15 h. ago Spirituality isn’t rigid dogma. It’s a living, breathing practice that helps make sense of an incomprehensible world | Shadi Khan Saif

I grew up in Kabul and Karachi. In both, I learned the value of the quiet rituals observed while no one is watchingWhen I was leaving London for Melbourne, my eldest sister-in-law told her kids not to forget the “tradition” – to throw a bowl of water behind me as I stepped out the door. Just a small splash on the ground, a gesture older than borders. “La har azaab po aman se,” she whispered in Pashto under her breath – may all hardship stay away from you. The little ones giggled and waved their goodbyes as they spilled the water, somewhere between shy and amused.My mother used to do this too, back in Afghanistan. Every time I left for a journey, especially international ones, she’d quietly follow me to the gate with a bowl of water, whispering prayers I couldn’t always hear. But this moment, between two western cities, with children growing up in a world so far from where that habit began, felt different. It was softer. Bittersweet. Like watching an old song being hummed in a new la...

Politics

1 week ago Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan reveals details of stabbing attack at home: ‘My son asked if I was going to die’

Actor was stabbed six times, and sustained injuries in his spine and neck, while his son’s nanny and his son had been nicked by the intruder on their hands

Events

1 week ago 'My sister's selfless final act helped us make sense of her devastating death at 27'

Nurse Louise Cosgrove, 27, was travelling to a training course when she died

Events

1 week ago Inside Arsenal's plan to nurture Max Dowman's ‘unreal’ talent

Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice playing key roles as Arsenal bid to help 15-year-old sensation fulfil his potential

Politics

2 w. ago Eczema awareness month: Understanding sensitive skin and how Dr Sam's could help

A closer look at eczema awareness month and how this skincare product is making a real difference.

Events

2 w. ago My calls and emails to family in Afghanistan go unanswered. The Taliban’s internet shutdown has left us all helpless | Shadi Khan Saif

From the safety of Australia, I watch in despair as my loved ones in Kabul navigate this digital darkness – a calculated effort to silence dissent The internet was my lifeline, a slender thread connecting me from Australia to my family in Afghanistan, bridging continents and time zones.But that bridge has crumbled. Continue reading...

Events