What’s Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?
Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. As...
Indonesian VP praises Saudi government for Makkah Route Initiative
Indonesia will be sending 241,000 pilgrims for this pilgrimage season
The scheme operates this year from 3 Indonesian cities
Indonesian Vice President...
A look at Pope Francis’ comments about LGBTQ+ people
Pope Francis’ apology Tuesday for using a vulgar term to refer to gay men was the latest comment to make headlines about the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuality.
Francis...
California evangelical seminary ponders changes that would make it more welcoming to LGBTQ students
Fuller Theological Seminary, an evangelical school in Pasadena, California, is deliberating whether to become more open to LGBTQ+ students who previously faced possible expulsion if found to be in a same-sex union....
Pakistan praises Saudi Arabia over facilitating Hajj for its nationals
Pakistani pilgrims have been arriving in Madinah since May 9 when pre-Hajj flight operations were launched
Pakistani minister is currently visiting Madinah to oversee Hajj arrangements for...
Saudi dialogue center in Lisbon hosts global peace forum
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Fasika, a Celebration of Rebirth, Forgiveness, and Unity in Ethiopia
On Sunday Ethiopian Christians will celebrate Easter, locally called Fasika. When Fasika finally arrives, the atmosphere across Ethiopia is electric with anticipation and jubilation.
In the ancient and deeply...
United Methodist delegates repeal their church’s ban on its clergy celebrating same-sex marriages
United Methodist delegates on Friday repealed their church’s longstanding ban on the celebrations of same-sex marriages or unions by its clergy and in its churches.
The action marked the...
Muslim groups claim double standards in police handling of two high-profile stabbings in Sydney
Muslim groups in Australia on Friday criticized the disparity in the police response to two stabbing attacks in Sydney this month, saying it had created a perception of a double standard and...
Pope warns against ‘spiral of violence’ after Iran attack
The Pope once again repeated earlier calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiation
Pope Francis on Sunday made a “pressing appeal” against a “spiral...