分类： society

The iconic Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem was filled to capacity as hundreds gathered to pay their final respects to Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, a revered social activist and spiritual leader. The funeral, held at 9 a.m. on a Monday morning, drew people from all walks of life, reflecting the profound impact Abdur-Rashid had on his community over his 50 years of service at the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood (MIB).

Abdur-Rashid, who passed away on November 15, was remembered as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to serving others. His daughter, Hawwa Minnie Gilmore, delivered an emotional tribute, describing her father as a kind, loving, and caring man who was always there for his family and community. ‘He was everything to us,’ she said, highlighting his tireless efforts to uplift those around him.

The service also featured tributes from faith leaders, academics, and politicians, including co-founder of MIB Professor Halima Toure, Imam Zaid Shakir of Zaytuna College, and New York City council member Yusef Salaam. Attendees spoke of Abdur-Rashid’s unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue, civil rights, and social justice. He was instrumental in advocating for the adhan (call to prayer) to be broadcast from the mosque, securing halal options in public schools, and adding Eid to the public school calendar.

Abdur-Rashid’s legacy extended beyond Harlem. As a prison chaplain, he provided spiritual guidance to inmates, including Luqman Yunus, who spoke of the imam’s compassion and support during his incarceration. Abdur-Rashid’s work in championing civil rights for individuals like Amadou Diallo and Yusef Salaam further cemented his reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate for justice.

Born Barry Lee Hicks in North Carolina in 1951, Abdur-Rashid converted to Sunni Islam in 1971 and quickly became a central figure in the Black Muslim community. His influence was felt in the arts, earning him the nickname ‘Hip Hop Imam,’ as he welcomed artists like Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and Q-Tip to MIB. He also served in leadership roles within the Islamic Leadership Council of New York and the Muslim Alliance in North America.

Abdur-Rashid’s passing coincided with the installation of signage for the Malcolm X Plaza in Harlem, a project he had championed. His daughter described the timing as symbolic, saying, ‘It’s like Allah saying, ‘Your mission is complete.’’ Abdur-Rashid was buried in Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and unity.

A devastating wildfire erupted in the city of Oita, located on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, on Tuesday evening, rapidly engulfing a residential neighborhood and forcing over 170 people to evacuate. The blaze, which began near a fishing port amid strong winds, quickly spread to nearby forests and homes, causing widespread destruction. According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, at least 170 homes have been damaged, and a man in his 70s remains missing. Local residents described the fire as spreading uncontrollably, with one evacuee telling Kyodo News Agency that she fled in haste, leaving most of her belongings behind. Firefighters are still battling the flames, which remain uncontained as of Wednesday morning. The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters exacerbated by extreme weather conditions.

In 2016, Bihar, India’s poorest state, implemented a statewide alcohol ban to combat addiction, domestic violence, and financial distress among its most vulnerable families. Nine years later, the policy’s effectiveness remains a contentious issue, with enforcement gaps and a thriving black market undermining its intended goals. A recent BBC investigation highlighted these challenges during a raid on an illegal distillery near Patna, where officials discovered a makeshift setup fermenting jaggery into country liquor. Despite the raid, the perpetrators had fled, underscoring the persistent issue of tip-offs and collusion. Since the ban’s inception, 1.1 million cases have been registered, with 650,000 convictions, but over 99% of these are for consumption rather than production or distribution. The black market continues to flourish, with illicit alcohol worth over 522 million rupees seized in the six weeks leading up to the recent state elections. Enforcement is further complicated by Bihar’s geography, bordering states where alcohol is legal and a porous 726km border with Nepal, a key conduit for smuggling. Despite these challenges, many women, including Lalmunni Devi, who lost her husband to toxic liquor in 2022, advocate for the ban’s continuation, citing its positive impact on household finances and family well-being. However, critics argue that the policy has merely driven the problem underground, with unintended consequences such as bootlegging and deaths from illicit brews. As Bihar’s outgoing government prepares to return to power, the alcohol ban remains a paradox—hailed as a social reform by some and criticized as ineffective by others. The question of whether it has succeeded or merely shifted the problem persists, leaving the state grappling with its complex legacy.

The 17th Cross-Strait Tea Industry Expo, held in Wuyishan, Fujian Province, has become a platform for fostering connections between Taiwanese and mainland tea industries. Li Ya-chun, a fourth-generation tea maker from Taiwan, showcased his family’s renowned Tung-ting Oolong tea at the event, which ran for five days and concluded on Thursday. This marked Li’s first participation in the expo, where he engaged with mainland business professionals to explore collaboration opportunities and gain insights into local market trends. The expo, hosted in the birthplace of black and oolong teas, highlighted the deepening cultural and economic ties across the Taiwan Strait. This year’s Taiwan pavilion featured a record 200 booths, a 14.3% increase from the previous session. Li hails from Lugu, a major tea-growing region in Nantou, Taiwan, where the origins of Tung-ting Oolong tea trace back to Wuyi Mountain in Fujian. The tea’s history dates to the Qing Dynasty when Lin Feng-chi, a scholar from Lugu, brought Qingxin Oolong saplings from Wuyi Mountain to Taiwan. These saplings flourished in the Tung-ting area, evolving into the celebrated tea variety known today. Li emphasized the shared heritage of tea culture, noting that his family frequently exchanges knowledge with Fujian tea farmers. The expo also celebrated the 20th anniversary of cooperation between Wuyi Mountain and Taiwan’s Ali Mountain. Lai Yueh-tchien, a cross-Strait commentator, highlighted tea’s role as a cultural bridge, carrying shared memories and emotions. The event concluded with a cultural gala integrating tea heritage and modern technology, attended by 80 young tea professionals from both sides of the Strait.

A recent report by Amnesty International has shed light on the severe exploitation faced by migrant workers involved in Saudi Arabia’s key infrastructure projects, including the high-profile Riyadh Metro. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights the plight of workers from countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, who endure excessive recruitment fees, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate housing, all under the oppressive kafala sponsorship system. Marta Schaaf, Amnesty’s programme director, stated that while the Riyadh Metro is celebrated as a cornerstone of the capital’s transport system, it is built on a decade of human rights abuses. Workers are charged exorbitant illegal fees, often forcing them into debt, and face long, grueling hours in unsafe environments for minimal pay. The report also criticizes the Saudi government for failing to enforce laws and multinational corporations for operating in an environment that restricts freedom of expression. With over 13 million migrant workers, constituting 42% of the population, the situation is expected to worsen as Saudi Arabia ramps up recruitment for Vision 2030 projects. Human Rights Watch has warned that the 2034 World Cup, likely to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, will be marred by pervasive rights violations. Despite limited reforms, the kafala system continues to leave workers vulnerable to abuse, with numerous reports of physical and sexual violence, confiscation of passports, and even deaths linked to poor working conditions. The Saudi government has denied these allegations, but rights organizations insist that many deaths are preventable workplace accidents. The report underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect the rights of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

A severe multi-vehicle collision on Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Street in Dubai’s Al Quoz area caused significant traffic disruptions on Tuesday afternoon. The accident involved an SUV that overturned and two sedans, leading to congestion that extended towards Sheikh Zayed Road. Emergency teams swiftly responded to the scene, deploying multiple ambulances to assist injured drivers and passengers. Authorities closed two lanes to manage the wreckage, forcing traffic to merge into a single lane. Debris from the damaged vehicles was scattered across the road, though no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities were confirmed. Rescue crews worked diligently to clear shattered glass and debris, aiming to restore normal traffic flow. Earlier in the day, another accident involving an SUV and a sedan occurred near Equity Metro Station, further complicating traffic conditions. Police were present at both scenes, directing vehicles and assisting motorists as tow trucks removed the damaged cars. These incidents highlight the challenges of managing traffic on Dubai’s busy roads, especially during peak hours.