NEWS STORY
RNS-Said-Muslim: Who was Omar ibn Said? Two scholars are poring over the Muslim slave’s words to find out
(RNS) — He was a slave from Senegal who wrote in Arabic. Or was he an Arab prince? He was a scholar who memorized vast passages of the Quran and other Islamic texts. Or were his writings unintelligible? He was a devout Muslim. Or did he convert to Christianity? Two North Carolina scholars are now editing what may be the first comprehensive transcription and translations of Omar ibn Said’s Arabic writings in the hopes of shedding light on the conflicting narratives. By Yonat Shimron. 1,000 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Excommunicated-Monks: Excommunicated hermits — and their cats — finally find peace
VATICAN CITY (RNS) – A community of hermits that was excommunicated for calling Pope Francis a “heretic” find solace in the support of an online community of disgruntled conservative Catholics. By Claire Giangravè. 1,885 words. (category: i)
