Guided by ‘zakat’, a village funds its road and bridge

LUCKNOW – Guided by ‘zakat’ – charity as envisaged by the Quran – villagers of Muslim-dominated Shirajpur in Uttar Pradesh have repaired roads, dug wells, established schools and are now building a bridge.

The village is located in Azamgarh, some 300 km from Lucknow, and its people say the apathy of public representatives towards their problems …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Guided by ‘zakat’, a village funds its road and bridge.

Health care overhaul fight exposes rift pitting Catholic bishops against nuns and hospitals

Health care overhaul fight exposes Catholic rift

An unusual public split between U.S. Roman Catholic bishops, nuns and hospitals over abortion in the health care overhaul could undermine the church hierarchy’s influence on the debate and give anti-abortion Democrats the political cover they need to vote for the bill.
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic …. Read the original article  : Health care overhaul fight exposes rift pitting Catholic bishops against nuns and hospitals.

Pravin Togadia prevented from entering Kandhamal

BHUBANESWAR – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international general secretary Praveen Togadia was Friday stopped by police on his way to Kandhamal district in Orissa.

He was stopped at Charichhak on the border of Boudh and Kandhamal district. He was trying to head to Kandhamal district despite a ban imposed by the district administration on his …. Source article  : Pravin Togadia prevented from entering Kandhamal.

Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric

Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric

CAIRO – Egypt’s president named a moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar the country’s new top cleric on Friday, the state news agency reported.
The appointment makes Ahmed el-Tayeb the new grand sheik of Cairo’s Al-Azhar, the pre-eminent theological institute of Sunni Islam, the faith’s majority sect. He takes over from Sheik … Read : Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric.

Muslim law board to oppose any anti-Shariat law

LUCKNOW – In a major development, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) resolved Friday evening to oppose any court verdict that goes against the tenets of the Islamic Shariat.

The decision was taken on the opening day of the three-day AIMPLB conclave at the Nadwatul Ulema University of Islamic Studies here.
Briefing mediapersons at …. Source  : Muslim law board to oppose any anti-Shariat law.

Pope signs letter on child abuse cases in Ireland

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI Friday signed a highly anticipated pastoral letter to Catholics in Ireland dealing with a child sex abuse scandal involving priests, the Vatican said.

The letter will be published Saturday and will be accompanied by a briefing on its contents by papal spokesman Father Federico Lombardi to media outlets accredited with …. Original article  : Pope signs letter on child abuse cases in Ireland.

Turkey indicts 33 more, including military officers, in alleged plot to overthrow government

Turkey indicts 33 in alleged coup plot
ANKARA, Turkey – Authorities have indicted 33 people in an alleged secularist plot to destabilize Turkey and overthrow the government.

The 33 are accused of planning assassinations of prominent members of Turkey’s Christian and Jewish minorities and other sensational attacks to foment chaos and bring down the Islamic-oriented government.
The suspects …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Turkey indicts 33 more, including military officers, in alleged plot to overthrow government.

No cut in duration of Amarnath pilgrimage

JAMMU – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has pledged to keep the duration of the annual Hindu Amarnath pilgrimage two months long, rejecting a separatist leader’s request to cut it short.

“The pilgrimage period will stay unchanged,” Abdullah said here late Thursday. “It (pilgrimage) benefits the local population economically and is a symbol … Read more >>>.