[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating about Islam and reflects a wide variety of opinions and approaches. It does not reflect the views of the Critical Currents in Islam page or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to cci@jadaliyya.com by Saturday night of every week.]
In Israel, Indonesian Muslim Leader Risks Backlash at Home
The Washington Post
Hoping to spread the message of tolerance, Yahya Staquf is visiting Israel despite the anger from Indonesians.
I Visited the Rohingya Camps in Myanmar and Here is What I Saw
The Conversation
Cresa Pugh spent two months with the Rohingya and explains why the refugees will most likely not be able to return to their homes.
Grenfell Tower: How Twitter Users Fought Off Fake News to Honour Muslim Heroes
The Conversation
An analysis of tweets regarding the Grenfell fire shows that most Islam-related tweets were in support and praise of Muslims.
Afghanistan: At Least Twelve Killed in Kabul Suicide Blast
Al Jazeera
A ministry building was targeted by a suicide bomber in Kabul. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack that has left 12 dead and more than 30 wounded.
Islamic Fashion School Cuts a Faithful Figure in Indonesia
Reuters
Indonesia is growing its fashion business through its Islamic fashion school in which Muslim teachers help students of any religion learn modest fashion.
Tiny Ancient Quran on Display in Israel for Ramadan
AP News
Israel’s National Library is displaying a tenth century Quran to educate the public about Islam and its cultures.
Spate of Deadly Attacks Hit Afghanistan Amid Eid Ceasefire
Al Jazeera
A government building in Jalalabad was targeted by a suicide bomber and gunmen.
After Ballot Box Fire, Cleric Sadr Says Iraqis Should Unite
Reuters
A storage site caught fire that was housing ballot boxes which were to be recounted after claims of fraud were made.
Extremist Attacks Rise in Energy-Rich Province in Mozambique
The Washington Post
Attacks by suspected Islamic extremists are causing Mozambican government to introduce counterterrorism operations in Muslim regions.
Syrian Orphans Who Fled Aleppo Find New Home
The Washington Post
An orphanage of children from Aleppo have shifted to a small house in Jarablus often spending their time hiding in the basement.
I Was Barred From Speaking at My Family Temple Because of My Work with CAIR
Forward
Albert Fox Cahn shares how his rabbi disinvited him from giving a sermon at his temple and from being the keynote speaker for an iftar dinner for doing interfaith work.
Islamophobia Infects the Government as Anti-Muslim Bigotry Becomes Socially Acceptable in Trump’s America
Alternet
Donald Trump has kept close ties to openly bigoted, anti-Muslim figures in the White House, which has only helped spread and normalize Islamophobia in the United States.
Gone But Not Forgotten: The Case of Missing Palestinians
Al Jazeera
Seventy-eight Palestinians have been officially documented missing since 1951, regarding the Israeli occupation. There are hundreds more missing that are undocumented.
Why Religions of the World Condemn Suicide
The Conversation
According to religious texts and beliefs, religions around the world advise individuals against committing suicide because it leads to more suffering.
Four Arrested in Iraq Over Ballot Box Storage Blaze
Al Jazeera
The Iraqi court has arrested an employee of the Independent High Elections Commission and three policemen as suspects of the ballot box storage fire.
Protests Over Plan for Muslim Rapper to Perform at Bataclan
The Telegraph
Muslim rapper Médine is being protested by French conservatives. Right-wing politicians and supporters believe the artist should not perform at the Bataclan.
She’s Been Cursed At, Rained On. Can She Become the First Muslim in the State House?
Miami Herald
Saima Farooqui plans on becoming the first Muslim to serve in the Florida House of Representatives.
Secret Ex-Muslim Network in Australia Fear Disownment and Abuse
ABC
A group of ex-Muslims interact with one another online, hiding their identity and sharing the challenges of living a new life without faith.
Ramadan and the Challenge of Fasting for Muslim WCup Players
AP News
Muslim soccer players endure energy-consuming warm ups and games while fasting and are required to adapt a new training routine if they want to fast while taking part in the World Cup.
Dutch Anti-Islam Party to Hold Prophet Mohammad Cartoon Competition
Reuters
After calling for a ban on the Quran and criticizing Islam, anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders is hosting an event offensive to Muslims.
Moroccans Break Ramadan Fast on Beach with Song, Dance, Food
AP News
Muslims in Rabat, Morocco celebrate with family and friends before breaking their fasts at the beach for a sense of happiness and community.
Images From Ramadan 2018
The Atlantic
The Atlantic compiled photos of Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
Man Arrested in ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ Case in Britain
The New York Times
Police have arrested a 35-year-old man who is the suspect of sending out letters that targeted Muslims.
Education of Muslim Women is Limited by Economic Conditions, Not Religion
Pew Research Center
A new analysis shows that the wealth of a country plays a more significant role than religion regarding the access and quality of education for Muslim women.
Quantico: The Muslim Writer Targeted in Indian Episode Controversy
BBC News
Despite being a part of Quantico’s writing team for only the first season, Sharbari Zohra Ahmed is being targeted by Hindu nationalists over a recent episode that stirred controversy amongst Indians.
Saudi Scholar Calls for Female Muftis to Join Top Muslim Clerical Body
Al Arabiya
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq stated that female Islamic scholars should join Saudi Arabia’s Council.
Greece's Muslims Seek Reform Between Civil and Religious Laws
Al Jazeera
Greece maintains both Greek and Islamic law, which creates problems for some of its minority.
Growing Islamic Finance Firms Lobby Britain for Tax Relief
Reuters
British firms in Islamic finance are lobbying the government for tax reforms.
Iraq’s al-Sadr Joins Forces with Iran-Backed Coalition
AP News
Winner of Iraq’s recent election Muqtada al-Sadr is calling for a nationalist alliance to form a new government.
Michelin-Starred Chef Atul Kochhar Sacked Over Anti-Islam Tweet
The Guardian
The JW Marriott Marquis hotel ended their contract with chef Atul Kochhar after a tweet that claimed Muslims have terrorized Hindus.
Bonding Over Food to Religious Fervor, Glimpse Into Traditional Emirati Ramadan
Al Arabiya
Emiratis share how they spend their time with family and friends throughout the month of Ramadan, including going out to break their fasts and playing games.
In the Face of Hodeidah Assault, Yemen is on the Brink
Brookings
A coalition of Emirati-allied groups are poised to assault the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah, an attack that could have dramatic humanitarian consequences.
The Age Gap in Religion Around the World
Pew Research Center
Study shows that young adults around the world are less religious than those over the age of 40.
How I Found Community with Young Muslims in NYC During Ramadan
ABC News
Muna Mohamed shares her experience of being away from home during Ramadan and finding a new family in New York City.
He Threatened a Muslim Family that Planned to Move to His Neighborhood. Now, He’ll Go to Prison.
The Washington Post
A Muslim family from India was planning on moving to a house in Tampa until a neighbor threatened and insulted them with anti-Muslim remarks.
The Personal Wake-Up Call to Prayers, a Ramadan Tradition, Is Endangered
The New York Times
Mohammed Shafiq chooses to be the sole town crier, not wanting his neighbors to use alarms to wake up for their pre-dawn meals in Ramadan.
Ramadan Leaves Muslim World Cup Players Facing a Tough Choice
Los Angeles Times
Soccer players can face serious challenges if they choose to fast while playing. While some players do fast while competing, others choose to opt out of fasting for a game.
On Islam, Trump Takes a Different Approach at Home and Abroad
The New York Times
Donald Trump’s decision to invite Middle East diplomats and no Muslim American groups to his first White House iftar left many confused and upset.
To Be Poor and Ignored During Ramadan
The New York Times
Many Muslim immigrants are living in poverty and are largely ignored by the media and wealthy Muslim Americans.
Muslims Serve Food and Friendship in Ramadan to Beat Far Right
Al Jazeera
A German Muslim community serves food to their neighbors to fight against the rise of Islamophobia.
For Some Indonesian Students, Ramadan Means Fasting and Intensive Study
Reuters
An Indonesian boarding school teaches its students the meaning of the Koran and the Arabic language.
For Some in Tunisia, Ramadan Is a Test of Personal Freedom
NY Times
The daytime closure of restaurants during Ramadan highlights the strong religious consciousness present in Tunisia, though a small movement opposes the de facto ban on restaurant openings.
The Perils of Being a Journalist in Modi's India
Al Jazeera
Rana Ayyub, an independent journalist in Mumbai, has faced increasing online hatred and threatening phone calls, a situation which has led the UN to call on India to increase protection for the reporter.
Breaking Bread, Piercing Prejudice: How a Ramadan Meal United Faiths
The Guardian
In a climate of increased Hindu nationalism and anti-Muslim rhetoric, an iftar meal in Delhi has brought together adherents of many faiths to discuss stereotypes.
Grozny is a World Cup Home Away From Home for Egypt Squad
AP News
Egypt chose Grozny as its base in Russia due to the Muslim population and culture.
In China’s Far West, Companies Cash in on Surveillance Program That Targets Muslims
Foreign Policy
A number of firms have taken advantage of the surveillance state emerging in Xinjiang province, including firms lied to Western and other foreign investors.
Why Do I Want My Teenage Muslim Boys to Fast in Ramadan?
The Guardian
Emily Richardson shares why her two sons choose to fast during Ramadan and the life lessons they learn from it.
Swahili, the Pulse of Life at the Crossroads
The New York Times
Swahili culture consists of a deep and rich history of art and religion.
Friday Announced First Day of Eid al-Fitr
Al Jazeera
Many countries have announced that Eid will be celebrated on Friday according to the moon sighting while others will celebrate on Saturday.
'A Month to Help Those in Need': Ramadan Relief around the World
The Guardian
Islamic Relief provides food for the less fortunate during the month of Ramadan in places like Gaza and Somalia.
Gaza Residents Pray near Israel, As Muslims Mark Major Feast
AP News
As Gaza residents prepare for the celebrations of Eid, an Israeli drone targeted a tent in the area.
Filipino Muslims Mark Eid in Ruins of War-Torn Marawi
The Washington Post
Muslims in Marawi, Philippines mark Eid, one year after extremists attacked the city.
For Mosque at Heart of Grenfell Tragedy, a Bittersweet Anniversary
NY Times
Muslims in London celebrate Eid al-Fitr a day after the anniversary of the Grenfell fire.
How Islamophobia Is Entering the Law and Becoming Increasingly Acceptable in America
Huffington Post
Islamophobia has become more normalized under the current White House administration and its policies.
For the First Time, Party City Is Offering Supplies to Celebrate Ramadan's End
NPR
Party City is targeting Muslim consumers with its new range of Eid decorations.
Top Marine Celebrates Ramadan at a Baltimore Mosque
Marine Corps Times
Gen. Robert B. Neller attended an iftar dinner in hopes of helping the Marine Corps become more inclusive and educated.
Netanyahu Unexpectedly Meets with Indonesian Muslim Leader
Times of Israel
Yahya Stafuq visited Israel and met Benjamin Netanyahu although many Indonesians criticized Stafuq for accepting the invitation.
Award to Muslim Group’s Leader Rescinded after Some Jews Object
San Francisco Chronicle
Protests from Jewish organizations caused PACT to withdraw the award for Zahra Billoo due to her criticism of the Israeli government.
North America 2026: World Cup and Trump's Muslim Ban
Middle East Eye
Many believe the decision to have the U.S. host the 2026 World Cup as part of a North America bid should have been finalized after travel restrictions were lifted.
The Tariq Ramadan Case: A Critical Update
Milestones Journal
French judges are keeping Tariq Ramadan in prison without a valid reason as he continues to await his trial.