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Religion

Religion
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Religion. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
This photograph taken on January 16, 2026 shows a worker arranging pages for binding at India’s oldest and indigenous comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha’s printing press in Mumbai. When India’s comic book series Amar Chitra Katha was launched in 1967, its mission was simple: introduce children to the country’s vast universe of Hindu gods, legends and history. Nearly six decades later, the comic, known simply as ACK and meaning “immortal illustrated stories”, is still holding its ground in an era ruled by smartphones and streaming television. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP)
Books and literature

Video | How an iconic Indian comic series stays ‘immortal’

The Indian comic series Amar Chitra Katha was created to teach children about the Hindu universe of gods, legends and history.

Africa

Nigerian army kills top Boko Haram commander, 10 militants in night raid

Britain

‘Big statement’: Sarah Mullally confirmed as first female Archbishop of Canterbury

Malaysia

Chinese mum’s Islamic preschool choice wins hearts, stirs debate in Malaysia

‘I didn’t expect this. I simply wanted to celebrate my son’s growth and multiculturalism,’ Low Zi Kang’s mother says.

Chan Zhu Er takes a wefie with her son Low Zi Kang before dropping him off at his preschool in Chaah, Malaysia’s Johor. Photo: Chan/The Star
Japan

As Muslim tourism grows, can Japan adapt to travellers’ prayer needs?

In places where purpose-built prayer rooms are not feasible, experts say flexibility is vital to enhance visitor experience.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Islamists preach ‘racial domination’ to woo young voters

They govern the north, dominate the opposition and claim to soon be the undisputed home of Malay nationalism. Is Putrajaya next for PAS?

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India

Video | Men grab bull by the horns in Indian harvest festival

Critics have called the sport cruel, but for some it is a vital part of life in Tamil Nadu.

Bull tamers grapple with a bull during the Jallikattu bull-taming event at the annual harvest festival called Pongal in Palamedu village on the outskirts of Madurai, India, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
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India

Journalists in Indian Kashmir face censorship as police demand ‘peace’ pledges

Journalists face summons and pressure to vow not to ‘disturb peace’ following reports on state profiling of religious institutions.

Japan

Video | Former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe’s killer sentenced to life

Under Japan’s legal system, the trial continued despite Tetsuya Yamagami admitting guilt to Abe’s murder.

Malaysia

‘Indecent’ aerobics: viral Zumba video triggers police probe in Malaysia

Headscarf-wearing instructors ignited a social media firestorm and religious backlash after being filmed performing in clothing considered skimpy.

The aerobics session, live streamed on Saturday morning, quickly triggered a social media pile-on. Photo: Facebook
Nepal

Video | Nepali village hosts festive bullfighting event

Although the bullfight forms a significant part of the tradition, animal rights activists are urging the community to abandon the use of animals in festival celebrations.

January 15, 2020, Nepal: Bulls fighting during the festival..Every year thousands of people gather at the open ground of Taruka village in Nuwakot district around 80Km north of Kathmandu, to witness bullfights festival on the occasion of Maghe Sangranti or Makar Sangranti Festival, which indicates the end of winter according to the Hindu calendar. (Credit Image: © Bivas Shrestha/SOPA Images via ZUMA Wire)
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Malaysia

Anwar’s reform record questioned after Malaysian reporter’s sedition arrest

Rex Tan’s arrest for asking a ‘sensitive question’ shows how a colonial-era act continues to hold back Malaysian reforms, critics say.

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Australia

South Korean church deploys ‘special force’ to recruit Australian youths

The Shincheonji church compiles profiles of potential members to draw up personalised recruitment plans, according to a former member.

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Malaysia

FMT apologises for racial query tying Malaysia’s ‘Chinese problem’ to Palestine

During a George Galloway lecture, a Free Malaysia Today reporter asked if the ‘Palestine problem’ parallels Malaysia’s ‘Chinese problem’.

Free Malaysia Today apologises after a reporter’s question at a Gaza lecture drew criticism for insensitive racial overtones. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia

Indonesian comedian hit with blasphemy complaints over Netflix jokes

Pandji Pragiwaksono’s unfiltered set took aim at the president, but it was a quip about religious groups that triggered police reports.

A still from the trailer for Indonesian comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono’s new Netflix special “Mens Rea”. Photo: YouTube/pandji.pragiwaksono

Video | Japanese worshippers brave ice bath for the new year

Participants wearing traditional loincloths or white gowns immerse themselves in a ritual ice bath.

Malaysia

‘We are not criminals’: Malaysian LGBTQ event faces conservative backlash

Police have launched an investigation into ‘Glamping With Pride’ after Islamic authorities raised an outcry.

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Israel

UN accuses Israel of subjecting Palestinians in West Bank to ‘apartheid’

For first time, UN rights chief labels situation in occupied Palestinian territories ‘apartheid’, a term previously used only by UN experts.

Israeli security forces check Palestinians’ IDs as they line up to return to Jenin through a gap in a security fence in September 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE
Middle East

At least 16 dead in Iran during week of protests: rights groups

Rights groups report rising fatalities and hundreds of arrests in the biggest Iran protests in three years.

American cinema

Language Matters | How the word avatar went from visiting gods to video games and sci-fi films

An avatar was the earthly incarnation of a Hindu god, and seen in other religions. Today, it’s a well-known word in films and video games.

Middle East

Khamenei demands Iran rioters ‘be put in their place’ amid protests, Trump warning

As Trump warns the US is ‘locked and loaded’ to intervene, Iran’s supreme leader blames foreign enemies and orders a crackdown on nationwide unrest.

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Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks at a meeting, in Tehran, Iran on Saturday. Photo: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/AP
Middle East

At least 7 reported killed in Iran as unrest spreads beyond capital

Deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Iran over demonstrations which started in Tehran and have emerged elsewhere.

Shopkeepers and traders protest in the street against the economic conditions and Iran’s embattled currency in Tehran on Monday. Photo: AFP
Australia

Increased police presence in Sydney for New Year’s Eve following Bondi attack

New South Wales’ premier Chris Minns urged people to ‘show defiance to these evil terrorists’ by celebrating the event at Sydney Harbour.

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Australia

Bondi Beach attack hero wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

Recovering from gunshot wounds, Syrian Ahmed al Ahmed says he ‘saved lots’ but mourns the 15 victims of the tragedy.

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Syria

Sectarian tensions flare and turn deadly in Syria after mosque bombing

Clashes erupt between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counterdemonstrators after a mosque attack in Homs.

A crowd looks on as security forces are deployed after clashes erupted during a protest by members of the Alawite community in the city of Latakia, Syria on Sunday. Photo: EPA
Wellness

Why young people are turning to Gen Z and millennial Christian influencers

Christian influencers in the US are galvanising young people looking for meaning in a culture that lacks it, say those of faith.

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Christian podcaster Megan Ashley films her show In Totality at her home. She is one of many Christian influencers rapidly gaining followers on social media. Photo: AP
Middle East

Blast in Syria kills 8 at mosque targeting Alawite minority in Homs

Authorities investigate explosive devices planted during Friday prayers, heightening sectarian tensions and fears among minorities.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Perlis state in turmoil after chief minister’s shock resignation

Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned due to health reasons amid a withdrawal of support from eight PN state assemblymen.

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