Society

Female scholars in Islam

Unsung guardians of the 'true' tradition

Back in 1995, when The Times asserted Islam was to blame for the poor levels of education among women in the Muslim world, Mohammad Akram Nadwi began scouring ancient Arabic manuscripts for women's names. Looking specifically for female scholars, his hope was to find maybe 20 or 30 women. What he found was astounding. By Julia Ley
By Julia Ley
Menstruation in Pakistan

What every girl should know

Pakistan needs to start removing the stigma society attaches to menstruation, argues Mahwish Gul. She has been instrumental in developing #HelpSaira, a new digital app aimed at teenage girls that offers constructive and value-free information and advice
By Mahwish Gul
Hindutva target Muslims

Mumbai mosques forced to turn volume down

Follwing demands by a regional Hindu leader that mosque loudspeakers to be turned down in Mumbai, local police intervened to ensure compliance. The row is the latest point of tension between India's Muslims and Hindus, despite repeated assurances by Narendra Modi's ruling BJP that it does not discriminate against anyone
Sustainable transport

Sudan's e-tuktuk revolution

Sudanese entrepreneur Mohamed Samir watches proudly as workers assemble garishly coloured rickshaws, unique in the North African nation because they run on electricity in a bid to tackle soaring costs.
Cannabis and Islam?

There is no one single answer

The German government is planning to legalise cannabis before the end of this legislative period. So what does Islam have to say about its consumption? Will changing the law alter the way Muslims in Germany feel about the issue? Said Rezek talked to Muslim theologian Ali Ghandour from the University of Munster
By Said Rezek
Sensational find in Turkey

Turkish archaeologists discover subterranean city of Matiate

Welcome to the underground! In Midyat, Turkey, the gateway to a huge underground city has been discovered. It was used for over 1900 years and could accommodate up to 70,000 people. Hannah Fuchs has the details
By Hannah Fuchs
Middle East

Water resources – another conflict trigger?

From the Euphrates to the Mekong, dams that ensure one country's water supply risk leaving others parched. But shared water resources can be a source of peace as well as conflict. By Ruby Russell
By Ruby Russell
Women entrepreneurs in Yemen

The fight to secure capital

Despite the lack of opportunities in a deteriorating economy and restrictive social and cultural norms, many Yemeni women have managed to start businesses. Yet they still face obstacles specific to their gender, writes Amal Abdullah
By Amal Abdullah
Anti-racism, anti-discrimination

Rafia Zakaria – feminism is not only white

Pakistani-American author and lawyer Rafia Zakaria advocates for a broad-based feminism that doesn't just address the concerns of white women. By Christine Lehnen
By Christine Lehnen
Taha Hussein, a biography

Modern Egypt's great pioneer

Taha Hussein (1889-1973) is considered one of Egypt's most influential intellectuals and cultural politicians. With his biography "The Last Nahdawi", historian Hussam Ahmed provides a profound insight into the contradictions in the life of the great pioneer of Egyptian modernity. By Shady Lewis Botros
By Shady Lewis Botros
Navid Kermani‘s "Questions about God"

How do we believe?

In his latest book, Navid Kermani poses questions about God. It feels like no one could have done it better. His writing elicits smiles, doubt and wonder. By Melanie Christina Mohr
By Melanie Christina Mohr
Christians in the Middle East

Rebuilding churches in Iraq

Much effort is being put into rebuilding churches in Iraq that were destroyed by Islamic State. The message of hope is for Christians to return. Judit Neurink reports from Mosul
By Judit Neurink