Religion

Malaysia cracks down on unauthorised temples: Could relocation be better than demolition?

Critics say enforcing laws alone on illegal temples risks fuelling religious tensions.

Catholic traditionalists risk showdown with Vatican

The community has about 600,000 followers worldwide.

Amid Indian PM Modi’s visit to Malaysia, rally over ‘illegal’ Hindu temples fizzles out after arrests

The police blocked a rally planned on Feb 7 against "illegal" houses of worship because of security reasons.

Thousands in Islamabad mourn 31 killed in suicide bombing of Shi’ite mosque

A man reacts while being comforted, after a deadly explosion at a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, February 6, 2026. REUTERS/Waseem Khan

Suicide bomber kills 31 in Shi’ite mosque in Pakistan’s capital, officials say

Pakistani paramilitary federal forces stand guard next to a crowd of people gathered near the site of a deadly explosion at a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, February 6, 2026. Picture taken with a phone. REUTERS/Salahuddin

Field Notes from New Delhi

‘Not a Hindu, not a Muslim... I am a human being’: Gym instructor stands up for a Muslim in India

Gym instructor Deepak Kumar has become a hero in India after standing up for a bullied Muslim shopkeeper.

AI won’t bring you closer to God

In the search for spiritual guidance, people are bowing to screens as they turn to AI for answers, says the writer.

Seeking the sound of silence and stilling the voice within

Silence can be revitalising but it is elusive and it's hard to still the voice in our head.

I’m no angel, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni says, amid church fresco row

A restored chapel fresco in Rome's San Lorenzo in Lucina basilica resembles Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

First woman leader of the Church of England confirmed in ancient ceremony

Archbishop Sarah Mullally at a traditional ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Jan 28.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.