Page 134 - Religion Belief
Top S Korea Buddhist quits over corruption, fatherhood allegations
The head of South Korea's biggest Buddhist denomination stepped down today amid allegations that he forged his academic credentials, amassed vast wealth and fathered a child in breach of celibacy rules. With more than 3,000 temples, 13,000 monks and seven million followers, the Jogye Order is followed by most of South Korea's Buddhists and is highly influential in a country where religion remains a powerful social force. But it has long been dogged by corruption allegations and factional feuds that often spill over into the headlines. The resignation of Jogye president Seoljeong came days after he lost an unprecedented vote of no confidence by the order's governing committee. The 76-year-old bid farewell to the followers and officials at the the order's headquarters in Seoul and left for another temple south of Seoul where he had previously served for years. "I joined this religious sect to bring changes to the flawed Korean Buddhism but will have to return to the mountain having ...
Indonesian woman jailed for complaining about mosque noise
A woman in Muslim-majority Indonesia was sentenced to 18 months in jail today for complaining about the volume of a mosque's call to prayer -- the latest conviction under a controversial blasphemy law. Meiliana, 44, an ethnic Chinese Buddhist, was found guilty of insulting Islam for asking her neighbourhood mosque to lower its sound system because it was too loud and "hurt" her ears. There are some 800,000 mosques across the archipelago, with the five-times-a-day call to prayer heard everywhere in the biggest cities and smallest towns. Today's verdict will likely fuel fears that Indonesia's moderate brand of Islam is coming under threat from increasingly influential radicals. The court in the city of Medan on Sumatra island said the woman's comments two years ago triggered riots that saw angry Muslim mobs ransack Buddhist temples. Some ethnic Chinese in the area fled in fear. The defendant's lawyer said his client would appeal the decision. Indonesia, which has the world's biggest ...
Pb Cabinet for making sacrilege punishable with life imprisonment
The Punjab Cabinet today approved a draft bill proposing amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to make desecration of religious texts in the state punishable with life imprisonment. The government has taken a major step towards curbing such incidents and maintaining communal harmony in the state, an official spokesperson said. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, he said. "The Cabinet has approved insertion of section 295AA to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to provide that - whoever causes injury, damage or sacrilege to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Srimad Bhagwad Gita, Holy Quran and Holy Bible with the intention to hurt the religious feelings of the people, shall be punished with imprisonment for life," the spokesperson said The Cabinet has okayed the withdrawal of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016, passed in the 12th ...
Pb Cabinet nod to amendments in CrPc, IPC to make sacrilege punishable with life imprisonment
The Punjab Cabinet today approved amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to make sacrilege of religious texts punishable with life imprisonment. The government has taken a major step towards curbing such incidents and maintaining communal harmony in the state, an official spokesperson said. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, he said. "The Cabinet has approved insertion of section 295AA to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to provide that - whoever causes injury, damage or sacrilege to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Srimad Bhagwad Geeta, Holy Quran and Holy Bible with the intention to hurt the religious feelings of the people, shall be punished with imprisonment for life," the spokesperson said The Cabinet has okayed the withdrawal of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016, passed in the 12th Session of 14th Vidhan Sabha, 2016, .
Assam Governor greets people on the occasion of Id-ul-Zuha
Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi has conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of the holy festival of Id-ul-Zuha. In a statement today, Mukhi said, "My heartiest greetings and warm wishes to the Muslim brethrens of the state on the occasion of Id-ul-Zuha(Bakrid). I also appeal to the people to regenerate the sense of sacrifice for one another and work for strengthening the bond of peaceful co-existence." The governor also called upon the people to observe the festival reflecting the spirits of peace, mutual trust and goodwill. He further hoped that the celebrations of Id-ul-Zuha would fortify the long standing tradition of communal harmony besides strengthening the existing bond of brotherhood so that no untoward elements could create any dent in the peaceful co-existence of all the people of Assam.
TN leaders extend Bakrid greetings
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister K Palaniswami today extended their greetings to Muslims on the eve of Bakrid. The Governor said the festival marked the supreme sacrifice in obedience to God. "Let us all on this holy day resolve to shed our ego and arrogance and practice the path of prayer, kindness and generosity," he said in his message. Palaniswami said people should uphold the spirit of sacrifice and live in harmony by following the ideals preached by Islam. DMK working President M K Stalin and leaders of MDMK, DMDK and PMK also greeted Muslims.
Lord Shiva's mace reaches Mattan town
'Chhari Mubarak' (lord Shiva's mace) reached south Kashmir's Mattan town on Monday on way to the cave shrine.
Pondy Lt Guv, CM extend Bakrid greetings
Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy extended their greetings to people of Muslim community on the eve of Bakrid. In her message, Bedi said, "true spirit of celebration of Bakrid (Eid Ul Zuha) is to follow and propagate principles of compassion, peace, sacrifice and brotherhood." The former IPS officer also said she wished that the festival bestowed happiness and prosperity in the lives of the people. "I extend my greetings and best wishes to Muslim brethren and people of Union Territory of Puducherry on the happy occasion," she added. Greeting the members of Islamic community, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said the territorial administration has provided Rs 20.48 lakhsto 128 pilgrims to undertake Hajj pilgrimage this year. He also highlighted the significance of Bakrid festival, particularly the principles of sacrifice and extending help to the have-nots. Assembly Speaker V Vaithilingam, Ministers, leaders of various parties and MLAs were .
Pb Cabinet okays amendments to CrPc & IPC to make sacrilege punishable with life imprisonment
The Punjab Cabinet today approved amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to make sacrilege of religious texts punishable with life imprisonment. The government has taken a major step towards curbing such incidents and maintaining communal harmony in the state, an official spokesperson said. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, he said. "The Cabinet has approved insertion of section 295AA to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to provide that - whoever causes injury, damage or sacrilege to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Srimad Bhagwad Geeta, Holy Quran and Holy Bible with the intention to hurt the religious feelings of the people, shall be punished with imprisonment for life," the spokesperson said The Cabinet has okayed the withdrawal of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016, passed in the 12th Session of 14th Vidhan Sabha, 2016, .
Majority of Muslims also want Ram temple in Ayodhya: UP deputy CM
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday clarified his previous statement on Ramjnamabhoomi dispute and said that even majority of Muslims want Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya.Speaking to ANI, Maurya criticised the Congress party for looking at Ayodhya dispute as a political issue."Just like other devotees of Lord Ram, I also want that Ram temple should be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest. Currently, the matter is being heard in the Supreme Court. We are waiting for its judgement. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always been in favour of the construction of Ram temple. It's not a political issue, rather it's about our faith," Maurya said."We have a majority in Lok Sabha, but we don't have the numbers in Rajya Sabha to pass a bill for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Majority of Muslims also want Ram temple to be made, but due to some political reasons, especially the Congress party does not want consecutive hearings in the Supreme ...
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha as pilgrims conduct hajj rites
Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Adha as over 2 million pilgrims from around the world, including India, carry out the final rites of the hajj in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims walked to a complex in Mina on Tuesday to throw pebbles at three columns. Muslims believe the devil tried to talk the Prophet Ibrahim out of submitting to God's will there. Muslims believe Ibrahim's faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ismail. God stayed his hand, sparing his son. In the Christian and Jewish version of the story, Abraham is ordered to kill his other son, Isaac. The final days of hajj coincide with the Eid al-Adha holiday, or "Feast of Sacrifice," to commemorate Ibrahim's test of faith. Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor.
Out of sight but never out of mind: Modi on Vajpayee
Paying glowing tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the late leader's popularity was so immense that he remained alive in people's memories despite being completely away from the public life for the last 10 years of his life.
Muslim pilgrims climb Mount Arafat for peak of hajj
Muslim pilgrims today began ascending Mount Arafat for the climax of the annual hajj which brings together more than two million people from around the world. A sea of worshippers scaled the rocky hill southeast of the holy city of Mecca for a day of prayers and reflection where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon. Some of the pilgrims -- men in white seamless garments and women in loose dresses -- pushed elderly relatives in wheelchairs on the second day of the hajj, one of the world's largest annual gatherings. A hot wind blew across the hill, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), and the surrounding plain after a downpour late Sunday. Many faithful could be seen sipping from bottles of water. After sunset, the pilgrims will leave for nearby Muzdalifah where they will gather pebbles to perform the symbolic "stoning of the devil". The ritual begins in earnest tomorrow as Muslims observe the first day of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, which marks .
Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for hajj's pinnacle
Muslim pilgrims have gathered in the valley of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for a day of prayer that marks the pinnacle of the annual hajj. Some 2 million pilgrims packed shoulder to shoulder early Monday for an emotional day of repentance and supplication. It was on this day some 1,400 years ago that Islam's Prophet Muhammad is said to have delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and for Muslims to unite. Muslims believe prayer on this day at Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers east of Mecca, is their best chance to erase past sins and start anew. Overnight, strong winds and thunderstorms roared through Mecca. Officials say the severe weather slightly damaged some tents housing pilgrims, but caused no injuries.
More than two million Muslims begin hajj pilgrimage
More than two million Muslims from around the globe started the hajj pilgrimage today in Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest annual gatherings in a country undergoing unprecedented change. The ultra-conservative kingdom -- where religion remains a guiding force amid dramatic social and economic reforms -- has mobilised vast resources for the six-day journey, a pillar of Islam. "It's the dream of every Muslim to come here to Mecca," said Frenchman Soliman Ben Mohri. "It's the ultimate journey. What worries me is the return to my normal life. For the moment, I am in a dream," the 53-year old told AFP. Every Muslim is required to complete the hajj journey to Islam's holiest sites at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so. Tens of thousands of security personnel have been deployed for the pilgrimage, which was struck by its worst ever disaster three years ago when around 2,300 worshippers were crushed to death in a stampede. This year, the
Muslim man, who converted to Hinduism, moves SC for custody of his wife
A 33-year-old Muslim man, who converted to Hinduism to marry a 23-year-old Hindu girl in Chhattisgarh, has moved the Supreme Court seeking the release of his wife from her parents' custody. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice D Y Chandrachud sought response from Chhattisgarh government and asked for a copy of the petition to be served to the state government counsel. "The superintendent of police of district Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, is directed to keep Anjali Jain, daughter of Ashok Kumar Jain, respondent No.4 herein, present before this court on August 27, 2018," the bench said and directed court officials to communicate a copy of the order to the SP. Mohd Ibrahim Sidhiqui, who had converted to Hinduism and taken the name of Aryan Arya, challenged the Chhattisgarh High Court order, saying it had erroneously declined to direct his wife's family to release her to him. He said there was a threat to his and his wife's life and she was being deprived of her liberty against her
TMC leader urges people not to post animal sacrifice pictures
Trinamool Congress MP Idris Ali today urged people not to post pictures related to animal sacrifice (qurbani) during the Eid al-Adha or Bakrid in social media so as not to hurt religious sentiments of any community. Bakrid will be celebrated on August 21. "I also urge them not to walk cattle meant for the purpose through roads and the animals should be transported in covered vans," Ali said. He said that people should not post pictures related to qurbani on Eid al-Adha in social media to ensure that religious sentiments of any community are not hurt. Ali said that some people walk the animals through roads to their residences after buying them from markets or other places.
TN devotees end Sabarimala pilgrimage in local Ayyappa temples
With heavy rains and floods making the famous hill shrine of Sabarimala in Kerala out of bounds, several Ayyappa devotees from Tamil Nadu chose to end their pilgrimage at local temples here and elsewhere in the state. Several devotees here who had planned to visit the Sabarimala temple for the 'Chingam' monthly pooja season (August 16-21) and later Onam between August 23 and 27, ended their pilgrimage by offering prayers at the Ayyappan Temple here at Raja Annamalaipuram. They climbed the 18-steps at the temple, modelled along the lines of the one at Sabarimala, with their 'Irumudi,' (a bag of pooja items) and offered prayers, marking the culmination of the pilgrimage. Climbing the hallowed 18-steps at Sabarimala with Irumudi is a key feature of the pilgrimage. Similarly, several devotees from other parts of Tamil Nadu completed their pilgrimage by visiting temples in their neighbourhood like Karungulam Ayyappa temple near Tuticorin. The Sabarimala temple is open for five days every ..
DSGMC to set up new printing press to meet growing demand of Guru Granth Sahib
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) is going to set up a state-of-the-art computerised offset machine to meet the growing demand of Guru Granth Sahib in India and abroad. The new printing press will have a capacity of printing 15,000 pages per day, said DSGMC president Manjeet Singh. "The machine will be set up at Rakab Ganj Gurdwara complex," he said. Only two bodies -- the Siromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committtee(SGPC) in Amritsar and the DSGMC -- have "exclusive and legal right" for publication of the authentic version of Guru Granth Sahib, along with other Gurmat literature, in the entire world, Singh said. The new machine will replace twenty-year-old two-colour printing press which has so far published approximately one lakh copies of the holy scripture. The DSGMC will set up the new machine at a cost of around Rs 8 crore. The 1,430-page Guru Granth Sahib consists of holy verses of Sikh Gurus and 30 other saints such as Kabir, Ravidass and Namdev, he said.
Over 2 million Muslims begin annual hajj pilgrimage
More than 2 million Muslims have begun the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. From first light today, throngs of the faithful have circled the cube-shaped Kaaba in Mecca, one of the holiest sites in Islam. The Kaaba represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God. Observant Muslims around the world face toward the Kaaba during their five daily prayers. The five-day pilgrimage represents one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their life. The hajj offers pilgrims an opportunity to feel closer to God amid the Muslim world's many challenges, including the threat of extremists in the Mideast after the Islamic State group was beaten back in Iraq and Syria and the plight of Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority.