islam

What’s Behind Central Asia’s Umrah Fever?

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What’s Behind Central Asia’s Umrah Fever?

As the holy month of Ramadan drew near, Tajikistan’s president expressed his concern about frequent hajj and umrah pilgrimages performed by Tajik citizens and the amount of money spent on them. “In 2023 alone, 63,000 citizens of the country undertook hajj and umrah ceremonies,” Emomali Rahmon said, altogether spending more than 1,200 billion somoni, or … Read more

Cambodia’s Unique Islamic Sect Fights to Resist Assimilation

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Cambodia’s Unique Islamic Sect Fights to Resist Assimilation

On the outskirts of a village near the ancient Cambodian capital of Longvek, the only sounds are the whir of an electric fan and the hum of insects all around. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the beating of a large drum hanging from an awning. At first, the pounding comes slowly, like a heartbeat. … Read more