A Mosque, A Church And A Synagogue: Forging A Historic Moment For Interfaith Dialogue in The Middle East
New Age Islam News Bureau
14 June 2023
An artistic
rendering of the Abrahamic Family House complex (Credit: Abu Dhabi Government
Media Office)
-------
Arab World
• Saudi Arabia At UN Calls For A
Holistic Approach To Energy Transformation
• Saudi Cabinet intends Sudan donor
conference to support humanitarian efforts
• Saudi crown prince heads to France to
meet Macron, attend global summit
• Islamic symposium on significance of
reading
• Saudi Arabia to co-chair high-level
‘Donor Conference for Sudan and the Region’
• Palestine supports Saudi Arabia’s bid
to host World Expo 2030
• Enhanced cooperation high on agenda as
Solomon Islands PM leads delegation in Saudi Arabia
--------
South Asia
• Islamic Emirate Delegation Attends
Meeting on Afghanistan in Norway
• Ministry: 6 People Killed, 8 Injured
in Recent Flooding in Country
• Turkmenistan Ready to Cooperate with
Afghanistan Agriculture Sector
• Agriculture Minister Called for UNDP Assist
in Management of Afghanistan’s Waters
• About 630 Types of Drug Produced in
the Country: AFDA
• Over 6,000 killed in first 20 months:
report
--------
India
• Urdu Novel ‘Allah Miyan KaKarkhana’ Wins
2023 Bank Of Baroda Award For Translations Into Hindi
• Uttarkashi 'Love Jihad': SC Refuses To
Entertain Plea Seeking To Prevent 'Mahapanchayat By • Pro-Hindutva
Organisations In Uttarakhand
• Uttarakhand: ‘Love jihad’ protesters
in Uttarkashi adamant on panchayat
• Liquor Bottles Thrown In Mosque In
Madhya Pradesh, Case Registered
• Uttarakhand: Members Of Muslim Bodies
Meet Dhami, Seek Action Against Those 'Harassing' Community In Purola
---------
Mideast
• UNESCO Faces Accusations of Misusing
Funds for Great Mosque of Al-Nuri Expansion
• Iraqi immigrant pleads guilty in
federal court in Oregon to supporting Islamic State
• Scores of Israeli Settlers Raid
Al-Aqsa Mosque
• Islamic Jihad Begins Military Summer
Camp for Palestinian Youth
• Amid Tears of Joy, Thousands of
Palestinians Head to Mecca for Pilgrimage
• Egypt PM holds talks on plans for
developing Islamic Cairo
--------
North America
• National Council Of Canadian Muslims
Challenging No-Prayer In Schools Decree
• Civil liberties, Muslim groups ask
Quebec court to suspend ban on school prayer rooms
• Shelter in Mexico’s Tijuana Serves
Muslim Migrants
----------
Europe
• Law Alumnus, Shaheen, Listed As One Of Top 10 Influential Muslims In
The UK Legal Sector
• Scunthorpe's first ever purpose-built
mosque set to open this weekend after two-year wait
• Scottish Police Muslim Association
ex-chair accused of embezzling £23k
• ‘Polish policy, beautiful’ –
Australian Muslim influencer praises Poland’s strict migration • policies, says
the West imported ‘garbage’ who don’t want to work
--------
Pakistan
• Minister Ghani Calls Jamaat-e-Islami
‘Taliban Squatters’ Naeem Terms PPP ‘Fascist’
• Bushra skips NAB appearance in
Al-Qadir Trust case
• Pre-arrest bail of Imran extended
• US says it’s aware of May 9
protesters’ trials in military courts
• Assassination claim: Imran failed to
provide evidence to JIT, says minister
• Those who burnt Jinnah House are not
patriots: Marriyum
• Court grants Qureshi bail in May 9
vandalism case
--------
Africa
• Governor Uba Sani Advocates
Reinvention Of Islamic Education In NigeriaTo Align With Global Dynamics
• Sokoto Caliphate Publishes 3.2m Books
By Islamic Scholars
• Muslim Party Al-Jamah Want LGBTQIA+ To
Be Side-Lined By Government
• PANDEF congratulates Akpabio, says
all-Muslim leadership attempt unfortunate
--------
Southeast Asia
• Malay-Muslim Singaporean Couple Based
In London Crowdfunding To Take Play To Edinburgh Fringe
• Maybank Islamic launches EzyWasiat to
assist in will writing
• Police: Seven Pakistani men held for
human trafficking
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/mosque-church-synagogue-interfaith-middle-east/d/129993
------
A Mosque, A Church And A Synagogue: Forging A Historic Moment For Interfaith Dialogue in The Middle East
An artistic
rendering of the Abrahamic Family House complex (Credit: Abu Dhabi Government
Media Office)
-------
Jun 13, 2023
The Middle East has always been the home
of an incredibly diverse mix of people and faiths. The UAE itself is home to
around 200 nationalities and vibrant multicultural communities resulting from
the country’s promotion of diversity and coexistence. As a regional and
international leader in pluralism, the UAE has made it its mission to bring
people and cultures together.
Ambassador Mohamed Al Sahlawi, UAE
Ambassador in Brussels.
This is a testament to the country’s
inclusive approach towards interfaith harmony, which forms part of the UAE’s
identity and is reflected in its foreign policy and pursuit of deeper relations
with countries of different faiths. The UAE’s commitment to ensuring religious
freedom represents its broader aim to promote interfaith and intercultural
dialogue in efforts to advance a culture of peace and understanding among the
three Abrahamic religions – Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
The UAE’s progress in this regard has
been remarkable, particularly in recent years, and has sparked a new wave of
intercultural engagement between diverse religious communities from around the
world.
In Brussels, the UAE Embassy is
partnering with representatives of the other religions, and already hosted two
interfaith iftar events to celebrate the renewed interfaith and open dialogue
between the local Jewish and Muslim communities during Ramadan. This year, such
cooperation has only been getting stronger, with a bigger event hosting in
cooperation with local communities.
In Abu Dhabi, an even more monumental
celebration of interfaith engagement recently took place with the inauguration
of the Abrahamic Family House on 16 February 2023. With a mosque, a church, and
a synagogue on one site—as well as common areas intended to generate dialogue
between visitors—the Abrahamic Family House represents the UAE’s efforts to
foster the peaceful coexistence of all three faiths for generations to come. It
is a historic moment not only for the UAE and its citizens, but also for all
those working towards enhancing interfaith dialogue.
Built to bring faiths closer and weave
together the old and the new, the Abrahamic Family House is a significant step
towards fostering peace, harmony, and understanding among different faiths. A
powerful realisation of the UAE’s culture of acceptance, the Abrahamic Family
House is the first dedicated space in the region in which Muslims, Jews, and
Christians can practice their respective faiths, and engage in dialogue and the
exchange of knowledge.
The Abrahamic Family House was announced
after the historic meeting between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence
Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, when they met in Abu Dhabi in 2019.
That year the UAE Government named 2019 the Year of Tolerance to bolster
coexistence and religious pluralism. The complex, which houses a mosque, a
church, and a synagogue, aims to promote interfaith dialogue, mutual
understanding, and peaceful coexistence, providing a unique opportunity for
believers to come together and learn from each other.
The three separate houses of worship are
of equal stature, share external dimensions and have been designed to respect
the architectural codes and individualism of each faith. Each edifice reflects
unique characteristics of each of the three faiths.
The complex is designed to facilitate
interfaith dialogue, and the three religious leaders will hold joint events and
programs to promote greater understanding. Visitors are welcome to participate
in religious services, guided tours, celebrations and opportunities to explore
faith.
The Abrahamic Family House and the
values it embodies is a ground-breaking effort to build bridges of
understanding among different religious communities. At the same time, it
reflects the UAE’s commitment to creating a tolerant and inclusive society
where all people can coexist peacefully.
It sends a strong message of acceptance
and peace to the world and sets an example for other nations to follow. The UAE
stands ready to embrace the challenges of our contemporary world. We want to show the Middle East, and the
world, that dialogue is not only possible, but also valuable.
The Abrahamic Family House is not just a
physical structure; it is a symbol of hope, acceptance, and optimism for the
future. In a world where religious tensions are on the rise, it is a reminder
that despite our differences, we are all human, with a shared desire for peace,
understanding, and connection. This is what faith is, before all else – the
spiritual link one holds with the world. It is a personal, yet immense part of
humanity – it transcends, it bridges, and it builds.
Thus, the opening of the Abrahamic
Family House is a step towards fostering a more accepting and inclusive world
with an immense symbolic message, of the power of dialogue. The Abrahamic
Family House wishes to be that new home for a long-standing tradition of
peaceful coexistence, one where anyone willing to share its values holds the
key.
Source: euractiv.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/opinion/a-mosque-a-church-and-a-synagogue-forging-a-historic-moment-for-interfaith-dialogue/
--------
Islami Andolan Bangladesh Looks To Set
Up An Islamist Alliance With Other Like-Minded Parties
Wed Jun 14, 2023
Islami Andolan Bangladesh wants to set
up an Islamist alliance with other like-minded parties and wage a movement to
press home its demand for an all-party election-time government ahead of the
next national polls.
The organisation will now focus more on
street agitations to realise its demand instead of taking part in elections to
local government bodies, said party sources.
The IAB is taking the stance following
Monday's polls to Barishal and Khulna city corporations. The party's mayoral
nominee in the Barishal city polls, Syed Faizul Karim, also its nayeb-e-ameer,
came under an attack on election day.
The party has already announced that it
will not take part in Rajshahi and Sylhet city polls on June 21.
Sources said although the Awami League
and the BNP are trying to bring IAB into their folds as an electoral ally, the
Islamist party has decided to continue its activities following its "go it
alone" policy as the leaders believe that adopting this policy yielded
good results for them in the past.
Therefore, the party wants to form a
"third alliance", apart from those led by the AL and the BNP. To make
it happen, the IAB has already started communicating with like-minded Islamist
parties, said the sources.
"We will concentrate on a movement
to realise our demand for an all-party election-time government. Of course we
will wage a movement. The word andolan [movement] is in the name of our
party," GaziAtaur Rahman, senior joint general secretary of IAB, told The
Daily Star yesterday.
He, however, said that their movement
will be peaceful as the party is against any violence.
Ataur said the AL and the BNP failed to
meet the people's expectations over the years and that's why they were trying
to forge a "third alliance".
About its decision not to participate in
the elections to local government bodies, the IAB leader said they had decided
to take part in the polls considering that it was the main way to strengthen
the party grassroots. "But we have now decided not to participate in any
elections."
Though the IAB said that Monday's city
polls were questionable and rejected the election results, its mayor candidates
bagged the second most votes. The BNP boycotted the polls.
The nominees of the main opposition in
parliament, Jatiya Party, lagged far behind the IAB candidates.
In Barishal city pollls, IAB candidate
Faizul Karim secured 33,828 votes against JP nominee Iqbal Hossain Taposh's
6,665.
IAB candidate Abdul Awal bagged 60,064
votes in the Khulna city polls against JP nominee Shafiqul Islam Madhu's 18,074.
Also on Monday, IAB favourites won the
councillor by-polls to ward-15 of Dhaka North City Corporation and a councillor
election to Cox's Bazar municipality.
The IAB mayoral candidate in the May 25
Gazipur city polls, GaziAtaur Rahman, secured 7.9 percent of total votes cast
when JP candidate MM Niaz Uddin got 2.9 percent.
Currently, IAB has two councillors in
two Dhaka city corporations, and one each in Jhenidah, Kuakata, Faridpur Sadar,
Nilphamari Sadar municipalities. The party also has 13 union parishad chairmen,
said party sources.
Founded in March 1987 by Fazlul Karim,
widely known as "Charmonair Pir", the IAB showed a demonstration of
its organisational abilities in the 2018 national election.
The IAB candidates in that election
bagged 12.55 lakh votes in 299 constituencies, which was 1.52 percent of the
total vote cast. The party fielded candidates in 299 out of the total 300
constituencies -- the highest by a single party. The AL fielded nominees in 262
constituencies, the BNP in 258, and the JP in only 45.
IAB candidates ran in the 2008
parliamentary polls in 160 constituencies and secured 733,969 votes, 1.05
percent of the total vote cast.
The IAB was among the three political
parties, including the AL and the BNP, which secured more than one percent of
the total votes cast in that polls.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/islami-andolan-looks-expand-its-horizon-3345556
--------
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Chief Maulana Madani
Writes To Amit Shah On ‘Rise Of Communal Tensions In Uttarakhand’
Maulana
Mahmood Asad Madani, the chief of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
------
Jun 14, 2023
Tensions in Uttarkashi rose on May 26
when two men attempted to kidnap a girl. This led to many right-wing groups
labelling it a ‘love jihad’ conspiracy.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Maulana
Mahmood Asad Madani wrote a letter on Tuesday to Union Home Minister Amit Shah
and Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami putting forth “deep”
concerns about the rising communal tensions in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi
district and the “over the open threat of expulsion of the Muslim community in
Uttarkashi Uttarakhand”.
In his letter, Madani urged the Home
Minister and the Chief Minister to stop the upcoming mahapanchayat on June 15,
called by right-wing organisations, stating that it may lead to further
communal violence in the state.
There has been tension in Uttarkashi
since May 26 when two men attempted to kidnap a girl. This led to many
right-wing groups labelling it a ‘love jihad’ conspiracy.
He wrote, “I request you to halt the
event (maha-panchayat) scheduled to be held on June 15, which may lead to a
communal conflict in the state and further increase the gulf between Hindu and
Muslim communities.”
The Uttarkashi district administration
have also denied permission to the maha panchayat called by Hindu organisations
on June 15.
Madani also requested them to take a
strict action against “forces spreading division and to protect the lives and
property of the citizens of India”.
He wrote that Uttarakhand was a state
with exemplary law and order conditions and communal harmony and “what is
happening in Uttarkashi does not match its nature”.
He further added, “I not only request
you to personally intervene and issue the necessary order but also to take
strict action against divisive forces, besides instructing the law enforcement
agencies to ensure the safety and security of every citizen irrespective of
their religion and ethnic background .”
What led to the communal tensions?
On May 26, two men, identified as Ubed
Khan (24) and Jitender Saini (23), allegedly attempted to abduct a 14-year-old
girl. The two were arrested the following day.
Right-wing groups claimed it to be a
‘love jihad’ conspiracy. On May 29, a protest march in Purola turned violent
after some of the agitators attacked shops belonging to the Muslims. A similar
protest was held on June 3.
Posters threatening Muslim traders to
shut shops by June 15 surfaced amid the protests. Muslim religious leaders in
Uttarakhand’s Dehradun have also called for a “mahapanchayat” on June 18 to
protest what they said is “increasing targeting” of their community.
In his letter, Madani also said, “The
inaction on the part of the government and its agencies further aggravated this
critical communal situation. They are openly putting up posters and releasing
videos and unfortunately, local police are standing as mere spectators. The
increasing Islamophobia and communalism in the state are further dividing
society and eroding communal harmony,” he added.
Muslim bodies meet with Dhami
Members of the Uttarakhand Waqf Board
and the Haj Committee met with chief minister Dhami on Tuesday to take strict
action against those “harassing” Muslims in Purola town.
The members submitted a memorandum to
the CM which states that the Muslims living in the state were “hurt, harassed
and scared”.
Peace meet failed to conclude
A peace meet held by administrative
officials on Monday in Purola town to bring peace in the town failed to reach a
consensus.
The meeting was conducted with
right-wing organisations, Muslim community members and trade association
members. As it was about to reach a consensus, several uninvited men barged in
and disrupted the discussion, media reports stated.
The men pointed at Muslim community
members and questioned them saying, if a few of the shopkeepers have already
left, why couldn't the remaining leave too. This led to heated arguments and no
conclusion was reached.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/muslim-body-chief-writes-to-amit-shah-on-rise-of-communal-tensions-in-uttarakhand-101686713238785.html
--------
Amnesty International: Israel And Islamic
Jihad Should Both Be Probed For War Crimes
Rockets
fired from Gaza towards Israel
------
Jun 14, 2023
Amnesty International on Tuesday said
that both Israel and the Islamic Jihad terrorist group should be investigated
for “war crimes” over the recent round of violence between the sides, i24NEWS
reported.
The organization was commenting on
Operation Shield and Arrow between May 9 and 13, during which Gaza terrorists
fired a total of 1,469 rockets toward Israel, with 1,139 rockets crossing into
Israeli territory. The IDF attacked targets belonging to the Islamic Jihad in
the Gaza Strip.
The London-based group charged that
Israeli strikes carried out "without military necessity" amount to
"a form of collective punishment against the civilian population.”
At the same time, it also accused
Palestinian Arab terror groups of "indiscriminate" rocket fire aimed
at Israel that "should also be investigated as war crimes.”
Amnesty said the Israeli operation
damaged 2,943 housing units in Gaza, including 103 homes that were completely
destroyed.
"Israel also conducted apparently
disproportionate air strikes which killed and injured Palestinian civilians,
including children," the statement added, according to i24NEWS, noting
that "intentionally launching disproportionate attacks… is a war crime.”
"Israel's impunity for the war
crimes it repeatedly commits against Palestinians… emboldens further violations
and makes injustice chronic," said Heba Morayef, Middle East and North
Africa Regional Director at Amnesty International.
Despite this Amnesty report criticizing
both sides, the organization is known for its anti-Israel bias, and last year
released a report accusing Israel of being an apartheid state.
Also last year, Amnesty International
USA Executive Director Paul O’Brien caused an uproar after he said that
American Jews do not want Israel to be a Jewish state.
O’Brien later apologized to Jewish
lawmakers for claiming to speak on behalf of American Jews.
Source: israelnationalnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/372750
--------
Democrat Apologizes After Calling Muslims
'White Supremacist' For Demanding To Opt Children Out Of LGBTQ Lessons
Image
Source: Kristin Mink YouTube video screenshot
------
June 13, 2023
Democratic county official apologized
for accusing Muslims of being aligned with white supremacists after some
parents opted their children out of lessons including LGBTQ themes and spoke
out against the curriculum.
Montgomery County Councilwoman Kristin
Mink issued the apology in a statement from her official social media account
on Sunday.
"I regret that although my remarks
were focused on promoting inclusion, they created an opportunity for
misunderstanding and characterization. I apologize for the hurt that caused in
the Muslim community," Mink wrote.
"Even when individuals disagree
about difficult issues, I am committed to finding space to foster authentic
dialogue and seek points of understanding. I sat down to hear from Muslim
community members before my remarks on Tuesday and with District 5 Muslim
leaders on Thursday," she added. "I listened, and I understand their
concerns."
Parents protested at the Montgomery
County Public Schools headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, after receiving an
email in May that they would not be allowed to opt out their students from
LGBTQ instruction.
During a heated debate in June, Mink
accused the parents, many of whom are Muslim, of being white supremacists.
"This issue has unfortunately put,
it does put, not all of course, some Muslim families on the same side of an
issue as white supremacists and outright bigots," said the Democrat during
the meeting. "However, the uh, the folks who have talked here today I
would not put in the same category as those folks, although you know again it's
complicated because they're falling on the same side on this issue."
She we went on to say that LGBTQ
literature was not an infringement on religious rights and compared the
activism to teaching evolution in schools.
"Just as we cannot allow folks to
opt out of teachings about evolution, we can allow them to teach about
this," said Mink.
At least three parents have filed a
lawsuit against the county and other parents are demanding that they be allowed
to opt out their children based on their religious beliefs against LGBTQ
indoctrination.
Mink was a progressive activist and a
teacher before she ran for the council seat in Montgomery County.
Junior high teacher in Canada berates
Muslim students for boycotting Pride events: 'If you don't think that should be
the law, you can't be Canadian' ›
Protests mounting and Pride flags
underfoot after Ottawa teachers told to refer to all students with 'they/them
pronouns' and prohibit opt-outs from '2SLGBTQ+ learnings' ›
California's first Muslim assemblyman
joins Christian lawmakers in protesting Democrats' ceremony honoring gay
pornographer from anti-Catholic group ›
Teacher threatens students who reject
LGBTQ learning in UK class: 'If you refuse ... that will be dealt with
severely' ›
Muslim soccer player refuses to wear
rainbow jersey backing LBGTQ, sits out game — now leftists smell blood:
'Homophobia is not an opinion but a crime' ›
Maryland Democrat equates American
Muslims with 'white supremacists' over their support for parental rights and
opposition to LGBT propaganda ›
Source: theblaze.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.theblaze.com/news/kristin-mink-muslim-lgbtq-racist
---------
Arab World
Saudi Arabia at UN calls for a holistic
approach to energy transformation
June 14, 2023
NEW YORK: Emission reduction needs to
prioritize equally the three pillars of energy transformation — security of
source, economic development and climate change – that would ensure the
protection of all nations, including those most vulnerable, Saudi Arabia told a
UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday.
The Kingdom’s permanent representative
to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, said technologies and solutions must be
“inclusive.”
“Financing should be provided to all
promising solutions available, and we should focus on emissions without giving
a specific type of energy source the priority.”
“This is why the Kingdom is adopting a
balanced approach to reduce emissions and ensure net-zero emissions in line
with its development plans. It is working on promoting its economic diversity
without affecting supply chains, while developing technologies that reduce
emissions in cooperation with different countries.”
The meeting was convened by the UAE
which holds the Security Council’s rotating presidency for the month of June.
“Climate change is the defining
challenge of our time,” said the UAE’s concept note.
“Its interconnected consequences —
intensified extreme weather, rising sea levels, food and water insecurity,
biodiversity loss and heightened health risks — jeopardize human life,
livelihoods and ecosystems, and have an adverse impact on national, regional
and global stability. Such a multidimensional challenge is unprecedented.”
The UAE, in its note, urged participants
to consider the implications of climate change on international peace and
security.
Alwasil, speaking for Saudi Arabia,
said: “The Kingdom is fully aware of the need to increase expectations in terms
of fighting environmental challenges related to climate change, especially in
the current decade.”
“This is why we have increased our
national contributions, reducing emissions by 278 tons a year by 2030, which is
equivalent to more than double what we had initially announced in 2015.”
He added that “the Kingdom also
announced its ambitious plan to ensure net-zero emissions by 2016 in line with
the circular carbon economy.
“The Kingdom also joined the global
methane pledge, which seeks to reduce the global methane emissions by 30
percent by 2020.”
In addition to these pledges, Alwasil
reiterated his country’s commitment to generating 50 percent of its electricity
from renewable sources by 2030.
He said the world’s growing
environmental challenges require collective international efforts toward
constructive solutions. The aim is to protect societies vulnerable to extreme
weather events, consider the latter’s impact on sustainable development, and
address economic, social and environmental challenges, said the Saudi envoy.
Alwasil called for a consolidated
international approach that balances adaptation and mitigation, with equitable
investments on both fronts. This would help with the recovery of the global
economy, while efforts are underway to implement the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change, or UNFCCC, and the Paris Agreement.
It was in this vein, he added, that
Saudi Arabia had launched the Green Saudi Arabia and the Green Middle East initiatives
which tackle the challenges of climate change, “by implementing a circular
carbon economy: planting trees, rehabilitating lands and protecting coral reefs
not only in the Kingdom, but also at the regional level.”
The initiatives also reflect the
Kingdom’s belief in the importance of adaptation, Alwasil said.
“The Green Saudi initiative seeks to
(plant) 10 billion trees across the Kingdom. This is equivalent to the
rehabilitation of 14 million hectares of land, and it increases protected areas
to more than 30 percent of our land and sea.
“In addition, the Kingdom is making
local efforts such as the establishment of the King Salman (Bin) Abdulaziz
Reserve, which covers 130 square kilometers in northern Saudi and seeks to
restore ecosystems and protect wildlife.”
The UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and
Environment Mariam Almheiri, who chaired the meeting, said more must be done by
the council to mitigate the effect of climate change on global peace and
security.
Almheiri said that the Security
Council’s efforts so far have remained “insufficient” due to the “unparalleled
scale and complexity of climate change (which) pose a unique challenge to our
multilateral systems’ response capacity.”
Almheiri urged the council to approach
conflict “through a climate-sensitive lens.” She added that the mandates of all
peace operations must incorporate climate-change imperatives.
“We must also avoid polarization around
the council’s consideration of the issue. The stakes are too high, ladies and
gentlemen, to dismiss or vilify those with legitimate concerns about the
council’s jurisdiction.”
Dubai will host the 2023 UN Climate
Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly
referred to as COP28, in November.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2321311/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi Cabinet intends Sudan donor
conference to support humanitarian efforts
June 14, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host on June
19 the “Donor Conference for Sudan and the Region” to provide humanitarian
support for Sudan during the ongoing crises.
A Foreign Ministry statement on Tuesday
said that Saudi Arabia would co-chair the conference with Qatar, Egypt,
Germany, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the EU,
and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Cabinet on Tuesday expressed the
Kingdom’s aspiration for a wide participation in the conference, reaffirming
its continued efforts to bring the conflicting sides closer to end the crisis
through political dialogue.
In a different arena, the Cabinet
reviewed the outcomes of the ministerial meeting to defeat Daesh, which was
held in Riyadh, regarding mechanisms and procedures aimed at enhancing
cooperation and coordinating joint efforts in this field. It backed the
Kingdom’s chairmanship of the focus group on African affairs to confront Daesh,
and working to establish a focus group to combat the organization of ISIS
Khorasan in Afghanistan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin
Farhan said during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony
Blinken following the ministerial meeting that threat of the terrorist
organization is not limited to Sahel countries, but rather extends to the whole
world.
He added that the Kingdom is making
great efforts to combat the financing of Daesh.
Blinken said that the US would provide
nearly $150 million in aid for areas in Syria and Iraq that were liberated from
the Daesh extremist group.
The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh
includes more than 80 countries and continues to coordinate action against the
extremist group, which at its height controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq.
At the Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the officials discussed the results of
the joint ministerial meeting between the GCC foreign ministers and the United
States, citing aspects of the strategic partnerships between aimed at enhancing
peace, security, stability, integration and economic prosperity in the Middle
East.
The Cabinet reiterated, during the
second ministerial meeting between the Arab League and the Pacific Small Island
Developing States, the Kingdom’s keenness to confront the mutual and urgent
global challenges, including food security, supply chains, climate change and
sustainable development.
The meeting, which was hosted in Riyadh,
expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030.
Discussing the 10th Arab-China Business
Conference, the ministers commended the unprecedented number of attendance,
which exceeded 3,500 participants representing 26 countries, and the signing of
agreements with a total value of over $10 billion.
The agreements signed in the Kingdom
focused on various sectors including technology, renewables, agriculture, real
estate, minerals, supply chains, tourism, and healthcare.
According to the Investment Ministry,
the Saudi government signed deals with several Chinese entities for projects
including a joint venture for automotive research, development, manufacturing
and sales, development of tourism and other apps, and production of rail wagons
and wheels in the Kingdom.
Locally, The ministers commended the
IMF’s praising of the remarkable growth in the Saudi economy as a result of the
continued development of the non-oil sector at a high pace, the tangible
recovery in investments, and the continued implementation of economic reforms
aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable growth.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2321176/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi crown prince heads to France to
meet Macron, attend global summit
June 13, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman left the Kingdom early Wednesday heading for France on an
official visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing the Royal Court.
The Crown Prince will meet with French
President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
He will also head the Kingdom’s
delegation to the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact to be held on June
22-23.
During the visit, the Crown Prince is
set to participate in the Kingdom's official reception for Riyadh’s candidacy
to host Expo 2030, to be held in Paris on June 19.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2320986/saudi-arabia
--------
Islamic symposium on significance of
reading
JUNE 13, 2023
As part of the events of the 32nd Doha
International Book Fair, an Islamic symposium was held on Monday titled 'The
Four Directions of Reading'. The symposium was delivered by the Islamic
preacher Dr Mohamed Rateb al-Nabulsi and moderated by professor of Aqeedah and
Dawa at Qatar University Dr Mohamed Rashed al-Marri. Dr al-Nabulsi explained
that the word "read" is the first word revealed in the Holy Qur'an,
in addition to the fact that it was revealed in the first verse, stressing the
importance of knowledge in Islam. In a related context, the Ministry of
Education and Higher Education organised a symposium entitled 'With Reading We
Rise,' which embodied the slogan of the book fair. The symposium welcomes
outstanding students and winners of the 7th Reading Olympiad, within the
framework of the ministry's efforts to encourage students to read.
Source: gulf-times.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.gulf-times.com/article/662916/qatar/islamic-symposium-on-significance-of-reading
--------
Saudi Arabia to co-chair high-level
‘Donor Conference for Sudan and the Region’
June 13, 2023
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign
Affairs has announced that the Kingdom will co-chair the high-level “Donor
Conference for Sudan and the Region” on June 19, to provide humanitarian
support for Sudan in the ongoing crises.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan tweeted: “We
look forward to a wide participation of donor countries to contribute to
mitigating the effects of this crisis.”
The foreign minister added that the
Kingdom was continuing its endeavors to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese
people and it hoped the tragedy would end soon.
A statement on Tuesday said that Saudi
Arabia would co-chair the conference with Qatar, Egypt, Germany, the UN Office
for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the EU, and the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees.
Prince Faisal said in a tweet on
Tuesday: “Since the beginning of the crisis in the Republic of Sudan, and under
the directives of the wise leadership, the Kingdom has been present to
alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people by providing humanitarian aid,
evacuating those affected, and facilitating political talks.”
The Kingdom announced on May 7 that the
King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid would provide aid worth $100
million to the Sudanese people.
The Kingdom also supports efforts to
facilitate talks alongside the US to bring about an end to the conflict.
The two facilitators managed to bring
the two sides to the discussion table in May to sign the Jeddah Declaration, a
commitment to peace which agreed to allow the unimpeded movement and delivery
of humanitarian assistance to Sudan.
There have been multiple ceasefires
facilitated by the Kingdom and the US to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid
to civilians, but the violence has continued.
A joint statement on Sunday said that
the Kingdom and the US had noted the reduction in the intensity of the fighting
during a 24-hour ceasefire that concluded on June 10.
However, the two facilitators said they
had been disappointed at the resumption of intense violence since, and both
parties have condemned it.
Saudi Arabia and the US have reiterated
their pledge to stand by the people of Sudan.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2321006/saudi-arabia
--------
Palestine supports Saudi Arabia’s bid to
host World Expo 2030
June 13, 2023
RIYADH: Palestine has affirmed its
support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, which has
received widespread global backing.
Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince
Faisal bin Farhan thanked his Palestinian counterpart Riyad Al-Maliki during a
meeting on the sidelines of the second ministerial meeting between the League
of Arab States and Pacific Small Island Developing States on Monday in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the two discussed
ways to strengthen relations between Saudi Arabia and Palestine.
Prince Faisal congratulated Al-Maliki on
Palestine’s accession to the Bureau International des Expositions, which
oversees World Expos.
Alongside Saudi Arabia, South Korea,
Italy, and Ukraine have also applied to host the World Expo.
Launched in 1851, the event is the
world’s largest platform designed to showcase the most recent breakthroughs and
innovations and celebrate the cultural values that link humanity.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2320996/saudi-arabia
--------
Enhanced cooperation high on agenda as
Solomon Islands PM leads delegation in Saudi Arabia
June 13, 2023
RIYADH: A delegation from the Solomon
Islands, led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, recently concluded a six-day
official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Kingdom’s government.
During their trip, from June 5 to 10,
the delegates held talks with Saudi ministers, sources said, at which they
discussed the relationship between their nations and ways in which it might be
developed further in various fields, including energy, tourism, investment,
health and education. They also discussed issues of mutual concern, including
the effects of climate change.
In addition, delegates took part in
meetings and business forums with CEOs and other business people in the
Kingdom, during which they highlighted the important role the private sector
can play in enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides agreed it is critical that
efforts are made to increase the frequency of bilateral visits and joint
investment forums, to encourage entrepreneurs to take advantage of the
investment opportunities in both countries.
They also stressed a mutual desire to
enhance bilateral coordination on issues of mutual interest within international
forums and organizations.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2321136/saudi-arabia
--------
South Asia
Islamic Emirate Delegation Attends
Meeting on Afghanistan in Norway
14-06-23
At the forum, which is ongoing now,
these representatives are meeting “Afghan civil society and representatives
from other countries to talk about the major challenges in Afghanistan,”
Huitfeldt said.
Islamic Emirate foreign ministry spokesman
Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal confirmed that a delegation of the Islamic Emirate is
participating in the meeting.
According to Takal, Abdul Qahar Balkhi
from the Foreign Ministry, Shamsuddin Mansour from the Interior Ministry, and
Rohullah Omar from the Defense Ministry participated in the meeting.
The meeting is due to be held for three
days.
“The Norway meeting is organized by NGOs
which have the experience of negotiations with the groups—that have a
background of violence—and for that, they receive money from their government.
Those who traveled from Kabul lack the authority for negotiation,” said
TorekFarhadi, political analyst.
The Norwegian Refugee Council meanwhile
said that the meeting is a huge opportunity to discuss the challenges of
Afghanistan.
“We understand that there will be
representatives of many countries at the conference and it is a huge
opportunity to discuss the challenges of Afghanistan, including the
humanitarian situation. The drivers of humanitarian crisis we are facing here
including the dire economic situation can only be solved through dialogue. We
hope the dialogue will continue including with the return of diplomats to
Kabul, Afghanistan,” said Neil Turner, Country Director for Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, some Afghan women’s rights
activists said such meetings will not help the situation of women in
Afghanistan.
“This meeting may take one week or three
days, such meetings cannot change the condition of Afghanistan, only
negotiations happen there,” said Suraya Paikan, a women’s rights activist.
“Organizing such meetings have not had
and will not have a benefit for the people of Afghanistan, particularly for the
women in Afghanistan who are deprived of all types of rights,” said Laila
Bssim, a women’s rights activist.
Source: tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-183762
--------
Ministry: 6 People Killed, 8 Injured in
Recent Flooding in Country
13-06-23
The ministry's spokesman,
ShafiullahRahimi, said that 30 homes were demolished and more than 800 animals
perished as a result of the floods.
"Six people died, and eight more
suffered injuries. Thirty homes have been damaged or demolished entirely, seven
bridges have been wrecked, 832 animals have died, and some agricultural areas
and orchards have lost their crops,” Rahimi noted.
In the meantime, Nuristan's governor's
spokesperson, Saifuddin Laton, said that 300 animals died in the province as a
result of the flooding and that residents suffered financial losses.
"In three districts of Nuristan
province, recent floods have caused financial losses to the people. People's
agricultural lands, bridges and roads have been destroyed, up to 300 livestock
have been lost as a result of these floods,” Latoon noted.
Residents of the country who suffered as
a result of the natural disasters argued that the current government should
take care of their needs.
"The recent floods in Ghor province
have caused a lot of damage to the people. We ask the Islamic Emirate to provide
urgent help to the victims as soon as possible,” said Rohullah, a resident of
Ghor.
"The recent floods in Ghor province
have caused a lot of losses to the people. We ask the Islamic Emirate to pay
attention and help the flood victims,” said Amanullah, another resident of
Kabul.
The provinces that experienced floods
and storms as a result of rain in recent days include Kunar, Nuristan,
Badakhshan, Paktia, Takhar, Ghor, and Parwan.
Previously, Salang and the provinces of
Badakhshan, Takhar, Baghlan, Nuristan, Kunar, Laghman, Kabul, Logar, Maidan
Wardak, Parwan, and Kapisa had between 10 and 25 mm of rain, as anticipated by
the country's meteorological department.
Source: tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-183764
--------
Turkmenistan Ready to Cooperate with
Afghanistan Agriculture Sector
13-06-23
KABUL (BNA) Acting Agriculture,
Irrigation and Livestock Minister, Mawlavi Ataullah Omari, met with HojaOvezov,
Turkmen ambassador to Kabul.
The two sides discuss bilateral
cooperation in agricultural development, horticulture, and many other
interesting mutual issues, according to a statement released by the Ministry.
“We can cooperate in many sectors
including launching a campaign against locusts outbreak, export and import of
livestock and agricultural products, mechanization, capacity building in the
agricultural, and sharing each agriculture research,” said Minister Omari to
the Ambassador of Turkmenistan.
For his part, Ambassador Ovezov said
that Turkmenistan is ready to cooperate in implementing the plans and exchange
ideas between the two governments, mainly in the agriculture and livestock
sectors.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://bakhtarnews.af/en/turkmenistan-ready-to-cooperate-with-afghanistan-agriculture-sector/
--------
Agriculture Minister Called for UNDP
Assist in Management of Afghanistan’s Waters
2023-06-13
KABUL (BNA) Acting Agriculture,
Irrigation, and Livestock Minister, Mawlavi Ataullah Omari, met with Stephen
Rodriques, the General Director of the United Nations Development Program in
Kabul.
The two sides discussed cooperation and
modernization of agriculture in Afghanistan, the ministry said in a statement
Tuesday.
Mr. Rodriques pledged to address the
problems of Afghan farmers in the sectors of irrigation, food and agriculture,
capacity building, and provision of agricultural supplies.
Minister Omari asked the UNDP official
to cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture of Afghanistan on the
modernization of agriculture, support Afghan farmers and assist in the water
management of the country.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://bakhtarnews.af/en/agriculture-minister-called-for-undp-assist-in-management-of-afghanistans-waters/
---------
About 630 Types of Drug Produced in the
Country: AFDA
2023-06-13
KABUL (BNA) The General Director of
Afghanistan Food and Drug Authority, Dr. Abdul Bari Omar, today Tuesday in the
opening ceremony of the first domestic drug products exhibition, asked domestic
and foreign investors to invest in the drug production sector in Afghanistan.
In the opening ceremony, Dr. Omar
reminded saying that all the drugs and medical equipment in this exhibition are
domestic products of the country.
He said, currently 630 types of drug and
medical equipment are produced in Afghanistan adding that the AFDA is striving
to increase the domestic products to more than 800 types.
The General Director of AFDA assured all
domestic and international investors that the ground opportunities for
investment in Afghanistan, mainly in the production sector of drugs are
provided adding that AFDA is ready for any cooperation with investors.
The head of the Prime Minister’s office,
Dr. Abdul WaseaKhadeem praised the efforts of AFDA and domestic drug producers,
saying: Domestic products of the drug are one of the achievements of the
Islamic Emirate, and the use of domestic drug products with good quality will
develop the country’s economy.
The Islamic Emirate strives to boost the
domestic products of drugs and the use of domestic products will make us
self-sufficient in the sector of drug production.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Abdul Latif
Nazari, said: Domestic products should be supported and developed.
630 drug and medicinal products
displayed in 44 booths were displayed and the exhibition will last for at least
three days.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://bakhtarnews.af/en/about-630-types-of-drug-produced-in-the-country-afda/
--------
Over 6,000 killed in first 20 months:
report
Wed Jun 14, 2023
More than 6,000 civilians were killed in
Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report
published yesterday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said.
"Our data shows that the human toll
of the conflict is higher than previously reported, and while the junta is
clearly the main killer, anti-junta forces also have large amounts of blood on
their hands," Stein Tonnesson, one of the two co-authors of the report,
said in a statement.
The report said 6,337 civilians were
killed "for political reasons" between February 1, 2021 and September
30, 2022, and 2,614 were injured.
That toll is much higher than others
that have circulated, including those from international organisations.
According to the report, almost half of
the deaths, 3,003, were attributed to the regime -- the army, police and
militias -- while 2,152 were attributed to armed opposition groups.
Twelve were attributed to other
civilians not affiliated with either the regime or opponents, and 1,170 to
undetermined actors.
"This is a larger number than is normally
cited in the media, and yet it is only an estimate, based on reported killings
gathered from reliable media reports," the report said.
"The actual total is surely higher
since many killings have likely gone unreported".
Alleging massive fraud, the Myanmar
military annulled the legislative elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party and
overthrew her government.
Since then, the junta has carried out a
large-scale repression of any opposition, arresting more than 23,000 people
according to a local watchdog.
Meanwhile, the United Nations yesterday
slammed the Myanmar junta's "unfathomable" decision to suspend travel
authorisations for aid workers trying to reach more than a million people in
cyclone-ravaged Rakhine state.
Cyclone Mocha brought lashing rain and
winds of 195 kilometres (120 miles) per hour to Myanmar and neighbouring
Bangladesh last month, killing at least 148 people in Myanmar.
The cyclone destroyed homes and brought
a storm surge to Rakhine state, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya minority
refugees live in displacement camps following decades of ethnic conflict.
But despite the towering needs, the UN
said last week that junta authorities had suspended "existing travel
authorisations... for humanitarian organisations".
"Four weeks into this disaster
response and with the monsoon season well under way, it is unfathomable that
humanitarians are being denied access to support people in need,"
Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in
Myanmar, said in a statement on Monday.
Since the cyclone hit on May 14,
humanitarian workers have been getting aid to a growing number of people using
limited travel authorisations granted to organisations with long-standing
operations in Rakhine.
Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN
humanitarian agency OCHA, told reporters in Geneva yesterday that more than
110,000 people had received shelter and other relief items during that time,
while food assistance had reached almost 300,000 people in Rakhine thanks to
those approvals.
He slammed the "effective ban"
on access by humanitarian workers, "paralysing the distribution of
life-saving food, drinking water, shelter supplies and other relief to affected
communities."
"We had plans and material relief
available for distribution in the coming weeks and months for one million
people in Rakhine alone. That has been stopped," he said.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/news/over-6000-killed-first-20-months-report-3345806
--------
India
Urdu novel ‘Allah Miyan KaKarkhana’ wins
2023 Bank of Baroda award for translations into Hindi
14-06-23
On June 13, Urdu novelist Mohsin Khan
and translator Saeed Ahmed were announced as the winners of the inaugural Bank
of Baroda RashtrabhashaSamman for the Hindi translation of Khan’s novel Allah
Miyan KaKarkhana. The author was awarded a cash prize of Rs 21 lakh and the
translator, Rs 15 lakh.
The award honours an Indian language
author and a translator for the book’s Hindi translation. In addition to the
cash prizes for the winning author-translator duo, each of the shortlisted
authors and translators are also awarded Rs 3,00,000 and Rs 2,00,000
respectively.
Allah Miyan KaKarkhana portrays the
world from the point of view of a nine-year-old boy, Gibran, who is also the
protagonist of the novel. Readers empathise with the child’s curiosity,
amazement, and displeasure with the world around him. Author Mohsin Khan is
known for conveying complex realities through his simple style of writing. He
has also written fiction for children.
Source: scroll.in
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://scroll.in/article/1050897/mohsin-ahmeds-urdu-novel-allah-miyan-ka-karkhana-wins-2023-bank-of-baroda
--------
Uttarkashi 'Love Jihad': SC Refuses To
Entertain Plea Seeking To Prevent 'Mahapanchayat By Pro-Hindutva Organisations
In Uttarakhand
JUNE 14, 2023
Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to
entertain a plea that sought to prevent ‘Mahapanchayat’ in Uttarakhand’s
Uttarkashi district. The discussion has been called by pro-Hindutva
organisations, accused of driving out shopkeepers of the minority community.
The administration in the affected Purola
town had requested the organisers to put off their June 15 ‘mahapanchayat’
against what they call “love jihad". However, the groups refused to budge.
The vacation bench of the apex court has now allowed the petitioner to move the
high court.
Communal tension has been brewing in
Purola and some other towns of the district since an alleged abortive attempt
last month involving two men, including one from the minority community, to
elope with a Hindu girl.
Forty-two shops belonging to Muslims
have reportedly been closed in Purola since May 26, when the failed elopement
bid was reported in the town, triggering tension. Posters threatening
minorities to shut shops and leave the state by June 15 have also surfaced.
Posters were pasted by unidentified
people on shops owned by Muslims, asking them to leave the town before a
‘mahapanchayat’ in Purola on June 15 or prepare to face consequences.
Shams, who is also a leader of the
ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said he will soon call on the chief
minister as part of a delegation of Muslim leaders comprising Bahujan Samaj
Party (BSP) MLAs Shahzad (Laksar) and Sarvat Karim Ansari (Manglaur) besides
himself, to apprise him of the urgency of the situation and request him to take
immediate measures to diffuse the tension prevailing in parts of the state.
The Muslim Seva Santhan (MSS), an
organisation fighting for the rights of Muslims, has also called a
‘mahapanchayat’ in Dehradun on June 18 to draw the state government’s attention
to the administration’s failure in Purola and the “mass exodus" of members
of the minority community from the hill town.
“We want to remind the chief minister of
his constitutional oath. He is the chief minister not only of the majority, but
also of the minorities. He should ensure that police act in an unbiased manner
and take stringent measures against mischief makers on either side," MSS
president Naeem Qureshi was quoted by news agency PTI.
He also criticised the Congress, saying
the silence of a “so-called" secular party on the “exodus" of Muslims
from Purola is strange.
Ever since the failed elopement bid was
reported in Purola, tension has gripped the town and has also spilled over to
other towns, including Barkot, Gangotri, Bhatwari, Dunda, Gauchar, Nainbagh and
Ranikhet, where Hindutva organisations have congregated to speak against “love
jihad".
Due to the escalating tension, many
Muslim traders have packed their bags and left Purola. Among them is also the
BJP’s Uttarkashi district minority cell president, Mohammad Zahid, who ran a
garment shop in the hill town.
An ultimatum to Muslim traders to vacate
their shops has also been served at Nainbagh by the Vyapar Mandal and the Hindu
Yuva Vahini.
Though the girl in the Purola incident
was rescued and the accused were sent to judicial custody, tension has not
subsided as similar incidents have also been reported from the Mori area of
Uttarkashi and Gauchar in Chamoli district, where the alleged perpetrators were
Muslims and the victims Hindu girls.
The “Mahapanchayat" called by the
MSS here on June 18, in which Ulemas and the members of the community will
participate, will also raise the issue of a proposed Uniform Civil Code and the
ongoing demolition of mazars (shrines) in the state, Qureshi said.
Source: news18.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.news18.com/india/uttarkashi-love-jihad-supreme-court-mahapanchayat-uttarakhand-purola-8074483.html
----------
Uttarakhand: ‘Love jihad’ protesters in
Uttarkashi adamant on panchayat
14.06.23
Piyush Srivastava
Pro-Hindutva organisations in Uttarkashi
district of Uttarakhand, accused of driving out Muslim shopkeepers from Purola
town, have refused the administration’s request to put off their June 15
mahapanchayat against what they call “love jihad”, officials said.
Sources in the Uttarkashi superintendent
of police’s office told this newspaper that district magistrate Abhishek Ruhela
and SP Arpan Yaduvanshi had met the mahapanchayat organisers with the request
on Monday evening but were turned down.
Local reporters later quoted Yaduvanshi
as saying that the administration had not given permission for themahapanchayat
and was “thinking of imposing Section 144 CrPC”, which will ban assemblies of
more than four people.
Brijmohan Chauhan, chief of the Purola
Vyapar Mandal, a pro-Hindutva traders’ body, told The Telegraph over the phone
on Tuesday that the mahapanchayat would be held on schedule but denied that his
outfit was among the organisers.
“Ordinary residents, not us, called the
mahapanchayat. Nobody has asked any Muslim trader to leave Purola but
wrongdoers with a terrorist mindset have done so on their own,” he said.
“The administration has asked Muslim
traders not to leave the place and open their shops as usual, but they have
their own fears. We can’t help it.”
Reminded that the district and
divisional presidents of the minority cell of the ruling BJP — Mohammad Zahid
Malik and Shakeel Ahmad — had told reporters they had closed their garment
shops and were migrating to Dehradun, Chauhan was dismissive.
“Maybe they committed some crime in the
past and fear exposure. People from Saharanpur and other areas open a shop here
and then bring 5 or 10 workers from somewhere. They also keep changing their
workers every month,” he said.
“We had demanded that the government
ensure their police verification but it didn’t happen. Incidents of love jihad
are on the rise here and we need to be alert.”
Local pro-Hindutva bodies have accused
the sons of Muslim shopkeepers in Purola of carrying out a “love jihad” — an unsubstantiated
claim of a Muslim conspiracy to trap Hindu women into marriage and conversion.
Chauhan added: “Purola is a tribal area
and the local people are determined to organise their peaceful mahapanchayat
against Muslim aggression.”
He claimed he was not associated with
any political party.
Ankit Rawat, head of the Purola Pradhan
Sangathan, a pro-Hindutva body of village chiefs, told local reporters: “The
mahapanchayat will take place on the given date because it is related to
people’s lives.”
'Eviction' drive
Local reporters quoted Riyayat Ali, a
scrap dealer in Purola, as saying: “I have been here for the last 45 years.
Neither I nor anyone else from my family ever committed any wrong. Still,
someone pasted a printed notice on my shop on Monday night, warning me to leave
the shop by June 15 or face the consequences.”
Many Muslim-owned shops have had notices
pasted on them saying: “This is to inform the love jihadis to vacate their
shops before the mahapanchayat of June 15. Time will tell you what will happen
if you don’t.”
Some other shops have been pasted with
notices asking the owners to participate in the mahapanchayat.
The notices bear the names “Devbhumi
Raksha Abhiyan” or “Devbhumi Raksha Sangathan”, shadowy organisations that
local journalists said they knew nothing about.
Contacted by this newspaper, SP
Yaduvanshi expressed his inability to talk. “I’ll call you back,” he said but
had till late evening not done so.
Karan Singh Naganyal, inspector-general
of police, Garhwal region, was quoted by local reporters as saying: “The
mahapanchayat is meaningless when the police have arrested the accused and sent
them to jail. A platoon of the Provincial Armed Constabulary has been deployed
there (in Purola) to maintain peace.”
He was referring to last month’s arrest
of two youths, Jitendra Saini of Bijnore and Ubaid Khan of Purola, on the
charge of trying to lure a minor Hindu girl to elope with them.
By the last week of May, the
pro-Hindutva organisations had begun protesting against "love jihad"
and carrying out stray attacks on Muslim youths.
Ex-bureaucrats’ plea
On Monday, the Constitutional Conduct
Group of retired bureaucrats wrote an open letter to Uttarakhand chief
secretary S.S. Sandhu and director-general of police Ashok Kumar, seeking
“immediate action on the communal situation in the state”.
“We write today to express our deep
concern at the developing situation in Uttarakhand…. We wish to draw, in
particular, your attention to the fact that threats have been made regarding a
mahapanchayat proposed to be held on 15 June 2023 in the town of Purola and a
rally on 20 June 2023 at Tehri, both explicitly associated with calls to expel
Muslims from these areas,” the letter read.
“We call upon you to ensure that no such
criminal, communal or intimidatory programme is permitted to take place on
these dates or otherwise, and that the state police and administration
functions as per the Constitution, the law, and the multiple directions of the
Supreme Court to act against hate speech and mob violence.”
The letter said 42 Muslim families had
fled Purola till May 28 and many more were about to leave the town and other
areas.
It blamed chief minister Pushkar Singh
Dhami, saying: “We finally note that this intimidation campaign is being
justified on the grounds of so-called love jihad and that the chief minister of
the state has been repeatedly making public statements claiming that love jihad
will not be tolerated in the state, notwithstanding that it is against both the
law and our Constitution to target entire communities on the basis of supposed
wrongdoing by individuals.”
The letter asked the administration to
“ensure that no communal, intimidatory, hate focused or other programme is
permitted to be held on June 15th, June 20th, or any other date in the state of
Uttarakhand”.
On Tuesday, Dhami said: “There is peace
in Uttarkashi. Nobody would be allowed to disturb peace in the state.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/uttarakhand-love-jihad-protesters-in-uttarkashi-adamant-on-panchayat/cid/1944819
---------
Liquor Bottles Thrown In Mosque In
Madhya Pradesh, Case Registered
June 13, 2023
Indore: Liquor bottles was thrown by
some unidentified person at a mosque in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district
following which a case has been registered into the matter, a police official
said on Tuesday.
The mosque is situated at AB road in the
city. After the incident, members of the mosque committee lodged a police
complaint and also submitted CCTV footage of the incident.
Later acting on the complaint, a case
was registered against the unknown person at MIG police station in the
district.
"The incident occurred at around 4
am on Monday. Some anti-social elements came in a car, out of which one person
threw the liquor bottles in the mosque. A case has been registered against an
unknown person under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 295 (A) and started
efforts to nab the accused," MIG Police station in charge Ajay Verma said.
Source: ndtv.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.ndtv.com/cities/liquor-bottles-thrown-in-mosque-in-madhya-pradesh-case-registered-4118934
--------
Uttarakhand: Members Of Muslim Bodies
Meet Dhami, Seek Action Against Those 'Harassing' Community In Purola
13 JUN 202
Members of the Uttarakhand Waqf Board
and the Haj Committee called on Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and asked
him to take stern action against those "harassing" Muslims in Purola
town, which has been gripped by communal tension.
Communal tension has been brewing in
Purola and some other towns of Uttarkashi district after two men, one of them
Muslim, allegedly tried to abduct a Hindu girl on May 26.
Uttarakhand Waqf Board chairman Shadab
Shams, Laksar MLA Mohammad Shahzad, and Haj Committee president Khatib Ahmad,
among others, met Dhami at his official residence here on Monday and claimed
Muslims living in Purola for generations are being "harassed" by
anti-social elements and forced to migrate from the town.
The delegation also submitted a
memorandum to the chief minister in which it said that Muslims living in the
hill town are a "hurt, harassed, and scared" lot.
The memorandum urged Dhami to protect
the interests of all sections of society in keeping with India's spirit of
'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) and Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's motto of 'Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas aur Sab ka Vishwas' and act tough
against those fomenting trouble in Purola.
At least 42 shops belonging to Muslims
have reportedly been closed in Purola since May 26.
Posters were pasted by unidentified
people on shops owned by Muslims, asking them to leave the town before a 'maha
panchayat' called by Hindu organisations in Purola on June 15 or prepare to
face consequences.
Source: outlookindia.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.outlookindia.com/national/uttarakhand-members-of-muslim-bodies-meet-dhami-seek-action-against-those-harassing-community-in-purola-news-294480
---------
Mideast
UNESCO Faces Accusations of Misusing
Funds for Great Mosque of Al-Nuri Expansion
13-06-23
Shafaq News/ Sources in Nineveh have
revealed allegations of fund manipulation by UNESCO about expanding the Great
Mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul. According to these sources, UNESCO has been
diverting funds for the mosque's expansion to other projects within Mosul.
The people of Mosul have eagerly awaited
the completion of the Al-Nuri Mosque and its renowned Al-Hadba Minaret since
their destruction during the battles against ISIS in June 2017. The
reconstruction efforts have been under the supervision of UNESCO, which secured
a $50.4 million grant from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Local sources have expressed surprise at
the limited focus on completing the minaret and the mosque without
incorporating the planned expansion outlined in the original architectural
designs. These designs included the establishment of an institute for Islamic
architectural studies, an event hall, and other facilities intended to enhance
the overall site.
In 2018, Iraq and the UAE reached an
agreement to rebuild the Al-Nuri Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret, with the UAE
committing $50.4 million for the construction work. During a ceremony at the
National Museum in Baghdad, the UAE's Minister of Culture, Noura Al-Kaabi,
announced the funding commitment.
The accusations of fund manipulation by
UNESCO in the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri project have sparked extensive debate and
scrutiny. The people of Mosul and other stakeholders call for transparent and
responsible management of the allocated funds to ensure the successful
reconstruction of this iconic symbol of their heritage.
Source: shafaq.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq-News/UNESCO-Faces-Accusations-of-Misusing-Funds-for-Great-Mosque-of-Al-Nuri-Expansion
--------
Iraqi immigrant pleads guilty in federal
court in Oregon to supporting Islamic State
June 13, 2023
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An immigrant from
Iraq pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Portland, Oregon, to conspiring
to provide material support to the Islamic State group by producing and
distributing propaganda and recruiting materials online.
Hawazen Sameer Mothafar, 33, faces a
maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is scheduled
to be sentenced on January 11 by U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernández.
Mothafar was arrested in November 2020 following an FBI investigation.
The case underscores the Islamic State
group’s focus on maintaining an online presence, or “digital caliphate,” after
the group — also known as ISIS — lost most of its self-declared caliphate in
territory it seized in Iraq and Syria by late 2017.
“One of the primary mechanisms ISIS uses
to threaten the West is its media outlets,” Christine Abizaid, director of the
National Counterterrorism Center, said in January. “The most prolific ISIS
threat to the United States or other Western countries is through inspired
attackers who are vulnerable to influence by ISIS messaging.”
Mothafar immigrated to the U.S. from
Iraq in 2014. An indictment handed down in November 2020 by a federal grand
jury alleged that Mothafar conspired with Islamic State group members to create
and edit publications and articles supporting the group, and also provided
technical support to its members overseas on social media and email accounts.
Authorities said he distributed articles about how to kill and maim with a
knife and encouraged readers to carry out attacks.
Source: columbian.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/jun/13/iraqi-immigrant-pleads-guilty-in-federal-court-in-oregon-to-supporting-islamic-state/
--------
Scores of Israeli Settlers Raid Al-Aqsa
Mosque
14 June, 2023
Dozens of Israeli settlers, supported by
Israeli occupation forces, raided the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque and
performed provocative rituals on Wednesday morning, June 14, 2023.
The Department of Islamic Endowments in
occupied Jerusalem stated that tens of Israeli settlers performed provocative
rituals at Al-Aqsa’s courtyards.
Israeli settlers carry out semi-daily
incursions into the blessed Mosque in Jerusalem and provocatively perform
Talmudic rituals under the protection of Israeli occupation forces.
ettlers’ raids into Al-Aqsa Mosque aim
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.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in occupied
Jerusalem continue their calls to mobilize at Al-Aqsa to confront the Israeli
settlers’ calls for mass raids in Al-Aqsa.
In April 2023, nearly 5054 Israeli
settlers invaded the courtyards of Al-Aqsa mosque and performed provocative
Talmudic rituals at its courtyards.
Source: daysofpalestine.ps
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://daysofpalestine.ps/scores-of-israeli-settlers-raid-al-aqsa-mosque/
--------
Islamic Jihad Begins Military Summer
Camp for Palestinian Youth
June 13, 2023
On June 10, mosques operated by Islamic
Jihad held open registration for Palestinian youth to attend military training
camps in the Gaza Strip. The camp is called “Revenge of the Free,” which is the
name given by Islamic Jihad to the latest conflict with Israel in May 2023.
According to Islamic Jihad, the camp started on June 12 and will last for two
weeks.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have
openly recruited children to its summer camps in previous years and published
documentation of military training via open-source channels.
While Palestinian militant organizations
often tout the camps as a place to promote religious and recreational
activities for children and teens, they are primarily used to indoctrinate
jihadist ideology, including the armed struggle against Israel. Also, the camps
are a promotional tool for Palestinian youth to join armed militant organizations,
some of whom are classified as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S.
State Department. FDD’s Long War Journal has tracked the recruitment of
children by Palestinian armed groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad,
and Mujahideen Brigades.
Despite the camps drawing criticism,
Palestinian militant organizations continue to organize them yearly. The
indifference to the condemnation was evident during the opening ceremony of a
Hamas-run summer camp in 2021. Citing United Nations resolution 45/130, a Hamas
spokesperson stated the group is guaranteed under international law to
self-defense, including armed resistance.
“What we are doing in these camps is
like all the peoples who are, and were, under occupation and persecution, where
international law guarantees them the right to self-determination,
self-defense, and resisting the occupier by all means available, including
armed resistance under United Nations General Assembly resolution 45/130,” the
spokesperson stated.
Actors such as Hezbollah and the Houthis
also target children and teenagers for potential recruitment. For example, in
1985, Hezbollah established a youth organization called the Imam al-Mahdi
Scouts Association, which is often used as a stepping stone to join its
so-called military wing. Mahdi scouts receive military training, are
indoctrinated in “greater jihad,” and are taught about the armed struggle
against Israel.
Much like their Resistance Axis
counterparts in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen holds yearly summer camps under the
guise of educating children on religious teachings and identity. Critics say
the camps “radicalize and indoctrinate minors so that they can prepare them to
become soldiers.”
Other armed organizations, such as the
Turkistan Islamic Party, has documented training children in military camps in
northwestern Syria. In 2016, the Islamic State in Afghanistan established
military training camps for children to wage jihad.
Source: longwarjournal.org
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2023/06/islamic-jihad-begins-military-summer-camp-for-palestinian-youth.php
--------
Amid Tears of Joy, Thousands of
Palestinians Head to Mecca for Pilgrimage
June 13, 2023
Starting on Monday, and continuing for
four consecutive days, 2,508 Palestinian pilgrims from Gaza will head to Saudi
Arabia to perform the annual pilgrimage.
The total number of Palestinian pilgrims
that are allowed to perform Hajj this year is put at 6,600. They will be
arriving in Mecca from the Occupied Territories, including the Gaza Strip.
The Gaza pilgrims will be allowed to
leave the besieged Strip from the Rafah border crossing directly to the Cairo
International Airport.
From there, the pilgrims will head to King
Abdul Aziz bin Saud Airport in Jeddah and then to their final destination of
Mecca.
Source: palestinechronicle.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/amid-tears-of-joy-thousands-of-palestinians-head-to-mecca-for-pilgrimage/
--------
Egypt PM holds talks on plans for
developing Islamic Cairo
June 12, 2023
Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly
held a meeting yesterday to discuss the latest developments on the government's
plans to develop Islamic Cairo. The meeting was attended by several ministers
and officials from various ministries, Daily News Egypt reported.
During the meeting, a strong emphasis
was placed on the significance of safeguarding Islamic Cairo's historical
sites. Particular attention was drawn to the area encompassing the mosques of
Sayeda Nafisa and Sayeda Aisha, whose historical and cultural value is deeply
rooted. Notably, Sayeda Nafisa holds a significant position as the
great-great-granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through
his grandson, Hasan, while Sayeda Aisha, a daughter of Jafar Al-Sadiq, traces
her lineage from the Prophet through his other grandson's paternal line,
Hussein. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the development of Salah
Salem Street.
Madbouly is said to have emphasised the
need to overcome the challenges facing the area, such as the problem of
groundwater and pollution resulting from haphazard construction, while also
facilitating traffic flow in Cairo.
The report noted that the project, in
addition to preserving the city's heritage sites, will also aim to expand the
areas of the "Ahl Al-Bayt mosques", implementing squares, gardens and
parks, and protecting the area from encroachment.
Also known as Old Cairo, Islamic Cairo,
nestled in the heart of Egypt's current capital, is a historic district with
origins tracing back to the Fatimid dynasty, the city flourished under the rule
of the Fatimids, who established their capital, Al-Qahira (Cairo), in the 10th
century. Their architectural legacy includes the famed Al-Azhar Mosque and the
Al-Hakim Mosque.
They were followed by the Ayyubids and
the Mamluks who further adorned Islamic Cairo with their own influence. They
were followed by the Ottomans who left their imprint on Cairo. This
amalgamation of Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman architecture has
transformed Cairo into a remarkable testimony to the diverse Islamic heritage
that has shaped Egypt's history.
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230612-egypt-pm-holds-talks-on-plans-for-developing-islamic-cairo/
--------
North America
National Council Of Canadian Muslims
Challenging No-Prayer In Schools Decree
13.06.2023
Quebec’s ban on visible prayers in
school violates an individual’s religious freedom and civil rights, claims a
lawsuit filed Tuesday by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a
student and a civil liberties association.
The decree particularly affects
practicing Muslim students, who pray five times a day, many using a prayer rug.
“Today we are in court to stand up for
Quebec students,” NCCM Chief Executive Officer Steven Brown said at a news
conference. “This decree must be suspended due to the significant harm to
children in Quebec schools.”
The Canadian Civil Liberties
Association, who were represented at the news conference, and a Quebec student,
joined the NCCM in challenging the law.
“This decree is hurting Quebec
students,” said HariniSivalingam, Equality Program Director at the Canadian
Civil Liberties Association. “After the decree was issued students have told us
that their schools have prohibited them from praying at school (altogether).”
Brown said the Quebec government has no
business telling anyone when and where they can or cannot pray.
“The joint lawsuit addresses the prayer
ban’s violation of personal and religious freedoms,” he said. “This is an issue
that has direct effects on the lives of children. The lawsuit includes a Quebec
student plaintiff whose civil rights and religious freedoms are breached by the
Quebec government’s decree.”
The government should not meddle in the
“spiritual lives” of children, in a democratic country, said Brown.
“We cannot allow for the state to police
our children in schools – a place where they should be learning and growing in
a safe and supportive environment regardless of their religious background,” he
said. “This is why we will not stop until this decree is struck down.”
Source: aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/canadian-muslim-group-challenging-no-prayer-in-schools-decree/2921689
--------
Civil liberties, Muslim groups ask
Quebec court to suspend ban on school prayer rooms
Tue., June 13, 2023
MONTREAL - Quebec’s ban on prayer rooms
in public schools is harmful to Muslim students and should be suspended
immediately, lawyers for a civil liberties group and a Muslim advocacy
organization told a Montreal court Tuesday.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association
and the National Council of Canadian Muslims argued before the Quebec Superior
Court for a stay of the province’s decree while their legal challenge against
the ban makes its way through the courts.
Stephen Brown, the CEO of the Muslim
organization, told reporters before the hearing that since the ban was
introduced in April, students have been threatened with disciplinary measures
for praying at school. He said his organization has heard from a student who
was allegedly mocked by a teacher for trying to find a place to pray.
“We’re here today so that no child has
to find a place to hide to pray at school,” Brown said. “No child should have
to hide who they are because they’re afraid of being watched, threatened or
mocked by school administrators and teachers for having done nothing more than
being who they are.”
When Quebec Education Minister Bernard
Drainville barred schools from making space available to students for prayer,
he said students would still be allowed to pray silently and discreetly. But
Olga Redko, a lawyer for the two groups, told the court that Muslim prayers
require physical action.
“They can’t just simply close their eyes
and pray silently,” she said.
The case was brought on behalf of a
16-year-old Muslim student at a Montreal-area high school who had been given a
place to pray during the lunch hour but lost that accommodation following
Drainville’s decree. The student’s identity is protected by a publication ban.
Sworn statements have also been entered into evidence from three other Muslim
students who say they also lost the ability to pray at school.
Johanna Mortreux, another lawyer for the
groups, said the decree has made those students feel isolated and rejected.
In a statement from one of the students
that Mortreux read aloud in court, the student said, “we are being sent the
message that we are a lost cause and don’t even want to be seen on school
grounds.”
The ban violates students’ freedom of
religion, equality rights and their dignity, Mortreux told the court, adding
that school is supposed to be like a second home for students. Asking them to
leave school property to do something as fundamental to their identity as
practise their religion causes significant harm, she said.
ÉricCantin, a lawyer for the provincial
government, told the court that he appreciated that it’s easier for students to
pray at school then to be required to leave the property. However, he said, the
restriction is a minor inconvenience.
Schools are still able to offer other
reasonable accommodations to religious students, he said, including to give
them time off for religious holidays.
Quebecers have supported the removal of
all forms of religion from public schools since the Quiet Revolution of the
1960s, Cantin argued, and it’s that desire for secular schools that motivated
the ban — and the reason why suspending it would be contrary to the public
interest.
“The public interest, therefore, is the
Québécois concept of the secularization of schools,” he said. “We don’t want
manifestations of religion in public schools.”
Lucie Roy, a lawyer for the
Marguerite-Bourgeoys school service centre, which oversees the school the 16-year-old
plaintiff attends, told the court that while the decree forbids schools from
providing places to pray and bars students from praying in an overt way, it
does not specify the consequences for violating the rule. Students who pray in
school would be asked to stop but they won’t be disciplined for simply praying,
Roy said.
Redko argued that the harm caused by the
prayer space ban is exacerbated because young people are legally required to
attend school. But Roy countered that all the students whose statements were
entered into evidence are old enough that they won’t be forced by law to attend
classes in the fall.
In response, Redko said it was
“shocking” that students would be made to chose between exercising their right
to practise their religion and their right to education.
Justice Lukasz Granosik said he expected
to render his decision Wednesday morning.
The suit is one of two seeking to have
the ban declared unconstitutional; another challenge was filed May 18 by five
Muslim organizations.
This report by The Canadian Press was
first published June 13, 2023.
Source: thestar.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thestar.com/politics/2023/06/13/civil-liberties-muslim-groups-ask-quebec-court-to-suspend-ban-on-school-prayer-rooms.html
--------
Shelter in Mexico’s Tijuana Serves
Muslim Migrants
June 13, 2023
Muslim migrants on the U.S.-Mexico
border have a safe place in Tijuana at a shelter with halal food, separate
areas for men and women, and prayers five times a day. GeniaDulot has our
story. Video editor: Barry Unger.
Source: voanews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.voanews.com/a/shelter-in-mexico-tijuana-serves-muslim-migrants/7134953.html
----------
Europe
Law Alumnus, Shaheen, Listed As One Of Top 10 Influential Muslims
In The UK Legal Sector
13-06-23
The EqualityX list of 100 Influential
Muslims for Championing and Celebrating Diversity celebrates Muslims in the UK
who actively further and support diversity in their industry. The list is
composed of 100 influential Muslims across ten industries. Shaheen was one of the
top 10 people chosen for the legal sector.
Shaheen has worked tirelessly throughout
his career to champion and celebrate diversity in the legal sector. Shaheen is
an Equality Diversity and Inclusion committee member for the Law Society of
England and Wales and works as on one of their Social Mobility Ambassadors.
Shaheen is also the Strategic Partnership lead at the Muslim Employment
Charter, which aims to help employers better accommodate the needs of Muslim
professionals in the workplace.
Since graduating from Westminster in
2014, Shaheen has worked in many capacities across the legal field. Shaheen now
manages his own law firm, Black Antelope Law, which has been recognised for its
outstanding performance in Immigration. He has recently joined Diversify, a
recruitment agency that specialises in connecting employers with
underrepresented communities, as their Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
lead.
Speaking about the award, Shaheen said:
“Success is not solely measured by personal accomplishments, but by the ability
to empower and uplift others. Being listed as one of the Top 100 Influential
Muslims for Championing and Celebrating Diversity, and ranked among the Top 10
Influential Muslims in the Legal Industry by EqualityX, is a humbling recognition
of the collective effort to promote inclusivity and justice. I attribute this
achievement to the invaluable support and nurturing environment provided by the
University of Westminster. Their commitment to fostering academic excellence
and embracing diversity has been instrumental in shaping my journey and
enabling me to make a meaningful impact.
“I am immensely grateful to the
University for equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to effect
positive change, and for instilling in me the values that continue to guide my
endeavours.”
Find out more about Law courses at the
University of Westminster.
Source: westminster.ac.uk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news/law-alumnus-listed-as-one-of-top-10-influential-muslims-in-the-uk-legal-sector
--------
Scunthorpe's first ever purpose-built
mosque set to open this weekend after two-year wait
14 JUN 2023
The first ever purpose-built mosque in
Scunthorpe is set to open this weekend.
Guests from across the country will
attend the official opening of the Baitus Salam (House of Peace) mosque on
Cliff Closes Road on Saturday, June 17.
These will include MPs, senior
representatives from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, charity organisations,
faith leaders and local neighbours of the mosque.
The impressive building was completed in
October 2021 after first being acquired by members of Scunthorpe's Ahmadiyya
Muslim community, a branch of Islam, back in 2002 when it stood as a bungalow.
The opening was delayed due to Covid-19.
Back in December 2021, Dr Adnan
Muzaffar, the External Affairs Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association
told Scunthorpe Live: "The bungalow we were using for prayers was becoming
too small and so we couldn't fit everybody in.
"There were also some issues with
parking so we really needed to increase the space we had. And before this,
there wasn't a purpose built mosque in Scunthorpe.
"I moved to Scunthorpe when I was
12 and there was nowhere we could go to say our prayers unless we went to
someone's house which isn't the same as going to a mosque.
"There was a need to rectify this
for so long and now we have which is brilliant. We first acquired the property
over 20 years ago - so it's been a long time coming.
"We fully intend to do [the
inauguration day] when the time is right so we can welcome all people from the
community on the day."
On Saturday, the worldwide head of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is set to inaugurate
the mosque, which he believes should benefit everyone in Scunthorpe and not
just people in the Muslim community.
He said: “Mosques are places of peace
and prayer. Through prayer and service, we can promote harmony in the world.
Mosques should be a source of benefit for all people, not just Muslims.”
Members of the group, which was
established in 1889, regularly conduct voluntary street cleaning sessions,
blood donation campaigns and educational seminars in Scunthorpe.
Dr Muzaffar Ahmad, Regional President of
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in North East England, said: “We hope that our
mosque will be the centre of learning and peace in Scunthorpe. This is a place
for all people, irrespective of your background or whether you belong to a
particular faith or not, we welcome everyone.
"Even if someone just wants to see
the Mosque from the inside or visit us as their local neighbors, we will be
honoured to host them. I sincerely hope and pray that this Mosque allows us to
build a strong community together.
The Baitus Salam Mosque can accommodate
250 people, and features a community hall and a library. It was built entirely
from funds raised by the local members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Proceedings will begin at 4.30pm on
Saturday, June 17.
Source: grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/scunthorpes-first-ever-purpose-built-8518072
--------
Scottish Police Muslim Association
ex-chair accused of embezzling £23k
13th June
A FORMER chairperson of the Scottish
Police Muslim Association will stand trial accused of embezzling £23,000 from
the organisation.
Asma Ali, 36, allegedly committed the
crime at Glasgow's Maryhill police office as well as banks in London and
Edinburgh between March 2017 and June 2019.
It is claimed that the total sum taken
by qualified lawyer Ali was £23,081.27.
She faces a separate fraud charge at the
Scottish Police Credit Union on July 29, 2019.
It is stated that Ali pretended to an
employee that she was not subject to an agreement with creditors to repay debts
that were in arrears.
Court papers claim that Ali went on to
induce the credit union to pay a loan of £500 under false pretences.
A further charge states that Ali made a
similar claim to the Scottish Police Credit Union on August 5, 2019 in order to
attempt to receive £2000 by fraud.
A final charge claims Ali carried out a
similar act to attempt to obtain £1000 by fraud from the credit union on
December 1, 2019.
Ali, who had her attendance excused at a
hearing on Tuesday, denies the charges at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
She was the first female chair of a
police Muslim association.
A two-week trial in November will take
place pending a joint minute of agreement between the Crown and the defence.
A pre-trial hearing in August was also
set by Sheriff Gerard Considine.
He said: “I would expect all financial
transactions to be capable of agreement.
“The fact money was moved from one bank
account to another should be capable of agreement.”
Alan Rodgers, defending, replied: “The
fact money went from one account across to another account is the defence
position.”
Source: glasgowtimes.co.uk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/23586608.scottish-police-muslim-association-ex-chair-accused-embezzling-23k/
--------
‘Polish policy, beautiful’ – Australian
Muslim influencer praises Poland’s strict migration policies, says the West
imported ‘garbage’ who don’t want to work
June 14, 2023
The Polish government has reiterated its
stance against the proposed compulsory relocation of migrants in the EU. That
stance was approved in the autumn of last year by the Australian Muslim
influencer Mohammad Tawhidi, who also criticized Western governments for making
mistakes over their approach to the migration crisis.
Commenting on the migration issue,
Tawhidi challenged Western countries and said that the crisis was of their own
making. “You are in a crisis. You went to the Muslim countries, and you imported
the garbage that the Muslim countries wanted to put in prison or isolate away
from society. You went and you imported them. Why? For cheap labor. But these
Islamic extremists, they don’t want to work, they want free welfare. They want
to marry French women with blond hair and blue eyes. They don’t have time for
work,” he said.
According to Polish state media outlet
TVP.info, Tawhidi voiced his support for Poland ‘s sensible approach towards
migration.
“Look at Poland, they don’t complain
about Islamic extremism. Not a single terrorist attack in Poland. The moment
they sense there’s a problem, they crack down on it. Polish policy, beautiful.
The French? No, come (they tell the migrants),” explained the imam.
Although terror attacks have
significantly abated in France, the country has seen some of the worst attacks
in all of Europe related to Islamic extremism.
Over 250 people have been killed in
terrorist attacks in France since just 2015, which was also the same year
HervéCornara was beheaded by an Islamic terrorist.
Just this year, French Interior Minister
GéraldDarmanin asked the U.S. government for greater intelligence sharing and
warned of a resurgence in Islamic terrorist threats in Europe ahead of France
hosting global sporting events in the coming year.
Many attacks have also been foiled.
France remained the EU member state with the most arrests made on its soil for
suspected jihadist terrorist offenses in 2021. Of the total 260 arrests across
the bloc, 96 were conducted in France, with Spain and Germany trailing in its
wake with 39 and 24, respectively.
Now, the EU Migration Pact has been
adopted by the EU interior ministers, with only Poland and Hungary voting
against the measure. Countries that reject mandatory migrant relocations will
face a €20,000 fine for every migrant they reject, which could quickly add up
to billions.
Poland has rejected the deal and demands
that it should be considered by the full European Council summit where
decisions have to be taken unanimously.
Source: rmx.news
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://rmx.news/poland/polish-policy-beautiful-australian-muslim-influencer-praises-polands-strict-migration-policies-says-the-west-imported-garbage-who-dont-want-to-work/
--------
Pakistan
Minister Ghani Calls Jamaat-e-Islami
‘Taliban Squatters’ Naeem Terms PPP ‘Fascist’
June 14, 2023
KARACHI:
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Engr
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice
against the unconstitutional and illegal conduct by the ruling Pakistan Peoples
Party (PPP).
The JI leader has made the demand at a
press conference held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI Karachi headquarters, here on
Tuesday.
The JI leader said that PPP resorted to
fascism.
A day earlier, he said, the PPP issued a
list of UC chairmen belonging to the PTI and claims were made that all of them
are going to vote for the PPP, instead of the JI. However, later in the day,
some of them issued video messages, clarifying that they are going to vote for
the JI, he said, adding that the video messages are also doing rounds on the
social media.
PPP stands firm against hatred
Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani, said
that PPP holds a significant majority support in Karachi, and the next mayor of
the city will be from his party.
Ghani emphasised that Karachi will not
be handed over to the 'Thunder Squad' and affirmed that the city will not fall
under the control of Taliban squatters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the
minister accused Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) of attempting to fuel prejudice and
bigotry in their bid for the mayoral position.
JI has yet to denounce the May 9 riots.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2421592/ghani-calls-ji-taliban-squatters-naeem-terms-ppp-fascist
--------
Bushra skips NAB appearance in Al-Qadir
Trust case
June 14, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI
Chairman Imran Khan, on Tuesday skipped her appearance before the National
Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Al-Qadir Trust case, saying she could not travel
from Lahore to the federal capital so frequently on short notices.
The anti-graft watchdog has already
summoned Mr Khan in the same case on June 15. It is expected that both will
appear before NAB on that day.
NAB has also decided to summon Bahria
Town owner Malik Riaz, the main accused in the case, soon.
NAB sources told Dawn that Bushra Bibi
sent a letter to the anti-graft watchdog, saying she could not appear on
Tuesday as she had received the notice three days ago and that it has become
difficult for her to travel to Islamabad on such a short notice.
On June 7, she had submitted her
statement to NAB, expressing ignorance about any “wrongdoing” in the trust’s
affairs and settlement between the UK’s National Crime Agency and the property
tycoon, Mr Riaz. She also denied any malpractice in the affairs of the trust
and donations.
Source: dawn.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1759574/bushra-skips-nab-appearance-in-al-qadir-trust-case
--------
Pre-arrest bail of Imran extended
June 14, 2023
LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on
Tuesday extended the interim pre-arrest bail of former prime minister Imran
Khan in three cases relating to the May 9 riots.
Khan did not personally appear before
the court as his lawyer filed an application seeking one-time exemption from
personal appearance citing medical reasons.
The lawyer told the court that the
former prime minister returned from Islamabad late at night and had a complaint
of fever and serious fatigue.
Khan had gone to the federal capital to
attend hearings of multiple cases against him.
Judge Ijaz Ahmad Buttar allowed the
application and extended the pre-arrest bail of the PTI chairman in cases of
attack on Jinnah House, Askari Tower and Shadman police station till June 27.
The judge also summoned the
investigation report by the police at the next hearing.
ASAD UMAR:An anti-terrorism court on
Tuesday extended the interim pre-arrest bail of PTI’s former secretary general
Asad Umar in a case of Askari Tower, Liberty, attack during the May 9 protests.
Umar appeared before the court on expiry
of his pre-arrest bail.
Judge Ijaz Ahmad Buttar extended the
bail till June 27 and directed the PTI leader to join the police investigation.
Source: dawn.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1759646/pre-arrest-bail-of-imran-extended
--------
US says it’s aware of May 9 protesters’
trials in military courts
June 14, 2023
WASHINGTON: US State Department
spokesperson Matthew Miller has said they are aware of reports of military
trials of citizens allegedly involved in the May 9 protest in Pakistan.
Answering a question in a press briefing
on Tuesday, he said it was expected that the Pakistani authorities would
respect rule of law and democratic norms for all in accordance with the
constitution.
Miller further said that authorities
were in regular contact with Pakistan’s officials at the highest level for
human rights, democracy, projection of journalists and rule of law, for these
were priorities for the United States.
To a query if Pakistan had got approval
from the US before buying crude Russian oil and if the criterion for approval
for every country to trade with Russia was different, he made it clear that
every country has to make its own choices keeping in view its energy needs, and
that the US has not announced sanctions on Russia’s energy exports. “We
coordinate with our allies and partners to mitigate the impact of Russian
sales.”
The State Department spokesperson noted
that the Russian oil is being sold at a significant discount to market rates,
and it has been learnt that the Russian oil price is lower than the price cap
determined by the US and its allies.
He said it is our estimate that the
lower price has deprived Russia of an additional $100 billion that would go to
fund their war machine in Ukraine.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1080144-us-says-it-s-aware-of-may-9-protesters-trials-in-military-courts
--------
Assassination claim: Imran failed to
provide evidence to JIT, says minister
June 14, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rana
Sanaullah said Tuesday that Imran Khan had confessed before the Joint
Investigation Team (JIT) that he had no evidence to back the allegations that
he levelled against the army and the government on his assassination
conspiracy.
Addressing a press conference in
Islamabad on Tuesday, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Khan was
included in the investigation in a case registered at the Ramna police station
in Islamabad, adding that the PTI chief had accused senior army officers, the
prime minister and interior minister (Sana) of his murder in the past.
“The JIT showed a video to the PTI chief
and he confessed that it was his own voice. During the investigation, he
confessed that all his statements against the prime minister, interior minister
and COAS that they wanted to kill him were baseless,” he added.
When the PTI chief was shown the FIR
against him by the JIT, he was unable to provide any evidence to support the
allegations he had hurled in the video clips.
“When the JIT further questioned him,
Khan replied that someone had told him of their involvement in the conspiracy,”
he said. “Then the PTI chairman was asked who told you. Imran Khan replied I do
not remember who told me.”
The JIT inquired why he mentioned the
name of DG ISI in his videos and questioned whether he had met a senior
military official, whom he referred to as Dirty Harry. The PTI chairman
responded that the DG ISI had held a press conference, adding that he had never
held any meeting with the senior military officer whom he referred to as Dirty
Harry.
Rana Sanaullah averred that Imran did
not contest anywhere that this was not his audio or statement. “He confessed to
giving a statement on the basis of a gossip or rumour and the JIT had got him
to sign the statement. We can produce evidence if the PTI chief denies his
statement,” the interior minister said.
The minister said Imran was an expert in
blaming without evidence, he misled the young generation with false statements
and this brainstorming has been going on since 2014. “The May 9 arrest gave him
an excuse to implement his agenda,” Sana maintained adding a conspiracy was
hatched to divide the Pakistan Army.
The martyrs’ memorials were desecrated
and they felt that the reaction of the people would be in their favour but
instead, the people stood with their patriotic forces, Sana added.
The minister vowed that those involved
in the May 9 incident will be brought to justice. “Whether it is anti-national
propaganda or misinformation, the law will take its own course,” he said. “No
innocent will be involved in cases.”
Sana claimed that the PTI chief wanted
to assemble a million-strong Tiger Force to incite an uprising within the
country. He further said that this force had been supported with substantial
financial resources, including loans and foreign funding, in order to
orchestrate attacks on national institutions and create negative narratives
against the army chief and other institutions on social media.
Sanaullah also ruled out an electoral
alliance with any political party, saying the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PMLN) “does not need any alliance” to contest the upcoming general elections.
“The PMLN has not taken any decision on the electoral alliance with any party,”
he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday. He,
however, added that seat adjustment was possible with all political parties.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1080125-assassination-claim-imran-failed-to-provide-evidence-to-jit-minister
--------
Those who burnt Jinnah House are not
patriots: Marriyum
June 14, 2023
Minister for Information and
Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb says those who burnt the house and pictures of
Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on May 9 can neither be regarded responsible
citizens nor patriots.
She was talking to media during her
visit to Jinnah House in Lahore.
The minister reaffirmed that those
involved in the violent incidents of May 9 would be brought to justice at all
costs.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.radio.gov.pk/14-06-2023/those-who-burnt-jinnah-house-pictures-are-not-patriots-marriyum
--------
Court grants Qureshi bail in May 9
vandalism case
June 13, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
A local court in Islamabad on Tuesday
granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood
Qureshi in a case registered against him over attacks on sensitive state
installations following May 9.
After the PTI chief was arrested on
corruption charges last month, miscreants vandalised key military and state
sites. This was followed by a crackdown on the PTI leadership, resulting in
Qureshi's own arrest under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Act
(3MPO).
After remaining in custody for roughly a
month, Qureshi was released from Adiala Jail last week.
Today, Additional Sessions Judge Syed
Haroon Ahmed heard the PTI leader's bail plea in a related case.
Qureshi's lawyer, Ali Bukhari, requested
the district and sessions court to grant him bail. The judge approved the request
against a bond of Rs10,000 and granted him bail until July 4.
After the hearing, Qureshi told
journalists the case was "baseless". "Two cases were registered
against me in connection with May 9," he said, "but I was not even
present in Islamabad. I was in Karachi at the time."
'Default risk mounting'
While speaking with journalists outside
the district and sessions court after the hearing, Qureshi expressed serious
reservations over the budget presented by the federal government.
"There is a lot of debate
surrounding the budget," he noted before claiming that "even the
[government's] experts are not on the same page about it".
"The presented budget clearly
violates the conditions given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF),"
he said. "The country is heading towards a default."
Notably, Pakistan has requested China to
fast-track the refinancing of maturing commercial loans of $1.3 billion and
apprised it of the diminishing prospects of revival of the IMF loan programme.
The request was made by Finance Minister
Ishaq Dar during a meeting with China’s Charge d’affaires Pang Chunxue at the
Finance Division.
Government officials said that the
finance minister raised the issue of refinancing the two Chinese commercial
loans amounting to $1.3 billion. The loans are maturing in the next two to
three weeks.
Chinese authorities have already assured
Pakistan that they will refund both the loans but Islamabad wants the money to
be re-lent as soon as it is paid back, according to sources.
Dar is said to have urged the Chinese
charge d’affaires about timely refinancing the loans, which will prop up
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.
Pakistan is scheduled to make a debt
repayment of $300 million to the Bank of China in less than two weeks and repay
another $1 billion to China Development Bank within three weeks.
The country’s official foreign exchange
reserves stand at $3.9 billion and any delay in refinancing the loans could
pull the reserves much below $3 billion.
“The finance minister further updated
the charge d’affaires about progress on talks with the IMF on completion of the
ninth review,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Dar said that the IMF was not accepting
Pakistan’s request to lower the requirement of arranging $6 billion in new
loans despite a marked reduction in the current account deficit, according to
the officials. Pakistan had arranged $4 billion but the IMF was still insisting
on $6 billion in fresh loans, he added.
At a public gathering yesterday, Dar had
pointed out that Saudi Arabia had pledged $2 billion and the United Arab
Emirates $1 billion to help Pakistan reach a staff-level agreement.
He said that there was hope that after
arranging $3 billion the IMF would sign the staff-level agreement but that did
not happen. “After the agreement, there is hope that the World Bank will
approve $450 million and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will give
$250 million.”
However, budget books showed that the
government did not expect the $3 billion to come before June 30 and included
the inflows in the next fiscal year’s estimates.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2421500/court-grants-qureshi-bail-in-may-9-vandalism-case
--------
Africa
GovernorUba Sani Advocates Reinvention
Of Islamic Education In NigeriaTo Align With Global Dynamics
JUNE 14, 2023
Governor Uba Sani has called for
developing a framework for the reinvention of Islamic education to align with
global dynamics in equipping youths with life skills.
The governor made the call while
addressing a three-day conference on Islamic Learning and Scholarship in
Africa, organised by Arewa House in conjunction with the `Organisation of
Islamic Conference (OIC)` in Kaduna.
Mr Sani described it as timely and apt
in projecting the contribution of the Muslim world to global knowledge, noting
that the Sokoto Caliphate held the distinction of being a leading contributor
of knowledge in Africa.
He said famous Islamic reformer Usman
Bin Fodio and his brother Sheikh AbdullahiFodio made enduring contributions to
moral leadership, spiritual knowledge, agriculture and commerce.
He emphasised that it was important to
equip young people with skills that would enable them to compete globally and
contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking at the event, the Sultan of
Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said over 3.2 million books from 200 works
of Islamic scholars from the Sokoto Caliphate had been edited, published and
distributed across Nigeria.
The sultan said the books were published
in` English, Arabic` and Hausa languages, stating that the exposure to African
heritage would help restore the identity of Africans and their worth and
prepare them for the future, stressing that the Caliphate leaders alone wrote
over 300 works, considered the works of the daughter of Usman Danfodio Nana
Asma’u and some of his students like AbdulKadirzul Mustapha.
He said those works covered a wide range
of subjects from well-known Islamic scientists of tafsir, Qur’an, sociology,
economy, political science and medicine.
“We have so far edited and published
over 3.2 million books of 200 works of these great leaders, and they have gone
round the country and libraries of individuals and schools across the world,”
the sultan added. “These books are in English, Arabic and Hausa and insha
Allah. At the end of this conference, I will bring some of these books to our
guests, at least those from outside the country.”
Source: gazettengr.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://gazettengr.com/gov-uba-sani-advocates-reinvention-of-islamic-education-in-nigeria/
--------
Sokoto Caliphate Publishes 3.2m Books By
Islamic Scholars
13-06-23
No fewer than 3.2 million books from 200
works of Islamic scholars from the Sokoto Caliphate have been edited, published
and distributed across the country, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad
Abubakar has said.
The Sultan made the disclosure while
addressing a three-day conference on Islamic Learning and Scholarship in Africa
organised by Arewa House in conjunction with the Organisation of Islamic
Conference (OIC), International Research Center for Islamic History Culture and
Arts (IRCICA) Turkey and Al Istiqama University Sumaila, Kano. Sultan Abubakar
said the books were published in English , Arabic and Hausa languages at the
Arewa House.
He stated that the exposure of African
heritage will help restore the identity of Africans, their worth and prepare
them for the future.
“The Caliphate leaders alone wrote over
300 works considered the works of the daughter of Usman Danfodio Nana Asma’u
and some of his students like AbdulKadirzul Mustapha. These works covered a
wide range of subjects from well-known Islamic scientists of tafsir Qur’an,
sociology, economy, political science and medicine. We have so far edited and
published over 3.2 million books of 200 works of these great leaders and they
have gone round the country and libraries of individuals and schools across the
world.
“These books are in English, Arabic and
Hausa and insha Allah at the end of this conference, I will bring some of these
books to our guests, at least those from outside the country. We are in the era
that European imperialism has done a lot to hide these treasures from us by
keeping them away from the curriculum of government schools among other
policies. But we are determined to bring out these intellectual works and
resources and render them in languages that will allow the great majority to
access them. The conference should also help unearth our heritage and make it
available to the world.”
The chairman of the conference, a
professor of history and former vice chancellor of Adamawa State University,
Prof. Al Kasum Abba said there is nothing more important than scholarship as no
organisation can be run based on ignorance. “It’s great that this conference is
taking place on Islamic Learning and Scholarship in Africa. People don’t
recognise that long before English came there was learning in Islam. Going into
the history of Islamic education in Africa is very important.
“The Sokoto jihad was a social movement
but the British came and called it Fulani jihad because they wanted to
establish their own. We have not been studying, projecting the Islamic
scholarship the way it should be projected. The Sultan of Sokoto and Shehu of Borno
should help in establishing funds to study the 19th century jihad because it
took different dimensions for the jihads in Sokoto and Borno. We equally need
funds to translate all the writings of the 19th Century so that we understand
the history of our society.”
For Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State,
who was the chief host, the conference is timely and apt in projecting the
contribution of the Muslim world to global knowledge. The Governor noted that
the Sokoto Caliphate holds the distinction of being a leading contributor of
knowledge in Africa. He said famous Islamic reformer, Sheikh Usman Bin Fodio
and his brother Sheikh AbdullahiFodio made enduring contributions in areas of
moral leadership, spiritual knowledge, agriculture and commerce.
Sani expressed hope that the conference
would develop a framework for reinventing Islamic education to align with
global dynamics in equipping youth with life skills, while emphasizing that it
is important to equip young people with skills that will enable them compete
globally and contribute meaningfully to the society.
The conference was attended by Islamic
scholars, researchers, and experts from various parts of Africa and the world.
Among the dignitaries were the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Umar Garbai el-Kanemi,
the deputy governor of Kano State, AlhajiAminuGwarzo, who represented Governor
Abba Yusuf, Dr Usman Bugaje, the director general IRCICA, Mahmud ErolKilic, the
secretary general of OIC, HisseinBrahim Taha was represented by the director of
Cultural Affairs, the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was
represented by the deputy vice chancellor Administration, Prof. Ibrahim Dogo.
Source: leadership.ng
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://leadership.ng/sokoto-caliphate-publishes-3-2m-books-by-islamic-scholars/
--------
Muslim Party Al-JamahWant LGBTQIA+ To Be
Side-Lined By Government
13-06-2023
Al-Jama ah has come under attack from
other political parties for their anti-gay remarks over the inclusion of the
LGBTQIA+ community in the discussion on the parliamentary process on new family
policies.
Al-Jama ah has told LGBTQIA+ groups to
‘stop forcing its practices on society’ and calls on the government to dismiss
any proposals it receives as they ‘want to define what a family is according to
their definition.’
White Paper On Families To Be Tabled
Last month, during his Oral replies to
questions in parliament, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced Government
will be tabling the revised White Paper on Families during this financial year.
The White Paper seeks to provide
guidelines and strategies for promoting family life and strengthening of
families.
It has defined a family as ‘a societal
group that is related by blood (kinship), adoption, foster care or the ties of
marriage (civil,
customary or religious), civil union or
cohabitation, and go beyond a particular physical residence’.
Source: thesouthafrican.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/muslim-party-al-jamah-ah-want-lgbtqia-to-be-sidelined-by-government-13-june-2023/
--------
PANDEF congratulates Akpabio, says
all-Muslim leadership attempt unfortunate
June 13, 2023
The leadership of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated Senator GodswillAkpabio on his emergence as
the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
PANDEF, in a statement by the National
Publicity Secretary, Dr Ken Robinson, welcomed the outcome and said it has
provided some degree of balance in the national government.
The forum described the imperious
attempt by some groups and individuals to foist an “all-Muslim” leadership on
the country as not only unfortunate, but also incendiary, noting that the
relevancy of ‘power balance’ to national order at this time of our democratic
experience, and existence as a nation, cannot be overstated.
PANDEF said the 63 Senators, who voted
for Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President, were true patriots, who stood for
equity, fairness, and justice.
“We salute their courage and
statesmanship in putting Nigeria’s unity and stability before parochial
interests.
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and
the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their firm resolve on
the zoning of the Senate presidency to the South-South, and for following
through on it.
“PANDEF is confident that Senator
GodswillAkpabio, with his wealth of experience, and knowledge of the dynamics
of the polity, will provide the desired leadership and candour in directing the
affairs of the Senate, and indeed, the National Assembly, to the utmost benefit
of the people of Nigeria.
“PANDEF further restates its commitment
to the promotion of peace, unity, and sustainable development in the Niger
Delta region, and the nation as a whole,” the apex socio-cultural group in the
South-South noted.
Source: tribuneonlineng.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tribuneonlineng.com/pandef-congratulates-akpabio-says-all-muslim-leadership-attempt-unfortunate/
--------
Southeast Asia
Malay-Muslim Singaporean couple based in
London crowdfunding to take play to Edinburgh Fringe
14-06-23
SINGAPORE – A Malay-Muslim Singaporean
couple based in London are crowdfunding to take their play to the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe in August.
Faizal Abdullah and KhaiRamli, who met
while running theatre collective Hatch in Singapore, have lived in London since
2018 and produced Siapa Yang BawaMelayuAkuPergi?, or Who Took My Malay Away?
The identity play on being Malay in
Singapore premiered at the London Vault Festival in January 2023. It will run
at the Tech Cube Zero in Summerhall from Aug 4 to 13, joining another Singapore
play, Do Rhinos Feel Their Horns?, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in
Scotland.
Khai, 36, producer of Who Took My Malay
Away?, says: “The people we’ve met – in university, at work, on our travels –
think that a Malay must be Malaysian and that Singaporeans are just Chinese.
The performance started off as an interrogation of Malay identity and heritage,
but has ended up being a deeper look at the tension of being Malay-Muslim and
Singaporean.
“It is about Singapore as we know it,
the real Singapore, and that Singapore is multicultural, complex, unique,
imperfect and special.”
The lecture-performance is rooted in
Faizal’s experience as a Malay-Muslim Singaporean who is frequently expected to
be able to speak Mandarin.
It has been developed since 2019, and is
created with a non-Singaporean audience in mind. Faizal, 39, uses the
performance to share his research, quoting books and academic papers, and
citing historical and geographical facts.
The romanisation of the Malay script and
the loss of the Malay language are lamented. The efficiency of the MRT and
Malay weddings in void decks are mentioned.
Faizal says: “I’ve never worked on a
lecture-performance, so this was an experiment in form and presentation. It
allows me to be Faizal Abdullah, the Malay-Muslim Singaporean theatre-maker who
has made a show that talks about the different facets of his identity, and not
just be a fictional character.”
It will be his first time performing at
Edinburgh, but not Khai’s. In 2021, she produced Patricia Gets Ready (For A
Date With The Man That Used To Hit Her), a play directed by KaleyaBaxe about a
woman finding her voice after an unexpected meeting with her former abuser.
The couple want to raise £2,800
(S$4,700) to help defray expenses, and have managed to collect £1,748 as of
last week.
Khai says audiences of all ethnicities
will be able to find a foothold in the play. “The themes explored –
colonisation, identity, indigenous displacement, lost culture, heritage and
language – are universal and something that is shared. It will be something
people from different origins and backgrounds can resonate with.”
To support Faizal and Khai, donate at
str.sg/i389
Source: straitstimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/malay-muslim-singaporean-couple-based-in-london-crowdfunding-to-take-play-to-edinburgh-fringe
--------
Maybank Islamic launches EzyWasiat to
assist in will writing
14-06- 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Islamic Bhd today
launched EzyWasiat, a wasiat (will) writing service for the Muslim community in
Malaysia.
The new digital service allows customers
to plan and prepare their wasiat in an efficient manner and within the Shariah
and faraid (Islamic inheritance) principles, the bank said in a statement.
It said that the service, in
collaboration with financial technology (fintech) platform provider
CreateWillsSdnBhd, aims to attract about 50,000 customers within 12 months.
Chief executive officer Datuk Mohamed
Rafique Merican said the target has not been firmed up but if it is well
received by customers this year, it can make the service available to other
markets where the group has a presence.
“When it comes to Islamic wealth
management, we have a footprint (and) our aspiration is that if we can actually
serve our customers in one country, presumably, it can also be offered to a
wider community in countries where we have a footprint within Asean and
beyond,” he said at a press conference after launching EzyWasiat.
Mohamed Rafique said the bank could
serve a deeper pool of potential customers within the community based on the
five pillars of wealth management, namely wealth creation, accumulation,
protection, purification, and distribution.
“Wealth management should be accessible
to as many as possible. With that number, we can actually build relationships
with customers to understand their needs, how we can serve them better, and
perhaps (in) areas that we need to strengthen further.
He said EzyWasiat would be the first
product to incorporate a faraid algorithm in Malaysia, and the process of
writing a wasiat could be completed within just 30 minutes from as low as
RM600.
“Our objective in offering this
digitised wasiat writing service is to provide our customers with peace of mind
when it comes to estate planning so they can be assured that their estate is
handled properly for the benefit of their beneficiaries, upon their demise,” he
said.
He said the service would be targeted
but not limited to Muslims who have long harboured intentions to prepare a
wasiat, but have been held back due to the perceived complexities, the cost
involved, and the lack of convenience.
He noted that the introduction of
EzyWasiat would be in line with the bank’s aspiration to develop new and
innovative propositions that could address the needs of the wider community.
“The importance of estate and legacy
planning is not insignificant. Some of us may have come across media articles
on properties or assets said to be worth more than RM70 billion that are
pending distribution.
“A significant portion of this is
reported to be belonging to Muslims. This could be avoided if we become more
aware of the importance of planning for the distribution of our assets prior to
our demise,” he said.
Mohamed Rafique said the group remains
steadfast to spearhead Islamic banking in the region and beyond.
With the right partners, Maybank Islamic
will be well-placed to do so and to pave the way for the next phase of growth
in Islamic finance, he said.
“Beyond delivering on our promise of
sustainability through Islamic finance, we are also putting efforts to digitise
our product offerings and deliver solutions to our customers, hence the
partnership with like-minded partners such as CreateWills,” he said.-Bernama
Source: thesundaily.my
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/maybank-islamic-launches-ezywasiat-to-assist-in-will-writing-EB11101173
--------
Police: Seven Pakistani men held for human
trafficking
14-06- 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: Seven Pakistani men were
arrested on suspicion of being involved in a human trafficking case, at an
apartment in Taman PandanPerdana, Ampang, here, on Monday (June 12).
Ampang Jaya district police chief, ACP
Mohd Azam Ismail, said that all of them, aged 21 to 44, were arrested at 5.30
pm by a police team from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Ampang Jaya
district police headquarters.
He said that the police received a
report from a male victim, who is a 23-year-old Pakistani national, who was
beaten by four fellow countrymen who were believed to be agents who brought him
into Malaysia to find work.
“The victim’s passport was also kept by
the suspects, and he was beaten and not allowed to leave the house. The victim
suffered pain in his body including his left arm.
“During the arrest, the police also
rescued four other Pakistani male victims, and seized 22 Pakistani passports,
five suitcases and three mobile phones, as well as the broomstick used to beat
the victims,“ he said in a statement today.
“Checks found that all suspects have no
previous criminal records, and they all tested negative for drugs.
“All suspects were remanded for seven
days, starting yesterday until next Monday (June 19), and the case is being
investigated according to Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and
Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, which is trafficking people with
the intention of exploitation,” he said. – Bernama
Source: thesundaily.my
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/police-seven-pakistani-men-held-for-human-trafficking-BB11101635
--------
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/mosque-church-synagogue-interfaith-middle-east/d/129993