DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia on Thursday banned foreign pilgrims from entering the kingdom to visit Islam's holiest sites over the new coronavirus, potentially disrupting the plans of millions of faithful ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and as the annual hajj pilgrimage looms. The decision...
More US Firms Are Boosting Faith-Based Support for Employees
NEW YORK — It has become standard practice for U.S. corporations to assure employees of support regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation. There’s now an intensifying push to ensure that companies are similarly supportive and inclusive when it comes to employees’ religious beliefs. One barometer: More than 20%...
Rohingya Hail UN Ruling Ordering Myanmar to Prevent Genocide
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The United Nations' top court on Thursday ordered Myanmar to do all it can to prevent genocide against the Rohingya people, a ruling met by members of the Muslim minority with gratitude and relief but also some skepticism that the country's rulers will fully comply. The...
Trump: Travel Ban Expansion Coming, Nations Aren't Yet Final
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. would soon be imposing visa restrictions on more countries — though it's not clear yet how many nations will be affected by his expansion of the travel ban. Seven additional nations were listed in a draft of the proposed restrictions —...
Muslim Millennial's Site Dispels Stereotypes for Millions
NEW YORK — Today she travels the world, attends a red-carpet movie premiere and sits on panels with astronauts, former presidents and feminist icons. But in the years after 9/11, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh was just a New Jersey teenager, writing a blog from her bedroom. She used the blog to connect...
Steyer Wants Climate Change Refugees to Enter US Legally
WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer on Friday unveiled an immigration proposal seeking to make immigrants fleeing the effects of climate change eligible for legal entry into the United States. Like a lot of his White House rivals, Steyer is promising to use executive action to reinstate Obama administration...
Nobel Winner's Army Defense Blasted in Myanmar Genocide Case
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Lawyers seeking to halt what they allege is ongoing genocide in Myanmar have slammed leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s defense of her country’s armed forces, saying Thursday that the Nobel Peace Prize winner and former pro-democracy icon chose to ignore “unspeakable” crimes targeting Muslim civilians. The...
Saudi Gunman Tweeted Against US Before Naval Base Shooting
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Saudi gunman who killed three people at the Pensacola naval base had apparently gone on Twitter shortly before the shooting to blast U.S. support of Israel and accuse America of being anti-Muslim, a U.S. official said Sunday as the FBI confirmed it is operating on the...
International Court Judges Authorize Rohingya Investigation
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court judges on Thursday approved a request from prosecutors to open an investigation into crimes committed against Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim minority. A prominent rights group said the decision will give fresh hope to victims that those responsible for brutal crimes against the Rohingya will...
Many Specialists Will Be on Hand at Free Health Clinic in Fresno
The Muslim Society of Central California will host a free medical and dental clinic on Sunday at Manchester Center in central Fresno, with more than 45 physicians and nurse practitioners volunteering their health care services and 150 other people volunteering in other capacities. The clinic is noteworthy because a large...