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Islamic World News ( 4 Jul 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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By Revisiting Unity Talks, Kerala Sunni Groups Look To Bury Differences with Salafis, Wahhabis, Tablighi Jamaat and Jama’at-e-Islami

New Age Islam News Bureau

04 July 20123

 

For representational purpose (Photo | EPS)

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India

• At ‘Thanksgiving’ Event By Migrant Hindu Doctors From Pak, VHP Official Warns Of Medical Visa ‘Misuse’ By Pakistani Muslims

• Not Just Muslim Personal Law Board, RSS Body Also Wary of Uniform Civil Code, Will Write to Law Commission

• Telangana: Muslim Man Paraded For Allegedly Urinating Near Shivaji's Statue

• CPM, IUML Vie To Rally Muslims Against Uniform Civil Code

• No concrete action taken by PM Modi for Pasmanda Muslims, claims outfit

• NIA raids 5 places in Maharashtra's Mumbai, Pune in case linked to Islamic State

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Mideast

• Quran Burning Not Freedom Of Expression: Erdoğan

• Israeli Forces Besiege Al-Ansar Mosque In Jenin Refugee Camp

• IDF: Palestinian Gunmen ‘Fortified’ Jenin Mosque, Dug Tunnel Underneath

• Pan-Islamic Grouping Condemns Israeli Military Operation In Jenin

• Gaza Pilgrims Thankful for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj

• Israeli Forces Detain 3 Workers in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Threaten to Kidnap More

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Europe

• Canadian-British Actor Hagon, Who Played Ammar Ibn Yasir,  Says Proud To Have Been Part Of Islamic Epic Drama The Message

• France Returns 35 Citizens From Camp In Syria Housing Thousands Linked To Islamic State Extremists

• VOX leader hints ‘anti-EU’ Muslims fuel French riots

• Swansea Fire: Muslim Community Pays Tributes To Father And Three-Year-Old Son Killed In House Fire

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South Asia

• Afghan Students Accepted at Indian Universities Lack Visas

• Teacher Provides Free Education for Children in Kabul

• Situation in Afghanistan Remains Tense: Putin

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Pakistan

• At SCO Virtual Summit, PM Says Terrorism Should Be Condemned In Unambiguous Terms

• IHC sets aside session court’s verdict in Toshakhana case against PTI chief

• Pakistan ‘too entangled’ to be involved in bloc politics: Bilawal

• IO told to file charge sheet against PTI lawmaker Firdous Shamim Naqvi

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Arab World

• Chinese Pilgrims Visit Two Holy Mosques ExhibitionHosted In The Third Saudi Expansion Of The Grand Mosque

• Director General of Passports Inspects Procedures of Pilgrims Departing through Jeddah Islamic Port

• Trained Cadres Sterilize Prophet's Mosque with over 600 Cleaning Machines

• General Presidency for Affairs of Two Holy Mosques Launches Welcome Initiative

• 60 Mobility Services employees assist elderly pilgrims outside Prophet's Mosque round the clock

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Africa

• Uganda Muslim Council Condemns Quran Burning In Sweden

• Trinidad Muslim League rejects teaching of "alternative lifestyles" in schools

• Saudi Hajj: Governor doles out N278 million to Katsina Muslim pilgrims

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North America

• America's Longest-Serving Muslim Mayor, Mohammed Khairullah, Reveals Impact Of FBI Watchlist

• New Mexico mosque attacked four times in less than 2 week, rights advocates urge for hate crime probe

• Missoula's large, growing Muslim community looks for a mosque

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Southeast Asia

• JakimIs More Than Just For Islamic Development Under My Administration, Says PM Anwar

• Unity Govt Always Upholds Principles Of Islam, Ensures Rights And Justice For All

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:  https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kerala-sunni-wahhabi-tablighi-jamaat-salafis/d/130133

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By Revisiting Unity Talks, Kerala Sunni Groups Look To Bury Differences with Salafis, Wahhabis, Tablighi Jama’at and Jama’at-e-Islami

 

For representational purpose (Photo | EPS)

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04th July 2023

Unlike in other parts of the world, ‘Sunni’ is a general term used in Kerala to denote Muslims who follow the Sufi version of Islam. Sunnis are opposed to other streams of Islam such as Salafis, Wahhabis, Tablighi Jama’at and Jama’at-e-Islami. There are four groups of Sunnis in the state who share almost the same ideology and beliefs. The unity of Sunnis has become a major talking point after Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar declared that he is in favour of such an initiative. Here is the brief lowdown on the four factions  

Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama

Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama was established in Kerala in 1926 at a meeting held at Kozhikode Town Hall to ‘fight the deviant sects’, including Salafis and Wahhabis, who are called Mujahids in Kerala. Founded by scholars, including Varakkal MullakoyaThangal, Pangil Ahmed Kutty Musliyar and Muhammad Abdul Bari Musliyar, the organisation was registered in 1934. Samastha’s current president is Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal with K Alikutty Musliyar its general secretary. Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF), Sunni Mahal Federation (SMF) are the major feeder organisations of the Samastha, which publishes the Suprabhatham daily. Headquartered in Chelari, Malappuram, the organisation is popularly known as the ‘EK Sunnis’ as E K Aboobacker Musliyar was the general secretary of the organisation when it split

Kanthapuram faction

The Samastha split in 1989 over certain political issues and six members of the ‘mushawara’ (highest consultative body), led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, walked out to form a splinter group. At the time, Kanthapuram was the general secretary of SYS. The major point of contention was Samastha’s relationship with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The Markazu Saqafathi Sunniyya (Sunni Cultural Centre), which later came to be known as Markaz, in Karanthur, Kozhikode, is the headquarters of the Kanthapuram group. Kerala Muslim Jama’at, SYS and SKSSF are the chief feeder organisations of the group. E Suleiman Musliyar is the current president of the group while Kanthapuram is its general secretary

Dakshina Kerala Jami-yyathul Ulama

Dakshina Kerala Jami-yyathul Ulama is the main Sunni organisation in the southern parts of the state. Its earlier incarnation, the Thiru-Kochi Jami-yyathul Ulama was established on June 26, 1955, at Jonakapuram, Kollam, at a meeting presided over by P K Yunus Moulavi. It was renamed Dakshina Kerala Jami-yyathul Ulama after the formation of the Kerala state in 1956. Leaders of the organisation say it has no political leanings and affirm that it was not formed as the splinter of any organisation. K P Aboobacker Hasrath is president of the organisation and Thodiyoor Muhammadkunhu Moulavi is its general secretary. Dakshina Kerala Islam MathaVidyabhyasa Board, Kerala Muslim Jama’at Federation, Kerala Muslim Youth Federation and Dakshina Kerala Islamic Students Federation are the main feeder organisations

Kerala Samsthana Jem-iyyathul Ulama

Kerala Samsthana Jem-iyyathul Ulama was formed in 1967 following differences of opinion in the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama. The main bone of contention was the use of loudspeakers for Friday sermons in mosques. K KSadaquathulla Moulavi, who was then president of the Samastha, came out to form the new organisation. Thazhekkad Kunhalavi Musliyar was the founder president with K K Sadaquathulla Moulavi its general secretary. The organisation has institutions in Vandoor, Nadapuram and Manjeri and units in various Gulf countries. Sunni Yuvajana Federation (SYF) is the youth wing of the organisation. U AbdurrahimMoulavi and A Najeeb Moulavi are currently its president and general secretary, respectively.

Source: newindianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/jul/04/by-revisiting-unity-talks-sunni-groups-look-to-bury-differences-2591117.html

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We Are Witnessing 'Organized Anti-Muslim' Trend In Europe After What Happened Recently In Sweden: Expert

 

Hassan Hanizadeh, Speaking to ILNA

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2023/07/04

Speaking to ILNA, Hassan Hanizadeh said that what happened recently in Sweden is actually a series of movements to create a gap between Muslims and Christians in this country and even the whole of Europe.

We are witnessing a networked and organized anti-Muslim trend in the Scandinavian countries, the expert noted.

He added that “using the lever of democracy in the West is basically rooted in double standards. Europeans declare that democracy means insulting the holy Quran and sanctities is permitted, and on the other hand insulting the Holocaust is a violation of democracy. This approach somehow shows that the West is using the lever of democracy and playing with this category in order to maximize its interests.”

Source: ilna.ir

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.ilna.ir/Section-world-8/1374204-we-are-witnessing-organized-anti-muslim-trend-in-europe-expert

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France Riots: For Racist Police, Arab, Black And Muslim Lives Do Not Matter

 

French officers patrol the street in Lille, northern France, on 30 June 2023 (AFP)

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Rayan Freschi

3 July 2023

On the eve of the most observed Muslim celebration, Eid al-Adha, Nahel Merzouk, a French teen of Algerian and Moroccan descent, was brutally murdered by a police officer during a traffic stop.

At first, the police described the event as a case of legitimate self-defence. To their disarray, the scene was filmed and proved the fallacy of the official version. It proved Nahel never threatened in any way the officers’ lives.

He was shot at point-blank range when he tried to escape. The video was shared on social media and instantaneously became viral, sparking a wave of outrage across the entire country only hours after the murder took place.

While busily preparing for a blissful religious event, French Muslims’ spirit abruptly shifted from joy to grief.

Uprisings began to unfold in Nanterre, the scene of the killing. The following night, they reached the rest of the country. The protestors targeted state institutions: all across the country, they burnt down town halls, attacked police stations, and vandalised some schools. They looted shops and supermarkets.

Remarkably, most of the protestors involved in the rioting are in their teenage years. To oppose them, the state has used draconian counterinsurgency methods.

From Thursday night onwards, the Ministry of the Interior deployed 45,000 police officers. The use of military weaponry - including tear gas and armoured vehicles - is normalised to pacify the rioters. Hundreds were arrested. The courts pronounced the first fast-tracked prison sentences this weekend.

These riots are a clear expression of frustration and anger over a blatant injustice.

The protestors regard the state - and its institutions - with clarity: they see it as the main culprit responsible for their suffering. The riots are a form of political dissent expressed by a generation of Muslims and non-white teenagers whose lives are deemed inferior, cheap, and meaningless by the French state.

Systemic brutality

France has a history of Islamophobic and racist murders committed by the police.

Since 1991, at least 21 violent uprisings of varying sizes broke out following a racist crime committed by the police. In 2022 alone, at least one man of African descent died at the hands of the police every month.

This brutality finds its roots in France’s colonial past: law enforcement’s function was submitting the indigenous Muslim population to "the Republic’s values", preventing the legitimate expression of their political dissent.

Current police forces have inherited this role in a different context. Police brutality is a systemic issue with specific political goals: it is the means the French state uses to protect republican values and violently obstruct Muslims and ethnic minorities’ political growth.

Police brutality and murders are not events of marginal significance, or an abhorrent exception to common good practice. Police brutality is the norm in Muslim neighbourhoods.

On Friday, the spokesperson of the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Ravina Shamdasani, said in a statement of concern over the death of 17-year-old Nahel. "This is a moment for the country to seriously address the deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement," she said.

The legislation regulating police practices was designed with the intent of protecting its Islamophobic and racist function. It is shaped to protect police immunity, giving police officers a free hand when addressing Muslims and non-whites.

In the case of Nahel’s murder, the relevant law - regulating the use of fire weapons by the police - was passed in 2017 amidst a strong Islamophobic push to loosen the legal framework regulating police intervention in Muslim-majority neighbourhoods. Critics believe it granted the police a "licence to kill".

An intoxicating atmosphere

A police crime committed on the eve of Eid does not explain alone the significant magnitude of the riots.

It should be contextualised within France’s current state of affairs to understand the motives animating so many young French citizens. Indeed, the country is home to an intoxicating Islamophobic and racist atmosphere.

Islamophobia is at the core of the French political discourse: the criminalisation of Islam and Muslims has become mainstream.

As evidenced by a testimony given to a town councillor, deep-rooted Islamophobia provided the fertile ground for violence: "Listen, that's it, they're criticising our religion, they think we're illiterate, that we're scum, that's enough."

French media and politicians engaged in a common practice of character assassination of the victim by suggesting a criminal past. This narrative is meant to belittle the gravity of his murder. Power structures systematically use this tactic to relativise the state’s heinous crimes.

The victim’s profile is irrelevant in these cases. Delinquency does not justify death at the hand of law enforcement agencies. This dehumanising narrative targeting a murdered child alienates French citizens of Muslim and non-white backgrounds even further.

As the riots went on, media and politicians tried to depict the uprisings as a manifestation of a moral and educational crisis, denying their political nature. French President Emmanuel Macron appealed to the parents’ sense of responsibility.

According to this second narrative, violence was not the natural answer to grave injustice, it was the incomprehensible behaviour of children due to their parents' lack of care and education.

Instead of trying to understand the legitimate political grievances expressed through violence, both narratives shamed and blamed the victims of the state’s Islamophobia and racism. They served as violence’s catalyst, fuelling the rioters’ frustration and determination.

Police abolition

This entire picture illustrates the consequences of state-led dehumanisation of a segment of its population.

Denying their right to safety, their grievances and their political expression, and curtailing their fundamental rights proves how much the French state despises their existence.

Arab lives, Black lives, and Muslim lives do not matter. They can be trampled on and stolen at will.

A way out is still possible.

Reforming the police is unrealistic, as proven earlier. Its function is Islamophobic and racist. Furthermore, more than half of its members support far-right parties, therefore, only its complete abolition could lead to a systemic change.

The young rioters’ anger is a predictable response to a disturbing murder. The state's crackdown will soon stop the riots, but it won’t change the protestors' spirit in the long term as its root causes persist.

As Frantz Fanon wrote in The Wretched of the Earth: "The repressions, far from calling a halt to the forward rush of national consciousness, urge it on".

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.

Source: middleeasteye.net

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/france-riots-racist-police-arab-black-lives-do-not-matter

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Historic Id Kah Mosque In Kashgar, China, Open For Tourists, But Not Worshipers

 

An elderly Uyghur walks outside the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, northwestern China's Xinjiang region, before prayers marking Eid al-Fitr, June 26, 2017.

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2023.07.03

Chinese authorities have begun selling tickets to tourists to visit the historic Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar – where they have prohibited Muslim Uyghurs from praying for years except for certain holy days and for propaganda purposes, officials in the ancient city in Xinjiang said.

The mosque has been mostly closed for worship since 2016 amid a severe crackdown by Chinese authorities on the religion and culture of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang in a bid to stamp out religious extremism China believed to be behind terrorist attacks.

Information about the issuance of tickets to visit the mosque first circulated last week on the Chinese short-video platform Duoyin and later on Facebook by Uyghurs. It also appeared in the marketing material of a travel agency based in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which said visitors had to pay 20-40 yuan (US$2.75-5.50) for tickets, based on their ages, and that entry was free for people 65 years of age and older.

Authorities allow small groups of elderly worshipers to pray during Ramadan and other Islamic holy days, or for propaganda purposes when arranging visits for dignitaries from other parts of the world to give an impression that Uyghurs are not prohibited from praying, sources say.

Those who saw the recent social media post about tickets being sold assumed that the Chinese had turned the Id Kah Mosque into a museum.

Kashgar police told Radio Free Asia that the mosque was open for visitors but not for worshipers, and suggested contacting local travel agencies for more information. 

“I am not sure how much money each visitor pays, but I am positive that people are allowed to enter the mosque,” said an officer who declined to be named, per normal practice.

“But no one is allowed to pray because the mosque sells tickets to visitors,” he said. “However, the government organizes people to pray inside the mosque. Only they can perform their prayers. It has been like this for five or six years.”

Systematic campaign

Since about 2017, up to 16,000 mosques, or roughly 65%, of all mosques have been destroyed or damaged as a result of government policies, according to the Uyghur Human Rights Project, a U.S.-based activist group. Other mosques have been closed but left standing, and a few famous ones remain open but under surveillance.

The moves are part of a larger campaign of repression to erase Uyghur religious practices culture, along with the arbitrary detention of an estimated 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in internment centers and prisons.

In May 2022, when Michelle Bachelet, former U.N. high commissioner for human rights, visited the mosque, the imam, MemetJume, told her that the facility was open for normal religious activities, even though it was not.

When asked why there were so few worshipers in the mosque, he said that the faithful were busy with their work and that some had changed their viewpoints.

Residential committees paid Uyghurs to perform a dance outside the mosque in an apparent bid to show that all was well ahead of Bachelet’s visit.

Bachelet’s office issued a report in August 2022 documenting cases of torture, forced labor and other severe rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities.

For years now, foreign visitors have noticed the absence of prayers inside the Id Kah Mosque. One of them posted a travel blog on YouTube, showing thousands of worshippers praying in the mosque between 2011 and 2016, but then an empty holy place in 2019.

TurghunjanAlawudin, a vice chairman of the executive committee of the World Uyghur Congress, said under Islam, it was never permissible to take money from those who enter a mosque, including tourists.

“If the tourists say they will donate to the mosque, they will,” he told RFA. “A mosque is only a place to worship Allah.”

“Therefore, it is completely fraudulent to say that we made half of the mosque a picnic ground and the other half a prayer ground,” he added.

Source: rfa.org

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/id-kah-mosque-07032023144243.html

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PTI Chief Imran Khan Blames Military For Journalists’ Abduction During His Rule

 

PTI Chief, Imran Khan

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July 4, 2023

LAHORE: PTI Chairman Imran Khan has blamed the military for the alleged abductions of journalists when he was the prime minister.

In an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan on MSNBC, aired on Monday, Mr Khan was grilled over the atrocities committed against the journalists during his reign in power when he brought up the current restrictions on media and journalists.

The PTI chairman shrugged off the comparison as a “false equivalence”, saying that no news channel was closed and no journalist was forced to leave the country when he was in power.

He added that the only journalist to be picked up was Matiullah Jan, and he too was recovered the next day when he learnt about the case.

Says hybrid system ‘doomed to fail’; calls for peaceful protests against desecration of Holy Quran

Pakistan was “at the tail end of the war on terror” and “the establishment” was wary about any criticism from journalists, he said. “So they were responsible for a few guys who were picked up.”

However, it was nothing compared to what’s happening at the moment, he claimed, adding that “four of the country’s top journalists” left the country while the fifth one, Arshad Sharif, wrote a letter to the Supreme Court chief justice that his life was in danger. “He escaped [but] he was killed in Kenya.”

Mr Khan also referred to his unannounced blackout from TV news channels, claiming that not even his name could be mentioned.

At this point, the host interjected, saying when he was the prime minister, the name of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif couldn’t be mentioned on air.

Mr Khan called this comparison baseless as well, saying that Mr Sharif was convicted by the Supreme Court and “faked illnesses” to leave for England.

“You can’t compare what is happening to me. I’m not convicted but the media couldn’t say my name.”

Hybrid system ‘doomed to fail’

Mr Khan also said that the hybrid system — a tacit power-sharing mechanism between the civilian and military leadership — cannot work in Pakistan and is “doomed to fail”.

“If you are an elected prime minister you must have the authority to implement reforms. It cannot work when you [the PM] have the responsibility because you are elected but the authority is shared and the army chief has veto power.”

“I wanted to bring the mafias under the law but the former army chief had the veto power leading to blocking him from laying hands on the corrupt,” he claimed while blaming ex-army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

When asked if he had any regret over taking power in 2018, the former PM said: “I should have gone into elections again and not taken power with a weak coalition because you can’t reform and implement the rule of law with a weak coalition.”

Commenting on the current situation, the PTI chairman said democracy, rule of law and governance system were in tatters and “Pakistan is on the edge of darkness”.

“There is an undeclared martial law in the country,” Mr Khan said and claimed some 10,000 PTI leaders and workers have been arrested in cases of arson.

Call for peaceful protests

Separately, on Monday, the PTI chairman called for peaceful protests on Friday against the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden.

He said the desecration has hurt the sentiments of Muslims and the nation should send a message in this regard.

“I ask the nation to come out after Jumma prayers and send a message in a peaceful manner that we are hurt.”

In a speech, broadcast on social media, Mr Khan also claimed that the PPP and PML-N leaders have devised a formula to share seats among themselves and the newly-formed Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party in the four provinces.

“They want to keep out Pakistan’s biggest political party and arrest Imran Khan as they are afraid of PTI’s return to power.”

In the address, a day before Mr Khan is due to appear in court to seek bail in around 19 cases, as per his claims, he expressed apprehension that he could be arrested again.

He also detailed all cases registered against him and said if bail was not granted in any one of the cases, he could be put in jail again.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.dawn.com/news/1762829/pti-chief-blames-military-for-journalists-abduction-during-his-rule

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India

 

At ‘Thanksgiving’ Event By Migrant Hindu Doctors From Pak, VHP Official Warns Of Medical Visa ‘Misuse’ By Pakistani Muslims

July 4, 2023

A Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) official, Prashant Hartalkar, alleged on Monday that medical visas were being misused by Muslims to migrate to India. Hartalkar, the VHP central secretary (international coordination), was speaking at the ‘Migrant Pakistani Hindu Doctors Registration Appreciation Ceremony’ in Ahmedabad.

Referring to former external affairs minister, the late Sushma Swaraj, Hartalkar said that she had tried to issue a lot of medical visas. “But in the name of medical visas, many Muslims migrated to India. Does anyone return later? When a Hindu does not return then will a Muslim return?… they (Hindus) should come and live here but Muslims should not come to India,” Hartalkar claimed.

“The Indian government had eased the visa process in the last two years. But unfortunately…many Muslims have migrated to India. What will India do? What will the government do? They said, there Are no medical facilities there. I went and saw the hospitals there. But there are primary health centres, hospitals, and X-ray machines but no electricity. Such are the hospitals in Pakistan,” Hartalkar alleged.

The ‘thanksgiving’ event – to thank the government for their registration – on Monday was organised by the Migrant Pak Hindu Doctors Forum, an Ahmedabad-based organisation. As per official data, 132 migrant Hindu doctors from Pakistan cleared the National Medical Commission (NMC) exam and of these, 32 doctors have registered to provide their services in Gujarat’s health sector.

Apart from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, MP Kirit Solanki, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, the Migrant Pak-Hindu coordinator Rajesh Maheshwari, the president of the Gujarat Medical Council, and several migrant doctors and their families were also present at the function.

Hartalkar referred to the Rohingya Muslims while pointing out that Muslims were entering India from across borders, and called them “intruders”, accusing them of coming to India “for religion”. He also urged the migrant Hindu families to move across India, without restricting themselves to Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Speaking on the occasion, Hosabale said the Centre will not backtrack from implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). “As a matter of fact, the CAA is an attempt to give citizenship to those who have been mistreated in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The division of the country was a mistake of history and with that, hundreds of families and people were destroyed. It is a black page in human history, in the history of India. Even if you want to forget, you cannot forget and you should not forget either,” Hosabale added.

There was a conspiracy to oppose CAA through agitations in the entire country, Hosabale alleged. “All those attempts and facilities like CAA that were brought in to help those harassed brothers and sisters seeking citizenship here should be done immediately. That will be attempted. The government that thought about this will not backtrack… there were some obstacles. We need to recreate an environment to remove those obstacles, it is required too,” he added.

CM Patel congratulated the doctors and said that it was a “matter of pride” that doctors registered under this opportunity will contribute to the health services of Gujarat.

Source: indianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/thanksgiving-event-migrant-hindu-doctors-pak-vhp-official-medical-visa-misuse-muslims-8700058/

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Not Just Muslim Personal Law Board, RSS Body Also Wary of Uniform Civil Code, Will Write to Law Commission

JULY 04, 2023

If you thought only All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is wary of the 22nd Law Commission seeking public opinion on the contentious issue of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a couple of weeks ago; think again. An affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the ruling BJP, is equally concerned about the UCC becoming a reality.

Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram — an RSS affiliate that focuses on the welfare of members of the Scheduled Tribes in remote areas of India — is even preparing to write to the Law Commission.

UCC has been one of the core electoral promises of the BJP. So, when an offshoot of BJP’s ideological mentor becomes apprehensive about the prospect of the same UCC, it makes people surprised. But those who have been associated with VKA say they have enough reason to be concerned as many tribes across India have their own personal code that often is in contradiction with Hindu personal codes.

“We are experiencing ethnic tensions in Manipur right now. Next door in Meghalaya, among the Garos, there is a long-standing custom of the youngest daughter becoming the family heir. Suppose UCC comes in tomorrow and it asks each son and daughter to equally share the family fortunes, the Garos won’t be happy, take it from me. Even their men abide by this rule. How will you reason with them that the nation needs one single personal code that is uniform in nature?” as a senior functionary of the body puts it.

He also cited Santhals and Kols where the picture is completely different and women have no rights to property.

When asked to comment, Atul Jog, who is the Organisation Secretary of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram tried to play it down. However, talking to News18, he did concede, “We will definitely write to the commission. However, we are waiting for the draft to see first.” But sources within VKA tell News18, the body will write to the commission even before that.

Another contentious issue remains the age of marriage. Right now, a Hindu man can marry at the age of 21 while a woman can marry at the age of 18. But in many tribes that age limit is much lower. Another key Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram functionary told News18, “For instance, Odisha has 62 tribal groups out of which 13 are recognised as particularly vulnerable tribal groups or PVTGs. They are Bonda, DongariaKondh, Didayi, and LanjiaSoura among others who are vulnerable due to child marriage and early pregnancies. The state government so far has been dealing it by enticing them with late marriage incentives which have seen good responses. But the moment you bring in a law, these tribes won’t be very cooperating.”

Estimates suggest that each year, at least 1.5 million girls under 18 get married in India. Nearly 16% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 are currently married.

VKA suspects, if UCC becomes a law, vast sections of the tribal community will be behind bars under various sections of the POCSO Act, which was brought in to safeguard the rights of children. The act of engaging in sexual activities with children is considered a serious offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. But early marriage and procreation being a custom in many tribes, VKA is wary of barrages of criminal cases against tribals, should UCC kicks in.

While AIMPLB has already launched an online campaign against UCC and sought more time from the Law Commission to respond, the RSS body is treading cautiously. They are mindful of the fact that they are caught in a very tricky situation where they can’t go to court against a reform seen to be on Sangh’s agenda but also cannot dismiss the concerns of the very people they work with.

Source: news18.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.news18.com/india/not-just-muslim-personal-board-rss-body-also-wary-of-uniform-civil-code-will-write-to-law-commission-8243011.html

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Telangana: Muslim man paraded for allegedly urinating near Shivaji's statue

Ayushi Goswami

July 04, 2023

A Muslim man was brutally assaulted and paraded by an angry mob for allegedly urinating near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Gajwel town of Telangana's Siddipet district on Monday night.

In multiple viral videos, the mob can be seen heckling the man by chanting Jai Shri Ram, Bharat Mata ki jai, and Chhatrapati Shivaji ki jai.

Man was reportedly drunk when incident occurred

Reportedly, the man was under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred. He was caught urinating by locals, who berated him.

Soon a crowd of Hindus— belonging to right-wing organizations— gathered and assaulted the victim.

The man was forced to clean the area where he allegedly urinated by pouring a bucket of water.

He was then paraded on the road amid loud sloganeering.

Several videos of incident

Man was allegedly asked to lick 'urinated' ground

In one of the videos, a police officer was seen trying to get a hold of the man, but the mob took him toward the incident spot and shoved his face to the ground.

He was reportedly asked to lick the area where he allegedly relieved himself.

Per NDTV, Muslims from the neighboringSangapur village later gathered at the spot to protest.

Gajwel is Telangana CM KCR's constituency

Some media outlets reported that the Muslim crowd called for a bandh on Tuesday, while others said the Hindu mob called for a one-day strike.

Following the incident, the police beefed up security and patrolling in the area.

On Tuesday, many shops and commercial establishments were reportedly closed in parts of Gajwel, the legislative constituency of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao.

Source: newsbytesapp.com

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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/telangana-muslim-man-paraded-for-allegedly-urinating-near-shivaji-s-statue/story

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CPM, IUML vie to rally Muslims against Uniform Civil Code

July 04, 2023

Malappuram: Politics centred on the Muslim community in Kerala is set for a churn as rumours on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) are going round especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently pitched for it. The ruling CPM and the opposition Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have already commenced evaluating the reactions from the over-two-million-strong community regarding the likely move of the BJP-led central government. Doing so, both are also keen to re-evaluate their influence on Muslim organisations in the state.

For IUML, they want to ensure its supremacy in Muslim politics and its influence among the major organisations in the community, whereas CPM plans to increase its sway in the community organisations by opposing UCC.

Both CPM and IUML decided to rally all the Muslim organisations under them to register their protest over the touchy issue.

CPM was the first party to announce a seminar on UCC with the participation of all the Muslim organisations and also expects the participation of IUML. On the other hand, IUML has decided to convene a meeting of Muslim organisations on Tuesday at Kozhikode to discuss the matter and plan the protest.

CPM state secretary said in a press meeting that the UCC would destroy the plurality of the country.

“CPM will organise a state-level seminar at Kozhikode against the central government's attempt to implement UCC. The party would also organise similar programmes at district and local levels. We can invite anyone to these venues who has a secular mind," M V Govindan said.

He also added that the Congress party has failed to take a unanimous stand on the issue. CPM has decided to utilise the dilemma of Congress in taking a proper stand on the UCC issue as if they fear it would impact their fortune in the upcoming elections in the Northern States. Minister P A Muhammed Riyas has also criticised the Congress party alleging that it has not taken a stand on implementing UCC.

Meanwhile, the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama E K faction leaders and IUML leaders are doubtful about the sincerity of CPM on the issue. They believe that CPM has been utilising the situation to gain political dominance among the Muslim community. (The former is an influential body of Islamic scholars.)

“The LDF government has taken several cases against those who have protested against the NRC (National Register of Citizens). They had earlier offered to withdraw the cases but have not taken any steps even after two-and-a-half years. How can we then rely on them on such issues," PMA Salam, State General Secretary of IUML, said.

The EK Sunni faction leaders are also doubtful about the sincerity of CPM on the issue. Samastha Central Mushavara Member Bahauddeen Muhammed Nadwi has said that none of the leaders of Samastha are having allegiance to the political organisations who believe in the non- existence of god. The unity of Samastha and IUML brought development to the Muslim community, he said in a Facebook post. E K Faction Samastha youth leader SatharPanthalloor has also expressed doubt on the stand of CPM on the UCC issue.

“There are some points which create doubts among the Muslim community even though they are taking the statement of M V Govindan positively. The community has an interest in knowing the stand of CPM on Muslim personal laws and the Sharia law of the community. They have to clear their stand on community matters even before supporting the community on UCC," SatharPanthavoor said.

Kerala State Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind P Mujeeb Rahman shared his views on a Facebook post.

"The UCC is a part of the agenda to create communal disharmony in the country. It has been depicted as an issue affecting only the Muslim

community living in the country and wants to create issues between the two communities. Society must understand this and defend the attempt to utilise the situation for political gain, Mujeeb Rahman warned.

Source: onmanorama.com

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https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/07/04/uniform-civil-code-muslims-cpm-iuml-opposition-kerala.html

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No concrete action taken by PM Modi for Pasmanda Muslims, claims outfit

JUL 03 2023

An organisation of Pasmanda Muslims on Monday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not taken any concrete step to resolve the issues of their community and demanded that a plan for their uplift be implemented before the Lok Sabha polls, afte...

National president of Pasmanda Muslim Samaj Anees Mansoori also questioned the need for bringing Uniform Civil Code when people of different religions, sects and castes in the country have been "living for centuries with their own religious and socia...

He asked the prime minister to implement a concrete action plan to integrate the people from the Pasmanda community into the mainstream before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections so that they could trust his promises.

Last week, Prime Minister Modi made a strong push for a Uniform Civil Code(UCC), asking how can the country function with dual laws that govern personal matters. He also said that those supporting 'triple talaq' were doing a grave injustice to Muslim...

In a statement, Mansoori said that on July 3 last year, Prime Minister Modi had expressed concern over the plight of Pasmanda Muslims during the BJP's national executive meeting held in Hyderabad and had talked about integrating them into the mainstr...

"One year has passed since then but the prime minister has not yet made any concrete action plan to alleviate the problems of Pasmanda Muslims," he said.

"If Modi is really concerned about addressing grievances of the backward Muslims, then he should honestly prepare a concrete action plan and implement it before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections so that the Pasmanda Muslim community can have faith in the ...

The public acceptance of the plight of 85 percent of Pasmanda Muslims by the prime minister further strengthened the need for an action plan for the upliftment of this section of Muslims. "However, it is a matter of regret that Modi has not yet taken...

The Pasmanda community among Muslims comprises around 41 "castes", including Ansari, Qureshi, Mansoori, Salmani and Siddiqui. They are in professions such as butchers and weavers and are considered the most backward strata on social, economic and pol...

Responding to the prime minister's statement on the sensitive issue of UCC, Mansoori said that in India people of different religions, sects and castes have been living for centuries and following their own religious and social rules and regulations....

Source: deccanherald.com

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https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/no-concrete-action-taken-by-pm-modi-for-pasmanda-muslims-claims-outfit-1233641.html

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NIA raids 5 places in Maharashtra's Mumbai, Pune in case linked to Islamic State

Jul 03, 2023

New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA (/topic/nia)) on Monday carried out searches at five locations in Maharashtra (/topic/maharashtra)'s Mumbai (/topic/mumbai) and Pune

(/topic/pune) in a case related to Islamic State.

The searches are still underway at one place in Pune (/topic/pune) and four in Mumbai (/topic/mumbai), sources told ANI, adding the places raided include the premises of suspects having allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS).

The anti-terror agency filed the case earlier this year and started a probe against suspects hatching terror conspiracy as part of an Islamic State (ISIS) plan to carry out incidents of terror and violence and wage a war against India, the sources, privy to the development, added.

"NIA (/topic/nia) investigations are continued to unearth the whole conspiracy in the case being spread by supporters of IS ideology in India," said the sources.

The move comes two days after the NIA (/topic/nia) filed its first supplementary chargesheet against nine persons in the ISIS conspiracy case of Shivamogga district in Karnataka. In the case, the accused had conducted a trial IED blast in Shivamogga, besides conducting reconnaissance of multiple places and indulging in  the  arson  of properties and vehicles to spread terror and scare among the people, as part of an Islamic State conspiracy, to carry out incidents of terror and violence in India and wage a war against India.

In March this year, the NIA (/topic/nia) conducted searches at four locations in Seoni (Madhya Pradesh) and one in Pune (/topic/pune) in the Islamic State- Khorasan Province (ISKP) case. This case was initially registered by Delhi Police Special Cell after the arrest of a Kashmiri couple Jahanzaib Sami Wani and his wife Hina Bashir Beigh from Okhla, Jamia in Delhi. (ANI)

Source: aninews.in

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https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/nia-raids-5-places-in-maharashtras-mumbai-pune-in-case-linked-to-islamic-state20230703165523/

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Mideast

 

Quran burning not freedom of expression: Erdoğan

JUL 03, 2023

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly condemned the desecration of the Quran in Sweden, saying that the hostile act cannot be evaluated under freedom of expression.

"The fact that the desecration of the Quran took place under police protection in Sweden is a calamity," Erdoğan told reporters following a cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara on Monday.

He noted that the same way as setting houses of worship, including churches and synagogues is not freedom of expression, there is no such freedom as burning Quran.

Last week, a person identified as SalwanMomika burned a copy of the Muslim holy book under police protection in front of Sweden's Stockholm Central Mosque.

His provocative act was timed to coincide with Eid al-Adha, one of the major Islamic religious festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

The act elicited widespread condemnations from across the Islamic world, including Türkiye, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Senegal, Morocco and Mauritania.

Erdogan stressed that racist terrorist attacks target not only Muslims but also Jews, Africans, Asians, and immigrants.

Previously Erdoğan has said that Sweden cannot hope to join NATO, which it applied for after Russia's war on Ukraine began, as long as it gives shelter and a green light for terrorists and supporters of terrorists.

To join NATO, Sweden needs the approval of all of its current members, including Türkiye, which has been in the alliance for over 70 years and boasts its second-largest army.

The president also said Türkiye is following recent developments in France with "deep concern," and hopes current events after the police shooting of the 17-year-old boy will come to an end as soon as possible.

"Türkiye is also concerned that these incidents may lead to a new wave of pressure, intimidation and suppression of Muslims and migrants in France," he said.

"At the root of the events that started in France is the social architecture built by this mentality. Most of the immigrants who are condemned to live in ghettos, who are systematically oppressed, are Muslims."

He also condemned the widespread looting that has accompanied the unrest.

"The streets cannot be used to seek justice. However, it is clear the authorities should also learn from the social explosion," Erdoğan said.

Protests have shaken France since last Tuesday, when a police officer shot Nahel M., a 17-year-old of Algerian descent, during a traffic check in the Paris suburb of Nanterre after he ignored orders to stop.

French police arrested 157 people overnight in nationwide protests over the police killing, local media reported on Monday.

'War lobby obstructed Türkiye's efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war'

Erdoğan also criticized what he called the “war lobby” for sabotaging Türkiye’s sincere efforts to establish peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The diplomatic efforts, which were initiated with the Istanbul process and proceeded with captive exchanges, have unfortunately been obstructed and eroded by the war lobby,” Erdoğan said, adding that civilians and soldiers paid the price in the end.

He noted that Türkiye has also been targeted by the “war lobby,” without specifying which actors played a part in the lobby.

He continued by saying that if the opportunity was seized back then, the destruction and tears would not have taken place.

Türkiye emerged as a mediator in the war, taking a balanced stance.

Ankara frequently voiced that Russia's war on Ukraine "will not end easily," despite Ankara's repeated efforts to arrange peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Ankara initially aims to broker a humanitarian cease-fire, which would be followed by a permanent cease-fire and subsequent peace talks.

Source: dailysabah.com

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https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/quran-burning-not-freedom-of-expression-erdogan

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Israeli Forces Besiege Al-Ansar Mosque In Jenin Refugee Camp

3 July, 2023

Israeli occupation forces continue besieging Al-Ansar Mosque in Al-Damajneighbourhood, Jenin refugee camp.

Eyewitnesses reported that an Israeli bulldozer is conducting excavation work around the mosque and firing bullets intensively at Palestinian civilians.

The IOF are also using loudspeakers to urge Palestinians inside to surrender themselves amid intensive surveillance flights by Israeli “reconnaissance” aircraft.

The same sources added that violent confrontations erupted in the vicinity of Jenin Hospital, with the IOF firing bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinians.

Source: daysofpalestine.ps

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IDF: Palestinian gunmen ‘fortified’ Jenin mosque, dug tunnel underneath

The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday accused Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank city of Jenin of turning a mosque into a “fortified” hideout, complete with an underground tunnel and a cache of weapons.

Israeli forces gained control of the al-Ansari mosque on Monday afternoon, following a shootout with Palestinian gunmen in the area, during the course of a major counterterrorism operation against the Jenin refugee camp.

The IDF said it carried out a drone strike against the armed Palestinians outside the mosque and later managed to break in.

On the ground floor, troops found two tunnel openings that the army said were connected. Explosives, weapons, and other military equipment were found inside the holes and scattered across the mosque.

“All of this excavation work in the mosque has turned it into a fortified site,” said Lt. Col. “Mem,” the commander of the elite Egoz unit, who can only be identified by his rank and initial of his first name in Hebrew.

Footage released by the army showed dozens of sandbags and stones piled up across the ground floor of the mosque.

Mem said the fortification of the mosque and the tunnel digging likely took the gunmen a long time to carry out.

The equipment was seized, the weapons were destroyed, and the tunnel was rendered inoperable, the IDF said.

The military’s operation in Jenin was set to continue Tuesday following a mostly uneventful night that saw Palestinian gunmen choosing not to fight Israeli forces, potentially signaling an approaching end to the campaign, now in its second day.

Israel launched the major operation early Monday to crack down on what it says is a hotbed of terror in the city. A number of attacks on Israelis in recent years have been carried out by Palestinians from the area, and observers say the Palestinian Authority has little control on the ground.

The IDF’s operation has focused on a local wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group known as the Jenin Battalion, as well as other smaller armed groups in the city and refugee camp.

Over 1,000 IDF troops were involved in the campaign, which appeared to be the largest in the West Bank in some 20 years.

Palestinian health officials said Tuesday morning that ten people were killed and at least 100 others were wounded, including 20 listed in serious condition, during Israeli airstrikes and in clashes with Israeli forces the previous day.

All of the slain Palestinians were involved in the fighting, but there were some noncombatants among the wounded, according to the IDF.

The IDF said that since the early hours of Monday, troops had questioned over 120 Palestinian suspects. Some were released, while others were taken in for additional questioning.

The IDF believes there were some 300 Palestinian gunmen in the Jenin refugee camp. IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the military had intelligence on the identities of at least 160 armed Palestinians.

Some 3,000 Palestinians streamed out of the Jenin refugee camp on Monday night to escape the fighting, although the IDF said it had not ordered an evacuation and that there was no closure on Jenin.

The military operation began shortly after 1 a.m. on Monday with a series of airstrikes against multiple targets in the city, including a joint war room shared by various armed groups in the city.

Throughout the campaign, the IDF said, troops located and demolished weapon storage sites, explosives labs with hundreds of primed devices, war rooms used by Palestinian gunmen to observe Israeli forces, and other “terror infrastructure.”

Troops also clashed with armed Palestinians and carried out some 20 drone strikes against various targets in the refugee camp.

Internally, the military has referred to the operation by name, calling it “Bayit Vegan,” literally Home and Garden, a reference to Jenin’s biblical name, and the term has been used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well. But the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit has insisted that the operation has no official name.

The military appeared to be downplaying the scale of the campaign by not giving it a name. Hagari, the spokesman, has called it a “brigade-level raid.”

For weeks, there was speculation about a major Israeli military operation in the West Bank, following a string of shooting attacks and intense resistance to IDF raids in Palestinian cities.

The northern West Bank, and especially the city of Jenin and its environs, has long been considered by the IDF as a hotbed of terrorism, highlighted by a string of attacks in early 2022, many of which were carried out by residents of the area.

According to the IDF, since last year, some 50 shooting attacks were carried out by residents of the area, and 19 wanted Palestinians escaped to Jenin to seek refuge there from Israeli forces.

Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have been high across the West Bank for the past year and a half, with the military carrying out near-nightly raids, amid a series of deadly Palestinian terror attacks.

Since the beginning of this year, Palestinian attacks in Israel and the West Bank have killed 24 people.

According to a tally by The Times of Israel, 144 West Bank Palestinians have been killed during that time — most of them during clashes with security forces or while carrying out attacks, but some were uninvolved civilians and others were killed under unclear circumstances.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-palestinian-gunmen-fortified-jenin-mosque-dug-tunnel-underneath/

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Gaza Pilgrims Thankful for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj

03 Jul, 2023

Scores of family members of martyrs and injured people from Gaza who performed Hajj this year as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah have praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve the Palestinian people and Muslims in general, and for facilitating the procedures needed for them to perform Hajj.

This year, the program hosted 1,000 members of families of martyrs, wounded and injured people from Palestine as part of a total of 4,951 pilgrims from 92 countries hosted by the program to perform Hajj. The cost of the program is covered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; it is supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/e75ba8df7b8b4d7eaec13121e2487b4c

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Israeli Forces Detain 3 Workers in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Threaten to Kidnap More

4 July, 2023

Israeli occupation forces detained Tuesday, July 4, 2023, three Palestinian employees of the Islamic Endowments Department in Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

A worker at Al-Aqsa Mosque reported that the Israeli troops detained Al-Aqsa guards Arafat Najeeb and Muhammad Al-Salhi, and an employee of the Reconstruction Committee, HussamSidr while performing their work.

The Israeli occupation continues to target Al-Aqsa mosque employees and guards through arrest, prosecution, and deportation from the mosque to allow extremist settlers to storm the mosque without any restrictions.

The occupation police prevented the employees of the Al-Aqsa Reconstruction Committee from working in all its departments inside the mosque and threatened its director to detain employees who initiate the restoration inside it.

Semi-daily, Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa and provocatively perform Talmudic rituals under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, aiming to impose a temporal and spatial division in the holy site, which the Muslim Palestinians reject and decry.

Earlier in June, media sources revealed a new Israeli proposed plan aiming at dividing Al-Aqsa Mosque between Jews and Muslims.

In June 2023, around 4000 Israeli settlers stormed the mosque and performed Talmudic provocative rituals in its squares, according to Palestinian figures.

Source: daysofpalestine.ps

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https://daysofpalestine.ps/israeli-forces-detain-3-workers-in-al-aqsa-mosque-threaten-to-kidnap-more/

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Europe

 

Canadian-British Actor Hagon, Who Played Ammar Ibn Yasir,  Says Proud To Have Been Part Of Islamic Epic Drama The Message

03.07.2023

LONDON

Canadian-English actor Garrick Hagon says he is proud to have been a part of Moustapha Akkad's Islamic epic drama The Message, which was released in 1976.

Hagon, 83, best known for his role as Biggs Darklighter in Star Wars: A New Hope, told Anadolu in London that The Message had a noble purpose to explain the life of Prophet Muhammad.

He played Ammar ibn Yasir, one of the first believers and child of the first martyrs of Islam in the movie, which chronicles the life and times of Prophet Muhammad and serves as an introduction to early Islamic history.

Brotherhood developed on the set

For Hagon, The Message was a "learning process" from beginning to end, who also picked a bit of Arabic on the filmset.

"It's always a learning process. You get on a new set, you meet new actors and you are involved in different situations," he said.

The film's cast and crew worked with people from the Arab world, as well as the US, UK, Canada, Greece and other countries.

The veteran actor said 13 months of film-making created a brotherhood among everyone on the set. "Brotherhood, in a way the disciples of Mohammad were like," he said.

'I can't work with a light'

Hagon said no stars threw their weight around, and recalled his memories with Anthony Quinn, who portrayed Hamza, the prophet's uncle, in the landmark production.

He said the actors had to look at a red light above the camera when they had a scene with the prophet, who was not depicted on screen. "But Anthony Quinn kept saying, 'I can't work with a light' ... 'Hagon get behind the camera,' and I'd be his eyeline.'"

Hagons said Quinn once told him that "I like working with you," adding that it was a privilege working with Zorba the Greek actor.

'It was statuesque'

Recollecting the filming days, Hagon said they never put sunblock as they wanted to look like the Arab desert dwellers who live in harsh environment.

Remembering the first screening of the movie, he said: "I felt like it was statuesque, maybe a little slow at times, but that was part of the strength and magnitude of it," he expressed.

He said he found The Message respectful and not propagandist. "It made you proud to be in this group," he said, adding that the secret of the film's success was the script, honesty and the people working with Akkad, the Syrian-American film producer and director.

"It had a noble purpose to explain the life of Muhammad," he said.

Hagon said he was often asked if he will convert to Islam, adding that one has to move on after a chapter ends.

Nowadays the octogenarian is involved with The Story Circle, an award-winning audiobook production company.

"My appearances have been shorter and limited, enough so to keep me happy," he said.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/culture/canadian-british-actor-hagon-says-proud-to-have-been-part-of-islamic-epic-drama-the-message/2935889

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France returns 35 citizens from camp in Syria housing thousands linked to Islamic State extremists

July 4, 2023

PARIS (AP) — France has returned 35 people — 10 women and 25 minors — from a sprawling camp in northeast Syria housing thousands of people linked to Islamic State extremists.

Al-Hol Camp — named after a town near the Iraqi border — holds about 51,000 people, including many widows, wives and children of Islamic State fighters. Iraqis make up nearly half the population, but a sizeable minority are from outside the Middle East.

Part of the camp called the Annex holds around 8,000 women and children from 60 nationalities who are considered the most die-hard among the residents, and experts have warned for years that the camp’s wretched conditions and confined spaces risk creating another generation of Islamic State fighters.

French citizens made up the largest European contingent of people who joined the Islamic State at the height of the extremist group’s reach. With its territorial defeat in 2019, France has brought home women and children in successive waves.

All 10 of the adults, women aged 23 to 40 years old, who returned and a 17-year-old girl were detained upon arrival or scheduled to go immediately before a judge Tuesday. The statement from the French anti-terrorism prosecutor said the other children would be taken into state custody.

There are also around 8,000 women and children from 60 other nationalities who live in a part of the camp known as the Annex. They are generally considered the most die-hard IS supporters among the camp residents.

Source: apnews.com

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https://apnews.com/article/france-islamic-state-iraq-syria-6d0b9f5d3c62cf4aca3fc63631d18e71

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VOX leader hints ‘anti-EU’ Muslims fuel French riots

The Capitals brings you the latest news from across Europe, through on-the-ground reporting by EURACTIV’s media network. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

The European news you deserve to read. Welcome to The Capitals by EURACTIV.

If you want to learn more about Serbia and its EU accession path, please tune in to the event: “BEYOND THE “YES, BUT” IDIOM: Envisioning Serbia’s future in the EU”.

Click here to find out more about speakers like Prime Minister Ana Brnabic.

In today’s news from the Capitals:

PARIS | MADRID

The leader of the far-right party VOX, Santiago Abascal, indirectly accused radical Muslims living in the European Union of fuelling and masterminding recent rioting and looting in France.

The French authorities are still on alert in Paris, although the sixth night of riots was comparatively much calmer. The government has urged social media to take action against hate speech as youngsters use online platforms to coordinate their attacks.

EURACTIV reports on the ground from the suburb of Nanterre, where the 17-year-old Nahel was killed by a French policeman. Read more.

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VIENNA

Neutral Austria to join European Sky Shield initiative. The Austrian government wants the country to join the European Sky Shield initiative, an air protection group launched by Germany, sparking accusations from the far-right that the move violates the country’s military neutrality. Read more.

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BERLIN

Scholz says he’s a good leader, even if not ‘John Wayne’. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz clapped back at those accusing him of weak leadership, saying he provides orientation to the coalition despite not having a showy, head-on leadership style like US Western icon John Wayne. Read more.

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THE HAGUE

Belarusian embassy in the Netherlands vandalised. The Belarusian embassy in The Hague was defaced in the night from Saturday to Sunday, as several windows were broken and graffiti critical of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was sprayed on the front of the building. Read more.

UK & IRELAND

LONDON

UK home secretary withdraws controversial rules targeting trafficking victims. Home Secretary SuellaBraverman has withdrawn new rules that would make it harder for trafficking victims to have their cases accepted months after introducing them. Read more.

EUROPE’S SOUTH

ROME

Italy’s Meloni cannot count on allies Poland and Hungary regarding migration. Italian Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni has had difficulty convincing her Polish and Hungarian counterparts to approve the agreement on migrants, as the two leaders, who typically have close ties with her, appear to want to focus more on national interests. Read more.

VISEGRAD

WARSAW

Polish ruling party asks opposition to leave EPP or demand Weber resign. Poland’s Civic Platform, currently in opposition, should either withdraw from the European People’s Party (EPP) or seek to replace EPP chief Manfred Weber, ruling Law and Justice (PiS) leader JarosławKaczyński said on Sunday. Read more.

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PRAGUE

Czech authorities investigate Russian cultural centre. Czech authorities are investigating activities of a Russian cultural centre operated by the sanctioned Moscow state agency, Rossotrudnichestvo, which is still operating in the Czech Republic, according to Czech Television. Read more.

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BRATISLAVA

Slovakia, Ukraine looks to cooperate on new artillery system. Konštrukta-Defence, the Slovak-owned arms company, and Ukraine’s KZVV company will co-develop new Howitzers, though this could be brought to an immediate halt if anti-Ukraine parties win September’s elections. Read more.

NEWS FROM THE BALKANS

SARAJEVO

Secessionist Bosnian Serb leader ups ante, talks of referendum. Bosnian Serb secessionist leader MiloradDodik raised the political stakes on Sunday, saying he did not recognise the international High Representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina because he lacked legitimacy while announcing a referendum on the status of the Serb entity in Bosnia. Read more.

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SOFIA

Bulgarian parliament to vote on declaration for Ukraine NATO membership. Bulgaria’s lawmakers, except the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the radical pro-Russian Vazrazhdane, who make up 60 of the 240 MPs – have proposed a declaration supporting Ukraine’s expected future NATO membership once the war ends. Read more.

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BUCHAREST

Sibiu to become NATO’s command centre for the southern flank. Sibiu is set to be the NATO command centre for the southern flank of the alliance, Deputy Secretary General MirceaGeoana said on Sunday. Read more.

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BELGRADE

‘Serbia against violence’ protests expand into 15 cities. Anti-government Serbia against Violence protests were held in 15 Serbian cities on Saturday, with the largest gathering being in Belgrade, where protesters pelted the building of TV station Pink with toilet paper. Read more.

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TIRANA

Rama: Open Balkan fulfilled its mission, time to focus on Berlin Process. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Open Balkan initiative had fulfilled its mission, and it is time to look at the path to EU membership as the capital of Tirana is set to hold the Berlin Summit in October. Read more.

AGENDA:

EU: The College of Commissioners visits Spain to mark the launch of the Spanish Presidency; Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends;

Commission Vice President meets with Chinese Minister for Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, Special Envoy for Climate Change XieZhenhua; Delivers speech on climate change and biodiversity loss at Tsinghua University, China;

Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders participates in the launch of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine;

Agriculture Commissioner JanuszWojciechowski in Tokyo, Japan; Meets Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Tetsuro Nomura, Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives JA-Zenchu Chairman Toru Nakaya, Agricultural committee of the House of Representatives Chairman HiroyoshiSasagawa; Attends working breakfast and networking lunch with business delegates, and more;

Third meeting of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly takes place in Brussels; MEPs and UK parliamentarians discuss the state of EU-UK relations, joint efforts to support Ukraine, and more; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly expected to participate;

Argentina: MERCOSUR heads of state summi;

Trinidad & Tobago: Caricom (Caribbean countries) annual summit;

***

[Edited by SarantisMichalopoulos, Vlad Makszimov, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor, Sofia Stuart Leeson, Sofia Mandilara]

Source: euractiv.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/vox-leader-hints-anti-eu-muslims-fuel-french-riots/

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Swansea fire: Muslim community pays tributes to father and three-year-old son killed in house fire

Members of the Muslim community have paid tribute to a father and his three-year-old son who died following a house fire in Swansea.

Police and fire crews were called to the blaze at Gonhill, West Cross in Swansea on Saturday, 1 July.

The three-year old-boy who died at the scene has been named as Muhammad Esmael.

His father died in hospital this morning has been named as 51-year-old NaematLawaEsmael.

Muhammad was a pupil at Whitestone Primary School which described him as "a popular, well-loved little boy who was settling in well to school life and making many friends."

A joint investigation is ongoing by the police and fire service into the cause of the fire, which was contained to one property.

Sheikh Mohsen El-Beltagi is Muslim Chaplain at Swansea University and knew Mr Esmael for around a decade and described him as a "great man".

"He was known by his kindness and support to the entire community." He said.

"Whenever we'd call him to help anyone, he was there without any problem. He never asked for money, not even for his work, so he was really a figure within the Muslim community."

More than 17,000 has been raised by the local community through an online fundraiser.

Organiser Clare-Anna Mitchell, from West Cross, said: "In times like these, it is our duty as a community to come together and support those who have faced unimaginable losses."

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart described the incident as “tragic”.

“Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends at this very difficult time,” he wrote on Facebook.

He said the council would assist those affected by the fire, adding a number of community initiatives had been set up to support people.

Source: itv.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2023-07-03/muslim-community-tributes-to-father-and-3-year-old-son-killed-in-house-fire

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South Asia

 

Afghan Students Accepted at Indian Universities Lack Visas

Some of these students interviewed by TOLOnews said that the Indian government stopped issuing visas for Afghan students after the fall of the former government.

Ibrahim Nazerpour, a lecturer at Kabul university, said that he was studying for a Ph.D. in India.

“In 2021, due to Covid-19 and also because my instructor asked me to collect further research, I came to Afghanistan. The political changes happened here and after that India invalidated our visas,” he said.

The students urged the interim government to consider their problems.

“We call on the Islamic Emirate to clarify our destiny and give us a visa and help us to get back to India, said Shirzad, a student.

Meanwhile, Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said they are in contact with Indian officials.

“There is a problem with the issuance of Indian visas. We have talked to them many times to facilitate this because some patients and our traders as well as our students are going to study there. This problem has been created by them and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact to find a solution for this issue,” he said.

After the Islamic Emirate came to power, India closed its embassy in Afghanistan and halted the distribution of visas.

Source: tolonews.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-184032

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Teacher Provides Free Education for Children in Kabul

A teacher has provided children with the opportunity to get an education by creating a "Mobile School" in Kabul.

Wazir Khan is the founder of the "Mobile School" in Kabul and said that he does this work with the aim of providing education for children who are left out of education.

“You can see that most of these children are girls and children with disabilities, and these students have never gone to schools before today and it’s their first time that they attended school, in this school elders are also included,” said Wazir Khan, a teacher.

Zergai 12, said that he is concerned about the lack of schools, and he is happy to attend this school.

“I want the school to be organized here, and I want to become a doctor in the future, and it has been six months since this school has been organized,” said Zergai, a student.

“Sometimes there is sun and sometimes rain, and we asked for schools, and we have lots of challenges because we don’t have notebooks and pens,” said Maryam, a student.

Some of the residents asked the Islamic Emirate to provide an opportunity for education for the children who are left out of school or do not have a place to study.

“You can see these children, and look at this sun, in this situation our children are studying here,” said Mamor, a Kabul resident.

“We don’t have a school here, but we are happy for this educational opportunity,” said Nooruddin, a Kabul resident.

Source: tolonews.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-184027

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Situation in Afghanistan Remains Tense: Putin

July 4, 2023

“Traditionally, the situation in Afghanistan is the focus of the SCO attention. Moreover, our colleagues have just talked about it. The situation, which, unfortunately, is not becoming any less tense,” Putin said.

Putin also said that the SCO’s top priority should continue to be fighting terrorism, fighting extremism and religious radicalism, stopping drug trafficking and other forms of smuggling, and fighting bandit formations.

“I would like to recall the Russian proposal to transform the SCO’s regional anti-terrorist organization into a multi-purpose centre that would respond to the entire range of security threats,” Putin said, Tass reported.

The virtual Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held virtually on Tuesday, in which several leaders, including Xi Jinping, Putin, Shehbaz Sharif and the Prime minister of India, joined the meeting.

The Summit was presided by Prime Minister Modi, and he said that the organization should work together to combat terrorism and not hesitate to condemn countries that support terror.

Meanwhile, the Indian Prime Minister urged the Eurasian political and security alliance to support Kabul with humanitarian aid and strive for the country’s welfare.

The organization comprises eight countries: India, Pakistan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Source: khaama.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.khaama.com/situation-in-afghanistan-remains-tense-putin/

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Pakistan

 

At SCO virtual summit, PM says terrorism should be condemned in unambiguous terms

July 4, 2023

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, should be condemned in “clear and unambiguous terms”.

He made the remarks while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) virtual summit hosted by India. Russia and China were also among the other countries attending the meeting.

“SCO member states have a shared interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region, which is a precondition for economic development anywhere in the world.

“The Hydra-headed monster of terrorism and extremism — whether committed by individuals, societies or states — must be fought by full vigor and conviction. Any temptation to use it as a cudgel for diplomatic point-scoring must be avoided under all circumstances,” he said.

“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms. There can be no justification for the killing of innocent people regardless of the cause or pretext.”

The premier went on to say that religious minorities should not be demonised in the “pursuit of domestic political agendas”.

While PM Shehbaz did not refer to any specifics in his speech, his remarks come as activists say persecution and hate speech against religious minorities, especially Muslims, in India have accelerated since Narendra Modi came into power.

In his speech, PM Shehbaz noted that while the sacrifices made by Pakistan in fighting the scourge of terrorism were without a parallel, the phenomenon continued to plague the region and was a “serious obstacle” to peace and stability.

“SCO countries must take concerted and immediate actions, both in their national and collective capacity, […] to combat the three evils of terrorism, extremism and separatism,” he said, adding that achieving lasting peace in the region was a common concern as well as the responsibility of all SCO leaders.

PM calls for world to ‘meaningfully’ engage with Afghanistan

PM Shehbaz further said that stability in Afghanistan was critical for achieving this “common objective”, noting that the world was currently at a “standstill” with the war-torn country.

“The cascade of unmet expectations has meant that critical support needed by Afghanistan to ward off a great humanitarian crisis, prevent an economic meltdown and to combat terrorism has been withheld.

“This policy needs an urgent reset. The international community should meaningfully engage with the interim Afghan government to take the next steps.

“Similarly, the interim afghan government must also take concrete measures to ensure its soil is not used for terrorism by any entity. A peaceful and stable afghan will not only bring economic dividends to the Afghan people but will also unlock the true economic potential of the SCO region as well as contribute to global peace, security and progress,” he said.

He said that the SCO Afghanistan contact group had an important role to play in providing a platform for practical cooperation.

‘Fundamental rights should be guaranteed for all’

At one point in his speech, the prime minister noted that to achieve the goal of sustainable peace, fundamental rights and freedoms should be guaranteed for all, including those “under occupation”.

“Peace and communal harmony should replace violent, ultra-nationalism and xenophobic ideologies, especially Islamophobia.”

He said that the SCO should oppose divisive policies based on prejudice and discrimination. “There should be no place for willful provocations, and incitement to hatred, especially on religious grounds.

“The SCO stands for observance of the UN principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the people’s right to self-determination,” he said.

He went on to say that the UN principles offered a workable framework for the resolution of “long-standing disputes” in the region.

“These must be addressed immediately and settled amicably before its too late,” PM Shehbaz said.

‘SCO meeting at critical juncture’

At the outset of his speech, PM Shehbaz said that the SCO members were meeting at a “very critical juncture” where important developments were taking place in the socio-economic and security sphere.

“In this era of global geopolitical flux, the SCO has acquired added significance as a beacon of stability, security, peace and progress. The fundamental values of the Shanghai spirit are more relevant now than ever before.”

He said that connectivity had become a defining feature in the modern global economy, adding that it was rightly hailed as a vehicle for peace and prosperity. Talking about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said that the project could be a “game changer” for connectivity and prosperity in the region.

“Pakistan’s location serves as a natural bridge, connecting Europe and Central Asia with china, South Asia and the Middle East,” he said, adding that special economic zones under CPEC could also serve as convenient conduits for promoting regional trade.

Earlier on Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the SCO should join hands to fight terrorism and not hesitate to condemn countries that support terror.

Modi also urged leaders of the Eurasian political and security grouping to work for the welfare of Afghanistan and provide humanitarian aid to Kabul.

Afghan soil, Modi told the virtual summit of SCO leaders, should not be allowed to be used to destabilise its neighbourhood.

Ahead of the summit, the Foreign Office said PM Shehbaz’s participation “illustrates the high importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO, as an important forum for regional security and prosperity, and enhanced engagement with the region”.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.dawn.com/news/1762935/at-sco-virtual-summit-pm-says-terrorism-should-be-condemned-in-unambiguous-terms

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IHC sets aside session court’s verdict in Toshakhana case against PTI chief

July 4, 2023

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday overturned the ruling of a sessions court wherein it had rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s petition to declare the Toshkhana case inadmissible.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq pronounced the verdict reserved on June 23 on a petition filed by the former prime minister, challenging the Toshakhana trial proceedings. The verdict came a day after the PTI chief petitioned the court for Justice Farooq’s recusal from the bench.

In a verdict, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, the IHC asked the sessions court to consider the ex-PM’s plea as pending and decide it afresh within seven days.

“The application in question shall be deemed to be pending and decided afresh by the learned trial court within seven days from the receipt of this judgment, keeping in view the law in question and observations made above,” the court order reads.

The IHC also observed that the sessions court had left the “issue undecided and dismissed the application of the petitioner with scanty reasons which left the main legal issues undecided or unresolved”.

It added that it would be only proper for the trial court to decide the application afresh after hearing the parties with detailed reasons keeping in view the provisions of Article 10-A of the Constitution.

Imran was indicted in the Toshakhana case on May 10, as Additional Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar had dismissed his objections regarding the admissibility of the case.

Subsequently, the ex-PM approached the IHC, which granted a stay on criminal proceedings until June 8. After the hearing resumed last month, Justice Farooq reserved his judgment on the petition on June 23, which he announced today.

Imran’s lawyer, Gohar Khan told reporters outside the court that the case was dismissed due to a lack of grounds to maintain it.

In the PTI chief’s plea seeking the recusal of the IHC chief justice, Imran assailed the IHC chief justice for not granting him permission to “drive the vehicle inside the court”, not relaxing the requirement of biometric verification and not declaring his May 9 arrest illegal.

He also referred to the case of his alleged daughter Tyrian-White Jade Khan and said: “An important case was decided by two learned judges [Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir] but the learned chief justice did not allow that to be published and when one of the learned judges directed the office to upload the judgement, it was taken down after issuance of a press release.”

IHC verdict ‘a victory for PTI’: Imran’s lawyer

Speaking to reporters outside the IHC, Gohar Khan, the lawyer representing the PTI chief, stated that they had lodged a complaint with the IHC, challenging the admissibility of the Toshakhana case against the former Prime Minister as presented by the trial court.

Gohar said: “The reference filed by the ECP against the PTI chief in October 2022 has been dismissed due to lack of grounds for maintaining it.”

He expressed gratitude to God for granting the party the victory they had been eagerly awaiting for a year.

He urged PTI workers to show their appreciation by prostrating before God in thanks for the relief granted to the party chief.

Toshakhana case

The case, filed by ruling party lawmakers, is based on a reference filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The reference alleges that Imran had “deliberately concealed” details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana — a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept — during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales.

Imran has faced a number of legal issues over his retention of gifts. The issue also led to his disqualification by the ECP.

On October 21, 2022 the ECP concluded that the former premier had indeed made “false statements and incorrect declarations” regarding the gifts.

The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. According to Toshakhana rules, gifts/presents and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules apply shall be reported to the Cabinet Division.

The watchdog’s order had said Imran stood disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.

Subsequently, the ECP had approached the Islamabad sessions court with a copy of the reference, seeking proceedings against Imran under criminal law for allegedly misleading officials about the gifts he received from foreign dignitaries during his tenure as the prime minister.

Murder of lawyer in Quetta: SC rejects Imran’s plea against bail cancellation

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court rejected the PTI chief’s application against the Balochistan High Court’s (BHC) decision to reject his plea seeking to quash the FIR and arrest warrants registered against him in connection with the murder of senior lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar in Quetta.

In his petition, Imran had argued that the BHC had, without considering the actual facts of the matter, dismissed his petition in the preliminary stage. The petition urged the SC to set aside the high court’s June 15 order and quash the FIR.

A two-judge SC bench comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Ayesha A. Malik heard the case.

During the hearing, Imran’s lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa contended that his client’s life was in danger and urged to court to bar authorities from arresting him. He also read out the FIR registered against Imran and said that the deceased’s son had registered a case against the ex-premier on terrorism charges.

Justice Ahsan then asked who determines that terrorism charges will be added to the case. Khosa replied that it was the station house officer’s (SHO) primary responsibility.

“If the SHO’s decision is incorrect, will an application be sent against him in an anti-terrorism court?” Justice Ahsan asked, noting that it was the petitioner’s right to approach the correct forum for the redressal of his grievances.

The court subsequently rejected Imran’s plea for issuing a stay against the BHC and for granting interim bail. The court also sought details of the case from the government lawyer and issued notices to the respondents, including the Balochistan prosecutor general.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1762926/ihc-sets-aside-session-courts-verdict-in-toshakhana-case-against-pti-chief

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Pakistan ‘too entangled’ to be involved in bloc politics: Bilawal

July 4, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that as a developing country facing serious economic and environmental challenges, Pakistan has no time for the Cold War-style bloc politics that appears to be making a comeback.

He was hinting at the US and China blocs amid strife in the two superpowers’ relations while addressing an event in Tokyo on Monday.

The foreign minister who is on a four-day official visit to Japan also met his Japanese counterpart and prime minister.

“We want to focus on delivering jobs and prosperity to our 230 million people — two-thirds of whom are below 30 years of age,” he stressed in his remarks at the Asian Development Bank Institute.

Says economy, climate ‘major challenges’; meets Japanese PM, counterpart

Mr Bhutto-Zardari hailed the Chinese investment in Pakistan’s power sector when the country was facing crippling electricity cuts that had paralysed its industries.

The opportunities created in Pakistan’s industrial, agricultural and energy sectors as a result of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects were not exclusive to any single country, the minister said.

While calling for enhanced regional connectivity for more trade, the foreign minister agreed Pakistan’s aspirations for deeper linkages and more trade would remain unfulfilled as long as lasting peace and stability in South Asia remain elusive.

“Pakistan’s position has always been clear that there can be no peace in South Asia until the region’s core dispute — the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir — is resolved through dialogue and in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and the principles of international law.”

Pakistan has always been ready to work towards such a resolution but the country has no “partner for peace in South Asia”.

While claiming that India was in the grip of “a religious hysteria” closing out any space for dialogue and diplomacy, he lamented the “disappointing silence” of the international community on India’s oppression in held Kashmir and provocations against a much smaller neighbour.

However, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said things must have to change as business as usual was no longer an option.

“We can only do this by leveraging our strategic location at the crossroads of Central and South Asia to foster economic connectivity and generate growth. This vision is the moving force behind our shift from geopolitics to geo-economics.”

Japan ‘a key development partner’

The foreign minister called Japan “a key development partner” and an important source of foreign direct investment and industrial infrastructure for Pakistan. “All this makes Japan one of Pakistan’s closest partners in Asia.”

“While Pakistan and Japan are situated in different corners of the Asian continent, we share important convergences in terms of our outlook and vision for our region.”

The Japanese expertise in building infrastructure was second to none and by joining hands, Pakistan and Japan can create a robust and efficient infrastructure network, boosting regional connectivity and enhancing not only bilateral but also regional trade volumes.

“More than anything, Pakistan and Japan can contribute to and enrich the discourse on issues of regional importance — especially conflict resolution, poverty alleviation, climate change, and global health.”

Meeting with Japanese PM, FM

The foreign minister also held separate meetings with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi and PM Fumio Kishida.

The two sides agreed to enhance their bilateral cooperation in diverse areas including trade, investment, human resource development and agriculture sectors.

Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, FM Bhutto-Zardari said the two sides explored the possibility of working together on targeted programs with higher impact in the domains of solarisation, desalination and water purification and housing and infrastructure rebuilding in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan.

They also agreed to conduct skill assessment tests for the Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of the skilled workforce. “We also deliberated on investments and joint ventures by Japanese enterprises in Pakistan.”

Mr Bhutto-Zardari added the two sides must stay engaged at all levels to further positive dialogue and continue exploring more avenues of cooperation.

Pakistan and Japan were long-standing friends and share a special bond based on deep-rooted linkages that go far in history and time.

The foreign minister also interacted with several Japanese business executives and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Japan External Trade Organisation.

Aseefa ‘paying for her trip’

Separately, PPP has clarified that the foreign minister’s sister Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari who was accompanying him on the Japan visit, was bearing her own expenses, Dawn.com reported.

Ms Bhutto-Zardari has been under severe criticism after photos appeared on social media in which she could be seen sitting beside her brother at an event in Tokyo on Sunday. However, talking to Dawn.com, PPP Information Secretary Shazia Marri said Ms Bhutto-Zardari was not attending official meetings. “She has only attended the Pakistani community and Friends of Pakistan business community events.”

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.dawn.com/news/1762837/pakistan-too-entangled-to-be-involved-in-bloc-politics-bilawal

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IO told to file charge sheet against PTI lawmaker Firdous Shamim Naqvi

July 4, 2023

KARACHI: A judicial magistrate on Monday directed the investigating officer to file a charge sheet against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf lawmaker Firdous Shamim Naqvi in a case pertaining to May 9 riots.

PTI lawmaker Naqvi is facing cases pertaining to allegedly resorting to violence, arson and causing terror while staging protests in Karachi before and after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on May 9.

On Monday, the IO produced the PTI lawmaker before a judicial magistrate (East) in connection with a case pertaining to allegedly leading a violent protest near Millennium Mall.

However, the IO failed to submit an investigation report against the interned legislator.

The magistrate asked the IO to submit the investigation report on the next date and adjourned the hearing till July 18.

Pleas against arrest of 13 PTI workers

The Sindh High Court adjourned the hearing on petitions challenging arrest of 13 PTI activists in cases pertaining to May 9 riots.

A prosecutor informed the bench that interim charge sheets had not been submitted by the investigating officer with relevant trial courts.

He asked the court to call the record and police papers of the cases lodged against detained PTI activists.

Petitioners’ counsel Hafeezuddin and Sathi M Ishaq contended that the police had detained even innocent people who had nothing to do with the alleged acts of violence and terrorism on May 9.

They said their clients’ relatives were in custody since May 10. They pleaded the court to declare their detention illegal and order their release.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.dawn.com/news/1762815/io-told-to-file-charge-sheet-against-pti-lawmaker-firdous-shamim-naqvi

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Arab World

 

Chinese Pilgrims Visit Two Holy Mosques ExhibitionHosted In The Third Saudi Expansion Of The Grand Mosque

04-07-23

A group of pilgrims from the People’s Republic of China today visited the Two Holy Mosques exhibition hosted in the third Saudi expansion of the Grand Mosque.

The pilgrims were briefed on the landmarks of the Grand Mosque, including the Black Stone, the Yemeni Corner, Maqam Ibrahim, Hijr Ismail and Zamzam water.

Assistant Undersecretary for Field Advisory Affairs Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdul Majeed Al-Barakati said that the visit is part of the program carried out under the slogan "From arrival to departure” that the presidency prepared for this year's Hajj season.

Al-Barakati also highlighted the great efforts and pioneering role of the wise leadership in serving the two Holy Mosques and their visitors.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/e146a5a9e0cf48cca4d7fd696e7b4a5b

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Director General of Passports Inspects Procedures of Pilgrims Departing through Jeddah Islamic Port

03 Jul, 2023

Director General of the Passports Directorate Lt. Gen. Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya inspected today the progress of work to complete the procedures for the departure of pilgrims through the passports of the Jeddah Islamic Port.

Lt. Gen. Al-Yahya stressed that the General Directorate of Passports harnesses all its human and technical capabilities to facilitate the completion of procedures for the departure of the pilgrims through various air, land and sea ports.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/28d6267b155b409fa58e5862542f369b

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Trained Cadres Sterilize Prophet's Mosque with over 600 Cleaning Machines

03 Jul, 2023

The Sterilization Department of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque has intensified its efforts to sanitize the mosque in preparation for the arrival of pilgrims and visitors. This department is dedicated to sterilizing and perfuming the entire mosque, including its roof and courtyards, ensuring that pilgrims and visitors can perform their rituals comfortably and conveniently.

The sterilization process is carried out through daily programs that run around the clock, utilizing top-of-the-line equipment and skilled personnel. Trained staff members employ over 600 cleaning machines to execute sterilization procedures. Each day, more than 109,000 litres of antiseptics, over 126,000 litres of disinfectants, and 30 litres of fresheners are utilized in the process.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/b708093941ed47049ab4785afe6506b6

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General Presidency for Affairs of Two Holy Mosques Launches Welcome Initiative

04 Jul, 2023

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque launched yesterday the Hayyakum (Welcome) initiative at the Library of the Holy Mosque.

As per the initiative, visitors and pilgrims are welcome at the library after performing Hajj, culture and knowledge are promoted, the Islamic heritage and history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are introduced to visitors, and spirituality and cultural awareness about the Two Holy Mosques are enhanced among pilgrims and visitors.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/e7703b4ca54d441596d7b91cc2729ffc

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60 Mobility Services employees assist elderly pilgrims outside Prophet's Mosque round the clock

July 03, 2023

MADINAH — Sixty staff members of the Mobility Services Department at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque provide humanitarian services to elderly and disabled pilgrims, helping them access the Prophet's Mosque at prayer time and for visits.

They work round the clock, transporting the elderly and disabled pilgrims in the Prophet's Mosque courtyards in electric carts that can accommodate several people.

This service is part of the humanitarian initiatives taken by government health, security and volunteer agencies to serve pilgrims and make the performance of Hajj comfortable.

Since the beginning of the Hajj season, the Mobility Services Department has transported 700,000 people, among them elderly and disabled pilgrims, people taking part in funeral processions, and women visiting the exhibition around the architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque. — SPA

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/633937/SAUDI-ARABIA/60-Mobility-Services-employees-assist-elderly-pilgrims-outside-Prophets-Mosque-round-the-clock

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Africa

 

Uganda Muslim Council condemns Quran burning in Sweden

Deputy Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa has condemned the act of burning the Quran in Sweden as "barbaric and disrespectful" to a religion professed by over 2 billion people.

Speaking to Iran Press in his office at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) on Monday, he appealed to Sweden and other European countries to stop protecting provocative behaviors towards Muslims that disturb their social peace.

“Provocation of violence among peaceful living Muslims is indeed uncalled for. In a civilized world like in a European society, it is shocking that a person is allowed to provoke the anger of over 2 billion people without repercussions is unimaginable,” he said. 

“Freedom of expression is not a right without limits and cannot be enjoyed in a way that belittles the rights and dignity of others” he added.

He said that the burning of Quran as part of freedom of expression is a "mockery" towards Islam and its followers adding that there should be a single standard for freedom of expression.

He stated that imposing restrictions on the freedom of expression for those who deny or write negatively about the Holocaust, while allowing the desecration of the holy Quran, is a double standard.

"Why would it be illegal to deny or write negatively about the Holocaust, but it is legal to offend Muslims? That is double standards," he said.

He questioned why the state grants permission for discrimination, prejudice, and offense against Muslims.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/uganda-muslim-council-condemns-quran-burning-in-sweden/2936211

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Trinidad Muslim League rejects teaching of "alternative lifestyles" in schools

20230703

The Trinidad Muslim League (TML) says it has been cautiously observing the developments in the country regarding the issue of alternative lifestyles and what it calls its subtle introduction into our mainstream society.

In a media release, TML said, "We have seen, over the years, the 'seemingly innocent' assimilation of LGBTQ into our print, social as well as electronic media. Today, there is a perceived move to introduce this in our schools, where our children will be indoctrinated into accepting this immoral lifestyle as something that is good and healthy. Trinidad and Tobago, while not a religious state, consists predominantly of citizens who adhere to and hold religious principles as sacrosanct. These principles have been handed down through our forefathers who upheld such moral and spiritual values upon which our nation was built."

TML said as a recognized Islamic organization that has contributed significantly to our nation’s development, it is its responsibility to proffer its position on this issue.

"Islam, like other religions, categorically speaks against homosexuality and other such alternative lifestyles."

TML said as Muslims they do not doubt, even for an instant, that what Allah and His Prophet have prescribed is wise.

"We know that there is great wisdom in what Allah has commanded and what He has forbidden. Since the prohibition has come from our Lord, Muslims do not wait until science proves that harm befalls the one who does that which Allah has forbidden. Rather we must believe firmly that Allah only prescribes that which is good for people and these modern discoveries should only increase our certainty and confidence in the greatness of Allah’s wisdom."

As caregivers of one of the denominational school boards in Trinidad and Tobago, the TML, through its rights enshrined in our Concordat, "rejects whatever attempt, overt or covert, to introduce any material or concept associated with teaching our children about alternative lifestyles in our schools."

TML said if we want to help children develop into happy and healthy adults, "we as a society must return to family values that are in agreement with the teachings and guidance of our beloved Creator."

The Ministry of Education has said that there is no plan to change the school curriculum.

Source: guardian.co.tt

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https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/trinidad-muslim-league-rejects-teaching-of-alternative-lifestyles-in-schools-6.2.1744522.9555964399

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Saudi Hajj: Governor doles out N278 million to Katsina Muslim pilgrims

JULY 3, 2023

Governor DikkoRadda has gifted N278 million to Katsina pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

This was disclosed in a press statement on Monday in Katsina by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibrahim Kaula.

According to him, Katsina’sAmirul Hajj and former state assembly speaker, Tasiu Musa-Maigari, disclosed this in Makkah on Sunday when he visited the pilgrims.

Mr Musa-Maigari further revealed that Mr Radda also urged the pilgrims to pray for the end of insecurity in Katsina.

The former speaker later announced the donation of 300 riyals (the equivalent of N6O,000) by the governor to each pilgrim as a feeding allowance.

The executive secretary of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Suleiman Kuki, expressed satisfaction with the responsible and decent conduct of the State pilgrims during the annual exercise.

In the entourage of the Amirul Hajj were former Deputy Governors Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, Abdullahi Garba Aminci, and the chairman of the board, MagajinGarinKatsina.

Source: gazettengr.com

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https://gazettengr.com/saudi-hajj-governor-doles-out-n278-million-to-katsina-muslim-pilgrims/

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North America

 

America's Longest-Serving Muslim Mayor, Mohammed Khairullah, Reveals Impact Of FBI Watchlist

4 July 2023

On May 1 this year, prominent Muslims in the United States were supposed to gather at the White House to meet President Joe Biden and celebrate the festival of Eid al Fitr, which marks the completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Among the invited guests was Mohammed Khairullah, a burly man with a shaved head who is the mayor of the Prospect Park borough in the state of New Jersey.

But half an hour before he was scheduled to arrive at the White House, he received a phone call telling him he was no longer invited: the Secret Service had refused to allow him in.

Khairullah says after this phone call, he contacted the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) regarding the incident; they confirmed that he had been barred from entering the White House because of a secret status the FBI had assigned to him years earlier without notice or explanation.

“I don't know how I got on that list," he tells TRT World. "But the majority of the people on that list are either Muslims or Arabs, which tells you that I can easily get on this list basically by sneezing the wrong way.”

A recent report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) highlights the disproportionate number of Muslims in the FBI’s Terrorism Screening Database and on its No-Fly List.

The report reveals that more than 98 percent of the individuals on the FBI’s watchlist are Muslim, with Muslims comprising a whooping 99 percent of the Bureau’s No-Fly List, which contains the names of those who can be stopped from boarding a commercial airliner.

Khairullah, who had sought refuge in the US after escaping violence in Syria in the 1990s, never imagined he would end up on the list.

In an interview with TRT World, he discusses how being on the list impacts his political career, personal life and the wider Muslim community.

A political career sparked by a passion for firefighting

Khairullah reminisces about his childhood dreams of becoming a firefighter and how his political career in the United States began.

“What I wanted to do, always, as a child, was to be a firefighter. The United States gave me the opportunity to become a volunteer firefighter, and that was my first experience dealing with the political system," he recalls.

Since becoming a firefighter required US citizenship, Khairullah was told that local rules could be changed on a town level to allow him to join the fire department.

“You could make rules locally — and that made me intrigued by local politics,” he says.

Khairullah became a member of the City Council after obtaining his citizenship in 2000. In 2005, he received support from his colleagues on the Council to fill the seat of the previous mayor, who had moved out of town. Since then, Khairullah has run for five terms, each term lasting four years.

 "I think we could change the narrative by being involved within the system. They no longer can say, ‘any Mohammed is whatever we see on TV, because the Mohammed in Prospect Park, NJ, is the person we know that helps people and raises funds for areas hit by disaster’," he says.

"They know us (Muslims) for who we are, not for what the media tells them."

The urgent need to reform the FBI watchlist

Mayor Khairullah emphasises that reforming the process of compiling the watchlist should be a top priority in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections. "It's crucial for Muslim organisations and the Muslim community to address this as a serious and major topic," he states.

"How you get on it (the FBI list), we don't know. Until it was leaked, the government did not acknowledge that it exists. I think, until now, they kind of don't acknowledge its existence," says Khairullah.

"That's the crazy part in the United States, a country of institutions and a constitution that protects civil liberties. I am guilty of something in their eyes, which prevents me from being a normal citizen, but they won't tell me what it is, which is, in my mind, the core issue of what is wrong with that list."

According to Khairullah, federal agents provide no explanations regarding the watchlist to elected officials, congresspeople or senators. This lack of transparency further exacerbates the situation for Muslim citizens listed by the FBI.

“They won’t even answer to federally elected officials. They won’t answer to senators. They won’t answer to congressmen… I mean, these are people who sit in Congress, in the Senate and they vote on major bills that fall on US policy, but they still can’t get an answer. So what do you think of this humble servant or any other average citizen?”

Khairullah is calling for urgent reform in both the creation and maintenance of the watchlist. He stresses the need for a transparent process to allow individuals to defend themselves against whatever allegedly incriminating ‘evidence’ had them included on the list in order to be removed from it altogether.

Impact on Muslims' lives

The repercussions of being on the watchlist extend beyond Mayor Khairullah's political career. He recounts a personal experience at the Canadian border, where he was detained in a glass room for three to four hours. "My toddler daughter was asking me why I can't get to her," he recalls.

"That is not an experience that I want my children or the children of others to go through because that will give the impression that you are a second- or third-class citizen."

While Mayor Khairullah’s inclusion on the FBI watchlist is a high-profile case, he highlights that there are hundreds of thousands of people suffering silently.

“A flight between the New York area and Chicago could be less than two hours by plane, but then some people choose to take a 16-hour car ride if they need to go there” — because many would rather avoid harassment at the airport.

The CAIR report sheds light on the severe impact the watchlist has on the lives of Muslims. Saadiq Long, a US Air Force veteran with no criminal record, is just one of many Muslims who has faced significant challenges due to his watchlist status. Flight bans prevented him from visiting his critically ill mother in Oklahoma, forcing him to undertake arduous overland journeys. Stories like Long’s are a dime a dozen among Muslims in the US.

Avoiding airports and travelling by car doesn’t always shield individuals from the far-reaching consequences of being on the watchlist. They often find themselves confronted by a swarm of CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers at frontiers, where they face a series of distressing ordeals. They are often held at gunpoint, handcuffed and subjected to hours of relentless interrogation. In some cases, they may even be detained under hazardous conditions.

Anas Elhady is another Muslim whose case is highlighted in CAIR’s report. Elhady, a college student, was returning home to Michigan after a visit to Canada in 2015. Upon crossing the border, he was detained by CBP officers who proceeded to subject him to an extensive interrogation that lasted for hours. Throughout this ordeal, Elhady was confined to a freezing-cold cement cell wearing only his shirt, pants and thin socks. Despite his repeated pleas for additional clothing or a blanket, his requests were denied by the CBP officers until he lost consciousness from the cold. It was only then that he was finally taken to a hospital.

These stories reveal the profound human toll exacted by the watchlist system, leaving affected individuals with lasting scars and eroding their sense of safety and dignity.

Forced to become informants

One of the FBI’s tactics while monitoring those on the watchlist is to coerce them into becoming informants within their communities. Mayor Khairullah, himself, was subjected to this approach.

“I have been interviewed by federal agents and they asked me to sort of become an informant,” he reveals. The agents, knowing he had taken several trips to Syria, requested that he go on social media and find some information about the Muslim community in the Middle Eastern country.

He refused the offer, telling the agents, “There's nothing that I could share with you. If there's anything that I need to share with you that I know is important for our country, I would, I'll be more than happy to do so. But I'm not going to go on social media and dig up stuff,” continuing, “That's his job, not my job.”

The FBI’s coercion tactics extend beyond high-profile civil servants to encompass young Muslim citizens in the US. The CAIR report provides several examples illustrating how these methods have been used on young American Muslims, with the case of Osama Ahmed being just one of many.

In early 2011, Osama Ahmed, an 18-year-old US citizen, experienced a harrowing encounter upon his return to the US from Yemen. Right after disembarking from his flight, Ahmed was taken to an interrogation room where he was kept for some 7 hours of questioning by FBI agents before he was released. Days later, FBI agents visited Ahmed’s home and forced him to be an informant in Yemen. They even offered to teach him how to skydive. One of the agents informed Ahmed that he was on the No-Fly List, but if he cooperated, his name would be removed.

These two examples highlight a concerning pattern of targeting individuals within the Muslim community in the US, regardless of their age, political status or criminal background.

Is there any white person on the list?

Despite federal law enforcement officials consistently identifying white supremacists as the primary threats to national security, the focus of the FBI watchlist disproportionately targets Muslims based on race and religion, as stated in the CAIR report. However, the question of whether white individuals end up on this list remains unanswered.

Khairullah remarks, “Does that happen to a John Doe who happens to be a white person? I mean, for God’s sake, on January 6th of 2020, they almost toppled our democracy by trying to storm the Capitol building,” he asserts, referring to the deeply ingrained racism found within and throughout the US political system.

Who will be the next target of the FBI?

Both Mayor Khairullah and the CAIR report warn that the individuals on the FBI’s watchlist face serious challenges and repercussions. For the past two decades, the Bureau’s secret list has brought hardship and fear to the Muslim community.

However, the report cautions that, "The FBI's next million targets won't be Muslims. With the ‘War on Terror’ fog lifting, the FBI’s secret list will one day find a new target. The next target will be our fellow Americans."

Khairullah urges the US Muslim community to be proactive and engage in local events and activities.

“I urge everybody to volunteer in their local community, because that changes the narrative that people see of Muslims. So we all need to be involved, we all need to do our part in changing the narratives and then this way, we gain more support when we speak about issues of racism and discrimination.”

Source: trtworld.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/americas-longest-serving-muslim-mayor-reveals-impact-of-fbi-watchlist-13891797

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New Mexico mosque attacked four times in less than 2 week, rights advocates urge for hate crime probe

04 July, 2023

A mosque in the small New Mexico town of Portales has seen four attacks in the span of a week and a half.

The Portales Islamic Center, with a small congregation of around 20 that mainly serves local university students, was hit with four instances of vandalism in less than two weeks, in one of the latest examples of mosque attacks in different parts of the United States.

Local authorities are reportedly investigating the matter, though not explicitly as a hate crime as of Monday, as Muslim rights advocates are urging, despite indications of a biased motive.

Damage to the mosque includes broken furniture, punctures to a wall, a ripped Quran with beer poured on it, as well as KKK painted on the wall, a clear reference to the notorious Ku Klux Klan white supremacist group, shown on a video clip of a local news report.

"All too often, when there's vandalism of a mosque, local law enforcement brushes it off," Ibrahim Hooper national communications director and spokesman with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which has publicly called for a hate crime investigation, told The New Arab.

"When you have KKK spray painted on the interior, it's not like there's no indication of a bias motive. I don't know if they're looking at the same thing I'm looking at," he said.

Christopher Williams, police chief of Portales, issued a statement to local media, saying that these incidents were not likely a hate crime.

“Our investigators are continuing to investigate this incident regardless of if it is or is not a hate crime," he told KRQE, noting that if a hate crime was determined, in New Mexico there would be a sentencing enhancement and not a separate criminal charge.

"At this time the damage is extremely similar to that on other vacant buildings in the area, which leads us to believe that this is more than likely not a hate crime however, possible leads are being followed up on and the area is being monitored by officers," he said.

The current response, though not what advocates are hoping, is still something for attacks on a house of worship, which some say are often disregarded by authorities.

"They didn't really take it seriously until we pressed them on it," said Hooper.

Source: newarab.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.newarab.com/news/new-mexico-mosque-attacked-four-times-week-and-half

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Missoula's large, growing Muslim community looks for a mosque

DAVID ERICKSON

Jul 3, 2023

Missoula's large and ever-growing Muslim community urgently needs a new place of worship as they've lost access to the space they've been using for years.

The International Muslim House, located on Fifth Street near the University of Montana campus, is owned by the university. Also the headquarters of the Montana Islamic Society, the large house has been used as a mosque for Muslims to pray every week for a long time. It's been crucial for local Muslim community members, students and refugees from other countries who have settled in Montana.

But now, UM plans to renovate the house and use it as residential housing instead of a gathering space.

"It's a very urgent problem for us," said AseelNiazai, a member of the Missoula Muslim community who is originally from Afghanistan. He's also a representative of a refugee advocacy organization.

"We are growing day by day," he said. "We have a large population from Afghanistan. We have lots of people from Iraq, Syria, and countries in Africa like the Democratic Republic of Congo."

The International Muslim House serves as a gathering place for people from countries where there isn't a huge population in Missoula as well, such as Egypt, Malaysia and Turkey, for example.

The house is important, Niazai said, because it's big enough to accommodate large groups and special religious events. It also allows people to come and go as they need, because sometimes a person's work schedule means they have to come pray at odd times of day. There are private rooms and a kitchen for communal meals, with a refrigerator to store meat for special occasions or to donate to people in need.

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UM has reserved a space in the University Center for people to use as a meeting and prayer space, but Niazai said it will be inadequate over the long-term. It's too small, has no kitchen and lacks separate floors for men and women like the current house. Also, it won't be available all the time.

Niazai said he's met with Missoula Mayor Jordan Hess to discuss the issue.

"This is a priority for us," Niazai said, noting that other problems and issues have been pushed to the backburner.

Dave Kuntz, the director of strategic communications at the University of Montana, said the university is taking many of the houses it owns along Fifth and Sixth Streets offline for renovations. The plan is to use them to expand the University's housing supply in the years ahead.

“The International Muslim House has been used as a meeting space for Muslim students and others in the community for the past few years,” Kuntz explained. “Nobody has lived in this house, rather, it has been used for meetings and prayer.”

The building is not to be confused with the International House, which houses international students and will not be changed.

“At the International Muslim House, the University will proceed with a renovation to take what has been a meeting space and return it to a living space owned by UM,” Kuntz said. “It has not been determined yet if students or employees will rent this place once the renovation is complete.”

Muslims pray five times a day every day, but the most important prayer of the week is the day of gathering on Friday. So the Muslim community hosts a congregational prayer on that day in Missoula.

This past Friday, June 30, was the last day that the Muslim community in Missoula held a gathering at their only mosque in the area. After the afternoon congregational prayer, a group of men were busy moving rugs, religious books and furniture out of the house.

"We need to have a big place because we, as a Muslim community, are growing day by day so we need to have an appropriate place," Niazai said. "So, everyone is working on it."

David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian.

Source: mtstandard.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/missoula-growing-muslim-community-search-for-place-of-worship/article_26080701-52ef-5ed4-963d-bdf9b204f388.html

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Southeast Asia

 

Jakim is more than just for Islamic development under my administration, says PM Anwar

By Muhammad Yusry

Tuesday, 04 Jul 2023

PUTRAJAYA, July 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has a greater role to play in his administration than previous governments.

He said Jakim is more than capable of expanding its scope into other related fields such as discussing the economic narrative of Malaysia.

“Where’s Jakim in the Budget of previous governments and the 12th Malaysia Plan?

“Jakim is also capable of running education policies. This is important because the principles of good values and morality are key to running the government,” he said in his speech at the launch of the the book Adab PerbezaanPendapatDalam Islam at the Jakim Auditorium in Kompleks Islam Putrajaya here.

Source: malaymail.com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/04/jakim-is-more-than-just-for-islamic-development-under-my-administration-says-pm-anwar/77784

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Unity Govt always upholds principles of Islam, ensures rights and justice for all

04-07- 2023

PUTRAJAYA: The Unity Government will always uphold the principles of Islam and ensure the rights and justice for all Malaysians are safeguarded, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at the launch of the book titled “Adab PerbezaanPendapatDalam Islam” here today, Anwar said he would use the mandate and trust given by the people for that purpose.

“As a Muslim, I have a responsibility and the mandate to uphold the principles of Islam and justice for all, including the non-Muslims.

“The concept of Malaysia Madani does not fall far from these principles,” he said.

The Prime Minister also called on all Malaysians to give the chance to the Unity Government to implement the principles embodied in the concept of Malaysia Madani.

The concept of Malaysia MADANI, introduced on Jan 19, is based on six principles: Sustainability, Prosperity, Respect, Innovation, Trust and Compassion.

In terms of governance, Anwar said he is determined to prevent all leaders, including himself, from abusing their powers to steal from the people.

Anwar also asserted that he is not a puppet of anyone and cannot be bought with money.

“Alhamdulillah, I am almost 76 years old and I cannot be bought with money. If that were possible, I would have deviated long ago,” said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.

On another development, Anwar said the government has no problem with parties with different views and opinions, but they must not violate existing ethical foundations.

“It’s okay to have different opinions, the ethics of disagreement in Islam also stated that even if you decide to disagree, there are ethical principles underlying there. You cannot violate ethical foundations,” he said. – Bernama

Source: thesundaily.my

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/unity-govt-always-upholds-principles-of-islam-ensures-rights-and-justice-for-all-GJ11181887

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URL:  https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kerala-sunni-wahhabi-tablighi-jamaat-salafis/d/130133

 

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