Excited but fearful, refugees from Boko Haram
S2S: Historic Joint Shia-Sunni Namaaz on the Occasion Of Eid-ul-Azha in Lucknow
British Military Handed ISIL ‘Target List’ of 20,000 UK Soldiers
Arab World
Iranians Are 'Not Muslims', They Are Children of Magi Says Top Saudi Cleric
Iranian President: S. Arabia Killing Muslims across Region
Popular Forces Take Full Control of Gov't Buildings in Ta'iz Province, Kill Over 50 Saudi Troops in Midi
Syrian Army Dispatches Reinforcements to Hama Province
4,000 Bahraini People in Al-Khalifa Jails without Access to Medical Aid
Two Terrorist Groups Sustain Heavy Losses in Syrian Army Offensives
Iran Sends Multiple Warships to Int'l Waters
Terrorists' Military Hardware Smashed in Syrian Airstrikes
Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Sustain Heavy Losses in Northern Hama
Syrian Army Retakes Control of Key Points of Al-Ameriya Village in Aleppo
--
India
S2S: Historic Joint Shia-Sunni Namaaz on the Occasion Of Eid-ul-Azha in Lucknow
Why Talk with Those Who Say 'Pak Zindabad', Muslim Clerics Ask Home Minister
Camel slaughter ban: Mixed response from Islamic outfits
Provide cattle for Bakrid, Muslim bodies urge government
Mehbooba Attacks Separatists, Terms Snub to MPs Insult to Kashmiriyat
Haryana Govt Continues Crackdown on Beef, to Inspect Biryani Now
Actions in Kashmir including steps against separatists will be in national interest: Rijiju
--
Europe
British Military Handed ISIL ‘Target List’ of 20,000 UK Soldiers
Belgian Muslim Official Resigns After Comparing Israel To ISIS
German Islamist Preacher, Sven Lau, On Trial over Syria Links
--
South Asia
8 ISIS Loyalists Killed In an Airstrike in Kunar Province
Bangladesh Govt Mulls Law to Confiscate Property of War Criminals
First ever cargo train from China arrives in Hairatan port of Afghanistan
Kabul suicide toll rises to 41 dead, 110 wounded: Officials
US reaffirm strong support to Afghanistan following deadly Kabul attacks
Penal Code 377: The bane of Bangladesh’s LGBTQI population
--
Southeast Asia
Indonesian Terrorist Found Supplying Money to Extremist Networks Within the Region
Anti-Muslim sentiment foils Sri Lanka’s bid to tap into global halal market
''Tinnie terror' accused to fight charges over attempt to join Islamic State
--
Pakistan
Pakistan Demolished Over 100 Offices of MQM Party in Karachi
Obama nominates Pakistani-American to serve as federal judge
Kashmir is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein, Will Keep Supporting It: Pak Army Chief
Pakistan not keen on arms race but will ensure power balance: Sharif
--
Mideast
Opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party Co-Chair Called To Testify Over Terror Charges
Turkey, US Mull Move on ISIL Stronghold Raqqa
Three soldiers killed in Turkish operation in Syria
73 more air force personnel dismissed in coup attempt probe: Defense Ministry
Turkish pianist Fazıl Say acquitted of blasphemy charges after four-year legal battle
Turkish Sports Ministry refutes claims on seizure of DW interview
Turkey’s business community welcomes investment package for east, southeast
Teacher commits suicide after being dismissed over alleged Gülen links
--
Africa
Refugees from Boko Haram Return Home, Excited but Fearful
Rival Boko Haram groups 'clash' in NE Nigeria
--
North America
How Muslim-Americans Drifted to the Democratic Party
More than half of Canadian Muslims believe it’s impossible to be an observant Muslim while living openly in an LGBT relationship
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
----
Iranians Are 'Not Muslims', They Are Children of Magi Says Top Saudi Cleric
September 6, 2016
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s top cleric said Iranians are “not Muslims”, after Iran’s supreme leader launched a fresh tirade over the kingdom’s handling of the Hajj pilgrimage, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.
“We must understand these are not Muslims, they are children of Magi and their hostility towards Muslims is an old one. Especially with the people of Sunna,” Grand Mufti Abdulaziz al-Sheikh told Makkah daily, referring to pre-Islamic beliefs in Iran and to the Sunnis who make up the main branch of Islam.
Hajj row escalates as Iran and Saudi Arabia miss new deal
The grand mufti’s comments came a day after Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Muslim world should challenge Saudi management of Islam’s two holiest sites in Makkah and Madina.
The verbal sparring, ahead of the Hajj which this year starts on Saturday, follows months of tension between Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and its Shia regional rival Iran.
“Because of Saudi rulers’ oppressive behaviour towards God’s guests, the world of Islam must fundamentally reconsider the management of the two holy places and the issue of Hajj,” Khamenei wrote on his website.
He reserved some of his harshest words for Riyadh’s response to last year’s Hajj stampede which killed 2,297 pilgrims, according to a toll compiled from foreign officials. Iran said its nationals accounted for 464 of the dead.
Muslims should reconsider letting Saudis manage Hajj, holy sites: Khamenei
Khamenei said the Saudis did not prosecute those at fault for the stampede, accused them of showing no remorse and said Riyadh had “refused to allow an international Islamic fact-finding committee”.
Full report at: tribune.com.pk/story/1177161/iranians-not-muslims-says-top-saudi-cleric/
--
S2S: Historic joint Shia-Sunni namaaz on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha in Lucknow
September 7, 2016
Around the same time last year, a small group of common people came together to organise something unprecedented, unheard of in Lucknow- a joint Shia-Sunni namaaz where brothers in faith stood together Shoulder to Shoulder to pray for peace. Organised in the heart of Lucknow—Imambara Sibtainabad, Hazratganj— the historic event made waves globally. The event brought together like-minded individuals from various fields on a common platform, and considering people’s expectations, the group was formalised into a registered society named “Shoulder to Shoulder Foundation”.
In less than one year, apart from the namaaz, the group has managed to organise several spectacular events and bring thousands of like-minded people together. S2S volunteers served sewain and performed seva at a mega langar organised by Naka Hindola Gurudwara on Prakashotsav. Subsequently, the group met inmates of Mother Teresa’s home to celebrate Christmas with them. Meanwhile, in a reciprocal gesture, Sikh volunteers served coffee at a Sabeel set up at Islamia College, Lucknow, on Barawafat. In yet another spectacular event, S2S tied up with Yahyaganj Gurudwara to organise ifaar for rozedaars inside the Gurudwara during Ramzan.
AhJ2cxwylSRo8dYt7VoseTSmo7IPSBjpCxJWkwWQEX7i 5 AlFJ1wT4cjN4_-iJejpzNChjOsE5xHsn70BqE_OL8OKd AorJyu_gW0hAhVC6TXodI6ErJPkMKzF_45xcH3M3n2qE
At its core, Shoulder to Shoulder (s2s) Foundation is a volunteer-driven organisation set up with the objective of bringing people of different faiths together. At s2s, we believe that peace, unity, and tolerance are essential for human existence and progress to be worthwhile. By facilitating greater interaction among communities and by providing platforms for recognition of common goals, s2s strives to protect and celebrate India’s religious pluralism and cultural vibrancy.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/s2s-historic-joint-shia-sunni-namaaz-occasion-eid-ul-Azha-lucknow-1014322/
--
British Military Handed ISIL ‘Target List’ of 20,000 UK Soldiers
Wed Sep 07 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The UK Ministry of Defense was accused of effectively handing ISIL terrorist group a “target list” since posting the names of 20,000 British soldiers and potential recruits online.
The British Government website, as well as the sites of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, all contain various versions of the list, which was published this week, RT reported.
The exposed information includes the details of regular officers, reservist officers, university trainees, and adult volunteers that were serving in the British military in 2015, many of whom still will be.
Former reservist Major Chris Green, who has left the force, but is detailed in the list, told The Times: “This is a serious security threat when ISIL and other groups are looking to target individuals.
“It is actually a pretty terrifying error. They are putting national security at risk in many ways.”
One serviceman named on the list told the Express: “They’ve basically provided a target list for ISIL.”
An unnamed senior officer added: “I think it is quite risky. I do not know why they have done it.”
The information gaff comes as military personnel are being told to keep their jobs off social media to try to minimize the likelihood of being identified by terrorists.
Members of the Armed Forces are also advised not to wear their uniforms when out and about.
The dangers posed to service personnel were made clear with the murder of Lee Rigby, a soldier who was killed near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London, in 2013.
In addition, a Royal Air Force (RAF) serviceman was the target of a suspected attempted abduction near RAF Marham in Norfolk in July.
British Ministry of Defense officials are considering deleting the lists, as a ministry's spokesperson said: “The security of our people is our foremost concern and we keep measures to address the threats to them under constant review.”
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000937
--
Arab World
Iranians Are 'Not Muslims', They Are Children of Magi Says Top Saudi Cleric
September 6, 2016
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s top cleric said Iranians are “not Muslims”, after Iran’s supreme leader launched a fresh tirade over the kingdom’s handling of the Hajj pilgrimage, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.
“We must understand these are not Muslims, they are children of Magi and their hostility towards Muslims is an old one. Especially with the people of Sunna,” Grand Mufti Abdulaziz al-Sheikh told Makkah daily, referring to pre-Islamic beliefs in Iran and to the Sunnis who make up the main branch of Islam.
Hajj row escalates as Iran and Saudi Arabia miss new deal
The grand mufti’s comments came a day after Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Muslim world should challenge Saudi management of Islam’s two holiest sites in Makkah and Madina.
The verbal sparring, ahead of the Hajj which this year starts on Saturday, follows months of tension between Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and its Shia regional rival Iran.
“Because of Saudi rulers’ oppressive behaviour towards God’s guests, the world of Islam must fundamentally reconsider the management of the two holy places and the issue of Hajj,” Khamenei wrote on his website.
He reserved some of his harshest words for Riyadh’s response to last year’s Hajj stampede which killed 2,297 pilgrims, according to a toll compiled from foreign officials. Iran said its nationals accounted for 464 of the dead.
Full report at: tribune.com.pk/story/1177161/iranians-not-muslims-says-top-saudi-cleric/
--
Iranian President: S. Arabia Killing Muslims across Region
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reminded the Saudi government's mismanagement of the Hajj ceremony in 2015 which killed at least 2,431 pilgrims in Mina, and said Riyadh is also deliberately killing Muslims in other parts of the region by supporting the terrorists and bombing the Yemeni people.
"Last year, a large number of pilgrims and Muslims were innocently martyred during the Hajj rituals and the Saudi government should account for the incident but it has refused to extend even verbal appology to the Muslims and the Islamic countries," President Rouhani said, addressing a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday.
Noting that the Saudi rulers' problem is not merely confined to their mismanagement of the Hajj ceremony, he said, "Unfortunately, the government is actually shedding the blood of Muslims in Iraq, Syria and Yemen by the crimes that it commits in the region and its support for terrorism as it savagely pounds the Yemeni women and children every day."
President Rouhani called on the regional states and the Muslim world to launch coordination to find a solution to the existing problems and punish the Saudi government in a bid to both practice Hajj rituals honorably and get rid of Riyadh's support for terrorism and its crimes in Yemen.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000871
--
Popular Forces Take Full Control of Gov't Buildings in Ta'iz Province, Kill Over 50 Saudi Troops in Midi
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Senior Yemeni popular commanders announced that their forces have taken control of several governmental buildings in the Southern part of Ta'iz province as other units killed scores of Saudi troops in heavy clashes.
"Many governmental buildings, including governor's office, that were controlled by the terrorists are now under Ansarullah's full control," Senior Ansarullah Commander Hossein al-Houthi told FNA on Wednesday.
The Ansarullah has asked Ta'iz governor to surrender himself because he had cooperated with the terrorist groups.
"The Yemeni forces took control of several military positions in the surrounding areas of the city of Midi near Jizan in Southern Saudi Arabia, killing at least 50 Saudi troops," al-Houthi added.
On Monday, the Yemeni forces tightened their grip on the Western part of Ma'rib province as the Saudi military bases in Jizan province came under their artillery attacks.
"The Yemeni forces are now in control of more lands in the Western part of Ma'rib province," Senior Ansarullah Commander Ali al-Houthi told FNA.
Meantime, the Yemeni army's missile units pounded the military sites of the Saudi troops in Jizan province in the kingdom's Southern part.
The pro-Saudi forces also came under attack in al-Jawf province. Scores of pro-Saudi forces were killed and wounded in the Yemeni army offensives.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000907
--
Syrian Army Dispatches Reinforcements to Hama Province
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army sent a large number of fresh forces to strategic regions in the Northern part of Hama province on Wednesday.
"Hundreds of well-trained soldiers have arrived in the countryside of the town of Qamhana to join the Syrian army troops and help them in the upcoming military operation against the terrorists aimed at retaking more strategic lands in Hama province that have been recently lost to the militants," informed battlefield sources said.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Syrian air force heavily pounded the gathering centers and fortifications of Jeish al-Fatah terrorist group in the Northern part of Hama province, inflicting heavy losses on them.
At least three military bases, four vehicles and seven machinegun-equipped military vehicles of the terrorist groups were destroyed in Ma'adres, Souran, Halfaya, al-Tamaneh and Northern part of Ma'an as well as Bazam hilltop and Nahr al-Assi.
Also, the Syrian army and popular forces repelled an attempt by terrorists to attack the two towns of Ma'an and Kefra'a in the Northern Hama, inflicting heavy losses on them in immediate counterattacks.
Over 30 terrorists were killed and many more wounded in fierce clashes with the Syrian army in the battle with the Syrian army and popular forces.
Meantime, other army units also thwarted an attack by terrorists on the village of Jubain, killing over 65 militants.
Three tanks, a BMP vehicle and four machine-gunned vehicle were also destroyed in the Syrian army counterattack in Northern Hama.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000855
--
4,000 Bahraini People in Al-Khalifa Jails without Access to Medical Aid
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- A prominent Bahraini rights activist warned of the increasing number of protestors detained, imprisoned and tortured by the al-Khalifa regime, adding that 4,000 political inmates are suffering in prisons without access to medical aid.
"There are 4,000 political inmates in Bahrain and the Bahraini jails have turned into a place to savagely torture and suppress the prisoners," Abdol Hossein al-Quraifi told FNA on Wednesday.
"Based on creditable reports, many of the datainees are beaten, given electric shocks, and are deprived of treatment and medical aid," he added.
Noting that the fate of Bahraini political activists is unclear in al-Khalifa jails and they are everyday fighting for their life, al-Quraifi said, "No Bahraini official accounts for the country's violation of human rights and they don’t care for the international organizations' criticisms."
In relevant remarks, prominent Bahraini rights activist, Nabeel Rajab, sentenced to many years in jail for campaigning against the ruling authorities and their Saudi allies, wrote in a letter in New York Times on September 4 that "there are some 4,000 political prisoners in Bahrain, which has the highest prison population per capita in the Middle East. This is a country that has subjected its people to imprisonment, torture and even death for daring to desire democracy. My close colleague Abdulhadi al-Khawaja was tortured and sentenced to life in prison in 2011 for his human rights work".
"No one has been properly held to account for systematic abuses that have affected thousands," he added in a detailed letter about his situation in al-Khalifa jail.
The Manama regime has been cracking down harshly on anti-regime protests since February 14, 2011.
Troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, themselves repressive Arab regimes, were deployed to the country in March that year to assist the Manama government in its crackdown on peaceful and pro-democracy rallies.
Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of others injured or arrested in Manama’s crackdown on the anti-regime activists.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000716
--
Two Terrorist Groups Sustain Heavy Losses in Syrian Army Offensives
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army and popular forces pounded the military bases of the terrorist groups in Dara'a province, killing a large number of militants.
The military bases of two terrorist groups came under the Syrian army attacks in Dara'a al-Balad and al-Mohata regions in Dara'a province.
Scores of terrorists were killed and wounded in the army offensives on their military positions.
Meantime, a military source told the Arabic-language media on Tuesday that notorious terrorists Bassel Abud, Salah Abu Nobavat and Ahed Abu Nobavat were among the terrorists killed in Dara'a province.
The Syrian army also killed the members of a terrorist group who were fortifying their military positions in al-Talayebeh square in Dara'a's al-Mohata region.
The army units also targeted and destroyed the terrorists' gathering centers in Dara'a al-Balad.
On Monday, a command center of the Takfiri terrorists in the town of Tafas was completely destroyed in a Syrian Army attack.
Syrian army men, tipped off by the intelligence agents, targeted the command center of terrorists who had gathered in a secret meeting in Tafas.
A Number of terrorist commanders were killed in the attack.
In the meantime, Syrian soldiers targeted gatherings of terrorists in al-Bajabjah neighborhood in Dara'a al-Balad in Dara'a city, leaving 8 of them dead and a number of their vehicles destroyed.
Also six terrorists were killed in the Syrian Army's ambush in al-Lejah region in Northeastern Dara'a.
Meantime on Saturday, Syrian Army troops carried out cleansing operations in the farms near the newly-freed al-Mahjoureh garrison along the old road of Dara'a to Damascus, killing and wounding the remaining pockets of terrorists in the region.
The Syrian government forces restore security to the Northern and Southern farms of al-Mahjoureh.
The army men's mop-up operation not only boosted security of the garrison but cut off terrorists' supply line of Dael to Ibtta.
Terrorist attacks to take back al-Mahjoureh repelled by the Syrian soldiers.
Syrian commanders in Dara'a refuted Saudi media's claimed over the recapture of al-Mahjoureh garrison and underlined that the garrison is under full control of the army.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000691
--
Iran Sends Multiple Warships to Int'l Waters
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iranian Navy on Wednesday sent the country's its ever-largest flotilla of warships, consisting of four warships, to the high seas to safeguard maritime routes used by Iranian vessels operating in the international waters, specially in the Gulf of Aden.
The 43rd fleet of warships, consisting of logistic Lavan warship, Falakhan and Khanjar warships, equipped with missile-launchers, troop-carrier Konarak warship and the home-made SH helicopter, headed to Pakistan's territorial waters with a message of peace and friendship and then to the international waters from Iran's Southern port of Bandar Abbas in a ceremony participated by Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Gholam Reza Khadem Biqam.
A detachment of Pakistan's fleet of warships had berthed in Iran's territorial waters in the Southern port city of Bandar Abbas in April.
During their stay in Iran's territorial waters, the commanders and officers of Pakistan's Rahnaward (sail training ship) and PMSS Nusrat (corvette) visited the country's Naval capabilities and training centers.
Iran's 43rd flotilla of warships started its voyage after the 42nd fleet of the Iranian Navy returned home.
"The 42nd fleet, consisting of Alvand destroyer and Tonb logistic warship returned to the country after 48 days of sailing in the Northern part of the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab," Rear Admiral Biqam said, addressing the ceremony.
He added that the 42nd flotilla escorted 8 Iranian cargo ships and oil tankers and rescued an Iranian boat with 7 crews who were stranded in the Indian Ocean for 20 days.
The Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, when Somali raiders hijacked the Iranian-chartered cargo ship, MV Delight, off the coast of Yemen.
According to UN Security Council resolutions, different countries can send their warships to the Gulf of Aden and coastal waters of Somalia against the pirates and even with prior notice to Somali government enter the territorial waters of that country in pursuit of Somali sea pirates.
The Gulf of Aden - which links the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea - is an important energy corridor, particularly because Persian Gulf oil is shipped to the West via the Suez Canal.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000610
--
Terrorists' Military Hardware Smashed in Syrian Airstrikes
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian fighter jets inflicted heavy losses on the military hardware of Jeish al-Fatah terrorists in Idlib province.
The terrorists' arms depot and bomb-making workshop were destroyed in the Syrian air raids in the town of al-Tamanna in the Southern part of Idlib province.
Meantime, 10 armored vehicles of the terrorists were also destroyed in the airstrikes by the Syrian fighter jets in the towns of Abu Zohour and Binnesh.
In a relevant development on Thursday, the Syrian warplanes targeted the positions and gathering centers of Jeish al-Fatah terrorists in the Western and Northwestern parts of Idlib province.
The air force launched heavy airstrikes against the terrorists' strongholds in the villages of al-Janoudiyeh, Armanaz and Binnesh.
Three positions and a number of vehicles, some equipped with machine guns, were destroyed and tens of terrorists were killed and wounded as a result of the operations.
The airstrikes against the terrorists were launched as the new wave of terrorists' rocket attacks left at least three civilians dead, among them a child, and tens of others wounded after over 200 shells were fired at the two besieged towns of Fuaa and Kefraya in Idlib province as the international community continues to keep mum about the crime.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000588
--
Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Sustain Heavy Losses in Northern Hama
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian air force heavily pounded the gathering centers and fortifications of Jeish al-Fatah terrorist group in the Northern part of Hama province, inflicting heavy losses on them.
"At least three military bases, four vehicles and seven machinegun-equipped military vehicles of the terrorist groups were destroyed in Ma'adres, Souran, Halfaya, al-Tamaneh and Northern part of Ma'an as well as Bazam hilltop and Nahr al-Assi.
On Tuesday, the Syrian army troops discovered a large depot of arms and ammunition left behind by the terrorist groups near a village in Hama close to the border with Homs province.
Syrian soldiers seized a large volume of weapons and munitions in Takfiri terrorist groups' depot in al-Hamra village in the Eastern Hama near the administrative border of Homs.
Also on Monday, Syrian army soldiers continued attack on the terrorist groups in Northern Hama, inflicting major losses on them and pushing them back from more villages and hills in the region.
Syrian army, backed up by the Russian fighter jets, launched fresh rounds of anti-terrorism offensives in Northern Hama and captured the village of Khirbet al-Hajameh in Northwestern side of Qamhaneh and two hills of 30 and 50.
Terrorist groups suffered a heavy death toll and their military hardware sustained major damage in the attacks.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000496
--
Syrian Army Retakes Control of Key Points of Al-Ameriya Village in Aleppo
September 7, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army and popular troops seized back control of several important regions in al-Ameriya village in Aleppo city country, triggering intense clashes between the army and Fatah al-Halab and al-Jabha al-Shamiya, a military source said on Wednesday.
"The army units, supported by the Syrian and Russian air forces, won back control of al-Zarq building and the buildings adjacent to human resources management organization in the Southwestern parts of al-Ameriya," the source said.
He added that the Syrian forces' achievement led to severe clashes between the army and the terrorists with the latter sustaining heavy toll and damages.
Military sources said on Tuesday that the Syrian army soldiers and popular forces continued their advances in Southern Aleppo, and are now very close to seizing back the key town of Khan Touman.
"Syrian government forces have significantly advanced against militants in regions near Khan Touman, including Tal al-Asfar and two strategic villages of Ma'arata and al-Alam," the sources said.
"In the meantime, the Syrian soldiers have intensified their assault on the positions of terrorists in Khan Touman and have cut off all the supply routes to the terrorists. Government forces are now in very good military situation in Khan Touman battlefield and are at the gates of the city," they added.
Earlier reports said yesterday that Syrian and Russian warplanes launched fresh rounds of combat sorties over Jeish al-Fatah's strongholds along the strategic Aleppo-Damascus highway, inflicting major losses on the terrorists.
Syrian and Russian warplanes' bombardments inflicted major casualties on the terrorists of Jeish al-Fatah and did not allow them to advance near Aleppo-Damascus highway.
The Russian and Syrian bombers also struck Takfiri terrorists’ positions at Khan Touman and Saraqib, destroying several military vehicles as well as killing a number of militants.
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000441
--
India
S2S: Historic joint Shia-Sunni namaaz on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha in Lucknow
September 7, 2016
Around the same time last year, a small group of common people came together to organise something unprecedented, unheard of in Lucknow- a joint Shia-Sunni namaaz where brothers in faith stood together Shoulder to Shoulder to pray for peace. Organised in the heart of Lucknow—Imambara Sibtainabad, Hazratganj— the historic event made waves globally. The event brought together like-minded individuals from various fields on a common platform, and considering people’s expectations, the group was formalised into a registered society named “Shoulder to Shoulder Foundation”.
In less than one year, apart from the namaaz, the group has managed to organise several spectacular events and bring thousands of like-minded people together. S2S volunteers served sewain and performed seva at a mega langar organised by Naka Hindola Gurudwara on Prakashotsav. Subsequently, the group met inmates of Mother Teresa’s home to celebrate Christmas with them. Meanwhile, in a reciprocal gesture, Sikh volunteers served coffee at a Sabeel set up at Islamia College, Lucknow, on Barawafat. In yet another spectacular event, S2S tied up with Yahyaganj Gurudwara to organise ifaar for rozedaars inside the Gurudwara during Ramzan.
AhJ2cxwylSRo8dYt7VoseTSmo7IPSBjpCxJWkwWQEX7i 5 AlFJ1wT4cjN4_-iJejpzNChjOsE5xHsn70BqE_OL8OKd AorJyu_gW0hAhVC6TXodI6ErJPkMKzF_45xcH3M3n2qE
At its core, Shoulder to Shoulder (s2s) Foundation is a volunteer-driven organisation set up with the objective of bringing people of different faiths together. At s2s, we believe that peace, unity, and tolerance are essential for human existence and progress to be worthwhile. Full report at: siasat.com/news/s2s-historic-joint-shia-sunni-namaaz-occasion-eid-ul-Azha-lucknow-1014322/
--
Why Talk with Those Who Say 'Pak Zindabad', Muslim Clerics Ask Home Minister
Sep 6, 2016
NEW DELHI: Members of an all-party delegation that went to Kashmir shouldn't have tried to meet Hurriyat members and those who raise slogans like 'Pakistan Zindabad,' said a delegation of Muslim clerics who met Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, ANI reported.
The clerics from the Barelvi School met with Rajnath to discuss the situation in Kashmir.
"Some people who went with the home minister to Kashmir went to meet separatists; they should not have done that. How can we talk to people who are raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans? We are very clear that we would not go at their doorstep only to be turned away by them, like they did to a handful of people recently," said Maulana Ansar Raza of the Gharib Nawaz Foundation who led the delegation.
On Sunday, Kashmiri separatists shut the door on members of the all-party delegation, literally, in some instances, as they went to meet them as part of efforts to end the two-month-long unrest in the Valley following Hizb ul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani's killing. Sources said the separatists had reservations talking to the team as Rajnath Singh was leading it.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Why-talk-with-those-who-say-Pak-zindabad-Muslim-clerics-ask-Rajnath/articleshow/54032789.cms
--
Camel slaughter ban: Mixed response from Islamic outfits
September 7, 2016
The Madras High Court’s recent order refusing to permit camel slaughter in Tamil Nadu during the Bakrid festival has evoked mixed reactions among Islamic outfits and animal rights activists.
Opposing the verdict, M.H. Jawahirullah, president, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, said that the verdict would be challenged in the Supreme Court since it impinges on the rights of Muslims to practice their faith. “According to Islam, Muslims can sacrifice a bull, goat or a camel for Bakrid. It is one of the obligations of Muslims. How can a Muslim, who wants to sacrifice a camel, be barred from doing it?” he asked, adding “We will challenge it.”
According to him, the ban contradicts Article 25 of the Constitution, which states that “all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion.”
‘Misunderstood Islam’
Countering his views, senior leader of Indian Union Muslim League Kader Mohideen said that several Muslim organisations are calling for ‘camel slaughter’ because they have ‘misunderstood Islam’. “Bakrid is second most important festival for Muslims. And Muslims sacrifice animals and share the meat with the poor and the needy. How does it matter whether the meat that is being shared is a goat or a camel?” he asked.
Mr. Mohideen said that Islam is a religion that is universal and common to Muslims around the world, but people have different cultures.
Full report at: thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/camel-slaughter-ban-mixed-response-from-islamic-outfits/article9077383.ece
--
Provide cattle for Bakrid, Muslim bodies urge government
Sep 7, 2016
HYDERABAD: In a move to avoid unnecessary controversy and stop cow vigilantes in their tracks during the upcoming Bakrid, some Muslim organisations have approached chief secretary Rajiv Sharma and director general of police Anurag Sharma to put in place a system for sale of animals for sacrifice through the animal husbandry department.
In a joint petition signed by office-bearers of Soofi Academy , Sunni Ulema Board, All India Muslim League, Awami Majilis Amal, Telangana Minority State Forum and Sunni Ulema Council, they requested the government to sell the animals for sacrifice through designated counters to avoid harassment of traders from various groups.
"We request that arran gements for sa le of animals for sacrifice be made through the animal hus bandry depart ment counters across the sta te, similar to how milk is sold through Vijaya Dairy on Id-ul-Fitr. This move will satisfy all the parties concerned, thereby reducing pressure on police too,'' they said in the representation. The legally permitted animals for sacrifice are oxen, buffaloes and sheep. However, the issue of illegal transportation of cows into the city for slaughter has been troubling police for the past few years as skirmishes between right-wing groups and cattle traders take place on the suburbs of the city.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Provide-cattle-for-Bakrid-Muslim-bodies-urge-government/articleshow/54040575.cms
--
Mehbooba Attacks Separatists, Terms Snub to MPs Insult to Kashmiriyat
September 7, 2016
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday hit out at the separatists for “spoiling” the youth of the Kashmir Valley and termed as an “insult” to ‘Kashmiriyat’ their action of shutting the door on members of the all-party delegation of MPs that explored ways to restore peace in the troubled state.
By spurning talks, she said, the separatist leaders were not facilitating resolution of the problem but stalling the process for finding lasting peace.
“We have lost several opportunities in the past to resolve the issue through engagement and dialogue and today again if we miss the chance, the coming generations will never forgive us for our intransigence,” the Chief Minister told the gathering at a function for formal launch of UJALA scheme in Kashmir under which LED bulbs will be supplied.
The event was organized by Union Power Ministry, the state’s Power Development Department and Energy Efficiency Services Limited a joint-venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power.
Referring to the separatists’ decision to not talk to the visiting all-party delegation, Mehbooba said it was “an insult to Kashmiriyat, to us”.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/mehbooba-attacks-separatists-terms-snub-mps-insult-kashmiriyat-1014504/
--
Haryana Govt Continues Crackdown on Beef, to Inspect Biryani Now
September 7, 2016
Chandigarh: The Haryana government continues its crackdown on beef consumption.
The Manohar Lal Khattar government will now carry out inspections of eateries and vendors who serve Biryani to ensure no outlet is serving beef.
The inspection drives will start from Mewat – a predominantly Muslim district.
Haryana was one of the first states in the country to ban beef consumption.
Former transport minister Aftab Ahmed said that this was a deliberate move by the state government to defame the Muslim community.
Source: siasat.com/news/haryana-govt-continues-crackdown-beef-inspect-biryani-now-1014408/
--
Actions in Kashmir including steps against separatists will be in national interest: Rijiju
September 7, 2016
New Delhi: Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday all actions in Jammu and Kashmir, including steps against separatists, will be taken keeping “national interest” in mind.
“Whatever actions … will be taken in the national interest. All actions will be taken keeping national security and other issues in mind,” Rijiju told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar here.
Asked about the “harsh steps” in the event of non-cooperation from opposition parties, the minister said: “There is no need to make a major issue out of these.
“This government is serious about national security as well as the welfare of the people across the country including in Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly all steps will be taken,” he said.
The remarks from Rijiju come even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh is engaged in a series of meetings with party colleagues and senior officials on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Members of an all-party delegation and Rajnath Singh are to meet here on Wednesday to discuss their findings of a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: siasat.com/news/actions-kashmir-including-steps-separatists-will-national-interest-rijiju-1014515/
--
Europe
British Military Handed ISIL ‘Target List’ of 20,000 UK Soldiers
Wed Sep 07 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The UK Ministry of Defense was accused of effectively handing ISIL terrorist group a “target list” since posting the names of 20,000 British soldiers and potential recruits online.
The British Government website, as well as the sites of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, all contain various versions of the list, which was published this week, RT reported.
The exposed information includes the details of regular officers, reservist officers, university trainees, and adult volunteers that were serving in the British military in 2015, many of whom still will be.
Former reservist Major Chris Green, who has left the force, but is detailed in the list, told The Times: “This is a serious security threat when ISIL and other groups are looking to target individuals.
“It is actually a pretty terrifying error. They are putting national security at risk in many ways.”
One serviceman named on the list told the Express: “They’ve basically provided a target list for ISIL.”
An unnamed senior officer added: “I think it is quite risky. I do not know why they have done it.”
The information gaff comes as military personnel are being told to keep their jobs off social media to try to minimize the likelihood of being identified by terrorists.
Members of the Armed Forces are also advised not to wear their uniforms when out and about.
The dangers posed to service personnel were made clear with the murder of Lee Rigby, a soldier who was killed near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London, in 2013.
In addition, a Royal Air Force (RAF) serviceman was the target of a suspected attempted abduction near RAF Marham in Norfolk in July.
British Ministry of Defense officials are considering deleting the lists, as a ministry's spokesperson said: “The security of our people is our foremost concern and we keep measures to address the threats to them under constant review.”
Source: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950617000937
--
Belgian Muslim official resigns after comparing Israel to ISIS
07/09/16
A Belgian Muslim official who compared Israel to Nazi Germany and the Islamic State (ISIS) has resigned from his position as a minister’s adviser on tolerance, JTA reported Tuesday.
Youssef Kobo, the adviser on diversity for the minister in charge of equal opportunity in the regional government of Brussels, offered to resign after finding he could no longer fulfill his duties, a ministry spokesperson was quoted as having told the local HLN news website.
Kobo had apologized for his vitriol against Israel, which he said was a modern Nazi Germany and “an identical twin” of the ISIS terrorist group.
He said he was “young and stupid” when he wrote the Facebook posts in 2014, which he said he “regrets,” the La Capitale daily reported.
The newspaper had contacted Kobo, 28, following criticism by the Belgian League Against Anti-Semitism.
However, in recent days Belgian media discovered earlier tweets, in which he proposed to slaughter activists working to prevent the ritual slaughter of animals, according to JTA.
“What if we compromise on slaughtering Gaia-activists instead of sheep?” he wrote, in what he later dismissed as an inappropriate joke. Gaia is the mythological spirit of Earth.
Kobo had referenced ISIS in posting a caricature of Israel cutting the throat of Gaza, where Israel in the summer of 2014 carried out strikes against the Hamas terrorist group as part of the counterterrorism Operation Protective Edge.
Kobo said of a video of Israeli troops: “21st century Nazis.”
He told La Capitale that he was “very emotional” following the strikes in Gaza, which followed rocket fire by Hamas on Israel.
Joel Rubinfeld, the president of the Belgian League Against Anti-Semitism, said Kobo’s statements make him unfit to advise on tolerance and especially on anti-Semitism.
“He can’t be both fireman and fire starter,” Rubinfeld told La Capitale, noting that Israel is connected to the phenomenon often called “new anti-Semitism,” in which anti-Israel sentiment becomes a veil for anti-Semitism.
Full report at: israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/217438
--
German Islamist Preacher, Sven Lau, On Trial over Syria Links
Wed Sep 07 2016
Duesseldorf: One of Germany’s best known Islamist preachers went on trial in the western city of Duesseldorf on Tuesday on charges of backing “a terrorist group” fighting in Syria.
Sven Lau, 35, stands accused of supporting and recruiting fighters for the Syria-based Jaish al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar (JMA), or Army of Emigrants and Supporters, which Germany lists as a terrorist organisation. A convert to the ultra-conservative Salafist branch of Islam, Lau gained notoriety in his home country in 2014 when he organised a vigilante “Sharia Police” group that patrolled German streets seeking to enforce Islamic law.
He was arrested in December in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, a hotspot for fundamentalist Islam from where a number of fighters have left to wage jihad in Iraq and Syria.
Source: dawn.com/news/1282524/german-islamist-preacher-on-trial-over-syria-links
--
South Asia
8 ISIS loyalists killed in an airstrike in Kunar province
Wed Sep 07 2016
At least 8 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed during an airstrike in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the airstrike was carried out in Shegal district, leaving 8 dead, 15 wounded, and an accommodation of the terrorist group destroyed.
The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.
Kunar is among the relatively volatile provinces in eastern Afghanistan where anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents are actively operating.
However, the ISIS loyalists have also increased their presence in the province as they attempt to expand foothold in the country despite major crackdowns against the group in eastern Nangarhar province.
The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) launched a major operation in Nangarhar to suppress the activities of ISIS loyalists in mid-July this year.
The US forces also provided support to the Afghan forces during the operation conducted in Kot, Achin and parts of the province where ISIS loyalists were conducting insurgency.
The US forces resumed operations against ISIS loyalists after the Obama administration granted them broader role to combat the terror groups in Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com/8-isis-loyalists-killed-in-an-airstrike-in-kunar-province-01847
--
Bangladesh Govt Mulls Law to Confiscate Property of War Criminals
September 07, 2016
The government is contemplating to promulgate a law to deal with the property of convicted war criminals, said Law Minister Anisul Huq.
“The first phase of the ongoing war crimes trial has come to the end. Recently the countrymen have raised a demand that the property of the war criminals be confiscated. According to the Muslim law, their descendants are to inherit the property after the execution of war criminals.
“International Crimes Tribunal has not given any suggestion in this regard. Amid such situation, the government ponders to implement a new law to deal with the matter and the court will give the final decision on whether to confiscate the property.”
About a recent remark of a justice, the law minister said only the government has the authority to make decision on setting up a judicial secretariat.
“There is no need to set up such independent secretariat for the sake of the judiciary as neither the President nor the premier has such offices,” he said.
In response to another query, he said the ICT act has already been amended to ban the politics of Jamaat-Shibir in the country. It is now awaiting the cabinet nod.
Source: dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/09/07/govt-mulls-law-confiscate-property-war-criminals/
--
First ever cargo train from China arrives in Hairatan port of Afghanistan
Wed Sep 07 2016
The first ever cargo train from China arrived in the main Hairtan port located in North of Afghanistan on Wednesday, boosting hopes among the Afghan officials to find access to alternative routes for transit.
The train carrying loads of consignments arrived in Hairatan carrying a sign (Central Asia Trains).
The cargo train apparently left Nantong in China and travelled several days to reach to its final destination in the strategic Hairatan port of Afghanistan.
“First ever Cargo Train from #China arrived in Hairatan Port of #Afghanistan today. Gawadar port of #Pakistan won’t longer be our only option,” Javid Faisal, spokesman for Chief Executive Officer’s Office said.
Hairatan port is a small city located to the border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Afghanistan.
This city is located in the north of Balkh province and is one of the necessary business ports of Afghanistan. Border line between these two countries is Ammo River.
In the year of 1982 bridge of Dosti (Friendship) between mentioned countries was built by the USSR Soviet that links Afghanistan with the Middle East countries china and Russia.
Hairatan route was the safest business way in Afghanistan during 33 years of war.
Source: khaama.com/first-ever-cargo-train-from-china-arrives-in-hairatan-port-of-afghanistan-01850
--
Kabul suicide toll rises to 41 dead, 110 wounded: Officials
Wed Sep 07 2016
The death toll of a coordinated suicide attack near the Ministry of Defense compound in Kabul has risen to 41, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) officials said.
A spokesman for MoPH Wahid Majroh said at least 110 others have also sustained injuries in the attack which took place on Monday afternoon.
He said there are fears that the death toll could rise as several injured victims’s health condition is critical and the ministry is busy to utilize all facilities to save those in critical condition.
However, he did not elaborate further regarding the exact number of wounded individuals in critical condition
The incident on Monday afternoon took place after the militants detonated an Improvised Explosive Device near the Ministry of Defense compound.
A suicide bomber targeted the crowd of security personnel and some civilians who had gathered to help the victims of the first explosion.
The Taliban militants group claimed responsibility behind the incident.
Several high level security officials including the police chief of Police District#2 were among those killed in the incident as security sources are saying the majority victims of the incident were security personnel.
Source: khaama.com/kabul-suicide-toll-rises-to-41-dead-110-wounded-officials-01849
--
US reaffirm strong support to Afghanistan following deadly Kabul attacks
Wed Sep 07 2016
The United States reaffirmed strong support to Afghanistan following deadly attacks in capital Kabul which left scores of people dead or wounded.
Deputy spokesperson for the State Department Mark Toner said “First of all, we strongly condemn the Taliban attacks on the ministry of defense yesterday in Afghanistan as well as today’s attack against CARE International, which is an institution dedicated to helping Afghans build a better future.”
Toner commended the courageous actions that were taken by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in the aftermath of the attacks.
“They responded quickly and decisively to the incidents. And we’ll – we’re going to stand strong with our Afghan partners as they strive to improve citizen safety and security and work towards building a lasting peace in that nation,” he added.
The Taliban militants group claimed responsibility behind back to back attacks which rocked Kabul city on Monday.
The group initially launched their attack in the capital by detonating an Improvised Explosive Device close to the Ministry of Defense compound and targeted the crowd minutes of the first blast.
Another major attack was launched near an international organization late on Monday night after the group detonated a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device, triggering a gun battle that lasted for 11 hours.
At least 41 people were killed and over 100 others were wounded in the first attack while one person was killed and 6 other were wounded in the overnight attack.
Source: khaama.com/us-reaffirm-strong-support-to-afghanistan-following-deadly-kabul-attacks-01846
--
Penal Code 377: The bane of Bangladesh’s LGBTQI population
Wed Sep 07 2016
According to surveys, 5 to 10 percent of the world’s population belong to the LGBTQI category (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex.) The first two feel sexual and emotional attraction towards people of the same gender, not the opposite as is the social norm. Bangladesh is no exception to this and there are numerous such people who live clandestine lives, away from the limelight of family, friends and society. Many of them live double lives by entering sham marriages with the opposite gender to save face with family and society. Such marriages do irreparable damage to both parties involved since they are not based on love or intimacy.
After the murder of gay rights activist Xulhaz and gay cultural activist Tonoy by Islamic militants earlier this year, gays in Bangladesh are now in hiding, fearful of their lives. Those who are able to are leaving the country. This is a sorry state of affairs and need to change soon. First thing to aid this change will be a bit of education. People never choose their sexuality. Homosexuals are born with their sexuality that they discover after puberty in the same way heterosexuals do. Nobody makes this choice. There is no choice here. Moreover, it is never possible for someone to change their sexuality. This means a gay person cannot be turned straight (heterosexual) by any means. Likewise, a heterosexual person cannot be turned gay (homosexual) by any means. Young boys and girls cannot be influenced by other homosexuals to become gay. Nobody becomes gay upon puberty. The sexuality is determined at a much earlier stage.
Full report at: washingtonblade.com/2016/09/07/penal-code-377-bane-bangladeshs-lgbtqi-population/
--
Southeast Asia
Indonesian terrorist found supplying money to extremist networks within the region
Wed, September 7 2016
An Indonesian terrorist is pumping money into militant cell networks in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia to facilitate attacks in these three countries.
Bahrun Naim, who has been identified as the key militant, is believed to be the commander of Katibah Nusantara, a group of Indonesian and Malaysian Islamic State fighters formed in late 2014.
Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division head Deputy Comm Datuk Ayob Khan said they had detected Bahrun contacting Malaysian IS members and instigating them to target certain western interests, the government and its security forces.
“He also channelled funds and issued similar orders to militants in Indonesia and the Philippines,” he said in his keynote address at the IACSP Asean Security Symposium here yesterday.
Full report at: thejakartapost.com/seasia/2016/09/07/indonesian-terrorist-found-supplying-money-to-extremist-networks-within-the-region.html
--
Anti-Muslim sentiment foils Sri Lanka’s bid to tap into global halal market
Wed, September 7 2016
First, the Muslim community in the island nation is suffering discrimination, according to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
Second, although Sri Lanka wants to tap into the $2.3 trillion worth halal market along with other Asian countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea, hard-core Buddhist groups like the Bodu Bala Sena (Buddhist Power Force) are running a campaign against the move.
Fearing a backlash, some companies who were eyeing the halal market have suspended their plans.
“Certain manufacturers don’t want to get involved in the halal fiasco and will do without the certification,” Ali Fatharally, chief executive officer of the Halal Accreditation Council (HAC) in Sri Lanka, said to Asia Times.
HAC has given accreditation to several top export-oriented companies who want to cater to the halal market and are conscious of its great growth potential. Halal is related not just to meat and beverages but also everything from medicines to cosmetics. The industry is growing fast along with the global Muslim population.
Halal, which means ‘permissible’ in Arabic, is any object or action which is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic Shariah law. It is one of five Ahkam (provisions) — fard (compulsory), mustahabb (recommended), halal (allowed), makruh (disliked), and haram (forbidden) — that define the morality of human action in Islam.
Within one year after its formation, HAC had granted accreditation to at least 140 companies after a grueling process to ensure that local restaurants as well as products ranging from consumer goods to poultry are halal compliant and fit for consumption by Muslims across the world, Fatharally said.
Since 2013, especially during the rule of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has been witnessing campaigns against Muslim women too for their traditional dress code and for following halal dietary guidelines.
Bodu Bala Sena’s (BBS) general secretary, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, a Buddhist monk, said such lifestyles are attempts by Muslims to implement Sharia in Sri Lanka which is a Buddhist country. The BBS even demanded the removal of halal logo which appeared on certain food products.
Full report at: atimes.com/2016/09/anti-muslim-sentiment-foils-sri-lankas-bid-to-tap-into-global-halal-market/
--
''Tinnie terror' accused to fight charges over attempt to join Islamic State
September 07, 2016
The so-called 'tinnie terror' group accused of plotting to take a boat to Indonesia in a bid to join Islamic State are expected to fight the charges against them.
One of the accused, Robert "Musa" Cerantonio, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where his lawyer asked for better access to the evidence compiled by the Crown.
The court heard that the case contains thousands of items of evidence, including phone transcripts and data intercepts. Over 100 witnesses are expected to be called.
Mr Cerantonio, along with Shayden Thorne, Paul Dacre, Antonio Granata, Murat Kaya and Kadir Kaya, were arrested in north Queensland in May after allegedly buying a boat which they planned to use to leave Australia and join Islamic State.
They face charges of making preparations for incursions into foreign countries to engage in hostile activities
A sixth man, Murat Kaya, was later arrested in Melbourne's north-west by counter-terrorism police.
Robert Stary, for Mr Cerantonio, said that the lawyers representing the accused were all funded by Legal Aid and that they were having trouble going through the prosecution brief of evidence. Lawyers for three of the other accused also appeared in court.
Mr Stary said that his client had only been given a couple of hours a week to go through the evidence and that special computers had been provided by Corrections Victoria with the material already downloaded.
Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg said that it was a poor situation that the defence was not adequately funded and agreed the accused needed an understanding of the case against him.
He directed the prosecution provide some of the evidence in hard copy form, including a list of intercepted phone calls and what was discussed in them.
The case was adjourned until February 20 for a committal mention in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
A five-day contested committal hearing has been set down for May 15.
Source: theage.com.au/victoria/tinnie-terror-accused-to-fight-charges-over-attempt-to-join-islamic-state-20160907-graqvy.html
--
Pakistan
Pakistan demolished over 100 offices of MQM party in Karachi
September 7, 2016
Karachi :A Pakistani government minister says authorities in the port city of Karachi have demolished over 100 offices of a political party whose leader spoke from self-imposed exile against Pakistan last month.
Jam Khan, the provincial minister for local government, says on Tuesday action against Muttahida Qaumi Movement, or MQM, was launched after last month’s speech by the movement’s leader, Altaf Hussain from London, in which he incited supporters to violence.
Hussain’s followers subsequently attacked TV stations in Karachi and clashes with the police left one person dead. Khan says the ongoing crackdown is not just “MQM specific” and that any illegal offices of other political parties will also be shuttered.
MQM mainly represents ethnic Mohajirs, who fled to Pakistan from India during 1947’s partition, and it dominates politics in Karachi.
Source: siasat.com/news/pakistan-demolished-100-offices-mqm-party-karachi-1014171/
--
Obama nominates Pakistani-American to serve as federal judge
September 7, 2016
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama made history on Tuesday by nominating for the first time a Muslim to serve as a federal judge.
Abid Riaz Qureshi, an American national of Pakistani origin, has been nominated to the US District Court in the District of Columbia, The Huffington Post reported.
“I am pleased to nominate Qureshi to serve on the United States District Court bench,” Obama said in a statement. “I am confident he will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”
Qureshi, born in Pakistan, received a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1977 and a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1997. He has been partner at a Latham and Watkins, a law firm based in Washington DC since 2006, leading their pro bono efforts since 2012, reported The National Law Journal.
President Obama’s nomination has been hailed as a milestone by Muslim advocacy groups.
“I commend President Obama for taking this important step in continuing to pick the best and brightest from every community to serve as part of our nation’s judiciary,” said Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates, a legal advocacy organisation.
"A judiciary that reflects the rich diversity of our nation helps ensure the fair and just administration of the law, and it is vital for American Muslims to be included. Mr. Qureshi’s profound commitment to the rule of law and justice for people of all backgrounds makes him an exceptional nominee.”
The nomination comes towards the end of Obama’s final term in office and in the midst of a racially-charged election campaign in the country.
The success of Qureshi’s nomination remains uncertain, however. With just months left in Obama’s term, Senate Republicans have virtually stopped confirming his judicial picks.
But the nomination does carry symbolic value for judicial diversity in a campaign in which Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has expressed insecurities regarding fair treatment by a Muslim judge.
Trump said it is "absolutely possible" that he would receive unfair treatment if a Muslim came to serve as federal judge.
Source: dawn.com/news/1282634/obama-nominates-pakistani-american-to-serve-as-federal-judge
--
Kashmir is Pakistan’s Jugular Vein, Will Keep Supporting It: Pak Army Chief
September 7, 2016
Islamabad: Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and said Islamabad will continue to support the people of the Valley on the “diplomatic and ethical” fronts.
“We salute the great sacrifices of the people of Kashmir for their right of self-determination. The solution of the problem lies in the implementation of the resolutions of United Nations in this regard. Pakistan will continue to support Kashmir on the diplomatic and ethical fronts,” said the chief of army staff, addressing a ceremony held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to mark the country’s Defence Day.
General Raheel said Kashmir was Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and praised people of the Valley for rendering “innumerable sacrifices”.
The army chief asserted that “the defence of Pakistan is invincible”.
“I want to make it clear to all the enemies that the defence of Pakistan is already strong but now it has become invincible,” he was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.
On the challenges the country is facing, he said: “I want to make it clear that we are fully aware of all covert and overt intrigues and intentions of our enemies. Be the challenge military or diplomatic; on the borders or within the cities, we know our friends and foes all too well.”
On Pakistan’s ties with China, the army chief said the greatest example of a relationship based on mutual respect and principle of equality in the region is the Pak-China friendship.
“China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the paramount evidence of this relationship. I would like to assure that we shall not allow any external force to obstruct it and any such attempt will be dealt with iron hands,” he said.
General Raheel said the Operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists had achieved its objectives to confront terror, saying the armed forced will go to any limit to ensure Pakistan’s security.
He praised the military, police and other law enforcement agencies for their “utmost efforts” to establish law and order in the country.
“There is a need to implement the National Action Plan and break the nexus between corruption and terrorism to fully consolidate the successes of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in the entire country,” he added.]
Source: siasat.com/news/kashmir-pakistans-jugular-vein-will-keep-supporting-pak-army-chief-1014452/
--
Pakistan not keen on arms race but will ensure power balance: Sharif
September 7, 2016
Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan was not keen on joining an arms race but will take steps to maintain regional balance of power.
“Pakistan does not want to join the arms race in the region, however, will continue to ensure balance in the region,” Sharif said in a message issued on Defence Day marked every year to commemorate the 1965 war with India.
“We have attained self-reliance in production of advanced weapons and our nuclear capability is the hallmark of our strong defence,” he said.
Harping on the Kashmir issue, Sharif said it should be resolved according to the United Nations resolutions.
“We have a clear stance on Kashmir and believe that the solution of this issue only lies in implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people,” he said.
President, in a separate message, said Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend the homeland.
“The 6th September is a milestone in our history when 51 years ago Pakistan Army and the entire nation courageously defended the homeland against the enemy aggression,” the President said.
Different ceremonies were held in the country to mark the Defence Day.
Source: siasat.com/news/pakistan-not-keen-arms-race-will-ensure-power-balance-sharif-1014130/
--
Mideast
Opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party Co-Chair Called To Testify Over Terror Charges
September 7, 2016
The co-chair of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) has been called to testify on charges of “being a member of an armed terrorist organization.”
HDP co-leader Selahattin Demirtaş was called to testify as a part of the probe launched by Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır.
Nursel Aydoğan, an HDP lawmaker from Diyarbakır, was also called to testify, Doğan News Agency reported.
Demirtaş had previously said they wouldn’t testify after the legislative immunities of lawmakers were lifted.
“We, including myself, are not going to go prosecutor’s offices or courts as if nothing happened. I’m calling out to the prosecutor or judge who wants to call us to testify; either issue an arrest warrant or subpoena,” Demirtaş had said.
A summary of proceedings was previously prepared regarding Demirtaş and he was called to testify, but he didn’t reply to any of the calls.
Meanwhile, HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ was also called to testify by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, daily Evrensel reported. According to the daily, she wouldn’t go to testify.
Subpoenas were previously issued for eight lawmakers from the HDP over the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK) case in Diyarbakir on Sept. 5. HDP group deputy chairman Çağlar Demirel was among the ones a subpoena was issued for by the Diyarbakır Second Heavy Penal Court.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com/hdp-co-chair-called-to-testify-over-terror-charges-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103662&NewsCatID=338
--
Turkey, US mull move on ISIL stronghold Raqqa
September 7, 2016
Ankara and Washington are discussing military action on Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has told a group of journalists on his way back to Turkey from the G-20 summit in China, where he had a tête-à-tête meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
“Raqqa is an important center for Daesh,” Erdoğan said, using an Arabic acronym for the jihadist group. “Obama particularly wants to do something together [with us] about Raqqa. We have told him that this is not a problem for us.”
Turkey has suggested the high-ranking soldiers of both parties could come together and discuss the issue, and “then what is necessary will be done,” he said.
“This is an issue that we have been discussing with the United States,” he said while responding to a question on whether Turkey would play a role in reclaiming Raqqa.
“What can be done there will become more concrete after talks,” he said. “What can be done on the issue is related to the U.S. stance.”
Turkey does not have the option of taking a step back on Syria or else terror groups will fill in the gap, Erdoğan added.
“From now on, we have to show that we exist in the region. We do not have an option to step back at this point,” the president said, adding that terror groups, such as ISIL, the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) or its armed wing, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), would settle there.
Turkey says the PYD is linked to the PKK, which has accelerated its attacks in Turkey, but the PYD and its armed wing is an ally with the U.S. in the region in the anti-ISIL fight.
Responding to a question as to whether the U.S. has changed its stance on the PYD, Erdoğan said Turkey had not experienced any difficulty in cooperating with its partner during the Euphrates Shield operation.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-us-mull-move-on-isil-stronghold-raqqa.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103655&NewsCatID=352
--
Three soldiers killed in Turkish operation in Syria
September 7, 2016
Three Turkish soldiers were killed and four others have been wounded during clashes with Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) militants near the Syrian town of al-Rai, the 14th day of an operation in northern Syria, the Turkish military announced Sept 6.
The soldiers were killed on the spot and five injured when ISIL missiles hit two Turkish tanks in the Wuquf village, the military said.
One of the wounded soldiers later died in hospital despite all attempts to save his life, lifting the death toll to three, the military said.
Two members of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), which is backed by the Turkish military in their advance on ISIL in Syria, were also killed while two others were wounded.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Wuquf and Sadwi villages were seized from ISIL by FSA members.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com/three-soldiers-killed-in-turkish-operation-in-syria-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103657&NewsCatID=352
--
73 more air force personnel dismissed in coup attempt probe: Defense Ministry
September 7, 2016
A further 73 personnel from the Turkish Air Force have been dismissed from the army as part of the ongoing investigation into the Fetullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ), which has been accused of the failed coup attempt of July 15, the Defense Ministry announced Sept. 7.
“Seventy-three more military personnel from the Air Force Command were dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces within the scope of the FETÖ investigation,” the ministry tweeted.
Some 66 of the dismissed personnel were military officers while the other seven were non-commissioned officers from the air force, according to the ministry.
The ministry also said the personnel were being dismissed with the utmost sensibility.
Last week, the ministry announced that 820 more military personnel from the land and naval forces had been dismissed from the armed forces.
More than 3,500 soldiers, including generals and admirals, were previously dismissed from the army in light of two state of emergency decrees issued after the failed seizure of government.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com/73-more-air-force-personnel-dismissed-in-coup-attempt-probe-defense-ministry.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103658&NewsCatID=341
--
Turkish pianist Fazıl Say acquitted of blasphemy charges after four-year legal battle
September 7, 2016
World-renowned Turkish pianist Fazıl Say was finally acquitted of blasphemy charges on Sept. 7, four years after being sentenced to a suspended jail term after sharing a post on his Twitter account.
An Istanbul court ordered Say’s acquittal on charges of “insulting religious beliefs held by a section of society” for retweeting several lines attributed to the 11th century Persian poet Omar Khayyam in 2012.
In a post on his Instagram account after the four-year judicial struggle, Say thanked and congratulated his lawyer Meltem Akyol.
He had received a suspended 10-month prison sentence in April 2013 for retweeting Khayyam’s lines after three people filed a criminal complaint to the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office, accusing him of blasphemy.
An Istanbul court later accepted Say’s demand to cancel his suspended sentence, paving way for his retrial.
In the September 2013 retrial, an Istanbul court sentenced Say to 10 months in prison but again suspended the sentence as Say had no previous criminal record.
The pianist then appealed this verdict at the Supreme Court of Appeals, which demanded in November 2014 that the controversial judgment against Say be reversed and he be acquitted.
On Oct. 26, 2015, the 8th Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Appeals ruled by a majority vote that Say’s Twitter posts should be regarded as freedom of thought and expression and thus should not be punished.
Among the lines attributed to Khayyam that Say retweeted was: “You say its rivers will flow in wine. Is the Garden of Eden a drinking house?”
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pianist-fazil-say-acquitted-of-blasphemy-charges-after-four-year-legal-battle.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103664&NewsCatID=339
--
Turkish Sports Ministry refutes claims on seizure of DW interview
September 7, 2016
Turkey’s Youth and Sports Ministry has issued a statement over reports on the seizure of an interview by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) with Youth and Sports Minister Akif Çağatay Kılıç, saying it did not reflect the truth.
“Our request to not publish the interview was conveyed to the related TV officials over the usage of ‘excessive expressions and accusations’ by the presenter during the interview, which was conducted on tape recording. Our disposition regarding the interview not to be published over our request is the ‘authorization’ rule that is sensitively applied in the country [Germany], which is the broadcasting center of the related media outlet, to be fulfilled,” the ministry said in a statement.
Meeting with DW’s Conflict Zone host Michel Friedman at the ministry’s building in Ankara on Sept. 5, Kılıç responded to the questions asked on topics related to recent developments in Turkey such as the coup attempt of July 15, the widespread round-ups that have occurred in its aftermath, the situation of the Turkish press and the place of women in Turkish society. Kılıç was also asked to clarify President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks made on these issues.
However, earlier reports had suggested that the DW team was told during their exit that they could not publish the interview and could not leave the premises without handing over the recording.
DW General Director Peter Limbourg had harshly criticized the act, saying it was a clear violation of press freedom in Turkey.
“This is a clear violation of freedom of press in Turkey once again. What was done here was compulsion by the Turkish government. This does not have anything to do with the state of law and principles of democracy. It is not acceptable for a minister to give an interview on his own consent and then attempt to prevent its publication just because he did not like the questions. We demand the Turkish side quickly return our recording and are exploring legal steps that can be taken,” Limbourg said.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-sports-ministry-refutes-claims-on-seizure-of-dw-interview.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103659&NewsCatID=338
--
Turkey’s business community welcomes investment package for east, southeast
September 7, 2016
Turkish business community representatives have heaped praise on the government’s recently announced investment program for the country’s eastern and southeastern regions.
Apart from building hospitals, homes, infrastructure, logistics and education worth nearly 10 billion Turkish Liras ($3.4 billion), the government also plans to provide huge incentives to new real sector investments in the region in the form of free-of-charge factory sites, zero-interest machinery loans and guaranteed purchases, pushing the overall size of the package to $140 billion.
Top business groups have said they would consider these regions for their new investments following the announcement of the “East and Southeast Investment Support Action.”
Bülent Eczacıbaşı, head of the Eczacıbaşı Holding, which operates mainly in the healthcare sector, said the main goal of the support program was to achieve Turkey’s two significant and essential targets: new jobs and more investments.
“We hope eastern and southeastern Anatolia will come into the spotlight for economic progress from now on,” Eczacıbaşı said.
“As investments and newly created jobs increase, our economy will also grow. As our economy grows, our country will also continue its sustainable development,” he added.
The total amount of planned investments will reach $140 billion and annual new employment from them is estimated to hit 40,000, given the size of the commitment of the government, Eczacıbaşı said.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-business-community-welcomes-investment-package-for-east-southeast.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103663&NewsCatID=345
--
Teacher commits suicide after being dismissed over alleged Gülen links
September 7, 2016
A teacher who was dismissed over suspected links to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) has killed himself in the northwestern Turkish province of Bilecik.
Mustafa Güneyler, 50, was dismissed as a part of the state of emergency decrees published in the Official Gazette on Sept. 2, targeting alleged members of FETÖ, believed to have orchestrated Turkey’s failed coup attempt of July 15.
Before being dismissed Güneyler was suspended on suspicion of links to the movement of the U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen. After not hearing from him in the aftermath of his dismissal, his relatives notified the police.
A locksmith was called to open Güneyler’s door and he was found dead inside his apartment after killing himself, Doğan News Agency reported.
His body was sent to the forensic medicine institute in the neighboring province of Bursa for an autopsy.
An investigation has been launched into the incident.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com/teacher-commits-suicide-after-being-dismissed-over-alleged-gulen-links-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103661&NewsCatID=341
--
Africa
Refugees From Boko Haram Return Home, Excited but Fearful
SEPT. 6, 2016
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Excited but fearful, refugees from Boko Haram piled into yellow school buses with their bundles of belongings, returning after two years to homes that have been torched, wells destroyed, livestock looted and fields that still may not be safe from the Islamic insurgents.
On Monday, the largest group yet of such refugees, nearly 2,000, was transported to villages and the town of Konduga. Though they are just 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria's biggest city, they are also on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest where the Islamic extremists still have strongholds.
How this group of returnees survives, and whether the military can protect them, could influence other refugees whom the government is keen to resettle. Maiduguri alone is home to about 1 million of the 2.6 million people forced from their homes in Nigeria and neighboring countries during Boko Haram's seven-year uprising that has killed some 20,000.
Despite the threat from insurgents, "food is the most important issue," said one returnee, Baari Mustapha. "If not, there will be serious hunger and starvation."
Food is already a critical issue. Children are dying of starvation in refugee camps like Dalori, where many of the returnees had been living in tattered tents and makeshift huts of straw on the outskirts of Maiduguri.
Dalori residents were among hundreds who protested last week, accusing officials of stealing their food donations. Nigeria's government is investigating the charges.
The refugees say the camps are miserable, and they hope life will be better back home.
"Life has not been easy in the camp," said Bintu Ganaye, a 32-year-old mother surrounded by her five children, ages 3 to 13. "Our major fear is that we don't know what the future holds out for us as we return empty-handed."
Full report at: nytimes.com/aponline/2016/09/06/world/africa/ap-af-nigeria-boko-haram-going-home.html
--
Rival Boko Haram groups 'clash' in NE Nigeria
7th September 2016
In-fighting has broken out in Boko Haram after the Islamic State group announced a new leader of its Nigerian affiliate, according to reports in the country's remote northeast.
IS said last month that Abu Musab al-Barnawi, the son of Boko Haram's founder Mohammed Yusuf, had replaced Abubakar Shekau at the head of the designated terrorist organisation.
But Shekau then insisted he was still in charge of the Islamist group, whose insurgency has killed at least 20,000 people since 2009 and forced more than 2.6 million from their homes.
Sources in northeast Nigeria now say there have been deadly skirmishes between the two factions, even as Nigeria's military seeks to finally rout the rebels in a sustained counter-offensive.
Last Thursday, several fighters from Shekau's camp were said to have been killed in two separate gun battles with IS-backed Barnawi gunmen in the Monguno area of Borno state near Lake Chad.
Nigeria's military declined to comment on the reported in-fighting when contacted by AFP.
'True jihad'
Mele Kaka, who lives in the area, told AFP: "The Barnawi faction launched an offensive against the Shekau faction who were camped in the villages of Yele and Arafa.
"In Yele, the assailants killed three people from the Shekau camp, injured one and took one with them, while several were killed in Arafa," he said by telephone from the state capital, Maiduguri.
The attack prompted residents of Arafa to flee, he added.
Fighters from Barnawi camp had the previous day attacked gunmen loyal to Shekau in Zuwa village in nearby Marte district, killing an unspecified number, Kaka said.
"The Barnawi fighters told villagers after each attack that they were fighting the other camp because they had derailed from the true jihad and were killing innocent people, looting their property and burning their homes," he went on.
"They said such acts contravene the teachings of Islam and true jihad."
Ideological split
Shekau has led Boko Haram since the death of Mohammed Yusuf in police custody in 2009, waging a deadly, indiscriminate guerilla war that has overwhelmingly targeted civilians.
Full report at: newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1434740/rival-boko-haram-clash-ne-nigeria
--
North America
How Muslim-Americans Drifted to the Democratic Party
September 07, 2016
Once seen as a "natural" Republican constituency, Muslim-Americans are increasingly leaning Democratic, and they are expected to vote in record numbers for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential election in November.
From overwhelmingly voting for George W. Bush in the 2000 election to backing Clinton in the current cycle, the Muslim shift in political allegiance has been precipitous, leading some critics to lament a lost Republican opportunity to keep an increasingly influential voting bloc.
According to surveys conducted after the election, more than 70 percent of Muslims voted for Bush, and most of the 50,000 Muslim votes in Florida went to the Republican candidate. Bush won the election after a prolonged recount of the vote in Florida, a state he won by a mere 537 votes, and a dispute that ultimately was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, the country's highest judicial body.
To Muslim-Americans and many conservatives alike, Bush's victory was evidence not only of growing Muslim political weight but also of a "natural" affinity between Muslims and Republicans.
'Socially and economically conservative'
Suhail Khan, a prominent Muslim-American Republican and former board member of the American Conservative Union, wrote that "Muslim-Americans are, by and large, both socially and economically conservative," and therefore a natural Republican constituency.
Many Muslim-Americans do share conservative Republican values of supporting strong families and traditional marriage, and opposing abortion. And Khan noted that a quarter of U.S. Muslims are small-business owners who favor Republican policies on lower taxes.
But the reason most Muslim-Americans voted for Bush in 2000 may have had less to do with shared values than a belief that Bush, in reaching out to Muslims and handling the historically divisive Israeli-Palestinian conflict, would follow in the moderate footsteps of his father, former president George H. W. Bush, whom they also supported in the 1992 election, according to John Esposito, a professor at Georgetown University and author of “The Future of Islam.”
If there was a high-water mark in the love affair between Muslim-Americans and the Republican Party, it was the 2000 election. In 2004, more than 90 percent of Muslim-Americans voted for John Kerry; in 2008 and 2014, Muslims voted for Barack Obama, by 89 percent and 85 percent, respectively, according to several estimates.
Full report at: voanews.com/a/muslim-americans-drifted-democratic-party/3496782.html
--
More than half of Canadian Muslims believe it’s impossible to be an observant Muslim while living openly in an LGBT relationship
September 06, 2016
It’s a Friday afternoon in April, and I’m standing among eight other people in the lobby of an office building in downtown Toronto, waiting for an elevator. Finally, a chime, and we all make our way in. The doors close, and we start to climb. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one in the car who is moments away from entering a space LGBTQ Muslims around the world can only dream of.
El-Farouk Khaki, one of the co-founders of Unity Mosque, happens to be passing by as soon as the elevator stops and I step out. “You must be Davide,” he says. “You look exactly like your photos.” I realize Khaki has Googled me; strict safety concerns require a vetting of anyone who asks for the mosque’s location. We step into the boardroom where Unity Mosque holds its prayers, and Khaki is immediately swarmed by people jockeying for his attention. He’s been on vacation for three weeks with his husband and co-founder, Troy Jackson, and it’s clear he’s been missed. Khaki recognizes he can’t speak with me today, and after glancing in my direction to let me know he hasn’t forgotten, he invites me to his home for dinner.
It’s no surprise Khaki is adored by congregants at Unity Mosque. The space likely would not exist without him. Unity Mosque, part of an umbrella group known as the El-Tawhid Juma Circle, with Unity Mosques around North America, including Ottawa and Montreal, is Khaki’s attempt to show Islam’s beauty. Started by Khaki, Jackson and Laury Silvers, the egalitarian space seeks to provide a welcoming place of worship and community to all, particularly queer people, trans people and women. For many, this is the difference between abandoning Islam and finding spiritual fulfilment, and the first chance to be queer and Muslim in one space without giving anything up.
Full report at: ucobserver.org/faith/2016/09/rainbow_muslims/
--
3:14 AM
Moderate Islamist here
0 comments:
Post a Comment