Shiites
Police break up Muslim gathering in Kashmir, dozens detained
By Associated Press — August 9, 2022
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Muharram is among the holiest months for Shiites across the world and includes large processions of mourners beating their chests while reciting elegies and chanting slogans to mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein and 72 companions in the battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq.
Threat of protests, violent escalation stirs fears in Iraq
By Samya Kullab and Qassim Abdul-zahra — August 1, 2022
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi security forces erected concrete barriers ahead of the street protest called for by a political alliance of Iran-backed groups opposed to the followers of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
The pope’s Iraq visit will make headlines. Can it make life better for religious minorities?
By Knox Thames — February 26, 2021
(RNS) — A sense of foreboding plagues efforts to return Christians and Yazidis to their homelands.
Iranian clerics keep shrines open, even as virus spreads
By Aya Batrawy — February 26, 2020
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The coronavirus outbreak in Iran prompted the government to call for closure of Shiite shrines in Qom, Mashhad and Shiraz, but the country’s powerful clerics have rejected or ignored the notices.
The ‘Splainer: From bloodletting to blood donation, what is Ashura?
By Aysha Khan — September 20, 2018
(RNS) — Whether Muslims mark the day by flagellating or fasting, the solemn Islamic holiday of Ashura is not for the faint of heart. Let us ’Splain.
Study finds Saudi government still tolerates hate speech
By Yonat Shimron — September 26, 2017
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —The report said Shiites and Sufis who practice Islam differently from conservative Sunnis in Saudi Arabia are a 'prime target of Saudi-sponsored hate speech and intolerant rhetoric.'
Millions of Shiites gather in Karbala to mark Arbaeen
By Sally Morrow — November 21, 2016
(RNS) Millions of Shiites are walking to Karbala to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein bin Ali.
Report highlights Islam’s global diversity
By Chris Lisee — August 13, 2012
(RNS) A new report draws on 38,000 face-to-face interviews in 39 countries to find that Muslims differ sharply over questions of faith like who counts as a Muslim and what spiritual practices are acceptable. By Christopher Lisee.
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