The Devastating Consequences of a Nuclear War

Il-Konsegwenzi Devastanti ta’ Gwerra Nukleari!

Jalla l-Mulej li Jista’ Kollox, Alla tal-ħniena, tal-kompassjoni, tal-imħabba u tal-paċi, isalva lid-dinja u lill-umanità kollha minn kull qerda u devastazzjoni.

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Il-Lehen 27.03.2022 | amjmalta@gmail.com

Dawn l-aħħar ġranet id-dinja kienet ixxukkjata dwar l-attakki Russi fuq l-Ukrajna, u rajna l-kruha tal-gwerra li rriżultat f’ħafna vittmi innoċenti u ħsara infrastrutturali. Ma’ kull jum li jgħaddi, il-gwerra qed tiskala u s-sitwazzjoni qed tmur għall-agħar.

Jien, li verament inħobb il-Ħallieq u l-ħolqien Tiegħu, personalment inħoss niket kbir u diqa kbira ġo qalbi meta nara dawn l-episodji u l-kruċjati aggressivi u barbari kontra l-umanità.

L-appell minn mexxejja reliġjużi

Il-mexxejja reliġjużi appellaw għat-trażżin u għas-soluzzjoni mhux vjolenti. Il-Papa Franġisku appella lil dawk li għandhom responsabbiltà politika sabiex jeżaminaw il-kuxjenzi tagħhom quddiem Alla, li hu Alla tal-paċi u mhux Alla ta’ gwerra.

Il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana appella wkoll lill-mexxejja u qal li hija l-ħtieġa kritika tas-siegħa li jsir kull sforz possibbli biex tiġi evitata aktar gwerra u vjolenza. Għad hemm żmien għad-dinja biex tieħu passi lura minn xifer ta’ diżastru u għalhekk, f’ġieħ l-umanità, inħeġġeġ lir-Russja, lin-NATO u lill-pajjiżi ewlenin kollha biex jikkonċentraw l-isforzi kollha tagħhom biex itemm il-konflitt u jaħdmu lejn soluzzjoni paċifika permezz tad-diplomazija.

Il-paċi: xewqa ta’ kulħadd

Bla dubju ta’ xejn, kull persuna twajba tixtieq bis-sinċerità kollha li d-dinja timtela bl-imħabba, bl-għożża, u bil-ħbiberija; u kulħadd jixtieq li l-paċi fid-dinja tiġi stabbilita quddiem għajnejna stess. Imma għal din il-ħolma biex isir realtà huwa importanti li nippruvaw nippromwovu l-paċi kull fejn tiġi għalina l-okkażjoni u ma’ kull min niltaqgħu. Nippromwovu l-paċi u s-sliem f’djarna, fil-familji tagħna, fuq il-post tax-xogħol, fil-komunitajiet u s-soċjetajiet tagħna, mal-ġirien tagħna u mal-pajjiżi ta’ madwarna.

Barra minn hekk, huwa essenzjali li kulħadd għandu jkun konxju li, biex tiġi stabbilita l-paċi fid-dinja, hemm bżonn dejjem akbar, ħafna aktar minn qabel, ta’ valuri morali għoljin ibbażati fuq prinċipji sodi.

Il-fjamma tat-tama mixgħula

Fil-qosor, il-paċi ma tistax tkun tassew stabbilita sakemm kull wieħed u waħda minna jaħdem bis-sħiħ għaliha u għandna nagħtu l-100% tagħna għal din il-kawża nobbli; u nibqgħu naħdmu għall-paċi bl-abbiltajiet kollha tagħna ħalli nżommu l-fjamma żgħira tat-tama mixgħula, sakemm jasal iż-żmien meta l-paċi vera u l-ġustizzja jkunu stabbiliti fiż-żoni kollha tad-dinja.

Is-sejħiet ta’ gwerra nukleari

Sfortunatament, smajna wkoll sejħiet ta’ gwerra nukleari. Imma nafu x’se jkunu l-konsegwenzi ta’ gwerra nukleari? Kemm se tkun devastanti u qerrieda? Kemm ħsara se tagħmel lill-umanità u għall-ġenerazzjonijiet futuri?

Naħseb dawn huma kollha mistoqsijiet validi ħafna u qabel xi ħaġa tingħad bħal din, huwa importanti li nafu u niżnu sew x’qed ngħidu u x’qed infissru b’dan; u jekk id-dinja tista’ ġġorr il-piż ta’ aggressjoni nukleari.

L-armamenti li hawn illum tant huma qerrieda li jistgħu jwasslu għal ġenerazzjoni wara oħra ta’ tfal li jitwieldu b’difetti serji kemm ġenetiċi kif ukoll fiżiċi.

L-effetti orribbli ta’ gwerra nukleari

Sabiex nimmaġinaw il-konsegwenzi ta’ gwerra nukleari nistgħu naqraw jew inżuru l-Ġappun li huwa l-uniku pajjiż li ġarrab il-konsegwenzi orribbli tal-armamenti atomiċi, meta safa attakkat bil-bombi nukleari matul it-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija. Għaddew mat-tmenin sena, imma anke llum l-effetti koroh ta’ dik il-gwerra huma viżibbli f’dawk l-ibliet tal-Ġappun fejn saru dawn l-attakki. Sal-lum in-nies għandhom biża’ ġo qalbhom u moħħhom, u l-effetti tal-bombi atomiċi għadhom jidhru fit-trabi tat-twelid.

Il-Qdusija tiegħu, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, spjega l-effetti ta’ gwerra nukleari f’wieħed mid-diskorsi tiegħu b’mod tajjeb ħafna li, jekk xi ħadd jintlaqat minn tir, illum hemm il-possibbiltà li dan isalva bis-saħħa tal-kura medika li tingħatalu, iżda jekk tfaqqa’ gwerra nukleari, dawk kollha li jkunu fil-front tal-battalja ma jkollhom l-ebda ċans li jsalvaw. Minflok insibu li n-nies imutu mill-ewwel, jiffriżaw qishom statwi u l-ġilda tagħhom iddub fix-xejn. L-ilma tax-xorb, l-ikel, u l-veġetazzjoni jiġu kollha kkontaminati u affettwati mir-radjazzjoni. Lanqas biss nistgħu nimmaġinaw kemm tista’ toħloq xorta ta’ mard din il-kontaminazzjoni kollha.

F’dawk il-postijiet li ma jkunux direttament milquta u fejn ikun hemm inqas effetti tar-radjazzjoni, ir-riskju ta’ aktar mard u infezzjonijiet se jiżdied żgur u l-ġenerazzjonijiet futuri xorta se jkollhom iħabbtu wiċċhom ma’ diffikultajiet akbar.

Barra minn hekk, l-effetti orribbli u qerrieda ta’ taqbid bħal dan ma jkunux limitati biss għall-gwerra u l-konsegwenzi immedjati tagħha, iżda dawn jibqgħu jingħaddu minn ġenerazzjoni għall-oħra. Allura, jekk l-armamenti nukleari kellhom jerġgħu jintużaw illum, mela huwa possibbli li partijiet minn ċerti pajjiżi jistgħu jisparixxu kompletament minn fuq il-mappa tad-dinja. Jistgħu jieqfu milli jeżistu. Dawn huma l-vera konsegwenzi ta’ ġlied bħal dan.

Jekk nistgħu nreġġgħu lura l-arloġġ

Ejja jekk nistgħu nreġġgħu lura l-arloġġ għal dak iż-żmien u nippruvaw nifhmu l-attakki tal-biża’ li ħallew il-ġisem tal-bnedmin imdewweb u l-bini meqrud; kemm kienu koroh u ta’ biża’ kbira dawk il-mumenti. Sitwazzjoni bħal din hija inkonċepibbli. M’għandniex ninsew ukoll li l-armi nukleari disponibbli dak iż-żmien kienu ferm inqas distruttivi mill-armi nukleari li għandha d-dinja llum.

Ftakar biss, jekk armi inqas qawwija kienu distruttivi sa tali grad, allura x’tip ta’ qerda l-armi nukleari disponibbli bħalissa jistgħu jġibu lid-dinja? Waqt li nikteb dawn il-linji nħoss niket u wġigħ kbir ġo qalbi u huwa difiċli li anke naħsbu dwar ix-xenarju bħal dan, aħseb u ara kemm se jkun diffiċli jekk fil-fatt jiġri dak quddiem għajnejna. Alas! Id-dinja tirranġa l-modi tagħha u l-pajjiżi kollha jingħaqdu għall-paċi u għall-eliminazzjoni tal-armi nukleari mill-wiċċ tad-dinja, darba għal dejjem. Jalla l-Mulej li Jista’ Kollox, Alla tal-ħniena, tal-kompassjoni, tal-imħabba u tal-paċi, isalva lid-dinja u lill-umanità kollha minn kull qerda u devastazzjoni. Ammen. READ THIS ARTICLE IN TURKISH

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Ramadan 2022

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There is NO Space for Hate

“I advise you once again that to exhibit good morals is no less than showing a miracle… Miracles enlighten people of the truth and veracity of Islam, and become a source of guidance… Miracles are of various kinds. Among these varying types, there is one form known as the miracle of morals, and it reigns supreme in all fields.”

This is an English translation of an article published in IT-TORCA on 27.03.2022

Love is the antidote of every kind of hatred, malice and hate-speech. Love is such a powerful weapon that it has all the essential ingredients to build bridges between people, pave the way for constructing a considerate and harmonious society, changing bitterness into sweetness and transforming enemies into warm and trustworthy friends.

Together against hatred

In his New Year address, the Prime Minister highlighted the issue of hate speech and said that, “There should be no space for hate in our hearts, in what we write, and in how we behave. The real power to stop hate speech lies in each and every one of us. We should use our words to enhance unity, not division. Taunts and insults will not get us anywhere. Let us use our ideas to build a better and brighter future for our country.”

I think this is a very powerful and timely message and is worth of deep reflections both on an individual level and national level, in religious spheres and in political circles, in ordinary echelon and in the power corridors.

Fighting effectively against hate

Collective and constructive efforts are true means to overcome such widespread hate, and everyone should come forward to play their positive roles in the fight against this wickedness.

Some people may argue that in the technological social media world where there are so much hateful comments and remarks spread all over the internet, what difference a few words of love and kindness would make?

Never lose hopes

I truly believe in positivity and optimism because it is God’s commandment that “despair not of the mercy of God; for none despairs of God’s mercy save the unbelieving people.” Therefore, we should never give up and should never lose our hopes.

Every positive word counts

Every positive word in this ocean of negativity counts; every good word creates an impact; everyone’s contribution is worth, because, “surely, God suffers not the reward of those who do good to be lost.”

Islam guides us that if a person removes a thorn from the path, they shall receive a spiritual reward for this as well. If when fetching water, a person pours a bucket into his brother’s vessel, God Almighty does not allow it to go unrewarded. I am so certain that the path on which man can never fail is the path of God, is the path of goodness, compassion, kindness and the path of striving in any noble cause to bring valuable changes in the lives of humanity.

Love begets love

We should never forget that, “love begets love”. So, I humbly suggest that the people of goodwill should increase the dosage of their positive efforts and goodness in the face of storm of hatred and malice, so in the end positivity wins over negativity, love over malice, kind word over hate speech and above all Godly powers win over evil forces.

Therefore, it is indeed the need of the hour that we must exhibit high moral values, rather “the Miracle of Morals” as stated by the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He says:

The Miracle of Morals

“I advise you that to exhibit good morals is no less than showing a miracle. If any of you assert that it is not your desire to show miracles, then realise that Satan has deceived you. By the manifestation of miracles, I am not referring to pride and conceit. I proclaim once again that pride and conceit have no part in the miracle of morals to which I refer. Miracles are of various kinds. Among these varying types, there is one form known as the miracle of morals, and it reigns supreme in all fields.”

I am truly certain that to eradicate the venom of hatred or hate-speech we must try our outmost to show the miracles of morals in our everyday lives. We must become morally substantial, sound, convincing, steadfast and upright.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Love for all, Peace, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

M’hemm l-ebda spazju għall-mibegħda

“Meta tħaddnu morali tajbin tkunu qiskom qed twettqu miraklu. Hemm ħafna tipi ta’ mirakli. Fost dawn it-tipi differenti, hemm wieħed magħruf bħala l-miraklu tal-morali, u dan isaltan bi glorja fl-oqsma kollha.”

LAIQ AHMED ATIF | it-Torca 27.03.2022 | amjmalta@gmail.com

L-imħabba hija l-antidotu ta’ kull tip ta’ ħażen, malizzja u diskors ta’ mibegħda. L-imħabba tant hija arma b’saħħitha li għandha l-komponenti essenzjali kollha biex tibni l-pontijiet bejn il-popli, tfassal it-triq għall-bini ta’ soċjetà rispettuża u armonjuża, tbiddel il-qrusa fi ħlewwa u tittrasforma l-għedewwa fi ħbieb tal-qalb u leali.

Flimkien kontra l-mibegħda

Fid-diskors tiegħu tal-Ewwel tas-Sena, il-Prim Ministru tħaddet dwar il-problema tad-diskors ta’ mibegħda u qal li, “La f’qalbna, la f’dak li niktbu jew fl-għemil tagħna m’għandu jkun hemm post għall-mibgħeda. Bid-diskors tagħna rridu li ngħaqqdu l-pajjiż, mhux nifirduh. Bit-tgħajjir jitlef kulħadd. Bl-ideat nibnu pajjiż isbaħ u aħjar.”

Jiena naħseb li dan huwa messaġġ b’saħħtu ħafna u f’waqtu u hu denju ta’ riflessjonijiet profondi kemm fuq livell individwali kif ukoll fuq livell nazzjonali, fi sferi reliġjużi u ċrieki politiċi, f’oqsma ordinarji u fil-kurituri tal-poter.

Ġlieda kontra l-mibegħda

Sforzi kollettivi u kostruttivi huma mezzi ġenwini għall-ġlieda kontra din il-mibegħda tant mifruxa, u kulħadd għandu jersaq ’il quddiem biex jeżerċita r-rwol  pożittiv tiegħu fit-taqbida kontra din il-kattiverija.

Xi wħud jistgħu jargumentaw li fid-dinja teknoloġika tal-midja soċjali fejn hemm viżibilju ta’ kummenti u rimarki dispreġjattivi fuq l-internet, x’differenza jagħmlu ftit kliem ta’ mħabba u mogħdrija?

Ma nitilfux it-tama

Jiena nemmen sinċerament fil-pożittività u l-ottimiżmu għaliex il-kmandament ta’ Alla jgħid “tiddisprawx mill-ħniena ta’ Alla; il-għaliex ħadd ma jaqta’ qalbu mill-ħniena ta’ Alla ħlief dawk li ma jemmnux”. Għaldaqstant, qatt m’għandna naqtgħu qalbna u qatt m’għandna nitilfu t-tamiet tagħna.

Kull kelma tgħodd

Kull kelma pożittiva f’dan l-oċean ta’ negattività tgħodd; kull kelma għall-ġid tħalli impatt; il-kontribut ta’ kulħadd huwa importanti, għaliex, “tassew, Alla mhux se jħalli l-premju ta’ dawk li jwettqu l-ġid li jintilef”.

L-Iżlam jurina li jekk persuna twarrab xewka mill-mogħdija, din tirċievi premju spiritwali għal dan ukoll. Jekk waqt li qed iġġib l-ilma, persuna timla l-kontenitur ta’ ħuha, Alla Omnipotenti mhux se jħalliha tgħaddi mingħajr ma jippremjaha. Jiena ċertissimu li l-mogħdija fejn il-bniedem qatt ma jista’ jfalli hija l-mogħdija ta’ Alla, hija l-mogħdija tat-tieba, tal-kompassjoni, tal-ġenerożità u l-mogħdija tat-tħabrik f’kull kawża nobbli li twassal għal bidliet importanti fil-ħajja tal-umanità.   

L-imħabba tnissel l-imħabba

M’għandna qatt ninsew li, “l-imħabba tnissel l-imħabba”. Għalhekk, nissuġġerixxi umilment li n-nies ta’ rieda tajba jżidu l-ammont tal-isforzi pożittivi tagħhom kontra din it-tempesta ta’ mibegħda u ħażen, ħalli fl-aħħar il-pożittività tirbaħ fuq in-negattività, l-imħabba fuq il-malizzja, il-kelma t-tajba fuq id-diskors kattiv u fuq kollox il-qawwiet divini fuq il-forzi tal-ħażen.

Għaldaqstant, huwa tabilħaqq dan il-mument fejn għandna nuru valuri morali għoljin, pjuttost “il-Miraklu tal-Morali” kif jistqarr il-Fundatur Qaddis tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana. Huwa jgħid:

Il-Miraklu tal-Morali

“Jiena ngħidilkom li meta tħaddnu morali tajbin tkunu qiskom qed twettqu miraklu. Jekk xi ħadd minnkom jistqarr li mhix ix-xewqa tagħkom li tagħmlu l-mirakli, mela kunu afu li x-Xitan ikun daħak bikom. Bil-manifestazzjoni tal-mirakli, m’iniex qed nirreferi għall-kburija u l-vanità. Niddikjara għal darba oħra li l-kburija u l-vanità ma jagħmlux parti mill-miraklu tal-morali li qed nirreferi għalih. Hemm ħafna tipi ta’ mirakli. Fost dawn it-tipi differenti, hemm wieħed magħruf bħala l-miraklu tal-morali, u dan isaltan bi glorja fl-oqsma kollha.”

Jiena ninsab persważ li biex neqirdu l-velenu tal-mibegħda jew tad-diskors ta’ mibegħda rridu nagħmlu ħilitna kollha biex nuru l-mirakli tal-morali fil-ħajja tagħna ta’ kuljum. Irridu nsiru moralment sostanzjali, b’saħħitna, konvinċenti, sodi, u onesti.

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Island and Democracy

L-IŻLAM U D-DEMOKRAZIJA

Fis-26 ta’ Marzu 2022 il-poplu Malti se jivvota fl-elezzjoni ġenerali. Dan huwa eżerċizzju demokratiku fejn il-poplu jiddeċiedi min se jkun qed imexxih fil-mandat ta’ ħames snin li ġejjin.

L-Iżlam jagħti lin-nies għażla ħielsa biex jadottaw kwalunkwe sistema ta’ gvern li tixraqilhom. Madankollu, il-Koran Imqaddes jippreżenta żewġ prinċipji ta’ governanza: (i) ġustizzja assoluta, u (ii) il-konsultazzjoni reċiproka.

“Alla jamarkom biex tafdaw ir-responsabbiltà tat-tmexxija f’idejn dawk li huma denji tagħha, u dawk minnkom li ssiru mexxejja, għandhom jirrenjaw b’mod ġust; Alla jwiddibkom b’dak li huwa eċċellenti, tassew Huwa Jisma’ Kollox, Jara Kollox.” (4:59)

“Dawk li jisimgħu lil Sidhom, u josservaw it-talb, u li l-affarijiet tagħhom jiġu deċiżi b’konsultazzjoni reċiproka.” (42:39)

Sakemm jiġu implimentati dawn iż-żewġ prinċipji ta’ ġustizzja assoluta u konsultazzjoni reċiproka—bħalma għamel il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa f’Medina—l-Iżlam jagħti lin-nies is-setgħa li jiżviluppaw il-forma ta’ gvern li jagħżlu huma.

Ta’ min jinnota li minħabba r-rekwiżiti tal-Iżlam ta’ ġustizzja assoluta u konsultazzjoni reċiproka, bħala definizzjoni l-Iżlam jippreferi sistema demokratika ta’ gvern fejn il-pubbliku jingħata l-għażla li juża d-dritt tal-vot tiegħu biex jagħżel il-mexxejja tiegħu. Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa ta prinċipju tad-deheb li għandu jkun prinċipju ta’ gwida għal kull mexxej pubbliku biex jaqdi dmirijietu. Hu qal: “Il-​mexxej taʼ pajjiż huwa l-​qaddej taʼ dak in-​nazzjon.”

Il-mexxej il-veru tan-nies huwa dak li dejjem lest biex iservihom. Nemmen li kull mexxej li  verament jaħseb li hu l-mexxej tal-poplu tiegħu, huwa importanti li dejjem ikun lest biex iservi l-poplu tiegħu, u dejjem jaħdem għall-interessi komuni u qatt ma jaħseb għall-interess personali u tal-qraba tiegħu meta jieħu d-deċiżjonijiet.

Kull persuna u kull mexxej li jmexxi n-nies, il-pajjiż, il-familja, eċċ., se jwieġeb quddiem Alla dwar dak kollu li għamel fil-ħajja tiegħu bħala l-mexxej jew ir-ragħaj. Il-mexxej tal-pajjiż li għandu r-responsabbiltajiet għandu jwieġeb quddiem Alla f’Jum il-Ħaqq. Il-mexxejja għandhom irwol importanti u responsabbiltà kbira fuq spallejhom, għalhekk, għandhom biex dejjem jaqdu dmirijiethom bl-aħjar mod possibbli u għandhom jonoraw l-għażla u l-fiduċja tan-nies. Għall iktar informazzjoni

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War is not a solution, but peace is

The war in Ukraine has shown the need for peace and justice in society

Laiq Ahmed Atif | Times of Malta | Friday 25.03.2022

One of the undeniable realities and lessons that mankind has learnt throughout history, or should have learnt, is that war and invading another country is never a solution, in any circumstances whatsoever. Dialogue and discussions, however, have been an incredibly effective method in resolving all kind of conflicts in the past.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has once again drawn our attention towards the need for peace and justice in society, which should always be upheld and chosen over collateral damage and human casualties. Why do we still turn to weapons instead of engaging in dialogue to find solutions when the history of mankind has shown, time and time again, that war leads to death, catastrophe and a myriad of other issues?

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, has taught a golden principle: “Help both the afflicted and the cruel.” Upon hearing this, his companions enquired they could understand helping the afflicted but how could they help a cruel person? The Prophet responded: “By stopping his hand from committing cruelty because his excesses in cruelty will make him worthy of God’s punishment.”

Therefore, out of mercy, we should try to save the oppressor. This principle extends to the smallest fibers of society on the international level.

Similarly, the Holy Quran says: “And if two parties of believers fight against each other, make peace between them; then if after that one of them transgresses against the other, fight the party that transgresses until it returns to the command of God. Then, if it returns, make peace between them with equity and act justly. Verily, God loves the just” (49:10).

What an ideal and timeless principle has been laid down by the Holy Quran and, by adhering to this principle, the foundations of peace for the world can be laid.

Despite abiding by the principles of justice, if efforts to make peace are unsuccessful, then all other parties must unite and fight collectively against the party that has transgressed and continue until the transgressor stops his transgressions and peace is restored. Once the transgressor is ready to make peace, the requirement of justice is: do not seek revenge, do not impose restrictions or embargoes.

By all means, keep an eye on the transgressor but, at the same time, try and help them move on and improve so bonds are built, rather than miring their economy with sanctions, which will fuel division.

Why do we still turn to weapons instead of engaging in dialogue?- Laiq Ahmed Atif

In order to end the unrest prevalent in some countries and, particularly, the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the above principles are of paramount importance. Therefore, the focus of the world powers should not be to settle personal and deep-rooted grudges or an ego contest but the real focus should always be how to stop war and pave the way towards dialogue, reconciliation and peace.

His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has also called on world leaders to adopt the above principles for many years, writing letters to the presidents of Russia and the US and other leading political figures; and it is still not too late and this war can be stopped.

He has said: “As the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I can only draw the attention of the world’s political leaders towards prioritising the peace of the world and setting aside their national interests and enmities for the sake of the well-being of all mankind. Thus, it is my sincere prayer that the world’s leaders act with sense and wisdom and strive for the betterment of humanity.”

His Holiness Pope Francis has also appealed to end the tragic Ukraine conflict stating: “In recent days, we have been shaken by something tragic: war. Time and again we have prayed that this road would not be taken. And let us not stop talking; indeed, let us pray to God more intensely… Those who wage war forget humanity.”

Most regrettably, the war in Ukraine has made the situation extremely grave and precarious and if the right decisions and timely steps are not taken towards de-escalation and peace building then it may well escalate further. Undoubtedly, the consequences of any such escalation will be horrific and destructive in a manner previously not seen by the world.

Roberta Metsola, the European Parliament president, in an interview with Times of Malta, spoke of the “palpable fear” that Russia’s war against Ukraine could spill into neighbouring EU states.

All world powers should unite and work to find a fair and just solution to this conflict and to save humanity from the brink of disaster before it is too late. May God the Almighty protect all innocent and defenceless people, may He save humanity from the brink of disaster and may true and lasting peace and justice in the world prevail. Amen.

amjmalta@gmail.com | Laiq Ahmed Atif, president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

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Id-Dawl 51

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Id-Dawl 50

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The role of women in society

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The manner of dialogue

Laiq Ahmed Atif | Malta Independent on Sunday  | 13 March 2022 |

Constructive dialogue is the spirit of a true and thriving democracy. The Holy Quran explains this by stating: “and those who hearken to their Lord, and observe prayer, and whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation.” (42:39)

This verse lays down mutual consultation and dialogue as the fundamental principle in the transaction of the national affairs. This simple phrase contains the nucleus of the effective functioning of a government which is how a democratic government functions. This verse also draws our attention to the matter that the government or the head of the state is bound to take counsel from the elected representatives when taking any decision of vital national importance.

Furthermore, this verse also sets out a guiding principle that constant dialogue and mutual consultation is vital for every national matter, be it political, social, economic or religious.

It is unfortunate, that on some occasions, such discussions take the form of insults, taunts, and shouting. Some incorrectly label political and religious discussions and the exchanging of views as attempts to sabotage peace, however it is the manner of dialogue, which, when not conducted in a civilised manner that should be condemned and not dialogue itself. The exchanging of ideas and voicing of opinions is one of the most important fundamental human rights which must not be compromised at any cost.

We must remember that it is logic, reason and the strength of an argument that counts, not the volume of a voice, taunts or insults. Shouting doesn’t strengthen the validity of an argument and I have been taught that you lose the argument the moment you feel the need to raise your voice, insult a person or use foul language.

People only feel the need to shout or indulge in vain talk when they feel that their argument is not strong enough, or when they lack valid points and therefore get loud to disrupt the process.

The Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community presented a fair and effective method in holding such discussions that encourages speakers to highlight the most distinctive features of their arguments whether they are based on faith or politics, without maligning or provoking others.

If all parties explain their manifestos, policies and plans without unnecessarily maligning others, keeping in view that viewers and listeners are the best judge, I am convinced that this will build a brilliant platform for constructive and progressive dialogue. This will lead to healthy discussions and debates and will establish a balanced, harmonious and vibrant democratic society.

Furthermore, all parties should be given equal and unbiased opportunities to present their point of view without any disruptions. The discussion should be conducted in a respectful and civilised manner, words should be selected wisely, even if the reality is bitter and hard, despite this, it should still be challenged carefully and appropriately.

Unfortunately, some take offense towards all forms of criticism, even if it is genuinely constructive. I believe we should always try to take the positive points from any criticism received as none of us are perfect and it can make us a better person. We must develop the habit of listening, because listening is equally important as, if not more important, speaking. In addition, if a mistake has been made, there is no shame at all in admitting it. It is not necessary to win every time, but by putting one’s ego aside, we may win by losing as admitting one’s mistake is also a victory as it can be corrected and be a learning point for everyone.

Mutual respect, care, and considerate attitudes towards each other are the foundations upon which a prosperous and sustainable democratic society should be built. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, laid down a golden and timeless principle that is remarkably relevant today: “A person should desire for others whatever he desires for himself”. None of us want to be insulted, taunted or shouted at, and prefer our views be respected, so why we do not reciprocate these values to others?

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Woman in Islam & the Russia-Ukraine conflict

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Islamic Definition of Democracy

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVRH, Fourth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat writes:

According to the Holy Quran, people have a free choice to adopt any system of rule which suits them. Democracy, sovereignty, tribal or feudal systems are valid provided they are accepted by the people as the traditional heritage of their society.

However, it seems that democracy is preferred and highly commended in the Holy Quran. The Muslims are advised to have a democratic system though not exactly on the pattern of Western style democracy.

Islam does not present a hollow definition of democracy anywhere in the Holy Quran. It only deals with principles of vital significance and leaves the rest to the people. Follow and benefit, or stray and be destroyed.

Two Pillars of Islamic Concept of Democracy

There are only two pillars to the Islamic concept of democracy. These are:

1) Democratic process of elections must be based on trust and integrity. Islam teaches that whenever you exercise your vote, do it with the consciousness that God is watching over you and will hold you responsible for your decision. Vote for those who are most capable of discharging their national trust and are in themselves trustworthy. Implicit in this teaching is the requirement that the ones entitled to vote, must exercise their voting right unless there are circumstances beyond their control or impediments exist in the exercise of that right.

2) Governments must function on the principle of absolute justice. The second pillar of Islamic democracy is that whenever you make decisions; make them on the principle of absolute justice. Be the matter political, religious, social or economic, justice may never be compromised. After the formation of government, voting within the party should also always remain oriented towards justice. Hence no partisan interest or political consideration should be permitted to influence the process of decision-making. In the long run, every decision taken in this spirit is bound to be truly of the people, by the people and for the people.

(Islam’s response to contemporary issues, p. 226-227)

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Happy Women’s Day 2022

The Holy Quran commands Muslim men “to consort with their wives in kindness”.The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said: “The best of you are those who treat their wives best.” The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta congratulates to all women, the ‘International Women’s Day’. Happy Women’s Day 2022

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Appeal for Prayers

“I pray that the world’s leaders pay heed to the need of the hour and value, above all else, their obligation to ensure the peace and stability of the world. May Allah the Almighty protect all innocent and defenceless people and may true and lasting peace in the world prevail. Ameen.” HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD – Khalifatul Masih Vaba

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Education and Moral Values

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Prioritise the peace in Russia-Ukraine crisis

In relation to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Caliph, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has said:

“For many years, I have warned the major powers of the world that they must heed the lessons from history, particularly in relation to the two catastrophic and devastating world wars that took place in the 20th Century. In this regard, in the past, I have written letters to the leaders of various nations urging them to set aside their national and vested interests in order to prioritise the peace and security of the world by adopting true justice at all levels of society.

Most regrettably, now a war in Ukraine has started and so the situation has become extremely grave and precarious. Furthermore, it has the potential to escalate even further depending on the next steps of the Russian government and the response of NATO and the major powers. Unquestionably, the consequences of any escalation will be horrific and destructive in the extreme. And so, it is the critical need of the hour that every possible effort is made to avoid further warfare and violence. There is still time for the world to step back from the brink of disaster and so, for the sake of humanity, I urge Russia, NATO and all major powers to concentrate all their efforts on seeking to de-escalate the conflict and working towards a peaceful solution through diplomacy.  

As the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I can only draw the attention of the world’s political leaders towards prioritising the peace of the world and setting aside their national interests and enmities for the sake of the wellbeing of all mankind. Thus, it is my sincere prayer that the world’s leaders act with sense and wisdom and strive for the betterment of humanity.

I pray that the world leaders strive earnestly to safeguard and protect mankind, both today and in the future, from the torment of warfare, bloodshed and destruction. And so, from the depths of my heart, I pray that the leaders of the major powers and their governments do not take steps that will serve to destroy the future of our children and next generations. Rather, their every effort and motivation should be to ensure that we bequeath to those that follow us a world of peace and prosperity.  

I pray that the world’s leaders pay heed to the need of the hour and value, above all else, their obligation to ensure the peace and stability of the world. May Allah the Almighty protect all innocent and defenceless people and may true and lasting peace in the world prevail. Ameen.”

MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD – Khalifatul Masih V – Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

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Secrecy and Confidentiality

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How to avoid sin?

Kif nista’ nevita d-dnub?

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Il-Leħen 27.02.2022 | amjmalta@gmail.com

M’hemm xejn bla skop fid-dinja. Bl-istess mod, il-ħolqien tal-bnedmin lanqas ma kien bla skop, iżda l-Ħallieq stabbilixxa għan ċar ħafna għall-ħolqien tal-bnedmin. L-għan ewlieni tal-ħolqien tal-bniedem li Alla l-Omnipotenti speċifika fil-Kelma Qaddisa Tiegħu huwa li l-bnedmin jagħrfu lil Alla u jqimu quddiemu. Jiġifieri, l-għan ewlieni tal-ħajja tal-bniedem huwa l-qima u l-għarfien ta’ Alla tal-Ħniena u l-imħabba Tiegħu.

Dnub huwa velenu

Imma kif il-bniedem jikseb dan l-għan? L-ewwel u qabel kollox għandu jemmen bis-sħiħ f’Alla, jipprattika t-tagħlim Tiegħu u jevita mill-ħażen u d-dnub, għax id-dnub huwa velenu li jeqred is-safa u l-purità tal-bniedem.

Kif nistgħu nevitaw id-dnub? Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana spjega dan b’mod tajjeb ħafna u jikteb li ħadd ma jista’ jikseb il-ħelsien sħiħ mid-dnub, u lanqas ma wieħed jista’ jħobb verament lil Alla jew jibża’ Minnu, b’mod xieraq, sakemm wieħed ma jkunx kiseb għarfien u qawwa vera bl-għajnuna tal-grazzja u l-ħniena ta’ Alla stess.

L-għarfien sħiħ huwa l-bażi tal-imħabba

Huwa evidenti li l-għarfien sħiħ huwa l-bażi tal-biża’ u l-imħabba kollha; u huwa ċertament veru li wieħed ma jistax jikseb l-għarfien sħiħ mingħajr il-konċessjoni ta’ Alla.

Dan l-għarfien imbagħad jiftaħ il-bieb għat-tiftix u r-rikonoxximent tal-verità. Il-grazzja Divina ssaffi u tkebbes l-għarfien, tneħħi l-veli li jitfaċċaw u tnaddaf ir-ruħ li titqanqal għall-ħażen mill-impuritajiet kollha tagħha. Tagħti s-saħħa u l-ħajja lir-ruħ u teħles lill-parti mħassra tagħha mill-ħabs tad-dnub u ssaffiha mill-passjonijiet ħżiena tagħha.

Barra minn hekk, din il-grazzja ssalva lill-persuna minn għadd ta’ passjonijiet karnali, u għamla ta’ trasformazzjoni sseħħ fil-bniedem u tiżviluppa fih stmerrija naturali għad-dnub.

Determinazzjoni u sforz

Barra minn hekk, determinazzjoni u sforz biex wieħed iżomm lilu nnifsu ’l bogħod mid-dnub, u jitlob għajnuna minn Alla u jżomm il-kumpanija ta’ nies ġusti huma wkoll elementi integrali biex nistgħu nevitaw id-dnub.

Nistgħu nevitaw id-dnub ukoll meta nqimu quddiem il-Mulej, meta nipprattikaw il-valuri morali, meta dejjem ngħidu l-verità, meta nuru r-rispett lil kulħadd, nieħdu ħsieb lil xulxin, meta nagħtu preċedenza lill-fidi tagħna fuq affarijiet tad-dinja u meta dejjem inżommu t-tifkira ta’ Alla ħaj u frisk ġo qalbna.

Skop ferm akbar

Il-fatt hu li l-bniedem inħoloq għal skop ferm akbar. Sempliċi astinenza mid-dnub mhix kisba kbira. Tant annimali ma jagħmlu ebda dnub, jistgħu jsostnu li huma perfetti? Nistgħu nistennew li nkunu ppremjati minn persuna sempliċement għax ma għamilnielu ebda ħsara?

Le, tabilħaqq, huma s-servizzi mogħtija sinċerament li jagħmlu lil wieħed jistħoqqlu premju. Is-servizz li jrid jagħti l-bniedem lejn Alla huwa li jappartjeni lilu biss, li jabbanduna l-imħabba ta’ kull ħaġa oħra għall-imħabba tiegħu, u li jċedi r-rieda tiegħu stess lir-Rieda ta’ Alla.

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Islam and Spirituality

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The best of mankind is the one who benefits humanity

Laiq Ahmed Atif | The Malta Independent on Sunday | Sunday, 20 February 2022

The world we are living in has become very materialistic, selfish and self-centered. Life has become so fast-paced that we barely look outside of our boxes and give very little or no attention to the core human values of compassion, sympathy and solidarity.

I truly believe that human sympathy is our duty, not a choice. Therefore, we must demonstrate through our actions care, love and compassion as our core values. We should not only provide assistance, care and solace to people in our communities, but we should exhibit the true sense and love for all of humanity. We must note that the manifestation of sincerity and compassion are the true means to stand tall in society.

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has explained the subject of human sympathy and compassion, mentioning that sympathy is of three kinds: physical, financial and sympathy through prayers. As human beings, we can pray for the benefit of others. The grace of human sympathy is immensely vast and those that do not show sympathy to others are in a very unfortunate position as they do not benefit themselves or others.

He further emphasised by declaring: “It is my belief that in prayer (and sympathy) one should not exclude one’s enemies either. The wider the scope of a person’s prayer, the more beneficial this will be for the supplicant. The more miserly a person is in their prayer, the more they will be distanced from God Almighty. In actuality, an individual who limits the favours of God, which are unfathomable, is also weak in faith.”

The Holy Quran presents the great blessings of serving humanity. God the Exalted has promised in the Holy Quran that those who benefit others and society, will have their lives prolonged. God the Exalted states: “The one, who benefits human beings, stays on the earth.” (13:18)

This verse means that the benefactors of humanity will live longer lives and will benefit from God’s blessings and bounties. Furthermore, their services to humanity will make it clear that they are the beloved and chosen ones in the sight of God.

It is absolutely true that the life of a person who is a source of benefit for the world is prolonged and one who causes mischief is taken from this world quicker. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to reflect and contemplate on how we can hold true to this principle: “The best people are those who are the most beneficial to other human beings.”

Just as certain methods have proved useful in medicine, this method proves advantageous in the well-being and benefit of others. Therefore, it is necessary for human beings to reflect and yearn for opportunities by which they can benefit others. Moreover, we should adopt the qualities of compassion, sympathy and kind-heartedness and remove all traces of ruggedness and harshness from our hearts.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, states: “Allah is gentle and He loves gentleness and He rewards for gentleness what He does not recompense for harshness and He does not reward any other virtue like He rewards gentleness.”

Let us derive positive lessons for our lives and let us all become the true well-wishers and benefactors of humanity. Let us truly be compassionate towards humanity and show sympathy to our brethren in the same manner that we show sympathy towards ourselves. Let us be compassionate towards each other for the sake of God so that we may be shown mercy in heaven.

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Ahmadiyya donates books to Gzira School

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta this morning donated around 100 children’s books to the St Clare College, Gzira Primary School. The books were presented to the Head of school, Ms. Astrid Tonna, by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

The School Head thanked Imam Atif and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for this beautiful and kind gesture. She said this is a wonderful surprise to all of us. Thank you for your donation of books to the school. The students and staff will surely benefit from these resources. In our school we very much promote reading and this collection of books will be a good addition to our library.

Imam Laiq Ahmef Atif explained that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community also promotes book reading because books are a true and effective means towards education, knowledge and broadening our view of life and understanding. He said that the community will support the school also in the future with further collection of books and in any other way possible, because it is very important that we should continue to serve the communities we live in. Times of Maltanewsbook.com.mtmaltahaber.com

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Avoid jealousy and hatred

L-GĦIRA U L-MIBEGĦDA

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | amjmalta@gmail.com | Il-Leħen 13.02.2022

Fost il-morali għolja hemm li wieħed ikun dejjem onest, dejjem jitkellem il-verità, u li jevita l-għira u r-regħba. L-għira taħraq lill-persuna internament u twassal ukoll biex issir ħsara lil ħaddieħor. Ma jaqbel xejn għal min jemmen li jkollu l-għira u r-regħba ġo qalbu. Il-bniedem għandu jwarrab l-għira u r-regħba għalkollox u wkoll jitlob biex jiġi evitat minnhom.

L-għira tiekol l-għemejjel tajba

Fis-soċjetajiet tagħna xi drabi niltaqgħu ma’ xi nies li juru ħbiberija minn barra imma jippruvaw jagħmlulna l-ħsara bil-moħbi. Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, ipprovda gwida f’din il-kwistjoni u qal, “Oqogħdu attenti mill-għira, għax din tiekol l-għemejjel tajba, bħalma n-nar iġib fix-xejn l-injam u l-ħaxix. La tgħirux għal xulxin! La tgħollux il-prezzijiet! La tobogħdux lil xulxin! Tagħtux daharkom lil xulxin! Tagħmlux l-offerta tagħkom waqt li żewġ naħat għaddejjin jinnegozjaw! Kunu tabilħaqq qaddejja ta’ Alla, billi tkunu tabilħaqq aħwa.“

Darba qal li tliet affarijiet huma l-għeruq tad-dnubiet kollha. Allura oqogħdu attenti minn dawn it-tlieta. Oqogħdu attenti mill-arroganza għax kienet l-arroganza li qanqlet lil Iblis li rrifjuta li jobdi lil Adam (sliem fuqu). U attenti mir-regħba għax kienet ir-regħba li ġiegħlet lil Adam jiekol il-frott tas-siġra projbita. U oqogħdu attenti mill-għira għax l-għira pperswadiet lil wieħed miż-żewġ ulied ta’ Adam biex joqtol lil ħuh.

Warrbu l-għira u l-mibegħda

Barra minn hekk, il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya jispjega wkoll dan is-suġġett u jgħid li l-aktar aspett diffiċli u komplikat tal-fidi huwa dak tat-tħaris tal-jeddijiet tal-umanità għaliex din hija sfida kontinwa u persuna taffaċċja din il-prova l-ħin kollu. Ngħid fis-sewwa biex ma tqisu lil ħadd bħala l-għadu personali tagħkom u warrbu għalkollox l-użanza li jkollkom l-għira u l-mibegħda lejn ħaddieħor.

Ħafna drabi l-bniedem ma jafx jekk għandux għira ġo qalbu għal ħaddieħor jew le, għax il-kawża ewlenija ta’ kull tip ta’ insolenza hija l-injoranza. Allura huwa importanti li nedukaw lilna nfusna biżżejjed u nkunu ċerti sabiex nafu li dak li ngħidu u nagħmlu huwa tajjeb u mhux ħażin.

Iċ-ċertezza

Għax mingħajr ċertezza ma nistgħux nifhmu b’mod sħiħ, pereżempju, jekk xi ħadd isir jaf li hemm serp f’toqba, jew li d-dar tiegħu hija mdawra bin-nar u baqa’ biss fetħa żgħira, mela dik il-persuna żgur li mhux se tibqa’ hemm. Kif imbagħad tippretendi li taf biċ-ċert li l-għira u r-regħba huma ħżiena u li se tiġi kkastigat minn Alla u fl-istess ħin tibqa’ fl-istat terribbli tiegħek?

Għalhekk għandna nkunu mudell eċċellenti ta’ mħabba reċiproka u armonija. Naħseb il-bniedem ma jistax jikseb il-prosperità u l-hena spiritwali mingħajr il-purifikazzjoni personali fil-ħsieb, fil-kelma u fl-għemil.

Oqogħdu dejjem għassa

Huwa minnu li ħadd mhu perfett imma wieħed għandu jistinka u joqgħod dejjem għassa biex iżomm l-imġiba u l-attitudni tiegħu tajba lejn kulħadd. Wieħed għandu jeqred kull sentiment ta’ riżentiment, malizzja, għira, kburija, vendetta, għira, regħba, inġustizzja, disprezz u kull tip ta’ ħażen lejn ħaddieħor.

Min-naħa l-oħra, wieħed għandu jikkultiva sentimenti ta’ mħabba, qalb tajba, simpatija, tolleranza, umiltà, paċenzja, karità, ġustizzja, kortesija, għajnuna, fehim u virtujiet u valuri morali sodi.

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Ahmadiyya Malta donates a library with books

Il-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana b’donazzjoni ta’ librerija bil-kotba għall-Komunità Terapewtika għan-nisa f’San Blas

 Il-Komunità Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta ilha tagħti appoġġ lil Caritas Malta għal dawn l-aħħar 5 snin. Din il-komunità tagħmel diversi ġesti ta’ solidarjetà mar-residenti li jkunu qed isegwu programm ta’ riabilitazzjoni. Fost inizjattivi diversi, illum ġew ippreżentati 200 ktieb għar-residenti tal-programm tan-nisa flimkien ma’ xkaffar (librerija) u mejda. Din segwiet donazzjoni li saret ftit żmien ilu meta ġew donati kotba fir-residenza tal-irġiel f’San Blas.

Is-Sur Anthony Gatt, Direttur ta’ Caritas Malta, irringrazzja lil Imam Atif u l-Komunità Ahmadiyya għal dan il-ġest tant sabiħ u nobbli. Faħħar l-inizjattivi li jsiru biex jgħinu lill-komunitajiet ta’ Caritas Malta. Il-ġest li wieħed jagħti rigal u jirċievi rigal jimlew il-qalb bil-ferħ.

Nancy Scerri, Head tal-programm terapewtiku tan-nisa, qalet li l-kotba huma għodda oħra għal min qed jagħmel programm ta’ riabilitazzjoni. Il-ktieb jintuża fil-ħin ta’ rilassament waqt il-ħin liberu bħala parti minn stil ta’ ħajja sana, kif ukoll għat-tagħlim.

Imam Laiq Ahmef Latif spjega kif bla dubju l-ktieb huwa l-ħabib tal-bniedem. Kotba tajbin iwessgħu l-perspettiva lejn il-ħajja u wkoll jarrikixxu l-moħħ. Wieħed qatt ma jħossu waħdu b’kumpanija ta’ ktieb tajjeb f’idejh. Il-kotba jipprovdu l-għarfien u l-informazzjoni; jagħtu tweġibiet lil tant mistoqsijiet u lil dawk li forsi jkunu għaddejja minn żmien iebes u ta’ ansjetà, ktieb jagħti l-opportunità biex iġib ir-rilassament u l-paċi. Iktar minn hekk, il-ktieb jeduka u jgħin biex itejjeb il-ħajja tal-bniedem, ta’ kumpanija waqt il-ħin liberu u wkoll waqt l-ivvjaġġar.

B’dan il-ħsieb l-Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta għamlet donazzjoni ta’ ’l fuq minn 200 ktieb li tpoġġew f’librerija li ġiet donata wkoll mill-istess komunità fil-programm terapewtiku tan-nisa f’San Blas.

B’dan il-ħsieb l-Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta għamlet donazzjoni ta’ ’l fuq minn 200 ktieb li tpoġġew f’librerija li ġiet donata wkoll mill-istess komunità fil-programm terapewtiku tan-nisa f’San Blas.

Waqt żjara li l-Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif għamel fl-2020 fl-istess Ċentru Terapewtiku, meta kien qed jitkellem man-nisa li qed jagħmlu programm ta’ riabilitazzjoni, wiegħed li Ahmadiyya Muslim Community se tagħmel donazzjoni ta’ librerija bil-kotba u b’hekk ukoll ikunu qed jippromwovu l-qari u l-ħin liberu jkun qed jitqassam b’mod iktar kostruttiv waqt li jkunu għaddejja fil-programm.  

Imam Atif temm jgħid li din il-librerija se tiggarantixxi aċċess għall-għerf u informazzjoni. Il-kotba huma riżorsa ta’ opportunità biex wieħed jitgħallem u jifforma ideat ġodda u perspettiva li tgħin soċjetà biex tkun kreattiva u innovattiva. Dinja mingħajr kotba tkun diffiċli li tavvanza fir-riċerka u l-għarfien uman. Il-ktieb huwa l-opportunità sinonima mal-edukazzjoni u joffri opportunità ta’ tagħlim li jista’ jgħin fl-iżvilupp ekonomiku, soċjali u kulturali. www.newsbook.com.mtstradarjali.

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Celebrating Interfaith Harmony Week (TVM)

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Interfaith harmony week 2022

The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, in collaboration with the Malta Trust Foundation, organised an event that brought together leaders from 15 different faiths and religions to send a common message of love and acceptance at the occasion of interfaith harmony week 2022.

MFWS chair H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, said: “As a society there is an urgent need to embrace dialogue among different faiths and religions to secure society’s mutual understanding, produce a sense of harmony and improve cooperation.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta also participated in this interfaith event. Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, recited some Islamic prayers. On behalf of the children, Nauman Atif (Waqf-e-Nau) read the following message.

“In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. Asslamoaleikum – Peace be on you all. H.E Excellency, distinguished guests and friends. I Believe in God – I Cherish Humanity – I Uphold the Values of: Unity and Togetherness – Harmony and Peace – Respect and Friendship. And, my motto is, LOVE FOR ALL – HATRED FOR NONE.TimesOfMaltaww.tvm.com.mttvm.com.mt

Nauman Atif reading interfaith message while representing Ahmadi Muslim children
Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif reciting Islamic prayers during interfaith event

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ۔ بِسۡمِ اللّٰہِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِیۡمِ۔ رَبِّ اجۡعَلۡ ہٰذَا بَلَدًا اٰمِنًا وَّارۡزُقۡ اَہۡلَہٗ مِنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ مَنۡ اٰمَنَ مِنۡہُمۡ بِاللّٰہِ وَالۡیَوۡمِ الۡاٰخِرِ۔ رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا فِی الدُّنۡیَا حَسَنَۃً وَّفِی الۡاٰخِرَۃِ حَسَنَۃًوَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ۔رَبَّنَا اغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوۡبَنَا وَاِسۡرَافَنَا فِیۡۤ اَمۡرِنَاوَثَبِّتۡ اَقۡدَامَنَاوَانۡصُرۡنَا عَلَی الۡقَوۡمِ الۡکٰفِرِیۡنَ۔رَبَّنَا ظَلَمۡنَاۤ اَنۡفُسَنَاوَاِنۡ لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَنَاوَتَرۡحَمۡنَا لَنَکُوۡنَنَّ مِنَ الۡخٰسِرِیۡنَ۔ اَنِّیۡ مَسَّنِیَ الضُّرُّ وَاَنۡتَ اَرۡحَمُ الرّٰحِمِیۡنَ۔ رَّبِّ اغۡفِرۡ وَارۡحَمۡ وَاَنۡتَ خَیۡرُ الرّٰحِمِیۡنَ۔

I Seek Refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. ‘My Lord, make this a town of peace and provide fruits and blessings to its people – who believe in Allah and the Day of Judgement,’ (2: 127). ‘Our Lord, grant us blessings and good in this world as well as blessings and good in the world to come, and protect us from the sufferings and torment of the Fire.’ (2:202). ‘Our Lord; Forgive us our mistakes, our sins and our excesses in our conduct, and make firm our steps and help us against the disbelieving. (3.148). ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; and if Thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, we shall surely be of the lost.’ (7:24). My Lord, ‘Affliction has touched me, and Thou art the Most Merciful of all who show mercy.’ (21:84). ‘My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and Thou art the Best of those who show mercy.’ (23:119) – Ameen.

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Tolerance & interfaith harmony

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Misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws

Laiq Ahmed Atif | Malta Independent on Sunday | 23.01.2022 | amjmalta@gmail.com

In life, sometimes we come across such experiences that are so unbearable and painful that they remain etched in our memories for many years to come. Such is the case with the heart-rending incident of the brutal murder of Priyantha Diyawadana, a Sri Lankan national in Sialkot, Pakistan, in December 2021.

According to reports, Priyantha Diyawadana, a Sri Lankan national who was also a Hindu, was attacked by “hundreds of men and young boys” who tortured the man to death before proceeding to burn his body, accusing him of blasphemy. 

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws criminalise anyone who insults Islam, including by outraging religious feeling (Section 295-A), defiling the Quran (Section 295-B) and defiling the name of the Prophet Muhammad (Section 295-C), which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. The laws are open to misuse and often used as a weapon of revenge against both Muslims and non-Muslims to settle personal scores or to resolve disputes over money, property or business. Blasphemy accusations can also have an impact beyond that on the accused and often trigger mass violence against minority communities.

This shocking incident had once again shaken the conscience of the world and drawn their attention to Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws, which are wholly incompatible with the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief and must be repealed without any further delay to avoid any further brutal killings. Government should put an end to the atrocities committed by such blood-thirsty and so-called humans who are actually monsters and beasts.

Such spiteful incidents have become a way of life in Pakistan; such brutalities and atrocities are considered normal and the extremist organisations seemed to have overpowered the law enforcing agencies and even the judiciary has succumbed to their pressures. No religious minority is safe in Pakistan. We have seen time after time that whenever these extremists wish to do so, they invent false allegations against anyone and instigate violence and bloodshed.

The torture, violence and brutality that were committed against Priyantha Diyawadana cannot even be put into words. Such atrocities are not only wholly condemnable, but such abhorrence and vicious act should never be allowed in any society and the entire world should join hands against it in making a case that should pave the way to repeal such blasphemous laws.

This horrendous act was done in the name of Islam, the religion that claims that the unjust murder of a single soul is like the killing of all humanity (5:33), the religion that teaches tolerance, harmony, forbearance, freedom of speech and religion (2:257).

They have committed such abhorring murder in the name of God – that God who is Lord of All worlds, Gracious and Merciful and in the name of Prophet Muhammad who was “sent as a mercy for all peoples” (21:108). They shamelessly commit these barbaric acts in the name of God and His Prophet.

I think the time has come to “call a spade a spade” and to put pressure on the Pakistani government to honour the United Nation’s Human Rights Charter to which it is a signatory.

As usual, we heard the hollow claims from the Prime Minister: “All those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law.” But in reality nothing has changed since.

I am failing to understand which law the honourable Prime Minister was referring to; the same law that carries the death penalty or life imprisonment for any blasphemous accusations which has been used for decades against religious minorities?

The time has come so that “justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done”. Fundamental human rights of every human being should be honoured and any such violation should be dealt with swift action.

However, would this happen? The unfortunate reality is that this does not seem to be happening anytime in the near future. A few weeks prior to this incident, we had seen the same government negotiating with one of the extremist groups, Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP), giving into their pressure and signing a deal with them that paved the way to release their leader. Furthermore, the world also witnessed a government senator presenting a bouquet to TLP chief Saad Rizvi after bail.

The questions arise: what has led to such intolerance in the society and who is responsible for this downfall and degradation?

This is a result of nurturing the plants of extremism for political and religious power for many decades and using religion for political interests and politics for religious strongholds. First and foremost, the blame lies on the religious clerics who have misguided the nation and issued violent edicts. Secondly, governments – both past and present – are responsible for letting this poison spread across the country and have used it for their political objectives. Law-makers, judiciary, establishment and local media are all also responsible for fanning the flames.

Therefore, all the stakeholders have to understand that peace and human dignity is fundamental to their prosperous existence. The whole nation should learn the principle of respect, freedom, “live and let live” and must collectively nurture these core values to create a society based on justice that is free from violence and one that ultimately prospers in the long run. They must make “Love for all, hatred for none” their guiding principle so as a nation they become a moderate and civilized nation.

Laiq Ahmed Atif is president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

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Diversity and inter-religious cooperation

ID-DIVERSITÀ U L-KOOPERAZZJONI

“Għinnu lil xulxin fl-għemejjel tajba, imma tgħinux lil xulxin f’affarijiet ħżiena u t-trasgressjoni.”

Laiq Ahmed Atif | It-Torca | 23.01.2022 | amjmalta@gmail.com

Fid-dinja li ngħixu fiha hemm ħafna sfidi u problemi quddiemna, bħal problemi soċjali, ekonomiċi u politiċi. Dawn l-isfidi kbar bħal muntanji jitolbu minna li naħdmu id f’id, inwarrbu d-differenzi tagħna u naħdmu flimkien għall-ġid komuni, naqdu r-rwoli tagħna għall-benefiċċji tal-umanità kollha biex nagħmlu d-dinja tagħna aħjar u kenn ta’ paċi u kuntentizza.

F’dan l-ambjent ta’ soffokazzjoni, ansjetà u stress, ir-reliġjonijiet, in-nies reliġjużi u l-mexxejja tal-fidi kollha għandhom jaqdu r-rwol importanti tagħhom biex jibdlu din is-soffokazzjoni f’tama, paċi u kuntentizza.

Nemmen li, biex din ix-xewqa ssir realtà, il-kooperazzjoni interreliġjuża hija importanti ħafna, u mhix biss importanti anzi kruċjali u meħtieġa fiż-żminijiet tal-lum.

Il-prinċipju tad-deheb

L-Iżlam ifassal il-pjan, juri t-triq ’il quddiem u jipprovdi prinċipju tad-deheb li jista’ jgħin ħafna biex din il-ħolma ssir realtà, u jgħid li l-bażi ta’ din il-kooperazzjoni għandu jkun il-benesseri tal-umanità u l-imħabba ta’ Alla. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes:

“Għinnu lil xulxin fil-ħwejjeġ tajba ta’ din id-dinja u f’kulma hu simili jekk dawn huma bbażati fuq il-biża’ ta’ Alla. Madanakollu tgħinux lil xulxin f’affarijiet ħżiena u t-trasgressjoni.” (5:3)

Il-messaġġ ta’ dan il-vers huwa ċar daqs il-kristall: li dejjem tkunu lesti biex tgħinu lil xulxin f’kull ħaġa tal-ġid komuni, dejjem tkunu lesti biex tkunu fuq in-naħa t-tajba tal-istorja, dejjem tipprattikaw il-ġustizzja u qatt ma twettqu xi krudeltà, inġustizzja u mibegħda.

L-imħabba ta’ Alla

Barra minn hekk, l-Iżlam jistieden lill-popli kollha biex jikkooperaw bejniethom biex ixerrdu l-messaġġ tal-Unità u l-imħabba ta’ Alla—fehma komuni għal kulħadd. F’kapitlu 3, vers 65, għandu messaġġ importanti u jenfasizza l-punt ta’ għaqda ma’ xulxin u jfassal programm għal kulħadd għall-benefiċċju tal-umanità aktar milli jidentifika l-oqsma ta’ nuqqas ta’ qbil li jwasslu għad-diżarmonija.

Dawn il-versi jfasslu pjan għalina li jekk aħna rridu nimxu ’l quddiem u nistabbilixxu l-paċi u l-hena fis-soċjetajiet tagħna allura għandna niffokaw fuq il-kooperazzjoni interreliġjuża. Għax reliġjon hija forza kbira ta’ bidla u trasformazzjoni, u strument effettiv għall-bini ta’ soċjetajiet koeżivi. Madankollu, din il-kooperazzjoni għandha dejjem tkun ibbażata fuq il-ġid komuni, l-għaqda, il-paċi u l-għemil tajjeb.

Imma l-mistoqsija hi kif ir-reliġjonijiet jistgħu jingħaqdu flimkien u kif jistgħu juru kooperazzjoni interreliġjuża effettiva u prattikabbli.

Djalogu kontinwu

Nemmen li d-djalogu huwa punt ta’ tluq bejn ir-reliġjonijiet kollha. Mingħajr id-djalogu ma tista’ ssir ebda kooperazzjoni bejniethom. Għalhekk, nipproponi li għandhom isiru konferenzi interreliġjużi fejn il-mexxejja reliġjużi jiddiskutu xi suġġett komuni u jipproponu kif jistgħu jikkooperaw fuq xi suġġett jew qasam partikulari.

Konferenzi interreliġjużi

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana introduċa regoli ta’ diskussjonijiet u konferenzi interreliġjużi u qal li kulħadd għandu jitkellem u jgħid tiegħu skont il-ktieb sagru tiegħu, u jispjega dak li jemmen, mingħajr ma jipponta s-swaba’ lejn ħadd. Kulħadd jgħid tiegħu imma mingħajr ebda kelma inġusta kontra l-oħrajn. Huwa spjega li l-kelliema kollha huma mħeġġa biex jenfasizzaw il-punti tajba u l-karatteristiċi pożittivi u distinti tar-reliġjonijiet rispettivi tagħhom mingħajr ma jħammġu twemmin ieħor. Għax ħafna kunflitti u nuqqas ta’ qbil interreliġjużi jibdew meta xi ħadd jattakka t-twemmin u l-fehim reliġjuż ta’ ħaddieħor.

Ħa nagħmilha ċara li, ma neskludix li ma jsirux diskussjonijiet u dibattiti fejn isiru mistoqsijiet interreliġjużi, iżda dan għandu jsir fi stadju aktar tard meta l-udjenza u l-mexxejja jkunu mmaturaw biżżejjed biex jittolleraw il-fehmiet ta’ xulxin b’mod miftuħ u rispettuż. Bl-istess mod, dawk li jistaqsu xi mistoqsija, m’għandhomx jaqsmu l-limitu tar-rispett u d-dinjità. Għalhekk, ir-rispett reċiproku huwa element importanti ieħor ta’ paċi u armonija interreliġjużi.

Proġetti filantropiċi

Aspett ieħor importanti tal-kollaborazzjoni interreliġjuża huwa li naħdmu flimkien fil-pjanijiet u l-iskemi tajbin kollha għall-benefiċċju sħiħ tal-umanità, pereżempju, proġetti filantropiċi jistgħu jiġu organizzati flimkien mill-Insara u l-Musulmani, eċċ. b’messaġġ: flimkien għall-umanità.

Fl-ewwel ta’ Jannar 2022 – l-ewwel jum tas-sena, matul il-Festa ta’ Ġenerożità, il-maratona ta’ ġbir ta’ fondi mid-Dar tal-Providenza, rajna kooperazzjoni sħiħa bejn ir-reliġjonijiet għall-ġid tal-umanità. Hemm rajna manifestazzjoni sabiħa ta’ kooperazzjoni interreliġjuża għall-ġid komuni, fejn kulħadd kien magħqud fuq punt wieħed ta’ mħabba ta’ Alla u li naqdu lil ħutna fil-bżonn.

Il-membri tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana servew ukoll matul din il-maratona ta’ 12-il siegħa, b’passjoni u dedikazzjoni, u kkontribwew f’din il-kawża nobbli u ġusta, u servew ikel matul din il-maratona. Barra minn hekk, għenu wkoll fit-tweġibiet tat-telefonati u baqgħu preżenti hemmhekk sat-tmiem ta’ din il-maratona li ntemmet f’nofsillejl. Kienet esperjenza sabiħa għal kulħadd li jkun taħt saqaf wieħed għal għan wieħed: flimkien għall-umanità.

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Islam, Society and Politics

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Id-Dawl 49

Id-Dawl January 2022: https://ahmadiyya.mt/iddawl_dir/Id-Dawl_Numru_049.pdf

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Id-Dawl 48

Id-Dawl December 2021: https://ahmadiyya.mt/iddawl_dir/Id-Dawl_Numru_048.pdf

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Tolerance, Harmony & Peace

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Ahmadiyya Malta & Festa ta’ Ġenerożità 2022

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