Protests, Strikes, Violence and Islam

Protesti, strajks u vjolenza

It-Torċa 06 August 2023 | Laiq Ahmed Atif | amjmalta@gmail.com

Dan l-aħħar rajna xeni disturbanti fit-toroq ta’ Franza fejn rajna eluf ta’ nies jipprotestaw kontra l-qtil taż-żagħżugħ Nahel Merzouk, immigrant ta’ 19-il sena li kien jgħix fi Franza. Dawn il-protesti saru wkoll vjolenti u xi kultant kriminali wkoll. Il-pulizija ppruvat trażżan lid-dimostranti u titfi bosta nirien li għamlu ħsara lill-iskejjel, lill-għases tal-pulizija u bini pubbliku, skont kelliem għall-pulizija nazzjonali.

Min-naħa l-oħra, smajna wkoll ilmenti għal żmien twil ta’ vjolenza tal-pulizija u razziżmu sistematiku ġewwa l-aġenziji tal-infurzar tal-liġi. Hemm nies li jgħidu li dan huwa r-riżultat ta’ razziżmu li dawk in-nies iffaċċjaw għal snin twal.

Din is-sitwazzjoni li qed tmur għall-agħar kompliet tħeġġeġ lil dawk li dejjem iwaħħlu fir-reliġjon b’mod ġenerali għal kull tip ta’ vjolenza u nuqqas ta’ paċi, u li b’mod partikolari jippruvaw jgħaqqdu din il-mewġa ta’ vjolenza mal-Iżlam. Hemm ħafna nies li jinsistu li din il-vjolenza ġejja minn immigranti u refuġjati Musulmani u li għandha tittieħed bħala evidenza li l-Musulmani kienu se jirvellaw u jiksru l-paċi tas-soċjetà peress li dan huwa dak li tgħallem ir-reliġjon tagħhom.

Il-vjolenza

Għalhekk, huwa sewwa li niddiskutu dan is-suġġett fid-dettall u naraw xi jgħid l-Iżlam dwar il-vjolenza u jekk din ir-reazzjoni għandha x’taqsam mat-tagħlim tal-Iżlam? Huwa wkoll importanti ħafna li naraw  x’jgħallem l-Iżlam lill-Musulmani dwar id-dimostrazzjoni pubblika? Il-Musulmani jistgħu jisirqu jew jiksru l-paċi pubblika biex isemmgħu leħinhom?

Meta naqraw il-Koran Imqaddes b’mod sħiħ insibu li l-ħsara lill-proprjetajiet pubbliċi u privati bħal skejjel, sptarijiet, djar u negozji biex taffettwa l-bidla soċjali u forsi morali hija kompletament ipprojbita fl-Iżlam. L-Iżlam assolutament ma jaqbilx mal-ħsara għall-interessi nazzjonali u l-infrastruttura, u dejjem jenfasizza li kull membru tas-soċjetà għandu dmir li jaħdem għall-paċi u ħadd m’għandu permess li jikser is-sliem nazzjonali. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes: “It-tiġrib, il-persekuzzjoni u d-diżordni huwa agħar mill-qtil” (2:192); “Alla ma jħobbx id-diżordni u l-ħsara lill-paċi” (2:206).

Il-qdusija tal-ħajja umana

Barra minn hekk, il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, enfasizza fuq il-paċi sa tali punt li fl-aħħar diskors tiegħu huwa enfasizza l-qdusija tal-ħajja umana, u quddiem eluf kbar ta’ nies qal:

“Alla għamel il-ħajja, il-proprjetà u l-unur ta’ kull persuna sagri. Li wieħed jieħu l-ħajja jew il-proprjetà ta’ xi ħadd jew jattakka l-unur tiegħu huwa inġust u ħażin daqs li wieħed jattakka l-qdusija ta’ dan il-jum, dan ix-xahar, dan it-territorju. Dak li qed nikkmandakom illum ma jgħoddx biss għal-lum. Jgħodd għal dejjem. Intom mistennija li tiftakruha din u li tobduha sakemm tħallu din id-dinja u tmorru fl-oħra biex tiltaqgħu mal-Ħallieq tagħkom.”

Dawn ir-referenzi ta’ fuq juru biċ-ċar li ħsara lill-interessi nazzjonali u soċjali u lill-paċi hija kompletament ipprojbita fl-Iżlam, għal kwalunkwe raġuni tkun xi tkun.

L-effetti negattivi tal-protesti jew l-istrajkijiet

Dan huwa spjegat u elaborat aktar mill-Qdusija Tiegħu, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, li qal:

“Wieħed irid jiftakar illi anke fejn il-protesti jew l-istrajkijiet isiru fil-paċi, mingħajr ħsara kriminali jew vjolenza, dan xorta jista’ jkollu effetti negattivi. Dan għaliex, anke l-protesti paċifiċi ta’ spiss jirriżultaw f’telf ta’ miljuni fl-ekonomija tal-pajjiż. Taħt l-ebda ċirkostanza mġiba bħal din ma tista’ titqies bħala eżempju ta’ lealtà lejn in-nazzjon.

Prinċipju tad-deheb mgħallem mill-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana hu li rridu nibqgħu obbidjenti lejn Alla, il-Profeti u l-mexxejja tan-nazzjon tagħna. Dan hu l-istess tagħlim mogħti fil-Koran Imqaddes. Għalhekk, anke fejn pajjiż jippermetti l-istrajkijiet u l-protesti, dawn għandhom isiru biss kemm-il darba ma jikkawżawx ħsara lin-nazzjon jew l-ekonomija.” (Il-kriżi dinjija u t-triq għallpaċi, p. 50)

Reazzjoni għal ħakkiema inġusti

Tqum il-mistoqsija kif il-Musulmani għandhom jirrispondu lill-ħakkiema tagħhom jekk jaħsbu li huma inġusti. Darba, il-kumpanni tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, staqsewh:

“O Profeta ta’ Alla, x’nagħmlu jekk ikollna ħakkiema fuqna li jitolbu d-drittijiet tagħhom iżda jżommu d-drittijiet tagħna?” Hu wieġeb: “Isimgħuhom u obduhom [irrispettivament]. Fuqhom hu t-toqol tagħhom u fuqkom ikun it-toqol tagħkom.”

Id-dmirijiet tal-gvern

Fuq kollox, il-gvern għandu wkoll jaqdi d-dmirijiet tiegħu li jwettaq id-drittijiet liċ-ċittadini kollha tiegħu mingħajr ebda favur jew diskriminazzjoni; u l-istituzzjonijiet u l-awtoritajiet tal-Istat għandhom ukoll isiru konxji tar-responsabbiltajiet tagħhom.

Il-gvern għandu jifhem ukoll is-sitwazzjoni li sempliċement l-użu tal-forza biex iwieġeb għal kwistjonijiet bħal dawn mhuwiex ir-risposta, u lanqas l-użu tal-forza s-soluzzjoni biex isolvu l-problemi. Fil-fatt, il-gvernijiet jistgħu jiffunzjonaw biss meta ċ-ċittadini kollha jingħataw id-drittijiet dovuti lilhom.

Għalhekk, kull meta tinqala’ xi problema, il-gvern għandu mill-ewwel jibda d-djalogu bejn l-imsieħba kollha sabiex jifhem is-sitwazzjoni sew u jsib soluzzjoni tajba u jassigura lill-parti milquta li l-ġustizzja tkun moqdija u ħadd ma jkun imċaħħad mill-ġustizzja.

L-ugwaljanza, il-mogħdrija u l-ġustizzja

Meta l-gvern jikkonsulta u juri simpatija matul dawn iż-żminijiet, tassew jipprovdi kumdità u serħan lil dawk affettwati; u s-sitwazzjoni tista’ tinżamm kalma u paċifika.

Il-Koran, b’hekk, jagħmilha ċara li l-bnedmin kollha jitwieldu ndaqs u jgħallem b’mod ċar bħall-kristall li persuni minn nazzjonijiet jew razez differenti huma ugwali. Huwa ċar ukoll li l-persuni kollha għandhom jingħataw drittijiet ugwali mingħajr ebda diskriminazzjoni jew preġudizzju.

Jien ċert li dawn il-valuri tal-ugwaljanza, il-mogħdrija, l-empatija, u l-ġustizzja huma soluzzjonijiet mill-aqwa f’sitwazzjonijiet bħal dawn; u dawn il-valuri jistgħu joħolqu t-triq għar-rikonċiljazzjoni, il-ftehim, l-armonija u l-paċi dejjiema.

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What does Islam say about happiness?

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We often tend to seek happiness in worldly pursuits, often forgetting that true and eternal happiness in its greatest sense, lies only in the remembrance and pursuit of our Gracious and Loving God, Allah the Almighty.

Our sole purpose – by which true happiness can be achieved – is living a life full of purpose, righteousness and performing deeds which are pleasing to Allah, not only in the pursuit of a good and happy afterlife but because “surely, Allah loves those who do good”. (Holy Quran, 2:196) 

How to find true happiness?

God says in the Holy Quran:

“And that it is He Who makes [people] laugh and makes [them] weep,” (53:44). It means that happiness and contentment come from God; if there is no God, there is no contentment; there is no reason of our living.

It is further elaborated that: “It is only in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort,” (13:29). “For him who fears to stand before his Lord there are two Gardens,” (55:57).

It means that, those who develop their bond of friendship with their Creator, they are promised that they will be made heirs of true and everlasting happiness – that will not be limited to this world alone, but will continue in their next life. In these verses we are told that pursuit of spiritual knowledge and higher moral values gives man perfect contentment and equanimity in this life and in the Hereafter.

Appreciation and gratitude

Furthermore, the values of appreciation and gratitude, and valuing everything that we have is also a means of happiness. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said that in matters of the world look at those who are below you, and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to hold you back from belittling the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you.

I have learned this golden principle of happy life that, we must become grateful of whatever we have, and never think and concern about that which we don’t have, or which is beyond our capacity; and always remain satisfied with Allah’s blessings. A beautiful aspect of satisfied life is simplicity, because greed and jealousy are the means of disappointment, affliction, agony, anguish and despair.

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Happiness and Entertainment

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With the start of summer, the words ‘entertainment’, ‘enjoyment’ or ‘happiness’ are largely heard all over the world, including our beloved Island – Malta. Different people have different understanding of the happiness, contentment and satisfaction; and they apply different means and ways for their entertainment and happiness. Some see the glass half filled, when some see it as half empty; some find peace in spending thousands for concerts, where some find peace in helping those in need. This is a very dynamic subject to deal with.

In search of fun, many outings, gatherings, dinners, fun and boat parties are organised throughout the summer. Moreover, numerous musical nights, concerts, shows, wine tours, dance nights, just to name a few, are held in the name of entertainment and fun.

So, what is happiness and what does it mean to be happy? What are the true means for entertainment, enjoyment or happiness? What remedy one should apply in the search of having true and lasting satisfaction of heart and mind?

What is happiness?

It is a natural phenomenon that human nature wants happiness and peace of mind. Every human being – be it Asian, European, African or American – has an ingrained thirst of happiness. And when we analyse this further we find that, all human efforts are in pursuit of gladness, contentment and satisfaction. Man is in a constant struggle in finding the real meaning of life, the real purpose of life, the real objective of life, and for that they set many goals to achieve their aims.

One can argue this notion is holistically individualistic and subjective because happiness means something different for everyone, everywhere. Some attribute their happiness to a strong sense of community, some relish traditional forms of singing which makes them happy, some ascribe happiness to their infrastructure, strong social support and a healthy appreciation for individual liberty, whilst some associate happiness through living in harmony with, and having an appreciation for the natural environment around them. The religious understanding and cultural differences also shape our understanding of happiness.

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Id-Dawl 68

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Dialogue over aggression

Freedom of speech and expression are vital and fundamental human rights but, just as no right is absolute, similarly this right also demands and expects decency, sensitivity and responsibility.

The painful and loathsome incident of burning the Quran in Stockholm, Sweden in the name of ‘expression of an opinion’ is not an act of freedom of speech but, rather, an act of provocation and an act of undermining the peace of the society.

We see similar incidences from time to time but I always wonder what the end goal is. Does such provocation serve any aim?

Burning a copy or a few pages of Quran – a holy book for around two billion Muslims – can serve no purpose except to hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims around the globe. Such acts of hatred and provocation may destroy and compromise the peace of the world.

Salwan Momika, who burnt the Quran, said he wanted “to express his opinion about the Quran”. Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to discuss any objections or questions he has about the teachings of the Quran? Because if any rational person has an issue with the teachings of the Quran, the natural course of action is to find an explanation for it either by researching or asking a learned person on the subject.

There are already so many divisions, wars, conflicts and problems that have fractured the entire fabric of the world and decency and wisdom require us to apply ointment to the wounds of the bleeding world, instead of adding further injuries to it; we must try to heal the wounds.

If we ponder over the current situation of the world, we find that many academics, political experts and respected analysts are warning that we are approaching a grave period in the history of humanity. They have stated that we are living in a time of unprecedented danger and have warned that there is a significant risk of a global war being triggered either intentionally or by miscalculation.

Burning a copy or a few pages of the Quran can serve no purpose except to hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims– Laiq Ahmed Atif

Therefore, time requires us to bring an end to the cycle of warfare and bloodshed that we witness today. This is a time to pour ointment on the wounds, not to rub salt into them. It is a time to extinguish the fire with water instead of fanning the flames by adding petrol; and of spreading love and compassion, instead of hatred and extremism.

It is a time to build bridges of faith and trust between peoples, countries and regions, instead of building walls of uncertainty and despair. It is a time to promote unity, not division; of living with humanity, decency and respect and not with discourtesy and mockery.

In line with the above, Islam guides its followers to always be respectful of the sentiments of others. The Quran touches upon this on different occasions: “Revile not those whom they call upon beside God, lest they, out of spite, revile God in their ignorance” (6:109); and “O ye who believe, let not one people deride another people, who may be better than they, nor let women deride other women who may be better than they” (49:12).

To create an atmosphere of love and peace in international relations and a tolerant and harmonious world, we need to follow these principles. Harmony between different people and faiths can be increased by not uttering anything that is hurtful to others, even in a lighter vein.

It is my heartfelt appeal that we should always be mindful of our actions and what we say and write. We should not fan the flames of hatred, malice, animosity and hostility because they endanger the peace and security of our planet.

In addition, we must promote and spread the message of ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ throughout the four corners of the world. And may we be the guardians of respect, peace and prosperity rather than the agents of insult, war and bloodshed.

Times of Malta | Monday 24 July 2023 | amjmalta@gmail.com | Laiq Ahmed Atif | Laiq Ahmed Atif is president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

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The Hope to Live

It-Tama li Ngħix

Il-ħajja hija sabiħa għalhekk irridu nippruvaw ngħixuha bis-sħiħ, b’mod tajjeb u ġenwin, u nieħdu ħsieb tagħna nfusna u m’għandniex nieħdu l-affarijiet for granted, anzi, irridu naħdmu ħafna, inxammru l-kmiem u nagħmlu ħilitna kollha biex insegwu l-ġmiel tal-ħajja u nagħmlu ħajjitna l-aqwa ħajja li qatt tista’ tkun f’termini ta’ saħħa, edukazzjoni, karriera, moralità u spiritwalità.

Dan l-aħħar kelli opportunità biex nattendi ċ-ċerimonja tal-gradwazzjoni tal-Caritas li saret f’San Blas, u smajna l-istejjer ta’ erbatax-il persuna li temmew il-programm ta’ riabilitazzjoni b’suċċess.

‘M’iniex numru’

Fl-istejjer tagħhom innutajt ħafna messaġġi u punti importanti fosthom is-suċċess, il-kuraġġ u t-tama. Kulħadd ried u kellu tama li jgħix ħajja diċenti, ħajja normali, ħajja b’dinjità u fuq kollox ħajja mal-familja.

Dan il-messaġġ ġie enfasizzat aktar permezz tat-tema magħżula għaċ-ċerimonja ta’ din is-sena, li, ‘M’iniex numru’, imma l-persuna, il-bniedem bħal ħaddieħor, bl-istess demm fil-vini u bl-istess emozzjonijiet bħal kulħadd.

Kulħadd huwa gwardjan

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, qal li kull wieħed minnkom huwa gwardjan fuq xi ħadd, inti se tkun responsabbli tan-nies li inti maħtur gwardjan fuqhom. Ilkoll kemm aħna nsiru gwardjani fl-oqsma tar-responsabbiltajiet tagħna. Aħna se nkunu responsabbli.

Kull wieħed u kull waħda minna huwa responsabbli dwar dmirijiet differenti. Aħna responsabbli għal saħħitna stess, dwar il-familji tagħna, il-ġenituri, l-imsieħba, it-tfal u f’ħafna kapaċitajiet oħra bħala ċittadini. Għalhekk, huwa importanti ħafna li dejjem inkunu konxji dwar id-doveri tagħna.

Rigal mill-isbaħ

Il-ħajja u s-saħħa tajba hija rigal prezzjuż u mill-isbaħ ta’ Alla, għalhekk, irridu nibqgħu dejjem konxji u viġilanti dwar dan ir-rigal għali minn Sidna, u qatt ma nħalluh jitħassar jew jiddgħajjef.

Jekk verament għandi tama li ngħix, u mhux li neżisti biss, allura huwa dmiri, huwa obbligu fuqi, li għandi biex nieħu ħsieb lili nnifsi.

Kif jingħad li “l-karità tibda mid-dar”, bl-istess mod, jekk nixtieq nieħu ħsieb lil dawk li l-aktar huma importanti għalija, allura, qabel kollox irrid nieħu ħsieb tiegħi nnifsi u saħħti, sabiex ikolli s-saħħa u l-kuraġġ kollu li nkun nista’ nħares lill-għeżież kollha tiegħi.

Il-qerda tal-ħolm

Mingħajr l-ebda nitfa ta’ dubju nafu u nafu sew li t-teħid ta’ sustanzi illeċiti ta’ drogi jagħmel ħsara enormi lis-saħħa tal-bniedem. Ma tgħaddix ġurnata waħda mingħajr aħbarijiet daqshekk koroh u ta’ wġigħ. Nisimgħu aħbarijiet bħal dawn u stejjer ta’ tbatija ta’ nies li huma dipendenti fuq id-droga.

Dawn il-vizzji jkaxkru, ifarrku, iħassru u jeqirdu mhux biss is-saħħa, iżda wkoll il-ħolm; mhux biss illum, imma wkoll għada; mhux biss il-preżent iżda wkoll il-futur.

Fil-qosor, id-dipendenza fuq id-droga mhi xejn ħlief it-telf u t-telf biss

Biex jindirizzaw din il-problema, il-Ġnus Magħquda josservaw is-26 ta’ Ġunju bħala l-jum internazzjonali kontra l-abbuż mid-droga biex isaħħu l-koperazzjoni bejn l-imsieħba differenti ħalli jinkiseb l-għan ta’ dinja ħielsa mill-abbuż tad-droga.

Ir-rivista ‘Id-Dawl’

Min-naħa tagħna, bħala dmir nazzjonali, il-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana Malta indirizzat dan is-suġġett fir-rivista tagħha li toħroġ kull xahar, Id-Dawl. Sabiex nedukaw lilna nfusna u lil uliedna, u flimkien naraw kif se nsalvaw in-nisġa soċjali milli taqa’ fin-nasba tal-użu ta’ sustanzi illeċiti.

Inħeġġeġ lill-qarrejja tagħna biex iżuru l-websajt tagħna biex jaqraw aktar dwar dan is-suġġett importantissimu. http://www.ahmadiyya.mt/id-dawl . In-Nazzjon 15.07.2023 | Laiq Ahmed Atif | amjmalta@gmail.com

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The family wellbeing

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Family well-being is vital to thriving communities, societies, and nations. Families, who are able to make informed decisions, manage their basic needs, and tackle pressing human and community issues are better equipped to lead happy and healthy lives. A range of factors can affect family well-being, and investments in families contribute significantly to the spiritual, social, and economic development of every nation.

Righteousness and trustworthiness

I would like to highlight some basic and key principles for strengthening family unit and for their wellbeing. The Holy Quran has instructed to make righteousness and trustworthiness the foundation for all of our relationships. God Almighty has taught us a prayer in the Holy Quran which is,

“Our Lord! Grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model and leader for the righteous.” (25:75)

A role model

It means that, the underlining principles of righteousness, morality, virtues, positivity and piety are the key factors for building strong, healthy, prosperous and vibrant families. The words ‘makes us a role model and a leader for the righteous’, are very important words to ponder over. The message of this verse is that if we truly want strong, healthy, valued and principled families, if we truly are concerned for the wellbeing of our families, then we must display high moral values; then we must lead by examples, then we must try to become people of tall and strong character.

For strengthening the family, everyone must let go every kind of arrogance, pride, jealousy etc. Instead, the relationship should be like that of true and sincere friends. In addition, patience and forbearance is the key to a successful, peaceful and harmonious family life.

A garment for each other

For the family wellbeing the relationship of parents is vital and both should complement each other in every matter. The teaching of the Holy Quran in this regard is: “Your wives are a garment for you, and you are a garment for your wives.” (2:188)

This verse points out that in the institution of marriage, mere fulfillment of individual pleasure and emotional gratification is not the ultimate goal, rather the goal is to create a harmonious environment of trust, respect and love between the married couple and their families.

The reformation of the youth

I would like to quote two wonderful quotations, as guiding principles and food for thought, for better and stronger future families. Napoleon once said: Give me an educated mother, I shall promise you the birth of a civilized, educated nation.”

The second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has provided us a golden principle that, “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth.” If we truly desire the wellbeing of our families then we must reform our youth so when they form their families they always keep their families wellbeing close to their heart and an integral part of their priorities.

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Quran Burning in Sweden and Protests in France

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A happy married life

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Islam, as a complete religion valid for every time and place, has provided a solution to every problem and issue. Among the matters that Islam has addressed with great accuracy is marital life. Both the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – who was the complete embodiment of the Quranic teachings, emphasize that the foundation of a successful marriage should be built upon affection, love, togetherness, and mercy.

“And one of His Signs is this, that He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that surely are Signs for a people who reflect.” (Holy Quran, 30:22)

This verse clearly shows that a true and happy marriage is a means of ‘peace of mind, love, tenderness and compassion’. However, if a married couple does not find ‘peace of mind and unconditional love’ then it means that the marriage is void from its true meaning, philosophy and objective.

Positive attributes

Islam also instructs them that they should always focus on the positive attributes, good habits and strong features of each other; and always overlook each other’s shortcomings. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa highlighted this golden principle of focusing on positive features instead of weaknesses of each other, and said:

“A believer must not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.”

A fragile load

Before the advent of Islam women had limited or no rights and it brought about a revolution that established countless rights for women. Such rights paved the way for a better and happy married life. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa always advised his followers to take great care of their wives. He was an exemplary person in this respect. Once he was on a journey and a young boy was driving the camels fast, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said to him, ‘slow down; slow down, because there is fragile load (women) on the camels’.

The duties and rights

To make the married life happy and means of peace, Islam clarifies the duties and rights of both husband and wife. Islam teaches that if a peaceful society is sought, then everyone’s rights must be given and everyone must play their role and duty. This shows, from the very outset of a marriage, it has been made clear that men and women are equal, and they have been created from a single soul, and thus both possess similar qualities. Therefore, both should focus on discharging their duties properly to make their family life ideal and happy.

Two best friends

A true friendship is a strong bond between two people. Hence, the same friendly relationship should be established between a husband and a wife. This however, must be established after marriage. In today’s society, a man and a woman establish a friendship beforehand, and then get married. However data shows that such marriages have a higher percentage of breaking down.

In Islam, one marries under the shade and for the pleasure of God. If both, husband and wife, keep this in mind that they are becoming a married couple for the sake of God and according to His teachings and commandments, then such family life will become a true means of happiness, satisfaction and contentment.

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The basic building block for peace

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I truly believe that the peace in the society depends on the peace of our homes and families. Moreover, serenity within our homes and healthy families are a means for the success, prosperity, comfort and fruitfulness. The Spiritual Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, has, in a nutshell, highlighted the importance of healthy and peaceful families, and said:

“The basic building block for peace in society is tranquillity and harmony within the family home. The situation within a home is not limited, but has a knock-on effect on the peace of the local area, which in turn affects the peace of the wider town or city. If there is disturbance in the home it will negatively affect the local area and that will affect the town or city. In the same way, the state of the town or city affects the peace of the entire country and ultimately the state of a nation affects the peace and harmony of the region or the entire world.” http://www.ahmadiyya.mt/id-dawl

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Id-Dawl 67

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God really exists

Alla Tassew Jeżisti

Il-kunċett ta’ Alla dejjem kien suġġett importanti, u nsibu li nies ta’ kull età, imma b’mod partikolari t-tfal, kienu u għadhom ħerqana biex ikunu jafu jekk verament hemmx Alla.

Bħala Musulmana, nemmen li l-preżenza ta’ Alla fil-ħajja tagħna hija l-essenza tat-twemmin tagħna. L-għan primarju ta’ kull reliġjon huwa li tiggwida lill-umanità lejn Alla u li taqdi l-ħolqien Tiegħu.

Imma kif nistgħu nifhmu u nesperjenzaw l-eżistenza ta’ Alla? Dan ifakkarni storja qasira ħafna, iżda profonda u għaqlija ta’ bedwin Għarbi.

Darba, filosfu ltaqa’ ma’ Bedwin Għarbi. Il-filosfu staqsieh: Inti temmen f’Alla? Il-Bedwin wieġbu: Iva jiena nemmen f’Alla. Il-filosfu staqsieh: Xi prova għandek tal-eżistenza ta’ Alla? It-tweġiba tal-Bedwin kienet sempliċi ħafna iżda mimlija bl-għerf. Ir-risposta tiegħu tant kienet importanti li titfa’ dawl biżżejjed b’mod komprensiv fuq is-suġġett tal-eżistenza ta’ Alla. Il-Bedwin wieġeb:

Meta xi ħadd li jkun għaddej mill-ġungla jilmaħ il-ħmieġ tal-ġemel, huwa jikkonkludi li ġemel ikun għadda minn hemm; jekk jara l-marka ta’ sieq ta’ raġel fir-ramel tad-deżert, huwa jiddeduċi li xi vjaġġatur ikun għadda minn din it-triq. Issa, meta nħarsu lejn din id-dinja, bil-marki wiesgħa kollha tagħha, u din is-sema, bix-xemx tagħha, u l-qamar u l-kwiekeb, ma jġagħluniex naħsbu li bilfors kellhom bżonn Ħallieq?

Kemm huwa kliem profond, razzjonali u għaqli dak ta’ Bedwin Għarbi illitterat. Bla dubju ta’ xejn, kollox f’din id-dinja huwa prova definita tal-eżistenza ta’ xi Ħallieq – Alla tagħna – li ħalaqha.

Sempliċi pinna jew karta ma jistgħux jeżistu mingħajr disinjatur jew kreatur. Mela, kif inhu possibbli li l-univers sħiħ li huwa tant organizzat, u li huwa kapulavur ta’ perfezzjoni u glorja, beda jeżisti mingħajr disinjatur jew kreatur?

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Il-Leħen 25.06.2023 | amjmalta@gmail.com

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Eid-Ul-Azha 2023

Eid-Ul-Azha 2023 Mubarak #EidAlAdha #EidUlAdha2023 #EidUlAdha2023 #EidMubarak #AhmadiyyaMalta #Malta

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Where are you Lord?

The institution of pilgrimage in the history of religions has a great significance. Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca for the pilgrimage and they are expected to spend about 10 days entirely dedicated to the memory of God.

This grand display of universality points to the message of unification of humanity on earth under the Lord of the Universe. The pilgrimage is an affective instrument for the purpose of establishing the true and strong bond between mankind and the creator.

According to Islam, the purpose of life and of our being is to acquire true understanding of God, to fall in love with him, worship him and strive to become a reflection and mani­festa­tion of his divine attri­­butes. In brief, the purpose of life for all humans is to find God and lose themselves in him.

This can be accomplished by two means.

Firstly, humans must strive to attain absolute moderation in their worldly pursuits and work tirelessly for the service of humanity. And, secondly, humans are to use the talents bestowed on them and direct all their efforts to establish an everlasting and sacred attachment to God Almighty.

When we humans start our journey towards spirituality, our souls ask the age-old question: God, where are you and how can I find you?

According to the Holy Quran (50:17), “God is nearer to us than even our jugular vein”. However, to truly find him and fall in love with him requires a concerted effort, as God says: “And as for those who strive in our path – we will surely guide them in our ways. And verily God is with those who do good deeds” (Quran, 29:70).

Those who strive in the path of God will not be abandoned; they will find God the Almighty. The Holy Prophet Muhammad once said that God says when a servant of mine advances towards me a foot, I advance towards him a yard and when he advances towards me a yard, I advance toward him the length of his arms spread out, when he comes to me walking, I go to him running and when he runs to me, I pick him up in my arms.

And when a man turns to God with a pure heart praying “our Lord guides us to the right path” he not only makes the way easier but it also earns his pleasure.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad also stated: “God is more pleased by a servant of his who turns to him than a person who finds his lost camel in a barren desert which carries his food and drink.”

Furthermore, the following verse of the Holy Quran (2:187) demonstrates how God is closer than we think and, by making a simple effort, we can attain his nearness: “And when my servants ask thee about me, say: I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to me. So they should hearken to me and believe in me, that they may follow the right way.”

The above references show that if we are truly willing to find God, it is not only possible but simple and when we turn to him with a pure heart and intention, we can experience him.

The existence of God is evident universally and he is visible everywhere and in every­thing. The Lord calls on creation: Look for me in the mountains and in the valleys. Find me in the eyes of a beggar and in the glory of a king. Look for me in the yearning of the heart, in the tears, through the supplications and prostrations. Find me in the chirping of birds and in the beauty of the flowers. My glory is in autumn, my glory is in spring.

As the Quran (2:116) eloquently states: “To Allah belongs the east and the west, so wherever you turn (face) there will be the face (presence) of Allah.” The presence of God is evident everywhere, in the complex and beautiful design of our home planet, in our galaxy and beyond.

If we know through logic and rationality that a house has a builder and a watch has a maker, how can we logically deny that our beautiful planet has a creator? If we still don’t see him, then this is the fault of our eyes, hearts and souls.

How can God love us and accept our turning to him if we are harming and afflicting his creation? In this regard, I love the following golden words of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the fourth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: “If you love the artist, then you must love his art. And if you love the creator, then you must love his creation.”

However, we find that, in today’s world, the coldness, disbelief, hard-heartedness and self-interest of the socie­ty and materialism is taking us away from God Almighty and human values.

I believe this current time is calling us to return to our Lord and our core human values. We must try our utmost to bridge the rift and void that is growing between humanity and God Almighty, along with helping people in their time of need.

In this time of global disorder, disparity and economic difficulty, our mission and duty should be to utilise whatever resources are available in order to ease the pain and bring comfort to those who are deprived or facing trials and tribulations, without seeking any benefit or return.

To conclude, these are the keys to unlocking the doors that lead to the eventual result: a firm relationship with God. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that this is a lock that not many nowadays can open or do not even attempt to open.

The Holy Quran (18:111) states: “So whoever wants to meet his Lord, he should become a true benefactor of humanity and do righteous and good deeds.” Let us all attempt this endeavour together.

Times Of Malta | Laiq Ahmed Atif | amjmalta@gmail.com | Laiq Ahmed Atif is president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. http://www.ahmadiyya.mt

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Youth and addiction

NAUMAN ATIF .| Read this article in MALTESE

Addiction is the condition or compulsive need for a particular substance or activity. Examples include addiction of smoking, alcohol, drugs, a certain food, and online activity; addiction is just anything in excessive amounts. Addiction is like a parasitic association. The longer you keep taking it the harder it is to remove it. The excess of everything is bad, this even includes water and food an essential source for living, is also deadly in excess. Having a balance between works and studying, different activities, and having some free time is also essential. Even balancing foods with having a daily intake of dairies, fruits and vegetables, protein, fats and sugars, oils, and carbohydrates are also important.

In these times the most dangerous addictions are the excessive usage of alcohol, drugs and screen time. Governments are spending big amounts of money in tackling drug misuse, fighting the war on drugs and other ruinous addictions. But, worryingly, the number of people turning to drugs and addictions is dramatically rising.

A way for numerous diseases

There are huge problems with the consumption of alcohol, drugs and smoking cigarettes. It ruins the way one thinks, makes way for numerous cancers, diseases and weakens the immune system. The tar that is inhaled into the lungs remains there for numerous years before being removed. Imagine the damage smoking would do.

To avoid falling into addiction, it is important to be resistant early on. Vanity disguised as entertainment can quickly turn into a serious problem, affecting behaviour, health and one’s social and economic well-being. Addiction leads to an aversion towards the more important matters of life.

Man is lacking trust and faith in God and when there is no trust in God then man tries to find relaxation through these addictions. Unfortunately, the reality is that, even in these addictions, man does not find either solace or satisfaction.

Good works drive away the evil ones

God has taught us a beautiful way to remove bad habits and help addicts, that, “good works drive away the evil ones,” (Holy Quran, 11:115). This means that if a person desires to get rid of an evil habit, he should begin to practice a corresponding virtue. In this way, he will soon get rid of his evil habit. This principle is very profound as it counters evil with good.

One should spend time in praying, remembering God, The Creator and doing good to fellow human beings. One should try to spend time on good, virtuous deeds rather than evil ones. One should not stay without something to do as Satan starts to fill up the empty space.

The Almighty God says: Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort. Oh, you the restless society, oh, you the restless world know for certain that true tranquility, true peace of mind is in the remembrance of God and is in the relationship with God.

This is a great and extremely natural truth. The more the people of the world seek the paltry goods of this life, the greater becomes the hunger and the consequent burning of their hearts as opposed to those who seek God, the more they turn to Him, the greater is their peace of mind and God surely helps His believers.

Cultivating a positive change

Mere abstention would not help the purpose. A person who has nothing to do would relapse in his vice many a times unless the nothing is replaced by something valuable, something greater, something more attractive, which cultivates a positive change in a person

Parents have a huge responsibility to guide their young children, their youth, as only through their compassionate preparation and by leading with their own example can the child stay away from addictions.

Nip the evil in the bud

There is a story in accordance to this. There was once a man who had committed many crimes and had exceeded all limits. After he was caught and was about to be hanged for all his crimes, he was asked whether he had a last wish.

He said he wished to meet his mother. When his mother came closer he told her he wanted to say something in her ear. He then bit her ear so hard that she cried loudly in pain.

Hearing all this noise, the guards rushed forward and cursed him: had he no shame? Despite having committed so many crimes, moments before his death he does injury to his own mother.

The criminal replied: “Indeed, today is when I have done a good deed. When I committed petty crimes and people used to complain to my mother, she took my side and, despite knowing the truth, she did not reprimand me. As a result, I became bolder and a big criminal. Had she stopped me from committing minor evils at the time, I would not have become a criminal.”

The moral of this story is that every habit, good or bad, starts with small steps. With the passage of time, it becomes an unbreakable habit and then an addiction.

Solace and satisfaction

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to always avoid every kind of addiction, live healthy and balanced lives, remain focused on positivity and enjoy every blessing of God bestowed upon us, and surely this will lead us to eternal happiness and success.

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Is addiction a source of peace?

MUSKAN ATIF .| Read this article in MALTESE

It is said that ‘youth are the backbone or strength of any nation’ and they are ‘the future of their nation and country’. Therefore, they must take care of themselves and live a healthy and safe life, far away from any bad habits or addictions.

If we read newspapers we find that addiction is a huge problem of our societies. Drug misuse is a massive problem facing the world today. Children are losing their lives, dreams and future to drugs. Countless homes have been wrecked and drug-related crimes are destroying families and ruining the social fabric of communities.

People, who aren’t addicted, will feel alive, fresh, strong and competent. They will spend time with their families and also with friends. They will feel really happy and proud of their selves that they aren’t addicted.

They will have time for studying, making a better future by studying and they will also get a good job and good salary and much more. They’ll feel like they are in heaven. Their good health, positive attitude, strong family, nice friends, thriving career and positive thinking will lead them to the love of God and love of humanity; these will lead them to satisfaction, contentment and happiness.

Because, there can be no true peace of mind without God and without serving others. The more we turn to God and love others, the greater is the peace of mind and happiness.

Never forget, on the other hand, addictions lead to anxiety, loneliness and depression, and they can never lead to satisfaction and happiness.

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Prevention is better than cure

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The life itself is a great challenge, however, in the times of live in, it has been become even far greater challenge for every one of us. One of such challenges is the increasing usage of illicit drugs, addiction and the easy availability and cheap price of drugs. To address this ever increasing problem, to highlight its harms, to raise awareness and to educate the general public, the United Nations observes 26 June as the international day against drug abuse to streamline cooperation between different stake holders to achieve the goal of a world free of drug abuse.

In this issue of “Id-Dawl” we will be discussing this issue according to Islamic perspective to provide our readers some food for thought and how we can prevent our social fabric to fall into the trap of usage of illicit drugs.

Undoubtedly, ‘prevention is better than cure’. So, we must educate ourselves, our children, our communities and our nation about the destruction such drugs cause to human health, family and social bonding. Such addiction literally destroys individuals, families and their loved ones. Therefore, we must role our sleeves and leave no stone unturned to defeat this destructive poison that is rapidly infiltrating within our societies.

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Id-Dawl 66

Prevention is better than cure – Is addiction a source of happiness and peace? – The Youth and addiction – Nip the evil in the bud!

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Family Wellbeing and Islam

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The Mother in Islam

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The table manners

Il-manjieri ta’ fuq il-mejda

L-Iżlam huwa mod ta’ ħajja li jiggwidana f’kull settur tal-ħajja. L-Iżlam jipprovdi gwida ċara dwar l-etiketti tal-ikel u jgħallimna l-manjieri tal-ikel. Hawn taħt nippreżentaw xi manjieri tal-mejda:

Aħsel idejk qabel u wara kull ikla. Jekk ikun hemm is-srievet ifrex waħda fuq kuxxtejk ħalli jekk jaqgħu l-biċċiet tal-ikel dawn ma jtebbgħulekx il-ħwejjeġ. Qabel ma tibda tiekol għid it-talba li: F’Isem Alla u bil-barkiet ta’ Alla. Dejjem kul u ixrob b’idek il-leminija u ddeffisx idek fil-platt.

Ħu gidmiet żgħar, żomm ħalqek magħluq u omgħod l-ikel bil-mod mingħajr ma tagħmel ħsejjes. Meta tkun qed tpoġġi l-ikel fil-platt tiegħek, ħu dak li jkun fuq quddiem tad-dixx u tagħżilx biċċiet tal-laħam jew ikel ieħor li l-aktar li tħobb. Fil-bidu qiegħed kwantità żgħira ta’ ikel fil-platt tiegħek – fil-każ ħu naqra oħra aktar tard. Poġġi fil-platt dak l-ammont li inti tiflaħ tiekol biss.

Jekk m’hemmx ikel biżżejjed, aħseb fl-oħrajn u ħu anqas mis-soltu. Tikolx iżżejjed. Kul kemm għandek bżonn u ieqaf meta tkun qed tħossok ftit bil-ġuħ. Kul ikel tajjeb għas-saħħa bħal ħaxix, insalata u frott. Tikolx meta l-ikel ikun jaħraq ħafna u l-istess tixrobx te jew ħalib meta jkunu jaħarqu ħafna. Bl-istess mod m’għandekx tixrob ilma jew affarijiet oħra meta jkunu kesħin ħafna.

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One Day Love!

L-Imħabba ta’ Ġurnata!!!

Laiq Ahmed Atif | It-Torċa | Sunday 14 May 2023 | Mother’s Day

Kull sena meta jibda x-xahar ta’ Mejju, tibda d-diskussjoni dwar “Jum l-Omm”, naraw ir-riklami fis-swieq dwar il-bejgħ ta’ rigali għall-omm, u ħafna ħwienet jagħtu ċertu offerti għax-xiri ta’ rigali għall-ommijiet. Meta jasal “Jum l-Omm”, ħafna mit-tfal jagħtu rigal lil ommhom biex jasserixxu l-imħabba tagħhom. Bla dubju ta’ xejn dal-jum huwa importanti ħafna għax ifakkarna dwar l-importanza u d-dinjità tal-mara fis-soċjetà, partikolarment dwar id-dinjità tal-omm.

Jiena dejjem naħseb, din “l-imħabba ta’ ġurnata” hija biżżejjed li tagħmel ġustizzja mal-maestà tal-omm, il-glorja u l-pożizzjoni tagħha? Assolutament le! Nemmen li wara l-imħabba u l-kompassjoni ta’ Alla, l-omm hija l-akbar manifestazzjoni ta’ mħabba bla kundizzjoni, bla difetti, ġenwina, vera, safja u l-aktar pura.

Il-kalamita

L-omm hija pilastru ewlieni tal-familja u tad-dar. Kull ħaġa u kulħadd idur madwarha, u hi tiġbed kollox lejha minħabba n-natura safja u pura tagħha. L-omm hija l-kalamita li għandha tali forza manjetika li kull membru tal-familja huwa attirat lejha. L-omm għandha qalb tad-deheb u hija simbolu tal-imħabba, il-kompassjoni u l-ħniena.

Għalhekk, naħseb li ċ-ċelebrazzjoni ta’ “Jum l-Omm” mhix ċelebrazzjoni għal ġurnata biss imma din iċ-ċelebrazzjoni ġġegħelna naħsbu fid-dettall kif nistgħu nħobbu u ngħożżu lil ommijietna u kif nistgħu nkunu grati lejhom għal dak kollu li jagħmlu għalina. Meta nħarsu lejn ir-reliġjonijiet u s-soċjetajiet ċivili, nindunaw li kull wieħed minnhom ta importanza kbira għar-rispett lejn l-omm.

L-omm fl-Iżlam

Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes: “L-amar tagħna lill-bniedem huwa li juri tjubija mal-ġenituri tiegħu, ommu ġarritu bi tbatija, u wellditu bi tbatija; jinġarr (fi ħdan ommu) u jinfatam fi żmien tletin xahar.” (46:16)

“Ordnajna lill-bniedem dwar il-ġenituri tiegħu — ommu ġġorrha f’dgħufija wara l-oħra, u l-ftim tiegħu jieħu sentejn — ‘Irringrazzja Lili u lill-ġenituri tiegħek’.” (31:15)

Kemm hu importanti li rridu nibqgħu dejjem grati lejn Sidna u l-ġenituri tagħna. Li nkunu verament grati mhux għal ġurnata jew tnejn, anzi, huwa dmir tul ħajjitna li nirrikonoxxu l-barkiet bla għadd ta’ Alla u t-trobbija xierqa u ta’ mogħdrija tal-ġenituri tagħna u dejjem nibqgħu grati u ubbidjenti lejhom.

Dawn il-versi jirreferu għat-tieni l-iktar dmir importanti tal-bniedem, wara d-dmir tiegħu lejn Alla — l-obbligi tiegħu lejn il-bnedmin, li jibdew bl-obbligi tiegħu lejn il-ġenituri. Alla jgħid li l-bniedem irid ikun tajjeb u qalbu tajba mal-ġenituri tiegħu.

Alla jispjega d-dmir tal-bniedem lejn il-ġenituri tiegħu u jagħti wkoll ir-raġuni biex jagħmel dan, jiġifieri, li l-ġenituri jgħaddu minn kull xorta ta’ sagrifiċċju għal uliedhom, partikolarment l-omm, għalhekk hi ġiet tissemma speċifikament f’dan il-vers ta’ hawn fuq.

Ommok, Ommok, Ommok

Li turi l-imħabba vera u l-qalb tajba lejn l-omm ġiet elaborata aktar f’wieħed mid-diskorsi tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih. Darba xi kumpann staqsieh, “Min hi dik il-persuna li l-iktar jixirqilha trattament tajjeb u kumpanija tajba mingħandi?” Il-Profeta Muħammad wieġbu: “Ommok.” Il-kumpann imbagħad staqsieh, “U min warajha?” Il-Profeta wieġeb, “Ommok.” Il-kumpann imbagħad staqsa l-istess mistoqsija għat-tielet darba u li għaliha l-Profeta reġa’ ta l-istess tweġiba, “Ommok.” Meta l-kumpann staqsa l-istess mistoqsija għal darb’oħra, il-Profeta mbagħad qallu, “Missierek u mbagħad qraba oħra fil-qrib.”

Il-ġenna tinsab taħt saqajn l-omm

Barra minn hekk, hemm diskors magħruf ħafna tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad li,“Il-ġenna tagħkom tinsab taħt saqajn ommkom.” Jiġifieri li aħna nistgħu niksbu l-ġenna billi naqdu lil ommijietna u nkunu ġentili u ubbidjenti lejhom.

Inċident li juri kif il-Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, spjega l-importanza li jaqdi lil omm wieħed huwa meta raġel ikkonsulta lill-Profeta dwar il-parteċipazzjoni f’kampanja militari. Il-Profeta staqsa lir-raġel jekk ommu kinitx għadha tgħix. Meta qalulu li kienet ħajja, il-Profeta qal, “Imbagħad oqgħod magħha, għax il-ġenna tinsab taħt saqajha.”

Inċident ieħor simili seħħ meta raġel wasal għand il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, biex jitlob il-permess tiegħu biex imur għall-gwerra kontra l-għadu. Il-Profeta staqsieh jekk ommu kinitx ħajja. Huwa wieġeb fil-pożittiv. Il-Profeta qallu biex jibqa’ ma’ ommu u jaqdiha. Ir-raġel reġa’ staqsa u l-Qaddis Profeta tah l-istess parir. Meta staqsa għat-tielet darba, il-Profeta qallu, “Żomm ma’ saqajha għax hemm tinsab il-ġenna.”

Fid-dawl tar-rakkont imsemmi hawn fuq, wieħed malajr jista’ jikkonkludi li l-omm hija persuna tal-glorja u ta’ pożizzjoni għolja ħafna; u bla dubju ta’ xejn l-ommijiet huma parti importanti u integrali tas-soċjetà li jridu jiġu moqdija u rispettati ħafna.

Nawgura lill-ommijiet kollha Jum l-Omm hieni u mbierek.

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Mother – a symbol of love

Laiq Ahmed Atif | Times of Malta | Saturday 13.05.2023 | amjmalta@gmail.com

The Holy Prophet Muhammad once told an anecdote to his companions about three individuals who were travelling together when it started to rain heavily. Shortly after they took refuge in a cave, a big boulder came hurtling down and blocked the entrance to the cave.

With little hope of escape, and despair on their faces, one of the travellers told the rest not to lose hope and to pray to Almighty God by describing their most virtuous deed to help enable them to get out of the cave.

The first traveller, addressing Almighty God, said that he has old parents and young children. He would give milk to his old parents first, then his children every night after taking the goats to graze.

Once, when he came home quite late, his parents were asleep. Rather than disturb their sleep, he stood by his parents all night with the cup of milk in case they woke up and needed it.

He prayed to God to enable them to come out of the cave if this act is worthy of reward before God. God was pleased with the act of this man and the stone moved a little.

Similarly, after the other two related their tales, the stone was fully moved and they were able to come out of the cave.

What this anecdote is clearly saying is that looking after one’s parents pleases God and such acts are not left unrewarded. The story is very relevant considering that Mother’s Day is being celebrated tomorrow around the world.

The story also draws our attention to ponder over what Mother’s Day actually means to us.

Is dedicating one day of the year enough, considering the greatness and unconditional love of a mother? Is a day sufficient to show our thanks and gra­titude to the unconditional love, care, upbringing and compassion of a mother?

Absolutely not.

Even if we remain obedient, thankful and serve our parents throughout our lives, it still cannot do justice to the benevolence and kindness we cherish from our parents, let alone a day.

In today’s modernised and technological world, many parents are often neglected and not given due care and attention. Many feel mar­ginalised, abandoned, isolated and maltreated by their children to whom they have given everything and anything they had – their time, wealth, the best possible upbringing, care, genuine compassion and unconditional love.

Taking care of our loved ones in their vulnerable years also sets a good precedent for our future generations.

We must appreciate the unconditional love, care, upbringing and compassion of a mother.

This reminds me of a story a child once recounted to me, with much pain and unease, namely the ill treatment of his grandfather at the hands of his father.

He was gradually transferred from a well-provided and comfortable main bedroom to smaller and less convenient accommodation until it was finally decided to remove the grandfather to the servants’ quarters.

During an exceptionally severe winter, the grandfather complained of his room being too chilly and his quilt being too thin to make him feel warm and comfortable. The father started looking for an extra blanket from a stock of old, useless rags. Observing this, the child turned to his father and told him: “Please, do not give all the rags to grandpa. Keep some for me so that I may be able to give them to you when you grow old.”

How true is the saying that ‘you reap what you sow’!

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to take good care of our parents.

Guiding us to this very important duty, God says in the Holy Quran: “Behave beneficently towards parents. If either or both of them should attain old age while you are alive, say not ‘ugh’ to them, nor chide them, and speak kindly to them. Lower to them the wing of humility out of tenderness and pray: Lord have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was a little child” (17:24-25).

These verses are very relevant to this subject. After seeking unity with God, human beings should, through their attitude of love, affection and kindness, give priority over all other things to their parents when they have reached an old and difficult age.

Furthermore, the verses speak of situations when the behaviour of one or both of our parents becomes extremely trying and sometimes offensive.

In response to this, not even a mild expression of disgust or disapproval should pass through our lips. On the contrary, they should be treated with profound love, respect, compassion and care.

May this Mother’s Day bring much happiness, health and prosperity to all mothers and parents.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers – the symbols of true and flawless sympathy, love and compassion.

Laiq Ahmed Atif is president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

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What is the essence of religion?

L-ESSENZA TAR-RELIĠJON

L-Iżlam jemmen bis-sħiħ fl-imħabba ta’ Alla u tal-umanità, u jenfasizza ħafna fuq dawn iż-żewġ prinċipji bażiċi li kulħadd għandu jiffoka fuqhom. Ħażrat Mirża Ghulam Aħmad, il-Messija Mwiegħed u l-Maħdias, il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, jispjega dan b’mod tajjeb u jgħid:

“L-essenza tar-reliġjon hija bbażata biss fuq żewġ aspetti importanti, li huma d-drittijiet dovuti lil Alla, u d-drittijiet dovuti lill-ħolqien Tiegħu… Huwa essenzjali li wieħed jiftakar li r-reliġjon hija bbażata fuq żewġ drittijiet. L-ewwel dritt huwa l-obbligi dovuti lil Alla. Dan jinkludi kif wieħed għandu jemmen u jkollu fidi f’Alla u l-manjiera li biha għandU jiġi meqjum. It-tieni huwa l-obbligi li għandhom jingħataw lill-ħolqien ta’ Alla. Dan jikkonsisti kif wieħed għandu juri mogħdrija, imħabba, ġenerożità, u benevolenza lill-kreazzjonijiet ta’ Alla u għandu jtaffilhom is-sofferenzi, l-uġigħ u d-dwejjaq tagħhom.”(i)

“Reliġjon vera hija waħda li tkun kapaċi telimina l-injoranza tal-bniedem u xxerred il-barkiet li l-fidili tagħha fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum tagħhom ikunu tabilħaqq jidhru li qed juru devozzjoni lil Alla u mħabba u kompassjoni lill-ħolqien ta’ Alla. Wieħed li verament jemmen f’reliġjon bħal din jilħaq l-għan u skop aħħari li ruħhom ikunu għatxana u mxennqa li jiksbu.”(ii) (i)Malfat, Vol. 2, p. 85, edizzjoni 2010; (ii) Ruhani Khazain Vol. 21, pp.27-29

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Id-Dawl 65

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Ahmadiyya Malta helps to a Moroccan brother

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta was so pleased and blessed to extend a helping hand by donating a Wheelchair to a Moroccan brother who fell from three storeys into a yard while working on the apartments, a few weeks ago. President of the Moroccan Community in Malta together with the Moroccan brother received the #Wheelchair. We wish him speedy recovery and complete health. Ameen.

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How Muslims Celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr?

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Eid-Ul-Fitr Celebration with Nanniet Malta

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta invited 50 members from the grandparents’ organization Nanniet Malta, led by the Founder, Mr. Philip Chircop, to experience and celebrate together Eid-Ul-Fitr Celebration. Eid-ul-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast.” Eid-ul-Fitr is a religious celebration observed on the day following of the end of Ramadan – the month of fasting. It is a day of much rejoicing and happiness especially by those fortunate persons who observed the fasts and reaped the spiritual fruits of this holy exercise in accordance with the directions of God in the Holy Quran.

The event was started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by brief speeches by the Founder of Nanniet Malta, Mr. Philip Chircop, and Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. Then a brief documentary about the introduction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and its services worldwide was shown, which was followed by a traditional lunch which was also enjoyed and liked by all the guests. The meeting ended with a discussion sharing testimonies of experiences about the cultures and customs of the two sides, as experienced by some people who were present.

Participants also asked different questions to learn about the Ramadan, Muslim fasting and the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations, which were answered by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif.

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Together We Can

FLIMKIEN NIMXU AĦJAR

Laiq Ahmed Atif | It-Torċa | Sunday 23 April 2023 | amjmalta@gmail.com

Koeżistenza paċifika u armonjuża f’dinja globalizzata mhix biss hija importanti iżda hija essenzjali ħafna għall-prosperità u l-benesseri tagħna lkoll.

Huwa fatt li jekk ningħaqdu flimkien u naħdmu id f’id allura nistgħu nagħmlu l-għeġubijiet, flimkien nistgħu nagħmlu affarijiet kbar u s-soċjetajiet tagħna jistgħu verament jimxu ’l quddiem.

Is-sawm fir-reliġjonijiet

Inizjattiva waħda magħquda li kienet ta’ suċċess kbir ittieħdet mill-kunsill lokali tal-Imsida b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, il-Parroċċa tal-Imsida u l-Komunità Marokkina li flimkien organizzaw attività fil-Misraħ San Ġużepp l-Imsida, nhar is-Sibt 25 ta’ Marzu, fuq it-tema “l-kunċett tas-sawm fir-reliġjonijiet”.

Din l-attività kollettiva miftuħa għal kulħadd saret biex wieħed jifhem l-għan u l-kunċett tas-sawm fir-reliġjonijiet differenti, biex naqsmu l-ħsibijiet tagħna ma’ xulxin, biex niċċelebraw is-sawm flimkien u biex inrawmu rispett reċiproku u armonija. Dan l-avveniment uniku kien organizzat b’mod tajjeb ħafna u attendew madwar 250 mistieden minn kull qasam tal-ħajja u reliġjon.

L-avveniment sar fuq skala kbira fi spazju miftuħ; dan kien avveniment uniku fl-istorja ta’ pajjiżna u wera li kien eżempju mill-isbaħ ta’ armonija interreliġjuża u interkulturali u wirja mill-isbaħ ta’ rispett reċiproku, ħbiberija u għaqda.

Żommu mal-ħabel t’Alla

Jien nemmen bis-sħiħ fl-għaqda, għax fl-għaqda hemm is-saħħa, il-paċi u l-prosperità. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes, “U żommu sod, kollha flimkien, mal-ħabel t’Alla u tkunux mifruda.” (3:104)

Huwa importantissimu li flimkien niġbdu ħabel wieħed sabiex nirnexxu u mhux infallu. L-għaqda hija ħaġa kbira u l-għerq ta’ kull suċċess. Dan ma jistax jinkiseb sakemm kull bniedem, kull membru tas-soċjetà, ma jabbandunax l-interessi personali tiegħu u jissagrifika ruħu għas-simpatija u l-interess reċiproku u għall-ġid komuni.

Huwa għalhekk obbligu nazzjonali li nħallu l-affarijiet li jifirdu, u minflok infittxu affarijiet u opportunitajiet li jwasslu għall-għaqda. Għax il-firdiet u l-mibegħda jikkawżaw ħsara personali kif ukoll ħsara kollettiva u nazzjonali.

Rope pulling game

Fil-logħba tal-ġbid tal-ħabel, ta’ spiss osservajna li meta l-ħabel jinġibed f’direzzjonijiet opposti, hemm telf ta’ forza reċiproka. Jekk il-ħabel jinġibed f’direzzjoni waħda, isir ħafna aktar faċli biex tiġbed. Dan jgħallimna nikkultivaw l-għaqda u neħħu l-firdiet mis-soċjetajiet u komunitajiet tagħna, għax fl-għaqda hemm is-saħħa.

Il-President Emeritu l-E.T. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, is-Sindku tal-Kunsill Lokali tal-Imsida s-Sinjura Margaret Baldacchino Cefai, il-President tal-Komunità Marokkina s-Sinjura Dounia Borg Lakehal, l-Arċipriet tal-Knisja tal-Imsida Dun Mario Mifsud u jien bħala l-President tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana indirizzajna l-folla waqt dan l-avveniment.

L-għan tas-sawm

Il-kelliema kollha enfasizzaw fuq il-punt li s-sawm ifisser sagrifiċċju f’ġieħ Alla u għall-umanità. Is-sawm huwa eżerċizzju spiritwali, is-sawm jgħallem id-dixxiplina, il-karità, it-twettiq ta’ għemejjel tajba, u l-astensjoni mill-ħażen. Huwa jinkoraġġixxi wkoll l-iżvilupp tal-grazzja, tas-sabar, tal-qlubija, tal-umiltà, tas-sempliċità, u tas-sagrifiċċju.

Dan il-kunċett tas-sagrifiċċju jfakkarna fis-sofferenzi tan-nies li ma għandhomx riżorsi biżżejjed. Dan jinkoraġġina biex nieħdu ħsieb lill-foqra u nagħtu l-ikel lil min għandu l-ġuħ, l-ilma lil min għandu l-għatx, libsa lil dawk li m’għandhomx, nixtru mediċini lill-morda, u nibqgħu fil-kuntatt ma’ xulxin, ma’ kulħadd kemm nistgħu.

Is-sawm għandu sinifikat importanti fl-Iżlam. Il-kelma Ramadan fl-Għarbi tfisser ‘żewġ sħaniet’, jew ‘żewġ imħabbiet’ – l-imħabba ta’ Alla, u l-imħabba tal-umanità. Matul ix-xahar tar-Ramadan il-bniedem jikber f’dawn iż-żewġ imħabbiet. Meta jagħmel sagrifiċċji fiżiċi u jagħmel meditazzjoni spiritwali huwa jifhem iktar xi jfisser li tkun fl-imħabba ma’ Alla u mal-proxxmu. Fil-qosor, is-sawm jgħallimna ħafna lezzjonijiet siewja, importanti u tal-ġid komuni. Għalhekk, huwa ferm importanti li flimkien niġbdu ħabel wieħed u nsiru poplu magħqud fid-diversità. Inħobbu lill-Mulej u l-bnedmin kollha ta’ madwarna. Dejjem nuru eżempji mill-isbaħ ta’ armonija interreliġjuża u interkulturali u ta’ rispett reċiproku, ħbiberija u għaqda, sabiex flimkien nikbru fil-valuri u fil-ġid nazzjonali.

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Caritas Paintings Exhibition

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta was so glad to attend the Exhibition held at the Caritas Malta – a father and daughter Exhibition John Martin and Claire Borg at The Caritas Community Centre. A prayer was also held at the opening of this exhibition which was led by Malta Church’s Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia, Mgr Charles Cordina and Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

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Eid-Ul-Fitr 2023 Mubarak

رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلۡ مِنَّا ۔ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ السَّمِیۡعُ الۡعَلِیۡمُ

رَبَّنَا وَاجۡعَلۡنَا مُسۡلِمَیۡنِ لَکَ وَمِنۡ ذُرِّیَّتِنَاۤ اُمَّۃً مُّسۡلِمَۃً لَّکَ ۔

 وَاَرِنَا مَنَاسِکَنَا وَتُبۡ عَلَیۡنَا ۔ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِیۡمُ 

اے ہمارے ربّ! ہماری طرف سے قبول کر لے۔ یقینا تو ہی بہت سننے والا (اور) دائمی علم رکھنے والا ہے۔اور اے ہمارے ربّ! ہمیں اپنے دو فرمانبردار بندے بنادے اور ہماری ذریّت میں سے بھی اپنی ایک فرمانبردار اُمّت (پیدا کردے)۔ اور ہمیں اپنی عبادتوں اور قربانیوں کے طریق سکھا اور ہم پر توبہ قبول کرتے ہوئے جُھک جا۔ یقیناً تُو ہی بہت توبہ قبول کرنے والا (اور) بار بار رحم کرنے والا ہے۔

‘Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Our Lord, make us submissive to Thee and make of our offspring a people submissive to Thee. And show us our ways of worship, and turn to us with mercy; for Thou art Oft-Returning with compassion and Merciful.’ (2:128-129)

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How I Found God?

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The reward of a virtuous deed

Read this article in MALTESE

Hazrat Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah & Mahdias, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat says:

We should only worship that Almighty God, who rewards even for a little work.

A story goes that once three men were trapped in a mountain. They had taken refuge in a cave when a rock fell in front of the cave, blocking the exit.

Upon this, they said, ‘Now only our virtuous deeds will rescue us’.

One of them said, ‘Once I hired a few workmen. One of them left before the payment was made. I searched for him, but he could not be found. I bought a goat from his wages that multiplied into a herd in a few years’ time. One day that person appeared and said that he had worked for me and that it will be my kindness to pay for his labour. I handed over the whole herd to him. O Allah! If You liked my virtuous act, then ease my difficulty for me’. The rock elevated slightly.

The second person then narrated his story and said, ‘O Allah! Ease my difficulty if You liked my virtuous act’. The rock elevated a little more.

The third person described his story, ‘My mother was old. One night she asked for a glass of water. By the time I brought the water, she was already asleep. I did not wake her fearing that she would be uncomfortable. I stood the whole night with the glass of water. I gave her the water when she woke up in the morning. O Allah! Remove my difficulty if You liked my virtuous act’.

The rock then moved enough to let them escape. The Almighty Allah rewarded all of them for their virtuous deeds.  (Malfużat, V. 6, p. 26–27, Urdu, edition 1984)

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