Richard S. Ehrlich
Richard S. Ehrlich is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Richard S. Ehrlich
Concerned with violence against Muslims, Islamic organization visits Myanmar
By Richard S. Ehrlich — November 18, 2013
(RNS) At the end of a three-day tour, the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation told Buddhist-majority Myanmar to repeal "laws restricting fundamental freedoms" after more than 240 Muslims were killed by Buddhist mobs during the past year.
Brunei to implement Shariah penal code, including stoning, caning
By Richard S. Ehrlich — October 22, 2013
(RNS) The sultan of Brunei announced on Tuesday (Oct. 22) he will rule according to Shariah laws, including death by stoning for adultery, the amputation of limbs for theft, flogging for alcohol consumption and abortion, and other punishments.
On Eid al-Adha, tradition gives way to online innovation
By Richard S. Ehrlich — October 16, 2013
(RNS) Instead of going to the markets, Pakistani and Bangladeshi customers prefer websites that show photographs of live cows and goats for sacrifice.
Malaysian court: Only Muslims can use the word ‘Allah’
By Richard S. Ehrlich — October 14, 2013
(RNS) "The usage of the word Allah is not an integral part of the faith in Christianity," Chief Judge Mohamed Apandi Ali said in the ruling, which bans use of the word by non-Muslims.
Bangladesh Parliament member sentenced to death for crimes against Hindus
By Richard S. Ehrlich — October 2, 2013
(RNS) A court in Muslim-majority Bangladesh sentenced an Islamist member of Parliament to death for genocide and other crimes against Hindus during the country's 1971 war for independence.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to require death sentence for false accusers
By Richard S. Ehrlich — September 24, 2013
(RNS) The Council on Islamic Ideology's demand to amend the blasphemy laws is being presented as a way to stop people from making false allegations or settling personal scores.
Religious leaders denounce child marriage in joint video
By Richard S. Ehrlich — September 19, 2013
(RNS) In Nepal, 11 percent of girls under the age of 14 and 29 percent of girls aged 15-19 are married. A new video denounces the practice.
A rival to Miss World will crown a pious Muslim woman
By Richard S. Ehrlich — September 16, 2013
(RNS) "We don't just want to shout 'no' to Miss World,” said the pageant's founder Eka Shanti. “We'd rather show our children they have choices. Do you want to be like the women in Miss World? Or like those in Muslimah World?"
Abused Hindu goddesses recall violence against women
By Richard S. Ehrlich — September 13, 2013
(RNS) Makeup artists added cosmetic touches to the models before they were photographed, to depict cuts and bruises on their faces.
Lamb of God banned from performing in Malaysia
By Richard S. Ehrlich — September 5, 2013
(RNS) Malaysia's latest ban on foreign entertainers who violate Islam came after authorities there canceled a 2012 concert by American singer Erykah Badu.
Indonesian Muslim clerics: Cancel Miss World pageant
By Richard S. Ehrlich — September 3, 2013
(RNS) The influential Indonesian Ulema Council held a top-level meeting in August and decided the contest should not be held, even though Miss World's organizers agreed to allow contestants to wear wraparound sarongs instead of bikinis.
Physicians group blames government for Myanmar religious strife
By Richard S. Ehrlich — August 29, 2013
(RNS) "The Burmese government must make a concerted effort to allow an effective investigation into these abuses and hold perpetrators accountable," Physicians for Human Rights concluded in its report.
Buddhists expelled from Malaysia for praying in Muslim hall
By Richard S. Ehrlich — August 21, 2013
(RNS) The government's response is the latest in a series of crackdowns on behavior deemed disrespectful of Islamic traditions and beliefs.
New Muslim superhero is a Wonder Woman-like education warrior
By Richard S. Ehrlich — August 9, 2013
(RNS) Pakistan's new animated television series, "Burka Avenger," features a female Muslim teacher disguised in a tight black outfit with a cape and ninja-style head cover who throws heavy books and sharp pens at men who oppose education for girls.
Pakistan TV show gives away babies at Ramadan
By Richard S. Ehrlich — August 5, 2013
(RNS) A controversial Muslim scholar-turned-television-host has given away at least two abandoned babies during his live TV show in Pakistan, saying "it is real Islam" and not exploitation.
Page 1 of 2
