Islam

Renowned MMA Fighter Converts to Islam
Global, Islam

Renowned MMA Fighter Converts to Islam

Renowned MMA fighter Jeffrey William Monson, known for his prowess in mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu, has publicly announced his conversion to Islam at the age of 53. In a widely shared video, he pronounced the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith, under the guidance of a scholar at an Islamic center in Moscow on June 20. Monson, originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, achieved global acclaim in jiu-jitsu and was a former world champion in MMA. Reflecting on his decision, he expressed that Islam resonates with his values and provides him with a sense of peace and fulfillment he has long sought. "This journey has been one of profound transformation," Monson stated during a subsequent press conference. "After much introspection, I have found in Islam the meaning and purpose I hav...
Women Participate in Changing of  Kaaba’s Kiswa for First Time
Global, Islam

Women Participate in Changing of Kaaba’s Kiswa for First Time

Women working for the 'General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques' in Saudi Arabia participated for the first time in the ceremonial changing of the Kaaba's kiswa. Moreover, this development is part of a broader trend in Saudi Arabia of increasing women's participation in various sectors of society. For the first time in history, women have taken part in the ceremonial changing of the Kaaba's kiswa, the black cloth adorned with gold and silver threads. This historic event marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to encourage female involvement in various sectors. According to the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, female employees assisted in the preparatory phases of the kiswa changing ceremony on Sunday. They carried some components of th...
Muharram Moon Not Sighted in Pakistan; Ashura on July 17
Islam, Pakistan

Muharram Moon Not Sighted in Pakistan; Ashura on July 17

The crescent moon for Muharram has not been sighted in Pakistan, and the first day of this Islamic month will be on Monday, July 8. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, made this announcement on Saturday. Therefore, people will observe Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, on July 17. This decision came after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met in Quetta to sight the crescent moon of Muharram 1446 Hijri. Maulana Abdul Khabir led the meeting, and zonal and district bodies of the committee held meetings at their respective headquarters. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted that the moon would likely not be visible due to partly cloudy or cloudy weather in many parts of the country. The PMD expected the new moon to appear a...
Saudi Arabia Announces First Day of Muharram 2024
Global, Islam

Saudi Arabia Announces First Day of Muharram 2024

Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of Muharram, the beginning of the new Islamic year, will be on Sunday, July 7, 2024.The Supreme Court made this decision after observers did not sight the crescent moon on Friday, July 5, 2024. As a result, the current Islamic month, Zilhajj, will last for 30 days, ending on Saturday, July 6, 2024. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued a statement confirming the new dates: "The Crescent Sighting Committee of the Supreme Court decided that Saturday, 30/12/1445 AH according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, corresponding to July 6, 2024 AD, will be the completion of the month of Dhul Hijjah for the year 1445 AH as thirty days, and that Sunday, 1/1/1446 AH according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to July 7, 2024 AD, will be the first...
Pakistan Considers Social Media Ban During Muharram
Islam, Pakistan

Pakistan Considers Social Media Ban During Muharram

The Punjab government proposed a ban on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, etc. from July 13th to 18th (6th to 11th of Muharram). Their goal is to curb the spread of hate speech and misinformation that could lead to sectarian violence. The federal government has not made a final decision yet on social media ban. The Punjab government has recommended banning social media for six days during Muharram. This proposal aims to prevent the spread of hate speech and misinformation that could lead to sectarian violence. The suggested social media ban would last from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram. The final decision will be made by the federal government. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s cabinet committee on law and order recommended this ban. They believe it is necessary...