All posts tagged: Muslims

Tory MP left furious as Muslims pray outside MoD ‘it’s domination!’ | Politics | News

Tory MP left furious as Muslims pray outside MoD ‘it’s domination!’ | Politics | News

Published by Sam Flores

A Conservative MP has expressed outrage at what appears to be a group of Muslim worshippers praying outside the Ministry of Defence’s base in central London. Nick Timothy posted video of some six or seven people bowing and kneeling in prayer on his X account on Monday (June 15). He said the religious observance was being performed near a memorial to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The MP for West Suffolk wrote: “As I have said before, choosing to pray in this way in public is a political act. It is a social statement and, yes, it is an act of domination.” Mr Timothy said there was “quite obviously no need” to pray in that location, adding the decision to do so was “symbolic”, “pointed” and “not welcome”. He added: “We have freedom of religion in this country, which is why there are mosques. But we are not a Muslim country and this is not welcome. It should be stopped.” The Shadow Lord Chancellor, who was an adviser to former prime minister Theresa May, …

Congressional Democrats call GOP anti-Sharia caucus ‘hateful’

Congressional Democrats call GOP anti-Sharia caucus ‘hateful’

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — Democrats in Congress condemned a recently formed congressional group that claims Islamic religious law is a growing threat in the United States, calling it a “hateful caucus” that discriminates against American Muslims. In a letter on Monday (June 8), 119 congressional members lodged their opposition to the group to House and Senate leaders, marking the first time Democrats officially responded to the Sharia-Free America Caucus since Republican members launched it last December.  “The premise underlying this caucus and the measures associated with it reflects longstanding Islamophobic narratives and anti-Muslim sentiment rather than any demonstrated policy need,” the Democratic lawmakers wrote.  The caucus targeting Sharia, or Islamic religious law, harkens back to anti-Muslim movements that flourished during the post-9/11 era and the early 2010s.  Led by Republican U.S. Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self of Texas, the caucus has steadily grown to at least 66 House members from 25 states.  Caucus members have introduced several related House bills in recent months, including the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act and No Shari’a Act, the latter …

The Iran war is dividing Muslims in the Philippines | US-Israel war on Iran

The Iran war is dividing Muslims in the Philippines | US-Israel war on Iran

Published by Sam Flores

The US-Israeli war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have had a seismic effect across the world. In Southeast Asia, economies have been paralysed due to shortages of oil, liquified petroleum gas and other essential products usually exported through the strait. The Philippines was the first country to declare a state of emergency as a result, but that has done little to alleviate shortages. The country has seen repeated protests against the spike in prices. But the impact of the Iran war has not been confined to the socioeconomic sphere. The conflict has also affected Muslim communities in the country, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It has deepened polarisation among local Islamic scholars, threatening community cohesion. When the war began, reactions on social media and in public were swift. Broadly, two camps emerged. One camp supported Iran’s retaliatory actions against the United States and its targeting of bases in neighbouring countries. For example, one member of the Muslim community wrote in a social media post that Muslims’ prayers for Gaza …

Muslim principal in Texas reassigned, investigated after right-wing backlash

Muslim principal in Texas reassigned, investigated after right-wing backlash

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — Days after naming a Muslim woman as principal of a North Texas high school, conservative backlash prompted the district to reassign her and open an investigation. Interfaith religious leaders, district parents and educators are now calling for Shayma Alzubi’s reinstatement, saying the Fort Worth Independent School District capitulated to a hateful online smear campaign against her faith. The district announced Friday (May 22) that Alzubi had been promoted to principal of Western Hills High School, posting a picture of her wearing a hijab in a social media post that has since been deleted.  Alzubi’s appointment went viral after the far-right group Libs of TikTok and other right-wing social media bloggers resurfaced posts and images showing her support for Black Lives Matter, Palestinians and immigrants. The accounts called on people to show their opposition by contacting the district.  At a press conference Thursday, advocates said Alzubi’s social media posts were misrepresented by a coordinated anti-Muslim campaign.  “Instead of drawing a firm line against harassment and intimidation, the district embraced it,” Sabrina Ball, a Fort Worth …

Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice | Religion News

Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice | Religion News

Published by Sam Flores

Published On 27 May 202627 May 2026 Muslims around the world have begun celebrating Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice”, which falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Muslim lunar calendar. One of the biggest holidays in the Muslim calendar, it coincides with the last day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. In Gaza, where Israel’s months-long offensive has devastated neighbourhoods and displaced most of the population, many families are marking Eid in tents and crowded shelters, with little meat or festive clothing. More than 1.7 million people are taking part in the Hajj this year, slightly up from 2025, even as a war pitting the United States and Israel against Iran casts a long shadow across the Middle East. On Tuesday, pilgrims prayed on Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon. They then spent the night out in the open at Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they collected pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil. …

Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns

Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns

Published by Sam Flores

MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, officially began Monday. More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the country, Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces, said Friday. The faithful have been pouring into the country for the Hajj against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions and uncertainty. Egyptian pilgrim Samya Abdul Moneim said she was grateful to God that she made it to the Hajj, which is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it. “I am in a state of blessing and happiness,” she said in Mecca on Sunday. “It’s an indescribable feeling, truly. I mean, thank God, I am in a blessing.” Typically on the first day, many pilgrims in Mecca converge on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert. Ahead of that, pilgrims have been circling the cube-shaped Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in …

A look at the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha and their significance to Muslims around the world

A look at the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha and their significance to Muslims around the world

Published by Sam Flores

Once a year, large numbers of Muslim pilgrims converge in Saudi Arabia, uniting in religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj. While fulfilling a religious obligation, they immerse themselves in what can be a spiritual experience of a lifetime for them and a chance to seek God’s forgiveness and the erasure of past sins. This year, the Hajj has been approaching against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related tensions and uncertainty in the Middle East. Earlier in the year, travel chaos from the war ensnared some of the Muslims who were in Saudi Arabia performing “Umrah,” often referred to as the lesser or minor pilgrimage. Some were stranded and scrambled to find their way home. Here’s a look at the annual Hajj pilgrimage and its significance to Muslims. The Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and involves a series of religious rituals. It’s required once in a lifetime of every Muslim …

Farage pastor charity: Muslims ‘eradicating the native population’

Farage pastor charity: Muslims ‘eradicating the native population’

Published by Sam Flores

The charity of a street preacher backed by Nigel Farage has been reported to the regulator by the National Secular Society for promoting anti-Muslim bigotry, misogyny and homophobia. Stephen Clayden (pictured) is a trustee of the charity Bread of Life Community Church. It is registered under the charitable purpose ‘the advancement of religion’ and other charitable purposes. Charities are legally required to act for the public benefit. In March, the Church was issued with a Community Protection Notice (CPN) after its street preachers allegedly told passersby they were going to hell. The CPN was issued by Safer Colchester Partnership, which is run by Colchester Council, and requires the Church to “stop intimidating behaviour” and to not use loudspeakers. Earlier this month, leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage MP told Clayden he was “fully on your side”. The Church’s appeal against the CPN is due to be heard in October. As a registered charity, Bread of Life Community Church is exempt from most forms of tax. It is also recognised by HMRC for gift aid. Muslim …

As Iran war persists, some US Muslims consider risks of Mecca pilgrimage

As Iran war persists, some US Muslims consider risks of Mecca pilgrimage

Published by Sam Flores

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (RNS and NPR) — Juber Ahmed, a pharmacist, and his mother, Shamima Akther, are preparing for a trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s considered a sacred obligation for Muslims. The Sterling Heights, Michigan, residents found out their applications to go were accepted in January, after months of waiting. “Honestly, that feeling, I still can’t find the words to express,” he said. “I was in tears, did sajdah as-sukr (offered gratitude) and then I hugged my mom, and both of us just were in tears.” Akther, 63, said she waited nearly 30 years to make the journey and wants to do it while she’s still physically able. “I was waiting for my kids to grow up so I can go with my oldest son,” she said.  They are among a few thousand pilgrims from the United States who will join the estimated 1.5 million people from around the world performing Hajj this year. Hajj is performed on the eighth through 13th days of …

Islamophobia is surging again, but Muslims won’t be victims again

Islamophobia is surging again, but Muslims won’t be victims again

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — Last month, Muslims marked Eid al-Fitr amid war in Iran and surrounding countries, continued bombings in Gaza, violence in Sudan, crushing immigration enforcement and rising anti-Muslim attacks and verbiage, coupled with fear permeating in American Muslim communities as Islamophobic political efforts rise. That didn’t stop about 480 Muslims and interfaith allies from gathering in Washington, D.C., in late March for a celebration that deliberately centered strength and joy, purposefully called An American Eid. The Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Eid celebration was an organized respite from and a clap back to anti-Muslim attacks and rhetoric that have ratcheted up the past few months — that includes mosques (and a Utah-based imam) being shot at or vandalized, and bigoted statements against Muslims by members of Congress. “The idea was, listen, we’re celebrating Eid. Deal with it,” said Haris Tarin, MPAC’s vice president of policy and programming. “This is who we are. In the moment of such difficulty, you’re not going to take this away from us.” MPAC’s goal to instill joy was a success. But …