The punishment of blasphemy and Asia Bibi

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Il-kastig tad-dagħa u Asia Bibi 

Il-Lehen – Il-Ħadd 10 ta’ Frar 2019 

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta amjmalta@gmail.com

Qrajt l-artiklu ‘Il-problema tal-liġi kontra d-dagħa fil-Pakistan’ (Il-Leħen, 6 ta’ Jannar). F’dan l-artikolu ssemmew suġġetti importanti fosthom il-bżonn tad-djalogu interreliġjuż, theddida mil-liġijiet kontra d-dagħa u l-każ partikulari ta’ Asia Bibi.

Bibi, mara Nisranija li kienet akkużata b’dagħa u nżammet għal kważi tmien snin f’ħabs, f’Ottubru 2018 il-Qorti Suprema tal-Pakistan ma sabithiex ħatija għall-akkużi miġjuba kontriha u ħelsitha. Din is-sentenza kienet ikkonfermata l-ġimgħa l-oħra. Il-Qorti qalet li l-akkużi kollha kienu foloz.

Mill-bidu sal-laħħar ta’ dan l-episodju orribbli, Bibi minn dejjem ċaħdet li qatt ma għamlet  rimarki li jistgħu jitqiesu dagħa. Wara l-ewwel deċiżjoni tal-Qorti Suprema saru protesti kbar fit-toroq madwar il-Paskistan minn estremisti. Fl-aħħar, wara ftehim mal-gvern, huma appellaw minn din id-deċiżjoni.

Din hi sfortunata kbira. Kien ħażin li wara d-deċiżjoni tal-Qorti Suprema f’Ottubru hi baqgħet priġuniera u nħelset biss wara d-deċiżjoni tal-appell imressaq kontra l-ħelsien tagħha.

Dan kollu għamilha vittma ta’ inġustizzja għax kif jgħidu bl-Ingliż Justice delayed is justice denied.

Sfortunatament, il-liġijiet kontra d-dagħa ħafna drabi jintużaw biex isolvu kwestjonijiet personali. Dan sar daqshekk sempliċi u faċli li meta wieħed ma jistax isib soluzzjoni legali għall-għira personali kontra l-minoranzi, din l-għodda ta’ dagħa tintuża biex taħqarhom u, possibbilment, teqred il-ħajja tagħhom. Assolutament jien ma naqbilx ma’ dawn il-liġijiet diskriminatorji.

Irrid, imma, nispjega fil-qosor x’jgħid l-Iżlam dwar dan. Skont il-Koran Imqaddes – il-ktieb sagru tal-Musulmani – id-dagħa hu għemil skuraġġut u kkundannata. Madankollu, m’hemm l-ebda piena dinjija li ġiet preskritta għal dan id-dnub. Il-Koran jiddikjara li l-akkużi ta’ dagħa, kemm jekk huma veri kif ukoll jekk huma foloz (u Alla jaf kollox), jistgħu jiġu kkastigati biss minn Alla u mhux mill-bniedem (Il-Koran, 33:58).

Sfortunatament, imma, ħafna nies madwar id-dinja inklużi ħafna Musulmani jemmnu li d-dagħa hi att li għandu jiġi kkastigat fid-dinja. Jemmnu li għandhom id-dmir li jikkastigaw liż-żeblieħa u lill-blasfemi. Jemmnu li jekk xi ħadd jitkellem kontra Alla, il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, il-Koran Imqaddes u l-Iżlam hu għandu jiġi kkastigat bil-piena tal-mewt.

Ir-realtà hi kompletament differenti. L-Iżlam, imgħallem mill-Profeta Muħammad, imkien ma jitkellem dwar kastigi f’din id-dinja għal min hu ħati ta’ dagħa. L-ebda mewt jew kastig ieħor mhu preskritt. Il-Koran Imqaddes jagħti gwida ċara dwar dan u jgħid:

“Meta tisimgħu s-sinjali ta’ Alla jiġu miċħuda u mżebilħa, toqogħdux ħdejhom sakemm ibiddlu d-diskors; għax f’dak il-każ tkunu bħalhom.” (Il-Koran, 4:141 u 6:69)

Wieħed għandu jinnota li minflok jikkastigaw lill-blasfemi, il-kredenti għandhom jitbiegħdu mill-kumpanija tagħhom sakemm dawn ibiddlu s-suġġett tad-diskussjoni tagħhom. Siltiet bħal dawn juru b’mod ċar kristal li, skont l-Iżlam, il-blasfemija u d-dagħa ma jistgħux jiġu kkastigati mill-bnedmin.

Fil-każ ta’ Asia Bibi, il-Qorti Suprema kkonfermat li ma saret l-ebda blasfemija minn din il-persuna. Il-mistoqsija li nagħmel hi: Għaliex allura baqgħet il-ħabs jew f’xi post moħbi bħall-ħabs? Għaliex ma ġietx illiberata biex tgħix ħajja normali?

Nittama li l-Gvern tal-Pakistan wara s-sentenza tal-ġimgħa l-oħra għamel dak li kellu jagħmel, mingħajr dewmien u ta l-ħelsien lil Asia Bibi biex din tgawdi ħajja mal-familja tagħha. L-Gvern għandu jara wkoll li dawn il-liġijiet ma jiġux użati aktar kontra nies innoċenti fil-futur. Hu dmir tal-Gvern li jara li jieqef dan l-abbuż kontra l-minoranzi permess tal-liġijiet kontra d-dagħa.

Nappella wkoll lill-Gvern biex jara li kull komunità jkollha l-libertà tar-reliġjon. Biex iċ-ċitadini kollha jistgħu jipprattikaw ir-reliġjonijiet tagħhom mingħajr l-ebda biża’ u fl-atmosfera tal-armonija, is-serenità u l-paċi.

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The Share of Woman in Inheritance

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

IL-WIRT U S-SUĊĊESSJONI

Waħda mis-sitwazzjonijiet relatata mar-relazzjonijiet fil-familja hija l-kwistjoni tal-wirt u s-suċċessjoni. L-Iżlam waqqaf tant regoli perfetti għar-regolazzjoni tal-wirt, li l-persuni imparzjali kollha, ikunu ta’ liema reliġjon ikunu, jaffermaw is-sens ta’ ġustizzja u l-għerf li fihom.

L-Iżlam inkluda n-nisa, il-ġenituri, l-irġiel u n-nisa miżżewġa fil-lista tal-werrieta. Huwa jipprojbixxi l-esklużjoni tal-werrieta kollha mis-suċċessjoni; u lanqas wieħed ma jista’ jċaħħad lill-werrieta kollha mis-sehem tagħhom tal-wirt billi jippjana li jwarrab il-wirt kollu minnhom.

Testment jista’ jsir biss b’rispett lejn terz tal-proprjetà tat-testatur; il-bqija jridu jmorru għand il-werrieta tiegħu. U testment ma jistax isir bi preferenza ta’ werriet wieħed, kull werriet jista’ jikseb biss is-sehem speċifiku tiegħu tal-wirt u xejn aktar.

IS-SEHEM TA’ MARA FIL-WIRT

Is-sehem ta’ werrieta mara huwa f’ħafna każi n-nofs ta’ dak ta’ werriet raġel. F’ċerti każi eċċezzjonali mara jirnexxilha tikseb sehem ugwali bħal tar-raġel, iżda hemm raġunijiet speċjali li jiġġustifikaw dan it-tluq mir-regola ġenerali.

Xi wħud jaħsbu li r-regola li tagħti lir-raġel sehem doppju mill-mara hija inġusta. Dawn jinsew li taħt il-maġġoranza tal-liġijiet anki tal-lum id-drittijiet tan-nisa mhuma rikonoxxuti xejn, u huwa l-Iżlam biss li rnexxielu jagħti l-jeddijiet sħaħ lin-nisa.

Ir-raġuni għal din ir-regola hija li mara mhijiex mitluba li tmantni lilha nnifisha jew lil uliedha mill-proprjetà tagħha stess. F’kull każ hija għandha tiġi mantnuta minn żewġha, filwaqt li r-raġel huwa mgħobbi bir-responsabbiltà li jmantni lil martu u lil uliedu.

Jekk mara tiżżewweġ hija tinħeles mill-inkwiet kollu li jirrigwarda l-manteniment tagħha u ta’ wliedha, u jekk ma tiżżewwiġx – xi ħaġa li l-Iżlam ma japprovax – hija jkollha lilha nnifisha biss biex tmantni mill-proprjetà tagħha stess.

Jekk raġel jiżżewweġ, u l-Iżlam jamarlu dan, huwa jitgħabba bir-responsabbiltà li jmantni lil martu u lil uliedu. Jekk inżommu dan quddiemna mela l-Iżlam iffissa li s-sehem tar-raġel ikun id-doppju ta’ dak tal-mara, u dan huwa perfettament ġust.

(Ħażrat Mirża Bashiruddin Maħmud Aħmadra, Khalifatul-Masih II, Ahmadiyyat Yani Haqiqi Islam, p. 246-247)
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Zero Tolerance for FGM

Posted on February 5, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Tolleranza Żero għal FGM

6 ta’ Frar il-Jum Internazzjonali tat-Tolleranza Żero għall-Mutilazzjoni Ġenitali Femminili

Id-Drittijiet tan-Nisa huma Drittijiet Umani

Kull sena s-sitta ta’ Frar hija ċċelebrata bħala l-Jum Internazzjonali tat-Tolleranza Żero għall-Mutilazzjoni Ġenitali Femminili (FGM) bħala parti mill-kampanja tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti biex ittemm il-mutilazzjoni ġenitali tan-nisa u l-bniet. Skont l-Organizzazzjoni Dinjija tas-Saħħa, il-Mutilazzjoni Ġenitali Femminili (FGM) tinkludi proċeduri, ‘li jinvolvu t-tneħħija parzjali jew totali tal-organi ġenitali femminili minn barra, jew tidrib ieħor lill-organi ġenitali femminili għal raġunijiet li mhumiex mediċi.’ M’hemm l-ebda benefiċċji mediċi magħrufa ta’ din il-prattika, iżda ħsara biss li jinkludu fost affarijiet oħra, tnixxija severa ta’ demm, infezzjonijiet, problemi urinarji u żieda fir-riskju ta’ mewt ta’ trabi.  

Minkejja dawn l-effetti negattivi, proponenti tal-FGM ilhom ħafna jsostnu li din l-użanza hija essenzjali biex tassigura li mara tibqa’ verġni qabel iż-żwieġ u hija simbolu tal-virtù u d-dinjità ta’ mara. Interessanti li filwaqt li ma nafux fiċ-ċert l-oriġini tal-FGM, huwa maħsub li din id-drawwa tmur lura għal aktar minn 2000 sena – sal-Eġizzjani tal-qedem fejn kienet tiġi pprattikata bħala sinjal ta’ distinzjoni qalb l-aristokratiċi.

B’għeruq daqstant preistoriċi, wieħed jista’ jgħid li din l-użanza ma ġietx introdotta mill-Iżlam, kif fil-fatt ħafna jallegaw. Fil-verità, il-Koran Imqaddes u l-Profeta Muħammadsa qatt ma tkellmu dwar l-FGM.

Barra minn hekk, huwa diffiċli nimmaġinaw kif il-Profeta Muħammadsa, li ta informazzjoni dettaljata dwar l-aspetti kollha tal-ħajja ta’ Musulman, inkluż il-proċessi interni femminili bħall-mestrwazzjoni, seta’ jħalli barra ċ-ċirkonċiżjoni femminili kieku kien ordnat mill-Iżlam. Lanqas hemm ħjiel li kien hemm xi ċirkonċiżjoni femminili qalb in-nisa tal-Profetasa.       

Il-Mutilazzjoni Ġenitali Femminili (FGM) baqgħet teżisti bħala użanza kulturali b’mod partikolari fil-pajjiżi Afrikani. Xi wħud bħas-Somalja għandhom sorprendentament rata ta’ prevalenza għolja ħafna b’98% tan-nisa jiġu ċirkonċiżi filwaqt li fil-Guinea 96% tan-nisa jkollhom isofru minħabba din l-użanza. Dawk li jimmilitaw favur il-FGM ħafna drabi jsemmu r-relattiviżmu kulturali bħala l-argument li jissapportja d-difiża tagħhom ta’ din il-prattika, fejn iħaqqu li din hija dritt protett, bħal kull dritt uman ieħor fundamentali.

Madanakollu, dawn l-argumenti mhumiex popolari mat-trattazzjoni tad-drittijiet fuq dan is-suġġett u hu sostnut li prattiki li assolutament mhumiex kompatibbli mal-kunċett plawsibbli tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem m’għandhom jimmeritaw l-ebda protezzjoni.

Hemm ċerti mġibiet li jfarrku l-vera essenza li wieħed ikun bniedem u huma parodija tad-dinjità umana. Dawn jinkludu krimini faħxin bħall-ġenoċidju u t-tortura u jifformaw parti minn kategorija speċjali li jirreferu għaliha bħala normi ‘perentorji’ – li ma jħallu barra l-ebda eċċezzjoni. Kien hemm sejħiet biex il-Mutilazzjoni Ġenitali Femminili (FGM) tkun meqjusa bħala norma perentorja mingħajr ma jiġu kkunsidrati l-eċċezzjonijiet fuq il-bażi ta’ kultura jew raġunijiet oħra. 

(Ayesha Maħmood Malik LLM, Harvard, The ROR, Frar 2018)
Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, FGM, Human Rights, Women's Rights, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Id-Dawl Numru 14

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) FEBRUARY 2019

(i) In-Nisa l-Ewwel – (ii) Il-Bażi Ewlenija taż-Żwieġ

(iii) Tolleranza Żero għal FGM 

(iv) Il-Wirt u s-Suċċessjoni

(v) Is-Sehem ta’ Mara fil-Wirt – (vi) Rispett Lejn in-Nisa

Click here to read: ID-DAWL FEBRUARY 2019

id-dawl numru 14

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

Halal debate

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Halal debate: Islamic method forbids inflicting of unnecessary pain – Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Animals should be killed with minimum suffering and with due regard to the sentiments and principles of humanity, so the Islamic method forbids the inflicting of unnecessary pain, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMJ) Laiq Ahmed Atif has told The Malta Independent.

Over the past few days a debate has been taking place as to whether the production of meat through religiously sanctioned methods are acceptable.

TVM previously spoke with Imam Muhammed El Sadi, who insisted that the slaughter of animals without stunning, done according to the Jewish and Islamic traditions, is a matter of religious freedom and human rights which should be respected and considered.

Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi and Nationalist MEP candidate Dione Borg publicly denounced the practice, calling it unbelievably cruel and not acceptable, whilst Borg also appealed to the authorities to not accept the Imam’s proposition.

Without referring to any remarks made over the past couple of days, Atif explained that, in relation to eating, there are two “halal” and “tayyeb”.

The term halal means “that which is lawful for you”; thus halal meat is that which has been slaughtered in the name of Allah, and has had the blood drained out from it.

The term tayyeb means pure, wholesome and acquired by legal and ethical means.

“As far as the slaughtering is concerned, Prophet Muhammad said: ‘Verily Allah has enjoined goodness to everything; so when you slaughter, slaughter in a good humane way. Every one of you should sharpen his knife, and let the slaughtered animal die instantly and comfortably.’”

He explained that even in circumstances where multiple animals are to be slaughtered, mankind is taught by Islam to do this in a way that the other animals do not witness the slaughter.

“This is the extent to which one has to consider the feelings of animals.

As far as the issue of cruelty to animals is concerned, in a sense all killing is cruel, and if it is to avoid cruelty to animals it should logically to abstain from the use of flesh as food and be vegetarians.”

Atif ends his remarks by insisting that the only pain felt by an animal killed in the Islamic way of slaughtering is that of the cut in the skin.

Cutting of the carotid arteries produces practically instantaneous loss of consciousness, and the animal feels no further pain.

“This procedure is done very diligently and quickly that it takes a very short time.”

As explained in the TVM article, a number of butcher shops owned by Arabic owners which sell Halal meat already exist on the island, and mainland Europe too.

A ban on Halal and kosher animal slaughter went into effect in Belgium on the first day of 2019. The Malta Independent

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Id-Dawl Numru 13

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) JANUARY 2019

(i) Starting New Year with Prayer

(ii) The Majesty of Allah

(iii) Slavery & Islam

(iv) Solidarity – Charitable work

Click here to read: ID-DAWL JANUARY 2019

id-dawl numru 13

Posted in #AhmadiyyaMalta, Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl Magazine, Solidarijetà, Solidarity, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Love for all, hatred for none

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Jeremy Micallef talks to Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, about how the Community aims to break down barriers; builds bridges between people; and give us a true understanding of God and humanity. (Source/Credit: The Malta Independent on Sunday, 30 December 2018)

What can you tell me about Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta’s slogan?

We believe that our slogan ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ is a code for peace; a code to build a peaceful society, to build harmonious societies and, indeed, to build a very peaceful, prosperous and harmonious world.

Because it has all the ingredients: it is not the slogan of a particular community or religion, it is a slogan for all humanity. It caters to every single human being.

There is no distinction or discrimination towards anyone.

We believe that this slogan which was given to the community by our 3rd Caliph, can unite the entire world. In the beginning, we thought that it was a slogan – but it is such a profound phrase. In fact, it’s so profound in its meaning and philosophy that if all the world just abided by this one slogan, we are pretty sure that the world would become a haven of peace and harmony.

This means that all human beings are equal, valuable: every soul is important.

Then it comes to how a person puts his words into actions. A person’s actions differ and can also elevate or reduce his status, which is why their actions make people good or bad.

We should deal with each other with respect and reverence, and that will lead to love and compassion.

How does this tie in with Islam?

We believe that this slogan is the essence of the entire Quranic teachings.

If a person reads the entre Quran, he will learn two things: a love of God and a love of humanity. The slogan caters for all that very well.

Also, when we say ‘love for all’, we show the world that Islam is not an extremist fundamentalist religion but a religion that promotes peace, love and brotherhood.

So through this slogan we break those barriers, and any misunderstandings, misconceptions, or taboos in people’s minds. People then come together and start getting to know each other, rather than living at a distance, and this leads us to better equip ourselves with an understanding of each other.

That is what the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also said: “I do not think I have any enemies. I have love for everyone in the world. I also command my members that they must help extinguish a fire that is burning the house of a Hindu. If a member of my community does not do so, then he does not belong to me.”

He also said:  “If a member of my community does not save the life of a Christian being attacked then, for sure, this person does not belong to me.”

He meant that the love of humanity must be so profound that when a person is in need, we should not see who he is, his background, his colour, or his religion – it must be beyond that kind of thinking.

In Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, one of the humanitarian organisations is named ‘Humanity First’. Note that we did not say ‘Religion First’, ‘Muslims First’ or ‘Christians First’, but ‘Humanity First’ –  meaning that if a human being is in need, then we must look on him under the gaze of humanity. We even help those who do not believe in God, as they are still a person and a human being.

That is the uniqueness in the slogan – that we should look at each and every individual as a human being, irrespective of their differences.

Why join Ahmadiyya particularly?

I am part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community because it caters for all my spiritual needs. It has all the ingredients for my well-being – how I can prosper in my spirituality and my everyday life.

It breaks barriers, it builds bridges between people, it gives us a true understanding of God and a true understanding of humanity.

As a community, we also organise inter-faith dialogue discussions, gatherings and conventions to show that diverse opinions and faiths can be united: that we can work for the common good together.

That is what I have understood through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

This is because the Prophet Muhammed prophesied that, in the later days, a reformer would come who would reform the Islamic teachings, giving a true and accurate interpretation according to the needs of the time.

We believe that the founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is that person – the one who was prophesied by the Prophet Muhammed.

That is why the understanding of Islam which we have through our founder, and then our spiritual leaders caliphs, is unique. We always find guidance from them whenever a moment of crisis or difficulty occurs.

What would a good example of that be?

A good example would be that of terrorism. Our leadership has taught us the true understanding of Islamic Jihad, because many times it is misinterpreted and takes the shape of terrorism and extremism.

Jihad is not to kill a person, but to kill our ego; our inner-self which always incites us towards evil.  Jihad is to save lives, not to destroy lives: to save lives and to provide basic necessities so that they could survive – that is the biggest challenge in today’s world. 

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Harmony, Inter-religious dialogue, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Love for all - Hatred for none, Religious Freedom | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Dialogue between religions

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imħabba għal Kulħadd, Mibegħda lejn Ħadd

Djalogu bejn ir-Reliġjonijiet 

Mary Gauci/Kandidata għall-Parlament Ewropew (It-Torċa, il-Ħadd, 23.12.2018) 

Dan l-aħħar jien ħadt sehem fil-konvenzjoni annwali ta’ djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet bit-tema ‘Imħabba għal Kulħadd, Mibegħda għal Ħadd’, ġiet organizzat mill-Komunita Ahmadiyya Musulmana. Spikkat l-armonija, unità, paċi, lealta’ u fraternità.

Il-President ta’ Malta faħħret lill-Komunita Ahmadiyya Musulmana f’Malta għall-impenn tagħha biex tkompli tistabbilixxi l-paċi permezz tar-rispett. Fil-messaġġ tagħha spjegat li l-promozzjoni ta’ djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet hija essenzjali. Id-djalogu jassigura l-iżvilupp tant meħtieġ għall-oqsma soċjali, ekonomiċi, u ambjentali tal-pajjiżi tagħna. Ir-reliġjon tgħaqqadna f’dan l-impenn intrinsiku li nikkontribwixxu b’mod pożittiv lejn l-umanità. Il-President Coleiro qalet li hi konvinta li l-komunitajiet tagħna jistgħu jiksbu ħafna aktar meta nfittxu dak li jgħaqqadna u mhux dak li jifridna. Temmen li għandna bżonn inħabirku biex nippromwovu u nagħmlu d-djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet bħala proċess fis-soċjetajiet tagħna. Il-ħolqien ta’ dan it-tip ta’ djalogu bejn nies differenti minn reliġjonijiet differenti huwa fattur essenzjali biex jinkiseb l-iżvilupp sostenibbli tar-reġjun Ewro-Mediterranju tagħna u għall-futur ta’ paċi u prosperità għad-dinja tagħna.

Waqt din il-laqgħa tkellmu wkoll l-Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana f’Malta, l-Onor. Ivan Bartolo, Membru tal-Parlament, is-Sinjura Margaret Baldacchino Cefai, Sindku tal-Imsida, ir-Rev. John Anthony Berry, Segretarju tal-Kummissjoni Djoċesana għad-djalogu inter-reliġjuż, ir-Rev. Kim Hurst tal-Knisja Skoċċiża ta’ San Andreas, u minni.

Ivan Bartolo saħaq li għandna nisimgħu x’jgħidu reliġjonijiet oħra, b’moħħ miftuħ u bla ma nkunu blokkjati għal dak li nisimgħu.

Is-Sinjura Sindku Baldacchino emfasizzat il-ħtieġa ta’ integrazzjoni ta’ popli bi twemmin divers fil-komunita’ peress li ż-żminijiet li nbiddlu għandna nadattaw għar-realtajiet tal-lum.

Min-naħa tiegħu r-Rev. John Anthony Berry, Segretarju tal-Kummissjoni Djoċesana għad-Djalogu Interreliġjuż, fost oħrajn qal li r-reliġjon hija forza għat-tjubija. Eżempju mill-aqwa ta’ forza għat-tjubija huwa d-djalogu interreliġjuż par excellence, li fl-istess ħin jispira s-soċjetà biex tkattar kultura ta’ paċi, ta’ inkontru u ta’ djalogu fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum. Id-djalogu interreliġjuż ifittex li jibni l-pontijiet bejn ir-reliġjonijiet. Jipprova jagħraf li fis-sbuħija tal-qalb umana, f’kull kultura u f’kull epoka, in-nisa u l-irġiel jippruvaw jilmħu u jifhmu l-iddixxernat, u kif dan jista’ jkun ta’ barka u grazzja għalihom fil-ħajja tagħhom fil-komunità. Rev. Berry kompla billi jafferma li: “waqt li aħna nibqgħu leali lejn it-tradizzjoni reliġjuża tagħna, nistgħu niskopru r-rikkezza ta’ twemmin u reliġjonijiet oħra li jgħaqqduna flimkien fir-rispett u r-reverenza ta’ kull raġel u mara li ġew maħluqa fuq din l-art.”

L-Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif president tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana f’Malta fost oħrajn qal li ż-żminijiet li ngħixu fihom illum joħolqu sfidi kbar għall-koeżistenza paċifika u armonjuża ta’ nies bi sfondi reliġjużi, politiċi u nazzjonali differenti. Id-dinja għandha bżonn waqfien immedjat tal-gwerer u l-kunflitti. Minflok it-twaqqif ta’ ħitan ta’ mibegħda, għandna bżonn it-tixrid tal-paċi, u biex dan iseħħ u biex din il-‘ħolma ssir realtà’, in-nies ta’ kull reliġjon, twemmin, kulur, u affiljazzjoni politika għandhom jingħaqdu flimkien. Jemmen bis-sħiħ li r-reliġjon hija qawwa pożittiva ħafna għar-riformazzjoni u l-benesseri tas-soċjetà. Għaldaqstant, f’dan iż-żmien kruċjali, hemm urġenza kbira biex ir-reliġjonijiet jagħmlu sforz ġenwin u serju biex jeliminaw in-nuqqas ta’ ftehim bejniethom. Atif kompla jgħid: “L-Iżlam jippreżenta l-libertà tar-reliġjon u l-fidi bħala pedament għall-paċi interreliġjuż billi jistqarr li m’għandu jkun hemm l-ebda sfurzar fir-reliġjon. L-Iżlam ma jippermettix l-użu tal-forza bħala strument għat-tixrid tal-Messaġġ tiegħu, għaliex, ‘Ix-xwabel jistgħu jirbħu l-artijiet iżda mhux il-qlub. Il-forza tista’ tgħawweġ l-irjus iżda mhux l-imħuħ’.”

Ir-reliġjon hija forza għat-tjubija u għalhekk ir-reliġjonijiet kollha jridu jaħdmu flimkien biex jagħmlu d-dinja waħda paċifika u rebbieħa. Tajjeb li nifhmu aktar lil xulxin, nitgħallmu minn xulxin, nissoċjalizzaw u flimkien nqarrbu l-komunitajiet aktar lejn xulxin.

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

Domestic harmony

Posted on December 29, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: Times of Malta, Saturday, December 29, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

“The basic building block for peace in society is tranquillity and harmony within the family home. The situation within a home is not limited, but has a knock-on effect on the peace of the local area, which in turn affects the peace of the wider town or city. 

“If there is disturbance in the home it will negatively affect the local area and that will affect the town or city. In the same way, the state of the town or city affects the peace of the entire country and ultimately the state of a nation affects the peace and harmony of the region or the entire world.”

In these few words the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has, in a nutshell, highlighted the importance of domestic harmony.

The Holy Quran has instructed to make righteousness and trustworthiness the foundation for all of the relationships. If we develop a high level of righteousness and trustworthiness in ourselves, we will surely be able to treat each other with respect, dignity, love and justice. Consequently, this will lead to the establishment of domestic and family harmony. 

I believe that these values are the antidote to the ever-increasing domestic violence, which has taken many innocent lives and more are going through extremely painful and hard times in their relationship.

Demonstrations of high level of reciprocate reverence between both partners and to their relatives also paves the way of harmonious coexistence. In addition, patience and forbearance, are also essential elements of a healthy and long-lasting relationship. Patience is the key to a successful, peaceful and harmonious family life.

Anger and quick-temperedness are poisonous for good relations. Unfortunately, according to some, aggressive and mighty behaviour or violent response is considered as a symbol of bravery. In such a scenario, I always find great guidance in the words of Prophet Muhammad who said that “a strong person isn’t he who wins a physical fight; a strong person is he who controls himself in anger and quarrel”.

Moreover, he highlighted methods to help with anger and said: “If one of you becomes angry then he should stay silent. And when one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.” 

When one is angry the actions and speech may be disproportionate and unjust

He also emphasised on drinking cold water because that too provides ease in the state of anger. 

It is healthier that couples avoid arguing with each other if any of them is in anger, even if one feels that the other is at fault. However, when one calms down, then the other gently brings the error to attention and to realise the error. And the issue should be sorted out respectfully with mutual discussion. 

This is an important practice because when one is angry the actions and speech may be disproportionate and unjust.

A forgiving and reconciling attitude cements the relationship. One must not forget that human beings can commit mistakes, only God is pure from imperfection. So, short-comings must be forgiven. 

For strengthening the family, everyone must let go every kind of arrogance, pride, mutual enmity, jealousy etc. Instead, the relationship should be like that of true and sincere friends. 

Another important point is that both partners should never mention their private matters to other people. Furthermore, they should avoid doing things in secrecy, because it tarnishes the good reputation and loses the trust if the secret is known to other partner; and that also brings disgrace and embarrassment. 

The teaching of the Holy Quran in this regard is: “They (wives) are a garment for you, and you (husbands) are a garment for them” (2:188). 

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

Just as a garment provides ease, comfort, beauty, safeguard from heat, and protection from various types of pains, the same is the case with couples. Just as a garment covers, similarly men and women cover each other’s weaknesses, faults and blemishes. 

Moreover, it is imperative that all interactions between a married couple reflect a strong bonding of sincerity, care, loyalty, trust and friendship to establish a lifelong domestic harmony.

Laiq Ahmed Atif is president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

amjmalta@gmail.com This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece

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Ahmadiyya Malta Participates in L-Istrina 2018

Posted on December 27, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta  participated in #Listrina2018 an event organised under the auspices of Her Excellency the President of Malta @presidentMT . #Solidarity #Solidarijetà . 

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Jesus in the Holy Quran

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

ĠESÙ FIL-KORAN IMQADDES

Il-Musulmani għandhom imħabba u rispett kbir lejn Ġesù. Huwa parti integrali mis-sisien fundamentali tat-twemmin Iżlamiku li mhux biss jitqies bħala att ta’ korteżija, iżda li wieħed jemmen ġenwinament fil-verità u l-unur tal-messaġġiera kollha ta’ Alla, inkluż Buddha, Krishna, Mosè, Ġesù, u Muħammad, il-paċi tkun fuqhom ilkoll. Il-Koran Imqaddes isostni:

“Għidu: ‘Aħna nemmnu f’Alla, u f’dak li ġie muri lilna, u f’dak li ġie muri lil Abraham, u lil Ismagħel, u lil Iżakk, u lil Ġakobb, u lit-tribujiet, u f’dak li ngħata Mosè u Ġesù, u f’dak li ngħataw il-Profeti minn Sidhom. Aħna ma nagħmlux distinzjoni bejn ħadd minnhom, u aħna f’Idejh intlaqna.”’ (Il-Koran Imqaddes – 2:137)

Il-Koran Imqaddes jiddikjara li Ġesù (il-paċi tkun dejjem fuqu) twieled b’mod mirakoluż mid-devota verġni Marija, u huwa xhieda kostanti tas-safa u tal-karattru nobbli tagħha. Il-Koran Imqaddes jagħti prestiġju kbir lil Marija u jirrifjuta kull akkuża miġjuba lejha. Jistqarr ukoll li omm Ġesù kienet mara twajba ħafna u li x-Xitan ma kellu l-ebda sehem fit-twelid ta’ Ġesù.

Il-Koran Imqaddes jitkellem apertament dwar id-dedikazzjoni, il-pjetà, in-nobbiltà, u l-ħniena ta’ Ġesù. Il-Koran Imqaddes jgħid:

“U lil Ġesù bin Marija tajnieh sinjali ċari u qawwejnieh b’Ruħ il-Qodos (l-Anġlu Gabrijel).” (2:88 u 2:254)

“U Żakkarija, Ġwanni, Ġesù u Elija, kollha mill-ġusti, u Ismagħel, Eliżew, Ġona u Lot; kollha ppreferejniehom mill-oħrajn.” (6:86-87). “Dak huwa Ġesù bin Marija. Dan huwa kliem is-sewwa li huma jiddubitaw.” (19:35)

“Tassew, il-Messija Ġesù bin Marija ma kienx għajr il-mibgħut ta’ Alla u twettiq tal-kelma Tiegħu li nissel f’Marija, u grazzja mingħandu.” (4:172)

“Qal (Ġesù): ‘Jien tabilħaqq il-qaddej ta’ Alla! Huwa tani l-Ktieb u għamilni Profeta. Huwa għamilni mbierek, kull fejn inkun.’” (19:31-32)

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Ahmadiyya Muslim donates hampers to Caritas

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Muslim community donates hampers to Caritas

Gifts to be distributed to its beneficiaries

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta community presented 60 gift hampers to Caritas to be distributed among the people and families who are benefiting from their services.

The hampers were presented to Anthony Gatt, the director of Caritas, by Laiq Ahmed Atif, the president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. TIMESOFMALTA – NEWSBOOK

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Id-Dawl Numru 12

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) DECEMBER 2018

(i) JESUS in the Holy QURAN   

(ii) The Means for the World Peace 

(iii) Second Jalsa Salana – Annual Convention 

(iv) Interreligious Conference  

(v) President of Malta’s Message 

(vi) Donation of Wheelchairs

Click here to read: ID-DAWL DECEMBER 2018

Id-Dawl Numru 12

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Video of Interfaith Session – Second Jalsa Salana Malta 2018

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Inter-religious dialogue, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, Jalsa Salana Malta | Leave a comment

Video of Second Jalsa Salana Malta 2018

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Jalsa Salana Malta, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Leave a comment

Ahmadiyya Malta organised an Interfaith Session

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta organised an ‘Interfaith Session’ at its Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) on 2nd December 2018 held at the ‘Centru Familja Mqaddsa’ Msida. The theme of this year’s interfaith session was ‘Love for all, hatred for none’.

For highlighting this unique message of love, compassion and respect, all the participants of the annual convention were wearing the badges with the message of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’, as a manifestation of harmony, unity, peace and brotherhood. The badges were printed on red and white colours – the colours of the Maltese flag – to further extend the message of unity and loyalty.

Her Excellency, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, very graciously sent her video message for the convention and she highlighted the importance of interfaith dialogue and commended ‘the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Malta for their commitment to pursue the building of peace through respect’. She said ‘promoting interfaith dialogue is essential. Dialogue ensures the much needed development for the social and economic and environmental sectors of our countries. I believe that all faith traditions contribute to our human family’.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran, in his opening remarks, Imam Haider Ali Zafar Sahib explained the Purpose of the Jalsa Salana.  This session was addressed by Hon. Ivan Bartolo, Member of Parliament, Ms. Margaret Baldacchino Cefai, Mayor of Msida, Rev. John Anthony Berry, secretary of the Diocesan Commission for the interreligious dialogue, Rev, Kim Hurst of St. Andrew’s Scots Church, Mr. Conrad Borg Manché, Mayor of Gzira, Mr. Ignatius Farrugia, Mayor of Zurrieq, Ms. Mary Gauci, MEP Candidate and Ms. Myrabelle Corlett, Chairperson of WFWP Malta.

The ‘Interfaith Session’ was concluded with the speech by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Malta. The topic of his speech was ‘Inter-Religious Peace’. He presented all-times feasible and practicable guiding principles from the teachings of the Holy Quran and the noble examples of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, for the establishment of tolerant, harmonious, prosperous and peaceful inter-religious societies.

The ‘Interfaith Session’ was concluded with silent prayer. People from different walks of life attended the interfaith session. After the speeches traditional food was served. The Malta Independent 

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Second Jalsa Salana Malta 2018

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Second Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) Malta 2018

On Sunday, 2 December 2018, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta held its 2nd Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) at the ‘Ċentru Familja Mqaddsa’, Msida, Malta. 

This was the second Jalsa Salana in Malta; it was divided into two sessions. First session was chaired by Imam Haider Ali Zafar Sahib, Vice President of Jamaat Ahmadiyya Germany. A special message from the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) was read out at the convention.

In his message His Holiness highlighted the ‘importance of constantly striving to become rightful Ahmadi Muslims’ and said:

“I urge you to constantly self-reflect and improve your inner selves; continually increase in goodness and righteousness; conduct yourselves in the best manner in your every deed and action; be kind, considerate and caring to all of Allah’s creatures and especially to your fellow human beings; and always remain exemplary Ahmadi Muslims.”

He said, in this regard, the Promised Messiah (as) has explained:  

“The purpose of their joining the Movement and establishing with me a relationship like that of a disciple is that they should achieve a high degree of piety and righteousness. No wrongdoing or mischief should ever come near them. They should offer the five daily Prayers regularly and with congregation, and should not lie nor hurt anyone by their tongues. They should not be guilty of any kind of vice and should not let even a thought of mischief, wrongdoing or transgression pass through their minds. They should shun every type of sin, offence, undesirable speech and action, as well as all egoistic passions and unruly behaviour. They should become pure-hearted, harmless and meek servants of God Almighty, and no poisonous germ should flourish in their beings.” (Majmu‘ah Ishtiharat, vol. 3, pp. 46) 

Speeches on different subjects were delivered in both English and Urdu languages. These speeches included: The Beauty and Glory of the Holy Quran by Haseeb Rahman Sahib, The Purpose of Life is to Worship Almighty Allah by Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif and concluding speech was delivered by Imam Haider Ali Zafar Sahib who emphasised about the importance and blessings of Khilafat – Spiritual Muslim Leadership; he also discussed the social and moral issues and presented solutions from Islamic teachings. Ameen was also held for the children who have successfully completed the recitation of the Holy Quran for the first time.  First session was concluded with silent prayer. After a break second session titled ‘Interfaith Session’ was held (further reporting separately).   

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Islamic community holds inter-religious convention to promote dialogue

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted On  – Report: Tony Dimech – Source/credit: http://www.tvm.com.mt 

The Islamic community Ahmadiyya which meets in the heart of Gzira recently held an inter-religious convention with representatives from other religions, in order to promote dialogue to create an atmosphere of love, respect and hope. The convention was held at the Holy Family Centre in Msida.

The dialogue between different religions is the tool which is being used so that believers may understand one another better so that together they can create an atmosphere of peace, love and respect towards the diversity of religious beliefs. The Islamic community Ahmadiyya felt the need to create an opportunity for dialogue where representatives from different religions can speak about their beliefs to strengthen friendship. The convention had as its theme “Love for everyone, hatred towards no one”.

Laiq Ahmed Atif,  the President of Ahmadiyya Musulmana said, “We teach our community about Islam and how we should live in a society as responsible citizens, how they should respect everyone and help those in need.”

He added that the convention’s aim was to send a message of unity.

Laiq Ahmed Atif said, “people of different religious beliefs live in Malta and we want to send a message that although our religions are different, as human beings we can focus on the common things between us so that we can have a better society.”

Fr John Barry, who is a delegate for the Diocesan Commission for the Church’s Inter-religious Dialogue, said that religious dialogue creates a culture of peace and can even build bridges between different religions. Find More: 

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Il-komunità Iżlamika b’konvenzjoni inter-reliġjuża biex tippromovi d-djalogu

Posted on December 9, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif
Source/Credit: http://www.tvm.com.mt
Imtella’ Rapport: Tony Dimech

 

Il-komunità Iżlamika Ahmadiyya li tiltaqa’ għat-talb fil-Gżira tellgħet konvenzjoni inter-reliġjuża biex flimkien ma’ rappreżentanti ta’ reliġjonijiet oħra tippromovi d-djalogu ħalli tinħoloq atmosfera ta’ mħabba, rispett u tama. Il-konvenzjoni nżammet fiċ-Ċentru Familja Mqaddsa fl-Imsida.

Id-djalogu bejn rappreżentanti tar-reliġjonijiet huwa l-għodda li qed tintuża biex dawk li jemmnu jifhmu aktar lil xulxin ħalli flimkien joħolqu atmosfera ta’ paċi, imħabba u rispett minkejja d-diversità fit-twemmin. Il-Komunità Iżlamika Ahmadiyya ħasset li għandha toħloq opportunità ta’ djalogu fejn rappreżentanti ta’ reliġjonijiet differenti jitkellmu dwar it-twemmin tagħhom ħalli tissaħħaħ il-ħbiberija. Il-konvenzjoni li nżammet fiċ-Ċentru Familja Mqaddsa f’Imsida kellu t-tema ‘Imħabba għal Kulħadd, mibegħda lejn ħadd’.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, il-President t’Ahmadiyya Musulmana “nagħtu għarfien lill-komunità tagħna dwar l-Iżlam u kif għandhom jgħixu fis-soċjetà bħala ċittadini responsabbli, għandhom juru rispett lejn kulħadd u jgħinu lill-kulħadd li huwa fil-bżonn.”

Il-President Ahmed Atif qal li l-konvezjoni kellha li jintbagħat messaġġ ta’ għaqda.

Laiq Ahmed Atif qal “nies ta’ twemmin differenti li jgħixu f’Malta u nibagħtu l-messaġġ li għalkemm ir-reliġjonijiet jkunu differenti iżda bħala bnedmin umani nistgħu niffukaw fuq affarijiet komuni bejnietna sabiex nagħmlu s-soċjetà aħjar.”

Fr John Barry li huwa d-deligat tal-Kummissjoni Djoċesana għad-Djalogu Interreliġjuż tal-Knisja qal li d-djalogu reliġjuż joħloq kultura ta’ paċi u anke jibni pontijiet bejn ir-reliġjonijiet. Find More

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Message from Her Excellency President of Malta

Posted on December 2, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Message from Her Excellency President of Malta for the Jalsa Salana Malta 2018

Message from Her Excellency, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, for the ‘Interfaith Session’ held at the Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana Malta 2018) on Sunday, 2 December. The theme of this year’s Interfaith Session was ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.

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Preparations for Jalsa Salana Malta 2018

Posted on December 1, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Jalsa Salana Malta 2018 –  The Annual Convention

Preparations are completed for the Second Jalsa Salana Malta 2018, taking place in Msida #Malta.  #JalsaMalta

Unity – Peace – Love – Brotherhood. Serving with a smile!

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Ahmadiyya participation in the Book Festival 2018

Posted on November 17, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta actively participated in the Annual Book Festival held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, Malta, between 7 to 11th November 2018.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta has translated more than 60 books and flyers about Islam-Ahmadiyya in Maltese language, including children’s books. These books in Maltese and Jamaat’s literature in English were placed on Jamaat’s stand.

During the book festival Ahmadiyya members distributed hundreds of flyers and books to the visitors. The Community’s monthly magazine “Id-Dawl” (the Light), was also presented to people and were briefed about the publication of the magazine. During the book festival people’s questions about Islam-Ahmadiyya were also answered.

www.ahmadiyya.mt

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World Tolerance Day 2018

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Il-Jum Internazzjonali tat-Tolleranza

Kull sena, madwar id-dinja, is-16 ta’ Novembru jiġi ċċelebrat bħala l-Jum Internazzjonali tat-Tolleranza biex jippromovi l-valuri tat-tolleranza, tal-armonija u tar-rispett; u biex ikattar l-għarfien pubbliku dwar il-perikli tal-intolleranza. Il-ġurnata ntgħażlet mill-Assemblea Ġenerali tal-Ġnus Magħquda fl-1996, wara ċ-ċelebrazzjoni tas-sena 1995 bħala s-Sena tat-Tolleranza.

Il-kelma ‘tolleranza’ tfisser ir-rieda li taċċetta jew tittollera, speċjalment opinjonijiet jew imġibiet li inti ma tantx taqbel magħhom, jew li ġġib ruħek sewwa ma’ dawk li huma differenti minnek. Tfisser li turi rispett lejn ir-razza, il-ġeneru, l-opinjoni, ir-reliġjon u l-ideoloġija ta’ individwi jew gruppi oħra, u li tapprezza l-kwalitajiet u l-ħidmiet tajba ta’ oħrajn. U li tispjega fehmietek b’mod diċenti u dinjituż filwaqt li tirrispetta s-sentimenti tal-oħrajn.

Naħseb li ż-żmien jeħtieġ li iktar milli vendetta jew ritaljazzjoni, huwa ferm aħjar li nuru tjubija u sabar u nżommu l-ogħla livelli possibbli tat-tolleranza u tal-armonija.

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Why do Muslim men have Beards?

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Għaliex l-irġiel Musulmani għandhom il-Leħja?

Il-Musulmani jfittxu li jsegwu l-eżempju nobbli tal-Profeta tal-Iżlam – Muħammadsa. Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa kellu l-leħja u kien jilbes turban, żewġ użanzi komuni għad-dehra tal-irġiel ta’ dik l-epoka u pajjiż. Madanakollu, dawn ma kinux isiru biss biex wieħed isegwi t-tradizzjoni.

It-tkabbir tal-leħja ilu assoċjat mad-devozzjoni u l-virilità għal eluf ta’ snin fost ħafna kulturi u ċiviltajiet u huwa komuni f’ħafna reliġjonijiet. Fis-Sikiżmu, il-leħja titqies bħala parti mid-dinjità u t-tjubija tal-irġiel. Fil-Ġudaiżmu u l-Kristjaneżmu, il-qassisin tal-imgħoddi ħafna drabi kienu jkabbru l-leħja u t-tqaxxir tagħha kien jitqies bħala sinjal ta’ għajb u diżunur. (1-Kronaki 19:4-5)

L-Iżlam kompla b’din it-tradizzjoni sabiħa, fejn il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa kien iħeġġeġ it-tkabbir tal-leħja u jgħid:

“Żommu l-mustaċċi qosra u kabbru l-leħja.” (Bukhari)

Minn din it-tradizzjoni (diskors) jidher li m’hemmx daqs jew stil wieħed għal-leħja, iżda din għandha tkun itwal mill-mustaċċi. Il-mustaċċi m’għandhomx jitneħħew kompletament u lanqas m’għandhom ikunu twal ħafna għaliex it-tradizzjoni tgħid li l-mustaċċi għandhom jiġu ‘mirquma’. Il-leħja turi wkoll il-ġmiel ta’ raġel għaldaqstant għandha tinżamm nadifa wkoll.

“It-tkabbir ta’ leħja huwa wieħed mis-sinjali tan-natura.” (Muslim)

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa kien ukoll ikabbar il-leħja, u l-Koran Imqaddes jgħid lil kull Musulman li jekk int tħobb lil Alla mela għandek issegwi lill-Profeta mbagħad Alla jħobb lilek ukoll. (Ch.3: V.32)

Biex isegwu l-eżempju nobbli tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammadsa l-irġiel Musulmani jkabbru l-leħja.

Photo: Zurijeta | Shutterstock
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Id-Dawl Numru 11

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) NOVEMBER 2018

(i) World Tolerance Day    (ii) Good Behaviour  

(iii) Arrogance & Mischief  (iv) Islam & Rights of Women

(v) Why do Muslim men have Beards? 

(vi) An Excellent Example of Religious Tolerance

(vii) Caliph’s Tour of USA 

Click here to read: ID-DAWL NOVEMBER 2018

Id-Dawl Numru 11Id-Dawl Numru 11

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Jalsa Salana Malta 2018 – Annual Convention

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif


2ND JALSA SALANA MALTA 2018

(ANNUAL CONVENTION)

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta is organising the annual convention on Sunday December 2, 2018 in Msida. You are cordially invited to this annual gathering. Please send us an email on amjmalta@gmail.com to receive the programme and a formal invitation to this convention.

SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBER

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community established the institution of Jalsa Salana (annual convention). The first convention was held in 1891, and seventy-five people attended it. It is a splendid manifestation of spirituality, harmony, peace and brotherhood.  http://www.ahmadiyya.mt 

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Islamic Concept of Government

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

IL-FORMA TA’ GVERN FL-IŻLAM 

“L-Iżlam kif jiddefinixxi s-sovran, jew l-Istat? F’terminoloġija Iżlamika s-sovran jew il-Kalif huwa dak l-individwu rappreżentattiv li poplu ta’ nazzjon jaħtar għall-protezzjoni u s-superviżjoni tal-jeddijiet tiegħu kemm individwali kif ukoll kollettivi. L-Iżlam ma jirrikonoxxi l-ebda forma ta’ tmexxija ħlief dik ta’ gvern rappreżentattiv.

Il-Koran Imqaddes uża l-kelma Amanat (fiduċja) biex jiddeskrivi l-kunċett Iżlamiku ta’ gvern, jiġifieri, il-Kalif jeżerċita setgħa li tkun ingħatat lilu min-nies, u mhux setgħa li ħa hu stess bil-volontà tiegħu jew li ntirtet minnu bħala jedd mit-twelid. Din il-kelma weħidha hija biżżejjed biex turi n-natura u s-setgħat tas-sura Iżlamika ta’ tmexxija.

Il-Koran Imqaddes ma jitkellimx dwar is-setgħa ta’ tmexxija bħala xi ħaġa li tgħaddi mis-sovran għas-sudditi, iżda bħala xi ħaġa li tgħaddi mis-sudditi għas-sovran. Madanakollu, biex napprezzaw sewwa l-kunċett Iżlamiku tal-Istat, huwa neċessarju li nikkwotaw il-vers li, fil-qosor, iżda f’termini komprensivi, jiddeskrivi n-natura u d-dmirijiet tal-ħakkiema u tal-maħkumin. Il-Koran Imqaddes jgħid:

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

Fl-ewwel parti ta’ din is-silta n-nies qed jingħadilhom li huwa f’idejhom biex jagħżlu l-mexxejja tagħhom, u li ħadd iżjed ma jista’ jaħtar mexxej fuqhom, jiġifieri, is-sovranità mhijiex ereditarja u ħadd mhu intitolat li jsir mexxej għaliex inzerta li huwa iben jew l-eredi ta’ ħakkiem preċedenti.

It-tmexxija mbagħad hija definita bħala fiduċja prezzjuża u n-nies huma mwissija biex ma jafdawhiex f’persuna li mhijiex denja ta’ dik il-fiduċja, iżda li jqiegħdu r-responsabbiltà f’idejn xi ħadd li jaqdi dmiru sewwa, b’onestà u b’fedeltà.

Imbagħad, is-silta tkompli tgħidilna li t-tmexxija mhijiex xi ħaġa indipendenti fiha nnifisha, iżda hija biss tqassim ta’ poteri bil-għan li ċerti drittijiet jiġu inforzati u protetti għaliex in-nies ma jistgħux jinfurzawhom u jħarsuhom b’mod individwali. Għalhekk, hija fiduċja u mhux proprjetà. Id-dritt għall-iggvernar jaqa’ primarjament fuq il-komunità u mhux fuq il-ħakkiem.

Dan tal-aħħar, madanakollu, jintqal lilu li l-awtorità mogħtija lilu hija forma ta’ fiduċja u li huwa ma jistax jabbuża jew jużaha ħażin, u li għandu jgħaddiha lill-benefiċjarji, fil-waqt tal-mewt tiegħu, mingħajr deterjorament jew diminuzzjoni, jiġifieri, huwa jrid joqgħod attent li jipproteġi l-interessi u d-drittijiet nazzjonali u individwali, u li m’għandu l-ebda jedd li jnaqqas jew iħassar xi partijiet minnhom.

Il-mexxejja u l-uffiċjali mbagħad jingħad lilhom biex jaqdu d-dmirijiet rispettivi tagħhom fl-oqsma tagħhom b’ġustizzja u b’fedeltà.

Il-vers imbagħad jindika li l-Musulmani se jabbandunaw din il-forma ta’ tmexxija, u biex jagħmlu bħal popli oħrajn, jerġgħu lura għal forma ta’ ggvernar li hija monarkika u ereditarja, iżda t-twiddiba ta’ Alla – dik li l-Musulmani għandhom jaderixxu l-forma rappreżentattiva ta’ tmexxija, jagħżlu l-aqwa mħuħ biex imexxuhom u jevitaw is-sistema ereditarja ta’ ggvernar – tforni l-aqwa parir. L-aħħar kliem tal-vers jindika li Alla għażel din is-sura ta’ tmexxija għaliex Huwa konxju tal-ħażen ta’ forom oħra ta’ ggvernar magħżula mill-bniedem, u għaliex Huwa sema’ t-talb ta’ dawk li sofrew taħthom, u li, għalhekk, il-Musulmani għandhom jaċċettawha u b’hekk juru l-gratitudni tagħhom għall-pjaċir li Alla għamlilhom.

Minn dan joħroġ ċar li l-forma Iżlamika ta’ gvern trid tkun ibbażata fuq sistema elettiva u rappreżentattiva, u li s-sovran irid jitqies bħala r-rappreżentant tal-poplu fil-kapaċità kollettiva u mhux individwali tagħhom.” 

(Din hi silta meħuda mill-Kitbiet ta’ Ħażrat Mirża Bashiruddin Maħmud Aħmadra – it-Tieni Suċċessur tal-Messija Mwiegħed u Maħdias, il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya fl-Iżlam. Anwarul Ulum, Vol.8, p.291-293.)
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Id-Dawl Numru 10

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) OCTOBER 2018

(i) Serving    (ii) Who is better?

(iii) Inviting People to Allah

(iv) Islamic Form of Government 

(v) The Purpose of Religion  

Click here to read: ID-DAWL OCTOBER 2018

Id-Dawl Numru 10

 

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Nonsensical, idle speech

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: Times of Malta, Thursday, September 27, 2018, by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Freedom of speech and expression is one of the core principles of any progressive and democratic society. However, in the very noisy and distracting social media era – where in a matter of minutes, like wildfire, the tweets and posts are spread far and wide – sometimes they are in the form of hate speech, which are followed by equally painful comments that leave horrific and interminable marks in the memory of those affected by such statements and remarks.

The nonsensical and idle talk or writing sometimes becomes so perilous that it creates social unrest, depression, restlessness, enmity and disorder. People’s lives, work, productivity, health and family are affected negatively. It is also a reality that sometimes such damaging remarks lead to suicidal attempts.

Recently, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, highlighted this matter during a meeting of the non-executive EU presidents of the Arraiolos Group, held in Latvia.

She said: “With the call for freedom of speech we are sometimes fed fake news and misinformation. The ‘weaponisation’ of the media is a reality, often leading to misinformation and hate speech, creating social tensions and stress.”

I believe that the responsible usage of all the available mediums to express oneself is crucial for a healthy, peaceful and progressive society. It is not forbidden to take advantage of new inventions but their wrong use makes them harmful.

During his life, the Holy Prophet Muhammad laid down, in just a few words, a golden principle that is remarkably relevant to this issue. He said that “a person should desire for others whatever he desires for himself”. I believe that this timeless principle is as true today as it ever was in the past.

Certainly, every person craves good standing in their community and the respect of others.

It is not forbidden to take advantage of new inventions but their wrong use makes them harmful

Every person desires love and care for his sentiments and feelings. Moreover, nobody likes for himself any outrageous remark, hate speech or injurious comment.

I fail to understand then, why people show insensitivity towards others when they express themselves? Aren’t all people having the similar hearts, feelings and sentiments?

The syndrome of hate speech, vain talk and futile practices has become so widespread that people do not even take notice of them until the situation really worsens and one is in deep waters. In the Holy Quran, God draws attention towards this phenomenal matter that responsible citizens and true believers are those “who shun all that which is vain” (23:4).

The Arabic word laghw, which is used in this verse connotes all forbidden (haram), unpleasant and abominable things. It also signifies a vain, foolish, worthless or careless talk or speech or that which one utters without seriously meaning it; vain act or an act done carelessly; deviation from the right path; and foolish joking.

Unnecessarily and unconstructively criticising others, spreading fake news and misinformation, lying about others, as well as maligning others, are all acts of hatred and malice, and are below the dignity of a responsible citizen.

The spirit of mutual respect and regard for the sentiments of others is the means of establishing peace in the society and indeed in the whole world.

It is evident that we must demonstrate good and virtuous conduct and behaviour whenever we speak or write anything. Good, virtuous conduct is that in which there is not even the slightest thought of any kind of excess or wrongdoing, or conceit, or ostentation.

The values of respect, decency, care, politeness and truth should be our hallmark. Because, without good deeds or actions, man is like a tree whose beautiful green branches have been cut off to make it look disfigured.

I think, it is highly essential to make good use of this freedom of speech and rather than spreading hatred and malice, we must use the available mediums for the common and greater good of all humanity.

Every person has the right to express himself, and to have a difference of opinion or to disagree with others’ thoughts and ideologies. However, it should not be at the cost of injuring the sentiments of others. And words needs to be selected carefully, wisely and rationally.

Laiq Ahmed Atif is president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. amjmalta@gmail.com  This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece. FIND MORE:

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It-Terroriżmu – Terrorism?

Posted on September 9, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Terrorism? Fost l-akbar sfidi li qed naffaċċjaw illum insibu l-estremiżmu u t-terroriżmu, li jinsabu madwar id-dinja kollha u jidhru f’forom varji. Meta niddiskutu s-suġġett tat-terroriżmu jew l-estremiżmu, insibu nies li jaħsbu li r-reliġjon minnha nnifisha tikkawża l-vjolenza u l-aggressjoni. Jien nemmen li r-reliġjon qatt ma tippermetti vjolenza u dejjem topponiha f’kull ċirkostanza.

L-Iżlam ukoll jopponi t-terroriżmu f’kull forma għaliex il-kelma ‘Iżlam’ tfisser litteralment ‘paċi u sliem’. Id-dmir ta’ kull Musulman li jżomm il-paċi għandu tant għeruq fil-fond fl-Iżlam li l-Koran Imqaddes jiddeskrivi l-Musulmani tassew hekk:

“Il-qaddejja ta’ Alla tal-Ħniena huma dawk li jimxu fl-art b’mod dinjituż, u meta l-injuranti jindirizzawhom, huma jgħidu ‘paċi’.” (25:64)

Ir-raba’ Kalif tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, Ħażrat Mirża Taħir Aħmadrh, jispjega l-mod kif l-Iżlam iħares lejn it-terroriżmu bl-iktar mod ċar. Hu qal:

“L-Iżlam kategorikament jiċħad u jikkundanna kull forma ta’ terroriżmu. Ma tipproteġix u ma tiġġustifikax kwalunkwe att vjolenti, kemm jekk isir minn xi individwu kif ukoll minn xi grupp jew gvern… L-Iżlam huwa t-twemmin u r-reliġjon tiegħi; u l-Iżlam ma jippermetti l-ebda forma ta’ diżordni. Għaldaqstant huwa impossibbli li l-Iżlam jgħallem it-terroriżmu…

Jien nikkundanna bil-qawwa kollha kull att u kull forma ta’ terroriżmu għaliex hu t-twemmin tiegħi profond li mhux biss l-Iżlam iżda wkoll l-ebda reliġjon vera, hu x’inhu l-isem tagħha, ma tista’ tapprova l-vjolenza u t-tixrid tad-demm ta’ rġiel, nisa u tfal innoċenti f’Isem Alla.

Alla huwa mħabba, Alla huwa sliem! L-Imħabba qatt ma tnissel il-mibegħda u l-paċi qatt ma twassal għall-gwerra!” CONTINUE READING

(Qtil fl-Isem ta’ Alla, p.116-120)

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Penning the Word of GOD – Al-Qalam Project

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (peace be on him) says:

“An essential teaching for you is that you should not abandon the Holy Quran like a thing forsaken, for therein lies your life. Those who honour the Quran will be honoured in heaven.”

​The Al-Qalam Project is a first of its kind that aims to produce a unique copy of the Holy Quran: one in which each verse has been penned by a different writer, and thus the complete text of the Holy Quran will be entirely written by members of the public, thereby celebrating the fact that many diverse people can unify behind the teachings of the one book.
​
​The Al-Qalam Project has proved to be a truly influential initiative, bringing together people of different countries and faiths which in essence is the very purpose of this Holy book.

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Id-Dawl Numru 9

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Id-Dawl (the Light) SEPTEMBER 2018

(i) Terrorism    (ii) Against Violence

(iii)  Tolerance and Patience 

(iv) Sanctity of Human Life

(v) The True Concept of Jihad 

Click here to read: ID-DAWL SEPTEMBER 2018

Id-Dawl Numru 9

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The Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

IL-ĦAĠĠ

Il-ħames att ta’ qima Iżlamika huwa t-twettiq tal-Ħaġġ jew il-pellegrinaġġ lejn Mekka. Il-Musulmani jridu jagħmlu dan il-pellegrinaġġ mill-anqas darba f’ħajjithom dejjem jekk jippermettu l-kundizzjonijiet ekonomiċi u politiċi. Alla l-Omnipotenti jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes:

“U l-pellegrinaġġ lejn id-Dar huwa obbligu tal-bnedmin — dawk li jistgħu jsibu mezz biex imorru — lejn Alla.” (3:98)

Il-punt prinċipali ta’ dan il-pellegrinaġġ huwa l-Kaaba — l-ewwel Dar li nbniet għall-qima ta’ Alla. Il-Koran Imqaddes isostni:

“Tassew, l-ewwel Dar imwaqqfa għall-bniedem hija dik ta’ Bekka (il-wied ta’ Mekka), mimlija benedizzjonijiet u gwida għall-popli kollha.” (3:97)

Il-Ħaġġ isir biss darba fis-sena matul ix-xahar Iżlamiku ta’ Żul-Ħiġġah li jiġi xahrejn u għaxart ijiem wara ċ-ċelebrazzjoni ta’ Eid-ul-Fitr, li tiġi fi tmiem ir-Ramażan. Jibda fit-tmien jum ta’ Żul-Ħiġġah u jibqa’ sejjer sat-tlettax-il jum.

Il-Ħaġġ jitwettaq billi wieħed jidħol fl-istat ta’ Iħraam. Fil-mument li l-pellegrin ikun fl-istat ta’ Iħraam, irid jinqata’ mill-affarijiet tad-dinja. Il-pellegrin irid jevita l-argumenti, it-tilwim jew il-ġlied. L-istat ta’ Iħraam jirrikjedi li wieħed ikun liebes biss f’żewġ lożor bla ħjatat. Il-Ħaġġ jew Umrah jista’ jitwettaq biss fl-istat ta’ Iħraam. In-nisa mhumiex obbligati li jkunu fl-istat ta’ Iħraam.

Il-Koran Imqaddes jiddikjara:

“Ix-xhur tal-Ħaġġ huma magħrufa sew; għalhekk kull min jiddeċiedi li jagħmel il-Pellegrinaġġ f’dawn ix-xhur għandu jiftakar li m’għandux ikun hemm diskors diżgustanti, vjolazzjoni tal-moralità, jew ġlied tul il-Pellegrinaġġ. U kull ħaġa tajba li tagħmlu, Alla se jkun jaf biha. U sostnu lilkom infuskom bil-provvisti neċessarji, u bla dubju l-aqwa provvista hija l-onestà. U ibżgħu Minni biss, ja bnedmin intelliġenti.” (2:198)

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