Senior Sri Lankan monk suspended over child sex abuse allegation
Pallegama Hemarathana is accused of abusing an 11-year-old girl in a Buddhist temple in 2022.
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EXPLAINER
What has Pope Leo warned about AI – and why that’s significant
The pontiff presented his encyclical at the Vatican alongside AI experts.
Muslim pilgrims pray on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
Nearly two million Muslims gather on the vast plain of Arafat, standing in prayer under the blazing sun during the high point of the Hajj. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
Shoulder to shoulder, worshippers from more than 150 countries raise their hands in supplication, seeking God’s mercy on the most important day of Hajj. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
A Muslim pilgrim reads a copy of Islam's holy book Quran atop of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
Pilgrims in simple white garments pack the slopes of the 70-metre (230-foot) hill at Arafat, retracing the steps of the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years on. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
A Muslim pilgrim sits while covering the head with a book and praying on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
Men wrapped in two unstitched pieces of cloth and women in loose-fitting dresses stand in silence at Arafat, symbolising unity beyond race, wealth or nationality. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
Arafat, often described as a preview of the Day of Judgment, becomes a sea of white as pilgrims chant, weep and repent beneath the desert sky. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
After a night of reflection in the tent city of Mina, pilgrims arrive early at Arafat to spend the afternoon in wuquf — standing in prayer from midday until sunset. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
At sunset, the vast congregation begins its slow departure from Arafat, heading back towards Mina to continue the Hajj with the stoning of the devil ritual. [Zain Jaafar/AFP]
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From: NewsFeed
Al Jazeera speaks to Hajj pilgrims about their journey to Mecca
Pilgrims gather on the Day of Arafah, the spiritual peak of Hajj, retracing the Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon.
Published On 26 May 2026
How Nigeria’s economic strain is changing Eid spending
High costs in Nigeria are reshaping Eid preparations as families adjust spending and cut back on celebrations.
From: NewsFeed
Hajj pilgrims arrive near Mecca ahead of Arafah Day
Muslim pilgrims have begun arriving in Mina, near Mecca, ahead of the start of Arafah Day.
Published On 26 May 2026
From: NewsFeed
THE KISWA: BEYOND THE CLOTH
Every Muslim on earth has faced it in prayer. Billions have seen it in photos. Almost nobody knows its story.
Published On 25 May 2026
Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
Muslim pilgrims say afternoon prayers on a street outside the Grand Mosque. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Grand Mosque. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
A Muslim pilgrim reacts as a volunteer sprays water to help her cool off. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
Muslim pilgrims prostrate as they offer evening prayers around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site in the holy city of Mecca. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
A Muslim pilgrim prays in front of the Kaaba. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
A group of Muslim pilgrims discuss the rituals of circumambulating the Kaaba. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
Muslim pilgrims touch the walls of the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
A volunteer distributes water and snacks to Muslim pilgrims. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
A military helicopter patrols during the annual Hajj pilgrimage at the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
Muslim pilgrims stand in prayer at Mount of Mercy, ask for forgiveness and remember loved ones back home. [Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters]
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From: NewsFeed
How technology is shaping Hajj
With nearly two million worshippers performing Hajj this year, technology is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Published On 25 May 2026
From: NewsFeed
Pope Leo calls for ‘disarming’ of artificial intelligence
Pope Leo has warned that some AI-powered weapons systems are becoming ‘practically beyond human control’.
Published On 25 May 2026
Cattle market empties as fear grips Eid preparations in India’s West Bengal
Tensions rise in key state, won by BJP this month for first time, as political shift disrupts Eid al-Adha traditions.
