Muslim

Mogadishu (AX) — A recent decision by school authorities in Axum, Ethiopia, has sparked significant controversy by prohibiting Muslim girls from donning hijabs while at school, driving over 159 students away from their education. This directive has ignited a firestorm within Ethiopia's Muslim community, who have condemned the move as a blatant breach of religious liberty.The Supreme Islamic Council of Tigray emphatically criticized the decision, branding it both discriminatory and unconstitutional."This ruling dramatically…

Tigray Muslims Speak Out on Hijab Ban in Schools ADDIS ABABA - The Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council is sounding the alarm over a new prohibition on hijabs in the Axum area, and they're not just going to sit back. They are brainstorming "further peaceful steps in consultation with believers" to tackle this quandary. "We urge for adherence to the dress code regulations set forth by the Federal Ministry of Education for Muslim students," the Council advised in a communiqué from Mekelle, Tigray's regional capital. The…

"Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib Triumph Again: Trailblazers in American Politics Keep Their Seats" DETROIT, USA — Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, trailblazing as the first Muslim women to serve in the United States Congress, have both successfully defended their seats, ongoing election counts revealed Tuesday. Tlaib broke ground earlier as the maiden woman of Palestinian heritage in Congress, celebrating a fourth term win in Michigan's 12th District. The Arab-American community of Dearborn, a vital…

Iqra Ismail, the former leader of Somalia’s women's squad in 2019, was barred from participating due to her choice of attire aligning with her spiritual convictions. (Instagram: coachiqra) LONDON, UK (AX) — A heartfelt apology has been issued by the Football Association of England to Iqra Ismail, a British-Somali footballer, after she was denied the chance to play in a Greater London Women’s Football League (GLWFL) match. The reason? Her decision to don tracksuit bottoms instead of the league-mandated shorts, as a reflection…

A football coach and advocate for refugees found herself sidelined from a match because of her attire, specifically tracksuit bottoms, which she insists are integral to her religious values. Iqra Ismail, the former captain of Somalia’s national team in 2019 and the founder of Hilltop FC, encountered this hiccup when she joined the grassroots squad United Dragons FC, based in Regent’s Park. This young woman, just 24 and hailing from West London, was primed to make her debut on Sunday against an East London rival. “I…

Minneapolis, Minn (AX) — A group of over 35 Somali religious figures and thinkers in Minnesota have shown firm support for the Harris-Walz campaign. Their endorsement stems from deep worry about what a second term for Donald Trump might mean for Muslims in America. Announced during an event in St. Cloud, they made a fervent call for Somali-American voters to back the Democrats to safeguard civil liberties and combat the growing tide of Islamophobia.This coalition, representing various segments of Minnesota's Somali-American…

In their pursuit to establish a Muslim burial ground in the region, organizers navigated an array of obstacles, ranging from a hesitant local government to acts of vandalism. A fresh chapter began for Al Maghfirah Cemetery, nestled in Castle Rock Township just south of Farmington, as community members marked the commencement of its construction on October 8, 2024. Credit: Dymanh Chhoun | Sahan JournalThe name “Al Maghfirah” shines with significance, embodying the spirit of forgiveness in Arabic. On Tuesday, a hopeful spirit…

For 16 years, retired tailor Mukhtar Isse has been diligently rebinding Qurans with tape and glue, ensuring these sacred texts remain accessible to local Muslims. He's joined by two other Somali men who volunteer as bookbinders in the mosques, yet they struggle to meet the increasing demand.Minnesota imams report that strict protocols for disposing of the Muslim holy book, coupled with state environmental regulations, have created a backlog of old and damaged Qurans at mosques.The shortage of suitable facilities for…

Liban remarked, "Our school board members invest countless hours to deliver top-notch education for our students. As a mother and leader in central Ohio’s immigrant community, I'm eager to back this mission and address the needs of every student, particularly those underserved and part of our growing population." Liban helms Somali Community Link, a nonprofit in Columbus aimed at aiding immigrants and refugees. She's also a consultant at Immigro Consulting, a board member for Our Helpers, and a POWER commissioner with the…

The curfew was decided on Sunday, June 27, initially for two days after three bombings in the city of Beni, finally maintained for the time being. In addition, activities from schools, markets and other companies that were originally banned are again allowed. Despite the measures announced by the authorities, concerns remain especially within the Islamic community of Beni, which has lost two imams who…