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  • Israel-Gaza conflict: Young American TikTokers turn to Quran for understanding and empathy

    Israel-Gaza conflict: Young American TikTokers turn to Quran for understanding and empathy

    TikTok is becoming a platform for the propagation of Islamic values amidst the Israel-Gaza Conflict as so many young Americans are picking up the Qur’an to understand the resilience of Muslim Palestinians. The Guardian‘s article showcases the growing reach of the platform and how the understanding of Islam-once a vilified religion in the West-has started growing because of it.

    Videos under the hashtag “quranbookclub” – which has a modest 1.9 million views on the app – show users holding up their newly purchased texts and reading verses for the first time. Others are finding free versions online, or listening to someone sing the verses while they drive to work. Not all the people reading the Qur’an on TikTok are women, but interest overlaps with the #BookTok space, a subcommunity where mostly female users gather to discuss books.

    @megan_b_rice #freepalestine ❤️ ♬ original sound – Megan Rice

    Megan B Rice, a 34-year-old book enthusiast from Chicago, recently found a new passion – reading the Quran. After speaking out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, she organized a “World Religion Book Club” on Discord to explore the Islamic faith. Rice, who wasn’t religious before, discovered alignment between the Holy Book’s content and her core beliefs, leading her to convert to Islam.

    This trend isn’t unique to Rice; on TikTok, under the hashtag “quranbookclub,” young people are delving into the Book to better comprehend a religion often misunderstood in the West. With themes like anti-consumerism, feminism, and environmentalism, the Quran resonates with the values of many young, left-leaning Americans.

    @megan_b_rice Welcome to The World Religion Book Club! I’m looking forward to learning from each and every one of you. ♥️ #thequran #bookclub #whatsapp ♬ original sound – Megan Rice

    Nefertari Moonn, a 35-year-old from Florida, also turned to the Quran to understand what inspires people facing adversity. Her emotional connection to the text led her to take the shahada, becoming a Muslim revert.

    @nefertarimoonn It’s been a great journey so far, the Qur’an is so beautiful. #quran #islam #alternative #fyp ♬ so What now – ugh

    Misha Euceph, a Pakistani American writer, and podcast host notes that the Quran’s themes align with progressive values, embracing science and advocating for equality between men and women.

    @meuceph Who is a believer, a disbeliever and a hypocrite in the Quran? #quran #muslim #islam #quranbookclub #palestine #freepalestine #qurantok ♬ original sound – Misha Euceph

    In the aftermath of 9/11, the Quran became a bestseller, but this time around, people are turning to it not to confirm biases but to understand the resilience and faith of Muslim Palestinians. As readers like Rice express empathy for those in Gaza, the Qur’an takes on a new role in their lives, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering connections across different backgrounds.

    For Rice, the experience has been transformative, challenging preconceptions and internalized misconceptions about Islam. She emphasizes that regardless of one’s religious background, learning about someone’s faith can foster empathy, making it a powerful tool for building connections.

    @megan_b_rice #quran #quranreading #islam ♬ original sound – Megan Rice

  • Journalists at BBC, Los Angeles Times accuse employer of ‘double standard’ in covering Gaza

    Journalists at BBC, Los Angeles Times accuse employer of ‘double standard’ in covering Gaza

    Eight BBC journalists have written a letter to Al Jazeera accusing their employer of a “double standard” in its reporting on Israel and Palestine while being “unflinching” in its reporting of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

    According to Al Jazeera, the 2,300-word letter states that BBC “has failed to accurately tell this story – through omission and lack of critical engagement with Israel’s claims – and it has therefore failed to help the public engage with and understand the human rights abuses unfolding in Gaza.”

    The eight journalists are based in the United Kingdom but their names have been kept anonymous.

    The letter highlights that while the BBC names Israeli victims and interviews affected families, “humanising coverage of Palestinian civilians has been lacking.”

    The journalists add that the Palestinians are asked whether they “condemn Hamas” and pro-Israeli guests “are not equally asked to ‘condemn’ the actions of the Israeli government”.

    “Thousands of Palestinians have been killed since October 7. When will the number be high enough for our editorial stance to change?” the letter said. “…We are asking the BBC to better reflect and defer to the evidence-based findings of official and unbiased humanitarian organisations.”

    It continued: “It is largely in the last few weeks – as civilian deaths have exponentially increased and Western countries’ appetite for Israel’s attacks has waned – that the BBC has made more effort to humanise Palestinian civilians. For many, this feels too little too late, and shows that the positions taken by governments in the UK and US have undue influence on coverage.”

    When contacted by Al Jazeera, a BBC spokesperson denied the allegations contained in the letter and said: “When interviewing either the Israeli government, Hamas, Palestinian representatives, or other leaders, we are robust, challenging and aim to hold power to account.”

    Read more on the letter: As Israel pounds Gaza, BBC journalists accuse broadcaster of bias

    Los Angeles Times

    Semafor has reported that The Los Angeles Times is not allowing staff to cover the Gaza issue for at least three months if they signed an open letter condemning Israel’s military operations in the region.

    Nearly a dozen staffers at the LA Times signed the open letter earlier this month criticising the Israeli attacks on Gaza, adding the military operations are a threat to journalists and news investigation.

    The letter also called on newsrooms to use language including “apartheid,” “ethnic cleansing,” and “genocide” when referring to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

    The published letter was reportedly signed by over 1,000 current and former journalists, calling for an end to Israeli operations in Gaza which, as it stated, represented a “slaughter of our colleagues and their families by the Israeli military and government.” The letter laid out an estimate of the number of journalists and their families who had been killed in the conflict, saying Israel’s military actions “show wide scale suppression of speech.”

    It also criticised mainstream news organisations, deeming them as apprehensive in their coverage of the situation and for being “hesitant to quote genocide experts and accurately describe the existential threat unfolding in Gaza,” adding that newsroom heads often “undermined Palestinian, Arab and Muslim perspectives, dismissing them as unreliable and have invoked inflammatory language that reinforces Islamophobic and racist tropes.”

    “We are writing to urge an end to violence against journalists in Gaza and to call on Western newsroom leaders to be clear-eyed in coverage of Israel’s repeated atrocities against Palestinians,” the letter read.

  • Show cause notice issued to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi

    Show cause notice issued to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi

    The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) issued a detailed show-cause notice to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi on Wednesday, urging him to respond within 14 days.

    The show-cause was served with a 4-1 majority vote, with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq, Justice Ameer Bhatti, and Justice Naeem Afghan voting in favor, while Justice Ijazul Ahsan dissented.

    The notice comes in response to 10 complaints filed against Justice Naqvi, addressing allegations of financial misconduct and possessing assets beyond means.

    Ten complaints include the complaints of Mian Dawood, a Lahore-based lawyer, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz Lawyers Forum, Punjab, PBC Vice Chairperson Haroon Rasheed and Council’s Chairperson Executive Committee Hasan Raza Pasha and Advocate Ghulam Murtaza Khan, for amassing illegitimate assets and misconduct.

    During the SJC meeting, complainants presented evidence, while Justice Naqvi’s objections were also reviewed by the council.

    Justice Naqvi previously challenged the SJC inquiry, asserting that it was launched based on alleged misconduct and assets beyond means.

    The objections raised by Justice Naqvi were examined during Tuesday’s meeting by council members, who also heard perspectives from complainants.

    The allegations against Justice Naqvi involve financial misconduct, and the show-cause notice underscores the seriousness with which the SJC is approaching the matter.

    The hearing is scheduled to continue, and Justice Naqvi’s response will be pivotal in determining the course of the proceedings.

  • GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East honours Gazan journalist Motaz Azaiza as ‘Man Of The Year’

    GQ Middle East has announced that this year they are awarding the coveted ‘Man Of The Year’ dedication to Gazan journalist and photographer Motaz Azaiza, a leading voice in spreading awareness about the ongoing genocide of Gaza.

    In their dedication, the publication honoured Motaz for becoming the embodiment of hope for the people of Gaza and the rest of the world with his coverage. “His work personifies the power of digital activism,” the publication wrote. “And his humanity is an important reminder that bravery appears in many forms. Sometimes we choose it, other times it chooses us, and in the case of Azaiza, choice wasn’t even an option.”

    The publication further stated this year, they were no longer setting up categories honouring different people with titles like Iconoclast, Maverick or Legend, because with Motaz among the ranks the selection carries more weight than ever before.

    “Much like his peers on the ground in Gaza, he reminds us that no matter who we are or where we’re from, it’s us- ordinary people, men, and women- who have the power to enact that very change that we want to see.”

    GQ also included voices from several prominent activists and Arab figures, who commended Motaz for becoming the rallying cry against the atrocities of Gaza.

    “Living up to his middle name ‘Hilal’ which means crescent moon in Arabic, Motaz has shone a light on Gaza amidst the most obscene form of cruelty and darkness and also has shined a much-needed light into the broken hearts of millions around the world, giving us a sense of hope.” writes Kuwati-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. “I know you didn’t want this role of documenting the dehumanisation, and the pain of our people. I hope for Motaz a future as bright as his smile and as soothing as your voice. Your courage and ability to document and uplift millions of souls. For me, Motaz was always, and will always, be a manifestation of the heartbeat of humanity. May the universe protect you and your tribe of unsung heroes and may your life be filled with light and love. Thank you for your commitment to the truth and for showcasing Palestinian resilience against all odds. I have never been so inspired as a journalist, or a human by your soul and how it sings.”

    Huda Kattan, founder of the beauty giant Huda Beauty writes: “His courage is so inspiring. He’s risking his life to share the story of his people and never stopping through everything. He continues to fight and give his people a voice. Motaz gives us all the power to really stand up and it’s so inspiring to see. In times where there’s so much darkness, he still finds a way to show the humanity of what’s going on. We’ve never had a chance like this to get so up close and personal to any conflict, and that’s because of him and people like him. He has forever changed us in so many ways, but mostly because of his courage.”

    Israeli-Palestinian actor Adam Bakri wrote on how Motaz had single-handedly changed the definition of stardom, with how he became a hero for the people of Gaza:

    “Motaz Azaiza, with a smile on his face, carrying a weathered, oversized red teddy bear while carefully descending from a towering heap of rubble in Gaza… That image will stay with me forever. The glamour and fame associated with movie stars and pop stars are now completely devoid of any real significance to me. In fact, the definition of the term ‘star’ is altogether altered. Brave souls like Motaz are the true stars, at least in my eyes. He defies every conventional stereotype associated with heroism. He has inspired me to embark on an even deeper introspection regarding my own life. How can I infuse greater significance and purpose into my daily existence? How might I elevate my own journey to a level of heroism, echoing a universal resonance of utter selflessness and empathy? Motaz, unquestionably, stands as the embodiment of what it means to be truly human.“

  • Lahore High Court gave Pervez Musharraf relief which he didn’t even ask for

    Lahore High Court gave Pervez Musharraf relief which he didn’t even ask for

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has questioned the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to overturn the death sentence of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf.

    The initial death sentence was imposed by a special court in December 2019 on charges of high treason.

    The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, leading a four-judge bench, expressed astonishment at the approach taken by LHC, suggesting that it may have exceeded its jurisdiction in the matter.

    “At best, the LHC could do was to allow the prayers sought in the petition, but what the court did was uprooting the special court itself,” Justice Isa said.

    The special court had originally adjudicated the high treason charges against Musharraf.

    A four-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan conducted the hearing of the appeals of Bar Councils and others against the judgment of a three-member bench of the LHC.

    The Supreme Court’s scrutiny focused on the LHC January 2020 order, which not only declared the special court’s ruling unconstitutional but also entertained Musharraf’s appeal against his death conviction.

    A three-member bench of the LHC, headed by Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and comprising Justice Muhammad Masood Jahangir and Justice Ameer Bhatti on January 13, 2020, had declared; “The Special Court was established without an iota of doubt that very basis of initiation of proceedings against the petitioner/ General (R) Pervez Musharraf, since its inception to the culmination are beyond the constitutional mandate, ultra vires, coram-non-judice, unlawful, hence, any superstructure raised over it shall fall to ground.”

    It further said; “Trial in absentia is declared as illegal, unconstitutional being repugnant to injunctions of Islam, as well as, Article 2-A, 8 and 10-A of the Constitution.”

    Pervez Musharraf passed away earlier this year, on February 5, after a prolonged illness.

    The Supreme Court’s review also brought attention to concerns about the LHC’s territorial jurisdiction.

    Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah noted that the constitution of the special court was never directly challenged.

    The Chief Justice cautioned against labeling Musharraf as an absconder during the hearing, as it could prejudice the ongoing appeal.

    The hearing is set to continue next Tuesday.

    The Supreme Court has asked the petitioner’s counsel to conclude arguments on Musharraf’s petition against the Special Court judgment.

  • Imaam-e-Kaaba to lead Jumma Prayers at Faisal Masjid on November 24

    Imaam-e-Kaaba to lead Jumma Prayers at Faisal Masjid on November 24

    Imam e Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid arrived in Pakistan on a four-day visit on Wednesday. He will lead Jumma Prayers at the grand Faisal Mosque on coming Friday (tomorrow), November 24.

    He was received by Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Pakistani Diaspora in the Middle East and Muslim Countries, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi who expressed widespread anticipation of his visit.

    As part of his tour, Imam-e-Kaaba is set to engage in crucial meetings with key figures, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff, and other high-ranking officials.

  • Court wants Imran Khan, Qureshi present at Federal Judicial Complex for hearing

    Court wants Imran Khan, Qureshi present at Federal Judicial Complex for hearing

    On Thursday, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 ordered authorities to present Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and the Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on November 28 at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC).   

    The orders were issued in today’s meeting, conducted outside Adiala jail for the first time after Islamabad High Court’s order to annul the August 29 notification for a jail trial. 

    Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain asked for a copy of the recent IHC order on jail trial. After reading the order, the judge told Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s lawyer, Ali Bukhari, that the order is a big victory for his client.

    On Tuesday, the IHC declared null and void the notification of Imran Khan’s jail trial in the cipher case.

    The IHC order also stated that all the notifications issued by the ministry regarding Imran Khan’s jail trial are not valid according to law because they do not follow procedure and fulfill necessary requirements.

    Former prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 in the cipher case.

  • Why was Shan Masood preferred over Rizwan and Sarfraz for captaincy?

    Why was Shan Masood preferred over Rizwan and Sarfraz for captaincy?

    Pakistan’s former captain Babar Azam resigned as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team from all three formats (ODI Test & T20) on November 15.

    His resignation followed heavy criticism from fans and former cricketers after Pakistan’s poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. The team was not successful in reaching the semi-finals, ending their World Cup journey at the fifth spot.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Shan Masood as the Test Captain while left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi became the T20 captain.

    The decision to make Shaheen captain of the T20s has been accepted more easily by the general public after he proved himself a competitive captain in the last two seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His team, Lahore Qalanders, had the unenviable record of being eliminated every time in the group stage in earlier seasons. However, under Afridi, they won two trophies.

    Now the question arises as to why Shan Masood was picked captain in the Test format.

    Fans believe there were better options in the team like wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan and Sarfraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to the Champions Trophy under the captaincy in 2017. The team won 11 consecutive T20 series under his captaincy.

    Muhammad Rizwan is also a consistent player in all formats, with a better average and strike rate than Shan’s in all three formats.

    Here is the all-time performance of Rizwan, Sarfraz, and Shan in test format (International).

    Here is all time performance of these three players in all formats (International).

    Shan Masood

    Muhammad Rizwan

    Sarfraz Ahmed

    If the PCB must choose a captain on the player’s performance, then Rizwan must be the captain instead of Shan. But if they are picking a captain because he can speak good English or whatever, then our cricket will never improve, analysts and fans gave said.

    In the past, every time Pakistan lost in any tournament, captains, coaches, and selectors were changed without a positive outcome.

    Pakistan is set to play a three-match test series against Australia starting from December 14.

    The new chief selector Wahab Riaz picked Imam-ul-Haq in the batting lineup despite the batter totally failing during the Asia Cup and World Cup 2023 campaign, while he didn’t select Sahib Zada Farhan by saying that “no place is left in the team”, effectively sidelining a very good right-handed batsman.

    They also didn’t pick Muhammad Abbas who took 90 wickets in 25 test matches.

    The need of the hour is the selection of captain, coach, or selector, should be on merit, otherwise, we cannot change our system.

  • 16-year-old kills older teenager for Rs 350 in India

    16-year-old kills older teenager for Rs 350 in India

    A 16-year-old boy in New Delhi killed an 18-year-old with sixty stabs of the knife.

    As per Indian Media, the shocking incident took place in New Delhi where a young boy robbed an 18-year-old boy for INR 350 and left him lying on the street in a pool of blood. The killer then celebrated the murder by dancing over the body of the murdered boy.

    The police has recovered a blood-stained knife from the murderer and acquired CCTV footage. The suspect has been shifted to the police station.

  • Israeli army arrests Al-Shifa Hospital director; Gaza Health Ministry blames WHO

    Israeli army arrests Al-Shifa Hospital director; Gaza Health Ministry blames WHO

    While the terms of a ceasefire deal are being finalized Israel and Hamas, the Israeli army has reportedly arrested the director of al-Shifa Hospital on Thursday.

    According to media reports, hospital director Muhammad Abu Salmiya and several other medical personnel have been detained as Israel continues its Gaza offensive.

    The arrest has been reported by Khalid Abu Samra, a department chief at the hospital via AFP news agency as well as the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.

    “Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of al-Shifa medical complex, has been arrested by the Israeli occupation forces. And even earlier, two Palestinian paramedics had been arrested by the Israeli occupation forces,” said Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from southern Gaza.

    “This gives a clear sign that there is no immunity inside the Gaza Strip, neither for medical workers, civil defence crews or even journalists, as the attacks have reached all classes in the Palestinian community.”

    Al Jazeera has also revealed that according to spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra, Gaza’s Health Ministry has decided to put a halt on coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the evacuation of wounded people and medical staff.

    He claims that Israel and the UN are responsible for the arrest of medical personnel, further stating that Israeli forces have mistreated medical staff and patients.