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"Malaysian Brand Faces Backlash Over 'Allah' Logo on Shoes, Issues Apology"
1 year ago•Source: ABC News
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1.915 min•1 year ago
"Malaysian Shoemaker Apologizes for Controversial Logo Resembling Arabic Script on High Heels"
Malaysian shoe company Vern’s Holdings apologizes and halts sales of high-heeled shoes with a logo that some Muslims say resembles Arabic writing for God, acknowledging design shortcomings and offering refunds. This follows a recent controversy over socks printed with the word "Allah" in a Malaysian convenience store chain, leading to charges and tensions. Religion is a sensitive issue in Malaysia, where Muslims make up the majority, and the matter has sparked investigations and calls for boycotts.
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"Challenges and Traditions: Easter Observances for Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem"
The Associated Press•1 year ago
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"Philippines' Annual Crucifixion Re-Enactment Draws Catholic Devotees"
Reuters•1 year ago
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"Ramadan 2024: Global Fasting and Observance Guide"
Ramadan 2024 will begin on March 11 or 12, with fasting hours ranging from 12 to 17 hours worldwide. The Islamic calendar's lunar nature causes Ramadan to start earlier each year, with 2030 seeing two observances. Cities along the same longitude share similar iftar times, while those on opposite sides prepare for suhoor. The longest fasting hours are in Nuuk, Greenland, and Reykjavik, Iceland, while the shortest are in Canberra, Australia, and Puerto Montt, Chile. Ramadan greetings vary across Muslim-majority nations.
"Controversy Erupts Over Trans Activist's Funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral"
The New York Archdiocese condemned the "scandalous behavior" at a funeral for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, stating they were unaware of her identity and atheism. Attendees reportedly made disruptive gestures and comments during the service, prompting the Archdiocese to express outrage. Gentili, a prominent advocate for transgender and sex worker rights, was remembered by her family as a revolutionary saint, while the Archdiocese criticized the funeral's alleged sacrilegious and deceptive nature.
Controversy at St. Patrick's: Trans Activist Funeral Sparks Rare Mass of Reparation
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City says it was deceived into hosting a funeral for a transgender activist, leading to a rare Mass of Reparation being performed. The funeral for Cecilia Gentili drew over 1,000 mourners and sparked outrage within the Catholic community due to the perceived sacrilegious behavior of attendees. The cathedral claims it was misled into hosting the event, which took place during the Lenten season, and subsequently held the Mass of Reparation to re-sanctify the church. Gentili’s family defended the funeral as a reflection of her advocacy and criticized the church for its alleged hypocrisy and anti-trans sentiments.
Controversy at St. Pat's: Trans Activist's Funeral Sparks Catholic Church Outcry
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York held a "Mass of Reparation" to atone for the "sacrilegious" funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili, which included unconventional eulogies and attire. The Catholic church claimed it was deceived into hosting the service and expressed outrage over the scandalous behavior. While some attendees defended the funeral as inclusive and reflective of Jesus' acceptance, others acknowledged the church's anger but emphasized the importance of love and acceptance for all individuals.
"Controversy Surrounds Transgender Activist's Funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral"
St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City was unknowingly tricked into hosting a "sacrilegious" funeral for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili, where over 1,000 mourners, many transgender, celebrated her life with flashy outfits and rowdy behavior. The cathedral expressed outrage at the funeral's disrespectful nature, which included eulogies referring to Gentili as "St. Cecilia, mother of all whores." The ceremony, which sparked backlash from Catholics, was organized without the cathedral's knowledge of Gentili's background, and it marked the first funeral service for a trans person at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
"Balancing Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day: Navigating the 2024 Calendar Clash"
This year, Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day coincide, posing a dilemma for those observing both. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter. The date of Easter, and consequently Ash Wednesday, varies each year due to the lunar calendar. Church officials advise those observing Ash Wednesday to adhere to fasting rules, even if celebrating Valentine's Day, and suggest celebrating Valentine's Day on Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday.
"ASI Report Confirms Pre-Existing Hindu Temple at Gyanvapi Mosque Site"
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reportedly found that a 17th century mosque in Varanasi, India, was built after destroying a pre-existing Hindu temple, according to a lawyer representing Hindu petitioners. The ASI report, shared only with the petitioners, allegedly revealed remnants of Hindu statues in the mosque's basements and suggested that a large Hindu temple existed prior to the mosque's construction. The lawyer stated that the Hindu petitioners will approach the Supreme Court to demand that an area of the mosque be opened for Hindus, while advocates representing Muslim groups said they would respond after studying the survey report. This development comes after the recent inauguration of a grand temple to Lord Ram in Ayodhya, and amid ongoing tensions surrounding religious sites in India.
"Modi Inaugurates Historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Marking India's Reconnection with its Sanatan Past"
Thousands of Indians are preparing for the opening of a grand temple to the Hindu god Lord Ram in Ayodhya, India, a historic event projected to unite the country and boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party ahead of upcoming elections. The temple's construction fulfills a 35-year-old promise by Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and follows a long-standing dispute over the site, which was contested by Hindus and Muslims. The ceremony, set to be watched by millions, will involve the removal of a blindfold on the deity and is expected to attract thousands of visitors daily after opening to the public.
"Rising Demand for Saffron Props as Ayodhya Ram Temple's Pran-Pratishtha Event Approaches"
Two days before the pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust released stunning images of the newly built temple, including the first photo of the new Ram Lalla idol placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the consecration ceremony, and after the event, Ayodhya will be adorned with 10 lakh diyas, creating a mesmerizing spectacle reminiscent of Diwali.
"Unique Gifts, Saffron Demand, and Modi's Anushthaan: Ram Temple Preparations Unveiled"
Ahead of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, devotees have sent unique gifts including a 108-foot-long incense stick, a Ram temple-themed diamond necklace, a 1265 kg laddu, a silk bed sheet depicting the temple, and other offerings like saffron and water from the Kabul river. PM Narendra Modi is set to attend the ceremony, which will be telecasted live on Doordarshan and other channels.