Religious scholars from different Islamic sects have unanimously announced that the custom of dowry in vogue in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh was un-Islamic. Speaking in a seminar held by the Social Reforms Society, Ahmaduddin Owaisi said that this system was synonymous with corruption and was, therefore, invalid. The ulema have passed a resolution that says that the marriage ceremonies in …

Zahira College Colombo is currently implementing a comprehensive programme of work to upgrade educational standards, extra curricular activities, and sports, and for this purpose has recently appointed a new Principal. In addition to building extra classrooms, Computer Centres, Gymnasium and Swimming Pool and refurbishing the existing classrooms, the Board of Governors, as a part of this program is also taking …

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 10, 2011 (IPS) – The beleaguered government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has so far defied the Security Council, ignored appeals by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, rejected pleas from neighbouring Turkey and the Arab world, and summarily dismissed the threats and sanctions by Western powers. But how is it going to react to a plea from IBSA, …

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 1, 2011 (IPS) – The U.N. Security Council has continued to remain politically paralysed on the indiscriminate killings of civilians in Syria, and that paralysis, according to U.N. diplomats, has been triggered ironically by the ongoing turmoil in another Arab nation – Libya. The devastation caused by Western military forces in Libya – justified under the guise …

Amãna Bank, Sri Lanka’s first licensed commercial bank to operate fully under the principles of Islamic banking, had its official opening yesterday, whilst it will be open for business on Monday. A simple launch event to mark the opening was held at the bank’s Corporate Office at 480, Galle Road, Colombo 3, with Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal attending …