Page 194 - Religion Belief
National Museum opens exhibition on Quran
A first of its kind exhibition of the Quran scripted in various calligraphic styles and inscribed in different eras opened at the National Museum here today. The exhibition, inaugurated by former National Museum curator (manuscripts) and scholar Nasim Akhtar, will run till March 31. This exhibition explains the emergence and proliferation of various styles of calligraphy and scripts. The exhibition is unique as it showcases 13 unique and unseen copies of the Holy Quran," said Dr B R Mani, Director General, National Museum. On display are copies of the Quran inscribed in different calligraphic forms such as Kufic, Naskh, Raihan, Thulth and Bihari, he said. "The Bihari script is an Indian contribution to the world. Due to its stylistic appearance, this Quran occupies a rare position in history, said Mani, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the National Museum Institute of the History of Art, Conservation and Museology here. The exhibition is the tenth in a series of shows titled From ..
Ajmer Dargah committee violating appointment rules: Hereditary staff
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah's Mausari Amla has accused the shrine's committee of overruling hiring practices for hereditary staff, claiming the procedures existed since the Sultanate period. The Mausari Amla (hereditary staff) has also threatened to boycott the Urs of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti next month. The committee of the centuries old shrine comes under the Ministry of Minority Affairs and is responsible for administering affairs as per provisions of the Dargah Khawaja Saheb Act, 1955. In a letter to the ministry, Muzaffar Bharti, a member of the hereditary staff, accused officials of the committee of not following the rules set by emperors for granting appointments to them. In case of death of a position holder, the position goes to the eldest son and the appointment procedure of primogeniture was set during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Bharti claimed. In the letter, he alleged that the committee was overruling hiring practices which is in violation of Section 15 of ..
Ker DGP against 'kuthiyottam' ritual; calls it torture of kids
Kerala's lone woman DGP R Sreelekha today sparked a controversy by seeking to stop 'Kuthiyottam', a traditional ritual held as part of pongala festivities at the famed Attukal Devi temple here, which witnesses massive congregation of women devotees. Pongala has found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as "the largest gathering of women" based on the 2.5 million turnout in 2009. "Kuthiyottam" is a ritual performed by boys below the age of 13 years after observing a seven-day 'vritham' (penance) as part of the annual festivities. As the state is gearing up for yet another pongala fest on March 2 this year, the IPS officer said in a blog that the ritual was a "torture" for the boys as they have to go through 'rigorous mental and physical abuse" during the period. "Causing physical and mental pain to children are offences under Sections 89, 319, 320, 349, 350, 351 of the Indian Penal Code," she said, adding that the Juvenile Justice Act and the Child Welfare ...
Mauritius Vice President prays to Lord Venkateswara
Mauritius Vice-president Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory today offered prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here. On his arrival at the temple, he was accorded a warm welcome by the temple authorities, temple sources said. Paramasivum arrived here this morning by train from Vishakhapatnam, where he took part in the closing ceremony of the CIIs partnership summit yesterday. After offering worship at the hill temple here, he left for Chennai, they said.
Four-day Holi folk festival begins in Himachal
The four-day Holi folk festival, which traces its origin to the erstwhile Katoch ruler Sansar Chand, began in Sujanpur town amidst fanfare on Tuesday.
'Holi' of Nawabs of Avadh kept alive by generations
The Nawabs of Avadh have been known for their grand Holi celebrations, a symbol of communal amity between Hindus and Muslims, and their descendants say they are continuing with the tradition despite the "harsh" realities of changing times to keep the 'ganga-jamuni tehzeeb' alive. These families residing in the old Lucknow localities have been celebrating the festival since the days of yore. Though the celebrations have become subdued over the years, they still maintain the tradition of joining Hindus in the festivities. "The old and the young come over to our place on the festival day and exchange colours to mark the festival. We offer them sweets like gujhiyas which are synonymous with Holi ," Nawabzada Syed Masoom Raza of the erstwhile royal family of Avadh told PTI. Hindus and Muslims celebrate all festivals together in the Awadh tradition and "we have kept it going", he said, adding that this time too it will be no different as he and his family will await the 'tolis' (groups of .
James Gunn hits back at Chris Pratt's trollers
American screenwriter James Gunn has come to the rescue of actor Chris Pratt.The screenwriter shared his thoughts on the topic after actor Chris Pratt faced criticism for telling Kevin Smith he would pray for him following his announcement that he'd had a heart attack.The 51-year-old director-producer took to Twitter in a series of posts where he addressed the people critiquing Pratt.He started with, "So I just read Chris Pratt's tweet to Kevin Smith saying he would pray for him & made the mistake of reading the comments, many of which go off on Chris for saying he'd pray. I think people misunderstand the backlash against "thoughts & prayers." (thread)"Then wrote, "2 There is nothing wrong with sending someone positive thoughts & prayers. But when this is coupled with inaction when action will benefit the situation, it's empty."He continued, "3 If you're offering Parkland shooting survivors prayers, but are unwilling to deal with the problems of gun violence in this ...
James Gunn defends Chris Pratt after backlash over prayer tweet
Director James Gunn has defended actor Chris Pratt, who was criticised for a series of tweets he shared sending up prayers for director Kevin Smith. Smith, best known for directing "Clerks", had recently revealed that he had suffered a massive heart attack. Smith is currently recovering in California's Glendale Memorial Hospital. Pratt was among the celebrities who tweeted their support to Smith. He posted, "Kevin we don't know each other too good but I have loved you since Clerks and Im praying my ass off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer. Can you please pray with me people?" In another tweet, the "Guardians of the Galaxy" wrote, "Praying for you. I will continue to. You inspired me with Clerks when I was a senior HS. I'm tagging my football coach who showed me the movie cause he believed in me and knew I'd be inspired." The actor was slammed on Twitter on with some users arguing against the thoughts and prayers approach in response to recent mass shootings that
Pastor attacked in Bihar for 'religious conversion'
A group of people today assaulted a pastor and those accompanying him in Bihar's West Champaran district after alleging that he was indulging in religious conversion, the police said. The pastor and his companions had left for Bettiah from Bagaha in the district in a bus to participate in a special prayer meeting at the Protestant church James Saint Paul's here, Superintendent of Police Jayant Kant said. After it reached the bus stand here, a person in the vehicle attacked the pastor claiming he converts people. The accused also rang up others asking them to reach the bus stand, the police said. These people too assaulted the pastor and his men, Kant said adding the police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. However, the attackers managed to flee. An FIR has been registered and further action would be initiated if the pastor or anyone of his group registers a complaint, the police officer said, adding those involved in the attack would not be spared.
Pilgrims locked out as Jerusalem holy site shut for second day
The Jerusalem church built at what many consider the holiest site in Christianity remained closed for a second day today to protest Israeli tax measures and a proposed law, leaving hundreds of disappointed and perplexed pilgrims locked outside. Christian leaders took the rare step of closing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre yesterday at noon in a bid to pressure Israeli authorities into abandoning the measures. They said the church, a major pilgrimage site where thousands visit daily, would be closed until further notice. Church officials said Monday it was not clear when it would reopen, depending on discussions with Christian leaders and Israeli authorities. The church is built where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Custody of it is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations. Disappointed tourists gathered Monday in front of its large wooden doors in Jerusalem's Old City hoping they would have the chance to visit, some
Spiritual leader Aga Khan to address his followers tomorrow
Spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan,currently on a 10-day visit to India, reached here this afternoon and will address his community people tomorrow, a senior official of the Telangana government said. Aga Khan visitedQutub Shahi Tombs after reaching the city, the officialsaid. Aga Khan, who arrived here by a special plane, is expected to meet Governor E S L Narasimhan and Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali tomorrow, the official said. "Aga Khan will be meeting his community people tomorrow and leave the city on February 28. He will hold meetings with his community people and followers tomorrow and the day after at Nizam College grounds," the official said. Aga Khan's India tour is part of a series of visits globally in commemoration of his diamond jubilee, marking 60 years of his leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community," the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)hadsaid in a statement.
China slams Interpol for removing red notice against Uyghur activist
China today criticised Interpol's decision to lift a red notice against Dolkun Isa, a rights activist of Uyghur Muslim community in Xinjiang, whom Beijing accuses of being a terrorist. China's reaction came after London-based rights group Fair Trials said Interpol had deleted a wanted alert, known as a red notice for Isa, who is the President of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress. A red notice is a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition. China has been pressing countries visited by Isa to extradite him based on the Interpol's red notice. "We said that the person mentioned by you is suspected of committing crimes," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing today when asked about Interpol's move to drop the notice against Isa. The lookout notice was issued by Interpol following a request from China. "As for the decision by Interpol we are dissatisfied with it. We hope the international community can follow the principle of mutual .
Church at Jesus's traditional burial site closed for 2nd day
The Jerusalem church built at what many consider the holiest site in Christianity remained closed for a second day today to protest Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law, leaving disappointed pilgrims locked outside. Christian leaders took the rare step of closing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday at noon in a bid to pressure Israeli authorities into abandoning the measures. They said the church, a major pilgrimage site, would be closed until further notice. Church officials said Monday it was not clear when it would reopen, depending on discussions with Christian leaders and Israeli authorities. "We closed the church for specific reasons and for an unlimited period of time," one church official said on condition of anonymity. "It is a move supported by all the churches." The church is built where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Disappointed tourists gathered Monday in front of its large wooden doors hoping they would have the chance
People who don't say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' are Pakistanis: BJP MLA
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Bairia Surendra Narain Singh has stirred yet another controversy by saying that people who do not chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' are Pakistanis.Speaking at a public event in Ballia on February 25, the Bairia MLA said, "People who object to utter Bharat Mata ki Jai are Pakistanis (aise logon ko Pakistani kehta hun jo Bharat Mata ki jai bolne se katrate hain)."This is not the first time that the BJP lawmaker has courted a controversy. Earlier he said within 2024 India would become a Hindu nation and once it becomes Hindurashtra, only those Muslims will stay in the country, who assimilate into the Hindu culture.Last month, BJP MP Vinay Katiyar said that the Muslims divided the country in the name of religion; hence they should leave the country.
PTI supporters mock Reham Khan after her tweet against 'political Burqa'
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf followers have been mocking cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's second wife Reham Khan after she tweeted a picture of the PTI chief's new wife Bushra Maneka covering herself from head to toe along with a picture of modest Burqa.The former wife of the politician, who recently tied the knot for the third time, said Maneka was wearing a political burqa.The anchor's tweet put her in trouble as followers of Imran Khan dissed her in the worst possible way, insulting, bashing and even abusing Reham Khan.She said Imran Khan was going from "Soho to Sufism" and that the pictures of Khan's new wedding were "political suicide"."I have all the respect for women who observe hijab for personal reasons. I object to right-wing vote pick up efforts," Reham Khan tweeted.PTI followers going bonkers over the tweet said "religious policing" was at its peak."First of all, you saying all of that is even indecent and against our religion," a follower replied to Reham Khan's ...
Sacred Jerusalem church shut after dispute with Israeli authorities
Holy Sepulchre, the sacred church in Jerusalem, was on Sunday shut after a dispute between Christian leaders in the holy land and Israeli authorities over the future of multiple church-owned properties and lands that Christians say should be protected by international law.The move at the site that each day draws thousands to the place where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and later resurrected comes after the Jerusalem municipality began collecting taxes on church properties in the city.According to the municipality, the churches owe more than $185 million on certain properties used for commercial purposes.The closure is a response to proposed legislation that could block the churches from making commercial deals with investors on land they leased long-term to the Israeli government nearly 70 years ago, The Washington Post reported.In front of the church's bolted wooden doors, the leaders of the Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Armenian churches in a media briefing said ...
Rome's Colosseum turns red to remember persecuted Christians
The Colosseum, Rome's most famous landmark, was on Saturday lit up in red to mark solidarity with people persecuted in foreign countries, particularly Pakistan, for their faith.The event at 6 p.m. (local time) was the initiative of Aid to the Church in Need, the Pontifical Foundation that supports suffering Christians in over 140 countries around the world, the Catholic Herald reported.The Maronite Cathedral of St Elijah in Syria's Aleppo and St Paul's church in the Iraqi city of Mosul were also illuminated in red to symbolise the blood of Christian martyrs in the war-torn countries.The ceremony included testimonies of two families targeted for their Christian faith -- the husband and youngest daughter of Asia Bibi from Pakistan, who received a death sentence in 2010, and Nigerian Rebecca Bitrus, who spent two years as a hostage to the extremist group Boko Haram.Asia Bibi's daughter Eisham Ashiq said her family believed she would be released from jail soon, though they will have to ...
Jinnah's ghost resides in Owaisi's heart: Giriraj Singh
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday hit out at All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his statement on Babri Masjid and said people like him are influenced by the "ghost of Muhammad Ali Jinnah" and wish to divide this nation.Singh's statement came after Owaisi claimed that the Babri Masjid will be once again built in Ayodhya and the Supreme Court will give the decision in favour of Muslims."Muslims in India are neither descendants of Babur nor they are foreigners. They are the descendants of Lord Ram. We all have one predecessor although rituals of worship may be different. But, the ghost of Muhammad Ali Jinnah has entered into the hearts of people like Owaisi and therefore, they want to break his country. They will go to Mecca- Medina but where will we go? Will there be a Ram Temple built in Pakistan," he questioned.Earlier on Saturday, Owaisi claimed that the Babri Masjid will be once again built in Ayodhya and the Supreme Court will give the ..
'Jain ideology can get rid of ongoing violence in world'
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the ideology of Jainism can get rid of the ongoing violence in the world.Speaking at an event here, Singh said, "It is a period of violence, the era of establishing a dominion over each other is going on. What is the ideology that can get rid of all these things? I would say that the ideology of Jainism can get rid of the ongoing violence in the world".He added that in the entire world the competition is underway to overpower each other."Jainism is such religion which astonishes me with the way it follows the ideology of peace and goodwill," Singh stated.The Union Minister was attending an event after Maha Mastakabhisheka of a giant statue of 58.8 feet here.
Thousands attend radical rabbi's Jerusalem funeral
Thousands of mourners took part in the funeral today in Jerusalem of a radical Israeli rabbi who led opposition to attempts to force ultra-Orthodox religious students to serve in the military. The funeral procession for Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, who died aged 86, moved slowly through the city towards the cemetery in the Givat Shaul neighbourhood where large crowds were expected for his burial. Auerbach led a relatively small but fervent group of followers, known as the Jerusalem Faction, who opposed more mainstream ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders. He was among the strongest opponents of attempts to force ultra-Orthodox Jewish students to serve in the military like their secular counterparts. A series of protests in recent months against such moves drew huge crowds and led to scuffles with police. Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jews follow a strict interpretation of religious law and account for some 10 percent of the country's eight million people. More mainstream ultra-Orthodox Jews participate .