap for Treatment OF
Severe Acute Malnutrition in Afghanistan
--------
Mideast
• Mosul Museum to Reopen After 20-Year Closure, Iraq War
and Islamic State Ransacking
• Israel Kills Islamic Jihad Rocket Chief in Gaza,
Fourth Senior Commander Dead in Three Days
• Israel Strikes on Gaza Kill 25 People Including
Children: Palestinian Health Ministry
• Islamic State Claims Damascus Car Bomb As Assad Invited
To Saudi
• HRH Prince Salman Lauds Bahrain’s Global Standings,
Commitment To Islamic Values
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemns
continuation of Israeli military aggression against Gaza
• Islamic Jihad group links cease-fire with end to
Israeli assassination policy
--------
New Zealand
• New Zealand Loses Top Spot As Most 'Islamic Country in
the World'; Muslim Community Leaders Say They Are Not Surprised
--------
Pakistan
• Islamabad High Court Resumes Hearing on Imran’s Bail
Plea in Al-Qadir Trust Case
• Frontier Corps Muslim Bagh Camp Attacked By Terrorists
in Balochistan: ISPR
• Islamic Finance enters the Russian market
• Bank Alfalah Islamic offers young Islamic
professionals internships
• ICIEC honoured with GTR leaders in trade award for
Islamic Finance in trade
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Africa
• Algeria Says Army Officer Killed In Clash with
Islamists
• Federal Road Safety commander wants Islamic law to try
traffic offenders
• Zukuka Finance deploys Islamic banking principles to
save borrowers
• AlQalam University remains Islamic, liberal, says VC
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kerala-story-muslims-blood-money-qatar/d/129762
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“Real Kerala Story”: Muslims Mobilise Rs 46 lakh ‘the Blood Money’ Required To Free a Kerala Hindu Jailed in Qatar over Accidental Death
Representational
picture
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M. Rakesh
12.05.23
The Indian
Union Muslim League has mobilised the blood money required to free a Kerala
Hindu who works as a lorry driver in Qatar after he was jailed over an
accidental death, in what is being termed as the “real Kerala story”, that too
in Malappuram that is often a Right-wing target.
Divesh Lal, 28,
had parked his water tanker to enter a nearby shop on January 8 when the
vehicle rolled back and hit an Egyptian national who later died. Lal was jailed
and offered two options in keeping with the law of the land — secure his
freedom by paying blood money to the family of the deceased or serve the entire
prison sentence.
Kerala state
chief of the Muslim Youth League, Panakkad Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal,
launched a campaign to collect the required money to free Lal and bring him
back to his family at Perinthalmanna in Malappuram.
“Blood money of
Rs 46 lakh was needed to free Divesh Lal, who was jailed after his vehicle
accidentally killed an Egyptian man. Many have responded to the appeal to bring
the young man back to his poor family,” Thangal said in a Facebook post, announcing
the closure of the donation drive on Wednesday.
While a
Qatar-based Malayali businessman connected to the IUML donated Rs 16 lakh, the
Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre, which is linked to the party and is based in the
Gulf nation, pitched in with Rs 4 lakh. A collective of Qatar-based NRIs from
Malappuram donated Rs 6 lakh.
“The remaining
Rs 20 lakh was collected through donations from Malappuram within three days of
Thangal’s appeal last week,” Aziz Pattikkad, IUML leader and chairman of the
Perinthalmanna block panchayat standing committee, told The Telegraph on
Thursday.
The IUML had
formed a special committee under Vallikkunnu MLA Abdul Hamed Master to
supervise the mobilisation of the funds and its transfer to Qatar.
“As we speak,
the legal formalities are underway in Qatar where the money will be paid to the
kin of the deceased Egyptian national before the release order is processed to
free Lal,” Aziz said.
Lal, who hails
from a poor family, had headed to Qatar to work as a driver to repay the housing
loan of Rs 10 lakh he had taken from a local bank.
Lal had spent
74 days in jail before being released on account of the month of Ramazan when
certain categories of under trials are freed temporarily. He is set to return
to prison on May 20. “We hope to complete all formalities before that to ensure
he doesn’t have to go back to jail,” Aziz said.
While the act
of kindness from the IUML and the larger Muslim community of Malappuram is
nothing unusual, the mission has coincided with the controversy stirred up by
The Kerala Story, which purports to show that girls from Kerala are forcibly
converted and sent to join the Islamic State as “jihadi brides”.
Thangal said:
“We have been seeing such acts of kindness and generosity for decades in
Kerala. But these acts get highlighted when seen against the backdrop of hate
campaigns by certain sections that are trying to tarnish the image of a state
and its people.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/muslims-team-up-to-free-kerala-hindu-jailed-in-qatar-over-accidental-death/cid/1936167
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Mohammed
Chhipa, A US Citizen of Indian Origin, Accused Of Aiding ISIS
Mohammed
Chhipa, 33
----
12 May 2023
The story of
Mohammed Chhipa, a US citizen of Indian origin, has recently made headlines
across various news platforms. Chhipa was arrested on charges of providing
material support to a terrorist group, with prosecutors revealing that he was
in a relationship with an American woman dubbed the “empress of ISIS.” The
woman in question is Allison Fluke-Ekren, a US citizen who is currently serving
a 20-year prison sentence for organising and leading the Khatiba Nusaybah, a
battalion in which girls and women learned how to use automatic weapons, as
well as detonating grenades and suicide belts.
Chhipa’s
Alleged Actions
According to
reports, between November 2019 and July 2022, Chhipa transferred nearly
$188,000 to various accounts. Nearly $18,000 was traced to the Islamic State
(IS) group, with the alleged goal of helping to smuggle female IS members from
detention camps. At least $61,000 went to cryptocurrency wallets in Turkey,
with money intended for Syria often routed through Turkey. Chhipa allegedly
wanted the money to be used to bribe guards at detention camps where the
families of IS members are being held. Text messages allegedly sent by Chhipa
were quoted in the court affidavit, indicating his intention to do so. Chhipa
also allegedly met with an FBI agent or confidential source and accepted cash
from the person. He then allegedly turned the money into Bitcoin and sent it to
an IS member. The family of Chhipa, however, has a different story to tell.
They claim that he was an activist looking to help women and children.
Read More: US
Accuses South Africa of Illicit Arms Trade with Russia
The Role of
Allison Fluke-Ekren
According to
prosecutors, Chhipa was in a relationship with Allison Fluke-Ekren, and he
apparently considered himself married to her. However, their marriage has no
legal status in the US as it was allegedly conducted online. Fluke-Ekren is
currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in organising and
leading the Khatiba Nusaybah. A detention memo stated that Fluke-Ekren trained
children, including her own five or six-year-old child, how to use assault
rifles in Syria. Fluke-Ekren has pleaded guilty to her charges and is currently
serving her sentence in prison.
Abdullah
el-Faisal’s Conviction
The case of
Mohammed Chhipa and Allison Fluke-Ekren is not the only one of its kind in
recent times. Earlier this year, Muslim cleric Abdullah el-Faisal was convicted
in a US court on state terrorism charges after being extradited to New York
City following an undercover police operation. The Manhattan District Attorney’s
office said it was the first-ever state-level trial on terrorism charges. New
York’s laws on terrorism were passed a week after the 9/11 attacks. Prosecutors
said Faisal, whom they described as highly influential, had supported IS for
several years, encouraging violent acts in online lectures and calling for the
creation of an Islamic caliphate. Faisal began messaging the officer, who
claimed to be an aspiring militant with medical training, on WhatsApp.
Read More:
Trump refuses to accept 2020 defeat, mocks sexual abuse victim
The case of
Mohammed Chhipa and Allison Fluke-Ekren sheds light on the continuing threat of
terrorism and the dangerous allure of extremist ideologies. It also highlights
the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute
individuals who support or engage in terrorist activities. The recent
convictions of individuals such as Chhipa and Fluke-Ekren, as well as Abdullah
el-Faisal, demonstrate the importance of remaining vigilant in the fight
against terrorism. But it still begs the question, was this a wrongful arrest
simply because of religion?
Source: globalvillagespace.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/muslim-us-citizen-accused-of-aiding-isis/
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Spanish
Academics Who Convert To Islam Face Discrimination in Spain
The Muslim
community of Granada celebrates activities to inform citizens about Islam and
performs the rite of breaking the fast in a city square on 25 March, 2023 in Granada,
Spain.
-----
Ömer Faruk
Madanoğlu
12.05.2023
ISTANBUL
Spanish
academics who convert to Islam conceal that they are Muslims so that their
careers will not be harmed, one such academic who works in the field of
international relations said Thursday.
Speaking to
Anadolu, Luci Hurtado highlighted the discrimination against Muslim academics
at universities in Spain.
Hurtado said
she was a Catholic before becoming a Muslim in 2010.
Noting that she
could not get clear answers from the people around her to questions about
Christianity and that she discovered Islam while researching the history of
Spain to clear her mind, Hurtado stressed that her decision to become a Muslim
was a big step because she knew she would be ostracized by her social circle
after she converted.
Hurtado said
she encountered strong reactions and discrimination when she told her family
and close friends that she was a Muslim, adding her father rejected her
decision to convert to Islam.
She said she
joined a community founded by Muslim Spaniards in order to make friends when
she was excluded from her social circle. She noted that others like her also
complained of being discriminated against by society.
Hurtado said
she earned a doctorate in international relations at one of the prestigious
universities in Spain in 2011 and that she was not discriminated against
because she was not wearing a headscarf at the time, but Muslim Spaniards
around her were excluded from the academy.
She noted that
Spanish academics who are Muslims are more pressured than Muslim academics
coming from foreign countries.
She said she
began facing discrimination even before academic life.
"The
pressure starts before you enter academic life. They research you for a long
time during the application. This is not a procedural thing. The professors of
the department call your professors at the university you come from and
investigate whether you are a Muslim or a 'radical' person. If it turns out
that you are a Muslim, you are not accepted into the academy. If you ask the
people who do this, they deny it because what they're doing is illegal,"
she said.
Hurtado noted
that Spanish academics who were discovered to be Muslims were branded as
"traitors who betrayed their country."
She said
Spanish lecturers who are Muslims also have great difficulties in applying to
other universities.
"No
Spanish academics who choose to become a Muslim will answer the questions you
ask me because they are afraid of being stigmatized and exposed. The
universities we apply to look at our religion more than our academic career. If
it turns out that we are Muslims, the credibility of our articles, analyses and
research will be questioned."
Hurtado said
the thesis advisors did not speak out against academic bullying even though
they thought this was wrong, adding the need felt by Muslim Spaniards to
conceal their religion has caused them stress and psychological problems.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/muslim-academics-in-spain-face-discrimination/2895406
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Pope Francis Recognises
21 Copts Beheaded By Islamic State As Martyrs
Pope
Francis. Credit: AFP Photo
----
By Philip
Pullella
VATICAN CITY
(Reuters) - Pope Francis on Thursday announced that 21 Coptic Orthodox
Christians beheaded by Islamic State in Libya in 2015 are being recognised as
martyrs by the Vatican.
He revealed the
move during a meeting with Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church and
said he was doing so with Tawadros' consent.
The 21 Copts,
20 Egyptians and a Ghanaian, were lined up on Feb. 15, 2015 in orange jumpsuits
on a beach in the Libyan city of Sirte, which Islamic State then controlled.
The Islamist group posted a video of the killings, showing the men praying as
they died.
Francis told
Tawadros that the inscription of the men in what is known as the Roman
Martyrology, or calendar of saints, was "a sign of the spiritual communion
that unites our two Churches".
Their 'feast'
day - which celebrates their memory - is expected to be Feb. 15.
Tawadros, 70,
is at the Vatican to mark the 50th anniversary of the first meeting between a
Roman pope and a Coptic pope, which took place between their respective
predecessors, Paul VI and Shenouda III, in 1973.
Copts comprise
about 10% of Egypt's mostly Muslim population and there are small Coptic
Christian communities throughout the Middle East and Africa. They have long
been attacked by Islamist militants who see them as heretics.
(Reporting by
Philip Pullella; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/pope-francis-recognises-21-copts-150842515.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAdhmuyGC9VBnmoF75Q_O9FdF3RjyB6SP8RdV-H5_jFfdC3gF6VbMUZ7GDnZY8KbPCSLORGxQOzx-Dl8uwZIK_lr12LyQH5Xo8U6cz8KrIDscWNovTqkDCijzLxSZUq-6s4umr_s9KHsxH0clOXHVz7VjR5QEl6KFk2yYFAKrXcc
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Saudi University
Opens Innovation Lab To Develop Society, Improve Quality Of Life
Director of
the research, development, and innovation laboratory, Dr. Thamer Al-Munif,
talks to guests at the forum. (PSAU)
-----
May 11, 2023
RIYADH: A
research, development, and innovation laboratory designed to develop society
and improve quality of life has been opened at a Saudi university.
The
inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz
University in Al-Kharj during a forum held under the title, “National
Aspirations and Priorities for Competitiveness and Global Leadership.”
Dr. Abdullah
bin Nidal Adass, the university’s vice rector for graduate studies and scientific research, said: “PSAU saves no
efforts to keep pace with the latest developments and scientific practices in
research, development, and innovation.
“At PSAU, we
transform research, development, and innovation into knowledge products that
serve and develop the knowledge economy and national prosperity.”
He noted that
the university aimed to be a leading knowledge provider equipped with the best
resources, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
“The first
phase of the research, development, and innovation laboratory at the PSAU was
inaugurated with a modern design and advanced infrastructure that enhances the
localization of technology and contributes to improving the growth of the
national economy based on knowledge and innovation,” Adass added.
As well as
sharing the results of its scientific work with relevant national authorities,
the laboratory will look to build partnerships to commercialize technology
while boosting the Kingdom’s competitiveness and position globally.
PSAU presents
an annual award for research and innovation.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301751/saudi-arabia
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India
Give Hindu
Woman Security for “Offering Namaz” At Mosque,Uttarakhand HC Tells Cops
May 12, 2023
DEHRADUN: The
Uttarakhand high court on Thursday while hearing a petition by a 22-year-old
Hindu woman has ordered the local police to provide her security for “offering
namaz” at Piran Kaliyar mosque in Haridwar as “she was receiving threats from
right-wing groups”.
The woman, who
belongs to Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh, along with a co-petitioner and her male
friend, 35, from Haridwar had approached the HC on Tuesday alleging that she
was being “threatened by certain people”. Both have been living together for
about two years.
The HC in
Nainital then ordered her to appear before the court on Thursday to explain why
she wanted to offer namaz in the mosque despite being a Hindu. In her reply,
she told the court that “she neither wanted to convert to Islam nor was she
married to a Muslim”.
The woman also
told the court, “After visiting Piran Kaliyar, I liked the place and so I want
to offer namaz and prayers there... There is no other reason”. The woman and
her friend, who belongs to a different community, work for a well-known
pharmaceutical firm in Haridwar.
Speaking to
TOI, the petitioner’s counsel Sheetal Selwal said the woman appeared before a
division bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Pankaj Purohit. Advocate
Selwal said: “The court ordered my client to give an application to the station
house officer of Piran Kaliyar for police protection. The court has fixed the
matter next on May 22.”
Selwal further
said that certain activists may have come to know about the matter “since some
of their colleagues at work must have spread the word”.
Situated in
Haridwar, people from different faiths usually visit the famous Piran Kaliyar
dargah for spiritual solace and prayers, and the mosque where the woman wants
to “offer namaz” is located in the same complex.
When the HC
asked the petitioner why she wanted to offer namaz despite being a Hindu, she
said she neither wanted to convert nor was she
married to a
Muslim. She said: ‘I liked the place... There is no other reason’
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/give-hindu-woman-security-to-pray-at-mosque-hc-tells-cops/articleshow/100170393.cms
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Why we need to
remember the Muslims who raised their voice for a united India
Syeda Hameed
May 11, 2023
The hall of the
Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad on Calcutta’s Shakespeare Sarani was fully packed
when I arrived for the Hashim Abdul Halim Foundation International Seminar. The
Foundation is named after a man who was the speaker of the West Bengal Assembly
for 29 years. The Iran Society which brings out the journal Indo Iranica is
located in his ancestral home. Fuad Halim and Saira Shah Halim, along with
their group, were the spirit of this event.
The overhead
banner read “Muslims for a United India — Unvisited Histories: Remembering the
Azad Muslim Conference, April 27-30, 1947”. Each word of the banner was part of
my life although I had never thought of framing it in this way.
In 1947, my
family was forcibly evicted from our ancestral place, Panipat, where we had
lived for 800 years. No one asked them if they wanted to go to a newly carved
country named Pakistan. The women of my family left notes pasted on their front
doors, “We are going for a short time; we will return”. Keys were handed to
neighbours, tears flowed on both sides. All they could carry were bundles and
potlis. They were mostly women; the men of Panipat worked in nearby cities.
They would join later. Young men who were studying abroad did not “opt” for the
new country until it became inevitable. Seventy-six years later in 2023, I live
in Delhi, near the campus of a university, Jamia Millia Islamia. Those who
established it in 1920 were fortunately not evicted; they stayed on amidst the
communal frenzy because they believed in a united India.
That day I
heard speaker after speaker in a hall which remained packed for almost eight
hours. They spoke on topics like ‘The Case for a South Asian Union’, ‘1857
Joint Heritage Joint Martyrdom’, ‘Muslims against Partition – Carrying Forward
the 1857 Legacy’, ‘Challenging the Two Nation Theory: Maulana Azad and
Nationalist Muslims’, ‘The Two Nation Theory: One Thought of Hindu Mahasabha
RSS and Muslim League’, ‘Muslims who opposed the Partition of India’, ‘Allah
Bux Soomro and Muslim Politics’. These were academics from universities across
West Bengal, plus a few from the US and the UK.
The Azad Muslim
Conference was the cord that held it all together. It was organised in Delhi in
1940 for three days, its objective: Advocacy for composite nationalism and for
a united India, and unequivocal opposition to Partition and the Two Nation
Theory. Participants were from the Krishak Praja Party, the Jamiat, Majlis e
Ahrar ul Islam, All India Momin Conference, Khudai Khidmatgar, All India Shia
Political Conference, Anjuman i Watan Baluchistan and others. Wilfred Smith, a
world-renowned orientalist from McGill University in Canada wrote that this
conference represented the vast majority of India’s Muslims. The Bombay Chronicle
reported that the Muslim attendance was five times that of any event organised
by the Muslim League. Allah Bux Soomro, twice premier of Sindh, was its leading
light. Born in 1900 in Shikarpur, his fierce commitment to a united India led
him to return the honours bestowed on him by the Empire. An equally unequivocal
opposer of the two-nation theory was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He was born in
Mecca, lived in Kolkata and joined the struggle with the guerrilla movement of
Jugantar with Rash Behari Ghosh and Shyam Sundar Chakravarty. Azad spoke from
every platform, the highest being his addresses as President (twice) of the
Indian National Congress, against
Partition and for a united India. In his first presidential address in 1923, he
spoke for Hindu-Muslim unity, even if it meant a delay in attaining Swaraj.
Three years
after the AIMC, Allah Bux Soomro was assassinated by an assailant said to
belong to the Muslim League.
As the
conference proceeded, layer after layer opened up and, to reword John Keats, I felt
as if a “new planet swam into my ken”.
In the last
decade, I have heard the following refrain from many quarters: “They demanded
Pakistan. So why are they here? The Muslims — expunge, expel, exorcise them.”
Questions: Who
asked us? Was there a plebiscite? Was there a “rai shumari”? Who made it
happen? Elite Muslims, colonial masters — who suffered?
In his
excellent work, Muslims Against Partition, Shamsul Islam writes, “The people of
India, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, unitedly challenged imperialist power. This
unprecedented unity naturally unnerved the firangis and made them conscious
that their rule could flourish only if Hindus and Muslims were divided along
communal lines.” The Minister of Indian Affairs, Lord Wood wrote to Lord Elgin,
‘We have maintained our rule in India by playing off one part against another.’
John Lawrence, Administrator of the East India Company, wrote, ‘If Muslims and
Hindus have quarrelled, so much better for us; let them slaughter each other…’”
In the end,
only three Indians spoke against Partition: Mahatma Gandhi, who said “over my
dead body” but succumbed to the Congress; Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who stood his
ground and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, who wrote to Gandhi, “We Pashtuns stood by
you and had undergone great sacrifices for attaining freedom. But you have
deserted us and thrown us to the wolves.”
In the run-up
to 2024, with the pendulum poised between a secular or theocratic India, we
need to recall this forgotten history. In the current din of Muslim hatred is
heard the rasping voice of the Minster of State for Law and Justice. At Delhi’s
Maharashtra Sadan, he said, “There are very few tolerant Muslims; those who
pretend to be tolerant do so to grab the offices of the Vice President, the
governor as well as vice-chancellors. As soon as they retire they start
spitting poison. They wear the mukhota (mask) of tolerance; tolerant Muslims
can be counted on fingers. The basic structure of the nation is Hindu Rashtra.”
I’m ending with
two lines from Hafiz Shirazi, quoted in S Abid Husain’s prophetic work, The
Destiny of Indian Muslims: “If sorrow raises its dire legion/ To overwhelm
people of faith / The Saqi and I will join hands /To wipe it off the face of
this earth.”
The writer is
former Member, Planning Commission
Source: indianexpress.com
Please
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https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/lok-sabha-polls-2024-muslims-united-india-8604078/
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Trouble at the
temple: ban on Muslims a sign of India’s new intolerance
Fri 12 May 2023
For 800 years,
Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari temple had stood as a symbol of India’s
cohesive religious past. It is said that the Hindu temple, which sits on the
bank of the Shambhavi River in India’s southern state of Karnataka, was built
by a Muslim merchant, Bappa Beary, after a goddess came to him in a dream. The
land to build the temple was donated by a local Jain ruler.
Over the
centuries, its unique origins were regularly honoured and the annual festivals,
celebrations and buffalo races that took place at Bappanadu temple were
attended by Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Jains alike.
“There was
always this harmony,” said Dugganna Sawantha, a member of the temple committee
and direct descendent of the Jain king who donated the temple land. “But last
year, that’s when the troubles began.”
Days before the
annual 23-day festival was due to begin last April, Sawantha was approached by
Bajrang Dal, a rightwing Hindu vigilante group that is active across the state,
often targeting Muslims. It issued him a warning: no Muslims were to be allowed
to set up stalls at the festival or take part in celebrations.
Bappanadu was
not the only temple identified. Bajrang Dal members began to hang banners up in
nearby towns and the city of Mangalore reading “no permission for those who are
against the constitution and those who kill cattle”. Then, Karnataka’s chief
minister, Basavaraj Bommai, from the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata
party (BJP), issued a statement supporting the ban.
The ban then
spread to other nearby temples, as BJP government officials began enforcing it.
For the hundreds of Muslims who relied on selling their wares on the temple
festival circuit, it was devastating. Umar, 52, who sells cosmetics, used to
make about £1,500 a year from his stall – but now he barely makes £50.
“We are
desperate, our traditional business is dying and I’m not making enough to
survive,” he said.
While most
states in India’s south have been largely unaffected by the Hindu nationalist
politics that now dominate north and west India, Karnataka has long been the
exception; though communal divisions have not taken root across the whole
state, they are highly prevalent along the 200-mile-long coastal belt. The BJP
has had political influence in the state since the 1980s.
Since 2014, the
BJP has ruled India’s central government, led by Narendra Modi, the prime
minister. But it was in 2018 that the party returned to power in Karnataka,
beckoning in the most rightwing government in the state’s history. This week,
as the state goes to the polls, the party is seeking re-election.
Under the BJP,
a de facto ban was imposed on the wearing of the hijab in government schools,
colleges and in exams, an “anti-conversion” law was passed in response to the
unproven “love jihad” conspiracy theory that Muslim men are luring Hindu women
for marriage in order to convert them to Islam and school textbooks were
rewritten to remove references to Islamic leaders. Economic boycotts of Muslims
were endorsed by ministers and a bill banning halal meat was also proposed.
The government
has also been accused by activists and political opponents of giving groups
such as Bajrang Dal a free rein to carry out vigilante acts of violence,
including lynchings of Muslims – often in collusion with police. Last month a
Muslim cattle trader in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district was murdered by a group
allegedly led by a local Bajrang Dal activist.
As part of its
manifesto in the state election, the opposition Congress party pledged to ban
Bajrang Dal, casting it as a terrorist organisation. In response, Bajrang Dal,
which claims to have a presence in 2,000 villages across the state, has come
out fighting for the BJP in the election.
Sharan
Pumpwell, the state secretary for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad militant
organisation, of which Bajrang Dal is the youth wing, said: “I personally gave
a call to Bajrang Dal members across Karnataka to come out on the streets and
conduct door-to-door campaigns against the Congress party. We have to make the
BJP victorious to protect cows and protect our volunteers. The BJP has
withdrawn many cases that had been filed against our people.”
Pumpwell denied
any allegations of illegal activity. “We only work in the interest of our
religion and our country,” he said.
The BJP is
fighting for re-election in Karnataka with policies on its manifesto that many
fear are further attempts to marginalise the Muslim population, who make up
about 13% of the state. Weeks before the polls, the state government scrapped a
4% reservation allocated to the state’s economically deprived Muslims, who are
among the poorest community in the state.
In the city of
Udupi, meanwhile, tensions over the wearing of the hijab began in December
2021, when a government college issued a ban on Muslim girls wearing
headscarves, declaring it against the school’s uniform policy.
Muslim students
protested and the issue was taken up by the BJP and rightwing religious groups.
One local BJP representative said girls who wanted to wear the hijab in schools
should “go to Pakistan”, while the state chief, Nalin Kumar Kateel, said the
“talibanisation of classrooms” would not be allowed. In February 2022, a
government order declared that restriction on the hijab was not in violation of
the freedom of religion, which was then upheld by the Karnataka high court.
Though the
order was not an outright ban, it was widely interpreted as such by many
institutions in the state. Many Muslim girls found themselves prevented from
entering classrooms or from taking exams if they did not remove their
headscarves and some had teachers or police try to forcibly remove their
headscarves at school gates. According to a submission made to the supreme
court, which has taken up the matter, 17,000 girls did not sit their exams
after the order, and thousands are thought to have dropped out of education
altogether.
One 24-year-old
law student was in the final semester of her law degree when the court made its
ruling. “I never thought it would ever affect our college, there was always a
secular and friendly atmosphere,” she said, requesting anonymity for fear of
harassment. “But after the court passed the order, our college summoned all 40
girls who wear a hijab to the auditorium and asked us to make a choice if we
wanted to continue attending classes.”
Like many
others, she refused to remove her hijab and was banned from attending classes,
missing out on the final lessons of her degree.
Another
student, who also requested anonymity, dropped out of her law degree altogether
and accused the government of depriving Muslim girls of their right to
education. “The hijab is an important part of who I am, it’s a choice I make. I
shouldn’t be forced to remove it,” she said.
Tejasvi Surya,
a popular BJP MP from the state, denied the policy discriminated against
Muslims even though no other religion has been affected by the new rules. “The
BJP stand was not anti hijab, it was pro-uniform in a school institution,” he
said.
Source: theguardian.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/trouble-at-the-temple-ban-on-muslims-a-sign-of-indias-new-intolerance
--------
North
America
Shocking video
shows man violently attacked in Scarborough mosque parking lot
May 11, 2023
Toronto police
are investigating after a man was violently attacked outside a mosque in
Scarborough on Wednesday, which was captured by a surveillance camera.
Police said the
assault occurred in the parking lot of Baitul Aman Masjid near Victoria Park
and Danforth avenues at around 7:45 p.m.
In the video, a
man is walking in the parking lot when two people approach him.
One of them is
seen holding what appears to be a bat and proceeds to strike the man. The other
person then kicks the man, causing him to fall to the ground.
The assailants
continue to attack the man, stomping and hitting him. As it is happening, a
grey-coloured sedan slowly pulls up beside the suspects.
Shortly after,
the two get into the vehicle and drive away.
Police said the
victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
No suspect
information has been released.
When asked if
the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, police said it is not at
this time.
“The
investigator has advised that after speaking with the victim, the attack does
not appear to be hate-motivated,” police said.
Muhammad
Kamruzzaman, the secretary of the mosque, identified the victim as 67-year-old
Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury.
Speaking to
CP24 on Thursday night, Kamruzzaman described Chowdhury as a very well-known
and kind member of the mosque.
"He was
crying," Kamruzzaman said when asked how Chowdhury was doing after the
attack. "And then he said that he doesn't have any enemy. This is his
belief."
"He
couldn't walk properly. He cannot talk even properly," Kamruzzaman said,
adding that the victim's family is contemplating moving elsewhere.
As for the
suspects, he says he has never seen them before and has no clue why they
attacked Chowdhury.
Kamruzzaman
noted that the suspects waited for almost an hour in the parking lot. He says
he is still waiting for an update from the police.
The attack has
left many in the community shocked and scared.
While there had
been incidents of vandalism and theft before, Kamruzzaman says this is the
first time that something like this has happened.
"I've
never seen this type of incident in the community," he said. "We want
justice."
Source: cp24.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.cp24.com/news/shocking-video-shows-man-violently-attacked-in-scarborough-mosque-parking-lot-1.6395480
--------
US man linked
to Islamic State 'empress' faces charges for wiring money to group
11 May 2023
A US man was
arrested on charges of providing material support to a terrorist group, with
prosecutors revealing he was in a relationship with an American woman dubbed
the “empress of ISIS”.
Mohammed
Chhipa, a naturalised US citizen from India who lives in Virginia, was arrested
last week. Between November 2019 and July 2022, he allegedly transferred nearly
$188,000 to various accounts, NBC News reported.
Nearly $18,000
was traced to the Islamic State (IS) group to support his alleged goal of
helping to smuggle female IS members from detention camps. At least $61,o00
went to cryptocurrency wallets in Turkey. According to the court affidavit,
money intended for Syria is often routed through Turkey.
The affidavit
quotes text messages allegedly sent by Chhipa indicating that he wanted the
money to be used to “bribe guards at detention camps” where the families of IS
members are being held, NBC News reported.
Chippa's family
told reporters in a written statement that he was an activist looking to help
women and children.
Chhipa also
allegedly met with an FBI agent or confidential source and accepted cash from
the person. He then allegedly turned the money into Bitcoin and sent it to an
IS member.
According to
prosecutors, Chhipa was also in a relationship with Allison Fluke-Ekren, an
American woman who is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Chhipa apparently
considered himself married to Ekren, though their marriage has no legal status
in the US as it was allegedly conducted online.
She pled guilty
last year to organising and leading the Khatiba Nusaybah, a battalion in which
girls and women learned how to use automatic weapons, as well as detonating
grenades and suicide belts.
A detention
memo states that Fluke-Ekren trained children - including her own five or
six-year-old child - how to use assault rifles in Syria.
Earlier this
year, Muslim cleric Abdullah el-Faisal was convicted in a US court on state
terrorism charges after being extradited to New York City following an
undercover police operation.
The Manhattan
District Attorney's office said it was the first-ever state-level trial on
terrorism charges. New York's laws on terrorism were passed a week after the
9/11 attacks.
Prosecutors
said Faisal, whom they described as highly influential, had supported IS for
several years, encouraging violent acts in online lectures and calling for the
creation of an Islamic caliphate.
Faisal began
messaging the officer - who claimed to be an aspiring militant with medical
training - on WhatsApp, The New York Times reported.
Source: middleeasteye.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-man-linked-empress-islamic-state-faces-charges-wiring-money-group
--------
Europe
Postgraduate
scholarships for British muslim students looking to study in Bournemouth
Friday, May 12,
2023
Bournemouth
University has announced a new partnership with the Aziz Foundation that will
offer scholarships to students from British Muslim communities.
The
scholarships are designed to increase opportunities for British muslims to
study postgraduate courses and will cover the full tuition fees for those
without the financial means to complete Masters degrees in the UK.
For the next
academic year, we have committed to welcoming up to three scholars and we hope
to increase that number in future years.
Ibrahim
Mohammed, Communications Manager at the Aziz Foundation, said: "It is with
great excitement that we declare Bournemouth University as one of our Preferred
Partners, as they have shown a dedicated effort to expanding access to
postgraduate education and diminishing educational disparities for underrepresented
students. Our collaboration with the university will allow us to develop
initiatives that promote inclusivity and expand opportunities for British
muslim communities at the postgraduate taught level."
Claire
House-Norman, Director of Fundraising & Alumni Relations at Bournemouth
University, added: “Bournemouth University is delighted to enter into a
partnership with the Aziz Foundation and be able to offer several postgraduate
scholarships for British muslim students who wish to study here. This
collaboration forms part of our broader efforts to improve opportunities for
underrepresented communities in higher education. We are hugely grateful to The
Aziz Foundation for their support."
The
scholarships are for students starting a Masters degree in September 2023 in
courses covering a wide range of areas, including Media and Journalism,
Technology, Sustainability and the Environment, Law, Policy, and Creative
Content.
You can find
more information on the scholarships and how to apply on the Aziz Foundation
website.
Source: bournemouth.ac.uk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/2023-05-12/postgraduate-scholarships-british-muslim-students-looking-study-bournemouth
--------
EU members
support clampdown on Russian oil smugglers – Politico
12 May, 2023
EU states agree
that tankers suspected of carrying Russian oil in violation of embargoes must
be barred from the bloc’s ports as part of the 11th sanctions package against
Moscow, Politico has reported.
There was “no
major opposition” to stepping up efforts to enforce existing restrictions as
representatives from EU members discussed the issue on Thursday, three sources
told the US outlet.
Even nations
that apparently benefit from undeclared imports of Russian crude back the
proposal, the sources claimed.
A diplomat from
one such country told Politico that “for us, enforcement isn’t proving to be a
major issue – we don’t have red lines on this.” However, he noted that the new
sanctions package “is different from the others, focusing on circumvention, and
it will have a different impact, so we are taking our time to look at all the
proposals.”
An unnamed
senior European Commission official also asserted that the planned clampdown on
the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ delivering Russian oil to the EU would not lead to
serious frictions within the bloc.
“The media like
to write about rock and roll and rough and tumble, but the success has been in
unity – preserving that unity for the outside world is very important,” the
official insisted.
A draft
European Commission proposal seen by Politico stated that tightening is
required “given the sharp increase in deceptive practices, and related
environmental risks, by vessels transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum
products in an effort to circumvent Union restrictive measures.”
According to
the document, Brussels is seeking to bar “access to the ports and locks of the
Union to vessels that are suspected or found in breach of the ban on importing
seaborne Russian crude oil and petroleum products into the Union and of the G7
agreed price cap by engaging in ship-to-ship transfers.” Ships traveling with
their transponders and GPS turned off will also be targeted, it added.
Late last year,
the EU, G7, and their allies slapped a collective ban on Russian seaborne oil
exports, along with a price cap of $60 per barrel. In February, another embargo
kicked in, banning almost all imports of Russian oil products, as well as
introducing price caps on diesel and other petroleum products.
Bloomberg
reported on Wednesday that despite the restrictions, the average four-week
seaborne shipments of Russian crude in the period to May 5 had jumped by
180,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 3.63 million bpd, the highest increase since the
start of 2022. The main destinations for the tankers were China and India.
Source: rt.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.rt.com/news/576163-eu-oil-embargo-ukraine/
--------
EU will not
sanction Russia’s nuclear industry – Hungarian FM
12 May, 2023
The next round
of anti-Russia sanctions currently being debated by EU member states won’t
target nuclear energy, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.
Budapest has
repeatedly said it would oppose any attempts to impose restrictions on Russia’s
nuclear sector, stressing that other member states that use nuclear energy are
also against the proposal.
“Negotiations
on the 11th package of sanctions began on Wednesday in Brussels. The proposal
of the European Commission for this package does not contain sanctions related
to the nuclear industry,” Szijjarto said during a joint press conference with
Bulgarian Minister of Energy Rossen Hristov.
The Hungarian
foreign minister stressed once again that Budapest would agree to the proposal
under no circumstances, adding that it was a decision for individual countries
to decide how they get their electricity.
Szijjarto noted
that Hungary has been operating its Paks Nuclear Power Plant for more than four
decades, adding that it was built in cooperation with the USSR, and that it
would continue to use Russian nuclear fuel.
The Paks
Nuclear Power Plant produces more than half of the electricity consumed in
Hungary.
The Hungarian
authorities had previously said the expansion of the Paks infrastructure was
seen as crucial to the nation’s energy security. Budapest had previously struck
a deal with Moscow to expand the facility.
“We won’t
certainly abandon plans to build two new power units in Paks,” as they would guarantee
the country’s energy supply in the long term, Szijjarto added.
He also said
that Russian nuclear fuel, which used to be delivered by rail through Ukraine,
is now being transported to the Paks nuclear power plant by ship across the
Black Sea through the Bulgarian port of Varna, and then by rail through the
territory of Bulgaria and Romania to Hungary.
“In this
regard, Bulgaria is also an important transit country,” Szijjarto said.
Source: rt.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.rt.com/business/576115-eu-sanctions-nuclear-power-hungary-russia/
--------
Ukraine using
chemical weapons, Russian journalist claims
11 May, 2023
Ukrainian
forces have used chemical weapons that caused loss of consciousness after
inhalation, Komsomolskaya Pravda correspondent Alexander Kots reported on
Thursday, citing sources in the Russian military. The alleged attack happened
near Orekhov, in Zaporozhye Region.
The use of
substances banned by international conventions appears to be part of the
much-anticipated Ukrainian offensive, the journalist wrote on Telegram.
According to
Kots, Western-supplied tanks have been spotted outside of Kharkov, while
Ukrainian troops have launched attacks on Russian positions north and south of
Artyomovsk, which they call Bakhmut.
On Thursday
evening, the Russian Defense Ministry said there were “no active operations” on
the Zaporozhye front, and that the “general situation in the area of the
special military operation is under control.”
Multiple
Western officials have said over the past week that all the weapons, ammunition
and supplies required for Ukraine’s grand counteroffensive had already been
delivered. On Thursday, the UK confirmed it had supplied Kiev with long-range
‘Storm Shadow’ missiles.
Ukrainian
President Vladimir Zelensky, however, claimed he needed more time and more
armored vehicles before he could launch the assault, in order to avoid
casualties. In the same interview, Zelensky claimed Ukraine had nothing to do
with the drones that attacked the Kremlin last week.
According to US
presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose son had volunteered on
Kiev’s side for several months last year, Ukraine has suffered around 300,000
military casualties and is taking losses at a far higher rate than Russia.
Donetsk
People’s Republic authorities had accused Ukrainian troops of dropping chemical
weapons from drones back in February, pointing to frontline reports and videos
shared by Ukrainians on social media.
In late
February, the Russian military warned that the Ukrainian forces in Kramatorsk
had received 16 containers with riot control agents CS
(chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) and CR (dibenzoxazepine), as well as the
incapacitating agent BZ (3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate), accompanied by “citizens
of foreign countries.” Moscow suggested the US might be planning a “false flag”
attack in the Donbass.
Chemical
warfare is forbidden under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), an
international treaty that took effect in 1997 and to which both Ukraine and
Russia are signatories.
Source: rt.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.rt.com/russia/576138-ukraine-chemical-weapons/
--------
Arab World
Ministry
launches ‘Hajj Journey’ documentary series in Indonesia
May 11, 2023
Riyadh: The
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently launched in Jakarta the “Hajj Journey”
documentary series, which tells the story of eight Indonesian pilgrims and
highlights the facilities provided for them by the Kingdom.
The series follows
the pilgrims’ journey, from leaving their homeland, their welcome in Saudi
Arabia, performing the rituals, and finally returning home.
The launching
ceremony in Jakarta was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal
Al-Amoudi; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia,
Prof. Halman Latif; and Director General of the General Management of Corporate
Communication, A. Turki Al-Khalaf, who is also the director general of the
General Awareness Department.
Al-Amoudi said that
the series highlights efforts made by the Kingdom to facilitate pilgrims’
journeys.
Indonesia's
Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Khalil Oumas, expressed his gratitude to
the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for producing the documentary.
Al-Khalaf said that
60 filming stations used in the series highlighted farewells from Indonesia,
reception procedures inside the Kingdom, the performance of Hajj and Umrah
rituals, the visit to the Two Holy Mosques, and the return home.
“This media
production provides the Islamic nation, in general, and Muslims in Indonesia,
in particular, with a vivid memory of the greatest journey a Muslim can go on.
This 10-episodes series took more than 240 hours of filming for 120 working
days. Episodes were filmed in Indonesian to be understood by Indonesians, and
were later translated into Arabic and English,” he said.
The series will
be shown on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s YouTube channel, and will be
broadcasted on several Indonesian and Saudi channels.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301626/saudi-arabia
--------
Fourth and
fifth Saudi aid planes arrive in Sudan
May 11, 2023
RIYADH: The
fourth and fifth Saudi planes carrying aid for Sudanese people arrived at Port
Sudan International Airport on Thursday carrying 10 tons of relief each.
The relief
includes food baskets, shelter materials, and medical supplies.
The aid flights
are part of a Saudi directive to provide the Sudanese people with assistance
worth $100 million.
The UN on
Thursday urged countries with influence in Africa to help end the conflict in
Sudan after reported progress in truce talks between the army and the rival
paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Clashes rocked
Halfaya, an entry point to the capital, early on Thursday as residents heard
warplanes circling over Khartoum and its adjoining sister cities of Bahri and
Omdurman, but the fighting appeared calmer than on Wednesday.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301611/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi Arabia
concludes evacuation operations in Sudan
May 12, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi
Arabia has concluded all humanitarian evacuations of its citizens and nationals
of other countries from Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.
The
evacuations, implemented by the Royal Saudi Navy and Air Force, included 8,455
people, 404 of whom are Saudi citizens, and 8,051 people from 110
nationalities.
The Kingdom also
assisted other countries in evacuating 11,184 of their citizens to the Kingdom
and then to their countries. It provided them with full care and follow-up
throughout the stages of the operation.
The Saudi
foreign ministry thanked Sudan for their cooperation in facilitating the
evacuations.
It also thanked
all countries that followed up on the affairs of their nationals who were
evacuated from Sudan, and cooperated in completing the procedures regarding
their return to their countries.
The evacuations
came under the directives and follow-up of King Salman and Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman and in response to requests the Kingdom received from many
countries.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301891/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi economy
and planning minister meets with Belgian officials
May 11, 2023
RIYADH: During
an official visit to Belgium, the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal
bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval.
They discussed
ways of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries, along with
investment opportunities, and issues of mutual concern.
Al-Ibrahim also
met the vice president and senior portfolio officer for research, development,
and innovation at IMEC, Patrick Vandenameele. They reviewed areas of
cooperation, including in nanoelectronics and digital technology.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301796/saudi-arabia
--------
Southeast
Asia
PAS President
Says,PAS Seeks To Restore Malay Leadership That Follows Islamic Principles
By Muhammad
Yusry
Friday, 12 May
2023
KUALA LUMPUR,
May 12 — PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang today said his party is willing
to cooperate with anyone so long as Malaysia is led by Malays and Muslims who
perfectly follow the tenets of Islam.
The Marang MP
claimed the Islamist party’s aim since its founding in 1951 has been unchanged,
amid shade from former ally Umno over PAS’ latest support of ex-prime minister
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s “Malay Proclamation” move to unite the country’s
largest demographic group.
“Currently, PAS
seeks to strengthen the politics of Malay Islam and we are obliged to lead the
way by providing support and cooperation to unite the Malays through Islam.
“The aim is to
restore the power of the Malay Muslim leadership with the agenda of leading the
unity of the people,” he said in his latest Facebook post titled “PAS
Bekerjasama Mengikut Islam”.
Hadi and
several other PAS leaders had signed Dr Mahathir’s “Malay Proclamation” touting
the unity and protection of the community to “restore the political power of
Malays” on May 4.
Leaders from
Bersatu including its deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, another
PAS ally from the Opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition had also
similarly signed the 12-point document, but asserted that it only showed
personal support and carried no political weight.
Yesterday, Umno
president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi took a swipe at PAS, claiming its
former Muafakat Nasional (MN) partner would abandon its PN partner eventually,
just like it had done in the past.
Ahmad Zahid
rejected PAS’ claim that Umno has put Malay unity on the backburner, saying his
party — now a member of the “unity government” under Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim from Pakatan Harapan (PH) — is still pursuing that objective,
adding that it must be compatible with the country’s diversity.
In his Facebook
post today, Hadi acknowledged that PAS has teamed up with multiple partners
over the years, including non-Muslim groups like DAP.
However, he
said PAS will now not work with “liberal” parties like PKR and Umno so long as
they are partnered with the DAP.
“DAP openly
opposes an Islamic nation and urges the establishment of secularism in the
Federal Constitution,” Hadi claimed.
DAP leaders
have repeatedly said that the party abides by the country’s laws that
recognises Islam as the religion of the federation, contrary to Hadi’s
assertion.
Hadi also
claimed that Umno has abandoned the foundation of its struggle to defend Islam,
race and country for its own self-interests such as to gain positions of power
and to grow its assets.
“PAS works with
all parties and NGOs on different approaches and fields without rejecting the
clear principles and concepts of Islam.
“In fact, PAS
also accepts non-Muslims who do not reject Islamic principles and policies to
join our supporters under our machinery, and work with all non-Muslim parties
and NGOs that are not extreme despite their ideological differences with PAS,”
said Hadi.
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/12/hadi-says-pas-seeks-to-restore-malay-leadership-that-follows-islamic-principles-wholly/68857
--------
Regent of
Perlis: Function of the mosque needs to be strengthened for benefit of ummah
12-05- 2023
KANGAR: The
function of the mosque needs to be strengthened for the betterment and
development of the ummah, says Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra
Jamalullail (pix).
The mosque, he
said, played a very important role in uniting the ummah.
“The Kariah
Committee and the mosque officials consisting of imams, bilal, siak, and area
caretakers must be committed to the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to
them, be friendly with the community living near the mosque, and try to solve
the problems raised as well as be conciliatory,“ he said at the opening
ceremony of the Al-Amin Mosque in Sempering yesterday.
Also present
were Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri
Zainul Abidin, Perlis Religious Committee chairman Muhammad Azmir Azizan and
other members of the state executive council.
Tuanku Syed
Faizuddin said the mosque was a centre for knowledge and thought development,
therefore the kariah committee and religious agencies needed to ensure that
there were a sufficient number of such programmes organised.
“The mosque should
also act as a one-stop location that was friendly to travellers, the disabled,
single mothers, children, the elderly and other groups in need.
“Besides that,
it is also a place of shelter when natural disasters such as storms and floods
occur,“ he added. –Bernama
Source: thesundaily.my
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/regent-of-perlis-function-of-the-mosque-needs-to-be-strengthened-for-benefit-of-ummah-FO10963350
---------
Perak Ruler
grants permission to selected teachers to present Friday sermon
By
Zahratulhayat Mat Arif
May 12, 2023
KAMPAR: It was
once in a lifetime experience for educators in Perak when they were given a
chance to deliver the 'khutbah' or Friday sermon, in conjunction with Teachers'
Day.
Fourteen
teachers and District Education Officers were selected after the Sultan of
Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah gave his consent for them to deliver
Friday sermon entitled "Guru Insani: Pemangkin Membangunkan Masyarakat
Bertamadun" (Model Teacher: Catalysts for Developing a Civilised Society).
Despite feeling
anxious, one of the teachers, Muhammad Anas Mohamed Salleh, 30, said it was
once in a lifetime experience when delivering the Friday sermon at the An-Nur
Mosque here today.
The Islamic
religious teacher of SJKC Pei Yuan here said he immediately accepted the offer
to do it. He always believed that only certified people could deliver the
Friday sermon, so he thought that the opportunity was an honour.
"This is
my first time delivering the Friday sermon and I am happy to be chosen by the
district education office. I know there are a lot of teachers in the district
who are more deserving of the opportunity, but I believe I am among the lucky
ones.
"I have
delivered sermons during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha in the
past, but it is a different thing when you are chosen to deliver the Friday
sermon because only those certified are allowed.
"Thank you
Sultan Nazrin for this chance and for allowing teachers to deliver Friday
sermon, in conjunction with Teachers' Day. We feel appreciated," he said
when met at the mosque here.
He said it was
not always easy to be a teacher, but he found it was rewarding when they could
shape students to explore their potential.
"As a
teacher, it is not an easy job to educate our children. But teachers will
always give their best to ensure that all the students would be 'somebody' in
the future."
Today's Friday
sermon text, which was prepared by the Perak Islamic Religious Department
(JAIPk), focused on Islam's teaching to always uphold a high standard in
knowledge and matters related to it, including those tasked to impart that
knowledge and those who seek knowledge.
"The
dignity of teachers is very noble in accordance with the high regard we must
place on knowledge.
"Teachers
not only possess knowledge and master certain fields of knowledge, but they
also possess noble qualities such as patience, diligence, concern, respect, and
the ability to delve into and understand other people's feelings or
emotions," said the text.
The sermon also
honoured teachers for being among frontliners in the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Teachers
were required to educate students in unprecedented conditions. Face-to-face
teaching and learning methods stopped and were replaced by a virtual teaching
and learning approach.
"At that
time, the teachers had no training, did not get full guidance and did not have
an opportunity to gain exposure to teaching and learning methods at home.
"However,
without giving any excuses, in a short time, they tried their best, adapting to
new demands in education," the sermon said.
Source: nst.com.my
Please
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https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/908566/perak-ruler-grants-permission-selected-teachers-present-friday-sermon
--------
Indonesia says
ASEAN credibility at stake as Myanmar crisis worsens
May 11, 2023
JAKARTA:
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Thursday that the credibility of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations is at stake, as the bloc comes under
increasing pressure over the lack of progress in ending ongoing deadly violence
in Myanmar.
ASEAN leaders
met this week for the first of their biannual summits in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa
Tenggara, with the exception of Myanmar’s junta leaders who have been barred
from attending over their lack of progress in implementing a peace plan
endorsed by the regional grouping in 2021.
More than two
years since the military junta seized power and unleashed a bloody crackdown on
opponents, violence in Myanmar has been on the rise. One of the most recent
incidents included an attack on an aid convoy comprised of Indonesian and
Singaporean diplomats.
“ASEAN’s
credibility is at stake, and Indonesia is ready to talk with anyone, including
with the junta, and all the stakeholders in Myanmar for the sake of humanity,”
Widodo told a press briefing at the summit’s conclusion.
He added that
“engagement doesn’t mean recognition.”
As ASEAN chair
this year, Indonesia said it has engaged many stakeholders in Myanmar to
discuss possible solutions, as it continues to push for dialogue and the
implementation of its peace plan, which has not been enforced since the bloc
forged it with Myanmar’s top general in April 2021.
The Five-Point
Consensus plan, also referred to as 5PC, called for an immediate end to the
violence in Myanmar and dialogue among contending parties to seek a peaceful
solution, to be brokered by an ASEAN special envoy.
“I have to be
honest, there has been no significant progress in the implementation of the
Five-Point Consensus, so we need ASEAN unity to formulate our next steps,”
Widodo told Southeast Asian leaders.
More than 3,450
people have been killed by security forces since the junta took power, and
thousands more remain imprisoned, according to the Assistance Association for
Political Prisoners, a non-governmental organization that tracks killings and
arrests.
In April, an
airstrike killed at least 100 people, who were mostly civilians and included
many children. Human Rights Watch on Tuesday described the attack as a war
crime.
“There is
disunity within ASEAN regarding on how it should actually deal with Myanmar
crisis to some extent,” Lina Alexandra, senior researcher at the Center for
Strategic and International Studies, told Arab News.
“This is a very
crucial time for Indonesia and the fact that there is no progress that means
Indonesia needs to work harder,” she said. “Indonesia (needs) to be much more
bold … and also to be more brave, particularly to discuss this further with the
other ASEAN leaders … to push for a breakthrough.”
In a review
meeting held last November, ASEAN leaders highlighted the “need for an
implementation plan that outlines concrete, practical and measurable indicators
with a specific timeline to support the Five-Point Consensus” and delegated
their foreign ministers to develop one.
“If Indonesia
chairmanship this year, you know, can really say ‘this is the implementation
plan that ASEAN has decided on how we can implement the 5PC’ — that will be a
major achievement,” Alexandra said.
Even though
Indonesia has acknowledged the lack of progress, a solution to the problem
remains to be found.
“Restating the
problem is not really solving the problem, right?” Alexandra said. “Here’s the
problem, so what’s your solution, proposed solution to that?”
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301581/world
--------
South Asia
Following the
demands of the world China Asks Kabul to Protect Women’s Rights
11-05-23
Following the
demands of the world regarding the change of the current Afghan government's
approach towards women, the ministry of foreign affairs of China asked the
Islamic Emirate to adopt "moderate and prudent" domestic and foreign
policies, and protect the rights and interests of women in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a
press conference on May 10, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin
urged the Islamic Emirate to take a firmer stance on countering terrorism.
"We also
noted that there are quite some concerns and expectations about the Afghan
interim government from the rest of the world. Specifically, it is hoped that
the Afghan side will make more progress in adopting moderate and prudent
domestic and foreign policies, and protecting the rights and interests of women
and children. It is also hoped that the Afghan side will take a firmer stance
on countering terrorism and strive for more tangible outcomes in this regard,”
Wenbin noted.
According to
Wang Wenbin, Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international
community.
“As a
traditionally friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, China always believes that
Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community, the
interests and wellbeing of the Afghan people should be given attention, the
peaceful reconstruction of the country should be encouraged, and the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan should be respected,”
Wenbin added.
However, the
Islamic Emirate said that the issue of women in Afghanistan is an internal
issue, and the current challenges will be resolved in accordance with Islamic
principles.
"There are
some issues in Afghanistan which are values or are Islamic laws, and they
should respect them. Interference in Afghanistan's affairs is not in anyone's
interest,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.
Some political
analysts believe that the continuation of bans on women creates a greater gap
between the current Afghan government and the world.
"Violating
women's rights is a violation of human rights, and this is the main point that
can isolate Afghanistan,” said Wali Frozan, a political analyst.
“We want girls
go to schools and universities based on the Islamic system not democracy, and
the prohibition of women's work should be ended,” said Shir Agha Bayanzai,
another political analyst.
Many countries
including the US have called for the lifting of bans on women in Afghanistan,
but so far girls above sixth grade are denied access to an education in the
country.
Source: tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-183318
--------
Afghans living
in Pakistan ‘concerned’ about their safety
May 12, 2023
Afghans in
Pakistan said they have been living in fear for the past two days and have
avoided going outdoors due to the unrest that gripped the country following
former president Imran Khan’s arrest on Tuesday.
Speaking to
Azadi Radio, one migrant in Pakistan, Abdul Basit, said: “Afghan immigrants who
are here do not feel safe. Their concern is that they can neither return to
their country, nor do they feel safe in Pakistan. One of the countries that
takes the files and cases of Afghan immigrants, Afghans who are in danger here,
we request that their cases be dealt with seriously as soon as possible.”
Afghans
reported having their internet services disconnected following the arrest of
Khan on Tuesday and men said they could not leave their wives and children at
home alone.
Another Afghan,
Abdul Rahman Karimi, told Radio Azadi about his family’s problems in Islamabad:
“We can’t easily go to the market to buy goods, women are facing a lot of
problems. Our children who used to be able to go to the market with women for
now, they can’t. These problems are increasing every day. On the other hand,
the problem of the internet being cut off and social networks not working,
including Facebook and WhatsApp, are problems that we immigrants in Pakistan
are facing.”
Imran Khan
supporters demonstrated across the country following his arrest on Tuesday. In
a bid to calm the situation, the Pakistan government deployed thousands of
police and military personnel around the country to contain the unrest and
blocked internet services in many areas.
But late
Thursday, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered Khan’s release, declaring his arrest
“illegal”.
“The Supreme
Court reversed all legal proceedings against Imran Khan … he has been asked to
present himself in the Islamabad High Court on Friday morning,” lawyer Babar
Awan told reporters.
Awan said the
court ruled that Khan was now under its custody and not of the anti-graft
agency, adding he would spend the night in the same police guest house as
before with permission to see up to 10 people from friends and family.
It was not immediately
clear when he would be allowed to go home.
Meanwhile, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA),
expresses deep concern and sadness regarding the recent developments in
Pakistan, which have resulted in protests accompanied by instances of violence.
Hafiz Zia Ahmad
Takal, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs IEA, stated that in
light of the current situation, the Ministry has provided necessary
instructions to its representatives to ensure the safety and security of
#Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan.
Source: ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/afghans-living-in-pakistan-concerned-about-their-safety/
--------
Afghanistan should
not be excluded from international community: China
May 11, 2023
China’s foreign
ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that Afghanistan should not be excluded
from the international community and the Afghan people’s well-being should
receive due attention.
“As a
traditional friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, we always believe that
Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community. Afghan
people’s well-being should receive due attention,” Wang Wenbin said during his
regular briefing when asked whether China would help the Afghan side gain
international recognition if the Islamic Emirate “truly delivers” on its pledge
to fight terrorism.
Wang said
Afghanistan’s reconstruction process should be encouraged, and its sovereignty
and territorial integrity should be respected.
“We also note
the world’s concerns and expectations for the interim government, including
with regard to adopting prudent and moderate policies protecting women and
children’s rights and interests and taking a firmer stance on
counter-terrorism,” he added.
Referring to
the joint statement issued at the end of last week’s 5th
China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Islamabad, he
said it reflected the consensus reached and trust for deeper cooperation in
political development and security domains.
“As you said,
this is the first multilateral document that has the participation of the
Afghan interim government. And it is also the first time that the Afghan
Taliban (IEA) made an explicit written pledge denouncing terrorism especially
the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM),” he added.
The
spokesperson termed it of great significance to the future of China-Afghanistan
relations and regional counter-terrorism and security cooperation.
He pointed out
that the fifth dialogue was the first formal dialogue among the foreign
ministers of the three countries since the Islamic Emirate’s takeover in August
2021.
”The dialogue
plays an important role in advancing good neighborly friendship and practical
cooperation among the three countries and contributes to the political
settlement of the Afghan issue and galvanize international efforts for
stability and development in Afghanistan,” he added.
Source: ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/afghanistan-should-not-be-excluded-from-international-community-china/
--------
UN Violates
Gender Equality by Adopting Taliban Policies: Freedom Now
By Nizamuddin
Rezahi
May 12, 2023
Freedom Now, a
Washington-based human rights organization said, that concerns are growing
about the United Nations’ policy to engage with the Taliban-run administration
despite the ban on its Afghan female employees.
Freedom Now has
called on the United Nations instead of accepting the Taliban’s gender-based
policies, the organization should defend the rights of its employees, who have
been barred from working for the international organization.
The
organization has said the UN’s continued operation under the Taliban
administration, which has restricted female staff from working with the world
body “violates the principle of gender equality in the UN Charter”.
Despite the ban
on women’s employment, the UN has to continue its operation in Afghanistan to
deliver life-saving aid to the millions of people who are in dire need of
humanitarian aid. Furthermore, prolonged drought, economic crisis and hunger
have put the lives of millions of people in grave danger, the UN said.
According to a
senior UN official, currently, its employees are advised to remain at home and
receive salaries. The United Nations has not yet announced its decision
regarding the fate of these employees.
Freedom Now is
a Washington-based human rights organization that protects individuals and
communities from government repression and defends human rights through direct
legal support, targeted high-leverage advocacy, and capacity-building analysis
and assistance.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-violates-gender-equality-by-adopting-taliban-policies-freedom-now/
--------
Former Minister
Of Information and Culture Surrenders To Taliban Forces
By Fidel
Rahmati
May 11, 2023
Mohammad Tahir
Zaheer, former Minister of Information and Culture, has surrendered to the
Taliban forces, sources said.
Sources
confirmed to Khaama Press that Tahir Zaheere, former Minister and governor of
Bamyan Province, surrendered to the Taliban forces on Wednesday.
According to
the report, he surrendered to the Taliban in the Dara Soof district of Samangan
province.
Sources also
said that the Taliban forces have detained, imprisoned, and tortured Zaheer’s
family members and relatives, leading to his surrender.
Last year,
Zaheer and the Taliban’s Hazara leader Mawlavi Mehdi fought with the Taliban;
however, after Mehdi’s death, he continued to fight with the Taliban.
Still, his
family has not commented on his surrender. Also, it is unclear under what
condition he surrendered to the Taliban forces.
Zaheeer was a
former governor of Bamyan province and the former Minister of Information and
Culture of the previous government.
Source: khaama.com
Please
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https://www.khaama.com/former-minister-of-information-and-culture-surrenders-to-taliban-forces/
--------
UNICEF Warns Of
Critical Funding Gap For Treatment OF Severe Acute Malnutrition in Afghanistan
By Fidel
Rahmati
May 11, 2023
UNICEF in
Afghanistan warned of a critical funding gap to provide essential medical food
for severe acute malnutrition in the country.
Thousands of
malnourished children in Afghanistan face severe consequences because of a
critical funding gap, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Melanie Galvin,
UNICEF’s Chief of Nutrition, said on the organization’s official Twitter
account on Thursday that it urgently needs additional funding to provide severe
acute malnutrition children with ready-t-use medical food (RUTF) and
life-saving treatment.
Galvin noted
that this year, 875,000 children in Afghanistan suffer from severe acute
malnutrition. Without treatment, thousands of children are life-threatening.
Severe
malnutrition can be treated with RUTF, a “highly efficient and effective”
treatment, “in as little as eight weeks,” Galvin said. However, she noted that
UNICEF lacked the $21 million necessary resources to purchase RUTF and train
health workers across Afghanistan.
This comes a
day after the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
expressed concern over running out of funding for humanitarian assistance in
the country.
With adequate
funding, humanitarian partners can reduce large-scale hunger, prevent disease
outbreaks & reduce the chances of women dying giving birth, OCHA said in a
tweet.
Meanwhile, the
organization called for timely funding to support people in need. “The price of
doing nothing has never been higher. Timely funding is needed to support people
in need,” it added.
The UN
estimates that 28 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian aid, and
the Taliban’s restrictions on women have worsened the situation.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/unicef-warns-of-critical-funding-gap-for-treatment-of-severe-acute-malnutrition-in-afghanistan/
--------
Mideast
Mosul Museum to
reopen after 20-year closure, Iraq war and Islamic State ransacking
11 May 2023
MOSUL, Iraq —
Iraqi officials on Thursday said Mosul’s once-celebrated museum had entered the
final stages of restorations ahead of a planned 2026 reopening after being
closed to the public for 20 years.
The museum
closed its doors in 2003 amid the chaos following the US-led invasion of Iraq,
and was later ransacked by Islamic State group jihadists after they seized the
city in 2014.
“We are
celebrating today, in the city of two springs, the launch of the Mosul Museum’s
rehabilitation project,” the director of Iraq’s antiquities authority, Laith
Majid, said at a press conference.
“This museum,
an icon of museums in Iraq, was targeted by a blind barbarian assault,” Majid
said, referring to the destruction by IS.
The jihadists
used sledgehammers and power tools to deface ancient statues and pre-Islamic
treasures housed in the museum, releasing an infamous video showing the
destruction in 2015.
“Part of this
cavity will be preserved, as a witness throughout history to what has been
perpetrated,” said Khair al-Din Ahmed Nasser, head of antiquities in Nineveh
province, of which Mosul is the capital.
A new display
was inaugurated, showcasing the museum’s history, collection and current
restoration plans, as part of efforts supported by France’s Louvre Museum, the
Smithsonian Institute and the World Monument Fund.
It comes within
the “second and final phase” of the “total reconstruction and rehabilitation of
the museum building” and should be completed within two or three years, said
Nasser.
Among the
pieces defaced by IS and under restoration at the museum are treasures from the
ancient Assyrian site of Nimrud, including a winged lion, two imposing
“lamassu” — winged bulls with human heads — and the throne base of the ninth
century BC King Ashurnasirpal II.
“Out of five
works, there are three that are extremely advanced,” said Barbara Couturaud
from the Louvre. The artifacts are being revived with financing from the
International Alliance for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Conflict
Areas (ALIPH).
“The pieces
have been identified… now they have to be assembled. These are sculptures that
weigh several tonnes, requiring extremely complicated handling,” she said,
adding she hoped they would be ready for the planned full reopening in summer
2026.
Source: timesofisrael.com
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/mosul-museum-to-reopen-after-20-year-closure-iraq-war-and-islamic-state-ransacking/
--------
Israel Kills
Islamic Jihad Rocket Chief in Gaza, Fourth Senior Commander Dead in Three Days
12.05.23
Israeli air
strikes killed the head of Islamic Jihad's rocket force in Gaza early on
Thursday, part of an operation that has killed 25 people including women and
children this week and that has been met with hundreds of rockets fired from
the enclave.
Egypt was set
to host senior Islamic Jihad official Mohammad al-Hindi in Cairo as part of
mediation efforts to end the fighting, two Islamic Jihad officials and a
foreign diplomat told Reuters.
Ali Ghali was
the fourth senior Islamic Jihad commander killed since Israel began striking
Gaza in pre-dawn raids on Tuesday. The death toll in the raids includes at
least five women and five children.
The military
said Ghali had helped oversee the launch of rocket fire towards Israel over
recent days as well as in previous rounds of fighting. Islamic Jihad is an
Iranian-backed militant group allied with Hamas, which rules the enclave.
Air raid sirens
sounded in areas of southern Israel around the Gaza Strip, and Reuters images
showed rockets intercepted by Israeli air defences in the night sky. Israeli
jets hit targets including a mortar post in the northern part of the enclave.
The Israeli
military said it has attacked 158 targets in Gaza while at least 523 rockets
were launched towards Israel this week, and 380 crossed into Israel but air
defences intercepted 96 per cent of those that threatened to hit targets.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihad-rocket-chief/cid/1936176
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Israel Strikes
on Gaza Kill 25 People Including Children: Palestinian Health Ministry
May 12, 2023
The death toll
from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 25, the Palestinian
Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Another 76
Palestinians have been injured in the air attacks, according to the ministry.
Early on
Thursday, the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad group,
confirmed the death of its rocket launch unit commander Ali Hassan Ghali.
Ghali, who was
also a member of the group’s military council, is the fourth Islamic Jihad
leader killed in the recent wave of Israeli airstrikes, Anadolu news agency
reported.
Wives and
children of Islamic Jihad leaders have also been killed in the attacks.
The Israeli
army has said the airstrikes are part of its Operation Shield and Arrow, an
offensive launched after rockets were fired from Gaza following the death of a
Palestinian inmate who was on a hunger strike in an Israeli prison.
Palestinian
factions also fired a barrage of rockets at Israel on Wednesday, read the
report.
According to
Palestinian figures, at least 130 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli
forces since the start of this year. At least 19 Israelis have also been killed
in separate attacks during the same period, Anadolu reported.
Source: ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/israel-strikes-on-gaza-kill-25-people-including-children/
--------
Islamic State
claims Damascus car bomb as Assad invited to Saudi
May 10, 2023
The Islamic
State (ISIS) group claimed responsibility for a car bombing on a police station
in Syria’s capital Damascus on Wednesday, killing one and injuring several
others. The explosion came as Arab countries sped up normalization efforts with
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who received on Wednesday a formal invitation
to attend the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia on May 19.
One officer was
killed while four other police were injured when a car exploded at the Barzeh
Police Station in the city. The officer was later identified as Muhannad Fendi
Jadallah, who worked in the police’s salaries division, the official SANA news
outlet reported.
The UK-based
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an officer from the state
security forces was killed and seven others were severely injured.
IS later
claimed credit for the attack on its Telegram channels. The Syrian Observatory
for Human Rights also reported the IS claim.
Background:
Security in government territory in Syria is much better than it was earlier on
in the civil war. Damascus has been relatively free from the civil war for
years.
There are still
attacks against government forces, however. In April, 17 members of the
pro-government National Defense Forces along with 19 civilians were killed by
the Islamic State in central Syria while picking truffles. The group still
carries out attacks in Syria’s central and eastern desert areas.
Israel is also
suspected of regularly carrying out strikes on Syrian and Iranian military
targets in Damascus, Aleppo and other parts of the country. Most recently, a
Syrian soldier was killed by an Israeli missile attack at the Aleppo airport.
Know more: Arab
countries are rapidly normalizing relations with Syria after years of President
Bashar al-Assad's government being isolated. On Sunday, Syria was readmitted to
the Arab League. Saudi Arabia formally resumed relations with Syria on Tuesday.
Assad's formal
invite to the upcoming Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia, marks a shift in
Riyadh's relations with Damascus. The two also resumed full diplomatic ties
following more than a decade of severed relations. The Syrian presidency has
not confirmed if Assad will attend the summit but he is expected to do so.
Editor's note:
this article was updated on May 11, 2023 to include information of the Islamic
State claiming credit for the Damascus police station bombing.
Source: al-monitor.com
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https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/05/islamic-state-claims-damascus-car-bomb-assad-invited-saudi
--------
HRH Prince
Salman Lauds Bahrain’s Global Standings, Commitment To Islamic Values
MAY 12, 2023
His Royal
Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday thanked the visionary
leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for Bahrain continuing
to uphold its strong global standings.
In this regard,
His Royal Highness commended Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to protecting the
Islamic religion and its fundamental values in line with the National Action
Charter and the Constitution. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister was speaking
during a meeting with Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, the Parliament Speaker and
Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, the Chairman of the Shura Council, at Riffa palace. HRH
CP, PM further noted the deep-rooted cooperation between the Executive and
Legislative Authorities and emphasised the importance of continuing to
implement plans, initiatives, and strategies to further economic progress and
development. The current and forthcoming
development phase requires Team Bahrain’s comprehensive efforts to implement
the 2023- 2026 Government Programme, said Prince Salman. For their part,
Al-Musallam and Al Saleh thanked HRH’s commitment to fostering cooperation
between the Executive and Legislative Authorities to ensure progress and
prosperity for the Kingdom and its citizens.
The Deputy
Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh
Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Minister of Finance and
National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, were present.
Source: newsofbahrain.com
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https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/90134.html
--------
Organization of
Islamic Cooperation strongly condemns continuation of Israeli military
aggression against Gaza
JEDDAH,
Thursday, May 11, 2023 (WAFA) - The General Secretariat of the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC), strongly condemned the continuation of the Israeli
military aggression against the Gaza Strip, which has killed treacherously 25
martyrs and wounded 76 Palestinian citizens, in addition to the destruction of
several residential buildings during the past two days.
OIC in a
statement considered this barbaric military aggression a heinous crime and a
flagrant violation of the international law and international humanitarian law.
The OIC held
Israel, the occupying power, fully responsible for the consequences of the
continuation and escalation of its aggression and the war crimes it is
committing against the Palestinian people, which constitute a threat to
security, peace, and stability in the entire region.
It called the
International Criminal Court to accelerate its procedures to prosecute those
responsible for war crimes. It also renewed its call on the international
community to shoulder its responsibilities and intervene urgently to stop this
continuous Israeli aggression, provide international protection for the
Palestinian people, and compel Israel to respect its obligations under
international law.
Source: english.wafa.ps
Please
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https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/135746
--------
Islamic Jihad
group links cease-fire with end to Israeli assassination policy
Nour Abu
Eisha
11.05.2023
GAZA CITY,
Palestine
The Palestinian
Islamic Jihad group demanded on Thursday that Israel end its assassination
policy in order to establish a cease-fire.
Speaking to
Anadolu, the group's spokesman Dawood Shihab said no progress has yet been
achieved on a cease-fire between the Palestinian groups in Gaza and Israel.
“The Egyptian
side is continuing efforts with the Palestinian groups to reach a cease-fire in
Gaza,” Shihab said.
He added that
senior Islamic Jihad leader Mohammed Al-Hindi is set to arrive in Cairo to
discuss the developments and stop Israeli "aggression on Gaza."
On Wednesday, a
Palestinian source said that Egyptian efforts to broker a cease-fire between
Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza have stalled.
“The truce
talks have stalled as factions insist on obligating Israel to halt its
assassination policy,” the source told Anadolu on condition of anonymity
because he was unauthorized to speak to the media.
At least 25
Palestinians were killed and 76 injured in the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza
Strip since Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Three senior
military commanders of the Islamic Jihad group, their wives, and children were
among those killed in the attacks.
Palestinian
factions fired a barrage of rockets Wednesday into Israel amid tensions
following Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
*Writing by
Ahmed Asmar in Ankara
Source: aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/islamic-jihad-group-links-cease-fire-with-end-to-israeli-assassination-policy/2894931
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New Zealand
New Zealand
Loses Top Spot As Most 'Islamic Country in the World'; Muslim Community Leaders
Say They Are Not Surprised
May 12 2023
In just three
years, New Zealand has slipped from being the “most Islamic country in the
world”, and Muslim community leaders say they are not surprised.
In the 2019
Islamicity Index, Aotearoa was ranked first overall, followed by Sweden,
Iceland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark and Ireland.
But the latest
Islamicity rankings – 2022 reveal we have fallen behind those six nations, plus
Norway and Finland, with Denmark taking out the top spot.
New Zealand
ranks 9th overall – 13th from 3rd in 2021 in terms of its economy, 11th (3) for
legal and governance, 5th (7) for human and political rights, and 9th (7) for
international relations.
Aliya
Danzeisen, of the Islamic Women’s Council, was not surprised New Zealand had
dropped from the highest ranking.
Danzeisen said
although there are good models of Islamic finance out there, New Zealand hasn't
seized the opportunity to explore them, likely contributing to the decrease in
the economy category.
That was
unfortunate as it was a time for stable options, she said.
“New Zealand
fell greatly in the economic portfolio, which is likely due to the Government's
inability to adapt to new and more innovative funding options.
“For example,
the Muslim community does not utilise interest as it is considered
inappropriate to do so. Instead, it is recommended in Islam that one takes on
business partnerships and collaborative funding initiatives to progress the
community and investors simultaneously.
“Despite
several encouragements to look for alternate funding options to support the
growing Muslim community and have Islamic finance that meets the compliance of
partnerships, New Zealand hasn't stepped into that space.
“In contrast,
other countries such as the UK and Australia now have Islamic funding and
financing options.”
Danzeisen said
the fall in both the legal/governance and human rights categories only pointed
to the public service's inability, particularly the Ministry of Justice's
inability, to draft inclusive legislation to address hate.
She said New
Zealand is one of the few OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development) countries that does not protect religion as a category.
Similarly, the
Government has been unwilling or unable to modify legislation to include
religion, despite its vulnerability and need for protection, she said.
“We have no
funding allocated and no timeline to get the legislation on the table.
“Given the new
global awareness that religion is not a fully protected category of human
rights in this country, it may have also contributed to New Zealand's fall in
the rankings.
“The rise in
hate and the targeting of vulnerable communities, and the New Zealand
Government's inability to address that increase and prevent the spread of hate,
likely would have had an impact. The index also calculates the societal
wellbeing of the community,” Danzeisen said.
The index also
revealed that while there were ups and downs in the performance of individual
countries from 2021, the broad pattern had not changed even from 2000.
“The
best-performing Muslim countries continue to be Malaysia, the UAE, Albania and
Qatar while Turkey has deteriorated significantly.
“Muslim-majority
countries performed badly – they do not follow and practise the important
teachings of Islam to build flourishing institutions in support of justice,
freedom, equality, sound economic management and rulers answerable to the
people,” the index stated.
Abdur Razzaq,
of the Federation of Islamic Associations, was surprised at the safety and
security indicators.
Razzaq, who
chairs the FIANZ Royal Commission, said while NZ has yet to establish a
national security policy, “this is a priority of the DPMC [Department of the
Prime Minister and Cabinet].
“We score quite
low in this compared to many of the EU countries. We have done a U-turn on the
hate speech legislation for certain vulnerable communities,” he said.
“On the
positive side, under social capital such as people trusting, respecting and
helping one another, we rank No 2 after Denmark.
“I think it is
not that NZ has lowered its ranking but that the EU, as an economic bloc, has
improved in a number of indicators, particularly economic and governance
areas,” Razzaq said.
Danzeisen said
she didn’t think the 2019 Christchurch terror attacks had anything to do with
New Zealand’s ranking “because there have been two indexes since that time,
including one that came out shortly after the attacks.
“However, the
response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry and the processing of its findings
likely would have had an impact on this.
“A couple of
examples are the findings that the New Zealand Government was almost solely
focusing on the Muslim community when there were far greater risks inside the
borders that they failed to identify.
“The role that
counter-terrorism played and the actions taken up to the attacks probably did
have an impact on the ranking,” Danzeisen said.
Razzaq said the
impact of the attacks on March 15, 2019 “took a while to filter through, even
though we were ranked No1 in 2021”.
Out of the 150
nations highlighted, Australia is ranked 14th (11th in 2021) while Papua New
Guinea ranked 108th (101).
Source: stuff.co.nz
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/132019153/new-zealand-loses-top-spot-as-most-islamic-country-in-the-world
--------
Pakistan
Islamabad High Court
Resumes Hearing on Imran’s Bail Plea in Al-Qadir Trust Case
May 12, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad
High Court (IHC) resumed hearing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran
Khan's bail plea in the Al-Qadir Trust case after a break in proceedings.
IHC CJ Aamer
Farooq constituted a two-member bench - comprising Justice Miangul Hasan
Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz - to hear Imran's bail plea in the
case.
As the hearing
commenced today, a lawyer stood up and chanted slogans in favour of the ousted
premier. Expressing its displeasure, the division bench said there should be
complete silence, with Justice Miangul warning that the case will not be heard
if such acts continue.
The court then
took a break for Friday prayers.
As the hearing
resumed, Imran stood up and requested everyone to listen to the proceedings
quietly, alleging that and individual "had been planted" to disrupt
the proceedings earlier.
Reacting to his
remark, Advocate General Islamabad Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon raised an objection
and questioned why the PTI chief was levelling allegations.
"Jadoon
sb, I am sorry but I did not say anything about you," replied Imran.
Khwaja Haris,
representing the PTI chief, came to the rostrum and stated that Imran had
written to the accountability watchdog for a copy of the inquiry in the
Al-Qadir Trust case. "We came to know through the media that the inquiry
has been converted into an investigation," Haris maintained.
The lawyer
added that the manner in which the inquiry was converted into an investigation,
the aim was to "arrest Imran immediately".
Haris furthered
that NAB can convert an inquiry into an investigation only if there is
sufficient evidence.
"A notice
was sent to me on March 2 to which I replied," he said, adding that in his
reply, he informed NAB that the notice was not sent as per the requirements of
the NAB Ordinance.
'Looks as if
martial law is in place'
During recess,
Imran spoke to media to the media again and said "this is my country, my
people, be peaceful". He assured that he has obtained bail "in all
cases" and cannot be arrested.
The former
prime minister further stated that he has full confidence in the chief justice
of Pakistan. Recalling his arrest earlier this week, the PTI chief said he was
assaulted with a baton but maintained that NAB's "behaviour was fine"
during his detention.
"I had
warned of a reaction," said Imran referring to his arrest. "How can
be held responsible if I was under arrest."
Elaborating on
his arrest, the PTI chief said he was inside the premises of the IHC when he
was arrested and "they had no justification" for the act.
Imran
maintained that he was "abducted" and was shown the warrant for his
arrest while in custody. "This is the law of the jungle."
"It looks
as if martial law has been declared," said the former premier.
Prior to the
start of the hearing, the PTI chief stated that he can be arrested again,
adding that he was allowed to talk to his wife Bushra Bibi.
When asked for
confirmation that he had reached a 'deal', Imran smiled but stayed silent
The former
premier reached the IHC amid tight security. On his arrival, a large number of
lawyers gathered outside the IHC premises and raised slogans in support of the
PTI chief.
The hearing in
Courtroom No. 1 commenced after the premises were checked by the Bomb Disposal
Squad (BDS) and cleared by security officials.
Imran's
counsel, Babar Awan, talking with the media outside the IHC and said that the
PTI chief's "life is in danger".
He maintained
that there are certain people who fear that if Imran is released, their jobs
will be at risk. "That is why Punjab Police has come from Lahore," he
added.
PTI urges
supporters to reach Islamabad
PTI leader
Hammad Azhar released a short video on Twitter and urged the party's supporters
to reach Islamabad.
"Everyone
should reach Islamabad and safeguard themselves from illegal arrests,"
said the PTI leader and added that Friday prayers will be offered in the
federal capital.
Prior to her
arrest today, party leader and former health minister of Punjab Dr Yasmin
Rashid also posted a video on Twitter urging PTI workers to reach Islamabad.
“I also want to
pay tribute to our peaceful workers who stood strong in the face of aggressors
who infiltrated the protests,” she added.
However, after
the ousted premier reached the court premises, the Islamabad police again
requested the people to cooperate with the law enforcers and stated that
"Imran Khan has reached IHC and orders of the Supreme Court were
followed".
High security
in the capital
Extraordinary
security arrangements were witnessed in the capital ahead of Imran's appearance
at the high court at 11 am.
According to
reports, police and Frontier Corps (FC) troops are deployed outside the IHC.
Containers have been placed near police lines on the Srinagar Highway and a
heavy contingent of police and Rangers officials has been deployed under the
Faizabad Bridge, Srinagar Highway and Police Lines.
Military
vehicles were also seen patrolling in Islamabad ahead of the hearing. Moreover,
it was reported that no unrelated person will be allowed to enter the high
court for the hearing of the high-profile case.
Meanwhile, the
Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICT) reminded the citizens that Section 144
is still in force in the capital, requesting the public not to obstruct the
legal process.
"Citizens
are requested to avoid moving in the area of the IHC", the statement
added.
As PTI workers
gathered in solidarity with the party chief, ICT police said that the Srinagar
Highway has been closed to traffic, requesting citizens to take alternative
routes.
A day earlier,
the top court came to the rescue of the PTI chief as it declared his arrest by
the country's top graft-buster from the premises of the IHC illegal and
directed the immediate release of the former prime minister.
“The petitioner
is directed to be produced before the IHC tomorrow—May 12— at 11:00 am for
hearing of his writ petition filed to challenge the NAB action against him in
the Al-Qadir Trust Case,” said the SC.
The apex court
also said the NAB authorities and the Islamabad police shall ensure foolproof
security to the petitioner until his production in the IHC.
Dozens of
troops of paramilitary Rangers on May 9 broke into an office of the IHC and
whisked Imran away in an armoured vehicle in a whirlwind raid while executing
the arrest warrant issued against the former premier by the National
Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
IHC Chief
Justice Aamer Farooq later in the same day issued contempt notices to the
secretary interior and Islamabad Inspector general police (IGP) over the manner
in which the arrest had been carried out but termed the arrest legal.
While violent
protests erupted across the country after the development—protests that
involved attacks on security personnel and arson of military and civil
properties, the PTI on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court against Imran’s
arrest.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2416369/ihc-resumes-hearing-on-imrans-bail-plea-in-al-qadir-trust-case-1
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Frontier Corps
Muslim Bagh Camp Attacked By Terrorists InBalochistan: ISPR
May 12, 2023
A group of
terrorists attacked a security facility in Balochistan on Friday and an
operation to capture the culprits was currently ongoing, the military's media
wing reported.
The
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed that a Frontier Corps (FC) Camp
in Muslim Bagh area in Northern Balochistan was attacked In the early hours of
Friday morning.
"Commander
12 Corps is supervising the security forces operations being conducted at
Muslim Bagh area in Balochistan where the terrorists have been cornered into a
building complex," the military sources said. adding that at least two of
them have already been killed.
"The
security forces continue to maintain pressure on the terrorists," the
statement added, saying that a "heavy exchange of fire is underway.
"In the
process of clearance operation, two soldiers have embraced shahadat (martyrdom)
while another three are injured."
Two weeks ago,
seven terrorists were killed as security forces gallantly fought off three
assaults within a short span of time in the night between April 28 and 29 in
Lakki Marwat, the ISPR said.
Three soldiers
were also martyred in fierce exchange of fire during the encounters with
terrorists in Lakki Marwat town and the general area of Amir Kalam and Tajbi
Khel.
During his
maiden press conference, on April 25, as director general of the ISPR, Maj-Gen
Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had revealed that a total of 8,269 intelligence-based
operations (IBOs) had been conducted since January as a result of which 1,535
terrorists had been killed or apprehended.
Of these, 4,040
IBOs were conducted in Balochistan, another 3,591 in K-P, 119 in Punjab and 519
operations were conducted in Sindh. On average, over 70 IBOs were being
conducted daily by the army, police and LEAs since January, he continued.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2416394/fcs-muslim-bagh-camp-attacked-by-terrorists-in-balochistan-ispr
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Islamic Finance
enters the Russian market
May 12, 2023
A new market
may open up for the Islamic world. The first debit card and bank branch under
Shariah rules appeared in Russia. So far as an experiment. But in the near
future, the large-scale introduction and development of Islamic finance
mechanisms in Russia is possible.
This topic will
be one of the main at the XIV International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic
World: Kazan Forum 2023. The forum will be held on May 18-19, in the Russian
city of Kazan with the participation of representatives from 77 countries.
Experts note
the growing interest in Islamic finance and responsible investing in Russia,
where more than 20 million Muslims live. Kazan Forum provides strategic support
to the largest Russian and foreign corporations in the development of Islamic
finance mechanisms. Thus, based on the results of expert discussions at Kazan
Forum 2022, in Russia, it was decided to launch a pilot and legal regulation of
the mechanism of partnership finance in certain regions.
The relevant
bill was submitted to the Parliament of the country, which was supported by the
Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Russia. As a result, Ak Bars Bank
for the first time in Russia has presented an Islamic debit card based on the
“Mir” payment system. Russia’s leading bank Sber has opened an office of
partner Islamic finance in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan,
with the possibility of obtaining an Islamic mortgage. This is the first bank
branch in Russia, designed according to all Shariah rules.
Based on
Russian and foreign experience, the participants of KazanForum 2023 (including
representatives of Parliament, the government, and the Central Bank of Russia)
will discuss the prospects of expanding the pilot project to other regions of
the country with a full-scale legal regulation of this type of business.
Representatives of government agencies and the expert community of the Organization
of Islamic Cooperation will speak at the sessions. They will consider adapting
the experience of Islamic countries in developing the market of Islamic
finance.
A series of
events on the track «Islamic finance» will be attended by representatives of
Islamic business and banking, interested in the development of partnership
projects in Russia. For entrepreneurs, KazanForum 2023 will be a good
opportunity to find trading, financial and technological partners, enter into
new markets and attract investments.
Experts will
also discuss financial technologies, trends and features of Islamic finance,
the development of the digital financial assets market; the organization of
courses in Islamic finance. Their educational programs will be presented by the
Russian bank «Sber» together with the Accounting and Auditing Organization for
Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), which defines the standards of Islamic
finance operations for Muslim financial institutions around the world.
Also, within
the track “Islamic finance” at KazanForum 2023 there will be business
interactive games, developed by experts in economics and specialists from the
Russian Islamic Institute. Participants will be able to obtain and demonstrate
practical experience in business, investment, and financial literacy in
accordance with Islamic values. Winners and runners-up at the end of the
tournament will receive gifts.
Source: pakobserver.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://pakobserver.net/islamic-finance-enters-the-russian-market/
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Bank Alfalah
Islamic offers young Islamic professionals internships
May 12, 2023
Bank Alfalah
Islamic becomes the first bank in the industry to offer internships in
partnership with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) under their initiative titled
“Young Islamic Banking Professionals Program (Y-IBP).”
Young Islamic
Banking Professionals (Y-IBP) Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative taken
by the State Bank of Pakistan to link academia with the industry to amplify the
influx of quality professionals.
Under the
program, SBP has joined hands with Islamic banking institutions and various
universities across Pakistan to create awareness on Islamic Banking
fundamentals and choose potential candidates to transform them into quality
professionals through internships and Islamic banking certifications by the
National Institute of Banking & Finance.
Bank Alfalah
Islamic has taken the lead in offering internships to the students of Iqra
University under Y-IBP.
In this regard,
an event was held at Bank Alfalah Islamic Learning Centre Karachi, which was
attended by several senior officials from SBP and Bank Alfalah, including Mr.
Abdul Basir Khan (Additional Director Islamic Finance Development Department,
SBP), Mr. Imran Ahmad (Additional Director Development Finance Support
Department, SBP), Mr. Shoaib Siddiqui (Head Talent Acquisition, Bank Alfalah),
Mr. Ahsan Raza Mankee (Head of Learning & Development Bank Alfalah), Mr.
Salman Ghaffar (Head of Product and Sales Management Bank Alfalah-Islamic
Banking Group) and Mr. Muhammad Rizwanullah (Lecturer, Iqra University).
The Y-IBP
program is open to young individuals who are in the process of completing their
education and are seeking to develop their careers in the Islamic banking
sector.
Through this
program, participants will gain exposure to various aspects of Islamic banking,
including Shariah-compliant products, services, and operations.
Participants
will also have the opportunity to work with experienced professionals in the
Islamic banking sector, enabling them to develop the skills and knowledge
necessary to succeed in the industry.
Mr. Imran
Ahmad, Additional Director Development Finance Support Department at the State
Bank of Pakistan BSC, commented on the program, saying, “The State Bank of
Pakistan is pleased to achieve another millstone under Y-IBP. We are happy that
Bank Alfalah Islamic has taken the lead in offering an internship program to
one of the batches selected by SBP under Y-IBP.”
Dr. Muhammad
Imran, Group Head Islamic Banking at Bank Alfalah, said, “Bank Alfalah Islamic
is dedicated to spearheading the advancement of the Islamic banking sector in
Pakistan. With the introduction of the Y-IBP program by SBP, the Bank is
committed to nurturing young talent and fostering a pipeline of skilled
professionals who are passionate about Islamic banking.”
Bank Alfalah
Islamic is committed to playing a leading role in developing the Islamic
banking sector in Pakistan.
With the launch
of the Y-IBP program by SBP, the Bank aims to support the sector’s growth by
developing young talent and creating a pipeline of professionals passionate
about Islamic banking.—Agencies
Source: pakobserver.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://pakobserver.net/bank-alfalah-islamic-offers-young-islamic-professionals-internships/
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ICIEC honoured
with GTR leaders in trade award for Islamic Finance in trade
May 12, 2023
The Islamic
Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the insurance
arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is proud to announce that it
is the recipient of the prestigious Global Trade Review (GTR) Leaders in Trade
Award for Islamic Finance in Trade. This esteemed accolade was presented to
ICIEC during the GTR Saudi Arabia awards ceremony on May 9, 2023.
The GTR Leaders
in Trade Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and growth in the trade,
commodity, supply chain, and export finance markets, with a specific emphasis
on Islamic finance. This award underscores ICIEC’s unwavering commitment to
supporting and promoting trade within the Islamic world, fostering economic
development, and driving sustainable growth.
ICIEC CEO, Mr.
Oussama Kaissi, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating, “It is
with immense pleasure that we receive the GTR Leaders in Trade Award for
Islamic Finance in Trade. This award serves as recognition for ICIEC’s
dedication to providing our member states with comprehensive, world-class
Islamic insurance and risk management services. We remain committed to driving
transformative change in the sector, and we thank GTR for acknowledging our
efforts in championing Islamic finance in trade.”
Since its
establishment, ICIEC has been actively involved in its member states’ economic
growth and development by offering Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance
solutions, reducing trade and investment risks, and promoting the expansion of
trade within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries. The GTR Leaders
in Trade Award cements ICIEC’s position as a leader and pioneer in the Islamic
finance industry.—Zawya News
Source: pakobserver.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://pakobserver.net/iciec-honoured-with-gtr-leaders-in-trade-award-for-islamic-finance-in-trade/
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Africa
Algeria says
army officer killed in clash with Islamists
11 May, 2023
An Algerian
army officer has been killed in a clash with suspected Islamists during an
operation southwest of the capital, the defence ministry said on Thursday.
The captain
died Wednesday during the operation to capture "a group of
terrorists" in the wooded region of Tissemsilt, a ministry statement said.
Four jihadists
were arrested, the statement added.
Algerian
authorities use the term "terrorist" to describe armed Islamist
militants who have been active in the country since the early 1990s.
Between 1992
and 2002, a civil war pitting the army against multiple jihadist groups killed
an estimated 200,000 people.
A 2005 Charter
for Peace and Reconciliation was supposed to have turned the page on the
conflict, but jihadist groups continue to carry out sporadic attacks.
In January, the
defence ministry announced that 39 "terrorists" had been
"eliminated" during targeted army operations in 2022.
Source: newarab.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.newarab.com/news/algeria-says-army-officer-killed-clash-islamists
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Federal Road
Safety commander wants Islamic law to try traffic offenders
11 May 2023
The Sector
Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bauchi State, Mr Yusuf Abdullahi
has clamoured for application of Sharia Law to prosecute traffic offenders to
stem road crashes in the country.
He made the
call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in
Bauchi.
According to
him, the extant laws guiding road crashes are not stiff enough, hence, the need
for introduction of the Sharia Law into traffic rules.
Abdullahi said
the measure would instil discipline, encourage respect for traffic rules and
promote safe road habit among motorists.
He said that it
would also curtail spate of urgly scenes on the road occasioned by reckless
driving.
“Let us
introduce Sharia Law into road crashes and people will wake up. Our people are
too careless, and the vehicle owners don’t bother to check them.
“If we don’t
introduce Sharia Law, many road users, especially in this area would not start
thinking twice before doing whatever they want to do.
“The
introduction of Sharia Law will curtail bad behaviour, as most of the crashes
are due to negative attitude by motorists and other road users.
“People don’t
want to take a rest, they over speed because they want to make money.
“If the law is
introduced, by the time you are involved in a crash, it would be investigated,
the guilty and his family would also be responsible for anything that happens
in that vehicle.
“In a situation
where the driver lost his life to a crash, if found guilty, the owner of the
vehicle would also be held responsible as it would be revealed that he didn’t
do his homework before giving out the vehicle.
“The extant law
is working, however, the extent to which it works is very important because in
countries where Sharia Law is being implemented, it guides attitudinal conduct
to a level that even relatives and friends guide their relations in terms of
what to do or not do,” he said.
According to
him, the offender is not left alone to bear the penalty, as the Sharia Law
equally brings in the family members.
“If stiffer
penalties are being attached to road traffic crash offenders, it will go a long
way to help us stem all drivers and other road users and make them drive
carefully to avoid crashes”.
He noted that
the conventional law did not appeal to attitude nor did it take care of
conducts to the final end, rather it only looked at the immediate happening
while the Sharia law looked deeper into the final happening.
He said, “the
Sharia law will be better. If you look at the countries where it is being
practiced, it is everybody’s business because your relations and friends know
that it can not be compromised”.
Source: guardian.ng
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://guardian.ng/news/frsc-commander-wants-islamic-law-to-try-traffic-offenders/
--------
Zukuka Finance
deploys Islamic banking principles to save borrowers
May 12, 2023
A quick scan
through the newspapers will show you how many people are losing their
businesses to financial services providers for failure to service a loan.
Financial
services providers usually don’t care if the applicant made a profit or a loss
on the money borrowed; they just want their money back plus the interest
accrued. If you fail, they will advertise and sell the collateral.
It is this
unfortunate reality that partly inspired Farid Gava Kakande and four others to
start Zukuka Traders Limited, a digital saving and loan product based on the
Islamic banking system.
“We have two
fundamentals in Islam that drive finances; profit and loss sharing – this is
mainly for businesses…We share the profit and loss as long as the loss is not
bound to the clients. We consider the loss as natural. The second principle is
interest-free loans. At Zukuka, we give loans without expecting any interest.
If you take Shs 500,000, we expect the same amount on return,” said Kakande,
Zukuka CEO.
On the
technology side, Zukuka came to solve the problem of manual processes within
Saccos because everything is digitized. Members can join using their Zukuka
mobile app, website, and social media handles. In the two years of operation,
Zukuka has attracted more than 800 clients saving daily, weekly, or monthly
depending on their earnings.
“We try our
best to reach about 75 million monthly in savings. For credit facilities, we
give an average of 10 members monthly and expect a payback of 65 per cent in
loans,” he says.
He adds that
the Zukuka mobile app allows users to track transactions in real-time. Clients
can also carry out deposits on their Zukuka accounts via mobile money.
Meanwhile, Hassan Kawooya, one of the Zukuka members says it is the principle
of zero interest that has impressed him most.
“I joined
Zukuka Finance two years ago, but I am very happy with it because of the
reliable and efficient service. Our savings are safe and when you need a loan,
it comes with no interest. We just have to share profits, if any,” he says,
noting that even countries like Uganda are struggling to finance national
budgets because of the high interest they have to pay to their creditors.
40 Days 40
FinTechs
Zukuka Finance
is a fully registered Sacco under the ministry of Trade, Industry, and
Cooperatives and regulated by the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority.
However, Kakande says people’s uptake of digital innovations is still a
stumbling block in Uganda.
“People are
illiterate about these technologies. We are doing our best to carry out
training for our members. People also think technology involves a lot of fraud.
For us, when a customer wants to withdraw money, we always request for a
[secret] code to avoid fraud and embezzlement of funds,” he says.
He further
appreciates initiatives such as 40 Days 40 FinTechs that are shining a light on
emerging players in the FinTech space which is one way of building confidence
among end-users.
“This
initiative has helped giant companies to interact with SMEs. This has helped to
build a relationship in business which eventually leads to economic growth,” he
says.
Now in its
fourth season, HiPipo’s 40 Days 40 FinTechs initiative has become a household
name in the financial technology space of the East African region. In the last
three editions, more than 100 fintechs have been showcased, highlighting
stories changing people’s lives, especially in the under-served sectors.
“This season we
are happy to show the impact stories of these innovations. The likes of Zukuka
are facilitating financial inclusion because we believe that in order to create
real change, the cost of credit should be reduced significantly. And that is
what Zukuka has done through their implementation of Shariah-compliant finance
principles,” noted Innocent Kawooya, CEO of HiPipo.
Source: observer.ug
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.observer.ug/businessnews/77746-zukuka-finance-deploys-islamic-banking-principles-to-save-borrowers
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AlQalam
University remains Islamic, liberal, says VC
May 11, 2023
Aprivately-owned
university in Katsina State, Al-Qalam University, has said that in in spite of
being an Islamic institution, it still remain liberal in its admission policy.
It said it is
open to teaching staff and students irrespective of ethnic and religious
background.
The varsity’s
Vice Chancellor, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri who made the clarifications in a
chat with a select group of journalists in Katsina, said the varsity does not
discriminate.
He said the
institution will not hinder the practice of other religions.
He said the
varsity has not had conflicts arising from religious practices
He said: “Our
University is an Islamic university though with liberal attitude to other
religions. It is true, we are an Islamic University. We, nonetheless, allow
other religions. We don’t stultify practice of other religions. We have not had
issues concerning religion since our establishment.
“What we do and
enforce here is the promotion of moral values, decency and good character. We
ensure that our students embrace good moral values and shun anti-society
behavior.
“If you go
round our campus, you see that we place posters in strategic places, reminding
students on the institution’s stand against anti-society behavior.
“I also
cultivate the habit of meeting the students’ body and enlighten them on the
need to ensure good community relations where they stay. I encourage them to
embark on affordable social responsibility such as cleaning their communities,
once in a while; and the empowerment of some of the needy in their communities,
etc.
“Since
students’ welfare is also key, we have embarked on some developments to
encourage the students. We recently acquired two coastal buses that would be
carrying the students. I have also directed that the Handball field; the
Volleyball field and others be upgraded and made functional for the use of the
students.”
The VC also
announced that he has directed the mounting of a large television on the
varsity’s mini stadium so that the students can watch football and other
programmes whenever they are less busy.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://thenationonlineng.net/alqalam-university-remains-islamic-liberal-says-vc/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kerala-story-muslims-blood-money-qatar/d/129762