Saudi Arabia again leads interfaith understanding — this time on its own soil
(RNS) — A forum in Riyadh for Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist leaders reflects remarkable changes. The post Saudi Arabia again leads interfaith understanding — this time on its own soil appeared...
View ArticleWhy Muslim countries are quick at condemning defamation – but often ignore...
(The Conversation) — A scholar of Islam writes about how widespread authoritarianism in the Muslim world shapes governments’ foreign policy toward Muslim minorities abroad. The post Why Muslim...
View ArticlePilgrimage to Mecca is never easy. Saudi Arabia just made it a lot harder.
(RNS) — Less than a month before the pilgrimage to Mecca was to begin, the Saudis changed the rules. The post Pilgrimage to Mecca is never easy. Saudi Arabia just made it a lot harder. appeared first...
View ArticleAntisemitism monitor lands in Saudi Arabia on first official trip
(RNS) — Deborah Lipstadt said she wanted to raise awareness of antisemitism in the Persian Gulf region, which is predominantly Muslim. The post Antisemitism monitor lands in Saudi Arabia on first...
View ArticleSaudi Arabia expecting 1 million in largest hajj since virus
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow some 850,000 Muslims from abroad to make the annual pilgrimage marks a major step toward normalcy after two years of a drastically...
View ArticleA hajj closer to normal: 1 million Muslims begin pilgrimage
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — While this year’s attendance is far below the pre-pandemic influx of 2.5 million pilgrims, it represents a significant step closer to normal after the kingdom restricted the...
View ArticleMuslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat as hajj reaches apex
MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The pilgrims set out for Arafat before dawn, chanting. They remain there until nightfall in deep contemplation and worship. The post Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount...
View ArticleFrom caravans to markets, the hajj pilgrimage has always included a...
(The Conversation) — The start of the hajj is reigniting debates around its commercialization, but pilgrimages are also a time for seeking business opportunities, writes a scholar of Islam. The post...
View ArticlePresident Biden, don’t forget to tell the Saudis to protect religious minorities
(RNS) — Biden needs to make a bold statement on behalf of religious minorities across the Middle East. The post President Biden, don’t forget to tell the Saudis to protect religious minorities appeared...
View ArticleSaudi police arrest man who helped Israeli sneak into Mecca
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The public backlash over television reporter Gil Tamary’s visit was immediate on social media, with Muslims and Saudis expressing their anger over his deception and apparent...
View ArticleOfficial says Yemeni pilgrims depart Sanaa on first direct flight to Saudi...
SANAA, Yemen (AP) — The flights between Sanaa and Saudi Arabia are another sign of easing tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has been attempting to end its involvement in country's...
View ArticleAmbitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The increased number of pilgrims, with the associated surge in international air travel and infrastructure expansion, also raises sustainability concerns, even as the oil...
View ArticleHajj pilgrims perform final rituals in Mecca before heading to Mina
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia has restored full pilgrim capacity for this year’s Hajj, following three years of dramatically reduced numbers due to the pandemic, with more than 2 million...
View ArticleSaudi Arabia’s new Hajj booking process has left many foreign pilgrims...
(RNS) — After postponing their trip for three years, many American Muslims expected a return to normalcy for this year’s Hajj, but a new online platform intended to streamline the process has instead...
View ArticleTechnology remains at the heart of the hajj
(The Conversation) — The Saudi government is using digital technology to help the hajj run smoothly and safely – the latest updates in a 200-year history of technology and the hajj. The post Technology...
View ArticleTourists search for Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia – but does a geographical...
(The Conversation) — A scholar of the Hebrew Bible argues that very little is known about the location of Mount Sinai, and it is likely that it was once part of a foundational legend. The post Tourists...
View ArticleSaudi reforms are softening Islam’s role, but critics warn the kingdom will...
(The Conversation) — A scholar who has closely followed reforms that MBS has made to Wahhabism, an austere form of Islam, explains the changes taking place in the Saudi kingdom and their impact. The...
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