The Quran, By Memory “About the time most people are winding down for the night, Muslims in Ramadan head to mosques for long Taraweeh prayers. Among them are students who lead the prayers, reciting the Quran entirely from memory," said RNS national reporter Ulaa Kuziez, who profiled a med student reciter in St. Louis. "It's a nerve-wracking responsibility and I wanted to talk to the young men who choose to take this on." The task is demanding and involves hours of daily review and a grueling schedule that stretches to near midnight. Yet, as these student reciters told Kuziez, leading a congregation is about more than filling a need at local mosques — they see it as a spiritual responsibility to preserve the sacred text and share it with their communities. Read the full profile for a glimpse into the discipline and devotion that keep this centuries-old Ramadan practice alive in modern American life. And check out our full Ramadan coverage.  Top Stories ST. LOUIS (RNS) — Across the country, young men are balancing school and work as they step into quasi-imam roles, leading Taraweeh prayers deep into the night.  NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The pontiff’s visit to Africa highlights the growing importance of the African church within global Catholicism and honors the roots of Western Christianity and Leo’s own order.  NEW YORK (RNS) — ‘Imams have warned congregants that it might be better for some people, if they have any issues with immigration status, to actually just conduct their prayers at home,’ said one community leader.  GENEVA (AP) — A new report from the office of Volker Türk, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, covers a yearlong period through the end of October and warns of expanded settlements in large parts of the West Bank and the forced displacement of more than 36,000 Palestinians. Opinion (RNS) — In January, Archbishop Robert G. Casey announced plans to hold an archdiocesan synod next year, ‘a time of prayer, a time of listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another.’  (RNS) — A history-making expansion of possible responsibilities at church for Latter-day Saint women. ICYMI VATICAN CITY (RNS) — After winning two Olympic gold medals, Italian speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida drew criticism for bringing her young son to public appearances.  (RNS) — Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman who has lived in New Jersey for a decade, was detained last March after protesting near Columbia University against Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment