Joseph Hammond
Joseph Hammond is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Joseph Hammond
Like many hajj traditions in a pandemic year, Zamzam water gets a reboot
By Joseph Hammond — July 21, 2021
(RNS) — In an effort to keep COVID-19 transmission to a minimum, Saudi authorities have deployed 20 robots to serve bottles of Islam's holiest water to often bemused pilgrims.
Maryland Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha with a farm-focused carnival
By Joseph Hammond — July 20, 2021
(RNS) — Some 800 Muslim Americans are expected to attend the family-focused event at the Green Meadows Petting Farm in Ijamsville, Maryland. The event combines traditional Eid prayer services, a carnival atmosphere and a concert.
Sikhs, finding religious freedom on the road, take outsize role in American trucking
By Joseph Hammond — July 16, 2021
(RNS) — The trucking industry has attracted generations of Americans by offering good salaries for work that allows drivers to essentially be their own bosses. That workplace freedom has drawn many Sikhs in the Sikh American community to pursue trucking.
Arizona candidate’s claim that he’s a military chaplain draws investigation
By Joseph Hammond — July 14, 2021
(RNS) — A military source told RNS on the condition of anonymity that Stovall was not promoted to a full chaplain at the last chaplain board in June.
Former Canadian spy claims her Muslim faith led to suspicions from her own side
By Joseph Hammond — July 7, 2021
(RNS) — ‘It’s the reason why individuals in the Muslim community don’t feel they can trust the organization to tackle far-right threats,’ said Huda Mukbil in a recent interview with CBC.
Hilton hotel to be built atop demolished Uyghur mosque
By Joseph Hammond — July 1, 2021
(RNS) — The plans have been met with outrage and condemnation from various Muslim groups.
Colorado memorial draws religious freedom concerns
By Joseph Hammond — June 29, 2021
(RNS) — Organizations ranging from the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation have called for removal of the monument, which includes a reference to Jesus Christ.
With fashion shows and internships, Muslim women calm tensions with police and FBI
By Joseph Hammond — June 25, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The NGO initiative seeks, among many interfaith goals, to empower Muslim women to be a bridge between their community and law-enforcement organizations.
Halimi and Oubaali: Boxing champions united by different faiths
By Joseph Hammond — June 22, 2021
(RNS) — Two French bantamweights, one Jewish, one Muslim, rode boxing from the edges of French society to international prominence.
Ebrahim Raisi poised to sweep into Iranian presidency despite weak religious credentials
By Joseph Hammond — June 16, 2021
(RNS) — The rise of Raisi has many analysts suggesting that Iran’s religious revolutionary fervor may be dampening, or changing form.
Zahid Quraishi confirmed as first Muslim federal judge
By Joseph Hammond — June 11, 2021
(RNS) — The US Army veteran has been assigned to a federal district court in New Jersey.
Riz Ahmed launches new effort seeking to increase Muslims in Hollywood
By Joseph Hammond — June 11, 2021
(RNS) — While the Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor is spearheading the effort, he is joined by some of Hollywood’s leading Muslim professionals.
New e-prayer rug offers digital support to Muslim prayer
By Joseph Hammond — June 10, 2021
(RNS) — To help guide new and young Muslims, the rug uses voice prompts and an LED display that shows the correct postures of prayer.
Iranian politician, Hezbollah founder, dies of COVID-19
By Joseph Hammond — June 7, 2021
(RNS) — Mohtashamipour, 74, was one of the last living members of a generation of Iranians who played essential roles in the founding of Iran’s largely theocratic state.
Report: Number of mosques in US grows overall, but African American mosques in decline
By Joseph Hammond — June 2, 2021
(RNS) — The majority of America’s new purpose-built mosques are found in suburban areas, a shift that reflects the demographic footprint of Muslims in America.
