MABDA Report 22/07/12

Pakistan to launch TV channel on interfaith harmony soon

In an extremely polarized society like Pakistan, there is a need to promote peace and interfaith harmony amongst the masses. The message can be better disseminated through media and that’s why Pakistan's Minister of State for National Harmony Akram Masih Gill announced on Wednesday to open a state-run television channel with the sole purpose of spreading the message of peace and love throughout the country. Indeed, it is a great step. Currently, the volatile country is faced with extremism and terrorism, as Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked militant outfits have spread their tentacles across the country.

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/12622549-pakistan-to-launch-tv-channel-on-interfaith-harmony-soon

Interfaith Coalition & ADL Welcome Decision Permitting Tennessee Mosque To Open In Time For Ramadan

The Interfaith Coalition on Mosques (ICOM) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed a ruling by a federal judge in Tennessee ordering a local county to conduct a final inspection so that a new mosque can open in time for the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

http://www.adl.org/PresRele/CvlRt_32/6354_32.htm

What Catholics can learn during Islam's holy month

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started July 20 in many countries, is a time of fasting, prayer and repentance, when Muslims distance themselves from worldly activities in an effort to align their lives more closely with God and his laws.

According to the Vatican's point man for dialogue with Islam, Ramadan is also an opportunity for Catholics to learn from Muslims' example of obedience to the Almighty -- and thereby strengthen their own Catholic faith.

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1203050.htm

Saudi women break new ground in sports

Saudi Arabia announced on 12 July, just two weeks before the start of the Olympics, that it will send two women to compete in judo and track and field, making Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani and Sarah Attar the first Saudi women to compete in the Olympic games.

For decades now, most Muslim-majority countries have allowed women to play and compete in sports, and have had female athletes compete in the Olympics. Today, Saudi Arabia is following suit.

http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=31743&lan=en&sp=0