The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on Wednesday, January 29, hailed a new resolution in the New York State Senate that officially recognized Feb. 1, 2025, as World Hijab Day.

The resolution, introduced by Senator Roxanne Persaud, aims to “encourage religious tolerance, cultural understanding and international solidarity.”

“World Hijab Day, in its 12^th year, is a platform to promote understanding, dismantle stereotypes, and celebrate the empowerment of women who choose to wear the hijab,” CAIR said in a statement.

Noting that “this resolution reflects New York’s celebration of cultural and religious diversity,” CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said, “World Hijab Day is an important opportunity to amplify the voices of hijab-wearing women and to combat the prejudice and discrimination they often face.”

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Roxanne J. Persaud for her advocacy and support of this resolution,” Nasher added.

World Hijab Day was founded by Nazma Khan in 2013 as a platform to foster religious tolerance and cultural understanding, according to its website. Since its inception, it has been observed worldwide, allowing women of different backgrounds to experience wearing a hijab for a day.

Source: Anadolu Agency

In a world where access to accurate and specialized knowledge is invaluable, Hyder.ai emerges as a groundbreaking tool for exploring and understanding Shia Islamic teachings. Developed as the first-ever AI model exclusively trained on Shia Islamic content, Hyder.ai is designed to provide concise, reliable answers to questions about Shia history, theology, ethics, and cultural teachings in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, and Persian.

Hyder.ai is a question-and-answer (Q&A) model trained on over 300,000 data points from authentic Shia Ithna Ashari (Twelver Shi’ah) sources, including books, articles, and scholarly texts. Unlike general AI models like ChatGPT, Hyder.ai is specifically tailored to provide responses aligned with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Ahlul Bayt (AS) and it is named in honor of Imam Ali (AS), who is regarded as the door to the city of knowledge in the Prophet’s narrations. Consider that it is not a conversational model like ChatGPT and each question is treated independently, and no context is carried over between questions.

Visit Hyder.ai to explore its features and start your learning journey today by visiting https://www.hyder.ai/. You can also access it through the Shia Ithna Asheri Toolkit application, available on the App Store and Google Play.

How Does Hyder.ai Work?

Hyder.ai operates as a standalone Q&A model, meaning it processes one question at a time without retaining context from previous interactions. This design ensures that each response is precise and independent. Users can ask clear, specific questions and receive concise answers based on the model’s training.

What Can Hyder.ai Answer?

Hyder.ai is trained to address wide range of topics, including Shia Islamic history, theology, ethics, and cultural teachings and practices. However, it is not designed to answer Fiqh (jurisprudence) questions or provide religious rulings. For such matters, users are advised to consult qualified scholars or maraji‘.

Key Features of Hyder.ai

1. Specialized Training: Hyder.ai is trained exclusively on Shia Islamic content, ensuring responses are aligned with the values and principles of the Ahlul Bayt (AS).
2. User Privacy: Hyder.ai does not store personal data, though users are encouraged to avoid sharing sensitive information.
3. Educational Resource: It serves as a supplementary tool for learners, researchers, and educators, offering quick access to reliable information.

Limitations of Hyder.ai

While Hyder.ai is a powerful tool, it is important to understand its limitations:

• No Conversational Context:
  • Hyder.ai is not a conversational model like ChatGPT. Each question is treated independently, and no context is carried over between questions.

• Static Training Data:
  • The model is trained on static data and does not process real-time or current event information.

• Potential for Errors:
  • Like any AI model, Hyder.ai may produce errors or incomplete answers. Users are encouraged to verify its responses against reliable sources.

• Not a Substitute for Scholars:
  • Hyder.ai is a supplementary tool and should not be relied upon as a sole source of Islamic knowledge. For critical matters, always consult qualified scholars or authoritative texts.

Intended Audience

Hyder.ai is designed to serve a wide range of users seeking knowledge about Shia Islam:

• Individuals Interested in Learning About Shia Islam:  It provides clear, concise answers to questions about Shia history, theology, and ethics.
• Those Seeking Clarification on Misconceptions: The tool helps address doubts and misunderstandings by offering accurate information based on its training data.
• Shia Muslims: Hyder.ai serves as a supplementary resource for reinforcing knowledge and deepening understanding of Shia Islamic principles and practices.
• Researchers and Educators: Hyder.ai can be a valuable tool for academic research and teaching, offering quick access to reliable information about Shia Islam.

A Note on Accuracy and Improvement

Hyder.ai is still in its training stage and, like all AI models, may occasionally produce errors. The development team encourages users to report inaccuracies or provide feedback to help refine and improve the model.

Hyder.ai represents a significant advancement in AI-driven communication and religious education. By combining cutting-edge AI technology, user-friendly features, and a deep respect for the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), it serves as a valuable digital companion for Muslims, non-Muslims, and anyone seeking to learn about Shia Islam. It provides a safe and reliable space for individuals to explore Shia Islam, ask questions, and gain insights into its core principles. Hyder.ai is a step toward making Shia Islamic knowledge more accessible and understandable. However, it is not a replacement for scholarly guidance. Use it wisely, and let it be a companion in your quest for knowledge.

But more than two months on, the promised Islamophobia equivalent hasn’t been appointed, leading to concern within some influential parts of the Islamic community.

The Australian National Imams Council’s Bilal Rauf has labelled the delay “very disappointing and concerning” and has called for urgent action.

“I think it needs to occur this month, in the matter of a week or two,” he said.

“Any longer than that, it almost does become farcical, and one begins to question: ‘what’s the point?’.”

As the weeks without an Islamophobia envoy roll on, he said there’s a growing sense of scepticism and disappointment within parts of the community.

“We’re hearing of wonderful progress being made and steps being taken by the anti-Semitism [envoy] engaging with different departments and organisations, and yet nothing has happened in the space of Islamophobia,” Mr Rauf said.

“Some of the questions that we are getting on the ground are: Is this legitimate? Is there a real intent, or is this just a show?”

Candidates speak out

Chief executive of the Islamic College of Brisbane, Ali Kadri, said he was approached by the government in relation to the Islamophobia envoy position “about a month” ago.

He decided against taking the full-time role due to his current responsibilities, but said he had a candid conversation with Multicultural Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

“He asked me for my opinion and my opinion was, and it still remains, that this can’t be seen as some bureaucratic government role,” he said.

“If anyone who takes that position does not engage at the grassroots with the wider community and within Muslim community, then that position will not be effective in countering Islamophobia.”

Mr Kadri expressed disappointment that the appointment process had taken so long and said it should be finalised “as soon as possible”, but added that finding the right candidate would not be easy for the federal government.

“The anti-Semitism envoy was appointed quite quickly and swiftly,” he said. “The Muslim community is a lot more complex.”

Western Sydney general practitioner Jamal Rifi put his name forward for the role and met with government representatives, but pulled out of the running due to a change in circumstances.

Dr Rifi isn’t confident one person will be able to win the support of Australia’s large and diverse Muslim community but he’s pleased the position is being created.

“The impact is not going to come from the envoy himself or herself. It’s going to come from the community,” he said.

“But the envoy will have a role to play, providing facts and statistics, so the community and the government can respond in their own specific way.”

With the issues of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism highlighted in the wake of the conflict in Gaza, Dr Rifi said it was right for there to be allocated positions to counter their rise.

“It’s proper for the government to quantify it, study it, analyse it, and find ways to combat it, because [we] will be a better nation for doing so.”

‘Soon’, ‘shortly’, ‘imminent’ — but when?

In early July, the Albanese government said the appointment of the Islamophobia envoy would be announced “shortly”.

Since then variations of that word have been used to signal an announcement was imminent, but no specific time frame has been set.

Meanwhile, the anti-Semitism envoy’s work is underway. On Tuesday afternoon, Ms. Segal appeared before a Senate committee to call for a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism at Australian universities.

She told the inquiry that anti-Semitism was “embedded” in campuses and that it was her view that this was not fully understood by management.

“They do not appreciate the extent of the difficulty, they don’t appreciate the extent of the embedded anti-Semitism,” she said.

Mr Rauf said the appointment of an Islamophobia envoy needed to be prioritised by the government.

“It is absolutely critical and urgent that steps are taken very soon to appoint someone, in circumstances where this was announced months ago, and the anti-Semitism envoy is well underway and established and already doing things,” he said.

When asked if a shortlist had been finalised and when an appointment would be made, a spokesperson for Tony Burke said “consultation on the appointment continues”.

“The rise of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism is of grave concern to this government,” the statement read.

Source: ABC News

The Muslim market is emerging as a blue ocean with the potential to replace China. Various market analysis reports, such as the ‘Global Muslim Travel Index 2024’, estimate the market size to be around $276.7 billion this year. It is expected to grow to $417.6 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from this year until 2034.

‘Halal’ means ‘permissible’ according to Islamic law and encompasses all aspects of Muslim life, including not only food but also cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and almost all products used in daily life. Recently, the perception that Halal products are safe and reliable has spread among non-Muslim consumers, significantly increasing demand.

The global Halal market has been growing at an annual average rate of 6.2% since 2019. This growth is significantly impacting the global economy, coupled with the rapid increase in the Muslim population. In particular, various products and services are being developed to meet the needs of Muslim consumers, further enhancing the potential of the Halal market.

The reasons why the Halal market is gaining attention include the increase in the Muslim population, the rise in purchasing power due to economic growth based on abundant resources, and the expansion of the consumer market based on a cultural identity that values Islamic law in any situation. Particularly, the cultural impact of multiple births, seen as a virtue, has led to an increase in young consumers driving market changes in travel and wellness.

The development of information and communication technology, the expansion of tourism information, and the enhancement of Muslim-friendly facilities and services also contribute to this trend. This phenomenon is not only about meeting religious needs but also relates to the global demand for healthy and safe products. Therefore, companies are enhancing their competitiveness in the global market through Halal certification, further promoting the growth of the Halal market.

The Surge of Muslim Tourists and Korea’s Tourism Industry Response

By 2024, the number of Muslim tourists worldwide is expected to reach approximately 160 million, with their expenditure amounting to about $225 billion.

The remarkable growth and changes in the global Muslim tourism market suggest the increasing importance of Muslim tourists in the tourism industry. The trend of increasing Muslim tourists visiting Korea is also evident.

In 2019, the number of Muslim tourists visiting Korea exceeded 1 million, and by 2023, it had recovered to levels similar to before the pandemic.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of Muslim tourists who visited Korea last year totaled 985,858, a 33% increase from the previous year. The proportion of Muslim tourists among all tourists visiting Korea is increasing every year, but there are still many complaints about the lack of prayer rooms and restaurants, indicating that there is a long way to go for Muslim tourists to travel comfortably in Korea.

This increase indicates the rapid growth and recovery of the Muslim tourism market and is closely related to the continuous expansion of Muslim-friendly infrastructure in Korea.

Korea is continuously expanding infrastructure such as Halal restaurants and prayer rooms for Muslim tourists, creating Halal food streets in areas like Itaewon, Seoul, providing a comfortable environment for Muslim tourists. However, Muslim tourists, who have significant cultural and religious differences, face many restrictions compared to tourists from other cultural backgrounds. Muslims are highly sensitive to ‘Halal’, which means permissible to eat and use according to Islamic law. While efforts are being made to provide better travel experiences to Muslim tourists through various cultural contents, conflicts arise due to a lack of understanding of their religion and culture.

There is still a significant lack of Muslim-friendly facilities and information on Halal certification in Korea.

Reducing the constraints Muslim tourists face in Korea and providing them with a more comfortable and satisfactory travel experience is a crucial task for the Korean tourism industry.

Efforts are needed to utilize new technologies like AI to provide easier access to various tourist attractions and cultural content for Muslim tourists. Also, providing a better travel experience for Muslim tourists and enhancing global tourism market competitiveness is necessary. It is necessary to improve various services to meet the needs of Muslim tourists from a more meticulous perspective.

If Korea’s tourism industry can meet the needs of Muslim tourists, it can become a new popular spot for Muslim tourists.

Source: Yonhap News Agency