Sectarian conflicts in the Middle East can be resolved
Al JazeeraMarwan Kabalan asserts that sectarianism in the Middle East is not the ancient and fundamental problem so often portrayed, but a modern revisionist phenomenon to which there are real and achievable solutions
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Pakistan delays ruling on blasphemy death sentence case
APPakistan’s supreme court has delayed its ruling in the case against Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy by a lower court. Her attorney Saiful Malook said he is “100 percent confident” she will be acquitted.
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Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Brett Kavanaugh, and imperial feminism
Al JazeeraAyaan Hirsi Ali, best selling author and “cheerleader for Muslim annihilation”, has embraced the Trump administration and shown that her campaign to misrepresent Islam is complicit with forces that oppress women and refugees.
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US university in Qatar scraps God debate after backlash
France 24Georgetown University in Qatar cancelled a debate arguing the motion, “This house believes that major religions should portray God as a woman” after it sparked a social media campaign which accused the university of “insulting God”.
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Trump Has Cut Christian Refugees 64%, Muslim Refugees 93%
The Cato InstituteCato Institute’s analysis finds that, “By cutting the refugee program across the board, the Trump administration has not just violated a campaign promise to resettle more Christian refugees—it has condemned many more to desperate poverty, persecution, or death.”
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UK imam fired from Saudi-funded mosque for criticising Saudi royal family
Middle East EyeImam Ajmal Masroor, who worked at the Saudi funded Goodge Street Mosque in London, was fired for criticizing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he labelled “a conformer, not a reformer”.
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Why halal meat generates so much controversy in Europe
The Washington PostLes Jumeaux is a successful halal butcher shop outside of Paris, but halal meat, a source of comfort as well as ethical nourishment for Muslims, is becoming increasingly controversial as animal rights activists, governments, and citizens across Europe raise concerns over halal butchering practices.
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Oman could announce U.S. dollar sukuk sale as early as Monday - sources
ReutersAnonymous sources say that in an effort to cover increasing deficits, Oman’s government could launch the sale of Islamic bonds denoted in US dollars this week.
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Debate: When abortion is ‘haram’, women find strategies to claim their rights
The ConversationMarking “International Safe Abortion Day” on 28 September, the Conversation highlights the restrictive laws on abortion across the Middle East and examines the diverging Islamic legal positions on the issue.
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The world decries Myanmar’s Rohingya abuses. Myanmar’s reply: Denial, defiance and propaganda.
The Washington PostAs the UN rights commission finds evidence of a “genocidal intent” against Rohingya villages in Myanmar, the government continues a propaganda effort to deny the targeting.
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Trump’s Unwavering Adversary: Islam
The NationHistorian Juan Cole discusses President Trump’s consistent opposition to Islam and Muslim immigration, one of few constants in the President’s positions and policies which is reflected in the current complement of senior administration officials.
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Author shines light on women of colour's role in shaping Islam in US
Middle East EyeDr. Sylvia Chan-Malik and her new book illustrate Islam’s history and legacy in the US through the experiences of women of color. As the Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community prepares to visit the US this week, the role of Islam in American history must be remembered.
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US lawmakers call on Trump to help detained Chinese Muslims
APA bipartisan effort to condemn China and help Muslims in internment camps is set to result in new legislation and sanctions.
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China launches anti-halal campaign in Xinjiang
ReutersThe capital of China’s Xinjiang region, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur minority, has launched a campaign against halal products to stop Islam penetrating secular life and fueling “extremism”.
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Global media and Muslims: Selective coverage, selective outrage
Tehran TimesTerrorism and extremism in all forms and manifestations, irrespective of the identities of victim and perpetrator, should be unequivocally condemned. The global media’s selective outrage and blatant double standards when covering Islam and Muslims are dangerous and cringe-worthy.
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“Forgive yourself the way Allah forgives you”: Growing up Muslim with abuse, depression and trauma
The New ArabJust because mental health isn’t widely discussed in Arab and Muslim communities does not mean mental health issues do not exist. The New Arab interviews Maysoon, who is on her recovery journey.
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Malaysia rejects China’s plea, frees 11 Uighur Muslims
APThe lawyer for eleven Uighur men said that the Malaysian government had broken with the standard policy of acquiescence to China’s demands and prevented repatriation. Instead, the men have safely arrived in Turkey.
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Students at Qom seminary are leaving for Najaf
Al MonitorAli Khomeini, grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, has left Qom’s seminary. His choice to relocate to Najaf in Iraq signals increasing interference from the Islamic Republic in its most independent religious education institution.
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Conor McGregor teammate denies inciting Khabib Nurmagomedov with anti-Muslim slur
The Washington PostIn the lead up to his fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Connor McGregor threw many harsh insults at his devout Muslim opponent, including calling his Egyptian-born manager a “terrorist”. After the fight, Khabib made even bigger headlines by attacking McGregor’s Jiu Jitsu coach, who is now denying he incited the MMA champion.
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Tourism pushed women out of Zanzibar's public spaces – but now they're taking them back
The GuardianWomen-only spaces on the 99% Muslim island have been usurped by economic growth, a change the Reclaim Women’s Space project plans to reverse.
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The false, but persistent, rumor that Neil Armstrong converted to Islam
The Washington PostThe legend goes that after hearing the call to prayer on a tour of the Middle East, Neil Armstrong told the muezzin he had heard the same sound on the moon, and converted to Islam on the spot. Though just a legend, the story demonstrates humanity’s desire to connect with and claim extraordinary individuals.
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The Leaders Who Unleashed China’s Mass Detention of Muslims
The New York TimesThe article profiles the Chinese communist party officials who like Rukiya Maimaiti, a Uighur herself, had to “steel themselves for a wrenching task” and support the government’s program of re-education “for the good of the people”.
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'Sinicisation' of Muslims in Xinjiang must go on, says Chinese official
The GuardianYou Quan, the head of China’s “united front work department”, which oversees ethnic and religious affairs, has said that the efforts to force ethnic Uighur Muslims to conform to Chinese religious and cultural ideals must go on in the name of “ethnic solidarity and religious harmony.”
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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!