Does Islam Teach Hatred for Non-Muslims?

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Islam, is the name given by Allah the Almighty to this religion (Quran 5:4). The word “Islam” literally means peace. In this single word, all Islamic teachings and attitudes are most beautifully and concisely reflected. So, how can a religion that means peace can teach hatred for others? In brief, Islam does not teach hatred and discrimination for any human being, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.

One of the fundamental teachings of Islam and one which every Muslim cultivates in his heart is that of brotherhood and equality of human beings. Since Islam considers the diversity of people and nature as God’s creation, respect for diversity is commanded. Especially noted in the Quran are “People of the Book”, namely Jews and Christians, who were always given a special place in Muslim society. Muslims are commanded to safeguard their right to worship and their places of worship, a command that has been historically followed, as is evidenced by the existence of old churches and synagogues throughout the Muslim world in places like Turkey, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Bosnia. Contrary to the common stereotype, Islam was not “spread by the sword”, nor people forced to convert, a fact again borne out by the existence of non-Muslim populations throughout the Muslim world. This same respect and tolerance was extended to people of other faiths.

Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) was sent as “a Mercy for all the worlds,” and that he brought a final religion for all humanity. The very first leaf of the Holy Quran praises the Lord Who is the Sustainer of all the worlds (1:2), and its last passage urges us to pray to the Lord of mankind (114:2). Thus both the first and the last words of the Holy Quran present the concept of the entire universe, and not merely that of a God of the Arabs or the Muslims.  Sometimes an impression is created by some people that the Holy Quran says that don’t make friends with non-believers. Such references are taken out of context. There is a mention in the Holy Quran about some people who are open and declared enemies of Islam. It is discouraged to make close friends with such people.

In a nutshell, Islam is a religion of love, compassion and service to humanity. The ethos of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – Love for All, Hatred for None – is an essence and embodiment of the entire Islamic teaching. It is a crystal clear manifestation of the Quranic teaching of compassion and love for the entire humanity. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes and practices this famous slogan and is always committed to serve fellow human beings, and to show compassion and love to all humanity, without any difference of colour, creed or faith.

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Id-Dawl Numru 22

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (The Light) OCTOBER 2019

(i) Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana)  

(ii) Promotion of Harmony and Mutual Respect

(iii) Compassion in a time of crisis

(iv) Does Islam teach hatred for non-Muslims?

(v) Good Neighbours (vi) A True Muslim

Click here to read: ID-DAWL OCTOBER 2019

Id-Dawl 22

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl Magazine, Interfaith, Jalsa Salana Malta, Muslims for Peace, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Invitation: Annual Convention 2019

Posted on September 28, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

IL-KONVENZJONI ANNWALI (JALSA SALANA 2019)

Il-Konvenzjoni Annwali (Jalsa Salana) hija l-laqgħa formali ta’ kull sena tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana mibdija minn Ħażrat Mirża Ghulam Aħmad, il-Messija Mwiegħed(as), il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana. Il-konvenzjoni annwali hija avveniment uniku li jġib flimkien nies minn oqsma differenti tal-ħajja u li l-għan tagħha huwa li ssaħħaħ l-għaqda bejn il-popli, u mal-Ħallieq tagħna.

Il-Messija Mwiegħedas iddeskriva l-iskopijiet ta’ din il-konvenzjoni fil-kitbiet tiegħu. Huwa jgħid: “L-għan ewlieni ta’ din il-konvenzjoni huwa biex kull persuna ġenwina tkun kapaċi tesperjenza personalment gwadann reliġjuż; jistgħu jkattru l-għarfien tagħhom, u billi jkunu mbierka u mnebbħa minn Alla Glorifikat, il-perċezzjoni tagħhom (ta’ Alla) tista’ titjieb. Bħala benefiċċji sekondarji, din il-miġemgħa ta’ bejnietna sservi bħala introduzzjoni bejn l-aħwa kollha, u b’hekk jissaħħu r-rabtiet fraternali qalb din il-Komunità.”(i)

Il-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana Malta se torganizza t-tielet Konvenzjoni Annwali tagħha nhar il-Ħadd 13 ta’ Ottubru 2019. It-tema għall-konvenzjoni ta’ din is-sena hija  ‘Servizz lill-Umanità’.

(i) Ishtihar 7 Diċembru 1892, Majmooah Ishtiharat, vol.1, p. 340

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Are Muslim Women Allowed to Acquire Knowledge?

Posted on September 15, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

In-Nisa Musulmani Jistgħu Jiksbu l-Għarfien? 

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

L-għarfien huwa setgħa. L-Iżlam bħala reliġjon universali tenfasizza li l-edukazzjoni għall-irġiel u għan-nisa qiegħda fuq l-istess livell ta’ importanza, u l-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, iwassal l-idea li l-edukazzjoni hija obbligatorja għat-tnejn. Huwa qal:

“Huwa l-obbligu ta’ kull raġel Musulman u ta’ kull mara Musulmana li jiksbu l-għarfien.”

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, ħeġġeġ lin-nisa tiegħu biex ifittxu l-għarfien u darba stqarr li “nofs ir-reliġjon tal-Iżlam jista’ jiġi mgħallem mill-mara tiegħu Ħażrat Ayeshara.” Tabilħaqq, wara mewtu, ilkomunità kollha Musulmana kienet tfittex il-pariri tan-nisa tiegħu.

Il-Qdusija Tiegħu, Mirża Masroor Aħmadaba, il-Mexxej Spiritwali Dinji talKomunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, daħal fil-fond ta’ dan is-suġġett u qal:

“F’termini ta’ għarfien kemm sekulari kif ukoll reliġjuż, ftit bniet Musulmani kellhom l-opportunità li jkomplu l-istudji sekulari jew li jitgħallmu dwar twemminhom u jkattru l-għarfien reliġjuż tagħhom. Din hija ħasra u ta’ min jikkundannaha bil-qawwa, għaliex il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa ta importanza kbira u valur immens lill-edukazzjoni u t-taħriġ morali tan-nisa u l-bniet. Madanakollu, maż-żmien, din l-istruzzjoni tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa ġiet aktar injorata mill-Musulmani u għalhekk innisa Musulmani baqgħu ħafna inqas edukati mill-irġiel.

Kawża ewlenija ta’ din it-tendenza sfortunata kienet li ħafna millhekk imsejħa skulari reliġjużi li jagħmlu parti mill-hekk imsejħa Ulema (skulari reliġjużi) ma ridux li l-għarfien jitwassal jew jinxtered, la bejn l-irġiel, imma aktar u aktar fost in-nisa. Bi ksur tat-tagħlim Iżlamiku, huma xtaqu lin-nisa li jibqgħu magħluqa bejn l-erba’ ħitan ta’ djarhom u għaldaqstant ma ppermettewlhomx li jiksbu edukazzjoni bażika.

Dawn l-attitudnijiet għamlu ħsara estensiva lill-progress fit-tul tal-Iżlam, għaliex b’hekk ma kienx possibbli għan-nisa Musulmani biex iħarrġu moralment lil uliedhom meta huma stess ma kellhomx għarfien ta’ twemminhom. Madanakollu din l-attitudni egoistika immens iddominat tul is-sekli u kompliet sakemm Alla Omnipotenti bagħat lill-Messija Mwiegħedas [il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana], biex bissaħħa tiegħu jkun hemm qawmien u tixtil tat-tagħlim ġenwin tal-Iżlam.

Bil-miġja tiegħu, barra li l-Messija Mwiegħedas ta importanza kbira lit-Tarbiyyat (it-taħriġ spiritwali u morali) tal-irġiel u inkoraġġiehom biex jieħdu l-edukazzjoni, hekk ukoll huwa ħeġġeġ lin-nisa u l-bniet Ahmadi biex ifittxu l-edukazzjoni sekulari u t-tagħlim reliġjuż.

Fil-fatt, kien hemm żmien meta l-Messija Mwiegħedas innifsu kien personalment jgħallem ir-reliġjon lin-nisa. Bil-gwida mbierka tiegħu, u sussegwentement bis-saħħa ta’ Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya (Kalifat fil-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana), in-nisa Ahmadi bdew jifhmu t-tifsira u l-valur li wieħed ikollu l-edukazzjoni u li jfittex l-għarfien reliġjuż. Bla dubju ta’ xejn, matul l-eżistenza tagħha, il-Komunità tagħna kompliet tippromwovi u tagħti s-sostenn lill-edukazzjoni tan-nisa u l-bniet u twaqqfu ħafna programmi jew pjanijiet biex dan seta’ jseħħ.” (The ROR, April 2017, p. 12-14)

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Education, Knowledge and Islam

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

L-Edukazzjoni, l-Għarfien u l-Iżlam 

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

L-edukazzjoni u l-għarfien huma ċ-ċavetta tas-suċċess. L-Iżlam u l-Fundatur tal-Iżlam, il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, enfasizzaw immensament it-tiftix tal-għarfien. Wieħed jista’ jifhem l-importanza ta’ dan is-suġġett mill-fatt li l-ewwel kelma rivelata lill-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, kienet ‘Iqra’ li tfisser ‘Aqra’. Huwa kien ġewwa għar fuq il-Muntanja Hira, jimmedita waħdu, meta żaru l-Anġlu Gabriel u qallu:

“Aqra, f’Isem il-Mulej tiegħek li ħalaq; ħalaq lill-bniedem minn ftit demm magħqud. Itlob! U l-Mulej tiegħek hu dak li jagħmel l-aktar ġid. Dak li għallem lill-bniedem bil-pinna; għallem lillbniedem dak li ma kienx jaf.” (96:2-6)

F’dawn il-versi mhux biss qed tingħata l-attenzjoni lit-tiftix u l-ksib talgħarfien, iżda dawn il-versi fihom ukoll profezija dwar l-iżvilupp talgħarfien u li l-akkwist tal-għarfien jibqa’ sejjer sa jum il-ġudizzju. Aktar minn hekk dawn il-versi jenfasizzaw l-importanza tal-ksib tal-għarfien kemm dak spiritwali kif ukoll dak prattiku. F’parti oħra tal-Koran Imqaddes l-għarfien ġie deskritt bħala “il-grazzja kbira t’Alla”; din tgħid:

“Huwa jagħti l-għerf lil min jixtieq Hu, u kull min jingħata l-għerf ikun tassew ġie ppremjat b’ħafna tjubija; u ħadd ma jagħti kas ħlief dawk mogħnija bil-fehim.” (2:270)

Fi kliem ieħor, dawk biss li jirriflettu jistgħu jifhmu s-sinjali t’Alla u jersqu viċin tiegħu. Iżjed minn hekk il-Koran jgħallimna talba li tgħid hekk:

“O Sidi, kabbarni fl-għarfien.” (20:115). Il-kliem ‘O Sidi, kabbarni flgħarfien’ jixhed l-importanza kbira li l-Koran Imqaddes jagħti lill-ksib talgħarfien. Il-Koran Imqaddes jenfasizza wkoll l-importanza tal-għarfien għax dan ikattar l-imħabba u l-biża’ t’Alla. Huwa jgħid:

“Huma biss il-qaddejja Tiegħu li għandhom l-għarfien li jibżgħu minn Alla.” (35:29)

Madanakollu, l-għarfien, hawnhekk, mhux bilfors qed jalludi għallgħarfien spiritwali iżda wkoll għal dak tal-liġijiet tan-natura. Studju dettaljat tan-natura u l-liġijiet tagħha bla dubju ta’ xejn iwassal biex wieħed jintebaħ bis-setgħat qawwija t’Alla u konsegwentament jibda jħares lejn Alla b’qima riverenzjali. Il-Koran Imqaddes iħeġġeġ lill-fidili kollha biex jaħsbu, josservaw, jirriflettu u jħaddmu l-fakultajiet razzjonali tagħhom. L-għarfien iġib il-fehim u persuna bl-għarfien hija aħjar minn waħda mingħajru, kif Alla jgħid:

“Staqsi, ‘Dawk li jafu huma daqs dawk li ma jafux?’ Tassew, dawk biss li huma mogħnija bil-fehim se jagħtu kas.” (39:10)

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

Dawn il-ftit referenzi juru b’mod ċar kemm l-Iżlam jagħti importanza lilliżvilupp tal-edukazzjoni u l-għarfien. L-għarfien iġib il-qawwa mela aħna rridu nagħmlu ħilitna kollha biex niksbu l-għarfien.

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Love Your Country, Keep it Clean

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

ĦOBB LIL PAJJIŻEK, ŻOMMU NADIF

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

L-indafa tagħmel parti mill-fidi u tressaqna lejn ħajja aktar sana. L-Iżlam jagħti importanza kbira lill-indafa tal-ġisem kif ukoll dak tal-ambjent. Dikjarazzjoni qasira tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, tenfasizza dan il-punt b’mod verament sabiħ.

Huwa qal, “L-indafa hija meħtieġa għall-fidi.” Huwa qal ukoll, “L-indafa hija ċ-ċavetta għat-Talb u t-Talb huwa ċavetta għallĠenna.”

Bħalma nieħdu ħsieb ta’ ġisimna, hekk ukoll huwa essenzjali li l-ambjent jibqa’ nadif u galbat. L-ambjenti tagħna għandhom iżommu livell għoli ta’ ndafa; barra minn hekk, huwa dmir tagħna li nżommu pajjiżna nadif.

Li nżommu l-ambjent nadif mhijiex xi biċċa xogħol diffiċli; jekk nagħtu ftit kas nistgħu ngħinu biex inżommu l-lokalità tagħna nadifa. Ma rridux inħammġu l-ambjent fejn ngħixu, it-toroq tagħna, il-bajjiet u l-baħar sabiħ tagħna. Barra minn hekk, jekk naraw il-ħmieġ madwarna, irridu nneħħuh u narmuh bl-aħjar mod possibbli.

Rigward l-indafa fit-toroq, jingħad li meta l-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa kien ikun qed jimxi u jilmaħ xi ħmieġ fi triqtu, kien ineħħih huwa stess u jgħid li dik il-persuna li żżomm it-triq nadifa tikseb is-sodisfazzjon t’Alla u premju kbir. (Muslim, Kitabul Bir Wasila)

Bil-barkiet t’Alla għandna xeni ta’ pajjiżna li jsaħħruk. Tara ritratti millisbaħ. In-natura hija ġentili ħafna magħna. Dan jibgħat messaġġ millaktar importanti li l-ħarsien tal-ambjent huwa r-responsabbiltà ta’ kulħadd. Pajjiżna huwa verament sabiħ u jeħtieġ li nkomplu ngħożżuh biex uliedna wkoll ikunu jistgħu jgawdu minn dan l-ambjent. Għalhekk, huwa ferm importanti li nħobbu lil pajjiżna u nżommuh nadif.

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Id-Dawl Numru 21

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) SEPTEMBER 2019

(i) Education (ii) Thinking ill about others

(iii) Love Your Country, Keep it Clean

(iv) Education, Knowledge and Islam

(v) Are Muslim Women Allowed to Acquire Knowledge?

Click here to read: ID-DAWL SEPTEMBER 2019

Id-Dawl 21

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl Magazine, Women's Rights, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Third Annual Convention Malta 2019

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

3rd Jalsa Salana Malta 2019 – The Annual Convention

The Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) is an annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community initiated by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah(as), the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The annual convention is a unique event that brings together people from different walks of life and the purpose of which is to foster unity between all people.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta is organising its third Annual Convention on Sunday 13th October 2019. The theme for this year’s convention is “Serving Humanity”.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta cordially invites you to this convention of fostering unity, harmony, love and brotherhood. Please write to us on amjmalta@gmail.com to receive a formal invitation and programme.

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Breakdown of family structure

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: Times of Malta, August 12, 2019. Breakdown of family structure _ Laiq Ahmed Atif (Times) 

‘Children killing their parents is fastest growing homicide in US’ was the title of an eye-opening article published in The Sunday Times of Malta (July 28). The article also highlighted the appalling situation that “in the US, five children kill their biological parents every week.”

There are many contributing factors to this. However, one very common one is the increasing breakdown of the family structure and the disintegration of the community.

Although Malta still has strong families compared to other Western societies, the writer of the article warns that “Malta is not immune to this social fragmentation”.

I found this to be a very important and timely article. The bottom line is that, if we really want to prosper and live better, more peaceful and satisfied lives – moreover, if we want our coming generations to be morally, spiritually, academically, financially and socially strong, immune from the ills of modern society – then we must build strong and healthy families.

Rather than taking an unwise stance of ‘wait and see’, I think that adopting a proactive approach is the need of the hour. We should not only wait for the paradise of the Hereafter but must build our paradise in this very life. We must make our homes an abode of peace, love and respect.

We must strongly shun every ulterior motivation to make personal and materialistic gains and instead become loyal, selfless and faithful to each other. How true rings the phrase ‘you reap what you sow’.

Therefore, instead of racing towards the trends and fashions of this world, we should excel in the race of piety and righteousness, and instead of solely focusing on materialistic gains, we should utilise all our capacities and capabilities to build strong and healthy families. Instead of spending long hours on mobile phones surfing the internet or in front of televisions, we should use our valuable time to prepare a healthy and enriched generation in terms of education, training and moral values.

I found the words of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the current leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, very touching. He says: “Adorn your and your children’s future in this world and in the hereafter.”

 

We must strongly shun every ulterior motivation to make personal and materialistic gains and instead become loyal, selfless and faithful to each other

 

In the Holy Quran, God promises “two Gardens” to those who give precedence to piety and righteousness over everything else.

These “two Gardens” refer to the paradise of this life and the one in the hereafter. Thus, we must remember that God Almighty wants us to keep our eyes on tomorrow as well and, this way, we would be able to inherit the paradise of this world as well as the next.

How can the breakdown of the family structure be avoided? How can we make our homes like paradise? By means of what can we create a paradise in our homes?

First and foremost, by the development of high moral values and elevated standards of piety and righteousness.

Sharing chores in the house is also important. Upholding the dictum that both men and women should without question do their bit for their household could bring about more harmony in the family and avoid much conflict.

Guiding fathers towards their important role in the valuable family-building environment, His Holiness said: “I would say to fathers that they should also play their part in making their homes like paradise. Don’t place the sole responsibility on mothers.

When men express their love at home and fulfil their responsibilities, then a mother’s pious training is more fruitful.”

It has been noticed that boys who are well-trained by their parents will grow up to become husbands and fathers who act righteously. They will possess high morals and they will help their wives make their homes like paradise.

Leading by example is a crucial element in building a harmonious family structure.

Parents are the role models for their children, so it becomes incumbent upon them to always be heedful of every word they utter and every act they perform. This is because this will leave strong and irremovable marks on their children’s memories.

To make family life healthy and prosperous, and to add to it the sweet flavour of happiness, it is highly recommended that parents should spend valuable time with their children and establish effective communication between all family members.

In addition, children should be provided with a serene and understandable open platform to discuss matters freely with their parents. Home environments should always demonstrate the core values of faithfulness, kindness, unconditional love and respect.

Parents should involve their children in social and philanthropic works and projects so that these can develop the sense of kindness and benevolence from their childhood.

They should teach children the harms of excessive and unprotected use of technology, not simply by mere words but through practical examples.

Parents should also teach them the reality of life not by mere lip service, but by living it. These are proven methods that can save family structures from breakdown and fragmentation. Find Original Article

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

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Id-Dawl Numru 20

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) August 2019

(i) Our Mission: Serving Humanity (ii) Men of God

(iii) Means of Healing Spiritual Ills

(iv) A Unique Experience (v) Justice and Peace

(vi) The Right Path (vii) Jihad with the Pen

Click here to read: ID-DAWL AUGUST 2019

Id-Dawl 20

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Id-Dawl Numru 19

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) JULY 2019

(i) Friendship (ii) Determination

(iii) High Moral Qualities – Essence of Humanity

(iv) The Exemplary Hospitality (v) Haven of Peace and Love

(vi) International Relations (vii) Donation of Books

Click here to read: ID-DAWL JULY 2019

Id-Dawl 19

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Ahmadiyya donates books to Ta Paris School

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta donated 175 children’s books to the Ta Paris Middle School Birkirkara on Friday 21st June 2019. President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, on behalf of the Community presented the books to the Head of School Mr. Bernardo Riolo. Malta Independent

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Id-Dawl Numru 18

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) JUNE 2019

(i) Celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr

(ii) Did Allah create evil?

(iii) Peace and Harmony in the Society

(iv) Interreligious Ramadan Iftar

Click here to read: ID-DAWL JUNE 2019

Id-Dawl 18

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Video: The Concept of Fasting in Religions

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

On Friday 31st May 2019 the Ahmadiyya Muslin Community in Malta hosted an Interfaith Ramadan Iftar Dinner and its 11th Annual Peace Symposium collectively on the theme “Ramadan & Peace: The Concept of Fasting in Religions”, and invited distinguished guests and faith and community leaders to join in the celebration. The President of Malta, His Excellency Dr George Vella and his wife were the special guests.

6:28 Address of the President of Malta, H.E. Dr George Vella

12:36 Rev. Joseph Ellul – Fasting in Christianity

23:00 Mr. Gordhan Mohnani – Fasting in Hinduism

29:44 Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif – the Philosophy of Fasting in Islam

42:53 Brief Speeches

54:37 Recitation of Prayers

58:38 Comments & Remarks

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, Peace Symposium, Ramadan, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ramadan and Peace: the Concept of Fasting in Religions

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

On Friday 31st May 2019 the Ahmadiyya Muslin Community in Malta hosted an Interfaith Ramadan Iftar Dinner and its 11th Annual Peace Symposium collectively on the theme “Ramadan & Peace: The Concept of Fasting in Religions”, and invited distinguished guests and faith and community leaders to join in the celebration. The President of Malta, His Excellency Dr George Vella and his wife were the special guests. Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, together with community members welcomed His Excellency and other distinguished guests. 

The event brought together guests from different walks of life to join the important discussion about the purpose of fasting in religions, to celebrate the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Islam and break the fast with the community. All major faiths were represented at the event.


The aim of the interfaith gathering is to promote a deeper understanding of Islam and other faiths and to inspire a concerted effort towards lasting societal peace.

The programme began with recitation of the Holy Quran. In his opening address, the President of Malta, His Excellency Dr George Vella, spoke about the need of interfaith harmony and dialogue, and he congratulated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and said:

“It is with great pleasure that I am meeting with members of the Muslim community to celebrate the breaking of the fast together. I wish to congratulate Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for taking such an open minded approach to celebrate the traditional Islamic Ramadan, and promoting unity by inviting us all here today to share with you the breaking of the fast, irrespective of our religious beliefs.”

He further said that: “Ramadan is a period where one exerts self discipline. It is a time to impose on one self control. It is an occasion to redirect the heart towards understanding others and sympathise with the needs of others. It is a time to be generous with those less fortunate than us. It is a time that one explores to find true satisfaction, a deep personal examination on our strengths and our weaknesses. It is a form in which one can experience spiritual awakening, and hopefully strengthen up of one’s conscious to do better in life.”

Highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence he said: “I call on everybody to cherish, celebrate and to promote the peaceful and amicable relationships between the different communities found on these beautiful Islands we call our home.”

His Excellency concluded by saying that, “allow me once more to appeal to all of us to reaffirm our strong belief and nourishment of dialogue, mutual understanding and inclusion. Let us reaffirm Salaam (peace) as our ultimate and final objective. Asslamoaleikum.”

In this event, Rev. Dr Joseph Ellul, Chairman of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Malta, talked about a Christian perspective on fasting and Mr. Gordhan Mohnani spoke about the concept of fasting in Hinduism”.

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta delivered the closing address, discussing the spiritual objectives and the philosophy of fasting in Islam. The session concluded with a recitation of prayers.

After the breaking of fast and Maghrib prayer, a buffet dinner was served.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Annual Peace Symposium, Fasting, Iftar, Inter-religious dialogue, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Love for all - Hatred for none, Malta Muslim Community, Peace, Peace Symposium, Ramadan | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Experiencing Iftar together

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: www.tvm.com.mt

President George Vella and his wife were the special guests of the Muslim Community in Malta for the meal of Iftar that is taken during Ramadan.

On the Ramadan theme of peace and religious fasting, the President, with a number of other distinguished guests, discussed the importance of religious fasting and the Iftar meal which, at the end of the day brings together the community for a meal.

President Vella said there is a need for greater harmony and dialogue between societies of differing beliefs while he praised Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for this inclusive initiative.

The event took place to create greater awareness of traditional Islamic beliefs.

Representatives of a number of different religions were also present.

Posted in Annual Peace Symposium, Iftar, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, is-Sawm, Islam | Leave a comment

President Vella shares meal with Muslim community

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: www.newsbook.com.mt

President of Malta George Vella and his wife were amongst an array of people from different religious backgrounds that shared a meal with the Muslim community just a few days before the end of Ramadan.

A press release issued by the Muslim community in Malta explained that the event was organised to promote peace and understanding of one another in our multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society.

The event started with reading from the Quran. This was followed by a speech from President Vella in which it was reported that he stressed on the need to be united as one community and to be able to communicate with people from different faiths and commended Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for their work.

Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It covers the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the world see Ramadan as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. They fast from dawn until sunset and they believe that food, drink, smoking, sexual relations and sinful behaviour void the reward of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims strive to purify themselves and increase the number of good and charitable deeds and their consciousness of God.

Posted in Fasting, Iftar, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, is-Sawm, Islam, Ramadan | Leave a comment

Qasmu l-Iftar flimkien

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: www.tvm.com.mt/ June 1, 2019.

Il-President George Vella u martu kienu l-mistiedna speċjali tal-komunità Musulmana f’Malta għall-ikla tal-iftar li sseħħ waqt ix-xahar tar-Ramadan.

Bit-tema tar-Ramadan, il-Paċi u l-kunċett ta’ sawm fir-reliġjonijiet, il-President ingħaqad flimkien mal-komunità u mistiedna distinti oħrajn fejn ġiet diskussa l-importanza tas-sawm u l-iftar li fl-aħħar tal-ġurnata tgħaqqad u tiġbor il-komunitajiet flimkien għall-pranzu .

Il-President Vella qal li hemm bżonn akbar ta’ armonija u djalogu bejn is-soċjetajiet ta’ twemmin differenti filwaqt li faħħar lil Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat tal-inizjattiva inklussiva.

Dan l-avveniment sar bl-iskop biex titqajjem aktar kuxjenza u jitwassal aktar għarfien dwar it-twemmin u t-tradizzjonijiet Musulmani.

Preżenti għall-avveniment kien hemm rappreżentanti ta’ kull reliġjon. 

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Jemmnu differenti u jieklu flimkien wara ġurnata sawm

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: www.newsbook.com.mt

Bosta persuni ta’ twemmin differenti ngħaqdu flimkien għal ikla ftit jiem biss qabel ir-Ramadan jasal fi tmiemu, fejn flimkien ma’ persuni bi twemmin Musulman, kisru s-sawma tagħhom.

Fost l-oħrajn, għall-avveniment kien hemm il-President ta’ Malta George Vella u l-mara tiegħu. Skont stqarrija mill-komunità Musulmana f’Malta ġie spjegat li l-avveniment sar bil-għan li jippromwovi l-paċi fis-soċjetà billi bosta persuni jifhmu aktar lil xulxin u l-kulturi u r-reliġjonijiet differenti.

Il-programm beda billi nqraw xi partijiet mill-Quran. Imbagħad, intqal li l-President Abela tkellem dwar il-bżonn ta’ għaqda u djalogu bejn komunitajiet bi twemmin differenti filwaqt li faħħar lil Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat tal-inizjattiva li ħadu f’dan ir-rigward. Spjega li r-Ramadan huwa perjodu fejn wieħed jaħdem fuq id-dixxiplina tiegħu miegħu nniffsu, filwaqt li jidderieġi lil qalbu sabiex tifhem aktar u tempatizza mal-bżonnijiet tal-oħrajn.

Posted in Fasting, Iftar, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, is-Sawm, Islam, Ramadan | Leave a comment

Interfaith Dialogue Session at San Anton Palace

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

In an Dialogue Session, with H.E. Dr George Vella, the of Malta, at the San Anton Palace on May 8, 2019. In his opening address H.E. the President of Malta highlighted the importance of freedom of religion, cooperation and understanding. He further said that continuous interfaith dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect is a key for a harmonious coexistence.

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta presented H.E. the President of Malta, Maltese translation of books of His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, titled ‘World Crisis and The Pathway to ’ and ‘ in an Unjust World’. Find these books through this link: http://ahmadiyya.mt/?mod=pubblikazzjonijiet

Posted in #AhmadiyyaMalta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Harmony, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Inter-religious dialogue, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Peace, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged | Leave a comment

Fasting: Cleansing the Soul

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ramadan Mubarak to all

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

🌙🕋🌙 We wish you and your family a very Happy & Blessed Ramadan. 

May Allah accept all our Fasting, Prayers, Supplications and also Bless us with Prosperity, Health and Happiness during this Holy Month of Ramadan & always. Ameen 

‎كل عام وأنتم بخير

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Id-Dawl Numru 17

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (The Light) MAY 2019

(i) Forgiveness (ii) Prayers of the Holy Quran

(iii) The Ideal Family (iv) Purpose of Marriage

(v) Fasting: Cleansing the Soul (vi) Righteousness

(vii) Befriend God (viii) Etiquettes of Eating and Drinking 

Click here to read: ID-DAWL MAY 2019

Id-Dawl 17

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Islam and Good Health

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

L-IŻLAM U S-SAĦĦA SANA

Salma S. Khan (Esperta tan-Nutrizzjoni)

Għal kull ħaġa li għandha x’taqsam mal-ħajja umana, l-Iżlam jipprovdi gwida għal ħajja sana u b’saħħitha. L-Iżlam jippromwovi t-teħid ta’ ikel li huwa tajjeb għas-saħħa u li wieħed jiekol bil-moderazzjoni. Rigward l-ikel li huwa tajjeb għas-saħħa, Alla jiddikjara fil-Koran:

“Intom li temmnu! Kulu mill-affarijiet tajba li Aħna pprovdejnielkom, u għidu grazzi lil Alla, jekk (tassew) lilu tqimu. Huwa pprojbixxa lilkom (il-laħam) ta’ annimali mejta, id-demm, laħam il-ħanżir, u kulma kien offrut (lill-idoli) minflok lil Alla.” (2:173-174) 

Hawnhekk, l-ewwel tliet kategoriji huma pprojbiti għax huma ta’ dannu għall-ġisem, u dak li hu ta’ dannu għall-ġisem huwa wkoll ta’ dannu għar-ruħ. Id-demm u l-laħam ta’ annimal mejjet bħala ikel jikkawżaw ħsara lis-saħħa u dan il-fatt ġie rikonoxxut minn ħafna awtoritajiet fuq il-mediċina. Barra minn hekk, skont l-Iżlam, l-ikel għandu jkun Ħalal u wkoll Tayyeb, għalhekk tajjeb għas-saħħa u pjaċevoli.

Barra minn hekk, l-ikel ma jaffettwax biss il-qagħda spiritwali u fiżika tal-bniedem, imma jaffettwa wkoll l-istat mentali tiegħu. L-ikel jilgħab irwol importanti fil-formazzjoni tal-karattru tal-bniedem, għalhekk, il-Koran Imqaddes jiddiriġina biex nikkonsmaw ikel tajjeb u leġittimu. Huwa jistqarr:

“Intom il-bnedmin! Kulu minn dak li hu leġittimu u tajjeb fuq din l-art; u ssegwux il-passi tax-Xitan; tabilħaqq, huwa għalikom għadu ta’ vera.” (2:169)

F’dan il-vers, eżattament wara l-ordni li għandha x’taqsam mal-ikel, tissemma l-projbizzjoni biex ma nsegwux lix-Xitan. Din tirreferi għall-influwenza li l-azzjonijiet fiżiċi bħall-iffangar tal-ikel għandhom fuq il-kondizzjonijiet morali u spiritwali tal-bniedem. L-ikel li mhux leġittimu u mhux tajjeb għas-saħħa għandu tendenza li jgħarraq il-fakultajiet morali tal-bniedem u jfixkel l-iżvilupp spiritwali tiegħu.

Aktar minn hekk, tirreferi għall-ikel eċċessiv li jikkawża ħsara kbira lis-sistemi tal-ġisem. Ħafna mard fil-fatt huwa relatat ma’ drawwiet ta’ konsum ta’ ikel bla ebda kontroll bħad-dijabete, il-puplesija, il-mard tal-qalb u ċerti kankri. Alla jgħid fil-Koran:

“Kulu u ixorbu iżda taqbżux il-limiti; tassew, Huwa ma jiħux gost b’dawk li jaqbżu l-limiti.” (7:32)

L-Iżlam iħeġġeġ il-moderazzjoni. Il-frażi ‘taqbżux il-limiti’ tenfasizza l-importanza biex wieħed ma jikolx iżżejjed, anzi, tfakkar biex wieħed ma jikkonsmax dejjem l-istess tip ta’ ikel, imma għandu jvarja minn żmien għal żmien. U l-laħam, il-ħaxix, il-frott, eċċ., għandhom jiġu kkunsmati fi proporzjonijiet ġusti.

Interessanti li l-esperti tan-nutrizzjoni jirrikonoxxu l-fatt li meta wieħed iżomm dieta varjata bi proporzjonijiet ġusti, dan ikun essenzjali għal saħħa sana. Meta wieħed jiekol l-istess ikel kostantement ikun qed ikabbar ir-riskju li jiżviluppawlu għadd ta’ allerġiji.

Barra minn hekk, taħt il-gwida ta’ nutritionists ikkwalifikati u esperti oħra mediċi, ħafna gvernijiet fid-dinja, inkluż Malta, nedew kampanji biex wieħed jiekol sewwa. Dawn il-kampanji jippromwovu u jinkoraġġixxu ikliet li huma bilanċjati sew u għalhekk huma magħmula mill-gruppi ewlenin kollha tal-ikel, fosthom il-karboidrati, ix-xaħam, il-proteini u l-fajber. Bl-obeżità li qiegħda ssir problema fid-dinja kollha, studji ġodda li joħorġu kuljum jenfasizzaw kemm hu importanti li wieħed jiekol dieta sewwa, varjata u bbilanċjata bi proporzjonijiet korretti b’attentat ħalli wieħed inaqqas il-mard li huwa assoċjat mal-konsum ta’ ikel eċċessiv u li mhuwiex tajjeb għas-saħħa.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Id-Dawl, Serving Mankind, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Id-Dawl Numru 16

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (The Light) APRIL 2019

  • Health is wealth
  • How to Stay Healthy?
  • Purity of Mind and
  • Cleanliness of Body
  • Islam and Good Health
  • Patience and Sincerity

Click here to read: ID-DAWL APRIL 2019 

Id-Dawl 16

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L-Armonija bejn ir-Razez

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Il-21 ta’ Marzu huwa kkommemorat kull sena bħala l-Jum Internazzjonali dwar l-eliminazzjoni tad-diskriminazzjoni razzjali bħala parti mill-kampanja tal-Ġnus Magħquda li tippromwovi l-armonija razzjali u l-ugwaljanza.

Il-qafas u s-sovrastruttura tat-twemmin Iżlamiku huma bbażati fuq prinċipju wieħed kardinali, il-prinċipju tal-unità tal-Ħallieq u tal-unità tal-umanità li Huwa stess ħoloq. Dan il-prinċipju uniku u effettiv jiġi mħeġġeġ b’manjiera distintiva ta’ mħabba u għożża reċiproka, solidarjetà umana, tolleranza u armonija fis-soċjetà. Dan it-tagħlim universali u profond tal-Iżlam huwa intenzjonat li joħloq kultura umana universali. Il-Koran Imqaddes jiddikjara:

“Ja bnedmin, aħna ħloqniekom minn raġel u mara; u qassamniekom fi tribujiet u fi tribujiet iċken ħalli ssiru tafu lil xulxin. Tabilħaqq, l-aktar nobbli minnkom quddiem Alla huwa dak l-aktar devot fostkom.” (49:14)

Il-messaġġ ta’ dan il-vers huwa ċar. M’hemm l-ebda klassijiet soċjali jew supremazija razzjali, iżda n-nies kollha huma ugwali, mingħajr l-ebda diskriminazzjoni jew distinzjoni. Ir-razza sħiħa umana mhix ħlief familja waħda.

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa nieda digriet qawwi dwar l-ugwaljanza u l-armonija razzjali fl-aħħar prietka tiegħu tul l-Aħħar Pellegrinaġġ tiegħu f’Mekka. Huwa stqarr:

“Nies, dak li qed ngħidilkom, tridu tisimgħuh u tiftakruh. Alla għamilkom aħwa ta’ xulxin, għaldaqstant tkunux mifrudin. Kollha kemm intom ugwali. Il-bnedmin kollha, ta’ nazzjonijiet u tribujiet differenti, u ta’ pożizzjonijiet fil-ħajja diversi, huma kollha l-istess.

Bħalma s-swaba’ taż-żewġ idejn huma l-istess, hekk il-bnedmin huma ugwali għal xulxin. Ħadd m’għandu d-dritt, jew superjorità, fuq ħaddieħor. Intom kollha bħal aħwa.

Dak li qed nordnalkom illum ma jgħoddx biss għal-lum. Jgħodd għal dejjem. Intom mistennija li tiftakru dan u taġixxu fuqu sakemm titilqu minn din id-dinja u tmorru fl-oħra biex tiltaqgħu mal-Ħallieq tagħkom.  

Dak li għedtilkom, għandkom twassluh sat-truf tal-art. Forsi dawk li ma semgħunix jibbenefikaw minnu aktar minn dawk li semgħu.”

Dan il-messaġġ ta’ armonija razzjali, ugwaljanza u fraternità umana ngħata aktar enfasi mill-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, Ħażrat Mirża Ghulam Aħmad, il-Messija Mwiegħed u Maħdias, li jikteb:

“Jekk tixtiequ li Alla jkun kuntent bikom fis-smewwiet, ingħaqdu flimkien daqslikieku kontu aħwa mweldin mill-istess omm. Dak li jaħfer l-aktar it-trasgressjonijiet ta’ ħuh ikun l-aktar nobbli fostkom. Sfortunat ikun dak li jwebbes rasu u ma jaħfirx.” (Kashti Nuh, p. 21)

Ejja naħdmu id f’id, u ningħaqdu kontra kull tip ta’ diskriminazzjoni biex nibnu b’mod effettiv dinja aħjar – dinja ta’ unità, ugwaljanza, armonija u fraternità.

By: Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, published in ‘Id-Dawl’ February 2019. 

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Harmony, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Love for all - Hatred for none | Tagged | Leave a comment

Give peace a chance

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif
Credit/Source: TimesofMalta Saturday, March 9, 2019.

The times we live in pose great challenges to the peace and prosperity of the entire world. Despite the fact that everyone appreciates and comprehends that the world badly needs peace, tolerance, harmony and forbearance, regrettably, it seems as though people are unwilling to take the necessary steps, measures and precautions to get there.

Sadly, the flames of wars and conflicts are being seen in many parts of the world and the storm clouds forewarning us of World War III are getting heavier by the day.

The horrific devastation of such a war is beyond imagination and its effects would last for decades to come. Children of current and future generations will, more than likely, be born crippled or with genetic defects due to the lasting effects of radiation.

A recent example of such threats to peace is the growing tension between two nuclear-armed countries, India and Pakistan. The situation is escalating day by day and army troops are being deployed in droves near boarder areas.

At this critical moment, the voice that needs to be heard is that of giving peace a chance. Every sane and sensible citizen of either country should work together to achieve peace and prosperity.

As a true lover of humanity, it is my firm belief that the world needs peace, love and brotherhood. The world needs an end to wars. Instead of walls of hatred being erected, we need peace to prevail and for this to become a reality we must all join together and work hand in hand for the betterment of the entire human race.

It is an undeniable fact that, when wars break out, no one wins or loses, but the side that suffers the greatest loss is humanity and humanity alone.

When wars break out, no one wins or loses but the side that suffers the greatest loss is humanity and humanity alone

So, at this critical juncture, I appeal to both countries to give peace a chance and let the better sense prevail. Both sides should show restraint and resilience, convey the message of peace and harmony, engage in dialogue and tread on the path that leads to peace, not war.

I do not intend to go into the geopolitical debate that has haunted the Indo-Pak borders for many decades, however, I would like to draw the attention of both countries to the fact that, instead of spending billions of dollars on defence budgets, they should seek to establish peace between themselves and spend that wealth on the well-being and welfare of their citizens.

This is because poverty, ignorance and illiteracy are at their highest and there is a dire need to provide education, health and employment to the people of both countries.

It is noteworthy that the ever-rising defence budget of both countries is far higher than combined budgets of crucial areas like health and education. The money that needs to be spent to provide health and education is being spent to buy weapons. The means that need to be utilised for the survival and betterment of humanity are being exploited to inflict pain and injury to humankind.

The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has, on many occasions, drawn the attention of world leaders towards the fact that everything else comes second; what comes first is the well-being of the global population.

Furthermore, he has also warned that neglecting the well-being of the population will, ultimately, cause global unrest to increase while providing ease in the lives of people will lead to peace and prosperity.

Moreover, he has highlighted the importance of resilience and peace building and the Quranic injunction of cooperation, which states: “Help one another in righteousness and piety; but help not one another in sin and transgression” (5:3).

He prayed for the world in the following words:

“I pray with all my heart that mankind forsakes greed and forgoes the pursuit of narrow self-interests and, instead, comes to recognise the importance of protecting all of humanity and of showing kindness, compassion and love towards God’s creation. I pray that a spirit of service to humanity takes permanent root in society so that we protect our future and leave behind a better world for our children and coming generations to live in.”

I very humbly urge both India and Pakistan, and, indeed, the entire world, to unite in the name of God and spread love and compassion. Because “God is love, God is peace! Love can never beget hatred and peace can never lead to war”.

FIND ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Humanity First, Islam means Peace, Islam stands for peace!, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Peace, Tolerance, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged | Leave a comment

Why Muslim men cover their head?

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

M: Għalfejn l-irġiel Musulmani jgħattu rashom? 

Huwa minnu li ħafna Musulmani Għarab u Asjatiċi jilbsu t-turban għaliex hija biss drawwa, u m’hemm l-ebda obbligu reliġjuż li jsostni li dan għandu jintlibes. Ir-raġuni għala l-Musulmani jagħżlu li jilbsu t-turban hija biex b’hekk jiġi rifless l-ispirtu tal-Iżlam li jfittex li jfakkar lin-nies f’Alla u fit-twemmin. Barra minn hekk, b’dan l-aġir il-Musulmani jkunu qegħdin isegwu l-eżempju nobbli tal-Profeta tal-Iżlam. Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa kien jilbes turban. B’dan il-mod, l-irġiel Musulmani huma mitluba u mħeġġa biex jgħattu rashom biex jimxu mal-eżempju nobbli tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa, bħala sinjal ta’ rispett, serjetà, formalità u responsabbiltà.

Waqt it-talb, il-Musulmani għandhom jgħattu rashom għaliex huma jkunu fil-preżenza tal-Mulej tagħhom. L-għata tar-ras huwa sinjal ta’ turija ta’ rispett lejn Alla u l-istituzzjoni tat-Talb. Bl-istess mod xi Musulmani jagħżlu li jgħattu rashom saħansitra f’ħinijiet oħra biex ifakkru fil-fidi tagħhom u f’Alla.

M’hemm l-ebda l-ordni fuq is-sura tal-għata tar-ras, għaldaqstant din tista’ tvarja minn brieret għal kpiepel għal traban.

Fil-kultura Għarbija u Asjatika t-turban kien jissimbolizza wkoll li l-persuna kienet mimlija għerf u dehen. B’hekk dan kien iservi wkoll bħala riflessjoni ta’ kif għandu jkun verament wieħed Musulman – wieħed li hu dejjem konxju tal-Ħallieq tiegħu u dejjem ħerqan biex ifittex l-għarfien. 

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Id-Dawl Numru 15

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) MARCH 2019

(i)Removing obstacles (ii) Racial Harmony

(iii) Non-Discrimination

(iv) Why do Muslim men cover their heads?

(v) Veil: Wisdom behind the concept of veil!

(vi) Donation of Wheelchairs & Hampers

Click here to read: ID-DAWL MARCH 2019

Id-Dawl 15

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Harmony, Human Rights, Humanity First, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl Magazine, Love for all - Hatred for none, Serving Mankind, Solidarijetà, Solidarity, Tolerance, Women's Rights, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

World Crisis and The Pathway to Peace

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

During the recent days, there is growing tension between India and Pakistan, two nuclear states. It is very critical time. Both countries should show restrained and engage in dialogue.

The Worldwide Spiritual Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has drawn the attention of the world towards establishment of peace and justice. He is truly a man of peace. His very wise words – full of guidance, rationality and wisdom – are showing the world A PATHWAY TO PEACE. 

The world is passing through very turbulent times. The global economic crisis continues to manifest newer and graver dangers almost every week. The similarities to the period just before the Second World War continue to be cited and it seems clear that events are moving the world at an unprecedented pace towards a horrific third world war.                                                                         In this book, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community warns the world of the fast approaching dangers and how it can avert disaster and chart a course to peace.

Read complete book in English and Maltese, by clicking on the links below.

World Crisis and The Pathway to Peace   [ENGLISH] 

Id-dinja bħalissa għaddejja minn żminijiet imwiegħra ħafna. Il-kriżi ekonomika globali qed tkompli tikxef perikli ġodda u aktar serji kważi kull ġimgħa. Hawnhekk, f’dan il-ktieb, ġbarna l-linji gwida mfassla minn Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana mxerrda mad-dinja kollha.

Il-Kriżi Dinjija u t-Triq għall-Paċi (MALTESE) 

World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace
Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Il-Kriżi Dinjija u t-Triq għall-Paċi, Peace, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged | Leave a comment

Working for zero tolerance against FGM

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Credit/Source: The Malta Independent, Tuesday 19 February 2019, by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif

The sixth of February each year is celebrated as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as part of the United Nations campaign to effectively educate people about the horrific consequences of FGM and to end genital mutilation of women and girls around the world.

This day also highlights the importance of providing a platform for speaking against this horrendous practice and to encourage women to speak up and to seek help to counter this challenge if they come across to it.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), FGM ‘comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons’.

According to a conference held recently in Malta, between 39% and 57% of migrant women living in Malta are at risk of female genital mutilation. These are very shocking figures, despite the fact that this procedure is illegal in Malta. This shows that people are not very well aware of these laws, so there is a crucial need of providing sufficient knowledge and awareness. Moreover, it is estimated that around 180,000 women are at risk of FGM in Europe.

According to the WHO, there are no known health benefits of this practice; it is very painful and harmful practice. Such ‘procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths’.

It is thought that the practice is more than 2000 years old, but erroneously some associate it with the religion of Islam. As far as Islam is concerned, there is no concept of female circumcision in Islam. This ancient barbaric practice is cultural in its origins and has absolutely no link to Islamic teachings, because this practice existed for centuries before the advent of Islam.

The truth is that, FGM is not even mentioned in the Holy Quran and also not by the Prophet Muhammad. The Holy Quran does not instruct women to be circumcised. Moreover, there is not a single example found of this practice in the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s family.

So, how it could be labeled as an Islamic practice?

In fact, Islam laid down principles of loving and caring treatment of women. Prophet Muhammad insisted that women should always be treated with kindness and consideration. He often used to say that if a man had daughters and he arranged to have them educated and took pains with their upbringing, God would save him from the torment of Hell. Regarding women as wives, he said that: “Remember, you must always treat your wives well.”

The question is why this practice is continued till today? I think, ignorance, lack of understanding, lack of awareness, social or cultural pressures appear to be some of the reasons why this inhumane crime continues till today.

It is highly recommended that governments and communities should work hard to provide sufficient understanding and awareness about FGM to all the people, men and women, so this harmful practice is completely uprooted from the world. In addition, strict laws should be made and equally enforced. Religious leaders should also play their role in educating their people.

As far as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is concerned, it proactively plays its role to raise awareness about this issue, including many others. It has also published an article in its monthly magazine ‘Id-Dawl’ (www.ahmadiyya.mt/id-dawl) to educate people about FGM.

Furthermore, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community advocates for the equality, education, and empowerment of women. The community has always condemned the barbaric practice of FGM; and it is actively raising awareness that FGM is not an Islamic practice at all. It is committed to work with other communities to uproot this practice decisively; and it stands united around the world conveying a key message of ‘Zero Tolerance for FGM’.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, FGM, Women's Rights, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Leave a comment

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community donates wheelchairs and hampers to Gozo Hospital

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta presented six wheelchairs and 100 fruit hampers for the residents of Santa Anna Residence at the Gozo General Hospital.

The donation was presented to Mr. Joseph Fenech the CEO of the Gozo General Hospital by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. NewsBook – GozoNews –OneNews 

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True Basis of Marriage

Posted on February 17, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

IL-BAŻI EWLENIJA TAŻ-ŻWIEĠ

Fejn jidħlu r-relazzjonijiet bejn membri differenti tal-familja, l-aktar relazzjoni importanti hija dik mantnuta bejn ir-raġel u l-mara, għaliex fuqha jiddependi l-benesseri tal-familja kollha u fl-aħħar mill-aħħar il-benesseri tan-nazzjon kollu. L-ewwel regola mogħtija mill-Iżlam fuq din ir-rabta hija li din ir-relazzjoni għandha tkun ibbażata primarjament fuq konsiderazzjonijiet morali u mhux fuq dawk ta’ sbuħija, għana jew pożizzjoni. Il-Koran Imqaddes iwissi lil dawk li jkunu ser jiżżewġu biex jirriflettu dwar l-effett li din ir-rabta intenzjonata tista’ tħalli fuq is-safa ta’ ħajjithom, u liema tip ta’ legat f’forma ta’ diskussjoni se tħalli warajha. Il-Qaddis Profetasa jgħid:

“Xi nies jiżżewġu għall-ġmiel, oħrajn għall-pożizzjoni u oħrajn għall-għana, iżda inti għandek tiżżewweġ mara tajba u devota.” (Bukhari, Kitab-al-Nikah)

Dan biss għandu jkun il-bażi vera taż-żwieġ, u jekk ma titteħidx inkonsiderazzjoni l-għażla tas-sieħeb/sieħba, ir-relazzjoni bejn raġel u mara mhix se tkun waħda trankwilla u l-kwistjoni tar-rabta se tkun imqanqla sew…

Għaldaqstant, l-għażla tar-raġel jew tal-mara ssir affari ta’ importanza enormi. Għalhekk, l-ewwel regola magħmula mill-Iżlam turi li fl-għażla tas-sieħeb/sieħba trid tingħata ħafna aktar attenzjoni lill-kwalitajiet tar-ras u tal-qalb milli ċ-ċirkustanzi esterni tad-dehriet, ir-rikkezzi u l-pożizzjoni. L-Iżlam ma jikkundannax dawn l-affarijiet, iżda m’għandhomx ifornu l-bażi ewlenija taż-żwieġ. Jekk raġel u mara jersqu lejn xulxin bis-saħħa tat-tjubija, il-morali u l-intelliġenza tagħhom, u fl-istess waqt ma jkunux nieqsa mill-ġmiel, l-għana u l-pożizzjoni, mela r-rabta ta’ bejniethom tkun imbierka darbtejn; iżda s-sbuħija, l-għana u l-pożizzjoni, fihom infushom, mhumiex garanziji ta’ hena permanenti.

Kieku ż-żwiġijiet kollha jkunu bbażati fuq dan il-prinċipju, kieku mal-ewwel isseħħ rivoluzzjoni morali fid-dinja, u l-qagħda ta’ dawn iż-żwiġijiet tkun aktar soġġetta għad-dixxiplina u l-avvanz morali u spiritwali.

(Ħażrat Mirża Bashiruddin Maħmud Aħmadra, Khalifatul-Masih II, Ahmadiyyat Yani Haqiqi Islam, p. 235-237)
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