Taliban authorities pledged to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after the second Islamic State attack in a week on worshippers killed more than 40 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday.

The hardline Sunni group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the Fatima mosque in Kandahar which saw a group of suicide bombers shoot their way into the mosque before blowing themselves up among the worshippers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-market-named-after-george-w-bush-is-now-mujahideen-bazar-taliban-on-name-change-spree-420874">Kabul market named after George W Bush is now Mujahideen bazar: Taliban on name change spree</a>

A health official said the casualty toll from the attack stood at 41 dead and 70 wounded but the toll could still rise further. "Some of the wounded are in a critical condition and we are trying to transfer them to Kabul," he said.

The head of Kandahar police said units would be assigned to protect the Shi'ite mosques which have so far been guarded by local volunteer forces with special permission to carry weapons.

"Unfortunately they could not protect this area and in future we will assign special security guards for the protection of mosques and Madrasas," he said in a statement posted on Twitter by a Taliban spokesman.

The attack on the Fatima mosque, the largest Shi'ite mosque in Kandahar, also known as the Imam Bargah mosque, came a week after a similar attack on a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz, which killed as many as 80 people.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-55-killed-in-afghanistans-kunduz-mosque-blast-taliban-official-419134">At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official</a>

Attacks on Shi'ite mosques and targets associated with the Hazara ethnic minority, who make up the biggest Shi'ite group in Afghanistan, were regular occurrences under the former Western-backed government.

There has been deep shock as the attacks have continued since the Taliban seized power in August, tarnishing the movement's claim to have brought peace to Afghanistan after decades of war.

Since the takeover, Islamic State has conducted dozens of operations, from small scale attacks on Taliban targets to large-scale operations such as Friday's suicide bombing, killing scores of civilians.

Taliban authorities pledged to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after the second Islamic State attack in a week on worshippers killed more than 40 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday.

Taliban authorities pledged to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after the second Islamic State attack in a week on worshippers killed more than 40 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday. The hardline Sunni group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the Fatima mosque in Kandahar which saw a group of suicide bombers shoot their way into the mosque before blowing themselves up among the worshippers. Also Read | Kabul market named after George W Bush is now Mujahideen bazar: Taliban on name change spree A health official said the casualty toll from the attack stood at 41 dead and 70 wounded but the toll could still rise further. "Some of the wounded are in a critical condition and we are trying to transfer them to Kabul," he said. The head of Kandahar police said units would be assigned to protect the Shi'ite mosques which have so far been guarded by local volunteer forces with special permission to carry weapons. "Unfortunately they could not protect this area and in future we will assign special security guards for the protection of mosques and Madrasas," he said in a statement posted on Twitter by a Taliban spokesman. The attack on the Fatima mosque, the largest Shi'ite mosque in Kandahar, also known as the Imam Bargah mosque, came a week after a similar attack on a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz, which killed as many as 80 people. Also Read | At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official Attacks on Shi'ite mosques and targets associated with the Hazara ethnic minority, who make up the biggest Shi'ite group in Afghanistan, were regular occurrences under the former Western-backed government. There has been deep shock as the attacks have continued since the Taliban seized power in August, tarnishing the movement's claim to have brought peace to Afghanistan after decades of war. Since the takeover, Islamic State has conducted dozens of operations, from small scale attacks on Taliban targets to large-scale operations such as Friday's suicide bombing, killing scores of civilians.

Taliban pledge to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after Friday's attack

Sixty days after the Taliban took over the reigns of power in Afghanistan, terror has struck Taliban's birthplace and its control centre Kandahar, a blast has been reported during Friday prayers. At least 37 people have lost their lives and more than 70 have been injured. Watch this report by Anas Mallick for more details.

Afghanistan: Suicide attack at a mosque in Kandahar; 37 killed, 70 injured

Sixty days after the Taliban took over the reigns of power in Afghanistan, terror has struck Taliban's birthplace and its control centre Kandahar, a blast has been reported during Friday prayers. At least 37 people have lost their lives and more than 70 have been injured, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. WION's Anas Mallick brings you all latest developments.

Terror attack at Shi'ite mosque in Afghanistan, no terror group has claimed responsibility

Sixty days after the Taliban took over the reigns of power in Afghanistan, terror has struck Taliban's birthplace and its control centre Kandahar, a blast has been reported during Friday prayers. At least 32 people have lost their lives and 50 have been injured, WION's Anas Mallick brings you all latest developments.

Afghanistan: Another Shi'ite mosque targeted in Kandahar

Sixty days after the Taliban took over the reigns of power in Afghanistan, terror has struck Taliban's birthplace and its control centre Kandahar, a blast has been reported during Friday prayers. Anas Mallick brings you more.

Afghanistan: Explosion in Kandahar mosque; 16 killed, 32 injured

The Taliban have said that they had destroyed an Islamic State cell in the Afghan capital, hours after a suspected IS attack on a mosque killed five people.

Taliban: ISIS-K cell destroyed after Mosque attack in Kabul

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group.

This follows the suicide bombings outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport on Thursday, which killed over 100 people and injured dozens more.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Taliban urged Afghan imams last week to try to counter negative media reports about the movement and persuade people not to flee the country ahead of the first Friday prayers since the seizure of Kabul on August 15. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-your-strategy-to-stop-taliban-from-acquiring-nuclear-weapons-us-lawmakers-to-biden-408837">Also read | What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden</a> 
 
The Taliban said in a message that it hoped all imams in Kabul and the provinces would promote the benefits of the Islamic system and urge unity as massive crowds gathered outside Kabul airport for flights out of the country.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Reports: ISIS-K behind Kabul blasts

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-isis-k-behind-kabul-blasts-408825/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It stated that they should "encourage our compatriots to work for the development of the country, rather than attempting to leave the country," as well as respond to "the enemy's negative propaganda."

As popular opposition to the Taliban grew, flag-waving protesters took to the streets of more Afghan cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group.

The Taliban urged Afghan preachers to emphasise the importance of obeying rulers in their sermons during Friday prayers, according to Reuters, citing a statement issued by the Islamist hardline group. This follows the suicide bombings outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport on Thursday, which killed over 100 people and injured dozens more. According to reports, the Taliban urged Afghan imams last week to try to counter negative media reports about the movement and persuade people not to flee the country ahead of the first Friday prayers since the seizure of Kabul on August 15. Also read | What is your strategy to stop Taliban from acquiring nuclear weapons? US lawmakers to Biden The Taliban said in a message that it hoped all imams in Kabul and the provinces would promote the benefits of the Islamic system and urge unity as massive crowds gathered outside Kabul airport for flights out of the country. Watch | Reports: ISIS-K behind Kabul blasts It stated that they should "encourage our compatriots to work for the development of the country, rather than attempting to leave the country," as well as respond to "the enemy's negative propaganda." As popular opposition to the Taliban grew, flag-waving protesters took to the streets of more Afghan cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Preach about importance of obeying rulers at Friday prayers: Taliban to Afghan imams

A 38-year-old British man was on Wednesday jailed for terrorism offences after sharing explosives manuals and extremist videos, including one apparently celebrating the New Zealand mosque massacres, on right-wing chat groups.

Michael Nugent of Surrey, southern England, ran a number of far-right chat groups on the Telegram app, using different identities to express his "hatred of ethnic minorities" and to share "terrorist-related documents with others", according to police.

A judge at Kingston Crown Court in southwest London jailed him for three-and-a-half years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ardern-says-new-zealand-mosque-attack-film-should-focus-on-muslim-community-not-her-391330">Ardern says New Zealand mosque attack film should focus on Muslim community, not her</a>

"Nugent freely shared his abhorrent extremist views with others over a messaging app, and he passed on manuals detailing how to produce deadly weapons and explosive devices," said Metropolitan Police Commander Richard Smith.

He also shared footage of the attack in Christchurch on the one-year anniversary of the atrocity in March last year and posted the manifesto of the perpetrator of the attack, Brenton Tarrant.

Nugent was arrested on August 19, 2020 and initially charged with 12 Terrorism Act offences. A further six charges were subsequently added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-belatedly-joins-christchurch-call-against-online-extremism-383612">US belatedly joins 'Christchurch Call' against online extremism</a>

He pleaded guilty to five counts of dissemination of terrorist publications and 11 counts of possession of a document containing information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism.

Nugent pleaded not guilty to two counts of encouraging terrorism. The judge however ruled that even though there was sufficient evidence for a prosecution there was no public interest in proceeding on those charges.

A 38-year-old British man was on Wednesday jailed for terrorism offences after sharing explosives manuals and extremist videos, including one apparently celebrating the New Zealand mosque massacres, on right-wing chat groups.

A 38-year-old British man was on Wednesday jailed for terrorism offences after sharing explosives manuals and extremist videos, including one apparently celebrating the New Zealand mosque massacres, on right-wing chat groups. Michael Nugent of Surrey, southern England, ran a number of far-right chat groups on the Telegram app, using different identities to express his "hatred of ethnic minorities" and to share "terrorist-related documents with others", according to police. A judge at Kingston Crown Court in southwest London jailed him for three-and-a-half years. Also read | Ardern says New Zealand mosque attack film should focus on Muslim community, not her "Nugent freely shared his abhorrent extremist views with others over a messaging app, and he passed on manuals detailing how to produce deadly weapons and explosive devices," said Metropolitan Police Commander Richard Smith. He also shared footage of the attack in Christchurch on the one-year anniversary of the atrocity in March last year and posted the manifesto of the perpetrator of the attack, Brenton Tarrant. Nugent was arrested on August 19, 2020 and initially charged with 12 Terrorism Act offences. A further six charges were subsequently added. Also read | US belatedly joins 'Christchurch Call' against online extremism He pleaded guilty to five counts of dissemination of terrorist publications and 11 counts of possession of a document containing information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism. Nugent pleaded not guilty to two counts of encouraging terrorism. The judge however ruled that even though there was sufficient evidence for a prosecution there was no public interest in proceeding on those charges.

UK man jailed for sharing Christchurch mosque videos

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that New Zealand's Muslim community should be the focus of any film about the Christchurch mosque attacks after some people raised objections to a movie focussing on her response to the bloodshed. 
 
A film called 'They Are Us' is being planned about the attacks on two mosques by a white supremacist gunman on March 15, 2019, in which 51 people were killed, the Hollywood Reporter said last week. 
 
The magazine described the film as an 'inspirational story' about Ardern's response to the violence. 
 
Ardern's office said last week, she and the government had no involvement with the film. Asked about it at a news conference, she said the Muslim community should be at the centre of any film about the shootings, not her. 
 
"This is very raw event for New Zealand and even more so for the community that experienced it," Ardern said. 
 
"I agree that there are stories that at some point should be told from March 15. But they are the stories from our Muslim community so they need to be at the centre of that. I don't consider mine to be one of the stories that needs to be told," she said. 
 
She said, however, it was not for her to say whether a project should go ahead or not. 
 
The film's title is drawn from Ardern's words on the day of the shootings. The 40-year-old leader's compassionate response united her shocked country and was praised globally. 
 
New Zealander Andrew Niccol would write and direct the film, the Hollywood Reporter said. It quoted him as saying it was not so much about the attacks but Ardern's handling of it. 
 
But some Muslims questioned the plan to make a film when the pain of victims' families, friends and the wider community was still so raw. They also questioned the plan to focus the film on the prime minister and not the victims. 
 
Muslim community advocate Guled Mire told the 1 NEWS network that he thought the film was 'distasteful'. 
 
"It completely feeds into this white saviour mentality," he said. 
 
Armed with high-capacity semi-automatic weapons, Australian Brenton Tarrant killed the 51 people and injured dozens when he opened fire in the two mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch. 
 
Tarrant was last year sentenced to life in prison without parole. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that New Zealand's Muslim community should be the focus of any film about the Christchurch mosque attacks after some people raised objections to a movie focussing on her response to the bloodshed.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that New Zealand's Muslim community should be the focus of any film about the Christchurch mosque attacks after some people raised objections to a movie focussing on her response to the bloodshed. A film called 'They Are Us' is being planned about the attacks on two mosques by a white supremacist gunman on March 15, 2019, in which 51 people were killed, the Hollywood Reporter said last week. The magazine described the film as an 'inspirational story' about Ardern's response to the violence. Ardern's office said last week, she and the government had no involvement with the film. Asked about it at a news conference, she said the Muslim community should be at the centre of any film about the shootings, not her. "This is very raw event for New Zealand and even more so for the community that experienced it," Ardern said. "I agree that there are stories that at some point should be told from March 15. But they are the stories from our Muslim community so they need to be at the centre of that. I don't consider mine to be one of the stories that needs to be told," she said. She said, however, it was not for her to say whether a project should go ahead or not. The film's title is drawn from Ardern's words on the day of the shootings. The 40-year-old leader's compassionate response united her shocked country and was praised globally. New Zealander Andrew Niccol would write and direct the film, the Hollywood Reporter said. It quoted him as saying it was not so much about the attacks but Ardern's handling of it. But some Muslims questioned the plan to make a film when the pain of victims' families, friends and the wider community was still so raw. They also questioned the plan to focus the film on the prime minister and not the victims. Muslim community advocate Guled Mire told the 1 NEWS network that he thought the film was 'distasteful'. "It completely feeds into this white saviour mentality," he said. Armed with high-capacity semi-automatic weapons, Australian Brenton Tarrant killed the 51 people and injured dozens when he opened fire in the two mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch. Tarrant was last year sentenced to life in prison without parole. (With inputs from agencies)

Ardern says New Zealand mosque attack film should focus on Muslim community, not her

President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;inaugurated an imposing new mosque in Istanbul on Friday, fulfilling a decades-old goal and stamping a religious identity on the landmark Taksim Square in the heart of Turkey's largest city.

The Taksim mosque and its 30-metre high dome loom symbolically over a monument to the foundation of the Turkish republic by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose staunchly secular legacy has been eroded by nearly two decades of&nbsp;Erdogan's rule.

After performing Friday prayers with thousands of worshippers,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said completion of the mosque marked the culmination of a dream for Turks, and that the call to prayer would be heard there "until the end of time".

Erdogan&nbsp;told crowds outside the mosque that before building work started four years ago there was not even a prayer room at the site. "Worshippers were trying to pray here on top of newspapers, literally like a hen-house," he said.

Construction of the mosque began in February 2017 in a project championed by&nbsp;Erdogan, a devout Muslim, and his Islamist-rooted AK Party, but which was beset for decades by court battles and public debate.

Officials on Friday shared on Twitter a video showing&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;in 1994, the year he became Istanbul mayor, pointing from the top of a building towards the area where he said he would build the mosque, the exact spot where it now stands.

It is one of many construction projects with which&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;has left his mark on Turkey, including a huge hilltop mosque overlooking the Asian side of Istanbul. Last year he reconverted into a mosque the city's Haghia Sophia, for centuries the world's largest church before being turned into a mosque and museum in turn.

Supporters of the Taksim project argued there were not enough Muslim places of worship close to one of the city’s busiest hubs. Opponents saw it as a bid to impose a religious tone on the square, featuring a cultural centre dedicated to Ataturk which was demolished and is being rebuilt.

The mosque complex, with two towering minarets, will be able to host as many as 4,000 worshippers and includes an exhibition hall, a library, car park and soup kitchen, state-owned Anadolu news agency said.

Pro-government newspapers hailed the new mosque. Aksam's headline mocked critics who fear creeping religiosity: "It looks great. A mosque was built in Taksim and neither has sharia law come, nor has the republic collapsed," it said.

The inauguration also coincides with the date when protests began just 100 metres away in Gezi Park, before growing into massive protests against&nbsp;Erdogan's government which spread across Turkey in June 2013.

The Gezi protests began on May 28, 2013 after demolition work began in one corner of the park the previous evening, knocking down a wall and some trees, drawing a small group of protesters who camped out at the site.

The anniversary of the protests is generally marked on May 31, when the protests escalated. In June of that year, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in demonstrations against a plan to build a replica Ottoman barracks on Gezi Park.

President Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated an imposing new mosque in Istanbul on Friday, fulfilling a decades-old goal and stamping a religious identity on the landmark Taksim Square in the heart of Turkey's largest city.

President Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated an imposing new mosque in Istanbul on Friday, fulfilling a decades-old goal and stamping a religious identity on the landmark Taksim Square in the heart of Turkey's largest city. The Taksim mosque and its 30-metre high dome loom symbolically over a monument to the foundation of the Turkish republic by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose staunchly secular legacy has been eroded by nearly two decades of Erdogan's rule. After performing Friday prayers with thousands of worshippers, Erdogan said completion of the mosque marked the culmination of a dream for Turks, and that the call to prayer would be heard there "until the end of time". Erdogan told crowds outside the mosque that before building work started four years ago there was not even a prayer room at the site. "Worshippers were trying to pray here on top of newspapers, literally like a hen-house," he said. Construction of the mosque began in February 2017 in a project championed by Erdogan, a devout Muslim, and his Islamist-rooted AK Party, but which was beset for decades by court battles and public debate. Officials on Friday shared on Twitter a video showing Erdogan in 1994, the year he became Istanbul mayor, pointing from the top of a building towards the area where he said he would build the mosque, the exact spot where it now stands. It is one of many construction projects with which Erdogan has left his mark on Turkey, including a huge hilltop mosque overlooking the Asian side of Istanbul. Last year he reconverted into a mosque the city's Haghia Sophia, for centuries the world's largest church before being turned into a mosque and museum in turn. Supporters of the Taksim project argued there were not enough Muslim places of worship close to one of the city’s busiest hubs. Opponents saw it as a bid to impose a religious tone on the square, featuring a cultural centre dedicated to Ataturk which was demolished and is being rebuilt. The mosque complex, with two towering minarets, will be able to host as many as 4,000 worshippers and includes an exhibition hall, a library, car park and soup kitchen, state-owned Anadolu news agency said. Pro-government newspapers hailed the new mosque. Aksam's headline mocked critics who fear creeping religiosity: "It looks great. A mosque was built in Taksim and neither has sharia law come, nor has the republic collapsed," it said. The inauguration also coincides with the date when protests began just 100 metres away in Gezi Park, before growing into massive protests against Erdogan's government which spread across Turkey in June 2013. The Gezi protests began on May 28, 2013 after demolition work began in one corner of the park the previous evening, knocking down a wall and some trees, drawing a small group of protesters who camped out at the site. The anniversary of the protests is generally marked on May 31, when the protests escalated. In June of that year, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in demonstrations against a plan to build a replica Ottoman barracks on Gezi Park.

Erdogan inaugurates major new mosque in heart of Istanbul

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;for prayers.

Anxious over the virus's deadly rampage through neighbouring India, officials have steadily tightened restrictions and banned travel during the upcoming Eid holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review">Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review</a>

But they have turned a blind eye to religious gatherings, fearing a crackdown could ignite widespread confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic.

"There is so much concern about backlash from religious groups," said Saeedullah Shah, a doctor with the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;Islamic Medical Association&nbsp;Covid-19 task force.&nbsp;

"It's a very weak government," he told AFP. "Everything is half-hearted."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local">London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local</a>

Pakistan&nbsp;has recorded more than 840,000 cases and 18,500 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle health sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse.&nbsp;

Covid&nbsp;wards in several cities have been&nbsp;full&nbsp;or close to capacity for weeks as a more contagious variant of the virus has pushed cases to record numbers.

But even as the government pleads with the public to follow "standard operating procedures", as the virus guidelines are popularly known nationally,&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;are almost another country.

Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi -- who oversees the historic Markazi Jamia mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi -- said the faithful had little to fear, and dismissed comparisons to India.&nbsp;

"Our prayers are different," he said, and insisted restrictions were enforced -- at least under his watch.

"They are non-believers and we are Muslims. Repenting to Allah is our faith; they don't repent, that's the reason," he told AFP.

That sentiment permeates all levels of society, with Prime Minister Imran Khan saying Thursday: "In India, people are dying on streets... Allah has been kind to us compared to the rest of the world."

Still, he urged caution, adding: "Next two weeks are very important for us, we have to bring corona cases down."

Earlier this week Shiite Muslims gathered across the country to mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali, one of Prophet Muhammad's companions.

At a rally in the capital, initial caution gave way to emotion as masks were removed and participants dressed in black chanted songs and beat their chests in tight crowds.

Thousands also gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, with the most demonstratively pious flagellating themselves and whipping their backs raw.&nbsp;

"We are ready to sacrifice our lives, children and families," Haji Shahzad Jaffry told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The disease has been around for the last year, but those who have been against our gathering and mourning have been doing it for the past 1,400 years."

Health experts in India say religious gatherings there have been a major contributor to what has become one of the world's worst outbreaks.

But that has not spurred changes in policy or behaviour in&nbsp;Pakistan.

Ashfaq Ahmed, who recently returned to&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;from Britain, said he was shocked when he saw crowds pressed into&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;and paying little concern to basic precautions such as social distancing.&nbsp;

"It seems people here are in complete denial," Ahmed told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite&nbsp;the evidence, Pakistani officials insist guidelines are being followed.

"If there is one place where&nbsp;Covid-19 guidelines are being followed that is at the&nbsp;mosques," said Imran Siddiqui, a spokesman for the ministry of religious affairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can take you to a market and then to a close-by mosque and you can see it yourself that people at&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;are better at complying with safety measures."

Still, according to a poll published by Gallup&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;this week, 64 percent of people believe coronavirus is not as dangerous as it is made out to be.

Despite&nbsp;the warnings — and mounting death toll —&nbsp;the faithful continue to flock to prayer.&nbsp;

"God is kind to us," said Sohail Arshad at the Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"If he has sent the disease he is the one who will cure us."

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to mosques across Pakistan for prayers.

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to mosques across Pakistan for prayers. Anxious over the virus's deadly rampage through neighbouring India, officials have steadily tightened restrictions and banned travel during the upcoming Eid holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Also read | Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review But they have turned a blind eye to religious gatherings, fearing a crackdown could ignite widespread confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic. "There is so much concern about backlash from religious groups," said Saeedullah Shah, a doctor with the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association Covid-19 task force. "It's a very weak government," he told AFP. "Everything is half-hearted." Also read | London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local Pakistan has recorded more than 840,000 cases and 18,500 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle health sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse. Covid wards in several cities have been full or close to capacity for weeks as a more contagious variant of the virus has pushed cases to record numbers. But even as the government pleads with the public to follow "standard operating procedures", as the virus guidelines are popularly known nationally, mosques are almost another country. Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi -- who oversees the historic Markazi Jamia mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi -- said the faithful had little to fear, and dismissed comparisons to India. "Our prayers are different," he said, and insisted restrictions were enforced -- at least under his watch. "They are non-believers and we are Muslims. Repenting to Allah is our faith; they don't repent, that's the reason," he told AFP. That sentiment permeates all levels of society, with Prime Minister Imran Khan saying Thursday: "In India, people are dying on streets... Allah has been kind to us compared to the rest of the world." Still, he urged caution, adding: "Next two weeks are very important for us, we have to bring corona cases down." Earlier this week Shiite Muslims gathered across the country to mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali, one of Prophet Muhammad's companions. At a rally in the capital, initial caution gave way to emotion as masks were removed and participants dressed in black chanted songs and beat their chests in tight crowds. Thousands also gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, with the most demonstratively pious flagellating themselves and whipping their backs raw. "We are ready to sacrifice our lives, children and families," Haji Shahzad Jaffry told AFP. "The disease has been around for the last year, but those who have been against our gathering and mourning have been doing it for the past 1,400 years." Health experts in India say religious gatherings there have been a major contributor to what has become one of the world's worst outbreaks. But that has not spurred changes in policy or behaviour in Pakistan. Ashfaq Ahmed, who recently returned to Pakistan from Britain, said he was shocked when he saw crowds pressed into mosques and paying little concern to basic precautions such as social distancing. "It seems people here are in complete denial," Ahmed told AFP. Despite the evidence, Pakistani officials insist guidelines are being followed. "If there is one place where Covid-19 guidelines are being followed that is at the mosques," said Imran Siddiqui, a spokesman for the ministry of religious affairs. "I can take you to a market and then to a close-by mosque and you can see it yourself that people at mosques are better at complying with safety measures." Still, according to a poll published by Gallup Pakistan this week, 64 percent of people believe coronavirus is not as dangerous as it is made out to be. Despite the warnings — and mounting death toll — the faithful continue to flock to prayer. "God is kind to us," said Sohail Arshad at the Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi. "If he has sent the disease he is the one who will cure us."

Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave

A caretaker and members of the local Muslim community in the city of Rennes discovered the graffiti early Sunday on the walls of the mosque and Islamic cultural centre.

Mosque in western France defaced with Islamophobic graffiti

At least 12 people were injured in an attack staged by members of the Hefazat-e-Islam militant outfit at a mosque in Bangladesh`s Gaibandha district. 
 
Police claimed the incident in the Sundarganj area took place on Friday afternoon due to a conflict over the Silamoni mosque`s management committee. 
 
Motlob Uddin, the mosque's Imam, said the attackers had long been identified themselves as Hefazat activists. 
 
The militants snatched the microphone from the Imam after the Friday prayers and threatened the devotees to go out and support the Hefazat`s violence. 
 
The militants attacked the devotees when they tried to intervene, Imam (the priest) Motlob informed the police. 
 
The injured are being treated at various hospitals in the district. 
 
A case is being filed at Sundarganj Police Station regarding this issue. 
 
Officer in Charge of the police station Bulbul Islam said it was not an attack by Hefazat activists. 
 
"Disagreements over the mosque`s committee is the reason for this untoward incident," he added. 
 
The Bangladesh government has instructed not to hold any meeting at mosques and other religious places across the country before and after prayers. 
 
On Monday, the Religious Affairs Ministry issued some guidelines on offering prayers and maintaining health guidelines at mosques during the lockdown. 
 
It also said the instruction had been issued to discourage mass gatherings at all mosques centring Friday`s and other prayers, in addition to other religious places.

At least 12 people were injured in an attack staged by members of the Hefazat-e-Islam militant outfit at a mosque in Bangladesh`s Gaibandha district. Police claimed the incident in the Sundarganj area took place on Friday afternoon due to a conflict over the Silamoni mosque`s management committee.

At least 12 people were injured in an attack staged by members of the Hefazat-e-Islam militant outfit at a mosque in Bangladesh`s Gaibandha district. Police claimed the incident in the Sundarganj area took place on Friday afternoon due to a conflict over the Silamoni mosque`s management committee. Motlob Uddin, the mosque's Imam, said the attackers had long been identified themselves as Hefazat activists. The militants snatched the microphone from the Imam after the Friday prayers and threatened the devotees to go out and support the Hefazat`s violence. The militants attacked the devotees when they tried to intervene, Imam (the priest) Motlob informed the police. The injured are being treated at various hospitals in the district. A case is being filed at Sundarganj Police Station regarding this issue. Officer in Charge of the police station Bulbul Islam said it was not an attack by Hefazat activists. "Disagreements over the mosque`s committee is the reason for this untoward incident," he added. The Bangladesh government has instructed not to hold any meeting at mosques and other religious places across the country before and after prayers. On Monday, the Religious Affairs Ministry issued some guidelines on offering prayers and maintaining health guidelines at mosques during the lockdown. It also said the instruction had been issued to discourage mass gatherings at all mosques centring Friday`s and other prayers, in addition to other religious places.

12 injured in Bangladesh mosque attack

This is the season of being merry and Athens has finally received its Christmas gift as the&nbsp;first official mosque got permission to reopen for the holiday season.&nbsp;

The Greek capital's first official mosque was forced to close down within days of its&nbsp;inauguration in November.&nbsp; However, as Greece relaxed its nationwide lockdown — which was imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — the Muslim community was allowed to return to the mosque.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/locked-down-athens-is-lit-up-for-the-holidays-without-fanfare-349982">WATCH|</a>

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As the holiday season came closer, the government decided to let the faithful return to their religious place, but with a cap on maximum attendees allowed. "We’ve decided, without discrimination, that every place of worship can conduct services and prayers as long as congregations are limited to 25 people," Giorgos Kalantzis, the secretary-general at the ministry of education and religious affairs told a media house.

The decision has been welcomed by the community and the&nbsp;mosque’s government-appointed imam&nbsp;Mohammed Sissi Zaki, who had been negatively affected by the sudden closure. "When we finally opened in early November it was for five days and just one Friday prayers," said Zaki. "After the lockdown this is a big, big blessing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/orchestra-brings-festive-cheer-to-athens-352377">WATCH|</a>

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"It is with great happiness, satisfaction and relief that we can say we are here at all," the 55-year-old imam said upon reopening of the mosque.

The first official mosque has opened in Athens after years of repeated requests from the community — some of whom claim the mosques were wiped off from the country almost&nbsp;200 years following the withdrawal of Ottoman forces from the city.

This is the season of being merry and Athens has finally received its Christmas gift as the first official mosque got permission to reopen for the holiday season.

This is the season of being merry and Athens has finally received its Christmas gift as the first official mosque got permission to reopen for the holiday season. The Greek capital's first official mosque was forced to close down within days of its inauguration in November. However, as Greece relaxed its nationwide lockdown — which was imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — the Muslim community was allowed to return to the mosque. WATCH| × As the holiday season came closer, the government decided to let the faithful return to their religious place, but with a cap on maximum attendees allowed. "We’ve decided, without discrimination, that every place of worship can conduct services and prayers as long as congregations are limited to 25 people," Giorgos Kalantzis, the secretary-general at the ministry of education and religious affairs told a media house. The decision has been welcomed by the community and the mosque’s government-appointed imam Mohammed Sissi Zaki, who had been negatively affected by the sudden closure. "When we finally opened in early November it was for five days and just one Friday prayers," said Zaki. "After the lockdown this is a big, big blessing." WATCH| × "It is with great happiness, satisfaction and relief that we can say we are here at all," the 55-year-old imam said upon reopening of the mosque. The first official mosque has opened in Athens after years of repeated requests from the community — some of whom claim the mosques were wiped off from the country almost 200 years following the withdrawal of Ottoman forces from the city.

Athens' first official mosque allowed to reopen for holiday season

After years of delays caused by red tape, cutbacks and opposition from religious and political factions, the first government-funded mosque in Athens since 1833 opened its doors to worshippers on Friday.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from countries including Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan and Bangladesh live in Athens but the city has not had a formal mosque since it forced occupying Ottomans to leave nearly 200 years ago.

Plans to build a mosque in Athens began in 1890 but it took decades for them to materialise due to opposition from a predominantly Christian Orthodox population and nationalists, sluggish bureaucracy but most recently a decade-long financial crisis.

Amid a coronavirus outbreak, only a limited number of worshippers, wearing masks and sitting at a distance from each other due to COVID-19 restrictions, attended prayers.

"It is a historic moment for the Muslim community living in Athens, we have been waiting for this mosque for so long," said Heider Ashir, a member of the mosque's governing council. "Thanks to God, finally, we have a mosque which is open and we can pray here freely."

But other Muslims were unhappy with the mosque's appearance. A grey, rectangular structure with no dome or minaret, has no resemblance to other graceful, ornate mosques in Europe.

"It does not at all look like a place of worship, it is a small, square, miserable building," said Naim El Ghandour, head of the Muslim Association of Greece. "We thank them very much for the offer, but we will fight to reach it to the level that we deserve."

Under a lockdown to curb a surge in COVID infections, gatherings for formal worshipping will be banned from Saturday until Nov. 30.

"We will pray at home, and as soon as the lockdown is over the mosque will again be open for the worshippers," Ashir said.

After years of delays caused by red tape, cutbacks and opposition from religious and political factions, the first government-funded mosque in Athens since 1833 opened its doors to worshippers on Friday.

After years of delays caused by red tape, cutbacks and opposition from religious and political factions, the first government-funded mosque in Athens since 1833 opened its doors to worshippers on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from countries including Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan and Bangladesh live in Athens but the city has not had a formal mosque since it forced occupying Ottomans to leave nearly 200 years ago. Plans to build a mosque in Athens began in 1890 but it took decades for them to materialise due to opposition from a predominantly Christian Orthodox population and nationalists, sluggish bureaucracy but most recently a decade-long financial crisis. Amid a coronavirus outbreak, only a limited number of worshippers, wearing masks and sitting at a distance from each other due to COVID-19 restrictions, attended prayers. "It is a historic moment for the Muslim community living in Athens, we have been waiting for this mosque for so long," said Heider Ashir, a member of the mosque's governing council. "Thanks to God, finally, we have a mosque which is open and we can pray here freely." But other Muslims were unhappy with the mosque's appearance. A grey, rectangular structure with no dome or minaret, has no resemblance to other graceful, ornate mosques in Europe. "It does not at all look like a place of worship, it is a small, square, miserable building," said Naim El Ghandour, head of the Muslim Association of Greece. "We thank them very much for the offer, but we will fight to reach it to the level that we deserve." Under a lockdown to curb a surge in COVID infections, gatherings for formal worshipping will be banned from Saturday until Nov. 30. "We will pray at home, and as soon as the lockdown is over the mosque will again be open for the worshippers," Ashir said.

Athens' first mosque in nearly 200 years opens for Friday prayers

A Saudi man in a speeding car crashed the vehicle&nbsp;into the outer gates of Mecca's Grand Mosque, a state-run news agency reported. The incident happened on Friday night with few people in the mosque.

A video being circulated on social media shows a light-coloured car speeding into the outer courtyard and crashing into one of the doors of the Grand Mosque around 10:25 pm on Friday.&nbsp;The driver rammed through a barrier but kept on going till his car hit the front gate of the Grand Mosque’s southern side, the Saudi Press Agency reported.&nbsp;

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A car has just broken into Mecca's outer courtyards and crashed into one of the doors. <a href="https://t.co/reK98kHGRz">pic.twitter.com/reK98kHGRz</a>
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As per the local reports, the man was arrested on the basis of the video circulating on the social media platforms. The state agency also reported that the driver of the vehicle was in "abnormal" condition. However, no further details about the driver have been released yet, and he has not been identified yet. His case has been forwarded to prosecutors for possible charges, the state agency reported.

The grand mosque houses the cube-shaped Kaaba which is one of the most important religious places for the Muslim community. This year, in July,&nbsp;the pilgrimage was downsized due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

An investigation will take place into the background and the motive of the driver, the local media reported.

A Saudi man in a speeding car crashed the vehicle into the outer gates of Mecca's Grand Mosque, a state-run news agency reported. The incident happened on Friday night with few people in the mosque.

A Saudi man in a speeding car crashed the vehicle into the outer gates of Mecca's Grand Mosque, a state-run news agency reported. The incident happened on Friday night with few people in the mosque. A video being circulated on social media shows a light-coloured car speeding into the outer courtyard and crashing into one of the doors of the Grand Mosque around 10:25 pm on Friday. The driver rammed through a barrier but kept on going till his car hit the front gate of the Grand Mosque’s southern side, the Saudi Press Agency reported. A car has just broken into Mecca's outer courtyards and crashed into one of the doors. pic.twitter.com/reK98kHGRz — Anonymous (@YourAnonOne) October 30, 2020 × As per the local reports, the man was arrested on the basis of the video circulating on the social media platforms. The state agency also reported that the driver of the vehicle was in "abnormal" condition. However, no further details about the driver have been released yet, and he has not been identified yet. His case has been forwarded to prosecutors for possible charges, the state agency reported. The grand mosque houses the cube-shaped Kaaba which is one of the most important religious places for the Muslim community. This year, in July, the pilgrimage was downsized due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. An investigation will take place into the background and the motive of the driver, the local media reported.

WATCH| Saudi man crashes car into Mecca's grand mosque

New Zealand mosque shooting survivors, and family or friends of the victims have been allowed to come to the court this week and face the gunman during his sentencing.

The 29-year-old white supremacist is guilty of open firing at more than 50 people in a mosque in Christchurch in March 2019.&nbsp;Brenton Harrison Tarrant, the gunman, was arrested immediately, after which he pleaded guilty to&nbsp;51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism.

"I don't think there is much that I can say that is going to ease just how traumatic that period's going to be," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

Tarrant's attack is the known as the worst attack in the history of modern New Zealand, and was hugely criticised by leaders all over the world. The racist attack was new to the country and is labelled to be&nbsp;the first terrorism conviction in the nation's history. As New Zealand abolished death penalty for murder in 1961, the longest known sentence, as of now, is life imprisonment with a minimum 30-year non-parole period. However, this may be the first life imprisonment without parole in the history of New Zealand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-patently-wrong-jacinda-ardern-snaps-back-at-trumps-coronavirus-remarks-321395">Also read|&nbsp;It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks</a>

His sentencing will be a four-days long process, which will be starting from Monday. The Australian citizen will be representing himself in the court, as he earlier dismissed all lawyers issued for him. Experts fear he will use this opportunity to further promote his racist views, but people are also hoping that the judge will block all his tries to approach the stand.

The&nbsp;Judge Cameron Mander has also taken the liberty of banning the reporting rights of&nbsp;some of the things that will be said in the courtroom by either of the sides. He has now allowed live reporting from the courtroom, and has allowed the survivors and family members to choose to stay anonymous. The decision has been taken as Mander believes this is a sensitive issue that has affected many people in different ways and can further fuel the anger if not reported correctly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-delays-election-after-coronavirus-return-321027">Also read|&nbsp;New Zealand PM&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return</a>

Pandemic restrictions

Due to the social distancing regulations in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, all survivors and family members were asked to be quarantined for a 14-day period on arrival. Those who testes negative will only be allowed to attend the court on Monday. In addition to this, only 35 people will be allowed to be present in the court room at a time. Others will be seated in the adjacent courtrooms, where the sentencing will be live broadcasted.

New Zealand mosque shooting survivors, and family or friends of the victims have been allowed to come to the court this week and face the gunman during his sentencing.

New Zealand mosque shooting survivors, and family or friends of the victims have been allowed to come to the court this week and face the gunman during his sentencing. The 29-year-old white supremacist is guilty of open firing at more than 50 people in a mosque in Christchurch in March 2019. Brenton Harrison Tarrant, the gunman, was arrested immediately, after which he pleaded guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism. "I don't think there is much that I can say that is going to ease just how traumatic that period's going to be," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. Tarrant's attack is the known as the worst attack in the history of modern New Zealand, and was hugely criticised by leaders all over the world. The racist attack was new to the country and is labelled to be the first terrorism conviction in the nation's history. As New Zealand abolished death penalty for murder in 1961, the longest known sentence, as of now, is life imprisonment with a minimum 30-year non-parole period. However, this may be the first life imprisonment without parole in the history of New Zealand. Also read| It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks His sentencing will be a four-days long process, which will be starting from Monday. The Australian citizen will be representing himself in the court, as he earlier dismissed all lawyers issued for him. Experts fear he will use this opportunity to further promote his racist views, but people are also hoping that the judge will block all his tries to approach the stand. The Judge Cameron Mander has also taken the liberty of banning the reporting rights of some of the things that will be said in the courtroom by either of the sides. He has now allowed live reporting from the courtroom, and has allowed the survivors and family members to choose to stay anonymous. The decision has been taken as Mander believes this is a sensitive issue that has affected many people in different ways and can further fuel the anger if not reported correctly. Also read| New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return Pandemic restrictions Due to the social distancing regulations in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, all survivors and family members were asked to be quarantined for a 14-day period on arrival. Those who testes negative will only be allowed to attend the court on Monday. In addition to this, only 35 people will be allowed to be present in the court room at a time. Others will be seated in the adjacent courtrooms, where the sentencing will be live broadcasted.

New Zealand mosque survivors to face gunman at sentencing

Praying for health: Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha in 'new normal' way

India on Monday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan High Commission over reports of attempts being made to convert a famous gurudwara at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore into a mosque, a spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-fund-reconstruction-of-300-year-old-temple-in-bangladesh-316237" hreflang="en">India to fund reconstruction of 300-year-old temple in Bangladesh</a>

"A strong protest was lodged with the Pakistan High Commission today on the reported incident whereby Gurdwara 'Shahidi Asthan', site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan has been claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being made to convert it to a mosque," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

He said India expressed its concerns, in strongest terms, on the incident and called upon Pakistan to investigate the matter and take immediate remedial measures.

"Pakistan was also called upon to look after the safety, security, well-being of its minority communities including protection of their religious rights and cultural heritage," Srivastava said, responding to a query on the matter.

He said Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan Bhai Taru Ji is a historical gurdwara where Bhai Taru Ji made supreme sacrifice in 1745.

"The gurdwara is a place of reverence and considered sacred by the Sikh community. This incident has been viewed with grave concern in India. There have been calls for justice for the minority Sikh community in Pakistan," he added.

India on Monday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan High Commission over reports of attempts being made to convert a famous gurudwara at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore into a mosque, a spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

India on Monday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan High Commission over reports of attempts being made to convert a famous gurudwara at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore into a mosque, a spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Also read: India to fund reconstruction of 300-year-old temple in Bangladesh "A strong protest was lodged with the Pakistan High Commission today on the reported incident whereby Gurdwara 'Shahidi Asthan', site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan has been claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being made to convert it to a mosque," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. He said India expressed its concerns, in strongest terms, on the incident and called upon Pakistan to investigate the matter and take immediate remedial measures. "Pakistan was also called upon to look after the safety, security, well-being of its minority communities including protection of their religious rights and cultural heritage," Srivastava said, responding to a query on the matter. He said Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan Bhai Taru Ji is a historical gurdwara where Bhai Taru Ji made supreme sacrifice in 1745. "The gurdwara is a place of reverence and considered sacred by the Sikh community. This incident has been viewed with grave concern in India. There have been calls for justice for the minority Sikh community in Pakistan," he added.

Gurudwara in Pakistan is being converted into mosque? India lodges strong protest with Imran govt

Hagia Sophia, which was reconverted to a mosque from a museum under the endorsement of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will cover Christian figures during prayers here on.

The work to prepare the museum as a mosque is in full-throttle, as per the spokesperson for Erdogan, Ibrahim Kalin.

Prayers to begin on Friday

When prayers begin in the newly named mosque starting Friday, Christian mosaics would be covered with curtains or lasers.

<h6><img alt="Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and the head of Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate Ali Erbas, visits the Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya-i Kebir Camii in Istanbul, Turkey, July 19, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc40d22e-0e15-4485-9e56-1f3e0b7c11fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_40.jpg" /> 
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and the head of Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate Ali Erbas, visits the&nbsp;Hagia&nbsp;Sophia&nbsp;or Ayasofya-i Kebir Camii in Istanbul, Turkey, July 19, 2020. | AFP</h6>

A court ruling in the beginning of July claimed that the 1934 conversion of the structure to the museum was unlawful. After this, Erdogan declared Hagia Sophia was now open to the Muslim world for worship, which garnered criticism and critique across the world. The Council of State, which was debating a case brought by a Turkish NGO, cancelled a 1934 cabinet decision and ruled the UNESCO World Heritage site would be reopened to Muslim worshipping.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/why-india-should-not-remain-silent-on-hagia-sophias-decision-313064" hreflang="en">Why India should not remain silent on Hagia Sophia's decision</a>

The structure dates back to the sixth century and has, on multiple occasions, served as a church and a mosque, before being turned into a museum.

In the way of Qiblah

A few mosaics of Mary and Gabriel are positioned in the direction of Qiblah, the same direction which Muslims face during prayers. These will be covered with curtains.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pope-francis-voices-distress-over-turkeys-hagia-sophia-conversion-to-mosque-312751" hreflang="en">Pope Francis voices distress over Turkey's Hagia Sophia conversion to mosque</a>

Besides these, other Christian depictions and figures will be left untouched as they are simply not located in the way of prayer, but the representative did not say whether these will be uncovered or left bare at all times.

When prayers are not ongoing, the Hagia Sophia will be open to all visitors and tourists, with no images and depictions being concealed. Ergodan visited the mosque on Sunday to inspect the progress being made in preparation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/turkish-president-erdogan-rejects-criticism-over-hagia-sophias-conversion-to-mosque-312589" hreflang="en">Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque</a>

Pope Francis on July 12 said that he was "very distressed" over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque.

The proposal has been criticised by several religious and political leaders, including the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch, spirtual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, as well as Greece, France and the United States.

Hagia Sophia, which was reconverted to a mosque from a museum under the endorsement of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will cover Christian figures during prayers here on.

Hagia Sophia, which was reconverted to a mosque from a museum under the endorsement of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will cover Christian figures during prayers here on. The work to prepare the museum as a mosque is in full-throttle, as per the spokesperson for Erdogan, Ibrahim Kalin. Prayers to begin on Friday When prayers begin in the newly named mosque starting Friday, Christian mosaics would be covered with curtains or lasers. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and the head of Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate Ali Erbas, visits the Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya-i Kebir Camii in Istanbul, Turkey, July 19, 2020. | AFP A court ruling in the beginning of July claimed that the 1934 conversion of the structure to the museum was unlawful. After this, Erdogan declared Hagia Sophia was now open to the Muslim world for worship, which garnered criticism and critique across the world. The Council of State, which was debating a case brought by a Turkish NGO, cancelled a 1934 cabinet decision and ruled the UNESCO World Heritage site would be reopened to Muslim worshipping. Also read: Why India should not remain silent on Hagia Sophia's decision The structure dates back to the sixth century and has, on multiple occasions, served as a church and a mosque, before being turned into a museum. In the way of Qiblah A few mosaics of Mary and Gabriel are positioned in the direction of Qiblah, the same direction which Muslims face during prayers. These will be covered with curtains. Also read: Pope Francis voices distress over Turkey's Hagia Sophia conversion to mosque Besides these, other Christian depictions and figures will be left untouched as they are simply not located in the way of prayer, but the representative did not say whether these will be uncovered or left bare at all times. When prayers are not ongoing, the Hagia Sophia will be open to all visitors and tourists, with no images and depictions being concealed. Ergodan visited the mosque on Sunday to inspect the progress being made in preparation. Also read: Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque Pope Francis on July 12 said that he was "very distressed" over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque. The proposal has been criticised by several religious and political leaders, including the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch, spirtual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, as well as Greece, France and the United States.

Christian mosaics in Hagia Sophia to be concealed during prayers starting July 24

Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound reopened to Muslim worshippers and visitors on Sunday (May 31) after a two-and-a-half month coronavirus closure, but authorities imposed some precautions as health officials warned of an uptick in local infections.

Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque reopens after more than two months

As the world observes the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day on 18 April, we bring you top 5 breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are worth visiting.

Top 5 World Heritage Sites to Visit

How coronavirus outbreak is affecting daily lives of Iranians

Military personnel disinfected one of Iraq's holiest mosques on Thursday (February 27), part of measures combating the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Iraq's holy mosque disinfected as sixth virus case reported

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