RELIGION

Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca to offer their prayers by circling the Kaaba seven times.

Hajj is one of the biggest gatherings in the world.

Devout Muslim Husain Abdullah was flagged by an official for breaching rules on celebrating

A look at what Muslim women think about wearing hijab and niqab

2014 had looked like being a record year for tourist arrivals in Israel but travellers have stayed away from the country in vast numbers. This is the first of a series of posts from Israel, where I'll be meeting business people, public officials and ordinary Israelis affected by the downturn.

Observers expect Pope Francis to revisit strict rules on divorcees at a bishops' meeting in Rome.

Catholic Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, denies actions leading to his resignation 'were not illegal and did not involve minors'.

Guy Consolmagno says presence of aliens does not disprove the existence of God

Just a few month ago pastor Lesego Daniel urged his followers to eat grass.

New draft bill based on sharia law outlaws gay sex for all Aceh's inhabitants

Bus passenger subjected to anti-Semitic comments while travelling through heart of London's Jewish community.

IBTimes UK looks at the origins of one of the most important Jewish festivities

Some 130,000 Syrian Kurds fleeing Isis have crossed the border into Turkey.

Anglican vicars to debate motion to change Church of England law governing secrecy of confession.

Critics claim adverts, one of which shows murdered James Foley, encourage Islamophobia

Based in a quiet cul-de-sac, cult leader forced members to have sex 'to please gods'.

Message from suspected militants intercepted discussing attack on Vatican.

Three high-profile British Muslims warn Isis that killing the aid worker Alan Henning would be against Sharia law.

Yale University professor Dale Martin says New Testament analysis claims disciples had swords.

Head of the Apostolic Signatura set to move out of Curia for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Voice analyst claims 'Jihadi John's' slurred speech indicates he was on khat.

Former business analyst, now known as Abu A'ntaar, takes up arms against 'corporations'.

Strippers stage protests to deter Church members from harassing their customers.

Many of the 20 couples married here are already living together, and these two, Gabriella and Guido, have already had children.

Couple jailed after subjecting daughter to a harsh regime of punishments.

Pontiff calls for an end of conflagrations across the globe, and laments toll of 'senseless massacres' and 'mindless wars'.

Pictures shared by Isis purport to show the 'Masih ad-Dajjal' - an Islamic anti-Messiah, whose birth predicts Armageddon

IBTimes UK looks at the principles of reincarnation in the Buddhist doctrine

IBTimes UK looks at the controversy around Pastor Mark Driscoll's statements