Jul 27 Pilgrims arrive in Mecca for downsized hajj amid pandemic By Aya Batrawy, Associated Press Muslim pilgrims have started arriving in Mecca for a drastically scaled-down hajj as Saudi authorities balance the kingdom’s oversight of one of Islam’s key pillars and the safety of visitors in the face of a global pandemic. Continue reading
Jul 10 Turkey’s president formally makes Hagia Sophia a mosque By Suzan Fraser, Associated Press The decision by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sparked deep dismay among Orthodox Christians. Originally a cathedral, Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque after Istanbul's conquest by the Ottoman Empire but had been a museum for the last 86 years. Continue reading
Jun 22 Saudi Arabia to hold ‘very limited’ hajj due to virus By Aya Batrawy, Associated Press Saudi Arabia has never canceled the hajj in the nearly 90 years since the country was founded. Continue reading
Apr 28 Watch 11:55 How religious leaders are keeping the faith during COVID-19 By Judy Woodruff, Courtney Norris, Alison Thoet Throughout the pandemic, restrictions on social gatherings have forced those who observe major religious holidays to find new ways to practice their faith. How is COVID-19 changing places of worship? Judy Woodruff talks to New York University’s Imam Khalid Latif,… Continue watching
Apr 16 Muslims grapple with how to handle upcoming Ramadan rituals in coronavirus era By Mariam Fam, Associated Press Ramadan, which starts later this month, unites Muslims the world over in fasting and worship. Continue reading
Apr 09 Watch 6:49 How religious observances are adapting to social distancing By John Yang, Rachel Wellford In April, millions of Christians, Jews and Muslims around the world mark Easter, Passover and Ramadan -- some of the holiest observances of the year. But how are followers of these religions expressing faith and community when the pandemic makes… Continue watching
Apr 09 Coronavirus may stop Ramadan events, says Iran’s leader By Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Iran’s supreme leader is suggesting that mass gatherings in the Islamic Republic may be barred through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan amid the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading
Feb 18 Macron to limit teacher exchanges to control how Islam is taught in France By Sylvie Corbet, Jean-Francois Badias, Associated Press Macron said Tuesday that the government wants to combat "foreign interference" in how Islam is practiced and organized in secular France. Continue reading
May 03 Column: How teachers can support students during Ramadan By Rusul Alrubail If students have the right accommodations and support from teachers and their peers during Ramadan, it can turn a challenging month into the most rewarding. Continue reading
Feb 03 Pope in UAE for historic trip after call for Yemen relief By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Pope Francis has landed in Abu Dhabi on the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. Continue reading