Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for an attack last week on a convoy of Belgian tourists in Yemen that left two Belgians, and two Yemenis dead. While security officials refused to comment on the claim and no such claims were made on al-Qaeda websites, Yemeni newspaper al-Wasat reported that responsibility was claimed in a telephone call to…
While the upcoming municipal elections in March are prompting candidates to court voters and support, many are making Muslims and mosques a major focus of their campaign – either supportive to attract Muslim supporters, or promising no increase in Islamic presence, drawing backing from rightist voters. The issue is major, as up for grabs are…
UK high street bank Lloyds TSB has launched a Shariah-compliant nostro account that enables customers to transfer money around the world in line with Islamic principles prevents any funds being invested in industries – such as alcohol and gambling – that are prohibited under Islam. Lloyds TSB says the account, which is aimed at the…
As municipal elections impending in March, mayors and councilors of nearly every political stripe are courting Muslim voters with promises of new mosques – or rightists, vowing to allow no new mosque constructions. Some candidates are putting out advertisements citing recognition of the marginalization of Muslims and lack of adequate place to worship. Others, however,…
A Paris court heard an appeal brought by Muslim groups against the satirical Charlie-Hebdo newspaper, which was acquitted last year of defamation charges following its publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. The groups, which included the fundamentalist Union of Islamic Organizations of France were seeking thirty thousand euro in damages. During the appeal proceedings…
