NSA Doval, Muslim World League’s Al-Issa, Head Of IWC, A Body Affiliated With Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry To Address Religious Leaders’ Meeting
New Age
Islam News Bureau
08 July 20123
Muslim World
League secretary-general Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa will hold talks with
NSA Ajit Doval a day before both of them address the gathering at the India
Islamic Cultural Centre on July 11. (Photo:themwl.org)
------
India
• 'Yearly Ritual For Us': UP Muslim
Families Construct Kanwars For Shiva Devotees
• Delhi High Court Seeks NDMC, Police’s
Response In Plea Against Demolition Of 150-Year Old Mosque situated at Sunehri
Bagh Road
• SC Refuses To Entertain Plea To
Declare Divorce To Muslim Women Without Arbitration As Void
• Congress strategy in poll-bound Madhya
Pradesh perplexes its Muslim leaders
--------
North America
• US: Muslim lawmaker demands federal
investigation after Eid assault
• Town of Babylon's First Muslim
Heritage Festival Takes Place Saturday
• Imams plan to hit Dinky town's streets
this weekend to quell youth violence, disruption
• Islamic Centre of Tennessee sues board
member who tried to fire imam and hire audit firm
• From Pixels to Prayer Creed and Bear
Explores the Transformation of Mosque Architecture
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Mideast
• A Poster Exhibited In Support Of Jenin
Before Friday Prayer At Aqsa Mosque
• Iraq's Mosul Rises From Islamic State
Ashes To Rebuild Minarets, Museum
• Iran’s Top Sunni Cleric Speaks Out
against Coerced Confessions
• Mullah Appeaser President Biden's
Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley Has a Classified Doc Problem
• Iran lauds Pakistan on designating Day
of Honouring Qur'an
• Lebanese killed & four wounded in
shooting while worshipers left mosque in Bekaa
• Parliaments of Islamic states should
decisively act against Israel, MP says
• Events in Hajjah commemorating
"guardianship" day of Imam Ali, peace be upon him
• Islamic groups release memorandum,
call for cancellation of festivals
• At least one dead, others injured at
mosque shooting in Lebanon
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Arab World
• Saudi Commerce Minister Chairs
Preparation Meeting For GCC-UK Trade Talks
• Makkah’s Grand Mosque Library
Showcases Rare Manuscripts, Qur’anic Scripts Written During The Reign Of Caliph
Uthman bin Affan etc
• Saudi Arabia Aims To Protect
Intellectual Property
• Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team in UK for
RIAT air show display
• Saudi Arabia calls for enhanced
cooperation to diversify research-financing mechanisms
• Saudi authorities thwart attempts to
smuggle amphetamines into Kingdom
• Saudi tour guide fluent in English,
German is proud to showcase beauty of the Kingdom
• Saudi Arabia distributes 1,500 bags of
flour in Afghanistan’s Herat province
• Saudi ambassador to France attends
global relations panel in Paris
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South Asia
• Afghanistan Launches 4-Day Polio
Vaccination Campaign
• Japan Contributes $10 Million to
Children’s Education in Afghanistan
• Chinese Mining Company To Invest $350
Million In Afghanistan
• Taliban’s Participation in SCO
Meetings Depends on Member States’ Consensus: Kremlin
--------
Pakistan
• Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami, Worldwide
Islamic Movement Mark Condemnation Day Against Desecration Of Quran
• Director of Islamic centre held for
‘harassing woman’
• Judicial odds piled up against Nawaz's
homecoming: Javed
• Youth empowerment key to development:
PM
• Martyrdom Of Third Caliph Of Islam
Hazrat Usman-E-Ghani (R.A) Being Observed Today
--------
Southeast Asia
• China Fort Mosque Society Presents
Memento To Cardinal
• Malay Muslim Community Has Made
Significant Progress, Must Continue To Look Out For One Another: President
Halimah
• Construction of new Changlun Mosque:
congregation grateful over PM’s concern
• State polls: Unity Gov't machinery
must work hard to ensure victory -PM
• Victoria’s Secret’s first Malay-Muslim
model Nia Atasha Rosli divides fans, conservatives
• Malaysia Madani and the Muslim World:
Anwar Ibrahim’s Soft Power Strategy
--------
Europe
• Durham Prisoner Admits Distributing Islamic
State Radicalisation Magazine
• Big Muslim Variety Show featuring
world famous Quran reciter from West Midlands and top hip-hop artist
• Are the French riots an underground
jihad against France?
• Man denies attempted murder charges
after worshippers set on fire leaving mosques
• Man denies Ealing and Birmingham
mosque attacks
--------
Africa
• Islam Won’t Let You Down – Mercy
Aigbe’s Husband, Adeoti Assures Her
• RCCG pastor’s killing: Seek
protection, stop organising night vigils, police tell churches, mosques
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/nsa-doval-issa-religious-saudi-muslim/d/130167
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NSA Doval, Muslim World League’s
Al-Issa, Head Of IWC, A Body Affiliated With Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry To
Address Religious Leaders’ Meeting
Muslim World
League secretary-general Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa will hold talks with
NSA Ajit Doval a day before both of them address the gathering at the India
Islamic Cultural Centre on July 11. (Photo:themwl.org)
------
Jul 07, 2023
Al-Issa, a former Saudi minister of
justice, now heads the Intellectual Warfare Centre, a body affiliated with
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry that is dedicated to combating extremist and
terrorist ideology
NEW DELHI: National Security Adviser
Ajit Doval and Muslim World League secretary-general Mohammad bin Abdulkarim
Al-Issa, considered a leading voice on moderate Islam, will jointly address a
gathering of religious leaders and academics in New Delhi next week.
Al-Issa’s five-day visit to India from July
10 is being seen as part of the Indian government’s continuing outreach to key
religious figures from across the Islamic world. Al-Issa will hold talks with
Doval a day before both of them address the gathering at the India Islamic
Cultural Centre on July 11.
The Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawki Ibrahim
Abdel-Karim Allam, met senior officials, clerics and academics during a visit
in May, while Doval and his Indonesian counterpart Mohammed Mahfud Mahmodin
addressed a special meeting of ulema or Muslim scholars in New Delhi last
November.
The July 11 event, which is being
organised by Khusro Foundation and the India Islamic Cultural Centre, is
expected to be attended by religious and community leaders, academics from
institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University and
diplomats, according to the organisers.
Al-Issa, a former Saudi minister of
justice, now heads the Intellectual Warfare Centre, a body affiliated with
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry that is dedicated to combating extremist and
terrorist ideology. He is expected to speak on inter-faith dialogue, religious
tolerance and countering radicalisation, people familiar with the matter said.
The people said Al-Issa is also expected
to meet minority affairs minister Smriti Irani and external affairs minister S
Jaishankar. As part of his engagements in New Delhi, he will visit Akshardham
temple and offer Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid.
He will also meet the leadership of the
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and interact with a gathering at
the Vivekananda International Foundation. A visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal
is also part of Al-Issa’s itinerary.
The Muslim World League is a Mecca-based
NGO funded by the Saudi government that promotes moderate values. During his
stint as justice minister, Al-Issa was credited for changes in areas such as
legislative reforms in family matters and the rights of women.
The people said the ongoing outreach was
aimed at bolstering the government’s efforts to counter radicalisation and extremist
ideologies. The Indian side also wants to learn from the experiences of other
countries that have successfully countered radicalism, they added.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajit-doval-and-mohammad-bin-abdulkarim-al-issa-to-address-religious-leaders-and-academics-in-new-delhi-101688740925546.html
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Trump Promises To Bring Back Muslim Travel
Ban 'Even Bigger, Much Stronger Than Before,' If Elected
Former President of the United States
Donald Trump
-----
8/07/2023
Former US President Donald Trump said
Friday he would bring back his controversial Muslim travel ban if elected in
2024.
"Under the Trump administration, we
imposed extreme vetting and put on a powerful travel ban to keep radical
Islamic terrorists and jihadists out of our country," Trump told
supporters in the state of Iowa. "When I return to office, the travel ban
is coming back even bigger than before and much stronger than before. We don't
want people blowing up our shopping centres. We don't want people blowing up
our cities and we don't want people stealing our farms. So it is not gonna
happen."
Trump had issued three versions of the
controversial ban in 2017 and the Supreme Court allowed full enforcement of the
third edition.
It barred nearly all travellers from
five mainly Muslim countries.
President Joe Biden signed an executive
order reversing the ban during his first week in office in 2021.
Source: yenisafak.com
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https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/trump-promises-to-bring-back-muslim-travel-ban-even-bigger-much-stronger-than-before-if-elected-3666224
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Iran Executes 2 Individuals Behind 2022
Terror Attack At Shia Shrine In Shiraz
Shah Cheragh
shrine in Shiraz, Iran was the site of a terror attack in October 2022. Photo
by Diego Delso/Wikimedia Commons.
-----
July 8, 2023
Iranian media reported on Saturday that
the pair were hanged in public early in the morning, after a months-long legal
procedure over the case came to a close.
The two men had received death sentences
in March after they were found to be “directly involved in the arming,
procurement, logistics and guidance of the main perpetrator of the terrorist
attack.”
Others were also handed down jail terms.
In late October 2022, a terrorist
affiliated with Daesh launched a shooting assault at the compound of Shah
Cheragh Shrine in Shiraz, Fars Province, killing over a dozen pilgrims and
injuring some 40 others.
The gunman started shooting from one of
the entrances of the shrine before heading to the main compound firing at
pilgrims and staff.
The terror attack came as Iran was
grappling with a wave of protests and riots in the aftermath of the death of a
young woman in police custody.
Daesh claimed responsibility soon afterwards.
Iran made several arrests in connection with the case.
Source: ifpnews.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://ifpnews.com/iran-executes-individuals-2022-terror-attack-shia-shrine-shiraz/
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Saudi Temperature Hits 50°, Authorities
Advise Pilgrims To Observe Juma’a Prayer At Nearest Mosques
Dr Ibrahim
Sodangi, the Makkah Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
(NAHCON), made this known in a statement on Thursday.
------
July 7, 2023
The Saudi Arabian Meteorological Agency,
SAMA, on Thursday disclosed that the temperature in the Kingdom would reach 50
degrees centigrade on Friday, July 7.
Dr Ibrahim Sodangi, the Makkah
Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, made this known
in a statement on Thursday.
“In view of this, the Saudi Government
has advised pilgrims to observe the Jumma’at prayers in the Mosques nearest to
them in order not to expose themselves to the harsh weather.
“Nigerian Pilgrims are therefore
enjoined to comply with this directive,” Mr Sodangi said.
Source: dailynigerian.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://dailynigerian.com/saudi-temperature-hits/
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Shuhada Charity Foundation of
Afghanistan Organizes Mass Wedding for 101 Couples in Kabul
Shuhada
Charity Foundation announced it has organized the third round of mass wedding
for 101 couples in Kabul, aimed at reducing wedding costs during these
challenging economic times.
------
July 8, 2023
Shuhada Charity Foundation announced it
has organized the third round of mass wedding for 101 couples in Kabul, aimed
at reducing wedding costs during these challenging economic times.
The mass wedding party was organized on
Friday, July 8, at the Aryana Kabul Hotel in the capital city of Kabul
according to the charity foundation.
The organizers of the ceremony stated
the mass wedding was aimed at reducing the overwhelmingly high costs of
weddings, getting rid of unwanted customs and replacing them with mass wedding
among the young generation.
While expressing their gratitude,
participants at the event emphasized that ordinary citizens should accept mass
wedding as “national culture”, allowing the young generation to organize their
wedding parties at much lower costs.
Meanwhile, some families link the
reasons for the delays in the wedding of their young people to bad culture and
the huge costs.
Additionally, another charity foundation
organized a mass wedding for at least 50 couples in western Herat province on
Thursday, July 6.
Previously also, mass wedding parties
were organized in Kabul and other provinces of Afghanistan with the support of
charity foundations.
This comes as increasing unemployment,
hunger, high costs and unwanted customs have caused serious challenges for
young couples in the war-torn country to get married.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/charity-foundation-organizes-mass-wedding-for-101-couples-in-kabul/
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India
'Yearly Ritual For Us': UP Muslim
Families Construct Kanwars For Shiva Devotees
Jul 8, 2023
HARIDWAR: Several Muslim families in
Haridwar district, including over a hundred in Jawalapur's Indira Basti,
several hundreds in Manglaur, near Roorkee, apart from several in Nazibabad in
Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor, get abuzz with activities two months ahead of the
Kanwar Yatra.
People who work for the rest of the year
as masons, carpenters or labourers, get busy making 'Kanwars', the colourful
bamboo and paper installation carried by Kanwariyas, the Shiva devotees to come
to Haridwar on foot to collect Ganga water.
Farman, a local resident, said,
"All members of a family, including women and children, join in the making
of Kanwars. It's a yearly ritual for us. The families here make around 3 lakh
Kanwars together, which are sent to shops at Pant Dweep across Har-ki-Pauri for
sale. The preparation starts at least two months in advance. We believe around
75 to 80 lakh kanwars are sold during the Kanwar Yatra. A family makes around
Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 from these in about two and a half months."
However, the business of making kanwars
is often difficult and has low returns. Zulfikar Ali, another resident of
Indira Basti, said, "Most kanwar artisans find it hard to make ends
meet."
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/muslim-families-construct-kanwars-for-shiva-devotees/articleshow/101585504.cms
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Delhi High Court Seeks NDMC, Police’s
Response In Plea Against Demolition Of 150-Year Old Mosquesituated at Sunehri
Bagh Road
The plea claims that recently several
Waqf properties have been “demolished overnight in a brazen display of
highhandedness” and without following the legal procedure.
July 8, 2023
The Delhi High Court on Friday sought
responses from New Delhi Municipal Council on Delhi Waqf Board’s plea
anticipating the demolition of a 150-year-old mosque at the Sunehri Bagh Road
roundabout while directing that “status quo be maintained” till August 14.
A single judge bench of Justice Prateek
Jalan issued notice to the NDMC and the police while directing the parties to
hold a “joint inspection” on July 12 at 3:00 PM and adding that they may also
fix any further inspection as deemed necessary.
“Status quo be maintained in respect of
the property in question until the next date of hearing. List on 14.08.2023,”
the order reads.
The NDMC is at liberty to give notice of
the proposed inspection to any other authority as it may consider necessary,
the HC said. The court also directed the respondents to file their response to
the plea in two weeks, further directing NDMC to place a copy of the joint
inspection report before it.
The Delhi Waqf Board–a statutory
authority, filed the writ petition in “anticipation of action” proposed to be
taken by NDMC in respect of a mosque situated at Sunehri Bagh Road roundabout,
the court noted.
“The cause of action for filing of the
petition is a notice dated 27.06.2023 sent by the NDMC, fixing a joint
inspection on 28.06.2023 at 3:00 PM. The petitioner was one of the authorities
which was requested to attend the joint inspection. NDMC inter alia referred to
a letter dated 26.06.2023 received from the Additional Commissioner of Police,
Traffic, requesting it to examine the feasibility of realignment or redesigning
of the roundabout or invoking of any other suitable traffic engineering
interventions to maintain smooth and safe flow of traffic in the area,” the
order states.
The board, represented by advocate
Wajeeh Sjafique argued that it was unable to attend the joint inspection as the
communication was received by the concerned officer only after the time of
inspection.
“At this stage, learned counsel for the
parties agree that a further inspection may be carried out in the presence of
the representatives of the petitioner so that the petitioner’s views can also
be taken into account,” the order states.
“However, from the Imam of the Mosque it
is learnt that the respondents have inspected the mosque and instead of
adopting other measures, the respondents are going to demolish the mosque under
reference in the week commencing from 03.07.2023,” the petition said.
The plea claims that recently several
Waqf properties have been “demolished overnight in a brazen display of
highhandedness” and without following the legal procedure.
“The modus operandi is that a waqf
property, even if it is century old, is marked as obstructing right of way or
the movement of traffic and soon thereafter, in a surreptitious manner, a
decision is taken to remove it. The waqf property/religious structure is then
cordoned off and is razed either in wee hours or in the dead of night in the
presence of heavy policy force or paramilitary force,” the petition said.
It said the mosque, which has been “in
existence from at least more than 150 years”, was popular and it caters to a large
number of worshippers. “The photographs taken by the technical team of the
petitioner on 03.07.2023, i.e., a Monday, clearly demonstrate that the
congestion is not because of the roundabout, on which the mosque under
reference is situated, but because of the uncontrolled parking of vehicles on
the both carriage ways of Motilal Nehru Marg,” the plea claims.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-high-court-ndmc-police-mosque-demolition-8814483/
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SC Refuses To Entertain Plea To Declare
Divorce To Muslim Women Without Arbitration As Void
07 JUL 2023
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to
entertain a plea for issuing directions to declare that divorce to Muslim women
without arbitration is void and seeking steps for rehabilitation of their
children.
A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud
and Justice P S Narasimha told the counsel appearing for the petitioner that
there many similar matters already pending and he can intervene in them.
"Since the counsel for the
petitioner states that certain petitions are pending on the subject sought to
be raised under Article 32 of the Constitution, the petitioner is granted
permission to intervene in the pending proceedings by filing an appropriate
application," the bench said.
The top court was hearing a plea filed
by Shaista Amber and Nyayabodh Foundation seeking directions to declare that divorce to Muslim women
without arbitration is void.
Source: outlookindia.com
Please
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https://www.outlookindia.com/national/sc-refuses-to-entertain-plea-to-declare-divorce-to-muslim-women-without-arbitration-as-void-news-301145
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Congress strategy in poll-bound Madhya
Pradesh perplexes its Muslim leaders
By
Shruti Tomar
Jul 07, 2023
Their approach has, however, upset the
party’s Muslim party leaders, who believe that it would lead to the party’s
Muslim voters moving towards the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen
(AIMIM), which speaks about community issues. “Barring Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya
Singh, no other leader speaks on our issues and talks about our welfare,” said
a party’s senior Muslim leader who did not wish to be named, expressing his disenchantment
with the party’s new approach.
The Congress leader quoted above
expressed his anguish over what they’re referring to as a “Hindutva focus” when
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi visited Jabalpur on June 13. The
party had decorated the city with maces (which symbolise Lord Hanuman) and
there were party workers in Lord Hanuman’s garb on the stage with Gandhi as she
kicked start the election campaign.
“This is against the secular credentials
of the party and has created insecurity among the Muslim community. There seems
to be a competition among our party leaders to show who is the bigger devotee
of Lord Hanuman,” he said.
What further irked Muslim leaders from
the party was when Bajrang Sena, a small saffron outfit known for its
vigilantism on cattle traders, joined the Congress in Bhopal last month in the
presence of senior party leaders such as Kamal Nath.
A delegation of leaders met Nath in the
last week of May and demanded a separate chapter on Muslim welfare in the
party’s election manifesto. The leaders also asked for a call to ban Bajrang
Dal as was promised by the party in its manifesto for the recently-concluded
Karnataka polls, and asked the party to review all cases registered under the
state’s anti-conversion and anti-cow slaughter laws, which they claimed
targeted Muslims.
As a part of its manifesto in Karnataka
which went to polls in May, the Congress proposed a ban on organisations that
“promote enmity or hatred” such as the Islamic outfit Popular Front of India
(PFI) and Bajrang Dal. “We believe that law and Constitution are sacrosanct and
cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI, or
others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority
communities. We will take decisive action as per law including imposing a ban
on any such organisations,” the manifesto said. The party later said that the
state does not have the power to ban organisations like Bajrang Dal, but
clarified that its manifesto was referring to organisations that disrupted
peace.
“Muslim and Christian supporters are
feeling disenchanted. This might be a reason that AIMIM and Social Democratic
Party of India (SDPI) are making inroads in Madhya Pradesh,” a Muslim leader
who attended the meeting with Nath said.
Congress MLA Arif Masood, who
participated at the meeting and refused to comment on Hindutva agenda, said,
“We asked the party leaders to have a separate section in the manifesto on
Muslim community welfare to instil trust. We want development issues in the
manifesto. We raised the issues of scholarship for minority community students,
the need to resolve all Waqf board land disputes and developing burial grounds
for Muslims.”
Another Congress leader said they wanted
the party to promise amendments in the MP Freedom of Religion Act 2021 for
proper investigation before arrest and re-investigation of all cases registered
between 2021 to December 2023. As many as 133 people have been booked under
this act and 92 are against Muslim men. “We have also sought a reinvestigation
of cases on Muslims during communal clashes in Khargone in 2022 and withdrawal
of fake cases,” he said, adding that the leadership assured action if they won
the polls.
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP,
Digvijaya Singh, however, refuted the claims that the minority community
leaders of the party were upset with the proactive Hindutva approach. “Nobody
is uncomfortable. It is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders who are making it
an issue, to divert the attention from inflation, unemployment and issues like
corruption. In the Constitution, every person has a right to follow his or her
religion,” he said.
Congress MLA and former minister PC
Sharma said, "We all are religious but we never show off like BJP. Now,
people are realising that it's Congress who thinks about the welfare of all
religions. This is the reason the leaders of organisations like Bajrang Sena
and other BJP leaders are joining the Congress. MPCC president Kamal Nath had
constructed lord Hanuman temple many years. We come up with concepts of
Mahakaal Lok and Ram Van Gaman Path but we never publicised it much. Now, we
are grabbing the eyeballs of disenchanted Hindus."
The political experts also said that
Congress leaders in MP are trying to prove that they are with Hindus to win
their trust. "This is more looking like a pilot project of Congress to
move ahead with this agenda in the Lok Sabha election. The state unit can't
push an agenda so fiercely without the support of top leadership. The election
result of 2023 in MP will prove that whether this Congress's Hindutva approach
is right or wrong," said Girija Shankar, a political expert from MP.
BJP tries to woo Muslims
BJP minority cell leader Nasir Shah said
the new Congress approach showed how the party sought to garner votes. “Muslims
were always used by Congress for votes. They never did anything remarkable for
us. Now, people want development not this Hindu-Muslim issue,” he said.
The ruling BJP in turn, tried to woo
Muslims in Khargone, where local BJP leaders placed advertisements in Khargone
on April 28 and 29 that chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on April 30 would
inaugurate a bakery, owned by Amzad Khan, which was demolished after communal
tension in April 2022. However, after protests by religious organisations and a
section of BJP leaders, the CM didn’t inaugurate it.
There are two Muslim MLAs in MP and both
are from the Congress. In the 2022 local bodies election, the BJP gave tickets
to 380 Muslim candidates of whom 94 won, while the Congress gave tickets to 450
Muslim candidates of whom 344 won. The Muslim population of the state is 6.57
%, as per the 2011 census, with Bhopal and Burhanpur districts having more than
20% Muslim population.
Meanwhile, the AIMIM announced its
intention to contest the state assembly election. The party’s confidence comes
from its success in the local body polls where it won six councillor seats in
the Muslim-dominated areas of Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur and Jabalpur. In
Burhanpur, the Congress mayoral candidate Shehnaz Ismail Alam lost to BJP’s Madhur
Patel by 1,000 votes. The AIMIM candidate, Shaista Advocate polled 10,000 votes
and Congress blamed Asaduddin Owaisi’s party for the loss.
To be sure, the AIMIM has not won any
seat in MP assembly elections till now, and a few wins on local body polls do
not translate into wins in the assembly election. accused the Congress of using
Muslims as a vote bank and never thinking about their welfare. “This assembly
election, we will contest on real issues of Muslims and with the secular move
of treating all religions alike,” said AIMIM state president Peerzada Tauqeer
Nizami.
“The Muslim community was always with
Congress and will remain with Congress. We know that MP Congress Committee
president Kamal Nath will do justice to all. Minority community will never
believe AIMIM, which is a B-team of BJP,” Congress spokesperson Ameen Ul Khan
Suri said.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/congress-strategy-in-poll-bound-madhya-pradesh-perplexes-its-muslim-leaders-101688735967164.html
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North America
US: Muslim lawmaker demands federal
investigation after Eid assault
7 July 2023
Connecticut State Representative Maryam
Khan is demanding a probe into the Hartford police department's alleged
inaction during a recent violent assault after Eid al-Adha prayer, saying the
incident was mishandled.
Khan wants the US Department of Justice
to conduct a broad investigation into the Hartford police department's handling
of violent crimes, particularly crimes against women. She argued that such
crimes are handled inadequately, including the assault that she went through.
"I knew at that moment my body went
numb and I thought I was going to die," Khan said in a nearly 30-minute
news briefing on Thursday, wearing a sling on her right arm.
"If this person [was] going to grab
a woman and do what he did, I am glad he grabbed me," she said referring
to the fact that if it were any other woman, they would not have gotten the
coverage and attention she has.
Khan is the first Muslim member of the
Connecticut State House of Representatives. She won a special election for her
seat in March 2022.
On 28 June, Muslims all over the world
celebrated Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and
commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail at God's
request.
Every Eid, Khan and her family join one
of the largest Muslim gatherings in Connecticut at the XL Center in Hartford.
In an emotional press conference
detailing the assault, Khan recalled how, after the Eid prayer was done, the
congregants began to hug and greet each other. Her family also gathered
together to take a few photos.
'Too close for comfort'
Every year, Khan has her three children
recreate the same photo at the same spot in front of the centre. So, at around
11 am, that is where they headed.
As Khan was taking the photo of her
children, a man approached them. He was "too close for my comfort",
she said.
She said she told her friend and sister
to bring her children inside. As they were all walking back inside the centre,
the man reportedly made comments stating that he intended to have sexual
relations with one of them. Khan said he looked at each one of them, including
her 15-year-old and 10-year-old daughters.
As soon as they got inside the building,
the man reportedly grabbed Khan's face and asked her to give him a kiss. Khan
said she pulled away and tried de-escalating. She said she tried to distract
him and told him someone was calling him outside and that he should go. But
nothing was working.
What made matters worse was her kids
were all there watching. "I went back outside, in hopes that he would
follow me away from my children," she said.
Once outside, he tried to grab her face
again, she said. This time, she dodged him, which angered him. Khan said he
slapped her on the face.
He grabbed her in a chokehold with one
arm, and with the other, he reportedly had his hand in the shape of a gun. At
the news briefing, Khan recreated that hand signal, her hands shaking in the
process.
The man slammed her to the ground, at
which point she shot right back up and ran as fast as she could back into the
building, down to the ground floor where security was, and into a safe room.
When the police arrived, she was told
she had to walk two blocks to give her statement.
She went with her friend, identified the
man - who was already in custody and sitting in the police van - and asked for
medical attention.
Once the ambulance arrived, she said she
told them that something was wrong with her neck. They felt it and reportedly
told her it was not a spine injury, gave her an ice pack and told her to go to
urgent care if there was more pain. She then walked three blocks back to her
car and went home.
Since the attack last week, Khan has
gone to the emergency room twice. She was diagnosed with a concussion and has
no feeling in her right arm and shoulder.
The suspect, 30-year-old Andrey Desmond,
was chased and subdued by bystanders until he was arrested by police. He is
facing charges of third-degree assault, second-degree unlawful restraint,
second-degree breach of peace and interfering with police.
"More than everything that happened
to me at that moment, what's been the most difficult these last few days was seeing
that the police report did not reflect everything or anything that happened to
me," she said.
"The report said this person came
up to us and asked us for a kiss. That's all. There were no children. This was
not an Eid day. I was not a Muslim. Nothing. That's what's in the report."
At the news briefing, Khan called for an
investigation into the police department, saying that no one came to her aid
when her family screamed for help.
"If it was anyone else and they
were not a state representative, this is what happens? This is the best we can
do?" she said
"If this is what's happening to me
and this is the best we can do, as a state representative who represents the
city of Hartford, I cannot be ok with that. I'm not okay with that."
Source: middleeasteye.net
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Town of Babylon's First Muslim Heritage
Festival Takes Place Saturday
Jul 7, 2023
LINDENHURST, NY — The Town of Babylon
will make history on Saturday.
The first ever "Muslim Heritage
Festival", a multicultural celebration including the Islamic faith and
will take place at the Town Hall Park, located at 200 E. Sunrise Highway in
Lindenhurst from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is hosted by a partnership of the
Town and the American Muslims of Suffolk County.
LamiaaElkoulily, founder and president
of the organization, said that about 80 food trucks and merchandise vendors
such as clothes, jewelry, our perfume.
There will also be free raffles, a
"Fun Zone" for kids and adults a like, face painting, henna tattoos,
a diverse variety of foods such as Middle Eastern, Caribbean and American.
In addition, a DJ will also provide
entertainment, playing songs from "everywhere", such as Turkish and
Arabic music. Traditional dancers will also perform, she said.
Town officials and local community
organizations like the Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, the North
Lindenhurst Fire Department, will also make appearances, a release said.
Admission and parking for the event is
free.
Elkoulily said that since July is Muslim
Heritage Month on Long Island, Saturday is the perfect time to celebrate — but
the event is more than the Islamic faith, she said.
"This is not a religious event, the
festival is not about celebrating the religion," Elkoulily said. "The
festival is about celebrating brothers and sisters in humanity, coming together
to celebrate. To bring awareness, we're different, but we still love each
other."
The society itself, she said, is
comprised not only of Muslims, but of people of different faiths like Judaism
and Christianity. They even have members of two separate Islamic groups, Sunnis
and Shias.
"We are with the organization to
help spread love, to stop hate from going around," she said.
The organization also has hosted several
events in the recent past. In April, more than 300 people attended their
"Flavors of Ramadan", and broke fast and ate together on the first
Saturday of Ramamdan.
"We want more of these type of
events to happen, not only with the Muslim community but with every other
community," Elkoulily said.
The Town of Babylon, she said, has been
"fantastic" in their support of the event.
"They're really helping out as much
as they could, they canceled all of their baseball games this weekend because
we're going to have the Fun Zone activities and baseball field and volleyball
field," she said. "They offered their sound system, and they've been
really amazing."
She hopes that if this Saturday is
successful, this event can continue for years to come.
"Everybody needs to celebrate their
own heritage, their own holidays, regardless of race or color or
religion," she said.
Source: patch.com
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https://patch.com/new-york/lindenhurst/town-babylons-first-muslim-heritage-festival-takes-place-saturday
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Imams plan to hit Dinkytown's streets
this weekend to quell youth violence, disruption
JULY 7, 2023
MINNEAPOLIS -- Imams and other Islamic
faith leaders say they plan to be on the streets of Dinkytown once again this
weekend, in an effort to stop young people from causing violence.
After nights of disruptions in the last
10 days -- namely young people launching fireworks at cars, police, and people
walking by -- one faith leader told WCCO he's hoping his presence can deter
that. Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North
America, said the hope is simply by being in Dinkytown and engaging with young
people, he and other religious leaders can make a difference.
"The kids trust us, they trust
their leaders, they trust especially imams, people of faith. They grew up with
them, they learned from them, they have that respect for them. When we talk to
them, the conversation was friendly. They're more open to us," Abdulle
said.
The disruptions have been an ongoing
issue in the area for weeks now, and public safety as a whole has been a
concern in this area for even longer.
RELATED: Charges: Teen, 17, man, 18,
shot fireworks at Minneapolis police officers on Fourth of July
Abdulle says he and a group of friends
have been really upset to see what's happening. He feels it's really not fair
to label this as a Somali-American issue, or to make it seem like every
teenager in the community is acting this way. He says that's not what's
happening.
"There are thousands of kids who
are peaceful, sleeping at home doing what they're supposed to do. A few hundred
kids coming out cannot be a representative of that," Abdulle added.
But still, he says his presence as a
religious leader and a person these teenagers trust can have an even bigger
impact to stop what's happening than having a police officer here.
Abdulle says there's also a plan for parents
in the Muslim community to meet tomorrow in Minneapolis to discuss potential
solutions.
Source: cbsnews.com
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https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/imams-plan-to-hit-dinkytowns-streets-this-weekend-to-quell-youth-violence-disruption/
--------
Islamic Center of Tennessee sues board
member who tried to fire imam and hire audit firm
A former board member at the Islamic
Center of Tennessee is barred from the Antioch mosque after it sought a
restraining order in response to the board member’s attempt to “seize complete
control of ICT,” the mosque alleges in a June 30 lawsuit.
Davidson County Chancellor I'Ashea L.
Myles granted ICT's request for a restraining order on Monday, saying
“employees and parishioners may face further damage, harassment, threats, and
interference with its legitimate business.”
The former board member, Salah Ayesh,
said in a June 14 letter to the board his actions were based on concerns about
mismanagement in the past couple years and risks of legal noncompliance,
according to a copy of the letter in ICT’s lawsuit.
The ICT board ousted Ayesh, previously a
board chair, on June 14 after Ayesh entered the ICT business office without
permission and sought to hire a consulting firm to conduct a forensic audit.
When Ayesh entered the business office, he removed records and changed locks,
according to the lawsuit.
A week after the board removed him, Ayesh
told ICT Imam MoazRoaf that the imam was fired “effective immediately,”
according to a June 28 letter included in the ICT lawsuit.
“You further are instructed not to
discuss this matter with any ICT employees…and not to enter any ICT property or
attend any ICT events without first obtaining my written permission,” Ayesh
said in his June 28 letter to Roaf. In that letter and his June 14 letter to
the board, Ayesh signed as chairman of the board, a title he last held in 2021.
On social media, ICT publicly doubled
down on its description of events contained in the lawsuit.
“During the course of these unfortunate
events , ICT board members, on multiple occasions, attempted mediation with Mr.
Ayesh…but all such efforts were in vain,” ICT said in a statement on Facebook.
“May Allah SWT protect ICT from Fitnah (slander) and wrongdoers.”
Ayesh's attorney did not respond to a
request for comment.
Though less common for Nashville area
mosques, power struggles have occurred at other local faith congregations.
Conflict over leadership styles and a
church’s future have led to the departure of well-known pastors at Covenant
Presbyterian Church in 2018 and at Grace Chapel in Franklin in 2021. Christ
Presbyterian Church is currently dealing with turmoil, though for different
reasons, amid the suspension of senior pastor Scott Sauls.
Source: tennessean.com
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https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2023/07/07/islamic-center-of-tennessee-sues-board-member-over-leadership-conflict/70388493007/
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From Pixels to Prayer Creed and Bear
Explores the Transformation of Mosque Architecture
07/07/2023
The enchanting melody of the Call to
Prayer stirs deep devotion and connects believers to their spiritual essence.
It traverses time and tradition, unifying communities with its soul-stirring
resonance. In this article, we delve into the visionary plans of Dubai, a city
renowned for its ambitious projects, as it leads the way in 3D printed mosque
construction. At Creed and Bear, we are more than just an asset management
company. We are delighted to be present in Dubai, supporting initiatives like
the 3D printed mosque, as we envision a future in alignment with Dubai's 2030
vision.
Dubai's groundbreaking project involves
the construction of the world's first 3D printed mosque. This remarkable
endeavor showcases the transformative potential of 3D printed concrete,
offering a glimpse into the future of mosque architecture as well as
architecture in general. The mosque is expected to be completed in 2025 and
will embody the fusion of innovation and spirituality, welcoming up to 600
worshippers.
3D printing, a process of creating
three-dimensional objects from digital designs, presents a host of benefits for
construction:
Affordability: 3D printing reduces the
cost of construction by utilizing custom-made parts and optimizing material
usage. This can make buildings more accessible to communities.
Sustainability: 3D printing creates
energy-efficient buildings with reduced material waste and lower carbon
emissions. This is beneficial for the environment.
Design flexibility: With 3D printing,
architects can explore intricate and unique designs that push the boundaries of
architecture, blending creativity with functionality.
Customization: 3D printing can be used
to tailor buildings to specific community needs, enabling enhancements for
accessibility and incorporating cultural nuances.
Adaptability: 3D printed buildings can
easily adapt to changing community requirements, expanding or contracting as
needed.
The future of 3D printed mosques holds
tremendous promise:
Cultural Preservation: 3D printing
preserves the rich heritage of historical mosques by faithfully replicating
intricate architectural features and decorative elements, honoring the legacy
of craftsmanship.
Adaptive Architecture: Mosque designs
can evolve to meet the evolving needs of communities, fostering inclusivity and
flexibility to accommodate changing congregation sizes and spatial
requirements.
Collaborative Creation: By fostering
collaboration between architects, engineers, and technologists, 3D printed
mosques become captivating works of art, blending cultural heritage with
innovative design concepts.
In conclusion, as we witness the
mesmerizing interplay between technology and religion, the realm of mosque
architecture stands on the cusp of a remarkable transformation. Through the
visionary use of 3D printing, mosques can be constructed with unprecedented
affordability, sustainability, and design flexibility. This harmonious fusion
of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation ushers in a new era where
spirituality and technological advancements dance in unison. Join us on this
captivating journey, where the ethereal whispers of the Call to Prayer harmonize
with the boundless possibilities of 3D printing.
Source: financemagnates.com
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https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/from-pixels-to-prayer-creed-and-bear-explores-the-transformation-of-mosque-architecture/
--------
Mideast
A poster exhibited in support of Jenin
before Friday prayer at Aqsa Mosque
7/07/2023
A poster in support of the city of
Jenin, which was raided by Israel, is seen ahead of Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa
Mosque Compound in Jerusalem on July 7, 2023.
Source: yenisafak.com
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https://www.yenisafak.com/en/photo-gallery/news/a-poster-exhibited-in-support-of-jenin-before-friday-prayer-at-aqsa-mosque-3666204/1
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Iraq's Mosul rises from Islamic State
ashes to rebuild minarets, museum
July 7, 2023
MOSUL, Iraq — EmadZaki Mohammed, 55, a
local Moslawi imam, would regularly go to chant the call to prayer at the Great
Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul, Iraq, until the Islamic State (IS) blew up both the
historic building and its distinctive "hunchback" leaning minaret in
June 2017. It was the terrorist group’s last stand before declaring defeat
during a protracted war against a US-led coalition of Iraqi forces.
In 2014, when IS took over the city of
Mosul, it was in the Great Mosque of al-Nuri that IS leader Abu Bakr
al-Baghdadi proclaimed an Islamic caliphate. That fateful day, and during the
battle, which began in October 2016, Mohammed lost both his beloved mosque and
his son. The people of Mosul experienced one of the most violent urban
conflicts since World War II. Nothing was left untouched by the horror of the
war.
But now, nearly a decade later,
Mohammed's voice can again be heard emanating from the mosque during the call
to prayer, transcending the cacophony of sounds from the reconstruction not
just of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri but other historic buildings, religious
sites and museums in Mosul.
Mohammed began to return to the mosque
two years ago to pray. “The city is returning to us now; the situation is
better. All the people of Mosul want now is a better life,” he told Al-Monitor.
Mohammed, like other Moslawis, fled the city during the battle. In recent
years, as a consortium of international organizations rebuilds the city, his
family and many others have returned.
Yet Mosul — Iraq’s second-largest city
and one of the most important in ancient history as it was once the capital of
the Assyrian Empire — still lies in ruin. Glimmers of its once-beautiful
architecture can be glimpsed in its bomb-blasted structures; its historic
buildings remain collapsed in piles of debris and bullet-holed facades.
Every street is haunted by war-torn
structures that are slowly being resuscitated as Iraqis and international
groups work tirelessly to bring the city back to life.
Since 2018, a host of global players
have begun to rebuild Mosul, especially its famed monuments. Al-Nuri Mosque is
being rebuilt under UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” project, which seeks
to breathe new life into one of the world’s oldest cities.
The Emirati government contributed $50.4
million to the program, which UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay lauded as
an “unprecedented cooperation to rebuild cultural heritage in Iraq.” It
includes the restoration of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri, Al-Saa’a Church, and
800-year-old Al-Tahera Church — symbols of Mosul’s diversity — due to be
completed by the end of this year.
Renovating "the identity of
Mosul"
The Mosul Cultural Museum, the
second-largest museum in Iraq after the National Museum in Baghdad, is also
being reconstructed, slated to reopen in 2026.
Dubbed by Moslawis “the identity of
Mosul,” the cultural museum was targeted in 2014 and nearly demolished by IS,
which damaged and destroyed major Assyrian monuments, including a colossal lion
from Nimrud, two lamassu (guardian) figures, the Banquet Stele and the throne
base of King Ashurnasirpal II. Over 28,000 books and rare manuscripts were also
burned.
Starting in 2018, the museum is being
renovated by a consortium led by Iraq’s State Board of Antiquities and Heritage
(SBAH), part of the Ministry of Culture that is overseeing the restoration
project alongside the Musee du Louvre, Smithsonian Institution, World Monuments
Fund and cultural heritage foundation ALIPH.
The Mosul Cultural Museum is being
rebuilt in the likeness of its original structure, which was designed by famed
Iraqi modernist architect Mohamed Makiya. It was inaugurated by King Faisal II
in 1952 to tell the story of northern Iraq, in galleries dedicated to
prehistory, Hatra, Assyria and Islam. It opened to the public in 1974.
“We are reconstructing the museum
according to its original design but also leaving some parts in their state of
destruction,” said Zaid Ghazi Saadallah, director of the Mosul Cultural Museum,
as he motioned to a giant crater in the museum’s Assyria Hall, the area most
damaged by IS when it detonated a bomb in the floor. Nearby are the remains of
intricate cuneiform carvings and winged Assyrian sculptures that the museum
staff and restorers at the Musee du Louvre are trying to salvage.
“IS was trying to destroy the memory of
Iraq and of the Iraqi people,” Saadallah told Al-Monitor. “But the people of
Mosul want the memory of the destruction to remain. They want to not forget
what happened. They want to remember how we rebuilt the city.”
From mid-May until June 1, "The
Mosul Cultural Museum: From Destruction to Rehabilitation" exhibition took
place in the newly restored former Royal Hall next to the museum, marking the
first showcase of its artifacts from its collection since the war.
While the museum’s latest destruction by
IS is its harshest, the cultural museum has been closed on and off for 20 years
— a sign itself of Iraq’s woeful history and intense suffering, from sanctions
and war to ongoing militant attacks.
“The museum is symbolic because it tells
the story of Mosul and the entire northern Iraq region,” said Ariane Thomas,
director of the Department of Ancient Middle Eastern Antiquities at the Musee
du Louvre. She told Al-Monitor that the process hasn’t been easy. During an
assessment in 2019, they discovered an active bomb on the roof. “The challenge
was to see how and what we could salvage and restore from the destruction,”
Thomas said, noting how Iraqis also had to be trained to restore the building
and its artifacts.
“They were so motivated, and the work is
not easy. How do you deal with millions of pieces that have exploded, some
heavy and some light? In many ways, the reconstruction is a miracle,” she
added.
According to Saadallah and other
specialists, there are still many looted and damaged artifacts belonging to the
museum that are yet to be found or returned.
Reconstruction brings new economic
possibilities
According to a report by the United
Nations Development Program in 2019, the reconstruction of Mosul had the
potential to generate around 80,000 direct jobs and 120,000 indirect jobs over
the course of five years. This demonstrates the scale of employment
opportunities that can arise from infrastructure development alone in the city.
“The revitalization of Mosul is taking
place across all areas of city life,” Alessandra Peruzetto, regional director
of Middle East and North Africa at the World Monuments Fund, told Al-Monitor.
“The creation of new infrastructure is leading to employment in construction
and engineering and the expansion of the service industry to support the
growing economy. Cultural initiatives, such as the rehabilitation of the Mosul
Cultural Museum, are an important element of the city’s regeneration that will
bring people into the center not only to visit the museum but to eat in
restaurants and stay at hotels.”
“People view Mosul as a recipe for
success despite the efforts made by Kurdish parties to delay the process as it
does not align with their interests,” an Iraqi in Mosul told Al-Monitor on
condition of anonymity.
“Many residents of Mosul were displaced
during the conflict and require new or repaired housing,” said
QassimAbdulrahmanKhudhur, an Iraqi translator working in Mosul. “The
rehabilitation process can involve rebuilding homes and providing support for
housing projects. This would involve a range of job opportunities [for]
carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians and other skilled tradespeople,” he
told Al-Monitor.
Challenges remain
A host of corrupt officials and
institutional weaknesses remain. A few remaining IS cells can be found in the
country, largely in rural areas, and there have been some kidnapping attempts
in recent years.
Iraq’s politics remain chaotic and
corrupt, and any renewed tension could cause disruption to Mosul’s
reconstruction.
A major challenge to the reconstruction
is the number of active mines in the city.
Inside the Tutunji House — an impressive
Ottoman palace built between 1808 and 1817 with a central courtyard featuring
sumptuously decorated marble bas reliefs — Moslawi craftsmen work to repair the
intricate decorations.
A symbol of the city's past as a
flourishing center of international trade, it was nearly destroyed by IS during
the liberation of Mosul in 2017.
Since 1981, the house has belonged to
the SBAH and was newly renovated just prior to when IS took over Mosul in 2014.
It was then used by the group as an explosive factory and suffered considerable
destruction.
Now, the University of Pennsylvania is
working closely with SBAH and Mosul University to restore the emblematic house.
MosaabJassem, the Iraqi site manager
from the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities, said restoring the house has been
challenging yet very rewarding.
The project includes a stone-carving
workshop to produce the unique Mosul marble relief tiles and support the
preservation of the craft through the restoration of the famed house. As a
result, Mosul residents are employed.
Following complicated mine clearance
operations carried out by the Iraqi army, conservation works started in 2020.
Active mines to this day remain in the city — where walls are labeled “safe” in
locations where de-mining has taken place and colored with a red line where
de-mining still needs to occur — having resulted in numerous injuries and even
the death of several children.
“We are risking our lives to rebuild our
city and to see it alive again,” Jassem told Al-Monitor. “It is hard work, but
the results are beautiful.”
Source: al-monitor.com
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---------
Iran’s Top Sunni Cleric Speaks Out
against Coerced Confessions
JULY 7, 2023
The outspoken Sunni Friday prayer leader
of the south-eastern Iranian city of Zahedan used his July 7 sermon to denounce
the common practice by Iranian authorities of using physical coercion to
extract confessions from prisoners.
"No one possesses the right to
subject prisoners to torture and physical abuse,” said MolaviAbdulhamid, Iran’s
most prominent Sunni cleric, ahead of weekly protests in which hundreds of
protesters took to the streets of the restive city.
“Sharia law unequivocally condemns the
act of obtaining confessions through coercion," Molavi said, adding,
"No governing body has the authority to accept a forced confession as
legitimate."
Iranian authorities have consistently
used incommunicado detention, prolonged solitary confinement, torture and other
ill-treatment in order to extract forced “confessions” from prisoners.
Molavi also called for members of the
security and military forces to be held accountable for the killing and
injuring of peaceful protesters and sexual assaults against women
demonstrators.
Describing the laws and policies of the
Islamic Republic as "problematic,” the 75-year-old cleric reiterated his
call for fundamental reforms in the country.
"If the laws passed by parliament
do not yield results, they should be amended. Laws are created by humans, and
humans are prone to making mistakes," he said.
After Molavi’s sermon, Zahedan residents
took to the streets for the 40th consecutive Friday to voice anger against the
Islamic Republic, amid internet disruptions and heavy security presence.
The demonstrators chanted slogans such
as "We swear by the blood of our comrades, we will stand until the
end," and held placards calling for the release of popular rapper
ToomajSalehi and other political prisoners.
Meanwhile, internet monitor NetBlocks
reported that internet connectivity was “disrupted” in Zahedan, adding that
“the incident continues the cycle of internet shutdowns seeking to silence
public dissent.”
Sistan and Baluchistan is home to Iran's
Sunni Baluch minority of up to 2 million people. Its provincial capital,
Zahedan, has seen protest rallies every Friday since September 30 of last year,
when security forces killed nearly 100 people in the deadliest incident in the
nationwide demonstrations sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody.
Security forces have responded to the
women-led protest movement with brutal force, killing more than 520 people
during demonstrations and unlawfully detaining over 20,000 others, activists
say. Following biased trials, the judiciary has handed down stiff sentences,
including the death penalty, to protesters.
The protests and clampdown on dissent
have been particularly intense in western Kurdish areas and Sistan and
Baluchistan.
Source: iranwire.com
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--------
Mullah Appeaser President Biden's
Special Envoy for Iran, Robert MalleyHas a Classified Doc Problem
July 4, 2023
Senior political and security officials
are demanding answers about the Biden administration's special envoy for Iran
allegedly mishandling classified documents.
President Biden's special envoy for
Iran, Robert Malley, has been stripped of his security clearance and placed on
unpaid leave until an investigation is completed.
Malley has been accused of granting
wide-ranging concessions to Iran's regime as part of a planned nuclear deal.
The slated accord could provide as much as $17 billion in sanctions relief to
Iran in exchange for temporary restrictions on its alleged nuclear weapons
program.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) tweeted,
"This situation with Malley makes it more important than ever for Congress
to scrutinize & weigh in on the secret 'deal' he is putting together with
Iran."
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of
the House Foreign Affairs Committee, noted: "While the suspension of
Special Envoy Malley's clearance is independently troubling, our concern is
compounded by the State Department's failure to respond to the Committee's
efforts to conduct oversight of its negotiations with and policy toward Iran.
Since April 11, 2023, the Committee has repeatedly requested Special Envoy
Malley's testimony, which the Department has not fulfilled, despite Special
Envoy Malley's numerous press engagements dating back to May 30, 2023."
Malley has also long advocated
normalizing relations with a number of state sponsors of terrorism. According
to a 2006 Time magazine piece, he wrote, "Today the U.S. does not talk to
Iran, Syria, Hamas, the elected Palestinian government or Hezbollah.... The
result has been a policy with all the appeal of a moral principle and all the
effectiveness of a tired harangue."
Malley confirmed that his clearance is
being investigated, but said he was confident about a positive outcome.
"I have been informed that my
security clearance is under review. I have not been provided any further
information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and soon.
In the meantime, I am on leave," Malley told Fox News.
Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) issued a
Twitter thread with questions about Malley's alleged misconduct and when Biden
and Blinken first had knowledge of the accusations against the special envoy.
Hagerty also asked, "Why did they
allow Malley to continue in his diplomatic role while under
investigation?"
The Tennessee senator further wrote,
"Malley's contacts with Hamas & other extremist groups raised concerns
in the past. Knowing his background & views, why did @Potus and &
@SecBlinken select Malley for this sensitive position in the first place?"
United Against Nuclear Iran chairman,
former Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, and its CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, said
following the Malley suspension, "The status quo of allowing the executive
branch to direct Iran policy on its own and in a partisan manner has been a
slow-rolling disaster for nearly a decade. This can be a turning point if
Congress asserts itself and exercises its authority on a bipartisan basis, and
we urge both parties to recognize the gravity of the situation and act
accordingly."
Speaking at the National Council of
Resistance in Iran's conference in Paris on the weekend, former U.S. national
security adviser John Bolton said of Malley, "I've searched my memory for
a case in our history where a senior diplomatic official of the United States
has found himself in that position. And I can't think of a single case."
The growing criticism of Malley could
add momentum to the campaign launched by an Iranian American human rights
activist, Masih Alinejad, to force the U.S. State Department to remove Malley
as special envoy. Alinjed's petition campaign has secured 136,475 signatures
since it was started in October.
Alinejad and other anti-Iranian regime
activists claim Malley "is misrepresenting the nature of the
protests" against Iran's regime and "pushing for negotiations with
the Islamic Republic." After Iran's infamous morality police reportedly
tortured and murdered the 22-year-old Masha Amini for not covering her hair properly
with a hijab, mass protests gripped the country that started in September.
The U.S.-based organization National
Union for Democracy in Iran said in a statement that it "led the charge
against Mr. Malley's appointment from the beginning. So where the political
will was lacking to take action against Mr. Malley's indefensible policies, we
hope a legal investigation and the rule of law will finally force action to be
taken, if indefensible conduct is proven to have taken place."
Source: meforum.org
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.meforum.org/64599/mullah-appeaser-robert-malley-has-a-classified
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Iran lauds Pakistan on designating Day
of Honoring Qur'an
Jul 8, 2023
TEHRAN, Jul. 08 (MNA) – Iran says it
"wholeheartedly" supports an initiative by Pakistan’s government to
designate July 7 as the “Day of Honoring the Holy Qur'an” against the backdrop
of recent Western-backed provocative attempts to desecrate Qu'ran.
“The decision of the esteemed government
of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to introduce and celebrate July 7, 2023, as
the Day of Honoring the Holy Qur'an is a worthy, befitting, and pertinent
initiative,” the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad said in a
statement on Friday.
The statement underlined that
desecrating the Qur'an, the holy book of the largest religious community in the
world, or insulting any sacred symbol of divine religions, is a deplorable,
ignorant, and biased act aimed at inciting public opinion and promoting misuse
of freedom of expression.
“It is crucial to acknowledge that
desecrating the Holy Quran represents an affront to the holy books of all
divine religions,” the embassy said.
“We firmly believe such biased actions
seek to incite public opinion, generate instability, create violence, and
spread hatred. Undoubtedly, this biased way of inciting public opinion through
insulting the holy symbols, which are meant to destabilize the Muslim world and
create human legal cases, should be countered and neutralized.”
The Iranian Embassy also called on all
of the faithful people and free thinkers worldwide to join in a unified effort
to denounce the desecration.
“Islamophobia, the insulting of sacred
elements and symbols of the divine religions, and the desecration of holy books
should be halted through political synergy, legal procedures, and appropriate
didactic instructions as these actions provide fertile ground for the spreading
of hatred and violence, ideological clashes, destabilization and the anguish of
countless religious individuals worldwide,” the statement said.
“To rectify this situation, it is
imperative to employ coordinated and unifying measures such as clarification,
explanation, education, legal procedures, and dialogue. These constructive
approaches will pave the way for correcting the current state of affairs,” it
added.
RHM/Press TV
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/202931/Iran-lauds-Pakistan-on-designating-Day-of-Honoring-Qur-an
--------
Lebanese killed & four wounded in
shooting while worshipers left mosque in Bekaa
[07/July/2023]
BEIRUT July 07. 2023 (Saba)-A Lebanese
was killed and four others were wounded when a young man shot worshipers as
they were leaving a mosque in the town of Bar Elias in Bekaa region.
According to Al-Manar website, a young
man randomly opened fire on citizens leaving Friday prayers today, killing one
person and wounding four others.
Immediately, a force from the Lebanese
Army and the Information Branch came and surrounded the shooter, who opened
fire at them, which prompted them to respond, wounding him in the legs and then
arresting him.
Source: saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3250479.htm
--------
Parliaments of Islamic states should
decisively act against Israel, MP says
July 7, 2023
TEHRAN – Iranian lawmaker AbolfazlAmouei
has called on the parliaments of the Islamic countries to discuss the desecration
of the holy Quran and Israel’s attack against the Jenin camp in their next
meeting.
Amouei made the suggestion in a message
to Mouhamed KhouraichiNiass, the Secretary-General of the Parliamentary Union
of the OIC member states.
“As you know, today, the Islamic world
is facing emerging challenges that emphasize the need for unity and convergence
of Islamic countries,” he said in the message, adding, “The insulting action of
the Swedish police in issuing permission to desecrate the Holy Quran, which was
done under the pretext of freedom of speech and with the aim of spreading
anti-Islamism and violence, is an open insult to Islamic sanctities and a
violation of one of the fundamental and obvious principles of human rights,
which is the principle of respect for religious and heavenly values. This
matter has been agreed upon internationally in Article 19 of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
He pointed out that the recent
encroachments of the Zionist usurper regime on the Jenin camp and the martyrdom
and injury of defenseless Palestinian women and children and the destruction of
residential buildings and houses in this city make it necessary to take
immediate and practical measures by the international community, especially by
the parliaments of Islamic countries. He said these measures should be taken to
force this usurper regime to stop its crimes against the oppressed Palestinian
nation, according to IRIB News.
“Without a doubt, such violent and
extremist actions, which are in conflict with humane, moral standards and
violate international laws and resolutions, require a firmer determination of
Islamic countries for greater unity and integration around supporting the
rights of the oppressed Palestinian nation in self-defense,” he continued.
Amouei said, “I suggest that these two
issues be discussed in a special way in the agenda of the meeting in front of
the Executive Committee of the Union of Parliaments of the Member States of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC).”
Also, the Iran-Palestine Parliamentary
Friendship Group issued a statement on the situation in Palestine in light of
the Israeli aggression against the Jenin camp.
The group condemned the recent crimes of
the Zionist regime in Jenin and the West Bank and considered it a proof of
resistance as the only way to free the Palestinian nation.
“The crimes of the Zionist apartheid
regime in the West Bank and in Jenin are another proof of the legitimacy of the
Palestinian nation in its all-out struggle against this regime and the truth of
resistance, as the only way to liberate the Palestinian nation and defeat any
compromise and reliance on the normalization of relations with this temporary
fake regime,” the statement said.
It added, “The silence and passivity of
the international community with respect to the crimes of the Zionist regime in
Jenin indicates the double standards of human rights claimants against the
clear violation of basic human rights.”
The statement noted, “Today's
Palestinian resistance is rooted in the desire and will of Palestinian youth in
all parts of Palestine, including Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Quds, Gaza, etc. The
killing of Palestinian youths in Jenin not only does not reduce their will, but
also makes them more determined to continue the path of resistance.”
“The Islamic Majlis of Iran and the
Iran-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, while emphasizing the need for
the unity of the Islamic world and especially the Islamic parliaments to
confront the unbridled crimes of the Zionist child-killing regime, call on the
UN Secretary General to end the silence and passivity of the United Nations
towards the crimes of the Zionist regime and take immediate and effective
action to save the oppressed Palestinian nation from the hands of the child-killing
Zionist regime,” the statement concluded.
Source: tehrantimes.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/486579/Parliaments-of-Islamic-states-should-decisively-act-against-Israel
--------
Events in Hajjah commemorating
"guardianship" day of Imam Ali, peace be upon him
[07/July/2023]
HAJJAH July 07. 2023 (Saba)-The Women's
Cultural Authority in Hajjah province organized cultural events in Qara,
Al-Meftah, Kaidna and Kushar on the anniversary of the day of the mandate of
Imam Ali, peace be upon him.
The speeches of the events in Qara
district, Al-Muftah, Al-Waleyah, Al-Akmah in Al-Muftah, WadiMakher in Kaidna,
and Al-Abesah in Kushar emphasized the importance of celebrating the anniversary
of "Wilayah" day in order to draw lessons from the biography of Imam
Ali, peace be upon him, and to learn about his personality and sincere loyalty
to him, may God honor his face.
The anniversary emphasized the
importance of adhering to the Muhammadan approach, walking on the path of Al
al-Bayt and the flags of guidance, continuing to supply the fronts with convoys
of giving, and enhancing awareness of the plans of aggression, its ambitions,
and the dangers of soft war.
Source: saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3250455.htm
--------
Islamic groups release memorandum, call
for cancellation of festivals
July 07 2023
A civil society platform consisting of
several Islamist NGOs has demanded that festivals be cancelled on the grounds
that they “direct the youth to illicit, nonethical relations, intoxicating
alcohol and substance use, rebellion and riots.”
In a memorandum named “Let’s say ‘No’ to
wrong-doings at the festivals,” the Balıkesir Civil Society Platform demanded
that every kind of activity be gender-segregated, according to reporting by the
online news outlet Diken.
“We demand that in every kind of
activity, places for girls and boys are separated and alcohol as well as
substance use is prevented and controlled as much as possible,” read the
memorandum, signed by 25 organizations.
Among the organizations that signed the
memorandum are the Islamic business group MÜSİAD and Humanitarian Relief
Foundation (İHH), a conservative charity with close ties to the government.
After the target of ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP) figures and trolls, several concerts and festivals have
been cancelled by the local governor’s offices and AKP municipalities.
Last year, Turkey’s biggest rock
gathering Zeytinli Rock Festival, which is annually held in the Balıkesir
province, was cancelled on the grounds of “public security.” An Islamist NGO
named “İlimYaymaCemiyeti (Community)” was one of the organizations that had
demanded the festival’s cancellation. The same NGO also put its name under this
year’s memorandum.
Source: duvarenglish.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.duvarenglish.com/islamic-groups-release-memorandum-call-for-cancellation-of-festivals-news-62687
--------
At least one dead, others injured at
mosque shooting in Lebanon
7/07/2023
One person was killed and a number of
others were injured Friday in a shooting at a mosque in eastern Lebanon, with
the suspected shooter now in custody, according to local media.
“A shooting took place at a mosque in
(the town of) Bar Elias,” the Lebanese National News Agency reported.
“Army forces headed to the site,” it
added.
The agency also reported that “a clash
took place with an army patrol during the arrest of the shooter,” resulting in
his injury.
There is as yet no official statement on
the incident.
*Writing by IkramKouachi
Source: yenisafak.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/at-least-one-dead-others-injured-at-mosque-shooting-in-lebanon-3666201
--------
Arab World
Saudi commerce minister chairs
preparation meeting for GCC-UK trade talks
July 07, 2023
RIYADH: The Saudi minister of commerce
and chairman at the General Authority for Foreign Trade chaired in Riyadh this
week a preparation meeting ahead of upcoming Free Trade Agreement talks between
Gulf States and the UK, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting, headed up by Majid bin
Abdullah Al-Qasabi, aims to prepare for the fourth round of free trade
agreement negotiations between Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the UK
taking place from July 17-28.
The fourth round will be held in two
sessions; remote as well as in-person meetings in London.
During the meeting, deputy governor of
the Commission for International Organizations and Agreements, Farid bin Saeed
Al-Asali, reviewed the progress of the negotiations.
He outlined the terms of the agreement
with the heads of the negotiating technical teams in addition to discussing
topics related to commodities, rules of origin, investment, and services,
electronic commerce, and general texts and provisions, the SPA report said.
The Saudi negotiating team is working to
ensure their compatibility with the Kingdom’s commercial goals and policies, to
participate in trade negotiations to include its negotiating positions and
coordinate with countries with similar orientations in international trade, the
report added.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2334076/saudi-arabia
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Makkah’s Grand Mosque Library Showcases
Rare Manuscripts, Qur’anic Scripts Written During The Reign Of Caliph Uthman
bin Affan etc
July 07, 2023
MAKKAH: The libraries and cultural
affairs department of the General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques is
showcasing seven rare manuscripts in the women’s section of the Grand Mosque’s
library in Makkah.
The rare manuscripts on display in the
gallery include Qur’anic scripts written during the reign of Caliph Uthman bin
Affan, paintings that feature Qur’anic verses by calligrapher Mohammed Ibrahim,
and a rare copy of “Musnad Al-Muwatta,” the first legal work to incorporate
hadith and fiqh.
Umaima bint Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head
of women’s activities at the department, said that the gallery aims to serve as
a platform for people — from researchers to pilgrims — to broaden their
historical and cultural knowledge.
The gallery also contains a mural
documenting the stages of development the library went through, copies of the
Holy Qur’an, and old newspapers and photographs of Makkah’s Grand Mosque,
Al-Sudais added.
The gallery receives visitors from 9
a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday to Thursday.
Museums in Makkah house rare antiquities
that are more than 1,400 years old, highlighting the rich history of the place.
Experts consider these museums a portal
of knowledge from which visitors get their information as they integrate and
constitute an important tributary of the culture and history of Makkah with
elements from different eras and periods of time.
These museums also tell stories about
the Kingdom serving the Two Holy Mosques.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2333951/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia Aims To Protect
Intellectual Property
July 07, 2023
GENEVA: The CEO of the Saudi Authority
for Intellectual Property has called for Arabic to be added to the languages
used by The Hague and Madrid systems for protecting intellectual property
rights.
Speaking at a meeting of the World
Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva on Friday, Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem
said the Kingdom attached great importance to protecting and enforcing
intellectual property rights and strengthening the enforcement system, the
Saudi Press Agency reported.
He added that the Kingdom looked forward
to the SAIP joining the International Searching and Preliminary Examining
Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
He also highlighted Saudi intellectual
property developments, which rely on a national strategy to build a system that
promotes an economy based on innovation and creativity.
Al-Suwailem said the Kingdom had joined
the Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against
Unauthorized Duplication of Their Phonograms and had worked on updating all
legislation related to intellectual property.
Saudi Arabia joined the WIPO in 1982 and
has used its membership to keep abreast of developments in the various fields
of intellectual property.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2334066/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team in UK for
RIAT airshow display
July 08, 2023
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Falcons Aerobatic
Team has arrived in the UK to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo
2023 exhibition, one of the largest airshows in the world, Saudi Press Agency
said on Friday.
The Kingdom’s Royal Saudi Air Force team
is set to perform an air display at the event with its Airbus 330 MRTT, BAE
Systems Hawk and Lockheed C-130H Hercules.
The event runs from July 14 to 16.
RIAT is one of the world’s most
important military airshows, which includes hundreds of modern military
aircraft alongside classic aircraft from all corners of the globe, with some
static and others flying performing thrilling air displays.
Source: arabnews.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2334091/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia calls for enhanced
cooperation to diversify research-financing mechanisms
July 07, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has affirmed the
importance of enhancing cooperative relations to diversify financing mechanisms
for research and development in order to realize opportunities in the 21st
century.
Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki, supervisor
of the founding team of the Saudi Research, Development, and Innovation
Authority, said at the G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering Summit
in India that this would help create a more prosperous future for all.
El-Desouki, the head of the Kingdom’s
delegation at the summit, said that research and innovation contributed to
achieving social and economic progress and sustainable development.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2334026/saudi-arabia
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Saudi authorities thwart attempts to
smuggle amphetamines into Kingdom
July 07, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently
thwarted two attempts to smuggle Captagon pills and other amphetamines into the
Kingdom, according to statements released on Friday.
The first case was at King Abdulaziz
International Airport in Jeddah, where customs officials discovered 178,274
Captagon pills hidden inside boxes marked as containing beehives.
After informing the General Directorate
for Narcotics Control two people were arrested for their roles in the smuggling
attempt and are now awaiting trial.
In the second case, an Ethiopian
national was arrested in the Madinah region for attempting to smuggle
amphetamines into the Kingdom.
The directorate urged citizens to report
any activities related to drug smuggling by calling 911 for those in Makkah,
Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 for those living elsewhere. People can
also contact Drug Control on 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports
are treated in the strictest confidence.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
said it would continue to tighten controls over imports and exports and was
committed to stopping drug smugglers in order to protect the public and
society.
People with information about such
matters can call ZATCA on 1910, the international number 00 966 114208417 or
via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2333986/saudi-arabia
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Saudi tour guide fluent in English,
German is proud to showcase beauty of the Kingdom
July 07, 2023
JEDDEAH: Saudi tour guide Rehab Andijani
has a passion for tourism and culture, along with helping visitors discover
what is special about the Kingdom.
Andijani, who is a Saudi citizen, is a
long-serving guide who fosters a close connection with international tourists.
She said: “It was a choice in following
my destiny to select tourism over my studies in information science, because I
wanted to help more people learn about Saudi Arabia’s rich culture — shaped by
the diversity of its people — which has formed the basis of the cultural
identity of the Kingdom.”
Andijani, who has been a guide in Jeddah
recently, speaks fluent German and English, and offers guide services for
tourists in the Western Region.
She has helped visitors over the years
by offering both German and English-speaking tours.
She graduated from Umm Al-Qura
University in Makkah in 2011 before choosing to study further in Germany.
The 33-year-old told Arab News: “I went
to the city of Cologne, where I was planning to pursue my master’s in marketing
research, but due to the death of my mother I had to go back home.
“During my stay in Germany I got a taste
of what it’s like to serve leisure travelers. So, I focused on learning German
and English, especially in the light of a series of reforms and investments
initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman which aimed at opening the
country to international travelers while showcasing its diverse cultural
heritage.”
Andijani is currently helping visitors
at the House of Islamic Arts museum in Jeddah Park, while also volunteering to
host special tours around the city’s historic areas and famous tourist spots.
She enjoys sharing her immense knowledge
of local history and great Islamic art with visitors, and added that being a
tour guide requires a mix of intellectual knowledge and personality.
The job has also called on Andijani to
be an avid reader and learner, in order to gain more knowledge.
She has even started to host tourists in
her house so that they can observe how Saudis live.
She said: “It is a form of hospitality,
quite popular these days, which is offered by locals to tourists.
“I understand that we have very
conservative traditions and not all Saudi families will agree to do this, but
for me it is OK because it is a great experience to show them our house, how we
live, and what food we eat.”
In addition, she has also launched her
own website in both German and English, to help tourists.
Andijani has hosted families from the US,
Germany, Australia, and Russia, and she was looked upon by her guests as an
ambassador for her country.
She said: “My job is to answer
questions. I spend my time with my groups, and it’s my responsibility to show
the best version of myself as a Saudi, and my country.”
Andijani has never regretted her move
into tourism. She looks forward to welcoming more visitors to Saudi Arabia and
hopes to become a professional tour guide to show tourists the beauty of the
country.
She added: “I hope my little tours can
play a part in improving relations and people’s knowledge of the importance of
Saudi Arabia.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2333956/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia distributes 1,500 bags of
flour in Afghanistan’s Herat province
July 08, 2023
KABUL: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has
distributed 1,500 bags of flour to families affected by the floods in
Afghanistan’s Herat province.
About 9,000 people benefited from the
donation which came as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to support those worst hit
by the natural disaster, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2334081/saudi-arabia
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Saudi ambassador to France attends
global relations panel in Paris
July 07, 2023
PARIS: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to
France has participated in a seminar, organized by the French Institute of
International Relations, on the Kingdom’s foreign policy, achievements, and
challenges, Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Opening the seminar, institute founder
and CEO Thierry de Montbrial commended the Kingdom’s role in the international
arena and the developments and progress it is witnessing at all levels.
During the panel, ambassador Fahd bin
Mayouf Al-Ruwaili underlined the importance of the recent official visit of
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to France in enhancing Riyadh-Paris relations
and joint partnerships.
Al-Ruwaili highlighted the Kingdom’s
comprehensive development endeavor as part of the strategy outlined in the
Saudi Vision 2030.
He also presented a briefing on the
central pillars of the Kingdom’s foreign policy, international relations, and
efforts to achieve peace and stability at the regional and international levels
through its effective membership in international conventions and
organizations.
He highlighted the Saudi role in the
G20, where the Kingdom has submitted several initiatives to combat radicalism
and terrorism, protect the environment, fight poverty and address debt crises.
Several ambassadors to France, political
and economic figures, and journalists also attended the seminar.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2333911/saudi-arabia
---------
South Asia
Afghanistan Launches 4-Day Polio
Vaccination Campaign
July 8, 2023
The Ministry of Public Health of
Afghanistan said the four-day Polio Vaccination campaign launched Saturday in
the country’s eastern region, including Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar and Nuristan
provinces.
The campaign started today and will
continue for four days to immunize 1.2 million children in the said provinces
of the country, according to the Ministry.
The National Emergency Operation
Center’s (NEOC) director, Dr Nek Wali Shah Momin, has urged residents of these
provinces to vaccinate their children, including newborns, to protect them
against the disease.
In May this year, the Ministry conducted
a four-day polio vaccination campaign across 23 provinces.
It was launched across 23 provinces to
immunize 6.4 million kids.
According to the Ministry, five polio
cases have been reported in Nangarhar this year, and one has died.
The Ministry of Public Health officials
said they are committed to eradicating polio, and the officials called upon the
people to cooperate with the ministry in an anti-polio campaign.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-launches-4-day-polio-vaccination-campaign/
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Japan Contributes $10 Million to
Children’s Education in Afghanistan
July 8, 2023
Amid the learning crisis in Afghanistan,
the government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA), has contributed $10 million to support children’s education in
Afghanistan.
With this contribution, 71,500 children
are expected to continue their education in the war-torn country.
Quoting from UNICEF, the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA) on Friday reported the
financial support will be facilitated through Japan International Cooperation
Agency in Afghanistan.
Additionally, UNICEF announced that 60
percent of female students and 46% percent of male students have been deprived
of getting primary education.
It is reported that many schools in
Afghanistan lack adequate classrooms, qualified teachers, necessary equipment,
and even a place where children can wash their hands.
Fran Equiza, the UNICEF Representative
for Afghanistan said, “We want to see every child in school and provide them
with access to quality education in this country.”
In May, UNICEF announced the
organization will provide some 21,000 learning classrooms throughout
Afghanistan, adding short-term courses that will also be provided for female
students in central Bamyan province.
However, in June, the Taliban
authorities ordered that all foreign organizations should seize their
education-related activities in the country.
UNICEF then warned that thousands of
students could be affected if international NGOs were no longer allowed to
operate in the education sector.
Source: khaama.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/japan-contributes-10-million-to-childrens-education-in-afghanistan/
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Chinese Mining Company To Invest $350
Million In Afghanistan
July 7, 2023
Fan China Afghan Mining Processing and
Trading Company (FAMPTC) stated on Thursday that it would spend $350 million in
Afghanistan over the next months in several industries, including electricity
generation, the building of a cement factory, and healthcare.
In a meeting with Maulwi Abdul Kabir,
the political deputy and acting prime minister, the FAMPTC representative
discussed their investment intentions.
According to a statement issued by the
prime minister’s office, the company’s representatives said they have
professionals and specialists working on the projects and operational plans
that will soon be executed in Afghanistan.
In response to “Fan China Afghan’s”
investment proposal, Maulvi Abdul Kabir urged domestic and foreign investors to
recognise and seize Afghanistan’s numerous economic opportunities.
The strong interest shown in recent
years by Chinese corporations, particularly in the mining industry,
demonstrates the government’s willingness to welcome investors from various
industries.
According to the report, the Fan China
Afghan Mining Processing and Trading Company (FAMPTC) is a partnership between
Afghanistan’s Watan Group and China’s Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas
Co (CAPEIC).
According to officials, the Chinese
Company was reportedly interested in investing in Afghanistan’s lithium
deposits.
“Several countries and investors have
expressed interest in the lithium deposits in addition to the Chinese. The
Chinese even said they are prepared to invest $10 billion,” the Ministry of
Mine and Petroleum said.’
Since the Taliban takeover of
Afghanistan, China has influenced the country through economic and investment
in the mine deposits in the country.
According to reports, the Chinese
company have long wished to invest in the country’s lithium mines, which are
worth more than $3 trillion.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/chinese-mining-company-to-invest-350-million-in-afghanistan/
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Taliban’s Participation in SCO Meetings
Depends on Member States’ Consensus: Kremlin
July 7, 2023
Kremlin’s Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov
said the Taliban’s participation in future Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO) meetings depends on the consensus of the SCO member states.
Previously, Taliban authorities had
asked Shanghai Cooperation Organization to invite the group’s representative to
the future SCO meeting to be held in Kazakhstan.
While preparing for the next round of
the SCO summit, Dmitry Peskov on Thursday said that the Taliban’s request will
also be assessed, Ria Novosti news outlet reported.
Dmitry further emphasized that such
decisions need the consensus of all the member states.
On Wednesday, the Taliban’s Ministry of
Foreign Affairs protested for not being invited to the 23rd meeting of the SCO
council of heads of state.
The 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of
Heads of States was chaired by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
Tuesday, July 4, in which Afghanistan issues were also discussed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin at the
meeting said that SCO will focus on Afghanistan because of the tense situation
in this country.
In a statement, the Taliban’s Ministry
of Foreign Affairs called the absence of the group’s representative in such
important meetings an obstacle to comprehensive coordination of “humanitarian
assistance, implementation of infrastructure projects, cooperation and mutual
assurance for the economic connection of the region.”
Meanwhile, Bakhtiyar Hakimov, Russia’s
Representative for Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) affairs in a press
conference on Wednesday, July 5, said that the Taliban regime has not been
recognized due to tangible reasons. Therefore, engagements with Afghanistan’s
de facto regime on different issues are informal.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/talibans-participation-in-sco-depends-on-consensus-of-member-states-kremlin/
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Pakistan
Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami, Worldwide
Islamic Movement Mark Condemnation Day Against Desecration Of Quran
July 08, 2023
LAHORE
- The Jamaat-e-Islami and
worldwide Islamic movements jointly marked “condemnation day” on Friday in
Pakistan and other countries besides Bangladesh, Malaysia, Lebanon, South
Africa, Turkey against the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Islamophobia.
In Pakistan, the protest rallies were taken out in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi,
Quetta, Peshawar and other cities. Thousands of people participated in the
protest marches. Holding banners and placards, they demanded action against the
person involved in a blasphemous act in Stockholm and joint action by the
Islamic world against the countries where such criminals are allowed to hurt
the feelings of the Muslim world under government patronage. JI Emir Sirajul
Haq delivered a speech at Mansoorah and also addressed a public gathering in
Jhang. JI secretary general Amirul Azeem led the protest march at Multan Chungi
in front of Mansoorah. Sindh Emir Muhmmad Hussain Mehanti addressed the protest
march in Malir Karachi, Maulana Abdul Haq Hashmi in Quetta and KP secretary
general Abdul Wasay in Peshawar. Haq called for the diplomatic and trade
boycott of Sweden, saying mere words uttered by the rulers in condemnation of
the burning of the Holy Quran were not enough to represent the feelings of the
Pakistani nation. He demanded Islamabad convene an emergency meeting of the
OIC to devise a solid strategy against Islamophobia. He said an organized
campaign had been started against Islam and its followers in Western countries
after 9/11. The hatemongers and psychological patients could put world peace
in danger if the Western government failed to stop them, he warned, saying two
billion Muslims could not bear the disrespect of their most beloved
personality, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the Holy Book. The most
unfortunate aspect of the Sweden incident, he said, was that the Sweden
authorities allowed a person to burn the Quran under their protection. The JI
chief also condemned the Israeli forces’ brutal action and terrorism against
Palestinian Muslims and expressed solidarity with the Palestine freedom
movement.
Source: nation.com.pk
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https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Jul-2023/ji-worldwide-islamic-movement-mark-condemnation-day-against-desecration-of-quran
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Director of Islamic centre held for
‘harassing woman’
July 08, 2023
ABBOTTABAD:
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
Abbottabad region on Friday arrested the director of an Islamic centre for
allegedly sexually harassing a woman.
The FIA Cyber Crime wing took swift
action against the suspect Zahid Iqbal, who stands accused of disseminating
explicit images and videos, as well as sending threatening blackmail emails to
the victim.
The perpetrator used WhatsApp to share
objectionable content featuring the victim. The case also involved the accused
making threats to the victim using explicit material.
Zahid Iqbal initially deceived the woman
by falsely promising marriage, subsequently obtaining objectionable material from
her. It is noteworthy that Zahid Iqbal held the position of director at an
esteemed Islamic centre located in the upscale area of Islamabad.
During the investigation and forensic
analysis of Zahid Iqbal's mobile phone,
Multiple explicit videos of victims were
found.
Preliminary findings indicate that the
accused had been subjecting the complainant to harassment for nine months.
FIA Abbottabad arrested the accused
Zahid Iqbal after the rejection of the Bail Before Arrest (BBA) and the accused
was taken into custody.
Source: tribune.com.pk
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Judicial odds piled up against Nawaz's
homecoming: Javed
July 08, 2023
LAHORE:
Federal Minister Javed Latif has said
that odds were piled up against former premier Nawaz Sharif’s return to
Pakistan, bemoaning the judicial system that doled out bails to “those
responsible for the 9 May riots” – a tacit reference to PTI chief Imran Khan.
The remarks came against the backdrop of
speculations about the party supremo’s possible reappearance on the country’s
political firmament on the cusp of elections season and recent legislation that
aimed to revoke his lifetime disqualification.
Besides, a string of other laws was also
passed to alleviate, among many other things, Nawaz’s legal worries.
Despite these measures, Latif, who has
yet to get a portfolio despite being a cabinet member for a year, cast a shadow
of doubt over upbeat predictions of Nawaz’s immediate return, saying that the
judicial environment was not conducive for that.
Taking a dim view of the current
scenario, he said that at a time when the “person who tried to spread chaos on
May 9” was getting dozens of bails, “how can one believe that Mian Nawaz Sharif
would get justice”.
Nonetheless, in the same breath, he also
reaffirmed that the former prime minister would certainly return prior to
elections, irrespective of the consequence.
Apart from the lifetime disqualification
handed to him in the Panama papers scandal, Nawaz also faces twin convictions
in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference as well as the Avenfield
apartments case.
However, it was hoped following the
acquittal of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and her spouse Capt (retd) Mohammad
Safdar that the Nawaz’s own path to acquittal would be relatively easy. As for
the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference, he will still have to fight in
the appellate court.
In order to reverse Nawaz Sharif’s
lifetime disqualification, an amendment was introduced to Elections Act 2017 to
limit disqualification to a period of five years.
Moreover, the former premier also got
acquitted in a land allotment case last month after a detailed judgment
described the case as political victimisation, a judgment that left many
bewildered legal experts noting that judgment will be cited as an example of
bad jurisprudence.
‘Nawaz to lead electoral campaign’
Continuing, Javed Latif also that Nawaz
Sharif will lead the party’s political campaign in general elections and not
only that but he would also become prime minister for the fourth time.
Asked if PML-N was waiting for the
retirement of the current Chief Justice of Pakistan – Umer Ata Bandial – and
waiting for Qazi Faiz Esa to take the helm, the minister remained cagey and
instead repeated that the party head will return before the elections. However,
he stopped short of specifying any date.
Nawaz, convicted of corruption, was
living in London since November 2019 after he was allowed to leave the country
by courts for medical treatment on the assurance that he would return to
Pakistan as soon as he received the required treatment, to complete his
ten-year jail term.
Despite having his brother’s government
in Pakistan for over six months now, Nawaz has not returned, seeking assurance
of a level playing field’ which many interpret as blank immunity from his
corruption cases.
PPP and PMLN avoid criticising IPP
Javed Latif, asked to share his views on
the recent interview of IPP President Aleem Khan Tareen wherein he had
criticised the government for its poor economic performance, said that IPP was
a new party and had all the right to criticise whoever they wanted.
However, he said that they need to
understand that PML-N was not celebrating the IMF deal rather it was
celebrating saving the country from those who wanted it to default and were
writing letters to the IMF to not extend the fund facility to Pakistan.
Interestingly, senior PPP leader and
SAPM Qamar Zaman Kaira also did not see anything unusual with the IPP
criticising the government, despite having two of its own members in the
federal cabinet.
Qamar said that it was an independent
party and was entitled to take any position it deemed fit, adding that
criticising the government was currently in their political interest, alluding
to the fact that there was no real opposition in the political arena after PTI
was forced downfall.
Source: tribune.com.pk
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Youth empowerment key to development: PM
July 08, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday
said that the government was committed to empowering the youth of the country
as empowering them was the key to ensuring development and prosperity of
Pakistan.
He said that the youth of the country
were capable enough to transform the country’s fate because, with their hard
work and dedication, they could help Pakistan develop at a faster pace, leaving
its neighbouring country far behind in terms of economic development and
prosperity.
Addressing the launching ceremony of the
laptop programme, the prime minister said that this ceremony reminded him of
the days when, as the chief minister of Punjab, he distributed hundreds of
thousands of laptops among the students on merit.
He said that those laptops helped the
students a lot during the Covid-19 pandemic days when they took their classes
online while sitting at home and also earned their bread and butter by working
as freelancers.
He informed the attendees that as the
Punjab CM, he also provided scholarships to the talented youth under the Punjab
Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), and the beneficiaries of these programmes was
now serving the country in various areas, including health, IT and engineering.
The prime minister maintained that this
had been his mission to provide every youngster with a laptop machine to enable
them to successfully move forward in their respective areas.
He informed them that apart from the
100,000 laptops approved for the previous financial year, he also got another
100,000 laptops approved for the current fiscal year.
He said that the laptop distribution
process would totally be on merit and no influence would be accepted in this
regard.
For the youth from rural areas, he said
that the government had allocated Rs5 billion to provide agriculture loans,
while another Rs5 billion had been allocated for the provision of skill-based training
to the youth.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on
Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PML-N), in its tenure, had empowered the youth.
She said that since 2011, one million
laptops had been distributed among talented students while over Rs100 billion
in loans had also been provided to the youth to empower them.
She also said that the prime minister
would distribute 100,000 laptops among the students in the days to come.
Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb,
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Interior Ataullah Tarar, and Higher
Education Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed were also present.
Source: tribune.com.pk
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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2425286/youth-empowerment-key-to-development-pm
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Martyrdom of third Caliph of Islam
Hazrat Usman-e-Ghani (R.A) being observed today
July 07, 2023
The martyrdom of third Caliph of Islam
Hazrat Usman-e-Ghani (R.A) is being observed today across the country.
The ulemas will highlight his
unprecedented generosity for the cause of Islam and the welfare of the Muslims
and his outstanding position in the history of Islam.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/07-07-2023/martyrdom-of-third-caliph-of-islam-hazrat-usman-e-ghani-ra-being-observed-today
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Southeast Asia
China Fort Mosque Society presents
memento to Cardinal
July 8, 2023
An event to mark the 125th anniversary
of St. Annes Church at Polkotuwa, Beruwala was held recently under the
patronage of His Eminence Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. China
Fort Mosque Society members AlhajShihab, Secretary AlhajZawahir and Treasurer
AlhajThsanudeen participated at this event as special invitees. Here, members
of the China Fort Mosque Society presenting a memento to the Archbishop of
Colombo.
Source: dailynews.lk
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https://www.dailynews.lk/2023/07/08/china-fort-mosque-society-presents-memento-to-cardinal/
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Malay Muslim community has made
significant progress, must continue to look out for one another: President
Halimah
The Malay/Muslim community has made
significant progress in education and household income compared to a decade
ago, said President Halimah Yacob on Saturday.
In a speech at the MasyarakatGemilang
Conference held at WismaGeylangSerai, Madam Halimah praised the community’s
ability to harness its diverse strengths, and encouraged them to continue
looking out for one another, for collective progress.
“As we set higher ambitions for
ourselves, let us continue this spirit of giving back and help more among us to
achieve their dreams,” she said.
This is the second MasyarakatGemilang
Conference, organised by YayasanMendaki (Mendaki) as part of the annual
RaikanIlmu month.
RaikanIlmu is a flagship movement of the
Malay/Muslim community, to celebrate knowledge and embrace lifelong learning as
part of its culture.
Some 200 youth leaders and professionals
took part in the conference to discuss new ideas to bring the community
forward.
The event was hosted by Minister for
Social and Family Development MasagosZulkifli, who is also Minister-in-charge
of Muslim Affairs and Chairman of Mendaki.
Madam Halimah said that this year, the
community looks to its youth to be a part of this important and inclusive
process.
Through partnerships with Muis and
Mesra, Mendaki has reached out to more than 86,000 individuals and
beneficiaries in 2022.
This partnership, called M3, works
closely with other community and national agencies to run programmes across the
11 M3 towns.
“I am happy that more in the community,
especially children and youth, have benefitted from MENDAKI’s programmes and
initiatives,” she said.
She cited examples such as the
KelasMateMatika (KMM) programme and the Family Excellence Circle (FEC).
When M3 was first formed in 2018, 97
children were a part of the KKM programme which empowers parents to teach their
preschool children basic numeracy concepts.
This year, through outreach with
preschools and local partners at the M3 towns, 2,500 children have enrolled in
the KKM programme.
Recent studies by the M3 Programme
Evaluation Office show that KMM has been effective in helping children with
their numeracy skills.
“The majority who subsequently enter
Primary 1 do not need to be enrolled into the Learning Support for Maths
programme. This is a good achievement,” she added.
Besides building a good academic
foundation, initiatives like the FEC enable children in the community to
develop in a stable and nurturing environment.
It is an informal support structure for
people like Ms IdayuBinte Abu Saleh, who is a mother of four children and the
sole breadwinner of her family.
Through the FEC, three of Ms Idayu’s
children benefitted from the MENDAKI Tuition Scheme, and they also received the
Harun Ghani Education Fund for their respective primary, secondary, and ITE
educations.
To pay it forward, Ms Idayu is now a
trained FEC facilitator so that she can help others strengthen their
self-reliance and resilience, and build a social support system for each other.
Madam Halimah urged the youth in the
community to join the various Mendaki programmes either as a beneficiary or a
volunteer.
She listed some Mendaki initiatives such
as the NextStop seminar and Youth@M3 networking session with tertiary students,
which strengthen awareness of opportunities in growth sectors.
There are also initiatives like the
#amPowered mentoring programmes, which guide secondary school and ITE students
as they navigate potential education pathways and possible career plans.
Young people who have just entered the
working force can also benefit from registering themselves on professional
networks established by Mendaki.
This is to help Malay/Muslim
professionals, managers, executives and technicians grow their social capital
and find their footing in their new careers.
“Close to 420 professionals have come on
board these professional networks and I understand that several more will be
established this year,” said Madam Halimah, as she went on to encourage more to
register or even start their own networks.
Source: straitstimes.com
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/malay-community-has-made-significant-progress-in-the-last-decade-president-halimah
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Construction of new Changlun Mosque:
congregation grateful over PM’s concern
07-07- 2023
CHANGLUN: The Changlun Mosque congregation
is grateful that the government has agreed to continue with the construction of
a new mosque with an additional allocation of RM3.07 million, as announced by
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Changlun Mosque Committee deputy
chairman ZainolAbidin Mohamad, 65, said a new mosque with a larger space is
needed because the existing mosque can only accommodate about 1,000 people at a
time and the population is growing due to the existence of new residential
areas.
“We expect this number to increase to
between 2,000 and 3,000 congregants in the future...we are thankful for the
Prime Minister’s concern over the needs of the people in Changlun,” he told
Bernama today.
Last April, the Prime Minister announced
that the government had agreed to continue with the construction of the mosque,
taking the total cost of the project to RM5.77 million.
Anwar is scheduled to officiate the
groundbreaking ceremony for the project in conjunction with the Majlis
MesraBersamaMasyarakatKubangPasu programme tomorrow.
During the programme, the Prime Minister
is also expected to announce allocations for the upgrade of dilapidated health
clinics and schools, especially in the KubangPasu district.
Meanwhile, ZainolAbidin hoped that the
existing Changlun Mosque will continue to be used even after the completion of
the new mosque, as the nearly 100-year-old mosque has become the go-to mosque
for travellers.
“On weekends, we’ve seen as many as 12
tourist buses stopping by this mosque, which is located near the main road, to
pray or use the lavatory to clean themselves. We believe we should preserve
this mosque, or possibly upgrade it and install air conditioning,” he said.
Changlun Mosque Committee assistant
secretary Abu Bakar Mat Safar, 63, said the new mosque would definitely provide
greater comfort for its congregation and other worshippers to perform ibadah.
“On Fridays and during Aidilfitri or
Aidiladha, the existing mosque will be overflowing with people, there will not
be enough space for everyone and mats will be spread outside the main prayer
hall to accommodate the large number of worshippers.
“We are very grateful for the prime
minister’s concern and on behalf of the congregation, I would like to express
our heartfelt thanks to him (Anwar) and we are very excited about the
construction of the new Changlun Mosque,” he said. –Bernama
Source: thesundaily.my
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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/construction-of-new-changlun-mosque-congregation-grateful-over-pm-s-concern-BC11201426
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State polls: Unity Gov't machinery must
work hard to ensure victory -PM
08-07- 2023
BANGI: PakatanHarapan (PH) chairman
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants all the machinery of political parties under the
Unity government to work hard to ensure victory in the upcoming state elections
next month.
In this regard, he said Selangor should
lead a new chapter in national politics with more cohesive and structured
collaboration within PH and BarisanNasional (BN) to win over voters.
He said victory in Selangor would not
only be about the success of PH and BN, but rather a symbol of the unity
government's efforts to raise Malaysia's dignity and respect in the region.
“Selangor is a state full of people who
are intelligent and mature in politics...this state will set the new standards
of politics in this country.
“So we want everything to be done with
passion, sincerity and the right intention to save the people, the state,
religion and the nation from those who are greedy for power,“ he said when
launching the Selangor MADANI Unity machinery here, yesterday.
The ceremony was also attended by BN
chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the top leadership of PH-BN, as well
as Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing
representing GabunganParti Sarawak.
Anwar said that in the mission for
victory in Selangor, every PH-BN supporter should put aside their differences
and instead work as a team to achieve the common goal of uplifting the dignity
of the people and the state.
He said on behalf of PH, he would ensure
that its machinery was mobilised to help all BN candidates win their respective
contested seats.
“Those in PH should not feel
uncomfortable holding up the BN flag, likewise, those in BN when they hold the
PH flag...remember, we have a common goal to defend the state, religion, race
and country,“ he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar also called on all
PH-BN party members to prove that the Unity Government remained strong through
victory in Selangor as well as the five other states involved in the upcoming
state elections.
He said the Unity Government, which was
committed to defending Islam and the Malays in accordance with the Federal
Constitution, must be defended to ensure that no other race was left out or
marginalised.
“To all party members in the Unity
Government, don’t ever let this country be ruined by religious extremists,
narrow-minded racism, and this should be proven by our success in the upcoming
state elections,“ said Anwar.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence
that Selangor would be led by the PH-BN government following the polls on Aug
12.
The UMNO president said this was because
Selangor under the PH administration led by MenteriBesar Datuk Seri
AmirudinShaari was fair to all people in the state.
“Tonight in Bangi, we see that the
people of Selangor want the Unity Government to continue to (lead) this state,“
he said while expressing confidence that Penang and Negeri Sembilan would also
be led by the Unity Government.
He also called on the people of Kelantan,
Terengganu and Kedah to give the Unity Government a chance to govern the three
states in order to overcome all issues related to the welfare of the people
that the PAS-led governments had failed to address effectively.
With regard to BN candidates for the
polls in the six states involved, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition would be
putting forward new faces, signifying a new spirit.
He also respected the decision of the
MIC and MCA leaderships to remain with BN to support all the candidates from
the Unity Government even though the two parties were not contesting in the
elections.
The Election Commission (EC) has set the
state election for six states to be conducted simultaneously with Aug 12 as
polling day, while the nomination of candidates will be on July 29 and early
voting on Aug 8. –Bernama
Source: thesundaily.my
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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/state-polls-unity-gov-t-machinery-must-work-hard-to-ensure-victory-pm-FC11201730
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Victoria’s Secret’s first Malay-Muslim
model Nia AtashaRosli divides fans, conservatives
8 Jul, 2023
Malaysian model and actress Nia
AtashaRosli made waves on social media this week with her revelation as the
first Malay-Muslim model for global lingerie label Victoria’s Secret.
The T-shirt Bra Collection, launched by
Victoria’s Secret Malaysia on Monday, features the 27-year-old alongside Miss
Universe Malaysia 2018 Jane Teoh as well as Thai actress and model Janie
Tienphosuwan.
The campaign marks many firsts for the
iconic brand, including its first Malaysian models to front a local campaign,
its first Malay-Muslim model, and its first all-women production team – formed
in collaboration with the Women Photographers Malaysia (WPM) community. It will
also be appearing in Victoria’s Secret stores globally.
In an interview with lifestyle magazine
Eh Malaysia at the launch event, Nia said: “I’ve always had a dream since I
started modelling to be the face of [Victoria’s Secret] or in a campaign for
[them] and … here we are!”
She also posted a video compilation of
the launch event on her own Instagram account on Tuesday, thanking the local
Malaysian and American teams she had worked with.
“I’m honestly still processing
everything and currently in pinch-me mode,” she added. “Teenage Nia wouldn’t
believe this.”
Over the past week, fans and netizens
have flooded the comments of her post with overwhelming support, declaring how
“proud and happy” they are for the young model.
One Instagram user said, referring to
the extravagant wings worn by top models in the now-defunct Victoria’s Secret
Fashion Show: “Can’t wait to see you walking with a [pair of] wings one day!”
Malaysian celebrities like actresses
Yuna Rahim and Alicia Amin, host Azura Zainal and fellow model Melissa Th’ng
also chimed in to congratulate Nia.
“I can say I know a VS (Victoria’s
Secret) model now,” wrote Malaysian hip hop artist SYA, whose real name is Nur
Batrisya Mohammad Nazri. “Slayyy mama.”
The campaign has also been lauded as a
win for diversity, with Teoh commenting in an Instagram post that it “marks a
noteworthy milestone for us as Southeast Asians” as models from this region
have historically been under-represented in the industry.
“So glad to see the brand I grew up
watching … has taken its stand on a more sustainable brand image, to be more
inclusive and to embrace diversity,” she added.
Victoria’s Secret Malaysia promoted the
campaign with the hashtag #BeAuthenticBeYou, as a celebration of “women who
fearlessly embrace their individuality in every aspect of their daily lives,
empowering them to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin”.
In a teaser post, the brand refers to
the models as “three exceptional talents from diverse backgrounds”.
But not everyone agrees.
Under WPM’s Instagram post of the
campaign video, the top comment reads sarcastically: “By ‘embracing
individuality’, it means embracing their [the three models’] light-skinned and
skinny bods yeah? That’s what you stand for, correct?
“You don’t stand for people of colour,
or anyone who looks different from you. Congrats on your deal, must be nice to
be recognised for your individuality, I’m sure you struggled to get there.”
Similarly, other Instagram users also
called for more representation of “darker-skinned [Southeast Asian] women” as
well as a wider variety of “realistic body types” such as plus-sized women and
women with “mummy tummies” or caesarean-section scars.
Another camp expressed their
dissatisfaction with Nia specifically as a Malay-Muslim woman, feeling that her
image was “too revealing” and went against Islamic teachings which state that
certain parts of a woman’s body should be covered.
One Twitter user wrote in a mix of
English and Malay: “She is so gorgeous and beautiful … But as a Muslim woman
herself, she should be more selective when choosing a brand campaign.”
While some agreed, fellow Muslims also
fought back against the critics, asking: “Why should your opinion matter when
it’s between her and the almighty?”
Other than Victoria’s Secret, Nia has
also modelled for other well-known international brands such as Calvin Klein,
Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci.
Source: scmp.com
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https://www.scmp.com/print/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3227008/victorias-secrets-first-malay-muslim-model-nia-atasha-rosli-divides-fans-conservatives
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Malaysia Madani and the Muslim World:
Anwar Ibrahim’s Soft Power Strategy
July 07, 2023
On May 26, Malaysian Prime Minister
Anwar Ibrahim sat alongside Dr. Ali Gomaa, the former grand mufti of Egypt, and
Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, founder and dean of the Dar al-Mustafa seminary in Tarim,
Yemen. The event, entitled Majlis Ilmu Madani, or Gathering of Civilizational
Knowledge, could have been construed as a showcase of Malaysia’s Islamic
identity, which Anwar vowed to uphold at the dawn of his premiership. However,
the event, which attracted more than 18,000 participants, was part of
Malaysia’s broader strategy of religious soft power.
Even prior to this event, Anwar had
invited to Malaysia numerous influential religious scholars and personalities
from around the world, including Jamal Farouk Jibreel from Egypt, Mehmet
FadilCeylani from Turkey, Muhammad NuruddeenLemu from Nigeria, Ismail Menk from
Zimbabwe, Muhammad Salah from the United States, and Wael Ibrahim from
Australia. On June 19, the Malaysian prime minister hosted Dr. Ekrima Sabri,
the imam of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, Ahmed Mohamed Saad from the United
Kingdom, and Muhammad Haydara al-Jilani from Gambia, for another Majlis Ilmu
Madani, which Anwar said was organized to help people understand his
administration’s notion of “Malaysia Madani.” Briefly, Malaysia Madani
represents DSAI’s vision of a Malaysian society that is civilized, skilled, and
inclusive, based on core values that include, respect, care and compassion, as
well as trust.
These religious preachers represent an
array of mainstream Muslim traditions, and are known to have different views on
social and political issues according to their respective traditions and local
contexts. While it initially seemed like Anwar was cultivating relations with
scholars from his own modernist, Islamist milieu, it soon became apparent,
especially after the invitation of Habib Umar, a Sufi Muslim whose tradition
shuns politics, that he was reaching out to broader cross-section of Islamic
traditions. Indeed, based on the list of invitees so far, Anwar appears to be
making heavy investments in Malaysia’s “sacred capital.”
Sacred Capital
Dr. Gregorio Bettiza, senior lecturer at
the University of Exeter, has argued that states can possess “sacred capital”:
religious resources that can generate soft power if leveraged in the right way.
Malaysia at first glance appears not to fit this bill. Its status as an Islamic
state continues to be contested, and its constitution is arguably secular. In
this sense it contrasts starkly with the likes of Saudi Arabia, custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques, or Egypt, host of the prestigious Al-Azhar University. In
Southeast Asia, it is Aceh that has had the title of SerambiMekah (“Verandah of
Mecca”). Hence, competition against other Muslim states for sacred capital is
out of the question, and the manufacture of it would be nearly impossible, and
would likely take centuries.
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Nevertheless, Islam and the Malay
ethnicity has historically held a privileged position in Malaysia. This fact is
a given for Malaysians and their political elites since decolonization. When
there was a religious resurgence in the 1980s, then-Prime Minister Mahathir
Mohamad embarked on a program of Islamization during which he co-opted Anwar,
who was then a youth activist. Subsequent Malay nationalist politicians, as
well as Islamists in the opposition, have exploited this sacred capital – the
nexus between Islam and Malay identity – for domestic political gains.
Anwar has been cognizant of the
potential of Malaysia’s sacred capital since his days in the youth group
AngkatanBelia Islam Malaysia. During the 2018 PakatanHarapan administration, he
did not have the wherewithal to capitalize on Islam and the Malay identity. He
also had the sticky image of being allegedly associated with the Muslim
Brotherhood and Islamist activism from his heyday. This time, however, Anwar is
seemingly attempting to broaden the application of sacred capital beyond
Malaysia’s polarizing identity politics.
Since taking office last November, Anwar
has invited Islamic scholars from around the world to Malaysia in order to
generate sacred capital. Through the cultivation of relationships with the
abovementioned scholars, Anwar appears to be attempting to build Malaysia’s
soft power as a global champion of a version of Islam that is internally
syncretic and inclusivist with regard to various Islamic traditions and
movements. In his vision of Malaysia Madani, he is attempting to blend aspects
of Islam from Egypt’s traditional scholarship, Tunisia and Turkey’s nationalist-Islamism,
Yemen’s Hadhrami tradition and historical network, sympathy for oppressed
Muslims worldwide, the teachings of popular Salafi figures, and experiences of
Muslim scholars from the West and even from Africa. The campaign so far appears
to have been well received by Muslims within and outside of Malaysia.
The Muslim State(s) of Play
Anwar’s cultivation of sacred capital
come at an apt moment, given the state of play in the Muslim world. According
to research led by Dr. Peter Mandaville at Georgetown University’s Berkley
Center, geopolitical rivalry in the Middle East had resulted in the use of
religion for domestic and foreign political interests. This has involved the
cultivation of certain religious institutions and scholars, and the simultaneous
restriction of others. A good example is the development of global Salafist
movement by oil-rich gulf Arab states.
However, the soft power rivalry in the
Muslim world has seemingly come to a state of perhaps transient stability,
offering Malaysia opportunities to advance its own inclusive vision. To realize
his vision for Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) has
silenced his political and religious opponents. While this has made it possible
to hold “decadent” concerts and parties, MBS’ vision for Saudi Arabia came at
the cost of credibility among Muslims. After a brief but bitter rivalry between
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, the two are in a détente. With less
competition, UAE has relied more on local experts such as Dr. Ali Rashid Al
Nuaimi, while Qatar is unlikely to look for a replacement for the late
charismatic spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, to
drive their vision of moderate and tolerant Islam.
At the same time, Turkey’s geopolitical
fantasies and its soft power appeal have reached their upper limit. Turkey now
has to address its current domestic politics and overreach in regional
conflicts. Meanwhile in Indonesia, Malaysia’s regional “competitor” for
religious soft power, President Joko Widodo’s term is coming to an end and the
future of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) involvement in politics through Indonesia Vice
President Ma’aruf Amin is unclear. NU’s front-and-centre position in Indonesian
politics through Ma’aruf Amin may fade with the end of the current
administration’s term. Candidates for the next presidency and vice-presidency,
thus far, are neither of Ma’aruf Amin’s calibre, nor at his level of public
support. Even NU’s interpretation of Islam Nusantara, which Indonesia has been
exhibiting to the world as an inclusivist model of Islam, has not been truly
successful as a cultural export. Islam Nusantara’s appeal in the Malay world
has been limited and will wane as NU steps back from its current prime position
in Indonesian politics.
Conclusion
As a result, present conditions in the
Muslim and Malay world provide Malaysia with an opportunity to use religious
soft power to drive foreign investments and interest in the Malaysian economy.
Having been wrecked by corruption scandals, domestic political instability, and
one economic downturn after another, religious soft power presents itself as
another tether for Malaysia to recover its global place, especially in the
Muslim world.
Based on the current trend, if Anwar
were to continue to invite religious scholars from different traditions and
movements, Malaysia could come to be seen as a place where diverse religious
ideas could grow in a Muslim majority, multi-cultural, and multi-religious
context. Given the restrictions on religious scholars and ideas as well as the
politicization of Islam in other parts of the world, religious scholars from
different parts of the world could also contribute to Islamic discourse with
Malaysia as its platform. If Anwar’s strategy is successful, and if he can
translate this momentum into economic and cultural benefit, Malaysia has the
potential to be a significant player – or even a leader – in the Muslim world.
Source: thediplomat.com
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https://thediplomat.com/2023/07/malaysia-madani-and-the-muslim-world-anwar-ibrahims-soft-power-strategy/
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Europe
Durham prisoner admits distributing
Islamic State radicalisation magazine
Saturday 8 July 2023
A prisoner has admitted distributing
so-called Islamic State radicalisation magazines.
Denny De Silva, 31, from Luton,
Bedfordshire, pleaded guilty to disseminating two issues of Dabiq magazine in
January 2021.
The online magazine was used by the
so-called Islamic State terrorist group for Islamic radicalisation and
recruitment.
De Silva intended to create direct or
indirect encouragement or other inducement to commit, prepare or instigate acts
of terrorism or convention offences.
He also pleaded guilty to conspiring
with his sister Rahimah de Silva, also from Luton, and others to bring
"mobile telephones and associated components" into prison between
August 2020 and January 2021.
Rahimah De Silva, 24, pleaded guilty to
the same conspiracy charge.
She appeared in the dock of the Old
Bailey while her brother was on a video link from Frankland Prison, County
Durham, on Friday.
The Luton woman was bailed and Denny De
Silva remanded into custody ahead of their future sentencing.
Source: itv.com
Please
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https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2023-07-08/prisoner-admits-distributing-islamic-state-radicalisation-magazine
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Big Muslim Variety Show featuring world
famous Quran reciter from West Midlands and top hip-hop artist
7 JUL 2023
The Big Muslim Variety Show tour is
heading to Birmingham in two weeks, showcasing Islamic artists and
entertainment. Organised by Islamic charity Penny Appeal, the event is entering
its fourth year with proceeds going to victims of the Turkey and Syria
earthquakes to provide lifesaving aid.
The tour promises 16 diverse acts
including singers, performers, beatboxers, Nasheed artists and stand-up
comedians. One performer will be Mikhaeel Mala, a world-renowned Quran reciter
from the West Midlands.
The teacher has performed around the globe
at prestigious venues including Wembley Arena and the 02 Arena. Brummies are
encouraged to book tickets now for July 23 where the tour will stop at
Stratford Road's Piccadilly Banqueting Suite.
Other variety entertainers include
Prince Abdi, the Somalian King of Comedy, hailing from South London to bring
his distinct storytelling style. Refugee star MoYah will also be performing at
the event - the Afrofusion artist is Mozambican-born and now lives in Bristol.
Organisers claim his journey and music
is not to be missed. Additionally singer songwriter Safe Adam promises to
captivate audiences with his soulful voice.
Fans of early 2000s music will remember
hip-hop band Outlandish as lead singer Waqas will also feature on the tour.
Anyone who caught Penny Appeal's Muslim twist on a pantomime, Cinder'Aliyah,
will see lead actress and singer Sajal.
Finally organisers confirmed Bustami as
part of this years line-up, a British Sudanese playwright, actor and musician.
The artist has performed in over 28 countries, written and directed more than
ten theatre productions and organised numerous tours in the UK and North
America.
The Big Muslim Variety Show will be
travelling across London, Birmingham, Leicester, Bristol, Bradford, Blackburn,
Sheffield, Manchester, Glasgow and other venues.
Source: birminghammail.co.uk
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/big-muslim-variety-show-featuring-27276347
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Are the French riots an underground
jihad against France?
7 July 2023
Public Policy Researcher Carys Moseley
comments on the French riots
On 27 June 2023, riots broke out in the
Nanterre district of Paris after Nahel Mazouk, a young man of Algerian descent
was shot by an armed police officer whilst driving away from a police check.
He was already known to police for
resisting arrest. The Wikipedia page on his death indicates that ‘his judicial
file included 15 recorded incidents, including use of false license plates,
driving without insurance, and for the sale and consumption of drugs.’
The riots spread to the working-class
suburbs of cities (‘banlieues’) and far beyond all across France.
Mother of deceased calls for ‘a revolt’
on TikTok
On TikTok, the mother of Nahel Mazouk
called for a ‘Marche Blanche’ (‘White March’, a type of tribute march) then
when prompted by another woman she called for ‘unerévolte’ (‘a revolt’).
The practice of ‘White marches’
originated in Belgium with the families of the victims of serial killer Marc
Dutroux, calling for better protection for children.
Grandmother blames the French government
for death
Initially Nahel’s mother and grandmother
spoke anonymously to the press and only revealed the first initial of his
surname. The grandmother also told the press ‘the government’ was to blame for
his death and said she would ‘never forgive’ the French government.
In 2017, the French government had
passed a law allowing French police the right to use firearms for five
purposes, expanding its powers to do so. This has been the subject of heated
debate in the press.
Widespread and wanton destruction
These nationwide riots have been marked
by widespread and wanton destruction, including the burning of many cars and
buildings.
Three hundred and seventy bank branches
were vandalised, eighty of which were destroyed or set on fire.
The town hall of Val Fourre, not far
from Nanterre, was burnt down on the night of the 28th of June.
Over 200 schools have been vandalised.
One hundred and fifty out of the 7000
French post offices were impacted by the riots; eighty have been unable to
reopen.
Two hundred food shops and sixty sports
shops were attacked.
A block of flats set on fire, and its
twenty-two residents were saved by one hundred firefighters.
A hotel was set on fire in the middle of
the night.
A prison was set on fire.
Thirty-nine buses were burnt in the
Ile-de-France in Paris.
Rioters in Paris stole a lorry carrying
oil or gas.
On 3 July the French National Assembly
held a minute silence for a young firefighter who died fighting a fire caused
by rioters burning cars in Saint-Denis in Paris.
Key aspects of the riots are Islamic
The press in France and internationally
has avoided saying that the riots are Islamic in nature.
Much of the coverage has rehearsed
claims of police racism, which are difficult to discuss rationally given that
France does not collect official statistics on ethnicity. Neither does France
record official statistics on citizens’ religion in its census. This is due to
its constitutional secularism, stemming ultimately from the Revolution of 1789.
However, it is impossible to ignore the
many signs that the riots are Islamic in nature.
Cries of ‘Allahu Akbar’ by some rioters
A video circulated early on in the riots
of Islamic protesters crying ‘Allahu Akbar’ (‘Allah is great’) saying that the
Qu’ran says ‘whoever kills you, you have the right to kill him’, applying this
to justify attacking the police.
Muslim rioters attack evangelical church
in Marseille
The Philadelphia evangelical church in
Marseille, a city in the south of France with a large Muslim population, was
vandalised and a message left saying:
“Le dernierprophètec’est Mohamed”
(Mohammed is the final prophet)
“Jésusn’est point Dieu” (Jesus is not
God)
This shows the Islamic belief that Islam
has come to take the place of Christianity, and it denies the religious freedom
of Christians under Islamic domination.
Catholic bookshop vandalised in Nantes
On the night of 30 June, protesters who
attended a ‘Justice for Nahel’ event vandalised the Catholic bookshop Dobrée in
Nantes. This event had not been authorised by the Loire-Atlantique prefecture.
The bookshop manager complained that it had been falsely accused of being a
far-right shop.
Muslim rioters threaten Jews with new
Holocaust
Rioters defaced the Holocaust Memorial
in Nanterre, Paris, with graffiti threatening Jews with ‘une nouvelle Shoah’
(‘a new Holocaust’). This fits with the notorious anti-semitism in Islam.
This was condemned by the Prime Minister
of Israel.
Muslim rioters threaten to blow up LGBT
bar
Rioters threatened to blow up in LGBT
bar in Brest in Brittany. The bar closed its doors for several days.
Rioters film themselves looting shops
and supermarkets
The shamelessness of the rioters is very
clear on social media channels as they have been filming themselves looting
shops and supermarkets and vandalising business premises.
Clearly these are not normal criminals
as they seem to think they will get away with this.
The Nike shop at Chatelet-les-Halles in
Paris was targeted.
The Zara shop in Strasbourg was
vandalised.
Sura 8: 41 of the Qu’ran permits
jihadists to go looting in times of war against their enemies, and to give a
portion of the spoils to ‘the poor and needy’. The significance of this verse
was picked up by the secularist website Résistance Républicaine.
Rioters loot hundreds of tobacconists’
shops
Rioters attacked hundreds of tobacco
shops, many of which in France are owned by Chinese-French shopkeepers. These
also tend to double up as newsagents.
Why would rioters be so interested in
tobacconists’ shops? The answer may be that since many Islamic scholars forbid
smoking that therefore Islamist rioters would have no problem attacking tobacco
shops as haram. Islamists are also known to be involved in tobacco smuggling
and illegal production of cigarettes as means of financing themselves.
Thirty pharmacies attacked
According to the French professional
journal for pharmacists Le Quotidien du Pharmacien over thirty pharmacies in
France and Mayotte, a French territory in Guyana, have been vandalised. A mob
of between two and three hundred people attacked the pharmacy in the small town
of Montargis on the 30th of June, and its complete collapse was caught on
video.
The Taliban has attacked pharmacies as
anti-Islam for stocking contraceptives.
Riots coincided exactly with Eid
Al-Kabir festival
A significant clue that the riots are
Islamic in nature is their timing. Tuesday 27 June, the day Nahel Mazouk was
killed and the riots started, was a day of fasting, with Eid Al-Kabir – the
most important festival in the Islamic calendar – commencing on 28 June in
France. This date was fixed by the Grand Mosque of Paris. Parallel to this was
the scheduled Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca scheduled between 26 June
and 1 July. The grandmother of Nahel Mazouk called for calm on Sunday 2 July.
Why did it take until that time to say this? She should have said this
immediately.
Previous French riots coincided with the
Islamic calendar
The 2005 riots lasted from 27 October to
16 November that year.
We can tell from the Islamic calendar
converter that they started during the month of Ramadan and ended ‘officially’
on 17 November 2005, the 15th of Shawwal, one of the four sacred months in
Islam.
During these months Islam only allows
fighting if Muslims have been attacked. Of course, this depends upon one’s
interpretation of whether a Muslim was attacked for being a Muslim.
The first riots in a French banlieue
(inner city area) happened in Vaulx-le-Velin near Lyon on 15 September 1979.
This again was during the Islamic sacred month of Shawwal. It is interesting
that on the night of 8 September 1979 martial law was decreed in Iran in the
wake of the Iranian Revolution, and that Ayatollah Khomeini went to live
temporarily near Paris.
Grand Mosque of Paris gives away Muslim
identity of rioters
On 29 June, the rector of the Grand
Mosque of Paris tweeted a message expressing condolences to Nahel Mazouk’s
family, and calling on ‘young people’ not to react with violence. This was a
tacit admission that the rioters were Muslims. It is relevant that this message
is no longer available either on the Grand Mosque’s website or on the Wayback
Machine.
Perhaps this is because too many people
responded pointing out that the message tacitly admitted the Islamic identity
of the rioters. It was also pointed out that the message was entirely
inappropriate as the Grand Mosque positioned itself as an authority on the law
of the land to French Muslims above that of the government.
Is France ‘at war’?
The trade unions representing the vast
majority of French police officers have said ‘we are at war’ and vowed to take
concrete action if measures are not taken to legally protect the police officer
charged with manslaughter of the Algerian 17-year old whose death sparked the
riots.
Back in 2018, Gérard Collomb (then
Minister for the Interior) warned that France could descend into civil war
within five years. Now in 2023 we are five years on. However, I think there are
other questions that need to be asked.
Are the riots revenge for France cracking
down on Islamist activism?
The French government cracked down twice
on Islamic political activism earlier this year.
In early May the French National
Assembly voted down a bill denouncing Israel as an ‘apartheid state’, a
familiar Islamic tactic to undermine Israel and the west. Also in May, it froze
millions of euros of the funds of the Muslim Brotherhood in France.
It is not impossible that these riots
were spread across all of France in revenge of these two actions. This would
make sense of the attack on the Holocaust memorial.
Did the government of Algeria foment the
riots?
The government of Algeria published a
response on Twitter to the riots which commiserated with the family of the
deceased, and expressed its confidence that the French government would protect
Algerian citizens living in France. Algeria failed to condemn the riots. This
silence was widely condemned on social media in France.
The specialist news site on North
Africa, Maghreb Intelligence, argues that the Algerian government has exploited
the death of Nahel for its own purposes, namely fomenting hostility against the
French police and Ministry of the Interior. It is stated that intelligence
sources from Algeria claim that Algerian diplomats openly took part in the
march to commemorate the deceased, which ended in violence. Sources then claim
that elements of the Algerian security services spread anti-French content on
social media from 30 June.
Are the French riots an underground
jihad against France?
It is one thing for the friends and
family of the deceased to protest, and for such protests to descend into a riot
in the Nanterre area. It is quite another for riots to spread across France.
Far from being truly spontaneous or
merely mimicking content on social media, they appear co-ordinated by
underground networks. The vast majority of these French riots since the 1970s
have been after drug gang members with Muslim names have died or been killed.
When British journalist Gavin Mortimer, based in Paris, tells us it was the
drug dealers who really ended the riots because these were ‘bad for business’,
this is plausible but does not explain everything. The drug gangs are
overwhelmingly Muslim.
It is as if there is an underground
Islamist militia in France fronted by drug gangs. This would make sense of a
police chief saying that men who attack officers clearly want to kill them. The
French police unions may well be right that this is in reality ‘a war’ – a
jihad against France started by an underground Islamist network, plugged into
various networks and expert at manipulating the media and political parties.
Source: christianconcern.com
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https://christianconcern.com/comment/are-the-french-riots-an-underground-jihad-against-france/
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Man denies attempted murder charges
after worshippers set on fire leaving mosques
7 JUL 2023
A man accused of setting two pensioners
on fire in the street after they left mosques in Birmingham and London has
today denied charges of attempted murder. Mohammed Abbkr is accused of injuring
his alleged victims in two attacks a month apart.
West Midlands Police previously said
that 28-year-old Abbkr is alleged to have sprayed a substance on the men and
set it alight. Mohammed Rayaz, 70, suffered severe injuries after he was set on
fire as he walked home from Dudley Road Mosque, in Edgbaston, at about 7pm, on
March 20.
Abbkr was arrested in the Dudley Road
area the following day on suspicion of the attempted murder of Mr Rayaz. He was
later arrested on suspicion of the earlier attack on 82-year-old HashiOdowa,
who had suffered severe burns to his face and arms near an Islamic centre in
Ealing, West London, on February 27.
Abbkr, who is originally from Sudan,
appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via a video-link from HMP Belmarsh in South
East London earlier today, Friday, July 7. Assisted by an Arabic interpreter,
the defendant spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his not guilty
pleas.
Abbkr, of Gillott Road, Edgbaston,
Birmingham, was further remanded into custody and is expected to face trial at
the same court in October.
Source: birminghammail.co.uk
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/man-denies-attempted-murder-charges-27276912
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Man denies Ealing and Birmingham mosque
attacks
A man accused of setting alight two
elderly men as they left mosques has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.
Mohammed Abbkr, 28, is accused of
injuring his alleged victims in Ealing, west London, in February and the second
in Birmingham in March.
West Midlands Police previously said Mr
Abbkr is alleged to have sprayed a substance on the men and set it alight.
Appearing at Birmingham Crown Court via
videolink, he denied two counts and is expected to face trial on 9 October.
Mohammed Rayaz, 70, suffered severe
injuries after he was set on fire as he walked home from Dudley Road Mosque in
Edgbaston, Birmingham, at about 19:00 GMT on 20 March.
Mr Abbkr was arrested in the Dudley Road
area the following day on suspicion of the attempted murder of Mr Rayaz.
He was later arrested on suspicion of
the earlier attack on 82-year-old HashiOdowa, who suffered severe burns to his
face and arms near an Islamic centre in Ealing.
Mr Abbkr, of Gillott Road, Edgbaston,
Birmingham, who is originally from Sudan, was assisted by an Arabic interpreter
at the hearing on Friday where he was remanded into custody until the trial at
the same court.
Source: bbc.com
Please
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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-66134116
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Africa
Islam Won’t Let You Down – Mercy Aigbe’s
Husband, Adeoti Assures Her
8 July 2023
Movie marketer, KazimAdeoti has taken to
Instagram to extend appreciation to his wife Mercy Aigbe for joining him in
performing the 2023 Hajj rites.
Recall, the actress in April 2023
confirmed she converted from Christianity to Islam after marrying Adeoti.
In a video Adeoti posted on Instagram on
Friday, Mercy thanked him for taking her to Mecca.
She prayed that God would keep them
together in good health. The actress also expressed thanks for her new
religion, adding that she feels hopeful.
Adeoti captioned the video,
“Alhamdulilairobil al-amin. Thank God for the completion of our 2023 Umrah/Hajj
rites.
“I’m very pleased with you, AlhajaMinnah
and I know that Allah is also pleased with you. I can promise you that Islam
will never let you down, Amin.
“May Allah accept our sacrifices and
supplication from us as an act of Ibadah.
“And to everyone that wishes to visit
the holy land in Saudi Arabia, may Allah grant your wishes and make it easy for
you. Amin. Jummah Mubarak.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2023/07/08/islam-wont-let-you-down-mercy-aigbes-husband-adeoti-assures-her/
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RCCG pastor’s killing: Seek protection,
stop organising night vigils, police tell churches, mosques
July 7, 2023
The Ogun State Police command has
advised religious leaders in the state to seek police protection before
religious activities are held.
The warning is coming in the wake of the
attack on a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Abule-Ori, Obafemi-Owode
Local Government of the State, where a pastor was killed and seven worshippers
kidnapped by some unknown gunmen last weekend.
In a statement made available to newsmen
on Friday, the police spokesperson in the state, OmololaOdutola, noted that the
State Commissioner, AbiodunAlamutu, also warned religious leaders to desist
from organising night programmes for their members.
She said, “before religion activities
are held at any centre, podium, location, or area, authorities of the religious
body, should approach the nearest Area Commands, Divisional Police Station for
adequate security and coverage.”
The Police also tasked churches and
mosques to take into consideration that early evenings would be more secure for
worshippers to hold their services and return home safely on time before
sunset.
Alamutu advised religious organizations
to cooperate with the ongoing contingency plans of the police in Ogun, saying
strategies to halt the trend had been put in place.
It would be recalled that the seven RCCG
members kidnapped during the Abule Ori incident were rescued by operatives of
the Ogun So-Safe Corps, who killed one of the gunmen.
Source: vanguardngr.com
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https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/07/rccg-pastors-killing-seek-protection-stop-organising-night-vigils-police-tell-churches-mosques/
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URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/nsa-doval-issa-religious-saudi-muslim/d/130167