Bullying: A Silent Killer

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 20 June 2021 | Laiq Ahmed Atif

In the world we live in today, one of the predominant disorders and prevalent threats to our social wellbeing is bullying. Bullying, though loudly condemned by every society and every nation of the world, still exists and is a widespread phenomenon. It is such a deadly poison that it exists and flourishes at every level of society, be it school, workplace or social gathering. Bullying is a silent killer that uproots a person and destroys one’s life. If we look into rising suicidal tendencies, we find that bullying is one of the main factors.

In the modern world, rapid advances in technology provide another avenue for cyber-violence or bullying.  Cyber bullying has become yet another serious problem because this form of bullying is more widespread, reaching far and wide, and thus negatively affecting individuals and people in their close circles.

Cyber bullying is an act to harm other people through internet, cell phone or other social networking sites. Some people spread lies, write bad comments and often post damaging information or fake news on websites and social mediums.

Comparatively, women and girls face the worst form of bullying. Amidst the Corona-virus pandemic, one might have been wondering whether harassment and bullying is yesterday’s problem. With so many were working from home, the physical intermingling of the sexes at the workplace or educational institutions were not a factor.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. UN Women published a report wherein they stated, ‘Millions of women and girls are using videoconferences frequently, sometimes daily, to work and study. According to diverse media outlets, social media posts and women rights experts, different forms of on-line violence are on the rise including stalking, bullying, sexual harassment, and sex trolling.’[1]

I believe that good education, effective awareness campaigns, proper guidance to tackle such unpleasant experiences and motivation to stay strong and firm in the face of such harassment occurrences are very encouraging and useful means to counter this silent killer known as ‘bullying’.

I truly believe that education and raising awareness is the key to overcoming this serious problem.

People actually do bully each other based on this false notion that they think they’re better than others. This false notion of pride compels people to commit such heinous acts. The Holy Quran has addressed this issue by citing that mankind is created from a male and a female; and has been divided into tribes and nations for the purpose of recognition. They are all equal before God. Only the righteous and benefactors of humanity, not those who inflict pain, are the most honourable. (49:14)

The Holy Quran further elaborates this subject and states: “O ye who believe! Let not one people deride another people, who may be better than they, nor let women deride other women, who may be better than they. And do not slander your own people, nor taunt each other with nicknames.” (49:12)

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has written on this subject in details and he has highlighted the reasons and remedies to this problem. Arrogance, pride, ignorance and self-projection are among the root causes. Anyone who looks down upon others because he esteems himself more learned, or wiser, or more proficient than others; and utters insulting words and shows them disrespect is not honourable before God. Living humble lives is the way to success. Showing pride by taking others to be inferior is a sort of insult which is based on hatred and it is feared that this hatred might germinate like a seed and then ruin the person.

In society we find people who are very courteous when they meet the wealthy or with those of high positions, but the truth is, noble is he who attends to the poor in humility and consoles them, honours their word and does not utter anything that might offend the person. God says do not call one another with bad names; it is an evil act. He, who offends someone with a bad name, will not pass out of this world, till he finds himself involved in it. Do not take your brothers as inferior.

One of the attributes of God is Sattar – the one who covers up the short-comings of people. Thus, as God overlooks our shortcomings and does not catch us immediately nor does He humiliate us, we also should not be quick in talking about others in respect of things that might cause them humiliation, pain or suffering.

We must become mindful whenever we say anything. We must properly and thoroughly weigh our words and try to understand the consequences of saying something hurtful. The first thing is to either speak or write a good word, otherwise it is better to remain silent rather than hurt someone. Kind and respectful people are those who do good deeds and invite others to goodness and forbid evil deeds.

For indeed, love, respect and true sympathy are the very solutions to counter bullying and serve as an effective weapon and an instrument for the establishment of inclusive and vibrant societies.

The revolutionary and peaceful motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community: “Love for all, hatred for none”, is a truly inspiring message and the very antidote of every kind of harassment and bullying.

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Food Donation to Reach Residential Home

The members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta visited ‘Reach Residential Home’ and donated food packets for the residents. The food was provided through collaboration between Humanity First Switzerland and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

The food was presented by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. The Director of Caritas, Mr. Anthony Gatt, the Manager of Fondazzjoni Dar il-Hena, Mr. Ian Galea and the Head of Home Ms. Roberta Gellel, received the donation on behalf of the residents.

‘Reach Residential Home’ offers long term accommodation with the aim of supporting the individuals or the families in a number of ways so as to eventually move into their own homes and spend their independent lives.

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Loneliness, solitude & families

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Healthy families and upbringing of children

FIL-ĦEMDA TAL-LEJL: Imħabba fil-familja u t-trobbija tajba tat-tfal (Caring and loving family and proper upbringing of children). Mary Gauchi ma’ Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, programm ta’ diskussjoni fuq Radju Malta 4 ta’ Ġunju.

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Food donation to the Malta Trust Foundation

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta visited the offices of the Malta Trust Foundation and presented a food donation for persons living in poverty within the Senglean community.

The food was provided through a collaboration between Humanity First Switzerland and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. Humanity First is an international relief and humanitarian wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Its mission is to provide assistance to those in need, and to serve socially disadvantaged individuals and poorer families.

The donation was presented to Her Excellency President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the Chairperson of the Malta Trust Foundation, by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, together with Youth Leader Haroon Ahmad Khan.

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Inter-Religious dialogue

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Attaining purity

Il-ksib tas-safail-Leħen, il-Ħadd 30/05/2021

Alla ħalaq l-umanità bħala l-aqwa ħolqien. Alla jixtieq li l-bnedmin għandhom ikunu mudelli eżemplari; u li l-bnedmin għandhom jimmanifestaw l-attributi ta’ Alla fil-karattru tagħhom u fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum tagħhom.

Il-bniedem għandu jkun il-manifestazzjoni vera tal-attributi ta’ Alla. Għandu biex dejjem jipprova li jwettaq għemejjel tajba.

L-astinenza mid-dnub weħidha mhix xi ħaġa kbira fiha nnifisha. Ħafna annimali ma jwettqu l-ebda dnub, allura dawn jippretendu li huma perfetti?

Il-fatt hu li l-bniedem inħalaq għal għan ferm ikbar. Nistgħu aħna nippretendu li niġu ppremjati minn xi ħadd minħabba l-fatt li ma nkunu għamilnielu l-ebda deni? Le, tassew; huma l-għemejjel magħmula b’mod sinċier u b’lealtà sħiħa li jwasslu lil xi ħadd biex ikun jistħoqqlu li jiġi rikonoxxut u ppremjat.

Alla jixtieq li l-umanità għandha tgħix fil-paċi, tissodisfa d-drittijiet ta’ xulxin u tagħti kas u ttejjeb il-purità. Mingħajr azzjonijiet, sempliċiment il-kliem u x-xewqat ma jfissru xejn. Huwa għalhekk li dawk in-nies biss li jirreżistu kull ħażen u jagħmlu minn kollox biex iwettqu dak kollu li hu tajjeb se jkunu bħala l-aqwa ħolqien. Il-bniedem għandu jkun iktar imnikket u inkwetat dwar jekk għandux tieba jew le, u dan it-tħassib għandu jegħleb l-inkwiet u n-niket tad-dinja kollha.

Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes li l-fidil jista’ jikseb il-perfezzjoni biss jekk hu jnaqqas ix-xewqa għad-dnub u jmur ’il bogħod mix-xitan, u fl-istess ħin jagħmel kull għemil tajjeb u jimla l-qalb bl-imħabba ta’ Alla.

Biex wieħed jikseb is-safa u biex jgħix ħajja ġusta u perfetta mhijiex xi ħaġa faċli. Il-bniedem dejjem ifittex li jikseb ħajja pura li togħġob lil Alla. Imma ħafna drabi ma jafx kif jista’ jikseb il-ħajja purissima.

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana juri t-triq u jispjega l-modi li jwasslu għal dik il-funtana ta’ hena u purità eterna. Hu jgħid li l-fatt hu li s-safa vera tinkiseb meta wieħed sinċerament jindem minn ħajja midinba u jħabrek biex jgħix ħajja ta’ devozzjoni, li għaliha jeħtieġu tliet kundizzjonijiet.

L-ewwel, determinazzjoni sħiħa u sforz qawwi biex wieħed jeħles minn ħajja ħażina skont kemm għandu setgħa li jagħmel dan.

It-tieni kundizzjoni huwa t-talb; wieħed għandu jitlob bil-qalb lil Alla ħalli Dan jeħilsu minn din il-ħajja żienja b’idu stess, u jkebbes tali nar f’qalbu li jirriduċi l-ħażen kollu fi rmied, u jagħtih tant setgħa li jkun kapaċi jegħleb il-passjonijiet karnali kollha. Għandu jkompli jitlob lil Alla sakemm jasal il-waqt meta dawl Divin jixgħel f’qalbu u raġġ brillanti jaqa’ fuq ruħu biex itajjar id-dlamijiet kollha, jegħleb id-dgħufijiet tiegħu u jġib bidla radikali fih, għaliex it-talb bla dubju ta’ xejn għandu qawwa kbira.

It-tielet kundizzjoni hija li wieħed iżomm il-kumpanija tat-tajbin u ta’ dawk li huma perfetti, għaliex lampa tixgħel lil oħra.

Dawn huma tabilħaqq it-tliet metodi tal-ksib tal-ħelsien mid-dnub u metodi tal-ksib tas-safa u, meta jintlaħqu dawn il-kundizzjonijiet, ikunu finalment imberkin bil-grazzja Divina.

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Id-Dawl 42

ID-DAWL JUNE 2021: http://ahmadiyya.mt/iddawl_dir/Id-Dawl_Numru_042.pdf .

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One Community One Leader

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Khilafat: A Divine Leadership

The Holy Quran, which Muslims believe to be the direct Word of God, has promised Muslims who are good and righteous the reward of “Khilafat” whereby a “Khalifa” (Spiritual Successor), is appointed by Allah to continue the work of a Prophet. This is an elected office where the Holy Spirit superintends the election process. The Khalifa (Caliph) of Islam-Ahmadiyya is God’s man on earth.

The word Khilafat means succession, and the Khalifa is a successor to a Prophet of Allah whose goal is to carry to completion the tasks of reformation and moral training that were seeded by the Prophet. The community of followers of a Prophet of Allah continues to nurture its faith and practices under the blessing of the institution of Khilafat for as long as Allah wishes. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“Allah had promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.” (24:56)

Today the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Muslim community in the world that is united at the hand of one leader, who is known as the Khalifa. The Khalifa-tul Masih is the successor to the Promised Messiah, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (peace be upon him). After his demise in 1908, the institution of Khilafat (Caliphate) was re-established in Islam on 27 May 1908; this day (27 May) is celebrated as ‘Khilafat-Day’ in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. In 2008 the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community celebrated 100 years of the Khilafat.

The institution of Khilafat is the source of the Community’s unity, vibrancy, organisation, progress and its focus on peace. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad is the fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Although Khilafat is not in any way a hereditary institution, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad also has the distinct honour of being the great-grandson of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. http://ahmadiyya.mt/?mod=kalifi

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Food Donation to Dar Leopoldo

Food boxes were donated to Dar Leopoldo – shelter for the Homeless people – in Gzira by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. The food was provided in collaboration with Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta and Humanity First Switzerland – charitable wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The donation was presented to Mr. Andrew Cauchi, the head of Dar Leopoldo.

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Dialogue, reconciliation and peace

The Palestine–Israel conflict: Dialogue, reconciliation and peace Palestine–Israel conflict can only be resolved if true justice is brought about

Times of Malta | 24/05/2021 | Laiq Ahmed Atif

In today’s world we see that certain issues are constantly being highlighted on various platforms and are being labelled as the most significant problems of our time. Lack of peace and security is one of the most concerning issues of the contemporary world. People are extremely concerned about the escalation of various conflicts and the increasingly volatile state of the world.

If we analyse the situation objectively, it is evident that world peace and security is indeed the most critical issue of our time and it is a great misfortune that this situation is worsening every day. There are multiple factors and reasons for deterioration of the situation, however, whatever the causes may be, it is clear that the lack of peace, tolerance and security in the world urgently needs to be addressed.

Indeed, the word peace is priceless. However, its worth is only known well by those who have faced war, conflict, crime, disorder, killing or bloodshed. Palestine is one such example. This holy land has faced turmoil and devastation countless times throughout history and has once again been brutally attacked lately. The situation there is so fragile that every few years we witness escalation which results in many innocent lives being lost and the destruction of infrastructure and civilian buildings.

Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo has highlighted the need of constructive dialogue in the peace-making process of the region. He said: “Existing disputes in the eastern Mediterranean will not be solved by force. They require, more than ever, dialogue and negotiations.”

I believe dialogue and negotia­tion are the only solution to this conflict, and indeed for every conflict that arises anywhere in the world. Some people argue that dialogue has not been fruitful. I believe that rather than abandoning the process of dialogue and negotia­tion when it seems it is not being fruitful, we must multiply our efforts and the process of dialogue, to ensure we achieve peace and harmony.

I believe that the road that leads to reconciliation and long-lasting peace is through constructive dialogue and honest negotiations; this is the only feasible and lasting solution.

The road that leads to reconciliation and long-lasting peace is through constructive dialogue and honest negotiation– Laiq Ahmed Atif

Therefore, the world powers must play their part and adopt a realistic and impartial approach to chalk out a comprehensive plan for this  area of conflict of so many decades. Letting this territory continue bleeding and turning a blind eye will mean innocent people will continue to die in their masses and it will be an extreme injustice, abuse of power and utter failure of the world powers.

Almighty God has guided us in the Holy Quran towards peace and reconciliation and highlighted that in every matter “reconciliation and peace is best”. Furthermore, in chapter eight, verse 62, God says: “And if they incline towards peace, incline thou also towards it.”

This means that no matter how difficult and arduous the journey towards reconciliation and peace may be, such a result must be achieved at all costs and any opportunity must be availed for all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.

This Quranic injunction is a key principle for maintaining international peace and security. Islam teaches that no opportunity for peace should be wasted. And so, even if there is only a glimmer of hope, you must try and grasp it.

In his address at Capitol Hill in 2012, while addressing members of the US Congress, the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, stated that the United States government and world leaders should value and prioritise justice at all levels of society – both in terms of domestic and foreign policy. It remains the case that it is only through true justice that the Israel-Palestine conflict can be solved, otherwise the cycle of violence and hostilities will just continue in perpetuity. Justice is the means of forging trust, which in turn can lead to peace.

I am certainly convinced and optimistic that if sincere and concerted efforts are made by the world powers, further causalities and destruction can be avoided and put to an end, and the foundation for reconciliation and lasting peace can be laid down.

amjmalta@gmail.com, Laiq Ahmed Atif is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

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Muslim community donates food to Fondazzjoni Sebħ

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta donated food to the the Fondazzjoni Sebħ for all its residential homes. The food was provided in collaboration with Humanity First Switzerland, an international relief and humanitarian wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Fondazzjoni Sebħ provides residential services to children and also to female victims of violence and their children. It also provides community social work service to families living in Hamrun and Marsa.

Following the donation, Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif said that serving humanity was in itself a form of worship.

“The entire Islamic teachings can be divided into two main categories, the rights of God Almighty and the rights of one another, and we are expected to fulfil both these rights.

“The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community constantly drew the attention of mankind towards serving fellow human beings. On one occasion he said that, to fail to help a brother in their time of need or difficulty is utterly immoral and wrong. Therefore, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community always tries to show its solidarity to fellow brethren.” Times of Malta

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Pray for the Palestinian people

World Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Speaks Up for the Rights of the Palestinian People During Eid Sermon

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad calls on Muslim nations to show a united front and to stand against the cruelties and injustices being perpetrated on the Palestinians

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has strongly condemned the cruelties being perpetrated upon the Palestinian people by Israel during his Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon earlier today.

Speaking from the international headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, at the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford, His Holiness condemned the use of unjust force inflicted in recent days by the Israeli State against Palestinians and their attempts to evict Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. Find more www.pressahmadiyya.com

Love is the antidote of hatred

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Eid-Ul-Fitr 2021 Mubarak

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Food donation to refugee families

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Malta has presented food to the 51 families resident at the family section of Hal-Far refugee centre in a gesture to mark Ramadan. 

The food was provided in collaboration with Humanity First Switzerland, an international relief and humanitarian wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Its mission is to provide assistance to those in need, and to serve socially disadvantaged individuals and poorer families.

The donation was presented  by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, together with Youth Leader, Haroon Ahmad Khan.

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif said that serving humanity is a core principle of Islam. Times of Malta ; Muslim community donates food to refugees – Newsbook.com.mt ; Turkish News ;

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Taking care of the environment

NIEĦDU ĦSIEB L-AMBJENT

KULL META TINQATA’ XI SIĠRA, GĦANDKOM TĦAWLU TNEJN MINFLOKHA

Fid-dinja moderna teknoloġika fejn insibu modi ta’ komunikazzjoni u ta’ trasport mill-aqwa, l-impatt tat-tibdil fil-klima wkoll jinħass u jidher mad-dinja kollha u qed isir aktar gravi ma’ kull ġurnata li tgħaddi. Allura, iż-żmien jitlob li nagħmlu minn kollox sabiex nipproteġu l-ambjent tagħna. Aħna wasalna f’punt fejn ma nistgħux inħallu din id-dinja tinqered iktar. Għalhekk, huwa importanti li l-umanità kollha tingħaqad flimkien u naħdmu id f’id sabiex insalvaw l-ambjent tagħna mill-qirda totali.

Tibdil fil-klima

Dan l-aħħar żagħżugħ talab l-opinjoni tal-Qdusija tiegħu, Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya, li għandu għerf profond fuq dan is-suġġett, rigward is-sitwazzjoni attwali tal-klima u kif wieħed għandu jipprova jindirizza din il-kwistjoni.

It-tweġiba tiegħu hija valida ħafna. Fi ftit kliem sempliċi imma profond huwa spjega din il-kwistjoni u r-rimedju tagħha. Huwa qal li l-problema tat-tibdil fil-klima hija kwistjoni kullimkien madwar id-dinja, speċjalment fil-pajjiżi li qed jiżviluppaw fejn il-popolazzjoni qed tiżdied fin-numru mingħajr ebda proporzjon. U biex takkomoda din il-popolazzjoni, iż-żoni residenzjali qed jiżdiedu u minħabba ż-żoni residenzjali li qed jiżdiedu, il-foresti qed jinqatgħu wkoll.

Din id-deforestation qed tikkawża wkoll tibdil fil-klima. Barra minn hekk, il-konsum tal-fuel għall-mezzi tat-trasport għandu jitnaqqas ukoll. Aħna l-bnedmin, tant sirna għażżiena, li jekk irridu mmorru minn post għall-ieħor u d-distanza hija biss 100 jew 200 metru, minflok nimxu, nieħdu l-mutur jew il-karozza tagħna biex immorru f’dak il-post. B’dan il-mod qed titniġġes aktar l-atmosfera.

Huwa ħeġġeġ liż-żgħażagħ biex jippromwovu l-mixi u jimmotivaw lil xulxin biex dejjem jagħżlu l-mixja u jnaqqsu l-użu tal-muturi jew tal-karozzi, kemm jista’ jkun possibbli.

Kull meta tinqata’ xi siġra…

Barra minn hekk huwa qal li ż-żgħażagħ għandhom jibdew skemi biex iħawlu s-siġar fil-foresta u f’żoni differenti, fil-pajjiżi rispettivi tagħhom. Iż-żgħażagħ għandhom ikunu eżempju eċċellenti f’dan ir-rigward. Huwa qal li, “Għandkom dejjem tkunu ħerqana biex taraw li kull meta tinqata’ xi siġra, għandkom tħawlu tnejn minflokha.”

Fil-kuntest lokali ta’ pajjiżna, naħseb dan il-punt jagħmel ħafna sens. Allura għandna  nħawlu ħafna siġar fil-lokalitajiet tagħna u nżidu l-green zones.

Ħawwel Siġra

Hawnhekk nixtieq nipproponi proposta sempliċi, fattibbli, prattikabbli u effettiva ħafna biex il-lokalitajiet tagħna u tabilħaqq pajjiżna jsir pajjiż aħjar f’termini ta’ ambjent. Flimkien, bi ftit sforz kollettiv, nistgħu nagħmlu bidla kbira u flimkien nistgħu nagħmlu pass kbir ’il quddiem.

Jiena nipproponi li kull wieħed u waħda minna, kull meta niggradwaw, niżżewġu, ikollna t-tfal, nixtru d-dar, jew ikollna xogħol ġdid, għandna nħawlu mill-inqas siġra waħda fl-inħawi tagħna.

Fil-qosor, għandna nagħmluh dmirna li f’kull mument memorabbli ta’ ħajjitna għandna nagħtu rigal lil pajjiżna billi nħawlu siġra fil-lokalità tagħna. Permezz ta’ din il-kampanja mal-pajjiż kollu, fi ftit snin, nistgħu nibnu ambjent aktar f’saħħtu għalina nfusna u għall-ġenerazzjonijiet tagħna li ġejjin.

Għaliex għandna nħawlu s-siġar?

Għandna nħawlu s-siġar għax bis-siġar il-lokalitajiet tagħna u pajjiżna se jkunu aħjar, jidhru mill-isbaħ, u se jkollna ġmiel naturali. Barra minn hekk, bis-saħħa tas-siġar, l-arja tkun iżjed nadifa u l-ambjent iktar sabiħ u rilassanti. Is-siġar inaqqsu t-tniġġis, jiffriskaw l-arja, u jagħtuna l-ossiġnu. Fil-fatt, meta jkun hemm is-siġar, il-ħmieġ fl-arja jonqos drastikament u nistgħu nieħdu nifs nadif u frisk.

Is-siġar huma ħbieb tal-bniedem u huma dejjem lesti biex iservuna; huma jagħtuna frott bnin li huwa tajjeb għal saħħitna, joffru post fejn wieħed jista’ jistkenn mix-xemx, anke ħafna għasafar jistkennu fuq il-friegħi tagħhom. Nagħmlu l-għamara mill-injam tas-siġar, nagħmlu karti li niktbu fuqhom u anke nippubblikaw kotba. Fil-qosor, is-siġar tassew jagħmlulna ħajjitna isbaħ u aħjar. L-art mingħajr siġar hija bħal deżert. Is-siġar għandhom irwol sinifikanti biex jagħmlu l-art tagħna aktar sabiħa, attraenti u b’saħħitha. Fil-qosor, is-siġar huma parti integrali ta’ ħajjitna. Għalhekk huwa importanti ħafna li aħna nibżgħu għalihom u nieħdu ħsiebhom sabiex pajjiżna jsir mill-isbaħ u ngawduhom sabiex nibqgħu f’saħħitna.

It-Torca | Sunday 9 May 2021 | Laiq Ahmed Atif | amjmalta@gmail.com

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Food for the homeless

The Youth wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, the Majlis Khuddam-Ul-Ahmadiyya, provided lunch for the homeless people at the ‘Dar Leopoldo’, Gzira. The food was homemade and prepared according to the needs of the residents of this homeless shelter. Youth Leader, Haroon Ahmad Khan, said that the message of Ramadan besides the worship of the Lord is to serve humanity.

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Mother’s Day: Kindness to parents

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Donation of masks and hand sanitizers to FSWS

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta presented a donation of hand sanitizers and certified masks to FSWS (Foundation for Social Welfare Services) so these could be distributed among those in need. The donation was presented to Mr. Alfred Grixi, the CEO of FSWS, at the Detox Centre in Gwardamangia. The Director of the Sedqa Agency Charles Scerri and the Clinical Chairperson of the Detox Centre Dr Anna Maria Vella were also present during the presentation; event was held on 27th April 2021.

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Id-Dawl 41

ID-DAWL MAY 2021: http://ahmadiyya.mt/iddawl_dir/Id-Dawl_Numru_041.pdf

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Why family separations are increasing?

Tliet separazzjonijiet kuljum – X’inhi r-raġuni?

It-Torca, 25 April 2021, Laiq Ahmed Atif, amjmalta@gmail.com

Illum il-ġurnata, l-ilmenti dwar intolleranza fiż-żwieġ qed jiżdiedu. Kultant, l-affarijiet taż-żwieġ u l-kunflitti tagħhom jirriżultaw f’sitwazzjonijiet ħżiena u ta’ ħsara kbira, u l-koppja tispiċċa fis-separazzjoni.

Dan l-aħħar smajt fl-aħbarijiet fuq Television Malta li fis-sena tal-pandemija ġew irreġistrati medja ta’ 3 separazzjonijiet kuljum. Skont iċ-ċifri uffiċjali s-sena li għaddiet ġew irreġistrati 1,143 separazzjoni f’Malta.

Dawn il-figuri huma xokkanti ħafna minħabba ċ-ċokon ta’ pajjiżna. Nifhem li l-pandemija ġabet ħafna sfidi lill-familji u l-koppji miżżewġa, imma huwa wkoll importanti li nevalwaw din is-sitwazzjoni biex nifhmu x’qed jikkawża nuqqas ta’ qbil bejn il-koppji li jwasslu biex jisseparaw it-toroq ta’ ħajjithom. 

Għaliex id-djar paċifiċi qed jinbidlu f’post tal-infern? Għaliex id-dar qed issir kamp tal-battalja għalihom? X’inhi r-raġuni għal din iż-żieda sostanzjali fis-separazzjonijiet? U fuq kollox: X’inhu r-rimedju?

Naħseb l-ewwel u qabel kollox għandna nifhmu li l-azzjonijiet tagħna mhumiex limitati f’erba’ ħitan ta’ djarna, imma l-impatt tagħhom jinħass ukoll fis-soċjetà, li fl-aħħar jaffettwa lill-pajjiż kollu. Allura huwa importanti immens li nagħmlu sforz pożittiv biex nappoġġjaw il-progress tal-pajjiż.

Għandna nifhmu wkoll li kull min qed joħloq dawn il-problemi, billi jħabbat lilu nnifsu fix-xibka tal-ego tiegħu stess, mhux biss qed joħloq problemi għalih innifsu u għall-parti l-oħra, iżda wkoll joħloq problemi għall-pajjiż. Dan huwa l-fatt, u huwa ovvju li l-ġid tan-nazzjon huwa mwaħħad mal-ġid tal-individwu.

Għalhekk jekk aħna rridu pajjiż san u progressiv, allura għandna biex insaħħu l-familji tagħna u nagħmlu kull sforz biex djarna jsiru kenn ta’ paċi, imħabba u kompassjoni.

Imma kif nistgħu niksbu dan l-għan?

L-ewwel nett, il-koppji li għal xi raġuni qed jgħaddu minn xi problemi għandhom jivvalutaw jekk humiex taħt l-influwenza tal-ego tagħhom stess. Kemm l-irġiel kif ukoll in-nisa għandhom jirriflettu dwarhom infushom.

Wara li jsibu l-kawżi tal-affarijiet li joħolqu n-nuqqas ta’ qbil bejniethom, kemm il-koppji kif ukoll il-familji tagħhom għandhom jibdew il-proċess tar-rikonċiljazzjoni permezz ta’ djalogu kostruttiv u effettiv bejniethom. Dan id-djalogu għandu jkun ċar, sinċier u bla ebda kundizzjonijiet.

L-Iżlam tana tagħlim sabiħ biex insaħħu r-relazzjonijiet familjari tagħna u nistabbilixxu ambjent ta’ mħabba u affezzjoni fid-djar tagħna. Alla jgħid li meta l-koppji jiżżewġu għandhom dejjem jimxu mal-verità u jsiru ġusti. Jekk il-koppja tiddeċiedi li dejjem se żżomm l-imħabba ta’ Alla ġo qalbhom u jgħinu lil xulxin b’responsabbiltà sħiħa dan se jsaħħaħ ir-relazzjonijiet tagħhom.

Għalhekk, kemm ir-raġel kif ukoll il-mara għandhom jibqgħu sodi fuq it-tjieba u l-pjetà, jitolbu biex ir-relazzjoni reċiproka tagħhom tissaħħaħ u jkollhom konsiderazzjoni u rispett għal xulxin u għall-qraba ta’ xulxin. Għandna nifhmu li r-relazzjonijiet mibnija fuq il-fiduċja u r-rispett isiru immuni mill-perikli esterni, u b’hekk jiġu evitati ħafna misunderstandings bejniethom.

Jekk hemm kwistjoni, irrispettivament minn min ħalaqha, ir-raġel u l-mara għandhom jiċċarawha billi jitkellmu ma’ xulxin bi mħabba u affezzjoni, u jindirizzaw is-sitwazzjoni immedjatament. Li tħalli l-kwistjonijiet ifixklu ma joħloq xejn għajr mibegħda, xquq fir-relazzjonijiet u djar imkissrin.

Il-ġenituri u l-qraba għandhom jgħinu lill-koppja biex isolvu l-kwistjoni, jekk jinqala’ xi ħaġa bejniethom, u għandhom ilissnu kliem li jista’ jsaħħaħ ir-relazzjoni tal-koppja. Il-ġenituri għandhom ikunu ta’ spalla effettiva għal uliedhom.

Jiena dejjem nemmen u konvint f’dan il-prinċipju tad-deheb li kull meta jinqala’ xi ħaġa wieħed għandu jkun raġonevoli u mhux emozzjonali. Allura, f’dawk il-kwistjonijiet kollha, minflok ma wiħed jieħu deċiżjoni emozzjonali, wieħed għandu juża r-raġuni biex jieħu dawk id-deċiżjonijiet. Dan huwa punt kruċjali f’kwalunkwe relazzjoni, inkluż iż-żwieġ.

Barra minn hekk, ir-rabja hija velenu, għalhekk il-koppji miżżewġin għandhom dejjem jippruvaw jevitawha b’kull mod, tkun xi tkun.

Biex jikkontrolla r-rabja tiegħu, il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, qal li jekk persuna rrabjata tkun bilwieqfa, għandha toqgħod bilqiegħda, u jekk tkun bilqiegħda tibda b’xi talba u tixrob l-ilma kiesaħ jew tieħu banju.

Osservajt li huma l-arroganza u n-nuqqas ta’ qalb tajba u n-nuqqas ta’ tolleranza li jsiru l-bażi tal-biċċa l-kbira tal-kunflitti matrimonjali. Jekk parti waħda tgħid xi ħaġa, il-parti l-oħra, minflok ma ttemm il-kunflitt billi turi tolleranza, twieġeb lura b’aktar aggressjoni. Bħala riżultat, il-kunflitti jsiru twal.

Iż-żewġ naħat huma responsabbli biex joħolqu lmenti u jeqirdu djarhom. Jekk in-nies miż-żewġ naħat jikkontrollaw l-emozzjonijiet tagħhom u jsiru ġusti fil-qalb, problemi bħal dawn qatt ma jinqalgħu.

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, wissa lil nies bħal dawn li, filwaqt li t-tnejn li huma jaraw difetti f’xulxin, irid ikun hemm ukoll xi kwalitajiet li jogħġbuhom f’xulxin ukoll. Mhuwiex possibbli li jkun hemm biss difetti fil-persuna l-oħra.

Jekk niffokaw fuq il-kwalitajiet tajbin u nadottaw id-drawwa tas-sagrifiċċju, allura nistgħu niżviluppaw atmosfera u ambjent ta’ armonija, imħabba, affezzjoni u rikonċiljazzjoni fi djarna.

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Fasting – A Blessed Institution

Is-sawm – istituzzjoni mbierka

Il-Leħen 25 April 2021, Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif

Is-sawm huwa forma ta’ qima u devozzjoni. Din il-forma ta’ qima tinstab universalment fir-reliġjonijiet kbar kollha tad-dinja. Għalkemm hemm differenzi fil-mod kif is-sawm huwa pprattikat f’reliġjonijiet differenti, iżda l-idea ċentrali tas-sawm hija preżenti kullimkien.

Il-Koran Imqaddes jiddikjara: “Intom li temmnu, is-sawm huwa obbligatorju għalikom, bħalma kien għal dawk ta’ qabilkom, ħalli tkunu tistgħu ssiru devoti.” (2:184)

Dan il-vers juri biċ-ċar li s-sawm kien dejjem parti integrali mill-kmandamenti spiritwali, u l-bniedem ta’ kull żmien kien mistenni li jsum sabiex isir persuna ġusta, twajba u devota. Sabiex il-bniedem jikber fil-karattru tiegħu, u jsir persuna onorabbli.

Meta wieħed jidħol fid-dettall isib li l-għan prinċipali ta’ dan l-eżerċizzju spiritwali, bħall-forom l-oħra kollha ta’ qima fl-Iżlam, huwa l-kisba tal-imħabba ta’ Alla u sabiex intejbu l-ispiritwalità tagħna.

Il-kelma Ramadan imbagħad 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.

Il-Musulmani fid-dinja kollha huma ordnati li jsumu għal xahar sħiħ kull sena. Ix-xahar tas-sawm, li huwa xahar lunari, jiġi ħdax-il jum aktar kmieni kull sena, b’hekk idur matul is-sena u f’kull parti tad-dinja jolqot l-istaġuni kollha wieħed wara l-ieħor.

Fl-Iżlam, is-sawm huwa obbligatorju għal kull adult, b’ċerti eċċezzjonijiet. Persuna marida, xi ħadd li qed jivvjaġġa, mara tqila jew li qed tredda’, persuna anzjana, xi ħadd li jsib l-esperjenza tas-sawm iebsa ħafna minħabba l-età jew xi diffikultà oħra, dawn kollha huma eżentati.

Meta l-marda hija temporanja, il-bniedem għandu jsum dawk il-ġranet tas-sawm li tilef wara r-Ramadan, imma jekk il-mard huwa permanenti, bħal fil-każ tax-xjuħija jew xi marda kronika, l-eżenzjoni ssir assoluta. Is-sawm jinvolvi t-tiċħid mill-ikel u x-xorb mis-sebħ (bejn wieħed u ieħor siegħa u nofs qabel tlugħ ix-xemx) sa nżul ix-xemx.

Is-sawm huwa eżerċizzju spiritwali, is-sawm jgħallem id-dixxiplina u jistimula t-talb, il-karità, it-twettiq ta’ għemejjel oħra tajba, u l-astensjoni mill-ħażen. Huwa jinkoraġġixxi wkoll l-iżvilupp tal-grazzja, tas-sabar, tal-qlubija, tal-umiltà, tas-sempliċità, u tas-sagrifiċċju.

Għan tas-sawm tul ir-Ramadan huwa biex ifakkarna fis-sofferenzi tan-nies li ma għandhomx riżorsi biżżejjed. Meta wieħed ma jikolx u ma jixrobx għal ġurnata sħiħa, hu jibda jirrealizza xi jfisser il-ġuħ u l-għatx u minn xiex jgħaddu l-foqra.

Matul dawn il-ġranet tal-pandemija, is-sawm jagħmel ħafna sens għalina. Il-messaġġ tas-sawm huwa dak li nieħdu ħsieb xulxin, ngħinu lil dawk li huma fil-bżonn, inkunu ta’ spalla effettiva lil xulxin, inxerrdu kelma ta’ kuraġġ, nuru s-solidarjetà ma’ xulxin, nimmotivaw lil dawk li jħossuhom imfarrka, imweġġgħin, iżolati u dgħajfa.

Ir-Ramadan jgħallimna li 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.

Fuq kollox, is-sawm jgħallimna l-importanza tat-talb. Għalhekk, huwa opportunità mill-isbaħ li nqimu quddiem Alla u nitolbu lil dawk kollha li b’xi mod ġew affettati minn din il-pandemija, u sabiex din il-pandemija tintemm malajr.

Barra minn hekk, ir-Ramadan jgħallimna wkoll dwar l-importanza tal-ikel u l-ilma. Skont xi studji terz tal-ikel kollu għall-użu tal-bniedem jinħela. Allura l-messaġġ tar-Ramadan huwa dak li nibżgħu għall-ikel u l-ilma u ma naħluhomx.

Is-sawm mhuwiex biss l-astensjoni mill-ikel u x-xorb, iżda huwa xi ħaġa ħafna ikbar minn dan. Waqt is-sawm, wieħed irid jikkontrolla l-emozzjonijiet tiegħu u joqgħod lura milli jirrabja, jargumenta jew iġib ruħu b’xi mod irrazzjonali. Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, qal: “Dak li jastjeni mill-ikel u x-xorb matul il-perjodu tas-sawm iżda ma jrażżanx lilu nnifsu milli jlissen gidba jkun qed jiċċaħħad għalxejn.”

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The Significance of Ramadan

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Is Vaccine permissible while Fasting?

Permissibility of Vaccine while Fasting: Instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

Recently, the British Islamic Medical Association UK issued a statement saying that taking the Covid-19 vaccine would not invalidate a fast during Ramadan.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes otherwise. To clarify this issue and to remove any confusion, the latest guidelines of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the Worldwide Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, are being presented below for everyone’s benefit:

“To receive any type of injection, whether it is intramuscular or intravenous, during the state of fasting, is forbidden. If an Ahmadi gets an appointment for the coronavirus vaccine during Ramadan, then the leave that Islam has granted should be availed and on the day of the injection, they should not fast and they should complete that fast after the month of Ramadan.”

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Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan Mubarak: We pray to Almighty Allah for His mercy and forgiveness during this blessed month and for protection from this pandemic, all forms of calamities, illnesses, sufferings and difficulties. May Almighty Allah accept all our prayers, worships and supplications in this Holy month of Ramadan. Ameen

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The Purpose of Creation

L-GĦAN TAL-ĦOLQIEN

Ngħixu fiż-żmien modern fejn għandna progress teknoloġiku tal-għaġeb. Kważi kull ġimgħa nsibu invenzjonijiet ġodda fit-teknoloġija. In-nies huma dejjem ħerqana kull meta xi ħaġa ġdida tasal fis-suq. Ħafna drabi naraw kjus twal barra l-ħwienet u nies jagħmlu minn kollox biex ikunu huma li jixtru l-aġġeġġi teknoloġiċi l-ewwel u qabel ħaddieħor. Din it-tiġrija materjalistika okkupat il-bnedmin tant li nsew l-għan ewlieni tal-ħolqien tagħhom.

Huwa fatt li meta l-bniedem jibda jiddependi ħafna fuq il-materjaliżmu, in-naħa spiritwali tiegħu tonqos, u dak huwa li naraw madwarna llum il-ġurnata. Dan jikkontradixxi l-għan veru tal-ħolqien tal-bniedem. Meta l-bniedem jimxi skont ir-rieda ta’ Alla u skont l-għan veru tal-ħolqien, il-bniedem mhux biss jikseb il-barkiet ta’ din id-dinja imma jirċievi wkoll il-barkiet tal-ħajja eterna.

Imma, x’inhu l-għan tal-ħolqien tal-bniedem? Min jista’ jamar l-għan tal-ħajja?

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana jispjega u jwieġeb dawn il-mistoqsijiet u jgħid li, għalkemm nies differenti, minħabba n-nuqqas ta’ viżjoni tagħhom jew minħabba n-nuqqas ta’ kuraġġ, joħolqu għanijiet diversi f’ħajjithom u jaslu biss sa skopijiet u xewqat tad-dinja, madanakollu l-għan li Alla l-Omnipotenti speċifika fil-Kelma Qaddisa Tiegħu huwa dan: “Jiena ħloqt il-ġinni u l-bnedmin ħalli dawn jagħrfuni u jagħtuni qima.” (Il-Koran Imqaddes, 51:57)

Skont dan il-vers l-għan ewlieni tal-ħajja tal-bniedem huwa l-qima u l-għarfien ta’ Alla l-Omnipotenti u l-imħabba lejh.

Huwa evidenti li mhux f’idejn il-bniedem li għandu jiddeċiedi dwar l-għanijiet ta’ ħajtu bis-setgħa tiegħu stess daqskemm il-bniedem ma jasalx f’din id-dinja bir-rieda tiegħu, u ma jitlaqx minnha meta jixtieq hu. Huwa esseri maħluq u Dak li ħolqu u għanieh b’fakultajiet aħjar u ogħla minn dawk ta’ kreaturi oħra ordna għan għal ħajtu.

Jekk wieħed jifhimx dak l-għan jew le, bla dubju ta’ xejn l-għan tal-ħolqien tal-bniedem huwa l-adorazzjoni u l-għarfien ta’ Alla l-Omnipotenti u li wieħed iħalli lilu nnifsu f’idejH.

L-għan prinċipali tal-mezzi u l-fakultajiet interni u esterni li ngħataw lill-bniedem huwa l-fehim ta’ Alla, il-qima Tiegħu u l-imħabba Tiegħu.

Huwa għalhekk, minkejja li jkun medhi b’diversi proġetti f’ħajtu, li l-bniedem ma jsibx il-benesseri proprja tiegħu ħlief f’Alla.

Billi kellu rikkezzi kbar, billi kellu pożizzjoni għolja, billi kien negozjant kbir, billi kien jirrenja f’saltna enormi, billi kien magħruf bħala filosfu kbir, fl-aħħar huwa jħalli dawn l-impenji kollha b’sogħba kbira. Qalbu l-ħin kollu ċċanfru fuq il-preokkupazzjoni totali tiegħu fuq il-ħwejjeġ tad-dinja.

Meta nħarsu lejn il-fakultajiet tal-bniedem u nippruvaw niskopru l-ogħla lħiq tagħhom, insibu li huwa jfittex ’l Alla, l-Eżaltat. Huwa jixtieq li jsir tant devot lejn Alla li ma jibqa’ jżomm xejn għalih u kulma għandu jsir ta’ Alla.

Jidher ċar, għalhekk, li l-ogħla lħiq tal-fakultajiet tal-bniedem huwa li jiltaqa’ ma’ Alla, l-Eżaltat. B’hekk l-għan prinċipali ta’ ħajtu huwa li t-tieqa ta’ qalbu tinfetaħ għal Alla.

Source/Credit: Il-Leħen, 11/04/2021, Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta – amjmalta@gmail.com

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Hijab Ban: Freedom or Oppression?

France’s Hijab Ban: Freedom or Further Oppression?

Noor-Ul-Hudah Khan, Lawyer, Lajna Imaillah Malta

Is there really any difference between a nation that forces someone to wear any particular clothing and a nation that restricts individuals from wearing a dress of their choice? In actuality, both are oppressions.

France is looking to introduce a ban on the hijab for all women under the age of 18. Unfortunately, we don’t see an outcry equivalent to when a nation imposes all women to wear the hijab. Why is prohibiting the hijab is an issue?

This is in stark contrast with the fact that France is looking to pass another law for the age of consent for intimate relationships at the age of 15. If both these laws are enacted this would be a sheer paradox. It would mean a person over the age of 15 is considered to be old and mature enough to consent to have an intimate relationship however, for a girl to choose to wear the hijab, apparently, her intellectual level isn’t quite there until she turns 18. I’m not sure how much sense that makes to everyone because quite frankly, it doesn’t make any sense to me. 

In the majority of states, a minor is someone who is below the age of 18. However, several countries have lowered the age from 18 for certain provisions. In several countries, those under 18 are given the privilege to carry out many significant tasks autonomously because they are believed to have the capacity to do so. For example, in some countries the voting age has been lowered to 16, and in others, youth are allowed to drive independently or with supervision under the age of 18. Not only is casting a vote of paramount importance, the responsibility of driving a vehicle on the road, whilst being careful not to harm other civilians, is of much bigger importance. Yet, it is permitted in certain countries because it is believed that they have the intellectual capacity, even under the age of 18, to drive. It is therefore very unfortunate that in some nations, it is considered that a girl under the age of 18 does not have the intelligence or capacity to choose to wear the hijab.

In this modern time, parents are encouraged to give importance to children’s voices from a very young age. We therefore find that intellect and maturity develops within children from a young age. Hence, a girl most definitely has the capacity to make an autonomous decision to wear the hijab from a younger age. Wearing the hijab for most isn’t a matter of just wearing it for the sake of it. Most girls undertake research and are encouraged to understand why they choose to wear the hijab before taking on the responsibility of wearing it. I myself was 14 when I decided to wear the hijab, free from any pressure and from my own research. I have also witnessed girls much younger than me make this decision themselves.

So now, if a girl under the age of 18 in France, wakes up one day and decides that she would like to follow her religion and wear the hijab but can’t, so, is she being empowered or oppressed? Let me detach myself from the situation and view it from a neutral perspective; surely, I would still find this to be oppression from the state. Moreover, it is depriving young girls to follow their faith and their religious duties.

The Western world is very quick to call out Middle Eastern nations on their laws imposing head coverings, condemning them for their lack of freedom of choice. Isn’t this basically what France is now doing? Taking away a woman’s choice? I’m not sure what threat a hijab imposes on a society. All I know is that I wear a hijab considering it my religious duty, and a sign of dignity and modesty. This is because for a Muslim woman a hijab has much more significance than its physical appearance. So, I’d really like you to consider how a piece of cloth on the head is a threat to a society? 

In conclusion, taking away a woman’s choice of not being able to adopt a particular dress code is just as oppressive as forcing a woman to wear something. I would like the readers to understand that this is an expression of sympathy and remorse as I watch society become less considerate when it restricts the freedom of a woman in a so-called “free world”. I consider this an attack on a woman’s freedom of choice and watch as a woman’s liberty becomes limited. Is such an imposition on women a freedom and empowerment of women or is it further oppression? 

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Donation to Community Chest Fund

Ahmadiyya Muslims Donate Masks to Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta was very pleased to present a donation of 10,000 certified face masks to Malta Community Chest Fund for the families in need. The donation was presented to Madam Chair of Administrative Board Ambassador Marlene Mizzi, by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, together with Youth Leader, Haroon Ahmad Khan.

Madam Chair of Administrative Board Ambassador Marlene Mizzi welcomed the donation and highlighted the core principles of Malta Community Chest Fund that always helps individuals and families in need.

Imam Atif said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is always committed to help those in needs and serving mankind is one of our core principles. Thus, we feel ourselves obliged to contribute to the great work being done by the MCCF. He said that, God willing we will continue extend our support and solidarity to MCCF in the future. Photos: OPR

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Love is the antidote of hatred

Times of Malta: In this modern and technologically advanced world, we see that technology has taken over every field of our social and economic activity. Even religious activities are also being carried out through technological means. Different modes of technology and modern means of communication have become integral parts of our everyday life. It is hard to deny the importance and benefits of the modern day technological advancements.

However, it is also a fact that there are people who misuse these mediums and are always there to spread fear, misinformation and disrespect. We also encounter the attempts of abusive language and behaviour on a daily basis. The question is how to counter such insulting behaviour? How to limit the effects of such offensive language on the people who are on the receiving end? What remedy should one apply at any such inevitable and undesired experience?

Indeed, love and true sympathy are the very antidotes of every form of abuse and hatred and can serve as an effective weapon and instrument for a harmonious and prosperous society.

However, it is a grave misfortune that compassion and human values are fast diminishing. Thus it makes it extremely imperative and incumbent upon us all, not just those of good nature and faith, that we increase our dose of love, affection, sympathy and kindness, to such an extent that it prevails and overcomes all forms of malice and spite.

I truly believe that love is such a powerful weapon that when sincerely utilised, it touches the heart and soul of others. It is such an instrument that has proved itself time after time throughout human history.

So why should we not utilise this weapon today? I think we should utilise it manifold, because to uproot a deep-rooted ailment a higher dose of medication is required. When malicious comments and remarks are widely spread throughout the internet, when a virus is causing such severe damage, to secure our well-being and dignity, extremely higher doses of this jab called ‘love and compassion’ are essential.

The advice of an expert and wise surgeon to his or her cancer patient would always be to counter the ailment head on, otherwise the cancer may spread all over the body and thus result in a casualty. Similarly, if we want that the cancer of hatred should not infiltrate our societies and bring them to a standstill, we must increase our sober voices and decent actions for promoting compassion, sympathy, dignity and respect.  

I would like to conclude with a story that truly reflects that love is more powerful than hatred. In fact, we can conquer the strong bastions and fortresses of hatred and malice through love and compassion.

It is a story of an imam and a pastor. They were both bitter enemies leading opposing armed militias in their conflict-ridden communities in northern Nigeria. Due to the conflicts between the Muslims and Christians, hundreds of people died and thousands suffered the consequences of such a divisive and war-torn area.

Their story got a positive turn when a meeting was arranged between the two leaders by a journalist in 1995. This became a beginning of a journey from hatred and violence towards forgiveness and healing. They started building trust between each other and this positive journey continued and eventually, they became good friends. They had won against hatred and together they were able to build harmonious, peaceful and compassionate communities.

Undoubtedly, love between two human beings is more powerful than the hatred between two communities.

Let us make compassion, benevolence and merciful love our hallmark and a part and parcel of our everyday life to conquer the ever-increasing hatred and abuse. Let us choose love not hate.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, amjmalta@gmail.comTimesOfMaltaRead this article in TURKISH

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Id-Dawl 40

ID-DAWL (THE LIGHT) APRIL 2021

http://www.ahmadiyya.mt/iddawl_dir/Id-Dawl_Numru_040.pdf

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Fasting in World Religions

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Donation of Masks & Sanitizers

Ahmadiyya Donates Masks & Sanitizers to Migrant Families

During the Covid-19 pandemic the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta was thoughtful for the needs of the migrant communities living in Malta and extended its solidarity by providing them with hand sanitizers and 5,000 certified face masks. Prior to this presentation, the volunteers packed the face masks according to the individual needs with passion of serving fellow human beings.

The donation was presented to Ms. Amanda Vella, the representative of AWAS, and the centre coordinator Ms. Ann De Marco, by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, together with Youth Leader, Haroon Ahmad Khan. NewsBook.com.mtSunday Times of MaltaMalta Turkish News

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