Latest news with #Islam
The Hindu
37 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Opposition to Zumba dance unacceptable, says Kerala Speaker
The opposition to Zumba dance will not be accepted by children or the general public, Speaker A.N. Shamseer has said. Inaugurating the MLA Merit Award-2025 in Alappuzha on Saturday, Mr. Shamseer called those opposing Zumba ignorant. 'Islam is a highly progressive religion. It is a few orthodox scholars, cloaked in the attire of Islam, who are voicing opposition. We should not give in to their demands. I will stand firmly behind Education Minister V. Sivankutty on the matter,' the Speaker said. He said that Zumba was being practised by people of all genders. 'Those who criticise Zumba by claiming that participants wear revealing clothes are truly narrow-minded. The government should not succumb to the pressure of such individuals,' Mr. Shamseer said.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
July 7 Public Holiday: Muharram Observance May Affect Schools, Markets, Banks, And Exchanges
Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year, is expected to be observed in India on either July 6 or 7, 2025, depending on the moon sighting. While the official date is currently listed as July 6, it may shift to July 7 if the moon is not sighted in time. Closures on Muharram Observance On the day of observance, schools, colleges, government offices, post offices, and many private offices across India will remain closed. The public holiday applies to most regions of the country and is recognized as a day of national significance. Banks and financial institutions will also shut operations on the day of Muharram, affecting public banking services. Citizens are advised to complete essential transactions ahead of time. Stock Markets and Commodity Exchanges Closed Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain closed for trading on Muharram. The suspension will affect all segments, including equity, equity derivatives, SLB (Securities Lending and Borrowing), currency derivatives, and interest rate derivatives. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will remain shut during the morning session on the day of Muharram. However, trading will resume in the evening session from 5:00 PM to 11:30/11:55 PM. Significance of Muharram in Islam Muharram is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. The 10th day, known as Ashura, is particularly significant for Shia Muslims, who mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
King: Don't exploit Islam for personal, political gain
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has reminded community leaders not to exploit Islam for personal or political interests. 'This means that government administration must follow the principles of Islamic law (syariah), and not be driven by secular or liberal ideologies. 'Islam is a complete and perfect religion that encompasses all aspects of life. Thus, no one should exploit religion for political party interests or spread slander and hatred that could divide society.' He was speaking at this year's national-level Ma'al Hijrah celebration, themed Membangun Ummah Madani, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. 'I have always emphasised that Islamic preaching platforms and religious teaching arenas should never be used to advance political agendas. 'Let us protect the sanctity of Islam and build a harmonious unity of the ummah, for Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace.' He said Prophet Muhammad had never used Islam for personal benefit or to oppress anyone. 'We must also make Islam a true way of life through the practice of good manners and noble character, not merely through outward appearances or attire that looks Islamic on the surface. 'I also urge members of the administration and national leadership to emulate the traits of Prophet Muhammad, who was wise, just and never oppressed the weak.' Sultan Ibrahim pointed out that Prophet Muhammad had provided a true model of Islamic governance, citing the example of the Prophet's Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, where he successfully united the city's diverse communities consisting of various tribes and religions. 'Therefore, I call upon all Muslims to understand our responsibility to build a civilisation based on Islamic values and not focus on physical development alone. 'The Hijrah also witnessed how unity among various tribes and religious groups was achieved through a written agreement known as the Constitution of Medina.' He said Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-religious society has also achieved unity through the Federal Constitution, which outlines shared values such as justice, authority, responsibility and consensus. 'Therefore, all parties must respect the Constitution and avoid inciting hostility in the name of race or religion that could threaten national peace.' This year's International Ma'al Hijrah Personality Award was presented to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah. Datuk Nooh Gadot, the religious adviser to Sultan Iskandar and former Johor mufti, was named the recipient of the 2025 National Ma'al Hijrah Personality Award. Over 8,000 people attended the celebration.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia's King warns against political use of Islam
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has reminded community leaders not to exploit Islam for personal or political interests. 'This means that government administration must follow the principles of Islamic law (syariah), and not be driven by secular or liberal ideologies. 'Islam is a complete and perfect religion that encompasses all aspects of life. Thus, no one should exploit religion for political party interests or spread slander and hatred that could divide society.' He was speaking at this year's national-level Ma'al Hijrah celebration, themed Membangun Ummah Madani, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. 'I have always emphasised that Islamic preaching platforms and religious teaching arenas should never be used to advance political agendas. 'Let us protect the sanctity of Islam and build a harmonious unity of the ummah, for Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace.' He said Prophet Muhammad had never used Islam for personal benefit or to oppress anyone. 'We must also make Islam a true way of life through the practice of good manners and noble character, not merely through outward appearances or attire that looks Islamic on the surface. 'I also urge members of the administration and national leadership to emulate the traits of Prophet Muhammad, who was wise, just and never oppressed the weak.' Sultan Ibrahim pointed out that Prophet Muhammad had provided a true model of Islamic governance, citing the example of the Prophet's Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, where he successfully united the city's diverse communities consisting of various tribes and religions. 'Therefore, I call upon all Muslims to understand our responsibility to build a civilisation based on Islamic values and not focus on physical development alone. 'The Hijrah also witnessed how unity among various tribes and religious groups was achieved through a written agreement known as the Constitution of Medina.' He said Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-religious society has also achieved unity through the Federal Constitution, which outlines shared values such as justice, authority, responsibility and consensus. 'Therefore, all parties must respect the Constitution and avoid inciting hostility in the name of race or religion that could threaten national peace.' This year's International Ma'al Hijrah Personality Award was presented to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah. Datuk Nooh Gadot, the religious adviser to Sultan Iskandar and former Johor mufti, was named the recipient of the 2025 National Ma'al Hijrah Personality Award. Over 8,000 people attended the celebration.
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Umar (RA): ASWJ organises major rally
KARACHI: Marking the martyrdom anniversary of the second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) organized a major rally titled 'Madah-e-Sahaba (RA) Demand March' from Lasbela Chowk in Karachi, with participants from various walks of life. Leaders of the organization, including ASWJ Pakistan President Allama Aurangzeb Farooqi, Allama Rab Nawaz Hanafi, Syed Muhiuddin Shah, Maulana Abdul Rafi Shah Bukhari, Maulana Umar Muawiya, and others addressed the crowd, calling for official recognition of the day at the state level and a nationwide public holiday in honor of Hazrat Umar (RA). Speaking at the event, Allama Aurangzeb Farooqi said that ASWJ has always promoted unity and peace and that observing the 'Ashra Farooq o Hussain' (Ten Days of Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Hussain) is a symbol of harmony and brotherhood. He expressed disappointment that banners related to these observances were reportedly removed in some areas, alleging administrative involvement. Farooqi urged the government to ensure such actions are not repeated, warning that such moves could lead to unrest. He further said Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and played a pivotal role in the early Islamic state's strength and expansion. 'After the Prophet, had there been a prophet, it would have been Umar,' he quoted from a well-known Hadith. Other speakers emphasized that the legacy of Hazrat Umar (RA), particularly his just and visionary governance, should be promoted widely. ASWJ leaders maintained that for the past 40 years, the group has observed Youm-e-Umar (RA) annually, aiming to enlighten people about his contributions to Islam and justice. The rally ended with a call for the federal government to declare the martyrdom day of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) a national holiday and to officially commemorate the occasion, so that future generations can learn from the Caliph's exemplary character and leadership. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
