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

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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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Fasting, peace and harmony in religions

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Impact of negative ads

Impatt ta’ Reklami Negattivi

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Il-Leħen, Sunday 16 April 2023 | amjmalta@gmail.com

Id-dinja li ngħixu fiha hija meħuda mill-konsumiżmu u l-materjaliżmu, u jidher li l-valuri jitħallew lura ħafna. Biex jiġu kkummerċjalizzati l-prodotti u biex tinġibed l-attenzjoni tal-konsumaturi jew tal-klijenti, xi drabi jintużaw kliem jew frażijiet li b’xi mod mhumiex etiċi.

Frażijiet negattivi jistgħu jkollhom impatt fuq is-soċjetà fejn ekonomija orjentata lejn il-konsumatur hija mmexxija mill-marketing, li jinfluwenza l-għażliet tal-kummerċjalizzazzjoni. Kumpaniji kbar mhumiex mistennija li jgħaddu minn fuq il-limiti tal-moralità billi jużaw tattiċi promozzjonali immorali. Anzi, għandhom ikunu konxji lejn id-dmirijiet u r-responsabbiltajiet tagħhom lejn is-soċjetà. Pjan promozzjonali mhux għaqli jista’ jħalli impatt fuq il-kumpanija, il-prodott, il-klijenti u d-deċiżjonijiet tagħhom b’mod ħażin.

Frażijiet pożittivi

Minflok, frażijiet pożittivi u deċenti li jiġbdu l-attenzjoni setgħu ntużaw biex iġibu impatt kostruttiv fuq il-klijenti. Il-valuri etiċi qatt ma għandhom jiġu kompromessi fuq l-użu ta’ frażijiet negattivi biex jipperswadu lill-klijenti biex jixtru ċerti prodotti.

Il-billboards kbar ta’ spiss jintramaw f’postijiet viżibbli bħall-bliet u toroq prinċipali għall-promozzjoni tal-prodotti partikulari u sabiex jilħqu l-akbar udjenza possibbli. Strateġija promozzjonali għaqlija tista’ tiġbed attenzjoni li l-flus sempliċement ma jistgħux jixtru. Għalhekk, minflok li wieħed jimxi ma’ kultura jew ideoloġija partikolari u konvenzjonali, għandna naddottaw strateġija għaqlija li tista’ tagħti frott u riżultati aħjar.

Il-valuri u l-prinċipji

Il-valuri ta’ kumpanija—onestà, trasparenza, responsabbiltà, jew aderenza mal-prinċipji tal-kummerċ ġust—jistgħu jiġu enfasizzati bħala metodi promozzjonali bl-użu ta’ regoli etiċi tan-negozju. Għax dak kollu li jinkiteb u jingħad iħalli impatt fuq in-nies, u aħna bnedmin minħabba l-valuri morali tagħna. Għalhekk huwa ferm importanti li ‘valuri’ u ‘etika’ dejjem jingħataw il-prijorità fuq kull ħaġa oħra. Il-valuri u l-etika jservu bħala linji gwida biex jittieħdu deċiżjonijiet tajba u għaqlin. Barra minn hekk, biex wieħed jista’ jagħmel deċiżjonijiet tajba u relazzjonijiet onesti, kredibbli, u ġusti fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum, wieħed irid ikollu ħakma soda tal-prinċipji morali.

Hija r-responsabbiltà kollettiva tagħna bħala individwi, kumpaniji u awtoritajiet regolatorji kollha li nżommu għajnejna fuq promozzjonijiet li jistgħu jħallu impatt fuq is-soċjetà u l-membri tagħha b’modi negattivi. Diġà qed niġu ppressati minn kwistjonijiet differenti ta’ kuljum minn kull naħa. Iż-żieda ta’ aspetti negattivi ta’ reklami dwar il-prodotti se tkattar il-piż u n-negattività fuq is-soċjetà.

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God, Where Are You?

Photo: Art Stocker | Shutterestock

Aamina​​ MalikRead this Article in Maltese

Together with my family living in London, England, I was raised in the denomination of Sunni Islam – the majority branch of Islam across the world. As I neared my late teens, I was introduced to beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

I Decided to research on my own, I studied the beliefs of my own branch, as well as the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – for 3 long years I studied hard, all the while turning to our Exalted Lord for guidance.

Prayer of seeking guidance

In my desperation I called out to He Who Responds, and just as His Promise in the Quran is that He is Near, I sought Him with upset, anguish and instinctive need. My mother said that I perform a specific type of formal prayer called Salatul Istikhara – one for seeking guidance when making a decision.

An enlightening dream

I saw a dream, and in this dream, I saw our most beloved master the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and he was stood amongst people who looked as if they had been dipped in the deepest pits of Hell. They were so black and burnt, and yet he was stood shining.

All these people were chanting over and over, “He is not the Prophet.” And as I walked through this crowd of people, I made my way to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and looked at him.

How these people could deny our beloved Prophet as he stood so tall and majestic was beyond my understanding. To see him glowing almost blindingly white, with so much heavenly light emanating from his very being, the question that was on the tip of my tongue poured from my lips.

I asked him, “Are you the Prophet?” to which he nodded. To be entirely sure, I clarified with, “As in the Messenger of God (peace be upon him)?”, and he smiled. His blessed smile showed to me the renowned gap between his teeth, and I knew it was him.

Our beloved Prophet was shown to me and though he looked somewhat elderly, he was strong and firm. Upon realising he was the Prophet, I immediately told him that I knew where to take him, and I brought him to Baitul-Futuh Mosque in London. I led him straight to the office of the Caliph, the Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper).

I told our beloved Caliph that the Prophet was here, and he simply stated that he knew what to do.

Within moments, our Caliph was in the presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and without hesitation, he took Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be on him) right hand, and placed his forehead upon it. Suddenly, from all over, people came and placed their hands on our Caliph’s shoulders, and though I could not turn around, I also felt hands on my shoulders, and I knew from the depths of my heart and soul that the entire global Community was present for the initiation and pledge of allegiance. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was performing the pledge and initiation with the entire community, and in my shock and overwhelmed state, I quickly joined in by taking his left hand in mine.

God answered me

After the pledge was completed, I awoke, and it took a moment or two to realise that the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the worlds and Master of the Day of Judgement, had answered me; and He answered me so explicitly, that my heart was filled to the brim with nothing more than Islam Ahmadiyya. There was no room for doubt. My mind had been satisfied by research, but God the Exalted had not only satisfied my heart with His response to my Prayer Seeking Counsel, but He had also satisfied my soul.

Joining the folds of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

I told my mother and siblings what I had seen, and my mother immediately recognized and understood that it was a true dream. Later during the annual convention, Jalsa Salana UK 2013, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, my mother, my siblings and I joined the folds of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Whenever I needed Him, God showed me He was there. It was simply up to me to take the time to notice, and to take heed of His Guidance.

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Id-Dawl 64

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What is the purpose of religion?

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The religion is under constant attack. It is blamed for the rampant increase in violence, wars, bloodshed and disorder in the land. Some blame religion as to be irrational, illogical and without any purpose. The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdias, has enlightened about this subject and explained the true purpose of religion. A few excerpts from his writings are being presented here.

What is the aim of religion? It is only that man should have full faith in the existence of God and in His perfect attributes, and then deliver himself from his carnal passions and develop a personal love for Him. This, in fact, is the Paradise, which will find various manifestations in the Hereafter. To remain unmindful of the True God, and to keep away from Him, and not to love Him truly, is the Hell which will reveal itself in diverse forms in the Hereafter. The purpose of religion is to attain full faith in the existence of God and to love Him completely. (Ruhani Khazain, Vol.20, p.352)

How can certainty concerning God be acquired?

It should be clear that the true purpose of adopting a faith is that one should acquire such certainty concerning God, Who is the fountainhead of salvation, as if one can see Him with one’s eyes. The wicked spirit of sin seeks to destroy a man and a person cannot escape the fatal poison of sin until he believes with full certainty in the Perfect and Living God and until he knows for certain that God exists, Who punishes the offender and bestows upon the righteous everlasting joy.

It is a common experience that when one believes in the fatal effects of anything one does not have recourse to it. For instance, no one swallows poison consciously. No one deliberately stands in front of a wild tiger. No one deliberately thrusts his hand into the jaws of a serpent. Then why does a person commit sin deliberately? The reason is that he has not that certainty in this matter as he has in other matters of the kind that we have mentioned.

The first duty of a person, therefore, is to acquire certainty with regard to the existence of God, and to adopt a religion through which this certainty can be acquired so that he should fear God and shun sin. How can such certainty be acquired? It cannot be acquired through mere tales and stories. It cannot be acquired through mere arguments. The only way of acquiring certainty is to experience God repeatedly through converse with Him or through witnessing His extraordinary signs, or by keeping company with someone who has that experience. (Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, pp. 447-448)

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Peace in our homes

PAĊI FI DJARNA

Kull bniedem għaqli jixtieq li jkollu paċi, armonija, imħabba u serenità f’daru. Imma kif nistgħu niksbu l-paċi dejjiema, u kif nistgħu ngħożżu atmosfera trankwilla bħal din fi djarna? Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana spjega dan fil-qosor u qal:

“Jekk intom tixtiequ li tibqgħu protetti u jkollkom il-paċi fi djarkom, huwa d-dmir tagħkom li titolbu ħafna u timlew djarkom bis-supplikazzjonijiet u bit-talb. Alla Omnipotenti ma jeqridx dar fejn it-talb huwa offrut kontinwament u regolarment.” (Malfużat [1984], Vol. 5, p. 319)

Huwa l-fatt u l-Koran Imqaddes jagħmilha ċara li, “Alla jħobb lil dawk li jduru lejH” (2:223) u li, “Żgur, Alla jħobb lil dawk li jpoġġu l-fiduċja tagħhom fiH” (3:160).

Għalhekk, huwa importanti ħafna li dejjem inżommu lilna nfusna impenjati fit-talb, u nimlew kull kamra u kull rokna ta’ djarna bit-talb u bis-supplikazzjonijiet. Nimlew qlubna u djarna b’Isem il-Mulej tagħna sabiex kull ħaġa ssir imbierka; u sabiex kull rokna ta’ djarna u ġisimna ssir manifestazzjoni vera tal-imħabba ta’ Alla. Jiena nemmen b’qalbi kollha li l-paċi ma tinstabx fis-setgħa jew l-għana, iżda pjuttost il-paċi tinsab fil-benniena u fit-tifkira ta’ Alla Omnipotenti.

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Love of God and forgiveness

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Abu Hurairah, God be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Once there was a man who committed excesses against his own-self. When he was about to die, he told his sons, ‘Burn my body when I am dead, pulverize my remains into powder, then go to the ocean and throw the ashes into the wind. I swear by Allah, I fear that if God gets hold of me, He would inflict a punishment on me which has not been inflicted upon anyone before.’

Then the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that the sons did as they had been told. But God ordered the earth to retrieve and return to all the particles that belonged to the man’s body from wherever they had fallen. Thus the man was brought before God. Allah asked him, ‘What made you do that?’ He answered, ‘My awe and fear of Thee forced me to do it.’ So God forgave him.” (Bukhari)

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Ramadan a month of enlightenment of the heart

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Every year Muslims fast for one month during the month of Ramadan. As the month of Ramadan is a lunar month, it rotates around the year. Every year, Ramadan comes around 11 days earlier than the previous year. This year Ramadan will start on 22 March in some countries and on 23 March in the other countries.

Islamic fasting holds a special significance as it is one of the five main pillars of the religion. Ramadan creates a spiritual environment in which we can focus on our spirituality, morals and prayers like no other month. Ramadan is a great month for the enlightenment of the heart. The prayer purifies the soul and the fasting enlightens the heart. Ramadan is a time of cleansing of the body, mind and soul. It provides an opportunity for people to reconnect with God and to make this connection stronger and lasting. It is month of to have communion with God and to serve mankind.

A moral transformation in Ramadan

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa taught that abstaining from food and drink was not the sole objective of Ramadan – a moral revolution was required. He instructed: “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah does not need his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting).”

Speaking about avoiding all unrest and quarrels while fasting, the Prophet Muhammadsa said: “When any one of you gets up in the morning in the state of fasting, they should neither use obscene language, nor do any act of ignorance. And if anyone slanders him or quarrels with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’”

Fasting for the sake of God

In another narration, he said: “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is [exclusively] meant for Me and I [alone] will reward it. Fasting is a shield. When any one of you is fasting on a day, they should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise their voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting’. By Him, in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah on the Day of Judgment than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts has two [occasions] of joy; once when he breaks the fast and he is glad about his breaking the fast, and once when he meets his Lord and he is glad about his fast.”

Tahajjud – Night Prayer

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa would encourage his Companions to wake up for Tahajjud prayers regularly and concerning Ramadan he said: “Whoever prays during the night in Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.”

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The Philosophy of Fasting in Islam

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Interfaith Fasting Event 2023

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, together with Msida Local Council, Msida Parish Church and the Moroccan Community organized an open Interfaith Fasting event for understanding the concept of Fasting in different religions, to celebrate fasting together and to foster mutual respect and harmony. This unique event was very well organized and was attended by around 250 guests from all walks of life and religions. President Emeritus H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Msida Mayor Ms. Margaret Baldacchino Cefai, Archpriest of Msida Parish Church Dun Mario Mifsud, President Moroccan Community sister Dounia Borg and President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif delivered their talks. The event was presented by Mr. Alex Zammit and Ms. Daniela.

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif said that, according to Islamic Teachings the basic purpose of Fasting is   لَعَلَّكُمْ تتقون – to become devout, pious, loyal to our Creator, to find Him and to strengthen the bond with Him, to become righteous, pure heart and generous; and so that we grow in our character. The purpose of fasting is to show love, compassion and solidarity with all the people around us. The word Ramadan in Arabic means ‘two warmness’, or ‘two loves’ – the love of God, and the love of humanity. During the month of Ramadan man grows in these two loves. When he makes physical sacrifices and does spiritual meditation he understands more what it means to be in love with God and with mankind.

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Id-Dawl 63

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Ramadan a manifestation of Love of God and of Humanity

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Ramadan Kareem

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Visit of detention services Safi

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta twice visited the Safi detention centre and presented different food items for the emigrants on the occasion of Ramadan – a month of Muslim fasting.

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Ramadan Time Table 2023 in Malta

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Event: Fasting in Religions

AN OPEN INVITATION

The Msida Local Council in collaboration with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Msida Parish Church, and the Moroccan Community cordially organizes an open event to understanding the concept of Fasting in different religions, celebrate fasting together and to foster mutual respect and harmony. This is a unique event and we invite you all to join us in this celebration with your friends and families. This is open to all.

7:00pm – Arrival & Welcome

  • Opening Address by the Mayor of Msida | Ms. Margaret Baldacchino Cefai
  • Celebrating together – mutual respect | Ms. Dounia Borg Lakehal, President Moroccan Community
  • Christian Perspective on Fasting | Dun Mario Mifsud, the archpriest for Msida parish
  • Philosophy of Fasting in Islam | Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta
  • Closing Address: Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, The President Emeritus of Malta

7:45pm          Traditional Dinner

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Islamic Perspective on Women’s Day

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Dignity and rights of women

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From the Cradle to the Grave

MIN-NIEQA SAL-QABAR

Laiq Ahmed Atif | It-Torċa | Sunday 05 March | amjmalta@gmail.com

Jien personalment dejjem insib kelma tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, sabiħa ħafna, li tmiss il-qalb u prinċipju tad-deheb fir-rigward tal-kisba tal-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni. Huwa qal: “Fittxu l-għarfien min-nieqa sal-qabar.”

Nifhmu wkoll l-importanza tal-edukazzjoni mill-fatt li kull sena jiġi ċċelebrat il-Jum Internazzjonali tal-Edukazzjoni fl-24 ta’ Jannar madwar id-dinja biex jintroduċi l-importanza tal-edukazzjoni. L-edukazzjoni tas-subien u l-bniet għal futur aħjar tagħhom hija kritika ħafna. Hija l-ħtieġa tas-soċjetà tagħna u r-responsabbiltà ta’ omm, missier, u anke membri oħra tal-familja li jrawmu lil uliedhom għalkollox b’modi aħjar. Biex tqatta’ ftit ħin ta’ kwalità mat-tfal regolarment u ż-żamma tagħhom maħdumin ma’ xulxin huwa importanti ħafna biex jibnu l-personalità u l-karattru tagħhom.

Id-dinja tal-lum

Il-kwistjonijiet li niffaċċjaw fid-dinja tal-lum ta’ tensjoni, solitudni, nuqqas ta’ kuntentizza, kwistjonijiet ta’ saħħa mentali, kunflitti ta’ relazzjonijiet, addiction u ħafna aktar għandhom jiġu ffaċċjati b’kuraġġ. Relazzjoni b’saħħitha tal-koppja miżżewġa huwa eżempju lit-tfal biex isiru membri aħjar tas-soċjetà u mhux se jħallihom fix-xejn. Eżempji tal-ġenituri huma importanti ħafna għal uliedhom.

L-għarfien huwa l-grazzja

L-edukazzjoni u l-għarfien huma ċ-ċavetta tas-suċċess. L-Iżlam u l-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, enfasizzaw immensament fuq it-tiftix tal-għarfien. Wieħed jista’ jifhem l-importanza ta’ dan is-suġġett mill-fatt li fil-Koran Imqaddes l-għarfien ġie deskritt bħala “il-grazzja kbira ta’ Alla”. Iżjed minn hekk il-Koran jgħallimna talba li għandna biex nitolbu ta’ spiss sabiex nikbru fit-tagħlim, fl-edukazzjoni u fl-għarfien. It-talba hija: “O Sidi, kabbarni fl-għarfien.” (20:115)

Il-Koran Imqaddes jenfasizza wkoll l-importanza tal-għarfien għax dan ikattar l-imħabba u l-biża’ ta’ Alla. Il-Koran Imqaddes iħeġġeġ lill-fidili kollha biex jaħsbu, josservaw, jirriflettu u jħaddmu l-fakultajiet razzjonali tagħhom għax l-għarfien iġib il-fehim.

Fittxu l-għarfien

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, ta ħafna importanza għal li wieħed ikompli jakkwista l-għarfien u qal: “Fittxu l-għarfien anki jekk dan jinsab f’pajjiż ’il bogħod ħafna bħaċ-Ċina.”

L-edukazzjoni hija l-proċess li jitħaffef it-tagħlim, l-akkwist tal-għarfien, il-valuri u l-virtujiet. Hija tgħin fit-titjib ta’ individwi madwar id-dinja. Huwa mod aktar affidabbli biex in-nies jiksbu għarfien, jitgħallmu ħiliet u valuri morali. Abbiltajiet kritiċi inkluż it-teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet, kapaċità mentali, is-sejbien ta’ soluzzjoni għall-problemi, u ħsieb loġiku huma żviluppati bl-edukazzjoni. Imma nitgħallmu ħafna ħiliet u lezzjonijiet tal-ħajja bl-esperjenza u min-nies ta’ madwarna.

Kemm fil-ħajja personali kif ukoll professjonali, in-nies jiltaqgħu ma’ sfidi. F’ċirkustanzi bħal dawn, is-saħħa tal-edukazzjoni u għarfien personali (self-awareness) jiddeterminaw il-kapaċità tagħhom li jagħmlu ġudizzji loġiċi u edukati.

L-iżvilupp personali

L-edukazzjoni tal-valuri hija komponent kruċjali tal-iżvilupp personali li tistinka biex tiżviluppa l-valuri u l-attitudnijiet tajbin tal-istudenti, kif ukoll il-provista ta’ opportunitajiet ta’ tagħlim sinifikanti. L-għan bażiku tal-edukazzjoni huwa li jipprovdi lin-nies l-opportunità li jiksbu l-informazzjoni u l-ħiliet li jeħtieġu biex jilħqu l-potenzjal sħiħ tagħhom u jikkontribwixxu b’suċċess lis-soċjetà.

Hija r-responsabbiltà ewlenija tal-ġenituri, speċifikament l-ommijiet li jipprovdu l-għarfien bażiku u l-ħiliet tal-ħajja lit-tfal tagħhom biex isiru membri effettivi tas-soċjetà. It-taħriġ tat-tfal jibda anki qabel it-twelid waqt li l-omm tinteraġixxi mal-ambjent pożittiv ta’ madwarha. Matul it-tqala, il-qari, il-kitba, il-ħsieb, is-smigħ anke l-ikel għandhom impatt fuq il-personalità tat-tfal.

L-edukazzjoni tal-bniet

L-edukazzjoni mhix importanti għas-subien biss, kif kienu jaħsbu fil-passat, imma skont l-Iżlam hija qiegħda fuq l-istess livell ta’ importanza, u l-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, qal: “Huwa l-obbligu ta’ kull raġel Musulman u ta’ kull mara Musulmana li jiksbu l-għarfien.”

L-edukazzjoni tal-bniet għandha aktar importanza milli tas-subien fir-rigward tal-obbligu tat-taħriġ tal-ġenerazzjoni li jmiss jew tal-bini tan-nazzjon tal-futur. It-tfal fi tfulithom qed iqattgħu aktar ħin ma’ ommijiethom u jintrabtu magħhom. Jitgħallmu affarijiet bla ma jkunu jafu billi jkunu mal-omm, missier, aħwa, qraba, oġġetti jew affarijiet fid-dar, eċċ. Ambjent san fid-dar u edukazzjoni stmata jifformalizzaw il-karattru morali tat-tfal.

Għalhekk, il-ġenituri għandhom irwol importantissmu f’dan ir-rigward u dan il-proċess ta’ tagħlim li jibda mill-benniena u għandu jkompli sal-qabar; il-ksib tal-edukazzjoni u tal-għarfien huwa l-proċess kontinwu li għandu jkompli min-nieqa sal-qabar.

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Patriotism and anti-racism discussion in Msida

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta participated in the first of a series of discussions at grassroots level on the subject “Patriotism = Anti-Racism”, organised by the Human Rights Directorate at the Kunsill Lokali L-Imsida. There was a panel discussion between five speakers and a subsequent open discussion from the attendees. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Musawar Ahmad spoke about the need for integration and explained what it means to be patriotic. Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif said that the “Love for the country is a part of our Muslim faith” and that is the true patriotism to serve the country with all abilities and with complete loyalty and faithfulness. He said that ‘divided-loyalty’ does not make any sense. He also highlighted the need of learning local language as a departure point for integration and said that the revolutionary motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat – Love for All, Hatred for None – is in essence a guiding principle for building cohesive and harmonious societies.

He also said that the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Fifth Caliph, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has addressed these subjects at length in his book “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace” and has provided a detailed Islamic perspective on patriotism, anti-racism, equality, equity, peace and harmony. http://www.ahmadiyya.mt/…/2013/krizidinijatriqghalpaci.pdf

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Eating together, a valuable tradition

Ikel Flimkien, Tradizzjoni Sabiħa

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif |Il-Lehen 26 February 2023 | amjmalta@gmail.com

‘The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ huwa tassew qawl mill-isbaħ f’termini biex jinbnew relazzjonijiet b’saħħithom. Għalkemm dan ifisser li mara tista’ tirbaħ il-qalb ta’ xi ħadd permezz ta’ ikliet eċċellenti. Tirreferi wkoll għall-idea li biex iżżomm żwieġ b’saħħtu, mara trid tipprovdi regolarment lil żewġha ikel imsajjar tajjeb.

Barra minn hekk, f’termini ta’ ħajja tal-familja, din tista’ tirreferi għall-għaqda madwar il-mejda għall-ikel kull filgħaxija jew għall-inqas fl-ikla tal-Ħadd.

Ningħaqdu ma’ xulxin

L-ikel flimkien hija tradizzjoni importanti ħafna li tgħinna nnaqqsu r-ritmu tal-ħajja u ningħaqdu ma’ xulxin, tipprovdi opportunità biex ngħinu lil xulxin u niżviluppaw bħala individwi. Li tingħaqad mal-familja jew mal-ħbieb, fuq bażi regolari jew għall-inqas darba fil-ġimgħa, hija ta’ għajnuna kbira biex noħolqu memorji ta’ ħajjitna.

Ikla tistaʼ tipprovdi biżżejjed ħin għall-membri tal-familja biex jitkellmu u jiftħu qalbhom ma’ xulxin. Se jkun hemm diversi kwistjonijiet li jistgħu jiġu osservati jew jinħassu waqt li niddiskutu r-rutina tal-ħajja tagħna fostna. Kull soluzzjoni tibda billi tiftaħ qalbek u taqsam li hemm f’moħħok ma’ ħaddieħor, u din taħdem bħala nifs u wieħed iħossu jerġa’ jgħix waqt li jaqsam il-problemi, l-ideat, l-emozzjonijiet u s-sentimenti tiegħu ma’ xulxin.

Il-familji nukleari jew estiżi

Karatteristika importanti ta’ dawn l-ikliet hija l-ġabra li ġġib l-għaqda u l-aċċettazzjoni fost il-familji u li tħallina naqsmu l-ħsibijiet u l-problemi ma’ xulxin. Jekk xi ħadd ikollu bżonn il-membri tal-familja jkunu l-ewwel li joffru l-appoġġ tagħhom. Is-sistema tal-familja nukleari wasslitna f’xifer fejn irridu nonfqu fuq l-istess komoditajiet iżda separatament, li żiedet fl-ispejjeż tagħna. Il-membri tal-familji estiżi kienu jgħixu qrib ħafna ta’ xulxin, filwaqt li llum il-ġurnata, kollha marru joqogħdu f’postijiet differenti. Il-globalizzazzjoni żiedet il-parti tagħha biex ittellaq lill-għeżież minn bliet differenti għal diversi pajjiżi anke lejn kontinenti diversi. Dan il-bogħod ukoll ġab ħafna sfidi għall-familji.

Il-ħtieġa ta’ żminijietna

L-anzjani ħafna drabi jispiċċaw fid-djar tax-xjuħ u t-tfal żgħar jgħaddu l-ġurnata tagħhom fiċ-ċentri ta’ kura. Fil-każ ta’ adolexxenti, huma jitħallew weħidhom fid-dar bil-periklu tal-midja soċjali u l-apparat teknoloġiku li ħallew ukoll impatt negattiv fuqhom. Wasslithom biex iżommu ’l bogħod mill-ġenituri; u s-sbuħija tal-għaqda f’familja tidher nieqsa ma’ kull ġurnata li tgħaddi. Il-ħtieġa urġenti taż-żmien hija li nibdew naqsmu l-mumenti flimkien. Żjarat frekwenti lil xulxin se jġibu lill-membri tal-familja flimkien u jgħinuhom javviċinaw lil xulxin f’suġġerimenti jew esplorazzjoni ta’ ideat ġodda. Toqgħodx lura u ċempel lil xi ħadd mill-familja tiegħek u stedinhom fuq kikkra te jew kafè biex tgħożżu l-memorji sbieħ u tiddiskutu ideat għal futur tajjeb flimkien. Bla dubju ta’ xejn l-ikel flimkien hija tradizzjoni sabiħa li ġġib ferħ, għaqda, kuntentizza, saħħa u sliem.

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Interfaith harmony week celebration at Qawra school

The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society together with faith leaders visited the Qawra Primary School to commemorate Interfaith Harmony Week 2023 to attend an event organized by the students in collaboration with MFWS and the participation of several Faith Leaders. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta also participated in this wonderful and inspiring event where students highlighted the importance of harmony and respect through their talks, poems, art and colourful messages.

The students also asked a range of questions to the faith leaders. Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, replied to a number of questions including: Why some prayers are accepted and some are not? Do friends have an influence? He also highlighted the importance of education and said that “education is a key to success, prosperity and bright future”; and encouraged children to focus on their studies and moral values. Furthermore, he emphasised on respecting their teachers and never neglect any of their instructions and always abide by them.

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Conference on social justice in the Parliament of Malta

On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta Hafiz Waqas Ahmad and Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif participated in the conference on Social Justice in the Parliament of Malta on Thursday 23 February 2023, organized by Hon. Ivan Bartolo MP, and chaired by the Speaker of the Parliament, Dr. Anglu Farrugia. Please click the link for further information: https://tvmnews.mt/news/deputati-u-esperti-jinsistu-fil-parlament-li-nharsu-lil-dawk-bi-problemi-socjali/

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