This week’s top stories – U.S., Iran agree to two-week ceasefire, Mamdani fills 100,000 potholes in New York and more | April 10, 2026 | 22 Shawwal, 1447 AH
US agrees to two-week ceasefire with Iran
The U.S. and Iran agreed to a ceasefire through Pakistani mediation Tuesday night. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had suspended “the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” calling it a “double sided ceasefire.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that negotiations will begin Friday in Islamabad.
Why it matters: The U.S. and Israel launched their war against Iran on Feb. 28, beginning a conflict that disrupted oil trade, damaged the global economy over 40 days and killed thousands across the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Lebanon. While the ceasefire is set for only two weeks, Vice President JD Vance flew to Pakistan on Friday for talks aimed at fully ending the conflict.
Israeli airstrikes kill 300 people across Lebanon in 10 minutes
The Israeli military struck cities across Lebanon on Wednesday, killing at least 300 people and wounding more than 1,000 others in 10 minutes, according to Lebanese media.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called it a “surprise” attack on Hezbollah.
Why it matters: Wednesday’s strikes were among the deadliest attacks on Lebanese soil in modern history. The assault came just 12 hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would join the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to pull out of negotiations.
Trump mocks Islam on Truth Social
On Easter Sunday, President Donald Trump posted a statement on Truth Social ordering Iran to “open the f---in’ Strait, you crazy b------s, or you’ll be living in hell,” before adding “Praise be to Allah.”
Why it matters: The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Trump’s comments as “deranged” and “anti-Muslim,” noting his use of “Allah” — the Arabic word for God — in a profane post. The remarks also drew criticism from conservative Christians, many of whom supported Trump in the 2024 election.
100,000 Muslim worshippers attend Friday prayers after 40-day ban
An estimated 100,000 Muslims attended Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Friday, following a 40-day closure imposed by Israel.
Thousands had gathered at the mosque for dawn prayers the day before, according to the Jordanian Waqf, which administers the compound.
Why it matters: Al-Aqsa is Islam’s third-holiest site. Israel announced its closure on Feb. 28 — the first day of the Iran war and during the sanctified month of Ramadan. It was the site’s longest closure by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and drew condemnation from several Muslim-majority nations.
Mamdani fills 100,000 potholes across New York by 100th day in office
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked the filling of 100,000 potholes on Monday — his 100th day in office.
The 34-year-old filmed himself patching the final hole alongside city workers in Staten Island and shared the moment on social media.
Why it matters: Mamdani is New York City’s first Muslim mayor. He built a broad coalition of Muslim, Jewish, middle-class and immigrant voters during his campaign, pledging to improve daily life for New Yorkers. He told NBC News the milestone represented the most potholes the city’s Department of Transportation “had filled in over a decade.”
Quran Verse and Hadith of the Week
On Allah’s Mercy
Quran verse: قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهِ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ “Say: Oh My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” — Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53
Hadith: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one part among jinn, humans, animals and insects, through which they show affection to one another. The remaining ninety-nine parts Allah has kept for the Day of Resurrection.” — Sahih Muslim 2752