Qatar’s modest proposal: Dignity or diversion?

A campaign encouraging tourists to follow local values and norms of dress brings attention to Islamophobia in the West. By Sya Taha. Qatar has revived a modesty campaign dating from 2012, when it was known as “One of us” and originally started by a group of Qatari women.[i] Due to being relaunched on 20 June 2014 – … Read more

Syrian government forces bomb Aleppo

BEIRUT, April 27, 2014 (AFP) – Rebel mortar fire on government-held districts of the Syrian city of Aleppo killed at least 21 people and wounded 50 yesterday, a monitoring group said. “The fire targeted regime-held neighborhoods, including some in the Old City where the rebels are trying to advance,” the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human … Read more

UN allows Europe to return asylum seekers to Bulgaria

GENEVA, April 15, 2014 (AFP) – The United Nation’s refugee agency said yesterday it was partially lifting a call to stop returning asylum seekers to Bulgaria because conditions there had improved. Under current rules, European countries must return asylum seekers to the first country on the continent they arrive in. But in January, the UN urged … Read more

Happy New You Issue

Dear Readers Happy New Islamic Year! November 5th this year marks the first day of the year 1435 AH in the Islamic calendar. For Alayna Ahmad, it is a day of quiet celebration that deserves its very own traditions. How did you mark the Islamic New Year? Share your traditions and experiences with our readers … Read more

To die for? How throwaway fashion is costing lives

The latest apparel factory disaster casts the spotlight on not only corporate social responsibility but also the end users: us. By Arwa Aburawa. ‘O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you … Read more