The Islamic State has appointed yet another 'caliph' after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. What is the idea behind the caliphate?
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The Houthis belong to the Shiite branch of Islam. The Houthi insurgency began in the early 1990s, spurred in part by growing influence of different Sunni branches of Islam.
Author Salman Rushdie's book goes to the heart of Muslim religious beliefs and challenges some of the most sensitive tenets.
Hosay, a religious ritual performed by Trinidadian Muslims, combines the somber Islamic observance of Ashura, brought by immigrant Indians, and the joy of Trinidad's famous carnival.
Each year, Muslims from all over the world go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, known as Hajj. A scholar explains its spiritual significance.
Madrasas, or Islam-centered schools, have long spread knowledge and literacy throughout the Muslim world. However, can they prepare students for today's tech-based economies?
Most religions have a fundamental belief that all human life belongs to God.
Nigeria is on the verge of passing a law to criminalise rampant mob lynching. Other countries have tried to do this and failed.
The Baha'i faith originated in Iran and today has 100,000 communities across the globe, including the United States. Here is their history.
Muslims throughout the world will celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) beginning this Thursday evening. Here's an introduction to this important feast and its partner, Eid al-Fitr.
There have been several attacks on Shia mosques in several parts of the world. At its heart is the centuries'-old sectarian Shia-Sunni divide.
Muslims observe a month-long fast for the holy month of Ramadan. A scholar explains the religious observance and its spiritual significance.
A recent case of comedian Stephen Fry being accused of blasphemy is a reminder that blasphemy laws are not unique to the Muslim world.
Since Islam is predicated on law, variations in the interpretation of that law – along with geography and distinct legal schools – have all contributed to differences in the religion.
How far back in history does one have to go to find the roots of the so-called Islamic State? The first article in our series on the genesis of the terrorist outfit considers some fundamentals.
Top contributors
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Journalist-fellow, University of Southern California's Center for Religion and Civic Culture / Lecturer, Concordia College New York, University of Florida
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Principal Investigator and Project Director of the Global Ethic Project, Parliament of the World's Religions, University of Chicago
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Lecturer in Criminal Justice, Charles Sturt University
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Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History, University of California, Los Angeles
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Philip S. Bernstein Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Rochester
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Assistant Professor of History and Middle East Studies, Idaho State University
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Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies Program, Michigan State University
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Mathew Schmalz is a Friend of The Conversation.
Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Lecturer in English, Case Western Reserve University
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PhD Candidate, Justice Studies, Charles Sturt University
