Vandita Agrawal is an established freelance investigative journalist, published in The Times of India, indiatimes.com, and captain-planet.net. Her in-depth stories on US politics, international affairs, human rights, and climate change always ruffle a few feathers.

The Real Reason Jewish People Tear Their Clothes After A Death

06 Sept 2022  |  www.grunge.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Jewish mourning practices, particularly the tradition of Kriah, involve tearing clothes or wearing a ribbon to express grief and anger after a death. This ritual, rooted in historical and religious contexts, helps mourners acknowledge their loss and find solace. The practice is performed by immediate relatives and varies between Orthodox and Reform Jews. It is an integral part of the Jewish grieving process, which includes periods of mourning such as shiva, shloshim, and avelut, each with specific customs and durations.

Tags:

Religious Practices Jewish Traditions Grief

Informative

Factuality Scale

I am a multimedia journalist, documentary filmmaker and writer based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have 16 years experience in the field and my last senior post was as Senior Editor, News Features, at Astro AWANI, Malaysia's first 24-hour news channel. Prior to that 4-year stint,, I was a ...

I'm not offended when others eat while I fast

15 Mar 2024  |  www.malaysiakini.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

A secondary school student in Malaysia was told not to eat at school during Ramadan, even when not fasting due to menstruation. This directive contradicts Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek's order to keep school canteens open during Ramadan, which has sparked criticism from Perikatan Nasional politicians. The minister defended her stance in Parliament when questioned by Temerloh MP Salamiah Nor.

Tags:

Religious Practices Education Politics

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

.

Inside the Megachurch Where Shrooms and Weed Are Religion

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

The Zide Door Church of Entheogenic Plants, part of the Church of Ambrosia, has seen significant growth, now boasting over 100,000 members and a new chapter in San Francisco. This nondenominational interfaith religion, which incorporates the use of psychedelic mushrooms and cannabis as sacraments, operates under the protection of a 2006 Supreme Court ruling. Founded by Dave Hodges, the church emphasizes safe access to these substances for spiritual work. Despite facing legal challenges, including a police raid in 2020, the church continues to thrive, with members regularly participating in ceremonies and consuming high doses of psychedelics. The church's teachings are influenced by Terrance McKenna's 'stoned ape' theory, suggesting that psilocybin mushrooms played a crucial role in human evolution.

Tags:

Religious Practices Psychedelic Churches Cannabis Psilocybin Mushrooms

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Steven Crook is a journalist based in Tainan City, Taiwan.

Highways & Byways: The colonel, the pilot and the policeman: Taiwan’s Japanese gods

28 Jan 2022  |  www.taipeitimes.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Japanese rule significantly influenced Taiwan's economic development and infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on local beliefs. Several Japanese individuals who lived and died in Taiwan have been posthumously deified due to their admirable conduct and miraculous events associated with them. Notable figures include Yoshihara Kozo, an Imperial Japanese Army colonel; Sugiura Shigemine, an Imperial Japanese Navy pilot; and Morikawa Seijiro, a benevolent police officer. These individuals are venerated in various temples across Taiwan, reflecting a unique blend of cultural and religious practices.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural History Japanese Influence

Informative

Factuality Scale

I am a freelance multimedia journalist based in India. My areas of interest include Politics, Human Rights, Hate crimes, Development, Climate, and Social issues. My work has appeared in several national and international Publications including Voice Of America, TRT World, The Daily Vox, HuffPost, ...

Kashmir’s Spiritual Gloom: When Politics Restricts Religious Practices

05 Aug 2021  |  The Daily Vox  |  English  |  Religious Practices

The article discusses the impact of political restrictions on religious practices in Kashmir, particularly during the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awal, which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Wasim Rashid, a local resident, was stopped by Indian forces from attending pre-dawn prayers at Hazratbal, breaking his 12-year streak. The article highlights the broader context of the Indian government's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's semi-autonomous status on August 5, 2019, leading to increased restrictions on gatherings, including religious ones. It details how Mawlid celebrations were confined to small local mosques, and larger gatherings were banned to prevent anti-India protests. The article also touches on the historical significance of Sufism in Kashmir and the economic impact of the restrictions on local businesses that rely on the influx of visitors during religious events like Urs. The authors, Muheet Ul Islam and Junaid Dar, provide a narrative that combines personal stories, historical context, and the socio-economic consequences of the political situation in Kashmir.

Tags:

Religious Practices Political Restrictions Kashmir Conflict

Mehmet Demirci is a journalist based in Raleigh, United States of America.
****

From Dergah to Academy

24 Aug 2023  |  www.yeniasir.com.tr  |  Turkish  |  Religious Practices

The article discusses the transformation of traditional religious institutions, known as 'dergahs,' into modern educational academies. It highlights the historical significance of dergahs as centers of moral and spiritual education and recounts personal anecdotes from notable figures like Raşit Beyefendi, Samiha Ayverdi, and Kenan Rifai. The narrative emphasizes the shift towards academic settings, as exemplified by the Kubbealtı seminars, and reflects on the positive reception of this transformation.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural Heritage Education

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Sophie Douce is a journalist based in Paris, France. TV and print journalism.

Marabouts in Senegal profit from migrants, sell talismans, promise protection

25 Oct 2024  |  La croix international  |  English  |  Religious Practices

In Senegal, marabouts, or Muslim holy men, are profiting from the migration crisis by selling talismans and promising protection to young people attempting the dangerous Atlantic crossing to Europe. Despite being illegal, these practices persist due to strong animist beliefs intertwined with Islam. The European Union has pledged $32.4 million to Senegal to combat clandestine migration and human trafficking. The article highlights the complex interplay of cultural beliefs, economic desperation, and the allure of Europe as a perceived 'El Dorado' for many Senegalese youth.

Tags:

Religious Practices Migration Human Trafficking

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Samir Jeraj is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He works as a Special Projects Writer for the New Statesman and has worked on freelance assignments for the Guardian, BBC News, Channel 4 News, The Metro, Inside Housing and the British Medical Journal. He co-authored The Rent Trap, a ...

Inside the Muslim tattoo scene

16 Jun 2023  |  Hyphen  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Younger Muslims are increasingly embracing and creating body art, challenging traditional stigmas. Saj, a 35-year-old East African-Asian Shia Muslim, and his wife have matching tattoos symbolizing their marriage. Jwan Imam, a Syrian tattoo artist now in Berlin, avoids religious tattoos out of respect. Josh Berer, a Washington DC-based calligrapher, designs Arabic tattoos for a global clientele, cautioning against using Qur'anic verses. The trend reflects a shift in attitudes among younger Muslims, particularly those in the West.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural Trends Body Art

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Rebecca Kanthor is a journalist based in Shanghai, China.

‘She’s in our hearts’: Devotees from China and Taiwan come together to celebrate the goddess Mazu

06 Jan 2022  |  theworld.org  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Pilgrims at Xinggong Temple on Meizhou Island honor the Daoist goddess Mazu, revered on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Despite political tensions, Mazu worship continues to foster cultural and economic ties between China and Taiwan. The Chinese government supports Mazu worship to strengthen cross-strait relations, while Taiwan asserts its self-governed democracy. The temple, once destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, has been rebuilt and now attracts global pilgrims. Local officials leverage Mazu's popularity to boost tourism and economic opportunities, including preferential policies for young Taiwanese entrepreneurs.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural Identity Cross-Strait Relations

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Zeba Khan is a journalist based in Kanpur, India.

Dirty Da’wah [Part 2] – “The Satisfying” | Revenge In The Name Of Islam

15 Nov 2022  |  muslimmatters.org  |  English  |  Religious Practices

The article critiques the trend of 'Dirty Da’wah' videos that mock and insult non-Muslims, arguing that such content is counterproductive and contrary to the teachings of Islam. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity, gentleness, and good manners in da’wah, drawing on examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic teachings. The article highlights the difference between seeking justice and seeking revenge, urging Muslims to follow the Prophet's example of patience and respect even in the face of hostility.

Tags:

Religious Practices Islam Social Media

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Faisal Mahmud is a journalist with over a decade of experience in working with three national English daily newspapers of Bangladesh—The Independent, Dhaka Tribune and The Business Standard.  Before switching his career to professional journalism, Faisal worked in the IT industry for two years. He ...

Sweet treats to digital decrees: How Shab-e-Barat changed in Bangladesh

24 Feb 2023  |  Muslims in Italy struggle to bury victims of the pandemic  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Shab-e-Barat, a traditional Islamic celebration in Bangladesh, has seen a significant shift in its observance, particularly in urban areas like Dhaka. The author reflects on the vibrant celebrations of their childhood in Old Dhaka, contrasting them with the subdued observance in modern-day Dhanmondi. The rise of social media and the influence of global Islamic interpretations, particularly from Salafist and Wahhabi scholars, have contributed to changing attitudes towards this cultural practice. This shift has led to a decline in traditional festivities and a sense of alienation from cultural heritage.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural Change Social Media Influence

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Ana Martins is a journalist based in Lisbon. 
And also a Screenwriter, Film Director, Copywriter, Voice-Over and Radio Host.

Why many people do not eat red meat on Good Friday?

29 Mar 2024  |  Terra  |  Portuguese  |  Religious Practices

Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a significant day in the Christian calendar. The Catholic Church advises its followers to perform penances, including abstaining from red meat, as a form of remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. Father José Ulisses Leva explains that this practice is tied to the symbolism of Christ's body. Nutritionist Maria Clara Santana assures that abstaining from red meat poses no health risks and suggests alternative protein sources like chicken and fish.

Tags:

Religious Practices Good Friday Christian Traditions

Informative

Factuality Scale

Sameer Mushtaq is a freelance journalist and a filmmaker based in Indian administered Kashmir. His works have appeared in several local, national and international media outlets including Aljazeera. Trtworld, BBC Urdu, Mongabay, Independent Urdu, SCMP, etc

Ramadan in Delhi: Faith, fasting and feasting

01 Oct 2023  |  www.firstpost.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Muslims in Delhi observe Ramadan with fasting from dawn to dusk, culminating in the iftaar meal. Key locations like Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin Dargah become hubs of activity, with volunteers and anonymous donors providing food for thousands of devotees. The article highlights the communal and festive atmosphere, with families and children participating in the religious observances.

Tags:

Religious Practices Ramadan Cultural Traditions

Informative

Factuality Scale

I'm a independant VJ and producer currently based in Paris.

I've worked with VOA and Reuters in Dakar, Senegal.  I can work in English but my mother tongue is French.
I've also skills in radio. I've produced radio story for RFI ( International French Radio) and Radio Canada.

I'm also a ...

Muslims Navigate Restrictions in Second Pandemic Ramadan

12 Apr 2021  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Muslims around the world are navigating restrictions during the second pandemic Ramadan, with varying regulations in different countries. In Egypt, mosques are open for taraweeh prayers with precautions, while Pakistan and Iran face surges in COVID-19 cases. Economic hardships are prevalent, especially in war-torn Syria and crisis-hit Lebanon. Saudi Arabia has banned communal iftar and suhoor in mosques, and India is urging strict adherence to restrictions. Despite challenges, the spirit of Ramadan's generosity persists, with community efforts to support those in need.

Tags:

Religious Practices Pandemic Ramadan

Informative

Factuality Scale

Tonny Onyulo is a freelance print and broadcast journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He reports across Africa. He has worked for both local and international media, including Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), County Newspaper in Nairobi, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, USA Today, ...

A Christian funeral is a journey with three stations

01 Oct 2021  |  cruxnow.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

November, traditionally dedicated to the dead, is a time when the Church emphasizes the afterlife. The Funeral Mass, central to Catholic funerals, worships God and prays for the deceased's transition from earthly life to the afterlife, potentially through purgatory, to heaven. The funeral comprises three stations: the vigil or wake, the Mass of Christian Burial, and the rite of committal at the graveside. The Mass, the core of the process, should not be altered by personal desires and should focus on resurrection and eternal life in God. The funeral's purpose is to offer intercession for the departed and consolation for loved ones, maintaining its supernatural focus and ancient beauty.

Tags:

Religious Practices Christianity Funeral Rites

Gaurav Pokharel is a journalist based in Kathmandu, Nepal, covering national security, organized/cross-border crime, defense, and current affairs.

He writes for **** in Nepal. Beside **** in Nepal, Pokharel also writes for several international media outlets. His works have appeared in The ...

Rats, pigeons and water buffaloes massacred in world’s largest animal sacrifice

29 Oct 2023  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Religious Practices

The Gadhimai festival in Nepal, known for its large-scale animal sacrifices, continues to spark controversy between devotees and animal rights activists. Despite court orders and activist efforts to curb the practice, the ritual persists due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs. The festival, held every five years, involves the sacrifice of thousands of animals, drawing criticism for its cruelty and lack of sanitation. Activists argue that the temple profits from the event, while devotees maintain it fulfills religious vows. Efforts to halt the practice face resistance from both the government and fervent believers.

Tags:

Religious Practices Animal Rights Cultural Traditions

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Mustasinur Rahman Alvi, is an independent Photojournalist based in Bangladesh. He has been doing documentary Photography since 2015, in various projects on Environmental Crisis, Climate Change, Homeless People, Child Labor and, as well as news coverage on humanitarian catastrophes. He also loves to ...

Picture of the Day: Prayer

17 Jun 2024  |  www.dw.com  |  Bosnian  |  Religious Practices

A woman prays at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, during a ritual immersion as part of the Ganga Dussehra festival in Prayagraj, India. Hindus across the country celebrate Ganga Dussehra by worshipping the Ganges, considered the holiest river.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural Festivals

Factual

Factuality Scale

I am freelance journalist based in Patna, India. I write in English. I have so far written for Forbes India, The Wire, Firstpost, M3 India. Newslaundry and others. I can also work as a fixer for correspondents who want to do stories in Bihar.

The mosque at Mari

11 Apr 2024  |  People's Archive of Rural India  |  English  |  Religious Practices

In the village of Mari, Bihar, three Hindu men, Ajay Paswan, Bakhori Bind, and Gautam Prasad, have taken on the responsibility of maintaining a mosque and mausoleum, despite the absence of a Muslim community. This act of care reflects the village's composite culture, known as Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. The mosque, over 200 years old, and the mausoleum of Sufi saint Hazrat Ismail, hold significant cultural and historical value. The village once had a Muslim population that left following the 1981 communal violence in Bihar Sharif. Despite the departure of the young caretakers due to economic reasons, efforts continue to preserve the mosque's traditions, including hiring a muezzin for the call to prayer.

Tags:

Religious Practices Communal Harmony Cultural Heritage

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Valentina Ruggiu is a journalist based in Rome, Italy.

The Muslim and Vegan Influencer Saves the Lamb from the Feast of Sacrifice. 'I Fight for a Cruelty-Free Religion'

24 Sept 2022  |  roma.repubblica.it  |  Italian  |  Religious Practices

Activist Sveva Basirah Balzini rescued a lamb named Mido from an Islamic ritual sacrifice, releasing it at the Hope Refuge in Castel Sant'Elia with the help of Lav. She calls for the next Parliament and Government to mandate pre-slaughter stunning for all types of slaughter, both ritual and domestic.

Tags:

Religious Practices Animal Rights

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

In Japan, a Muslim community’s ‘straightforward request’ to bury its dead stirs hostility

31 Jan 2025  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Religious Practices

The Beppu Muslim Association's efforts to establish a cemetery in Hiji, Japan, for Muslim burials face significant resistance, despite Japan's allowance for other faiths to bury their dead. Association head Muhammad Tahir Abbas Khan, a Japanese national and professor, expresses frustration over misleading media reports that have fueled opposition. A YouTuber's claims that Khan aims to turn Japan into a Muslim-majority nation have further complicated the situation, highlighting cultural tensions and challenges faced by the Muslim community in Japan.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural Tensions

Balanced

Factuality Scale

I am a video journalist and producer based in Lyon, France.
More than 15 years of experience reporting across all platforms. I write, produce and edit my own package.

My shooting equipments:
-Panasonic S5 IIX (high-end 6K full frame)
-DJI Ronin RS3
-Monitor Shinobi Atomos
-Sirui tripod
-...

When is the first day of Ramadan? A question dividing the Islamic world

20 Mar 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Muslims worldwide are preparing for Ramadan, expected to start around 23 March, but the exact date remains a point of contention due to differing methods of moon sighting and religious interpretations. While some countries like Turkey use astronomical calculations, others rely on the naked-eye sighting of the crescent moon. Efforts to unify the Islamic calendar, such as the International Prayer Times Congress and the International Hijri Calendar Union Congress, have yet to resolve the issue, with some suggesting political motivations behind the disagreement.

Tags:

Religious Practices Cultural Differences

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Sevilay Nur Saraçlar is a freelance journalist based in Antalya, Türkiye. She is passionate about integrating her work into solution-based narratives. Her feature stories focus on women's issues, and the environment.

Fighting for Women's Rights in Turkey's Mosques

05 Apr 2023  |  insideturkey.news  |  English  |  Religious Practices

The article discusses the efforts of the Women in Mosques Platform, a group founded in Istanbul in 2017 to address discrimination against women in mosques. The group, co-founded by Zeynep Doğusan, advocates for better access and facilities for women, challenging customs that marginalize female worshippers. The article highlights the issues women face, such as being relegated to small, screened-off areas and having to pay for washroom facilities, unlike men. It also touches on the budget increase for Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate and the lack of corresponding improvements for women. Other organizations like the Havle Women’s Association and individuals such as Kezban Karagöz and Begüm Yarar share their experiences and views on the need for change. The article also presents a contrasting opinion from an anonymous imam who supports the separation of genders in mosques to prevent gossip.

Tags:

Religious Practices Gender Discrimination Women's Rights Social Issues

João Vissesse is a journalist.

Angolan Archdiocese to Begin Monthly Adoration of Blessed Sacrament in Parishes ahead of Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year

22 Apr 2024  |  www.aciafrica.org  |  English  |  Religious Practices

Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda has called for monthly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in all parishes as part of preparations for the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. This initiative follows Pope Francis' announcement of a Year of Prayer. Archbishop Dias emphasizes the importance of prayer in achieving holiness and encourages the faithful to engage in prayer to renew their connection with God, express gratitude, and foster solidarity. He also highlights the role of prayer in protecting creation and deepening spiritual life.

Tags:

Religious Practices Catholic Church Jubilee Year

Informative

Factuality Scale

I'm Asad Zia, a freelance journalist based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. With a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, I have honed my skills and knowledge in the field of media.

With over 13 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working on various journalistic ...