An ancient community in Pakistan fades as conversions to Islam rise
Washington PostThe Kalasha people of Afghanistan have come into greater contact with Sunni Islam in the last decade, leading hundreds to convert and causing concern among community leaders who hope to preserve Kalasha culture.
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Saudi Arabia Is Misusing Mecca
The New York TimesIn the aftermath of the Jamal Khashoggi murder, the Kingdom has exploited the podium of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by using its imams to praise, sanctify and defend the rulers and their actions.
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Forgotten Muslim soldiers of World War One 'silence' far right
BBCDuring World War One, Muslim soldiers fought alongside and with the British Army. Historians are urging increased recognition of Muslim contributions, as recognition may be part of the solution to Islamophobia.
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Opinion: Austria's Chancellor Victimizes Muslims but Promises to Protect Jews. Don't Believe Him
HaaretzGeorgetown University researcher Farid Hafez says that by banning the hijab, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is adopting the far right’s anti-Muslim agenda, just with a liberal façade.
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Egypt considers banning burka in crackdown against Islamic extremists
Fox News“Egyptian MP Ghada Ajam has submitted a bill calling for a fine of 1,000 Egyptian pounds ($55) for women who defy the proposed ban.”
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Busloads of Muslims formed human 'rings of peace' to protect synagogues in Canada
CNNAfter a deadly attack last year on a mosque in Quebec, Christians and Jews formed human “rings of peace” around mosques across Canada to help Muslim worshippers feel safer. Now in the wake of the shooting in Pittsburgh, Muslims are protecting synagogues.
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French court grants bail to Tariq Ramadan in sexual assault case
Al JazeeraAfter 287 days of pre-trial detention over rape allegations, a Paris appeals court granted Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan conditional release on Thursday. This was his fourth attempt to secure his freedom.
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Egypt eliminates Muslim Brotherhood leaders' names from streets
Al-MonitorAfter divisive debate, officials in Egypt have started implementing a decision to remove the names of Hassan al-Bana and other prominent members of the Muslim Brotherhood from streets and squares throughout the country.
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Debunking Maps of Alleged “Islamic No Go Zones” in London
BellingcatThe author argues that the best way to debunk the politically motivated classification of parts of East London as “No Go Zones” is to go to these areas and observe and engage with residents.
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Republicans account for a small but steady share of U.S. Muslims
Pew Research CenterFascinating new research from Pew’s Fact Tank shows that the share of American Muslims who identify as Republicans has grown from 11 percent in 2007 to 13 percent last year. Issues like immigration, the Trump Administration and the relationship with both political parties are also examined.
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Two Muslim Women Are Headed to Congress. Will They Be Heard?
Foreign PolicyIlhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib have won, but the battle for a new brand of feminism in the Democratic Party and within Muslim communities has just begun.
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Morrison urges Muslim community to be more 'proactive' in tackling terrorism
The GuardianAustralia’s Prime Minister has urged local imams to play a larger role in preventing radicalization and violence in their community.
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What’s behind Mali livestock herders joining jihadist groups
The ConversationJihadist groups in Mali having taken control over half of the country, previously known as a fortress against radical groups.
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Swiss cryptocurrency firm X8 obtains Islamic finance certification
ReutersA Switzerland-based financial technology firm has obtained certification from Islamic scholars for its digital currency, and plans to expand its business in the Middle East.
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The Long Struggle for Supremacy in the Muslim World
The Wall Street JournalTurks and Saudis have been competitors for centuries; now the Khashoggi investigation has rekindled their fierce rivalry—and may upend the politics of the Middle East.
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Justin Trudeau says Canada in talks with Pakistan over Asia Bibi
The GuardianCanada’s PM used an armistice day interview to “remind people Canada is a welcoming country” and is working with Pakistan to resolve Ms. Bibi’s future. He also acknowledged “a delicate domestic context”.
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The burial of Jamal Khashoggi: Saudi Arabia’s failure is a sin against Islam
Middle East EyeBy not honoring Jamal Khashoggi with proper burial rites, Mohammed Bin Salman is further jeopardizing the religious legitimacy so important to his Kingdom, and risks committing an ancient sacrilege.
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How the use of emoji on Islamophobic Facebook pages amplifies racism
The ConversationA stabbing in Australia led the author to analyze Islamophobic reactions on social media. She found that the use of emoji which reinforce cultural stereotypes can contribute to decontextualized information and blatant racism.
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Rohingya shocked, terrified as deadline for Myanmar return nears
Al-JazeeraAs Bangladesh prepares to repatriate Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar, the UN warns that the move is dangerous and premature.
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Morrison wants Muslim leaders to do more to prevent terrorism, but what more can they do?
The ConversationAustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison challenged Muslim leaders to do more in the prevention of attacks like the stabbing in Melbourne on Friday. The Conversation challenges him to bring solutions to the table.
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Rohingya fearful of doctors keep faith healers in business
APDoctors Without Borders is seeking to provide access to and education about modern medicine to Rohingya, who have long relied on traditional faith healing for treatment.
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Uighurs marking 'independence day' call for international help
Al-JazeeraUighurs are using their ‘independence day’ as a way to call on the US and the Muslim community for help in preventing China from further mistreatment of Muslim minorities.
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It Isn’t an Easy Time to Be a British Muslim. Cricket Helps.
The New York TimesThe career of Moeen Ali, a star player on England’s national cricket team, demonstrates how Britain thrives when institutions accommodate the religious and cultural needs of minorities.
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Growing Up Muslim In America: Nijla Mu’min’s 'Jinn' Explores Black Muslim Identity
EssenceInspired by her own upbringing within a thriving Black Muslim community in the Bay Area, Nijla Mu’min’s new film examines how identity is formed by religion, family, and relationships.
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Funeral prayers held for Jamal Khashoggi in Mecca and Medina
Al JazeeraFuneral prayers for slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi were held around the world this week including at the holy mosques in Mecca and Medina with his son in attendance. His body has yet to be recovered.
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Islam is religion of holistic vision, not cherry-picking to suit political agenda — King
The Jordan TimesKing Abdullah II of Jordan was awarded the Templeton Prize in recognition of his “long quest to promote peace-affirming Islam.” Accepting the award “on behalf of all Jordanians,” he stressed that Jihad is the “personal, internal struggle to defeat ego, and share a world of peace, harmony, and love.”
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What you don't know about America's Islamic heritage
USA TodayAmerica’s Islamic Heritage Museum starts visitors in the 1500s and explores the contributions of American Muslims through the 21st century.
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China says foreign concerns over Muslim rights unwarranted
AP NewsChina has criticized foreign ambassadors for expressing their concerns over the incarceration of Muslims in “re-education” camps. Beijing says that ambassadors should play a positive role through creating mutual understanding without getting involved in the country’s politics.
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Trump: Sending cleric to Turkey ‘not under consideration’
APPresident Donald Trump has said that Fethullah Gulen, who the Turkish government has blamed for inciting the 2016 coup and currently lives in exile Pennsylvania, will not be extradited to Turkey.
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Why are women in Saudi Arabia wearing their abayas inside out?
ReutersSome Saudi women have begun protesting the country’s conservative dress code by posting pictures of themselves wearing their abayas inside out on social media.
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The badass woman who created Marvel's first Muslim superhero to headline her own series
Elle IndiaThe author speaks with Sana Amanat, the co-creator of the first Muslim superhero in Marvel Comicbooks history, on the need for media that underrepresented groups can relate to and on the fans that have identified with her version of Ms. Marvel.
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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!