Central Asia/China/Far East News

Hundreds of Indonesian Shias still take refuge after husseiniyah, homes, school torched

JAKARTA, Indonesia: Indonesian police and military personnel are still on guard to anticipate further violence after arson attacks committed by an extremist terrorist group in Sampang, Madura, East Java, toward homes, a boarding school and house of worship belonging to Shia believers (hussainiyah).

Toll from Afghan Ashoura attacks on Hussaini mourners now 80

KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Sunday that the death toll from last week's Ashoura attacks on Hussaini mourners in Afghanistan has risen to at least 80.

Husseini mourning being held in Myanmar

YANGON, Myanmar: Husseini mourning programs i.e. majalis and alam processions were in continuation in this Asian country of Myanmar at mosques and husseiniyahs.

Afghanis mourn Imam Hussain (a.s.)

KABUL, Afghanistan: Muharram majalis and processions were in continuation throughout Afghanistan like other countries to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.), grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (s), along with his 72 faithful companions for defense of high human values and protection of religion and shariah some 1400 years back.

Idd Al-Ghadir celebrated in China

SHANGHAI, China: Like other countries, Idd Al-Ghadir was observed in China by holding festivals at mosques and husseiniyahs.

Malaysia outlaws Shiite preaching

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysian government said Shiites in the country are barred from promoting their faith to other Muslims but are free to practice it themselves.

Azerbaijan witnesses Imam Mahdi (ATF) b-day celebrations

BAKU, Azerbaijan: To mark the sacred event Azerbaijanis like other nations celebrated the birth anniversary of Hazret Imam Mahdi (ATF) across the country in a self-organized move.

In otherwise tolerant Malaysia, Shiites are banned

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Associated Press reported that in this Muslim-majority country, it's OK to be Christian, Buddhist or Hindu but not Shiite.

Azadari of Sakinah bint Al-Hussein (s.a) in Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand: Four-year-old Sakinah bint al-Hussein (AS) was martyred on Safar 3 according to some traditions while some other reports say it was Safar 13 when she kissed martyrdom in Zindan (dark prison).

Imam Hussein (AS) mourning in Indonesia, Philippines

MANILA, Philippines: Azadari (mourning for Al-Imam Abi Abdellah) of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) is continued in Indonesia and Philippines with due reverence paying rich homage to the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s) who rendered great and unmatched sacrifice in the scorching desert of Karbala for defense of religion and shariah and safety of high human values.

Kyrgyzstan: Hosayni mourning programs going on

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Hosayni mourning programs are being held in Kyrgyzstan to pay rich homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazret Imam Hosayn (a.s.) along with his 72 near and dear ones in the burning desert of Karbala some 1400 years ago for defense religion and shariah and safety of high human values.

Hussaini mourning report from Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan: Hussaini mourning is in continuation in Afghanistan like other global parts with majalis and processions.

Afghan Hazara leader says govt blocking his voters

JABAR KHAN, Afghanistan: Afghan Hazara leader said on Thursday that the government has deliberately shut polling stations under a pretext of insecurity in relatively safe areas where the Hazara ethnic group dominates.

Nahj-ul Balagha first Russian translation gets overwhelming response

TEHRAN, Iran: Abdel-Karim Jrniecko, translator of the renowned book of Maula-i-Kaenaat Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) Nahj-ul Balagha (Peak of Eloquence) to Russian language has said that the first translation of this book witnessed an overwhelming response by the Russian people, because this book has been translated into this language for the first time.

Bangla govt removes Maududi's books from libraries

DHAKA, Bangladesh: The government of Bangladesh has ordered tens of thousands of mosques and libraries to remove books written by the controversial founder of an Islamic party, AFP reported quoting an official.

Afghanistan: Tens of thousands pay homage to Imam Hussein

KABUL, Afghanistan: Husseini commemoration is being observed in Afghanistan also with the sighting of Muharram crescent.

Turkish Mo'minin celebrate Hazret Al-Batool (AS) b-day

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Auspicious occasion of birth anniversary of Sayedah Fatimah Az-Zahra Al-Batool (AS), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (S), was joyfully and reverently celebrated in Turkey.

Shiite leaders condemn Afghan govt on books dumping

KABUL, Afghanistan: The Afghan government was facing severe condemnation Wednesday from Shiite leaders after it quietly dumped more than 1,000 Shiite texts and other books into a river.

Enmity with Mazhab-i-Ahli Bayt (A) … Shia books drowned in Afghan river

KABUL, Afghanistan: BBC reported on Tuesday May 26 that provincial authorities in south-western Afghanistan have thrown thousands of books, mainly about Shias or Shia Islam, into a river.

Top Afghan cleric defends Shiite Personal Law

KABUL, Afghanistan: Mohammad Asif Mohseni, Afghanistan's top Shiite cleric, Saturday defended legislation said to oppress women and accused Western critics of "cultural invasion" and violating the very democracy they are promoting.

Afghan Shiite family law defended amid intl outcries

KABUL, Afghanistan: Hamid Karzai, Afghan President, on Saturday has defended a new family law for the country's Shiite community, saying the concerns expressed by the international society over its anti-women's rights articles were based on poor translation or "misinterpretation."

Aza al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) being held in Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand: Mourning month of Muharram was observed peacefully across Thailand. Hundreds of believers belonging to Thailand and other countries who reside therein participated in Aza al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS).

Afghanis remember Imam Hussein (AS) performing Azadari

KABUL, Afghanistan: In commemoration of matchless sacrifice rendered by Hazret Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 near and dear ones some 1,400 years back for Islam, Shariah and humanity, Hussaini majalis and processions continue in Afghanistan.

Turkey's Shia Alevis rally to demand equal religious rights

ANKARA, Turkey: The Shiite Alevis have long complained of discrimination, prejudice and forced assimilation in Turkey while the European Union has made religious freedoms a condition for Turkey's troubled bid for membership of the bloc.

China imposes curbs on Muslims during Ramadan

BEIJING, China: Authorities in a Muslim region in western China have barred local officials from observing the holy fasting month of Ramadan, government Web sites said.

Sha’ban celebration in S. Korea’s Daegu city

DAEGU CITY, South Korea: Like other countries, celebrations of Sha’ban births (birthdays of Imam Hussein, Hazrat Abbas, Imam Sajjad, Hazrat Ali Akbar, hjazrat Zainab, peace be on them all) were continued in South Korea also.

Moscow int'l confab stresses ties expansion with Islamic world

MOSCOW, Russia: Several dignitaries and scholars from different countries including the US, Canada, France, Britain, India, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Syria, Turkey, the UAE, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, China, Luxembourg, Jordan, and Tunisia as well as from the Organization of the Islamic Conference attended a two-day international conference in Moscow that ended on Tuesday 24 June.

Turkey’s Muslims face restrictions

ANKARA, Turkey: Muslim majority of Turkey faced religious restrictions that were not experienced by non-Muslims.

Shia Hazara mass grave found in north Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghan authorities said a mass grave containing at least 100 bodies of Shia Hazara massacred has been discovered by experts.

Azadari carries on in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea: Azadari of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) is in continuation in South Korea as well to pay him homage on rendering supreme sacrifice for safety of Islam and shariah and protection of high human values.

First-ever Hussaini procession held in Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand: In the 100 year history of Azadari in Bangkok, Ashura procession (Jaloos) was taken out for the first time on the 26th of January 2008 to pay homage to Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the martyrs of Karbala.

Azadari continues in South Korea

DAEGU, South Korea: Azadari of Imam Hussein (a.s.), grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s.w.w.) has been performed in South Korea for at least ten years.

Afghanis pay homage to Chief of Martyrs

KABUL, Afghanistan: Peace be on you O Imam Abi Abdillah Al-Hosain … To pay homage to the great sacrifice rendered by Hazret Imam Hosain (a.s.) along with his 72 faithful companions in the burning desert of Karbala some 14 centuries ago for defense of religion and safety of high human values, chain of majalis and processions is continued throughout Afghanistan.

Caucasus Muslims Board shows concern on ban of Shia books

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Ban on the spread of books on Shia Islam exported to Azerbaijan caused disagreements.

Moscow to see opening of first hospital for Muslim patients

MOSCOW, Russia: A first-ever medical centre for Muslim patients is expected to open in Moscow soon.

Muslims did great for turning Russia into a world power, Putin

MOSCOW, Russia: At a meeting with the spiritual leaders of Russian Muslims, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that hopefully Muslims in Russia will perform their civic duty and will turn out at polling stations on December 2, the day State Duma elections will be held.

Turkey TV says sorry for prophet, Ahlul Beit blasphemy after Shias protest

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Turkey’s media reported that Shias of Istanbul city staged a protest against a Turkish television channel ‘Kanal D’ for insulting the holy names of Prophet Muhammad, Al-Imam Ali and Al-Imam Al-Hosein (peace be on them all).

Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo joins Muslims in Iftar

KAMPUNG MELAYU, Singapore: The annual Iftar ceremony aims to promote social integration and foster closer ties was held at Alkaff Mosque Kampung Melayu early Monday evening.

Al-Ashra Al-Mehdawiah in Russian republics

MOSCOW, Russia: Committee to hold celebrations of Al-Ashra Al-Mehdawiah Al-Mobarikah in Russia and its republics have began its meetings and workshops to arrange celebrations and make the Russian society aware of Mehdawi culture for the second consecutive year marking the birth anniversary of Al-Imam Al-Mehdi (AS).

Afghanis celebrate Hazret Fatima (S) birth anniversary

KABUL, Afghanistan: In connection with the dearest daughter of Holy Prophet Hazret Muhammad (S), Al-Hauraa Al-Insia Hazret Fatima Zahra (S), celebrations were held across Afghanistan attended by thousands of devotees.

Turkey to host ceremonies in remembrance of Ayat Al-Hakim

ISTANBUL, Turkey: In connection with the fourth martyrdom anniversary of Ayatullah Sayed Muhammad Baqer Al-Hakim, ceremonies are set to be held in Turkey.

Afghanistan sees holding of majales-i-Fatimia

KABUL, Afghanistan: Marking Ayyam-i-Fatimia in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Holy Prophet Hazret Muhammad (S)’s dearest daughter Hazret Fatima Zahra (A), majales-i-aza were held across Afghanistan.

Azerbaijan annul ban on mosque loudspeakers

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has reversed a controversial ban on mosques from using loudspeakers for the Adhan (call to prayer) that had sparked widespread outrage.

Ark of Noah reconstructed in symbolic gesture

MOUNT ARARAT, Turkey: Ark of Noah, built to save humanity and the animal kingdom in the face of a great flood, is being reconstructed in model form on Mount Ararat as a warning to mankind to act now to prevent global warming.

Istanbul confab shows up Iraq terrorism factors

ISTANBUL, Turkey: A conference “Proximity in Thought and Unity’ was organized in Turkish city of Istanbul attended by delegates from Iraq as well.

Turkey top official urges respect for scarf

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul, expected to be elected President in May, called for respect for the headscarf and stressed commitment to the Muslim nation's system.

Alevis target of prejudice in Turkey, focus of interest for EU

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Alevis are a target of discrimination in Turkey and a focus of interest for the European Union.

Afghanis commemorating supreme Hussaini sacrifice

KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghanis on Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 took out a grand Hussaini procession in the capital city of Kabul, Afghanistan to pay homage to the supreme sacrifices rendered by Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 near and dear ones some 14 centuries ago.

Aza-e-Hussaini being held in S Korea marking Karbala Tragedy

DAEGU CITY, South Korea: Paying rich homage to the matchless sacrifice presented by Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his 72 near and dear ones in the year 61 AH, mourning gatherings are being held in South Korea.

No link between Saddam and Islam, says Afghan official

TEHRAN, Iran: Afghanistan’s ambassador to Tehran Mohammad-Omar Davodzi said Iraqi dictator Saddam was a Ba’ath party member and a socialist who had no connection with Islam.

Dhaka hosts “Walayat-e-Alvi is continuation of Resalat-e-Nabwi”

DHAKA, Bangladesh: Marking the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Ghadeer on 18 Zilhij, a conference was held in the Bangladeshi capital city of Dhaka.

Eid Al-Ghadir celebrated in Tajikistan, China

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan: The auspicious occasion of Eid al-Ghadir, like other countries, was also celebrated in Tajikistan and China.

Afghan Shias demand UN to follow their land seizure case

KABUL, Afghanistan: Hundreds of Afghan Shia ethnic of Afghanistan's northern province of Baghlan staged a demonstration near the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) office in Kabul on Wednesday October 18 for getting their lands back that have been occupied by gunmen in the north of the country.

Quds Day in Turkey and Bangladesh … in photos

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Marking Al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), rallies and demonstrations were held in Turkey and Bangladesh on the last Friday of Ramadan to commemorate the occupation of Jerusalem by Israel. Israeli and US flags were set on fire and complete solidarity was expressed with Palestinians.

WT: Alevis (Shi’ite) in Turkey under threat

TUNCELI, Turkey: The Washington Times reported that remote and poor Tunceli has all the ingredients of a typical rural town in eastern Turkey, except that Tunceli is anything but typical.

How is Ramadan in Brunei, … traditions and customs

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: In what is seen as unique to Brunei Darussalam, the `Abode of Peace' where Islam is the official religion, non-Muslims are seen to be highly respectful of the rituals and habits performed by the Muslims during the holy fasting month of Ramadhan.

Jashan-e-Mehdi held in South Korea

DEGU, South Korea: In connection with the birthday of Hazrat Imam Mehdi Al-Montazar (may Allah hasten his reappearance) a festive gathering was organized in Degu city of South Korea.

Mending operation of China's oldest copy of Qoran begins

BEIJING, China: Chinese experts will repair a 700-year-old handwritten copy of the Qoran, the oldest in the communist nation, to prevent it from decaying.

Malaysians boycott US goods protesting support for Israel

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: In protest over Washington's support for Israel, Malaysian Muslims have launched a boycott of US goods.

Int’l Chinese Muslim exhibition to establish racial harmony

KUALA TERENGGANU: A maiden five-day (Aug 24 - 28) exhibition to display the culture and role of the Chinese Muslim community in spreading the faith in the country will be held at the Terengganu Trade Centre.

Fatimiyah commemoration in South Korea

THEGU, South Korea: Marking the anniversary of Martyrdom of Hazrat Fatimah Zahra (AS) on Jamadi-us-Sani 3, azadari programs – majalis and matam – will be held in South Korea.

Moscow Int'l Islamic conference urges moderation

MOSCOW, Russia: The International Conference on Humanistic Values and Muslim Youth of Russia ended here on Wednesday with more than 250 cultural and social figures of Muslim states attended.

Al-Jafaria inaugurates: Marjaiyah sends unity message to Turkish Shiias

ISTANBUL, Turkey: A ceremony to inaugurate Al-Jafaria Association in Istanbul, one of biggest cities of Turkey, drew large number of religious and governmental dignitaries from inside and outside the country besides a gathering of some 10,000 people.

Turkish Muslims slam Saudi move to raze holy sites

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish Muslims protested against Saudi Arabia's decision to destroy the birth place of the noblest messenger of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (Peace of Allah be Upon Him and His Household).

8th congress of Chinese Muslims concludes in Beijing

BEIJING, China: Chinese Muslims eighth Congress that opened on Monday in Beijing, ended its four-day meeting.

Russia: Muslims protest against threat to raze mosque

MOSCOW, Russia: Russian Muslims and rights activists rallied Monday outside Russian government headquarters to protest the threatened destruction of a mosque being built in the southern city of Astrakhan.

Azeris pay homage to Karbala martyrs on Arba’in

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Commemorating the sad occasion of Arba’in on Tuesday 20 Safar, main mourning gathering was held at Khayaban Sahidlar (Martyrs Shrine) in Baku.

Russian Muslims oppose bill to include Chaplains to army

MOSCOW, Russia: A new legislation drawn up in Russia by the military procurator's office would introduce chaplains into the Russian armed forces.

Malaysia: Majalis-e-Hussaini honor sacrifices of Karbala martyrs

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Majalis-e-aza and Hussaini processions were held in Malaysia to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A) and 72 of his faithful companions in Karbala centuries ago.

Afghanis bleed in memory of Karbala martyrs

KABUL, Afghanistan: Big mourning processions and majalis-i-aza continued in Afghanistan to pay homage to great sacrifices of Hazret-e-Imam Hosain (a.s.) and his 72 near and dear ones rendered some 1,400 years ago to defend Islam and humanity.

Afghanis commemorating Hossaini sacrifice in Karbala

KABUL, Afghanistan: Every Hossaini is paying homage to the martyrs of Karbala whose unparalleled sacrifice in Karbala in 61 A.H. gave new life to Islam and protected human values.

Russia holds British spies

MOSCOW, Russia: Security services of Russia have detained two spies working for British intelligence, the Interfax news agency reported citing the former head of Russia's state security service.

Chinese Muslims pray for quake’s victims at Eid's prayers

BEIJING, China: Celebrating Eid ul Fitr, Muslims across China gathered in mosques in large number and offered special prayers for the well-being of earthquake survivors in Pakistan.

Azeris hold majalis in memory of Hazret-e-Imam Hossain (a.s.)

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Azadari programs in memory of Hazret-e-Imam Hossain (a.s.) and his 72 faithful companions who sacrificed their life for safety of Islam and Shari’at in the hot plain of Karbala some 1,400 years ago continued in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan polls: Ruling party takes win, fraud claimed

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani governing party has won the country's parliamentary election on Monday, with Western observers also set to give a verdict on the vote which, if damning, could fuel opposition protests.

Azerbaijan allows Muslim women wearing scarves to vote

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Top election authority of Azerbaijan performed an unexpected about-face Tuesday and said that voters could use Soviet-era passports and temporary documents as proof of their identity during parliamentary election scheduled on this weekend.

Tajik government bans hijab

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan: Despite the fact that more than 90% of Tajikistan is Muslim, the Tajik Education Ministry has banned girl students from wearing headscarves in secular schools.

Turkey witnesses grand Mehdawia festivities

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Like other countries, anniversary of birth of holy Prophet (S)’s 12th infallible descendant Al-Imam Al-Mehdi (A) was observed in Turkey with great zeal and honour.

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