At least 20 people, including a prominent cleric, were killed in a bomb blast at a mosque during evening prayers in the Afghanistan capital Kabul on Wednesday.

WION Dispatch: At least 20 killed as explosion hits Kabul mosque

A blast at a mosque in Kabul's north west district killed at least 21 people leaving 33 others injured. The explosion is said to have occurred when people were offering evening prayers at the mosque.

At least 21 killed, 33 injured as massive explosion hits Kabul mosque: Reports

A German mosque displayed the pride flag ahead of 3 major LGBTQ events in Berlin. What does this gesture mean for the Muslim LGBTQ community? Why is this German mosque embracing gay rights? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Berlin mosque displays pride flag

Four bombs ripped through vans and a mosque in Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people. Hours after the explosions, the Islamic State group (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the three attacks.

12 killed as four blasts rip through Afghanistan

This is the first time in over 20 years that Afghans will celebrate their holy festival under the Taliban rule. Despite fears of possible explosions, hundreds of residents gathered in mosques in and around Kabul to celebrate and participate in Eid prayers.

Kabul: Hundreds of residents participate in Eid prayers to mark end of Ramazan

In Afghanistan, twin explosions have killed at least nine people and wounded 13 others in Mazar-i-Sharif the capital of Balkh province. To get more perspective, we're joined by Torek Farhadi, a former Afghan government advisor.

Blasts rock Afghanistan: Taliban faces security challenge from 'Islamic state'

During last Friday prayers of Ramzan, a deadly explosion ripped through Kabul mosque in Afghanistan. At least 10 dead, several injured in the blast.

At least 10 dead, several injured as explosion rips through Kabul mosque in Afghanistan

Following weeks of violence at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, fresh clashes broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police today. The clashes injured 42 people however none of the injuries were very serious the unrest came on the final Friday in the Muslim holy month of Ramzan.

Fresh clashes erupt at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, 42 injured

Afghanistan has been rocked by twin explosions; one explosion tore through a mosque in Kunduz while another one hit the capital city Kabul and as of now at least 33 have been killed in these blasts.

Explosion hits capital city of Kabul, UN condemns the string of terror attacks in Afghanistan

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of&nbsp;Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid. &nbsp;

At around 2:30 pm, the explosion occurred in Mullah Sikandar mosque in Imam Sahib, a witness told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. &nbsp;

After Friday prayers, when some worshippers were ritualising Zikr, which is a special religious practice&nbsp;during the holy month of Ramzan, the explosion happened. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-mosque-attack-mastermind-arrested-by-taliban-says-police-472993" hreflang="en">Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police</a>

On social media, the spokesman wrote, "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province this afternoon. As a result, 33 villagers, including several children, were killed and 43 were wounded." &nbsp;&nbsp;

While criticising the blast, Mujahid said the culprits will be brought to justice, Xinhua news agency reported. &nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Taliban is allowing foreign terrorists to thrive in Afghanistan

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In the incident, the building was severely damaged but the type of the blast was not clear immediately. &nbsp;

Another explosion happened in Police District 7 of the national capital, Kabul. In the roadside blast, one person was wounded, an IANS report said citing security source. &nbsp;

For the attacks, no group has claimed responsibility till now. &nbsp;

"This week's tragic events are a painful reminder of the insecurity and dangers facing the Afghan people daily. The indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices, which has already caused more than a hundred civilian casualties this week, is unacceptable and must cease immediately," UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan Ramiz Alakbarov told ANI. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid. At around 2:30 pm, the explosion occurred in Mullah Sikandar mosque in Imam Sahib, a witness told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. After Friday prayers, when some worshippers were ritualising Zikr, which is a special religious practice during the holy month of Ramzan, the explosion happened. Also Read: Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police On social media, the spokesman wrote, "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province this afternoon. As a result, 33 villagers, including several children, were killed and 43 were wounded." While criticising the blast, Mujahid said the culprits will be brought to justice, Xinhua news agency reported. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban is allowing foreign terrorists to thrive in Afghanistan × In the incident, the building was severely damaged but the type of the blast was not clear immediately. Another explosion happened in Police District 7 of the national capital, Kabul. In the roadside blast, one person was wounded, an IANS report said citing security source. For the attacks, no group has claimed responsibility till now. "This week's tragic events are a painful reminder of the insecurity and dangers facing the Afghan people daily. The indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices, which has already caused more than a hundred civilian casualties this week, is unacceptable and must cease immediately," UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan Ramiz Alakbarov told ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

In another blast, 33 killed, 43 injured at mosque in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, says Taliban official

Famous Indian archaeologist KK Muhammed revealed that 27 temples were demolished to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi, during a debate at a World Heritage Day event in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday (April 18).&nbsp;

"Remnants of temples, including Lord Ganesha's temple, were discovered near Qutub Minar. It establishes the existence of a temple," said the 69-year-old, who has been honoured with India's fourth highest civilian honor, Padma Shri.

Muhammed, however, said that the Qutub Minar was a different structure with its own minarets, adding that relevant evidence must be thoroughly examined before a conclusion can be reached.

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The Delhi Tourism website says, "An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs us that it was built with material obtained from demolishing ’27 Hindu temples."

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<h5>Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed is an Indian archaeologist. He was the Archaeological Survey of India's Regional Director (North). In 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded him the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour.</h5>
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At the Mangaluru Lit Fest in 2019, KK Muhammed, one of the archaeologists involved in the excavation of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site, had said it was advisable for Muslims to voluntarily hand over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Idgah in Mathura, Lord Krishna's birthplace, to the Hindus. In Ayodhya, he added, they squandered a golden opportunity.

While these constructions were merely mosques for Muslims, they were locations of high devotion for Hindus, just as Mecca-Madina was for Muslims, according to Muhammad.

(With inputs from agencies)

Famous Indian archaeologist KK Muhammed revealed that 27 temples were demolished to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi, during a debate at a World Heritage Day event in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday (April 18).

Famous Indian archaeologist KK Muhammed revealed that 27 temples were demolished to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi, during a debate at a World Heritage Day event in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday (April 18). "Remnants of temples, including Lord Ganesha's temple, were discovered near Qutub Minar. It establishes the existence of a temple," said the 69-year-old, who has been honoured with India's fourth highest civilian honor, Padma Shri. Muhammed, however, said that the Qutub Minar was a different structure with its own minarets, adding that relevant evidence must be thoroughly examined before a conclusion can be reached. × The Delhi Tourism website says, "An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs us that it was built with material obtained from demolishing ’27 Hindu temples." Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed is an Indian archaeologist. He was the Archaeological Survey of India's Regional Director (North). In 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded him the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour. × At the Mangaluru Lit Fest in 2019, KK Muhammed, one of the archaeologists involved in the excavation of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site, had said it was advisable for Muslims to voluntarily hand over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Idgah in Mathura, Lord Krishna's birthplace, to the Hindus. In Ayodhya, he added, they squandered a golden opportunity. While these constructions were merely mosques for Muslims, they were locations of high devotion for Hindus, just as Mecca-Madina was for Muslims, according to Muhammad. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar was built after demolishing 27 temples: Archaeologist KK Muhammed

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blast in a mosque in Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif city located in Balkh province. The group has released a statement on its Telegram channel. As per an Afghan health official quoted by Reuters, the blast caused at least 11 deaths.&nbsp;

A Shi'ite mosque was targetted in the blast.

"The soldiers of the caliphate managed to get a booby-trapped bag" inside the mosque, detonating it from afar after it was packed with worshippers, the group said in a statement.

"Blood and fear are everywhere," Ahmad Zia Zindani, spokesman for the Balkh provincial public health department, told AFP, adding "people were screaming" while seeking news of their relatives at the hospital.

"Relatives of victims were arriving at city hospitals looking for their near and dear ones. Many residents were also coming to donate blood," Zindani said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-over-30-killed-as-multiple-blasts-hit-kabul-balkh-and-kunduz-472672">Afghanistan: Over 30 killed as multiple blasts hit Kabul, Balkh and Kunduz</a>

Afghanistan was rocked by three&nbsp;blasts on Thursday including the one in Mazar-e-Sharif.

In Kunduz, at least four people were killed and 18 wounded by a blast police spokesman Obaidullah Abedi told AFP was caused by a bicycle bomb targeting a vehicle carrying mechanics working for the Taliban.

Shiite Hazara community, which makes up between 10 to 20 per cent of the Afghan population, has often been targetted by the Islamic State group which considers them to be heretics.

Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group is a key security challenge.&nbsp;

Since seizing power, the Taliban have regularly raided suspected IS hideouts in the eastern Nangarhar province.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blast in a mosque in Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif city located in Balkh province. The group has released a statement on its Telegram channel.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blast in a mosque in Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif city located in Balkh province. The group has released a statement on its Telegram channel. As per an Afghan health official quoted by Reuters, the blast caused at least 11 deaths. A Shi'ite mosque was targetted in the blast. "The soldiers of the caliphate managed to get a booby-trapped bag" inside the mosque, detonating it from afar after it was packed with worshippers, the group said in a statement. "Blood and fear are everywhere," Ahmad Zia Zindani, spokesman for the Balkh provincial public health department, told AFP, adding "people were screaming" while seeking news of their relatives at the hospital. "Relatives of victims were arriving at city hospitals looking for their near and dear ones. Many residents were also coming to donate blood," Zindani said. Also Read | Afghanistan: Over 30 killed as multiple blasts hit Kabul, Balkh and Kunduz Afghanistan was rocked by three blasts on Thursday including the one in Mazar-e-Sharif. In Kunduz, at least four people were killed and 18 wounded by a blast police spokesman Obaidullah Abedi told AFP was caused by a bicycle bomb targeting a vehicle carrying mechanics working for the Taliban. Shiite Hazara community, which makes up between 10 to 20 per cent of the Afghan population, has often been targetted by the Islamic State group which considers them to be heretics. Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group is a key security challenge. Since seizing power, the Taliban have regularly raided suspected IS hideouts in the eastern Nangarhar province. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Islamic State claims responsibility for Mazar-e-Sharif mosque blast

At least 5 people were killed and 60 injured in a powerful explosion in a mosque in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif on Thursday.

Explosion inside mosque in northern Afghanistan city

The soaring minarets of the 16th-century Suleymaniye mosque paint the postcard image of Istanbul, but that is now blighted by rickety wooden scaffolding at a nearby construction site, sparking fury on social media.

The latest row over Istanbul's skyline has seen opponents of the new building attack botched restoration work and calls for historical edifices to be protected.

"The disrespect, there is no recognition of any proportion or any limit," Esin Koymen, head of the Istanbul Chamber of Architects, told AFP.

"There's this talk that the new buildings betray Istanbul's silhouette but it's quite upsetting to see the continuing recklessness on a landmark historical compound," she said.

"This needs to stop."

The mosque was built from 1550-57 by the celebrated Ottoman architect Sinan and dominates the peninsula that also houses the Grand Bazaar.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the mosque which has survived fires and an earthquake, represents the golden age of the Ottoman Empire under Suleyman the Magnificent.

With its minarets and giant dome, the complex offers an unparallelled view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.&nbsp;

It is not the first time Istanbul's skyline has been threatened by concrete and high-rise towers.&nbsp;

Three huge skyscrapers in the Zeytinburnu neighbourhood triggered public uproar but they remain standing despite a court verdict and the urging in 2013 of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then prime minister, for the owners to reduce their height.

'We will protect it'

The latest controversy turned political after the Istanbul municipality, run by the opposition CHP, sealed the under-construction multi-storey building last week, citing the city's zoning plan.

"We will make no concessions on preserving Istanbul's historical and spiritual values," Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu tweeted.&nbsp;

The Foundation for the Expansion of Knowledge, owner of the building and whose board of trustees' chairman is Erdogan's son Bilal, insisted the construction of a student dormitory was "not illegal".

However the foundation was forced to take a step back after the rising block drew rebuke even from conservative quarters.

"We will not be involved in any action that goes against Suleymaniye's soul," the foundation's acting chairman Nurettin Alan told journalists in the mosque's courtyard last week.&nbsp;

"Suleymaniye is our soul, we'll protect it."

Moreover, Alan accused the Istanbul municipality of "politicising" the issue by locking up the building despite their decision to stop construction, which had reached nearly 16 metres.

"What a pity. Our sacred values are being exploited for profit," Twitter handle @1974asude commented.&nbsp;

Yusuf Kaplan, a columnist for pro-government Yeni Safak daily, took up the call for Suleymaniye's "soul" to be protected.&nbsp;

"We are the only nation in the world which destroys its cities," he said, adding the mosque's surroundings should be "cleaned up".

Culture above politics

Mahir Polat, cultural heritage director for Istanbul's municipality, said the building was six metres higher than the approved project.

"Compare the pictures from 2016 and 2022. Anyone who looks to the Bosphorus through the poetic domes of Suleymaniye knows (that building) was not there," Polat told AFP.

Polat, who raised the alarm in 2020 over worrying restoration work at the Galata Tower, built in 500 AD as a watchtower and now a museum, defended locking up the new building.

It had "nothing" to do with politics or ideology, he said.

"Read whoever wrote about Istanbul, be it travellers in the past or modern authors, they describe it as the city of domes. This silhouette is exactly the area whose frontage is closed off now," by recent construction.

But Polat said the foundation's building was not the only risk to the historical site, referring to many others in the surrounding area, most of which were constructed in the 1970s and the 80s.&nbsp;

He said only 50 out of 525 historical mansions are left at the Suleymaniye compound, according to the municipality, and assured them they would work to restore the vanishing historical fabric.&nbsp;

"We will save Suleymaniye. Excuse us, but it is not as easy as knocking it down. "

Polat said his office wants to solve the issue through dialogue with the parties concerned, including the local Fatih municipality, run by Erdogan's ruling AKP.&nbsp;

Esin Koymen, at the Chamber of Architects, lamented that cultural affairs had become a tool of politics.&nbsp;

"If you preserve the historical fabric, and if it's a mosque, you're labelled pro-government," she said.

"If you preserve Byzantine (heritage) you're labelled the opposition... this polarisation does not recognise universal preservation principles."&nbsp;

Polat suggested culture and politics should be kept separate "because political actors have a time-span of 10-20 years but Suleymaniye has been there for 500 years".

The soaring minarets of the 16th-century Suleymaniye mosque paint the postcard image of Istanbul, but that is now blighted by rickety wooden scaffolding at a nearby construction site, sparking fury on social media.

The soaring minarets of the 16th-century Suleymaniye mosque paint the postcard image of Istanbul, but that is now blighted by rickety wooden scaffolding at a nearby construction site, sparking fury on social media. The latest row over Istanbul's skyline has seen opponents of the new building attack botched restoration work and calls for historical edifices to be protected. "The disrespect, there is no recognition of any proportion or any limit," Esin Koymen, head of the Istanbul Chamber of Architects, told AFP. "There's this talk that the new buildings betray Istanbul's silhouette but it's quite upsetting to see the continuing recklessness on a landmark historical compound," she said. "This needs to stop." The mosque was built from 1550-57 by the celebrated Ottoman architect Sinan and dominates the peninsula that also houses the Grand Bazaar. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the mosque which has survived fires and an earthquake, represents the golden age of the Ottoman Empire under Suleyman the Magnificent. With its minarets and giant dome, the complex offers an unparallelled view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. It is not the first time Istanbul's skyline has been threatened by concrete and high-rise towers. Three huge skyscrapers in the Zeytinburnu neighbourhood triggered public uproar but they remain standing despite a court verdict and the urging in 2013 of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then prime minister, for the owners to reduce their height. 'We will protect it' The latest controversy turned political after the Istanbul municipality, run by the opposition CHP, sealed the under-construction multi-storey building last week, citing the city's zoning plan. "We will make no concessions on preserving Istanbul's historical and spiritual values," Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu tweeted. The Foundation for the Expansion of Knowledge, owner of the building and whose board of trustees' chairman is Erdogan's son Bilal, insisted the construction of a student dormitory was "not illegal". However the foundation was forced to take a step back after the rising block drew rebuke even from conservative quarters. "We will not be involved in any action that goes against Suleymaniye's soul," the foundation's acting chairman Nurettin Alan told journalists in the mosque's courtyard last week. "Suleymaniye is our soul, we'll protect it." Moreover, Alan accused the Istanbul municipality of "politicising" the issue by locking up the building despite their decision to stop construction, which had reached nearly 16 metres. "What a pity. Our sacred values are being exploited for profit," Twitter handle @1974asude commented. Yusuf Kaplan, a columnist for pro-government Yeni Safak daily, took up the call for Suleymaniye's "soul" to be protected. "We are the only nation in the world which destroys its cities," he said, adding the mosque's surroundings should be "cleaned up". Culture above politics Mahir Polat, cultural heritage director for Istanbul's municipality, said the building was six metres higher than the approved project. "Compare the pictures from 2016 and 2022. Anyone who looks to the Bosphorus through the poetic domes of Suleymaniye knows (that building) was not there," Polat told AFP. Polat, who raised the alarm in 2020 over worrying restoration work at the Galata Tower, built in 500 AD as a watchtower and now a museum, defended locking up the new building. It had "nothing" to do with politics or ideology, he said. "Read whoever wrote about Istanbul, be it travellers in the past or modern authors, they describe it as the city of domes. This silhouette is exactly the area whose frontage is closed off now," by recent construction. But Polat said the foundation's building was not the only risk to the historical site, referring to many others in the surrounding area, most of which were constructed in the 1970s and the 80s. He said only 50 out of 525 historical mansions are left at the Suleymaniye compound, according to the municipality, and assured them they would work to restore the vanishing historical fabric. "We will save Suleymaniye. Excuse us, but it is not as easy as knocking it down. " Polat said his office wants to solve the issue through dialogue with the parties concerned, including the local Fatih municipality, run by Erdogan's ruling AKP. Esin Koymen, at the Chamber of Architects, lamented that cultural affairs had become a tool of politics. "If you preserve the historical fabric, and if it's a mosque, you're labelled pro-government," she said. "If you preserve Byzantine (heritage) you're labelled the opposition... this polarisation does not recognise universal preservation principles." Polat suggested culture and politics should be kept separate "because political actors have a time-span of 10-20 years but Suleymaniye has been there for 500 years".

Istanbul skyline row erupts over new build near iconic mosque

French interior minister said on Wednesday that closure of a mosque in Cannes had been ordered because of 'anti-Semitic'&nbsp;remarks made there. Gerald Darmanin, the minister said that the mosque was also guilty of supporting BarakaCity and&nbsp;CCIF, two organisations dissolved by the government for spreading 'Islamist' propaganda.

Darmanin said that he had consulted with David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, before ordering closure of the mosque.

The move comes two weeks after authorities closed a mosque in the north of the country because of what they said was the radical nature of its imam's preaching.

The mosque in Beauvais, a town of 50,000 people some 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Paris, was shut for six months because the sermons there incited hatred and violence and "defend jihad", authorities said.

Last October, a mosque in Allonnes, 200 kilometres west of Paris, was closed also for six months for sermons defending armed jihad and "terrorism", according to regional authorities.

The French government announced last year that it would step up checks of places of worship and associations suspected of spreading radical Islamic propaganda.

The crackdown came after the October 2020 murder of teacher Samuel Paty, who was targeted following an online campaign against him for having shown controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed published by the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo during a civics class.

In the interview on Wednesday, the interior minister said that 70 mosques in France were considered to be "radicalised".

According to the ministry, there are a total of 2,623 mosques and Muslim prayer halls in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

French interior minister said on Wednesday that closure of a mosque in Cannes had been ordered because of 'anti-Semitic' remarks made there. Gerald Darmanin, the minister said that the mosque was also guilty of supporting BarakaCity and CCIF, two organisations dissolved by the government for spreading 'Islamist' propaganda.

French interior minister said on Wednesday that closure of a mosque in Cannes had been ordered because of 'anti-Semitic' remarks made there. Gerald Darmanin, the minister said that the mosque was also guilty of supporting BarakaCity and CCIF, two organisations dissolved by the government for spreading 'Islamist' propaganda. Darmanin said that he had consulted with David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, before ordering closure of the mosque. The move comes two weeks after authorities closed a mosque in the north of the country because of what they said was the radical nature of its imam's preaching. The mosque in Beauvais, a town of 50,000 people some 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Paris, was shut for six months because the sermons there incited hatred and violence and "defend jihad", authorities said. Last October, a mosque in Allonnes, 200 kilometres west of Paris, was closed also for six months for sermons defending armed jihad and "terrorism", according to regional authorities. The French government announced last year that it would step up checks of places of worship and associations suspected of spreading radical Islamic propaganda. The crackdown came after the October 2020 murder of teacher Samuel Paty, who was targeted following an online campaign against him for having shown controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed published by the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo during a civics class. In the interview on Wednesday, the interior minister said that 70 mosques in France were considered to be "radicalised". According to the ministry, there are a total of 2,623 mosques and Muslim prayer halls in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Mosque in Cannes shut because of 'anti-Semitic' remarks

Riots broke out in Pakistan's Charsadda district after the alleged burning of the Holy Quran at a mosque. The ob further set the police station on fire after the officials refused to hand over the suspect.

Pakistan: Mob sets police station on fire over alleged Quran desecration

Another blast has been reported in a mosque in Afghanistan. A bomb went off in Nangarhar province during Friday prayers, three dead and 20 people have been reported as injured, the priest of the mosque has also been injured. WION's Anas Mallick brings in all the latest developments.

Another Friday blast at Afghanistan's Nangarhar province; 3 killed, priest injured

Afghanistan has witnessed another attack on a Friday. Terrorists in Afghanistan struck a mosque in Nangarhar. What were the Taliban doing? They are busy with target practice at the Bamiyan Buddhas. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: As Afghans face terror attacks, Taliban is busy in target practice

Another blast has been reported in a mosque in Afghanistan. A bomb went off in Nangarhar province during Friday prayers, three dead and 20 people have been reported as injured. WION's Anas Mallick brings in all the latest developments.

Explosion during Friday prayers at Nangarhar mosque, 3 dead and 20 injured

Another blast has been reported in a mosque in Afghanistan. A bomb went off in Nangarhar province during Friday prayers, three dead and 35 people have been reported as injured. WION's Anas Malick brings in all the latest developments.

Three killed, 35 injured during blast at a mosque in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province

Another blast has been reported in a mosque in Afghanistan. A bomb went off in Nangarhar province during Friday prayers, 35 people have been reported as injured. WION's Anas Malick brings in all the latest developments.

Afghanistan: Blast hits mosque in Nangarhar province, 35 people reported injured

In pics | Social distancing goes for a toss at Grand Mosque in Mecca

The Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia operated at full capacity Sunday, with worshippers praying shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Workers removed floor markings that guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque, which is built around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-allow-fully-vaccinated-travellers-from-november-8-white-house-421033">US to allow fully vaccinated travellers from November 8: White House</a>

"This is in line with the decision to ease precautionary measures and to allow pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque at full capacity," reported the official Saudi Press Agency.

Pictures and footage on Sunday morning showed people praying side by side, making straight rows of worshippers that are formations revered in performing Muslim prayers, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold last year.&nbsp;

While social distancing measures were lifted, the authorities said visitors must be fully vaccinated against coronavirus and must continue to wear masks on mosque grounds.&nbsp;

Also, the Kaaba remained cordoned off and out of reach.

Saudi Arabia announced in August it will begin accepting vaccinated foreigners wanting to make the umrah pilgrimage.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-racing-for-profits-keeps-covid-vaccine-out-of-reach-of-poor-419518">Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor</a>

The umrah can be undertaken at any time and usually draws millions from around the globe, as does the annual hajj, which abled-bodied Muslims who have the means must perform at least once in their lifetime.

In July, only around 60,000 inoculated residents were allowed to take part in a vastly scaled down form of the annual hajj.

The COVID-19 pandemic hugely disrupted both Muslim pilgrimages, which are usually key revenue earners for the kingdom that rake in a combined $12 billion annually.

Hosting the pilgrimages is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers, for whom the custodianship of Islam's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy.

The once-reclusive kingdom began issuing tourist visas permitting foreign visitors to undertake more than just the pilgrimages for the first time in 2019 as part of an ambitious push to revamp its global image and diversify income.&nbsp;

Between September 2019 and March 2020, it issued 400,000 of them -- only for the pandemic to crush that momentum as borders were closed.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-global-tuberculosis-deaths-rise-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-420891">WHO says global tuberculosis deaths rise due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

But the kingdom is slowly opening up, and has started welcoming vaccinated foreign tourists since August 1.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia also announced that fully-inoculated sports fans will from Sunday be allowed to attend events at all stadiums and other sports facilities, reported SPA.

It has also said that masks in most open spaces are no longer mandatory.

Saudi Arabia has registered over 547,000 coronavirus cases and 8,760 deaths.

The Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia operated at full capacity Sunday, with worshippers praying shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia operated at full capacity Sunday, with worshippers praying shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Workers removed floor markings that guide people to social distance in and around the Grand Mosque, which is built around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure towards which Muslims around the world pray. Also Read | US to allow fully vaccinated travellers from November 8: White House "This is in line with the decision to ease precautionary measures and to allow pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque at full capacity," reported the official Saudi Press Agency. Pictures and footage on Sunday morning showed people praying side by side, making straight rows of worshippers that are formations revered in performing Muslim prayers, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold last year. While social distancing measures were lifted, the authorities said visitors must be fully vaccinated against coronavirus and must continue to wear masks on mosque grounds. Also, the Kaaba remained cordoned off and out of reach. Saudi Arabia announced in August it will begin accepting vaccinated foreigners wanting to make the umrah pilgrimage. Also Read | Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor The umrah can be undertaken at any time and usually draws millions from around the globe, as does the annual hajj, which abled-bodied Muslims who have the means must perform at least once in their lifetime. In July, only around 60,000 inoculated residents were allowed to take part in a vastly scaled down form of the annual hajj. The COVID-19 pandemic hugely disrupted both Muslim pilgrimages, which are usually key revenue earners for the kingdom that rake in a combined $12 billion annually. Hosting the pilgrimages is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers, for whom the custodianship of Islam's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy. The once-reclusive kingdom began issuing tourist visas permitting foreign visitors to undertake more than just the pilgrimages for the first time in 2019 as part of an ambitious push to revamp its global image and diversify income. Between September 2019 and March 2020, it issued 400,000 of them -- only for the pandemic to crush that momentum as borders were closed. Also Read | WHO says global tuberculosis deaths rise due to coronavirus pandemic But the kingdom is slowly opening up, and has started welcoming vaccinated foreign tourists since August 1. Saudi Arabia also announced that fully-inoculated sports fans will from Sunday be allowed to attend events at all stadiums and other sports facilities, reported SPA. It has also said that masks in most open spaces are no longer mandatory. Saudi Arabia has registered over 547,000 coronavirus cases and 8,760 deaths.

Grand Mosque in Mecca drops social distancing

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