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'Saving Seats' in Saudi's Grand Mosque

'Saving Seats' in Saudi's Grand Mosque
An unofficial market of "seat saving" is reportedly making waves in Saudi Arabia: female faithful are paying good money to women who can save them spots for prayer at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
The "seat savers" technique is to use clothing, purses, and even their own children to save seats for wealthier prayers who may arrive at the mosque just on time or a bit late, particularly on days when prayer attendance is high.
The Saudi Grand Mufti has issued a fatwa against the reserving of seats in the mosque. According to The Saudi Gazette, female guides working in the women's section regularly combat the practice of seat saving, and during the month of Ramadan (when many Muslims pray frequently at the mosque) such guides are supported by female police officers.
Many mosques worldwide, including all Saudi mosques, feature separate sections for women and men. This YouTube video shows just how crowded the Grand Mosque can get - and thus perhaps just how lucrative a seat-saving venture might be.

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Society

Is Disney's "Wish" Spreading A Subtle Anti-Christian Message To Kids?

Disney's new movie "Wish" is being touted as a new children's blockbuster to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary. But some Christians may see the portrayal of the villain as God-like and turning wishes into prayers as the ultimate denial of the true message of Christmas.

photo of a kid running out of a church

For the Christmas holiday season?

Joseph Holmes

Christians have always had a love-hate relationship with Disney since I can remember. Growing up in the Christian culture of the 1990s and early 2000s, all the Christian parents I knew loved watching Disney movies with their kids – but have always had an uncomfortable relationship with some of its messages. It was due to the constant Disney tropes of “follow your heart philosophy” and “junior knows best” disdain for authority figures like parents that angered so many. Even so, most Christians felt the benefits had outweighed the costs.

That all seems to have changed as of late, with Disney being hit more and more by claims from conservatives (including Christian conservatives) that Disney is pushing more and more radical progressive social agendas, This has coincided with a steep drop at the box office for Disney.

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