Discover Islamic beliefs and practices with updates from The Meridian Times.
Introduction As the world anticipates the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee Year, a coalition of African faith leaders has issued a powerful call for a new wave of debt forgiveness. The statement, made on July 19, 2024, reflects a growing urgency among religious leaders across the continent who are grappling with the severe economic challenges faced by … Read more
Introduction In a groundbreaking decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a non-binding advisory opinion declaring Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories as unlawful. This ruling, issued by a 15-judge panel, represents a significant moment in international law and diplomacy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision underscores the complex and often contentious … Read more
Recent legislative efforts to increase the presence of religion in public schools have ignited unexpected conflicts among religious communities. Bills advocating for religious displays and school chaplains are encountering opposition from within the faith community itself. Legislative Developments and Controversies Several states have recently introduced or passed bills focusing on religion in schools: Louisiana: A … Read more
The Hajj pilgrimage of 2024 has been marked by extraordinary heat, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 1,300 pilgrims. Despite this, the pilgrimage continued to attract approximately 1.8 million participants from around the world. This year’s Hajj provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the spiritual and social dimensions of the pilgrimage, as … Read more
Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, a trailblazing Iranian-American wrestler, is spearheading an initiative to design a wrestling singlet that accommodates the religious and cultural needs of conservative Muslim women. This effort marks a significant step toward inclusivity in international sports. Background of the Initiative Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, renowned as the first American woman to earn a medal … Read more
Introduction On Monday, July 15, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, a California national committeewoman, offered a Sikh prayer, known as the Ardas, at the Republican National Convention (RNC). The event stirred controversy among some conservative figures, but it also highlighted a long-standing tradition of including diverse religious voices at political conventions. The Controversy Dhillon’s prayer sparked criticism … Read more
Overview of the Report A recent report by Amnesty International has sharply criticized France’s decision to ban its Olympic athletes from wearing hijabs during the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The report, published on July 16, raises concerns about human rights violations and discriminatory practices against Muslim women in sports. Amnesty International asserts that France’s … Read more
Introduction On Monday, June 30, 2024, Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial inaugurated a state-of-the-art conservation facility in Jerusalem. This new building, named the David and Fela Shapell Family Collections Center, is designed to preserve, restore, and store the extensive collection of Holocaust-related artifacts, documents, and photographs held by the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Importance of … Read more
