Ulama Involved In Politics Should Not Change Fatwas According To Their Whims And Fancies: Malay Deputy Prime Minister
22 January 2023
Sunpix by Adib Rawi Yahya
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• Ulama Involved In Politics Should Not Change Fatwas According To Their Whims And Fancies: Malay Deputy Prime Minister
• Bahadur Shah Park In Dhaka Now ‘Café Bahadur’, Much To The Dismay Of Eminent Citizens
• Burning Copies Of Holy Quran By Danish Far-Right Party Rasmus Paludan Is A Crime Against World Muslims: Houthi Spokesman
• Burkina Faso: 66 Women, Children Freed From Islamic Extremists – Army
• Russian Muslims 'Outraged' By Quran Burning In Sweden By The Radicals, It Is A Sign Of 'Mental Deficiency And Lack Of Spirituality'
Southeast Asia
• Is Indonesia morphing into an Islamic autocracy?
• National character main foundation to deter radicalism: VP Amin
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South Asia
• China is Accused of Providing Modern Weaponry to Taliban
• China Providing Modern Weaponry To Taliban: Report
• Bangladeshi Police Deny Allegations Of Abuse Of Rohingya Refugees
• UN Warns Taliban for Further Isolating Afghanistan
• Afghan, Chinese FMs Pledge to Strengthen Relations, Fight Terrorism
• US covertly supporting Armed Groups in Afghanistan: Russia
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Mideast
• Turkey urges Sweden to withdraw permit for Koran protest
• Muslim Residents Ask Board of Education to Close Schools for Eid
• Iran condemns desecration of the Koran in Sweden
• Prosperity comes to Sunni provinces in Iraq
• 'Over 1.5 billion Muslims hurt': Reaction to Quran desecration in Sweden
• Protests in Stockholm, including Koran-burning, draw strong condemnation from Turkey
• Sweden must ‘immediately act’ to prevent ‘hatred-filled provocations’ against Türkiye, Islam
• Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan among honourees of Luxor Film Festival
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Africa
• Burkina Faso Ends Ties With French Troops, Orders Departure
• Terrorists kill 1,773 CJTF members in 10 years
• Galiwango: A diplomat who will be a tough act to follow
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Europe
• U.S. Senators Express Concern About Attacks On Press Freedom In Kyrgyzstan In Letter To President Japarov
• RT France To Close After Accounts Frozen, Channel Director Says
• Black Sea Grain Exports Still Facing Obstacles, Zelenskiy Tells Agriculture Ministers
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Arab World
• Qatar Decries Swedish Permission To Burn Copy Of Holy Qur'an
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates President of Iraq
• Murals beautify Makkah, depict Saudi heritage and culture for pilgrims
• Tuwaiq Sculpture event turns Riyadh streets into art gallery
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North America
• Jews, Muslims, Sikhs AndChristians Unite In Support For Apache Fight To Save Oak Flat
• Bill to ban Chinese citizens & government from buying Texas land gains steam among Republicans
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Pakistan
• Why wheat flour became so expensive in Pakistan
• Naya Pakistan, Islamic Naya Pakistan Certificates: Increase In Rates On Return Notified
• ‘Impressed’ by Khan’s vision, Pir Hasnat joins PTI
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India
• Assam CM Says ‘Spoke To Shah Rukh Khan’ After Commenting 'Who Is Shah Rukh Khan?' Amid ‘Pathaan’ Release
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/ulama-politics-fatwas-deputy-prime-minister/d/128938
Ulama Involved In Politics Should Not Change Fatwas According To Their Whims And Fancies: Malay Deputy Prime Minister
22-01- 2023
by AdibRawi Yahya
Sunpix by Adib Rawi Yahya
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KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi advised Ulama (religious scholars) involved in politics not to change religious laws and fatwas according to their whims and fancies.
He said the action could cause the public to disrespect them, as well as the Muslim ummah.
“The Ulama, if they give cash, it’s charity. If we (do it), it’s corruption. These (kind of) Ulama, they should not change the law, don’t change the fatwa. In the end, they will not be respected by the people,” he said when met by the media after attending the Chinese New Year Open House hosted by MCA here today.
He said as Ulama, they should have integrity and show good examples to the people.
Ahmad Zahid, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Umno president, said this when asked to comment on the stance of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang who defended the giving of cash during election campaigns, saying that it was not against election rules as the money was distributed for “charity”.
The statement by Abdul Hadi was in response to the action by Terengganu Umno in filing petitions to contest the 15th General Election (GE15) result for the parliamentary seats of Marang, Kuala Terengganu and Kemaman on the grounds of corruption. - Bernama
Source: The Sundaily
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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/ulama-should-not-change-fatwa-as-they-like-ahmad-zahid-FH10537561
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Bahadur Shah Park In Dhaka Now ‘Café Bahadur’, Much To The Dismay Of Eminent Citizens
HelemulAlam
Sun Jan 22, 2023
Photo: Rashed Shumon
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In a shocking development, Dhaka South City Corporation has allowed a private entity to construct a food court at the historic Bahadur Shah Park -- much to the dismay of locals and eminent citizens.
The café has significantly shrunk the space, beauty and sanctity of the place, according to the aggrieved locals, who have been protesting the move for the last several months.
It all started when a firm named DAR Holding Limited took the lease of the park till September 28, 2023, from DSCC for Tk 3.61 crore. In the agreement, the company was allowed to operate a food cart during this one year.
What's worse is the food stalls were constructed just behind a memorial, which preserves memories of the martyrs of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
Following protests from concerned citizens and Old Dhaka dwellers, the authorities have started removing one of the two food courts from Thursday, although "Café Bahadur" is operating in full swing.
"We do not think there is any necessity for such commercial structures in the park. It is not only damaging the sanctity of the historical place but also robbing the locals of a place to breathe fresh air, away from the chaos of the capital."
"Over one lakh students of 14 educational institutions in and around Laxmibazar rely on the park for entertainment. Besides, people of all ages use the park for exercise," said Aktaruzzaman Khan, member secretary of Bahadurshah Park and OitijjoRokkha Sangram Committee.
He said they have already submitted prayers to the DSCC mayor, a local lawmaker of Dhaka-6 constituency and the district commissioner's office by taking mass signatures of locals to take necessary steps in this regard.
Contacted, DSCC Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh said they have permitted one food court to provide service to the visitors. "It was not set up for commercial purposes," he said.
He said the café has already been shifted to another place from the side of the memorial as per the demand of the citizens. "The place for exercise is still there and the café will not create any problems," he added.
The place was known as Victoria Park, named after Queen Victoria, former Queen of the British Empire. Later in 1957, the park was renamed after the last Mughal emperor, Mirza Abu Zafar Sirajuddin Muhammad Bahadur Shah Zafar, popularly known as Bahadur Shah II.
In 1857, during the Sepoy Mutiny against colonial rulers, English soldiers publicly executed the captured mutineers by hanging them from different trees of the place.
There are two memorials at the park entrances. The tallest one is situated on the eastern side, in memory of the martyred sepoys.
The DSCC took up a mega project in 2016 during the tenure of former mayor Sayeed Khokon, involving 70 architects, to modernise 19 parks and 12 playgrounds, including Bahadur Shah Park, under its jurisdiction.
The park was developed under the guidance of Md Rafiq Azam, principal architect of "Shatotto", an architecture firm and consultant team leader of the mega project, and there was no food court in the initial designs.
Adil Mohammad Khan, former general secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said, "Leasing out open spaces for commercial use has become a common tendency of city corporations. The same thing was seen in Suhrawardy Udyan."
Source: The Daily Star
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bahadur-shah-park-now-cafe-bahadur-3227181
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Burning Copies Of Holy Quran By Danish Far-Right Party Rasmus Paludan Is A Crime Against World Muslims: Houthi Spokesman
22/January/2023
Salvation government spokesman: Burning
copies of Holy Quran is a crime against Muslims
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SANA'A January 21. 2023 (Saba) - The spokesman for the National Salvation Government, Minister of Information Dhaifallah al-Shami, strongly condemned the burning of copies of the Qur'an in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, by the leader of the Danish far-right "hard line" party, Rasmus Paludan.
In a statement to the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), Al-Shami considered this disgraceful act a provocative crime against Muslims' feelings in the world, and at the same time expresses the extent of the hatred and criminality of the nation's enemies against Islam and Muslims.
He pointed out that the continuation of the nation enemies in burning copies of the Noble Qur’an reflects their satanic endeavours to fight the teachings, values, morals, and behaviors that came with the, which falsehood does not come to from before it or from behind it.
Al-Shami called on the Islamic nation peoples, scholars and governments to take angry positions regarding the crime of burning copies of the Holy Quran, which provokes the Muslims' feelings.
He also called on the Danish and Swedish authorities to punish the criminals and take deterrent measures against instigators against Islam and Muslims and to apologize to the Islamic nation for the crimes of burning copies of Holy Qur’an.
Source: Saba.Ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3220250.htm
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Burkina Faso: 66 Women, Children Freed From Islamic Extremists – Army
22-01-2023
On Jan.20, the Burkinabe national
broadcaster released a video showing women just set free. They'd been abducted
earlier this month while gathering food in the nation's north.
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Copyright © africanews
Cleared / RTB – AP
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Burkina Faso's army has freed 66 women and children who were abducted earlier this month by Islamic extremists while gathering food in the country's northern Sahel region, according to a state television report Friday (Jan.20).
National broadcaster RTB reported that armed forces had located the hostages during a military operation in Centre-North region. The group included 39 children, with four infants among them.
Authorities have said they had been out in the countryside gathering wild fruit near the town of Arbinda in Soum province when Islamic extremists kidnapped them on Jan. 12 and 13.
Security sources said they were found in the Tougouri region, 200 kilometres (125 miles) further south. Helicopters flew them to Ouagadougou, where they were met by senior army officers.
Extremists have besieged towns around the West African country, preventing people and goods from moving freely. The town of Arbinda has been under jihadi blockade for years, making women more vulnerable to attacks if they try to leave, rights groups say.
Jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group has overrun Burkina Faso, killing thousands and displacing nearly 2 million people in the West African nation. The failure of successive governments to stop the fighting has caused widespread discontent and triggered two military coups in 2022.
The military junta that seized power in September, vowing to restore security, is still struggling to stem the violence.
Source:
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https://www.africanews.com/2023/01/21/burkina-faso-66-women-children-freed-from-extremists-army/
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Russian Muslims 'Outraged' By Quran Burning In Sweden By The Radicals, It Is A Sign Of 'Mental Deficiency And Lack Of Spirituality'
22/01/2023
Russian Muslims 'outraged' by Quran
burning in Sweden
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Russian Muslims are "outraged" by the burning of the Quran in Sweden, the deputy head of Russia's Spiritual Board of Russian Muslims said Saturday.
"The Muslims of Russia are immensely outraged by another godless act that occurred in Sweden. The burning of holy scriptures is nothing but Satanism, which is increasingly manifested in Europe, which is rapidly losing its spiritual foundations," RushanAbbyasov told the TASS news agency.
"Instead of expressing their point of view in a civilized way, they have descended to such a disgusting act, hurting the feelings of all Muslims in the world," he said.
Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Danish far-right party StramKurs (Hard Line), was permitted to burn the Quran on Saturday outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned on Friday the Swedish Ambassador to Ankara StaffanHerrstrom, who was told that Türkiye "strongly condemns this provocative act, which is clearly a hate crime, that Sweden's attitude is unacceptable, that Ankara expects the act not to be allowed, and insults to sacred values cannot be defended under the guise of democratic rights."
Source: Yeni Safak
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https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/russian-muslims-outraged-by-quran-burning-in-sweden-3659334
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Southeast Asia
Is Indonesia morphing into an Islamic autocracy?
MICHAEL VATIKIOTIS
22-01-2023
Muslim women at a mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, perform an evening prayer called ‘tarawih,’ marking the first eve of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in April, 2022
A new criminal code approved by Indonesia’s parliament in December has made headlines around the world. It will make consensual sex or cohabitation outside of marriage a criminal offence. Leaving a religion and insulting the president will also be banned.
Liberal critics are worried that when the set of laws comes into force in 2025, Indonesia could become a religious state and return to authoritarian rule. What does the new code reveal about the world’s fourth most populous country, and what will its impact be?
Indonesia will soon mark a quarter-century of sustained democratic government. In that space of time, the country has had five presidents, who all yielded to their successors peacefully, and the last two of whom were directly elected. By almost any measure, Indonesia’s democratic transition is a success story.
Source: The Globeand Mail
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https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-is-indonesia-morphing-into-an-islamic-autocracy/
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National character main foundation to deter radicalism: VP Amin
22-01-2023
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin highlighted the importance of national character building as it is the main foundation to save Indonesia's younger generation from the threats of radicalism.
"The national character is the primary foundation and essential filter to deter radicalism and other ideologies that are in opposition to Pancasila," he said in his speech that he delivered virtually at the Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy's undergraduate graduation ceremony here Sunday.
Amin urged universities in Indonesia, including Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy, to instill the national character in their students to make them part of the country's advanced future generation.
Enhancing the national character is inevitable amid the rapid flows of information and values of foreign cultures as nurturing nationalism and patriotism among members of younger generation is not a task that will get completed in a day, he said.
"The character development, particularly the national character, needs a long process and time, and it must be nurtured and developed continuously," Amin said.
He emphasised the importance of proper religious education, including knowledge, behaviour, and faith aspects. These all must be instilled in concurrence with tolerance, respect for differences, and national unity values.
Amin also highlighted that the Islamic higher educational institutions play an important role in developing a democratic Indonesian character.
He pointed out that many Indonesian Muslim figures who have become the spokespersons for peaceful, friendly, and civilised Islamic values at international level are educated at Islamic educational institutions.
Amin expressed hope that the Islamic educational institutions, such as the Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy, continue instilling noble values in their students at they will elevate Islamic values and Indonesia's prestige to the global community in the future.
"As one of the Islamic higher educational institutions in Indonesia, I hope the Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy will produce national Muslim figures who will contribute to the development, initiate changes towards progress, and elevate our nation's prestige at the global level," he said.
Source: En.Antaranews
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/270318/national-character-main-foundation-to-deter-radicalism-vp-amin
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South Asia
China is Accused of Providing Modern Weaponry to Taliban
By Nizamuddin Rezahi
January 22, 2023
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) militants were behind the brutal terror attack, resulting in the injury of several Chinese citizens. China’s weaponry support to the de facto regime in Kabul has reportedly begun following the terror incident and the rising instability which threatens the country’s interests and the implementation of the “Road and Belt Initiative” (RBI) in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, Chinese sources have expressed concerns about the volatile security situation and the rising militancy in Afghanistan which could turn the country into the hub of terrorists in the region.
“In response to the growing insecurity and militancy, China has sought to provide the de facto authorities of Afghanistan to fight all forms of terrorism and extremism,” Zafar Iqbal Yousafzai, author of The Troubled Triangle: US-Pakistan Relations under the Taliban’s Shadow in The Jamestown Foundation said.
Source: khaama Press
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https://www.khaama.com/china-is-accused-of-providing-modern-weaponry-to-taliban/
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China Providing Modern Weaponry To Taliban: Report
Jan 22, 2023
China is providing modern weaponry to the Taliban in the wake of the recent attack by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) on a hotel in Kabul that mostly housed Chinese nationals, writes Zafar Iqbal Yousafzai, author of The Troubled Triangle: US-Pakistan Relations under the Taliban's Shadow in The Jamestown Foundation.
The move comes as unstable and volatile Afghanistan threatens Chinese interests and could be a hurdle to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Moreover, Chinese sources have expressed concern that uncertainty and unrest could lead to Afghanistan becoming a hotbed for terrorists "targeting China's Xinjiang and its interests overseas, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, where enhanced communication and coordination between China and Pakistan is required to tackle potential threats," reported Global Times.
On December 12, members of ISKP attacked a local hotel in Kabul, where several Chinese nationals were staying. The attack injured five Chinese nationals along with 18 other victims, while the three attackers were killed by security forces.
Source: economic times
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Bangladeshi police deny allegations of abuse of Rohingya refugees
21 January 2023
SHEHAB SUMON
DHAKA: Bangladeshi police have denied allegations of abusing Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, after Human Rights Watch called on authorities to investigate reports of wrongful detention and harassment by security forces at camps there.
In a report published earlier this week, the global rights watchdog said that safety standards in Cox’s Bazar refugee settlements had deteriorated under the oversight of the Armed Police Battalion, which took over security for the camps in July 2020.
HRW said it had interviewed dozens of Rohingya in October and November 2022 and reviewed police reports documenting cases of “serious abuse by APBn officers,” including violence, detention on “apparently fabricated grounds,” and demanding bribes in exchange for release.
Source: Arab News
Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2236451/world
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UN Warns Taliban for Further Isolating Afghanistan
By Nizamuddin Rezahi
January 22, 2023
A high-level UN delegation traveled to Afghanistan this week and met with high-ranking de facto officials of the country aimed at ensuring the protection of women’s rights and girls’ rights amid the growing concern over the alienation of Afghan women from public life.
The UN legal experts called on the Taliban authorities to prioritize protecting the rights of women and girls under any circumstances and urged the international community to support Afghan women during these critical times.
The UN delegation that visited Kabul included Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Executive Director of UN Women SimaBahous, and the Assistant Secretary-General for UN political, peacebuilding, and peace operations Khaled Khiari.
The purpose of the four-day visit to Afghanistan was to observe the situation, engage with de
Source: khaama Press
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https://www.khaama.com/un-warns-taliban-for-further-isolating-afghanistan/
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Afghan, Chinese FMs Pledge to Strengthen Relations, Fight Terrorism
By Nizamuddin Rezahi
January 22, 2023
Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Saturday, both sides stressed strengthening cooperation and combating terrorism.
The Chinese minister said that his country places great importance on the safety of Chinese nationals and entities serving in Afghanistan, and expects the Afghan caretaker government to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinses citizens.
For his part, Muttaqi said that Afghan leadership will not allow any forces or militant groups to use Afghan soil to disrupt Afghanistan-China relations and undermine China’s interests. Afghan security officials are decisive to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel, he added.
Source: Khaama Press
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https://www.khaama.com/afghan-chinese-fms-pledge-to-strengthen-relations-fight-terrorism/
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US covertly supporting Armed Groups in Afghanistan: Russia
By Fidel Rahmati
January 22, 2023
The US has been reaching out to armed groups that oppose the current Afghan government and secretly financing them, as per Russia’s Presidential envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, media reports said.
Kabulov said that the US military, during its deployment in Kabul, “established ties with the opponents of the Afghanistan government.”
In doing so, the US wants to retaliate for its shameful military-political defeat in Afghanistan and prevent restoring peace in the turbulent country, he added.
He also said that “the United States is contacting armed opposition in Afghanistan and covertly sponsoring Islamic State, who are aimed at undermining not only the stability of our
Source: khaama Press
Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/us-covertly-supporting-armed-groups-in-afghanistan-russia/
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Mideast
Turkey urges Sweden to withdraw permit for Koran protest
January 21, 2023
ISTANBUL, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday that he hoped Swedish authorities would not allow a protest that includes burning the Koran.
"This permission is granted to this person, despite all our warnings. This vile act will take place at around 1600 Turkish time (1300 GMT), I hope Swedish authorities will take necessary measures until then and will not allow this," Cavusoglu said to reporters.
Cavusoglu also said the protest could not classified as freedom of expression.
Earlier on Saturday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said a planned visit next week by his Swedish counterpart to Ankara had been cancelled after Swedish authorities granted permission for protests in Stockholm.
Source: reuters
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Muslim Residents Ask Board of Education to Close Schools for Eid
By JACOB TURCHI
January 21, 2023
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - A group of local Muslim residents have asked the East Brunswick Board of Education to make Eid an official holiday and to close the schools. Parents and students plead their case at a Board of Education meeting on Thursday, January 19th.
Eid is a major holiday in the Islamic religion that marks the end of Ramadan. This year, Ramadan will begin on March 23rd and Eid is observed on Friday, April 21st, for three days. Residents were asking the board to close schools for at least one day to give Muslim students the chance to observe the holiday.
“I have had the privilege to watch the Muslim community grow throughout my high school career in East Brunswick, and the main concern of each of them is Eid,” said a Muslim East Brunswick High School Student, “As a town that values diversity, it is important that we not just say so but show it to our Muslim students.”
Source: Tapinto.Net
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Iran condemns desecration of the Koran in Sweden
22-01-23
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani vehemently condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and criticized the venture as a brazen example of hate mongering and violence against Muslims.
“The repetition of the desecration of the holy book of one and a half billion Muslims is a clear example of hatemongering and spreading violence against all Muslims (worldwide). Such actions have nothing to do with freedom of speech and opinion, and it is a clear example on how the violence has spread against all Muslims (worldwide),” Kanaani said Saturday.
He added that extremist elements are unfortunately being given free rein in some European countries, under the false pretext of freedom of expression, to promote hatred against Islamic sanctities and values.
The Iranian spokesperson emphasized that public opinion in the world expects the Swedish government to prevent the repetition of such actions against Islam and punish all those who hurt the feelings of Muslims, Press TV reported.
Source: Nord.News
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https://nord.news/2023/01/22/iran-condemns-desecration-of-the-koran-in-sweden/
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Prosperity comes to Sunni provinces in Iraq
By HUDHAIFA EBRAHIM
JANUARY 22, 2023
Three major Sunni Muslim provinces in Iraq are witnessing great prosperity after their liberation from ISIS in 2017, with building projects underway worth billions of dollars.
These three Sunni provinces - Nineveh, with its capital in Mosul; Anbar, whose capital and largest city is Ramadi, and Salah al-Din, with its administrative center in Tikrit, represent more than a third of Iraq's area.
These Sunni-majority provinces are recovering after going through major crises since the entry of ISIS in 2014, when the Islamist group launched an offensive in the areas. During the ISIS operation, government funding was cut off, while the main parts of these cities were destroyed by air strikes and battles during the war to liberate the provinces.
Source: Jpost.Com
Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-729205
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'Over 1.5 billion Muslims hurt': Reaction to Quran desecration in Sweden
22-01-23
Muslim world has erupted in anger and alarm after Sweden allowed a far-right racist politician Rasmus Paludan to burn a copy of the Muslim Holy book Quran in front of the Turkish embassy building in Stockholm.
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile attack on our holy book, the Quran, in Sweden today (21 January), despite our repeated warnings earlier," a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said.
Calling the act "an outright hate crime," the ministry said: "Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of freedom of expression is completely unacceptable."
"This despicable act is yet another example of the alarming level that Islamophobia and, racist and discriminatory movements have reached in Europe."
Source: Trt World
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Protests in Stockholm, including Koran-burning, draw strong condemnation from Turkey
January 21, 2023
Protests in Stockholm against Turkey and Sweden's bid to join NATO, including the burning of a copy of the Koran, have sharply heightened tensions with Turkey at a time when the Nordic country needs Ankara's backing to gain entry to the military alliance.
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile attack on our holy book ... Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of freedom of expression is completely unacceptable," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
Its statement was issued after an anti-immigrant politician from the far-right fringe burned a copy of the Koran near the Turkish Embassy. The Turkish ministry urged Sweden to take necessary actions against the perpetrators and invited all countries to take concrete steps against Islamophobia.
A separate protest took place in the city supporting Kurds and against Sweden's bid to join NATO. A group of pro-Turkish demonstrators also held a rally outside the embassy. All three events had police permits.
Source: Rnz.Co.Nz
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Sweden must ‘immediately act’ to prevent ‘hatred-filled provocations’ against Türkiye, Islam
Faruk Zorlu
21.01.2023
ANKARA
Sweden must “immediately act” to prevent “hatred-filled provocations” against Türkiye and fight against those who target Islam, the Turkish communications director said on Saturday.
“Swedish authorities cannot hide behind the excuses such as freedom of expression and assembly," FahrettinAltun said on Twitter.
Altun’s remarks came after Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Danish far-right StramKurs (Hard Line) party, burnt a copy of the Quran near the Turkish Embassy’s building in the Swedish capital Stockholm.
"We warn the Swedish authorities once again and call on them to ensure the security of our personnel in our embassy. They also must investigate the organizers of this event and find out their true connections and aims against our country," he said.
Source: AA.Com.Tr
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Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan among honourees of Luxor Film Festival
Sunday 22 Jan 2023
The festival’s board made the announcement Friday in a press conference.
Other prominent honourees also include; Egyptian actress HalaSedky, Egyptian composer Hesham Nazih, Senegalese director Mansour Sora Wade and Mozambican producer Pedro Pimenta
Under helms of the LAFF founder, script writer Sayed Fouad, the 12 edition is set to screen of 55 films from 32 countries, as well as host 10 different cinema workshops.
Source: English.Ahram.Org
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https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/484653.aspx
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Africa
Burkina Faso ends ties with French troops, orders departure
22-01-2023
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso’s junta government late Saturday ordered hundreds of French troops to depart the West African country within a month, following in the path of neighboring Mali, whose nation is also headed by a coup leader.
National broadcaster RTB made the announcement, citing the official Agenced’Information du Burkina. The news agency said the decision had been made Wednesday to end the presence of France’s military on Burkinabe soil.
Protesters took to the streets of the capital, Ouagadougou, last week to call for the ouster of the French ambassador and the closure of a French military base north of the capital. About 400 French special forces soliders are currently based there, France 24 reported.
The move by Burkina Faso’s regime comes five months after France completed its withdrawal from Mali after nine years fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. Many of those are now based in Niger and Chad instead.
Source: Washington Post
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Terrorists kill 1,773 CJTF members in 10 years
22nd January 2023
Boko Haram insurgents and Islamic State of the West African Province terrorists have killed no fewer than 1,773 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the North-East region.
The Chairman of the CJTF, BabashehuAbdulganiu, who made this known on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State, said CJTF operatives paid the supreme price while fighting terrorists along with the military in their enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad area.
He explained that some died repelling attacks in Maiduguri while others sacrificed their lives by hugging suicide bombers during attempts to attack innocent people.
Source: Punchng.Com
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Galiwango: A diplomat who will be a tough act to follow
Sunday, January 22, 2023
By Patrick Ssentongo
Probably because he spent the longest part of his life in public service of Uganda, most of those who eulogised Dr Hassan Wasswa Galiwango this week put more emphasis on his service and dedication as a loyal politician, distinguished patriot, illustrious educationist, businessman and philanthropist than on the role he played as a Uganda High Commissioner to
Source: Monitor
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Europe
U.S. Senators Express Concern About Attacks On Press Freedom In Kyrgyzstan In Letter To President Japarov
January 21, 2023
Two U.S. senators have written a letter to Kyrgyz President SadyrJaparov to voice their concerns about recent attacks on press freedom in Kyrgyzstan, including a decision last year to freeze RFE/RL’s bank account.
U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (Democrat-New Jersey) and Jim Risch (Republican-Idaho), who respectively serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, condemned Kyrgyzstan’s use of its “false information law” to crack down on independent media in the letter, in particular its decisions to indefinitely block the websites of RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Radio Azattyk, and to freeze the service’s bank account.
Source: Rferl.Org
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https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyz-press-freedom-menendez-risch-letter/32233726.html
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RT France To Close After Accounts Frozen, Channel Director Says
January 21, 2023
By AFP
RT France, the French arm of the Russian state broadcaster, will shut down after its French bank accounts were frozen as part of the most recent EU sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, the channel's director said on January 21. "After five years of harassment, the authorities in power have achieved their goal: the closure of RT France," Ksenia Fedorova said on Twitter. Russian news agencies earlier quoted an anonymous Foreign Ministry source as saying that Moscow would retaliate against French media in Russia over the closing of RT France’s bank accounts.
Source: Rferl.Org
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https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-rt-france-closes-accounts-frozen/32233532.html
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Black Sea Grain Exports Still Facing Obstacles, Zelenskiy Tells Agriculture Ministers
January 21, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for the removal of obstructions that he said continue to disrupt food exports from his country's Black Sea ports.
Speaking on January 21 to an international conference of agriculture ministers in Berlin, Zelenskiy also urged participants to support the Black Sea Grain Initiative -- the program that for nearly six months has enabled exports of grain and other foodstuffs through Ukraine's major ports on the sea.
Source: Rferl.Org
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https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-grain-exports-obstacles-zelenskiy-russia/32233791.html
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Arab World
Qatar decries Swedish permission to burn copy of Holy Qur'an
JANUARY 22, 2023
Qatar Saturday condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the Swedish authorities' permission to burn a copy of the Holy Qur'an in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, stressing that this heinous incident was an act of incitement and a serious provocation to the feelings of more than two billion Muslims in the world.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Qatar's total rejection of all forms of hate speech based on belief, race or religion, and the implication of sanctities in political disputes, and warned that the campaigns of hatred against Islam and the discourse of Islamophobia have witnessed a dangerous escalation with the continued systematic calls for the repeated targeting of Muslims in the world.
In this context, the Ministry called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to reject hatred, discrimination, incitement and violence, and stressed the importance of upholding the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Ministry reiterated Qatar's full support for the values of tolerance and coexistence, and its keenness to establish the principles of international peace and security through dialogue and understanding.
Source: Gulf-Times
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Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates President of Iraq
22-01-2023
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to President Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid of the Republic of Iraq on his country's success in organizing the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup and the Iraqi national team's winning of its Cup.
In his cable, the King said, "We are pleased for the success of the Republic of Iraq in organizing the 25th Arab Gulf Football Championship, and winning its Cup by the Iraqi national team. We send to your Excellency our sincere congratulations and best wishes for further achievements, and for the fraternal people of Iraq further progress and prosperity."
Source: Al Riyadh Daily
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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/3b39781a20dd46f7b9ba5df187d1ead2
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Murals beautify Makkah, depict Saudi heritage and culture for pilgrims
TAREQ AL-THAQAFI
January 21, 2023
Felemban told Arab News that it was important to retain and promote the ancient art of mural painting, as it portrays Saudi culture and aesthetics and links the old world with the modern
MAKKAH: The world’s longest calligraphic mural has been installed on the road leading to Makkah’s Grand Mosque, in the latest beautification of the holy city.
The 75-meter mural, designed by artist Amal Felemban, joins a host of sculptures and installations already adorning Makkah in a project run by local authorities to boost its visual appeal and depict Saudi heritage and culture for pilgrims.
Felemban told Arab News that it was important to retain and promote the ancient art of mural painting, as it portrays Saudi culture and aesthetics and links the old world with the modern.
Source: Arab News
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2236581/saudi-arabia
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Tuwaiq Sculpture event turns Riyadh streets into art gallery
NADA ALTURKI
January 21, 2023
RIYADH: Sculptors from across the globe will soon be transforming the streets of Riyadh into a borderless art gallery, using locally sourced stone from Tuwaiq, an area just outside of the capital, for the fourth edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
Sarah Alruwayti, head of Riyadh Art, told Arab News: “Sculpting has been in Saudi throughout history, it’s a traditional artform. What’s amazing about Tuwaiq Sculpture is that it gives you the chance to witness these stones being turned into works of art.
From 10 am - 5:30 pm until Feb 2, visitors can access guided tours on-site to view the artists at work, live-sculpting raw blocks of granite and sandstone. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Alshalhoub)
“I used to see sculptures in museums and galleries as a kid, and I never believed that someone could actually carve these amazing, gigantic art pieces using their hands. I think it’s a great way to encourage the younger generation and to enhance (creativity) and the culture of sculpting as well.”
Source: Arab News
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2236491/saudi-arabia
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North America
Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians unite in support for Apache fight to save Oak Flat
ALEJANDRA MOLINA
Acoalition of religious and Native American organizations is uniting to support the nonprofit group Apache Stronghold in its fight to save the sacred site of Oak Flat, a 7-square-mile stretch of land east of Phoenix that a multinational corporation is seeking to turn into an underground copper mine.
Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Indigenous groups filed amicus briefs on Jan. 9 urging the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to protect the site that the Apache people deem sacred.
"While we cherish different religious convictions, we are united in our commitment to defend religious freedom. This case holds implications beyond its effect on Native American worship," according to a brief filed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Seventh-day Adventists, the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team of the Religious Freedom Institute and the Christian Legal Society.
Source: Ncronline.Org
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Pakistan
Why wheat flour became so expensive in Pakistan
by Yashee
January 21, 2023
Pakistan wheat crisis: While the central and provincial governments have blamed each other, experts say the crisis was caused by long-standing deficiencies exacerbated by the Russia Ukraine war, the 2022 floods, poor distribution, and the smuggling of wheat to Afghanistan.
For weeks now, the price of wheat flour in Pakistan has been hovering at uncomfortably high levels. Roti and naan are among the staple foods of the country, and the steep hike in the cost of flour has pinched people hard. Long queues can be seen to collect government-subsidised flour – in Mirpur Khas in Sindh, a stampede at one such distribution spot claimed the life of a 35-year-old man on January 7. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, meanwhile, has witnessed protests over the high prices.
While the central and provincial governments have blamed each other for the crisis, experts say it has been caused by long-standing deficiencies exacerbated by the Russia Ukraine war, the devastating floods of 2022, and by the smuggling of wheat to Afghanistan.
This year, the Pakistan government has announced it will import 2.6 million metric tonnes of wheat. Of this, the first 1.3 million metric tonnes have arrived, raising hopes of the prices cooling down. However, this import bill is a tight squeeze on a country staring at critically
Source: Indian Express
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Naya Pakistan, Islamic Naya Pakistan Certificates: Increase in rates on return notified
January 21, 2023
ISLAMABAD: The Finance Division, Friday, notified increase in rates on return on Naya Pakistan and Islamic Naya Pakistan Certificates.
Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) and eligible Resident Pakistanis with Foreign Currency Value Accounts (FCVA) can safely invest their money with sizable returns.
The Finance Division notification published in Gazette of Pakistan extraordinarily read that in exercise of the powers conferred by rules 7, 8, and 12 of the Naya Pakistan Certificates Rules, 2020, the Finance Division is pleased to substitute its Notification SRO 862(1)/2020 dated the 11th September 2020, and SR0 211(1)/2021, dated the 17 February 2021,
Currency denomination rate of return on US$1,000 three months would be 7%, six months 7.20%, twelve months 7.50%, and three as well as five years 8%.
Rate of return on Rs10,000 would be 15% for three months, 15.25% for six months, 15.50% for twelve months, 14% for three years and 13.50% for five years
Source: Brecorder
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India
Assam CM Says ‘Spoke To Shah Rukh Khan’ After Commenting 'Who Is Shah Rukh Khan?' Amid ‘Pathaan’ Release
Jan 22, 2023
Assam Chief Minister HimantaBiswaSarma had recently retorted ‘Who is Shah Rukh Khan?’, when he was asked about protests at a Guwahati theatre where ‘Pathaan’ will be released. He had reportedly said, “Who is Shah Rukh Khan? I don’t know anything about him or his film Pathaan. Khan has not called me, though many from Bollywood do so, regarding the problem. But if he does, I will look into the matter. Action will be taken if law and order has been violated and a case has been filed.”
Soon after this statement, he tweeted about speaking to SRK over a call at 2am. HimantaBiswaSarma wrote, “Bollywood actor Shri @iamsrk called me and we talked today morning at 2 am. He expressed concern about an incident in Guwahati during screening of his film. I assured him that it’s duty of state govt to maintain law & order. We’ll enquire and ensure no such untoward incidents.” A few days ago, Bajrang Dal activists had stormed a theatre at Narengi in the city where ‘Pathaan’ will be screened and tore down the film's posters and burnt them.
Directed by Sidharth Anand, ‘Pathaan’ also features Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. The film has been facing a lot of flak over Deepika’s saffron bikini in the song 'Besharam Rang'. After several cuts suggested by the CBFC, ‘Pathaan’ will hit the screens on January 25.
Source: Brecorder
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