Page 187 - Religion Belief
Kerala church up against Vijayan's liquor policy
In a telling blow to the Pinarayi Vijayan government, the Kerala church on Saturday slammed the state's liquor policy, threatening it would work against the ruling Left's candidate in the upcoming Chengannur by-poll.
Merkel says Islam belongs to Germany, rebuffs minister's remarks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has rebuffed comments by her interior minister who said that Islam did not belong to Germany.
Fatwa issued against Muslim man for donating organ
A Madrasa in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur has issued a fatwa against a Muslim man after he pledged to donate his organs to people in dire need.The fatwa has also asked the Muslim community to boycott him.The donor Arshad Mansuri has signed up for organ donation after his death."I have pledged my organs for the welfare of the society. I also want the people from Muslim community to do the same. I came to know a fatwa has been issued against me for doing so," Mansuri told ANI."Fatwa says that donating organs is not allowed in Islam," he added.Mansuri has remained unperturbed and said serving mankind is greater than following any religion."Fatwa also urged people to boycott me from the society. In my opinion maulanas are fake. To serve mankind is the biggest religious duty," Mansuri noted."I have been getting threatening calls from unknown numbers. When I complained to Kanpur police they did not take any action," Mansuri stated.Meanwhile, a local maulana said that Mansuri was trying to defame .
Minister raises ire with Islam 'not part of Germany' broadside
Chancellor Angela Merkel's hardline new interior minister declared that Islam is not "part of Germany" in an interview published today, setting off a political storm two days into her fourth term. Asked by the top-selling Bild daily whether the influx of Muslim migrants and asylum seekers to Europe's top economy meant that Islam now belonged to the fabric of the nation, Horst Seehofer replied "no". "Islam is not part of Germany. Christianity has shaped Germany including Sunday as a day of rest, church holidays, and rituals such as Easter, Pentecost and Christmas," he said. "The Muslims who live among us are naturally part of Germany. But that of course does not mean that we, out of a false sense of deference, should sacrifice our traditions and customs." Germany's Muslim community is estimated to count about 4.5 million members, around 1.8 million of whom are German citizens. Most are descendants of Turkish so-called "guest workers" invited to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. The ...
Ujjain: Catholic hospital attacked, association cries foul over inaction
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has alleged that a Catholic hospital in Ujjain was attacked by a mob of goons, but no action was taken by the authorities.According to the CBCI, the Pushpa mission hospital and Maternity Home came under attack by "goondas and anti-social elements enjoying political and financial clout" on March 12, thus inconveniencing the patients.One Gagan Singh and a mob of nearly 60 people armed with chains and other weapons forcefully entered the hospital compound and destroyed the boundary wall with the help of two JCB machines, dug trenches and blocked entry to the generators, power supply and water supply apparatus.The mob allegedly verbally abused the lady staff, and nuns, and physically assaulted them."The police did not appear on the scene with the ostensible reason that they were busy with the visit of the Honourable Governor of Madhya Pradesh to Ujjain," CBCI said in an official statement, and added, "The Diocese of Ujjain and Pushpa ...
No formula yet, but talks will resolve Ayodhya dispute: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has been trying for a solution to the Ayodhya issue through mediation, today said he has no "ready-made" formula to resolve the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, but is confident that a solution can be found through talks. The Art of Living Founder claimed that Ramchandraji Maharaj of Nirmohi Akhada -- one of the parties to the Ayodhya dispute -- had requested him to intervene in the matter. After attending a programme here, Ravi Shankar said that he had stopped his efforts to mediate in the dispute in 2002 as a lot of leaders took interest in resolving the matter, but recently leaders from both sides approached him and requested him to take a new initiative. "Muslim religious leaders (who met me) also opined that Islam doesn't approve of prayers being offered at a disputed land. A solution is possible through a dialogue between the two parties," he said, adding, "But some elements want the dispute to go on for their selfish motives." "I .
UAE, Turkmenistan vow to enhance economic, cultural ties
Dubai, March 15 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkmenistan on Thursday vowed to cement their ties through enhancing bilateral trade and cultural cooperation.
Muslims lament lack of solidarity over German mosque attacks
Muslim groups in Germany are asking for greater solidarity from officials and the general public over a series of attacks against mosques. Several recent attacks on Turkish-backed mosques in Germany have been blamed on Kurdish groups angered by Turkey's offensive in northern Syria. However, far-right extremists are suspected in many other attacks, including a threatening letter containing white powder that prompted the evacuation of the Central Council of Muslims' offices yesterday. Its chairman, Aiman Mazyek, told reporters in Berlin on Thursday that "if mosques in our country burn, then our country burns." Zekeriya Altug, spokesman for the Coordination Council of Muslims in Germany, said "we miss clear sympathy from the public and politicians." He urged the government to appoint a commissioner to tackle anti-Muslim sentiment like it has for anti-Semitism.
Bihar by-polls: CM Nitish congratulates winners
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday congratulated the winning candidates of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently-concluded Araria, Jehanabad and Bhabua by-elections in the state."I congratulate Miss Rinki Rani Pandey from Bhabua, Mr Kumar Krishna Mohan Yadav from Jehanabad and Sarfaraz Alam from Araria for winning the elections," tweeted Kumar.Both the BJP and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have won an assembly seat each in the Bihar by-polls, the results for which were announced today. While the RJD retained the Jehanabad assembly seat, the BJP was able to hold on to the Bhabua assembly seat.RJD's Sarfaraz Alam won by 61,788 votes against BJP's Pradeep Kumar Singh in Araria, Kumar Krishna Mohan alias Suday Yadav won the Jehanabad assembly seat, while BJP's Rinki Rani Pandey won the Bhabua assembly constituency, who was fighting the elections owing to her husband Anand Bhushan Pandey's death.The RJD's win was predictable as after ..
Triumph of truth over lies: Lalu on Bihar by-poll win
With the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidates winning the by-polls in Araria and Jehanabad constituencies, party president Lalu Prasad on Wednesday hailed it as "triumph of truth over lies.""The more bitter oil of conspiracy one will toss on Lalu, the brighter his lantern will shine. My heartiest greetings to the people of Bihar. Thus lies have been conquered by truth," tweeted the former Bihar chief minister.RJD's Sarfaraz Alam and Kumar Krishna Mohan were elected as the new Members of Legislative Assembly in Araria and Jehanabad respectively.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also congratulated Lalu for his party's win in the by-polls."Congratulations to @laluprasadrjd Ji for winning #Araria and #Jehanabad This is a great victory," she tweeted. (ANI)Congratulations to @laluprasadrjd Ji for winning #Araria and #Jehanabad This is a great victory— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 14, 2018RJD's Kumar Krishna Mohan won by 35,036 votes in Jehanabad while Sarfaraz Alam won .
Reports claiming top Indian leaders have fake followers deeply flawed: Twitter
After reports surfaced that some of the top Indian politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi's Twitter accounts are infested with fake followers, the micro-blogging platform on Wednesday termed such reports as baseless.
SCOREBOARD OF NIDAHAS TROPHY MATCH BETWEEN INDIA AND BANGLADESH
Scoreboard from the Nidahas Twenty20 tri-series match between India and Bangladesh at the R Premadasa stadium, here today. India: Rohit Sharma run out 89 Shikhar Dhawan b R Hossain 35 Suresh Raina c Sarkar b R Hossain 47 Dinesh Karthik not out 2 Extras (LB-1, WD-2) 3 Total (For 3 wickets in 20 overs) 176 Fall of wickets: 1-70, 2-172, 3-176. Bowling: Abu Hider 4-0-43-0, Nazmul Islam 4-0-27-0, Rubel Hossain 4-0-27-2, Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-38-0, Mehidy Hasan 3-0-31-0, Mahmudullah 1-0-9-0.
Activists out of Ayodhya land dispute, SC to hear original litigants
The Supreme Court today dashed the hopes of activists like Shyam Benegal and Teesta Setalvad to intervene in the sensitive Babri Masjid-Ram Temple land dispute case, making it clear that only the parties to the original lawsuits would be allowed to put forth their arguments. A special bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also said it would first decide whether the land dispute appeals be sent to a five-judge constitution bench as sought by lead petitioner M Siddiq (since deceased), who is represented by legal heirs in the case. "Counsel for appellants, as well as, the respondents in all the appeals have raised objections for such intervention/impleadment/filing additional documents/seeking permission to render assistance. "We are of considered opinion that these interlocutory applications do not merit any consideration and they are accordingly rejected," the bench, which also comprised Justices Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer, said. The bench went a step further and directed its ...
Karna cabinet meet to discuss Lingayat religion tag deferred
The Karnataka cabinet meeting that was to discuss today the contentious issue of considering Lingayat/Veerashaiva as a separate religion has been postponed, officials said. Officials at the Chief Minister's Office confirmed the postponement, but did not cite any reason for it. The cabinet on March 8 had discussed the issue inconclusively, amidst reports of differences between Ministers belonging to both Veerashaiva and Lingayat faiths. Rejecting suggestions that were factions within the cabinet on it, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had yesterday said "we will discuss tomorrow (in the cabinet meeting)." The demand for a separate religion tag to Veerashaiva/ Lingayat faiths has surfaced from the numerically strong and politically-influential community, amidst resentment from within over projecting the two communities as the same. While one section led by Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha has demanded separate religion status, asserting that Veerashaiva and Lingayats are the
Provincial assembly in Pakistan passes bill to regulate Sikh marriages
The Punjab Assembly in Pakistan on Wednesday unanimously passed the 'Punjab Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act 2017', a legislation that will provide legal status to Sikh marriages in the province.
Short films, posters on persecution of Christians in Pak showcased in Geneva
Short films depicting the persecution of the Christian minority in Pakistan was showcased during the 37th session of United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva.A special screening of short films at Broken Chair, outside the UN office, highlighted the plight of the Christian minority in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as they continue to remain victims of Islamic fundamentalism and state atrocities.Christians stood only two-three percent of Pakistan's total population who are being persecuted under the infamous blasphemy law.Pakistan's blasphemy laws date back to the military dictatorship of General Muhammad Zia ul Haq. In 1980, making a derogatory remark against any Islamic personage was defined as a crime under Pakistan's Penal Code Section 295, punishable by three years in prison.In 1982, another clause added that prescribed life imprisonment for willful desecration of the Quran and, in 1986, a separate clause was added to punish blasphemy against Prophet ...
4 ft rod removed from man after 5-hr surgery at govt hospital
A four feet long iron rod which pierced the groin of a 33-year-old man and exited near the neck, was removed after a five-hour surgery at the state government's J J Hospital here. Doctors performed the complex surgery to save the life of Naseem Sheikh, a labourer from Nashik, who was impaled by the rod that pierced his torso while working at a construction site. While working at a construction site on March 8, Sheikh slipped and fell on the iron rod that was jutting out of concrete pillars. His co-workers cut the iron rod to detach him from the pillar. The rod had entered his body through the groin, perforating his intestines, liver, abdomen and chest before coming out of the back. Sheikh's family hired a private ambulance for the 200-km journey to Mumbai. Dr Ajay Bhandarwar, who was part of the team which removed the rod last Friday, said open and laparoscopic techniques were used in the surgery.
Muslims should gift the land in Ayodhya for Ram Temple: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (IANS Interview)
Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is of late involved in mediation on the Ayodhya issue, says the best solution to the festering Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute is an out-of-court settlement under which the Muslims gift the land to the Hindus for building a grand Ram Temple.
Bihar bypolls: BJP leading in two seats, RJD in one
The BJP was leading in the Araria Lok Sabha seat and Bhabua Assembly constituency, while its ally, the ruling JD(U) in the state, was trailing behind the RJD candidate in the Jehanabad Assembly seat after three hours of counting for the by-elections in Bihar, officials said. According to figures provided by the Election Commission at 11 am, Pradeep Kumar Singh of the BJP was leading by a margin of more than 4,000 votes in the Araria Lok Sabha constituency. Singh is locked in a straight battle with RJD's Sarfaraz Alam, whose father Mohd Taslimuddin's demise had necessitated the bypoll. The BJP was also leading in Bhabhua Assembly segment, where its candidate Rinky Rani Pandey was leading by a margin of over 2,500 votes. The bypoll here was necessitated after the death of Pandey's husband Anand Bhushan Pandey. The Congress has fielded Shambhu Singh Patel from the seat. In Jehanabad, RJD's Kumar Krishna Mohan alias Suday Yadav had established a substantial lead of more than 15,000 votes .
Shoe thrown at Imran Khan during rally in Pak
A shoe was hurled at Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan during a rally in Gujrat city in Punjab province. As Imran Khan was addressing the crowd atop a vehicle, a shoe came flying and hit PTI leader Aleem Khan, who was standing right next to Imran Khan, Dawn reported. The attacker was overpowered by the crowd. Soon after the attack, Imran Khan concluded his address. Today's incident is the third such attack on politicians in the span of a week. On Sunday, an Islamic seminary student hurled shoes at ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif during a function at the Jamia Naeemia seminary in Lahore's Garhi Shahu area. Three suspects were arrested after the episode. On Saturday, a religious extremist blackened the face of Foreign Minister Khwaja Asif with ink during a PML-N workers convention in Sialkot. A man was arrested after the incident.