Somali Islamists Whip Women for Wearing Bras
October 23, 2009
By Abdi Sheikh
Rueters Africa

Somalia's hardline Islamist group al Shabaab has publicly whipped women for wearing bras they say violate Islam by constituting a deception, north Mogadishu residents said Friday. The insurgent group, which seeks to impose a strict form of sharia Islamic law throughout Somalia, amputated a foot and a hand each from two young men accused of robbery earlier this month. They have also banned movies, musical ringtones, dancing at wedding ceremonies and playing or watching soccer.

“An Ambassador For Judaism”: Madonna, Kabbalah, and Religion in Israel
October 18, 2009
By Shalom Goldman
Religion Dispatches

When Madonna visited Israel last month with her boyfriend Jesus in tow, Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum were so eager to bask in her aura (or light Sabbath candles with her) that obvious ironies were ignored. Or, as one rabbi put it, simply: “Thank God for Madonna.”

Muslim coalition wants JAG charged for sedition
October 13, 2009
By Athi Shankar
Malaysia Kini

A male dominated Muslim coalition has called on the police to investigate and charge the female-dominated Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) under the Sedition Act for allegedly insulting Islam. Penang Muslim Coordinating Forum (Forum), which comprises 32 Islamic-based organisations, lodged two police reports in George Town today calling on the police to probe into JAG's press statement on Aug 24 and a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Aug 25.

Nuns on the run: Why is the Pope targeting women?
October 1, 2009
By Susan Toepfer
True/Slant

It is a story worthy of a Dan Brown thriller, replete with secret ceremonies, powerful adversaries and hidden motives. Yet this high-level plot is playing out in real time, right under our noses, and it all begins with a modern-day inquisition into the lives of nuns.

Her 'duty' is helping Muslim women heal after abuse
October 1, 2009
By Robina Niaz
CNN

Toward the end of her marriage, Rabia Iqbal said she feared for her life. Iqbal was born in New York to parents who had immigrated to the United States from the tribal areas of Pakistan. She had a strict Muslim upbringing and when she was 16, her parents arranged her marriage to a 38-year-old man. She claims her husband turned violent during their 10 years of marriage. When she finally left him, she did not know where to turn. Going home wasn't an option, she said.

‘The veil should not be a barrier between women’
September 22, 2009
By Rabina Khan
The National

The writer and campaigner Rabina Khan talks to Charlotte Kemp about her drive to dispel the myths and stereotypes about the hijab, and how her latest project, which documents the views of Muslim and non-Muslim women on the subject, is helping to promote a new understanding.

Exercise Tailored to a Hijab
September 22, 2009
By Abby Ellin
New York Times

The first time Julia Shearson rode her bike after converting to Islam seven years ago, her headscarf became stuck in the wheel. She lost her balance, and by the time she got going again she was met with stares as she whizzed along, arms and legs draped in loose clothing, her scarf billowing in the breeze.

Seeing Yourself in Their Light
September 22, 2009
By Allen Salkin
New York Times

The dream used to be different. Four years ago, noon would have found Gabrielle Bernstein on her way to lunch at the Soho House with a potential client of the public relations agency she co-owned. By night, she was throwing back Patrón tequila at Cielo, the Coral Room or another of the downtown clubs she represented.

Was an Anti-Abortion Bishop Too Outspoken?
September 11, 2009
By Amy Sullivan
TIME

For suddenly departing politicians and CEOs, the standard line is to "spend time with family." Now the Catholic Church may have its own version of this unconvincing, stock answer.

Revisiting Hagar, The Woman Who Named God
September 11, 2009
By Charlotte Gordon
Religion Dispatches

An interview with the author of a new book that takes a critical look at the biblical tale of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar and sons, claiming that this story at the core of anxiety between religions isn’t exactly as it seems.