Latest news with #Islam
Sinar Daily
35 minutes ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Sultan of Selangor disappointed, sad with Federal Court's SIS fatwa ruling
SHAH ALAM - The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed disappointment and sadness with regard to the Federal Court's decision. The court ruled that a 2014 fatwa issued by the Selangor Fatwa Committee does not apply to the Sisters in Islam (SIS) Forum Malaysia as an organisation or institution, but only to individuals. In a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, the ruler expressed his agreement with the statement issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) regarding the court decision. In a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, the ruler expressed his agreement with the statement issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) regarding the court decision. Following this, the Sultan of Selangor, as the Head of Islam in the state, urged the SIS Forum Malaysia to cease using the term Sisters in Islam in any publication or platform associated with the organisation. This request was made to prevent the indiscriminate use of the term Islam for the benefit and interest of the organisation. "His Majesty emphasised that the misuse of the term Islam in the name and publications of SIS Forum Malaysia can cause confusion among the Muslim community," the post said. The Federal Court granted an appeal by SIS Forum Malaysia and its co-founder, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, challenging the 2014 fatwa issued by the Selangor Fatwa Committee. The fatwa had labelled the organisation as deviating from Islamic teachings. A four-judge panel led by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in a 3-1 majority decision, set aside the fatwa regarding its applicability to companies and institutions. MAIS Chairman Datuk Salehuddin Saidin earlier said that the council disagrees with part of the Federal Court's ruling, particularly the decision that the fatwa dated July 31, 2014, applies only to individuals and not to SIS Forum Malaysia as an organisation or institution. He added that MAIS had expressed sadness that the decision indirectly interferes with the process of issuing and applying fatwas related to Islamic law. "MAIS is also concerned that the Federal Court's majority decision in this case could open the door for irresponsible groups to hide behind the name of Islam in companies, organisations, or institutions to practice and spread deviant teachings, thereby evading enforcement action. "If this situation continues, it will cause confusion and may undermine the faith of Muslims," he said. Salehuddin said that MAIS fully agreed with Justice Datuk Abu Bakar Jais' dissenting judgment, which asserted that the jurisdiction for resolving disputes concerning the fatwa lies with the Syariah Court based on the nature of the matter. "He (Abu Bakar) also said that although the company in this case is not a natural person who can profess the religion of Islam, the company is still subject to the fatwa. "This is based on the name SIS - Sisters in Islam, which clearly reflects an Islamic identity, and the company's activities involve publications and statements on matters related to Islam. This is further reinforced by the fact that the founders and directors of the company are Muslims," he said. Salehuddin added that the dissenting judgment aligns with the arguments put forth by MAIS in the case. This refers to the concept of an artificial person or 'syakhsiyyah i'itibariyyah' in Islamic jurisprudence, which permits actions to be taken against a company or organisation. He said that MAIS will continue to work alongside other religious authorities in Selangor to monitor and enforce actions against deviant teachings that contradict Islam. Salehuddin also urged the Muslim community to avoid any involvement in or support for programmes linked to ideologies deemed deviant and contrary to Islam, such as liberalism and religious pluralism. "MAIS also reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing and taking appropriate action in collaboration with the Federal and State Governments, as well as state Islamic religious councils and with the support of the royal institutions, to strengthen existing laws and uphold the status of Islam in accordance with its position as the religion of the Federation," he said. Salehuddin said MAIS' position was conveyed to the Sultan of Selangor, who agreed with the contents of the statement issued by MAIS concerning the court decision. - BERNAMA
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First Post
an hour ago
- Sport
- First Post
History Today: When Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion on June 20, 1967. He refused to be inducted into the US Armed Forces on April 28 during the Vietnam War, citing religious belief. On this day in 1887, the Victoria Terminus was officially established in Mumbai, India read more A pivotal moment in the history of sports and civil rights took place on June 20, 1967, when legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion by a federal court. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. On this day in 1975, 'Jaws' directed by Steven Spielberg made its theatrical release. Also, the Victoria Terminus, present-day Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai was formally established in 1887. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that took place on this across the world. Muhammad Ali convicted of draft evasion Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion in Houston, Texas, a momentous event that sent shockwaves through both the sports world and American society. Born Cassius Clay, Ali became the heavyweight champion of the world in 1964 and shocked the public by announcing his conversion to Islam, adopting the name Muhammad Ali. In 1967, during the height of the Vietnam War, he refused induction into the U.S. Army citing religious beliefs. Ali declared, 'I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong.' He was a conscientious objector, aligned with the teachings of the Nation of Islam, which opposed participation in war. His refusal sparked national outrage and support alike. Critics saw it as unpatriotic, while civil rights leaders hailed his courage. The jury, composed entirely of white men, took just 21 minutes to convict him. Ali was sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000, and banned from boxing while being stripped of his title and license. Ultimately, the US Supreme Court unanimously overturned his conviction in 1978. File image/AP Ali remained free on bail while his legal team pursued appeals. His stance against the Vietnam War and his unwavering commitment to his principles made him a deeply polarizing figure, revered by many as a symbol of civil rights and anti-war activism, while condemned by others. Ultimately, on June 28, 1971, the US Supreme Court unanimously overturned his conviction in the case of Clay v United States. The Court found that the Justice Department had improperly advised Ali's draft board in rejecting his conscientious objector claim. The victory allowed Ali to return to boxing, though he had already lost several years of his fighting career due to his conviction and ban. His legal battle became a landmark case for freedom of conscience and had a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding civil disobedience and individual rights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Jaws' releases in theatres On this day in 1975, the iconic thriller film Jaws premiered in theatres across the United States, forever changing the landscape of Hollywood and ushering in the era of the 'summer blockbuster.' Directed by then-27-year-old Steven Spielberg, the movie quickly became a cultural phenomenon, terrifying audiences and making countless people hesitant to venture into the ocean. Based on Peter Benchley's 1974 novel of the same name, Jaws tells the story of a great white shark terrorising a New England resort town, leading to a desperate hunt by a police chief, a marine biologist and a grizzled shark hunter. Despite a troubled production with a notoriously malfunctioning mechanical shark (affectionately nicknamed 'Bruce'), Spielberg's masterful direction, combined with John Williams' chilling, two-note score, created unparalleled suspense. A poster of the 'Jaws' movie that released on 1975. Representational image Jaws became the first true summer blockbuster, grossing over $470 million worldwide and holding the record as the highest-grossing film of all time until Star Wars surpassed it in 1977. Its release was historic for being one of the first films to be launched widely across hundreds of theatres simultaneously, rather than the traditional slow roll-out—a marketing strategy that redefined film distribution. Critically acclaimed, Jaws received four Academy Award nominations, winning three of them namely Best Film Editing, Best Original Score and Best Sound. It remains one of the most influential films in cinematic history, often credited with inventing the blockbuster model and elevating the thriller genre. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Victoria Terminus was established Victoria Terminus, now officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), was officially opened on June 20, 1887. The inauguration of the station marked a grand milestone in India's colonial railway history. It was named in honour of Queen Victoria, commemorating her Golden Jubilee. Designed by the British architectural engineer Frederick William Stevens, the construction of this magnificent structure began in 1878 and took ten years to complete. It was built to serve as the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway and replaced the older Bori Bunder railway station. The terminus is a remarkable example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with traditional Indian architectural influences, featuring intricate stone carvings, towering turrets, and pointed arches. It quickly became a symbol of Bombay (now Mumbai) as a major mercantile port city, earning the moniker 'Gothic City.' In 2004, it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, recognised for its architectural brilliance and historic importance. Today, CSMT is one of India's busiest railway stations, handling millions of commuters daily and remains a vibrant part of Mumbai's urban fabric. Though renamed to honour the 17th-century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the terminus retains its historical grandeur. This Day, That Year On this day in 1992, a new constitution went into effect in Paraguay, signalling the end of military rule. American automobile-racing driver Barney Oldfield accomplished the first mile-a-minute performance in a car in 1903. Victoria became the queen of the United Kingdom on this day in 1837.
India.com
an hour ago
- Politics
- India.com
She changed her religion, walked into Iran's homes...then vanished without a trace, THIS Mossad's 'deadly' female spy is behind the chaos in Iran
This is not a James Bond movie, it actually happened. A shocking story from Tehran, the capital of Iran, is now making headlines all over the world. According to reports, a female spy from Israel's intelligence agency Mossad secretly entered Iran two years ago. She then converted to Shia Islam and slowly got close to top Iranian officials and their families. Her name is Catherine Pérez Shakdam. Originally from France, she wasn't just highly trained she was also smart, beautiful, and bold. Her charm and clever planning fooled even Iran's strict security agencies. How did she get in and why no one noticed? At first, Catherine claimed she was simply curious about Islam. She converted to Shia Islam and started meeting and talking to the wives of Iranian government officials. Over time, she gained their trust and became a regular guest in their homes. She was so trusted that she even entered private areas in the homes and places where security is normally very tight. While Iranian agencies carefully checked phones and visitors, Catherine was silently taking photos and collecting secret information. She sent all of it directly to Mossad. As tensions between Iran and Israel increased, many top Iranian officials changed their locations for safety. They thought they were now secure. But every time an attack happened, it was so accurate, it felt like someone had handed over a detailed map. When Iran's own intelligence service started investigating, the truth slowly came out. Photos taken with officials helped identify Catherine. But by then, it was too late. Where is she now? No one knows. Catherine has completely disappeared. Iran's intelligence agency has spread her posters and photos across the country. But there's no sign of her, no trace, no voice. Some say she has changed her identity and is now living in another country. Today, Catherine Pérez Shakdam is being called one of the most daring spies in Israeli history. Her mission has left Iran shocked and the world stunned.
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Conversion of Hindu minors triggers community uproar
The conversion of three Hindu sisters and their male cousin - two of them minors — to Islam in Sindh's Sanghar district sparked a backlash from the local Hindu community on Wednesday. Acting on urgent appeals from the parents of 13-year-old Hunain Kumar, 16-year-old Jiya, 19-year-old Disha, and 22-year-old Diya — as well as the Hindu Panchayat — police recovered all four on Thursday and arrested the suspect allegedly responsible for the conversions. The three sisters and their cousin had left home without informing their families on Wednesday morning. Later that day, they released video messages stating they had accepted Islam of their own free will, without coercion. They also claimed they feared being harmed by their families for their decision. At a press conference, the mothers of the siblings — visibly distressed and weeping — accused a local computer teacher, Farhan Khaskheli, of brainwashing and abducting the children. "I want my son back. He is only 13 years old and cannot understand religion," said Hunain Kumar's mother, breaking down in tears. She appealed directly to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to help recover her son. The girls' mother also held Khaskheli responsible for the alleged conversion and abduction. "I have three daughters, and Khaskheli has taken all of them," she said through tears. Rajesh Kumar, head of the Hindu Panchayat, described the incident as not just a family tragedy, but a communal one. "These girls are not just daughters of Hindus — they are daughters of Sindh," he said, while showing their photos and questioning whether they were mature enough to decide to change their religion. Kumar added that the Hindu community had always lived in harmony with their Muslim neighbours and actively participated in Islamic festivals and local customs. He thanked civil society and politicians for their support and announced that the panchayat had held an emergency meeting in Sanghar on Wednesday. Sanghar SSP Ghulam Nabi Keerio visited the panchayat during the meeting and assured the community of swift police action. The FIR was registered on the basis of the parents' complaint.
The Star
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Star
SIS wins appeal against fatwa
PUTRAJAYA: A Selangor fatwa (edict) that declared Sisters in Islam (SIS) Forum Malaysia as 'deviant' 11 years ago is not applicable to the company as the entity could not be construed as a person professing Islam, the Federal Court ruled. The court ruled so after allowing an appeal by SIS in its dispute against the Selangor religious authorities over the fatwa that was gazetted in 2014. The judgment, however, applied only to the extent of the edict's application. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, when reading out the judgment, said the term 'persons professing the religion of Islam' refers to natural persons and not artificial persons such as companies. 'This constitutional interpretation aligns with the fact that only natural persons can profess the shahadah, perform prayers, fast in Ramadan and perform the Hajj – core tenets of the Islamic faith. 'A company, being an artificial entity, lacks the capacity to repent as proposed by the fatwa. 'Hence, we conclude that a company cannot 'profess' Islam in order to be lawfully classified as a 'person professing the religion of Islam' under Item 1,' she said in the 3-1 majority decision yesterday. (In the Federal Constitution, the Ninth Schedule has two lists, namely List I or Federal List, which lists down the areas that the Federal Government can make laws on, and List II or State List, which states what the state government has powers to make laws on. Item 1 refers to the State List.) The appeal arises from a judicial review application filed by SIS and its founder Zainah Anwar in October 2014 to challenge the fatwa that was gazetted on July 31, 2014. They named the Selangor Fatwa Committee, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and the Selangor state government as respondents. In 2019, the High Court dismissed the judicial review application while the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal in 2023. The fatwa declared that SIS as well as any individual and group that adopted the 'deviant' ideologies of liberalism and pluralism were deviating from the teachings of Islam. The fatwa stated that any publications containing liberal and plural views of Islam should be banned and confiscated. It further directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to censor social websites that go against Islamic teachings and hukum syarak. The fatwa also directed that any individuals holding on to liberalism and religious pluralism should repent and return to the path of Islam. Tengku Maimun said the issue of a company, organisation or institution escaping accountability relating to the fatwa does not arise. 'Accountability for violating the fatwa rests with the individuals behind such entities. 'This is further supported by paragraph four of the fatwa, which only requires individuals who adhere to liberalism and religious pluralism to repent,' she said. The apex court also asserted its separation of jurisdiction from the Syariah Courts. 'To avoid misunderstanding, we reiterate that we express no view on the content of the fatwa itself, especially phrases such as: '... liberalism and religious pluralism are deviant and misguided from the teachings of Islam' and 'any individual subscribing to liberalism and religious pluralism ideology must repent and return to the path of Islam'. These fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the respondents. 'With the reasons we have mentioned, we set aside the decisions by the High Court and the Court of Appeal,' Tengku Maimun said. The appeal at the Federal Court was initially heard before a five-judge panel. Besides the Chief Justice, other judges on the Bench were Court of Appeal judge Justice Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Federal Court judges Justices P. Nallini, Abu Bakar Jais and Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil, who retired in April. Meanwhile, Justice Abu Bakar, who held the dissenting view, said a company would still be bound by a fatwa, especially in the present case as SIS comprises of Muslims and its work is related to Islam. 'It is disturbing that the first appellant could escape and not be subjected to the fatwa simply by being a company but nonetheless venturing to make assertions and expressing views affecting the precepts and tenets of Islam,' he said. 'It should not be concluded just because a company is not a person professing Islam as a religion such as in this case, the provision of the Constitution should not apply to the same,' Justice Abu Bakar added.
