Latest news with #SunniEndowment
Shafaq News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sunni clerics cancel Mosul demonstration after political assurances
Shafaq News/ A planned protest by Sunni clerics in Mosul against alleged political interference in the leadership of the Sunni Endowment in Nineveh was abruptly canceled late Wednesday, with no official reason disclosed, according to religious sources familiar with the matter. 'The demonstration was scheduled for 10:00 p.m. at the historic Nabi Sheet Mosque in western Mosul,' the sources told Shafaq News, pointing out that organizers intended to denounce what they described as 'growing attempts by influential political factions to exert control over the Endowment's leadership' ahead of Iraq's parliamentary elections, set for November 11, 2025. Sources also noted that media access was barred at the mosque, and several clerics exited the site quietly and discreetly, explaining that the protest's sudden cancellation followed private assurances offered to the religious leadership that the Endowment's autonomy and spiritual role in Nineveh would be preserved. The identities of those who provided the guarantees were not disclosed. They claimed that certain political blocs have been pressuring to replace current Sunni Endowment director Youssef al-Abed Rabbo with politically aligned candidates—an effort that has met firm resistance from moderate Sunni religious figures. 'Al-Abed Rabbo had formally submitted his resignation to the central leadership of the Endowment, but it was rejected.'
Iraqi News
29-03-2025
- General
- Iraqi News
Sunni Endowment: Next Monday is the first day of Eid al-Fitr
Baghdad - INA The Sunni Endowment announced today, Saturday, that next Monday is the first day of Eid al-Fitr. In a brief statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the endowment said, "Tomorrow, Sunday, will be the last day of Ramadan, and Monday will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr."
Shafaq News
28-02-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Morocco breaks Arab consensus on Ramadan start date
Shafaq News/ Morocco announced that Sunday, March 2, will mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, diverging from the rest of the Arab world, which declared Saturday as the first day of the holy month. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Palestine, and Iraq 's Sunni Endowment all confirmed that Ramadan would begin on Saturday following the sighting of the crescent moon. Morocco's Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs explained that after conducting moon sighting observations across the kingdom on Friday, in coordination with religious officials and military observation units, no sightings were reported. As a result, Sha'ban (the month before Ramadan) will complete its 30-day cycle, delaying Ramadan for 1446 Hijri to Sunday.
Shafaq News
16-02-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Al-Faruq Mosque & Minaret: Living testament to Islamic architecture at risk
Shafaq News/ Iraq's historic Al-Faruq Mosque and its minaret, among the most remarkable archaeological landmarks in Al-Anbar Province, are at risk of collapse due to 'neglect' and environmental factors, prompting authorities to initiate joint efforts for restoration. "The Al-Faruq Minaret, dating back to the Abbasid era, is not only an archaeological monument but also a historical and cultural symbol that reflects the identity of the Hit City and its civilizational heritage," said Mohammed Al-Fahd, a researcher and specialist in Al-Anbar's history, to Shafaq News. "It serves as a living testament to the greatness of Islamic architecture in the region." Al-Fahd emphasized that neglecting the minaret represents "a significant loss to national heritage," stressing the importance of "saving it from collapse, as this is not only about preserving the structure but also safeguarding the memory for future generations and connecting them to their cultural roots." The researcher also called on the relevant authorities to expedite efforts to save the minaret, noting that "investment in cultural heritage also contributes to enhancing cultural tourism and revitalizing the local economy." Earlier, a meeting in Hit gathered representatives from the Al-Anbar Antiquities Directorate, the Sunni Endowment, and the district mayor to discuss completing the Al-Faruq Minaret restoration. Attendees stressed the need to accelerate the process, create a comprehensive plan to restore the minaret while preserving its heritage, and secure funding and cooperation to ensure swift project completion. Al-Faruq Mosque & Minaret The Al-Faruq Mosque, one of Iraq's historic landmarks, was built during the early Islamic conquest of Iraq in 17 AH/639 CE, under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, and during the conquest of Hit by Muslim commander Al-Harith ibn Yazid al-Qurashi. Constructed from stone, the mosque sits on an elevated area with steps leading up to it, crowned by a 25-meter-high minaret with a single cylindrical base coated with lime, which originally served as a watchtower before the Islamic conquest of the city.
Shafaq News
05-02-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Mosul celebrates minaret, mosque reopening soon
Shafaq News/ UNESCO held a special conference, on Wednesday, to celebrate the successful reconstruction of the iconic Al-Hadba Minaret, one of Mosul's most recognizable historical landmarks. Speaking to Shafaq News, Yousif Al-Abd Rabo, Director of the Sunni Endowment (Waqf) in Nineveh, described the occasion as a tribute to the perseverance and dedication of those involved in the restoration. 'This achievement brings back a key part of Mosul's identity and heritage,' he said. Al-Abd Rabo also noted that while the minaret's reconstruction is complete, work on the Al-Nuri Mosque and its annexes continues. 'The grand reopening of the mosque, including the restored minaret, is scheduled for mid-March, with a formal ceremony expected to be attended by Iraq's Prime Minister, a high-ranking UNESCO delegation, and key cultural and political figures.' For its part, UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to Mosul's reconstruction, emphasizing that the challenges faced due to war and destruction have not deterred efforts to restore the city's cultural and religious landmarks. Restoring Mosul's Cultural and Religious Legacy The destruction of Al-Nuri Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret in 2017 was a defining moment in Mosul's battle against ISIS. The minaret, nicknamed 'The Hunchback' for its distinctive lean, had stood for over 800 years, serving as a symbol of the city's rich history. Recognizing the importance of Mosul's cultural heritage, UNESCO launched the 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' initiative in 2018. The program, developed in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, aims to rebuild historic landmarks, restore cultural life, and support education. The restoration of Al-Hadba Minaret faced significant challenges, including the need to clear hidden explosives from the site and preserve 12th-century architectural elements discovered during excavations. Engineers ensured that the minaret retained its signature tilt—leaning 160 centimeters, just as it did in the 1960s, while reinforcing its foundation for long-term stability. In addition to architectural restoration, UNESCO focused on revitalizing Mosul's cultural and social life. Backed by funding from the European Union, the organization has restored 124 heritage homes. The organization has rebuilt more than 400 classrooms across Nineveh Province, including Al-Ekhlas Primary School, which now features modern facilities and a library. Meanwhile, Mosul University has received new academic resources and a cinema department, expanding opportunities for students.
