Pakistan school chain focuses on secular elites to win converts to conservative Islam

In Pakistan, Islamic schools for women thrive

ISLAMABAD – To its detractors, the Al-Huda chain of Islamic schools across Pakistan is a driver of conservative Islam, especially among the secular elite. But to the thousands who attend its classes across the country, it is a blessing.
Take Mariam Afzal, who says she was once so selfish she … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pakistan school chain focuses on secular elites to win converts to conservative Islam.

Reports: Vatican No. 2 says Belgian raids in abuse case are unprecedented even under Communism

Vatican No. 2 increases criticism of Belgian raids

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican’s No. 2 official says raids carried out by Belgian police investigating sex abuse allegations are unprecedented even under communism.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, said Saturday that the raids were “an unheard-of and grave fact,” according to the ANSA and Apcom news … Read more »»».

Baha’i choir returns to capital after 24 years

NEW DELHI – Twenty-four years after the Baha’i choir performed at the Lotus Temple in the capital, the Baha’i house of worship once again reverberated with the “Voices of Baha”, a rainbow choir from 25 countries.

The choir that performed in India in 1986 on the eve of the temple’s 25th birthday to render gospel …. Source  : Baha’i choir returns to capital after 24 years.

613th birth anniversary of poet-saint Kabir celebrated

AGRA – More than 2,000 Kabirpanthis, followers of 15th century devotional poet Kabir Das, gathered here Saturday to celebrate his 613th birth anniversary or “praktyotsava (appearance in human form)” of the saint.

The one-day event at the Soor Sadan auditorium here included a satsang and recital of his ‘dohe (couplets)’ to the accompaniment of Kabiri musical … Read more : 613th birth anniversary of poet-saint Kabir celebrated.