Islam in Media Roundup | 25 May – 31 May 2020

United States

‘Let My Building Burn’: Muslim Restaurant Owner Shows Solidarity with Minneapolis Protesters

‘Let My Building Burn’: Muslim Restaurant Owner Shows Solidarity with Minneapolis Protesters

The Muslim Vibe

“Life is more valuable than anything else…We can rebuild a building. But we cannot give this man back to his family.”
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Black Pain Is Ours: Minneapolis Somali Community Rallies Over Floyd Killing

Black Pain Is Ours: Minneapolis Somali Community Rallies Over Floyd Killing

Middle East Eye

Somali community, being both Muslim and Black, plays unique role within protest movement.
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Arab-Black Relations: Floyd Tragedy Highlights Ties and Tensions

Arab-Black Relations: Floyd Tragedy Highlights Ties and Tensions

Middle East Eye

Debate emerges about responsibilities of Arab American-owned businesses in mostly Black neighbourhoods.
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Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t Understand the Protests? What You’re Seeing Is People Pushed to the Edge

Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t Understand the Protests? What You’re Seeing Is People Pushed to the Edge

LA Times

Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible-even if you’re choking on it-until you let the sun in…As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands.
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For The Fourth Year Running, Black Muslims Are Sharing Photos Of Themselves Celebrating Eid With #BlackoutEid

For The Fourth Year Running, Black Muslims Are Sharing Photos Of Themselves Celebrating Eid With #BlackoutEid

BuzzFeed

“Happy quarantEid or whatever.”
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It’s Time for the US to Rethink Huntington’s Philosophy: Part II

It’s Time for the US to Rethink Huntington’s Philosophy: Part II

PRI's The World

Monolithic civilizations don’t exist. … Not in any analytically meaningful way. When they’re not dressed up in the finery of social science, the word we usually use for dramatic generalizations about people based on ethnicity is “racism.”
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Questions Remain after US Cop Kills Muslim Man who 'Threw Rocks'

Questions Remain after US Cop Kills Muslim Man who 'Threw Rocks'

Al Jazeera

Community searches for answers after a sheriff’s deputy killed Yassin Mohamed in the US state of Georgia earlier this month.
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Shots Fired At Indianapolis Mosque

Shots Fired At Indianapolis Mosque

wfyi Indianapolis

A handful of worshippers were inside the mosque following a sunset prayer on Eid al-Fitr, a holy day celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan. The mosque would ordinarily be packed with worshippers at the time of the shooting, but restrictions in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus prevented a larger gathering.
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New USAID Adviser Sparks Furor Over Past Anti-Islam Comments

New USAID Adviser Sparks Furor Over Past Anti-Islam Comments

ABC

Muslim American groups and the Anti-Defamation League are decrying the U.S. Agency for International Development’s hiring of a religious freedom adviser who has reportedly made past anti-Islam comments.
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Some U.S. Prisons Denied Fasting For Muslims During Ramadan

Some U.S. Prisons Denied Fasting For Muslims During Ramadan

Muslim Co

Authorities announce the building of the first-ever Islamic Research Center in capital Addis Ababa.
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Ethiopia

Early African Muslims Had a Halal -- and Cosmopolitan Diet -- Discovery of Thousands of Ancient Animal Bones Shows

Early African Muslims Had a Halal -- and Cosmopolitan Diet -- Discovery of Thousands of Ancient Animal Bones Shows

Phys.org

Halal butchery practices became common when Islam spread through Ethiopia as vibrant communities developed because of the import and export of products around the Red Sea, and to Egypt, India, and the Arabian Peninsula, archaeologists have found.
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Ethiopia: No Mass Eid Prayers but Festive Spirit Alive

Ethiopia: No Mass Eid Prayers but Festive Spirit Alive

Anadolu News Agency

Authorities announce the building of the first-ever Islamic Research Center in capital Addis Ababa.
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Sudan

Coronavirus: Sudan’s Economy and Pandemic Threaten Revolutionary Gains

Coronavirus: Sudan’s Economy and Pandemic Threaten Revolutionary Gains

The Africa Report

It is just over a year since Sudanese revolutionaries ousted Field Marshal Omar al-Bashir, who had presided over a military-backed Islamist regime for 30 years.
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Tanzania

Tanzania Says Virus Defeated Through Prayer, but Fears Grow

Tanzania Says Virus Defeated Through Prayer, but Fears Grow

The Times of Israel

Country has not reported a new case in three weeks, but critics have been arrested, top health officials fired and citizens discouraged from going to hospitals.
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Morocco

The World's First, and Still-Operating, University Is in Morocco

The World's First, and Still-Operating, University Is in Morocco

TRT World

Not Oxford or Bologna, but al-Qarawiyyin is the world’s first university. Still functioning today in the Moroccan city of Fes, it was a place bursting with knowledge and multiculturalism even as early as the 9th century.
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Algeria

Death of Algerian Girl, 10, in 'Faith Healing' Ceremony Sparks Outcry

Death of Algerian Girl, 10, in 'Faith Healing' Ceremony Sparks Outcry

The Guardian

A 28-year-old man has been arrested over the death of the girl, who showed signs of ‘blows and burns.’
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Tunisia

Tunisia to Reopen Mosques, Cafes After Nearly 3 Months

Tunisia to Reopen Mosques, Cafes After Nearly 3 Months

Anadolu News Agency

Restrictions on long distance travel to continue, while universities to restart education as of June 8.
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Bangladesh

15,000 Rohingya Under Quarantine as Coronavirus Cases Rise

15,000 Rohingya Under Quarantine as Coronavirus Cases Rise

Al Jazeera

Three sections of camps in Bangladesh blocked off by authorities after confirmed infections among refugees hit 29.
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India

When Lockdown Eid Broke a Long-Held Taboo in Muslim Homes

When Lockdown Eid Broke a Long-Held Taboo in Muslim Homes

Indian Express

The Covid-19 pandemic has beautifully dispelled the taboo, the myth, the common practice ⁠— that women do not and cannot pray with men.
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Malaysia

Malaysian Wins Landmark Right to Challenge Muslim Gay Sex Ban

Malaysian Wins Landmark Right to Challenge Muslim Gay Sex Ban

Reuters

LGBT+ rights groups say Islamic laws have been increasingly used to target the country’s gay community, with a rise in arrests and punishments ranging from caning to jailing.
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China

Cultural Genocide: China Continues to Destroy Uyghur Mosques and Islamic Symbols

Cultural Genocide: China Continues to Destroy Uyghur Mosques and Islamic Symbols

The Muslim Vibe

China has now partially destroyed and removed the historical Islamic scriptural plaque at the entrance of the Id Kah mosque in the city of Kashgar, as well as the star-and-crescent symbols at the top of the mosque. Id Kah is the largest and oldest mosque in Xinjiang, with Uyghurs regarding this mosque as an important symbol of faith and historical importance.
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Why Maltreatment of Nigerians in China May Not End Soon

Why Maltreatment of Nigerians in China May Not End Soon

The Conversation

Racism against Nigerians – and other Africans – is not new in China. Africa-China history is marked by solidarity, but also dented by old and new racism. Nothing at this moment suggests that the current situation will drastically change.
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Afghanistan

Clashing Assessments of Links Between Taliban and Islamic State Point to Problems for Afghanistan’s Peace Process

Clashing Assessments of Links Between Taliban and Islamic State Point to Problems for Afghanistan’s Peace Process

The Washington Post

The theory is unproven, but it highlights deep mistrust at a critical point in the peace process.
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Iran

Iran's Mosques to Resume Daily Prayers as Lockdown Eases

Iran's Mosques to Resume Daily Prayers as Lockdown Eases

Reuters

Iran, hit by the deadliest outbreak of the virus, began to loosen restrictions on human interaction in April.
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‘Honor Killing’ Of 14-Year-Old Romina Ashrafi Sparks Outrage Across Iran

‘Honor Killing’ Of 14-Year-Old Romina Ashrafi Sparks Outrage Across Iran

Muslim Co

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has announced new legislation to end this practice.
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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia to Allow Mosques to Open for Friday Prayers

Saudi Arabia to Allow Mosques to Open for Friday Prayers

Al Jazeera

Authorities have announced three phases of easing coronavirus restrictions, culminating in curfew ending on June 21.
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Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia Reopens 90,000 Mosques as Lockdown Eased

Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia Reopens 90,000 Mosques as Lockdown Eased

Middle East Eye

The Gulf kingdom has so far reported 83,384 cases of coronavirus and 480 deaths.
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Saudi Propaganda Is Demonising Islam and the Palestinian Cause

Saudi Propaganda Is Demonising Islam and the Palestinian Cause

Middle East Eye

The Saudi government’s oppressive efforts to control the narrative have destroyed the state’s legitimacy, both politically and morally.
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Syria

Tomb of Umayyad Caliph exhumed by Militias in Syria

Tomb of Umayyad Caliph exhumed by Militias in Syria

Middle East Monitor

Militias fighting alongside the Syrian regime of President Bashar Al-Assad destroyed and desecrated the grave of the eighth Umayyad Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz yesterday, located in the north-west province of Idlib.
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Israel/Palestine

Israel Occupation Arrests Al-Aqsa Mosque Cleric

Israel Occupation Arrests Al-Aqsa Mosque Cleric

Middle East Monitor

The Israeli forces arrested Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, president of the Supreme Islamic Council and cleric of Al-Aqsa Mosque, after storming his house in occupied Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Information Centre (PIC). The occupation forces have stormed Sheikh Sabri’s house several times and removed him from Al-Aqsa under the pretext of inciting citizens to pray in the mosque.
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Coronavirus: Thousands Pray at Al-Aqsa After More Than Two Months

Coronavirus: Thousands Pray at Al-Aqsa After More Than Two Months

Middle East Eye

Israeli police arrest dozens of Palestinians after settlers entered the compound later in the morning.
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Turkey

Coronavirus: How Turkey Took Control of COVID-19 Emergency

Coronavirus: How Turkey Took Control of COVID-19 Emergency

BBC

Covid-19 came late to Turkey – on 11 March – but soon signed every corner of the country. Within a month all 81 provinces had been affected.
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North Macedonia

North Macedonia’s Islamic Community Shows Stormy Leader the Door

North Macedonia’s Islamic Community Shows Stormy Leader the Door

Balkan Insight

North Macedonia’s Islamic Religious Community, IVZ, has terminated the services of its long-standing leader, who often grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
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United Kingdom

Tory Party Becoming a Breeding Ground for Islamophobia

Tory Party Becoming a Breeding Ground for Islamophobia

Arab News

Preoccupied with the current pandemic, policymakers and the media alike took little notice of this month’s decision by the Equality and Human Rights Commission not to conduct an inquiry into allegations of Islamophobia within Britain’s ruling Conservative Party.
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Muslim Woman Becomes UK's First Hijab-Wearing Judge

Muslim Woman Becomes UK's First Hijab-Wearing Judge

Al Araby

A Muslim woman has become the first judge in the UK to wear the hijab, after she was appointed as a deputy district judge on the Midlands circuit last week, British media reported on Tuesday. Raffia Arshad, 40, who grew up in Yorkshire, north England, had been practicing law as a barrister while wearing the Islamic headscarf prior to her promotion.
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Coronavirus: Bodies Held in Mosque Awaiting Repatriation

Coronavirus: Bodies Held in Mosque Awaiting Repatriation

BBC

The bodies of 18 Turkish Cypriots who are due to be repatriated to their homeland are still being held in a London mosque weeks after their deaths.
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Germany

Ramadan: German Church Opens Doors for Muslim Prayers

Ramadan: German Church Opens Doors for Muslim Prayers

BBC


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International

COVID-19: Mosques In Iran To Resume Daily Prayers; Uzbekistan Starts Lifting Some Restrictions

COVID-19: Mosques In Iran To Resume Daily Prayers; Uzbekistan Starts Lifting Some Restrictions

Radio Free Europe

Uzbekistan’s government has extended its coronavirus lockdown until June 15, but authorities say they are starting to lift restrictions in some parts of the country “depending on the epidemiological situation.”
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Coronavirus: Famous Mosques Reopen in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem

Coronavirus: Famous Mosques Reopen in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem

BBC

Some of the most important sites in Islam have reopened two months after the coronavirus pandemic forced them to shut, allowing worshippers to enter under strict guidelines.
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Islamic Scholars, NGOs Call for Makkah, Madinah to Be Placed Under International Control

Islamic Scholars, NGOs Call for Makkah, Madinah to Be Placed Under International Control

Middle East Monitor

A non-governmental organisation named the International Commission to Monitor Saudi Administration of the Two Holy Mosques – otherwise known as Al Haramain Watch – has launched an campaign and petition to establish an international administration to manage the affairs of the two holy mosques of Makkah and Madinah.
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Muslim Comics Gather Over Zoom To Celebrate Eid With Jokes And Joy

Muslim Comics Gather Over Zoom To Celebrate Eid With Jokes And Joy

NPR

The goal was to give Muslims around the world some comic relief as they do the unprecedented: celebrate Ramadan and Eid in isolation at home, with fewer family members and friends than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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For Gen Z Muslims, Gigi And Zayn Are More Than A Hollywood Power Couple

For Gen Z Muslims, Gigi And Zayn Are More Than A Hollywood Power Couple

Elle

The internet was lighting up with a glimmer of good news: Young Hollywood’s foremost power couple of Muslim origin was about to have a baby.
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Aboubakar Soumahoro, the Ivorian Trade Unionist Shaking up Italy

Aboubakar Soumahoro, the Ivorian Trade Unionist Shaking up Italy

The Africa Report

A former farm worker, the Ivorian/Italian trade unionist has become a leading figure in Italy to such an extent that the media portrays him as the country’s “new left-wing star.”
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Opinion: Social Distancing Is a Part of Islam’s Rich Heritage

Opinion: Social Distancing Is a Part of Islam’s Rich Heritage

The Houston Chronicle

In conclusion, the pandemic will certainly test our faiths. We must take the time to reflect on our relationship with our loved ones, to recognize the triviality of material wealth relative to our health and well-being, and to reconnect with nature and God.
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Maydan editors selected some of the most thought-provoking news items on issues around Islam, religion and public-life for you. Let us know what you have been reading. Drop us a line at mediaroundups@themaydan.com!