Turks urged to avoid using their left hand to eatFebruary 5, 2018 - 13:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Using one’s left hand while eating is not desirable, Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) stated on its official website on Saturday, Feb. 3, warning that “demons eat and drink with their left hand,” Hurriyet Daily News. “Establishing general principles regarding eating and drinking, the Prophet Muhammad did not regard eating with the left hand as pleasant,” the Diyanet said in response to a question on eating habits. “Indeed, he attached great importance to this issue and warned his community that demons eat and drink using their left hand. He therefore advised children to only use their right hand when they eat or drink,” it added. The Diyanet was flexible for people with physical disabilities, saying it was OK for them to use their left hand for eating or drinking if necessary. The Diyanet’s fatwas often raise eyebrows in Turkey. In December 2017, debate was sparked after it issued a fatwa saying that if a man refers to his wife as “mother” or “sister” then the marriage will be considered null and void. That ruling came after the Diyanet issued another fatwa on divorce, confirming that couples “may get divorced via telephone call, fax, letter, text message or the internet.” Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |