Latest news with #Qur'an
Memri
6 hours ago
- General
- Memri
California Sermon by Imam Hamayun Baksh: The Quran Is the 'Best Gift' We Can Give America – We Will 'Flood the Streets of America with the Quran'; California Has the Most Converts to Islam, and Its Pr
Imam Hamayun Baksh, affiliated with the Al‑Furqaan Foundation, said in a Friday sermon on July 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community of Folsom that the State of California has the largest number of inmates in its prison system and that this is the biggest recipient of Quran distributions in the state. He said that the chaplains call the Al-Furqaan Foundation saying they need more copies of the Quran. Baksh added that California is the state with the most 'reverts,' meaning converts to Islam. Baksh also declared: 'We're going to flood the streets of America with the Quran. Let America read the Quran. This is the best gift we can give to them.' According to a 2022 report, in 2016 the Foundation's Qur'an distribution arm, the Al‑Furqaan Project, received a $1.6 million donation from the RAF Foundation, which is reportedly linked to Qatar's ruling family. For more about Imam Baksh, see MEMRI Clip No. 12025.
Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Indian Express
Tribal chief among 14 arrested after ‘honour' killing video from Pakistan goes viral
At least 14 people, including a tribal chief, have been arrested in Pakistan's Balochistan province after a video showing the brutal murder of a man and woman went viral, triggering national and international outrage. The first information report (FIR) filed by the police on Monday identifies the victims as Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah. The killings, believed to have taken place in May near Quetta, were described by police as a so-called 'honour killing.' The disturbing video circulating on social media shows shows a group of men arriving in a desolate area on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province, in an SUV and pickup trucks. The footage captures the moment the accused couple is taken out of one of the vehicles. According to The Guardian, the woman is handed a copy of the Qur'an. Speaking in the local Brahavi language, she says to a man: 'Come, walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.' He follows her for a few steps before she adds: 'You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that.' The meaning of her final statement remains unclear. The man then raises a pistol as she turns her back to him. After three close-range shots, she collapses to the ground. The video then cuts to a bloodied man lying near the woman's body, followed by a barrage of gunfire as several men are seen shooting at the couple's bloodied bodies as they lay motionless on the ground. A local court has now ordered that the bodies be exhumed for autopsy. Police told Reuters that the woman's brother carried out the killing on behalf of the family, while the local tribal leader, identified as Sher Baz Satakzai, ordered the execution. The tribal chief is among those arrested, said Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, adding, 'No one has a right, no matter what, to kill someone in such a painful and disgusting way, and then video shoot it. It is a crime. It is a murder.' The man and woman, accused of having an affair out of wedlock, both had several children from separate marriages, Bugti said. As per Al Jazeera, which quoted the FIR, the couple was allegedly brought before tribal leader, who declared them guilty of engaging in an 'immoral relationship' and ordered that they be killed. However, Police chief Naveed Akhtar said the tribal chief ordered the killing after the woman's brother complained that she had married without his consent, The Guardian reported. Rights organisations say the case is not an isolated incident but part of a systemic pattern of violence against women. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), at least 405 so-called 'honour killings' were reported in 2024 alone — most of them targeting women. The Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), another watchdog, says just one of the 32 cases reported in Balochistan this year has led to conviction. 'This is the tyranny of medieval practices still entrenched in many parts of Pakistan,' said Harris Khalique, secretary-general of the HRCP, in an earlier statement to Al Jazeera. He blamed both tribal systems and state complicity, accusing the government of shielding feudal and tribal power structures that perpetuate such violence. Sammi Deen Baloch, a prominent women's rights activist from the region, told Al Jazeera that women in Balochistan live under two forms of oppression: 'tribal patriarchy and the cold repression of the state.' According to her, these killings would likely have gone unnoticed if the video had not emerged on social media. 'Baloch women are murdered for love, disappeared for protest, and buried under layers of tribal authority and state-backed silence.' Authorities now say they are committed to prosecuting all those responsible. 'We will make sure they are all prosecuted,' Bugti said. Pakistan's Balochistan province, the largest but least populous region in the country, is mineral-rich but plagued by chronic underdevelopment, tribal conflict, and a long-running separatist insurgency. Activists argue that the Pakistani state's reliance on tribal intermediaries for governance further entrenches patriarchal violence and limits justice for women.
NDTV
7 hours ago
- NDTV
"Can Only Shoot Me": Pakistan Woman's Last Words Before Family Killed Her
Islamabad: A horrific video has emerged on social media showing the cold-blooded murder of a young couple from Pakistan's Balochistan province, who allegedly got married against their families in an "dishonour" killing. The viral footage shows a group of people arriving in an SUV and pickup trucks at a deserted area on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital, where the couple is taken out of the vehicles. The woman, with her head covered with a shawl, was given a copy of the Qur'an. She takes the religious text and walks ahead towards the deserted hill as a crowd looks on. Speaking in the regional Brahavi dialect, she asks a man, "Walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me." The man follows her to some distance, after which she says, "You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that." It is not clear what the woman meant by "nothing more than that," but the man who followed her took her instructions as a cue and aimed a pistol at her back. He then fires multiple rounds of shots from close range. After the third shot is heard, the woman falls on the ground, presumably dead. More series of gunshots are heard, and then the video shows a bloodied man lying near the woman's body, while a crowd cheers on. The incident reportedly happened three days before Eid al-Adha 2025 in May. After the video went viral, it caused outrage in Pakistan and beyond, with activists calling for swift justice in the case. They also call for laws against crimes which target women who dare to defy local traditions and cultures. The local police have initiated a probe into the case and identified the couple as Bano Bibi and Ahsan Ullah. So far, as many as 13 suspects have been arrested in the "dishonour" killing case. Police said the couple's killing was ordered by tribal elder, Sardar Satakzai, after the woman's brother approached him complaining about her marriage, which happened without his consent, according to a report by The Guardian. The tribal leader and the woman's brother were among the 13 people arrested, police chief Naveed Akhtar said. Per the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) data, the country reported at least 405 "dishonour" killings in 2024, with activists estimating the real number to be much higher, as such cases are often not reported.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Nimisha Priya's case shows formal diplomacy is not enough; we also need faith-based mediation
Written by Shameer Modongal On July 16, Indian nurse Nimisha Priya faced the threat of imminent execution in Yemen after being convicted for the murder of her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. Though the threat has been averted for now, the execution might happen anytime. Given that India has no formal diplomatic ties with the Houthi-led administration in Yemen – they are in touch with 'friendly governments' — the Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it had made all possible efforts within its diplomatic reach. This case highlights a crucial limitation of traditional state diplomacy. When governments are unable to negotiate due to political or legal constraints, alternative approaches are required. In Nimisha Priya's case, the intervention of religious leadership — specifically Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad (Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar) — opened a new pathway. He initiated talks with the family of the victim through renowned Yemeni cleric Sheikh Umar bin Hafiz. It was critical since, under Islamic law, the family of the deceased holds the power to forgive the offender. Islamic law (Sharia) provides a unique mechanism for justice that prioritises the role of victims and their families. Specifically, in cases of murder or bodily harm, the system of Qisās (retributive justice) allows the victim's family to demand equal punishment, accept diyah (blood money), or forgive the offender entirely. This legal flexibility allows justice to be administered with a focus on healing and reconciliation. This contrasts with conventional criminal justice systems rooted in retributive justice. The conventional model views crime as a violation of state law, with the primary questions being: What law was broken? Who committed the crime? What punishment is deserved? Victims typically have no direct role in the legal process. In contrast, the Islamic system — particularly in Qisās cases — centres on restorative justice. It asks: Who has been hurt? What do they need? Who is responsible for addressing these needs? Victims, offenders, and their communities are recognised as central actors. This system encourages open dialogue, emotional expression, and healing, empowering those most directly affected by crime to participate in its resolution. Justice (‛adl) is a foundational goal in Islam, repeatedly emphasised in the Qur'an and Sunnah. It emphasises forgiveness, repentance (Tawbah), and moral reform. The Qur'an urges believers to forgive others even in moments of anger, and extols the value of kind speech and forgiveness over charity. Although retribution is a permitted option, forgiveness is regarded as morally superior and divinely rewarded. In the context of Nimisha Priya's case, the key to securing clemency lies in convincing the family of Mahdi to forgive. However, this is not merely a legal or financial matter. The trauma they experienced, the loss of a loved one, and the anger toward the offender are powerful emotional forces. Political or legal arguments alone are often inadequate to address such profound grief and pain. This is where religious and spiritual frameworks can offer meaningful support. In the Arab world, Sulha — a traditional, religiously infused form of mediation — has long been used to resolve conflicts, including those involving serious crimes like murder. Rooted in Islamic ethics and community traditions, Sulha emphasises restoring broken relationships, acknowledging harm, repentance by the offender, and forgiveness by the victim's family. Sulha is both ritualistic and spiritual. It provides a structured process where the offender shows genuine remorse and responsibility, while the victim's family is encouraged to forgive and move toward reconciliation. The process involves respected third parties, often religious scholars or elders, who are seen as morally trustworthy and neutral. Through prayer, religious counsel, and social rituals, Sulha fosters spiritual healing and social reintegration. In Nimisha Priya's case, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad reached out to Hafiz for mediation, who sent his students to engage directly with Talal's family, seeking to persuade them of the Islamic virtue and reward of forgiveness. Their effort represents a powerful example of faith-based diplomacy, where religious leaders act as moral intermediaries beyond the reach of formal diplomatic or legal institutions. Nimisha Priya's fate still lies in the hands of Talal's family. Whether they demand retributive justice or offer forgiveness — either with or without diyah — will determine her ultimate fate. Both paths are permissible under Islamic law. Yet, the success of future negotiations may largely depend on the continued involvement of religious actors and the use of spiritual language that emphasises mercy, healing, and divine reward. Trusted religious figures, such as Imams or Sufi leaders, serve as mediators, leveraging their moral authority and community respect to foster trust and resolution. In many parts of the Muslim world, especially in contexts of weak or fractured state institutions, religious leaders maintain high moral legitimacy and influence. Their transnational networks can also facilitate people-to-people diplomacy even when state-to-state diplomacy is blocked due to political tensions. This case illustrates the growing importance of spiritual diplomacy — the use of religious soft power to resolve conflicts, build bridges, and promote justice in emotionally and politically complex situations. The path to justice in Nimisha Priya's case does not run through courts or embassies alone. It runs through the hearts of those affected by the tragedy. Only through healing that reaches both the emotional and spiritual realms can reconciliation be achieved. The writer is visiting scholar in residence, American University, Washington DC, and the author of Islamic Perspectives of International Conflict Resolution (Routledge)
Time Business News
15-07-2025
- Time Business News
Tips to Explore the Grand Mosque of Makkah During Umrah
Performing Umrah from Dubai is not only a deeply spiritual journey, but also an opportunity to explore the religious and historical landmarks of Makkah (Mecca). Here are the top 5 must-visit places that hold immense significance in Islamic history Significance: The holiest site in Islam, housing the Kaaba, the Qibla (direction) for Muslims worldwide. The holiest site in Islam, housing the Kaaba, the Qibla (direction) for Muslims worldwide. What to Do: Perform Tawaf, pray in its vast courtyards, and visit key points like Maqam Ibrahim and the Well of Zamzam. Perform Tawaf, pray in its vast courtyards, and visit key points like Maqam Ibrahim and the Well of Zamzam. Tip: Visit during quieter hours (early morning or late night) for a peaceful experience. Significance: The mountain contains Ghar Hira, the cave where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received the first revelation of the Qur'an. The mountain contains Ghar Hira, the cave where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received the first revelation of the Qur'an. What to Do: Physically climb the mountain to visit the cave — it takes around 1-2 hours. Physically climb the mountain to visit the cave — it takes around 1-2 hours. Tip: Best to climb before Fajr for cooler weather and a spiritual atmosphere. Significance: Known for Ghar Thawr, the cave where the Prophet (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (RA) took refuge during the Hijrah (migration to Madinah). Known for Ghar Thawr, the cave where the Prophet (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (RA) took refuge during the Hijrah (migration to Madinah). What to Do: Visit the base or climb (if possible) to see this symbolic site. Visit the base or climb (if possible) to see this symbolic site. Note: The climb is steep; not suitable for everyone. Significance: Offers a rare insight into Islamic history, architecture, and the heritage of the two holy mosques (Makkah & Madinah). Offers a rare insight into Islamic history, architecture, and the heritage of the two holy mosques (Makkah & Madinah). What to See : Historical artifacts, rare manuscripts, old doors of the Kaaba, and architectural models. : Historical artifacts, rare manuscripts, old doors of the Kaaba, and architectural models. Tip: Check opening hours in advance; usually open during the day except Fridays. Search Umrah Package By Bus From Dubai and Book the Advanced Package For Rabi– Ul-Awal. Significance : Burial place of several relatives of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), including his wife Khadijah (RA). : Burial place of several relatives of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), including his wife Khadijah (RA). What to Do : Pay respects (no rituals required), reflect on Islamic history and the lives of early Muslims. : Pay respects (no rituals required), reflect on Islamic history and the lives of early Muslims. Note: Non-Muslims are not permitted, and photography is often restricted. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
