On air: Is suicide bombing an offence to Islam?

A prominent Muslim scholar Dr Tahir ul-Qadri is issuing a fatwa on suicide bombing and terrorism. In his 600-page religious ruling Dr. ul-Qadri states that Islam forbids the massacre of innocent citizens and suicide bombings.

Are the Swiss being paranoid over minarets?

The Islamic call for prayers – the Azan – is one of Islam’s most iconic rituals.
Years ago members of the clergy would climb the minarets and spread the word by shouting, this was of course before they were replaced by tape recorders and loudspeakers. The minarets thus still perform their function, and has become a subject of debate in societies where Muslims are a minority.

On air: The Crescent and the Cross

LISTEN TO OWEN’S PROGRAMME HERE.

The BBC is running a major documentary series called “The Crescent and the Cross”.

Here, the presenter, Owen Bennett Jones,  (who will co-host WHYS tonight) starts a conversation about some of the things he discovered while making the programmes.

Is the Niqab un-Islamic?

Grand Sheikh Mohamed Tantawi the dean of Al-Azhar University and one of the highest Islamic authorities in Egypt and the Muslim world says so. He told a young female student to take the Niqab off when he was on a visit to one of the schools affiliated to Al Azhar (one of the most prestigious Islamic institutions)

Who should decide a child’s religion?

Update:  We’ve been trying to get in touch with Rifqa, her father and the pastor who took her in to see if they would take part in this show. Progress is slow but will keep you posted on how this goes!

Meet Rifqa, the teen who ran away because she feared being killed by her Muslim family for converting to Christianity. Here’s what she had to say before she left home Her parent’s disagree and authorities have said they have found no credible evidence to back up Rifqa’s claims.  They plan to make their case on Monday. Click on the video below to hear their testimony.

Polygamy : too much “cultural sensitivity” ?

This is Baroness Warsi, a British Conservative Muslim peer.

She’s opened up a debate about polygamy, saying that “cultural sensitivity” stops politicians dealing with it.

It was the top story on 5 Live this morning, featured on Radio 4’s Today programme  and is already in the top ten most read stories on the BBC site.

“Europe Today” will be looking at the issue later…

On air: Your Questions to a “former terrorist”

We’re going to be joined for the whole programme by Walid Shoebat – who describes himself as a former terrorist. He says, “Islam has one goal and it is to overthrow all western cultures”……”Islam sees Sharia law as the only acceptable law”.

Talking Points 15th October

Hello everyone, it’s Karnie with you today. Global markets looked happier yesterday BUT today markets slide as fears of recession resurface. The finger is still being pointed in the direction of bankers.

Talking points for 23 April

Good morning, although there are a few stories around this morning – and I’ll get to them in a bit – nothing grabs me as a huge talking point, so we’ll probably ask “Do Muslims treat women badly?” It’s already got you talking on the blog so it we should definitely get it on air.

On air today: Can Muslims take a joke about Islam?

Ben Elton is a comedian and writer and he says the BBC is scared of letting comedians make jokes about Islam for fear of provoking Islamic extremists. The story has been picked up by hundreds of newspapers, blogs and radio stations around the world, and we’ll hear the discussion it’s provoked.