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Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Hajj: A message of peace and unity
Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is not merely a religious rite performed annually by Muslims, it is the greatest spiritual gathering known to humanity. It embodies the essence of unity and equality, bringing hearts together before bodies in a sacred season that transcends political boundaries, geographical divides and ethnic differences. During this blessed season, Muslims from all corners of the world demonstrate how diversity can be a source of strength, not weakness, when they come together with shared purpose, hearts directed toward their Creator, and sincere intentions seeking forgiveness and unity. It is an eloquent annual lesson in tolerance and openness — one whose impact should extend beyond the spiritual realm to relations between nations and peoples. We believe that Hajj is not only an individual obligation but also an annual opportunity to renew the values of Islamic solidarity and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among nations. Just as pilgrims gather on the same plain, Muslims must also unite in the spheres of politics, dialogue and cooperation — for the benefit of their peoples and the stability of their homelands. Moreover, they must extend their hands with love and peace to all nations, as commanded by Allah. Here, the significant role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation becomes evident. As the collective umbrella organization for the Islamic world, it must serve as a platform to bridge perspectives, promote development and defend the causes and interests of its member states — foremost among them being the Palestinian cause and the challenges facing Muslim minorities around the globe. Hajj teaches us that unity is not a choice — it is a necessity. The voice of wisdom resonates more powerfully when it emerges from a united stance and a shared vision. From our diplomatic position, we see Hajj as an opportunity for the meeting of diverse Islamic cultures, the exchange of experiences and the deepening of cooperation among Muslim peoples. This is something all of us in diplomatic institutions must cherish and work to establish as a lasting value that transcends time and place. My country, the Republic of Djibouti, through its balanced and moderate political positions and its membership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, seeks to remain a bridge for communication and dialogue and a platform for coordination among Islamic nations on various issues. This stems from its belief that the major challenges facing our Ummah can only be overcome through unity of word and concerted efforts. During this blessed season, Muslims from all corners of the world demonstrate how diversity can be a source of strength Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama As dean of the diplomatic corps in Riyadh, I cannot fail to commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — for their tremendous efforts in serving the guests of Allah. Hajj has become a global model in organization, crowd management and smart logistics, in addition to the outstanding healthcare and logistical services that ensure more than 2 million pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease, safety and peace of mind. We ask Allah to accept the pilgrims' Hajj, to return them safely to their homelands purified as on the day they were born, and to bless the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with enduring security, stability and prosperity. We pray He rewards its wise leaders abundantly for their efforts in elevating Islam and serving Muslims. We also ask Him to unify the ranks of the Ummah and inspire its leaders with wisdom and resolve in facing challenges and striving toward a future marked by peace and prosperity. • Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama is Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. X: @dya_bamakhrama


BreakingNews.ie
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Multi-platinum selling group War coming to Dublin with 50th anniversary tour
Multi-platinum-selling WAR who have been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood for over five decades are coming to Ireland. Having sold more than 50 million records since its formation to include ten Billboard Top 10 hits. Advertisement Top 40 hits include the timeless classics 'Why Can't We Be Friends,' 'Low Rider,' 'The World Is A Ghetto,' 'The Cisco Kid,' and many more. This year, fronted by co-founding member Lonnie Jordan, WAR will celebrate 50 years of their 1975 multi-platinum album, 'Why Can't We Be Friends', with a 50-date summer tour, remixes, new releases and more. They will play a show at the Academy in Dublin on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025. Their signature fusion of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, rock and street music is what first propelled them to prominence 55 years ago, but it was their ability to craft songs of social consciousness that further cemented their place in the modern American songbook. Advertisement The immediate global impact of 'Why Can't We Be Friends?' was so profound that NASA transmitted the title track into space during the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. Since then, WAR have continued to sing out against racism, hunger, crime and conflict, while their music has been sampled by Janet Jackson, Tupac, Beastie Boys, Method Man, Sublime, Redman, Cypress Hill, Shaggy, A$AP Mob, Scarface, The Geto Boys, De La Soul, Flo Rida, Liam Payne, Thomas Rhett and more, and covered by everyone from Willie Nelson to The Muppets, George Clinton, Phish, ZZ Top and The Isley Brothers. With more than 50 million albums sold, 20 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records, three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame noms, a Grammy Hall of Fame entry, four No 1 LPs, nine Top 10s and twenty Top 40 songs, WAR did not just define the sound of the 1970s—they became a lasting voice for creative collaboration and social change, with a mission of love and harmony that resonates now more than ever.


Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Fight ‘between loyal friends', Anwar says as Nurul Izzah challenges Rafizi for PKR deputy chief post
TAWAU, May 11 — The 2025 PKR election should be considered a 'fight between loyal friends' of the party, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Therefore, Anwar, who is also PKR president, said that all candidates involved in the election should be well-mannered so that the spirit of brotherhood among party members remains intact. 'This election is between loyal friends, many of whom are reformist figures. Therefore, we have to be careful not to overdo it because we want (this election) to be embraced as a strength,' he said. He said this when met by reporters after chairing the Sabah PKR State Leadership Council (MPN) meeting here today. Anwar also reminded contesting party supporters not to 'overdo it' because it could worsen the situation. 'This (PKR) brotherhood must be the Congress (PKR National Congress) is over, we must work as a cohesive team,' he said. The party's nomination which ended on Friday saw Anwar unchallenged for the president post, while for the deputy president position, Nurul Izzah Anwar will face incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who is also the Minister of Economy. For the vice president posts, 12 members have submitted their nominations, including four incumbents, namely Nik Nazmi Nik Mat (Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability), Chang Lih Kang (Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation), Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan) and Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (Menteri Besar of Selangor). The Finance Minister's political secretary Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim was unopposed for Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief while Fadhlina Sidek (Education Minister) and Rodziah Ismail (Ampang Member of Parliament) are vying for the position of PKR Wanita chief. The PKR National Congress including the AMK Congress and the Wanita Congress is scheduled to be held from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru with May 23 set as polling day. — Bernama