Muslim pilgrims in Mecca have circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and then converged on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The event is returning to its full capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. So far, more than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over […]
Continue ReadingPope Francis landed in Kazakhstan on Tuesday to attend an international religious gathering, as part of his three-day visit to the central Asian country. In the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan, which was called Astana until 2019, the so-called Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is taking place for the seventh time. Francis is the […]
Continue ReadingSaudi Arabia has banned foreign pilgrims from entering the kingdom to visit Islam’s holiest sites amid concerns over the coronavirus. The ban potentially disrupts the plans of millions of people ahead of the holy fasting month of Ramadan and as the annual hajj pilgrimage looms. The decision showed the growing worry across the Middle East […]
Continue ReadingMore than two million Muslims gathered at Mount Arafat on Monday for a vigil to atone for their sins and ask God’s forgiveness as the annual haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia reached its climax. Pilgrims clad in white robes signifying a state of purity spent the night in an encampment around the hill where Islam […]
Continue ReadingLetter from Pope Francis Conveyed through Cardinal Tauran and sent to British Muslims Message for the month of Ramadan by Cardinal Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Cardinal Tauran is Pope Francis’s principal advisor in Christian Muslim relations and the theme of this letter is that of mercy. Pope Francis has declared […]
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