Preparations for Haj pilgrims on smooth track: Krishna

NEW DELHI – Preparations for the Haj pilgrimage are on fast track and nearly 80,000 accommodations have already been secured, the government said Thursday.

“A senior level officer of the external affairs ministry is in Saudi Arabia to look after the preparations,” External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna informed the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour.
The minister …. Source  : Preparations for Haj pilgrims on smooth track: Krishna.

Obama sends best wishes to Muslims on Ramadan

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has extended his best wishes to Muslims around the world as Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, starts.

“On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I want to extend our best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world, ” Obama said in a statement Wednesday. …. Original article  : Obama sends best wishes to Muslims on Ramadan.

NY gov says Islamic group rejected his offer to find another site for ground zero mosque

NY gov says Islamic group won’t relocate mosque

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. David Paterson said Wednesday that developers of an Islamic cultural center that would include a mosque near ground zero have rejected his offer to help them find a different site.
While in Manhattan, Paterson said the group apparently wants to remain with its current plans … Read more »».

Searing summer heat adds hardship to Ramadan fasting for Muslims in Middle East

Mideast summer heat adds hardship to Ramadan fast

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Hundreds of millions of Muslims across the Middle East sweated their way through the start of Ramadan on Wednesday, beginning a monthlong daylight fast in sweltering summer heat.
With temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) in some countries, governments and religious authorities sought … Read more : Searing summer heat adds hardship to Ramadan fasting for Muslims in Middle East.

Despite US optimism, envoy says still no agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks

No agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks
JERUSALEM – There is still no decision to resume direct Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, President Barack Obama’s envoy acknowledged Wednesday, despite optimism in Washington that agreement was close.
Officials in Washington had hoped that envoy George Mitchell’s current two-day round of separate talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders …. Source article  : Despite US optimism, envoy says still no agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks.

Abu Dhabi to distribute free iftar meals to motorists

Abu Dhabi, Aug 11 (IANS/WAM) Motorists in Abu Dhabi will get free iftar meals to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, it was announced Wednesday.

UAE Deputy Prime Minister Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan Wednesday instructed the authorities to deliver 35,000 meals to motorists travelling in the emirate.
Major General … Read : Abu Dhabi to distribute free iftar meals to motorists.

Ramadan begins with the sighting of moon

HYDERABAD – The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began here and in other parts of Andhra Pradesh with the sighting of the moon Wednesday.

The moon sighting committee comprising religious scholars announced that the Ramzan moon was sighted in some towns. Sirens blared from mosques across Hyderabad as Muslims began preparations for the fasting month.
People … Original article on : Ramadan begins with the sighting of moon.

Rotterdam court rejects Muslim scholar Ramadan’s lawsuit over dismissal

Rotterdam court rejects Muslim scholar’s lawsuit

AMSTERDAM – A Dutch court has rejected a wrongful dismissal lawsuit brought by prominent Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan, saying the city of Rotterdam had good reasons for ending his contract.
The Swiss-born Ramadan was dismissed from positions at Erasmus University and the city in August 2009 after he hosted a program … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rotterdam court rejects Muslim scholar Ramadan’s lawsuit over dismissal.

Archbishop: Vatican rejects resignations of 2 Dublin bishops linked to child abuse cover-ups

Vatican rejects resignations of 2 Dublin bishops

DUBLIN – Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has told priests that the Vatican has rejected the resignations of his two auxiliary bishops following their reported involvement in the Roman Catholic Church’s cover-up of child abuse.
The Vatican’s rebuff deals a blow to Martin, a veteran Vatican diplomat who was appointed in … Read more >>>.

Holy Ramzan 2010 Greetings and SMS

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — The holy month of Ramadan unites all Muslims in fasting, worship and prayer. It’s a time for contemplation, spirituality and brotherhood.
The Holy Month of Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calender. This year the month falls between the period August 11- September 9. Muslims fast from first light …. Original article  : Holy Ramzan 2010 Greetings and SMS.

Holy Ramadan 2010 Begins Today in USA

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Today, August 11, marks the beginning of Ramadan 2010. This month holds great spiritual emphasis to the Muslims. From today the Muslims will undergo a month long fasting ritual. Ramadan is known to be the ninth month of the Islamic calender. September 9, 2010 will supposedly end the 30 day holy …. Read the original article  : Holy Ramadan 2010 Begins Today in USA.

Ramadan tradition goes high-tech; users can get prayer time reminders, find direction of Mecca

Observing Ramadan? There’s an app for that

PATERSON, N.J. – The most ancient traditions of Islam are going high-tech, with a slew of modern offerings for those observing the holy month of Ramadan, which begins this week.
Cell phone applications such as “iPray” or “iQuran” offer a beeping reminder of requisite prayer times, while the “Find Mecca” … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ramadan tradition goes high-tech; users can get prayer time reminders, find direction of Mecca.

Mideast Muslims start holy month of Ramadan, fasting from sunrise to sunset in sweltering heat

Muslims in Mideast begin Ramadan in heat of summer

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Over a billion Muslims in the Middle East and around the world have begun observing the holy month of Ramadan – a period devoted to prayer and dawn-to-dusk fasting.
This year’s fasting in the Middle East is particularly tough as Muslims struggle through …. Source  : Gaea News Network.