1+ week, 8+ hour ago (173+ words) Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim will be making his first working visit to Brunei as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs from Nov 24 to 25." In a statement on Sunday (Nov 23), the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said that Assoc Prof Faishal's visit is intended to strengthen ties and build rapport with Bruneian ministers and religious leaders. When in Brunei, Assoc Prof Faishal will meet with Brunei's Minister of Religious Affairs Badaruddin Othman, Minister of Home Affairs Ahmaddin Rahman and State Mufti Abdul Aziz Juned." The acting minister will also visit religious institutions including the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, which is used to store artefacts with Islamic heritage." Assoc Prof Faishal will be accompanied by senior officials from Muis on the trip. The acting minister was in Saudi Arabia and Jordan from Nov 6 to 11, also for a working…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago (183+ words) VATICAN CITY " Lights, camera, action, pope? About three dozen Hollywood stars will meet Pope Leo this weekend, including actors Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine and Adam Scott, the Vatican said on Monday (Nov 10). Also joining a special audience at the Vatican with Leo, the first pope from the United States, will be Oscar-winning directors Spike Lee, George Miller and Gus Van Sant. Papal events often feature high-ranking Catholic cardinals but rarely include Hollywood stars. The late Pope Francis, however, hosted an event at the Vatican in June 2024 for comedians, including US late night hosts Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon. Among others set to take part in Saturday's event with Leo are actors Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Viggo Mortensen and directors Joanna Hogg, Tony Kaye and Julie Taymor. Ahead of the new event, the Vatican shared four of the…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago (504+ words) Singapore has been allocated 900 places for the annual Haj pilgrimage in 2026, and has requested for additional quota from the Saudi Arabian authorities, said Acting Minister-in-charge for Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim. Assoc Prof Faishal, who is on a working visit to Saudi Arabia and Jordan from Nov 6 to 11, made the announcement in a Facebook post on Monday (Nov 10) after meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. "The signing marks an important milestone as it formally confirms Singapore's Haj quota for the upcoming (2026) season. "Each year, this agreement represents more than numbers. It reflects the trust and friendship between our two countries, and our shared commitment to ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually fulfilling haj journey for our pilgrims," said the Acting Minister. Assoc Prof Faishal added that Singapore has also requested for an…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago (306+ words) Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim will be making his first working visit to Saudi Arabia and Jordan as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs from Nov 6 to 11. In a statement on Wednesday (Nov 5), the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said that Assoc Prof Faishal's visit is intended to strengthen bilateral engagements and explore future collaborations. Apart from the official meetings, Assoc Prof Faishal will engage with Singaporean students studying in the two countries. He will also meet with members of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies residing in the two countries. In Jordan, Assoc Prof Faishal will witness a symbolic handover ceremony for Singapore's donation of prosthetic products to Jordan's Restoring Hope initiative, to help Palestinian amputees affected by the conflict in Gaza. When in Saudi Arabia, Assoc Prof Faishal will attend the annual Haj and Umrah Exhibition and Conference in…...