French Muslim rector: Islam is not a faith of violence

In the wake of the death of international terrorist Osama bin Laden, Muslims consider the world without the notorious figure. According to Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, it was bin Laden who popularized the link between Islam and violence.

France is home to about five million Muslims, the largest Muslim minority in Europe, and Islamic leaders there have issued many denunciations against the violence bin Laden advocated and conducted.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Saudi government plans improvements for Hajj pilgrims

As the 2010 Hajj pilgrimage begins this week, Muslims from around the world are returning to the holy cities of Mecca and Medinah. In all, about 3 million pilgrims are expected to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Among the down sides of so many people descending upon a few areas, though, there is extreme traffic.

In recent years, extreme traffic congestion has been compounded by swine flu and severe flooding. However, the Saudi government is making important changes to improve the lot for pilgrims. Among other innovations, the government will unveil a new high-speed commuter train for pilgrims in 2011. In addition, the Saudi government is rolling out improved drinking water and sanitation facilities during the event.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Disney Corp. works out compromise for Muslim female employees

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts made a new accommodation, based on religious grounds, for Muslim women working for the trademark company.

In accordance with an agreement worked out this week, employee Noor Abdallah, 22, will wear a blue beret atop a company-designed headscarf when she is selling tickets in a resort box office. According to Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown, the park has a long history of making accommodations based on religious requests from all faiths. In all, she said, about 200 such accommodations have been made during the past year.

However, an attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations contends Ms. Abdallah is the fourth Muslim woman to challenge the park's policies this year alone.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to train men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.