Voting began on Monday in the Philippines' Muslim-majority south under heightened ​security after three people were killed and 15 wounded in violence on the eve of the historic election.
The vote is ‌seen as a crucial test of efforts seeking to bring lasting peace and development to a region once torn by separatist conflict and extremism which peaked in the 2017 siege of Marawi City by Islamic State-linked militants.

Philippines elections: Three shot dead, 15 wounded ahead of polls

Just a couple of days after a minister in Karnataka resigned over corruption charges, the state’s Higher Education Minister, Basavaraj Rayareddy has landed the DK Shivakumar government and the Congress party in a soup by saying that Islam is superior to all other religions.&nbsp;Rayareddy made the remarks while speaking at a mass marriage programme organised by the Muslim community in the Kuknoor town of Koppal district.&nbsp;During his address, the Karnataka minister Rayareddy described Islam as a great and highly humanitarian religion. He added that the religion is based on science and teaches people how to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Islam is a great religion and better than all other religions. He said he wish to study Quran. He also said he wishes to travel to Mecca and do Hajj but sadly not because he is not Muslim&quot;. Karnataka Congress Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy.🤣 <a href="https://t.co/LuSIOKvsfh">pic.twitter.com/LuSIOKvsfh</a>&mdash; subash kumar (@Krishan10_) <a href="https://x.com/Krishan10_/status/2094131313519550839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-forces-strike-iranian-missile-launchers-on-larak-island-in-strait-of-hormuz-1788121041713">US forces strike Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>‘Misconceptions being spread about the faith’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;He also alleged that misconceptions were being spread about the faith.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Those who know nothing about Islam make incorrect assumptions and form wrong opinions about it. I would like to say that Islam is superior to all other religions because it begins with humanity,” the minister said.&nbsp;He also said that he wanted to study the Quran and Abrahamic religions, adding that people should study religions and their histories.&nbsp;“Look, regarding the Quran, I haven’t done extensive study on Abrahamic religions, and while I don’t frequently visit temples or mathas (monasteries), I do study religions and different histories. That is why I look at Abrahamic religions,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-based-terrorist-handlers-isi-using-porn-sites-and-encrypted-apps-to-communicate-with-recruits-in-j-k-1788115668072">Pak-based terrorist handlers, ISI using porn sites and encrypted apps to communicate with ‘recruits’ in J&amp;K</a>&nbsp;Rayareddy further said that he does not usually visit mathas and temples but believes their history should be studied.&nbsp;He also expressed an interest in undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage, but said he did not have the opportunity to do so.&nbsp;<h2>‘I wish to go Mecca, but I don’t have the opportunity’</h2>&nbsp;“I wish to go Mecca, but I don’t have the opportunity. To go there, one has to convert,” Rayareddy said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-nepal-floods-himachal-identifies-67-vulnerable-glacial-lakes-plans-early-warning-systems-for-4-high-risk-ones-1788107314977">After Nepal floods, Himachal identifies 67 vulnerable glacial lakes, plans early warning systems for 4 high-risk ones</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The opposition BJP latched onto the opportunity and asked Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to either make his Higher Education Minister, Basavaraj Rayareddy, apologise to the Hindu community or resign over his remark.&nbsp;Karnataka BJP president R Ashoka said that the minister’s comments had demeaned Hinduism. He also referred to DK Shivakumar’s frequent temple visits.&nbsp;<h2>‘Anti-Hindu mindset’: Apologise or resign, says BJP&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;“DK Shivakumar, is there no end to this anti-Hindu mindset of your Congress government? You put on a show of visiting temples at dawn, performing devotion in front of the cameras, but why do you stay silent only when a minister in your own cabinet makes derogatory statements about Sanatan Hindu Dharma and temples?” he wrote on X.He even demanded Rayareddy’s resignation if he doesn't apologise.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-successfully-launches-nancy-grace-roman-space-telescope-to-unravel-mysteries-of-universe-1788094822217">NASA successfully launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to unravel mysteries of universe</a>&nbsp;“Our demand is clear: First, Basavaraj Rayareddy must withdraw his statements and seek forgiveness from all Hindus in the state. If he is not prepared to do so, Shivakumar must demonstrate his commitment to remove him from the cabinet. Otherwise, one thing becomes clear to millions of Hindus in Kannada land: Your temple visits are not for devotion; your words are not out of respect for Hindu Dharma; Everything is solely for votes, for show,” he added.&nbsp;BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda accused the minister and the Congress government of trying to appease “voters”.Rayareddy was the financial adviser to former chief minister Siddaramaiah. He became a minister in DK Shivakumar’s Cabinet earlier this month.

Karnataka Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy said he wanted to study the Quran and Abrahamic religions. He also expressed an interest in undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage but said he could not do so as he will first have to convert for it

Just a couple of days after a minister in Karnataka resigned over corruption charges, the state’s Higher Education Minister, Basavaraj Rayareddy has landed the DK Shivakumar government and the Congress party in a soup by saying that Islam is superior to all other religions. Rayareddy made the remarks while speaking at a mass marriage programme organised by the Muslim community in the Kuknoor town of Koppal district. During his address, the Karnataka minister Rayareddy described Islam as a great and highly humanitarian religion. He added that the religion is based on science and teaches people how to live.

Karnataka Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy said he wanted to study the Quran and Abrahamic religions. He also expressed an interest in undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage but said he could not do so as he will first have to convert for it

‘Islam superior to all other religions,’ says Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddy; BJP demands apology

UK's shadow justice secretary and conservative MP Nick Timothy alleged that white prisoners are being forced to convert to Islam. In wake of this, he urged the UK government to initiate a probe and stamp out forced religious conversions in jails.

Muslim gangs force white prisoners to convert to Islam: UK MP seeks govt probe

In a landmark policy shift, the United States has officially removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979. The move follows a 45-day congressional review period after President Donald Trump notified Congress of his intent to delist Syria. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa hailed the decision as "historic," saying it will support reconstruction efforts after years of war. The move could open the door to investment, financial transactions and economic recovery as Damascus seeks a fresh start on the global stage.

US removes Syria from terror list: Trump ends 47-year designation

An Indonesian couple was publicly caned in Aceh province on Thursday (Jul 2) after a Sharia court found them guilty of violating Islamic law by kissing during a TikTok livestream. The pair, a 22-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, received 21 lashes each as the crowd gathered watched. Their initial sentence of 25 lashes as punishment was reduced as they had spent four months in prison.The punishment was witnessed by at least 100 people at Bustanussalatin City Park, where public canings are regularly held under Aceh’s Islamic legal system. A group of people wearing robes and hoods carried out the whipping on a stage.The couple was arrested after a livestream on February 27, in which they kissed while sitting in a car in Banda Aceh. The video of the livestream went viral on social media, following which local residents reported the incident to Sharia enforcement authorities. The couple was then arrested in April and later prosecuted. The court had also ordered the destruction of a mobile phone and a USB drive containing the viral video, treating them as evidence in the case.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-military-reshuffle-incoming-seating-at-beijing-event-raises-questions-1783064151720">China’s military reshuffle incoming? Seating order at Beijing event raises questions</a>Aceh is the only Indonesian province permitted to enforce Sharia law, a privilege granted under a 2006 autonomy agreement following the end of a decades-long separatist conflict. Its Islamic criminal code prescribes corporal punishment of up to 100 lashes for offences ranging from gambling, alcohol consumption, adultery, gay sex and certain acts considered violations of public morality. Caning is also allowed to punish women who wear tight clothes or men who skip Friday prayers. In 2015, several provisions were expanded to also cover non-Muslim residents.Apart from the young couple, four other people were also caned on Thursday for gambling and adultery.Human rights organisations have repeatedly condemned Aceh’s public canings. Amnesty International Indonesia said the practice is cruel, inhumane and degrading.“Such behaviour might be considered inappropriate because social media is viewed by people of various age groups, including children. But is it a crime that warrants imprisonment or even caning? That would be excessive,” said Usman Hamid, the executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, on Thursday (Jul 2).Watch | Jakarta landfill fires continue for 3rd day<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jakarta-landfill-fires-continue-for-3rd-day-1783062746546/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/jakarta-landfill-fires-continue-for-3rd-day-1783062746546/embed</a>&nbsp;

An Indonesian couple was publicly caned in Aceh after kissing during a TikTok livestream. Rights groups condemned the punishment as cruel and disproportionate.

An Indonesian couple was publicly caned in Aceh province on Thursday (Jul 2) after a Sharia court found them guilty of violating Islamic law by kissing during a TikTok livestream. The pair, a 22-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, received 21 lashes each as the crowd gathered watched. Their initial sentence of 25 lashes as punishment was reduced as they had spent four months in prison. The punishment was witnessed by at least 100 people at Bustanussalatin City Park, where public canings are regularly held under Aceh’s Islamic legal system. A group of people wearing robes and hoods carried out the whipping on a stage. The couple was arrested after a livestream on February 27, in which they kissed while sitting in a car in Banda Aceh. The video of the livestream went viral on social media, following which local residents reported the incident to Sharia enforcement authorities. The couple was then arrested in April and later prosecuted. The court had also ordered the destruction of a mobile phone and a USB drive containing the viral video, treating them as evidence in the case. Also read | China’s military reshuffle incoming? Seating order at Beijing event raises questions Aceh is the only Indonesian province permitted to enforce Sharia law, a privilege granted under a 2006 autonomy agreement following the end of a decades-long separatist conflict. Its Islamic criminal code prescribes corporal punishment of up to 100 lashes for offences ranging from gambling, alcohol consumption, adultery, gay sex and certain acts considered violations of public morality. Caning is also allowed to punish women who wear tight clothes or men who skip Friday prayers. In 2015, several provisions were expanded to also cover non-Muslim residents. Apart from the young couple, four other people were also caned on Thursday for gambling and adultery. Human rights organisations have repeatedly condemned Aceh’s public canings. Amnesty International Indonesia said the practice is cruel, inhumane and degrading. “Such behaviour might be considered inappropriate because social media is viewed by people of various age groups, including children. But is it a crime that warrants imprisonment or even caning? That would be excessive,” said Usman Hamid, the executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, on Thursday (Jul 2). Watch | Jakarta landfill fires continue for 3rd day https://www.wionews.com/videos/jakarta-landfill-fires-continue-for-3rd-day-1783062746546/embed

An Indonesian couple was publicly caned in Aceh after kissing during a TikTok livestream. Rights groups condemned the punishment as cruel and disproportionate.

Indonesian couple punished with public caning for kissing on TikTok livestream

A senior Nigerian army officer, Brigadier General Braimah, was killed in a deadly jihadist attack in Nigeria’s conflict-hit region.
The attack was reportedly carried out by suspected Islamist militants targeting military personnel.

Nigeria: 18 Soldiers Killed in Jihadist Attack in Borno State

Tensions are rising after Israel kept the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound closed, preventing worshippers from entering the sacred site in Jerusalem. The move has drawn strong condemnation from eight Muslim-majority nations, who say restricting access to one of Islam’s holiest sites is unacceptable.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and several governments have raised concerns over religious freedom and the status of the compound. The closure comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing security operations around Jerusalem’s Old City.

US-Iran War: Israel Keeps Al-Aqsa Mosque Shut on Last Friday of Ramzan

Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, calls for stronger economic ties with India. In an exclusive interview with WION, he confirms the appointment of an Afghan Commerce Attaché in New Delhi within a month to facilitate trade. Azizi highlights Afghanistan’s untapped potential in mining and agriculture and extends a direct invitation to Indian investors. He also emphasizes the importance of Iran’s Chabahar port and efforts to support women entrepreneurs under the Islamic Emirate government.


Afghanistan's Commerce Minister Azizi Invites Indian Investment in Mining & Agriculture 

Reports indicate that remnants of the Islamic State are attempting to re-establish their presence in certain parts of Syria. according to local sources and observers, the group is seeking to gain influence by providing aid and services to residents in conflict-affected areas. security forces and international coalitions continue to monitor movements and disrupt efforts to rebuild militant networks.

Islamic States Trying To Re-establish In Parts Of Syria: Gaining Favours With Locals

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, banned in Bangladesh since the 2016 Dhaka café attack, is set to make a return tour in late 2025 under the country’s new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

The move marks a major policy reversal, drawing sharp criticism from India, where Naik is wanted on charges of terror funding, hate speech, and money laundering. Supporters call it a step toward “religious openness,” while critics warn it could reignite regional tensions.

Radical Islamic Preacher: Banned In 2016, To Be Welcomed In 2025 

Muslim worshippers visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City and chant hymns as they celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed according to Islamic calendar.



Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque Hosts Prayers On The Occasion of Prophet Mohammed's Birth

The law states that the clothing that “interferes with facial recognition” will be banned in public, with exemptions for medical reasons, in adverse weather conditions, and at sporting and cultural events.

The law states that the clothing that “interferes with facial recognition” will be banned in public, with exemptions for medical reasons, in adverse weather conditions, and at sporting and cultural events.

Kazakhstan bans niqab – Find out which other Muslim majority nations have said no to Islamic veils

Delhi University is at the centre of controversy again, as the Standing Committee on Academic Matters has dropped several proposed postgraduate papers in Political Science and Sociology, claiming to remove unnecessary glorification of Pakistan. However, this has drawn a significant backlash from the academic community, especially faculty members, with accusations of ideological interference and erosion of academic freedom.&nbsp;Among the papers scrapped for revisions were “Pakistan and the World”, “China’s Role in the Contemporary World”, “Islam and International Relations”, “Religious Nationalism and Political Violence”, and one on corporate scams. A chapter on the Muharram procession in Mumbai was also replaced; these are done in the guise of reducing glorification of Pakistan in the wake of the Pahlgham attack. The committee has directed the department to revise and resubmit the syllabus with an India-centric approach by July 1.The Vice Chancellor has reportedly emphasised the need to remove content that glorifies countries like Pakistan and China or focuses “disproportionately” on Islam. However, faculty members argue that this might result in a narrow world-view and limited understanding of geopolitics. &nbsp;"It is imperative to study Pakistan in detail because, pedagogically, we need to train our students and foster scholarship on Pakistan, as it remains one of India's constant foreign policy challenges," said Dr Monami Sinha, member of the Standing Committee.&nbsp;The committee is poised to remove broad focus topics such as “India-Pakistan Relations”, “India-China Strategic Dynamics”, and “Comparative Religion”. Many critical members of the faculty argue that the education system is cultivating homogeneity and conformity, and &nbsp;feel alarmed about the severe ideological policing. This will significantly reduce the appetite for critical enquiry, which has already been dumbed down by the shallow mainstream media and consumption of below-average content on social media. The University is slowly becoming a site of struggle for narrative and ideological manipulation. As the battle strengthens, the DU is stuck between what should be the purpose of higher education, promoting critical thinking, or becoming a shadow of national priorities.&nbsp;

Delhi University faces backlash from faculty members over decisions to replace papers on Pakistan and the world, China’s role in the contemporary world, Islam and international relations, religious nationalism and political violence.

Delhi University is at the centre of controversy again, as the Standing Committee on Academic Matters has dropped several proposed postgraduate papers in Political Science and Sociology, claiming to remove unnecessary glorification of Pakistan. However, this has drawn a significant backlash from the academic community, especially faculty members, with accusations of ideological interference and erosion of academic freedom. Among the papers scrapped for revisions were “Pakistan and the World”, “China’s Role in the Contemporary World”, “Islam and International Relations”, “Religious Nationalism and Political Violence”, and one on corporate scams. A chapter on the Muharram procession in Mumbai was also replaced; these are done in the guise of reducing glorification of Pakistan in the wake of the Pahlgham attack. The committee has directed the department to revise and resubmit the syllabus with an India-centric approach by July 1. The Vice Chancellor has reportedly emphasised the need to remove content that glorifies countries like Pakistan and China or focuses “disproportionately” on Islam. However, faculty members argue that this might result in a narrow world-view and limited understanding of geopolitics. "It is imperative to study Pakistan in detail because, pedagogically, we need to train our students and foster scholarship on Pakistan, as it remains one of India's constant foreign policy challenges," said Dr Monami Sinha, member of the Standing Committee. The committee is poised to remove broad focus topics such as “India-Pakistan Relations”, “India-China Strategic Dynamics”, and “Comparative Religion”. Many critical members of the faculty argue that the education system is cultivating homogeneity and conformity, and feel alarmed about the severe ideological policing. This will significantly reduce the appetite for critical enquiry, which has already been dumbed down by the shallow mainstream media and consumption of below-average content on social media. The University is slowly becoming a site of struggle for narrative and ideological manipulation. As the battle strengthens, the DU is stuck between what should be the purpose of higher education, promoting critical thinking, or becoming a shadow of national priorities.

Delhi University faces backlash from faculty members over decisions to replace papers on Pakistan and the world, China’s role in the contemporary world, Islam and international relations, religious nationalism and political violence.

Delhi university syllabus controversy: Pakistan, China, Islam, and political violence to be dropped

Israel's attacks on Iran and its counteroffensive have brought unprecedented global attention to the Islamic Republic and its regime. Many are wondering how the theocratic state became the arch rival of the Jewish nation, leading to the current flare-up of hostilities. The religious identity of Iran, as an Islamic Republic, is at the core of its political and strategic belligerence towards Israel. But did you know that Iran, once part of the vast Persian empire, was a much more secular, hybrid and tolerant nation? Let's dive into how Iran moved from a hybrid-secular nation to an Islamic country.<h2>Religious makeup of Iran</h2>Iran is a Muslim-majority nation, with nearly 99 per cent of the population self-identifying as Muslim. Out of this, nearly 95 per cent or around 85 per cent of the total population, is Shia Muslim. &nbsp;Shias, who number around 80 million out of the nearly 87.6 million total population, are the majority community. &nbsp;Shia Islam was established as the official state religion during the Safavid dynasty of 1501–1736. Sunni Muslims, while a prominent community in the rest of West Asia, are a minority in Iran, consisting of around &nbsp;5 to 10 per cent of the Muslim population, or up to 10 per cent of the total population, and is estimated to be around 9 million people (Note that these are only figures in a range, as there could be undercounting of several minority communities). Most Sunnis belong to ethnic minority groups like the Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, Baloch, and some Persians, and live mainly in provinces like Kurdistan, Sistan-Baluchistan, and Hormozgan.&nbsp; Non-Muslim communities are less than 1 per cent of the population. They include Christians, &nbsp;Baha’is, Zoroastrians, Jews, Yarsanis, and Sabean-Mandaeans. &nbsp;Note that many of the minority communities were persecuted, exiled or undercounted. Iran once hosted one of the largest Jewish populations in the region, for instance, before many of them were forced out. In Iran's past, Zorastrians - or Parsis - &nbsp;were driven out by Muslim conquerers and went into exile to various countries, including India. Bahai's are another silenced community.<h2> Is Islam really a big part of Iranians' daily life? &nbsp;</h2>Given the population figures, the obvious answer is yes, but there are some shifts observed by recent surveys, like the one by GAMAAN in 2020.&nbsp; It found that only 40 per cent of respondents self-identified as Muslim (32 per cent Shia, 5 pc Sunni and 3 pc Sufi).&nbsp; There may be a bias in this study as the survey might have been done only among urban and literate respondents.<h2>Was Iran less ‘Islamic’ before 1979?</h2>The best way to describe Iran just before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 would be as hybrid-secular. Under the Pahlavi dynasty of 1925–1979, which ruled just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, religion and state were partially separated.&nbsp;Reza Shah Pahlavi, who ruled from 1925–1941, led a modernisation drive in Iran, offering a limited amount of secularisation. The Shah cut down the Shia clergy's influence. He centralised state power and brought in legal codes influenced by the West. He brought in secular reforms like a ban on the hijab in 1936, and promoted Western dress. Under his rule, mosques and Islamic seminaries lost autonomy, with the state taking control of education and judicial systems. Mohammad Reza Shah, who ruled from 1941–1979, continued with these policies. The stress was on modernisation and Westernisation, with undercurrents of secularism.&nbsp; The Islamic clergy was marginalised, with new reforms like the 1963 White Revolution, which included land reforms and women’s suffrage.&nbsp; The state, not the clergy, was in charge of waqf, or Islamic religious endowments.&nbsp;Secular laws were introduced on many aspects of life, even as Shia Islam remained the official state religion as enshrined in the 1906 Constitution. Side note here: The secular policies were creating disenchantment in Islamic clerics and religious people. There was also criticism that the Shah dynasty was beholden to the Anglo-American powers and former colonialists. Another point to note is that Iran was not fully secular like Turkey at the time, as the Shahs had continued the state's links to Shia Islam. Much of the society was still very religious.&nbsp;The Islamic clergy continued to have influence in rural areas and among traditional people who opposed the Shahs. So at best, Iran under the Pahlavis can be described as a hybrid of monarchy with secular laws and reforms, with a society that was still largely followers of Shia Islam. Under the Shahs, the state looked back at Iran's pre-Islam past for inspiration and national identity, based on its Persian heritage, with events celebrating Cyrus the Great, even as it sidelined Islamic religious authorities. Such a secularism, brought by decree from the top, had its pitfalls. As mentioned earlier, the Islamists and conservative sections of the society were angry, and that resentment was a factor that led to the Islamic Revolution. &nbsp;<h2>What was Iran's religion before it became a nation?</h2>&nbsp;Remember that Iran, in its current form as a nation, is part of a vast Persian empire that once spanned almost half the globe.&nbsp; So one has to look at present-day Iran as an inheritor of millennia of evolution when it comes to religion.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Pre-Islam Iran was the land where religions came and went</h2>From around 1000 BCE to 651 CE, &nbsp;Zoroastrianism was the predominant religion of empires centred around present-day Iran. The Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian empires had a religion that stressed on good versus evil. Ahura Mazda was their supreme deity. Fire temples and priestly classes known as the Magi were central to religion. Under these empires, new religions and cults emerged, and old ones are thought to have coexisted with them. During Achaemenid Empire, other communities that lived in the Persian region included Jews, Christians, and those following Mithraism and Manichaeism. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>The Muslim conquest of 651 CE started the change in Iran's religious landscape</h2>Islam was introduced to the Iranian region through the Arab Muslim conquests. Over the subsequent centuries, most Iranians converted, mainly to Shia Islam.&nbsp;&nbsp;By the 10th century AD, Shia Islam became deeply rooted in Iran, particularly with the Buyid dynasty and Safavids. At this time, Zoroastrians were persecuted. They and other minorities like Jews and Christians lived as protected, yet second-class citizens, generally known as ‘dhimmis’. Safavid Dynasty of 1501–1736 enforced the conversion of the Sunni population and established a strong Shia clergy. This was the era that brought in Iran's current Shia national identity. The Qajar Dynasty of 1789–1925 continued the Shia dominance, with the clerics given vast powers over key aspects of life like law and education.<h2>The stranglehold of religion was eased with the Constitutional Revolution</h2>In the late 19th century, during and under the influence of British colonialists, Western ideas like nationalism and constitutionalism were introduced to Iran.&nbsp; This led to the 1906 Constitutional Revolution, and Iranian nationhood. The constitution, while keeping Shia Islam as the state religion, still allowed limited religious freedoms for minorities like Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians.&nbsp; A parliament was introduced, and the powers of the monarchy, by this time under attack by the Western colonial powers, had been weakened. &nbsp;<h2>Iran's transition from semi-secular to Islamist</h2>Resentment towards the Pahlavi Dynasty of 1925–1979, particularly about its promotion of a pre-Islamic identity for Iran, was the seed for the Islamic Revolution of 1978--79. The clergy, whose powers were cut short by the Shahs, wanted to gain back control. Socially, Shia Islam was still the dominant force, which meant that at the ground level, religious minorities faced discrimination despite the legal protections ensured in the constitution. The Islamic Revolution was in fact, prompted and led by a disgruntled group of clerics, conservatives and traditionalists. They saw in the Shah’s dynasty the influence of Western cultural imperialism, which was aimed at preserving the Anglo-American interests, mainly in the then recently-emerged oil wealth of Iran. While the Western powers continued to plunder Iran's wealth, the country's economy suffered under the Shahs. It is from this disgruntlement that figures like the Ruhollah Ayatollah Khomeini emerged.&nbsp; Khomeini, who was living in exile at the time, advocated for a nation governed under Islamic principles. That was the beginning of the &nbsp;Islamic Revolution of 1979.<h2>Post Islamic Revolution: How Iran went back to Shia Islam</h2>The Islamic Revolution was a reaction to both the Shah regime, and the Anglo-American petrodollar interests that kept it in power.&nbsp; At the time, a return to Islamic principles was seen as the best way for Iran to come out of the Western influence, with the accusation that Iran's economy was suffering at the hands of the British-US duo, particularly the oil. After the Islamic Revolution, Khomeini established a nation under the so-called Velayat-e Faqih or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. Once again, Shia Islam, already the dominant religion, became the preeminent force of the state, with a cleric, the Supreme Leader in the form of Khomeini, becoming the ultimate authority.<h2>Sharia law changed the face of Iran's religious life</h2>A new constitution, established in 1979 enshrined Shia Islam as the state religion. Sharia, or Islamic law became the governing force for legal, social, and political aspects of Iran.&nbsp; &nbsp;Under Sharia, the state strictly enforced Islamic codes on dress and behaviour. &nbsp;Shia rituals like Ashura became central to national identity, and the clergy dominated politics and education. Technically, the non-Shia Muslims such as the Sunnis, as well as Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians are recognised as minorities, but in reality, their rights are limited, while unrecognised groups like Baha’is face persecution. Currently, Iran remains a theocracy, with Shia Islam as the ideological backbone.&nbsp; The government funds religious institutions, and the clergy controls key sectors.&nbsp;<h2>Will Iran go back to being hybrid -secular?</h2>Dissent is actively curtailed in Iran, which has witnessed several movements against the theocratic state, all of which were forcibly suppressed. Many of these movements are secular and reformist in nature, but are concentrated in urban youth and intellectuals, while the rural folk still remain highly religious. There is a segment of society yearning for reform and more liberal attitudes towards religion and life, yet the state retains tight control over these matters.&nbsp; Sometimes, these tensions come to the fore, as seen in the 2022 anti-veil protest in the wake of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody.&nbsp;For the time being, those wanting reforms and the Islamist state are in a tense coexistence.&nbsp;

There is a segment of society yearning for reform and more liberal attitudes towards religion and life, yet the Shia Islam state retains tight control over these matters. 


Israel's attacks on Iran and its counteroffensive have brought unprecedented global attention to the Islamic Republic and its regime. Many are wondering how the theocratic state became the arch rival of the Jewish nation, leading to the current flare-up of hostilities. The religious identity of Iran, as an Islamic Republic, is at the core of its political and strategic belligerence towards Israel. But did you know that Iran, once part of the vast Persian empire, was a much more secular, hybrid and tolerant nation? Let's dive into how Iran moved from a hybrid-secular nation to an Islamic country. Religious makeup of Iran Iran is a Muslim-majority nation, with nearly 99 per cent of the population self-identifying as Muslim. Out of this, nearly 95 per cent or around 85 per cent of the total population, is Shia Muslim. Shias, who number around 80 million out of the nearly 87.6 million total population, are the majority community. Shia Islam was established as the official state religion during the Safavid dynasty of 1501–1736. Sunni Muslims, while a prominent community in the rest of West Asia, are a minority in Iran, consisting of around 5 to 10 per cent of the Muslim population, or up to 10 per cent of the total population, and is estimated to be around 9 million people (Note that these are only figures in a range, as there could be undercounting of several minority communities). Most Sunnis belong to ethnic minority groups like the Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, Baloch, and some Persians, and live mainly in provinces like Kurdistan, Sistan-Baluchistan, and Hormozgan. Non-Muslim communities are less than 1 per cent of the population. They include Christians, Baha’is, Zoroastrians, Jews, Yarsanis, and Sabean-Mandaeans. Note that many of the minority communities were persecuted, exiled or undercounted. Iran once hosted one of the largest Jewish populations in the region, for instance, before many of them were forced out. In Iran's past, Zorastrians - or Parsis - were driven out by Muslim conquerers and went into exile to various countries, including India. Bahai's are another silenced community. Is Islam really a big part of Iranians' daily life? Given the population figures, the obvious answer is yes, but there are some shifts observed by recent surveys, like the one by GAMAAN in 2020. It found that only 40 per cent of respondents self-identified as Muslim (32 per cent Shia, 5 pc Sunni and 3 pc Sufi). There may be a bias in this study as the survey might have been done only among urban and literate respondents. Was Iran less ‘Islamic’ before 1979? The best way to describe Iran just before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 would be as hybrid-secular. Under the Pahlavi dynasty of 1925–1979, which ruled just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, religion and state were partially separated. Reza Shah Pahlavi, who ruled from 1925–1941, led a modernisation drive in Iran, offering a limited amount of secularisation. The Shah cut down the Shia clergy's influence. He centralised state power and brought in legal codes influenced by the West. He brought in secular reforms like a ban on the hijab in 1936, and promoted Western dress. Under his rule, mosques and Islamic seminaries lost autonomy, with the state taking control of education and judicial systems. Mohammad Reza Shah, who ruled from 1941–1979, continued with these policies. The stress was on modernisation and Westernisation, with undercurrents of secularism. The Islamic clergy was marginalised, with new reforms like the 1963 White Revolution, which included land reforms and women’s suffrage. The state, not the clergy, was in charge of waqf, or Islamic religious endowments. Secular laws were introduced on many aspects of life, even as Shia Islam remained the official state religion as enshrined in the 1906 Constitution. Side note here: The secular policies were creating disenchantment in Islamic clerics and religious people. There was also criticism that the Shah dynasty was beholden to the Anglo-American powers and former colonialists. Another point to note is that Iran was not fully secular like Turkey at the time, as the Shahs had continued the state's links to Shia Islam. Much of the society was still very religious. The Islamic clergy continued to have influence in rural areas and among traditional people who opposed the Shahs. So at best, Iran under the Pahlavis can be described as a hybrid of monarchy with secular laws and reforms, with a society that was still largely followers of Shia Islam. Under the Shahs, the state looked back at Iran's pre-Islam past for inspiration and national identity, based on its Persian heritage, with events celebrating Cyrus the Great, even as it sidelined Islamic religious authorities. Such a secularism, brought by decree from the top, had its pitfalls. As mentioned earlier, the Islamists and conservative sections of the society were angry, and that resentment was a factor that led to the Islamic Revolution. What was Iran's religion before it became a nation? Remember that Iran, in its current form as a nation, is part of a vast Persian empire that once spanned almost half the globe. So one has to look at present-day Iran as an inheritor of millennia of evolution when it comes to religion. Pre-Islam Iran was the land where religions came and went From around 1000 BCE to 651 CE, Zoroastrianism was the predominant religion of empires centred around present-day Iran. The Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian empires had a religion that stressed on good versus evil. Ahura Mazda was their supreme deity. Fire temples and priestly classes known as the Magi were central to religion. Under these empires, new religions and cults emerged, and old ones are thought to have coexisted with them. During Achaemenid Empire, other communities that lived in the Persian region included Jews, Christians, and those following Mithraism and Manichaeism. The Muslim conquest of 651 CE started the change in Iran's religious landscape Islam was introduced to the Iranian region through the Arab Muslim conquests. Over the subsequent centuries, most Iranians converted, mainly to Shia Islam. By the 10th century AD, Shia Islam became deeply rooted in Iran, particularly with the Buyid dynasty and Safavids. At this time, Zoroastrians were persecuted. They and other minorities like Jews and Christians lived as protected, yet second-class citizens, generally known as ‘dhimmis’. Safavid Dynasty of 1501–1736 enforced the conversion of the Sunni population and established a strong Shia clergy. This was the era that brought in Iran's current Shia national identity. The Qajar Dynasty of 1789–1925 continued the Shia dominance, with the clerics given vast powers over key aspects of life like law and education. The stranglehold of religion was eased with the Constitutional Revolution In the late 19th century, during and under the influence of British colonialists, Western ideas like nationalism and constitutionalism were introduced to Iran. This led to the 1906 Constitutional Revolution, and Iranian nationhood. The constitution, while keeping Shia Islam as the state religion, still allowed limited religious freedoms for minorities like Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians. A parliament was introduced, and the powers of the monarchy, by this time under attack by the Western colonial powers, had been weakened. Iran's transition from semi-secular to Islamist Resentment towards the Pahlavi Dynasty of 1925–1979, particularly about its promotion of a pre-Islamic identity for Iran, was the seed for the Islamic Revolution of 1978--79. The clergy, whose powers were cut short by the Shahs, wanted to gain back control. Socially, Shia Islam was still the dominant force, which meant that at the ground level, religious minorities faced discrimination despite the legal protections ensured in the constitution. The Islamic Revolution was in fact, prompted and led by a disgruntled group of clerics, conservatives and traditionalists. They saw in the Shah’s dynasty the influence of Western cultural imperialism, which was aimed at preserving the Anglo-American interests, mainly in the then recently-emerged oil wealth of Iran. While the Western powers continued to plunder Iran's wealth, the country's economy suffered under the Shahs. It is from this disgruntlement that figures like the Ruhollah Ayatollah Khomeini emerged. Khomeini, who was living in exile at the time, advocated for a nation governed under Islamic principles. That was the beginning of the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Post Islamic Revolution: How Iran went back to Shia Islam The Islamic Revolution was a reaction to both the Shah regime, and the Anglo-American petrodollar interests that kept it in power. At the time, a return to Islamic principles was seen as the best way for Iran to come out of the Western influence, with the accusation that Iran's economy was suffering at the hands of the British-US duo, particularly the oil. After the Islamic Revolution, Khomeini established a nation under the so-called Velayat-e Faqih or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. Once again, Shia Islam, already the dominant religion, became the preeminent force of the state, with a cleric, the Supreme Leader in the form of Khomeini, becoming the ultimate authority. Sharia law changed the face of Iran's religious life A new constitution, established in 1979 enshrined Shia Islam as the state religion. Sharia, or Islamic law became the governing force for legal, social, and political aspects of Iran. Under Sharia, the state strictly enforced Islamic codes on dress and behaviour. Shia rituals like Ashura became central to national identity, and the clergy dominated politics and education. Technically, the non-Shia Muslims such as the Sunnis, as well as Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians are recognised as minorities, but in reality, their rights are limited, while unrecognised groups like Baha’is face persecution. Currently, Iran remains a theocracy, with Shia Islam as the ideological backbone. The government funds religious institutions, and the clergy controls key sectors. Will Iran go back to being hybrid -secular? Dissent is actively curtailed in Iran, which has witnessed several movements against the theocratic state, all of which were forcibly suppressed. Many of these movements are secular and reformist in nature, but are concentrated in urban youth and intellectuals, while the rural folk still remain highly religious. There is a segment of society yearning for reform and more liberal attitudes towards religion and life, yet the state retains tight control over these matters. Sometimes, these tensions come to the fore, as seen in the 2022 anti-veil protest in the wake of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody. For the time being, those wanting reforms and the Islamist state are in a tense coexistence.

Did you know that Iran, once part of the vast Persian empire, was a much more secular, hybrid and tolerant nation?&nbsp;

Muslim country Iran wasn't always ‘Islamic’: How it went from hybrid secular to theocratic state

Photos | Life & Fun: Know why Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who can afford it, while Umrah remains a highly esteemed but non-compulsory act of worship in Islam.

Hajj 2025: What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Merrachi, a Dutch modest clothing brand, has sparked controversy and anti-Muslim criticism in France after it featured the Eiffel Tower draped in an Islamic headscarf.
The animated video by the Merrachi was published on TikTok this week with the text: &ldquo;The French government hates to see Merrachi coming,&rdquo; hinting at a launch soon in the country.
The caption of the video said, &ldquo;Remember when they banned the hijab?&rdquo; referencing the restrictions on Islamic dress in France.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-germany-italy-back-arab-counterproposal-to-trumps-plan-to-take-over-gaza-8835213">Britain, France, Germany, Italy back Arab counterproposal to Trump's Gaza takeover plan</a>
The bio of the fashion brand, which primarily caters to Muslim consumers, says, &ldquo;We at MERRACHI shift the boundaries of fashion as we know them.&rdquo;
<h2>Clothing brand draws criticism</h2>
The video was criticised by far-right politicians, commentators and social media users for the deliberately &ldquo;provocative&rdquo; and &ldquo;intolerable&rdquo; advertisement that targeted a French symbol.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇫🇷 INACCEPTABLE ! La Tour Eiffel, symbole de la France, d&eacute;tourn&eacute;e par la marque Merrachi qui la couvre d&rsquo;un voile islamique dans une publicit&eacute; provocatrice. 👉 Une instrumentalisation id&eacute;ologique et commerciale qui heurte nos valeurs r&eacute;publicaines et notre patrimoine. <a href="https://t.co/A6GgVkWRPU">pic.twitter.com/A6GgVkWRPU</a>
&mdash; Lisette Pollet 🕊🎗️Ⓜ️ 🇫🇷 (@LisettePollet) <a href="https://twitter.com/LisettePollet/status/1899504665135403035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lisette Pollet, an MP with the far-right National Rally, took to X to slam the brand saying, &ldquo;Unacceptable! The Eiffel Tower, symbol of France, has been hijacked by the Merrachi brand, which covers it with an Islamic veil in a provocative advertisement.&rdquo; She added that the ad offends the French &ldquo;republican values ​​and heritage&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paedophile-ex-surgeon-confesses-to-raping-sons-friends-at-his-home-during-frances-largest-child-sexual-abuse-trial-8833938">&lsquo;Paedophile&rsquo; ex-surgeon confesses to preying on son&rsquo;s friends during France&rsquo;s largest child sexual abuse trial</a>
&ldquo;This is a terrifying political project, an unacceptable provocation!&rdquo; wrote Jerome Buisson, a National Rally representative.
French economist and co-founder of the Citizen Political Movement Philippe Murer called for a ban on the brand stores, urging Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau and the government to take action.
&ldquo;This is a deceptive and provocative message ("Paris is Muslim now, and we are proud"). But where you're wrong is that it's not the government that hates to see Merrachi arrive, but the French people,&rdquo; a user wrote on social media.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/wwii-bomb-discovered-near-paris-gare-du-nord-station-traffic-heavily-disrupted-at-frances-busiest-train-station-8830596">WWII bomb discovered near Paris Gare du Nord station; traffic 'heavily disrupted' at France's busiest train station</a>
&ldquo;For fear of appearing intolerant, we tolerate the intolerable... And meanwhile, little by little the bird builds its nest&hellip;,&rdquo; a user said.
Some users also saw the ad as a sign of the impending &ldquo;Islamist takeover&rdquo; of France, while some called for a ban on &ldquo;Muslim immigration.&rdquo;
On the other hand, some social media users praised the ad calling it &ldquo;creative&rdquo; and &ldquo;bold&rdquo; as its marketing approach challenges policies on Muslim women's religious practice in France.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharing-military-intelligence-with-ukraine-says-france-after-us-paused-intelligence-sharing-8828332">Sharing military intelligence with Ukraine, says France after US 'paused' intelligence sharing</a>
A user said, &ldquo;Bold move! Merrachi challenges fashion norms with creative marketing.&rdquo;
<h2>French restriction on Muslim clothing</h2>
The French government banned &ldquo;conspicuous&rdquo; religious symbols in state schools and hospitals in 2004. In 2010, a law was made prohibiting full-face veils (niqab) in public spaces. Recently in 2023, the government banned abayas, full-length dresses worn by some Muslim women, in schools. In the Summer Olympics in Paris, the athletes were barred from wearing the hijab.
(With inputs from agencies)

World |  Trending | The animated video by the Merrachi was published on TikTok this week with the text: “The French government hates to see Merrachi coming,” hinting at a launch soon in the country.

Merrachi, a Dutch modest clothing brand, has sparked controversy and anti-Muslim criticism in France after it featured the Eiffel Tower draped in an Islamic headscarf. The animated video by the Merrachi was published on TikTok this week with the text: “The French government hates to see Merrachi coming,” hinting at a launch soon in the country. The caption of the video said, “Remember when they banned the hijab?” referencing the restrictions on Islamic dress in France. Also read | Britain, France, Germany, Italy back Arab counterproposal to Trump's Gaza takeover plan The bio of the fashion brand, which primarily caters to Muslim consumers, says, “We at MERRACHI shift the boundaries of fashion as we know them.” Clothing brand draws criticism The video was criticised by far-right politicians, commentators and social media users for the deliberately “provocative” and “intolerable” advertisement that targeted a French symbol. 🇫🇷 INACCEPTABLE ! La Tour Eiffel, symbole de la France, détournée par la marque Merrachi qui la couvre d’un voile islamique dans une publicité provocatrice. 👉 Une instrumentalisation idéologique et commerciale qui heurte nos valeurs républicaines et notre patrimoine. pic.twitter.com/A6GgVkWRPU — Lisette Pollet 🕊🎗️Ⓜ️ 🇫🇷 (@LisettePollet) March 11, 2025 Lisette Pollet, an MP with the far-right National Rally, took to X to slam the brand saying, “Unacceptable! The Eiffel Tower, symbol of France, has been hijacked by the Merrachi brand, which covers it with an Islamic veil in a provocative advertisement.” She added that the ad offends the French “republican values and heritage”. Also read | ‘Paedophile’ ex-surgeon confesses to preying on son’s friends during France’s largest child sexual abuse trial “This is a terrifying political project, an unacceptable provocation!” wrote Jerome Buisson, a National Rally representative. French economist and co-founder of the Citizen Political Movement Philippe Murer called for a ban on the brand stores, urging Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau and the government to take action. “This is a deceptive and provocative message ("Paris is Muslim now, and we are proud"). But where you're wrong is that it's not the government that hates to see Merrachi arrive, but the French people,” a user wrote on social media. Also read | WWII bomb discovered near Paris Gare du Nord station; traffic 'heavily disrupted' at France's busiest train station “For fear of appearing intolerant, we tolerate the intolerable... And meanwhile, little by little the bird builds its nest…,” a user said. Some users also saw the ad as a sign of the impending “Islamist takeover” of France, while some called for a ban on “Muslim immigration.” On the other hand, some social media users praised the ad calling it “creative” and “bold” as its marketing approach challenges policies on Muslim women's religious practice in France. Also read | Sharing military intelligence with Ukraine, says France after US 'paused' intelligence sharing A user said, “Bold move! Merrachi challenges fashion norms with creative marketing.” French restriction on Muslim clothing The French government banned “conspicuous” religious symbols in state schools and hospitals in 2004. In 2010, a law was made prohibiting full-face veils (niqab) in public spaces. Recently in 2023, the government banned abayas, full-length dresses worn by some Muslim women, in schools. In the Summer Olympics in Paris, the athletes were barred from wearing the hijab. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Clothing brand’s ad featuring Eiffel Tower in hijab sparks debate in France

Islam is becoming the third-largest faith in U.S. prisons, with thousands of inmates embracing the religion each year. Reports suggest that the structure, discipline, and sense of brotherhood in Islam are key reasons behind this growing trend. What’s driving these conversions, and how does faith shape the lives of those behind bars?

Islam gains ground in US prisons as thousands convert

Tajikistan's Parliament has adopted a draft Amendment its traditions and celebrations law. It will formally prohibit wearing importing selling and advertising clothes alien to Tajik culture and this term is widely used by officials to describe Islamic clothing such as hijab. Watch in for more details!

Tajik Parliament approves bill banning Hijab, legal entities can be fined upto $5,400

In Syria, it's not the war that directly is impacting Ramadan celebration instead it's the pinching economic crisis that is keeping people from truly enjoying themselves on Islam's holiest month. Watch in for more details!

Syria: Many families forced to scale down Ramadan festivities, prices of essentials go up

Social media platforms have been flooded with claims suggesting that a former member of Iraqi militia Salwan Momika, who is known for publicly burning Quran, has been found dead in Norway. These claims have sparked widespread attention and various posts are now being circulated across different platforms that Momika is dead.&nbsp;

One of the accounts on X social media platform posted, "The lifeless body of Iraqi refugee and Islam critic Salwan Sabah Matti Momika has been found in Norway. Momika was known for organizing demonstrations in Sweden where he publicly burn Koran several times."

Yet another one claimed, "Salwan Momika, who burnt the Holy Quran several times in Sweden, was found dead in Norway. He was possibly a frustrated asylum seeker who pretended to be anti-Muslim to get shelter in Europe."

Similarly, many other accounts went on making similar posts and several attributed Momika's death to his controversial actions and his ani-Islam stance.

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However, upon closer examination, these claims which gained much attention are proving to be painting a completely different picture.&nbsp;The Digital Forensics, Research and Analytics Center (DFRAC), a fact-checking website, looked into the matter to ascertain the veracity of the information being propagated on social media platforms.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medellin-mayor-federico-gutierrez-imposes-6-month-prostitution-ban-after-incidents-in-tourist-hotspots-707260">Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez imposes 6-month prostitution ban after incidents in tourist hotspots</a>

Through their investigation, DFRAC found media reports that contradicted claims that are getting viral.

<h2>Claims v/s truth&nbsp;</h2>

While citing a report from the Norwegian newspaper website 'Document' which quoted the Police’s Immigration Unit, the fact checking website denied any knowledge of Salwan Momika's demise in Norway.

The said report said, “The Police’s Immigration Unit is not aware that Salwan Momika has been found dead in Norway. Thus, the rumours buzzing internationally have been denied. The police’s immigration unit (PU) is not aware that someone with the above name has died in Norway recently, we get a response from the communications department.”

Moreover, no official statement regarding Momika's alleged death was issued by the Norwegian government, as per other media outlets.

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Because of these findings, the fact-checking unit affirmed that the viral news surrounding Salwan Momika's death in Norway lacks substantiation. The claims made by social media users, as per DFRAC, were deemed false and misleading.

(With inputs from agencies)

Social media platforms have been flooded with claims suggesting that a former member of Iraqi militia Salwan Momika, who is known for publicly burning Quran, has been found dead in Norway.

Social media platforms have been flooded with claims suggesting that a former member of Iraqi militia Salwan Momika, who is known for publicly burning Quran, has been found dead in Norway. These claims have sparked widespread attention and various posts are now being circulated across different platforms that Momika is dead. One of the accounts on X social media platform posted, "The lifeless body of Iraqi refugee and Islam critic Salwan Sabah Matti Momika has been found in Norway. Momika was known for organizing demonstrations in Sweden where he publicly burn Koran several times." Yet another one claimed, "Salwan Momika, who burnt the Holy Quran several times in Sweden, was found dead in Norway. He was possibly a frustrated asylum seeker who pretended to be anti-Muslim to get shelter in Europe." Similarly, many other accounts went on making similar posts and several attributed Momika's death to his controversial actions and his ani-Islam stance. Also Read | Entire population of Japan to have same surname by 2531, study suggests However, upon closer examination, these claims which gained much attention are proving to be painting a completely different picture. The Digital Forensics, Research and Analytics Center (DFRAC), a fact-checking website, looked into the matter to ascertain the veracity of the information being propagated on social media platforms. Also Read | Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez imposes 6-month prostitution ban after incidents in tourist hotspots Through their investigation, DFRAC found media reports that contradicted claims that are getting viral. Claims v/s truth While citing a report from the Norwegian newspaper website 'Document' which quoted the Police’s Immigration Unit, the fact checking website denied any knowledge of Salwan Momika's demise in Norway. The said report said, “The Police’s Immigration Unit is not aware that Salwan Momika has been found dead in Norway. Thus, the rumours buzzing internationally have been denied. The police’s immigration unit (PU) is not aware that someone with the above name has died in Norway recently, we get a response from the communications department.” Moreover, no official statement regarding Momika's alleged death was issued by the Norwegian government, as per other media outlets. Watch | Can Rishi Sunak stage biggest electoral comeback in decades? × Because of these findings, the fact-checking unit affirmed that the viral news surrounding Salwan Momika's death in Norway lacks substantiation. The claims made by social media users, as per DFRAC, were deemed false and misleading. (With inputs from agencies)

Claim vs Truth? Is Iraqi refugee and Islam critic Salwan Momika really dead in Norway?

A Pakistani court sentenced a woman to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islamic holy book, a prosecutor said on Friday (March 22).

According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, individuals convicted of disrespecting religion or religious figures may face&nbsp;death penalty. Despite no executions being carried out for blasphemy so far, mere allegations can incite riots.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrtcDh4oeFAxVL2DgGHfCVA0gQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1k0qMzGRlCs3lvA_4bILMW&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835" target="_blank">India seizes dual-use items bound for&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;from China</a>

Government prosecutor Mohazib Awais stated that Aasiya Bibi, a woman arrested in 2021, faced blasphemy charges following accusations from residents that she had burned pages of the Quran, leading to her arrest. 
Awais said the judge announced the verdict Wednesday (March 20) in the eastern city of Lahore. He said Bibi, who has the right to appeal, had denied the charge during her trial.

It may be mentioned here, a Christian woman with the same name was acquitted of blasphemy in 2019 after she spent eight years on death row in Pakistan. Later, she moved to Canada to escape death threats from Islamic extremists upon her release.

Wednesday’s case involved a different woman.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/bangladesh/pakistans-new-government-with-old-problems-1708698686920" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/bangladesh/pakistans-new-government-with-old-problems-1708698686920&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrtcDh4oeFAxVL2DgGHfCVA0gQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZmcNwhLV6qZYnzM5gEOdp&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/bangladesh/pakistans-new-government-with-old-problems-1708698686920" target="_blank">Pakistan's&nbsp;New Government With Old Problems</a>

Human rights organisations both within the country and abroad claim that accusations of blasphemy are frequently used as a form of personal vendetta against religious minorities&nbsp;and intimidation.

A different court in Gujranwala, Punjab province, found two teenagers guilty of insulting Prophet Muhammad earlier in March. One of them was&nbsp;given death sentence wile the second was awarded&nbsp;life in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistani court sentenced a woman to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islamic holy book, a prosecutor said on Friday (March 22). According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, individuals convicted of disrespecting religion or religious figures may face death penalty.

A Pakistani court sentenced a woman to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islamic holy book, a prosecutor said on Friday (March 22). According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, individuals convicted of disrespecting religion or religious figures may face death penalty. Despite no executions being carried out for blasphemy so far, mere allegations can incite riots. Also read: India seizes dual-use items bound for Pakistan from China Government prosecutor Mohazib Awais stated that Aasiya Bibi, a woman arrested in 2021, faced blasphemy charges following accusations from residents that she had burned pages of the Quran, leading to her arrest. Awais said the judge announced the verdict Wednesday (March 20) in the eastern city of Lahore. He said Bibi, who has the right to appeal, had denied the charge during her trial. It may be mentioned here, a Christian woman with the same name was acquitted of blasphemy in 2019 after she spent eight years on death row in Pakistan. Later, she moved to Canada to escape death threats from Islamic extremists upon her release. Wednesday’s case involved a different woman. Also read: Pakistan's New Government With Old Problems Human rights organisations both within the country and abroad claim that accusations of blasphemy are frequently used as a form of personal vendetta against religious minorities and intimidation. A different court in Gujranwala, Punjab province, found two teenagers guilty of insulting Prophet Muhammad earlier in March. One of them was given death sentence wile the second was awarded life in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court sentences woman to life imprisonment for burning pages of Islam’s holy book

Emmanuel Macron's France has deported a 52-year-old Tunisian Imam for calling the French flag 'satanic' and for insulting the Jews. In the past, Macron has vehemently defended free speech and the Right to Blaspheme, but what happened in this Imam's case? Does Macron only champion free speech when it suits his agenda?

Exposed: Macron's free-speech hypocrisy | France deports Imam for calling the French flag 'satanic'

An interesting study is coming up from Iran, according to the study by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, there has been a significant decline in adherence to religious values.

Government study shows that Iranians now less religious

An interesting study is coming up from Iran, according to the study by Ministry of Culture and Islamic guidance, there has been a significant decline in adherance to religious values.

73% Iranians vote for secular government while 22.5% advocate for religious government, says study

An old video of Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni has gone viral. The video shows Meloni calling Islam 'incompatible' with Europe. What made her say this? Does the statement hold merit or does Europe have a mindset problem? Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Giorgia Meloni's old statement on Islam goes viral, sparks huge debate

In an old video, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the Islamic culture is not entirely "compatible" with European civilisation, and the controversial remarks are now going viral on social media forums.&nbsp;

"I believe that there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values ​​and rights of our civilisation," she said in the old video, whose exact date is not revealed.&nbsp;

The Brothers of Italy party leader further added in the video: "The Islamic cultural centres in Italy are financed by Saudi Arabia where Sharia is in force. In Europe, there is a very Islamisation process distant from the values ​​of our civilisation."&nbsp;

The video has re-surfaced after the Italian prime minister hosted a political festival organised by her Brothers of Italy party in Rome which had UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in attendance.&nbsp;

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🚨Watch: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiorgiaMeloni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GiorgiaMeloni</a>: "I believe... there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values ​​and rights of our civilization... Will not allow Sharia law to be implemented in italy.... values ​​of our civilization are different! <a href="https://t.co/VGWNix7936">pic.twitter.com/VGWNix7936</a>
— Geopolitical Kid (@Geopoliticalkid) <a href="https://twitter.com/Geopoliticalkid/status/1736587651606811000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/opinions-blogs/what-makes-italys-giorgia-meloni-a-woman-leader-with-difference-1699171804008">What Makes Italy’s Giorgia Meloni a Woman Leader With Difference</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Sunak&nbsp;on the refugee issue&nbsp;</h2>

Separately, Rishi Sunak said that he would push for global reforms to the asylum system and warned that the threat of a growing number of refugees could "overwhelm" parts of Europe.

He warned that some "enemies" were deliberately "driving people to our shores to try and destabilise our societies".

"If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most," Rishi Sunak said, adding, "If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that."

Among others, billionaire business magnate Elon Musk was also present at the annual gathering.

"Immigration isn’t enough to combat population shrinking," he said, explaining, "There is value in cultures, we don’t want Italy as a culture to disappear, we want to maintain a reasonable cultural identity of those countries or they won’t be those countries," Musk added.&nbsp;

<h2>Meloni's other controversial references to Islam</h2>

The video&nbsp;is not the first time Meloni made headlines for a controversial reference to Islam.&nbsp;

In September 2019, Meloni wrote a foreword to the 'First Report on Europe's Islamisation', which was presented by the Farefuturo Foundation think-tank, where she wrote: "Because we fear the 'prophecy' of [Michel] Houellebecq, if Europe, and Italy which concerns us closely, do not decide to have policies and tools to preserve itself, may inevitably turn into reality."

Also watch |&nbsp;Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island

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French novelist Michel Houellebecq, in a satirical novel,&nbsp;imagined a France of the near future in which the citizenry, starved of the meaning of Christianity, elects a Muslim leader into power who converts the country en masse to create&nbsp;a French Islamic theocracy. European leaders often refer to Houellebecq as 'Islamophobic'.&nbsp;

According to a report published in the Middle East Eye, Italy neither supports the construction of Muslim religious buildings nor does it recognise Islam legally.

Present-day Italy, however, recognises the Catholic Church as an independent and sovereign authority. It has signed contracts of recognition with a total of 13 religious communities, including Hindus and Jews. But Muslims lack similar legal recognition.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an old video, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the Islamic culture is not entirely "compatible" with European civilisation, and the controversial remarks are now going viral on social media forums.

In an old video, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the Islamic culture is not entirely "compatible" with European civilisation, and the controversial remarks are now going viral on social media forums. "I believe that there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values and rights of our civilisation," she said in the old video, whose exact date is not revealed. The Brothers of Italy party leader further added in the video: "The Islamic cultural centres in Italy are financed by Saudi Arabia where Sharia is in force. In Europe, there is a very Islamisation process distant from the values of our civilisation." The video has re-surfaced after the Italian prime minister hosted a political festival organised by her Brothers of Italy party in Rome which had UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in attendance. 🚨Watch: #GiorgiaMeloni: "I believe... there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values and rights of our civilization... Will not allow Sharia law to be implemented in italy.... values of our civilization are different! pic.twitter.com/VGWNix7936 — Geopolitical Kid (@Geopoliticalkid) December 18, 2023 × Also read | What Makes Italy’s Giorgia Meloni a Woman Leader With Difference Sunak on the refugee issue Separately, Rishi Sunak said that he would push for global reforms to the asylum system and warned that the threat of a growing number of refugees could "overwhelm" parts of Europe. He warned that some "enemies" were deliberately "driving people to our shores to try and destabilise our societies". "If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most," Rishi Sunak said, adding, "If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that." Among others, billionaire business magnate Elon Musk was also present at the annual gathering. "Immigration isn’t enough to combat population shrinking," he said, explaining, "There is value in cultures, we don’t want Italy as a culture to disappear, we want to maintain a reasonable cultural identity of those countries or they won’t be those countries," Musk added. Meloni's other controversial references to Islam The video is not the first time Meloni made headlines for a controversial reference to Islam. In September 2019, Meloni wrote a foreword to the 'First Report on Europe's Islamisation', which was presented by the Farefuturo Foundation think-tank, where she wrote: "Because we fear the 'prophecy' of [Michel] Houellebecq, if Europe, and Italy which concerns us closely, do not decide to have policies and tools to preserve itself, may inevitably turn into reality." Also watch | Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island × French novelist Michel Houellebecq, in a satirical novel, imagined a France of the near future in which the citizenry, starved of the meaning of Christianity, elects a Muslim leader into power who converts the country en masse to create a French Islamic theocracy. European leaders often refer to Houellebecq as 'Islamophobic'. According to a report published in the Middle East Eye, Italy neither supports the construction of Muslim religious buildings nor does it recognise Islam legally. Present-day Italy, however, recognises the Catholic Church as an independent and sovereign authority. It has signed contracts of recognition with a total of 13 religious communities, including Hindus and Jews. But Muslims lack similar legal recognition. (With inputs from agencies)

'No place for Islam in Europe, compatibility problem': Italy's Giorgia Meloni said in an old video

According to Human Rights Watch, the Chinese government is closing and destroying a vast number of mosques in Ningxia and Gansu provinces. It is part of its “mosque consolidation” policy. But the rights watchdog calls the crackdown a “systematic effort” to curb the practice of Islam in China. Molly Gambhir brings you the report.

Gravitas: China trying to erase Islam? Mosques demolished, destroyed in Ningxia, Gansu

A new Human Rights Watch report alleges that China is destroying or repurposing mosques - it is called Beijing's crackdown on mosques and is part of China's efforts to target the practice of Islam in the country.

China: Human Rights Watch says mosques have been altered or closed down

China trying to curb Islam: Report | HRW says mosques have been altered or closed down

Islamic holy book is in crisis. Quran is being burnt in Sweden and Denmark. This sparked outrage across the world. But who is burning the Quran and why?

Why are Sweden and Denmark having a crisis over the Quran?

Tortured and imprisoned by Islamist militants for nearly five years, Shahbaz Taseer says he forgot how it felt to smile. Now, he is determined to live without fear.

Tortured and imprisoned by Islamist militants for nearly five years, Shahbaz Taseer says he forgot how it felt to smile. Now, he is determined to live without fear. The scion of a prominent business and political family, his abduction from near Lahore in August 2011 was one of Pakistan's most high-profile ever. "I remember how alien that feeling was — of smiling," Taseer, 39, told AFP in an interview. "I didn't laugh for a very long time." The release of his book Lost to the World last November came as violence and extortion were rising along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, following the withdrawal of foreign troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul two years ago. Taseer was abducted near his Lahore home, months after his father Salmaan, then governor of Punjab province was shot dead by a bodyguard for supporting changes to the country's strict blasphemy laws. Salmaan had supported Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy whose case drew global coverage and put the governor and his family in the crosshairs of Islamist extremists. Drugged, disguised, smuggled Taseer was abducted by the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) — a group blamed for several high-profile attacks in Pakistan, including the 2014 storming of Karachi airport that left dozens killed. Drugged with ketamine, Taseer was disguised in a burqa and smuggled through roadside checkpoints between Lahore and Mir Ali — a town in North Waziristan district, a long-time haven for militants along the border with Afghanistan. Believed by Pakistan's military intelligence to be among the area's most brutally violent groups, the IMU sought a huge ransom and the release of nearly 30 detainees — demands Taseer says could not be met. Taseer's book depicts his primary captor – Muhammad Ali – as a sadistic megalomaniac. On his orders, Taseer had his nails pulled out and his mouth sewn shut. "They started torturing me in the most horrific manner while recording and making videos," Taseer said. The videos were sent to his family, an act Taseer described as "very dehumanising and very humiliating". "You're not torturing one person, you're touching so many people." WATCH | Islamist leader tells Pak: Demand money from nations with ‘atom bomb’ in hand The once-privileged Taseer was chained to the floor and fed only goat fat and bread for more than six months. "I didn't even feel human anymore, and human emotions, I couldn't even relate to them," he said. "I felt like an animal." In 2015, the Uzbek group clashed with the Afghan Taliban, who took custody of Taseer after defeating his abductors. Months later, in February 2016, he was set free after his Taliban captors learned that one of their senior leaders had previously helped the Pakistani government attempt to negotiate his release from the Uzbek militants. For a week, he journeyed from the Afghan province of Uruzgan to a town in southwestern Pakistan, where he was able to phone his mother from a roadside restaurant. "The first thing I asked for was a pay phone, and (the owner) said, 'Pay phones have been obsolete for two, three years'." 'Long way to go' By chance, Taseer's release came the same day his father's murderer was executed: February 29, 2016. The attacks on Taseer's family exposed divisions in Pakistani society related to the blasphemy laws that he says have only broadened. "I see some of these (anti-blasphemy) extremist groups... have evolved into now political parties," he said. "And that worries me." "I don't want (my children) to grow up in an intolerant society. I want them to be able to ask questions... without being killed." Taseer says Pakistan "still has a long way to go" to become a society tolerant of diversity of thought and religion. He maintains, however, that the sources of some of the country's biggest problems -- "militancy, extremism and religious extremist groups" -- hold little legitimate power and are a minority. "Maybe (Pakistanis are) a conservative people because of our religion. But that doesn't mean that we're extremists," he says. Watch | Gravitas: Pakistan Bomb Blast: Islamic state group claims responsibility × "We have suffered because of militancy, and extremist militancy, like very few countries in the world." Despite cementing his faith while in captivity, Taseer has not set foot in a mosque in Pakistan since his release, based on security recommendations. Still, he says he does not want to leave the country and is determined not to live in fear. "You only live once, and you should live on your own terms," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tortured by Islamic militants for years, gritty Pakistani survivor determined to be fearless

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