Introduction to Rijal Studies

Transmission of Polemics in Safavid Iran

Fifteen Saudi Shia sentenced to death for ‘spying for Iran’ – BBC News

Shiites are participating in the world’s largest pilgrimage today. Here’s how they view the world.

Jais arrests 50 Pakistani Shia Muslims

See also:

1. 10th October 2016.

At 10.55 am two men aged 54 and 32 years old (father and son) were arrested at their home in Jalan Jasmin, Felda Kemendor, state of Melaka for preparing to organize ashura gathering. They were interrogated under Section 63 Enactment Sharia Criminal State of Melaka 1991. If found guilty they will be fined up to RM5000, or three years jail or both. Melaka banned Shi’ism on 24th September 2015. Media Report: http://www.bharian.com.my/node/200861

2. 13th October 2016.

Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission through his chairperson, Razali Ismail criticized intimidation and arrest against Shias in Malaysia. He emphasized on freedom of religion: “This right shall include the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice and freedom, either individually or in community with others in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.” Media report: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/358958

3. 14th October 2016

A standardize Friday sermon throughout state of Selangor spread hate speech against Shia adherents calling them deviants and reminding listeners to obey the 17th October 2013 religious fatwa banning Shia in Selangor. Media report: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/359041

4. 17th October 2016.

70-100 people from local NGOs such as Pertubuhan Kebajikan Silaturahim Malaysia (Si’rah Malaysia) The Mosque Organization of Masjid Al Husna Bandar Sunway (led by Mohd Hazizul Mohd Ghouts) and The Mosque Organization of Surau Munawarah (led by Mohd Fairuz Ahmad Jahari) demonstrated and intimidate small community centre for foreign students (mostly Iranians) in Sunway, state of Selangor. They demand the closure of the community centre and bring along banner reads: “Eradicate Shias from Malaysia” during the demonstration. They even report the centre to State Religious Authorities and Police. Media report: http://www.hmetro.com.my/node/174810?m=1

Little girl prepares to have her scalp slashed open in Islamic ritual

See also Wall Street Journal (subscriber only)
The Evening Standard (UK)
Huffington Post
The Independant (UK)
[Seemingly larger amount of coverage in the Western media this year than in previous years. If others have urls of sites to be added to this list, do send them to me.-Ed.]

In Saudi Arabia: Can It Really Change?

The myth and history of Sunni-Shia divide

Who Is a Sunni?: Chechnya Islamic Conference Opens Window on Intra-Faith Rivalry – Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

See also James Dorsey’s Fighting for the Soul of Islam:A Battle of the Paymasters
See also Robert Fisk’s ‘For the first time, Saudi Arabia is being attacked by both Sunni and Shia leaders’
and Brian Whitaker’s ‘Robert Fisk and the Russian war on salafism’

From religion to politics, Saudi Arabia feeling chill of isolation