Malta’s Muslim leaders condemn Paris attack

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source: The Times of Malta, Friday, January 9, 2015, by Kurt Sansone

Muslim leaders in Malta have condemned the killing of French journalists, describing the act as a crime against freedom of expression and Islam.

Imam Mohammad Elsadi and Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, yesterday expressed solidarity with the French people.

“We categorically condemn this criminal attack irrespective of the identity of the perpetrators, their ideology or their motives… At this difficult time we express our full solidarity and sympathy with the French people against all kinds of extremism and terrorism,” Mr Elsadi said.

He described the storming of the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo as a “terror attack” and “an insult” to the prophet Mohammad and the teachings of Islam.

Mr Elsadi said reverence to Mohammad was not expressed through violence and bloodshed but by showing the true values of respect for the sanctity of human life.

“This cowardly attack is against Islam and Muslims because it damages the image of Islam, fuels Islamophobia, hatred and injustice against the peaceful innocent mainstream Muslims,” Mr Elsadi said.

He insisted the “heinous assault” was a blow to the good relations between the French people and the Islamic world. Unfortunately, it took place after the French government supported the recent Palestinian bid at the UN Security Council to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian lands, he added.

Muslim leaders express solidarity with French after shootings in Paris

The killing of 12 people, including two police officers, in Wednesday’s attack on Charlie Hebdo caused worldwide shock. As France yesterday mourned the victims, in yet another incident, a police officer was shot dead in Paris. It was unclear whether this incident was related to the Hebdo shooting.

Mr Atif said the Islamic community’s thoughts and prayers were with the victims and all those affected by the “evil and outrageous attack”.

“These terrorists and extremists hijacked Islam, the religion of peace, for their personal agenda and interests through committing vicious atrocities,” he said. Islam did not teach terrorism and provided no justification for any act of violence, he added. Read More:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Muslims for Peace, Serving Mankind, Tolerance | Tagged French attacks, Paris attacks | Leave a comment

Muslim community in Malta condemns Paris attacks

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta categorically condemned the attack at the office of Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those affected by this evil and outrageous attack. We would like to offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to all those who have been left bereaved.

“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 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 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 who so gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.” (5:33)

“Islam categorically rejects and condemns every form of terrorism. It does not provide any cover or justification for any act of violence, be it committed by an individual, group or government. I most strongly condemn all acts and form of terrorism because it is my deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but also no true religion, whatever its name, can sanction violence and bloodshed of innocent men, women and children in the name of God. God is love, God is peace!

“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 at this attack. Our hearts are filled with love and compassion for them.”

Quotes of the week:

“These terrorists and extremists hijacked Islam, the religion of peace, for their personal agenda and interests.”

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, on the jihadists who carried out the Paris atrocity.

The Malta Independent – Times of Malta – The Sunday Times – Newsbook – MaltaToday –

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Harmony, Interfaith dialogue, Islam stands for peace!, Serving Mankind, Tolerance | Leave a comment

With a bleeding heart…

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source: The Malta Independent. Tuesday 6 January 2015. By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, amjmalta@gmail.com

Inscrutable marks were left on the minds and memories of millions of people around the world on 16 December. The brutal, barbaric, heinous, cruelest, unimaginable, painful and inhuman attack on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan, which left more than 140 people dead included 130 students, has shaken all people of conscience.

The attack was so horrible that one cannot find words to describe its intensity, agony and painfulness. Every room and wall of the attacked school tells a story of misery, hatred, killing and bloodshed. The floor became red with the sacred and pure blood of innocent children like flowers – which were not yet grown up fully to please the environment with their pleasant fragrance – were killed cold-bloodedly.

None of them had imagined on that cool morning when they were stepping towards their classes, with so many wonderful dreams in their eyes, that they will be attacked and their bodies will be left lifeless. Imagine their helplessness when terrorists attacked them, how they would have ran around the corners, how they would have screamed and begged for mercy, how they would have hid themselves under tables and desks where they used to put their books. Their innocent eyes and faces would have been asking questions such as why were they being attacked, what wrong did they do, and who can tell them their fault.

This incident exceeded all manner of barbarity. The large majority of victims martyred were innocent children some aged five, six and seven years and others ten, eleven and thirteen years. The younger ones would have probably had no idea of terrorism or extremism and perhaps did not know the difference between good and bad! Yet their lives were taken in a most brutal manner. It’s all painful. It’s unimaginable. It’s unbelievable.

What kind of Islam is this? What kind of Shariah is this? The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) had strictly forbidden the use of force against women and children of even non-Muslims, even during battle! When Prophet Muhammad engaged in an inevitable defensive battle, he clearly set principles and regulations of a war, and used to firmly order that: No woman be killed; no children be killed; the old not be impeded; no person be set on fire; no animal be killed; no tree be cut down; unlike your enemy, no person’s nose or ear be cut off.

And when he once questioned a Companion who had killed a Jew child in action, the Companion replied, O Prophet of God, he was only a Jew child killed by mistake, what does it matter? The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) replied, was he not an innocent child of man? Such was the standard of sanctity of humanity demonstrated to us by the blessed model of the Holy Founder of Islam, and look at the brutal actions perpetrated in the name of Islam now!

The Peshawar school tragedy is full of horrific stories. A student who was shot in both his legs recounted: “One of my teachers was crying as she was shot in the hand. She was crying in pain; one terrorist then walked up to her and started shooting her until she stopped making any sound. All around me my friends were lying injured and dead.”

One teacher said that when she heard firing she went out and saw that terrorists were firing indiscriminately on boys and girls, and children were falling down like dead leaves. One student said that he saw bodies of children who were fired on their heads and faces by terrorists. A female teacher, who very boldly stood in front of the attackers and asked them to stop killing the children, was set on fire and left in misery in front of children and died.

This brutality has left us all shaken. Like millions of people, my heart is also bleeding and I am extremely worried and upset. Terrorists have inflicted extreme pain and have injured the heart of mankind. So, I appeal that this incident should be taken as a point of no return against extremism. This should be a decisive moment for the entire world to unite with sincerity and fair will to curb this ever-increasing problem of extremism.

It is my fervent prayer that God soon rids the entire world of these vicious and wicked people. May Allah the Exalted cover all of the victims and those left bereaved with His mantle of Mercy and Love, and grant their parents patience and steadfastness. Amen

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Holy Prophet Muhammad, Human Rights, Humanity First, Islam means Peace, Laiq Ahmed Atif | Tagged Peshawar attack, Public Army School Peshawar | Leave a comment

Wrong meaning of Jihad

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source: The Times, Friday, January 2, 2015 by Laiq Ahmed Atif.

So much is said about world peace and conflicts across the globe. This state of affair has given rise to fear and anxiety. The increasing threats of extremism and dark clouds of terrorism have engulfed many parts of the world.

Unfortunately, many blame Islam, claiming the religion promotes extremism, pointing out that, often, such activities are carried out by people who say they are Muslims.

Thus, I would like to shed some light on what lies behind such overwhelming militancy, particularly in countries with a Muslim majority.

In reality, the responsibility for such malicious acts actually rests with the so-called scholars of Islam and extremist organisations, who are gravely mistaken in their understanding of the issue of Jihad. They consider the unjustified killing of human beings “by the sword” as a religious duty.

These scholars have deliberately misinterpreted some of the verses of the Holy Quran and equated true Islamic Jihad to rebellion for their personal benefit and aims.

They teach their followers to fight unbelievers either until they either accept Islam or are killed. They also believe the punishment of apostasy is death.

In the last century, some organisations were formed with the aim of bringing reforms in the world, building welfare states and constituting fair societies. However, they proved to be ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ because they used religion to impose their extremist ideology on others.

Over the past year, one particular group viciously spread its network of terror and has become a cause of major concern for the world. It is commonly known as ISIS or IS.

The actions of this terrorist group are not only impacting Muslim countries because countries in Europe and further afield are also being affected by its brutalities. Such organisations are also found in different parts of the world.

A few days ago, Syed Munawar Hasan, former president of Jamaat-e-Islami, a politico-religious organisation in Pakistan, ruled out the resolution of issues through democratic disposition and called for promoting the culture of ‘Jihad’ to overcome present challenges.

He proposed waging Jihad and Qital fi sabilullah (armed fighting in the name of God) for the elimination of oppression and injustices from the world. He stressed that his message was addressed to the entire Muslim world.

The fish rots from the head and some leaders and so-called scholars of Islam exploit the innocence and ignorance of followers. They have misled people into believing that the keys to Paradise lie in practices that are oppressive, cruel and completely immoral.

Yet, freedom of conscience is a fundamental tenet of Islam.

It is never permissible, in any circumstance, to force another person to accept Islam or any religion. All people are free to believe or not to believe. The Holy Prophet Muhammad was only permitted to convey the message of Islam and nothing more. So how can the so-called Muslim leaders of today go beyond this and think they have more power, authority or rights than the Prophet of Islam?

Over a century ago, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community clearly explained the meaning of true Jihad and warned that any extremist ideology will lead to conflicts and wars.

He clearly explained that Islam does not allow Muslims to wage offensive wars but can only defend themselves if attacked.

He categorically condemned wars and the killing of innocent people.

He said: “Is it not shameful that a complete stranger should be unjustly killed while occupied in his daily affairs, thus widowing his wife, making his children orphans and turning his house into a funeral parlour?

“Which sayings of the Prophet Muhammad or verse of the Holy Quran authorises such behaviour? Is there any Maulawi [Islamic clerics] who can respond?

“Foolish people hear the word Jihad and make it an excuse for the fulfillment of their own selfish desires. Or, perhaps, it is sheer madness that inclines them towards bloodshed.”

He explained that true Jihad is the struggle for self-reformation, serving mankind, eradicating poverty and suffering, bringing mankind nearer to its Creator, preaching the message of God with love and compassion and extending peace and security to others.

“Be compassionate towards all for the sake of God so that you may be shown mercy in the heavens. Come and I will teach you a way that will cause your light to prevail over all other lights. Abandon all lowly spite and jealousy; be compassionate for mankind and lose yourselves in God,” he said.

If we are engaged in such a Jihad, it will ensure the freedom of religion, human rights, justice and equality for all. This Jihad will end all sorts of extremism and will pull down the walls of hatred and malice. It will spread the fragrance of love and affection throughout the world. READ ORIGINAL POST:

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

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Harmony, Jihad, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Serving Mankind, The Reformer of this Era | Tagged The Promised Messiah | Leave a comment

احمدیت اور حضرت محمد مصطفےٰ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے بے مثال محبت

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

حضرت محمد مصطفےٰ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے

بانی جماعت احمدیہ حضرت مرزا غلام احمد قادیانی علیہ السلام کی بے مثال محبت آپ کی تحریرات کی رو سے

(مکرم جمیل احمدصاحب)

Ahmadiyya belief about Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh)

Posted in Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Holy Prophet Muhammad, The Promised Messiah as | Leave a comment

Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community condemns Peshawar School Attack

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community condemns Peshawar School Attack and prays for Victims

During his weekly Friday Sermon, delivered in London, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Caliph, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has spoken of his grief over the recent terrorist attack at a military school in Peshawar in which more than 130 children were brutally killed.

His Holiness, who described the victims as ‘martyrs’, condemned the outrageous attack and said that the entire Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide felt the pain of those left bereaved. He repeatedly prayed for the victims and their families and called on the world to unite against all forms of extremism.

Describing the Peshawar attack, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“This attack cannot be described only as cruelty, but in fact it was the most extreme example of barbarity and bloodshed as the vast majority of the victims were innocent young children. And so this attack has left humanity in despair. Every single person who possesses even a grain of humanity has cried aloud with distress and grief.”

Condemning the attack as completely against the teachings of Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“These innocent children were brutally targeted by people who say they seek to enforce ‘Sharia Law’. What kind of Islam is it that they practice? What type of Sharia do they follow? The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) strictly forbade for any woman or child to ever be targeted.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“It is a tragedy and injustice of the heaviest proportion that such hateful and vengeful acts are being carried out in the name of that God, who is Gracious, who is Benevolent and All-Merciful. It is being conducted in the name of that God whose compassion is unparalleled. It is being done in the name of that Prophet (peace be upon him) who has been declared by God Almighty as the ‘Mercy for all Mankind’. And it is being falsely justified in the name of that Sharia, which advocates peace and justice for all.”

His Holiness said that Ahmadi Muslims throughout the world had been left devastated by this attack. He said that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had inculcated within his followers a spirit of true sympathy for mankind. Furthermore, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) repeatedly counselled Islamic clerics to guide the Muslim world towards compassion and humanity and away from all forms of extremism or sectarianism. He said this would be a great favour on their part towards mankind.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“We Ahmadi Muslims sympathise and love humanity and so wherever mankind suffers in any way it leaves us grieved and pained. In this instance those killed were our fellow Muslim brothers and our countrymen and so our grief is even more. Our hearts are filled with love and compassion for them.”

Praying for the victims of this atrocity, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“May Allah the Exalted cover all of the victims and those left bereaved with His mantle of Mercy and Love, and grant their parents patience and steadfastness.”

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that terrorism and extremism was not limited to Pakistan but had spread across much of the Muslim world and was now out of control. He said that those who perpetrated such evils were seeking only to fulfil their selfish interests and falsely sought to justify their acts in the name of Islam.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Caliphate - Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Islam means Peace | 1 Comment

Festive Greetings – Il-Festi t-Tajba!

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam | Tagged Awguri, Il-Festi t-Tajba! | Leave a comment

Is-Solidarjetà

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source: IT-TORĊA, il-Ħadd 21 ta’ Dicembru 2014 (Laiq Ahmed Atif)

Illum il-ġurnata l-ħajja saret mgħaġġla ħafna u kulħadd jipparteċipa f’dik il-ġirja biex jirbaħha. Minħabba invenzjonijiet ġodda u disponibiltà faċli ta’ dawk l-affarijiet, żdiedu wkoll ix-xewqat tagħna. Meta tasal xi ħaġa ġdida fis-suq, irridu għandna anke jekk ma jkollniex daqstant bżonnha. Dejjem għaddejjin biex niksbu l-aħjar; din l-attitudni u l-kultura hija meħtieġa aktar fil-ħajja spiritwali u edukattiva, imma jekk niġru wara l-affarijiet materjalistiċi biss, din ikollha żewġ impatti negattivi fuq is-soċjetà u fuq il-bniedem. L-ewwel nett, wara din il-ġirja kollha, il-bniedem qatt ma jkun ferħan u sodisfatt; it-tieni nett, il-faqar qed jiżdied u dawk li ma jaffordjawx dak kollu li jlellex iħossuhom iffrustrtai, iddiżappuntati u inferjuri.

Is-sena l-oħra attendejt għal laqgħa fil-Belt organizzata mill-Ministeru għall-Familja u s-Solidarjetà Soċjali bil-għan li bħala soċjetà “ningħaqdu kontra l-faqar.” Naħseb li dan huwa importanti ħafna biex ningħaqdu kontra l-faqar u fuq in-naħa l-oħra, importanti iżjed li titqajjem kuxjenza dwar dan is-suġġett kruċjali u diskussjoni dwar kif nistgħu niġġieldu l-faqar.

Huwa importanti li nagħmlu xi sagrifiċċji ekonomiċi, u mhux biss li niġru wara li ngħollu l-istandars tal-ħajja tagħna ekonomikament, għax huwa wkoll id-dmir ta’ kull wieħed u waħda minna li nieħdu ħsieb ta’ dawk li huma inqas ixxurtjati. Irridu nipprovaw nifhmu li huwa impossibbli tbiddel in-nuqqasijiet ekonomiċi mingħajr ma tbaxxi l-livell tal-għajxien u mingħajr ma taqsam ftit mill-miżerja sabiex il-ferħ ikun estiż fost kulħadd.

Dan it-tnaqqis fil-livell tal-għajxien mhuwiex kastig, iżda għandu jkun pjaċir! Dak li qed ngħid jista’ jidher stramb, iżda fil-verità, mhuwiex. Jekk tbaxxi l-livelli tiegħek għal kawża tajba u ġusta, tikseb minflok sens ta’ nobbiltà – sens ta’ nobbiltà mwieled miegħek li hu premju fih innifsu! Ma tistax timmaġina premju ikbar minn dan.

Ma ngħidx li għandna nibdew ngħixu fil-faqar kollha kemm aħna, imma ngħid li dawk li għnadhom ħafna, għandhom ibaxxu ftit il-livelli tagħhom u jgħinu biex jgħollu, sa ċertu punt, il-livelli ta’ dawk li huma foqra sabiex id-distinzjoni bejn is-sinjur u l-fqir tonqos u kulħadd igawdi sens ta’ dinjità ugwali.

Ir-raba’ Kalif tal-Komunità Aħmadija spejga dan is-suġġett u silet eżempji mill-ħajjiet tal-Profeti ta’ Alla biex nifhmu dal-punt sew. Meta naqraw l-istorja tal-Profeti ta’ Alla, naraw is-sens ta’ sagrifiċċji f’kull storja. Għaliex il-profeti wettqu s-sagrifiċċji matul ħajjithom? Għaliex qattgħu ħajjithom fuq din l-art ifittxu t-tajjeb b’detriment għall-kumdità u l-pjaċir? Għax kienu mġienen? Ċertament li le! Matul iż-żmien, bdew iqisuhom bħala l-iktar nies għaqlin tal-era tagħhom.

Xi ġralu Ġesù Kristu? Tul ħajtu, issagrifika kull sekonda – kull mument – tal-pjaċir tiegħu għall-umanità, u sofra taħt dawk li għalihom ġie biex jirriformahom. Ma kienx miġnun – u anqas ma kien mingħajr ego – iżda l-ego tiegħu kien ta’ natura ogħla, ta’ kwalità ferm ifjen minn dawk tal-bqija. Meta bata f’isem it-tjieba, seta’ verament igawdi, għax is-sens ta’ nobbiltà li kiseb minn dan serva bħala premju biżżejjed għall-atti ta’ tjieba u sagrifiċċju li wettaq.

Dan mhux minnu biss fil-każ ta’ Ġesù Kristu; iżda huwa veru fil-każ ta’ kull profeta ieħor ta’ Alla. Huwa veru fil-każ tal-Profeta Muħammad, Mosè, Abraham, u Noè, biex insemmi ftit. Alla sema’ dwar il-Profeta Muħammad fil-Koran li huwa “Ħniena għall-Umanità kollha”. Il-‘ġenn’ tagħhom jista’ jiġi mifhum biss bil-mod illi huma jaraw valuri ogħla minn dawk li għandhom valuri iktar baxxi (għax ifittxu l-pjaċir fil-ħwejjeġ materjali u mhux fil-ferħ marbut mal-pjaċir tas-sagrifiċċju). Kull darba li jitwettaq ftehim li jferraħ il-qalb bħal dan, il-persuna li tagħti, tirċievi iktar ferħ minn dak li tkun irċeviet. Din hi lezzjoni bażika tal-psikoloġija umana li sfortunatament ta’ spiss tintnesa. Ipprova kun tajjeb mal-oħrajn u ssir taf il-pjaċir tas-sagrifiċċju!

F’dawn il-jiem ta’ ċelebrazzjonijiet u mumenti ta’ ferħ li huma ferm importanti fil-ħajja tal-bniedem, ma rridux ninsew lil dawk ħutna li jgħixu fil-faqar u lil dawk li għaddejjin minn mumenti diffiċli f’ħajithom. Għalhekk, ejjew flimkien, mingħajr ebda diskriminazzjoni ta’ kulur, razza, sess, reliġjon u politika, nuru solidarijetà sħiħa lil ħutna. Ejjew nagħtu l-karitajiet u d-donazzjonijiet u nipparteċipaw fl-Istrina tal-President b’qalbna kollha minn quddiem.

Min-naħa tagħna, il-Komunità Aħmadija se nieħdu sehem fl-Istrina 2014, barra minn dan, żorna r-residenza San Vinċenz de Paul, iltqajna mar-residenti u qassamnielhom ir-rigali tal-Festi. Bla dubju ta’ xejn, nista’ ngħid li meta xi ħadd jieħu sehem f’dawn il-kawżi nobbli u ġusti, il-ferħ u s-sodisfazzjoni li jħoss huwa inkredibbli, u ma nistax nispjegahom fi kliem. Għalhekk, jekk irridu li Alla jifraħ magħna, ejjew nirbħu l-qlub tal-poplu ta’ Alla.

Il-Profeta Muħammad qal li: “L-aħjar l-karità hi li tagħti l-karità meta tkun b’saħħtek, meta tkun tibża’ mill-faqar u tkun tixtieq l-għana”; “Min jonfoq xi nefqa għal Alla, jinkitiblu (ħlas ta’) seba’ mitt darba aktar.” U jistieden lill-bnedmin biex, “Fittxu ’l Alla qalb id-dgħajfin tagħkom u uru dħulija magħhom.”

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Holy Prophet Muhammad, Humanity First, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Serving Mankind | Tagged Elderly, Il-Festi t-Tajba!, St. Vincent de Paul | Leave a comment

Ahmadiyya celebrates with the elderly at St. Vincent De Paul

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, on the 17^th December 2014, visited St. Vincent De Paul Residence and celebrated the festive season with the elderly residents. Hon. Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, and Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of the Ahmadiyya Community Malta, together, distributed gift hampers to the residents.

Dr Justyne Caruana explained the work and the services being provided at the St. Vincent de Paul residency. She very warmly extended congratulations to the residents, listened to their issues and wished them all the best and offered her full support to them. She explained that in a few days a new ward, St Joseph 3 will be officially inaugurated after necessary refurbishments. She also explained that work is ongoing in wards St. Francis 3 and St. Francis 4.

Dr. Caruana and Mr. Atif discussed further cooperation for the wellbeing of the residents. Mr. Atif explained that, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat pays a great importance to serving mankind and looking after the old and the elderly. This activity of the Ahmadiyya Community is a clear manifestation of its love and care for the elderly people of the society.

He explained that, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is always committed to help those who are in need irrespective of their faith, creed, nationality or politics (political views), on the basis of ‘humanity first’ and ‘love for all hatred for none’. It organises charity events for the needy people of the society, all around the year, and also in these days of festivals and celebrations.

Credit: The Times, Thursday, December 18, 2014. Read Original Post:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Humanitarian Work - Serving Mankind, Humanity First, Islam, Love for all - Hatred for none, Serving Mankind | Tagged Dr. Justyne Caruana | Leave a comment

The elements of radicalization in youth!

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The elements of radicalization in youth!

Source: The Malta Independent, December 10, 2014; by Laiq Ahmed Atif

A few months ago the world was not very much aware of a great threat, which the world is facing these days, and which has now become the talk of the town, and that is the horrific threat of ISIS. This is extremely alarming and a cause of major concern for the world because the agenda and objectives of ISIS and their so-called Caliph are utterly horrific and barbaric. The actions of this terrorist group are not only impacting Muslim countries, but also European countries are at the brink of risking their security. According to the British Home Secretary, the threat of ISIS is more dangerous than at any time before or since 9/11.

It is also a bitter reality that we see a disturbing number of Muslim youths from Europe and other parts of the world, who have somehow come to believe that ISIS represents a true picture of Islam and support their ideology. For these reasons they have resolved to help and to even fight for them. According to the official estimates, over 500 British citizens, mostly young Muslims, have already travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIS, in a war that the terrorist group falsely claims is being fought in the name of Islam. The situation in Germany, France and Italy, among others, is no different, and it is escalating rapidly. The authorities are struggling to prevent young Muslims from joining the wars in Syria and Iraq and to find the reasons behind such an excessive move.

Prophet Muhammad, the Founder of Islam, through divine knowledge foresaw the conditions under which the Muslim world had to pass during different ages and particularly in the latter days, and he said: “There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam except its name only and nothing will remain of the Quran except its inscription. Their mosques will be splendidly furnished but destitute of guidance. Their clerics will be the worst people under the heaven and strife will issue from and avert to them.”

I believe that this prophecy sheds clear light, without any doubt, on the current state of affairs the world is passing through. Such Muslims who are wrongly using the name of religion for their vicious motives are not the true representatives of Islam. Secondly, the religious clerics have also deviated people from the right path and they have misinterpreted and misquoted the teachings of Islam for their personal interests and scopes, and thus have become the source of strife. One particular example of that is the blood-thirsty interpretation of “Jihad” and promoting the ‘culture of Jihad’ by such clerics. Lack of religious guidance and religious freedom, adoption of extremist ideologies and their dominance, preaching and practicing religion without reasoning and persuasion, incorrect usage of religion for the brainwashing, exploitation of peoples sentiments by playing with their ignorance and lack of knowledge, and neglecting the principle of the separation of religion and state are a few elements which are fueling such barbaric and perilous drives and moves.

Moreover, in contemporary circumstances, poverty, unemployment, lack of financial resources, increasing gap between rich and poor, suppression and social injustices, which finally are being translated into extreme frustration are also causes which motivate such youths to recruit themselves with ISIS. Furthermore, the spiritual and materialistic rewards being offered by ISIS are also attracting frustrated and unsatisfied people of the world.

Recently, I read a story of a young man who was very quiet and calm, but after losing his job and living in extreme hopefulness, finally he joined ISIS. When his father was asked the reason why his son recruited himself with ISIS, he replied because of ‘poverty’.

Here a question arises that how these groups are able to acquire such funds that allow them to continue their terrorist activities and warfare for so long? How do they acquire such sophisticated weapons? It is also common knowledge that they have huge funds totalling hundreds of millions of dollars and so it can only be assumed that they have external support. A senior representative of the United States Government has publicly stated that ISIS is “the best funded terrorist group we have ever confronted.”

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. For example, in one recent report stated that if a family sends one of its members to join ISIS then that family is given thousands of dollars as an initial lump sum and then hundreds of dollars regularly thereafter.

I think to curb this fast increasing problem there is an urgent need for concrete steps to be taken to confront this terror. First and the foremost important point is to put an end to their funding or the funding of any other similar organisation. The promotion of tolerance, harmony and mutual respect are also crucial aspects; and religious freedom should be guaranteed to all across the board. Strict laws should be made for those who exploit ignorant people or use violence in the name of religion, and violation of human rights and social injustices should be addressed in urgency. Most importantly the world must realise that it has forgotten it’s Creator and they must come back to Him. Only when this happens can true peace be established and without this there can be no guarantee of peace.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Caliphate - Khilafat, Laiq Ahmed Atif | Tagged Radicalisation, Youth | Leave a comment

Il-Kalifat: Ħolma jew Realtà

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source: IT-TORĊA, il-Ħadd 30 ta’ Novembru 2014 (Laiq Ahmed Atif)

F’dawn l-aħħar snin id-dinja tinsab tiġġieled kontra l-estremiżmu li jidher bħala periklu kbir għas-soċjetajiet tagħna. Imma, sfortunatament, l-estremiżmu qed jikber u jinfirex madwar id-dinja kollha u jidher f’forom differenti. Issa d-dinja qed taffaċċja wieħed mill-ikbar perikli li huwa ta’ theddida għaliha: il-grupp estremista tal-Istat Iżlamiku fil-Lvant Nofsani.

L-Istat Iżlamiku hija iktar perikluża mill-Al-Qaeda, għax l-IS hija mifruxa f’ħafna pajjiżi u anke hija qrib l-Ewropa. Nibza’ mill-penetrazzjoni tagħha fl-Ewropa u l-effetti tagħha, li jistgħu jinħassu iktar minn tal-Al-Qaeda madwar id-dinja. Għalhekk, huwa importanti ferm li d-dinja ssib xi solzzjonijiet prattikabbli biex tevita din it-theddida.

Din is-sena, Abu-Bakar Al-Bagdadi, il-mexxej tal-Istat Iżlamiku, iddikjara l-Kalifat, qal li huwa l-Kalif, u nsista li l-Musulmani kollha tad-dinja għandhom id-dmir li jiddikkjaraw l-inizjazzjoni tagħhom fuq idejh.

L-ewwel u qabel kollox, ngħid li din l-organizzazzjoni qed tabbuża minn isem ir-reliġjon għall-iskopjiet u l-interessi personali tagħha, li m’għandhom xejn x’jaqsmu mar-reliġjon. It-tieni nett, irrid nispjega x’inhu Kalifat? Il-kelma ‘Kalifat’ tfisser ‘is-suċċessjoni’, u l-Kalif huwa s-suċċessur tal-Profeta ta’ Alla. L-għan tiegħu huwa li jwettaq u jkompli r-riformazzjoni u t-taħriġ morali u spiritwali li kienu miżrugħa mill-Profeta nnifsu. Il-Kalifat huwa s-sistema divina, spiritwali u tat-tmexxija reliġjuża, li dejjem tiġi stabbilita skont ir-Rieda ta’ Alla. Alla jgħid, fil-Koran Imqaddes:

“Alla wiegħed lil dawk minnkom li jemmnu u jagħmlu għemejjel tajba li se jagħmilhom is-Suċċessuri fl-art; bħalma għamel lil dawk ta’ qabilhom, u li jsaħħilhom ir-reliġjon tagħhom li Huwa għażel għalihom, u li tassew jibdlilhom il-biża’ tagħhom fi sliem u paċi.” (24:56)

Il-messaġġ tal-Koran huwa ċar; Alla biss jista’ jistabbilixxi s-sistema tal-Kalifat, u ħadd m’għandu dritt u ħadd ma jista’ jistabbilixxi l-Kalifat Divin fid-dinja. Il-Kalifat dejjem jiġi wara l-Profeta, u mhux meta xi ħadd jidhirlu. Il-wegħda tal-Kalifat hija ma’ dawk li “jemmnu u jagħmlu għemejjel tajba”, u mhux ma’ dawk li huma terroristi, estremisti li joqtlu bnedmin innoċenti u jxerrdu d-demm sagru tal-bniedem fuq l-art. Skont it-tagħlim Iżlamiku, il-Kalifat veru huwa l-pedament tal-paċi u tas-sliem fis-soċjetà u mhux tad-diżordni u l-inkwiet.

Meta wieħed jaqra dan il-vers jifhem sew li l-Kalifat tal-Istat Iżlamiku m’huwiex il-Kalifat Iżlamiku kif ġie spjegat fil-Koran Imqaddes, u m’huwa xejn ħlief organizzazzjoni terroristika u estremista.

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, il-paċi tkun miegħu, bassar li fl-aħħar żmien se jiġi r-Riformatur li se jkun il-Messija u l-Maħdi, u huwa se jifforma t-tagħlim Iżlamiku, u warajh se tibda s-sistema tal-Kalifat.

Fl-1889, il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmaija* Musulmana ddikkjara li huwa l-Messija Mwiegħed u r-Riformatur ta’ dan iż-żmien. Wara l-mewt tal-Messija Mwiegħed fl-1908, il-Komunità Aħmadija tbierket bil-kontinwazzjoni tat-tmexxija tal-Kalifi (is-Suċċessuri) li kollha nħatru b’mod divin. Il-Kalif attwali tal-Komunità Aħmadija huwa Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad. Il-messaġġ ta’ din l-istituzzjoni tal-Kalifat huwa wieħed ta’ mħabba, rikonċiljazzjoni u fraternanza u l-motto tagħha huwa ‘Imħabba għal kulħadd, mibegħda għal ħadd’. Ħażrat Mirza Masroor Aħmad, il-ħames kalif tal-Komunità Aħmadija jagħmilha ċara li l-kalifat dejjem se jkun bażi tal-imħabba u l-armonija fid-dinja u jgħid: “B’riferenza għall-Kalifat, intom tistgħu tibżgħu li jista’ jiġi żmien meta l-istorja tirrepeti ruħha u li jistgħu jinqalgħu gwerer b’riżultat ta’ din il-forma ta’ tmexxija. Ħalluni, madankollu, nassigurakom li jekk Alla jrid, l-istituzzjoni tal-Kalifat tal-Aħmadija dejjem tkun magħrufa bħala dik li tkun fuq quddiem nett biex tmexxi l-kawża għall-paċi u għall-armonija fid-dinja.”

“Il-Kalifat tal-Aħmadija qiegħed ukoll hawn biex jipperpetwa u jkompli l-missjoni tal-Messija u l-Maħdi, għalhekk assolutament m’hemm l-ebda raġuni ta’ biża’ mill-Kalifat. Dan il-Kalifat jiġbed l-attenzjoni tal-membri tal-komunità lejn it-twettiq ta’ dawn iż-żewġ obbligazzjonijiet – id-drittijiet ta’ Alla u d-drittijiet tal-umanità – li għalihom il-Messija Mwiegħed ġie u bħala riżultat jipprova joħloq paċi u armonija fid-dinja.”

Dawn ir-refernzi huma ċari biżżejjed biex nifhmu li skont it-tagħlim tal-Koran, il-Kalifat Iżlamiku huwa dak li ġie stabbilit wara l-mewt tal-Fundatur tal-komunità Aħmadija li qed tmexxi l-kawża tal-ħidma għall-umanità. U l-kalifat tal-Istat Iżlamiku m’huwa xejn ħlief ħolma orribbli.

It-tixrid tal-paċi fid-dinja huwa tassew ta’ importanza kbira. Iż-żmien qed jagħfas. Nappella biex, qabel ma jkun tard wisq, aħna lkoll nagħtu kas u attenzjoni partikolari għall-bżonnijiet ta’ bħalissa. Nitlob ’l Alla biex isalva lilna mit-theddida tal-Istat Iżlamiku u mill-ideoloġija estremista tiegħu.

*Il-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana twaqqfet fl-1889 minn Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad. Huwa ddikjara lilu nnifsu bħala r-Riformatur u l-Maħdi li kien tant mistenni għax il-miġja tiegħu kienet imħabbra mill-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad. Il-Komunità Aħmadija temmen u tipprattik dak li tipproklamah bħala l-Iżlam il-veru, fil-purità kollha tiegħu, u temmen li l-ikbar Ġiħad huwa l-ġlieda biex tirriforma ruħek, ixxerred il-paċi u s-sliem, u tgħin lil dawk fil-bżonn.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Caliphate - Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Holy Prophet Muhammad, Love for all - Hatred for none | Leave a comment

The President’s Hub: Interfaith Meeting

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Representatives of more than ten different faiths and religions from across Malta attended a meeting organised by The President’s Hub for Ethnobotanical Research, an entity of the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.

Her Excellency Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, attended the informal meeting at San Anton Palace, who initiated a conversation on the use of the garden as both a practical and metaphorical space across religions and faiths.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was also present for the interfaith round-table meeting.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Harmony, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue, Laiq Ahmed Atif, The President's Hub, Tolerance | Leave a comment

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta participated in Book Fair 2014

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta participated in Malta’s Annual National Book Fair 2014, held between 12 t0 16 November at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta had also displayed various books in three different languages such as Arabic, English and Maltese and Roll-UP banners containing brief teachings from the Holy Quran on various subjects. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community published 6 new items of literature in Maltese language; ‘GOD in 21^st Century’, ‘Four Fundamental Attributes of GOD’, ‘JIHAD: The True Islamic Concept’, ‘Islam – a Religion of Peace’, ‘Islamic Veil’, and ‘Fundamental Principles of Islam’. The Community also published 9 new roll-up Banners.

The President of Malta, Her Excellency, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca; The Prime Minister of Malta, Hon. Dr Joseph Muscat and the Education Minister, Hon. Evarist Bartolo also visited the Ahmadiyya Muslim stall and were presented with books by Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta.

(Photos: [T-t0-B] The President of Malta, The Prime Minister, The Education Minister)

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam | Tagged Book Fair 2014 | Leave a comment

’Il fejn sejra d-dinja?

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Where the world is heading?

Credit/Source: It-Torċa: Il-Ħadd 2 ta’ Novembru 2014

Hiroshima u Nagasaki huma eżempji ċar tal-kruha u l-qerda li ġġib il-gwerra magħha, u iktar minn hekk, gwerra dinjija. Qatt ma mort il-Ġappun imma s-sena l-oħra, ħabib tiegħi mil-Londra mar il-Ġappun u żar il-‘Hiroshima Memorial Peace Museum’ u kiteb dwar din l-esperjenza. Meta kont qed naqra l-ktiba dwar din l-esperjenza, qalbi ngħafset tassew u ħassejt diqa kbira ġo qalbi meta sirt naf fid-dettal dwar dawk l-attakki devastanti. L-ewwel nett, irrid nikteb dwar xi ħsebijiet mir-rakkont tiegħu u mbagħad se nikteb dwar is-suġġett li għażilt illum.

Meta xi ħadd jidħol ġewwa Hiroshima, ġenwinament iħoss atmosfera ta’ dwejjaq u qerda kullimkien, anke issa wara għexieren ta’ snin. Kull ħajt u kull rokna tal-mużew jirrakontaw it-traġedja ta’ dawn il-bliet. Iktar ma tara, iktar tħoss niket ġo qalbek u tifhem iktar dwar it-tbatija tan-nies li sofrew il-ħruxijiet tal-attakki. Hemm ritratti ta’ nies li ġildthom, litteralment dabet; hemm ritratti ta’ nies li mietu minn dit-trawma, u hemm ritratti ta’ għadd ta’ tfal li twieldu diformati u b’diżabbilita minħabba l-impatt kbir tar-radjazzjoni, li baqa’ jaffettwa l-ibliet għal ġenerazzjonijiet sħaħ. Bla dubju, żjara f’dan il-mużew f’Hiroshima hija dejjem esperjenza li ġġib lil dak li jkun eqreb lejn ir-realtà attwali.

Iċ-ċifri juru li iktar minn 60 miljun persuna nqatlu fit-Tieni Gwerra Dinija,bil-maġġoranza jkunu nies ċivili, u iktar minn 100 elf persuna nqatlet f’dawk iż-żewġt ibliet Ġappuniżi minħabba l-bombi nukleari.

Meta naqraw dwar dawn iċ-ċifri tat-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija u l-attakki fuq Hiroshima u Nagasaki, il-biża’ tiżdied ħafna, għax il-bombi nukleari posseduti mill-pajjiżi llum huma litteralment eluf ta’ drabi aqwa minn dawk li l-Istati Uniti ħasad bihom lill-Ġappun fl-1945. Għalhekk it-tiġrif ikkawżat minn gwerra nukleari llum, verament ikun inkonċepibbli; u l-qerda imminenti li ġġib magħha ma tistax tkun immaġinata.

Is-sitwazzjoni preżenti tad-dinja hija tajba? Għandna paċi u sigurtà fis-soċjetajiet tagħna? Għandna biża’ mill-eventwalità ta’ gwerra dinjija? Id-dinja riesqa lejn it-Tielet Gwerra Dinjija? Dawn huma xi mistoqsijiet li jixirfu meta tiġi diskussa s-sitwazzjoni preżenti tad-dinja.

Id-dinja bħalissa għaddejja minn żminijiet imwiegħra ħafna. Il-kriżi ekonomika globali qed tkompli tikxef perikli ġodda u aktar serji kważi kull ġimgħa. It-tixbihat mal-perjodu ta’ ftit qabel it-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija jibqgħu jissemmew u huwa evidenti li l-ġrajjiet qed iqarrbu lid-dinja b’pass dejjem aktar mgħaġġel lejn it-Tielet Gwerra Dinjija li tkun definittivament devastanti.

Il-Qdusija Tiegħu, il-Papa Franġisku, dan l-aħħar, qal li s-sensiela ta’ konflitti li żbruffaw madwar id-dinja, jammontaw, effettivament, ‘għal Tielet Gwerra Dinjija maqsuma f’diversi fażijiet separati u fi nħawi differenti’. Huwa fisser il-gwerra bħala ‘ġennata’, u appella biex jispiċċaw il-konflitti attwali madwar id-dinja.

Il-Qdusija Tiegħu Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Aħmadija, ilu jiġbed l-attenzjoni tad-dinja dwar dan mindu sar il-Kalif fl-2003. Fl-2008, fid-diskors tiegħu ġewwa l-Parliament Brittanniku, qal:

“Hu l-biża’ tiegħi li meta nħarsu lejn id-direzzjoni li fiha mexjin l-affarijiet illum, id-dinamika politika u ekonomika tal-pajjiżi tad-dinja tista’ tressaqna lejn gwerra dinjija. Mhux biss il-pajjiżi foqra tad-dinja, iżda wkoll il-pajjiżi sinjuri li qed jiġu affettwati. Għalhekk, hu d-dmir tas-superpotenzi li joqogħdu bilqiegħda u jsibu soluzzjoni biex isalvaw l-umanità mix-xifer tad-diżastru.”

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija pprofetizza li t-Tielet Gwerra Dinjija se tkun ta’ dimensjoni saħansitra akbar minn dik tat-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija u qal li l-mewt u l-qerda se tinfirex ma’ kullimkien u l-fjammi feroċi se jdawru lid-dinja minn kull naħa sa ma jeqirduha.

Il-kunflitti riċenti huma evidenti biżżejjed ta’ kemm aħna ’l bogħod mill-paċi fid-dinja. Is-sitwazzjoni fil-Libja, l-Eġittu, is-Sirja, l-Afghanistan, il-Pakistan huma kritiċi ħafna. Ir-relazzjonijiet bejn ir-Russja u l-Ukrajna, l-Indja u l-Pakistan, bejn il-Lhudi u l-Musulmani; kunflitt fil-Lvant Nofsani, dak bejn il-Ħindu u l-Musulmani fl-Indja, u n-nuqqas ta’ fiduċja bejn il-pajjiżi tal-Punent u r-Russja, li lkoll qed jitolbu mid-dinja għal passi importanti biex jiġi stabbilit il-paċi.

Il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, tul dawn l-aħħar snin, hekk kif żvolġew iċ-ċirkustanzi, ddikjara ġenwinament li l-uniku mod kif tiġi assigurata l-paċi fid-dinja huwa li jiġu adottati l-virtujiet tal-umiltà u tal-ġustizzja, u li umilment, b’sens ta’ ubbidjenza, nerġgħu nersqu lejn Alla. U li l-bniedem jerġa’ jsir karitatevoli; li min hu b’saħħtu jittratta lil min hu dgħajjef b’dinjità, b’rispett, u b’ġustizzja; li d-dgħajfin u l-foqra juru wkoll gratitudni u jadottaw il-mogħdijiet tal-verità u tal-ħaqq; u li kulħadd jerġa’ jdur lejn il-Ħallieq Tiegħu b’umiltà totali u sinċerità sħiħa.

Ripetutament huwa fakkar lil kulħadd li l-uniku mod kif in-nazzjonijiet jitbiegħdu mit-tarf ta’ diżastru huwa li jagħmlu l-ġustizzja l-kundizzjoni assoluta fin-negozjati tagħhom ma’ xulxin. Anki jekk ikun hemm il-mibegħda bejniethom xorta waħda għandhom jittrattaw lil xulxin b’mod ġust, il-għaliex l-istorja għallmitna li dan huwa l-uniku mod ta’ kif nistgħu neliminaw kull traċċa ta’ mibegħda fil-futur, u b’hekk titwaqqaf il-paċi għal tul ta’ żmien.

Naħseb, dan huwa dmir ta’ kull wieħed u kull waħda minna li nagħtu sehemna għall-ġid komuni u naħdmu id f’id għall-paċi u s-sigurtà għal kulħadd; u nsiru minn dawk li jġibu l-paċi, kif qal Ġesù, ‘henjin dawk li jġibu l-paċi’.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Caliphate - Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Laiq Ahmed Atif, The Reformer of this Era | Tagged The Promised Messiah, Third World War | Leave a comment

Visit Ahmadiyya stall and win a Kindle

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The following two contestants were the winners of the Kindles’ draws, as it was announced through the flyer on the bottom. The draw was done by the Chairman of the National Book Council.

Winner of KINDLE - 01

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam | Leave a comment

Blessed Institution of Khilafat & Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Votum with Ivan Bartolo on NET TV.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Caliphate - Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Islam means Peace, Jesus, Laiq Ahmed Atif, The Promised Messiah as, The Reformer of this Era | Leave a comment

Id-diskussjoni dwar it-terroriżmu (newsfeed)

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Islam means Peace, Islamophobia!, Laiq Ahmed Atif | Tagged It-Terrorizmu | Leave a comment

Sharia law in a nutshell

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Islamic law, also known as sharia law, is one of the most misunderstood subjects in the contemporary world, both by Muslims and non-Muslims.

From time to time, we hear the echoes and slogans of implementation and imposition of sharia law from many corridors around the world.

A large number of Muslims believe that sharia law should be applied and implemented at once in each and every country of the world, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

And non-Muslims think that if sharia is applied no one will remain safe and secure, that followers of the other religions will be forcefully bent to accept Islam, and freedom of speech and faith will vanish from this planet once and forever.

In fact, it is not the love of sharia or Islam that is urging some sections of Muslims to demand sharia law, but it has been exploited by some Muslim governments, politicians, radicals, religious clerics and zealots as an effective instrument to gain power and strength, demonstrate supremacy and rule society in the name of God as they might like to. In brief, it is not spurred by the love of Islam but the hunger for power.

What is sharia? Why is its implementation so important for Muslims around the globe? Can Islamic sharia law be applied everywhere forcibly? Is it practicable in today’s world? Why is the West so afraid of Islamic sharia law? These are some of the basic important questions that come into mind and are frequently asked whenever Islamic sharia is discussed.

Sharia literally means “a way to the watering place or a path to life-giving water”. In religious terminology it refers to the laws and commandments given by God, because spiritual life sustains itself on divine teachings – sharia.

Sharia is not unique to Islam. It is not a new phenomenon or reality as every faith has its own form of sharia: the divine teachings and laws.

To sum up, religious teachings, commandments, laws and divine guidance is sharia.

For every religion that claims to be based on divine teachings and commandments, all those laws or principles constitute a sharia. Islamic sharia, in a nutshell, is the whole spiritual system of Islam.

A large number of people do not fully understand the Islamic sharia and only consider it to be the system of punishment. There are more than 6,000 verses in the Holy Quran and of those nearly 200 relate to talking about the sharia.

Islam believes in freedom of faith and rejects the idea of imposition of Islamic teachings on anyone

About 80 of the verses pertain specifically to the legalities that Muslims have to follow – the penal code which the Holy Quran provides is only a part of it.

Islamic Sharia can be divided into five main branches: ibadah (ritual worship), muamalat (transactions and contracts), adab (behaviour, morals and manners), itiqadat (beliefs), and uqubat (punishments).

Islam prescribes certain laws or principles that govern all five main branches.

The demand for implementation of Islamic sharia law in the Western societies by some individuals or groups is also illogical and grossly misunderstood.

Islam believes in respecting the laws of the land. As far as religious matters are concerned, Muslims living in Western countries are already enjoying freedom of faith.

Muslims are not hindered from calling themselves Muslims, practising their faith and performing their rituals according to their religion. They are free to pray, to fast, to pay Zakaat (charity) and to go for the pilgrimage in Mecca, and so on.

Islamic rules and regulations and the code of life are only for Muslims. So far as the imposition of sharia law is concerned, this concept is against the very principle of the sharia that they want to impose.

Islam believes in freedom of faith and rejects the idea of imposition of Islamic teachings on anyone. The Holy Quran makes it abundantly clear that “there should be no compulsion in the matters of faith” (2:257).

The Quran has an injunction that Muslims are not allowed to impose their wills, their systems, their faith or beliefs on anyone: “It is the truth from your Lord; wherefore let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve” (18:30).

In a nutshell, Islamic sharia is a system of spiritual and moral reformation – through fulfilling the rights of God and the rights of mankind.

It is a system that seeks to create a harmonious and peaceful society in which justice, equality, affection, tolerance and freedom apply to all the people.

At its core, sharia is intended to develop and sustain a moral, prosperous, caring and just society.

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

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Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Tolerance | Tagged Islamic Shariah Law, Shariah Law | Leave a comment

Muslims in Malta have a religious duty to love island

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: Sunday Times Sunday, September 21, 2014, by Sarah Carabott

Muslims living in Malta have a religious duty to love the island and their loyalty should lie with their country of residence, the local leader of an Islamist reformist movement said as the Maltese today celebrate 50 years of independence.

Speaking about patriotism amid growing fears of an ‘Islamification’ of Europe and the imposition of Sharia law in Malta, the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Malta, Laiq Ahmed Atif, said the moral code of Islam could not, in any way, be imposed on those who did not practise the religion.

“If someone tries to force it on others it means they are going against the teachings of Islam. It’s illogical, impossible and against Sharia law itself to bring it to a Catholic country like Malta,” Mr Atif said.

Members of groups set up recently on social media have for the past weeks associated the invasion of the Ottoman Empire of 450 years ago with the increased arrival of Muslims in Malta.

Others have said that just as the Maltese stood their ground 50 years ago to gain independence, the islanders should protect Malta from Muslim dominance.

Mr Atif is originally from Pakistan but has lived in Malta for seven years.

“The Islamic religion says that Muslims have a duty to obey the authorities, the government and the State of where they live.

“The head of our community has insisted that we are not here or in any country to gain power and we do not have any political agenda.

“We are here to live in peace, share our values and build bridges between communities to reduce fear,” he said, adding the concern that someone was going to conquer Malta by force could be eliminated if all religions came together.

And, ultimately, people should not judge the religion of Islam on the actions of a few extremists who called themselves Muslims.

“There are individual examples of people using the name of religion for their own agenda. They’re using the name of God as a scapegoat,” he said when asked about declarations of violence in the name of God.

Quoting Prophet Muhammad, who said that “love for one’s country of residence is part of faith”, Mr Atif said that as a practising Muslim he declared his loyalty to Malta.

“Muslims living in Malta have a religious duty to love Malta, remain loyal to it, and always try to serve the country within their capacity. We should never harm the country.”

Today, Mr Atif’s community will pray for the prosperity and success of the country and the unity and strength of the nation.

“We will also decorate our homes and offices with candles to create an atmosphere of celebration and tell our children about the historic importance of the day. When they grow they have to serve the nation and work for the progress of the country.” Read More:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Holy Prophet Muhammad, Islam stands for peace!, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Loyalty | Leave a comment

Il-lealtà tal-Musulmani lejn il-pajjiż li jgħixu fih

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

READ ORIGINAL POST IN TORCA: photo: universitylanguageschool.com

Il-Hadd, 21 ta’ Settembru, 2014, minn LAIQ AHMED ATIF

Lil din l-art ħelwa, l-Omm li tatna isimha, Ħares, Mulej, kif dejjem Int ħarist:Ftakar li lilha bil-oħla dawl libbist.Agħti, kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jaħkimha,Rodd il-ħniena lis-sid, saħħa ’l-ħaddiem:Seddaq il-għaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.

BDEJT dan l-artiklu bil-versi sbieħ u profondi tal-Innu Malti. Għax, kull pajjiż u nazzjon għandu s-simboli tiegħu li tid-distingwihom minn nazzjonijiet u pajjiżi oħra. L-Innu Malti huwa wieħed mis-simboli ta’ pajjiżna. Il-poeta Nazzjonali, Dun Karm Psaila kiteb dawn il-versi – huma versi qosra, madankollu huma mimlija bil-għerf u bit-talb. L-Innu Malti huwa simbolu ta’ mħabba u ta’ għaqda tagħna.

Kif nafu, matul din is-sena pajjiżna qed jiċċelebra numru ta’ anniversarji importanti u storiċi, fosthom l-10 anniversarju mid-dħul ta’ Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea, il-35 anniversarju ta’ Jum il-Ħelsien, l-40 anniversarju ta’ Jum ir-Re-pubblika u l-50 anniversarju ta’ Jum l-Indipendenza. Huwa xieraq li, bħal kull ċittadin ieħor aħna l-membri tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana, inġeddu l-wegħdiet tagħna ta’ lealtà u mħabba lejn dan il-pajjiż.

Aħna nemmnu li dan huwa dmir ta’ kull ċittadin li jkun leali u fidil lejn il-pajjiż li fih jgħix, u li juri mħabba u lealtà sħiħa lejh, mingħajr ebda riżervi. L-ubbidjenza lejn il-liġi u r-rispett lejn l-istituzzjonijiet nazzjonali huwa dmir ewlieni ta’ kull Musulman.

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad (il-paċi tkun miegħu) enfasizza dan ħafna drabi. Hu għallem lill-Musulmani li “l-imħabba lejn pajjiżek hi parti mill-fidi.”

Għalhekk fl-Iżlam il-patrijottiżmu sinċier hu meqjus bħala xi ħaġa neċessarja. Biex verament iħobb lil Alla u lill-Iżlam, il-Musulman irid ukoll iħobb lin-nazzjon tiegħu. Huwa ċar biżżejjed li ma jistax ikun hemm kunflitt ta’ interess bejn l-imħabba li persuna għandha jkollha lejn Alla u l-imħabba tagħha lejn il-pajjiż. Billi l-imħabba lejn il-pajjiż hi parti mill-Iżlam, Musulman tajjeb irid jistinka biex jilħaq l-ogħla livelli ta’ lealtà lejn pajjiżu, għax dan huwa mezz ta’ kif jista’ jilħaq lil Alla u jkun qribu. Għaldaqstant, huwa impossibbli li l-imħabba vera li l-Musulman iħaddan lejn Alla tista’ qatt isservi bħala impediment għalih biex juri mħabba u lealtà vera lejn pajjiżu.

Nemmen li l-lealtà vera lejn il-pajjiż titlob relazzjoni msejsa fuq is-sinċerità u l-integrità. Titlob li dak li persuna turi fuq barra jkun bħal dak li hemm ġewwa. F’termini ta’ nazzjonalità, dawn il-prinċipji huma ta’ importanza assoluta. Għalhekk huwa fundamentali għall-persuna ta’ kull nazzjonalità li tistabbilixxi relazzjoni ta’ lealtà ġenwina lejn in-nazzjon tagħha. Ma tagħmilx differenza tkunx ċittadin imwieled fil-pajjiż jew tiksibx iċ-ċittadinanza, permezz tal-immigrazzjoni jew b’xi mezz ieħor iktar ’il quddiem matul ħajjitha.

Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-Kalif u l-mexxej spiritwali tal-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam spejga l-kelma ‘lealtà’ u qal:

“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 vera ta’ lealtà mitlub mill-Iżlam. F’diversi postijiet fil-Koran Imqaddes Alla ta struzzjonijiet ċari lill-Musulmani biex dawn iħarsu l-wegħdiet u l-pattijiet tagħhom, għax għad jintalbu jagħtu rendikont Lilu ta’ kull attività mwettqa minnhom. Il-Musulmani ntalbu jwettqu l-pattijiet kollha, inkluż dawk bejnhom u bejn Alla s-Setgħani, kif ukoll il-pattijiet kollha li għamlu, skont il-grad ta’ importanza.”

Fl-Iżlam, l-ubbidjenza lejn il-liġi tal-pajjiż hi dmir reliġjuż. Il-Koran Imqaddes jikkmanda lill-Musulmani li jibqgħu fidili mhux biss lejn Alla u l-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad (il-paċi tkun miegħu), iżda wkoll lejn l-awtorità li taħtha jgħixu. Hekk jgħid:

“Intom ilkoll li temmnu! Obdu lil Alla, u obdu lill-Messaġġier Tiegħu u lil dawk li għandhom l-awtorità fuq-kom.” (Il-Koran, Kap.4 : Vers.60)

Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-Kalif u l-mexxej spiritwali tal-Komunità Iżlamika Aħmadija spjega dan aktar fid-dettal meta qal li: “Musulman veru qatt ma jista’ jgħolli leħnu b’mibegħda lejn iċ-ċittadini sħabu, għalhekk lanqas lejn l-awtorità jew gvern ta’ dak iż-żmien. Hi r-responsabbiltà ta’ kull Musulman veru li jibqa’ leali u jobdi kompletament il-liġijiet tal-pajjiż li hu sudditu tiegħu.”

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana enfasizza ħafna dan l-aspett, u għallem lill-membri tal-komunità tiegħu biex juru lealtà u ubidjenza vera u sinċiera minn qiegħ ta’ qlubhom lejn pajjiżhom. Hu ħeġġiġhom biex dejjem jitolbu l-ħniena u l-barka ta’ Alla fuq pajjiżhom.

Malta huwa pajjiż sabiħ u mimli bil-grazzja ta’ Alla. Nitlob li dan il-pajjiż dejjem jimxi ’l quddiem u jsir pajjiż ideali fid-dinja. Jalla Alla jbierek lilna; u jalla Alla jbierek ’il-Malta. Amen

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Holy Prophet Muhammad, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Loyalty, Muslims for Loyalty | Leave a comment

Congratulations Malta!

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Loyalty | Leave a comment

Evolution not revolution!

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source/Credit: The Times, Monday, September 8, 2014, 00:01 by Laiq Ahmed Atif. Atif is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Malta. amjmalta@gmail.com

God’s creation is wonderful indeed. The solar system, of which our earth is but a small part, is vast, varied and orderly and, yet, this system is but one of hundreds of millions, some of which are incalculably larger than it. The countless millions of stars, moon and sun are so arranged and distributed in relation to one another as to produce harmony and beauty everywhere.

In the Holy Quran, God says the following: “Allah created the heavens and the earth in accordance with the requirements of wisdom. In that surely is a sign for the believers” (29:45).

The expression “in accordance with the requirements of wisdom” signifies that there is clear evidence of an intelligent design and purpose in the creation of the heavens and the earth and that a profound and consummate plan exists in all the celestial and terrestrial bodies.

When one ponders on verses in the Holy Quran, one finds that there are very important lessons to learn from the creation of universe. Among others, there is a principle that, to bring perfection to a system, a lot of planning and design is required. Secondly, to get the best positive results there must be harmony and complete tolerance in diversity. Then, to have such a perfect and practicable system there is need of evolution as it had been in the creation of the universe, created by God in six stages and periods.

I believe that evolution is the perfect system to a better and successful change and the system that takes its time will definitely give its fruits. For that to happen, profound education, necessary awareness, long planning, sincerity, faithfulness and a detailed road map are essential.

Otherwise, there cannot be any hope for a secure and prosperous future of a nation or country. And hollow claims of revolution without any road map cannot be fruitful.

During revolutions, when rule of law becomes fragile and fluid, many ill-natured extremists, fundamentalists, terrorists and non-democratic powers benefit from the prevailing circumstances and start their vicious and anti-democratic tactics to gain power, impose their point of view on the rest of the nation or ruin the peace.

In such times, we also find that religious extremists try to impose their ideology or their school of thought on the entire population.

It is also a reality that, in some cases, the oppressed think it is now their term to acquire personal benefits and take advantage of the situation and try to mould the scenario in their favour as much as they can. They, thus, completely ignore and forget the pledges and mantras of a change for the better for everybody.

At times, when striving for power, dominance and personal gains, the basic principles of a stable and prosperous society, such as human dignity, equality, forgiveness, fairness, justice, tolerance and democratic values, are partly or completely ignored.

The situation in many countries around the world and especially in the Middle-East, where we saw some revolutions taking place in recent years, prove abundantly clear that no lesson was learned from the creation of the universe.

The situation in Libya is very critical and complicated. In recent weeks, many people have been killed and people are fighting in the streets. It looks like the country is on the brink of disaster and I am afraid such circumstances may lead to civil war.

The situation in Egypt is still not very stable. Two governments were changed in as many years.

Tunisia is also struggling to find its feet.

Syria is still at war after more than three years.

In these conflicts, thousands of innocent people have been killed and there seems to be no end to this bloodshed and massacre.

Recently, a religious scholar who heads a political party in Pakistan and also holds a Canadian passport, Tahir-ul-Qadri, is calling for revolution in Pakistan.

I fail to understand what he means by this and what sort of revolution he wants to bring in the country. Does he have a road map? What are the solutions?

In a two-hour-long speech, he interpreted the Islamic teachings in his favour and urged his followers to struggle to topple the government, take the law into their own hands and attack the security forces and the police if they intervene. If anyone fails to bring about the revolution he is after, they must kill him, he insisted.

His speech was entirely a distortion of facts and misinterpretation of Islamic teachings and he did not address the entire situation with honesty. He omitted the very important fact that Islam categorically condemns taking the law into one’s hands, creating disorder and disobeying the authorities. Holy Quran clearly says that ‘’persecution or disorder is worse than killing’’ (2:192).

This is a grave dishonesty and an injustice.

As far as his revolution is concerned, there is no doable plan. Indeed, the meaning of revolution needs to be understood. A revolution means that an existing system will no longer be acceptable even if certain adjustments were made, that it will have to be totally thrown out and destroyed and a new order created to take its place.

History shows that all changes that have taken place in the world and all successful movements have followed this course.

There must be a clear and workable plan and road map. Mere slogans of revolution cannot bring any positive change. FIND ORIGINAL POST:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Human Rights, Islam means Peace, Laiq Ahmed Atif | 1 Comment

Lack of education fuels sense of Islamophobia

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Credit/Source: The Times, Friday, August 29, 2014, 00:01 by Kim Dalli

Barbaric acts of terrorism such as James Foley’s beheading coupled with a lack of education on the true meaning of Islam are fuelling a sense of Islamophobia, according to a number of Muslims living in Malta.

However, most Muslims living in Malta admitted they have not personally experienced any pejorative remarks or attitudes from Maltese people.

Imam Mohammed Elsadi, the Muslim spiritual leader in Malta, said an element of Islamophobia could be detected in the comments posted below online articles, mostly penned by uneducated people.

However, he had not received any reports in the past few weeks from Muslims complaining of being on the receiving end of negative behaviour from Maltese people. The Maltese, he said, were a tolerant and peaceful people.

“Islam shouldn’t be judged through the negative practices of terrorists but according to the teachings of the Holy Koran and the tradition of the prophet Mohammad.”

Islamic State (Isis) extremists, he added, were causing extreme harm to the reputation of Islam and Muslims. Muslims wholly condemned such barbaric acts and did not consider groups such as Isis to be Muslim.

His comments are echoed by Ahmed Ashraf, the president of the Arab-Maltese community, who has been living in Malta for the past 23 years.

“I get along really well with the Maltese and I feel very much part of the community – I’ve never had any derogatory comments directed at me.

“But in cafeterias, you do hear such remarks from people talking among themselves.”

Ultimately, you sow what you reap so if left untreated, the seed of hatred will fester, he explained.

“We need more outreach programmes – we need to visit schools and make the community understand that we heartily condemn such fundamentalist groups. Islam is about love, respect and forgiveness.”

There is also a very small group of Arabs in Malta who do not like their children mixing with Christians, he added.

“It’s only a handful but we want to target them. Or else the child will grow up solely surrounded by Arabs.”

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, called on all non-Muslims to judge Islam only after studying its teachings in depth and after observing the character of Muslims who adhere to its original teachings.

There was no doubt, he continued, that the acts of terrorism or extremism perpetrated by “some so-called Muslims” had nothing whatsoever to do with the true teachings of Islam.

The very meaning of Islam was peace, security and giving a guarantee of protection against all forms of harm and evil.

To attribute any such killing such as that of US journalist James Foley to religion and, particularly, to Islam was “absolutely mistaken”, he added.

“It is true that this unlawful killing was committed in a Muslim country – however, religion is not behind this death. Islam has nothing to do with the killing of an innocent person and this must be understood very carefully.

“I think that any such act should not fuel perceptions of hatred towards an entire Muslim community because the majority of Muslims are against those acts. Peaceful Muslims are also suffering through such atrocities.

“The majority of Muslims are not culprits but are victims of terrorism and extremism perpetrated by some so-called Muslims. I think our non-Muslim friends should also keep this point in their mind and that will lead to tolerance and harmony towards the majority of Muslims.”

A resident in Malta for the past seven years, Mr Atif believes that the Maltese people are tolerant and well-educated.

He called on people to research Islam to uncover the truth before forming any opinion. Find Original Post:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Humanity First, Islam means Peace, Islamophobia!, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Love for all - Hatred for none | 1 Comment

Donation to Dar Vincenzo Bugeja

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Credit/Source: The Sunday Times, Sunday, August 3, 2014: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat president Laiq Ahmed Atif donating fruit hampers to residents at the home.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta president Laiq Ahmed Atif visited Dar Kav. Vincenzo Bugeja in Ħamrun, a home for the intellectually disabled, and distributed fruit hampers.

During the visit it was noticed there weren’t enough fans at the centre and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta made up for the shortfall.

Volunteer and coordinator Kenneth Cremona accompanied Atif as he toured the home and met with youngsters.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta gives a lot of importance to looking after people in need on the island. The community believes serving mankind is a way to win the pleasure of God. Find Original Post:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Human Rights, Humanitarian Work - Serving Mankind, Humanity First, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Serving Mankind, www.ahmadija.org.mt | Leave a comment

There’s no honour in killing

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Members of civil society and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan hold placards during a protest in Islamabad against the killing of Farzana Iqbal, 25. Photo: Faisal Mahmood/Reuters

The world today presents a horrific scenario of crime, violence, killing and a determined attempt to destroy the very pillars of social order that sustain peace, tolerance, harmony and human dignity. The lives of millions of people around the world have been ruined and such individuals are experiencing unbearable suffering and witnessing ruthless devastation.

Violence against women is also increasing dramatically. Women are being subjected to different kinds of violence. Domestic violence, acid throwing, female genital mutilation, rape, sexual exploitation and honour killings are among the most pervasive forms of violence against women.

Recently, two very unfortunate incidents took place, one in India, where two teenage girls were raped and then hanged, and the other in Lahore, Pakistan, where Farzana Iqbal, who was three months pregnant, was stoned to death by family members and relatives in a broad daylight in front of the Lahore High Court in the presence of policemen and civilians. This incident thrust the issue of so-called honour killing into the spotlight. What is an ‘honour killing’?

It is the concept of the killing of a family member, usually a female, who is perceived to have brought dishonour and insult upon relatives and family. The reasons give frequently are that the girl/woman did not toe the family line and married someone she herself chose. In such cases, family members allege she is involved in extra-marital relations and, refusing to respect the decision of the family, it amounted to a dishonour for the family and, thus, the family had a right to kill her on such charges.

I think all the motives mentioned to justify honour killings are completely baseless. Honour killing is a contradiction in terms; there is no honour in the unlawful killing of an innocent person.

The United Nations Population Fund estimates that 5,000 women globally are murdered this way every year. Last year, 869 women were said to have been killed in Pakistan alone.

These unfortunate incidents are reported and highlighted in the media but to attribute these honour killings to religion is absolutely mistaken. It is true that many unlawful deaths, such as honour killings, are perpetrated in some Muslim countries. However, religion is not behind such deaths, which are the result of tribal or sometimes historic legacy issues, culture or customs and false sense of pride.

Islam has nothing to do with honour killings. This must be understood very carefully.

The guidelines for Muslims lies in the Holy Qur’an and the example of Prophet Muhammad and not the actions of some individual Muslim or country.

What does Islam say matter about honour killing? It says that “whosoever killed a person, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind (5:33)”.

As far as the issue of marrying someone of one’s own choice goes, Islam gives this right to both men and women. 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.

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.”

Although, in Islam, boys and girls are not allowed to have private meetings before marriage, they do have the right to see each other and meet in the presence of their parents or elders before getting married. It is narrated that a companion of Prophet Muhammad sent a message of marriage to a lady and the prophet told him: “See her, as seeing will increase the chance of affection and attachment between the two of you.”

The concept of arranged marriages is misunderstood and people think that whatever match is suggested by the parents for the children, especially for the daughters, the children must accept blindly.

Unfortunately, sometimes it happens. But it is entirely wrong. Arranged marriages mean that the parents assist their children in finding a suitable match but it is up to the children whether to accept the suggested match or not.

The above references are clear evidence that Islam gives the right to both men and women to marry someone they freely choose. Also, so-called honour killing is categorically condemned by Islam and those who commit such atrocities must be brought to justice and punished according to the law. Because human life is precious and “there is no honour in killing, whatsoever”.

Source/Credit: The Times, Wednesday, July 2, 2014, 00:01 by Laiq Ahmed Atif. READ ORIGINAL POST:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Human Rights, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Women's Rights | Tagged Honour Killing | Leave a comment

True Khilafat has no Interest in Power or Government

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

“True Khilafat is Spiritual Leadership and Has No Interest in Power or Government” (Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community)

On Saturday 13 June 2014, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad emphasised the true nature of Khilafat (Caliphate) during an address in front of around 1,000 non-Ahmadi guests at the second day of the 39^th Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Germany. His Holiness also used his address to categorically disprove claims that Islam advocates extremism or violence at any level.

Speaking about the institution of Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Today the Institution of Khilafat – that is the institution of spiritual succession that leads the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – is keeping Islam’s true teachings alive.”

“The Khilafat of the Ahmadiyya Community can never depart from Islam’s core teachings of fulfilling the rights owed to God and to mankind. Today, the institution of Khilafat is striving for peace in every possible way and to spread love and affection throughout the world.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Let me make it clear that the institution of Khilafat leading the Ahmadiyya Community has no interest in power or government. Rest assured that true Khilafat has no worldly or political objectives. The sole concern of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat is that the people of the world come to recognise their Creator and bow down before the One God.”

His Holiness also spoke of the connection between Ahmadi Muslims and their Khalifa. He said it was due to this unique relationship that Ahmadi Muslims were united and intent upon spreading Islam’s message of peace across the world. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“You are seeing for yourselves that in these halls there are thousands of men and women who are completely attached to Khilafat and through this unbreakable spiritual bond they are perfectly united. They speak only of how to spread love and affection and how to fulfill the rights of humanity.”

His Holiness said Islam was a religion of peace and compassion and that Ahmadi Muslims followed these true values. He said the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian had repeatedly urged is followers to show sympathy towards mankind. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad quoted an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiah where he said:

“There are only two complete parts of faith. One is to love God and the other is to love mankind to such a degree that you consider the suffering and the trials and tribulations of others as your own and that you pray for them.”

Speaking of Islam’s teachings in relation to equality, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Islam teaches Muslims to free every person and every nation from all forms of slavery and servitude – whether physical, economic or social slavery. Islam teaches us that all people are equal and that one’s race and colour are not means of superiority or status.”

His Holiness concluded by appealing for unity and the promotion of common values, and said:

“Instead of pointing fingers at one another and instead of hurting the feelings of each other, we should instead join together as one and work towards the progress of the nation and towards establishing peace in the world.”

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Caliphate - Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad | Leave a comment

Il Kriżi Dinjija u t Triq għall Paċi (Tuffiħat Migduma)

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Il Kriżi Dinjija u t Triq għall Paċi (Tuffiħat Migduma)
A discussion about the book “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace”, by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Supreme Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Il-Kriżi Dinjija u t-Triq għall-Paċi, Laiq Ahmed Atif | Leave a comment

World Muslim Leader explains true Concept of Khilafat

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

On 6 June 2014, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered his weekly Friday Sermon in Frankfurt.

During his hour-long address, His Holiness addressed the differences between the Institution of Khilafat (Caliphate) and secular or other forms of leadership.

His Holiness categorically rejected the accusation that Khilafat could be considered similar to a dictatorship. He said that whilst worldly interests and a desire for power consumed dictators, the Khalifa of the Time had entirely spiritual objectives.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Whilst worldly leaders have secular goals, the purpose of Khilafat is to draw the attention of all people towards fulfilling each other’s rights. It is to instil a spirit amongst Ahmadi Muslims of giving precedence to their faith over all worldly matters and Khilafat makes every effort to peacefully establish the Unity of God in the world.”

Continuing, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Let me make it clear to every Ahmadi Muslim, every youth and every person that Khilafat and dictatorship have no link whatsoever… There is no compulsion in religion and so when a person willingly and entirely of his own volition accepts Ahmadiyyat then for the sake of the religion it is necessary to fulfil that pledge.”

Speaking of the unique relationship between the Khalifa and Ahmadi Muslims, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Which leader or dictator is there who keeps a personal connection with each of his citizens? On the other hand the Khalifa of the Time maintains a personal connection with Ahmadi Muslims from amongst every race and from all parts of the world. It is Khilafat alone that cares for and feels the pain of every Ahmadi Muslim and prays for them.”

Speaking of his own love and connection with the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community across the world, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Before sleeping at night there is no country of the world that I do not visit in my imagination and no Ahmadi for whom I do not pray whilst sleeping and whilst awake. I am not doing any favour because this is my duty and may Allah enable me to ever increase in assuming my responsibilities. The only reason I have said this is to make it clear that there can be no comparison between Khilafat and other worldly or secular leaders.”

Posted in Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad | Leave a comment

Islam abhors kidnapping / Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Source: The Times, Saturday, May 24, 2014.

“The Gracious God will have mercy on those who are merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, Allah in heavens will have mercy on you.”

“He is not of us who does not have mercy on young children and does not recognise honour of the elderly.”

“All creatures are Allah’s family; and Allah loves most among His creation those who treat his family well and look after their needs.”

These are statements by the holy founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad. If one ponders over these statements and reads the news, which has spread all over the world and has since become the talk of the town, about the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls, it becomes clear that such actions are cruel, brutal and barbaric and are condemned by Islam.

What is Boko Haram?

Boko Haram is an extremist organisation in Nigeria, which means “western education is forbidden”. The members of this organisation call themselves Muslims and they want to impose their so-called Islamic philosophy and ideology on the rest of the population. But they are nothing more than a vile band of killers, kidnappers, suicide bombers, murderers and extremists.

Since the organisation came into existence it maimed a large number of mothers, fathers and children through their vicious acts of extremism. Now they have caused complete agony to the parents of more than 200 innocent girls who haven’t even properly embarked on the journey of their lives.

The actions of Boko Haram have nothing to do with Islam; their actions can be condemned and unreservedly rejected on many basis.

Islam discards the idea of forming a kind of state within a state, taking the law into one’s own hands and disallows spreading disorder in the land. It says that “disorder and persecution are worse than killing”. Allah repeatedly instructs in the Holy Quran: “Create not disorder on the earth.” “Commit not iniquity in the earth, creating disorder.” “Allah loves not disorder.” “Allah loves not those who create disorder.”

With reference to abiding by the law of the land, the Holy Quran says: “O ye who believe, obey Allah and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority among you” (4:60). The words “those in authority”, in their wider significance, include even such non-Muslims as may happen to be in authority over Muslims. The practice of the Prophet Muhammad and his sayings make it abundantly clear that, in secular matters, Muslims should also obey their rulers who may not be Muslims.

“I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah,” a man claiming to be Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau said in a video. This stand of Boko Haram against women/girls also does not comply with Islamic teachings and Islam discards any such action of kidnapping women/girls against their will and stopping them from having their education.

The Holy Quran firmly declares that detaining or enslaving women against their will is completely forbidden (4:20).

It also categorically rejects the idea of holding captive prisoners of war unless there is ongoing and regular fighting in the land (8:68).

In the Holy Quran, God instructs us to pray for the knowledge: “O my Lord, increase me in knowledge” (20:115). These words show the great importance the Quran attaches to the acquirement of knowledge. Elsewhere in the Quran, knowledge has been styled as “God’s great grace” (2:270).

Prophet Muhammad said that: “It is the duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman to acquire knowledge.” He also exhorted both to “seek knowledge though it may be found in a country as far away as China” and to “seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”. It was an oft-repeated saying of his that if a man had daughters and he arranged to have them educated and took pains with their upbringing, God would save him from the torment of hell.

Prophet Muhammad said that “Allah is gentle and He loves gentleness and He rewards for gentleness what He does not recompense for harshness; and He does not reward any other virtue like He rewards gentleness”.

My sincerest appeal to Boko Haram is to release all the abducted schoolgirls and stop all acts against humanity. And since they have said they are doing all that in the name of Islam, I quote what Prophet Muhammad had said, that “Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue all others are safe and are in peace”.

My appeal to them is to become the one from whom compassion and love flourishes and not the one who is enemy of mankind.

I shall conclude with a quote by the founder of the Ahmadiyya Community, who very rightly says:

“I admonish you to refrain from evil and be truly compassionate towards mankind. Cleanse your hearts of malice and spite for you will become like angels through this habit. It is a filthy and unholy religion that is devoid of sympathy for humanity and polluted is the path riddled with rancour based on selfish desires.

“Be compassionate towards all for the sake of God, so that you may be shown mercy in the heavens. Come and I will teach you a way that will cause your light to prevail over all other lights. Abandon all lowly spites and jealousies. Be compassionate for mankind and lose yourself in God.” FIND ORIGINAL ARTICLE

amjmalta@gmail.com By: Laiq Ahmed Atif – president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Women's Rights | 1 Comment

Ahmadiyya Malta Organised a Successful Peace Symposium

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta organised annual “Peace Symposium” on 28^th February, at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Floriana. In this gathering Hon. Justyne Caruana MP, Hon. Mario De Marco MP, Mons Mario Grech and Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz, delivered their talks about the theme “Contemporary World Crisis and the Way to Peace.”

All the distinguished speakers spoke about the current critical situation of world peace and highlighted the need of establishing justice, equality, and education and emphasized on the need of mutual respect and dialogue between all the countries, people and religions. The distinguished panel agreed to the point that dialogue and negotiations are the best solutions in solving national and international conflicts.

Honourable Dr Justyne Caruana said that for the establishment of peace there is a critical need to eradicate poverty and to provide food and clean water to all the people. She also emphasized on promotion of tolerance and mutual respect.

Honourable Dr. Mario De Marco said that ‘I welcomed with open arms the invitation to address this gathering. We can never talk enough about peace. But, no word uttered in the pursuit of peaceful solution is a wasted word.’

Mons. Mario Grech congratulated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for organising such a wonderful event on an important subject and said that Jesus said that “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz said that: “To establish true peace, we must also understand the spirit of true justice. How can we establish true justice and what is its spirit?”

In the Holy Quran God Almighty says:

“O Ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.” (Ch 5: V9)

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Malta, welcomed the guests to the conference and said that ‘the Peace Symposium is an annual event which brings together well-known and esteemed scholars from the world’s major religions, politicians and dignitaries to speak on a common topic from the point of view of their respective religious traditions and political affiliations.

For last many years, the peace symposium has served as an invaluable forum for different religious communities and political parties to gather in the spirit of tolerance, peace, cooperation, respect and understanding.

It serves the noble cause of education regarding interesting and relevant topics by providing a platform where major religions and political parties can pool their collective wisdom, teachings and ideas.

SPEECHES OF THE PEACE SYMPOSIUM 2014

GUESTS’ COMMENTS ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM ABOUT PEACE

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Love for all - Hatred for none | Tagged Peace Symposium 2014 | Leave a comment

Ahmadiyya invites you to the Peace Symposium 2014

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam | Tagged Peace Symposium 2014 | 1 Comment

Not the way to treat ladies

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Credit/Source: The Times, Saturday, February 8, 2014, by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Women make up almost 50 per cent of world population. They are inferior to no one and should be treated decently and in a dignified manner in every sphere of life.

The English term ‘ladies first’ is very commonly used around the world but reality and experience prove otherwise.

Rampant violence on and the maltreatment of women is not something uncommon and new forms of violence are being reported too. Although, with the passage of time things are getting better there is still a long way to go to assure women of all the rights, respect and dignity they are due, not just in words but in practice.

One severe kind of violence against women is female circumcision, or female genital mutilation (FGM). This is culturally practised in some parts of Africa, Asia and South America even if FGM is widely condemned.

FGM comprises procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Some medical doctors and gynaecologists insist that there is absolutely no scientific evidence whatsoever supporting any medical benefit of this procedure.

On the contrary, this practice badly affects the health and psyche of a woman. Because it is a very painful and horrific experience, it continues to haunt a woman throughout her life.

The practice causes a lot of health problems for women and induces a lot of pain during intercourse as well as complications during childbirth. The procedure can also cause severe bleeding and problems urinating and can later also lead to cysts, infections and infertility.

I feel there is need of education and awareness that FGM is a very harmful practice and those who force women to undergo it, for any reason whatsoever, must be brought to justice. Also, in many parts of the world there needs to be specific legislation to prevent such cases from occurring.

In Malta, a lot of work has been done in this regard. A Private Member’s Bill to make FGM and forced marriages a criminal offence was presented in the House and was approved unanimously.

Although the International Zero Tolerance Day to FGM is celebrated on February 6, many remain unaware that this practice has affected millions of women. According to an estimate, about 140 million girls and women worldwide are living with the consequences of FGM and about three million girls undergo the procedure around the globe each year.

The procedure is carried out for various reasons but in many areas this is done to improve a girl’s marriage prospects and also to ensure that a woman remains chaste and guard her against promiscuity. Another reason is to weaken a woman’s sexual desires. In certain areas it is related to faith with those undergoing such a procedure being described as ‘clean and good girls’.

In my opinion it is more of a cultural practice than a religious duty. Unfortunately, this is also practised in some Muslim populated areas and some say that Islam encourages female circumcision. However, there is no basis of FGM in Islamic law – whether in the Holy Quran or in five of the six authentic books of Hadith (tradition) of the Prophet – supporting this harmful practice.

Nowhere does the Holy Quran say that girls must undergo this procedure. Indeed, once it is medically proven that it is an unnecessary and harmful practice, how can one expect a divine religion to demand a procedure that causes pain and misery to women?

Female circumcision is only mentioned in one authentic book of Hadith and most of the scholars of jurisprudence base their argument on these few references. But when one enters into these references academically many questions arise, mainly: if it this procedure were so important then why was it not commanded by God or practised by the Prophet?

There is need of education and awareness that female genital mutilation is a very harmful practice

Also, female circumcision was not generally practised in Arabia at all. When we study this in further depth, we discover that this was practised in ancient times in Egypt, from where it spread to the rest of the African continent. Normally, only slaves used to be subjected to female circumcision.

The practice eventually found its way into Arabia but it never became common.

Prophet Muhammad insisted that women should always be treated with kindness and consideration. He often used to say that if a man had daughters and he arranged to have them educated and took pains with their upbringing, God would save him from the torment of Hell.

The Prophet always taught that women should not be beaten or made to suffer any pain, whether physical or otherwise.

He said that “the best of you are those who behave best towards their wives”.

In his last sermon, he again highlighted the kind of treatment women should e given and declared: “Remember, you must always treat your wives well.”

I think the practice of FGM should never be encouraged, rather laws should be enacted for its prevention and, thus, save women from passing through a trauma and face misery. Continue Reading:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, FGM, Holy Prophet Muhammad, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Women's Rights | 1 Comment

L-użu xieraq u responsabbli tal-internet

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Credit/Source: Torca, Sunday 2nd February 2014, by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Illum il-ġurnata ngħixu fi żmien modern mimli invenzjonijiet ġodda, u żmien li jinbidel b’għaġġla straordinarja. L-internet huwa wkoll wieħed minn dawk il-ħafna invenzjonijiet riċenti. L-internet fih innifsu, bħala għodda, huwa meravilja, iżda sfortunatament, xi kultant l-użu tiegħu huwa ħażin.

Nista’ ngħid li l-internet huwa barka kbira minn Alla, għax fil-minjiera ta’ informazzjoni nistgħu nfittxu kull tip ta’ informazzjoni – kotba, riċerka – fost ħafna aktar. L-internet huwa sors ta’ informazzjoni mingħajr limitu, għerf, kuntatt, xogħol u effiċjenza neċessarja għad-dinja mgħaġġla tal-lum il-ġurnata.

Għalkemm l-internet jgħaqqad lid-dinja u jqarribha dejjem aktar lejn villaġġ globali wieħed, qiegħed jiġri wkoll li qegħdin nitbiegħdu minn dawk verament qrib tagħna minħabba li nistrieħu żżejjed fuq in-netwerks soċjali li bil-mod il-mod qegħdin jibdlu lis-soċjetà li kull ma jmur tinsab riesqa lejn dinja li tiddependi għal kollox fuq l-internet u mhux aktar fuq ir-relazzjonijiet umani. L-internet iqarribna lejn niesna li jinsabu ’l bogħod, u għalhekk mument qegħdin il-Kanada, ieħor ninsabu ċ-Ċina, imma jibqa’ l-fatt, li b’din id-distanza megħluba, dawk li l-aktar huma qrib tagħna qegħdin jiġu mwarrba a skapitu ta’ dawk li fir-realtà huma bil-wisq aktar ’il bogħod.

It-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ ma jirrealizzawx x’qed jagħmlu fuq l-internet u ma jafux bil-perikli li jistgħu jaffaċċjaw meta l-internet jintuża b’mod mhux xieraq. Xi drabi ninnutaw li dawn (u kultant anke l-adulti nfushom) ma jafux kif iġibu ruħhom fuq l-internet li qiegħed ikun evidenti l-aktar fuq il-midja soċjali bħal facebok u twitter. Dan, meta aktar minn 39% tal-populazzjoni dinjija tuża l-internet.

Għalhekk, naħseb li hemm bżonn naħsbu ftit dwar dan is-suġġett, u kif nistgħu nużaw dawn il-mezzi b’etika. Dan huwa mportanti ħafna biex nibqgħu konxji tal-effetti ħżiena tad-dinja teknoloġika waqt li dejjem nistinkaw biex inżommu l-valuri tradizzjonali u l-prinċipji sodi tagħna ħajjin u friski, anke meta llum huma mhedda kontinwament mid-dinamiċi soċjali.

Naħseb li hemm tliet fatturi bażiċi u vitali fl-użu tal-internet: l-immaniġġjar tajjeb tal-ħin, it-trażżin fl-imġiba u l-użu tal-internet b’mod sikur u intelliġenti.

Il-ħin huwa mportanti ħafna, għalhekk għandna nkunu konxji biżżejjed dwar dan meta nużaw l-internet, u dan isir iktar prezzjuż għall-istudenti li m’għandhomx jaħlu ħinhom fix-xejn meta jistgħu jiffokaw aktar fuq l-edukazzjoni li taffettwa l-futur tagħhom. Meta ċ-ċetting, il-logħob u l-cartoons isiru parti mir-rutina ta’ wliedna, hemmhekk inkunu missejna problema serjissima li għandha tkun indirizzata minnufih. L-użu tal-internet għandu jkun ħin ta’ divertiment kontrollat u mhux vizzju inkontrollabbli.

It-tieni nett, irridu nrażżnu ċerta mġiba u ma nesponux ħwejjeġ personali u kunfidenzjali, għax b’hekk inkunu qegħdin nagħmlu ħafna ħsara lil min ikun ġie espost u lilna nfusna. Huwa mportanti, per eżempju, li wieħed ma jtellax ritratti jew informazzjoni personali mingħajr ħtieġa fuq l-internet, għax dejjem hemm il-possibbiltà ta’ ħsara b’xi mod jew ieħor fil-futur għax kif ngħidu, min jobżoq fis-sema, jiġi f’wiċċu.

Meta xi ħadd jidħol fuq l-internet jirrealizza li hemm numru kbir ta’ affarijiet li huma ħżiena, speċjalment f’xi vidjows fuq youtube jew midja soċjali oħra, jew meta jitligħu pop-ups minn kull naħa tal-iskrin li jiġbdu l-attenzjoni. Jekk qatt xi darba taqa’ għat-tentazzjoni u tidħol f’xi sit minnhom taf tispiċċa ’l bogħod minn dak li għalih kont qed tuża l-internet.
Dan ifakkarni f’vers mill-Koran Imqaddes fejn ix-Xitan jgħid lil Alla li:

Qal (ix-Xitan): “Issa, meta Int iddikjarajtni mħawwad u mitluf mit-triq is-sewwa, jiena tassew se noqogħdilhom fit-triq is-sewwa Tiegħek. Imbagħad żgur niġihom minn quddiemhom u minn warajhom, minn fuq il-lemin tagħhom u minn fuq ix-xellug tagħhom. U m’Intix se ssib lil ħafna minnhom grati u jiżżuk ħajr.” (Il-Koran 7:17-18)

Dan il-vers juri biċ-ċar li hemm ħafna affarijiet ħżiena madwarna u anke fuq l-internet, imma għandna niffokaw fuq it-tajjeb biex ix-xitan ma jagħmilx ħsara lil ruħna.

Xi suġġerimenti għall-ġenituri

Bħalma nafu li l-internet u l-midja soċjali għandhom ħafna vantaġġi għalina, fl-istess ħin għandna nkunu nafu wkoll li sfortunatament hemm ukoll żvantaġġi kbar li l-ġenituri għandhom ikunu konxji tagħhom meta wliedhom jużaw l-internet. Huwa għalhekk importanti li anke l-ġenituri jkunu jafu jużaw il-kompjuter huma wkoll.

L-ewwel u qabel kollox, naħseb li huwa mportanti tassew li l-ġenituri u l-għalliema jitkellmu mat-tfal u jagħtuhom l-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni meħtieġa għall-użu tal-internet. Dan m’għandux ikun ta’ darba biss, iżda għandu jkun minn żmien għal żmien.

It-tieni, il-kompjuter għandu jitqiegħed f’post aċċessibbli fid-dar u t-tfal ma jitħallewx jużaw il-kompjuter imsakkra f’kamrithom jew f’xi studju ’l bogħod mill-ġenituri jew membri adulti tal-familja. Jekk il-ġenituri jieħdu nota ta’ dal-punt importanti, naħseb li iktar minn 80% tal-użu ħażin tal-kompjuter jista’ jiġi elimminat, u dan ifisser li t-tfal tagħna jkunu protetti mill-ħażen li joffri l-internet.

It-tielet, il-ġenituri għandhom ikunu konxji ta’ x’qed jaraw uliedhom fuq l-internet. Jekk possibbli, il-passwords ma jkunux sigrieta imma magħrufa minnhom biex jidħlu fl-accounts diversi tagħhom u jaraw x’attivitajiet ikunu involuti fihom, u jikkontrollawhom qabel ikun tard wisq għax aħjar uff milli aħħ (prevention is better than cure).

Ir-raba’, il-ġenituri għandhom ifissru biċ-ċar lil uliedhom dwar il-perikli li jistgħu jaffaċċjaw jekk jikxfu ħajjithom b’dak kollu li hu sensittiv u emozzjonali fuq l-internet. Għax kemm-il darba informazzjoni simili ssib ruħha fuq l-internet, dan ifisser li ma tistax treġġagħha lura. Għalhekk, għandek tirrispetta l-privatezza tiegħek u tal-oħrajn b’responsabbiltà.

Fil-qosor, l-internet huwa bżonn tal-lum, imma l-użu ħażin tiegħu jista’ jkun devastanti. Għalhekk, kulħadd għandu jkun konxju ħafna u jieħu kull pass b’għaqal u maturità meta juża l-internet biex jibbenefika minn din l-invenzjoni moderna mill-aqwa. FIND ORGINIONAL POST IN TORCA:

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Laiq Ahmed Atif | Tagged Responsible use of social media, use of internet | Leave a comment

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Muslim leaders express solidarity with French after shootings in Paris

Quotes of the week:

حضرت محمد مصطفےٰ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے

بانی جماعت احمدیہ حضرت مرزا غلام احمد قادیانی علیہ السلام کی بے مثال محبت آپ کی تحریرات کی رو سے

(مکرم جمیل احمدصاحب)

Where the world is heading?

Credit/Source: The Sunday Times, Sunday, August 3, 2014: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat president Laiq Ahmed Atif donating fruit hampers to residents at the home.

“True Khilafat is Spiritual Leadership and Has No Interest in Power or Government” (Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community)

Credit/Source: The Times, Saturday, February 8, 2014, by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Women make up almost 50 per cent of world population. They are inferior to no one and should be treated decently and in a dignified manner in every sphere of life.

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