The need of dialogue
Ahmadiyya Caliph criticizes ‘extremist mullahs’
Source/Credit: TheStar.com, Canada.
The true teaching of Islam has been misinterpreted by clerics, says the leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community had harsh words for those who commit and perpetuate cruelties in the name of Islam.
“These clerics or so called extremist mullahs — they have really misconstrued the true teachings of the Holy Qur’an and most of the Muslims are just ignorant of the true teachings,” said the Caliph, addressing a press conference on Friday at the International Centre in Mississauga.
There is no commandment that advocates suicide bombing, killing of people, committing brutality or heinous acts against fellow human beings, he said.
“If Muslims follow the true teaching of Islam or if they follow the true teaching of the Holy Qur’an, they can change themselves,” the Caliph added. “First thing is to reform the clerics… I don’t know where people get this message from…”
Members of the Ahmadiyya sect face persecution in some countries, including from other Muslims, some of whom believe Ahmadis are heretics.
The main message of Islam is to do good to God and other people, the Caliph added.
The message love for all, hatred for none is the cornerstone of Ahmadiyya teachings, and has never held more importance than in this day and age, he said. The atrocities committed by a small minority of Muslims — have unfortunately become the public face of Islam, he said.
One of the ways to combat terrorism is to preach the true teaching of Islam, the Caliph said.
“It is a slow process,” he said. “But one day, ultimately, we shall win the hearts of people and then brutalities will be stopped.”
Earlier in the afternoon, the Caliph gave a sermon where a 25,000-strong crowd of believers recharged their spiritual batteries.
Sprinkled with anecdotes and stories, the Caliph told his flock that harming anyone is haram (forbidden); before doing something ask whether this will make Allah happy; and urged them to be kind to their fellow human beings, whatever their faith.
The Caliph inaugurated the three-day, 40th annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslims, which is expected to be attended by thousands of believers, according to the organizers. As part of his six-week trip, he will also be visiting Ottawa, and meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Malta 2014 International Religious Freedom Report
Source/Credit: http://www.state.gov
The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and establishes Roman Catholicism as the state religion. It makes Catholic religious education compulsory in state schools. The government amended the law on marriage to recognize the supremacy of the state, rather than ecclesiastical authorities and tribunals, to decide annulment cases.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community and other religious groups continued to sponsor events to promote religious acceptance and interfaith dialogue.
In meetings with the government, civil society, and religious leaders, the U.S. Ambassador and embassy officials encouraged religious tolerance. The embassy promoted religious freedom and tolerance, and encouraged religious accommodation, particularly for North African migrants, at an iftar hosted by the Ambassador and a human rights awareness training seminar organized with the government’s detention service…
Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom
In July a
private sports club did not allow a Muslim woman to use its pool because she wore a “burkini,” a type of swimwear for women covering the whole body, except the face, hands, and feet. The club refunded her membership fee. There are no restrictions on styles of swimwear at public beaches.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community continued to sponsor an annual peace conference to promote understanding and religious acceptance through interfaith dialogue. Other ecumenical and interfaith activities took place on a regular basis.
Both major political parties organized iftar celebrations during Ramadan to highlight shared values of social justice and to the honor religious diversity of the country’s citizens… Read more: www.state.gov
Chief Imam of Ghana speaks at Ahmadiyya Convention UK
The National Chief Imam of Ghana has shown his support for the persecuted Ahmadiyya Muslims and called on Muslims to forget their differences and unite.
96-year-old Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu who himself is a Sunni Muslim was appointed as the National Chief Imam of Ghana in 1993. He is also a member of Ghana’s National Peace Council. He expressed his support for the Ahmadiyya community while speaking at the community’s annual Islamic Convention which is taking place this weekend in the UK.
While speaking at the convention Sheikh Nuhu said:
” I am delighted to attend the annual Ahmadiyya convention. In Ghana the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is well known for its efforts towards peace and interfaith work. The community has peacefully existed along with other sects, and there is no hiding the fact that Ahmadiyya community has done a lot of work for the promotion of education and helped improve health care. We have a long history of strong and friendly relations with the Ahmadiyya community, I have always sought advice from the community’s National President on important matters. In Ghana, we have a Ruet-e-Hilal (moon sighting) Committee and the Ahmadiyya community is a prominent member of the committee.”
The Sheikh ended his speech by saying:
“Even though our sects are different, all of us Muslims are united, Our cause is the same. We have a strong belief that Prophet Muhamamd PBUH is our Messenger, our book is the Holy Quran and Kabba is our Qibla (direction). Like Allah has brought us together in this blessed location, I pray that Allah also brings us together in Heaven on the day of Judgement”
Quran copies desecrated at Mater Dei hospital
Source/Credit: The Times: Saturday, July 30, 2016. Il-Koran Imqaddes – Gwida għall-Umanità Kollha
Several copies of Muslim holy book the Quran kept in Mater Dei hospital’s multi-faith room were desecrated yesterday, the Ministry of Health said this morning.
Slices of pork laid inside copies of the holy book, according to photos posted to Facebook by the Islamic Community of Malta.
Vandals also left behind a printout featuring a photo of Father Jacques Hamel, a Christian priest whose throat was slit by Islamic State terrorists in Normandy earlier this week, under the heading ‘Victim of Islam’.
The “act of degradation” happened at some point yesterday afternoon, the ministry said.
In a Facebook post, the ICM said that it would not fall for the perpetrators’ bait and encourage hate in “this beautiful country”.
“We urge our fellow Muslim brothers to act responsibly,” the ICM added.
In a tweet, Archbishop Charles Scicluna also condemned the vilification, saying “not in our name”.
I condemn the vilification of the Quran at Mater Dei Hospital. I condemn the abuse of the name of Martyr Fr Jacques Hamel. Not in our name.
The Health Ministry condemned the “cowards” who carried out the desecration, and expressed its solidarity with the Muslim community.
Hospital authorities have reported the case to the police.
In a statement this afternoon, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta categorically condemned the act.
It noted that it always condemned every act of extremism and terrorism, wherever and for whatever reason it was committed. The killing of Christian priest, Fr Jacques Hamel, in France, was also condemned by the community all over the world, it said.
The community said that the act of vilification of the Holy Quran at Mater Dei Hospital was an act of provocation and hatred and it was sad that the vandals also left a printout photo of Fr Hamel, under the heading ‘Victim of Islam’.
“We think that this is very irresponsible and unjustified statement. The truth is, Fr Hamel is not the victim of Islam, but he is the victim of some ignorant, hatemonger, hardliner and extremists people who claimed to be Muslims.
“But, their actions cannot be justified according to the teachings of Islam and the Holy Quran – the sacred book of Muslims.”
TimesOfMalta – TVM.com.mt – Independent.com.mt – tvm.com.mt – Newsbook.com.mt –
Ahmadiyya condemns France Church Attack
All members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community throughout the world have been left shocked and devastated by yesterday’s murder of Father Jacques Hamel in a church in France.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community considers this to be an outrageous and evil attack that can never be justified in any way or under any circumstances.
The teachings of the Holy Quran and of the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are of peace, tolerance and love for humanity.
The Quran says to kill even one innocent person is akin to killing all of humanity (Quran 5:33).
Throughout his life, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) condemned all forms of warfare, violence and injustice. He strictly instructed his followers that even in a state of defensive warfare, Muslims were not permitted to attack any religious leader, any place of worship or to target innocent people such as the elderly, women and children.
Today no nation and no group has waged war against Islam. Muslims are living freely here in the West and are able to practice their religion and so Muslims should be grateful for these freedoms. Thus the hatred manifested by terrorists and extremists is completely incomprehensible. Such terrorists and extremists are not defending Islam but rather are serving only to defame and discredit its name and its teachings.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community offers its deepest condolences to the family of Father Jacques Hamel and to all those affected.
We further offer our sympathies to Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church and to the people of France. We share in their grief and we share in their outrage.
We pray for peace in the world and for an end to all forms of terrorism, extremism and hatred.
Khalifa of Islam is grieved on the loss of Abdul Sattar Edhi
Statment by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community following death of Abdul Sattar Edhi
Following the recent death of the renowned humanitarian Mr Abdul Sattar Edhi in Pakistan, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has said:
“I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr Abdul Sattar Edhi. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I would like to extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.
Abdul Sattar Edhi was an extremely sincere man who devoted his entire life to serving humanity. Living his own life with great simplicity, his only concern was to selflessly serve others and to help those in need. Indeed, it was his exemplary humanitarian and philanthropic work that led him to being the second recipient of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace.
I pray that Pakistan is blessed with many more people who exhibit the same selflessness, sincerity and humanity that Abdul Sattar Edhi displayed throughout his life so that Pakistan can be saved from its current plight and move towards a better and brighter future.
May God Almighty have mercy on the deceased and grant patience to his family members and all of those left bereaved at this difficult and sad time.”
Worst creation under heaven
Source/Credit: TimesofMalta, Tuesday, May 24, 2016 by Laiq Ahmed Atif
The spilling of innocent blood of human beings has become common place in the ever changing, civilised and modern contemporary world. In just a few days the world witnessed massacres in Nigeria, Turkey, Belgium and Pakistan. In these barbaric and heinous attacks, dozens of innocent people lost their lives and many were grievously wounded. It looks like humanity is under a great threat.
Many years ago, the fourth caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community wrote with extreme sadness about the killing of innocent humans: “So much blood has been spilled throughout history that the whole world could be painted red with it – with plenty to spare. When will man stop killing his fellow men? When will his thirst for blood ever be quenched?”
Unfortunately, this thirst for blood is increasing at a massive rate. More sadly, in many of such events we find that some so-called Muslims, individual and organisations, are involved.
Recently, several thousand religious activists protested the execution of convicted murderer Mumtaz Qadri in Islamabad, Pakistan. The protesters chanted that it was the ‘love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad’ which obliged Qadri to shoot Salman Taseer, then governor of Punjab, thus he should not have been executed. Moreover, they were demanding the immediate imposition of Islamic laws (according to their interpretation and understanding), the execution of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman convicted for alleged blasphemy, and so on.
I believe that the true love of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, does not demand the shedding of innocent blood or the imposition of one’s religious beliefs on others.
True love requires the saving of lives and showing kindness, compassion and mercy towards fellow human beings, respecting freedom of religion and conscience of every person. One of the attributes of God is As-Salam, meaning the source of peace. The very name of Islam means ‘peace, submission and kindness’. The Prophet was declared in the Holy Quran as a ‘mercy for the mankind’.
Prophet Muhammad was very kindhearted and merciful. He not only preached to the people to show kindness to each other but also to all living souls. He even treated animals with great care and love. He forbade the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and of keeping horses saddled unnecessarily.
Whenever he engaged in a defensive war, he used to firmly order that, even during war, women, children, elderly people and animals should not be killed. When the Prophet was so compassionate towards all living souls, then how could these terrorists justify the killing of humans in his name?
I believe that whoever is involved, directly or indirectly, in these terrorist attacks, is the enemy of mankind. He is far from being called as a human being. These were the people who were called “the worst creation under the canopy of Heaven” by the Prophet Muhammad.
He said: “There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam except its name and nothing will remain of the Quran except its words. Their mosques will be splendidly furnished but destitute of guidance. Their divines will be the worst people under the heaven; strife will issue from them and avert to them.”
The religious leaders of the Muslim world are not playing their role enough to extinguish this fire of terrorism; instead there are many who are fuelling to it. The madrasas (religious schools) are becoming the nurseries of extremism. The suicide bomber in the Lahore attack was a teacher in a madrasa in Lahore, where he studied for years.
In January, after the Peshawar school attack, a national action plan was established by the Pakistani government to crack down on extremism and terrorism. Unfortunately, it is not being implemented fully.
I think, in the short term, there should be a clean sweep operation wherever there is a need, around the world. And in the long term there should be reforms in madrasas, in their syllabuses and in their preaching and practices. No one should be allowed to use places of worship and religious schools to preach hatred, violence and extremism. Law must act ruthlessly against the murderers of mankind.
It is the huge responsibility of religious leaders, including me, that they should not let the places of worship and religious school to become the haven of terrorism. They should not leave any stone unturned in making these places an abode of knowledge, peace, compassion and mercy. They must truly reform their souls and become the true lovers of mankind; and save themselves from becoming “the worst creation under the canopy of Heaven”.
Laiq Ahmed Atif is president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. Find More:
True Integration is to love the country in which you live
On 11 May 2016, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was interviewed by Sveriges Television (Swedish TV) at the Mahmood Mosque in Malmo, Sweden.
During the interview, His Holiness was asked about the newly built Mahmood Mosque, the integration of immigrants and the rise of terrorism and youth radicalisation.
Upon being asked why the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had built a Mosque in Malmo, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“The Holy Quran says that human beings should worship their Creator and so we have built this Mosque to bring people together to worship Allah the Almighty. Ahmadi Muslims will enter this Mosque five times a day to worship and will offer the weekly Friday prayers here.”
Speaking about the Mosque itself, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“This Mosque is extremely beautiful and I hope that the local Swedish people will also consider it to be a positive addition to their environment.”
His Holiness was asked about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s well-known slogan ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.
In response, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Love for All, Hatred for None is actually the basis of the Quran’s teachings because Islam means peace and love for all of mankind. Thus, we do not consider anyone to be our enemy and nor do we desire harm to any person.”
Regarding the activities of terrorist groups such as Daesh, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Anyone who preaches or propagates any form of extremism acts completely against the true teachings of Islam and is to be condemned. We Ahmadi Muslims, are peace loving and so no Ahmadi Muslim has any desire to join extremist groups. We teach our children from childhood that to be peaceful is an essential part of their faith.”
Regarding the issue of integration of immigrants into Western society, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“For me, true integration is to love the country in which you live and to be completely loyal to it. Thus, all immigrants should be loyal to their adopted nation, they should truly love it, they should honour it, they should be law abiding and work for its prosperity and progress. This is integration.”
Asked if Ahmadi Muslims were particularly threatened in Europe, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Due to the threat of Daesh and other terrorist groups, all people are at risk and there is a general threat to peace. However, there are also some who particularly seek to cause harm to Ahmadi Muslims and so we have to remain vigilant.”
Threat of Terrorism
Kelma Maghsura 2/4/2016 – Source/Credit: NetTV
Threat of Terrorism
Caliph condemns Lahore terrorist attack
The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that took place yesterday at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park in Lahore.
Speaking from London, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide, I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to all those affected by the terrorist attack in Lahore yesterday in which many Christians and Muslims lost their lives.
We can only be shocked and distraught by the brutality and disregard for human life, whereby many of the victims were entirely defenceless women and children. Never can such attacks be justified in any shape or form and so all forms of terrorism and extremism must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
May Allah the Almighty grant patience to those who have been left bereaved or affected in any way and may He bestow His Grace and Mercy on all those who have lost their lives. May He also grant a full and swift recovery to the hundreds of people who were injured.”
Ahmadiyya donates books to Msida School
Source: St. Theresa College, Msdia Primary
We are committed to increase the number of books in our library. Recently new books have been added to our collection. New books have been bought by the school and a number of books have been donated by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. We are grateful to the support we receive from this organisation. FIND MORE
Shariah and State
1. Islam and Human Rights
2. Relationship between religion and state
3. Questions & Answers
Caliph condemns Belgium attacks
The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that took place earlier today in Brussels.
Speaking from London, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide, I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Belgian people following the barbaric terrorist attacks that have taken place in Brussels. Such heinous and utterly inhumane attacks must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
Under no circumstances does Islam permit terrorism of any kind or the murder of innocent people. In fact, the Holy Quran has said that to kill even one innocent person is akin to killing all of mankind. Therefore, those who commit such atrocities in the name of Islam can never find any justification. They are defaming Islam and destroying the peace of the world.
Our heartfelt prayers are with the victims of these attacks and all those who have been affected. May the perpetrators of this evil act be promptly brought to justice.”
Threat against humanity
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta categorically condemned the terrorist attacks. ”We are shocked and saddened to hear of today’s terror attacks in Belgium. The innocent victims of these barbaric attacks and their families are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope the perpetrators of these evil attacks are swiftly brought to justice. We stand united with the Belgian people. We are in solidarity with the Belgium government and its people. We stand united against every kind of violence, extremism, bloodshed and terrorism,” it said in a statement.
”Terrorism has become one of the biggest threats of the current times, and it sees no borders and does not spare any person, including children, women and elderly people. It seems that the entire humanity is under threat. It is time for the entire world, irrespective of faith, colour, creed or nationality, to unite together against such atrocities. It is crucial time to take concrete measures and bold steps collectively – with collective wisdom and efforts – to fight back the curse of terrorism. Together we can win this war against humanity.” Independent.com.mt – www.illum.com.mt – newsbook.com.mt
Kundanna mill-komunità Musulmana f’Malta għall-attakki fil-Belġju
Il-komunità Musulmana f’Malta, Ahmadiyya, ikkundannat b’mod kategoriku l-attakki terroristiċi fi Brussell u nsistiet li l-umanità kollha kemm hi tinsab taħt theddida.
Filwaqt li esprimiet it-tama li dawk wara dawn l-attakki kiefra jaslu quddiem il-Ġustizzja, il-komunità Musulmana f’Malta qalet li l-vittmi innoċenti tal-attakki barbariċi, u qrabathom, jinsabu fit-talb tagħhom.
B’mod kollettiv, il-komunità ta’ Musulmani f’Malta qalet li l-membri tagħha jinsabu magħquda mal-poplu Belġjan u esprimew solidarjetà mal-Gvern u l-poplu tal-Belġju filwaqt li saħqu li huma kontra kull forma ta’ vjolenza, estremiżmu, tixrid ta’ demm u terroriżmu li, saħqu, sar fost l-ikbar theddidiet tal-lum għax hu mingħajr fruntieri u ma jħalliha lil ħadd inkluż lit-tfal, nisa u anzjani.
Il-komunità Musulmana saħqet li wasal iż-żmien li d-dinja kollha tingħaqad flimkien, irrispettivament mill-fidi, kulur, twemmin jew nazzjonalità, kontra atroċitajiet bħal dawn, b’miżuri konkreti, b’għerf u sforz kollettiv kontra din il-ġlieda kontra l-umanità.
Irreferiet ukoll għad-dikjarazzjoni tal-kap tal-komunitajiet Ahmadiyya Musulmani madwar id-dinja, il-Qdusija Tiegħu Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, nhar is-Sibt li għadda meta tkellem dwar il-ħtieġa kruċjali għall-paċi u kkundanna l-azzjonijiet tat-terroriżmu fit-13-il Simpożju Nazzjonali għall-Paċi fir-Renju Unit.
Shariah and State Symposium held at the University
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta & KSU held a successful Peace Symposium on Shariah & State on March 2, 2016, at the University of Malta. In this symposium Dr. Andrew Azzopardi, Senior lecturer at the University of Malta, emphasised on the need and importance of understanding diversity and different religions and cultures. Ms. Rebcca Micallef, KSU President, spoke against the prejudice and intolerance and highlighted that harmony and tolerance are the basic principles for the prosperity of a society.
Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta, talked on the subject of “Islamic Shariah and Human Rights”. In his speech he highlighted that Islam believes in all the basic and fundamental human rights and gives clear guidance and instructions on this matter.
The closing speech was delivered by Islamic Scholar and Imam Ayyaz Mahmood Khan, the guest speaker from UK, the topic of his speech was “The relationship between religion and state in Islam”. Imam Ayyaz said that Islam does not believe in implementation of its teachings and laws by force and the people have every right to select their governments. However, Islam highlights that governments should be run with absolute fairness, equality and justice.
After the speeches audience had the opportunity to express their views and ask questions from the panel.
Islam and women rights
Source/Credit: The-Times, Monday, February 15, 2016, by Laiq Ahmed Atif.
The status of women in Islam is an issue that is largely misunderstood in present times. Muslim women are generally viewed as repressed and deprived of their rights, and considered inferior to men.
Some accuse Islam with lack of women rights, violence against women such as female genital mutilation and honour killing, lack of right to marry someone of their choice, or the right to divorce, or the right to inheritance, or to education, job or business, etc.
On the contrary, Islam gives great respect to women. In the Holy Quran hundreds of teachings which apply to both men and women are explained.
The moral, spiritual and economic equality of men and women as ruled by Islam is unquestionable. Islam has really elevated the status of women. In Islam men and women are equal in dignity and rights, however, they are assigned different duties and responsibilities.
Before the coming of Islam, the condition of women was equal to that of slaves and chattels, with no rights. Women were sold as personal commodities. Women could neither own nor inherit property. In domestic affairs, they had no rights over their children or themselves. If they were abused by their husbands, they had no recourse to divorce. They had no real status in the society.
A woman was not respected as wife, mother or daughter. In some Arab tribes, female children were buried alive because they were considered a curse on the family. Women were given little or no education, and had no say in religious matters,being regarded as limited in spirituality and intellect.
Islam, 1,400 years ago, gave women their rights and equal status with men. It made women heirs to property and gave them the right of inheritance. Muslim women can go to a mosque, perform pilgrimages, observe fasting and give to charity.
Islam awarded woman the samespiritual capability as man, and that she can attain equal spiritual rewards through her own efforts.
Islam also awarded equal opportunities to women and men to seek knowledge and taught that they should pray for the advancement of their education.
Prophet Muhammad exhorted both to “seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”, and emphasised that education is compulsory for both: “It is the duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman to acquire knowledge.”
Muslim girls and women have equal and similar rights as boys and men to marry someone of their choice. Forced marriages were never appreciated in Islam. According to Islamic law, the bride’s approval and consent for marriage is compulsory. Parents or guardians have no authority to force a girl to marry anyone.
Forced marriages were never appreciated in Islam
Let me quote a tradition of Prophet Muhammad: “It is narrated that a virgin girl came to the Holy Prophet Muhammad [peace be on him] and said that her father had married her with someone but she did not like him. The Holy Prophet Muhammad gave her the option to maintain that marriage or reject it.”
Islam has been foremost in assigning to woman a position of economic independence. Any property that a woman might acquire by her own effort, or might inherit as an heir or receive as a legacy or gift, belongs to her independently ofher husband.
Khadija the wife of the Prophet was herself a business woman. Islam has also granted woman the right to inherit. Woman is entitled to inherit from the deceased in her role of mother, wife, daughter or sister.
In her role as mother, Islam grants woman the highest social status, because the mother is revered in Islam unlike any other individual. Muslims are instructed to show great care to their parents and particularly to their mothers. Prophet Muhammad said that: “Paradise lies under the feet of your mothers.”
Woman as a daughter has also been given extreme respect. The pre-Islamic practice of killing infant girls at birth for fear of humiliation was totally abolished by Islam. Islam has taught that a father must raise his daughters in the same way as his sons. In fact, taking good care of a daughter opens the door to paradise, as the Prophet said: “He who has a daughter and does not bury her alive nor humiliate her, nor give priority to son over daughter, God will grant him paradise.”
Woman as a wife has also a very great status in Islam. In Islam, there are exactly equal rights for women as for men.
There is total equality and there is no difference whatsoever between the fundamental human rights of women and men. The Holy Quran commands Muslim men “to consort with their wives in kindness”. The Prophet Muhammad said: “The most perfect of believers in the matter of faith is he whose behaviour is best, and the best of you are those who behave best towards their wives.”
Moreover, in his farewell address, Prophet Muhammad has laid great emphasis on the kind treatment of women, he stood before a large gathering of Muslims and said:
“O men, you have some rights against your wives, but your wives also have some rights against you. Your duty is to provide for them food and clothing and shelter, according to your own standard of living. Remember, you must always treat your wives well. God has charged you with the duty of looking after them.”
This is a glimpse at Islamic teachings on the kind treatment of women. Anything contrary to that is not the teachings of Islam.
Any violence or ill-treatment with women by Muslims are condemned and extremely rejected by Islam. “The true believer is the one who behaves best towards his wife.”
Honour killing, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, treating women like personal commodities, denying them to acquire knowledge or pursue with their careers and businesses, domestic violence against women, are all barbaric and un-Islamic.
It is true that we also find these unlawful practices in some Muslim countries. However, Islam has nothing to do with these practices. These are the result of tribal or sometimes historic legacy issues, culture or customs and a false sense of pride.
Such maltreatment of women should be condemned and anyone who uses violence and aggression against women must be brought to justice and punished accordingly. Find Original Post:
Discussion
Ma’ Bundy – 01/02/2016 – Il-Muslumani ta’ Malta x’Iridu? RTK.COM.MT
http://rtk.com.mt/mt/posts/55956/ma-bundy—01022016—il-muslumani-ta-malta-xiridu
Is Islam a threat or a source of peace?
The auditorium of WOW was the venue of a very interesting talk given by Mr. Laiq Ahmed Atif, the President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat – Malta, a Muslim Community in Malta on “Islam, a threat or a source of Peace?”.
Mr. Atif was very clear in condemning all the atrocities and terrorists attacks held in various parts of the world in the name of Allah by criminals who speak in the name of Islam.
He quoted at length on various part of the Quran, while admitting at the same time that various interpretations of the same sacred book have given a bad name to Islam.
The numerous participants for the talk put various questions to the speaker after the talk.
This occasion was part of the ‘Friends of Augustine’ third Thursday of the month monthly meeting. [amjmalta@gmail.com – http://www.ahmadiyya.org.mt] Find original post:
Christmas and Eid Milad-un-Nabi
This year the Birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was celebrated on 24th December and Christmas on 25th December 2015.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta presents a brief introduction about the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Birthday of the Holy Prophet) and ‘Jesus and Mary in the Holy Quran’ – http://www.ahmadiyya.mt
Id-doveri ta’ ċittadin Musulman
The Responsibilities of a Muslim Citizen
Source: http://www.illum.com.mt, Sunday 6 December 2015, by Laiq Ahmed Atif
Wara t-taqlib politiku fl-aħħar snin fil-pajjiżi b’maġġoranza Musulmana, hemm ħafna nies li qed jikkritikaw u jistaqsu jekk l-Iżlam joffrix xi gwida lill-Musulmani sabiex jgħixu fil-paċi u jobdu l-liġijiet tal-pajjiż u qatt ma jkissru l-paċi tas-soċjetà.
L-Iżlam bħala reliġjon juri u jfassal triq ’il quddiem li kif il-Musulmani għandhom jgħixu f’pajjiżhom, u jispjega fid-dettal id-doveri tagħhom bħala ċittadini.
L-ewwel u qabel kollox, l-Iżlam jordna lill-Musulmani biex juru l-lealtà sħiħa lejn pajjiżhom u dawk li jgħixu fihom. Prinċipju fundamentali tal-Iżlam hu dak li l-kliem u l-għemil ta’ persuna m’għandhom qatt juru xi forma ta’ ipokrezija jew ivarjaw minn persuna għal oħra. Il-lealtà vera titlob relazzjoni msejsa fuq is-sinċerità u l-integrità.
Skont it-tagħlim tal-Iżlam, id-definizzjoni u t-tifsira vera ta’ lealtà hi t-twettiq bla kundizzjoni tal-wegħdiet u l-konvenzjonijiet f’kull livell u ċirkostanza, irrispettivament mid-diffikultà. Dan hu l-istandard veru ta’ lealtà mitlub mill-Iżlam.
Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad innifsu għallem li ‘l-imħabba lejn pajjiżek hi parti mill-fidi.’ Għalhekk, fl-Iżlam il-patrijottiżmu sinċier hu meqjus bħala xi ħaġa neċessarja.
L-Iżlam jgħallem ukoll li l-individwu fl-ebda ċirkostanza m’għandu jieħu l-liġi b’idejh jew jipparteċipa fi skemi jew konspirazzjonijiet kontra pajjiżu. Dan huwa kmand ċar u bla kundizzjoni tal-Iżlam.
Skont it-tagħlim Iżlamiku, Alla s-Setgħani pprojbixxa kull forma ta’ qerq jew ribelljoni, kemm jekk kontra l-pajjiż kif ukoll jekk kontra l-gvern. Dan għaliex ir-ribelljoni jew l-aggressjoni fil-konfront tal-pajjiż hi ta’ theddida għall-paċi u s-sigurtà tal-istess nazzjon.
Dover ieħor ta’ ċittadin Musulman huwa dak li għandu jsellem lil kulħadd bit-tislima: ‘Il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun fuqek’, biex b’hekk iwaqqaf il-pedamenti għal ħbiberija sinċiera.
Musulman huwa wkoll obbligat li jżur lil dawk minn ħbiebu u l-ġirien li jinzertaw morda, biex ifarraġhom u jferraħhom. F’relazzjonijiet soċjali għandhom biex jattendu għall-funeral tal-mejta u jgħinu fid-dfin, u juru l-kondoljanzi tagħhom lill-qraba.
Il-Musulmani m’għandhomx jitfgħu l-iskart fit-toroq jew f’postijiet pubbliċi u dejjem għandhom iżommuhom indaf u ħielsa mill-ingombru jew il-periklu.
Il-Musulmani ma jistgħux jitlewmu f’postijiet pubbliċi, u b’hekk jiddisturbaw il-paċi u s-serenità ta’ oħrajn. Huma wkoll imwissija biex ma jagħmlu xejn li jista’ jniġġes l-ilma użat mill-pubbliku. Ma jistgħux jużaw kliem inġurjuż, jew iwettqu atti li jistgħu joffendu jew idejqu ’l ħaddieħor, bħal joħorġu għarwenin jew azzjonijiet li jiddisturbaw il-paċi pubblika.
Il-Musulmani ma jistgħux ibigħu oġġetti li jagħmlu ħsara lill-oħrajn – pereżempju, ikel li mhux adattat għall-konsum tal-bniedem, jew li jista’ jwassal għall-mard jew xi tip ta’ kundizzjoni, jew affarijiet li jkunu skadew u ma jkunux għadhom tajbin għall-għan li jkunu nħolqu għalih.
Id-dover tal-Musulmani huwa wkoll li jagħmlu paċi meta żewġ gruppi jew individwi jiġġieldu bejniethom. Għandhom jipprietkaw għat-tajjeb u t-tajjeb u ma jippermettux il-ħażin; għandhom jgħinu lil xulxin bit-tjieba u ma jgħinux lil xulxin fil-ħtija u l-aggressjoni.
L-Iżlam jobbliga lil kull raġel biex jaqla’ ħobżu bix-xogħol, u mhux jgħix ħajja ta’ għażż; u għandu jevita li jittallab għall-karità.
Musulman għandu jkun qalbieni iżda mhux tiranniku. M’għandux jgħakkes id-dgħajfa, il-foqra, in-nisa jew it-tfal, jew saħansitra l-annimali.
Musulman għandu jkollu simpatiji kbar u natural ġeneruż, u għandu jqis bħala d-dmir tiegħu li joffri l-għajnuna lil dawk minn ħutu li jkunu anqas ixxurtjati minnu. Għandu jsellef il-flus bla interessi lil dawk fil-bżonn. Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad qal:
“Kull min iserraħ lil xi bniedem li jemmen minn xi saram ta’ din id-dinja, Alla jserrħu minn xi saram ta’ Jum il-Qawmien. U min jgħin lil xi ħadd fil-bżonn, Alla jgħinu f’din id-dinja u fl-Oħra. U min jostor xi nuqqas tal-oħrajn, Alla jostru f’din id-dinja u fl-Oħra. Alla jgħin lillqaddej li jgħin lil ħuh.”
“Kull min jemmen f’Alla u f’Jum il-Ħaqq, ma għandux iweġġa’ lil ġaru, u għandu jagħti ġieħ u jkun ġeneruż mal-mistiedna tiegħu, u għandu jgħid biss dak li hu tajjeb, inkella jiskot.”
Għandu dejjem ikun lest biex jagħmel is-sagrifiċċji għall-kawżi nazzjonali u patrijottiċi, u għandu jkun attiv fil-qadi tad-dmirijiet u tar-responsabbiltajiet ċiviċi tiegħu. Dover ieħor ta’ Musulman huwa dak li ma jqigħedx il-ħajja u s-sigurtà tal-oħrajn fil-periklu; u li jsalva l-ħajja ta’ persuna li tkun fil-periklu.
Hekk hu Musulman, skont it-tagħlim Iżlamiku. Hekk għandhom jgħixu biex jaqdu dmirijiethom, ikunu ġenerużi u juru simpatija u ħniena lil xulxin. U għandhom biex jgħixu bil-motto: “Imħabba għal kulħadd mibegħda għal ħadd.”
Gifts and medical equipment donated to Gozo General Hospital
Source/Credit: Gozo News. On Saturday, December 5, 2015, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta visited Sant Anna Ward and the Geriatrics ward at the Gozo General Hospital.
Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of Ahmadiyya Community, during his visit presented medical equipment for the hospital to the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, who thanked Laiq Ahmed Atif for his generosity.
The Minister for Gozo and Laiq Ahmed Atif, then visited the wards where together, they distributed Christmas gifts to the residents. Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri. Read in Gozo News – The Sunday Times – More Photos on FB

Il-Musulmani f’Malta jixtru tagħmir għall-isptar t’Għawdex
Laiq Ahmed Atif, il-President tal-Komunità Musulmana f’Malta Ahmadiyya Jamaat, ippreżenta tagħmir mediku għall-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex.
Flimkien mal-Ministru Anton Refalo, Laiq Ahmed Atif żar is-swali tal-anzjani fl-isptar u qassam ukoll xi rigali.
Atif spjega li għall-komunità Musulmana hu importanti li jieħdu ħsieb l-anzjani. Żied jgħid li dejjem lesti jgħinu lil dawk fil-bżonn, irrispettivament mill-fidi, in-nazzjonalità u l-ideat politiċi.
Preżenti għal din l-attività kien hemm il-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-Isptar Dr Nadine Delicata u l-Kap tas-Servizzi tal-Infermiera Joseph Fenech. Read in NewsBook.com.mt
Ritratt: MGOZ – George Scerri
United to defeat extremism
How to defeat extremism?
Source/Credit: The Times of Malta, Wednesday, December 9, 2015, by Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. amjmalta@gmail.com
The recent barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut and Nigeria, just to name a few, have shook the entire world. The world has once again united in taking firm measures to combat the influence of extremism and terrorism, which has spread deeply and widely. Isis have claimed to be behind these attacks and they have threatened for more similar attacks.
These attacks were condemned by world leaders, both political and religious.
The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community called these attacks “brutal and inhumane” and “completely against the true teachings of Islam”. The French President has vowed to wage a concerted and a “merciless” fight against terrorism, and described the attacks as an “act of war” by Isis. US President Barack Obama called the massacre “an attack on all of humanity and the universal values”.
In the recent months Isis have gained huge strength and training, which was highly evident from their well coordinated attacks in Paris. However, in its early days, we may have overlooked its sturdiness and renewed determination. The devastating Paris attacks have revealed that the world leaders were off the mark all along in underestimating the brutality and reach of Isis.
Leading terror experts are now warning that Isis will stop at nothing. Even al-Qaeda considers them too fundamentalist.
The worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community head warned long ago about this threat and said: “The West has now started to realise and acknowledge that this is a war that is actually directly affecting it as well. However, this too is underestimation – the truth is that this is a war against the entire world.”
The Parisian police has reacted swiftly after the attacks and in next few days the alleged mastermind these attacks was also killed. The question arises that: Is that enough? Are the condemnations, lighting candles, placing flowers for the victims and demonstrations, enough response to these brutalities? What is the way forward to combat this grave threat? How is extremism to be defeated? These are some of the questions we all are asking and discussing.
I think, it is time for the entire world, irrespective of faith, colour, creed or nationality, to unite together against such atrocities. It is crucial time to take concrete measures and bold steps collectively – with collective wisdom and efforts – both short-term and long-term, to fight back the curse of terrorism. Together we can win this war against humanity.
The Muslims living in the West should offer full support to their nations in the fight against extremism
I think the focus should not be on aggressive response and merciless attacks, which may result in killing thousands of civilians, but there should be coordinated, intelligence-based and targeted attacks on the militants.
The funding of these groups is a major problem because it is through these funds that they are able to prey on vulnerable groups or individuals. Therefore, something has to be done urgently to stop the funding.
Irony is that, without having any arsenal factories, these terrorists are armed with most sophisticated and automatic artilleries. Thus, provision and selling of weaponry and arsenal to these extremist groups must stop, and there should be an international banning on selling arms to extremists.
The means of black market trading, and in relation to Isis, the selling and purchase of oil from black market should also stop.
With these immediate measures, their strength will be converted to weakness and they will have to bow their heads to peace and reconciliation.
Extremism and terrorism cannot be uprooted completely without resolve and determination against this evil. To defeat this threat in the long-run we must understand and address its root causes. The European governments recognise the importance of bridging the gap between the Muslim communities and the rest of the nation.
Plans for an effective integration should be chalked out. More inclusive approaches should be encouraged; unemployed, marginalised and isolated segments of society should be made part of the society at large. Justice, equality, and fairness should become the order of the day.
Muslim governments should also cooperate, play their role, and take firm measures to combat the influence of extremist clerics in their countries, and against those who misinterpret ‘Jihad’ and spread hatred and violence.
Religious clerics should not be permitted to use the name of religion to exploit people for their political agendas.
While governments play their role, the Muslims living in the West should offer full support to their nations in the fight against extremism. They must keep an eye open on their surroundings, and if anyone is showing signs of extremism, the elders of the community such as the Imams, have the responsibility to alert proper authorities. The role of parents is very crucial; they should teach their children about loyalty and a sense of belonging as well as the usage of pen and book and not of sword and gun.
In Mosques around Europe, Imams and leaders should use sermons to condemn all forms of terrorism and extremism, without ifs and buts, in crystal-clear words, and make it clear that joining them is completely wrong, that it is against the teachings of Islam, that the killing of innocent people is a false Jihad and that this Jihad has no legitimacy.
Educational and awareness campaigns should be launched. Mosques and sermons should be supervised. Those Muslims and imams who advocate for peace and love, and truly want to bridge the gap between themselves and other citizens, should be encouraged and those who spread hate must be banned to sell their hatemongering products.
Mosques should organise healthy activities such as discussions, talks, question and answer sessions, inter-religious conferences and sports events to engage the youth in good deeds, and keep them away from falling into the web of extremism.
To conclude, terrorists have no religion because all religions promote peace. Terrorists only try to strike fear in people’s hearts and divide them. But humanity must not play into their hands. We must not let extremist win. We need to remain united to defeat extremism, because united we stand, divided we fall. Read more in timesofmalta.com
Two billion people without a leader, without guidance
Żewġ biljun persuna mingħajr mexxej, mingħajr gwida
L-intervista ma’ Laiq Ahmed Atif, il-President tal-Komunità Musulmana Ahmadiyya f’Malta. Source/Credit: illum.com.mt ALBERT GAUCI CUNNINGHAM, 25 Ta’ Novembru, photo by: Ray Attard
Għaddiet ġimgħa mit-traġedja li seħħet f’Pariġi u jista’ jkun li l-midja diġà bdiet tbatti mill-furur li ġustament qajmet dwar l-attakki terroristiċi li ħallew 132 persuna mejta. Minkejja dan, il-biża’ reali dejjem tibqa’ li attakk kodard bħal dan jista’ jkun li jħalli warajh effetti li jmorru lil hinn mill-imwiet u x-xokk. Il-biża’ huwa li jħalli effett psikoloġiku mhux biss ta’ assedju, iżda wkoll ta’ mibgħeda jew ta’ nuqqas ta’ rieda li nittolleraw lil persuni li jħaddnu r-reliġjon Musulmana. Il-biża’ tibqa’ li kulħadd se jintefa’ fl-istess keffa u l-‘gwerra’ li semma Hollande se ssir mhux biss fuq l-Istat Iżlamiku iżda wkoll fuq dawk il-Musulmani kollha ta’ rieda tajba.
Laiq Ahmed Atif, il-President tal-Komunità Musulmana Ahmadiyya f’Malta huwa entużjast biex jiddisassoċja t-terrur u l-barbariżmu mwettaq f’Pariġi mill-vera spirtu tal-Iżlam. Iżda minkejja dan ma jiddejjaqx jikkritika l-fatt li, kuntrarjament għal reliġjonijiet oħrajn, l-Iżlam m’għandux kap. “Ġisem bla ras ma jistax jopera. M’hemmx tmexxija ċara għall-Musulmani. Mingħajr mexxej li jagħti gwida ċara, pajjiż ifalli. Anke klabb ma jistax jirnexxi, aħseb u ara reliġjon ta’ żewġ biljun ruħ.”
Huwa jkompli jgħid li s-sitwazzjoni llum hi b’“Imam differenti, f’moskej differenti, jibagħtu messaġġi differenti. F’ċerti pajjiżi bħal Franza, fil-fatt, qed isiru kontrolli hekk kif numru ta’ mexxejja Musulmani qed jużaw il-Moskej biex ixerrdu l-mibgħeda.”
L-estremiżmu jeżisti f’kull reliġjon
ILLUM tippreżentalu l-fatt li fit-toroq, mhux biss f’Malta iżda madwar l-Ewropa, it-terrur ta’ nhar il-Ġimgħa li għadda qed iwassal għal perċezzjoni, anke jekk żbaljata, li hemm rabta bejn il-vjolenza u l-Iżlam. Hemm min jirraġuna li qatt ma rajna atti ta’ terrur ta’ dan it-tip minn persuni li jħaddnu, per eżempju, r-reliġjon Buddista jew Ħindu.
Iżda Atif ma jaqbilx u jwieġeb lura billi jfakkar li “mhux vera li Musulmani biss iwettqu atti estremisti. Nfakkrek li sa mhux wisq żmien ilu ir-rivista Time ippublikaw storja, bil-qoxra tal-magażin ikun dwar it-terroriżmu li qed iwettqu persuni Buddisti. Anke fl-Indja għandek ċelloli ta’ estremisti Ħindu li qed jagħmlu gwerra kontra minoranzi u komunitajiet oħrajn paċifiċi fil-pajjiż.” Hu jfakkar ukoll kif ħarsa lejn il-passat turi wkoll kif kien hemm numru ta’ gwerer li nbdew minn persuni u Gvernijiet jew il-Knisja stess f’isem il-Kristjaneżmu.
Iżda mingħajr ma jdum wisq jitkellem dwar dan, jisħaq mill-ewwel li attakki bħal dawk f’Pariġi “m’huma qatt aċċettabbli.” Atif ifakkar kif jeżistu organizzazzjonijiet li ddevjaw mill-vera tagħlim tal-Musulmani “tagħlim li jdur mal-paċi. Għalhekk m’hemm ebda rabta u ma jista’ qatt ikun hemm rabta bejn it-terroriżmu u l-Iżlam.”
Ma tistax tkun Musulman veru u vjolenti
Atif imur lil hinn minn hekk u jikkwota mill-Quran billi jfakkar li skont dan il-ktieb sagru għall-Musulmani hemm miktub li Alla huwa l-ħallieq tad-dinja u l-kreaturi u li għalhekk “Hu qatt ma jista’ jagħti dritt lil ħadd biex iweġġa’ lil ħaddieħor aħseb u ara, li joqtol. Aħna nemmnu li l-Profeta Mohammed kien mibgħut fid-dinja biex jibgħat messaġġ ta’ ħniena, allura l-messaġġ tiegħu ma jistax ikun ta’ mibgħeda.”
Huwa jkompli jistaqsi li jekk l-attributi ta’ Alla huma l-paċi u s-sigurtà, “mela kif jista Musulman li jemmen f’dan Alla jkun vjolenti? Tant il-vjolenza tmur kontra dak li aħna nemmnu bħala reliġjon li nilqgħu lil xulxin bil-kliem ‘Asslamo Aleikum’, li tfisser is-sliem għalik.
Il-Ġiħad ma jfissirx gwerra imma ġlieda għal kawża nobbli
Il-President tal-komunità Ahmadiyya ma jdurx wisq mal-lewża u jagħmilha ċara li sfortunatament, diversi mexxejja Musulmani immiżinterpretaw il-kelma Ġiħad u dawwruha f’li tfisser gwerra ta’ xwabel. “Meta fil-fatt Ġiħad hija ġlieda għal kawża nobbli. Il-Ġiħad tfisser ġlieda kontra l-ħażen, kontra l-egoiżmu u wara li tkun iġġilidt miegħek innifsek biex issir uman aħjar, taħdem biex iservi aħjar lill-umanità.
ILLUM tinterrompih u tfakkru li dak li għadu kif qal, jista’ jkun interpretat b’diversi modi. “Kieku minflokok għandna Musulman estremist kien jaqbel li Ġiħad tfisser li taħdem għal kawża nobbli, imma forsi għalih, kawża nobbli tkun li tmur tisplodi lilek nnifsek biex ikun martri. Allura l-interpretazzjoni tiegħek ta’ Ġiħad mhux waħda kompletament suġġettiva?” “Imma finalment”, iwieġeb Atif, “Ġiħad ifisser gwerra, imma gwerra difensiva biss. Kif inhu dritt li tiddefendi lilek nnifsek u lill-familja tiegħek. Apparti dan il-punt iżda, m’hemmx vers wieħed fil-Quran li jagħti xi liċenzja għall-vjolenza. Għax skont l-istess gwida għall-Musulmani “kull ideoloġija li xxerred u tixxerred bil-forza, vjolenza u aggressjoni għandha tkun riġettata. L-Iżlam huwa kategorikament kontra l-forza.”
“M’hemm ebda rabta u ma jista’ qatt ikun hemm rabta bejn it-terroriżmu u l-Iżlam”
Il-President tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya jfakkar fi kliem il-Profeta Muhammed “xabla tirbaħ it-territorju imma mhux il-qlub, il-forza tgħawweġ l-irjus imma mhux l-moħħ.”
L-attakki tal-Punent taw in-nar lil dawn l-ideoloġiji estremi
Jekk Atif ma jdurx mal-lewża biex jikkritika lit-terroristi u l-estremisti, lanqas ma jkun wisq diplomatiku fil-konfront ta’ Gvernijiet tal-Punent. “L-intervent tal-Gvern Amerikan fl-Iraq, meta anke l-eks Prim Ministru Tony Blair kien stqarr li dan l-attakk kien ta’ xejn, ta aktar nar lil dawn l-ideoloġiji.”
Huwa jkun ċar li mhux qed jgħid li dawn l-interventi kienu l-kawża aħħarija biex dawn l-ideoloġiji ssaħħu, “imma l-inġustizzji u l-inugwaljanzi li nħolqu, taw is-saħħa fuq bażi lokali lil gruppi bħall-Al Qaeda, Taliban, El Shabbab u l-IS biex ikabbru u jirfinaw l-operat tagħhom.”
“Xabla tirbaħ it-territorju imma mhux il-qlub, il-forza tgħawweġ l-irjus imma mhux il-moħħ”
Huwa qal li “kien ikun aħjar kieku l-Iraqqini, minflok tajnihom arma tan-nar, tajniehom ktieb biex ikollhom l-edukazzjoni.”
Madankollu jerġa’ jisħaq li anke dawn l-interventi mill-Punent xorta ma jiġġustifikaw bl-ebda mod, ir-rgħiba għall-poter u għall-ġid personali, li Atif jispjega li għandhom dawk li qed imexxu l-IS.
Moderazzjoni dwar l-ilbies tal-Burqa
ILLUM tiftaħ parenteżi żgħira fl-intervista dwar l-ilbies tal-Burqa u n-Niqab li għal dawn l-aħħar ġimgħat kien diskussa fil-midja. Atif isostni li anke hawn, filwaqt li dan l-ilbies huwa parti mit-tagħlim Musulman, iħeġġeġ għal moderazzjoni.
Filwaqt li jispjega kif l-ilbies tal-Burqa u n-Niqab ivarja minn komunità Musulmana għall-oħra u minn pajjiż għall-ieħor, jikkritika l-estrem fejn numru ta’ nisa Musulmani saħansitra jgħattu jdejhom b’ingwanti. “L-Iżlam jitkellem dejjem fuq il-modestà u l-moderazzjoni mhux dwar l-estremiżmu.”
Il-faqar dejjem serva biex popli Musulmani jibqgħu manipulati
Hemm fundamentaliżu f’kull reliġjon, tfakkar ILLUM, imma xi kultant jinħass li fost il-Musulmani hemm aktar. Veru dan? U jekk iva għalfejn?
Atif jammetti, iżda jirrimarka kif dan huwa kawża ta’ nuqqas ta’ għarfien u edukazzjoni, “fil-fatt f’ħafna pajjiżi Musulmani, l-ikbar spiża ma tmurx għas-saħħa u l-edukazzjoni. Fil-Pakistan, fil-fatt, l-akbar baġit huwa għad-difiża.” Huwa jgħid li “l-popli Musulmani jeħtieġ jiffukaw fuq l-edukazzjoni biex tinbidel in-narrattiva ta’ vjolenza u moħħ magħluq u tiftaħ in-narrativa ta’ paċi, sigurtà, armonija u sens ta’ fraternità.
Il-mexxejja ta’ dawn il-pajjiżi, naturalment, jesplojtaw dan biex jimmanipulaw lill-popli. Anke ibni jistaqsini mistoqsijiet, bħalma jistaqsu ħafna persuni oħrajn, għax għandu edukazzjoni u jien inwieġbu lura u nispjegalu. Imma meta persuna ma jkollhiex edukazzjoni ma jkollhiex il- kuraġġ jew kariżma biex jistaqsu. Għalhekk il-gwerer. Għax hemm nies li jħarsu lejn il-fidi mgħomijin u hemm min jaqbillu li jħallihom fil-għama. Hekk ġara fl-Afghanistan, it-Taliban sabu poplu fqir u għamlu li riedu. Ħaduhom fiċ-ċentri tagħhom, tawhom l-ikel u fejn jgħixu u fl-istess ħin imlewlhom moħħhom bl-ideoloġiji estremi.
Persuni li għandhom sens, ma jaslu qatt li jisplodu lilhom nfushom u joqtlu lin-nies, biex mingħalihom għamlu xi ħaġa ta’ ġid.”
Il-bniedem huwa problema u mhux ir-reliġjonijiet
Nibdew ngħalqu l-intervista billi nħarsu lejn ir-reliġjonijiet kollha u nibda bl-idea, li fil-fatt mhi xejn għajr kwotazzjoni barra mill-kuntest sħiħ tagħha, ta’ Karl Marx, dwar ir-reliġjon u l-opju. Bosta jużaw din il-kwotazzjoni b’konnotazzjonijiet negattivi biex jifhmu li r-reliġjon traqqad is-sensi.
Fid-dawl ta’ storja twila ta’ attakki, gwerrer, tortura u mwiet, Atif ma jħossx li hemm element ta’ verità fil-metafora Marxista, kif interpretata popolarment? Reliġjonijiet diversi kienu wżati minn mexxejja reliġjużi u politiċi biex jikkontrollaw il-masses, f’pajjiżi foqra. Jasal Atif jgħid li r-reliġjonijiet huma parti minn sistema sħiħa li qed tħalli nies fil-faqar u l-injoranza?
Atif ma jaqbilx u jiċċara li mhux ir-reliġjon hija l-problema, imma “l-problema hija ta’ min ma jifhimx il-vera tagħlim ta’ reliġjon. Kieku persuna tifhem l-ispirtu ta’ reliġjon, kieku ma jsirux atti simili.”
““Kien ikun aħjar kieku l-Iraqqini, minflok tajniehom arma tan-nar, tajniehom ktieb biex jkollhom edukazzjoni””
“Għalhekk jeħtieġ li d-dinja Musulmana jkollha mexxej,” isostni Atif, “biex dan ikun vuċi għalihom. Il-Profeta Mohammed stess kien qal li se jasal Messija li jkun simbolu ta’ unità. Aħna bħala Komunità Ahmadiyya, nemmnu li dan il-Messija wasal u kien l-ewwel mexxej tagħna, fil-fatt bħala komunità, aħna nsegwu linja ta’ ħsieb waħda.”
Nitlaq mill-uffiċċju ta’ Atif mhux biss b’interess akbar fl-Iżlam iżda bi ħsieb partikolari. Fil-fatt, meta tneħħi l-ħażen u l-umiljazzjoni li numru ta’ Musulmani infliġġew fuq dawk bl-istess fidi b’attakki barbari bħal dak ta’ Pariġi, id-differenza bejn l-ispirtu Kristjan u Musulman huwa simili. Kollox jorbot fuq il-paċi u l-imħabba. U hekk kif hawn min qed jipprova jikkorrompi l-fidi Musulmana biex jirbaħ hu, hekk ukoll kien hemm min matul is-snin ipprova jikkorrompi l-fidi Kristjana biex jissodisfa l-għatx għall-poter.
Din hija ċ-ċavetta għall-vera inklużjoni u integrazzjoni, l-għarfien u r-rieda li jkollna aktar għarfien dwar dak li nafu ftit dwaru. Jekk nibdew nitgħallmu minflok nibżgħu minn dak li hu differenti, inkunu nistgħu nibdew ngħixu flimkien u ngħixu aħjar. Read original interview in illum.com.mt
Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community condemns Paris attacks
Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community condemns Paris attacks and prays for victims
Saturday, 14 November 2015
The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has condemned last night’s terrorist attacks in Paris.
Speaking from London, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has said:
“On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide, I express my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the French nation, its people and government following the heinous terrorist attacks that have taken place in Paris. This brutal and inhumane attack can only be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
I would also like to reiterate that all forms of terrorism and extremism are completely against the true teachings of Islam. The Holy Quran has said that to kill even one innocent person is akin to killing all of mankind. Thus under no circumstances can murder ever be justified and those who seek to justify their hateful acts in the name of Islam are serving only to defame it in the worst possible way.
Our sympathies and prayers are with the victims of these attacks and all those who have been left bereaved or affected in any way. May God Almighty grant patience to them all and I hope and pray that the perpetrators of this evil act are swiftly brought to justice.”
Ahmadiyya Malta condemns Paris attacks
Source/Credit: GozoNews.com, Saturday, November 14, 2015
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta has said in a statement on Saturday that it categorically condemns the terrorist attacks in Paris, France.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community offered its deepest condolences to the people of France and the French Government. “The innocent victims of these barbaric attacks and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.”
“We stand united with the French people. We are in solidarity with the French government and its people. We stand united against every kind of violence, extremism, bloodshed and terrorism.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that terrorism has become one of the biggest threats of the current times, and it sees no borders and does not spare any person, including children, women and elderly people.
“It is time for the entire world, irrespective of faith, colour, creed or nationality, to unite together against such atrocities. It is crucial time to take concrete measures and bold steps collectively – with collective wisdom and efforts – to fight back the curse of terrorism. Together we can win this war against humanity.”
The Community added, that “the ISIS claimed it was behind these attacks. ISIS has really become an extreme threat and grave crisis for the world. These terrorists and extremists had hijacked the religion of Islam – the religion of peace, for their personal agenda and interests through committing vicious atrocities. In reality, Islam does not approve of disorder in any form.”
“Islam is far from teaching terrorism. It teaches rule of law, obedience to the authorities and does not let anyone to take the law in his own hands. The Holy Quran clearly states: “Those who create disorder in the earth, they are the real losers, and commit not iniquity in the earth, creating disorder, and Allah loves not disorder.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community added that The Holy Quran in fact champions the sanctity of human life and states:
“…whosoever killed a person, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.” (5:33)
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Caliph and Worldwide Leader of the Ahmadiyya Community has said: “Nowhere does Islam permit taking the law into one’s own hands or to injure or murder anyone. Yet these so-called Muslims and Muslim groups still do not abstain from such cruelties and atrocities.”
“We Ahmadi Muslims sympathise and love humanity and so wherever mankind suffers in any way it leaves us grieved and pained. We are highly grieved and disturbed with these attacks. Our hearts are filled with love and compassion for them. Long live humanity.” www.GozoNews.com Read more in GozoNews: The Malta Independent
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